SPORTS

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SPORTS

John Kepplers Cider Pool League

Results & Standings Dec. 12 (week 1)

Team Pts. For Against Diff.

Barking Frog 3 11 2 9

Pats Rest 3 11 2 9

Brasshouse 3 9 4 5

Sweet Dream 3 9 4 5

Panitas/Outback 3 8 5 3

Darkside 3 7 6 1

Peacock 0 6 7 -1

Billabong 0 5 8 -3

Lucky Bar 0 4 9 -5

Pats Bar 0 4 9 -5

Ice Star 0 2 11 -9

Siam Country Res 0 2 11 -9

Results: Ice Bar 2 v Pats Rest 11, Panitas 8 v Billabong 5, Peacock 6 v Darkside 7, Lucky Bar 4 v Brasshouse 9, Pats Bar 4 v Sweet Dream 9, Siam Country Res 2 v Barking Frog 11.

Buffalo Jack’s Wednesday Premier Darts League

Results & Standings Dec. 11 (week 3)

Team P W L Bonus Diff. Pts.

Yates Bar 3 3 0 3 21 6

Mee Chew Sports Bar 3 3 0 3 13 6

Legends Sports Bar 3 2 1 2 13 4

I-Rovers A 3 2 1 2 7 4

W. Tankies 3 2 1 2 5 4

Mai’s Bar 3 2 1 1 3 4

Jantha Coffee House 3 1 2 0 -7 2

Clinic 3 0 3 1 -17 0

I-Rovers B 3 0 3 1 -17 0

Buffalo Jack’s 3 0 3 0 -21 0

Results: I-Rovers A (6-1)-(3-0) v Jantha Coffee House, Legends Pool & Sports Bar (3-0)-(6-1) v Mee Chew Sports Bar, Mai’s Bar (8-1)-(1-0) v Buffalo Jack’s, W. Tankies (7-1)-(2-0) v Clinic, Yates Bar (8-1)-(1-0) v I-Rovers B

Dolly Dalton Jomtien Pool League

Results & Standings Dec. 4(week 28)

Team Played Won Lost Bonus Pts

Party Girls 26 23 3 3 72

Winners Bar 26 22 4 4 70

Country Road 26 22 4 3 69

Woaw’s Bar 26 18 8 7 61

Jimmy’s Den 26 17 9 9 60

Flying Dolphin 25 15 10 8 53

Simple Simon 27 12 15 14 50

Aussie Ally’s 26 11 15 12 45

Shenanigans 26 11 15 11 44

Rioja 26 11 15 10 43

DK Bar 26 10 16 13 43

Take Care Bar 25 9 16 12 39

Windmill Bar 25 8 17 13 37

Lion Pub 26 4 22 14 26

Wombat Bar 26 0 26 9 9

Results: DK Bar 6 v 9 Windmill Bar, Simple Simon 11 v 4 Lion Pub, Rioja 5 v 10 Winners Bar, Aussie Ally’s 4 v 11 Country Road, Woaw’s Bar 9 v 6 Jimmy’s Den, Shenanigans 5 v 10 Party Girls, Take Care Bar 7 v 8 Flying Dolphins

Crumpton Cider Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings Dec. 10 (week 4)

Team P W L B/legs Pts.

I-Rovers 4 3 1 4 6

Jantha Coffee House 4 3 1 3 6

Londoner 4 3 1 2 6

Mee Chew Sports Bar 4 3 1 2 6

Scandalic 4 3 1 2 6

Crazy Eddies 4 3 1 1 6

Nervous Wreck 4 2 2 3 4

Shoot Pool A 4 2 2 3 4

Yates Bar 4 2 2 3 4

Shoot Pool B 4 2 2 1 4

Buffalo Jack’s 4 1 3 1 2

Mai’s Bar 4 1 3 1 2

W. Tankies 4 0 4 2 0

Cum On Inn 4 0 4 1 0

Results: Cum On Inn (0-0)-(9-1) v Mee Chew Sports Bar, I-Rovers (8-1)-(4-0) v Buffalo Jack’s, Londoner (13-0)-(2-1) v W. Tankies, Mai’s Bar (5-0)-(10-1) v Jantha Coffee House, Nervous Wreck (1-1)-(8-0) v Crazy Eddies, Shoot Pool A (2-1)-(7-0) v Shoot Pool B, Yates Bar (3-1)-(7-0) v Scandalic

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Sue, Dave, David & Kran.

Tea Party split their match with Green Tree with each team winning two points. Tea Party remains in first place with a comfortable four and one half point lead over second place.
Café Kronborg did gain one point on first place after winning three points from Indiana. Kran Nielsen led Kronborg with a 211 game and 558 series. Tao was best for Indiana with a 532 series.
Sue Murphy bowled the best series of the day with a 596 and games of 206, 211 and 179 to lead Canada to a four point win over Bavaria. Dave Dolle also had a good day for Canada with a 238 game and 536 series.
Brother D and VFW Post 9876 split their match with each team winning two points. David Shaw led Brother D with a 224 game and 528 series.

Results & Standings Dec. 13 (week 18)

Pos. Team Score Standings

1 Tea Party 2 – 2 46.5 – 25.5

2 Café Kronborg 3 – 1 40 – 32

3 Canada 4 - 0 40 - 32

4 Green Tree 2 – 2 35.5 – 36.5

5 Indiana 1 – 3 33.5 – 38.5

6 Brother D 2-2 33 - 39

7 VFW Post 9876 2-2 32 - 40

8 Bavaria 0 – 4 27.5 – 44.5

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Results & Standings Dec. 9 (week 14)

Team Played Won Lost For Agst Diff. Pts.

Phimai Geordie 14 12 2 139 66 73 38

Mata Bar 14 12 2 124 86 38 38

San Snack Bar 14 10 4 132 78 54 34

Crazy Eddie’s 14 9 5 120 90 30 32

Shoot Pool 14 9 5 112 98 14 32

The Rest Stop 14 7 7 116 94 22 28

Cum On Inn 14 7 7 96 114 -18 28

Mee Chew 14 5 9 89 121 -32 24

Buffalo Jack’s 14 5 9 89 116 -27 23

Rising Sun 14 4 10 97 113 -16 22

Connections 13 2 11 66 129 -63 17

Parrot Inn 13 11 2 60 135 -75 15

Results: Crazy Eddie’s 7 v 8 Phimai Geordie, Cum On Inn 8 v 7 Rising Sun, Parrot Inn 1 v 14 San Snack Bar, The Rest Stop 12 v 3 Connections, Mee Chew 6 v 9 Shoot Pool, Mata Bar 10 v 5 Buffalo Jack’s

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings Dec. 9 (week 22)

Division 1

Team P W L +/- BP Pts.

Shoot Pool 15 13 2 48 0 39

The Butchers Arms 15 11 4 30 1 34

Smile Bar 14 9 5 12 2 29

Nicky’s Bar 15 9 6 -2 0 27

Legends Pool 14 8 6 7 0 24

Links Bar 16 6 10 -17 1 19

I-Rovers 15 5 10 -14 2 17

Acorn Pub 16 5 11 -29 2 17

Pook’s Bar 13 4 9 -12 1 13

Sweethearts Bar 13 3 10 -23 4 13

Results: Acorn Pub 10 v 9 Sweethearts Bar, I-Rovers 10 v 6 The Butchers Arms, Legends Pool 10 v 8 Smile Bar, Links Bar 5 v 10 Shoot Pool, Nicky’s Bar 10 v 8 Pook’s Bar

Division 2

Team P W L +/- BP Pts.

Easy R-Con Bar 15 14 1 71 0 42

Offshore Bar 15 11 4 30 1 34

Cheers Bar 16 10 6 20 0 30

Shoot Pool B’ 16 9 7 12 2 29

Dean’s Bar 16 7 9 2 1 22

The Caddyshack 13 6 7 2 2 20

Mai’s Bar 15 6 9 -13 0 18

Rabbi’s Elephant 13 6 7 -17 0 18

Wet Bar 13 4 9 -29 0 12

Wombat Bar 16 1 15 -78 0 3

Results: Cheers Bar 8 v 10 Rabbi’s Elephant, Dean’s Bar 9 v 10 Offshore Bar, Easy R-Con Bar 10 v 8 Mai’s Bar, Shoot Pool ‘B’ 10 v 7 The Caddyshack, Wombat Bar 5 v 10 Wet Bar

Brooks bags the win at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
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Wednesday winners John Hackett & Daryl Evans.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, The Emerald – Stableford
It made a change playing on a Wednesday and in fact seemed to throw the week off somehow. Still, we had a pretty good turnout this day, maybe because we had a late start, and it was a good bunch that set off for the Emerald.
It was a trip of discovery going to the course with Mashi as we went on roads I have never travelled, but we finally got there to find the Emerald very busy. We got off the first tee a bit late due to a glitch in the booking and apart from it being a slow round the players were also challenged by the testing layout and a stiff breeze. This course is difficult to play on with the lies you get never on the level and with raised greens all the way around.
Back at Bert’s we soon got into the results and in the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was John Hackett with 38 points ahead of Tony Scamber in second with 37 and Mark West in third with 36.

