SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Sharks edge Dolphins in ‘Big Blue derby’

2010 Top of The Gulf Regatta set to sail

Sriracha sign Nigerian defender on loan

Pattaya Cricket Sixes Final this weekend

Bashundhara Cricketeers retain the Chiang Mai Sixes Cup

Audemars Pigeut win 9th King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

Murphy wins, Jim feels the sting

McAllister & Robertson top the tree at charity golf tourney

Graham makes light of April showers

Tony & Ken battle it out at Bangpra

Moore of the same for Brendan

Maiko makes it his day

Allidi pars the course but finishes second

Paul Smith makes a winning start at Emerald

More 10’s than Nadia Comaneci

Doody’s at the double

Outbackers overshadowed by ‘The Mountain’

Bridge in Paradise

Shuichi scores all week

Faa and Ergo form dynamic duo

Three stars shine at Siam Old Course

USMC closing on top spot

PSC Fishing Schedule

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Sharks edge Dolphins in ‘Big Blue derby’

Staff Reporters

Pattaya United’s hopes of continuing their bright start to the season were dealt a blow last Sunday when they were consigned to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of big local rivals Chonburi FC. The so called ‘Big Blue derby’ match was played out in front of a capacity attendance at the Nongprue Stadium, with fans grabbing any possible vantage point to catch a glimpse of their soccer heroes.

Pattaya United’s Tana Chanabut, right, leaves two Chonburi defenders in his wake during the first half of the match at Pattaya’s Nongprue Municipality Stadium, Sunday, March 4.

Chonburi made the initial running in the game and United were lucky to escape when the Shark’s Welsh forward Michael Byrne blazed over the bar when well placed inside the opening minutes of the match.

It certainly served as a wake-up call for United who took the lead soon after with their first attack of the game. Tana Chanabut went on a probing foray down the left flank of the Chonburi defence and his inch perfect cross was delivered onto the head of strike partner Kengne Ludovick who made no mistake to steer a powerful header into the back of the net, silencing the Shark fans at that end of the stadium and sending the rest of the ground into raptures.

What should have been a goal to give United a firm launching pad however actually turned into a signal for the visitors to go on the offensive as Shark’s skipper Pipob On-Mo was twice guilty of missing chances from good positions. From the second of these opportunities he was involved in an accidental clash with Pattaya goalkeeper Narit Taweekul, who was forced to go off the field soon after to be replaced by Prasit Kotmaha.

Despite Chonburi dominating possession for much of the first half, it was Pattaya who came closest to scoring again when on the stroke of half time they won a free kick on the corner of the Chonburi penalty area. The ball was laid back to Anucha Kitpongsri who unleashed a powerful shot with his left foot that the Shark’s keeper did well to palm over the bar. United were unable to capitalize on the subsequent corner kick and the referee sounded the half time whistle soon after with United holding onto their 1-0 lead.

Chonburi, as one would expect from a team of their pedigree, came firing out of the blocks in the second half and the pressure on United eventually told when they conceded a penalty kick after the tricky Therdsak Chaiman was brought down in the box by Arlindo. Following a fierce protest by the United players, who surrounded and jostled the referee, Chaiman picked himself up off the floor to calmly steer the penalty kick past Kotmaha to tie the scores up at 1-1.

Chonburi proceeded to dominate possession for the next 20 minutes but they were having difficulty breaking down a stubborn and well marshaled Pattaya defence and what chances did fall their way were scrambled clear by the home team.

On the hour mark Pattaya had a golden chance to retake the lead when Seehawong played a great ball over the top of the Chonburi defence for Chanabut to run on to. The forward outpaced the defence and bore down on the Sharks’ goal, but then with just the keeper to beat he took one touch too many which narrowed the angle and he blasted the ball wide into the side netting from 10 yards out. The United fans held their collective heads in disbelief, knowing full well the potential significance of this missed opportunity.

With Ludovick being isolated for much of the second half and struggling to make an impact, he was withdrawn after 68 mins and replaced by Patipol Phetwiset. The Sharks did likewise just 2 minutes later, replacing Byrne with Cameroonian striker Jules Baga.

The change seemed to do the trick for the visitors who attacked the United goal with renewed vigour and Arthit Sunthornpit shaved the Pattaya woodwork with two long range efforts. Then, with just 15 minutes left in the match, a lapse in concentration in the center of the Dolphin’s defence allowed Ekaphan Inthasen to ghost in on goal, round the keeper and give Chonburi the lead.

It proved to be the decisive moment of the game as Pattaya were unable to carve out any further clear chances and Chonburi ran down the clock to retain the early season bragging rights on the Eastern Seaboard and also take over top spot in the Premier League with two wins out of two.

United will feel that they at least deserved a point from this game but some glaring second half errors, both up front and in defence, ultimately proved costly.

Subject to confirmation, the team will next travel to the Thai Army Sports Stadium in Din Daeng, Bangkok on Sunday, April 11 to take on the Royal Thai Army team. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Chonburi meanwhile will make the long trip north on Saturday to play surprise form team TTM Pichit with the game starting at 6 p.m.

The region’s other Premier League team, Raj Navy Rayong, took on defending champions Muang Thong United last Saturday and were unlucky to lose 1-0 to a penalty from Dagno Siaka. Navy are now struggling at the foot of the table having failed to garner any points from their opening three matches.


2010 Top of The Gulf Regatta set to sail

William J. Gasson, Chairman of the Organizing Committee
of Top of the Gulf Regatta (5
th from left), Kirati Assakul,
Board of Director of Ocean Marina Yacht Club (3rd from right),
junior sailors Keerati Bualong and Noppakao Poonpat, and sponsors attended a TOG Regatta press conference held at the MaDuZi Hotel, Bangkok, April 2

The 2010 Top of the Gulf Regatta is set to sail from 30th April to 4th May at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya. Now in its sixth year, the Regatta has cemented Pattaya’s position as a leading destination to host international sailing events.

The Top of the Gulf Regatta is the only multi-class regatta of its kind in Thailand, with keel boats, multihulls, beach catamarans, dinghies and Optimists all taking to the waters in the Gulf of Thailand. Hosted at the Ocean Marina – the only international-standard marina on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard – the Top of the Gulf Regatta incorporates the Coronation Cup for one-design Platus and the Thailand Optimist Nationals for junior Optimist sailors.

The 2010 TOG Regatta will include the following classes: IRC Racing 1, IRC Racing 2, IRC Racing 3, IRC Cruising, IRC Charter Boat, Sports Boats, Platu, Ocean Multihulls, Hobie Tiger, Hobie 16, Open Monohull Dinghy, Laser and Optimist. Trophies are awarded for winners in each class, with Optimist entrants competing for the Thailand Optimist National Championship and the One-Design Platu class competing for the Platu Coronation Cup.

The Top of the Gulf Regatta continues to grow and word of the Regatta continues to spread far and wide as seen by the increasing number of international entries. Entries this year are expected from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and even Myanmar, to name only a few. A number of the top competitors on the regional sailing circuit are also expected to attend this year.

Entries are already strong for the keel boat classes and for the one-design Platus and a large number of multihulls are expected this year with many sailing from Phuket to challenge the Pattaya-based Corsairs for the 2010 class title.

Ocean Marina Yacht Club has been the host venue for the Top of the Gulf Regatta since the very beginning and offers berthing, hotel and resort facilities to the 500 plus participants who take part in the regatta each year. The marina-base makes Ocean Marina an ideal venue for large-scale international sailing events while the beach access is ideal for dinghy classes.

The dinghy fleet is expected to be strong again this year. Thai Laser National Champion, Keerati Bualong, finished sixth in the 29th Volvo ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, held among 300 young competitors from over 50 countries in Brazil, and more recently won the 2010 Asia Pacific Laser Championships (Laser Standard Rig) held in Thailand. He will return to defend his title in the Monohull Dinghy class at the Top of the Gulf Regatta.

