Lorenzo takes out US MotoGP

Staff Reporters

Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo recorded his sixth victory in nine MotoGP races this season at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix last Sunday.

The Fiat Yamaha rider took advantage of a mistake by his nearest rival, fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, to speed to victory before 51,436 fans at the sun baked Laguna Seca circuit. Pedrosa, who started fourth on the grid, had roared into an early lead but he lost control of his bike on lap 12 and slid out of the race.

Australian Casey Stoner finished a distant second behind Lorenzo who now holds a 72-point lead in the standings at the halfway stage of the season. Comeback star Valentino Rossi took third place, giving him his first podium spot since breaking his tibia earlier in the season.

Consistent Maloney wins 3-day challenge

Outback Golf Bar - Batam Tour, Indonesia

The Batam Tour golfers: (from left to right)
Jack, Mrs B2, B2, Joe, Don, Nittaya, Jim, Bob and Rosco.

A small but select group of Outbackers left on the first flight to Singapore with Thai Airways on Monday, July 19 to explore golf on the island of Batam, Indonesia. After leaving behind the foul weather at Suvarnabhumi, we arrived some two hours later in Singapore after a very comfortable flight aboard the scheduled Boeing 777. Efficiently as ever through immigration, we were quickly in the taxis for the 30 minute ride down to the harbour front, to catch the ferry across to the island of Batam. The taxi ride is interesting, passing by busy docks, shipping areas and numerous condo blocks, as well as many brilliantly designed buildings; including one with a ship sitting on the top of it – you have to see it to believe it.

As we departed the harbour front ferry terminal, directly opposite Sentosa Island, we passed under the cable ride across and then could not believe our eyes as we passed the ‘reflections development’ at keppel bay, www.reflectionsatkeppelbay .com.sg, which are just the most interesting designed condominiums you will ever see; but probably could never afford! Well most of us anyway!

One hour later we arrived on the busy industrial island of Batam, to be efficiently and warmly welcomed by our island organisers, and were quickly on our way to our practise course for the day, Batam Hills.

We did not manage a full round but did not expect to, but it was a pity that Jack forgot that they use metres in Indonesia and put everybody off the blues: - no wonder we could never get the ball to the hole! After 14 holes it was dark and off to the Harmoni Hotel in downtown Nagoya, our home for the next three nights. A great hotel and to be fully recommended.

So on to the golf tournament proper, which started on Tuesday July 20 at the lovely Palm Springs Golf and Beach Resort up on the north-east coast, some thirty minutes from Nagoya. There are four nines here, somewhat jumbled up and only thirty-one holes are actually completed but in its heyday, when it comes, it could be stunning. We played the Island nine, rated ‘easy’ and the Palm nine rated ‘challenging’, they were not far wrong. Most of us scored pretty well on the front, 23 points from Bob, 22 points from Jim, whilst on the back it was a struggle, the best coming from B2 with 17..

The rain caught the last group at the sixteenth, holed up at a pretty little disused drink stop just up on a rock overlooking the sea; they were there for an hour or so before they could tackle the tricky par 3 16th with the pin about 10ft from the lake on the right and a hook would put you straight in the sea. Safely negotiated by two of the group and a scratch from Kathy after dunking one in the lake, they were quickly up the 17th and down the 18th surprisingly with carts full on the fairway, with absolutely no sign of puddling or damage.

The others had had a few bevvies at the bar and had missed the rain completely but as the stories unfurled, the course generally got the thumbs up, with the exception of the broad leaf grass, similar to that of the Navy.

So Bob comfortably won the day with 39 points ahead of Jim Bryan (36pts) and Bruce 2 with 35 points.

There were two ‘2’s from Bruce McAdam & Joe Mooneyham.
1st Bob Maloney (13) 39pts
2nd James Bryan (15) 36pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (22) 35pts

Wednesday, July 21, Batam Tour Day 2 - Southlinks

One of the many different things you see or don’t see in Batam are dogs, where do they all go? A couple of cats but no dogs, strange - but Siem Reap was the same. Another which takes a lot of getting used to is smoking is permitted just about everywhere, hotels, bars and restaurants whether air-conditioned or not and everybody does!

However, on our night crawl (Tuesday) we took in a number of bars namely Hotspot (good food), New Place (good food), Kronig Pub (ok), 4 Play (looked in, walked out – too smoky), Bar Fly (good) and Chili’s Pub; and they are all right behind the Harmoni hotel in easy walking distance.

The next morning the bus came early at 8 a.m., generally as a rule, the earlier you play – the more likely you are to finish the round before the rain comes. It was off to the Southlinks course just a short ride out of town, to be greeted by the staff with a complimentary drink and all the scorecards complete with pencil, name typed in together with ‘Batam Golf Tour Tournament’, and the locker key taped to the back.

It was an impressive course but once again Bob Maloney and Jim Bryan dominated the field with some excellent golf. We had to break for around 25 minutes as the siren sounded for a passing storm, that gave us all a few headaches with the wet lies when we came back out for the last three or four holes.

Rosco (28pts) took third today after a four way count-back and there was only one ‘2’, scored by Kathy.

So after two rounds, it really was beginning to look like a two horse race, with Bob well out in front with 75 points, seven ahead of Jim on 68. Jack had scrambled his way into a distant third with 62 with Joe (60), Kathy (60), Rosco (58) and B2 (58) all not far behind.

1st Bob Maloney (13) 36pts
2nd James Bryan (15) 32pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (12) 28pts

Thursday, July 22, Batam Tour Day 3 - Indahpuri

So the last day was to be the challenging course of Indahpuri but we awoke to very low cloud and rain and golf looking extremely doubtful. We checked out early and took the bus back to today’s course about 10 minutes from the ferry terminal at Sekupang, where we had arrived four days previously.

