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Hantuchova takes Pattaya Open crown
The
doubles champions and runners-up pose with their trophies.
Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia secured her first WTA
title since 2007, cruising to a convincing 6–0, 6–2 victory over Sara Errani
of Italy in just one hour and 16 minutes on Sunday afternoon at the Dusit
Thani Pattaya. She did it on the back of a power game which had her opponent
running from side to side of the court and despite some deft touches from
Errani, she was unable to gain a foothold into the match.
Daniela
Hantuchova, right, poses with Dusit Thani Pattaya General Manager Chatchawal
Supachayanont following her straight sets win over Sara Errani of Italy.
The first set was over quickly as Hantuchova expertly
attacked her opponent’s serve and did not give Errani any opportunity to
play her game.
The Italian finally got on the scoreboard in the opening
game of the 2nd set, however any hopes she had of a comeback were quickly
snuffed out by Hantuchova, who held serve and then broke her opponent to
take a 2–1 lead. Errani did win one more game to make it 5–2, but once again
Hantuchova stepped up her game and served out to take the match and the
Pattaya title on her first visit to the beachside venue.
“It was a great match,” the 32nd-ranked Hantuchova said.
“I didn’t lose a set five matches in a row which is good news. It shows that
I’m really focused and physically and mentally strong in this kind of
condition.
“Today I knew it was going to be tough,” continued the
new champion. “But I stayed focused and played point by point, not giving
anything away, trying to get the job done. I was really hungry for another
title.”
Sara Errani returned to take part in the doubles final
with her friend and compatriot Roberta Vinci, their opponents were Zheng Jie
and Sun Shengnan from China. It was the Chinese pair who won the opening set
of the match by 6–3. In the 2nd set the match went with serve until the
eighth game when the Italian pair broke their opponents to lead 5–3 and duly
served out the set. The super tie-break was won by Vinci and Errani 10–5 and
was some consolation for the Italian’s loss in the singles final. (Source
Pentangle Promotions)
Hantuchova serves to Errani during the first set.
Errani
scrambles to chase down a cross court forehand from Hantuchova.
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Fortt celebrates birthday with double race win
Ben
Fortt races on his Husqvarna SMR 450cc motorbike.
Young Pattaya speedster Ben Fortt was recently entered in
the 250cc and 450cc super motard motorbike races held at the Bangkok racing
circuit on the 12th February.
Ben was riding his 250cc YZF Yamaha in the 250 class and
put in a great performance, managing to win the race despite coming under
pressure from some stiff opposition.
In the 450 event Ben was riding his Husqvarna SMR 450cc
machine and this race included a couple of international riders in the
line-up. However, despite the quality of the field, Ben hit the front early
to blow the opposition away and led for the entire length of the race. With
the 450 event featuring 2 races and encompassing the best overall results,
Ben put up another great performance in the second heat and only lost by
half a bike length to the very experienced rider Larry Baker from New
Zealand, however with his race results he had done enough to secure first
place in the standings.
Coming as it did on the same weekend as his 17th
birthday this win gave Ben double reason to celebrate and he was awarded his
trophies by none other than famous Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan who
is known to be a keen fan of motorbike racing. Well done Ben!
Ben,
right, is awarded his overall winners’ trophies by tennis star Paradorn
Srichaphan.
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Capital’s all-star team edges Pattaya in Bridge showdown
Members of both bridge teams pose for a photo
around a game table supporting the honorary trophy.
Manoon Makpol
Members of the Thailand Bridge Association held a
friendly tournament recently on January 30 between a collection of local
Pattaya players and a representative team from Bangkok.
The event took place at the News Caf้ next to the
Chateaudale complex in Jomtien and was attended by Khunying Chodchoi
Sophonpanit, the President of the Asia Pacific Bridge Federation and
Honorary President of the Thailand Bridge Association, and Wanlapa
Sawangsopakul, the Advisor to the Thailand Bridge Association, who were both
nominated captains of the Bangkok team.
The Pattaya side was led by President of the Pattaya
Bridge Club, Douwe Bosma, who was ably assisted by Hans Byvort and Ampol
Yimyong.
