Outbackers score at Honda LPGA

Capt’ Bob with Lorena Ochoa just minutes after she had won the title.

The Outback Golf Bar had the privilege of assisting IMG and the LPGA by providing a number of volunteers to help in the scorer’s hut at last week’s event. A special thanks goes to our anchor man, Norm Martin, who attended every day and kept the team in order. Almost without exception the girls were extremely friendly and chatted easily with the boys about the ups and down of their round.

Just some of the team: Norm Martin, Bob Pearce, Paul Quodomine & Capt Bob.

MBMG Golf Matchplay League 2008/09

Tonys Tigers 3 v Angkana House 7
It was a somewhat earlier start for the Angkana House team as they travelled blurry eyed to the excellent Green Valley for the away fixture against Tonys Tigers. Once again with two evenly matched teams this was always going to be ‘a close one to call’ and could go either way on the day.
At the sharp end, the amiable Garry McKiney must have wondered what hit him as Marty Allred came out with all guns blazing to go 4 up after six holes. To his credit however Garry bravely fought back to just two down, but in spite of playing the last 12 holes in one under par he found the early deficit to great to overcome as the relentless Marty ran out a 5/4 winner.
It was a similar story in the match between Ron Bridge and Clive Robinson with the former dropping just one shot over the first nine holes to take a 4-hole lead at the turn. A fine birdie on the twelfth hole gave Clive a brief glimpse of hope as he won his third hole in succession on the back nine to reduce the deficit to one, but it was not to be as a magnificent eagle by Ron on the par 5 twelfth followed by a equally good birdie at the Par 3 fifteenth saw off Clive’s challenge as he surged to a deserved 4 and 3 victory.
In other early matches Gordon Duncan’s 2-hole defeat of Graham Buckingham and Geoff Bowers’ 4/3 victory over debutant Paul Hart edged the match in the Tigers favour.
The balance was quickly restored however when the in form Tony Dauth defeated Lo Helgerson 4/3 and Kris ‘The Iceman’ Helgasson ran out a 4/3 winner over Kari Aarnie.
With the match delicately poised at 3 points each it was a case of ‘pass me another cold beer’ for both Captains as they sweated it out in the clubhouse waiting for the final matches to come in.
As it transpired it was another debutant Graham Heskitt who tipped the balance in Angkana’s favour as he clawed his way back from three holes down to post a one up victory over Emit White.
Wins in the final three matches for Arthur ‘Mickey Mouse’ Barratt, Bob Rasmussen and Richard Kubicki sealed the victory for Angkana as they closed out the match by seven points to three.
Back to Bosco’s for a few beers and the usual banter and once again golf came out the winner. A special word of thanks here to Tony Duthie, Declan and all the staff at Bosco’s for the superb food and hospitality extended to us all it was very much appreciated.
Individual Results (Tigers first): Garry McKiney lost to Marty Allred 5/4, Lo Helgerson lost to Tony Dauth 4/3, Ron Bridge beat Clive Robinson 4/3, Neil Hughes lost to Richard Kubicki 2/1, Geoff Bowers beat Paul Hart 4/3, Dave Smith lost to Bob Rasmussen 2/1, Kari Aarnie lost to Kris Helgasson 4/3, Emit White lost to Graham Hiskett 1 down, George Duncan beat Graham Buckingham 2 up, Brian Jacks lost to Arthur Barratt 3/2.
Tony’s Tigers 4 v Tropical Bert’s 6
Tropical Bert’s took on Tony’s Tigers in a close and spirited match over Crystal Bay’s ‘B’ and ‘C’ nines on 27 February. Four matches going to the last two holes decided the contest in favor of the home team. Over tall cool ones and plates of Bert’s scotch eggs and sausage rolls, plans were already being made for the re-match in June between the two Captains.
Individual Results (Tigers first): Gary McKinney lost 5 & 4 Scott Dobbins, Ron Bridge lost 2 & 1 Hans Collett, Geoff Bowers won 3 & 2 Anders Pedersen, Dave Smith lost 2 & 1 Richard Line, Neil Hughes won 2 & 1 Doug Good, Neil McAllister lost 4 & 2 Brian Downing, Emmit White won 6 & 5 Doug Maiko, Brian Jacks lost 6 & 4 Perry McNeely, Kari Aarnio won 4 & 3 Colin Cronin, Tony Duthie lost 1 up Don Carmody

Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes 2009

The 22nd Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes will be played from Sunday, March 29 until Saturday, April 4, at the Gymkhana Club in Chiang Mai. It has become one of the world’s most popular amateur cricket tournaments, and once again is being sponsored by San Miguel.
This year there are teams from around the world taking part: Australia is well represented by 7 teams including ‘Perth Postals’ ‘Darwin Dilettantes’ and the Wombats, England also has 7 teams such as ‘Gloucestershire Gypsies’ ‘Yorkshire Puddings’ and ‘Romany Martlets’. Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, U.E.A., Vietnam and Zimbabwe are all represented. Thailand has 6 teams including the home team of ‘Gymkhana Cavaliers’ as well as ‘Stuffed Beavers’ and ‘Thai Thevada’. A total of 32 teams will compete.
The Cricket Sixes is a not for profit event run by volunteers. Although it is an amateur competition, it is allowed that each team is allowed one star player, in any one match that is a current first class professional or a former international ‘star’ player. There are five tournament trophies to be played for, Chiang Mai Sixes Cup, Bromley Shield, Bowl, Plate and Spoon.
Admission to the beautiful, spacious grounds of the Gymkhana Club is free and there is ample, shaded seating for cricket spectators. As always, there will a wide variety of food on sale, plus cold San Miguel beer and other beverages will be available from the “Boundary Bar” which is located right in the heart of the action.
The Sixes is sure to be a fun-filled seven days and a big crowd puller for both residents of Chiangmai and visitors to the northern city.

Santana & Natcha retain Pattaya Triathlon crowns

PM Reporters
Brazilian athlete Vinnie Santana retained his Men’s individual title and Thailand’s Natcha Pienprasobsuk held on to her Women’s Open crown at the 2009 Pattaya Triathlon held along Pattaya Beach Road on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Vinnie Santana and Natcha Pienprasobsuk hold the Men’s and Women’s individual Open trophies.

Organized by the National Triathlon Association and Pattaya City Council, this was the third occasion the event has been held in the city, this year the location having been moved from Bali Hai pier to a start point opposite Soi 4 on Beach Road.
Mayor Ittiphol Khunplome was on hand early in the morning to start the proceedings and set the tri-athletes on their way. The event entailed a 1.5km swim in Pattaya Bay followed by a 40km bicycle ride and 10km of running.
Some 116 participants entered the event, divided into 71 individual athletes and 15 teams of 3 who competed in a separate race. The singles triathlon was also divided into 6 sub-groups consisting of Males under 18 years of age, Male Open, Female Open, Males 30-39 years of age, Males 40-49 years of age, and Males 50 years and older.

Santana forges ahead in the bike race.
Santana, the26-year old Brazilian proved once more to be too strong for the rest of the field and powered to the finish line to collect the winners trophy and the 5,000 baht first prize. He was followed home in the Men’s individual event by two Thai athletes, Ekawit Suwanukul and Posayot Yongsakulchai. Suwanukul also finished third in last year’s race.
Natcha Pienprasobsuk showed her all-round athletic prowess by dominating the Women’s Open race for the second year in a row. She crossed the line clear of compatriots Pimsujee Suwan and Wararat Ratanawaraha who finished second and third respectively.
The team race was won by a trio of athletes from the Sports Science College at Burapha University; the Jog & Joy team finished second and the Engineering Army sector 11 team took third place.

