Bob Benda takes monthly title

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

Good weather and good friends teed off at the Pattaya Country Club this past May 26 at the usual 6:30 am tee time. The course was in reasonably good shape but some of the big boys and girls were off their game this week.

The players mustered back at Caddy Shack II, a Thai open food/beverage stall on Siam Country Club Road, where we meet after golf each week. As usual, Herbie made sure some snacks were on the table along with hot dogs.

This being the end of the month, the winner would get to have his name engraved on the Three Sisters trophy and as the cards were tallied it was found that Bob Benda, no stranger at the top, had come in with a very respectable 37 points for first place followed by Ciano Clavina with a 34. Following the top two were Arnold Van der Graaf and Ed Kristianson, both with 32 points.

Come on out and join us for a round on golf, it doesn’t hurt when the alarm clock goes off at 5 a.m.

A Sumner special at Phoenix

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Something strange had happened at Phoenix on Tuesday, May 25. The car park was empty at ten o’clock in the morning when the Pattaya Golf Society visited to play a monthly medal event and the best of service was guaranteed. The allocated courses were the Mountain and Lakes and the group had the tee whenever they wished.

It is a sure sign of the times and the current plight of Thailand when the punters get to call the tune at the popular local course and it was a delight not to have Asian six-balls or chastening marshalls pressurising the golfers. Within four and a half hours the entire field had returned to the clubhouse having enjoyed an excellent competition.

In the single flight the third place was shared by Ronnie Ramsay and Bill Hewitt on 72 net whilst Mark West went a couple of shots better with a fine net 70 for second place.

The round of the day, indeed the best round of his life, was recorded by Pete Sumner whose gross 75, net 66, was a reward for some fine iron play and only an extra putt on three holes prevented him from recording his first ever par round off the sticks. His birdie ‘2’ on M8 only emphasised his accuracy as did the efforts of Mark West on the same hole and Tony Thorne on M4.

The Booby Bevy went to Pat Murphy, very much in the frame after nine holes, who then started back with an abominable eleven on the short tenth leaving him lost for words for the first time ever! But the question being asked at the presentation was, “Is this truly a sign of the times for Eastern Seaboard golf?” Phoenix ... empty?

Sweet Swedish success

The Pattaya Golf Society found for the second time in a week that they virtually had the golf course to themselves, this time at Eastern Star on Thursday, May 27 for a stableford competition. The golf industry is heading for a tough low season if the signs are to be read, and the courses’ policy of overcharging for groups of less than eighteen (an ESGA contrived figure no doubt) will do nothing to improve either profits or good humour amongst Pattaya’s golfers.

The single flight had Tony Thorne, Sid Brown and Pat Murphy sharing third place with 34 points whilst local member Sweden’s Mikael Andersson rediscovered his form again with an impressive 40 point score for the day’s win.

The only ‘2’ was an eagle, drilled into the eighteenth hole with a nine iron by Wichai Tananusorn, to give him “two for five” for the hole and give his card some semblance of respectability right at the end.

The Booby Bevy was replaced by drinks all round to celebrate the birthday of Khun Phen, Mr Len’s daughter, and the evening ended in fine style, as always after golf with the Pattaya Golf Society.

Oz balance of payments boosted

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Khao Kheow Country Club on Saturday, May 29, to play a stableford competition over the A and B nines. The course was not at its best as a result of recent heavy rains, especially the B nine which had two fairways in particular which were very wet and it bodes poorly for the high season when unwise use of B6 and B7 now will lead to problems later. Still, OK for farangs, as the C nine which was also open, was reserved exclusively for locals and visiting Japanese!

Always a tough course off the yellow tees, good scores were once again at a premium as Aussie Sid Brown posted 35 points for third, one behind the joint winners, compatriots Darren Norris and Tony Thorne on 36 points. Tony managed to pip Masa Takano for the May Player of the Month title during this round and his golf has kicked back into gear now that his new putting style has taken affect.

Sid Brown also took sole possession of the ‘2’s pot with a brace on A3 and B8.

