Mashi has a scorcher in Rayong

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, Dec. 8, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
Now that we are into December, there is a huge gang at Bert’s with many familiar faces, so happy reunions, but dilution of the opportunity to win as the competition heats up.

Ron Brown, Mashi Kenata, Tom Breslin and Neil Shaw

This day we were to play at Rayong, which has that tricky left-right-left-right approach from Hwy 36, but increasingly players are finding their way there and we have fewer missing persons’ reports on golfers headed back home after play.
The weather was fine, the caddies were keen and we played off the white tees, which had been moved forward to the yellow positions, which, in the end may have accounted for the high scores.
I was lucky to be in the first foursome with Mashi as my partner, since the next foursome fell 3 holes behind by the end of the day and this caused the whole competition to arrive late. Mashi was blistering hot this day, even though his HCP had recently been reduced to 9, a lifetime achievement for him. As one’s HCP descends it becomes increasingly difficult to place in the winners’ circle, but Mashi apparently didn’t know this and ended up shooting a gross 75, a full 6 shots clear of his new HCP. In A flight, Rob Brown, one of our regular leaders, was a full 4 shots adrift of Mashi.
In B Flight, Neil Shaw was the clear leader with 41 points. But the day really belonged to the rising star from the land of the rising sun.
A Flight (0-17)
1st Mashi Kenata 42pts
2nd Rob Brown 38pts
3rd Joel Flor 37pts
4th Tony Scrambler 36pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Neil Shaw 41pts
2nd Tom Breslin 38pts
3rd Don Carmody 36pts
4th Bill Knight 36pts
Near Pins: Rob Brown (2), Jeremy Woodham, Steve Compton.
Long Putts: Joel Flor, Don Carmody

All the Presidents men

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, Dec. 6 Green Valley - Presidents Trophy
A Flight
1st Jack Spencer (9) 39pts
2nd Chris Davisson (11) 39pts
3rd Des Griffiths (4) 38pts
4th Gavin Knox (9) 37pts
B Flight
1st Jack Behan (14) 40pts
2nd Nick Payne (13) 35pts
3rd Vic Hester (13) 35pts
4th Cenk (12) 35pts
C Flight
1st Joe Peters (21) 39pts
2nd Martin Solberg (20) 38pts
3rd Eddy Beilby (18) 37pts
4th Hernando Slottsdall (18) 36pts
Ladies Flight
1st Kathy Doody (18) 34pts
2nd Paula Pedersen (19) 33pts
3rd Jum Karagit (22) 33pts
Near Pins: Steve Mulberry, Chris Forsberg, Jim Elphick, Steve Weller
Best front nine: Darren Cottrell 21
Best back nine: Gavin Knox 22
Today saw the first annual Lewiinski’s Presidents Day take place at the well prepared and maintained Green Valley. The course lived up to its reputation on a fine day, with a strong breeze that set up the challenge that lay ahead . The recent lack of rain put a little more roll on the drives, so quality chipping and putting became paramount. The stableford format provided a little forgiveness.

Jack Behan (right), the Presidents Day winner.

