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Thai teenager Poom strikes ‘Gold’ at Eastern Star
The 11th Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament
A cheque for 150,000 baht is
presented to the Chonburi Child protection Center.
Nigel Cannon
Tuesday, Dec. 15, Eastern Star Country
Club
The organizing of any major golf tournament starts some
months before the actual event. This year the annual Diana Gold
Tournament did not have the benefit of the organizer for the last 10
years - the late Mike Franklin – however we had help from him in the
form of the information he held, both on his computer and in hard
copy form.
 Pottasan
“Poom” Patcharakat (right) receives the Diana Gold Men’s Champions
trophy from Warakorn Ruenklom, director of the Banglamung School.
So in August the first meeting of this year’s committee took place
under the Chairmanship of Khun Komsan of the Diana Group. Members
attending were Jack Prajug (Diana Golf Driving Range manager),
Bernie Tuppin (Adviser to the Diana Group), Nigel Cannon (Diana
Seniors organizer) and David Race (PGA Professional Diana Driving
Range), to be joined later by Tony Stevens who had assisted Mike
Franklin in many of the tournaments he was involved in.
We began with a number of problems to be addressed, not the least
having to change the tournament date.
 Diana
Group managing director Sopin Thappajug (left) presents the Ladies
trophy to Lamun Hanley.
In any charity competition you need sponsors and players. The Diana
management - helped by the success of past Diana Gold’s – were able
to obtain a good number of sponsors and organizers including
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, Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital and
the Diana Group. As in past tournaments, the generosity of the
sponsors enabled ‘Gold’ to be presented to all the 18 technical hole
winners as well as the Ladies and Men’s champions. (A list of the
hole sponsors can be found elsewhere in this report).
Ok we had the sponsors, now to find the players, bearing in mind
both the economy and a number of other tournaments, both established
and newly scheduled for this time of year.
 This
four-ball knows the best way to find the limelight.
Flyers were distributed around the golfing community and in Pattaya
Mail. Past competitors were contacted – thanks to Mike’s records -
and personal contacts were made by the committee. At the final
meeting 3 days prior to the event there were 80 plus signed up and
on the day some 103 played.
The day before the tournament saw Bernie, Tony and Jack at Eastern
Star to set up the course ready for the first tee time and to brief
the caddies who were assigned to each hole.
There was a special technical prize on the 11th hole in memory of
the late Mike Franklin. It was ‘nearest the keg’ which was placed
between 2 bunkers – those whose shots landed in either bunker were
invited to make a donation to the charity and were rewarded with a
free drink. After the tournament there was 600 baht in the box – and
later in the evening two major donations were made to make the total
in Mike’s memory 10,000 baht.
 Banjob
Franklin (2nd left), wife of the late Mike Franklin, lines up with
her golfing companions at the start of the 11th Diana Gold
tournament.
With the first tee time of 07:07 it was an early start on the day
for the registration team of Bernie, Tony and Nigel and course
marshall, David Race.
With tee times from 07:00 to 11:30 and 103 players, some arriving
early – some late, the registration was at times confusing, however
thanks to the patience and experience of Bernie Tuppin and the
eagerness of the Diana staff all competitors were given their day’s
package, shirts and hats.
All were away on time with the minimum of delay. As is usual at this
event Bangkok Pattaya Hospital provided an ambulance and 3 doctors
on standby all day – thankfully they were not used on this occasion.
There were a couple of casualties but did not require medical
treatment – just a taxi home.
The weather was overcast, hot and humid as those who chose to walk
discovered.
Using the ‘36’ system means that all cards have to be analyzed hole
by hole – thankfully Eastern Star had a computer loaded with the
‘36’ system so it was just a matter of inputting the gross for each
hole and let the computer do the work, which then produced both the
net score and handicap.
After the results were calculated and the technical winners listed
it was off to the Diana Garden Resort.
The lady golfers add some style and
glamour to the proceedings.
As the guests arrived they were greeted with the
tables set out around the pool covered in white table cloths and
flowers on each table, and soft music. The buffet was arranged on
each side of the pool allowing all to obtain their food without
queuing and the Diana staff serving the drinks with quiet
efficiency.
With 18 Technical prizes, the main prizes and a number of
certificates of appreciation to be presented as well as the lucky
draw, it was going to take some time so it was managed by having 4
separate sections.
It was the dual presenters of Khun Boonrong from Diana Group (Thai)
and Nigel Cannon (English) and the stage management of Khun Komsan
that kept the proceedings in order and at times amusing.
Before the prize winners were announced there was a welcoming
address, read by Boon (Thai) and Nigel (English) to all players,
their guests, sponsors and their guests, and Diana Group guests.
There was also a personal welcome from Khun Noy - Chief Executive of
the Diana Group
It was the winners and runners-up of the two Men’s flights and the
Ladies flight that were presented first. The winner of the Men’s
first division was Des Griffith ahead of Khun Sarot and Winat
Pimolsri, all three finishing on net 70. The second division saw
Khun Saman take top spot on net 71 ahead of Ong-Art and Khun
Narintorn, both one shot adrift, and Lumyai topped the Ladies flight
on net 70, followed in by Sud Urasria and Sunuenta on net 71’s.
This was followed by the presentation to the 18 Technical prize
winners who each received 50 satang of gold.
It was then time for the Ladies and Men’s champions to be presented
with their trophies and ‘gold’. The Ladies champion was Lamun Hanley
with a net 70 and winning on count back from Lumyai. The men’s
champion this year made history in being the youngest ever as
Pottasan (Poom) Patcharakat is just 13 years old. His winning score
was a net 69, beating the next best men in Division ‘A’ by just one
shot!
Both champions were warmly greeted by all. Poom has for the last 2
years been coached by the Diana Driving Range PGA teaching
professional David Race.
To close the evening it was the lucky draw time and the dual MC’s of
Boon and Nigel called out the winning numbers and kept all eagerly
waiting to see if it was their number being picked.
The final announcement was that a grand total of 277,000 baht had
been raised by this 11th Diana Gold golf tournament, the sum being
divided amongst the Diana Group’s nominated children’s charities:
namely Banglamung School 40,000 baht, Tawan Yim Project by Sunshine
Radio 30,000 baht, YWCA 20,000 baht, the Diana for Stronger Thai
Children project 37,076.80 baht, and underprivileged kids at the
Chonburi Child protection Center 150,000 baht.
Then it was ‘goodnight’ and see you all again in 2010.
Golfing in Thailand is thirsty work.
The refreshment tent is armed and ready.
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Diana
Gold 2009 - Hole Sponsors: -50 Satang Gold
Hole Par
Sponsor Target Winner
1 4 Pattaya Mail Near
Pin 2nd shot Winat Pimolsri
2 4 Supamitr Store Long
First Putt Sophin
3 3 Damneon Polsean Near Pin
Verayut Sakalpat
4 5 Jesters MC Club Long
Drive (Men) Narintor
5 4 Thai Sausage
Long First Putt Pranit
6 3 TAT Region 3
Near Pin Terry Welch
7 4 Pattaya Sports Club
Straight Drive Winat Pimolsri
8 5 E.C. Biotech Ltd
Near Diagonal Line Sud Urasria
9 4 Jackrit Laundry Service
Long Drive (Ladies) Sophin
10 4 KTD Electric&Telecom
Near Pin 2nd shot Lumyai
11 5 Jamlong Seafood Near
Keg Anita Astner
12 4 Jaroen Bakery Near
Crossed Line Pia Pia
13 3 Lolitas/ Champagne Near Pin
Linda Jenvuthida
14 4 Nopporn Construction Long First
Putt Winat Pimolsri
15 5 Pattaya Best Foods Near
Pin 3rd shot Saroj Charownat
16 4 Pilamid Laundry Service Straight
Drive Sarut
Srirawong
17 3 Tan Food Supply Near
Pin Pottasan(Poom)
17 3 Beer Chang Charity Hole In Circle Win
CTN Beer Pottasan(Poom)
18 4 Tahitian Queen Long
First Putt Somsak Boonchu |
PSC & the Bunker Bar bring early Christmas to kid’s drop-in center
Representatives of the
Pattaya Sports Club and the Bunker Bar are greeted
by staff and children from the drop-in center as they donate the grand
total
of 140,000 baht to the Fr. Ray Foundation.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Children at the Father Ray ‘Out Reach Work and Drop-in Center’
will be able to express their athletic prowess on a new basketball court
soon as many individuals and organizations are lending a helping hand to
make the kid’s sporting dreams come true.
