Gasson’s swan-song overwhelms sailors at 10th anniversary Top of the Gulf Regatta

End of an era as TOG Regatta founder signs-off in style

The 10th anniversary Top of the Gulf (TOG) Regatta took place at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Na Jomtien from May 2-5 and saw a record fleet of over 420 craft and some 1,000 sailors from 30 countries take part. For a full report on the regatta

Peter Cummins

At the awards ceremony for the Ocean Marina’s 10th Top of the Gulf Regatta, held on the splendid fore-shore of the marina last week, Willian J Gasson (Bill), the founder and director of the event for the past decade, announced his retirement - his own “swan song”- so to speak, at the helm of the regatta.

Supatra Angkavinijwong, Deputy Managing Director of Ocean Property Co., Ltd., (left) bestows an admiral’s cap on Bill Gasson to mark the TOG Regatta founder’s final year in charge of the event. (Photo/TOG Regatta)

In the golden glow of a beautiful Pattaya sunset, man-about-the-gulf, Bill told the gathering of competitors and sailing aficionados that he was passing on the burdens of organizing such an event to the Ocean Marina management. But, during his address, someone slipped an admiral’s cap on his head: “OK, I take the hint,” said Bill, “I shall stay on as a consultant for future regattas.” The assembled sailors, supporters, sponsors and managers shouted their approval.

Sarawut Phetsiri (center) won the Double-Handed Monohull Dinghy Class with crewmate Totsapon Mahawichean.

Bill has founded regattas along Thailand’s coasts, from Phuket through Koh Samui, to the Eastern Seaboard, for some three decades, competing in many and winning the most prestigious Phuket King’s Cup on five occasions.

He figured, after establishing the first two, that the Pattaya-Jomtien littoral had the best sailing conditions and wind patterns. Thus, the Top of the Gulf Regatta was ‘launched’, so to speak..

10th Top of the Gulf Regatta

This year’s TOG Regatta featured a record fleet of over 420 craft and some 1,000 participants, from 30 countries. Winds were varied, ranging from a becalmed sea to front-line squalls and horrendous wind shifts. These conditions challenged principal race officer Denis Thompson and his team, as well as the sailors, and kept them all on “full alert”.

The Singaporean crew on ‘Nahm Prix’ fight to raise the spinnaker.

Most of the following story covering the regatta, has been extracted from the coverage of Infinity Communications – one of the many press and media teams covering the event. These included Radio Mix 88.5 FM, SEA Yachting, Pattaya Mail, The Big Chilli, YachtStyle, Helm Superyacht Magazine and Guy Nowell Photography.

The Regatta was managed through the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and Pattaya City.

IRC-3 boats head downwind under full sail.

Leading global brands and local businesses supported the regatta and included host sponsor Ocean Marina Yacht Club and Ocean Property, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways, Boon Rawd-Singha Beer, Siam Winery – Mont Clair and Gulf Charters.

Suppliers/sponsors included Krungsri Bank, Minor Group, The Pizza Company and Dairy Queen, QBE Insurance, Coca Cola, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, GFS foods, Neil Pryde, Lucaris Glassware, Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, Buzzcats and MRI-Media Representation International.

‘Magic Dragon’ races to the mark.

The Top of the Gulf Regatta is the only multi-class sailing event of its kind in Asia, featuring the Coronation Cup for Platu one-design yachts, the Thailand Optimist National Championships, and for the first time, the RS-One Asian Windsurfing Championship.

RS:One is an exciting one-design racing class featuring Neil Pryde’s “One sail, One board” concept, with all competitors competing at the same level using the same equipment – a level playing field - to coin a sporting term. And it was evident at the 2014 RS:One Asian Championships how close the racing is, with the top male and top female windsurfers just metres apart throughout.

The TOG Regatta grows from strength to strength as it sails full speed into its second decade.

This new and very challenging aspect of racing, was dominated by Hong Kong and Thailand and was extensively reported in last week’s Pataya Mail.

The ‘big’ boats’

In these classes, tricky winds with massive shifts, storm fronts and, occasionally dead calms over the regatta’s duration challenged all competitors; men, women, boys and girls.

Optimists battle for favourable wind at the start line. (Photo/Captain Marty)

Competition was intense in the many keelboat classes. IRC-1 was won by Aussie Peter Ahern (OI!) with Royal Varuna sailor Kevin Whitcraft (Wan Ma Rang) joining the fray late in the event.

IRC-2 Class also featured close racing with Singapore entry Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady Vl (last year’s winner), beating Yasuo Nanamouri’s Japanese entry Karasu.

Scott Duncanson and his platu crew from ‘Kingdom Property’ celebrate victory in the 2014 Coronation Cup. (Photo/TOG Regatta)

Thailand’s Colin Lim (Hi Jinks) won the IRC-3 Class from Jean Rheault (Souay l) and David Bell’s Magic. All three competitors sailed under Thai flags.

Cruising Class saw the consistent Amanda, helmed by Sweden’s Lennart Fahlgren, winning out ahead of Thai entry Sansiri Windstar, helmed by Patinyakorn Buranrom in second, with Japan’s Tai Two, helmed by Yasunori Osad, third.

Sutida Poonpat (center) holds the trophy after winning the Optimist National Championships. (Photo/TOG Regatta)

Competing for the Coronation Cup, to celebrate His Majesty’s accession to the Thai Throne on the fifth of May, 1959, Aussie perennial champion Scott Duncanson dominated the one-design Platu keelboat class, helming Kingdom Property to victory. Fellow Aussie Chris Way was second on Easy Tiger lV, with Dutch entrant Rolf Heemskerk taking third on Team ViewPoint.

Yet another Aussie, Peter Wilcox, Mojo, finished in style in the Ocean Multihull class with a win on the final day on corrected time over host Ocean Marina CEO Kirati Assakul’s, Sonic, whose second place in the race was enough to secure the class title by a single point over fellow Thai multihull sailor Radab Kanjanavanit’s Cedar Swan.

Some of SE Asia’s best windsurfers took part in the RS-One Asian Windsurfing Championships. (Photo/TOG Regatta)

On the dinghy courses, the final day’s wind made for a frantic finish with two races completed by most fleets. Keerati Bualong showed his class throughout, to defend his Single-Handed Monohull Dinghy class title while the top Thai female Laser Radial sailor was Kamolwan Chanyim.

Defending champions in the Double-Handed Monohull Dinghy class, Navee Thamsoontorn/Nut Butmarasri, were convincingly beaten this year and, despite two wins on the last day for Sittisart Ponpan/ Peerapol Vesaka, it was not enough to unseat new class winners Totsapon Mahawichean/Sarawut Phetsiri.

‘Naid’ gets ahead of ‘Team ViewPoint’ on Day 1 of the Coronation Cup.

In the Hobie Tiger/Nacra F18 class, it was the pairing of Damrongsak Vongtim/Kitsada Vongtim that out-sailed the rest to claim the crown.

The future of sailing and yacht racing in the Kingdom appears to be secure, judging by the large number of junior sailors at the Top of the Gulf Regatta this year. Some 132 Optimist dinghies, sailed by under 16-year-old boys and girls, faced the rigours of fickle conditions, with light, shifting winds interspersed with storm fronts growling on the horizon, to compete in the annual Thailand Optimist National Championships.

The Royal Thai Navy leads ‘The Ferret’.

Many youngsters have used the Optimist as a stepping stone in the past and a superb grounding in the sport before moving on from the tiny trainer to compete in bigger craft and represent Thailand in numerous world class events, including Olympiads.

In this, the 39th sailing of the Optimist National Championships, it was Thai girl Sutida Poonpat who won the title on the final day, ahead of fellow Thai national team sailor Suthon Yampinid in second.

IRC-1 winner ‘Oi!’ races upwind.

Next year’s Top of the Gulf Regatta will take place from 01 to 05 May, to be managed by the Ocean Marina Yacht Club and Ocean Property. In the meantime, Ocean Marina Harbour Master Scott Finsten announced that the third – and, biggest so far – Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, will be held in the last week of November, 2014.

Full results of the 2014 Gulf Regatta, are available at www.topofthegulfregatta.com.

Grand Final victory completes Pattaya Cricket Club’s perfect season

Pattaya Cricket Club skipper Simon Philbrook (center) holds the 2nd division champions’ trophy as he celebrates with teammates following Pattaya’s 9 run win over Indorama at the Harrow International School in Bangkok, Sunday, May 11.

