Octogenarian Arthur makes an ‘Ace’

Nigel Cannon.
Monday October 6 was just going to be another round of golf at Pattaya Country Club with his Monday Club friends for that well known Pattaya golfer, 80-year old Arthur Bailey - that was until he played the 7th hole!

Pornwat Nongpatamasak, left, of Pattaya Country Club presents Arthur Bailey with his Hole-in-One trophy.

Although playing shorter on this day at just 132 yards – Arthur struck the perfect shot to see it disappear into the cup. In addition he won the day’s competition with 39 points!
As is usual at Pattaya Country Club he was rewarded with a year’s free membership and his friends were treated with the traditional drink.
For the record Arthur has had 9 previous Ace’s. Well-done Arthur.

Show jumpers shine at President’s Cup 2008

Equestrian action from the President’s Cup 2008
held at Horseshoe Point, October 3-5.

Pramote Channgam
Proud and sleek horses, ridden by some well-known Thai and international riders went through their well-drilled paces at the President’s Cup 2008 show jumping and dressage competition held at the International Horse Riding School in Pattaya from October 3-5.
The event, with a first prize of 25,000 baht, was run by the Thailand Equestrian Federation and Dodson and Horrel Limited at the Horseshoe Point facility, with Chanya Srifuangfung, director of the local riding school presiding.
The competition was split into dressage and show jumping categories with the highlights undoubtedly being the difficult 100-cm and 135-cm events. Pornsri Prachayamon from the Trot A Club won the 100-cm event with a time of 33 seconds whilst the runner-up was Lalitaya Rangsit with a time of 37 seconds.
A rider since she was 8 years old, Lalitaya, an Activity Director of the Maruekataiyawan Palace and Lecturer at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University, performed well on her horse from the Polo Club in Bangkok. Her father, Senator M.R. Preeyanantana Rangsit also competed in the 110-cm event.

The Yara Bangkok Challenge to be held in Nong Chok

Yara, Amarin Plaza’s Outdoor Unlimited Zone, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Active Management Asia have recently announced the 3rd edition of the popular Bangkok Challenge, The Yara Bangkok Challenge 2008 Adventure Race, which will commence on Saturday November 15, 2008, and will be held in Nong Chok, Bangkok.

The Yara Bangkok Challenge comprises a multi-discipline event through the scenic backwaters of Bangkok.

The Yara Bangkok Challenge 2008 Adventure Race is a three to eight hour adventure racing, which will take teams of 2 participants through a 40+ km course of trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and paddling as well as some mystery tests.
“It is difficult to believe that we can set up a decent Adventure race course at only one hour driving from the city center,” says Serge Henkens, the Race director. “But after 3 years of existence, this race has become extremely popular for its uniqueness. This course is very different of what we usually propose in Kanchanaburi or Chiang Mai. It is flat here,” says Henkens.
The reason Nong Chok has been chosen as the race venue this year is because the area has so much to offer to outdoor enthusiasts. The area comprises of paddy fields, lakes, canals, temples, wooden bridges, buffaloes, birds, all of which can offer participants a memorable experience and a wonderful voyage trough the greenery and beauty of the Thai countryside.
There will be 2 separate divisions at this year’s race running different courses: Adventure level is accessible to anyone with a minimum of fitness while Extreme level is best suited to the more experienced and stronger athletes.
The race is open to anyone 14 years of age or older and each team must consist of two athletes.
For more details go to www.bangkok challenge.com or www.active-asia.com

Endurance riding - a first for Thailand

Saksiri Uraiworn
The first endurance horse riding event in Thailand was successfully run in the L’Occitane CEI 1* Pattaya International Endurance 2008, held at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya on October 10.

Yootthachai Tummarit receives the winner’s trophy for the 80km category.

Organised by Thailand Equestrian Federation and the Polo club, the competition consisted of two long-distance riding courses of 40 and 80 kilometers in length.
Yootthachai Tummarit was the winner in the 80-km category on his horse Jao Vaha. Meanwhile Mutchimaporn Taesuji took the honours in the 40-km category with Itthinai Rompohchee second and Nara Ketsingha third.
Kiti Laekhaphan from the Thailand Equestrian Federation explained that endurance riding can be tough on both riders and in particular the horses, and as a result racing is strictly controlled to prevent any danger. Competing horses are stopped every 20 kilometers or so for a veterinary check to ensure that the animals remain in good health and are fit to continue.
At these “vetgates” horses are checked for soundness of footing and dehydration with their pulse and respiratory rates monitored. Any horse deemed by vets to be unfit to continue, due to lameness or excessive fatigue for example, is disqualified from further competition.

The Beautiful Game?: by Riz Taylor

Stop Press: Tottenham win

That was quite the weekend.  Sunderland managed to beat Newcastle at home for the first time since 1980, Chelsea’s four-and-a-half year unbeaten home record tumbled at the hands of Liverpool, and Tottenham recorded a win.  Hull City even went temporarily top of the Premier League, and in Scotland both Celtic and Rangers managed rare victories.
It is 18 years since Liverpool won their last championship, but Sunday’s 1-0 win opened up a three-point lead at the time of writing.  Chelsea’s unbeaten run of 86 games in the league at Stamford Bridge has disappeared.  Could this be the season that Liverpool finally stop flattering to deceive?
“To come here with the mentality, showing the character the players showed, was a big boost for the rest of the season,” said Rafa Benitez.  “We have belief, we have quality, we showed coming from behind in the other games that we had character.  This is enough for being contenders, this is enough for being at the top of the table now.
“Against a very good team, a very offensive team, we had a lot of possession.  We were controlling more or less.  Normally they have four or five clear opportunities, today they didn’t have too much.”
Liverpool have also already beaten Manchester United this season, but Benitez knows they followed up that result with only a draw against Stoke City.  “We have to come down and start thinking about Portsmouth,” he said.  “If you want to stay at the top of the table for a long time, you have to beat almost everyone.”
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said his players had not followed their instructions.  “I say sorry to the fans, but we were not better than Liverpool.  We did not play as Chelsea usually play.  We need to touch the ball, not put the ball in the box every time.  We were running out of time and the players did not have the confidence to pass the ball.  I tried to tell them to play, but they didn’t listen.”
There’s something different about Liverpool this year, that’s for sure, but a proper assault on the league title?  Surely this cannot be happening.
Tottenham hogged the headlines all weekend.  Juande Ramos was sacked as manager on Friday after slightly under a year in the position.  With him went his assistant Gus Poyet, other coaching staff and, perhaps most significantly, Director of Football Damien Comolli.
Comolli has been under pressure for some time at White Hart Lane, with many fans citing his influence with the board and poor relationships with successive managers as the reason behind Spurs’ poor showing on the field.  Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy has finally decided to ditch the continental structure of management and return to a more familiar style set-up for a British team.
Like England, Spurs have ditched one set-up for something that’s the polar opposite.  In comes Harry Redknapp for a compensatory fee of 5 million pounds to his previous employers Portsmouth, and the 61-year old quickly made it very clear where he stands on transfer policy.
“I will pick the players.  If we can deliver them, then great.  I wouldn’t let anyone else buy my players,” Redknapp added.  “I’m not going to ask him [Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman] to go and buy Ronaldo.  It’ll be up to him to bring the players in.”
“At this stage, where Tottenham are, we need a fighter, someone that has inspiration,” Levy said.  “Harry has inspired his teams to over-perform.”
Whether that’s true remains to be seen, but given Redknapps’s experience you’d expect a few of the bottom clubs to be looking over their shoulders in the coming weeks.  That said, the last time Redknapp ditched Portsmouth for a supposed bigger club who were struggling at the bottom, he took Southampton down.  And where are they these days?
Beckham’s Milan move won’t affect Galaxy
David Beckham admits he is honoured by the prospect of linking up with “one of the biggest sides in the world” – but insists that any deal with the Serie A giants AC Milan will not affect his future with Los Angeles Galaxy, according to The Guardian.
The midfielder is in talks with Milan and is expected to agree a loan deal to join Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the next few days, in a bid to maintain his match fitness and remain part of Fabio Capello’s England set-up.
The former national team captain is just one appearance short of matching Bobby Moore’s 108-cap England record for an outfield player, but has already been warned by Capello that any inactivity during the Major League Soccer off-season would result in his likely omission from the next squad.
Explaining his interest in joining the Rossoneri on a short-term basis, Beckham said: “One of the reasons I want to train and play in Milan for a few months is the fact that the MLS season doesn’t run as long as the European season and my body is programmed to actually not have that amount of time off.
“AC Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, I’ve been lucky enough to play with one of the biggest clubs in England, one of the biggest clubs in Spain and now I’m being given the chance to play with one of the biggest clubs in Italy.
Mackems party too hard
Sunderland will cooperate fully with attempts to identify troublemakers in the aftermath of the scenes that accompanied the Wearside club’s first home victory over Newcastle United since 1980 on Saturday, says The Times
Over the course of Roy Keane’s team’s 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light, 29 arrests were made, missiles were thrown at Joey Barton, the Newcastle midfield player, two supporters confronted Shay Given – the Newcastle goalkeeper who had a spell on loan at Sunderland in 1996 – in his goalmouth and the final whistle prompted a pitch invasion.  Outside the ground, a mounted police officer was struck by a lit firework.
Although 500 police officers were on duty for the 140th Tyne-Wear derby, segregation between rival fans was limited, with pockets of fighting at the end coinciding with bottle and coin throwing.  Northumbria Police pointed out that the “vast majority of fans behaved well [and] 29 arrests out of a capacity crowd is still low”, but the FA will press for action.
“The club does not condone any antisocial behaviour,” a Sunderland official said.  “We will be diligent and review the footage and act accordingly where necessary.”
As a club, Sunderland are unlikely to face any disciplinary sanctions.  The FA said: “We will be working closely with all parties involved in an attempt to make sure that anyone involved in Saturday’s unsavoury scenes are forced to feel the full weight of the law.  That could mean a lifetime banning order preventing those individuals from attending any ground in the country.”