There were three handicap divisions for men, and a ladies division, all carrying with them magnificent cut glass trophies. The regular Lewiinski’s players were joined by a large number of Peter the President’s friends.
The tournament was extremely well organized by Peter and staff, with the invaluable help of the Golf Manager, who kept the day flowing and sorted out the scoring.
Kathy Doody with 34 points won ladies flight, with Paula Pedersen edging Jum Karagit on a count back for second.
Irelands’ Joe Peters returned a solid 39 points to win C Flight and second overall, but no scores on the eighth and eleventh turned out to be very costly. Martin Solberg pushed Joe hard, coming up one shot short for second place. The Eagle and Hernando finished third and fourth respectively both a further shot adrift.
Jack “Bilko” Spencer marched to victory in A Flight and second overall with a solid 39 points, but only with the aid of a count back over the red hot favorite Chris, ‘the Sunday Specialist. ’Jack, who’s playing some of the best golf of his life and must have been cursing his luck as he no scored the ninth and eighteenth holes. Davison Des Griffiths and Gavin Knox accepted third and fourth place finishes.
The B Flight victor proved to be the overall winner as Co. Cork’s Jack Behan posted a superb best of the day 40 points. Nicky ‘Two gloves’ got the better over Vic Hester, Cink and the guru himself all on 35 points.
Shot of the day, however, was conjured up by the Principal, who after hooking his tee shot 30-yds left on the twelfth par three, left himself an impossible down hill lie with the water beckoning on the far side of the green. His resulting thinned shot hit a stray coconut, so saving his ball from a watery grave and even better diverting to the side of the green. Jez not being shy (coconut shy) gratefully chipped in for his par. “All the fun of the fair you might say.” Well, it’s always fun (or should I say different) watching Jez around the greens.
Back at Lewiinski’s the prize giving and buffet ran to schedule. Colin the Golf Manager read out the winners, while Peter LeNoury thanked the President and staff for a day enjoyed by all, not least by Peter himself.
Tuesday, Dec. 8, Crystal Bay - Stableford
A Flight
1st Gavin Knox (13) 40pts
2nd Peter Hynard (7) 40pts
3rd Liam McGuiness (10) 39pts
B Flight
1st Barry Copestake (16) 41pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (15) 39pts
3rd Dirk Fleenor (20) 37pts
Thirty three golfers and ‘Miss Treasure Hills’ Sim, traveled to the Thai Takenaka designed course B and C layouts, which as always were in excellent condition.
Taking full advantage in A Flight was ‘The Brylcream Boy’ himself and Peter Hynard both posting solid 40 point hauls; the Brylcream Boy piping Peter in the resulting count back 22/20 for the flight honors. Gavin’s back nine was most impressive as he notched nine pars. It needed the aid of another count back decision to split Murray Callaway and Mark Napier; Murray edging Mark 19/18 to fill the flight.
B Flight provided the day’s winner in Barry the Boot who put together a smashing 41 points, which included a no score on the par-three fourth hole on the B nine. Tore Eliassen posted 39 points using all the holes for second spot. Dirk ‘Dallas’ Fleenor filled the flight two shots shy of Tore.
Gavin Knox, Murray Callaway, Tore Eliassen, Dirk Fleenor and Hernando Slottsdall shared the ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, Dec. 9, St Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Noel Pittard (5) 42pts
2nd Sugar Robertson (5) 37pts
3rd Ian Dallas (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st Alwyn Powell (28) 44pts
2nd John Finnerup (24) 37pts
3rd Tore Eliassen (15) 35pts
St Andrews, arguably one of the sternest challenges on the Eastern Seaboard was taken apart today in both A and B Flights. Australian Noel Pittard carded a remarkable 42 points for top spot in A Flight, that’s one under gross of his five handicap. Noel thought he had done enough to win the game and any other day he would have. Joe ‘Satnav’ who had the pleasure of marking Noel’s card paid Noel the highest compliment by saying it was the best golf he had ever seen, especially the fourth par six which Noel eagled.
Sugar ‘The Bucky Boot Boys’ card made interesting reading as a stunning out ward nine of 24 points gave way to an inward nine of just 13 points. Now that’s capitulation for you. Still, he’d done enough early on to hang on for the runners up spot. Shows that his five handicap is about right I think. Ian Dallas posted a solid even par round to fill the flight.
New to Lewiinski’s, golfer Alwyn Powell, just arrived I guess from a holiday in Co. Offaly, put together a phenomenal 44 points, given that he gave 2 holes up. I can only imagine that the Micks must be shaking in their boots. Irelands’ John Finnerup posted a steady 37 points for silver while Tore Eliassen garnered 35 useful points to claim the bronze.
Reg McKay and Alan Edwards split a handsome ‘2’s pot.
Back at Lewiinski’s, well you can imagine what the main topic was.
Friday, Dec. 11, Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ian Dallas (11) 37pts
2nd Gavin Knox (9) 34pts
B Flight
1st Tore Eliassen (19) 35pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (19) 32pts
When they opened the gates of the Pattaya lunatic asylum the first one out was the Donkey; how else can you describe anyone who week after week books this monster of a course on a Friday, when every golfer has figured out their game only to be brought down to earth with a bang.
The exception today was Ian Dallas from the planet Zonk who was the only golfer to better par with 37 earth shattering points, which by the way is still under investigation by the L B I, even Alwyn stacked and Sim chucked her hand in.
Gavin the Brylcream Boy played like he was back in the forces – left-right, left-right - but some how managed 34 kills ups points.
The junior flight was a bundled of laughs too. Tore Eliassen giggled to a mind boggling 35 points and Peter the President sank 32 pints (hic).
Back at the morgue Colin faced the jury but managed to keep his job.
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 give Colin a ring on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Golfing paradise in Soi Dao

PSC golf from The Golf Club

The 91 boys! The winning stableford team of Graham Johnson,
Steve Weller, Chris Forsberg and John Warren.

