|
TOG Regatta goes down to the wire
Top boats vie for honours on final race day
 Report
Peter Cummins Photos Duncan Worthington
At the end of the last day of the 6th Top of the Gulf
Regatta, sailed out off the Ocean Marina, Jomtien, current Asian
Yachting Grand Prix champion, Aussie Ray Roberts’ TP 52, “Evolution
Sails” was equal on points with fellow-Antipodean, Commodore of the
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Matt Allen, helming his Beneteau 44,
“Ichi Ban”. A deathly struggle developed between the two, the ultimate
score pending on the last race and, at press time, it was understood
that “one of the Aussies won it” – like Ray Roberts.
In IRC Two Class, reigning champions “Royal Thai Navy
One” remained that way with RTN’s finest, Damrong Srisakorn, driving the
MRX -36 into an undisputed victory, with straight wins over Royal Varuna
sailor Gary Baguley’s H&P -52, “El Coyote”.
Ocean Marina sailor Kipsan Beck did likewise in the
Sports Boats Class, with straight wins in his NZ/Thai Thompson,
“Pornstar” over Aussie Ray Waldron’s Phuket Eight, “Vino”.
“Evolution Sails” skippered by Ray Roberts heads for
the finish line.
The IRC Cruising Class are competed on a performance
handicap system which made close racing with scant points separating the
top boats. Unconfirmed results gave the honours to Japanese entry
“Melissa”, skippered by Tetsuo Ongino. A series of countbacks then
ensued which saw “Reef Knot” skippered by Tim McMahon in second,
“Kirafiki” (Peter Herning) in third and “Souay 1” (Jean Rheault) in
fourth.
Also in close contention on the final day were
“Sansanook” (Andrew Watt) and “Celere” (Nigel Hopkins) which finished
fifth and sixth respectively on another countback.
In the one-design Platu competition for the
long-established (1996) Coronation Cup, 13 entries lined up, including
ongoing Platu champion Phuket-based Aussie Scott Duncanson on “The
Ferret” who, in an exceptionally close series, finally dislodged
erstwhile leader Rolf Heemskerk’s “The Fox”.
“The Ferret”, right, takes the lead in the Coronation Cup on Race Day
3.
Singapore Management University (SMU) fielded three
teams in the Coronation Cup, finishing fifth to seventh, against crews
from Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and Japan, including an all-female
Thai team sailing the beautifully-named “Jellyfish Kiss”. (This
correspondent can only hope it is not the deadly kiss of a Box
jelly-fish!)
The Ocean Multihulls saw regular regattarian Henry
Kaye’s “Thor” finish first in a tight competition with Varuna sailor Bob
Garner’s “Blade Runner V”. Host sailor Kirati Assakul of Ocean Marina,
helming his vast Crowther 42, “Sonic”, was third.
Outside of these major league players, were
categories for the Hobie Tiger/Open Beach Catamarans, won by Royal
Varuna’s dynamic - if diminutive - Saranya (Pouky) Makinson; Hobie Cat
16s, won, as usual, by Sattahip’s Damrongsak Vongtim; a Byte C-2 and
International 420 class; and, three Laser types, the Standard Rig,
featuring a first-time Russian entry, Vadim Valikanov. Although Vadim
did not win, his comments at the end of it all were, “In Vladivostok,
there is not a lot of time to go Laser sailing, the summer lasts about
four days…!”
But undoubtedly, the stars of the Ocean Marina
sail-fest were the 129 young (under 16-year-old) Optimist sailors,
competing for their 2010 national championships. Thai teenager Noppakao
Poonpat, defending champion – and the world’s best girl Optimist sailor
– has just added the 2010 Thailand Optimist Championship to her
impressive list of achievements. The fourteen-year-old Sattahip sailor
beat all competitors in the largest gathering of junior sailors ever
held in the Kingdom.
Thacharin Narbonne from the Sattahip club and two
Malaysian competitors, Ahmad Abdul and Nurul Akma, kept several other
Thai sailors back in the minor placings.
Noppakao, however, had a close call in Bryan Willis’
jury room, at the end of Day Two when a protest was heard which could
have knocked her out of contention, but it was disallowed.
The junior sailors competing in the Thailand Optimist
Nationals have come from numerous places world-wide, as well as several
Optimist associations in Thailand, such as Royal Varuna Yacht Club in
South Pattaya, the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien and, comparatively
new clubs in Samui and Phuket. International entries included Belgium,
Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, USA and, of course, host
country Thailand.
John Stall and Frankie Brancaccio have been the
guiding lights in the development of the fledgling fleet in Samui and
have shepherded their young charges up to the big Gulf stage. Among the
129 participants were 41 girls and the youngest sailor was diminutive
Philip Bjork, from the Samui Optimist fleet, weighing in at a ripe old
age of six and a half years, followed closely by Royal Varuna junior,
Bjarne Barwer, just over seven years. The youngest girl, sailing under
the aegis of the Junior Sailing Squadron of Thailand, clocked in three
days short of her eighth birthday.
First placings among the international contingents
and other clubs in Thailand were Ahmad Abdul (Malaysia), Singaporean
Joshua Guo, Hong Kongese Cosmas Crelon, Don Whitcraft (Royal Varuna YC),
Upamaney U. Dutia (India), and Alison Maher (Singapore, first girl).
The Optimist Nationals finished, with the Tourism
Authority of Thailand’s prize-giving ceremonies for the excited
youngsters.
Noppakao Poonpat took first place in the Thailand Optimist Nationals.
In July, at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, the Asian
Optimist Championships will be held and at Lankawi, at year’s end, the
Optimist World Championships. No doubt, a number of these youngsters
will be on the “roll calls” of these two forthcoming events.
Meantime, while still on the subject of promising
junior sailors, Aussie teenager Jessica Watson is reaching the coast of
Tasmania, having circumnavigated the globe solo, encountering
unbelievably tough weather conditions in the Southern Ocean and
elsewhere.
Sponsors of the 2010 Top of the Gulf Regatta included
the Major Sponsors: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, PTT Exploration and
Production Public company Limited (PTTEP), The Tourism Authority of
Thailand (TAT) and Lexus.
Other sponsors and supporters included MaDuZi Hotel,
OCEAN Portofino, Singha Corporation, Sun Cooler, Movenpick, Mont Clair,
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Bank of Ayudhya, Coca Cola, Corsair Trimarans,
Grampian Country Food Group, Gulf Charters Thailand, QBE Insurance, SEAT
Boats, Ocean Glass, Royal Varuna Yacht Club, the Yacht Racing
Association of Thailand and Pattaya City.
The Gulf Regatta is the only event in the Northern
Gulf of Thailand and is related to many others throughout the Kingdom.
Yacht racing, through these annual gatherings, is experiencing an
exponential surge, particularly among the juniors. For example, Noppakao
Poonpat, a Thailand teenager from Sattahip is a world champion Optimist
sailor and Keerati Bualong, also from Sattahip, has risen to world
ranking in the Laser, a slightly bigger dinghy to the Optimist.
At a pre-regatta press conference, race manager Bill
Gasson pointed out that the record fleet had been divided into 11
classes. No doubt this presented a most satisfying spectacle for the
huge number of sponsors who had stepped in to support this now
world-renowned celebration of Pattaya’s equally famous waterways in the
Northern Gulf. Even as Bill spoke, a massive front-line squall roared
out of the east, but it soon passed over and beautiful skies returned
and remained, generally, throughout the four days.
