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Iniesta scores in extra time to give Spain World Cup
The Spanish team celebrate with the World Cup trophy after beating
the Netherlands 1-0 in the World Cup final at Soccer City in
Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, July 11. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Stuart Condie
Johannesburg (AP) - Spain’s place among world
football’s all-time greatest teams was assured last Sunday when Andres
Iniesta scored with four minutes of extra time remaining to beat the
Netherlands 1-0 and clinch his country’s first World Cup.
With the teams facing a penalty shootout after an
often ill-tempered game of few clear chances, Iniesta collected a
sliding pass into the area from substitute Cesc Fabregas and smashed the
ball across goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and in at the far post.
The goal clinched Spain’s fourth straight 1-0 victory
in South Africa and made the team only the third to be world and
European champion at the same time.
“This really is quite a cup,” Spain goalkeeper Iker
Casillas said. “The European Championship was the most important moment
of our lives, but today is much bigger than anything else.”
Spain’s Andres Iniesta, right, scores the winning goal in extra times
as the Netherlands’ Rafael van der Vaart, left, struggles in vain to put
in a challenge. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
At the final whistle, the Spanish players hurried to
swap their blue shirts for their more familiar red colors in time to
collect the trophy. They donned shirts decorated with a single gold star
to mark their triumph, becoming the eighth nation to receive the honor
in the tournament’s 80-year history.
“I can’t quite believe it yet,” said Iniesta, who was voted man of
the match. “I had the opportunity to score that goal which was so
important to my team. It’s something absolutely incredible. I simply
made a small contribution to my team in a match that was very rough.”
The Dutch players trudged forlornly to collect their
runners-up medals, the third squad from the Netherlands to finish second
in football’s biggest game.
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk took off his
silver medal as soon as he left the podium, with a look of disgust on
his face at having failed to better the “Total Football” generation that
lost the 1974 and ’78 finals.
“We had our plan and of course we tried to play our
football, but Spain is a very great team with a lot of great players,”
Netherlands winger Arjen Robben said. “We tried to stop them
offensively. We’ve done everything we could today.”
It was a less-than-classic performance by Spain and
both teams created few clear chances at Soccer City, although the game
opened up slightly after a cagey opening hour. The Netherlands broke up
Spain’s attempts to get their famous passing game going with physical
play that brought nine yellow cards.
Defender John Heitinga got his second yellow and was
sent off in the 19th minute of extra time to become only the fifth man
to get a World Cup final red card.
With Spain also collecting five yellows, the total
beat the 1986 record of six between Argentina and West Germany and made
it the dirtiest World Cup final of all time.
“There were all sorts of things happening on the
pitch,” Iniesta said.
Extra time was littered with almost as many chances
as normal time. Stekelenburg saved a low shot by Fabregas before Robben
was blocked and defender Joris Mathijsen headed over at the other end.
With Wesley Sneijder crowded out and Spain striker
David Villa continually forced wide in search of possession, Robben
looked the most likely player to put the finishing touch to his team’s
uncompromisingly physical approach.
The winger broke free in the 62nd minute but his low
shot to the far post was brilliantly kept out with the toe of Casillas’
right boot.
He was clear again with seven minutes of normal time
remaining, collecting Robin van Persie’s flick from Nigel de Jong’s
hopeful punt forward. Robben held off Carles Puyol’s attempts to wrestle
him to the ground and tried to take the ball across Casillas, only for
the goalkeeper to gather it at the forward’s feet.
Villa and Sneijder had few chances to add to their
five tournament goals, the latter unable to find his range with free
kicks and most notable for the sliding pass between Spain’s central
defenders that set Robben free in the 62nd minute.
Villa went closest in the 70th when Stekelenburg
somehow knocked his close-range finish over the bar, shortly before
Sergio Ramos headed over the bar while unmarked.
Villa, Sneijder, Uruguay striker Diego Forlan and
Germany forward Thomas Mueller tied at the top of the tournament scoring
charts with five goals from seven matches. Mueller took the golden boot
for the leading scorer, winning because of the number of assists he
provided. Germany beat Uruguay 3-2 in Saturday’s third place play-off
match.
The Netherlands’ physical approach in the final only
began after their attempts to defend deep in the opening exchanges
allowed Spain 60 percent of possession and gave away chances.
Stekelenburg had to dive at full stretch to keep out a header by Ramos,
and Villa broke free of the defense only for the Netherlands to be saved
by a narrow offside call.
The Dutch responded by pressing hard whichever
Spanish player happened to be in possession, heralding a spell of five
yellow cards - three of them for the Netherlands - in 14 minutes.
De Jong was lucky not to get a red card when he
slammed his boot into Xabi Alonso’s chest.
“They made it very difficult for us to play
comfortably,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. “It was a very
intense match.”
But one incident showed the Dutch fouls were perhaps
down to surplus passion rather than a premeditated mean streak.
Casillas threw the ball upfield and out to allow
Puyol to receive treatment after a heavy fall. In keeping with sporting
convention, the Netherlands attempted to return possession to the
Spanish but the punt back to Casillas deflected up off the turf and
forced the goalkeeper to tip it behind for a corner.
Not a single Netherlands player went forward for the
corner kick and Van Persie just rolled it along the ground for Casillas
to pick up.
“Our fouls may be sad for a final,” Van Marwijk said, “(but) I would
have loved to win it with not so beautiful football.”
Pattaya Marathon this weekend
The Pattaya Marathon 2010 takes place this Sunday.
PM Reporters
Preparations for the 16th
Pattaya ‘Power Plus’ Marathon are already in full swing with thousands
of athletes and supporters expected to descend on the city for this
weekend’s road race.
The event, which takes place on Sunday morning,
features five race categories including Marathon (42.195km), Half
Marathon (21.10km), Wheelchair Marathon (10.55km), Quarter Marathon
(10.55km) and Student Marathon (5km). The races will start and finish at
Pattaya City Hall on North Pattaya Road with different starting times
for each category.
The city marathon festival has always drawn huge
crowds rooting for their favourite athletes and giving support to the
human spirit surrounding the whole competition. Sponsors and organizers
include among others; the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Bangkok and
Pattaya Office), Athletic Association of Thailand under the patronage of
His Majesty the King, Chon-Buri Provincial Administration, Pattaya City
and main sponsors Power Plus Drink (Thai Beverage Co. Ltd.). Other
sponsors of this year’s event include Central Festival Shopping Center,
GMM Grammy and the Eastern Thai Hotel Association.
For more information on Pattaya Marathon 2010 including details about
how to register as a competitor, visit the official website at
www.pattaya-marathon.com
‘Dolphins’ look to recruit new talent for second half of season
 Ariyawat
Nuamsawat
Pattaya United begin the second half of the Thai Premier
league this coming Saturday against TOT Cat FC, the squad having had the
benefit a week’s break from action plus a 5-day mid-season training camp and
get together in Nakhon Ratchasima.
With the team currently lying in fifth place in the
league standings, just ten points behind pacesetters Muang Thong United,
coach Wang – Tawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul has reason to be reasonably
satisfied with the progress made since the last campaign, however, he is not
prepared to allow the squad to rest on their laurels and has signaled his
intention to make changes by allowing former youth international Wasan
Prankhum and midfielder Pichit Kesro to join lower league outfits Suphanburi
FC and Ratpracha Nontaburi respectively.
In addition, halfback Chumpol Buangam, who came in on
loan at the beginning of the season, will return to SCG Samut Songkram FC
having been unable to cement a place in the first team.
