Annual yacht race to Koh Sri Chang sees good winds, good racing

Kipsan Beck
Ocean Marina Yacht Club’s annual race to Koh Si Chang over the weekend Feb. 15-16 saw 100+ sailors racing from Jomtien over 2 days. Typically, February is the beginning of the switch from the northerly monsoon to the southwest monsoon, so the last 2 years had seen very light winds with shortened courses. Sailors hoped for stronger winds in this year’s El Nino weather cycle.

Winning Shaw 650 Pornstar.

On Day 1, with a light westerly quickly filling in from the south at 12-15 knots by midday, racers set off on the 25NM course, passing Koh Larn, then inshore to Koh Noi, then back offshore to round the islands of Koh Si Chang and into the finish. Sportboat Phuket 8 Lee Vino won the start, with boats spreading out thereafter, given the choice of heading out to sea with the hopes of stronger winds, or staying inshore and avoiding the outgoing tide.

As the leaders converged at Koh Larn, the two sportboats, Lee Vino and Pornstar, were in front of the racing fleet before making the downwind turn to Koh Noi. As winds filled in, Pornstar starting surfing down the waves at 12-14 knots downwind, winning on line and handicap, with Ray Waldren’s slightly larger Lee Vino holding onto their heels, finishing 6 minutes behind on line and 2nd on IRC.

The larger keelboats stayed in a tight group, finishing 20 minutes further back with past winner of the Koh Si Chang race, David Bell on Magic Roundabout wrapping up 3rd place.

The cruising division saw Karisa II leading Andrew Watt’s Sansanook to Koh Si Chang with George Foose on Freewind in third. Once all boats were anchored, tall tales and a seaside barbeque provided a true island sailing experience.

Day 2’s course saw the fleet sailing back to Jomtien in a shorter straight line upwind course, favouring the larger and more powerful boats across the Laem Chabang Port entrance. 53-foot El Coyote, skippered by Gary Bagueley, took advantage of their size and speed upwind, taking out first on line and handicap, with Pote Suyasinto’s 46-foot Le Vent in 2nd on handicap and Pornstar managing 3rd place on IRC handicap and thus overall victory for the weekend.

Ray Waldren has moved from the Platu fleet to racing a sportsboat, and he was pleased with Le Vino getting 3rd on IRC for the weekend, thanks to consistent sailing both days, behind El Coyote in 2nd.

In cruising, Geoge Foose on Freewind took first, with Sansanook holding second in the overall weekend results.

As the southerly monsoon builds, sailors in Thailand now look forward to the start of the one design Platu Championship in March, then the Top of the Gulf Regatta and Samui Regatta in May and June respectively.

The Platu Championship is a 4 leg series, spread from March to September, and attracts some of the best one design crews from larger boats from around the world. As Ocean Marina continues the renovation started last year, the increase in berths and range of services means Top of the Gulf Regatta this year is expected to be bigger than ever.

Thomas in control again

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Sunday, February 14 saw the Pattaya Golf Society pursue their one real love on Valentine’s Day, a stableford golf competition at Rayong C.C. The course was full but the group got some preferential treatment from the starter who saw that they got underway without too much of a delay. The field was divided into two flights at fourteen and under and scores were destined to be better than for a couple of weeks.

In a tight second flight Vic Barton took third place with 35 points, just one point behind a consistent Rabbi, firing another level par round of 36 points. The flight winner was Max Tolbert, sporting a very creditable 38 points which had seen him post 24 of those on an excellent front nine.

In the top flight Wichai Tananusorn shared third place with Dave Moriarty on 35 points, whilst last week’s winner Jon Lay again threatened with 37 points for second. Whisper it ...David Thomas is back! Dropping points on two of the four par threes he still managed to come up with the best gross of the day, 75, and posted the best flight score of 40 points into the bargain. Never has he let his frustrations show at being a seven handicapper and his round will have done something for his confidence as he approaches the twilight of his stay here in the LoS this trip.

David also scored a birdie ‘2’ and in the second flight Jean Morel shared the pot with Max Tolbert for a similar feat. The Booby Bevy was rolled over because the two obvious candidates had other things to do on Valentine’s Day rather than attend the presentation but their absence was noted by the group in Soi Buakhao after an excellent day at Rayong C.C.

Crackerjack at Green Valley

Green Valley, with a significantly improved PR machine, welcomed the Pattaya Golf Society on Tuesday, 1February 16, for a stableford competition. Gone are many of the Korean visitors and once again club members and the regular farang visiting groups are being afforded the best of attention. Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder - temporarily that is!

The PGS group was divided into two flights as usual at fourteen and under and the quality field left the first tee on time.

In a splendidly competitive top flight Dave Moriarty ‘s 35 points gave him third place, just behind the joint winners Rick Schramm and Dave Stockman, both on 36 points.

It was left to the second flight to ruffle the course’s feathers as Harry Riley (what’s he doing in that company?) and Ronnie Ramsay shared third place with 33 points each and Brian Shaw returned an excellent 38 point score for second. Brian in fact three putted the final hole to achieve his score and two putts would have given him a share of the win with Jack Robertson whose 39 point card bore all the hallmarks of a moderately high handicapper on a good day. His round began with a front nine of 21 points and he managed to hold on despite dropping a few more points than he intended on the return leg.

The top flight ‘2’s were shared by Dave Stockman, who birdied both par threes on the front nine, and Ray Banks (9) and Dave Moriarty (12) whilst the second flight ‘2’s award went solely to Harry Riley for his effort on hole 9. The Booby Bevy went to the most consistent January golfer, Ronnie Ramsay after a “worm-turning” which saw him post 12 points on the front nine and follow with 21 on the back.

Once again a good PGS golf day had seen some newer faces enjoy the spoils after many attempts and Green Valley had done all it could to make the day an enjoyable one.

Final flourish for Finnish pair

Thursday, February 18 saw the Pattaya Golf Society travel back in time to May last year when they last played a team “fun” event and went for a pairs team scramble at Green Valley. The course was in excellent condition and with only remnants of the Korean visitors remaining it was a round played in freedom on the golfers’ favourite track.

With two teams withdrawing on the morning of the competition there was still enough quality remaining to have fourteen pairs slugging it out in a scramble. Competition was tight as the handicapping system used gave more than a little competitive edge to the proceedings with everyone feeling they had a chance.

Two of those who took advantage of it were the Aussie-English pairing of Tony Thorne and Jim Ferris and their blend of the quirky and the solid styles was good enough for a gross of 75, giving them third place with net 61.1. In second place was the experienced pairing of Bill Hewitt and Harry Cowling, shooting gross 73 for a net 59.8 which gave them the clubhouse lead for almost an hour until the return of the Finnish duo, Erik Anttoinen and Jorma Liila, who fired the day’s only level par round giving them a score of 57.2 for an emphatic win.

The A flight near-pins went to Erik Anttonen, Martin Grimoldby (2) and Tony Lambert whilst the second flight winners were Brian Shaw, Ian Wilson and Harry Cowling.

