Mr Paul’s big haul

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

All the regulars were there, at Pattana, on Tuesday, September 15, as the Pattaya Golf Society called to play a stableford round over the C and A nines.
The course was empty when the group arrived and they were ushered to C1 to start ahead of time only to see the C9th green being heavily sanded. Assured by the starter that it was the only hole under repairs the group teed off. When they arrived at the fourth green they realised the marshall had been “optimistic” in his assessment of the situation. The group made a good fist of it however on the front nine where the white tees were well back. The conditions took their toll and only one golfer managed to break par.
Sharing third place with 31 points were Tony Thorne and Masa Takano, a full three points behind runner-up Kazuo Takimoto whose round was also the best gross of the day. The winner was the self-effacing gentle giant, Paul Brett whose “cack-handed” and unorthodox style reaped 39 points for his customary win each trip. Accuracy was the key to Paul”s round and some unerring approach shots set up his putting for a good points haul.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and at the presentation Emiel van de Wiele was awarded his “Player of the Month” prize. He also received the Booby Bevy after his worst round in months at a course he normally plays well.
It all served as a reminder that golfers cannot take anything for granted, even on a course they love to play.
Japanese One-Two at Greenwood
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Greenwood on Thursday, September 17 to play a stableford competition over the B and C nines on the popular golf course. The course was soft after much heavy rain but the greens were excellent, as always.
The rains continued to put a damper on the PGS day but eventually relented on the back nine to allow the golfers some respite. Good scores were at a premium and Richard Hurley posted a score of 35 points to take third place.
The Japanese duo of Kazuo Takimoto and Masanori Takano shared the win with 37 points each and for Masa his practice session involving hitting seventeen trays of balls at Greenway the day before obviously paid off, on this his last round this trip.
Bill Quon shot the day’s sole birdie ‘2’ on the sixth hole on the C nine.
Garry Hookey, just returned from a cruise around the Med, shot the lowest score of the day and. as the excesses of his marine adventure had enlarged his waistline, Mr Chris awarded him the Booby Bevy for cramping his driving style to and from the course.
All in a day’s work Mr Chris, and a profitable day’s work for Taki and Masa.
Family Fortunes at Green Valley
Saturday, September 19, saw the Pattaya Golf Society forsake their base in Soi Buakhao for the peace of Green Valley and their usual weekend stableford competition. The largest field for a while signalled the return of many old friends and the pace of play was good from the start. There was a very humid feel about the day but the course was well set-up and the rain thankfully held off until the final group had returned to the clubhouse.
In third place was Garry Hookey with a consistent 33 points, just one behind Chris Voller whose best gross gave him 34 points from a round where he only used his putter twenty-seven times. Such was the standard of his iron approach play and putting.
Nothing could separate the joint winners, Harry and Ya Riley. Playing in different groups both scored 35 points off the same mid-teens handicap. Ya now plays her golf only from the white tees, head-to-head with the lads, and always poses a threat to her male peers. Friendly rivalry with husband Harry only spurs her game on.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and Morimoto Hiroshi chose to take a back seat in the competition, and savour his first taste of golf in the Kingdom. His 34 points would have put him well in the frame, but choosing to join IPGC after his round meant he only won the Booby Bevy for his efforts. After all, “you have to be in it to win it”!
Despite the humidity it had been another very pleasant Green Valley Saturday with the PGS.