The climax to a memorable season for Pattaya Cricket Club, affiliated with the Pattaya Sports Club, was achieved with an exciting 9 run victory in the Grand Final last Sunday at Harrow International School. Pattaya Cricket Club fittingly played Indorama CC in the final, as they had been the two dominant teams throughout this season’s Bangkok Cricket League. After a fraught minibus journey that saw the PCC team arrive at the ground only 10 minutes before the scheduled start time, Simon Philbrook, the club captain, ran to the wicket to toss the coin. PCC were asked to bat first with an outfield that was very damp in parts and looked extremely lush after heavy overnight rain. Scoring was always going to be difficult in the humid conditions and Venky (6) soon perished, caught in the covers. John Speirs (7) also found runs hard to come by against the very quick and at times hostile opening bowlers. But John Giuffrida was looking his characteristic, dogged self and when joined by his fellow Aussie countryman Dave Callick, along with a few carefully selected antipodean words of encouragement, the pair began to steer the innings in the right direction.

Dave Callick (center) won the man of the match award following his fine performance with both bat and ball.

At 74/2 in the 15th over PCC were well placed for a last 10 over acceleration. John G (54) eventually fell to the impressive Amand (3/18) but Dave (50no) continued the momentum by regularly finding the boundary as PCC closed on 138/5.It was a competitive total but the PCC bowlers would have to bowl at their very best. Salman (2/24) and Thomas Manoj (0/26), despite some early wides, duly obliged as the Indorama batsmen also found the conditions challenging.
Dalip (13) was trapped lbw by Salman who then clean bowled an over-expansive Sumeet (5). The wily off-spin of John Speirs (1/9) was too much for Rachit (15) and PCC had reduced their opponents to 46/3 by the 11th over.
In came Dhiraj, the centurion from the league encounter earlier in the season and PCC knew his was the key wicket. Dhiraj soon raced to 24 and with the score at 91/3 in the 17th over the game was truly in the balance. To follow his fine batting innings Dave Callick, bowling full and straight, changed the game in the space of 2 overs as he removed Dhiraj lbw and Irish Ian (14). Supported admirably by 16 year old Hamza (0/16) and Andy Emery (0/23), Dave (3/26) completed his man of the match performance to restrict Indorama to 129/6 as PCC won by a slender but controlled 9 runs.It was the perfect end to a perfect season as PCC remained unbeaten in all league and cup games.
“It has been a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding season for everyone associated with the club. It is fantastic for a club that was formed as recently as January 2010 to finish the season unbeaten in all competitions and is undoubtedly the highlight in the club’s brief history,” said PCC chairman and captain Simon Philbrook. PCC’s next cricket event is the PCC Super 8’s, in association with Pattaya Sports Club, at the Thai Polo Ground on Saturday 31st May and 1st June. This is an 8-a-side tournament with the Premier League champions the Southerners CC, Siam CC and the British Club joining PCC in a 2-day competition in a fast and furious version of the game that promises to be exciting from the start.PCC would like to express their gratitude to the Pattaya Sports Club for the invaluable support throughout the season, without which much of the year’s success would not have been possible.For more information on all fixtures and events please see the club website: www. pattayacricketclub.com or visit the clubs Facebook page.

Pattaya celebrates festival of rugby at Chris Kays Memorial 10’s

Phuket Vagabonds and Mosquitoes F team go head to head in the Chris Kays Cup final at Horseshoe Point, Sunday, May 4. (Photo courtesy Harpic Bryant)

The region had been sweltering in the hottest weather of the year so far and the forecast for Pattaya over the weekend of 3rd and 4th May was that it would be even hotter, with a high possibility of thunder showers. However none of this deterred the teams that gathered at the Tavern by the Sea on Friday night, on the eve of the 14th edition of the Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament.
Jim Howard, Chairman of the Pattaya Panthers, had warned all the players to expect a very steamy weekend and to remember to keep well hydrated and drink lots of water! Well, most of the teams certainly did that but many of them chose to indulge in the amber fluid variety in the name of good health!
Teams had travelled from as far away as Australia, Cambodia and Hong Kong and they were all determined to play hard, fast running rugby, not only on the field but, as they demonstrated under the watchful eye of General Manager Brendan Daly of the Amari Orchid Resort, off the field as well.

Phuket Vagabonds pose with the trophy after winning the Cup final at the 14th Chris Kays Memorial Pattaya Rugby 10’s tournament at Horseshoe Point Resort, Sunday, May 4. (Photo courtesy Harpic Bryant)

Saturday dawned bright and sunny and the facilities at Horseshoe Point were in perfect condition, tents had been erected around the playing area creating the amphitheatre like atmosphere for which this tournament is now famed. The facilities around the ground were ready to cater to the expected hordes of players and spectators alike and there was even a children’s area complete with bouncy castle to keep the little ones occupied whilst mummy and daddy enjoyed the rugby.
Steve Mines from the British Pie Shop was already busy baking fresh pies to cater to the hungry hordes and with his trusty assistants he was also cooling down vast quantities of cider that had proved such a hit in previous years.

Kingdom Property CEO Nigel Cornick (center) and tournament organizer Jim Howard (right) present the junior Plate trophy to the captain of the Thepsirin Samutprakarn team. (Photo courtesy Harpic Bryant)

The Horseshoe Point playing field was in excellent condition thanks to the hard work of Khun Thatree and the ground staff. Our sincere thanks was also due to the Management of Contract Resources (CR Asia) who had provided all the tents, which were to prove very welcome as shade from the heat and the rain that was bound to come.
16 rugby teams from all over Thailand and other parts of the world had arrived in Pattaya to contest what has become one of the principal 10-a-side tournaments in the region. There were many familiar faces returning to try and capture some of the silverware however there was also a very welcome appearance from some new clubs, proof that rugby is gaining in popularity in the Kingdom.
Proceedings were once again to be controlled by David Viccars and his band of merry referees, under the watchful eye of Mark Coombs as Tournament Director with the statistics under the control of Jeff Powers.
The teams were divided into 4 groups and Saturday’s games were played in a round-robin format to determine the ranking for the various knockout tournaments. In the rather warm conditions hard and fast running rugby was the order of the day for the Thais and rucking and mauling for the larger and more mature foreign players. Most games went to form as expected and there were strong performances from all of the Thai teams, especially the Thai Mosquitoes and the Royal Thai Air Force, unfortunately as luck would have it these 2 teams were destined to meet in the quarterfinal of the Cup tournament so one of them would be eliminated.
The Phuket Vagabonds made everybody sit up and take notice as they won all of their group games without anybody scoring against them. The Southerners, Royal Thai Air Force and the Bangkok Bangers were the other group winners.
Host team Pattaya Panthers stunned everybody, including themselves, by playing out of their skins and actually finished second in their group on points scored, with 2 victories and a draw against the group winners the Southerners, thus qualifying for the Cup competition. Elephant Brutal Surin, Thai Mosquitoes F team and the Bangkok Japanese made up the quarter final lineup for the Cup competition.
The Bangkok University, Thammasat, Valley Griffins and the Hong Kong Scottish led the way into the Plate competition. The participants in the Bowl and Shield would not be decided until the Cup and Plate quarter finals were completed.
Following the departure of the mature rugby players it was the turn of the youth, this year’s tournament was for the under 16’s age group and was sponsored by the Kingdom Property Group. It was very gratifying to see the return of many of the boys who had played last year at under 15’s and the improvement in their fitness and technique was a delight to see.
There were 8 teams contesting the trophy and a new team from Bangkok under the banner of the Bangkok Barbarians led the way. Spectators who stayed on were treated to some of the finest pure rugby of the weekend played by the boys. For many of them it was a great experience to be playing under floodlights for the first time.
After a hard days play, cooling off in the pool was obligatory and a strong start was made on some of the mighty hangovers that were to be seen the following morning.
Sunday dawned and the weather provided perfect and cooler conditions for rugby. The youngsters once again showed their paces and produced some outstanding rugby, with Surrawittyakarn Surin again emerging as winners of the Kingdom Property Trophy, beating the Bangkok Barbarians in a thrilling final, while Thepsirin Samutprakarn took the Plate from Ratchaborikarnukroh Ratchaburi. It was then on to the main tournament.
Due to the Chairman’s carefully crafted draw the teams that had qualified for the Cup and Plate competitions were required to play early as the losers from first round knockout games then dropped down into the next competition. Amazingly the Panthers, who had surpassed all expectations in qualifying for the Cup, were there early and with a full complement of fit players!
As the games were ticked off, interspersed by some short sharp rain showers, the plot for this year’s tournament began to slowly unfold. The Phuket Vagabonds led the way into the Cup semi-finals with Thai Mosquitoes F team, The Southerners and the hosts filling the other spots. This meant that they could all now take a well earned rest while the battles for the minor trophies continued.
In the Plate we saw some fine performances from the Royal Thai Air Force F15’s, and the Bangkok Japanese, whilst the Bangkok Bangers struggled to squeeze past Thammasat University and Stade Khmer surprised even themselves to beat Elephant Brutal. This of course meant that Hong Kong Scottish, Valley Griffins, Thammasat Univesity and Elephant Brutal would now contest the Bowl semi-finals.
The semi-finals went mostly to form with Phuket Vagabonds overcoming the host Panthers and Mosquitoes F team dispatching The Southerners in a one sided game. In the Plate, the Bangkok Japanese finally succumbed to the Royal Thai Air Force and Stade Khmer’s fine run was ended by the much more experienced Bangkok Bangers.
There were some very tight battles in the Bowl where the Hong Kong Scottish prevailed over their Hong Kong cousins, the Valley Griffins, and Thammasat University ended Elephant Brutal’s quest for more silverware.
The Shield was won by the Bangkok University in a fierce contest with newcomers Khon Kaen Blue Hawks, with the more experienced university team finally running out the winners 14-7.
In the Bowl, Hong Kong Scottish managed to get their all-round game flowing but could not breakdown the stubborn defence of the Thammasat University who matched them in all phases of the game, which ended all square after to allotted normal time. Finally Hong Kong Scottish took advantage of the “Golden Score” rule in extra time and kicked a penalty to win the Bowl.
In the Plate it promised to be just as exciting and hard fought as the vastly experienced Bangkok Bangers took on the newly emerging Royal Thai Air Force F15’s. However it turned out to be something of a mismatch as the younger and fitter fliers had some real ‘fliers’ on the team and they literally ran away with the match and the Plate, winning quite easily 31-0.
So the stage was set and the Cup final was to be between the resurgent Phuket Vagabonds and the new pretenders, The Mosquitoes F team. It was an absolutely cracking final in which no quarter was asked or given. The Thai boys displayed total commitment, great handling and superior fitness and tackled like demons but the Phuket Vagabonds with their older and more experienced heads in the team managed to hold out and used what little ball they did secure to full advantage, eventually winning a very tense and exciting final by the narrowest of margins. The Vagabonds triumphed 10-7, so for at least a year, the Chris Kays Trophy will be staying in Phuket.
After the final whistle everybody crashed into the pool and the presentations were made to all trophy winners by Jim Howard the Chairman of Pattaya Panthers RFC. He also presented the prestigious Chris Kays Award, for the person contributing most to the tournament on and off the field. For the first time in the history of the award it was given to a team rather than an individual as the Stray Cats gained some reward for their unenviable record of never having won a game. The player of the tournament meanwhile was Somsak Mitlux from the Royal Thai Air Force.
A vote of thanks is due to all the organizers supporters and sponsors without whom a tournament like this could not happen: Kingdom Property sponsors of the Youth Tournament, Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya, Cranes and Equipment Asia Ltd., AusGroup Corporation, Manpower Thailand, Jardine Shipping, Hemaraj Land, Societe Generale de Surviellance, Lord Edward Devereux, Casper the anonymous benefactor, The British Pie Shop, Your Pools and Conor’s Bar and Phoenix Pacific Inc.
Also a big vote of thanks to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for the first aid and medical attention, Pattaya Mail for printing the programme and media exposure and of course Horseshoe Point for providing a perfect venue and Mr. and Mrs Rock and Roll, for the sounds and music.
Finally all those who made the trek to Horseshoe Point to play, spectate, eat and drink and played however small a part in making the weekend such a success. Thank you all very much for we couldn’t have a tournament without you.

