3 more Thai players get wild cards into PTT Pattaya Open

The Organising Committee of the PTT Pattaya Open has announced 3 more wild cards for Thai players into the US$220,000 2011 PTT Pattaya Open.

Nungnudda Wannasuk and Tanaporn Thongsing have been given wild cards into qualifying and Varatchaya Wongteanchai has been given a wild card into the doubles main draw. In total 5 wild cards have been granted to Thai players to date into the tournament, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and Nicha Lertpitaksinchai having already been given wild cards into the main draw of the singles competition.

In addition to the 5 wild cards, Thailand’s No 1 player, Tamarine Tanasugarn will also compete in the PTT Pattaya Open, which is being held at the Dusit Thani Pattaya from 6–13 February 2011.

The qualifying rounds of the tournament will be played on Sunday 6 February and Monday 7 February and includes some well-known names from around the region, such as India’s Sania Mirza, Japanese rising stars, Misaki Doi, and Kurumi Nara, Sesil Karatantcheva of Kazakhstan, who was beaten by Tamarine Tanasugarn in last year’s semi-final and Zarina Diyas another of Asia’s rising stars.

The main draw matches featuring well-known stars Vera Zvonareva, Ana Ivanovic, Daniela Hantuchova and Maria Kirilenko will start on Monday 7 February with play commencing from 15.00 daily. Tickets which are selling fast are still available at 300, 500,800 and 1,200 baht.

For more information on the tournament and tickets, please contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd at Tel: 02-3113414/5 or via the website at www.pentangle promotions.com or through ThaiTicketMajor Co., Ltd at 02-2623456 or website www.thaiticketmajor.com.

OMYC yacht championship starts fast in 2011

The multihulls speed off downwind.

Kipsan Beck

The sailing season at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien has come alive, with the first of 11 monthly races commencing in mid January featuring 2 days of racing, with boats raced in 4 divisions – racing keelboats/IRC 1, multihulls, cruising keelboats and sportsboats which are a small day-sailor type yacht.

After an entertaining first race briefing by harbour master Scott Finsten and Race Officer K Ouychai, all boats headed out to the Saturday start of a long 20+ nautical mile course which would take them up to the northern end of Jomtien beach upwind, a long downwind leg to Rangkwian Rock and back into the finish via the high water marker.

Sportboat winner “Pornstar”.

A patchy 5-8 knots took most of the fleet up to the windward mark, with some very big holes forming as the wind died on the downwind leg. In January the northerly monsoon tends to fill in from Pattaya blowing south, so as the wind died for the leaders, the main fleet were able to sail down onto them in a steady 10+ knots, providing some very close racing as all boats bunched up to cross the finish.

Overall El Coyote was first on line, but the lower rating boats enjoyed getting the new breeze earlier so took top 3 places on handicap on day 1, with Peter Herning’s Kirafiki in first, followed by Magic Roundabout and Sansanook. In the sportsboats Pornstar finished 25 minutes ahead of the Weasel, but again when handicaps were applied, results were reversed, seeing the Weasel taking first place overnight, with C U Later in second.

The evening included a tasty buffet laid on by Ocean Marina Yacht Club, with a stunning red sunset hopefully indicating stronger winds for Sunday.

Sunday conditions had the racers running 2 windward leeward races; again starting the first race in light winds. A major shift midway through the course saw the leaders sailing “upwind” with kites back to the rest of the fleet who were sailing downwind also with spinnakers!

In the last race, wind conditions provided a true Jomtien winter breeze, with a full 20+ knots. Those who could reefed or changed down headsails, as a challenging breeze saw a mass fleet start pushing into a steep chop rolling down the bay from Koh Larn.

The two multihulls were in their element, and rocketed off upwind, finishing well ahead of the keelboat fleet; Black Swan sailed a little more consistently across the various wind conditions, and so took the overall win for the weekend ahead of The Sting.

Sailing well in both the lighter conditions and stronger winds on Sunday, Shaw 650 Pornstar took out the double of line honours for all keelboats plus handicap victory in the sportsboats, capping a successful come from behind win.

While some of the IRC keelboat fleet sailed conservatively in the last race, the bigger racers dared to use their spinnakers and David Bell earned a well deserved win in his division with Magic Roundabout, finishing well ahead of the rest of his division in both races, followed in on Sunday by K Pote in both races, seeing Le Vent getting a well deserved third place for the weekend, with Kirafiki in second.

Sailing another long distance course, the cruising division this year has seen many of the competitors move up to IRC 1; the slightly more laid back approach to racing saw Suksan taking first on Sunday and first overall for the weekend.

Next racing is scheduled for mid February, and with many new boats now in the marina out and racing, competition will be closer than ever. All points count towards the annual championship, finishing in December 2011.

Chonburi supports disabled athletes with 1.7 million baht

Former Tourism and Sports Minister, Sonthaya Kunplome, center, holding cheque, presents the donation to representatives for the disabled athletes.

Manoon Makpol

Putting their money where their mouths are, Chonburi officials hoping local athletes would dominate last month’s National Disabled Sports Games donated nearly 1.7 million baht toward their training.

Former Tourism and Sports Minister Sonthaya Kunplome and officials from the province, Chonburi Sports Association, Pattaya City and Father Ray Foundation presented the 1.656 million baht in funds to the Redemptorist School for the Disabled, Chonburi School for the Deaf, Karunyawet Home for the Disabled and Redemptorist School for the Blind.

All four schools contributed athletes to the Jan. 23-27 games.

Funds were donated to support athletes in archery, badminton, basketball, ballsier, fencing, futsal, go ball, petanque, sepak takraw, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis and track and field.

United hit Ubon for six in pre-season friendly

United forward Patipol Phetwiset (14) battles for the ball with an Ubon Tigers defender during the friendly match played at the Nongprue Stadium on January 22.

PM-Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Pattaya United continued their warm-up preparations for the new Thai Premier League season with a convincing 6-0 defeat of Division 2 outfit Ubon Tigers FC at the Nongprue stadium in Pattaya on Saturday, January 22.

Rangsarit Suthasa opened the scoring for the home team in just the second minute of the match after United forward Patipon Petwiset had been bundled over by the Ubon defenders, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Suthasa duly stepped up to calmly convert it and give United the lead.

The ‘Dolphins’ doubled their lead in the 11th minute when Premwut Wongdee took advantage of a mistake in the Ubon defence after being played through by Ludovik.

Patipon, himself, gave United a three goal cushion after latching onto a cross from new Japanese signing Okawa to easily beat the Tiger’s goalkeeper, and the same player scored his second of the match just before the break to give United a 4-0 lead over their outclassed opponents.

Coach Jatuporn rang the changes for the second half, giving run outs to Somchai Singmanee, Seeket Madputae, and Chomphu Sangpho. The changes didn’t seem to affect United’s tempo too much however and after missing a couple of earlier opportunities, Ludovik was finally able to get on the score-sheet in the 64th minute when he headed in a cross from Singmanee.

More substitutes were introduced by United but it didn’t interfere with the course of the game as the home side continued to dominate. A sixth and final goal came just before the end as Ludovik pounced on a rebound to notch his second of the match.

Coach Jatuporn said he was pleased with the pre-season progress of the United squad but was hoping that none of the players would pick up any serious injuries prior to the start of the new Premier League season. He would not be drawn on questions over United’s interest in another possible transfer target from the Japanese J League and said all potential transfer matters were being dealt with by the United board of directors.

Pattaya United start their new Thai Premier League campaign on Saturday, February 12, against Bangkok Glass at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

City share the spoils in top of the table clash

MBMG International League Div. 1 & 2

Paul Frain

Pattaya City played joint leaders Black Swan last weekend, a team City had beaten 2-0 earlier in the season.

With City playing against the wind and the incline of the pitch against them, it just made it a bit more difficult for Pattaya, but to be fair both teams started cautiously as they struggled to get on top.

The first real chance of the game fell to City’s Ndjanna whose header into the ground took the pace off the ball and the the Swan’s keeper made an easy save. Black Swan had a couple of good chances themselves but their finishing was wild and the City keeper wasn’t troubled until a volley by TJ found the top corner of the net to put the Bangkok team 1-0 ahead.

City recovered but were finding it difficult to break down the stubborn Swan defence and when Peter Ndjanna made a darting run, beating four players in the process, he could only look on as his pass to Dipita was knocked wide of goal by the forward with only the keeper to beat.

Half time came with the Black Swan still leading 1-0.

After the break City started to put their game in order to beat the offside trap and gained a succession of corners, and from the last of these the ball was only cleared to City’s Bangkhadara whose header rocketed into the net to make it 1-1.

Pattaya were now in top gear and put the Swans defence under intense pressure. City’s Denis Matveev missed a golden opportunity to put his team ahead when presented with an open goal but he somehow managed to put the ball wide. Almost immediately a long ball from the Swans keeper gave their forward a chance for goal but luckily for City the ball hit the post and was cleared to safety.

Wave after wave of City attacks then descended on the Swans goal as Pattaya looked for a winner, but the Swans defense held firm and survived until the final whistle.

City had most of the game possession but chances were few and far between for both teams. All in all it was not a bad result for the Pattaya team as they still have a game in hand over the Swans.

