SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Thailand Laser Nationals - another victory for Keerati Bualong

Triumph in Trang - Pattaya’s disabled archers dominate their opposition, yet again

Super Sergio gets his reward

Benda finds welcome return to form

Longboat racers ready to battle for cash, trophies

Rodney Hayes goes out with a bang

Knight slays the ‘Green Monster’

Eddie tops the high scorers at Emerald

Savage can’t be denied, shoots magical 43

Mashi makes light of the wind at Pleasant Valley

Jumbo points at the Valley

Allison a clear winner at Greenwood

Clamp romps home at Green Valley

Challenges from Sir Nick & Pete

Danish team takes out Bjarne’s birthday bash

Mike in 7th heaven as he cans an ‘Ace’ at Burapha

Masa makes it three

A real medal test at Emerald

Bridge in Paradise

Better weather, better numbers

Café Ole takes over first place

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Thailand Laser Nationals - another victory for Keerati Bualong

Chris Dando
Royal Varuna Yacht Club, October 31 - November 1
Keerati Bualong retained his title of Thai Laser National Champion over a weekend of testing sailing at Royal Varuna Yacht Club recently. This follows his International successes this year highlighted by his winning the Laser Radial Youth World Championship in Japan in August.

Keerati Bualong steers his Laser on the way to retaining his National title.
The Laser, created almost 40 years ago, is one of the most popular single-handed dinghies sailed world-wide. As the boat is ruled by ‘one-design’ specifications, success in racing it depends entirely on the skills of the sailor.
Although the previous few weeks had been marked by very variable light winds, the 32 entries to this year’s championship were greeted by a fresh north easterly that increased during Saturday’s racing to between 18 and 20 knots. With the tide running against the wind, the waves also built to give some exciting and challenging conditions.
Race Officers Visanu and Sukit, set a trapeziod course to get the championship underway. Three Laser classes were competing, the Full rig, Radial rig and the 4.7s. With one start for all boats, and even after a general recall, there were 3 competitors who were a little over-eager and were over the start line as the fleet sped away. Keerati started as he meant to go on by winning the first race from Gareth Owen. Then followed Nattavut Paenyaem and Thanakan Korkerd, showing how fast they could sail in the windy conditions with their slightly smaller Radial rigs.
At the start of race 2, the fleet was again too eager, and after a general recall, the race officers hoisted the black flag signalling their intention to disqualify anyone over the line in the last minute before the start. This caught one competitor out but the rest of the fleet set off to battle upwind. Keerati and Owen showed the way, setting the tone for most of the other races. However this time Nut Butmarasri sailed a great race to follow home in 3rd position.
Races 3 and 4 followed back to back with no break for the fleet to go ashore. However the Thai Navy always comes prepared to support its young sailors. A highlight for veteran competitor Charlie Zbinden was to see one of the young Thai sailors carefully opening her lunch box and laying out her chicken and rice. She then proceeded to sit there and enjoy her food in the midst of flapping sails, rocking boats, and while most competitors were just doing their best to not be knocked out of their boats into the water!
Both race 3 and 4 saw the same top two, in race 3 followed home by Chris Dando and in race 4 by Nattavut who was establishing himself as the guy to beat in the Laser Radial fleet. Both races had significant wind shifts and several competitors were caught out on the wrong side of the first beat, or by overstanding the first mark and losing ground. By race 4 there were growing signs of fatigue in the fleet causing retirements and many capsizes.
Sunday dawned with aching limbs being the main talking point as the boats were rigged to do battle again. Conditions looked more benign until you realised that the wind was coming slightly off the shore. On the way out to the start line, it looked like it could be more challenging than the previous day as although the sea was flat, the gusts were coming very strongly over the hill behind the club.
In race 5 the wind swung round anti-clockwise to come more from the North. Race 6 followed and the fleet got away from a start line which was heavily biased to the pin end. This caught several competitors out including Owen who hit the start mark and had to do a penalty turn. This led to the only change in the first two finishing positions during the weekend. Nattavut took advantage of the situation and came home in second behind Keerati, consolidating his lead in the Laser Radials. Nut came home in third place.
After a (much needed) short break and some refreshments, the fleet arrived back at the committee boat for the final race. There was some temporary relief as the sailors saw that the course had been changed for the final race to reduce it to one lap (the previous races had been 2 laps). However the relief was tempered once it was realised that the course now appeared to be longer as the marks had been moved! Again the wind continued to move round, and on the first leg it was critical to find a gap after the start to tack off onto port tack. Keerati, Owen and Nattavut again found the speed and tactics to come home at the front of the fleet.
After a weekend of great sailing and fantastic competition, the fleet finally headed ashore. The final result for the Full rig Lasers was Keerati Bualong 1st, Gareth Owen 2nd, Nut Butmarasri 3rd. In the Radial rig fleet it was Nattavut Paenyaem 1st, Thanakan Korkerd 2nd, and Supakon Pongwichean 3rd. In the 4.7 fleet Kwankoot Prompong took 1st, and Jittawa Thanawitwilat 2nd. The Ladies prize went to Malee Whitcraft.
Thanks go to all the competitors who came along to make this such a successful event. Also we could not compete and have such a great time on the water if it were not for Richard van den Heuvel who organised the event, and his team of Khun Visanu and Khun Sukit who did such a great job of running the races from a very wobbly rib in some rough conditions.

The various class winners display their trophies at The Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

Triumph in Trang - Pattaya’s disabled archers dominate their opposition, yet again

A Chonburi clean-sweep (left to right) as Khag (Silver),
Sarah (Gold) and Sine (Bronze) collect their medals.

Eric Hearn
As in previous years, Chonburi’s archery team of disabled young people dominated the podium when the medals were presented at the end of a closely-fought archery competition held in Trang, southern Thailand on the 26th and 27th of October. The archery competition was just part of Thailand’s annual national Games for the Disabled.

Kao with one of his medals.
The Chonburi archery team % entirely comprised of disabled students from the Redemptorist Vocational School for the Disabled, in Pattaya % beat other teams of disabled archers representing Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Phitsanulok, Pratumtani, Rayong and Trang.
The Chonburi team won 26 medals % 8 Gold, 11 Silver and 7 Bronze medals covering shooting at 50, 30, 25 and 18 metre distances over a two-day period.
The team’s most successful archer was Pratyaporn (“Sarah”), a young wheelchair-bound Thai lady of great determination and archery skills. “Sarah” won five Gold medals for herself, plus a shelf-full of wooden models of Trang’s emblem for the Games % an Olympic-style torch held by a wheelchair-bound seal.
Another outstanding performance was achieved by Panvilai (“Ying”). She won three Gold and two Bronze medals % a fine achievement for a young Thai lady who has battled against her physical handicaps to shoot her bow to great effect. The Thai word for “archery” is “yingtannu” % so her nickname of “Ying” is most appropriate.
Winning coaching
For the past three years the disabled students from the Redemptorist Vocational School have been coached by two coaches from the Pattaya Archery Club, Eric Hearn from England, and Gilbert Pellissier from France.

Ying displays 3 of the 5 medals she won during the games.
Their archery coaching techniques have been rewarded by the continued dominance of the school’s disabled archers over their rivals % this is the third national Games where the archery club’s coaching has enabled Pattaya’s young disabled archers to scoop many of the medals.
This achievement is all the more outstanding as the students from the Redemptorist Vocational School only have the school’s low-budget training bows; whereas most of the members of the other teams have their own, more-expensive and better quality archery equipment.
Sweet revenge
Sweet revenge was gained by Artipordee (“Kao”) when he defeated Boonyarit (from Bangkok) to win a Silver medal, whereas Boonyarit could only win the Bronze. Last year Boonyarit was a student at the Redemptorist School and quickly assimilated Eric Hearn’s coaching to become the school’s top archer. Boonyarit’s excellent archery skills continually kept “Kao” into second place whilst the two were team-mates in the Chonburi team.
However, this year Boonyarit shot for the Bangkok archery team. He had finished his time at the Redemptorist School and moved to Bangkok where he found employment as a result of the Redemptorist School’s teaching. He bought himself some top-level archery equipment, but despite this being far superior to the training bow shot by “Kao”, Boonyarit was unable to beat “Kao”. This illustrates how well “Kao” has progressed in archery since last year.
National Games for the Disabled
Every year the Thais hold a national Games for the Disabled, and this year it was held in rain-soaked Trang. Indeed at one stage a spectacular lightning strike and thunderstorm, accompanied by a huge deluge of rain stopped shooting for about an hour.