Dietrich takes home the bacon at Green Valley

PSC golf with The Phoenix Tuesday & Green Valley Friday Group

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, Sept. 15, Phoenix
Yet another lovely day at Phoenix and still enjoying millionaire’s golf: hardly anyone to be seen and course records being broken every week. This week it was a time record having no hold ups at all.
The Mountain and Lakes course are now both in superb condition and the Ocean will be opening next week. Hopefully the greens staff will allow it to mature a little before opening to the crowds. All too often after they have closed a nine holes they re-open too early and it takes about 3 weeks for the condition to be enjoyably played. Far too much sand is put on the course and the grass can only grow at normal speed. Never mind, as I have been firmly reminded in an email today from the good old country its P***ing down there. Brings it home don’t it.
This week we had some good golf and even better company. Sadly Graham Richmond leaves us for a while to go earn a few shillings, as does Stuart Gordon, but only for a couple of weeks.
Our winner today (for the first time this year) was our wonderful and ever smiling Giorgio Baccioli with 36 points. Second place went to Graham Dietrich with 33 points and third was Graham Richmond with 32 points.
Technical prizes went to Graham Richmond and Graham Dietrich, and the lucky draws went to John Bartley, Stuart Gordon and Kevin Bird, leaving poor old Bill Campbell and myself empty handed on the day. Never mind, we all still enjoyed our first drink free back at Toy’s Music Bar before trotting off to Trattoria Italiana for a lovely meal to end a perfect day.
Friday. Sept. 18, Green Valley
Seven players out today which almost filled our ambitions. So a three and a four-ball started off on a perfect day as far as the weather was concerned. This also spilled over to the condition of the course. One has to say that as much as I revere the grounds of Phoenix, this course at Green Valley takes some beating for manicure. Pity my golf don’t match up to it.
However, it certainly inspired Graham Dietrich who came in with a blistering 39 points (gross 79) to take the spoils on the day with the in form Giorgio Baccioli claiming second place and John Bartley coming in third.
Both days (Phoenix on Tuesday and Green Valley on Friday) start at 12.00 noon tee time. Presentation on Tuesdays is at Toy’s Music Bar and on Fridays at Green Valley in the 19th hole stud bar.
If you are interested in joining in the fun (and that’s what is mostly is) contact me (Mike Gerrard) on 087 091 7565 or just turn up. However if you just turn up unannounced we cannot guarantee you a game but will try all we can to fit you in.

Kraft takes it by a whisker

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Tuesday, Sept. 15, opened at the Pattaya Country Club with some rain drops and threatening clouds. Nothing came of the rain and most of the course was played with comfortable partly cloudy skies. The course was in good shape with the greens a bit fast for some.

Winner Paul Kraft (left) with runner-up Brian Orr.

Paul Kraft, getting back in form after his shoulder problem layoff, pulled off a birdie on No.12 but missed an 18 inch birdie putt on treacherous No.16. Back at Caddy Shack II, where Herbie Ishinaga provided some great meat loaf sandwich slices as well as chips and snacks, a tally of cards showed a tie with both Paul Kraft and Brian Orr coming in with 40 points each. On count-back it was Paul who won first place with 21 while Brian had 20. Refreshments were on hand to celebrate the good scores.

The Cap’n sails home

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, September 14, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Mikael Andersson 37pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 36pts
3rd Arthur Hancock 35pts
4th Chris Knapp 33pts
5th John Harris 33pts
Playing from further back than usual off the weekday white tees was a little more than most of the hopefuls could manage, but surprisingly the CSS stayed at 72 although only by a hair’s breadth.
Mikael Andersson, now seemingly on the road to recovery in his golfing life, just held off the challenge of Alan Griffiths, winning by a single stroke with crucially a better inward half, after Alan had slipped following a good start.
Arthur Hancock celebrated his return to golf out of Soi 13 with a well deserved third place having returned a one over handicap card and finishing two ahead of the chasing pair, Chris Knapp and John Harris, with Chris taking fourth spot with the better count back of 18 to 17.
There were no 2’s in the first division, but thankfully the second division’s huge rollover pot was claimed by John Harris, to head off the rumours that the stakeholder was preparing to do a runner with the loot and retire to his secret estates in the far south east.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Arthur Hancock, Mikael Andersson and Geoff Picken.
Wednesday, September 16, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Arthur Hancock 39pts
2nd Brian Kelly 36pts
3rd Mikael Andersson 34pts
4th Trevor Schirmer 32pts
5th Rod Howett 32pts
Arthur Hancock went four better in scoring and two better in the final result as he took his first win out of The Haven for some considerable time with an excellent round at the always difficult Emerald course in Ban Chang.
The final margin of three shots could have been even more if one or three of those tricky puts had dropped, but he finished three ahead of Brian Kelly’s level par round and added to his success in the 2’s. It all made for a very happy Arthur as he prepares to return to his real day job over the next month.
Mikael Andersson took control of third place a further two behind Brian and two ahead of fourth place. That was held by Trevor Schirmer who won the count back with Rod Howett with a score of 17 to 15.
Arthur Hancock picked up the first division rollover pool in the 2’s and John Ingram slipped one in to take the second division.
Back at The Haven B.J. Smith was welcomed back from his sightseeing tour of the north eastern region a lot wiser but poorer as usual. There was also a farewell to Arthur Hancock.
Friday, September 18, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Chris Knapp 40pts
2nd Benn Nelson 38pts
3rd Rod Howett 34pts
4th Masanori Takano 34pts
5th Shuichi Kodaka 34pts
It could be argued that playing your home course gives one a definite advantage over the rest of the field that does not play it so often, but when you start double-double, it takes a fair amount of application to see the day off to a good finish.
Chris Knapp started badly on the Mountain course, but then put in a stunning run of six gross pars and a bogey and then started the back nine, played over the Lakes nine, with another par to set up a great recovery and a four under handicap round that was good enough by two to take the day’s top spot.
Benn Nelson must have thought that he was in with a chance as he went round in two under handicap, but with Chris in such great form he had to be content with a very creditable second.
Rod Howett moved up the podium from his earlier win of the week, taking third place by count back from Masanori Takano with a better back nine of 18 to 17. Masanori prevailed over Shuichi Kodaka for fourth, also by count back, as Shuichi finished with 16 on the inward half.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Paul Taylor, Russell Exley and Alan Griffiths with two shared the first division pot.
Prior to the prize giving Tim Williams, Benn Nelson, Dirk Fleenor, Shane Heavey and Tom Parks were welcomed back and the was also a farewell to Masanori Takano who was returning home to keep an eye on a few things.
Rounding off the evening was an announcement of the next IPGC Monthly Medal to be held at Eastern Star on October 7 for which the entry is just 300 baht. This includes the prize fund, trophies and free buffet prior to the presentations. As usual there will be three divisions in the gentlemen’s section each with three prizes and a winner’s medal, and a ladies section. Sign ups can be made at any of the IPGC venues and should be completed as soon as possible to ensure inclusion in the starting line up.