Reserves side hit top form

Pattaya City reserves were also playing away last week and faced lowly Iplay. Captain David Brown had to play in goal for the first time in an over 40 year career, due to the bad accident of Denis Sevciuc who is in intensive care at Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital and everybody hopes for a quick and speedy recovery.

Brian Wilkins joined the fold to booster the defence but it was the City keeper who was brought into action first when he did well in intercepting the ball from the advancing Iplay forwards.

City piled on the pressure and some good chances were missed, with Terry Wilcox blazing over the Iplay bar before Pattaya struck through a dazzling run by Kunchuen, who beat four Iplay players before slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0.

City reserves played good entertaining football and had the Iplay players chasing shadows and they went further ahead after a great though ball from Nakornmuang found Kunchuen who made no mistake to score his side’s second goal.

Iplay came back into the game but the reliable master Brown kept the goal sheet clean until the half time whistle.

After the interval Iplay came out fighting and reduced the arrears when the City defence didn’t clear their lines, and the hungry Iplay forwards pounced onto the loose ball to make it 2-1.

The City youngsters carried on at their own game pace and a superb lob by Kunchuen over the Iplay keeper’s head made the score line 3-1. Iplay retaliated and only a brilliant save by Brown kept the home team from scoring a second. Soon after, City’s Narain was put through by Nakornmuang to make it 4-1 and it was City’s match.

The Pattaya youngsters in the reserve team are progressing well, with on this occasion David Luelan being a constant thorn in Iplay’s side, but they must learn to take more of their chances in future.

No shirt swap required by former Gateshead keeper

Stewart Fraser of Shenanigans Irish Bar in Jomtien, left, is seen with former Gateshead goalkeeper George Alberts, who lives in Thailand, with a backdrop of a framed Gateshead Football Club shirt brought over by Laurence Dinning one of the club’s sponsors. Gateshead, who are currently members of The National Conference league in England, are two games away from a Wembley appearance in The FA Trophy. George, who played under two managers at Gateshead in the 1960’s (former Newcastle winger Bobby Mitchell, and George Hardwick of England and Middlesbrough) was delighted with the presentation and remarked that another former Gateshead player Tom Callender, who played 432 games for Gateshead in the old 3rd Division (North), had once been described by the late Nat Lofthouse as one of the best centre half’s he had played against. Bolton beat Gateshead 1-0 in an FA Cup 6th round tie in 1953 on their way to the final against Blackpool.

Bowlers ensure league victory for Pattaya C.C.

Pattaya Cricket Club travelled to the new Thailand Cricket Ground near the international airport to take on Thailand Cricket Club in the Bangkok Premier League. PCC fielded an experienced side against a TCC side that remarkably resembled the Thai national under 19’s XI who were preparing for the forthcoming ASEAN International Tournament starting on Monday.

It was apparent the wicket had been well watered and upon losing the toss PCC were asked to bat in the 40 over game. John Giuffrida and Giles Mongare opened the innings and found runs hard to come by against a lively and youthful bowling attack. The ball seamed in all directions but the openers stuck to their task and dug in to slowly accumulate runs before their 49 run partnership was broken by an inswinging yorker that removed John G’s off stump.

Batting continued to be a war of attrition as the spinners were introduced who turned the ball prodigiously on the slow but drying surface. The Captain Simon Philbrook (33) and Dave Booton (17) showed their experience as they added a further 55 runs before 3 wickets fell with score on 120. It was left to Lindon Giuffrida to guide PCC to a total of 144 for 9.

The pick of the TCC bowlers was Jai who finished with 4 for 35 from his 8 overs of left arm wrist spin.

The PCC bowlers had to bowl well from the start and they certainly delivered. Salman bowled full and straight and as the batsmen went back the umpire’s finger went up: 3 times in fact in the first 4 overs and Salman had figures of 3 for 17.

Then Usman, bowling left arm quick, bowled with immaculate control to keep the pressure on. The wicket was drying quickly under the sun and the surface was beginning to deteriorate rapidly. It was not long before the accuracy of Usman paid dividends and wickets started to fall again. The middle order collapsed under the relentless pressure and the bowler merited his man of the match figures of 4 for 27 from 8 his overs.

Leon Bouter took care of the tail to ensure they bowled out their opponents for 88 runs and in doing so secured the 2 extra bonus points.

PCC’s next BPL fixture is on Saturday 5th February at Horseshoe Point from 10 a.m. against the form side Siam CC. Anyone wishing to play or get involved with PCC please come along to nets every Friday from 4 p.m. at HSP. See our website at www.pattayacricketclub.com.

Pierre’s magic putter

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, Jan. 23, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Patrick Kelly (+3) 39pts
2nd Raji (6) 38pts
3rd Blair Philip (9) 38pts
B Flight
1st David Driscol (14) 42pts
2nd Reg McKay (13) 39pts
3rd Chaten Patel (13) 39pts
C Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (15) 43pts
2nd Barry Copestake (15) 39pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (17) 38pts
D Flight
1st Tom Breslin (19) 41pts
2nd Mick Beresford (22) 39pts
3rd Anna Freyne (23) 35pts
Near Pins: No 4 Thierry Petremont No 9 Reg McKay No 12 Pierre Bietry No 16 Jack Grindvold.

Sunday’s winner Pierre Bietry.

Green Valley is typically set up in a forgiving configuration for the weekly Sunday outings; that is forward tees but even that cannot dampen the quality of Pierre (the Captain’s) 43 points to win C Flight. Pierre had been playing at or just around the standard scratch for the past three Sundays and has clearly and finally taken his game to a level more commensurate with his age and physical condition. We will see how he manages with the forth coming cut.

Pierre’s fine effort made also runs of Barry ‘The Boot’ Copestake and former President Peter ‘Don O’Corleone’ Henshaw despite their creditable 39 and 38 points on the day.

As further testimony to the friendly course set up of the day and the familiarity that the field has with the layout, both B and D Flights were won by 42 points and 41 points by David Driscol and Tom Breslin respectively. Dave was followed in B Flight by ‘Bukie boot boy’ Reg McKay and’ fast’ Chaten Patel with Reg Getting the nod via the very tight resulting count-back.

D Flight was filled out by Mickey ‘nine holes’ Beresford with a very nervy 39 points that contained 4 wipes on his card and Anna Freyne with 35 points.

Jumping on the escalator to the A Flight saw the young man Patrick Kelly repeating last Sunday’s masterpiece of 39 points off his plus three handicap. The minor places saw Raji out-point Blair Philip for the second spot on the podium.

There were six competitors with a very handy 2’

Monday, Jan 24, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Terry Mangan (11) 35pts
2nd Pat Hanafin (12) 35pts
B Flight
1st Ayako Pueshi (18) 34pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (19) 32pts

While points were there for the adding up on Sunday, today was a different story all together with no competitor bettering par. The senior flight was an all-Irish affair that saw Co. Wicklow’s Terry Mangan and Co. Cork’s Maestro Pat Hanafin both post 35 points, and a count-back sorted out the order of ascent.

The junior flight was a bit less dramatic but the loot was just as spendable, just ask Ayako Pueshi who copped the top rung! Geoff ‘Elvis’ Kubas gave every man hope as he strode off to the podium to take up a stance on the second step.

Colm ‘the Irish Rover’ Mullen slotted home the only ‘2’ of the day to help pay for his taxi to the airport.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Hynard (13) 41pts
2nd Gavin Knox (11) 33pts
3rd Greg Bates (13) 33pts
B Flight
1st Tore Eliassen (14) 33pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (15) 33pts
3rd Frank McNamara (17) 30pts
C Flight
1st Amin Agit (22) 31pts
2nd Jim Elphick (25) 30pts
3rd Sean Sodden (23) 25pts

Peter ‘The Right Honorable’ Hynard served notice that there are still plenty of tricks in his well worn golf bag, as he showed the field nothing but tail lights in his A Flight winning and best on the day 41 points, plus Peter was the only player to better par on the day. Gavin Wilko Knox bested Greg Bates on count-back for the second place on the podium.

The action if one can call it that in B Flight saw Toe Elissen’s back nine hold up in another count-back over the headline boy Captain Pierre Bietry. Irelands’ Big Frank McNamara gratefully accepted the third spot.

Dropping down to the junior flight saw the lads really on fire as Agit Amin put together a 31 point winning total. Jimmy ‘Two shots’ Elphick was a stroke back for the silver and to say that Sean Sodden was gob smacked to find his 25 points held up for third would be an understatement.

Peter Henshaw and Francis Goyons split the ‘2’s pot.

Friday, Jan. 25, Bangpakong - Stableford
A Flight
1st Yui Bietry (10) 38pts
2nd Gavin Knox (11) 37pts
3rd Gordon Wallace (15) 35pts
B Flight
1st Jim Elphick (25) 43pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (19) 36pts
3rd John O’Neil (17) 34pts

Jim Elphick, who has seen his handicap climb over the last couple of years, signaled that he may have solved the plot. Jim amassed 43 points for the top spot on the day and B Flight glory. Jim was also one of only three players to better their handicap.

Elvis Kubas penciled in a even par round for second, the third place on the podium was sorted out via a count-back between John O’Neil and A J Butler, the scales tipping in John’s favour.

