Features

Pattaya residents walk, run on Visakha Bucha Day

Participants begin the walk-run event for Visakha Bucha Day on May 13 at the TAT office on Pratumnak Hill, south Pattaya.

Urasin Khantaraphan
Buddhist followers embraced the benefits of exercise as Pattaya organized a walk-run marathon for Visakha Bucha Day on May 13.
Co-sponsored by the Pattaya Run and Bicycle for Health Club and Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the “Walk, Run, and Meditate” event aimed to get Pattaya locals to care for their health and recall the life of Lord Buddha, who was born, died and reached enlightenment on Visakha Bucha Day.
Deputy Mayors Wattana Chantanawaranon kicked off the race which was participated in by more than 100 people. In Chonburi, Deputy Gov. Pongsak Preechawit opened a similar event.

Kanchanaporn Aonputta was the winner of the women’s race.

The walk-run offered 10 prizes for males under 40, 10 prizes for men over 40 and 10 prizes for women of all ages. The program called for participants to take part in a five kilometer run and/or a three kilometer walk. The route ran from the TAT office up Big Buddha Hill and down to Bali Hai pier before completing the circuit back at TAT.
Traffic was closed at just two points from 4:00-4:30 p.m.: the police booth in front of Big Buddha Hill and at the intersection under the Bali High Pier flyover.
The male under-40 winner in the 5km run was Anat Phromsaenee with a time of 20 minutes and 2 seconds while the female winner was 18-year-old Kanchanaporn Aomputta with a time of 22 minutes. In the over-40 category, Kitti Wannamalee finished first with at time of 22:01.

Leading runners in the men’s under-40 event pose with their trophies.

Roboman triathlon event set for U-Tapao debut

Enjoy a spectacular triathlon event this coming weekend, May 24-25, at U-Tapao Airport in Sattahip.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Royal Thai Naval Air Division, the Triathlon Association of Thailand and Tri Petch Isuzu Sale Co., Ltd. is launching the very first “Isuzu Roboman U-Tapao 2014” competition, to be held from 24-25 May at U-Tapao International Airport in Sattahip.
Santi Chudintra, Executive Director of the Eastern Region of TAT said, “This sporting event will be the first of its kind ever held in the environs of the U-Tapao-Pattaya-Rayong International Airport so spectators and competitors alike will get to see, and in some cases experience, the marvelous sporting facilities as well as many ecotourism and adventure activity opportunities available within the extensive grounds of the Royal Thai Naval Air Division.”
The Isuzu Roboman U-Tapao 2014 will feature two competitions – a triathlon and a duathlon – as well as a fun bike ride. The triathlon will test athletes in three different endurance disciplines: a standard or Olympic distance – a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike and a 10km run – for teams as well as individuals and a short distance – a 300m swim, a 5km bike and a 1.5km run – for team competitors.
The challenging duathlon will consist of a 10km run, a 40km bike and a 5km run.
For people who want to explore the airport and get a little exercise at the same time, the U-Tapao fun ride follows a 40km route around some of the most scenic parts of the area.
During the two days of the competition, the U-Tapao Airport will be closed to all air traffic. Manned rafts will be placed every 100m of the entire 1.5km distance of the swimming leg and a lifesaving team will be on hand, made up of 20 highly-trained “Navy SEAL” officers.
Spectators at the event can also enjoy special shows, ranging from military drills, to parachute and acrobatic air shows from the Royal Thai Navy, as well as more than 50 booths selling and exhibiting sporting, camping and trekking products.
For more information, contact TAT Pattaya Office on Tel. 038 427 667, 038 428 750, Email: [email protected] or go to website: www.roboman triathlon.com.
(Source: TAT)

Hot weather, hot round

The Backyard Golf Society

The Backyard Golf Society lads had a solid hit-out at Emerald last Friday, May 16. The weather was sweltering and everyone was glad to get back for a cold shower and beverages after the 18. The course has improved a little, recent rains have brought some green back to the parched fairways.
We had a couple of new players today in the competition. The winner was Ken with 42 points, including 25 on the front nine. A handicap adjustment is in order there for sure.
The skins were doled out well with Golden Trowel’s Boyfriend the biggest winner with 5, 3 each to Ken (have to see him in action a few times before he gets a nickname) and Dannie the Scumberger captain, 2 to The Biss (retired for the 52nd time but may go back to work again) and 1 to Irish John. The last 5 holes were drawn so a nice sweetener for next outing in the skins.
The Quiet Man was the winner of the near-pin today, something that surprised him more than anyone. Surely Diet Whiskey will be very skeptical of that result.
With the local council road boys deciding to dig up both sides of the road near the course it took a while to reach the watering-hole down the road. We were eventually joined by the Aussie sextet, their round starting late due to vision problems and terminating early at the 16th where vision returned and they did not like what they saw. Apparently the caddies saved several shots with good putting for the lads.

Schwartzel and Kiradech add star power to Chiangmai Golf Classic

Former Masters Tournament champion Charl Schwartzel and reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat will lend their star credentials to the PTT sponsored Chiangmai Golf Classic in July.

Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa will be one of the star names lining up at the Chiangmai Golf Classic from July 3-6.

Title holder Scott Hend of Australia and Korean star K.T. Kim, a multiple winner in Japan, have also confirmed their participation in the prestigious US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour tournament at the award-winning Alpine Golf Resort from July 3-6.
The powerful quartet will join US PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner of the United States who was earlier announced as the first marquee name for the Chiangmai Golf Classic, which was successfully launched last season.
Schwartzel, holder of 12 international victories including the 2011 Masters Tournament, is looking forward to a return to the ‘Land of Smiles’ as he was victorious in the 2012 Thailand Golf Championship on the Asian Tour.
The current world number 18 said: “I am looking forward to my first appearance at the Chiangmai Golf Classic. I have enjoyed some success in Thailand in the past and it would be fantastic if I can produce my best golf once again to secure my second victory in the country which I truly enjoy visiting.
“I have heard a lot of wonderful comments about the Alpine Golf Resort and also the city of Chiang Mai and I can’t wait to get there. This year, I have played some good golf but it would be great if I can land my first victory of 2014 in Thailand.”
Meanwhile, defending champion Scott Hend says he is looking forward to a return to the Alpine Golf Resort, which served up one of three victories for him last season en route to finishing second on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit behind Kiradech.
“It will be fun to defend my title against what is looking to be another strong field in July with the likes of Charl Schwartzel, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Jason Dufner and K.T. Kim taking part,” said the Aussie.
“I enjoyed winning the Chiangmai Golf Classic last year after shooting a final round of 64 to win by three shots and those are good memories to bring with me when I go back to Chiang Mai to defend my title.”

Young lady archer’s progress rewarded

Sarah is presented with “The President’s Cup” by Eric Hearn, the club’s President (and coach).

