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Asian stars eye success at the PTT Pattaya Open
Nicha
Lertpitaksinchai.
The US$220,000 PTT Pattaya Open has attracted many of
Asia’s leading tennis stars, including Zheng Jie, Kimiko Date-Krumm, Peng
Shuai and Ayumi Morita. The tournament, which is being held at the Dusit
Thani Pattaya Hotel from 6–13 February, is celebrating 20 years on the WTA
Tour, making it one of Asia’s longest running tennis events.
Zheng Jie, who is the highest ranked Asian player in the
field, has been sidelined with injury since the latter part of 2010. She
also withdrew from the Australian Open where she reached the semi-final last
year. Pattaya will be her first match back after injury and she will be
looking to recapture the form of early 2010.
Zheng
Jie.
Kimiko Date-Krumm, who at 40 is the oldest player on the
WTA Tour had a strong finish to the 2010 season, she reached the
quarter-final in Seoul, before losing to Tamarine in the final in Osaka and
then in the season ending Tournament of Champions in Bali she made it
through to the final before losing to Ana Ivanovic. Accompanying her in the
main draw is Japanese No 2, Ayumi Morita who has always performed well in
Asia, and her best result in 2010 was a semi-final finish in Kuala Lumpur.
China is also well represented in the main draw, with
Peng Shuai and Zhang Shuai joining Zheng Jie. Peng Shuai is one of the most
consistent Asian players on the tour and finished 2010 in the top 100 for
the seventh consecutive season, whilst Zhang Shuai finished in the top 100
for the first time; her best performance was a semi-final spot in Guangzhou.
Other Asian players who have entered the tournament
include India’s Sania Mirza, and Taiwan’s Chan Yung-Jan and Chang Kai-Chen.
Noppawan and Nicha get
wild cards
The Organising Committee of the PTT Pattaya Open, after
consultation with the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, has awarded wild
cards to two of Thailand’s rising tennis stars, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and
Nicha Lertpitaksinchai into the main draw of the event.
The two young stars, who are members of the Thailand Fed
Cup team, will be joining Tamarine Tanasugarn in the main draw of the event.
They earned their selection as a result of their performances during the
2010 season.n.
Noppawan has risen to a career-high ranking of 181 in the
world, due to some good results on the ITF Challenger circuit, where her
best results were winning an event in Tsukuba, Japan and finishing runner-up
at another event in Cairns, Australia. She also made it through qualifying
earlier this month at the WTA event in Auckland, New Zealand.
Likewise Nicha is also sitting on a career high ranking
of 425, she too has been active on the ITF Challenger circuit cumulating in
winning the tournament in Bangalore, India, where she started out as a
qualifier and went all the way through to the final without dropping a set.
Both girls performed well in Pattaya last year, Noppawan
losing a tight three set match to Chanelle Scheepers in the opening round,
whilst Nicha made it to the final round of qualifying before having to
retire with a leg injury.
Depending on the draw, which will be made on Sunday 6
February, the Thai pair may be faced with a tough test against some of the
world’s best players, such as Vera Zvonareva, Ana Ivanovic, Daniela
Hantuchova or Maria Kirilenko.
Qualifying for the PTT Pattaya Open will be held on 6–7
February, with the main draw running from 7–13 February. Main draw matches
will start from 15.00 daily.
Tickets for the tournament are priced at 300 baht for
qualifying. 300, 500 and 800 baht for the early rounds of the main draw from
Monday 7 February – Friday 11 February and at 300, 500, 800 and 1,200 baht
for finals weekend on Saturday 12 February and Sunday 13 February.
For ticket bookings, please contact Pentangle Promotions
Co., Ltd: Tel 02-311-3414-5 Fax: 02-311-3498 or check the official website
at: www.pentanglepromotions.com or through ThaiTicketMajor Co., Ltd on
02-262-3456 or via website: www.thaiticketmajor.com.
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Local realtors land the big one
at 10th UNICEF Golf Invitational
The Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational for UNICEF 2011
Eastern
Star’s deputy general manager, Pravit Rotsawatsuk, left,
presents a cheque for 3,030,000 baht to UNICEF’s Tomoo Hozumi.
Staff Reporters
In the 10th year of the Khun Anand
Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational for UNICEF Thailand, held at Eastern
Star Country Club & Resort on Saturday, January 22, the local Eastern Star
Real Estate team produced a fine winning score of net 6o to just narrowly
edge out the Kasikorn Bank 1 team, who took third last year, by a single
point on net 62, while the Asian Seafoods team finished as second runners up
on net 65.
The Eastern Star Real Estate foursome, comprising of
Messrs Luechai, Phichet, Chalongpol and Somkit, were each presented with
individual trophies by the UNICEF Country representative for Thailand, Tomoo
Hozumi, as well as receiving the much coveted annual Khun Anand Panyarachun
Cup which will have their team name engraved upon it.
The runners-up Kasikorn Bank 1 team included stalwarts
Winai Walapol and Sukchai Sonbatsrisombun from last year, as well as new
faces Paisarn and Kasidej, while the Asian Seafoods lineup featured
Porndsak, Netch, Kittichai and Kittirat. Both runner-up teams also received
trophies for their efforts.
The tournament was played out on a fine, hot day and the
course was presented to its usual very high standard.
The nine technical trophies featured were claimed as
follows: Near pins went in course order to Paisarn Lawattayakul #3, Vorapong
#6, Paisarn (Kasikorn Bank 1) #13 and Kittirat (Asian Seafoods) #17. The
straight drives were won by Frank Sittipreedanan on Hole 10 and Manoj (K
Bank) on Hole16. The long putt awards went to Supakorn (Thai Airways) on
hole 7 and Apirak (Thai Airways) on hole 14, and finally the long drive was
won by Kasidej Phoodamrongpan (K Bank 1) on Hole 4.
The night before the tournament, a get together of VIPs,
sponsors and players was held at HE Khun Anand Panyarachun’s poolside home,
where parties are always memorable for his warm hospitality, live music and
sumptuous Thai & western buffet with free flowing wine, beer and various
beverages. HE Anand Panyarachun gave a friendly welcome to all those in
attendance.
Following the post golf buffet at 3 p.m., the
prize-giving ceremony took place in the Masters Conference Hall at Eastern
Star. Sponsors and guests were welcomed to the tournament by UNICEF
representative Tomoo Hozumi who informed that all the proceeds from the
event will go to support UNICEF’s Child Protection Program “helping UNICEF
to address some of the urgent needs facing the most vulnerable children in
Thailand.”
Certificates were then presented to the Platinum sponsors
who were Siam Cement Group and American International Assurance Co., Ltd.,
and also to Surapon Foods who made a large sponsorship donation and to Gold
sponsors Eastern Star Real Estate PCL.
Other generous Silver, Bronze, donation and prize draw
sponsors were then thanked for their tremendous generosity, and it just left
the highlight and main purpose of the tournament – the handing over of the
proceeds from this year’s event to go towards supporting UNICEF’s Child
Protection Program. Eastern Star’s deputy general manager Pravit Rotsawatsuk
duly presented a cheque of 3,030,000 baht to Mr. Hozumi on behalf of the
organizers, golfers and all the sponsors. The tournament has now raised over
18 million baht for this worthy cause during the past 10 years of its short
history.
All said it was yet another enjoyable and successful
charity golf invitational in the name of H.E. Anand Panyarachun for the
benefit of UNICEF and the children of Thailand. Rest assured it will be back
in 2012.
Note: For more information of how you can support UNICEF
Thailand, log on to
www.unicef.org/thailand.
Former Thai Premier H.E. Anand Panyarachun, 2nd
left, talks to tournament organizers prior to the start of play.
Teeing-off on the beautifully manicured Eastern Star golf course.
A team
of hopefuls ready to go looking for the big prize.
The
ladies were out in force to support the charity day.
This
year’s champions, the Eastern Star Real Estate team, receive their trophies
from Tomoo Hozumi (right), the UNICEF Country representative for Thailand.
Whose
honour on the tee?
Always
time to relax between holes.
Parasols
were a sensible option in the hot conditions.
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Thailand make history at
Optimist World Championships
Thailand won the individual, girls, team racing and
combined team results at the world under fifteen sailing championships which
concluded in Langkawi, Malaysia on January 7 and which featured 231 young
sailors from 55 nations.
Following nine days of intense racing, encompassing both
individual and team racing events, Noppakao Poonpat won the Optimist
individual world title, following on from the earlier success of the Thai
team who won the world team championship event on the 3rd of January. The
Thai team was under the supervision of Somkiat Poonpat (Noppakao’s father)
as coach.
