A return to Phoenix for some

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, May 18, Phoenix – Stableford

Tuesday saw the group make a long awaited return to Phoenix Golf Course, availing ourselves of their Sport Day promotion, a moderate 800 baht green fee. The Mountain & Lakes, from the White tees was the allotted combination, as Ocean is undergoing some maintenance. The course was in fair to good condition, with several comments regarding the different pace between the two 9’s greens also, but as they say, it’s the same for everyone.

Tuesday’s runner up Ted Gardner with playing partner Ian Hart.

Jeff Wylie (6) managed his way round best, carding 37 points, to beat the improving Ted Gardner (7) by 2 points, third place went to new ML golfer Keith Allen (17) who shot a solid 32 points, although it could have been better after getting away to a good start. The final prize spot went to regular Graham Hiskett (12) with 30 points, his 17 on the back 9, sufficient to edge 2 others out on a countback.

Near Pins were shared by Keith A (2), Nobby & Jeff.

Thursday, May 20, Pleasant Valley - Stableford

Thursday was our monthly trip to Pleasant Valley where we played off the Blue tees today, which combined with the oppressive heat saw the group struggle to mount much of a challenge to the layout.

With a smaller than average group today, it was Ken Hole (15) with 33 points, who triumphed over Tony Weresay (17) on 32 points. The course was undergoing some greens maintenance, which proved treacherous, evidenced by the 4 putt from 4 foot experienced by 1 of our more competitive members. Easiest shot in golf that 4th putt, or so they say anyway!

Near Pins were shared amongst Paddy (2), Tony & Jeff

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.

Next week we are at Green Valley & Bangpra, subject to availability, 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!

Russell’s birthday bash a great success

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, May 17, The Emerald – Scramble

1st Paul Taylor, Chris Davisson, Doug Campbell, Paul Larkin (7.9) net 57.1
2nd Chris Knapp, Peter Sumner, Al Keith, Trevor Schirmer (5.9) net 59.1
3rd Chris Voller, Mikael Andersson, Jeremy Masse, Russell Exley (4.5) net 59.5
4th Rod Howett, Dave Spendley, Shuichi Kodaka, Roar Berger (11) net 60.0
5th Alan Pilkington, Alan Griffiths, Brian Libbey, John Teague (6.8) net 60.2
Near Pins: #5 Mikael Andersson, #7 Paul Taylor, #13 Peter Sumner, #15 Trevor Schirmer

Russell Exley’s Birthday Tournament was again a four person scramble played over the Emerald course, which was found to be in great condition and allied to fine weather, it all made for an excellent day’s entertainment before returning to The Haven in Soi 13 for the prize presentations and a choice of any main dish on the extensive menu included in the total cost of 1,300 baht, which made it a very inexpensive day as well.

Russell had also provided additional prizes for near pins to add to the prizes for the successful teams.

The winners were led by Paul Taylor who carded a gross 65 to win by a clear 2 shots, from a very competitive field with all teams returning good scores and the worst being a very creditable 65.6.

The swing Guru’s team could only manage second place in spite of all the good advice given, especially to the Cap’n, who despite hours spent on the range, the instruction was found to have “fallen on deaf ears” and after also having a gross return of 65.

The Birthday Boy’s team then unsportingly beat off the challenge of Rod Howett’s team, who had a gross 71, for third place by half a shot after recoding the best gross of the day of 64.

Back at The Haven following the prizes being presented by Russell, ably assisted by Chris Knapp, the almost full compliment of entries roundly applauded the day’s benefactor.

Wednesday, May 19, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Brian Libbey (10) 35pts
2nd Russell Exley (7) 33pts
3rd Steve Bickle (18) 32pts

Brian Libbey, having warmed up on Monday followed by nine hours at the driving range on Tuesday, took command off the blue tees at the always difficult Mountain Shadow course that had reputedly been built for the use of 15 handicappers and below, and it usually plays to that specification.

This day was no exception, with the CSS going out to 73, as the field found the going even on a well prepared course which was as good as it ever was in the old days with the greens in really superb condition.

Russell Exley seemed to make light of an extra year on his age with a solid gross 80 for second spot ahead of Steve Bickle, whose steady play again showed dividends with a podium place.