One small point of interest: the recent review of AGU national handicaps has certainly helped Aussie golf visitors with the PGS and the change to calculations under the USGA system has helped golfers on moderate to high handicaps much more than those in the lower bracket. Food for thought? Maybe, but nevertheless well done lads for another Aussie clean sweep.

Moon shines at Pattaya Country Club

The May Diana Seniors and Ladies Open

Nigel Cannon

Thursday, May 27, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

There were 27 playing in this month’s Diana Seniors and Ladies Open and it would prove to be a memorable day for one lady, Chant Schwulera (Moon) who had a ‘hole in one’ on the 12th! This is the first Diana ‘Ace’ – at least for the last 5 years to my knowledge.

(Left to right): Pimusa Tonkhoksoong, Bill Lutton and Chant Schwulera (Moon).

In true tradition, Moon bought drinks for many in the clubhouse after the presentation and was presented with a PCC certificate. Moon also had an ‘Ace’ at PCC last August on the 7th hole.

It was a perfect day for golf at this time of year, with a breeze to keep it comfortable and the course in a satisfactory condition.

As is usual with this competition all arrived early and registered, with some groups getting away before time and most round in 4 hours with the presentation 30 minutes after the last group came in.

Just 5 ladies today with once again Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (14) leading the field with 38 points. Runner-up was ‘Ace’ lady Chant Schwulera (12) with 36.

It was two new faces in the Seniors with Bill Lutton (14) coming in with a fine 39 points followed by Mike Healey (14) with 35.

In the Super Seniors it was two PCC members and regular Diana players, with Chris John (21) in top spot with 39 points and runner-up his good friend Alan Pearce (22) with 36.

Chris also takes the photos for the Seniors but on this occasion he had to leave early –so he is not in the picture, and Ann of Pattaya Country Club kindly took the photo.

All scores are submitted to Pattaya Sports Club.

The next Diana Seniors and Ladies open is on Thursday June 24 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: Nigel Cannon, Pimusa Tonkhoksoong, Chant Schwulera (Ace), Pimusa Tonkhoksoong.

Long Putts: Alan Pearce, Tom Byrne

Stuart Thompson collects his first Medal

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, May 24, Pattana A & B (White) - Stableford

1st Trevor Schirmer (15) 39pts
2nd Sid Ottaway (23) 34pts
3rd Russell Exley (7) 33pts
4th Alan Pilkington (12) 30pts

A long delayed return to Pattana, after several attempts to strike some sort of reasonable deal for the golfers, finally bore fruit but it turned out to be just as tough off the white tees as it always was. It was therefore even more remarkable that Trevor Schirmer was so far and away better than the rest of the hopefuls who struggled to mark the standard par of 73 and perhaps bears out his conviction that “he has a good chance off of 15 but none off of 14”. But then again maybe it is all in the mind set? Suffice to say Trevor will once again be off 14 when next week’s competitions begin.

Sid Ottaway, although being five shots adrift, was a steady performer in second place just one ahead of Russell Exley in third and four in front of fourth place Alan Pilkington.

The day’s difficulty was underlined by the CSS moving out to 74 for the day.

There were no ‘2’s in the second division but Russell Exley took the only one in the first division.

Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back Yasuo Suzuki.

Wednesday, May 26, Phoenix (Blue) - Monthly Medals

Div. 1
1st Stuart Thompson (9) net 75
2nd Yasuo Suzuki (11) net 77
3rd Alan Pilkington (12) net78
4th Trevor Schirmer (15) net 78
Div. 2
1st Chris Knapp (17) net 74
2nd Sid Ottaway (23) net 78
3rd Rod Howett (24) net 83
4th B.J. Smith (23) net 83

Once again the blue tees over the Mountain and Lakes courses proved to be a stern test of golf for the majority although the CSS stayed at a steady 74 for the day.

Stuart Thompson is now almost back to his old form prior to the serious shoulder surgery over a year ago, and although he would not put the day’s round in his top drawer of results, he still finished well pleased with the outcome as the winner of his first medal out of The Haven.

Yasuo Suzuki was hopeful of a slightly better result than second place as the course was playing its full length following heavy overnight rain but had to be satisfied in the end to just edge in ahead of Alan Pilkington and Trevor Schirmer who were in third and fourth respectively, with Alan winning the count back by 38 to 39.5.

