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Thai windsurfers land five medals at Asian Beach Games
Pattaya
mayor Ittipol Khunploem, seated center, and members of the Windsurf
Association of Thailand, welcome back the successful sailors from the 2010
Asian Beach Games in Singapore.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya mayor Ittipol Khunploem, who is also President of
the Windsurfing Association of Thailand, held a press conference on December
17 along with the members of the association at the Surf Kitchen in Jomtien
beach to congratulate the Thai windsurfers on their success at the Asian
Beach Games 2010, which were staged in Oman between December 5-16.
Sarocha
Pumprai won a bronze medal in the RSX-female category. (AP Photo/file)
The mayor said the association had hopes that the team
could bring home 3 medals, so to return with a total of 5 was more than
could have been expected.
Thailand had competitors in eight categories at the Games
and Siriporn Kaewduangngam (a.k.a. Nong Dao) picked up one gold medal in the
Big Techno-female event. Nong Dao was also a gold medalist at the Youth
Olympic Games in Singapore earlier this year.
Napalai Tharnsai then won a silver medal in the RX-female
category while Navin Singsart did likewise in the Imgo-male category.
Eak Boonsawat received a bronze medal in the RSX-male
event and Sarocha Pumprai also took a bronze medal in the equivalent RSX-female
category.
The successes of these local sailors again proved that
Pattaya city was very active in encouraging and providing training for young
people to participate in sport up to and including the international level,
the mayor said.
The association is also sending the athletes to the Asian
Championships being held from January 11-17, 2011 in Singapore, and also to
score collection rounds in Europe to qualify for the 2012 Olympics to be
held in London, the mayor said.
The gold medalists at the Beach Games all received
200,000 baht from the national sports development funding while the silver
medalists took home 100,000 baht and bronze medalists 50,000 baht.
There were a total of 26 nations participating in this
year Asian Beach Games where Thai athletes gained 15 gold, 10 silver, and 11
bronze medals, for a grand total of 36 medals in 14 different sports
categories.
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Regents School receives soccer award from PM Abhisit
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, standing 4th right, receives a Regents
School soccer jersey from Phil Larkin, standing 6th
right, the coach of the Regents team.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva recently presented the
championship award to a team of footballers from The Regents School for
winning the TrueVisions-Arsernal Soccer School Knockout Competition 2010
held at the Arsenal Soccer School, Bangkok.
The players, coach Phil Larkin, and members of the
Tournament Organising Committee then joined in giving the Prime Minister a
team shirt as a souvenir gift in recognition of their thanks for his
attending the competition. The tournament’s objectives were aimed at
enhancing soccer skills among the youth of Thailand and encouraging
youngsters to take up sport to promote fitness and good health.
Family finds a lifeline in the boxing ring
The
three young boxing stars strike a pose.
Patcharapol Panrak
Three young brothers, Fapichit, Padetsuke and
Lookprayatak Lengjamnong, have turned to the sport of boxing in an attempt
to provide for both themselves and their handicapped parents.
The trio, the oldest of which, Fapichit, is just 12 years
old, are entirely self taught and have recently been accepted to undergo the
tutelage of Somchai Sampaongern at the Pet Taothan Boxing Camp in Sattahip.
The three youngsters, Padetsule is 11 years old and
Lookprayatak just 10, are the sons of Amnat Supabchit and Amornrat
Lengchamnong. Their father is handicapped because of an accident and cannot
perform any activities for daily living. He requires round the clock
attention and needs to be clothed and fed as he cannot do this for himself.
Their mother is healthy physically, but has handicapped
hands and feet. She cannot perform physical activities the same as other
people; her left hand only has one finger, she has two toes on her left
foot, and four toes on her right foot.
The family lives on RTN land and some kindhearted people
to go to their house to help occasionally, just for food and milk to feed
the husband and the children. They receive some amount of money from time to
time, which the boys earn from boxing. It is divided for school expenses,
and water and electricity for their home.
In November the brothers were called on to take part in
the “Pet Taothan” child boxing program at the Ban Taothan boxing camp. The
program, instigated by Narong Bunbancherdsri, the mayor of Sattahip
municipality, aims to steer young children away from drug use and a life of
crime and provide them with an opportunity to stay healthy and gain some
discipline.
For nearly 1 year prior to this the Lengjamnong brothers
struggled to find anywhere to box and as a result they weren’t able to
provide for their family, which was lacking income for daily living
expenses. Their mother had to borrow money at a high interest rate just to
cover the bills.
The boxing program has provided these three young
pugilists with an opportunity to fight and earn some extra money. This fact
was appreciated by the spectators who came along to watch the boys fight in
November and led to them making donations for the trio.
Narong Bunbancherdsri was able to gather more than 4,000
THB in donation money, which will go a long way to alleviate the hardship of
the Lengchamnong family’s life. Both the Sattahop mayor and Somchai
Sampaongern have a great deal of faith in the brothers and believe that one
day they could become well-known boxing stars.
Spectators at the November boxing program in Sattahip gave generously to the
Lengjamnong collection.
The
brothers help to feed their handicapped father as their mother looks on.
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‘Mr. Consistency’ chased
by Chetlands
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Dec. 21, Mountain
Shadow - Stableford
Tuesday saw the crew travel to Mountain Shadow, a return
after a long absence for some, while for others it was a first time
experience. The course, for some reason, has a bit of a fearsome reputation,
maybe it is the tree lined fairways or the large undulating greens, but
really it is a little on the short side to be truly fearsome. Having said
that, the course was in good condition and a pleasure to walk around.
Tony
Chetland with Keith Hodges.
Leading the way home was the ever consistent Jeff Wylie
(6) with 37 points while Tony Chetland (18) had his best round of this
season with 36 points.
Jeff and Tony shared the Near Pins also, Tony making
birdie ‘2’ on #5, on top of Jeff after he had made a fluke bomb.
Thursday, Dec. 23,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
Thursday was a visit to Treasure Hill, undoubtedly one of
the best tests of golf in the area, and currently in very good condition
following some renovation work on tees, greens and around the course. A
treat to play really, with the management doing all it can to offer visitors
great golf conditions combined with superb value (unlike some more
frequented courses).
Again, it was Jeff Wylie (6) leading the way home with 33
points, this time chased home hard by Wendy Chetland (30) with 30 points,
just edging Ken Hole (15) on a count-back 15/14. Did you know that Wendy is
the reigning PSC Ladies Long Drive Champion? That new Mizuno is really
paying off!
Today the Near Pins were shared by Ken, Tony & Wendy,
while 1 went unclaimed for a donation to Banglamung Boys Home.
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 089 094 1841 or 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, Cheers &
Good Golfing.
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Count-backs all the way at Treasure Hill
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Dec. 20, Treasure
Hill - Stableford
Another good turnout today with 35 players and the
divisional cut was 5-14, 15-20 and 21 plus. The greens were remarkably fast
and we were surprised at the scores coming in today. 38 points won division
1 for Mark Cooper while Barry Wellings was in second, beating Takimoto on a
18/17 count-back who in turn beat Martin Grimoldby on a 12/11 back six
count-back after they all scored 35 points.