It was still raining when we arrived but our welcoming party were out, clearly undaunted by the inclement weather. Prior to the three day tournament commencing, we had already declared winter rules, pick & place on the fairway, but upon inspection of the course; today was going call for more drastic measures, just to be able to play it. All the bunkers were declared ‘unplayable’ and free drop outside and clean & place through the green plus the use of a tee, if required – and it often was.

Despite waiting a while, it was still raining when we teed off, not too heavily and fortunately with no storm around, so no lightning to worry about. But boy, was the course wet, really wet and with the broad leaf grass hanging on to your club like mad, it was tough going.

The conditions didn’t seem to affect the two leaders as Jim piled the pressure on Bob, closing the overall gap at one stage down to just two but he scratched the 8th, which gave Bob some breathing space again. On the back nine Jim was at it again with a run of four excellent pars but his tee shot on the 18th left him blocked out to the green and his attempt to get there hit a tree. He failed to score but had done enough to win the day (38pts) but not quite enough to win the overall.

Don Everett came second with a brilliant 36 points, easily his best round of the week and Bob collected third with 34.

So the three day overall finished with Bob taking first place on 109 points, Jim second on 106 and Jack did enough to collect a distant third place with 93. Fourth place was shared between Bruce McAdam and Don Everett both on 91.

The ‘also rans’ finished with Kathy (90) Geoff (87), Joe (86) and Rosco with 84.

It was Kathy’s birthday and the Aussie boys, Bob & Don rustled the restaurant staff into making a birthday cake which was much appreciated and apparently very nice, something like an ice cream trifle. Happy Birthday Kathy!

So then it was back to Singapore where we parted company with the Doody’s as they stayed an extra night in Singapore as Kathy’s birthday treat from Geoff, and the rest of us headed off to the airport.

All in all, another great experience and we look forward to next year’s – maybe Kunming or Vietnam – don’t miss it, it will be fun.

1st James Bryan (15) 38pts
2nd Don Everett (26) 36pts
3rd Bob Maloney (13) 34pts

Hall has a field day at Pattaya C.C.

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

What a beautiful day for golf: warm sun with a light breeze as the Three Sisters group took to the fairways at the Pattaya Country Club on July 21.

Wednesday winner Richard Hall, left, with runner up Larry Emerson.

It is unfortunate that PCC is unable to bring their greens up the same standard as many of the surrounding courses. Today there were at least 5 aerated and sanded greens, it was like putting in a sand trap.

Back at Caddy Shack two as the group snacked, the cards were tallied and it was found that Richard Hall had had a wild day, coming in with 42 points! That may cost Richard a few handicap points. Larry Emerson came in with what might normally have been a winner with 37 points but he had to settle for second. Arnold van der Graff with a 33 and Matt Miller with a 32 were close behind.

Paul D. got his comeback shot with a 50 foot chip onto the 18th that dribbled into the cup.

Ian ‘Giza Fag’ Grout quits

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, July 18, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Chris Davisson (13) 38pts
2nd Pat Reagan (11) 37pts
B Flight
1st Don Lehmer (15) 37pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (19) 37pts
Red Flight
1st Kathy Doody (19) 38pts
2nd Marlene Cooke
Near Pins: No4 Seamus Cotter, No9 Simon Spalding, No12 Bob Newell, No16 Simon Spalding.

Ian Grout.

It was a sad day to day as Ian ‘Giza Fag’ Grout, a founder member of Lewiinski’s Golf Society, played his last game with the gang as he now heads to new employment based in the UK. We all wish Ian the best of luck and hope to see him sometime in the future.

The field was boosted by the addition of a fair contingent of Australians known as the Melbourne Swingers.

I have said it before that we don’t get a chance to see Chris Davisson often enough, but perhaps that’s good for the field. Chris, who plays most of his golf out of the Outback Bar, raided the Lewiinski’s coffers today for first place in A Flight and a share of man of the match with a tidy 38 points. Pat Regan also hit the ground running as he came back from holiday to post a solid 37 points for second.

Don Lehmer and Bob ‘The Guru of Green Valley” Lindborg fought out a tight battle in the junior flight; Don gaining a count-back decision by the slenderest of margins.

The Red Flight was won by Kathy Doody who posted an equal best of the day 38 points. Marlene Cooke, no relation to Captain Cook, but a founder member of the Melbourne Swingers Golf Society gratefully accepted second place with 32 points.

Hard luck story of the day was Vic Hester who asked for an earlier than normal tee time which was granted - pity he forgot his clubs though!

Back at Lewiinski’s we waved good bye to Ian and then listened to the ‘Wireless’ and his numerous excuses.

Tuesday, July 20, St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (11) 41pts
2nd Bill Broschart (16) 35pts
3rd Colin Davis (16) 34pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (19) 39pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (20) 36pts
3rd Dominic Laurito (19) 32pts
Red Flight
1st Denice Christian (32) 36pts
2nd Vivian Laurito (8) 29pts

A big field enjoyed the low season opportunity to play St Andrews. The always well conditioned course yielded the best score of the day to A Flight winner Seamus ‘Captain’ Cotter who shot an outstanding 41 points. That left the second step to the man in form, Bill Broschart. Colin ‘The Donkey’ Davis scraped third place in a count-back over the unlucky Vic Hester, complete with his sticks.

Peter ‘Don Corleone’ Henshaw took charge of B Flight carding a splendid 39 points. The penultimate spot on the podium went to Geoff ‘Elvis’ Kubas with a steady even par knock while Dominic Laurito filled the flight four shots adrift of Elvis.