And so the curtain rang down on a magnificent event, placing Pattaya
– and, in the wider context the Kingdom - in a most positive light as
one of the world’s most desirable marine venues.
IRC Cruising as competitive as the rest.
Hitting the mark in the Thailand Optimist Nationals.
“Evolution Sails” at the start line on Race Day 2.
“Ichi Ban”, skippered by Matt Allen had a titanic
tussle
with “Evolution Sails” in the IRC 1 Class.
The Platus head downwind.
Bowling competition held to support IT education
Itthipol Khunplome, Pattaya City
Mayor, center, officially opens the 2 nd
Bowling for Education competition at the Blu-o Rhythm & Bowl, Saturday,
April 24.
Montree Kotchawong
The 2nd Bowling for Education
competition was held at Blu-o Rhythm & Bowl on the 3rd
floor of The Avenue shopping mall on Saturday, April 24 and
approximately 100 bowlers and supporters turned up to the event.
Somchai Thamrongsuk (Director of Sattahip Technology
College) said the competition was held to raise funds to provide
learning equipment for instructors and also to help schools to continue
development of Information Technology education.
The winning team this year was TP Vocational Training
Center, with a score of 2,106 points, while the runners up in order were
the Jomtien Electricity Team with a score of 2,097 points, and the Pa
Team with a score of 2,051 points.
The highest individual scores achieved over three
games were by Theeranan (729 points) and Sorawit (709 points) in the
men’s category, and Rasamee (710 points), Wimon (675 points), and Gan
(699 points) in the women’s competition.
The winner in the men’s singles category was Banjong
with 269 points, while the women’s champion was Panuda with 256 points.
The total income raised from the competition (after deducting
expenses) was approx. 250,000 THB.
United denied
by late equalizer
Staff Reporters
Pattaya United held on for a hard fought point last
weekend against Bangkok Glass in an ill tempered affair that saw United’s
midfield player Ouattara Athanse sent off in the 59th
minute for a second bookable offence.
The match got underway in sweltering conditions at the
Nongprue Stadium last Saturday, the early 4pm kick-off clearly having an
effect on both teams as they struggled to create any notable chances in a
rather dour first half.
Bangkok Glass decided a change of kit was in order at the
break, replacing their grey socks for green ones, perhaps mindful of the
occasion some years back when Manchester United, who were being given the
runaround by Southampton, changed their grey kit at half time after players
complained they couldn’t see each other on the pitch.
Whatever the Bangkok management’s reason was for the
change of attire, it appeared to backfire on them spectacularly when
Frenchman J้r้my Novero gave Pattaya the lead in the opening minute of the
second half following some good work on the left wing by Santi Chaiyaphruk.
The Thai midfielder cleverly deceived the Bangkok Glass fullback before
firing in low cross which was struck first time by the oncoming Novero
through the legs of the Bangkok goalkeeper.
United appeared to be cruising at this stage and it took
the sending off of Athanse to switch the momentum back to Bangkok Glass.
Both teams made changes halfway through the second period, United replacing
goal scorer Novero with Rangsarit Sutthisa and Bangkok Glass bringing on
Nigerian forward Ajayi Samuel as they went chasing an equalizer.
Being a man down, United had to resort to breaking on the
counter attack as Bangkok piled on the pressure and Dolphins’ forward
Ludovick worked tirelessly up front but for little reward. The closest
United came to a second goal was when Sutthisa fired in a powerful free kick
that had Rawangpa in the Bangkok goal scrambling to push it wide.
With just 5 minutes left of normal time it appeared that
United had weathered the storm and were heading for a deserved three points
but then Bangkok’s Sutee Suksomkit pounced on an error by substitute goal
keeper Devala Gorrick to score an equalizer from close range and send the
Glass fans behind the goal into raptures.
It was an unfortunate end to the game for United who had
faced little danger to their goal up to that point. Central defender Arlindo
was in imperious form throughout the match and it took a mistake by the
Pattaya goalkeeper to allow Bangkok back into the match.
The home fans were noticeably disappointed with the
result and vented their frustration on the match officials at the end of the
game, who they clearly blamed for some questionable decisions throughout the
90 minutes. The officials were besieged in their dressing until management
and players urged the fans to leave.
The point leaves United in seventh place in the league on
8 points from their six matches played. United next travel to the
Thai-Japanese Stadium this coming Sunday, May 9, for a game against Bangkok
United. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Chonburi regain top spot
despite
goalless draw
Chonburi FC had the chance to retake the lead at the top
of the Thai Premier League when they took on SCG Samut Songkhram at the
Chonburi Stadium last Sunday. The ‘Sharks’ main title rivals, Muang Thong
United had no fixture over the weekend, which meant that TTM Pichit
temporarily took over top spot on Saturday following their 3-0 win over
Bangkok United.
Chonburi had numerous chances in the first half but were
unable to break the deadlock. The second half was more evenly contested but
neither side created enough to be deserved winners. The point was enough
however to see Chonburi go back to the top of the league table on goal
difference while their opponents on the day moved into third. Chonburi’s
next game is an away trip to TOT FC this Saturday.
Elsewhere Navy Rayong finally got their season moving in the right
direction with a 3-1 win over BEC Tero Sasana at the Rayong Stadium.
Nonsrichai gave the visitors an early lead before goals from Jomkumsing,
Jang Jil Yong and Nontee sealed the points for Navy who now move into 10th
place in the league standings.
Thais win 2 golds at International Fencing Championships
|
Ruangrit Haekerd won
in the Individual Men’s Sabre category. |
Wunta Chantasuvannasin from Thailand
was the gold medal winner in
the Individual Women’s Foil category. |
Phasakorn Channgam
Two Thai fencers won individual sabre and foil medals at
the Thailand International Fencing Championships 2010, held at the Eastern
National Indoor Sports Arena in Pattaya last month.
Ruangrit Haekerd defeated K. P. Gisho Nlidhi of India
15-10 to win the men’s individual sabre competiton and Wunta
Chantasuvannasin beat Singaporean Te Yu Ling 15-13 to capture the gold medal
in the women’s individual foil match. I. Su Rendro Singh of India took third
in the men’s competition and Indonesia’s Maibam Usha Rani won third in the
women’s.
Athletes from; India, Singapore, Indonesia and the United States faced
off against Thai fencers in the April 24-28 competition.
A brace of podium
slots proves enough for PJ
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, April 26, Phoenix
- Medal
With only a couple of games to go for the month of April
it was pretty tight at the top of the table in the race for the golfer of
the month title. There was nothing between Mashi, PJ and Gerry Cooney so the
next few games were vital.
PJ Redmond - April’s golfer of the month.
Playing a Medal round, Mashi came in third today but PJ
went one better, finishing second to take the lead, but Dave Dolle had the
best round to win today’s comp with a one under par round.
1st Dave Dolle (11) net 71
2nd PJ Redmond (19) net 72
3rd Mashi Kaneta (10) net 73
Near Pins: Laurence Harding, Roy Dayton and PJ Redmond (2)
Wednesday, April 28,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
Mashi closed the gap on PJ in the golfer of the month
comp by taking third place again today. Laurence Harding came in as runner
up and Peter Habgood had the best round of the day, winning with 36 points.
1st Peter Habgood (19) 36pts
2nd Laurence Harding (18) 33pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (10) 31pts
Near Pins: Peter Habgood and Mashi Kaneta
Friday, April 30,
Greenwood - Medal
The golfer of the month would be decided today and it was
between PJ and Mashi, with the latter needing a win to overtake the former.