Large crowds turned out on Beach Road to cheer the athletes on.

The starting hooter sounds and the triathletes are on their way.

Meyner masters Crystal Bay

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Crystal Bay on Tuesday, February 24 for the first time in a few months to play a strokeplay event on the usually well turned out course. This time, however, the economic downturn affecting golf clubs has lessened the attraction that the club has because of a lack of sufficient irrigation and general course maintenance, and greens which are inconsistent and bobbly.
The field was divided into two flights at fifteen and under and a tense competition was inevitable as the strong breeze blew all day.
In the top flight a redoubtable Japanese trio took the minor places with Masanori Takano and Kazuo Takimoto both recording net 73’s for a share of third place, one behind local member Takeshi Hakozaki who scored net 72 for second place. The flight winner was the group’s current form golfer Richard “Banjo” Bannister and his net 70 was the highlight of the flight.
In the second division Evan Millar kept his round together this time to record an excellent two-under net 70 for third place. Lady golfer Christine Pickering was the surprise runner-up with another sub-par round, this time recording net 69 to match her performance the previous week at Bangpakong. The best net score of the day was that of Larseric Meyner, his net 68 giving him three sub-par rounds in succession and the “Rule Nineteen” steamroller could be heard warming up in the background.
Taki, Peter Ditz, Garry Hookey and Chris Voller all shared the 2’s pot and husband and wife golfers Mike and Yvonne Earley received the Booby Bevy for their basement scores on their first round this trip.
It’s a pity Crystal Bay could not live up to its fine reputation but hopefully conditions will be better the next time.
Silawong superb at Phoenix
Phoenix Lakes and Ocean provided the challenge for the Pattaya Golf Society on Thursday, February 26, when a large field turned out to play a stableford competition in two flights cut at eighteen and under. The course was in good condition and the greens were consistent and running at a moderate pace.
By reputation Phoenix has always been a confidence building track where fairway lies are generally comfortable and the rough is not excessive and so scores are generally good when golfers are in form. So it was on this occasion.
In the top flight Phil Mitchell played some steady golf in recording 37 points for a share of third with “Banjo” Bannister whilst Ban Chang’s Paul Butler threw off his “Houdini” tag to post 38 points for a long overdue win.
In the second flight Phensri Changkham joined Len Jones in third place with 35 points following another consistent score by Jim Proctor, his 37 giving him second place. None could compete however with Thai lady Ann Silawong. Forget Phoenix’s huge advantage of the red tees, forget her unique local knowledge as a former Phoenix caddy, forget her solid “farang” grounding in the game, her round was class at her level. Forty-five points was the best of her short career and her future in the game is distinctly rosy.
Chris Voller once again popped up with a birdie ‘2’, as did Stuart Thompson and old friend Dale Shier. In the absence of the two obvious candidates for the Booby Bevy it went to Banjo for yet another “cock up” which was destined to throw a future start list into chaos. That will soon be forgotten but not the performance of Ann Silawong who has guaranteed a lady golfer tops the best score list at Rabbi’s for yet another year.
Cunningham’s successful return
The Pattaya Golf Society ended weeks of anticipation when they began their weekly Saturday stableford visits to Green Valley on Saturday, February 28. A quality course, superb value for money and a top class field set the scene for the day as many old friends returned for the competition.
The field was cut at thirteen and under and play got underway on time on the well prepared course. The white tees were at the weekend shortest and scores were destined to be good.
In the top flight Chris Voller found his recent coaching sessions paid off with a steady 34 points which took third place. Peter Ditz came second with a fine 38 point score whilst John Cunningham, once a regular, but taking a long sabbatical from competition golf, returned to the PGS fold with a splendid 40 point haul to top the flight. All the skills were still there in his best gross of 76, including an impertinent sandy birdie on the sixteenth, to give the canny Scot a warm welcome back.
In the second flight Swiss golfer Freddy Braun found form with 33 points for third place, two behind playing partner Jack Robertson whose 35 points represented a good day for the Canadian golfer. The finest round of the day was scored by Larseric Meyner, already taking a voluntary handicap cut, his jaw-dropping 43 points representing his fourth consecutive sub par round. A further substantial voluntary cut was inevitable.
Amazingly Larseric missed out on the rolled over 2’s pot, with Peter Ditz, Alan Maxwell, Harry Riley, John Cunningham and Chris Voller taking the share. The only blot on Alan Maxwell’s day was his decision to take his card to Ban Chang for confirmation after the round, thereby frustrating and delaying the recorder’s task and assuring him of the Booby Bevy.
It had altogether been a mouth-watering start to the Pattaya Golf Society’s weekend golf at Green Valley.

Hewitt and Newman: the perfect combination

Jomtien golf with The IPGC

Monday, February 23, Khao Kheow – Stableford
As always, the majority arrived 30 minutes early for our normal allocated tee time of 10.00am and the starter moved us to the 1st tee on the B course with the C course to follow. So some final adjustments to the eight four-ball configurations as a few had not arrived as we teed off 20 minutes ahead of schedule.
It was another very hot and humid day, but not as bad as the 43 degrees we recorded here at noon around this time last year.

Martin Anderton (left) and Jimmy Johnson, prizewinners from Eastern star, celebrate with the staff at Siam Cats.