Jerry McCarthy was first in division 2 on 36 points,
beating Fred Chadwick on a 12/11 back 6 count-back and Michael Healey was
third with 33 points, edging Joe Peters on count-back.
Dan ‘the man’ Morgan with 37 points took the third
division with Joe Kubon second five points behind and Fred Duffy with 29
beat the old man and Eugine McGuire on count-back.
Mike Combs birdied the 13th in division 1 to get the
rollover from the Emerald as well while Takeda did the same with a ‘2’ on
the 6th.
Near pins went to Martin Grimoldby, Frank Kelly, Ted
Lodge, Chris Voller, Paul Chabot, Joe Peters and Ken Priddy (2).
Wednesday, Dec. 22, Green
Valley –Scramble.
Our fun game of the month, a 2-person stableford scramble
with a 40 per cent combined handicap allowance and 7 drives registered for
each player.
In fifth place with 62.6 came Mikael Andersson and Eugine
McGuire, fourth on 62.2 were Ya Riley and Bob Poole closely followed by Ben
Findon and Ken Foster with 61.2. Miss Noi and Chris Voller took second spot
with 59.6 and the winners with 57.6 were William Chang and Peter Seward.
Mike Combs and Paul Chabot, William Chang and Peter
Seward and Geoff Stubbs and Jimmy Johnson shared the ‘2’s team prize.
Near pins were claimed by Mike Combs (2), Ben Findon,
Neville Scurell, Paul Chabot, Terry Cowell and Noi Emmerson.
Friday, Dec. 24, Eastern
Star - Stableford
Christmas Eve and an amazing 42 players out with 12 at
least on the Kanchanburi annual trip. We teed off on time at 9.15 and just
behind a five-ball. We complained to the marshall and he insisted they be
quick; he monitored the play and after 6 holes we had not been held up at
all.
The first nine holes were played in immense heat, the
wind picked up after nine and the clouds started to thicken as we arrived at
the 18th. Amazingly for this time of the year the skies were dark grey and
as the fourth group came in it started to rain and continued for over an
hour. As our rules say on the board, if it rains for one hour the
competition is called off so we had to cancel but as we left Eastern Star
just a half a mile down the road there has been no rain whatsoever, totally
astounding!
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Mike Craighead rolls back the years
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, Dec. 19, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pat Regan (12) 41pts
2nd Peter Kelly (8) 38pts
3rd Paul Shaw (7) 35pts
B Flight
1st Mike Craighead (19) 43pts
2nd Chris Davisson (14) 39pts
3rd Jum Karagit (17) 36pts
Near Pins: No 4 Bobby Driggs, No 9 Phil Page, No 12
Jack Spencer, No16 Ben Nelson.
Mike
Craighead.
Mike ‘The Mechanic’ Craighead put his imprimatur on the
week in quick fashion, as he emasculated not only B Flight but also the
entire field, with a 43 point lashing. Chris Davisson took the silver with a
solid 39 points and the balance of the flight went to Jum Karagit with an
even par count-back verdict over Geoff Doody.
Overshadowed by the Mechanic’s outburst was a fine
performance by the senior flight winner, the young man from Co. Dublin, Pat
Reagan, with a splendid 41 points. Silver went to Peter Kelly while the
calculator was out for the Bronze with Paul Shaw, Captain Cotter and General
Spencer all posting 35 points, Paul’s sums holding up.
The Mechanic added a couple of 2’s to his winning’s along
with five other golfers.
Monday, Dec. 20, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Phil Page (12) 38pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (14) 35pts
B Flight
1st Morten Esseth (19) 37pts
2nd Barry Copestake (16) 35pts
As we all know, the traffic and the fact the girls at the
go-go bars are not paying attention to the locals signals that High-Low
season is upon us. It is further complicated by many regular society members
being off to their respective homelands to see the folks, kiss their nieces
and nephews, catch a footy game, and further appreciate why we live here.
Thus the typical three places in each flight were reduced to a more modest
two at Khao Kheow.
Phil Page was man of the match and one of only two people
on the day to better their handicap. Phil’s A Flight winning score of 38
points was three clear of Tore ‘The Consistent’ Eliassen.
In the junior circuit Morten Esseth held sway with 37
points, two clear of Barry ‘The Boot’ Copestake.
Ray Doman slotted home the only ‘2’ of the day.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Colin Davis (14) 40pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (14) 35pts
B Flight
1st Joseph Tynan (27) 38pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (16) 33pts
A case could well be made that Joe ‘I’m in the money’
Tynan had a clear shot at the title slot given his near man of the match
performance, but since I have given the title to Mike’, and Joe did not win
anyway, I think I am justified.
Joe has put his recent golf revival not to hours of
practice on the range or golf lessons with local Pro Richard, but down to
his daily cod liver oil capsule and sucking a fisherman’s friend once day.
Joe however did win B Flight with a rock solid 38 points, and was one of
only two players to better par. Pierre the Magician pulled his own name out
of the hat for third place in a three-way count-back with Peter Hendenberg
and German Oderman.
Skipping up to the senior flight we saw the Donkey trot
of with the man of the match and senior flight with a fine 40 point haul,
but then “He-or He-or ways does well here. Tore Eliassen replicated Monday’s
score to again take runner up spot, but he and Jimmy ‘two shots’ split the
‘2’s pot.
Friday, Dec. 24, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Kevin Mcentee (6) 37pts
2nd Francis Goyons (5) 35pts
3rd Clive Farmer (11) 34pts
B Flight
1st Matt Doyle (13) 39pts
2nd Colin Davis (15) 36pts
3rd Laurent Gonnet (16) 35pts
Was it the length of the ride out? Was it the small
Ronald Fream designed greens, was it the green-keeper’s pin positions (story
has it he won the lottery and lost the ticket), were they just lousy golfers
with unfounded visions of grandeur?
Whatever it was, no player played to their handicap. The
nearest was in A Flight as Peter Lenoury was top man with 35 points. The
calculator was out as three players all posted 33 points; Co. Tipperary man
John Feehan took silver, Colin ‘the Donkey’ filled the flight and the
count-back victim was Jean-Pierre Biset.
There was no holding Big Frank McNamara in the junior
flight as his 32 points was two better than second placed Morten Esseth who
was two better than Pierre ‘the Magician.’
Tore Eliassen, Yui Bietry Benn Nelson and Joe Tynan
shared the ‘2’s pot.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi
1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with
us just pop in, and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764.
Transport is provided.
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Kraft on the march again
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
Paul
Kraft, left, with runner-up Richard Baldotto.
Again the “Old and Crafty” beat out the young and virile
golfers. Paul Kraft, oldster of the group, had the number of the rest of the
field. Paul started the front nine with 19 points and matched it on the back
with another 19 to finish the day with 38 points. The next in line was
Richard Baldotto with 35 points. Although it was a perfect day for golf, the
scores did not reflect the playing conditions except for ‘Crafty’ Paul.
