Features

La Posta Cup, hosted for the first time in Thailand

Teams battle for honours in the La Posta Cup at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Sunday, November 30.

The Thai Polo & Equestrian Club grounds in eastern Pattaya were the setting for the La Posta Cup competition, conducted between the 28th and 30th November, and held for the first time in Thailand.
The La Posta Cup, a perpetual trophy, had its beginnings in Argentina, with the inaugural event taking place in 1973. The trophy was played up to 14 goal standard. Santiago Bachmann, the 36-year-old Thai Polo & Equestrian Club manager and senior resident veterinary surgeon, arranged the tournament, which featured players representing four competing teams: Adamas, Hong Kong, Maple Leaf, and Paisano.
In the first round, held on the 28th, Paisano downed Hong Kong while Maple Leaf defeated Adamas. The semi-finals took place the next day, with Adamas roaring into the final by downing Paisano while Maple Leaf downed Hong Kong.

The final round of the FEI World Cup show jumping SEA League took place from November 28-30.

The final, to be played between Adamas and Maple Leaf was, unfortunately, delayed due to inclement weather and has been postponed until a date to be fixed, although Santiago said it will take place in December.
Over the same weekend, November 28-30, the third and final round of the FEI World Cup show jumping SEA League took place at the same venue. The International Equestrian Federation-sanctioned competition, which featured eight competitors, saw Siengsaw Lertratanachai emerge victorious in this final round.
All three rounds of the FEI World Cup Jumping SEA League have been held at the well-appointed Thai Polo & Equestrian Club. While the second round was entirely made up of Thai competitors, the events are open to international teams as well as local participants. This third round saw a French team of two and one Swedish national, who has lived a long time in Thailand, take on the five Thai equestrians.
Note: The annual Queen’s Cup Pink Polo tournament will take place at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club this coming Sunday, Dec 14. The tournament is held to help raise funds for the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer at Chulalongkorn Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society.
The tournament features an all-women cast, with the players turning up for the matches dressed in pink, while the venue itself will be adorned in matching decor. The day’s events begin at 12 Noon and include show jumping, a fashion show on horseback, best hat competition, kids’ polo, Pink Polo final with divot stomping & high tea, fireworks Assado & dancing.
Entrance costs 1,000 baht as a donation to the Queen Sirikit Center. For more information, call Kh. Surapol on 081 617 4744 or check website: www.thai-polo-club.com.

Uncertain future for Pattaya’s WTA tennis tourney

The Pattaya women’s tennis open has drawn top stars to the seaside city for the past 23 years.

One of the highlights of the Pattaya sporting calendar, the WTA Tour women’s professional tennis tournament, which is now in its 24th year, will have a name change in 2015 and revert back to its original name the “PTT Thailand Open”, which was initially used in 2005.
Whilst the tournament will go-ahead as planned next year from 8–15 February at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya, there is increasing uncertainty over the future of the event due to funding cuts from the principle sponsors of the tournament.
Tournament Director, Geoffrey Rowe stated, “The long running support from Pattaya City and Chonburi province was terminated for 2015 as the local authorities were informed they were no longer allowed to support international sporting events. At the same time funding from other key sponsors has also been cut which means the financial viability of the tournament is at risk. We have no option but to go-ahead with the tournament in 2015 but we need to seriously consider the situation beyond next year. It is a great pity as the tournament is Thailand’s longest running professional sporting event and we were looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2016.”
Rowe continued, “We renamed the tournament the PTT Thailand Open to reflect the status of the event as it is the only remaining world tour tennis tournament in Thailand, since the demise of the ATP Thailand Open 2 years ago. The name was originally used for the tournament in 2005 when it was first held in Bangkok, so it is basically reverting back to the original name of the tournament.”
The PTT Thailand Open will take place over 8 days in 2015, with the qualifying rounds being held on 8-9 February and the main draw commencing from 9 February and running through to the finals on Sunday 15 February.
Tickets are currently on sale at the following prices: Sunday 8 February (qualifying) 300 baht; Monday 9 – Sunday 15 February: 300, 500, 800 and 1,200 baht. All tickets cover access to the matches for the whole day and special rates are available for groups or weekly passes.
For further information on the tournament, contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd on: Tel: 02-3113414/5 or via the website at www.pentanglepromotions.com.

Bangkok Sports Club wins HM the King’s Birthday bowls tourney

The champion team from the Royal Bangkok Sport Club.

Coco Sports Club at Ban Amphur near Pattaya hosted Thailand’s first 3 day lawn bowling competition on December 5, 6 and 7 to celebrate HM the King’s birthday. Forty players in 10 teams fought out a new schedule on a real team basis. The teams were drawn and then the players’ positions within the team were also drawn from a hat, so the players had no say in who their opponents would be.
It was a real team event with sidelines assistance, some great games and surprises, but after 83 matches and 553 ends of bowls the two league winners faced off in the final and what a cracker it was, close scoring on the way at 5-all, 6-all, 8-all and the winning team, after trailing 12-11 on the last end, made the two shots to win it 13-12. It was a match fit to grace any world final.
So it was a super weekend and congratulations to the champions, the Royal Bangkok Sports Club team of Yung, Pot, John and Darren, who took home the 24,000 baht first prize, and also to the runners-up from Pattaya, the team of Lek, Thanom, Iain and Harvey.
If you are interested in lawn bowls, come and join the friendly Coco Club, learn a new sport and meet new friends.

Relaxing cricket with a tense finale

Pattaya Cricket Club, affiliated with the Pattaya Sports Club, hosted an internal friendly 25 over game of cricket for all its playing members of all ages and abilities on Sunday, Dec. 7.
The playing surface at the Thai Polo Ground was in magnificent condition despite the recent downpours that threatened during the week and with 20 fit, able and willing players available for selection the two captains for the day, Simon Philbrook and John Speirs, heatedly selected their teams. After much debate and a toss that Simon won, Simon’s team elected to bat first.
After a bright start from Paul Hack (18) and dim start from Dan (5), Simon’s side progressed serenely. Despite losing wickets regularly in the fast format of the game, which in reality was being played at a pedestrian pace, the score progressed to 68/5 at drinks after 15 overs. A PCC club record was established when the young David Scott (age 69) was joined at the crease by the slightly older Roger (age 72), to eclipse the previous highest combined batting age (128 years) by a comfortable 13 years. Running between the wickets was reduced to a gentle amble and as wickets kept tumbling, eventually a target of 95 was posted to win.
John sent his big guns, Venky and Ragu, in early for a fast start. Then a quite remarkable sequence of events began to unfold. The opening bowlers Thomas and Dan found the outside edges of Ragu (4), Venky (8) and Khalid (10) and all three were caught at first slip by Simon. It was made all the more remarkable by the fact that all three were held at the first attempt and Venky’s was held at full stretch low to Simon’s left.
Not finished with that, Simon then clean bowled a despondent Salman (17) and a calamitous Richard Grunwell (8). Bernard (16) launched the hapless, dejected and forlorn Lord Richard Harvey over long on for a maximum to relieve the increasing pressure, leaving a tense finish of 11 runs needed from the remaining 5 overs but with only one wicket remaining. The anchor himself John Speirs (6 no) guided his side home, ably supported by Andy Schofield (11 no).
It was a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable day for everyone, except RH, with new faces meeting old ones and old bodies with young minds feeling young but sore. The final two hours of the sun drenched afternoon was spent reminiscing of days gone by, accompanied by a few ice cold beers of course.
Note: PCC welcome anyone to participate, either as a player, official or supporter regardless of age and ability and encourage everyone to visit the club website www. pattayacricketclub.com or club Facebook page.

Harrington seals dramatic win at Indonesia Open

Padraig Harrington holds the champions trophy after winning the 2014 BANK BRI Indonesia Open at the Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course in Jakarta, Sunday, Dec. 7.

Irishman Padraig Harrington secured a thrilling victory at the US$750,000 BANK BRI Indonesia Open last Sunday after defeating a battling Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand by two shots.
The three-time Major champion held a four-shot lead at the start of the final round but stumbled at the turn in 37 as Thanyakon birdied three in his opening five holes to lead by two shots after nine holes.
Harrington clawed his way back up after a two-hour rain suspension to tie with Thanyakon heading into the 18th hole where drama ensued at the Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course.
Under immense pressure to win his first Asian Tour title, the 24-year-old Thai hit his second shot into the water for a double bogey as Harrington sealed the win with a 15-foot par putt after taking a penalty drop when his tee shot landed on the edge of the hazard.

