Vanuatu crowned beach volleyball champions in Pattaya

Elwin and Matauatu of Vanuatu (centre) celebrate on the podium after winning the Pattaya Thailand Challenger, FIVB Beach Volleyball tournament on Sunday, November 9.

Both the final and 3rd/4th play play-off match went to 3 sets at the Pattaya Thailand Challenger, FIVB Beach Volleyball tournament which concluded on Sunday, November 9.
The 5-day tournament, held at a purpose built arena just off Pattaya Beach Road, saw 24 teams from around the world enter the main draw, all vying for a share of the US$50,000 in prize money.
The final match on Sunday saw the Vanuatu pair of Elwin and Matauatu take on Japan’s Take and Mizoe. In the opening set the agility and powerful attacking play of the team from Vanuatu saw them romp to an easy 21-11 win. The Japanese duo upped their game in the second set, forcing the Vanuatu team into making errors at the net and as a result they leveled the match at 1-1 with a comfortable 21-14 score. In the deciding set the Vanuatu team came back strongly and took the set 15 - 9 to win the tournament and get 320 FIVB world ranking points as well as US$8,000 in prize money.

Japanese duo Take and Mizoe attempt a slam shot against Vanuatu in the final of the 5-day championship.

In the 3rd/4th place play-off match between the Thai team of Radarong and Udomchavee and Azerbaijan’s Vivian and Zinaida, a vociferous crowd got behind the local Thai team from the start. The match proved to be the longest in the tournament, lasting one hour and four minutes, which Radarong and Udomchavee finally won 24-26, 25-23, 15-7 to clinch their best finish of the season.
In the opening set the Azerbaijan team stormed into a 5-point lead before a foot injury to Zinaida curtailed their progress. Despite Zinaida’s impaired mobility the Azerbaijan team did enough to shade the first set 26-24. The second set was equally evenly matched before the Thai team evened the tie, winning the set 25-23. The third set was more one-sided as a visibly tired Azerbaijan team went down 15–9, giving the Thai team 3rd place on the podium.
Radarong and Udomchavee picked up 256 FIVB world ranking points to lift them up into the top 35 in the world rankings.

Thailand pairing Radarong and Udomchavee took third place after defeating Azerbaijan in a close play-off match.

St. Andrews tops ESAC cross-country championship

St Andrews student Ben Harcourt-Harrison (centre-right) leads the pack from start to finish in the boys under 11 race.

Dave Martin
St Andrews International School, Green Valley recently hosted the annual ESAC cross-country running event, with ESAC schools sending their best young athletes to compete in the 1km course for under 9 year olds and the 3km course for under 11, under 13, under 15 and over 15 year olds.

Eve Greener toughs it out and claims a 2nd place finish in the girls under 11 event.

About 300 runners competed for individual honours and the overall Primary and Secondary School titles. Again, this year, St Andrews dominated the Primary division and claimed 1st places in the under 9 (Nikolas Martin & Ginevra Bisi) and under 11 (Ben Harcourt-Harrison & Sammy Gillen) categories for the girls and boys. There were also podium finishes for Madee Tangtanapaiboon and Eve Greener.
The Secondary competition was a lot tougher and St Andrews collected just one 1st place and several notable finishes. Keisharna Lucas took first in the under 13 girls race while there were silver and bronze medals for Wesley, Jade Harcourt-Harrison, Mike Beck, Lisa Peake and Simone Marchetti.
Many of the other St Andrews runners finished highly in their categories allowing the school to claim the overall Primary and Secondary School titles for 2014.
Congratulations to all of the athletes from all ESAC schools for their contribution to a wonderful event.

Ginevra and Madee stand tall with a 1st and 3rd finish in the under 9 girls race.

Keisharna Lucas (centre) dominated the under 13 girls event and took the gold medal.

FC Planet start Cup defence with emphatic win

Bangkok Casuals Football League

Last season’s Cup winners FC Planet traveled to Arsenal Soccer Schools in Bangkok to face Hanuman Boys FC in their first group match of the new campaign. Hanuman Boys were looking to cause an upset against the Cup holders who went into this match operating with three at the back in a 3-5-2 formation.
In the early stages Hanuman played a very deep line with every player behind the ball inviting Planet to press high up the pitch. It was the Division 2 rookies though who took the lead as their forward player got on the end of a tidy ball across the face of Planet’s goal to finish from close range. This was a dream start for Hanuman and a kick up the behind for the champions who restarted quickly and remained patient for an equalizer, knowing that they’d sooner or later find a way through Hanumans back line.
The inevitable happened as veteran striker Darbyshire got on the end of a loose ball to finish low past the keeper to claim his first goal of the season and Planet’s equalizer. This was a sucker punch for Hanuman who remained to play deep in their own half as Planet were looking to take the lead.
Planet kept the ball well while looking to go in front and they soon did so on the stroke of half time as Maurice picked out the oncoming Gibbons with neat set up to finish from close range to give Planet the advantage. Planet went into the break 2-1 up knowing that more hard graft was required if they were to come away with three points.
Hanuman rallied themselves as they started the second period, using long balls in a desperate attempt to find a way back into the game, but Planet’s back three comfortably retained the ball well. The belief of Hanuman was soon shattered after some good work by Maurice down the right flank who sent the ball in the box for Gibbons to fire low to the keeper’s right for 3-1 and take him into double figures for the season.
Planet began to run riot from then on with Daouda and McKeown controlling the center of the field and picking out passes from all angles. It was the hard working McKeown who got on the scoresheet next with a right footed finish from twenty yards as he has done on numerous occasions already this season to make it 4-1.
The points were in the bag for the champions who were constantly looking for more goals to take home as Hanuman’s back line was now running on empty. Robinson, who was getting forward more in the second period, made one of the passes of the game as he drilled one high into the box for Gibbons to meet the ball to finish well with a header past the Hanuman keeper to claim his hat-trick and Planet’s fifth of the game.
Moments before the final whistle, Planet saved the best till last as keeper for the day Ainscough ran the full length of the pitch to join in the attack and find himself past the last man and clean through on goal. Within a flash Ainscough placed his shot past the keeper to his delight in such an outrageous moment to make the score 6-1 to the holders.

Khao Maikaew school sends 2 teams to Euro Cake finals

The female youth 14 years team from Wat Khao Mai Kaew Community School, Chonburi will be training hard for the tournament finals in Srisaket later this month.

Urasin Khantaraphan
Two teams from Wat Khao Maikaew Community School will be among 24 eastern-region squads that will compete later this month in the Euro Cake Thailand Beach Volleyball 2014 finals after winning qualifying matches in Pattaya.
The school’s team of 12-year-old boys placed first in their bracket at the Oct. 28-Nov. 3 tournament on Jomtien Beach while the girls 14-year-old team placed third in its division.
Praiwan Arromchuen, chairman of the Pattaya City Council’s Sports and Recreation committee, and Jinda Jaruwadeerattana, senior product manager at Bangkok Distributor Co’s European Food Group opened the qualification tournament. The top three team in each of the age and gender divided brackets go on to the Nov. 27-Dec. 4 finals in Srisaket.

Youth beach volleyball players in action at the Euro Cake Thailand Beach Volleyball 2014 finals on Jomtien Beach, Monday, November 3.

