Rothwell rules in Khao Yai

PSC golf from The Golf Club

John McHugh, Allan Rothwell, Eddy Beilby and Brian Gavagan - winners all!

Steve Ellison
Monday, April 14, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Bill Eyles (23) 42pts
2nd Jason Kerr (2) 36pts
3rd Ty Kerr (5) 35pts
We have to give credit to the Kerr brothers for playing so well today. Jason has a golf scholarship back in the States and we are sure his younger brother Ty will be right behind him. Dad Muffy must be very proud!
“Wild” Bill Eyles was the man of the day however and his 42 points was unbeatable!
Tuesday, April 15, Bonanza G.C. (white tees) – Stableford
1st John McHugh (13) 42pts
2nd Walter Baechli (18) 37pts
2nd Mark Stanley (9) 37pts
This was the week for our annual Songkran Road Trip where we “Get outta Dodge” and head up north to Cowboy Country in the mountains of Khao Yai. There were 4 days of competition golf and the best 3 stableford scores out of 4 won the comp, simple as that!

The stunning 9th hole at Khao Yai Golf Club.

The fresh clean air of Bonanza Golf Club filled our lungs on Tuesday morning as we began the first day of our annual pilgrimage. This is a magnificent setting for a golf course and, although a bit scruffy in places, she’s a lovely mature parkland style layout in these gentle and lush foothills.
We all began by stretching out from the 3 hour drive up from Pattaya on roads that were clear and toll free! Having already dropped off the wives and girlfriends at the Rim Tarn Inn we were free to get the game afoot on the chase for the “Man of the Mountain” title once more.
As the last group finished the second hole we had the only spot of rain on the trip, a 45 minute downpour that sent us back to the clubhouse for lunch and then back to the game at hand to finish just in the nick of time at dusk.

Beautiful Bonanza.

The rain delay obviously did not deter my playing partner John McHugh as he returned a scorching 42 points, playing this course for the first time. Johnny hits the ball a ton but sometimes has “issues” on the green, shall we say? On this day he was in full control of the putter as well as the driver and ended up rightfully on top of the podium, with Walter Baechli and Mark Stanley just behind. Atta boy Johnny!
Wednesday, April 16, Panorama G.C. (white tees) – Stableford
1st Alan Rothwell (7) 40pts
2nd Mick Beresford (18) 38pts
T3rd Peter LeNoury (11) 37pts
T3rd John Emmerson (13) 37pts
Panorama (formerly Voyage Panorama) was just a 25 minute drive down the road from our hotel, but if you miss the turn it can easily become 40 minutes! Remember, when you see the Mountain Creek entrance on the right, it is just 1.3 clicks further on the left. Lesson learned. We all ended up pretty much on time and had the course almost to ourselves.

The Khao Yai road-trippers take time out for a group photo.