In PGS team events the Booby Bevy is always reserved for the lowest contributor and on this occasion the cool beers were shared by Keith Hector and Ray Atkinson after the true winners failed to show at the presentation. “Som nom na, lads”, you missed a good day!

Brendan Byrne wins the Monthly Mug

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Feb. 15, Khao Kheow B&C – Stableford

Just one short of a full field of forty golfers we headed off from Caf้ Kronborg right on time on a beautiful Monday morning to tackle the classy Khao Kheow layout from the Yellow tees. Regardless of the usual Monday morning traffic we arrived at the course 45 minutes later which gave us plenty of time to prepare for our scheduled tee time of 0932 and our first group was able to hit off very shortly after that despite the course being quite busy.

The Admiral, left, presents the Cafe Kronborg Monthly Mug to Brendan Byrne.

The course was in magnificent shape as ever and the greens as good as any, so it was up to the individual to pit him or herself against the testing course. The weather was hot and despite the Admiral’s fear of possible rain there was not a drop to be seen on the day. The pace was quite good and even after a couple of fairly lengthy much needed drink stops we completed our round in four hors and thirty-five minutes.

It was that man Monte Sykes again who played some great golf in taking out the A Flight, with Don Richardson in second place. Richard Kubicki finished third ahead of Mike “Hunter” Gosden in fourth place.

Enjoying his continued run of good form was Aussie Stu Rifkin who easily won B Flight, with Brendan Byrne taking out second place on a count back from Svend Gaarde. Leif Kirkgaard ended up in fourth place.

A wonderful round from Laurina Brinn enabled her to win the C Flight by a massive 10 points from Alan Ewing. Ulla Ravn, Mike Herridge and Susan Gaarde figured in a count back for the third and fourth places with Ulla being successful and Susan just missing out.

Graham Buckingham celebrated his first outing as a member of the “Compass Club” by winning the award quite easily.

A Flight
1st Monty Sykes (5) 37pts
2nd Don Richardson (10) 34pts
3rd Richard Kubicki (12) 30pts
4th Mike Gosden (8) 29pts
B Flight
1st Stu Rifkin (19) 38pts
2nd Brendan Byrne (20) 32pts
3rd Svend Gaarde (22) 32pts
4th Leif Kirkgaard (21) 31pts
C Flight
1st Laurina Brinn (26) 41pts
2nd Alan Ewing (24) 31pts
3rd Ulla Ravn (35) 28pts
4th Mike Herridge (24) 28pts
Near Pins: B3 Maurice Herbergs, B8 Don Richardson, C3 Leif Kirkgaard, C8 Brendan Byrne.
Long Putts: B9 Peter Hammond, C9 Monte Sykes.

Thursday, Feb. 18, Phoenix – Monthly Mug/Stroke

This month’s Caf้ Kronborg Monthly Mug was obviously a coveted trophy as the thought of a stroke round at Phoenix Mountain & Lakes did not deter the 45 golfers who signed up for the day’s competition.

We departed Caf้ Kronborg at 0815 for the short drive to the course and arrived there to find that Phoenix was indeed a popular venue as it was extremely busy. Our scheduled tee off time was 10 a.m. and we were assured by the starter that it was “locked in” and sure enough, our first group was able to hit off right on time. Not an easy job co-ordinating the groups when the course is so busy but well done to the starters, particularly as we turned up with more groups that originally booked.

As usual the course was in great shape with the greens fast and true, although some of the pin positions were a little bit “naughty”. The weather was fantastic with a nice cooling breeze for most of the day and as usual our group was treated to some great golf by Monte Sykes who was playing his last round here in Pattaya before heading off back home that evening.

He was obviously the favourite to take out the “mug” and was travelling beautifully until a nine on the par 5 Lakes 5th hole somewhat diminished his chances. He has been winning so many of our competitions that there was talk before the round of everyone putting in 40 baht to pay for Monty’s trip to the airport to ensure his departure.

In the event, the winner of the Caf้ Kronborg Monthly Mug for February was Irishman Brendan Byrne, who finished two shots clear of the rest of the field. Mashi Kaneta celebrated one of his rare appearances with us by winning the A Flight ahead of Monte Sykes in second place. A count back was required for third & fourth places with Niels Hansen successful over your writer.

B Flight was won by Andre Van Dyk from Mike Winfield in second, Jesper Rasmussen third and Leif Kirkgaard in fourth place.

Scoring was tough in C Flight with Ulla Ravn winning from Graham Buckingham. Laurina Brinn finished third with Susan Gaarde fourth.

Graham Buckingham was delighted to be able to pass on the “Compass Hat” to Stu Rifkin who went from “chocolates” at Khao Kheow on Monday to “boiled lollies” at Phoenix today.

Monthly Mug
Brendan Byrne (20) net 70
A Flight
1st Mashi Kaneta (11) net 72
2nd Monte Sykes (5) net 74
3rd Niels Hansen (12) net 77
4th Peter Blackburn (13) net 77
B Flight
1st Andre Van Dyk (20) net 72
2nd Mike Winfield (21) net 74
3rd Jesper Rasmussen (19) net 77
4th Leif Kirkgaard (21) net 78
C Flight
1st Ulla Ravn (35) net 80
2nd Graham Buckingham (23) net 81
3rd Laurina Brinn (24) net 83
4th Susan Gaarde (24) net 84
Near Pins: M4 Finn Olsen, M8 Peter Blackburn, L2 Jesper Rasmussen, L7 Maurice Herbergs.
Long Putts: M9 Peter Blackburn, L9 Maurice Hernbergs.

Terry sinks a few at Navy

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, Feb. 16, Plutaluang - Stableford

Tuesday, off we went to play the Navy course and this week our test was to be the East & West combination. The course was in generally good condition, with well grassed fairways and greens in good condition. A few of the tree studded fairways took their toll of some golfers, but those “90% air” are fixed, so it is probably best just to avoid them, when you can.

Tuesday’s winners Ken Hole and Terry Phur.

With 2 flights today, 0-17 & 18+, the prizes were spread around. In first place in the B Flight, with the day’s best score, was Terry Phur (18) who putted well to record 39 points, followed in by Brian Ferrigno (26) with 33. Third spot went to Marika Starink (22) on 32 points.

In the A Flight, it was Ken Hole (15) with 36 points who was on top ahead of Tony Weresay (16) who had 34, and 1 point behind in third place was Jeff Wylie (5), after edging out Graham and Bart on a count back, 17, to 16 & 15 respectively.

The near pins were shared between Jeff & Paul with Bob getting 2.

Thursday, Feb. 18, Treasure Hill - Stableford

Thursday saw us travel north to Treasure Hill, where the course was not in as good a condition as the past few visits: the fairways and surrounds were good, but the greens had been sanded, with some bare patches also showing through on several holes. Hopefully they come back to good condition in the near future, as the course is too good a test to miss.

With just the one flight today it was always going to be a battle for the prizes. Showing some form reversal from last week was Allan Cassin (12) who shot a respectable, if unspectacular, 33 points to claim the top of the podium. Second place went to Bart Starink (14) with 32, while Jeff Wylie (5) pipped Marika Starink (22) on a count back 13 to 12 on the back 9, after both players shot 31 points.