The Melbourne Swingers had a field day in the Red Flight. Top spot was filled by Denice Christian who posted an even par round to win. Vivian, the good looking half of the Laurito household, beat fellow swinger Fay Milbourne on a count-back for second.

David Hamilton and Barry Cooke split the ‘2’s pot.

Wednesday, July 21, Treasure Hill – Stableford
1st Jim Bell (22) 37pts
2nd John Haddon (24) 37pts

You can’t Fault John Haddon’s 37 point effort, but it wasn’t as favorably distributed as Jim ‘Houdini’ Bell’s and the later went home with the top spot. (Hey hold on a minute, ‘Houdini’ in A Flight?). Well the number of players dictated one flight, anyway Jim was man of the match.

Charles Bennett shot the only ‘2’ of the day.

Friday, July 23, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Newell (7) 36pts
2nd Benn Nelson (14) 35pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (19) 38pts
2nd Jum Karagit (18) 35pts

Only one player on the day broke par but he did it in fine fashion. Peter “Don Corleone” Henshaw put together a fine 38 points to win B Flight and man of the match honours. This left Jum Karagit in second spot three shots adrift.

Bob “Seamless” Newell was a pleasant addition to the society’s player roster and his fine trademark play was in evidence as always. His even par round in the premier flight left society member Benn “The Admiral” Nelson all at sea a shot back.

Peter Henshaw and Jum Karagit split the ‘2’s pot.

Note: Lewinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Butterworth blazes round Burapha

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column

Monday, July 19, Burapha – Stableford

Twenty-five Outbackers were out on another split course, this time from the blues on B and the whites on C. The layout was in great condition with the greens running true and fast and we were lucky there was no rain, although it did threaten, but at least it wasn’t hot.

Friday’s Div B winner ‘The Sugarman’ poses for a photo with Div C winner Brian Maddox.

There were some brilliant scores, especially from Andy Butterworth (Div A winner) with 41 points off 13 H/cap and Bob Lindborg (Div B winner) with 40 points off 20.

Jamie won a beer off the Capt’ which hurt him badly; he doesn’t mind losing a dollar but hates losing beer so it was a good bit of fun indeed.

There were only two ‘2’s from Paul Greenaway and Dion Lane.

Div A (0-13)
1st Andy Butterworth (13) 41pts
2nd Bruce Milner (13) 37pts
3rd John Low (13) 36pts
4th Paul Greenaway (10) 36pts
Div B (14+)
1st Bob Lindborg (18) 40pts
2nd Bill Peach (20) 32pts
3rd Keith Buchanan (18) 31pts
4th Peter Stonebridge (15) 31pts

Tuesday, July 20, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

Just another blimmin’ day in paradise here at the Pattaya Country Club, as 18 Outbackers teed off early. Well thirteen did, the local police collecting tea money held up our New Zealand friends.

We welcomed back Nigel Cannon, the PSC Social Sec, after his couple of weeks in the UK., also Nev, our Hash House Harrier, resplendent in a lime green shirt, navy blue shorts and red socks. Where was Jack with his camera?

John Low took out the A Flight with a well crafted 38 points to finish one clear of Brad Sproxton in second while Geoff Christie picked up third place on 34 points.

In the B Flight, Alan Pearce returned to his true form to win with the day’s top score of 40 points. He was followed in by another Tuesday regular, Terry Marney, with 35points and in third was a newbie to the Outback, Shane on 34.

There was one ‘jackpot 2’ - coming from Dion, which was missed originally, maybe because his card had so many squares, triangles and circles on it. Anyone would think the caddie marked the card, and as we know that’s not allowed.

All in all a good day with good weather, a few greens have been cored and sanded but other than that the course is in good nick.

Div A (0-21)
1st John Low (13) 38pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (8) 37pts
3rd Geoff Christie (5) 34pts
Div B (22+)
1st Alan Pearce (23) 40pts
2nd Terry Marney (27) 35pts
3rd Shane Wizneski (26) 34pts

Wednesday, July 21, The Emerald - Stableford

The course was in great condition and the place was empty with all back to the clubhouse in under 4 hours. There was also no rain, but the roads must have been treacherous causing lengthy delays and many punctures as very few of the 25 Outbackers made it back for the presentation.

The marauding Kiwi’s are scalping us at the moment, namely John Low (Div A runner up) and Dion Lane (Div A winner) and there are two more waiting to come on; so their handicap’s have been adjusted down to 12 for both of them. There were no grumbles, just OK we accept that.

Mark McDonald and Andy Butterworth also played well with 36 points apiece to fill the minor places in Div A.

Div B was a different story, with generally lower scoring all round; the winner being Kissy, who has been on the podium a lot over the past week or two, with 34 points, followed in by Ivan Plunkett on 33.

All in all, a great day out!

Div A (0-13)
1st Dion Lane (13) 39pts
2nd John Low (13) 38pts
3rd Mark McDonald (4) 36pts
4th Andy Butterworth (13) 36pts
Div B (14+)
1st Keith Buchanan (18) 34pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (20) 33pts
3rd Pat Weir (30) 32pts
4th JoachimOestreicher (24) 31pts

Friday, July 23, Khao Kheow - Stableford

The best score of the day from the 32 Outbackers playing the A & B nines from the yellow tees came from the ‘Sugarman’. He had actually marked his card as 36 points playing off 18 but when the computer checked his handicap as 19 he gained one extra point for his ‘7’ on the index one hole, thus making 37 points. The only man to beat or match handicap and the winner of Div B, he was followed in by three all with 35 points and after the count-back John Cogan was awarded second place (welcome back mate) and Andy took third ahead of B1.