Only one week before his return to Hua Hin, Tim Holland won division 1 with 38 points, Peter Seward came in second two points behind and Harry Vincenzi finished third with 34 points. Angela Schafer, on her last game before her return, took third spot in division 2 with 29 points, Peter Grant beat her by one point for second and Les Halls won with 35 points.
Remarkably there have been no rollovers in the 2’s for over a month now in either division, but this ended today for division 2 as there were no winners leaving a carryover to Green Valley on Wednesday. Mam Morel and Bill Hewitt both birdied the third on the C course to share the pot in division 1.
On the island hole today, with no wind and a 124 yd pin placing, there were almost 20 balls lost on this hole, but after being cut last week from 21 to 18, Russell Benson, now in division 1, hit the ball to three feet from the pin but then missed the putt for a ‘2’.
Near Pin prizes were claimed by Russell Benson, Keith Hector and Bill Hewitt (2) in division 1 - and by Jim Connelly, Tony Duthie and Jean Morel in division 2.
The ladies tipple was awarded to Tony Duthie for driving the buggy too fast over a bump, losing the caddy off the vehicle, and with the force of the bump breaking Ben Findon’s rescue club as it hit the ceiling of the cart. Nice one Tony.
Wednesday, February 25, Green Valley – Pairs-Multiplier
The last Wednesday of the month and our fun game and as always there were extra prizes provided by the rollover kitty. Twenty four teams out in a pairs-multiplier as well as the normal two-divisional stableford competition. In each pairing today it was mandatory to have a player from division 1 (1-18) and a player from division 2 (19+).
Jean Bruneau won division 1 with 41 points in the individual stableford comp after beating Lars Meyner on a 22/18 back nine count back. Third place went to Richard Line with 39 points and Bill Hewitt beat Scott Dobbins for fourth with a count back of 21/18 after they both finished with 38 points.
The same winning score of 41 points won division 2 for Mathew Swire, followed by Bryan Rought in second with 36, Rick Newman in third place with 35, and Don Head getting fourth place with 34 points.
In the team multiplier, 64 points won fourth place for Joe Kubon and Harry Riley; 70 points was enough for Mikael Andersson and Lars Meyner to claim third, one point better in second spot was the pairing of Timo Ahvenainen and Mathew Swire, but the winners today with 80 points were Bill Hewitt and Rick Newman. Congratulations to you both.
Near Pins went to Jean Bruneau, Scott Dobbins, Richard Line and Ted Morris (Div.1); and to Miss Nut and Mathew Swire (Div.2). Near Pins in two shots on the 14th hole went to Scott Dobbins, and in three shots on the same hole to Alan Duckett.
The long drives on the 15th hole were won by Mikael Andersson, Lars Meyner and Mam Morel
In the 2’s competition Harry Riley birdied the 2nd, Scott the 9th and Richard the 12th to split the first division pot three ways. Meanwhile Mathew Swire got the only ‘2 in the second flight to claim the rollover pot and make him a happy man, even more so when the team results were read out.
Friday, February 27, Eastern Star – Stableford
Another hot and humid day here with hardly any breeze coming off the coast and upon arrival all 37 players teed off well ahead of their allotted time.
It was another division 1 win for Karl Flood with 37 points, beating Jean Bruneau on a back nine count back of 23/19. Paddy Wilson finished third with 34 points.
Martin Anderton’s 36 points topped division 2, with Tonu Stoltsen beating Jimmy Johnson on a 14/12 back six count back after they both finish with 35 points to claim second.
In the 2’s today, Karl Flood and John Mcloone both birdied the 13th hole to split the pot in division 1, while a loud applause was given to Dan Martin at the presentation for his chip in on the 6th hole to record the only birdie ‘2’ in division two, his first prize in two years.
Near Pins went to Jeoff Chapin (2) and Karl Flood in division 1; and to Les Hall and Bryan Rought (2) in division 2.

Steffan’s 42 is best of the day

The February Diana Seniors and Lady’s Open

Nigel Cannon
It was a fine day for golf as 42 players gathered at Pattaya Country Club for the monthly Diana Senior’s and Ladies Open exclusively for men over 50 and ladies of any age.

February winners: Rich Murphy, Britt-Marie Wimmerstedt and Steffan Lyrestram.

As is usual it was a quick check-in and registration and off to the first tee on time. Unfortunately the groups in front of our competition were rather slow making for a slightly longer round than is usual, however, soon after the last group was in and showered, the results were announced.
There were just 7 ladies out today with a top score by Britt-Marie Wimmerstedt with 33 points off her 21 handicap, with Siriporn Homkum runner-up with 31 off 17.
Super Senior’s winner was regular player Rich Murphy with 39 points off his 18 handicap; with Anders Wimmerstedt some 4 behind with 35 off his 21 handicap.
The Seniors produced the best score of the day by Steffan Lyrestram, scoring 42 points off his 19 handicap. Coming in just 3 behind was John Hemmingsen with 39 off his 26 handicap for second place. All scores are reported to PSC and those with 39 or better receive an immediate handicap cut
The next competition will be on Thursday March 26 at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 9 a.m. Sign up sheets are at Diana Driving Range and the Green Bottle on Pattaya 2nd Road.
Near Pins: Unto Kilvonen, Rich Murphy, Peter Emslie and Bo Engstrom
Long Putts: Steffan Lyrestam and Ron Dalen

That man “Byrnes” the course up again (who, Hugh?)

PSC Phoenix Golf Group

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, February 24, Phoenix G.C. - Stableford
This week we joined forces with one of our sister PSC groups, Tropical Bert’s to increase the numbers and to allow our guests the better green fee rate afforded to PSC groups of 20 players or more.

Tuesday’s winners: Hugh Byrne, Patrick Browne and Matt Anderson

So we teed off a little later than normal, and it is apparent that the one, the humidity is rising and, two, what tourists we have had this year are starting to disappear already. I was told today that Phoenix are starting 100 new caddies next month. Where they will get the players from to use them, I do not know. That’s what you call optimism!
As our photo shows the crafty and lovable Irishman, Hugh Byrne stole the show this week with a superb 41 points playing off 12. Not any more he aint! Don’t you just love the impish smiles on the faces of the Irish.
Second place went to the, as much as lovable Irish rogue, Patrick Browne who scored 37 points playing off 25. Claiming third place was the canny Scot, Matt Anderson with 36 points, playing off 17. Matt and myself were partners against the two Irish stars, and we managed to halve the front nine, but were battered into defeat on the back nine.
Technical prizes went to Patrick Browne, Giorgio Bacciolli and Hugh Byrne and the lucky draw golf balls went to Sergio Volpi and newcomer Scott Linquist. The lucky draw restaurant voucher (value 500 baht) went to Matt Anderson.
Next week we play our monthly stroke play competition with the specially donated prize from Toy’s Music Bar for the best net score, plus all the other prizes for the day.
Just to remind everyone, that from the April 1st 2009 all guests can enjoy green fees of 700 baht on a Tuesday with our group. Call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565 before 10.00 am on the Tuesday to register for the day’s golf.

Scambler takes monthly honours

Donahue puts on a show at Pattaya C.C.

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

The sun had not come up but it was light enough to see the fairway as the Three Sisters groups began teeing off at Pattaya Country Club. The fairways were relatively dry but the dew on the greens made for some heavy putting. It didn’t get real warm until around 9 am which is why teeing off at 6:30 makes for a nice game. ‘Free Drop’ Jim Hern and his entourage came in a bit late but finally managed to get around the course.

Monthly winner Paul Donahue (left) with third placed Sus Ige and the Three Sisters Trophy.

One miracle did occur however as the groups came in and score cards were checked: Paul Donahue, normally very close to the bottom of the heap, slid in with a whopping 41 points, fortunately with witnesses and a startled regular caddy. As this was the last outing for February, Paul gets to have his name engraved on the Three Sisters Trophy.
Next in line behind Paul were Bob Benda and Sus Ige, both regulars at the top, with 36 points each, however, Bob won on the count back but didn’t stay for the photo shoot. Sus was pressed into the photo along with the Three Sisters Trophy.
Everyone enjoyed the smoked ham that Herbie Ishinage provided and Caddy Shack II had adequate quantities of San Miguel to go along with the ham.

Kubicki’s on top at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, February 23, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Treasure Hill was host to a stableford competition in two flights with the cut at handicap 18.
Richard Kubicki took the A Flight with 36 points ahead of a count back for the minor places, with Brian Gabe second, Doug Maiko third and Mike Allidi fourth, all with 34 points.

Derek Brook was the A Flight winner at Pleasant Valley.