Landis Brooks.

In the B Flight the winner was Daryl Evans with 36 points while there was a count back for second on 33 points that saw Barry Oats take the runner-up spot and Brian Gabe finish third.
Near pins went to Max Bracegirdle, Landis Brooks, Tony Scamber and Barry Oats.
Friday, Dec 13, Treasure Hill - Stableford
This day we expected very few golfers as most of our regulars had decided to go ahead and marshal at the Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club. So Mashi and Daryl Evans ‘volunteered’ to run the day and thanks go to them. In the circumstances we still had a fair group of players who set off.
I am informed the course was in good condition and those who played had a great day. Later at Bert’s the players returned as usual and another group also returned, in green shirts, who told me that the day at Amata Springs went well and they were to go back on the Sunday. It really is tough here in Thailand.
The winner on the day was Landis Brooks with a fine 40 points ahead of Max Scott in second with 35 points. Taking third was Ted Morris with 33 points on count back over Daryl Evans in fourth while in fifth was Henry O’Brien with 32 points. T.T.F.N.

Kittilsen wins back-to-back

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, Dec. 9, Burapha C & D – Stableford
The numbers were down again here at Burapha for the second week in a row, with the hike in green fees not only affecting the numbers from the Outback but perhaps elsewhere as well, as there were very few players on the course generally!

Andy Makara.

Our 19 players had C and D nearly to themselves and the course was in its usual great condition. The pin placement on C7 was ridiculous, although statistically it was not the toughest hole. C7 had three pars, one bogey, five doubles and ten NRs as many putts just ran off the green but nobody could even manage a par on D6; with eight bogeys, six doubles and three triples.
The consistent John Kittilsen won Div B with the day’s best score of 37pts, from Tim Knight (33), who is knocking on the door every week and Scott Golden took third with 30. Div A went to Geoff Stimpson with a modest 34 from another very consistent player, Svenn Ole Lund (33) and John Cunningham on 31, John also had the only ‘2’ of the day.
Div A (0-16)
1st Geoff Stimpson (8) 34pts
2nd Svenn Ole Lund (13) 33pts
3rd John Cunningham (6) 31pts
Div B (17+)
1st Jon Kittilsen (20) 37pts
2nd Tim Knight (23) 33pts
3rd Scott Golden (21) 30pts
Wednesday, Dec. 11, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Another glorious day in the Land of Smiles as 21 Outbackers turned up to tackle the tricky Khao Kheow A & B loops from the yellow tees. The course was beautifully presented with a few areas here and there still under repair but they had very little affect on general play. The greens were of good pace and were great to putt on.

Kerry ‘Chopper’ Rothman.

Four 36’s were the best anybody could manage, with three of them in the top division as Steve Plant led the way on c/b from John O’Keefe and John Locke. Welcome back to John Locke and also to Guy Brennan, who joined us for the first time on Monday.
Jon Kittilsen, still hot from his win at Burapha on Monday, won Div B with the other 36pts, with John White, who managed to find the course this week, one shot back on 35 and John Lawton beating his Missus into third place on 34.
There were only two ‘2’s from Jack Moseley (A5) and Svenn Lund (B8).
Div A (0-18)
1st Steve Plant (13) 36pts
2nd John O’Keefe (16) 36pts
3rd John Locke (17) 36pts
Div B (19+)
1st Jon Kittilsen (20) 36pts
2nd John White (27) 35pts
3rd John Lawton (20) 34pts
Friday, Dec. 13, Green Valley - Stableford
23 Outbackers at Green Valley today; our numbers lower than usual for a Friday due to the Thai Open being played at Amata Springs about 45 minutes up the road in Chonburi. With some big names playing, Sergio, Henrik, Justin and Bubba to name but a few, it is hardly surprising that many golfers and would-be golfers took this opportunity to nip up and watch the Pros. In addition, there were a fair number of PSC members involved also with marshalling on this world class course.
We teed off twenty minutes early and in general all players were there in plenty of time for their tee off, so a big thank you to you all to making my day easy to organise.
The course was once again in excellent condition as Bob Finley made the most of it with the day’s joint top score of 39pts to win Div A from the consistent Svenn and the newly returned to Thailand for his annual holiday, Chopper aka Kerry. Chopper and John Lawton, playing at the back, had a bit of a match on and after nine holes John was going well but his luck changed as Chopper got the better of him over the final holes.
Andy Makara made the other 39pts to take Div B from Suzi (37) and John (35), who headed on c/b a whole bunch of players with the same score.
There were three ‘2’s from Suzi Lawton (4th) and Mili Popovic & Bruce McAdam on the 12th.
Div A (0-17)
1st Bob Finley (16) 39pts
2nd Svenn Ole Lund (13) 38pts
3rd Kerry Rothman (17) 37pts
Div B (18+)
1st Andy Makara (25) 39pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (29) 37pts
3rd John Lawton (20) 35pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Class tells at Pleasant Valley

The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

After a hectic week for the golfers of the Pattaya Golf Society, things got back to normal on Friday, 13th December, with a trip to Pleasant Valley to play a stableford competition in two flights from the blue tees, divided at sixteen and under.
The course was in excellent condition but it was crowded with occasional holiday golfers seeking a break from the bustle of Pattaya. In hot and humid conditions a five-hour-plus round is no fun – and neither was the Friday drive back.
A tight back nine and a strong breeze held scores down and in the second flight Dave Plaiter continued where his Championship golf finished earlier in the week with a third place finish on 31 points, whilst Paul Taylor went one better to finish runner-up with 32 points. Ken Grimes topped the tight flight with 33 points.
In the top division Mark Cooper and Takeshi Hakozaki shared third place with 31 points whilst newly returned Michael Lindberg played one of the best rounds in his seven year career with PGS returning 32 points for second place. The winner was Scottish golfer Iain Wilson and the class of his three handicap was evident with the best gross of the day, 76 shots giving him 35 points.
There was a plethora of birdie ‘2’s with Peter Wilson, Peter Ditz, Robbie Taylor, Ken Grimes, Henry Mah and Gubbi Innvaer (2) sharing the spoils.
Thus a heavy golf week ended for the Soi Buakhao based group and thoughts turned to more excellent courses scheduled for the rest of the month.

Pattaya Sports Club rocks into Christmas

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

The Pattaya Orphanage children pose with Khun Toy and PSC President Tony Oakes.

Words Nigel Cannon / Photos William Macey
The annual PSC Christmas Party is always eagerly awaited by the members, and some 400 of them turned up with invited guests on Wednesday, Dec.11 for this year’ event at the Town-in-Town Hotel.
At 6.25 p.m. the doors were opened and President Tony Oakes, Social Chairman Nigel Cannon assisted by Mike Coleman, and Santa (aka Rick Bevington) welcomed all to the party. The members and guests took their seats without delay and the efficient Town-in-Town staff ensured that all had a drink in quick time.
On the stroke of 7 p.m. Nigel took to the stage and wished everyone an enjoyable evening and as he spoke some 30 children from the Pattaya Orphanage, in their traditional Christmas attire and accompanied by Khun Toy, entered the main room and lined up in front of the stage. They then proceeded to sing 4 carols – in English – much to the total appreciation of all. Following loud applause for their performance, PSC President Tony presented Khun Toy with a bouquet and wished all at the Orphanage a Happy Christmas!

Barry Upton had the party rocking all night.

Tony returned to the stage to formally open the party and expressed his appreciation to Nigel, and particularly to the Town-in-Town management and staff who had decorated the whole area in a picturesque Christmas and New Year theme, produced a superb international buffet, and ensured that everyone had their glass topped up. He then welcomed all members and guests and said the buffet was now open.
Among the dignitaries present were two special guests attending a PSC function for the first time; Chaowait Sanguthai, who is the Banglamung Sheriff, and Rattanachai Suttechanai, Chairman of the Cultural and Tourism committee at City Hall. Tony expressed a warm welcome to both on behalf of all PSC members and hoped they would join us again in the future. Both said a few words of appreciation to the PSC for the part that it plays in the community.

Chris Davisson (center) with PSC President Tony Oakes (left) and PSC Social Chairman Nigel Cannon (right).

The regular Town-in-Town band played music whilst all enjoyed the buffet and the opportunity to chat with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. At 9 p.m. Nigel introduced the musical entertainment for the evening, the very popular Barry Upton. By the end of his first number the place was rocking and the dance floor was crowded, as it remained for the next 45 minutes.
Barry took a well-earned rest as raffle tickets were sold by the ‘Lewiinski’s Lovelies’ for the 22 raffle prizes and door prize of a 32" colour TV. Nigel expressed his appreciation to the ladies and Mike Jeffery for their efforts with the raffle.
It was the usual team on hand with Nigel calling the numbers, little Bee Jackson drawing the tickets, Tony Oakes and Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham presenting the prizes, and Mike Coleman ensuring they went in the right order. The last 2 tickets were to receive 25% of the raffle takings and the final ticket was won by regular Pattaya golfer Chris Davisson who, after receiving the cash from Tony, generously gave it to Nigel asking him to donate it to a charity. Following a conversation with Charity Chairman William Macey and with Chris’s approval, it was decided to divide the money between Pattaya Orphanage and the Camillian Centre.

