Mikito Homma has a field day at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, Oct. 26, Phoenix - Medal
A sunny day at last and we played Lakes and Ocean nines on a course in good condition, although carts could not leave the path and we played winter rules.

October’s golfer of the month Geoff Parker rings the bell with “Lily”.

Paul Smith did it again, playing on the course he is a member of, with a two under par round to win by a shot from Geoff Parker, who put himself in the lead for the golfer of the month title with this second place finish. Homma took third place after beating his pal Mashi on a count back.
1st Paul Smith (3) net 70
2nd Geoff Parker (17) net 71
3rd Mikito Homma (17) net 72
Near Pins: Paul Smith (2), John Graham and Gerry Cooney.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, Green Valley - Stableford
Another sunny day and the course was almost empty – does it get any better than this? The course was in good shape and there was no need for winter rules today although the greens were still a little bumpy and slow following the recent coring.
Playing Stableford format, Japanese golfers Homma and Mashi stole the show today: Homma, playing the last game of his holidays, took everyone to the cleaners winning with a massive 43 points, with his playing partner Mashi taking the runner up spot with an impressive 39 points. Frank Dante was pipped by Peter Habgood on a count back and had to settle for fourth place.
1st Mikito Homma (17) 43pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (12) 39pts
3rd Peter Habgood (17) 36pts
4th Frank Dante (12) 36pts
Near Pins: John Graham, Paul Smith, Reg Smart and Mashi.
Friday, Oct. 30, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
The course was in fine condition with the greens tricky as ever. The recent rains have filled all the lakes and the course is a picture, although the clubhouse is still showing signs of neglect.
Playing a Stableford round to finish off the month, Geoff Parker secured the golfer of the month title with a second place finish today, a point behind surprised winner Frank Dante. Third place went to the recently arrived Bernie Stevens.
Near Pins: Tony Robbins, Tony Scambler, Lee Butler and Gordon Melia.

Stu Rifkin breaks through for his first win

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Oct. 26, Plutaluang S & E - Stableford.
Another excellent field of twenty-six golfers assembled at Café Kronborg and welcomes were given to Capt. Stephen Cooper–Reade from London, Vin Klarskov from Denmark, Joe Vanderwegon from Belgium and Dave Roberts from Australia.

Monday’s winners Martyn Topham (left) and Peter Blackburn (right) with The Admiral.

Departing right on time as usual enabled us to arrive at Plutaluang at 0910 and our first group teed off at 0925 in perfect but rather humid conditions. The course was in great shape and well drained after the recent rains and in particular the greens were very true and a little on the speedy side.
Just as we thought we would have another rain free round the rain started on our second last hole and although we were able to finish that hole it was necessary to take a 30 minute break as the rain poured down. We watched the green become flooded on E-9 but as the rain eased off the water rapidly drained away and we played the last hole in very soggy conditions but by the time we got to the last green it was as if there had been no rain, a credit to the greenkeeping staff. Even with the 30 minute break we finished our round in four and a half hours.
We had 2 flights, A Flight for 0 to 20 and B Flight for 21 handicap and over. There were also rewards for four nearest the pins and two longest putts.
Your writer once again continued his good run and easily took out A Flight with Scot Rob Brown the runner up. Capt. Steven Cooper–Reade finished third on a count back from Takeshi Hakozaki in fourth place. Stu Rifkin was desperately unlucky not to get a place on the podium for reasons which will remain a secret.
The B Flight was won by Martyn Topham on a count back from Gordon Clegg. Graham Buckingham finished in third place with Alan Ewing beating Kevin Dinan on a count back for fourth place.
A Flight
1st Peter Blackburn (15) 41pts
2nd Rob Brown (7) 35pts
3rd Capt. Steven Cooper–Reade (19) 28pts
4th Takeshi Hakozaki (12) 28pts
B Flight
1st Martyn Topham (30) 33pts
2nd Gordon Clegg (27) 33pts
3rd Graham Buckingham (21) 32pts
4th Alan Ewing (24) 31pts
Near Pins: S-4 Peter Hammond, S-7 Peter Blackburn, E-2 & E-5 Graham Buckingham.
Long Putts: S-9 Peter Blackburn, E-9 Martyn Topham
Thursday, Oct. 29, Khao Kheow B & C – Stableford
We welcomed Terry Smith from London who was amongst the 23 golfers assembled at Café Kronborg on a nice sunny day with a “promise” of no rain. Departing on time as usual with military precision (The Admiral’s influence) saw us arrive at Khao Kheow at 0910 which was in plenty of time for our 1000 tee off. Unlike other occasions we were not the only golfers there but you would think that The Admiral had planned things as our first group teed off at ten o’clock on the button.
As mentioned before it was sunny and very hot with very little wind (except for Stu) with the golf course in absolutely tip top condition. Having not played the course for six months or so due to a cost factor it was terrific to be playing this great layout once more. A slow front nine due to the groups in front was compensated by a clear run through C nine as the groups in front were playing B & A. This meant our round was a little slower than normal at four hours & forty-five minutes including a couple of much needed drink stops.
We had two flights once more, A for handicaps 0 to 17 and B Flight for 18 and over. Nearest the pins and longest putts were also rewarded.
Just one golfer played to his handicap on the day and that was Mr Colours himself, Walter Baechli, who took out the A Flight by one point from single figure handicapper Rob Brown. There was a three-way count back for third & fourth place with yours truly just missing out to Bill Plath (third) and Elias Magnusson (fourth).
Stu Rifkin’s patience was rewarded with his first ever PSC win by taking first place in B Flight from Colin Swann. Peter Hammond finished third and making it a good day for the Brown’s, Rob’s wife Karen finished in fourth place.
A Flight
1st Walter Baechli (14) 36pts
2nd Rob Brown (7) 35pts
3rd Bill Plath (15) 30pts
4th Elias Magnusson (16) 30pts
B Flight
1st Stu Rifkin (20) 32pts
2nd Colin Swann (24) 31pts
3rd Peter Hammond (19) 29pts
4th Karen Brown (35) 28pts
Near Pins: B3 Rodney Beckett, B8 Marcel Wittwer, C3 Rob Brown
Long Putts: B9 Urs Zwicky, C9 Alan Ewing