Near pins were spread between Ken, Rodney, Jeff & Dave.

Note: All those golfers who enjoy a good day of golf, followed by a great evening of food & festivities, keep March 17 clear in your calendar, as Mulligans Lakeside will be hosting a St Patrick’s Day tournament. The format will be a 2 (Man/Person) Better Ball competition, with the field limited to 24 teams. A day & night not to miss, with great prizes followed by great entertainment.

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!

Not so pleasant at the valley

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
It seems that there is not a week goes by without my having to have a whine about one or other of the great courses with which we are blessed and always because of totally bad management. I am sorry to say that this week was no different.

Saturday winners: Mark Krysl, Larry Simpson, Seamus Farrell,
Billy Ostle, M. Mooers and Frank Courtney.

A course that we had not visited in some time was Pleasant Valley, but many golfers had reported to us that this venue was in good order, so it was decided to give it a try. Unfortunately the course maybe ok but yet again the organisational skills by management were well below par. Despite a pre booking that had been duly confirmed by phone in advance, we arrived only to be told that our booking “could not be found”, and having subsequently resolved that problem we then found out that there were insufficient caddies available. When oh when will these golfing operations really get there acts together?

Monday, Feb. 15, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Howard Tyler (6) 40pts
2nd Brendan Moore (12) 37pts
3rd Ed Brubaker (10) 36pts
Div. 2
1st Marlene Prudden (23) 38pts
2nd Supawan Nittijanya (27) 34pts
3rd Gerard Baclet (20) 34pts

Our trip on Monday, as mentioned, was to “un” Pleasant Valley. The course was great yes, but the management skills? Well, see the opening paragraph. As is usual of late at the TRGG it was a great turnout and two very full divisions. There were also lots of new names and that is always nice to see.

Division 2 saw a win for Marlene Prudden with 38 points, second and four back was Supawan Nittijanya with 34, and in third was Gerard Baclet also with 34 points but beaten on the count back over the back nine by just one.

Howard Tyler took out the top flight with a great 40-pointer, in second was Brendan Moore with 37 points and taking third was Ed Brubaker at 36.

Three ‘2’s on the day came from Peter O’Regan and Paul Whitnall at the eighth and Roger Wilkinson at the seventeenth.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, Bangpra – Stableford
Overall Winner
Billy Ostle (15) 36pts
Div. 1
1st Graham Johnson (6) 33pts
2nd Kam Khan (12) 33pts
3rd Ted Senior (12) 31pts
4th Ted Lodge (9) 31pts
Div. 2
1st John Merritt (13) 34pts
2nd Noel Reynolds (15) 29pts
3rd Noel Larkin (19) 29pts
Div. 3
1st Jack McNamara (21) 30pts
2nd W. Markwell (27) 29pts
3rd Joe Peters (20) 27pts

Tuesday was a visit to Bangpra with a great turnout of over forty players and three very full divisions. Well what a pleasant surprise - we actually got started without any major problems rearing their ugly heads. The course however proved to be a real test of golf, as the scores go to show.

Division 3 found Jack McNamara at the head of the field, albeit with just 30 points. He was followed home by W. Markwell (sorry no first name given) with his 29 and Joe Peters a further two back in third.

John Merritt took out Division 2 with 34 points ahead of Noel Reynolds at 29 in second, who only took the runner up spot because he beat Noel Larkin on count-back by two on the back nine.

The top division saw Graham Johnson take first place with his 33 points. In second was Kam Khan, also at 33 but only fifteen on the back nine so pipped by the count back. Back in third was Ted Senior who also had to endure a count back, this time over Ted Lodge, both with 31’s.

The overall winner was Billy Ostle with his 36 points, the highest score of the day.

A total of five ‘2’s were recorded by Mod Chaviraksa and Larry Simpson at the second, Sam Khan at the eighth, and Brendan Moore and M. Mooers at the twelfth.

Thursday, Feb. 18, Phoenix – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Mod Chaviraksa (12) 39pts
2nd Hugh Byrne (12) 36pts
3rd Gary Blackborne (8) 34pts
Div. 2
1st Tristan Gilbert (13) 36pts
2nd Billy Ostle (14) 34pts
3rd Frank Courtney (17) 33pts
Div. 3
1st Paula Byrne (26) 44pts
2nd Kurt Bertleson (27) 35pts
3rd Alan Evans (24) 34pts

Thursday and back to Phoenix we went to play Lakes and Ocean. Praise where praise is due, the management here really knows how to operate a golf course. Despite the very large numbers that we take to them regularly we never really endure any problems and as always the course was in excellent condition and again played well.

Another large entry and so three divisions were played.

Division 3 saw a win for Paula Byrne with 44 points; some score that and a four point shift as a result in her handicap back to twenty-two. In second was Kurt Bertlesen with 35 and Alan Evans came third a further point back.

Tristan Gilbert’s even par 36 points was good enough to win the second flight ahead of Billy Ostle (34pts) in second and Frank Courtney back in third on 33.

The familiar face of Mod Chaviraksa was once more atop Division 1 after here well crafted round of 39 points. (It has to be said however that the differential distances between the men’s and ladies’ tees at this course do offer them a big advantage. But the men know this when they decide to mix it with the ladies don’t they?) Taking second place in the flight was Hugh Byrne with 36 points and Gary Blackborne came in third at 34.

Only the two ‘2’s on the day from Ebina Yoshi at the second and Michael Prideaux at the seventh.

Saturday, Feb. 29, Eastern Star - Stableford
Div. 1
1st M. Mooers (5) 33pts
2nd Larry Simpson (9) 33pts
3rd Garry Blackborne (8) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Frank Courtney (17) 33pts
2nd Billy Ostle (14) 32pts
3rd Ted Senior (13) 30pts
Div. 3
1st Mark Krysl (31) 35pts
2nd Seamus Farrell (36) 32pts
3rd Alan Evans (24) 31pts

It was a very large turnout for the weekend for us yet again at Eastern Star, and this is a course that knows how to handle the numbers as all forty eight players got away without a hitch. But the course had a few tricks up its sleeve and was in no mood to give away anything easy as the scores go to show.

Alan Evans took third spot in Division 3 with 31 points. Second went to Seamus Farrell with 32, and the winner was Mark Krysl with 35. Mark had only arrived the previous day and he told me that his win was the best thing he could have had at the start of his break because he gets in the photo and after seeing it, his wife back home will now believe he is here to play golf.

Frank Courtney was the winner in Division 2 with 33 points, followed in by Billy Ostle at 31 and in third spot at 30 was Ted Senior.

The winner of the top division was a new name, M. Mooers, with his 33 points, beating Larry Simpson down to second on count back. Third spot went to Gary Blackborne with his 32.

Only three ‘2’s from Gary Blackborne, Carl Eisenreiv and Bill Shepley.

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.

