United fall to late penalty, Chonburi go top

Staff Reportes

Pattaya United suffered only their third defeat of the season last weekend when they went down to a late Dagno Siaka penalty against defending champions Muang Thong United at the Yamaha Stadium in Bangkok.

The hosts put the Dolphin defence under constant pressure throughout the match, with Yaya in particular proving to be a real handful, and they were rewarded when Christian was upended in the area by Sompob Nilwong in the 73rd minute. Siaka coolly slotted the ball home past Narit to give Muang Thong all three points and take them level with Chonburi FC at the top of the league standings.

Pattaya, for the most part, had to resort to isolated breakaways during the match but Ludovick had a couple of near misses and the Dolphins could easily have snatched a point with a little more luck in front of goal.

The Eastern Seaboard outfit have now dropped down one place to fourth in the league following surprise newcomers Buriram PEA FC’s 3-1 victory over Bangkok Glass at the I-Mobile Stadium on Sunday. Buriram remain the only unbeaten team in the league.

Pattaya United’s next game is this coming Saturday, June 12, against Insee Police United at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya with the kick off scheduled for 4 p.m.

Chonburi FC meanwhile moved to the top of the league table last Saturday after they routed Navy Rayong 4-0 at the Rayong Stadium. After a goalless first 45 minutes, the Sharks went on the rampage in the second half with goals coming from Jean Marc Benny (2), Therdsak Chaiman and Ekaphan Inthasen. The resounding away win leaves Chonburi top on goal difference from big time rivals Muang Thong United.

Chonburi FC’s next match is at home against Thai Port FC on Sunday, June 13, Kick off at 6 p.m.

Van Dyk doubles up

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday’s winners: Andre Van Dyke, left, Tony Oakes, center rear,
and Bill Knight, right, with one of Bert’s helpers.

Derek Brook

Tuesday, June 1, Bangpra – Stableford

The trip down (or up as you will) to Bangpra is made much easier these days by the opening of the new connection, and we are able to get there in good time. The day started as usual with a Bert’s special golfers’ breakfast, then away to Bangpra.

That was the only easy part of the day as Bangpra was at her most difficult. We should have known, as Dave Richardson and his group had been cruelly beaten up there the day before. All the par 3’s were 180+ yards over water and some of our players who consider a drive not even close to that went through balls like they were going out of fashion. Indeed two of our golfers totaled 6 points between them on the front nine. One used the back nine to catch up on his sleep.

The greens were their tricky normal selves, but the strong wind proved difficult also and all the players ended up in the changing rooms quite drained, and all enjoyed the hot showers.

One point, the main reason I book Bangpra is back, yes Bangpra rainbow ice-cream makes a comeback!

Back at Bert’s we got on with the presentation and said well done to the magnificent winners, and they so deserved it. However if the winners were the best what about the rest?

Anyway, the winner with by far the best round of the day was Andre Van Dyke with 34 points ahead of Tony Oakes in second with 28 points and Bill Knight in third with 27 points on countback over Daryl Evans and Dick Warberg.

Near Pins went to Daryl Evans, Peter Whitehead and Andre Van Dam.

Never mind for the rest of us, with ‘Happy Hour’ we were able to drown our sorrows.

Friday, June 4, The Emerald - Stableford

Have not played this course for some time, and with the PSC Member’s Open scheduled here later this month it was time for a look- see.

Booking in was swift and although the parking lot was quite full, our groups were all off the first tee before our scheduled time. A good start and the skies appeared to promise a fine day.

The course was found in good condition but with sanded greens on the back nine. It appears they have done a fine job with their maintenance and the greens should be in fine shape for the PSC event on the 25th.

Played moved along at a reasonable pace, no thunder showers came our way, and all were showered and sat in the clubhouse within 4ฝ hours, although the flies were there in force.

As the scorecards were collected it became obvious that two of our regulars were taking the prizes this day with fine rounds, beating their handicaps by five points.

Back at Bert’s, with parched throats quenched and a sandwich or two downed, we applauded Andre and Daryl for their fine play and thanked Bert, Pu and staff for taking good care of us.

The same twosome of Andre and Daryl also picked up a near pin each along with Walter Baechli, Mick O’Meara.

Note: We play every Tuesday and Friday from Tropical Bert’s and all are welcome.
1st Andre Van Dyk (19) 41pts
2nd Daryl Evans (22) 41pts

Bailey rolls back the years

PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Monday, May 31, Burapha - Stableford

As the Belfry nine is still undergoing some maintenance work, the 29 Outbackers played Augusta (A) and Cypress (C) but this time with a difference; this first nine (A) from the blue tees and the back nine (C) from the whites. One for the score entry team here when putting in the cards for handicap purposes, but can be easily done, just enter it as a ‘combined nines’, the software does the rest.