Rod Howett claims his first Monthly Medal

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, October 26, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Yasuo Suzuki 37pts
2nd Magnus Hagesjo 36pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 36pts
4th Bob Heath 36pts
5th Rodney Hayes 35pts
6th Peter Sumner 34pts
As the year moves steadily towards the usual high season period and the numbers playing out of the Haven continue to grow, it is possible that this season will not be as bad as the last. This is a view obviously held by some of the local courses as they propose to increase their rates by as much as 45 % from November 1, and allied to the alteration to two tee times, with the first groups finishing at around 8.30 and starting again after 11.00, this will surely mean that once again a few of the more market orientated course will take the greatest share of the available players, especially those organised by one of the many groups operating in the Pattaya area.
Yasuo Suzuki continued his good run of golf following his recent return to Pattaya as he slipped into first place by the slimmest of margins to deny Magnus Hagesjo his debutant win, and celebrated in style back at the bar with several rounds until late into the night. (Surely some mistake here. Ed.)
Trevor Schirmer took third place as he just lost out in the count back by 16 to 15 but beat Bob Heath, in fourth place, by a margin of one.
Rodney Hayes as ever was there or there abouts with a solid one over and Peter Sumner made up the balance of the mentionables in sixth place, another shot back.
There were no 2’s in either division and so the pots were both carried forward.
Before the presentations The Doc welcomed new members Fred Brent and Magnus Hagesjo and also welcomed back Mike Spear and Tony Barritt.
Wednesday, October 28, Pattana A & B - Stableford
1st Mark Armstrong 38pts
2nd Erik Donnestad 38pts
3rd Gerry Hannan 37pts
4th Rodney Hayes 36pts
5th Yasuo Suzuki 35pts
6th Trevor Schirmer 34pts
7th Paul Hartley 34pts
Underlining the international flavour of the Haven’s golfers, the day’s winners included players from Australia, Norway, Ireland, Japan and England all led in by Mark Armstrong who won the count back with Erik Donnestad by virtue of a better back six with a score of 14 to 12, after they had halved the back nine in 21’s.
Erik might have considered himself slightly unlucky as he had played the back nine in 35 gross but a level par back 6 let the top spot slip away after a strong three-birdie start to the nine, leaving Mark a worthy first time winner.
Gerry Hannan slipped in another round under handicap to stake his claim to third prize with Rodney Hayes once again figuring in the shake up. It surely cannot be too long before Rodney goes under the knife before returning to Manley, his home club in Sydney.
Yasuo Suzuki, possibly suffering from “payors cramp” could only muster a one over round and was left in a lowly, for him at least, fifth place.
Trevor Schirmer and Paul Hartley made up the balance of the days names.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Yasuo Suzuki, and much to his dismay, Erik Donnestad and Rodney Hayes shared the first division pool.
Back at the Haven, Mark Armstrong, Russell Gilroy and David Cunningham were welcomed as new members and Frank Dunstan, Alan Venner, Peter Skinner, Denis Scougall, Frank Hughes, Peter Carroll and Max Wilson were welcomed back from the opposite ends of the world.
Friday, October 30, Phoenix (Blue Tees) - Monthly Medals
Div.1
1st Trevor Schirmer net 69
2nd Paul Smith net 71
3rd Erik Donnestad net 72
Div.2
1st Rod Howett net 75
2nd Dave Spendley net 76
3rd Russell Gilroy net 77
At last the wet weather seems to have left, at least for a while, and with the winds blowing just slightly from the south west it was a fine day for golf and the eleventh of this year’s monthly medals.
The day’s event ended with another new name to be added to the list for the December play-offs to be held at Phoenix on December 30 for the coveted Golf and Silver Medals.
Rod Howett joins a list of eight others in the second division with his maiden medal win out of the Haven, carding a very commendable one over the standard scratch of 74. Dave Spendley, now seemingly well on the way to recovery from his terrible Songkran experience, took second spot a shot behind and Russell Gilroy was in third a shot further back.
Trevor Schirmer claimed his second Medal of the year with an outstanding net 69, off his soon to be reduced 13 handicap, with one of the best games of his life following a period of steady consolidation at his handicap mark.
Paul Smith also had a very good gross 74 (net 71) to take second place by a single shot from Erik Donnestad who was playing his last game before returning the Norway. Erik is threatening to return in February with his daughter, a 1 handicapper, to continue the northern European golf educational programme here in Pattaya amongst the ever hopefuls in Soi 13.
Playing from the stones it was no surprise to find no 2’s in the second division but Erik Donnestad made it a good good-bye with the only one in the first.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Jim Swander, Nhwee Stockman, Mike Hill and Shuichi Kodaka.