The rest of us dropped back into the low thirties and
high twenties. I guess everyone was holding back their best game for next
week so they can get their name on the monthly trophy. I’m sure that the
competition will be stiffer than this week. We already got word from Larry
Emerson that his name will be on the trophy for the fourth time this year -
lots of luck Larry! A dozen other golfers already reserved the slot.
Christmas rewards
for Murtagh and Dixon
Phoenix Tuesday & Friday Group
Tuesday’s top four with the staff at the Relax Bar.
Today’s game, Tuesday, December 21, would be our
penultimate game of 2010 and the last before Santa tried to find the
chimneys of Thailand!
Lake and Ocean was the course today, on a beautiful,
sunny day with a cool breeze. I have to say that all in all the
management and staff of Phoenix do a pretty good job throughout the year
and also the course is in superb condition. However, I will be taking up
one anomaly with the management regarding the slotting in of groups
coming round for their respective back nine holes of golf. Some of the
marshals seem to think that these groups can have preference over groups
on their first tee time.
With 27 holes it is inevitable that this kind of
thing is going to happen, but we all know from past experiences back
home that any groups coming round to a first tee after starting on the
10th should intermingle, giving preference to the first group coming off
the ninth hole.
We had a situation where one marshal tried to insist
that our group (which had a start time of 12.00 noon on Lake course)
should give way to four groups who were playing on the 8th and 9th holes
of the Mountain course. After much distasteful arguments between players
and marshal all the players from both groups came to the common sense
attitude of intermingling of play.
The reason I inform the readers of this problem is so
that you will take the matter up with the management if you experience
the same.
Back to our game and as headlined, Eamon Murtagh (39
points) and Dennis Dixon (38 points), both of whom had struggled
somewhat of late, at last hit some good form. Joint third place went to
three players with 34 points: Richard (unpronounceable) Tereskiviche,
Tom McCarthy and yours truly, Mike Gerrard.
Near Pins went to Eamon Murtagh, Richard Tereskiviche
(2) and Tom McCarthy.
Tuesday’s and Friday’s we have only two tee times
booked at 12.00 noon, but can increase if more players wish to join in.
Tuesday’s we only wish for 5 groups and they fill very quickly.
If you would like to join our group you will be very
welcome, but you must have an official handicap of maximum 28. All the
members who play in our group like to play competitive golf and
beginners or occasional player do not fit in with the criteria of the
group. Non members of Phoenix enjoy a reduced green fee of 1,000 baht as
a guest of the members. If you are interested please call me on 087 091
7565.
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Browns eye prizes at Crystal Bay
PSC golf from Café Kronborg
San Mig Stu
Monday, Dec. 20, Crystal
Bay - Stableford
A total of 34 golfers departed, dare I say it, “early”…
for some reason, which I don’t have the courage to ask, the Admiral piped
all troops aboard the buses at 8am! A trip up Sukhumvit Road had us at the
course in about 50 minutes. The first group was away at 9.20 hours and
completed their round in 4 hours and 10 minutes under perfect skies, on an
almost perfect course and dream greens.
The
Admiral, left, with the Alec Chilcott Cup winner Per Anders Karlson.
The scores were not so perfect however as only two
golfers managed to shoot par or better (Rob Brown and Walter Baechli). One
golfer retired hurt (Paul Avery with a pulled lower back muscle) and many
did not hand in cards!
It was this scribe’s first battle on this fairly open but
still quite challenging course and I look forward to a return visit in the
not too distant future.
We welcomed visitor Peter Sorensen from Denmark today.
Yes, the Brown’s (Rob and wife Karen) took out four of
the prizes with Rob winning A grade after carding 37 points and a nearest
the pin, whilst Karen picked up fourth place in C grade thanks to several
players not handing in their cards, so well done Rob and Karen. Karen also
won another prize as is mentioned later.
Other A grade results were second placing going to Walter
Baechli, third to Takeshi Hakozaki and fourth Andre Van Dyk. (Koji with 33
points won stuff all!)
B grade was won by Daryl Evans on 34 points, second was
Ken Bernek, third Peter Sorensen and fourth was Per Anders Karlson on a
count-back from Mike Herridge.
C grade saw Eddie Glinsek take the winning podium for
that group with 27 points. Second was Martyn Topham, third Dave Richardson
and Karen previously mentioned.
A Flight (0–16)
1st Rob Brown (8) 37pts
2nd Walter Baechli (16) 36pts
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki (12) 35pts
4th Andre van Dyk (16) 34pts
B Flight (17–23)
1st Daryl Evans (20) 34pts
2nd Ken Berneck (18) 33pts
3rd Peter Sorensen (22) 32pts
4th Per Anders Karlson (17) 32pts
C Flight (24+)
1st Eddie Glinsek (28) 27pts
2nd Martyn Topham (30) 26pts
3rd Dave Richardson (24) 23pts
4th Karen Brown (36) 14pts
Near Pins: B4 Rob Brown, B6 Walter Baechli, C4 Per
Anders Karlson, C7 Jean
Claude Lhoste.
Long Putts: B9 Peter Sorensen, C9 Svend Karlson
Karen Brown was slightly perplexed that she won the
Compass Charity Cap award, given that she had a podium finish, as was SMS
who was seeking a donation from her. Nevertheless, on double checking all
the scores handed in, Karen with some prompting from hubby, kindly donated
to this worthy cause.
Thursday, Dec. 23, Khao
Kheow – Stableford
The event today is held annually by the Caf้’ Kronborg to
honour and remember Alec Chilcott who was a past PSC Chairman. He passed
away in the late 1990’s.
Fun was the theme for today’s game and everybody was a
winner at the end of the day as everyone was prepped to bring along a
Christmas wrapped prize to the value of 300 baht. The prizes were displayed
on a table and at presentation the winner, followed by progressive highest
totals, selected a prize. One person actually ended up with his own donated
prize! (Richard Kubicki)
SMS was slightly disappointed that flights/grades were
absent today as we had a young 16 year old (Patrick Kelly) who hails from
the Mother Country, plays off a +2 handicap and has already represented his
country in Italy and Germany. It would have been nice to have slotted in a
grade of +2 handicaps!
I had the pleasure of sitting beside this young fella
(until after 25 minutes he informed me he was suffering with the flu!) who
currently has a world amateur ranking of 3500. He will be eligible to play
more point scoring tournaments next year which he anticipates will see him
into the top 900 in the world and then he can focus on becoming the number
one amateur, which is his goal before he looks to become a world
professional golfer. The Caf้ Kronborg wishes you well in your endeavors
Patrick and will take a keen interest in following your progress.
Unfortunately Patrick retired after 9 holes as the heat
coupled with the flu drained him. To his credit, he spent the next few hours
on the practice putting green… the sign of a dedicated golfer!
A special mention must go to Volka Buley who persevered
to finish his round despite suffering with tendinitis in his wrists and
elbow.
