SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Thailand wins another Pattaya yachting week

Peerless PJ takes out John Preddy Memorial Trophy 2009

Kari & Jouni form a deadly duo at Emerald

Big Byrne burns it up to retain monthly award

Hall tames the greens at Pattaya C.C.

City crash in top of the table clash

11th Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament all set to tee-off

Mashi retains monthly title

Third time the charm for Wilson

Jackson takes the booty at Treasure Hill

Des & Paul set the standard at 1st Steve Donavan Memorial Golf Tournament

A touch of déjà vu for Frank and ‘The Colonel’

Sproxton heads a mammoth field at Phoenix

Simply the best

A tough day at St Andrews

Edwards shows ‘Super’ form in year-ender

Birthday boy Jimmy gets podium placing

Evans above: Daryl heads the pack at Greenwood

Bridge in Paradise

Another fine day for Voller

Alan Griffiths nails two more

Another day out on the briny

Pattaya Backgammon League

USMC increase their lead after week 8

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Thailand wins another Pattaya yachting week

The Byte Cll craft line up to do battle in the waters off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club. (Photo/Gilbert Leemann)

Peter Cummins
Thai champion junior sailor, Keerati Bualong, made no mistakes on the last day of the just-finished 2009 Byte Cll Asian Championships and the 2010 Youth Olympic Qualifier, sailed off the host club, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya, finishing the last three races with three first placings.
It had been a desperate struggle for the 50 teenage competitors from eight countries, competing in near-perfect conditions at South Pattaya. Keerati fought all week-long to hold off Singaporean rival Darren Choy. It was only when the north-easterly increased to some 18-knots that the wily – and, slightly heavier – Thai boy took complete control, finishing first on 24 points.
Thereafter the pattern remained similar to the daily results, with Singapore, after Darren (38 points) finishing in third and fourth places, with Thai Natthawut Peanyaem clinging to fifth place.
In the fiercely-contested girls division, Singapore lioness Ho Ruth Airiel finished 15th overall, ahead of Thai teenager Kamolwan Chanyim and Singaporean Natasha MichikoYokoyama.
Among the visitors from the seven countries competing against the Thai hosts, the leading sailors, at the end of the event were: Malaysian Muhamed Amirul Shafiq Bin MD Jais in 12th place, Chinese boy Wang Zili 17th, Japan’s Taro Higuchi 26th, United Arab Emirates Saif Ibrahim Al Hammadi 33rd, India’s Varun Thakkar 43rd and Indonesia’s Aprinanda H. Simamore 47th.
The good news for the majority of the competitors behind Keerati, is that the winner at the ripe young age of 17, going-on-18, is too old (too old???) to qualify for next year’s Youth Olympic Games for which the Asian Bytes served concurrently as a Qualifier.
The Byte, a small single-hander somewhat lighter than its big cousin, the Laser, presented spectacular sailing in South Pattaya and it was, indeed, a challenging week for the personnel of Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the national authority, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) to ensure the safety and well-being of the splendid youngsters.
Anirut Posakrisna and Rut Subniran of YRAT were most happy with the management, camaraderie and, of course, the results of the championships.


Peerless PJ takes out John Preddy Memorial Trophy 2009

Bunker Bar raises 90,000 baht for children’s charity

The winning team, John Hughes, Glen Cunningham,
Alan Sullivan and Brian Maddox, with their trophies.

Monday, Nov. 23, Green Valley - 4th John Preddy Memorial Tournament
There was a great turnout with 86 golfers taking part in this increasingly popular tournament that raised a fantastic 90,000 baht for the Bunker Bar’s adopted children’s charity, the ‘Drop-in Centre for Streetkids.’

PJ Redmond celebrates winning the 4th John Preddy Memorial Tournament at Green Valley last week.

The Green Valley course was in good condition except the greens had been lightly sanded which made the speed inconsistent - but not slow! Good organisation by the course staff saw the players starting simultaneously from the 1st and 10th tees without any hitches. Some tees were in their forward (weekend) positions which made holes shorter than normal and may account for the large number of players who beat their handicaps. There were no significant hold-ups during the round and most groups finished within 4½ hours.
The field was split into two flights, the A Flight being handicaps 0–18 and the B Flight handicap 19 and above. For the first time there was a team competition (best 3 combined stableford scores) with some handsome trophies for the winners. Trophies were also presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in both flights along with a host of awards for the technical prize winners.
Last year’s winner John Hughes gave it all he had to try to retain the trophy, scoring 20 stableford points on the front nine holes and a pretty impressive 19 points on the more difficult back nine, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. He did have the consolation however of winning the team prize trophy with his teammates Glen Cunningham, Alan Sullivan and Brian Maddox.
The individual winner in the A Flight was Banjo Bannister, followed by runner up Tony Scambler who beat Clive Robinson on a count back. In the B Flight Dave Keats had a good round again, as he did last year, but had to settle for third place. Dean Roberts scored an impressive 40 points but could only manage second place behind this year’s winner P.J. Redmond who won with a brilliant round of 42 points.
After the game all the golfers were treated to some carol singing by the children from the Drop-in Centre and a superb buffet at the U Too Bar on 2nd Rd. where the presentation of trophies was made and a lucky draw took place.
Overall Champion
PJ Redmond (19) 42pts
Team Champions
John Hughes, Glen Cunningham, Alan Sullivan, Brian Maddox
A Flight
1st Banjo Bannister (11) 41pts
2nd Tony Scambler (8) 40pts
3rd Clive Robinson (7) 40pts
B Flight
1st PJ Redmond (19) 42pts
2nd Dean Roberts (25) 40pts
3rd Dave Keats (25) 38pts
Long Drive: Jeff Wylie
Long Putt: Geoff Cox
Straight Drive: Bob Rasmussen
Near Pins: Tony Dauth, Trevor Sharman, Alan Evans and Tommy Nystrom
Wednesday, Nov. 25, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Playing stableford again, the course was in great condition and we had a perfect field of 24 golfers. The greens were much faster than in recent months, which left most golfers bemoaning the number of 3 (and more) putts. Always a difficult course, and, even with the conditions perfect today, the course came out on top with no player beating their handicap.
The cut was set at handicap 15 and Gerry Cooney had the best round of the day to win the A Flight ahead of Mashi in second place and Keith Smithson who took the third spot. Mike Corner won the B Flight ahead of Dave Day, and Reg Smart came out on top of a count back involving three players to take third place.
A Flight
1stGerry Cooney (12) 33pts
2ndMashi Kaneta (9) 31pts
3rdKeith Smithson (0) 29pts
B Flight
1stMike Corner (17) 31pts
2ndDave Day (17) 29pts
3rdReg Smart (25) 28pts
Near Pins: Phil Moore, Gregg Berry and Gordon Melia (2).
Friday, Nov. 27, Crystal Bay - Medal
Although the clubhouse and facilities at Crystal Bay are going downhill, the course is still in good condition and we couldn’t have had a closer finish in the A Flight. Three golfers finished level par, and a count back was needed to determine the winner: Keith Smithson came out victorious ahead of Colin Greig and Tony Berry.
It was much more clear cut in the B Flight, Gordon Melia winning by four shots with a four under par ne t 68. Geoff Parker came runner up with a level par round and Peter Habgood claimed third place, finishing two over.
A Flight
1stKeith Smithson (0) net 72
2nd Colin Greig (14) net 72
3rd Tony Berry (9) net 72
B Flight
1st Gordon Melia (14) net 68
2nd Geoff Parker (15) net 72
3rd Peter Habgood (17) net 74
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Dave Wilson, Peter Habgood and Tony Scambler.


Kari & Jouni form a deadly duo at Emerald

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, Nov. 23, Plutaluang – Stableford
This was our first visit here for many months and with the North course closed for the day we were allocated the South and East nines. The condition had improved considerably since we last played here and with a cool breeze today it was thumbs up from everyone as they returned to the clubhouse.
There was a warm welcome for the return of Jill and Howard Stanley and Kari Kuprinen, and with an extra lady in the ranks the girls will start their own competition as of Monday next week.
There were no count backs today so Burnie Sinclair was able to claim division 2 with 36 points. Ken Young came second with 33 and Barry Rawlinson took third place one point behind.
Poor Georges Faber lost out yet again finishing second in division 1, just 1 point behind the winner, Jim Connelly, who came in with 37 points. Taking third place was Howard Stanley with 35.
Kari Kuprinen and Howard Stanley shared the 2’s pot in division one and there was a rollover in the second flight. Near pins went to Jim Connelly, Risto Hakinen, Peter Pedder and Howard Stanley (Div. 1) and John Harvey and Burnie Sinclair x 2 (.Div. 2).
Wednesday, Nov. 25, The Emerald –Pairs scramble.
This is our fun game of the month and there were 21 pairs out in a rainbow stableford competition. We tee’d off 30 minutes ahead of schedule but there were some very slow groups out in front of ours and this resulted in a five hour round for all of our teams. However, this course is improving every time we are here and with the weather conditions perfect today there were no moans from anyone.
There were many predictions of the winning score today and the majority chose the high forties for the winning team.
In fifth position, two teams came in with 46 points each and they both had back nine count backs of 24 and the back six was equal with 16 and the back 3/2/1 was also identical so they shared the 4th and 5th pot equally. Well done William Chang and Burnie Sinclair and Yves Bosset and Jan Sordal, alias Sassa. In third place with 48 points were Reijo Hainninen and Heikki Tehro, one point ahead with 49 points came Tony Duthie and Georges Faber, and the winners with 50 points were Kari Kuprinen and Jouni Metsanen, well done to you both.
There were a remarkable 11 team 2’s today so the purse disintegrated as each team returned back to the clubhouse with their cards. William Chang and Burnie Sinclair claimed the nearest the pin in three shots on the tough 14th and Neil Gamble and Alan Norris took the prize for the longest team putt on the 12th.
Other near pins recorded on the day came from Jim Connelly, Henning, Peter Pedder and Srithong Tann (Div.1) and Jouni Metsanen and Noi Emmerson x 2 (Div. 2).
Friday, Nov. 27, Eastern Star – Stableford
The northerly breeze had disappeared and it was a very hot and humid day on the course. There were eight groups out today, 32 players, and with a very dubious far eastern four-ball out in front taking five and six shots each to reach the brow on the first fairway we were expecting another five hour round. The first three holes were abysmally slow but with various complaints to the marshals, the field speeded up and the first group came in well under four hours.
Harry Riley’s round of 39 points won him division 1, with Pranee Bosset in second place on 35 and Sassa two points behind in third. Miss Nit, with a reducing handicap each week, won division 2 with 38 points, Jimmy Johnson came in second with 35 and Miss Nang took third place one point behind.
Harry Riley made it a day to remember by birdying the 17th to claim the five rollovers in the top division ‘2’s pot and near pins were claimed by Pranom Foster and Harry Riley x 2 (Div. 1) and Jan Bout, Fred Duffy, John Harvey and Miss Tar (Div. 2).
Note: Olaf Dollak returns after a four month spell in Germany and there is a welcome return party with free food and live music to all of our golfers and partners on Monday evening at Siam Cats. Welcome home Olaf!