Thorne putts to success

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

A small group of golfers from the PGS visited the course at Rayong C.C. on Sunday, October 25 to play a stableford competition. The course was dry and empty and the group got off on time. Many in the field were playing the course for the first time and all found the holes challenging.
Last weekend’s winner Kazuo Takimoto was in the frame again as his 33 points took a share of third place with Yasuo Suzuki, recently returned from his native Japan. Going one better was Tim Lazecki and he was to prove again the value of steady regular practice as he made runner-up place his own for the second successive event.
The winner was old warhorse Tony Thorne for whom the course holds no surprises but this time he was using a new putter and it all worked splendidly as he went on to record the day’s only sub par round, 37 points.
Taki and Masa shared the ‘2’s pot for their fine efforts on the seventh and sixteenth holes respectively and returning favourite Richard “Banjo” Bannister did what he does so well, when he took the Booby Bevy for a catalogue of bloopers culminating in playing the round with one club too many in his bag and leaving his change bag on the steps of Rabbi’s in Soi Buakhao. Welcome back Banjo, weekend golf is so much fun!
Masa peaks at Emerald
The Pattaya Golf Society’s largest field of the month travelled to the Emerald in Ban Chang on Tuesday, October 27, to play a stableford event on the recently saturated course. Indeed, only a week previously the competition had been abandoned after nine holes. With fairways still soft the course was playing long and good scores would be at a premium.
Three quality golfers were locked on 34 points for a share of third place; Tony Thorne, Dave Stockman and Paul McNally, whose eagle three on the fourteenth was but one memorable hole on the day. In second place with 38 points was the unlucky golfer on the previous visit, Emiel van der Wiele, and he was only one shot behind the winner Masanori Takano whose 39 points was just reward for the hundreds of practice balls he hits every week. His current form is a good omen for next week’s IPGC Monthly Medal on the same track. His abiding memory of the round would be his eagle two on the seventeenth hole, a tough “sonofabitch” hole indeed!
Elsewhere Banjo managed to keep out of the limelight this time and so the Booby Bevy went to Paul McNally by way of compensation for his eagle three mentioned earlier.
The day was well marshalled by Chris Voller, subbing for Mr Len who is still “confined to barracks” with an invalid wife, but he was able to make the presentation to offer his congratulations to the heroes of the day at Ban Chang.
Khao Kheow sets tough test
The Pattaya Golf Society chose to play Khao Kheow B and C nines as a finale to the month’s golf on Thursday, October 29 and found the course as tough as ever and with very fast greens. Historically the course throws up a huge challenge with its length off the yellow tees and the tangling Bermuda rough and this day was no exception.
A large field turned out and some good golf lay ahead. As expected scores were low and Tony Thorne managed 32 points for fourth place. There was a tense tussle for the main honours and the currently in-form Japanese duo of Masanori Takano and Kasuo Takimoto were joined by Aussie Brian Shaw at the top with 36 points each.
Taki also recorded the day’s only birdie ‘2’, on C8. Bill Quon took the Booby Bevy for inadvertently teeing off from outside the teeing ground on one hole, an indication maybe that he was preoccupied with an accurate drive.
The day had been a tough one indeed, but there is a need for a challenge in golf and Khao Kheow certainly provides that.