The scribe denies Nar her maiden win

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, Sept. 14, Rayong C.C. – Stableford
This was our first visit here for over three years and with the reports that have filtered back to Siam Cats the field of 28 players were looking forward to an enjoyable day. The clubhouse and changing rooms were acceptable by most and the seven groups were given the all clear to tee off at 9.45, 15 minutes ahead of our booking time.

Division 2 winners at Eastern Star: Heikke Tehro, Ken and Steve Ironside.

There was disappointment all round when we arrived at the first green to find it heavily sanded and holitized, this ensued for the next eight holes but the back nine there was a slight improvement, but as to our next visit, we will wait and see.
There were some good scores coming in within the second division. Two players contested third place with 36 points each, but Kalevi Luukkonen beat Richard Kings on a back six count back of 13/11. In her best score ever, Nar Hector finished second with 39 points and had hopes to win the division, but it was disappointment all round when she found out the organizer had beaten her by one point, sorry Nar.
Yet again count back Burnie Sinclair lost out with a 20/19 back nine score beating him after he and Terry Cowell both came in with 34 points in the first division. Steve Ironside finishes third with 33 points.
Near Pins went to (Div 1) Bill Hewitt, Keith Hector, Mam Morel and Burnie Sinclair; and (Div 2) Joe Kubon, Dan Morgan and Miss Nang (2).
There were no ‘2’s today in either division.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, Pattana – Stableford
There were another seven groups out today and as the first group teed-off on the A course, the dark clouds were gathering in the background. The first group reached the fourth tee before the rain started and this became stronger over the next twenty minutes and we were all forced to take shelter.
With very heavy spasmodic showers and thunder and lightening over the next hour the competition was cancelled for the day as the course was totally saturated. Many thanks to the management for giving everybody an 18 hole rain check for our next game.
Friday, Sept. 18, Eastern Star – Stableford
Another seven groups out today and with a few more single handicappers the 50% cut in the stableford division cards was 1-18 and 19 plus.
After his recent marriage things must be looking up for ‘the old man’ as he came in with 35 points, but unfortunately he lost out to Steve Ironside who beat him on a 17/15 back nine count back for second. One point ahead and the winner in division 2 was Heikki Tehro.
There was no Ya Riley today in the placings in division 1, but keeping it in the family her other half won with 37 points. Terry Cowell came in second with 33 points and Tom Sathrum took third one point behind.
After his return from Luxembourg, and an abysmal round on Monday, Georges Faber recorded the only birdie of the day on the 13th to win the division 1 prize. After six rounds there was still no ‘2’ in division 2, an interesting game next Friday.
Congratulations also to Miss Tar for winning her first prize with us with her nearest the pin in division 2 on the 13th. The Near Pins were split as follows: (Div 1) Paul Butler, Georges Faber and Tom Sathrum; and (Div 2) Steve Ironside (2) and Miss Tar.