In previous medals this year Chris Knapp has struggled to find the form of last year that netted him two top spots, but this time he was the master of the second division with a four stroke cushion ahead of Sid Ottaway, who put in another steady performance for second place in front of Rod Howett and B. J. Smith, with Rod taking the count back by a margin of 42 to 43.5

B.J. Smith took the rollover ‘2’s in the second division and Marty Rock cleaned up with the only one in the first division.

Back at The Haven Marty Rock, Geoff Picken and Mark Campbell were welcomed back.

Friday, May 28, St Andrews (White) - Stableford

1st Russell Exley (7) 36pts
2nd Rod Crosswell (15) 33pts
3rd Phil Knight (10) 32pts
4th Pete Murphy (12) 32pts

St. Andrews was in absolute tip-top condition as the group took advantage of a very generous holiday rate offered by the management of 2000 baht, which included green fee, caddy, and sole use of a cart to play one of the most scenic courses in the area and always a good test of golf, although the yellow tees may have been a better choice on the day after it was found to be in very good shape following the recent heavy weather.

Russell Exley took full advantage of his length off the tee and new found consistency around the greens to record a workmanlike win at level handicap par and a clear margin of three shots over Rod Crosswell in second place. Rod’s new and higher GA handicap did not seem to give him as much of an advantage as some might think and it seems only reasonable to accept that this will be the situation on quite a few occasions in the coming months with our members visiting from OZ and unlikely to cause too much of a problem for other players in the future.

Phil Knight took third place by virtue of a better back nine of 17 to 16 to push Pete Murphy down to fourth place.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Phil Knight knocked one in to claim sole possession of the first division pool.

Before the presentations Rod Crosswell, Michael Healey, Pete Murphy, Carl Lovatt, Ian Hart, Frank McGowan and Phil Knight were all welcomed back.

Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group you can contact Russell on mobile 084782 4582 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi 13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you should be there by 8.30 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays on the days you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.

‘The Principal’s game and sums finally hold up

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

George Jackson

Sunday, May 23, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Danny Senko (7) 37pts
2nd Terry Mangan (11) 36pts
3rd Garry Blackburne (6) 36pts
B Flight
1st Jez Lees (18) 38pts
2nd John Deardon (18) 38pts
3rd Kathy Doody (19) 38pts

Near Pins: No 2 Garry Blackburne, No 9 Garry Blackburne, No 12 Don Lehmer, No 16 Danny Senko

I have often had the pleasure of playing with him and it’s always been entertaining. There have been times when the wheels have wobbled a bit and many more when they even fell off. Hence such famous quotes as, “the enigma” and “from the sublime to the ridiculous” being heard to describe his game. This scribe even vowed to swim across Pattaya Bay backwards if he ever won a game! But today, however, Jez’s nerve and game remained solid to record a long awaited victory in a three-way tie with John Deardon and Kathy Doody as they all returned 38 points for 18 holes and 19 points on the back nine were Kathy and John both paid the price for having a costly last 6 no scoring hole. Watch out Mussels!

Sunday winner Jez Lees, right, preps the scribe for his cross bay swim.

The action in the premier flight was reasonably sedate in comparison, with Aussie Danny Seinkiewicz (good old Aussie name) posting the only better than par score of 37 points to take the honours. Terry Mangan flew the flag for Ireland, taking second place via a countback over ‘Gally’ Blackburne, both a shot back.

‘Gally’ left for the airport shortly after the game with all of Lewinski’s wishing him a safe journey home, and the same goes to the infamous Offaly Gang.

Back at the ranch it was party time for Jez, and a swim for the scribe.

Tuesday, May 25, St. Andrews - Stableford

A Flight
1st Brad Delaney (5) 38pts
2nd Vic Hester (14) 36pts
3rd Alan Wilkinson (9) 36pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (15) 41pts
2nd Sid Brown (17) 39pts
3rd George Walker (15) 36pts

Colin ‘The Donkey’ Davis provided further evidence that he can play despite the mantle of leadership as he led B Flight with 41 points. This also gave Colin man of the match honours. Newcomer Sid Brown pushed ‘The Donkey’ all the way but came up three shots short for second. George Walker carded an even par round to gain a countback decision over the unlucky Nok Somporn to close the flight.