Coco Club scores narrow win over RSBC in Bangkok

Derek from the Coco Club (left) accepts the RBSC history volume from Ken, the RBSC Lawn Bowls Chairman.

The Coco Club near Pattaya was invited to take part in a friendly lawn bowls challenge at the exclusive Royal Bangkok Sports Club on Saturday, May 3.
Initially planned to feature 6 triplet groupings on each side, both teams were over-subscribed and an additional foursomes match had to be hurriedly organized, with the RBSC staff working on Thursday afternoon and evening to split the green and prepare a 7th rink.
Coco’s teams included the best ladies and men Thai players and some very good expat club members living in Thailand, and we put one of each in all the teams.

Both teams pose for a group photo prior to the start of the match.

The morning practice session got underway with a casual mixed team event to break the ice and Coco’s players had to adapt to a very different set of playing conditions. RBSC veterans Tiria and Somkiet were in exceptional form in early morning games.
The rink speed was 11 seconds compared to 12 at Coco but the Bangkok rinks were 6 metres longer so a little more power and oomph was needed as all our players were bowling short for half an hour. Luckily the morning was a little cloudy to restrict the outside temperature so nobody was overheating at this point.
After practice and a light lunch everyone was ready and the RBSC then brought out their extra “professionals” to replace some of the morning casuals.
At 2.15pm the draw was made and the game of 18 ends was on, with Coco winning the mats to start. After 9 ends - halfway - it was 4-3 in Coco’s favour, an advantage they held through to the end but by then the temperature had risen to 40 degrees and it was getting tough. Even some of our Thais were getting a suntan.
As soon as the game was finished everyone headed straight for a cool shower and drink at the bar, which was followed by a superb dinner and a special offer from our hosts of 300 baht a head for free flow beer - which went down very well.
The presentations were made with Coco Club receiving a fine litre of whisky and a momento of the RBSC’s history and in reply a unique home adapted trophy was presented to the RSBC in the hope of this being a yearly event. The whisky was not opened - otherwise our team would never have made the bus back.
We thank the RBSC for their hospitality and look forward to a rematch at Coco’s in November.
Ah, yes, the final score was RSBC 3 wins & 118 points – Coco 4 wins & 120 points, and the strategy of splitting e the best Thai ladies and men into different teams worked as they all won their games, with a little help from their team mates.

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings May 5 (week 11)

Division 1
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
The Butchers Arms	10	8	2	20	1	25
Shoot Pool	8	6	2	24	1	19
Legends Pool	9	6	3	12	1	19
Links Bar	8	5	3	17	1	16
Pook’s Bar	10	5	5	-5	0	15
Shoot Pool ‘B’	11	5	6	-17	0	15
Nicky’s Bar	8	4	4	-3	1	13
Sweethearts Bar	8	4	4	-8	0	12
Offshore Bar	11	3	8	-19	1	10
Acorn Pub	9	0	9	-21	2	2
Results:  Acorn Pub A-W Legends Pool, Shoot Pool 10 v 3 Offshore Bar, Shoot Pool ‘B’ 7 v 10 Nicky’s Bar, Sweethearts Bar 2 v 10 Links Bar, The Butchers Arms 10 v 6 Pook’s Bar
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
The Caddyshack	10	9	1	45	1	28
Cheers Bar	10	9	1	24	0	27
Rest Stop	10	8	2	25	0	24
The Ranch	9	7	2	-1	0	21
Classroom	11	6	5	-14	0	18
Dean’s Bar	11	4	7	-12	1	13
ANZAC Sports Bar	10	3	7	-19	2	11
Buffalo Jacks	11	3	8	-19	0	9
i-Rovers	9	2	7	-29	1	7
Team Pulled Out	11	0	11	0	0	0
Results:  ANZAC Sports Bar P-P Cheers Bar, Rest Stop 10 v 9 Dean’s Bar, Team Pulled Out A-W Buffalo Jacks, The Caddyshack 10 v 2 Classroom, The Ranch 10 v 5 i-Rovers

Oscar’s Sports Bar Wednesday Darts League

Results & Standings May 7 (week 2)

Team	P	W	L	Bonus	Diff.	Pts.
Buffalo Jack’s	2	2	0	14	4	4
Oscar’s MC Sports Bar	2	2	0	14	4	4
Legends Sports Bar	2	2	0	11	7	4
Mai’s Bar	2	1	1	10	8	2
Jantha Coffee	2	1	1	8	10	2
i-Rovers ‘A’	2	1	1	8	10	2
Yates ‘Bar	2	0	2	6	12	0
i-Rovers ‘B’	2	0	2	5	13	0
The Clinic	1	0	1	3	6	0
W. Tankies	1	0	1	2	7	0
Results:  Buffalo Jack’s (7-1)-(2-0) v i-Rovers ‘A’, Jantha Coffee (5-1)-(4-0) v Mai’s Bar, Yates’ Bar (4-1)-(5-0) v Legends Sports Bar, i-Rovers ‘B’ (2-1)-(7-0) v Oscar’s MC Sports Bar

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings May 7 (week 17)

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Easy R-Con Bar	17	13	3	1	88	42
Links Bar	16	11	2	3	72	35
Pook’s Bar	17	11	2	4	48	35
Legends Pool	16	10	2	4	42	32
George & Dragon	17	9	2	6	16	29
Crazy Eddie’s	15	6	1	8	-26	19
FCUK	17	4	1	12	-68	13
Classroom	16	3	3	10	-48	12
Buffalo Jacks	15	2	2	11	-56	8
Queen Vic	16	2	2	12	-68	8
Results:  FCUK 13 v 7 Queen Vic, George & Dragon 8 v 12 Easy R-Con Bar, Links Bar 16 v 4 Classroom, Pook’s Bar 12 v 8 Buffalo Jacks

George edges Cottee on count-back

PSC golf from The Billabong Golf Bar

Friday’s top 4: John, Don, Cottee and Barney.