Robert Newell
Monday, Dec. 7, Soi Dao - Stableford
1st Ernie McInerny (13) 41pts
2nd Mark Wood (9) 34pts
3rd Oddvar Rykke (13) 34pts
4th John McHugh (9) 34pts
Any trip arranged for the beautiful Soi Dao is almost guaranteed to be a roaring success; it seems all of us ex-pats just can’t get enough of the place. The whole experience and environment epitomizes just what we all crave. We have the everyday hustle, bustle, action and convenience of Pattaya and yet just a 3 hour drive away we are in another world altogether, surrounded by mountains, jungle and a peaceful calm practically unique in this, already, golfing paradise. If only we could transfer all that feel-good factor into our golf!
So, with over 20 keen and eager golfers, we set out from town for what is now our monthly dose of golfing heaven.
Our format for this trip would be 2 days of singles stableford plus an overall singles winner, culminating in a final days team event. Those fit enough even managed 9 hole greensomes on Tuesday afternoon.
For the most part the first day’s golf was pretty evenly matched with fairly typical scoring for this course, with the exception, of course, of today’s winner. We had many scores in the low 30’s that all had promise at some stage but, drop your guard for a while here and you get punished. This left 3 guys locked on 34 battling for 2nd, 3rd and 4th, namely Mark Wood, Oddvar Rykke and John McHugh. After all the count back calculations, that was their finishing order.
Standing alone at the top then was the one man to break par, Ernie McInerny, and he did it in style. A blistering 41 points left him 7 clear and an overwhelming favourite for the overall winners spot.
Near pins for the first day were Steve Weller on numbers 3 and 16, John Emmerson on 5 and Ernie himself on number 12.
Tuesday, Dec. 8 Soi Dao - Stableford
1st Steve Weller (9) 40pts
2nd Jack Spencer (9) 37pts
3rd Mark Sherwood (4) 36pts
4th Mark Wood (9) 35pts
Near Pins: #3 Steve Weller, #5 Steve Mulberry, #12 Oddvar Rykke, #16 Steve Ellison
After our normal celebratory dinner and presentation the previous evening (including the compulsory consumption of several gallons of alcohol) we all gathered, in various degrees of readiness, for the second day’s play. It was good to see our previous golf manager actually find his way to the first tee, as the evening before (known, by the way, for his many short cuts and detours when in the van) he was last seen trying to negotiate his way back to his room via the hotel kitchens! Much to the amusement of all present.
As is generally the case on these trips, when someone is hot their names frequently pop up in the final reckoning. This occurred again today but with a couple of new faces pushing their way into the money spots.
The scoring, not unsurprisingly, was on average lower and yet the top 4 scores were indeed more like what they should have been. One man who improved significantly, in fact, by a staggering 17 shots was Bob Allen. This despite the fact that had he been breathalyser tested he would not have been allowed to drive a vehicle on the road or operate any kind of machinery! I won’t give his day’s score because this would obviously give away his first day’s efforts and, besides, I promised him I wouldn’t tell.
The big winner from the day before obviously felt the pressure and fell away badly, leaving the door open for someone to make a charge and for him to wait nervously for the scores to come in.
Mr. Consistency himself, Mark Wood, carded a one better 35 today for 4th place. By the way, the rumours are true, Mark is definitely considering going back to work some time soon! One better than this was ‘the caddy to the stars’ Mark Sherwood, with his net 76 equating to 36 points. Bettering him by a point was Field Marshall Jack Spencer in second. Good to see Jack up there in the places, he is always a regular supporter of these trips and unselfishly always brings along vast quantities of cheeses and meats that he shares amongst the group. A few more following Jacks example would be an even bigger help for the party atmosphere.
So, the charge we were waiting for, came from big Steve Weller. He knocked it round in a great 77 for 40 points. Now, I played with the winners of both days, so I had first hand experience of how well they played. I couldn’t win a dime on this trip but at least I played with guys who did.
Our presentation for this day took place in a lovely Thai restaurant about 15km up the road. Some of us decided to relocate here, just for a change, using their very nice bungalows. An excellent evening of wining and dining bought us to the overall winners results. Oddvar Rykke, with his consistent 34, 34 cards took the 4th position and Mark’s solid play earned him 3rd Place. This left only big Steve and Ernie fighting up top. Despite his great second day, Steve just fell at the final hurdle and a relieved Ernie took the credit and applause with his 72 total.
Overall Results
1st Ernie McInerny (13) 72pts
2nd Steve Weller (9) 71pts
3rd Mark Wood (9) 69pts
4th Oddvar Rykke (13) 68pts
Wednesday, Dec. 9, Soi Dao – 4-man rainbow stableford
1st Graham Johnson, Steve Weller, Chris Forsberg, John Warren 91pts
2nd Mark Sherwood, John McHugh, Steve Ellison, Mike Loewen 91pts
Near Pin: #16 Mark Wood
For our last day we went for a most unusual but, as it turned out, a very interesting and well received format. This involved 4-man teams with the best 2 stableford to count, and 6 holes played off the reds, 6 off the whites and 6 off the blues. The team captain was left to decide which particular holes they played, leaving lots of differing strategies’ and team tactics.
The secrecy and planning surrounding each team’s choice of holes must have been something akin to the Ryder Cup team pairings or similar. It really was interesting to see everyone so engrossed in it.
The team of Graham Johnson, Steve Weller, Chris Forsberg and John Warren prevailed over Mark Sherwood, John McHugh, Steve Ellisin and Mike Loewen by virtue of count back after both teams produced top notch 91’s.
All that was left then was to head back to the Golf Club for one final presentation, a few more leisurely drinks and start planning the next trip. I know, it’s a hard life, but someone has to do it!