24-year-old Thanyakon Khrongpha (left) fought back in Round 4 but fell short of claiming his first Asian Tour title when he double-bogeyed the 18th hole.

Harrington, who signed for an even-par 71 and a winning total of 16-under-par 268 said, “Winning is a good habit to have. It gives you a lot of confidence and I need that confidence. I didn’t start too well but I came through and I got the win. This win brings a lot of confidence to my game and hopefully it will show up next year.”
“I had a bad break on the 18th hole when I hit my tee shot and it rolled to the edge of the hazard. I was about to chip my ball sideways to the fairway but when Thanyakon hit it into the water, there was no point to take a chance. So I went back to the fairway and hit my six iron for my best shot of the week,” said Harrington.
After completing five holes in his third round on Sunday morning, Harrington opened his final round campaign with a bogey before dropping two shots on the par three seventh hole. He admitted that the rain delay after nine holes helped him recover.
“I hit a few bad shots earlier on and I hit a careless shot on the seventh hole. The biggest thing for me at that stage was that I was really praying for a rain delay. My momentum was gone but Thanyakon was flying and he didn’t miss a shot,” Harrington explained.
“It was very unlucky for Thanyakon because of that rain delay. It was unfortunate but he can be very proud with how he played all the way through. He is really impressive. He looks like a player to watch for in the future,” added the Irishman.
A dejected Thanyakon rued the missed opportunity to win his first Asian Tour title after struggling to hold his nerve on the 18th hole.
“It was a great final round from me but I was under so much pressure on the last hole. I’m still happy with how I played. The rain delay stopped my momentum. It wasn’t good. The pressure made me scared,” said the young Thai, who posted a 69.
David Lipsky of the United States extended his Order of Merit lead by slightly over US$133,518 after finishing sixth while Merit runner-up Anirban Lahiri of India stumbled to tied 15th place after closing with a triple bogey.
“Looks like I increased my lead and I’m feeling pretty good about that. The goal was to play solid here. Step one done and now I’ll move on to the Thailand Golf Championship and see what I can do there,” said Lipsky, who won the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September.
Lahiri will have much to play for in the remaining two Asian Tour events. “I got a lot to play for. David has a good lead and I need two solid results in the last two events. I think I’m playing well enough but I got to put it together over four rounds. I haven’t done that in these last two weeks.”
Focus now switches to Thailand this weekend for the Thailand Golf Championship, being held from Dec. 11-14 at the Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi. The $1 million dollar event will feature a plethora of world golf stars including defending champion Sergio Garcia of Spain, Bubba Watson from the United States, 2014 US Open champion Martin Kaymer of Germany, England’s Lee Westwood, South Africa’s Ernie Els and Thai favourite Thongchai Jaidee.
Tickets for the event cost 300 baht for Friday, Dec. 12, 400 baht for Saturday, Dec. 13, and 500 baht for Sunday, Dec. 14. A 4-day pass costs 800 baht. Amata Spring Country Club is approximately 45 mins drive from Pattaya. For directions to the course, go to website: www.thailandgolfchampionship.com.

O’Keefe takes the plaudits at Greenwood

PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar

Peter, Sel Wegner and Gary Ritchie.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, Green Valley - Stableford
Green Valley was the challenge today, with no rain and a course in peak condition. 9 groups playing and we got away to an early start in perfect conditions, just a nice gentle breeze and glorious sunshine.
We welcomed Cynthia and David Hutcheson along with Gary Ritchie, who is over from NZ for a month or two. Birthday boy Sel Wegner donated two Billabong golf shirts for near the pins on the 8th and 16th holes which were won by Dean Hart on the 8th and Cottee on the 16th, two great shots and also two good 2s. There were four ‘2’s in total, the other two coming from Gary Ritchie and Sel (Birthday boy) Wegner.

George Gamble with Brian Maddox, John Locke and John O’Keefe.

We had a four-way count back for 5th place between Cottee, his lovely wife Eng, Murray Hart and Dave Driscoll, with Dave getting the nod with 21 points on the back nine. 4th place went to Peter Henderson with 36, third was taken by Peter LeNoury with 37 and it was a count back between Gary Ritchie and Auke for top spot on 39, with Auke having the better back nine and relegating Gary into second place.
Friday, Dec. 5, Greenwood - Stableford
Playing Greenwood for the first time in ages, it was a little chaotic at first with a shortage of carts, but it got sorted out in eventually with shared carts, and as our old mate John White used to say, nobody died.
With a few cancellations and it being Father’s Day here in Thailand we still had four groups and got away to a bit of a late start but we were all back in the clubhouse in just on four hours, which is great at this time of the year. Thank you to the management at Greenwood for the good organization.
We had two near pins of two sleeves of Pro V1 golf balls, kindly donated by Mick Beresford of the Paradise Bar in Soi Khao Noi. He managed to get one back for himself on the first par three and Capt Bob got the other one on the next.
We had just the one ‘2’, coming from Brian Maddox, with George Barrie missing out due to those blasted plastic rings they put in the holes here in Thailand; his putt hit the back of the hole from about thirty feet but just bounced out.
The score’s were very good today with John Locke getting third place with a great 37 points. Second spot went to George Gamble with 40 points but the man of the moment was John O’Keefe, just pipping George with a superb round of 41 points.
The road going up to Greenwood is the only thing keeping us from going there on a more regular basis, the course was in good condition and I guess if you can put up with the 331 it certainly is great value for money.
Note: The Billabong Golf Bar 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.

Lewis sparkles at Crystal Bay

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Andy Oz, Gerry Cooke & Jerry McCarthy.

Monday, Dec. 1, Crystal Bay - Stableford
As we left Siam Cats here in Jomtien we were still uncertain which route to take so there is a split decision and five cars took the motorway and one checked the Sukhamvit route out. I n the end it was 18 kilometers longer on the 7 but we arrived ten minutes earlier than the 3 route.
There were seven groups out today with the cut at 8-17 and 18 plus in division 2 and we were playing the C and A course off the white tees. There was a warm welcome return to Jill and Howard Stanley and Joe Mueller.
Mike Lewis recorded the best score of the day, winning division 1 with 40 points while Jerry McCarthy came in second one point behind and Chris Voller took third with 36.
In division 2 a few points less was Chris Slota who won with 34 points and there were two 32’s fighting for second place but William Chang pipped Andy Oz 13/11 on the back nine.
Near pins were won by (Div 1) Mike Chatt, Nik Evans, Chris Voller (2) and (Div 2) William Chang (2), Bryan Rought and Matty Swire.
There were no ‘2’s recorded in division 1 so a rollover to Pleasant Valley on Wednesday but in division 2 William Chang birdied A8 and he was a happy chappy.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Driving onto the 7 up to Pleasant Valley the skies in the distance were looking very gloomy and as we passed the blue water tower turning for Burapha we hit a horrendous storm. This lasted for 20 minutes but as we turned off the 7 there was a more promising outlook and we arrived at the course with blue sky in every direction and a very busy clubhouse.
There were six groups in front of us ready to tee off plus a Thai junior 5-ball in competition as well, but we teed off only 15 minutes behind schedule although the front nine was two and a half hours. Fortunately it speeded up on the back nine with two hours for our first group.
We had an 8-15 cut in division 1 and Edward Bourne won that flight with 37 points. Chris Voller came in second on 36 and Jerry McCarthy was third with 31.
In form and waiting to have his handicap cut, Chris Slota topped division 2 with 40 points while Paul Hartley was second five points behind and Jin Connelly took third with 34.
Near pins were shared by (Div 1) Maurice Lots, Jerry McCarthy, Dennis Scougall, Pete Sumner and (Div 2) Jim Connelly and Gerry Cooke.
Yet again there is no ‘2’s in division 1 so a double rollover to the Emerald on Monday but in division 2 Gerry Cooke and Ray Hucknall both birdied the 17th to share the pot.
Friday, Dec. 5,
Eastern Star – Stableford
Our largest turnout so far in the high season with 12 groups out today with the equal cut at 7-14, 15-19 and 20+ in division 3 and the best score of the day was returned in division 1, with Bill Bertram winning with 40 points. Chris Voller came in second once more on 35 and Mikael Andersson beat Pete Sumner 16/15 on the back nine to finish third after they both scored 33 points.
Andy Galvin won division 3 with 39 points, eight ahead of Glyn Evans in second and Lars Svensson beat little David Taylor 11/10 on the back six holes for third after they both scored 30 points each.
Alan Hansen was the winner in division 2 with 36 points, and with 34 points Iain Walsh beat Colin Aspinall 19/15 on the back nine to take second place.
The first group reached the 17th tee and there was a heavy shower which was intermittent over the last two holes but soon cleared, although three groups who had just arrived at the tenth called it a day, unknowing of our 1 hour rain cancellation rule, so they were still in the comp.
Near pins went to (Div 1) Bill Bertram, Karl Flood, Arthur Hancock, Chris Voller and (Div 2) Colin Aspinall, Andy Galvin, Richard Owen and Iain Walsh.
In the ‘2’s a rollover to next Friday in division 2, while in division 1 Juha Harilo eagled the par 4 first hole and there were birdies for Arthur Hancock, Marty Rock, Walter Weber and Karl Flood to leave the pot being split 5 ways.
We said bon voyage today to Mike and Wendy Lewis, see you next October if not before.