Darren pips Ray for NTP & Rundown

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday was our fortnightly visit to The Emerald, where we were met with the best greens the club has offered up in a long time: smooth and fast, which suited regular visitor and scratch golfer Darren Ottaway, who fired an impressive 1 under for 37 points. He was followed in second position by Ray Ryan (24) with 31, while in third was Jim Fortune (23) with 30 on count back.

Tuesday’s top three: Darren Ottaway, Ray Ryan and Jim Fortune.

Darren also grabbed 2 NTPs (Near Pins), 1 of which he took off Ray, who had knocked it inside 5 foot, while Ken Hole snaffled the other NTP decided.
On Thursday we were off to Greenwood, where the C & B layout would be our test this day.
We set off under cloudy skies and were sheltering from a heavy storm after 7 holes. The rain & thunder soon cleared, and we resumed our round, with “lift, clean & place” needing to be implemented for the second nine.
Ted Gardner (9) was best able to cope with the conditions, recording 37 points, Ian Hart (21) scored 30 for second, while Ray Ryan visited the podium again, taking third with a score of 28 points.
All 4 of the NTPs went unclaimed, M’mmm, not sure what that indicates, tough conditions or what! However as a group we have decided that in future, 50% of unclaimed NTPs prize money will be donated to Ray’s chosen charity, The Banglamung Boys Home, with the balance being rolled into the general prize pool.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally 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.
For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094 1841 or Ray 081 935 8088.
Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!

G.G. canters in at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Bob Newell
Monday, Sept 14, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Gareth Gill (9) 41pts
2nd Jeff Cordiero (6) 37pts
3rd Joe Kowalczyk (21) 35pts
4th Sugar Robertson (8) 34pts
Another successful day was had at this very popular local course. The Golf Club once again gave an indication of how welcoming and cosmopolitan it is. On this day we had 24 players with nationalities from all around the world, with people from the USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Australia and Japan. It provided a great mix of personalities for the day and continued into the night back at the Golf Club.
The scores were generally very respectable; with the tees mostly back in a more challenging position than on the weekends it was the low handicap players who dominated the places.

Jez Lees (seated) with his entourage after a tough first day at Soi Dao.

