Thailand’s Platu champions crowned

Kipsan Beck
After 5 grueling events, The Lofts Southshore helmed by Scott Duncanson was the winner of Thailand’s inaugural Platu championship.

The Lofts Southshore was the winning boat in this year’s inaugural Platu championship.

Starting in March with the Platu Open and finishing in October at the Finals, 20 teams competing in the one design Platus have highlighted the strength of one of Asia’s largest OD fleets. Sailors saw conditions ranging from sub-5 knots all the way up to consistent 20+ knots, and team work plus experience played a huge role in determining the winners.
“We were pushed hard by Ray Waldron and Morten Jakobsen,” explained winning helm Scott Duncanson. “It was luck that the Thai team Naiad and Malaysian based Rolf Heemskerk weren’t able to race enough to use discards, otherwise, it would have been a nail biter.”
Winning 4 out of 5 of the regattas, the winners of the Raimon Land One Design Platu Championship Series have been invited to represent Thailand in the inaugural Platu yacht regatta in New Zealand this month.
Thailand has a special connection to New Zealand with Kiwi John Weston being part of the original Platu design team commissioning the Bruce Farr design for Thai waters. Since then, the class has spread worldwide with almost 1,000 boats, including a brand new fleet of 14 Platus for team training and racing in Auckland, New Zealand. Platu means ‘small mackerel’ in Thai, which is a fitting name for the boats as they sometimes appear to have a mind of their own in stronger wind conditions.
The first competition on these Auckland boats will include leading sailors such as Dean Barker, Bruce Kendall and members of ETNZ, a tough test for the top Thailand team.
“It is a good chance to rate ourselves against the very best and I am sure we will learn a lot,” said Duncanson. “It is an honour to represent Thailand because all the team live and work in Thailand.”
The Lofts Southshore team consists of Scott Duncanson (Australia), Jeremy Chase (Australia), Trent Pedersen (New Zealand) and Kev Scott (England).
Listed Property Developer Raimon Land are strong supporters of yachting, including title sponsorship of several Thai regattas, and for the Platus Raimon Land worked with fleet captain Kev Scott to create a 5-regatta series championship. Part of the sponsorship money is used to help bring the top sailors to events in Pattaya and also to encourage and help youth teams develop their skills against more experienced crews. To date, leading teams from Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan and Russia have all received benefit from the sponsorship program of Raimon Land.
In 2009, Thailand hopes to see some of the New Zealand teams making the trip up to compete in the 2009 Raimon Land Platu Championship. Racing in Auckland will be held 12- 16 November 2008 as part of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club NZ Keelboat Championships.

Bill Key does it again

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

The usual early tee off by the Three Sisters group at the Pattaya Country Club on 4 Nov spared members from the early afternoon rains. A larger group showed up today thanks to the return of Kenny Mau who brought with him several of his Hawaiian neighbors who are on their vacation.

Tuesday winner Bill Key, left, with runner-up Sus Ige.

Apparently the Golf Chairman isn’t watching the scores too well as Bill Key, who has been in the 40s three of his last four outings, has only dropped one point on handicap. Well Bill did it again coming in today with another 40 points. Me thinks the golf gods may take a bite out of his newest handicap.
Sus Ige came in second place with a nice 35 points, “Free Drop” Jim Hern, recently back from the USA, came in third with 33, and he was followed close behind by Herb Ishinaga and Bob Benda with 32 apiece.
The rains eventually came but everyone was off the course nice and early and comfortable at Caddy Shack II ready to dig in to Herbies spicey sausages and some chilled beverages.

Six countries set to compete in International Rally of Thailand

Saksiri Uraiworn
The 20th International Rally of Thailand for 2008 is all set to zoom away from November 28 to 30 with rally drivers from six countries ready to show their skill on a course through Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao, chasing His Majesty the King’s trophy.

An international field of rally drivers will tackle the testing conditions on the Eastern Seaboard.

Wutthipol Charoenpol, head of the Pattaya City management office, chaired a meeting to prepare for the race along with Udomsak Chan-On, organizer of the international rally, at Pattaya City Hall on November 3.
Drivers from Japan, Russia, China, Malaysia, New Zealand and the US will compete against Thai drivers in the rally.
Wutthipol said Pattaya City will lend full support by providing every convenience for the official start on November 28, 2008 at 8.30 pm on Walking Street, when former Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sonthaya Khunplume, will chair the official opening ceremony and send the competitors on their way.

Inaugural matchplay league goes down to the wire

MBMG Pattaya Golf Matchplay

In what has been a marvelous success in its first season, the MBMG Pattaya Matchplay Golf League came to an exciting finish, with the last two matches being played a little later than planned, on Friday November 7. The all important final match between The Bunker and Tony’s Tigers could not have been closer (see report from The Bunker Bar p.53).
The Bunker started the season poorly, losing three of their first four matches, but over the past eight months they have gained strength and seem to settle down to a team that saw few changes. Led by team Captain William Macey, the Bunker called on a nucleus of a mere 26 players to complete this historic victory and maybe that was the secret of their eventual achievement.
Three Hundred and sixteen golfers played for their favorite venues in a total of 1220 matches during this first season at average 8.5 players per team match, which has been an excellent turnout for the year. There are a number of issues and anomalies that have arisen throughout the season that will be addressed in December before the start of next year’s season. The number of new incoming teams will be assessed as well as the departure of a couple of this year’s. The other favorite issue of handicaps will be discussed but there are very strong rumours that the present banding system will be disbanded and full handicaps will be used.
The presentation of the trophies of a word from the sponsors, MBMG, will take place at the end of November at the Outback Golf Bar on a day to be advised shortly.
Congratulations to the Bunker as the 2008 league Champions and also to the Caddyshack as runners up over Tony’s Tigers, by virtue of greater number of individual matches won. Thanks to all the bars and venues that have made it all work and have partaken so enthusiastically.

Mio and Dang bowl 600’s, Mai records best scratch game

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: La, Nok, Mio, Yeow, Dang, Mai, Nual & Barry.

Montana won three points from Café Kronborg while VFW Post 9876 took all four points from Montgomery. Sabai Sabai Friday won 2.5 points from Brother D, House of the Golden Coin took all four points from Canada, Jack Tar got 3 points from Bavaria and Café Ole took three from Sala Thai.
The 200 Bowlers were La 204, Nok 200 & 202, Mio 211 & 209, Yeow 219, Dang 203 & 204, Mai 253, Nual 200 and Barry 212.
Best series were bowled by Mio, House of the Golden Coin, 614; Dang, Jack Tar, 606; Mai, Jack Tar, 585; Nok, Sabai Sabai Friday, 569; Nual, Montana, 555; Barry, House of the Golden Coin, 549 and Tui, VFW Post 9876, 536