Ken Aihara is the man, again

PSC Golf from The Golf Club

Bill Eyles, Phil Smedley and Ken Aihara protect their assets on the podium.

Steve Ellison
Monday, Dec. 1, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
T1st Kenny Aihara (5) 35pts
T1st Phil Smedley (10) 35pts
T1st Bill Eyles (22) 35pts
We get spoiled by this course. Green Valley is our regular Monday venue for good reason, everybody loves it here, it’s easy to get to, and is usually in great nick. More locals are members here than any other Pattaya golf course so that must tell you something.
More perfect weather was on the cards as things are getting just a tad bit cooler these days, and that is making our golf even more enjoyable.

Wednesday’s top three: Kenny, Freddie and Robbie, the new boy band.

It was a very close contest here today as 3 of our finest were locked in a tie at 35 points. We only do a count back on our Monthly Medal and so 3 top blokes had to squeeze together on the top step for a rare 3-way joint win. Best of Class went to the usual suspects, Kenny Aihara, Phil Smedley and Billy “The Hat” Eyles. These guys are playing off 5, 10 and 22 handicaps respectively, which demonstrates what a great game this is when players of different levels can have a good comp and great time together.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, Pleasant Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Freddie Graham (20) 41pts
2nd Kenny Aihara (5) 37pts
3rd Robbie Taylor (14) 36pts
We picked up our 750 baht PSC vouchers at the club on Tuesday, so fully loaded we set off up Highway 7 to Pleasant Valley. The road has been under some serious construction for months now but looks like it is making headway finally. It seems much safer now but is still a year or so from completion, I am guessing.
This really is a pleasant track, the only negative we always hear is that it seems somewhat crowded on certain holes. Greens were a bit grainy and sometimes inconsistent as well. That said, there were no complaints from the Peanut Gallery today as we followed some very talented young golfers in a junior tournament. It might be sad to admit, but those little kids didn’t hold us up!
Stalwarts Robbie Taylor and Ken Aihara can hold their heads high after turning in 36 and 37 point returns respectively. A couple of weeks ago we had 40’s from Mark Wood and then Bryan Carroll, great scores indeed, but it has been ages since a 40 plus card hit Phil’s desk and that all changed today when Freddie Graham notched up a fine 41 pointer to top the podium.
Freddie scored 10 more points today than his efforts at Khao Kheow the previous week for a third on the steps. Nice going Freddie, that’s a great round of golf mate, and what an improvement!
Thursday, Dec. 4, Greenwood (yellow tees) – Stableford
1st Ross Nicholson (14) 39pts
2nd Kenny Aihara (5) 37pts
3rd Billy Eyles (22) 35pts
Sure, it’s another 15 minutes drive to get out to Greenwood, but so what? Where are you rushing to? It is well worth that extra bit of time to play such a lovely golf course at an amazing high season rate of just 1,000 baht for green fee and caddy! The weather was just perfect today and the boys barely broke a sweat out there.
Condition of the course was fantastic so we will have Greenwood on our playlist for many months to come. We were playing here on Thursday this week as Friday was the King’s Birthday and a holiday.
Well he won at Pattana the previous week, and this was the last round that Scotsman Ross Nicholson would get in before heading back home. He was saving his best for last and strolled into the clubhouse with a 39 on his card. That was good enough to easily win over our (near pro) flag bearer Kenny (copy & paste) Aihara who took another second place on the week. Coincidentally, Billy Eyles had a third today as well as a first on Monday at Green Valley, so we are observing a pattern here!
Kenny Aihara, with a first and two second place appearances, took the cake for golfer of the week! Gam batta, ne! Thanks again to all who supported us this week, and keep it in the fairway boys.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclub pattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.facebook.com/golf clubpattaya... all handicaps welcome.

Madsen takes the win at Mt. Shadow

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg

Kennith Madsen and Richard Snellen with Dave Richardson.

Monday, Dec. 1, Mt. Shadow - Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Kennith Medsen (18) 40pts
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki (13) 36pts
3rd Jan Lovgreen (20) 36pts
4th Leif Kirkgaard (17) 35pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Richard Snellen (23) 38pts
2nd Mike Winfield (22) 36pts
3rd Ernst Hansen (24) 34pts
4th Mick O’Connor (22) 31pts
Long Putts: #9 Mark West, #18 Mike Winfield.
Near Pins: #5 Michele Sancillo, #8 Dave Richardson, #15 Ernst Hansen, #17 Carole Kubicki
Mountain Shadow was the test today and we teed off 25 minutes early in fine weather conditions. The course was in good shape, with much faster greens than its sister course Crystal Bay across the tracks.
Back in the clubhouse, after a round of just under 4 hours, welcomes went out to Michele Sancillo and Richard Kubicki, and a farewell to Richard Snellen.
Two flights today with the cut at handicap 20 plus a full bag of near pins to shoot for.
Kennith Madsen took the A Flight with a fine 40 points, four ahead of Takeshi Hakozaki who took second on a count back from Jan Lovgreen. Leif Kirkgaard finished in fourth on a count back from Mark West, both with 35 points.
Richard Snellen topped the B Flight with 38 points while Mike Winfeld took second with 36, Ernst Hansen was third with 34 and Mick O’Connor completed the podium with a count back win over Steen Habersaat and Karl Beter for fourth.
Thursday, Dec. 4, Pattavia - Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Kenneth Madsen (18) 37pts
2nd Silvano Pizzato (19) 35pts
3rd Leif Kirkgaard (17) 34pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Dave Richardson (25) 33pts
2nd Mogens Jensen (36) 32pts
3rd Mike Winfield (22) 31pts
Long Putts: #9 Leif Kirkgaard, #18 Jan Lovgreen
Near Pins: #4 Kenneth Madsen, #13 Elias Magnusson
We were off the first tee 45 minutes early today under sunny skies and with no wind at all. The course was in fine condition with the greens a bit slower than at the recent members open.
Back in the clubhouse after a round of just over 4 hours, a welcome went out to Silvano Pizzato from Italy.
Two flights today with the cut made at handicap 20 and 4 pins to go for.
Kenneth Madsen continued his winning streak to take the A Flight with 37 points. Silvano Pizzato placed second on 35 points and Leif Kirkgaard was one further back in third.
Dave Richardson topped the B Flight with 33 points, one up on Mogens Jensen in second while Mike Winfield took third with 31.

Trevor back in the driving seat

IPGC Golf from The Haven

Trevor Schirmer, Jon Yarrow & Don Everett.

