IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral  

The Pattaya Golf Society’s final August fixture was “The Player’s Choice” at Phoenix over the Mountain and Lakes nines, under a stableford format. The course was in admirable condition, the day stayed hot and the occasion was fitting for the culmination of the Player of the Month competition. All the major contenders were there; with Ken Graham and Bill Hewitt both establishing a firm claim to the title. As the day turned out it was to be victory for an unfancied winner in the ample shape of Texan Mike Etheridge, who is a regular visitor to the Kingdom’s courses. His 39 points was too much for runner-up Barry Pethig who recorded a level par 36 points. Third place was shared by Ken Graham, John Healy and Rob Dolan as their 34s just kept Bill Hewitt at bay.

Ken Graham, ‘August Player of the Month’ being congratulated by leading lady golfer Ya Chaiyanont.

The day’s only birdie two was scored by Basil Foley on the tricky Mountain fourth but it was not awarded as Basil never chances his arm in the two’s subplot.

The recent form of Chaten Patel has caught the attention of golfers in Pattaya but this time his game faltered to an all time low, managing only 22 points and he was rewarded with the Booby Bevy for his efforts. When the mathematics were completed it was clear that the month’s star player was Ken Graham, having won five of his nine outings, leaving Bill Hewitt waiting in the wings and eagerly anticipating Ken’s return to UK next week. Ken’s consistency had made him a worthy winner on a day when the pleasures and companionship of golf were paramount.

The ATM is broken

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday August 29
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st Barry Traynor,37 points
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki, 34 points - cb9 18
3rd Serge Straeten, 34 points - cb9 14

It was with some trepidation that the competitors traveled to the course as the last time that they played it, some two weeks previous, it was almost unplayable in places due to the state of the greens and the surrounding areas. In the event their fears turned out to be unfounded as the course had recovered well and conditions were fairly good although far from easy.

Barry Traynor is making a habit of just doing enough to regularly appear on the podium and the very tough conditions from the back tees at Khao Kheow gave him another chance to slide into position with the minimum of effort by a clear three strokes. Takeshi Hakozaki took his first of two placings in the week by count back from Serge Straeten although Serge had managed to score 20 points on the A course, which was the back nine as the players started on the B course. The rule on count backs is that the back nine on the card determines count backs no matter which order they are played in. Hard luck Serge, but what ever happened on the other nine?

There were no two’s in the second division whilst Trevor Schirmer had the only one in the first division.

Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Trevor Edge from the far north replete with a new and lower handicap that had the regulars rubbing their hands at the future prospects of a beneficial visit from the once acclaimed ATM of the Eastern Seaboard.

Wednesday August 31
Phoenix
Blue Tees
Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st Bruce Lawrence, net 75
2nd Danny Miller, net 76
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki, net 77
2nd Division
1st Trevor Edge, net 77
2nd Peter Emslie, net 78
3rd Bryan Edwards, net 79

Bruce Lawrence thought he had little chance of collecting any of the days booty with a score that was a long way short of his best but on the day it was easily the best result in both divisions, as the course showed its teeth and played about as long as is possible off the blue tees. Danny Miller fresh in from the UK realised that things were so tough that his mediocre score would be good enough to get somewhere near and so it proved to be as he slipped into second place in the First Division. Takeshi collected his second placing of the week a further shot back.

The Second Division was led home by “The Visitor from the North that used to be called the ATM”. Tears of frustration and anticipation of huge withdrawals turned to tears of joy as it dawned on Trevor Edge that 77 was going to be good enough to stop all payments out and leave only the paying in side open for business. It was with a very light step that he danced to the horn after being declared the winner by a shot from Peter Emslie with Bryan Edwards in third another shot behind.

It was no surprise, with the course playing so difficult, that there were no twos in both divisions and the pots were therefore carried forward to the following week.

Before presenting the prizes Richard welcomed back Danny Miller, Peter Johansson, and Roy Thornton from hospital. He also welcomed Magellan Nicholas and congratulated him for having made it to the course and back to the Haven twice in a row. Glynn attributes his new found orienteering skills to “The Map”, which he now never leaves home without.

There was not a competition on Friday as the whole crowd was playing in the annual Jackalope Open, a report of which can be found on other pages of the Pattaya Mail.