A message from the Golf Chairman to all PSC golfers

Perry McNeely
Hello everyone, this is Perry McNeely. As you possibly know by now I was elected the new golf chairman of the PSC at the recent AGM in June 2008. It is now some 4-5 months later and I realize what a daunting and difficult job this is possibly going to be.
At the beginning of my time in office, due to various reasons, figures attending the monthly tournaments were way down as to previous years. This was one of the first tasks to attempt to remedy. Since we now are filling up for every tournament, within a very short time of releasing the sign-up sheets, I think this first problem no longer exists. With the help of most of the PSC outlets, we are enjoying full tournaments, and great presentations back at some of the finest restaurants here in Pattaya. Proof of that was we had 170 people back at Shenanigans for our last presentation after a very wet day at Plantation.
This next monthly medal tournament is at Greenwood C.C. on Friday, November 21 and we expect like numbers to grace us at our presentation at the Moore Bar & Grill (the old Shenanigans) after our lovely day on the links.
On December 12 we will have our tournament at the Plutaluang Navy course, and after Shenanigans in Jomtien has invited us to hold our presentation at their newly purchased restaurant (the old Flannigan’s).
At this point, I would like to thank Jameson’s, Shenanigans, The Moore Bar & Grill, and Shenanigans of Jomtien for their great support in helping to turn our PSC Monthly Medal tournaments into the nicest golf tournament of each month as evidenced by the quickness of our filling up our sign-up sheets and the mass of people that go to our presentations, even if they shot a bad round that day. It is truly a wonderful day and night out with your mates. No one goes home a loser because of all the great gifts given to us by our many sponsors.
With the help of others I will go to visit numerous courses and negotiate the best deals I can for the members. It has to said that the financial benefits that the PSC Golf can pass onto its members is second to none. Along with a monthly grant from the PSC Executive Committee and the entrance fees, we are able to offer some of the best green fees and prizes in town, based on regular tournament golf.
I would publicly ask all PSC tournament organisers to encourage participation in the monthly tournaments. This would be best done by your group joining the Monthly Tournament ‘en bloc.’ I have increased the numbers each month for our tournaments, and the next one at Greenwood will have 160 golfers involved, and we are full over 4 weeks early.
The one in December at Navy I will try to have 192 golfers play in it so everyone has a chance to compete in our tournament, but hurry to sign up, because we are well over half full as I write this letter.
You might also be thinking of our PSC Club Championship tournament coming this January 8 & 12 that will be played at Khao Kheow, and I will be limited to tee off times from 7am to Noon, so please sign up early so you do not have to be told we are full, already.
Golf Handicaps
One of the main problem areas in golf is of course the subject of handicapping. We at the PSC have now passed a resolution to employ a full time computer operator to assist in the recording of all the cards that are submitted to the PSC office every week. We are also trying to improve the every day updates to the website. This is still a work in progress, but we will get a fine web sight for PSC soon.
Staying on the subject of handicaps, I along with previous Golf Chairman find that there are many anomalies within this subject.
Because of the enormity of the variation of venues, courses and members playing either frequent, or infrequent golf in Pattaya, to have a foolproof handicap system is virtually impossible. This applies to any handicap system used. However, occasionally there are obvious areas that do need some attention. We have recently seen new concepts of golf started this year and some of it contravenes the rules of the USGA.
I have had discussions with various tournament organizers and we have now formed a new email internet information page which advises anyone who wishes to visit this page of immediate overnight manual cuts for players returning excessively high results.
As the Golf Chairman of the PSC, I have to say that I agree with this system, but at each two week USGA assessment, all PSC members’ handicaps will revert to whatever the system puts them at, and all previous manual cuts will be erased.
The rules of the USGA handicap system are very clear and if anyone is not sure of their own particular problems then I advise you to read the rules carefully. The rules of the USGA, run from of the PSC (under license) can be found on the PSC web site.
With the above comment in mind, I would like to remind all PSC golf members that they alone are responsible for submitting every score to the PSC from every game they play. If you play in an organized tournament from any of the bars in town then it is possible that the organizer of that venue will submit block scores to the PSC. If this is the case then you, as an individual need not enter your score to the PSC. Be careful your score is not entered twice!
For members of the PSC who play in organized tournaments that do not use the USGA handicapping, then again, I have to stress to you that you are responsible for that score to be submitted to the PSC. Be careful that you adjust your handicap to suit the PSC/USGA handicap you have with the PSC. The easiest way is to submit a gross score (adjusted if necessary).
Note: Members of the PSC who do not ensure their scores are returned to the PSC may subject themselves to an investigation and possible penalties, under the rules of the USGA. This is not a “lets get tough” situation, but rather “let’s attempt to get the game a little fairer for all.”
If anyone would like to reply to me, please do so, by email or in writing only, to the PSC office.
Perry McNeely.

Bunker Boys save their best till last

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, November 3, Treasure Hill - Stableford
1st John Hughes (15) 35pts
2nd Colin Stokes (25) 33pts
3rd Ron Ryan (15) 29pts
4th Lawrence Harding (21) 28pts
John Hughes warmed up for the big Matchplay game on Friday by winning the stableford round here at Treasure Hill, coming into the clubhouse with 35 points. Colin Stokes had one of his better rounds too to take the runner-up spot ahead of Ron Ryan in third and Lawrence Harding in fourth place.
The par three holes are never easy here and once again only three were hit; prizes going to Mashi, PJ Redmond and Gerry Cooney.
Wednesday, November 5, Crystal Bay - Medal
A Flight
1st John McDonald (7) net 72
2nd JJ Harney (12) net 74
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki (12) net 76
B Flight
1st Dave Keats (26) net 78
2nd Arthur Rowley (28) net 78
3rd Geoff Hart (19) net 79
Playing a Medal round at Crystal Bay the cut was set at handicap 15, and with a bit of wind and rain swirling around most of the day the scores were not that pretty.
John McDonald had the best round of the day, shooting a level par to win the A Flight with JJ Harney second a couple of shots back and Takeshi Hakozaki having a reasonable round on his “home” course finishing third.
The scores were fairly average in the B Flight where Dave Keats beat Arthur Rowley on a count back to win and Geoff Hart took third spot a shot further back.
Near pin prizes went to Mashi Kaneta, Peter Habgood, Tony Berry and Glen Cunningham.
Friday, November 7, Phoenix - MGMB Matchplay
The final days of the MBMG Matchplay league could not have been closer: three teams on 21 points and the fourth team on 20 points and only our game against Tony’s Tigers left to be played at Phoenix.
Tony had assembled a strong team and they needed only a half to be crowned champions and 9 of his team had handicaps of 10 or less. But The Bunker boys are a tough bunch and would fight all the way,
PJ Redmond was disadvantaged against Brian Jacks, receiving only 3 shots when the handicap difference was 8, but he took the match to the 16th and he was supported by Ron Ryan who came in with a valuable half coming back from dormy 2.
John Hughes was his usual reliable self having a tough game with Neil McAllister and winning on the 17th and he has only lost 1 game in the league. William Macey had one of those games that happen occasionally, beating David Richards 5 & 4. The ice cold putter of Glen Cunningham allowed Andy Mills to dominate but Gerry Cooney took The Bunker a step closer to winning by beating Ted Morris 4 & 3.
The Bunker were now leading by 3½ matches to 2½ and required a total of 5½ matches to win the league. Allan Sullivan lost to Chris Holmes but Paul Smith stuck to his task and won on the last hole.
The Bunker now needed 1 match from the two still out on the course: Tony Robbins entered the changing rooms first and declared that he had lost to Geoff Bowers so now The Bunker need to win the last match. Nails were being bitten and hair pulled out waiting for Mashi Kenatta. What was the result Mashi? He had beaten David Smith 4 & 3 for The Bunker to be crowned champions in the inaugural year of the MBMG Matchplay League. Well done the Bunker Boys!

Willett brothers in again

PSC golf from The Beaver Bar & Grill

(Left-right): Larry Willett, Tony Oakes, Apple Blackwell and Dennis Willett.

Friday, November 7 saw thirty-five golfers take to the Emerald Golf Club hosted by Beaver Bar & Grill’s own golf director, Dennis Willett.
Players were assigned to foursomes and all took to the course, in nice weather for once, although it was a little hot at times but no rain fell. While the course was generally in good condition, there were still a few wet spots and the greens were also good.
The winner of the “A” flight was again decided on a count back with Dennis Willett besting Tony Oakes for first place, Tony in second while Mark Campbell and Apple Blackwell took third and fourth respectively.
The “B” flight honours went to Bob Noble followed, with Larry Willett in second after beating Ray Leppard on a count back, and Keith Whittle finishing fourth.

Jack finds an unwelcome sting in the tail

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Eastern Star division winners, Peter Elder and Kevin Walsh,
 with the girls from Siam Cats.

Monday, November 3, Plutaluang – Stableford
After last week’s spasmodic wet weather conditions, it was a pleasant surprise to see a blue cloudless sky in the distance as we approached the course on Monday. The marshall selected the South and East nines to play today for our group of 39 and there were a few spots of rain towards the end of the round, but remarkably the West course was saturated after a heavy downpour at the same time we were playing.
In the 2’s today, a rollover from Green Valley in Division 1 put a smile on Avis and Bill Hewitt’s faces as he birdied the 5th hole on the East course. In the second division a rollover from Crystal Bay and Green Valley kept four winners happy with two birdies on the 5th East and two on the 4th South for Kari Aarnio, Joe Kubon, Cully Monks and Lars Strom.
The cut today was made at 20 & above and in the second division Jack Hinchey finished third with 30 points, second was Joe Kubon on 33 and the winner with 37 points was Jimmy Johnson. In the first division Kari Aarnio’s 38 points took top honours while 3 players finishing on 35 points fought it out for the minor placings; Les Hall’s back nine count back of 20 points beat Cully Monks by 1 point while the Sheffield lad, Andy Mills lost out with a score of 17.
Near pins went to (Div 1.): Andy Mills (2) and Peter Seward, and (Div 2.): Les Hall, Joe Kubon (2) and Cully Monks.
Wednesday, November 5, Greenwood - Monthly Medal
With four late cancellations just before our departure there were only 36 players out in our monthly medal.
Pick clean and place was the order of play on a very damp course with hardly any run whatsoever on the fairways, so low net scores were not expected in either division. This was proved wrong, however, with Bill Hewitt’s net 69 winning division 1, Mikael Andersson second on net 71 and Geoff Stubbs beating Paddy Wilson and Andy Mills on a back nine count back of 37/38/38 to finish third after they all scored net 74.
Three players tied on net 71 in division 2 but in-form Cully Monks beat Glyn Evans and Alan Bissell with back nine count backs of 33/35/36 respectively.
A warm welcome back was given to Srithong, still playing off 8, and she shared the 2’s in division 1 with Bill Hewitt and Raivo Velsberg while in division 2 Gordon Everingham and Joe Kubon shared the pot.
Near pins went to (Div 1.): Bill Hewitt, Raivo (2) and Sassa, (Div 2.): Kari Aarnio, Glyn Evans, Gordon Everingham and Vambola.
Poor Jack Hinchey had to rush to the local hospital after an angry swarm of hornets attacked him after he played his shot under a tree on the par-5 fifth hole on the A course.
Friday, November 7, Eastern Star – Stableford
There were dubious skies in the background as we headed toward Ban Chang but all ten groups finished the round before the rain started late afternoon.
Steady scoring was witnesses as always on this course and winning division 2 for the first time was Peter Elder with his 35 points. Martin Holland beat Miss Oam on a back nine count back of 17/15 for second place after they both came in with 33 points.
Paddy Wilson came in third in division 1 with 34 points, Mam Morel was second 1 point ahead and the winner with 36 points was Kevin Walsh.
Near today went to (Div 1.): Raivo Velsberg (2), Sassa and Kevin Walsh, and (Div 2.): Ken Foster, Jim lane, Cully Monks and Lars Strom.