Kevin Hamilton is the big winner

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, Dec. 7, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
1st Kevin Hamilton 41pts
2nd Marc Napier 39pts
3rd Barry Traynor 36pts
4th Rod Howett 36pts
Rayong Country Club, which is surprisingly hosting a preliminary round in the Asian Qualifying, was the venue for the start of a busy week out of The Haven. The course was set up for the short knockers and the scores reflected that as level par still did not ensure a place on the podium without a good inward half. But that being said if one strayed from the fairway, there were many difficult positions and almost unplayable lies. It can be supposed that the qualifying set up will require the use of several gallons on marking paint and a Forth Bridge painter.
The day started with and early group setting off at almost the crack of dawn to beat the Bank Holiday crowds and they were followed by a large contingent from the IPGC Jomtiem Golf group and then the balance of The Haven hopefuls. Unfortunately several wires were crossed in the process with the three groups all being asked to pay differing rates and the last group having to plead for a starting time after being told that there was “no booking”, presumably over 50 golfers can be a bit of a problem to deal with at times, but in the end everyone got off the tee albeit a little later than anticipated.
Kevin Hamilton hardly missed a fairway as he stroked it round in five under handicap to win by a clear margin of two from Marc Napier, both returning very good cards with few blemishes to mar them.
Barry Traynor took full advantage of his steady and straight game to secure third spot by virtue of a better count back of 21 as Rod Howett and Chris Knapp had to endure a marathon count back before Rod got the nod on the back 6 of the front nine by a margin of 13 to 10 after a run of level scores over the back nine and a total of 19 each, with Brian Talbot missing out with a mere 18 over the inward half.
With the scores so good it was unsurprising that the CSS for the day went down to 71.
Kevin Hamilton added to his day’s funds by taking the only ‘2’ in the second division whilst Mark Cooper and Brian Talbot shared the pool in the first division with one each.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new members Brian Talbot and Marc Napier to the Haven for the first time and also welcomed back Martin Grimoldby and Mark Cooper.
Wednesday, Dec. 9, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Alan Howell 35pts
2nd Russell Exley 32pts
3rd John Weatherby 31pts
4th B.J. Smith 31pts
5th Barry Wellings 31pts
After the easy day of golf on Monday, the visit to Bangpra, now that the course has been lengthened to 6,600 yards, was expected to be a very different day and so it proved to be with only one player managing to get within the buffer zone as the length and speed of the greens combined with the greatly reduced width of the fairways following the completion of a recent special tournament conspired to defeat all but Alan Howell, whose one over handicap round was good enough by three to take another win and ensure a further drop in handicap.
Russell Exley just held on to second place ahead of John Weatherby, who in his turn held off the attentions of B.J. Smith and Barry Wellings with a better count back over the back nine of 18 as B.J. and Barry could only put together 15 and 13 respectively.
As expected the CSS for the day went up to 74.
There were no ‘2’s in the second division but Barry Wellings had two in the first division but as he was winging his way back to the UK he asked that it be put into the Baan Jing Jai box.
Prior to the prize giving The Doc welcomed back Steven Howard and Michael Herridge.

Have Cheetham’s wins finally caught up with him?

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
I dare say that the headline this week needs a little explanation. I will try so here goes. Norman Cheetham has played with us before and some concern was made over his declared handicap when last he played. “No cheating” it had been verified I might add.

Saturday winners and friends: Chris Dopp, Bill Peach, Poopay, David Park and the infamous Norman Cheetham.

So when he was back this visit he was again being given a lot of rag by his fellow players again. However, on Saturday he won division 2 with 36 points (he had a third a couple of weeks ago) this finally resulted in a second cut to his handicap down to fifteen. Not enough I heard some say. But a win is a win isn’t it.
Good turnouts this week and a change from our usual outing days were required because of the holidays. So it was Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Good to see a lot of old friends returning
Tuesday, Dec. 8, Crystal Bay A & B - Stableford
1st Mike Sanders (6) 37pts
2nd Jon Dean (8) 37pts
3rd Bruce Kusyk (12) 36pts
4th Ted Senior (12) 36pts
The first outing of the week was a visit to Crystal Bay where we have not been in some time. But apparently the course was as usual in good shape and we had a very good attendance.
Places went down to fourth and number one was Mike Sanders with 37 points after a count back over Jon Dean. In third was Bruce Kusyk at 36, also after count back over Ted Senior.
Six ‘2’s came from Jack McNamara, Ted Senior, Mike Sanders (2), Ted Senior and Ross Bunce.
Wednesday, Dec. 9, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Alan Webber (24) 37pts
2nd Mike Rushant (13) 35pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (13) 35pts
4th Neil Allison (18) 35pts
Just one division on Wednesday and the win went to Alun Webber with 37 points, a full two up on Mike Rushant who was top of a three-way count back over Tewin Lamthong and Neil Allison, all on 35.
Two ‘2’s came from Joe Kowalczyk and Tewin Lamthong.
Friday, Dec. 11, Phoenix (Mountain and Lakes) – Stableford
1st Nick Thomas (15) 37pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (11) 37pts
3rd Ross Bunce (13) 36pts
4th Brendan Moore (12) 33pts
5th Monique Bunce (20) 33pts
Another great turnout at Phoenix on Friday and the day was won with a good score of 37 points by Nick Thomas after winning the count back over Mod Chaviraksa (she likes this course as her record there proves but was two lower on the back nine than Nick this time.) In third place was Ross Bunce at 36.
Only the one ‘2’ on the day came from Jack MacNamara at the eleventh.
Saturday, Dec. 12, Khao Kheow C & A - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Tewin Lamthong (13) 35pts
2nd Jon Dean (8) 34pts
3rd Mike Sanders (6) 33pts
4th Marc Napier (8) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Norman Cheetham (16) 36pts
2nd Bill Peach (19) 34pts
3rd Martin Solberg (19) 33pts
4th Nick Thomas (15) 33pts
Great participation at Khao Kheow on Saturday so two full divisions, but it must have played tough as the scores were lower than of late.
Division 1 saw a win for Tewin Lamthong with 35 points, followed home by Jon Dean with 34 and Mike Sanders third at 33.
In Division 2 it was the Cheetham himself (Norman) at the top with 36 points, followed in by Bill Peach at 34. Martin Solberg was third with 33 after winning the count back over Nick Thomas.
David Park had the ‘2’s pot all to himself and this resulted in him ringing the bell back at the bar along with many others. In fact I heard it rung some six times and as you can imagine a good night was had by all in attendance.
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 or visit the website of the TRGG at www.trgg.biz.

