Pattaya Sports Club Annual Summer Party 2010

Notice to all members (and guests)

The annual summer party will be held at the Town in Town Hotel, on Wednesday 14th July 2010.

The cost of tickets will be FREE to members (1 per member only) and 700 baht to guests of members (1 per member only). Children under 16 years old 500 baht. Please note that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by at least one Parent/Guardian

Tickets can only be purchased from the PSC Clubhouse, and proof of membership is required. Please show your current membership card.

All the food, the drinks and entertainment are FREE all evening.

Your entrance ticket stub will also be entered into the Lucky Draw & Irish Bingo session at no extra charge. There will many superb prizes. Please note: You must be in attendance to claim any prize.

Dress Code will be strictly adhered to and your co-operation is requested. Gentlemen are expected to wear long trousers/pants and a collared shirt with sleeves. Ladies are expected to wear evening gown, or smart skirt/dress with a sleeved blouse. Anyone wearing shorts or vest type tops will not be allowed admission.

This event is staged for you all to enjoy, and a few volunteers have taken a lot of time and trouble to make the event a swinging time for you all. All we ask is for your respect and cooperation in all matters.

Godsen back in the winner’s circle

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Stuart Rifkin

Thursday, July 1, Rayong C.C. – Stableford.

We had 16 keen golfers show up for today’s outing at Rayong Country Club, which is one more than the last time we played there on May 3.

The Admiral piped all aboard the buses dead on time at 8.15 a.m. and the trip from Café Kronborg to the course took a touch under 40 minutes.

It was a pleasant surprise to see a bargain deal available, with green fee, caddy and cart only 750 baht if sharing. Those who wanted to drive with just their caddy paid an extra 150 baht. This was excellent value and a credit to the management for enticing players with this exceptional deal.

There was no waiting, as the course attendance today was sparse, so our first group was underway at 9.30 a.m. All agreed that the course was in great shape and whilst the greens looked to be quick, they were in fact quite slow. Despite the slow greens, nobody managed to play to their handicap. The first group was able to complete their round in a speedy time of a little over 4 hours including a few drink stops.

We welcomed back Don Mackenzie, Ronnie Ratte (who gets a special mention further in the report) and Roy Hogan. Peter Blackburn (the usual writer for Café Kronborg) has been deployed O/S and will be back in early October. We also wish Koji Yamada a safe return home and await his next foray here.

Aussie Mike Gosden was back in winning form today, topping the A Flight with the help of his new handicap. He was closely followed in second by the consistent Niels Hansen and Koji Yamada took out third spot on a countback from Roy Hogan.

B Flight was also closely contested with Wayne Koch beating Graham Buckingham into first place whilst Kevin Dinan took out third spot.

The Compass award was graciously passed on by Graham Buckingham to Ronnie Rattie. Congratulations Ronnie!

A Flight (0-21)
1st Mike Gosden (10) 35pts
2nd Niels Hansen (15) 34pts
3rd Koji Yamada (13) 33pts
B Flight (22+)
1st Wayne Koch (22) 34pts
2nd Graham Buckingham (22) 34pts
3rd Kevin Dinan (23) 31pts

Thorne unbeatable at Rayong

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society went to Rayong CC on Tuesday, 29th June, to play a medal round to conclude the month’s fixtures and the race for the Society’s “Player of the Month” title. The course was empty and anticipating slow greens on an otherwise good track the field began on an empty course under overcast skies. Before long it became evident that one golfer in particular was going to have a good day as approach shots were unerringly accurate and putts all found the bottom of the cup.

Unfazed by a very heavy electric storm for the last hour, amongst those making a fist of things in third place was Len Jones, posting net 79 for a round composed of unusually inconsistent tee shots which held his advance back. In second place was Thai golfer Wichai Tananusorn with 78 net.

The winner by a country mile was Tony Thorne and his best gross of the day, eighty, represented net 70 as scores were checked. His golf, characterised by a uniquely unconventional swing, has been certainly been effective and consistent and he has managed to record the highest monthly points score since the competition began five years ago. It really has been a month of quality golf and it remains to be seen where he goes from here.

Russell Exley took the ‘2’s pot with the days only birdie ‘2’ and he also took the technical for the best net score on the par threes, 12, to win the voucher kindly presented by Alan Bainbridge for a free round at the Asia Hotel Floodlit Par Three course. It had been a good end to the month with the Pattaya Golf Society.

Duckett’s
winning return

The Pattaya Golf Society left Soi Buakhao on Saturday, 3rd July, and travelled to Ban Chang to play a stableford competition at Eastern Star which has proved to be a difficult challenge in recent months because of, in part, the inconsistency of the greens, where the four newly laid greens are quicker than the rest, which also vary in pace. However the field found an empty course again and play got underway on time. The day remained overcast throughout and heavy rains and back tee positions helped the course to play long.

In third place, Thai lady Nit Watcharaphin continued her golf education with a well crafted 34 points, a result of accurate tee and fairway shots. She has already announced her arrival on the golf scene with three divisional wins earlier in the year in the IPGC Monthly Medals. In second place with a well balanced level par card was Len Jones. At present it’s feast or famine for Mr Len as a few errant tee shots in the middle of his round once again detracted from an excellent performance. He did however pick up the day’s only birdie ‘2’ on the long par three third.