It is just a pity that the excellent presentation of the course is not carried through to the changing rooms where the maintenance seems to have been completely fallen apart with only one shower having the benefit of a light bulb installed.

Jens Gunnarsson had the only ‘2’ in the first division and Steve Bickle had the lone one in the second division.

Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard had a belated farewell for Roar Berger who following the Icelandic eruption, had at last been able to secure a seat back to Norway for the snow melting ceremony in his home town.

Friday, May 21, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Orawan Meeraka (32) 41pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer (15) 36pts
3rd Russell Exley (7) 35pts
4th Bob Lamond (6) 34pts
5th Steve Bickle (18) 34pts

Orawan Meeraka had one of those rounds when everything seemed to go exactly to plan and those tricky putts just dropped in on the last revolution of the ball, and it all added up to a gross 99 and her first round under 100, which is always a memorable round.

On this day it was enough to take the day’s top honours by a clear five shots with Trevor Schirmer being the gentleman as always and very gracious in defeat after a solid level handicap round, in second place.

Russell Exley appeared once more on the podium with a workmanlike one over handicap round in third place and Bob Lamond won the count back over Steve Bickle with a better 11 to 10 over the last six holes after they had both returned 16 for the nine.

With the scoring a lot easier than the previous outing, it was no surprise that the CSS for the day went down to 71.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Trevor Schirmer slipped in the lone one in the first division to sweep the pool.

Back at The Haven prior to the presentations Stuart Thompson was welcomed back and there was a farewell for Steve Bickle who was returning to ‘Blighty’ with a few good memories of Thailand after all the doom and gloom that had been predicted for his visit.

Sullivan scrapes home in tight finish

96th PSC Monthly Members Golf Tournament

Derek Brook

After a short break the Monthly Tournaments resumed Friday, May 21 with a visit to Eastern Star, a course we have not played for some time. The numbers playing were down and this was not surprising as this is the time of year when few visit. The numbers were also reduced by the situation at present, both financial and the safety fears. However we still had nearly 70 players turning out.

A Flight winner Alan Sullivan, right, with the PSC Golf Chairman William Macey.

The players were off on time and the day went quite quickly, but with the tees well back and a strong wind the scores were never going to be extra high. Indeed this is a very tough course and as far as I am concerned I find this the hardest of any course here. You always seem to find a few holes that destroy your round, as did a disaster on the ninth for me. Playing Medal on this course can be a trial.

C Flight winner Neil Shaw, right, accepts his prize from the Golf Chairman.

The layout itself was in quite good condition, with grassed fairways and greens that were a bit slow but otherwise good to play. All in all the round was going quite smoothly till my disaster on the ninth, then Max came over and said we may have a problem with our presentation that night at Shenanigans as the area was difficult to get into. A quick reshuffle by the Golf Chairman saw the presentation carried out at Eastern Star and we were able to all be home in Pattaya nice and early. T.T.F.N.

A Flight 1st Alan Sullivan net 72,
2nd Bob Newell net 72
3rd Jeff Wylie net 72
B Flight
1st Don Lemur 38pts
2nd Jimmy Day 36pts
3rd Andre Van Dyke 35pts
C Flight
1st Neil Shaw 38pts
2nd John Bartley 37pts
3rd William Chang 36pts
Long Drives: Birt Thompson, Morton Esseth, Olaf Torstein.
Near Pins: Kevin McEntee, Bob Newell, Matt Doyle, Ian Grout, Frank Kelly, Mike Gerrard, Stu Rifkin, Peter Henshaw, Morton Gauslar, John Kubon, Seamus Farrel.

Allidi makes it two wins for the week

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn

Monday, May 17, Pleasant Valley – Stableford

Once more Café Kronborg proves to be one of the more popular venues as 23 golfers were signed up for today’s competition at the challenging Pleasant Valley golf course. Welcome back from his drilling work in Northern Thailand to Paul “Muncha” Moloney who brought three of his mates with him – Nolan, Rex & Simon.