John Murphy’s lifetime best

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, Feb. 15, The Emerald - Stableford
Div. 1 (0-13)
1st Graham Johnson 43pts
2nd Barry Traynor 39pts
3rd Alan Hanlon 37pts
4th Mike Dabanovich 36pts
Div. 2 (14+)
1st Brian Kelly 36pts
2nd Geoff Picken 34pts
3rd Lindsay Gailey 34pts
4th Denis Scougal 33pts

Making one of his infrequent visits to The Haven paid off handsomely for Graham Johnson, as he swept round the tight Emerald layout in Ban Chang in a gross 71, which translated into 43 points off his 6 handicap to take the day’s top honours by four clear shots.

Barry Traynor, having played a very tidy round to accumulate 39 points, was unlucky to have found Graham in such good form and had to be content with second place in the first division. Alan Hanlon lagged a couple back in third spot with Mike Dabanovich finishing fourth another shot back.

Brian Kelly Played very steadily to garner 36 points which was good enough to secure the top rung of the second division by two shots from Geoff Picken in second place. Geoff took the runner up spot by virtue of a better count back of 19 to 16 over Lindsay Gailey in third. Denis Scougal at last played somewhere near his potential to grab fourth position with a better count back of 20 to 19 ahead of Paul Taylor.

Once the day’s scores had been returned it was no surprise to find that the CSS for the day had gone down to 71.

With a triple ‘2’s roll over in the first division hopes were high for many but only three managed to slip in the vital puts; Alan Griffiths and Alan Hanlon had one each whilst Barry Traynor managed two.

In the second division Geoff Picken had two and as the only one to do so in the division, he swept the pot.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new members Lindsay Gailey, Michael Davidson and Bradley Dodd and also welcomed back Graham Johnson, Martin Grimoldby and Bob Webb.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, Green Valley - Stableford
Div. 1 (0-13)
1st Trevor Schirmer 36pts
2nd Russell Exley 35pts
3rd Allan Duffy 33pts
4th Peter Sumner 33pts
Div. 2 (14+)
1st John Murphy 44pts
2nd Ole Stamnes 43pts
3rd Brian Kelly 39pts
4th John Harris 36pts

It was a tale of two divisions, with the first being led in by Trevor Schirmer, whose level par off handicap was enough to take his first win for some time from the now very steady Russell Exley by a single stroke.

Allan Duffy had to go to the back three in the count back to deny Peter Sumner a share of the day’s spoils in his last chance of glory before having to return to a serious stretch of bean checking back in Blighty. Allan’s scores were back nine 16 back six and he finished with a back three of 6 to pip Peter by one.

In the second division one might have been excused for thinking that they had played a different course or at least from different tees, but that was not the case as John Murphy returned a lifetime best to snatch victory away from Ole Stamnes, who must have thought the top prize was his as he also had a lifetime best round just one point behind.

Brian Kelly went three better than the previous outing but on this occasion it was only good enough for third place with John Harris three points worse in fourth spot.

As all the heavy scoring was achieved by category four players, the CSS stayed at 72 for the day to ensure that the handicaps would be fully adjusted to reflect some new found abilities.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Tony Barritt had the only one in the first division to sweep the pot.

Back at The Haven Butch Hennessy, Ian Bakewell and John Murphy were welcomed back and there was a farewell for Peter Sumner.

Friday, Feb. 19, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Kevin Townsend 37pts
2nd Danny Miller 36pts
3rd Kazuo Takimoto 36pts
4th Dave Spendley 34pts

Although just a couple of players under the required number for the formation of two divisions, seven groups teed off from two tees over the A and B courses with the MAGS competition taking eight more times immediately following on behind, it was still a great showing at Greenwood with many of the usual players missing.

It was also a very high quality field with nine single figure handicappers contesting and only two players not counting towards the CSS, which went up to 73 to underline the difficulty of the greens on the day as they ran extremely fast and true, but chipping to them proved to be a night mare

Kevin Townsend did enough to take the win that he has waited for since 2005, having missed out several times by a whisker on count back. This time a solid if unspectacular round ensured that Danny Miller’s shopping fund would be a little thinner as he consigned him to second on count back from Kazuo Takimoto, having won that with a better 18 to 16. Dave Spendley rounded out the prize winners another two points behind them.

Julie Donnestad, Danny Miller and Allan Duffy shared the 2’s pool in the first division whilst Trevor Edge cleaned up in the second division, although with the balance of players loaded into the first division the pot was quite small, but even so, much appreciated to offset the usual payouts in his other non-investments of the day.

Prior to the presentations Shuji Kikuchi, Kenichi Nakamura, Masaaki Sugaya and Julie Donnestad were welcomed as new members and Trevor Edge, Andy Pedlar, Richard Lyne, John Hayes, Bob Heath, Jim Slattery, Rick Roberts were welcomed back. Shuichi Kodaka was also welcomed back after recovering from his recent attack by the “Horrific Hairdryer”.

In the MAGS competition, which was held over the three courses during the week alongside the normal events and which resulted in over 70 golfers teeing it up each day, Dave Marshall won with a three round total of 94 points after winning the count back over Spencer Farrell by a better 30 to 29 on the final day to claim the prestigious Thailand Cup. Tim Golder won the King Rabbit Trophy with a score of 94 points.

As usual a competition was held to guess the total number of balls lost during the three day event, with almost 108 rounds played, which was won by Des Jones who considered 154 would be the number. In the event it was 152 and he finished nearest. The prize presentations were held at The Haven following the celebration dinner.

Rought wins by a street at Pattana

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, Feb. 15, Pattana – Stableford

There was only one lady in the field today as the majority of the regular girl golfers find this course too tough to handle, so Jan Burrows, playing off nine, entered the three-divisional men’s stableford competition.

The four division winners from Eastern Star: Grant Cadell, Russell Benson, Miss Nut and Ken Priddy.

Upon arrival there were no caddies available and our tee time was delayed by 30 minutes. There were nine groups out today with the A and B courses selected in this order, which brought sighs of relief from many who did not fancy starting on the tough B1 today. There was an even cut in the handicaps of 7-15, 16-20 and 21+ in the stableford.

Don Head won Division 1 with 34 points, Raivo Velsberg was second one point behind and there were two scores of 32 points fighting for third position; Ron Miller beat Timo Ahvenainen on a back nine count back of 19/15.

Bryan Rought scored 40 points to win Division 2 and an amazing 11 points behind was Bob Poole in second after he beat Andy Oz on a 10/9 back six count back.

All playing in the same group, John Harvey’s 34 points was enough to win Division 3, with yet again Peter Grant taking second just one point behind and David Phillips in third on 32 points.

Jan Burrows birdied the seventh on the B course to take the only ‘2’s prize in Division 1 and with four rollovers in Division 2, Erkki Pohja and Willy Van Heetvelde took the maximum pot with birdies on A3 and B3.

Near pins went to (Div 1) Timo Ahvenainen, Don Head and Keith Hector; and (Div 2) Erkki Pohja and Willy Van Heetvelde.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

As always with an impetuous gathering we arrived on the first tee 30 minutes ahead of schedule and with a five minute wait and some minor re-scheduling of tee placements, the first group was allowed to go out well ahead of our allocated first tee time.