Monday, Dec. 1, Treasure Hill (Yellow tees) - Stableford
CSS 73
1st Don Everett (18) 38pts
2nd Markku Tynell (23) 36pts
3rd John Squitiero (20) 32pts
4th Rodney Nabbe (11) 31pts
5th Garry Barling (8) 30pts
6th Eric Goodman (25) 30pts
A week of threatening rain ended with hardly a drop falling on the three days of golf and resulted in overcast skies and light winds, which made it perfect weather in Thailand for golf.
The week started at the always difficult Treasure Hill course where the yellow tees were taken as the test for the day, which proved to be a good choice as the CSS went out to 73 to underline the difficulties faced by the players.
Don Everett had the best of the day at two under handicap after returning a very tidy card that did not include any zero-pointers but had five threes and a four-pointer, which ensured that he will be at his lowest ever level for handicap next week.
Markku Tynell continues to play very steadily and will surely be seeing his handicap dropping in the weeks to come as the courses get easier with extra run on the fairways, which always assists the higher handicappers with their length from the tee.
John Squitiero returned from several hundred hours of driving the boulevards of Las Vegas to take third place ahead of Rodney Nabbe by a shot.
Garry Barling won a count back over Eric Goodman for fifth place with a better 15 to 12 after Eric slumped a bit following a bright start.
There were no ‘2’s in the first division but Don Everett at last did the business with one on the 13th, which was playing 172 yards and the second most difficult of the day, to sweep away the massive rollover second division pot. Don was very generous following this great cleanup operation, blowing the horn twice before staggering home to really celebrate the day.
Before the presentations there were welcome backs for Eric Goodman, David Johnson, John Dahlseng, Brendan Dunne, John Squitiero, and Terry Hodgkiss, the latter from a serious dose of flu. Also Trevor Schirmer was again contending for the longest drive having returned from five weeks in Oz and taking over again from Phil Groves who is heading in the opposite direction.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, The Emerald - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Trevor Schirmer (14) 38pts
2nd Mike Armstrong (18) 34pts
3rd Garry Barling (8) 32pts
4th Markku Tynell (23) 31pts
5th Daryl Burkett (12) 31pts
6th Rodney Nabbe (11) 31pts
7th Peter Skinner (11) 31pts
Having taken a day or so to acclimatise again to the humidity of Pattaya, Trevor Schirmer was well in charge in all respects as he swept to the top of the podium by four clear shots, even after having had a five week hiatus from golf while relaxing in Oz at the Melbourne Cup, among others interests, and wishing he knew as much about horses as he does about golf. Trevor’s round was highlighted by some exceptional putting.
Mark Armstrong, recently returned from Wakehurst Golf Club in Sydney, also had a good return as he placed second, albeit at a distance. Mark had a strong finish over the last six holes, just when most of the other returnees were beginning to wilt, and he found extra strength to close out the round.
Garry Barling is still not quite finding his usual form but will surely be there by the time he leaves as he showed again flashes of his real abilities in taking third place.
Once again Markku Tynell was in the hunt, this time claiming fourth spot following a better score of 19 in a four-way count back, which left Daryl Burkett fifth on 18, Rodney Nabbe sixth with 13 and Peter Skinner seventh on 12. Peter had looked a potential winner after the first nine but sadly his score slipped away the longer the round progressed.
There were no ‘2’s in the second division but Trevor Schirmer added to his dominance of the day with the sole one in the first division to clear out the rollover pool.
Friday, Dec. 5, Greenwood B & C - Stableford
CSS 73
1st Jon Yarrow (13) 38pts
2nd Markku Tynell (22) 36pts
3rd Paul Hubbard (9) 34pts
4th Garry Barling (8) 34pts
5th Peter Skinner (11) 33pts
6th Shuichi Kodaka (15) 32pts
As today was a public holiday in celebration of HM the King’s birthday, the local courses were expected to be well patronized and as Greenwood is at the forefront of courses offering a good deal for holidays, they were almost full. But the group got away on time although the numbers on the course made for a slow round, which no doubt contributed to the low scoring and accounted for the CSS moving out to 73 for the day.
Jon Yarrow continued with his fine run of form, taking the top spot by two from the ever-present Markku Tynell whose own hopes of a win were dashed on the 17th, the eighth on the A course, as he took a zero to end his run for the first place. Paul Hubbard took third after winning a count back on the C course although the back nine actually played was the A, with a better 18 to 17 over Garry Barling.
Peter Skinner slipped into fifth just one ahead of Shuichi who was contemplating his return to the fray in the second division in the coming weeks.
There were no ‘2’s in either division.
Before the presentations were made there were welcomes for new members Anthony Dillon and Anders Haglund together with welcome backs for Alan Hanlon, George Pittam and Wilf Wellman. There were also farewells for Paul Hubbard, Garry Barling, Daryl Burkett and Rodney Nabbe.
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

The ultimate Christmas golf tournament

The Pattaya Orphanage choir will add some Yuletide flavor to the Christmas Pattaya Classic golf tournament on December 20 at Laem Chabang.

Kingdom Property are sponsoring The Christmas Pattaya Classic on December 20 at Laem Chabang International Golf Resort.
This unique nine-hole tournament hosted by The Pattaya Golfer magazine and organized by Exact Trading is being held on the floodlit Lakes course designed by Jack Nicklaus, with Santa Claus teeing off too.
The tournament gets underway at 5.30pm and then there will be a massive Christmas party in the new clubhouse with a full buffet and drinks from 7pm onwards for players and non-playing VIP guests.
To enter into the Christmas spirit, the organizers have arranged a 30 voice children’s choir from the Pattaya Orphanage who will sing carols, plus there will be live entertainment during the party along with Santa Claus giving out the prizes!
Cost to enter is only THB1, 950 per player which includes green fee, cart and caddie fee for nine holes + a free golf shirt and cap + free entry to the Christmas party with buffet and drinks.
There are only 64 slots to play in this fun event so if you would like to enter then visit www.thepattayagolfer .com for details about booking or email [email protected] who will send out registration details.
Here is your opportunity to help raise funds for the Pattaya Orphanage and to enjoy a great night out at one of the top golf clubs in the region.

Golfer of the month - William or Bill?

PSC Golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Player of the month Bill Peach (right) with friend Eddy Bielby.

Sunday, Nov. 30, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Freddy Starbeck (13) 43pts
2nd JP Maffray (11) 37pts
3rd Ed Wyckoff (12) 37pts
4th Peter LeNoury (10) 36pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (21) 41pts
2nd Mick Beresford (18) 38pts
3rd Gerry Roche (18) 36pts
4th Manos Volikaisk (18) 35pts
Near Pins: No 5 Freddy Starbeck, No 8 Barry Copestake, No 12 Ian Pickles, No16 Peter Henshaw.
Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw led the B Flight boys into the barn with a sparkling 41 points, thinking he had probably won the day, and one by one the players known to be on form fell by the wayside. But alas, lurking in the second to last group was Freddy Starbeck who stole the man of the match right out of Peter’s grasp.

Sunday’s winners Peter Henshaw and Freddy Starbeck.

Freddy had shot the best round of his career, a fantastic 43 point gross 77, and was six strokes ahead of two society regulars in JP Maffray and Ed ‘our man in the white house’ Wyckoff, with the scales of justice tipped in JP’s favour. Fourth place on the podium also went to a count back with Peter ‘the right honourable’ LeNoury edging Irishman Pat Reagan off the steps.
Lewiinski’s best dressed golfer, Mickey ‘nine holes’ Beresford, followed Peter Henshaw onto the podium with a sound 38 points while Gerry ‘the Irish rover’ Roche filled third spot with an even par round. The Donkey and Manos Volikaisk had to be separated by a count back, both on 35 points, with Manos having the better of it for fourth.
A word about the headline - Freddy always adds up the total for the golfer of the month thinking that Bill and William Peach were different players, but when he corrected the mistake it was Bill or William and not he who was the golfer of the month.
Freddy Starbeck, Bill Peach, Bruce Walters, Peter Henshaw and Barry Copestake shared the 2’s pot (Barry made an eagle on the par-four sixth hole).
Monday, Dec. 1, Greenwood A & B - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ken Hole (17) 36pts
2nd Peter Hynard (13) 34pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 43pts
2nd John Ianson (27) 34pts
Both A and B Flights were topped by non-members, Oliver Orth in A Flight with 37 points and Michael Bangert in B Flight with 44, and so neither qualified for the prizes. Ken Hole therefore took the top spot in A Flight with 36 points as Peter Hynard closed the flight on 34.
The Donkey, playing off his old handicap, was as happy as Larry in B Flight as his excellent 43 points landed him the gold. Colin has started to play steady golf of late so let’s hope he continues as his new handicap will demand it. John Ianson rounded out the flight with 34 points.
The Orth family of Oliver and Tina split the ‘2’s pot. Brian and Marlene Prudden must have had something else on their minds as they both had no-returns.
Tuesday, Dec. 2, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ian Pickles (14) 36pts
2nd Freddy Starbeck (13) 36pts
3rd Michelle Sancillo (8) 33pts
B Flight
1st Phil Davies (16) 38pts
2nd Mick Beresford (18) 37pts
3rd Walter Baechli (16) 33pts
C Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (21) 38pts
2nd Mick Coghlan (24) 28pts
3rd Bernard Green (28) 24pts