Mike Allidi, left, receives the Cafe Kronborg Monthly Mug from The Admiral, right

As usual The Admiral made sure the departure was right on time at 0815 and just 40 minutes later, thanks to the new access road, the group arrived at Pleasant Valley. The first group, a threesome, were able to tee off twenty minutes earlier than scheduled at 0940 from the tenth tee. A few showers were experienced at first with thunder just about all day and conditions were steamy.

The course was once again in fine shape although cored greens on the front nine had to be contended with. This didn’t deter everyone though as there were a couple of very good scores on the day. The opening threesome breezed around the course in the excellent time of four hours.

An excellent round of 73 off the stick gave Mike Allidi top spot in A Flight with veteran Ted Morris finishing second on a count back from Les Hall in third place while Tony Lecce finished fourth.

Patrice Bardy kept up his consistency and easily won B Flight but a count back was required to determine second and third spots with Lionel Rowles nudging out Colin Swann, and Mike Winfield once again “sneaked” on to the podium in fourth place.

Mick O’Connor, last start winner of the Compass Cap was delighted to be able to pass it on to Marie Rowles who did not have such a good day.

A Flight
1st Mike Allidi (4) 39pts
2nd Ted Morris (10) 36pts
3rd Les Hall (18) 36pts
4th Tony Lecce (18) 34pts
B Flight
1st Patrice Bardy (19) 40pts
2nd Lionel Rowles (26) 36pts
3rd Colin Swann (23) 36pts
4th Mike Winfield (19) 34pts

Thursday, May 20, Phoenix, Café Kronborg - Monthly Mug/Stroke

It was that time of the month when we count all our shots while competing for the coveted Café Kronborg Monthly Mug at Phoenix. A very good field again of 19 golfers were ready for the challenge and upon arrival at the course were invited to play the Mountain & Lakes nines.

Our first group teed off right on our allotted time with showers on the first hole and after that conditions were very hot & steamy. Just four hours and twenty minutes to complete the round which is a good time for a stroke event.

It was nice to confirm that we have honest golfers playing with Café Kronborg as one person reported afterwards that he had signed for the wrong score and accepted the DQ in good spirit. Many thanks once more to Bjarne and Café Kronborg for sponsoring this popular monthly event.

Just the one flight on the day with the overall Mug winner and then four placegetters.

That very fine golfer Mike Allidi managed to go round the course in par off his four handicap and easily won the Café Kronborg May Monthly Mug by six shots. Then we had Lionel Rowles one shot clear of Scotsman (got it right this time mate) Henry O’Brien in second place. Tony Lecce finished third from Marie Rowles who beat Mike Winfield on a count back for fourth place.

The Compass Hat was presented to a luckless Mike “Hunter” Gosden who did not have the lowest score amongst Compass Club members but as the rules are on Monthly Mug days you have to be present at Café Kronborg to receive any awards and Malcolm Shying, the real winner failed to show.

1st Mike Allidi (4) net 68
2nd Lionel Rowles (26) net 74
3rd Henry O’Brien (20) net 75
4th Tony Lecce (17) net 77
5th Marie Rowles (20) net 78

Sumner shines at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, May 17, Rayong C.C. – Stableford

Back to reality after our trip to Hua Hin and with the Pound and Euro reducing each week against the baht, the numbers of players are reducing gradually. This probably had some bearing on today with only six groups out, the ladies division and two for the men.

Division winners at Eastern Star: John Teague and Pete Sumner.

There were a couple of sanded greens but the course was in an OK condition. Unusual for here, 35 points was the highest recorded score for the men with Kari Aarnio winning Division 1 after beating Ben Findon on a 20/18 back six countback and Georges Faber was third with 34.

Gordon Everingham also beat William Chang on a countback (21/20) for first place in Division 2 with Barry Rawlinson third on 32 points.

A cut has been imminent over the past couple of weeks for Miss Nang and with 20 points on the front nine she easily won the Ladies division with 38 points with Miss Khung finishing second on 33.

Andy Baber, Georges Faber and Frank Kelly shared the ‘2’s in Division 1 and there were no winners in Division 2 so a rollover to Wednesday.

Wednesday, May 19, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

There were six ladies out today so some very competitive games going on in their two groups. At the end of the day Noi Emmerson won with 36 points, beating Miss Nang (now playing off a reduced handicap) by two points and in third place was Mam Morel with 32.