Big Byrne burns it up to retain monthly award

PSC golf with the Phoenix Tuesday Group

Mike Gerrard
The last Tuesday of the month saw us playing stroke play for the prestigious monthly award donated by Trattoria Italiana Restaurant. This (food voucher) goes to the player with the best net score, along with the other usual bonuses that come with it.
Thanks to our hosts, Toys Music Bar we now have another award donated which was a nice bottle of gin. This meant that with a nearly capacity group today we could have two flights with a nice prize for each.
It was a little hotter than of late due to the winds dropping a little and not a cloud in the sky.
It was fitting that for a stroke play event we should have to play the two toughest courses at Phoenix: Mountain and Lakes, and what a challenge they turned out to be. (All the more difficult with the long trek from the 18th green to the clubhouse and car park.)
From the first green it was apparent that the greenkeeper had tilt in his kilt today. Sometimes he has wicked sense of humour. From general opinion later it appeared that there were more putts recorded than other shots.
So, back at Toy’s Music Bar we enjoyed our first drink and a few snacks free and settled down to the presentation.
Only two of our intrepid troupe managed to master the course today and both were in A Flight, returning a net 72 each. It was the luck of the Irish that prevailed with Hugh Byrne taking the honours after scoring a better back nine than Kevin Bird. I think our friend Hugh must like Italian food. That’s two months on trot he has won this award. So difficult was it today that the nearest score to them was a net 79.
In B Flight the high scoring continued with the best being returned by Giorgio Baccioli with a net 75, and with his first podium place was Phil Kington with a net 76. Everyone was delighted with Giorgio’s performance and it was fitting that the guy who supports us all year round with donations should win the bottle of gin.
Near pins went to Patrick Browne, Giorgio Baccioli and (the ever consistent) Graham Dietrich.
So 3 lucky draws went to Bob Neylon, Bill Campbell and John Bartley.
It’s back to stableford for the next 3 weeks and then another stroke play on the last Tuesday of the month on December 29. Think we will have a party that day?


Hall tames the greens at Pattaya C.C.

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

Weather wise, golf can’t get much better than this. Teeing off from 0650 through 0745, the Three Sisters group hit the greens at the Pattaya Country Club this 25th of November, the day before American Thanksgiving.

Monthly winner Richard Hall (left, with trophy) and runner up Paul Kinmond.

It was cool with a nice breeze but that didn’t help the poor condition of most greens. Most greens were recently sanded but there was considerable damage either by bugs, worms, or excessive watering. Many putts “bounced” along their way to the cup.
The greens did not bother the first and second place players: Richard Hall came in with 42 points which gave him the honors of having his name engraved on the Three Sisters Trophy. Richard goes to merry old England for the next three weeks, pity. Paul Kinmond came in second with a respectable 36 easing out Herbie Ishinaga who had a 35.
Herbie also provided snacks as well as corned beef and ham sandwich makings. A variety of beverages were available to wash those goodies down.”


City crash in top of the table clash

MBMG International League Div 1 & 2

Paul Frain
Pattaya City were entertained by British Club Casuals last weekend, and with the Bangkok team being just one point behind the league leaders City, an exciting game was in prospect.
It took a goal by the Casuals in the sixth minute to go 1-0 up before City finally got into gear. A sharp header by Pierre Ndjanna struck the Casuals goal post before rebounding to safety and City applied more pressure with good chances missed and good saves by the Casuals keeper.
After City had seen a further shot hit their opponent’s crossbar, the Casuals got back into the game and mounted some good attacking moves of their own, but the City keeper was equal to the task in keeping the ball from entering the net.
A good movement half way through the first half brought the equalizer when a right wing cross came to Pierre Ndjanna and somehow he put it into the net with three defenders around him. This came as a tremendous relief and City continued to press but without any further success. After City had hit the woodwork once more, the Pattaya keeper had to make a good save to keep the score 1-1 at half time.
City continued to hold the territorial advantage in the second half and yet another effort hit the bar before Craig Banks sent a scorcher just the wrong side of the goal. City were well on top at this stage and the woodwork came to the Casuals rescue twice more before the game was turned on its head as Casuals broke away and scored their second goal in controversial circumstances. The ball broke free and was passed to their right winger, who crossed the ball to their forward who appeared to be in an offside position before he put the ball into City’s net to make it 2-1.
City continued to play their passing game, but with a determined defense and good fortune Casuals managed to hold out until the final whistle. City played their best football of the season and lost, but many chances were missed and they have only themselves to blame.
FC Pattaya’s hard earned win
On the same weekend, FC Pattaya, who were in 4th place, took on iPlay who were in 6th position in a second division fixture.
The game was played at a fast pace with neither side giving way until FC’s top scorer Paul Darbyshire broke the deadlock with a low shot into the net to make it 1-0. The Pattaya team soon added a second as Bjorn Ellingsen scrambled the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0, but iPlay were not finished as they replied after a brilliant save by the FC keeper but the loose ball was hammered home to make the score 2-1. It was all iPlay for the rest of the half but the FC defense held out until the halftime whistle.
The second half was end to end action with chances missed by both sides and with 15 minutes to go iPlay equalized with a well worked goal to make the score 2-2. FC’s defense had to hold out and with 5 minutes to go they earned a rare corner and with the cross coming over, FC captain Daryl Mann met the ball perfectly and rocketed it into the net. This was his first goal for five years and how he enjoyed it as he was surrounded by his team mates.
The match was not over as iPlay continued to attack in numbers, but they eventually ran out of time and the Pattaya players celebrated a hard fought victory.
Note: If any person would like to play for FC Pattaya please give Stuart a ring on 085 287 8885.


11th Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament all set to tee-off

Tournament organizers and sponsors attend a press conference at the Diana Driving Range on Nov. 26 to officially announce the Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament 2009.

Vimolrat Singnikorn
More than 100 golfers are expected to tee off in this year’s Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament on Dec. 15 at the Eastern Star Golf Course in Rayong.
This year marks the 11th time the annual tournament will be held, but the first without host Mike Franklin, who died Jan. 7 this year. At a Nov. 26 press conference, tournament organizers and sponsors took a moment to honor his memory.
Entrance into the tournament will be 2,750 baht with proceeds going toward scholarships for underprivileged children and the construction of a multipurpose building at the Redemptorist Foundation’s Child Protection and Development Center. Previous tournaments have raised a total of some 2.39 million baht.
Diana Group advisor Bernie Tuppin said the tournament will continue the tradition started by Franklin by awarding gold necklaces to the winner of each hole. Even though the price of gold has more than tripled since the tournament began, sponsors still generously jumped in, he said. Participants will also receive a free shirt, lucky-draw ticket, caddy fee and buffet lunch.
“Best of all,” Tuppin said, “the winner of the 17th hole will be rewarded with a special prize from the Thai Beverage Co. and the winner of the 11th hole, Mike Franklin’s favorite, will get a very special prize.” He kept everyone guessing what those awards might be, however.
Niti Kongkrut, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya office said the tournament will help boost tourism in Pattaya by introducing golfers to the Eastern Star course.
Suwanthep Malhotra, who represented the Pattaya Mail Publishing Group, said the tournament has been advertised in the newspaper, on television and on the Internet to help golfers plan their trips.
The tournament kicks off with a rolling tee time from 7:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sponsors include Pattaya Mail Publishing, Pattaya Sports Club, WC Sports Productions, City Life 93.75 MHz, Thai Beverage Co., Eastern Star Golf Course, Pattaya City Golf Course, and the Diana Group.
For more information, contact Diana Inn Pattaya at 038-429-870, Diana Driving Range’s Prajakchat Rasirattana at 038-415-212(-20) or Komsan Sisam via e-mail at ianagrp@ loxinfo.co.th.