Carol Kubicki took the B Flight with 38 points ahead of Leif Kirkegaarde in second with 35 points, and Jesper Rasmusson took third with 34 points on a count back over Bjorn Kristjohannson in fourth.
Near Pins: Henry O’Brien, Alain Taddai, Carole Kubicki, Dave Richardson
Long Putt: Sirkka Puikkonen, John Ostrom
Thursday, February 26, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
This is one of the most discussed courses around at the moment and it raises both strong likes and dislikes. One of the problems is that it is too tight and if you have a fade you can play it well, until the 18th that is, when you need a draw. I have played the 18th twice and have yet to get a point. Also quite surprisingly I have not actually hit a ball out of bounds, just lucky I suppose.
The split in many respects seems to be between the ‘better’ golfers and those not as good. Most of the better golfers seem to like it, so it says a lot. Many of the higher golfers have need of a cart and the course does not let the player drive to the ball, so some cannot play it.
Me?, it is not one of my favourite courses, but being a fader of the ball I seem to play it well so we have hope. The front nine is in good condition, with the greens a little slow, the back nine still has work to be done on it so is not as ‘clean.’
On this day we were off on time, even though some of us were left cart-less for a while at the temporary clubhouse as another competition was ahead of us. Still, once off we were able to play at some speed - that is just as quick as the ‘birdspotters’ could manage. It is amazing how many different types of birds are on these courses, and how long you can spend watching them, and still get around in under 4 hours.
The temporary clubhouse is quite rural, with small changing rooms and limited shower and toilet facilities. Still, as the competition before us were there in force we found a quiet back room, and the food was quite surprisingly good.
In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the still not sure about the course scribe, Derek Brook, slipped in with a good 38 points and still not a point on the 18th. Just behind was the ‘Birdspotter’ Walter Bachli with 37 points in second. In third, and still playing well as he has for the last few weeks, was Richard Kubicki with 36 points and in fourth was Elias Magnusson with 35 points.
In the B Flight the winner was Leif Kirkegaarde with 39 points ahead of Per Anders Karlsen in second with 38 points. In third was ‘The Admiral’, Dave Richardson with 34 points ahead of Carole Kubicki in fourth with 33 points. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Finn Olsen, Derek Brook, Elias Magnussen, Wayne Koch
Long Putt: Jeff Warner, Per Anders Karlsen

The Scribe shoots net 66 at Navy

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Mike Jackson and the Scribe, A and B Flight winners at Navy,
with the P J Pool Bar staff.

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, February 24, Mountain Shadow (White tees) – Stableford
Twenty-two of us travelled to Mountain Shadow: -it was a first visitation for many of us and for others a return after a long absence. The venue is now somewhat faded from its former glory but still acceptable never-the-less.
Recently returned from Phuket, the popular John Roddis continued in good form to take the A division with 33 points after a count-back over Romao Cerajo who was runner up. Best friends Ken Hole and Mike Jackson came in third and fourth with 32 and 31 points respectively.
In the B division Willy Nachbur romped home in pole position with a best of the day 35 points with David Johnson, Bev Ewens and Paul Sibley taking second, third and fourth places with scores of 28, 26 and 25 points respectively, these scores more accurately reflecting the course’s degree of difficulty.
Mike Jackson, David Clamp, Neil Duncan and Romau Cerajo won the near pin bonuses with Rob Gandley sinking the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average score for the day on the 18 cards returned was 25.9 points. A recent numbers crunch of the results of 64 outings by the group reveals an unaudited average score of 28.9 points which is a snippet of information that might interest some.
Thursday, February 26, Plutaluang S & E (White tees) – Stroke play
It is a great pity that some geezers who live in Thailand on retirement visas are unable get their heads round the simplicity that Thais not only expect to be greeted with a Sawat-dii krap etc., but also respond positively to common use of civility and good manners. One of the twenty-seven golfers who turned out to compete for the monthly ‘mug’ sponsored by P J Pool Bar is self-evidently short on manners and it is unfortunate that this rude person sometimes seeks to play golf with the group - but not for much longer me thinks.
We competed for the money in three divisions and Mike Jackson won the A division (0-13) scoring net 73 with Roger Kidd and David Clamp posting the same net score but coming in second and third after a three-way count back.
Yours truly was fortunate this day to knock the ball on the green more frequently than usual thereby avoiding the chipping thingy and winning the B division (14–18) with a net 66, plus the filled wine glass and an immediate handicap reduction. Paul Sibley and Ken Hole came in second and third with scores 74 and 77 net.
David Johnson won the C division (19+) with net 72, with Willy Nachbur and John Knight taking second and third spots with 74 and 76 net.
Graziano Amodeo, Bob Drumm, Paul Sibley and Roger Kidd took the near pin prizes and Paco, playing in the first group, sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green, a two-footer which was not beaten by twenty six other attempts. Watching Paco watch the marker on the E9 green from the club house verandah was an entertainment.
Special thanks go to David Gardner (who incidentally is threatening to move to Nakhon Ratehasima) for organizing the competition. The round-up for 27 stroke play cards being more than a little stress inducing means that we might strike-out stoke play scoring and revert to stableford.
This time last year UK OAPs were paying £1.19 for an 80 baht big bottle of rehydration fluid at Navy worked on 67 baht to the £1. On Thursday we were asked to pay the new management £2.45 for a 120 baht same big bottle of rehydration fluid worked at 49 baht to the £1. I reckon this means that rehydration fluid at Navy has more than doubled in price in less than a year and I am not awarding any prizes for guessing what is likely to happen as a result.
Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the group’s format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Lewiinski’s raise 34,000 baht for the Jing Jai kids

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, February 22, Green Valley - Medal
A Flight
1st Ian Halfpenny net 69
2nd Des Griffith net 69
3rd Ian Grout net 70
4th Bob Dibben net 70
B Flight
1st Terry Phur net 68
2nd Jim Munns net 68
3rd Steve Ellison net 70
4th Don Lehmer net 71
C Flight
1st Gabriel Engright net 74
2nd Kevin Hamilton net 74
3rd David Dunne net 75
4th Roland Bangeter net 75
Near Pins: #2 Nick Payne and Frank McGowan (dead heat); #9 Jez Lees; #12 Frank McGowan; Bob Patterson
Long Drive: Wilf Latham
2’s: Ten
Over one hundred competitors took part this Sunday to participate in Eddie Beilby’s Captains day. The weather was hot and humid including a very strong wind. A long day was unavoidable, but this was Eddie’s day.

Eddie Beilby gets into the ‘smooth flow’ of things with the lovely Tetley girls.