Burnie Sinclair’s 38 points topped Division 2 with Gordon Everingham beating William Chang on a 19/18 countback for second after they both tied with 37 points.

Frank Kelly took out Division 1 with 36 points, Chris Voller was second one point behind and Georges Faber beat Don Head and John Morel on countback after they all scored 31 points.

There were four nearest the pins for the ladies today and they were shared by Mam Morel (2), Miss Nom and Miss Nut. Don Head birdied the 5th to take the only ‘2’ of the day and there are now three rollovers in Division 2 to Mountain Shadow next Monday.

Friday, May 21, Eastern Star – Stableford

A slightly earlier start here today and with times booked for the first and the tenth ahead of a later competition there were a few concerns after playing nine holes about how long the wait would be, but with a large reduction of players in the comp there was no problem at all.

Another very hot front nine but as the clouds built up and the coastal breeze increased we all enjoyed the conditions on the back nine, a first for a long time.

In his last game with us before his trip back to the UK ,Steve Ironside got beaten by John Teague on a back six countback of 14/12 after they both score 35 points, Terry Cowell finished third and was embarrassed to collect the purse with 31 points.

Pete Sumner won Division 1 with 38 points with Chris Voller beating Mikael Andersson on a 19/17 countback for second after they both scored 35 points.

Miss Nom took the Ladies Division honours with 38 oints with Noi Emmerson in second some five points behind. There are no ‘2’s in all three divisions so a carry over to Eastern Star next Friday.

Blackburne best at Green Valley

The Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill

Monday, May 17, Green Valley - Stableford

1st Gary Blackburne (7) 42pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (11) 41pts
3rd Henry O’Brien (21) 40pts
4th Claus Birk Thomsen (12) 39pts
5th Oddvar Rykke (13) 35pts

The Green Valley course gave up some great scores on this day. With 28 players and 100% participation the field was ready to go. Gary Blackburne was best on the day with a gross 73 off the stick and 42 points. Well done. Brad Sproxton had 41 points, barely surpassing a fine 40 points from the ever steady Henry O’Brien. Claus Birk Thomsen had a great 39 points and Oddvar “Road Captain” Rykke was fifth with 35 points.

Welcome to David Hutchison and Cynthia from Oz and it’s a sad farewell to Stephen Snelgrove from Canada. Stephen has been a long time supporter of The Golf Club and we will see him again in a few months time.

Wednesday, May 19, Burapha – Stableford
1st Edgar Irazarry (18) 40pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (10) 37pts
3rd Noel Pittard (5) 27pts

We had a small field today but a fun time had by all. We played the A and C combination at Burapha with the C course being the field leveler. This nine was still in tournament shape from the week’s previous pro event. Ball snagging rough grabbed any errant shot and made the next shot even more challenging.

Edgar Irazarry stayed on the fairways and managed his way to a day’s best 40 points. Brad Sproxton was second on 37 and Noel Pittard came third with 27 points.

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

Top of the shop for Larry

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper

Well we actually got back to our regular four outing schedule this week. Things had been a little difficult and different over past weeks. I do apologise for that.

Monday, May 17, Bangpra – Stableford
1st Larry Grimes (22) 43pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (17) 35pts
3rd Peter Karhu (16) 35pts
4th Daryl Ottoway (18) 34pts
5th Jim Sykes (17) 34pts

The first trip of the week was to Bangpra on Monday and that was to be a day that Larry Grimes I am certain will not forget. He wiped the field by a clear eight points and fired in a forty-three pointer, which I am certain is the highest score he has ever returned here in Thailand. He also found a ‘2’ at the seventeenth and that must have rounded things off very nicely. Congratulations Larry, may you have many more such games.

Saturday’s top three: Noel Pittard, Tewin Lamthong and Jim Sykes.

Roger Wilkinson with his thirty-five points must have wondered what he had to do to win when he heard the results. However, he only just scraped into second place after winning the count-back over Peter Karhu with one more on the back nine (17 to 16).

Three other players also joined Larry with ‘2’s on the day; Fergus Brennan, Ted Senior (obviously Mr.2 is back) and Peter Shaw.