With winds of all varying strength being experienced, the
final race saw Noppakao leading the fleet by a large margin in 18-20 knots
gusts to make a convincing victory and leave no doubt as to who was the
rightful champion.
History was made in that no other nation has won all the
trophies up for contention in a world championship before.
The Optimist is the boat used for competition for under
15 year old sailors and incorporates one of the most competitive sailing
fleets in the world, with tens of thousands of youths globally
participating.
In the team event, Asian Games gold medalist Noppakao led
the Thai lineup comprising Don Whitcraft, Jirawat Jadklay, Sarawut Phetsiri,
and Totsapon Mahawichean. In the end Thailand had three finishers in the top
ten with Jirawat securing 5th and Sarawut in tenth.
The small handful of fans included former coaches of the
Thai Optimist team, Rear Admiral Sunan Monthadpalin, Jaray Tipsuk and Sommai
Nilju who went wild with the children’s parents on Thailand’s success.
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Voller takes apart Green Valley
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Jan. 17, The
Emerald – Stableford
Eleven groups were out today and there were a few moans
about the condition of the course, especially the hard and patchy fairways,
but this did not reflect in the scores being returned.
The highest score of the day was in division 2 with
Dennis Scougall winning with 38 points. Peter Seward was second just one
point behind and in third place was Jim Connelly with 34.
Enjoying his return to action, Wilf Latham, playing off
14, won division 1 with 37 points after beating Kari Kuparinen on a 14/13
back six count-back. Arthur Hancock took third place with 35.
Bruce Gardner is improving his game each week and
captured the top podium position in division 3 with 36 points while in
second place was Mike Fitzgerald who beat ‘Count-back Burnie’ on the back
nine after they both scored 31 points.
Amazingly Jean Utting won the ladies division with just
20 points.
Eugine McGuire got his first ‘2’ with us on the 15th
hole to win the pot in division 2, while Arthur Hancock and Kari Kuparinen
shared the prize in division 1.
Near pins went to Arthur Hancock, Mike Combs, Paul
Chabot, Andy O’Neill, Jim Connelly, Jean Utting, Peter Seward and Les
Utting.
We said Bon Voyage today to Jill and Howard Stanley, Bob
Poole and Terry Redding, see you all soon!
Wednesday, Jan. 19, Green
Valley – Stableford
We still retain our tee off time here at 10.00 a.m. and
this has now been booked throughout February and March for every two weeks.
The cut in the divisions today was 5-13 in division 1 and
14-18 in division 2 and 19 plus in division 3, plus the ladies of course.
Pleasant conditions yet again and the Irish boy was back
in the frame yet again, winning division 2 with 38 points, well done Cully
Monks. Bryan Rought was second two points behind and Jean Bruneau beat
Martin MacAteer on a 17/16 back nine count-back after they both scored 35
points.
Jim Connelly’s 36 points was enough to win division 3,
with Paul Chabot in second place after out-pointing Mike Fitzgerald on a
19/17 count-back, both on 35 points.
Standing on the 18th tee Chris
Voller, playing off 5, had a gross score of one under par and despite
recording a six on the last he still did enough to win division 1 with 40
points. Raivo Velsberg was second with 35 and Pete Sumner took third after
beating Peter Pedder on a 16/15 count-back, both players returning 34 points
each.
Herma Fitzgerald captured the ladies division with 30
points.
There are no ‘2’s in the ladies division, but Jean
Bruneau birdied the 4th and Arvo Hiller the 9th
and the 12th and Chris Voller the 16th
to share the division 1 pot four ways. Cully Monks got a ‘2’ on the 9th
for the only prize in division 2.
Near pins today were picked up by Ya Riley, Raivo
Velsberg, Chris Voller (2), Jim Connelly, Mike Fitzgerald, Cully Monks and
Bryan Rought.
There was a Bon Voyage party back at Siam Cats after the
presentation for the old man’s daughter Tina, who was returning to the UK.
He provided the food and the bar the live music. Thank you Nom and Ken and
Faa and Olaf, a great evening was had by all.
Friday, Jan. 21, Eastern
Star – Stableford
There were 6 cancellations overnight otherwise this would
have been our largest turnout of the week, but there were still 33 men and 6
ladies out in the competition today.
The cut in the three men’s divisions were almost similar
to Wednesday and the scores as well. Lee Casey had the highest score of the
day, winning division 3 with 39 points. Glyn Evans was second nine points
behind and Larry Ang was third with 29.
Pete Sumner, playing off 8, won division 1 with 38 points
while Takimoti took second on 35 and in third position was Tony Thorne who
beat Ya Riley on a 19/16 count back after they both came in with 33 points.
Harry Riley bounced back to win division 2 with 35 points
and Joe Peters was second four points behind with Jerry McCarthy in third on
30 points.
Thea won the ladies division with 33 points with Claude
Hayem second on 30.
Takimoto birdied the 3rd to get the
rollover ‘2’s pot in division 1 and there none in any of the other flight.
Nearest the pins were won by Noi Emmerson (2), Arthur
Hancock, Ya Riley, Takimoto, Tony Thorne, Paul Chabot and Joe Peters.
Note: Our 14th annual visit
to Hua Hin has been penciled in for the second week of May, departing on Sat
8th, with two rounds at Black Mountain on the Monday
and Friday and the selection of the other two courses will be decided nearer
the time regarding conditions and green fees. The joining sheet is now on
the board at Siam Cats, costs for the golf and accommodation will be updated
soon.
There are also rumours abounding that Miss Nom is returning to the flock
after a three month absence.
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Kelly comes up trumps at Greenwood
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Marion
Melia celebrates her Monday win
with husband Gordon (centre) and Geoff Parker (left).
Monday, Jan. 17, Easter
Star - Stableford
We reinstated Eastern Star to the regular monthly
schedule last month, and a good contingent of golfers turned out for this
return visit. Many Korean golfers were sighted on the driving range and
practice green, but fortunately not on the course, so things went relatively
smoothly.
On the day no one managed to match or better their
handicap, with the best performance coming from Gerry Cooney, returning a
score of 35 points. Winner in the B Flight was Marion Melia (“I’m playing
terribly at the moment”) with a score of 34 points. If the winner’s playing
so badly, what does it say about the rest of us?
Near Pin winners were Gerry Cooney, Mashi Kaneta, Tony
Robbins and Patrick Kelly.
A Flight
1st Gerry Cooney (11) 35pts
2nd Tony Robbins (12) 31pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (11) 30pts
B Flight
1st Marion Melia (20) 34pts
2nd Graeme Preston (23) 33pts
3rd John Hughes (16) 28pts
Wednesday, Jan. 19, Greenwood C&A - Stableford
A pleasant surprise as we arrived at Greenwood to find
the course relatively quiet, and we teed off without delay.
Starting on the C nine is always a tough test, and many
golfers struggled to reach double figures after the front nine. Peter Kelly
(who was heard to thank the organizer for being put out in the last group –
if only there were more like him!) made the most of his relaxed round to win
the A Flight with 39 points. Mike Corner won the B Flight ahead of Daryl
White and Tom Jones took third place, winning on a count-back in a 3-way
tie.
Only 3 near pins were hit, by Jerry Waselenkoff and Peter
Kelly (2).
A Flight
1st Peter Kelly (8) 39pts
2nd Peter Habgood (16) 37pts
3rd Ken Elmore (16) 36pts
B Flight
1st Mike Corner (20) 36pts
2nd Daryl White (17) 32pts
3rd Tom Jones (44) 31pts
Friday, Jan. 21, Mt. Shadow - Stableford
A good turnout of golfers set off from the Bunker Bar to
take on the tough test that is Mountain Shadow. The Koreans were little in
evidence as we teed off after a minor delay (a farang 5-ball being squeezed
in ahead of us!), and the round progressed relatively smoothly.
As usual this course appears to favour the lower handicap
golfers and the best scores were recorded in the A Flight with Tony Robbins
and Dave Ashman both bettering their handicaps (always an achievement here).
In the B Flight Jack Robertson continued his steady run of form to take the
honours.
Near Pin went to Hugh O’Donnell, Nile Sheehan, Eddie
Martin and Takeshi.
A Flight
1st Tony Robbins (12) 38pts
2nd Dave Ashman (14) 37pts
3rd Alan Harris (10) 31pts
B Flight
1st Jack Robertson (24) 30pts
2nd Mike Corner (20) 30pts
3rd
Takeshi (20) 29pts
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Stewart shines at St. Andrews
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
Monday, Jan. 17, St.
