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King’s Cup Jet Ski Grand Prix 2009 gets ready for lift off
Saksiri Uraiworn
The annual King’s Cup World Jet Ski Grand Prix races will
take place this year over the period December 1-6, 2009 at Jomtien
Beach, Pattaya. There are over 35 countries signed up to participate
in the event, which is being staged as a conjunction between Pattaya
City, the Jet Ski Association of Thailand and the International Jet
Sports Boating Association (IJSBA).
 Make
a beeline to Jomtien Beach next week for the exciting 2009 King’s
Cup World Jet Ski Grand Prix.
As the tournament gains in popularity year on year, the 2009 event
will be expanded to include 16 separate race categories with over
US$100,000 up for grabs in prize money.
At a meeting held at Pattaya City Hall last month, the Deputy Mayor
of Pattaya City, Ronnakit Ekkasing, said that this year’s event
would present a great opportunity to promote tourism in Thailand and
especially in the Chonburi and Pattaya areas.
As in past years, HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya will preside at
the opening ceremony and bestow the trophies to the winners at the
conclusion of the racing.
Birdie Boys on song at 2009 Baan Jing Jai Christmas Scramble
150,000 baht raised to give orphans a Christmas to remember
Roy Thornton
This year, the Baan Jing Jai Christmas Scramble took place on
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Eastern Star Golf Course. The reason for
the early date was to avoid clashing with the many tournaments now
organised during the month of December each year, and also allow more
time for Christmas shopping to please the one hundred children that will
benefit from this years event.
 The
victorious Birdie Boys: Barry Traynor, Chris Voller, Mikael Andersson
and Russell Exley.
The sun was out, the skies were blue, the course in great shape and 104
golfers made the effort to ensure that the children of the Baan Jing Jai
Orphanage and the children of the Child Protection Centre would enjoy
their Christmas in 2009. Yes folks, this year we decided to hold the
competition for two orphanages and make it a real team competition with
a massive trophy being presented to the winning orphanage.
As usual, yours truly tried to make it different and interesting for the
golfers with a format, that although was good to watch, maybe it did
take a little bit too long to play, but hey, if you don’t ever try
anything different, then you never know and you never learn.
 First
Div runners-up the Sugar Shack celebrate back at Secrets Hotel.
The competition shirts were made in two different colours, blue and
white for the Baan Jing Jai and Red and White for the Child Protection
Centre, all sponsored by the Fletcher family. If nothing else, the
contrast of colours made the teams a spectacle worth seeing.
The teams were paired up on each tee, one blue and white team against
one red and white team. The aim being, that in addition to playing
normal 4-person scramble rules, they also played a straight forward
scramble match play competition against each other. There were thirteen
teams representing the Baan Jing Jai, and thirteen teams representing
the Child Protection Centre. On paper it looked quite even, and many of
the matches were very close, but the red and white of the Child
Protection Centre walked away with a resounding 10 points to 3 victory
and will be the first name engraved on The Secrets Cup.
The Yakuza team who missed
out on the prizes by less than half a shot.
The individual team scramble was split into two
divisions with an exact combined team handicap being times by 12.5% to
give the team playing handicap, but no team was allowed a larger
handicap than the lowest handicap player in each team. This ruling only
affected the team of the Donovan’s Shankers who were capped at 1.7, but
they did not let this prevent them making a very brave effort and
recording a nine under par round off the stick to leave them just
outside the spoils.
The winners were as close as is humanly possible with only 0.2 of a shot
separating first and second in both divisions, and second place in the
second division was decided on a count back of the back nine holes.
With individual technical prizes on nine of the holes and a separate hit
the green competition taking place on all the par 3 holes, there were
plenty of prizes to go around, but competition for them was intense to
say the least.
The Sweaties team lost on
count back, but smiled the whole day through.
Throughout the day the girls from our main sponsor
Secrets Hotel, Restaurant & Bar circled the course with complimentary
drinks and snacks, pausing only for photo shoots with the golfers who
thought it a very colourful addition to the day. We also had some
children come along to visit Eastern Star from both the Baan Jing Jai
Orphanage and the Child Protection Centre who were all smartly dressed
in miniature competition shirts specially made up for them. This made
the children feel a real part of the day and gave them something to tell
their friends about when they returned to their respective orphanages.
The work on the course being completed for the day, we said thank you
and farewell to the staff of Eastern Star and returned to Pattaya and a
Presentation buffet waiting at our main sponsors. The venue and the food
provided, compliments of Secrets, was excellent and some hard work
behind the scenes provided a continuous showing of a DVD all around the
presentation venue of the day’s golf course activities. There was
obviously some posing going on during the golf, but it was a very
entertaining DVD and the players enjoyed sitting down with a beer to
view their 300 yard drive or a 25 foot put, difficult to gage distances
on a DVD, but some of them were nearly convincing!
First Div winners: Charlie’s
Angels with 2nd Div runners-up Joe 90.
The master of ceremonies, John Emmerson, then took
charge of the prize giving and raffle activities, ensuring that just
about everyone in the place went home with something worthwhile. The
event was a fantastic success, beating last years total raised by some
32,000 baht, but only because of the players who came out to support the
day and the enormous amount of sponsors this year. Some like Eastern
Star, Secrets and Golf Click for a second year running, and new first
time sponsors who hopefully will support us again next year.
Cooper’s International were
the winners in Div 2.
The generous sponsors of this year’s tournament were:
Eastern Star Golf Club, Secrets Hotel, Restaurant & Bar, Fletcher
Family, Golf Click, Emslie Family, Chris Knapp, Jackelope, Johnathan
Pratt, Bob Lindborg, Russell Exley, Russell Finch, Burnett Family,
Damien Carew, Ted Goalen, Tom Byrne, Tony West, Toby (Fisherman’s),
Chadbourn Family, Lawton Family, Eden Massage and Cabin Management Co.
Ltd.
Along with the sponsors there was also some tremendous help from out
team of helpers: John Emmerson, Mike Fletcher, Russell Exley, Thom
Parks, Ted Golan, Dave Evans, Wanicha Thornton and Nueg Emmerson, and
our thanks goes out to them..
In the team competition, and no strangers to the winners circle, the
Birdie Boys comprising of Barry Traynor, Mikael Andersson, Chris Voller
and Russell Exley took the overall title while the Division 1 winners
were the Charlie’s Angels of Tom Byrne, Joe Peters, Charlie Lapsey and
Robert Hanson, who finished just ahead of the Sugar Shack team of Ian
Halfpenny, Geoff King, Ron Birdsall and Terry Welch.
Children from both
orphanages join in the day.
In the second tier, The Cooper’s International line up
of Jonathan Cooper, Rohan Cooper, Christopher Waters and Peter Millard
took the main spoils ahead of the Joe 90 Gang; Joe McArdle, Andy Galvin,
Max Wilson and Gerry Power, who themselves gained the runner up spot on
count back over Scotland’s finest, the Sweaties, comprising Ronnie
Ramsay, Bobby Shirkey, Craig Boyd and Peter Duncan.
Technical prizes were awarded as follows: Near Pins went to No 3 Tom
Byrne, No 6 Barry Traynor, No 13 Marty Rock and No 17 Banjo Bandits. The
Long Drive (Men’s) was won by Damien Trim while Mod Churiatsa picked up
the equivalent female award. Simon Philbrook and John Cunningham were
closest with their second shots on holes 14 and 18 respectively and
appropriately The Sweaties were nearest to the Barrel on Hole 10.
Finally, in the ‘Hit the Green’ competition, prizes were awarded to Tom
Byrne (x2), Joe McArdle and John McCall
A fine display of colours
before the tee-off.
El Coyote wins Racing Division in
Ocean Marina 2009 Championships
Kipsan Beck
The International Racing Division One’s nine-race series over the
past 5 months was won by Gary Baguley helming his 52 foot masthead sloop,
“El Coyote”. There were 12 competitors in the class. Second was David Bell’s
“Magic Roundabout”, and third, “Dynamite”, helmed by owner, Brad Kirk.