Tuesday, May 18, Laem Chabang - Stableford
1st Jim Sykes (8) 38pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 36pts
3rd Ken MacKenzie (16) 35pts
4th Ted Senior (12) 34pts
5th Keith Thorogood (19) 33pts

Tuesday we went off to Laem Chabang to play the B & C layouts. We haven’t been there in some time and while I was not in attendance personally, I did notice from the results that the day proved to be a tight pointed affair with only Jim Sykes shining at the top with his thirty-eight points.

Just four points covered all the other places down to seventh. Fergus was second at thirty-six, Ken Mackenzie third at thirty-five and Ted Senior forth at thirty-four. They were all followed in by three thirty-threes; Keith Thorogood just getting the better of Peter Karhu and John Dennis on count back.

Not a single ‘2’ recorded on the day so a traditional bell ring for all those who returned for the presentation.

Thursday, May 20, Phoenix - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Roger Wilkinson (15) 38pts
2nd Amphan North (11) 36pts
3rd Ted Senior (12) 32pts
4th Daryl Ottoway (18) 31pts
Div. 2
1st Chris Parr (16) 41pts
2nd Alun Webber (21) 38pts
3rd William Smith (18) 38pts
4th Derk Thorogood (20) 37pts

Thursday was a usual trip to Phoenix, this week playing Mountain and Lakes and we had a very good attendance so two full divisions.

Division 2 found Chris Parr on top with great forty-one pointer - he seems to favour this course as my records show that on a previous visit to our shores he also had a win there. Alun Webber (the Welsh Wizard) in second spot must have wondered what he had to do after posting his thirty-eight points. A very good score by usual standards, but this was also matched by William Smith for his third place but his eighteen on the back nine was bettered by Alan by three on count back.

Division 1 had yet another win for Roger Wilkinson with thirty-eight points, his second win in two weeks. That new driver is obviously proving to have been a very good investment; he will have all the money back that he paid out for it at this rate. Behind him was Amphan North in second spot, she also seems to like this course and regularly puts in a good result. This week it was thirty-six points. Ted Senior came in with a thirty-two for third, he seems to be picking up places pretty regularly of late.

The “Welsh Wizard, or should that be “Carpet Bagger” Alun Webber picked up the ‘2’s pot all for himself. I bet that went down well with all the other competitors.

Saturday, May 22, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Jim Sykes (19) 37pts
2nd Noel Pittard (17) 37pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (16) 37pts
4th Chris Parr (14) 34pts

Our weekend visit to Khao Kheow on Saturday only attracted low numbers this week so just the one division.

Thirty-seven was the magic number on the day it seems with all top three places attaining that figure. Only the count back could sort things out.

Number one was Jim Sykes, making it his second win for the week with his thirty-seven and nineteen on the back nine. The next at second was Noel Pittard with his seventeen on the back nine and a third placing went to Tewin Lamthong with her sixteen on the back nine. Fourth went to Chris Parr with thirty-four points.

Three ‘2’s on the day came from Noel Pittard and one from Daryl Ottoway

Note: If you want any further or fuller information about the golf outings played by the TRGG from the Travellers Rest Hotel please contact the hotel manager Tewin Lamthong on 086 056 7019 or just call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro, Pattaya and look at the notice board or visit our website: www.trgg.biz. A full June course schedule is now available on our website for your reference.

Capt’ Bob to the fore at Laem Chabang

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Friday’s top four: Sid Brown, Capt’ Bob, Mark McDonald and Steve Milne

Monday, May 17, Burapha - Stableford

A group of 24 Outbacker played the unusual pairing of Augusta & Cypress at Burapha, giving Capt’ Bob the decision as to whether to play blue or white tees, blue being the normal for A and white for C. He chose blue, and once again the C course played its most brutal. The Belfry course (B) is currently undergoing some renovation work on the tee boxes and bunkers and we look forward to it being recommissioned into the normal course of play in the very near future.

Mark McDonald (4) showed the way in Div A with the top score of the day, 34 points, followed in by five players all on 32; Tom Fitzpatrick, John Cunningham, Steve Budrys, Bernie Segrave & Maurice Copan; with the first three names finishing in that order on the podium. Looking at the complete leaderboard, there were some surprise names languishing near the bottom; Bruce Milner & Steve Mann, to name but two.