The girls enjoyed the live music and showed some slick moves on the dance floor.

It was then back to Barry Upton for more great music including a medley of Beatles songs which had many, including Thais, singing along. It was another great 45 minutes with the dance floor packed with dancers of all ages and sizes. The Town-in-Town band then returned to play both Thai and English songs and the dance floor continued to be a popular place, particularly with the ladies!
All too soon the bewitching hour arrived and it was time to go home but all agreed it had been another great PSC party and there were many complementary comments extended to the Executive Committee.

The Town in Town Hotel was specially decorated in a Christmas theme for the occasion.

Speaking afterwards, Nigel praised Khun Aun of Town-in-Town and his staff for producing a truly Christmas theme, from the entrance to the reception, main room and the swimming pool area. That, together with the excellent buffet and drink service made the organizer’s job ‘a piece of cake.’

Scurrell back with a bang

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Thursday, Dec. 12, Green Valley – Stableford
Monday and Wednesday was the IPGC Club championship so we had an extra game at Green Valley on Thursday.

Neville Scurrell.

Normally here on the first tee there are a few groups waiting to tee off but there was nobody waiting today and the first group got off 20 minutes ahead of schedule, which is surprising for this time of the year.
The cut was made at 9-16 and 17+ in division 2 and after a break ‘down under’ and still playing off 14, Neville Scurrell returned to the top of division 1 with 44 points. Wilf Latham came in second with 37 points and a welcome return back to John Chambers who took third with 35.
Chris Slota, back from Kazakhstan scored 38 points to win division 2, five ahead of Chris Reed in second, who beat Cliff Elliott on a 16/13 back nine count back.
After his amazing past two weeks, the IPGC net club championship winner Billy Fitzgerald birdied the 4th, 12th and 15th today to scoop three ‘2’s in division 1 while Jim Connelley birdied the 9th. There were only two in division 2 with Chris Slota and David Taylor in the winners slot.
Friday, Dec. 13, Eastern Star – Stableford
After three rounds this week the numbers were limited today to six groups and the consensus later was that this course is still improving every week, especially the signature green, the 13th.
Chris Slota, playing off 20, came in with 41 points to win division 2 while Chris Reed placed second on 38 and Walter Webber third with 37.
Billy Fitzgerald was yet again on the podium, winning division 1 with 36 points while Chris Voller took second on 35 and Wilf Latham came in third after beating Mike Lewis 15/14 on the back nine, both with 31 points.
Near pins went to Mike Lewis, Pete Sumner, Chris Voller (2), John Bisgeglio, Darryl Blair, Tony Holehouse and Chris Slota.
Mike Lewis and Chris Voller birdied the 6th and 17th to share the ‘2’s pot in division 1 while Iain Walsh chipped in on the 6th for the only ‘2’ in division 2.
There was a warm welcome return from Chiang Mai this week to Terry Redding and a bon voyage to Mike and Wendy Lewis - see you next October!

Jim Connelley.

Chris Reed.

Robbins rules the roost

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Mashi congratulates Rab McDonald and Geoff Parker.

Monday, Dec. 9, Royal Lakeside - Stableford
This was our second visit to the Royal Lakeside course in recent weeks, and the chat over breakfast at The Ranch was as to whether someone would manage to better their handicap this time, something which hasn’t happened on our previous four visits since July.
The trip down the 7 motorway and the Chonburi bypass was smooth and we arrived at the course just under an hour after leaving The Ranch, to find the weather conditions almost perfect once again. The first group tee’d off on the blue tees without delay and although the course was fairly busy, the round was completed without any serious holdups.
The breeze was tricky at times and the bunkers here can be treacherous, so perhaps it was no real surprise that the course came out the winner once again. The best score of the day was recorded by Richard Baldotto (35 points), but he once again failed to return his card on time, and conceded first position in the B Flight to Ken Young.
There was a three-way tie on 31 points in the A Flight with Tony Robbins being awarded first place on the count back ahead of the Scottish duo of Colin Greig and Rab McDonald.
There was some discussion after the presentation as to whether we should play from the shorter white tees on our next visit, but the general consensus was that, although there are couple of holes that play exceptionally long from the blue tees (especially into the breeze), it’s well worth facing the challenge.
A Flight
1st Tony Robbins (15) 31pts
2nd Colin Greig (9) 31pts
3rd Rab McDonald (14) 31pts
B Flight
1st Ken Young (28) 33pts
2nd Geoff Cox (16) 32pts
3rd Mike Corner (20) 31pts
Near Pins: Ken Young, Geoff Cox, Colin Greig and Rab McDonald.
Wednesday, Dec. 11, Green Valley – Medal
A disappointing turnout of only seventeen golfers today; maybe because it was the annual PSC party in the evening, or maybe because some higher handicap golfers don’t like to play medal competitions, so we were down to a single flight for the first time in quite a few weeks.
When we arrived at the course the car park was busy but we were able to tee off without delay, and after a slowish start, the round progressed smoothly. Once again the weather was almost ideal and the course was in good shape, although the greens weren’t at their best having been treated with presumably some kind of granular fertilizer.
Tony Robbins produced the best round of the day by far, on what is rapidly becoming his favourite course now that we’re no longer playing (paying?) at Phoenix where he’s still a member. There was a three way tie on net 71, but Geoff Parker secured second place on the count back with a gross score of 38 (net 31) on the inward nine after a near disastrous front nine.
Colin Greig gained some revenge for losing out on the count back, by snatching Geoff’s near pin (two feet from the hole) on the short par three 12th hole by two inches. Tony Robbins completed a successful day’s golf by taking two near pin prizes, the remaining two going to Colin Greig and Neil Jones, who also picked up the wooden spoon!
1st Tony Robbins (15) net 66
2nd Geoff Parker (14) net 71
3rd Colin Greig (9) net 71
4th Gordon Melia (19) net 71
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Neil Jones, and Tony Robbins (2).
Friday, Dec. 13, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
Back to our normal high season complement of six groups of golfers for our second game at the popular Mountain Shadow course in recent weeks. Despite the inauspicious date of Friday 13th, the weather gods were once again shining on us and we tee’d off on schedule, although the course appeared busy.
The round progressed slowly but there were no major stoppages and everyone was back in the clubhouse in a little over four and a half hours. The only unlucky part of the day was that we appeared to be allocated the B team caddies, many of whom had never apparently been on a golf course before.
The most amusing incident of the day (for everyone except the victim) was when Geoff Parker, playing in the second group, put his tee shot to within three feet of the pin on the par three 8th hole, sank the putt, signed the near pin marker and placed it on the green, but unseen by any of the group, the caddy picked it up again and put it in his golf bag – thinking he’d left it by accident!
Rab McDonald recorded the best score of the day in only his sixth game back after a prolonged sabbatical in Scotland, winning the honours in the A Flight. Geoff Hart made a welcome return to the podium after a prolonged spell of indifferent form to take first place in the B Flight.
A Flight
1st Rab McDonald (14) 37pts
2nd Geoff Parker (14) 35pts
3rd Mark Stanley (10) 34pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Hart (26) 31pts
2nd Gordon Melia (19) 31pts
3rd Jack Robertson (26) 29pts
Near Pins: Alan Sullivan, Rab McDonald and Geoff Parker.
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.

Old friends remembered at Navy scramble

The Billabong Bar Golf Society

Jeff and Geoff with the start sheet for the ‘Absent Friends Classic’.

Monday, Dec. 9, Silky Oak - Stableford
Silky Oak was as silky as ever - the course is in great condition and playing long, even from the white tee blocks, with some water carries too long for some of the boys.
There were some ordinary scores today, which goes to show this place is no pushover even for low markers.
With three groups playing it was off to an early start in grand conditions. We only paid out first and second plus the one birdie ‘2’, which Owen got on the 14th hole. The winner today was Willim Lasonder with 34 points while second went to Mick Thomas with 32 on a count back over Owen Walkley. Must have been harder out there than I thought!
Wednesday, Dec. 11, Green Valley - Stableford
Playing our usual venue of Green Valley on Wednesday with great weather and conditions and the course was in great nick; apart from the greens that is which were so fast you only had to look at the ball and it moved. But some of the players were not put off by that and the scores were fantastic to say the least.
The winner today was the ever-consistent Wayne Cotterell with 41 points, one ahead of Paul Bourke in second, who in turn was one up on third placed Dennis Pelly. Noodle took fourth place on a count back over Bob Newell, both with 37 points each.