Well, Mashi couldn’t get out of second gear today and could only manage a
nine over par net 81 leaving PJ, who finished runner up, to win the golfer
of the month title for April! Reg Smart finished third with a net 80 and
Peter Habgood had another fine round, winning with a two over par score.
Well done PJ!
1st Peter Habgood (19) net 74
2nd PJ Redmond (19) net 78
3rd Reg Smart (24) net 80
Near Pins: Roy Dayton
A new beginning at the end?
Phoenix Tuesday Golf Group
Tuesday’s top three in the background with 2 of the staff
from Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
I know the title sounds a bit strange, so I will try to
explain. After two years of holding our presentations at Noy’s Bar (Formerly
Toy’s Bar) in Soi Chaiyapreuk, and after a lot of pressure, we (the group in
general) decided that we would change our venue to the Relax Bar situated
near the main crossroad junction of Sukhumvit Road and the Phoenix Road.
There were many factors for this decision but the
swinging factor to the vote was the location being nearer the golf course,
which would be more attractive to players living south of the city. The
other main reason was the facility of food at the bar. After a game of golf
a lot of players feel the need to for food – something which was not the
easiest of things at Noy’s Bar.
With the above comments in mind I, on behalf of most, if
not all of the players in our group wish to thank the management and staff
of Noy’s Bar for their support in the past. After having a brief discussion
with the management of the bar, I feel that they understood the position and
we parted good friends. Nice for me as this is my local bar for any other
time I feel like popping out for a beer. Our particular thanks go out to
them for the very efficient way they held the reception for the Charity day
some 4 weeks ago.
So, on to the golf last Tuesday, April 27, and with the
threat of rain at this time of the year and after a very heavy shower on the
morning, we decided to implement winter rules, purely to allow players to
remove any mud from their ball if on the fairway. This proved just about
necessary, but we were very pleased with the condition of the course.
After the re-opening of the Mountain course following the
annual shut down for maintenance, there were a few obvious signs of a
premature opening, but on the whole not too bad.
We also enjoyed an almost full complement of players
today. With the low season well under way now our attendance figures are
well up on last year. A testament to the format we play and the pleasure of
playing at Phoenix.
This being the last Tuesday of the month it was our
monthly stroke play day. As usual Giorgio Baccioli of Trattoria Italiana
Restaurant was our benefactor with a meal voucher for the winner.
Our winner today was a man who is rarely out of the
frame, Stuart Gordon scoring a splendid net 70. Stuart, along with his
playing partner Roger Ison, threatened to grind myself and Gary Blackburne
into pieces after the first nine holes, but the deadly duo burst back on the
back nine to halve the match.
Joint second place went to that lovely Frenchman, Alain
Bellec and the now improving Phil Kingston, both with net 71s. Fourth place
went to Roger Ison with a net 74.
On to the near pin winners: Gary (Mr. Consistency)
Blackburne who won 3 (hence you will see why we fought back on the back
nine) and the Boston Burgler, Bob Neylon grabbed the other. (It has to be
said that Gary almost nicked that one as well).
The lucky draw went to my good old fishing friend from
Birmingham, Colin Gregg.
So, with the same deal for the first drink free to all
who attend the presentation being granted to the group by the management of
the Relax Bar, we had a nice session of joke telling around the table with a
few more beers before driving off into the night. We have to drive, there’s
no way many of us could walk (joke, joke) before any of you puritans get on
your high horse.
Anyone (who is not a member of Phoenix) wishing to play with our group
can enjoy a green fee rate of 800 baht on Tuesdays. If you would like more
information regarding our little group please do not hesitate to contact
either myself on 087 091 7565 (English) or Bob Neylon on 081 916 1853
(American).
Morels and Everingham team up for victory at Greenwood
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, April 26, Pattaya
C.C. - Stableford
Still reasonably priced with a buggy inclusive in the
fee, there were eight groups out today in two divisions for the men and one
for the ladies. Another pleasant day with a cool breeze blowing and we teed
off 20 minutes ahead of schedule yet again. We know by now the latecomers
and they were placed in the last 2/3 groups and they were happy with this
arrangement.
1-2-3 Stableford winners, Jean & Mam Morel and Gordon Everingham.
There were some good scores coming in after nine holes in
both men’s divisions and after 17 holes the first group encountered a few
spots of rain and this continued until the clouds thickened and as the only
three-ball out today reached the clubhouse the heavens opened. The heavy
rain continued for the next 40 minutes and after an hour or so the second
group arrived.
Fortunately the scores did not reflect the bad weather
with Brian Blackford winning Division 1 with 38 points and Russell Benson in
second after beating Frank Kelly on a 11/9 back six count back after they
both came in with 32 points.
Count back Burnie won Division 2 with 39 points, Willy
Van Heetvelde was second on 36 and three points behind in third place was
William Chang.
Mam Morel took out the ladies division with 28 points
with Miss Nang second on 25.
Near pins went to Mam Morel (Ladies), Brian Blackford,
Frank Kelly and Chris Voller x2 (Div. 1), and John Cowley, Gordon Everingham,
Joe Kubon and Tom Novak (Div. 2).
Frank Kelly and Joe Kubon recorded the only ‘2’s of the
day.
Wednesday, April 28,
Greenwood – 1-2-3 Stableford
Our fun game of the month and there were 36 players out
today; three divisions for the men and one for the ladies in the stableford
, it also included 12 teams competing as well in the 1-2-3 competition
sponsored by the rollover kitty.
The popular C course had been closed for two weeks we
were told upon arrival so we were allocated the A and B instead. Yet again
it was another very hot and humid day and as the first group progressed
around the course the clouds thickened in the background. It started to rain
as we left the eighteenth tee but amazingly it stopped as we reached the
green, the skies cleared and there was no worry for the rest of the groups
behind.
In the nearest the pins contest today in Division 2, with
16 players contesting four holes, there was only one person who landed on
the green, no names mentioned. There were no ladies on any green but in
Division 1 Mikael Andersson, Michael Dige and Kari Kuprainen 2 won the
prizes.
This has happened before in the ‘2’s competition, there
were seven winners in Division 1 and with no rollovers not the best of
prizes to collect for Mikael Andersson, Brian Blackford, Michael Dige,
Georges Faber, Ben Findon, Kari Kuparinen and Bryan Rought. Gordon
Everingham was laughing in Division 2 after chipping in from 150yds for an
eagle 2 on the first hole on the B course to take the only prize.
Div. 1 (4-15)
1st John Mc Loone 38pts
2nd Georges Faber 37pts
3rd Barry Traynor 37pts
Div. 2 (16–20)
1st Bryan Rought 38pts
2nd Jean Morel 35pts
3rd Ben Findon 34pts
Div. 3 (21+)
1st Tom Novak 40pts
2nd Gordon Everingham 38pts
3rd David Phillips 34pts
With 12 teams out there were only 11 points separating
the lowest score and the winners, which is quite unusual in this 1-2-3
contest. Coming in first were Gordon Everingham, Jean Morel and Mam Morel
with a combined 76 points. In second place on 75 points were Russell Benson,
Ben Findon and David Phillips, just edging the trio of Tony Barritt, Grant
Caddell and Barry Traynor on a count back. Taking the final spot on the
podium were Mikael Andersson, Barry Rawlinson and Chris Voller with 74
points.
Friday, April 30, Eastern
Star – Stableford
There were only two divisions out today owing to the
ladies playing the previous day in a competition of their own. It was a
slightly cooler day here than we have experienced lately and with the course
improving each week it was an enjoyable round.