The tournament, although conducted in a friendly and good
spirited manner, was also the first time the Pattaya Bridge Association’s
honorary trophy had been played for and it added a keen sense of competition
to the proceedings.
Each team consisted of 16 players and every round was
limited to 5 minutes per match. The scores were fairly level after the first
two rounds but the Bangkok team edged ahead in the third and final round to
emerge winners by a score of 277:185 and thus become the first team to put
their name on the honorary trophy.
Assistant referee Ampol Yimyong of the Pattaya Bridge
Club paid respects to the winning team on behalf of the Pattaya team members
and added that in future he hoped the sport could receive more publicity and
support in the Kingdom as the standard has developed remarkably quickly here
in Thailand and should soon be up to the level of being able to compete on
the international stage.
The
trophy is presented to the winning Bangkok team.
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United off to a winning start
 Staff
Reporters
At Institute for Physical Education Chonburi football
field, Pattaya United, a.k.a. the ‘Blue & White Dolphins’ got their Thai
Premier League campaign underway last Saturday with a match against the much
fancied Bangkok Glass team.
Both teams made a cautious start to the game but United
were the first ones to settle and they took the lead in the 10th
minute when new signing Hiroyuki Yamamoto headed the ball back across goal
from a corner into the path of last year’s leading scorer Ludovick Takam,
who made no mistake from just a few yards out.
The ‘Glass Rabbits’ have been marked down by some pundits
as an outside bet for this season’s title and they showed a keen
determination to get back into the match and were rewarded in the 28th
minutes when defender Panuwat Failai headed them level from close range.
With the play becoming a little scrappy, interspersed by
a series of niggling fouls by both sets of players, the score remained the
same until the 59th minute of the game when United new
boy Yamamoto, having a spectacular start to his career with the Dolphins,
put his team ahead once more with a powerful downward header from a free
kick by Rangsarit Suthisa.
Ludovick Takam scores to put Pattaya United 1-0 up against Bangkok Glass at
the Physical Education Football Stadium in Chonburi, Saturday, Feb. 12.
(Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)
The points weren’t quite secure for United just yet
however as they had to survive an 87th minute scare
when Bangkok Glass missed a golden opportunity to equalize for the second
time. Glass’s Nigerian striker Ajayi Samuel slalomed his way into the United
area and rounded the keeper but somehow midfielder Seeket Madputeh got back
to cover and blocked Samuel’s shot on the line before clearing it to safety.
It was to prove to be the last chance for Bangkok Glass
and the referee’s whistle sounded soon after to signal an important winning
start for Pattaya United whose next league fixture is on Sunday, February
27, away at Thai Port FC.
In a limited fixture program last weekend, newly promoted
Sriracha FC earned a point with a 1-1 draw against SCG Samut Songkram.
Results: Pattaya United 2-1 Bangkok Glass,
Sriracha 1-1 SCG Samut Songkram, BEC Tero Sasana 1-2 Buriram PEA, Police
United 1-0 TOT FC, TTM Pichit 3-1 Chiang Rai United.
United’s
Japanese midfielder Kazuya Myodo, right, attacks the Bangkok Glass defence
during the second half of the match. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)
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City hold out for vital win
MBMG International League Div. 1
Paul Frain
Pattaya City played the Bulls Head FC at Horseshoe Point
last weekend, with the Bangkok team hovering just behind the leaders.
City, still suffering from injuries, took the game to the
Bulls straight from the off and were quickly into their slick passing game,
which put the Bulls on the defensive. The home team didn’t waste any time
this week in opening the scoring, the goal coming from John Campbell whose
free kick from just outside the area flew into the top corner of the Bulls’
net.
City continued their flowing football, dominating the
possession, but they were found wanting in the final third and were unable
to test the Bulls keeper until Fernando Ramires doubled the lead with
another superb free kick to make the score 2-0 to the home team.
With a total domination over the central midfield area,
City should have added to their lead before half time but again some
wasteful finishing let them down.
After the half time break the Bulls took the game by the
scruff of the neck and immediately put the City defense under pressure who
had to deal with wave after wave of attacks by the Bulls forwards.
Bangkhadard almost increased the lead for City on the
break but he saw his shot scrape the wrong side of the woodwork from an
acute angle, however it was the Bulls who were in control of the match at
this stage and it came as no surprise when they pulled a goal back through a
penalty kick with 10 minutes to go on the clock.
