|
Ludovick and Tana
on target once more for United
 Staff
Reporters
Pattaya United bounced back to winning ways last
weekend with a hard fought 2-0 victory over Insee Police United at a
packed Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya.
With the kick off moved back one hour to 5 p.m. on
Saturday to avoid the searing afternoon heat, the players of both teams
still took some time to get accustomed to the hot temperatures at pitch
side and the opening 10 minutes passed with little goal mouth incident.
Pattaya were hampered somewhat by an injury picked up
by Brazilian defender Ricardinho who had to be replaced early in the
first half by Somchai Singmanee.
The Dolphins finally got their first sighting of
their opponents’ goal in the 20th minute when
Ludovick saw his shot punched away by the Insee Police goalkeeper
Maneekeaw. The Cameroon striker would not be denied however and 15
minutes later his fierce cross shot from the right hand edge of the
penalty area flew past Maneekeaw into the net to give Pattaya the lead,
which they held onto until half time.
The visitors rang the changes at the break, bringing
on Nantawat Tansopa in place of the ineffective Fuji Bosango.
Pattaya United midfielder Santi Chaiyaphurk, right,
shields the ball from an Insee Police United player during the first
half of their match at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya, Saturday, June
12. (Photo courtesy Ariyawat Nuamsawat)
The second half saw the away team with most of the
possession as Pattaya seemed content to sit on their one goal lead and
it almost back fired on the home side in the 75th
minute when Narit in the Pattaya goal only half dealt with a cross from
Pornsai and the ball fell to Insee midfielder Decha Sa-ardchom on the
edge of the area. His side foot shot seemed bound for the back of the
net until a timely intervention from Arlindo saw him clear the ball off
the line.
Despite further pressing from the visitors they were
unable to create any further clear cut chances and Pattaya sealed their
victory in spectacular fashion in the dying moments of the game.
Ludovick took possession of the ball midway inside the Insee half and
fed the ball out to strike partner Tana Chanabut on the left wing. Tana
moved the ball to the edge of the area before unleashing a fierce
dipping cross shot from 20 yards that flew over the keeper’s head and
into the back of the net.
The win sees Pattaya consolidate their position in
fourth place in the league standings, just four points behind the
leaders, albeit having played two games more. United’s next fixture is
away at Thai Port FC on Sunday, June 20 with the kick off scheduled for
5 p.m.
At the top of the league Chonburi were forced to come
from behind to beat a spirited Thai Port FC at the Chonburi Municipal
Stadium last Sunday. Thai Port took the lead in the opening minute of
the match when a cross shot from Chailamdee found the back of the
Chonburi net.
The home team hit back hard and went close of several
occasions before finally grabbing the equalizer just before half time.
Jean Marc Benny found some space inside the visitors’ area and he calmly
side footed the ball into the net from 10 yards out.
The second half saw almost constant pressure from the
Sharks but they just couldn’t find a way through. The game looked to be
heading for a draw until the final minute of injury time when Sukree
Etae poked the ball home from close in to give Chonburi all three
points.
This vital win sees the Sharks remain on top of the
league on goal difference from Muang Thong United who secured an
impressive 3-0 away victory over Osotspa-150 in Saraburi. Chonburi FC’s
next fixture is an away trip to Insee Police United on Saturday, June
19, kick off at 6 p.m.
Buriram PEA are now in third place in the league following their 1-0
win over fellow Isaan outfit Si Sa Ket FC. Meanwhile BEC Tero signaled
their championship intentions with a resounding 5-0 thrashing of TOT Cat
at the Yamaha Stadium. BEC are still 7 points behind Pattaya United in
the league but with four games in hand.
Pattaya CC triumph but cricket
is the real winner
The teams pose for a group photo before the start of
the Horseshoe
Point Inter-Club Cricket Tournament in Pattaya on Sunday,
June 13.
Debbie Philbrook
Last Sunday saw the inaugural Horseshoe Point
Inter-Club Cricket Tournament with Pattaya Cricket Club, Pattaya City
Football Club, Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club and Pattaya Golf Club all
playing each other at the wonderful game of cricket. In between,
everyone was reminded by the newly established Pattaya Thoroughbreds
(over 50’s) how the game should be played, albeit at a more relaxed and
sedate pace, who played a 7 over game.
Playing an 8-a-side and 6 overs an innings format the
tournament provided a fast paced spectacle for those playing, as well as
the many locals who turned out to support their respective teams. Of
course the local cricket team had an unfair advantage, but the games
were played in the true spirit of the sport.
PCC and the Golfers were the early form teams and
both won their opening fixtures to set up a much anticipated final. The
footballers, who missed their opening bowler due to a late night World
Cup experience, slowly got to grips with the game and its many vagaries
to improve sufficiently to look expectantly forward to a third/fourth
place play off against their oval ball rivals.
It was the rugby team that took the day’s biggest
hammering in their opening match at the hands of the golfers by
conceding 90 runs, but they too soon adapted well to the unfamiliar game
to have high expectations of clinching the bragging rights over their
round ball opponents.
A day at the cricket would not be complete without
rain and it duly arrived, quite literally with a bang, that halted play
for half an hour and the players took the opportunity to revive
themselves with some of the copious amounts of beer on offer.
Before the final matches the Thoroughbred teams,
captained by the founding members Joe Grunwell and Graham Evans, played
their first ever match and in doing so established, what will surely be,
a playing tradition that will last a very, very long time. The game went
to the last over and Graham worked the penultimate ball smoothly through
the covers to secure the joyous victory.
The game gave all players immense satisfaction and
most a new lease of life as memories of yesteryear came flooding back.
To top off a wonderful day for the ‘more experienced’ cricketers, the
wives provided a cricket tea that personified the quality and class the
Thoroughbreds bring to Pattaya Cricket Club.
