Carmody blazes a trail at Greenwood

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, August 11, Greenwood - Stableford
Upon arrival at Tropical Bert’s it was grand to behold some old faces which haven’t been seen for some time - escapees from lovely summer weather in the Northern Hemisphere, no doubt.

Tuesday’s top trio: Don Carmody, Joel Flor and Dick Warberg.

We trundled out to one of our favourite courses, Greenwood and the weather was fine and no threat at all. As such, Steve Hamstad was keen to stay with us.
Completely out-of-character, our Captain volunteered to be in the last group, but this day, the “last was not to be first”.
There were lizards out all over the course this day and one group saw a green tree snake, so we can say it was almost an eventful outing. Our correspondent was joined in play by the tall New Englander with the long drive and the short temper - Doug Maiko and the ever tranquil Mick O’Meara. But this was not the day that we were to make it to the leader board.
When the scores came in, the golfers were shocked to see that Don Carmody had played so well, the result of which his handicap was ruthlessly cut by 5 strokes! And since we started adjusting handicaps after scores over 39 points, this was the most unkindest cut of all.
1st Don Carmody 48pts
2nd Joel Flor 39pts
3rd Dick Warberg 37pts
4th Bill Knight 36pts
5th Derek Brook 34pts
Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Joel Flor (2).

IPGC Green Valley Members Sundays

Following recent changes in the make up of the IPGC venues, a requirement for member’s golf to be played at Green Valley on Sundays has now been addressed with the introduction of a weekly competition. Initially it will be organised on alternate Sundays by Steve Mascari and Russell Exley and sign-ups can be either through them or the usual IPGC venues and all the presentations will take place immediately following the completion of play in the clubhouse. Specially priced reduced green fees, with vouchers, are available for IPGC members who are not Green Valley members.
Sunday, August 2, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Paul McNally (4) 36pts
2nd Steve Mascari (2) 34pts
3rd Joe McArdle (13) 34pts
4th Harry Riley (14) 34pts
A good turnout for the inaugural competition was a fair reflection of the need for a continuation of Sunday golf with the IPGC, and with the weather playing its part the day was voted a success by all those that attended.
Steve Mascari hosted the day and presented the prizes to the winners who included the day’s top player, Paul McNally with a sterling gross 76, and himself with the same score a couple of points behind in second place.
Joe McArdle and Harry Riley rounded out the list after a count back, which Joe won with a slightly better 17 to Harry’s 16.
Paul McNally and Steve Mascari shared the 2’s pot.
Sunday, August 16, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Steve Mascari (2) 36
2nd Russell Exley (9) 35 cb 17
3rd Phil Mitchell (6) 35 cb 16
Another day when some top quality golfers teed it up to play some ‘serious’ golf for fun resulted in another closely run affair with Steve Mascari carding a gross 74, which was enough to see off the challenges of Russell Exley and Phil Mitchell as they took second and third respectively after a count back which Russell won by 17 to 16.
The 2’s were shared between Chris Knapp, Phil Mitchell and Russell Exley.