In his last game before he returned up north, Michael
Dige won Division 1 with 36 points while Albert Muller was second one point
behind after beating Mikael Andersson on a 21/15 back nine count back.
Playing some good golf lately, Willy van Heetvelde came
in with 35 points to win the second division, Jim Lane was second with 34
and Tom Novak took third one further point behind.
Mikael Andersson birdied the 3rd to win the only
‘2’ in Division 1 while Terry Cowell put his tee shot two foot from the pin
on the tough 13th to win two rollovers in Division 2.
IPGC Members Report
IPGC Sunday Golf at Green Valley
Sunday, April 25 -
Stableford
1st Charles Sheppard 36pts
2nd Alec Hoare 35pts
3rd
Steve Mulberry 33pts
We have now entered the quiet period with many
regulars returning to their Western homes for the summer months,
however, sufficient ‘East of Suez’ diehards remain to make a decent
competition.
Charles Sheppard set the pace today with a very
steady 36 points. He was closely followed by Alec Hoare and Steve
Mulberry who took the minor honours.
The ‘2’s were shared by Alec Hoare and Chris Knapp.
Sunday, May 2 -
Stableford
1st Tom Byrne 39pts
2nd
Russell Exley 39pts
A small but select field took to the course today.
Rain clouds threatened in the background but did not interrupt play.
Three single figure handicappers teamed up and had a
mighty battle with Russell Exley winning their private tussle by a
single point from Dave Stockman. However, Russell’s efforts were not
enough to win the competition on a high scoring day. Tom Byrne, never
far off the pace, had a superb day playing steadily throughout to record
39 points and win on count back by a single shot. Dave Stockman was
close behind in third place with a commendable 38 points. Charles
Sheppard, in top form at present, recorded a good 37 points with 22
points on the front 9 holes.
The ‘2’s were shared by Dave Stockman, Al Keith, and
Charles Sheppard.
The presentations were held at the Golf Centre Bar
where hosts John and Geoff, assisted by their bevy of beautiful ladies,
took excellent care of the golfers.
For further details on Sunday IPGC Golf at Green
Valley, phone Russell Exley 084 782 4582.
‘The Colonel’ leads the way
at April Diana Open
Nigel Cannon
Thursday, April 29,
Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
This month saw 28 players sign-up and arrive at Pattaya
Country Club to participate in the April Diana Seniors and Ladies Open.
Bob Pearce and Siripen Hormkum.
With the low season well and truly here the course was
almost empty so that a number of groups were able to get off before their
allotted tee time – those early starters benefited in that they saw no rain
just heard a few rumbles of thunder. Some of the later groups were held up
for 45 minutes - fortunately at a drink stop! Whilst a couple of groups
decided to abandon play for the day most others kept going with last group
providing the Super Seniors winner! It reminded me of the late Mike Franklin
who frequently stated ‘never give up’!
With the recent rain and the watering, as well as work
being carried out, the course was in a satisfactory condition. It should
also be noted that PCC have refurbished their showers cubicles.
We had six Thai ladies today – both the winner and
runner-up are both Diana regulars. Top place went to Siripen Hormkum (10)
with 34 points and the runner-up was Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (14) with 31
points.
Both the winner and runner-up of the Seniors were in the
early group. The winner – and one of only two to break their handicap today
– was Morton Gauassa (21) with 37 points, with his good friend Glen Riding
(23) runner-up with 31 points. Unfortunately Morton left before the
presentation so did not appear in the photograph.
In the Super Seniors it was two PCC members in the frame,
‘The Colonel’ Bob Pearce (12) came in with a fine 38 points to be declared
the winner with Alan Pearce (21) runner-up with 32 points.
All scores are submitted to Pattaya Sports Club.
The next Diana Seniors and Ladies open is on Thursday May
27 at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 0900. Sign-up sheets are at
the Diana Green Bottle 2nd Road and the Diana Driving
range.
Near Pins: #5 Nisse Svenson, #7 Jan Slotten, #12
Mike Coleman, #16 Alan Pearce.
Long Putts: #9 Chris John, #18 Bob Pearce
Bailey muzzles the ‘young guns’
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Monday, April 26,
Burapha - Stableford
Today we played C & D from the whites, on a course
that was being prepared for last week’s Singha Pattaya Open, which
started on April 29. In addition there was a Pro-Am the day before
(Weds) in which many of our regular Outbackers were playing; but it was
certain the greens would be a little slicker than they were today. The
sand in many of the bunkers was still deeply crevassed by the severe
storm that passed through Burapha on Sunday and would require a great
deal of work to be done before the tournament commenced.
Flight winners at Khao Kheow: Tony Garnett, George
Bishop and the ‘Sugarman’.
The leading Outbackers today escaped the rain but the
groups at the back got caught in a storm around the fourteenth and had a
wait of about 30 minutes until the weather cleared.
Usually a field of 34 would consist of three
divisions but with seven 18 handicappers sitting right on the split, it
was impossible to get an acceptable balance of players in each; so we
went ahead with just two.
Top score of the day was achieved by Barry Copestake
(40pts) winning Div B by seven from Dalby (33pts) and Anton Schuett
(32pts), whilst Moorie’s 36 points was enough to win Div A from Steven
Budrys on 35 and Paul Young with 34.
Ivan Plunkett, celebrating his birthday, put up four
bottles of Irish whiskey as near pin prizes that were won by Sakorn
(C5), Peter Stonebridge (C8), Ian Moore (D2) and John Cunningham (D8).
Thanks for that Ivan and Happy Birthday mate.
Finally there were seven ‘2’s from Ian Moore, John
Cunningham, Sakorn, Ivan Plunkett, El Suggs, Art O’Connor and Jamie
Milner.
Div A (0-15)
1st Ian Moore (4) 36pts
2nd Steven Budrys (11) 35pts
3rd Paul Young (12) 34pts
4th Louis Doyon (11) 33pts
5th John Cunningham (6) 33pts
Div B (16+)
1st Barry Copestake (18) 40pts
2nd Brent Dalby (17) 33pts
3rd Anton Schuett (16) 32pts
4th Eldridge Suggs (16) 32pts
5th Alex Tregurtha (20) 31pts
Tuesday, April 27, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
With a number of Outbackers in Wednesday’s Singha
Pattaya Open Pro-Am it was just 9 who made their way to Pattaya Country
Club on Tuesday. We arrived in slight rain which cleared up before we
were off. The course was quiet and had benefited from recent course
watering and the rain.
It was, as you would expect, a quick round, however
it would have been even quicker had it not been for a Thai golfing pro
giving playing lessons to two Frenchmen, our first group insisted on
playing through, the next were invited – but then Laong is a caddy at
PCC – and the last group just waited and waited.
In top spot today was the ‘Tom Watson’ of Pattaya, 82
year old Arthur Bailey (20) with a great round of 38 points and no
blobs. Runner-up was that Lady again – Laong (34) with 35 points. Third
place was decided by count back with two PCC members Alan Pearce (21)
and the day’s organiser Barry Chadbourn (19) both with 33 points and
Alan having the better back nine. There were no ‘2’s.
Whilst Wednesday is a Sports Day at Pattaya Country
Club, but for all Seniors (55+) there is attractive rate every day of
1,090 baht for green and caddy fee incl. cart (1,370 baht holidays and
weekends) until the end of June (subject to a small temp. membership fee
of just 100 baht).
The Outback bar is at PCC every Tuesday with a tee
time of 09.30.
1st Arthur Bailey (20) 38pts
2nd Laong (34) 35pts
3rd Alan Pearce (21) 33pts
Friday, April 30, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Back at Khao Kheow this week with a good field of 33
Outbackers playing the C & A nines in sweltering conditions, which was
hardly surprising given the number of storms in the vicinity.