Members of the Pattaya Sports Club, led by Charity Chairman William
Macey, and Nick Ramshaw from the Bunker Sports Bar dropped by the center
on Saturday, December 19 to donate an early Christmas gift of 140,000
baht to the center. The group was warmly welcomed by Brother Denis
Gervais, C.Ss.R., the Vice-President of the Fr. Ray Foundation.
Kritsana Wankham, the manager of the center, said the money received
would be put into a sports activity fund for the kids for 2010 and would
help pay for the new basketball court to be constructed. Kristsana said
the center was also planning to build a 3-storey educational halfway
house for the orphans and a monument to Father Ray at the center, the
total budget for which would amount to around 3 million baht.
Kritsana said the center wished to thank everyone for all their
kind-hearted support, including the Bunker Bar, Pattaya Sport Club,
U-Too Bar, West Island School, Bangkok–Pattaya Ultima Club, Tracy
Fooney, Johny Reimar and Christina Obel.
The Drop-In center was established in 2004 following the far-sighted and
innovative idea of Father Ray to provide a home to the needy kids and
give them the opportunity of a better life. The facility provides the
children with direction from a dedicated team of professional adults as
well as social security, hygienic conditions to live in and vocational
advice.
Dessaix has a day to remember
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, Dec. 15, Greenwood - Stableford
There was a generous gaggle of golfers at Bert’s last Tuesday
morning and this tumescence in our ranks could have only been matched by
what goes on at nearby Soi Six. Our busy Captain was quite stressed out
rearranging the foursomes and the rides. The players were impressed with the
good shape that Greenwood is now in and one of the drinks’ stands has been
renovated.
We were to have tough competition against Mashi Kenata, fresh from a string
of wins and Paul Sharples, club champion back in Oman. But our Captain
lucked out today, because your correspondent was his partner and we
outgunned Mashi and Sharples. Play in the other foursomes was more dramatic
as Peter Dessaix from Brisbane shot one of the best rounds of his life, with
four birdies and an eagle, to propel him to top spot for the day and an
almost certain cut in his handicap.
A Flight (0-17)
1st Peter Dessaix 42pts
2nd John Binns 37pts
3rd Mike Gaussa 34pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Mike O’Brien 36pts
2nd Thomas Cotton 34pts
3rd Carole Kubicki 32pts
Near Pins: Eddie Gunsek, Peter Dessaix, Mike Gaussa, Petere
Whitehead.
Long Putts: Bill Knight (2)
Berry on the button at Greenwood
PSC golf from The Bunker
Monday, Dec. 14, Greenwood - Medal
With Greenwood open on Monday’s for the high season it made a
welcome change to travel there at the beginning of the week. The news
mustn’t have gotten around yet as we had the course to ourselves and it was
in superb condition.
The cut was set at handicap 16 and Tony Berry had a great round coming in
with a three under par round to win the A Flight. Paul Smith came second
with a level par score closely followed by John Graham a shot back.
Geoff Parker shot a two under score to win the B Flight ahead of Geoff
Parker, who beat Reg Smart on a count back.
A Flight
1st Tony Berry (11) net 69
2nd Paul Smith (4) net 72
3rd John Graham (13) net 73
B Flight
1st Geoff Parker (17) net 70
2nd Geoff Hart (18) net 74
3rd Reg Smart (26) net 74
Near Pins: Gerry Cooney, Bernie Stevens, Barry Trowell and PJ.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, Treasure Hill
Another journey north saw the Bunker Boy’s take on the
challenging Treasure Hill, and this course being just up the soi from
Greenwood it too was in great shape.
In a single flight we saw John Graham have another good round to win on a
count back from ‘Skinny” Newton in second place. There was a count back for
the next places where Geoff Parker took third place, Koji Yamada nicked
fourth place and Gerry Cooney lost out altogether having had a poor back
nine.
1st John Graham (13) 33pts
2nd ‘Skinny’ Newton (28) 33pts
3rd Geoff Parker (17) 32pts
4th Koji Yamada (16) 32pts
Near Pins: John Graham, Mashi and Koji.
Friday, Dec. 18, The Emerald - Medal
The greens were unusually fast here at Emerald today, making
scoring pretty difficult as nobody broke par. The best score to come into
the clubhouse was from Gordon Melia whose one over par was enough to win the
A Flight. Colin Greig took second place a couple of shots back and Gerry
Cooney came third a couple of shots further back.
The cut was set at handicap 14 and Geoff Parker beat Geoff Hart on a count
back to take the honours in the B Flight. There was a count back for third
place too, Roger Privett just edging out Ken Ellery to steal third place.
A Flight
1st Gordon Melia (14) net 73
2nd Colin Greig (13) net 75
3rd Gerry Cooney (11) net 77
B Flight
1st Geoff Parker (17) net 79
2nd Geoff Hart (18) net 79
3rd Roger Privett (16) net 82
Near Pins: Mike Corner, Colin Greig, Dave Keats and Gordon Melia.
Larry leads the way
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
It was another beautiful day on Wednesday, December 16 as the golfers assembled
at the Pattaya Country Club. The entire course was in good condition with just a
couple Tee boxes under repair. We had a good showing today with a few new faces.
 Wednesday
winner Larry Richard (left) with runner up Herbie Ishinaga.
The scores were right up there with the warm weather and good conditions.
Checking cards back at Caddy Shack II, Larry Richard came in with an undisputed
38 points for top spot followed by Herbie Ishinaga who had a 37. It was close at
the top with Larry Emerson, Sus Ige and Paul Kraft all coming in with 36.
As usual Herbie Ishinaga came through with regular and spicy hot dogs and
sandwich slices and the usual beverages were on hand to wash down the food.
Dale just can’t fail
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Robert Newell
Monday, Dec. 14, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Dale Shier (14) 39pts
2nd Steve Ellison (15) 35pts
3rd Sugar Ray Hanford (19) 34/18
We were greeted today at Green Valley by a practically empty car
park: I cant recall ever seeing this place quite so quiet, so, for
one of the only times I can ever remember, we had an extremely
leisurely, stress-free round of golf. I can only assume this will
change from next week, as we begin our first week of the forced tee
time change to 11 o’clock. If the rumours are true, we are to be
inundated with Korean golfers for the next 2 months, oh what fun!
 The
‘Catalogue Man’ Dale Shier strikes a pose at Pattana.
Out on the course it looked like apathy had again taken over the
green staff, with the tees not having been moved from their forward
weekend positions and the pins in virtually the same place as they
have been for weeks now.
All of this was quickly forgotten though, as we welcomed back Dale
Shier and Mick Beresford. Dale, the man of many outfits, looked
resplendent in a rather fetching shade of puke, I’m sorry, I’ve just
been told its spelt puce! And Mick looked like a pretty good
imitation of the Tango man from the British TV adverts, in other
words, rather orange! Dale, apparently, is waiting for his 2010
Spring collection to arrive while Mick is waiting for his underwear
to arrive (I don’t think the poor old woman in the locker room is
ever going to be the same again!) Rest assured, for the remainder of
their trip, the Golf Club will be issuing industrial strength
sunglasses to all the players.
On the golfing front we had some pretty solid, if unsensational
scoring and a couple of very close calls for holes in one from JTB
and Mark Wood, apparently both inside 6 inches for tap in birdies.
Mark, however, then went on to make the almost inevitable PBFU on
the next (if you don’t know this one then I’m sure you can make a
pretty good guess at it).
As far as the scoring goes we had a pair of 33’s from Brian Holden
and Bob Patterson and 3 guys locked on 34 points vying for third
place; Chaten Patel, ‘yours truly’ and Sugar Ray Hanford. Sugar won
the battle of the count back. Second spot went to Steve ‘say cheese’
Ellison, turning in one of his rare cameo performances for 35
points. But, out in front, style-wise and golf-wise it was the
catalogue man himself, taking not only first place with a great 39
points but ‘best turned out stable lad’ too.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, Emerald – Stableford
1st Oddvar Rykke (13) 37pts
2nd Mark Reid (11) 35pts
3rd Alan Thomas (8) 35pts
Today was almost a record day, only one no-show! Don’t tell me the
message is getting through, no, don’t think so, probably just a
fluke. Seriously though, if anyone does have any suggestions on how
to solve this problem, then answers on a postcard please.