Single figure player Brad Delany showed his mettle in the premier flight, posting a rock solid 38 points. Vic Hester edged Brian Wilkinson (sorry) Alan Wilkinson for second (just imagine with Blackpool winning promotion to the Premier League earache like you have never heard - only kidding though, and well done to the Blackpool lads) via a count back as both returned even par rounds.

Brad Delaney, Seamus Cotter, Claus-Birk Thompsen and Nok Somporn shared the ‘2’s pot.

Wednesday, May 26, Treasure Hill - Stableford

A Flight
1st Vic Hester (14) 40pts
2nd Claude Harder (16) 38pts
B Flight
1st Nok Somporn (21) 37pts
2nd Jim Bell (22) 34pts

Today’s game turned into a family affair as first Vic Hester scored an emphatic win in the premier division, followed by the better looking of the partnership in the minor league.

Claude Harder followed Vic home in the top flight with a score of 38 points that would normally have won. Bad luck Claude!

Jim Houdini Bell, just back from Australia, showed he wasn’t here to mess about all the time, carding a respectably 34 points to take second in the minor league.

Big hitting Gareth Gill, and ‘The President’ with two shared the ‘2’s pot.

Have you noticed that the cost of earmuffs in Pattaya have sky rocketed - wonder why?

Friday, May 28, The Emerald - Stableford

A Flight
1st Peter Hynard (13) 39pts
2nd Terry Mangan (11) 37pts
B Flight
1st Lew Elbourne (20) 38pts
2nd John Hillier (20) 36pts

The week’s golf concluded at The Emerald with a win for the ‘Right Honorable’ Peter Hynard, who returned a splendid 38 points for the man of the match and A Flight honours. Ireland’s Terry Mangan made it two paydays in a week as his 37 points was good for second.

Lew Elbourne took top spot in B Flight with a useful 38 points and it was good to see John Hillier climb the steps on the podium as he returns to form, not that anyone doubted that he soon would

Jason Senko and Vincent Fox split 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.

Unassailable Warburg takes monthly award

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton &
Derek Brook

Tuesday, May 25, Greenwood - Stableford

A modestly sized group of avid amateurs aspiring to be golfers assembled at Bert’s on Tuesday and were directed to head out to Greenwood Golf Course, which, now that the rains have come, is itself green and somewhat soggy.

Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month, Dick Warberg, right, receives his prize from Derek Brook.

The rain, however, did not interrupt our play, which would have conveniently given us excuses for not playing to form, since not a one of us was able to score his handicap.

The prestigious Alan Bolton “Golfer of the Month” prize was up for grabs, with Dick Warberg leading the pack going into the fray. None of the other contenders was able to glean enough points to upset Dick’s lead, so he claimed the prize, a Mizuno shoe bag.

Mashi won the day and continues to lead in the run for “Golfer of the Year” and it does not appear that anybody else can upset his lead.

1st Mashi Kenata 35pts
2nd Daryl Evans 33pts
3rd Bernie Seagrave 32pts
4th Frank Pilkington 32pts
Near Pins: Bernie Seagrave (x2)

Thursday, May 27, Treasure Hill - Stableford

Yes, it is Thursday and our usual day of golf was moved up a day due to the holiday on the 28th. Not only was the day different, but we also had to change venues as our first choice advised they had a large competition book in and we were asked to delay our tee time. Our regular players like Treasure Hill and they readily took our booking, so after breakfast off we headed up the 331.

Arriving under overcast skies and evidence of overnight rain, the parking lot was virtually empty and our groups were off the first tee 15 minutes early.

The course proved to be on the difficult side today as the recent rains had kept the cutters in the shed and the rough was quite long and recently cored, sanded greens made putting an adventure. However, all are competing over the same course so all is fair and those that did well managed to keep the ball out of the rough and on the fairways.

Play moved along at a reasonable pace and all were having a drink in the clubhouse after a four and a quarter hour round, while the scorecards were collected and tallied.