The first team squad currently has a number of players on
the injured list including French forward Jeremy Novero, Brazilian halfback
Arlindo, and fellow countryman Ricardinho, the latter’s contract being
currently under review with the player having made little impact during his
tenure at the club.
Coach Wang says that he hopes to find 2-3 new players,
including a new striker, to freshen up the first team squad which he says
was showing signs of fatigue in the last few fixtures leading up to the
mid-season break. He said that presently the team has contacted many Korean
players for tryouts, including several Thai league players who made contact
themselves for a trial to join the club.
“We wish to have some replacement players that can take
the burden off the current squad”, said Wang. “The club has received some
contact from Thai and foreign players who will be observed until the trading
deadline. But we have to take time to observe the potential of any new
players before submitting them to the board for a final decision. For the
moment I’m looking and waiting for contact, but don’t want to disclose
information at this moment,” he said.
Pattaya United’s game this weekend against TOT Cat FC at
the Nongprue Municipal Stadium has been switched from Sunday to Saturday
evening, July 17, and is scheduled to kick-off at 6 p.m.
Construction of new club
shop goes into extra time
Fans of Pattaya United may have soon have a new shop
where they can purchase team merchandise and meet their favorite players, if
they can win a shootout with a local property owner.
The team store is moving from its current Third Road
location to Sukhumvit Road opposite the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational
School. It was predicted to open in three months, but has run into delays.
Assistant Manager Sombat Pinyasiri said the previous occupant still has not
removed all of his property.
Plans for the new store call for a retail shop, meeting
room and beverage area. An engineer still needs to be hired to complete the
design. Contractors are currently being scouted and it’s hoped the shop will
be open for the start of the next season.
Fencing association looks for
future champs in Pattaya schools
Students watch a fencing demonstration held at Banglamung
Secondary School on Wednesday, July 7.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The Thai Fencing Association is hoping to improve its
international standing by putting swords into the hands of Pattaya
high-school students.
Gen. Chatchai Kasemwong, president of the Black Mask
Fencing Club, and Nittaya Patimasongkroh, Chairwoman of the Y.W.C.A.
Bangkok-Pattaya Center, kicked off the ‘Fencing in Pattaya Secondary
Schools’ project in front of athletic officials and fencing cadets on
Wednesday, July 7.
The pilot project will introduce fencing classes to four
Pattaya secondary schools: Banglamung, Phothisamphan Pittayakarn, and
Pattaya schools No. 11 and No. 8.
Chatchai noted that Thailand fared well at the fencing
discipline during the most-recent Southeast Asian Games, winning several
gold medals, but failed to place in the Asian Games.
“One reason for that may be that fencing has limited
participation in Thailand,” the general said. “We can solve that problem by
emphasizing more training at the youth level.”
Pattaya was chosen as a pilot project, Chatchai said,
because of the city’s long commitment toward developing sports programs for
its youth. The World Fencing Championships were also held here this year.
Project director Nittaya noted that Chonburi will play host this year to
the National Sports Championships, of which fencing is a part. It’s hoped
some Pattaya students will qualify for future games, she said.
Sri Racha FC aiming to bounce straight back to top flight
 Ariyawat
Nuamsawat
The ‘Blue Marlins’ of Sriracha FC have completed their
games of the opening half of the Division 1 season with the club lying in
joint first place in the league standings, level on points with Airforce
United. The club, which was relegated last season from the Premier League
following a dismal campaign, has seen a complete about turn in its fortunes
since taking the drop to the lower league and now seems well set to secure
at least one of the three automatic promotion spots back to the Premier
League next term.
The Sri Racha FC board members, however, have set their
goals higher than merely achieving promotion and believe the team can return
to the top flight of Thai football as Division 1 champions.
Chatchai Timkrachang, President of Sriracha FC, said, “I
am satisfied with the performance of the team as we are equal on points with
the league leaders and only behind on goal difference. We know there are
three promotion slots available to the Thai Premier League but we have asked
the players not forget about the team’s goal, which is to return to the
Premier League as champions.
“We believe that with the backing and support we have
behind the club, if we can achieve our goals this season we will remain in
the top flight for the foreseeable future and will go on to bigger and
better things,” he added.
At a recent press conference, Sri Racha team manager
Weerasak Wangsakul presented three new players to the media that he believes
will help the club achieve its ambitions. Joining the club are midfielder
Attapong Nooprom from Chonburi FC together with Foikina Faro from Yadanabon
FC in Myanmar and Diego Figueira from Brazilian Division 1 outfit FC Campo
Grande.
Athletes storm Sri Racha by air, land and sea
A parachutist lands on the ground at the Nongkor
Reservoir in Nong Kham Sub-district on Thursday, July 1 to signal the start
of the Air Sea Land Games 2010.
Theerarak Suthathiwong
Athletes sailed through the air, shot across the water
and rambled over hills as the Air Sea Land Games 2010 kicked off in Sri
Racha earlier this month.
The July 1 exhibition at the Nongkor Reservoir in Nong
Kham Sub-district was organized by local officials and the Royal Aeronautic
Sports Association of Thailand to give residents a healthy diversion and
prepare athletes for the upcoming National Sports Games in Chonburi.
Among the events was sky diving from 6,000 feet by Royal
Thai Navy paratroopers and aircraft enthusiasts, a miniature airplane
demonstration, jet-ski races, motocross competitions and other air sports.
Chonburi Province will host the 39th National Thailand Games from 9-19
November and the 29th National Para-Games “Mueang Chon Games” from 14-18
December 2010.
World Cup pigs predict
winner at tiger zoo
The Dutch, Uruguayan and Spanish pigs battle for
supremacy at the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo on Tuesday, July 6. The German pig
apparently retired early from the match.
Theerarak Suthathiwong
The Sriracha Tiger Zoo dressed up pigs as players for the
four World Cup 2010 semi-finalists on Tuesday, July 6, to predict which
squad would win the coveted trophy.
Echoing the world-famous “Paul the Predicting Octopus”
stunt by a German aquarium, the tiger zoo dressed the swine in flags from
Germany, Holland, Spain and Uruguay and let them run around after a
football.
Mirroring the action on the soccer fields in South Africa, the Spanish
pig won the event, proving that it’s not only eight legged mollusks that can
pick a winner. Spectators were delighted to watch the hogs have their fun
but were instructed that no gambling would be allowed on outcome of the
match.
Usual suspects in the frame
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Saturday’s winners: Robert Cannon, Amphan North and
John Franklin with support from the Travellers Rest (Hair Bear Bunch)
staff.
Barry Hooper
It was second, first, third and second for John
Franklin in his four outings this week at the TRGG. He only missed out
on another second spot on Thursday, July 8, because Amphan North beat
him on the countback. Fergus Brennan meanwhile had an up and down week -
down on Monday, a little better on Tuesday, a win on Thursday, and then
down again on Saturday.
Amphan North had a “nearly” week with a third on
Tuesday, a second on Thursday and another third on Saturday.
Ted Senior only made the one outing but he certainly
made it count, taking Monday’s top prize.
Monday, July 5, Green Valley – Stableford
1st Ted Senior (12) 36pts
2nd John Franklin (13) 35pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (12) 34pts
On Monday we visited Green Valley and had a small
turnout so just the one division. I have in on record that the course
was in reasonable shape but played long and difficult.
Ted Senior found it to his liking, coming home in
first place with thirty-six points, just the one ahead of John Franklin
in second and Mod Chaviraksa a further point back in third.