Andrews – Stableford
Monday we visited St. Andrews and I open my report with
the news that Chris Stewart (who recently attempted to qualify for the Asian
Tour) shot a forty-three point round off his 1 handicap and in so doing he
shot the best score (gross 68) ever recorded by anyone who has to date
played with the TRGG. That is some achievement in any ones books -
congratulations Chris!
Second spot went to Niall Cronin at thirty-eight and
following him was Nick Handscombe with thirty-six.
In the second division George Robinson was top man at
thirty-seven. Kevin Smith followed him home at thirty-six and Nick Thomas
was third with thirty-five.
One other interesting thing happened worthy of note. Nemr
Natmed (a visitor to the TRGG) rang the bell at the presentation and
announced that he planned to do so at every match that he attends with the
TRGG whilst here on his vacation. He said he has been having the best time
ever and just wants to share that with everyone he plays golf with. What a
great gesture. You see there are some nice people about.
A Flight
1st Chris Stewart (1) 43pts
2nd Niall Cronin (11) 38pts
3rd Nick Handscombe (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st George Robinson (12) 37pts
2nd Kevin Smith (12) 36pts
3rd Nick Thomas (14) 35pts
C Flight
1st Alun Webber (20) 35pts
2nd Brendan Mcevoy (17) 33pts
3rd Jack McNamara (18) 33pts
Tuesday, Jan. 18, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Treasure Hill was the venue on Tuesday, playing B and A
courses. We have not visited this course in some time as apparently it is
not everybody’s cup of tea. This time we had only a moderate number of
players in attendance so just two divisions.
The honours in Div 1 went to Jeff Oxler with 35 points
after winning the count-back over Todd Martin. Regular player Niall Cronin
was third at 33
Div 2 had Nick Thomas topping the list at just 34 and
second was John Baxter at 31, but again only after winning on count-back
over Reg Glass and pushing him down to third.
A Flight
1st Jeff Oxler (12) 35pts
2nd Martin Todd (8) 35pts
3rd Niall Cronin (11) 33pts
B Flight
1st Nick Thomas (14) 34pts
2nd John Baxter (16) 31pts
3rd Reg Glass (16) 31pts
Thursday, Jan. 20, Phoenix – Stableford
Thursday was our usual weekly visit to Phoenix to play
Lakes and Ocean and there was a big turnout as always for this course so
three full divisions. It is always very popular here and one a can
understand why. It is value for money with quality and not a big journey
time to get there.
It was nice to see one of the regulars Ted Senior at the
top (many places of late it seems having been going in favour of our
visitors). He must have found his top level game on the day to come home
with thirty-seven and win Division 1. The nearest anyone got to him was
Daryl Ottaway at thirty-four and we had to go another two back (32) to find
third placed Ito Akitoshi.
Div 2 had Thomas Martin also win with a thirty-seven but
only after fighting off Nick Thomas in a count-back and this time Suresh
Mehta was on their tails at thirty-six for third.
Div 3 and the old stalwart of the TRGG Alan Evans won
with thirty-eight and posted the highest score of the day. We had to go back
four points to find second and that was John Baxter at thirty-four. Thomas
Knudsen came in third with thirty-two. It was nice to see him back with us
once again.
A Flight
1st Ted Senior (12) 37pts
2nd Daryl Ottaway (8) 34pts
3rd Ito Akitoshi (9) 32pts
B Flight
1st Martin Thomas (14) 37pts
2nd Nick Thomas (14) 37pts
3rd Suresh Mehta (15) 36pts
C Flight
1st Alan Evans (27) 38pts
2nd John Baxter (16) 34pts
3rd Thomas Knudsen (28) 32pts
Saturday, Jan. 22, Greenwood - Stableford
It was another weekend visit to Greenwood on Saturday to
play the B & C layouts. This has now become our favourite course for
Saturdays and we had great support yet again so there were three divisions.
The course as usual played well and allowed good golf to
come to the fore. Thirty-nine was the scoreline that took both the first and
second divisions: Rowan Moyles in division 1 and Ben Nelson in division 2.
In the third division thirty-eight was at the top from
Thomas Knudsen.
The minor places went to Stan Reay Jnr and Daryl Ottoway
(1st Div), Reg Glass and Danny Whelan (2nd
Div) and Peter Shaw and Jari Lindstrom (3rd
Div).
A Flight
1st Rowan Moyles (11) 39pts
2nd Stan Reay jnr. (7) 34pts
3rd Daryl Ottaway (8) 34pts
B Flight
1st Ben Nelson (14) 39pts
2nd Reg Glass (16) 37pts
3rd Danny Whelan (15) 37pts
C Flight
1st Thomas Knudsen (28) 38pts
2nd Peter Shaw (22) 35pts
3rd Jari Lindstrom (18) 33pts
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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Engles hits pay dirt at Treasure Hill
PSC golf from Fairways Driving Range
Friday’s
winners: Patrick Engles and Pier Cere.
Monday, Jan. 17,
Plutuluang - Stableford
Today we played the North & West courses at Navy and
found them both very challenging; the greens were very hard and difficult to
hold and also some greens appeared to be cut but some were very fluffy so
they were also difficult to putt on.
Only one division today and only one player, Ken Priddy,
managed to break par with an excellent round of 38 points. Alan Griffiths
took the ‘2’s pot with the only one of the day.
1st Ken Priddy 38pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 34pts
3rd Ron Hall 31pts
4th Fred Land 31pts
Wednesday, Jan. 19, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Today we arrived at the course with more players (34)
than we had booked for so there was a lot of confusion at the start with
another group waiting agitatedly behind us. But eventually the starter did a
great lob and got half the field of on the B course and the other half of on
the C. This worked out perfectly for us, as well as the group behind, as
everybody had a clear round with no hold ups. So congrats to the staff at
Khao Kheow.
Please note that in the future people that have not got
their names down in time or just turn up at the course will not be
accommodated.
As everyone knows it is always a tough challenge on this
course so we were quiet surprised with the scores returned: 4 players below
par, 2 level, and half the large field within 3 or 4 shots of their
handicaps.
In the A Flight the round of the day was shot by Phil
Sanly with 39 points off 5 his handicap. Fred Land again lost out on
count-back, as did poor Alan Sullivan on 36 points with a blob on the last
when he must have thought he was in with a chance of winning only to be
beaten 20-19 on count-back for 4th place.
Jan van Spellen won the B Flight with a great round of 38
points, and just to keep it in the family his wife Thea came second ahead of
Tony Duthie and Bob Crawford.
There were two ‘2’s today won by Alan Pilkinton and Scott
Dobbin.
A Flight
1st Phil Sanly 39pts
2nd Scott Dobbin 37pts
3rd Fred Land 37pts
4th Alan Griffiths 36pts
B Flight
1st Jan van Spellen 38pts
2nd Thea van Spellen 34pts
3rd Tony Duthie 32pts
4th Bob Crawford 31pts
Friday, Jan 21, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Only two players broke par today out of 25 with the field
was split into two divisions.
Pier Cere won the A Flight with 37 points while the rest
of the flight were well strung out behind him. In B Flight Patrick Engles
had the round of his life with an excellent score of 39 points, again with
the rest of the field well strung out behind. Patrick is pleased he is
coming down in handicap and puts it all down to the lessons he has had with
Scott and the many hours of practice he has put in.
Alan Pilkinton was the only other player to get anyway
near there handicaps, so that shows just how hard this course can play.
During our round we noticed that they were planting many more big palm
trees, especially around the greens which will make the scenery much more
spectacular but also the course will become even more difficult.
Near pins went to Pier Cere, On Sodok, Niel Duncan and
Paul Bartlet.
A Flight
1st Pier Cere 37pts
2nd Alan Pilkinton 34pts
3rd Harvey Samuels 30pts
4th Fred Land 29pts
B Flight
1st Patrick Engles 39pts
2nd Don Carmody 32pts
3rd Ian Hart 31pts
4th Paul
Bartlet 31pts
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Pat and Yui – a pair of gold-diggers
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Gold
medal winners: Pat Regan, right, and Yui Bietry.
Sunday, Jan. 16, Green
Valley - Medal
A Flight
1st Pat Regan (11) net 66
2nd Patrick Kelly (3) net 69
3rd Ian Ripley (12) net 72 pts
B Flight
1st Chaten Patel (13) net 71
2nd Ian Halfpenny (13) net 71
3rd Frank Higgins (13) net 71
C Flight
1st Don Lehmer (18) net 68
2nd Raspy Matzie (31) net 70
3rd Jez Lees (16) net 70
Red Flight
1st Yui Bietry (10) net 71
Near Pins: No 4 Gavin Knox, No 9 Pierre Bietry, No12 Tom McManus,
No16 Yui Bietry.