The winner was Alan Duckett, playing with the group for the first time since March and his 38 points was well received. Sadly for him it could have been much better as his 22 point score after nine holes held promise of far better things.

Later at the presentation in Rabbi’s Elephant Bar, regular Tony Thorne received his prize for winning the “Player of the Month” award for June after a month which saw him play outstanding golf and achieve a total of 54 points, the highest since the award was introduced five years ago. It was to prove a fitting way to end his current stay as family issues drag him back to Oz for a few weeks, leaving the field clear for someone else in July.

The final presentation went to Alan Duckett whose two-under total on the par threes picked up the free green fee voucher for the Asia Hotel Floodlit par-three course, kindly donated by Alan Bainbridge of Premier League Golf Tours. Well done all.

Campbell pips Yamada for top spot

98th PSC Monthly Golf Tournament

The Pattaya Sports Club held its 98th monthly medal golf tournament at Greenwood golf course on Friday June 25 with 70 golfers participating.

The course was in great shape and the pace of play was ok for most. Alan Campbell won the medal flight, winning on countback from Koji Yamada, both shooting net 71’s. Great rounds guys! Paul Avery just missed out on the countback battle, posting a net 72 for third.

William Macey, the PSC Charity Chairman, and former acting golf chairman, shot a fine round on 39 stableford points to win the B Flight (maybe not having two responsibilities now has helped his concentration.) Taking second place was Dick Warberg with 38 points and Per Olan Baarli finished third on 36.

Stuart Graham meanwhile came in with score of 34 stableford points to win the C Flight. Well done Stuart! Ken Bernek took second spot just one point behind Stuart and Torstein Olavssen rounded out the podium on 32 points.

The 99th PSC Monthly Medal will be held at Treasure Hill Golf Course on the 16th of July 2010. It will be a 2 tee start, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Check the flyers out soon for full details.

Near Pins: #2B Paul Smith, Joe Mooneyham and Torstein Olavssen; #5B Koji Yamada, Per Olan Baarli and Torstein Olavssen; #3C Colin Davies and Peter Blackburn; #6C Buddy Nagi, Kevin Hamilton and Daryl Evans.

Long Drives: Paul Smith (A Flight), Jerry Dobbs (B Flight) and Stuart Gordon (C Flight).

Merryman tops the scoring at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Friday’s divisional winners at Eastern Star, Colin Mearns, Shaun Merriman, Noi Emmerson and Tom Novak are presented with their trophies by John Seymour, far left, from Northern Thai Realty Co Ltd.

Monday, June 28,
St. Andrews – Stableford

There were no ladies here today due to the harshness of the course for them , but there were still seven groups out in two divisions for the men after a few cancellations overnight and early morning due to the England – Germany game.

The previous night at Siam Cats there had been discussions as to which tee to use today as there are numerous pros and cons for the white and yellows, but in the end we chose the yellow tees (our next booking here in early August will be off the whites), I am saying no more.

Playing off 3 now after his return trip to the UK, Paul Smith came in third today in Division 1 with 33 points. Ted Gardner was two points ahead of Paul in second and the winner today was Don Head with 36 points.

Struggling in Division 2 with the length of the course and the carry over some of the water hazards, Russell Benson finished third with 27 points and Barry Rawlinson was one point ahead in second spot. The winner with 32 points was Terry Redding.

There were no ‘2’s today in either division so a double rollover ensued to Green Valley in Division 1 and four in Division 2.

Ted Gardner picked up three near pins and Chris Voller took the other one in Division 1, while there was only one person on the green today on the par three’s in Division 2, well done Terry Cowell.

Wednesday, June 30, Green Valley – Rainbow tableford

The last Wednesday in June signaled our fun game of the month, a two divisional men’s game for 23 players and the seven ladies preferred to play a normal competition.

The ‘old man’ beat Tom Novak on a 20/17 back nine countback for third place in Division 2 after they both came in with 33 points. Terry Redding was second with 36 points and the winner today with 38 points was ‘Countback’ Burnie.

Rick Holmes took the top podium position in Division 1 with 39 points, Peter Seward was second with 38 and Don Head came in third on 36 points.

The ladies, playing their normal game off the red tees, came in with some good scores with Miss Kung scoring 38 points to win the division, and on her own course Miss Sang was second with 37, with Miss Faa taking third on 29.

Miss Kung and Miss Nang won near pins on the 2nd and 16th holes and Miss Sang birdied the 12th to get the only ‘2’. There were two rollovers in Division 1 today and as always there were numerous winners: Rick Holmes, Bob Poole, Burnie Sinclair, Roy Thornton and Chris Voller. Ken Foster and Tom Novak meanwhile both received the maximum in Division 2 with the four rollovers.

Friday, July 2,
Eastern Star – Stableford

There was heavy rain overnight here in Jomtien and this continued into the early morning. There were over 60 players out today in a three divisional men’s competition and 13 ladies in there own contest as well. This was all sponsored by Northern Thai Realty and the Hot Legs Bar in Jomtien complex.

The rain continued all the way to Eastern Star and it looked like a no go day. However, as we arrived the rain eased slightly and the first group went out 10 minutes behind our allocated slot. There was slight drizzle on the first two holes but this soon dispersed and the rest of the round was played in favourable conditions.

There was an equal cut today in the men’s divisions with 6-15 in Division 1, 16-21 in Division 2 and 22+ for Division 3.