In the playoff the footballers batted first, but
their skipper Rick Bryant failed to live up to his hard hitting
pre-match talk and was comprehensively clean bowled for a three ball
naught by the wily Richard Reardon. Harpic Bryant valiantly carried her
bat to finish 10 not out, but tight bowling and expert fielding
positioning by Paul Crouch restricted the score to 28, with Richard Holt
being the pick of the bunch. Despite Dave Brown and Mark Thomson’s best
efforts with the ball and Helen Ball’s golden duck, the rugby team
easily reached their target, whereupon the drinking started in earnest.
In the final the golfers elected to bowl first in
their game with PCC and it seemed a great decision as Andy Emery and
Simon Philbrook removed the openers and kept the cricketers on the back
foot. However, the senior players of Salman Khan and Leon Bouter
capitalised in the final two overs with some big hitting to post a
competitive 64.
Lindon Giuffrida showed how to bowl fast and straight
and the cricket captain for the day Leon displayed his left arm artistry
to keep the pressure on the little ball players and despite a well
constructed 24 not out from Gareth Gill the cricketers finished 10 runs
short. The sigh of relief from the red leather ball team at the
realisation that humiliation had been avoided was audible around the
ground!
Special thanks go to the umpires Kim Fletcher and the
irrepressible George Jackson and Mim the scorer.
Whilst there were winners and losers on the day, the
biggest winner was the game of cricket. This was a day that represented
another giant step for the development of cricket in Pattaya and the
‘friendship of cricket’, the motto of Pattaya Cricket Club.
All players and social members are welcome and please contact us on
pattayacricket [email protected] or visit our website at www.pattayacricket
club.com.
Huge weekend of sport in Pattaya – Aussie Rules and Rugby
The Thailand Tigers Australian Football Club
in recent
action against Jakarta in Kanchanaburi.
Two of Thailand’s most popular sporting clubs have
planned a bumper weekend of sport on the lush grounds of Horseshoe Point in
Pattaya where a game of Australian rules football and a local grudge match
of rugby will be played.
On Saturday June 26, the Thailand Tigers Australian
Football Club and the Southerners Rugby Club will travel to Pattaya. The
Tigers will play a hotly contested intra-club game where selection to
represent Thailand in the upcoming Asian Championships will be on the line,
while the Bangkok-based Southerners will play local club, the Pattaya
Panthers.
The afternoon will kick off with the rugby game at 2
p.m., before the Australian rules match will be played. All three clubs are
encouraging the local Pattaya community to come along and support a team and
enjoy a barbeque and some ice cold refreshing beverages.
Thailand Tiger’s President, Stephen Richards, said the
Tiger’s have played at least one game each year at Horseshoe Point and each
time a great group of supporters had turned up to watch the game.
“We hope we have a similar good response for sport lovers
in Pattaya and anyone who might like a game of Australian rules or rugby
should also come along and join one of the teams for the day,” Richards
said.
“The Southerners and the Thailand Tigers are two pretty
big clubs in Thailand who love their sport and the games are sure to be
hotly contested. The rugby season is just about to start again so the
Southerners will be looking to find some early touch while the Tiger’s
players will be striving to make the side we will take to Shanghai for the
Asian Championships against ten other teams.”
Southerners Head of Rugby Darrel Lintott said playing the
Pattaya Panthers was always a big challenge and he was sure they would
provide a great test as the 2010 rugby season kicks off in Bangkok.
“As a home game for the Panthers we are expecting a
pretty tough game as they are always a very competitive outfit,” Lintott
said.
“We have been doing plenty of work on the training track for the upcoming
season and playing the Panthers will be a great gauge for us as to where we
are at. Horseshow Point is a great venue to be playing at so we hope we can
get a good crown down there for what should be a good game of rugby.”
Campbell back in the winner’s circle
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
It was another beautiful day for golf this past 9th of
June and teeing off at 6:30 am, at the Pattaya Country Club, the Three
Sisters early morning gang moved out.
Wednesday winner Mark Campbell, left, with runner-up Bob
Benda on the right.
The course conditions were good and the gnats thankfully
took a day off. A good sized group showed up on the day and an even larger
group showed up at Caddy Shack II. Herbie came through as usual with the
snacks and regular and spicy dogs.
Mark Campbell, playing off H/cap of 9, came in with 40
points for first place. It’s good to see Mark back playing again. Bob Benda,
with his oh so high H/cap of 19, came in with a 39 points for second and
Bill Thompson, fresh off the rig, came in with 34 for third ahead of Larry
Emerson on 32. The remainder of the cards dribbled down to a low score of
20.
Three Sisters golf is an Open group and any early risers are welcome to
come out for a game with us. After the game there is an abundant amount of
refreshments available at the Caddy Shack II.
Terry Mangan blows the whistle
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, June 6,
Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob St Aubin (13) 39pts
2nd John Dearden (20) 38pts
Near Pins: No 2 Eddy
Beilby, No 9 Peter Henshaw, No 12 Peter Henshaw, No 16 Terry Mangan.
With the majority of the society’s core members away to
the UK, Ireland, Bintan or Khao Yai, and ‘The Donkey’ held up in hospital,
the field was wide open.
Terry Mangan.
Canadian Bob St Aubin jumped through the unprotected
breach in the society’s defenses and snatched the gold on the day with a
solid 39 points. John Dearden edged Peter ‘The Don O’Corleone’ Henshaw via a
count back for the silver, as both were a shot back. John blew his chances
of winning the comp, with a no score on the eighteenth hole.
Back at the ranch it was party time as the day’s winner
Bob, in true Canadian spirit, rang the bell, and Jim’s birthday in good old
English. We all wished Jim a Happy Birthday, and Colin a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, June 8,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Terry Mangan (11) 37pts
2nd
Mike Jefferies (19) 35pts
A small but select group played the course today, and
again it was the young man from Co. Wicklow, Ireland’s Terry Mangan, that
took full charge. Terry’s 37 points gave him the top podium place. Mike
Jefferies came up two shots short to fill the podium.
No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover to Wednesday at
Treasure Hill.
Wednesday, June 9,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
1st Don Lehmer (15) 38pts
2nd
Jimmy Day (16) 34pts
A small group of Lewiinski’s best headed up second road
on their way to Treasure Hill, minus ‘The Donkey’ who is still under the
vet. Sim, The Donkey’s better looking half, was spotted heading to the
hospital with a bunch of grapes and this month’s electric bill to cheer
Colin up.