Back at Bert’s with snacks and beverages going down easily, the results were recorded. Congratulations to Neil Shaw and Andre Van Dyk for their fine play in the PSC Monthly comp the previous week and to Neil for his continuing fine play today, maybe some adjustment in a handicap is in order. So with a big “Thank You” to Bert’s staff and congratulations to the winners the results as noted below were announced.

All are welcome to join us for our friendly, but competitive golf outings.

1st Neil Shaw (23) 38pts
2nd Mick O’Meara (20) 35pts
3rd Mike Phillips (10) 33pts
Near Pins: Mike O’Brien, Mick O’Meara, Neil Shaw

Rowles makes it two out of two

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn

Monday, May 24, Khao Kheow C & B – Stableford

A somewhat smaller field than normal as 14 golfers were signed up to play the challenging Khao Kheow course and it was a warm welcome back to Paul Lenichek from Tacoma, Washington.

Thursday’s winners Chop Daprakhon and Lionel Rowles with The Admiral.

Just a forty-five minute drive now and our first group were able to tee off forty minutes earlier than our booked time in very hot conditions.

The course was in reasonable condition although very wet and lots of bare patches and G.U.R. with re-sodding on the fairways to boot. The round was reasonably quick as we finished in four hours & twenty minutes.

Scoring on the day was very ordinary with the A Flight winner, Walter Baechli being the only golfer to score more than 30 points. Eight points back was Marie Rowles in second place beating Mike “Hunter” Gosden on a count back.

Twenty eight points was good enough to win B Flight with Lionel Rowles being victorious on a count back from Daryl Evans, and Irishman Kevin Dinan finished third.

This time Malcolm Shying was unable to sneak off to avoid the Compass Cap which was gleefully awarded to him by Hunter.

A Flight
1st Walter Baechli (18) 35pts
2nd Marie Rowles (20) 27pts
3rd Mike Gosden (9) 27pts
B Flight
1st Lionel Rowles (26) 28pts
2nd Daryl Evans (22) 28pts
3rd Kevin Dinan (23) 25pts

Thursday, May 27, Century Chonburi – Stableford

Once more a very good field of twenty-two golfers were signed up to play Century Chonburi, a course that some had played before and others, including myself, had never played. I was playing my first game for 3 weeks after 19 days back in Perth, Australia and was certainly looking forward to playing a new course, well, for me anyway.

Just over 50 minutes after leaving Café Kronborg we arrived at the course and were pleasantly surprised to discover that green fee was 100 baht, caddy fee was 200 baht and a cart was 400 baht with 2 people allowed to share. This meant if you shared a cart you paid a total of 500 baht. I and a few others were intrigued as to what would be the condition of the golf course but we really had no need to worry.

Our first group teed off at 0930 in not too hot conditions although it did become rather hot and steamy later in the round. The course was in very good condition providing you did not stray off the fairway and kept out of the bunkers. The greens were also very well prepared although rather tricky at times with several “hidden breaks” and I believe that was the major factor in no-one being able to score to their handicap.

It took four and a half hours for us to complete our round which was quite good considering the several drink breaks we had. The change room was very ordinary with small lockers and just a couple of chairs but all in all excellent value and we will certainly be returning in the coming months.

The winner of A Flight was Chop Daprakhon with Patrice Bardy 2 points further back in second place. Three handicapper Mike Allidi was third from Mike “Hunter” Gosden who beat Guy Canipel on a count back for fourth place.

The Rowles couple took out the top two spots in B Flight with Lionel victorious by 1 point over his wife Marie. Mick O’Connor finished third ahead of Brian Noguer who edged out his mate Wayne Koch for fourth place on a count back.

The Compass Cap was once more awarded to Malcolm Shying, much to the relief of Stu Rifkin who thought he had it “sewn up”.