The championship of twelve months of medal
competition was on the table this Sunday as the members of the golf
society who had won or tied for first in each of the 12 monthly medal
competitions of 2010 vied for what is certainly one of the top awards of
the society’s golf calendar.
And the winner was the young man from Co. Dublin, Pat
Reagan, who fashioned a net 66 off his 11 handicap. Pat’s great effort
also won him the January 2011 monthly medal, the first time in
Lewiinski’s history this fete has been achieved. Hot on the heels of Pat
in the senior flight was Patrick Kelly with a mind boggling 66 of his
plus 3 handicap, resulting in a net 69. Scotsman Ian Rippey stopped it
being an all Irish senior flight whitewash by gaining a count-back over
Seamus Cotter.
B Flight was a very tight encounter as ‘Fast’ Chaten
Patel, Ian ‘Lose change’ Halfpenny and Irishman Frank Higgins were all
log jammed on net 71, the count-back deeming that they finish in that
order.
C Flight threw up the second overall on the day, Don
‘The Ladies man’ Lehmer carding a fine net 68, while the minor places
needed the aid of a count-back with ‘Homicide Hank’ getting the better
of Jez ‘the Principal’ after the wheels well and truly fell off for the
Principal on the 8th when he chucked in a 9.
In the Red Flight the red hot Yui Bietry won the gold
and January 2011 medal, posting a net 71. This amazing fete is only the
second time in Lewiinski’s history to have been achieved. “Actually it
could have been the first I suppose”
There was an avalanche of ‘2’s with Pat Kelly
recording a pair and 8 other golfers getting one each.
Monday, Jan. 17,
Crystal Bay B&C - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pat Hanafin (10) 37pts
2nd Mike Jeffreys (17) 36pts
3rd Kai Lalonon (16) 35pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (19) 33pts
2nd Ayoka Pueshi (18) 32pts
3rd
Jack Mouly (19) 32pts
The young man from Co. Cork Ireland took a major step
towards realizing his golfing potential as he was the only player to
better par on the very challenging B & C nines. The ever consistent Mike
Jeffreys gathered the silver with a solid even par round, leaving the
third place to be decided on count-back; Kai Lalonon getting the edge
over the unlucky Tom McManus.
The B Flight players showed less acumen as the 33
points of Geoff ‘Elvis’ Kubas topped the podium. The minor places needed
the aid of a calculator with Ayoka Pueshi getting the nod over Jack
Mouly.
Marcus Lovett, Lynne Comer and Lik-hit Shared the
‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, Jan 19,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Lenoury (7) 39pts
2nd Pat Reagan (11) 35pts
3rd Reg McKay (13) 33pts
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (16) 40pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (18) 39pts
3rd Frank McNamara (17) 36pts
C Flight
1st Jack Mouly (19) 36pts
2nd Fergus O’Brien (24) 35pts
3rd
Raspy Matzie (28) 33pts
Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby began his term of the
president in fine style, dazzling most of the field and B Flight with a
match winning 40 points. The only competitor close to him was the man
Eddy recently took over from, Peter ‘Don O’Corleone’ Henshaw, who was a
stroke adrift. Big Frank McNamara, no stranger to the pay window, got
the better over Tore Eliassen to round out the flight as both carded
solid even par rounds.
The senior flight was led in by every body’s favorite
Peter Lenoury with an excellent 39 points. Peter was followed in by this
week’s headline boy, young Pat Reagan, who was four shots back. Bonnie
Scotland’s ‘boot boy’ Reg McKay’s back nine bettered Thierry Petremont
as he closed the flight.
C Flight saw Jack Mouly sitting on top with a sound
even par round, making up for Monday’s third place finish. Fergus
Obrien, always a pleasant addition to the society, was just a shot back
for second and bringing up the rear was Raspie ‘Homicide Hank’ a further
two shots off the pace.
Francis Goyons, a brace, Barry Power, Tore Eliassen
and Peter Hendenberg shared a healthy ‘2’s pot.
Friday, Jan 21,
Plutaluang N&W - Stableford
A Flight
1st Paraic McManus (5) 35pts
2nd Francis Goyons (6) 34pts
3rd Lindsay Semple (11) 34pts
B Flight
1st Barry Copestake (15) 34pts
2nd John White (28) 33pts
3rd
Gebi Kindle (20) 29pts
By most estimates it was about a year or so since the
gang last played Plutalung Navy course. The society was all at sea this
time as no player managed to better par. The nearest anyone got was in
the senior flight which saw Paraic McManus post 35 points for the flight
win and top card of the day. Francis Goyons and Australian Lindsay
Semple resorted to a count-back to divvy up for second and third place
resulting in a run out for Lindsey.
It was good to see Barry ‘The Boot’ Copestake
climbing the steps on the podium as he showed a return to form, not that
anyone doubted he soon would. John White accompanied him in second place
with Gebi Kindle filling the flight with a mere 29 points.
Lindsay did recover a bit of pride, carding a ‘2’
along with Ireland’s Pat Hanafin, Barry Copestake and Jack Mouly.
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.
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John Mac edges
the win at Emerald
The Backyard Golf Society
Turning up at Emerald golf course for our weekly game of
golf it was somewhat of a surprise to see we had a total of 17 players! Due
to a lack of communications we only had our normal 3 tee times but thanks to
the starter at the course everyone managed to get a game.
John Mac took the game win with a 20 to 19 back nine
score to just push Neville into second. Nearest the pin went to new man Tony
C and the skin results were as follows: John Mac (6), Neville (3), Dan M
(3), Dangle (2), Tom B (2), and finally Bernie (2).
Note: To save any problems in the future, can members
bringing extra players please be sure to phone Dave up beforehand to make
sure we have enough tee times! On a lighter matter, congratulations to Andy
M for becoming a father (again) and we all wish the best for the future to
him, Joy and the baby boy.
Takeshi takes the title
PSC golf from The Cafe Kronborg
The Drut
Thursday, Jan. 20, Phoenix
–Monthly Mug
Thirty players departed the Kronborg at 0815 hours (well
nearly). SMS, who had a mental aberration with his timekeeping, rocked up at
0820 hours. To complete the quinella he was late embarking for the return
journey also. An appropriate fine will be applied when Deefa returns to
action next Monday.
Monthly
Mug winner Takeshi Hakozaki, left, accepts his prize from Dave ‘The Admiral’
Richardson.
Playing the Mountain and Lake nines, the first group
completed the journey in four hours and twenty five minutes. The round would
have been appreciably quicker but the course Marshall slotted an overseas
group in at the corner. It appears the stagnant selfish soul searchers from
Seoul were seeking salvation, so some shonky slogging surfaced to soothe
their sequestered sinful swings.
The weather was superb, the course in excellent condition
and the greens quicker than a greyhound with analgesic cream on his
‘orchestra stalls’.
We welcomed Mick O’Conner today from Wales who raised the
bat for the hundred with his fourth shot down the 18th.
In the A flight Richard Kubicki held steady for a net 71
to relegate Paul Avery on the same score into second place. ‘Mr Consistency’
Rob Brown handed in a net 72 for third and Martin Todd with a net 75 rounded
out the flight.
Stu Rifkin, who also had net 75, was of the opinion that
he was as stiff as an eskimo’s liquorice not to run a drum.
In the B Flight the ‘Danish Dynamo’ Jan Lovgreen
prevailed with a net 73. Mike Winfield handed in a net 74 to finish second,
whilst in third place and with more momentum than Casey Jones, Carole
Kubicki shot net 75 and edged out Mike Herridge on net 76.
The winner of the Monthly Mug was Takeshi Hakozaki with a
net 69.
Mike Gosden lamented that permitting him onto the course
today was like feeding strawberries to a pig.
Near Pins went to Rob Brown on Mountain 4, Mike Herridge
on Mountain 8, Takeshi Hakozaki on Lake 2 and Paul Avery on Lake 7.
Long putts were snaffled by Jesper Rasmusson on Mountain
9 and Carole Kubicki on Lake 9.