Friday’s Div A winner Gareth Gill, left, with Div B winner Sakorn.

The course was in good nick, the greens slick and the weather remained dry, albeit hot, but none of that deterred Dave Boran, who’s on a flying visit from the UK for a week. He got 20 of his 37 points on the front nine which set up his win of Div A by one from the ever consistent, early starter, Steve Budrys with 36. Rosco and Chris Davisson shared the minor places both with 32, ahead of another three guys all on 31.

Div B was slightly lower scoring as Jimmy Little, another of the early boys, got the nod over Barry McIntosh, both with 34, followed in by Bob Lindborg (33pts) and Pottsy (32pts).

There were three ‘2’ from Pete Stonebridge, Norm Cheetham and Capt’ Bob.

Div A (0-14)
1st Dave Boran (14) 37pts
2nd Steven Budrys (12) 36pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (12) 32pts
4th Chris Davisson (13) 32pts
Div B (15+)
1st James Little (16) 34pts
2nd Barry McIntosh (16) 34pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (19) 33pts
4th Campbell Potts (17) 32pts

Monday, May 31, Pleasant Valley - Stableford

Back at Pleasant Valley for this Monday’s alternate, where 9 Outbackers chose to play and to make a game of it, from the blue tees. The course was in fair condition as the greens had been cored and sanded, typical for this time of year.

In the one flight, Steve Mann, who has seen his handicap drift out from 8 to 10 through a series of poor results, brought home the bacon today with a fine 37 points, getting the better of Suzi Lawton (37pts) only on countback. The Sugarman took third with 35 and today’s organiser, Joe, was back in fourth on 34.

There was a ‘jackpot 2’ bagged by Steve Mann.
1st Steve Mann (10) 37pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (14) 37pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (17) 35pts
4th Joe Mooneyham (14) 34pts

Tuesday, June 1, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

It was a fine day for the 15 Outbackers who took the opportunity to cross the 36 and play on an almost deserted course. As we arrived the fifteen caddies who got a bag were clearly the lucky ones.

The course has benefited from recent rain and work has begun on the greens.
Just the one division with four places today plus the ‘2’s.

Age is no handicap when it comes to golf! In top spot by six points was PCC member and regular Outbacker ‘Our Arthur’ - Arthur Bailey (H/cap 23), who will celebrate his 83rd birthday this month, with a great 42 points (21 on each nine). Second place went to Terry Marney (27) – on the podium again with 36 points. Third and fourth places went to two Aussie friends with Chris Fletcher (11) taking third with 35 points, and Geoff Moodie (27) filling the last place with 34 points on countback.

Just another ‘jackpot 2’ today, this time from Chris Fletcher.
The Outback has a regular slot at 09.30 each Tuesday at Pattaya Country Club.

1st Arthur Bailey (23) 42pts
2nd Terry Marney (27) 36pts
3rd Chris Fletcher (11) 35pts
4th Geoff Moodie (28) 34pts

Friday, June 4,
Laem Chabang - Stableford

An early start for the 34 Outbackers at Laem Chabang, starting on the difficult Valley (C) nine followed by Mountain (A). It was another mix of tees giving a length of 6,395 yards, consisting of seven reds, ten blues and one white.

The course is still not at its best, with the fairways seemingly lacking thickness of grass and the approaches to many greens under severe reparation, however, the greens were fine and the white tee boxes, which have all been re-sown, look as though they could be ready in a month or so.

Gareth Gill and Steve Mann shared the top scores of the day, both in Div A, with Gareth taking the honours after a last six countback, both players making 20 points on the back nine. Third was Steve Budrys (35pts) and Capt’ Bob (33pts) took fourth ahead of Joe Mooneyham, also on countback.

Div B was won by the only lady in the field, Sakorn, with a handicap equalling 36 points, ahead of Aussie visitor Rod Crosswell (35pts) who beat regular Outbacker, Brian Maddox (35pts) on yet another countback.

There were just three ‘2’s from Bob Finley, Norm Cheetham and Capt’ Bob.

Div A (0-14)
1st Gareth Gill (8) 37pts
2nd Steve Mann (10) 37pts
3rd Steven Budrys (12) 35pts
4th Bob Philp (8) 33pts
Div B (15+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (24) 36pts
2nd Rod Crosswell (15) 35pts
3rd Brian Maddox (19) 35pts
4th Eldridge Suggs (17) 34pts

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.