Trevor scores all week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, July 10, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Sid Ottaway 37pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer 37pts
3rd Derek Holt 36pts
4th Ishihara Yoshimi 35pts
5th Paul Taylor 35pts
At last Russell Exley, the leader of the golf course liaison sub-committee, had managed to come to some agreement with the management regarding compulsory golf carts and this much admired course was once again returned to the IPGC schedule to the delight of many and a good turnout was the reward for the course. This was unsurprising to the organisers as it is a well documented fact that 60% of the players are walkers and resent having to pay what is essentially a surcharge to their green fee, which in some cases is made worse with the requirement of a one-person per cart policy.
With so few golfers in the area at the present time it was no surprise also to find the course very quiet, so a very pleasant round was enjoyed by all the participants with good scores recorded from the yellow tees throughout the field.
Sid Ottaway continued to mine his current streak of good form with another win, albeit by virtue of a count back with Trevor Schirmer which he won on the back nine with a better 20 points to Trevor’s 19.
Derek Holt slipped neatly into third place one behind them and one in front of fourth and fifth placed Ishihara Yoshimi and Paul Taylor, with the former taking the count back on the last six with 13 against 12.
Russell Exley shot the only ‘2’ in the first division and Rod Howett had the lone one in the second division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new members Kumie Honda and Ishihara Yoshimi and also welcomed back Bob Lamond, Rick Schramm and Mark Campbell.
Wednesday, July 12, Pattana – Stableford
1st Fred Land 34pts
2nd B.J. Smith 34pts
3rd Graham Davis 33pts
4th Trevor Schirmer 33pts
The more the players play Pattana the more they get to understand its little quirks, but it is still a fairly long slog even though the day’s course was set out over the A and C nines. Once again the length proved to be the undoing of most of the field with many trying too hit the ball just a little bit too hard and suffering the consequences of the subsequent loss of rhythm.
Fred Land’s normal big hitting game stood him in good stead, especially over the inward half as he took the day’s top honours with a better count back than B.J. Smith, but only by the slimmest of margins of 19 to 18 to deny B.J. his first win for longer than many can remember. However, the signs were there to see that it surely will not be too far in the future when once again B.J. will be seen on the top step in a singles event, but on this day Fred’s long game made the difference.
Graham Davis made sure of a last mention in his final outing of this visit with a better count back over Trevor Schirmer, who lost his second positional count back in succession by a difference of 17 to 15.
There were no ‘2’s in the second division but Graham Davis and Fred Land shared the first division pool.
There were no welcomes or welcomes backs for a change but Graham Davis received a warm farewell as he prepared to leave and not due to return for a couple of years this time.
Friday, July 14, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 38pts
2nd Ishihara Yoshimi 38pts
3rd Greg Gawron 29pts
Trevor Schirmer rounded off a very good week’s golf with a two-under handicap round that resulted in a level handicap week from three rounds of golf at very different golf courses. This underscored the notice that it will not be long before he is once again knocking on that elusive single figure handicap door and perhaps this time squeezing through it.
He had to fight all the way to win this time however, after gracing the podium twice earlier in the week, as newcomer Ishihara Yoshimi also put in a class round at this notoriously difficult course. Trevor finally settled the count back on the last two with a better 5 points against 4 from Ishihara after they had both squared the back nine at 19, 13 on the back six and 6 on the back three.
Greg Gawron was a very surprised third place some nine points further back and a little way in front of the fourth place player Alan Hanlon.
The big disappointment of the day was to find the clubhouse in darkness at the end of the round with no power and therefore no showers, which ensured a speedy return to Soi 13 and a belated prize giving with many returning to their own bathing facilities before the event.
Once again there were no ‘2’s in the second division but Ishihara Yoshimi made a big day of it with the only one in the first division.
Back at The Haven Greg Gawron was welcomed as a new member from the Gosnells club in Perth Australia where many visitors hail from having been well instructed by the old guard of many years standing at that club.
Alan Hanlon was also welcomed back once again for one of his regular visits.
The IPGC Monthly Medals
The next IPGC Monthly Medals will take place on Tuesday, September 1 at Pattana Country Club. There is a 300 baht entry fee which includes medals for the winners in the 1st Division (0-10, Stroke Play), the 2nd Division (11-18, Stroke Play), the 3rd Division (19+, Stableford) and the Ladies (0-36, Stableford). The results will count towards the end of year Gold and Silver Medals in all divisions. There will be a special European buffet at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar on Soi Buakhao prior to the presentations.
Players can sign up at Donovan’s (Steve Mascari), The Haven (Russell Exley), The Rabbi’s Elephant (Len Jones) or Jomtiem Golf (Glyn Evans).

Joe triumphs in count back duel

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

The Three Sisters group took to the Pattaya Country Club greens early this 11th of August. The weather could not have been more amenable to good golfing with occasional clouds and a nice breeze. The putting greens here are still recovering from the perforations and sanding operation but they are better than the preceding two weeks.

Winner Joe St. Laurent (left) with runner-up Bob Benda.

Back at Caddy Shack II, while enjoying some of the hot and spicy hot dogs provided by Herbie Ishinage, the cards were tallied. Both Joe St. Laurent and Bob Benda finished with respectable 36 point scores, but Joe beat Bob on the count back.
For a while it looked like Joe St. Laurent’s wife, Sumneing (Oye) Apounrume, was going to come out on top after garnering 21 points on the front nine, but she faded on the back nine and finished with a total of 32 points.
As usual there was adequate liquid refreshment available afterwards for thirsty players.

Dobbins shoots 73 gross but still misses out

PSC 90th Members Open Golf Tournament

C Flight, Seniors and Ladies winners, Mike Jeffries,
Kevin Dinan and Yui Bietry with Perry.