Mashi retains monthly title

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, Nov. 24, The Emerald – Stableford
Just normal another day at Bert’s, except that today we had the ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’ title at stake. As is usual these days, we went into the last competition of the month with Mashi in the lead, albeit with a new single figure handicap of 9. Mashi has been dreaming of just once being a single handicapper and finally he has reached it. But can he win as a single handicapper?

Mashi (right) cuts Tom Cotton down to his size after winning The Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month award.

The Emerald is a tough test for most golfers with its rural aspect and raised greens. If you cannot play a ball from all sorts of lies do not go here, and I really do not like a ball on a downhill lie. Still one must do what a man must do, so off we went.
The day was a fine one weather wise, but the cart was like me tired and had to be replaced on the back nine. It could not make the uphill on the rest stops area and with a hot day I am not surprised. The course itself was in fine condition, and quiet, if a little dry which we sorted out in the restaurant after the round.
Back at Bert’s we gathered and found that as usual Mashi was the man of the moment as he took the A Flight with 38 points on count back ahead of Rob Brown in second. In third was Paul Brown with 36 points.
Winning the B Flight with the best score of the day was Frank Pilkington with 39 points ahead of Bill Knight with 36 points and in a count back on 35 points, Tom Breslin just saw off Dick Warberg for third.
Thus for the second month on a trot the winner of The Alan Bolton Golfer of The Month was Mashi Kenata.
Near Pins: Tom Cotton, Paul Brown, Joel Flor, Mashi.
Long Putt: Tom Cotton, Frank Pilkington
Friday, Nov. 27, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Friday at Bert’s is fast becoming nearly as popular as Tuesday at Bert’s. Generally the same people play but we do have an influx of new blood. We usually play the ‘lesser’ golf courses on a Friday so it gives a chance for the ‘more careful financially’ player to have a game.
On this day it was up ‘The Rickety Road’, and it is getting a bit rough, to Treasure Hill, a course I have not played for some months, but on the day it proved to be quite presentable and nice and quiet.
Out on the course the conditions were dry, and you did not want to be in the rough, but the fairways were in fine condition and the greens were fast and true if a little bare. There was a slight wind but all in all a fine day, and of course the views here are really fine.
Back at Bert’s all gathered to hear the results and the winner of the day was once more Dick Warberg, with a fine 39 points, ahead of Rob Brown in second with 35 points and Peter Whitehead in third with 34 points. We then had a count back on 33 points which saw Bill Knight in fourth and J.C. Lhoste in fifth. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Bob Benda, Joel Flor (2)


Third time the charm for Wilson

PSC golf from The Caddy Shack

Damian Trant
Monday, Nov. 23, Great Lake – Stableford
It was off to the ever improving Great Lake for what is becoming quite a regular venue for the Caddy Shack. I think this must be due to the fact that in recent weeks everybody seems to be playing well around the course. As usual the large field was split into two flights.
In B Flight, third place went to Ramsay Smith with a level par score of 36 points. Taking second spot with the same score but with a better back nine was Bruce Tollit, but well out in front with a great score of 39 points was the very popular winner Ben Findon. I am told that Ben celebrated his victory by buying a few beers for his old mucker and best friend Les Hall. That’s very generous of you Ben.
In A Flight it was all very tight at the top and after weeks of everybody murdering this course the scores were quite low. In third place with 35 points was the inform Don ‘the losing captain’ Wilson. Second place with the same score but with a better back nine was Clive ‘the poker pro’ Bruce, and first place went to Ted ‘the lover man’ Gardner with a respectable score of 36 points.
A Flight
1st Ted Gardner 36pts
2nd Clive Bruce 35pts
3rd Don Wilson 35pts
B Flight
1st Ben Findon 39pts
2nd Bruce Tollitt 36pts
3rd Ramsay Smith 36pts
Wednesday, Nov. 25, Treasure Hill – Stableford
After a relatively easy Monday it was now for a real challenge that is Treasure Hill. This has to be by far the toughest course we play and I would say by about three or four shots. It was no surprise then that the scores were absolutely dreadful with nobody coming close to playing to there handicap.
In A Flight, with a measly 29 points taking third spot was Clive Bruce. Two shots better in second with a score 31 points was Jeff North. Jeff has found a bit of form at the moment and I would have to say that he is now pushing for the title of the best left-handed golfer in the Caddy Shack. I should add that this is also due to James Savage having a bad back and my serious arm injury. The winner of the flight was the only man who came close to posting a half decent score, Ted Gardner with 33 points.
The scores in B Flight were even worse and 28 points from Don Wilson was good enough for third place. Second and also on 28 points but with a better back nine was Derrick Mower and with what must be the lowest ever winning score of 29 points was Ian Hutchinson.
A Flight
1st Ted Gardner 33pts
2nd Jeff North 31pts
3rd Clive Bruce 29pts
B Flight
1st Ian Hutchinson 29pts
2nd Derek Mower 28pts
3rd Don Wilson 28pts
Friday, Nov. 27, Green Valley – Stableford
Friday and as usual it was off to our home course of Green Valley and after Wednesday’s pathetic scores there was a massive improvement.
Because of the large field it was decided to award the top four places in each flight. In A Flight, fourth place went to the young Ted Morris with 35 points, three shots better was the German pro John O Flyn with an impressive 38 points, but fighting it out at the top was Don Wilson and Stuart Ogilvy and it went down to the wire with Don just taking it with a better back nine. This gave the inform Kiwi his third placing of the week.
In B Flight Bruce Tollit blew the rest of the field away, winning by a massive four shots with a very impressive 40 points. Bruce, who at is age should be just happy to be getting out of bed on a morning, is really posting some impressive scores at the moment and even though the dementia is setting in, he is still too good for most of the young bucks. Second, third and forth went to Jim Boyd, Ben Findon and John Knight respectively, all with 36 points.
A Flight
1st Don Wilson 39pts
2nd Stuart Ogilvy 39pts
3rd John O Flyn 38pts
4th Ted Morris 35pts
B Flight
1st Bruce Tollitt 40pts
2nd Jim Boyd 36pts
3rd Ben Findon 36pts
4th John Knight 36pts


Jackson takes the booty at Treasure Hill

PSC Soi Khao Noi Golf Group

Part of the Khao Noi Golf Group gather
at La Piscene following Thursday’s outing to Plutaluang.

Tuesday, Nov. 24, Treasure Hill (Yellow tees) - Stableford
A baker’s dozen turned out to play this excellent golf course including its much feared ‘crocodile hole’. Mike Jackson returned 38 stableford points to scoop the pool being followed in by Mats Hansson 37 points, Ian Wheeldon 37 points and Mike King 36 points. Thus a good day for the lower handicappers with the choice of yellow tees perhaps causing the average score of 30 to be higher than usual at this venue.
Bunching up at the end of the round the first three groups finished the last two holes as a nine-ball, causing Mike King to have an appreciative audience of 17 when he sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green.
Thursday, Nov. 26, Plutaluang S & E (White tees) - Stableford
Arriving early we were able to start early and as we were behind a five-ball we elected to play a four and five-ball ourselves which worked very well in the circumstances.
Willy Nachbur got his chipper going a treat (for the uninformed any shot between 140 yards and one foot off the greens) and came first with 35 points. Bob Drumm was second with 32 and Ian ‘Gobby’ Wheeldon was third with 31 points. Ian also snatched two near pins and the longest first putt bonuses.
Note: Any golfers desiring to know about the group’s format please phone Neil on 089 511 0575.


Des & Paul set the standard at 1st Steve Donavan Memorial Golf Tournament

Nigel Cannon
The 2-day inaugural Steve Donavan memorial golf tournament, organized by Steve Mascari, Russell Exley and Tony Oakes, took place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November with the proceeds from the event going to the ‘Care for Kids’ charity. The way Steve was thought of can be measured in the fact that ‘friends of Steve’ subsidized the event to the tune of 150,000 baht.

Overall winner Des Tyson (left) accepts the winners trophy from Steve Mascari.
It all started at The Emerald on Friday as the 64 competitors arrived to be greeted by Steve Mascari and brother Dave – who’s visit was made to coincide with this competition. The players were then given their commemorative shirts, towels and hats.
The format was 2-ball better ball and the competition was held over the two days. The first group was off on time at 0900 and found the course and weather just about perfect for golf.
Following the round it was off to the Beaver Bar at Bang Chang for drinks and a buffet which included Roast Ox provided by Bjarne of the Kronborg, which was just superb!
So on to Saturday, day 2, and this was at Green Valley with teeing off starting from 0930. This was always going to be a fine competition with many memorable moments – none more so than for Brian Kelly who ‘aced’ the second hole of some 130 yards. What no one knew until later was that four bars, Camel and Beaver from Bang Chang, Golf Club LK Metro and TQ Beach Road, had agreed that should there be a hole in one they would provide the lucky player with a flat screen TV.