Suzi Lawton (H/cap 14), now on the PSC handicap committee, argues that the two shots deducted from the ladies (when at Khao Kheow) who play at the Outback maybe not be enough, maybe she’s right, nevertheless she took the win in Div A with 32 points playing off 12. There were two more on the same score, namely Brian Holden and Tony Garnett in what was a poor scoring division.

Div C fared a little better as Brian Maddox got the win with 33 points ahead of Bruce McAdam on 32 and has played every day this week after four days in Batam, Indonesia on the Outback’s annual International trip.

There were six ‘2’s coming from George Bishop, Tony Garnett, Sugar Ray, Brian Holden, Barry McIntosh & Bob Philp.

Div A (0-12)
1st Suzi Lawton (12) 32pts
2nd Brian Holden (7) 32pts
3rd Tony Garnett (10) 32pts
Div B (13-19)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (19) 37pts
2nd John Cogan (18) 35pts
3rd Andy Butterworth (13) 35pts
Div C (20+)
1st Brian Maddox (20) 33pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (22) 32pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (20) 31pts

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

Clexaly heads Aussie invasion at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Wednesday, July 21, Phoenix - Medal
1st Damian Trant, net 69
2nd Vincent Smyth, net 70
3rd Sean Connely, net 73
4th Bret Pinnington, net 73

Wednesday was a Medal round at Phoenix Golf Course and Damien Trant won again in a close finish by just one shot from Vincent Smyth. Damien and Vincent also shared the birdie ‘2’s pot with one apiece.

Friday, July 23, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Ian Covil 42pts
2nd Ted Gardner 36pts
3rd Ted Morris 34pts
B Flight
1st Ian Clexaly 41pts
2nd Ben Findon 38pts
3rd Tony Baiter 35pts

Friday was back to the regular course of Green Valley with 24 golfers split into two groups.

Aussie raider Ian Clexaly with some of the girls at The Caddyshack

Ian Covill returned a fine 42 points to top the A Flight ahead of Ted Gardner in second on 36 and Ted Morris in third with 34.

B Flight was won by Ian Clexaly, who is here on holiday with a 7 strong team from Australia. Ian put together a very nice round of golf to score 41 points to finish three clear of second placed Ben Findon while Tony Baiter took third with 35 points.

With the large number of golfers it made the ‘2’s pot well worth winning and Ted Gardner did just that and was the only golfer to achieve a ‘2’ on the day to take all the booty.

Note: The Caddyshack would like to announce that on September 24 they will be holding their annual 2-man scramble so keep a look out for this great charity event and sign up at The Caddyshack bar and restaurant.

Wilkinson takes out monthly medal

PSC golf from the Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill

Monday, July 19, Green Valley – Medal
1st Brian Wilkinson (14) net 70
2nd Chicka Smith (15) net 71
3rd Jeff Calrow (13) net 72
4th Henry O’Brien (17) net 73
5th Jez Lees (18) net 73

Jez Lees, Chicka Smith and Henry O’Brien celebrate their successful outing at Green Valley on Monday.

Monday was our Monthly Medal and we had a great turn out for low season activity. Brian Wilkinson took the day on net 70 while the “quiet one” from Oz, Chicka (Bilbo Baggins) Smith came in second. Jeff Calrow took third spot with a net 72 and O’Brien beat out Jez Lees for fourth on count-back, both on net 73.

Bob “Seamless” Newell was low gross for the day on 83.

Brian Wilkinson and Jeff Calrow had previous engagements following the golf, therefore they found their “winnings” taped to the bell!

July 21, Stableford - St.Andrews
1st Seri Kaosol (16) 39pts
2nd Henry O’Brien (17) 36pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 36pts
4th Don Bland (3) 33pts

We enjoyed another fine day with no rain to speak of. Seri Kaosol took advantage of the conditions and took the frame with 39 points. He really likes the Loco balls he got from pal Don!

Henry “the steady one” O’Brien was in the frame again with 36 points and Sugar Ray Handford played under duress, claiming on the first tee not to expect too much from “new clubs”. Apparently he got the proper set! Thanks all.

Friday, July 23, Khao Kheow – Stableford
1st Mike Gosden (11) 37pts
2nd Henry O’Brien (17) 36pts
3rd Nigel Flanagan (18) 36pts

A smaller group this day out and some descent scoring took place on the A & B courses.

Mike Gosden was best on the day with a fine 37 points. The “steady one” came in second on 36 points with a back nine of 21 points, beating Flanagan on count-back. Thanks again to those that joined in today.

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.golfclub pattaya.com.

Emerald monkeys can relax once more

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, July 19, Crystal Bay - Stableford
CSS71
1st Yasuo Suzuki (11) 39pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (18) 38pts
3rd Rodney Hayes (10) 36pts
4th Russell Exley (7) 36pts
5th Kenny Priddy (23) 35pts
6th Trevor Schirmer (13) 35pts

With the management of the course at last agreeing that golf in the Eastern Seaboard region, along with the rest of Thailand, is definitely experiencing a somewhat low season and agreeing to drop their demands for a minimum number of players to attract the previously agreed pricing levels, both the players and the course benefited when the Haven once again returned to play one of the popular layouts in the area.

Yasuo Suzuki, who was getting ready to leave for Japan for a couple of months, put in a great effort to clean up before departure with a three under handicap round that in the event only just squeezed in as the winning total, with Shuichi Kodaka a mere shot behind in second place.

Rodney Hayes continued with his recent solid form with another extremely steady round that got better as it progressed, which enabled him to take the count-back over Russell Exley for third with a better 20 to 16.