Miss Noi won the ladies division with 34 points, one point ahead of Miss Nut in second and Miss Nang came in third with 32 points.

Tom Novak, with an obscene 24 points on the back nine, won the men’s Division 3 with 36 points ahead of Peter Collins in second on 34 and Joe Kubon in third with 31.

The Hot Legs host, Colin Mearns, took out Division 2 with 34 points, Terry Cowell was second two points behind and yet again ‘Countback’ Burnie beat Russell Benson on an 18/14 back nine score after they both finished with 29 points each.

The best score in all four divisions came from Shaun Merryman in Division 1 with 39 points. He finished ahead of Harry Vincenzi in second with 32 and Don Head beat Chris Voller on a 20/15 back nine countback after they both tied on 31 points.

There were many positive comments regarding the amount of prizes won in a variety of competitions for so many people. Once again many thanks go to John Seymour and his team at Northern Thai Realty and Joy and Colin at Hot Legs for sponsoring this day. There was live music and a free buffet for all golfers and partners back at the bar later.

Near Pins: #3 May Mitchell, Barry Connolly, Peter Collins; #6 Noi Emmerson, Andy Baber, Bob Poole, Joe Kubon; #13 Colin Mearns, Peter Collins; #17 Josie Monks, Harry Vincenzi, Ben Findon, Barry Rawlinson.

Near Pin in 2 & 3 shots: #16 Miss Nut, Chris Voller, Terry Cowell, Gordon Everingham.

Near Pin in 3 & 4 shots: #8 May Mitchell, Chris Voller, Brian Blackford, Rick Newman; #11 Mikael Andersson, Brian Blackford, Glyn Evans.

Long Drives: May Mitchell, Shaun Merryman, Karl Flood, Barry Rawlinson.

Straight Drives: Miss Faa, Tony Barritt, Ben Findon, Barry Rawlinson.

Mashi stays in line for yearly award

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook

Tuesday, June 29, Khao Kheow – Stableford

The trip to K.K is always looked upon as a necessary reality check on your present playing ability. Every shot is crucial and one mistake could destroy your day. For most of us there are always going to be several, so this is a real test of golf.

Dick Warburg, right, presents the prize hat and umbrella to the Alan Bolton ‘Golfer of the Month’, Mashi Kaneta.

Shoot your handicap and you will be in the places. This is always in the top three courses for most of the players here although some do not particularly like it because of its degree of difficulty, but what a fantastic course.

On this day we not only had our normal day’s golf but also the ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’ award to be decided with several players in with a chance to win, so a good round was always going to have a chance - not just to win the day, but the month.

On the day the Japanese players played best. The winner with 36 points was Koji Yamada ahead of Mashi Kaneta in second with 35 points and in third was that old warhorse Bill Knight with 34 points. Well played all of them, but with second place Mashi Kaneta went into a three-way tie and won ‘The Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’ on countback from Bill Knight and Dick Warberg. Well done Mashi, who is so far ahead in The Alan Bolton Golfer of the Year he cannot be caught.

Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Derek Brook, Daryl Evans

Friday, July 2,
Treasure Hill - Stableford

This has become one of our favorite courses over the past year. With the next PSC Member’s Open scheduled here later this month, we wanted to get in a practice round and check out any changes to the course.

The skies were threatening and a bit of rain falling as we headed out of Pattaya but this gave way to broken skies for our day out. Not many cars in the parking lot, check in at the course was smooth and 750 baht to walk was certainly one of the better deals currently available in the area. However the starter sent off a 6-ball right in front of us and our request to be moved to the 10th tee was not granted. As it worked out, the 6-ball moved along smartly and there were only slight delays for our first group and we all finished within 4 1/2 hours.

The course is currently undergoing some heavy slow season maintenance with new tees being built, areas of fairway being re-sodded and greens being maintained. Hopefully the greens keeper will have it in top shape by the time we play the PSC Monthly.

Back at Tropical Bert’s, we welcomed a couple of visitors while the results were tabulated, and after a quick bite and drink, the results were announced. Congratulations to Neil on an outstanding day and all hope the handicap committee does its job over the weekend. All are welcome to come and join us for our friendly competitions.

1st Neil Shaw (22) 44pts
2nd Dick Warberg (16) 37pts
3rd Andre Van Dyk (30) 35pts
Near Pins: Tom Cotton, Henry O’Brien, Al Laurie (2).

It’s Emerson by one at sweltering Pattaya Country Club

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

As the skies opened up early in the morning of June 30, things looked a little bleak for a round of golf. Never fear though, by the time our group arrived at the Pattaya Country Club the rain was gone and cloudy skies kept most of the round reasonably cool, 97 degrees, humidity 112%. The sun came out on the back five holes and it became very hot very quick.

Wednesday winner Larry Emerson, left, with runner-up Dale Murphy.

Everyone finished in fine form with ‘sandbagging’ Larry Emerson coming in with a 37-pointer for first place followed by Dale Murphy with 36. An unnamed oil field hand, yearning for the end of the month trophy, lagged way behind with a 30. The scores went downhill fast after that.

Back at Caddy Shack II, Herbie set out delicious ham slices, numerous hot dogs, and some of Herbie’s homemade spicy salsa. The salsa was a bit hot but plenty of beverages were on hand to cool the tongues down.