Wednesday, May 7, Green Valley - Stableford
What a pleasant surprise we got when we arrived at Green Valley to be told we were playing St Andrews instead. There were a couple of “too hard for me, we will go somewhere else” comments to be heard, which is quite alright as it is a tough course and doesn’t take prisoners. Some were playing it for their first time and found it to be a tough challenge, which reflected in the scores, but others didn’t have much trouble at all.
We all thought the cloud was too high for it to rain but we got wet about the 6th hole, much too far away to go to shelter so we just played on and got a bit of a drenching. The rain didn’t last long although it did contribute to making it a long day on the course, a six hour round with some holes having four groups waiting on the tees.
We had a happy birthday today with Auke sponsoring nearest the pins on all par three’s, which were taken by Steve Kilner, Wayne Cotterell, Paul Greenaway and the birthday boy himself Auke. Greig Ritchie had to stop playing after five holes as he pulled a muscle in his back and was in too much pain so he became the advisor for his partner, Alan Beck, and with his experience as a top golfer his advice was invaluable as they only lost the front nine of out private match by four, the back nine by five, and the match by nine. Not a bad effort and I know why you told him to B off after 11 holes Becky.
Taking fifth place on the podium today was Owie with 36 points while fourth went to Eng Cotterell with 37. The top three saw Bob Philp in third with 39 points, and George Barrie shading Wayne Cotterell for first place after both tied on 40 points each.
There was only one ‘2’ and yes you’re right, it had to be Cottee that got it.
Friday, May 9, Greenwood - Stableford
The traffic going up the 331 today was diabolical but when we finally got to the course we found it to be in great condition, although the golf scores were something else again. There was not one player that matched his handicap and with the shortest par three being about 175 yards it was a tough day for some.
It was good to see John O’Keefe back after getting a new knee and playing so well and we said goodbye today to Paul Rogers who was heading back to Australia.
It was a hot day and the sky had some high cloud but you knew a storm was coming sooner or later. One of our caddies said it would rain at 2 o’clock but she was wrong; we’d just got finished and were having a beer in the clubhouse at approx. 1.50 and down it came.
The scores went from 19 points up to 35 maximum with Wayne Cotterell taking fourth place on 32 , third went to Don Wilson with 34, second to John O’Flynn, playing off scratch, on 35 points, but he just lost out on a count back to Barney Clarkson.
There were no ‘2’s recorded today.
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.

Gott shines brightest at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Ray Gott, Kari Aarnio and Wilf Latham.

Monday, May 5, Greenwood – Stableford
We had been told the A and B nines here were in really good shape and this proved to be correct with many good comments coming in from our crowd.
Two 38’s topped both divisions with Lindsay Phillips winning division 1 and Kari Aarnio division 2. Kim Hewton was second behind Lindsay in the premier flight, beating Allan Hansen 12/9 on the back six after they both scored 16 on the back nine with 33 each overall.
Burnie Sinclair filled the runner-up spot in division 2, one point behind Kari on 37 points and Colin Phillips took third with 33.
Near pin prizes were claimed by Terry Madsen, Mark Potton, Iain Speirs (2), Alan Bissell and Burnie Sinclair.
Terry Madsen birdied B2 for the only ‘2’ of the day so a rollover in division 2 to Green Valley.
Thursday, May 8, Green Valley – Stableford
There were seven groups out today with the equal cut at 8-17 and 18+ in the two divisions.
There were a few rumblings on the first tee box as to which tee we should use as we were starting out over the water. The next time we are here we shall alternate to another tee marker to try and keep everyone happy.
Khalifa Nasser recorded the best score of the day, winning division 1 with 37 points and in second place Wilf Latham beat Terry Madsen 19/16 on count back after they both shot 34 points each.
Alan Bissell was the winner in division 2 with 35 points while Kari Aarnio took second one point behind and Odd Holm Hansen was third on 31.
Near pins went to Khalifa Nasser, Lindsay Phillips, Mark Potton, Pete Sumner, Keith Hector and Walter Weber.
Pete Sumner birdied the 12th for the only ‘2’ in division 1 while Keith Hector and Tom Novak both birdied the 8th to share the pot in division 2.
It was great to see Keith and Nar Hector back again.
Friday, May 9,
Eastern Star - Stableford
The cut today was 8-15 in division 1 and 16+ in division 2 with six groups out, and recording his best round ever with us in four years was Ray Gott, playing off 31, who won division 2 with 39 points. Walter Weber came in second on 38 and Frank Kelly beat Alan Hansen and Glyn Evans 16/16/15 and 11/10 on the back six to finish third with 31 points.
Wilf Latham won division 1 with 35 points ahead of Chris Voller in second on 33 and Karl Flood third with 32.
The course here is still improving each week especially the greens on the back nine.
Paul Butler birdied the 17th for the only ‘2’ today so a rollover in division 2 to next Friday here, our last game before our annual Hua Hin trip, and with 24 signed up it looks like a promising week.
Near pins were claimed by Paul Butler, Mark Potton, Marty Rock (2), Ray Gott, Joe Kubon and Walter Weber.
We said Bon Voyage to Mark Potton today, going back to Oz for a couple of months and he was a happy chappy today after his fourth shot ended in the right bunker on the 15th and his next shot straight into the hole for a par, but he still had to buy a round of drinks for not making the ladies tee on the eighth hole, and this is with an eleven handicap. Thanks Mark!

Darkside Thursday Darts League

Standings May 8 (week 5)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	T/G	Pts.
Chill Bar	5	5	0	31	10	5	10
Load Out	5	4	1	26	19	6	8
Moonies	5	3	2	29	16	4	6
Oscar’s Sports Bar	5	3	2	26	15	2	6
PJ’s Bar	5	3	2	22	19	2	6
CS Coffee	5	1	4	15	26	2	2
Double Top Bar	5	1	4	11	30	1	2
Bye	5	0	5	0	25	0	0
Results:  Bye (0-0)-(5-1) v CS Coffee, Chill Bar (7-1)-(2-0) v PJ’s Bar, Double Top Bar (1-0)-(8-0) v Oscar’s Sports Bar, Moonies (6-1)-(3-0) v Load Out

Darkside Tuesday Darts League

Standings May 6 (week 15)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	T/G	Pts.
Lucky Time	15	14	1	98	29	12	28
Chill Bar	15	12	3	96	39	12	24
Load Out	15	10	5	83	48	8	20
Sidahla	15	8	7	58	57	5	16
Cockerooney’s	15	7	8	71	60	8	14
Double Top	15	5	10	48	82	5	10
Double Dutch	15	3	12	36	91	5	6
BB Bar	15	1	14	13	97	3	2
Results:  BB Bar (1-0)-(8-0) v Double Top, Chill Bar (2-0)-(7-1) v Lucky Time, Load Out (6-1)-(3-0) v Double Dutch, Sidahla (0-0)-(5-1) v Cockerooney’s

It’s a waltz for Jum at the Valley

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Jum Karagit (right) with Colin Davis.