“Wireless” made a great start after three-putting the first green; he decided to dismantle his putter. This left one hundred and two golfers to battle it out. “One Ball” spent the day on the fifteenth tee, camera at the ready accompanied by two gorgeous Tetley’s promotion girls (“One Ball” reckons it was the best job he’s ever had).
C Flight turned into a mathematician’s nightmare: winning the flight on a count back was the inform Gabriel Engright with a net 74, relegating Big Kevin Hamilton to second spot. Four golfers then needed a count back to sort out third and fourth places: David Dunne took third and Roland Bangeter rounded out the flight, with the unlucky pair losing out being Jum Karagit and Joe Sebastian.
Again, it was down to a count back in A Flight, nicking the honors was “Loose Change” over Irelands Des Griffith, both posting net 69’s. Ian “gizza fag” Grout pipped Bob the “Welsh Wizard” for third via a count back as both were tied on net 70.
B Flight produced the top man of the day, again needing a count back to separate the top two of Terry Phur and “Captain Fogg” - Terry’s maths just securing victory 31.5-32.5. Third spot went to Steve Ellesson who posted a net 70 and Don Lehmer closed the flight in fourth with a net 71.
Back at Lewiinski’s it was party time, and a super buffet was laid on. A raffle was run in aid of the Jing Jai orphanage with lots of great prizes; big Wilf who won a keg of ale for the longest drive donated it to the raffle. Well done Wilf! The raffle raised a staggering 34,000 baht for the kids, to complete a great day. Eddie thanked every one for there support. Don’t forget a smooth flow means a smooth swing Cheers!
Tuesday, February 23, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pat Regan (10) 36pts
2nd Colm Mullen (15) 35pts
3rd Dennis Steele (13) 34pts
B Flight
1st Jim Bell (20) 32pts
2nd Mark Morris (17) 31pts
3rd Serge Streaten (17) 28pts
Khao Kheow was host to the Lewiinski’s gang and it played long and tough on a hot and humid day. This would prove to be a right battle, with no player breaking par. Co Dublin provided first and second place in the senior flight: Pat Reagan was top golfer managing a par round to win the day’s honors. Colm Mullen was a shot back on 35 leaving Dennis Steele to fill third place a further shot back on 34.
The junior flight found it very tricky with Jim Bell carding a measly 32 points to win as Mark Morris took second on 31 while Serge Streaten and Tom Breslin shared third spot with 28 apiece.
Colm Mullen, Pat Hanafin and Gavin Knox shared the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, February 25 Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Liam Hayes (11) 37pts
2nd Gavin Knox (11) 35pts
3rd Peter Lenoury (9) 34pts
B Flight
1st Jim Elphick (20) 36pts
2nd David Dunne (18) 3pts
3rd Jim Bell (20) 34pts
The scoring was a little better today but it was still mad hot. Liam Hayes came out on top in the senior flight posting an impressive 37 points. Gavin Knox came back to life carding 35 for second and Peter Lenoury completed the podium on 34. Albert McEvoy and Colm Mullen were lurking a shot further back.
It was count back time in the junior flight with Jim Elphick getting the better of David Dunne for top spot, both on 36 points. Jim Bell did the same to Rung (?) To claim third spot as they tied on 34 points.
Jim Elphick, Liam Haynes and Graham Porteous claimed the 2’s pot.
Friday, February 27, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Liam Hayes (11) 39pts
2nd Dale Shier (13) 36pts
3rd bob Newell (7) 36pts
B Flight
1st Joe Tynan (28) 38pts
2nd Lou Szigileti (20) 37pts
3rd Jim Bell (20) 36pts
“When Irish eyes are smiling” was the tune that both A and B flight winners were whistling in the bus on their way back from Emerald.
Man of the match and A Flight honours went to Liam Hayes who returned a super 39 points. Dale Shier and Chairman Mao both carded even par rounds with the count back favoring Dale.
County Dublin’s retired lollypop man ‘Fighting’ Joe Tynan cleaned up in B Flight with an impressive 38-point haul. Lou Zigzag was a shot behind for second place, leaving the ever present Jim Bell to close the flight.
Peter Hynard and Tore Elliassen split a very handy 2’s pot back at Lewiinski’s. The Nolan Brothers, Joe and Liam, were in fine voice after a few sherbets: “I’d walk from town to Bang Chang to play them 40 shades of Green.”
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.

Final day win gives Steve monthly award

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday’s winners and runners up back at Bert’s.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, February 24, Phoenix – Stableford
It is the end of the month again, and at Bert’s that old carrot, The Alan Bolton Property Consultants ‘Golfer of the Month’ award comes to the fore. This month there were only 4 players with a chance to win and Frank Pilkington led Steve Hamstad by three points and was thus a strong favourite. Steve had to win his flight and have Frank be out of the places for him to win.

Perry (left), the PSC Golf Chairman, presents the Alan Bolton Property Consultants ‘Golfer of the Month’ prize to Steve Hamstad.
We had a good turnout early at Bert’s and then it was into the cars and down to Phoenix where we were to play the Ocean and Mountain nines. On reaching Phoenix we were quickly booked in and then we were told to get to the first tee and go.
The course was in it’s normal fine condition, with a little breeze to cool us down, but when the breeze dropped it was hot (looks like the hot weather is here). We were not held up ahead until we were well into the back nine, so the round went well.
So to the results, in the A Flight, 0 to 16, the winner was Steve Hamstad with 37 points ahead of a three-way count back on 35 that saw Mashi Kenata in second, Perry McNeely in third and Kevin Dunne in fourth.
In the B Flight the scores were better: The winner with 41 points was Jack Robinson, from Carole Kubicki in second with 38 points. We then had a count back on 37 points that saw Don Carmody in third and Tom Cotton in fourth.
We then had to present the Alan Bolton Property Consultants ‘Golfer of the Month’ award for February and Steve Hampstad won with a victory in the A Flight that gave him the points he needed. Well done Steve.
Near Pins: Mashi Kenata, Anders Pederson, Bernie Seagrave, Brian Downey
Long Putt: Bill Knight, Doug Maiko
Friday, February 27, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
Things were busy this Friday morning at Bert’s with two groups of golfers putting away their breakfasts before heading out for a match play contest and a stableford round. Friday golf has been started at Tropical Bert’s to support their match play team and provide a second day of golf for the regulars.
The match play team was off to Crystal Bay to take on the team of Tony’s Tigers while the rest of us traveled up the motorway to have another go at the challenging Pleasant Valley course.
While work continues at Pleasant Valley, the course was found in very good condition and the small but dedicated group of golfers were around in good time and some good scores were posted.
The winner was Steve Hamstad scoring 39 points off his 12 handicap followed by John Vincent, 19, with 36 points. We have this course scheduled again in a couple of weeks and all are looking forward to attacking it again.
Back at Bert’s we were joined by the match play team who rehashed their day’s battles and made plans for the rematch in a couple of months. With four of the ten matches going to the last two holes it was a close encounter, with Tropical Bert’s winning out over Tony’s Tigers 6 to 4. The individual match results are located elsewhere in these sports pages.