Brian Kelly (right) is congratulated by Steve Mascari for his hole-in-one achieved on the par-3 second hole.
As the players came in they handed their cards to Tony Oakes for entering into the computer to calculate the results. There were 3 flights with 3 places in each and an overall winning pair – the results were a closely guarded secret until the actual announcement.
The presentation and buffet were held at Shenanigans in Jomtien where once again the buffet was excellent. Prior to the presentation Steve Mascari went round selling tickets for a 50/50, or as this was pairs a 50/25/25 draw.
Yours truly (Nigel Cannon) was the MC for the evening, and I opened by welcoming all present, and remembering some friends of Steve who were unable to attend this time. After announcing the winners in the 3 flights, we then outlined the kind donation of the TV set to Brian Kelly – Brian decided that in place of buying all a drink, as this was a special event he would donate a sum to the charity. This was appreciated by all.
The overall winners – and they won by some 4.5 strokes, were Des Tyson and Paul Robinson who in addition to receiving a large trophy also received vouchers for two nights and golf at Black Mountain in Hue-Hin.
The night was not over yet though as it was time for the draw – Nigel selected a charming lady to draw the two winning tickets. The lucky winners were Paul Davies and Ernie McInerney who both made substantial donations to the charity. Steve advised that the proceeds stood at around 23,000 baht – Barry Tregurtha immediately added 7,000 baht to make a round 30,000 baht.
Steve Mascari has said there will be another Steve Donavan tournament in 2010 and anyone who would like to sponsor should contact him on e mail smascari @hotmail.com
Overall Winners
Des Tyson & Paul Robinson, 60
A Flight (Medal)
1st Phil Mitchell & Tom Byrne, 64.5
2nd Fred Brent & Peter LeNoury, 64.5
3rd Ray Dell & Graham Dietrich, 65.5
B Flight (Medal)
1st Russell Exley & Paul Davies, 63.5
2nd Brian Kelly & Peter Sumner, 65.5
3rd Bengt Borg/Staffan Lyrestam, 66.5
C Flight 3 (Stableford)
1st Barry & Alex Tregurtha, 46.5
2nd John Waren & Chris Haywood, 41.5
3rd Danny Greer & Suichi Kodaka, 40.5


A touch of déjà vu for Frank and ‘The Colonel’

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, Nov. 23, Burapha - Stableford
A fantastic turn out of 50 Outbackers played their regular Monday home course here at Burapha, this time from the white tees on C & D. Mo Sadiq was apparently very steady in all departments for his 37 points off his new handicap of 9, to win Div A, whilst John O’Keefe also found his form to score 37 points to win Div B. May Suriye got her game together at last, after promising so much in the past, also scoring 37 points to take second place in Div B, but being edged out on count back, by John.

Birthday boy Frank (left) celebrates with Larong and the overall winner, Bob Pearce.

These were all excellent scores, as were Bobby Driggs’ 36 points (2nd Div A) and Sakorn’s (2nd Div C) with the same score; but they all paled to insignificance in the wake of Kazihiko’s marvellous 44 points, the first time this young Japanese man has broken 100 and who made no secret of his sheer delight in doing so.
Well played Kazihiko, and welcome to your new handicap of 27 the next time you play with the Outback; and trust that your score will find its way back to the IPGC for them to adjust likewise!
There were another bundle of ‘2’s from Bob Philp, Paul Greenaway, John Ellis, Pete Stonebridge, Dion Lane, Pete Gibson, Kaneo Watanabe, Andy Baber & Terry Larose.
Div A (0-13)
1st Mohammed Sadiq (9) 37pts
2nd Bobby Driggs (10) 36pts
3rd Steve Milne (12) 35pts
4th Paul Greenaway (11) 35pts
Div B (14-18)
1st John O’Keefe (16) 37pts
2nd May Suriye (15) 37pts
3rd Steve Plant (14) 35pts
4th Kaneo Watanabe (17) 35pts
Div C (19+)
1st Kazuhiko Asada (31) 44pts
2nd Sakorn Pramoolchart (30) 36pts
3rd Quinn Paul (20) 35pts
4th Campbell Potts (20) 33pts
Tuesday, Nov. 24, Pattaya C.C. - Medal
It was not just another Outbacker’s golf day at Pattaya Country Club, but a Birthday Cup sponsored by regular Outbacker, Frank O’Neill. This was the third time Frank has celebrated his birthday with such a competition and in fact Frank was the first of many, in 2007, to sponsor such a day.
There were 24 out there today, including General Jack and Capt’ Bob (playing at Pattaya Country Club??) and although the course was not in great shape there were good scores in both divisions as well as some not so good. This being Frank’s day - medal was the order of the day – proper golf as Frank says!
There were two divisions, an overall winner, and near pins prizes provided by Frank.
It is no secret that Frank is one of the band of ‘older’ Outbackers – he is 76, and it is interesting that although there were a number of ‘youngsters’ in the field, three of the ‘near pin’ winners, were aged 72, 78 and 82. The 16th and the most difficult hole was won by Frank’s partner Larong, the only lady in the field and a caddy at PCC.
It was back to the Outback afterwards for the presentation and for the buffet provided by Frank with Outback’s favourite cottage pie supplemented by green curry, chicken wings and rice with plenty for all.
The very first overall winner of Frank’s Cup in 2007 was ‘The Colonel’, aka Bob Pearce (13) and today it was ‘same again’ with Bob one of three players with a net 70 and won on count back with 41 on the back nine. Bob immediately saluted or as we say at the Outback -‘rang the bell’ - which was greeted by applause from all.
The two other players who had excellent rounds of net 70 and leading Div A were ‘local lad’ David Day (17) first and ‘big’ Dion Lane (9) second. In third was Phil Waite (14) with 75 net.
Today’s organiser, ‘Chad’, Barry Chadbourn (20) was leader of the pack in Div B, with a net 72, closely followed by, ‘old timer’ John Spiller (23) with a net 73. Third place was decided on count back with both Alan Pearce (20) and Larong (45) having net 75, and Alan winning on the better back 9.
It should be appreciated that this was only Larong’s 7th competitive round and we are sure we shall see her name more as she continues under the watchful eye of Frank.
The ‘near pin’ winners were John Spiller, Nigel Cannon, Arthur Bailey and Larong.
The evening finished with a birthday cake from the Outback and the traditional ‘Happy Birthday’.
Next week it is back to normal with a 09.30 tee time at Pattaya Country Club.
Overall
1st Bob Pearce (13) net 70
Div A (0–18)
1st David Day (17) net 70
2nd Dion Lane (9) net 70
3rd Chris Fletcher (9) net 74
Div B (19+)
1st Barry Chadbourn (20) net 72
2nd John Spiller (23) net 73
3rd Alan Pearce (20) net 75
Wednesday, Nov. 25, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
It was a beautiful sunny morning at this popular course, for the 31 Outbackers to enjoy yet another round of golf in this golfing mecca called Pattaya. Rayong C.C. is improving rapidly and meets with the approval of most of the golfers who come here, not only because of it’s layout and current condition, but also since the new management seem to be prepared to invest time and money in bringing the course up to scratch.
Mab Jiwa, well known to the Outback, and who has just arrived for a short holiday from the UK, paved the way in Div A with an outstanding 40 points, (well played Mab), and by the way welcome to your new handicap of 13. His long time stable mate and very local resident, Harvey Samuel, took Div B with equal prowess, but by a one lesser margin, scoring 38 points, over his nearest rivals, Greg Todd (35pts) and the lovely Jum, also with 35 points. It was only Greg’s tenth round of golf with the Outback and his fifth since obtaining his handicap, so that is a great accomplishment in a relatively short space of time.
Two single figure handicappers, Dwayne Crabb (4) and Graham Johnson (5) both scored 36 points in Div A, from Bobby Driggs in fourth on 35; whilst fourth place in Div B was filled by the Sugarman with 34.
There were three ‘2’s from Dwayne Crabb, May Suriye and Graham Johnson.
Div A (0-18)
1st Mab Jiwa (14) 40pts
2nd Dwayne Crabb (4) 36pts
3rd Graham Johnson (5) 36pts
4th Bobby Driggs (10) 35pts
Div B (19+)
1st Harvey Samuel (19) 38pts
2nd Greg Todd (24) 35pts
3rd Jum Karagit (22) 35pts
4th Sugar Ray Handford (19) 34pts
Friday, Nov. 27, Khao Kheow - Stableford
It’s disappointing when there were forty players signed up to play this challenging course as of Thursday morning requiring the Outback to call the senior management to get additional tee times to accommodate 10 groups (as the girls in the pro shop had flatly refused); then come Friday morning as many as ten players had withdrawn, only to be made back a little by three late signings. It also meant that others who called to play on Thursday were unable to play as the sheet was supposedly full! This is a good deal at Khao Kheow; please try to let us know well in advance if you are unable play, in order that we can continue to work harmoniously with the staff at the course.
However, eventually 33 Outbackers went to Khao Kheow and played the A & B loops and as usual the course was the winner, apart from three proper golfers, two of them scoring 40 plus points.
We had a no return from our resident Rocky Marciana who was run over by a caddy, who I’m sure wasn’t aware he was standing where he was; I mean he is very small when you think of it. However there was no permanent damage done.
The course was in great condition and we all teed off on time, everybody being away by about 10:45. I think the island green par 3, 8th on B took care of a few golf balls but there were no complaints about anything, so if there are no grumbles obviously everybody enjoyed themselves.
Top scorer was John Stafford (41pts & winner of Div C), having his first game for a while after being ‘up country’ for a few weeks. One wonders John, whether there’s a golf course in the village that you haven’t told us about? Another two great scores came from two of the girls playing: 40 points from Kathy Doody (winner of Div B) and Kung (runner up Div C), having only her second game with the Outback, with 38. Kung is a caddy at Burapha.
Chris Davisson headed Div A with just 34 points, followed home by Bruce Milner (32pts) and Phil Waite (30pts).
There were just two ‘2’s from Phil Waite & Mark Rossiter
Div A (0-14)
1st Chris Davisson (13) 34pts
2nd Bruce Milner (13) 32pts
3rd Phil Waite (14) 30pts
Div B (15-20)
1st Kathy Doody (19) 40pts
2nd David Day (17) 35pts
3rd Chris Dopp (19) 31pts
Div C (21+)
1st Stafford John (22) 41pts
2nd Kung Pimjun (24) 38pts
3rd Brian Maddox (21) 34pts
Note: 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.