Kenny Priddy just got the nod over Trevor Schirmer for fifth spot, also with a better count-back, but a closer a margin of 19 to 18.

Takeshi Hakozaki had the only ‘2’ in the first division and Kenny Priddy and Paul Hartley shared the second division pot.

Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back Warren Gallop and Takeshi Hakozaki and there was a farewell for John Squitiero who was forced to return to Las Vegas at short notice.

Wednesday, July 21, St. Andrews - Stableford
CSS74
1st Bob Lamond (6) 37pts
2nd Rodney Hayes (10) 35pts
3rd Danny Greer (24) 34pts
4th Russell Exley (7) 33pts
5th Warren Gallop (11) 31pts

Playing from the white tees, which had been set further back than usual, the scoring was at a premium with only Bob Lamond bettering his handicap as the day belonged to the low handicappers, with the notable exception of Danny Greer in third place.

Bob as usual played it straight down the middle off the tee and then produced a minor master class, for the rest of his playing group, in approach shots setting up many chances of birdies. If only the putter had been as hot as the rest of his game it would surely have been a sub gross day, but even so it was a happily received win by two over the as usual reliable Rodney Hayes in second place.

Danny Greer, who had been playing in Bob’s group, certainly picked up a few pointers and did not make the same mistake that he had made in the Club Championship of trying to keep up with a bigger hitter off the tee, using his handicap to full effect and maneuvering around the course and then putting steadily to claim a well deserved third place.

Russell Exley just failed to keep his handicap from rising but took fourth spot by two ahead of Warren Gallop, who is a university golfing teacher on holiday from China.

There were no 2’s in the first division and Evan Millar had the only one in the second division to sweep the pool.

Prior to the prize giving Barry Traynor was welcomed back and there was a farewell for Yasuo Suzuki.

Friday, July 23, The Emerald - Stableford
CSS72
1st Paul Hartley (21) 40pts
2nd Brian Libby (10) 38pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer (13) 36pts
4th Sid Ottaway (23) 35pts
5th Mike Hill (23) 35pts

In marked contrast to the previous outing, the majority of the podium places were taken by the higher handicappers with Paul Hartley having a purple patch, as most of his shots stayed on the short stuff and putting reasonably well meant a two shot win that was his first top step success for some time and the win was very well received by the whole crowd back at the Haven.

Brian Libby, returning from an extended working party, slipped right back into the groove with an accomplished two under handicap to take second place ahead of Trevor Schirmer, who continues to play around his handicap although not always in contention, but on this occasion he took a well deserved third spot.

Sid Ottaway just got the better of Mike Hill in a count back by a score of 19 to 16 as Mike failed to capitalise on an excellent opening half which included a very pretty ‘2’ on the fifth hole.

During a “tell-all” session held after the presentations and liberal quantities of the amber nectar, it was discovered that the local course monkeys can once again rest easy in their trees when it transpired that the day’s winner does not in fact come from Hartlepool, as had been the perceived knowledge, but from Selby which is not even in dating distance, so little chance of the odd gene pool making the quantum leap to the foot of the gallows.

Once again there were no 2’s in the first division but Mike Hill and Shuichi shared the second division after a recount by the befuddled scorer.

Before the presentations Brian Libby was welcomed back.

Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group you can contact mobile 084 782 4582 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi 13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you should be there by 8.30 a.m. 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.

Van Dyk shoots personal best

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook

Tuesday, July 20, Greenwood – Stableford

This booking of courses is fraught with danger: It is quite amazing how someone’s favourite course one month becomes their most disliked the next month and vice versa.

Tuesday’s first three, Andre Van Dyk, Steve Hamstad and Mick O’Meara with the scribe’s ‘boss’, second left.

On this day the test was to be Greenwood, a course that practically all of our players insist we play at least once a month as it is a favourite, however on this day it was difficult to persuade a couple of players to turn out as they said they never played well at this venue. Guess who they were!

The drive up to Greenwood is now really easy, and the drive back is straight into Sukhumwit, it knocks 10 to 15 minutes off the journey. Someone deserves credit for this improvement in the transport and road systems and it enabled us to be on the first tee nice and early and we were soon off on a practically empty course.

Greenwood was in great shape and we played the C & A nines, both in great condition. Four hours and nobody in sight, not even the group behind, what a great day, unspoilt. So of course, playing off the yellow tees I expected someone to come in with a great score, indeed I expected a lot of players with good scores, but not those who didn’t like the course.

A quick shower and into the cars for the ‘zoom’ back to Tropical Bert’s for the results.

The winner on the day with a gross 82 and 43 points was Andre Van Dyk. Andre said this was his best ever Gross score by 4 shots, well done. In second we had a count-back on 35 points with Steve (Lightning) Hamstad taking the runner-up spot and Mick O’Meara having to settle for third. Nice to see Mick playing well again!

We also had a count-back for fourth place on 34 points with Doug Maiko just edging Graham (the Treasure).

Now the question of the Greenwood who were the “I don’t like the course and never play well here” players. Well look nowhere else but to the two converts who finished first and second.

Near Pins: Joel Flor, Andre Van Dyk and Mashi Kaneta.

Friday, July 23, Eastern Star - Stableford

Yes, here it is, another Friday and, after a week off to support and play in the PSC Member’s Open, we were headed to the south and hoping for the rain to hold off. Under gray skies we arrived, checked in quickly and were on our way right on our scheduled tee time.

It was pretty windy and as usual no matter that the holes change direction, the wind always seems to be coming at you. The course, other than slow greens was in good shape and a player or two remarked that they were reminded of the old greens out at Siam.

The course proved to be on the difficult side today as only one player managed to play to his handicap, with 30-32 points being the average score of the day. The wind and slow greens will always conspire to make things difficult.