Khag aims for gold.

This year there were 17 sports for the country’s disabled people to compete in % including archery, swimming, tennis, badminton, table tennis, fencing and weight-lifting, to name but a few.
The high standard of professional organisation throughout the Games has to be applauded, and those many people who gave their time to ensure the smooth functioning of the Games have served their country well.
The archery competition was held under the rules and regulations set by FITA, the international governing body for archery. Such a fully-regulated competition can be initially daunting to those who have not shot under FITA regulations before. However, this did not deter the new members of the Chonburi team who performed very well indeed, rising to the occasion and shooting to a high standard. This was even more impressive when these disabled people had to sit in their wheelchairs under the hot sun for most of the day % and continue shooting in the thunderstorm until the organisers decided to stop shooting until it had passed.
Vegetarian Trang
It took the team’s specially adapted coach over 16 hours to travel from Pattaya to Trang in the far south of Thailand. Trang is a large town about 50 km from the nearest beach. In eight days only five other farangs were spotted, illustrating how little the town is visited by tourists.
Trang is apparently predominantly vegetarian. It was impossible to buy a beef meal or a steak; and the local vegetarians paraded their vegetarianism by wearing all-white pyjama suits. None of the Thais from Pattaya knew why so many people were wearing these all-white clothes, and it took some research to find out why this was so.
Strangely, this vegetarianism did not prevent a number of cowherds leading bulls along the main streets, on the end of a rope, every morning % like a dog on a leash. So who eats the beef these bulls produce?
Never mind; the long coach journey back to Pattaya was endured by dreams of a large, rare, steak!
Trying archery in Pattaya
Pattaya Archery Club shoots on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 10.00 am and finishing at about noon or thereafter. Anyone % Thai or farang, young or old, man or woman % is welcome to come along to the Pirates of Pattaya Shooting Club in Hua Yai and find out what it is all about.
Beginners’ coaching is held on a Tuesday and / or a Saturday. The coach’s services and the use of the club’s bows, arrows and other equipment are free for beginners, and so it costs nothing to see if this challenging sport is for you.
For more details visit Pattaya Archery Club’s website at www.pattaya-archery-club. com, or telephone Eric, the President, on 089 535 1193

Medal-winners (left to right): Khag, Sine, Farr, Sarah and Ying.

Super Sergio gets his reward

PSC golf with the Phoenix Tuesday Group

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, Nov. 3, Phoenix - Stableford
When you hear the name Sergio in golfing stories you would be forgiven if you relate the name to one of the greats, Sergio Garcia. Not in this town!! For months our intrepid warrior, Sergio Volpi, has battled his way from golfing obscurity to, at last, the winners’ rostrum.

Super Sergio Volpi was a first time winner at Phoenix on Tuesday.

The Lakes and Ocean course were our challenge today and I have to say what a lovely condition this course is in. In the ‘A’ Flight all three top places shared the spoils with 37 points each: these being, Terry Smith, Mike Allidi and Hugh Byrne.
A similar situation was achieved in the ‘B’ Flight with all three podium winners on 35 points: these were Sergio Volpi, Richard (unpronounceable) Tereskiviche, and yours truly, Mike Gerrard.
In the photo you can see Sergio wearing his special ‘I Love You’ (in Italian) sunglasses that I have been saving for months for such an occasion.
Technical prizes went to Graham Dietrich, Sergio Volpi, Terry Smith & Richard Tereskiviche (gotta get this guys name changed by deed poll).
Lucky draw prizes went to Dave Boran, Bob Neylon and David Lowe.
Friday, Nov. 6, Green Valley - Stableford
Sadly I can only report about bad things for this day. After playing for a few weeks on Friday’s at Green Valley we were just getting accustomed to, and enjoying the course. However, after the events of this day, it seems that we may not be enjoying this course again.
The starters hut and the first tee were a complete shambles with many groups bringing more players than booked. I have to say that 2 of the bigger PSC groups were guilty of this. Included in this shambles were many groups of players involved with the match play league, of which some arrived late throwing even more confusion for the poor girls in the starters hut. Then, as we have learned from the past, a group of 3 Thai teams turned up unannounced and were immediately slotted in between other groups. This meant that the teams of players booked for the 12 Noon tee times went out as late as 12.45 pm. This coupled with the fact that the second hole is a par 3 meant that when arriving at the second tee there were 4 groups waiting to play.
All this out of the way we thought that maybe we would get a decent round in, but unfortunately I do not know what the greens staff have done to this course, but it was in a very bad condition. So much so that most of our players said they would not be back again during the high season. 
After such a let down the golf is not worth talking about, it’s back to the green pastures of Phoenix for me.
If you would like to join in call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565 (No text messages acknowledged), but hurry. We are almost full.

Benda finds welcome return to form

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Winter? It came in with a nice breeze, cool weather and beautiful partly cloudy skies as the Three Sisters Golf group descended upon the Pattaya Country Club this 4th of November.

Winner Bob Benda (left) with runner up Dale Murphy

The weather obviously had an effect on the players as the scores, overall, were higher then in previous weeks. But once again we were stuck behind a five-man group who were very slow.
Back at Caddy Shack II a tally of the cards showed Bob Benda coming in with 38 points for first, followed by Dale Murphy with 34 points. Bob said he needed the win after an expensive holiday up north.
Several vacationers as well as a few seasonal returnees helped fill out our ranks. As usual snacks were provided and Herbie Ishinaga once again came through with spicy sausages.

Longboat racers ready to battle for cash, trophies

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
More than 20 longboats will vie for the HRH Princess Sirindhorn and HRH Princess Somsawalee trophies at the 2009 Pattaya International Longboat Race festival on Nov. 20-21 at Mabprachan Reservoir.
The program will start with an imitation royal barge procession before the first race, which will see 10 longboats with 55 oarsmen each compete for the HRH Princess Sirindhorn trophy and 100,000 baht in prize money.
Other races feature 12 longboats with 30 oarsmen each for the HRH Princess Somsawalee trophy and the International Longboat Race with teams from Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam competing for 50,000 baht.
The event will also feature buffalo racing and a tom-tom drum competition.
At a meeting to announce the event, Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome said the race festival has continued to attract strong Thai teams and helped to increase tourism year on year. He believes the race will be upgraded to international status in the near future.