Another mention should also be declared, as Peter Kelly
(Dad of Patrick) was overheard to mumble “Open wider please” as he putted to
the hole on the 6th. Peter is a retired dentist.
The course was as usual in picture perfect condition in
all its aspects: the bunker sand was of great consistency which SMS can
attest to having found several on the day.
Today’s winner with a very creditable 44 points (scratch
golf on the back nine) was Per Anders Karlson who also won this event last
year! Well done Per. Second were Stu Rifkin (40), third Dave Richardson
(39), fourth Mike Gosden (39) and fifth JC Lhoste (39) on count-backs.
1st Per Anders Karlson (17) 44pts
2nd Stuart Rifkin (14) 40pts
3rd Dave Richardson (24) 39pts
4th Mike Gosden (9) 39pts
5th JC Lhoste (23) 39pts
Near Pins: B3 Patrick Kelly, B8 Peter Kelly, C3 Mike Herridge, C8 Rob
Brown
Long Putts: B9 Eddy Glinsek, C9 Einar Johansson
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Smith & Mielke double up
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Monday, Dec. 22, Green
Valley – Stableford
1st Paul Smith (3) 40pts
2nd Capt. Bob Finley (13) 39pts
3rd Don Bland (3) 37pts
4th Brent Merron (7) 35pts
Near Pins: Dave Mather
Paul Smith was the man today, shooting a masterful 71 off
the stick with his putter working just fine. Capt Bob Finley had a slow
start but came racing in on the back nine to amass a 39 point total which
was good enough for second place. Don Bland was third on 37 points and Brent
Merron came in fourth with 35.
We welcome all the golfers to the high season and thank
them for their support.
Wednesday, Dec. 22,
Pleasant Valley - Stableford
1st Anita Mielke (19) 37pts
2nd John Baxter (15) 35pts
3rd John Emmerson (10) 35pts
4th
Brad Sproxton (12) 34pts
We had 5 groups join us today, but we were shy one
individual who managed to find his way to a different course. Not bad for an
intelligence officer!
When play began Anita Mielke took the frame with 37
points and in second was John Baxter with 35 after beating out John Emmerson
on count-back with back sixes of 11 and 10 respectively. Brad Sproxton was
in fourth with 34 points and allegedly 10 tins.
Friday, Dec. 24, Khao
Kheow A&B - Stableford
A Div. (0-14)
1st Paul Smith (3) 42pts
2nd Eddy Graham (12) 40pts
3rd Dave Driscoll (13) 38pts
B Div. (15+)
1st Anita Mielke (19) 37pts
2nd Rob Herald (18) 34pts
3rd
Barry Copstake (16) 34pts
Khao Kheow continues to be a popular venue for us as we
had 10 groups today (with everybody finding the course!) Playing the A & B
combo off the “slightly forward” yellow tees resulted in high scoring for
some.
Paul Smith continued his winning ways this week by taking
the A Division with a fantastic gross 69 and 42 points. Well done Paul! Eddy
Graham finished second on 40 points and Dave “The Fisherman” Driscoll was
third with 38.
Division B was taken by our second repeat winner of the
week, Anita Mielke, who had a fine 37 points for top spot. Second and third
places were decided on count-back as Rob Herald had a back six of 12 to just
nip ahead of Barry Copstake who had only 7.
Thanks again for all those that support golf at The Golf
Club. We are scheduled again on Jan 4 and 5 for an away trip to Kabin Buri.
Sign up at the Club.
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.
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Ferris in fine form
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society began the festive season in good
order with a visit to Khao Kheow on Monday, 20th December to play a
stableford competition over the A and B nines. The weather was excellent and
the course was well presented with good fairways and greens with a lot of
pace. The remnants of dressing were seen on the A nine greens but they
played fairly consistently.
The field was divided into two flights at fifteen and
under and the return of many old friends made the day a special one indeed.
In the top flight Tony Thorne managed to squeeze into the
frame with 34 points for third whilst Ray Banks emphasised his arrival with
a level par 36 points for second. Rob Lamond, a fine golfer by any
standards, produced an excellent gross of 76 to give him the win on 38
points.
In the second flight a relegated Joe Niisato recorded 36
points after his erratic shambles the previous week and he shared the
runner-up spot with Pat Murphy. The flight winner was Jim Ferris who
produced his best round in many a year, his 39 points giving him the best
points haul of the day.
A special highlight was recorded by Peter Masters as he
eagled the B1 hole, holing out with a well struck eight iron from a sanded
divot! He thus shared the ‘2’s pot with Rob Lamond and Ray Banks after their
creditable efforts on A5.
The Booby Bevy claims involved a driver getting lost, a
driver head being decapitated on the first tee and an errant course dog who
ran away with a new “Bridgestone” after Tony Thorne’s first tee shot, but
Peter Masters was the recipient after his card displayed an amazing split of
nine and twenty three.
There is no better early Christmas present than a day on
the golf course at Khao Kheow.
Premier Teague show
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Crystal Bay on
Wednesday, 22nd December to play a stableford competition on a course
currently needing a good spring cleaning! Fairways were best described as
untidy with grass clippings and evidence of over-watering and a visit from a
“hoover” salesman would surely have done the trick. Having aired that point
the greens were in fair condition and were generally consistent.
The large seasonal field was divided into two flights at
fourteen and under. In the top flight scores were good with Martin Grimoldby
and Paul McNally returning scores of 36 points to share second place, the
latter recording the day’s best gross of 77. The main prize went to the Thai
golfer who is fulfilling his ample potential at present, Wichai Tananusorn,
and he added yet another fine sub-par round to his end of year CV with 37
points for the win.
In the second flight Margaret Wilkinson enjoyed her
performance as she returned 35 points for third place, one behind Jim Ferris
who repeated his good performance two days previously with another fine 36
point haul. The flight winner was John Teague who scored 41 points on his
debut with the PGS.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Alan Griffiths and Shuichi
Kodaka after their efforts on the exquisitely teasing B5 par three and the
Booby Bevy went to Shizuo Satori on his record breaking low scoring debut.
Crystal Bay was probably still “vfm” but it falls a long
way short of the attractive venue it was before the change of ownership a
few years ago.
Jones & Banks
in credit at Phoenix
The start of the festive season saw the Pattaya Golf
Society visit Phoenix on Christmas Eve to play a stableford competition on
the Mountain and Lakes nines. Phoenix was full with its holiday golfers and
a long day was in prospect with the insertion of starting groups on the
tenth, instead of the first, and delays were inevitable but it turned out
better than expected.
The course is still not what it used to be and it has
toughened up considerably with the planting of new trees but the down season
has left the course untidy. Greens were also slower than any others played
recently and some golfers were caught out initially.
The single flight was headed by Ray Banks and Len Jones
who shared the win with 35 points each, closely followed by local member
Chris Knapp on 34. Chris’ round had all the potential for an assault on par
but two scratched holes put paid to what could have been an excellent
effort.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to
Brendan Gilsenan for his customary low scoring returning round.