The game was a hard slog for most but not for Don Lehmer
who put together a magnificent 38 points to win the day; he was also the
only player to better par. Coming into form just at the right time was Jimmy
‘Fancy pants’ Day posting a respectable 34 points - nice one Jim (nearly
there!)
Don made it a day to remember slotting in the only ‘2’ of
the day and a rollover at that..
The Co. Wicklow man Terry Mangan was waiting in the wings
a shot adrift.
Back at Lewiinski’s, Joe ‘SatNav’ was about to ring the
bell as he thought he had won today’s comp. He explained that he was ten
under, well in a way he was as he plays off a handicap of 33 and posted 23
points. Nice try Joe.
Friday, June 11,
Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Hynard (13) 39pts
2nd Terry Mangan (11) 37pts
B Flight
1st Chaten Patel (14) 36pts
2nd
Eddy Beilby (18) 36pts
This ‘scribe’ saves the headline for the story of the
week. How can Ireland’s Terry Mangan be denied the headline? Four starts, a
second, two thirds, and a win. Well it would take something earth shattering
to relegate a performance like Terry’s to abnormity, plus I have no mug shot
of Sunday’s winner Bob.
Today’s event, played in tremendous heat, went down to
the wire with a countback needed to separate ‘Fast’ Chaten Patel and Eddy
‘The Eagle’ Beilby, as both were locked on even par rounds. Chaten just
edged ‘The Eagle’ by the narrowest of margins.
No prizes for guessing who was waiting in the shadows for
someone to slip up, yes the Co. Wicklow man Terry Mangan.
No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover on Monday.
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.
Hamilton and Willits top high scoring day at Phoenix
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
The Aussie boys who joined for the day at Pattaya Country
Club on Tuesday.
Monday, June 7, Burapha –
Stableford
The C & D nines at the regular Monday venue, once again
tested the 24 Outbackers to the full, even though they were playing from the
shorter white tees. Unlike A & B, we rarely play these loops from the blues,
as it is being developed much as a links style course, with very narrow
fairways bounded by long thick rough, which is nigh on impossible to get out
of, except with a very lofted club.
In addition, the greens are like putting on a glass top
table; all in all making for an interestingly difficult day out, as the
scores reflect.
The weather remained dry, although a storm did threaten
for a while and everybody was round in less than four hours; with John
O’Keefe posting the best score of the day (34pts) to win Div A. Two shots
back were Raji & Bob Finley, in that order after the countback, followed in
by a whole gaggle of guys, no less than five, all with 31.
Div B was won again by Brian Maddox (32pts) who seems to
be consistently in the shake up, with Friday’s winner, Sakorn, in second
with 30 and Bob Lindborg, third with the same score.
There were four ‘2’ from Colin Goon, Raji, Darrell Paull
and Len Hardingham.
Div A (0-16)
1st John O’Keefe (16) 34pts
2nd Amarjit Banwaitt (7) 32pts
3rd Robert Finley (14) 32pts
Div B (17+)
1st Brian Maddox (20) 32pts
2nd Sakorn Pramoolchart (23) 30pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (18) 30pts
Monday, June 7, St. Andrews - Stableford
Switched from Green Valley, which was hosting a caddies’
tournament, the 10 Outbackers benefited from an attractive rate on the
nearby St. Andrews course, which was in good condition.
The scores averaged around the 31/32 mark, with nobody
shooting their handicap or better and Paul Greenaway’s 35 points, being
enough to win the day. Second was Phil Waite (34pts), persuaded at the last
minute by the Sugarman to play here instead of Burapha, and in third was the
day’s organiser, Joe Mooneyham; who incidentally is standing for the post of
“Golf Chairman” at the upcoming PSC AGM, this week.
Suzi Lawton bagged the ‘jackpot 2’, even if she did start
off a little closer to the hole than the guys! - Well done Suzi!
1st Paul Greenaway (10) 35pts
2nd Phil Waite (15) 34pts
3rd Joe Mooneyham (14) 32pts
Tuesday, June 8, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
The usual Tuesday Outbackers today were joined by a
number of new Pattaya faces as well as a group of eight Aussies, who are
here on a short holiday. They took advantage of the Outback “Kangaroo’ bus
service to collect and return them back after playing golf as well as
enjoying some food and drink and playing a couple of games of pool at the
Outback. Interestingly, one of them (Mick) has his own golf course called
‘Eat your Greens’ at Eugowra in NSW. Four of them joined in with our
competition, the other four just preferring to have a hit amongst
themselves.
So it was 27 players who arrived in fine weather at
Pattaya Country Club to an almost empty course, which was in its usual
satisfactory condition.
It was 2 divisions today with three places in each plus
the ‘2’s.
Top place in Division A went to ‘General’ Jack Moseley
(11), who quite inexplicably found a bit of long lost form, with 39 points.
Second was our friend from Lewiinskis, Eddie (The Eagle) Beilby (18) with 34
on countback from our ‘Suzy’ Lawton (14) also with 34.
In Division B it was the story of the Aussie, the
Irishman and the Englishman! On the podium for the second successive week
was Geoff Moodie (28) with 38 points. Second was Irishman, John Cogan (19)
with 37 points and third went to Nigel Cannon (23) with 34 points on
countback from his good friend Arthur Bailey.
Any ‘2’s? Yes! Six this week from Paul Smets, Jack
Moseley, Mick Shrosbree, Nigel Cannon, Suzy Lawton and David Day.
The Outback has a regular slot at 09.30 each Tuesday at
Pattaya Country Club.