Back to normality today with 3 divisions for the men, plus the separate ladies division. The best score of the day came in from David Phillips, winning Division 3 with 38 points. The ever improving John Harvey was second with 37 and the old man himself finished third with 34 points, well done Ken Foster.

There was no count back for Burnie Sinclair today, a first for a long time, as he won Division 2 by 5 after scoring 37 points. Harry Vincenzi took second place after beating Ben Findon on a 19/16 back nine count back.

Neville Scurell was on the top podium position in Division 1 with 36 points, beating Ron Miller on an 18/17 count back, with Teijo Finnemor in third on 33 points.

Miss Faa shot her best round ever and scored 35 points to win the ladies division while Jean Utting was second on 27 points.

Jim Connelly and Harry Vincenzi both birdied the 12th to share the ‘2’s purse in Division 1, and David Phillips was the only winner in Division 2 with his birdie on the tough uphill 7th hole.

Near Pins were won by (Ladies) Jan Burrows and Miss Faa; (Div 1) Jim Connelly, Takeshi Hakozaki 2 and Les Utting; and (Div 2) Russell Benson 2, Tony Holehouse and David Phillips.

There was some jocular activity back at Siam Cats later within the group after the presentation, and with a large audience there will be no need for names to be mentioned in this report.

Friday, Feb. 19, Eastern Star – Stableford

After last weeks record turnout here at Eastern Star this was been surpassed today with 8 ladies in their competition and 45 in the mens. There were thoughts before we started about running 4 divisions in the mens comp but in the end the decision was 4 placings in three divisions.

All 13 groups teed off bang on time with no complaints throughout. There was talk in the clubhouse of some very high scores being returned today with so many players in the field, but amazingly 36 points was the highest, it being good enough for first place in division 1 for Grant Cadell, with Barry Traynor second one point behind, and Martin Grimoldby in third after beating Arthur Hancock on a 19/18 count back.

Azerbajhan and work was far away in the thoughts of Russell Benson as he won Division 2 with 35 points, with Harry Vincenzi second one point behind, Andy Crabb in third with 32, and fourth spot going to Geoff Pickin who beat Brian Kelly on a 12/11 back-6 count back after they both returned scores of 31.

There were three 36’s in Division 3; Ken Priddy won with 22 on the back nine, Jimmy Johnson was second with 21, and in third place with 19 on the back nine was Alan Bissell. Jim Lane took fourth place with 34 points.

Miss Nut beat arch rival Miss Faa on a 21/16 count back to win the ladies flight after they both came in with 30 points, but there was no bell rung yet again. Else Knudsvik finished third with 28 points.

Near pins went to (Ladies) Miss Noi and Miss Nom; (Div 1) Martin Grimoldby, Rick Schramm, Dennis Scougall and Harry Vincenzi; and (Div 2) Russell Benson, Bruce Gardner and Keith Mournsey.

Martin Grimoldby and Barry Traynor both recorded 2’s in Division 1 and Russell Benson picked up the only one in Division 2.

A warm Bon Voyage was said by all to Jan and Paul Burrows before their return to the UK. There was also great news from Harry Riley regarding the condition of Saranya after her operation. All at Jomtiem Golf wish her a speedy recovery and expect to see her back with us in a few months.

Van de Wiele shoots best of the day

PSC 95th Monthly Golf Tournament

Derek Brook
Friday, Feb. 19, Rayong C.C.

We thought we would give Rayong Country Club, or for the ‘Goldie’s, Great Lake, a chance to hold a Monthly Tournament as they have been very good to PSC over the High Season, giving us a great Green fee and generally looking after us as an organisation. They even open their restaurant now and provide good, well priced, food.

A Flight winner Peter Seward, right, with the PSC Golf Chairman William Macey.

A visit to the PSC office on the days leading up to this event and you would have found Max and Matt, that well known double act, beavering away at providing the backing organisation for a great day. Without the time put in by these two and a couple of others, oh yes, not to forget William, the day would have been a bit of a disaster.

So it was no surprise on booking in that the ‘duo’ were there to smoothly register all the players, and that was good as we had more than the usual numbers of ‘no shows’. There is nothing more annoying for an organiser to make out all the start sheets and then find that players (with nothing more difficult to do than turn up, or tell the organisers the day before) just do not turn up. Still, the experienced duo rose above this small inconvenience and soon got all the players, about 96, were away.

B Flight winner , Emile Van de Wiele, right, collects his prize.

The changing room is a bit tight here, but where there is a will there is a way, and it was out onto either the 1st or 10th tees and away. I have to here state that I found the course over dry with large patches of bare brown earth abounding. Discussing it with the PSC Golf Chairman, he informed me that Rayong Country Club are doing all they can to improve standards on the course and that taking into account the very low Green fee, we should support them as they do us. Who am I to argue? And where else these days can you get a round of golf with a caddy for 600 baht? One must cut ones cloth to fit ones suit.

All smiles from C Flight winner Kenny Chung.

The day was hot and windy, and the course was set up to be about 6,500 yards, a distance we believe is a fair test of golf. The greens were a little slow as they had been allowed to ‘grow’ a little and getting the ball to the hole was difficult, so those players who hit the ball firmly at the hole were generally more successful than the ‘die the ball in’, players.

Following the golf, we met at Jameson’s at about 1830hrs, and a big queue was soon waiting for the food, but quickly served. Kim, ‘Mein Host’, was dashing about making sure all was well, and the food was excellent and well enjoyed by all. Kim also arranged for all the players to avail of happy hour all night and with draft beer at 90 baht many took advantage of the offer.

Intira Goransson was the winner in the Ladies Flight.

We were soon into the presentation, with the Golf Chairman, William Macey, at the helm with ‘the duo’ backing him up. On this night the presentation was quick to everyone’s satisfaction.

We had three flights for Men plus a Ladies flight. The Ladies winner was Intira Goransson with 32 points. In the A Flight, 0 to 16, the winner was Peter Seward with a net 69 on count back over Shaun Merrian in second. In third was Brian Gabe with a net 70 on count back over Nigel Flanigan in fourth.

In the B Flight, 17 to 21, Emile Van de Wiele won with the best result of the day, 42 points. In second we had Patrick Engels with 39 points ahead of Brian Maddox in third with 37 points and in fourth was Laurence Harding with 36 points.

C Flight winner, 22 up, was Kenny Chung with 36 points ahead of Roland Soderburg in second with 35 points . In third was Hansen Odd Holm with 34 points ahead of Don Carmody in fourth with 32 points.

It was then time for The Lucky Draw and at last the rest of us had a chance to win. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: Alan Sullivan, Stefan Hose, Leif Linner, Dave Dolle, Emile Van de Wiele, Eila Kojtuaniam, Bob Allen, Colin Cronin, Joe Kubon.

Long Drive: Graham Johnson, Joel Flor, Toj Mailia, Intira Goransson.

2’s: Alan Sullivan, Peter Blackburn, Mike Gosden, Paul Taylor, Stephen Rose, Hansen Odd Holm, Stefan Merriman, Laurence Harding.