Now then Emerald; down Sukhumvit, turn left at one or two different
places (up to you), Ban Chang and Bingo! You’re there. Or so you
might think. Not some of our bunch though. After a few nights on the
old amber nectar it could just as easily be in Patagonia.
You’ve got to love the fellows who make Pattaya their golfing
destination though; they help make the town that unique place we all
love. Remember, for the most part, we are talking about people who
have been, or still are, successful in their chosen career. They are
more than likely well travelled and used to making decisions but, in
the 2 years I have been organizing golf here, you would not believe
some of the questions I’ve been asked or some of the things people
have done.
‘Is that our bus then Bob?’, ‘What, that one with the golf writing
all over it, that I’ve been loading clubs into for the last 10
minutes? No that’s not it.’
‘600 baht green fee, does that include the caddy and buggy?’ There’s
no printable answer for that one!
‘Where’s the first tee Bob?’, ‘Well, you can either follow all the
other people you’ve just been on the bus with or, just follow those
big signs saying 1st tee this way.’
‘What’s my handicap now Bob?’, ‘Considering I haven’t seen you for
over 12 months and up until 5 minutes ago I didn’t even know you
were playing, I really don’t have a clue.’
I think you get the message by now, it’s a good job I’m such a
patient and understanding bloke. Sometimes! You know what though? I
really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Out on the golf course the scoring, once again, could have been
better. Looking at all the cards, most people seemed to play the
front a lot better, struggling a little on the back. I don’t know
why though, even though I fell into that category, I don’t really
think the back is any more difficult than the front.
Two early front runners with terrific 21’s on the front were Steve
Weller and Alan Thomas. Steve, off his new 7 handicap, was
continuing his great form from the previous day when he matched his
best ever round of 68, but he stumbled badly over the last 4 holes
and missed the places. Alan, however, faltered over 10, 11, and 12,
bringing in a 14 point back 9, which cost him in the count back,
although he still managed third.
Stealing second from him by virtue of his 35/18 card and one of the
few people to better his score on the run-in was Mark Reid. Mark’s
outings with us are rather sporadic, due to work commitments, but
its always good to see him turn out.
Topping the lot though with 37 and I was about to say with a
consistent 19, 18 split was Captain Cook himself, Oddvar Rykke but,
on further examination, I see that he had 4 blobs in that and 2 one
pointers! Even so, well done mate, good scoring.
Friday, Dec. 18, Pattana – Stableford
1st Simon Kendall (9) 36pts
2nd Mark Wood (9) 34pts
3rd Bob Newell (6) 32pts
This was our first trip to Pattana for quite some time and in all
honesty it was a bit of a let-down. We were paying considerably less
for our green fee, for quite some time, than we are now, so there is
even less reason to make the long trip out.
Through the low season one of the main gripes about this course was
its tendency to retain water on the fairways and, thus, provide a
very boggy, no-run type of game. It was, therefore, very surprising
to find the fairways had been heavily watered in places resembling
how we had been playing it for months previous. Considering that we
thought we were, at last, going to play this place with a little bit
of run and, choosing to play from the longer white tees accordingly,
its no coincidence that scoring was poor. Add to this the fact that
the greens were incredibly grainy and played far worse than they
looked and you can understand my meaning. It may be some time before
we are back again.
One high spot (if you can really call it that) was the return of the
infamous Brian Wilkinson! It was with some trepidation that we
realized he was actually going to be accompanied by his son for this
trip. Thankfully, I can report that Tim is not a chip off the old
block!
Brian, true to his reputation, managed to pull off one of his
legendary ‘only Brian Wilkinson’ moments. On the par 6 fifth, after
berating a Thai group in front for slow play, he proceeded to berate
his caddie for not seeing where his ball had gone. Despite our
protests he spent, easily, 10 minutes looking for his ball. We’d
long since got fed up and carried on with our game when he decided
to go back and play another ball. Holding all the field up he then
realized he’d actually took the wrong buggy and went back for his.
Honestly! Then, after hacking his second ball, the caddy found his
first and he went and played that, I kid you not.
The upshot was that we were all on the next, having played our tee
shots, when he finished the hole on his own, marched over and
announced his 7 only to be told that it had all been a waste of time
because he’d spent too much time looking for his ball – no points.
Classic!
As far as the placings go for today, third place went to ‘Seamless’
with a scruffy 32 points, in second was Mark Wood with 34, but
topping the lot with a respectable 36 was the big guy, Simon
Kendall.
Jimmy makes a return
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Dec. 15, Rayong C.C. -
Stableford
We were off to Rayong C.C. on Tuesday with a full compliment and
two divisions; 0-19 & 20+. The weather was kind to us with a light breeze to
cool us down a bit under the sunny skies. The course is being set up for a
major tournament of some sort, so all the tees were well forward to the
yellow boxes, but alas, not all were able to come to grips with the layout.
 Jeff
Wylie (right), the top man at Pleasant Valley with third placed Terry Phur.
Jim Fortune (27), just returned from South Africa, was to the fore with a
creditable 38 points on his first game back, to snatch the B Flight away
from recent birthday boy, John Chapman (23), who recorded 37 points.
The lower handicap flight was led home by Dave Edwards (17) with 37 points,
trailed in by Paul Jefferies (19) with 34. Dave was able to keep the wipes
off his card, turning them into 1 pointers, to keep his score going forward,
and duly converted some par opportunities in to 3 pointers. Sounds easy,
when you say it quickly, doesn’t it?
The technical prizes were secured by Derek, Nick, John & Jeff.
Several new players joined us this week, Nick, Roddy, Paul & Steve - hope
you enjoyed the game and get the chance to join us again. It would be remiss
of me not to mention the dynamic duo, Ray & Alex, this week thinking of
making the trip straight to the correct golf course, maybe!
Thursday, Dec. 17, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
Thursday was a return to Pleasant Valley, where we planned to
cater for all by having an elective rainbow for the men off blue, white &
yellow tees, but it was not to be as the yellow tee markers were not put out
and we found that on several holes the blue & white markers were together.
We soon got over it, and prepared to do battle as best we could, all in just
the one division today.
Jeff Wylie (5) led the way home with 35 points, closely followed by Graham
Hiskett (14) on 34, with Terry Phur (19) another point behind.
The near pin prizes were shared amongst Tony C, Terry, Graham and Nobby.
The course has improved markedly in the year or so since we first came here,
although I am not sure whether removing the internal OOB was a good idea or
not. It is certainly not as punishing on the score card, and its slope
rating of 140 is nowhere near accurate in the current set-up, maybe a
revision is imminent.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday
(we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday). Presentations are made
at the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday
presentation. For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094
1841 or Ray 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!
Prideaux and Sanders punch in
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Saturday’s winners: Bill Ostle. Mike
Sanders, Michael Prideaux, David Park, Trevor Thorley, Jon Lay and
Brendan Moore.
Barry Hooper
It was a week to remember for Michael Prideaux and Mike Sanders;
one was a new face to the TRGG, the other a regular. But Michael joined
us with something on his mind and that was apparently to win, and that‘s
exactly what he did. He started on Tuesday at Greenwood with a win,
received a cut of one in handicap to fourteen, but undeterred came out
on Thursday at Phoenix and won again and was cut another one in handicap
down to thirteen. This slowed him a little but he still pulled off a
second spot in division one at Khao Kheow on Saturday and was only just
beaten by the one point by Mike Sanders, who himself had taken his first
win in division 1 at Phoenix two days earlier, which also gave him a two
win week and a cut to five in his handicap.
Monday, Dec. 14, Eastern Star - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 39pts
2nd Jon Dean (7) 37pts
3rd Mike Sanders (6) 37pts
Div. 2
1st Alun Webber (23) 38pts
2nd Monique Bunce (20) 34pts
3rd Neil Allison (18) 32pts
The first outing of the week was a visit to Eastern Star on Monday. Not
a course regularly visited these days but apparently it was as usual in
good shape and attained a very good attendance.
Division 2 had our Welshman Alun Webber on form and a win with
thirty-eight points, a full four up on second placed Monique Bunce, with
Neil Allison another two back in third and just ahead of Alan Evans on
count back.