Usa and Noodle share a joke at Navy.

Green Valley must be getting easier for some of the better golfers but not for me!
There were four ‘2’s today, coming from Nuan Russell, Dennis Pelly, Paul Greenaway and Wayne Cotterell.
Friday, Dec. 13, Plutaluang - Scramble
Friday the 13th was our annual ‘Absent Friends Classic’, to remember our mates that haven’t made it this far down the line. With 15 teams competing we had a two-tee start playing the East and South layouts at Plutaluang Navy golf course.
This is a fun day out and drinking is compulsory so the Bloody Mary’s started at 6.45 a.m. at the bar and with Graham Beaumont being the mixer there was a little bit of choking, but it was a great start to the day.
We must make mention and give a large thank you to the sponsors for this event, the major sponsor being Pan Pacific Travel New Zealand and we thank their Vice President Greig Ritchie for the food and a big hug for Am North for doing burgers, chile con carne, and masamam chicken, and also Kim Payne for his cooking skills on the BBQ.

Winning scramble winners: Geoff Couch, Dave Done, Jeff North and Helmut Hebstriet

There were four Billabong golf bags with the inscription ‘Absent Friends Classic 2013’, kindly sponsored by Bill and Pai Trainer, Ron and Yow Gale, Graham Beaumont, and Phil and Dee Elliott. Darl White sponsored two clothing and shoe bags plus four umbrellas, Bill Marsden two clothing and shoe bags, Brian Chapman from the De Vere group four shirts, four caps and a dozen golf balls, Fenex four golf shirts, while the Russell family, Richard Steadman and The Billabong donated drinks, buns & Bloody Mary’s.
Milenko’s ashes got their normal outing, starting in Phil Elliott’s cart then he was transferred to Darl and Jim Whites cart, we had a few drinks for you mate. The official photographers for the day were Chris Marsden and Wayne Rogerson, while the official scorers’ job went to Brian Chapman and Robin Belcher and thank you guys for taking the day out to help us.
The scoring was fairly close for the first five teams. The consistent Courtyard Cavaliers consisting of Geoff Couch, Dave Done, Jeff North and Helmut Hebstriet came first with a score of 58.7, just edging out Graham Beaumont, Bill Marsden, Richard Steadman and Lamun Hanley with them having the same score but the Cavaliers coming home with seven birdies in the last nine holes. Third place went to Billabong Boys and Girls of Bob Philp, Phil Elliott, Noodle Russell and Usa with 59.7. I might add the girls were having such a good time when Phil dropped a very long putt I thought they were going to drag him to his knees.
This was one great day out with laughter all over the courses and after the golf it was back to The Billabong and into the drinks and food. Needless to say that a few people had to be driven home later!

Complicated count-backs continue

PSC golf from Siam Country Resort

Willem, Jeff & Jonathan - volunteer marshalls at Amata Spring.

Monday, Dec. 9, Greenwood - Stableford
Tuesday was a Public Holiday so we made the change to Monday, and following our recent visit to Greenwood, where the course was in good order and great value currently, we made a quick turnaround visit. The weather looked after us with clear skies, nice breeze to keep the humidity away and the A & B loop of the course at just under 6500 yards was in fine condition.
Jeff Wylie (H/cap 7) led the way with 37 points, while George Gamble (23) & Joel Flor (23) both signed for 35 points each, requiring a count back which eventually went down to the last 3 holes with George getting the nod 5/4.
Near pins were hard to get with 2 going unclaimed while Jeff secured the other 2.
Thursday, Dec. 12, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
On Thursday we went to that polarising course, Pleasant Valley, some like it, some not so much, which normally comes down to how they played on the day. There were several wet patches on the fairways, possibly a damaged sprinkler system, but these observations were passed on to the management and my experience has been that these issues will be addressed. The fairways were generally in good order, with the greens also in reasonable condition.
We played from the blue tees with concessions being made to tee from the white on holes 12 & 14 to avoid the longer hazard carries for the shorter hitters. This dropped the course down to under 6300 yards, providing a reasonable test for all.
Another count back was required today to separate 1st & 2nd, after both Dave Edwards (17) & Jeff Wylie (7) signed for 35 points. We went down to the last 3 holes again, with Dave edging Jeff 6/5 to take top spot.
Jeff gained some consolation with 2 near pins, with Joel also getting amongst the prizes.
Four of our regulars joined with other PSC members to volunteer our services as marshalls at the Thailand Golf Championships held at Amata Springs. They got to see some good golf up close on a superb golf course, although those early 4 & 5 a.m. wake-up calls are tiring for old blokes.
Note: Siam Country Resort, Restaurant & Bar is located just off Siam Country Club Rd, after going under the arch past the 7/11, turn right after 50 metres, with the venue on the left another 200 metres along. Golf from here is generally played on Tuesday & Thursday, with the Resort hosting prompt presentations on both days. As a PSC affiliated venue we welcome ALL golfers, including ladies & seniors who have opted for the “Silver” tee option. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!

Golfnutter: Rulings: Part Two

Something we don’t want to see – DQ.

This is a continuation of last week’s article covering the more unusual situations revealed by the R&A’s Rules Report, on this year’s Open Championship played at Muirfield.
As mentioned, the report states the majority of Muirfield’s rulings were simple affairs such as unplayable ball (18 rulings), identifying ball (17), interference from movable obstructions like cables (20) and relief from immovable obstructions such as sprinkler heads (29). Now to continue where last week left off:
Identifying Ball: During his third round, Martin Laird suffered two unplayable lies where he chose to drop – each one under penalty of one shot. Later in the same round he again found thick rough. A ball-spotter found a ball that Laird thought could be his, but he needed to make sure. After announcing to the spotter his intentions, he marked and lifted it just far enough to confirm that it was in fact his ball.
A player is entitled to do what Laird did, however, he must make his intentions known to either his marker, fellow-competitor or a referee and give them the opportunity to observe the entire process – Rule 12-2. Unfortunately for Laird, notifying the spotter doesn’t cut it, thus the one stroke penalty.
Club Damaged Other than in Normal Course of Play: Charl Schwartzel’s first round frustrations came to a head on the 15th. Immediately after playing a bad shot he threw his club to the ground in disgust. The 8-iron broke in two on hitting the hard ground which meant he had to complete the round without it. Given the club was not broken during the normal course of play, the club may not be used nor replaced during that round – Rule 4-3b. Penalty for breach of rule; disqualification.
Disqualification through use of Non-conforming Driver: Moving away from the Open, there was a more recent incidence involving new technology that should concern us all. Charles Howell III was DQ’d for using a non-conforming driver during a PGA Tour event in August. Exactly why the driver was declared non-conforming is the interesting bit.
Howell was using the new SLDR driver from TaylorMade – the one that allows adjustment of a small weight along a track positioned on the sole of the club. Next to the track is a small weight port covered by a cap. This cap is removed when the golfer wants to change weights.
While warming up on the practise range prior to his second round, the cap was lost after it came off. Howell checked with TaylorMade officials who told him the club’s performance wouldn’t be affected. He thus used the driver minus the cap and finished the round tied in 10th place.
The following day rules officials told Howell that the missing cap made the driver non-conforming – and because he had used it the previous day, he was disqualified.
The lesson is that the clubs we use must be identical to that the manufacturer sent to the officiating body for testing – in every way.
Interestingly, had the cap dislodged itself after Howell had commenced his round (damaged in the normal course of play), there wouldn’t have been a problem – providing he fixed it prior to the next round.
Touching the Line of Putt: Another disqualification occurred during October’s BMW Masters in Shanghai. Englishman Simon Dyson was about to commence his third round, in a tie for second, when officials informed him he had been DQ’d for a breach of Rule 16-1a.
They then showed him a video taken from his round the previous day. It showed the golfer marking his ball before lifting then using the ball to tap down a mark that was on his line of putt. The actions, seen plainly in the video, appear to be that of an unthinking golfer having a brain-fade rather than of someone deliberately flouting the rules. An impression supported by Dyson himself, who said after seeing the incident replayed, “I still can’t recall doing it.”
The incident saw Dyson appear before the European Tour’s disciplinary panel where he was found guilty of a serious breach of the tour’s code of behaviour, fined UKP30, 000 and given a two-month ban, suspended for 18 months. He was adjudged to have deliberately tapped down a spike mark on the line of his putt in the full knowledge he was breaking Rule 16-1a of the Rules of Golf, with the purpose of improving his position on the green.
Compared to other sports, this may appear somewhat trivial. In golf, however, that is far from the case. As the hearing noted, “Conduct such as that committed by Mr Dyson is a very serious matter, which in other circumstances would warrant suspension from the tour.”
God forbid that we golfers in Pattaya should ever do such a thing – we have caddies for that.
Golfnutter.