Div A (0-18)
1st Jack Moseley (11) 39pts
2nd Eddy Beilby (18) 34pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (14) 34pts
Div B (19+)
1st Geoff Moodie (28) 38pts
2nd John Cogan (19) 37pts
3rd Nigel Cannon (23) 34pts
Wednesday, June 9, Phoenix - Stableford
What a difference a course makes; a week ago there were
just four names signed up for Greenwood, so we cancelled the day. Today at
Phoenix, a good turnout of 26 Outbackers bucked the Wednesday trait of late,
to enjoy a course that was generally in fine condition for the time of year,
particularly the ‘Lakes’ nine, with the greens on ‘Ocean’ being a little
disappointing and slow.
The scoring was excellent as eight played to their
handicap or better, top score of the day going to Kev Hamilton with 42
points to win Div B. Norm, ‘the chatter’ Cheetham took second with 38,
beating the relaxed Bob Lindborg, on countback with the same score.
Div A was won with 40 points, coming from Danny Willits
ahead of Tony Garnett (39) and Rosco (36), getting the better of the in-form
Paul Greenway, going down to the last six, both scoring 18 and 18 on the two
nines.
There were just two ‘2’s, one from the Roscoman and the
other by John Cogan, picking up unbelievably his first ‘2’ with the Outback.
Well done John!
Div A (0-15)
1st Daniel Willits (11) 40pts
2nd Tony Garnett (11) 39pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (12) 36pts
4th Paul Greenaway (10) 36pts
Div B (16+)
1st Kevin Hamilton (16) 42pts
2nd Norm Cheetham (16) 38pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (18) 38pts
4th Sid Ottaway (23) 36pts
Friday, June 11, Khao Kheow - Stableford
So the ladies dominated the game again here at Khao Kheow
on the A & B nines. The only two girls in the field, Suzi (35pts) & Sakorn
(34pts) won their respective divisions, both having had two shots deducted
from their listed handicaps. None of the fellas actually played to handicap,
the nearest being Jim Little who came in second in Div B with 33pts. Brian
Maddox, who seems always to be in the frame, came third with 32 and John
O’Keefe headed a trio all on 29.
The best of the guys in Div A was Andre Coetzee with 31,
who beat Bruce Milner on countback who in turn was one ahead of a whole
gaggle of players all on 30. If you’re wondering whether Norm ‘the chatter’
Cheetham played today, he did; well he turned up ... amassing 18 points to
finish stone last!
We all know you guys don’t like being beaten by the girls
(both of them) and we all know that you think the course is too easy for
them with all the hazards taken out but ... you don’t deserve to win
tournaments with 33 points or 31 points, now do you?
There were five ‘2’s from George Bishop, Steve Mann, Suzi,
Bruce Milner, Joe Mooneyham.
Div A (0-14)
1st Suzi Lawton (12) 35pts
2nd Andre Coetzee (6) 31pts
3rd Bruce Milner (13) 31pts
4th Tony Garnett (11) 30pts
Div B (15+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (21) 34pts
2nd James Little (16) 33pts
3rd Brian Maddox (20) 32pts
4th John O’Keefe (16) 29pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road
along Soi Siam Country Road. 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.
Morel wins by four clear
Jomtien golf with the IPGC
Wednesday, June 9,
Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
After heavy overnight rain here in Jomtien we arrived at
the course with very dark clouds in the background and we inquired about a
rain check, but with a Sports Day green fee this was not applicable.
There were seven groups out today and in the ladies
league there were six playing in their own competition. The weather
conditions were probably the best we have all experienced over the past two
months; a partially cloudy sky for the whole round, a cool gentle breeze on
all 18 holes and a major drop in the temperature. This was really enjoyed by
all today.
Gordon Everingham finished third with 32 points in
Division 2, Barry Rawlinson was second one point ahead, and the winner today
with 35 points was Peter Grant.
After scoring 23 points on the front nine Jean Morel
returned a score of 38 points to win Division 1, Mikael Andersson tied with
Chris Voller on 34 points, they both scored 19 on the back nine, 12 on the
back 6, but Mikael won 7/6 on the back three to take second spot.
Noi Emmerson was third in the Ladies competition with 34
points, Miss Kung came second with 36 and now playing off 16, Mam Morel won
with 38 points. Well done Mam!
Nearest the pins were for the ladies only today with Miss
Noi taking two and Mam one.
Friday, June 11,
Eastern Star – Stableford
Overnight rain and a cloudy morning had us thinking that
another pleasant round was to ensue, but this was not the case as a Japanese
five-ball was put out in front of our group, and with no steward to be seen
over the whole eighteen holes it was a five hour round
The condition of the course is still improving every week
and this includes the greens as well.
The cut in Division 1 today was 7-14 and Chris Voller won
it with 33 points ahead of Arthur Hancock who beat Don Head on a 17/13
countback after they both came in with 32 points.
Geoff Picken took out Division 2 with 32 points with Jim
Lane second on 30 and Noi Emmerson third with 29.
Harry Riley birdied the 13th to
record the only ‘2’ in Division 1 and timely enough, just before his trip
back to the UK.
Segrave secures victory at Pattana
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, June 8,
Pattana - Stableford
On Tuesday, we decided we would visit Pattana again
while the Low Season rates are to the fore. This truly is a quality
venue, with superb clubhouse and facilities, while the course is one of
the better maintained layouts in the area. Although it does have a bit
of length about it, the fairways are generous and the rough not overly
punishing, while the greens are medium sloped and paced at best.
Bernie Segrave.
It was Bernie Segrave (10) who best coped from the
yellow tees, with a solid 35 points to lead the way home from Keith
Hodges (25) with 33 points.
Near Pins were almost monopolised by Allan, however
Bernie did just edge him out on B3.
Thursday, June 10,
Greenwood - Stableford
Greenwood C & B were to be Thursday’s test, where
after some overnight rains the course had implemented “no carts off the
path” rule, so lift, clean & place was the order of the day, in keeping
with PSC local rules. This probably improves the scores by about 3 shots
per player across the field, maybe the PSC could look at this in future
assessments.
Today it was Jeff Wylie (5) who managed best, to
score 36 points for first, while Tony Weresay (17) snared runner up spot
ahead of Keith on a countback 18 to 17, after both had signed for 32
points.