Derek Brook
Friday, August 14 - Pattana
It is always nice for all of us to go back to Pattana, the clubhouse here is ‘magnificent’, probably the best around, and the three nines while not living quite up to the standard of the clubhouse are none the less a fine test of golf and much beloved by the big hitter with little sense of direction. Mind, in the strong winds that usually blow here any help is useful.
This being the quiet part of the season, a small turnout was expected but we still had over 80 golfers and it was nice to see a good turnout from the Lewiinski’s golfers, all hoping to win on their initial round in a PSC monthly tournament.
The day started as normal with the book-in, and this went pretty smooth as Keith had some good support around him. Then off to the start that was either the A Nine or the C Nine. The competition was split up into A and B flights playing medal, C and Seniors playing stableford, and Ladies also playing stableford.

A & B Flight winners, James Brackett (right) and Peter Henshaw (left) with the Golf Chairman Perry McNeely.
Playing in the Seniors section it was pleasing to have other ‘Goldie Oldies’ to play against as while guile can get you a long way, when it comes time for things like the Long Drive it is difficult for a 70 year old to cope with a single handicap youngster. Ah I remember it well, now that is something we ‘Oldies’ do less well than our young friends. I still think it is the beer that does it.
Back to the plot, the ‘Nines’ were not in the best of condition but were still well playable. The greens were quite slow but in general were not too bad whilst the course was also good on the short grass, not that we were there too often.
Round soon over, and it was a reasonable round for speed, it was time for a shower in this fine changing room, then for most back home for a rest before they went to Shenanigans at 1800hrs for the nights presentation.
That is what I planned before being asked by Perry to give a hand with the scoring, and subsequently had to go straight to the presentation with the results, and had to press gang ‘Thomas the Treasure’ into taking the pics as my camera was at home.
Once at Shenanigans it was into the queue for the food, and fine it was too, with a typical Shenanigans spread, from Thai food to the Sunday lunch type roast meal. Thanks to Shenanigans for some great assistance.
Then onto the presentation when ‘The Leader’ thanked all for coming and thanked all our sponsors, then asked the ‘volunteer Emcee’, yours truly, to take over and get the presentation under way. As you can imagine with no Mike or John on the microphone the presentation was short (and for many sweet).
In the A Flight the winner was James Brackett with a net 70 ahead of Doug Lynch in second with a net 71 and in third place was Scott Dobbins with a net 72, which as many know translates into a gross 73 on a par 73 course. Oh yee of faint heart.
In the B Flight the winner was Peter Henshaw with a net 70 ahead of Colin Greig in second with a net 72, and in third was John Bartley with a net 73.
In the C Flight, a stableford competition, the winner was Mike Jeffries with 39 points on a count back that saw Joel Flor in second and coming in third place was Colin Cronin with 38 points.
In the Seniors, also a stableford competition, the winner was Kevin Dinan with 37 points ahead of ‘The Scribe’ (and Emcee) Derek Brook with 36 points and in third was Brian Mitchell with 33 points. To be a ‘Senior’ you have to be 65 or over.
The Ladies winner was Yui Bietry with 36 points ahead of May Mitchell in second with 34 points.
The night then took on a much better aspect as we went into ‘The Lucky Draw’ and most players went home with something. One aspect of the day that was quite instructive was that most of our Lewiinski’s players were in the winnings. Maybe the two handicap systems are really equally fair! T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Vidar Enquist, Peter Henshaw (2), Henk De Bock, Kevin Dinan (2), Oddvar Rykke, Mike Jeffreys (2), Steve Compton, Scott Dobbins (2), Brian Mitchell (2), Nipaporn Jaroenpak, Marcus Inazuka.
Long Drives: Doug Lynch, Goram Peterson, Steve Compton, Bengt Borg, May Mitchell

Clamp stamps his mark on Pattana

PSC Soi Kanoi Golf Group

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, August 11,
Pattana A & C (White tees) - Stableford
Sixteen players set off for our date at Pattana where we were welcomed and started in good order.

Thursday’s top two, Sakorn Pramoolchart and Craig Duncan.