The premier flight was led in by the girl on fire Yui Bietry with a sparkling 38 points. Gavin ‘Wilko’ Knox followed Yui up the podium steps a shot adrift. A group of four was log jammed on 35 points with Gordon Wallace winning the last premier flight position with a count-back victory over Pat Hanafin, Greg Bates and Francis Goyons.

Andre Fortis was the only golfer to register a 2.

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.

‘Mister Consistency’ wins at Emerald

The Backyard Golf Society

JJ, 2nd left, celebrates his golfing success with the staff at Mama’s Bar.

I will start off this week by reminding members that at our meeting last week it was decided that if you are not here every week, you must phone David to let him know when you will be playing as we only have 4 tee times every week and we do not want to disappoint anyone.

A good turn out with 14 players this past week with everyone in all competitions. After working out that we were following two 5-ball groups, it was decided that we would go off with one 4-ball and two 5-balls. Two and three quarter hours later we had finished 9 holes and, not being the most patient of golfers on the Eastern Seaboard, 5 players retired to the bars of Ban Chang and 9 completed the course two and a half hours later!

‘Mister Consistency’ JJ took the game with 36 points and Bernie came in second with 34. Nearest the pin will be rolled over to next week as well as 8 skins. Skin results for this week showed that Bernie is on his game as he took (9) and Dan M a solitary (1).

Everyone met up again at Mama’s Bar in Ban Chang with the main topic of conversation being “when are these tourists going home?”

High handicappers lead the way at Bangpra

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, Jan. 24, Bangpra - Medal

Bangpra is probably the best value for money course in the area at the moment, and is popular with the Bunker Boys, and apparently everyone else. 32 golfers arrived at the course to find it almost bursting at the seams with players, and following a lengthy wait (due mainly to the fact that we had booked a later tee time and we’d arrived early), the round eventually got under way.

Patience was the order of the day, and dusk was creeping in as the final group finished their round, but an enjoyable day was had by most (well, at least those that didn’t record an N/R).

Several of the higher handicap golfers are often reluctant to play medal rounds, but the best scores today were recorded in the B Flight, with Tom Jones taking the overall winner’s place with a fine score of net 73.

A Flight
1st Gerry Cooney (11) net 74
2nd John Hughes (16) net 75
3rd Patrick Kelly (3) net 76
B Flight
1st Tom Jones (22) net 73
2nd Eddie Kelly (17) net 75
3rd Jack Robertson (24) net 76
Near Pins: Alan Harris, Kenny Davey, Peter Habgood, and Patrick Kelly.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, Green Valley - Stableford

A very pleasant surprise greeted us at Green Valley after the hassle over our booking last month. The course was amazingly quiet, we teed off on time, and there was no one in front of the leading group until they reached the 8thh hole and caught up with a four-ball of Korean ladies. Just to make the day perfect, the ladies politely allowed them through on the par three 13th hole, and they completed their round in under four hours - not bad for high season.

The course however, was beginning to look very dry in many places, and it’s to be hoped that the staff sort out the apparent problems with the sprinklers soon, or the damage will be beyond repair.

Best round of the day was recorded by newcomer Keichi Kasemi, whilst Geoff Parker rediscovered some semblance of form to win the B Flight.

A Flight
1st Keichi Kasami (8) 38pts
2nd Paul Edgar (14) 37pts
3rdd Peter Kelly (8) 35pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Parker (18) 36pts
2nd Tom Jones (22) 35pts
3rd Jack Robertson (24) 35pts
Near Pins: Mike Corner, Geoff Parker, Paul Edgar and Peter Kelly
Friday, Jan. 28, Century Chonburi - Stableford

We arrived at our scheduled venue, Treasure Hill, to find the place in confusion and chaos. Although the car park was half empty, there were no caddies and no golf buggies available, and the only explanation from the manager was that everyone had gone home for Chinese New Year!

Eventually the decision was made to try our luck at nearby Century Chonburi G.C., a course we haven’t played for over 4 years. On arrival at Century we were able to tee off immediately, and the round progressed smoothly. It’s fair to say that although the course was dry and tatty in places, (what can anyone expect for a 200 baht green fee) the general condition was better than most people anticipated, and there was even the suggestion made that we should play here on a more regular basis!

The best rounds of the day were recorded by Tore Eliason and Tom Jones, both with 38 points, to win the A and B Flights respectively. At the end of a very successful week, Tom has now moved into the lead for the ‘Golfer of the Month’ title, with one game remaining.

A Flight
1st Tore Eliason (14) 38pts
2nd Rab McDonald (14) 37pts
3rd Peter Kelly (8) 35pts
B Flight
1st Tom Jones (22) 38pts
2nd Barry Murnin (16) 35pts
3rd John Hughes (16) 33pts
Near Pins: Tom Jones, Rab McDonald, Per Forsburg, and Tony Robbins

Fitzgerald’s take home the bacon at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, Jan. 24, Treasure Hills - Stableford

There were rave reviews regarding the condition of the course here today after the round. We selected the yellow tees as normal for the men and all nine groups tee’d off bang on time.

Division 2 and 3 winners, Mike Fitzgerald and Cully Monks, with the ladies champ Herma Fitzgerald at Eastern Star.

The best score of the day came in for division 1 with Timo Ahvenainen winning with 37 points. Tony Thorne was second three points behind and Billy Hewitt beat Raivo Velsberg and Chris Voller on a 17/14/14 back nine count-back after they all recorded 32 points.

The same score, 32 points, was good enough for Jim Connelly to win division 2, with William Chang beating John Harvey on a 19/17 count-back for second, who in turn beat Errki 17/16 after they all scorde 31 points.

Jean Utting won the ladies division with 28 points with Valentina Hiller getting the first ‘2’ in their division for some considerable time after a birdie on the 17th. Olau Rissenen also birdied the 17th to win the division 1 pot while a rollover in division 2 goes to Greenwood on Wednesday.

Nearest the pin prizes were picked up by Valentina Hiller, Arvo Hiller, Olau Rissenen, Dennis Scougall, Jim Connelly, Erkki Pohja, Burnie Sinclair and Martin Ward.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, Greenwood –Rainbow Stableford.

The last Wednesday of the month and our fun game, an individual stableford competition for the men in three divisions selecting 6 red, 6 white and 6 blue tees to play from in a normal stableford scoring system. The ladies meanwhile were playing off the reds as normal, but to complicate matters even more , there was also a pairs team contest with a player from division 1 (1-16) handicap, and one from division 2 (17+) multiplying their scores after each hole.

The highest score of the day in the four divisions was 38 points from Fred Duffy to win division 3 and also from William Chang to take the second division. Three points behind Fred was Eugine Maguire and in third place was John Harvey with 33.

There are two 34’s behind William in division 2 with Jim Connelly beating ‘Countback’ Burnie 21/13 on the back nine, what a surprise. Raivo Velsberg won division 1 on a back nine count-back of 21/17, beating Peter Pedder after they both scored 36 points. Tony Thorne finished third beating Kari Kuparinen 17/15 after they both record 35 points.

Herma Fitzgerald took out the ladies division with 32 points, with Miss Noi in second place one point behind.

Near pins were won by Timo Ahvenainen, Mike Combs, Kari Kuparainen, Peter Pedder, Jim Connelly, Gordon Everingham, Joe Kubon and Jean Morel.

There were no ‘2’s in the ladies today but four in division 1 sharing the day’s pot; Kari, Peter, Raivo and Timo, while with a rollover from Treasure Hills in division 2, Kari Aarnio and Jean Morel were all smiles at the presentation.

In the team multiplier the score expectancy with all the gossip in the bar before we left was around the mid seventies, and the winning score in today for Raivo Velsberg and William Chang was 76 points. Peter Pedder and Fred Duffy came second with 68 and in third place were Tony Thorne and Joe Kubon with 61 points.

Friday, Jan. 28, Eastern Star – Stableford

Our largest field of the week with 6 ladies and 41 men out in the normal 4 divisions. The equal cut today was 5-15 in division 1, 16-19 in division 2 and 20+ in division 3. The playing conditions were superb with a cool breeze blowing throughout the round, the only downside here is the greens are not all the same consistency and there were a few moans about that.

Playing off 22, Mike Fitzgerald scored 37 points to win division 3, Jim Lane was second with 35 and Lee Casey came third with 32.

The Irish boy who’s had a bad head for the last two weeks with 18 friends here somehow won division 2 with 36 points. ‘Mr. Grumpy’ alias Bryan Rought was second one point behind, and with his first game with us Granville Swanton took third with 32.

Tony Thorne won division 1 with 35 points with Mikael Andersson beating Ya Riley on a 16/14 count-back for second after they both scored 33 points, she will still be smiling.

Keeping it in the family, Herma Fitzgerald won the ladies division with 39 points, with Theressa Connolly second eight points behind.

There were two birdie ‘2’s on the third hole today, Jean Bruneau in division 1 and Mike Fitzgearald in division 2 to take the maximum pot each.

Near pins today went to Herma Fitzgerald (2), Miss Nut, Jean Bruneau, Arthur Hancock, Barry Stirling, Tony Thorne, Mike Fitzgerald, Joe Peters, Erkki Pohja and Bryan Rought.