City replied when they were awarded a free kick and the
ball slipped under the body of the Bulls keeper but went the wrong side of
the post. The Bulls then attacked in numbers looking for an equalizer but
the City defense held firm until the final whistle, where there was a sigh
of relief from the City players and three hard won points in the bag. This
was an excellent game with all the players being hard but fair.
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FC Nova hit I.Play for six
MBMG Bangkok International League Division 2
FC Nova.
Following FC Nova’s convincing 4–1 win over BSL Youth and
the 7-0 trouncing of the Pickled Liver, the team continued their fine league
form with another convincing win last Saturday, this time against lowly
I.Play. However the scoreline in the end slightly flattered the Pattaya
based side as for long periods of the game their Bangkok counterparts more
than matched the runaway league leaders.
The win sets up an mouth-watering clash against second
placed Scandinavian Vikings in Bangkok this coming Saturday. A win for Nova
will almost certainly give them the league title as they remain 12 points
clear of their arch rivals with only 5 games of the season remaining. They
also have a far superior goal difference over their Scandinavian
counterparts. However, the game will certainly not be easy for Nova, the
Scans gave them a real test earlier on in the season in Pattaya and it took
a last gasp winner from Mark McKeown to seal the points.
Saturday’s game was certainly not the stroll in the park
many would have anticipated. Nova had smashed 17 goals past I. Play earlier
on in the season, so the visitors were in determined fashion not to have
further embarrassment heaped upon them this time round.
Conditions were certainly not favourable to Nova’s
flowing passing game. A blustery wind and an under prepared pitch made it
difficult for both sides to string any series of passes together. With the
strong wind in their favour the visitors made a positive start to the game
and it came as a real body blow when Nova scored with virtually their first
attack of the game inside 10 minutes. Mark Hill’s searching long ball caught
the I.Play defence flat footed allowing midfielder McKeown through on goal
before confidently lobbing the keeper.
Undeterred the visitors continued to press forward and
Captain Lee Homer and his defence had to be at their best to keep a number
of their attacks at bay. Nova were struggling to get their passing game
going but they still looked dangerous on the break and they extended their
lead on the half hour; inform striker Bjorn Ellingsen doing all the hard
work before threading a ball through to Paul Derbyshire to confidently side
foot home.
However the visitors deservedly got back into the game on
the stroke of half time. Nova attempted to pass the ball out of defence but
it only resulted in their centre half Dar getting robbed in possession
allowing the I.Play striker a clear run on goal before he slipped the ball
under Art in the Nova goal.
Coach Stuart Levy resisted the temptation of laying into
his team at half time, knowing that although his team had not played well,
they still led and with the wind in their favour come the second half they
should go on and win the game.
His confidence in his team proved correct as they soon
extended their lead early in the second half. It was a case of route one, as
Homer’s long punt upfield from a goal kick resulted in McKeown once again
outstripping the visitors defence before confidently firing home. They
repeated they trick soon after and once again Homer was the provider from
the goal kick and this time Ellingsen supplied the finishing touch.
The visitors continued to battle hard and make their own
chances themselves but the Nova defence of Hill, Captain Homer, Daryl Mann
and Dave Booton stood firm alongside keeper Art.
The game became more stretched in the closing stages as
I.Play, not prepared to sit back, committed more players upfield in a
valiant attempt at somehow getting back into the game. However the tactic
was bound to leave gaping holes in their defence and Nova are the sort of
team that will definitely exploit them and so it proved, as first the little
“Pocket Rocket” McKeown, who continues to prove a thorn in every side he
comes up against this season with his bursting runs from midfield, went on
another surging run that only ended when he drilled the ball low and hard
into the bottom corner to complete a memorable hat-trick.
Soon after Ellingsen completed the scoring for his second
and Nova’s sixth, when he latched on to a Daryl Mann through ball before
rounding the keeper and tapping the ball into the empty net.
It was a score line that was hard to take for the Bangkok
based side but they can take pride in the way they travelled down and gave a
spirited performance. The game was again played in a competitive but fair
manner and was well officiated by the Thai referee and his linesman.