 “Gulf
Charters 1” was victorious in the Platu racing class.
Wrapping up the last races of the season this week the Offshore Cruising
Division title went to Andrew Watts sailing his Jeanneau 36, “Sansanuk”.
Second in this division was George Foose’s “Freewind”, and third was Dick
Sanders sailing his home-built, extended 26-footer, “Thai Raver”.
The Offshore Multhull Division was taken by David Race sailing his 28 foot
Corsair, “Freee Wheeler”. A close second place was Bob Garner’s “Blade
Runner IV”, and third position taken by Chris King sailing “Treasure Trove”.
And last but certainly not least, 24 entry fleet of the Platu Class was won
convincingly by “Gulf Charters 1”, skippered by Ray Waldron. Second place
was taken by Morten Jacobsen sailing “Emma Mathilde XX”. Third was “Puma”
sailed by Kikuchi-San.
Last Saturday’s ‘decider’ races however produced no ‘decision,’ as not one
competitor managed to make it around the course before the race officer
called the whole thing off! So the previous month’s cumulative results
applied.
The series, which has run throughout 2009, has seen a wide variety of winds
from sometimes brisk south-westerlies, to soft northerlies and easterlies as
the season began its annual change during September and October. All this
has made the series interesting and challenging for skippers in all classes.
Competitors from Phuket and Samui who regularly participate in the racing
all appreciate the convenience offered of being able to step on board, sail
out of the Marina no more than half a mile, and be on an international
standard sailing race course.
The next Ocean Marina series commences on Saturday 17th January 2010.
City continue their winning run
MBMG International League Div 1 and Div 2
Paul Frain
Pattaya City took on 7th placed Anatolia last weekend in a Division
1 fixture and nearly took the lead in the first minute when a free kick from
Dipita’s hit the bar and rebounded to safety. With the wind in Anatolia’s
favour in the first half, long shots were the order of the day but they were
wild and way off target.
City took advantage of their opponents wayward finishing and a poor back
pass to their keeper saw City’s Pierre Ndjanna nip in to score a simple goal
and give Pattaya the lead. City were now playing the better football and it
was no surprise when they went 2-0 up with a goal from Earnest Dipita, who
beat two defenders before prodding the ball home.
Chances went begging with City bombarding the Anatolia goal and the only way
City could be stopped was the Anatolia defense playing an effective offside
trap. Half time came with City leading 2-0.
The second half carried on the same way as the first, with City’s keeper not
having a save to make. Another bad clearance by the Anatolia defense cleared
the ball only to Pierre Ndjanna who just had to tap the ball into an empty
net to make it 3-0 to City.
The match continued in this vein and a rasping shot from Mark Brittain hit
the back of the net to make it 4-0. With 15 minutes remaining Anatolia
scored two late goals within three minutes due to defensive mix-ups, but
could not score again to earn them a point.
A superb win for FC Pattaya
FC Pattaya gained a hard fought victory in Division 2 against run
away leaders Siam Celtic, who were unbeaten before this match. After their
victory against Pickled Liver, which has given FC a lot of confidence and
moved them from the bottom of the league, they were in determined mood when
they took on the league leaders.
The match was hard but FC produced their top form and scored twice, only to
find at half time that the scores were level at 2-2. FC carried on with
their match day plan and scored their winner well into the second half to
earn a great result and a 3-2 victory. This win shows that FC are becoming a
force to be reckoned with in the second division and the title is not yet
out of reach.
Note: If there are any football players who would like a game with FC
Pattaya please ring Stuart on 085 287 8885.
Pattaya hotelier represents Thailand at the Ironman World Championships
Woodlands Hotel & Resort’s General Manager, Stephane Bringer recently competed
with the world’s best triathletes at the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in
Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA by proudly representing Thailand.
 Stephane
Bringer at the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater Beach, Florida,
USA.
The Ironman World Championship 70.3 is held every year in Florida USA with a
field of 2,000 athletes from over 50 different countries. Athletes willing to
compete in this prestigious event must qualify at one of several Ironman races
held throughout the world. An Ironman 70.3 comprises of a challenging 1.9km
swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run, which Stephane managed to complete in
4hrs.42min.12 sec. It is with pride that Woodlands, Pattaya City and Thailand
were represented at this year’s event.
Satit School tennis talent
N. Choochai
Sylvester Alamdar is taking Pattaya’s tennis scene by storm.
 Sylvester
Alamdar (left) is congratulated by Satit School Headmaster, Peter
French, on his victory at the ‘Siam Bayshore Tennis Tournament’.
The first tennis tournament of Pattaya-tennis.com Men’s Circuit held
on 31st October – 2nd November 2009 featured 48 men tennis players
from Pattaya and surrounding proveniences. Sylvester played a
convincing final match and won, 6:3, 6:3.
The tennis season has only just started for Sylvester who has also
been selected to play in the PTT Junior Masters Cup. He has the
potential and natural talent to go all the way. It is hoped that
this solid start to his career will help him to fulfill his
potential of winning future grand slam tournaments and become a
world champion one day.
Sharpshooter Smyth sets his sights on top spot
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s column
Monday, Nov. 16, Burapha - Stableford
Forty-four Outbackers played the A & B course today
from the blue markers; it was fun for some and hard work for others but the
course was in magnificent condition. It played long, especially the holes
into the wind like A8 & A9 followed by B1, but the scores were quite good
surprisingly enough.
There was a special prize today, a nearest the pin sponsored by the “Good
Time Anything” bar in second road (opposite Soi Honey), the new guvner is
only the Rosco man, so the first winner was quite appropriately, Paul
Greenaway.
There were three divisions, all with 14 people in each division, yes that’s
right - as there were two non-competition cards. The winner today in Div A
(0–13) was Dave Shotton with 39 points, ahead of Kev Moraghan (38pts), Steve
Budrys (37pts) and Bob Philp (36pts).
Div B (14-17) ended up as a dead heat between Bruce Milner and Steve Plant
as the count back was identical. Third place went to Pete Stonebridge in
another, this time three-way count back, one of whom was Bob Lindborg, all
with 34 points and both Pete and Bob off h’cap 16.
The Div C winner was Ivan Plunkett who played off the wrong handicap (18
instead of 19) but still won by a mile with 39 points, from a new man on the
block, Carl Gorman (36pts) and in third was Pottsy (33pts) who had commented
before, “I’m only here for the beer, I won’t win anything”. Coming last but
not least was the cigarette and lighter borrower, John Spiller.
There were five ‘2’s today from Dion Lane, Mo Sadiq, Bruce McAdam, Bob Philp
and Dave Boran who is going home and donated his ‘2’s money to the girl’s
tip jar. Many thanks from the girls Dave and safe travelling mate, see you
at Xmas.
Div A (0-13)
1st Dave Shotten (7) 39pts
2nd Kevin Moraghan (13) 38pts
3rd Steven Budrys (12) 37pts
4th Bob Philp (7) 36pts
Div B (14-17)
1st Steve Plant (14) 36pts
1st Bruce Milner (14) 36pts
3rd Peter Stonebridge (16) 34pts
4th Bob Lindborg (16) 34pts
Div C (18+)
1st Ivan Plunkett (19) 39pts
2nd Carl Gorman (18) 36pts
3rd Campbell Potts (18) 33pts
4th John Spiller (23) 32pts
Tuesday, Nov. 17, Pattaya Country Club – Stableford
Twenty-one Outbackers made the short journey across
the 36 to Pattaya Country Club and like most courses it is getting busier,
however we were checked in quickly by the efficient staff and we were away
on our allotted time with no ‘extras’ at the 10th and rounds of just over 4
hours. The course had benefited from the overnight rain and the greens were
speedy. There were a number of new faces today who joined us for the
Outbackers regular outing at this friendly course.