Division one had the boss himself Fergus take the win with thirty-eight
points, just the one clear of Jon Dean who won on the count back over
Mike Sanders.
Three 2’s came from Jon Lay at the third and seventeenth and Peter
Roberts at the thirteenth.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, Greenwood A&B - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Michael Prideaux (15) 38pts
2nd George Robinson (12) 37pts
3rd Mike Sanders (10) 35pts
Div. 2
1st Donald Pearson (33) 33pts
2nd Trevor Thorley (16) 33pts
3rd Eddie Mooney (17) 32pts
Tuesday had us visit Greenwood and yet another great attendance so two
divisions, 0 to 15 and 16 up.
Donald Pearson took division 2 with thirty-three after a count back over
Trevor Thorley, with Eddie Mooney third after count back over Peter
Roberts.
Michael Prideaux started his winning run in division 1 with thirty-eight
points, just taking it from George Robinson followed by Mike Sanders in
third.
Just the two ‘2’s came from James Moyser and Mike Sanders.
Thursday, Dec. 17, Phoenix - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Mike Sanders (6) 36pts
2nd Tewin Lamthong (13) 34pts
3rd Ted Lodge (12) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Michael Prideaux (14) 37pts
2nd Charlie Cunningham (15) 33pts
3rd Peter Roberts (16) 33pts
Div. 3
1st Alun Webber (22) 33pts
2nd Jeff Wilcox (23) 31pts
3rd Alan Evans (22) 30pts
Thursday was yet another visit to our regular venue of Phoenix Mountain
and Lakes and another great turnout so three divisions.
Division 3 saw another win for Alun Webber, his second of the week with
thirty-three points and a full two up on Jeff Wilcox in second. Third
was Alan Evans with thirty after a count back win over Derek Thorogood.
Division 2 gave Michael Prideaux his second win in three days with
thirty-seven points, despite his handicap being cut to fourteen. Charlie
Cunningham came second at thirty-three after winning the count back over
Peter Roberts.
Divison 1 saw the first win of the week for Mike Sanders at thirty-six
points, two up on Tewin Lamthong in second with Ted Lodge third at
thirty-two, just edging Jon Lay on count back.
Three ‘2’s came from Eddie Mooney, Mike Sanders and Tewin Lamthong.
Saturday, Dec. 19, Khao Kheow C/A - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Mike Sanders (6) 37pts
2nd Michael Prideaux (13) 36pts
3rd Jon Lay (9) 32pts
4th David Park (6) 31pts
Div. 2
1st Billy Ostle (17) 33pts
2nd Trevor Thorley (16) 33pts
3rd Gabriel Enright (18) 29pts
4th Martin Solberg (15) 29pts
Saturday was our third weekend visit to Khao Kheo in a row and we had
great participation so two full divisions. It played tough with strong
winds as the scores showed.
Division 1 saw a win for Mike Sanders, his second of the week, with
thirty-seven points followed home by Michael Prideaux with thirty-six
and Jon Lay third at thirty-two. Fourth was David Park followed in at
fifth by Brendan Moore.
In division 2 it was Billy Ostle with the win at thirty-three points
after winning the count back over Trevor Thorley. Initially Michael
Harvey was announced third but he was adamant that this could not be
right and that an error had been made (good sportsmanship). After
checking so it was found and Gabriel Enright was declared third at
twenty nine, putting Roger Wilkinson into fourth and Martin Solberg into
fifth.
Six ‘2’s were recorded by David Park (2), Lee Dunecliff, Gabriel
Enright, Jon lay and Brendan Moore.
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.
Garnett on the rampage at Burapha
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s column
Monday, Dec. 14, Burapha - Stableford
A cracking day for golf at the start of another week in this golfing
paradise; you couldn’t wish for better weather or find a course in better
condition. The 51 Outbackers played A & B from the blue tees, unless your
handicap was 20 or more in which case it was from the whites. Later this week,
the sister course, C & D, plays host to the Thai Senior Tour, which may well be
worth a look.
Welcome back to Ian Heddle, who found himself with a golf club in his hand after
a longer than usual work stint, and showed that he hadn’t forgotten how to play
the game, with an excellent 37 points (gross 74) to take the premier division on
count back from Phil Slaney. Div B had a runaway winner in Tony Garnett, scoring
a massive 42 points, taking over from his lady’s (Sakorn’s) huge score of 45
points last week on the same course.
Pottsy, who clearly was not ‘putts a lot’ today, put it together at last, to win
Div C on 38 points from Paul Quinn (37pts) and Bob Rasmussen with 36 and Div D,
playing from the whites, was won comfortably by Brian Maddox (39pts) from Colin
Bavington, who played well for his 38.
There was another load of ‘2’s (eight in total) from Graham Johnson, Sakorn,
Pete Stonebridge, Jamie Milner, Matt Benbow, George Bishop, Pottsy & Frank
O’Neill.
Div A (0-12)
1st Ian Heddle (3) 37pts
2nd Phil Slaney (5) 37pts
3rd Jamie Milner (12) 36pts
4th Paul Greenaway (11) 32pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Tony Garnett (14) 42pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (15) 35pts
3rd Murray Hart (15) 34pts
4th George Bishop (14) 34pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Campbell Potts (18) 38pts
2nd Paul Quinn (18) 37pts
3rd Bob Rasmussen (16) 36pts
4th Kevin Hamilton (16) 30pts
Div D (20+)
1st Brian Maddox (21) 39pts
2nd Colin Bavington (32) 38pts
3rd Peter Gibson (26) 35pts
4th Ian Taylor (23) 35pts
Tuesday, Dec. 15, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
It was business as usual on a Tuesday at 9.30 for the 19 Outbackers
at PCC, with the exception of the fact that there were eight ‘five-balls’
playing in a competition immediately in front of the Outback. Needless to say
this meant for a pretty slow round of nearly five hours so the business in the
drink stops was exceptionally brisk, particularly from one of the four-balls.
General Jack was out, playing only his third game in almost three months and
showed that he could still play the game, albeit he was beaten into third place
on count back by John Kittilsen, both with 38 points. Bill Bishop was
uncatchable scoring a very fine 41 points to win Div A, with some excellent
straight drives and a much improved short game. Don Tyldsley, who has seen his
handicap drift out to 30, finally stopped the rot, to score 37 points, enough to
win Div B from Arthur Bailey (36pts) and Suzi Lawton (35pts).
It must also be said that although the round was slow, the course was much
improved, particularly the greens as the seven ‘2’s today signalled. They came
from David Day who had two, as did Bill Bishop and Jack Moseley, with the final
‘2’ coming from Frank O’Neill.
Div A (0-18)
1st Bill Bishop (17) 41pts
2nd Frank O’Neill (16) 40pts
3rd John Kittilsen (17) 38pts
Div B (19+)
1st Don Tyldsley (30) 37pts
2nd Arthur Bailey (20) 36pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (19) 35pts
Wednesday, Dec. 16, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
First the Outback would like to congratulate Rayong Country Club for
be selected as one of the courses (the only one in the Pattaya area) to hold the
Asian Tour Qualifying School from January 6-9, 2010.
Today there were 22 Outbackers making the trip to this ever-improving local
course. Clearly work is in hand for the up-coming qualifier, consequently the
white tees were well forward and the greens today were a little slow but true!
This combination was expected to produce some good scores – which it did.
When it is ‘your day’ it is ‘your day’ and this was true of local lad, David Day
(16) who came in with the top score of 43 points in the A Division (0-16). Great
golf Dave – new H’cap? No, only joking, easy game off those forward tees! The
runner-up was regular Outbacker, Bruce Milner (14) with what he thought would be
the winning score of 40 points – not today Bruce. Third place went to the
bookie’s friend, Charles Sheppard (19) with 39 points.
It seems to be a good week for Jersey’s own, Brian Maddox (21). Following has
success at Burapha on Monday he came in with 38 points today to claim the top
spot in B Division. The runner-up after a great back nine was Keith Allen (19)
which earned him 35 points. Keith leaves for the UK at the weekend – wrap up
warm mate! In third place today was John Kittleson (17) with 34 points.
There were four ‘2’s from Capt Bob, David Day, Keith Allen and Michael
Waltschek; and on that note; welcome back Mike.