Just the one ‘2’ recorded, that by Mod Chaviraksa.
Tuesday, July 6, Plutaluang – Stableford
1st John Franklin (13) 34pts
2nd Steve McGrath (11) 31pts
3rd Amphan North (12) 29pts
Plutaluang South and North was the challenge on
Tuesday with just a very small group of players. But that did not stop
John Franklin from going one better than the previous day and taking a
good win with thirty-four points, three clear of second placed Steve
McGrath with third spot going to Amphan North on twenty-nine.
There were no ‘2’s so the traditional bell ring took
place back at the Travellers Rest.
Thursday, July 8, Phoenix – Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 39pts
2nd Amphan North (12) 38pts
3rd John Franklin (13) 38pts
4th Mod Chaviraksa (12) 37pts
Thursday was our traditional visit to Phoenix to play
the Mountain & Lake nines. Once again we had a small turnout and just
the one full division. Good weather was the order of the day with a
couple of players also reporting the course to be in great shape.
Fergus Brennan was top man on this occasion with
thirty-nine points, narrowly beating Amphan North and John Franklin by
just one with Amphan claiming second after a countback over the back
nine.
No ‘2’s on the day so bell ring time again.
Saturday, July 10, Eastern Star – Stableford
1st Robert Cannon (25) 37pts
2nd John Franklin (12) 35pts
3rd Amphan North (11) 32pts
Saturday saw a trip to one of our usual weekend
venues, this time Eastern Star where we had a fair turnout compared with
those of late. It was a damp but playable course as there had been
considerable rain the previous day, however, it played difficult with
complaints about the teeing off areas and the greens etc. Apparently
they are holding a big event shortly so little cutting had been taking
place. That is a little naughty because you are still paying the full
green fees for what is a course that is not at its best. Result from
this is a move to another venue next week.
Robert Cannon made the most of the testing conditions
and came home with a win and thirty-seven points, two ahead of John
Franklin in second while Amphan North (Miss Nearly) was third with
thirty-two.
Yet again there were no ‘2’s - they were hard to get
this week it seems.
Note: If you want any further or fuller
information about the golf outings played by the TRGG from the
Travellers Rest Hotel, please contact the hotel manager Tewin Lamthong
on 086 056 7019 or just call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro,
Pattaya and look at the notice board or visit our website.
Milner makes it a double
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s column
Monday, July 5, Burapha -
Stableford
Miraculously Burapha stayed dry as its close neighbour,
Laem Chabang, was shrouded in heavy rain on this regular Monday slot for the
Outback, with 23 players today, divided into two divisions playing the A & B
nines from the blues.
Emerald winners: Bruce McAdam (runner up Div B) with Div
A winner, Andre Coetzee (centre) and Bruce Milner (Div A runner up).
Welcome back to Bob Maloney (3rd
Div A with 35pts) and also to his good friend, Don Everett, both of whom are
joining us in Batam, Indonesia in a couple of weeks time. Also ‘hello’ to a
couple of newbies, Doug Golden and Ken Hemmerich, winner of Div B, with 34
points, with Ivan Plunkett (33pts) and Steve Milne (32pts) filling the minor
places.
The Div A winner was Bob Finley with the day’s top score
of 39 points, four clear of the in-form Murray Hart.
There were four ‘2’s from Chris Fletcher, Capt’ Bob,
Murray Hart and Ken Hemmerich.
Div A (0-15)
1st Robert Finley (15) 39pts
2nd Murray Hart (14) 35pts
3rd Bob Maloney (13) 35pts
Div B (16+)
1st Ken Hemmerich (18) 34pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (20) 33pts
3rd Steve Milne (17) 32pts
Monday, July 5, Green Valley - Stableford
Today’s Monday alternate was once again the ever popular
Green Valley course. 12 Outbackers played and the course was in good shape
considering all the rain we’ve had in the past few days.
Jamie Milner was the top man, shooting an excellent 41
points off his 15 H/cap, with the course specialist Kathy Doody taking
second with a very creditable 39 points.
George Bishop (35pts), Paul Greenaway (34pts) and Kissy
Buchanan (34pts) filled the remaining podium places and there were no ‘2’s.
1st Jamie Milner (15) 41pts
2nd Kathy Doody (19) 39pts
3rd George Bishop (15) 35pts
4th Paul Greenaway (10) 34pts
5th Keith Buchanan (18) 34pts
Tuesday, July 6, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Another day when the 15 Outbackers playing managed to
escape the rain on an almost deserted course, which was in relatively good
condition and well worth a visit.
Jamie Milner, still hot from his 41 points at Green
Valley yesterday (Mon), did the biz again today with an excellent 40 points,
which will surely see his handicap come down next week. In second with 36
points was ‘the General’, Jack, who has seen his H/cap drift out to 12 over
the past weeks; he got that by virtue of his back nine (20pts in the last
seven holes) on countback from Alan Pearce and Billy Fitzgerald, also both
with 36.
Geoff Moodie, who has been playing well lately, spoiled
his chances today by his poor putting aided by his almost back to back
‘whiffs’ on the 17th & 18th.
Chad, sporting his new 16 H/cap, as usual the day’s organiser, was great off
the tee but failed to put the rest of his game together, finishing with
lowly 25 points, just one behind Geoff.
There were two ‘2’s from Jack Moseley and Alan Pearce.
1st Jamie Milner (15) 40pts
2nd Jack Moseley (12) 36pts
3rd Alan Pearce (23) 36pts
4th Billy Fitzgerald (16) 36pts
Wednesday, July 7, The Emerald - Stableford
The Emerald is always a popular choice amongst golfers
and today was no exception. 23 Outbackers tried their hand on this short but
challenging course, only two of them beating their handicap; Andre Coetzee,
with the day’s top score of 40 points and winner of Div A, followed in
second by Bruce Milner with 39. They were a long way ahead of the third
placed man, Tony McDonough (33pts).
Div B was a different story as 35 points was enough to
win, scored by Kissy Buchanan followed in by B2, Bruce McAdam with 34 points
who edged Steve Milne (34pts) into third and Ivan Plunkett just missing out
on countback with the same score.
There were two ‘2’s from Barry McIntosh and Andre
Coetzee.
Div A (0-15)
1st Andre Coetzee (7) 40pts
2nd Bruce Milner (7) 39pts
3rd Tony McDonough (13) 33pts
Div B (16+)
1st Keith Buchanan (18) 35pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (21) 34pts
3rd Steve Milne (17) 34pts
Friday, July 9, Khao Kheow - Stableford
There was both good and bad scoring at Khao Kheow today,
where 31 Outbackers played the B & C nines from the yellow tees.
Div B (H/caps 14-17) fared the best, with Bruce Milner
(38pts) following up his second place on Wednesday at Emerald, with a win
here and the day’s top score. Second was another Milner, this time Jamie
(36pts) to complete a good week for him, with two wins at Green Valley &
Pattaya Country Club.
Steve Mann, who was down in Aus last week, returned to
his best with 36 points to take Div A from the “old” Capt’ himself, Capt’
Bob, on 35 points, even though he couldn’t putt.
Div C was another story or maybe another course, who
knows? But the best placed guy was Roy Barrell with 28 points to finish
second ahead of Brian Maddox on a lowly 26 points; the division was won by
Sakorn (29pts) playing off two shots lower than her actual handicap (to give
the men a chance?).