Rushant on a roll

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
I don’t really know where to start this week. I could tell you about the resurgence of a couple of our over seventy year-olds who walked away winning two of the TRGG competitions this past week, or I could talk about Mike Rushant, who since going to see a local guru, a Thai golf pro called Charlie who tinkered with his game, has hardly put a foot wrong ever since. Or I could just let you all know that the computer glitch that stopped the TRGG website updates has now been eliminated and all is fine and dandy again. Tell you what I will do all three.

Seamus Farrell.

Monday, Dec. 9, Plutaluang - Stableford
On Monday the TRGG headed off to do battle with the Navy course at Plutaluang (West and North), and a more picturesque golf course it would be difficult to find.
Now I played with the eventual winner Mike Rushant, who continued his unbelievable form of the last few weeks and I have to say he was a revelation. His consistency and absolute confidence left the rest of us in awe and as I later found out, he put it all down to Charlie. No not that sort of Charlie. Charlie is a Thai golf pro in Pattaya who has been helping a number of our golfers, all of whom have improved their game beyond belief and I am not talking about old hackers like yours truly but single handicappers who know their way around a golf course. I am heading off to see him next week and I assure you he will have his work cut out to improve my game.
1st Mike Rushant (11) 38pts
2nd Daryl Ottaway (7) 37pts
3rd Daryl Ward (26) 37pts
Tuesday, Dec. 10, Greenwood - Stableford
Tuesday was a Thai Bank Holiday and caused a last minute change of venue. Instead of our regular Tuesday visit to Green Valley we were obliged to change and headed off to Greenwood (A and B courses) instead. So large were the numbers it required two divisions.

Jim Cooper.

I should like to mention the winner of Div. 2, Seamus Farrell, who is over 70 and an all round good guy. In fact everyone who knows Seamus would describe him as ‘all round’. Joking aside I was very pleased to see he had an excellent day’s golf on Tuesday.
Div.1 (0-13)
1st John Nicholas (10) 36pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (12) 36pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (11) 35pts
Div.2 (14+)
1st Seamus Farrell (29) 36pts
2nd Laurie Bevan (25) 36pts
3rd Norman Cheetham (15) 35pts
The TRGG golfers headed off to Khao Kheow (A and B courses) on Thursday and Mike Rushant did it again by finishing first. However, the noticeable event of the day was the return of another 70+ golfer Fergus Brennan, who has been away from the game for a few weeks suffering with a problem with his eyes. So bad was it that Fergus was fearing he might never see his way around a golf course again. Thankfully things have improved and he returned to the fairways with a bang this week. After finishing third at Greenwood on Tuesday he went one better today, returning to his normal ‘bridesmaid’ position of second place.
Div.1 (0-13)
1st Mike Rushant (11) 37pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (11) 37pts
3rd Bill Shipley (6) 36pts
Div.2 (14+)
1st Jim Cooper (14) 38pts
2nd Ted Senior (14) 34pts
3rd Tom Kett (19) 33pts
On Saturday it was back to Crystal Bay (C and A course) and a return to the winners’ enclosure for Fergus Brennan, playing his best hand of the week and silencing the rest of the field, but only getting the better of runner-up Barry Wood after a count back.
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 38pts
2nd Barry Wood (11) 38pts
3rd Neil Wilkinson (13) 36pts
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG, please phone Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019 or pop into the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.

Allidi shoots 69 at the Mountain

PSC golf from The Growling Swan

Mike Allidi, Eddie Townsend, J C Lhoste & Ebrahim.

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Dec. 9, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
It was yet another fine and sunny Monday morning in Pattaya as we all made our way to one of our favourite golf courses, Mountain Shadow.
We had a terrific field of 34 golfers signed up for the day’s competition with many newcomers and returnees. We welcomed back Bent Agerbo from Denmark, Pattaya residents John Player and Sel Wegner, Goran Asp from Sweden and Jukka Pultinen & Heli Rantala from Finland. We also were saying farewell to Ed “Willie Nelson” Stewart who was returning to Conneticut and then Hawaii after several months here in Pattaya.
We had 3 mini vans which were “chokka block” and we departed the GS 5 minutes ahead of schedule at 8.25 am and headed north on No. 7, making our way through the morning traffic quite quickly and arrived at the golf course 41 minutes later. It was fairly quiet there and as soon as we were ready we were invited to tee off and our first four-ball got away 15 minutes early at 9.45 am.
The weather was fabulous with a nice cooling breeze and the golf course was in super condition with the greens beautifully prepared and at times very slick. We proceeded at a steady pace and although yours truly had steam coming out of his ears after losing a brand new ball at the back of the first green, obviously “stolen” by one of the many dogs on the course, we had a very enjoyable round with terrific company and it was completed in four hours & twenty minutes.
We had 3 Divisions – Division A for handicaps 0 to 15, Division B for handicaps of 16 to 19 & Division C for golfers on handicaps of 20 and over with four places in each Division. There were also rewards for nearest the pin on the four par 3’s and longest first putts on the 9th & 18 greens.

Walter Baechli, Jeff Mellon & Bent Agerbo.

With a fabulous gross score of 69 it was the classy Mike Allidi who won Division A with 42 points and veteran Ted Morris came second with 38. In third spot was Frankie “Goes to Hollywood” Sharratt on 36 points and with 2 players on 34 the resultant count back saw Len Commons (18 point back nine) come fourth, ahead his mate Kevin “Wayco” Waycott (16 point back nine.
Ebrahim continued his good form and won the B Division with a fine 40 points, with Mark “Westy” West second on 39. In third place was John Davis with 36 points and John Player came fourth on 35.
JC Lhoste finally found some form and his 40 points won the C Division ahead of Duangjai “Kae” Tusagad in second on 38 while Kae’s partner, Roy “Plums” Dayton, finished third with 37 points and returnee Bent Agerbo finished in fourth place with 36.
Division A (0-15)
1st Mike Allidi (3) 42pts
2nd Ted Morris (12) 38pts
3rd Frank Sharratt (12) 36pts
4th Len Commons (10) 34pts
Division B (16-19)
1st Ebrahim (18) 40pts
2nd Mark West (16) 39pts
3rd John Davis (19) 36pts
4th John Player (18) 35pts
Division C (20+)
1st – J C Lhoste (24) 40pts
2nd Duangjai Tusagad (20) 38pts
3rd Roy Dayton (26) 37pts
4th Bent Agerbo (20) 36pts
Near Pins: 5th – Ed Stewart, 8th – Frank Sharratt, 15th – Don Richardson, 17th – Mike Allidi
Long Putts: 9th – J C Lhoste, 18th – John Davis
The Growling Swan NAGA Award (awarded to the golfer who has the worst score on the day and discreetly their score is not made public) was won by Eddie Townsend who accepted the award like the good sport that he is.
Thursday, Dec. 12, Eastern Star – Stableford
Eastern Star was the venue for Thursday’s competition and after a late withdrawal due to sickness and a no-show we ended up with a field of 24, assembling at The Growling Swan in readiness for departure. Today we welcomed back ‘Mr. Colors’ Walter Baechli, Paul Kennedy from Melbourne and Terry Linklatter from Brisbane.
Departing the GS right on time at 8.30 am we headed south and after a very good run arrived at the golf course 42 minutes later to find it fairly quiet and we were invited to tee off when we were ready. Our first four-ball got away 10 minutes early at 9.50 am in glorious weather conditions and the course was looking a treat with lush fairways and well maintained greens.
There were no groups ahead of us to hold us up but we received a “hurry up” from a course Marshall, mainly due to searching for my golf balls a couple of times but we quickened up a bit on the back nine and finished a very enjoyable round of golf in four hours and twenty minutes.
We had 2 Divisions – Division A for handicaps 0 to 19 & Division B for golfers on handicaps of 20 and over with three places in each Division. There were also rewards for nearest the pin on the four par 3’s and longest first putts on the 9th & 18 greens.
Division A was won by Walter Baechli with a fine 38 points and Ebrahim came second with 37 points, 3 points ahead of Bill Steinman in third place.
Bent Agerbo (17 point back nine) won the B Division with 33 points in a count back from Andrew “Turtle” Allen (16 point back nine) and in another count back with both on 32 points it was Duangjai “Kae” Tusagad (14 point back nine & 11 points on the last 6 holes) who finished in third place ahead of Frank “Woody” Donnelly (14 point back nine & 10 points on the last 6 holes).
Division A (0-19)
1st Walter Baechli (16) 38pts
2nd Ebrahim (18) 37pts
3rd Bill Steinman (7) 34pts
Division B (20+)
1st Bent Agerbo (20) 33pts
2nd Andrew Allen (35) 33pts
3rd Duangjai Tusagad (20) 32pts
Near Pins: 3rd – Ebrahim, 6th – Alan Sanders, 13th – Duangjai Tusagad, 17th – Peter Blackburn
Long Putts: 9th – Frankie Sharratt, 18th – Bill Steinman
The Growling Swan NAGA Award was won by Jeff “Rock” Mello. Peter Grey, ecstatic about not being awarded the red cap then kindly paraded Deefa the Dog and of course collected many donations for the needy in Pattaya from our generous Growling Swan Golfers.
Growling Swan Golf welcomes golfers of any persuasion – low & high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays & Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan in Soi Chaiyapoon at 8.00 am with transport departing at 8.30 am. For bookings or more information please contact Peter on 0806 351 386 or email to [email protected].
We also play bowls out of the Growling Swan every Wednesday and Sunday. Sunday is Lawn Bowls and Wednesday is Indoor Bowls. All are welcome and for anyone that is interested the transport leaves The Growling Swan at 10.00am on each of those mornings. For more information please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454 005.