One of Pattaya Archery Club’s newest members has been awarded “The President’s Cup” for her outstanding progress from complete beginner to a competitive archer in just a few months.
The club provides fee initial coaching for anyone interested in finding out if they like to shoot a bow. Those who start from this very basic point are automatically eligible for the chance to win “The President’s Cup.” This is presented on a monthly basis to the archer who shows the most progress in the sport.
The winner for the month of May is Sarah B. She is a young lady from Scotland, who works as a teacher here in Pattaya. She wanted “something different” to do at the weekends and so decided to have a go at archery, more out of curiosity. After a couple of the club’s free coaching sessions she became hooked on the sport and bought her own bow, with all its accessories.
Like all newcomers to any sport she had her share of challenges and reversals. But Sarah has a high level of motivation and determination, and is driven to excel in whatever she puts her mind to.
These personal qualities enabled Sarah to quickly absorb the advice of Eric, the club’s coach, and try out whatever changes he suggested until she developed her own archery style and technique.
Archery is often called “the thinking man’s sport” as excellence in archery is achieved by using mind control to replicate a flawless technique, for every arrow. So for Sarah, archery is clearly “the thinking woman’s sport.”
When Sarah first started archery she encountered the usual problems that most beginners to the sport experience. But her will to succeed meant that she only had to be told something once, and so her rate of progress was a joy to watch.
Like all newcomers to the club, she started shooting at 18 metres (the shortest distance in target archery) and once she could put most of her arrows in the centre of the target, she was determined to move on to shoot at the 30 metres target.
Again, even after just a few shots, she was peppering the centre of the target with her arrows. Her next goal is to shoot at the 40 metres target, and she will be attempting this challenge in the next few weeks.
Sarah is indeed a “role model” for all newcomers to the Pattaya Archery Club, men and women alike.
Trying archery
in Pattaya
Pattaya Archery Club shoots on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 10.00 am and finishing at about noon or thereafter. Anyone % Thai or farang, young or old, man or woman % is welcome to come along to the Pattaya Shooting Park in Hua Yai and find out what it is all about.
Beginners’ coaching is held on a Tuesday and / or a Saturday. The coach’s services and the use of the club’s bows, arrows and other equipment are free for beginners, and so it costs nothing to see if this challenging sport is for you.
For more details visit Pattaya Archery Club’s website at www.pattayaarcheryclub.com, or telephone Eric, the club’s President, on 089 535 1193.

Roberts & Ferris win at a canter

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Wednesday winners, Maurice Roberts and Jim Ferris, pose with one of Bert’s finest.

Derek Brook
Wednesday, May 14, Bangpra – Stableford
A difficult write-up to do as I usually laud the course here and say what a great time we have had, but on this day, sadly, I cannot. I will comment on the monkeys later, but I did lose from my cart while being inattentive, I should know better!
We had a good turnout for the day and arriving at Bangpra the book-in was quick, as usual, and the place seemed a bit quiet, so we were soon at the start. In fact we were able to get away quite a bit earlier than scheduled. Walking down the first hole the course seemed as normal, except that the fairway was a bit bare and the ground hard; indeed my second shot bounded on over the green. The green was also a bit ‘hairy’, as they are normally lightning fast here.
Ten holes on with six ‘no-returns’ on my card it was more than obvious that the ground was bone hard, with large areas of brown in the rough (where I was most of the time) and no grass, and the greens were not up to their normal standard. Really surprising as it seems to have rained a lot lately but maybe this course had missed it all.
I cannot remember Bangpra being in this condition and I have been playing here a long time. There was a lot of spraying going on and I can only surmise it is something to do with the aforesaid comments.
There was a fair wind blowing that cooled us so the round was quite pleasant apart from the ground, indeed we even saw one of the big monitor lizards that was sunbathing on one of the greens. It was sad that our approach shots caused it to go back into the water.
We also noticed that the place was teeming with monkeys, it is that time of the year when they have the little ones and many of the mothers were carrying them. This also makes the big males really touchy and I thought we had got away with interaction with them as we walked across to the 17th green from my cart. Fortunately we had looked around and although I could not see anything I put away all my valuables in my golf bag. As we putted out we looked at the cart and one of the big ones was in the cart looking around and we noticed that it had something white and as we dashed to the cart it ran off with the white ‘thing”. Took some time but I finally realised that it was my electrolyte powder, so if you see a monkey frothing at the mouth, it is probably eating it. However do be careful.
Back at Bert’s it was soon time for the results and obviously some can play on rock hard and bare ground, most cannot. In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was Maurice Roberts with 42 points ahead of Bob Watson in second with 36 and Max Scott in third with 33.
In the B Flight the winner was Jim Ferris with 42 points ahead of Barry Oats with 35 and third Daryl Evans with 31. Both winning scores were really extraordinary.
Near Pins: Brian Gabe, Steve Hamstad, Barry Oats, Landis Brooks
Friday, May 16, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
When I first retired here, all those years ago, we played Pattaya Country Club on a very regular basis. I remember the course in those days, it was as boring as any layout around but I still bought a year’s membership and played it regularly. The reason, for me, was that it had the best grassed fairways in the area, and it was really like playing off a carpet.
Our attendance here has dropped off drastically over the last few years, for very good reasons, but we had heard there had been many recent changes and improvements so we decided to give it a go. Dick managed to get us a special deal on the green fee and the course is great value for money at the moment if you want to play there a few times or take a group.
When we arrived at the course we found the ‘temporary’ clubhouse was still in use but that a new one is in the process of being built. The front nine had 3 fairways being sanded and I noticed some of the bunkers have been changed on the first par 5. The greens on the front nine were not too bad and the speed was fine. On the back nine the fairways were fine but the greens were slow and some were in need of maintenance. But all were playable.
All in all, the layout here has had a lot of work done on it but it still seems to be a work in progress. However, at the special rate it is well worth a visit.
Back at Bert’s we announced the results and the winner on the day was Tom Herrington with 38 points on count back over Landis Brooks in second. We then had count back on 35 points that saw Dick Warberg in third and Barry Elphick in fourth. T.T.F.N.

Delk does the double

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Golf Captain Phil Smedley (left) with double winner Ron Delk.

Steve Ellison
Monday, May 12, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Steve Snelgrove (6) 40pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (9) 39pts
T3rd Alan Rothwell (6) 38pts
T3rd Jeff Cordeiro (7) 38pts
T3rd Henry O’Brien (21) 38pts
Another Monday at Green Valley saw us dodging the rain once again. We are still getting good turnouts for our regular comp as the course is in great shape. On this day they were still getting it ready for the big tournament, which will render it closed to us for one week, so a lot of guys wanted to get a last round in.

Kenny Aihara gets loose.
A trio of 38’s shared third place but there were two golfers who bettered that number. Paul Greenaway could have won the day with a 39 as that’s a great score normally, but Steve Snelgrove had other plans and his 40 points was the best of the day. Steve seems to like that number as he has been posting several great rounds lately and is the man to watch!
Wednesday, May 14, Bangpra (white tees) – Stableford
1st Ron Delk (15) 30pts
2nd Ian Ryan (18) 26pts
3rd Mick Ryan (14) 26pts
We all know good and well that Bangpra is a tough golf course. The greens here, especially in the summer, can be lightning fast and you must accept the fact that there will be some 3-putt greens (some even 4!) so get your head used to that fact.
Today seemed especially cruel as the Gods of Golf deemed that a mere 30 stableford points would be enough to win the day! That is the lowest winning score here at TGC in ages, but it was indeed good enough for Ron Delk to take top spot on the podium to collect his “handsome man” vouchers for the day’s work. Make sure they all get spent on L.K. Metro; we now have 14 clubs here that have nothing at all to do with golf.
Friday, May 16,
Pleasant Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Ron Delk (15) 38pts
2nd Phil Smedley (9) 32pts
There were black clouds all around, and Phil had the van slowed down to 75kph on Highway 7 as the rain was pounding down more heavily than we have seen it in ages. The downpour finally finished as we approached the course and we found the 18 holes had not received a drop of rain from our battle just 5 clicks down the road. Ya just never know!
If Bangpra is the monkey course, then this one always makes me think of The Monkees as we had a very Pleasant Valley Friday here in status symbol land. We used our vouchers from the Pattaya Sports Club and played here for just 650 baht green fees, and that’s a great deal. People say golf here is getting expensive, and it can be if you aren’t careful. Pleasant Valley is an interesting track that gives good value on a well-maintained course with a nice clubhouse and respectable facilities. What more could you want?
As you have just read above, Ron Delk was the winner once again! This time he did it in style and turned in a card with a big red 38 circled on top to prove he can shoot 2 better than his handicap. Our fearless Golf Captain could only muster 32 points but that was good enough for second. Well done Ron with those 2 wins on the week and hope to see you back here soon.
Lastly, we say sayonara to our buddy Kenny Aihara who was heading back to Japan this week. Kenny joins us every winter for 6-7 months and we wish him the best back in Nagoya, and see you in October!
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!