This is a beautiful track that is always well maintained and the par-3 second hole is one of the prettiest you will find. Also notable is the 5th and the hillside 10th where a blind tee shot makes it one of the most intimidating in the area. Khun James always looks after us and Panorama will always be on our Khao Yai playlist.
Today was the day for Alan Rothwell to shine, and scoring 40 points on this tight track is not easy. That’s great golf and took him to the #1 spot on the podium. What better way to celebrate than our Wine & Cheese Night on the terrace? A regular fixture now on our road trips, this mixer just gets better and better.
Thursday the 17th was our day off, but 10 sturdy stalwarts took on the challenge of the fantastic Toscana Valley. There were a few arrangements on the side but no official comp, hence no results but everyone raved about the course. At 4,000 baht it had better be good! I rank this as one of the top 5 golf courses in Thailand and is right up there with Alpine, Blue Canyon, Siam and Black Mountain.
The rest of the guys and the ladies went up to the popular Palio for sightseeing and lunch. This is a large mock-Italian village named after the horse race in Sienna, and a nice way to spend the morning. We then we headed over to Grande Monte and PB Valley wineries for tastings. What a very civilized way to spend the day off!
Friday, April 18, Rancho Charnvee – Stableford
1st Eddy Bielby (17) 41pts
2nd John Emmerson (13) 39pts
3rd Alan Rothwell (7) 38pts
I would think that Rancho Charnvee was the most popular golf course on the tour this year, and the condition of this course was just superb. We had the place to ourselves but TrueVisions was right behind us with their company comp. This course is a must play when visiting Khao Yai!
Once again we had perfect weather for golf and the sunny skies gave way to a slight overcast with a nice breeze to cool things off.
As Eddy Bielby himself put it, it is a forgiving course and the wide fairways were a nice breather after Panorama. Even so, any time you score 41 points like Eddy did, you must be making some crucial golf shots. Well played to you Eddy, and good to see Johnny “Pink Eye” Emmerson in the hunt along with that Allan Rothwell guy again! He doesn’t let up, does he?
Saturday, April 19, Khao Yai G. C. (white tees) - Stableford
1st Brian Gavagan (14) 41pts
2nd Diego Wells (10) 39pts
T3rd Markku Tynell (23) 38pts
T3rd Alan Rothwell (7) 38pts
This Jack Nicklaus design golf course sits on some of the most beautiful land in Thailand. The topography is just ideal for the stadium course concept Jack envisioned but was probably a decade or two ahead of its time.
The ruins of a massive, uncompleted hotel and condo project sit behind the first tee and are evidence that this complex had some grand plans at one time. A victim of the financial crisis of 25 years ago, the temporary clubhouse is more of a large portakabin than what the original owners had imagined for this course, which is now in its third name change. After Mission Hills, Life Privilege is now just the Khao Yai Golf Course. Don’t confuse this with the former Khao Yai Country Club, which is now Kirimaya.
Still, it is a stunning golf course and that is why we were there. The soil at this place is also unique, and once that red mud gets on your socks or clothes you will never get it out, so be careful!
This is just a breathtaking golf spectacle and should also be on your agenda when visiting this area. Just down the road are the wineries, conveniently placed for our tastings!
Blue skies and puffy clouds greeted our 08:30 early tee time and everyone (Diego included) showed up on time! A fun day of golf was ahead of us and after 3 rounds of walking, the mandatory carts on the weekend were actually a blessing. Three new names were on the podium today and it was good to have our pal Markku Tynell save his best for last to take a tie on 38 with comp leader Allan Rothwell, both in third.
Probably the biggest surprise of the whole week came in the form of the next 2 chaps on the podium. The tag team duo of Diego Wells and Brian Gavagan are renowned for their drinking prowess, but the night before was a tame one so guess who took the crown? Gavagan 1st place and Wells right behind on 39 for 2nd which are great scores for the first timers.
After his third place today, Allan Rothwell took top spot for the Cowboy hat and braggin’ rights to the “2014 Man of the Mountain!” Well done Allan and congratulations from us all.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. 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!

Mick counts back the Medal

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Mick Beresford and Bill Peach with Colin Davis (left).

Sunday, March 13, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Les Cobban (10) net 69
2nd Peter LeNoury (11) net 70
B Flight
1st Mick Beresford (18) net 69
2nd Bill Peach (18) net 69
Near Pins: No 5 Kevin McEntee, No 8 Les Cobban, No 12 Mick Beresford, No 16 Peter LeNoury
It was a small field that contested the monthly medal as a large group fled to the drier confines of elsewhere, and when the mud had settled there were three players knotted on net 69; Mickey ‘nine holes’ Beresford, Bill Peach and Les Cobban. Those three will advance to the gold medal in early January 2015.
Someone however has to take home the crystal whiskey glass and a bottle of Jameson’s whiskey and have his name edged on the Lewiinski’s wall of shame. And that meant the dreaded count back. Les was the first to perish as a victim of the math, then Bill, and so it was Mickey Beresford who won his first ever monthly medal and title slot.
Mick and Bill were first and second in B Flight.
Les led the A Flight as Peter ‘the right honourable’ LeNoury closed the flight with a sound net 70.
Les Cobban, Kevin McEntee and Paul Matheson 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.