Norman and the Doc take the medals

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, February 23, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Div. 1 (0-12)
1st Alan Hanlon 37pts
2nd Ian Bakewell 36pts
3rd Yasuo Suzuki 35pts
Div. 2 (13+)
1st Alastair McArthur 38pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 35pts
3rd Suichi Kodaka 35pts
A very top quality field with enough players to require two divisions split at 12 and below and 13 and over teed it up at the normally fairly benign Crystal Bay. However on this day, with the wind gusting strongly, the course proved to be a little more testing than usual with only three players equaling or bettering their handicaps, but with many in the 2-shot buffer zone the CSS stayed the same as the SS at 72.
Alan Hanlon notched up another win with a one-under round that just pipped Ian Bakewell’s level handicap round of 77, with Yasuo Suzuki getting into the day’s prizes with a one-over and better count back of 21 against Martin Grimoldby’s 18 to round out the first division.
The second division was headed by Alastair McArthur by three from Alan Griffiths (unusually finding himself in the second division) and Suichi Kodaka, with Alan taking second place with a better count back of 19 to Suichi‘s 16.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Ian Bakewell slotted in the only one in the first division to sweep the pot.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Renzo Rapacioli and also welcomed back Captain 2000 Bob Heath, George Oakley, Jim Slattery and Gerald Decio all from South Herts Golf Club over in Pattaya to compete for the Thailand Challenge Jug and the AM-AM as usual, and Phil Knight, Alastair McArthur and Martin Grimoldby.
Wednesday, February 25, Green Valley - Stableford
Div. 1 (0-13)
1st Dave Stockman 40pts
2nd Martin Grimoldby 38pts
3rd Brian Wilkinson 37pts
4th Frank Hughes 36pts
Div. 2 (14+)
1st Chris Knapp 41pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer 40pts
3rd Stephen Beard 36pts
4th Paul Taylor 35pts cb 20 cb6 14
On the day the IPGC had 103 players out with Jomtiem Golf fielding 48 and the rest from the Haven following one after the other, which together with other groups made for a very slow start and subsequent round. Definitely a case of the Thailand Waltz, slow slow, slow slow, slow, but the course was in great shape, so not such a bad day after all.
The first division was led in by Dave Stockman with a gross level par that returned as 40 points to leave Martin Grimoldby, with a very good 38, in second spot. Brian Wilkinson was a further shot back in third and Frank Hughes grabbed the last slot on the podium with a level par against his handicap.
Chris Knapp decimated the second division with a terrific 5-under handicap round to leave Trevor Schirmer, who is coming back to form, a little disappointed after his very good 4-under round. Stephen Beard continues to get a mention and it cannot be long before his handicap will be slipping downwards, or so the rest of the second division players hope, with a level par round to take third ahead of Paul Taylor who grabbed the last step in the second division by virtue of a better count back of 20 and 14 on the back six to deny Suichi Kodaka with 20 and 11, and Rod Howett with 16 on the back nine.
Rod Howett and Suichi Kodaka, having missed out in the Stableford competition, both scored a birdie in the second division 2’s and so shared the big rollover fund which more than made up for any disappointment they may have suffered. Dave Stockman, Martin Grimoldby and Fred Land shared the first division 2’s pool.
Prior to the presentations The Doc welcomed back Chuck Jamieson, Mickey Moore, John Woods and Glen Unflat and had a special welcome back for a strangely subdued Brian Wilkinson.
Friday, February 27, Phoenix (Blue Tees) - Monthly Medals
Div. 1 (0-15)
1st Norman Isherwood net 73
2nd Jim Slattery net 74
3rd Martin Grimoldby net 74
Div. 2 (16+)
1st Stephen Beard net 73
2nd Paul Taylor net 76
3rd Chris Knapp net 77
With a stiff wind blowing, the Ocean and Mountain courses were always going to be a tough test off the blue tees and the scores in both divisions bore that out as the two winners were both one under the CSS of 74, and one over par off their handicaps.
Norman Isherwood had a much closer challenge in the first division to win by just a single stroke ahead of four players on 74. These were led by Jim Slattery with the best count back of 21.7 on the back six to edge out Martin Grimoldby who could only manage 24, after they both had 35 over the inward half. Rick Roberts and Alan Griffiths both had a mention with 35.5 and 36.5 respectively on the back nine.
Stephen Beard took his second monthly medal since returning to competitive golf with a steady one over par which included an excellent front nine. He faded slightly coming home but just did enough to keep ahead of Paul Taylor at four over and the ever present, in monthly medals at least, Chris Knapp another shot behind.
As is usual off the blue tees, there were no 2’s in the second division but Ian Bakewell and Trevor Schirmer shared the first division pool.
Back at The Haven, The Doc welcomed back Del Bailey before presenting the prizes.

A first win for Phil

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
This week is going to be remembered by Phil Battah for a long time. He pulled off his first win here in Thailand at Green Valley on Saturday, Feb. 27 with a thirty five point haul, beating Nijole Murtagh by just the one point. Congratulations Phil. Just for reference, Green Valley is to be our regular weekend venue for the foreseeable future. We have negotiated with the course now the best weekend cost of play available anywhere.
Monday, February 23, St Andrews - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Ben Durham (10) 36pts
2nd Brendan Moore (13) 32pts
3rd Ray Allison (11) 31pts
Div. 2
1st Roger Wilkinson (16) 40pts
2nd Greg Mason (18) 38pts
3rd Ned Enright (15) 34pts
St. Andrews was the venue on Monday and we had not been there in some while. It proved to be a very testing challenge which can be seen in the scores returned.

Saturday winners: Phil Battah and Nijole Murtagh.
Top score on the day was from Roger Wilkinson in Division 2 with forty points. Second placed Greg Mason was two back and Ned Enright came third four further back on 34. Division 1 saw a win for Ben Durham with thirty-six points, a clear four points up on second placed Brendan Moore. Third place was decided on a count back between Ray Allison and Phil Battah at 31 points, with Ray edging it.
There were four ‘2’s from Phil Battah, Greg Mason, George Young and Ned Enright.
Tuesday, February 24,
Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Mike Herridge (22) 33pts
2nd Ben Durham (10) 33pts
3rd George Bishop (14) 30pts
4th Ted Senior (16) 29pts
5th Adi Mayer (5) 29pts
Mountain Shadow was the course of choice on Tuesday and we had a very good turnout with one division and places awarded down to fifth. This course proved to be yet another good test of golf as the scores show.
Mike Herridge topped out the list after count back over Ben Durham, both with 33 points. George Bishop was three further back in third and Ted Senior was on his tail at 29 after winning another count back fight over fifth placed Adi Mayer. No ‘2’s recorded on the day.
Thursday, February 26, Phoenix Ocean & Mountain - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Hugh Byrne (11) 39pts
2nd Ben Durham (10) 36pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 34pts
4th Ned Enright (15) 34pts
Div. 2
1st Paula Byrne (30) 37pts
2nd Lars Strom (19) 35pts
3rd Nijole Murtagh (21) 33pts
4th Tommy Byrne (16) 33pts
Phoenix, as always, was in excellent condition and we had yet another great turnout so two divisions; this course again proving to be very popular with our members and visitors alike.
Division 1 saw a win for Hugh Byrne with a good 39 points and three clear of Ben Durham in second. Fergus Brennan, despite suffering with his knee, took third place with 34 points after beating Ned Enright on the count back.
In Division 2 Paula Bryne kept up with her husband to win with 37 points. Lars Strom was second with 35 and another lady was third, this time it was Nijole Murtagh with 33, beating Tommy Byrne on the count back. Quite a day for the Byrne’s all round.
Just two ‘2’s were recorded, by Ned Enright and Tony Perry.
Saturday, February 28, Plutaluang - Stableford
1st Phil Battah (16) 35pts
2nd Nijole Murtagh (21) 34pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (14) 33pts
4th Peter Morris (24) 32pts
Saturday was our first weekend visit to Green Valley and this will be our “weekend” venue for some time. The cost to play cannot be beaten and we have the best around.
This course is a good test and not for the faint hearted, however that fact did not stop Phil Battah from pulling off his first win ever in Thailand with 35 points. Nijole Murtagh went one better than her Thursday position and came in second at 34, with Roger Wilkinson taking third at 33, just the one in front of Peter Morris in fourth.
There were no ‘2’s on the cards this time.

Newton signs off in style

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, February 23, Burapha - Stableford
Forty-two Outbackers headed up to their local course at Burapha to play the recently renamed Augusta & Belfry nines. It was pleasing to find the course relatively quiet and with the usual two-tee start, everybody was away by 10.25am. Nobody took longer than 4 hours and the fairways and greens were all in pretty good shape, although they still have the nasty habit of over-watering the aprons, which make the front pins very difficult to get at.

Thursday’s winner Jean Guy Gaudet (center) with runner-up Neil Lavery (left) and Johnny Cogan (right).