This coming Friday at Eastern Star we start a two game match-play battle with the Backyard boys from Baan Chang, 12 players in each team with the second game at the Emerald on the 11th.

Ciano puts his name on the trophy

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Ciano Glavina, left, with Don Goins, right,
after last week’s round at Pattaya Country Club.

Don Goins did it again: he was back in the hunt and made it to the podium last Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Pattaya Country Club. He was running hot but had no points on the last two holes to drop back into second place.

On the other hand, Ciano Glavina, although he faltered on the back nine, managed to hang on to come in with 39 points to win the day. He bogeyed the first hole then ran off six pars in a row. He then bogeyed the 8th and 9th to score 24 points on the front nine. The wind picked up on the back nine and it might have affected everyone’s score.

Don, at second place, had 35 points. Coming in just back of Don were two others with 33 points each. Herb Ishinaga and Paul Kinmon were trying but did not have enough to contend for the monthly trophy. Ciano starts off the new year as the first name on the list for 2011.

Winners are grinners

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

The previous week’s big winner, Tony Chetland, celebrates with Ken Hole,
the winner at Greenwood this past week.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, Plutaluang - Stableford

Tuesday was a visit to Plutaluang, where the North & West combination was to be our test. Indeed a test it was, with good scores thin on the ground, partly due to participant’s ability and contributed to by the course conditions. The greens were back to the longer, grainier grass, so putts were at a premium. These greens ruin any “stroke” one may have, as it requires a “hit” to get it to the hole. Having said that, it is the same for everyone, so get on with it!

Frans Olgers (21) came to grips with the conditions best, recording a solid 33 points for first place. Next best was the scribe, Jeff Wylie (6), with an unspectacular 31 points (36 putts, damn), and filling the final podium position was Graham Hiskett (16) with 30 points.

Near pins were picked up by Ian, Jeff, Ken & Tony.

Thursday, Jan. 27, Greenwood - Stableford

Thursday was Greenwood’s turn to host our group, with the C & B combination our test de jour. Unfortunately, we had a car breakdown which reduced numbers, but still had enough to provide a day’s competition.

Ken Hole (16) showed some return to form with 36 points, while Jeff Wylie (6) 34 points maintained his consistency of late to complete the prize rundown.

Near pins proved to be too much of a battle today with only Bob Edwards scoring on the short C6, while the others were not hit, resulting of course in donations to the 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!

Rushant top scores with 41

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Saturday’s winners: Mike Quinn, Joe Stranks, Vic Hansen, Bill Shepley (2’s), Danny Whelan, Mike Rushant, Arnold Jones and Gary Blackbourne.

Barry Hooper

Monday, Jan. 24, The Emerald - Stableford

Monday we visited Emerald and 25 came to play so two divisions. The course was in good condition, as always of late, and allowed for good golf to prevail.

Jeff Oxler made the day his own and fired in top score of thirty-nine points to take Div 1 and we then had to go five back to find Mod Chaviraksa in second (nice to see her back in the top three again) while Brendan Moore (Fergus’s right hand man these days) took third with thirty-three.

In Div 2 Pierre Ruggieon, one of our many visitors at the TRGG, took first place with a thirty-six points and we had a count-back decision for second and third with the honour going to Alun Webber (the Welsh Wizard) over John Baxter.

A Flight
1st Jeff Oxler (13) 39pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (12) 34pts
3rd Brendan Moore (11) 33pts
4th Daryl Ottaway (8) 32pts
B Flight
1st Pierre Ruggieon (26) 36pts
2nd Alun Webber (20) 33pts
3rd John Baxter (16) 33pts
4th Peter Shaw (22) 32pts
2’s: Gary Oshaughnessy, George Robinson and Daryl Ottawaya.
Tuesday, Jan. 25, Khao Kheow - Stableford

On Tuesday, Khao Kheow A & B was the challenge and 33 played this time so two divisions once more.

Again the highest the highest score on the day took the first division honours and this time it was Niall Cronin with his thirty-eight points. Three back and second was Ito Alitoshi and there was a count-back for third (32’s) between Mick Quinn and Fergus Brennan, with Fergus the one losing out.

Div 2 was a win for John Baxter after his count-back over Pierre Ruggieon and Reg Glass, all log jammed on thirty-seven.

A Flight
1st Niall Cronin (11) 38pts
2nd Ito Akitoshi (9) 35pts
3rd Mick Quinn (8) 32pts
4th Fergus Brennan (11) 32pts
B Flight
1st John Baxter (16) 37pts
2nd Pierre Ruggieon (26) 37pts
3rd Reg Glass (16) 37pts
4th Thomas Knudsen (27) 34pts
2’s: Ito Akistoshi, John Baxter and Nial Cronin.
Thursday, Jan. 27, Phoenix - Stableford

It was our usual weekly visit to Phoenix on Thursday to play the Mountain & Ocean course. We had a great turn-out with thirty-nine players so three divisions this time. This course as always was in pristine form so there was some good golf and good scoring.

We had to go to Div 2 to find the top score on the day and that was from Phil Battah with thirty nine. John Baxter came in one point behind him and Pierre Ruggioen was in the frame yet again in third place.

Div 1 was a win for Fergus, I saw that he was missing for a couple of days, unusual that, but subsequently found out that he had been unwell, but he came back in top form for his win here with thirty seven, albeit after count-back over Hugh Byrne. Brendan Moore took his second third spot of the week with his even par round.

A Flight
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 37pts
2nd Hugh Byrne (11) 37pts
3rd Brendan Moore (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st Phil Battah (14) 39pts
2nd John Baxter (16) 38pts
3rd Vic Hansen (12) 38pts
C Flight
1st Pierre Ruggieon (26) 36pts
2nd Alun Webber (20) 34pts
3rd Andrew Rich (21) 34pts
2’s: Phil Battah, Paula Byrne, Garry Hookey, Mike Rushant & Roger Wilkinson.
Saturday, Jan. 29, Greenwood - Stableford

Saturday was another weekend visit to Greenwood, a great course this, being kept in very fine fettle. We had 32 in attendance and as usual with those sort of numbers two divisions on the day.

Div Two winner was the top score of the week 41 from Mike Rushant. Good shooting Mike. 39 for second was Arnold Jones’s number and third at 37 was Danny Whelan.

Div 1 saw Joe Stranks topping the list with his 37, but again second and third was decided on count-back with both players having 36. The decision going in favour of Vic Hansen over Gary Blackbourne

A Flight
1st Joe Stranks (10) 37pts
2nd Vic Hansen (12) 36pts
3rd Gary Blackbourne (6) 36pts
B Flight
1st Mike Rushant (13) 41pts
2nd Arnold Jones (16) 39pts
3rd Danny Whelan (5) 37pts
2’s: Bill Shepley.

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.

‘Moon’ eclipses the field with 40-pointer

January Diana Seniors and Lady’s Open

January winners Chant (Moon) Schwulera, left, and Tom Bryne,
center, with Pattaya Country Club ‘boss’ Jenny.

Nigel Cannon

The first Diana Senior and Ladies Open for the year had 40 players at Pattaya Country Club on Thursday January 27th. It was another International field with a large Irish contingent. In the winners enclosure there were 5 nations represented.

All arrived well in time for an efficient and friendly check-in and away on time on what was a busy day. The course was in good condition and credit goes to the recently appointed new green keeper.

Back in the clubhouse - currently being worked on – it was time for the presentation, 30 minutes after the last group came in, and thanks to Alan Pearce who had checked all the cards and calculated the results.

Just 6 ladies today and the best score of the day came from Chant Schwulera (Moon) (h/cap 11) with a fine 40 points. Runner-up with 31 points was Theresa Connolly (26).

One of our Irish friends Tom Bryne (14) was the Seniors winner with 36 points and the runner-up, just a point behind, was Kale Karlberg (13) with 35.

It was count-back to decided the Super Seniors with regular Diana player Chris John (22) beating Rich Murphy (23) both with 38 points.

Chris had to leave before the ‘photo shoot’ so to make up for his absence was Pattaya Country Club ‘boss’ Jenny – who was celebrating her birthday.

All scores are submitted to Pattaya Sports Club.

Near pin prizes were picked up by Chant Schwulera (#5), Tom Byne (#12) and Kale Karlberg (#16).

The next Diana Seniors and Ladies open is on Thursday 24th February at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 0900.

Sign-up sheets are at Diana Green Bottle on 2nd road and the Diana Driving range.

Culley bags weekly brace

PSC Golf from the Caddy Shack

Monday, Jan. 24, Bangpra – Stableford

Seventeen players took on the challenge of Bangpra off the white tees on Monday. Scores were generally disappointing with Clive Bruce leading the way with an A Flight winning 33 points, on count-back over Dougie Crowe. Brian Orr took out the B Flight with one point less on 32.

A Flight
1st Clive Bruce (8) 33pts
2nd Dougie Crowe (6) 33pts
B Flight
1st Brian Orr (14) 32pts
2nd Trev Priesley (18) 31pts
Wednesday, Jan. 26, Phoenix - Stableford

A similar sized group to Monday travelled to Phoenix on Wednesday and the scores were considerably higher today.