Fellow Sattahip-sailor, 13 year old Noppakao Poonpat, winner of the Thailand Optimist Nationals in 2009, and recent gold-medal winner in the girls division at the International Optimist World Championship in Brazil, will return to defend her crown at the 2010 Thailand Optimist Nationals. These two junior Thai sailing stars currently lead the large crop of young sailing talent coming through the national system.

In addition to what is expected to be a near-record Optimist fleet and a hotly contended Laser fleet, some Byte II’s are also expected to take part this year.

The Top of the Gulf Regatta continues to be a highly competitive international regatta attracting competitors from all over the world, while proving to be an ideal competitive training ground for the growing ranks of junior Thai sailors. The Regatta is also a significant contributor to the Pattaya’s tourism industry.

For more information, visit www.topofthegulfregatta.com. (Press Release)


Sriracha sign Nigerian defender on loan

Theerarak Suithathiwong

Thai Division 1 soccer outfit, Sriracha FC, have secured a one year loan deal for Nigerian defender Keneth Axpurse. The former Thai Airways-Ban Bung player is currently contracted to Chonburi FC but will now move down the road to play for the ‘Blue Marlins’ until the end of the current season.

Keneth Axpurse.

Axpurse was unveiled to the Sriracha fans at a press conference held at the Princess Sirindhorn Stadium on March 31. Assistant coach Tanaset Amornsinchai said the Nigerian would help solve a defensive crisis currently afflicting the club.

“We are having some problems with the defence and therefore we decided to take him (Axpurse0 on loan until the end of the season,” said Tanaset. “In the event of injuries or suspensions, we will have more choices for backfield players and I believe that this new player will enhance the defence. The plan is for Kennet to most likely be one of the 11 starting players.”

The 22 year old Axpurse will be given the number 25 shirt at Sriracha.


Pattaya Cricket Sixes Final this weekend

The finals of the inaugural Pattaya Cricket Sixes tournament will take place this Friday and Saturday, April 9-10 at Horseshoe Point Resort on Siam Country Club Road. Sixteen cricket teams from Asia Pacific & Worldwide will compete for honours in Cup, Plate, Bowl and Spoon divisions in the all action six-a-side cricket match format.

Spectators are encouraged to come along and cheer on the teams in what promises to be a spectacular feast of cricket. Admission to the ground is free of charge and refreshment and food stands have been set up for the convenience of both players and spectators.


Bashundhara Cricketeers retain the Chiang Mai Sixes Cup

2010 San Miguel Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes

The 2010 Chiang Mai Sixes Cup winners, the Bashundhara Cricketeers.

Justin Moseley

Finals day of the San Miguel Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes at the Gymkhana Club last Saturday saw the Cup won by the Bashundhara Cricketeers, the Bowl by the Tokyo Dingbats, the Shield by the Yorkshire Puddings, the Plate by the Ashwell Martlets, and the Spoon by the Armadillos.

The Thai Angels receive the Ladies winners’ cup.

In the Cup Final the Lik Lik Wombats from Australia batted first and lost one early wicket as Bashundhara, the 2009 Cup Holders, continued with sharp fielding. Super batting by the Wombat’s Trent Conwell followed, but he was caught by Taposh and their final score was 51.

Bashundhara came into bat and it was clear from the first ball hit for 6 that they meant business and Jupiter fired 2 more sixes in the first over. The Wombats really had little chance of stopping the boundary bashing and the game ended in the third over with another six by Jupiter.

Earlier in the day, in the first Cup semi-final, Bashundhara made a fine batting start of 86 against the 2007 Cup Winners the Gloucestershire Gipsies from England. Despite some spirited batting and running from Shackleton (retired), Obst and Johnson, the English team just could not match such a high score.

The second Cup semi-final saw the local Irish Pub take on the Lik Lik Wombats. The Wombats, who had quietly put in solid performances all week, began with strong batting and running to set a score of 75, despite some great bowling and a super catch on the boundary by Zeshan. The Irish Pub’s response started well with 2 sixes, but their chance of victory was lost by the Wombats taking 2 wickets in 2 balls (bowled by Brook Grumont) and 2 catches and a wicket by Trent Conwell.

The Bowl Final was between the Tokyo Dingbats and the local lads of Thai Thevada, who have played so well all week. The Dingbats set a good target of 78 with Ferris and Goold retiring after great batting. Their score, with some tight bowling of their own, proved too much for the Thai lads, who nevertheless did put up a wonderful display and were also perhaps the first ever at the Sixes to run 5.

Competition for the Shield began with a victory in the first semi-final for Yarrambat over the Lanka Lions. Excellent batting again from Daniel Shaw contributed to the win. The second semi-final saw the Yorkshire Puddings win from the Divine Felons, who, despite fine batting as usual from Asif, could not match the excellent fielding and swift running of the English side.

The Shield Final saw Yarrambat open and lose key batsman Daniel Shaw early on, but a retirement from Simon Bray and other good performances saw a score of 62, despite some very determined and vocal fielding from the Yorkshire Puddings, which included a catch by Saj Hussain.

The Puddings innings started badly as Ijaz was bowled and tight fielding with good bowling by Lamb and Shaw saw Troy Harvey catch Maz Butt. However, a star performance in the final over from Saj Hussain saw him clinch the match with 3 sixes, the last one off the final ball.

In the first Plate semi-final the local Gymkhana Cavaliers set a score of 70 which looked hard for their opponents Almar to beat, but solid batting and a six from the last ball of the game just saw the South Africans through to the final. The second Plate semi-final saw the Taranaki Taverners from New Zealand fall to the superior batting of the Ashwell Martlets from England.

In the Plate Final Ashwell continued their superiority and, despite some good fielding, beat Almar quite easily.

In the Spoon Final the Armadillos from England faced the Ios Malakas from Greece. The Greeks batted first and, despite some good bowling and having to run hard, scored 73. The Armadillos batted well and never gave up as they chased the score set and won the game on the final ball.

The Ladies Final, between the Thai Angels and the Thai Pixies and won by the Angels, perfectly illustrated the youthful enthusiasm that exists for cricket in Chiang Mai and Thailand. The Angels batted first and racked up 52 runs off their 5 overs but the Pixes, despite not losing a wicket, could only muster 26 in reply.

Ex-Australian international Trevor Chappell’s team,
 the Maythais, bat during one of the earlier round matches.


Audemars Pigeut win 9th King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

The victorious Audemars Pigeut team hold the trophy aloft after winning the 2010 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Chiang Rai, Sunday, March 28.

Report & Photos Anantara Golden
Triangle Resort

This year’s annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament, held in the idyllic surroundings of the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, provided spectators with nail biting matches, a beautiful setting and a great cause to rally around.

From March 22 to March 28, twelve elite teams from all around the world descended upon Chiang Rai in the North of Thailand and battled it out for the championship of this unique and increasingly-competitive sport. The real winners, however, were the elephants themselves – over US$300,000 has been raised since the tournament started in 2001 to help provide protection and support for the embattled Thai elephant.

Expanding in popularity, The King’s Cup Elephant Polo has gone from a small two day event with six teams into a week-long extravaganza with the 2010 tournament featuring twelve teams from four continents, encompassing forty players from a least fifteen different countries.

As anticipated by the experts, the finale pitted King Power against the Audemars Piguet team. It was a close game until the second half, where Audemars Pigeut’s superior polo-skills and greater reach eventually won out with the team coming from behind to take the overall tournament.

King Power look set for a win early in the game by firmly planting the first goal in the opening thirty seconds but it was the unbeatable performance and teamwork of team captain Peter Prentice and brothers Uday and Angad Kalaan that took the Audemars Piguet team to a resounding four point win over Kings Power; the final score being 10 to 6.

To top everything off, a gala dinner held during the tournament garnered 1.8 million baht for the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and the National Elephant Institute, the official beneficiaries of the annual event.