Am-Cans Beat the Muppets to win The Tri-Nations

The annual Tri-Nations scramble for the Grey Goose Memorial Trophy took place on Saturday August 27 at Century Rayong. The course was in excellent shape for the event. The hot weather and stiff breeze proved a tough test for the golfers, playing a four person scramble having to consist of at least three nationalities with only one lady golfer allowed per team. Handicaps were based on the “Pearce” system limited to a maximum of 28 and this produced a very tight finish for the top teams.

The winners Am-Cans - Calvin Ige, Jim Covey, Matt Kirkland and John Sinclair.

Heading the field with a net 52.7 score were the Am-Cans - Calvin Ige, Jim Covey, Matt Kirkland and John Sinclair. Just beating out Ya and the Muppets - Harry Riley, Saranya Chaiyanont, Mike Etheridge and David Gregg with 53.5. Third place went to Team Sapparott - Michael Anderson, Max Busslinger, Usa Chaiyosit and Mike Goussa. In fourth place were the Samurai Hacks of Mashi Kaneta, Martin Hayes, Jimmy Little and Tom Gingrich with a net 54, just edging out the gallant but unlucky Golf chairman’s Team by .1 of a point.

Runners up ‘Ya and the Muppets’ - Harry Riley, Saranya Chaiyanont, Mike Etheridge and David Gregg with a net 53.5.

The prize giving ceremony took place back at Ban Chang at McAllister’s, the main sponsors who provide their usual excellent buffet. Golf chairman Chris John thanked the organising committee of Ian Edwards, Alan Pearce, Gerry Carpenter and Dennis Willett for their splendid efforts. The winning team received the Grey Goose Trophy which commemorates those golfers who have sadly passed away in recent times, namely Bob Moberg, Bob Davis, George Davies and Tim McMasters. There was very nearly another name added to the roll of honour in the week before the competition when Handicap Secretary Tony Oakes suffered a heart attack and ended up in the ICU ward at the Bangkok/Pattaya hospital. Fortunately he survived and is making a good recovery and hopes to be back playing golf soon.

Technical Prizes

Near pins went to Michael Anderson, Larry Willet, Trevor Carnahoff, Harry Riley, Alan Pearce (2), Tom Gingrich, Dennis Willett, Chris Balzli, David Gregg, Ian Warwick, Matt Kirkland, Dick Warberg, Cameron Clotworthy, Saen Jaroenwong, Saranya Chaiyanont and Long Drives to Michael Anderson, Rod Carmichael, Dick Warberg, Lee Adam and Ploy Thongpen.

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers – Kran, Dang & Tui.

Shenanigans took three points from Friends and knocked them out of first place took and Mai’s Thai Restaurant moved into a tie with Shenanigans for first place after winning three from Domicil. Brother D is tied for third with Friends after grabbing all four points from Caf? Ole. VFW Post 9876 beat Three Sisters three points to one in their match and Caf? Kronborg got three from Jack & Tar. Grape Vine took all four points in their match with House of the Golden Coin and are starting to move up the standings.

Best bowlers of the day were:
Kran, Cafe Kronborg: games of 205, 222, 183 – 610 series
Tui, VFW Post 9876: games of 185, 160, 200 – 545 series
Leo, Brother D: games of 176, 187, 177 – 540 series
Jim, Cafe Kronborg: 538 series
Lenz, Mai’s Thai Restaurant: 532 series
Dang, Friends: 236 game – 519 series
Wade, Mai’s Thai Restaurant: 500 series

Jomtien Pool League - Season finale

With the 2005 Season winners and losers already decided, the concluding week’s results were only about final table positions.

League champions, San Snack Bar wrapped up their season with their 18th consecutive win - it could be a long time before their single loss record will be matched. On the night, hosts Moonshine held them to a 4-2 lead in the singles but it was all over after the first doubles. Moonshine finished the season well with four wins in the last six matches.

The league champions at Moonshine. San Snack Bar won 6-3.

With the runners-up trophy secured and possibly with the pressure off, Simple Simon went down at home 5-4 to Lucky Bar. Apart from being runners-up, perhaps Simple Simon deserve a mention as the only team to get the better of San Snack Bar - and that was away back in week 3. Lucky Bar have been steady around mid-table all season and their fourth win in a row lifted them to fourth on the ladder.

The Thepprasit Soi 10 local derby saw Rose & Thistle cross the road to Twilight Zone where the hosts surprised everyone by taking the points with the narrowest victory. A month ago R&T were challenging the leaders but four losses in the last five matches saw them finish in mid-table; while Twilight Zone ended their season in familiar territory.