Talbot doubles up

The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at the Elephant Bar

Songkran, and only the most hardy golfers risk the excesses of the annual lunacy in Pattaya to play a round and the Pattaya Golf Society did just that on Wednesday, 16th April when the group travelled to Pattaya Country Club for a stableford competition.
Apart from the tee boxes the course was in good condition but the comfortable first nine greens gave way to slow and bobbly ones on the back nine which caught all the golfers out. A close contest followed with Finnish golfer Erik Anttonen scoring 35 points for third place and Marc Jensen going one better for second, his eighty shots being the best gross of the day. The winner was Brian Talbot, his second successive victory with the group, with 37 points.
Olivier Tahon added a touch of French dressing with the only birdie ‘2’ of the day on the twelfth hole and his day was completed with the Booby Bevy for a 19-10 split which blew away his hopes of a victory in his final round.
The consolation beer went again to Pat Murphy and the final thanks of the day went to Shane and Peter, mine hosts of the Elephant Bar in Soi Buakhao, for their vigilance in keeping the presentation party as we all would like it during Songkran - dry except for the beer!

Cotterell chalks up back-to-back victories

PSC golf from the Billabong Golf Bar

Jack Piercefield, Wayne Cotterell and Peter Henderson.

Tuesday, April 15, The Emerald - Stableford
A change of plan and a good deal by Candy saw us at the Emerald golf course, which we played Tuesday instead of Monday. With eight groups we played a two-man scramble for a bit of fun, the course was in good condition with only some areas that were marked with GUR paint, but overall it was OK.
The scores were very close with the worst being 68.6. It was a tie for first place with the team of Alan Bartlett and Glyn Davies scoring 63.6 along with Greig Ritchie and Noodle Russell scoring exactly the same.
It was a good fun day out as normally we play four-man teams, the banter between the lads and lady was something to listen to.
Wednesday, April 16, Green Valley - Stableford
The normal venue of Green Valley today with seven groups playing and we were off to an early start, about 30 minutes early as it transpired, which caught us on the hop a bit so it was mix and match golf, i.e. when you got to the tee you were off.
The course was in grand condition but the new layout is a mess; I have played golf in a lot of places around the world and never once have I seen the 18th green 200 hundred yards away from the club house. I wonder why the management spent all that money to put lights on the seventeenth and eighteenth fairways, so if a tournament was a little late finishing the players were not disadvantaged with bad light. I hope everyone that plays here and agrees with the boys from the Billabong makes their views known to the management.
In saying that, now let’s get on to the scores. There was only one ‘2’ today, coming from the Capt himself with a spectacular putt on the old 16th, just kidding it wasn’t that good a shot in.
Playing with us today was the Charity Chairman of the Pattaya Sports Club, William Macey, sorry you had to endure JJ Harney in your first game with us William.
Coming in fourth place was Lloyd Shuttleworth with a score of 33 points, third went to Kyle Roadley with 37, in second on a count back was Jack Butler with 38, but edging first place on the same score was Wayne Cotterell.
Friday, April 18, Crystal Bay - Stableford
We played the Crystal Bay C and A loops today and it was hot, but the last group got just off the 18th as the rain started. We got away to an early start and took just on four hours for the round. The course was in good condition apart from the greens which had some weeds growing in them and was making putting a bit difficult.
Having run golf here for about 8 years or so I have never seen a count back where someone missed out on a prize with 42 points. Maybe it was the Capt feeling a bit sorry for Doug Douglas pleading “give us old fellas a break today, play from the yellow tees”, and that we did. It makes the course a little tamer when you really don’t need to hit driver on many holes at all.
Paul Greenaway played the shot of his life on the 18th with a magic second shot to the par five to put the ball about 8 feet from the pin then proceeded to drop the putt for an eagle. Three great shots mate, congratulations. There was only one ‘2’ today, coming from Peter Henderson.
Now down to the winners it was a three-way count back for fourth and third all on 42 points, and George Barrie with 42 missed out on the prizes as Jack Piercefield took fourth and Paul Greenaway third. Second place meanwhile went to Peter Henderson with 43 points and first place to Wayne Cotterell with 44, not a bad day out!
Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. Give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game.