The Pattaya Golf Society wishes to thank all of its
friends for their unstinting support through a bad year and wishes them all
the best in golf in 2011.
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Dangle cruises to
another win at Emerald
Dangle (2nd
right) celebrates his win at Mom’s Bar.
The Backyard Golf
Society
High season is definitely here and we had our slowest
round of the year following a bunch of Scandinavians who, the staff at
Emerald decided, were allowed to tee-off just before us. Five hours later we
finally arrived back in the club house for the prize giving.
As seen above, Dangle took the game with a massive 43
points but the down side is, with our own handicap system, he will be cut 7
shots next week! Geoff took the nearest the pin prize as he was the only
player to hit the green out of the whole group. Skin results are as follows:
Dangle (7), Tony D (4), Bob G (3), Terry C (2) and Dan M (1).
Due to the lack of staff at Mama’s Bar the picture above
was taken outside Mom’s Bar where the staff made us feel very welcome!
Happy Christmas to all readers from everyone at the Backyard Golf
Society.
Brown battles to victory
at Greenwood
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Derek Brook
Tuesday, Dec. 21,
Greenwood – Stableford
It only seemed like a few days since we were last here
last; in fact I suppose it was seeing as we also played here on Friday in
the PSC Monthly. On this day the course was really quiet and we just about
had it to ourselves. This was really very surprising as this is the ‘High
Season’ and one would expect it to be really busy. I suppose this is how we
see the rest of the area normally, but quiet at present.
Tuesday’s winner Rob Brown with runner up Brian Parrish.
So up to Greenwood and out onto a nearly empty course. I
actually thought the layout was in better condition than the previous
Friday, maybe less rain in the last few days and in fact the carts were
allowed on the course. The fairways were still a bit wet and the ball picked
up lumps of wet mud, but all in all in pretty good condition. The rough was
difficult but I thought the greens could have been cut shorter and thus they
played slow.
We were soon around with no one in front of us and into
the showers, then into the outside restaurant. The weather was superb so it
was a pleasure just to sit there and let the world pass by. Then it was into
cars and back to Bert’s for the presentations.
The winner on the day was Rob Brown with 36 points ahead
of Brian Parrish with 35. In third we had Mashi Kaneta with 34 points on
count-back over Koji Yamada in fourth. We put out 4 near pins today and of
course playing the A & C Nines no player got on the two long Par 3’s. So
with nobody on we decided to have a fifth place and this was taken by yours
truly after beating Brian Gabe on count-back. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Rob Brown (2)
Long Putts: Jack Robertson & Mashi Kaneta
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Ashman produces
top score of the week
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, Dec. 20,
Plutaluang - Stableford
We elected to play the West and North nines today, having
played the East and South nines on our previous two visits, and what a good
decision that turned out to be. The greens on these two nines were vastly
superior and presented a genuine test for the golfers, which was reflected
in the scores.
With a large number of high handicap golfers playing
today the cut was made at 20, which is the highest it’s been in recent
memory. Mike Corner found himself in the A Flight for the first time ever,
and came in second place behind the newly arrived Barry Murnin. In the B
Flight Jack Robertson recorded his first win since his return to Pattaya,
narrowly ahead of Dave Keats.
A Flight
1st Barry Murnin (14) 36pts
2nd Mike Corner (20) 33pts
3rd Colin Greig (11) 32pts
B Flight
1st Jack Robertson (25) 29pts
2nd Dave Keats (26) 38pts
3rd Reg Smart (23) 27pts
Near Pins: Barry Murnin, Lewis Greig, Ken Young and Mashi Kaneta
Wednesday, Dec. 22, Mountain Shadow -
Stableford
The popularity of the Mountain Shadow course continues to
increase amongst the Bunker Boys due to the excellent condition of the
course and the competitive green fee. Although always a tough test with
multitudinous trees and undulating fast greens, the number of regulars
complaining that the course is too difficult seems to be getting less each
month.
The course was surprisingly quiet today and the weather
conditions almost perfect, so the round progressed smoothly, although the
first group did catch up with a five ball after 7 holes. As always here, the
lower handicap golfers coped with the course better, and Rocky Jones playing
with Pat Kelly had a tight contest to decide the winner of the A Flight,
with Rocky just edging out on top.
A Flight
1st Rocky Jones (7) 36pts
2nd Pat Kelly (2) 35pts
3rd Barry Murnin (14) 32pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Parker (16) 30pts
2nd Jack Robertson (23) 29pts
3rd Ron Hall (17) 29pts
Near Pins: Rocky Jones, Pat Kelly, Geoff Cox and William Macey
Friday, Dec. 24, Greenwood - Stableford
Well worth the slightly longer drive than usual to find
the Greenwood course in excellent condition, and yet again quiet (has the
high season really arrived?).
We teed off immediately on arrival and playing the C and
A nines, the round was completed in just over four hours. A superb day’s
golf was enjoyed by all - what a great way to spend Christmas Eve.
Dave Ashman produced the best round of the day and Tony
Berry continued his good run of form to maintain a stranglehold on the race
to the Golfer of the Month title with 3 games remaining.
1st Dave Ashman (16) 38pts
2nd Richard Baldotto (27) 37pts
3rd Tony Berry (11) 35pts
4th Mike Corner (20) 35pts
Near Pins: Roy Dayton and Lewis Greig
An incident occurred this week which is worthy of comment
as an aside from the report. It concerns the small number of wanna-be
comedians who carry plastic snakes in their golf bags to scare the caddies
and amuse their friends. Whilst it’s an old, dated stunt, some people still
find it amusing to see the caddies screaming, until as happened this week,
one encounters a girl who has a genuine pathological fear of snakes.
Thus when the wanna-be comedian hurled the snake into a
group of caddies (not in his own group) the hapless female went into a
trauma, crying and shaking and totally out of control – good joke some
people might think - but perhaps not so funny when there was talk of calling
for medical assistance (and perhaps the accompanying boys in brown!)!)
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Greenwood revisited
PSC December Monthly Golf Tournament
The 103rd PSC monthly golf
tournament was staged at Greenwood Golf Club on Friday December17. The
layout was in excellent condition considering they had just had a big rain
storm earlier in the morning and the staff did a superb job getting the
course in shape. We did play “lift, clean and place” in the fairways
however.
Low
Gross winner, Patrick Kelly, left, with Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham.
Welcoming a full complement of 144 golfers, the Golf
Chairman Joe Mooneyham and Max Matthews did a great job in getting everyone
organized and off to their correct starting tees on time.
The weather was perfect for golf as the gods blessed us
with low humidity and a nice breeze. Some good rounds were scored, as
usually happens when you have a full slate of players, and taking the Low
Gross honors this month was Patrick Kelly with a fine round of 74 off the
stick.
The A Flight was headed by Jeff Wylie on net 70 with
Francis Goyons and Jan Anderson taking the minor places. Reg McKay was best
in the B Flight with net 66 to finish a veritable street ahead of Paul Avery
and Richard Kubicki.