Monthly Mug
1st Takeshi Hakozaki (13) net 69
A Flight (0–17)
1st Richard Kubicki (11) net 71
2nd Paul Avery (11) net 71
3rd Rob Brown (8) net 72
4th Martin Todd (8) net 75
B Flight (18+)
1st Jan Lovgreen (21) net 73
2nd Mike Winfield (21) net 74
3rd Carole Kubicki (24) net 75
4th Mike Herridge (24) net 76
The Coveted Compass Cap and Deefa were absent today however will return
asap.
Big thanks go once again to Bjarne and his team at the Cafe Kronborg for
their continued support which is much appreciated.
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Aussies seek revenge in ‘Stupid Ashes’ trophy
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Nigel
Cannon, right, presents Bob Philp, left, with the ‘Stupid Ashes’ trophies.
Joey’s column
Monday, Jan. 17, Burapha -
Stableford
Thirty-one Outbackers at Burapha today on the Cypress and
Dunes nines from the white tees. No really good scores, the best of the day
being a handicap equalling 36 points from Bob Lindborg, which won him first
place in Div B. Behind him was Tom Parker (34pts) and David Davies with 33.
In the premier division, Benn Nelson filled the top spot
with 35, followed in by Mitch Black and Steve Mann both on 34.
At the back of the field but not playing in the
tournament we welcomed back from Austria, Harry Komposch and his mate Peter
who just enjoy their golf at their own pace.
There were three ‘2’s from Chris Dopp, Cottee and Tom
Parker.
Div A (0-14)
1st Benn Nelson (14) 35pts
2nd Mitch Black (3) 34pts
3rd Steve Mann (8) 34pts
4th Wayne Cotterell (13) 33pts
Div B (15+)
1st Bob Lindborg (17) 36pts
2nd Tom Parker (18) 34pts
3rd David Davies (27) 33pts
4th John Exall (17) 31pts
Tuesday, Jan. 18, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Some 50 players took part in the usual stableford
competition but in addition 44 of them also took part in the inaugural
‘Stupid Ashes Trophy’, being a singles match-play event between Australia
(and some friends) and England. Why Stupid Ashes? Ashes to remind the
Aussies of what they had recently lost! And Stupid, as it was the name of
the first Outback dog that was buried near to the Outback.
There was of course the usual banter on the tee but all
in good spirit as the teams waited to get away, but Chad had it all under
control with his customary laid-back manner and beer in hand; everybody
being away shortly after 10.30.
Some four and a half hours later, Capt’ Bob was in the
clubhouse eagerly counting the match results, whilst Tuesday’s resident
organiser Chad, was working out the stableford competition results. After a
few drinks and a few stories of ‘what might have been’ it was back to The
Outback to await the results.
First Capt’ Bob announced the results of the three
flights in the customary reverse order starting with Div C, which went to
Sid Ottaway with 38 points, followed in by David Davies (nice to see you in
the frame David) on 36 and Nigel back in third with 35.
Sugar Ray got forgotten about altogether as Bill Bishop
(39pts) was declared the winner of Div B, before a hasty recount and
reshuffle of prizes, with Sugar coming out on top with the joint top score
of the day, of 41 points. Bill was then placed second ahead of Bernie the
sausage, with 35.
The other joint top score came from the Capt’ himself,
off a very generous 10 h’cap, to win Div A, just nudging out Paul Greenaway
who had 40. Incidentally, Capt’ Bob played Paul in the match-play, which
turned out to be a very close match; Bob eventually winning 2 up.
There were six ‘2’s from Paul Smets, Noddy Moyle, Gary
Hogg, John Locke, Chris Dopp & Pottsy.
Bob then handed over to Nigel Cannon, the regular MC for
the Outback, who formally announced that the first winner of this trophy was
Australia. The scores were Australia 11, Europe 9 with two matches halved.
Interesting to note that the two halved matches were both England v Scotland
(as the Scots, Andy & Drew, preferred to don their Aussie shirts or were
they just drafted by Capt’ Bob!).
Nigel then presented the trophy – which resembles the
next best thing to the ‘real thing’ (actually it’s an old carbide miner’s
lamp) together with a photo of Stupid, to Capt’ Bob and commented that this
had been yet another ‘fun’ day and another historic golfing day in the
Outback calendar, which is sure to stay.
Some half an hour later the bar changed to a more somber
mood as David Evans came to remind us that Roger Kidd– a regular visitor to
Pattaya - had quite recently suddenly passed away. Roger was a Scot and in
true Scottish tradition we were treated to some fine Scottish music played
on the bagpipes (kindly loaned by The Kronberg) by a friend of Roger’s, Jim
Tait.
David also asked that we remembered the many Australians
who had lost their lives in recent floods in Queensland.
Div A (0-13)
1st Bob Philp (10) 41pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (11) 40pts
3rd Mitch Black (3) 35pts
4th Chris Dopp (12) 35pts
Div B (14-19)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (19) 41pts
2nd Bill Bishop (16) 39pts
3rd Bernie Stafford (14) 35pts
4th Paul Smets (18) 33pts
Div C (20+)
1st Sid Ottaway (24) 38pts
2nd David Davies (27) 36pts
3rd Nigel Cannon (23) 35pts
4th Arthur Bailey (22) 34pts
Wednesday, Jan. 19, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
We rarely come to this course, and after the tales of
today’s experiences from the 32 Outbackers it will be quite some time,
probably about a year or so, before we return. To make all our groups wait
on the tee whilst they put a walking five-ball out, that took one hour to
play the first three holes, shows very little in the way of customer
relation skills. Couple that with unplayable greens that were so fast the
ball would roll back to your feet when you missed an uphill putt, it made
the whole day out (five hours), a very hard day at the office.
Needless to say the scoring was not all that special with
the top score being 35 from Bob St. Aubin to win Div B, from Bernie Stafford
(32pts), John Locke (31pts) and that man again, Noddy Moyles on 30.
Div A featured a four-way count-back headed by a guy
having his first game with the Outback, Owen Walkley, familiar to organised
golf here in Pattaya of 18 Coins fame. He beat the all star cast of Gary
Hogg, Capt’ Bob and Mitch Black.
There were surprisingly six ‘2’s from Bob St. Aubin, Owen
Walkley, Steve Milne, Carla Head and Bruce Livingstone, not satisfied with
one, showed off his putting prowess by bagging two.
Div A (0-13)
1st Owen Walkley (13) 34pts
2nd Gary Hogg (8) 34pts
3rd Bob Philp (10) 34pts
4th Mitch Black (3) 34pts
Div B (14+)
1st Bob St Aubin (15) 35pts
2nd Bernie Stafford (14) 32pts
3rd John Locke (14) 31pts
4th Greg Moyle (18) 30pts
Friday, Jan. 21, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Fifty Outbackers were on a typically windy Khao Kheow
playing the A and B loops, supposedly off the yellow tees, which really
looked more like the whites and in some cases were almost the reds, as some
golfers were hitting wedges for their second shots into par fives. So not
really set-up for a good challenge, but none the less there were some
ordinary scores coming in, which means I suppose that short does not
necessarily mean easier.
Jim
Tait plays the bagpipes in memory of the recently departed Roger Kidd.
The course was as usual in great condition with the
greens running true and fast. When the wind subsided it did get extremely
hot – and thank God for drink stops; well, normally anyway – there wasn’t a
cold beer to be had anywhere – wake up Khao Kheow, this is just not good
enough! And you’re losing valuable revenue.
Welcome to my cousins from Canada, Brent and Blair Philp,
good to see you this year lads and thanks for the game; and another
Canadian, Chris Dopp, who fired the best round of the day with 42 points to
win Div B by four from another Chris, this time Davisson, on 38.
After a recount in Div A, first place went to Lloyd
Shutteworth (35pts) with Raji and Capt’ Bob one point back, both with 34.
There’s also a correction to the result announced at
presentation in Div C as John Bahng was completely overlooked, so he took
first place with his 37 points, with John Locke moving back to second and
Jan-piet back to third with 33 points apiece, leaving Bob St. Aubin to be
kicked off the podium altogether, but he won’t mind as he got his revenge on
the pool table!
David Davies ended a good week with another result, this
time going one better than Tuesday’s second place to take Div D with a fine
38 points ahead of the course specialist, Sugar Ray, just two back on 36.
We didn’t quite make it to the record with the ‘2’s but
got very close with eleven (following last Wednesday’s record of twelve at
The Emerald), today’s coming from Chris Davisson, Rick Evans, Bob Philp,
Glyn Davies, Chris Dopp, Blair Philp, Steve Plant, Cottee, Shutts and Murray
Hart had two.