Div B had a surprise winner in Brian Maddox with the modest score of just 31 points, beating Bob Lindborg on countback with the same score. In this division, Steve Milne had a bit of a shocker, so much so, that General Jack has asked Capt’ Bob for a recount!

There was a ‘jackpot 2’ bagged by Owen Lloyd.
Div A (0-13)
1st Mark McDonald (4) 34pts
2nd Tom Fitzpatrick (12) 32pts
3rd John Cunningham (6) 32pts
4th Steven Budrys (11) 32pts
Div B (14+)
1st Brian Maddox (19) 31pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (18) 31pts
3rd James Bryan (16) 30pts
4th Stephen Giles (29) 29pts

Tuesday, May 17, Pleasant Valley - Stableford

Today Pleasant Valley, which is the other alternate Monday course in our low season schedule, designed for walkers and members and those who just want to give Burapha a bit of a break. For those of you who don’t know where it is, it’s the next exit after Khao Khoew on the same side and just a little way up the valley on the left hand side (opposite the Bangpra turn-off). Apparently the new clubhouse is now open and very ‘pleasant’ too.

A small field of 8 tackled the course from the blue tees, making the course more of a challenge but Bernie Stafford handled it with ease, cruising to a comfortable win by four with 38 points. There was a three way countback for the two minor places, with George Bishop just missing out from Steve Plant and Joe Mooneyham, local member and our esteemed organiser for the day, grabbing the second spot.

Bernie completed his day with a ‘jackpot 2’.

Next Monday (May 31) same time 9.30 at Pleasant Valley (vouchers available see Joe).
1st Bernie Stafford (15) 38pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (15) 34pts
3rd Steve Plant (14) 34pts

Tuesday, May 18, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

With the Outback Bar still managing to sustain good numbers in the current low season, and with the golf in Pattaya fortunately remaining largely unaffected by the political strife in Bangkok, there were 14 regular Outbackers who joined in for the usual Tuesday competition at the local Pattaya Country Club.

There were a couple of groups of Thais in front of us which made the round just a little slower than usual but we had no rain to interrupt play in what was another hot and humid day. The course was in reasonably good condition with work having been carried out on the tee boxes and around the course generally, but the back nine greens seem to be deteriorating as the surface is breaking up in places and require a little attention before it’s too late.

Today there was one division with four places plus ‘2’s.

The only lady out there was La’ong (H/cap 33), who continued her winning ways with 39 points and can expect to see a further handicap reduction. I’ve just heard straight from the handicapper that following today’s score and her 95 on Monday, her new handicap this week is 30.

Aussie, Chris Fletcher (11) took second place with 38 points following a one over gross back nine and today’s organiser, ‘Chad’ (21), showed that responsibility does not affect his golf, with another solid 35, to take third. Alan Pearce, who is sporting a new putter having broken his little one (putter that is!), must have thought today was his day with 23 points on the front but inexplicably he could only manage 9 on the back.

Another ‘jackpot 2’, that’s three this week in as many tournaments, this one from ‘local lad’ David Day.

The Outback has a regular slot at 09.30 each Tuesday at Pattaya Country Club, please come along, it’s a good day out at a reasonable rate.

1st Laong (33) 39pts
2nd Chris Fletcher (11) 38pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (21) 35pts
4th Geoff Moodie (27) 34pts

Wednesday, May 19, Crystal Bay - Stableford

GA (Golf Australia) may have decided to switch to the USGA handicap last month, but in reality they haven’t. What they have done is implemented stage one of a much longer process of actually properly rating and sloping the many courses throughout Australia. Stage one has been quite simply to take the average of the best 10 differentials (differential = gross score - AMCR/AWCR) of your 20 most recent valid scores, the result of which is multiplied by 0.96.

However, something is drastically missing, “the slope rating”, resulting in the instability of a partial USGA system, similar to that which we had here in Pattaya a few years ago, when you could shoot net 69’s all week long round various courses, such as Emerald, Phoenix, and Pattaya C.C., to name but three, and your handicap would not change. Golf Australia should be concerned with the result of their actions and ask themselves the question; why have many Australian amateur golfers’ handicaps suddenly gone up? And not by one or two, in some cases as much as seven.