Local golfers get set for 10th Diana Gold Charity Tournament

Vimolrat Singnikorn
The 10th annual charity Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament is all set to drive off to help raise funds for the education of children in the Banglamung and Pattaya areas. Sopin Thappajug, Managing Director of the Diana Group, announced at a press conference, held October 24, that the tournament would take place on Friday, November 14 at the Eastern Star Golf in Rayong.

Sopin Thappajug, Managing Director of the Diana Group.
Sopin also added that seven ‘big-hitting’ support acts have been called in this year to help with the tournament organization; namely Suwanthep (Tony) Malhotra of Pattaya Mail Media Group, Bernie Tuppin, the Charity Chairman of the Pattaya Sports Club, Bunkiat Wiwattanadaecha, Managing Director of VC Sports Production Co., Ltd., Sanya Mangkorn of Community City Radio FM.93.75, perennial organizer Mike Franklin, advisor to the Diana Group and chair tournament organizer, Yanyong Thonto, the representative from Chonburi Thai Beverage Public Co., Ltd., and Kanthorn Chinanarong, the Managing Director of DV Biotheque Co., Ltd.
As well as the above organizers, Eastern Star Golf Resort will also be involved as the fine tournament hosts and will provide any and all support on the day.
Each year the Diana Gold golf tournament has a goal to raise income to support children in Pattaya City, Banglamung District and other local areas. Since its inception in 1999, the tournament has raised well over two million baht, which has been distributed to the various charity projects. These include the One School One Hotel Project, which supports local education; 20 individual scholarships for students at Banglamung School; the Pattaya Street Children’s Solution Project, and the Diana Kindheartedness for Children and Youth Project, which supports underprivileged children and youths, both locally and outside, for education from primary school level upwards.
Added to this list of charities are the Sai Yai Rak scholarship from the Y.W.C.A Bangkok-Pattaya Center Project and the Tawan Yim Project of Sunshine Radio. These projects aid youngsters by distributing scholarships and also support the Young PR Pattaya competition.
The organizers estimate that some 200 golfers will take part in this year’s event. The fee is 3,000 Baht per applicant and includes a tournament T-shirt and free dinner buffet (on the day of the competition) starting at 6 p.m. back at the Diana Garden Resort. Also included is the chance to win items of gold on each of the 18 holes of the golf course. The winner of the tournament will receive an honorary trophy and a special commemorative gold chain.
Anyone interested can apply now by completing the application form on this page and returning it with the entrance fee to either Khun Komsan at the Diana Inn Hotel on Pattaya 2nd Road, Tel. 038-429-870, 038-429-675, Khun Prajackchat at the Diana Garden Resort Pattaya, Diana Driving Range, North Pattaya Road, Tel. 038 415-212-20, Fax. 038-425-469, or to Mike Frankin, Tel. 081 861 8036.
The last applications will be accepted on November 10 at 5 p.m. unless the maximum limit for applications has already been reached.

The Diana Group and tournament supporters gather at the Diana Garden Resort, Friday, October 24, to announce the event.

A very wet week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, October 20, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 37pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 34pts
3rd Russell Exley 34pts
4th Rick Holmes 34pts
Once again the tees were found to be placed according to the yardage on the cards, therefore making it a true test of a player’s handicap and with the nines being A and C, many struggled to get into the buffer zone and only the winner managed to better par.
Trevor Schirmer was that man and he displayed a disciplined approach that reaped its just reward as he ran out the winner by three clear shots. Alan Griffiths led in the chasing group with a steady two-over and a better count back of 17 and 12 on the back six to just edge out Russell Exley, who with the same points on the back nine could only accumulate 10 on the back six.
Rick Holmes is making steady progress back towards his old golfing game and continued the trend today, taking fourth place with equal points but an inferior 16 on the inward half.
There were no ‘2’s in either division.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed new member Peter Griffin and also welcomed back Yasuo Suzuki.
Wednesday, October 22, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Brian Beaupre 38pts
2nd Norman Isherwood 37pts
3rd Russell Exley 36pts
4th Alan Griffiths 36pts
5th Brian Kelly 36pts
With the storm clouds gathering and swirling all around, but hardly any of them touching the course until the end of the competition, it was a very good day for golf over the Mountain and Lake courses at Phoenix.
Brian Beaupre always seems to be on top form whenever he returns to Pattaya and today was no exception as he strolled in ahead of Norman Isherwood as Norman put in another good round of one-under handicap.
Russell Exley also continued with his regular appearance on the podium as he took third spot by virtue of a better 20 count back on the back nine against the 19 by Alan Griffiths who took fourth, and the 17 of Brian Kelly.
Trevor Schirmer and Russell Exley each had a ‘2’ in the first division and Brian Kelly had the only one in the second division.
Before the presentations The Doc welcomed back Johnny Clements, Brian Beaupre, John Kendall and Brian Libbey.
The day was also the final of the Haven Monthly Knockout Matchplay in which Alan Griffiths was giving eight shots to Stephen Beard and both striving for their first win of the trophy.
Alan jumped out to a two-hole lead which he managed to maintain until the ninth hole, which he lost to end the front nine one up. Stephen started the back nine with another two wins to go one up but then inexplicably three-putted the 12th for a half and then suddenly seemed drained of all strength as he lost the next four holes with Alan upping his game. It all ended on the sixteenth, after another poor tee shot by Stephen and a good par by Alan, with Alan running out the winner 3 and 2.
Friday, October 24, Emerald (Blue Tees) - Stableford
1st Robert Lamond 32pts
2nd Roy Thornton 31pts
3rd Brian Beaupre 31pts
4th Dave Thomas 30pts
With the day’s competition set to be played from the back tees for the first time out of The Haven, it was unsurprising that many of the higher handicappers decided to either try another course or just practice. In the event there were only two players over 15 handicap in the field.
The weather also conspired to make the day even tougher as it rained continuously and many had to cease play as the fairways and greens became waterlogged. But most returned to finish their rounds but found the length and wetness a bit too much to handle.
Robert Lamond handled the conditions better than most as he ran out the winner by a shot from Roy Thornton, with Roy just getting the nod with a 16 count back over Brian Beaupre who had 14. Dave Thomas addled into fourth place with a typically dogged performance.
There were no ‘2’s in the second division but surprisingly, from the back tees, there were three in the first division, one each by Marty Rock, Dave Thomas and Brian Beaupre.
Before presenting the prizes Bob Lamond was welcomed as a new member and Derrick ball, Mark Ward and John Dahlseng were also welcomed back.