Emmet White and Phonsie McGahan were the top points grabbers with 37 apiece but with Emmet edging the victory in A Flight on count-back. Rick Culley and Dave Strang filled out the top two places in B Flight in that order.

A Flight
1st Emmet White (12) 37pts
2nd Phonsie McGahan (6) 37pts
B Flight
1st Rick Culley (13) 36pts
2nd Dave Strang (18) 35pts
Friday, Jan. 28, Green Valley – Stableford

Our largest group on the week, 22 players, showed up for a trip to our home course of Green Valley on Friday.

Joe Wong recorded the best round of the week, a fine 40 points, to walk away with it in the B Flight with Ramsay Smith trailing in eight behind in second.

Rick Culley notched his second win in 3 days with a solid 38 points to take out the premier flight ahead of Paul Walia and Graham Beaumont.

Kevin Hamilton holed out from the bunker on the 12th to record the only ‘2’ of the day.

A Flight
1st Rick Culley (13) 38pts
2nd Paul Walia (13) 36pts
3rd Graham Beaumont (12) 36pts
B Flight
1st Joe Wong (18) 40pts
2nd Ramsay Smith (18) 32pts
3rd Kevin Dinan (24) 31pts

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, and can also arrange golf trips outside these days. For more information email [email protected]

Barrett back in the groove

Phoenix PSC Tuesday/Friday Golf Group

Mike Gerrard

Strange how things seem to repeat themselves: just because I mentioned Arthur Barrett popping up last week, he decided to shoot the lights out last Friday 21st Jan with a superb 38 points from the blue tees on the Mountain/Lakes course. A good 4 points clear of Clive Robinson and 7 clear of Landis Brooks.

Tuesday’s winners celebrate at the Relax Bar.

It was only a couple of weeks ago we could hear Arthur a cussing and a swearing at how bad he was playing. If there was ever a better game invented I do not know of it. One minute you’re up and next your down, which is about as good as it gets for me these days (not on about golf now).

Onto Tuesday 25th Jan we reverted back to the white tees. It was another great turn-out on another beautiful day. Let’s face it every day here in fun city is a beautiful day, especially when you’re enjoying the senior years of your life.

Friday winner Arthur Barrett.

Once again we tackled the Mountain/Lake course and we played our monthly stroke-play competition and with a good breeze blowing and some tricky greens the scores were reasonably good to average.

This week was our dear friend Giorgio Baccioli’s birthday (he wouldn’t tell us how old he was), but he did donate a special birthday edition voucher for the best net score of the day. Get well soon Giorgio and thank you for your continued support.

Keith Etherington was the victor in ‘A’ Flight today with a fine net 73. Second was Joe Stranks with net 74 and third was Joe Miller with net 75.

In ‘B’ Flight the winner was Ted Oreton with net 74, second was John Bartley with net 76 and joint third were, newcomer, Goort Gelten, and Graham Ellis with net 77’s.

Technical prizes went to Shaun Merriman (2), Richard Baldwin and Gary Blackburne, while the Lucky Draw winners were John Le Blanc, Patrick Browne, Minere Khan and Stuart Gordon.

Our thanks go to our hosts, Ung and Dieter, helped by their staff of the Relax Bar for their weekly support with the donation of lucky draw prizes and, of course, their superb hospitality.

On a side note our fishing trips are becoming more and more popular, insomuch as I have now booked boats for 6 dates in the next 10 weeks. Some are already full, but there are places available for some others.

For more information regarding golf or sea fishing, please call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.

Prizes galore but Brady misses out with eagle

PSC golf from The Fairway Golf Range

Ladies flight winner Jum Karagit, left.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, PAGS Monthly Tournament

Ninety-six golfers lined up at the start for the monthly tournament today and the majority of them found it very difficult in the blustery conditions. With a very strong wind swirling around the course, club selection was paramount for scoring well. The competition was fierce as there were prizes to be won on every single hole.

Tuesday’s A Flight winner Alan Griffiths, right, receives his prize.

We have made a few changes to the format this year due to the controversy concerning our major prize last year, so we have decided to spread the prizes around more this year into three divisions for the men plus a ladies division so more people stand a chance of winning. We have no control over people putting in internet scores so we have to rely on the USGA to inform us of this and adjust the handicaps accordingly.

The three divisions today were split from 0 to13, 14 to 19 and 20 to 28, plus a ladies flight.

A Flight
1st Alan Griffiths 37pts
2nd Leif Petterson 35pts
3rd Mikhail Andersson 35pts
B Flight
1st Christer Silvandersson 41pts
2nd Lyn Davies 39pts
3rd Bill Johnson 39pts
C Flight
1st Peter Lomm 37pts
2nd Andy Robinson 36pts
3rd Tony Duthie 35pts
Ladies
1st Jum Karagit 40pts
2nd Moon 32pts

Technical prize winners were as follows: Lowest Gross - Marty Alred; Nearest the Banner - Marty Alred; Longest drives - Charlie Ayres, Micheal Waltchek, Miss Pimusa and Miss Nut; Nearest the pin in three - Pier Cere, Mike Grasser and Wolfgang Fischer; Nearest the pin in two - Micheal Waltchek, Lee Butler, Mike Jones, Marty Alred, Jum Karagit and Jason Champayne; Longest putts - Mark Slin and Miss Nut; Nearest the pins - Marty Alred, Danny Larson, Stevs Plant and Mike Jones.

The unluckiest golfer today not to have won a prize must be Andy Brady. With so many holes offering a prize for near the pin in two shots, Andy scored his first ever eagle two on the twelfth hole only to find out the prize on this hole was for the longest putt (unlucky Andy).

The prize giving was held back at the Fairways club house where everybody enjoyed the excellent barbecue that was laid on and the celebrations went on long into the night.

The next monthly tournament will be held at Greenwood on the 22nd of February for an all inclusive price of 1,400.baht. Anyone interested in taking part in this event or any other of our weekly golf days can contact Scott on 084 389 2379 for further details.

Friday, Jan. 28, The Emerald - Stableford

Not so many golfers out today with just 23 in total and only 16 in the tournament so only 1 division. The course here is still in good condition and the fairways were hard so there was a lot more run on the ball than usual and this made it a lot easier for the guys that can’t hit the ball so far. This was reflected in the scores returned today with nearly all of the field played within two shots of their handicap.

The winner today was again one of Scott’s pupils at the driving range Goort Geltan who returned a great score of 40 points to fend off (at the moment Mr. consistency) Tony Duthie on 38 points.

Near pins today went to Roy, Ed Stewart, Jan Van Spellen and Scott Dobbins.

1st Goort Geltan 40pts
2nd Tony Duthie 38pts
3rd Jan Van Spellen 37pts
4th Ed Stewart 37pts

Missing golf clubs

Thai-Ger-Line Golf tours on Soi Chaiyapun (off Soi Buakhao) would like to announce that they have four sets of golf clubs that have been rented out and not returned to the shop on time.

If anyone knows of any golf clubs sitting in one of the golf bars or hotels and nobody has any idea who they belong to, could you please contact Kik or Fabian at Thai-Ger-Line on 038 720 519 to check if they are the missing ones they are looking for.

Tommy shoots his age (net)

PSC golf from The Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill

A Flight winner John Emmerson, left,
with B Flight and Monthly Medal winner Tommy Balch.

Monday, Jan. 24, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Vic Hestor (15) 36pts
2nd Peter LeNoury (8) 36pts
3rd Nok Hestor (16) 36pts
4th Tom Balch (28) 36pts

There were lots of folks in the 30’s today but you needed 36 points to get in the frame. Vic Hestor was our winner on count-back with a B9-18, B6-12 nipping Peter LeNoury B9-18, B6-11. Nok Hestor had a B9-16, B6-12 to edge out Tommy ‘Boy’ Balch B9-16, B6-11.

The near pin winner on #12 was John Lawton, the highlight of his day. Great playing all and thanks for supporting The Golf Club.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, St. Andrews - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st John Emmerson (11) net 71
2nd Mark Wood (9) net 71
3rd David Mather (8) net 72
B Flight
1st Tommy Balch (28) net 69
2nd Vic Hestor (15) net 72
3rd Dale Shier (14) net 72
Near Pins: #5 Dale Shier, #10 David Mather

A very popular regular was presented with the coveted Monthly Medal winner’s shirt on Wednesday evening at The Golf Club. Tommy Balch continued his good form for the week and fired a net 69 to be crowned champ. It should be noted that he was very happy to finally shoot his age, albeit a net score!

Once again we had count backs galore. In A Flight John Emmerson edged Mark Wood 34.5 to 35.5 to leave them in first and second respectively. David Mather was third but could have had a shot at the title if a few more putts had dropped.

In B Flight our champ led with a net 69 while a count-back decided second and third with Vic Hestor edging Dale Shier 34.5 to 36. It was interesting to see from a field of 38 less that than half shot their handicap in a medal comp.

Our next month’s medal will be held at Phoenix.

Friday, Jan. 28, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Dale Shier (14) 39pts
2nd Tim Wilkinson (4) 39pts
3rd Brad Sproxton (11) 33pts

Mountain Shadow proved the victor today as only 2 players bettered their cap and many where left disheveled on the side of the greens wondering what had just occurred.