The expanded tournament featured teams from four continents.


Murphy wins, Jim feels the sting

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Continuing with the 6:30 a.m. early start, the Three Sisters group hit the Pattaya Country Club this past 31st of March. Conditions were ideal, the course was in good shape and it didn’t take long for the sun to warm things up.

Winner Dale Murphy, left, with runner up Somyong Ishii.

Starting with a twosome, the group then sent out 4 sets of four. Everyone moved along quite well with one foursome breathing down another’s neck so at a convenient “refreshment” stand, the foursome being pushed decided to have an early beer break.

One poor soul making his way to the green on #12 met up with some very aggressive wasps (not to be confused with White Anglo Saxon Protestants) who proceeded to put a triple sting on the back of his neck, this following a coffee scalding a day earlier. Suggest Jim stay home the rest of the week.

Back at Caddy Shack II a tally of the cards showed Dale Murphy coming in with a 38 for first place followed by Somyong Ishii with a 34. Then came two 33s, one 32 and six 31s.

Spicy and regular dogs were provided by Herbie along with other snacks.


McAllister & Robertson top the tree at charity golf tourney

Phoenix Tuesday Golf Group 1st Charity Tournament

Tournament winners Neil McAllister and John Robertson, center right & center left, receive their crystal trophies from Mike Gerrard and Bob Neylon.

Mike Gerrard

At last the day arrived. After weeks of preparation including the last two days crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s by Bob Neylon and myself, we arrived at the course nice and early. Bob set out the registration desk whilst yours truly dashed round the course to get all the technical prize flags on the greens and sponsor sheets on the tees.

I didn’t realise how long this takes and I had to leave it to my missus to finish that job on the back nine whilst I went to the No 1 tee to welcome the first team of the day.

Our first team was that of Bob Neylon & and his lovely wife, Ying. So as they set off, Stuart Gordon and helpers looked after the registration desk.

We had hoped for approx 20 teams of 4, but were more than happy that we did achieve our original figure of 15 groups (luckily all four-balls). When you organise a 2-ball scramble the worst scenario is that you may be 1 or 2 players short. Amazingly everybody turned up.

So away went the first groups to play the Lakes and Ocean course, and the skies looked a little threatening. Sadly this turned out to be the only thing anybodies God had against us.

Normally rain storms last about 15 to 20 minutes here in paradise, but today the gods decided that we should endure a good 60 minute downpour. This caused chaos at the 6th hole drinks hut, finally causing a 6 group pile up for the 6th tee, (I have just realised that adds up to ‘666’ the devils sign).

We also had to suffer some comments after the game from a few selfish minded people who felt that play should not have stopped, and that the ones who did stop should have been disqualified. I honestly cannot understand anyone who insists that players try to play through thunder and lightning? Kamikaze is all I can think of.

So, unfortunately due to the back ups, this led to a six and a half hour round. What is six and a half hours out of your life when you think of the reason we were doing it for?

Never mind, we finished in the last of the daylight and whilst Bob was collating the scores I went round the course to retrieve the technical prize flags and sponsor signs.

So it was all back to Noy’s Music Bar for a welcome buffet and presentation.

As usual on days like this the same guys who arrive early to start the day are the last to get back to finish the day. This was true for Bob and myself. By the time we got back most of the food was gone. No problem, after a few enquiries I was delighted to hear from all that the food was splendid. So the first thanks for the day went to the management and staff of Noy’s Bar for providing the catering. The layout of the tables and chairs was also excellent. And, do you know what? It didn’t rain at the buffet! God knows what we would have done if it had.

I would like to give my thanks to Patrick Browne (with an E) for the excellent photos he took as we performed the evening’s fun. I can assure you that his camera is somewhat better than a Brownie?

On to the rest of the thanks for the day: firstly all of the players who took part. Your contribution was exactly 30,000 baht. Well done everybody, you did very well.

Secondly we thank Pattaya Sports Club for donating 20,000 baht. Another major sponsor was Stuart Gordon, who donated a PSC shirt and cap for all the near pin prizes. These were won by - Maurice Guiney, Dave Czernie, Willy Hindsjo and Neil McAllister.

San Miguel donated 2 cases of light beer. These went to Mike Pledger for his second shot nearest to the pin on Lakes 6 and Clive Robinson and Kristinn Helgason as a consolation 4th place with 41 points.

Bob and Ying Neylon donated a bottle of Jameson’s whiskey for the men’s long drive which was won by Dave Edwards and a bottle of Penfold wine for the Ladies long drive, collected by Amphan North.

One sadly missed man (due to his wrists not healing well enough to play yet) was Giorgio Baccioli of Trattoria Italiana, who donated 2 lucky draw vouchers worth 500 baht each and 1 x 1,000 baht voucher for the longest putt on the 18th hole. He will never believe that yours truly (Mike Gerrard) was the victor for this one.

Keith Keohane of KPK Foods donated 2 lucky draw vouchers worth 500 baht each and a bottle of Johnny Walker whiskey for the tee shot nearest the centre line on Ocean 6, won by Prasong O’Conner. (Terry, you shouldn’t let a woman like that out alone?). Only joking bud, the girls were great company all day.

That covers the technical prize sponsors and the following are thanked for various luck draw prizes.

Town in Town Hotel (Accommodation vouchers), Kitty Stor (clothing vouchers), Black Star Jewellery who donated a beautiful set of silver/gold plated cufflinks, Noys Bar (2 bottles of gin), John Bartley (silver pen and ball marker), The Amari Hotel (two restaurant vouchers) and Mike Gerrard (various items). We have also been promised some various sports balls i.e. basket ball, soccer ball etc. which will be given to the Ban Jing Jai Orphanage on receipt.

A cash donation of 6,000 baht (who wishes to remain anonymous) was welcome and a cash donation of 1,000 baht was received with thanks from Visa Plus (next to Immigration Office in Soi 5 Jomtien)

So, onto the main prizes: good scores were attained even though the rain storm had spoiled things a little. All three places were the same score, 43 points with count back scores deciding the positions. All received a nice crystal glass vase of different sizes.

In third place (back nine score 20 points) was the team of Gary Blackburne and Dave Boran. The runners up were Bengt Borg and Hans Collet (back nine score 22), and the winners, (back nine score 23 points) were Neil McAllister and John Robertson.

Finally, it has to be reported that we achieved the grand total of 50,000 baht raised on the day. This is to added to the monies raised by Lewiinski’s some 3 weeks ago for the same orphanage (Ban Jing Jai). Their money along with ours has been passed onto the Charity Chairman of the PSC, William Macey. Work has already started to install a new drinking water machine and repairs to their roof and guttering.

God bless all of you who stooped to help those in need, you are the tallest of people.


Graham makes light of April showers

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, March 29, St Andrews - Stableford

Playing St Andrews made a pleasant change for the Bunker Boy’s and what a lovely day for golf it was. William Macey certainly thought so as he won by two points ahead of Paul Edgar while Gerry Cooney came in third.

Gerry Cooney – winner at Treasure Hill.

1st William Macey (15) 38pts
2nd Paul Edgar (17) 36pts
3rd Gerry Cooney (13) 35pts
Near Pins
: PJ, Gerry Cooney (x3)
Wednesday, March 31, Treasure Hill - Stableford

Gerry Cooney ended the month like he means business by scoring 35 points at Treasure Hill, which is not easy to do, and winning by three points from Jack Robertson. Mashie trailed in third with a measly 28 points.

1st Gerry Cooney (13) 35pts
2nd Jack Robertson (24) 32pts
3rd Mashie Kaneta (11) 28pts
Near Pins
: John Graham, Gordon Melia
Friday, April 2, Bangpra – Stableford

Playing the third stableford game this week it was a close fought tussle today with only one point separating the top three. A downpour which lasted for forty minutes or so didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, especially John Graham who won today by one point ahead of Lee Butler who himself only beat Gerry Cooney on a count back. Geoff Hart squeezed into the money by scoring 34 points to nick fourth place.