Near Pins were shared by Jeff & Allan on the B side,
with Tony getting both on the C.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally
on Tuesday & Thursday (we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai
Holiday). Presentations are made at the course on Tuesday, with
Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday presentation.
For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094 1841 or
Ray 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!
Lessons not being learned
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
Sorry folks but I am back on the whinge this week. I
think that I report fairly, laying praise when it is due and likewise
criticism. This week it’s criticism, and it leaves me wondering why the
courses at times get things so totally wrong? Do they never ever learn from
their mistakes? Apparently not.
Saturday’s runner up Norman Cheetham.
We at the TRGG have been regular clients at Khao Kheow
for a long, long time now so what has happened over the past three weeks
just should not happen. What you may ask? Well how about putting five-ball
groups in front of three and four-balls. I know at times that this cannot be
avoided, but three weeks in a row is just too much. Normally we would not be
going to the same course three weekends on the trot but Eastern Star had an
event on so we had no choice.
The first nine on Saturday took two and a half hours.
Just what were the course marshals thinking of? (It has to be noted that
they were conspicuous by their absence). At the turn at nine the course
professional was advised of the situation and he went away and contacted
someone (unsure who). A course marshal then actually arrived, yes, there was
one available, and he moved the offending group for their final nine to a
different course. Problem solved.
But the damage had already been done. A number of the
players swore that they were not ever going to play at Khao Kheow again at a
weekend if this was the kind of service they were going to get. Bad for golf
and bad for the TRGG who really do try to make things enjoyable for their
members and guests.
Anyway, whinge over and back to the actual golf for last
week!
Tuesday, June 8, Plutaluang - Rainbow Stableford
1st Ted Senior (12) 41pts
2nd John Thornber (17) 39pts
3rd Rod Cresswell (15) 37pts
4th Bob Cannon (25) 34pts
We have only three outings now as it low season and on
Tuesday we were off to Plutaluang where we played a “Rainbow Stableford”
event. I mentioned last week that we were changing the play format a little
at the moment. For those who do not know what the “Rainbow” format is, six
holes are played off the red tees, six off the yellow tees, and six off the
white tees by all players, both male and female.
The result was a resounding win for Ted Senior with
forty-one points and he was followed home by John Thornber with thirty-nine.
No ‘2’s were recorded on the day so a bell ring back at
the prize presentation.
Thursday, June 10, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Mod Chaviraksa (13) 40pts
2nd Darrell Paull (33) 39pts
3rd Amphan North (11) 35pts
4th Fergus Brennan (10) 34pts
Thursday was our traditional visit to Phoenix to play the
Lakes & Ocean layout. We had a good turnout despite it being low season and
it was a good result for Mod Chaviraksa who played some very, very good golf
on the day to come home with a 40-pointer for first place. Darrell Paull was
hot on her tail with his 39 points for second and Amphan North found herself
trailing back by four at 35 for third.
Saturday, June 12, Khao Kheow – Stableford
1st Rod Cresswell (15) 38pts
2nd Norman Cheetham (16) 36pts
3rd Kurt Bertelsen (26) 27pts
4th Jeff Wilcox (23) 26pts
Saturday, and for the third week in a row we were forced
to go back to Khao Kheow, a mistake it seems if you read my opening report,
but the circumstances that prevailed did not have any effect on Rod
Cresswell who came in with 38 points for the win. He had only managed a
third on Tuesday and an eight placing on the Thursday. I asked him what
changed at Khao Kheow and his reply was “the Caddy” - you can read into that
what you will!
It should be noted that this was a second week in a row
that Rod had won at this course and a second win over Norman Cheetham (he
was also second last week). Rod obviously likes Khao Kheow as he also picked
up the ‘2’s pot for himself, capping a great day for him.
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, Pattaya and look at
the notice board or visit the website.
JJ gets the win at Emerald on countback
Ban Chang Golf Society
With the rain coming down every day of the past week
we arrived at Emerald wondering what condition the course would be in.
No problem, a little wet on the fairways but the greens were 100%
compared to previous weeks.
Eleven players this week with everyone in the
competition and, with a tee time of 9.30, no-one was whinging about an
early start.
With scores on the front nine ranging from 5-20
points there was no telling how many would be needed in total to win. As
it transpired, 34 points won the day for JJ, winning on countback from
John Mc in second and Andy Oz in third.
Andy M won nearest the pin with the skins results as
follows: John Mc (9), Emmett (6), Andy Oz (2) and Mike (1).
Dangle set a new group record with 10 scratches and
we have come to the conclusion that since Daddy’s not been playing he
has been getting worse. Enough said!
Prize giving in the clubhouse completed, we all went
back to Mamas Bar for food and a few cold ones. With two guys going back
this week (Mike and Alan B) it was a party atmosphere made better by
Alan B ringing the bell again!
Winfield continues good form
PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, June 7, Khao Kheow
A & B – Stableford
We had just eleven golfers signed up for the day’s event
at Khao Kheow and a hearty welcome back was extended to Volker Buley from
Germany.
Leaving Café Kronborg right on time at 0815 we arrived at
the course just over 45 minutes later. Khao Kheow really is a stunning
layout and one of the best prepared in the region so it was with great
eagerness that we prepared to “do battle” with A & B nines. The green fee of
700 baht was excellent value and on this occasion we were all handed a
voucher for a free beer or soft drink in the restaurant afterwards.
Monday’s winner Mike Winfield, left, with The Admiral.
Our first group, a 3-ball, were able to hit off as soon
as they were ready which was at 0925 and our foursome followed at 0933 in
great weather conditions for golf although a few speckles of rain were felt
but only for a few minutes.
As ever the course was in great shape although we found
the greens somewhat slower than normal which made things a bit tricky but
all in all it was a pleasure to play, or in my case hit the ball many times
and take plenty of photos. The round was a little slow as we had a 5-ball in
front of our first group but were able to complete our round in four hours
and thirty-five minutes which included a couple of lengthy drink stops.