We at the Outback have a duty to our golfers, both resident and visitors, to try to ensure that everybody’s handicap is correct but GA have made it difficult for us to accept some of our Australian visitors’ handicaps with any credibility, through absolutely no fault of the player himself. As GA complete the work of properly rating and sloping the courses throughout Australia (target end of 2011), then we are sure that the handicaps will fall properly into line but did they make the switch a little bit prematurely and for just how long will we see these handicap anomalies?

So to Crystal Bay, where 20 Outbackers enjoyed the B & A nines from the so called white tees that were so far forward that we might as well have played from the reds! Other than that, it was a good day out, but extremely hot with some very good scoring. Shame that Crystal Bay is not the course it used to be though.

Bernie Segrave wrapped up Div A with a fine 39 points; just one point ahead of Jimmy (the motorbike) Moreton and Capt’ Bob (has he told you about his 8 birdies round here? He will if you’ve got an hour to spare!)

Our Aussie visitors Darren and Syd took Div B by storm, both scoring a massive 42 points and nine clear of the third placed man, Ian Covill on 33.

There were four ‘2’s coming from Capt’ Bob, Bruce McAdam, Louis Doyon and Bernie Segrave.

Div A (0-13)
1st Bernie Segrave (9) 39pts
2nd James Moreton (13) 38pts
3rd Bob Philp (9) 38pts
Div B (14+)
1st Darren Norris (14) 42pts
2nd Syd Brown (17) 42pts
3rd Ian Covill (14) 33pts

Friday, May 21, Laem Chabang - Stableford

At an otherwise deserted Laem Chabang, the 30 Outbackers kicked off from the red tee on the first on the Valley course. Laem Chabang currently has all its white tee boxes under repair so Capt’ Bob & General Jack put today’s course together as a combination of red and blue tees, giving a respectable length of 3,220 yards for the first nine. The gentle opening hole from the red (still 376yds), served as a prelude to the next three, all long and demanding shots across water and if you got 8 points on your card standing on the fifth, you we’re in with a shout.

The back nine was Lake (3,165 yards) with some also particularly challenging holes, like the par 5 second, the par 4 sixth, and of course the finishing hole, the par 5 ninth with its hidden green.

The course generally was disappointingly scant of grass on the fairways, but the greens were fine for this time of year, if a little slow, but neither criticism could stop some fantastic scores out there, not least from our illustrious Capt’, playing off 9!!, who had amassed 24 points on the front nine alone.

He finished the round off with another 19 to give him the top score of the day of 43 points and the win in Div A, followed by Mark McDonald (4) on 37 and Andy & Art racked up 36 apiece.

Div B had Steve Milne (39pts) and Sid Brown (38pts) a mile out in front of Mike Tilley and Brian Maddox both with very ordinary 31’s.

There were five ‘2’s from Jim Little, Capt’ Bob, Phil Waite, Art O’Connor and Jim Moreton.

Div A (0-13)
1st Bob Philp (9) 43pts
2nd Mark McDonald (4) 37pts
3rd Andy Butterworth (11) 36pts
4th Art O’Connor (13) 36pts
Div B (14+)
1st Steve Milne (15) 39pts
2nd Sid Brown (16) 38pts
3rd Mike Tilley (17) 31pts
4th Brian Maddox (19) 31pts

Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country Club. 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.

Thorne survives the heat

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society again challenged the current heatwave with a stableford round at Green Valley on Tuesday, May 18, on a course which is currently one of the best maintained in the area.

The popularity of the course allowed two flights to be played again with the cut at seventeen and under. Conditions throughout were uncomfortable in the nagging heat and scores were unusually low, with one exception.

In the second flight Jeff Lawler and Len Jones shared third place with 30 points each and Pat Murphy was second with 35. The flight winner was Mark West with 36. In the top flight Masanori and Wichai Tananusorn shared third with 31 points, three behind runner-up Mikael Andersson with 35. The highlight of the day was a sparkling score of 42 points by flight winner Tony Thorne. Having struggled for a few rounds now with his putting a change of grip and stance has provided the key and his putting was a revelation on Green Valley’s consistent greens. It represents his best round for a long while and the best gross of 78 on the day.