AFG takes up clubs

(From left): Bic Gohil, Andrew Fromholtz, Ron Grigaras and Geoff Wilson at the AFG annual charity golf day. (Photo/AFG)

Dr. Iain Corness
The Automotive Focus Group (AFG) recently turned from its more serious agenda to a light-hearted networking tournament for its annual charity golf day held on the Burapha Golf Course. With 54 Mulligans being purchased by the players, this provided 27,000 THB for the AFG charity fund.
The sponsors for the event were PCS, CES, CEVA, Marriott, Amari, Hemaraj, Cromwell, Southern Cross, ThaiVisa and CEA.
The prize winners celebrated, and with several bottles of wine being in the prize haul, many bottles did not make it back to the office.
First place went to the Tony Pike team with a gross score of 58 and they were rewarded for their effort with Amari-Mantra brunch vouchers for each team member. In equal second with gross scores of 67 were the Paul Lamert team, the HG/Ford team and the CES team, who all received bottles of red wine.
Long drive awards went to Owen Lloyd and Robert Hanson, who both received golf ball packs from Hemaraj, and identical near pin prizes were claimed by Rtachadech and Tony Pike.
Finally a raffle prize of 2 nights stay for 2 people at the J.W. Marriott in Khao Lak went to Andrew Fromholtz.

A stern test at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from Siam Country Resort

Wednesday’s top two: Willem Lasonder (right) and Jeff Wylie.

Wednesday, May 14, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Wednesday was our first game of the week due to Tuesday being a holiday in LOS. We chose to go to Treasure Hill following the 5* reviews after our last visit a few weeks ago.
The course, though still in good condition and a pleasure to play, was not in the superb condition of last time. Greens were a little on the slow side and were not running as true as previous, but the course still provided plenty of challenges at around 6700 yards from the whites.
A count back was required to separate our 2 most in-form golfers, namely Willem Lasonder (H/cap 16) & Jeff Wylie (6), Willem getting the nod on this occasion 17/15 after both had signed for 33 points.
Near pins were spread around between Trevor, Jeff & Martin.
Thursday, May 15, Crystal Bay - Stableford
We saddled up again on our usual Thursday, with Crystal Bay the chosen venue, and more specifically the A & C combination at around 6450 yards from the whites.
Jeff Wylie (6) kept his run of form going with a solid 40 points, while Martin Hayes (15) with a great back 9 of 23 points signed for a total of 38 points.
The course was in good order tee to green, however the greens were a little on the inconsistent side, suffering in comparison to days past.
Near pins went to Jeff, Martin & Willem.
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!

Ray Daws cleans up

IPGC golf from The Haven

Allen Raaen, Darryl Kellett and Paul Young.

Monday, May 12, Treasure Hill (yellow tees) - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
Division 1 (0-17)
1st Allen Raaen (8) 32pts
2nd Darryl Kellett (15) 32pts
3rd Kevin Blake (8) 32pts
Division 2 (18+)
1st Ray Daws (19) 30pts
2nd Hal Hart (22) 30pts
3rd Mark Armstrong (26) 28pts
A good turnout for a difficult course meant the formation of two divisions with the cut coming at an unusually high 17 and below. But even playing from the shorter yellow tees, from which the length is almost 6,400 yards, there were none that could make the standard of “within two strokes of handicap” and the day’s competition became non-counting for upward review of handicaps, with the CSS for the day moving up to 75.
It was not the condition of the course that determined these results, as the course was found to be in A-one shape, but as usual it plays a lot longer than shown on the card and the greens tend to be either narrow or shallow, demanding accurate shots to remain on them from almost any distance.
The usual suspects were to be found amongst the top of the first division leaders with Allen Raaen taking the top spot after a three-way count back win over Darryl Kellett in second and Kevin Blake in third after they had scored 16, 14 and 13 respectively.
The second division saw Ray Daws take the win as he too won a count back against Hal Hart with a better 17 to 12. Hal had started the front nine as if would be the certain winner but Ray overhauled him steadily over the inward half, finishing with seven points from the last two holes as Hal took just three point from the last four. They were followed in by a three-way count back which Mark Armstrong won with a better 13 on the back nine as Fred Smith could muster just 10 after they had tied the nine at 16 apiece. Gavin Hargrave, in fifth, had contested just the back nine with 15.
Prior to the presentations there were welcome backs for Ron Hoban and Russell Gilroy both from the Wakehurst Golf Club in Sydney.
Allen Raaen and Darryl Kellett shared the 2’s pool in the first division and at long last the second division pot, standing at 6k, was taken by Ray Daws, who missed two chances and then sunk one at the last and arguably the hardest par three. Although he did not mention to the caddies what the feat really meant, he magnanimously blew the horn to celebrate the occasion following the prize giving ceremony.
Wednesday, May 14, Greenwood A & B - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Paul Young (15) 37pts
2nd John Wood (26) 37pts
3rd Markku Tynell (23) 37pts
4th Allen Raaen (8) 36pts
5th Kevin Blake (8) 36pts
A smaller field to take on the almost neighbouring course to Monday’s outing saw slightly fewer contenders but much better scoring, with the course condition benefitting from some overnight rain. The fairways still had some run despite the rain but the greens were receptive and slightly slower due to the lack of early morning mowing, all adding up to a course that could be played with a lot more ease, and this showed through in the cards returned.
Paul Young led in the top three after winning a count back with 19 on the back nine, denying John Wood his long awaited win after the latter could garner what was a creditable 17 after a very good start to the round on the front half.
Markku Tynell again showed strongly in third place as he returned 16 on the inward half after looking a likely winner after his opening nine, but four singles pointers ruined any chance of the win. Allen Raaen had another steady round at level par and took fourth spot after winning a count back against the resurgent Kevin Blake, with a better 18 to 17.
Kevin Blake slipped in the sole 2 in the first division, whilst in the second division Hal Hart came a day late with his magnificent effort of a ‘2’ on a par four, when he canned one from 120 yards on the fifth hole on his way to a five-point haul and his first ever eagle since taking up golf.
Friday, May 16, Crystal Bay C & A - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Darryl Kellett (15) 37pts
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki (9) 37pts
3rd Markku Tynell (23) 36pts
4th Ryan Dienelt (10) 35pts
5th Allen Raaen (8) 35pts
It would appear that the management have taken some note of the recent comments regarding the condition of the greens here as a lot of effort and attention has been taken to try and get them back into shape. These efforts have shown some improvement although it is fair to say there is still a distance to go before they can be viewed as anywhere near their old condition, but at least they are playable as the results of the day bear witness and the CSS for the day actually went down a stroke.
Darryl Kellett took his first win of this trip after he had won a count back over Takeshi Hakozaki, even allowing for the latter’s course knowledge as a long serving member, with a better 20 to 18.
Markku Tynell took third place once again on even par and a level handicap round, with Ryan Dienelt taking his first podium placement out of The Haven after he won a count back against Allen Raaen with a better 16 to 14 return.
Even with the greens playing much better than recently, there were still no 2’s in either division.
Back at The Haven there was a welcome back for Alwyne Burley who had heard about two items that caught his attention, firstly the second division 2’s pool growth, but not that it had already been claimed, and secondly the recent golfing form of Hal Hart. In the second instance he was looking for some serious payback and a good meal to boot, but unfortunately Hal had been called away on duty with the local AFW as they prepare for the S.E Asia Congress to be held shortly in Pattaya, and so Alwyne had to settle for paying both his day’s playing partners and for his own fish soup.
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.