Div A (0-10)
1st Lloyd Shuttleworth (4) 35pts
2nd Amarjit Banwaitt (6) 34pts
3rd Bob Philp (10) 34pts
Div B (11-13)
1st Chris Dopp (12) 42pts
2nd Chris Davisson (12) 38pts
3rd Murray Hart (13) 38pts
Div C (14-17)
1st John Bahng (14) 37pts
2nd John Locke (15) 33pts
3rd Jan-piet Andersen (16) 33pts
Div D (18+)
1st David Davies (27) 38pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (19) 36pts
3rd
Greg Moyle (18) 35pts
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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Cawse top scores for the week
PSC golf from the The Caddy Shack
Monday, Jan 17, Bangpakong
– Stableford
Fourteen players were out today at Bangpakong, playing
the course off the white tees.
David Hester and Jason Barnett had the joint top scores
of the day (34pts) in the first division, with David edging it on
count-back.
Keith Richardson took out the second flight, one point up
on Ramsay Smith in second.
A Flight
1st David Hester (6) 34pts
2nd Jason Barnett (3) 34pts
B Flight
1st Keith Richardson (18) 33pts
2nd Ramsay Smith (18) 32pts
Wednesday, Jan. 19, The Emerald – Stableford
A reasonable sized crowd of 24 went to Ban Chang to take
on The Emerald off the white tees.
PSC President Tony Oakes had a day to remember, carding a
fine three under par 39 points to top the A Flight. Golf organiser Bruce
Tollitt got the better of a count-back in B Flight to just edge Les Hall
into second.
A Flight
1st Tony Oakes (11) 39pts
2nd Dougie Crowe (8) 37pts
3rd Clive Bruce (8) 33pts
B Flight
1st Bruce Tollitt (18) 36pts
2nd Les Hall (17) 36pts
3rd Ramsay Smith (18) 30pts
Friday, Jan 21, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Phil Cawse (11) 43pts
2nd Arch Armstrong (8) 41pts
3rd Dougie Crowe (8) 35pts
B Flight
1st Ben Findon (18) 37pts
2nd Dave Strang (18) 35pts
3rd
Kevin Hamilton (17) 35pts
Headline man Phil Cawse stepped into the limelight on
Friday with an amazing score of 43 points off his 11 handicap. He was just
the two up on Arch Armstrong however, who also had a great round to finish
in second place in A Flight.
Ben Findon captured the B Flight honours with a solid one
under par 37 points.
As well as the singles competition there was also a 4 man
team tournament running concurrently with the best three stableford scores
being taken from each hole. The winners of this with 115 points were Bruce
Tollitt, Les Hall, James Savage and Tom Breslin.
There were five ‘2’s on the day from Rick Culley, Emmet
White, Ramsay Smith, Jeff North and Vincent Smyth.
Note: The Caddy Shack is situated on Soi 8
Threppasit, follow the soi to the well appointed Old English style Bar. We
play golf on Mon/Wed/Fri. For more information email
[email protected].
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Tony well pleased at Pleasant Valley
PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday’s top two, Tony Chetland, left, and Joel Flor.
Tuesday, Jan. 18, Pleasant
Valley - Stableford
Tuesday saw us return to Pleasant Valley for our monthly
visit. The course is really well named, with it being a pleasure to play, as
it is currently in picture perfect condition.
With the great weather we are currently experiencing, we
can expect some great golf and so it was this week with Tony Chetland (19)
having “one of those days” to score an outstanding 43 points, including a
wipe on his last hole, bummer. Joel Flor (21), who also played some good
golf for 39 points, was second, with Lucky Meldrum (35) 38 points and Jeff
Wylie (6) 37 points, rounding out the prizes.
Near Pins were picked up by Lucky, Terry & Rob getting
two.
Thursday, Jan. 20,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
Thursday was our visit to Treasure Hill, the course again
in superb condition and also offering great value currently.
Scores were not in the same ballpark as Tuesday, with
Jeff Wylie (6) leading the way with 33 points, Phillip (25) next best with
32, while Frans Olgers (21) edged good mate Mike Pledger (18) on count-back,
after both had returned 29 points.
Near Pins were spread around with one each to Graham,
Jeff, K & Mike.
Note: Frequent readers of the Mulligans Lakeside
group will be familiar with the group’s support of the Banglamung Boys Home
as our designated charity. We will be holding a special Charity Day in
February, so if you enjoy a day of golf and wish to participate give us a
call for more details.
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
0941 841 or 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!
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Brown takes it on count-back
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s top four with ‘The Boss’ Pu.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, Jan 18, Crystal
Bay – Stableford
Crystal Bay once upon a time was the favourite golf
course of many players, including myself. Although today it is a faded glory
it is still well worth a visit and was to be our test for the day.
The trip down there is a lot better these days, but at
0830 hrs it can still be a bit busy and traffic lights will still be a
problem. However on this day, despite the traffic, we still made good time
and were there in plenty of time for our 10 o’clock tee off. Booking in is
pretty easy and then a walk through the clubhouse to the changing room, all
of which reminds us of when all of the things we see were new.
Onto the course and we were told we would be playing the
A & B nines which we quite looked forward to. On the course we noticed it
was in pretty good condition and the fairways were good with the rough long
at times. The bunkers could have done with some more attention but I suppose
we should not be in them. The greens were fast and tricky and with the wind
rising they became very difficult. All in all still not a bad course but
still way behind what it was. However, it is still well worth a visit and
was enjoyed by all of our windswept players.
As said, the restaurant these days lacks considerably
when compared to most of the rest of the golf courses, but it has reasonable
food, even if the setting is a bit dingy.
After a snack it was into cars and back to Bert’s, the
only problem was which way to go, down Sukhumvit or up past Bangpra and down
Route 7? At this time of afternoon with the traffic I decided to come back
via Route 7 and although the others took about the same time I found it more
relaxing, if a longer drive.
Back at Bert’s the players were tucking into Bert’s
golfers special, then on with the presentations. The winner with 37 points
was Rob Brown ahead of a three-way count-back on 36 points that saw Tony
Scambler in second, Don Carmody in third, and Henry Wong in fourth. We then
had two players on 34 points that saw Brian Parrish in fifth easing out
Richard Kubicki.
Near Pins went to Graham Buckingham, Keiichi Kasami,
Henry Wong and Jack Robertson, and the Long Putts were sunk by Tony Scambler
and Kenny Chung.
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England win back Mulberry Ryder Cup trophy in style
PSC golf from The Golf Club
The
scenic back nine at Sea Pines Golf Club.
Hua Hin and Summit Windmill were the venues for this
year’s Mulberry Ryder Cup. Following last year’s stunning win by the Rest of
the World team the expectation was of a battle-royal, with England
determined to put up a much improved performance this time around. This
year’s captains, Simon Philbrook of England and Brent Philp of the RoW,
would be put to the test to bring out the best in their players.
Before any of this, however, we had to endure all the
customary trials and tribulations that have become the norm it seems.
Firstly we had the good natured ribbing at the Saturday night pre-tour
get-together down at the Golf Club. This is a good excuse for an early
tasting session and for some of the new guys to get their faces known and a
feel for what’s to come. The newbies this year included Grant Montgomery,
Tim Wilkinson, Blair Philp, Doug Fitzgerald, Andreas Grunenberg, Peter Bauer
and Derek Doyle. A big welcome to all those guys.
A very
happy chappie, England vice-captain Barry Tregurtha.
Here, of course, is where we receive our tour itinerary,
not that it ever resembles the reality! Amply pointed out by only 2 lonely
tourists, out of 38, standing outside the Xcyte disco meeting point at 7
a.m. on the morning of departure, bags and clubs at the ready, receiving a
barrage of jeers and whistles from the homeward-bound revellers of the Thai
karaoke bars of 3rd road. Indeed a call to one of the
organisers to check time and date were in fact correct, revealed that said
organiser was still in bed at 7.10am, in Jomtien!
When the stragglers (and the bus) finally showed up, it
was a definite case of d้jเ-vu. This wasn’t the nice, new, shiny bus as
promised but a re-incarnation of the pile of junk that broke down on us the
previous year. Bodywork that had definitely seen contact with more than a
few immoveable obstructions, seats that wouldn’t recline, or worse still
wouldn’t stop reclining and a gear box that was crying out for help didn’t
fill the tourists (or a clearly irate Steve) with much confidence. But we
had beer, spirits, Breezers, wine and lots of it, so we were a happy bunch,
none the less.