Sugar Robertson, although struggling a little with his putter, returned a good 34 points under the circumstances and took fourth spot. One of our new members, Joe Kowalczyk, now forever to be known simply as Joe ‘K’, recorded an impressive 35 points. He took third place and, considering he was trying out new clubs, this was a commendable effort. He may well be figuring in the places many times in the future. Someone who already is, is the very steady and reliable Jeff Cordiero. The 6 handicapper knocked out 37 points to take second place.
The day’s top honours, however, could only have gone to one man, big Gareth Gill. The gentle giant produced a stunning round of golf for a 5 under par 41 points that could have been even better but for lipping out on a few holes. He and Sugar competed all the way round, smashing monster drives regularly up to the 300 yard mark, witnessed by one very intimidated (and jealous) scribe.
Gareths efforts earned him an immediate one shot cut to eight. What a pity he works away so often and rarely plays because on this form he would surely trim his handicap even more.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, Eastern Star - Stableford
1st Bob Newell (6) 32pts
2nd Jay Nakagawa (16) 28pts
The last time we played Eastern Star was some time ago and the course was in very poor condition due to the work being carried out. Recent reports indicated that it was getting better all the time and worth another visit.
Our small group still travelled to the venue with some trepidation, however our concerns proved to be unfounded, the remedial work carried out around the fringes and aprons of the greens appear, largely, to have been successful. All seem to be knitting well and played as true as could be expected.
The course has always been a good lay-out and test of golf and today was no different, with the many, large water hazards claiming a considerable number of balls. Hence, scoring was pretty average, with Seamless claiming top spot on 32 points.
A special mention must be made for the caddies: at times, I think, we are all a little guilty of blaming our caddies but today, without exception, we had a great bunch. They were good fun and knowledgeable and helped to contribute to a great day’s golf and we shall certainly be back soon.
Friday, Sept 18, Soi Dao Road Trip- (Day 1)
1st Jez Lees (15) 41pts
2nd Mark Wood (7) 38pts
3rd Martin Zimmerman (15) 34pts
Near Pins: #3 Bob Newell, #12 Gareth Gill
For such a hastily arranged trip (only 4 days notice) and despite some inevitable late withdrawals, a turn-out of 16 people was very acceptable. Sometimes a party of this size is actually more fun than some of the larger ones, indeed this proved to be the case here and there were plenty of memorable moments and I’m certain that the trip was enjoyed by all.
It was very much a mixed crowd with plenty of hardened Soi Dao veterans and more than a few first-timers. As one of the vets I was keeping my fingers crossed that the newbies didn’t catch the bad weather and soggy conditions that can prevail at this time of the year. We need not have worried though. Despite a tremendous downpour at the end of the first day (when I think only the last group got caught) and a similar storm almost immediately that we turned the van out on the road to come home, we enjoyed 2 rounds of fantastic weather. The sun really does shine on the righteous.
The first day’s golf produced some good scores, which is not always easy to do after a long drive in. Four players were tied just outside the places on 33 points. These were the in-form Gareth ‘the gorilla’ Gill, Brian Holden and Brad ‘I’m from Canada actually’ Sproxton.
Taking third spot for the day with his 34 points was Martin Zimmerman. He too has been putting together some good scores of late despite having a bad back!
In second place, fresh from his supporting the top billing at Biddy Mulligans, was ‘happy shoes’ himself Mark ‘I can do that one’ Wood. He carded an excellent 38 points but the joy was short-lived when he found the evenings karaoke had been cancelled. A tip-off perhaps?
First place went to a man who has, to put it mildly, been in the doldrums for the past year, the Principal, Jez Lees. During this bad run I was unfortunate enough to have been his partner on most occasions which has resulted in me only being able to afford a one-bedroom condo in Jomtien, as opposed to the 3 bedroom penthouse at North Point that I had promised myself.
Today was a different story though. Jez has never broken 80 and at 3 over gross after 13 I think he just got ahead of himself and thought he was actually a golfer! He blobbed 15 from nowhere and double bogied 16. He managed to rally though and finished with a brilliant 41 points.
Always one to celebrate, win or lose, I feel this return to the podium got him a little too excited and the evening crowd witnessed a cabaret performance that would have put Oliver Reed to shame, before he ‘hit the wall’ that is. He duly received 500 lines ‘I will not drink red wine again’.
Saturday, Sept 19, Soi Dao Road Trip- (Day 2)
Team Comp
1st Capt Mark Wood, Maralyn Hayes, Mark Warburton, Brad Sproxton
Near Pins: #16 Mark Wood
Optional Individual
1st Mark Wood 37pts
2nd Sugar Robertson 37pts
3rd Jez Lees 36pts
Today the gang were seeded into groups and played a best 2 from 4 stableford plus an optional singles competition and that name Mark Wood pops up all over the place.
The three losing sides were all pretty much around the same score but Mark’s side took first place easily with a very good 81 points. He also got the near pin on 16, as he did on day one, shame that one didn’t count.
In the singles no one would have expected Jez to even make the first tee after his previous nights exertions, indeed many were trying to get bets on, unfortunately we couldn’t because he’d lost the power of speech, so his 36 rounded off a good trip for him and a welcome return to form.
Battling it out for top place were the two Scotsmen; Sugar Robertson pushed Mark hard, both on 37 with Sugar only losing out on the back six. They were discussing later how their games had gone, at least we think that’s what they were talking aboot!
The presentation was held later back at the Golf Club, with a very generous bell-ring from Mark and everyone commenting on a good trip.

Clive Bruce continues fine form

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Damian Trant
Monday, Sept. 14, Plutaluang - Stableford
First of all I’d like to apologise to Brian Orr and all my fans for not being able to write up the golf reports last week. I had a reason but I’ve forgotten what that reason was. Brian “The me man” Orr was particularly upset as he had a couple of great rounds and was looking forward reading my praises. So once again Brian, accept my apologies and I promise I won’t miss you out again.