The Outback plan to use RCC on a regular basis during 2010 providing they
continue with a sensible pricing structure.
Div A (0-16)
1st David Day (16) 43pts
2nd Bruce Milner (14) 40pts
3rd Charles Sheppard (16) 39pts
Div B (17+)
1st Brian Maddox (21) 38pts
2nd Keith Allen (19) 35pts
3rd John Kittilsen (17) 34pts
Friday, Dec. 18, Khao Kheow - Stableford
This time it was the turn of the C & A nines to whop the 43
Outbackers, with none of the men breaking handicap. The nearest to it, was
‘Gentleman George’ (Bishop) with a fine 35 points to win Div B by five,
following up his win here last week. Carl Luke & B1 (Bruce Milner) took second
and third respectively both on 30 and quite remarkably, Eddie Beilby crept into
fourth with just 29.
The low gross of the round came from the two time winner this week, Ian Heddle,
with an excellent 77 (34pts) to win Div A from ‘Sausage’ (Bernie Stafford) with
33 points and, welcome back, Mark Hurwood with 31.
So just where did the top score come from? Well, the same place as last week and
the week before, but now off a handicap of 25, Sakorn Pramoolchart, with a haul
of 40 points, to follow her two previous 38’s, to win Div C by six from three
guys all with 34; Dick, Harvey & Peter.
There were seven ‘2’s this time from George Bishop, Brian Maddox, Paul
Greenaway, Mike Tilley, Jum, Mark Hurwood & Carl Luke.
Finally, by popular demand the Outback has rescheduled golf on Christmas Day,
with five tee times at Khao Kheow, starting at 10a.m. The Christmas ‘Fun Game’
will be at Pattaya Country Club on Tuesday, December 29, first tee at 9.30 a.m.
Div A (0-13)
1st Ian Heddle (3) 34pts
2nd Stafford,Bernie (12) 33pts
3rd Mark Hurwood (4) 31pts
4th Paul Sharples (8) 30pts
Div B (14-18)
1st George Bishop (14) 35pts
2nd Carl Luke (15) 30pts
3rd Milner,Bruce (14) 30pts
4th Eddy Beilby (18) 29pts
Div C (19+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (25) 40pts
2nd Dick Hobson (28) 34pts
3rd Harvey Samuel (19) 34pts
4th Peter Gibson (26) 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.
Chris yawn Davisson?
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday Dec. 13, Green Valley - Medal
A Flight
1st Chris Davisson (11) net 66
2nd Gareth Gill (9) net 68
3rd Jack Grindvold (5) net 71
B Flight
1st Don Lehmer (13) net 69
2nd Dale Shier (14) net 69
3rd Eddy Beilby (18) net 69
Red Flight
1st Sim Davis
Near Pins: No 2 Jack Grindvold, No 9 John Hartigan, No12 Jack
Spencer, No16 Eddie Beilby.
 Sunday’s
A Flight winner and headline man Chris Davisson (right) with the Ladies
winner Sim Davis.
Before you call the bandit hotline, it should be noted that Chris
Davisson has a seasoned handicap and has played in numerous competitions
in all the venues in Pattaya, he just doesn’t know if it is 11 or 12 but
this made no difference to today’s medal as either gave him man of the
match, and for the umpteenth time entry to the gold medal to be held
after the outcome of December’s game. Big hitting Gareth Gill came up
one shot short for second place leaving Jack ‘Waco’ Grindvold to tidy up
the flight another shot adrift.
Talking of big hitting, Ben ‘The Admiral’ Nelson fired his tee shot on
the par four seventeenth into the left green side bunker, wow!
Dale Shier emerged the victor in B Flight, in a three-way tie count back
with that magic no net 69. Ireland’s John Hartigan gathered silver, with
Eddy the eagle taking bronze.
Sim Davis made up for her disappointment at Treasure Hill on Friday to
win the Red Flight posting a net 70.
Jack Grindvold, Peter LeNoury, John Hartigan and Peter Henshaw shared
the ‘2’s pot
Tuesday, Dec. 14, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Sugar Robertson (9) 34pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (13) 31pts
3rd Pat Hanafin (11) 31pts
Khao Kheow’s A & C are always a good test of golf, but from the yellow
tees one would expect the cream to rise to the top. This week it was the
sugar that did just that, ‘Bucky Boot Boy’ Sugar Robertson carded a wee
34 points and stood head and shoulders above the field for the top spot
and man of the match. Tore Eliassen and Ireland’s Pat ‘The man of
leisure’ Hannifin were knotted three shots behind Sugar; Pat losing the
resulting count back to Tore for the minor places.
Pat did however have the last laugh though as he had a brace of ‘2’s,
along with Matzie Raspie and Reg Mc Kay who is the retired ex-president
of the Bucky Boot Boys.
Sadly I report the passing away of former Lewinski’s owner and good
friend to all Irishman Mick O’Brien - R I P.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
A Flight
1st Paul West (10) 38pts
2nd Jack Spencer (8) 37pts
3rd Gareth Gill (9) 35pts
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (18) 35pts
2nd Michael Healy (14)34pts
3rd Gebi Kindle (20) 32pts
While Paul West did not exactly make it a day that will live in infamy,
he was however the best player on the day by one clear point with his A
F light winning 38 points. Familiar visitors to the winners circle Jack
‘Bilko’ Spencer, and the man in form big hitting Gareth Gill filled the
remaining steps on the podium.
The Eagle emerged from a minor slump to edge Michael Healy by a single
point, leaving Gebi Kindle to fill out the lower flight.
Pat Reagan and Reg McKay posted the days only ‘2’s.
Friday, Dec. 18, Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pat Hanafin (11) 32pts
2nd Jack Spencer (8) 31pts
B Flight
1st Jimmy Day (14) 36pts
2nd Kurt-Eric Pedersen (21) 35pts
Ah, at last Co Wicklow’s ‘The Ladies Man’ James Day took a major step
towards realizing his golfing potential as he whipped the Treasure Hill
course with a solid even par round. Kurt-Eric Pedersen chased Jimmy hard
but came up a shot short.
The laurels in the senior flight went to another Irish man, Pat
Hannifin, to complete an Irish winning double. Jack Spencer claimed the
final spot one shot of the pace.
Pen Carruthers shot the only ‘2’ of the day to claim a handsome ‘2’s
pot.
Jimmy’s day was made complete when the police, who confiscated his
motorbike two weeks ago for illegal parking, remembered where they had
impounded it.
Kieran Foley missed out on the Lou-innskis Snowball that stands at
10,000 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.
Thai NDT team wins the Camel Winter Classic 2009
Great support sees a large amount raised for the St. Camillus Foundation.
The winning Thai NDT team with their trophies.
Saturday, Dec. 12, Emerald Golf Course.
The 9th annual Camel Winter Charity Classic took place at the
Emerald Course in Banchang on Saturday, Dec. 12. The weather was glorious
with blue skies, cool temperature and 138 congenial golfers played in
support of this most worthy of causes, for the St. Camillus Foundation which
runs the Camillian Social Center – a relief center for HIV/AIDs people, just
out of Banchang, in Rayong.
This winter’s tournament raised a total of 247,450 baht for the Camillians.
The Summer Classic tournament and the Winter Classic tournament, since
inception, have now raised over 3.5 million baht for the St Camillus
Foundation.
The Steve Hubbard team were the tournament
runners up.
Golfers from Banchang, Jomtien, Pattaya and Bangkok teed off from 06:30 a.m.
and the organizers, once again, had everything arranged and in order, from
the easy registration (a special thank you to Bob, Vanessa, Steven, Klaus
and Kh Tong), to the carts, drink stands and all of the technical prizes.
Tournament shirts and caps were given to all golfers. Banners for the hole
sponsors were located on each tee box and the course was in fine condition.
The organizers extend warm gratitude to the management, greens keepers,
caddies and staff from Emerald for turning the course and facilities out so
very well.
The format was a Texas Scramble with teams taking an aggregate handicap
based on a finely tuned calculation to make the chance for a win for all
teams as even as possible. With such a large number, golfers were teeing off
until just past 12:30 p.m. but there were no delays and the teams generally
managed to get around in better than 4 hours. The Camel Pub had
strategically placed huge buckets of the finest Bloody Marys in just the
right places to keep golfers strength up and their concentration focused.