Rodney Hayes goes out with a bang

IPGC golf from The Haven

Only two days of the usual golf out of The Haven this week, Monday having been cancelled as Tuesday was taken up with the November IPGC Monthly Medal, a report of which can be found on other pages of this issue.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, Green Valley - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Peter Skinner 42pts
2nd Rodney Hayes 41pts
3rd Alan Griffiths 36pts
4th Bob Heath 36pts
5th Peter Sumner 36pts
Div. 2
1st Shuichi Kodaka 37pts
2nd Rod Howett 36pts
3rd Geoff Picken 34pts
4th Frank Dunstan 34pts
Following an almost full field of 108 for the IPGC Monthly Medal it was expected that the turn out for Green Valley would be a little lower than normal, but the opposite was the case and the numbers required the formation of two divisions to underscore that the high season for the IPGC has definitely arrived.
Peter Skinner returned his best score ever achieved in Thailand and needed it to win by a hair’s breadth from the ever-present Rodney Hayes who must have thought that his best score of this trip would be sufficient, which was not to be as Peter’s excellent round took the day’s top honours in the first division.
Alan Griffiths shook off the challenge of Bob Heath and Peter Sumner to claim third with a better count back of 20 to Bob’s 18 and Peters 17 to leave Peter in the final slot and Bob in fourth.
The second division was a much closer affair with Shuichi Kodaka coming out on top with a solid one under handicap round ahead of Rod Howett by a single shot. Rod was unlucky not to have picked up a prize in the previous day’s IPGC Medal, following his Haven Medal win in the previous week, but it will surely not be too long before his handicap is once again traveling in a downward direction.
Geoff Picken just got the nod over Frank Dunstan with a better back six of 13 to 12 after they had tied the back nine at 16 apiece to tie up third place.
There was only one 2 in the first division which was slid in by Rodney Nabbe and the quadruple roll over in the second division was taken by David Bowles to make it a very happy return to The Haven.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new members Shizuo Satori, Hideo Watanabe and David Clark and also welcomed back Mike Contoni, Alan Howell, David Bowles, Rodney Nabbe, Paul Simpson and Serge Straeten from a long term motor cycle accident injury and Rodney Hayes was given the first of his farewells for the week.
Friday, Nov. 6, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Rodney Hayes 38pts
2nd Peter Sumner 38pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 37pts
4th Peter Skinner 36pts
Div. 2
1st Rodney Crosswell 45pts
2nd Sid Ottaway 37pts
3rd Geoff Picken 34pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka 34pts
Once again two divisions were required as the numbers grew even larger for the visit to Crystal Bay and the rare chance to play from two tees over the same two courses on a triple nine layout, namely A and B, thanks to the managements kind co-operation and the lack of other players on the course at the relevant tee times.
Rodney Hayes came back from the bitter disappointment of the previous outing to sweep into first place in the first division but he needed to win the count back over Peter Sumner with a better back nine of 20 to 19, with Peter fading over the final holes as his concentration lapsed and his thoughts raced forwards to the apr่s golf.
Trevor Schirmer finished just another shot back in third place with another under par round following his recent handicap reduction. He was followed in by Peter Skinner with another good round but a little shy of his last outing, as he took fourth place.
The second division was stunned by a great return from Rodney Crosswell whose amazing two over gross on the front nine off his 16 handicap set up a final nine under round and an easy win. The next best was Sid Ottaway some eight shots behind in second spot. The third place score was another three shots further back, and that was achieved by Geoff Picken as he turned the tables on Shuichi Kodaka by taking the count back on the last six by a better 12 to 10 after they had equaled the back half at 16 each.
The second division 2’s pool was shared between Evan Millar, Rodney Crosswell and Toni Nicholls whilst the first division was spread even thinner, much to the huge disappointment of Yasuo, being shared by Yasuo Suzuki, Paul Stanton, Peter Skinner and Hideo Akiyama.
Before the presentations The Doc welcomed new members Paul Stanton and also welcomed back Rodney Crosswell, Danny Greer and the balance of the YaHiYuHi Tours in the form of Hisahiko Makino and Yukio Kikuchi.
It was also the correct time to give a farewell to Rodney Hayes, after it had been announced that he was leaving after the previous outing to encourage a few more players to turn out for the days competition, as he now really prepares to return to OZ and allow someone else to get on to the podium in the coming weeks. Rodney returns home with a solid 7.0 handicap having arrived with a 10.4, and played fifteen times, only twice outside his buffer zone of 2, which is good golf by any standards.

Knight slays the ‘Green Monster’

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Wednesday, Nov. 4, Khao Kheow – Stableford
After the previous day’s IPGC monthly medal at The Emerald, there was still a good turnout today with 32 players out in a stableford competition. Upon arrival we were told the C course was closed so it was A and B as the test, but just before our first group teed-off a five-ball was pushed in front after playing nine holes, so another four and half hour round ensued, but this is the norm for this time of the year.
The cut in the divisions in the stableford was 5-19 and 20+ and a superb round by Phil Knight won division 1 with 38 points. Georges Faber came in second two points behind and in third place was Mam Morel after beating our old friend and just arrived back, Jim Connelly, on a 17/13 back nine count back, with both players finishing on 35 points.
Mam’s other half Jean took top spot in division 2 with 37 points (the Euro must be bad against the baht at the moment), Alan Duckett was second with 32 points and William Chang came third with 31.
There were no ‘2’s today but near pin prizes went to Mam Morel (2), Peter Seward and Tomi Tehro (Div.1) and William Chang, Jim Connelly, Fred Duffy and David Heirlich (Div.2).
Friday, Nov. 6, Eastern Star – Stableford
There has been only a slight improvement in the sanded greens at this course but we still had a good turnout for this time of the year.
Martin Kokkelkoren took division 1 in the stableford competition with 37 points, beating Neville Scurrell by 1, who in turn beat Paul Butler by two points. Soon to be heading for division 1, Pranom Foster won division 2 with 40 points while Nut Head was second on 37 and Jim Lane beat Jimmy Johnson on a 22/21 back-nine count back for third after they both finished with 36 points.
There had been no ‘2’s recorded in either division over the past two Friday’s so it is all to play for today. Marty Aronsen and Nit Watcharaphin both birdied the 3rd hole to share the pot in division 2, while there was a third rollover to next Friday in division 1.
Near pins went to Russell Benson, Albert Muller, Ya Riley and Bryan Rought (Div.1) and Marty Aronson, Terry Cowell, Alan Duckett and Martin Kokkelkoren (Div.2).
Our third club championship starts next week on Monday, Nov 16, and as always sponsored by Northern Thai Reality so there will be some great prizes up for grabs.

Eddie tops the high scorers at Emerald

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, Nov. 2, The Emerald - Stableford
Unusually there was a low turn out for the Emerald but what a round of golf we had! The course was in great condition and empty so the golfers made the most of it.

Winner at Emerald, Eddie Martin (left) with ‘Hole in One’ Geoff Parker.

Three players scored 40 points, one being Paul Smith whose round included six birdies and an eagle but he could only finish third after a count back. Another who tied with 40 points but finished runner up after a count back was October’s golfer of the month Geoff Parker - and his round included a hole in one at the 131 yard par three 15th hole! The winner, who scored 22 points on the back nine and that included a “blob” on the par four 12th was Eddie Martin.
1st Eddie Martin (15) 40pts
2nd Geoff Parker (16) 40pts
3rd Paul Smith (4) 40pts
Near Pins: Paul Smith, Gerry Cooney, Geoff Hart and, of course, Geoff Parker.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, Greenwood - Medal
The last time we visited this course we had torrential rain but today it was perfect and we had the course virtually to ourselves.
Count backs were required again today with Gordon Melia beating Tony Scambler to take fourth place. Gordon’s wife Marion beat Geoff Hart on a count back to take runner up spot but there wasn’t any doubt about the winner, Tony Robbins winning by four clear shots.
1st Tony Robbins (11) net 73
2nd Marion Melia (17) net 77
3rd Geoff Hart (19) net 77
4th Gordon Melia (14) net 79
Near Pins: Marion, Reg Smart, Tony Scambler and Tony Robbins.
Friday, Nov. 6, Khao Kheow - Stableford
The Bunker Boy’s are always treated well by the Khao Kheow staff and today was no exception. We played ‘C’ course first which was almost empty although the other ‘nines’ were busy. Fairways and greens were in excellent condition but the course was even more difficult than ever with a strong wind causing problems.
There were two flights today and Reg Smart had a good day apart from a ‘blob’ on the par-five 17th, but he still did enough to win the B Flight with 35 points. Geoff Parker was in the frame again taking second place ahead of PJ who was a surprised third with only 29 points.
The best round of the day considering the conditions was played by Frank Dante who scored a magnificent 38 points to win the A Flight. Runner up spot went to Hai Sul Chung on his first day back from Korea and Geoff Cox took third place four points behind.
A Flight
1st Frank Dante (12) 38pts
2nd Hai Sul Chung (12) 34pts
3rd Geoff Cox (14) 30pts
B Flight
1st Reg Smart (25) 35pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 33pts
3rd PJ Redmond (16) 29pts
Near Pins: Gordon Melia, Mike Corner and Geoff Cox (2).