Playing with his holidaying son Russel, David Clamp really got to grips with the course and his swing returning a tremendous 42 stableford points to earn himself first prize and a ‘two revisions’ manual handicap cut to 9.4 exact. Bob Drumm was second with 37 points, Willy Nachbur took third with 35, and Nick Hurn was fourth with 34 points after edging Ian Campbell into fifth place on count-back.
Rob Gandley, Bev Ewens and Nick Hurn had near pin bonuses whilst Russel Clamp joined his dad in the money distribution with the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average score for the day was 31.1.
Thursday, August 13, Phoenix Mountain & Ocean (White tees) - Stableford
Five groups were started on time following Fergus and the lads from Travellers’ Rest.
Holidaying Craig Duncan showed his dad how golf is meant to be played, returning 37 stableford points off his Goring & Streatley Golf Club handicap of 5 to take top spot in the A Division. Nick Hurn moved up the podium from Tuesday to take second place with 35 points and flying officer Mike King came third with 30 points.
In the B Division, for handicaps 16 and over, newcomer Sakorn Pramoolchart took the honors with 36 points after pushing Brendon Dougal into second place on count-back. Willy Nachbur completed the winners’ podium with 31 points.
Mike Todd-White, Sakorn and Nick Hurn (2) had the near-pin bonuses whilst the very well renowned spring roll snatcher Mr. Robert Drumm Esq. sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average score for the day was a low 27.9 points.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the group’s format please phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

PSC Phoenix Members Golf Group

Mike Gerrard
Hi everyone. It’s been a long time since any report from our group, but with the low season coming to an end very soon, I thought it best to let all know we are still going strong.
Over the so called quiet period, Phoenix Golf Club has been quite busy. Strange really when you think that they do not offer the deals that other courses do at this time of the year. My only assumption from that it that it is such a good course and so handy to get to, it is bound to be popular, regardless of the restaurant prices!
We, as a group have enjoyed at least 2 golf days every week and the standard of golf and friendship is superb. As of next month I shall start to book extra tee times so if you wish to join in with us, here are the basic rules of our group.
Every Tuesday we play stableford points with the exception of the last Tuesday in the month when we have a monthly stroke play game. This is sponsored by our good friend Giorgio Baccioli (who is a regular with our group) of the Trattatoria Italiana restaurant on Jomtien hill. He gives us a voucher to be awarded to the winner on the day.
We all play from the same tees (White) and we only allow a maximum of 28 handicap. Without being rude, if you are a beginner our group is not the one for you.
After the day’s play we all get back to Toy’s Music Bar for the presentation. Anyone who comes back to the presentation gets the first drink (max value 50 baht) free out of the day’s takings.
We always have 4 technical prizes (near pins) to the value of 50 baht each, plus a lucky draw for those who have not won anything. After all this there is very little left for the victors of the day. However, most players end up getting something. Therefore, ‘pot hunters’ are wasting their time with us as well.
We start at 12.00 noon every Tuesday and registration is open from 11.00am in the men’s changing room. At 11.30am registration is NOT closed, but we do then make our way to the practice green and the first tee. Anyone arriving after that time is welcome to play as long as we can fit you in.
The management of Phoenix have been very helpful over the last couple of years when we have been over subscribed at the last minute, but they have expressed their intention to be much harder and less tolerant with late comers during the high season. If I have 5 tee times booked they are intimating that they may not be so tolerant if we have any more.
Therefore, I have to advise you that to be sure of a place it will be beneficial for you book in advance by calling me (Mike Gerrard) on 087 091 7565 by Monday evening.
We also play the game strictly by the book under the Pattaya Sports Club rules, but we do have a lot of fun as well.
Look forward to being with you over the next few months.

Kathy’s no clown

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, August 9, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Mike Shrosbree (13) net 67
2nd Seamus O’Connor (9) net 70
B Flight
1st Kathy Doddy (21) net 66
2nd John Dearden (18) net 72
Near Pins: #2 Barry Copestake, #9 Yui Bietry, #12 Mike Craighead, #16 Pierre Bietry
The round of the week, and in recent memory, was turned in by Shropshire’s beauty queen Kathy Doddy who scalded her handicap with a super net 66. This win secures Kathy’s place with her partner Geoff in the Gold Medal to be held later in the year.
John Dearden put in a fine even par round to take second spot.

Lewiinski’s regular Benny O’Connor (left) who sadly passed away last week is pictured with his good friend Peter Henshaw.