Eurasia Cup heroes eyeing Thailand Golf Championship crown

Arniban Lahiri.

The in-form duo of Arniban Lahiri and Koumei Oda have set their sights on victory at the fourth edition of the Thailand Golf Championship, which will be played December 11-14 at Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi.
Lahiri, who captured the recent Venetian Macau Open in dramatic fashion, has climbed to number 69 in the Official World Golf Ranking and currently lies in second place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, a shade under US$155,000 behind David Lipsky of the United States.
A strong performance at the Thailand Golf Championship, the Asian Tour’s US$1 million flagship event, would aid the 27-year-old Indian ace, who starred for Asia at the inaugural EurAsia Cup early in the year, in achieving two of his season’s goals – namely, win the money list and break into the world’s top 50 players for the first time.

Prom Meesawat.

“The Thailand Golf Championship is such a big event, there’s so much at stake,” said Lahiri, who has now racked up five Asian Tour wins. “The world ranking points on offer at Amata Spring are crucial, so to have a big week there would be great for my career and would definitely help me achieve my goals for the year.”
Lahiri finished in a tie for fourth behind winner Sergio Garcia at the 2013 installment of the event but will face strong opposition in his quest to finish three spots higher this time around.
Garcia has confirmed he will return to defend his title and will be joined by Ryder Cup teammates Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Victor Dubuisson. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, South African legend Ernie Els and 2011 Open champion Darren Clarke are also included in the star-studded field.
“The Thailand Golf Championship was one of my best events last year,” added Lahiri. “I played with Sergio [Garcia] and Henrik Stenson in the final round and it was a really great week. It’s one of those weeks I really look forward to each year.”
Oda, who held off the challenge of Hiroyuki Fujita to win the Japan Golf Tour’s Bridgestone Open last month, will be making his debut at the Thailand Golf Championship. But after two wins this season, as well as a confidence-boosting performance at the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia, the 36-year-old, who boosted his world ranking to 55 after that Bridgestone win, is bullish about his chances.
“I don’t get to play that often in Southeast Asia but I’m excited about the challenge of playing in Thailand, said Oda, who will line up alongside fellow Japan Golf Tour highflier and EurAsia Cup partner Kim Hyung-sun of Korea at Amata Spring. “I’ve been swinging the club really of late and I love the look of the course. There are a great many stars to beat, but I’m feeling very good about my chances.”
Thailand will be well represented in the elite field by local heroes Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, but it is the form of their compatriot Prom Meesawat that has many Thai golf fans dreaming of a first home winner.
Meesawat, nicknamed the ‘Big Dolphin’ due to his burly physique, finished in a tie for second behind Lahiri in Macau to lift the 30-year-old into fourth in the Order of Merit race.
“The Thailand Golf Championship is my home event, so it’s one of my most important of the year,” said Meesawat, who secured his first win on the Asian Tour in eight years when he emerged victorious at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in September. “To win it at Amata Spring would be the best moment of my career to date.”

No rain sees scores improve

PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort

Bob poses on Khao Kheow’s B9 Hole, a good test of golf.

Tuesday, Nov. 4, Pattavia - Stableford
Pattavia was our chosen venue for Tuesday’s game, with the course in good condition overall. With the rain having eased off over the previous few days there was even some run on the fairways, due to the staff being able to get the mowers out. Greens were true, but nowhere near their firey pace of days past, which left the course somewhat vulnerable.
Sam Gettinby (H/cap 23) has found some good form of late and today he posted 36 points, but was pipped at the post by a fast finishing Jeff Wylie (8) with 37 points. Sam and Jeff also shared the near pins between them.
Thursday, Nov. 6, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Thursday saw us return for our usual monthly game at Khao Kheow, with the B & A combination our allotted test of the day. The course had dried out considerably, but with management declaring carts not to be driven on fairways, we implemented the PSC local rule of ‘lift, clean & place’ on the closely mown surfaces. I am sure this precautionary action will benefit the course in the long run, and it won’t be long before we will be playing the ball down.
Jeff Wylie (8) continued his run of form to again record 37 points, well clear of Daniel Oshiro (19) with 32 points. The majority of players broke 30 points for the day, an indication that the course is drying out and better scores are ahead. Near pins went to Jeff, Sam & Dan.
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.

Adam Barton leads the way

PSC Golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Adam Barton (right) with Lewiinski’s golf manager Colin Davis.

Sunday, Nov. 2, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Adam Barton (13) 41pts
2nd Mike Holmes (11) 38pts
3rd Paul Smith (3) 36pts
B Flight
1st Paddy Jordan (19) 37pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (22) 37pts
3rd Iain Jones (16) 36pts
Near Pins: No 5 Mike Holmes, No 8 Freddy Starbeck, No 12 Justin Fowlis, No16 Dave Stockman
Adam Barton continues to show steady play as he settles to the pace of Pattaya life. It took a best on the day 41 points effort for Adam to wrest first place from a resurgent Mike Holmes, who was pleased to see his 38 points hold up for second place. Paul Smith closed A Flight with a steady even par round.
Irishman Paddy Jordan led B Flight onto the rostrum; there are not many plaudits left to bestow on Mr. Jordan as he shot a fine 37 points. It should be noted that Ausie Lou ‘walk about’ Zigzag matched the point output but fell to a back nine count back. Ian Jones filled the flight with an even par round.
Paul Smith, Vic Hester, Justin Fowlis Lou Zigzag and Pierre Bietry shared the 2’s pot.
Monday, Nov. 3, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Leo Horsting (17) 37pts
2nd Andy Byrne (10) 35pts
3rd Lou Szigligeti (22) 35pts
We had a small but talented group, due to our back-to-back playing days, and the weather also turned out to play at the well presented Greenwood.
Leo Horsting easily led the field home as he was the only player to better his handicap with a fine 37 points; Leo was two clear of Co. Offaly man Andy Byrne and Aussie Lou ‘walk about’ Zigzag. Andy took the silver while Lou was explaining his game to his friend.
Andy Byrne, Tom Gorey and Trevor Gough shared the 2’s pot.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (16) 35pts
2nd Matt Doyle (14) 32pts
3rd Leo Horsting (17) 31pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (18) 32pts
2nd Ken Kelly (19) 32pts
3rd Matt Cronin (16) 30pts
Pierre Bietry, lethal off a sixteen handicap, was good enough to edge victory in A Flight with 35 points as once again the legendry lightning fast greens took their toll on the field. Irishman Matt Doyle lifted the silver with 32 points while Leo Horsting was handed the bronze as his 31 points counted up better than Ireland’s Tom Gory. Tom was not too concerned as he was the sole heir to a very healthy ‘2’s pot.
Colin ‘the Donkey’ Davis sat atop the B Flight podium with 32 points, a score he shared with Ken Kelly. Matt Cronin kept his head bent as he accepted the third place for his less than memorable 30 point total.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st John Pierrel (13) 40pts
2nd Barry Wellings (5) 39pts
3rd Paul Smith (3) 38pts
B Flight
1st Gerry Roche (20) 37pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (22) 37pts
3rd Colin Davis (18) 34pts
John Pierrel has a great deal of upside potential, even though he is currently off a very credible 13 handicap. His 40 points at the demanding St. Andrews layout is testimony to that.
Barry Wellings thought he did what he had to do, shoot 39 points, but he just did it on the wrong day. Pay window specialist Paul Smith made his regular appearance on the podium with 38 points.
Irishman Gerry Roche, who has yet to hit a consistent stride this visit, is sending out signs that an explosion may be in the offering as his 37 points out-pointed Ausie Lou ‘walk about’ Zigzag for the B Flight gold. The Donkey made it two podium appearances this week in third.
Barry Wellings, Paul Smith, Reg McKay and Martin Allard shared the 2’s pot.
Thursday, Nov. 6, Mt. Shadow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Justin Fowlis (110 38pts
2nd William Peach (17) 38pts
B Flight
1st Murray Aiden (18) 40pts
2nd Pat Harney (21) 30pts
Mountain Shadow is always a stiff test of golf, with its superb greens and tight fairways, but none of that seemed to deter Aiden Murray as he stormed past B Flight, and the entire field for that matter, with a fantastic 40 points. Aiden was an unbelievable 10 strokes clear of Ireland’s Pat Harney.
The laurels in A Flight went to Liverpool’s Justin Fowlis as he got the better of William ‘the conqueror’ Peach on a count back, both locked on very creditable 38 points each. Bill was not too upset as had two ‘2’s to Justin’s one.
Kam Kahn, and Aiden Murray shared the ‘2’s pot with Justin and William.
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.