With 21 players (and no ‘2’s!) it was two divisions with four places in
each.
The story in the ‘A’ Division (0-18), and indeed the story of the day, was
the 44 points achieved by Vincent Smyth playing off 13. This would be a
great score at any time but it was only Vincent’s fourth game in the last
six months after a serious eye injury followed by surgery and he is still
receiving treatment. Well done Vincent and good luck with your new handicap!
David Day (17) has been a regular Outbacker for a while and is now a ‘local
lad’ and his 40 points would normally have secured top spot but today he had
to settle for second place. Two regulars filled the last places with Aussie,
Chris Fletcher (9) 39 points taking third and Frank O’Neill (16) fourth with
35.
Top spot in ‘B’ Division (19+) went to today’s organiser ‘Chad’, Barry
Chadbourn (19) with 39 points (it must be the hat) followed by his Aussie
mate and playing partner, Geoff Moodie (25) with 33 points. It was count
back for third and fourth, with both Bill Waring (19) and Don Tyldsley (29)
having 31 points and it was Bill who pipped Don.
The Outback play at Pattaya Country Club each Tuesday with a tee time of
09.30 and the presentation at the Outback, an hour after the last group come
in, leaving plenty of time to discuss the round in detail!
Div A (0-18)
1st Vincent Smyth (13) 44pts
2nd David Day (17) 40pts
3rd Chris Fletcher (9) 39pts
4th Frank O’Neill (16) 35pts
Div B (19+)
1st Barry Chadbourn (19) 37pts
2nd Geoff Moodie (25) 33pts
3rd Bill Waring (19) 31pts
4th Don Tyldsley (29) 30pts
Wednesday, Nov. 18, Phoenix - Stableford
The popularity of this course never diminishes as 27
Outbackers enjoyed the Lake & Ocean nines. Bruce Milner was the star of the
show, as he has been round this course before, with today’s top score of 40
points, winning Div A comfortably by three from Shin Akatani & Rich Montana,
both with 37 points. Well played and welcome back to both of you.
John O’Keefe stole the Div B honours by a whisker from newcomer Kung, each
with 34 points, with the local resident pair of Harvey & Orowan just one
point behind.
Welcome back also to Bobby Driggs and ‘hello’ to some newcomers, Sean, Rob &
Dave.
There was a ‘jackpot 2’ today, scooped by the lady newcomer, Kung.
Div A (0-16)
1st Bruce Milner (14) 40pts
2nd Shin Akatani (14) 37pts
3rd Rich Montana (14) 37pts
4th Dion Lane (9) 36pts
Div B (17+)
1st John O’Keefe (17) 34pts
2nd (Kung) Maliporn (24) 34pts
3rd Harvey Samuel (19) 33pts
4th Orowan Sodok (27) 33pts
Friday, Nov. 20, Khao Kheow - Stableford
The Outback’s second visit to Khao Kheow as the
regular Friday slot attracted some 43 Outbackers to play this great course.
Given the trickiest two (C & A) of the three nines, with the wind blowing
like hell, the writing was already on the wall for many that the scores were
not going to be high.
The course was once again in magnificent condition and starting on C on
time, the Pro came out to see that all were being looked after properly. The
tee shots on this par 5 starting hole were quite comical to watch, as
players were trying hard not to go in the water with the wind blowing
straight right to left across the fairway but the number of balls that
stayed right, ending up OB, was huge.
The pace of play was good, everybody getting round in under four and a half
hours but as expected the scores remained mainly on the low side, however
there were one or two bright spots as some handled the conditions better
than others. Capt’ Bob was not one them (brighter spots that is) with only 9
points on the first nine holes. There were some people from Geralton in the
wild west of Aussie who joined us today, you wouldn’t see better good
natured banter from these close friends anywhere else and it continued
later, back at the bar.
Top score of the day was Bill Bishop (39pts), great golf in these
conditions, to comfortably win Div B by four from Bruce Milner (35pts).
Other good scores came from Mark Reid (35pts) winner of Div A, and the
Sugarman (35pts) winner of Div C.
There were six ‘2’s from Rob Earle, Bernie Stafford, Bill Bishop, Mark
Rossiter, Bruce Milner & Sean Miley
Div A (0-13)
1st Reid Mark (11) 35pts
2nd Richard Cook (12) 33pts
3rd Dwayne Crabb (4) 33pts
4th Kevin Moraghan (13) 32pts
Div B (14-18)
1st Bill Bishop (17) 39pts
2nd Bruce Milner (14) 35pts
3rd Phil Waite (14) 33pts
4th David Day (17) 31pts
Div C (19+)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (19) 35pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (21) 30pts
3rd Rob Earl (19) 28pts
4th Ivan Plunkett (19) 27pts
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.
Saveall gets the winning feeling at Greenwood
PSC Soi Khao Noi Golf Group
Tuesday, Nov. 17, The Emerald (White tees) -
Stableford
Arriving promptly for our 08:30 first tee time the starter
was easily able to accommodate our unexpected extra group. We all had a
good day with Willy Nachbur winning the B Division (H/C 16 and up) with
34 points, putting Neil into second on count-back. David Johnson was
third on 33 points and Mick Benton fourth with 31.
 A
Division winners this week: Roddo (left) and Cliff Saveall (right).
There were no ‘scorchers’ in the A Division with Roddo winning the pool
with 36 points followed by Cliff Saveall with 35, Mats Hansson 33 and
Mike King 32.
The average score of 30.5 points was lower than that usually returned at
this course perhaps due to the extreme humidity and heat which preceded
the thunder storm that arrived in the evening.
Thursday, Nov. 19, Greenwood C & A (White tees) -
Stableford
Greenwood is always a popular venue for this group. The
trouble (if we can call it that) is as said before – ‘there are no bad
golf courses in the local area, only some that are better than others!’
The cut for the B Division was a lower than usual 14 and up which let
Mike Jackson slip in and nab first place with 32 points. Neil was
runner-up for the second time in the week on 31 but reversed the order
on Tuesday with Willy Nachbur who came third with 30 points and Jim
Walton was fourth with 30 points.
In the A Division our low handicap man Cliff Saveall maintained his good
form and won with 34 points, putting David Clamp into second spot on
count-back. Dennis Jaycock was fourth with 33 points whilst Mike King
matched his fourth place on Tuesday with 31 points.
Despite the huge temperature drop easing playing conditions tremendously
the average score was only 28.4 points which is low for this course.
Aka O’Reilly returned from up country a wiser man about female and male
friendships. His wife didn’t come home one night and so he phoned ten of
her best friends and none of them confessed to knowing anything about
it. This after when the last time Aka didn’t come home one night his
wife phoned ten of his best friends and seven confirmed that he had
slept over and three of them said he was still there.
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.
A close call with the sand trap
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
A sign at the Pattaya Country Club sign-in desk advised that the greens of holes
1 through 9 would be undergoing sand improvement work. That was today, November
18. Well the Three Sisters Group must live right as only the number one green
was sanded but next to each of the next 8 greens was a formidable pile of pure
white sand just waiting to be applied. The unsanded greens were just fine
although today’s scores did not reflect it.
 Wednesday’s
winner Herbie Ishinaga (left) with second placed Arnold VanDerGraff.
As the cards were tallied at Caddy Shack II, Herbie Ishinaga was found to have
come in with a 34 followed by our returning seafarer, Arnold VanDerGraff with a
33. The remainder of the field trailed down to a lowly 15, who is only returning
to the game because of a successful 15 foot putt on #18.
Herbie again provided various snacks as well as the regular and spicy hot dogs.
Ample liquid refreshment was made available.”