In the C Flight John Bartley came out on top with 39
points to just edge ahead of Mel Davis and John Hughes, while D Flight saw
the best Stableford score of the day, 45 points from Morten Esseth, to
finish eleven better than runner up Nigel Canon.
Ladies
winner Yui Bietry accepts her prize.
Yui Bietry meanwhile knocked it round in an even par 36
points to win the Ladies division ahead of Initra Coranson
Diana Garden Resort was again the venue for the
presentation and thanks to the staff there for their always great service.
The buffet was delicious and was enjoyed by all and Happy Hour prices were
again in effect and appreciated.
After the prize giving, Joe Mooneyham, announced that in
the spirit of the Holidays we were all getting a nice gift. Thanks again,
Joe.
Note: Remember January is the PSC Club Championship
to be held at Khao Kheow with a 2-day event taking place on January 11 and
14. Please sign up early if you wish to compete.
Low Gross:
1st Patrick Kelly 74
A Flight (0-11)
1st Jeff Wylie (7) net 70
2nd Francis Goyons (6) net 70
3rd Jan Anderson (7) net 72\
B Flight (12-15)
1st Reg McKay (14) net 66
2nd Paul Avery (12) net 74
3rd Richard Kubicki (12) net 76
C Flight (16-19)
1st John Bartley (19) 39pts
2nd Mel Davis (17) 38pts
3rd John Hughes (17) 37pts
D Flight (20+)
1st Morten Esseth (20) 45pts
2nd Nigel Cannon (25) 34pts
3rd Ivan Plunkettt (20) 33pts
Ladies
1st Yui Bietry (10) 36pts
2nd Initra Coranson (15) 32pts
Near Pins: Rob Brown, Ken Bernek, Bengt Borg, Reg
McKay, Frank Waterhouse, Yui Bietry, Jeff Wylie, Alan Thomas, Takeshi
Hakozaki, Frank Pilkington, Ron Dalen, Tonkhoksoong Pimusa
Long Drives: Patrick Kelly, Seamus Cotter, Terry
Tucker, Joel Flor, Wendy Chetland.
2’s: Frank Pilkington, Rob Brown, Jeff Wylie, Yui
Bietry, Terry Tucker, and Mike Allidi
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Christmas and first time winners
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Christmas smiles at Rakpasa Kindergarten in Banchang.
Barry Hooper
I hope you don’t mind but I am breaking away from my
conventional start to my report this week, after all it is Christmas and by
the time you read this New Year will be pending.
My job, when I am not writing about the TRGG activities,
is teaching English to young Thai children and I had the pleasant duty of
playing Santa at Christmas. So I have used a picture taken at my festivities
with the students this week which shows for me what Christmas is all about.
Happy smiling faces - They are priceless! As always I wish a Happy New Year
to all the readers and the members and players at the TRGG. May 2011 bring
you everything you desire.
On the golfing front it was a week of first time winners:
on Monday at Emerald it was Neil Wilkinson; Tuesday at Chrystal Bay - Min
Moore; Thursday at Phoenix – Alan Thomas; and Ted McCarthy; and finally on
Christmas Day it was Tristan Gilbert and Jack McNamara at Greenwood.
So here is a detailed report on the weeks play from the
TRGG
Monday, Dec. 20, The
Emerald - Stableford
1st Neil Wilkinson (12) 39pts
2nd Ted Senior (13) 36pts
3rd Llewelyn Matthews (19) 36pts
4th Alan Thomas (7) 34pts
5th
Rocky Jones (7) 34pts
Monday saw a trip to Banchang to play the Emerald layout
with just one divisions of play. The course must have played well judging by
the score line and a lot of new names were in the frame yet again.
Neil Wilkinson headed the list with 39 points off his 12
handicap, followed home by Ted Senior with a 36 and 19 on the back nine so
taking it over Llewelyn Thomas on same score but only 17 over the inward
half. Alan Thomas had 34 for fourth and Rocky Jones rounded things off in
fifth, also with 34 but losing the count-back.
There was a single ‘2’ but cannot read my writing (sorry
I had a few drinks as it was Christmas Eve when I prepared this report) so
not sure who it was from.
Tuesday, Dec. 21, Crystal
Bay – Stableford
1st Min Moore (36) 44pts
2nd German Odermatt (14) 38pts
3rd Richard Dobson (14) 37pts
4th Brendan Moore (10) 36pts
5th
Neil Wilkinson (11) 35pts
Tuesday we visited Crystal Bay with a moderate attendance
so only one division. The course was in great shape and an excellent day’s
play resulted in some pretty good scoring.
The highest score was posted by Min Moore with 44 points
for her first time win. Brendan her partner recently purchased a putting
practise mat for Min so she has certainly put that to good use. In second
and six back was German Odermatt at 38, followed in by Richard Dobson at 37
and then Brendan Moore at 36 (must hurt getting beaten by your lady) with
Neil Wilkinson rounding off the places with 35.
No ‘2’s today so a traditional bell ring at the
presentation
Thursday, Dec, 23, Phoenix
– Stableford
Div. 1
1st Alan Thomas (7) 39pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (19) 38pts
3rd Rocky Jones (18) 38pts
4th Hugh Byrne (12) 35pts
Div. 2
1st Ted McCarthy (22) 42pts
2nd Jack McNamara (19) 33pts
3rd Andrew Rich (22) 32pts
4th
Alan Webber (19) 31pts
Thursday was another of our regular visits to Phoenix. A
good group made the journey to enjoy the attributes of this great course so
two divisions.
Division 1 had Alan Thomas find a flash of real form for
the win with 39 points. Second was Mod Chaviraksa with her 38 along with
Rocky Jones on the same score but losing the count-back 19 to 18. Hugh Byrne
came in fourth at 35.
Division 2 had Ted McCarthy topping the list with a great
42 points. Jack McNamara was some distance back in second and following him
was Andrew Rich at 32, with Alan Webber bringing up the rear in fourth
place.
Only the one ‘2’ today and that came from Brendan Moore.
Saturday, Dec. 25,
Greenwood – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Tristan Gilbert (13) 41pts
2nd Alan Thomas (6) 36pts
3rd Guy Fraser (10) 33pts
Div. 2
1st Jack McNamara (19) 37pts
2nd Norman Cheetham (14) 34pts
3rd
Rob Herald (18) 33pts
Saturday was a return visit to Greenwood which is
becoming a favourite port at weekends now. The course was found yet again in
good condition and we had a very good turnout bearing in mind it was
Christmas Day.
Tristan Gilbert topped the first division with a smashing
41 points, ahead of Alan Thomas and Guy Fraser. The second flight saw Jack
McNamara claim the win, with Norman Cheetham and Rob Herald taking the minor
places.
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.