Eventually, one arrived here with some nasty lightning bolts a bit too
close for comfort but most of the boys were already safely inside.
In answer to some recent criticism about the course
being re-rated over that carried out by the TGA, the actual rating for
the C & A loops has been increased by just 0.1 from 70.4 to 70.5, hardly
a significant amount. The item that has been dramatically changed is the
slope, from 121 to 143; to provide a realistic opportunity of
handicapping local golfers at all levels of ability, instead of
previously every card being (for most) just another non-counting round,
on this particular course.
If one looks now at the effective par (at Khao Kheow)
for say a player with a h’cap of 5; it has increased from 71 to 72; for
a 15 handicapper, from 71.5 to 74.5, and for a 25 handicapper, from 72
to 77. That is the beauty of the slope system and for this difficult
course it’s not far off correct!
If these changes hadn’t been made; a golfer playing
only this course for a number of months, his handicap would be unfair
against his fellow competitors when visiting an easier course; for
example: a 25 handicapper scoring 31 points in his best 10 from his last
20 rounds here (no mean feat), under the old slope would see his
handicap go out markedly to 28; now with the new slope he would be cut
to 24.
A further point to note to the critics; without the
course ratings and slopes (conducted by a PSC committee, which appear to
work extremely well) there would be no valid USGA handicaps here in
Pattaya; unless playing only on Burapha, Khao Kheow, Crystal Bay and
Green Valley; the only local ones to have been rated by the TGA.
Enough of all that; Tony Garnett excelled today with
a great 37 points to win Div A from Bruce Milner (34pts) returning to
Pattaya after his recent tours of Thailand’s golf courses. Nice to see
Brian Holden up there too in third on 33 points before returning to
Chiang Mai.
George Bishop, who was so surprised to win Div B with
32 points, said, “Anyone that can win with only 32 points should ring
the bell!” and he did.
The Sugarman took Div C with 36 points, amid rumours
that he dropped his hands over the last three holes, scoring just one
point. Only joking Sugar and it was after a lengthy storm break. Bryce
Stick, playing his last game before returning to Aus with Dalby & Moorie,
grabbed second with 34 and Jesse Serna was third by way of a count back
on 32.
There were a whole bunch of ‘2’s, seven to be
precise, from George Bishop, Bruce Milner, Owen Lloyd, Tony Garnett, Bob
Finley, Jimmy Little and Steve Budrys.
Div A (0-12)
1st Tony Garnett (11) 37pts
2nd Bruce Milner (11) 34pts
3rd Brian Holden (7) 33pts
Div B (13-17)
1st George Bishop (15) 32pts
2nd James Little (15) 30pts
3rd James Bryan (15) 29pts
Div C (18+)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (18)
36pts
2nd Bryce Stick (20) 34pts
3rd Jesse Serna (36) 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.
Knight takes monthly award
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Thomas Cotton & Derek
Brook
Tuesday, April 27, Eastern
Star - Stableford
Your humble reporter (TC) was back in the saddle after
being stranded by the volcanic ash in Italy for several days last week. One
of the golfers mentioned that the story of my 3-day odyssey back to Thailand
would be more interesting to read than the prosaic results of another round
of golf in Pattaya.
Derek Brook, left, presents the Alan Bolton Golfer of the
Month award to Bill Knight.
When I was stranded by Air France in Milan, I caught the
train to Brindisi, where I had a 20-hour wait for the ferry to Patras,
Greece, a 14-hour voyage and then there was a 3-hour bus ride to Athens
where I bought the last seat on a Swiss flight via Zurich, flying back over
Milan where I was originally stranded. But it was an adventure and a change
from the weekly grind of playing golf in the hot tropical sun.
So this Tuesday we headed back to Eastern Star after a
long absence. Mashi Kenata graciously gave way to the Blackwell’s, letting
them enjoy one of their rare victories in local competition. Being the last
day of the month, the Alan Bolton “Golfer of the Month” award was up for
grabs and in the end Bill Knight won the award, helped in part by the
Songkran interruption and his win back on April 5, together with his third
place this day which he took on count-back from Mick O’Meara.
A Flight (0-17)
1st Eddy Blackwell 39pts
2nd Apple Blackwell 36pts
3rd Mashi Kenata 35pts
B Flight (18+)
1st Andre Van Dyke 33pts
2nd Thomas Cotton 32pts
3rd Bill Knight 31pts
Near Pins: Steve Hamstad, Alex Smith, Ada Tse,
Charlie Sykes.
Long Putts: Walter Baechli, Graham Buckingham.
Friday, April 30, Bangpakong - Stableford
Off once more up the 7 to what has become one of the
favoured courses of our regular players, and with the completion of the Hwy
7 extension into Pattaya making the trip quicker and the course offering
special green fees, all were happy to return.
With only a few cars in the lot on arrival we were
promptly checked in, on to the first tee and our first group was off 15
minutes early. Those that take carts were also a bit happier as the course
was throwing in a 100 baht coupon for food and drink. Even the weather was
kind to us as the darker clouds stayed well away and, while quite humid over
the first few holes, the conditions got better when the breeze picked up a
bit.
All the groups were around in good time with the first
two groups, 3-ball’s, getting back to the clubhouse in 31/2 hours. Cards
collected and we were off back down the 7 to Bert’s for a well deserved
drink, a bite to eat and the presentation.
Some excellent scores were posted on the day and with the
par-three 16th not hit, four places were awarded. Taking top spot was Peter
Whitehead (21) with a fine 39 points ahead of today’s scribe (DB) on 38 in
second and Charlie Sykes (24) on the same score in third. Brian Downey (14)
completed the winners list with an even par 36 points for fourth.
Near Pins: Walter Baechli, Alex Smith, Peter Whitehead.
O’Connor cans an Ace at Navy
PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, April 26,
Royal Lakeside – Stableford
The weather forecast said rain later but it didn’t
deter the 18 golfers who were keen to tackle the pristine Royal Lakeside
golf course. We departed Café Kronborg shortly after 0815 and once again
the new motorway access shortened our journey and we arrived at the
course exactly 1 hour after leaving Pattaya – 10 minutes quicker than
previous.
Mick O’Connor with his ‘Hole in One’ certificate.
Our scheduled tee off time was 10am but as usual we
were allowed to hit off as soon as we were ready and our first group got
away ten minutes ahead of schedule. Just a very light drizzle at first
which soon disappeared leaving conditions perfect with a slight cooling
breeze.
As always the course was in great shape although the
current water shortage was starting to take its toll with many brown
areas on the fairways. The greens were magnificent though and a couple
in particular were “super quick” and would no doubt have resulted in
several “three putts” on the day.
Scoring was apparently easy for some, particularly in
the top flight where a score of 38 points was not rewarded by a spot on
the podium. It was once again “millionaire’s golf” as we breezed around
in the excellent time of four hours and twenty-five minutes which
included four fairly lengthy drink breaks.
A count back for first place in A Flight saw Swiss
Joseph Bensoussan victorious over Aussie Mike “Hunter” Gosden. Another
Aussie Martin Todd finished in third place. B Flight was easily won by
Mick O’Connor with a great 42 points and Mike Winfield was second 7
points further back. Marie Rowels finished in third spot on a count back
from Ian Grief.
Yours truly continued his miserable form and was
awarded the “Compass Hat” for the second consecutive time.