Over a hundred for Captain Seamus

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, Feb. 14, Green Valley – Captain’s Day
A Flight
1st Pat Regan (11) 41pts
2nd Bob Newell (8) 38pts
3rd Jack Grindvold (6) 38pts
B Flight
1st Bruce Milner (13) 40pts
2nd Ed Wyckoff (12) 40pts
3rd Chris Davisson (13) 37pts
C Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 38 pts
2nd Gabriel Enright 37pts
3rd Mark Bonner (16) 37pts
D Flight
1st Tom Breslin (20) 40pts
2nd Jim Elphick (25) 38pts
3rd John Stafford (21) 37pts
Red Flight
1st Yui Bietry (17) 43pts
2nd Jum Karagit (19) 39pts
3rd Kathy Doody (18) 37pts

Near Pins: No2 Brian Comer, No9 Pat Reagan, No12 Gary Blackburn No16 Peter LeNoury.

Captains Day men’s winner Pat Regan, right, receives the trophy from Seamus.

After 22 pre-Captain’s Day meetings, the day was finally nigh as over one hundred competitors lined up to battle it out for the Seamus Cotter Valentines Captains Day Trophy, and a host of other prizes from a superb selection of lead cut glassware to numerous lucky prize draws.

The course was set out in Sunday’s forgiving configuration that is forward tees, but even that cannot detract from the quality of Co. Dublin’s Pat Regan’s winning round. Pat’s immaculate 41 points gave him the day’s honours for the men and the beautiful Captain’s Trophy.

Bob ‘Seamless’ Newell made a welcome return to the fold and showed he’s still got it in abundance despite hobbling round the course to win a three-way count back for second place in the senior flight. ‘Mad’ Jack Grindvold squeezed out Bob ‘any room’ Patterson for the final A-flight prize. Look s like the traditional big guns are laying down their markers in advance of the impending 4-day club championship. And don’t forget Big Bad Bob is on a hat-trick!

Yui Bietry was the ladies’ winner at Green Valley with a fantastic 43 points.

The Laurels in B Flight went to Bruce ‘Skimpy’ Milner who rolled back the years to gain a count back victory over Ed Wyckoff as both were knotted on 40 points, enough to give Bruce and Ed second and third overall respectively. Pre-tournament favorite Chris Davisson was a shot back in a three-way tie for third, along with the unfortunate Irish duo of Jimmy ‘The ladies man’ Day and Ted ‘The Irish’ Lodge.

The Donkey trotted off with the Lion’s share of the loot in C Flight with a solid 38 points. Gabriel ‘good on yer sport’ Enright wrestled the runner up spot from Mark Mussels’ Bonner as both were locked on 37-point hauls. Mark’s in good form right now and seems to be getting quite excited about the possible and unlikely scenario of giving shots to his great rival from the North; the ‘Principal’!

Tom Breslin fired a rock solid 40 points to take D Flight top place, and third overhaul on the day. ‘Jersey’ Jim Elphick picked up second two shots adrift while John Stafford was a shot further back for third.

The Red Flight line-up reminded one of a beauty contest as Kathy Doody was adjudged third with 37 points, Jum Karagit on 39 points took second, and the captain’s ladies runner up prize. Winner of the lady Captains prize and the Red flight glory plus the top score of the day went to Yui Bietry with an unbelievable 43 points.

As you would expect Seamus did not forget the Jing Jai Orphanage kids, the par three twelfth hole was dedicated to them, hit the green for one hundred baht and collect two hundred back. This raised over 15,000 baht for the kids, as only one competitor who shall remain nameless claimed their two hundred baht. (A case of it’s not the Principle it’s the money).

Leicester City’s ex lady refuse collector Georgina patrolled the course, handing out refreshment to one and all. Back at Lewiinski’s Seamus thanked every one for their support. Thanks a million Seamus and thanks to all others involved in making this a day to remember for a long time.

Monday, Feb. 15, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Pat Hanafin (11) 39pts
2nd George Hayes (22) 36pts

With the majority of the Lewiinski’s gang off on tour to Soi Dao, Co. Corks Pat Hanafin saw an opening atop of the podium and duly filled it, posting a match winning 39 points. George Hayes filled the second birth with a useful even par round. The placing’s could easily have been reversed as George had three no scoring holes as he struggled through Amen corner on the eighth, tenth and twelfth.
Michael Winterbern pocketed a healthy ‘2’s pot.

Wednesday Feb. 17, St Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Brian Comer (8) 41pts
2nd Michael Whelan (14) 38pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 38pts
2nd Odd Holm-Hansen (27) 38pts
We see it so often: a player’s holiday ends just as he finds form. This time it was Derbyshire’s Brian Comer whose debut at St. Andrew’s produced a man of the match 41 points. Brian and his golfing wife Lynne must now return to the tepid weather of England. Michael Whelan took the second slot with a rock solid 38 points.

The high handicappers mounted an impressive assault, as the Donkey birdied the eighteenth hole to gain a verdict in a count back over the luckless Odd Holm- Hansen as both returned 38 points.

Kristy good Knight, Tore Ellassen and Ben the ‘Admiral’ Nelson shared the ‘2’s pot
Lewiinski’s wish Brian and Lynne a safe journey home, and hope to see the back again soon.

Friday, Feb. 19, Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jack Grindvold (6) 35pts
2nd Frank McNamara (16) 34pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (17) 34pts
B Flight
1st Marlene Prudden (23) 38pts
2nd James Bell (22) 38pts
3rd Geoff Kubas (18) 36pts

A busy week was concluded with a visit to the Emerald, the course as one would expect was in excellent condition. Happy Jack Grindvold was in good form to take full control of the senior flight with 35 points. Irelands’ Big Frank McNamara took second place via a three-way count back a point back. Peter ‘The President’ was placed third; the unlucky player was Greg Bates

Marlene Prudden did the biz in B Flight with a match winning 38 points, but again needing the aid of a count back over Jimmy ‘Houdini’ Bell. Geoff ‘Elvis’ Kubas was a little out of tune but still managed to put together a solid even par round.

John McCall, Jeff Horsfield, Tore Ellassen and Herb Pastor shared the ‘2’s pot.

Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in, and add your name to the list or call Colin on 0898260764. Transport is provided.

Cadell secures victory with back-nine blitz

PSC Golf from The Golf Club

On behalf everyone at The Golf Club on Soi LK Metro, we would like to announce the appointment of Mr. Brad Sproxton as our new Golf Manager.

We would like to thank Bob Newell for his many contributions to The Golf Club and its golf operations over the last several months. Bob has great talents that will sorely be missed and we all wish him the best in his future endeavours. His wit and charm made him a great asset for The Club and his writing of our golf articles was something we all looked forward to, albeit nervously. His command of the English language and sense of humour are skills to be treasured. His abilities at Karaoke are legendary, as we all know! Good luck Bob, and thanks once again. See you in the bar, mate!

Brad is a native of Red Deer, Alberta, and is a fairly recent addition to the Pattaya golf scene. After joining us on the course and in The Club for the last 6 months, he was an obvious choice to take over and after a bit of wrist twisting he finally relented. Brad makes friends very quickly and is a gentleman on and off the course.