Savage can’t be denied, shoots magical 43

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Damian Trant
Monday, Nov. 2, Great Lake - Stableford
After last week’s landslide victory by the Great Britain and Brian team against the Rest of the World, in our annual Ryder Cup, it was back to our usual stableford format today. The venue was the ever improving Great Lake and as usual the field was split into two flights, with the higher handicappers easily out scoring the lowers on the day.
In A Flight, 33 points by the ‘me man’ Brian Orr was good enough to take third place. One shot better in second was ‘Mr Heineken’ Graham Houston, who said after that if he hadn’t drunk himself sober on his way round he would have scored much better. Well out in front and continuing his good form was our very own lover man Ted ‘two handicaps’ Gardner with a very respectable 37 points.
In B Flight third place went to Jim Boyd with 39 points, who must have been still on a high after his highly unlikely half in his Ryder Cup singles match. Second went to James Savage with a what would be normally good enough to win 41 points. It’s nice to see that the lessons are starting to pay off Jim but it wasn’t good enough to beat fellow left hander Jack Hinchey who scored a magical 42 points.
A Flight
1st Ted Gardner 37pts
2nd Graham Houston 34pts
3rd. Brain Orr 34pts
B Flight
1st Jack Hinchey 42pts
2nd James Savage 41pts
3rd Jim Boyd 39pts
Friday, Nov. 6, Green Valley – Stableford
While the Caddy Shack match play team were storming to a big win against Tropical Bert’s, the rest of the Caddy Shackers were enjoying the near perfect conditions around our home course of Greene Valley.
In B Flight, third place went to Greg Ritchie with 39 points. Also with 39 points but with a better back nine was fellow countryman Don Wilson. Well done to Don who put the disappointment of becoming the latest in a long line of Rest of the World losing captains behind him with a great score. A massive four shot better and winner of the day was the rapidly improving James Savage, who for the second time this week passed the 40 point mark. After talking to James on Friday night he said that he didn’t particularly play that well, so who knows what scores he will be posting when he actually hit some form.
In A Flight a shabby score of 32 point was good enough for the caddy’s favourite Geoff Stubbs to take second place, with Nick Ramsdale well out in front with 36 points.
A Flight
1st Nick Ramsdale 36pts
2nd Geoff Stubbs 32pts
B Flight
1st James Savage 43pts
2nd Don Wilson 39pts

Mashi makes light of the wind at Pleasant Valley

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, Nov. 3, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
We had not played this course for some time, but with the ‘High Season’ on the horizon I thought it was worth a new look. The first difference we encountered was at the clubhouse; actually the fact that it had one and has just opened. Whilst not on the impressive scale of many of the other courses it is nice and clean and ‘comfy’. I rather expect it will become well liked. With nice changing rooms and fine showers it has all it needs and I decided to visit the new restaurant after the game.

Tuesday’s top three (from left): Rob Brown, Mashi Kenata and Perry McNeely.

On the course it was blowing a gale, and at times it was difficult to stand but we battled on, at least it wasn’t raining. We started from the new no 1 hole and in fact it seemed to make the course much better, and as far as I could tell in the wind the course itself is now starting to become a fine layout. The par 5 with all the construction on is now the 18th, and can be seen from the restaurant, and the construction seems to be over so the 18th is now a very nice hole.
Then it started to rain, not heavy but in the wind it was not ‘Pleasant Valley’ for a time, then the rain stopped and all was well with the world. We finished the round fast and were soon seated in the restaurant overlooking the 18th. The restaurant is fine, and I just had a cheese and ham sandwich, with onions and chips. It was quite tasty. They passed.
Soon we were on the road back to Bert’s, and we got there over two hours sooner than we did after playing Khao Kheow last week. The presentation also was over two hours at least before the week before and who won? Well the winner was Mashi Kenata with a fine 38 points in high winds. In second was Perry McNeely with 34 points and in third was Rob Brown with 33 points on count back over ‘yours truly’ and Anders Pederson.
Near Pins went to Rob Brown, Mashi Kenata (2) and your humble correspondent
Friday, Nov. 6, Rayong Country Club - Stableford
Here we are, another Friday and a good group of people gathering for golf at Tropical Bert’s, and no rain in sight. What a way to finish the week. After wolfing down our ‘Golfer’s Special’ breakfast and sorting out the transport, we were off to what has become a favorite venue for our group.
Arrival at the course was typical for a Friday with a couple of other groups arriving a bit ahead of us, so the area seemed a bit crowded. The staff however were efficient as usual and we were off the first tee just a few minutes after our 10 o’clock tee time.
The course was found to be in good condition and there was continued evidence that the management are working to bring this course to a higher standard. The only complaint heard was over the new metal hole liners. Evidently a putt or two bounced out rather than dropping in after hitting the metal liner. This is the third different type of hole liner they have tried at this course so maybe we’ll see something different in the future.
Our groups were around in a bit over four hours and after quick showers our group headed back to Bert’s for drinks, food and the prize presentation. What started out as a fine day certainly ended up the same way with Karen Brown beating her 36 handicap with 37 points and taking first place over all the guys. Peter Whitehead was second just 1 point back and then came ‘yours truly’ (34pts) in third on count back over Henry O’Brien.
Near Pins on the day went to Daryl Evans and Rob Brown (2).
We play every Tuesday and Friday from Tropical Bert’s and all are welcome.

Jumbo points at the Valley

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, Nov. 1, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim Munns (12) 42pts
2nd Dominic Downing (12) 37pts
3rd Ian Rippey (14) 37pts
B Flight
1st Jum Karagit (22) 43pts
2nd Christy Knight (23) 42pts
3rd Kurt Eric Pearson (25) 42pts
Near Pins: No2 Kevin Mcentee, No9 Reg MacKay, No12 Sean Murphy, No16 Bob Lindburg.
A good turn out for today’s comp, saw Jim Munns dedication to the driving range eventually pay off as he posted a splendid 42 points to easily take the senior flight honors. Second and third place needed the aid of the dreaded count back to separate Dominic Downing and Ian Rippey as both competitors carded 37 points, Dominic edging Ian for second place.
Good golf indeed but not quite good enough as the match honors went to Jum Karagit who dazzled the entire field with her magnificent 43 points playing off her old 22 handicap. Christy Knight and Kurt Eric Pearson were just one shot adrift, and again a count back was needed, with the scales tipping in Christy’s favor.
Spare a thought for Terry Wagner and Bob the Guru who posted 41 and 40 points respectively.
Back at Lewiinski’s the Lou-inskis draw was not won and now stands at over 10’000 baht. Don’t forget you have to be in the bar at the time of the draw to win.
Tuesday, Nov.2, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Terry Mangan (11) 37pts
2nd Peter Hynard (12) 37pts
3rd Colin Davis (15) 36pts
Terry Mangan and ‘The Right Honorable’ Peter Hynard were the only two players who managed to better par on the difficult A and B Crystal Bay layout as both golfers posted 37-point hauls: Terry tacking the day’s honors via the resulting count back. ‘The Donkey’, playing his own course, filled the last podium place again on a count back decision, the count back victim being Geoff Elvis Kubas, both returning solid even par rounds.
Peter Hynard, Geoff Ives and Colum Mullen split the ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jeff Ives (13) 38pts
2nd Kevin Mcentee (7) 37pts
3rd Gavin Knox (9) 35pts
B Flight
1st Matt Doyle (16) 37 pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (20)35 pts
3rd Colin Davis (15) 34 pts
A Large Lewiinski’s group made the trip to the well presented Bangpra course where Irelands’ Matt Doyle did not take long to settle in to garner a solid 37 points, to take top rung of the ladder in the junior flight. Elvis Kubas was in fine form a couple of shots behind and The Donkey completed the flight podium a further shot back.
Jeff Ives took the senior flight and day’s honors with a sparkling 38 points. Irelands’ Big Kevin Mcentee came up a shot adrift, leaving ‘flight lieutenant’ Knox to wrap up the flight.
Andrew Byrne, Pat Reagan and at last Colum Mullen shared the ‘2’s pot.
The resident monkeys are walking a thin line as they are raiding the drink stops and helping them self’s to the bananas.
Friday, Nov. 6, Treasure Hills - Stableford
A Flight
1st Gavin Knox (9) 39pts
2nd Tore Ellassen (15) 37pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (20) 37pts
2nd Sim Davis (29) 34pts
Elvis Kubas, posted a letter with 37 points on, and he don’t want it back, or so the song goes. Well neither would I as that 37 points won Geoff the junior flight. Tore Ellassen gratefully accepted second place coming up two shots short.
The victor of the senior flight was none other than Gavin ‘Flight lieutenant’ Knox who put together a Flawless 39 points. “What would we have done with out the RAF?” Jolly good show sir. Completing the flight was the ever present Tore Ellassen
Kevin Lacey won a healthy ‘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.