Wilson hits the top at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, May 31, Treasure Hill - Stableford
1st Mike Phillips 34pts
2nd Ted Gardner 33pts
3rd Mark West 31pts

Friday’s top three: Graham Beaumont, Don Wilson and Helmut Hebstheit.

Monday was a long trip out to Treasure Hill to play this always tough course. The scores were low and Mike Phillips had the best of it, recording 34 points for first place. Ted Gardner took second spot on countback over Mark West, both players coming in with 31 apiece.

Wednesday, June 2, Royal Lakeside - Stableford
1st Les Hall 33pts
2nd Don Wilson 32pts
3rd Ted Morris 32pts
4th Ken Williams 31pts

A trip to Royal Lakeside on Wednesday and the scores were fairly unspectacular once more with Les Hall leading the pack on 33 points. Don Wilson was second just one behind and Ted Morris and Ken Williams took third and fourth respectively.

Friday, June 4, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Don Wilson 36pts
2nd Helmut Hebstheit 35pts
3rd Graham Beaumont 33pts
4th Ken Williams 32pts

The last game of the week was at Green Valley on Friday were Don Wilson went one better than Wednesday and took top spot with a level par 36 points. Helmut Hebstheit came in second on 35 and Graham Beaumont took out third ahead of Ken Williams.

PJ prevails in tight finish at Phoenix

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, May 31, Phoenix - Medal

Playing a Medal round on the last day of the month and with the golfer of the month title at stake, there were three golfers within a couple of points of each other.

PJ Redmond, left, May’s golfer of the month is congratulated by runner up Mashi Kaneta.

Grouped together, the leaders, PJ Redmond, Bruce Gladden and Mashi Kaneta seemed to let their nerves get the better of them as all three had a pretty average front nine holes on the ‘Lakes’ course. Coming down the back nine on the ‘Ocean’ course none of the leaders were playing good golf and it was PJ, who has been leading the competition for most of the month, who came out on top to win the monthly comp for the second month on the trot!

PJ beat Bruce and Mashi but could only finish second on the day, beating Dave Dolle on a countback, both finishing with a three over par round and it was Roger Privett who took the honours with a level par round net 72.

1st Roger Privett (18) net 72
2nd PJ Redmond (17) net 75
3rd Dave Dolle (10) net 75
Near Pins: Eddie Martin, Mashi, PJ and Roger Privett.

Wednesday, June 2, Treasure Hill - Stableford

Well, the in-form golfer PJ carried on where he left off last month by winning yet again! Although the stableford scores were pretty ordinary, PJ didn’t mind winning with 29 points. Mike Corner came in as runner up a point behind and Reg Smart wasn’t too embarrassed to take the third place prize with 26 points!

1st Alan Sullivan (13) 40pts
2nd PJ Redmond (18) 37pts
3rd Laurence Harding (16) 34pts
4th Lee Butler (16) 34pts
Near Pins: PJ, Mike Corner and Koji Yamada.

Friday, June 4, The Emerald - Medal

Tony Robbins returned to Thailand after another of his frequent trips away to knock PJ off his perch to win today with a superb five under par round! Peter Habgood took runner up spot with a sub par round and Dave Keats came in third with a level par score.

1st Tony Robbins (15) net 67
2nd Peter Habgood (19) net 71
3rd Dave Keats (26) net 72
Near Pins: Tony Robbins, PJ, Eddie Martin and Joe Vanderwegan.

Same names in the frame once more

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

What a beautiful day on the course at Pattaya Country Club this past 2nd of June. Today was officially “Gnat” day. Although our stalwart crew pushed through the full 18, the gnats accompanied them all the way. Amazing how such a small critter can be such a pain in the arm.

Wednesday winner Bob Benda, left, with runner up Sus Ige.

As the players, and for some that term is used loosely, showed up at Caddy Shack II for some of Herbie’s spicy and regular hot dogs plus snacks, the cards were tallied. No stranger to the top was again Bob Benda with 43 points. Bob is a great golfer but to help his poor friends he should volunteer to drop his handicap from 19 to 11 (right, and pigs can fly!).

Coming in behind Bob was Sus Ige, another familiar name at the top with 38 points. There were lots of high scores today; Dale Murphy 36, Ciano Glavino 35, with Matt Millar and Herbie Ishinaga coming in with 32 each.