Kae conquers all at Khao Kheow

PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

From left: Sal Brizzi, Kae and Dave Fletcher.

The Drut
Monday, Nov. 3, Eastern Star – Stableford
A field of Melbourne Cup proportions gathered in anticipation of another day’s golfing enjoyment. Welcomes were handed out to Eric Black, Dave Fletcher, Jim Delves, Peter Coetzee, Colin Stielon and Bernie McCart from Australia.
The weather was warm and the fairways in horse racing parlance, slow, and as a result of a downpour on the eighth they went from slow to heavy to dead whilst the greens, though lacking pace, putted ok.
The starter hit the electric button and sent us on way at 1000 hours from the yellow markers. In A grade Eric (The Judge) Black with 36 points won by a length in the biggest upset since Old Rowley at 100/1 won the 1940 Melbourne Cup. Second was Jim Delves on 35 points, John Coetzee handed in 34 whilst Ebrahim got into the frame with one less.
Roy Dayton won B grade by a short nose with a great 38 points. Despite retreating on the flip side like Napolean’s troops out of Moscow, Seesa Phompimon ran second with 36, while Jean Claude Lhoste and Marc Henkel rounded out the podium.
Geri Crilly won the NAGA low points award with a key to the door performance.
A Flight (0–19)
1st Eric Black (16) 36pts
2nd Jim Delves (15) 35pts
3rd John Coetzee (16) 34pts
4th Ebrahim (13) 33pts
B Flight (20+)
1st Roy Dayton (24) 38pts
2nd Seesa Phompimon (26) 36pts
3rd J.C. Lhoste (24) 34pts
4th Marc Henkel (29) 33pts
Near Pins: Graham Rice, Ebrahim, Bob Akapita (2)
Long Putts: Bernie McCart, Mike Gosden
Thursday, Nov. 6, Khao Kheow – Stableford
A record field of thirty five faced the starter on a day that was hotter than Sharon Stone’s interrogation scene in Basic Instinct. In view of recent rains the course was in good condition and the greens, despite being slow, putted truly.
Welcomes were handed out to a truckload of gents from Geraldton in Western Australia and Bunter Maloney from the settlement on the Yarra, Melbourne.
We played from the white markers and Sal Brizzi, off his seven handicap, handed in 40 points to win A grade. Bill Steinmann and Bill McGarvie each scored 39s whilst Eric Black and Mike Quills had 35 apiece. John Coetzee rounded out the grade with 33.
In the B grade, lady golfer Kae played much like a politician fielding voter’s questions, i.e. with skill and dexterity to post a great 43 points and win easily. In second was Roy Dayton on 35 whilst Scott Baumgarten, Peter
Dave Fletcher copped the NAGA with a score lower than a kneeling Danny Devito.
A Flight (0–18)
1st Sal Brizzi (7) 40pts
2nd Bill Steinmann (9) 39pts
3rd Bill McGarvie (11) 39pts
4th Eric Black (16) 35pts
5th Mike Quills (18) 35pts
6th John Coetzee (16) 33pts
B Flight (19+)
1st Kae (19) 43pts
2nd Roy Dayton (24) 35pts
3rd Scott Baumgarten (29) 33pts
4th Peter Coetzee (20) 30pts
5th Geri Crilly (24) 29pts
6th J.C. Lhoste (24) 25pts
Near Pins: Ebrahim A3, Bill McGarvie A5, Kae C3 and Martin Kempton on C8.
Long Putts: Bill Steinmann A9 and Roy Dayton on C9.
Note: The Growling Swan is a friendly golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers male or female to have a hit at any of our weekly outings. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey if you are interested on 0861 503086.
The Growling Swan also caters to bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10 AM to play at Cocos on undercover synthetic greens and on Sundays at the same time for open grass bowling at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is less than 400 baht so great value for a day out

Treasure Hill wins, again

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at The Elephant Bar

Treasure Hill – the hazards can be brutal.