He’s a ‘Saint’ not a sinner
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Monday, Nov. 16, Green Valley -
Stableford
1st Bob St Aubin (12) 40pts
2nd Peter Le Noury (10) 38pts
3rd Jeff Cordiero (7) 37pts
Our usual Monday fixture saw us again tackle Green Valley, in some
unseasonably hot weather. It was another good turn out, mostly with
regulars, but there was a sprinkling of visitors also. We welcomed back
Mike Frizzell and ‘Blackpool’ John Warren, as well as new boy Steve
Walters. Good to see Mike renewing his friendship and verbal battles
with J.E.
 ‘Saint’
Bob celebrates at the Golf Club.
There are times when the Valley throws up some tough challenges but
today wasn’t one of them. Over half of today’s field either bettered or
exceeded their handicaps and the rest were pretty close too. There had
been some comments in recent days about the greens being heavily sanded
but, in fairness, this was not the case and, yes, even though it did
play fairly placidly, it would have been unfair for anyone to criticize
unduly today.
Amongst the also-rans today were Henry O’Brien, Bob Fagan, Nigel
Flanagan, Grant Cadell, Bob Newell and Steve Mulberry. All posted decent
scores but unless you are in the high 30’s you won’t be featuring in the
places. One other notable was last month’s Medal winner Brad Sproxton:
only 32 points but 3 birdies and 12 Singhas. Now that’s good shooting!
The hobbling Jeff Cordiero, injured in softball training, captured third
spot with his 37. Jeff has been a little off the pace in the last couple
of weeks but he’s too good a player to stay down for long, even with a
dodgy leg! Next up was Peter Le Noury with 38 points. Whilst he’s in
town Peter must be one of the most active players around, rarely does he
miss a day, and he is frequently in the money. There was however a
little whisper of a bit of club-throwing. Tut-tut Pete!
The day belonged though to Bob St Aubin. His excellent 40 points
included a fabulous 37 shots on the back and big smiles all night. A
happier winner would have been hard to find. A generous bell-ring of
tequilas followed at the Golf Club while we all sat through a very
interesting shot by shot analysis. Seriously mate, well done!
Wednesday, Nov. 18, Eastern Star - Stableford
1st Bob Newell (6) 34 pts
2nd Ed Wyckoff (12) 34pts
Only a small group travelled to take on the challenge of Eastern Star
and, in my opinion, with the wind blowing hard as it was today, a
challenge it is. The par 3’s in particular are as tough a group of holes
as you will find anywhere, which provoked great debate back in the bar.
Emerald was mentioned to rival them but I feel the 16th kills the
argument. There were others mentioned too, it would be interesting to
see what others can come up with.
It puzzles me somewhat why this particular course is not more greatly
supported. Okay, earlier in the year it was in poor condition but that’s
not the case now. I’ll also concede that at 1,000 baht green fee it’s
not the cheapest around but for a change of venue and a one-off it’s
well worth playing. Alternatively let me know were you do want to play
and I’ll book them up, simple as that!
We had millionaires golf today and what a treat it was. At last, here in
Pattaya, we managed to play a round of golf in something like a
respectable time, not the usual (and becoming the norm) four and a half
to five hour slog. As a walking 4-ball and not all youngsters or low
handicappers I might add, we knocked it round in less than three and a
half hours! An absolute pleasure and a really enjoyable day.
Helping make our day even more pleasant was the company of a couple of
Swiss gentlemen, Otti Schmid and Ed Husler, with stories and anecdotes
galore. Otti, in particular, is an extraordinary character. He was a
pilot with Swiss Air for 30 years before retiring and then sailing
around the world mostly single handed. Then he decided to write a book
about his exploits and travels. A remarkable man and very interesting to
listen to. Strange, though, that he could navigate a boat all around the
world but couldn’t navigate a little white ball around the waters of
Eastern Star!
Because of the small field only two places were up for grabs today. As
so often happens we needed a count back to separate the top two, who
both scored 34 points. The back 9’s were equal on 18 so we had to go to
the back 6. Bob Newell’s 12 pushed Ed Wyckoff into second place with his
10 for the back 6.
Friday, Nov. 20, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Bob Fagan (18) 34pts
2nd Jeff Cordiero (7) 34pts
As with Wednesdays match at Eastern Star, today’s game at Bangpra
produced two 34 point scores for top place, there, however, all
similarities end.
The greens at E. Star, although running true, were ultra-slow, whilst at
Bangpra they were lightening fast in comparison. Miss a fairway at the
former – or the fringes of the green – and the lie was good and you had
every chance to make a shot. At the latter that wasn’t always the case.
The rough was thick and inconsistent. A missed fairway or green, even by
just a couple of inches and more than likely you were dead! No shot
whatsoever. We all look at the game of golf differently but to me that’s
wrong; one cut of second rough is all that’s needed.
Considering those facts it was hardly surprising that scoring was poor.
This course is tough enough as it is without these added problems and it
certainly affected the day’s enjoyment for a number of the players.
One high spot, though, was the arrival of the new mini-bus! Now we
arrive relaxed and fresh, so no excuses about being bounced around and
crammed in like before.
As is par for the course now at the Golf Club, we had a real mix of
nationalities again and it’s a real testament to what we are trying to
achieve that everyone gets on so well. If you haven’t yet got down and
played with us then why not pop along and sign up and see for yourself.
The winners today were Bob Fagan and Jeff Cordiero. Bob came out best on
count back to take the win. Great to see Bob’s scores steadily getting
better each week and also Jeff beginning to get back to his best.
Paddy hits his straps, and the road
PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Nov. 17, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
Tuesday, and we had a good crew travel out to Rayong C.C. where
the course gets better each visit, with greens grassing up, while rolling
smoother & faster. The fairways have some roll on them also, we just have to
hope they don’t return to the rock hard runways that used to be the curse of
the old Great Lakes course.
As the headline indicates, it was the turn of Paddy Devereux (21) to get his
game going with a fine, best of the day 38 points before heading off for
some vocational duty. With 2 flights today (0-18) & (19+), Paddy was in
control of the B Flight ahead of Jim Fortune (26) with 34. In the A Flight,
first timer Charles Sheppard (17) fired a steady 37 points edging Jeff Wylie
(7) into second with 36.
Technical prizes of Near Pins were picked up by Iain, Paddy, Darren & Tony,
not too many conversions though. It was good to see regular visitors John &
Darren Ottaway along with Zed & Graham join us for the week, too much
holidaying for good golf, but good fun anyway.
Thursday, Nov 19, Pleasant Valley
Thursday saw 14 golfers travel north along Hwy 7 to Pleasant
Valley, where we rolled up to the new clubhouse, with the balcony
overlooking the course, a great vista. This course seems to alienate people,
love it or hate it, with not much in between. I think it grows on you and if
people can get past being beaten up by the course a few times, they will
make a fairer judgement.
The course is ever improving, and today was the best condition I have seen
it as the fairways continue to grow and the greens speed up. We played the
Blue tees, with allowances made to the Whites on Holes 8 & 14, to avoid the
longer carries (with no bailout areas), this can probably be tweaked
elsewhere, but where do you draw the line between challenge for some and a
chore for others?
In first place today was Jeff W (7) with 39 points (obviously coping with
the challenge), followed in second by Dave Edwards (17) with 30, edging Bob
Edwards (8), no relation, on a count back, while Keith Hudson picked up
fourth with 28, again on a count back.
Technicals were shared amongst Paul, Dave & Nobby.
Mulligans LAKESIDE is hosting a charity day at Rayong C.C. on Thursday, 3rd
December to celebrate John Chapman’s 60th birthday, with proceeds going to
the Banglamung Boys Home. Cost is 1,700 baht which includes green & caddy
fee, full breakfast at ML, evening presentation with buffet (for golfer and
partner), and live music. It promises to be a great day, with loads of
prizes and heaps of fun. If interested give us a call or drop out to ML.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday
(we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday). Presentations are made
at the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday
presentation. For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094
1841 or Ray 081 935 8088.
Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!