Kubon makes hay at shortened Khao Kheow

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, May 31,
The Emerald – Stableford

Upon arrival at Emerald the course was deserted and all six groups tee’d off 30 minutes ahead of schedule. The early clouds dispersed we had another hot day with hardly any breeze at all.

Falkland Islander Peter Grant was the Division 2 winner at Eastern Star.

Improving her handicap each week, Miss Nang won the ladies division with 36 points ahead of Noi Emmerson (34pts) in second. Pete Sumner meanwhile took out Division 1 with 38 points, a full five points clear of Paul Butler in second and seven ahead of Chris Voller in third.

Alan Bissell also scored 38 points to win Division 2, Joe Kubon was second four points behind and William Chang was third on 32.

Miss Nang scooped the whole pot today with two nearest the pins on the 5th and 15th and also a ‘2’ on the 15th. Barry was a happy chappy back at the presentation.

Wednesday, June 2, Khao Kheow – Stableford

As we walked down to the first tee at Khao Kheow we were amazed to see there were no yellow tees, our normal position here, and were then informed by the marshall that they had been omitted from the course today. To even things out playing off the whites, which were now well forward, the ladies joined us on the same tees in a two divisional competition.

The C course was still closed and we were allocated the A and B and after walking round and talking to everybody there were only two white tees in the old yellow positions, so we were looking at a 750 yard differential that would reflect in the scores on this round and the IPGC computer adjusted this accordingly.

Not taking anything away from him, Joe Kubon scored 23 points on the front nine to return a total score of 40 points to win Division 2. Andy Oz was second with 39 points and it was a sullen face from Miss Noi when she found out she had lost out to William Chang on a 19/18 back nine countback for third after they both finished with 38.

Don Head won Division 1 with a fine 40 points ahead of Emmett White on 33 points (24 on the back nine) and Kari Aarnio in third on 32.

Incredibly, despite all these forward tees for both divisions, there were no ‘2’s today in either division.

Friday, June 4, Eastern Star - Stableford

There were quite a few remarks made after the round today regarding the course, the greens had got slightly faster since last week but the overall condition was the best we had seen for some time.

The front nine today was played in a ridiculous heat but this all changed after the turn and a pleasant back nine was enjoyed by all.

A 12/11 back six countback gave Tony Thorne the top podium position in Division 1 after beating Mikael Andersson, finishing with 37 points each. Pete Sumner was third with 34 points.

In his last game but one before his return to the Falkland isles, Peter Grant had his best round this visit to win Division 2 with 35 points. Jim Lane came in second on 33 and Don Head took third with 30. There were quite a few low handicappers today so the equal cut was 6-14 in Division 1 and 15+ in Division 2.

Miss Noi won the Ladies flight with 35 points, beating Miss Nom by 1 point.

Chris Voller birdied the 17th to get the only ‘2’ in Division 1, and there are now four rollovers to Eastern Star in Divison 2 this coming Friday. Miss Noi got the only nearest the pin for the ladies.

Mike Spear returns with a win

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, May 31, Bangpra (White tees) – Stableford

(CSS 73)
1st Shuichi Kodaka (18) 36pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki (12) 32pts
3rd Russell Exley (7) 31pts
4th B.J. Smith (23) 28pts

At last the conditions at the oldest course in the area are back to where they once always were, with receptive greens that are also extremely fast and flat and with the fairways now almost all re-sown or re-laid, it can be compared with courses that charge three to four times more and certainly not unfavourably. But it is a tough test for all levels of golfer although the lower handicapper can be expected to usually fare better.

This day’s results proved the rule with an exception as Shuichi Kodaka easily took the top spot by four shots with an exhibition of putting a step above his usual level, slipping them in from all distances and angles, even when faced with a long one from above the hole.

Yasuo Suzuki was fortunate enough to be in his group and invariably putted second, and therefore had an advantage but failed to be as consistent from the shorter distances, but he was still able to take second place one ahead of Russell Exley, with B.J. Smith the best of the rest another three back.

Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Yasuo Suzuki and Bob Lamond had one each in the first division.

Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back Patrick Scullion from Australia.

Wednesday, June 2, Khao Kheow (White tees) – Stableford
(CSS 71)
1st Peter Sumner (8) 36pts
2nd Mike Dabanovich (11) 35pts
3rd Bob Lamond (6) 35pts
4th Jens Gunnarsson (13) 34pts
5th Trevor Schirmer (14) 34pts

With the yellow tees inexplicably removed from the course, the competition was forced to play from the white tees for the first time in many years, but fortunately many of them had been pushed back which allowed for a fairly reasonable round both of length and difficulty, with the CSS staying at 71.