After the game and some welcome refreshments at the clubhouse, most golfers
made their way, by 5:30 p.m., to The Camel Pub, Banchang’s largest and
finest pub/ restaurant. There, The Camel had prepared a delicious buffet for
the golfers and their families to enjoy along with the continuing
refreshments.
Prize giving and presentations to the successful golfers commenced just
after 6:30 p.m. with hosting done by Rod C and ably supported by Steven and
Vanessa to ensure the right prizes got to the right folks. A general and
special raffle with some excellent prizes including a set of Kasco clubs/
bag and two Craighton putters (donated by locals Alan A, John G and Rod C)
were held and contributed greatly to the final amount for the charity. Many
kind donations were made by some very generous folks and the organizers
extend their generous thanks.
The tournament champions for the Camel Winter Classic, 2009 were the Thai
NDT team of John Deacon, Jimmy Deacon, Sam Peerles and “The Chairman”, with
a brilliant net score of 55.4. The Champions were presented with individual
crystal trophies and associated prizes. The runners up were the Steve
Hubbard team of Steve Hubbard, Alex Dixon, Ben T and Duang with an also
excellent net score of 57.5. They were also presented with crystal trophies
and associated prizes. Congratulations to 2009 champions and runners up.
For the technical prizes, there were 2 longest drives, one longest putt, one
closest in two and 4 near pins. The technical prize winners were: Near Pin
Hole 5 and Near Pin Hole 7, Saranya Chaiyaron; Closest to the Pin in two on
Hole 8, Phillipe Martin; Mens Long Drive Hole 9, Alex Dixon; Near Pin Hole
13, Glen Ebert; Longest Putt Hole 14, The Chairman; Near Pin Hole 15, Bruce
Kaspar; Ladies Long Drive Hole 18, Supin Stewart. Congratulations to all the
technical prize winners.
The Camel Pub wishes to sincerely thank the many contributors for the
generous support and for making the tournament a great success.
Specifically, Terry wishes to thank the corporate and other donors of cash,
prizes and hole sponsors. They are Modec, ALE Heavy Lift, Faces Bar, Nevada
Bar, CEA, Chevron (Offshore) Thailand Ltd, CR Asia, Deborah Services Ltd,
Foster Wheeler, LPL Thailand, LS Cargo, Plexal Group, The Stoat, Sarens,
Thai NDT, Western Foods, and of course, The Camel Pub.
Additionally, The Camel Pub also wishes to express their sincere gratitude
to the following local establishments for a bottle of spirits each: The Bar,
Blackcat Bar, Beaver Bar, Offshore Bar, Cupids Bar, Moonshine Bar, Good Luck
Bar, Kiwi Bar, McAllisters Bar, Jigsaw Bar, Faces Bar (2 bottles), Rainbow
Bar, Ship in the Hole Bar and Wherehouse Bar.
Finally, generous support was received from local folks, Alan Abernathy, Ray
Barrett, Trevor Whittle, Rod C, Norm A, Anne Shop and Noi Shop.
Hearty thanks from the organizers to all who supported and played in this
fine tournament. We hope to see you all and your friends back for the Camel
Summer Classic, in June 2010.
More information about the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand and the
Camillian Social Center can be found at:
http://www.camillian-rayong.org/en/contact.asp
Redding tames the beast
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
The Jomtien golf ladies
division line up at Eastern Star.
Monday, Dec. 14, Khao Kheow -
Stableford
Khao Kheow is a popular venue with most players and with the
ladies league now up and running there was a strong field out today. Yet
again the A and B courses were selected for us, it is many months since any
of us has played the C nine, but with a difficult opening hole this might be
a blessing, plus our I.P.G.C. monthly medal will be held on these nines in
the first week of January, so some early practice for all.
There was total contrast today in the scores in the two divisions in the
stableford competition, with 3 cards competing in division 1 for first place
all with 31 points. Fred Duffy won with a back nine count back of 16,
beating Simon Kendall by one point who in turn pipped Jim Connelly by one
point as well.
Terry Redding easily won division 2 with 37 points. Seven points behind and
in his last game with us before his return to France, Yves Bosset came
second, and for somebody to collect a prize for third place with 25 points
there was some humorous barracking for Tony Duthie back at the presentation
at Siam Cats.
Pranom Foster won the ladies division with 36 points while the two arch
rivals Miss Tar and Miss Faa fought it out for second place after they both
finished on 34 points, Miss Tar edging it on a 20/15 back nine count back.
Near pins went to Takeshi Hakozaki, Simon Kendall, Bart and Bryan Rought
(Div. 1); Terry Cowell (2), Tony Duthie and Joe Muller (Div. 2) and Mam
Morel and Pranom Foster (2) in the Ladies.
Takeshi Hakozaki had a ‘2’ in the first division while Mam Morel and Pranom
Foster shared the ladies prize.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, Emerald – Stableford
With the Kanchanaburi crowd playing Eastern Star before their
Christmas trip next week, there were only six groups out today. There are
always many comments from our group that if you hit a good drive here you
may still find yourself on the undulating fairways with a difficult approach
second shot, but this is a Faldo course!
The scores here, despite all the moans, are always high and today proved a
point with Rudi Schafer winning division 1 with 38 points. There was no
count back for Burnie Sinclair to worry about as he came in second one point
behind and Raivo Velsberg took third with 34 points.
Terry Redding won division 2 with 39 points, Miss Nang came second on 38 and
Gordon Everingham was third with 32.
Near pins went to Arvo Hiller, Burnie Sinclair and Raivo Velsberg (Div. 1)
and Gordon Everingham, Valentina Hiller, Joe Muller and Barry Rawlinson
(Div. 2).
Raivo Velsberg birdied the seventh to record the only ‘2’ in division 1
while a rollover ensued in division 2.
Friday, Dec. 18, Eastern Star – Stableford
All the greens were slightly woolly today at Eastern Star and
with the pace completely different from Wednesday it took some time for
everyone to get adjusted. There was only one score above 36 in either
division, Jimmy Johnson’s 38 points easily winning division 2. In the same
division, Rudi Schafer took second place with 35 points and Terry Redding
beat Dan Morgan on a back nine count back of 18/15 for third after they both
finished with 33. Commiserations go to Dan as this was his best score of the
year.
Ya Riley won division 1 with 35 points ahead of Pranom Foster in second
place with 32, who beat Mikael Andersson on a 17/16 count back and poor old
Cully Monks lost out with 14 on the back nine.
There were no ‘2’s in either division so it will be everything to play for
in our fun game of the month on December 30 - a two-divisional pairs team
multiplier plus three divisions for the men and ladies.
A hard habit to break
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society’s competitive week began on
Sunday, December 13, with a stableford competition at Rayong C.C., the
group’s regular Sunday venue and such are the improvements to the course
that there was a full compliment out on a sultry and overcast day.
The field was divided into two flights as usual, this time cut at seventeen
and under and it was good to welcome back the Society’s old friend Jack
Robertson after a summer break in Canada.
As the competition progressed it became obvious that good scores would be on
the cards again, as they so often have been recently, as the form players
quickly settled into their game. In the second flight Jack Shegobin shared
third place with Alan Duckett and Fredy Braun, all on 36 points. Brad Dippie
went a couple better firing 38 points for second and Jean Morel posted his
sixth successive sub-par round on the course to win the flight with 39
points.
In the top flight scores were a mirror image with Marc Jensen and Don Nellis
sharing third place with 37 points each whilst Emiel Van der Wiele again
beat par with 38 points for second. The flight winner was Bob St Aubin and
his 39 points gave him his first win out of Rabbi’s.
Paul McNally’s best gross of 79 was helped in part by his birdie ‘2’ on the
seventh and he shared the ‘2’s pot with Emiel Van de Wiele and Robert Mom.
Unable to confirm his handicap, Norwegian Gubbi Innvaer played a
“suck-it-and-see” round with the group and was rewarded with the Booby Bevy,
his low score being adequate proof of his level. Not so for the winners
however as, at the end of the day, for Jean and Emiel a low score at Rayong
C.C. is becoming a hard habit to break.
All change
at Green Valley
Green Valley was in its usual excellent condition on Tuesday,
December 15 when the Pattaya Golf Society called to play a stableford
competition. Greens were quick and the fairways were soft after watering.