It’s Paul Robinson’s medal
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, Nov. 15, Green Valley - Monthly
Medal
A Flight
1st Mark Wood (8) net 68
2nd Tom Byrne (13) net 68
3rd Ed Wyckoff (12) net 69
B Flight
1st Paul Robinson (20) net 66
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) net 68
3rd Bill Peach (19) net 70
Ladies Flight
1st Michele (17) net 70
Near Pins: No 2 Gavin Knox, No 9 Ted Lodge, No12 Bill Peach, No 16
Nok Sompan
A large turn out for today’s Monthly Medal was reduced by one after just
three holes. Apparently ‘The Principal’ forgot to let the cat out, and had
to make a hasty retreat home. Mind you he’d had his fair share of strokes by
then anyway, or had he just run out of balls?
 Paul
Robinson.
Let’s talk about proper golfers now. Mark ‘Happy Shoes’ Wood mastered the
big boys flight, posting a net 68 and so gaining the verdict in a count back
over the unlucky Irishman Tom Byrne. Ed Wyckoff did the same to the ‘Medal
specialist’ Chris Davisson and Ben Durham, as the cards showed all three
knotted on a net 68.
There were no count backs in the junior flight: Englishman Paul Robinson,
who works in China and hails from Sheffield, took the match and flight
honors posting a superb net 66. Paul automatically gains entry to the gold
medal to be held later in the year. Peter ‘The President’ came in two shots
adrift for second, leaving third placed Bill Peach two shots further back.
Certainly not the card of the day, but easily the shot of the day was made
by Colin ‘The Donkey’ as he shot his first ever par 5 eagle on the
fourteenth hole. Congratulations Colin. One wonders if it is such a great
achievement mind, as the aforementioned ‘Principle has recorded 5 eagles on
the very same hole.
‘Michelle ma belle’ or so the Beatles sang was just sweet music to the ears
of ‘the Mechanic’ as he reversed last week red flight places by a single
shot, posting a fine net 70 despite Jum brandishing a new set of clubs.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
A Flight
1st Matt Doyle (12) 42pts
2nd Andrew Byrne (13) 40pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (20) 45pts
2nd Merle Humphries (17) 38pts
Geoff ‘Elvis’ Kubas left nothing to chance on this day as he surpassed the
entire field by three clear points, and copped the top spot in B Flight. His
45 points earns him an immediate appointment with the handicap secretary.
Merle Humphries, no stranger to the pay out counter, fired a solid 38 points
for second place.
Back to that man Matt ‘Dillon’ Doyle, who with one game left before he
returned to the Emerald Isle recorded a remarkable 42 points to win the A
Flight. Two weeks ago that would have given him 50 points. Say no more! His
buddy Andrew Byrne chased Matt all the way, failing by just two shots for
second spot. Kevin Mcentee and Geoff Ives were watching in the wings, both
garnering 38-point hauls.
Kevin Mcentee, Terry Mangan and Paul Robinson shared the twos pot
Wednesday, Nov. 18, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Terry Mangan (11) 38pts
2nd Gavin Knox (9) 38pts
3rd Peter Hynard (12) 37pts
4th Geoff Ives (13) 34pts
B Flight
1st Gerry Rafferty (19) 38pts
2nd Jim Elphick (23) 36pts
3rd Dave Driscoll (15) 34pts
4th George Hayes (20) 33pts
A warm welcome always greets the Lewiinski’s group at Bangpra and today was
no exception. A true test of golf was on the cards with 38 points needed to
win either flight.
Irelands’ Terry Mangan won the senior flight on a count back over Scotland’s
Gavin ‘Flight Lieutenant Knox’. As Sir Winston Churchill once almost said,
“Never was so much owed to so many by one man.”
Gerry Rafferty made it a winning double for the Irish while Jim Elphick took
second with an even par round. Dave Driscoll’s 34 points was good for third
leaving George Hayes a shot back to fill the flight. Where’s Matt you might
ask? Well I think a further two shot reduction in his handicap has at last
caught up with him.
Eight ‘2’s were recorded; Terry Mangan and Colm Mullen bagged half of them.
Friday, Nov. 20, Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Andrew Byrne (12) 33pts
2nd Geoff Ives (13) 31pts
3rd Gavin Knox (9) 31pts
B Flight
1st Sim Davis (28) 33pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (16) 32pts
3rd Kurt-Eric Pearson (19) 32pts
U-G-L-Y - that is all that really needs to be said about this week’s effort
at Treasure Hill: tight, unforgiving fairways that do little to support a
slightly wayward golf ball. Twenty three golfers failed to register
thirty-point returns; those left standing were led in A Flight by Irelands’
Andrew Byrne with a joint man of the match 33 points. Geoff Ives 31 points
took second, with the aid of a count back over Gavin ‘The Brylcream boy’
Knox.
Sim Davis rarely leaves her old place of employment empty handed, she won a
Donkey here one time (well his heart); today her 33 points was good for the
B Flight honors. Elvis had a frog in his throat when he saw his new
handicap, but still managed second place via a count back over Kurt-Eric
Pederson who filled the podium.
Tore Ellassen and Patrick DeCourcy split a handy ‘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 089 026 0764. Transport is
provided.
A ‘2’ to behold
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Saturday’s winners: Norman
Cheetham, Brendan Moore,
Joe Kowalczyk and Phil Corbett.
Barry Hooper
I am always on the listen for a good story and this one is a corker.
Brendan Moore was playing on Saturday at Crystal Bay, our second visit of
the week and having it seems a very good day. Little did he know it was to
get even better when he reached the par-three 16th. He admitted he did not
play a great shot off the tee, leaving himself many few yards short. A chip
required it seems and a chip is what he produced, although very
unconventional. It apparently (and I have it on good authority) bounced off
every mound between the take off and the green going at a fair rate of
knots, hit the green, bounced once, hit the stick and went straight down
into the hole. It seems that had the stick not intervened it would have
still been going.
Who says you do not need a little bit of luck on occasions. But a ‘2’ is a
‘2’ and it was the only one on the day. To cop it all he actually was top
man on the day with forty-two points.
Monday, Nov. 16, Crystal Bay A & B – Stableford
Div.1
1st Mike Sanders (7) 39pts
2nd Andrew Mellett (4) 38pts
3rd Mike Rushant (12) 36pts
Div.2
1st Terry Worth (14) 40pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (15) 34pts
3rd Neil Allison (18) 33pts
The opening outing of the week was the first of our two visits to Chrystal
Bay, and very good numbers took part so two full divisions.
Division one went to Mike Sanders with thirty-nine points, just the one up
on Andrew Mellett in second and Mike Rushant was third with thirty-six.
Second Division honours belonged to Terry Worth with a great forty pointer
and the highest on the day. Six points back at thirty-four was Roger
Wilkinson and a further one back was Neil Allison in third.
Three ‘2’s all came at the fifteenth from Steve Carleton, Mike Sanders and
Roger Wilkinson.
Tuesday, Nov. 17, Bangpra - Stableford
Div.1
1st Ian Bell (6) 35pts
2nd Mike Sanders (7) 35pts
3rd Brad Sproxton (12) 32pts
Div.2
1st Willy Wilcox (19) 37pts
2nd Neil Allison (18) 34pts
3rd Joe Kowalczyk (21) 32pts
Tuesday had us visit Bangpra and great participation so two full divisions.
Division 1 found Ian Bell with thirty five points on top, having played a
better back nine by three than Mike Sanders and winning on count-back. Third
was Brad Sproxton at thirty-four.
Division 2 had Willy Wilcox heading it with a thirty-seven pointer. In
second place was Neil Allison at thirty-four and two further back in third
was Joe Kowalczyk.
Six ‘2’s came from Mike Sanders, Joe Kowalczyk, Brad Sproxton, Ian Bell and
two from Danny Whelan.