Div D had the pleasure of the white tees whilst the remainder took on the longer blues; and Div D returned the best score of the day, a brilliant 44 points from Roger Newton. He should of course be cut for such a great score but the mere fact that he goes home today (Tuesday) is probably penalty enough! Well played Rog!
Eddie Smith (36pts) came out on top in Div A ahead of the consistent Capt’ Bob (34pts) and Steve Mann, playing in just about his first game since arriving from Aus, also scored 36 points to win Div B from another Steve with 35. Messrs Stonebridge & Plunkett cornered Div C between them with 37 and 36 points respectively, Ivan just getting the better of Pottsy by virtue of his better back nine.
The ‘2’s pot was scooped by Bob Cowell
Div A (0-11)
1st Eddie Smith (10) 36pts
2nd Bob Philp (8) 34pts
3rd Chris Davisson (11) 32pts
Div B (12-15)
1st Steve Mann (13) 36pts
2nd Steve Plant (13) 35pts
3rd Fred Gemme (13) 34pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Peter Stonebridge (18) 37pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (19) 36pts
3rd Campbell Potts (19) 36pts
Div D (20+)
1st Roger Newton (22) 44pts
2nd David Davies (25) 34pts
3rd Russell Luton (29) 32pts
Tuesday, February 24, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Only 11 Outbackers remained after ten of them prepared to do battle against the Caddyshack in the MBMG Matchplay League. Playing in one division, they were headed by David Knowles, having his first game since November, with an excellent 41 points. David’s new handicap will be 16.5.
Regular Outbackers, Geoff Moodie & Orawan Sodok took the minor places, Orawan beating Bob Pearce & Arthur Bailey on count back. There was only one ‘2’ from Chris Gerrard.
1st David Knowles (18) 41pts
2nd Geoff Moodie (27) 35pts
3rd Orowan Sodok (26) 33pts
Wednesday, February 25, Phoenix - Stableford
There was a strong international flavour amongst the 40 Outbackers playing Lakes & Ocean at Phoenix today, as the regular Brits and Aussies were joined by a large Irish contingent, Kam & John from Pakistan, Jean Guy from Canada and last but not least, the lovely Jum from Thailand.
The top score of the day was in Div D, 37 points scored by Gabriel Enright, just one ahead of Jim Brown playing off his new handicap of 24, who in turn was one in front of Gary Saunders (35).
Bruce McAdam had 35 points, enough to win Div C, just ahead of two of the Irish boys, John & David; and two more Irish boys, Michael Whelan & John Pegrum shared the Div B honours, both on 36, with Kam taking third on 35.
Div A was won comfortably by Mike Waltschek (36pts) despite what he described as, a disappointing back nine, but still enough to be four clear of Capt’ Bob (again!) and Aus. visitor, Graham Holmes.
The ‘2’s was the jackpot win, there being only one - from the Sugarman!
Div A (0-12)
1st Michael Waltschek (8) 36pts
2nd Bob Philp (8) 32pts
3rd Graham Holmes (6) 32pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Michael Whelan (14) 36pts
2nd John Pegrum (13) 36pts
3rd Kam (15) 35pts
Div C (17-19)
1st Bruce McAdam (18) 35pts
2nd John O’Leary (17) 34pts
3rd David McFeely (18) 34pts
Div D (20+)
1st Gabriel Enright (23) 37pts
2nd Jim Brown (24) 36pts
3rd Gary Saunders (23) 35pts
Thursday, February 26, Green Valley - Stableford
Almost half of the 13 Outbackers who went to Green Valley played to their handicap or better, quite a remarkable feat. Fourth place was fiercely contested between three players all with 36 points; ‘always good for a bet’ Charlie Sheppard just missing out behind the Doody’s; and Geoff just getting the better of Kathy on count back by one. All three are bang in form for the upcoming 2nd Chiang Mai Challenge on March 8 as is the winner, Jean Guy Gaudet, who will now find himself playing off 11 for the three-day tournament, after his 40 points today.
Neil Lavery, pictured left on this week’s photo, was second on 38 whilst the fella on the right is Outback regular, Johnny Cogan. Why is he in the picture you may well ask? (By the way, the guy in the middle is Jean Guy, today’s winner). John turned up at the bar for his early breakfast having read on the top of the start sheet 850, thinking that was the tee time. What he didn’t see was ‘Baht’ written after it, being the green fee & caddie fee. So watch out today at Laem Chabang John! You’ll be teeing off around 2100, but you’ll be OK, they do have floodlights. Don’t you just love the Irish!
There were two ‘2’s from Neil Lavery & Charlie Sheppard.
1st Jean Guy Gaudet (12) 40pts
2nd Neil Lavery (11) 38pts
3rd Kevin Watson (23) 37pts
4th Geoff Doody (20) 36pts
Friday, February 27, Laem Chabang C & A - Stableford
On Wednesday night, fifteen groups were booked to play here, two more than the scheduled booking, so early on Thursday, phone calls were made to try to fit two more groups in. It was impossible, the course was fully booked, not even early in the morning could they squeeze in any more players. So a few things were changed around to get to the correct number, and other guys that called were told the sheet was full. It is therefore disappointing when people sign up and then fail to show, without so much as a “sorry I can’t make it”. Only 49 actually played, which meant that quite apart from the three groups that had to go out as three-balls in the middle of the field, making it slow for them; guys that had been turned away the day before could have played!
Please make every effort to let Capt’ Bob know before the scheduled tee time if you cannot play, so that there is time to re-schedule the start sheet..
Kam had a day out, firing a massive 45 points off his 15 handicap, earning himself an immediate cut of 3 shots down to 12. He’s off back to Pakistan today but that new handicap will be waiting for you when you return! He was nine clear of mere mortals in Div C, namely Stuart Mac & Jan Van, both with excellent scores of 36.
The 6 handicappers sewed up Div A, Ray Pearson (38), Graham Holmes (37) and Jim Brackett (35), whilst the 12 & 13 handicappers had Div B all to themselves; big Scottish Laurie edging out Steve Mann both with 37.
There were four ‘2’s from Tony Gleeson, Ray Pearson, Nick Payne & Steve Mann.
For the record, the Valley and Mountain nines were played from the white tees.
Div A (0-11)
1st Ray Pearson (6) 38pts
2nd Graham Holmes (6) 37ptss
3rd James Brackett (6) 35pts
Div B (12-13)
1st Laurie McBride (12) 37pts
2nd Steve Mann (12) 37ptss
3rd John McKeon (13) 36pts
Div C (14-18)
1st Kam (15) 45pts
2nd Stuart Mckenzie (17) 36ptss
3rd Jan Van Spellen (16) 36pts
Div D (19+)
1st Reg Sorrell (25) 37pts
2nd Dr. Dragon (24) 34ptss
3rd Campbell Potts (19) 31pts
Friday, February 27, The Emerald - Stableford
Just 12 Outbackers today at The Emerald – this was due to some 50 playing at Mr. Nicklaus’s local course with Capt. Bob, and others watching the ‘Ladies’ at Siam Plantation trying to learn something and admiring the varying views!
In addition there were some four or five Outbackers assisting in the LPGA scorer’s tent at Siam Plantation, who not only having the privilege of meeting the ladies but also enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of such a high profile world class event..
The twelve at The Emerald had a good clear round in 4 hours or less.
The ‘best of the bunch’ was Bruce Milner (15) with 40 points, followed by ‘our Kath’ - Kathy Doody (19) with 39 points. Third was ‘our Chad’- Barry Chadbourn with 35 points after a ‘blistering’ back 9, who was the organiser for the day.
There were three ‘2’s from Bruce McAdam, Barry Chadbourn and Kev Watson.
Both Bruce and Kathy have earned themselves a handicap cut; Bruce from 14.6 to 13.4 and Kathy from 19.4 to 18.5
1st Bruce Milner (6) 40pts
2nd Kathy Doody (19) 39pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (20) 35pts
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.