Donald bags the society’s second ‘Ace’ of the month

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Reporter Barry Hooper
This month should be renamed “Hole in One month.” Two weeks ago John Dennis achieved that honour and this week Donald Pearson did it again. At Plutaluang on Thursday (Chulalongkorn Memorial Day) Donald fired into the par three 8th hole, a distance of 142-yards with a four wood (not a conventional club choice some might say). His ball hit the edge of the green and was basically dying on its feet but it was not finished. It took one hop and then ran slowly straight in to the cup.

Hole-in-one hero Donald Pearson, left, is congratulated by organiser Fergus Brennan.

Donald stood looking on in total disbelief at the outcome. This was followed with a big smiling face and a shout of hole in one when he realised what he had achieved. Congratulations Donald from all of us at the TRGG.
Earlier in the day (Thursday) I had already started to formulate my headline for the week. It was going to be directed at Fergus Brennan who had three Division 1 wins and a second place this week. He was only remarking recently that his game was really off form. I do not know what Poopay is feeding him these days but whatever it is, it has certainly brought his A game on. Well done Fergus keep it coming.
Monday, October 20, Burapha - Stableford
Division 1
1st Brian Beupre (5) 34pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 34pts
3rd Liam Horgan (13) 31pts
Division 2
1st Robert Ledlie (25) 38pts
2nd Andy Galvin (18) 31pts
3rd Kay Molloy (27) 30pts
2’s: None
Near Pins: Fergus Brennan and Andy Galvin
First outing this week was to Burapha on Monday where we played the A and B courses. The course played very long as there was no run on the ball due to heavy rainfall and this was reflected in the scores. We had an excellent turnout and so two divisions were formed.
Division 2 went to Robert Ledlie with a convincing highest of the day score of thirty-eight points, Andy Galvin was second on thirty one and Kay Molloy third with thirty.
Division 1 saw a win for Brian Beupre after count back over Fergus, both at thirty-four points. Third place went to Liam Horgan after winning a four-way count back over Robert Lamond, Mark Bell, and Tony Molloy.
Tuesday, October 21, Khao Kheow A & B – Stableford
Division 1
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 35pts
2nd Robert Lamond (5) 32pts
3rd Stuart Rogers (11) 32pts
Division 2
1st Robert Ledlie (23) 35pts
2nd John Thornber (17) 31pts
3rd John O’Leary (17) 31pts
2’s: Fergus Brennan (2) Gunnar Vangsnes, Brian Beupre
Near Pins: Fergus Brennan and Phil Knight
Khao Kheow was the venue of the day on Tuesday and courses A and B were chosen. I personally had never played this course before and was pleasantly surprised at the quality that I found. The participation was yet again very good and numbers are continuing to increase at every outing.
Division 2 was a second win in the week for Robert Ledlie with thirty-five points, four ahead of John Thornber and John O’Leary (nice to see them back with us again) in second and third respectively.
Division 1 was surprise, surprise, yet another win for Fergus Brennan with thirty five points. Robert Lamond and Stuart Rogers followed him home in that order, both with thirty-two.
Thursday, October 23, Plutaluang - Stableford
Division 1
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 40pts
2nd Mike Rushant (12) 35pts
3rd Chaten Patel (14) 33pts
Division 2
1st John Thornber (17) 35pts
2nd Alan Evans (25) 33pts
3rd Rose Jackson (18) 32pts
2’s: Donald Pearson (Hole in One)
On Thursday we diverted from our regular weekly visit to Phoenix because of a holiday price hike and went to Plutaluang instead. They had also upped the anti on their prices but nearly nothing like other courses. This place is always good value for money.
The oddity this time was that we played the West course and then East, not a combination I can remember ever playing before and I must say on a personal level that the West course is not my favourite and very difficult for the higher handicap golfer. The other downside was that being a holiday the course was very busy with a mix of group sizes going out and this led to big delays for many players. Rain also occurred after some two hours of play and this changed conditions somewhat.
But despite all this Fergus found his A game yet again and won Division 1 with a clear forty-points. Mike Rushant found himself five back in second on thirty five and Chaten Patel a further two back third at thirty three.
Division 2 was a win on thirty-five points for John Thornber, who has obviously brought his A game with him from the UK. Alan Evans was second on thirty-three and Rose Jackson third at thirty-two.
The 2’s pot went to Donald Pearson with his “Hole in One” and as is traditional, Donald rang the bell for all on his return to the Travellers Rest.
Saturday, October 25, Eastern Star - Stableford
Division 1
1st Eddie Townsend (17) 40pts
2nd John Thornber (17) 32pts
3rd Liam Horgan (13) 31pts
Division 2
1st Rick Kaufmann (27) 35pts
2nd Noel Jackson (20) 33pts
3rd Alan Evans (25) 32pts
2’s: John O’Leary
Saturday we were back for our regular weekend visit to Eastern Star. However this will be the last weekend visit for the foreseeable future as the management have advised us of a major hike in the weekend price despite negotiations. So alternatives are being arranged, please look at our play schedule at www.trgg.biz.
Good numbers today so two flights and the weather started ok but rain forced a short interruption midway and the last couple of groups did not make it in before the rain returned. The drive back to Pattaya was interesting too after rain deluged the Sukhumvit Road making it two hours to get back to the hotel.
Division 2 saw Rick Kaufmann take a win with thirty-five points, second was Noel Jackson with thirty-three and in third was Alan Evans at thirty-two. The Division 1 win went to Eddie Townsend with a forty-pointer (his comment when approached by your reporter was “I stuffed them today”), John Thornber was second at thirty-two and Liam Horgan third after a three-way count back with Jerry McCarthy and Frank Kelly, all on thirty-one.

Lynch defies the weather to shoot low gross 79

The PSC 83rd Members Monthly Open Golf Tournament

Derek Brook
Wednesday, October 22, Siam Plantation
Well didn’t it rain Noah? The sky turned black and the heavens opened, and those that could made a dash for the rest stops. The one we went to was just after the third hole and it became packed as the rain hammered down, and the hot coffee soon ran out. And still the rain came down and we could see the paths looking like rivers and slowly the whole course filled up with the greens under water. For at least one hour it absolutely lashed down.

Low gross winner Doug Lynch, right, collects his prize from the Golf Chairman Perry McNeely.
Then, as it does, the rain eased and we returned to a soggy, wet course, and I resumed with a quadruple bogey, as did many. However, the greens drained well and we were able to putt on them, and in fact they did not seem to lose much speed.
Whether you carried on was a personal choice, in many cases it depended where you were when the heavens opened, some were in the middle of a hole and were like drowned rats, others were lucky enough to be near cover.
It had all started so well, with a full field looking forward to a fine day at Siam Plantation, then a night out at Shenanigans. Many of the players were trying out the course for the first time, but all were expecting much.