1st John Graham (11) 37pts
2nd Lee Butler (17) 36pts
3rd Gerry Cooney (13) 36pts
4th Geoff Hart (17) 34pts
Near Pins
: Mashie Kaneta, Lee Butler (x2).


Tony & Ken battle it out at Bangpra

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, March 30, Bangpra - Stableford

Tuesday saw us return to Bangpra for this new Low Season, following a long absence necessitated by the 11.00 am start times imposed in the High Season. The course was not crowded so we were able to get off right on time, and so it was that our all buggy riding 4-some led us off, setting a good pace for the rest to follow.

Tony Chetland and Ken Hole after their close contest at Bangpra.

The course was in good condition, especially the fairways, which were well grassed with no bare patches. The greens, of which some had been lightly sanded, were good, although not as fiery as times past, possibly a blessing for some.

Despite the good course conditions, good scores were thin on the ground, with Tony Chetland (17) just edging Ken Hole (16) on a count back 17 to 16 on the back 9, after both signed for 33 points.

The near pins were spread around between Jeff, Jim & Lucky, who made her first visit to the paymaster after a nice shot on the 2nd, hopefully more to come.

Thursday, April 1, Greenwood - Stableford

April Fool’s Day saw no pranks amongst the group, although the Greenwood B & C course was throwing up some tricks to the golfers involved. Again good course conditions, although very hot, which sapped the energy of all players, with no-one breaking their handicap, for the second game in a row.

Best of the day was Yves Philibert (26) with 35 points, hotly pursued by Les Easton (14) with 34, (a big improvement over Tuesday), and in third & fourth respectively, and separated only by a count back of 17 to 16, were Martin Hayes (13) and Jeff Wylie (5), both with 32 points.

The near pins on the day went to Martin, Les & Jeff, while the C3 hole proved too tough a challenge, resulting in a donation to the Banglamung Boys Home.

Next week is Songkran so Mulligans Lakeside is playing on Monday at Royal Lakeside, to avoid the increased tariffs at the local courses, while still offering a game to those keen regulars amongst us.

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!


Moore of the same for Brendan

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Saturday winners: Marie Intini, Bruce Bennett,
Jeff Boylan, Fergus Brennan and Mod Chaviraksa.

Barry Hooper

Who is Brendan Moore? Good question. The answer is that he is the man who had two firsts and a second last week with the TRGG. But believe me that is really only part of the tale.

Despite his win at Emerald on Monday by count back over three other players, namely Phil Battah, Fergus Brennan and David Park, a second at Treasure Hill on Tuesday, again on count back over Tewin Lamthong, and a convincing first at Phoenix on Thursday, Brendan sadly missed out on another opportunity for a placing at Eastern Star on Saturday. Why? A coconut tree.

At the fifteenth hole his ball (his last Pro V1 in his bag he advised me) decided to lodge itself in a coconut tree and despite the best efforts of all in his group and many, many minutes of attention, it was never to be seen again. I actually saw him personally being consoled by fellow players back at the Travellers Rest. This was to cost him important points on the back nine and resulted in Mod Chaviraksa and Paul Scholes beating him on count back by one for third spot in Division 1. It is a tough game this golf business at times isn’t it?

Monday, March 29, Emerald - Stableford
1st Brendan Moore (12) 38pts
2nd Phil Battah (15) 38pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (11) 38pts
4th David Park (6) 38pts

Our first outing was to Emerald on Monday and, with the numbers down and starting to drop off a little, we just had the one division.

First to fourth place saw 4-way count back fight between Brendan Moore, Phil Battah, Fergus Brennan and David Park, all on 38 points. After the calculations were done, the players finished in that order with Brendan taking the win.

Three ‘2’ were achieved by Brendan Kenny, Bill McGarvie and Brendan Moore.

Tuesday, March 30, Treasure Hill - Stableford
1st Ito Akitoshi (8) 32pts
2nd Brendan Moore (12) 31pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (9) 31pts
4th David Park (5) 31pts

Tuesday was a trip to Treasure Hill where we had not visited in some time. This is just not everyone’s favourite course it seems as the numbers in attendance proved to be very low. However, Ito Akitoshi seems to like it as he walked away with the win ahead of Brendan Moore and Tewin Lamthong, who had to be separated by count back with Brendan edging it over the last six by one.

Two ‘2’s came from Ito Akitoshi and Fergus Brennan

Thursday, April 1, Phoenix – Stableford
1st Brendan Moore (11) 39pts
2nd Roger Ison (9) 37pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (11) 35pts
4th Bill McGarvie (11) 35pts

Thursday was April Fool’s Day and a regular outing to Phoenix to play the Lakes and Ocean course. The numbers were down again so just the one division.

April 1st it may have been but there were no fools on this day which saw a convincing win for Brendan Moore, his second of the week, ahead of Roger Ison in second. Mod Chaviraksa was third some four points back of the day’s winner.

Two ‘2’s were recorded by Brendan Moore and Mod Chaviraksa and Brendan rang the bell at the Travellers Rest for all those in attendance at the presentation.

Saturday, April 3, Eastern Star - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 38pts
2nd Larry Simpson (10) 36pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (11) 32pts
4th Paul Scholes (10) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Bruce Bennett (23) 39pts
2nd Marie Intini (21) 37pts
3rd Jeff Boylan (27) 36pts
4th Alan Evans (23) 36pts

Saturday and off we went to our alternative weekend venue of Eastern Star. The entry numbers were good on this day and we had two divisions with pay outs down to fourth place.

Bruce Bennett finished top in Division 2 ahead of Marie Intini in second, Jeff Boylan in third spot and Alan Evans fourth.

The boss himself, Fergus Brennan, headed the list in the top flight with 38 points, two clear of Larry Simpson in second place. (That should stop him commenting on how bad his game is). Mod Chaviraksa was some way back in third on 32, heading a three-way count back over Paul Scholes and Brendan Moore.

There were no ‘2’s today so we had the traditional bell ringing for all at the presentation back at the hotel.

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.


Maiko makes it his day

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton

Tuesday, March 30, Bangpakong – Stableford

Last Tuesday we had a large group of golfers, but several were playing their last round before heading back to their home countries, like migrating geese. Omens like this have a positive implication for those who stay, since they presage the fall in green fees as we enter the “slow” season. What is bad for bar girls is good for golfers.

Derek Brook, left, congratulates Doug Maiko on winning the Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month Award for March.

We had a couple of ladies to augment our withering numbers of withered golfers for this round and we headed way out along the toll road to Bangpakong, which enjoys well watered fairways even during the dry season. The day was fine and the air was mostly still.

This day was exciting, since it would decide who would be the winner of the prestigious ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’ award. There was no clear leader and the prize was entirely up for grabs. As the scores started to come in, our captain remarked how there was a clear demarcation in results between the various flights, as the lower handicappers were carrying the day. In the end, Doug Maiko took the best score and won the Alain Bolton shoe bag. When asked why he had so excelled this day, he boomed, “Obama Care!”

A Flight (0-17)
1st Doug Maiko, 41pts
2nd Apple Blackwell 38pts
3rd Richard Kubicki 38pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Graham Buckingham 37pts
2nd Frank Pilkington 34pts
3rd Mick O’Meara 34pts
Near Pins
: Carole Kubicki, Brian Downey, Eddie Blackwell, Mick O’Connor
Long Putts
: Brian Downey, Graham Buckingham


Allidi pars the course but finishes second

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn

Monday, March 29, Plutaluang N&S - Stableford

Well, the low season is now well & truly upon us as there were only fifteen names on the starting sheet, which is the lowest number for many a month. There are many more people going than coming at the moment and today will see the last of Richard & Carole Kubicki in Pattaya until later in the year. Brian Gabe is also leaving us for a few months as he returns to Detroit, Michigan later this week. The Admiral is going back to the USA for 3 weeks on his S.A.T. (Songkran Avoidance Trip) and also Walter Baechli is returning to his native Switzerland for a month.