Both C Flight’s Peter Henshaw and B Flight’s Phil Davies showed considerable prowess on the course and legendary greens of Bangpra to notch a best on the day 38 points each. Peter’s C Flight winning score was a unbelievable 10 strokes clear of second placed Mick Coughlan while Bernard Green was glad to see any part of the podium with his third placed 24 points.
Phil Davies was followed up the B Flight podium steps by two of the nicest and most effervescent personalities, Mickey ‘two shots Beresford with 37 points and Walter Baechli on 33.
Ian Pickles stood atop the A Flight rostrum but it needed the aid of a count back over the unlucky Freddy Starbeck as both had even par returns. A count back was required to sort out the third spot also between Michelle Sancillo and Andre Coetzee, Michelle getting to stand on the last step as André was left at sea level and pot less
Wednesday, Dec. 3, Silky Oak - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tore Eliassen (20) 43pts
2nd Merle Humphreys (18) 39pts
3rd Colin Davis (17) 38pts
A small but talented group chose to play Silky Oak and Tore Eliassen was clearly man of the match as his excellent 43 points was four clear of Merle Humphreys fine 39 point return. The Donkey made it two pay days this week as he closed the flight with 38 points.
Tor Eliaseen (a brace) and Peter Henshaw shared the 2’s pot.
Thursday, Dec. 4, Pattana A & B - Stableford
A Flight
1st Robert Watson (3)36pts
2nd Maurice Roberts (12) 34pts
3rd William Peach (16) 30pts
B Flight
1st Michael Coghlan (20) 39pts
2nd Chris Reed (19) 36pts
3rd Michael Bangert (22) 36pts
The mid-week tilt belonged to Michael Coghlan and his best on the day 39 points. Mick was three clear of Chris Reed and Michael Bangert, but Chris had the better of the count back over Michael.
Aussie star Robert (or is it Bob) Watson stood atop the A Flight podium with a sound even par round. Maurice Roberts took the silver on 34 points as the man in the bold print and golfer of the month Bill (William) Peach lifted the bronze.
Phil Davis was the sole heir to the 2’s pot.
Friday, Dec. 5, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tom Byrne (15) 34pts
2nd Peter LeNoury (9) 31pts
3rd JP Gasser (12) 29pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (21) 36pts
2nd Jim Proctor (18) 34pts
3rd Peter Wallace (18) 34pts
The always difficult Ronald Ream designed course once again proved hard to score against as no player bettered par and only one player actually played to par. That man was Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw and his score was good for the top slot in B Flight and the man of the match honours. Jim Proctor and Peter Wallace were tied on 34 points with the former wining the count back and the silver spot.
In A Flight, Tom Byrne’s 34 point effort, was good enough to provide him with a three shot cushion over Peter ‘the right honourable’ LeNoury, this courtesy of Oliver Orth not being a member of the PSC. JP Gasser and Lawrie McBride went to a count back, both locked on 29 points, with the bitter pill of defeat being left for Lawrie.
Michael Bangert, Merle Humphreys and Colin Davis shared the ‘2’s pot.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Worthy winners at Bangpakong

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Elephant Bar

Bangpakong Riverside G.C.

December PGS golf began on Monday the 1st with a visit to the beautifully prepared course at Bangpakong for a stableford competition, played in two flights, with the cut coming at sixteen and under. The field included members for whom this was the first opportunity to play the course and the weather conditions were absolutely spot on for the day, with a light breeze offering some comfort from the humidity and heat.
In the second flight, Alan Walker and Mike Sim shared third place with 33 points, the latter playing some of the finest golf of his PGS career, with a putting performance worthy of a golfer of a much lower handicap. Second place saw Leigh Abbey confirm his consistency this trip with 36 points whilst John O’Sullivan won, making the podium for the first time with the group on 37 points.
The top flight saw Rick Schram take third place with 37 points, one behind Simon Hirst and a well crafted 38 points. The winner was Alan Flynn and his 42 points was his highest score since recording forty points at Khao Kheow in late January. He was also trying out a new RBZ driver which may see him produce similar results again soon!
There were no birdie ‘2’s and Toshi Aoki enjoyed the bar’s consolation beer for the non-winners whilst Mr Len awarded himself the Booby Bevy after a day of horrors, on and off the course. However the true winner of the day was the course at Bangpakong Riverside.
Bangpra still a major test
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to the splendid course at Bangpra to play a stableford competition. A few late dropouts had reduced the field to one flight but the weather stayed warm and the lack of any wind was a blessing on a course with the white tees well back. Fairways were well grassed and greens were at a fast pace, as so often on this course.
The competition was very tight with only three points covering the top four places. In fourth, Richard Dobson produced one of his best rounds to finish on 33 points whilst Marty Rock went one better to take third with 34. Second place was filled by Leigh Abbey with another consistent round of 35 points whilst the Danish golfer Jesper Hansen took the win with an excellent 36 points.
Canadian duo Henry Mah and John Chelo shared the ‘2’s pot for their efforts on the second and twelfth holes respectively and back at the Elephant Bar the presentation enjoyed the thought of Dave Lehane winning the non-winners’ beer draw and the oldest golfer in the field, Alan Walker, receiving the Booby Bevy for his low score/largest split figures.
Bangpra is always a treat on the schedule but it does not get any easier in good conditions and currently ranks third most difficult in PGS history in terms of winning scores.
Goodbye Plutaluang
Just ten minutes before our transport was due to leave, we received the call. The time was 8:50 on Friday 5 December. Our tee-off time, which had been confirmed the day before, was set for 10:30. Sure, it was the King’s birthday, meaning the day had Public Holiday status, but we have often used this course on public holidays previously, without problems.
“Today we no have caddie so you cannot use golf course.” With that simple explanation Plutaluang cancelled our golf – precisely one hour forty minutes prior to tee-off. We have always accepted Plutaluang’s special status (Navy-owned) and put up with previous challenges, but this latest episode represents behaviour most appalling. There is only one option available to prevent a reoccurrence. Goodbye Plutaluang.
By 10:15 the first of our four groups teed off at nearby Pattaya Country Club. The 1850 baht green-fee caddie-fee was more than we had intended, but we were hardly in a position to complain. The Pattaya Country Club has a good layout but the main problem appears to be the state of the back-nine greens, which lack good grass cover. Notwithstanding, this course is in development stage, with its new clubhouse nearing completion. Once development is complete and putting surfaces are brought up to standard, this course may well feature on our regular rota.
Scoring was tight today, with only one shot separating the first six golfers. As stated, putting surfaces made good scoring difficult, especially on the back nine and unsurprisingly there were no ‘2’s.
With just the one division, we were paying out the first four places which, due to ties, meant six golfers. John Tallett (23), Murray Edwards (22) and Simon Hirst (6) shared first place on the podium after all three returned 32 points. The next three were also knotted together, this time on 31 points, with David Thomas (6), Peter Wilson (6) and Leigh Abbey (25) sharing fourth place.
Congratulations to all podium placers, and a special hats-off to first-time winner John Tallett, whose perseverance and belief finally receives the recognition deserved.
Back at the Elephant Bar, we welcomed back big Michael McGuigan from Scotland and farewelled Simon Hirst, who is returning to the UK. S imon kindly expressed his appreciation by ringing the bell. Tony Campbell won the lucky beer draw and the booby bevy went to Gary Bolger for his front-nine back-nine split of 18–9.