Allison a clear winner at Greenwood

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Monday, Nov.2, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Neil Allison (19) 39pts
2nd Mike Rushant (12) 33pts
3rd Peter Clark (12) 33pts
4th Willy Wilcox (19) 32pts
5th Fergus Brennan (9) 32pts
The first foray of the week was to Greenwood on Monday to play the B & C courses. We had good numbers taking part again but only the one division, not sure why.

Saturday’s Division 2 winners: John Thornber, Tewin Lamthong and Neil Low.

Neil Allison was the top man on the day with 39 points and a full six clear of second placed Mike Rushant who had to win a count back over Peter Clark, both with 33. Fourth place went to Willy Wilcox on 32 points after he beat Fergus on the count back.
Only the one ‘2’ and that was from Fergus.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, Plutaluang - Stableford
1st John Thornber (16) 37pts
2nd David Booth (13) 36pts
3rd Peter Clark (12) 35pts
4th Neil Allison (17) 34pts
5th Ito Akitoshi (7) 34pts
Tuesday saw us visit Plutaluang where we had not been for some weeks. A fair group took part and just the one division again.
It’s a good course this and obviously it suited John Thornber who came home with 37 points for the win. Just the one back was David Booth and one further point back in third was Peter Clark.
There were two ‘2’s from Ito Akitoshi and Neil Allison.
Thursday, Nov. 5, Phoenix (Mountain & Lakes) - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 36pts
2nd Steve Carlton (7) 35pts
3rd Mike Sanders (9) 33pts
4th Hugh Byrne (10) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Paula Byrne (27) 38pts
2nd Neil Allison (17) 35pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (16) 33pts
4th Mark Krysl (29) 33pts
Out to our regular venue of Phoenix on Thursday, and a very good turnout so two full divisions.
Guess what? It was a lady that took top honours yet again in Division 2 this week, Paula Byrne to be exact with a fine 38 points. Neil Allison was second with 35 and Roger Wilkinson third at 33 after beating Mark Krysl on the count-back.
Division 1 had the boss himself Fergus Brennan at the top with 36 points, leading Steve Carlton in by just the one point. Mike Sanders was another two back at 33 for third spot and Hugh Byrne (32) took fourth on count back from Andrew Mellett.
Four ‘2’s came from Andrew Mellett at the fourth, Roger Wilkinson at the eighth and Steve Carlton and Roger Wilkinson again at the eleventh
Saturday, Oct. 31, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 35pts
2nd Mike Rushant (12) 35pts
3rd Mike Sanders (9) 34pts
4th Bill Shepley (3) 34pts
Div. 2
1st Neil Low (20) 34pts
2nd Tewin Lamthong (14) 32pts
3rd John Thornber (16) 32pts
4th Roger Wilkinson (16) 31pts
Saturday and our first visit for some time to Mountain Shadow with another very good turnout and many old faces returning from the winter weather in their home countries.
Fergus Brennan was again top in Division 1 with 35 points after taking it on count back from Mike Rushant. Mike Sanders was third with 34, just pipping Bill Shepley on the count-back.
In Division 2 the day belonged to Neil Low with his 34-pointer, and two back was Tewin Lamthong at 32 for second after beating John Thornber on the count-back.
No ‘2’s today so a traditional bell ring back at the hotel.
It should be noted that not one of the first division winning top four was available for the photo shoot at the presentation, a bit sad that I thought. Anyway it means all the glory goes to the second division winners and it is justly deserved.
Note: If you want any further information about the golf outings played by the TRGG, please contact Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019 or call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro.

Clamp romps home at Green Valley

PSC Soi Khao Noi Golf Group

Tuesday, Nov. 3, Green Valley (White tees) - Stableford
We always enjoy this excellent venue and started off before our scheduled time. Including an extra group we were round promptly and into one of the best ‘19th holes’ in the clubhouse that we get to enjoy.

Hat-trick John ‘Roddo’ Roddis (left) with Denis Palmer and Jan, the proprietress of La Piscinne.

Perhaps the cooler weather assisted David Clamp to romp home an easy winner in the A Division with 40 stableford points. Looks like one of the best ways of improving one’s golf is to get focused and practice hard. Willy Nachbur also had a ‘good day at the office’ mopping up the B Division with 37 points.
Thursday, Nov. 5, Pleasant Valley (Blue tees) - Stableford
The next time we play here it is (by popular demand) going to be off the white tees! It is the first time we have visited here after the opening of the new club house and it was most encouraging for us to be welcomed in person to the newly upgraded facilities by the Managing Director, Charkkrit Bhumichitr.
The course is maturing now and is a tough test of golfing ability, reflected by the group of twenty only managing to return an average score of just 25.7. Now that is tough! We imagine that the rough edges of a developing course (for example a grave lack of white, yellow and red stakes as defined on the back of the card) will soon be sorted out and we look forward - albeit with some trepidation - to our next visit.
John Roddis had a second good outing in the week, winning the A Division contest with 35 points, whilst visitor Denis Palmer defied the history of visitors playing a demanding local course off a U.K. handicap by winning the B Division contest with 32 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.

Challenges from Sir Nick & Pete

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, Nov. 3, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
Tuesday and we were off to the fast improving Sir Nick Faldo designed and newly renamed Rayong Country Club, where within our normal competition we were to play a match play contest against some golfer/bowlers from The Retreat. Each team fielded 10 players with some regular Mulligans Lakesider’s jumping ship to even the numbers.

Bob Edwards on B9 at always tough Khao Kheow.
Firstly to the match play and ML won the day 5 to 3 with 2 games halved, with most games very close, 1 or 2 from each team being more convincing. The normal stableford competition was hotly contested in 2 flights, 0 - 18 & 19 up, with Joe (19) from The Retreat leading the way with 34 points, from Paddy (20), 33 points, representing Mulligans Lakeside, while third went to Joki (24) from The Retreat with 32.
The top flight saw Ken Hole (16) ML, the winner with 37 points, while Steve Wallace (9) TR, shot a good 36, and Dave Edwards (16) ML, picked up third place with 34 points.
Lady golfer and guest from The Retreat, Orawan Sodok (27) would have blown the field away with a great 41, but had chosen not to enter the competition today, maybe next time.
The Near Pins were won by Steve Wallace nabbing the 5th & 7th (very close), while Paddy got #12 & Ken got #16.
Thursday, Nov. 5, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Thursday saw us head to the Pete Dye designed Khao Kheow to tackle the A & B layout (probably the best combination) and a good test of golf, but fair, no tricks involved. Good shots put you in with a chance of reward while bad shots get what they deserve (generally a burial at sea).
Just the 1 flight today, which saw Jeff Wylie (8) lead the way home with a solid 36 points, followed by Tuesday’s winner, Ken (16) but with only 30 pts this time.
Near Pins were shared amongst Ken, Jeff & Dave, with 3 being converted into 2s.
Lastly we would like to offer congratulations to Caddyshack on their victory for this year’s match play, a deserved victory as the team was the best over the year. Well done Bruce, Keith and all team members.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside play 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!

Danish team takes out Bjarne’s birthday bash

PSC golf from the Caf้ Kronborg

The winning Danish team pose with Bjarne (2nd right) & The Admiral (far right).