Thursday, Nov. 19, Phoenix Ocean & Mountain – Stableford
Div.1
1st Danny Whelan (14) 38pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (15) 36pts
3rd Brendan Moore (12) 34pts
Div.2
1st Norman Cheetham (16) 36pts
2nd Willy Wilcox (19) 35pts
3rd LarsStrom (20) 35pts
Thursday was yet another visit to our regular venue of Phoenix where we had
a very good turnout, so two full divisions.
Division 1 found Danny Whelan at the top with thirty-eight points followed
home by Roger Wilkinson at thirty six. Brendan Moore was third at
thirty-four.
Norman Cheetham was top man in Division 2 with thirty-six points, while just
one back was Willy Wilcox after winning the count back over Lars Strom.
Six ‘2’s were recorded by Frank Kelly and Lars Strom at the seventh, Mike
Sanders at the thirteenth and Steve Carlton, Danny Whelan and Willy Wilcox
at the seventeenth.
Saturday, Nov 21, Crystal Bay B & C – Stableford
1st Brendan Moore (12) 42pts
2nd Joe Kowalczyk (21) 39pts
3rd Norman Cheethaml (16) 36pts
4th Phil Corbett (36) 35pts
5th Richard Moore (25) 35pts
Saturday and we had our second visit of the week to Crystal Bay with just
the one division. And a high scoring day it proved to be, with Brendan Moore
at forty-two points coming out the winner, a full three up on Joe Kowalczyk
in second. Yet a further three back was Norman Cheetham in third and places
were awarded down to fifth spot with Phil Corbett just edging out Richard
Moore for fourth on count-back, both at thirty-five.
Just the one ‘2’ came from Brendan Moore (see article opening report).
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.
Per-Olav takes out November Monthly Mug
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, Nov. 16, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
Café Kronborg was starting to look like the old days as 28 keen
golfers assembled there in readiness for the normal 08:15 departure to Royal
Lakeside. A hearty welcome was given to Wolfgang Bade from Germany. Monday
morning traffic slowed down the first part of our journey out of Pattaya but
we were able to complete the journey in around 75 minutes.
 Bjarne
(right) presents The Cafe Kronborg Monthly Mug to Per-Olav Baarli.
Green fees were excellent value at 700 baht for a course that is always well
maintained and picturesque. On the down side it was puzzling to see that our
7 groups were scheduled with another 4 groups to tee off at the same time of
10:00 from the first tee, but after all – TIT! The 4 other groups were
allowed to hit off first, therefore, our first group got away at 10:20
(according to Marcel our official timekeeper).
It was very hot and humid and I had a feeling that it was going to be a
struggle for myself after a couple of weeks in Perth in much cooler
conditions. This proved to be the case as I faded badly over the last few
holes. Not so some of the others though as there were some terrific scores
recorded, particularly in A Flight.
The round was reasonably quick in four hours & twenty minutes which included
a couple of much required drink breaks.
Two Flights of course with A Flight for handicaps 0 to 19 and B Flight for
20 and over. Rewards also for four nearest the pins and longest putts on the
last holes of each nine.
One of my playing partners, Brian Gabe had 23 points at the turn so it was
fairly obvious that he would have a place on the podium as he was playing so
well and even though he managed to “wipe” the last hole he took out A Flight
very comfortably. (The Admiral wished him well on his new handicap of 16 for
his next game!) There was a three way count back for second with Per Anders
Karlsen edging out Ernst Hansen (3rd) & Peter Hammond (4th).
Kenny Chung won the B Flight from Jean-Claude Lhoste in second place and
Karen Brown in third. Alan Ewing beat John Herr on a count back for fourth
place.
A Flight
1st Brian Gabe (18) 42pts
2nd Per Anders Karlsen (17) 38pts
3rd Ernst Hansen (17) 38pts
4th Peter Hammond (19) 38pts
B Flight
1st Kenny Chung (28) 38pts
2nd Jean-Claude Lhoste (23) 37pts
3rd Karen Brown (36) 35pts
4th Alan Ewing (25) 34pts
Near Pins: #3 Ronnie Ratte, #6 Kenny Chung, #12 Johan Reynisson, #15
Joe Vandervegan.
Long Putts: #9 Graham Buckingham, #18 Martyn Topham.
Thursday, Nov. 19, Phoenix, Mountain & Lakes - Monthly
Mug/Stroke
As expected there was another excellent turnout for this popular
event and 30 golfers departed Café Kronborg at 08:15 on the dot for the
short drive to Phoenix. As our first tee off time was not until 10:00 we had
plenty of time to relax and some of us spent half an hour or so on the
putting green, sharpening our skills with the “short stick”.
The starter informed me that we were able to tee off earlier than scheduled
and our first group was able to set off at 09:40. The conditions were
absolutely perfect for golf – not too hot or humid with just a breeze to
keep things comfortable and the course was as usual in tip top condition.
As expected my old mate Stu Rifkin, a double winner from last week, was
struggling with the pressure of my return but offered the excuse of the lack
of Heineken during the round. (He can’t say he wasn’t warned). There were no
hold ups whatsoever and our round was completed in the very good time of
four hours and twenty minutes including a couple of drink stops.
A Flight was for 0 to 18 and B Flight for handicaps 19 and over. Rewards
were on offer for nearest the pins on all par threes and longest putts on
Mountain hole 9 and Lakes hole 9.
It was a very close contest in A Flight and indeed for the Monthly Mug but
Per-Olav Baarli took out the Mug by just 1 stroke. First place in A flight
was Jan Slotten with yours truly one shot behind in second and Rob Brown
finished third.
Another very close contest in B Flight with Mike Winfield being victorious
ahead of Alan Ewing in second place. Leif Kirkgaard grabbed third place on a
count back from Herb Schwieterman and Peter Hammond.
Monthly Mug
Per-Olav Baarli (18) Net 70
A Flight
1st Jan Slotten (15) Net 71
2nd Peter Blackburn (14) Net 722
3rd Rob Brown (8) Net T6
B Flight
1st Mike Winfield (21) Net 77
2nd Alan Ewing (25) Net 788
3rd Leif Kirkgaard (19) Net 79
Near Pins: M8 Ken Pickering, L2 Herb Schwieterman, L7 Stu Rifkin
Long Putts: M9 Stu Rifkin, L9 Leif Kirkgaard
Bartley’s the boy
PSC golf with the Phoenix Tuesday Group
Mike Gerrard
A strange thing happened today at the hallowed turf of Phoenix. With
a full compliment of players booked in I was rather anxious that the course
would be very busy and therefore slow today. None of it: all tees were clear
by midday and no one behind us. After the busy period over the last two
weeks it seemed like the Marie Celeste - deserted and ghostly.
 Graham
Dietrich (left) with Tuesday’s winner, John Bartley.
It was very hot with only a light wind, and this convinced a few of our guys
to take a cart today (wish I had!)
Lakes and Ocean course was the challenge for the day and stableford was the
format. Apart from a handful of good scores, and only two players hitting
the par 3’s, the rest of the field had to rely on the good old lucky draw to
try and get some reward back for their efforts. However, as stated many
times, everybody wins in our group. After our traditional first drink free
for returnees it was on to the presentation.
Winner today was the guy with a touch of the “auld Blarney” John Bartley
with a very respectable 38 points. In second place (and God only knows how
he got the halo around the top of his head) was Graham (Mr. consistent)
Dietrich with 37 points, pushing the crafty Leprechaun, Hugh Byrne into
third place on count back. Fourth position went to the now relaxed (after a
shaky start with the group) Austin King with 33 points.
As said before only two technical prizes today which went to Graham Dietrich
and Ken Akester.
Lucky draws went to Phil Kington, Mike Gerrard & Patrick Browne, with Bob
Neylon getting the draw for a free complimentary drink from our hosts, the
management of Toy’s Music Bar.