Ladies winner Pimusa Tonkhoksong.
The booking-in went quickly, and here the dressing rooms are fine indeed so we were soon on the first Tee after some smart organization, then off on a course that at 6,800+ yards promised a tough day. Then came the rain and made it even harder.
One could see that this was a really fine course as we went around: the fairways were well defined and cut, and the rough would not normally be too punishing. The rain however made it a monster, and with the greens drying out and still as hard and tricky as ever, the scores promised to be high. We also took the best part of 6 hours to get round with the rain stop.
Wet and tired, a quick shower saw many have a stop in the restaurant before the short trip back to Pattaya. Then it was a decision whether to go straight to Shenanigans or have a break but eventually all gathered at Shenanigans for some fine food and the prize giving.

Dick Kerr, right, was the inaugural winner of the ‘Seniors’ prize.
This is the first time I have been to Shenanigans since it moved, and most of the players’ impressions were very favorable. It did not hinder the favorable impression that the bar laid on food for all the golfers and provided fine sponsorship. I suppose they were also to be thanked, for dealing with the 130 golfers and an estimated 40 or so family and friends who turned up. The pub did not run ‘dry’ although we all tried. So special thanks to go to Simon Dutton, the Publican of Shenanigans ‘The Irish Pub’.
Before we get into the presentations it is only fair to express gratitude to all the other sponsors who Perry McNeely seems to have got supporting us these days. So thanks go to The Outback Golf Bar, Jameson’s The Irish Pub, More Bar and Grill, Apex Profound Beauty, Trattoria Italiana, Tequila Reef, Moon River Pub, The Golf Club, The Green Bottle, The Sunset Cafe, Monkey and Drum, Tahitian Queen, MLG Insurance Group, Cafe New Orleans, Golf and Driving Range, Pattaya City Golf, People Television, the Pattaya Mail and last but not least the P.S.C. itself. Any missed, apologies, but I will get you next month.
On to the presentation and a lot of really good prizes with the number of sponsors we had. Mike Gerrard opened and introduced the Golf Chairman, Perry McNeely, who welcomed all and thanked all who had helped him. Then Mike introduced The Vice President of PSC (yours truly) who welcomed all players on behalf of PSC and thanked all who played and Perry for organising such a fine day. Then onto the presentation where Emcee Mike read out the winners and Perry did the presentation.
In the A Flight the winner with a net 76 was Monte Sykes ahead of a count back on net 77 that saw Doug Lynch in second and Ron Birdsall in third. In fourth with a net 78 was Dave Stockman. It will be seen that the scores are not great, however one must realise how bad the weather was.
In the B Flight the winner was Geoff Cox with a net 70, one of only three scores under par. In second was Michael Shrossbree with a net 75 while in third was Rich Baldwin with a net 76 and in fourth was Joe Mooneyhan with a net 77.
Onto the C Flight and back to stableford format, the winner was Jan Slotten with 37 points ahead of Peter Hammond with 36 points in second. In third was Dave Foulk with 31 points and in fourth was Dennis Jaycock with 28 points.
In the D Flight the winner was Dave Booten with 38 points ahead of Roger Koeler in second with 36 points. We then had Andy Spence in third with 33 points and Tom Cotton in fourth with 30 points.
So to the fairer sex, and the winner of the Ladies Flight was Pimusa Tonkhoksong with 29 points ahead of Ada Tse in second with 24 points.
This month we also had a special flight for the ‘Seniors’ and bless them, the winner was Dick Kerr with 31 points on count back over Bob Benda in second. In third was Rob Bennett with 30 points.
We also had a Low Gross prize that was won by Doug Lynch with a gross 79. Well done.
Then came the part we all like, the Lucky Draw, and nearly all ended up with a prize. Many stayed until late and a fine night was had by all. T.T.F.N.
Long Drives: John McHugh, Roger Stromstedt, Phil Barnsley, Knut Tuvstein, Alan Pearce, Pimusa Tonkhoksoong
Near Pins: Anders Norberg, Gerry Cooney, Rusty Barfield, Doug Lynch, Terry Phur, Michael Schrosbree, Roger Stromstedt, Steffan Lystrom, Dennis Jaycock, Peter Hammond, Peter Whitehead, David Booten (2), Arthur Bailey, Ken Holm, Jan Johannson.

Walsh & Mills top score in rain-affected week

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, October 20, Phoenix – Stableford
On Sunday afternoon we already had our maximum of 36 players on the board at Siam Cats but two phone calls later that evening from our regular players increased the field to 38; there were no problems putting them out in the last group.
It was a very hot and humid day and as the round progressed the clouds became more intense and darker. After playing the Mountain nine the first group then reached the drinks station on the 6th hole of the Lakes course before the heavens opened and the thunder and lightening began. This became more intense as three groups gathered in the sheltered area.
Our local rule is that if it rains for more than 1 hour and no play is in progress the competition is called off so there were a few sad faces back in the clubhouse after there were a couple of 2’s recorded, especially as there were rollovers in both divisions.
Wednesday, October 22, Greenwood – Stableford
Same old story every month, it’s too far to go, so a smaller field than normal, and another sticky day, but as always on this course the clouds always seem to thicken with around four or five holes to play and yet again the rain arrived as the first group was playing the eighteenth. A heavy shower ensued and the second group arrived back in the clubhouse 50 minutes later after a stop on the eighteenth tee with the rest of the field just behind.
Andy Mills with 34 points beat his Swedish rival, Mikael Andersson by 2 points in Division 1 in the stableford competition, while Joe Kubon’s 32 points beat ‘Count Back’ Burnie by 1 point to win Division 2.
There was a rollover in the 2’s in both divisions.
Friday, October 24, Eastern Star – Stableford
We left Siam Cats with heavy, dark clouds in the distance towards the Rayong area and with the rain we had over the past week it did not look promising for today’s game. Twenty-two players waited on the first tee with very dubious thoughts as the drizzle started just as the first group went out. However, the fine drops of rain eased after the fourth hole and the heat and humidity rose, so it was back to normal.
In the stableford competition, 34 points was the best score in either division with Kevin Walsh winning in Division 1. In second place was Andy Oz with 31 points and in third place Mikael Andersson with 29.
Glyn Evans took Division 2 honours while the ‘old man’ Ken Foster was smiling in second place as he beat Miss Nom, his better half, on a 19/15 back nine count back after they both finished with 30 points, but she was probably smiling later.
Nearest the pins in Division 1 went to Tom Sathrum, Sassa and Kevin Walsh while in Division 2, Miss Nom (2) and Andy Oz (2) shared the spoils. Kevin Walsh’s birdie on the 13th scooped the 2’s pot in Division 1 and Andy Oz and Miss Nom split the 3-rollover prize in the second division.
Many thanks to Khun Sui at Eastern Star for finalizing and confirming our 9.30am start every Friday for the next year after weeks of negotiations with the management. Thank You.