Elementary my dear Watson

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, Dec. 8, Pattavia Century - Stableford
A Flight
1st JP Maffray (11) 38 pts
2nd Dave Driscoll (12) 32 pts
3rd Peter LeNoury (11) 31 pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (16) 35 pts
2nd Lew Szigligeti (17) 35 pts
3rd Michael Bungert (28) 33 pts
The Land of Smiles just became a little brighter if that’s possible with the addition of Pattavia Golf Club (formerly Centaury Chonburi). The gang braved the navigational challenges and a revamped course and caddy staff to award the newest addition to the Eastern Seaboard golf scamp the thumbs up. The condition of the course was excellent, with fast greens that would more than match Bangpra.

Bob Watson.

Certainly not complaining about the difficulty was that fine player JP Maffray who hauled off 38 points on the day in A Flight. In fact JP was the only player to better his handicap although his card contained three wipes.
JP was six clear of the big hitting Dave Driscoll and a further stoke clear of a triumvirate of players; Peter ‘the right honorable’ LeNoury, Aussie Bob Watson and Bob StAubin. Peter emerged from the pile-up to grab the last podium spot leaving the 2 Bob’s out in the cold.
It’s a pity Freddy ‘star treck’ somehow ended up at the Emerald Golf club Bangchang, but I wouldn’t think for one moment he was lonely very long?
The quietly resurgent Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw went head to head with his mate Lou ‘the thunder from down under’ Zig Zag as both returned fine 35 point hauls as they battled it out for the top podium spot, the former just nicking it by a point. The bronze spot was also settled by a count back and it was Michael Bungert who prevailed over the unlucky Mick Terry’ pork chop’ Mangan.
Broadmore Bob had the only 2’ of the day. Bob, playing in the first group, hit the first par three green but could not keep the momentum going so did not bother to put out the flags. This did not work out in Bob’s favour as he received only his entry fee back.
JP Maffray, Peter LeNoury, Bob Watson and Bob StAubin shared the 2’s pot.
Monday, Dec. 9, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Watson (3) 42pts
2nd JP Gasser (10) 33pts
3rd Max Scott (4) 33pts
B Flight
1st Tore Eliassen (15) 35pts
2nd Reg MacKay (15) 33pts
3rd Walter Baechil (16) 32pts
C Flight
1st Aiden Murray (23) 33pts
2nd Ed Junger (20) 33pts
3rd Thierry Danzas (24) 31pts
It was off to Bangpra to battle the lightning fast greens and the monkeys. Aussie top star Bob Watson was the big points getter on the day as he put a 42-point lashing on the field, which figured out to a three under gross for the A Flight and man of the match honors. Bob really turned the screw as he was also the only player to record a 2 (all without any help from Holmes).
Bob was a massive nine strokes clear of JP Gasser and Aussie mate Max Scott and a count back dictated that they finish in that order.
The second best score of the day was held by Tore Eliassen in B Flight. Tore bettered the pair of Scotland’s Buckie boy Reg McKay 32 points and Walter Baechil, one of the nicest and most effervescent personalities, who appears as appropriately dressed for a cross country ski race as he does for golf, with 31 points.
C Flight struggled a tad with the fast greens as the 33 points of Aiden Murray and Ed Junger went to account back for the gold and silver, with Aiden’s inward nine holding up for the gold. Thierry Danzas was as happy as Larry that his 31 points got him on the last podium step.
Wednesday, Dec. 11, St Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Watson (3) 42pts
2nd Reg McKay (15) 41pts
3rd Thierry Petrement (12) 39pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 36pts
2nd Eddy Beilby (18) 34pts
3rd David Nicholson (16) 31pts
C Flight
1st Jim Elphick (22) 34pts
2nd Christy Knight (20) 32pts
3rd Brian Cooper Kent (25) 31pts
No, you are not reading a duplicate article, Aussie super star Bob Watson continued his superb ball striking by shooting 42 points at the always challenging St Andrews for his second 42 points on the trot, and amazingly he again carded the only 2 of the day.
The guy in the wrong place at the wrong time was Scotland’s Buckie boy Reg McKay who had to settle for second despite his excellent 41 points. Thierry Petrement edged Freddy Startrex on count back for the bronze.
B Flight, which often goes high in stableford format, was more modest than their A Flight colleagues as the Donkey returned to winning ways to take the flight honours with a steady even par round. Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby swooped in for the flight silver two shots in arrears as David Nicholson closed the flight a further three shots back.
Jimmy ‘two shots’ Elphick snuck off with the top bag of loot in C Flight with 34 points. Ireland’s best dressed golfer Christy ‘good’ Knight took the silver two shots back and the third place saw a logjam of three players at 27 points as Brian ‘mini’ Cooper squeezed out of the pile-up to claim his place on the podium. The unlucky coinless pair were Jorn Finnerup and Graham Lawton.
Thursday, Dec. 12, Mt. Shadow - Stableford
1st Mike Bungert (28) 45pts
2nd Anthony Williams (16) 37pts
Hey where’s the old title boy today? Well before the field could get too smug about keeping Mr. Watson off the podium, it was pointed out Bob had to take a rest day to let his golf shafts cool down. So that left Mike Bungert to vault to the top of the podium with a magnificent 45 points, followed by Antony Williams and his fine 37 points, for the third game in a row the man of the match sunk the only 2 of the day.
Friday, Dec. 13,
Silky Oak - Stableford
A Flight
1st Paul Bray (5) 37pts
2nd Jerry McCarthy (13) 36pts
3rd JP Maffray (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st Mike Jefferys (17) 36pts
2nd Colin Davis (17) 36pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 34pts
C Flight
1st Bruce Walters (33) 33pts
2nd Michael Bungert (28) 32pts
3rd Jorn Finnerup (26) 32pts
With it being Friday the 13th it seemed that if there was to be any safety it should be in numbers, so a large crowd turned out to take on the Silky Oak layout.
Aussie Paul Bray showed no fear as he was the only player to better his handicap with a man of the match 37 points. His A Flight mates, Irishman Jerry McCarthy and pay window specialist JP Maffray, followed Paul up the podium steps as they were strung out in one digit increments.
Mike ‘the welsh wizard’ Jefferys galvanized the top spot in B Flight with an even par round but still needed the aid of a count back over Colin ‘the Donkey’ Davis. Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw filled the flight 2 shots in arrears.
C Flight again found the going tough as the 33 points of Aussie Bruce Walters took the top spot. Michael Bungert edged Irishman Jorn Finnerup on count back to fill the minor flight placings.
Amazingly all three A Flight winners shared the 2’s pot.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Hansen hits rich vein of form

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Niels Hansen (right) with Dave Richardson.
Monday, Dec. 9, Crystal Bay A & B - Stableoford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Niels Hansen (16) 45pts
2nd Leif Kirkgaard (18) 40pts
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki (12) 35pts
4th Tate Akifumi (15) 32pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Dave Richardson (27) 33pts
2nd Svend Gaarde (26) 31pts
3rd Elias Magnusson (21) 31pts
4th Karl Beter (29) 28pts
Near Pins: A8 Torben Sorensen, B6 Ulf Larsson
Long Putts: A9 Niels Hansen, B9 Svend Gaarde
Crystal Bay was the game today and we got checked in and were off A1 on time in hot conditions. The course was in fine shape with fast greens and although it was very busy, we moved right along and took just 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete the round.
Back in the clubhouse welcomes went out to Robin Flint from Sweden and Peter Hammond from the UK. We also said goodbye to Ulf Larsson and Tate Akifumi.
Two flights today with the cut at handicap 20, plus an assortment of pins, and Niels Hansen swept the A Flight with an astounding 45 points. Leif Kirkgaard came second with a fine 40 points and Takeshi Hakozaki was third with 35 ahead of Tate Akifumi in fourth.
Dave Richardson won the B Flight with 33 points while Svend Gaarde placed second on a count back over Elias Magnusson, both with 31.
Thursday, Dec. 12, Khao Kheow – Stableford
1st Niels Hansen (15) 38pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (13) 38pts
3rd Mike Winfield (21) 37pts
4th Elias Magnusson (21) 36pts
5th Susan Gaarde (26) 34pts
Khao Kheow was the game today with reduced numbers because of the PSC party the previous night and after a swift check-in we were off B1 under sunny skies with the C nine to follow. The course was in fine condition, probably the best in years, so it should be a real treat for the club championship next month.
We wizzed around in 3 hours and 55 minutes and back in the clubhouse welcomes went out to Stephen Cooper-Reade and Uwe Zickermann.
Niels Hansen continued his winning form today, beating out Mashi Kaneta on a count back with both finishing on 38 points each. Mike Winfield took third place with 37 points and Elias Magnusson and Susan Gaarde filled the minor places.