In the other local derby, in the Jomtien Complex, Bolaget hosted old rivals Hide-A-Way. Bolaget led 4-3 but couldn’t take that one extra frame going out 5-4. Last season’s champions Hide-A-Way had a bad spell mid-season but recovered well to be just out of the trophy positions. By their previous standards – twice champions and once runners-up – Bolaget had an awful season, but they promise to be back at the top next season.

In the remaining match, Woaw’s Pub finished on a high note to record their first win in six matches with a 5-4 victory at home over Paweena’s. After some good early season form, Woaw’s had a poor run of results and were always around mid-table. Paweena’s had a good first season and will be stronger next time out.

Country Club had the bye. Country Club had an uneasy start to the season but after that were never too far from the leaders and, if not for an end of season loss of form, they might have finished in a much better position.

Over the next four weeks, the League will contest the Knockout Cup. Last season Hide-A-Way did the ‘double’. Can anyone stop San Snack Bar repeating that performance this season?

In December 2004, a competition was held at the Pattaya Lawn Bowling Club to find the Thai National Champion in both men’s and women’s events. The two day event was organised by the Thai Lawn Bowls Association and was sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand. Over 100 contestants took part over the weekend and the eventual winner in the lady’s event was Thong Oomen from the Bowling Green

Thong (centre) with fellow team members proudly display their trophy after winning gold in the Ladies triples event.

The event was held to select players to represent Thailand in the Asian Bowling Championships. The games were held in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from the June 2 to 6 this year. Thong Oomen was one of the Thai players selected to play for Thailand in these games which were represented by players from 10 Asian countries. The Thai Team, were sponsored by Thai International Airways, and were all provided with 5 bowling shirts, a bowling jacket and bowling bag each and as such were a very well turned out team sporting different colours on each day of the competition.

The Malaysians as always were very competitive and won most of the medals however, Thong Oomen, Songsin Tsao and Kornkamon Phonghanyudh, won gold in the triples, and runners up in the finals of the fours losing by just 2 points to Malaysia. Thong Oomen won 20,000 baht for the gold medal and 10,000 baht for the silver plus she received a silver medal for the second highest points scorer in the women’s competition. At the end of the competition Thailand had won 1 Gold in the triples, 1 silver in the pairs, 1 silver in the fours, a bronze in the ladies singles, one bronze in the men’s triples and 1 bronze in the men’s fours.

Final medal total: 1 Gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze, a great result for a country where this is a relatively new sport.

Following her success in Malaysia, Thong was one of two Thai players selected to represent Asia in the Asia vs. Europe Trials 2005, which was held at the Winchmore Hills Bowling Club Middlesex England from July 2h to the 31 this year.

The Asian team consisted of gold medal winners from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei and Thailand, and the European team consisting of players from England, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and Holland. The Asian team were sponsored by Malaysian Airways and once again were presented with bowling shirts and jackets.

The players met in Kuala Lumpur on the July 21 to practice and select the teams for the singles, doubles, triples and fours prior to departing for London on the July 25. The next day was to relax and get over jet lag prior to practice on the 27. The British weather was true to form, by raining all day, with the serious business of lawn bowls commenced on the 28.

Asia vs. Europe Lawn Bowls Test Series, Winchmore Hill, London

Asia 208 - Europe 128 points

A gala dinner and presentation evening was held at the close of the games when the Asian team were all presented with their gold winners medals. Thong Oomen was also presented with ?250 sterling for having the second highest points score in the competition. Thong played 12 games in the 3 days in singles, doubles, triples and fours.

She lost one game in the singles, drew 6 games in the doubles triples and fours and won the remaining 5 games. The Asian team were able to enjoy a sightseeing tour of London, prior to flying home, which ended their tour of England with treasured memories.

Thong has achieved so much in just a short space of time and will be looking forward to jetting off to her next tournament with two other ladies from the Bowling Green Pattaya (Jeang Wariram and Netnapar Rarrpcharoen) to the Hidden Vale Sports Club for the SEA Games in the Philippines.

But for now it’s down to more hours of practice on the Green in Pattaya.

PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday August 29
Plutaluang
Stableford

The Royal Thai Navy Plutaluang north and west layouts were host for a stableford competition in two fights A 0-16 B 16 and above. The course was in fine shape.

Rick Evans

It looks like the fire damaged locker rooms will be closed for a long time but showers are available in the old clubhouse with lockers in the old foot massage room in the new clubhouse.

Aussie Stu Thompson took the A flight on countback from Bill Plath both with 41 points. Bruce Lawrence took third with 38 points.