The timing of the weather was almost perfect when, after most of the group
had returned to Toy’s Music Bar the sky went as black as I have ever seen it
in Thailand and the storm hit us. Sadly one car load got stranded half way
back from the course and had to abort their trip.
Next week is our monthly stroke play competition with first prize being
bolstered by Trattoria Italiana donating a voucher for the restaurant and
second prize being bolstered by Toy’s Music Bar with a bottle of something.
Both these donations on top of the usual rewards for the day. Registration
by phone only please - 087 091 7565.
Takeshi takes the plaudits
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Tuesday, Nov. 18, Crystal Bay –
Stableford
Our third annual club championship, sponsored by Northern Thai Reality, was
a 36-hole stableford competition spread over two days with individual
contests as well on each day. Despite three late cancellations there were 49
out in the field today and a cool breeze blowing which upped the comfort
factor for everyone.
 Club
championship winner Takeshi Hakozaki (right) is congratulated by runner up
Neville Scurrell.
This course has improved over the past two weeks, so we had been told, and
there was certainly plenty of run on the fairways, so some high scores were
expected.
In Division 3, Nar Hector took first place with a remarkable of 41 points,
followed by Heikki Tehro with 36 and Barry Rawlinson in third place with 34
points. Jim Connelly won Division 2 with 39 points, 5 ahead of Cully Monks
in second and Jean Morel was one point further behind in third. Another 41
point score won the premier flight for Mam Morel; Takeshi Hakozaki took
second with 39 points and in third place was Rob Lamond who beat Paul Butler
on a back nine count back after they both scored 38.
Jules at Sportarama in View Talay 1 sponsored a separate near pin in three
shots competition and prizes were picked up by Peter Pedder, Jim Connelly
and Darren Steffes. The ladies tipple for the worst misdemeanour of the day
was awarded to a certain person who came off the last green on the front
nine, the B course, and went to the first tee on the B course to play the
next nine. Well done Cully Monks!
Near Pins: Pranee Bosset, Takeshi Hakozaki (2), Raivo Velsberg, Fred
Duffy, Gordon Everingham, Martin Holland, Jean Morel and Miss Noi.
2’s: Paul Butler, Fred Duffy and Nar Hector
Long Drive: Takeshi Hakozaki, Gordon Everingham, Gerhard Gigla and
Nar Hector
Wednesday, Nov. 18, Green Valley – Stableford
The second round of the club championship at Green Valley saw a
gentle breeze coming in from the north, making the playing conditions ideal.
As in most competitions the best scores go out last so the leading two
ladies and two gents were in the twelfth group. As the cards were returned
to the clubhouse, the ‘2’s in division 1 were mounting up to an
extraordinary level, in the end there were 9 in this division, never seen
before since we started four years ago.
In Division 3 in the stableford, Roy Mann won with 36 points, Miss Noi was
second with 33 and Barry Rawlinson beat Marty Aronson 17/16 on a back nine
count back to take third place after they both came in with 32points.
Neville Scurrell’s 43 points was unbeatable in Division 2 with Joe Kubon
second on 39 and Jean Morel third with 38. In form Takeshi Hakozaki took
podium position in Division 1 with 41 points, beating Harry Riley into
second place by 5 points and in third place there were four contenders but
Rob Lamond’s 20 on the back nine beat Arvo, Bill and Raivo.
With the high scores coming through in all divisions today, nobody could
guess the winning score or pick the winner, and we kept them guessing until
the presentation. In fifth place with 72 points was Raivo Velsberg, while
Jim Connelly lost out to Rob Lamond on a 34/35 back round count back after
they both finished with 73 points. In second place on 74 points was Neville
Scurrell and with no ladies in the reckoning, Takeshi Hakozaki won the
championship with 80 points, well done Takeshi!
Rob Lamond, Jim Connelly and Roy Mann picked up the nearest the pin in three
shots prizes, kindly sponsored once again by Jules at Sportarama. The
longest drive prizes on the 4th hole, sponsored by Richman Poorman
guesthouse and restaurant, were won by Rob Lamond, Tony Duthie, Barry
Rawlinson and Pranom Foster.
Many thanks go to Northern Thai Reality for sponsoring the two days and due
to work commitments John Seymour was unable to attend. We would like to
thank Paul Sutton and Del Holman for presenting the prizes on his behalf.
We would also like to thank Jules for supplying the food and Alan Rose from
OASIS- AWG for his contribution and Alan Duckett from the Windmill
restaurant in Soi 5.
Near Pins: Arvo Hiller, Takeshi Hakozaki, Rob Almond, Peter Pedder, Terry
Cowell, Tony Duthie, Evan Millar, Jean Morel, Roy Mann and Tom Novak (2).
Long Putts: Mam Morel, Gordon Everingham and Barry Rawlinson
Friday, Nov. 20, Eastern Star – Stableford
Back to a realistic and comfortable figure of 28 players today at
Eastern Star where Harry Riley came in with 41 points to win Division 1
ahead of a bemused looking Georges Faber on 38 points. Mikael Andersson was
back in third place with 36 points.
Miss Noi won Division 2 with 35 points, beating Jim Lane by 1 point, who
himself won a count back on 21/20 against Miss Nang.
There were four rollovers in the 2’s in Division 1 but no takers today so
another rollover till next week. Tom Novak birdied the 13th to take the only
prize in Division 2.
Near pins went to Mikael Andersson (2), Henning, Harry Riley, Miss Nang,
Miss Nit and Miss Tar.
Warberg sails home at Navy
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Thomas Cotton &
Derek Brook
Tuesday, Nov. 17, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
The really interesting thing about Rayong (formerly Great Lakes)
is how you get there. There are a set of instructions whereby you go up HWY
36 until the traffic light, turn left then turn right at the flashing yellow
light and then turn left at the bunch of flags and go down the road until
you see the big green marker on your right. That usually does the trick, but
then when you go home, the left-right-left, becomes right-left-right and
sometimes you can get mixed up and end up in Cambodia, which is not a place
you want to go this month.
 Tuesday’s
top four: Rob Brown, Paul Brown, Bill Knight and Peter Whitehead.
Well, the club’s facilities are not the greatest, but the course layout
isn’t too bad and the green fees quite affordable, so we are getting a good
turnout there and this day the Mulligan’s Bar bunch were there ahead of us
with their own little competition.
The weather was fine, although it did seem a touch tropical, which I’m sure
wasn’t regretted by those snow birds who are augmenting our numbers. It
turned out to be a day for the Ozzies, who took first and third place and
then the Scots and the near-Scots in second and fourth. Bill Knight, with
his inscrutable Mona Lisa-like smile exalted over us all. If only Leonardo
could have been there to capture the moment.
1st Bill Knight, 41pts
2nd Rob Brown 36pts
3rd Peter Whitehead 36pts
4th Paul Brown 35pts
Near Pins: Mashi Kenata, Les Charles, Kevin Dinan
Long Putts: Dick Warberg, TC
Friday, Nov. 20, Plutaluang - Stableford
Wow! What a great day with cooler temperatures, lower humidity,
and no rain in sight. Such was this day as golfers assembled at Tropical
Bert’s for breakfast. Unlike the last time we visited this course, no rain
showers appeared and we were ready to go on the south nine half an hour
early. The course was found in very good condition and our pace of play on
the south was good.
The only flaw in the day was the starter inserting a few groups ahead of us
as we made the turn to the east nine. We ended up with all four of our
groups waiting on the par 3 E-2 and we were thinking that the next eight
holes would be played at a snails pace. We were proved wrong as once we were
through the par 3, there was little waiting on any other tee. If we make it
through high season with rounds no slower than this day, we will be lucky
for sure.
Scorecards were gathered and tallied in the club house and it was evident
that the majority of the players enjoyed the course and the day as the
majority of the scores were in the 30 - 36 range. Very good for this course
which is on the upper end of the difficulty scale of the courses we play.