Scambler wins by six at Mountain Shadow

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, October 20, Mountain Shadow - Medal
1st William Macey (12) net 69
2nd Gordon Melia (13) net 71
3rd Tony Berry (9) net 71
4th Paul Smith (3) net 72
William Macey carried on where he left off last week by winning impressively with a three-under par net 69 at Mountain Shadow on Monday. Gordon Melia, on his last game before returning to the UK, beat Tony Berry on a count back to take second spot and Paul Smith snuck in to fourth place with a level par round.
Tony Berry won two of the near pins, Dave Booton and Paul Smith getting the others.
Wednesday, October 22, Siam Plantation
The Bunker Boy’s joined in the Pattaya Sports Club (PSC) monthly Stableford competition today at Siam Plantation and a little success came our way when Geoff Cox won the B Flight and Dave Booton won the D Flight. Dave also won two near pin prizes to make it a pretty good day.
Back at Shenanigan’s pub for the presentation some of the boys also won in the lucky prize draw, notably PJ Redmond who won 10,000 Baht’s worth of beauty treatment vouchers - we’re all waiting for him to turn up with a new syrup and wearing make up!
You never know - This is Thailand!
Friday, October 24, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Tony Scambler (6) 37pts
2nd Mikito Homma (16) 31pts
3rd Tony Berry (9) 31pts
The rainy season is usually all but over by this time of the year, but it played havoc with the golf today with only half of the field completing their round.
Of the die hards who finished their rounds today, Tony Scambler won the stableford competition and also took two of the near pin prizes. The runner up was Mikito Homma who beat Tony Berry on a count back. Dave Booton and William Macey were the other two winners of the near pins.

Rosco finds a bit of green to his liking

PSC Golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, October 20, Burapha - Stableford
It was Joachim’s Outbacker Birthday Cup today as 63 Outbackers joined him to share in his celebration. As usual at Burapha, everything went off very smoothly from the two tee start on A & B blues, the last groups getting away at around 10.20am., some 20 mins ahead of schedule.

Monday’s Overall winner Paul Greenaway with the Birthday Boy, Joachim.

During the latter part of the round, the course was surrounded by some serious storms making play a little nervy, but fortunately they never really got close enough to be dangerous and the rain somehow never came.
Paul Greenaway, whose name will be added to the Birthday Cup honours board, took the top spot with an impressive 39 points, and earning him a small handicap adjustment from 9.9 to 9.3. Second overall went to Marlene Prudden on 37, beating Paul Quodomine on count back; thus leaving Paul to win his division. Well done Paul, turned it round after your disappointing form in Chiang Mai.
Newcomer, David Hamilton (36pts) won Div A, from the Outback Golf Bar pair of Bob & Jack, Jack getting the better of Bob by virtue of his 23pts on the back nine. Bob just wanted to know where Jack got his new handicap from!!
Steve Plant romped to victory by six points in Div B, from a three way count back between Tom Fitzpatrick, Kevin Moraghan & Dave Boran; Dave just missing out.
Kathy Doody won Div C on count back from Dale Autin, both with 35 points.
There were also three near pins (one was mysteriously lost), sponsored by Joachim and won by Paul Greenaway, Jack & Bob, both of whom put the 500 Baht vouchers back in a draw to be won by Alan Griffiths & John Hodges.
There were seven ‘2’s from Tom Fitzpatrick, Paul Greenaway, Roy Thornton, Bruce Milner, John Cogan, Rick Sharp & Jim Bryan.
Overall
1st Paul Greenaway (10) 39pts
2nd Marlene Prudden (22) 37pts
Div A (0-11)
1st David Hamilton (6) 36pts
2nd Jack Moseley (11) 35pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 35pts
Div B (12-14)
1st Steve Plant (14) 36pts
2nd Tom Fitzpatrick (13) 30pts
3rd Kevin Moraghan (13) 30pts
Div C (15-19)
1st Kathy Doody (18) 35pts
2nd Dale Autin (19) 35pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (15) 32pts
Div D (20+)
1st Paul Quodomine (23) 37pts
2nd Peter Gibson (29) 34pts
3rd Joachim Oestreicher (25) 33pts
Wednesday, October 22, Phoenix - Stableford
Whilst the main event for the PSC at Siam Plantation was being dumped upon by a vicious storm, somehow the thirty-one Outbackers that played at Phoenix dodged just about the lot. It was an incredibly black sky, continually highlighted by lightning bolts haphazardly shooting in all directions, that surrounded the course; one storm appeared to travel down the coastline towards Pattaya, one stayed south towards Green Valley & Ban Chang and another one raced up the east side, obviously ending up over the PSC tournament. Fortunately none of it was close enough to stop play at Phoenix and the amount of rain was nothing worse than a bit of English drizzle.
The storm certainly inspired Rosco, who shot his best ever gross on a grass course, giving him a total of 40 points today, two ahead of David Palmer on 38. Previously, Rosco played a lot of his golf on a sand course in Western Australia, where you teed the ball up on the sand fairway and raked the sand green in a particular fashion, before you putted. Apparently, if the green was raked in the wrong manner, you received a two shot penalty. That must be the REAL Outback!
Alan Bishop’s local knowledge (Alan’s a member at Phoenix), gave him the edge over his rivals in Div B, winning by two from the in form Barry Rothberg, who seems to be getting a bit more consistent.
There were two ‘2’s today from John Snow & Bob Pearce.
Div A (0-14)
1st Rosco Langoulant (13) 40pts
2nd David Palmer (6) 38pts
3rd Mick Abbott (8) 36pts
Div B (15-19)
1st Alan Bishop (17) 36pts
2nd Barry Rothberg (19) 34pts
3rd Dale Autin (19) 31pts
Div C (20+)
1st John Sarcasmo (20) 35pts
2nd Marlene Prudden (22) 34pts
3rd Trudy Chadbourn (29) 31pts
Friday, October 24, Emerald - Stableford
In a week of turmoil with not only the weather but also the currency markets, that has seen the British Pound drop to US$1.58 & the Aussie Dollar drop to US$0.62, the golfing gods eventually caught up with the 35 or so Outbackers, that went to Emerald on Friday.
Having dodged the storms on Monday at Burapha and again at Phoenix on Wednesday, the heavy rain and storm washed away any chance of a tournament result. Apparently Bruce Milner stayed out there to complete his round, since he had a ‘2’ and Bob Pearce suggested that he play only the par 3’s just to get at some of B1’s potential pot. At the end of the day, Capt’ Bob declared the competition void and the entry fees will be refunded or carried over to next week.
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected].
The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474. More information can be found on our website www. outbackgolfbar.com.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