Bob Poole prevails on Jungle Leech Tour

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Bob Poole (center) receives his prize from Glyn Evans (left) and Chris Voller.

Monday, April 14, Khao Yai G.C. – Stableford
This was our annual getaway from the Songkran madness in Jomtien and Pattaya and we selected Khao Yai as the destination this year with eleven golfers plus a few partners making the trip.
We departed on Sunday morning, April 13 and took the motorway 7 route and we arrived in four hours with a 30 minute break on the way.
Khao Yai Golf Club was selected on Monday and we played off the yellow tees at 6,659 yards instead of the blues at 6,295 and 38 points was the winning score with the organizer beating Kari Aarnio 20/18 on the back nine. Chris Voller birdied the 178 yard 11th hole for the only ‘2’ of the day and nearest the pins were shared by Dennis Scougall, Chris Voller , Glyn Evans and Tim Hake.

Kari Aarnio (center) finished runner-up in the 3-day competition.

This is a stunning course with beautiful scenery throughout the round. Afterwards it was back to Tim Hake’s house just down the road from the course for a fabulous BBQ that lasted all evening, many thanks Tim.
Wednesday, April 16, Bonanza - Stableford
After Tuesday’s jungle trek there were a few weary people playing today with a few leech bites on the legs and feet.
This course at Bonanza is not quite as picturesque as Monday’s venue and the greens were not up to the same standard either but there were not too many complaints as we were here on a holiday week after all.
Bob Poole’s 39 points was the top score today with Kari Aarnio in second place on38, beating Tim Hake 22/21 on the back nine.
Karl Flood collected two nearest the pins in division 1 with Bob Poole and Chris Reed winning in division 2. The telephone box boy, Dennis Scougall, birdied the 162 yard 11th hole for the only ‘2’ of the day.

Tim Hake (left) was third overall on 103 points after 3 rounds.

So after two days in the competition Kari Aarnio and Bob Poole were leading with 76 points and Tim Hake was third two points behind.
Friday, April 18, Panorama - Stableford
There were a few out playing on Thursday at the Rancho course and the comments were that it was a fantastic layout with a special green fee on Mondays. Can we please play there next time?

Jomtien golfers on tour in Khao Yai.

Panorama today was in great condition and it was a tough test with many of the pin positions with red flags about a yard from the front fringe. This was our last round of three and Chris Voller took the win with 33 points ahead of Martin Grimoldby in second, who beat Bob Poole 15/14 on the back nine after they both came in with 32 points each.
Near pins went to Martin Grimoldby and Dennis Scougall in division 1 and Bob Poole got both in the second flight. There were two ‘2’s today from Bob Poole on the 2nd and Kari Aarnio on the 11th.
The overall winners for the 3-round competition were Bob Poole in first with 108 points, Kari Aarnio second on 107 and Tim Hake third with 103.
A very enjoyable week was had by all and the next outing will be a men’s week away at Hua Hin departing Saturday, 17th May.
Many thanks go to Shane Ruddle at Pattaya Rent a Car for his great car/truck hire with special rates for golfers.
On a sad note we had to bid farewell to Dennis Scougall who was on his way back to Scotland.