Man vs. Macaque

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton & Derek Brook
Tuesday, November 4, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Peter Whitehead 37pts
2nd Phil Barnsley 37pts
3rd Tony Scrambler 34pts
4th Mashi Kenata 33pts
Near Pins: Bernie Seacrauf, Thomas Cotton, Derek Brook, Colin Cronin
Long Putts: Les Charles, Badger
On the eve of the American presidential election, the dedicated golfers of Tropical Bert’s sought distraction in monkey country. Bangpra Golf Club is undergoing renovation and a few months of rain have rendered it lush green. The macaques were revelling in fruiting trees which were in abundance following the monsoon.
Many youngsters have joined the troops which filed across the fairways. On several greens the monkeys threatened but the golfers circled their carts, gallantly leading their caddies from behind. However, one brazen monkey was able to penetrate the caddy-guard and snatch Kenny’s extra shirt, but tossed it back when it turned out to be too small. No other breaches to the defence were reported.
The clouds held out for most of the day until the first foursome had finished, when it started to pour. We waited in the newly refurbished clubhouse, several indulging in the restaurant’s famous rainbow sundaes. In spite of the rain, the best scores came from the last besodden groups. Alas, only two golfers were able to better their handicaps.
Due to the rather late start and rain delay, it was dark when we finally reached the safety of Tropical Bert’s and were able to celebrate a safe flight from our simian foes. Of course, it was winners Peter Whitehead and Phil (Badger) Barnsley who wassailed the most.
Friday, November 7, Plutaluang – Matchplay
It arrived at last, the last matchplay of the season, and it was against our friends of Ankana, who are just across the road from Bert’s. Not only that but many of them used to play with us and enjoy a small beer or two, so whatever the outcome would be the day was going to be fine.
The match was due to be played at Plutaluang, so all turned up bright eyed and breezy on time, including the scribe. Unfortunately, and it had to happen some time, while most stood on the Tee with all their equipment, the scribe on opening his boot was asked where his clubs were by the Caddy Master. Yes they were stood, still, at the back door of the hotel as was the bag with all the clothes. The only thing about getting absent minded, and old, is that all the jokes are fresh and you meet a lot of new people. Going in someone else’s car the day before was just too much.
So the match got underway with one less in the Tropical Bert’s team and at least a smile on all the players faces, it will be a long time before I live this down, Happy Days!
The course was in fine condition considering the rain of late, however while South was excellent the West was a little wet.
It became apparent that Ankana were having a good day and gradually they stretched their lead through the majority of the matches.
The two teams met back at Bert’s where Bert very generously laidon a fine meal for all the golfers. All appreciated Bert’s fine gesture and contributed generously to ’The British Legion Poppy Appeal’, and from all the golfers thanks to Bert for your support throughout the year.
Dick Warberg said thanks to Bert and also thanked Ankana for their excellent company. Clive Robinson on behalf of the Ankana players then thanked all the Tropical Bert’s players for an excellent day. T.T.F.N.
Result: Tropical Bert’s 2 v Ankaka 4: (Individual results – Bert’s first): Anders Pederson lost 6/4 to Marty Alred; Perry McNeely halved with Bob Rasmusson; Paul Brown lost 6/4 to Clive Robinson; Colin Cronin lost 2-up to Trevor Loersch; Dick Warberg won 2-up to Len McCarthy; Frank Pilkington halved with David Ward.

Bjarne’s Birthday ‘bash’ at Burapha

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

The winning team collect their prizes from Bjarne and Dave Richardson.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, November 4, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Khao Kheow A & C layouts were the site for a stableford event in two flights with the cut made at handicap 20. The course on the day was in very good condition even though there has been substantial rainfall for the last three weeks.
Young Dane Morten Nielsen took the A Flight with 37 points off a two handicap, Dave Richardson was in second with 30 points and Graham Buckingham was in third with 29.
John Swanson took the B Flight with 37 points with Per Lofsted in second with 33 on count back over Wolfgang Bade in third.
The next big Cafe Kronborg Event will be the Ray Rogers Turkey Day Scramble on American Thanksgiving Day, November 27 at Burapha. The sign up sheet will be going up on the 13th November.
Thursday, November 6, Burapha - Bjarne’s Birthday Scramble
As they say, ‘It comes around every year’, and there are those who hide it, and those who flaunt it. Mind it is easier to declare to the world you are only 50 when most are collecting their pensions.
This day however has been a regular on the calendar, it seems, since Bjarne was still in short socks. How the years fly, but this day is always amply supported and it may be because of the history of golf in Pattaya or the fact that they all enjoy the food in the Cafe Kronborg after the day out.
This course is always a pleasure to play and with four fine sets of 9 holes you can always find a good day out. On this day the 18 holes to be played were the A & B Nines, and these are usually the favourites of most people. These are the original 18 holes and probably the easiest, however holes 8, 9 and 10 are all over 400 yards and into the wind and can be real monsters, especially on a day such as this when the fairways were soggy and the ball did not run.
We had a good turnout and both tees were used, and with no rain on the day we got around in quick time. With wet fairways and a strong wind it was not expected that the scores would be exceptionally low as is the normal in one of these Tournaments.
Round over, after a quick snack in the restaurant, we jumped in our cars and went back to the Cafe Kronborg where we were told the food would be available about 1700hrs and shortly after the presentation would take place.
On arrival we saw the Cafe Kronborg was filling up nicely and shortly after Dave Richardson declared the food on, and the normal rush of hungry golfers after a day on the course took place. It was indeed a fine spread and all enjoyed their food.
Then it was time for Dave to call out the results, but not before he introduced ‘The Birthday Boy’ Bjarne and all sang Happy Birthday. From all who have frequented The Cafe Kronborg over the years, thanks for all he has done, especially for The Pattaya Sports Club.
Now to the winners - and the scores this year were not down to their normal extremely low standard. In third place with a fine score of 59.9 was the team of Roy Thornton, Rick Holmes, Barry Traynor and Mikael Anderson. In second place with a very good score of 59.3 was that fine team of ‘organisers,’ Derek Brook, Dave Richardson, Perry McNeely and Tom Cotton. Of course we had the usual numbers of ‘What if’s’ but that is part of the fun of this game.
So to the winners; and with an excellent 58.5 the winners were Russel Exley, Alan Griffiths, Tony Barritt and Norman Isherwood.
Presentations over we got down to the important part of the night, the Lucky Draw, and there was a prize for all the players so nobody went home without something.
So well done Dave, well done Bjarne and we hope to see all at Papa Ray’s Turkey Day. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: George Bennison, Mike Winfield, Roy Thornton, Paul Ovens.

The runners-up ready to tee off and do battle.

Toeing the Oche

by Houston Hartwell II
Since the last major event in darts, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Phil Taylor has added another £20,050 to his earnings for the year. He took the inaugural Championship League Darts final recently at the Crondon Park Golf Club in Essex beating Mervyn King 7-5 in the final.