Chris records maiden ‘Ace’ at Old Siam

PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Chris Dopp, a regular Outbacker, holed out in one for the first time in thirty years, at the 186-yard par three sixteenth at Old Siam Course on Monday, Dec. 7.

Chris Dopp.

His playing partner’s caddie, viewing from the red tee, said she thought it was in the hole but Chris was convinced his four-iron was long. As he approached the green he had a cursory look short, to no avail, then a more serious look long, as he first thought, again to no avail. Then he gingerly crept up on the hole and peered inside; and there the ball was and Chris could scarcely hide his joy, his first ever hole in one.
Back at the Outback, Chris shared his achievement with some of his fellow Outbackers after playing Pattaya Country Club (on Tuesday), with the customary ring of the bell. Cheers Chris, and well played mate!
Tuesday, Dec. 8, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
When the 24 Outbackers arrived at Pattaya Country Club they found both the course and the clubhouse very busy, the reason; a big competition with a 2-tee start. However, all credit to the management of PCC as our usual six tee times were reserved and we were away just before our scheduled slot. There were just a couple of hold-ups at two of the par 3’s but there were no ‘starters’ at the tenth. Well done PCC and thank you – other courses should take note. Among the 24 were some new faces, some returnee’s and Capt’ Bob who was seen smiling a number of times!
The course was satisfactory, but some work needs to be done on the greens before serious problems arise.
Nobody seems to be able to hold the ‘Colonel’ back, racking up yet another win on his local course; fast becoming more of a racing certainty than the infamous Desert Orchid; not that PCC bears any similarity to a National Hunt track! Bob scored 39 points this time off 11 to win by two lengths from Ian Covill (37pts) who in turn was a neck in front of The Bishop with 36.
In the 2.30 at Sandown, (again, no reflection on PCC) it was Nigel Cannon (37pts), who is also a local course specialist, two lengths ahead of one of the Irish raiders, John Stafford (35pts) with Don Tyldsley finding a turn of foot at last, taking third place by only a short head, on 34.
There was a jackpot ‘2’, scooped by the winner of the 2nd race, Nigel Cannon.
The Outback meet Tuesdays at Pattaya Country Club with the first race at 09.30.
Div A (0-19)
1st Bob Pearce (11) 39pts
2nd Ian Covill (15) 37pts
3rd Bill Bishop (17) 36pts
Div B (20+)
1st Nigel Cannon (23) 37pts
2nd John Stafford (21) 35pts
3rd Don Tyldsley (30) 34pts
Wednesday, Dec. 9, Phoenix - Stableford
The greens were fantastic and the boys got away fifteen minutes early as there were very few people on the course this day; 30 Outbackers played Mountain and Lakes and really, the course was in grand condition and it was a wonder why there were not many groups here today.
Our new handicap rule concerning the ladies came into operation for the first time today, not that it made much difference; Kung still had the top score of the day by a mile (38pts), comfortably winning her division by four. Elsewhere, the scores were surprisingly on the low side, with nobody else breaking handicap. Tim Windas won Div A with 35 points, followed in by Rick Evans (32pts) and a whole stack of players on 30 points, headed by Steve Milne. John O’Keefe took Div B with the same 35 to beat Norm Cheetham on count back.
There were two ‘2’s today from Joe Mooneyham (good to see you back Joe) and Kung.
Div A (0-15)
1st Tim Windas (13) 33pts
2nd Rick Evans (6) 32pts
3rd Steve Milne (12) 30pts
Div B (16-18)
1st John O’Keefe (16) 35pts
2nd Norm Cheetham (16) 35pts
3rd Alan Bishop (16) 33pts
Div C (19+)
1st (Kung) Pimjun (22) 38pts
2nd Jesse Serna (36) 34pts
3rd Chris Dopp (19) 28pts
Friday, Dec. 11, Khao Kheow - Stableford
It was the best part of a five hour round for the 37 Outbackers playing B and C from the yellows, but the course was in great condition and it didn’t seem to matter. It wasn’t as tough as the A side last week as the wind was not so strong, however, even with the implementation of the new rule for ladies, receiving a 2 stroke reduction in handicap, they still went on to show the boys how to play.
Kathy Doody took second in Div B with 35 points (off 16) and Sakorn won Div C with 38 points (off 26) from Jum with 34 points (off 20). The boys fared well in Div A with Pat Regan taking the honours on 34 from Capt’ Bob & Joe Mooneyham both with 30; Bob getting the nod by the usual method.
There was a jackpot ‘2’ today, scooped by Kev Fitzgerald.
Div A (0-13)
1st Patrick Regan (11) 34pts
2nd Bob Philp (7) 30pts
3rd Joe Mooneyham (12) 30pts
Div B (14-18)
1st George Bishop (14) 36pts
2nd Kathy Doody (16) 35pts
3rd Norm Cheetham (16) 34pts
Div C (19+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (26) 38pts
2nd (Jum) Karagit (20) 34pts
3rd John Spiller (24) 30pts
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.