Sproxton heads a mammoth field at Phoenix

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Monday, Nov. 23, Greenwood A & B - Stableford
1st Steve Carleton (8) 39pts
2nd Mike Rushant (13) 36pts
3rd Phil Corbett (36) 33pts
The first outing of the week was to Greenwood on Monday and a moderate turnout so just the one division.

Saturday’s winners: Mab Jiwa, Fergus Brennan, Richard Talley and Tewin Lamthong.

First place went to Steve Carleton with thirty-nine points, three up on Mike Rushant in second while Phil Corbett came home in third with thirty-three.
Four ‘2’s on the day went to Neil Allison, Fergus Brennan, Mike Rushant, Steve Carleton
Tuesday, Nov. 24, Khao Kheow - Stableford

Div.1
1st Ross Bunce (13) 38pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (11) 37pts
3rd Brendon Moore (11) 35pts
Div. 2
1st Joe Kowalczyk (20) 39pts
2nd Geoff Beckett (28) 36pts
3rd Phil Corbett (36) 36pts
Tuesday saw us visit Khao Kheow to play the A & B courses and we had great participation so two full divisions.
Division one found Ross Bunce at the top with thirty eight points, just one ahead of Brad Sproxton in second, while Brendon Moore took third with thirty-five.
The second tier had Joe Kowalczyk heading it with a thirty-nine pointer. In second place was Geoff Beckett with thirty-six on a count back over Phil Corbett.
Six ‘2’s came from Brendon Moore, David Nash, Kevin Read and David Gray, Ken Pickering and Mike Rushant.
Thursday, Nov. 26, Phoenix (Mountain & Lakes) - Stableford
Overall
Brad Sproxton 41pts
Div. 1
1st Jon Dean (8) 39pts
2nd Hugh Byrne (10) 36pts
3rd Brian Holden (7) 36pts
Div. 2
1st Dorsey Richardson (18) 36pts
2nd Stephen Deakin (16) 35pts
3rd Ken Pickering (14) 34pts
Div. 3
1st Kemjila Pawapho (29) 35pts
2nd Donald Pearson (33) 33pts
3rd Geoff Beckett (28) 32pts
At Phoenix on Thursday we had forty-one players taking part on what for me is one of the best courses around at the moment, both in quality and cost. That is why we have one of the best deals around for this course every Thursday and it is obviously popular.
All three divisions were won by three new winning names according to my records.
Brad Sproxton took the overall win with a great forty-one points. In Division 1, Jon Dean was at the top with thirty-nine points, followed home by Hugh Byrne at thirty six who beat Brain Holden on the count-back.
Division 2 found Dorsey Richardson as the top man at thirty-six points, just one back was Stephen Deakin in second and Ken Pickering took third spot a further one back at thirty-four.
A new Thai lady was on top of Division 3 as Kemjila Pawapho returned thirty five points to finish two ahead of Donald Pearson in second, with Geoff Beckett taking third on thirty-two.
Four ‘2’s were returned by Dorsey Richardson, Ross Bunce, Danny Whelan and Hugh Byrne.
Saturday, Nov. 28, Greenwood A & C - Stableford
1st Mab Jiwa (13) 36pts
2nd Richard Talley (13) 35pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 34pts
4th Mike Sanders (6) 33pts
5th Joe Kowalczyk (18) 32pts
6th Tewin Lamthong (13) 30pts
Saturday, and we had our second visit of the week to Greenwood. Just one division and a moderate scoring day with Mab Jiwa at thirty-six points coming out the winner, just the one up on Richard Talley in second. Third place was claimed by Fergus Brennan at thirty-four points, in fourth was Mike Sanders at thirty-three, Joe Kowalczyk came fifth and Tewin Lamthong filled out the final podium spot.
There was only the one ‘2’ on the day from Ross Bunce.
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.


Simply the best

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, Nov. 22, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Chris Davisson (12) 41pts
2nd Pat Regan (11) 37pts
3rd Don Lehmer (13) 37pts
B Flight
1ST Sim Davis (28) 40pts
2nd Kathy Doody (18) 39pts
3rd Richard Mitchell (18) 36pts
Near Pins: No 2 Jim Munns, No 9 Sim Davis, No12 Doug Campbell No16 George Jackson.

Sim Davis was a 2-time winner in the B Flight last week.

I’m not even going to mention it this time, but the Sunday clean up specialist struck again: Chris Davisson drew the short straw and then left nothing to chance as he shot a best of the day 41 points. County Dublin’s Pat Regan out-pointed long time Puket resident Don Lehmer in a count back for the minor places, as both posted fine 37-point hauls.
Tell me if you’re tired of hearing about “I’m in the money” Sim Davis? She enjoyed her last days off her 28 handicap by winning the junior flight with a sound 40 points. Kathy Doody failed to score on the last hole, a costly mistake, as her 39 points relegated her to second spot. Tidying up the flight was left to Richard Mitchell, gaining a count back verdict over Eddie ‘The Eagle’, both locked on 34 points.
Pat Reagan, Mick Robinson and George Jackson shared a healthy ‘2’s pot.
Who said timing was everything? Pity they did not tell Joe “Sat Nav” Tynan who decided to have a day off. Joe would have been 8,000 baht better off as his name was drawn out in the Lou-iinski’s snow ball. Joe you have to be in the bar to win it.
Tuesday, Nov. 23, Plutaluang - Stableford
A Flight
1st Liam McGuinness (12) 41pts
2nd Geoff Ives (13) 39pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (18) 37pts
2nd Richard Mitchell (18) 37pts
With half the Co Offaly golf gang, namely Matt Dillon and The McNetee kid safely back in the Emerald Isle, who could foretell that another of the same gang would raid the Lewinski pay out office. Liam McGuiness carded a glorious 41 points to win the top spot of the day. Geoff Ives returned a card of 39 points for second place.
The minor flight places went to the ever popular ‘Elvis’ Kubas, despite a recent four point reduction in his handicap, on a count back over the man in form Richard Mitchell after both posted 37 points apiece.
Terry Mangan, Colm Mullen, Geoff Kubas and Brian Cooper Kent split the ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, Nov. 25, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (13) 37pts
2nd Gavin Knox (8) 36pts
3rd Gavin Knox (9) 35pts
B Flight
1st Sim Davis (27) 39pts
2nd Willy Wilcox (19)34pts
3rd Mogen Pederson (18) 29pts
Normally the headline is reserved for the Sunday comp winner but as Chris is no stranger to the headlines, how can Sim be denied this honor: Three starts, three top paydays. Her best of the day 39 points is another reason.
Well it would take something earth shattering to relegate a performance like Sim’s to anonymity. All this on a day when the pin placements’ bordered on the insane, one can only conclude that the green keeper must have had a hell of a row with his missus. Willy Wilcox came in second five shots adrift and Mogen Pedersen rounded out the flight after gaining a three-way count back verdict over the man in form Richard Mitchell and Eddie the Eagle.
The big boys’ flight winner was Co Corks Seamus ‘Rodeo’ Cotter, only the second competitor to better par on the day with a solid 37 points. Gavin ‘The Brylcream Boy, fired an even par round to take silver and Ireland’s Terry Mangan finished a further shot back to take the bronze.
Gavin Knox, Ben Nelson and Jim Elphick shared the ‘2’s pot.
Welcome back to the Admiral, I would like to thank Mogen and Paula Pederson who regularly read our reports, and thank them for their encouraging words.
The Biggest cheer of the night was for Liam McGuinness, a member of the infamous Co Offaly golf gang, who was a no show back at the Ranch, and missed out on the Lou-iinski’s snowball 9,500 baht. Well you know where you were supposed to be - Offaly bad luck!
Friday, Nov. 27, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ed Wyckoff (12) 40pts
2nd Paul West (11) 40pts
3rd Ben Nelson (12) 39pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (16) 38pts
2nd Tom Breslin (21) 38pts
3rd Jim Elphick (23) 37pts
Ben ‘The Admiral’ Nelson has hit the ground running this trip mainly straight to Soi 6, but he had enough left in the tank to fire a sparkling 39 points to take the third spot in the senior flight. The major placings needed the aid of a count back, with Ed Wyckoff’s 22 inward nine edging the inform Paul West’s 20 for man of the match and senior flight honors.
Peter ‘The President’ returned to form, posting a fine 38 points in the junior flight along with Tom Breslin, the resulting count back was a victory for The President, bad luck Tom. Jim Elphick filled the flight a stroke back.
Ed Wyckoff, Benn Nelson Peter LeNoury and Collin Davis split the ‘2’s pot.
Terry Phur, who usually plays with us on Sunday, was not in the bar at the time of the Lou-inskis draw, pity it was worth 10,500 baht.
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.