One player, however, completely out did himself and played well under his
handicap. All are sure the handicap committee will give him his due when the
handicaps are next published.
Back at Tropical Bert’s most settled into a plate of fish and chips along
with something to temper their thirst and await the final results. With
cries of “Cut, Cut, Cut” the results were announced as follows:
1st Dick Warberg (19) 44pts
2nd Rob Brown (8) 36pts
3rd Steve Hamstad (12) 36pts
Near Pins: Rob Brown, Daryl Evans, Steve Hamstad, Karen Brown
The Commander is the Master
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Nov. 16, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Geoff Picken 44pts
2nd Sid Ottaway 40pts
3rd Brian Kelly 38pts
4th Rodney Nabbe 38pts
5th Bob Heath 35pts
6th Alan Griffiths 35pts
It is not often that an over 42 is returned out of The Haven, but for the
second week running it occurred when Geoff Picken returned a lifetime best
of eight under his handicap, and it could have been so much better as he
went out in a gross 39 off his old handicap of 21 to amass 25 points. This
consisted of 6 pars and 3 bogeys, he then started back with two more pars on
holes 10 and 11 and a bogey on 12 with 2 shots, before the enormity of his
performance became apparent and he then subsided, managing only ten points
over the last six. But it still remained a great round to remember and a
memory to put away in the Commander’s cuddy.
Sid Ottaway must have thought he would be carrying off the day’s top honours
with his four under round but, in the face of such a round from Geoff, he
had to be satisfied with second place but could also look back on a fine
performance on the day.
Brian Kelly just got the better of Rodney Nabbe for third by a margin of 20
to 18 on the count back, with Bob Heath again getting a mention ahead of
Alan Griffiths by virtue of a better 13 to 12 on the back six after they had
tied the nine at 19 a piece.
There were no 2’s in the second division, but Rodney Nabbe added to his
day’s haul with the only one in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Paul Hartley and gave a
sad farewell to Trevor Schirmer who will be sorely missed both in his on
course organising capacity and his presence at the bar, post game.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, Green Valley - Stableford
Div.1 (0-16)
1st Alan Howell 39pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 36pts
3rd Bob Heath 35pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki 34pts
5th Russell Exley 34pts
Div.2 (17+)
1st Stephen Lewis 39pts
2nd Kazuhiko Asada 36pts
3rd B.J. Smith 36pts
Another large turn out determined that there should be two divisions with
the cut moving out to 16 from the norm of 15.
Alan Howell made it back to the top of the first division podium with a very
tidy three under handicap to lead in Alan Griffiths, playing once again to
his new handicap and just pipping Bob Heath, in third, by a single shot.
Bob Heath needed a count back from the original card as his marker had
inadvertently scored the card back to front with the marker’s score in the
player’s slots and visa versa, causing a certain amount of hand wringing at
the scorers desk. This ended in yet another disappointment for Yasuo and the
tour as they had to repay the amount which had already been credited to the
tour account. Regular readers will understand how difficult the jemmying out
was from the claw like grip of the fund treasurer.
Rod Howett and Richard Dobson shared the roll over pool in the second
division 2’s and Grant Cadell, Alan Griffiths and Russell Exley, with two,
and Tony Barritt also with two shared the first division.
Back at The Haven there was a welcome for new member Kazuhiko Asada and also
welcome backs to Kaneo Watanabe and Toshio Kasuya who made up the balance of
the “YaKaToKa Tours” group led as usual by their intrepid leader Yasuo and
to Brian Randall and Bob Morrissey.
There was also farewells to George Oakley and Bob Heath, previously
incorrectly referred to as Captain 2000 when it should have been 2003, as
born out by the embroidery emblazoned on his underpants, both of whom had
been on an early scouting trip in advance of the South Herts team due in
March to attempt once again to get their hands on the Challenge Trophy, a
task that has proven to be slightly beyond them up to now.
Friday, Nov. 20, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Ole Stamnes 33pts
2nd Rodney Nabbe 32pts
3rd Kazuhiko Asada 29pts
With over 30 regulars playing in the Steve Donovan Memorial Tournament, it
was a much smaller group than usual that left for Khao Kheow to take on the
B and C course from the yellow tees. As the C course yellows have now been
extended, this combination now measures almost 6,600 yards and is a serious
test of golf at any time, but with the wind gusting to Force 4 on the
“Commanders Scale”, the Captain being one of those engaged elsewhere, it
became an almost impossible task to play within the buffer zone. This was
confirmed as the CSS moved out to 75 and the event became non-counting for
upward review.
In view of that, Ole Stamnes first win of the year was not lessened at all
in value due to the lower turnout but could be considered even more
meritorious in the prevailing weather conditions and course set up.
Rodney Nabbe ensured a good farewell as he prepared to leave for Oz in his
last Thailand round for a while, with a strong second place that lost some
of its direction as he was busy with his job of photographing most of the
holes to take back to Sydney to show those who are currently unable to see
for themselves what they are missing.
Kazuhiko notched up his second podium placing of the week to add to the
tours slush fund as they readied themselves for the weekend long party under
the guidance of the chief lemming.
There were no 2’s in either division partly due to the position of the tees
and partly the speed of the greens which caught out many of the hopefuls in
their quest for glory.
Rod Nabbe was given a farewell as he left for Sydney with a full camera.
Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson
Last week’s column was about the forcing defence.
Whenever you have four trumps (or you believe your partner has), then the
best line of defence is often a forcing one. You try to find the
partnership’s best suit and force declarer to ruff in the hand with the long
trumps. The purpose is to shorten declarer’s trump holding to the same as
yours. Even better if you can reduce declarer’s holding to less than yours
- then you are in control of the hand. The deal below is another example of
a forcing defence. With neither side vulnerable and North dealing, this was
the bidding:
North East South West
1C P 1S 2D
2S P 4S All
pass
Imagine you are sitting West. Your hand and dummy are
shown below:
S: KQ98
H: QJ72
D: 73
C: KJ2
S: A532
H: 85
D: AKQ105
C: 94
This is a fairly easy hand to force with because you
have four trumps and a strong suit. You lead three rounds of high
diamonds. You win the first two tricks. On the third round, dummy ruffs
and both declarer and partner follow suit. Declarer then tries to draw
trumps. Partner follows to the first round and discards on the second. Now
you know that South only had four trumps.
As long as you resist taking your ace of trumps until the third round, you
have defeated the contract. If declarer takes a third round of trumps, then
you win the ace and lead another diamond. Dummy has no more trumps, so
declarer is forced to ruff in hand with his last spade. Now, you have the
only remaining trump. You can ruff in on clubs or hearts and cash your last
diamond. The contract goes down two. If declarer does not take a third
round of trumps, then you can use your low trump to ruff and you still have
the ace of trumps to make sure the contract goes down. Either way, the
forcing defence kills the contract.
Please send me your interesting hands at: [email protected].
Here come the Marines
Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Antero, Sue, Rich
and Nok.
The U.S. Marines team moved into first place after winning
all four points from Canada. Joe Ferral led the Marines with a 520 series
and Somrak had a 508. Sue Murphy bowled a 204 game, 512 series and Tue
Pettae had a 511 for Canada.
Antero Ronkainen bowled a 202 game, 537 series and Ooy Pluemkamon had a 524
to lead Café Ole to a three point win over Green Tree. Noodle Russell bowled
a 514 series for Green Tree. Sabai Sabai Friday meanwhile moved into third
place after winning three points from Indiana. Nok Kennedy bowled games of
191, 213 and 192 for a 596 series for Sabai. La Montgomery had a 512 for
Indiana.
In other results, Mai Munsitha rolled a 518 series to lead Jack Tar to a two
and one half point win over Bavaria and Brother D won three points from VFW
Post 9876: Rich Montana having just returned from his annual trip to the
U.S. bowled games of 171, 213 and 189 for a 573 series. Tui Amphanon bowled
a 506 for VFW.
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