Tony also nabbed two birdie ‘2’s to share the pot with Pete Sumner and the Booby Bevy went to Mark West, newly returned and still suffering from jetlag, as he left the bar without his change bag and had to borrow shoes and socks for his flight winning round.

Green Valley was hot but Tony Thorne was hotter!

Aussie clean sweep

The Pattaya Golf Society tried to escape the chaos currently gripping the Kingdom with a visit to Bangpra for a stableford competition on Thursday, May 20. The course was empty and in excellent condition and the view of the backdrop to the eighth hole reminded everyone of the beauty that still exists in the country, despite events elsewhere.

The single flight struggled as usual to get to grips with the racing greens and the absence of any birdie ‘2’s indicated the challenges the greens offered. Almost half the field was composed of Aussies and they had an impact on the day with Tony Thorne posting 34 points for third place, a long way behind Darren Norris and his 38 point score. The winner was Brendan Gilsenan and his PGS best return of 39 points did more than merit a fine victory.

The lowest scoring Aussie on the day was Sid Brown and he was duly awarded the Booby Bevy, confirmed by his loyal support for the Sunderland club in the EPL. Mr. Len, of course follows the principal North East team and the award was inevitable!

It had been a relief to escape Pattaya and the restrictive curfew, and Bangpra was the perfect host once again.

Colonial boys on top

Saturday, May 22, saw the Pattaya Golf Society travel to an empty Rayong C.C. to play a stableford competition. The course was in reasonable condition but the greens still need some tender loving care to bring them up to standard as they are inconsistent and bobbly at present. Do they ever roll greens in Thailand? The rest of the course was quite acceptable however and some good scores were achieved.

The single flight saw Aussie Sid Brown and Glyn Jenkins muster 40 points for a share of runner-up place, Glyn’s score being his best in five years of trying. Recovering from a hip replacement operation, Vancouver based Glyn has discovered that slowing down the swing is the answer to accuracy and it worked well at Rayong. The winner, with the best gross of the day as well, 80, was Darren Norris, currently in-form and his 42 points was a fine return for the Australian golfer.

Michael Sim produced a plum on the fifth for a share of the birdie ‘2’s pot with Darren’s effort on the seventh and the Booby Bevy went to Tony Thorne, who, standing on the final tee with 39 points already on his card, proceeded to struggle to escape from a greenside bunker and blew away his chances of being in the frame with a scratched hole.

Golf at Rayong was relaxed and with the let-up in the humid conditions at last it was a perfect way to end the week.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

I received a request to run the column about this famous deal again, so here it is.  Imagine you are sitting East with the massive hand below.  South deals and opens three spades.  The bidding continues as below: 

S: AKQ

H: AKQ

D: AKQJ

C: KJ9 

South       West        North      East (you)

3S             P               P               Dbl

4C            P               5C            Dbl

6C            P               7C            Dbl

Redbl       P               P               ? 

What are you thinking at this point?  Maybe you think the opponents are out of their minds and you are looking forward to gaining a huge number of points.  What you should be thinking is that someone fixed the cards, for you have been dealt a hand famous from the days of whist, 200 years ago.  It cost the Duke of Cumberland 20,000 British pounds - a large fortune 200 years ago!

The Duke’s opponents at whist wagered that, with the East hand above (or a slight variation of it - sources differ) and clubs as trumps, the Duke would not take a single trick.  Unwisely, he took the wager.  Declarer can always take thirteen tricks, no matter how the defence plays.

This was the full deal: 

                        S: -

                        H: 5432

                        D: 5432

                        C: 65432     

S: J10                                    S: AKQ

H: J109876                          H: AKQ

D: 109876                            D: AKQJ

C: -                                        C: KJ9

                        S: 98765432

                        H: -

                        D: -

                        C: AQ1087   

Say West leads a diamond or a heart and declarer trumps.  Declarer then ruffs a spade in dummy and returns a club finessing East.  Next comes another spade ruff and another club finesse.  A third spade ruff in dummy sets up declarer’s spades.  He returns to hand by ruffing a heart or diamond and pulls the last trump with his ace.  His hand is now good.  Another routine six point redoubled grand slam!

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