A Flight (0-18)
1st Joseph Bensoussan (18) 41pts
2nd Mike Gosden (8) 41pts
3rd Martin Todd (7) 39pts
B Flight (19+)
1st Mick O’Connor (21) 42pts
2nd Mike Winfield (20) 35pts
3rd Marie Rowels (20) 34pts
Thursday, April 29,
Plutaluang S&E - Stableford
Once again rain was forecast for the region but
fourteen of us were not deterred and headed off on the 45 minute journey
to Plutaluang, departing Café Kronborg at 0815. It was a welcome back to
Kevin Dinan from Ireland, Walter Baechli from his snow skiing holiday in
Switzerland and Nigel Perry from UK for another three weeks in
“Paradise”. Once again it was good to see the cunning linguist from
Tropical Berts gracing us with his presence regardless of DB’s threat to
disown him!
Upon arrival we found the course surprisingly quiet
for a 400 baht green fee Sports Day but we took advantage of this and
our first group teed off at the unusually early time of 0915. Light rain
fell on us for about 5 minutes and then disappeared never to be seen
again during the round.
Conditions were fairly hot as usual with little wind
and although looking dry in parts both South & East nines were in good
shape, with the greens a touch on the slow side but fairly true. With
no-one in front of us we enjoyed a pleasant and leisurely round with
four fairly long drink breaks and we were finished in four hours and
twenty minutes.
Regardless of the results the star of the day was no
doubt Mick O’Connor who ‘aced’ the par-3 seventh on the South nine. As
most of us know this 200 yard plus par 3 green is not easy to hit at the
best of times but Mick casually hit driver and in it went.
Another meritorious achievement for Mick’s round was
that he scored a 1,2,3 & 4 on the par threes on the day – in fact he
missed out on another hole in one by six inches on the par 3 fifth on
East nine. Well done Mick for his very first hole in one and he was
presented with a certificate from Plutaluang in recognition of his
achievement, as is the norm for any golfer who manages to score a hole
in one on the course in competition.
A Flight was won by Aussie Martin Todd on a count
back from the jubilant Mick O’Connor (Mick wiped the last 2 holes), and
Mike “Hunter” Gosden continued his good form to finish third. Much lower
scoring in B Flight saw Nigel Perry finish first, with Colin Swann
taking second on a count back over Tom Cotton in third.
The writer was jubilant at not winning the “Compass
Cap” for the third time in a row and gleefully presented it to his very
good friend Walter Baechli.
A Flight (0-20)
1st Martin Todd (7) 36pts
2nd Mick O’Connor (18) 36pts
3rd Mike Gosden (7) 34pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Nigel Perry (22) 32pts
2nd Colin swann (24) 30pts
3rd
Tom Cotton (21) 30pts
Dave’s mates to the fore
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Dave & his mates: (L-R) Keith, Dave, Chris, Lol & Iain.
Tuesday, April 27, Plutaluang -
Stableford
Tuesday saw a good crew gather at the Navy course in
Sattahip to play the North & West layouts. With ample players for 2 flights
today, the split was made at 0-20 & 21+. The course was in good condition
with greens running true, although a tad slow compared to other local
courses. They prefer to keep them a bit longer here, and with the grain of
the greens they can be a bit slower.
Obviously the putting surfaces were a bit too difficult
for our group, as again, nobody broke their handicap, with Jeff Wylie (H/cap
6) being the closest, recording 35 points to lead the A flight home. He was
followed by Ken Hole (15), returning after a life threatening battle with a
bad prawn, on 32 points, while the last spot on the podium went to Matt
Anderson (16) with 28, 14 on the back 9, on count back.
The B flight fared even worse, with Derek Waterworth (33)
taking top spot after signing for 32 points, followed by John Chapman (23)
with 30, while our very own late night bi-linguist Paddy Devereux (21)
getting third spot with 26, yes you read it right, 26 points.
Near pins were picked up by Ken, Mike and Martin, who
grabbed 2, although it did not help his score much.
Thursday, April 29, Greenwood - Stableford
So, to Thursday where Greenwood A & B were to be our
tests de jour. Just the one flight today, where Dave’s mates on holiday from
the UK, Keith, Chris, Iain & Lol had committed that any prize money they won
today would go to the Banglamung Boys Home - a nice gesture indeed. Well
someone of higher power must have thought that was a good deed as the lads
(some of them) were blessed with decent games today.
Leading the field home was Keith Hudson (20) on 32
points, just edging Martin Hayes (13) on count back 18 to 17, while third
spot went to Iain Painter on 31 points.
Near Pins were picked up by Mike and Chris while Nobby
got the other 2. So the big winner on the day was the Banglamung Boys Home,
cheers boys.
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 on 089 094 1841 or
Rayon 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!
A sad return to Phoenix
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society made a long awaited return to
Phoenix on Tuesday, April 27, after a high season break caused by
inflationary pressures and found that in their absence, the course had
degenerated into a patchy track with obvious damage caused by over-zealous
watering on the approaches to many greens. In the opinion of the more
seasoned Phoenix campaigners the course was as bad as they had ever seen it
and even on a sports day was not the treat it had promised to be and the
lack of GUR markings only compounded the issue. The Mountain nine had slow
greens whilst the Ocean nine was more in keeping with what was expected.
The results showed the value of patience and collecting
stableford points when they were available. In joint runner-up place were
Larry Slattery and compatriot Dave Lehane with only 32 points whilst Tony
Thorne and Margaret Wilkinson shared the win with 34 points each.
Remember the days when the course always threw up good
scores because of its very forgiving nature? Well those days seem to have
long gone sadly.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to
Peter Ditz for his low score as his annual tour of duty comes to an end next
week.
Shame about the venue but hopefully things will have
improved by the time the PGS makes its next call in a month’s time.
Talbot tops at Bangpra
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Bangpra on Thursday,
April 29, to play a monthly medal competition at the popular venue. The
course was in good enough condition but the recent wet spell had toughened
up the rough and the greens were difficult to read without an experienced
caddy. Scores were therefore destined to be on the low side and none but the
most accurate of hitters would find much joy. In uncomfortably humid
conditions the field got underway on time.
Two golfers shared runner-up place with Kasuo Takimoto
and the returning Ronnie Ramsay scoring net 75s, Taki’s gross 82 being the
best of the day. The winner was Brian Talbot and his net 70 was excellent
value for the round.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Dave Lehane, Tony Thorne (both
on hole number 2) and Jean Morel (hole number 12) and the Booby Bevy went to
Michael Sim for being the first to enter a nil return on a hole, the
par-three 8th, and there were three more destined to follow him.
Bangpra in such conditions can be a frustrating challenge
but it still remains high on everyone’s list of favourites.
320 and counting
The 1st of May is internationally recognised as a public
holiday and those of us old enough to remember, can look back nostalgically
to the fifties and sixties when whole communities seemingly took themselves
off on early summer bank holidays for an “away day” break from the
tribulations of the daily round. The sight of dads with their sleeves rolled
up, as were their trouser-legs, and heads bedecked with knotted
handkerchiefs, enjoying the freedom of a day off remains a quaint memory.
Khao Kheow was a bit like that on the occasion of the
Pattaya Golf Society’s first weekend visit. The only difference was that the
holiday-makers were Thais intent on proving that they still have many
leagues to go to achieve the accepted golfing etiquette of “progress” on a
golf course. Five-balls losing pace on groups in front and oblivious to
those behind are unacceptable in anyone’s books.