The scribe, left, with Thursday’s winner Joseph Bensoussan.

In light of the absence of regular members and the obvious traffic problems that will occur, there will be no golf played out of Caf้ Kronborg from April 9 to April 21 inclusive. Looking at the scores of the last two games it will be a good chance for all to recharge their batteries as I feel quite a few of us are “golfed out”.

We arrived at Plutaluang after a 40 minute drive and it wasn’t long before we were able to assemble at the first tee on North course and our first group hit off at 0945, 15 minutes ahead of schedule. The weather was hot with little breeze so fluid intake was the order of the day.

The course was as usual in good shape with the greens a little slower that other courses and the first couple of greens had been sanded, but all in all conditions were fine for golf although it was not reflected in the overall scoring with no-one playing to their handicap. Taking it easy due to the heat we had several stops for drinks and completed our round in four hours and forty-five minutes.

With the small field we had just the one flight and thanks to the generosity of Walter Baechli we had rewards for nearest the pins on the four par threes.

Doug Maiko continued his good form and won the day by four points from Richard Kubicki. A three-way count back saw Brian Gabe finish third with Bjarne Kjaer fourth and yours truly fifth. Carole Kubicki didn’t finish her trip empty handed as she easily won the “Compass Hat” award.

1st Doug Maiko (16) 35pts
2nd Richard Kubicki (11) 31pts
3rd Brian Gabe (16) 30pts
4th Bjarne Kjaer (19) 30pts
5th Peter Blackburn (14) 30pts
Near Pins
: N3 Richard Kubicki, N6 Doug Maiko, S4 Peter Blackburn, S7 Peter Blackburn.

Thursday, April 1, Greenwood C & B – Stableford.

We had a field of 19 on the starting sheet but 2 people did not show and did not notify anyone of there intention of not playing. I’m sure other golf venues have this problem from time to time but it is especially disrupting for us as we have to order the required number of buses the night before. I hope the “offending” people read this and are at least touched with an appropriate amount of guilt and make the effort to be more considerate in future.

We were pleased to welcome Petteri Kihlberg & Mikko Hiltunon from Finland who were playing with us for the first time. Leaving Caf้ Kronborg a little late after waiting for the “no shows” we arrived at Greenwood around 0915 which gave us plenty of time before our scheduled 1000 tee off time. As usual the Starters were very cooperative and we were able to tee off a little earlier at 0950, starting on C course.

It was very hot as expected but the course was in magnificent shape as ever with the greens being among the best in the region. Water intake was essential of course and after a couple of long drink breaks we completed our round in the excellent time of four hours and twenty minutes.

We had one flight due to the low numbers and once again we had a generous sponsor, Stu Rifkin for prizes on the four par threes.

There were some very good scores on this day and you needed to score to your handicap or better to finish on the podium. It was a count back for first & second place with Mike Allidi extremely unlucky not to win after going round the course in par off his 3 handicap. Great golf from Mike but the winner was his fellow countryman Joseph Bensoussan. Les Hall finished in third place with newcomer Mikko Hiltunon taking fourth.

Alas I have to report that the coveted “Compass Hat” was presented by Stu Rifkin to yours truly. After playing mediocre golf of late it was only a matter of time.

1st Joseph Bensoussan (19) 39pts
2nd Mike Allidi (3) 39pts
3rd Les Hall (18) 38pts
4th Mikko Hiltunon (26) 36pts
Near Pins
: C3 Les Hall, C6 Mikko Hiltunon, B2 Stu Rifkin, B5 Niels Hansen

Papa Ray Rogers Memorial Scramble

Another year has passed and we have just four weeks until the Ray Rogers Memorial birthday four person scramble scheduled for Thursday, May 6 at Plutaluang South & North layouts with a green fee of just 400 baht. Presentation of prizes and food will be back at Ray’s house around the pool afterwards. The sign up sheet goes up on the board at Caf้ Kronborg on April 20 with the entry fee of 500 baht per person to be placed in the box at sign up.


Paul Smith makes a winning start at Emerald

The Ban Chang Golf Society

Entering our second week in the Ban Chang Golf Society, suddenly we were up to 15 players with 13 in the competition and 2 on probation. We welcomed Paul, Alan and Bernie, who will be playing on a regular basis, and big Chris who is down here on a 2 week holiday.

Fine sunshine greeted us at Emerald golf course and we got off on time. Firm greens, tough pin positions and a few guys suffering from the odd drink too many the day before meant that low scores were the order of the day. Yet again the round only took 4 hours even though John Mc had a few words with regards to his group when arriving in club house. Dave then sorted the scores and we retired to Mama’s Bar for prize giving and a few cold ones.

Paul S won the stableford comp with Tony D coming second ahead of Dave on count back.

After Andy M misplaced the nearest the pin flag the week previous, Dangle hastily made one up in time for JJ to come away with the prize.

Blind skins were as follows: Dangle (9), Paul S (4), Martyn (2), Tony D (1) and David (1).

Yet again a good day was had by all, with everyone looking forward to next Friday.


More 10’s than Nadia Comaneci

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Monday, March 29, St. Andrews - Monthly Medal
1st Marc Napier, net 69
2nd John McHugh, net 69
3rd Richard Goad, net 71
4th John Deardon, net 71
5th Gerry Swan, net 73

In the 1976 Montreal Olympics Nadia Comaneci collected 7 perfect 10 scores on route to 3 gold medals in women’s gymnastics. In our Monthly Medal our 26 man field would collect more! Gusting winds and a rain shower proved tough for most. Seemingly unaffected a few shone through though.

Marc Napier – winner at St. Andrews and Greenwood.

Our winner on count back was Marc Napier (7) with net 69, edging John McHugh (8) who had no less than 5 birdies on the day. Well battled gents! Third, also on count back, was Richard Goad (12) with a net 71 ahead of John Deardon (20). Taking the final place on the podium was Gerry Swan (13) with net 73 having never played the course before, well done!

Wednesday, March 31, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Marc Napier 37pts
2nd Keith Worboys 35pts
3rd Richard Goad 35pts

Marc Napier continued his great play for back to back wins at The Golf Club. Greenwood didn’t seem all that far, now that the new connector has finally opened. We completed 4 holes before the skies opened, but a short delay didn’t slow down Marc. He finished with 37 points. Keith Worboys was second on 35 points, nudging Richard Goad in the count back.

The B nine had recently been top dressed but was adequate, something I think we all will be facing throughout our local golfing destinations.

Friday, April 2, Bangpra – Stableford
1st John McHugh 38pts
2nd Gabriel Enrighht 35pts
3rd Brad Sproxton 35pts

John was on his game right from the start, handling more distractions than just the local primates. His playing partners were providing many not so memorable shots and John had quotes for all: The Mountie hit a “snappy McSquirrel”, a left snap hook and running for the trees. This was followed by “slapping fades”, “worm burners”, “sandy slashes” and the list grew throughout the day. He ended with 38 points. Second, winning on count back, was Gabriel Enright with 35 points and Brad Sproxton came third. The rest of the primates enjoyed watching their counterparts frolicking in the pond on 17!

Just a note to say that we have a SongKran “Get Outa Dodge” trip heading for the Pak Chong area. Stop in and peruse our sign-up sheets for this great trip or call Brad on 080 771 0673. Cheers and Chilly Beers!

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 pattaya4golf@ gmail.com and our new website is www.golfclubpattaya.com.


Doody’s at the double

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Benny’s old friends pay respects to their departed golfing mate at Green Valley.