Division 1
1st Jon Batty (9) 32pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki (13) 31pts
3rd Richard Bannister (11) 30pts
Division 2
1st Larry Gibb (23) 38pts
2nd Murray Edwards (22) 34pts
3rd Len Jones (27) 33pts
The start of the high season saw the Pattaya Golf Society take six groups to play what most believe is the toughest course on our schedule, Treasure Hill, on Monday, Nov. 3. Recent rains meant the ball stopped where it landed, making the course play very long. This and threatening weather saw us introduce preferred lies, a decision that was immediately justified when encountering the wet broad-leaf grass that has become dominant on this course’s fairways this year.
The other concern with many was the poor state of several greens, where putting over large tracts of barren sand-covered ground made a mockery of a good putting stroke. Not a good sign at the start of the high season.
The field was split into two divisions with the cut at 15. Division one played from the white tees (6726), while division two hit from the yellows (6377). This decision appeared popular with most, as division two players proceeded to completely outplay their more illustrious peers in div one. Sure, there is difference of 350 yards, but in no way does that account for the difference in performance from the winners of the respective groups. While rain didn’t help, it no doubt didn’t differentiate between divisions. The low markers took a pounding; it’s as simple as that.
There was just the one ‘2’, achieved by Yasuo Suzuki on the 6th.
Back in the Elephant Bar we welcomed back Brian Beaupre from Canada, Alan Griffiths and Mark Cooper from the UK, and John O’Sullivan from Trat. Wayne Morrison was the name drawn for the free beer, whilst the booby bevvy went to just-arrived Englishman, Mike King, in recognition of today being his birthday; well someone has to recognise it!
Congratulations to the podium placers, but special praise to Larry Gibb; two shots better than par on a track playing as tough as this was a great performance.
Batty makes merit at Khao Kheow
There were no fireworks at Khao Kheow on Wednesday, 5th November when the Pattaya Golf Society visited to play a stableford merit event on the A and C nines, which were in good order other than the fairways were soft and slow, as were the greens.
The weather held steady and the humidity made the air very “thick” with little flight but the two divisions from the yellow tees made a good fist of things.
With the cut at 15.5 and under the field set off on time and managed to finish the round well. In the second flight Brian Shaw and John O’Sullivan shared third place with 28 points and it was especially gratifying to see John’s name on the podium for a very rare appearance. Sharing first place were Murray Edwards and Mr Len with 30 points each.
In the top flight, scores were predictably better with Mark Cooper and Mark Lang sharing second place with 36 points, the latter providing the best gross of the day, 77 shots. The flight winner was the form player Jon Batty with 37 points, rarely a foot out of place, his unique style somehow getting the best out of the ball.
In the second flight Wayne Morrison took the ‘2’s pot after a fine effort on A3 whilst in the top flight Mark Cooper emulated this with a birdie on C8.
Alan Flynn took the non winners draw again whilst Peter Ditz marked his return to Pattaya golf by forgetting his golf clothing and having to play the round in his street clothes - shoes and all. The Austrian’s reward was the inevitable Booby Bevy.
Khao Kheow had been a good venue and currently the value for money aspect is very welcoming. Well done Khao Kheow!
Perfect Pattavia
1st David Thomas (6) 34pts
2nd Mike King (17) 31pts
T3rd Brian Beaupre (5) 30pts
T3rd Tony Campbell (7) 30pts
A week’s a long time in politics, so we are told. Well, it appears two weeks is a long time in golf, as well. How else does one explain an eight-point swing between winning performances returned on the same track, under the same conditions by the same players?
The course appeared picturesque upon arrival on Friday, Nov. 7, beautiful weather showcasing manicured fairways. Such a contrast to what this course presented about a year back. Our four groups enjoyed conditions that did not need preferred lies and offered superb putting surfaces. Pin placements – the key to scoring here – were tough. Approach shots that were not left under the hole made good scoring near impossible.
Two weeks ago two players scored in excess of 40 points on this track in similar conditions. Today, those same two players managed 34 and 28 points respectively. Apart from the pin placements, everything else was the same. Strange that.
There were no ‘2’s today, something that would have pleased those making the podium. With just the one flight, the podium consisted of four players, with two sharing third place. Scoring was surprisingly low leading to placegetters expressing amazement that their modest scores were enough to warrant a pay-out.
Back at the Elephant Bar welcome-backs were extended to Englishman Peter Wilson, now living in Glasgow, and Brian Brown from Queensland, Australia. Mr Len drew the name John Tallett for the free beer, and Dave Plaiter won the booby bevy courtesy of one ‘mare’ of a round.
Pattavia Century Golf Club is 6639 yards of pristine golf that offers a challenging layout with tough but fair putting surfaces. Many holes have secluded fairways where only the hole being played is visible; a luxury these days. This remains one of Pattaya’s best VFM courses, whatever the season.

Bangpra and Tropical Golf both winners

PSC Golf from Tropical Golf Group

Winners Derek Brook (left) and John Hackett (right) celebrate with Lek at BJ’s Holiday Lodge.

Tuesday, Nov. 4, Bangpra – Stableford
A-Flight
1st John Hackett (15) 32pts
2nd John Pierrez (13) 32pts
3rd John Davis (14) 32pts
B-Fight
1st Derek Brook (22) 34pts
2nd Frank Pilkington (25) 32pts
3rd Daryl Evans (22) 30pts
Near Pins: Mick Coghlan, John Davis, John Pierrel, Dave Courner
Long Putt: Dick Warberg
This was a very special day for the Tropical Golf (formerly Tropical Bert’s) Group. This was the inaugural meeting at our new location at BJ’s Holiday Lodge and also the first Tuesday to kick off our Golfer of the Month battle.
Everyone arrived at our new venue for a later than usual tee time, and no one went first to the old place out of habit – at least no one would admit it. Expecting some first day bugs, we were all pleasantly surprised to find the staff well prepared. The service, food, and help yourself coffee were excellent. We were pleased to see some familiar faces returning after some time away.
With such a great start to the day and with the weather looking to hold back tears of rain, we saddled up and headed to Bangpra Country Club. We don’t play this course as often as we’d like, and it is one of the most scenic and well kept courses in the area. Just keep a close watch on your golf bag lest the monkeys get into it. One year someone had their phone stolen out of a cart.
The weather was about perfect. We expected the entire course to be very mushy after all the recent rains, but only a few spots were soggy, and the greens excellent.
Bangpra is a subtle course and it takes experience and a good eye to score well on what seems to be a straight forward layout. Once into the round however one quickly realizes the smallest deviations from well placed shots leaves instant trouble. Shaking our heads in defeat we headed back to BJ’s for the damage report.
When all was tallied it was clear Bangpra was the victor today, even though everyone loved the trip. In B-flight (19+) the winner and with the best score of the day was Derek Brook (22) with 34 points. Congrats to Derek! In the A-flight the best these “real golfers” could manage with their fewer free shots was a win by the returning John Hackett (15) with 32 points on a multi-name count back. Good effort John and it shows never give up!
Thanks again to our new friends at the BJ Holiday Lodge on Soi 3 just 100 yards from Beach Road (bjpattaya.com). The Tropical Golf Group plays Tuesday and Friday, and is affiliated with the Pattaya Sports Club.

Lyle has best of the week

IPGC Golf from The Haven

Dave Ross, Lyle Blaw & Paul Young.