PSC fishing from Bangsaray Harbour

Mike Gerrard
This week the boat was fully booked for two days: The first was on Sunday February 22 and the second was Thursday February 26.

Scott Lindquist with the Pompano.
On Sunday the wind was blowing a little harder than normal so the seas were a bit choppier than usual. We were also advised that the tides had turned a little from the previous outing and finding the bigger fish may not be too easy today. However, after a slow start things livened up a bit and we had our first beauty of the day, a nice 8kg Pompano landed by Scott.
As is normal on these days, after lunchtime the tides ebbed a little and so it was over to small rods and reels to fill up a few bags with smaller varieties.
Thursday’s trip was started a little earlier to try and catch the fast tides, so our group was settled into the boat by 6.00am and off they went. I could not go with them on this day due to other commitments. However, as the photo shows a nice Ray (of some sort?) was captured by one of our intrepid anglers, and again once the tides ebbed a little and it was over to the small fish again. The previous day I am told, a 20kg King Mackerel was landed.

Thursday’s catch of the day.
Back at the beach bar (on both days) the staff of the bar cleaned and prepared the catch ready to take it all home whilst everyone sat and enjoyed a beer or two and told all the usual tales of the ones that got away.
We have many people who wish to participate in the future and some dates are being filled at this point in time. Day time or night time fishing is available, albeit I personally don’t wish to spend a dark night out on the sea.
If you are interested, please call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565 and we will try and fit you in to one of the trips. Or you can charter the boat totally for your own party. All equipment and bait is provided, all you have to bring is food and drinks, and (if necessary) the little demon pills for those who may feel a little sick with the rolling of the boat.
You can also go into the PSC clubhouse and fill out a registration form. For a full charter a deposit will be required. - Tight Lines!

First day of new league features some great bowling

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Noodle Russell, Rich Montana, Suphan Prathumthong,
Mio Aamlid, Maliny Pasakit, Leo Kretscher & Morn Mack

Rich Montana, who is in and out of Thailand, did it again with a great 685 series including games of 238, 200 and 247. Last Wednesday Rich almost bowled a 300 game in the Top’s night league, just falling short by a few pins.
Suphan Prathumthong, bowling with a 26 handicap, bowled a scratch 601 series (679 with handicap) with games of 232, 180 and 189. Sabai Sabai Friday won all 4 points from VFW Post 9876 as Suphan bowled her 601 and Nok Kennedy bowled a 521 series. Mio Aamlid bowled a 552 series for VFW.
Café Ole won 3 points from Sala Thai Restaurant, Green Chilli won 3 from Café Kronborg, Bavaria got 3 from Canada and Indiana won 3 from Brother D. Jack Tar and Swethai split their match with each team getting 2 points. Green Chilli Captain Noodle Russell bowled a 205 game and 546 series.

Results & Standings February 27 (week 1)
Team                                       Points             Standings
Sabai Sabai Friday                    4 - 0                     4 - 0
Café Ole                                   3 - 1                     3 - 1
Bavaria                                     3 - 1                     3 - 1
Green Chilli                               3 - 1                     3 - 1
Indiana                                     3 - 1                     3 - 1
Swetha                                     2 - 2                     2 - 2
Jack Tar                                   2 - 2                     2 – 2
Sala Thai Restaurant                 1 - 3                     1 - 3
Canada                                    1 - 3                     1 - 3
Brother D                                 1 - 3                     1 - 3
Café Kronborg                          1 - 3                     1 - 3
VFW Post 9876                        0 - 4                     0 - 4

Shawn the big triple-header winner

PSC Pattaya Sunday Softball

Diego Wells
A larger then average turnout February 22nd led to the lads playing three 5 inning games instead of the usual Sunday double header. Although some believed it was done as a ploy by yours truly to increase sausage and hamburger sales by the lovely (and multi-talented) ICE, it occurred because some guys were left on the sidelines in game 1, and also because Perry and his band of happy hitters beat Diego’s Dirty Dogs boys by more then 10 runs (which prompted the mercy rule).
The only undefeated softballer on the day was Shawn from San Diego, who happily moved teams for game 2 and 3 (he should have bought a lottery ticket).
It was a thrilling day of softball overall, and we hope you will think about joining us for some exercise and laughs next Sunday on the diamond. For game summaries and starting line ups, read on.
Game 1
A reoccurring theme played out during game 1 of Sunday softball. The stronger team on paper, namely Diego’s Dirty Dogs, got overconfident, and proceeded to get thrashed. Perry’s Priceless Prats played a consistent game, with key hits from Mike, Rick, Brian, Shawn, and back to back home runs from Rhys. They also played solid defense, and kept the Dogs at Bay.
Perry’s team started out well with 3 runs in the first and second inning, but it was the third inning that proved to be the dagger in the dogs’ dongs. The 8 run onslaught, with homers from Perry, Rhys, and big blasts from Ernie, John Stockton and Rocky, was too much for the Dirty dogs to handle. They went down with merely a whimper, getting bagelled in the fifth, to lose convincingly 17 to 6.
Game 2
Smarting from the loss, the Dogs made some favorable scratches. They lost the Thai guy “Bomb” who is much more comfortable with teak in his hands then he is with aluminum. Spot moved to DH, so that Phil could captain the infield at short stop. Diego decided to pitch, and the dogs traded for Shawn, giving the Prats both Josh and John CF (with Tomee taking 5 innings off for undisclosed reasons. Hey, he only drove here from Chang Mai, why should he play all the games?)
To start the second the wind picked up and was howling toward the plate, ensuring a defensive struggle. The Dogs started strongly, managing their anger well with strong smashes from the regulars: Phil, Scott, Peter, Diego, and the new breed of young English lads, Alex and Matt. They took a 4 to 1 lead into the second inning and never looked back.
Perry’s priceless ones showed why they are still a force, scoring 3 in the bottom of the last and leaving 2 stranded. Scotty’s full stretch running grab in left field sealed the win for the Dogs, who were happily barking (and drinking), awaiting for the grudge match (game 3).
Game 3
The finale was a tough see-saw battle, with the team with the least amount of errors eventually earning the victory.
A solo home run by Rick started the Prats off right in the first inning. But, the Dogs showed they still had both bark and bite left, scoring 3 in the bottom of the inning. Perry’s team clawed back though in the third, scoring 5 runs to tie it at six. But the Dogs again forged ahead, with 2 runs in the bottom of the third and fourth innings. The solid defense by the Dogs was the deciding factor, as they shut out the Prats in the last two innings, to win the game, set and match, 10 -6.
It was yet another super Sunday of Softball at our home in Jomtiem. We extend an invitation to all arm-chair athletes, weekend warriors, has-beens, and never-wases to join us on the Diamond. Once there you are guaranteed to get yelled out, earn a muscle pull or two, and to temporarily humiliate yourself at the plate. But you will definitely have fun in the process! So see you on the mound some Sunday soon.