Sunday, May 4, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Nick Shaw (14) 37pts
2nd Ed Wyckoff (11) 36pts
3rd Ludovic Henninot (14) 36pts
B Flight
1st Jum Karagit (19) 45pts
2nd Colin Davis (18) 42pts
3rd Don Lehmer (21) 36pts
Near Pins: No 5 Peter Henshaw, No 8 Dave Boran, No 12 Chris Schwann, No 16 Ed Junger.
The old scribe, hard over traditionalist that he is, seldom relinquishes the title to the lady golfers in the society but a performance such as Jum’s on Sunday certainly can’t be overlooked. Jum’s near faultless 45 points contained a ‘no-score’ on the fourth hole as she nearly replicated her other half Pat’s fine 46 point effort the previous weekend.
Jum was three clear of the ‘Donkey’ who’s face looked like he was working on Blackpool beach during July holiday fortnight. His mood did change for the better however as he had a brace of ‘2’s. Don ‘the ladies man’ Lehmer’s even par round was good for the flight bronze.
In the senior circuit Nick Shaw had shown that he was riding a purple patch the previous week and that play continued this Sunday as he took the top spot on the podium with a sound 37 points. Ed Wyckoff, Ludovic Henninot, Dave Boran and Jum’s other half Pat all vied for the minor places; Ed nipped Ludovic for the silver as eddy and Pat were left coinless at sea level.
Freddy Starbeck, Dave Boran and Ed Junger shared the 2’s pot with the Donkey.
Tuesday, May 6, Khao Kheow A & C - Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Newlan (13) 34pts
2nd Freddy Starbeck (13) 33pts
3rd JP Maffray (12) 31pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (18) 34pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) 28pts
3rd Tore Eliassen (17) 28pts
C Flight
1st Ed Junger (20) 33pts
2nd Christy Knight (24) 32pts
3rd Pat Adland (23) 31pts
Tuesday’s fixture saw the society venture to the favourite of many, Khao Kheow. Both A and B Flight winners, Steve Newlan in A Flight and Colin ‘the Donkey’ Davis in B Flight, were co-men of the match with 34 points each.
In A Flight, Steve was followed in by Freddy ‘the quite one’ Starbeck a shot in arrears as Freddy in turn was a shot clear of JP Maffray and Ed ‘our man in the White house’ Wyckoff. JP’s guile and treachery made short work of Ed’s back nine but Ed did have a 2 as a bit of compensation.
The ‘Donkey’ was chased home in B Flight by Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw and Tore ‘the very quite one’ Eliassen, Peter gaining the silver after citing a lower PSC membership number.
The junior flight found the going just as difficult as Ed Junger claimed the flight honours with 33 points. Christy ‘good’ Knight was a shot back to lift the silver as Pat Adland and Christian Finnerup went head to head on 31 points, Pat edging Christian on the count back.
Steve Newlan and Freddy Starbeck shared the 2’s pot with Ed.
Wednesday, May 7, Burapha A & B - Stableford
A Flight
1st Garry Greene (9) 37pts
2nd Steve Newlan (14) 35pts
B Flight
1st Jorn Finnerup (24) 38pts
2nd Pat Adland (23) 33pts
The field is always a bit modest on the second day of the society’s back-to back fixtures and this Wednesday was no exception.
Jorn Finnerup was top man on the day and top in B Flight with a rock solid 38 points. Jorn was five clear of Pat Adland as he made it two pay window visits in as many games.
Garry Greene stood on top of the podium in the senior circuit with a solid 37 points. Standing shoulder height on the podium with Gary was Tuesday’s winner Steve Newlan.
Garry Greene, Nick Shaw, Rod Brown and Jim Elphick shared the 2’s pot.
Friday, May 9,
Crystal Bay A & C - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tom Gorey (15) 43pts
2nd Steve Newlan (14) 39pts
3rd Mikko Mutanen (14) 35pts
B Flight
1st Christian Finnerup (24) 43pts
2nd Rod Brown (16) 37pts
3rd Jorn Finnerup (24) 35pts
If it hadn’t have been for Jum’s Sunday heroics, surely the two stars of this day would have had a shot at the title slot of this article: Co. Wexford man Tom Gorey for his A Flight 43 points and B Flight’s Christian Finnerup with the same score, or maybe the man on fire, Steve Newlan, for his second place finish in A Flight with his three pay window visits this week. Rounding out A Flight was Mikko Mutanen with 35 points.
In B Flight Rod Brown found himself sandwiched between the Finnerup boys as Christian and his 43 points took the gold and Jorn the bronze with 35 points via a count back victory over Tore ‘the very silent one’ Eliassen.
Newly arrived Justin Fowlis, Gary Greene and Aiden Murray 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 provide

Culley comes up trumps at St. Andrews

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Rick Culley.

Monday 5th May was a game at Green Valley and taking top spot was Kevin Hamilton (H/cap 18) with 39 points. Second place went to Ted Gardner (9) with 33 points, just edging Ben Findon (21) into third with 32.
Wednesday was cancelled due to lack of interest since most of our regular players have gone home for a fine British summer.
Friday 9nd May was another same price swop to St Andrews and again our winner had a 6 point advantage. This time it was Rick Culley (14) taking first place with 40 points. Runner up was Bruce Tollitt (20) with 34 points, beating Mike Phillips (12) on count back..
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.

Parish pummels the field

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday’s top four with one of Bert’s finest.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, May 6, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Just another day out at a top class golf course at a great rate. Unfortunately some of us have to do this all the time, but I suppose someone has to do it so it might as well be us.
The book in went smoothly as It usually does at K.K. and we were soon at the start where we learned the test for the day would be the C & A in that order. Getting to the start of C Nine we were surprised to see a bit of a build up at the start and just before us a six-ball tried to get away, but fortunately the eagle eyed starter saw them and split them up as two three-balls.
The start of the C Nine is not nice with all that water on the left side and I have been in there more than once in the past, still on this day our group kept dry. One thing noticeable was that the wind was starting to rise and we were to be hassled by it for the rest of the round. The C is tough but our group got around fairly well, probably because we decided to play from the ‘friendly’ white tees.
Despite the tough test on the day I was expecting good scores, and I was not let down as proved by my group where 18 points on the front nine was the lowest. Ah, but how would the A Nine look after us.
The greens all the way around were slow, and the fairways were a little soft as there had been a lot of rain recently. Still, all in all, the course was a pleasure to play and despite the wind we had a great time.
Back at Bert’s the results were in and the winner with a massive 46 points for probably the best round of his golfing life was Brian Parish. This equated to a gross 75 and on the C Nine a gross 34. Great round and well done!
The rest of the players were back in the dust and had been ‘well done’. We had a count back on 37 points that saw the scribe Derek Brook in second and Mashi Kanata in third. In fourth was Graham Buckingham with 35 points on count back over Brian Gabe.
Near Pins: Mashi Kanata, Mick Coghlan, Derek Brook, AVD
Thursday, May 8, Burapha – Stableford
This was one day earlier than we normally play and was a bit of a weird day as most of the players from Tropical Bert’s were playing at Plutaluang in the Papa Ray Memorial, run by Dave Richardson, including the normal organisers.
So Tom Herrington stepped into the breach and got those who turned up at Bert’s into a mini bus and off to Burapha. There we relaxed a bit before reaching the first tee, as one does at Burapha, before being told the test for the day was to be the A & C Nines, not a bad test of golf and a great drive around as carts must be used here.
Suffice to say it was a nice day out with the only problems being a couple of holes on the C course being under repair. Apart from that it was a really fine day out and soon over as the course was fairly quiet.
Back at Bert’s it did not take long to work out the results, with all players playing quite reasonably. The winner on the day was Jim Ferris with 34 points ahead of John Hackett in second with 33. We then had a count back for third on 31 points that saw Tom Herrington in third with Walter Baechli just losing out. T.T.F.N.

Nyborg’s hot streak continues

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Thomas Nyborg.

Monday, May 5, Bangpra - Stableford
It was yet another public holiday today for Coronation Day, but we still had a good turnout of 15 players, to tackle the popular Bangpra course, which offers probably the best value for money of the local courses at the inflated holiday prices.
The weather was hot and steamy, and it wasn’t long before thunder could be heard rolling in the distance with dark clouds beginning to gather, but fortunately the storm stayed away and the round was completed without a drop of rain.
The greens today were a little slower than normal, but they always present a tough test, and it’s usually the golfer that copes with them best that comes out on top. Once again Thomas Nyborg (who isn’t renowned for his putting ability) was the only golfer to better his handicap, recording his fourth victory in his last five games. Peter Habgood continued his run of recently found form to take second place ahead of the ever consistent Mashi Kaneta.
Dave Keats had a difficult day, only just avoiding taking the wooden spoon, but did manage to claim his first near pin prize of the year on the tricky eighth hole - but we’re not able to confirm the rumour that he used his driver for the 158 yard tee shot.
1st Thomas Nyborg (20) 37pts
2nd Peter Habgood (20) 35pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (13) 34pts
Near Pins: Dave Keats, Geoff Parker and Mark Stanley.
Wednesday, May 7, St. Andrews – Stableford
Our original booking at Green Valley had to be rescheduled because the management were preparing the course for a professional competition, so we agreed to make our first visit of the year to the St. Andrews course. The compulsory buggies here deter some regulars, so it was a smaller field that set off from The Ranch on a cloudy morning with a forecast of scattered thunder storms.
The course was quiet and in great condition, apart from the tee boxes which were in the process of being cored and sanded, but the expected storm duly arrived as we played the second hole. After 30 minutes of heavy rain, the clouds began to clear and the remainder of the round was completed in good conditions as the course dried out amazingly quickly.
Peter Habgood was the best performer on the day on this demanding course and took first place, one point clear of Paul Smith. The rest of the field struggled to amass a reasonable score but your scribe was bribed not to report the names of the two players who contested the wooden spoon on a count back with 18 points.
Two of the par three holes here are rated handicap 1 and 2 on the card, and they justified their reputation as no one managed to hit the green to claim the near pin prizes.
1st Peter Habgood (19) 34pts
2nd Paul Smith (2) 33pts
3rd Colin Jones (23) 29pts
Near Pins: Geoff Parker and Colin Jones.
Friday, May 9, The Emerald – Stableford
When we last played the Emerald course four weeks ago, the greens were in terrible condition and the fairways had large areas of scruffy GUR, so it was a pleasant surprise today to find that the course had improved dramatically and was a pleasure to play again.
Fourteen golfers set off a few minutes before our scheduled tee time, but unfortunately the leading three-ball was sent out directly behind a five-ball who seemed to be out to enjoy a full day on the course and were determined not to let any groups through, so what should have been a quick round on an empty course, turned out to be a bit of a marathon.
Mashi Kaneta is never one to let slow play affect his game and he came home in first place one point ahead of Gerry Cooney. Gerry had a disappointing front nine but improved dramatically with a score of two over par gross (23 points) on the inward nine to almost snatch an unlikely victory. Peter Habgood took third place on a count back ahead of Geoff Parker, which gave Peter sufficient points to take an early lead in the May Golfer of the Month competition.
1st Mashi Kaneta (13) 37pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (13) 36pts
3rd Peter Habgood (19) 34pts
Near Pins: Gerry Cooney, Steve Durey and Thomas Nyborg
Note: The Bunker Boys play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, meeting at The Ranch on Pattaya 3rd Road at 9 a.m. and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 or go to website: www.bunkersociety.com.