In their stableford competition over the C and A nines
the PGS golfers made a very patient fist of things and in joint third place
were Masanori Takano and Larry Slattery on 31 points. Jens Gunnarsson took
second with 33 points and the round of the day was that of Peter Masters
with his 36 points showing what he is capable of when striking the ball
sweetly.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Jon Lay, Michael Sim, Tony
Thorne and Jim McNeill.
The Booby Bevy should have been reserved for the course
marshalls who were conspicuously absent all day. In order to make the point,
the two leading PGS groups played the final hole together as a six-ball and
they still found themselves waiting to play their shots! And the headline?
The number of minutes it took to play Khao Kheow on a public holiday.
No high scores all week
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
The headline sums up the report this week - no one broke
forty on any of the three playing days. In fact no one reached thirty-eight.
Not sure why, nobody I spoke to had any major stories to report and could
offer no explanations. So it was just another week of golf in this great
country!
Monday, April 26, Emerald
– Stableford
1st Andre Coetzee (6) 36pts
2nd Amphan North (13) 35pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (12) 35pts
4th
Ted Senior (12) 34pts
Monday was an outing to Emerald, where they seem to have
really got their act together recently: sensible pricing and good service on
a testy course for most.
The ‘2’s boys from Saturday, Thomas Knudson, far left,
and Mike Shackleton,
far right, with Division 1 winner Ted Senior and third
placed Glynn Furfie.
Andre Coetzee was top of the list today with 36 points,
just one ahead of ladies Amphan North and Mod Chaviraksa, with Amphan edging
the count back on the last three holes for second.
Three 2’s came from Jeff North at the 7th, Andre at the
13th and Ted Senior at the 15th.
Thursday, April 29,
Phoenix - Stableford
1st Mike Ensor (11) 37pts
2nd Dave Ball (18) 37pts
3rd Mike Rushant (13) 36pts
4th
Daryl Ottoway (7) 36pts
No outing on Tuesday this week so straight on to Thursday
and our regular visit to Phoenix to play the Mountain and Ocean course.
Mike Ensor won this outing with a one under par 37 points
ahead of Dave Ball on the count back by two. In third was Mike Rushant with
his 36 points, again after a count back over Daryl Ottaway.
A single ‘2’ was registered by Roger Ison who took all
the spoils.
Mike Ensor rang the bell to celebrate his win for all
back at the Travellers Rest.
Saturday, May 1, Eastern
Star - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Ted Senior (12) 37pts
2nd Phil Knight (10) 36pts
3rd Glynn Furfie (7) 32pts
4th Larry Simpson (10) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Rampai Chaisuwan (29) 38pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (16) 37pts
3rd Alan Evans (23) 28pts
4th
Mike Rushant (13) 24pts
Saturday saw a regular weekend visit to Eastern Star with
good numbers and two divisions.
Division 2 had a new Thai lady heading the list, Rampai
Chaisuwan with her 38 points. Unfortunately she did not return for the
presentation so I was not able to get a pic for you to see. In second was
Roger Wilkinson on 37 (another one who is shy of the camera), and Alan Evans
came third with 28, yes, you read it right - twenty eight!
Division 1 had Ted Senior at the top with 37 points (he
asked me to pass a comment to Brendan Moore that the cut in handicap by a
another one was for him. I am sure he will understand.) Second was Phil
Knight at 36 (another camera shy participant) and Glynn Furfie took third
with 32 after beating Larry Simpson on count back
Two ‘2’s came from Thomas Knudsen at the 6th (he told me
that his putting was appalling all day so the only way he could get a ‘2’
was to chip it on from off the green), and from Mike Shackleton at the 17th
- a putt of some three feet I believe.
Note: If you want any full and 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. Pattaya
Rippey kicks ash
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Monday, April 26, Green
Valley - Monthly Medal
1st Ian Rippey (14) net 68
2nd Mark Wood (11) net 69
3rd Fred Brent (6) net 71
4th John Deardon (20) net 72
Monthly Medal winner Ian Rippey, center,
with Mark Wood,
left, and John T.B. Deardon.
The Ash Cloud over Europe proved fortunate for Ian Rippey:
Ian rotates between Pattaya and Yemen and was delayed a week allowing him to
join us for the Monthly Medal at Green Valley. He played steady and came in
with a day’s best score of net 68. Mark Wood fired a net 69 for second
place, Fred Brent (low gross 77) came third with net 71 and John TB Deardon
filled the podium with a net 72.
Welcome back to Steve Snelgrove, Nigel Flanagan and Jeff
Cordeiro.
Wednesday, April 28, The
Emerald - Stableford
1st Nate Welchert (12) 36pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (11) 32pts
3rd
Barry Snok (28) 25pts
We welcomed some more friends returning to Pattaya and
Nate Welchert, visiting from Japan, showed no travel lag as he was the form
horse today, taking the win with 36 points ahead of Brad Sproxton in second
on 32 points. Barry Snok, also back from Japan, had 25 points for third.
Friday, April 30, Phoenix
– Stableford
1st John Deardon (20) 38pts
2nd John Warren (17) 37pts
3rd
Steve Mulberry (10) 34pts
John Deardon continued his fine play of late and finished
the day with 38 points for outright victory and we were regaled with a shot
by shot review of his round over several cold ones back at The Golf Club.
Well done John! ‘Little’ John Warren rebounded from some suspect play at
Siam to place second on 37 points and Steve Mulberry came in third on 34.
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.
The Eagle has landed
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, April 25, Green Valley -
Stableford
A Flight
1st Don Lehmer (15) 37pts
2nd Stefan Hodge (16) 37pts
3rd Gavin Knox (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (18) 40pts
2nd James Bell (22) 39pts
3rd Brad Dippie (19) 38pts
Eddy ‘the Eagle’, who has seen his handicap climb over
the last couple of months, signaled that he may have solved the problem as
his 40 points was the best score of the day and won him ‘man of the match’
honors and B Flight glory. Jimmy ‘Houdini’ Bell was second again, one shot
adrift, and Brad Dippie won a count back over ‘The Mechanic’ a further shot
back for third.
Sunday’s Medal winner, Eddy Beilby.
It was count backs all round in the senior flight; Don
Lehmer getting the verdict and top spot over Stephen Hodge as both were
knotted on 37 points. Gavin Knox, playing his last game before returning to
the UK, posted an even par round, doing the same to Chris Davisson to fill
out the flight.
Monday, April 26, Crystal
Bay - Stableford
1st Buddy Nagi (8) 38pts
2nd Gary Greene (11) 37pts
3rd
Jimmy Day (15) 36pts
The Lewiinski’s gang made their weekly visit to the
formidable Crystal Bay, which saw as far as I can recall two newcomers to
the ranks; Australian Buddy Nagi and Ireland’s Gary Greene, both of whom
showed the regulars how the game should be played as they were the only two
to better par on the day.
Buddy posted a solid 38 points to win the game and Gary
came up a shot short for second. This left the dynamic duo of the Irish
Tarmac men, Christy Knight and ‘Jimmy ‘the ladies man’ Day to contest a
count back for third with Jimmy the Co Wicklow man getting the verdict.
Ian Bevan scooped a very handy ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, April 28,
Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Buddy Nagi (8) 37pts
2nd Mick McMahon (14) 33pts
3rd Terry Mangan (11) 33pts
B Flight
1st John Hillier (20) 35pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (18) 34pts
3rd
Eddy Beilby (16) 34pts
There it is, a sign that Armageddon is upon us, Buddy
Nagi stood atop the A Flight podium looking down on his minions below.