We had just the one flight with four place getters and in
first place was ‘Mr. Consistency’ himself, Mike Winfield, a clear four
points ahead of Koji Yamada who beat Kevin Dinan on a countback for second
place. Another countback saw Aussie Stu Rifkin take out fourth place from
fellow Aussie Mike “Hunter” Gosden. The Compass Cap was won easily by your
writer.
1st Mike Winfield (20) 38pts
2nd Koji Yamada (14) 34pts
3rd Kevin Dinan (24) 34pts
4th Stu Rifkin (15) 33pts
Thursday, June 10,
Greenwood, B & C – Stableford
Another small field of eleven golfers assembled at Café Kronborg in readiness for the trip to Greenwood. Our two mini-vans departed
at the usual time of 0815 and we arrived at the course 50 minutes later to
find the car park almost empty, a good indication that we would be able to
tee off as soon as we were ready, which was in fact the case.
Overcast skies but cooler conditions made us wonder if we
were in for a wet day but as usual the man upstairs was kind to us and the
weather was fine.
Our first group, a 3-ball teed off on B nine at 0928
followed by our 4 ball seven minutes later. The course was once more in
great shape, particularly after the recent heavy rains and although some
fairways were a little soggy in parts it was difficult to understand why
carts were not allowed off the cart paths. As two of our group had carts
this resulted in a very slow round and with two or three drink stops it was
four hours & fifty-five minutes before our round was completed, our slowest
round of golf for a long time.
It was an enjoyable day nonetheless although none of our
group managed to grab a spot on the podium at the end of the day and in fact
all the scores of all players resulted in no-one playing to within 2 shots
of their handicap. I had my first glimpse of Lester the squirrel at the
first drink stop on B nine and of course the animal loving Admiral had a
very good chat with him/her.
Aussie Peter Bye celebrated his new handicap of 13 by
winning A Flight on a count back from Koji Yamada with the effervescent
Walter Baechli in third place. Alan Ewing, returning after a few weeks all
over the place (travelling), took out B Flight, one point ahead of Volker
Buley who was in turn one point ahead of Daryl Evans in third spot.
A Flight (0-19)
1st Peter Bye (13) 33pts
2nd Koji Yamada (14) 33pts
3rd Walter Baechli (17) 32pts
B Flight (20+)
1st Alan Ewing (22) 34pts
2nd Volker Buley (30) 33pts
3rd
Daryl Evans (23) 32pts
Phillips shoots even par for Green Valley win
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s top three along with someone from Bert’s to
brighten the scene.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, June 8, Green Valley – Stableford
Just another day in golfers’ paradise: early into
Bert’s, have the golfers special breakfast, jump into a car and bimble
up to Green Valley. The roads are so well connected now that it takes no
time to get there.
The course was so quiet that the car park was nearly
empty, and that is for 2 courses. A quick book in saw us onto the first
tee, and then away as early as we wanted. Incidentally, they have
brought in a special here of green fee, caddy fee and cart for 1250 baht
until the end of August. Pretty good!
The course was also in excellent condition and only a
breeze stopped the players from some great scores. Of course playing not
well did not help either.
Back at Bert’s early, the players partook of the
golfers special and then onto the presentation.
The winner of the day was Mike Phillips with 36
points ahead of a five-way tie on 33 points. Second on countback was
Bill Knight with Daryl Evans in third and Walter Bachli in fourth. Just
losing out were Ted Morris and Les Hall. T.T.F.N.
1st Mike Phillips 36pts
2nd Bill Knight 35pts
3rd Daryl Evans 35pts
4th Walter Bachli 35pts
Near Pins: Graham Buckingham, Les Hall, Mick O’Meara, Mike
Phillips.
A pair of great 44’s
IPGC golf from The Haven
Wednesday, June 9,
Greenwood - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Bill Rees (28) 36pts
2nd Orawan Meeraka (31) 36pts
3rd Mike Dabanovich (11) 33pts
4th Bob Lamond (6) 33pts
5th Evan
Millar (21) 33pts
With so few golfers available during the last six weeks
the Greenwood management decided to close the C course completely, the only
problem was they forgot to remind the green keepers that maintenance would
still be needed to at least keep the grass out of the bunkers, which in some
cases was so thick they could have been declared out of play as GUR.
The fairways were lush and the greens were rather slower
than usual and still very flat but errant balls were always difficult to
find, if at all, and just as hard to play when found. All of which conspired
to make the B and C courses extremely difficult to manage and that was
reflected in the CSS moving out to 75 and becoming a non-counting event for
upward handicap review.
Bill Rees, taking full advantage of his first sight of
the course and therefore having no preconceived ideas or fears of the
dangers that lurked in the deep grass, just cobbled it around steadily for a
level par round, which allied to a better back nine of 17 to 14 was good
enough for first place, with Orawan Meeraka being the unfortunate loser of
the count back in second place.
With the CSS moving out, the outcome of the week’s
handicap reviews was that they will both lose a shot for the coming weeks,
with Orawan now having been reduced three shots over the last three weeks
following her consistent play.
Mike Dabanovich led a three-way count back for third
place with a better 17 on the nine and 12 on the last six as Bob Lamond
could only scrape together 17 and 11 in fourth spot. Evan Millar lagged a
little further behind on the inward nine with 15 after a solid start to the
round to finish in fifth.
In keeping with the difficulty of the course on the day
there were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed new
members Brian Doyle, Bill Rees, Phil Lawrence and Terry Keane.
Friday, June 11,
St Andrews - Stableford
CSS 73
1st Dave Stockman (6) 41pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki (12) 41pts
3rd Yukio Kikuchi (23) 39pts
4th Kevin Hamilton (16) 38pts
5th Rod Crosswell (15) 37pts
6th
Mike Dabanovich (11) 37pts
In a marked contrast to the previous outing, the day’s
course was in tip top condition and with the weather being fair and calm the
scoring was in a totally different category which saw the CSS for the day
reduced to 73.
It is always a pleasure to play this course and now that
the cost has been reduced dramatically, even with the necessary addition of
a compulsory cart due to the distances between holes and the many climbs to
elevated greens and tees, it is great value and a must to be added to the
discerning golfer’s plans.