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David Dines scores best
of the week
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Dec. 13, Bangpra -
Bunker Annual Championship
Monday, Dec. 20, Eastern
Star - Stableford
CSS72
1st Rodney Howett (25) 35pts
2nd Rodney Hayes (9) 35pts
3rd David Dines (7) 34pts
4th Brian Libbey 34pts
5th Leslie Cobban (8) 34pts
6th
Mikael Andersson (9) 33pts
Having cleaned up in a big way by taking the top prize in
the 50/50 draw at the Santa Scramble in the previous outing, Rodney Hayes
just failed in his attempt to gain back to back success as he just lost out
to Rodney Howett with a worse count-back of 18 to 19 after they had halved
the totals at 35 a-piece. It was some little consolation after Rodney Howett
had heard, along with Rodney Nabbe, the big prize winners name being read
out by the mischievous announcer as, “and the big winner is Rodney … Hayes”,
which had given them both a bit of a thrill.
David
Dines.
David Dines slipped into third place with a steady if
unspectacular two over handicap round after winning a three way count-back
with Brian Libbey and Leslie Cobban as he scored 19, Brian 18 and Leslie 15
on the back nine. Mikael Andersson had an honourable mention in sixth,
another shot behind them.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but
Michael Dige made it a happy return with the only one in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes the Doc welcomed Mikael
Jansson and also welcomed back Michael Clifford, Dan MacCarthy, George
Pittam, Mike Hill, Brian Libby, Markku Tynell and Michael Dige.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, Laem
Chabang - Stableford
CSS 71
1st David Dines (7) 38pts
2nd Bubbles Davies (17) 36pts
3rd Stuart Thompson (9) 35pts
4th Alex Sala (16) 35pts
5th Phil Knight (9) 35pts
6th
Leslie Cobban (8) 33pts
After a close call in the previous outing David Dines
took the win with a very good gross 77 on a course that he had not played
for over a year and trusted to basic skills and a little assistance from his
caddy on the correct line on the greens. This was at the expense of Bubbles
Davies, making a flying visit from China and preparing for the next big one
after competing in the Santa Scramble but who had to settle for a second
place after failing to score on the seventeenth and collecting a meager one
point on the last.
Rodney
Howett.
Stuart Thompson led in a group, all on 35 points, with a
better count-back of 4 on the last 2 holes against Alex Sala’s 3 after they
had tied the back nine on 18 and the six on 13 and the last three on 6 each,
with Phil Knight taking 5th after an inward half of
16. Les Cobban got the honourable mention a further two behind them.
For the third time of asking there were still no 2’s in
the second division but David Dines, Phil Knight and John Chambers all had
one in the first division.
Before the presentations Joe McArdle, John Chambers, Andy
Galvin, Ger Lodge, Michael Healey, Richie Martin, John Beshoff, John Pegrum
and Alex Sala were all welcomed back.
Friday, Dec. 25, The
Emerald - Stableford
CSS71
1st Brian Libbey (10) 37pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer (14) 35pts
3rd Mike Hill (23) 35pts
4th Rodney Hayes (9) 35pts
5th Stephen Lewis (20) 35pts
6th Danny Greer (25) 34pts
7th
Kevin Townsend (11) 34pts
With quite a few of the regulars and holiday golfers
taking the day off to celebrate Christmas from very early in the day, the
entry list was lower than was expected but a happy group set off for a day’s
entertainment prior to the celebrations later.
Having been busily working for the last five months
without touching a golf club prior to this week, Brian Libbey added to his
fourth place earlier in the week with a fine one under handicap over the
well conditioned Emerald course to take the top spot on the podium from
Trevor Schirmer by two clear shots.
Trevor won a four-way battle for the next places with a
better count-back on the last three by an 8 to 3 margin after he and Mike
Hill had tied the back nine at 18 each and the back six at 13. Mike Hill,
having put in a storming 13, 14 and 15th holes and
scoring ten points, slipped to lose it at the last hurdle.
Rodney Hayes took fourth with a count-back of 17 on the
nine and Stephen Lewis 5th after just 14. Danny Greer
got the honourable mention with a better 21 to Kevin Townsend’s 19 over the
inward half.
Kevin Townsend and Brian Libby shared the first division
2’s pot and Tome McCarthy and Stephen Lewis shared the second division
rollover pool which was ten times higher than the first.
Back at The Haven Matsuda Misao was welcomed as a new
member.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven
group you can contact mobile 084782 4582 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi
13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the
course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you
should be there by 8.30 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays on the
days you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on
our web site at www. thehaven-hotel.com.
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O’Keefe out of sight at Burapha
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Friday’s
team winners Paul Quinn and Andy Butterworth with the runners up, Geoff
Doody and Steve Plant.
Joey’s column
Monday, Dec. 20, Burapha -
Stableford
Twently-seven Outbackers got under way early as the
course was deserted, playing Burapha (C & D) at its best, after a vast
improvement on the condition of last week, as there were no wet parts to
speak of and the greens were running fast and true.
Welcome to my mate Chopper, aka Kerry Rothwell, from the
sunshine coast in Queensland; his first trip here and is currently being
looked after by Bobby Driggs; as in being shown the ropes as it were. When
he rang the Capt’ from somewhere south and told me his guardian (Bobby) was
otherwise engaged and he didn’t know where he was until he told me the name
of the establishment, then I was able to give him advice.
Playing with Steve Mann today was a pleasure until we got
to the last and he put one over the fence. Just to see his face was funny
but he still ended up with a point anyway. The course did play a bit easier
today even though there was a bit of wind. The scores were not up to the
normal standards apart from one, John O’Keefe who had a magnificent 44
points. Great game John, congrats from us all. Otherwise, there were four
tied on 35 points in Div A, and nice to see Joe Mooneyham finding time for a
game, in amongst all the good work he’s doing as the PSC golf Chairman.
There was a ‘jackpot 2’ scored by Pete Stonebridge.
Div A (0-13)
1st Amarjit Banwaitt (6) 35pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (13) 35pts
3rd Mitch Black (3) 35pts
Div B (14+)
1st John O’Keefe (16) 44pts
2nd Doug Campbell (14) 35pts
3rd Dave Bilham (14) 31pts
Tuesday, Dec. 21, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Whoever is behind Pattaya Country Club’s rejuvenation
must be determined to put the venue firmly back on the map as a ‘must play’
course, as they continue to upgrade the long-standing ‘temporary clubhouse’,
so much so that it clearly can no longer be considered temporary. New tiles
in the restaurant area, new patios outside and ongoing work to the changing
rooms are surely good indications that these guys are making an effort.
On the course, we understand they now have a new
green-keeper, who is already making his mark with ongoing work to the
bunkers and the greens that have clearly been rolled or ironed, are
continuing to improve and we understand also that at long last, the holes
will soon have the white hole liners never before seen on this course.
Can it be that these changes are making the course
tougher? The scores this week were the lowest seen here for sometime, with
34 points being sufficient to win both divisions. Carl Luke, Frank O’Neill
led the way in A and Nigel Cannon likewise in B but there were no ‘2’s (must
have been the slicker greens!)