Monday, Nov. 3, Khao Kheow (yellow tees) - Stableford
CSS 72
1st David Ross (10) 41pts
2nd Jens Gunnarsson (16) 38pts
3rd Phil Groves (11) 35pts
4th Mike Hill (20) 34pts
5th Mark Lang (5) 31pts
With Hal and Phil still organising the golf operation out of The Haven, everything seems to be running extremely smoothly with hardly a ruffled feather in sight and even the scoring is getting better, with the exception of Friday’s competition that is.
The courses are still not quite back to their best, with heavy rain falling almost every night, so with little run from the tee, golf was generally difficult for the higher handicappers as is usual at this time of year on the Pattaya area courses.
It was therefore a very good result when David Ross playing, his thirty-eighth game in Pattaya, finally broke 80 with a five under handicap card that finished three clear of the chasing pack, and he was well pleased to be at last playing to the level he is used to in the UK.
Jens Gunnarsson was the closest challenger at two under handicap and also three clear of third place, so he too was delighted with the day’s outcome.
Phil Groves, apart from now having the longest drive (or at least equal) every time out, is still struggling to beat eighty as the cobwebs are proving very difficult to brush away, but at least the signs are somewhere out there as he turned in a one over card to take third place.
Mike Hill was almost there in fourth, with Mark Lang three behind in the last podium placement position.
Before the presentations were made there was a welcome back for Jens Gunnarsson.
There were no 2’s in the first division but Hal Hart had the solo one in the second division to clear out the roll over pool.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, Green Valley - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Lyle Blaw (12) 42pts
2nd Phil Groves (11) 36pts
3rd Phillip Cass (18) 35pts
4th Vincent Gras (17) 35pts
5th Markku Tynell (23) 34pts
After David Ross’s outstanding round during the previous outing there were more fireworks today at Green Valley, and very appropriately as it was also Guy Fawkes Day back in ‘Mother’ England.
Lyle Blaw returned a six under handicap score that was his best round since November 2011, when he also had a gross 78. Lyle can always be relied upon to play consistently as his handicap moves within a very narrow band, except for the odd great round as was this one, and deservedly he took first place some six strokes clear of the field.
Phil Groves did slightly better on this occasion but still not yet back in the old groove but was good enough for second spot.
Phillip Cass took third place after winning a count back over Vincent Gras with a better 17 to 15 as Vincent tired badly over the closing holes. Markku Tynell rounded out the podium in fifth just one more behind.
Prior to the presentations being made there were welcome backs for Vincent Gras, Brian Randall and Terry Hodgkiss together with farewells to Mike Hill, Phillip Cass and Phil Stevenson
Lyle Blaw added to his day’s takings with the only 2 in the first division, sweeping the rollover pot while there were none in the second division.
Friday, Nov. 7, Pattavia – Stableford
CSS 74
1st Paul Young (15) 37pts
2nd Terry Hodgkiss (23) 34pts
3rd Phil Groves (11) 32pts
4th Barry Wellings 32pts
5th David Ross (10) 31pts
6th Jon Yarrow (14) 31pts
This may be the longest drive down the 331 but the trip is well worth the effort. The quality of the Nick Faldo designed course, together with the recent re-development of the new clubhouse, changing facilities and restaurant, has seen this become one of the more popular venues to visit.
Paul Young returned to Pattaya from his base in Bangkok to spread-eagle the field today, leaving his nearest challenger three shots adrift as he returned a solid 19/18 split. But with the Elephant Bar also playing the course, there were not enough players that made the mark of “within two of handicap” and the CSS therefore moved out two to 74 as the wet conditions had made the course a little long for most of the hopefuls.
Terry Hodgkiss, having had a very restful holiday in Oz, returned in good form and although not quite able to match his handicap he did enough to lay claim to second spot in a very competitive field.
Phil Groves again did enough to feature on the podium for the third time in the week but had to win a count back, which he did with a better 18 to 14, to take third place.
Losing that count back and finishing fourth was Barry Wellings who had looked good over the front nine but faded after making the turn.
Davis Ross returned to his usual pace as he took fifth place after he also won a count back over Jon Yarrow, returning a better 19 to 16.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Barry Wellings and Kevin Townsend shared the first division pool with one each.
Back at The Haven there were welcome backs for Paul Young, Barry Wellings and Kevin Townsend and Jon Yarrow.
Note. If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact 038 710 988 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 a 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.

Evans & Gabe on top at the Mountain

PSC Golf from Café Kronborg

Arne Max Pedersen.

Monday, Nov. 3, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
A Flight (0-19)
1st Brian Gabe (17) 38pts
2nd Dave Addison (14) 36pts
3rd Leif Kirkgaard (17) 35pts
4th Mark West (13) 33pts
B Flight (20+)
1st Daryl Evans (22) 40pts
2nd Kenny Chung (23) 36pts
3rd Karl Beter (29) 36pts
4th Graham Buckingham (22) 35pts
Long Putts: #9 Elias Magnusson, #18 Brian Gabe
Near Pins: #5 Leif Kirkgaard, #8 Lotte Boskov, #15 Steen Habersaat, #17 Daryl Evans
We were off the first tee at Mountain Shadow30 minutes early under sunny skies and very steamy conditions until we had a brief shower after the 14th hole. The course was in good condition with fastish greens on most holes.
Back in the clubhouse after a round of 4 hours and 15 minutes welcomes went out to Dave Addison and Mick O’Connor from the UK, Brian Gabe from the USA and Gunnar Larson and Torben Rasbol from Denmark.
This was the first tee-off of the high season, with enough players for 2 flights and the cut made at handicap 19, plus of course a full bevy of near pins.
Brian Gabe won the A Flight with 38 points, two up on Dave Addison in second, with Leif Kirkgaard finishing third and Mark West fourth.
Daryl Evans took the B Flight honours with a fine 40 points, while kenny chung was second on a count back over Karl Beter, both on 36 points. Graham Buckingham completed the podium in fourth.
Thursday, Nov. 6,
Pattavia – Stableford
1st Arne Max Pedersen (16) 39pts
2nd Dave Addison (14) 35pts
3rd Peter Bygballe (14) 29pts
4th Steen Habersaat (25) 29pts
Pattavia was the game today and once again we teed off in sunny and very steamy conditions. The course was in fine condition with quick greens.
Back in the clubhouse we welcomed Mogans Jensen from Denmark.
Arne Max Pedersen was the winner today with a fine 39 points, four up on Dave Addison in second, with Peter Bygballe taking third on a count back over Steen Habersaat and Lotte Boskov, all with 29 points.

Hamilton ends trip on a high note

PSC Golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Master “chipper” Ken Young.