Remarkable scores at Rayong

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society enjoyed the holiday weekend in the best possible way with a stableford competition at Rayong CC on Sunday, December 6. Another large field turned out to prove how popular weekend golf is and the two flights got underway on time on an empty course.
The cut was at sixteen and under and scores were to be surprisingly good on the track, shortened in the interests of the speed of play, with the white tees on most of the yellow boxes.
In the second flight Mr Len found enough still in reserve to post a six point finish on the tough final two holes and take third place with 37 points but he was half the province behind second-placed golfer John Weatherby whose 41 points sent the handicapper scuttling to his records. Amazingly it wasn’t enough for the win as Jean Morel posted his fourth sub-par round on a weekend to average net 69 and record a PB of 42 points!
In the top flight things had a similar look with Alan Maxwell playing his best golf ever in the Kingdom to take third place with 38 points, just one behind Marc Jensen for whom his round was a milestone, being his first sub-80 gross round since his arrival six weeks ago. Playing the best golf of his life Emiel Van de Wiele came up with another “plum”, his 44 points giving him the best round of his life. So many records on one day!
In all the full field average was 35+ points for the day and it was helped by birdie ‘2’s by Jean Morel, Alan Maxwell, Phil Slaney and Peter Masters. Mr Len was so overwhelmed that he could not isolate one player for the Booby Bevy and decided to roll the consolation prize over until next week, by which time, no doubt, Emiel would have finished his letter thanking Cleveland Golf for their expertise in making his new clubs so successful!
Khao Kheow makes its point
After a few rounds with many scores under par the Pattaya Golf Society found Khao Kheow C and A nines were waiting for them on Tuesday, December 8 when the group made their first visit since last high season. The course is in excellent condition with superb greens and accuracy is rewarded by good fairway lies.
The two flights were divided at thirteen and under and in the second flight Tom Lazecki, Pat Murphy and Jack Shegobin all took a share of third place with 33 points each. In second was Harry Cowling with a well crafted score of 34 points. The flight winner was Jomtien lady golfer, Na Hector, whose scores recently have been good and she repeated the feat with a very respectable level par performance of 36 points.
In the top flight performances were almost the same with David Thomas assaulting the front nine, the C course, and turning at 35 gross but his general fitness level after his exile in Western Australia is not as it should be and he wavered to finish on 34 points, sharing third place with Chris Voller and “Banjo” Bannister. Alan Howell brought with him a sound Haven pedigree and he performed well scoring 35 points for second place but it was just too little as Tony Thorne found his form again to come up with 36 points for a well deserved win.
Jean Morel and Alan Maxwell shared the second flight ‘2’s pot, as did Chris Voller, Tony Lambert, Marc Jensen, David Thomas and Fred Land in the top flight, the latter taking a double share for his extra effort on A5.
Steward for the day David Thomas awarded the Booby Bevy to Paul White after a lamentable display in his first IPGC competition with a few kind words to soften the blow but five days of stomach cramps and sickness is hardly the preparation for a track like Khao Kheow. Yes, Khao Kheow continues to hold all the aces.
Talbot tops at Rayong
Thursday, December 10 was “Constitution Day” and the Pattaya Golf Society celebrated in time-honoured fashion by taking a leisurely “constitutional” around Rayong Country Club, the walk punctuated only by drives, chips and putts and cusses on the ever-improving course.
The format was stableford and the two quality flights were divided at 16 and under. The weather held fine, allowing many of the course workers to continue embedding new sprinklers whilst not affecting the progress of the round.
In the second flight Alan Duckett enjoyed another of his occasional forays with the group, taking third place with 34 points whilst Jean Morel posted his fifth consecutive sub-par round with the PGS to take second place with 37 points. The flight winner was current “Player of the Month” leader, Richard Dobson, for whom 38 points represented a fine finale to his short stay.
In the top flight Don Nellis played some steady golf in his round of 36 points to take a share of third place with Phil Slaney and the flight was won by Brian Talbot, playing his first round out of Soi Buakhao in almost a year. His round of 39 points was the best of the day whilst Phil Slaney had the honour of recording the best gross of 77.
Angus Milner discovered Rabbi’s Elephant Bar just in time to join the group and celebrated with a birdie ‘2’ on the fifth, whilst Don Nellis and Peter Ditz, playing in the same group, recorded birdies on the seventh and sixteenth respectively to share the ‘2’s pot.
The Booby Bevy went to the Boss himself, Rabbi, as his front nine score of nineteen points was beyond his wildest dreams whilst his back nine of only eight was more in keeping with his expectations! The presentation was a joyous affair with the return of more old friends and one could be forgiven for assuming that high season is here at last, at least in Soi Buakhao.