The large group was divided into two playing flights at fourteen and under
and this propelled some habitual top flight players into the unknown depths
of division two.
The top flight saw Paul McNally again fire the best gross of the day, 76,
and it was good enough to give him a share of third place with Phil Slaney
on 36 points. One point ahead was new Aussie member Len Commons and his 37
points off a handicap of eleven was a highlight of his brief stay.
In the second flight Pat Murphy underlined his recent progress with another
fine 38 point round for third place, one point back from the leading two
players, Don Nellis and Saranya Riley who both recorded 37 points.
The top flight ‘2’s pot was shared by Paul McNally, Alan Maxwell and Angus
Milner whilst Saranya took sole possession of the second flight bonus with a
fine effort on hole nine.
The Booby Bevy was shared by David Thomas, nursing a hangover which limited
him to ten points on the front nine, and parring the remainder, and Harry
Cowling who had misread the notice of the fixture and arrived at the course
more than an hour before the others. But for everyone else the day had been
an excellent one at Green Valley.
Harry’s happy at Bangpra
Currently Bangpra, of all the courses we are blessed with, is in the finest
condition of all, and it was a joy for the Pattaya Golf Society to play a
stableford competition there on Thursday, December 17. To celebrate, a very
large field turned out and was divided into two flights at fourteen and
under. The golf was good on the excellent track and the greens as usual had
all sorts of problems for golfers adventurous enough to finish above the
hole.
In the quality top flight Len Commons found himself in third with a meagre
total of 33 points whilst Bill Hewitt took second with an excellent level
par contribution giving him 36 points. The flight winner was Canadian
nine-handicapper Marc Jensen who almost broke eighty gross for the second
time this trip and his37 points merited a fine win.
In the second flight Jim Ferris came good at last with 35 points for third
place, two behind Pat Murphy who again buggied his way to second place with
37 points. The winner, with the best score of the day, was Harry Cowling,
not to be outdone by his Leeds soulmate Bill Hewitt, and his 39 points was
his best performance with the group in a long time.
Jim Ferris, Phil Slaney and Yasuo Suzuki all shared the ‘2’s pot with the
amiable Japanese picking up a double share for his efforts on eight and
twelve.
Amongst those in the running for the Booby Bevy, Bill Hewitt’s claim took
most support when it was disclosed that the golfer of thirty years or more
experience had submitted a scorecard without a name on! Old golfers never
lose their skills, just their memories apparently.
Bangpra had done the PGS proud and the large group tarried longer than usual
in Rabbi’s after the round just to drain the last vestiges of joy from the
day. The Pattaya Golf Society would like to thank all its golfers for their
support and wish them the best of Season’s greetings and remind members that
the group’s annual Team Challenge is to be held at Greenwood on Tuesday,
January 12. Details are available at all IPGC venues.
IPGC Sunday Golf at Green Valley
Sunday, Dec. 6 – Stableford
1st Peter Sumner 38pts
2nd Richard Dobson 35pts
3rd Chris Knapp 35pts
Sunday, Dec. 6 saw a select field of regulars enjoying excellent conditions
on a well maintained course. Three ‘2’s were achieved by Peter Sumner, Barry
Wellings, and our resident lady and fine golfer Saranya Reilly.
Peter Sumner had an outstanding round off his low handicap; his score was
aided by sound putting which has been letting him down recently. However, he
saw the following pack off today without difficulty. Richard Dobson had a
creditable round, beating Chris Knapp into third place.
Barry Wellings from Liverpool was a welcome new face today. Barry plays off
a 4 handicap and appeared on the podium with a nice 2. Readers may remember
Barry from the Everton Football Club squad 1979-1994 and subsequent
appearances in the Portuguese League.
Sunday, Dec. 13 - Stableford
1st Richard Dobson 44pts
2nd Joe McArdle 42pts
3rd Tom Byrne 36pts
This Sunday fielded the usual strong Irish representation led by Joe
McArdle, who distinguished himself with a superb 42 points. To much dismay
this mighty score was only good enough to secure second place as Richard
Dobson burnt the course up to record a magnificent 44 points. Richard’s
electrifying acceleration was no doubt due to his background as Scottish
Motor Sport Champion 1991–1993. Richard is the only person to ever record
three successive victories in this competitive event.
Further details on Sunday Golf at Green Valley are available from Russell
Exley mobile 084 782 4582.
Curt cans his first ‘Ace’
PSC Soi Khao Noi Golf Group
Tuesday, Dec. 15, Pleasant Valley –
Stableford
Fifteen of us turned up to play at this popular and rapidly
improving venue this day so just the one division. John Roddis came hot and
romped home an easy winner with 41 points. Curt Svelin aced the 13th (his
first), and it was a ‘shot hole’ for him so his net ‘minus one’ gave him 5
points to boost his total to 37 and take second spot. Thanks from the group
for the drinks Curt. Mats Hansson made it a good day for our Swedish
contingent carding 36 points for third place with Mike Jackson rounding out
the podium on forth with 35 points.
 The
41 point winners this week: John Roddis (left) and Jim Walton.
Paul Bartlett had a near pin and the long putt bonuses, Curt, Mats and Mike
topping up their winnings with the other near pin bonuses.
Thursday, Dec. 17, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
We were started on time and were round the eighteen in good
order. We think this course allows ‘club golfers’ to make some sense of
their games and not only for this reason we shall continue to book it.
With the second 41 pointer of the week Jim Walton made a lot of sense of the
course, coming in the winner followed by John Roddis with 39 points, Rob
Gandley with 38 points and Ted Morris also with 38 points. The technical
prizes were well distributed through the field.
Aka O’Reilly has recently acquired a Beagle puppy and will willingly rent
her out to anyone who would like their home destroyed or their life
completely altered.
Note: Any golfers desiring to know about the group’s format please
phone Neil on 089 511 0575.
Koji wins December Monthly Mug
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, Dec. 14, Treasure Hill (Yellow Tees) –
Stableford
On another beautiful day in paradise, thirty nine golfers
assembled at Café Kronborg in readiness for the journey to the challenging
Treasure Hill course. Welcomes were handed out to Aussies Munch, Santa (both
have to be seen to explain their names) & Peter Bye who were all playing
with Café Kronborg for the first time. Welcome also to John Marritt from the
U.K. complete with his new hip.
 Bjarne
(left) presents the Cafe Kronborg Monthly Mug to Koji Yamada.
Our convoy of mini-vans arrived at the course after the 55 minute journey
and after a very brief delay our first group was able to tee off at 09:25,
35 minutes ahead of schedule. Apart from the twosome that teed off in front
of us the golf course appeared to be all ours so it was “millionaire’s golf”
once again.
The weather was perfect although hot at times and a stiff breeze early on
made things a little tough but the course was again in great shape and the
greens were very good, although hard to read at times.
Scoring on the day was fairly difficult as reflected in the scores and 33
points was the best in our opening group of four. After three fairly lengthy
stops for drinks we were able to complete our round in four hours and forty
minutes.
Once more the large field enabled us to have three flights; A Flight for 0
to 15, B Flight for 16 to 20 and C Flight for handicaps 21 to 35, plus of
course nearest the pins on all par threes and longest putts on the last hole
of each nine.
A Flight was easily won by Johan Reynisson who finished three points ahead
of yours truly. Don Richardson finished third on a count back from Brian
Downey in fourth place.
That very consistent golfer Per-Olav Baarli finished on top in B Flight,
four points ahead of Elias Magnisson in second place. Stu Rifkin was third
and Jan Lovgreen got fourth place on a count back from Koji Yamada.
Mike Winfield won the C Flight by one point from Carole Kubicki (fresh from
her 44 points in last Friday’s Members Open). Martyn Topham was third and
The Admiral himself finished in fourth place.
A Flight
1st Johan Reynisson (12) 36pts
2nd Peter Blackburn (14) 33pts
3rd Don Richardson (8) 31pts
4th Brian Downey (14) 31pts
B Flight
1st Per-Olav Baarli (17) 36pts
2nd Elias Magnisson (16) 32pts
3rd Stu Rifkin (19) 30pts
4th Jan Lovgreen (18) 29pts
C Flight
1st Mike Winfield (21) 37pts
2nd Carole Kubicki (27) 36pts
3rd Martyn Topham (29) 35pts
4th Dave Richardson (23) 30pts
Near Pins: Per-Olav Baarli, Elias Magnisson, Graham Buckingham,
Carole Kubicki.