As it worked out we were finished in a bit over 4ผ hours with only a slight bit of rain as the last holes were played and we sat back in the restaurant, while the scorecards were collected and tallied.

Back at Bert’s, with BBQ chicken sandwiches and beverages going down easily, the results were recorded and announced. Congratulations to Neil Shaw, our winner on the day with 36 points and who is getting to the podium more often than not over the recent past. Whatever you are doing Neil, keep it up.

Taking second place was Doug Maiko on 32 points and Daryl Evans scraped into third spot on count-back over Andre Van Dyk, Walter Baechli and Joel Flor, all three coming home with 32 points each.

So it was a big ‘Thank You’ to Bert and staff and congratulations to the winners. Remember, all are welcome to join us for our friendly, but competitive golf outings on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Derek Brook and Doug Maiko
Long Putt: (No 18) Bob Benda

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

This deal comes from a Bridge Club of Chiang Mai pairs game.  North-South were vulnerable and North dealt.  The bidding at one table was: 

North         East           South         West

P                  P                 1D               P

1H              P                 1S               P

2S               All pass 

                        S: AQ76

                        H: 1096432

                        D: 87

                        C: 3

S: ?                                             S: ?

H: ?                                            H: ?

D: ?                                            D: ?

C: ?                                            C: ?

                        S: K1052

                        H: A5

                        D: A942

                        C: Q106 

Imagine you are sitting South.  West leads the queen of hearts.  You duck this and West continues with the heart jack, which you take with the ace.  Before you look at the full deal below, decide how you would play the contract and how many tricks you would expect to make, with a normal trump break.

If you try to cross-ruff the hand, ruffing hearts in hand, West is likely to over ruff and you will probably not even make your eight tricks for the contract.  More important, you are wasting hearts by ruffing them - after one more round they will all be good without being ruffed.

The correct play is to set up dummy, because it is dummy that has the good hearts.  With a dummy reverse you can make ten tricks for 4S!  After winning the second trick, you pull trumps in three rounds, ending on board.  Then lead a heart and ruff it in hand, felling the king which is the only outstanding one.  Now you can play the ace of diamonds and concede one club and one diamond, which are the only losers on board.  You ruff a club or diamond on board as soon as you can and board is good.

In total you take four heart tricks, four trump tricks, a heart ruff in hand and the ace of diamonds, for ten tricks.  Even if trumps split 4-1, you can still make nine tricks for an overtrick with a dummy reverse.

The full deal is shown below: 

                        S: AQ76

                        H: 1096432

                        D: 87

                        C: 3

S: J93                                  S: 84

H: QJ                                  H: K87

D: KJ106                            D: Q53

C: KJ94                              C: A8752 

                        S: K1052

                        H: A5

                        D: A942

                        C: Q106 

When this was played, no one made the ten tricks.  Dummy reverses can be surprisingly difficult to see - most players tend to focus on their own hand, even if it is dummy that has the winners.  The contracts played were 3H by North, making 9 tricks, 3C by West, again making 9 tricks but in the other direction, and 2S by South going down one.

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

High scores abound at Pleasant Valley

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Stuart Rifkin

Monday, July 19, Pleasant Valley – Stableford

Fourteen of us clambered aboard the buses at 8.15 under the watchful eyes of the Admiral (Dave Richardson) and Boon (our illustrious driver) led the way in his new pride and joy bus! We must be paying him too much Dave?

Monday’s flight winners Paul Avery and Per–Olav Baarli with the Admiral.

It was pleasing to see the Admiral joining us again as his ankle injury, which has kept him away from the game for almost three weeks, has finally healed.

PSC vouchers were purchased for today’s game and this made the day’s outing very affordable. A buggy could be shared for 300 baht each and as rain was predicted many of us took up the offer.

The first group teed off about 9.15 and just made the half way mark when the heavens opened up as expected. Most groups managed to get to shelters and perhaps a period of 30 minutes expired before everyone was able to continue with their round. This is one of the good things about playing golf in the wet season in Thailand, the rains come and they soon go! Almost all the courses are playable soon after a heavy deluge as they drain off very quickly and Pleasant Valley is no exception. The course was in very good condition and the many high scores indicated the majority of players found the course presentation to their liking.

We welcomed back Martin Todd from Perth Australia, who is here for several months and a new first time Caf้ Kronborg player also from Australia, John Haddon, who was runner up in B Flight with a magnificent 43 points. First in B Flight though was once again Per–Olav Baarli with a superb 44 points and Mr. consistent Graham Buckingham taking out third with a very good score of 40 points.

A Flight was well won by Aussie Paul Avery with a sturdy 41 points whilst Ted Morris won second place on a count back from ‘yours truly’ with 37 points (if I could only putt!).

Hugh O’Donnell was unlucky to win the compass cap award as his score was in the thirties but alas lower than all the others also in the thirties. You can take some pleasure Hugh in knowing that your kind donation today has now raised the children’s charity bin to 2,320 baht.

A Flight (0-16)
1st Paul Avery (12) 41pts
2nd Ted Morris (13) 37pts
3rd Stuart Rifkin (16) 37pts
B Flight (17+)
1st Per–Olav Baarli (17) 44pts
2nd John Hadden (24) 43pts
3rd Graham Buckingham (23) 40pts

Thursday, July 22, Plutaluang – Stableford

Today we had 18 golfers signed up to do battle with the South and East courses and as per usual the Admiral had us aboard the buses at 8.15 sharp! An uneventful trip to the course had us ready to tee off a half hour early and we were not disappointed. The first group was away at 9.30 and 4 and a half hours later were ready to shower.