It is the day all over the world of All Hallows Evening. Around the world children and adults will dress in costume going from house to house for “Trick or Treat”. It’s the evening when witches and hobgoblins come out to play after sampling various strange brews mixed in caldrons by individuals of dubious credentials. Apparitions appear out of nowhere dressed in exotic costumes scaring the “beetle juice” out of the world’s population.
Tonight in Pattaya along Beach Road it’ll be pretty much business as usual.
Frankenstein alive and well?
If that question was put to Kelly Pavlik on a Sunday morning past he would swear he had just faced Frankenstein’s monster dressed as Bernard Hopkins. That day on The Boardwalk in Atlantic City, like the Frankenstein from the 1818 essay by Mary Shelly, Hopkins came forward with stated purpose and steely will, success the only and ultimate goal. He was charged with enough electricity to light big cities with plenty in reserve.
Vic “Old Rugged” Cross echoes those sentiments: “As a member of the Pattaya Geriatric Society, I would like to nominate Bernard Hopkins for the fighter of the year award. He out-fought, out-thought and out-hustled Kelly Pavlik. The age difference of 17 years was nowhere in the building that night and Hopkins, at the end, looked like he could easily have gone 15, just like they did in the old days. Tell your tea bag manservant to forego the usual cigars, beer and vinyl records and bring you what Bernard and I like - Geritol, Viagra and prunes.”
What’s next for Hopkins? A rematch with Joe Calzaghe is not on the cards. Sir Frog is of the opinion, stated in TSR, that Roy Jones jr. will do to Calzaghe what Hopkins did to Pavlik. If correct that would rule out a rematch between Hopkins-Calzaghe.
‘Joltin’ Joe Calzaghe has also ruled out a re match: “Jones jr. will be the last fight for me, definitely - that’s it, me done. Screw Hopkins, I’m not fighting again for any amount of money. I’ve been doing this for too long. Hopkins beating Pavlik is great for me because people will stop banging on about me fighting Pavlik … I can retire with a clear conscience knowing that I’ve beaten everyone who’s worth beating.”
Some guys are good and some guys are lucky. Calzaghe appears to be both.
Real or imagined? Is up to you
An old college pal of his Lordship, of course he doesn’t have any young college pals, has a different take on Pavlik-Hopkins.
“If you realize Pavlik is from Youngstown, Ohio, home of the DeBartolos (former owners of the San Francisco 49ers) family where all slot machine and numbers money goes, then you should again revisit On the Waterfront for the line, ‘It ain’t your night.’ I believe that Pavlik got ‘the word’. He threw the fight for the benefit of a few ‘who knew.’ There is no way in hell he couldn’t beat that old man if he wanted to. So take that to your labanza.”
The Lord of the Manor didn’t know what a “labanza” was. He asked Roger and got the answer: “The lower stomach area, so every Italian fighter was told by (the late) Jimmy Durante to hit him in the labanza.”
Roger should know, he used to be an Italian before his name change for the movies. He appeared in the ‘original’ Star Trek. True fact.
Tricks, Treat or Treasures
Usually in boxing if there are two fights on any given evening one will be a treat and the other a trick. Imagine then that the night after All Hallows there are a pair of boxing matches that might both be treats of superb quality.
An added dash of spice has been supplied because the two principles, Vic Darchinyan and Nonito Donaire, will eventually meet in a re-match of their 2007 contest. In that one Donaire KO’d the previously unbeaten Darchinyan to claim the IBF flyweight title. The knockout was voted KO of the year by the Boxing Hall of Fame.
At the Home Depot - Los Angeles
Cristian Mijares (36-3-2) might just be one of the best in boxing. He’s practiced his trade under the radar but his record of 26-0-1 over the last 27 should sound the wake up alarm to all.
One that probably is well schooled in the abilities of Mijares is former IBF champ Vic Darchinyan (30-1-1). This is a fight that Darchinyan needs to win, against Cristian Mijares who should win. Mijares should win if he uses the tapes of the Donaire fight. It holds the secret of beating Darchinyan. That secret? Don’t buy into the Darchinyan persona, which equates to a “wild bull in a china shop.” Donaire stayed cool in 2007 and got the win.
“He talks a little bit too much,” said Mijares of Darchinyan. In Darchinyan’s favor is the fact that maybe fighting at 115lbs is a plus as opposed to the 112lbs of his Donaire loss.
A shrinking violet Darchinyan isn’t. “I promise I will knock him (Mijares) out. I’ve said that many times before big fights. When I promise I will knock someone out, I keep my promise. My dream is to become undisputed champion. I’m saying when I win this fight I will become one of the greatest fighters from Australia. I love that idea. I want to become one of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing. He (Mijares) is a smart fighter, a good fighter, but when I catch him with my punch, it won’t be like in his other fights. I’m going to destroy him badly.”
Darchinyan also ‘guaranteed’ a KO win against Nonito Donaire in ‘07.
Both boxers have a tie, albeit tenuous, with Thailand. Last out Mijares scored a 3-round KO over Thailand’s Chatchai Sasakul in Mexico. In that one Chatchai was down twice before the KO. Thai fans may recognize Chatchai for his 1998 fight with Manny Pacquiao where he was KO’d in 8.
Darchinyan’s Thai connection is via Wandee Singwancha (56-9-1) who he defeated twice. Singwancha’s record is a little misleading as he lost four on the trot to Darchinyan twice, Peter Culshaw and Hussein Hussein. This one is a treat.
In Las Vegas
After Vic Darchinyan had gotten a TD (technical decision) win over Glenn Donaire, he might have underestimated Glen’s little brother Nonito. Big mistake, as Nonito whacked him out in 5. That was in July of ’07.
For reasons that are unexplained Donaire has made only one defense of his title and that was against Luis Maldonado. He scored an 8th round KO. The opponent for this second title defense is Moruti “Babyface” Mthalane (22-1). Mthalane gets this title shot by routing Hussein Hussein with a lopsided win, 118-110 twice and 119-109, last July. Hussein Hussein is not the boxer he once was as he’s 4-4 over the last 8.
There is a red flag here ready to be hosted. Mthalane has never fought outside his native South Africa. There is a history of fighters with that resume’ failing miserably on their first trip away from home. This is a treat that may end up as a trick on those that buy a ticket or go the PPV route.
Happenings in the night - Tokyo
Two undefeated boxers met last Friday at the Korakuen Hall in Toyko. Between them they had a record of 68 and 0. For the 9th time Chris John defended his WBA crown, this time with a UD against Hiroyuki Enoki, now 27-1. According to Joe ‘K’ it was a hard fought but one-sided decision. The judges gave the “atta boys” to John, 118-110 twice and 117-111.
Montreal, Canada
Undefeated IBF super-middleweight champion, Lucien Bute (23-0), is still that way after beating Librado Andrade last Friday night. The scores look one sided (117-109, 115-111, 115-110) but that wasn’t the case.
Bute went to a prizefight and found himself in a good old-fashioned knock ‘em down drag ‘em out hockey game. Choosing to slug with the heavy-handed Andrade, Bute had the best of it, including a 10th round knockdown. Then with just moments left in the fight Bute continued to slug and got deposited on the back of his lap. He beat the count but was on his way out when the bell saved the day, the title, and Bute. If asked, “For whom the bell tolled?” Bute could answer, “Moi.”
Oldenburg, Germany
Mikkel Kessler’s (41-1) was about as good as it gets in his WBA super-middle title defense against Danilo Häussler (29-4-1). Kessler toyed with Häeussler for two rounds. In the third, with less than a minute gone, Kessler landed a three-punch combination that turned the lights out on Häeussler. It started with a tapping left, followed by a more authoritative right hook, punctuated by a left “jabook” that knocked Häeussler flat on his back for a ten count. “Jabook”? T’was neither a jab nor a hook but something in betwixed.
Sir Frog, as usual, was tap dead center: “Häeussler didn’t belong in those WBA rankings, he’s European level but not world. Great performance by Kessler, sticking to his game plan and good combinations. The crowd screamed ‘Häeussler, Häeussler’ but he went down with a straight left jab. I hope Kessler gets a chance against Pavlik, it would be a great fight.”
It was a “Jabook” not a straight left jab, but upon further review it might have been.
Jeeves Time
‘Jeeves my good man, what in the heck is that costume you wearing? Double breasted sports coat with stripes of green, purple, white, yellow and red. Lime green linen shirt, set off with a florescent green tie, a red hankie in the pocket, golden button set off with a gangster straw hat. What is that costume?’
‘Why your Lordship this is Halloween, so I’ve dressed in the clothes from your closet. I’ll be out and about dressed as His Lordship on his way to a championship fight. Cheewit dee khrup.’