Newlan nails an Ace, Greenaway takes the plaudits

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Greg Hirst from sponsors DeVere (2nd right) presents the monthly medal award to Paul Greenaway (2nd left) with runners-up Mann and Dennis Pelly sitting in the foreground.

Monday, May 12, Burapha - Stableford
We welcomed scratch golfer Mark Haffenden and 2 marker Simon Spaulding to the well presented C and D loops where the greens were at their best and the rough finally shortened! The course played shorter than usual as some of the tees were being renovated, resulting in the occasional use of the red or even silver tees.

Ace man Steve Newlan (left) with Wednesday winner Kerry Beck.

The scattered cloud and a light breeze made the heat almost bearable for a change and it was somewhat of a surprise that apart from a three excellent scores, the remainder of the pack failed to break par.
In Div 2 Stephen Blazanyik was the winner with a good score of 39pts to win from Bob Linborg (36) and Barney Clarkson (35), whilst Simon Spaulding had a great 40pts (70 gross) to win the top division from Sel Wegner (38) and Dennis Pelly, who beat Simon’s mate Mark on c/b, third with 34.
Les Easton celebrated his return by having the only ‘2’.
Div A (0-16)
1st Simon Spaulding (2) 40pts
2nd Sel Wegner (15) 38pts
3rd Dennis Pelly (12) 34pts
Div B (17+)
1st Stephen Blazsanyik (17) 39pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (21) 36pts
3rd Barney Clarkson (25) 35pts
Wednesday, May 14, Laem Chabang - Stableford
Laem Chabang was in perfect condition for the 12 Outbackers who played in good weather, which made a change as we have had to dodge the storms a little the last couple times we played here.
We played C & A again, as B remains closed for renovation but the day’s highlight was a hole in one from South African Steve Newlan on A2, who joined us today along with his mate, Yves Moutier, so welcome back to both of you. Steve hit a 7-iron into 163yd hole, which is downhill over water. Steve celebrated in the customary fashion with a much appreciated bell ring back at the Outback. Thanks Steve!
Kerry Beck was delighted to have got the better of the tough C nine at last, picking up 10pts in the first four holes before a washout on the 5th, then collecting another 11pts in the next four including an excellent birdie on the 9th. His back nine wasn’t quite so good and oddly enough included another wipe on the 5th, but he still ended with a fantastic 38pts to win from recently returned Wally Brown (33) and Andy Makara on 32 pts.
1st Kerry Beck (10) 38pts
2nd Wally Brown (13) 33pts
3rd Andy Makara (25) 32pts
Friday, May 16, Green Valley - DeVere Monthly Medal
With one player having to cancel due to sustaining a sore back from badminton the previous night and very disappointingly, three no shows (with no phone calls!) we were down to 23 players in the DeVere Monthly Medal sponsored by Greg Hirst. Perhaps also because it’ was our first time on Green Valley this month as the first two Fridays, GV had been closed for tournaments forcing us to play either Silky Oak or St. Andrews.
With the Pro tournament starting in five days we were expecting the greens and course to be in top condition but in my opinion a lot of work still needed to be done to bring it up to tournament standard.
Paul Greenaway continued his great form to win on c/b from Steve Mann, both with net 69’s, and Rick Evans and Dennis Pelly shared equal third with net 72’s. Rick also had the day’s low gross for the second time this year, with 76.
There were four ‘2’s from Sel Wegner & Steve Mann (8th), Sugar Ray Handford (12th) and Wally Brown (16th).
1st Paul Greenaway (9) net 69
2nd Stephen Mann (11) net 69
3rd Rick Evans (5) net 71
4th Dennis Pelly (12) net 71
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Freddy Starbeck’s Medal

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday winners Freddy Starbeck (center) and Eddy Beilby (right) with Colin Davis.

Sunday, April 11, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Freddy Starbeck (14) net 66
2nd Chaten Patel (14) net 66
3rd JP Maffray (12) net 67
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (16) net 67
2nd Jum Karagit (18) net 68
3rd Claude Harder (17) net 69
I’m not even going to mention it this time, but the clean-up guy struck again. Freddy ‘the quite one’ Starbeck drew the long straw in a count back win over Chaten ‘the Rajah’ Patel as both returned man of the match net 66’s. Freddy took home the cut glass crystal, a bottle of Jameson’s Irish whiskey and, as our readers know, a nontransferable invite to the gold Medal to be held later in the year. Oh yes, he also gets his name etched on his own wall in Lewiinski’s.
Two guys who had every reason to be optimistic in A Flight, with net 67 and net 68 respectively, were JP Maffray, who managed to lift the bronze, and newly arrived Aussie star Simon Spalding whose net 68 was a gross 71 off a three handicap. Simon did have some compensation in that his red hot short game and excellent putting gained him three ‘2’s.
Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby sat atop the B Flight podium with an excellent net 67, with the red hot Jum Karagit walking off with the silver as she was but a stroke back. A rarity it was when Claude Harder nosed Pierre ‘the magician’ Bietry on count back, leaving Pierre out in the cold.
Freddy Starbeck, JP Maffray, Justin Fowlis and Nick Shaw shared the 2’s pot with Simon.
Back at the presentation Freddy kindly shared his Jameson’s with the house.
Monday, May 12, Greenwood A & B – Stableford
A Flight
1st Tom Gorey (14) 37pts
2nd Rod Brown (16) 34pts
3rd Steve Newlan (14) 33pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 32pts
2nd Christian Finnerup (24) 32pts
3rd Pat Adland (23) 30pts
The society, usually brimming with bravado when they attack friendly Greenwood, was a bit meek this day where usually good scores abound. And that was fine for Co. Wexford’s favourite son, Tom Gory, as he was the only player to solve the plot with a solid 37 points.
Rod Brown took the silver with a non-threatening 34 points and Steve Newlan closed the flight a further shot back.
A familiar name sat atop The B Flight podium as the Donkey’s 32 point haul counted up better than that of Christian Finnerup. Christen relegated Pat Adland to the bronze spot but Pat was happy to be anywhere on the podium with 30 points.
No 2’s were recorded so it’s a rollover to Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 14, St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Mark Haffendon (0) 38pts
2nd Chaten Patel (14) 37pts
3rd Thierry Petrement (13) 35pts
B Flight
1st Lindsay Temple (15) 37pts
2nd Eddy Beilby (16) 34pts
3rd Pierre Bietry (17) 33pts
Wednesday’s venue was the intriguing construct of Desmond Muirhead. Mark Haffendon topped the day and A Flight; it should be noted that Mark’s 38 points required an underlying 72 of the stick given his scratch handicap.
The rest of the A Flight boys feared pretty well as Chaten ‘the Rajah’ Patel replicated his Sunday performance and picked up the silver with 37 points. Nice guy Thierry Petrement closed the flight after gaining a count back verdict over the unlucky Mikko Mutanen.
Semple Lindsay returned to town with a convincing B Flight victory, his 37 points was three clear of Eddy ‘the Eagle’ and one more ahead of Pierre ‘the Magician’.
Mark Haffendon shared the ‘2’s pot with Peter Henshaw.
Friday, May 16,
Silky Oak - Stableford
A Flight
1st Thierry Petrement (13) 40 pts
2nd Steve Newlan (13) 39 pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 43 pts
2nd Jorn Finnerup (23) 39 pts
The scribe can’t be rude to the Donkey anymore; he is just playing too well. He had a first on Monday and took another B Flight and man of the match win today with a superb 43 points. He could have been the title guy but the scribe was worried he might upset Sunday’s medal winner Freddy ‘the quite one’ Starbeck. There were other names in the frame too as Steve Newlan carded two second place finishes in the week and Thievery Petrement recorded second and first places.
Jorn Finnerup followed the Donkey up the podium steps as he closed a reduced Flight with a rock solid 39 points.
As mentioned, Thierry Petrement took the top spot in A Flight with a splendid 40 points while Steve Newlan, playing his usual steady game, lifted the silver with a rock solid 39 points.
Yves Moutier and Jorn Finnerup split 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.