Peter Blackburn & Dave Richardson
Monday, Nov. 2, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
There were 27 golfers leaving Caf้ Kronborg and it could have been 32 but 5 had pulled out due to the 25 knot winds (must have all had new hair styles). I had a good excuse for not being there as I was leaving Bangkok at 0905 for a 2 week trip back home to OZ (much to the delight of some here).
Welcomes were handed out to Allen Toeneker and Aage Justensen from Denmark, Brian Gabe from Detroit, Michigan and Jean Claude Lhoste from Nice, France. The Admiral reports that the course had dried out nicely and lots of run was to be had.
There were two Flights, 0 to 19 handicap for A and B Flight for 20 and over, and also nearest the pins and 2 longest putt holes.
It appeared to be a “nail biter” at the top of A Flight with 3 players on the same score. On a count back the flight was won by Elias Magnusson from Walter Baechli (going for 2 in a row) and Ted Morris. Peter Hammond finished just one point behind in fourth place. Also some good scores in B Flight with Martyn Topham again winning. Alan Ewing finished second from Wayne Koch in third and Kenny Chung in fourth place.
A Flight
1st Elias Magnusson (16) 38pts
2nd Walter Baechli (15) 38pts
3rd Ted Morris (10) 38pts
4th Peter Hammond (19) 37pts
B Flight
1st Martyn Topham (30) 41pts
2nd Alan Ewing (25) 40pts
3rd Wayne Koch(23) 36pts
4th Kenny Chung (27) 35pts
Near Pins: 5th Colin Swann, 7th & 16th Ted Morris, 12th Kenny Chung.
Long Putts: 9th Bill Plath, 18th Per Anders Karlsen
Thursday, Nov. 5, Plutaluang S & E - Bjarne’s Birthday 4-Man Scramble
Once more Caf้ Kronborg Bjarne’s Birthday event was very popular and we had 34 starters to take on South & East courses at Plutaluang. It was a cloudless day, breezy and around 32 degrees, perfect golfing weather. The Admiral reported that the course was the best he’s ever seen it and the first group were able to tee off on time. A bit of a delay at the turn but the round was completed in around four hours & thirty minutes so there were obviously no major hold ups.
The Danish team of Ernst Hansen, Morton Nielson, Leif Kirkgaard and Freddie Townhill took out first prize with a net score of 56.1 (gross 60). The Dream team of Ernie Baake, Moe Deverdine, Jack Levy & Dan Dorothy came in second with a net 57.6 (gross 67) and the Caf้ Kronborg team comprising of Dave Richardson, Stu Rifkin, Rob Brown & Karen Brown finished in third place with net 59.3 (gross 68).
It was straight back to Caf้ Kronborg after the golf for presentations and of course the usual fabulous food there. Everyone attending received a lucky draw prize of which many were kindly supplied by the Pattaya Sports Club so a big thank you to the PSC. Many thanks were extended to everyone for attending and especially the Nielson family for hosting the event.

Mike in 7th heaven as he cans an ‘Ace’ at Burapha

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, Nov. 2, Burapha - Stableford
Forty five Outbackers took to the A & B nines at Burapha, but with our numbers up into the forties, we had the benefit of the customary two-tee start which made for speedy golf, getting everybody on the course by 10.25. However, the gusty unpredictable wind put everyone, apart from a couple of players, to the task.

Mike Holmes recorded his 7th lifetime hole in one at Burapha.

We don’t normally get wind so strong, but I know two guys drove the green from the blue tee on the first hole on Augusta; the first one was Lloyd Shuttleworth as he was playing in my group, the second was someone in the group behind us, as it went over the green whilst we were putting. Great shots fellas!
On the second par 3 on the front nine (A6), Mike Holmes, a visitor from England, took his 8 iron from 173 yards and yep, with one bounce straight into the hole. I just got to the green with a 6 iron and I thought I hit it OK. That was Mike’s 7th hole in one; you’re an ace magnet mate!
Welcome to the other lads from Aussie and England, it is great to also see Paul Quinn back in town. Frank O’Neill (Div C) and Brian Maddox (Div D) showed how good they are in windy conditions, both scoring 40 fantastic stableford points to emphatically win their respective divisions. They were great rounds of golf fellas, maybe the Open will be your next tournament, at St Andrews.
Capt’ Bob thought he would be kind and let the 20 plus handicap players go from the white markers but still nobody did outstandingly well, apart from Brian as previously mentioned.
Finally, the ‘2’s pot was a true jackpot, with the ace voiding all ‘2’s. Back at the Outback, Mike rang the bell to share his delight with all his fellow golfers. Thanks Mike!
Div A (0-12)
1st Steven Budrys (12) 35pts
2nd Terry Smith (9) 34pts
3rd Mike Holmes (12) 32pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Bryan James (15) 37pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (13) 33pts
3rd James Little (14) 32pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Frank O’Neill (16) 40
2nd Bob Lindborg (17) 34
3rd Campbell Potts (18) 30
Div D (20+)
1st Brian Maddox (21) 40pts
2nd Peter Gibson (26) 34pts
3rd John Spiller (22) 33pts
Tuesday, Nov. 3, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
With the resident writer for the Tuesday game away, somewhere towards Trat for the day, it’s up to Joey to tell the fortunes and misfortunes of the 16 Outbackers who played here at Pattaya Country Club, “our local friendly club”.
Alan Pearce has come in from the wilderness at last, ending his long run without a win, edging out “our Suzi,” - Stunning’s better half – by a nostril, both scoring 37 points. The general scoring was significantly lower than usual as the strong gusting multi-directional wind made club selection more difficult; and had dried out the greens, quickening them considerably. “Our Arthur” scraped into third with 33 points, ahead of two others with the same score, Bill Peach and Geoff Doody.
Our Chad, aka “you know who by now”, was the day’s organiser, thanks very much for that, but once again he (Our Chad) failed to finish on the podium; one wonders whether Geoff Moodie ‘nobbled’ him again as well as himself, only 20 points Geoff!!
There was a jackpot ‘2’ from Suzi, who later rang the bell back at the Outback.
Don’t forget, 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 Alan Pearce (21) 37pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (20) 37pts
3rd Arthur Bailey (21) 33pts
4th Bill Peach (18) 33pts
Wednesday, Nov. 4, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Sixteen Outbackers took the opportunity to make a rare visit for the Outback Golf bar to this ‘Little Treasure’. The course was in excellent condition, but always plays tough and today was no exception, particularly with the speedy greens and constant wind, as the scores reflect.
The course was not busy and the booking-in was efficient and we were off on time and all back in around 4 hours and then back to the bar for presentation, well supposedly! General Jack was standing in for Capt’ Bob, who was away entertaining Aussie mates at Bangpra. By 4.30 p.m. there were still no cards and Jack declared that the result would have to be delayed until tomorrow (Thursday) and apologised for the situation but he had to be in town for a meeting.
Jim Wooler (36pts) was the only player to match handicap, which is no mean feat round here, followed in by Muzza (35pts) and Rosco (34pts); both also very acceptable scores. Ken Little took fourth place heading off B2 and John McCall all three with 31.
Today it was the last round for a while for Lloyd Shuttleworth one of the Outback’s lowest handicappers (2) as he is off back to work!
There were just two ‘2’s from Rosco & John McCall
1st Jim Wooler (22) 36pts
2nd Murray Hart (15) 35pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (13) 34pts
4th Ken Little (13) 31pts
Friday, Nov. 6, Khao Kheow - Stableford
It was a great feeling to return to this wonderful course after such a long absence. It is truly one of the best courses in the Pattaya area and ranks up there alongside the likes of the two Siam courses and Laem Chabang; yet it (Khao Kheow) has been sorely neglected by the Outback. All that is about to change and here’s hoping that over the next few months, with the Outback destined to be playing here virtually every Friday, that the Outbackers learn to play this tricky, yet vastly underrated (in handicap rating terms of difficulty), Pete Dye course. Quite how this course (A & B), from the yellow tees, gets only a rating of 70.9 with a slope of just 126, one will never know.
Taking advantage of a great high season rate, 39 Outbackers went to Khao Kheow today and played the A & B nines. It was a beautiful sunny day with clear blue skies but a strong, almost gale force wind, made the start very interesting indeed. It (the wind) made the first four holes extremely hard, blowing straight into the player’s faces; and there were many stories told after the first nine holes, of between 7 and 10 points, and those were the good scores.
The course was in fantastic condition and everybody was well looked after by staff and management very nicely, thank you. Also playing with the Outback was Lee Slattery, a young pro from England, on his way ‘down under’ to play in the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath. All of us here at the Outback wish you the best of luck and hope you win. We will keep and eye for your name on the leader board.
The top score of the day came in Div D with Johnny Spiller racking up a great 38 points to win his division by five; Div C didn’t fare so well, but Bob Lindborg chalked up yet another win, however this time with only 31 points. Just as a point of interest and to underline Bob Lindborg’s current run of form, nine of his last ten scores are handicap counting scores (the published list as of Nov. 7).
Rosco played well for his 36 points, winning Div B from the lovely May Suriye with 33, and Pat Regan’s 34 points was enough to take the premier division from Paul Greenaway (32pts) and Capt’ Bob (31pts). Lee Slattery was fourth with 30 points, but he did play from the tips!
There were four ‘2’ from Pottsy, Bob Philp, Ian Humphrey & Steve Plant
Div A (0-11)
1st Patrick Regan (10) 34pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (11) 32pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 31pts
Div B (12-15)
1st Rosco Langoulant (13) 36pts
2nd May Suriye (15) 33pts
3rd Ian Humphrey (15) 32pts
Div C (16-18)
1st Bob Lindborg (17) 31pts
2nd Doug Campbell (17) 29pts
3rd Eddy Beilby (18) 27pts
Div D (19+)
1st John Spiller (24) 38pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (22) 33pts
3rd Jum Karagit (21) 33pts
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.