There were three ‘2’s coming from Bruce Milner, Steve
Mann & Louis Doyon, who has just returned to Thailand after a few weeks
away, so welcome back.
Div A (0-13)
1st Steve Mann (9) 36pts
2nd Bob Philp (8) 35pts
3rd Tony Garnett (9) 34pts
Div B (14-17)
1st Bruce Milner (14) 38pts
2nd Jamie Milner (15) 36pts
3rd Robert Finley (15) 35pts
Div C (18+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (21) 29pts
2nd Roy Barrell (18) 28pts
3rd Brian Maddox (19) 26pts
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.
Dinan prevails on the back of a promise
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Stuart Rifkin
Thursday, July 8,
Century Chonburi – Stableford
Our intrepid leader (The Admiral) was unable to join
us on today’s outing as he had an ankle injury however he was at Caf้
Kronborg to ensure all being bused departed on the buses at 09.15
precisely.
Once safely delivered to the course, by our ever
faithful driver Boon and his second, we were able to have the first
group tee off at 9.30 a.m. Ted Morris had car troubles and had phoned
ahead to advise that he and his passenger Les Hall would be late but
they managed to arrive at 10.00, just as the last group were hitting
off.
With thunder swirling around all 16 Caf้ Kronborg
players for the better part of the first nine holes, we were all quite
surprised that we managed to avoid getting wet.
Most players took advantage of the 500 baht green
fee, caddie and share buggy deal. This is great value for any keen
golfer and most agree that this course should be visited at least
monthly. The caddies are also very knowledgeable and friendly which
makes up for the lacking club house facilities.
With Kevin Dinan being on a promise from his caddie
for any birdie he achieved, he reportedly tried his heart out to succeed
but fell short on numerous attempts due to the slow greens. Despite this
though, he was rewarded with a commendable score to take out first place
in B Flight.
Our groups took an average four and a half hours to
complete their rounds and the presentation took place in the clubhouse
at 2.50 p.m.
Takeshi Hakozaki played well and his chip in from off
the green to save par earned him first place in the A Flight, just
piping Doug Maiko, who we welcomed back from his Rhode Island visit,
while car troubled Ted Morris picked up third spot.
As mentioned, the incorrigible Kevin Dinan easily won
B Flight, with the other car troubled passenger Les Hall slotting in as
runner up and the ever lurking Ken Bernek picking up third spot.
The Compass Cap was awarded to Don Mackenzie and the
writer of this column was so relieved (as he had an atrocious round
also) that he forgot to assemble the winners for a photo.
A Flight
1st Takeshi Hakozaki (14) 37pts
2nd Doug Maiko (15) 36pts
3rd Ted Morris (12) 33pts
B Flight
1st Kevin Dinan (24) 41pts
2nd Les Hall (18) 32pts
3rd
Ken Bernek (23) 31pts
Gladden secures a winning brace
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, July 5,
Rayong C.C. - Stableford
Bruce Gladden is the man to watch this month as he
followed up his superb round at Royal Lakeside on Friday with an equally
impressive round today at Rayong Country Club. After shooting a net 69 on
Friday, playing stableford format Bruce followed up by scoring 40 points at
a course he loves to win by five points ahead of Roger Privett, who beat
Eddie Martin on a countback.
1st Bruce Gladden (17) 40pts
2nd Roger Privett (17) 35pts
3rd Eddie Martin (18) 35pts
Near Pins: Bruce Gladden, Eddie Martin, Roger Privett and Gerry Cooney.
Wednesday, July 7,
Bangpra – Medal
Soggy conditions, which prevented any roll on the ball,
accounted for the relatively poor scoring today at Bangpra with countbacks
separating all the leaders.
Bruce Gladden – a double winner last week.
Mashi Kaneta came out on top to win ahead of Geoff Cox,
both finishing with net 78. Geoff Parker, who’s shown he hasn’t lost his
touch having been away in Cambodia for six months, took third place, again,
on a count back ahead of Gerry Cooney.
1st Mashi Kaneta (10) net 78
2nd Geoff Cox (15) net 78
3rd Geoff Parker (15) net 79
Near Pins: Geoff Cox, Mashi, Reg Smart and PJ.
Friday, July 9, Phoenix -
Medal
Bruce Gladden was back to his best again, shooting a two
under par round to put himself well ahead in July’s ‘golfer of the month’
competition. Last month’s runner up Reg Smart took second place with a
sub-par round only one shot behind, and Tony Robbins came in third with a
net 73.
1st Bruce Gladden (16) net 70
2nd Reg Smart (24) net 71
3rd Tony Robbins (15) net 73
Near Pins: Geoff Parker, Henry Wong and Mashi (x2).
Mike - the star of the East
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, July 6,
Eastern Star - Stableford
Tuesday saw us make our first visit to Eastern Star
for this season following reports of the course being in good condition,
plus with a reasonable green fee on Tuesdays. The 650 baht green fee was
reasonable, and the course appeared in good condition, however on closer
inspection the tees were very shaggy, and the greens average at best.
Tuesday winner Mike Pledger, left, enjoys a beer with
his good mate Frans.
Mike Pledger (H/cap 21) was able to master the
conditions best with a solid 37 points. With the small fields prevalent
at the moment, today we combined with PJ Bar, to fill out our booking,
and we saw Curt Svelin (24) with 36 points and Mike King (15) with 35
fill the minor placings.
The Near Pins were picked up by Allan, with Jeff
getting two.
Thursday, July 8, Greenwood - Stableford
We took our monthly visit to Greenwood on Thursday
where the A & C nines were to be the test for the day. The course was in
good condition, but playing long, as the fairways were in need of a cut,
and the rough was very punishing, with anything off the first cut just
about assuring a bogey or worse.
Allan Cassin (13) was able to apply some good course
management to record a sound 33 points. Second spot today went to Ken
Hole (15) with 29 points, after Jeff made an uncharacteristic error on
the last, hitting a wrong ball and incurring a 2 shot penalty. Never
before and never again will that happen, I am sure.
Ken also got the near pins today, 1 with a driver to
the long C3 hole.
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 on 089 094 1841
or Ray on 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!
Camillian Center receives proceeds from 2010
Camel Summer Charity Golf Classic
Terry, Rod, Chris and Tong, on behalf of The Camel Pub, present the
cheque for THB 416,200 to representatives of the St Camillus Foundation.
The organizing committee from the 10th
annual Camel Summer Charity Classic gathered at the Camillian Center in
Rayong on Saturday, July 10 to present the proceeds from the golf
tournament, held this year at the Emerald Golf Course in Banchang on June
12, to the representatives of the St Camillus Foundation.
The final amount totalled THB 416,200 and was presented
to the Foundation by Terry Tansley, Rod Carmichael, Chris Quinn and Kh Tong,
on behalf of The Camel Pub. A warm reception was provided and the staff from
the Camillian Center arranged for a large group of very engaging and
constantly smiling children to assist. A select group of the children,
equipped with different tone bells, then performed a lovely version of “The
Bells of St Mary” for the Camel organizers, in thanks.
Terry from the Camel Pub wishes to again sincerely thank
the legion of contributors for the generous support and for making the
tournament the great success that it was. They are ALE Heavy Lift, CEA,
Chevron (Offshore) Thailand Ltd, Cooper International, CR Asia, Crathco,
Dacon Services, Deborah Services Ltd, DOW SCG, Jim Duff, Heineken Beer,
Jesters MC, LS Cargo, NCE, Paradise Property, Q Cars, Jim Ryan, John Ryves,
San Miguel Beer, Sarens, Sence of Siam (SOS), Siam Asia Scaffolding (SAS),
Scott and Shawn McKeirnan, Western Foods and of course, The Camel Pub.