Rayong revisited, Evans & Brooks prevail

PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group

Landis Brooks (left) and Daryl Evans (right) with one of BJ’s Holiday Lodge staff.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Well it is nice to see the high season really is underway and currently our players lists are filled as soon as they are put on the board. Indeed overfull in many respects. On this day the turnout at out new base, BJ’s Holiday Lodge, Soi 3, was overwhelming and even the ‘organiser’ was forced to get in early for a change.
One of the worries when we moved to our new home was the parking, but with care all the drivers seem to be able to park, so with the very fine and well priced brekkers taken care of it was off to Khao Kheow.
The test for the day was to be the A & C nines, probably the toughest test and as we did not seem to have had much rain in Pattaya we decided to play from the yellow tees and no ‘lift, clean and place’. Even being told the carts were not allowed on the fairways triggered in the brain that it was wet and muddy.
Really the course was not too bad, it was very wet in places and the ball picked up a fair bit of mud, but generally it was fine. Of course the rough was really difficult to get out of and the greens were not as fast in some places, but it was a lovely day out.

Maurice Roberts & Barry Elphick pose with 2 BJ helpers.

We moved along well and apart from the odd wait on a par 3, we got around well. My one really good shot came on C 8 as I hit a really good shot that covered the pin, only to be brought to earth by the comment, “What a great shot, I hope it is not a hole in one as you were in front of the tee.” Ever wanted to wrap a club around someone’s neck?
Round over it was a bite in the fine restaurant and back to Pattaya for the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was Maurice Roberts with 37 points ahead of AVD with 36 points in second. In third was Mashi with 35 and taking fourth spot was Tom Herrington with 33 on count back over Brian Parish, Bob Watson and Dick Warberg.
In the B Flight the winner was Barry Elphick with 36 points ahead of Rita Zoebelli in second with 34, while third went to Jim Ferris with 33 points on count back over Frank Donnelly.
Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Dave Cooper, Bob Watson, John Davis
Long Putts: Brian Gabe, John Hackett
Thursday, Dec. 4, Rayong C.C. – Stableford
Today the destination was Rayong Country Club, a course many have never seen, and others not for a few years. There was discussion during the drive about how we would find the condition here. We needn’t have worried though as overall the course was in good shape, with some saying it’s the best they have ever seen it. Some complained the rough was a little too tough, making recovery shots a true penalty and once you were passed the usual boundary of the rough it was pure jungle. Such comments were invariably answered with “Then stay on the fairways”, but of course that was from golfers who played well on the day.
Rayong C.C. is on a nice plot of land and an interesting layout, and very much worth a visit. So on to the results.
Since this course was unfamiliar, even to those with good memories, there was no prediction how the scores would come in. In the end the course proved just about right with only two players from A-flight shooting handicap; Landis Brooks (H/cap 9) with 36 points edged Ted Morris (15) on count-back, with Tom Herrington (15) taking third place honors with 34.
In the struggling B-flight (16+) Daryl Evans (20) was the best with 32 points, followed by Don Carmody (25) at 31, and Brian Gabe (19) garnering 28 points but still good enough to enjoy some reward.
Near Pins: Ted Morris, Don Carmody, John Davis, Freddie Starbeck.
Long Putts: Don Carmody, Brian Parish.

Gerry’s smash & grab

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Debonair Gerry Fernandez - winner at Emerald.

Andy Rich
The first full week of December culminates in the celebration of the King of Thailand’s birthday on the 5th of the month and is a Public Holiday. As a result the TRGG decided to not arrange a golf competition for that date so there were only four days of competition this past week. I hear through the grapevine that the TRGG will revert back to a four day week in future as the five day week was a little bit too much like hard work and the numbers playing each week worked out the same over a four day period compared to five.
Monday, Dec. 1, Greenwood - Stableford
The week got underway on Monday with a trip over to Greenwood (C and A courses) and the previous week’s winner at Crystal Bay continued his good form by again taking first prize. Niall Cronin for the second time in three days shot 39 points and as a result quickly went from a 14 handicapper to a 12, which may just dampen down his spirits for a while.

Joe Stranks - winner at Green Valley.

Ed Brubaker, who single handedly keeps the sun cream manufacturers in business by using triple layers over any exposed part of his body, marched into second place with a commendable 37 points, just edging out Derek Thorogood on count back.
1st Niall Cronin (13) 39pts
2nd Ed Brubaker (12) 37pts
3rd Derek Thorogood (13) 37pts
Tuesday, Dec. 2,
The Emerald - Stableford
On Tuesday a tall, dark debonair guy jetted into town for a few days, leaving a trail of broken hearted maidens in his wake and at Emerald golf course a trail of broken hearted golfers trying to cling to his coat tails. Follicly challenged lothario Gerry Fernandez swept away all challengers and made it to the top of the leader board before jetting back out of town a few days later.
Behind Gerry there was a bit of a family dispute between Poopay and partner Fergus, with Poopay getting the bragging rights after pipping Fergus on count back. Hope it all ended amicably.
1st Gerry Fernandez (13) 36pts
2nd Tewin Poopay Lamthong (11) 34pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (12) 34pts
Thursday, Dec. 4, Green Valley - Stableford
Thursday was of course Green Valley day, and our weekly trip over to this course is always popular with the TRGG clientele.
Joe Stranks, who has also only recently arrived back in town leaving the cold and damp of south west London a distant memory, wasted no time in letting everybody know he knew how to play golf in Thailand. He hit the ground running and totted up 38 points, which was just good enough to edge Mike Rushant into second place on count back, with ‘Mr, Suncream’ Ed Brubaker taking third spot.
1st Joe Stranks (12) 38pts
2nd Mike Rushant (10) 38pts
3rd Ed Brubaker (11) 36pts
Saturday, Dec. 6, Mt. Shadow - Stableford
On Saturday it was off to Mountain Shadow and for the first time this week two divisions were necessary because of an increase in numbers.
The breeze blew and the greens were slippery on a beautiful day for golf which led to some indifferent scoring. In Division 1 only the winner Seil Revels managed to play to his handicap while the ever reliable Nick Thomas made it into second place, with Derek Thorogood beating off a number of others finishing on 32 points to take third.
In Division 2 the invisible man put in a long awaited appearance. In the old days I was always typing the name Ted Senior into the top three places at least two or three times a week. Obviously fatherhood has taken its toll and so it is a big “welcome back Ted” to the top of the leader board. Tom Kett just got the better of Dorsey Richardson after count back for second place.
Div.1 (0-13)
1st Seil Revels (6) 36pts
2nd Nick Thomas (11) 33pts
3rd Derek Thorogood (13) 32pts
Div.2 (14+)
1st Ted Senior (16) 32pts
2nd Tom Kett (18) 30pts
3rd Dorsey Richardson (17) 30pts
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.

Ebrahim wins again

PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

Left to right: John Anderson, Russell Calcutt and Stuart Rifkin.