Mike ‘The new man of Leisure’ Shrosbree pushed Kathy all the way, eventually coming in a shot adrift. Seamus O’Connor gained a count back victory over Bob ‘The guru of Green Valley’ Lindburg.
Lewinski’s welcomed back Scouser Ray Fowlis and his new clubs. Ray’s first game was one he will not forget in a hurry, as he had a nightmare front nine round carding a mammoth 75. Ray took 15 shots to get out of the deep bunker at the back of the green on the fourth. Just a thought, perhaps it would have been wise to have held on to his old clubs and had a bunker lesson?
Tuesday, August 11, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Merle Humpreys (18) 39pts
2nd Ray Fowlis (28) 35pts
A true test of golf awaited the Lewiinski’s gang at the formidable Crystal Bay. Emerging victorious with a splendid 39 points was the man in form, Merle Humpreys. Second place was filled by Ray Fowlis who, after a visit to the local asylum, decided to persevere with his new clubs. Ray carded a creditable 35 points on this very challenging course.
No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover to Wednesday.
Finally, it is with great sorrow I report that Benny O’Connor, a long time member of the Lewinski’s golf society, has recently passed away. All our thoughts and condolences are with Benny’s family.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Rest in peace Benny!
Wednesday, August 12, Pattana - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter 40pts
2nd Seamus O’Connor (11) 39pts
B Flight
1st Bill Broschart 41pts
2nd Mick Fell (25) 39pts
A large group of ‘Micks’ and a sprinkling of other golfers traveled to play the excellent Pattana course, and it was the ‘Micks’ who took home the rewards.
Leading the boys home was Seamus ‘the V C’ Cotter with a superb 40 points. Pushing Seamus all the way was Seamus O’Connor a shot behind .After the game Seamus shook Seamus’ hand and Seamus … well you can fill this in your self.
B Flight threw up the man of the match Bill Broschart returning a sparkling 41 points. The man on form was a couple of shots adrift in second.
Seamus O’Connor, Mick Shrosbree, Pierre Bietry, Barry Copestake and Frank Mcguigan shared the rollover ‘2’s pot.
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 Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

I was sitting South on this distributional deal.  Imagine you are sitting West and defending against my contract.  You hear the bidding below.  You lead a high diamond against three spades doubled, and this is what you see.  Your lead is ruffed on board.  Declarer leads the ace of hearts from dummy and then leads a low heart, with everyone following.  You win.  What is your plan for the defence? 

West dealer, North-South vulnerable: 

                       S: KQ9852

                       H: AJ84

                       D: -

                       C: J42             

S: 6                                         S: ?

H: KQ2                                  H: ?

D: AK932                              D: ?

C: K1063                               C: ?

                       S: ?

                       H: ?

                       D: ?

                       C: ?                  

This was the bidding:

West    North     East        South

1D        Dbl          P              1S

Dbl       3S            Dbl          All pass 

Declarer’s play looks a little strange.  Why not cross to his hand and try a finesse in hearts, leading towards dummy’s AJ, in the hope that West has the KQ?  West did most of the bidding, so might well hold the missing high hearts.  Then, if declarer leads twice towards dummy, he can score the jack.
It looks like declarer has problems getting to his hand twice.  Also, declarer did not try to pull trumps, in spite of having so many on board.  Putting both these facts together, declarer probably has only two hearts and plans to ruff dummy’s two losing hearts in hand before pulling trumps.
So, is there any hope for the defence?  If declarer has the ace of spades, then the answer is no.  Declarer will win six spade tricks, the ace of hearts and two heart ruffs in hand, adding up to nine tricks.  Even if East has the ace and queen of clubs, defence is still hopeless.  All you can win is three clubs and a heart. So, the only hope for the defence is that East has the ace of spades and a couple more (and that seems likely from East’s double).
Having thought that through, you lead a spade.  Eureka!  East wins the ace of spades and leads a low spade back.  Now, declarer’s goose is cooked - see the full hand diagram below.  Declarer takes five spade tricks, two aces, but only has one trump left in hand to ruff a heart.  He goes down one doubled. 