Finally, Terry would like to express his thanks to tournament organizers
Rod Carmichael, Steven Coulson, Bob, Vanessa and a big thanks to Kh Tong
from the Camel. Details of the Camel Pub and of the tournament are at
http://www.theca melpub.com. More information about the St. Camillus
Foundation of Thailand and the Camillian Social Center can be found at:
http://www.camillian-rayong.org/en/contact.asp.
The children perform a version of “The Bells of St Mary” for the Camel
organizers, in thanks.
Riley returns with a win at Eastern Star
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Smiles all round from Bob Poole, Dave Taylor and Les
Winch.
Wednesday, July 7, Pattaya
C.C. – Stableford
After the IPGC monthly medal at Phoenix on Monday, we
were back to our normal schedule today as we headed up the new road to
Pattaya Country Club and reached it from Siam Cats in just 25 minutes. What
a difference this makes.
We arrived 1 hour before our allocated tee time so after
a few coffees and teas in the clubhouse we ventured out to the first tee and
the five groups teed off 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
There was a warm welcome back today to Jack Hinchey after
six months out through ill health and after a few sessions on the driving
range he managed to take third place in Division 2 with 25 points. David
Phillips beat Jack on a 15/11 back nine countback for second, but the winner
today with 31 points was Les Winch.
Just before his return to OZ with Miss Jeng to see his
friends and family, Russell Benson won Division 1 with 35 points - have a
good trip the pair of you! Chris Voller came in second with 32 points and
Bob Poole was third one point behind.
There were no ‘2’s in either division today.
Friday, July 9, Eastern Star – Stableford
After the monthly ladies competition, which was this time
held at Plutaluang on Thursday July 8, there were no girls playing today in
their competition, so only two divisions for the men.
After her operation six months ago and playing mediocre
golf for the past eight weeks, Ya Riley bounced back to win Division 1 with
36 points; she still plays off the white tees in the Men’s division with a
15 handicap. Mr. Kermit was in second spot with 34 points.
Bruce Gardner took control of Division 2 with his 32
points and the organizer was second with his best round for six months, 30
points.
The last birdie on a par three in Division 2 was on May 7, so our Eastern
Star rollover game on the last Friday of the month is building up as there
were no ’2’ again today.
IPGC Sunday Golf at Green Valley
Sunday, July 4 -
Stableford
1st Al Keith 45pts
2nd Russell Exley 35pts
3rd Chris
Knapp 35pts
Al Keith set the course ablaze today with a stunning 45
points. Al, a Pattaya resident and Canadian National, plays off a meager 6
handicap and his gross 69 today left the rest of the field floundering in
his wake. Russell Exley is never far off the pace and his steady 35 points
was sufficient to secure second place and to see off Chris Knapp on count
back.
There were no ‘2’s today.
Sunday, July 11,
Stableford
1st John Squitiero 38pts
2nd Russell Exley 36pts
3rd Bob
Maloney 35pts
John Squitiero, a Las Vegas taxi driver and regular
Pattaya visitor cannot be accused of having a standard golf swing. However,
John knows how to use what he has got and he played the course well today to
record a commendable 38 points. His short game makes up for any lack of
distance and was in evidence today to secure a well deserved victory.
Russell Exley, a 7 handicap player, was again the
bridesmaid with a proficient 36 points. Bob Maloney from Perth, Australia is
another frequent Pattaya visitor and took third place with a steady 35
points off his 13 handicap.
The presentations took place in the Golf Centre Bar where
hosts John and Geoff, assisted by their bevy of beautiful ladies, took
excellent care of the golfers.
For further details on Sunday IPGC Golf at Green Valley,
phone Russell Exley on 084 782 4582.
Smith & Philips are standout performers
PSC golf from the Caddyshack
Some great scores were posted on both golfing days last
week, especially at Royal Lakeside where most players broke par and Mike
Philips just got the win by the narrowest of margins of one point with
second through to fourth all tying on 39 points.
Friday at Green Valley saw Ramsay Smith put together a
very fine round of 43 points to win the day. He was the only player to break
par and will attract the attention of the handicapper in the very near
future.
Wednesday, July 7, Royal
Lakeside - Stableford
1st Mike Philips 40pts
2nd Gary Ritchie 39pts
3rd Ian Corill 39pts
4th Paul Thavant 39pts
Friday, July 9, Green
Valley - Stableford
1st Ramsay Smith 43pts
2nd Gary Ritchie 36pts
3rd Vince Smyth 35pts
4th Don
Wilson 35pts
Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson
Here is a deal for
those who use Blackwood, particularly Roman Key Card Blackwood (RKC).
RKC is a very useful variant of Blackwood, in which there are five key
cards: the four aces and the king of the trump suit. The deal comes
from the 2009 World Team Championships in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
North-South were
vulnerable and South dealt. Sitting North-South for the USA were Doug Doub
and Adam Wildavski. Take a look at the hands and decide how you would bid
it sitting in their seats:
S: J10652
H: AQ3
D: KQ109
C: 10
S: 84
H: K104
D: 876543
C: J8 S: 9H: J9865D: 2C: KQ6432
S: AKQ73
H: 72
D: AJ
C: A975
A possible bidding
sequence is shown below:
South West North East
1S P 4C P
4N P 5D P
5N P 6D P
6S All pass
Four clubs by North is
a splinter bid showing a singleton or void in clubs and at least four
spades. South now knows he has no losers in clubs so he asks for aces (or
key cards - the answer in this case is the same). North bids 5D to show the
one missing ace. 5N by South tells his partner that they have all the aces
(or all the key cards), that he is interested in grand slam and asks for
kings. North shows one king. South, knowing that they are missing two
kings signs off in small slam.
The bidding looks
precise, but they missed a cold grand slam, with five spade tricks, four
diamond tricks, two outside aces and two club ruffs on board adding up to 13
tricks.
So how did the US pair
bid it? Exactly as above, except that they play the meaning of the 5N bid a
little differently. It still shows all the key cards, but it asks North if
he has a source of tricks. If so, go directly to grand slam. If not, bid
the number of kings.
North looked at his
KQ109 of diamonds (opposite at least the ace) and bid 7S directly - the two
missing kings do not matter.
I really like this
treatment and will try to use it in future - unfortunately I seem to be
picking up a lot of two point hands recently and I find my partner gets
irritable if I bid grand slam with that holding!
If you have bridge
questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please contact me at:
[email protected].
Roy’s 55-up a great success
IPGC golf from The Haven
Wednesday, July 7, Green
Valley - Stableford
CSS72
1st Mike Dabanovich (11) 38pts
2nd Kazuo Takimoto (7) 36pts
3rd Russell Exley (7) 35pts
4thTomas Nilsson (10) 34pts
5th Rick Holmes (10) 31pts
Following very successful IPGC Monthly Medal, a report of
which can be found on page 38, a very good turnout, especially from the
lower handicappers, took on the always well presented Green Valley, now
being played from the new starting tee No.1, which has been previously No. 5
and in its original designed layout No.18.
But it is still keeping its stroke index of 1, making it
a very tough hole to start any round, be it in stroke play, stableford and
especially match play. It has though helped in reducing the log jam that
used to be always found on the second hole in past times.