Peter Sumner played very steadily off his newer and lower handicap to record another win as he prepares to return to the slightly less sunny climes of the UK, where he will need some serious hours under the sun lamp to keep up his current depth of suntan, which at its present level leaves him a clear candidate for profiling on his return there.

Mike Dabanovich unusually got almost straight into form with a one over round which allied to a better back nine of 17 to 16 was enough to claim second place ahead of Bob Lamond in third.

Jens Gunnarsson took fourth place from Trevor Schirmer with a better count back of 6 to 5 over the last three holes after they had both scored 18 on the nine and 11 on the back six.

Another new arrival was the new score cards that allow for ten (yes 10) positions for scores on each hole. Let us trust that it is intended for stableford scoring reasons only.

For the fourth time in succession there were no 2’s in the second division but Mike Dabanovich added to his day’s haul, as a returnee, with the only one in the first division.

Back at The Haven Mike Dabanovich and Dan Willits were welcomed back.

Friday, June 4, Green Valley (White tees) - Stableford
(CSS 71)
1st Mike Spear (24) 38pts
2nd Chris Knapp (17) 37pts
3rd Bob Lamond (6) 36pts
4th Jens Gunnarsson (13) 35pts
5th Stuart Thompson (9) 35pts
6th Alan Pilkington (13) 35pts
7th Evan Millar (23) 35pts

A second good turnout for the week, considering the low season and all the other reasons being bandied around for not visiting Thailand and staying at home even when one does, was possibly due to the competition being held at Green Valley where the condition and costs make one of the best deals in the area.

Mike Spear made a long awaited return to play out of Soi 13 and must have been practicing in the back garden, as he swept to the top of the leader board with a commanding one shot lead over Cap’n Chris Knapp, one of his playing partners, with a combination of strong play from the tees and a heavy dose of good Welsh humour. It made up for some of the bitter disappointment of Cardiff losing in the FA promotion play-offs back in the UK last month.

Bob Lamond put in a second steady return for the week to take sole possession of third place.

Jens Gunnarsson was again involved in a count back that went down to the last two holes, and again came out on top with a better 6 to 5 results, this time with Stuart Thompson who had equaled him at 20, 13 and 6 on the back nine, six and three holes respectively.

Alan Pilkington and Evan Millar got honourable mentions after they were not quite as good over the back nine with Alan scoring 18 and Evan 17 after they had both started out well on the outward half.

With a huge roll over in the second division 2’s pool, many were wondering if the pot holder would turn up or would have done a runner, in any event there was only one in the first division by Marty Rock and so everyone was left to await the next counting event for the answer.

Before being presented with the day’s top prize, Mike Spear was also welcomed back, not least because of his good humour after the game back in the bar.

Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group you can contact Russell on mobile 084 782 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 Admiral celebrates his birthday in style

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn

Monday, May 31, Bangpra – Stableford

A small but very keen group of 15 golfers assembled at Café Kronborg in readiness for the trip to one of our favourite & oldest courses, Bangpra. We welcomed Ken Bernek from Michigan, U.S.A. who was playing his very first game with the PSC and good to see the return of Peter Bye from Australia and Joe Vanderwegen from Belgium.

The Admiral, left, celebrates his birthday B Flight win with A Flight winner Chop Daprakhon.

Just a quick 45 minute drive after leaving Café Kronborg at 0815 on the dot and of course we then had the 40 to 50 minute wait until we could sign in and receive the discounted 700 baht green fee. We are used to this now when playing Bangpra and while a few take the time to have a few practice putts, others just relax and think about the great scores they are going to shoot on the day – though not so on this occasion!

The weather was great although hot as usual and the course was looking spectacular. Our first group teed off right on our allotted time of 1000 and we mixed some very ordinary golf with some mediocre stuff, although, as it was, our group played better than all the others with all four of us finishing in the top 2 places in each flight.

Spare a thought for Kevin Dinan though – he enjoyed the relaxation so much whilst waiting to pay his green fee that he just forgot to change his shoes and played the first 2 holes in his “street” shoes! We can generally rely on Kevin to amuse us in one way or the other.

The hot conditions slowed us down a little bit and after a few drink stops we completed our round in four hours & thirty-five minutes. Just a comment on the greens at Bangpra – they were fabulous and as quick as ever but for those of us who have played there before we expect nothing else, but we still struggle to master this great layout as the scores indicate.