A tough day at St Andrews

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Robert Newell
Monday, Nov. 23, St Andrews - Monthly Medal
1st Jeff Cordiero (7) net 73
2nd Gib Jaroenpok (25) net 75
3rd John McHugh net (9) net 76
Our regular fixture at Green Valley was unavailable today so our Monthly Medal was transferred to St Andrews and, as the headline and scores suggest, we did not have a good day at the office.
To fool us all into believing we had a chance to post some decent scores, the course looked in fabulous condition and we couldn’t wait to get started. There had been much talk in the build up, everyone eager to get hold of the prestigious Medal-winners embroidered shirt and we all set forth with high hopes.
This course is always pretty as a picture and reminds me, in particular, and I’m sure the rest of the guys, just what a joy it is to be playing our golf here in Thailand. There, however, all the sweetness and light ends, it played like a beast and took no prisoners. The wind blew fiercely, the greens were super slick and there were some treacherous pin placements. And, just to make it even harder, it was mind-numbingly slow, thanks, in part, to some of our Oriental friends blind obsession in playing off the very back tees when they could barely hit the thing 200 yards!
The object of today then, was to try to keep a big number off the card. Unfortunately many of us could not do that and any realistic Medal hopes were gone. There were far too many to mention in total but here’s a few: John McHugh had a 9 on a par 4 but managed to rally for third place; Peter Le Noury started 7, 6, 7; Geoff Doody had a 10 and two 8’s; last months Medal winner Brad Sproxton had a 10 on number 4; I myself had an 8 on the first par 3. The list could go on and on, even the winner dropped 4 shots in the first 3 holes.
Before I complete the write up here’s a cautionary tale for our visitors about the importance of posting scores whilst away from home and keeping your handicap up to date. After starting 7, 6, 5, Brian Gavigan put together a great last 15 holes to finish with a net 70 but, because he has been working away from the States for the last 7 years and playing infrequently, we could not verify his handicap on any websites. It’s a shame to have to d/q anyone but we have a responsibility to all the other players, a ‘well played Brian’ is all we can offer I’m afraid.
So, as previously mentioned, McQ got third with 76, in second was the delightful Gib Jaroenpok with 75 (Gib’s a very nice Thai lady, by the way, just in case any of you were thinking I’d changed sides), and the winner and soon to be the proud possessor of the Golf Club shirt, with 73, was Jeff Cordiero. Jeff will be a popular winner; he’s a great supporter of the Golf Club, he practices hard and it’s good that he gets some reward. Congratulations mate, I’m sure Steve will have the shirt done before the next Medal.
Wednesday, Nov. 25, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Mike Winterburn (7) 33 pts
2nd Bob St Aubin (11) 31pts
So who’d be a golf organizer, eh? Once more the age old problem of no-shows reared its ugly head only this one really takes the biscuit. Not only do 3 people not turn up but one actually arrives at the same course but with a different group! Amazing! And yet they are still puzzled why you get annoyed.
Next, it seems, this particular course is trying to pull strokes again. It is only in recent weeks that a lot of the venues have begun playing here again after boycotting through the low season because of previous antics. Now get this. Two venues show up and check in side by side. Both venues are PSC members and yet one pays 300 baht less for their green fee than the other! Have they not learned anything?
The fact is I love this golf course, as do many others, but if this is not rectified quickly then its bye-bye Khao Kheow again! And I urge the other venues to stay strong on this, if you go down the line of ‘I’m alright Jack’ then you just play into their hands I’m afraid. We have a fantastic position of strength and they want to divide us, please, don’t do it for them.
Out on the golf course, thankfully, these problems were washed away by the sheer beauty and calm surrounding us. It was one of those days that really makes you appreciate what you have. Walking down one fairway with one of my playing partners we were both suddenly aware that we were staring up at the blue sky and forest covered hills with just a hint of self-satisfaction on our faces. He turned to me and said, smiling, ‘yesterday I was in the pouring rain and freezing cold of Scotland’. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
The scoring today, then, was not as spectacular as the surroundings due, largely, to some wicked pin positions again. Here, as at St Andrews a couple of days before, it was proof that the short stick really is the boss. Forget blasting 300 yard drives, if you can master that little club your knees wont be knocking quite so hard over that downhill 4 footer with 2 feet of break.
Three guys battled out for second place on 31 points: Seamless’s promising start faded away to take him out of the reckoning leaving “Saint’ Bob and Alan Atwell tied with 16’s on the back. Bob nicked it on the back 6 and, generous as ever, he bought the beers out of the winnings. Taking top spot, again after a great start of a 2 over par 38 on the front 9, was Mike Winterburn.
Friday, Nov. 27, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Gib Jaroenpok (24) 40pts
2nd Dorsey Richardson (18) 39pts
3rd Jeff Cordiero (7) 38pts
Our final fixture of the week saw us take on the local Phoenix course. After the usual rigmarole and about the 14th attempt at re-jigging the groups (you know the reason why well enough by now), we were ready to do battle. Two of my group were a little worse for wear but at least they turned up!
The wind had dropped from previous days this week and we were treated to another glorious day just made for scoring. On the whole this was achieved, albeit with one or two exceptions and the middle 30’s was a popular score. This was no good for the winners circle though.
Up in the rarified atmosphere of the podium we had 2 names who had been there earlier in the week too, proving that when you are swinging it well and in the groove, then take advantage of it. We all know how quickly it can change. ‘Steady’ Jeff Cordiero followed up his Monday win and posted 38 points for third. One point better was new boy Dorsey Richardson for second place. But continuing in her rich vein of form and going one better, all the way to the top, with an excellent 40 was Oddvars much better half, Gib Jaroenpok. I do believe those on-trial clubs wont be going back mate!
A final mention and possibly comedy moment of the week belongs to Dene ‘Mickelson’ Airey. Approaching the greenside bunker on 17 Deano’s caddie looked aghast: “Kai dow” she said but Deano reassured her, “Don’t worry, I know how to play this shot”. As the shot was executed all heads turned in unison, Wimbledon-esque style, towards the hole. Alas, the only thing on the green was a long trail of sand. Priceless!


Edwards shows ‘Super’ form in year-ender

Diana Seniors and Lady’s November Open

Nigel Cannon
Thursday, Nov. 26, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
The final Diana Seniors and Ladies Open for 2009 saw 55 players converge on Pattaya Country Club on the last Thursday of the month. This was the largest number this year and there were a number of European’s returning to Pattaya – for their winter - and were all made welcome.

Klas Kristofferson (left) and Suree Wongsatain with the organizer Nigel Cannon.

Diana had booked 10 tee times but when the lists were collected from the Green Bottle and the Diana Driving Range it was clear some addition times would be required and Pattaya Country Club were able to accommodate the additional slots. Consequently there was a time delay between the first and last groups – but most were happy to sit and wait and enjoy the hospitality of PCC.
Prior to the presentation, your correspondent thanked all Seniors and Ladies for their support throughout the year and looked forward to seeing them again in 2010. The staff at PCC were also thanked for their helpfulness and friendly attitude, Alan Pearce for sorting the results and Chris John for taking the photographs all year.
Now for the results and the winning scores today were very good in each section.
It was ‘Caddies Day’ for the Ladies as in first place was Suree Wongsatain (27) with 38 points. Suree (May) is a caddy at Royal Lakeside and has caddied for myself many times. Runner-up was Noy Kamsantia (20) with 35 points. Noy is a caddy at PCC and has played in the monthly Diana frequently this year.
It was a new face in the Seniors winners circle this month - Klas Kristofferson (10) with 40 points. Runner-up was regular Senior Glen Riding (26) with 39 points.
The winning Super Senior provided the ‘best of the day’ with a fine 41 points off his 15 handicap. Ian Edwards has not played much golf in recent months and this was his first time with the Diana as a ‘Super’. Ian had to leave before he had his photograph taken. Runner-up was last month’s winner Bengt Borg with 39 points off his 11 HC.
The next Diana Seniors and Ladies open is on Thursday January 28 at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 0900. Sign up sheets will be at the Diana Driving Range and Green Bottle 2nd road at the beginning of the January.
Note: A reminder the Diana Gold is scheduled for Tuesday December 15 at Eastern Star.
Ladies
1st Suree Wongsatain (27) 38pts
2nd Noy Kamsantia (20) 35pts
Seniors
1st Klas Kristofferson (10) 40pts
2nd Glen Riding (26) 39pts
Super Seniors
1st Ian Edwards (15) 41pts
2nd Bengt Borg (11) 39pts
Near Pins: #5 Jean-Claude Coulon, #7 Intira Goransson, #12 Tommy Nystrom, #16 Peter Ranvert
Long Putts: #9 Jan Slotten, #18 Mirinda Bia Pyoohamn


Birthday boy Jimmy gets podium placing

PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, Nov. 24, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Tuesday saw a good field of players travelling up Hwy 331 to pit themselves against one of the best tests of golf in the area, Treasure Hill. The course is maligned by many, but it has steadily improved its reputation, while making improvements throughout the course, with marked hazards, cart paths and general course quality. We found the greens to be a little fiery for some, especially when putting from above the hole; good course management is a premium at any of the tougher courses.

Jimmy Fortune celebrated his 70th Birthday with second place at Treasure Hill.