Bruce Tollit, the Big Dr. John, the slim looking Gus Dickie and little Keith Fortt (at least little for the day).

Back to this week and Plutalung was our venue for Monday and I have to say that it was in excellent nick. Due to the quiet times and Plutalung not being everybody’s cup of tea there was only one flight, but there were some great scores on the day.
In third place, returning to form with a great score of 38 points was our very own music man Ben Findon. Taking second because of a better back nine was the man of very few words Mike Alidi. Mr. Consistent Clive Bruce took top spot with a magnificent 76 gross (39 points), continuing to play beautiful golf since returning from England. The question is, will Clive be able to continue this from long enough to carry me in next Friday’s 2-man scramble? Let’s hope so.
1st Clive Bruce 39pts
2nd M Alidi 38pts
3rd Ben Findon 38pts
Friday, Sept. 18, Green Valley - Stableford
On a day that saw inconsistent weather, inconsistent greens and inconsistent scores, it was all overshadowed by one of the most spectacular looking things I have ever seen: that being the Big Friendly Giant, Dr. John Napomisit. At six feet ten inches (2.08m) tall with a size 21 shoe he must be by far the biggest golfer Pattaya has ever seen and what a lovely guy too. Dr. John can also play and his 36 points off his ten handicap was good enough for second place.
The normally big Graham Beaumont took third place with 32 points and for once yours truly looked like a midget on the podium, winning with a score of 37 points.
In B Flight it was a case of same old story, Les “the go-go” Hall with 36 points beating Ramsey Smith by one stoke. Sam Fitzsimmons was well back in third with 32 points but he also got a ‘2’ and was also winner of the worst dance celebration when getting it.
A Flight
1st Damian Trant 37pts
2nd John Napomisit 36pts
3rd Graham Beaumont 32pts
B Flight
1st Les Hall 36pts
2nd Ramsay Smith 35pts
3rd Sam Fitzsimmons 32pts

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

This week and next, some famous bridge quotes.  Starting with one of my favourites, a comment made by Jan Janitschke  when his partner put down dummy:
“Where’s the hand you held during the auction?” 

From Victor Mollo (writing in the character of Rueful Rabbit):
“Bridge is a great comfort in your old age.  It also helps you get there faster.”

 Now, a few from Alfred Sheinwold:
“It’s not enough to win the tricks that belong to you.  Try also for some that belong to the opponents.” 
“One advantage of bad bidding is that you get practice at playing atrocious contracts.”
 “The real test of a bridge player isn’t in keeping out of trouble, but in escaping once he’s in.” 

And a similar thought from Alan Sontag:
“It is not the handling of difficult hands that makes a winning player. There aren’t enough of them. It is the ability to avoid messing up the easy ones.”

Now a few from Edgar Kaplan:
“Zia Mahmood gave himself some very good advice when he said ‘Stop’. But he paid no attention.” 
“If you are a good enough player, you can get away with making mistakes because nobody will believe it.” 
“That’s the story of my life—all my life, I’ve been setting up non-working endplays.”

 And a couple of anonymous ones:
“I’d like a review of the bidding with all the original inflections.” 
“South: Alert
East: Yes?
South: I’m requested to further misdescribe my hand.” 
Send me your interesting hands or good quotes at: [email protected].

Cannon comes out guns blazing at Pattaya C.C.

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, Sept. 14, Burapha - Stableford
No less than nine of the 23 Outbackers playing the C & D nines, were quick to take advantage of Capt’ Bob’s popular decision for them to play from the white tees; all scoring 36 points or more.

Brian Elsegood (right), top scorer of the day at Laem Chabang, with his mate Bryan Moore wearing the ‘booby’ prize silly hat.