Phil Taylor celebrates winning the darts European Championship. (Photo Lawrence Lustig/PDC)

That win may have proved a fine springboard for Taylor, like he needed a jump start, for the first £200,000 European Championship at the Sudbehnhof in Frankfurt Germany. This new event is the eighth ranking major on the PDC circuit.
Suggesting that Taylor was the favorite is an easy call. Taylor was trying to extend his ‘major win’ streak to four. So far this year he’s annexed the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic, the Stan James World Matchplay and the Sky Poker World Grand Prix.
European Championships
It was more of the same with Phil Taylor lifting his game while hardly breaking a sweat. By wining the first ever European title, Taylor took home another cool £50,000, which is Baht 2,799,079 and a meaningless 32 “whatevers”.
During the tournament Taylor had two matches where his average exceeded 113, which are the two highest scoring averages ever for televised darts. For the tournament itself Taylor’s average was 108.21.
His first round match against Jacko Barry was a “warning” of things to come. Irishman Barry was the last man to qualify for the championships. As a reward he got Phil Taylor in the first round. One wonders if he got a drink before and a cigarette after being taken to the woodshed. Taylor outscored the unlucky Irishman 106.10 to 79.50
Taylor’s opponent in the final was Adrian Lewis who along the way defeated Hannes Schnier 5-2. This match would probably escape notice except that Schnier played with bandages on his badly cut hand. The official story is that he received “cuts on his left hand after attempting to catch a falling glass shortly before his game.”
The Old Dart Coach has two tips: “First, always put your little finger under your drinking vessel so it won’t slip through your hand; Second, use paper cups.”
Never was Taylor in any trouble except maybe in the final against Adrian Lewis. After two legs Taylor found himself on the short end of a 0-2 score thanks to a nifty 13-darter by Lewis. With a chance to go up 3-0 Lewis missed 2 darts at double 10, one would guess he also missed a dart at double 20 or he’s using a unique out chart. This allowed Taylor to pounce. The match was essentially over -championship to Phil “The Power” Taylor 11-5.
Grand Slam of Darts
Next up for the professionals of the darting world is the £356,000 Party Poker Grand Slam of Darts. The event will be held November 15-23 at the Wolverhampton Civic with 8 groups of four engaging in round robin play with the top 2 players from each group moving on.
The top 8 players have been seeded so they shouldn’t meet until the round of eight. Of course that almost never happens. On form Phil Taylor has to be the big betting favorite. Russian lady star and certified “pleasant to the peepers,” Anastasia Dobromyslova got no break in the draw. She’s in a group with World Champion John Part, Wayne Mardle and Kevin McDine. “Me thinks that with the lads chasing the first place check of £100,000 pounds sterling the lady is in deep stuff,” said the Old Dart Coach.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

As a devotee of spy novels one has to subscribe to the theory that “there is no such thing as a coincidence.”  The fact that you just happened to be enjoying an adult beverage in Pattaya when your eyes spotted the lady (or facsimile there of) of your dreams was not a coincidence.  Fate?  Maybe, but Shirley no coincidence.
The timing of last Friday’s fight in Chengdu to close the WBC convention with Andrew Golota seemed strange.  Golota hadn’t been in the ring in 9 months.  He was scheduled to fight WBA Champ Nikolao Valuev sometime in December.  Then why would he fight at the WBC Convention?  “Dog ask me.”  Actually he didn’t fight as Ray Austin put Golota on the canvas early in the first round.  “Golota failed to come out for round two citing an arm injury,” wrote Bob Newman for fightnews.com
Valuev-Holyfield? Maybe
WBA heavyweight champ Nikolai Valuev is having trouble finding someone to fight.  He gets matched with other Ruskies who keep getting hurt.  Sauerland Events proposed Evander Holyfield.  “They wish to make this fight because of money,” opined Boris Dimitrov who manages Valuev.  Dah!!!!  Make a fight for money?  Well I never heard of such a thing.
Boris, on the other hand, wants to “find a worthy contender for his boxer.  “I can inform you that Nikolai will fight on December 20 this year in the Swiss city of Zürich.  The fight will not be in Germany.  Don King and I want a fight with Andrew Golota.  If Golota refuses, we will agree on a fight against Holyfield.”
This was before Golota didn’t fight in China.  Got it Boris?  Hello Evander in Germany.  Got to love a Ruskie named Boris.
World’s greatest heavyweight champion - Part Deux
The world’s greatest heavy­weight, IBF/WBO/IBO cham­pion Wladimir Klitschko, faces Hasim Rahman on December 13 at the SAP Arena in Mannheim.  Originally the opponent was ‘Ruskie’ Alexander Povetkin but he pulled out through injury.  Gee, didn’t see that comin.
Little editorial comment here (like the rest of the column isn’t.): Hasim Rahman got lucky and knocked out Lennex Lewis in South Africa.  In their re-match Rahman got his clocked cleaned before getting KO’d in 4.  That was 2001.  Since then he’s done “jack squat.”  Last out he got KO’d in 3 by James Toney, then whined (no cheese or crackers) to the California Commission before getting the results changed to a ‘No Contest.’  It’s laughable that these clowns actually take themselves seriously.  End of editorial comment.
‘Joltin’ Joe goes out on top
‘Joltin’ Joe Calzaghe (46-0) made his “maybe” last trip to the professional boxing ring a winning one last Sunday morning.  Fighting in Madison Square Garden in New York City, he laid an old fashioned “Welsh Whipping” on Roy Jones Jr. (52-5).
Overcoming a first round knockdown from a “glancing blow,” Calgazhe got off the canvas to out work Jones.  He buried his opponent with a plethora of rapid fire punches that had Jones a dominated and bloodied fighter at the end of 12 rounds.  The final scores illustrated Calzaghe’s dominance as they were all 118-109, which indicates that after losing the first round 10-8 Calzaghe won the next 11.
Sir Frog, who touted Jones, reports: “Congratulations you win our bet.”  (Ed. Note: Sir Frog and His Lordship had a friendly imaginary wager which should pay a couple of bar fines).  “Calzaghe was the man of the evening.  We should call him Machine Gun Joe.  He didn’t stop throwing punches.  Roy didn’t have one chance to do anything.  I think American style boxers are not use to so many punches in a round.  Well Joe you’re the best.  A shame it was your last fight.  I hear on the other side a big money fight with Chad Dawson?”
Maybe retirement isn’t round the corner.  “It could be my last fight.  I won’t make the final decision yet,” said Calzaghe.  “I’ll go home, sit down, have a think and evaluate the situation.”
Always nice to “have a think.”  The really big money fight would be a Hopkins-Calzaghe rematch.
Abraham has no problem
As predicted in these spaces last week, “King” Arthur Abraham (28-0) had little trouble dispatching Raul Marquez (41-4-1) in 6 at the Jako Arena in Bamberg, Germany.  The win, for the IBF title, was never in doubt in spite of some close early rounds.
Abraham started to take control in the third.  In the sixth round, following a very heavy body attack by Abraham, Marquez said “no mas’” from his stool.  In a rather strange statement for a Mexican fighter Marquez said, “When the cut happened, I simply couldn’t continue.  I could see I was going to lose.  He’s a strong champion and there was nothing I could do.  It was also self-preservation.  I have children, a family and I’m a commentator.  I have a future.”
Doesn’t sound like the “carry me out on my shield” mentally that is usually associated with Mexican boxers.  That’s also the sentiment expressed by King Arthur after the fight.
“I don’t understand it.  He gave up too early.  I am sad about that, I wanted to step on the gas from the sixth round, but unfortunately it didn’t work.  He disappointed the audience.”
Next up for Abraham?  “I’m ready to fight Felix Strum!  (But) before that fight I will be happy to come to the USA in February to battle it out for the super championship with Kelly Pavlik - if Kelly still has enough power and the courage to fight me.”
Abraham really is an ass.
Taylor-Lacy - long time coming
This is a bout where the loser is relegated to the category of an “opponent”.  Both Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (24-1) and Jermain Taylor (27-2-1) will lay it all on the line next Sunday morning at the Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee.  Both have been on top with the winner getting a second chance for a title.
Promoter Lou DiBella, one of the good guys, says, “One of these guys is probably going to get knocked out, and the one who gets knocked out is probably going to have a really difficult time coming back to do anything significant in this sport.  This fight really is all or nothing.”
Taylor was doing fine reigning as the WBC undefeated middleweight champion.  He had fought and beaten Bernard Hopkins (twice), Winky Wright, Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks.  Then he ran into Kelly Pavlik, losing two in a row.
Lacy was at the top of his game until he ran into ‘Joltin’ Joe Calzaghe in March of ’06.  To be charitable Lacy was horrible losing a UD that wasn’t close.  In his three fights since then Lacy has done little to instill confidence in his backers.  Still, these two boxers who were Olympic team members know this is the last chance.  Might be one hell of a fight.  Lean towards Taylor.
Scandal in
‘Oh Canada’
When your home town newspaper, the Montreal Gazette, runs a story with the headline “A travesty of boxing justice,” tiz trouble brewing.  IBF (I Be Fixin) middleweight champion Lucian Bute won a UD over Librado Andrade in Montreal.
Andrade trainer Howard Grant said, “I don’t think my guy won more than two or three rounds going into the 12th.  I told him, ‘you’ve got to knock the s— out of this guy, you’ve got to put him on his a—.’  So he did that. He knocked him out.  He put him on the canvas and he won the fight, but he didn’t win because of the referee.”
The Gazette in their story stated: “The referee Marlon B. Wright’s 24-second count after Andrade’s late knockdown of Bute cost Andrade the victory and a huge upset.”
A Thailand tale
During his opening remarks to the 46th annual WBC convention in Chengdu, China, Dr. Jose’ Suliaman spoke about Thai boxer Saensak “Boonsing Mansri” Muangsurin who had a professional record of 14-6 with 11 KO’s.  What is remarkable is that Muang­surin won the WBC lightweight title in only his third professional fight.  Fighting at the Hua Mark Stadium in Bangkok he knocked out Perico Fernandez in 8.  In three plus years he would defend the title 12 times - even losing and then winning the title back against Miguel Velasquez.
Muangsurin would lose the title for good against Korean Sang Hyun Kim.  That loss would trigger a downward slide of 5 losses in 6 fights including one against Thomas Hearns.  Dr. Sulaiman used Muangsurin as an example of the problems that boxing and sanctioning organizations should attempt to solve.
“There are several important matters that need the WBC’s full attention and decisive action to resolve,” said Sulaiman.  “The first one – during my first visit to Thailand I found again an old hero of mine.  His name, Saensak Muangsurin, who conquered the WBC world title in his third professional fight, married a very beautiful actress in his prime and had a son.  But when he started to go down he lost his wife, his son, his beautiful home, and lived penniless, like a live-dead walking man.
“It came to my mind the countless other former boxers who conquered the idolatry of the world, but who now live in poverty and tears, reminiscing the old days of glory.  This is a matter that cannot continue.”
While the story is compelling and tugs at the heartstrings, it is by no means unique to boxing.  Show up for Happy Hour at any adult beverage place on any day in Thailand and you’ll hear the same story, “I had it all and then my money ran out.”  This Is Thailand!
Ten count - RIP Johnny Saxton
Johnny Saxton was a welterweight who fought professionally from 1949-1958.  During that time he amassed a record of 55-9 with 21 big wins by KO.  He was one of the boxers in an era when they fought the best at every step along the way.  Saxton did.  He fought the best winning some and only losing later in his career.
As a youngster I went with the family to the “old” Oakland Auditorium to watch him fight Ralph “Tiger” Jones.  Saxton would win a UD in a fight between two olds guys that fought like it.
Saxton died on October 4 this year but his memory will last with old time fight fans.  He fought and beat Kid Gavilan, Gil Turner, Johnny Bratten, Joe Miceli, Virgil “Honeybear” Aktins, Joey Giardello, Wallace “Bud” Smith and my favorite Danny “Bang Bang” Womber.  Saxton might be best known for this two KO loses to Carmen Basillo in late 1956 and 57.  Many forget that he won the welterweight title from Basilio early in 1956.
RIP Mr. Saxton
Jeeves time
“So Jeeves I know you had big plans, did you and your Teelock have a romantic time on Loy Krathong, the most romantic night on the Thai calendar that fell this past Wednesday?”
“Not really Your Lordship, I couldn’t find her.  I went to Tim’s, TQ, Classroom, all the establishments on Soi 6 and Walking Street, but I couldn’t find her.”
“Jeeves, what’s the dear lady’s name?”
“I’m not really sure Your Lordship.”
“That would be a problem Jeeves - Cheewit dee krap.”