As mentioned earlier, we all struggled on the day and Mike “Hunter” Gosden’s 33 points, which captured first place in A Flight, was the only score in the thirties. Yours truly would have been content just to avoid receiving the Compass Cap but found himself in second spot just one point ahead of Mike Winfield who beat Walter Baechli on a count back.

A countback for first place in B Flight saw a welcome return to the winner’s circle for The Admiral, with Mick O’Connor in second place from Wayne Koch in third spot.

Peter Bye celebrated his return by winning the Compass Cap.

A Flight (0-20)
1st Mike Gosden (9) 33pts
2nd Peter Blackburn (15) 29pts
3rd Mike Winfield (20) 28pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Dave Richardson (24) 29pts
2nd Mick O’Connor (21) 29pts
3rd Wayne Koch (22) 28pts

Thursday, June 3, Rayong C.C. - Stableford

A good “low season” group of 19 golfers were signed up to play the challenging Rayong Country Club course and we welcomed back Koji Yamada from Japan, who arrived a couple of days ago and also Allen Tranekaer from Denmark.

We arrived at the course 44 minutes later and found the course to be practically deserted so our first group (a 2 ball) was able to tee off at 0920, well ahead of schedule. We had to “jiggle around” our groups for the day to avoid a 5-ball in the last group, mainly to appease our old mate Kevin Dinan who thankfully on this occasion came to the right course and remembered to change into his golf shoes!

The course was once again in good shape although the greens were somewhat slow and certainly very different from our last outing which was at Bangpra. We allowed a free drop on bare, sandy areas through the greens but all in all the course continues to improve.

The weather was very hot again and drink breaks were a priority but there were few delays and our group of 4 finished in four hours and thirty-five minutes to the sound of thunder and a few flashes of lightning were observed. It was purely cosmetic though as no rain was experienced either while we were at the course or on the journey home.

Despite losing 2 shots off her handicap from the previous week, Chop Daprakhon continued her winning form by taking out the A Flight on a count back from Mike Allidi. The consistent Mike “Hunter” Gosden finished in third place.

The Admiral celebrated his 63rd birthday by winning the B Flight for the second time this week – what a great time to regain some good form. In second place was the consistent Mike Winfield (he keeps popping up like a turd in the surf), and a three way count back for third saw Paul Lenichek victorious over Mick O’Connor & Kevin Dinan.

The luckless Allen Tranekaer had a dismal day and was the recipient of the Compass Cap.

We also had nearest the pins on all par threes today with prizes of golf balls kindly donated by The Admiral.

A Flight (0-18)
1st Chop Daprakhon (16) 36pts
2nd Mike Allidi (3) 36pts
3rd Mike Gosden (9) 34pts
B Flight (19+)
1st Dave Richardson (24) 38pts
2nd Mike Winfield (20) 33pts
3rd Paul Lenichek (22) 31pts

Near Pins: No 5 Ken Bernek, No 7 Mike Allidi, No 12 Patrice Bardy (also a birthday boy today).

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Here are some of my favourite bridge quotes, starting with a comment made by Jan Janitschke when his partner put down dummy:

“Where’s the hand you held during the auction?”

From Victor Mollo (writing in the character of Rueful Rabbit):

“Bridge is a great comfort in your old age. It also helps you get there faster.”

Now, a few from Alfred Sheinwold:

“It’s not enough to win the tricks that belong to you. Try also for some that belong to the opponents.”

“One advantage of bad bidding is that you get practice at playing atrocious contracts.”

“The real test of a bridge player isn’t in keeping out of trouble, but in escaping once he’s in.”

And a similar thought from Alan Sontag:

“It is not the handling of difficult hands that makes a winning player. There aren’t enough of them. It is the ability to avoid messing up the easy ones.”

Now a few from Edgar Kaplan:

“Zia Mahmood gave himself some very good advice when he said ‘Stop’. But he paid no attention.”

“If you are a good enough player, you can get away with making mistakes because nobody will believe it.”

“It is well-known that in third seat, you must have 13 cards to open the bidding.”

And a couple of anonymous ones:

“I’d like a review of the bidding with all the original inflections.”

“South: Alert

East: Yes?

South: I’m requested to further misdescribe my hand.”

Or, you can take this advice from Alfred Sheinwold:

“A player who can’t defend accurately should try to be declarer.”

Of course, if you want to be declarer, you have to bid. Consider this from Jon Baldursson of Iceland:

“Don’t be a pleasant opponent—bid”

And finally from Hugh Kelsey a useful thought in no trump:

“If you bid a stop at no trump, then you don’t need to actually have one.”