Monday, Nov. 3, Khao Keow B & A – Stableford
The weather didn’t look promising as we assembled at The Ranch, with light drizzle falling and grey clouds looming overhead. Despite the gloomy weather, fifteen golfers eventually turned up and as we travelled up the 7 motorway the weather began to brighten up, and when we arrived at Khao Keow the sun was shining.
We elected to play winter rules again because the fairways were very soft, but generally the course was in good condition. The absence of any roll on the fairways meant the course was playing very long, although the greens were in good condition, if a little grainy.
The outward nine was completed in fine conditions, but then a short, sharp storm blew in and we were forced to shelter for 10 minutes before setting out again to complete the round. Throughout the inward nine we were surrounded by storm clouds with thunder and lightning evident in the distance, but the rain stayed away and everyone completed the round, albeit on very soggy fairways.
The heavy conditions were always going to make scoring difficult, and Tony Robbins produced the best score of the day with 35 points to take first place. Ross Schiffke scored 19 points on the front nine but faded on the back nine finishing on 32 points, one point clear of Gordon Melia and Gerry Cooney who had to be separated on a count back.
1st Tony Robbins (15) 35pts
2nd Ross Schiffke (19) 33pts
3rd Gordon Melia (17) 32pts
4th Gerry Cooney (14) 32pts
Near Pins: Geoff Cox, Keith Norman, Mike Johns and Ross Schiffke.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, Green Valley – Medal
A bright sunny morning for a change as we drove up route 36 to the Green Valley course, for our first medal competition of the month, once again sponsored by KPK Foods.
When we arrived at the clubhouse the car park was busy but there was no delay on the first tee and we teed off on schedule. The course was generally in good shape, but the fairways had suffered in the recent heavy rains and were still extremely soft in places, although as always here the greens were in good condition.
It was Bonfire Day in the U.K. but there were few fireworks in evidence as most players struggled on the soft ground and only Geoff Parker came close to playing to his handicap, taking first place with a score of net 74. Mashi Kaneta was one stroke back to take second place ahead of Tony Robbins who took the third spot after beating Terry Hamilton on a count back.
1st Geoff Parker (15) net 74
2nd Mashi Kaneta (15) net 75
3rd Tony Robbins (15) net 77
4th Terry Hamilton (19) net 77
Near Pins: John Graham, Ken Young and Thomas Nyborg.
Friday, Nov. 7,
Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Your regular scribe was taking a rare day off today to play in the Poppy Day tournament at Khao Keow, so reporting duties passed on to his apprentice who has only just returned to Pattaya after a long summer break, partly spent watching England’s dismal performance in Brazil – time and money well spent?
With several other regulars also playing in the Poppy Day tournament it was a reduced field that headed out to Pleasant Valley, on a bright sunny morning, but overcast and extremely humid conditions greeted our band of brothers as we surveyed an almost empty course from the first tee. Generally we tee off from the blue tees here, but due to the absence of the majority of the long hitters the white tees were employed, some even wanting to use the reds. This decision was fully justified when a few of the blue tees were found to have been relocated to the blacks.
The course was in reasonable condition considering the amount of rain absorbed but several of the fairways were damaged by track marks, presumably from mowers and not buggies. Conditions underfoot were very soft so preferred lies were entertained. The greens were running slow but true, although a few were in need of some tlc, ditto bunkers showing drain-off damage - but who nicked all the rakes?
Onto the golf where the first hole, a par four, produced a five-pointer from Ken Young after his chip in for a 3 from off the green; needless to say things had to go downhill for him after that, consigning 2 balls to the water on the third.
Without any holdups play was flowing nicely until the last couple of holes on the front nine when a 10 minute burst of rain sent everybody scurrying for their bag covers and brollies. Luckily this was the last we would see off the wet stuff, although black clouds, thunder and a bit of lightening seemed to follow us around on the back nine.
Playing off the whites produced some very good cards, but the standout round definitely came from Terry Hamilton with 42 points. Struggling with his putting during his stay, everything went in on the day and even the few wayward strokes into the rough saw excellent recovery shots. The winnings came in handy for the taxi as he flew out back to the UK at 4am the following morning.
In second place with a very commendable 38 points came Ken Young, any coincidence that the top two marked each other’s cards? Third place came down to a count back on 35 points where Eddie Kelly (19 points on the back nine) edged out Gerry Keys.
1st Terry Hamilton (19) 42pts
2nd Ken Young (27) 38pts
3rd Eddie Kelly (20) 35pts
Near Pins: Les Hall and Tony Scambler (2).
Note: The PSC affiliated Bunker Boys 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. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 or check website: www. bunkersociety.com.

Rushant remains on top

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
The little scamp did it again! He only went and won twice this past week, the second time by amassing a stupendous 40 points. Mike Rushant ‘the Mighty Atom’ has been repelling all boarders on his pocket battleship and still he hasn’t been cut. Cries of “fix” and “teacher’s pet” and “I don’t believe it” have been re-sounding from the back of the classroom but still the man with the ‘mighty scythe’ keeps a low profile.

Mike Rushant - the two time winner.
Mike has been crying out to be a single figure handicapper but his cries have gone unanswered. “I have won four competitions and finished runners-up three times in the last 22 days. What more can I do to become a single figure handicapper?” he sobbed uncontrollably wiping away the tears with a big spotted handkerchief. “Who knows?” I said in a consoling sort of voice.
Monday, Nov. 3,
The Emerald - Stableford
All in all it was a strange week at the TRGG; the first week when golf was arranged for five competitions at five different venues. It didn’t get off to the best of starts on Monday at Emerald where the golfers managed to complete about sixteen holes before the heavens opened and play had to be abandoned for the day. Everybody got so drenched most were still drying out the following day and only a hardy few, now known as the “Magnificent Six”, turned up to play at Greenwood.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, Greenwood - Stableford
So with Monday’s event abandoned we move on to Tuesday at Greenwood (A and B courses). Brian Beaupre packed his heavy weather gear and his sou’wester and showed the rest how to play a wet course. He romped home in first place on 37 points but was closely followed by Mike Rushant, just tuning up for the rest of his dominant week. Ian Bell was some way back in third place.
1st Brian Beaupre (5) 37pts
2nd Mike Rushant (11) 36pts
3rd Ian Bell (7) 32pts
Thursday, Nov. 6, Green Valley - Stableford
On Thursday, which also happened to be Loi Krathong, the light festival, in Thailand, Mr. Confusion came to call at the TRGG. One of the big bosses booked everybody in that morning and sent them on their way in all the transport buses to play Green Valley. He then proceeded to drive to Eastern Star. He of course blamed his Satnav but we could see pressure was starting to tell. His partner, the other big boss, then had to rearrange everything at the course whilst waiting for the errant group to arrive after their jaunt down to Eastern Star. He then proceeded to “play the worst golf of my life” and come last with seventeen points. These five day working weeks are obviously going to take some getting used to.

Brian Beaupre - winner at Greenwood.
With the crazy things happening back at base, we arrived at Green Valley to find out that the management had once again altered the course around so that the first hole is once again the toughest hole on the course. This meant that a good number of the contestants were fishing around in the pond after their very first drive. Put that together with the weather on the day being one of the hottest and most humid I have ever encountered in Thailand and the majority of the bedraggled incumbents returned to the looking like the French Foreign Legion after a route march across the Sahara.
It was of course no problem for our hero of the week and Mike Rushant skipped back to the club house ready to collect his first prize. He did however only manage to pip another youngster, Ian Bell, on count back. The immaculately turned out Mike Sanders took third spot.
1st Mike Rushant (11) 35pts
2nd Ian Bell (6) 35pts
3rd Mike Sanders (6) 33pts
Friday, Nov. 7,
Phoenix - Stableford
It was another welcome return to Phoenix on Friday, this time after about a year’s absence. We played Ocean and Mountain courses and because of the large turnout two divisions were required. Everybody got lucky because just a few miles away back in Pattaya the mother and father of all thunderstorms fell on the city for a couple of hours in the early afternoon and for a time it looked as though Noah was going to get a call to bring his ark along.

Gerry Fernandez - winner at Phoenix.
All remained calm at Phoenix and ‘Big’ Gerry Fernandez swatted away the challenge of, you guessed it, Mike Rushant to take top spot in Div 1. Mike just managed to pip dapper Mike Sanders on count back.
In Div.2 Derek Thorogood managed to get his act together and headed the field, but only just as he pushed Arthur Kimo back into second place on count back. Tewin Poopay Lamthong took up the baton for the girls and finished in third place.
Div. 1 (0-13)
1st Gerry Fernandez (12) 36pts
2nd Mike Rushant (11) 34pts
3rd Mike Sanders (6) 34pts
Div.2 (14+)
1st Derek Thorogood (14) 34pts
2nd Arthur Kimo (22) 34pts
3rd Tewin Poopay Lamthong (14) 33pts
Saturday, Nov. 8,
Mt. Shadow - Stableford
Lastly, we come to Saturday and a trip over to Mountain Shadow on what turned out to be the most beautiful day of the week. The course was in excellent condition, showing no ill effects from all the rain.
Mike Rushant saved his best for last and rattled up 40 points in Division 1 to decimate the rest of the field, no one could get near the cheeky little blighter. Phil Cummins, who had never played the course before, did very well in finishing second and Fergus Brennan adjusted his grip to expel the nightmares he encountered earlier in the week to take third place.
In Division 2 the handy Andy’s dominated: Andy Driver took first place with your scribe (Andy Rich) in second. Right behind me, after count back, was the magnificently named Demon Wong.
Div.1 (0-13)
1st Mike Rushant (11) 40pts
2nd Phil Cummins (11) 35pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (13) 33pts
Div.2 (14+)
1st Andy Driver (16) 34pts
2nd Andy Rich (20) 33pts
3rd Demon Wong (20) 33pts
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.