Hard to get hot as temperatures rise

PSC golf from Siam Country Resort

Tuesday, May 6,
Khao Kheow - Stableford
Tuesday was a visit to Khao Kheow where we played the C & A nines, in that order. The first 6 holes or so were played without any breeze, and to say conditions were stifling would be an understatement.

Neil Harvey.

The scores reflected the difficult conditions, and although the course itself was in decent condition, it was testing. Martin Hayes (H/cap 15) led the way with a rather meagre 28 points, edging Jeff Wylie (6) on count back 16/15. Trevor and Martin shared the near pins, with Trev knocking it to less than 1 foot on A5 for a handy 2 for 5 points.
Thursday, May 8,
Mt. Shadow - Stableford
Mountain Shadow was the venue for Thursday, with the weather being a lot more conducive to golf and the course in very fine condition. We played from the blue tees at a modest 6,300 yards and with only a light breeze the holes were not playing overly long.
Jeff got some redemption from Tuesday’s poor round to lead the way home, while recently returned Neil Harvey (19) surprised himself with 31 points and second spot. Jeff and Martin shared the near pins today, with Martin making a nice 2 for 4 points, almost matching Trev’s Tuesday heroics.
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 (>60s) who have opted for the “Silver” tee option. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!

Brennan & Owen triumph at Jack’s Birthday Bash

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Birthday scramble winners: Guy Brennan & Mark Owen.

Friday, May 2,
Green Valley - Stableford

With Green Valley only being available two Fridays in five during May, the Outback decided to give Silky Oak a try, in preference to the out of favour St. Andrews. Generally, it seemed to get the thumbs up.

The monthly medal has been postponed to the 16th back on Green Valley and there is a Pro-tour the following week, when we will most likely return to St Andrews, although many of the regular caddies may not be available.

Steve Mann (runner up) with Steve Poz.

Playing from the white tees, the course is fairly short, at around 6000 yards and apart from a couple of longer water-carrys, plays a little on the easier side as reflected by the scoring as a third of the field bettered their handicap. Peter LeNoury and Pete Stonebridge headed Div A, both on 37pts with Mr LeNoury getting the nod on c/b as that man Norm finished on the podium again, to take third with 34.

Tim Knight & Andrew Fromholtz.

Andy Makara, fresh from his second place at the tough Khao Kheow, must have found this a doddle as he breezed in with a massive 44pts. Suzi followed in his footsteps, just two back on 42 with the third place going to Bob Mattes with 38.

Martin Kingswood kindly sponsored the near pins which were won by Sugar Ray (5th), Kerry Beck (7th), Bob Lindborg (14th) and Greg Hill (16th).

Peter LeNoury & Eddy Beilby.

There were four ‘2’s from Sugar Ray Handford & Andy Makara (5th) and Jimmy Little & Tim Knight (14th).

Div A (0-18)

1st Peter LeNoury (10) 37pts

2nd Pete Stonebridge (16) 37pts

3rd Norm Cheetham (13) 34pts

Div B (19+)

1st Andy Makara (26) 44pts

2nd Suzi Lawton (25) 42pts

3rd Bob Mattes (22) 38pts

Monday, May 5, Burapha – 2P Scramble

48 Outbackers joined Jack at Burapha for his Birthday Bash and even with a lot of lightning and heavy rain for over half an hour all enjoyed themselves.

The golf was a two-person scramble/ambrose on A and B from the Blue tees and once again we were not disappointed by the condition of the course and even though it was a public holiday, the pace of play was great as was the green fee rate, so thanks Mike for that.

Coming fifth with net 69.75 were Kim Danboise and Stefan Hoge who also had a birthday today. In fourth were Peter LeNoury and Eddy Beilby with net 68.75 and taking third with a net 68.5 were the last minute pairing of Andrew Fromholtz and Tim Knight, who only got together when Greg Hirst sent a text at 5:30am saying he was sick so Tim filled in.

A great level par round by Steve Mann and Steve Poznanski put them in second with net 66.5, losing on c/b to Guy Brennan and his mate from Hong Kong, Mark Owen.

After golf we returned to the Outback where Jack provided a fantastic buffet for the fifty or so people there and Jack had also arranged live music provided by Eric and Harpic and their band, known as the “Band of Smiles”; who will be back!

The music was fantastic and enjoyed by all ... especially the dancing bar staff girls who worked hard serving the many customers. An indication of the night was there were still many there after nine. Thanks to Jack’s wife Mee and all the staff for all that they did to give everyone a great and friendly time.

Near Pins were won by Bob Finley (A3), Eddy Beilby (A6), Ivan Plunkett (B3) and Guy Brennan B8).

1st Guy Brennan & Mark Owen net 66.5

2nd Steve Mann & Steve Poznanski net 66.5

3rd Andrew Fromholtz & Tim Knight net 68.5

4th Peter LeNoury & Eddy Beilby net 68.75

5th Kim Danboise & Stefan Hoge net 69.75

Wednesday, May 7, Laem Chabang - Stableford

After we had played eleven holes the heavens opened and heavy rain fell for an hour with some serious thunder and lightning but it just goes to show what a great course Laem Chabang is, as we were able to continue ten minutes after the rain stopped.

The eight Outbackers were a League of Nations with three Aussies from different states and one each from England, Scotland, America, France and Switzerland! England won the day with John O’Keefe having 30pts to win from newcomer Ludovic Henninot from France coming second with 28. Ludo also had the only ‘2’.

1st John O’Keefe (16) 30pts

2nd Ludovic Henninot (14) 28pts

Friday, May 9, Silky Oak - Stableford

Today at Silky Oak was Paul Greenaway day! Paul had 44pts, which was two over par and included a double on the last hole - two near pins and a ‘2’. Congratulations on a fantastic round Paul and thank you for the bell ring back at the bar.

Luckily for the 19 Outbackers, some cloud cover and a light breeze made the hot weather bearable. Div 2 was won by Bob Mattes with 35pts from Kim Danboise (34) and Bob Lindborg third on c/b with 33.

Paul blew the rest of the top division away with his 44pts to win at a canter from Brad Jordison (37), showing a big improvement since Weds and welcome back to Jack Butler who took third with 35.

There were three ‘2’s from David Day, Paul Greenaway and Stefan Hoge. Stefan also kindly sponsored the near pins which were much appreciated by all, thank you Stefan; the winners of which were David Day, Brad Jordison and two by Paul.