Friday, Feb. 12, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Marc Napier 41pts
2nd Michael Winterburn 39pts
3rd Steve Weller 36pts
4th Graham Johnson 34pts
5th Martin Zimmerman 33pts

The new race: Pattaya to Bangpra should not be confused with the Paris-Dakar! No fewer than 2 vans and three cars set off on Friday morn, and of the three cars, one was a clear winner and the other lost souls must have gone through Paris. Somehow we all teed off on time, so in the end no need for rushing anyway.

The monkey course lived up to its name with the whole family out in force, with Martin Zimmerman being the challenger to the hairy and brutish Alpha Male. Ever the gentleman, Martin let his adversary off the hook without loss of face.

The course played hard and fast which compared to the motorway out. After arriving from a Parisian distraction, Marc Napier led the field with 41 points. Michael Winterburn enjoyed a leisurely trip out in the van to place second on the list with a 39 and third went to the affable Canadian Steve “The Bodyman” Weller, 36 points on the course but who won the race on the motorway by miles.

Graham Johnson just missed out with a 34 and Martin Zimmerframe… whoops, that’s Zimmerman- finished off the winners with 33, still very respectable with a field of over 30 golfers. Martin has now left to go back to Canada for a few chilly months. Speaking of which, we must bestow belated congratulations to Brent Philp who is back in Vancouver, on his first hole in one whilst visiting Pattaya at Siam Country Clubs 4th hole. Nice one mate!　

Monday, Feb. 15, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Grant Cadell (16) 41pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (10) 39pts
3rd Peter Le Noury (6) 37pts
4th Jeremy Masse (11) 36pts
5th Gabriel Enright (18) 35pts

We had a great turn out again with 31 players and that with an amazing perfect attendance. The field was comprised of the merry band of regulars and some new faces. Welcome to Kam , John and Joe.

With the proverbial last minute group changes, Emmersons group made “ the game” arrangements and led the charge off the first. The course played tougher for some but was in its normal form: same, same standard standing on the 6th tee with a continuous stream being shuttled ahead to get the 10th jammed.

Grant Cadell played the front in 17 points and then blistered the back with an amazing 24 points. One of those days when everything goes right … well done!

Brad “The Mountie” was on form with the usual game plan of cans and finished with 39 points. Peter Le Noury continued his steady play of late with a fine 37 and Jeremy Masse had a solid 36 points. Gabriel “ Turka “ Enright had some shining moments and played well enough to get some spending money for his last visit to Walking Street before heading back Down Under.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Jon Lay (6) 36pts
2nd Marleen Prudden (23) 35pts
3rd Jim Brown (22) 35pts
4th Terry Wagner (15) 32pts

Twenty-one players of varying ability and handicaps set out for Phoenix. We were joined by first timers Brad Gearie and Shane Castellan from Oz as well as transplanted Brits to Oz, Marleen and Brian Prudden. Welcome.

The course was in good shape but the pins were difficult to say the least. Let’s just say there were more than the normal tally of 3 putts from short distance.

Jon “Motorway” Lay played to form on 36 points. Marleen “the lovely van captain” Prudden bested Jim Brown on a count back and finished with 35 points for second. Jim Brown, also on 35, was heard to say, “Shall we play sixes?” only to have his playing partners retort, “We’re a three-ball mate”. The sweet swinger from Maui, Terry Wagner finished fourth with 32 points.

Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro, off Soi Buakhao and Soi Diana junction. We can be reached on 085 434 3377 or [email protected] and our new website is www.golfclubpattaya.com.

Bridge in Paradise : by Neil Robinson

This hand comes from the finals of the prestigious Vanderbilt knockout tournament played in 1997.  The board is shown below with South the dealer and E-W vulnerable:

                         S: 92

                        H: 10765

                        D: QJ632

                        C: J2        

S: AJ10854                      S: Q63

H: A                                  H: J843

D: 9                                   D: 10754

C: K9873                         C: 104

                        S: K7

                        H: KQ92

                        D: AK8

                        C: AQ65   

When this was played at the Vanderbilt, the bidding at table one was as follows:

 South   West       North     East

2N        3S           Dbl          P

4H        4S           Dbl          All pass 

The lead was the jack of clubs.  This was an unfortunate lead for the defence (an initial trump lead followed by a trump as soon as the defence are in again is a more successful defence).  Declarer can take a second club lead with the king and then trump a low club on board (over ruffing North if necessary).  Declarer returns to hand with the ace of hearts and leads another low club to ruff on board.  Now, a trump lead from dummy to the jack wins and the ace of trumps then fells the king.

Declarer lost only the aces of clubs and diamonds.  The contract made a doubled vulnerable overtrick for +990 for E-W.  It is clear that North looked at his four points, added them to his partner’s blockbuster, and was too optimistic in counting his chickens.  E-W have only 15 high card points but are cold for eleven tricks after the club lead.

At the second table in the Vanderbilt, the bidding was a bit different, but the final contract was the same, 4S doubled.  Only ten tricks were made this time, but still a big score for E-W +790.  When this was played in my local club, the bidding was as follows:

 South   West       North     East

2N        3S           4D           4S

5D        P              P              Dbl 

The final contract was 5 diamonds doubled by North.  The lead was the queen of spades and the defence took two spades, the ace of hearts and the king of clubs for down two and +300 for E-W.  Still a positive score for E-W, but a much better result for N-S than at either table at the Vanderbilt.  Good judgement by N-S here in finding the diamond fit and pushing on to the five level!

If you have bridge questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please contact me at: [email protected]. 

Lay & Hart top score at Burapha

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, Feb. 15, Burapha - Stableford

Another full complement of 55 Outbackers at the Outback’s adopted home course today, playing probably many players favourite nines, Augusta & Belfry. A two tee start, everybody from the blues, was the order of the day and all the groups were quickly and efficiently away by 10:25. A little over four hours later, most groups were back in the clubhouse although there were some stragglers near the back that made the last three groups starting on Belfry, endure a slow round. Yes, you know who you are!

Friday’s winners: Suzi Lawton & Murray Hart.

We had the privilege of being joined by a young 19 year old Englishman, Lawrence Warne, who has only been playing golf for six years, won a number of junior events and hails from Woodhall Spa. He shot a level par round today, only to be beaten into second place in Div A, by Capt’ Bob also with 36 points, but playing off 7. They were however, four behind one of the two top scorers of the day, John Lay who had a great round to amass 40 points to win that division. His feat was matched in Div B by Murray Hart (40pts) in a much closer affair, just one point ahead of Bruce Milner and Tony Garnett, both with 39.

Div C was most unusual, just a small division of nine players, and the best score they could muster was a miserable 32 points; sorry Pottsy, but nobody was more surprised that you! Even more surprised will be Bob Lindborg, when he finds out he got fourth, with 28. The scoring was more normal again in Div D; being won by Mike Quill (38pts) followed in by Harry Cowling, also with 38, JinJo O’Neill (37pts) and Reg Warner (36pts).