Masa makes it three

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar, Soi Buakhao

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Rayong C.C. on Sunday November 1 to play a stableford event on a course which is getting better by the visit. The greens are certainly more consistent than they were a month or so ago and they are also substantially more even. With fairways drying out after some recent heavy showers there was a lot of run in evidence and maybe this helped the golfers to some excellent scores.
In third place was Martin Solberg with a well crafted 39 points but he found that this was nowhere near enough to challenge Emiel van der Wiele and Masa Takano. Belgian Emiel was playing with new clubs for the first time and he has Cleveland Golf to thank in part for his excellent 41 point round, and tying with him was the man in form at the moment, Masa Takano, a winner for the third consecutive round. Once again his iron play was excellent and the secret to his score. Shame, really he has to return to Japan next week!
Emiel, Chris Voller and Tony Thorne all shared the ‘2’s pot after adventures on the seventh and twelfth holes and Jesper Hansen, returning after more than six months, found the Booby Bevy waiting for his disappointing performance.
It had been a good day out at Rayong CC with a relatively empty course and bright sunlit skies.
Bangpra at its best
Bangpra was back to its breathtaking best when the Pattaya Golf Society called on Thursday, November 5 to play a stableford Merit event. The largest field for a long while turned up on a fine warm day to tackle the course set up in top condition in readiness for a large professional event in a few days time. The fairways had been narrowed and the greens were traditionally “Bangpra” making touch and a sense of gravity essential.
The field was divided into two flights at thirteen and under and in the top flight it was an all-Japanese affair with Yasuo Suzuki taking third place with a paltry 31 points, two behind Kasuo Takimoto’s second placed 33 points. The winner was one of the golfers very much in form at Rabbi’s, Masanori Takano, and he produced another fine sub par round to add to the recent impressive list with 37 points. For the latter two golfers it was the beginning of the end as both will return to Japan in the very near future.
In the second division the Japanese influence continued as Yukio Kikucho took third with 36 points. The PGS’s other form man is Emiel Van de Wiele and the Belgian continued his impressive run with another sub par round, this time taking second place with 37 points. The only natural English speaker in the frame on Guy Fawkes day was dear old Pat Murphy, plagued by arthritis and still drawing breath after arriving only a couple of days before and he belied the conditions and the form book and scored the day’s best with 38 points for a very popular victory.
Masa and Yukio took a share of the ‘2’s pot for their efforts on the exquisite par three eighth and newbie Garry Minchin enjoyed the Booby Bevy after producing the lowest score of the day.
Bangpra was a lovely way to bring down the curtain on a week’s golf with the PGS

A real medal test at Emerald

IPGC Monthly Medal

Medal winners (from the left): Tony Duthie, Nit Watcharaphin,
Gerry Hannan and Emiel Van de Wiele.

The fourth IPGC Member’s Monthly Medal was held at The Emerald course in Ban Chang on Tuesday, November 3. For the fourth consecutive month the event saw its numbers increase and topping a hundred entries in the first week of high season is a magnificent performance. Such is the popularity of the event that the entry lists for the next one, at Green Valley on December 2, are already open and sign-ups are taking shape.
The day at Emerald was a tough one with the strongest wind felt all year blowing steadily throughout and, whilst the conditions stayed cool for the golfers, accuracy remained at a premium all day.
The day would have been familiar to golfers who learnt their trade on the north-east coast of England in high summer and the familiar November dampness even descended as the end of the field approached the clubhouse. With racing greens in the ever drying conditions, par or better scores would be a stern test. But the field was a quality one with some of Pattaya’s best golfers once again in contention.
In the Ladies Division Nit Watcharaphin again topped the list to win her third medal, this time only scoring a mere thirty points and just nosing out Jinda Tongkhambai on count back with her back-nine of 18 points. In third place was Orawan Meeraka, slowly getting to grips with the game after taking it up only a year ago.
The Third Division was playing stableford and again it took a count back to decide third place with Andy Galvin, 37 points, shouldering out Rod Howett and Cully Monks with nineteen points on the back nine. A count back was also needed to separate the top two in the flight on 39 points and Tony Duthie’s fine “in-run” of twenty points pushed Shuichi Kodaka down the list into second place.
The Second Division was not quite as closely contested an affair with Joe McArdle, net 71, taking second on count back from Robert Hanson by 0.5 of a shot on the tough back nine at Emerald. The flight winner was Emiel Van de Wiele and his net 69 was the best net score of the day. Playing only his second round with new clubs his game in on a high at present.
All the usual suspects were contending the First Division but the conditions put paid to Steve Mascari and Russell Exley, leaving only Dave Stockman on net 72 in the frame but he lost out on count back for third place to Peter Le Noury’s 33.5 on the back nine. Nevertheless his best gross of 77 was an excellent performance given the conditions. Maybe Tony Lambert’s 320 yard drive on the sixteenth had distracted Dave as he was putting out but the golf gods took their revenge on the giant hitter with three putts to follow! Peter Sumner took second place with a finely crafted net 71, leaving Gerry Hannan to bask in the glory of his first big win with net 70.
The golfers then adjourned to Rabbi’s Elephant Bar in Soi Buakhao for the presentation party and everyone congratulated the winners and thanked the organisers for another splendid Monthly Medal event, especially Russell Exley and his backroom staff of Stephen Beard, Steve Mascari, Glyn Evans, and Len Jones.
Rabbi and Peung again provided a top class buffet and the day went down as another very successful Monthly Medal event with the IPGC. The buzz word was “quality” - a quality tournament with a quality field, organised in a very professional way.
Attention is now turning to Green Valley on December 2 for the next IPGC Monthly Medal.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Sometimes three no trump is an easier game to make than four of a major, even when you do have an eight card fit.  The hand this week, played recently in a match in Chiang Mai, is an example.  It was the last deal of the match and North-South were behind and needed a game to pull ahead.  This accounts for the somewhat optimistic bidding.  Both sides were vulnerable and South dealt.  This was the bidding: 

East        South          West            North

-              P                  P                   1H

2C           2H               P                   3H

P             3N               All pass        

North invited to game in hearts with a 3H bid.  South accepted the invitation, but offered an alternative game, 3N.  Since West has bid clubs, South’s bid does of course promise a stopper in this suit.  Kit Salisbury, sitting North, spent some time considering the alternatives.  With his good heart suit and good cards in spades and diamonds (see below), he wisely passed, thinking nine tricks might be easier to make than ten.  The full deal is shown below:

                          S: AJ9

                          H: AQJ107

                          D: KJ5

                          C: 97            

S: 10632                                 S: KQ84

H: 8654                                  H: 2

D: A743                                 D: 86

C: J                                         C: AK10842

                          S: 75

                          H: K93

                          D: Q1092

                          C: Q653         

West led the jack of clubs, which was ducked all round (it does not help the defence if East overtakes).  Now, West needs to find the right switch.  The only switch that defeats the contract is a spade, but West has little information to go on.  Eventually, he led a low diamond, hoping to find his partner with the queen and fool declarer into playing the jack.  However, the defence is now dead.  Declarer forced out the ace of diamonds and then took three diamond tricks, five heart tricks and the ace of spades, to make the contract.  Note that 4H goes down, losing one spade, one diamond and two club tricks - 3N is the only contract that has a chance.
Please send me your interesting hands at: [email protected].