Coach Levy will hopefully have a couple of players back
for Saturday’s crucial game in Bangkok. Young winger Ben Bryant will
certainly be a welcomed addition back to the squad after missing the last
couple of games through injury.
After the game both sets of players and management
returned to Jamesons Irish Bar to watch the Manchester derby and tuck into
the mouth watering chicken curry that had been laid on, before washing it
down with numerous pints of lager.
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Sutty sweeps up
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, Feb. 6, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Sutty (12) 40pts
2nd Pat Reagan (10) 38pts
3rd Peter Ennis (12) 35pts
B Flight
1st Colm Mullen (14) 39pts
2nd Jum Karagit (16) 38pts
3rd Claude Harder (14) 35pts
C Flight
1st David Dunne (20) 38pts
2nd Loz Shaw (22) 37pts
3rd John Dearden (19) 35pts
Near Pins: No 4 Eddy Beilby, No 9 Pierre Bietry, No 12 Shaw Mitchell,
No 16 Pat Reagan.
Sunday winners, Sutty,
left, and Colm Mullen.
Anybody over the age of sixteen will remember Harry
Corbett and his puppet sooty, followed on by his son Mathew on the BBC TV.
This past Sunday a certain young lady with that moniker joined the gang at
Green Valley, but this was no puppet, in fact this was a very gifted golfer
and caddy. Suut plies her trade at Eastern Star, and stole the show with a
very creditable 40 points. It had to be that good as the young man from Co.
Dublin, Pat Reagan, was just two strokes off the pace.
A group of four was log jammed on 35 points with Peter
Ennis winning the last premier position with a count-back victory over
Patrick Kelly, Bob Newell and Jim the ‘Rhythm’ Brackett. (By the way, Suut’s
caddie no like her last name is a closely guarded secret).
The reason Suut’s score had to be so good as well was
because B Flight’s Irishman Colm Mullen, lethal off a 14 handicap, won the
flight with a rock solid 39 points and so only a shot separated them. The
better looking half of the Regan partnership, Jum, took the silver a further
shot back followed by Claude Harder, sorry Claude not quite hard enough.
Mark Bonner was flexing his muscles as he had the full weight of B Flight on
his shoulders.
Skipping down to the minor flight saw David Dunne card a
solid 38 points take the top spot on the rostrum, looking down on a couple
of Sugar Shack golfers who joined us for the day in the shape of Loz Shaw on
37 points and John ‘The Plastered’ Dearden with 35.
Eight 2’s were recorded with young Pat Reagan bagging a
brace.
Monday, Feb. 7, Silky Oak
- Stableford
A Flight
1st Gavin Knox (11) 36pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (13) 36pts
3rd Francis McLean (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Claude Harder (14) 38pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) 36pts
3rd
Gerry Hughes (20) 35pts
Silky Oak saw only one competitor better par and after
his third place finish on Sunday Claude Harder left nothing to chance today
as he was the only competitor to better his handicap; his 38 points gave him
the man of the match and the top spot in B Flight.
Peter ‘Don O’Corleone’ Henshaw’s even par round was good
for the silver while Gerry Hughes out-pointed both Mike Jeffreys and the
Donkey for the last spot in the flight.
Gavin ‘Wilko’ Knox continued his weekly climb to the top
of the podium in the senior flight but it needed a count-back over the
unlucky Tore Eliassen. In quick succession Tore was followed in by Francis
Mclean.
Captain Bietry, a brace, Jurg LuginBurgh, Pueschi Ayako
and Adam Oyston shared the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, Feb. 9,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Francis McClanagahn (12) 36pts
2nd Pat Regan (10) 35pts
3rd Terry Mangan (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st Colm Mullen (14) 37pts
2nd Paul Robinson (15) 36pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 34pts
C Flight
1st Michael Craven (19) 38pts
2nd Alan Delaney (19) 34pts
3rd
Jim Elphick (24) 33pts
Colm ‘The Irish Rover’ Mullen foreshadowed a week on form
with his second B Flight victory with a very commendable 37points. Colm was
one of only two players to better par on the day. Paul Robinson took the
silver with a steady even par round. The calculator was needed to sort out
the third spot as Peter ‘Don O’Corleone’ Henshaw got the right result over
the Donkey and Peter Hedenburgh.