‘Super’ Borg fires best of the day 41 points

October Diana Seniors and Ladies Open

Nigel Cannon
The last Thursday of the month saw 37 playing in the monthly Diana Seniors and Ladies Open at Pattaya Country Club. With a tee time of 0900, all were booked in well in advance and away on a course that was in a reasonable condition following the recent rain.

October’s winners: Jan Slotten, Pimusa Tonkhoksoong and Bengt Borg.

There were a number of new faces who were welcomed by Nigel. The presentation took place 30 minutes after the last group came in thanks to Alan Pearce who had calculated the results as the cards were handed in.
In the Ladies section the winner for the second consecutive month was Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (15) with a steady 34 points, the runner-up, who was decided on count-back, was Orawan Sodok (27) with 32 points.
The scoring was better by the men- Seniors winner was Pimusa’s partner – Jan Slotten (15) with a fine 40 points, the runner up - again after count-back - some 5 points behind was Staffan Lyrestrom (13) with 35 points.
In the Super Seniors it was the ‘new’ Super’- Bengt Borg (12) who was the best of the day with 41 points (he also had 2 near pins), followed by a surprised Arthur Bailey (21) with 34 points.
The next Diana Senior and Ladies competition (and the last one in 2009) is on Thursday, November 26 at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 0900. Sign up sheets are at Diana Driving Range and The Green Bottle on 2nd Road.
Ladies
1st Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (15) 34pts
2nd Orawan Sokok (27) 32pts
Seniors
1st Jan Slotten (15) 40pts
2nd Staffan Lyrestrom (13) 35pts
Super Seniors
1st Bengt Borg (12) 41pts
2nd Arthur Bailey (21) 34pts
Near Pins: #5 Bengt Borg, #7 Apple Blackwell, #12 Bengt Borg, #16 Glen Riding
Long Putts: #9 Eddie Blackwell, #18 Kannika

Brad’s the lad for the Medal

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Monday, Oct. 26, Green Valley –Monthly Medal
1st Brad Sproxton (14) net 68
2nd John Filmer (27) net 72
3rd Geoff Doody (22) net 72
On a day seemingly tailor-made for scoring it was a little surprising that our winner should have taken the Medal by 4 clear strokes. Not that there hadn’t been some early promise and potential for good returns but we all know how our favourite game can fool us all so easily. Just ask the Aberdonian duo of Sugar Robertson and Mark Wood, the former was 2 under gross after 5 and ‘the crooner’ birdied the first 2 holes and its not often he lets a great start like that slip but they both tailed off for 76 and 75 respectively.

Brad and ‘Seamless’ check the winning scorecard (no, it’s not the little one from the Krankies!)