Many of the aspiring players on the day, having taken
seven of the nine places in the men’s divisions at Phoenix on Monday, were
warming up for the big day on Friday for Roy Thornton’s 55 up 2-person
scramble.
At the top of the pecking order was Mike Dabanovich, now
well recovered from celebrating Canada Day and the recent Queen Elizabeth’s
visit to his homeland to cheer up those that still speak the language and
still hanker for the old country.
Mike’s win was his first for a little while and gave a
lot of encouragement to his partner for the Friday outing, although it was
only be a slim margin of two shots ahead of Kazu Takimoto.
Russell Exley was also still in fine form after just
missing out on Monday for a prize by a countback, as he took third spot
ahead of Tomas Nilsson who at last showed some of the form that got him down
to a single figure handicap in earlier days.
Rick Holmes, making a courageous comeback from a long
term golf injury and several very difficult nights in Stringfellows and
Pook’s Bar, just got into the honourable mentions list a little further
back, but a long way in front of many others who did not have to contend
with the same difficulties.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back
Fred Land, Kenny Priddy, and Don Everett. There was also a special welcome
back for Al Rolnik, who has been absent for almost three years whilst he has
been working (sic) abroad and also one for Rick Holmes who has been on sick
report for over eight months.
Friday, July 9, Eastern
Star - 2 Person Scramble
Div. 1 (0-8.4)
1st Chris Voller & Mikael Andersson (4.7) net 61.3
2nd Rick Holmes & Roy Thornton (6.8) net 64.2
3rd Russell Exley & Bubbles Davies (7.2) net 65.8
Div. 2 (8.5+)
1st Fred Land & Kenny Priddy (10.9) net 64.1
2nd Robert Webb & Lindsay Gailey (8.5) net 64.5
3rd Mike Dabanovich & Stephen Beard (9.8) net 66.2
Technical Prizes: Mikael Andersson (3), Rick
Holmes, Tomas Nilsson, Chris Knapp, Mike Dabanovich, Bob Maloney, Robert
Webb.
Roy Thornton provided a great day’s value at Eastern Star
with a competition entrance fee of 1,300 baht that included green fee, caddy
fee, top quality golf shirt and a choice of any meal off the menu back at
The Haven prior to the prize giving. The weather also almost stayed
completely dry, apart from the a ten minute period at the start of the days
play, and those that made the effort to turn up and celebrate Roy’s fifty
fifth birthday were well satisfied at the end of an evening that continued
late into the night, leaving Roy not a little befuddled at the closing bell.
In the technical prizes that included nearest the pins,
longest drive, and longest first putt in two divisions, Mikael Andersson
threatened to ruin everyone else’s day with a determined display of
concentration on the prizes to be won, taking three in the process and
having to be knocked off the list on most of the other occasions in his
division.
Mikael and his partner Chris took the first division by
almost three clear shots, with the Birthday Boy, still managing incredibly
to get both the ball and himself round the course, and Rick struggling to
keep in touch over the closing holes. Russell Exley and Bubbles slipped into
third place after a few disappointing holes over the inward half had spoiled
a very promising day.
The second division was very close thing with Fred Land
and Kenny just getting the edge with a last hole birdie that closed out
Robert Webb and Lindsay by the slimmest of margins.
Mike Dabanovich and Stephen, although a couple of shots
further back, still took third spot by a two shot margin and were ruing the
double bogey they suffered on the ninth hole.
After the day’s golf was completed the competitors
repaired to Soi 13 for the prize giving. MCee Roy thanked the management of
Eastern Star for providing the course, Golf Click for sponsoring all the
lucky draw balls, Russell Exley for his great assistance with the
pre-tournament promotion, and The Haven for the food.
Following the prize distribution the luck draw ensured
that every player went away with an additional prize to add to the day’s
wonderful value.
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 the web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
Nelson fires a broadside at Crystal Bay
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, July 4, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (12) 38pts
2nd Gareth Gill (8) 38pts
B Flight
1st Chris Davisson (14) 35pts
2nd Kathy Doody (19) 35pts
Near Pins: No2 Nick Strasshine, No9 Charles
Bennett, No12 Ian Grout No16 Gareth Gill.
Sunday’s A Flight winner Seamus Cotter with son Jamie.
So anyway, it is a well established fact that there are
as many paddies’ (Irishmen) in Pattaya as there are Lek’s and Noi’s on the
poles of the local Go-Go’s. That overabundance was evident in this day’s
performance as man of the match Co. Cork’s Captain Cotter with his 38 points
saw him top the podium with a narrow countback victory over Gareth ‘Ralphy’
Gill.
Chris Davisson, who this scribe finds himself writing
about on a regular basis, also got the decision on a count back in the
junior flight over the Shropshire ‘Bell’ Kathy Doody as both were locked on
35 point hauls.
Co Dublin’s Peter ‘Don Corleone’ Henshaw slotted the days
only ‘2’ in as many games.
Tuesday, July 6,
St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Hynard (13) 37pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 36pts
B Flight
1st Peter Hendenberg (19) 37pts
2nd Bill Brochart (16) 35pts
As so often happens, when a player does well on a Sunday
the “purple patch” will continue thru Tuesday. Such was the case of Seamus
the captain as his even-par round at the tough St Andrews was good for
second slot in the senior flight. Peter ‘The Right Honorable’ Hynard
fashioned on an excellent 37 points for co man of the match top spot in the
senior flight.
Peter Hendenberg posted the same 37 points to take the
junior flight, two shots clear of the man on form Mike Jefferies and Bill
Brochart, Mike edging Bill in the resulting count back.
The Donkey and Gordon Cadle split the ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, July 7, Treasure Hill - Stableford
1st Bill Brochart (17) 37pts
2nd John Haddon (26) 35pts
Hey where’s the title boy today? Well before the field
could get too smug about keeping Mr. Cotter off the podium, it was pointed
out that he had to take a rest to let his golf shafts cool down. So that
left Bill Brochart an opportunity to vault to the top of the podium, so
making up for the previous day’s disappointing second place. John Haddon
filled the flight two shots adrift.
No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover on Friday.
Friday, July 9, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Benn Nelson (14) 41pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 36pts
It is a well-known rule amongst those who are resident in
Pattaya that we have to get our friends, whether they are coming for a long
holiday or returning from work early. Get to them before they acclimatize to
the Pattaya night life, in the case of the visitor, or before they get the
rust out of their swing, in the case of the working lad.
With Benn ‘The Admiral’ Nelson it did not go according to
form as he opened his Pattaya stay with a brilliant 41 point haul for A
Flight victory. Seamus ‘The Captain’ Cotter kept his rich vein of form
intact carding an even par round for second place.
No ‘2’s were recorded so a double rollover on Monday.
Note: Lewinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi
1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with
us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764.
Transport is provided.
A wet day at Wangjuntr
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Derek Brook
Tuesday, July 6, Green
Valley – Stableford
A very select group jumped into cars and ambled up to
Green Valley for a 10 o’clock start. I say ambled as the drive up there is
now so much quicker we may even be able to stay in bed for an extra 30
minutes soon. This goes not only for this course but all the ones for which
Route 7 is the lead into.
Tuesday winner Brian Gabe, right, with runner-up Mashi
Kaneta.
With the new deal at Green Valley - green fee, caddy fee
and cart for 1250 baht - it was easy for most to make a decision not to
walk, but some still did with the vouchers.