Knight on the charge at Pleasant Valley

PSC 94th Monthly Golf Tournament

Derek Brook
Friday, Dec. 11 – Pleasant Valley
We decided to go to Pleasant Valley for the last tournament of the year, as not only have they just opened the new clubhouse, but the course itself is nearing completion and is starting to take on the shape we will see in years to come as it fully matures. The view of the course from the clubhouse is now excellent and you can even see the fairways and greens from the one way (I hope) windows in the showers.

The A Flight winners with Max and Derek (Emcee).
I visited PSC many times in the week preceding the competition, and in the Golf Office could always be found Max and Matt beavering away on the computers as they readied the lists and score cards for the days proceedings. Thanks both of you.
The day dawned bright and as we reached the course who should be already there to book us all in, but the deadly duo. They were hard at it and in fact when we returned from our rounds they had to start once again to tabulate the results.
We were soon away, many groups managed an early start and the front nine went by fast, but we were held up considerably on the back nine. The course itself, as said, is coming on in leaps and bounds and will soon be in top form. The fairways are in good condition and the greens are now becoming fast (and also tricky by the way).

The B Flight top three: Nick Payne, Alan Sullivan and Dale Shier.
Once back in, we were quickly through the showers and out onto the patio, where the restaurant had laid on a barbeque for a minimum price and most partook of it. It was then back to Pattaya and 40 winks before going on to Jameson’s for the buffet and presentation.
At Jameson’s the queue was long as the hungry golfers sought to fill up. Mein host Kim was flying about helping people and all enjoyed the excellent food. Then it was on to the presentation with myself (DB) as Emcee helped by William, Max and Matt. As is usual with this team, all went pretty smoothly and we soon sorted through the many winners.

The Ladies top two were Carole Kubicki (left) and Pimusa Tonkson (right).
We had too many ‘2’s to mention then it was on to near pins, and long drives and then the winners.
The Ladies winner was Carole Kubicki with 44 points; Carole has just arrived and does not normally peak so quickly, well done indeed. In second place was Pimusa Tonkson with 40 points.
In the D Flight, which was stableford, the winner was Derek Waterworth with 43 points, ahead of Anders Wimmerstad in second with 42 points and Yan Nillson in third with 41.
In the C Flight, also stableford, the winner was John Hughes with 42 points ahead of David McFeely with 41 points on count back over Bob Rasmusson in third.
Nick Payne topped the B Flight with a fine net 65 ahead of Alan Sullivan in second with a net 67on count back over Dale Shier in third.
Finally, in the A Flight the winner was Phil Knight with a net 66 ahead of Noel Pittard with a net 67 in second, while in third was Mark Napier with a net 68.
The night then progressed with a lucky draw and all had a fine time. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Ray Tremblath, Intira Goransson, Koji Yamada (2), Bill Priestly, Ray Allison, Alan Sullivan, John Hughes (2), Ian Spence, Hana Skabona, Noel Pittard, Brian Downey, Arne Stangnes, Brian Holden, Morten Gaussa, Gib Rykke.

C Flight winners; John Hughes, David McFeely and Bob Rasmusson
with the PSC Charity Chairman, William Macey.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Last week, I asked the question when is it right to lead a trump as the opening lead?  I gave an example of the number one good reason for leading a trump: to cut down dummy’s ruffing power when dummy is short in one of declarer’s long suits.  Another good reason is when your side has a strong trump stack.  Note that when the defence has a stack of “low” trumps the forcing defence (see earlier columns) is usually better than leading trumps, to try and force declarer to ruff and thus reduce declarer’s trump holding to less than the defence.  With long, “high” trumps however, double and lead them.
Take this example, from expert player and author Mike Lawrence, with East dealing and neither side vulnerable:  

East      South     West      North

1H        1S            2H           2S

Dbl       All pass                

The full deal is shown below: 

                       S: 862

                       H: K2

                       D: K1065

                       C: Q983       

S: 7                                      S: KQJ10

H: J75                                  H: A10863

D: QJ832                             D: 94

C: KJ64                               C: A7

                       S: A9543

                       H: Q94

                       D: A7

                       C: 1052          

After the double, West looks at his singleton trump and knows East must have long trumps.  Since East is willing to risk a two level double - which doubles the opponents into game if they make it - West expects that East’s trumps must also be strong.  So West leads a trump.
Now East-West are bound to make seven tricks - three high trumps, two heart tricks (since dummy’s trumps will be pulled by East before a heart can be ruffed) and the ace and king of clubs.  The trump lead causes the contract to go down two doubled, for a nice profit for East-West.
Please send me your interesting hands at: [email protected].