Monday, Dec. 1, Greenwood – Stableford
The C and A nines were the challenge for today, played in that order with the A nine used for count back purposes.
Fred Cuypers from Perth, Western Australia and Peter Bailey from Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia were welcomed.
The weather was pleasant, the fairways a bit heavy underfoot due to rain the previous evening whilst the greens were as smooth as a suppository coated in Mr Sheen.
Two farang five-balls hooked in at the half way mark in front of us, so the second stanza was as crowded as a group of transvestites around Dame Edna’s clothes line.
Ebrahim continued his good form, handing in forty one points to finish atop the podium whilst Colm Mullen came home with a wet sail and scored thirty nine.
John Anderson, who commented “if you thought Bridget Bardot’s face has done a million miles you should see my golf swing”, broke his handicap for the first time in Thailand and also scored thirty nine points to take third spot.
Don Richardson rounded out the place getters with thirty eight.
1st Ebrahim (14) 41pts
2nd Colm Mullen (17) 39pts
3rd John Anderson (30) 39pts
4th Don Richardson (13) 38pts
Near Pins: Fred Cuypers A2, Ebrahim A6, Don Richardson C3 and Bob Akapita C6.
Long Putts: John Coetzee A9 and Don Richardson C9.
Our lady golfer Kae collected the coveted Compass Cap with a score lower than the scribe’s bank account interest.
The resident hound was the happy recipient of many donations for the needy children of Pattaya and the punters are once again thanked for their generosity.
Thursday, Dec. 4, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Another three buses left the Growling Swan with the forecast heavy rains not daunting the players, although two called in with health issues and could not make the day.
The course was busy, however we managed to tee off the white tees (6,450 yards) a little earlier than our 10 a.m. start time, using the A and C nines. Despite the course being busy the first group finished their round in four hours and ten minutes.
The presentation of the course was very good and the greens were in fine condition and certainly not as fast as many of the recent courses we have played.
Welcomes were made to ‘Big’ Johnny Parr, visiting from Rory’s territory in Northern Ireland, and Michael Catillon from France, who joined his French mates who play regularly at the Swan.
The expected rains fortunately never eventuated for us, however we noted how lucky we were as on the way back to Pattaya the roads were soaking wet only five minutes after leaving the course, and rains persisted intermittently all the way home and a deluge hammered down ten minutes after arriving back at the Growling Swan.
The field was divided into two grades with A grade being taken out by Stu Rifkin, who seems to have recovered from a tennis elbow issue that has seen him laid up from golf for a while. His 40 points was well clear of the consistent Sal Brizzi with 36 points and third was Ebrahim (Al Ansari) with 35, who beat the unfortunate Fred Cypers on a count back.
B Grade was well won also with a fine 40 points from John Anderson, however he only narrowly defeated Roy (I don’t believe it!) Dayton on a count back as Roy shot a fine round of 40 points too. Third place went to Bob Akapita with 36.
A Flight (0–17)
1st Stuart Rifkin (17) 40pts
2nd Sal Brizzi (6) 36pts
3rd Ebrahim Al-Ansari (14) 35pts
B Flight (18–36)
1st John Anderson (30) 40pts
2nd Roy Dayton (23) 40pts
3rd Bob Akapita (18) 36pts
Near Pins: A5 – Roy Dayton, A8 JJ Harney, C4 JC Lhost, C7 Michael Catillon
Long Putts: A9 Ebrahim Al-Ansari, C9 Sal Brizzi
Russell Calcutt graciously accepted the Compass Cap for the day’s lowest score and generously donated to Deefa the Charity Dog.
Note: The Growling Swan is a friendly PSC Golf outlet and welcomes all lovers of golf to join in and have a fun day out with us. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays with buses mostly departing at 8.30 am. Please contact Peter Grey on 0861 503086 if you are interested in a game.
The Growling Swan also caters to the lawn bowling enthusiasts. Bus transport leaves the Swan at 10.00 am to play at Coco’s under cover synthetic lawn bowls on Sundays and at the Retreat Lawn Bowls grass greens on Wednesdays, also departing at 10.00 am. The cost including bus transport, green fees and hot lunch is approx 300 hundred baht, so great value for a day out. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you would like to come along.

Connor shines brightest at Burapha

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

From left: Clive Smit (seated) with Elsabe Connor, Barry McIntosh and Frank Connor.

Monday, Dec. 1, Burapha - Stableford
We welcomed back Frank and Elsabe Connor, Jon Kittilsen, Michael Shreve and Andre Coetzee along with new friends Tuyet Hohnet and Clive Smit to the A and B course, where we had 25 players.
Driving through rain on the way up was not a good sign but it cleared by the time we teed off, leaving the course somewhat wet but imminently playable. Frank Connor quickly came out the traps to win Div B with 40pts from Tim Knight (38) with Jimmy Little next on 36 and John O’Keefe (33) fourth on c/b.
Peter Nixon (37) won the top division on c/b from Dennis Pelly, with Bob Finley beating John Cunningham also on c/b, both with 35.
Dennis Pelly and Frank Connor both had ‘2’s on the 12th (B3)
Outback observation: Weather - Fine, overcast; Check in - Friendly and quick as usual; Tee time – Early; Fairways - Lift, clean and place; Rough – Fair; Greens - Fast and true; Bunkers - Sand was wet; Value for money - Reasonable (compulsory cart); Pace of play - under 4hrs; Drink stations open - 4 (all); Restaurant – Expensive.
Div A (0-16)
1st Peter Nixon (12) 37pts
2nd Dennis Pelly (11) 37pts
3rd Bob Finley (13) 35pts
4th John Cunningham (05) 35pts
Div B (17+)
1st Frank Connor (20) 40pts
2nd Tim Knight (23) 38pts
3rd Jimmy Little (19) 36pts
4th John O’Keefe (17) 33pts
Wednesday, Dec. 3, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Wally Brown (15) 37pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (25) 34pts
3rd Elsabe Connor (13) 34pts
4th Frank Connor (19) 25pts
A special welcome from General Jack to his son Harry, just in from Dubai on a four day flying visit, who insisted that Dad had to play today; regretfully not that well but is was a good day out.
The course was busy and we were pushed unnecessarily by a three-ball for the whole round; seemed like they could not wait to race to their ball and hit, almost before we had left the greens!
The Khao Kheow queen, Suzi came up against some solid opposition from Elsabe who out-drove her throughout the day and was pretty tidy around the greens as well, but Suzi’s putting kept her in the frame right to the last minute as she missed out on count back for second place, with both ladies recording 34pts.
Wally Brown collected Jack’s 500 baht bar bonus which was set at 37pts to win the day, and a surprised Frank Connor picked up fourth place with a lowly 25pts. There were no ‘2’s.
Outback observation: Weather - Fine, overcast; Check in - Friendly but busy; Tee time - on time; Fairways - Lift, clean and place; Rough – medium; Greens - good but slowish; Bunkers - some not raked; Value for money – excellent; Pace of play - about 4hrs; Drink stations open – 3; Restaurant - Good
Friday, Dec. 5, Greenwood - Stableford
Div A (0-16)
1st Barry Copestake (12) 39pts
2nd Paul Hack (14) 38pts
3rd Wally Brown (15) 36pts
4th Jean P Maffray (11) 36pts
Div B (17+)
1st Barry McIntosh (21) 35pts
2nd Frank Connor (19) 35pts
3rd Jon Kittilsen (18) 34pts
4th Stephen Blazsanyik (22) 34pts
All three courses at Green Valley were closed to us today, which we only found out about a couple of weeks ago as we hastily looked around for an alternate venue on this day, The King’s Birthday. Greenwood, a course we have not visited for some time, came up with the right package, eventually charging the normal daily rate.
With some golfers getting lost and a shortage of carts, trying to start on time at Greenwood C and A was just like herding cats! However, with the co-operation of the 28 Outbackers we were only slightly late teeing off, although not quite in the same order as the sheet and somehow we picked up an extra player at the back.
Welcome back to Barry McIntosh who celebrated his return by winning Div B on c/b from Frank Connor, both with 35pts, and Jon Kittilsen beat Stephen Blazsanyik also on c/b for third, both on 34pts.
Another Barry, Barry Copestake, returned the day’s best score of 39pts to win Div A from Paul Hack (38), with Wally Brown (36) third on c/b over J P Maffrey.
We said good bye to Frank & Elsabe Connor and Clive Smit until next year and also to Michael Shreve.
The ‘2’s were shared by Clive Smit & Tim Knight on C6 and Paul Hack (A6).
Outback observation: Weather - overcast with a cool breeze; Check in - Shortage of carts caused a problem; Tee time - on time; Fairways - Different grasses and tight lies; Rough – fair; Greens - A bit slow but true; Bunkers – good; Value for money – excellent; Pace of play - over 4hrs; Drink stations open – all; Restaurant - Good value
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Standings Dec. 1 (week 15)

Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
Legends	15	12	3	38	0	36
Links Bar	14	11	3	36	1	34
Rest Stop	15	11	4	37	0	33
Sweethearts Bar	14	10	4	17	1	31
Nicky’s Bar	14	10	4	17	0	30
Shoot Pool	15	7	8	1	2	23
Cheers Bar	14	7	7	-9	2	23
Dean’s Bar	14	6	8	-9	3	21
Classroom	15	6	9	-6	2	20
Offshore Bar	13	5	8	-14	1	16
Wok ‘n’ Rok	14	5	9	-25	1	16
Two Dogs	15	2	13	-59	1	7
Mates Bar	14	1	13	-24	0	3
Results:  Classroom 10 v 2 Mates Bar, Nicky’s Bar 10 v 8 Shoot Pool, Offshore Bar 3 v 10 Rest Stop, Two Dogs 2 v 10 Legends