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League

Results & Standings November 7 (week 5)

Wow darters, just look at the table! The Bunker Boys took all at Blue Mountain to rise to the top of the league. Is there any truth in the rumor that the Bunker Boys have forgone traditional darts and are using golf clubs with pointy ends and feathers? Just lean forward and stick those suckers in!
Wyatt Twerp (Denis) and his trusty gunslingers cut Mee Chew off at the pass, and in a fierce gunfight OK Corral took all on the beer. Ray (Quick Draw McGraw) checked out for the posse to win his first game (& Beer) for OK.
Helicopter took all at Stars, leaving Stars struggling to shine at all. Meanwhile in the Pattaya Land derby, Stan and Bob stared each other out across the Soi, Stan shouted “Come on then”, and Palmers did. At the end of the evening Palmers swaggered back across the Soi full of free beer, whilst Stan’s team had to be content with the game win.
The Rising Sun gave the Lucky Time a lesson in ‘How to play darts and win games’, leaving Captain Brucie pondering if he should change the name of his bar.

From Russia with Love

by Houston Hartwell II
The name Anastasia has held mystery and the vision of intrigue for almost 100 years.  Anastasia was the youngest daughter of the last serving sovereign of Imperial Russia, Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra.  The last Tsar of Russia and his entire family were murdered on July 17, 1918 by “forces of the Bolshevik secret police.”  The family’s bodies were thought to be found in 1991 in a mass grave.  There was a slight problem though - missing was the body of Anastasia and her older sister Maria.

Anastasia Dobromyslova. (Photo Lawrence Lustig/PDC)

The mystery of the deaths, especially Anastasia’s, spawned the 1956 movie Anastasia staring Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner.  Bergman would win an Oscar for her performance.  In 1928 in Paris, a group of exiled White Russians claimed to find Anastasia, the only living heir of Czar Nicholas II.  The movie is based on the true story of this infamous hoax.
Not a hoax, infamous or not, is one Anastasia Do­bromyslova, a 24 year old from Tver in Russia with Bergman like beauty.  She also happens to be one heck of a darts player as a 6-time Russian women’s dart champion.
Anastasia becomes the first women ever to qualify for the “invitational” PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts this month.  The tournament is “invitational’ in that winners of designated tournament qualify and are extended invitations.  The players then choose to accept or decline.  Phil Taylor’s qualified for the tournament at least 9 times, which opens entries to other players.
Since Barry Hearn took over the stewardship of the PDC it has grown by leaps and bounds.  It has more tournaments, more television, more visibility and more money going into the pockets of true professional dart players.  Hearn has no fear of stepping on the toes of the old “traditional” dictators.  Invitations were issued to non-PDC tournaments run by the British Darts Organization.  Some would consider that a shot across the bow of the “Good Ship Croft”.
Anastasia Dobromyslova will join the list of Deta Hedman, Crissy Howatt (now married to Peter “No Dart” Manley) and Canadian Gayle King as ladies competing in a major PDC event.  In general there’s no great history of success when ladies compete against men in competitive sport: golfer Michelle Wee finally got the message after her game fell apart.  The only win for the “fair sex” was Billy Jean King beating a washed up Bobby Riggs in tennis.  Calling Billy Jean a lady might be a stretch.
In darts Gayle King had the best result when she played Graeme Stoddart in the World Darts Championship on December 19, 2000 at the Circus Tavern - she took the first set much to the chagrin of an embarrassed Stoddart.
As the newspaper the Independent reported: “King walked off for a break off-stage and possibly another slurp of beer, looking a little giddy at the state of play.  Stoddart remained, practicing his doubles and laughing - or pretending to laugh - at the inevitable banter from the audience.  He appeared happy enough, but his insides were probably grateful that he had skipped the bacon at breakfast.”  Stoddart came back to win the match as King had trouble.  Not so much in hitting a double but just getting to one.
Anastasia comes to Grand Slam darts with an impressive resume.  She’s won championship titles in the Opens of Finland, England, Belgium, Scotland, Holland and the 2008 BDO Woman’s World Championship.
One certain outcome when Anastasia Dobromyslova toes the oche’ at the Wolves Civic in Wolverhampton in the third week of November is she’ll be greeted with usual “wolf whistles.  She will definitely add a huge dose of “pretty” to the PDC event.  She’ll also be nervous, which is natural as it’ll be her first time playing in such an important event before the cold hard eye of the TV cameras and against the men.
There is the feeling that this match is not really about darts.  It’s more than that.  Gayl King describes the theory.  “I’ve a friend who says that mentally, when a guy goes out and plays darts, he goes out and plays darts.  When a woman goes out and plays darts, she’s thinking, ‘the kids are home, and I need this from the grocery store, and I’ve got to work tomorrow.’”
Anastasia won’t have that problem.  She’s not married (although engaged), is a dart professional and has nothing to lose.  Whatever male she faces on stage will have to face the pressure to win and win big.  A loss will follow him just a little longer than forever.
When Anastasia hits that first double she’ll walk to remove the winning dart with maybe a glance over her shoulder at her opponent and a Bergman like smile, though “Zis one darling comes from Russia with Love.”

Rain, rain and more rain!

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Saturday winners: Fergus Brennan, Matt Gibbons, Butch Hennessy,
John Harris, Gary Leigh and Jimmy Woulfe.