Francis McClanagahn claimed the top spot in the upper
division with an even par round, leaving the Irish duo of young Pat Reagan
and that man again Terry to sort out the minor places via the dreaded
count-back; Pat was the victor and so gained the silver.
C Flight produced the man of the match in Michael Craven
as he penciled in a sparkling 38 point card. Alan Delaney was handed the
silver on 34 points, and the calculator was on overtime as Jimmy ‘Two Shots’
Elphick sneaked the final place from Sean Soden as both were locked on 33
points.
There were six 2’s recorded.
Friday, Feb. 11, St.
Andrews - Stableford
1st Mike Jeffrey6 (16) 41pts
2nd Sugar Robertson (10) 37pts
3rd
Patrick Kelly (+2) 35pts
A bunch of guys decided to miss or were too late to play
the PSC Members tournament, and headed out to take on the very challenging
St Andrews.
Welshman Mike Jeffreys led the boys home with a superb 41
point masterpiece, followed by Scotland’s Bukie boot boy Sugar Robinson who
posted a solid even par round. Plus two handicap player Patrick Kelly gave
the lads a chance as he played off the back tees and shot a great one over
par to claim the final podium spot.
Peter Kelly, David Dunne, Bob Dibben, Sugar Robertson and
Mike Jeffreys shared the 2’s pot.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi
1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with
us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764.
Transport is provided.
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Brett Arnold takes the spoils
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Saturday’s winners at Greenwood: Fergus Brennan, Alan McGarvie, Phil
Battah, Brendan Moore, Reg Glass, Tewin Lamthong, Jay Sher, Jack
McNamara and Brett Arnold.
Barry Hooper
I must apologise for this week’s report being a
little truncated, but computer gremlins struck me on Saturday night
whilst I was preparing the report, i.e. smoke emitting from the back of
the computer. Not a good sign as I am sure you will understand.
Monday, Feb. 7,
Bangpra - Stableford
On Monday we visited Bangpra with thirty six players
in attendance and three divisions. Jeff Norman top scored with an even
par 36 points to take out the C Flight while Simon Tapster and Jack
Watkins were the victors in their respective divisions.
A Flight
1st Jack Watkins (8) 31pts
2nd Alan McGarvie (9) 30pts
3rd Gary Blackburn (7) 30pts
B Flight
1st Simon Tapster (15) 34pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (11) 33pts
3rd Niall Cronin (11) 32pts
C Flight
1st Jeff Norman (19) 36pts
2nd Gary Lewski (18) 32pts
3rd Don Erickson (27) 29pts
2’s: Tewin Lamthong (x2)
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Crystal Bay C & A was the test on Tuesday with
twenty-seven players taking part in two divisions.
Vic Hansen had the best round of the day, 38 points
to take the senior flight by a single point from Neil Bramley.
In the B Flight the was a three-way tie on 34 points
with the count-back giving the win to Gary Hookey ahead of Greg Hill and
Reg Glass respectively.
A Flight
1st Vic Hansen (9) 38pts
2nd Neil Bramley (8) 37pts
3rd Larry Simpson (10) 35pts
B Flight
1st Gary Hookey (16) 34pts
2nd Greg Hill (25) 34pts
3rd Reg Glass (16) 34pts
2’s: Mark Webber (2) and Gary Hookey.
Thursday, Feb. 10, Phoenix - Stableford
Daryl Ottaway had a round to remember at Phoenix on
Thursday, scoring 40 points to top the A flight. Brendan Moore and Ted
Senior pushed him all the way but finished one and two points back
respectively.
With 29 players we had 2 flights and winning the
second division was Tewin Lamthong with a fine 39 points, ahead of Min
Moore and Jim Cleaver.
A Flight
1st Daryl Ottaway (9) 40pts
2nd Brendan Moore (11) 39pts
3rd Ted Senior (12) 38pts
B Flight
1st Tewin Lamthong (13) 39pts
2nd Min Moore (32) 38pts
3rd Jim Cleaver (19) 35pts
Saturday, Feb. 12, Greenwood – Stableford
Saturday was another weekend visit to Greenwood with
35 players and three divisions.