A Flight
1st Chop Daprakhon (18) 35pts
2nd Patrice Bardy (18) 33pts
3rd Mike Allidi (3) 32pts
4th Mike Gosden (9) 29pts
B Flight
1st Lionel Rowles (26) 33pts
2nd Marie Rowles (20) 32pts
3rd Mick O’Connor (21) 31pts
4th Brian Noguer (20) 27pts

Count back and back and back…

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Monday, May 24, Green Valley – Stableford

1st Henry O’Brien (20) 40pts
2nd Noel Pittard (5) 40pts
3rd Jeff Cordeiro (6) 40pts
4th Claus Birk Thomsen (11) 39pts

It took a while to get the final results from the scoring tent as no less than 3 players were tied on 40 points. Henry O’Brien, with a back nine 21, was the obvious winner. Then came the next two gents, Noel Pittard and Jeff Cordeiro, who were tied on 20. They were also tied for the back 6, back 3, last hole, and #1 handicap hole. It wasn’t until the best total score on the 3 most difficult holes that we finally had second and third decided with Noel getting the edge.

Not to be overlooked was a fine 39 points from Claus Birk Thomsen in fourth.

Wednesday, May 26, Siam Plantation – Stableford

1st Warren Picket (7) 38pts
2nd John Emmerson (14) 35pts
3rd Steve Ellison (16) 34pts

No rain, no wind, but lots of flies as Warren Picket enjoyed a great outing on Siam Plantation A & B. A well struck, well putted round culminated in a final tally of 38 points to win the day. Having never seen the track before, this Aussie put everything aside and was truly amazed at the course and the final result. He’s already committed to return again and defend at Plantation.

(Left to right): Brad, Gib, Oddvar and Warren prepare to tee-off on Siam Plantation 5A.

John Emmerson came back into form after a few weeks of readapting to golf in Thailand and finished on 35 points for second while Steve Ellison amazingly found time to play golf after getting Pattaya Pizza up and running to finish on a respectable 34 points in third.

Flies at this time of year continue to wreak havoc, but we all enjoyed the day and camaraderie.

Friday, May 28, Khao Kheow - Stableford

1st Nigel Flanagan (16) 37pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (11) 34pts
3rd Dr. John Exall (17) 34pts

With a smaller field, the best of the day came from the flamboyant Flanagan! We played the A & B combo today and an un-Flanagan performance bloomed on the inward 9. He has seen a 20 before but it was normally in a baht note. It was a nice send off for a short trip back to the US of A.

Brad Sproxton was in second today with 34 points, just snipping the Doctor John Exall on the back 9 count back.

No rain and Flanagan winning, what is the world coming to?

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.

No putter required as Roscoe sinks an ‘Ace’

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, may 24, Burapha - Stableford

There’s only one story here at Burapha, and that’s Rosco’s hole in one on the Par 3 eighth on the Crystal nine. It was his first in a proper tournament, today’s being an 8 iron, sweetly struck and sucking its way back into the hole; it’s a great hole to get a hole in one as the green is clearly visible from the tee; all too often the greens are elevated and you don’t actually get to see the ball go in the hole.

Rosco, right, enjoys his “Hole in One’ with a few beers and a bell ring.

You quite often hear some classic howlers, there was one during the bar chit-chat from a certain blonde lady who’s not quite in the photo but her husband is. She said to Rosco, “Did you have a long putt?’

How good is that?

So to the rest of the day’s golf on C & D; Rosco also won his division with 40 points followed in by Steve Budrys (38pts) and Capt’ Bob & Mark McDonald both with 37. Div B was taken by Peter Stonebridge with 35 points ahead of Syd Brown (33pts), who we say goodbye to, and Ivan Plunkett & Mike Tilley in third and fourth respectively, both on 32.

For the record, 27 Outbackers played here at Burapha and as is usual with a hole in one, any ‘2’s are non-counting.

Div A (0-13)
1st Rosco Langoulant (13) 40pts
2nd Steven Budrys (11) 38pts
3rd Bob Philp (9) 37pts
4th Mark McDonald (4) 37pts
Div B (14+)
1st Peter Stonebridge (14) 35pts
2nd Syd Brown (16) 33pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (19) 32pts
4th Mike Tilley (17) 32pts

Monday, May 24, Green Valley - Stableford

Back at Green Valley this week for the Monday alternate, with 14 Outbackers turning out for the 9.30 start. Joe Mooneyham once again organised the day with his usual efficiency and strangely managed to squeeze out two divisions.