Kinmond takes it on count back

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

Just a touch of mist as the Three Sisters group teed off on December 9 at the Pattaya Country Club. Early on the dewy fairways didn’t help the run of the ball but the sun soon took care of that. The early morning cool lasted until hole number 11 when old Mr. Sol heated things up. Aside from one dead battery, things went smoothly for the group.

Winner Paul Kinmond (left) with runner up Herbie Ishinaga.

Back at Caddy Shack II, Herbie Isninaga had provided sandwich slices of thick Canadian bacon and pork loin. There was also a wide variety of liquid beverages available.
A check of the cards showed three coming in with 31 points; Paul Kinmond, Herbie Ishinaga and Dale Murphy. On count back, Dale lost out with Paul & Herbie placing 1st and 2nd. As usual, a good time was had by all.

Café Ole move up to second place

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Sue, Rich, Mai, Joe & Tue

Café Ole, led by Antero Ronkainen’s 538 series, moved up from third to second place last week after winning three points from Canada. Sue Murphy bowled a 201 game and 517 series for Canada but it was only enough to get one point.
Joe Ferral meanwhile bowled a 220 game and 535 series to lead his USMC team to a two-two split against Bavaria and they remain in first place. Brother D won four points for the second week in a row and moved up from sixth to fourth place as they beat Sabai Sabai Friday. Both teams struggled on lanes 9 and 10 at PS Bowl.
Green Tree continued their upward move in the standings as they took four points from Indiana: Kaew led Green Tree with a 515 series and Dang Downs was best for Indiana with a 511. Mai Munsitha bowled a 211 game and 548 series to lead Jack Tar to a four point sweep over VFW Post 9876: Rich Montana bowling as a Pacer continued his good bowling with a 217 game and 567 series.

Cooney’s reign ends as Hughes topples the champ

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, Dec. 7, Bangpra - Annual Championship (Day 1)
The Bunker Champion for three out of the last four years has been Gerry Cooney and it looked like he was on course to win again. Because of the lightning fast greens nobody broke par but Gerry had the best round of the day to lead the field with a two over par round being good enough. John Hughes was lying in second place a shot behind and two players, Dave Dolle and Takeshi Hakozaki, were within striking distance only one shot further back.

The Bunker 2009 Annual Champion John Hughes with Gary Austin (right) and Geoff Hart (left).

A whole host of players were strung out with only a couple of shots separating them and with the second round being played at the tricky Khaow Kheow course anything could happen. The Champion was to be decided by adding the two day’s net scores together. Simultaneously a Medal competition (in two flights) would be held on Monday and on Wednesday a Stableford competition (in two flights).
A Flight
1st Gerry Cooney (11) net 74
2nd Dave Dolle (11) net 76
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki (11) net 76
B Flight
1st John Hughes (17) net 75
2nd Brian Maddox (21) net 77
3rd PJ Redmond (18) net 78
Near Pins: Ken Young, Dave Dolle, Gordon Melia and Cenk Zlizici.
Wednesday, Dec. 9, Khao Kheow - Annual Championship (Day 2)
Early into the clubhouse were Geoff Hart with a net 71 and Gordon Melia with a net 73, both finishing with a total net 150 to head the field. Gary Austin came off with a two under par net 70 to go into the lead with a total of net 149. Cenk Zlazici had a level par round but his poor showing on the first day meant he could only manage net 154.
As everyone eagerly awaited the 1st day’s leaders finishing their round in the last group, news went round that Gerry Cooney had ‘blown up’ and was out of the running so we would be looking at a new Bunker Champion! Dave Dolle had been suffering too and could only manage a net 80 which put him out of the running. Takeshi made a net 74 to join Geoff Hart and Gary Austin on 150 but it was John Hughes who came out on top with a one under par to win with a total net 146!
Overall Results
1st John Hughes (17) net 146
2nd Gary Austin (17) 149
3rd Geoff Hart (19) net 150
4th Gordon Melia (14) net 150
5th Takeshi Hakozaki (11) net 150
Stableford Results
A Flight
1st Cenk Zlazici (12) 36pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (9) 35pts
3rdGordon Melia (14) 35pts
B Flight
1stJohn Hughes (17) 37pts
2ndGeoff Hart (19) 37pts
3rdGary Austin (17) 37pts
Near Pins: Geoff Hart, Dave Dolle and Takeshi (2).
Friday, Dec. 11, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Well most of the leaders in the Championship seemed to have a hangover as none of them except Gary Austin did anything today! Gary managed to grab third place in the A Flight behind Tony Berry, who beat him on a count back in second place and winner Paul Edgar took the honours with 37 stableford points.
Heath Norris, who’s becoming a regular visitor these days, walked away with the winnings in the B Flight with the best score of the day. Neil Griffin made a rare appearance on the winners podium taking second place with 35 points and Reg Smart brought up the rear with 34 points.
A Flight
1st Paul Edgar (17) 37pts
2nd Tony Berry (10) 36pts
3rd Gary Austin (17) 36pts
B Flight
1st Heath Norris (28) 39pts
2nd Neil Griffin (28) 35pts
3rd Reg Smart (25) 34pts
Near Pins: Paul Edgar, John Graham and Gary Austin (2).