With that in mind, it was Jeff Wylie (7) who coped best, firing 38 points for top spot. In second place was Jimmy Fortune (26) who was celebrating his 70th birthday, with 27 points. Third through to fifth places were all filled with 26 points: Pauline Brackett (29) visiting from UK had 16 on the back 9, followed by Frans (22) 13 on the back, while Brian (25) did his best work on the front, managing only 10 on the inward 9.
The technical Near Pin prizes were shared amongst Frans, Nobby, Jeff & Wendy.
Thursday, Nov. 26, Plutaluang - Stableford
Thursday, and we made our first visit to Plutaluang where some players had not been for a long time, but as reports indicated a marked improvement in the greens, we decided to give it a go. The reports were favourable, with greens now running at a reasonable pace, meaning some pin placements provided a real challenge.
Ken Hole (16) best adapted to the conditions firing a commendable 38 points, closely followed by new to ML, Tom Byrne (12) with 37, having missed a tiddler on the last. Third & fourth were again tied with 35 points, requiring the back 9 count back, which saw Tony Weresay (16) with 18, just edge Dave Edwards (18) who collected 13 coming home.
The Near Pin prizes were shared amongst Jeff, Dave & Derek, with the latter knocking it close on South 4, to score a day’s highlight of a 2, for 5 points.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday (we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday), for instance, Thursday the 10th is a holiday, so we have chosen to not play that day & fully support the PSC Monthly Tournament at Pleasant Valley on the 11th. Usually 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!


Evans above: Daryl heads the pack at Greenwood

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Nov. 23, Treasure Hill (White Tees) – Stableford
Once again we had good numbers on a beautiful Monday morning and 25 golfers headed off to play the Treaure Hill course, departing Café Kronborg at 0815. Unlike the week before, the traffic was moving smoothly heading out of Pattaya and we arrived at the course 55 minutes later. As was expected, the “high season” prices have now started to “kick in” and PSC green fees were 750 baht.

Rob Brown and Daryl Evans where the flight winners at Greenwood.

After a brief wait for one group we were able to tee off at 0930 in absolutely perfect conditions for golf. Brian Gabe and myself had no excuse for our poor scores except the wind was a little stronger than we had experienced recently and these conditions seemed to suit The Admiral as he was the best scorer in our group.
The course was in good shape although some of the greens were fairly difficult to read, even for our caddies. Progress was slow at first but soon speeded up and our round was completed in four and a half hours which included 3 stops for drinks.
Once more we had 2 flights with A Flight being for handicaps 0 to 18, and also nearest the pins on all par threes and longest putts on the 9th & 18th holes.
Fairly ordinary scores were the order of the day with not one golfer shooting within two points of their handicap. Jan Slotten took out A Flight and there was a three-way count back for second and third with Rob Brown beating Jan Lovgren, and Per Anders Karlsen missing out. B Flight was easily won by my old Irish mate Kevin Dinan, with The Admiral finishing second and Mike Winfield third.
A Flight
1st Jan Slotten (15) 34pts
2nd Rob Brown (9) 31pts
3rd Jan Lovgren (18) 31pts
B Flight
1st Kevin Dinan (22) 33pts
2nd Dave Richardson (23) 30pts
3rd Mike Winfield (21) 29pts
Near Pins: #2 Rob Brown, #6 Johan Reynisson, #13 Kevin Dinan#17 Ronnie Ratte
Long Putts: #9 Jan Lovgren, #18 Mike Winfield
Thursday, Nov. 26, Greenwood C & B (White Tees) – Stableford
With The Admiral in Penang for a few days it was up to myself to conduct proceedings and we were able to depart Café Kronborg at 0815 on the dot with our group of 21 golfers. One hour later we arrived at the beautiful Greenwood course and it was soon to be apparent that we were in for a day of “millionaire’s” golf. The weather was fantastic and hardly a soul to be seen (other golfers that is) and we were invited straight to the tee on C1 to hit off at our leisure.
Our first group, which was a threesome, teed off at 0940 and found the course to be in fabulous condition with the greens in particular firm and true. The white tees appeared to be a little further back than normal but all in all it was a splendid round of golf completed in the very good time of 3 hours 45 minutes including one stop for drinks.
We had 2 flights with A being for handicaps 0 to 17 & B Flight for 18 and over.
A Flight was well won by Rob Brown from Brian Gabe in second place. A big improvement from yours truly enabled me to take out third place from my old mate from Gosnells in Perth, Norm Cheetham on a count back.
In B Flight one guy in particular found no trouble with the course playing a little longer and that was Daryl Evans, 7 points clear in first place from Jan Lovgreen. Alan Ewing finished in third place with Mike Winfield shading out Peter Hammond in a count back for fourth place.
After golf it was back to Café Kronborg for a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner which was kindly provided by Gary Rogers & Bjarne Neilsen. Many thanks to them and the staff at Café Kronborg for their generosity and a wonderful meal.
A Flight
1st Rob Brown (9) 34pts
2nd Brian Gabe (17) 32pts
3rd Peter Blackburn (14) 31pts
4th Norm Cheetham (16) 31pts
B Flight
1st Daryl Evans (21) 39pts
2nd Jan Lovgreen (18) 32pts
3rd Alan Ewing (25) 31pts
4th Mike Winfield (21) 30pts


Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

“Six, five, come alive” is an old bridge adage.  I was lucky enough to be dealt a hand recently that illustrated this rather well.  I was sitting South and this was my hand: 

S: 108654

H: J

D: 2

C: AKJ943 

Not much of a hand you might think - 8 high card points, with a good six card club suit, but a very ratty five card spade suit.  East-West were vulnerable, we were non-vulnerable.  East dealt and opened 1C, so I could not even bid my only good suit.  I overcalled 1S, in spite of the poor suit.  West bid 2D (a negative double showing both red suits might be better).  My partner raised me to 2S.  East bid 3D.
With the above adage in mind (and inclined to optimism by a certain amount of beer), I took it to 4S and East doubled.  You may well think that I overbid by going to 4S.  My rationale was that we might make the contract if my partner had a decent hand - since I had most of the low spades, surely he had one or two high ones!  Also, we were non-vulnerable.  Furthermore, if my partner did not have a decent hand, then the opponents could probably make a vulnerable game and we needed to make an early sacrifice before they could find it.  

East        South             West       North

1C           1S                    2D            2S

3D           4S                    P               P

Dbl         All pass                         

The full deal is shown below:

                         S: AJ9

                         H: 10764

                         D: J763

                         C: Q2               

S: 732                                        S: KQ

H: Q953                                    H: AK82

D: AK1095                               D: Q84

C: 8                                            C: 10765

                         S: 108654

                         H: J

                         D: 2

                         C: AKJ943        

West led the eight of clubs, his partner’s bid suit.  I took it with the ace in hand to try and hide from East the fact that the lead was a singleton.  I led the ten of spades around to East’s queen.  East then tried to cash the top hearts.  The second heart was ruffed in hand and another spade led.  From East’s double, it looked like he held both the king and queen of trumps.  The only chance of making the contract was that they were doubleton.  So I went up with the ace.  Luckily, the king dropped.  The jack of spades pulled the last trump.  The queen of clubs was cashed and my hand entered by ruffing another heart.  The rest of the clubs gave me ten tricks, thus making the contract, losing only one diamond, one heart and a trump.
So you see the power of that six, five distribution - game made with only seventeen high card points between the two hands (and a little luck!)
Please send me your interesting hands at: [email protected].


Another fine day for Voller

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited its regular Sunday venue at Rayong CC on Sunday November 22 to play a stableford event over the ever improving course on a pleasantly cool day. The field was divided into two flights with the cut at seventeen and under and it was destined to be a day to remember for those taking part.
In the second flight Jack Shegobin returned to PGS with a round of 33 points to share second place with Tim Lazecki, both finding some good form at last. The flight winner was Jean Morel, playing a course which is rapidly becoming one of his favourites.
The top flight saw Chris Voller return 32 points for third place, four behind Peter Ditz, a winner the previous week, and a further point behind the day’s winner, Emiel Van de Wiele, who is still beating par on a regular basis despite the discomfort of a fractured vertebrae in his back.
Only three days earlier Chris Voller had been presented with an embroidered golf bag to commemorate his hole-in-one at Phoenix six weeks earlier and it must have had a tremendous impact on his game as he recorded another ace, this time using a nine iron on the seventh hole at Rayong CC. Only an hour or so earlier he had been seen in earnest conversation with a custodian of the law on highway 36. Now he was bent on revenge. The consummate iron player strokes the ball with ease on all his approach shots at present and it was no surprise to see him achieve the ultimate yet again.
It was all the more gratifying to have David Thomas at the presentation, fresh from his stint on a remote farm in Western Australia, and the PGS mentor savoured the moment as Chris took the plaudits for the day. He also picked up the Booby Bevy for his new bohemian look, hirsute and slightly overweight, and was yet to strike a ball in anger after nine months in exile.
Needless to say Mr Voller took the ‘2’s pot with no other contenders on the day, leaving Rabbi with the problem of what to do about a new golf bag! Thanks for the memory Chris.
Jack’s back
Green Valley beckoned for the Pattaya Golf Society on Tuesday, November 24 as the group from Soi Buakhao were set to take on the course in a stableford event. Finding the greens still bearing sand from a dressing two days previously the golfers had the test of putting on slick greens but the rest of the course was in excellent condition.
The large field was divided into two flights at nineteen and under and it included a returning David Thomas, striking his first ball in anger since returning from a stint in Australia, and the occasion was the excuse for a return to playing for Rabbi and other newly returned friends from the Elephant Bar.
The second flight saw Guy Pennington and Pat Murphy share third place with lowly scores of 30 points and Tim Lazecki go one better for the runner-up place. The flight was dominated by Richard Dobson whose 37 points represented his best ever in the Land of Smiles.
The top flight had Paul McNally scoring the best gross of the day, 75, which gave him 37 points for third, one behind Tony Thorne, back in form with 38 points. The flight winner was Jack Shegobin, two rounds into his stay, and his 39 points represented a PB for him with the PGS.
Five golfers shared the ‘2’s pot leaving Alan Maxwell, Paul McNally, Dave Stockman, Tony Lambert and Jack Shegobin small change for a couple of beers and the Booby Bevy went to new member John Weatherby, a UN projects worker based in Geneva, for his inability to maintain a proper stableford scorecard. The world awaits!
Macca’s still the man to beat
The Pattaya Golf Society visited a surprisingly less-than-friendly Emerald golf course on Thursday, November 26 to play its monthly medal merit event on the course, which was in fine condition with racing greens. The field was divided into two flights at fourteen and under, an indication of the quality of the fields currently playing with the group.
The course was set up for the more competitive golfers and in the second flight Mr Len squeezed into third place with a disappointing finish giving him net 77. In second place was Brian Kelly with a competent net 75. The flight winner was Japanese golfer Kazuhiko Asada and he produced the best round of his short golfing life to take the flight by the scruff of the neck and finish with net 65.
In the quality top flight Tony Thorne came up with the goods again, his net 72 taking third place but he found himself way behind the joint winners Yasuo Suzuki and Paul McNally on net 68. For Paul it represented the day’s best gross of 72 and was his third successive sub-par round with the group. He has now lost just six shots in total to the card(s) on his last three performances and shows the current PGS Champion is very much in form, going into the December IPGC Monthly Medal event next week.
The day’s sole birdie ‘2’ was secured by Tony Thorne on the fifteenth and the Booby Bevy went to Tim Lazecki who arrived at the course minus his golf shoes and only added to the hassle caused by the increased green fee and the sharply amended start time. However the quality of the golf at Emerald more than outweighed the customer dissatisfaction experienced at the start of the day.