Trant gets back in the groove

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Wednesday, June 30, The Emerald – Stableford
1st Damien Trant 38pts
2nd Paul Thavant 35pts
3rd Helmeit Hebstreit 33pts
4th Vince Smythe 32pts
Friday, July 2,
Green Valley -
Stableford
1st Don Wilson 41pts
2nd Damien Trant 36pts
3rd Mike Phillips 35pts
4th Vince Smythe 35pts

Damien Trant.

Damien Trant was in form this past week, getting a both a win and a second place off his new handicap of 11. It was not long ago he was playing off 7 but following some previous bad form it has climbed into double figures.

Vince Smythe was consistently in the frame both times last week in fourth position, and it took a very good round of golf from Don Wilson to knock Damien into second place at Green Valley and stop him doing the weekly double.

Yasuo Suzuki wins at last

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, June 28, Pattana A&B - Stableford
CSS 74
1st Trevor Schirmer (12) 34pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki (11) 33pts
3rd Tomas Nilsson (10) 30pts
4th Dai Griffiths (7) 29pts

Another last minute change of venue, when the organisers discovered that they would not be able to get the required twenty players out at Mountain Shadow to obtain the lowest rate, meant an earlier return to Pattana who were more than happy to ring several thousand baht into the till during this very low season.

Following many days of heavy rain and golf carts unable to be driven on the fairways, the day’s competition was declared to be played under ‘winter rules’ with lift and place in the fairways. This did not seem to help the scoring much as there was very little run generally around the course.

Trevor Schirmer picked up exactly where he left off at the end of last week with another win, making it three in a row, with a two shot reduction in handicap in between, after a solid round that could have been even better with a couple more putts dropping.

Yasuo Suzuki also continued his run of second places with yet another to add to the three he achieved over the previous two weeks, although this time he was not involved with a count back and had a reasonable margin between him and third place.

Tomas Nilsson struggled to get some consistency into his game but carried on manfully to grab third place ahead of Dai Griffiths in fourth.

There were no 2’s in either the first or second divisions.

Before the presentations Stephen Beard welcomed back Sam McLellan, Tomas Nilsson and Lindsay Gailey.

Wednesday, June 30, Bangpra - Stableford
CSS 73
1st Russell Exley (8) 38pts
2nd Mike Dabanovich (11) 32pts
3rd Benny Hansen (25) 31pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki (11) 28pts

Bangpra is currently one of the best conditioned courses in the area following extensive renovations and alterations and even now in this period of extremely low income, they continue to work on the whole course in an effort to totally eradicate the old crab grass in clearly defined areas. The greens are now back almost to their terrifying speed with all the huge breaks, ensuring that anything above the hole will be a big problem unless the first one goes in.

Russell Exley made it all look so easy, as he cruised round in two under his handicap, to leave the rest of the field wallowing in his wake with the nearest some six shots adrift. It would seem he is just coming into form at just the right time with the IPGC Monthly Medals and Championships around the corner.

Mike Dabanovich celebrated Canada Day a little early with his first podium placing for a while to deny Benny Hansen an even higher placing than his third spot, which was his first time of being among the prizes in Pattaya.

Yasuo Suzuki slipped into fourth place although a long way back after a few mishaps along the way.

Mike’s placing also ensured that the build up for the following days partying was started early back at The Haven, as the cold ones flew fast and often with many of the players staying on until quite late.

There were no 2’s in the second division and Mike Dabanovich had the only one in the first division to sweep the rollover pool.

Before the presentations Mike Contoni was welcomed back.

Friday, July 2, The Emerald - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Yasuo Suzuki (11) 43pts
2nd Chris Knapp (18) 40pts
3rd Homer Kemper (24) 35pts
4th Trevor Schirmer (12) 35pts
5th Mike Contoni (28) 34pts
6th Tomas Nilsson (10) 34pts

After seemingly weeks of frustration, just missing out of the prizes by either a very close countback or a fatal error on the last hole, Yasuo Suzuki came home in style to win his first competition during this trip and in doing so recorded his best round ever in Thailand, going out in 37 gross and returning in 39 for a seven under handicap result which was good enough by three to take the days top honours. Looking back over the last five years it is somewhat surprising to find that Yasuo has only broken 80 three times, making the day’s effort even more impressive.

Chris Knapp would have thought that, following several lessons from Al Keith, the local free Golf Guru, an excellent round of four under handicap would surely be sufficient to lift the top prize for the day, but with the winner in such good form he will have to wait a little longer, although the improvement that seems to have been made to his overall game would indicate that it will not be too far in the future.

Homer Kemper, making a special dry run from Japan and finally managing to arise early enough to catch the transport to the course, tied up his first podium placing with a solid one over handicap, just squeezing into third place after winning a countback over Trevor Schirmer by a better 18 to 15 return on the inward half.

Mike Contoni had his first honourable mention as he took fifth place ahead of Tomas Nilsson with a countback of 22 to 17 return.

Both Mike and Homer also cleaned up in their challenge match with Dabber, as Canada Day and the ensuing headache took its full toll.

Yasuo Suzuki had the only ‘2’ in the first division and Homer Kemper, Chris Knapp and Brian Kelly had one each in the second division.

Prior to the prize giving Brian Kelly and Homer Kemper were welcomed back.