Gordon Everingham took the B flight with 36 points, Rowley Morris second 35 points and Barry Kerr third on a countback from Dave Richardson both with 34 points.

Thursday September 1
Bangpra, Stableford

With DB still away on an extended sabbatical to the homeland, the crew from the Kronborg journeyed north to Bangpra for this Thursday’s ‘battle of the birdies’.

Stu Thompson

On recent visits this venue had been found to be suffering somewhat from the recent drought, but thanks to the rain, the course has been transformed back to its former glory with the lush fairways making those difficult approach shots a little easier.

The large undulating greens at Bangpra make three putting almost compulsory for the majority of golfers and this possibly was the reason only one member of the field managed to better his handicap on the day.

Six handicapper Rick Evans it was who, in spite of four putting the first green, held his nerve to complete the remaining seventeen holes in just two over par gross to take the ‘A’ flight with a excellent 38 points from Daniel Shamir (33 points) in second and Clive Robinson in third with 32 points.

The scores in the ‘B’ flight were much the same with the amiable Ronny Walfrudsson taking first place with a creditable 35 points from the consistent Toy Theobold (34 points) in second and Brian Noguer (33 points) in third.

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday August 30
Burapha
Stableford

Excited by the prospect of a buggy assisted round of golf on the formidable A and B layouts at Burapha the usual suspects gathered at Bert’s to fuel their bodies with some fine food before heading off ready for the challenge.

Winner Rowley Morris (right) with ‘three time runner up’ Bob Lawrence.

This course has a growing reputation for being one of the toughest in these parts and, as it is often the chosen venue for prestigious professional and amateur tournaments, our boys were under no illusions as to task in hand.

Needless to say Bert’s seasoned veterans soon demonstrated they are no respecters of reputation as they set about the course with gusto and to their credit a number of players improved on their handicap.

Our winner this week was ‘Aussie’ Rowley Morris carding an excellent 41 points to take the honors from compatriot Bob Lawrence also with 41 points but once again relegated to runners up spot.

‘Third time lucky’ is phrase that applies to us all from time to time but not the luckless Bob I fear who amazingly has for three weeks in succession returned scores at least five shots under his handicap only to lose yet again on countback.

Alls well that ends well and back at Bert’s a few beers and more good food combined with some good old golfing ‘banter’ soon erases any lingering thoughts of what might have been and as always a good time is had by all.

As for Bob well maybe next week it will be ‘fourth time lucky’? Watch this space!

Results Winner: Rowley Morris; Second: Bob Lawrence.

Near Pins: Steve Hamstad, Dave Miller, Stuart Thompson, Bob Lawrence, Roy Pimblett, Andy Evans.

Long Putt: Dick Warberg, Bob Noble.

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

August 29 - What a difference a week makes. The weather was good the course in not too bad a shape but scores this week tumbled. The winner for the day was three shots clear of the field. You would think that he scored in the mid 40s, but as it was, Gerry Carpenter shot 37 points to win the day by three. Last week it took 47 points to win by 2!

Winner Gerry Carpenter (right), Doug Chalkley (left) was this week’s cellar dweller.

In second place were Doug Powell and Gene Rooney. Both came in with 34. We thought that one of them might be the winner but Gerry managed to make the winning score respectable. The next highest score was 32 shot by Alan Pearce and Herb Ishinaga.

A golfer that is normally near the top stumbled and fell all the way to the cellar. Doug Chalkley who normally graces the higher half of the field managed to grab the bag as he fell into the cellar with 21 points. I’m sure that this was his first trip there and probably his last. Paul Donahue was sweating it out in the wings but managed to escape this week. As a matter of fact there was another golfer closer to the cellar than Paul. Trevor Carnahoff managed to come in second from the bottom with 22 points. He gave Doug a run for his money but managed to slip by for the week.

PSC golf from The Grapevine

September 1 saw 32 Grapevine golfers head up to Highway 331 to play the B & C nines at Noble Place. Personally, I didn’t think the course was playing too easy, but some people pummeled the course with career best scores. The “B” division (18+) were the main culprits with Dick Worden (some would say Turpin) carding a great 48 points off is 34 handicap. It is said that every dog has his day and it has been a long time between barks for Dick – so well done!

(l-r) Back row: Ian, Vincent, and Mike. Front row: Bob, Dick, and Barry.

21 handicappers, Barry Kerr and Ian Covill were split on a countback, both with 44 points. Barry just edging in second, with Ian receiving third prize.