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

Short & neat, swift & fleet

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, June 1, Green Valley - Stableford

The start of a new month, and we made the short trip out to Green Valley, where the course was in top order, although playing with tees well forward meant it was not as testing as it can be. The greens were rolling smooth and true, which meant reward for good shots.

Tony Weresay & Derek Waterworth came second and third at Green Valley.

Leading the way home was Jeff Wylie (6) with 39 points, followed in by Tony Weresay (17), having his best round since hip surgery several weeks ago, with 37 points. Third & fourth had to be separated by countback, with Derek Waterworth (32) pipping John Chapman (23) 19 to 16, after both carded 34 points.

Near Pins were collected by Carl & Mike, with Ken getting 2.

Thursday, June 3, Bangpra - Stableford

Thursday was a journey up Hwy 7 before deviating to Bangpra where again the course was in fine order; possibly as good as it has been for a few years. The greens here are a test, with some substantial slopes resulting in difficult putts, if on the wrong side of the hole.

With not having played here much over the past few years, some course management was lacking, resulting in more than the usual number of 3 (or more) putts. Best to come to terms with the course was Keith Hodges (24) with 33 points, followed closely by Jeff Wylie (6) with 32, having edged Graham Hiskett (13) on the back 9, by 20 to 14.

Near pins were secured by Allan & Tony, while Jeff got the other 2.

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 Plutaluang & Pleasant Valley (subject to confirmation). 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!

3 C’s take the honours at Khao Kheow

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper

Cresswell, Cheetham and Chaviraksa: those were the first three names on the list for the winners on Saturday at Khao Kheow. That was also the only full competition event of the week, with Rod picking up top spot on just thirty-three points.

Saturday winners: Norman Cheetham, Mod Chaviraksa and Rod Cresswell.

The TRGG decided to change the format of its outings this week with it being low season and the numbers down etc. So it was back to a full social golf retinue and a change of things.

On Monday there was no outing but on Tuesday we went to Greenwood and a skins event took place. It seems that Ted Senior was the one on form with the first seven skins all going his way. Only twelve skins were taken in total as the last six holes were all tied up and even after an extra hole was replayed at the eighteenth, it was still a tie so everything was divided up.

Thursday was an outing back to Wanjunta again where a skins and matchplay competition took place amongst the players in attendance.

Saturday, June 5, Khao Kheow - Stableford

1st Rod Cresswell (15) 33pts
2nd Norman Cheetham (16) 32pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (12) 31pts
4th Fergus Brennan (10) 31pts

So on to Saturday where we had the only full stableford event of the week. As mentioned, the honours went to Rod Cresswell with his 33 points followed in by Norman Cheetham just one behind. Mod Chaviraksa, the third “C” in the winner’s circle on the day, just edged it by one on the count back over Fergus Brennan, both with 31 points.

There were no ‘2’s so the bell was rung back at the Travellers Rest.

But this was the day of lost balls. Apparently, after my taking a consensus of those who took part, nobody on the day got away without losing a ball (or two) it seems. Top honours in this respect went to Bob who lost eight, and I understand that they were all new. One back was Terry with seven, again all new, but he advised me that only five were in the water.

I had it quoted to me by one player that the only real winner on the day was the golf course. Read that as you may.

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 into the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro and look at the notice board or visit our website.

A windy picnic at Riverside

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society left Rabbi’s in Soi Buakhao on Tuesday morning, June 1, and travelled to the beautiful Riverside course at Bangpakong, on the outskirts of Chonburi. An excellent deal covering the “full whack”, including F&B vouchers, made for an excellent day out on the well maintained course.

After his first albatross what next for Mikael Andersson?

Usually the course provides a free scoring bonanza but on this occasion a very strong wind blew all day and had a major effect on the back nine. Sharing runner-up place were Bangkok-based member Michael Sim and Scot Peter Duncan, both producing 34 points each for their best rounds for a long time. Nudging ahead in first place was Tony Thorne, currently very much the man to beat, and the PGS “Player of the Month” for May held on to his one point advantage.

There was one birdie ‘2’, that going to new member Olivier Tahon on the fourth hole, a long, long downhill putt doing the trick.

The Booby Bevy went to Mr Len for losing his way off the sixth tee and losing his way to the highway on the return journey, enabling his passengers to savour a delightful tour of the environs of Chonburi at rush hour. Hopefully the next visit to Bangpakong Riverside, in August, will be less hectic.