Sa sets the course alight

PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar

Wednesday winner Sa with Wayne Cotterell and Chris Dodd.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, Green Valley - Stableford
Playing Green valley today was a day out for some golfers, the course was in good condition even after all the rain they have had on the course, there was no run at all and winter rules were in play. Wherever the ball hit the ground it stayed there or came back a little.
With seven groups playing we got off to an early start and were finished in about 15 minutes short of 4 hours. It was hot out there though with sunshine and no threat of rain.
You would tend to think that with the course being so wet the game would help the lower markers but not the case today. In the winners’ circle were Sel Wegner, taking fourth spot on a count back over Owen Walkley with 37 points each, while third place went to Chris Dodd with 40 points, yes that’s right, with no run at all Chris actually managed to score 12 points in 3 holes from the 11th with a chip-in for 5 points, a par on the next for 3 and a par on the next for 4, not bad at all! Second place went to Wayne Cotterell with 41 points and the top spot was taken by Nichawan Khiaophuang (Sa) with 42 off her 25 handicap. Well done Sa, a great round of golf in those conditions.
There were four ‘2’s recorded, coming from Sa, Eric Black, Sel Wegner and William Macey.
Friday, Nov. 7, Burapha - Stableford
Playing Burapha for the first time in a while the course, as with most, was very wet in places and it was carts on paths only. The course may have been wet but the greens were brutal, as in fast even with all the rain; you only had to look at the ball and it moved six feet.
We got away to an early start in lovely weather but it didn’t take long for the heat to take its toll, however we all finished in under four hours.
Apart from 2 scores the course was the winner today. There were no ‘2’s so the prizes went to third place with Willem Lasonder taking that spot with 33 points. Second place went to Owen Walkley with a great 39 points, being just beaten on count back by Brian Maddox having his best round for a long time.

Voller & Blair form dynamic duo

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Colin James and Dennis Scougall.

Monday, Nov. 3, Pattavia – Stableford
We had a tee off time of 10.00am today but as always we were early and had four groups in front of us who were not the quickest in town.
Our first group came in rain free but as the second approached the last green the heavens opened and the remainder of the field struggled in over the next hour, most looking a little sodden.
The best score returned came in division 1 (7-19) from Edward ‘Teddy’ Bourne with 39 points, Terry Madsen took second one point behind and Dennis Scougall was third with 36.

Pete Sumner and William Chang.

In division 2 a meager 31 points was enough to win it for Steven Cliff while Tom Novak was three points behind in second and Colin James took third after beating Rod Howett on a 14/12 back nine count back, both scoring 26 points.
Near pins went to Terry Madsen, Lindsay Phillips (2), Pete Sumner, Alan Bissell and Steven Cliff.
Lindsay Phillips and Pete Sumner birdied the 13th to split the ‘2’s pot in division 1 while a rollover ensued to Plutaluang on Wednesday in division 2.
We wished bon voyage today to Dawn and John Hughes and also Steve Cliff.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, Plutaluang - Stableford
The East and South courses were the challenge today and despite some dark clouds building up during the day, we escaped with a rain-free round.
Playing off 5, Kari Kuparinen topped division 1 today with 38 points while Pete Sumner was second on 33 and Dennis Scougall beat Chris Voller 17/14 on the back nine for third after they both came in with 32 points each.
Colin James was the winner in division 2 with 38 points, one ahead of Magne Gunnarsson in second and Jeff van Uffelen beat Roger de Jongh 16/11 for third spot after both scored 31 points.
Near pins were claimed by Kari Kuparinen, Mike Lewis, Pete Sumner, Alan Bissell, William Chang, Don Head and Roger De Jongh.
Edward Bourne birdied South 4 and Mike Lewis and Chris Voller East 2 to share the division 1 ‘2’s pot while in division 2 William Chang birdied East 5 to take sole possession of the rollover prize.
Friday, Nov. 5,
Eastern Star – 2P Scramble/Stableford
A two-person scramble took place at Eastern Star on Friday, with the team pairings featuring one player from each division. The rules gave a 40% combined handicap allowance with each player having to record 7 tee-shots on the card.
There were 18 teams out on a very hot day here with clear blue skies all around. All looked well until the first group reached the 17th green when the rain came down again. Fortunately it eased off enough to allow all the teams to finish.
Chris Voller and Darryl Blair were the winners today with 46 points, ahead of Mike Lewis and Jim Connelly in second with 45 and Bill Bertram and Joe Kubon third with 44. We then had four teams tied on 43 points but Mikael Anderson and Frank Kelly had the better of the count back and completed the podium in fourth.
Regular near pin awards went to Dennis Scougall, Pete Sumner (2), Chris Voller and Alan Bissell. Additional prizes were also on offer for near pins in multiple shots; these were won by Pete Sumner and William Chang #2, Khalifa Nasser and Cliff Elliot #8, Mike Chatt and Glyn Evans #11, Colin James and Dennis Scougall #12, and Pete Sumner and William Chang #16.
Tournament winners Chris Voller and Darryl Blair were the only team to record a ‘2’ today, theirs coming on the 17th.

Brad signs off in style

Results & Standings Oct. 30 (week 6)

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts.
The Swan	6	6	0	0	46	10	12
Crazy Eddie’s	6	4	2	0	40	17	10
2 Dogs Bar	6	4	1	1	38	19	9
Londoner	6	4	1	1	37	19	9
Don’t Tell Mama’s	6	4	0	2	37	21	8
Ta’s Bar	6	4	0	2	25	26	8
The Clinic	6	3	0	3	30	24	6
i-Rovers ‘ Casuals’	6	3	0	3	20	29	6
Buffalo Jack’s	6	2	0	4	17	32	4
Naughty Kangaroo	6	2	0	4	13	32	4
W. Tankies	6	2	0	4	17	34	4
i-Rovers ‘A’	6	2	0	4	17	23	4
Results:  2 Dogs Bar 4-0 Bye, Londoner 5-5 Crazy Eddie’s, Naughty Kangaroo 4-0 Bye, The Clinic 3-9 Don’t Tell Mama’s, The Swan 9-0 i-Rovers ‘Casuals’, Wanky Tankies 8-1 Buffalo Jack’s, i-Rovers ‘A’ 3-4 Ta’s Bar

King Factory Friday Night Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 7 (week 3)

Team	P	W	L	D	+/-	Pts
Legends Pool	3	2	0	1	12	6
Shoot Pool	3	2	0	1	6	6
The Butchers Arms	3	2	0	1	6	6
The Rest Stop	3	2	0	1	0	6
Sweethearts Bar	3	2	0	1	-6	6
Pook’s Bar	3	1	0	2	-8	3
Links Bar	3	1	0	2	-10	3
Results:  BYE1 A-W Pook’s Bar, Legends Pool 9-11 Sweethearts Bar, The Butchers Arms 8-12 Shoot Pool, The Rest Stop 12-8 Links Bar