Despite heavy rain over the past few days the course played reasonably well and the greens were medium (caddie talk) and true. It is estimated that the reservoir has increased its capacity by 4 feet over the past month. It was pleasing to notice that the course has many areas of maintenance and upgrades happening and in a few months time these effort should be well received by all course participants.

We welcomed Harry Wyzola from Cairns Australia who was on his maiden voyage to Pattaya and a warm welcome was also given to Jay Perrin.

Near pins were kindly donated by Allan Tranekaer who incidentally is in big trouble with Ken Berneck. Apparently Ken asked Allan if it was advisable to hire a cart as he had not played there before, and Allen said it is a breeze to walk. Allan obviously knew how far it is to walk from greens to tees and poor Ken was totally buggered after his game!

Despite the long walk Ken managed to find sufficient energy to achieve 38 points and take out top podium spot in B Flight. Hugh O’Donnell got rid of the compass cap by taking out second place and Patrice Bardy slotted into third.

A Flight was well won by the consistent Takeshi Hakozaki on 40 points, with Mike Allidi playing a superb round for second whilst Doug Maiko took out third spot by playing to his handicap.

The compass cap award was handed to Don Mackenzie who found almost every tree or tree limb on every other hole! Don kindly donated some baht to bring this charitable award up to a total of 2,370 baht for the year to date.

A Flight (0-16)
1st Takeshi Hakosaki (14) 40pts
2nd Mike Allidi (3) 38pts
3rd Doug Maiko (14) 36pts
B Flight (17+)
1st Ken Berneck (23) 38pts
2nd Hugh O’Donnell (23) 29pts
3rd Patrice Bardy (18) 29pts
Near Pins: S4 Stuart Rifkin, S7 Mike Gosden, E2 Hugh O’Donnell, E5 Brian Gabe.

‘Rare bird’ seen again

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper

That ‘rare bird’ from last week, Richard Talbot, continued where he left off and again took second place on Wednesday at Green Valley. I am unsure what he is drinking or eating these days but whatever it is it seems to be working. He was only beaten down from first place by Allan Hansen on count-back by two 16 to 14.

Saturday winners: George Robinson with Amphan North and Tewin Lamthong.

It was only a three-trip schedule this past week because the numbers are down - you only have to look around Pattaya any evening of the week to ascertain that fact.

On a very different note, I have been accused recently by a few players of being a bit pessimistic in my reports. But what else can you be when the course owners/management cannot see the wood for the trees or should that be the grass for the sand. Example: you go to St. Andrews and things are on top level, no complaints and you then venture down the road to Eastern Star and you cannot see the greens for sand. I rest my case.

So now to the reports on the three days of golf this past week.

Wednesday, July 21, St. Andrews – Stableford
1st Allan Hansen (13) 35pts
2nd Richard Talbot (19) 35pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 33pts
4th John Franklin (11) 32pts

On Wednesday just a small group visited St Andrews/Green Valley where I have it on record that the course was in excellent shape and played well.

Allan Hansen made the most of things and returned a good 35 points for the win, however it was a count-back that decided things between him and ‘Rare Bird’ Richard Talbot (apologies for reporting him as Richard Hogan last week), with Allan edging it 16 to 14 on the back nine. Third place went down to Fergus Brennan (the up and down man) - consistency seems to be passing him by these days.

Three twos on the day came from Richard Talbot, John Hall and John Franklin.

Thursday, July 22, Phoenix – Stableford
1st Amphan North (11) 37pts
2nd Tewin Lamthong (11) 36pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 36pts
4th Andy Turner (23) 33pts

On Thursday it was our traditional visit to Phoenix to play the Mountain & Lake yet again. My oh my this course definitely favours the ladies it seems . Two ladies in the top three again this week: Amphan North was number one on 37 points, Tewin Lamthong came second with 36, and just losing out on count back in third was Fergus Brennan by three on the back nine.

A good turnout of players as always for this course – the management here are ones that listen to criticism and respond accordingly.

Fergus Brennan secured two ‘2’s on the day and Tewin Lamthong had one.

I understand that those who returned for the presentation were presented with many bell rings at the bar and a party atmosphere ensued.

Saturday, July 24, Eastern Star – Stableford
1st Amphan North (11) 37pts
2nd George Robinson (12) 37pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (15) 33pts
4th Tewin Lamtong (11) 32pts

On Saturday it was it seems a reluctant return to Eastern Star where we found the course in general to be in OK condition but the greens were appalling. This was reported to management after the round to what can only be considered as a mixed response that work has to be done on the course etc. But that is not really good enough is it if they don’t offer any discounts for the fact.

Amphan North notched up her second win in two outings with 37 points after George Robinson had inadvertently signed an incorrect card after his round that on correction would have given him 38 and the win. Moral of this - check your card carefully or it can cost you.

I will say that George (score entered 37pts. and loosing on count-back) was very apologetic and accepted his error in a very sportsmanlike manner when it was pointed out to him what had happened.

Coming in third was Roger Wilkinson with 33 points and in fourth was Tewin Lamthong with 32 after beating Allan Hansen on count-back.

Only two ‘2’s were recorded, both from Amphan North.

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 at www.trgg.biz.

Tananusorn on top form

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society again took advantage of Green Valley’s current fine promotion and played at St Andrews on Tuesday, July 21 in a stableford competition on a course sparsely populated and in excellent condition, with greens as fine as any in the province. It was truly a joy to be there.