‘Lusty’ Rusty Barfield is an excellent 5-handicapper and showed us his capabilities again today with 4 birdies, including the first and last holes. But the aggressive play which brings him his birdie chances can also be his undoing, as proved by his horrible 8 on number 8 and a double on 12, although admittedly from a poor bunker lie. He finished with 74.
It’s also worth noting we had a very lacklustre and uncharacteristic performance from one of our regular, have-clubs-will-travel 4 balls of Steve Snelgrove, Jeff Cordiero, Mark Watkin and JTB. Very strange, perhaps a bit of jet lag?
With 4 single figure guys in one group the smart money should have been that one of them would go close but the quartet of Lusty, Happy-shoes, Seamless and the prodigious Big Mo couldn’t live up to the pre-match hype.
Down to the winners then: Three guys contested second and third places, tied on 72. Henry O’Brien missed out on count back, with a regular podium finisher Geoff Doody getting third and new boy John Filmer snatching second. Incidentally all these 3 played in the same group, which means one guy missed the boat, what happened then JE?
That leaves only Brad ‘the Mountie’ Sproxton. Brad has quickly become a feature of the Golf Club and will be a very popular winner. Not only is he the October Medal winner but he also takes away the first ever Medal winners especially embroidered, quality Golf Club shirt, which are certain to be much sought after. Hats off to the Golf Club management who are constantly seeking new initiatives for the golfing enjoyment of their players, proved, once again, by the acquisition of a new, top of the range mini-bus (to be delivered shortly).
Wednesday, Oct. 28, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Steven Steele (17) 40pts
2nd Terry Wagner (15) 38pts
We were hit today by that scourge of Pattaya golf – no shows! I know at times it can be very easy to fall prey to the many temptations on offer, and I’m sure most of us have been guilty before, but come on guys! How difficult can it be to pick up a phone and let someone know? Remember your selfishness imparts on every other golfer.
Okay, on to the golf. Phoenix always brings out many different opinions from golfers, which I find a little peculiar. Certainly it has good and bad points but then what courses don’t? Sometimes I feel we all take things a little for granted here and forget what fantastic value and choice we have.
Certainly one man glad to be back here and playing golf in the sunshine, rather than being stuck in the middle of the North Sea, was Dale ‘catalogue man’ Shier. For his first game in 5 weeks, the man who always looks as if he stepped straight off the fashion pages, had a respectable 34 points. It was only good enough though for an immediate physiotherapy session, after having to lug around nearly 17 stones of ‘seamless’ all afternoon! Matching him on 34 points was ‘Kid’ Gneiting.
With only 2 places on offer today the eventual winners coasted home. It was good to see Terry Wagner in the points, his consistent 19-19 split got him second place and surprised him somewhat; he thought there were three 40’s in! The clear winner then was Steven ‘cold’ Steele with 40 points. He is certainly a much improved player and figuring regularly in the frame but its time for him to pay another visit to the handicap man.

German-Swiss have the edge in Thai Garden Resort Cup

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, Oct. 26, Burapha - Stableford
With Capt’ Bob unexpectedly still away in Perth (complete with telephone!), it was left to General Jack to organise the regular Monday golf again, at Burapha. Crystal & Dunes were the given nines as the 29 Outbackers teed off on time from the white boxes, with some relatively wet conditions underfoot, although surprisingly, the carts were allowed on the course. The fairways are never generous on this course and to miss them is punishing as the rough is long and still wet from the recent heavy rains. Fortunately once again, the rain stayed away and all enjoyed a speedy round on this otherwise, almost deserted track.

The German-Swiss team hold the trophy high.