Div A (0-17)

1st Paul Greenaway (10) 44pts

2nd Brad Jordison (07) 37pts

3rd Jack Butler (15) 35pts

Div B (18+)

1st Bob Mattes (22) 35pts

2nd Kim Danboise (19) 34pts

3rd Bob Lindborg (21) 33pts

Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Ferris back in style

The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at the Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Greenwood on Monday, 5th May to celebrate Coronation Day in style on a quality course at unbeatable value for money. A large field therefore turned out to play the A and B nines which were in good condition except for some rain damage to bunkers and greens which were of varied speed and hardness on both nines.
The only cloud on the horizon was the appearance of a group of Asian novices on the tee before them and thus a three hour front nine was endured before a sharp shower served to cool golfers down and spread the field out somewhat.
It was decided to ply only one flight and John Mason, Larry Ang and Erik Anttonen all shared third place with 30 points, the latter golfer taking the ‘2’s pot for his effort on B5 during his final round third trip. Alan Flynn found himself alone in third place with 32 points whilst one point better was Japanese golfer Akifumi Tate. The winner was Jim Ferris, playing his first round for a while with the group and he showed he had lost none of his consistency this trip with an excellently crafted 36 points.
Anthony Molan had sponsored near pins on A2 and B2 and it was decided to combine both so the winner could enjoy a moment or three in Soi 6 with the voucher and spending money. And indeed it was won by Lucky Jim (Ferris)!
Wayne Morrison took the Booby Bevy for posting his scorecard and locker key in the locked caddy assessment box and Gubbi Innvaer won the bar’s consolation prize drawer.
At the end of the day the earlier delays and frustrations were mostly forgotten as the golfers cooled down into the evening with some excellent fare provided by mine hosts Peter and Shane and thoughts turned to the next day out at Bangpra.
Quality golf on show at Bangpra
On Wednesday, 7th May the Pattaya Golf Society visited one of the finest courses in the province when they visited an empty Bangpra to play a stableford competition on a course wonderfully prepared with good, well-mown fairways, fastidiously manicured bunkers and very true greens.
A humid day saw the field try to get to grips with the testing course and the players were a little surprised to find the greens slower than anticipated. The length of the tees and a strong wind mid-round put the brakes on but scores were still very respectable.
In fourth place was the returning Mark Cooper with 32 points, one point behind a rejuvenated Dave Edwards with 33 points. Alan Flynn again emphasised his consistency with a second placed 34 points whilst the best round of the day, I suspect on the whole course, was that recorded by Chris Smith. Gross 74 around Bangpra is a quality performance and the current PGS Champion really showed what his game is all about. Rarely does a golfer here strike the ball so genuinely true and long and the par five fifteenth indicated his game with a drive, a hybrid and a three foot putt for an eagle! Phew!
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the hosts’ consolation beer was won by Sam McLellan. The leading candidates for the Booby Bevy were not in attendance later in the Elephant Bar, but you can’t hide lads. Next week, na?
Bangpra had once again hosted the group who played the course with energy, application and no small amount of skill.
Honours for Sam
On Friday, 9th May, the Pattaya Golf Society visited the very customer friendly course at Crystal Bay to play a stableford event on the A and C nines and found the course in good condition with improved greens.
With low season numbers the best for years the large group started on time and competed in one flight with Mike Firkin and Akifumi Tate sharing third place with 36 points. Ahead of them was the form man at the moment, Jim Ferris, and his 38 points again indicated how a slower swing aids accuracy and distance when the wind is up.
The winner was Sam McLellan and his 39 points more than eradicated all memories of the Booby Bevy at the end his previous round. Sam also had the bonus of the day’s only birdie two, on the signature A8 par three.
Pat Murphy took the Booby Bevy after a count back with Murray Edwards for the lowest score and the presentation saw the very late award of IPGC golf bags to Dave Plaiter and Wichai Tananusorn after their festive holes in one.
Another good golfing week had drawn to an end, and the promise of more to come no doubt set the golfers up for a fine weekend.

‘Toddy’ signs off with two in a row

PSC golf from The Growling Swan

Martin Todd, Sandy Leiper & Alain Taddei.

Peter Blackburn
Tuesday, May 6, Bangpra – Stableford
As it was a Thai Public Holiday on the Monday we opted for a game the following day and Bangpra was the chosen venue. After a late withdrawal we ended up with 17 on the starting sheet and as we all assembled at the Growling Swan we welcomed Okada Michio from Japan.
Our 2 mini vans left the GS right on time at 8.30 am and arrived at the golf course 43 minutes later. After we got things sorted out we wandered down to the first tee and our first group, a three-ball, teed off 10 minutes ahead of schedule at 10.20 am in hot and humid conditions.

Martin Todd & Geri Crilly.

The skies above were looking ominous as we proceeded and with plenty of thunder and the occasional flashes of lightning we continued our round, enjoying the fine condition of the course with well grassed fairways and of course beautifully prepared greens, although I found them just a tad slower than normal. The thunder continued for most of the round but thankfully we did not get a drop of rain and we were back in the clubhouse three hours & fifty minutes later.
Martin “Toddy” Todd, one of my playing partners in the first group played some terrific golf with 15 pars and 3 bogeys and was the winner in Division A with 42 points, 8 points ahead of Mike Gosden in second spot. With 2 golfers on 32 points a count back was needed to determine third place and it was your writer, Peter “Blacky” Blackburn (18 point back nine) who prevailed over “Big” Bill Steinman (16 point back nine).
In Division B it was Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei who got the chocolates with 37 points and Ken Hole came second with 33. There were 3 golfers on 29 points vying for third place and the victorious one was John Davis (16 point back nine) from Rita Zoebelli (14 point back nine) and Volker Buley (11 point back nine).
Division A (0-13)
1st Martin Todd (9) 42pts
2nd Mike Gosden (12) 34pts
3rd Peter Blackburn (11) 32pts
Division B (14+)
1st Alain Taddei (15) 37pts
2nd Ken Hole (20) 33pts
3rd John Davis (14) 29pts
Near Pins: 2nd – Takeshi Hakozaki, 12th – Takeshi Hakozaki/Ken Hole (tied)
Long Putts: 9th – Sal Brizzi, 18th – Ebrahim
The Growling Swan NAGA Award (awarded to the golfer who has the worst score on the day) was won by Sandy “Cindy Lauper” Leiper.
Thursday, May 8, Greenwood - Stableford
Greenwood Golf Course was the chosen venue for this Thursday game and we had a good field of 21 signed up to play. After a 52 minute drive we arrived at the golf course which was practically deserted and we were allocated the A & B nines in that order and proceeded to the A1 tee.
Our first group, a three-ball, got away just 5 minutes after our scheduled 10.00 am tee time and in hot & humid conditions we commenced our round, finding the golf course in excellent conditions with some greens recently sanded but posing no problems at all.
Water intake was essential but didn’t slow us down and even though our last three holes were accompanied by thunder and some lightning we escaped the rain which commenced a few minutes after we had finished our four hours & fifteen minute round. The last few groups weren’t so lucky but managed to complete their rounds after a short rain delay.
Playing his last round in Pattaya for a couple of months, Martin “Toddy” Todd made it two in a row when he won the A Division with another fine round, scoring 39 points, 4 points ahead of “Big” Bill Steinman in second place. With 3 players on 33 points a count back was required to find out who was third and it was Gerd Riedler (18 point back nine) who prevailed over Ebrahim (15 point back nine) and your writer, Peter “Blacky” Blackburn (15 point back nine).
Division B winner was Geri Crilly with 33 points and Andrew “Turtle” Allen came second with 30 points. Another count back was required as there were 2 golfers on 29 points and it resulted in Dick “Reverend” Braimbridge (19 point back nine) finishing third with Ken Hole (13 point back nine) just missing out.
Division A (0-19)
1st Martin Todd (9) 39pts
2nd Bill Steinman (10) 35pts
3rd Gerd Riedler (8) 33pts
Division B (20+)
1st Geri Crilly (26) 33pts
2nd Andrew Allen (32) 30pts
3rd Dick Braimbridge (36) 29pts
Near Pins: A2 – Geri Crilly, A6 – Bill Steinman, B5 – Volker Buley
Long Putts: A9 – Mike Gosden, B9 – Martin Todd
The Growling Swan NAGA Award was won by Growling Swan Mine Host, Peter Grey, and he accepted the award like the good sport that he is.
Note: 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 petermalcolmblackburn @gmail.com.
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.

Good friends united at ‘Papa’ Ray Scramble

The winning team: Dick Warberg, Mike O’Brien, Henry Wong and Brian Gabe with Dave Richardson.

Derek Brook
Thursday, May 8, Plutaluang N & W - Scramble
The legend continues and gains strength as the years go by. When ‘Papa’ Ray went to the ‘great golf course in the sky’, his nephew Gary declared that he would keep Ray’s golf tournament going as long as he could, or at least until Ray would have been 100 years old, which is in fact next year. Gary was not here this year but sent his very best to all his friends and promised that next year will be a big day, and sadly probably the last, but we shall see.

Runners-up.

Dave Richardson continues to be the strength of the ‘organisation’ side, supported by his team and also by the scribe, the ever faithful recorder. The friends of ‘Papa’ Ray and Gary rallied around and many old faces came out of hiding. Particular thanks go to Bjarne and his family from The Cafe Kronberg who provided the buffet food which went down particularly well this year with the hungry golfers.
Gary was again the major sponsor and like every year before, he provided his house for the after golf party and also provided many of the prizes. I am certain his Uncle Ray would be most proud of him.

Third placed team.

Onto the day and we were playing a 2-tee start off the North and West courses, and as all who play here know, this is a really difficult 18 holes. The course, as such, was in very good condition and the fairways were well manicured and the greens well looked after and running fast and true. We also had a fair bit of wind to contend with so this would keep the scores realistic.
With a fairly light number of players on the course our group was able to get around quite quickly and we finished in good time for a 4-man scramble event.