Reporter Barry Hooper
I declared October as THE ‘wet month’ last week and nothing seems to have changed for the start of November. Every outing this week has had a share of the wet stuff. However play has continued despite this (hardy fellows these golfers) and the numbers participating are really starting to take off. So be advised please book in early if you want to join us.
Monday, November 3, Treasure Hill – Stableford
1st Niall Higgins (13) 35pts
2nd John O’Leary (17) 33pts
3rd Ito Akitoshi (9) 33pts
4th Ray Allison (12) 31pts
5th Fergus Brennan (9) 31pts
2’s: Niall Higgins
Monday saw us take the trip to Treasure Hill, where we have not been in some time. I was told when I started to learn this game that it is a very tricky course and I think that is how it must have played judging by the returned scores. Niall Higgins was top dog with thirty-five points and also had the only ‘2’ on the day. John O’Leary and Ito Akitoshi had a count back fight for the other two places both at thirty-three with the honours going to John.
Tuesday, November 4, Khao Kheow A & C - Stableford
Division 1
1st Mike Rushant (12) 41pts
2nd Larry Simpson (10) 33pts
3rd Ben Durham (10) 31pts
Division 2
1st Eddie Townsend (15) 34pts
2nd John Thornber (17) 33pts
3rd Jimmy Chawke (16) 32pts
2’s: Fergus Brennan
Tuesday and Khao Kheow Golf Club was the venue of the day. The courses played were A and C and the numbers taking part were very large as was the top score posted by Mike Rushant with forty-one to take Division 1. Eight back in second was Larry Simpson at thirty-three and third was a count back decision for two players, Ben Durham and winner of the previous day Niall Higgins both at thirty-one with Niall losing out.
In Division 2 Eddie Townsend was number one with thirty-four followed by John Thornber at thirty-three and Jimmy Chawke at thirty-two.
Just a single ‘2’ on the day and that came from organiser Fergus.
Thursday, November 6, Phoenix (Mountain and Lakes) - Stableford
Division 1
1st Niall Higgins (13) 39pts
2nd Matt Gibbons (10) 38pts
3rd Larry Simpson (10) 36pts
Division 2
1st Billy Fitzgerald (13) 36pts
2nd John O’Leary (17) 34pts
3rd Bob Richardson (15) 32pts
Division 3
1st Alan Evans (26) 34pts
2nd Paula Byrne (30) 31pts
3rd Geoff Beckett (28) 30pts
2’s: Niall Higgins, Frank Kelly and Paul Mades.
Near Pins: Niall Higgins, Billy Fitzgerald and Amphan North
Thursday, and it was back again to our regular weekly visit to Phoenix (Mountain and Lakes). The entry was even bigger than last week so three flights again.
Division 3 (21-up) saw Alan Evans win with thirty-four points and go one better than last week and push Paula Byrne back to second on thirty-one. Third was Geoff Beckett at thirty.
Division 2 (15-20) had Billy Fitzgerald win for the second week in a row (he has most definitely got his “Whiz” back) with thirty-six points. Two back and second again was John O’Leary at thirty-four: he just does not seem to be able to get the first spot at the moment. Third was Bob Richardson on thirty-two
Division 1 (0-14) had the highest score on the day with a thirty-nine-point tally from Niall Higgins and his second win of the week. Matt Gibbons found himself just the one back at thirty-eight for second. Larry Simpson was third at thirty-six.
Three 2’s were recorded by Niall Higgins at the 4th and Frank Kelly and Paul Mades at the 16th and the three near pins went to Niall Higgins, Billy Fitzgerald and Amphan North
Saturday, November 8, Plutaluang
(North & South) - Stableford
Division 1
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 35pts
2nd Matt Gibbons (10) 33pts
3rd Butch Hennessy (11) 32pts
Division 2
1st John Harris (16) 36pts
2nd Gary Leigh (17) 34pts
3rd Jimmy Woulfe (15) 29pts
Division 3
1st Nick Reiter (20) 36pts
2nd Patrick Brown (25) 33pts
3rd Donald Pearson (33) 30pts
2’s: Brendan Moore, John Harris, Gary Leigh, Bill McGarvie and David Addison.
Near Pins: Fergus Brennan and Chuck Carrier
On Saturday we went to Plutaluang as part of our re-scheduled November weekend programme. We had a very large participation, which again goes to show how popular this course is becoming.
Play started as scheduled despite it being yet another wet day; I must take my hat off and say a big thank you to the management for their assistance in letting us use two tee-offs at very short notice, thus assisting with speeding up play, which was going to be slowed by the weather.
Scores were also down due to the conditions and unfortunately some groups were unable to finish due to waterlogged greens on one of the nines. It was just the luck of the draw.
Division 1 had Fergus Brennan win all on his own at thirty-five points (Poopay is still feeding him the right stuff), in second was Matt Gibbons and Butch Hennessy came third.
Division 2 went to John Harris also at thirty-five points, one back in second was Gary Leigh with third place went to Jimmy Woulfe at twenty-nine.
In Division 3 the top three obviously thought that the scores they posted were not good enough to win as none of them came back to collect their winnings. That was a pity. First was Nick Reiter at thirty-six points, in second was Patrick Brown at thirty-three and third was Donald Pearson at thirty.
Five 2’s were recorded on the day by from Brendan Morre, John Harris, Gary Leigh, Bill McGarvie and David Addison
Near pins went to Fergus Brennan and Chuck Carrier (however Chuck missed out as he did not return for the presentation either and you have to be present to collect this award)

A Century of change

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

As a result of concerted high price hikes for the high season, throughout the Eastern Seaboard Association, the Pattaya Golf Society decided on a change of venue for it’s Sunday stableford event and revisited the basic but homely club at Century Chonburi on 2nd November.
There is nothing at all wrong with the layout of this Faldo-designed course and the challenge has always been there, but the conditions on the course, in particular the bunkers, the “amateur” fairway maintenance, the basic clubhouse facilities and cold showers all tend to detract from the enjoyment of the day. However, the addition of a tournament “local rule” to cover the bunkers on the day made the competition fair and enjoyable.
Scores were destined to be low on a course with little or no run and Len Jones recorded 30 points for third place, finding himself in the frame with surprising regularity these days. It must be the air in Soi Buakhao! Peter Masters returned after a couple of months on the practice range and his patience and diligence were rewarded with a second place score of 32 points. “Mr. Consistency”, Tony Thorne, inevitably took the day with a fine 35-point card and he had the bonus of the only birdie ‘2’, on the seventeenth.
Some of the prime candidates for the Booby Bevy had hastened away from Rabbi’s Elephant Bar, fearing being a target, but the organiser has plans for their return. Maybe it will be at Century Chonburi next weekend?
A true champion emerges – The PGS Annual Championship
On Tuesday and Thursday 4th and 6th November, the Pattaya Golf Society held its Annual Strokeplay Championship at Greenwood over the A and B nines. The course was well presented and the large field competed for the title of PGS Champion, Net Champion and Eclectic Champion. There was thus something there to cater for all handicaps and the rivalry was intense.
As the first day panned out it was obvious that the title would be hard fought, even though four shots were to cover the first three golfers after the first eighteen holes. David Thomas fought against a viral infection and bravely posted 83 for third place whilst In-form Tony Thorne suffered two double bogeys on the back nine to finish runner-up on 81. Pre-tournament favourite, “Our man in Ban Chang”, took centre stage with a 78 in difficult circumstances on soft fairways and under overcast and humid skies. It was a fine performance on any stage and left the challengers in a determined mood for the final day’s joust.
With the leaders going out last in the same playing group it was almost a head-to-head event and by the tenth tee David Thomas had clawed back the five shots he needed to share the lead. It was a phenomenal performance considering his condition and spurred “Kermit” into immediate action. An unheralded double bogey on the final hole gave him a back nine of 37 to cap a fine display. His total of 158 marked a fine victory over the two rounds.
Elsewhere Kazuo Takimoto was making headway after a mediocre first day and suddenly found himself in the frame after an excellent gross 79. This left three golfers on a 36 hole total of 162 and a count back decided the issue for runner-up with Taki taking it with 41 on the back nine, against the claims of David Thomas and Tony Thorne on 42.
In the net competition Tony Thorne was able to hold his lead after the first day and his 142 just edged out the claims of Wichai Tananusorn with his 144.
Elsewhere in the field the eclectic competition held everyone’s interest until the final hole and an inspired back nine performance by Ann Silawong gave her a superb eclectic score of 63 for her first “major” title.
The event had been a resounding success and the presentation party afterwards went on for more than a few hours, coinciding, as it did, with host “Rabbi”’s birthday and the experience had been a very enjoyable one. The acknowledgements included recognition for Harry Riley, Dale Shier and Dave Stockman for sponsoring the perpetual trophy and the eclectic prize and the hard work of Len Jones, his backroom staff and all at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar in Soi Buakhao for a memorable Annual Championship.
Full Results:
PGS Champion: “Kermit”
Runner-up: Kazuo Takimoto
Net Champion: Tony Thorne
Runner-up: Wichai Tananusorn
Best net day one: Tony Thorne
Best net day two: Wichai Tananusorn
Eclectic winner: Ann Silawong.