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Standings April 14 (week 19)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/L	Pts.
Load Out	17	15	2	106	47	13	30
i-Rovers ‘A’	17	12	5	99	53	15	24
JanthaCoffee	17	12	5	94	59	9	24
Legends	17	11	6	101	51	11	22
Double Top	17	8	9	76	76	8	16
W. Tankies	17	4	13	57	96	3	8
i-Rovers ‘B’	17	0	17	23	129	2	0
BYE	5	0	5	0	45	0	0

Darkside Thursday Darts League

Standings April 17 (week 1)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	T/G	Pts.
Load Out	1	1	0	8	1	1	2
Oscar’s Sports Bar	1	1	0	7	2	0	2
Chill Bar	1	1	0	5	0	1	2
Moonies	1	1	0	5	4	1	2
PJ’s Bar	1	0	1	4	5	0	0
CS Coffee	1	0	1	2	7	1	0
Double Top Bar	1	0	1	1	8	0	0
Bye	1	0	1	0	5	0	0

Darkside Tuesday Darts League

Standings April 15 (week 11)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	T/G	Pts.
Lucky Time	11	10	1	71	24	9	20
Chill Bar	11	9	2	72	27	9	18
Sidahla	11	8	3	58	37	5	16
Load Out	11	7	4	60	35	6	14
Cockerooney’s	10	3	7	37	53	4	6
Double Dutch	11	3	8	29	62	5	6
Double Top	11	3	8	33	65	3	6
BB Bar	10	0	10	6	63	2	0

Friday Night Pool League

Results & Standings April 11 (week 8)

Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Shoot Pool	8	5	1	2	24	16
The Butchers Arms	7	5	1	1	18	16
Easy R-Con Bar	4	4	0	0	18	12
The Rest Stop	7	4	0	3	-4	12
Links Bar	6	2	1	3	-8	7
Sweethearts Bar	7	2	0	5	-22	6
The Booze Lounge	5	1	0	4	4	3
Legends Pool	8	0	3	5	-30	3
Results:  Easy R-Con Bar P-P Links Bar, Sweethearts Bar 7 v 13 Shoot Pool, The Butchers Arms H-W The Booze Lounge, The Rest Stop 12 v 8 Legends Pool
Division 1
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Smile Bar	7	6	1	31	0	18
Tie’s R Us	6	5	1	18	1	16
Legends Pool ‘A’	7	4	3	10	0	12
Offshore Bar	6	4	2	10	0	12
Pook’s Bar	6	4	2	7	0	12
Dean’s Bar	6	3	3	-6	0	9
Shoot Pool ‘A’	7	3	4	-12	0	9
Old Thai Angle	7	2	5	-7	2	8
Crazy Eddie’s	7	1	6	-29	0	3
Mai’s Bar	5	0	5	-22	0	0
Results:  Offshore Bar P-P Mai’s Bar, Old Thai Angle 10 v 6 Crazy Eddie’s, Pook’s Bar P-P Dean’s Bar, Shoot Pool ‘A’ 10 v 5 Legends Pool ‘A’, Smile Bar 8 v 10 Tie’s R Us
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Legends Pool ‘B’	7	7	0	39	0	21
I-Rovers	7	6	1	26	0	18
FCUK Inn	7	5	2	18	0	15
The Ranch	6	3	3	6	0	9
Buffalo Jacks	7	3	4	-3	0	9
Anzac Bar	6	3	3	-4	0	9
Connections	7	2	5	-19	0	6
Bobby Too	5	1	4	-20	0	3
The Queen Vic	6	1	5	-21	0	3
Classroom	6	1	5	-22	0	3
Results:  Anzac Bar 2 v 10 FCUK Inn, Bobby Too 5 v 10 Buffalo Jacks, Connections 10 v 6 Classroom, Legends Pool ‘B’ 10 v 3 I-Rovers, The Queen Vic 3 v 10 The Ranch