Better weather, better numbers

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Bob Newell
Monday, Nov. 2, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Bob Newell (6) 40pts
2nd John McHugh (9) 38pts
3rd Roger Koehler 38pts
Fingers crossed we have at last seen the weather change for the better and the green staff were out in force today, finally able to get on and do some maintenance work. Apart from the greens needing a little more time to get to their best, the rest of the course is drying up nicely and looked in top condition.
On the subject of the weather, today’s extremely strong and unusual wind made for some interesting club selections at times. Those of us who play here regularly can almost select a club with barely a second thought but 8 irons from 100 yards? Or the same club downwind from 170? It was very tricky and commendable, therefore, that most seemed to cope well and produce some good scores. However, it must be said, there were too many tees well forward of normal.
In the first group Geoff ‘howdy’ Doody wouldn’t have expected to pay out with 36, but pay out he did to Henry O’Brien and Roger Koehler, with 37 and 38 respectively. In the next group new boy Bob Fagan led the way with a good 37. Nick Creasey’s 36 took the spoils in the next group, getting the better of Jeff Calrow and the man without a good word for anyone, Loz Shaw, good to see you again mate! The ex golf manager ‘fly boy’ John Emerson compiled a solid 36 but not good enough for the places.
Battling out for the podium, Roger must have thought it was his day. He flew around the front 9 with 22 points but, unfortunately, couldn’t sustain it and had to settle for third place thanks to a poor inward score of 16. These scores were totally reversed for second spot, John ‘boom-boom’ McHugh shooting the lights out on the back and continuing his good run of form (how’s the new nick-name John?)
Modesty prevents me going into too much detail about today’s winner – yours truly! What I will say is that scores sometimes can be deceiving. Forty points with a 20/20 split may seem like solid, consistent golf but the true story was at least 8 up and downs and no greens in regulation until number 7. It was my day, I suppose.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Gary Bird (16) 36pts
2nd James Daniel (15) 36pts
3rd Steve Snelgrove (6) 34pts
The upturn in the weather continued today but, even more pleasingly, there is now a distinct upturn in playing numbers too. All the fixtures for this week were well booked, including Friday’s Phoenix slot, despite the combined golf and cricket week-end in Bangkok taking many regulars away.
The Golf Club is not a particularly large venue and will never have the large playing numbers that some others do but what we do have is a management team who are committed to providing our players with as good a playing/dining/drinking/socializing experience as possible. Rest assured the team with continue to try and stay ahead of the pack.
On the golf front, points today were not easy to come by. The strong winds prevalent at Green Valley two days prior followed us to Phoenix, creating many challenging holes.
We welcomed back many returning visitors today, plus a sprinkling of newcomers for their first taste of golf and fun in the LOS. Judging by comments I think we have some more converts!
One on the come-back trail was ‘wacko Jacko’ Grinvald. Jack’s a top golfer but, naturally more than a little ring rusty and perhaps still not fully fit but good to see him playing again. Mick Beresford’s smile was wide as he was back in town again and, sadly I fear, he could be permanently scarred, going down heavily with ‘Happy Shoes’, 6 and 5, to ‘Seamless’ and the ‘Catalogue Man’. There was some discussion afterwards about whether it was actually 7 and 5 but Dale Shier and I are magnanimous people and we didn’t feel it was right to push the point!
Dale, myself and big Steve Snelgrove all returned 34 points and went to the dreaded count back. The ‘Catalogue Man’s’ back nine 15 eliminated him, leaving me and Steve locked on back nine 16’s. My earlier gloating turned round to bite me as big Steve took great delight in telling me how he chipped in on the last for birdie, to do me on the back six. He celebrated in his customary way and was last seen enquiring about the price of condos in the elephant village.
First and second place, too, were decided on count back and were both new players: One in his second game with us and the other his first. With similar handicaps James Daniel (15) and Gary Bird (16) were tied on 36, but Gary’s outstanding inward 21 pushed Daniel and his 19 into second. Welcome to the Golf Club guys, hope to see more of you (and Gary, when you see the clubs loaded in the van, stick around. That’s usually a pretty good sign we are about to leave!)
Fore! or Howzat? - Bangkok Road Trip, Nov. 6 & 7
With the recently formed Simon Philbrook-inspired Pattaya Cricket Club making their debut in the International Cricket Sixes Tournament in Bangkok, the Golf Club again showed its commitment and loyalty to all sports and not just golf. Indeed, many of the cricket club’s team are Golf Club patrons, so it was only natural that we combined a golf, cricket and cricket watching weekend.
Eight stalwarts made the early Friday morning trip to Lam Luk Ka Golf Course for a friendly, blind draw pairs competition. This course is certainly right up there in the ‘must play’ category and therefore we were pleasantly surprised to find a green fee & caddy fee of only 1,150 baht. But a hefty 100 baht a can of Heineken on the course was not so pleasant!
Unusually, for our super-fit and health conscious players, we broke our normal routine of glucose drinks and power bars, for early morning Bacardi Breezers and San Miguels. Thanks mainly to that well known party animal, J.J. Wright, the mould was set for the weekend. Combine this with back tees, on a still soft and damp course and it was easy to see why no one broke par.
Much to the chagrin of John ‘did I tell you I shared a house at the Masters with Beefy and Woosie’ McHugh, who had the day’s best score, the blind draw worked in favour of the 2 moderate scores of ‘Seamless’ and the multi-lingual Oddvar Rykke. They did, however, graciously provide the lunch from the winnings. Speaking of languages, our resident ‘snapper’ Steve Ellison showed his prowess in communicating, proving that he was ‘effluent’ in Thai.
We followed up our day’s golfing with an excellent reception at the cricketers’ hotel, all food and drink provided. Then the usual fun and frolics around the cultural centres of Bangkok before heading out in the morning to Harrow school for the next day’s cricket..
Not having played cricket for the best part of 17 years I was more than a little apprehensive. Two quick wickets bought me to the crease earlier than expected to face none other than the current Warwickshire County captain. Thanks guys but you’ll have to provide stiffer opposition than that!
Despite there being 21 teams from all around the world, Bangladesh, Beijing, UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the highlight came with an impromptu coaching session in the nets for our American contingent. Interesting and unusual would be a couple of ways to describe it, evidenced by the one delivery starting in the outside net and finishing in the middle one! But keenness was always there and all our boys said they would be at the net sessions when they start out at Horseshoe Point in a few weeks time.
Great trip again boys, it keeps getting better.

Café Ole takes over first place

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Ooy Pluemkamon rolled a 550 series and Antero Ronkainen added a 505 to lead Café Ole to a three point win over last week’s leader Sabai Sabai Friday. Nok Kennedy started off bad but came back with a 212 game, 516 series, to get one point for Sabai.

Last Friday’s 200 bowlers: Kaew and Nok.
Tui Amphanon bowled a 512 series to lead VFW Post 9876 to a two and one half point win over Canada. Tue Pettae bowled a good 550 series for Canada.
USMC moved up from eight to fourth place after winning all four points from Jack Tar. Indiana won four points from Bavaria and they move from ninth to fifth place. La Montgomery led Indiana with a 537 series.
Finally Green Tree won three points from Brother D with Kaew leading the way with a 210 game and 567 series.