Dennis makes it two in a row

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, November 4, The Emerald (White Tees) - Stableford
Emerald was showing the beating it has taken from recent rainstorms: the last three holes this day were a wash-out so the Management Committee cut the result to the most points from the first fifteen holes.

Dennis Jaycock with his ‘mug’ and P J Pool Bar staff.

It is not often that players competing off UK handicaps on Pattaya’s local courses can actually play anywhere near to their UK handicaps. However John Roddis is proving to be an exception to this rule, playing consistently well to his eleven handicap and winning the day. Yours truly came in second and Jim Fortune was third.
John Roddis, Y.T., Willy Nachbur and Mick Heatley nabbed the near pin bonuses.
Thursday, November 6, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
No rain! What’s this? Dennis Jaycock (18) made it two Thursdays in a row taking first place with 36 points, with Yves Philibert (21) coming second also with 36 points and Mike Brooke (19) third with 34 points. James Heatley carded 38 points off a 28 handicap, which sadly being lapsed could only enable him to receive a consolation prize.
Near pin bonuses went to Dennis Jaycock (2), David Gardner and Jim Smith whilst Bob Drumm slotted the longest first putt on the 18th green.
The electronic swing analyzing machines now installed at Green Valley are most interesting although I for one would prefer not to know too much about what is wrong with my ‘swing’. In my case ‘everything’ would be the probable answer causing depression and a possible desire to stay at home rotting for two weeks before giving up completely.
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.

Dietrich on the mark at Phoenix

PSC golf with Phoenix Tuesday (Members & Guests) Group

Tuesday, November 4, Phoenix – Stroke-play
With the high season definitely upon us we had the expected a higher quantity of players today. However, this was not indicative of the whole course - the designated tee we were to play from was totally empty. So we set off to play the Ocean and Mountain course for our monthly stroke play competition.

Monthly stroke winner Graham Dietrich, left rear, with Matt Anderson and some of the lovely ladies from Toy’s Music Bar.

After a few holes I was greeted with a few comments from certain players concerning my comments last week about the rain missing Phoenix. We were hit with a very heavy shower. However, I was vindicated somewhat when the shower subsided and although there were storm clouds all around we never saw any more rain. My point made!
It was strange that the Ocean course was very wet with some bad patches of very soft ground, but when we came to the Mountain course the conditions were distinctly different with much firmer ground.
At some stage during the round we encountered a silly four-ball, who were flitting between tees to avoid traffic. The other sad point was that they could not play golf at all and I am happy to report that the management eventually escorted them from the course. Why do tourists who have never hit a ball in their life before think they can play tough golf courses? Maybe golf club managements should implement a minimum handicap rule (stupid boy for thinking such a thing).
Talking about tough golf courses, Phoenix is proving to be just that. It is apparent that during the course of reading numerous newspaper reports there are very few obscene scores recorded at Phoenix.
Such was the case today. Our winner was “Mr. Steady” Graham Dietrich with a net 72 (par for the course). A not so close second was the canny Scot, Matt Anderson with a net 74, in third was the lovable Hugh Byrne with a net 75 and fourth was (very embarrassed) yours truly with a net 79.
Technical awards went to Graham Dietrich, Paul Taylor, Richard Tereskieviche and Stuart Gordon.
We had a special prize this week donated by the Green Bottle Inn and the 500 baht voucher went to that unpronounceable name again, Richard Tereskieviche.
Back at Toy’s Bar we presented the sponsored trophy to Graham, plus all the other goodies, and then proceeded to relax and enjoy the happy hour drinks served by the equally delicious ladies.
Our group is going to be limited to 5 tee times throughout the high season and already they are filling up for next week. So call me (087 091 7565) if you have not registered yet to be certain of a spot.

Earp shoots 48 at ‘Deadwood’

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, November 2, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Mike Holmes (11) 41pts
2nd Bob Newell (6) 39pts
3rd Pat Regan (10) 38pts
B Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (16) 39pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) 38pts
3rd Chaten Patel (13) 37pts
C Flight
1st Geoff Doody (21) 38pts
2nd Lou Szeigileti (20) 36pts
3rd Doug Campbell (18) 36pts
Near Pins: #2 Ted Lodge, #9 Chaten Patel, #12 Dave Stockman and #16 Mike Holmes
2’s: Kris K, Peter Henshaw, JJ Wright and Geoff Doody.
Baan Jing Jai Hidden Six: 1st Peter Henshaw, 2nd Pierre Bietry, 3rd Geoff Doody.
It’s that time of the year when the greens have to be cored and sanded, so it was going to be a big challenge for the larger than normal group of Lewiinski’s golfers. However, the scores were very good as Mike Holmes shot a creditable 41 points, to lead home the group. Following Mike in second spot was the gaffer, with his confidence restored on 39 points, Co Dublin’s Pat Regan took third spot with 38, and Mark “Happy Shoes”, Ben O’Connor and Kris K all missed out by one stroke.
B Flight saw Pierre “the Magician” conjure up 39 points to take top spot from Peter “To be sure” Henshaw by one shot. A further shot behind in third place was “Fast” Chaten Patel on 37
C Flight winner was Geoff Doody, firing a solid 38 points, second place was filled by Lou “The two bob watch” Szeigileti on the dreaded count back over Doug Campbell, both finishing on 36 points. Marcus Earp, Wyatt’s great, great grandson brought up the rear
Note: Because of the condition of the greens, the monthly medal has been put back a week till Sunday, November 16, to allow the greens a little more time to recover.
Monday, November 3, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Peter Hynard (11) 38pts
2nd Hakozaki Takeshi (12) 35pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 33pts
Playing golf at Crystal Bay is always a pleasure and today was no exception. The format was stableford and it was Peter Hynard who took full advantage of this superb course to fire 38 points to win the day. Three shots adrift of Peter was Hakozaki Takeshi on 35 and that man Peter “to be sure” Henshaw made the frame again, but only after a count back over Geoff Kubas, both carding 33 points.
The 2’s pot was shared by Hakozak Takeshi, Peter Hynard and Bob Newell.
Wednesday, November 5, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Chaten Patel (13) 37pts
2nd Jeff Clohessy (10) 36pts
3rd Lyle Roady (7) 36pts
B Flight
1st Marcos Earp (28) 48pts
2nd Lou Szigileti (20) 38pts
3rd Andrew Byrne (16) 38pts
Greenwood was again host to the Lewiinski’s gang. The weather was dull and there was a bit of a breeze, but at least we managed to miss the rain..
One man in B Flight stood head and shoulders above the rest as gunslinger Marcos Earp rode into town and shot an unbelievable 48 points to blow away the field, and take man of the match. I would have thought a new society record has been set - “The Hell it has!” - but it did equal Neil Cameron’s score at the same course some 12 months previously.
Four golfers in B Flight on 38 points walked off the field of battle shell shocked. Lou the “Two Bob Watch” managed to pip Andrew Byrne courtesy of a count back for second, who in turn beat Los Shaw and “the Magician” Pierre Bietry.
A Flight did not provide such fireworks, but the scores were never-the-less very good. “Fast” Chaten Patel did the biz with a fine 37 points, followed in second spot by Jeff Clohessy on a count back over the unlucky Lyle Roadly who had to settle for third.
But the day belonged to Desperate, Rooting, Shooting, Booting, Calipus boy Marcus Earp.
Friday, November 7, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Kevin Mcentee (9) 37pts
2nd Ted Lodge (12) 36pts
3rd Kieran Foley (14) 36pts
B Flight
1st Andrew Byrne (16) 42pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) 37pts
3rd Pierre Bietry (16) 31pts
The question was, “who could stop Marcus Earp after Wednesday’s heroics?” The answer was everybody. I will come to that later.
First to the senior flight and winning the top spot with a very good 37 points was the Irishman Kevin Mcentee. Runner up was Ted lodge, after a count back over the unlucky Kieran Foley, who both tied on 36. “The Gaffer” nearly made the podium, missing out by one stroke.
B Flight saw the man of the match Andrew Byrne returning a huge 42 points to easily take the man of the match honours and top spot in B Flight, relegating Peter “To be Hensure” in to second place. Peter “the Magician” Bietry scraped home in third place on 31 points.
What happened to Marcus Earp I here you ask? Well Marcus scoring just twelve points, and finishing in last place, decided to go and see his old pal the Doc, who apparently advised him to take a Holiday.
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 080 096 8232. Transport is provided.