King rules at Pattaya CC

The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at the Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Pattaya CC on Monday, 12th May, to play a stableford event and on arrival they found an empty course with a finely presented front nine but a back nine with slow, bobbly and irregularly sanded putting areas. Since undergoing a remake two years ago the back nine greens have been more than a little disappointing and the extra use last low season when the front nine was closed did not help at all. What should have been a course reborn is instead a course still in extensive care. Shame!
For the record, David Thomas and Mr Len shared third place with 36 points each, both leaving putts on the back nine, whilst Craig Thomas secured second place with 37 points. The winner was Mike King with 38 points and his score was the best return he has had in his time with the group.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Willie Barbour for attempting to play with an injured shoulder and indeed parring 75% of the holes he completed. Brave effort Willie.
Front man Flynn
After a couple of weeks on courses with variable conditions, the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Burapha on Thursday, 15th May to play a stableford competition.
Of the many who turned out more than a few were suffering after the previous day’s “wake” for our dear friend Jean Morel and the amiable Frenchman would indeed have enjoyed watching their efforts from afar.
The picturesque course was in top condition with very true and fair greens. Competition was keen for the front runners and in fourth place were Garry Hookey, Peter Sumner and Murray Edwards, all with 34 points. Sharing second were Larry Ang and Sam McLellan with 35 but the winner was Alan Flynn and his 39 point score reflected the solidarity of his game at the moment.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Elephant Bar’s consolation beer was won by Greg McDonald. Mr Len took the Booby Bevy after an excellent start, a moderate middle and a lacklustre end, and showed how and when the inevitable hangover kicked in!
Another Firkin power show
Defying the odds in low season, another large field turned out for the second successive day as the Pattaya Golf Society went to Mountain Shadow to host a stableford event on Friday, 16th May. The course was in fine condition and scores were very close again.
Spice was added by old friend Bob St Aubin, who had rejoined the group for the day in honour of his old mate Jean Morel and he generously sponsored a raft of technicals. Near pins were won by Ken Grimes, Yasuo Suzuki, Chris Smith and David Thomas, the longest putt on number nine went to Akifumi Tate and the slightly built PGS Champion, two handicapper Chris Smith, walked off with the longest drive after pulverising the ball 330 yards off the third tee.
In the competition proper Wichai Tananusorn and Chris Smith shared third place with 36 points each, leaving Sam McLellan in second with 37 points. The winner, a front row forward of a man, was Mike Firkin and 38 “firkin” points was his reward for some powerful hitting and contrasting yet delicate short play.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Wichai Tananusorn, Ken Grimes, Yasuo Suzuki and Chris Smith. The Elephant Bar consolation beer went to Craig Thomas and the Booby Bevy went to Leigh Abbey, a hero on his previous trip who descended to zero this time!
As there were no birdies on the final hole Bob St Aubin’s final technical was shared by the whole field as the presentation toasted the memory of M. Jean-Yves with a wee dram to end a memorable week.

Davidson upstages Nyborg at Riverside

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Monday, May 12, Pattavia – Stableford
The dreaded number of seventeen golfers today set off from The Ranch for our visit to Pattavia, meaning we had had three three-balls leading the field. As luck would have it, the course was deserted but our groups teed off behind a particularly slow four-ball. The first group managed to get past them on the second par three, but after that they refused to let the second group through for the remainder of the round, and what should have been an enjoyable saunter became a bit of a marathon.

Ken Davidson.

The weather was bright and sunny but very hot on the front nine, until a breeze arrived and made the conditions more pleasant. The course was in good shape and the greens were quick but not ridiculous as they have been on the odd occasion in the past.
Once again Thomas Nyborg produced the best score of the day (now five wins in his last seven games) one point clear of Mitch Squire and Mashi Kaneta who had to be separated on a count back
1st Thomas Nyborg (19) 37pts
2nd Mitch Squire (17) 34pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (13) 34pts
4th Geoff Parker (14) 33pts
Wednesday, May 14, Bangpakong Riverside – Medal
A smaller group of golfers turned out for the slightly longer trip than normal, but the journey is still only an hour, and usually the excellent condition of the course makes the trip worthwhile. Today however, we were unlucky as the management had commenced work on coring and sanding all of the greens. Approximately half the greens had been completed but work was still in progress on two of them which had cores swept into mounds all over the surface resembling a lunar landscape which made putting almost impossible.
The difficult putting conditions didn’t affect Ken Davidson who came back to the clubhouse with a great score of net 66, to snatch first place from the man in form, Thomas Nyborg, who must have thought his score of net 67 was good enough for yet another win.
Thomas did almost manage to bag his first hole-in-one on the short 13th hole, when the ball grazed the pin and came to rest 6 inches behind the hole, and even he can’t miss a putt from that range!
1st Ken Davidson (23) net 66
2nd Thomas Nyborg (19) net 67
3rd Geoff Parker (14) net 74
Only three near pins were hit, the prizes going to Colin Jones, Ken Davidson and Thomas Nyborg.
Friday, May 16,
Mountain Shadow – Stableford
Twelve golfers today but when we arrived at the clubhouse there’d been a mix up with the booking (once again our schedule manager was absent from duty when there’s a problem – how does he manage to arrange that!). Fortunately the management was able to accommodate us and we actually teed off just a few minutes behind our original scheduled time.
The weather was overcast but very humid, and there was thunder in the distance, but the round was completed without any rain reaching us. The course was in good condition, if a little dry and scruffy in places, and the greens were as treacherous as ever.
Thomas Nyborg had an off day for a change, leaving the field open for other lesser mortals, and Tore Eliassen stepped up to the plate to take first place with 36 points. Geoff Parker took second place a point behind Tore and two points clear of Mashi Kaneta.
After a great round on Wednesday Ken Davidson came crashing back to earth with a bang, taking the wooden spoon in the process – such are the joys of golf!
Back in the clubhouse it was good to see some long overdue renovation work was being undertaken in the shower room, so perhaps things are looking up at what is always one of our most popular and challenging venues.
1st Tore Eliassen (17) 36pts
2nd Geoff Parker (14) 35pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (13) 33pts
Only three near pins were hit, by Alan Sullivan, Peter Habgood and Tore Eliassen.
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us. We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. and new players are always welcome.
Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 or go to website: www.bunkersociety.com.