We were soon off and never spotted another group either
in front or behind. Talk about ‘millionaires’ golf. The course itself was in
fine condition with only the slowness of the greens a bit of a downside.
Great weather and an empty course made for a very pleasant round.
Back at Bert’s we totted up the cards and found we had a
decisive winner: Brian Gabe won with 36 points ahead of a three-way
countback on 33 points that saw Mashi Kaneta in second, Derek Brook in third
and Dick Warberg just losing out.
Near Pins: Brian Gabe, Derek Brook (2)
Friday, July 9, Wangjuntr Valley Course - Stableford
This was a first for our venue. A few of our regulars had
made the trip before and found the course interesting, so, being low season
and most of the courses in their maintenance mode, we decided to give it a
try. Interest was up and the number that signed up was double our usual
turnout this time of the year.
Just over an hour after setting off from Bert’s we
arrived at the course and found our way through the maze of dropping bags,
signing in, finding lockers, buying water, and getting to our first tee. We
were informed that none of the concession stands on the course were open
this day so stocking up was important.
Down the hill to the course we were directed to the 10th
tee although there were no other groups at the course and it appeared from
the scorecard that the 1st would be a far easier hole to start on than the
10th. The 10th is a dog leg left, that seeing it for the first time was a 6
iron that went through the fairway into the hazard, then a drop and 200
yards over water. No comment.
Anyway, our 6 groups all got off on time but to a very
wet, soggy course. Winter rules had to be played and, due to the wet
conditions, the fairways and rough had not been cut in some time and several
players had to search for balls in fairways.
On top of this the heavens opened up with a strong
thunderstorm for the better part of an hour as we were on the final holes of
the first 9. All found suitable shelter to wait the rain out, but one can
imagine the course conditions once we could start play again. All players
did stick it out and finish, but as the scores of the day will show, it was
a tough day out there. One commented that the 6,000 yard course played more
like 8,000 yards. That seemed about right to all.
After finishing and quick showers most sat in the
restaurant for a drink while the cards were collected. Those that wanted a
bite to eat were disappointed as, upon requesting menus, they were told that
there was no cook, so no food. All in all a fitting end to a day at a course
that is probably a great course in a dry and maintained condition.
The last group arrived back at Tropical Bert’s close to 7
p.m. and the results were tabulated and announced. Congrats to one of our
regulars who also visits the podium regularly on a fine round under the
conditions and thanks to all who
If you’re interested in joining us for a round of golf,
stop by at Tropical Bert’s and put your name down on the list.
1st Bill Knight (18) 34pts
2nd Al Laurie (12) 29pts
3rd Pierre Bietry (16) 28pts
4th Brian Gabe (16) 28pts
5th Ted Morris (12) 28pts
Near Pins: Al Laurie, Daryl Evans, Mike Godsen, Doug
Maiko and Ted Morris
Long Putt: Tom Cotton (2)
Andy M. bows out with a win at Emerald
The Ban Chang Golf Society
After the weather of the last two weeks we went to
Emerald Golf Course not really knowing what to expect. Arriving in the
sunshine and with eight players in all competitions, we started on time at
09:20 a.m. From now until the high season we will be averaging two groups a
week, which is about what we were expecting when we started the society four
months ago.
Andy M. poses with some of the staff at Mama’s Pub in Ban
Chang.
The rain started when the second group was on the seventh
hole and continued for the rest of the round. Only two players retired but
with both in the competition we still ended up with a healthy pot.
As the headline says, Andy M., on his final round of the
year, won the stableford competition with 35 points and in what seems to be
the norm for every week he also took the nearest the pin prize.
The skins competition was totally dominated by Tony D.
with a massive (20), which included 4 rollovers from the week before. Andy
M. got the other (2) which meant that for the first time ever only two
people shared the prize.
It was back to Mama’s bar afterwards for a few cold ones and also to make
sure that Andy M. received a proper sendoff and hopefully we will see him
back in the new year.
Lazecki bites back
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society once again visited the
delightful course at Royal Lakeside between Chonburi and Bang Na on Tuesday,
July 6. The day was heavily overcast and the predicted thunderstorm arrived
to delay the final three holes by almost an hour on an otherwise excellent
day for golf.
The course was in excellent condition and the greens are
the best in the area currently. Good scores are expected here but on this
day the mosquitoes posed more problems than the course and the concentration
of the golfers was certainly affected by their presence in the excessively
humid conditions.
Faring better than most was Wichai Tananusorn who posted
a stableford score of 34 points for third place, two behind runner-up Masa
Takano, once again finding good form as he also recorded the day’s best
gross of eighty shots. The winner was Canadian Tim Lazecki for whom the
course is certainly a favourite, having recorded net 68 there in early
March. His 38 points showed the benefits of his recent sessions on the
driving range developing more length and accuracy in his long game.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Sam
McLellan on a dull day when nothing seemed to go right, except his shot
direction!
The PGS will certainly be back at Lakeside but not until
the dry season arrives!
Sam slips back
into gear
In common with many other Pattaya golf groups, the
Pattaya Golf Society took advantage yet again of Green Valley’s foresight in
their pricing policy regarding St Andrew’s and visited the fine course on
Thursday, July 8 to play a stableford competition.
The weather was set fair and the course was very well
presented with greens at their very best. Off the white tees the course is
approximately 6,350 yards and a severe test for high handicappers so it was
expected the better players would fare best.
In third place was Wichai Tananusorn with 33 points but
in second was thirty-something handicapper John Robertson with 34 points, on
a day when most, but not all, of his herculean drives found the short stuff.
A new putter also had the desired effect. The winner was Sam McLellan with
35 points, who only two days previously had shanked his way around Royal
Lakeside in the depths of golfing despair. On this day however most of his
shots were true and considering it was his first experience of the course
his result was something of a surprise. Play it again Sam? He certainly
will!
Wichai took the ‘2’s pot for two very fine efforts on the
third and seventeenth holes which saw run-of-the-mill putts follow two
exquisite tee shots.
The PGS group certainly wishes to thank the Green
Valley/St Andrew’s management for their perceptive promotion of the two
courses and will certainly be back at St Andrew’s next month.
Jon Lay’s out
a fine win
The Pattaya Golf Society visited the Emerald course at
Ban Chang on Saturday, July 10 to play a stableford competition on a course
which was in fairly good condition considering the amount of rain the area
has had recently. Another “plus” was the lack of other golfers on the course
and having a track virtually to themselves for the first two hours helped
the enjoyment of the day.
In fourth place was the ever improving New Zealander Brad
Dippie and his 33 points was good value from the fourteen handicapper.
Sharing second place were Masa Takano and Sam McLellan on 34 points and for
Sam it was his final round this trip and a fitting way to prepare for a
flight a few hours later. The winner was Jon Lay, firing a gross 75 for 40
points to post a second successive forty plus score at the course in eight
days. His golf on a good day can be so clinical as his eclectic total of
gross 68 over the two rounds shows.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Mr
Len as consolation for the physical and mental exhaustion he was suffering
as a result of six rounds in seven days, finishing with one point on each of
the final five holes. But nothing can detract from the quality golf on show
at Emerald.
Smith stars at Phoenix
The IPGC Monthly Medals at Phoenix
Division winners, Paul Smith, Noi Emmerson, Rod Howett
and Robert Webb celebrate at Siam Cats in Jomtien.
There was another very fine turnout for the latest IPGC
Monthly Medals despite the doom, gloom and paucity of golfers in low season
Pattaya. The event was held at Phoenix on the Mountain and Lakes nines on
Monday, July 5 and the course was otherwise empty on a cool and mostly
overcast day.