Andersson’s
power play

Saturday golf with the Pattaya Golf Society continued with a visit to Eastern Star on 5th June and again the group found the course empty and the tee available a full thirty minutes before the official start time. The weather was fine for golf with overcast skies helping to cool the golfers but the humidity was still high.

The course was reasonably well turned out but there is still very little pace in the greens. It was good to welcome back Saranya Riley after her serious operation a few months back and her recuperation can only be helped by days such as this on the golf course.

The field was all about quality and the scores were destined to be good with an overall field average of 35.5 stableford points. In third place, after an unusually long period of struggle, was Harry Riley and his 37 points was a good reward for his efforts. Second place was occupied by Tony Thorne with his best round for seemingly months. Forty points from a round which saw him score gross 38 for the back nine was an exceptional effort from the current Player of the Month at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar.

The winner was Swedish powerhouse Mikael Andersson whose round of just 74 shots saw his first ever albatross, a two on the eighth which witnessed a shot of such length and accuracy, 210 yards over water, finish inexorably in the hole. But Mikael’s round was not all about power as his delicate chip from the fringe on the thirteenth also found the hole to give him the second two on his card. Your correspondent witnessed his first ever eagle on Mountain One at Phoenix in 2003 and was on hand to congratulate him again. It was quality golf indeed.

Mike Craighead turns 43

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, May 30, Green Valley - Stableford

A Flight
1st Jim Munns (12) 40pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (11) 39pts
3rd Bob Newell (9) 36pts
B Flight
1st Mike Craighead (17) 43pts
2nd Geoff Doody (21) 38pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (17) 37pts
Near Pins: No 2 Jason Sanko, No 9 Vic Hester, No12 Lindsay Semple, No16 Clinton Hazlett.

Mike Craighead.

Alas as always seems the case, there is good news and there is bad news. The bad news is that the title does not match up with the age on Mike’s bus pass. But the good news is that Mike terrorized the tough Green Valley layout by shooting 7 under his handicap, which translated to 43 points and 82‘ish of the stick as his score contained a no scoring hole.

Mike’s superb effort made creditable rounds of B flight mates Geoff Doody, Peter Henshaw and Bob ‘the Guru off Green Valley’ Lindberg feel like also ran’s, despite each bettering there handicaps.

Jim ‘Capt Fogg’ Munns took the laurels in the senior flight with an excellent 40 points. Captain Cotter put together a fine 39 points to take the runner up spot. Bob ‘Seamless’ Newell filled the flight with a solid even par round.

Back at the ranch Captain Fogg and the Bionic Man rang a gracious bell, with Bob ‘timeless’ Newell emptying the soi singing his own version of sex bomb across the road.

Tuesday, June 1, Siam Old Course - Stableford

A Flight
1st Terry Mangan (11) 36pts
2nd Don Lehmer (14) 36pts
B Flight
1st Mike Jefferies (19) 41pts
2nd Jim Bell (22) 33pts

Mike Jefferies was man of the match and tops in B Flight as he put in his best competitive effort in some time to lap the field with 41 points, and he was the only player to better par. Jim ‘Houdini’ Bell escaped the chasing pack to take the second podium place eight shots adrift.

Terry Mangan, who was one shot short for a podium place on Sunday, made no mistake today but needed a countback over the luckless Don Lehmer as both posted even par rounds.

Lindsey Semple scored the only ‘2’ of the day

Wednesday, June 2, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Vic Hester (13) 34pts
2nd Terry Mangan (11) 34pts
3rd John Haddon (27) 34pts

A visit to Bangpra always presents a challenge and today was no exception. Three golfers all tied on 34 points as Vic Hester came out on top of the three-way countback for top spot. Terry Mangan managed to shoot a best co-round for the penultimate spot and John Haddon filled the podium.

Seems the monkeys have started smoking - well that’s what they helped themselves to out of the bag of a very irate Ivan Plunkett!

No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover on Friday at Lakeside.

Friday, June 4, St. Andrews – Stableford

1st Jim Elphick (25) 42pts
2nd Mike Jefferies (19) 37pts

Realizing that his birthday party was just around the corner, ‘Jersey’ Jim Elphick decided that a visit to the pay desk was in order as he put together a near flawless round of 42 points. This related to a net 68, six shots under his old handicap. Happy birthday Jim!

There was a three-way fight for the second spot with Mike Jefferies, Jimmy ‘The ladies man’ Day and Jim Houdini Bell all carding 37 well earned points. Mike emerged the winner in the resulting count back.

Jim Bell and that managan Terry Mangan split the ‘2’s pot.

Note: Lewinski’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.