Even with only six in Div A, the differential between top and bottom was a massive 13 points, the two top scores of the day coming from Paul Greenaway and Erik Antonnen, both with 37. Paul continued his recent form, getting the nod on countback from Erik, who had his best round for sometime, and nice to see him back on the podium. Bernie Stafford, last week’s Pleasant Valley winner, filled third place on 34.

The Doodys took control of Div B, both with 31 points, but Kathy with the better back nine and Jean Guy, who we shall be saying goodbye to shortly as he returns to Canada, was in the middle with the same score.

There were two ‘2’s from Joe and Ian Heddle.

Div A (0-15)
1st Paul Greenaway (11) 37pts
2nd Erik Anttonen (7) 37pts
3rd Bernie Stafford (15) 34pts
Div B (16+)
1st Kathy Doody (19) 31pts
2nd Jean Guy Gaudet (16) 31pts
3rd Geoff Doody (21) 31pts

Tuesday, may 25, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

Jamie Milner had not been seen at the top of the leaderboard since Feb 1st when he won at Burapha, but he did it here on his first attempt at Pattaya C.C., scoring 35 points to win Div A. However, he needed a countback to beat Frank O’Neill, a Tuesday regular, with Owen Lloyd back in third on 34.

Welcome back to Raji, who has just returned from the UK and who wasn’t too far off the pace either.

Thirty five points was also the winning score in Div B, with both John Cogan and La’ong in with a shout of the win. John, who has also just comeback, this time from Ireland, got the nod from Laong who is continuing to improve.

Steve Younger (x2) and Raji collected the ‘2’s and for the record, 21 Outbackers played.

Div A (0-17)
1st Jamie Milner (14) 35pts
2nd Frank O’Neill (17) 35pts
3rd Owen Lloyd (12) 34pts
Div B (18+)
1st John Cogan (19) 35pts
2nd Laong (30) 35pts
3rd David Day (18) 32pts

Wednesday, May 26, The Emerald - Stableford

Apart from the greens that had been cored with holes big enough to stick your finger in and many with little or no sand, it could be said that the course was in good nick. However, if it was, not too many would know about it as the course was virtually empty as our four groups (14 Outbackers) shot round in about three and a half hours. There was a brief break for rain which eased the temperature for all, giving way to quite pleasant playing conditions.

Capt’ Bob is making hay whilst the sun shines, with his ‘9’ handicap and notching up another win but only just this time, beating Andy Butterworth on countback, both with 36 points. Sugar Ray was in third on 35 and Monday’s ‘hole in one’ kid, was fourth with 34.

There was a ‘jackpot 2’, bagged by Phil Waite.
1st Bob Philp (9) 36pts
2nd Andy Butterworth (12) 36pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 35pts
4th Rosco Langoulant (13) 34pts

Friday, May 28, Khao Kheow - Stableford

Come on Khao Kheow, what are you playing at? The Outback has been supporting your course on every Friday throughout the high season and every other Friday during the low season and you give another group our tee time and make us wait 45 minutes; not very good PR! So all in all in was a slow day on a course which had been cored on the front nine (A) and was pretty soggy on the back nine (B).

Steve Mann stepped up to organise the 21 Outbackers at Khao Kheow, as Capt’ Bob & General Jack were away at Burapha hearing about the special golf package on offer to woo back the waning tourists: a three course (green fee only) deal of Laem Chabang, Burapha and Siam Old or Plantation at a saving of over 1000 baht.

Bernie Stafford fired the great score of 40 points, to easily win Div B by nine from Jean Guy and George Bishop both on 31, and Joe Mooneyhan returned at last to some winning form to take Div A on countback from Steve Mann, who has also been going through a lean spell, both with 35.

There were six ‘2’s coming from Joe Mooneyham, Steve Mann, Raji, Andy Butterworth and Bernie Stafford had two.