So, at the crack of 8.20 a.m., we finally got on our
merry way, only for … and I’m sure you hardened Pattaya-ites are way ahead
of me here, the stop just round the corner for fuel. You couldn’t make it
up, honestly! But Summit Windmill here we come.
Day 1
Forgetting the unusual circuituous route, the Windmill
course was a very pleasant first day experience. The welcome was good, it
was a very nice lay-out, if a little wet in places but no reports of any
really outstanding play came back to me, which I can only put down to a
little over-eagerness to get in the party mood.
England started their campaign to win back the trophy
with a solid 7–3 victory and believe me on the trip down to Hua Hin the
serious stuff got underway with a vengeance. There was some pretty
over-the-top performances that first night. None more so than our very own
ex-circus performer, acrobat and lion tamer, Geordie Jack, who left the
girls bewildered by a dance routine that, I’m sure, nothing of the kind has
been seen before.
The imperious ‘Captain Clipboard’ Sproxton tried hard to
emulate this as did one of the original rat-pack members, Loz Shaw, but none
of this prepared us for Loz’s late-night Meatloaf rendition, it was
definitely a Bat Out of some kind of Hell..
Day2
So as we began day 2 at the new Sea Pines course it fair
to say our party was not in the best of shape. This course has been feted as
one of Thailand’s very few that have holes actually running along the
coastline and, although most of the course turns inland, the finishing holes
around the bay are quite spectacular.
In true Mulberry Ryder Cup tradition, despite 3 months
advance booking, we arrived to find not a single caddy for our 38 strong
group! In fairness the management tried to get their act together and most
got caddies out to them by the 4th or 5th
holes. But not before some comical scenes of bags and trollies being left
behind on tee boxes and the side of greens, pins left out and puzzled looks
trying to read the greens.
Today there was most definitely a golf performance worthy
of report: John McHugh and his partner Grant Montgomery, who both,
incidentally, didn’t fall into the trap of first-night excesses, produced a
blistering display of golf that, frankly, I have never witnessed in amateur
golf circles. And, yes, I was on the receiving end! Looking at the other
scores, my partner, Captain Philbrook, and I would, in all modesty, probably
have beaten any other side out there.
In the Greensomes format we made the turn in level par 36
only to find ourselves 6 down! Our opponents shot an incredible 31 that
could have been even better, 4 birdies on the bounce were gimme putts of no
more than a few inches. Grant was long with laser-like accuracy, allowing
his partner to bludgeon prodigious drives that, without exaggeration, were
consistently around the 350 mark. It was the best display of long, straight,
power hitting I’ve ever seen!
Okay, that’s enough of that ... the rest of the England
boys fared much better and a repeat performance of the 7-3 win was recorded,
so we were clearly out for revenge. Obviously a number of lads were 2 for 2
and it would be interesting to see if anyone could go unbeaten.
Day 3
Day 3 was at the eagerly awaited Black Mountain course
which, only a couple of weeks ago hosted the Royal Trophy between Asia and
Europe. It’s fair to say all the management and staff were thrilled at
hosting another major event so soon after.
Before our arrival our coach driver managed to save the
local authorities a few baht by performing some amateur topiary and
tree-lopping service with the side of the bus, but no big deal. First
impressions were, indeed, impressive. It was simply stunning. A magnificent
setting, superbly manicured and in tip-top condition with lightening quick
greens. Let’s hope we could all do it justice.
The RoW team rallied here today in the 4 man better-ball
format, recording their first win of the trip by 5 and a half points to 4
and a half. Making the overall gap at this stage 7 points, with 19 points up
for grabs in the singles - and with memories of their singles demolition of
England the previous year still fresh, the RoW team were certainly not out
of it.
Besides some solid performances in the golf, two other
incidents stand out from this day. One previously heralded player, after
seeing his chip short chunked into the water, had difficulty holding on to
his club and looked on horrified as the club got a nice big bounce and
followed the ball into the drink. Fortunately this spot was quite shallow
and the chastened individual managed a rather sheepish recovery of the
offending article.
Contrary to popular belief the final mishap was not a
planned event, in short Steve ‘Mr. Organiser’ Ellison was inadvertently left
behind. Two hours after the first group had finished Steve (who was not in
the last group, by the way) was still tittivating himself in the showers as
the bus headed off for a further night of merriment. When questioned, RoW
captain Brent, pleaded the Fifth.
Day 4
Another superb course, the Banyan, awaited us for our
final days singles play. Again the whole set up was professional and
inviting. We were met by the Director of Operations who welcomed us and gave
us a run-down of the facilities. Our group and competition name were on the
welcome poster outside the pro shop and also replicated on the day’s score
cards, with the final touch being free photographs of all groups on the
first tee, waiting for us as we finished.
On to the golf then and there were some serious faces
around, ready to do the business. The RoW guys were down the range or on the
practice greens, while more than one Englishman had to be called away from
his breakfast to get to the first tee. A case of over-confidence maybe?
Many games went down to the last green with some
tremendous golf in evidence, far too much to single out here, but special
mention has to be made for 3 guys who achieved perfect records. Dave Mather
(despite looking like death warmed up), Barry Tregurtha and Jeff Calrow were
the stalwarts of the week. If by some strange reason I have missed someone
out then I do genuinely apologise, remember, a lot of Singha passed under my
bridge too!
So, today’s singles score was England 14 and a half, Row
4 and a half.
The presentation was planned in the Banyans own Mulligans
bar with a very acceptable hot buffet and more drinks. The only problem was,
this being the Mulberry Ryder Cup remember, no one had bought the trophy
along. So it was off on the long trip back home. But wait, there’s more.
Five kms from town, to put the tin lid on everything, the bus runs out of
fuel. Like I said earlier, you honestly couldn’t make this up!
Final result then was a resounding win for England by
33-16. Well done and congratulations to all the competitors, many thanks to
all the guys behind the scenes and just one more thing … see you all next
year!
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‘Maple Leaves’ dominate Greenwood
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society based at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Greenwood for the first
time this year on Monday, 17th January, and found the A and C courses in
splendid condition with consistent greens and fairways well covered. The
white tees were well back making the course a real challenge for the two
flights which were cut at twelve and under and eventually the field got away
on the course which was well populated.
The return of old friends made the day special and in the
top flight Canadian Rick Schramm found a niche for himself in third place
with 34 points, just two behind the joint winners, compatriot Brian Beaupre
and Ray Banks, again showing good form.
The second flight also showed the Canadian influence as
Jack Robertson took the win, playing the course for the second consecutive
day, with a score of 37 points, just one ahead of playing partner Brendan
Gilsenan, on extended leave because of the floods in Queensland. In third
place was Irishman Larry Slattery who has quickly found his form again after
a winter in the Emerald Isle.
Nicky Patton and Kazuo Takimoto both birdied the C sixth
hole to share the ‘2’s pot and amongst the Booby Bevy candidates was the
starter at Greenwood who shifted playing groups between the A and C tees
without reference to the organisers. Course management Thai style yet again.
In all the maple leaf was represented in five of the
first ten places showing a good day for the Canadians in the field at
Greenwood.
Close encounter at Phoenix
Phoenix had the honour of hosting the Pattaya Golf
Society’s largest field of the year so far for its stableford competition on
Wednesday, 19th January. The Mountain and Lakes nines were well presented
with fast greens and the field was divided into two flights at fourteen and
under.
Phoenix is no longer the “pushover” it once was, with the
changes and addition of new trees a few years back and the scores were
respectable if not spectacular, with just three shots covering the top third
of the field.
In the second flight Brian Kelly and IPGC Chairman Chris
Knapp shared third place with steady returns of 34 points each whilst the
joint winners in the section, Bill Hewitt and newbie Jack Carlsson, went one
better with 35 points to enjoy the spoils.
In the top flight Dave Moriarty made an impact with 35
points for third whilst Ray Banks and the returning Peter Ditz took the win
with 36 points each.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Nicky Patton and Dave Moriarty
in the top flight, giving the New Jersey man his most successful golf day
yet and in the second flight Jim Carlsson had the pot to himself after a
fine birdie on Mountain 4.
Old friend Masanori Takano returned only the day before
and duly picked up the Booby Bevy for the largest split of the day, 12 - 18
points, but at least the improvement on the back nine was there for all to
see. He will certainly have his day again soon.
Phoenix had again witnessed a very close run tournament
and more good days are in store at the favourite local course.
Team Canada tops at
Crystal Bay
Pairs and team golf is a welcome distraction from the
usual individual competition format which golf groups play on a regular
basis in Pattaya and for this reason the Pattaya Golf Society visited
Crystal Bay on Friday, 21st January to play a stableford pairs event over
the A and B nines.