The first group tee-off at Plutaluang.

Round over and back at Gary’s place the beer was flowing as the hungry golfers tucked into the food. Dave meantime was beavering away on the results until it was time for the presentation.
Dave, as the Emcee, firstly he thanked all who helped him, in particular Gary and his family, but also Tiger Line Golf, Good Golf, John Swanson, George Bennison, the Nielson family, Pattaya Sports Club, Plutaluang Navy Course and Pattaya Mail, and not forgetting the scribe. I will however add my thanks to Dave who has been a ‘rock’ in the golfing world in Pattaya for many years.

Bjarne prepares the food back at Gary’s place.

So to the results and in third place with a net 58.5 were Tom Thompson, Ken Price, Mike Chitwood and Darren Zuidema. Taking second were the quartet of Clive Robinson, Trevor Loersch, Kristin Helgason and Bob Rasmussen with a net 57.5 and just edging them with a net 57.2 were the winning team of Dick Warberg, Mike O’Brien, Henry Wong and Brian Gabe.
Near pin prizes went to Ken Price, Ian Pickles, Mashi Kaneta and Nigel Perry while the longest putts were recorded by Trevor Loersch and Dick Warberg.
With the presentations over it was time for Dave’s ‘lucky draw’ and most went home with something. Another great day over and roll on next year!

Don Everett is best of the week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Don Everett, Paul Young and Terry Hodgkiss.

Monday, May 5, Eastern Star - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Terry Hodgkiss (22) 34pts
2nd Markku Tynell (23) 34pts
3rd Mark Armstrong (26) 32pts
4th Vincent Gras (16) 31pts
5th Darryll Kellett (15) 30pts
Returning to Eastern Star after a break of a only a couple of days, following the hastily re-arranged fixture last Friday, helped the field slightly as the scoring was marginally better, although none of the qualifying players managed to play within two of their handicap. The CSS for the day therefore went out three strokes to 75 and the event became non-counting for upward review of handicaps, which caused the top two players on the day to see their handicaps actually reduced after not having played to their handicaps.
These two were Terry Hodgkiss, who won, and Markku Tynell in second after they had to be separated by a count back, which Terry won with a better 20 to 17. Both scores could have been better, with Terry recording a zero and four single pointers while Markku slipped in three zeros and three one-pointers. But it was a similar story almost throughout the cards, as once again many of the hopefuls just took on too much for their second shots when a cautious approach may well have paid far better dividends.
Mark Armstrong took third place a couple more strokes behind with Vincent Gras in fourth and Darryll Kellett in fifth another shot back.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before the presentations were made there was a welcome back for Vincent Gras.
Wednesday, May 7, Khao Kheow C & A - Stableford
CSS 74
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Paul Young (15) 36pts
2nd Darryll Kellett (15) 32pts
3rd Kevin Blake (7) 31pts
Division 2 (16+)
1st Vincent Gras (16) 33pts
2nd John Wood (25) 28pts
3rd Terry Hodgkiss (22) 28pts
Enough players to form two divisions enjoyed a day on what is arguably one of the best tests of golf in the region, and one that always tries the player’s patience. The requirement here is to be able to play the ball from left to right, right to left and sometimes even hit a straight one, add a plentiful supply of water and there is a great day’s golf awaiting.
Paul Young took the first division top spot with a solid even handicap round that was good enough by two to see off the challenge of Darryl Kellett, and three ahead of third placed Kevin Blake. Paul’s round was an exercise in consistency with just the one blemish of a blob balanced out with a four-pointer on the shortest hole, the fifth on the A course.
Darryl’s round meanwhile started slowly and then he suddenly awoke to take 28 points from the last twelve holes. Kevin Blake is still struggling to find the form that once made him the scourge of the south coast of England and is hopeful of finding the lost key sometime soon, but in the meantime he continues to be competitive with the current crop of players out of Soi 13.
The second division had Vincent Gras at the top of a low scoring bunch with a less than spectacular three over handicap round but he still left the nearest pair some five shots adrift. Once again Terry Hodgkiss was in the frame but this time in third place, as John Wood shattered the bookmaker’s dreams with a second place after winning a close count back with a better 17 to 16.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Paul Young added to his day’s haul with the sole one in the first division.
Prior to the presentations there was a welcome for new member Ryan Dienelt together with welcome backs for Gavin Hargrave, Ray Daws, Chris Bonython, Fred Smith and Jens Gunnarsson.
Friday, May 9, Mt. Shadow - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Don Everett (19) 37pts
2nd Markku Tynell (23) 35pts
3rd Darryll Kellett (15) 34pts
4th Trevor Schirmer (14) 33pts
5th Paul Young (15) 31pts
6th Vincent Gras (16) 31pts
The third tough round of golf in the week awaited the ever hopefuls after a quick trip up the motorway to play Mountain Shadow off the blue tees.
Don Everett added to his list of wins with an excellent showing that had the hallmarks of a great round until the short sixteenth, where he unfortunately lost it to the right off the tee, struggled to advance the ball in any direction and finally gave the hole best with a nil return, but he then recovered well to take five points from the last two for what was in the end, a very gratifying day’s golf.
Markku Tynell made it on to the podium in second place for the second time in the week with a return that also included just the one zero-pointer in an otherwise very workmanlike round.
Darryl Kellett took his third podium placing of the week, with third place, just another shot back and one ahead of Trevor Schirmer who had previously been experiencing a very quiet week apart from the long drives. Paul Young won a count back over Vincent Gras to lay claim to fifth spot with a better 15 to 14 after they had both promised much over the opening nine.
Chris Bonython and Jens Gunnarsson shared the first division 2’s pool whilst once again there were none in the second division, and with the pot now standing at well over 5k, things are getting very tense over the two footers.
Note. If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 094 567 5726 or call in to The Haven Hotel, at 185 Soi 13, between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you should be there by 8.15 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the days that you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 bowlers: La and Yeow.

Captain Tui Amphanon bowled a 540 series to lead first place VFW Post 9876 to a three point win over Bavaria.
Second place Canada won three points from Brother D led by Tue Pettae’s 540 series and Lek Reaper’s 528 pin count.
La Montgomery bowled a 214 game and 565 series and won all four points from Green Tree. La bowled by herself as her two team mates could not make it. Tao led Green Tree with a 532 series. Indiana moved from fourth to third place and Green Tree dropped to fourth.
Balloon took three points from a Café Kronborg team that is having a slow start this league. Aht Johansson bowled a 518 series for Balloon and Kran Nielsen had a 538 for Kronborg.
Yeow Gale bowling as a pacer rolled a 217 game and 544 series.

Results & Standings May 9 (week 5)
Pos.	Team	Score	Standings
1	VFW Post 9876	3-1	15-5
2	Canada	3-1	14-6
3	Indiana	4 – 0	11.5 – 8.5
4	Green Tree	0 - 4	11-9
5	Balloon	3-1	10-11
6	Brother D	1-3	8-12
7	Bavaria	1 – 3	6.5 – 13.5
8	Café Kronborg	1-3	4-16

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Standings May 5 (week 20)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/L	Pts.
Load Out	20	16	4	116	64	14	32
Jantha Coffee	20	14	6	110	70	11	28
i-Rovers ‘A’	20	13	7	114	65	16	26
Legends	19	13	6	112	58	13	26
Double Top	19	9	10	87	83	10	18
W. Tankies	20	6	14	77	103	5	12
i-Rovers ‘B’	20	2	18	39	140	3	4
Bye	8	0	8	0	72	0	0
Results:  Legends (5-1)-(4-0) v i-Rovers ‘A’, Load Out (7-1)-(2-0) v Jantha Coffee, W. Tankies (9-1)-(0-0) v Bye, i-Rovers ‘B’ (5-0)-(4-1) v Double Top

Gasson’s swan-song overwhelms sailors at 10th anniversary Top of the Gulf Regatta

Grand Final victory completes Pattaya Cricket Club’s perfect season

Pattaya celebrates festival of rugby at Chris Kays Memorial 10’s

Coco Club scores narrow win over RSBC in Bangkok

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Friday Night Pool League

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Crumpton Cider Tuesday Darts League

Oscar’s Sports Bar Wednesday Darts League

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

George edges Cottee on count-back

Gott shines brightest at Eastern Star

Darkside Thursday Darts League

Darkside Tuesday Darts League

It’s a waltz for Jum at the Valley

Culley comes up trumps at St. Andrews

Parish pummels the field

Nyborg’s hot streak continues

Hard to get hot as temperatures rise

Brennan & Owen triumph at Jack’s Birthday Bash

Ferris back in style

‘Toddy’ signs off with two in a row

Good friends united at ‘Papa’ Ray Scramble

Don Everett is best of the week

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League