Alan Griffiths nails two more

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, Nov. 23, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
1st Alan Griffiths 40pts
2nd Tony Barritt 39pts
3rd Alan Howell 37pts
4th Chris Knapp 37pts
5th Dave Spendley 37pts
A second visit to the old Great Lakes, now renamed the Rayong Country Club, turned out to be another golden day for Alan Griffiths, who fired his lifetime best during the previous outing at the same course ten days earlier.
The course obviously holds no fears for Alan who although one worse than the last time, still played well enough to deny Tony Barritt his first win since returning from holidays. The margin was a very close single stroke with the difference being on the last hole where Tony failed to make a crucial first putt and then sadly missed the return to let it all slip away and make it a disappointing ending to what otherwise was a very tidy round.
Alan Howell showed some signs of a return to form with a solid one under handicap round that was good enough over the closing nine holes to win the count back on the back six with a better 13 to 12 after he and Chris Knapp had equal 18’s on the nine, to secure third place.
Dave Spendley, now well on the way to full fitness after his six month hiatus following his motor cycle accident, shot a one under handicap but missed out on the prizes following a weaker count back of just 16 on the inward half.
There were no 2’s in the first division but Roar Berger had one in the second to sweep the roll-over pool.
Wednesday, Nov. 25, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
1st Alan Griffiths 37pts
2nd Kaneo Watanabe 36pts
3rd Mike Dabanovich 35pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki 35pts
5th B.J Smith 35pts
6th Chris Knapp 35pts
The first visit to the course for over eighteen months resulted in a mixed response from the players, with some accepting the condition of the greens carrying heavy morning dew prior to it being burnt off by the time the later tee times played most of the course. It certainly was a disadvantage for most who started earlier in the day. All in fact except Alan Griffiths, whose new found form, even from his newer and lower handicap, once again put him at the top of the podium, albeit by the very slender margin of a single stroke ahead of Kaneo Watanabe.
Kaneo was seeking to recreate his form at other venues where he had won twice in the past few days but found the pace of the greens a little hard to handle as he let one or two good chances pass him by over the closing holes.
Mike Dabanovich trailed a further shot back in third as he led in a whole bunch of players on count back, beating Yasuo Suzuki 14 to 13 on the back six, after they had tied the nine at 19 a piece.
B.J. Smith slipped into fifth by virtue of a better back six of 12 to 10 against Chris Knapp after 18 each on the closing half.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Russell Exley slipped one in to sweep the pot in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Rick Holmes from an extended illness and also had farewells for Kaneo Watanabe, Kazuhiko Asada and Toshio Kasuya.
Friday, Nov. 27, Pattana – Stableford
1st Alan Howell 41pts
2nd Stephen Lewis 36pts
3rd Alan Griffiths 35pts
4th Alan Weatherby 35pts
5th Roar Berger 35pts
6th Richard Dobson 35pts
Alan Howell reconfirmed his promise of earlier in the week of a return to the old form, with a sparkling five under round, but was a little disappointed to find that his handicap would remain at twelve as the CSS for the day dipped to 71, with the course having been set up a trifle short from the yellow tees over the A and C layouts.
Nevertheless it was an excellent day’s golf that fully deserved the victory by five clear in front of second placed Stephen Lewis at level par.
Alan Griffiths just failed in his bid to join the exclusive “three in a week club”, but still returned a good score to take third place with a count back of 19 to 18 over Alan Weatherby in fourth place.
Roar Berger claimed fifth spot with a better back six of 13 to Richard Dobson’s 9 after they had tied on 17 each for the nine. Richard’s cause was not helped in the final count back by his four points on the short tenth as he birdied it with a shot, a feat he was just unable to match on any other of the last eight holes
There were no 2’s in either the first division or second divisions.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed new members Alan Gorse and John Weatherby and also welcomed back Syd Harrison.


Another day out on the briny

PSC Sea fishing trip, Sunday, Nov. 22

Mike Gerrard
Ahoy ye landlubbers!
Another superb day at sea: after changing to this new bigger boat, and it has to be said a good skipper (and his son), it seems the fishing trips are going very well.
Although the sea was a kittle choppy, due to high winds, our boat coped with it very well and everyone was very pleased at how comfortable they were.

One of the smaller catch of the day.

There was quite a mixture of fish today and sadly my photos of the better fish did not come out. However we did catch many and some up to 6 or 7 kg. On top of this (due to slow tides today) we all managed to accrue a good haul of 1-pounders, such as snapper etc. I like this size fish; they are easy to clean and then cook and are very tasty, plus full of omega 3 as well to help your heart.
Our next trip is scheduled for Saturday December 5, but is already full. However, the next scheduled trip after that is Sunday December 20 and there are spaces available at present.
If you visit the PSC website (pattayasports.org) and go to the fishing page you will find a full itinerary for the next 4 to 5 months. We are going to alternate from Saturdays the first weekend of the month and Sunday’s the third weekend of the month.
If you wish join us on one of our trips or charter the boat privately for any other day please get in touch with me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.
Tight lines chaps (and gals).


Pattaya Backgammon League

Gabriel Davis
Nov 21 and 28 saw the Pattaya Backgammon League weekly tournament back in full swing for high season as friends old and new converged at Somboons Restaurant on Dongtarn Beach, right next to the ‘other’ White House Hotel, in the direction of Pattaya Park. There is a map on the website www. pattayabackgammonleague .com and we meet every Saturday at 1pm.

Martin Nadol was the top player on Saturday, November 28.
Nov 28 saw Martin Nadol cut through a field of 14 players, winning the final round 15 point match against the player who has won the weekly tournament the most (5 times) Khun Daeng.
It is also worthy to mention that we are preparing for the annual Thailand Open and Christmas Tournament. The backgammon festival starts Dec 26 at the same venue, Somboons Restaurant. All are welcome so have a look at the website for more details. We are expecting the current world champion “Mochy” of Japan to be playing our event, so look out!
Shown above is a position from one of our side games that I was interested in watching. Both sides have nice looking home boards with blacks being a bit stronger with one more point made than white. White has a double shot, 20 hits out of 36 on his next roll. White owns the cube and being on roll is faced with the decision to roll or redouble. What would you do if you were white?


USMC increase their lead after week 8

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

The U.S. Marines team took all four points from Green Tree as Joe Ferral led the way with a 539 series and Somrak had a 504. Bavaria moved into second place after taking three points from Canada: Rich Montana, bowling as a Pacer, bowled games of 213 and 209 for a 577 series.

200 Bowlers: Rich and La.

VFW Post 9876 moved up the standings after winning three points from Sabai Sabai Friday. Brother D also moved up after taking all four points from Café Ole. Meanwhile Jack Tar won all four points from Indiana with Morn Mack leading Jack Tar with a 520 series. La Montgomery bowled a 211 game and 521 for Indiana but it was not enough to win a point.

Results & Standings Nov. 27 (week 8)
Pos.   Team                                   Score        Standings

1         U.S. Marines (USMC)             4 - 0             22 - 10
2         Bavaria                                 3 - 1          17.5 - 14.5
3         Café Ole                                0 - 4             17 - 15
4         Sabai Sabai Friday              1 - 3             17 - 15
5         Brother D                             4 - 0             17 - 15
6         VFW Post 9876                   3 - 1          16.5 - 15.5
7         Indiana                                 0 - 4             14 - 18
8         Jack Tar                                4 - 0          15.5 - 16.5
9         Canada                                 1 - 3          12.5 - 19.5
10       Green Tree                           0 - 4            11 - 21