With tourist numbers at an all-time low the field was small but there was quality enough as Tom Lazecki showed, firing 32 points for third place. Ahead of Tim was the new IPGC Net Champion, Kasuo Takimoto, and he continued his excellent form with a flowing 35 points for second. The winner was Wichai Tananusorn, a Thai golfer with impeccable “farang” etiquette, and his 39 points was more than enough to win the day. On his day Wichai is very good value for his ten handicap with his full flowing swing and accurate approach play.

There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to John Rehm for an unbelievable split of 8 - 21 shots on both nines. The PGS field thoroughly enjoyed the day at St Andrews.

Another gem from Wichai

The Pattaya Golf Society again visited the Green Valley complex on Thursday, July 22, to play a medal round over the original course, which was in excellent condition and amazingly empty. The day remained fine and the course was set up for some good golf.

In the event the day went to form with Masanori Takano and Mr Len sharing third place with net 73, just one shot behind runner-up Peter Masters whose net 72 contained some essential luck and continued to frustrate with the “unmentionables” which are so much an annoying feature of the poor man’s game at present.

The best round of the day was a net 69 recorded by Wichai Tananusorn, a repeat of his score at St Andrews only two days previously. His round again was all about accuracy and was exemplified by his eagle two on the final hole where he sank his pitching wedge second shot with aplomb to share the ‘2’s pot with Mikael Andersson. This added to his earlier birdie on the fourth hole, the previous second until the recent re-routing, which, incidentally must put the club in the “Guinness Book of Records” for having the most difficult start anywhere on the planet, with SI 1, 3, and 7 being the first three holes.

Congratulations and thanks for the day, Green Valley.

Masa pushed all the way at Emerald

The society alternates its weekend golf between Eastern Star and The Emerald and it was the latter’s turn to host the Soi Buakhao based group on Saturday, July 24. They found the course in fine condition, the weather fair and the day was set well for some good golf.

For Les Burns it was good to find himself in the frame with a well deserved share of third place with John Rehm on 31 points. The third member of their playing group was Don Nellis and he returned from work to the PGS with an excellent 35 points which gave him second place.

The winner was Masanori Takano and his front nine of nineteen points held promise of better things but his game tailed off over the closing holes after some clinical golf, to finish on 36 points for the win.

There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Les Burns for his 19 - 12 split which could so easily have finished better, giving him his best ever PGS round. Nevertheless it had been a very enjoyable day out at the Emerald.

Golfing jewels provide tests for all

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, July 20, The Emerald - Stableford

Tuesday saw our group make our monthly trip down Ban Chang way to tackle The Emerald, not the longest course around, but with its many varied lies it can provide a decent test. The course was in overall good condition, with well grassed fairways, not too punishing rough and smooth rolling greens.

Bob Edwards admires the vista at Khao Kheow.

Best to come to grips with the conditions on the day was Jeff Wylie (6) with a handicap matching 36 points. He was followed in by recent in-form golfer Ken Hole (14) with 34 points and third spot on the podium went to Australian first time visitor to Mulligans Lakeside, Craig McKune (20), with 33 points.

Near Pin prizes were picked up by Mark, while Bob snaffled two, with the other one providing a donation to the Banglamung Boys Home.

Thursday, July 22, Khao Kheow - Stableford

Thursday was up Highway 7 to a sterner test, Khao Kheow, with the A & C combination the battleground for the day. The course was in good nick, as is normally the case, however the greens were a tad slower than normal while the rough seemed even more punishing than usual.

Khao Kheow is a very fair golf course, with good shots rewarded, while poor play is punished, unfortunately today saw more of the latter.

Bob Edwards (9) played some good golf to record 34 points, easily outpointing Jeff Wylie (6) who struggled to an undistinguished 27 points.

Near Pins were collected on 3 of the 4 holes by Jeff, while the other went unclaimed.

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!

Danny squeaks by Alan for victory at Emerald

The Ban Chang Golf Society

Danny, 3rd left, celebrates his win with the in-crowd at Mama’s Bar.

It is getting to the stage now that the society has been going for a few months that we are welcoming guys back and saying goodbye to other guys in the same week. This week was no exception last week when we welcomed back Alan B. (working) and Broken Wing (from injury) and said goodbye to Danny L. who set off for another five weeks work.

Ten of us made the trip to Emerald Golf Course last week, which enabled us to have 3 groups for the first time in a month. We got away at the normal time of 9:30 a.m. but thought that a 5-ball in front of us would impede our progress. No problem though, our first 3-ball managed to keep up with them! Four and a half hours later we all finished our first round with no rainfall for a few weeks, which made a nice change.

In the club house, with all the cards handed in, Danny L. emerged as the winner by 1 shot over Alan B. and also won the nearest the pin prize.

With 9 rollovers from last week the skins competition had been all the talk over the previous seven days. Broken Wing took the big one of (11) skins followed by new boy Harry V. (7) and as he had taken the other prizes, Danny L., not one to be left out, won (3). Yet again, after months of having no rollovers, we have another 6 for next week.

Once finished we all went to Mama’s Bar where there was a lot of bell ringing and much pleasure at the thought that Danny L. would not be here to win again next week.

Café Kronborg remain in first place

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Apple, Kran, Ooy & Lek.

Kran Nielsen bowled games of 190, 201, and 192 for a very good 583 series to lead her first place Caf้ Kronborg team to a four point win over House of the Golden Coin. VFW Post 9876 meanwhile remain in second place after taking all four points from Jack Tar.

Brother D moved into third place behind Antero Ronkainen’s 517 series as they won four points from the USMC team. Canada and Green Tree split their match with each team getting two points. Lek Reaper bowled best in this match with a 210 game and 511 series for Canada.

Apple bowled a 203 game and 517 series to lead Sabai Friday to a four point win over Bavaria as Sabai Friday moved up to fifth place.