Roberts captures fifth title at exciting King’s Cup Regatta

Ray Roberts and his crew on OneSails Racing celebrate overall victory in the IRC0 class.
Australian skipper Ray Roberts and his “OneSails Racing” team overcame some challenging wind conditions on the final day of racing to edge out compatriot Ahern Bailey Wilmer’s “Oil” by the narrowest of margins and capture a fifth title in the IRC0 class at the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta held earlier this month.
Having led the standings for most of the week, Robert’s team found Friday’s light winds favoured their opponents more handily and were given a fright at the finish as “Oil” took line honours in the last two races to significantly reduce the gap, while Neil Pryde’s “Hi-Fi” was also lurking in the shadows. However, “OneSails Racing” managed to record third and second place finishes and secure top place on the podium by just a single point.
“It’s great to be back here and win another King’s Cup. It was very light wind today with one squall, and so we kept focus on calm decisions and consistency,” said a delighted Roberts, post race. “The weather contributed to a good, fair race, one in which you could not relax, and I would like to express my thanks to the Race Committee who did a terrific job managing it in changing conditions all week. Some of the winning gaps have come down to just four seconds or so – very challenging. Technology is changing in sailing all the time and we came up with a cutting-edge sail design at OneSails, and that was our key to success,” added the Aussie skipper.

The super-slick Jelik (left) tacks to starboard on the final day of racing.
The predominantly overcast weather experienced during the week was transformed on the final day to classic King’s Cup sailing conditions, with blue seas and skies, and made for a fitting finale to the 27th sailing of the Regatta, held off the Kata Beach Resort from November 29 – December 6.
Antipodean success also filtered down to the IRC1 class where perennial Regatta ‘bridesmade’ Bill Bremmer finally struck King’s Cup gold with his crew on “Foxy Lady VI.” After 10 King’s Cup events on five different boats, finishing second on four occasions, Bremner and his crew finally managed top spot and they achieved it in style, dominating the class for most of the week and winning with a race to spare.
Labelling it a “dream come true”, Bremmer commented afterwards, “”Today was a real challenge because we had 100-degree wind shifts which were difficult to read; a great course though, with knocks and lifts to ride all the way up the course, and then squalls on the way back with gusts of 20 knots before dropping again – it was like a vacuum – classic Phuket!”
Steve McConaghy, the tactician on Foxy Lady VI, added: “We’ve sailed together a few times in the last five years, and won our first Samui (Regatta) together. I signed on with Bill this year and we’ve been undefeated since then. The King’s Cup is the hardest regatta in Asia; we feel fantastic.”

OneSails Racing (left) reaches the mark ahead of Oil in the IRC0 class.
Meanwhile, the Japanese team on “Karasu”, led by Yasuo Nanamori, dominated the IRC2 fleet and secured overall victory in style by garnering 2 more wins in the final day.
Matt Allen’s multiple-regatta winning team on “Ichi Ban” had to play second fiddle this time in the IRC3 class to Hong Kong’s Red Kite II, as Anthony Root’s crew took the final race to relegate “Ichi Ban” to second spot overall.
“Pine-Pacific” was virtually in a class of its own in the Premier fleet and finished well ahead of nearest rival “Silandra V”, while the IPPAI team took two second place finishes on the final day to win the Sports Boat category.
“Rambutan” skippered by Petr Kochnev was overall Sunsail Charter class champion ahead of “Team Nord” and they were consistently the quickest team over the week. The David Boekemann “Venture” took the Bareboat Charter title and in the Open Charter class, Nikiforov Eugeny’s “Sarawadee” crew recorded two wins on the final day to put them top above rivals “Little Eva”.
The always competittove Firefly 850 Sports class produced some exciting sailing throughout the week, with John Newnham’s “Twin Sharks” team finally claiming overall victory over “Voodoo”.

Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady VI (2nd left) leads the IRC1 fleet downwind.
Asia Catamarans “Hurricane” overpowered all-comers in the Multihull Racing class, winning eight out of 10 races and ending with an exceptional points score. Their nearest rivals, “Da Vinci”, performed well all week but lacked the pace of the “Hurricane.”
Japanese entrant “Minnie” outscored Russian rival “Ariana” to win the Multihull Cruisers title this year while Jim Ellis and his “Remington” team were uncatchable in the Modern Classics class.
The Cruisers provided an exciting division, with “Lady Bubbly” skippered by Chris Mitchell winning the class by a single point from “Rumrunner11”, which also raced superbly.
In a two horse (boat) race, Peter Wood, skippering “Sunshine Schooner”, outperformed the only rival, “SY Argo” in every race to win the Classic class.
The Phuket King’s Cup also featured windsurfing again this year and Navin Singsart was named as overall winner after a total of seven races ahead of Ek Boonsawad in second. Siriporn Kaewduangngam meanwhile performed well to win the women’s title.

Challenging weather conditions provided a great week of racing.
In the Dinghy racing, Nuttapol Srihirun was named the Laser class winner, Supparak Niamraksa Optimist Boys winner and Praewa Kangkla was the Optimist Girls winner. This youth racing is a regular feature of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta and remains one of Thailand’s most important series for the enhancement of sailing skills amongst junior sailors in the country.
At the splendid awards and closing ceremony held on Dec. 6 at the Kata Beach Resort, His Majesty’s Personal Representative, M.L. Admiral Usni Pramoj, rewarded the winners of all 14 senior classes, the Phuket Dinghy Series and the windsurfing classes.
The 27th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta once more delivered a superb week of on-water racing and shore-side nightly entertainment and all those who took part will be surely keen to return for more of the same next year!
(Source: www.kingscup.com )

Thailand dominated the windsurfing championship, winning both men’s and women’s divisions.

Chuck Anderson goes lights out

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Jeff Cordeiro, Mr. 44 Chuck Anderson, and Grant Cadell.

Steve Ellison
Monday, Dec. 9, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Chuck Anderson (9) 44pts
2nd Jeff Cordeiro (7) 40pts
3rd Grant Cadell (13) 39pts
Oh wow! Chuck had his round of the year to cap off 2013 with an amazing 44 points at Green Valley. It was “one of those days” last Monday for our buddy Chuck and the kind of day where you can do no wrong. Even more amazing was the fact that he bogeyed the last 2 holes!
Jeff Cordeiro and Grant Cadell were there to cheer him on and they both also got their game together for another couple of great scores. Great shooting guys!
Wednesday, Dec. 11, Khao Kheow (white tees) – Stableford
1st Ken Aihara (5) 38pts
2nd Mark Wood (9) 37pts
Another perfect day for golf in paradise and a visit to the best Pete Dye course in Asia. Khao Kheow is always a favourite track for the lads so we left with a full sheet of 24 of Pattaya’s finest to take on this tricky course.

Kenny Aihara with ‘Wild’ Bill Eyles and Mark Wood.

Mark Wood and Kenny Aihara were the 2 best golfers of the day and went head to head to finish with a mere one point spread on 37 and a 38 for Kenny.
Today we had an experiment with the over 60’s and Silver Tees. As it turned out, we chose the wrong course as there are no official Silver Tees here at Khao Kheow and when Billy turned in a card with 50 points, it was obviously up for re-evaluation! To his credit Bill, shot a great round of golf and was rewarded for it, but further testing is to be done so that golfers over 60 years old and over a 20 handicap have their fair chance in our competitions. Stay tuned for more details as we continue to test this new format.
Friday, Dec. 13, Greenwood (white tees) – Stableford
1st Martin Zimmerman (14) 41pts
2nd Muffy Kerr (12) 38pts
T3rd Ken Aihara (5) 36pts
T3rd Peter Rogers (22) 36pts
The great Greenwood was our destination down the 331 on this beautiful December morning. This course has 27 holes and we are happy to play any 18 on this track as they are all that good.

Martin Zimmerman and Peter Rogers at The Club.

I guess a lot of lads had no superstitions about playing on Friday the 13th, and certainly not Martin Zimmerman. His 41 points has been long overdue, but now that he can get a decent night’s sleep he just may be a formidable player! Nothing worse than that late-night karaoke booming, eh?
The resplendent Muffy Kerr was right behind on 38 points and steady Kenny tied with Peter Rogers on 36 points. Peter plays off 22, so please don’t think we only have low handicappers that play here. Hey, we welcome all handicaps so come on out and join us for some great golf. Don’t worry, you will fit right in here, especially after a few beers!
Thanks to all who joined us for another great week of golf in paradise.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We try to schedule summer “Sports Days”, so come join us for a seriously fun day out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya... all handicaps welcome!