Thirty eight points was the minimum requirement just to finish on the podium in both divisions. Jim Brackett headed Div A with a fine 74 gross (worth 39pts) off his recently adjusted handicap of 5; followed by Paul Bourke and one of Jim’s playing partners, Kevin Moraghan, both with 38.
One of the Aussie visitors, Chris Van Hausen ran away with Div B with the top score of the day of 41 points, ahead of Outback regular, Ivan Plunkett (38pts), who has made the frame a couple of times this week. Murray Hart took some time out from his busy working schedule, to also rack up 38 points to finish third. Both Geoff Treloar and another regular Outbacker, Bob Lindborg also had notable scores of 37 points.
Finally, welcome back to Carl Luke, who toiled out there a bit but nevertheless enjoyed himself as always.
There was again a ‘jackpot 2’, this time from John Mills, another of the Aussie visitors.
Div A (0-14)
1st James Brackett (5) 39pts
2nd Paul Bourke (10) 38pts
3rd Kevin Moraghan (13) 38pts
Div B (15+)
1st Chris Van Hausen (28) 41pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (19) 38pts
3rd Murray Hart (16) 38pts
Tuesday, Sept. 15, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
There were 16 Outbackers who made the short journey across the 36 to receive the usual warm welcome from the PCC staff – as you drive to the to the drop-off, four caddies rise and give the traditional Thai ‘wai’.
The course was again not busy, and in good condition, it was noticeable that the recent work on the greens had been effective with them (the greens) being the speediest of late.
We welcomed Tony McDonough and Noel Taylor, two Aussie visitors and a welcome back to America’s very own Bob Martin.
Today, there was only one flight, interestingly enough, whilst calculating the results, the day’s organiser ‘Chad’ aka Barry Chadbourn noticed that the top three places came from the same group as did the only ‘2’. Norm, the other member of that group must have felt a little left out!
It was PCC member and regular Outbacker, Nigel Cannon (22) who was top with 40 points, earning himself an immediate h’cap revision from 22.3 to 20.9.
The two Aussies followed close behind with Noel Taylor and Tony McDonough on 39 & 38 points respectively and Tony also having the only ‘2’.
Fourth today was the ‘bookies friend’, Charles Sheppard (16) with 36.
The Outback are at Pattaya Country Club every Tuesday with a tee time of 09.30; sign up at the bar or give Capt’ Bob a call.
1st Nigel Cannon (22) 40pts
2nd Noel Taylor (21) 39pts
3rd McDonough Tony (12) 38pts
4th Charles Sheppard (16) 36pts
Wednesday, Sept. 16, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Three groups (12 Outbackers) made it to this wonderful but tricky Khao Kheow course to play the premier A & B nines from the yellow tees. This is a great venue that is most definitely underplayed, probably due to it being so tough and frightening away many a player. It is also fantastic value and rumours abound that PSC groups will get some very privileged rates throughout the high season; which if true, the Outback will consider coming here on alternate Fridays; if talks with Laem Chabang to negotiate a rate for November, fail.
John Cogan stepped up to the mark with an excellent 37 points, including a birdie on the last hole (B9), to boost his score by five points. On the same score was Noel Taylor followed by the day’s organiser, the Sugarman, back in third on 33.
1st John Cogan (20) 37pts
2nd Noel Taylor (21) 37pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (19) 33pts
4th Chris Fletcher (9) 31pts
Thursday, Sept. 17, Green Valley - Stableford
Firstly, Steve Ready has to be congratulated on actually making it to a golf course on time to play with the other 10 Outbackers, well done Steve! Secondly, he has to be congratulated again for coming second with 34 points.
It was a good effort but no where near enough to catch Alan Bishop, who was four clear winning easily, with 38 points. Bryan Moore headed the Aussie contingent to grab third on 33, whilst Suzi Lawton, turned in one of her worst performances for a long time; perhaps the return of her husband the day before, had something to do with it! (Welcome back John).
There were two ‘2’s from Alan Bishop and Geoff Doody.
1st Alan Bishop (16) 38pts
2nd Steve Ready (19) 34pts
3rd Bryan Moore (27) 33pts
Friday, Sept. 18, Laem Chabang - Stableford
The return to the infamous Laem Chabang course after an absence of three weeks was hailed with a record turnout for the low season of 54 Outbackers. The course was in magnificent condition but very quiet, enabling the starter to give Capt’ Bob a surprise two-tee start on either Valley (C), the front nine, or Mountain (A). Seemingly the conditions were pretty benign; little or no wind of any significance on C, a little fresher on A, certainly a club or two on some holes; the greens were fine but slower on C than on A.
The field split into four divisions, all playing from the white tees, the narrowest being Div B covering just three handicaps (13 to 15) and 14 players in that band alone vying for the top spot. So everything was set for some highly competitive golf with some excellent scoring but for some inexplicable reason, it did not happen.
The top score of the day was just 34 points coming from Brian Elsegood, the winner of Div B, followed by regular Outbackers, Pete Stonebridge (33) and George Bishop (32); with Carl Luke also on 32, taking the fourth spot.
A hotly contested Div A, resulted in three players tied on 33 points; Paul Sharples getting the nod over the in form Jim Brackett and another Paul, Paul Bourke; with yet another Paul, this time Mr Greenaway, back in fourth with 32 points.
Two Irish lads took the honours in Div C, both with the modest score of 32; John Stafford collecting his first prize at the presentation, hardly believing he’d done enough to win. Another of the Aussie visitors, Chris Van Hausen, having already been cut two shots this week, won Div D with 33 points, ahead of another from the same stable, Geoff Treloar on 31; and welcome back to Mick Moore, surprisingly in third with only 29.
There were only two ‘2’s today, Capt’ Bob reportedly having missed a sitter of no more than three feet, and they came from Bruce McAdam and Mike Hender.
Div A (0-12)
1st Sharples Paul (8) 33pts
2nd James Brackett (5) 33pts
3rd Bourke Paul (10) 33pts
4th Paul Greenaway (10) 32pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Brian Elsegood (15) 34pts
2nd Peter Stonebridge (14) 33pts
3rd George Bishop (14) 32pts
4th Carl Luke (13) 32pts
Div C (16-24)
1st John Stafford (21) 32pts
2nd John Cogan (20) 32pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (21) 31pts
4th Murray Hart (16) 31pts
Div D (22+)
1st Chris Van Hausen (26) 33pts
2nd Geoff Treloar (24) 31pts
3rd Mick Moore (24) 29pts
4th Graham Fletcher (24) 28pts