                         S: KQ9752

                         H: AJ84

                         D: -

                         C: J42          

S: 6                                        S: A103

H: KQ10                               H: 9652

D: AK1032                           D: QJ7

C: K1063                               C: Q95

                         S: J84

                         H: 73

                         D: 98654

                         C: A87           

The bidding might need some explanation.  West opened 1D and North doubled for takeout, instead of bidding his spades.  This gives NS a chance to find a heart fit, if there is one.
I briefly thought of passing the double, because of my long diamonds.  However, my hand is so weak I thought they would make 1D.  So, I was left with a choice of two three card suits to bid.  I chose spades because my partner’s takeout double guarantees at least four spades, and I could bid spades at the one level.
West now doubled for takeout, telling his partner to bid something, and showing that he had a good hand.  To my considerable alarm, partner bid three spades.  East, with his good nine points and good spades, reasoned that EW must have the majority of the points (he was right - EW have 24 high card points to 16 for NS) and decided to double.  It was a good decision, if only his partner were thinking about the defence.
Very fortunately for me, when I played it, West did not think the defence through.  After winning the heart, he switched to a club.  I won the ace in hand and ruffed a diamond to get back to board.  A heart from board was ruffed low in hand and another diamond trumped on board.  Now, another heart was ruffed in hand with the eight.
By now, I had taken seven tricks - two aces, three diamond ruffs on board and two heart ruffs in hand - and I still had the KQx of spades on board and the jack in hand.  Between them, I was bound to take two more tricks, making the contract.  I was lucky - it should be defeated.  Would your plan have got it down?
Send me your interesting hands at: [email protected].

Chapman storms home at Pattana

PSC Golf from Mulligan’s Lakeside

Mulligan’s Lakeside golfers played two excellent courses this week: On Tuesday we visited Green Valley and on Thursday we travelled to one of the best courses in the area, Pattana.
Tuesday, August 11, Green Valley - Stableford
On Tuesday at Green Valley the players found the course to be in good condition but quite testing as many of the pin positions were difficult.

John Chapman and Ray Ryan were the top 2 players at Pattana.

Playing off the white tees a winning score of 34 points proved enough for Ken Hole (13), beating John Chapman (25) on count back into second.
Ken also shared the nearest the pins honours with Ray Ryan.
Thursday, August 13, Pattana - Stableford
Thursday’s golf at the wonderful Pattana course was a memorable round for one regular Mulligan’s player. Scoring 26 on the back 9 and totaling 41 overall, John Chapman (25) proved a clear winner (No doubt the handicap secretary will have something to say about it on his return from Australia). Ray Ryan (23) scored a commendable 36 points to take second place.
Near pins were divided by John Chapman, Andrew Thompson and Steve Harfield.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf on Tuesday & Thursday (we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday). Presentations are made at the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday presentation. We are a friendly bunch so please feel free to join us for some good golf and great banter.
For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094 1841 or Ray 081 935 8088. N.B. Jeff is away in Australia for the next two weeks, so please call Ray.
Look forward to you joining us and Good Golfing!