Div A (0-14)
1st Joe Mooneyham (14) 35pts
2nd Steve Mann (9) 35pts
3rd Mark McDonald (4) 32pts
Div B (15+)
1st Bernie Stafford (15) 40pts
2nd Jean Guy Gaudet (16) 31pts
3rd George Bishop (15) 31pts

Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Defence is the most difficult part of bridge.  So here is a puzzle for you on defence.  Imagine you are sitting East.  South dealt and both sides were vulnerable.  This was the bidding: 

South      West           North       East (you)

1S            P                  2H            P

2S            P                  3S             P

4S            All pass      -                - 

Your partner leads the queen of diamonds and you see the hands below.  Your partner made a good lead.  The queen wins and the jack is led to the second trick.  You overtake and win the ace and king, with everyone following.  Now comes the key decision - what do you lead to the fourth trick to get the contract down? 

                      S: AQ

                      H: QJ432

                      D: 1075

                      C: Q32 

                                              S: J75

                      ?                    H: 10864

                                              D: AK98

                                              C: K10 

                       ? 

Declarer must hold almost all the remaining high card points which you cannot see, or would not have had an opening bid.  Your partner probably has almost nothing.  So your best chance seems to be to try and make a trump trick.

To do this, lead the fourth diamond.  If declarer discards from hand and ruffs on board, then your jack of spades will set up as a winning trump.  If declarer ruffs in hand, then maybe your partner has the ten and can over ruff.

The full hands are shown here.  Unfortunately declarer has the ten of spades and can ruff with it.  However, your partner gets to make the killing discard, a low heart.  Now, declarer cannot clear the high hearts from hand before crossing to board with high trumps, because partner will ruff the second round.  Alternatively, if declarer pulls trumps first, he has no way back to the board to use the good hearts there, and you must win a club trick.  Contract down.

The full deal is shown as follows: 

                            S: AQ

                            H: QJ432

                            D: 1075

                            C: Q32 

    S: 63                                   S: J75

    H: 97                                  H: 10865

    D: QJ4                                D: AK98

    C: J98654                          C: K10 

                            S: K109842

                            H: AK

                            D: 632

                            C: A7 

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

Frank, Harvey & On capture PFM Triples Open title

Barry Hooper

A lawn bowls tournament sponsored by Personal Finance Management International of Chiang Mai took place over the weekend of May 22 & 23 at the Bowling Green in Pattaya.

The winning team of Frank, Harvey and On with sponsor Alan Hall and Steve from the Bowling Green.

Director Alan Hall kindly offered to sponsor the event some time ago, having an interest in the sport that went back to when his parents played. It had not been possible when the original idea was broached to arrange things but finally it was put together and Alan personally came down from Chiang Mai to present the awards.

A triples knockout format over Saturday brought the teams down to the semi finals stage on the Sunday with the all-Thai team of Bank, Ing and Kor coming up against Ian (Quiz), Ian Small and John in one match and Frank, Harvey & On up against the team from John’s Bar in the other.

The outcome of these semi finals were wins for both the Thai team and Frank’s team and so it was on to the final. This proved to be quite a nip and tuck affair with neither team able to pull out a lead for a while, however Frank, Harvey & On just started to get the upper hand with Harvey in particular putting in some fine woods to edge the ends. The final score was Frank & Co. 18, Thai team 10.

A full presentation evening took place after with Alan Hall doing the honours of presenting a fine trophy and medals to both the winning and losing teams.

Thanks must be offered for a fine buffet laid on by the Bowling Green management and staff that truly rounded off what had been a well organised and successful event.

Brother D crowned league champions

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Brother D took all four points from U.S. Marines to overtake them and win the first place trophy in the Friday league. Joe Ferral’s USMC team had bad luck as one of his bowlers was unwell and one came too late to bowl. The loss dropped the USMC team from first place to third.

The champion Brother D team: Lek, Konrad & Yeow.

Noodle Russell meanwhile bowled a good 543 series to propel her Green Tree team from fourth to second place after they won all four points from Bavaria, who dropped from third to fifth. Canada moved up from fifth to fourth after splitting their match against Café Ole.

In the bottom half of the standings Jack Tar took three points from Sabai Sabai Friday and Indiana won three and one half points from VFW Post 9876.

Drawings for the new league will be in two weeks time.