Dale “you won’t find that in any book” Shier narrowly beat out Wilko Jr. (Tim Wilkinson) on yet another count-back, B9-19 to B9-17. It seems the lesson with Richard Livingston proved profitable.

Brad Sproxton picked up third place with 33 points while the solitary near pin went to Grant Montgomery.

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.

Scambler scrapes home on count-back

PSC golf from Tropical Berts

A surprised Tony Scrambler, left, wins the ‘Golfer
of the Month’ award presented by Dick Warberg.

Derek Brook

Tuesday, Jan. 25, Mountain Shadow – Stableford

The ‘boys and girls’ quite like playing Mountain Shadow, and it is slowly gaining favour as one of our regular venues. Of course it has taken some serious thought as I remember this place as being the most difficult golfing challenge of any in the area and players not wanting to go because the course destroyed them. Get a ball amongst the trees and try to get out, and the greens here are not just difficult but at times almost impossible. I remember days when no one beat thirty points, and this was on a regular basis. Wow what a monster.

On this day we got to the start to find that all players were playing from the 10th Tee and we had a howling wind. So reverting to discussing the situation with the ‘committee’ we played off the white tees, which here are the forward tees, and what a good decision as it made for a great day, if a little windblown. However that is the new philosophy for here, play off the white tees and all the players love the course and want to come back. A bit of lateral thinking as long as you have golfers who are just out for a great day.

The course on the day was in reasonable condition, and with the strong wind the day turned out to be difficult. The greens as said were really tricky and with the wind became nearly unplayable at times. Get above the hole on some greens and see where the ball goes, it could be interesting. It could go on routes you could not guess.

Well we got around and were soon back on the road to Bert’s, fortunately Mountain Shadow is between Sukhumvit and Route 7 so you can come back either way. I guess that for me Sukhumvit is too busy at that time so I usually go on Route 7.

Back at Bert’s the players were tucking into the ‘Golfers Special’, Bert’s bangers and mash, and good it was as well. Then onto the winners, and the old ‘war horse’ came back to life, with 38 points - Dick Warberg was the winner! In second we had a count-back on 34 points that was to prove quite important. In second was Tony Scambler and third was Brian Parrish while taking fourth with 33 points was Rob Brown.

Arriving in the morning at Bert’s I was surprised when one of the players asked where we were going next Tuesday because I had not realised it was the last Tuesday of the month and the ‘Golfer of The Month’ award was due to be finalised. In fact it took me some time to check the papers to work out who was winning. So with the situation that anyone could win, out we went. The count-back on this day was important as with Tony Scambler coming second he slipped into the lead, so the very surprised ‘Golfer of the Month’ was Tony Scambler. Well done!

Near Pins: Rob Brown (2) Richard Kubicki Walter Bachli
Long Putts: Walter Bachli Derek Brook

If it’s Treasure Hill it must be Mukesh

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Club Captain David Thomas (center) presents the PGS ‘Player of the Year 2010’” awards to Wichai Tananusorn (runner-up) and winner Tony Thorne.

The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Treasure Hill on Monday, 24th January to play a stableford competition on the course which is probably as well presented as any currently with well grassed fairways and good paced greens. The group formed two flights, divided at fourteen and under to tackle the course off the yellow tees.

In the second flight, the course as always provided a challenge for the higher handicappers with the emphasis on accuracy, but Jean Morel acquitted himself well with 34 points for third place, one behind runner-up John Chelo, again very consistent off his eighteen handicap. The flight winner was Mr. Len and his level par 36 points marked his best performance on the tough track.

In the top flight Dave Moriarty and Rob Lamond shared second place with 31 points each but the flight was blown away by another high scoring Treasure Hill round by Mukesh Thakkar who followed his forty-one point return the previous visit with 39 points this time. The course will always be a firm favourite for the straight hitting Ugandan golfer.

The ‘2’s pot was shared by Rick Schramm (hole 2), Dave Moriarty (hole 6) and Marc Jensen (hole 14) and Ray Banks received the Booby Bevy for his poor round and the disclosure of his secret life as a musical artiste. Sadly he was not in tune at Treasure Hill.

Slow going at Eastern Star

On Wednesday, 26th January, the Pattaya Golf Society visited Eastern Star to play a monthly medal play event and found the course in good condition with slow but fairly consistent greens.

The group were scheduled to follow a large visiting Scandinavian seniors’ group who were intent on playing “holiday” golf and when two large gaps appeared in the field no attempt was made to call those behind through, making the day a very slow one indeed.

The PGS field was divided into two flights at fourteen and under and the second flight saw Larry Slattery record net 81 for third. In second place was Jim Ferris with net 77, leaving Joe Niisato to rule the roost on net 76.

In the top flight Peter Ditz and Lee Dolphin shared second place with net 75 each, Lee recording his best gross score this visit. The flight winner was the returning Vic Hansen who took the day with net 72.

Vic and scratch golfer Chris Smith shared the ‘2’s pot with fine efforts on the thirteenth and the Booby Bevy went to Steve Evans for falling asleep after the seventh hole whenever the opportunity arose. But who can blame him with the events going on in front of the group. By then it was apparent that the Seniors event, generously sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Society, was taking its toll!

Bridges best at Green Valley

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Green Valley on Friday, 28th January to tackle the course in a stableford event played out in two flights, cut at fifteen and under. The Asian presence on the course is now easing and the group got away on time in perfect conditions.

In the second flight Dave Wilkinson applied himself well in turning in a 34 point score for third place, following Yvonne Earley’s amazing round of twenty-four points on the front and only eleven on the back giving her 35 points for second. The flight winner was the inveterate Jack Robertson who again soldiered his way to a sub-par round with 37 points.

The top flight saw Rick Schramm turn in his best card this trip, his 37 points sharing second place with Larry Slattery. The best score of the day was recorded by Welshman Alan Bridges and his 39 points marked his best return with the group in a long while.

The ‘2’s pot was shared by Wichai Tananusorn, Larry Slattery and Rick Schramm, while Dave Cadwallader, playing his final round, returned his best score this trip but with a 13-19 split, giving. MR Len had the perfect excuse for presenting him with the Booby Bevy.

Green Valley was the perfect backcloth to the later presentation of the 2010 “Player of the Year” awards and the return of David Thomas gave the former twice winner the opportunity to present runner-up Wichai Tananusorn and winner Tony Thorne with their hard earned trophies. The fine camaraderie went on well into the night and it proved to be the best golf day of the year so far for the PGS. Here’s to many more!

Derek Holt overtakes everyone

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, Jan. 24, Crystal Bay - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Derek Holt (22) 40pts
2nd Warren Gallop (11) 39pts
3rd David Bowles (19) 38pts
4th Jens Gunnarsson (14) 37pts
5th George Pittam (18) 35pts

After several recent visits to the course it was a pleasure to find that it is at last returning to something like its old self with the general condition having improved dramatically in the last month and it is beginning to play like one of the best that it always was.

Derek Holt.

Derek Holt started slowly but steadily on the front nine before putting his foot down over the closing holes to finish with a four under handicap round that denied Warren Gallop his first win out of Soi 13 by a single point.

David Bowles slipped into third place with a better than usual round just one ahead of Jens Gunnarsson in fourth.

George Pittam closed out the podium just one in front of Trevor Schirmer, Russell Exley and Takeshi Hakozaki, all of whom had 34 points.

There were no ‘2’s in the second division but Russell Exley and Trevor Schirmer with two shared the first division.

Before making the presentation Stephen Beard welcomed back Takeshi Hakozaki.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, Phoenix Mountain/Lakes (Blue tees) - Monthly Medals
CSS 77
Division 1
1st Brian Libby (10) net 71
2nd Alan Hanlon (12) net 77
3dr Kevin Townsend (11) net 78
Division 2
1st Evan Millar (23) net 78
2nd Bill Hurd (19) net 80
3rd Rod Howett (25) net 82

An extremely difficult day after starting quite late seemed to extend into the early evening as play got progressively slower as the rounds developed due to a very full course. When this was combined with a very hot day, even though the wind was up in the stiff category, it all combined to cause the scores to soar.

Brian Libby.

Even with a third of the field being single figure handicappers the CSS for the day leapt up three shots on the day.

The exception to the rule was Brian Libby in the first division, whose one under par and six under the standard scratch for the day was an outstanding feat when all others struggled to get anywhere near to their handicaps. Alan Hanlon was the next best at five over handicap against par with Kevin Townsend taking third after winning a count-back over Bob Lamond with a better 38.5 to 39 on the inward nine.

The second division was led in by Evan Millar at six over handicap which doubly underlined the difficulty that the higher handicappers had on the day, with Bill Hurd taking second and Rod Howett in third.

The last significant fact was that of the no returns which numbered 25% of the entrants for the day spread evenly through the two divisions.

Not surprisingly there were no 2’s in either division.

Before the presentations, Ken Miller and Kip Lambert were welcomed as new members and Don Scott, Vic Reimer, Andy Robinson and Bill Hurd were welcomed back.