Mark Fisher, on one of his flying visits from Hong Kong, demonstrated his golfing prowess, having scored a very average 14 points on the front nine, followed it up on the back, with a brilliant 22 points (34 gross) to win the premier division on a total of 36 points. His playing partner, Rosco, also played well for his 36 points to take second, but could only muster 20 on his back nine.
Bob Lindborg, benefiting from his handicap drifting out over the last few wet weeks, bounced straight back to win Div B, with the top score of the day, 37 points, with Paul Quinn (32pts) just edging out John Stafford on count back for second. Earlier in his round, Paul had been presented with a free drop and a daffodil by his playing partners, as his shot to the par 4 fourth on Dunes ended up in the nearby drink stop’s flower bed!
There were four ‘2s from Dion Lane, John Low, John Stafford & Rosco.
Div A (0-16)
1st Mark Fisher (3) 36pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (13) 36pts
3rd Paul Greenaway (11) 35pts
4th Chris Davisson (13) 35pts
Div B (17+)
1st Bob Lindborg (18) 37pts
2nd Paul Quinn (18) 32pts
3rd John Stafford (22) 32pts
4th Peter Gibson (24) 31pts
Tuesday, Oct. 27, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
It was a typical Pattaya golfing day for the 20 Outbackers who made the short journey to Pattaya Country Club to receive the usual warm greetings from the staff.
Despite the recent heavy rains the course was playable without the need for ‘pick and place’ – however many of the bunkers were ‘smooth’ for those who were unlucky enough to encounter them!
As is now the custom for us on a Tuesday, upon our return to the clubhouse the staff had moved the furniture around so we could all sit together and discuss our respective rounds, whilst today’s organiser ‘Chad’, was busy working out the results. Then it was back to the Outback for the early presentation and few more wet ones.
Welcome to Reg, Don, Ross, & Joe from Perth who are staying in Pattaya and have been picked up at their hotel virtually everyday by the Outback bus during the last week to play all the many golfing venues visited by the Outback Golf Bar and more – but choose not to play in the competitions.
So that left sixteen in the competition and places one to four plus ‘2’s.
In first place it was Stunning’s better half, Suzi Lawton (21) with a fine 38 points, in the frame again (2nd) was Frank O’Neill (17) with 36; third and fresh from the recent Chiang Mai Challenge was Mike O’Brien (17) with 35 points, of which 24 were on the back nine! Fourth was the regular pensioner Arthur Bailey (21) with 33.
There were three ‘2’s today from Barry Chadbourn, Mike O’Brien and Arthur Bailey.
The Outback is at Pattaya Country Club every Tuesday (09.30) where a quick friendly round and an early presentation is the order of the day!
1st Suzi Lawton (21) 38pts
2nd Frank O’Neill (17) 36pts
3rd Mike O’Brien (17) 35pts
4th Arthur Bailey (21) 33pts
Wednesday, Oct. 28, Eastern Star - Stableford
A rare visit from the Outback Golf Bar to this Robert Trent Jones designed course, which regretfully still seems to suffer from a problem with their greens. They seemed dead with little grass as well as inconsistent, although the fairways were generally very good. The 22 Outbackers were however, well looked after by the Eastern Star staff, with an excellent green fee rate and enjoyed a good pace of play.
The scoring was not spectacular with a pair of 34s from George Cousins & Geoff Harrison leading Div A and just 33 points from Bob Lindborg topping Div B, who won for the second time this week.
Finally, goodbye to Kiwi, John Low who has been playing with the Outback regularly on a couple of trips this year and also to Scot, Lawrie McBride, going back to work for three months to return in January 2010.
There were only two ‘2’s from John Spiller (hit driver on hole six to 18 inches) and Bob Lindborg.
Div A (0-17)
1st George Cousins (17) 34pts
2nd Harrison Geoff (16) 34pts
3rd Dion Lane (9) 32pts
Div B (18+)
1st Bob Lindborg (18) 33pts
2nd Harvey Samuel (18) 32pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (22) 31pts
Thursday, Oct. 29, Green Valley - Stableford
Three four-balls were a comfortable number of Outbackers at Green Valley today, which is still trying to dry out after all the heavy rain. They all enjoyed a good paced round, particularly Paul Sibley who picked up 40 points off his h’cap 19 to win the day. Second was Suzi Lawton (36pts), following her win at Pattaya Country Club on Tuesday.
Welcome to another new player to the Outback, Michael Benson, and welcome back to Patrick Browne and John Roberts. Thanks to the organiser, Barry Chadbourn, who apparently may have been ‘nobbled’ by Geoff Moody, both returning unusually low scores of just 26 and 24 respectively.
There was just one ‘jackpot 2’ from Ian Humphrey.
1st Paul Sibley (19) 40pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (20) 36pts
3rd Geoff Doody (21) 34pts
Friday, Oct. 30, Phoenix - Thai Garden Resort Cup
Sixty four players lined up for the second Thai Garden Resort Cup between the German-Swiss Golf Club (the challengers) and the Outback Golf Bar (the holders).
Fingers had been crossed that the weather would hold up for the days preceding the event, as for some time now carts have been restricted at Phoenix, to a very expensive ‘one person per cart’ rule only on the cart paths. As luck would have it, there was no rain and all went according to plan on the day with a two-tee start on the Mountain and Lake nines. However, it was disappointing to later learn that the Phoenix starters had been up to their usual tricks making some of the teams wait for alternate tee-offs with the Haven, for those playing Mountain as their back nine. Words will yet again have to be said!
The format for the team match, a two-ball scramble with an allowance of 25% of the two player’s handicaps added together, was match play over the entire eighteen holes; mentally tougher than hole by hole match play, as a team can effectively always be overhauled. The rules were simple, play in any order, pick and place for each player, but that did not make any less of the desire to win on both sides.
The German Swiss team quickly raced into a 3:0 lead as the first teams came in and it was soon clear that this was a different team to the inaugural match this time last year at Siam Plantation, when the Outback Golf Bar cruised to an 11:4 win.
As the last teams handed in their cards, General Jack kept the scores quiet, only announcing that it was very close as both Helmut Wolf and Capt’ Bob tried to find out who had won; and he (Jack) refused to reveal the final score until presentation at the Moon River Pub later in the day.
The evening at the Moon River Pub was another huge success as ladies and friends swelled the numbers to nearly eighty, there to enjoy the usual wonderful spread of food and the five hours of a free bar.
The presentation came before the resident band was due to start, commencing with the five top pairings, who were Bunja & Dion (5th) with 65.5, Kathy & Geoff (4th) with 65.0, Zion & Reto (2nd equal) with 64.75, Harry & Andre (2nd equal) also with 64.75 and the winners being Uwe Wegner & Jo Schreiner on 62.75. All winning pairings in each match were then presented with a 500 baht voucher courtesy of the Moon River Pub.
The near pins on Lake mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen again and the one on the second par 3 on Mountain was definitely dubious; so the prizes for the near pins were abandoned and awarded as lucky draw prizes instead.
Then came the moment all had been waiting for, who had won the cup? Had the Outback hauled back the points after the poor start? When Capt’ Bob announced that the German Swiss had won, 8½ to 7½, the whole place erupted as the German Swiss celebrated their success.
Shortly after, the talented resident Philippine band struck up with some old favourites although it did take a little time for many to take time out from the free bar and actually get on to the dance floor.
Rest assured, the Outback will be back!
Thanks go out to Rene Pisters and his team at the Thai Garden Resort, in particular also to his manager Danilo, who not only coordinated the event with Helmut Wolf and Jack Moseley, but was also there in person to ensure the evening ran smoothly.
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