Paul & Rosco form a dynamic duo

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Burapha, August 10, Burapha - Stableford
There are a few changes going on at the Outback, predominantly involving removing the wall between the bar and the store behind, thus transforming the inside. Where the old store room was is now being painted and fully integrated into the bar area making way for a pool table, due to arrive soon, that will be free to regular Outbackers. The eating area has been improved and (soon to be enlarged) to make it more ‘fly resistant’, although it is taking a little time to get used to the additional screen doors.
The security has also been upgraded, after the loss of “Stupid”, with additional internet linked cameras and movement sensors both around the bar and inside & outside the new store room.
With all this work going on it was hardly surprising that neither Capt’ Bob or General Jack played at the regular Monday course at Burapha. However, the 23 Outbackers who did show up played the Augusta & Belfry nines from the blues.
The unstoppable Steve Milne had the best score of the day with 38 points to win Div B by six, from Bob Lindborg (32) and three on 31, headed by Peter Stonebridge on count back.
Tony Garnett, who left for Manchester a couple of weeks ago after his third place at Phoenix, hit form again to go two better, winning Div A with 37 points. Well done Tony and welcome back! Mark Penfold (36pts) had another solid round and Bruce Milner continued with his steady game for 35 points off his new handicap of 11.
There were four ‘2’s coming from Bruce Milner, Briany Christie, Rosco & Steve Milne.
Div A (0-13)
1st Tony Garnett (13) 37pts
2nd Mark Penfold (4) 36pts
3rd Bruce Milner (11) 35pts
Div B (14+)
1st Steve Milne (15) 38pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (14) 32pts
3rd Peter Stonebridge (14) 31pts
Tuesday, August 11, Pattaya C.C. – Texas Stableford
This was a very special day for the 36 Outbackers who made the short trip to Pattaya Country Club to play in a ‘2’ person Texas stableford.
Some two months ago regular Outbacker Frank O’Neill and his partner Larong, who is a caddy at Pattaya Country Club, were viciously attacked in their own home by an unknown assailant. Larong suffered some serious head injuries and damage to her hearing, and as a result spent nearly four weeks in hospital. Frank too was injured on the arm, necessitating surgery and a week’s hospitalisation. Fortunately Frank has fully recovered and Larong is recovering slowly.
Capt’ Bob and Jack decided they would run a ‘fun competition’ and at the same time raise some funds towards the considerable medical expenses.
The fund actually began during the ‘The Open’ with many Outbackers’ best score of the week before (The Open), being added to a professional’s score for the last two rounds at Turnberry. Many other Outbackers donated their tournament winnings, ‘2’s money, golf club sales or just hard cash to generously help out.
Thanks go out to the various individuals and organisations that donated the prizes including The Diana Group, The Classroom, Laem Chabang, Burapha, Pattaya Country Club, the PSC and the ‘virtual driving range’ down at Green Valley.
The Outback, of course, provided the customary cottage pie and Thai food back at the bar afterwards.
So on to the golf!
A two-person Texas stableford means both team members drive off – one drive is selected – and then each player completes the hole from that point with his own ball and marks his stableford score accordingly. The two scores are then simply added together and marked down as the team score. Each team must use a minimum of six drives from each players.
Having never played this format before, there was great temptation to think; “well my partner’s played a good shot, I can give this a real go”, but of course that’s not the case – it’s a scramble – you still have to finish the hole on your own.
Nevertheless, it proved to be great fun and many enjoyed the format.
The clear winners were Paul Greenaway & Rosco with a great score of 84 (Paul 45 points & Rosco 39) followed by course specialists, Chad & Geoff Moodie (80) and two more course specialists, whose handicaps are coming down fast (particularly Noy), Ian Covill & Noy (79) back in third.
Near Pins were won by Dennis Persson (Turnip) hole 5, Rosco (hole 7), Frank (himself) hole 12 and Ian Covill (hole 16). There were also three ‘2’s from Steve Milne, Turnip & Paul Greenaway.
1st Paul Greenaway (12) & Rosco Langoulant (12) 84pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (20) & Geoff Moodie (28) 80pts
3rd Ian Covill (13) & Noy Kamsantia (22) 79pts
4th John Stafford (20) & Bob Lindborg (14) 77pts
5th Frank O’Neill (16) & Graham Ramsay (18) 77pts
Friday, August 14, Laem Chabang - Stableford
Another day of split tees, in the very hot & humid conditions with a tricky swirling wind standing on the first tee, made for a difficult choice. Starting on Lake (B) to be followed by Valley (C), most of the 24 Outbackers opted to play from the whites, knowing that C from the blue tees ain’t no pussycat.
Six chose to give it a try and Mark Penfold (1st from the blues) showed his golfing prowess once again with his third straight 36 points in a row playing with the Outback. In second was from Paul Bourke, who has just come back from Aus, scoring a very creditable 33. Briany Christie (27pts), who is reluctantly returning to Ireland on Sunday, said afterwards, “It said ‘golfer’s only’ as I entered the changing rooms, I thought I was lost!”
The white tee boys fared a little better, but not better than handicap, with three all on 35 points headed by ‘straight down the middle’ George Bishop, from Tony Garnett and Andy Butterworth. They were followed by three more on 34 points including Capt’ Bob, just returning from injury off a dodgy 9 handicap and Rosco and Joe, who couldn’t be split down to the last hole and were awarded fifth equal.
There were three ‘2’s; one from Mark Penfold (blue tees) and from Rosco and Pete Stonebridge (white tees).
Blue Tees
1st Mark Penfold (4) 36pts
2nd Paul Bourke (11) 33pts
White Tees
1st George Bishop (16) 35pts
2nd Tony Garnett (13) 35pts
3rd Andy Butterworth (12) 35pts
4th Bob Philp (9) 34pts
5th Rosco Langoulant (12) 34pts
5th Joe Mooneyham (12) 34pts
Friday, August 14, The Emerald - Stableford
There were only 8 Outbackers who chose the alternative Friday venue of The Emerald, however, the course was in fine condition following the recent rain and lack of customers but the weather today was sunny, hot and humid.
Seven of the eight players (the more sprightly ones) chose to have a buggy on their own, whilst ‘Golden Oldie’ Nigel decided to walk!
When the results were calculated by organiser ‘Chad’, Barry Chadbourn, it was found that the walk was worth it! (it always has been the proper way to play golf), with Nigel Cannon (23) in top spot on 35 points and the runner-up was the in-form Bruce Milner (11) on 34. There were no ‘2’s.
1st Nigel Cannon (23) 35pts
2nd Bruce Milner (11) 34pts
Note: If you played this course, the Outback would like you to comment on our forum, outbackchat – topic, “course reviews”, which can be found on our website, www.outbackgolfbar.com. This would help others as to the current condition of the courses in the area. For example: value for money (green fee & cart etc), pace of play, condition of the fairways, condition of the greens, caddies, and drink stops & restaurant. Even if you played a different course, please send in your review for all to read. The more the merrier.
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.