On the road

The Pattaya Backgammon League

Gabriel Davis
Through out history most glory comes through conquest; usually not in the land you were born. Today, I have arrived in Japan to descend upon the Japanese title and bring it back to Thailand. Tomorrow’s battles play out in advance, racing through my mind, how I envision my victory will come. I can even see how I will look when accepting the title with cameras flashing and TV reporters asking for interviews.

Going on the road has always been an expensive venture with small chances of reward, feast or famine. Here is a list of my expenses: 18k air, 3k food-cigs, 2.5k hotel, 15k entry fee to Japan Open and another 10k for next two nights hotel at the playing venue and lastly, I add another 4k to money that falls between the cracks. This comes to 53,000 baht out of the war chest, not a small price to pay for a 4 day raid! How much in possible wins has yet to be determined as I am still in an airport hotel and have not seen how many players are registered.
Mochy, the current world champion will not be playing the event as he is in Prague playing in a world series of backgammon event. Too bad, as winning the Japanese title from him in the finals would be a story book end to my journey. Next week, I’ll post full details how the Japan Open plays out.
Illustrated here is a position from match play which when asked what I thought the correct move was, seemed clear to me, though I was wrong. This comes from a 7 point match with a score of 0-0. White has double ones (11) to play.
My immediate response, when asked, was to make the 5 point; a solid move which strengthens the structure of my home board and gives me a stronger attacking position if I were to hit an open checker with many moves/rolls to come.
What would you do?

Sala Thai Restaurant beat Café Kronborg to claim title

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Sala Thai Restaurant took all four points from Café Kronborg to overtake them and win first place in the league. Somrak led Sala Thai with a 209 game and 547 series. Café Kronborg was playing with out Kran Nielsen who was in the hospital or the outcome would have probably been different.
VFW Post 9876 lost three points to Bavaria but still came away with the third place trophy. Antero Ronkainen was best for Bavaria with a 204 game and 549 series and they came away with the fourth place trophy.
Brother D beat Green Chilli, taking three points to win fifth place: Wade Meyers led Brother D with a 205 game and 513 series while Noodle Russell had a 201 game and 542 series for Green Chilli.
Swethai won three points from Indiana and Sabai Sabai Friday took three from Jack Tar. Nok Kennedy rolled a 243 game, 603 series for Sabai and Mai Munsitha had a 201 game, 526 series for Jack Tar.
Tue Pettae bowed a 247 game and 561 series to lead Café Ole to a 2-2 draw against Canada.
Note: If you would like to join us and play in the next league, which will start in two or three weeks time, come down to PS plus bowl on Friday at 1300 hours and let us know as we would love to have you join us or call La Montgomery at 081 838 4225.