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

The 10th IPGC Golf Championship

The 10th IPGC Championship will take place on Wednesday 14th and Friday 16th July at Khao Kheow Country Club. The event is a two-day stroke play competition with a cut (top 50% of field make cut) after first day (1-day stableford for those missing cut). Players who make the cut may elect to drop down to the 1-day stableford. There will also be a two day stableford competition for the ladies.

The entry fee of 2,500 baht fee covers 2 days golf including green fee and caddy fee, 2 buffets, trophies, championship giveaways including; IPGC umbrella, IPGC golf shirt, IPGC golf towel, and multiple Lucky Draw prizes to be drawn after the prize presentations. Entry is limited to members of the IPGC and players must have at least 10 competitive scores on record to be eligible for a trophy.

Entry forms with entry fee should be handed in at either of, The Rabbi’s Elephant (Mr. Len), The Haven (Russell Exley), Jomtien Golf (Glyn Evans), and Donovan’s (Steve Mascari). Entries close, Monday, 12th of July, 7:00 pm.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

This was board 12 from a recent Bridge Club of Chiang Mai pairs game.  North-South were vulnerable and West dealt.  Take a look at the hands and decide what contract East-West should be in. 

                         S: 107632

                         H: J9864

                         D: J

                         C: 87            

S: J                                          S: A9854

H: K2                                     H: A5

D: Q943                                 D: A8

C: K109642                          C: AJ53

                         S: KQ

                         H: Q1073

                         D: K107652

                         C: Q                

The answer is six clubs.  East-West win the opening lead, no matter what it is, and pull trumps in two rounds.  There is then only one loser, a diamond, and twelve winners: six clubs, the ace and king of hearts, the ace of spades, the ace of diamonds and two diamond ruffs on board.

Like all minor suit slams, it is difficult to bid, particularly since there are only 26 HCPs between the two hands.  A possible (but rather aggressive) bidding sequence to get there is shown below.  The step to slam probably has to be taken by East, because only East knows that they hold all the aces. 

West    North     East        South

P           P              1S           2D

3C        P              4C           P

5C        P              6C           All pass 

When this board was played there were two contracts of 5C and one contract of 2N, making three.  Only one pair got to 6C.  Well done to Richard Walker and Jean-Claude Barret for good bidding.  However, the defence by Ruth Wilmon and Bernard Garwood defeated the cold contract.  The lead was the jack of diamonds ducked, fatally, on board to the king in South’s hand.  Then a diamond lead back was ruffed by North, taking the contract down one. Thus a well bid contract bit the dust! 

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

Kington reigns supreme

PSC golf with The Phoenix Tuesday Group

Tuesday’s top three, Phil Kington, Stuart Gordon and Shaun Merriman,
 pose with the staff from the Relax Bar.

Mike Gerrard

Tuesday, June 29, Phoenix G.C. – Stroke

After only playing for a couple of years and slowly but surely improving not only his game of golf, but also his understanding of the finer points, our Phil has broken through the barrier to take him to his teens in terms of handicap.

This being our monthly stroke play tournament it usually ends up with some poorer scores, but today many players excelled.

Our larger than usual number of players took on the Mountain and Ocean course today, with conditions that you dream about a couple of times a year back in the ‘old country’ (wearing shorts and thin shirt I mean), but after heavy rain the night before we decided to implement winter conditions purely because of the excessive water around the greens, which invariably causes some shots to end up with mud on the ball. However the course was in great shape, thanks to the very professional greens staff at Phoenix.

Back at the Relax Bar (near Ban Am Phur) we enjoyed our usual first drink free out of the day’s subscriptions (only 100 baht) and prepared for our presentation.

As you can see from the headline Phil Kington showed us all how to beat the course with an incredible net 61, Yes Sixty One!! He has played week in week out with his handicap recently reduced to 22, but with a fine gross 83 he will now surely be amongst the teenagers in the group.

So Phil was duly awarded the first prize of the restaurant voucher donated by Trattoria Italiana (along with a little extra bonus) whilst our ever consistent Stuart Gordon could only ponder what he has to do to win when his net 70 claimed only second place. Third with a net 71 was Shaun Merriman, which meant that all three places were sub-par.

Next we awarded the prizes for near pins which went to Shaun Merriman and John Stafford.

So it was onto our lucky draw time and our lucky winners today were Bob (The Boston Strangler) Neylon, who won the regular weekly donation of a free massage at the Relax Bar, along with the free drink donated by our hosts which went to Alain Bellec.

I will be visiting dear old ‘Blighty’ for a few weeks from next week, so if anyone would like further information regarding the group, please contact Bob Neylon on 081 916 1853.

Wet conditions bring the best out of Danny

The Bang Chang Golf Society

Friday, July 2, The Emerald - Stableford

Be careful what you wish for! After saying last week about how the weather seemed to heat up just on a Friday, this week all the way down to the golf course it looked as though we would be rained off. Arriving at Emerald Golf Course the club house and car park were deserted as the rain continued to pour down.

After an hour of waiting and knowing there was a big competition following us, we decided to give it a go. As it turned out, apart from the wet fairways, it was a great day to play golf. There were only eight players today including Tom, who was left there by another group and played with us for the first time.

Danny L. played his best game to date and came in with 38 points plus two scratches which enabled him to win the competition but also send his handicap flying down towards a single figure. Bernie was second and continued his good run in the skins with (5). Other skin results as follows: Danny L. (5), Martin (3), JJ (2), with 4 rolling over to next week.