Phillips posts ‘best of the day’ at Pattana

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

The Jomtien Golf Group, all set for their tour of Hua Hin.

Monday, May 12, Pattana – Stableford
The previous few days had been very hot and sticky and as we arrived here we were expecting the same today. The A course is now open after renovation, which created a few smiles, so it was A & B as the chosen challenge and the cut in the two divisions set at 9-18 and 23 plus.
Lindsay Phillips returned the best score of the day, winning division 1 with 38 points. Tony Bliss took second one point behind and Paul Renall claimed third with 34.
After a three month spell back in his home country Roar Berger returned to win division 2 with 34 points ahead of Bryan Priestley in second on 30. Roger deJongh completed the podium in third with 29.
Near pins went to Grenville Hill, Chris Voller, Colin Phillips and Willy Van Heetvelde.
Terry Madsen birdied B3 in Division 1 and Paul Renall B7 in Division 2 to win the ‘2’s competition today.
Friday, May 16, Eastern Star - Stableford
There was no game on Wednesday in respect of the funeral of Jean Morel and with numbers dropping drastically at this time of the year there were only 19 out today.
The cut was set at 8-17 and 18+ in the two divisions and Frank Kelly came in with 36 points to win Division 2. The organizer took second, two points behind Frank, and Roger deJongh was third with 32.
Chris Voller topped Division 1 with 36 points, with Paul Renall in second one point behind, and Karl Flood was third with 34 points.
There were many comments after today’s round that the course is still improving every week. Chris Voller birdied the 3rd for the only ‘2’ in Division 1 while Rod Howett and Frank Kelly both get ‘2’s on the 6th to split the Division 2 pot.
Near pins were claimed by Wilf Latham, Roger Rees, Chris Voller, Roar Berger, Frank Kelly and Nobby.

Booth bags a weekly brace

Travellers Rest Golf Group

David Booth and Derek Thorogood.

Andy Rich
Just got back from the UK and the poet that wrote “Oh to be in England now that April’s there” wanted his head examining. It was cold and it was wet and I am overjoyed to be back in Thailand, even if it is a little hot at the moment. I have just about thawed out now and am looking forward to a round of golf or two next week.
I see the TRGG are back down to three competitions a week for the low season and from the results this past week that rice farmer David Booth was making hay while the sun shone. He won two of the three competitions and fellow Aussie Derek Thorogood made it a clean sweep for the land down under by winning the other.
Monday, May 12,
The Emerald - Stableford
On Monday was Emerald playing host to the stalwarts of the TRGG and David Booth obviously woke up with anything but that Monday morning feeling and proceeded to play out of his skin, shooting 41 points and leaving all the others in his wake.
Irishman Seamus Farrell chased David all the way and finished second on 39 points. I had to laugh writing that as I can’t imagine Seamus chasing anybody, he is not called Big Man for nothing. Another Aussie, Daryl Ottoway, took third place with a very respectable 38 points.
1st David Booth (15) 41pts
2nd Seamus Farrell (29) 39pts
3rd Daryl Ottoway (7) 38pts
Wednesday, May 14, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Khao Kheow (A and B courses) provided the midweek examination on Wednesday and once again David Booth, despite being docked two shots to his handicap for his Monday effort, came away feeling happy. This time though David needed a count back before it became clear he had won again. Jim Sykes was the guy he beat into second place and he definitely wasn’t happy. Dave Edwards took third place with 33 points.
1st David Booth (13) 34pts
2nd Jim Sykes (12) 34pts
3rd Dave Edwards (12) 33pts
Friday, May 16, Eastern Star - Stableford
On Friday Eastern Star was the venue and from the scores returned it must have been playing very difficult. David Booth had returned to his rice growing and it was Derek Thorogood who stepped forward and took up the baton, finding that his 32 points was good enough to win the day. He was followed home by his mate Billy Allan on a very hard earned 28 points and Mark Ward grabbed third place with an unbelievable 26. Uncle Tom Cobley and all trailed in behind.
1st Derek Thorogood (17) 32pts
2nd Billy Allan (15) 28pts
3rd Mark Ward (19) 26pts
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG please phone Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019 or pop into the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.
Note: Following the success of our trip to Hua Hin in 2013 we are pleased to announce details of our trip for 2014 which will take place from September 1-6. We have block booked the highly rated Hotel Colonnade right in the heart of this beautiful resort where we will enjoy 5 night’s accommodation including breakfast, together with 4 rounds of golf planned. Golf courses to be played are:-Banyan, Black Mountain, Springfields, and Sea Pines. For more information contact Fergus on the above tel. number or call Derek on 080 673 3118.

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Standings May 12 (week 21)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/L	Pts.
Load Out	21	16	5	120	69	14	32
Jantha Coffee	21	15	6	117	72	12	30
i-Rovers ‘A’	21	14	7	121	67	17	28
Legends	20	13	7	114	65	13	26
Double Top	20	10	10	96	83	11	20
W. Tankies	21	7	14	82	107	6	14
i-Rovers ‘B’	21	2	19	41	147	3	4
Bye	9	0	9	0	81	0	0
Results:  Double Top (9-1)-(0-0) v Bye, Jantha Coffee (7-1)-(2-0) v Legends, Load Out (4-0)-(5-1) v W. Tankies, i-Rovers ‘A’ (7-1)-(2-0) v i-Rovers ‘B’

Friday Night Pool League

Results & Standings May 16 (week 11)