Dave Stockman had a wonderful day, which included a one
under par gross for the back nine and a one over gross overall, to amass his
best score for many a moon, which was unfortunate for Yasuo Suzuki who also
had his best round for scoring for over three years and who was a little
surprised to lose at five under and then also to lose the count back when he
was four under for the inward half. But as usual he took it all in good
heart and concentrated on his tour leader responsibilities for the evening
instead of celebrating deep into the night as he had envisaged prior to the
prize announcements.
Yukio Kikuchi claimed his first prize for some time with
a very good round at three under handicap to secure third spot ahead of
Kevin Hamilton in fourth a further shot back.
Rod Crosswell just got the better of Mike Dabanovich over
the back nine with a better 20 to 18 after the latter had made a very good
start in an effort to improve on his previous third place but just came back
a little tardily in comparison.
Trevor Schirmer picked up the first division ‘2’s roll
over pool with the only one and Yukio Kikuchi did the same in the second
division, clearing up the multiple roll over to take away the bankers
temptation.
Before the presentations the “Yukiwa Tours” were welcomed
back in the form of Yukio Kikuchi and Kaneo Watanabe, led as usual by their
intrepid leader and bankroll holder Yasuo Suzuki. There were also welcomes
for new members Wayne Thompson, Richard Karutz, Yeong Soo Park and Suk Young
Kim.
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.
Roy’s 55 Up
2-Person Birthday Scramble
Roy’s Thornton’s Birthday Scramble will be held at the
Eastern Star Golf Club on Friday July 9 and is open to all members of the
IPGC and PSC. Numbers will be restricted to 30 two-person teams and divided
into two divisions.
There will be team trophies for 1st,
2nd & 3rd in each division plus
technical prizes.
The cost of 1,300 Baht per player includes (reduced for
E. Star Members): Green Fee, Caddy Fee, Golf Shirt, Team Prizes, Technical
Prizes and a free buffet at The Haven following the golf.
Handicap is 30% of total team handicap and no team may
have a higher handicap than the lowest handicapper unless both players are
within 7 shots of each other. Split of divisions will be 50% of entries.
For Entry or further information email: [email protected]
or telephone 081 177 5541
Sumner signs out in style at IPGC Monthly Medals
Divisional winners (from left): Tony Kitchen,
Orawan Meraka, Sid Ottaway and Peter Sumner.
Monday, June 7 - Crystal
Bay
Despite the very real lack of visitors in Pattaya at
present, and the lack of golfers in particular, there was an excellent
turnout for the IPGC Monthly Medals held a week last Monday at Crystal Bay
from the white tees over the A and B courses.
It was with relief that hard-working event coordinator
Russell Exley took a timeout before teeing off to consider that an entry of
fifty golfers in the current economic climate was testimony to the resolve
and loyalty of members and the popularity of the monthly event.
Each monthly medal competition provides three winners in
the gentlemen’s divisions and one from the ladies, who will go forward to
the finals to compete for the Gold and Silver Medals next August. In
addition, the medals will also be used to determine the IPGC Gentleman
Player of the Year, with between 1 and 15 points to be won in each division
every month, dependant on final positions, which will then be aggregated for
the year to establish the overall winner. As usual the first two divisions
played a stroke play format whilst the third division and Ladies played
stableford.
Throughout the round a very strong breeze cooled the
course but had an inevitable effect on the scores.
In the first division, perpetual favourite Steve Mascari
once again produced a quality round with the day’s best gross of 74 (net
71), holding back Al Keith, on 73 who beat Mark Campbell in a countback for
third. But elsewhere in the field Pete Sumner was producing an excellent
round on the eve of his departure to UK, firing a score of net 69 to give
him first place.
The second division saw three golfers share the same
score of net 69 but countback saw Tony Barritt record 35 shots on the back
nine for third place, with Shuichi Kodaka taking second (countback 34) and
Tony Kitchen winning the flight with a countback score of 33.
In the third division Sid Ottaway romped home with 35
hard earned points leaving B. J. Smith in second on 32 and John Robertson
third on 30.
The Ladies division saw Orawan Meeraka’s 36 points
rewarded with the win, ahead of Nut Ponviper .
The introduction of a ‘2’s distraction saw Mark Campbell,
Pete Sumner, Al Keith and Terry Hodgkiss pick up a small bonus.
In the ongoing IPGC Player of the Year competition Steve
Mascari retains his lead at the top with only Sid Ottaway and Pete Sumner in
the chasing pack making any headway, but there is still very much to play
for next month in the final event of the exciting first season’s IPGC
Monthly Medal.
Following a splendid buffet at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar in
Soi Buakhao, generously sponsored as always by the IPGC, the presentations
were made by coordinator at the host bar Len Jones, and the Club Chairman,
Chris Knapp. Before presenting the prizes Len thanked the indomitable IPGC
golfers, registrar Glyn Evans, starter Chris Knapp and recorder Stephen
Beard for their continuing fine work, both on the day and during the run up
to the competition, highlighting especially the herculean efforts of
coordinator Russell Exley.
The evening continued thereafter as usual with more than
a few cool beers generating tales of great glory and woe, the shots that got
away and those which were nailed, and thoughts turned to the final IPGC
Medal competition of the season to be held on Monday, July 5 at Phoenix.
Div. 1
1st Peter Sumner net 69
2nd Steve Mascari net 71
3rd Al Keith net 73
Div. 2
1st Tony Kitchen net 69
2nd Shuichi Kodaka net 69
3rd Tony Barritt net 69
Div. 3
1st Sid Ottaway 35pts
2nd B. J. Smith 32pts
3rd John Robertson 30pts
Ladies
1st Orawan Meeraka 36pts
2nd Nut Ponviper 28pts)
The ‘ash kicker’ is back …
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Monday’s
winners Ian Rippey, Bob Newell,
Brad Sproxton and Kevin Taylor with Kevin Moraghan.