Finally well done to Andy M. for winning nearest the pin yet again and we look forward to his last round for sometime next week with a good turn out and a good drink afterward.

45 points makes Jimmy’s day

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, June 27,
St. Andrews 2000 - Stableford

A Flight
1st Andrew Moffat (4) 40pts
2nd Gareth Gill (9) 37pts
B Flight
1st Jimmy Day (16) 45pts
2nd Doug Campbell (16) 34pts
Near Pins: No2 Buddy Nagi, No9 Kathy Doody, No12 Garry Ogilvie, No16 Keith Brooks.

Jimmy Day – 45 points at St. Andrews on Sunday – with A Flight winner Andrew Moffat.

Sunday’s fixture was forced to move to St. Andrews due to a large tournament. This suited one man in particular, he was mentioned last week and the week before, and taking on the formidable St Andrews here he was again. I give you Jimmy ‘The ladies man’ Day, previously known as the 16 handicapper who knew more about the game than any mid or high handicapper in town. He is now known as Sunday’s ‘man of the match’, and by a very impressive five shots. The important thing is that he is tending to play better, well he better be because that new handicap will require it.

Doug Campbell pocketed the balance in the junior flight, a mere nine shots back.

Gareth, and his Geordie mates who are on their annual pilgrimage to Pattaya made it an all Geordie affair in the big boys flight. Andrew Moffat, who plays off a stingy enough handicap of four, took the top spot with a rock solid 40 point return. Gareth ‘Ralphy’ Gill filled out the flight on 37 points while ‘Fast’ Chaten Patel and the good Captain Seamus both retuned even par rounds.

But the Day belonged to Jimmy, who played his last game before leaving for a holiday to see his mates Kevin and Matt in Co. Offaly, Ireland.

Tuesday, June 29, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Mike Jeffreys (17) 38pts
2nd Colin Davis (13) 32pts

A small but select group traveled to the Thai Takenaka designed course to play the C and A layouts. Leading the lads home with a splendid 38 points was the man in form, Mike Jeffreys. The Donkey was placed second but got no reward for his 32 point effort.

No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover on Wednesday.

Wednesday, June 30, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Don Lehmer (15) 34pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 33pts

Don Lehmer is recognized as a player that can shoot as well as he wants and that potential was realized again this Wednesday with a match winning 34 points. The good Captain Seamus Cotter, John Haddon and Pierre the Magician all came up a shot short, the Captain getting the verdict for second place in a countback by a nose.

For the second game in succession there were no ‘2’s carded, so a double rollover on Friday.

Friday, July 2, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Mike Jeffreys (17) 38pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 32pts

The size of the field might have been impacted by the low season, and a lot of the regulars on leave, but the quality of play was certainly not.

By the time Mike Jeffreys got to the seventeenth hole he must have thought he had done enough, and he had, his 38 points was the winning score and gave him man of the match honours. Captain Seamus Cotter gratefully accepted second place.

Peter ‘Don O’corleone ‘Henshaw took home the rollover ‘2’s loot.

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.

Dave signs off with two in a row

PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, June 29, Phoenix - Stableford

The end of another month arrived, and Tuesday saw us visit Phoenix, where the Mountain & Ocean combination was to be our test. The course was in good condition, well grassed smooth fairways and truly rolling greens.

Ken Hole, left, and Keith Hodges, right, after a successful week on the course.

The scores were somewhat better than recent returns, a sign of the course’s condition and degree of difficulty. After Dave Edwards (17) had tamed the Khao Kheow course last Thursday, he again showed the way with a fine 37 points, just edging Jeff Wylie (5) on a countback 18 to 17. In third spot was Ken Hole (15) with 35 points, again, after a countback which went to the last 6 holes 12/9, over Graham Hiskett. Both Dave and Graham are off to the UK for a little while, but I am sure they will eagerly look forward to a return.

The near pins were shared between Jeff and Darren, who was here on a brief holiday, before returning back to England and work.

Thursday, July 1, Bangpra - Stableford

Thursday dawned with clear skies as we made our way north towards Bangpra, where a good day’s golf was assured with this well conditioned track. The fairways were in tip top condition, as were the early hole greens, however some of the later holes were not as well grassed, providing some inconsistent speeds.

Not to worry though, as Keith Hodges (24) best came to terms with the greens, holing some nice putts, combined with some good shots, to record a solid 34 points, ahead of Allan Cassin (12) with 31.

The near pins were elusive today with only Jeff managing to snare one.

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!

Driggs ducks under 80 to shade Buchanan

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Jane & Maddie pictured with Friday’s two division winners,
Brian Maddox (Div B), left, and Bobby Driggs (Div A).

Monday, June 28, Burapha - Stableford

Back on A & B today from the blue tees after a long break from arguably the best nine at Burapha, the B loop, known as the Belfry course. Such a long time, that three or our regular guys who had got used to playing the front nine from the blue tees and either C or D from the whites, forgot they were on B and played the first few back nine holes from the wrong tee and unfortunately had to be DQ’d.

It was good to be back on the regular course which for some reason seemed to favour the early starters, with no less than four of the eight taking a podium place.

Jimmy Little won Div B with 36 points on countback from El Suggs on the same score and Jim Bryan took fourth on 33; whilst Steve Budrys got third in Div A with 34 points on countback from Tony Garnett. Andre Coetzee fired the top score of the day, 37 points, to win Div A from the Capt’, with 35.