Premier Division
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Shoot Pool	11	8	1	2	36	25
Easy R-Con Bar	7	7	0	0	28	21
The Rest Stop	12	7	0	5	-12	21
The Butchers Arms	10	5	2	3	14	17
Links Bar	10	5	1	4	-10	16
Legends Pool	11	3	3	5	-28	12
Sweethearts Bar	11	3	1	7	-28	10
The Booze Lounge	12	0	0	12	0	0
Results:  Legends Pool P-P Sweethearts Bar, The Booze Lounge A-W Shoot Pool, The Butchers Arms P-P Easy R-Con Bar, The Rest Stop 8 v 12 Links Bar
Division 1
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Smile Bar	10	7	3	28	1	22
Tie’s R Us	9	7	2	18	1	22
Legends Pool ‘A’	10	6	4	17	1	19
Pook’s Bar	9	5	4	7	2	17
Old Thai Angle	10	4	6	-5	3	15
Offshore Bar	9	4	5	6	2	14
Shoot Pool ‘A’	10	4	6	-11	1	13
Dean’s Bar	9	4	5	-13	0	12
Crazy Eddie’s	10	4	6	-25	0	12
Mai’s Bar	8	2	6	-22	0	6
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 10 v 9 Shoot Pool ‘A’, Dean’s Bar 10 v 9 Smile Bar, Mai’s Bar 8 v 10 Pook’s Bar, Offshore Bar 8 v 10 Old Thai Angle, Tie’s R Us 10 v 9 Legends Pool ‘A’
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Legends Pool ‘B’	10	10	0	56	0	30
i-Rovers	10	8	2	31	0	24
FCUK Inn	9	7	2	31	0	21
Buffalo Jacks	10	6	4	10	0	18
Connections	10	4	6	-14	0	12
The Ranch	8	3	5	-2	0	9
Anzac Bar	9	3	6	-16	0	9
Bobby Too	8	3	5	-22	0	9
Classroom	9	1	8	-32	1	4
The Queen Vic	9	1	8	-42	0	3
Results:  Buffalo Jacks 10 v 6 Anzac Bar, Classroom 6 v 10 i-Rovers, Connections 8 v 10 Bobby Too, Legends Pool ‘B’ 10 v 4 The Queen Vic

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Results & Standings May 12 (week 11)

Team	Played	Won	Lost	For	Agst	Diff.	Pts.
Phimai Geordie	11	11	0	114	51	63	33
Smile Bar	11	10	1	111	54	57	31
San Snack Bar	11	8	3	109	56	53	27
Ta Bar	11	8	3	79	86	-7	27
Funny Girls 4	11	6	5	86	79	7	23
Crazy Eddie’s	11	6	5	81	84	-3	23
Pom Bar	11	5	6	79	86	-7	21
Asian Nomads	11	3	8	77	88	-11	17
Connections	10	3	7	59	91	-32	16
Doggy Style	11	2	9	68	97	-29	15
Buffalo Jack’s	10	2	8	57	93	-36	14
Parrot Inn	11	1	10	55	110	-55	13
Results:  Ta Bar 8 v 7 Funny Girls 4, Smile Bar 9 v 6 Pom Bar, San Snack Bar 13 v 2 Doggy Style, Crazy Eddie’s 10 v 5 Parrot Inn, Connections p v p Buffalo Jack’s, Phimai Geordie 8 v 7 Asian Nomads

John Kepplers Cider Pool League

Results & Standings May 15

Team	Pts.	For	Against	Diff.
Panitas/Outback	42	141	80	61
Darkside	42	141	80	61
Pats Bar	33	122	112	10
Pats Rest	33	128	119	9
Siam Country	33	104	124	-20
Brasshouse	30	128	106	22
Barking frog	30	128	106	22
Serenity	15	98	143	-45
Ice Star	9	82	152	-70
Happy Day	6	45	59	-14
Billabong	15	67	63	4
Lucky Bar	0	65	105	-40
Results:  Ice Star 5 v 8 Serenity, Lucky Bar 0 v 0 Panitas/Outback, Pats Rest 7 v 6 Pats Bar, Siam Country 0 v 0 Billabong, Barking Frog 5 v 8 Darkside, Happy Day 4 v 9 Brasshouse

Oscar’s Sports Bar Wednesday Darts League

Results & Standings May 14 (week 3)

Team	P	W	L	Bonus	Diff.	Pts.
Buffalo Jack’s	3	3	0	21	6	6
Oscar’s MC Sports Bar	3	3	0	21	6	6
W. Tankies	3	2	1	15	12	4
Legends Sports Bar	2	2	0	11	7	4
Yates’ Bar	3	1	2	14	13	2
Mai’s Bar	3	1	2	12	15	2
i-Rovers ‘A’	3	1	2	11	16	2
Jantha Coffee	3	1	2	10	17	2
The Clinic	3	0	3	6	21	0
i-Rovers ‘B’	2	0	2	5	13	0
Results:  Mai’s Bar (2-0)-(7-1) v Buffalo Jack’s, Oscar’s MC Sports Bar (7-1)-(2-0) v Jantha Coffee, Yates’ Bar (8-0)-(1-1) v The Clinic, i-Rovers ‘A’ (3-1)-(6-0) v W. Tankies

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings May 12 (week 12)

Division 1
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
The Butchers Arms	11	8	3	19	2	26
Shoot Pool	10	8	2	36	1	25
Legends Pool	10	7	3	13	1	22
Links Bar	10	6	4	10	1	19
Shoot Pool ‘B’	12	6	6	-13	0	18
Pook’s Bar	11	5	6	-10	0	15
Nicky’s Bar	8	4	4	-3	1	13
Sweethearts Bar	8	4	4	-8	0	12
Offshore Bar	12	3	9	-23	1	10
Acorn Pub	10	0	10	-21	2	2
Results:  Legends Pool10 v 9 The Butchers Arms, Links Bar H-W Acorn Pub, Offshore Bar 6 v 10 Shoot Pool ‘B’, Pook’s Bar 5 v 10 Shoot Pool
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
The Caddyshack	11	10	1	51	1	31
Rest Stop	11	9	2	32	0	27
Cheers Bar	10	9	1	24	0	27
The Ranch	9	7	2	-1	0	21
Classroom	12	6	6	-19	0	18
Dean’s Bar	12	5	7	-12	1	16
ANZAC Sports Bar	11	4	7	-14	2	14
Buffalo Jacks	12	3	9	-25	0	9
i-Rovers	10	2	8	-36	1	7
Team Pulled Out	12	0	12	0	0	0
Results:  Buffalo Jacks 4 v 10 The Caddyshack, Classroom 5 v 10 ANZAC Sports Bar, Dean’s Bar H-W Team Pulled Out, i-Rovers 3 v 10 Rest Stop

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings May 14 (week 18)

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Easy R-con Bar	17	13	3	1	88	42
Links Bar	17	12	2	3	80	38
Legends Pool	18	12	2	4	50	38
Pook’s Bar	18	11	2	5	44	35
George & Dragon	17	9	2	6	16	29
Crazy Eddie’s	17	7	1	9	-22	22
Classroom	17	4	3	10	-44	15
FCUK	18	4	1	13	-72	13
Buffalo Jacks	15	2	2	11	-56	8
Queen Vic	16	2	2	12	-68	8
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 8 v 12 Legends Pool, 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

Riedler blitzes the field

PSC golf from The Growling Swan

Volker Buley, Niall Stuart & David Callick.

Peter Blackburn
Monday, May 12, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
This was probably our smallest ever starting group and with a late withdrawal and a late addition we were left with a field of 10.
All were early so we left the GS 10 minutes ahead of our 8.30 departure time and arrived at the course 40 minutes later. There was a fair bit of activity there and everyone was teeing off number 10 tee so after a small wait our first group, a three-ball, got away 20 minutes early at 9.40 am.