Sunday, March 28, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Newlan (12) 38pts
2nd Pat Reagan (9) 38pts
3rd Jim Munns (12) 33pts
B Flight
1st Kathy Doody (17) 38pts
2nd Andrew Byrne (14) 37pts
3rd Eddy Beilby (16) 37pts
C Flight
1st Geoff Doody (24) 34pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (20) 32pts

Near Pins: No2 Jon Hanger, No9 Jum Karagit, No12 Gabriel Enright, No16 Christy Knight.

Today’s game was held in memory of our great friend and fellow golfer Benny O’Connor who passed away last August. It was well contested to the end having to rely on a count back, with B Flights ‘Sugar Babe’ Kathy Goody’s backside adjudged the winner over the A Flight pairing of Steve Newlan and ‘young’ Pat Reagan, all carding 38 solid points. Andrew Byrne took second in B Flight with a count back victory over Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby

Jimmy ‘Capt Fogg’ Munns emerged from a long slump to fill the big boy’s flight five shots back.

Memorial winner Kathy Doody, right, receives her trophy from the Lewiinski’s President.

Meanwhile Geoff Doody took the honours in C Flight, posting 34 points to complete a family double. Lou Zig Zag collected some pocket money for a taxi to the airport – let’s hope he does not miss his flight this time as his racehorse Zoikdorp is about to start work on the milk float. Completing the line up proudly dressed in his wedding suit ‘hey up mango’ was the jovial Christy Knight a further shot back.

Steve Gibson, Kristy Knight, and how could I leave Jimmy Day out, shared the ‘2’s pot.

Back at Lewiinski’s the Captain Seamus gave a long and praising speech thanking every one for their support, particularly the staff and management, David Dennagly for sponsoring the near pins, with special thanks to John Hartigan and Christy Knight. The partying went on long in to the night making it a marvelous event that will be eagerly awaited next year.

Monday, March 29, Khao Kheow – Stableford
1st Andrew Byrne (14) 39pts
2nd Vic Hester (14) 38pts
3rd Peter Hynard (15) 37pts

A trip to the Pete and Perry Dye designed Khao Kheow is always a pleasure and the course was found to be in its usual excellent condition. This suited Ireland’s Andrew Byrne who managed to put Sunday’s count back disappointment behind him to fire (pun intended) a match winning 39 points.

The reliable Vic Hester came up a shot shy for second and Peter Hynard was a further shot back to complete the rostrum places.

Our old friend Frenchman Serge Stratten made a rare appearance to post the days only ‘2’.

Wednesday, March 31, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Newlan (12) 35pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Iva Plunkett (19) 33pts
2nd Jorn Finnerup (25) 33pts

Was it the length of the ride out? Was it the small Sir Nick Faldo and Desmond Muirhead designed greens? Was it the extra club wind? Were they just lousy golfers with unfounded visions of grandeur? Whatever it was it was ugly with no golfer matching par.

The only shining light was Steve Newlan who posted 35 points for his second A F light victory this week and man of the match. Tore ‘The Viking’ Eliassen took second a shot adrift.

B Flight simmered as Ivan Plunkett, Jon Finnerup and Sim Davis fought tooth and nail, posting 33 points apiece. Ivan won the flight with two no scores on his card, Jorn was second with three no scores on his and little Sim had the same three no scores for nothing.

I guess it would be too much to ask if anyone posted a ‘2’? Thought so, it’s a rollover on Friday.

Friday, April 2, Eastern Star - Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Gibson (10) 39pts
2nd Andrew Byrne (11) 37pts
3rd Pierre Bietry (17) 36pts
B Flight
1st Seesa Phompimon (30) 35pts
2nd Mike Jeffreys (19) 34pts
3rd Martin Solberg (18) 34pts

Steve Gibson has a great deal of upside potential even though he is currently off a very creditable 10 handicap. His 39 points at the demanding Eastern Star layout is testimony to that. Andrew Byrne thought he had done what he had to do by posting 37 points; he just did it on the wrong day. Pierre ‘The Magician’ kept his head bent to accept the third place prize for his less than memorable 36 point haul.

The action in B Flight was reasonably sublime in comparison to the big boys’ flight; Seesa Phompimon with 35 points took the top spot, Mike Jeffreys a shot back was placed second in a three way count back and Martin Solberg rounded out the flight. Brian ‘Mini’ Copper was the unlucky player.

Marc Napier and Andrew Byrne split the rollover ‘2’s pot.

Capt Fogg was the first to spot last week’s deliberate mistake and wins a bottle of Sarson’s malt. What’s the odds on Andrew Byrne winning on Sunday?

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 put your name on the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764


Outbackers overshadowed by ‘The Mountain’

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Friday’s Div A winner Chris Fletcher, right, with Steve Milne,
Andy Butterworth and Geoff Moodie (20pts) in his special prize hat.

Monday, March 29, Burapha - Stableford

The unusual pairing of Belfry & Cypress from the blue tees provided a testing course for the 50 Outbackers playing this regular Monday slot. Belfry is arguably one of the best nine holes in the Pattaya area, particularly the third, with water all down the left into a well guarded green and the long downhill fourth with its spectacular view. Cypress, more often than not, is played from the shorter whites, so today was going to be tougher than in recent weeks.

Recent resident to Pattaya, Steve Mann, led the way in Div A with an excellent 39 points and the day’s top score, playing off 11, but it will not be long before Steve is down to a single figure handicapper if he continues his consistent scoring. Jon Haugen was one behind with 38 points followed by another steady player who is always there or thereabouts, John Cunningham.

Div. B involved the only count back of the day, between Lawrie McBride and Chris Davisson, both with 36 and Lawrie getting the nod. Div. C was won by Richard Garland with the same score (36pts) and first and second in Div D went to a couple of Aussie visitors; Chris Van (35pts) and Ron Meldrum (34pts).

Finally there were seven ‘2’s from Chris Davisson, Brian Maddox, John Cunningham, Joe Mooneyham, Jim Bryan, Ivan Plunkett & Gavin Knox.

Div A (0-11)
1st Steve Mann (11) 39pts
2nd Jon Haugen (8) 38pts
3rd John Cunningham (7) 37pts
Div B (12-14)
1st Lawrie McBride (14) 36pts
2nd Chris Davisson (13) 36pts
3rd Tom Fitzpatrick (12) 35pts
Div C (15-18)
1st Richard Garland (15) 36pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (18) 34pts
3rd Chris Dopp (15) 32pts
Div D (19+)
1st Chris Van Hausen (27) 35pts
2nd Ron Meldrum (25) 33pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (19) 32pts

Tuesday, March 30, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

Muang Kaew Golf, at km 7.7 on Sukhumvit in Bangkok, received a facelift from Schmidt & Curley about five years ago, and now bears distinct similarities around the greens to Chiang Mai Highlands (it’s sister course) and Siam Plantation. That is about it, other than that, it’s like any other Bangkok course, as flat as a pancake, with an elevated motorway going straight through the middle of it.

Capt’ Bob, General Jack & Rosco, playing there on an Agent’s day out in a painfully slow round, were enjoying some hot sunny conditions and but somewhat surprised to learn that the 23 Outbackers at Pattaya C.C. were getting a bit of a dousing, so much so, that one group failed to finish.

However, there was some excellent scoring from the day’s organiser, Chad, with 40 points to win Div A from Mike Tilley, sporting his new Outback maintained handicap of 17, in second with 38.

John Stafford went one better than his 40 points on Friday, with 41 today, comfortably winning Div B by four from Paul Smets and Laong, both on 37.

There was a ‘jackpot 2’ bagged by Frank O’Neill.