It was with relief that hard-working event co-ordinator
Russell Exley caught his breath before teeing off in the last group to
consider that another entry of fifty golfers in the current economic climate
was testimony to the steadfastness 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 later in the season. 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 contested a stroke play
format whilst the third division and Ladies played stableford.
In the first division, favourite Steve Mascari once again
produced a level par net round but found that this time it would not be good
enough as four other golfers usurped his position. Taking third place on
countback from Russell Exley was Dave Stockman with a net score of 71 and he
found himself three shots adrift of second placed Al Keith whose excellent
round was just two shots over gross par. The winner with a fine gross 71,
net 67, was Paul Smith and his round represented his best performance in the
Medal event since a second place finish in February.
The second division saw three new golfers finish in the
frame with Harry Vincenzi finishing third with net 74, Lindsay Gailey second
on 73, and Robert Webb topping the group with net 72.
In the third division regular Danny Greer took third
place by virtue of a better back nine performance with 35 to just nose out
Michael Davidson whilst Mike Spear’s level par score missed out on countback
to the eventual winner Rod Howett, both finishing on 36 points.
The Ladies division saw Noi Emmerson take the win with 35
points, easily ahead of Jinda Thonkhambai whose back nine of sixteen points
edged out last month’s winner Orawan Meeraka for second place.
In the ‘2’s competitions Phil Knight took the top flight
honours whilst Michael Davidson took the award in the second flight. There
were no ‘2’s in the third or Ladies’ divisions.
Having reached the penultimate stage of this year’s IPGC
‘Player of the Year’ competition, Steve Mascari retains his lead at the top
with Russell Exley and Sid Ottaway sharing second place. In a week’s time
the penultimate act in the season-long drama plays out with triple points at
stake in the Annual Championship which is being held at Khao Kheow and
although these may not quite be enough at this stage to rein in favourite
Steve Mascari, an exciting competition is in prospect on the perpetually
tough track.
Following a splendid buffet at Siam Cats in Jomtien,
generously sponsored as always by the IPGC, after the presentations the IPGC
Chairman Chris Knapp thanked the loyal 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 behind-the-scenes efforts of coordinator Russell Exley.
Division 1
1st Paul Smith, net 67
2nd Al Keith, net 68
3rd Dave Stockman, net 71
Division 2
1st Robert Webb, net 72
2nd Lindsay Gailey, net 73
3rd Harry Vincenzi, net 74
Division 3
1st Rod Howett 36pts
2nd Mike Spear 36pts
3rd Danny Greer 35pts
Ladies
1st Noi Emmerson 35pts
2nd Jinda Thonkhambai 30pts
Newell is seamless at St. Andrews
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Brad Sproxton
Monday, July 5, Green
Valley – Stableford
1st Keith Worboys (17) 40pts
2nd Don Bland (5) 38pts
3rd Brian Wilkinson (13) 37pts
4th
Jim Dundon (14) 34pts
Another Richard Livingston pupil takes a win shortly
after taking a lesson. Keith Worboys was on form today and fired a fine 40
points, steady from start to finish. Don Bland was second with 38 finishing
one ahead of the third placed finisher Brian Wilkinson.
Worboys was quick to point out that “Even a blind gorilla
can find a banana once in a while.” Thanks to our regular supporters and
welcome to Ron from USA and Roger from Oz.
Tues. & Wed., July 6 & 7,
Soi Dao – Stableford
(Day 1)
1st Ian Grout (6) 29pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (9) 28pts
(Day 2)
1st Ian Grout (6) 38pts
2nd
Mon Thongkiao (15) 33pts
We set off early Tuesday morning with a smaller number
than usual. Only 7 brave souls decided they would roll the dice and tempt
the weather gods at Soi Dao Highlands Golf Resort and I’m happy to report
that in a two day period we did not experience nay a drop of rain!
The wind was the difference on Day 1 and a paltry 29
points took the day’s event. Ian Grout taking one last opportunity to enjoy
some golf before returning to the UK, was the winner ahead of the scribe on
second on 28 points (only 6 cans).
Day 2 was the same weather wise and we had the same
winner, albeit on a better effort of 38 points. Miss Mon rebounded from a
shaky Day 1 to take second on Day 2 with 33 points.
Thanks to all that joined us for a great get away.
Friday, July 9, St.
Andrews – Stableford
1st Bob Newell (8) 44pts
2nd Gareth Gill (8) 40pts
3rd Don
Bland (5) 34pts
It was a rain and lightning filled day and the ‘Seamless’
Bob Newell must have had lighting packed in his golf bag. An amazing gross
74 off the stick resulted in a runaway win on 44 points. Congratulations Bob
on a great round.
Gareth Gill responded well after a less than stellar
performance earlier in the week at Soi Dao. Gill finished with 23 on the
back nine for a fine total of 40 points for second place. Unfortunately he
was struck by lightning as were the rest of us!
Don Bland fired 34 points to get in the frame a second
time in a week. Thanks again to all the joined us.
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.
Murphy takes it by two
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Settling down after the 4th of July celebrations, the
Three Sisters Group gathered at the Pattaya Country Club on Wednesday, July
7.
Last week’s winner Dale Murphy, left, with runner-up
Kevin Worl.
The partly cloudy weather provided some relief but when
the sun shone through … man it was hot! The crew welcomed the refreshments
available at Caddy Shack II and the usual snacks and dogs were available as
the score cards were tallied.
No stranger to the number one slot was Dale Murphy with a 35-point return
followed by Kevin Worl with a 33. Herbie Ishinaga also had a 33 but was
beaten on the count back.
Three teams fighting
for first place
Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Ooy, La, Leo, Pao, Pauline & Somrak.
Canada moved back into first place in the league, based
on total pins, after taking three points from Bavaria. La Montgomery led
Canada with a 206 game, 512 series and Lek Reaper had a 507 series. Leo
Kretscher meanwhile had a 202 game for Bavaria.
House of the Golden Coin moved into second place after
winning three points from Jack Tar. Pao Orawan led Golden Coin with a 204
game, 531 series and Mio Aamlid bowled a 515. Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 201
game and 564 series for Jack Tar.
Kran Nielsen had a 512 series to lead her Café Kronborg
team to a three point win over Brother D. Kran did not bowl last league and
is still trying to regain her bowling form as she is a much better bowler
than her current handicap indicates.
VFW Post 9876 took three points from USMC. Mai Munsitha
bowled a 524 series for USMC and Somrak had a 203 game for VFW.
Sabai Friday got out of last place after taking all four points from
Green Tree. Lance Thorpe and Nok Kennedy both had 508 series for Sabai and
Tue Pettae rolled a 520 series for Green Tree. Bowling as a Pacer Pauline
bowled a 216 game and 517 series.
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Results
& Standings July 9 (week 4)
Pos. Team Score
Standings
1 Canada 3 -
1 11 - 5
2 House of the Golden Coin 3 - 1 11 - 5
3 Jack Tar 1 -
3 11 – 5
4 Café Kronborg 3 - 1 10
- 6
5 VFW Post 9876 3 - 1 9.5 -
6.5
6 Bavaria 1 -
3 7 - 9
7 Brother D 1 - 3
6.5 - 9.5
8 USMC 1 -
3 5 - 11
9 Sabai Friday 4 - 0
5 - 11
10 Green Tree
0 - 4 4 - 12 |
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