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League

Results & Standings August 14 (week 2)

O’Leary’s played host to the Londoner, and in a tight evening of darts O’Leary’s managed to stop the Londoner gaining their first win, the Lepracorns taking the game 5-4. The Londoner proved to be the thirstier team however and won the beer.
Melly let his team out of the dungeon for their match at Cheers. The bright lights of Pattaya Land was obviously just to much for Melly’s Crew to handle; Stan’s Boys & Girls upsetting the apple cart by taking both game and beer. Darts Cheers.
Reigning league champions Lucky Time welcomed back Brucie for the evening. OK Corral put up a good fight but lost the game to Lucky Time. Lucky Time were very thirsty and rushed through the beer leg (average score 63) to check out leaving the Posse trailing on 339.
The Sunshine Boys took both honors off the Blue Mountain, whilst the Bunker Boys also won both at Palmers Golf & Country Club.
I heard a rumour that a Middle Eastern gentleman had been making personal enquiries of Gorgeous George: “Is that his real hair colour?” “What was his favorite aftershave?” “What is GG’s inside leg measurement?” etc. Bob said that he was not bothered by these rumours as he had heard that this Middle East gentleman was a lesbian. And here was me thinking he was Lebanese!
For the second week running none of Lance’s team mates have stitched him up! However, a little bird told me that last week Lance lost against a girl (again); doesn’t that make 2 losses against girls in the last 3 matches?
I have received no nominations for ‘Wally of the Week’ so I will nominate myself for it, believing that I would be snowed under with players wanting to stitch their mates up!

Lorne does it again

Pattaya Backgammon League

Gabriel Davis
On behalf of the Pattaya Backgammon League, I would like to thank Mr. Lorne R. from Canada for spending some time with us at our weekly tournament at Somboons Restaurant on Dong Tarn Beach, where last Friday, August 14, he placed 1st for the second time in 2 weeks.
In the third round he defeated a player from Singapore who is ranked #14 in the world at the time of this writing. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a good look at the match as I was paired up with my old sparring partner, Mr. Brown, with whom you can always expect an entertaining match.
The PBL would also like to thank Mr. Gary and Mrs. Alice from Chicago for playing in our event as our tournament player field seems to grow each week. Thanks to all our regular resident players who form the nucleus of our league.
As already mentioned, we meet every Friday and for more details you can visit our website www.pattayabackgammonleague .com where you will find pictures and event happenings in the Asia Pacific area. The Japan Open starts September 21 and reigning world champion “Mochy”, the first Japanese player to win the title in its 34 year history, will give a lecture on the game.

League leaders stumble as chasing pack close in

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Indiana won all four points from Swethai to move into third place all on their own and only two points behind second place.

200 Bowlers: Kaew, Leo and Tue.
First placed Café Kronborg lost three points to Brother D and second place Sala Thai Restaurant lost three to Canada: Ooy Pluemkamon had a very good day for Canada with games of 185, 180 and 198 for a 563 series.
Joe Ferral bowled a good 557 series and Kaew added a 534 for VFW Post 9876 to lead them to a four point sweep over Café Ole with Tue Pettae bowling a 213 game and 532 for Café Ole.
Bavaria moved up from 8th to 6th place after they won all four points from Jack Tar: Leo Kretscher had another good day bowling a 220 game and 549 series for Bavaria.
Green Chilli got back on the winning track as they took three points from Sabai Sabai Friday.