Volker Buley & Gerd Riedler.
The weather was hot and humid as we expect at this time of year and the course was in excellent shape, with the greens very well maintained although a little slower than normal. We had 2 Thai couples in the group ahead of us so the going was slow but we took that opportunity to have a couple of drinks breaks and finished a very enjoyable round of golf in four hours & twenty minutes.
We had just the one division with three places and there were also rewards for nearest the pin on A5 and longest first putt on the18th green.
By far the outstanding performer on the day was Gerd Riedler whose 73 gross gave him 43 points and the win, 7 points ahead of Ken Hole in second place. There were 3 golfers on 34 points vying for third spot and it was the steady Ebrahim (19 point back nine) who prevailed over veteran Ted Morris (17 point back nine) and John Davis (16 point back nine.)
The Growling Swan NAGA Award (awarded for the worst score on the day) was won by Volker Buley.
1st Gerd Riedler (8) 43pts
2nd Ken Hole (20) 36pts
3rd Ebrahim (13) 34pts
Near Pins: 5th – John Davis,
Long Putts: 18th - Gerd Riedler
Thursday, May 15, Khao Kheow – Stableford
The choice of venue for the day was obviously a popular one as we had a starting field of 27, all eager to tackle the classy Khao Kheow Golf Course.
As we assembled at The Growling Swan prior to departure we welcomed Norm Cheetham, Davey Mealey, Gary Williams, John O’Donoghue, and also the return of Stu Rifkin and Mashi Kaneta. Sadly, it was time to say farewell to one of our most loyal overseas visitors, Volker Buley, who was soon to be heading back to Germany.
When we arrived at the course we found it was fairly quiet and after checking in we were told it was to be the A & C nines in that sequence, so off we headed to A1. With no-one ahead of us, our first four-ball got away 21 minutes before our scheduled 10.06 am tee time and in very hot & humid conditions we proceeded at a reasonable pace.
The golf course was in terrific shape with lush fairways and super greens so there was no excuse for anything but good golf, until the heat got to some of us that is. We all started off walking but Ken grabbed a cart at the half way mark and I probably should have done the same but we battled on, although at a much slower pace than earlier and our round was completed in the fairly slow time of four hours & thirty five minutes. Despite the oppressive weather conditions it had been a very enjoyable round of golf with excellent company on a great golf course.
We had 2 divisions – Division A for handicaps 0 to 19 & Division B for golfers on handicaps of 20 and over with four places in each Division. There were also rewards for nearest the pin on the four par 3’s and longest first putts on the A9 & C9 greens.
The winner in Division A was David Callick with 37 points, just 1 point ahead of Ebrahim. Norm Cheetham was third on 35 points and fourth place went to Mike “Hunter” Gosden with 34.
In his last game before flying back to Germany, Volker Buley’s recovered from winning the NAGA award in his last outing and his 40 points was of course good enough to win Division B, with Andrew “Turtle” Allen 7 points further back in second place. In third spot was Ken Hole with 31 points followed by Gary Williams who was fourth with 29.
The Growling Swan NAGA Award, (awarded to the golfer who has the worst score on the day and discreetly their score is not made public) was once again won by Niall Stuart and he accepted the award like the good sport that he is.
Division A (0-19)
1st David Callick (19) 37pts
2nd Ebrahim (13) 36pts
3rd Norm Cheetham (14) 35pts
4th Mike Gosden (11) 34pts
Division B (20+)
1st Volker Buley (31) 40pts
2nd Andrew Allen (32) 33pts
3rd Ken Hole (20) 31pts
4th Gary Williams (28) 29pts
Near Pins: A3 – Sal Brizzi, A5 – Mashi Kaneta, C3 – Geri Crilly, C8 – Sal Brizzi
Long Putts: A9 – Stu Rifkin, C9 – Stu Rifkin
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 [email protected].
We also play bowls out of the Growling Swan every Wednesday and Sunday. Sunday is Lawn Bowls and Wednesday is Indoor Bowls. All are welcome and for anyone that is interested the transport leaves The Growling Swan at 10.00am on each of those mornings. For more information please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454 005.

Baikie shoots the lights out at Eastern Star

PSC golf from the Billabong Golf Group

Wednesday, May 14, Green Valley - Stableford
Another hot day at Green valley, but the course was in great condition as it was being prepared for the pro tournament the following week.
With seven groups playing we got off to an early start and were back in before any rain threatened us. We completed te round in just under four hours, which is great and we had no hold ups anywhere.
Before we went out to play today Geoff Ryves that the course here must be playing easy as every group coming here of late was returning scores in the 40s, and it happened today also.
There were some great scores with plenty of 39s & 38s but not good enough today I’m afraid as it took 40 points just to get fourth spot, that going to Bob Philp. Third place went to Kevin Hamilton on 42 points, Stan Stoker got second with 44, yes, that’s right, second, but it was only on a count back with the top spot being taken by Jack Butler. Jack’s 24 points on the back nine to Stan’s 23 just made the difference.
There were four ‘2’s today coming from Stan Stoker, Bob Finley, Kevin Hamilton and Vincent Smyth.
Friday, May 16, Eastern Star - Stableford
Eastern Star today with just a small group and we fairly sped around the course, being showered and sitting down with a beer in the clubhouse barely three hours after we set off.
The course was in great shape and the greens were true and fast for some and a bit slow for others; imagine leaving birdie putts short on more than one occasion - no names mentioned through fear of retribution.
We had a stand out score today with a magnificent return of 45 points from John Baikie to take the line honours ahead of Brian Maddox in second with 38, his best round for a long time. Brian also recorded the only ‘2 of the day.
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.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Kran, Preecha, Tue, Aht, Jan & Heinz.

Indiana moved up from third to first place after winning all four points from Canada. Preecha led Indiana with a 580 series and games of 200, 199 and 181. Tue Pettae was best for Canada with a 206 game and 549 series. Canada dropped from second to third place.
VFW Post 9876 fell out of first place and is now in second after losing all four points to Balloon. Balloon moved up from fifth to fourth place. Aht Johansson led Balloon with a 207 game and 542 series.
Jan Johansson bowled a 203 game and 525 series to lead Brother D to a three point win over Green Tree. Green Tree dropped from fourth to fifth place.
Café Kronborg and Bavaria split their match with each team winning two points. Kran Nielsen, Café Kronborg, bowled a 201 and 213 game for a 562 series. Ooy Pluemkamon was best for Bavaria with a 547 series.
Heinz bowling as a Pacer had a 233 game and 576 series.

Results & Standings May 16 (week 6)
Pos.	Team	Score	Standings
1	Indiana	4 – 0	15.5 – 8.5
2	VFW Post 9876	0 - 4	15-8
3	Canada	0 - 4	14-10
4	Balloon	4 - 0	14-10
5	Green Tree	1-3	12-12
6	Brother D	3-1	11-13
7	Bavaria	2 – 2	8.5 – 15.5
8	Café Kronborg	2-2	6-18

Pattaya residents walk, run on Visakha Bucha Day

Roboman triathlon event set for U-Tapao debut

Hot weather, hot round

Schwartzel and Kiradech add star power to Chiangmai Golf Classic

Young lady archer’s progress rewarded

Thailand Open taken off 2014 schedule

Hamilton hits the heights

Fortt pulls off a well-earned victory at Bira

Roberts & Ferris win at a canter

Delk does the double

AFG takes up clubs

A stern test at Treasure Hill

Ray Daws cleans up

Newlan nails an Ace, Greenaway takes the plaudits

Freddy Starbeck’s Medal

King rules at Pattaya CC

Davidson upstages Nyborg at Riverside

Phillips posts ‘best of the day’ at Pattana

Booth bags a weekly brace

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Friday Night Pool League

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

John Kepplers Cider Pool League

Oscar’s Sports Bar Wednesday Darts League

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Riedler blitzes the field

Baikie shoots the lights out at Eastern Star

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League