Long Putts: Kevin Dinan, Hugh O’Donnell
Thursday, Dec. 17, Phoenix (White Tees) Monthly Mug/Stroke
There were always going to be some “casualties” from the PSC Xmas
Party the night before and there is nothing worse than playing a stroke
round at Phoenix with a hangover, but 26 of us were ready to tackle Phoenix
for the Café Kronborg Monthly Mug.
We departed right on 08:15 and were at the course within 30 minutes. Once
again we were very well treated and invited to the first tee almost
immediately which enabled our first group to tee off on Lakes 1st hole at
09:20, forty minutes ahead of our allotted time. As usual the course was in
perfect condition and the greens beautifully prepared, so along with the
perfect weather (maybe a tad hot early on) there were no excuses for bad
scores. Our round was completed in the excellent time of four hours and
thirty minutes which included 3 stops for drinks.
We had just the two flights with A Flight being for handicaps 0 to 17 and B
Flight for 18 and over.
The winner of the Café Kronborg Monthly Mug with an excellent score was Koji
Kamada. This was his very first Monthly Mug win so congratulations to him.
A Flight was won by Unnnstein Sigurjonsson, four shots clear of Don
Richardson in second place. The consistent Per-Olav Baarli beat Peter
Hammond and Peter Bye on a count back for third with Peter Hammond finishing
fourth.
Kristinn Helgasson took out B Flight, three shots ahead of Mike Winfield in
second place. There was a count back for third & fourth with Stu Rifkin
finishing just “pipping” Jan Lovgreen.
Monthly Mug
Koji Yamada (16) net 63
A Flight
1st Unnstein Sigurjonsson (16) net 68
2nd Don Richardson (8) net 72
3rd Per-Olav Baarli (17) net 76
4th Peter Hammond (17) net 76
B Flight
1st Kristinn Helgason (18) net 72
2nd Mike Winfield (21) net 75
3rd Stu Rifkin (19) net 77
4th Jan Lovgreen (18) net 77
Bavaria makes a move
Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
Bavaria moved up from fifth to third place after taking all four points from
Brother D. with Leo Kretscher leading Bavaria from the front with a 513
series.
 Bill
Gibson, the only 200 bowler from last week.
Leaders USMC lost three to Indiana but they are still in first place.
Bowling was tough in lanes 13-14 and only La Montgomery managed to bowl over
500.
Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 513 series to lead second place Café Ole to a four
point win over VFW Post 9876. Sabai Sabai Friday dropped from third to fifth
place after losing three points to Green Tree. Bill Gibson bowled a 211
game, 503 series for Green Tree and Nok Kennedy had a 519 for Sabai.
Canada took four points from Jack Tar with everyone having trouble with
lanes 9 & 10.
Barry Traynor once again
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Dec. 14, Pattana A & C -
Stableford
1st Kazuo Takimoto 38pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 38pts
3rd Richard Dobson 37pts
4th Roar Berger 33pts
5th Yasuo Suzuki 31pts
Nowadays an infrequent visitor to Pattaya, Kazuo Takimoto was very pleased
to take top honours at Pattana with a steady two under handicap round off
his 7 handicap to deny Alan Griffiths his first win off of his new 11
handicap. But he needed to win the count back, which he did 17 to 16, to
succeed as Alan put in a stunning front nine of four under handicap but
could not quite keep it going over the easier C course.
Richard Dobson, having figured in the prizes at other venues, at last got a
mention at Soi 13 with a solid round that took third place. Roar Berger
placed fourth with a very off form Yasuo Suzuki just making it into fifth.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Yasuo Suzuki and Martin
Grimoldby shared the pot in the first division.
The days CSS turned out to be 73 with the conditions fairly mild.
Before presenting the prizes the Doc welcomed back Kenny Moss, John
Squitiero, Brian Burt, Kazuo Takimoto and Tony O’Neill and also had
farewells for Richard Dobson, Norman McKinnon and Brian Burt after a very
short stay.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Barry Traynor 39pts
2nd Grant Cadell 38pts
3rd Serge Straeten 38pts
4th B.J. Smith 38pts
5th Chris Knapp 38pts
After several months seemingly in the doldrums without a win, apart from the
usual 2’s, Barry Traynor got to the top of the podium once again with a
three under handicap score. Although it was only two below the CSS for the
day it was a sterling effort to stay ahead of the chasing group of four, who
all finished just one behind.
Grant Cadell was the best of the bunch with a better count back of 17 to 13
on the back six after tying the back nine at 22 a piece with Serge Straeten
who took third place. B.J. Smith slipped into fourth ahead of Chris Knapp
with a better inward half of 21 to 20.
Brian Hagge, Alan Pilkington and Yasuo Suzuki, with two, shared the first
division 2’s whilst John Squitiero and Grant Cadell, also with two, shared
the second division triple roll over pot.
Prior to the presentations, Danny Miller, Derek Holt, Dave Thompson, Fred
Chadwick and Brian Hagge were all welcomed back and there was a farewell
until next year to Yasuo Suzuki.
Friday, Dec. 18, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Mark Cooper 39pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka 38pts
3rd Chris Knapp 37pts
4th Roar Berger 37pts
5th Martin Grimoldby 36pts
Greenwood can be either an easy stroll in the park when the tees are placed
well forward or hellishly difficult, when they are placed further back and
the C course is in play. This day A and B were the courses and the tees were
about midway and with the weather conditions fairly amiable the CSS went
down to 71.
Mark Cooper had one of his better days as he cruised round in three under
his handicap to win by a stroke and deny Shuichi Kodaka his first win for
some time.
After suffering recently from a debilitating injury, brought on no doubt by
a very unhealthy looking swing, Chris Knapp is now putting into action the
lessons learnt whilst downing a fair few in The Haven on most golf days and
the results are starting to come in as he discards the floppy ears and his
penchant for carrots and figures regularly in the prizes as his handicap
goes steadily downwards. This was another day in the process as he took
third place by virtue of a better count back of 21 to 19 over Roar Berger in
fourth place, with Martin Grimoldby rounding out the podium on level par.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Mark Cooper, Brian Hagge and
Kenny Moss shared the first division pool.
Back at The Haven Peter Coyne was welcomed as a new member and Lyle Blaw and
George Pittam were welcomed back.
Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson
The last two columns have been examples of when is it
right to lead a trump as the opening lead. The number one good reason for
leading a trump is 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 holds
long high trumps in one of the defender’s hands. A third good reason to
consider leading a trump is when the other side is sacrificing. The reason
is the same as number one: declarer is probably counting on ruffing in dummy
to reduce losses.
Leading a trump obviously does not work if both dummy and declarer have long
trump suits, because then it is impossible to pull dummy’s trumps. So, it
is only a good lead when you think from the bidding that dummy has
comparatively few trumps.
Take this example, with South dealing and only E-W vulnerable:
East South West North
3C Dbl
5C
Dbl All pass
The full deal is shown below:
S: 862
H: A10863
D: 43
C: 862
S: AJ75 S: KQ109
H: QJ75 H: K92
D: KQ107 D: AJ5
C: 4 C:
K53
S: 43
H: 4
D: 9862
C: AQJ1097
E-W can make four spades, and would score 620 if N-S
had not sacrificed. Getting N-S down three doubled for 500 points is not
enough. The defence must get them down four, for 800 points, to make a
profit.
At Table 1, West makes the “obvious” lead of the diamond king and then
switches to a trump after seeing dummy. Declarer will win and lead another
diamond. Assume East wins and leads another trump (nothing is better at
this stage). Declarer takes eight tricks - six clubs, the ace of hearts and
a diamond ruff. Down only three, for a profitable non-vulnerable sacrifice
by N-S.
At Table 2, West listens to the bidding and knows from the 3C bid that South
has the length in trumps. He hopes that North’s trumps are much shorter, so
he leads his singleton. Declarer wins and leads diamonds to try for a ruff
on board. Each time East wins the trick and leads back another trump.
Declarer never gets a ruff on board and can only take seven tricks. The
trump opening lead causes the contract to go down four doubled, for 800
points and a nice profit for East-West.
Please send me your interesting hands at: [email protected].
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