This week’s winner - the weather

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, October 19, St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1stGerry Hannon (11) 41pts
2nd Gary Blackburn (6) 38pts
3rd Paul Henshaw (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (16) 38pts
2nd Yui Bietry (16) 38pts
3rd Frank Dusnstan (21) 36pts
Near Pins: #2 Yui Bietry, #9 Rod Hayes, #12, #16 Barry Brooks.
2’s: Yui Bietry.
The regular Lewiinski’s Sunday spot at Green Valley was taken up by the Thailand junior Championships, so this us the chance to play St. Andrews 2000 at a reduced rate.
A Flight provided the best score of the day, Gerry Hannon leading home the lads with a splendid 41 points to win the flight and man of the match honours. Following Gerry in second place was the ever-popular Garry Blackburn carding a very impressive 38 points. Third place, and not to be left out, was the in-form and soon to depart Paul Henshaw.
The B Flight winner was Paul’s father, Peter, firing an impressive 38 points, winning on a count back over the red hot Yui Bietry. Wish I had a magic wand? Frank Dusnstan rounded out the flight on 36 points.
The society welcomed back Co. Kerry’s Ben O’Connor and London’s Gary Blackburn from their holidays abroad.
Tuesday, October 21, Khao Keow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Dale Shier (13) 37pts
2nd Ted Lodge (13) 36pts
B Flight
1st Ivan Plunkett (23) 42pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (16) 33pts
Dale Shier made a rare visit to play with Lewiinski’s at the very challenging Khao Kheow, and as often happens he walked away with the senior first place after a very good 37 points. Runner up spot was filled by Ted Lodge, carding an even par round 36 points, but only after a count back over the Right Honorable Seamus Cotter.
The junior flight winner and man of the match came in the form of Co. Dunlaoghaire’s Ivan Plunkett, who amassed 42 points. Four participants were tied on 33 points for second place an amazing 9 shots behind Ivan’s winning total. Geoff Kubas emerged on top of the heap to take silver while Peter Ring, Peter Henshaw and Larry Betecha were the count back victims.
Dale Shier, Ted Lodge and Fred O’Connor shared the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, October 22, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Yves Moutier (15) 36pts
2nd Ian Grout (8) 34pts
Bangpra, and the resident monkeys welcomed the Lewiinski’s gang. The course was in excellent condition but the rain was the winner, with over half the field failing to complete the round.
Yves Moutier won the day, swimming his way to an even par round of 36 points. Freddie Finton Grout took second place on 34 points. There were no 2’s recorded so a rollover on Friday
Friday, October 17, Treasure Hills - Stableford
A Flight
1st Kevin Mcentee (10) 34pts
2nd Jason Newell (12) 34pts
3rd Nick Strasshine (5) 32pts
B Flight
1st Matt Doyle (18) 36pts
2nd Kurt Persson (23) 36pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 34pts
Treasure Hills was the host to a stableford competition on Friday, and once again the course and the weather were the ultimate winners. We started out with relatively dry conditions but the storm clouds were gathering. Guess what happened half way round? Yes, rain, lightning and more rain just to finish the week off.
The junior flight was won by Matt Doyle with a very good 36 points to take both the flight and man of the match honors, but only after a count back over Kurt Persson. Peter Henshaw took third after carding 34 points
The senior flight was sorted out after a count back between Kevin Mcentee and Jason Newell, both firing 34 points: Kevin won by the slenderest of margins. The Buckie Boy Nick made third place his own with 32 points following a count back over Yves Moutier.
Paul West, John Pratt and Barry Brooks shared the 2’s.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road, Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in, and add your name to the list or call Bob on 0800968232. Transport is provided.

The scribe gets his groove back

PSC golf with Phoenix Tuesday (Members & Guests) Group

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, October 21, Phoenix - Stableford
After two days of torrential rain around the region, and with reports of games not being completed, we wondered if we would suffer the same fate today.
There was the threat of rain, but as luck would have it we were spared any sort of heavy rain until about the 8th and 9th tees. Although it looked like it was going to last for some time, Buddha smiled on our group and the skies cleared after about 30 minutes. Sadly some of our boys did get wet before they could shelter and a couple of them gave up for the day. Never mind the rest of us plodded on and completed the round.
I wonder if the ground staff at Phoenix are watering the course? I think they do, simply because that’s what their job tells them to do. Some of the areas around the greens are getting so boggy they may find themselves with a severely damaged course before long.
I remember this happened last year and a lot of the approaches to the greens had to be re-laid. They have only just knitted together again.
Back to the plot. With heavy conditions some of the scores were very good: yours truly won the day with a score of 41 points. Funny game, the last 3 weeks I have played rubbish, but as we all say, “That’s golf!” (Don’t worry. I have cut myself 2 shots under the new rules).
The lovable Irishman Hugh Byrne came a close second with 36 points and vowed he would have his revenge next time out.
Next week will be a stableford from white tees, and the following week we will endeavour to hold the monthly stroke play game with an extra prize donated by Toy’s Bar.
If you fancy joining in and bringing any guests with you, please call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565 and I will try to fit you in. Non-members of Phoenix can enjoy the privileged rate of only 1,000 baht green fee after this week when the high season comes into force.
We do try and make sure all players are members of the PSC and have a current USGA or any other worldwide official handicap. We all play from the same tees and 28 handicap is the maximum allowed for the domestic competition. Nobody wins a lot anyway, because all who come back to Toy’s Bar get the first drink free and the balance of the entrance money is shared out for prizes and lucky draw. Look forward to your company soon.

Knight shines at Pattana

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Bill Knight, Perr Braun, Peter Whitehead and one of Bert’s waitresses.

Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, October 21, Pattana - Stableford
1st Bill Knight 38pts
2nd Peter Whitehead 35pts
3rd Perr Braun 35pts
Near Pins: Peter Whitehead, Nigel Perry, Perr Braun, Bill Knight
Long Putts: Nigel Perry, Perr Braun
It was not just another Tuesday morning; it was the day after a heavy downpour that had drowned Pattana Golf Course. A bold band of golfers set out from Tropical Bert’s to vie for the honour of humbling each other. Bert was there to bid us adieu, but concern was writ across his ample brow.
At Pattana’s reception the would-be golfers were “greeted” by Chopin’s famous Sonata in B flat minor, Opus 35, otherwise known as the “Funeral March”. Was this merely an accidental choice of music or did it portend an unhappy outcome for our hero?
The weather was co-operating: the sky was hazy, with no threat of the prior day’s deluge and there was a gentle cooling breeze. But the indefatigable Macho Man was having unusual difficulty in finding the fairways and even his usual deft putting seemed to fail him. Then in pursuit of an errant Pro-VI ball, he disturbed a lady cobra, which promptly rose and hooded to display her displeasure. Indeed, it appeared that the curse of San Miguel had once again envenomed his swing (he always blames San Miguel, except when he is on “The Roof” enjoying the saint’s company together with his loyal, but small band of adherents.)
But fortune did not entirely abandon Macho Man, because he had chosen his partner wisely, one Peter Whitehead (whose mop resembles a halo rendered in a fresco by Giotto). So the “colonial” rescued the Yorkshire man from losing his mini-match. Perhaps Chopin’s dirge was premature.
For Australia, it was a good day all round, as Bill Knight finished first, to which, the smile on Bill’s face, recorded in the photo snapped back at Tropical Bert’s surrounded by his carousing acquaintances, will attest.

Montana defeat closes the gap at the top

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 bowlers: Somrak, Barry, Mio, P.K. & Kran.

Bavaria won three points from First Place Montana while second placed VFW Post 9876 took three from Café Kronborg, who dropped from third to fourth place. Sabai Friday won three points from Canada and swapped place with Café Kronborg.
Café Ole moved up to fifth place after winning three points from House of the Golden Coin. Sala Thai Restaurant took all four points from Montgomery and Jack Tar took three points from Brother D.
The 200 bowlers this week were as follows: Somrak - 212, Barry – 221, Mio – 211, P.K. – 222 & Kran – 203.