Div A (0-18)
1st Barry Chadbourn (17) 40pts
2nd Mike Tilley (17) 38pts
3rd Frank O’Neill (18) 37pts
Div B (19+)
1st John Stafford (19) 41pts
2nd Paul Smets (21) 37pts
3rd Laong (37) 37pts

Wednesday, March 31, Mountain Shadow - Stableford

This course ranks alongside Khao Kheow in terms of difficulty, maybe even more so, and is most definitely in need of re-rating, even though it is relatively short. 34 Outbackers tackled Mountain Shadow today and apart from one exceptional score, most walked away with many tales of woe about the undulating greens or the narrow tree-lined fairways, not to mention the water. One player got through two packs of balls and that still wasn’t enough! Cottee (Wayne Cotterell) had 4 points on the front nine and 18 on the back; Bruce Milner could only manage 19 points over the whole 18, whilst Dave Headington would rather forget his 14 points as would Eddie Delaney his 19.

Top scorer and Div C winner, Raleigh Gosney (36pts) was chopped to h’cap 18 but a motion at presentation, by his mate, Chris Dopp, to reduce his h’cap still further to 17, was passed unanimously; so good luck with the new h’cap Raleigh! Jean Guy’s 30 points was sufficient to win Div B from Chris Dopp & Mike Tilley tied on 29 and Ian Heddle took Div A with 33, from gym owner Louis Doyon on 30.

There were two ‘2’s from Louis Doyon and Jason Mills.

Div A (0-14)
1st Ian Heddle (3) 33pts
2nd Louis Doyon (11) 30pts
3rd Lawrie McBride (14) 28pts
Div B (15-18)
1st Jean Guy Gaudet (16) 30pts
2nd Chris Dopp (15) 29pts
3rd Mike Tilley (17) 29pts
Div C (19+)
1st Raleigh Gosney (19) 36pts
2nd Jason Mills (25) 31pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (19) 29pts

Friday, April 2, Khao Kheow - Stableford

A much better effort from the 40 Outbackers on A & B at Khao Kheow today, although only one person played under handicap; Lawrie McBride (14) winning Div B with 37 points. He was six clear of three players all on 31, headed by Joe Mooneyham (14), who edged out Jim Bryan (14) and Jean Guy (16) on count back. Suzi Lawton (13), again playing off 2 less than her handicap, threw away a chance to win Div A when she awarded herself a two shot penalty for playing the wrong ball; she had to settle for second place on count back behind Chris Fletcher (10), both with 35.

Bruce McAdam played well for his 36 points to win Div C by three from Bob Lindborg and the ‘in form’ John Stafford with matching 33s. A special prize was awarded to Geoff Moodie, he’s seen in the pic sporting his new hat, for the day’s low score of just 20 points.

Steve Milne has had his hands on the ‘Roo Cup’ since last July, and together with his new partner, Andy Butterworth, he notched up another successful defence; this time beating the Canadian team of Chris Dopp & Jean Guy, 3 & 2. Just for the record, you Aussie guys, the ‘Roo Cup’ has now been in England since April last year; it’s about time you mustered up a challenge!

There were three ‘2’s from Steve Milne, Steve Pike & David Headington.

Div A (0-13)
1st Chris Fletcher (10) 35pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (13) 35pts
3rd Steven Budrys (12) 33pts
4th Bob Philp (7) 32pts
Div B (14-16)
1st Lawrie McBride (14) 37pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (14) 31pts
3rd James Bryan (14) 31pts
4th Jean Guy Gaudet (16) 31pts
Div C (17+)
1st Bruce McAdam (19) 36pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (18) 33pts
3rd John Stafford (19) 33pts
4th Raleigh Gosney (17) 32pts

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 on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.


Bridge in Paradise : by Neil Robinson

Last week I described a hand with interesting bidding (no fewer than five cue bids in just one hand) from the Contract Bridge League of Thailand (CBLT) Open Teams event held in Bangkok in June 2009.  Here is another hand from this event with interesting bidding and a moral at the end.  Plan how you might bid each of the hands with your favourite partner.  West dealt and no one was vulnerable: 

                            S: KQ42

                            H: AKJ1065

                            D: 87

                            C: 10             

S: A5                                          S: J7

H: 72                                         H: -

D: K96                                       D: J10532

C: AKQ653                              C: J98742

                            S: 109863

                            H: Q9843

                            D: AQ4

                            C: -                  

The reported bidding was:

West          North        East        South

1C              1H             P              4C

Dbl             P                5C           5D

P                 5H             6C           6H

P                 P                7C           Dbl

All pass                                       

The 1C and 1H bids by West and North are routine.  East’s pass seems a little spineless - with that distribution I would bid 5C to try and get in the way of the opponents, in spite of holding only three points.  4C by South is a splinter showing a game going hand in hearts and a singleton or void in clubs.

Now East finally bids 5C (but too late to get in the way of the opposition).  South cue bids the ace of diamonds.  North tries to sign off in 5H, thinking they may be missing two aces (spades and clubs).  With his void, South goes on to 6H over East’s 6C.  However, West is having none of this and sacrifices in 7C doubled.

West made an excellent sacrifice.  6H by North makes unless East leads a diamond at the opening.  Without a diamond lead, North pulls trumps, forces out the ace of spades and throws his second diamond on South’s fifth spade.  7C doubled probably goes down only two, for -300 instead of -980 if N-S made their slam.  With a heart opening lead and if declarer guesses right in diamonds, 7C is off only one, losing just the ace of diamonds (with the losing spade going away on dummy’s long diamonds).

The moral of this hand, according to the CBLT Bridge News is: “when you are in doubt, don’t let your opponents play the hand”.  West certainly took this moral to heart!

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


Shuichi scores all week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, March 29, Bangpra - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Shuichi Kodaka (19) 38pts
2nd Kazuo Takimoto (7) 37pts
3rd Yasuo Suzuki (12) 37pts
4th Rodney Hayes (9) 36pts
5th Russell Exley (7) 34pts

Back to Bangpra where the greens are once again approaching their old speed where anything above the hole will more than likely transpose itself into at least a three putt. So once again it paid to be short, which Shuichi Kodaka achieved either by design or good fortune. Either way it all turned into a winning day for him with a good two under handicap return which was just enough to see him home by a single shot.

Kazuo Takimoto just got the better of Yasuo Suzuki in the count back, taking second with a better 18 to 17 as Yasuo faded through the closing holes. Rodney Hayes made sure of a good day with fourth pace another stroke behind them and two in front of Russell Exley in fifth.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Kazuo Takimoto with one and Rodney Hayes with two shared the first division.

Before the presentations there were farewells for Tony Rose, Kinya Akiyama, Satoru Shibata and Masamoto Kuramechi.

Wednesday, March 31, Plutaluang - Stableford
CSS 75
1st B.J. Smith (23) 35pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (19) 34pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer (14) 33pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki (12) 33pts
5th Orawan Meeraka (32) 32pts

Brutal conditions with very little run on the fairways produced a very poor result for all the players over the old North and South courses, which left the CSS for the day at plus three and making the day non-counting for upward review, although B. J. Smith will look forward to a reduction of a shot for next week as his one over handicap translated into a two under score for handicap purposes. It was a fine effort by B.J. who stuck to the job at hand throughout the round and took his first win for some time.

Shuichi Kodaka again showed well with a couple over handicap for second place and Trevor Schirmer just scraping third after a count back with Yasuo Suzuki, which he won by a margin of 18 to 14. Orawan Meeraka got and honourable mention in fifth place another shot behind them.

Once again there were no 2’s in the second division and once again Rodney Hayes scored in the first division but this time with only one.

With the season fast coming to a close there were no welcomes or welcome backs but again there was a farewell, this time for Mike Sanders.

Friday, April 2, Khao Kheow - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Alan Griffiths (11) 36pts
2nd Bob Lamond (6) 35pts
3rd Rodney Hayes (12) 34pts
4th Trevor Schirmer (14) 31pts
5th Shuichi Kodaka (19) 31pts

Alan Griffiths made a solid return to golf from Soi 13 with a level par round against handicap to just nick the day’s top spot away from Bob Lamond who was a shot back in second. Rodney Hayes touched the money pot again with a steady but unspectacular round for third place, three shots ahead of the next best.