There were five ‘2’s coming from Bob Philp, Art O’Connor, Jim Little, Ivan Plunkett and Bruce Milner

Div A (0-14)
1st Andre Coetzee (7) 37pts
2nd Bob Philp (9) 35pts
3rd Steven Budrys (12) 34pts
4th Tony Garnett (10) 34pts
Div B (15+)
1st James Little (17) 36pts
2nd Eldridge Suggs (18) 36pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (21) 34pts
4th James Bryan (16) 33pts

Monday, June 28, Pleasant Valley - Stableford

Back to Pleasant Valley as the alternate Monday course, after a month’s absence, during which time the greens had recovered quite well from being cored and sanded five weeks ago - even if they were a little slow.

Only 7 Outbackers chose to play from the blue tees with the course playing quite long as a result of the damp fairways and nobody managed to play to handicap; the best of the day coming from the organiser himself, Joe Mooneyham, with 35 points. Second and third were Paul Greenaway (33pts) and George Bishop (31pts).

There were no ‘2’s.
1st Joe Mooneyham (15) 35pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (10) 33pts
3rd George Bishop (15) 31pts

Tuesday, June 29, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

There was nothing particularly different about this Tuesday from any other Tuesday, the Outback were at their regular spot at Pattaya Country Club. So why was it, as the cards came in, and Chad, the organiser, was checking and sorting them, that he found himself the leader in the clubhouse with a lowly 32 points. It wasn’t until some of the last cards were turned over, that one of the two ‘new boys’ playing, Tony Weir, brother of Pat, gave the result some respectability with a fine 36 points on a course he had never played before.

The conditions were fine, with the rain staying away, apart from the last group on the last hole getting a few drops and the front nine greens and fairways were excellent. The back nine greens still have some way to go, especially the 11th and 13th, but all in all, there is little wrong with the course.

Welcome to the other ‘newbie’ Malcolm Pearce, from Yorkshire, UK, and it’s goodbye to Nigel Cannon for a couple of weeks as he returns to England for a short holiday.

So there is no reasonable explanation why Chad was second with 32 points, Nigel beat Jack on countback (both with 30!) and Paul Smets grabbed a place with only 28.

There was a ‘jackpot 2’ bagged by Paul Smets.
1st Tony Weir (22) 36pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (17) 32pts
3rd Nigel Cannon (22) 30pts
4th Jack Moseley (11) 30pts
5th Paul Smets (19) 28pts

Wednesday, June 30, Phoenix - Stableford

With most of the 18 players scoring more than 30 points at Phoenix, it was generally a good day out for the Outbackers. Playing the Mountain and Ocean nines, the weather remained dry although humid and the pace of play was fair on a relatively quiet course.

Dave Buchanan excelled off his one handicap to end up with 72 gross (37pts) but it wasn’t quite enough to win, as Joe, who scrambled throughout the whole day, pipped him on the back nine with 19 points to Dave’s 18. Third place went to the larger than life, Jamie Milner (35pts), who spent the first 8 holes on the course with the marshals chasing after him looking for his buggie ticket, and Bob Lindborg took fourth with the same 35 points.

The local rules have caused some confusion here at Phoenix as they refer to free drops, not only in flower beds but also in landscaped areas, which are very difficult to define. After some discussion it was agreed that the red ‘pampas like’ ornamental grass that has been planted in recent months, falls into that category; something the PSC will also have to consider in the future.

There were two ‘2s scored by Steve Mann and Jack Moseley

1st Joe Mooneyham (15) 37pts
2nd Dave Buchanan (1) 37pts
3rd Jamie Milner (15) 35pts
4th Bob Lindborg (19) 35pts
5th Andre Coetzee (7) 33pts

Friday, July 2, Laem Chabang - Stableford

It’s good to report that at last Laem Chabang is presenting itself in the condition expected from this top class course and somehow the 24 Outbackers who played the C & A nines from the white tees, successfully dodged all the rain and storms thundering around.

Today, we were joined by two teachers from Sharjah, Jane & Maddie, although they hailed from South Africa and Yorkshire originally, and they thoroughly enjoyed their day out and at the bar afterwards and will be back to play some more golf at the Outback next week.

Bobby, who celebrated his win with a bell ring, had a great round firing 42 points off his 12 handicap, thus breaking 80 gross; the first time he has achieved that for some time. Second was Dave Buchanan with another excellent 72 gross (37pts) after a dreadful start and third went to Murray Hart, who has featured frequently on the podium of late.

Brian Maddox (35pts) is another man in form, this time getting the win at last, having been knocking on the door for the last couple of weeks or so and beating Steve Milne (33pts) and Kissy Buchanan (32pts).

There were three ‘2’s from Capt’ Bob, Bobby Driggs and George Bishop.

Div A (0-15)
1st Robert Driggs (12) 42pts
2nd Dave Buchanan (1) 37pts
3rd Murray Hart (15) 36pts
4th Bruce Milner (13) 36pts
Div B (16+)
1st Brian Maddox (20) 35pts
2nd Steve Milne (16) 33pts
3rd Keith Buchanan (18) 32pts
4th Bruce McAdam (21) 30pts

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

John lays down a marker at Emerald

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper

This week’s report is short & sweet. Due to some circumstances beyond my control, and some personal pressures being brought to bear, my report is simply facts and figures no frills and sorry no photos.