Sabai Sabai Friday takes over at the top

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Nok Kennedy bowled a 219 game and 569 series to lead her Sabai Sabai team to a three point win over Bavaria, which propelled Sabai into first place.

This week’s 200 bowlers: Sue and Nok.

Café Ole got good bowling from Ooy Pluemkamon, 539 series and Antero Ronkainen, 513, to take three points from Jack Tar. Indiana took three points from Canada, led by Dang Downs who bowled a 553 series for Indiana and Sue Murphy had a 203 game, 539 series for Canada.
Meanwhile VFW Post 9876 won all four points from Green Tree and US Marines split their match with Brother D with each team getting two points. Joe Ferral bowled a 522 series for U.S. Marines.

Results & Standings Oct. 30 (week 4) Pos.   Team                                  Score      Standings 1         Sabai Sabai Friday               3 - 1            11 - 5 2         Café Ole                              3 - 1            10 - 6 3         Bavaria                                1 - 3            10 - 6 4         Green Tree                           0 - 4             8 - 8 5         Jack Tar                              1 - 3             8 - 8 6         Canada                               1 - 3             7 - 9 7         VFW Post 9876                   4 - 0             7 - 9 8         U.S. Marines (USMC)           2 - 2             7 - 9 9         Indiana                                3 - 1           6 - 10 10       Brother D                             2 – 2        6 - 10

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Opening with a weak two bid, showing a six card suit and (depending on partnership agreement) about 5-11 points, is a useful way to make it difficult for the other side to bid and find the correct contract.  This is particularly true if you open two spades, forcing the opponents to the three level.  However, weak two bids have the disadvantage of revealing the distribution.  Sometimes this can make it easier for declarer during the play.
Consider the deal below and imagine you are sitting South.  With neither side vulnerable and East dealing, this was the bidding: 

East             South      West         North

2H                P               P                Dbl

P                  3S             P                6S

All pass                                          

The full deal is shown below:

                         S: KJ982

                         H: A85

                         D: AK

                         C: AK8         

S: 753                                     S: 4

H: 3                                         H: KQJ1094

D: 9765                                   D: 10843

C: J10942                               C: Q7 

                         S: AQ106

                         H: 762

                         D: QJ2

                         C: 653

East opened a weak two hearts.  This was passed around to North, who made a takeout double.  South showed his good spade holding by jumping to 3S.  North, with his strong hand, raised to six.  West led the three of hearts.  Now you are stuck with playing 6S!  You have 11 easy tricks - five spades, one heart, three top diamonds and two top clubs.  What is your plan for making one more trick and taking the contract?  It is not easy, but the clue is in the bidding.
You have a potential club loser and a potential heart loser (you can throw one heart from dummy on your queen of diamonds).  You know that East has six hearts and therefore West only has one.  So you win the ace of hearts.  Then, if you can eventually arrange to lose the lead (in clubs) to West, he will not be able to lead a heart.  If you take out trumps and the minor suit winners first, before losing the lead, West will be forced to lead a club or a diamond and allow you a ruff and a sluff for your twelfth trick.
This is the situation after you win three rounds of spades, one heart, three diamonds and two clubs: 

                       S: K2

                       H: 8

                       D: -

                       C: 8           

S: -                                    S: -

H: -                                    H: KQJ

D: 9                                   D: 10

C: J109                              C: -

                       S: 10

                       H: 62

                       D: -

                       C: 6             

You lead dummy’s last club.  West is forced to win.  Now, whatever West leads will allow you to throw the last heart from dummy and trump in hand.  Then, dummy has only good trumps and you have made your contract.  If this was your planned line of play, congratulations!
Please send me your interesting hands at: [email protected].

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League

Results & Standings Oct. 30 (week 13)

The Bunker Boys hosted O’Leary’s lepracorns last Friday and Capt’ Mick had a cunning plan which included the phrase “not to lose”. His plan worked as both honors went to the Bunker Boys.
An under strength Posse played away at Cheers. Stan supplemented the visitors with 3 of his own players, all of who won their matches for the Posse! Game to OK Corral. The beer leg saw Cheers take their revenge when Geordie ‘can’t hit the board’ George checked out for Cheers to claim the free beer.
The Rising Sun were hosted at Palmers Golf & Country Club and GG reported that it was a very close game, at least the 1 match that Palmers won was! Game & Beer went to the Sunshine Boys.
Melly’s Crew had a game on their hands against the London Gang; Mee Chew coming from behind (uh er!) to take the game. A dart for dart beer leg found Melly requiring a 32 to finish. With all of Melly’s darts on the wire, Fon stepped up and checked out on 40 to take the beer for the Londoner.
Lucky Time arrived at Streamline to find Geoff alcohol challenged! The 2 teams did however, manage to play 8 a side, with Streamline taking 2 matches. Game to LT. The beer leg saw LT eventually pull ahead and Booty Del checking out for LT.
The Rising Sun and Lucky Time still share top spot in the table. This next week will sort the league leaders out as the Sunshine Boys visit Team Lucky Time. Will some of the Sunshine Boys be kidnapped by aliens mid week? Will Pattaya Telephone Exchange once more melt due to extreme usage prior to Friday? Has Capt’ Mick got a cunning plan more cunning than a very, very cunning plan which will see the Bunker Boys sneak in and win the league? Was Alex (the Dutch Avenger) spotted in Pattaya Police Station mid week filing a ‘Lost League Trophy’ report? Can life get any more exciting?
And finely, is there any truth in the rumor that last week a lady dart player gave up before her match was finished and went home due to being bored to death by her opponents rubbish dart throwing? Can anyone shed any light on who this ‘opponent could be’? Lance, do you know?

Match                                   Winner          Beer-leg        U – 10’s Bunker v O’Leary’s                 Bunker           Bunker              2-7 Cheers v OK Corral                OK Corral        Cheers              2-8 Mee Chew v Londoner            Mee Chew       Londoner           4-5 Streamline v Lucky Time        Lucky Time      Lucky Time        5-2 Palmers v Rising Sun            Rising Sun        Rising Sun         6-1 League Table Pos.    Team                Won   Lost     Beer    U-10’s   High Check Out 1          Lucky Time       11          2        11           28 2          Rising Sun        11          2        11           59 3          Bunker              9            4         6            33            Stan 132 4          Cheers              8            5         9            41 5          Mee Chew         8            5         7            48 6          OK Corral          6            7         5            51 7          Londoner           5            8         5            44 8          Palmers            4            9         3            58 9          O’Leary’s          2           11        2            56 10        Streamline         1           12        4            72 Next Fixtures (Week 14):  O’Learys v Streamline, Cheers v Bunker, OK Corral v Londoner, Lucky Time v Rising Sun, Mee Chew v Palmers