Results & Standings October 24 (week 15)
Team                                         Points     Standings
Montana                                     1 – 3       41.5 - 18.5
VFW Post 9876                          3 - 1           37 - 23
Sabai Sabai Friday                      3 – 1          36 - 24
Café Kronborg                            1 - 3           34 - 26
Café Ole                                    3 – 1          29 - 31
Bavaria                                      3 - 1        27.5 - 32.5
Montgomery                               0 – 4       27.5 - 32.5
House of the Golden Coin           1 – 3          27 - 33
Sala Thai Restaurant                  4 - 0           27 - 33
Brother D                                  1 - 3        26.5 - 33.5
Jack Tar                                    3 – 1          25 - 35
Canada                                     1 - 3         22 - 38

Thanks, but No Thanks

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The IPGC Pattaya Golf Society left their Soi Buakhao “clubhouse” on Sunday, 19 October, anticipating another fine stableford event at The Emerald course in Bang Chang. It’s a sign of the approach of high season when bookings are changed unilaterally by the club to admit a large visiting tour group at the last minute and shunt pre-booked groups out of the picture. Shame on you Emerald!
Thus it was that an always obliging Eastern Star was able to accommodate the twenty golfers at a moment’s notice so that the competition could go ahead. This Robert Trent Jones’ course has significantly improved since the group’s last visit in August and it was pleasing to find excellent fairways and reasonably consistent, if a little slow, greens.
The heavy humid atmosphere gave more than the hint of an approaching storm and the good Lord, working in his time-honoured “mysterious way”, proceeded to deposit litres of rain on the perfidious club just down the road, allowing the group to play out its event unmolested by the deluge.
Sharing third place were Chris Voller and Tony Thorne with 32 points each, coat-tailing the runner up Russell Exley whose best gross figures gave him 34 points. The day’s winner amazingly was event organiser Len Jones, whose confrontation a few hours before had led to a drenching of adrenalin and maybe it was this that helped him to a score of 38 points and a well deserved and popular victory.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and Peter Duncan celebrated his final round this trip with the Booby Bevy after putting together a score of which he was not proud. Needless to say the day ended in fine style at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar after the earlier rebuff at Emerald. Sunday’s will see a new venue from now on.
Pickersgill takes
it in his stride
Tuesday, 21 October, the Pattaya Golf Society visited arguably the best course in the area at present, Greenwood. The fairways are immaculate, the greens consistent , the welcome is warm and with the white tee boxes back to their testing best the course is a good challenge for all golfers.
The agenda for the day included a stableford competition over the C and A nines and the day stayed dry but very humid. The monthly order of merit event attracted a good field and as usual it was restricted to only one flight.
In order to celebrate the four hundredth competition organised by Mr Len, technical prizes were set up for near-pins on the par threes and these went to Tony Thorne on C3, David Thomas on C6 and A2 and Wichai Tananusorn on A6.
The main event proved to be very close with Len Jones, David Thomas, Tony Thorne and Khun Wichai all taking a share of second place with diligent scores of 35 points. They were to be usurped by big Bill Pickersgill on his return round after a few months in UK and he showed he had lost nothing of his form as he took the victory by one point.
Surprisingly there were no birdie ‘2’s and the rollover kicked in for Burapha two days later. Jim Proctor received the Booby Bevy for his low score and Rabbi’s sponsored shirt went to newbie Steve McGill for managing to play the round wearing a collarless garment, undetected by the starter. Next time get it right Steve, we have high standards to meet at the Pattaya Golf Society!
Kiwi shines
at Burapha
Burapha hosted the Pattaya Golf Society on 23 October for their regular Thursday stableford event, this time over the C and D courses at this fine venue. The course was set up beautifully, as usual, and the field enjoyed a rare visit to the David Graham and Gary Pank designed track.
With tees well back and fairways softened by rain, the course was to play long and the narrow fairways benefited the more accurate golfers in the field.
In joint third place were Ray Jackson and Peter Marsh, the latter playing his first round with the group since March, and their 34-point scores were a fine reward for some accurate golf. In second place was Kazu Agune, enjoying the best round of his current visit and he recorded 35 points in his usual disciplined style. The winner was David Thomas whose front nine was level par against the card and included two fine birdies on the par threes. The “D” nine exercised some revenge however and he ended the day on 36 points, producing the best gross figures of 77.
David shared the rolled over ‘2’s pot with Kazu who also birdied the short C8 hole. The Booby Bevy was reserved for Bill Pickersgill who had travelled the lonely “hero to zero” track since Tuesday and ended with the day’s lowest score. So ended another excellent golf day with the PGS.
Regulars may wish to know that the Society is playing its Annual Championship at Greenwood on 4th and 6th November and potential entrants need only to have completed three competition rounds with the group this year. Full details are available at Rabbi”s Elephant Bar in Soi Buakhao and on the Society website at www.thebunkerboys.com.

‘The Scholar’ goes to the top of the class

IPGC golf from Donovan’s

Thursday, October 23, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Ian Grout 41pts
2nd Kevin McEntee 38pts
3rd Steve Mascari 37pts
4th Phil Mitchell 36pts
Ian “The Scholar” Grout continued his assault on lowering his handicap by firing a steady 75 gross and 41 points at Green Valley on Thursday. Ian is to be congratulated as his steady play has lowered his handicap from 11 to a 7 over the past 3 months and he just may go lower yet.
Kevin McKentee scored a very respectable 38 points for second and was followed by Steve Mascari with 37. Phil Mitchell is beginning to show form once again, playing through the pain to score 36 points for fourth.
Saturday, October 25, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Mark Napier 39pts
2nd Steve Mascari 39pts
3rd Ian Grout 36pts
4th Mark Bonner 36pts
Donovans Intrepid golfers were lucky to dodge the rain in the area at Green Valley and saw Marc Napier become the man of the match, scoring 39 points off of his 11 handicap. Donovans wishes Mark good luck upon returning to work in Baghdad. Mark’s second nine score was good enough to top Steve Mascari on count back who also scored 39 points.
Steady Ian “The Scholar” Grout had another sound round with 36 points, thereby beating Mark “The Muscle” Bonner on count back. Mark was none to pleased with that outcome and promised to do better.
Donovans next meeting will be at Green Valley on October 31 at 9:30 am. All IPGC members are welcome.

Drumm and Nachbur take the honours

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Monday, October 20, Pattana - Stableford
On Monday we joined East Side Friendly Golf Society for a combined outing to Pattana Golf Resort. The heavens opened and down it came at the 12th and we were forced to take shelter from the lightning.

(Left to right) Willie Nachbur, Bob Drumm and Neil Duncan, showing off his wonderful, new kit bag.

When it all cleared Willie Nachbur won the day with about 38 stableford points. The rest of the result got lost somewhere, maybe swept away by the floods.
Wednesday, October 22, Siam Plantation
On Wednesday eight of us participated in the PSC monthly at Siam Plantation. The heavens opened and down it came at the 4th and we were caused to take shelter from the lightning. As usual this was an enjoyable day both on the course and at the dinner and prize giving afterwards. None of our drenched lot did any good at the golf but a few raffle prizes came our way.
Friday, October 24, Greenwood - Stableford
Previously we have played Greenwood off the white tees forward but this day we were off the plates. Different story, particularly as there was absolutely no run on the fairways and the extra length was reflected in the average score of only 27.4 points. Fortunately we were re-hydrating in the clubhouse when the heavens opened this time and down it came accompanied by lightning.
Bob Drumm had the best return with 34 points and a near pin bonus followed by the scribe with 31 points and two near pin bonuses (one of them C3!) pushing Willie Nachbur into third spot on a last 6 count back. Ian Campbell completed the rostrum with 28 points and John Roddis had the other near pin bonus and the longest first putt on the 18th green.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the format, please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Dale on top - again

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

The Three Sisters gang headed out to the Pattaya Country Club early on Tuesday last week for a fine, if a bit warm, round of golf.

Tuesday winner Dale Murphy, left, with runner-up Dick Kerr.

 The course was in great shape but the greens were hard to read, some a bit slow, others were lightning fast.
The scores, in general, reflected the tough times on the greens as many of the high men came in a bit less than their usual. Dale Murphy again took the number one position with a 35-pointer, trailed by recent returnee from the US, Dick Kerr with 34 points. The remainder came in from 32 on down to a very sad 21. Fortunately we no longer take a picture of the “bag drag man” else the photographer would be in the picture.