‘Monsoon’ cans an ace at Green Valley

IPGC golf from Donovan’s

The “Intrepid “ society certainly earned it’s name over the past 4 rounds as they fought wind and rain along with punched and sanded greens. Yet some golfers were unfazed and a few good scores prevailed.
Thursday, October 30, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Robbie Bennett 36pts
2nd Brian Dunbar 36pts
3rd Jim Wickstom 35pts
Robbie Bennett prevailed on count back over oft visiting Brian “the Canuck” Dunbar and returning teaching pro Jim Wickstom. Robbie showed a steady hand with 18 points scored on each nine.
Saturday, November 1, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Dave Mascari 40pts
2nd Brian Tully 37pts
3rd Fred Brent 37pts
4th Kris Kay 37pts
Visiting Dave Mascari fired a gross 73 off his 5 handicap, one of his better scores this trip to earn “man of the match” honors. Brian Tully scored 20 points on the inward half to best Fred Brent and Kris Kay for second place.
Thursday, November 6, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Mike Frizzell 40pts
2nd Robbie Bennett 39pts
3rd Steve Mascari 37pts
Some said it couldn’t be done but Mike Frizzell wowed the field with 40 points. They said that the pieces would never be put back together again but Mike fired balanced nines of 20 points each to prevail over a resurgent Robbie Bennett and Steve Mascari.
Saturday, November 8, Green Valley, Stableford
1st Steve Mascari 40pts
2nd Kris Kay 34pts
3rd Dave Mascari 34pts
4th Ernie Hill 33pts
Kris “ Monsoon “ Kay scored an ace on the 145 yard 16th hole to almost upstage eventual winner Steve Mascari, who fired a one-under par 71 in wet, harsh conditions as this years prolonged rainy season carries on. “ Monsoon” fired a 7-iron into the strong wind and slanting rain in “Caddy Shack” conditions that never looked anything else but in. Ultimately he settled for second place bettering Dave Mascari on count back. Ernie Hill (0 handicap) working on his game from the Blue Tees fired a commendable 75.
Donovans Intrepid Golfers (those that finished) were treated by the Ryves brothers at the new St. Andrew Golf Center located off the 18th green at Green Valley. The golfers were given a free go on the two golfing simulators. It was great fun and very addicting. A few cold beverages and challenging shots to some of the most famous holes in golf was a great way to close out the wet and rainy day.
The simulators are also a great teaching device and you just may be alarmed by what you garner about your own swing. A great spot to warm up or warm down after a round of golf. Stop by.

Dave survives and only causes a bogie

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Tuesday, November 4, Green Valley - Stroke
In conjunction with our sister bar, The Outback, we played Burapha and Plantation on Monday and Friday under their banner, and they joined us at Green Valley on Tuesday. The joining of forces works well and will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition to the joint venues, The Golf Club has settled in for regular outings at old Siam each Thursday.

“Big hitting” John McHugh won at Old Siam with 40 stableford points.

Green Valley has undertaken a major face lift preparing the course for the Asian Tour Qualifying competition in January. The recent work did not hamper Tuesday’s competition with Gary Blackburne posting the best of the day net 69, this despite the fact that Gary had to drag his good mate Dave Boran up the 18th fairway after Dave passed out from an anaphylactic shock response from bee stings. Dave survived and Gary got a bogie, such is golf.
In addition to Gary’s fine performance Jim Wickstrom shot a gross 73, net 70 for second place and Kris Kritsanajootha took third place beating Ernie Hill on count back - 72/35/23 to 72/35/24. Ernie’s gross 72 is even more remarkable since he played from the absolute tips, a lengthy 7100 yards.
Thursday, November 6, Siam - Stableford
Thursday’s weekly Siam outing was dominated by the big hitting John McHugh, shooting 40 points and beating Bob Fagan into second spot with 37 points and Simon Philbrook in third on 36 points. Under our accepted stoke control policy in the PSC big J Q is cut to a 7.
The Silverback Rules:
Rule 28 “Ball Unplayable” has three options when the ball is in a bunker: (i) you can always play from where the errant ball was first played; (ii) you can take two clubs relief no closer to the hole dropping in the bunker; or (iii) you can come back from the unplayable lie keeping that point in line with the “pin” as far back as you want, also dropping within the bunker. All three options incur a one stoke penalty.

Marty Rock is best of the week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, November 3, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Geoff Picken 38pts
2nd Chris Knapp 36pts
3rd Peter Sumner 34pts
4th Brian Libbey 32pts
Geoff Picken recouped another pittance towards his expenditure on golf lessons, which along with the recent decline in the pound sterling, stock market and the seasonal increases in the green fees, threaten to add his name to those of the members of Lehman Brothers and various others international bwankers, on the badly under funded lists that are to be found queuing up on Carey Street. It was a great effort under immense pressure, not least from his playing partners, Chris Knapp and Peter Sumner, who both pressed Geoff almost to the limit of his new found abilities, but in the end he just managed to hold on to squeeze out a much needed win.
Chris Knapp put in another bright round but could not quite manage to produce the last extra effort that was needed to separate the winner from the top prize. Peter Sumner was the last of the first three-ball out on the course to secure a spot on the podium with a steady two-over handicap round. Brian Libbey got an honourable mention back in fourth place.
Once again there were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes the Doc welcomed back Tony Barritt from the UK with a few welcome Red Cross parcels for the Ex Pats from Blighty.
Wednesday, November 5, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Marty Rock 39pts
2nd Rick Holmes 36pts
3rd Peter Sumner 35pts
4th Geoff Picken 34pts
5th Serge Straeten 34pts
6th Phil Stringer 34pts
Marty Rock recorded his best round for over eighteen months with a gross 81, that netted him 39 points and the days top spot, three ahead of his nearest rival. It was a welcome return to the winners’ step on the podium after many months in the also ran positions and sometimes even lower, and it brought an extra twinkle back to those Irish eyes that had been missing for a while. Family visitors from overseas, and the attendant commitments, meant that he was unable to make it to the prize giving but he ensured that the horn was beeped for a round for the field, which was well appreciated by the rest of the group.
Rick Holmes also showed a welcome return to the form that he had prior to his recent illness and now looks well on the road to full recovery and heading back down on the handicap lists. It will no doubt be not long before he is back on the Scramble RSVP lists once again, and promoted from water carrier to boot.
Peter Sumner was again to be found in the frame with another steady round ahead of Geoff Picken by a shot with Serge Straeten and Phil Stringer a further shot back. They were unable to be separated by count back, which was a first.
At last there were some 2’s to clear out the swollen pots that had accumulated recently. Rick Holmes and Al Keith shared the pot in the first division and Stephen Beard swept the monster in the second division.
Back at The Haven, Paul Pellizzari, Bruce Nordmeier and Tim Holland were welcomed as new members and Bill Boyer was welcomed back. There was also a very sad announcement regarding the passing of Sandy McKee, a long time member and player since the old Hare House days in Soi Post Office, from pneumonia and other complications arising from TB contracted here in Thailand, which underlines that all precautions and medicines should be taken when contracting this disease. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends both here and abroad.
Friday, November 7, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Paul Pellizzari 38pts
2nd John Kendall 36pts
3rd Frank Hughes 34pts
4th Alasdair Welsh 32pts
5th Erik Donnestad 32pts
6th Roar Berger 32pts
It was back to Mountain Shadow for a very enjoyable day out. This is a course that was reputably built for golfers with handicaps of 15 and below and which normally takes a few prisoners whilst breaking more than a few hearts. For seemingly the first time in weeks there were no stoppages for the weather and it stayed clear and sunny all day, although a little too warm for some.
Paul Pellizzari took home his first win out of Soi 13 with a very good round of golf on a day when he kept it straight and putted reasonably well to claim the top spot by two from John Kendall.
John had been looking forward to taking a win out of the Haven and especially at Mountain Shadow off the blue tees, but on the day he had to give best to Paul after a very tidy round that saw him back in level par to his handicap.
Frank Hughes got straight back into top gear as he took third place ahead of Alasdair Welsh, who also claimed his first podium spot in fourth place with a count back of 18. Erik Donnestad, the teaching professional from Norway, at last took some of his own advice to pick up a mention, ahead of Roar Berger, with a better count back of 16 and 11 on the back six against Roar’s 10.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Alan Griffiths slotted one in to claim the first division pool.
Prior to the presentation The Doc welcomed new members Paul Hibberd and Lawrence Immethun and also welcomed back Frank Hughes and the members of YuKaHiYa Tours in the form of Yukio Kikuchi, Kaneo Watanabe and Hisahiko Makino led by their intrepid guide, driver, translator, bicycle instructor and mentor Yasuo Suzuki.