Regents School holds un-fore-gettable Kings’ Golf Day

Students, parents and teachers all joined together for a great golfing day at Pattaya Country Club.

On Thursday 5th December Regents International School Pattaya celebrated His Majesty the King’s Birthday with a community golf tournament.
Parents, students and teachers made up the field of 52 golfers who enjoyed a glorious day at Pattaya Country Club, competing for prizes and also pride, as many Regents students had better handicaps than their teachers!
Event organiser and PE Teacher Andrew Martindale commented: “The Kings’ Golf Day is a fantastic opportunity for the school’s community to come together. The Regents Physical Education Department would like to thank all who played on the day, especially the large number of parents who participated, and also the staff and caddies at Pattaya Country Club for making all the golfers feel so welcome, attending to their every need, and making the King’s Birthday such a special day for all involved.”
Head of Secondary, Garry Russell commented: “At Regents we regularly hold events as we encourage parents and friends to join in and feel the same sense of community their child feels every day when they come to our school. We really do value community involvement, such as through our recent Pattaya to Philippines fund-raiser, the Christmas Fair and our monthly ‘Parents and Friends’ meetings. Regents is a family school in every sense.”

It’s important to strike the pose after a good shot.

Concentration required on even the shortest putts.

No holding back on this par-4.

Gentry gets the win at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Caddyshack
Monday, Dec. 9, Green Valley - Stableford
On Monday at Green Valley an American friend, Gentry Harrington (H/cap 11), played a great round and beat Clive Bruce (9) on count back with 40 points. Third place went to Bill Shepley (6) also on count back from Ed Horrocks (21), both with 38 points, while in fifth was Brian Orr (16) with 35.
Wednesday, Dec. 11, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Wednesday we played the re-furbished Pattaya Country Club and were not too impressed with the condition of the course. The greens now have more undulations and were in pretty good condition but a lot of work is still required to the fairways if they want to attract bigger crowds.
Don Hachey (18) took the honours with 39 points from Rick Culley (12) in second with 37 points.
Friday, Dec. 13, Green Valley - Stableford
Friday was back to Green Valley and Phonsie McGahan (6) showed his youth with a win with 37 points. Mel Davis (18) took second with 36 and Don Hachey (18) beat Ed Horrocks on count back for third, both with 35.
Note: The Caddyshack is located on Soi 17 off 3rd Road or Soi 8 off Thepprasit Road. All golfers are welcome and reservations are taken at 081 865 3104.

Pattaya hosts international indoor lawn bowls triples tourney

The winners pose with their trophies during the presentation.

The Coco Club near Pattaya hosted 20 teams from Malaysia, England, Scotland and Thailand for a two-day international competition which took place on the 7th and 8th of December.
The Malaysian teams included two young ladies aged 11 and 13 years of age and a skipper of 17 years. The new mat, which was only laid 3 days before the tournament, meant it was a ‘level’ playing field for all the teams and the 60 players gave it their best.
The first day’s games included some real upsets with some of the fancied Thai teams - who included the top 10 men and top 10 ladies in Thailand - being pushed all the way. However it was a young team from Malaysia, with skipper Syahmi at only 25 years old who had driven up from Langkawi overnight, who were causing all the stir.
The Thai teams included the new players of transplantees who have only been playing for 6 months and they had their moments with Team Somchai enjoying a 9-8 win over Team Bus, one of the top three teams in Thailand.
Coco’s Team Bank was on a roll, winning 6-5 in two games and making it to the semi finals. Meanwhile team Thai Ing was quietly winning all their matches in group 4, including a clash win over Team Alex from Scotland.
The major match and turning point of the whole weekend was of the two unbeaten teams in group 2 where Team Vinai edged the team of Lek, Sue and Thanom - the top 3 ladies in Thailand for 2013 - by a score of 11-10.
In the semi finals of the trophy Team Vinai secured a 12-2 result over Team Bank while Team Syahmi beat Team Ing 7-5 in a close affair.
The Plate semi-finals saw Team Lek up against English Team John and beating them 20-2, while Team Alex overcame Team Tan 10-9 in a tight match.
All matches were tight but the results reflected the crucial earlier match, with Team Vinai winning the Trophy and Team Lek winning The Plate. The presentation was made by General Eagpro, the Secretary of the Lawn Bowls Association of Thailand. Congratulations to all!

Garcia takes 4-shot victory at Amata Spring

Spain’s Sergio Garcia poses with the Thailand Golf Championship trophy following his victory at Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, Sunday, Dec. 15. (Photo/Colin Dunjohn, Thailand Golf Champonship)

Spaniard Sergio Garcia claimed a sensational four-shot victory at the Thailand Golf Championship last Sunday, thanks to a final round of four-under-par 68 which gave him a first victory of 2013.
The Ryder Cup star, who held an overnight four-shot advantage, held off world number three Henrik Stenson of Sweden, who also signed for a 68 in the US$1 million Asian Tour event at Amata Spring Country Club.
Frenchman Alexander Levy carded a 69 to finish third while India’s Anirban Lahiri emerged as the joint best Asian performer by sharing fourth place with Japan’s Yuki Kono (69), last year’s winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa (67) and world number four Justin Rose of England (72). Chapchai Nirat was the highest placed Thai golfer in tied eighth after a 69.
In a year which has seen him post 10 top-10s around the world, world number 19 Garcia, who is expected to rise to 10th in the world after picking up 38 world ranking points, produced some of his best golf to break his duck in front of massive galleries at the magnificent Amata Spring.

Henrik Stenson of Sweden finished runner-up after a final round 68. (Photo/Colin Dunjohn, Thailand Golf Champonship)

Stenson, winner of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai and PGA Tour’s FedExCup this season, trimmed the overnight lead by half at the turn but Garcia shifted into fifth gear with three successive birdies from the 10th hole to eventually cruise home comfortably and pick up his 21st Tour victory and fourth on the Asian Tour with his 22-under-par 266 winning aggregate.
“It was great, an amazing week …. obviously being the last week of the year and for having Katharina (Boehm) caddie for me,” said the 33-year-old, who had his girlfriend on caddying duty here.
“I knew Henrik was going to make it difficult for me. He’s been playing so amazingly great, and he did. He kept hitting good shot after good shot. And then when I bogeyed seven, I had to make a good par save on nine after getting a bit unlucky with the approach shot. And then I made three very important birdies on the first three on the back nine and gave myself a little bit of a cushion,” added Garcia, who finished fourth here last year.
After safely hitting the floating island green on the par three signature 17th hole and finding the fairway on 18, it was only then that Garcia could enjoy the victory march up the final green.
“I pretty much knew that finishing par, par, the tournament was pretty much mine, and then just making sure I kept the tee shot dry on 18 and I hit a great second shot with a six iron, and once the ball came out of the clubface, I knew that I was pretty much done,” said Garcia, who pocketed US$180,000.
Stenson, who had been enjoying dinners with Garcia throughout the week in Bangkok, lamented missed opportunities on eight and nine which would have drawn him level with the Spaniard.
“I’ve had a great year but coming here really on the fumes left in the tank, not too much going for me to perform in that sense. But I played really nicely yesterday and I was hanging in there today and I was just coming up a couple short,” said the Swede, who has won three times since August.
“I needed something really, really good to happen on eight and nine but I didn’t make those two birdie putts and Sergio was hanging in there, made one or two good saves and then he made three birdies in a row, and pulled away. Congratulations to Sergio on a great week. He played really well.”
(Source: www.thailandgolfchampionship.com )

Jepsons jubilation

Sea fishing from Bangsaray

Bob Jepson is seen with the sponsors voucher from KPK Food Services Ltd for the best catch of the day.

Mike Gerrard
After a long illness it was good to see Bob Jepson back on board once again to sail out to the lovely blue yonder on our most recent fishing trip. Although the size of the catches was not very big, the quantity of snapper, grouper and others ensured all passengers enjoyed a super day on the ocean.
The sea was as calm as you could wish for, which made it a little warmer than normal. However the wind picked up a little later in the afternoon, which helped to cool us down a little.
There is no specific schedule for the future but if anyone is interested, please give me a call on 087 091 7565. Trips usually start at about 7.30 to 8.00 a.m. and return to Bangsaray by about 5.30 to 6.00 p.m. Any day can be arranged. All you have to do is provide your own transport to & from Bangsaray and your own food and drink for the day. All bait is supplied free and is inclusive of the charge. There is a cover charge for hire of rods and reels and other losable tackle however, if you have your own tackle then bring it along.
Charges are based on the cost of the boat divided by the amount of passengers, which usually ends up at between 1,500 to 2,000 baht per passenger. Tips for the skipper and his mate are extra also.
No more than 7 people fishing is allowed which gives everyone ample space without getting in each other’s way. The boat is about 65 feet long and has many amenities on board such as a European bathroom, kitchen with cooking and coffee making facilities, and a rest area on the top deck with relaxer beds for a little respite from the fishing if required. There are large ice box containers to keep food and drink fresh for the day.