Friday, Jan. 28, Bangpra - Pairs Scramble
1st Barry & Ohn Winton (14) 48pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka & Yoshitaka Iketani (14) 47pts
3rd Ole Stamnes & Kare Lunde (18) 44pts
4th Wilf Wellman &Vic Reimer (16) 43pts
5th Konrad Klama & Endo Norihiro (17) 43pts
6th Bubble Davies & Stephen Beard (16) 43pts

This month’s fun tournament took on the always tricky Bangpra layout, where any shots into the green that are left above or to the side of the pin, are punished with an extremely difficult putt for the next shot, and maybe the next three after that. But as usual the course was in tip top condition with only the newly laid 10th Green causing any dissatisfaction among the players.

Once again Barry Winton and his wife Ohn reigned supreme, recording almost the same score that earned them the win in last month’s two person scramble. This time they scored just one less at twelve under after they had dovetailed together well with Ohn especially good off the tee and taking the honours on the card on all the par threes.

Shuichi Kodaka and Yoshitaka Iketani were unlucky to find the winners in such great form as they also had a very good return of eleven under but had to be content with second spot.

Ole Stamnes and Kare Lunde combined well in their first time of playing in a competition as a pair to secure third place another three shots back. They were followed by Wilf Wellman and Victor Reimer who won a count-back from Konrad Klama and Endo Norihiro with a better 24 to 21 to head the honourable mentions, with Bubbles Davies and Stephen Beard slipping up badly on the inward nine after starting out looking like winners in sixth place with a meager 19 points in the three-way count-back.

Back at The Haven, Harold Hart and John Strickland were welcomed as new members and Garry Hookey, Chris Harkins, Endo Norihiro, Konrad Klama and Yoshitaka Iketani were welcomed back.

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.

Browny blitzes ‘em while ‘The Admiral’ says adios

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

San Mig Stu

Monday, Jan. 24, Plutaluang – Stableford

SMS didn’t show up today due to family commitments so had no real input to the goings on which may or may not have transpired at the Navy course East and South nines, where the Kronny boys and girls played today. Apparently the West and North courses were taken up by no less than 140 Koreans!

Friday’s winners (from left) - Rob Brown, Hugh O’Donnell and Mike Winfield.

I was advised that there were 31 Kronborg starters and the average time to finish took 4 hours and 55 minutes. I have no idea why it took so long but can only assume that a few Koreans lost their way and wondered onto the wrong nine.

Rob Brown could hold his head high as he was the only one to play to his handicap. Rob closed off his round with 36 points and easily took out A flight. Paul Avery came in second with a not too shabby 34 points followed by Per Olav Baarli, Don Richardson and Martin Todd with 31 points each. Martin missed out on a podium spot via count-back (som nam na Toddy - I do recall you beat me on a count-back last Thursday).

B Flight was won by our old stalwart Kevin Dinan with 33 points. Good on yer Kev for showing up all those young ones! Second was Leif Kirkgaard with 32 points who beat Bjarne Kjar on a count-back and fourth spot was won by Hugh O’Donnell with 31 points.

A Flight (0–18)
1st Rob Brown (8) 36pts
2nd Paul Avery (10) 34pts
3rd Per olav Baarli (15) 31pts
4th Don Richardson (10) 31pts
B Flight (19+)
1st Kevin Dinan (24) 33pts
2nd Leif Kirkgaard (21) 32pts
3rd Bjarne Kjar (21) 32pts
4th Hugh O’Donnell (23) 31pts
Near Pins: (E-2) Kristen Hansen, (E-5) Peter Sindberg, (S-4) Paul Avery.
Long Putts: (E-9) Kevin Dinan, (S-9) Per olav Baarli

The Compass Cap was back in action and a new donor by the name of Engi Magnfreidsson gave generously to charity. Thanks Engi and hope you have a better game next time.

‘The Admiral’ Dave Richardson (left) with Monday’s B Flight winner Kevin Dinan.

On a sad note, I received an email today from our illustrious leader, a stalwart for the organization of the Caf้ Kronborg and someone who has been doing it for much longer than I have been coming here. The email said that due to health issues he is having to give up doing the organizing on Mondays and Thursdays and has called upon other Kronborg supporters to give their help in ensuring that the organisation of the Kronborg golf continues to run smoothly.

I will leave it up to others who have known this great guy much, much longer than I and who have the history to write the accolade that will be so deserved.

Admiral (Dave Richardson)… I salute you sir and look forward to seeing you on the course.

Thursday, Jan. 27, Pleasant Valley – Stableford

Thirty one starters made their way to Pleasant Valley and the first group teed off at 0935 hours under clear skies and a light breeze, another perfect day for golf. SMS had to pull out at the last moment due to a sick daughter but never-the-less turned up at the Kronborg to hand over the coveted Compass Cap and camera. This may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he was known to have partied extensively, along with all the other Aussies the day before, to celebrate their National Day, Australia Day. Memories amongst a few die hards were fuzzy to say the least; however it was pleasing to see everyone turn up in relatively good order to battle on today.

The Drut has helped contribute to this column today and made a few notes for me which will be apparent to all forthwith. The greens putted truly but the pin placements, courtesy of the head green keeper, made Adolf Hitler look like Mr. International Good Guy!

Dave Richardson (The Admiral) who has relinquished presentation duties took full advantage of his spare time and was seen relaxing with a plate of ice cream large enough to choke a rogue elephant in Kruger National Park. (Thanks Drut)

Rob Brown made it two in a row with today’s superb round of 42 points and easily took out A flight. Doug Maiko came second on a count-back from Niels Hansen, both with a creditable 37 points.

Peter Sindberg should have come outright second had he played off his 9 handicap. Instead he signed his card with a 7 handicap and had to settle with fourth spot. (A reminder for all to check their handicaps before your game starts. The handicap sheet hangs on the notice board at the Kronborg and can be viewed on the PSC web site.)

B flight was won by Mike Winfield on a count-back from Bjarne Kjaer, both with solid 37 point games. Wolfgang Bade took out third spot with 35 points and fourth position went to Peter Hammond with 34 points.

Hugh O’Donnell did C flight proud, winning with a great score of 40 points and easily eclipsing second place getter Colin Swann who never-the-less had a good tally of 35 points. The Admiral (Dave Richardson) shot 34 points, beating a resurgent Karen Brown who had 32.

Noticeably absent from the winning groups today were Aussies. They obviously did their country proud by drinking to traditional exaltation yesterday!

A Flight (0-15)
1st Rob Brown (8) 42pts
2nd Doug Maiko (14) 37pts
3rd Niels Hansen (15) 37pts
4th Peter Sindberg (9) 36pts
B Flight (16–21)
1st Mike Winfield (21) 37pts
2nd Bjarne Kjaer (21) 37pts
3rd Wolfgang Bade (18) 35pts
4th Peter Hammond (20) 34pts
C Flight (22+)
1st Hugh O’Donnell (23) 40pts
2nd Colin Swann (25) 35pts
3rd ‘The Admiral’ (23) 34pts
4th Karen Brown (37) 32pts
Near Pins: (5th) Paul Avery, (8th) Peter Simberg, (13th) Terry Pettitt, (17th) Pete Kelly.
Long Putts: (9th) Rob Brown, (18th) Mick O’Connor

Deefa The Dog was in good form today and collected handsomely from all winners (except one) and from charitable golfers who are pleased to give a baht or three to a fund which will soon be donated to organisation/s that assist less fortunate Thai children in this area. Thank you all who contributed today.

The Compass Cap (presented to the worst score of the day) was fought over by no less than a handful of players, the majority who were obviously Aussies today. On a count-back however (or should that be a count forward in this instance?) the title today went to Graham Buckingham who gave generously to charity. Thank you Graham.

Dopp tops the ladder with back-to-back wins

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column

Monday, Jan. 24, Burapha - Stableford

Not all the 36 Outbackers played in the tournament at Burapha today but those who did were offered a choice of tee on the Augusta & Belfry nines.

Barry McIntosh and Neil Lavery seem very happy with their 40-point rounds at Khao Kheow.

Chris Dopp paved the way with the day’s top score of 42 points, a marvellous score round here, considering it was from the longer blue tees, and will surely result in Chris’s handicap coming down a point or two, which is long overdue. Alan Pilkington (39pts) also had a good round, which in any normal week would have usually got him first place but Alan had to settle for second, three clear of Steve Mann on 36.

Div B played from the shorter white tees, as David Davies continued his purple patch with yet another first place to follow his win on Friday at Khao Kheow, with the identical 38 points. Second was the man who doesn’t know how to finish anywhere else but on the podium, Noddy Moyle, with 37 and Barry McIntosh was third on 34.

There were just two ‘2’s, both coming from guys who played from the whites, John Locke and that man again, Noddy Moyle; one wonders if he used a driver again?

Div A (Blue Tees)
1st Chris Dopp (12) 42pts
2nd Alan Pilkington (9) 39pts
3rd Steve Mann (8) 36pts
4th Benn Nelson (14) 35pts
Div B (White Tees)
1st David Davies (26) 38pts
2nd Greg Moyle (18) 37pts
3rd Barry McIntosh (19) 34pts
4th Robert Noble (19) 33pts
Tuesday, Jan. 25, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

We knew there was a big Finnish tournament here, hence the early start time of 7.45 a.m. with the field limited to six groups. What we didn’t know until there was no going back was that the tournament had a two-tee start, unbelievable!! We asked the starter to move some of the groups from the tenth to the first, he said he couldn’t. What happened next was predictable; after about a two hour front nine all our groups slammed into the back-end of the tournament that hadn’t even teed off, and although the starter on the tenth tried to lessen the pain by allowing alternate groups to start, the end result was a dreadful 3 3/4 hour back nine!