The “A” group was also hotly contested with Mike Gaussa (15) shooting 40 points to pip Vincent Smyth (14) on a countback for first place. Bob Benda (14) shot a respectable 39 to reach the low step on the podium.

Technical prizes for long putts were won by Frank, Colin, Vincent, and Barry, while near pins were picked up by Mikael (2), Alex, Doug, Bob, Tom, and Takeshi. Well done all boys!

With the majority of players making it back for the presentation, all were in agreement of another enjoyable day of golf and camaraderie. All thanked Malcolm and Opal for their hospitality and look forward to next week’s golf. Cheers and good golfing. (JW)

Pattaya Hash House Harriers (PH3) – Run # 1121

Que pa so amigos, after returning from a very good vacation & the jet lag almost gone I’m surprised to find we have more Mexicans in our hash. That’s great! Even Taksin can’t stop those mass producing lil’ buggers & geo. Bush thought he had a problem. Welcome aboard S. Lopez & A. Mendez. While in the states I took some of our good raffle prizes to some other hash clubs. Oddly enough my own home town didn’t or wouldn’t make contact with me so their Pattaya HHH gifts went to the Eugene, Oregon hash. No wonder I left that right wing conservative state. Too many fat folks there anyway! It’s really amazing & a shocking surprise but the hares have white paper & red checks. What ever happened to the good ole’ earth tone colors? Pretty good size crowd. Almost 100 & runners off. The very fast walkers came in bursting through the ‘finish line tape’ & at record pace. F. Dog, P*ssed Pole Dancer, Sir Fester & the Texas Camel F.! Now at 30 minutes a real runner comes in, its Knob Marley, Ball Ringer, Tampax & Wank-King. Good grief Charlie brown, to be young again. Not forgetting the raffle but I also went to my 45th Highschool class reunion. The lil’ Mex was a clean machine in my $65 mohair & Thai silk suit, while my American amigos paid $400 to $500. Why do I like it here?

The first four winners are ladies. PP Dancer sits on Free Willy’s lap (in the bucket) he’s playing with his new 15” phallus. Hey G.M. he’s also selling them during the circle. Now just imagine Free Willy as the next G.M. “Free dildos for all! If you vote for me”. I can see it now. I heard Fini the Faggot has one that glows in the dark. By the way I also went to the Lincoln, Nebraska penal complex to visit my good friend Mondo (I didn’t get caught). Did I have to have permission from the hash? Rule #6 violators Peler & A’s A-hole would have a good time in prison. Its Sir Airhead (pay attention), he said this a-site was used so many times that once he had hair on his head when the HHH first used it. We also found that our beer police had to go to jail to get their degree before becoming an official beer cop! SCF & Flipper were given awards. One was for 10 drinks & one was for a short time. hmmmmm... I wonder who got what? Imagine this; Flipper gets the 10 drinks, SCF gets the loom & Free Willy ‘watches’. I’m sick or it’s the jet lag. Sir Airhead disputes the idea of the first runners came in at 30 minutes because all his pals came in at 58 minutes & that’s what counts! Frog calls virgins & lazy hares, visitors (one is 2 1/2 ‘ tall) with Knob Marley & a bunch of returnees - too many. Please check page 3, now leave me alone! I also had the opportunity to attend a wedding in Seattle. The drive from Eugene was beautiful. I bought all the gas at $50 a tank! Get me out of here! Without a doubt, the lazy hares came to life & we all took part in a 3 stage song. Great song & a good job. I’m also glad to report group 3 won hands down. One of the best events ever. Ok, now back to my vacation. Oh no, it’s SCF again. T4 was caught by CNN cameras breast feeding along with a 6 week old dek. He had strawberry & the dek had vanilla. This was on the way to Big ‘C’. The camera crew were Free Willy, E.T. & Chicken Nugget. Soon to be at a theatre near you. Could he possibly be related to Michael Jackson? Hmmmmm...

Boxhead has a new job that pays big baht so he bought some blow-up toys. Don’t forget the Mexican rematch coming soon at TQ cage-boxing. E.T. was renamed ‘Captain Underpants’ for the rest of the day for trying on Nurse D*cks panties. A few thanks go out to all those who welcomed me back & for A’s A-hole helping out the hash. General Kidney Wiper for trimming the weeds at the A-site. Those weeds will be dry tomorrow & Sir Airhead will be out there trying to smoke it up, but that’s why we are an environmental club. Good to be back & nice to see all of you again.

On On
Poncho