Buffalo Jack’s Friday Darts League

Standings April 11 (week 20)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/L	Pts.
The Rising Sun	20	19	1	151	65	11	38
Londoner	20	15	5	152	91	14	30
Yates’ Bar	20	15	5	126	79	13	30
Mee Chew Bar	20	13	7	128	89	12	26
i-Rovers	20	13	7	107	82	11	26
The Nervous Wreck	20	12	8	108	92	9	24
Cheers Bar	20	8	12	86	116	9	16
Captain Morgan’s	20	7	13	81	122	9	14
Buffalo Jack’s	20	7	13	85	123	7	14
The Clinic	20	4	16	76	121	9	8
Palmer’s Bar	20	4	16	59	132	3	8
W. Tankies	20	3	17	78	125	13	6
Results:  Buffalo Jack’s (5-0)-(6-1) v W. Tankies, Captain Morgan’s (4-0)-(5-1) v The Nervous Wreck, Cheers Bar (3-1)-(4-0) v Mee Chew Bar, Palmer’s Bar (1-0)-(4-1) v Yates’ Bar, The Clinic (3-0)-(7-1) v Londoner, The Rising Sun (4-1)-(3-0) v i-Rovers

John Kepplers Cider Pool League

Results & Standings April 17

Team	Pts.	For	Against	Diff.
Darkside	39	131	77	54
Panitas/Outback	39	131	77	54
Barking Frog	30	121	87	34
Brasshouse	30	121	87	34
Pats Bar	30	109	99	10
Pats Rest	27	106	102	4
Siam Country	27	93	109	-16
Billabong	18	89	106	-17
Serenity	15	77	112	-35
Ice Star	9	75	133	-58
Happy Day	6	37	41	-4
Lucky Bar	0	81	141	-60
Results:  Ice Star 5 v 8 Barking Frog, Happy Day 6 v 7 Siam Country, Brasshouse 6 v 7 Pats Bar, Darkside 9 v 4 Lucky Bar, Billabong P-P Serenity, Panitas/Outback 9 v 4 Pats Rest

Crumpton Cider Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings April 8 (week 19)

Team	P	W	L	B/legs	Pts.
Londoner	19	16	3	13	32
Yates Bar	19	14	5	14	28
Mee Chew Sports Bar	19	13	6	9	26
i-Rovers	19	12	7	14	24
Nervous Wreck	19	12	7	13	24
Crazy Eddies	19	12	7	10	24
Legends Sports Bar	19	10	9	12	20
Jantha Coffee House	19	9	10	9	18
Mai’s Bar	19	9	10	7	18
Shoot Pool A	19	7	12	10	14
Scandalic	19	7	12	5	14
Buffalo Jack’s	19	6	13	7	12
Shoot Pool B	19	5	14	7	10
W. Tankies	19	1	18	4	2
Results:  Buffalo Jack’s (5-0)-(6-1) v Legends Pool & Sports Bar, Crazy Eddies (5-0)-(8-1) v Londoner, Jantha Coffee House (5-1)-(4-0) v Shoot Pool A, Scandalic (1-0)-(9-1) v Nervous Wreck, Shoot Pool B (0-0)-(7-1) v i-Rovers, W. Tankies (3-0)-(6-1) v Mee Chew Sports Bar, Yates Bar (3-0)-(4-1) v Mai’s Bar

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings April 9 (week 14)

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Easy R-con Bar	14	10	3	1	68	33
Pook’s Bar	14	10	1	3	48	31
Links Bar	13	9	1	3	48	28
Legends Pool	14	8	2	4	34	26
George & Dragon	14	8	2	4	20	26
Crazy Eddie’s	13	5	1	7	-26	16
Classroom	13	3	3	7	-30	12
Buffalo Jacks	12	2	2	8	-36	8
FCUK	14	2	1	11	-66	7
Queen Vic	13	1	2	10	-60	5
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 15 v 5 Queen Vic, Easy R-Con Bar 15 v 5 Classroom, FCUK 11 v 9 Buffalo Jacks, George & Dragon 8 v 12 Pook’s Bar, Legends Pool 8 v 12 Links Bar