The course was in good condition and was full with the
usual Asian tourists, intent on literally touring the course in search of an
empty tee box. Thus a long round was in store as the fourteen teams set out.
Good scores were difficult to make as greens were slower
than those encountered elsewhere recently but only seven points separated
the top dozen teams. In fourth place was the all-Irish outfit of Larry
Slattery and a recently retired Chris Walsh, their 40 points representing
some solid team play. Going one point better were two teams, sharing second
place. Len Jones teamed up with the current in-form PGS golfer, Ray Banks,
to post 41 points which equalled the efforts of Canadian duo Brian Beaupre
and Rick Schramm. A second Team Canada was to prevail however as John Chelo
and Gordon Everingham returned a score of 42 points showing higher
handicappers what can be done when percentage golf is applied.
Sharing the ‘2’s pot were Steve Evans, Brian Beaupre, Ray
Banks and Dave Moriarty, who is becoming something of a “2’s” expert at
present with a brace of fine efforts on A5 and B6. The Booby Bevy went to
Rod Stevens who ended a week to forget, during which he had played off the
wrong handicap, broken a driver and ended with a very unconventional par on
the final hole. Team golf is essentially fun golf and that is just what the
PGS enjoyed at Crystal Bay
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Knapp’s star shines brightly
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Jan. 17, Treasure
Hill (Yellow tees) - Stableford
CSS 71
Division 1 (0-18)
1st Brian Libby (10) 36pts
2nd Mark Cooper (11) 35pts
3rd Warren Gallop (11) 34pts
4th George Pittam (17) 33pts
5th Barry Wellings (5) 33pts
Division 2 (19+)
1st Ger Lodge (20) 35pts
2nd Roar Berger (26) 33pts
3rd Fred O’Connor (23) 27pts
4th Leif Lossius (28) 25pts
5th
Graham Howard (25) 25pts
A fairly tough week of golf started at the beautifully
conditioned Treasure Hill course where the tee boxes were as good as at any
course in the area and possibly the best ever seen by most of the players on
the day, including such courses as Royal Birkdale and the Berkshire.
Richard
Dobson.
The great condition of the course did not stop at the tee
boxes but continued through to the greens themselves, and the general
consensus of the players was that on that day it was definitely one of the
very best in the area. But the condition did not help the scores too much,
even when the competition was played from the forward yellow tees with the
yardage at seemingly a comfortable 6,400 yards approximately.
Brian Libby had the best result of the day to lead in the
first division by a point from Mark Cooper in second after a solid 18/18
round. Warren Gallop took third place another shot behind and just one ahead
of the count-back between George Pittam and Barry Wellings, which George won
with a better 19 to 18 return.
The second division also found the going pretty difficult
with Ger Lodge taking it with an over handicap round that was still good
enough by two to claim the top spot from Roar Berger, with Fred O’Connor in
third six behind him. New member Leif Lossius took fourth with a better
count-back of 15 as Graham Howard could manage just 12 on the inward nine.
Barry Wellings scored the only ‘2’ in the first division
to sweep the pool and Roar Berger did the same in the second division.
Before presenting the prizes for the day Stephen Beard
welcomed new members Anthony Howett, Kare Lunde and Leif and Torild Lossius
and also welcomed back Warren Gallop and Dave Spendley.
Wednesday. Jan. 19,
Eastern Star - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Richard Dobson (14) 33pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer (14) 33pts
3rd Rod Howett (25) 32pts
4th Jens Gunnarsson (14) 32pts
5th Kevin Townsend (11) 29pts
6th
Rodney Hayes (9) 29pts
After the tough day during the previous outing there was
to be no let up at Eastern Star where the course condition was nowhere in
the same league and the tees had been situated in most cases almost on the
blue positions (as if the whites were not long enough at almost sixty-six
hundred yards), which all made it very difficult to score well and even play
near to handicap. The end result was a disappointing non-counting
competition with the CSS going out to its maximum for the day.
Chris
Knapp.
Richard Dobson shared the best return in points with
Trevor Schirmer and then won the resulting count-back with a better 16 to 15
to take the day’s top honours.
Rod Howett did well in third place after recovering from
a lightning visit by his son Anthony and the subsequent enormous hangover
hard earned a couple of days earlier, although his game did not get going
until the second nine following a slow start, and that nine was enough to
win third place from Jens Gunnarsson by a margin of 20 to 16.
Kevin Townsend struggled to take fifth spot ahead of
Rodney Hayes with a better count-back of 13 to 12.
With the course playing at it’s hardest it was no
surprise to find that there were no 2’s in either division.
Friday, Jan 21, The
Emerald - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Chris Knapp (16) 39pts
2nd Rod Howett (25) 38pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer (14) 34pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka (18) 34pts
5th Marc Jensen (8) 32pts
6th
Jens Gunnarsson (14) 32pts
At last Chris Knapp has been rewarded for all the hours
of lessons with The Guru and playing three or four times a week, as he
returned his best round ever in Thailand to win by a point. The score also
took his handicap down to its historical lowest for the coming weeks to add
to the day’s pleasure.
Rod Howett was unlucky to find Chris in such good form as
he also put in one of his better rounds but had to settle for second best on
the day.
Trevor Schirmer took his second podium placing in the
week by winning a count-back by 20 to 17, with Shuichi Kodaka, who slipped
right back into form following his return from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Marc Jensen got the first of the honourable mentions,
also winning a count-back over Jens Gunnarsson, who lost out for the second
time in a row, by a margin of 19 to 15 after Marc had had a very indifferent
start to the round.
Once again there were no 2’s in the first division but
Chris Knapp slipped one in for the second division to clean up the pot
including the roll over.
Back at The Haven Shuichi Kodaka was welcomed back prior
to the presentations.
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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Merriman and Ellis take the honours
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group
Tuesday’s winning golfers with the staff at the Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
Will God or Buddha ever take sympathy on golf organizers?
Every week there seems to be a last minute panic for one reason or another.
This week I thought I had covered every angle and all was sorted well before
11.30 a.m. Think again McDuff!
Just when you think it safe to go back into the water up
pops Arthur Barrett. Why his name was not on the list I do not know, but
having more players than tee times was already a problem before our Arthur
came. With only 5 tee times available we ended up with 7 groups. No problem
- we just brainwashed all the guys to get down the first quickly and all was
well (except my game, again!)
Today, January 18, we tackled the Mountain & Lakes
course, which helped with regard to the over subscription. The marshals
cannot see the tee as easily as the others.
The weather at this time of the year must be the envy of
the golfing world (well the European world that is). I know there are one or
two of our guests who are nearing the end of their holiday and have to go
back to that cold, cold and dismal weather back home. Not only that they
have to go back to work as well. Well done boys - keep them pension funds
topped up for us old codgers.
Many interesting stories today with poor Richard Baldwin
being the brunt of most players mickey taking. On Lakes 7 he hit the most
gorgeous tee shot to within 2 feet of the pin, much to the disgust of Denis
Dixon who had just hit his shot to 3 feet, thinking he had secured a near
pin prize. However, somehow poor Richard managed to 4-putt and walk off with
a 5. To cap that off, two of his playing partners chipped in from off the
green for birdie ‘2’s. Never mind, we still gave him the near pin prize.
As always there were no losers with this group. Out of 25
players, 13 received some sort of prize on top of the first free beer back
at the Relax Bar. Mind you, I have to say they don’t get much, so we do not
have to worry about pot hunters in this group.
A Flight winner today with 36 points was big Shaun
Merriman ahead of Joe Miller (34pts) in second and claiming third spot with
32 points was (yes he’s back) Gary Blackburne.
Onto B Flight and the winner with 34 points was the
bookie, Graham Ellis. In second place was Richard Baldwin and taking third
spot was john Stafford with 31 on count-back ahead of three others.
Near pins went to Barry Wood, Graham Ellis, Shaun
Merriman and of course Richard (the four putt) Baldwin.
Claiming the longest putt on the 18th would have been
Eddie Kelly, but he did not show so that went to a lucky draw recipient in
the shape of Joe Stranks. The free drink lucky draw went to John le Blanc
and the free massage went to yours truly (The only bit of luck I had all
day).
Friday golf is getting more popular and we are now
playing from the blue tees. This is proving very interesting. The sad news
is that at the moment both days (Tuesday & Friday) are already full. However
keep the phone calls coming there is always the chance that if someone drops
out at the last minute we can put a reserve in. For more information please
call me on 087 091 7565.
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