There were seven ‘2’s from John Cunningham, Arthur Brick, John Lay, Murray Hart, Bob Finley and Richard Garland had two.

Div A (0-11)
1st John Lay (8) 40pts
2nd Bob Philp (7) 36pts
3rd Lawrence Warne (0) 36pts
4th John Cunningham (7) 35pts
Div B (12-15)
1st Murray Hart (15) 40pts
2nd Bruce Milner (13) 39pts
3rd Tony Garnett (12) 39pts
4th Lawrie McBride (14) 37pts
Div C (16-18)
1st Campbell Potts (18) 32pts
2nd Barry Ennis (16) 30pts
3rd Peter Stonebridge (16) 29pts
4th Bob Lindborg (17) 28pts
Div D (19+)
1st Mike Quill (20) 38pts
2nd Harry Cowling (19) 38pts
3rd Martin O’Neill (34) 37pts
4th Reginald Warner (20) 36pts

Tuesday, Feb. 16, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

An additional tee time was required to accommodate the 28 Outbackers who made the quick trip across the 36 to receive the usual warm greeting from the PCC staff.

The Outback boys relax after assisting again this year in the scorers hut at the LPGA event held at the Siam Old Course. Back row – Bob Rasmussen, Norm Martin (team leader) & Joe Mooneyham, Front – Capt’ Bob & Bob Pearce.

We had a number of new faces today including Gale Punyanut, Noodle Russell and Terry Marney, together with returnees, Eric Anttonen and Ian Covill.

The weather was perfect, the course reasonable and busy but we were away on time with most having a four hour round.

There were two divisions with four places in each and two’s.

In top spot in Division A was Gale Punyanut (17) with 34 points, winning on count back from the steady Colonel, Bob Pearce (12). Another lady, Suzi Lawton (18) took third with 31 and the final place went to Eric Anttonen (7) with 30 points, who headed three more with the same score.

The best score of the day, a fine 40 points, came from our Canadian friend, Chris Dopp (19) in Division B, and congratulations on getting your handicap reduced, just in time for Chiang Mai, next month, (17.8 should be about right). Getting second place on count back with 36 points was Nigel Cannon (23) from newcomer Terry Marney (28) in third. Fourth place went to our ‘Norm’, Norman Martin (23) with 35.

There was a ‘jackpot 2’ today by John Stafford who was overcome with emotion and rang the bell, which was appreciated by all – thanks John!

Pattaya Country Club is a regular venue for the Outback every Tuesday with a tee time of 09.30.

Div A (0-18)
1st Gale Punyanut (17) 34pts
2nd Bob Pearce (12) 34pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (18) 31pts
4th Erik Anttonen (7) 30pts
Div B (19+)
1st Chris Dopp (19) 40pts
2nd Nigel Cannon (23) 36pts
3rd Terry Marney (28) 36pts
4th Norm Martin (23) 35pts

Wednesday, Feb. 17, Eastern Star - Stableford

Some no shows reduced our group to just 23 Outbackers, who descended on Eastern Star only to find the tee chock a block with Scandalac Golf, nevertheless, we were away pretty much to time. The course was in as good a condition as has been seen for a long time and was a delight to play, even though this Robert Trent Jones Jnr course always seems to be the winner and today was no exception.

Only Barry Ennis (39pts), Div A winner, bettered his handicap, winning by five from Chris Davisson and Capt’ Bob, both with 34. Orowan Sodok also put up a good battle to score an excellent 36 points to win Div B from Brian Maddox (35pts) and Roy Studds (32pts), who was claiming his first podium place with the Outback.

There was another ‘jackpot 2’, the second this week, this time from Rick Evans.

Div A (0-18)
1st Barry Ennis (16) 39pts
2nd Chris Davisson (13) 34pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 34pts
Div B (19+)
1st Orowan Sodok (27) 36pts
2nd Brian Maddox (19) 35pts
3rd Roy Studds (31) 32pts

Friday, Feb. 19, Khao Kheow - Stableford

It was a smaller than usual field at Khao Kheow today with only 27 Outbackers, as many regulars and friends had chosen to take some time out from playing golf, to watch the professionals on the LPGA tour. This is third time that the event has been held locally and the second time on the Old Siam Course.

Of those that remained, two scores of 39 points apiece from Murray Hart and Suzi Lawton won the two divisions, with Murray winning Div A by five from Randy Hurwitz and Terry Wagner; whilst Suzi, won Div B by one shot from the Canadian, Chris Dopp.

With another lady, Kathy Doody back in fourth; the old controversy over ladies playing in the same comp. as men flared up again; but in all honesty guys, we’ve already taken two shots off the ladies and other than Murray & Chris, the remaining scores were not really worthy of a win! Next week we’ll put you off the whites and see how you get on!
There were three ‘2’s from Terry Wagner, Tony Garnett & Murray Hart.

Div A (0-15)
1st Murray Hart (15) 39pts
2nd Randy Hurwitz (15) 34pts
3rd Terry Wagner (15) 34pts
4th Tony Garnett (12) 30pts
Div B (16+)
1st Suzi Lawton (16) 39pts
2nd Chris Dopp (19) 38pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (20) 34pts
4th Kathy Doody (16) 30pts

Note: The Outback Golf Bar moves to its new home this week situated 400 metres nearer to Pattaya than the old premises, but still 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 on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.

Poottida poaches another win

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

We began teeing off in groups at 6:30 a.m. at Pattaya Country Club this Feb. 17. Eighteen players in all trooped around the course that was in very good condition. It didn’t take long for the sun to make itself felt but the players trudged on and eventually began arriving back at Caddy Shack II.

Wednesday winner Poottida Murphy, left, with runner-up Paul Kinmond.

Waiting for the players were the usual variety of regular and spicy hot dogs, snacks, as well as other sandwich material provided by Herbie Ishinaga. A goodly amount and variety of liquid beverages were available and avidely consumed.

As the cards were tallied Poottida Murphy again topped the scoreboard with 39 points, followed by Paul Kinmond in second with a 37. Right behind Paul were Larry Emerson, Paul Kraft and Ciano Clavina, each with 36 points.

Brother D moves up to third place

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Rich, Kaew, Nok, Morn & Joe.

Brother D won all four points from Indiana and moved from fifth to third place. Café Ole remains in first place but lost ground to USMC as they lost three to Bavaria. Ooy Pluemkamon had a 523 series for Café Ole.

Nok Kennedy bowled games of 211, 188 and 193 for a 592 series to lead Sabai Sabai Friday to a three point win over Jack Tar. Morn Mack had a 218 game, 508 series for Jack Tar and Aht Johansson rolled a 537 series bowling as a Pacer.

Joe Ferral, who had games of 202, 175 and 201 for a 578 series, led his USMC team to a three point win over VFW Post 9876. Meanwhile Green Tree won all four points from Canada with Kaew showing the way with a 224 game and 549 series. Sue Murphy had a 518 for Canada. Bowling as spares Rich Montana bowled games of 192, 216 and 195 for a 603 series and Mio Aamlid bowled a 524.