Div A (0-19)
1st Carl Luke (15) 34pts
2nd Frank O’Neill (19) 34pts
3rd Dennis Persson (19) 33pts
4th Svenn Lund (13) 32pts
Div B (20+)
1st Nigel Cannon (24) 34pts
2nd Geoff Moodie (25) 31pts
3rd David Spendley (23) 30pts
4th David Davies (25) 30pts
Wednesday, Dec. 22, Greenwood - Stableford
Capt’ Bob never ceases to amaze, how can he not like this
course? This has truly got to be one of the best kept courses around but it
could improve a whole lot more of it were 10 minutes closer to Pattaya, a
120km round trip is a heck of a long way to go for a round of golf.
Nevertheless 20 Outbackers did make the journey, plus Jack, no not the
General, Jack Spencer who was there on his lonesome, there was absolutely
nobody else here. So who was Jack playing with? He wasn’t on the Outback’s
start sheet, oh he must be here with the Golf Club. Well he was, except the
Golf Club weren’t – never did find out where they played. Anyway, you can’t
leave a good mate all alone so he played with us instead.
Playing the excellent C loop first, Steve Mann (37pts)
showed his true scrambling talent; time after time he was in trouble off the
tee but fifteen out of seventeen times he got up and down having missed the
green. Just in case you’re wondering about the eighteenth time, well that
was just a brilliant 5-wood to about two feet on the long Par 3 third hole
on C. He won Div A from the ambidextrous Bobby Driggs (35pts), he plays left
handed but can turn the club upside down and play right handed as well and
he hits it pretty good.
Sugar Ray (36pts) missed a six inch putt on the last but
still won Div B from his playing partner in the ‘Boo Hoo’ cup, John Cogan
with 35. They successfully got rid of the ‘Boo Hoo’ to Murray Hart and Phil
Waite, who would be doing their damnedest to get rid of it to a couple of
unsuspecting ‘bunnies’ on Friday at Khao Kheow.
There were only two ‘2’s from Raji and of course Steve
Mann.
Div A (0-11)
1st Steve Mann (9) 37pts
2nd Robert Driggs (11) 35pts
3rd Paul Greenaway (10) 33pts
Div B (12+)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (19) 36pts
2nd John Cogan (15) 35pts
3rd Robert Ford (18) 32pts
Friday, Dec. 24, Khao Kheow – Pairs Stableford
Our Xmas Eve event at Khao Kheow was a 4-ball better ball
competition, with a total of 23 teams taking part (46 players). We started
on time on the B nine and for a seasonal treat, Capt’ Bob was in the first
group, leaving Jack to run the show from the tee box; all going according to
plan with no ‘no shows’ and everybody away in just under the hour. Our back
nine was C, which went a little slower for the leading groups due to a
couple of five balls, but everybody was round in about 4 hours 20 minutes.
The course was in its usual great condition with some
excellent scores being returned. The winners were Andy Butterworth & Paul
Quinn (45pts) ahead of the runner up pairing of Geoff Doody & Steve Plant
(43pts), who also had a great battle, which they (Geoff & Steve) eventually
won, against Murray Hart & Robert Ford in the “Boo Hoo” Cup.
The visiting team of Jeff Calrow & Mark Reid (also with
43pts) were third ahead of the local pairing of Pat Regan & Jum (42pts) who
are never far off the pace in these team games.
There were five ‘2’s from Don Lehmer, Paul Greenaway,
Phil Waite, Nev Steward & Bob Philp
1st Andy Butterworth & Paul Quinn
45pts
2nd Geoff Doody & Steve Plant 43pts
3rd Jeff Calrow & Mark Reid 43pts
4th Patrick Regan & Jum Karagit 42pts
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.
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Golfers gone fishing
Phoenix Tuesday Golf Group Fishing Day.
Mike Gerrard
It was 7.00am on Sunday morning and I was reminded of the
good old country song by Willie Nelson, “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” It was
cold, yes cold here in Pattaya, and I’d had a few beers the night before
which made me think about putting a vest on. But we all know it aint gonna
be cold for long, so I resisted.
Happy
fisher folk with their bountiful catch.
Down at Sattahip all but one of the booked passengers for
the day turned up as planned. I say that, even the one who did not come did
turn up to give his apologies for having an uncontrollable stomach and what
comes out of it.
So, onto the boat we all clambered and we were soon on
our way to find all them little fishes we enjoy catching and eating. After
about 30 minutes of the lovely sea air and the sun coming up a bit higher,
and with a little bit of breakfast in our stomachs we were all feeling
pretty good.
The first area we tried was pretty busy with fish ranging
from half a pound to 3 or 4 pounds in the way of Pladang and Snapper. The
middle part of the day saw the tides changing and it went pretty quiet.
However, once the tide was in full flow we changed position in the ocean and
wow, the action started and went on for a good 90 minutes.
Having drawn lots to see who would get first chance at
the big ones it was down to Dennis Dixon to get the first one in. The
drawing of the lots soon disappeared when all of the rods were going at the
same time. First it was a Pompano, then came a nice Queen fish (about 15
kilos). We also lost 3 good fish either through faulty equipment or
inexperience on our behalf, but it didn’t matter.
After that we hit a school of Jacks who were so busy
rounding small fry up in to circles that they did not know the difference
from the small fry and our little bit of squid hanging from the hooks. In
they came, one after the other, all about 2 to 3 pounds in weight. After
bagging about 25 of these we were all getting tired and realised that we had
more fish than we could eat. The photo only shows a few of the haul we had.
The rest were in the ice box.
As I write this tale I am cooking one of the Jacks in the
oven with butter and garlic sauce in foil - smells delicious.
Future trips are planned for each month at the moment,
but will fill up very quickly. There is space for one more on the 15th
January 2011. However, if there are enough people interested I can always
charter a boat any day of the week. Give me a call on 087 091 7565.
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Pattaya Sports Club
Bowling League
200
Bowlers: Noodle, Ooy & Somrak.
VFW Post 9876 clinched the first place trophy last
week so now three teams are fighting for second and third places,
although you couldn’t tell by this week’s results as all three
contending teams lost.
Second place Brother D lost three points to VFW Post
9876 who got good bowling from David Shaw who had a 521 series and
Somrak who had a 202 game and 509.
Third place Green Tree lost three points to House of
the Golden Coin despite the fact that Noodle Russell bowled a 200 game
and 516 series for Green Tree. Pao led Golden Coin with a 504 series.
Fourth place Café Kronborg, who were missing their
Captain Kran Nielsen, lost all four points to Bavaria as no bowlers
managed to top the 500 series mark.
Canada got back on the winning track with a four
point win over the USMC team. Bowlers had trouble with lanes 5 and 6
which is not unusual.
Ooy Pluemkamon found how to lead her Jack Tar team to
victory by bowling games of 207, 203 and 190 for a 600 series. Jack Tar
won all four points from Sabai Friday who also were missing their best
bowler, Captain Nok Kennedy.
There will be no bowling this week as bowlers get ready for the New
Year. All of us bowlers want to wish everyone a very “Happy New Year”.
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