Monday, June 7,
St. Andrews 2000 - Stableford
1st Ian Rippey (14) 40pts
2nd Bob Newell (9) 40pts
3rd Kevin Taylor (8) 37pts
4th
Brad Sproxton (12) 37pts
The highlight of the day was to get the near pin on No 3.
Kevin Moraghan, the birthday boy, sponsored the near pin on this hole and
Kevin Taylor knocked it closest.
Fleeing the ash and the bombs and the guns and everything
else not right, our friend Ian Rippey returned to the relative safety of
Pattaya and took out his frustrations on 24 unsuspecting soles. An
unmatchable 22 on the inward 9 gave Ian a count back victory over our May
Monthly Medal winner Bob “Luck has nothing to do with it” Newell. Bob’s
determination can only be compared to the efforts he has put into “the nets”
getting ready for the Pattaya cricket fun matches.
Kevin Taylor also finished strong to take third on
another countback from Brad Sproxton. It was a warm welcome back to Nick
Handscombe, Terry Wagner and Micheal Winterburn. We appreciate your support
gents!
Wednesday, June 9, Siam
Plantation – Stableford
1st Dr. John Exall (18) 32pts
2nd Micheal Winterburn (6) 31pts
3rd
Brad Sproxton (12) 31pts
The “Doc” played consistent golf and endured the actions
of Emmerson and St.Aubin to reap his just rewards.
Ominous skies proved lame and the rest of the field
struggled with very slick greens. Happy caddies and happy thoughts made the
flies bearable for the rest … almost.
The C-A combination was in great shape and we look
forward to return trips here.
Friday, June 11, Greenwood
– Stableford
1st Brad Sproxton (12) 40pts
2nd Dr. John Exall (18) 37pts
3rd Micheal Winterburn (6) 36pts
4th
Roachy (0) 35pts
We had 20 players join us today to take on the B & C
courses at Greenwood.
Brad Sproxton won the day with 40 points while Dr. John
continued his steady play of late and had 37 points for second. Micheal
Winterburn, recently back from Vancouver, came in third with 36 points and ‘Roachy’,
having just arrived back from The Open qualifying event where his player
Marcel Siem won entry into this year’s tourney, was fourth with 35 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.
Cooney makes
winning return
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, June 7, Bangpra -
Stableford
Playing stableford at Bangpra on Monday there weren’t
many points separating the leaders. Gary Lenske beat his pal Jeff Norman on
a countback to claim fourth spot and there was another countback to
determine second and third places with Peter Habgood having the better back
nine to take second ahead of Steve Coppell, who’s fitting in a few games of
golf in the sun before he returns to the business of football management in
the English Championship with Bristol City.
Gerry Cooney was the winner at Phoenix.
The winner on the day by one point was Korean golfer Hai
Sul Chung.
1st Hai Sul Chung (12) 37pts
2nd Peter Habgood (19) 36pts
3rd Steve Coppell (12) 36pts
4th Gary Lenske (15) 35pts
Near Pins: Eddie Martin, Steve Coppell, Fred Temmihck and Bill Rimm.
Wednesday, June 9, Green
Valley - Medal
Going one better than Monday, Peter Habgood won today’s
Medal competition with a fine four under par round. Alan Sullivan thought
he’d done enough to win with a three under score but he had to settle for
second place while Mike Corner took third place one stroke ahead of Tony
Robbins, who finished fourth with a level par score on his card.
1st Peter Habgood (19) net 68
2nd Alan Sullivan (12) net 69
3rd Mike Corner (20) net 71
4th Tony Robbins (15) net 72
Near Pins: Alan Sullivan, Joe Vanderwegan and Paul Cooper.
Friday, June 11, Phoenix -
Medal
Gerry Cooney returned to golf after a recent injury
(incurred while having a golf lesson - there’s a lesson there somewhere!)
and won with a four under par score. Three players finished on net 73, Fred
Temmihck taking the runner up spot, Sunni Khanna third place and the unlucky
Jeff Norman was left empty handed.
1st Gerry Cooney (12) net 68
2nd Fred Temmihck (23) net 73
3rd Sunny Khanna (12) net 73
Near Pins: Bill
Rimm, Eddie Martin and Gerry Cooney (x2).
Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson
Here is a bridge
puzzle. You are sitting South. How are you going to make your (exuberantly
bid) contract? North dealt and all were vulnerable. This was the bidding:
North East South West
P 3C Dbl P
4S P 4N P
5S P 7N All pass
East’s three club bid
must be very weak, given the number of high card points between the North
and South hands (see below). North’s response of 5S is Roman key card
Blackwood, showing two key cards (in this case the ace and king of the
assumed trump suit, spades) and the queen of spades.
You bid seven no
trump, hoping for a club lead. Unfortunately, West leads the ten of hearts,
taking away your only entry to board! When you see dummy you wish you were
in the lay down grand slam in diamonds.
So how do you make
your contract? Decide on your plan before you read on.
S: AKQ10
H: J: J
D: J1098765
C: 2
? ?
S: -
H: AKQ42
D: AKQ
C: AQ1098
Assume you win the
first trick in dummy with the jack of hearts and play the top three spades,
throwing losing clubs from hand. Then you lead the two of clubs for the
marked finesse. You are now in hand and play off your winners but end up
losing the fifth heart. Contract down. Can you see the mistake in this
play?
The mistake lies in
the cards you throw on the three top spades. Instead of throwing three
losing clubs, you must throw all three winning diamonds from hand. This
allows you to stay on board to cash the seven long diamonds, throwing all
the clubs except the ace and all the hearts except the ace and king. Then
you cross to hand with the ace of clubs (no finesse necessary) and cash the
remaining two high hearts.
Note that dummy takes
ten tricks (seven diamonds and three top spades), while the much stronger
hand takes only three tricks, the ace and king of hearts and the ace of
clubs. The full deal is shown here:
S: AKQ10Q10
H: J
D: J1098765
C: 2
S: J9876542 S: 3
H: 103 H: 98765
D: 432 D: -
C: - C: KJ76543
S: -: -
H: AKQ42
D: AKQ
C: AQ1098
If you have bridge
questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please contact me at:
[email protected].
|