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Standings Nov. 3 (week 18)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/L	Pts.
Legends	18	15	3	98	60	14	30
Load Out	18	14	4	105	49	11	28
Buffalo Jack’s	18	14	4	102	52	12	28
W. Tankies	18	12	6	97	57	12	24
Bye	18	8	9	67	78	9	16
i-Rovers ‘A’	18	8	10	66	80	11	16
Bye	18	8	8	62	62	8	16
Don’t Tell MaMa’s	18	5	13	63	82	4	10
i-Rovers ‘B’	18	3	15	37	116	4	6
Bye	18	1	16	30	91	3	2
Results:  Buffalo Jack’s (4-0)-(5-1) v Legends, Don’t Tell MaMa’s (4-0)-(5-1) v Load Out, W. Tankies (9-1)-(0-0) v Bye, i-Rovers ‘A’ (4-1)-(5-0) v i-Rovers ‘B’

Links Bar Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 5 (week 21)

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Legends Pool	17	14	1	2	84	43
Links Bar	18	12	1	5	64	37
Pook’s Bar	19	11	2	6	24	35
Mates Bar	20	10	2	8	-8	32
George &Dragon	17	9	3	5	34	30
Classroom	20	7	3	10	-26	24
Crazy Eddie’s	18	6	4	8	-2	22
FCUK Inn	17	4	5	8	-26	17
The Ranch	16	5	2	9	-28	17
Connections	17	4	2	11	-44	14
Queen Vic	19	4	1	14	-72	13
Results:  FCUK Inn 6-14 Crazy Eddie’s, George & Dragon 10-10 Classroom, Legends Pool P-P The Ranch, Links Bar 16-4 Connections, Pook’s Bar 13-7 Queen Vic

 

Pattaya 8-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 3 (week 11)

Team	Played	Won	Lost	For	Agst	Diff	Points
Smile Bar	11	10	1	115	50	65	31
Phimai Geordie	10	10	0	114	36	78	30
Asian Nomads	11	6	5	79	86	-7	23
Pom Bar	11	5	6	74	91	-17	21
Funny Girls	10	5	5	75	75	0	20
Crazy Eddie’s	10	5	5	65	85	-20	20
San Snack Bar	9	5	4	78	57	21	19
Ta Bar	10	3	7	71	79	-8	16
Doggy Style	10	3	7	57	93	-36	16
Parrot Inn	9	3	6	54	81	-27	15
Connections	11	1	10	58	107	-49	13
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s v Doggy Style, Funny Girl 7 v 8 Smile Bar, Bye 0 v 0 San Snack Bar, Parrot Inn 3 v 12 Pom Bar, Phimai Geordie 11 v 4 Connections, Ta Bar 7 v 8 Asian Nomads

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Standings Nov. 3 (week 12)

Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
Legends	12	10	2	31	0	30
Links Bar	12	9	3	29	1	28
Rest Stop	12	9	3	29	0	27
Nicky’s Bar	12	9	3	21	0	27
Sweethearts Bar	12	9	3	17	0	27
Shoot Pool	12	6	6	3	2	20
Cheers Bar	11	6	5	-4	2	20
Dean’s Bar	12	6	6	-5	2	20
Offshore Bar	12	5	7	-7	1	16
Wok’n’Rok	12	4	8	-26	1	13
Classroom	11	3	8	-19	2	11
Two Dogs	12	1	11	-50	1	4
Mates Bar	12	0	12	-19	0	0
Results:  Legends 10 v 9 Shoot Pool, Offshore Bar 9 v 10 Nicky’s Bar, Rest Stop 6 v 10 Links Bar, Sweethearts Bar 10 v 9 Dean’s Bar, Two Dogs 3 v 10 Classroom, Wok ‘N’ Rok 4 v 10 Cheers Bar

Shoot Pool Thursday Darts League

Results & Standings Nov. 6

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	BL	Pts.
Ben’s Tattoo Bar	4	4	0	0	11	0	8
Shoot Pool	3	2	0	1	1	0	4
Nervous Wreck	4	2	0	2	-5	0	4
Scandalic	2	1	0	1	-5	0	2
Bye	3	0	0	3	0	0	0
Connections Bar	2	0	0	2	-2	0	0
Results:  Bye A-W Ben’s Tattoo Bar, Nervous Wreck 4-9 Shoot Pool

Darkside Tuesday Darts League

Standings Nov. 4 (week 10)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	T/G	Pts.
Chill Bar	10	8	2	63	27	8	16
PJ Pub	9	7	2	46	35	6	14
Oscars Bar	10	6	4	57	33	6	12
Load Out	10	6	4	55	35	3	12
Double Dutch	9	2	7	23	58	2	4
Moonies	10	0	10	17	73	3	0
Results:  Chill Bar (8-0)-(1-0) v Double Dutch, Load Out (5-0)-(4-1) v PJ Pub and Restaurant, Oscars Bar (9-1)-(0-0) v Moonies

Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings Nov. 4 (week 18)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/legs	Pts.
Londoner	18	18	0	164	50	14	36
Legends	18	13	5	110	67	9	26
Buffalo Jack’s	18	12	6	118	74	11	24
Yates’ Bar	18	12	6	96	71	13	24
The Swan	18	11	7	101	65	16	22
Naughty Kangaroo	18	11	6	93	84	12	22
Crazy Eddie’s	18	10	8	101	87	19	20
Nervous Wreck	18	9	9	95	95	7	18
i-Rovers	18	7	11	91	94	9	14
Shoot Pool	18	7	11	79	97	9	14
Scandalic	18	6	12	74	113	6	12
Bye	18	5	11	36	82	5	10
W. Tankies	18	3	15	51	111	4	6
Bye	18	0	17	0	119	0	0
Results:  Bye (0-0)-(7-1) v The Swan, Buffalo Jack’s (11-1)-(1-0) v Scandalic, Legends (7-0)-(3-1) v Yates’ Bar, Londoner (7-1)-(0-0) v Bye, Shoot Pool (4-1)-(8-0) v Nervous Wreck, W. Tankies (4-1)-(8-0) v Naughty Kangaroo, i-Rovers (4-1)-(8-0) v Crazy Eddie’s

Vanuatu crowned beach volleyball champions in Pattaya

St. Andrews tops ESAC cross-country championship

FC Planet start Cup defence with emphatic win

Khao Maikaew school sends 2 teams to Euro Cake finals

Eurasia Cup heroes eyeing Thailand Golf Championship crown

Jordison signs off with a win

Impregnable form

‘The Flapper’ is in the pink

No rain sees scores improve

Adam Barton leads the way

Kae conquers all at Khao Kheow

Treasure Hill wins, again

Bangpra and Tropical Golf both winners

Lyle has best of the week

Evans & Gabe on top at the Mountain

Hamilton ends trip on a high note

Rushant remains on top

Sa sets the course alight

Voller & Blair form dynamic duo

Thursday Darts League

King Factory Friday Night Pool League

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Links Bar Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Pattaya 8-Ball Pool League

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Shoot Pool Thursday Darts League

Darkside Tuesday Darts League

Tuesday Darts League