Three outings this week the courses are playing well it seems. The weather is having something to do with that I expect and I also note that there are some very good price deals to be had at the moment. A shortage of paying participants must be behind that. One I noted was Rayong Country Club who are offering a two-player deal on weekdays of green fee, caddy fee and shared cart for just one thousand five hundred baht. Hell of a deal!

Monday, June 28, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 34pts
2nd Ito Akitoshi (8) 30pts
3rd Ted Seniorl (12) 29pts

On Monday we visited Bangpra and had only a small turnout so just the one division. I have in on record that the course was in great shape but played long and difficult.

Fergus obviously liked it though and came home with thirty-four points to lead the field. In second place was Ito Akitoshi and third Ted Senior came in third after beating Roger Wilkinson on count back.

No ‘2’s on the day.
Thursday, July 1, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Stuart James (26) 36pts
2nd Jeff Wilcox (23) 34pts
3rd Ted Senior (12) 34pts
4th Andrew Rich (21) 34pts

On Thursday for the first outing of July it was our traditional visit to Phoenix to play the Mountain & Ocean layout. Again we had a small turnout and just the one full division. Good weather was experienced on the day and a couple of players reported the course to be in great shape

Stuart James was top man on this occasion with thirty-six points, narrowly beating by two Jeff Wilcox, Ted Senior and Andrew Rich, who after the countback ended up in that order.

Once again there were no ‘2’s on the day.

Saturday, July 3, The Emerald - Stableford
1st John Lay (7) 41pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (15) 37pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 35pts
4th John Franklin (13) 34pts
5th Mod Chaviraksa (12) 34pts
6th Robert Cannon (25) 34pts

On Saturday it was a break from the usual weekend venues of past weeks with this time a visit to Emerald. The TRGG golfers were greeted with a wet but playable course (there had been considerable rain the night before) and we had a fair turnout compared with those of late.

This was to be a day for John Lay (does that rhyme?) with his forty-one points and a full four up on second placed man Roger Wilkinson (nice to have you back Roger). Fergus came in third at thirty-five and fourth, fifth and sixth all went to countback on thirty-four points with John Franklin edging out Mod Chaviraksa and Robert Cannon.

Two ‘2’s came in from Roger Wilkinson and Mod Chaviraksa.

Note: If you want any further or fuller information about the golf outings played by the TRGG from the Travellers Rest Hotel, please contact the hotel manager Tewin Lamthong on 086 056 7019 or just call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro, Pattaya and look at the notice board or visit the website: www.trgg.biz/.

Sea fishing with the PSC

Mike Gerrard

Avast you scurvy dogs! It seems like an eternity since our last trip, so it was ready to splice the mainbrace and set the sails to the fresh air of the sea.

The fisher folk parade their catch.

Quite cloudy and overcast skies greeted us today and we were wondering if the weather would hold, however the sea was reasonably calm and the temperature very acceptable.

A crew of 7 made the trip along with our wonderful hard working captain (cannot say the same about his young son of 13 years though. He slept all day and never once helped his dear old dad). Kind of reminds you of home don’t it?

Once again the larger species of fish eluded us today, but it has to be said that the ones we did catch proved to very acceptable and, may I say quite a heavy haul to carry back to the cars. The catch was very much as you see in the picture, but there were plenty of them: Pompano, Snapper, Rock Cod/Grouper and of course are regular haul of Pla Dang (very tasty).

Back at the boatyard we sipped a few beers and talked about the day, and many other days for that matter, and before we knew it, it was time to drive home. Had to drive, none of us could walk!

I will be away in the dear old ‘Blighty’ for a few weeks, so my old first mate Dene Mundey will assume control of the bridge. You can contact him on 081 862 6279 or email: [email protected]. You can also go to the PSC clubhouse and sign a registration form and pay your money for the next trip which is scheduled for 7th August 2010.

The PBL bids a fond farewell to Lars

Pattaya Backgammon League 2010

Gabriel Davies

Last Friday, July 2, Somboons Restaurant on DongTarn Beach next to the Rabbit Resort, hosted the weekly backgammon tournament as usual. With 16 players and 9 countries represented, Lars Hammargren of Sweden took top honors. This was his last tournament as a long time resident of Pattaya, life takes him on other journeys and the PBL wishes him a fond farewell. About such a fine player as this, it was once said “I never feel bad about beating Lars”.

Tournaments are held once a week, every Friday with first round matches to seven points. Registration closes at 2 p.m. and matches begin around 2:30 p.m. For more information you can visit www.pattayabackgammonleague.com.

Jack Tar takes over first place

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 215 game and 547 series to lead Jack Tar into first place after they took three points from USMC. Aht Johansson, bowling as a pacer, bowled a 541 series.

200 Bowlers: Tui, Ooy & Somrak.

VFW Post 9876 won three points from Canada as Somrak led the charge with a 202 game, 584 series and Tui Amphanon chipped in with a 201 game and 524 series. Mio Aamlid meanwhile bowled a 543 series to lead House of the Golden Coin to a four point sweep over Sabai Friday.

Tue Pettae rolled a 529 series but her Green Tree team only won one point from Café Kronborg. Kran Nielsen bowled a 517 series for Café Kronborg.

Bavaria won all four points from Brother D., Dang Downs bowling a 521 series for Brother D.