Following his two previous outings when he placed first and second, Shuichi Kodaka did his best to win another for the week but after a strong opening half slumped to a measly 12 points in another count back with Trevor Schirmer which this time he lost by a score of 12 to 17 to end up in fifth place.

With Rodney Hayes missing out for once, Kevin Townsend had the only 2 in the first division and finally the second division rollover went as Dave Spendley swept the pool with an exquisite one that he will remember for at least a couple of days.

Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed new members Michael Tottenham and Johannes Murkin and also welcomed back Lyle Blaw.


Faa and Ergo form dynamic duo

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, March 29,
Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

With the high season almost over and with many of our friends gone back, it was our smallest turnout today for some considerable time with just six groups playing. There were still two divisions, plus the ladies of course, and 37 points was enough to win Division 1 for Georges Faber ahead of Bill Hewitt just one point behind, and in third place and in his last game with us, Jim Connelly came in with 34 points.

The golfing ladies from Eastern Star on Friday.

David Phillips, also with 37 points, won Division 2 with count back Burnie in second position on 34 after beating Tom Breslin on a back six count back of 13/12. Ken Foster came in third on 33 points.

Miss Nang took the ladies competition with 35 points, beating Mam Morel by three. The same two players also won the nearest the pins on the fifth and twelfth holes. Tom Breslin and Barry Stirling recorded the only birdie ‘2’s of the day.

Wednesday, March 31,
Bangpra – 2-Person Scramble

After Monday’s low turnout there were an amazing 26 teams out in our fun game of the month, a 2-person scramble with each team having one player from Division 1 and one from Division 2.

This was our first visit here since October due to the 11.42am first tee off time being lifted. It used to be an hour’s journey from Jomtien Soi 5 but with the new road open now it is just under 40 minutes. The remarks back in the clubhouse afterward were that the course was in very good condition and was enjoyed by all.

There were numerous team prizes up for grabs today sponsored by the rollover kitty and six prizes in the Pairs competition alone with the expected winning scores to be 50 plus.

The winners in the main comp were Miss Faa and Ergo with 50 points exactly, two ahead of second placed Georges Faber and Andy Oz and three ahead of Andy Mills and Tony Duthie in third. There was then a count back for fourth and fifth places on 46 points with John McLoone and Terry Cowell just edging Miss Tar and Terry Tucker on the back six. Paul Smith and Kevin Tobin took the final rung on the ladder with 45 points after beating Colin Grant and Tom Breslin on another count back.

Near pins went in course order to Miss Tar and Terry Tucker on the 2nd, Nut Ponvipa and Don Head on the 8th, Nar and Keith Hector on the 12th and Mikael Andersson and Barry Rawlinson on the 17th.

The long drive prizes were picked up by Dave and Simon on the 10th and Paul Smith and Kevin Tobin on the 14th.

The special awards were won as follows: “Nearest the pin in two shots” 6th Gordon Everingham and Jean Morel, 18th Miss Faa and Egro; “Nearest the pin in three shots” 5th Colin Grant and Tom Breslin, 15th Andy Oz and Georges Faber.

There were numerous winners in the ‘2’s competition: Miss Tar and Terry Tucker (2), Nut Ponvipa and Don Head, Ben Findon and Ken Foster, and Bryan Rought and Burnie Sinclair.

Finally there was a free buffet for all golfers and their partners back at Siam Cats later on in the evening and enjoyed by all.

Friday, April 2,
Eastern Star – Stableford

Back to reality again, with 5 cancellations overnight and two no-shows in the morning there were only 23 out at our regular Friday venue. It was another hot and sultry day with hardly any breeze coming off the coast and everyone suffered.

As on Monday, two 37’s won both divisions, Mikael Andersson in Division 1 and Jouni Metsanen in Division 2. Paul Butler finished second in the top flight, two points behind his playing partner Mikael and in third place with 30 points was Chris Voller.

Jim Lane was the runner up in the second division with 34 points and Neil Gamble beat Toni Stoltsen on a back 6 count back of 10/9 for third place after they tied with 31 points each.

The ‘old man’ was not playing today due to a fall the previous evening so his other half was instructed to go out and win. Miss Nom duly won the ladies division with 32 points, beating Miss Noi on a 19/13 count back. Miss Nang was third with 25 and not a happy lady. The old man was smiling back at the presentation as Miss Nom also scooped two nearest the pins in the ladies division and there were cheers all round when Josie Monks took her first ever nearest the pin with us after several years of trying. Well done Josie!

There were no ‘2’s in either the Men’s divisions or the Ladies so a rollover to Eastern Star next week.

It was goodbye to Barry and Jill Stirling and Darren Steffes this week who will all return later in the year, but the best news was the return of Kari Aarnio, sitting in the bar as we returned following his successful treatment back home. We all wish him well here with Jomtien Golf and his recuperation.


Three stars shine at Siam Old Course

Panita’s Golf Bar (Siam Old Course Members)

Last week three of Panita’s Bar’s favourite golfers each shone at the Siam Old Course; Roger Rush, Gary Blackburne and Mick O’Meara, each one a star on the three golfing days held at Siam.

Stars of the week, left-right: Roger Rush, Gary Blackburne and Mick O’Meara.

Roger Rush once again showed the way on the Monday with an excellent 37 points (stableford) winning ahead of John Porteous (36pts) and Mike Philips, also (36pts), coming in third on the count back. Fellow competitors were relieved to hear in the bar after the game that Roger is returning to England for the summer months and after buying everyone a beer he joked that he is only going away to give everyone else a chance to win! Maybe we will have to look closely at that 17 handicap on his return. Have a good trip Roger and return soon.

Wednesday saw the popular golfer Mick O’Meara top the group for the first time in recent months. Mick shot a superb 39 points to ward off the challenge of five-handicapper Mark Thomas who had another high score with 37 points and once again the fast improving John Porteous grabbed the third spot with another 36 points. Well done to Mick and thanks for the beer after the match.

Finally Friday came and also the heat, on this the hottest day so far, regular winner Gary Blackburne was the final star of the week with 37 points, well ahead of his nearest placed competitors, Doug Cambell (34pts) and Geoff Couch (34pts). Gary is proving to be one of the most regular winners on Panita’s Golf Bar days, even with his low handicap of 8.

After the game all the golfers enjoyed a free Thai green curry prepared by Panita herself and a complimentary drink from the ever popular ‘Gary’ topped off the week at Panita’s Golf Bar.


USMC closing on top spot

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

The USMC team moved within one point of first place Café Ole after they won three points from the league leaders.

Last week’s 200 Bowler, Sue Murphy.

Captain Joe Ferral led the USMC team with a 532 series and Antero Ronkainen was best for Café Ole with a 520 pin total. Canada meanwhile moved into third place ahead of Bavaria after winning all four points (by forfeit) from Sabai Sabai Friday. Sue Murphy had a 200 game and 525 series for Canada.

Bavaria split their match with Green Tree and both teams walked off with two points each. Noodle Russell bowled a good 547 series for Green Tree. Brother D won three points from Jack Tar and VFW Post 9876 took all four from Indiana. Aht Johansson rolled a 552 series for VFW and Dang Downs bowled a 521 series for Indiana. Tarja bowling as a Pacer bowled a 542 series.


PSC Fishing Schedule

The next deep sea fishing trip organized by the Pattaya Sports Club will be on April 17 and the boat is already full. If anyone wishes to put their name down as a reserve please email Mike Gerrard at [email protected]. If there are enough people interested, another trip will be organized for May 1. Again please let Mike know and be aware that there needs to be at least 6 passengers to make the trip worthwhile. The next definite scheduled trip will be on May 15. Book early if you wish to be included.

Further news about fishing around the Sattahip islands is not the best. Large varieties seem to be of the minority these days, however that does not mean that we stop trying. Who knows what lies beneath the waves on any given day? So, keep your rod well oiled and straight, and make sure your hooks are bent in the right direction. Aha Jim lad!