Buddy, who just two days before was hoisted upon the shoulders of his
adoring fellow competitors, is now, in true Pattaya fashion, being vilified
as a Sandbagger. But before you judge him too harshly let’s be fair, this is
only the second game he has played with us. Get used to it!
Mick McMahon and Terry Mangan, just four shots adrift of
Buddy, needed the aid of a count back to separate them with Mick emerging
the victor.
Moving to B Flight it was John Hillier who rolled back
the years to post a fine 35 points for a welcome victory. Peter Henshaw, a
shot back, won a close count back over Eddy ‘the Eagle’ for the penultimate
spot.
Jason Mourad and Don Lehmer spilt 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 089 826 0764.
Transport is provided.
Tom Byrne has best of the week 68
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, April 26, Green
Valley - Stableford
1st Roar Berger (26) 36pts
2nd Barry Traynor (12) 36pts
3rd Brian Talbot (13) 35pts
4th Russell Exley (7) 33pts
5th Fred Chadwick (15) 33pts
6th
Dave Lehane (16) 33pts
A very tough week’s golf out of Soi 13, with only one
player out of the three competitions scoring below par, started at Green
Valley and with the numbers still down following the mass exodus over the
Songkran holidays there was just the one division. This was headed by Roar
Berger who won a tight count back over Barry Traynor with a better 20 to 18
on the back nine after Barry had gone out in a level handicap score but
could not squeeze out that last put on the 18th green.
But Roar was a worthy winner as he finished particularly strongly over the
last three.
Brian Talbot made it a happy return to Pattaya with a one
over handicap score that was good enough for third spot with Russell Exley
another two shots back in fourth. Russell just got the better of Fred
Chadwick with a count back of 18 to 15 and Fred just edged Dave Lehane with
a back six of 12 to 10 for fifth place.
Fred Chadwick scored the only ‘2’ in the first division
and Roar Berger had the lone one in the second.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back
Ole Stamnes, David Lehane, Brian Talbot and Cliff Hornsby.
Wednesday, April 28,
Bangpra - Stableford
1st Cliff Hornsby (16) 31pts
2nd Paul Hartley (20) 30pts
3rd Brian Talbot (13) 30pts
4th
Jens Gunnarsson (12) 28pts
With the weather as “hot as hell” and a green keeper
intent on setting the hardest pin positions, the course played about as hard
as it can, which saw the day’s CSS move out to 75 and become a non- counting
competition for upward handicap review.
Cliff Hornsby was as surprised as anyone as he took his
first win for some time out of The Haven by the slimmest of margins ahead of
Paul Hartley and Brain Talbot, with the former getting the nod for second
with a winning 12 to 10 on the back six after they had halved the nine in
15’s. Jens Gunnarson filled out the mentions with a unmemorable score but
one good enough on the day for fourth place.
Unsurprisingly, with the course set up and the prevailing
conditions, there were no 2’s in either division.
Prior to the presentation by The Doc, he welcomed back
Paul Hartley and Kevin Townsend.
Back at The Haven, a story was related concerning a
recent scramble where the usual preferred lies were used after selecting the
team’s ball position. One of the competing teams were noted as placing all
the balls played on a tee on every occasion, even in the rough, and when
questioned about the incidents replied, “well we rather prefer to play the
ball off a tee than the ground, as it can sometimes be too difficult.”
Fortunately for the rest of the competitors, the golfing standards of the
team were not high enough to trouble the scorers and so it did not become an
issue.
Friday, April 30, Khao
Kheow - Monthly Medals
Div. 1 (0-15)
1st Tom Byrne (14) net 68
2nd Russell Exley (7) net 76
3rd Kevin Townsend (10) net 80
Div. 2 (16+)
1st Evan Millar (23) net 74
2nd Sid Ottaway (22) net 79
3rd Alec Hoare (16) net 81
Ladies
1st Orawan Meeraka (32) net 80
Tom Byrne at last broke the par which had eluded all the
other competitors during the week’s previous outings with a stunning four
under score at what is arguably the toughest course that is played regularly
by the group.
From the yellow tees the A and C courses measure over
6,600 yards and anything around par can usually be expected to be in
contention, so four under is a very commendable number and comparison with
the next best in any division shows a six shot margin and Tom’s win by eight
strokes underscores his dominance of the first division.
Russell Exley took a creditable second place with Kevin
Townsend pleasantly surprised to end up in third.
The second division was led home by Evan Millar who
outshone the rest of the division by five shots, with Sid Ottaway being the
nearest and Alec Hoare another two strokes adrift in third place.
With only one lady participating, there was once again no
Ladies medal winner, but Orawan’s very good score, especially in the light
of the rest of the scores and achieved from the white tees deserves special
mention.
Trevor Schirmer slipped in the only ‘2’ in the first
division and Evan Millar added to his day’s haul with his solo effort in the
second division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member
Shuichi Shibata and also welcomed back Charlie Sheppard, Alec Hoare, Tom
Byrne and Joe McArdle.
Café Ole and Brother D keep pressure on leaders
Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Lek, Joe & Yeow.
Joe Ferral bowled a 207 game and 549 series as he tried to lead his
first placed U.S. Marine team to victory, but it was only enough to win
one point from VFW Post 9876. The U.S. Marine team held on to first
place as second placed Bavaria fared no better after they lost three to
Café Ole. Pao Orawan bowled a good 537 series for Café Ole and they move
to just three points behind the leaders.
Brother D also made a move and are only four points
behind the first placed team after they won all four points from a slumping
Indiana team. Yeow bowled a 213 game and 549 series and Lek Reaper had a 217
game for Brother D.
Green Tree continued their good play as they took three points from
Canada, behind Noodle Russell’s 542 series. In the final match of the day,
Sabai Sabai Friday and Jack Tar both walked away with two points each.
Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson
My partner and I
were the unwary victims of this hand recently. South dealt and all were
vulnerable. I was sitting North. The N-S hands and the bidding are
shown below:
S: KQ7
H: K
D: AQ10752
C: K32
S: ? S: ?
H: ? H: ?
D: ? D: ?
C: ? C: ?
S: J10942
H: AQJ1054
D: -
C: AJ
South West North (me) East
1H P 2D P
2S P 4N P
5N P ?
We were playing Roman
Key Card Blackwood, in which there are five key cards, the four aces and
the king of trumps. South’s 5N response shows two or four key cards and a
void. Since I had two key cards (diamond ace and spade king), I knew that
he had two, not four and we were missing an ace. In view of the length of
my suit I guessed his void was in diamonds.
What would you bid at
this point? I had been thinking about bidding 6N. However, my partner’s
void in diamonds made my good diamond suit look to be of little value in no
trump. Consequently I bid six spades.
West led a low spade
to the ace in East’s hand. Back came a heart, which West ruffed! Excellent
lead from East, but who would expect hearts to split 6-6-1-0? So the
contract was down one. To add insult to injury no one else was in slam at
all, even though N-S clearly should be at the six level. After all, six no
trump played by North is cold against any defence, scoring five top hearts,
four top spades after the ace has gone, two top clubs and the ace of
diamonds. Six spades only fails because of the extreme distribution in
hearts.
So we bid it well and
got a bottom! Is there no justice? I can see that I’ll have to make more
frequent sacrifices to the bridge gods in future in order to get their
favour. The full deal is shown below:
S: KQ7
H: K
D: AQ10752
C: K32
S: 653 S: A8
H: - H: 987632
D: KJ943 D: 86
C: 98754 C: Q106
S: J10942
H: AQJ1054
D: -
C: AJ
If you have bridge
questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please contact me at:
[email protected].
|