January ladder winner Chris Dopp, left, with the runner up, Sugar Ray.

Later at the clubhouse the management, who were extremely embarrassed, did make a peace offering that was duly accepted but it doesn’t do your reputation (Pattaya Country Club’s) any good. Surely to organise tee times can’t be rocket science.

When Chad worked out the results there were three in Div A all with 39 points, Chris Dopp, who won yesterday, was first, Noddy Moyle who was second yesterday, was second, and the Sugarman, who was chasing ladder points, was third.

In Div B, although John Lawton was first declared the winner, also on count-back from Nigel Cannon, both with 37 points, an unintentional rule infringement meant the positions were reversed, with David Davies, a another winner yesterday, taking third on 36.

There was a ‘jackpot 2’ scooped by the Sugarman.

Div A (0-18)
1st Chris Dopp (12) 39pts
2nd Greg Moyle (18) 39pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 39pts
Div B (19+)
1st Nigel Cannon (23) 37pts
2nd John Lawton (20) 37pts
3rd David Davies (26) 36pts
Wednesday, Jan. 26, The Emerald - Stableford

With 42 golfers we set off to the Emerald for what was going to be a great day, unfortunately it’s that time of the year and there were not enough carts for us so some people had to walk with others having to share. If it wasn’t bad enough when we were last here, the starter in his wisdom took some groups of golfers over to the tenth tee, but thanks to Bernie and Paul they only got a few groups in the middle of our tournament.

However, Emerald, if you continue to mess up our tee times don’t be surprised if we cancel some of our intended visits, once is bad enough but twice in succession – the punters won’t put up with it.

The course will not stand up to much more golf without some amount of water being pumped onto the fairways that are already starting to turn to hard pan. That’s enough of the whingeing from me; the scores will tell you how the course played with only one person beating handicap and only another two equalling it.

This month’s ladder - well suffice to say the Capt’ and Paul will have to join the also-rans, but with only one more round to go it looks as though Chris Dopp has got it sewn up. There were no ‘2’s at all which is surprising as the par 3s are not that long and normally there would be plenty. As a result we had four divisions with 1 to 4 in each.

Owen Walkley, took Div A ahead of Noodle and Chris Dopp both with 36 whilst Div B went to the Sugarman (he did just about predict it) even though he was feeling crook and Paul Whitelock, having his last game but one before returning to the UK, found a bit of form at last for his third place. Paul Quinn’s 33 points was enough for Div C and a pair of 35’s had to be split in Div D, with Jesse Serna getting the nod.

Div A (0-13)
1st Owen Walkley (13) 38pts
2nd Nual Russell (12) 36pts
3rd Chris Dopp (12) 36pts
4th Mitch Black (3) 29pts
Div B (14-18)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (18) 34pts
2nd Jan-piet Andersen (16) 32pts
3rd Paul Whitelock (14) 31pts
4th John Locke (15) 31pts
Div C (20-26)
1st Paul Quinn (21) 33pts
2nd Jack Piercefield (21) 32pts
3rd David Davies (26) 31pts
4th Brian Maddox (21) 28pts
Div D (27+)
1st Jesse Serna (36) 35pts
2nd Mam Persson (32) 35pts
3rd Joe Mooney (29) 29pts
4th Andrew Makara (31) 27pts
Friday, Jan. 28, Khao Kheow - Stableford

Some 52 Outbackers gathered at the regular Friday place, Khao Kheow, to play some golf. It was a pleasant day with some wind, and everybody was up for the challenge.

The course, as usual, was in great condition and was a little easier than normal due to the forward tee positions. Khao Kheow still put up a good fight but this time some of the boys got the better of it..

Most notable of these were Barry McIntosh (Div C winner) and Neil Lavery (Div B winner) who had two great rounds of 40 points apiece.

There were only two other scores better than handicap, one came from the Sugarman (39pts) to take second place behind Neil and the other from John Cogan who took the runner up spot in Div B with his 38.

The top flight guys (Div A) up to handicap 11, were led in by Pat Regan on 36 points ahead of Paul Greenaway and Graham Johnson, both on 33, and our organiser for the day, Steve Mann, scrambled into fourth, just nudging out Allan Pilkington on count-back, both with 32.

Paul Quinn, who has been through a lean period of golf and has seen his handicap drift out to an unbelievable 21, perhaps has found his upper limit at last as he tucked his second win this week under his belt, following his success at Emerald on Wednesday, this time with two points more (35). The runner up was Roy Studds (34pts), who actually had more points than he first thought, as he played off a handicap of two lower than he should of done, the stewards deciding to give him one more point on hole B5, the other extra shot hole he had a wipe.

The January ladder was also to be decided today as on Monday at Burapha there was due to be a Big Birthday Bash (Capt’ Bob’s and others) featuring a four ball better ball tournament which could not count towards the ladder. So did Chris Dopp hold onto his three point lead over the Sugarman? Well no he didn’t, in fact he dropped a point for his paltry 27, whilst course specialist Sugar bagged another 2 points for his 39. As a result, they both finished on 10 points but Chris was awarded the win as he had played more rounds.

There were seven ‘2’s from Chris Regittrig, Ian Bakewell, Bob Lindborg, Chris Davisson, Ivan Plunkett and Graham Johnson had two.

For the record we played the A & B nines and thanks for running the day Steve.

Div A (0-11)
1st Patrick Regan (10) 36pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (10) 33pts
3rd Graham Johnson (7) 33pts
4th Steve Mann (8) 32pts
Div B (12-14)
1st Neil Lavery (12) 40pts
2nd John Cogan (14) 38pts
3rd Chris Davisson (12) 33pts
4th Jum Karagit (14) 33pts
Div C (15-19)
1st Barry McIntosh (19) 40pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 39pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (18) 34pts
4th Greg Moyle (18) 34pts
Div D (20+)
1st Paul Quinn (21) 35pts
2nd Roy Studds (36) 34pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (20) 30pts
4th David Davies (26) 30pts

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

PSC Sea Fishing News

Captain Dene

Hi All,

Apologies for the absence of news subsequent to Rich’s Report on December 4, things have been a bit hectic since my return from Oz. Many thanks to Rich for his assistance in my absence - I couldn’t do without him!

January 8 2011

The trip left from Kram Marine Fishing Lodge and soon encountered buffeting seas as we neared the open waters. We headed for new grounds previously not fished by us but with the assurance of “Pla Yai ‘by the skipper. The waters were deep, around 45/50 metres, but allowed all to try for smaller fish whilst awaiting the elusive big ones.

As usual, Rich was successful in hooking the only large fish for the day, a corbia around 4 feet in length. I can only guess at the weight at around 6/7 kilos as a tangled line caused the skipper to use a gaff and unfortunately the lucky fish escaped. There were the usual ‘should haves’, ‘could haves’ and ‘would haves’ on our return. Nevertheless the rest of us had a big haul of at least 6 and 12 kilos of snapper and pla dang. These were a bigger size than usual averaging around 3 to 4 fish per kilo (perfect pan size and delicious).

There were many double and triple headers which provided a great day’s fishing enjoyed by all. Bad luck Phil and Nat had to cancel the day before and missed all the fun. We look forward to their return in February.

January 18 2011

Seven of us departed from Kram marine on what could only have been described as a ‘mill pond’ ocean, as we headed to the same successful grounds of the previous trip. The contrast between days was dramatic and resulted in many shifts looking for plentiful grounds. Fortunately, several new locations provided good hauls. No big fish, but again Khammoon and Geoff caught 2 or 3 snapper of 1 to 1 and a half kilo. I refuse to award the kudos of landing the largest fish to either, but I know that Geoff will agree that Khammoon won the day with the biggest haul.

Peter and Sumai, usually amongst the winners, were not so lucky but we all had good catches of 5 plus kilos with many good sized snapper similar to those caught on the previous trip. All in all a good day’s fishing including the libations afterwards.

I forgot the camera again, apologies for no pictures. Similarly, I did not weigh the catches as I was not among the winners. It seems I will have to resort to my old tricks of leaving water in the plastic bags before being weighed or waiting to be weighed until everyone else’s catch has been cleaned and gutted before I weigh mine.

Next trip is on February 6, and March and April have been booked for the first Saturday of those months. The February 6 trip is full with 9 anglers confirmed. I have a confirmed booking for a boat on February 17 and have 2 vacancies for those interested.

Look forward to seeing you aboard!

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Fitzgerald’s take home the bacon at Eastern Star

Ciano puts his name on the trophy

Winners are grinners

Rushant top scores with 41

‘Moon’ eclipses the field with 40-pointer

Culley bags weekly brace

Barrett back in the groove

Prizes galore but Brady misses out with eagle

Missing golf clubs

Tommy shoots his age (net)

Scambler scrapes home on count-back

If it’s Treasure Hill it must be Mukesh

Derek Holt overtakes everyone

Browny blitzes ‘em while ‘The Admiral’ says adios

Dopp tops the ladder with back-to-back wins

PSC Sea Fishing News