Shoot Pool Thursday Darts League

Results & Standings Dec. 4 (week 8)

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	BL	Pts.
Ben’s Tattoo Bar	8	8	0	0	34	0	16
Shoot Pool	7	4	1	2	-2	0	9
Nervous Wreck	8	4	0	4	-4	0	8
Scandalic	7	4	0	3	-8	0	8
Connections Bar	7	1	1	5	-20	0	3
Results:  Nervous Wreck 5-8 Ben’s Tattoo Bar, Scandalic H-W Bye, Shoot Pool 5-5 Connections Bar

Darkside Thursday Darts League

Standings Dec. 4 (week 3)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	T/G	Pts.
Moonies	3	3	0	16	7	2	6
Load Out	2	2	0	11	7	1	4
Chill Bar	3	1	2	12	11	2	2
Oscar’s Sports Bar	3	1	2	12	11	1	2
Moonie Blues	2	1	1	9	9	2	2
Results:  Bye A-W v Oscar’s Sports Bar, Chill Bar (3-0)-(6-1) v Moonies

 

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Standings Dec. 1 (week 3)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/L	Pts.
Legends	3	3	0	22	5	3	6
W. Tankies	3	2	1	18	9	1	4
i-Rovers ‘A’	2	2	0	11	7	1	4
Moonies	2	2	0	10	8	1	4
Don’t Tell MaMa’s	3	1	2	15	12	3	2
Load Out	3	1	2	10	17	1	2
Oscar’s Sport Bar	3	0	3	8	19	0	0
i-Rovers ‘B’	3	0	3	5	22	1	0
Results:  Load Out (1-0)-(8-1) v Legends, Oscar’s Sport Bar (2-0)-(7-1) v Don’t Tell MaMa’s, i-Rovers ‘B’ (1-1)-(8-0) v W. Tankies

Pattaya 8-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings Dec. 1 (week 15)

Team	Played	Won	Lost	For	Agst	Diff	Points
Phimai Geordie	15	15	0	166	54	112	45
Smile Bar	15	14	1	158	67	91	43
San Snack Bar	14	9	5	119	91	28	32
Asian Nomads	14	8	6	100	110	-10	30
Funny Girl	15	6	9	110	110	0	27
Crazy Eddie’s	15	6	9	96	129	-33	27
Pom Bar	14	6	8	90	120	-30	26
Doggy Style	15	5	10	93	132	-39	25
Ta Bar	14	5	9	101	109	-8	24
Naughty Kangaroo	14	3	13	68	132	-64	18
Connections	13	2	11	74	121	-47	17
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 6 v 9 San Snack Bar, Smile Bar 13 v 2 Pom Bar, Doggy Style 8 v 7 Connections, Funny Girl 6 v 9 Asian Nomads, Bye 0 v 0 Ta Bar, Naughty Kangaroo 3 v 12 Phimai Geordie

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Peter, Steinar, Yeow, Tao, Tue & Antero.

Café Kronborg moved into first place after winning all four points from the previous week’s leader Canada. All the bowlers for Kronborg bowled very well with Tao leading the way with a 567 series, games of 200, 205 and 162, Kran Nielsen had a 527 series and Roy a 513.
Green Tree moved into second place (based on total pins) after splitting their match with ARDEO with each team winning two points. Heinz bowled a 517 series and Tue Pettae had a 515 series and 204 game for ARDEO. Noodle Russell bowled a 511 for Green Tree.

PSC Bowlers wish HM the King a happy birthday on Friday, Dec. 5.

Balloon remains in fourth place after splitting their match against Brother D with each team winning two points. Aht Johansson bowled a 527 series for Balloon and Antero Ronkainen had a 200 game and 513 series for Brother D.
PWC won three points from Bavaria with Yeow Gale leading PWC with a 205 game and 516 series. Steinar bowling as a Pacer rolled a 205 game and 518 series. Peter also bowling as a Pacer bowled a 565 series with a 217 game.

Results & Standings Dec. 5 (week 3)
Pos.	Team	Score	Standings
1	Café Kronborg	4 – 0	10-2
2	Green Tree	2 – 2	7-5
3	Canada	0 – 4	7-5
4	Balloon	2 – 2	7-5
5	PWC	3 – 1	6-6
6	Bavaria	1-3	5-7
5	ARDEO	2 – 2	3-9
8	Brother D	2 – 2	3-9

Darkside Tuesday Darts League

Standings Dec. 2 (week 14)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	T/G	Pts.
Chill Bar	14	11	3	87	39	11	22
PJ Pub	14	11	3	75	51	9	22
Oscars Bar	13	8	5	71	46	9	16
Load Out	13	7	6	69	48	4	14
Double Dutch	13	3	10	41	76	3	6
Moonies	13	0	13	17	100	3	0
Results:  PJ Pub and Restaurant (6-1)-(3-0) v Double Dutch, Chill Bar (6-1)-(3-0) v PJ Pub and Restaurant

Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings Dec. 2 (week 22)

Team	P	W	L	F	A	B/legs	Pts.
Londoner	22	19	3	194	73	16	38
Legends	22	16	6	133	82	11	32
The Swan	22	14	8	129	79	18	28
Ken & Jim’s Bar	22	14	8	132	96	12	28
Naughty Kangaroo	22	14	7	127	105	16	28
Crazy Eddie’s	22	13	9	126	99	11	26
Nervous Wreck	22	13	9	124	103	10	26
Yates’ Bar	21	13	8	106	93	13	26
Shoot Pool	22	9	13	100	120	12	18
i-Rovers	21	8	13	108	110	10	16
Scandalic	22	8	14	99	139	8	16
W. Tankies	22	5	17	70	128	7	10
Bye	22	5	15	36	110	5	10
Bye	22	0	21	0	147	0	0
Results:  Bye (0-0)-(7-1) v Legends, Crazy Eddie’s (7-1)-(6-0) v Scandalic, Ken & Jim’s Bar (0-0)-(7-1) v W. Tankies, Londoner (6-1)-(7-0) v The Swan, Nervous Wreck (7-1)-(0-0) v Bye, Shoot Pool (3-0)-(11-1) v Naughty Kangaroo

Wednesday Darts League

Results & Standings Dec. 3 (week 13)

Team	P	W	L	For	Against	Pts.
Oscar’s Sports Bar	13	10	3	85	32	20
i-Rovers ‘A’	12	9	3	77	31	18
W. Tankies ‘B’	13	9	4	73	44	18
W. Tankies	13	8	5	75	42	16
Moonies	12	8	4	59	49	16
Yates’ Bar	12	5	7	52	56	10
Bye	13	5	8	41	67	8
i-Rovers ‘B’	13	4	9	41	76	8
The Clinic	12	3	9	40	68	6
Bye	13	3	10	15	93	4
Results:  Oscar’s Sports Bar (8-1)-(1-0) v W. Tankies ‘B’, W. Tankies (9-1)-(0-0) v i-Rovers ‘B’, Yates’ Bar (4-0)-(5-1) v The Clinic

La Posta Cup, hosted for the first time in Thailand

Uncertain future for Pattaya’s WTA tennis tourney

Bangkok Sports Club wins HM the King’s Birthday bowls tourney

Relaxing cricket with a tense finale

Harrington seals dramatic win at Indonesia Open

Thai brothers strike gold at King’s Cup jet-ski grand prix

Potential Olympic archer awarded President’s Cup

GIS takes gold in U-15 Games

O’Keefe takes the plaudits at Greenwood

Lewis sparkles at Crystal Bay

Ken Aihara is the man, again

Madsen takes the win at Mt. Shadow

Trevor back in the driving seat

The ultimate Christmas golf tournament

Golfer of the month - William or Bill?

Worthy winners at Bangpakong

Rayong revisited, Evans & Brooks prevail

Gerry’s smash & grab

Ebrahim wins again

Connor shines brightest at Burapha

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Shoot Pool Thursday Darts League

Darkside Thursday Darts League

Asia Back Packer’s Monday Darts Super League

Pattaya 8-Ball Pool League

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Darkside Tuesday Darts League

Tuesday Darts League

Wednesday Darts League