The performance of the week came in the C Flight from
Brett Arnold who returned a fantastic 42 points off his 18 handicap. The
next best was in the same flight from Reg Glass who would normally have
done enough for the win with his 39 points.
Brendan Moore took the A Flight on a count-back over
Alan McGarvie while Jay Sher topped the intermediate division.
A Flight
1st Brendan Moore (10) 38pts
2nd Alan McGarvie (9) 38pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 37pts
B Flight
1st Jay Sher (13) 36pts
2nd Phil Battah (13) 34pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (12) 31pts
C Flight
1st Brett Arnold (18) 42pts
2nd Reg Glass (16) 39pts
3rd
Jack McNamara (18) 36pts
2’s: Ed Brubaker, Andy Halsey, Tewin Lamthong,
Jon Lay, Brendan Moore, Fergus Brennan, Mick Quinn and Martin Cooper.
Near Pins: Martin Cooper
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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Jomtien Golf edge The Backyard Boys in match-play competition
The Backyard Golf Society
Nearest the Pin winners Neville (left) and JJ
(right) at Mama’s Bar.
After being overwhelmed in the first round of the
matchplay competition against Jomtien Golf the previous week, we entered the
second round needing a win to get a bit of pride back.
The day did not start off too well with Mike C reporting
in with a bad back, so first reserve Dangle stepped up to replace him. With
6 tee times booked instead of the normal 4 we were a bit concerned that
something would go wrong but yet again the staff at Emerald Golf Course had
everything organized.
After losing 7.5/4.5 in the first round we were hoping
for a good start but needless to say it took 9 holes before all the alcohol
was out of the majority of the Backyard Boys bodies from the day before! A
couple of performances merit a mention such as JJ being 6 holes down after 8
and then going on to win 2/1. Broken Wing also got a little bit of pride
back, after being soundly beaten in the first round, by beating Chris 5/4.
The Backyard Golf Society won the day 6.5/5.5 but
congratulations go to Jomtien Golf for winning the overall game 13/11. The
day was not a total washout for ourselves as Neville and JJ took both
nearest the pin prizes.
Everyone went back to Mama’s Bar afterwards for prize giving and
proceeded to drink enough beer that there were concerns that Ban Chang would
be dry on Saturday!
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Cooney and Kaneta in sparkling form at Emerald
PSC golf from The Bunker
Peter
Habgood (right) celebrates his win
at Century Chonburi with Reg (left) and Heath (behind).
Monday, Feb. 7, The
Emerald - Stableford
A great day (for some) at Emerald even though the greens
were so slow that you needed a driver to hit an uphill putt!
Gerry Cooney and Mashi Kaneta were the stars of the day,
both returning a fantastic score of 42 stableford points, with Gerry taking
the honours on a count-back over the last 6 holes. Both players will no
doubt be looking forward to see their handicaps returning to more realistic
levels!
Jack Robertson also had a good day carding 37 points to
win the B Flight.
A Flight
1st Gerry Cooney (11) 42pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (12) 42pts
3rd Peter Kelly (9) 36pts
B Flight
1st Jack Robertson (23) 37pts
2nd Terry Hamilton (18) 33pts
3rd Les Burns (28) 32pts
Near Pins: Dave Ashman, Gordon Melia, and Gerry Cooney (2).
Wednesday, Feb. 9, Mt. Shadow - Stableford
Following the game on Monday, most golfers experienced a
shock to their systems as we found the greens to be slick and treacherous at
Mountain Shadow. The scores on the day reflected the difficulty, and no
golfer came close to bettering their handicap (not an unusual occurrence at
Mountain Shadow).
The best example of the severity of the greens was
provided by Barry Murnin on the par three 155th, where
he knocked his tee shot to within three feet of the pin (to take the near
pin prize) and then proceeded to three putt!
Bill Wilkinson made a debut appearance on the leader
board, prior to his imminent departure to the U.K., and Jack Robertson (some
say he’s the luckiest golfer in Pattaya, but he puts his luck down to clean
living) continued his steady form to win the B Flight.
A Flight
1stt Bill Wilkinson (9) 32pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (11) 30pts
3rd Tony Robbins (13) 30pts
B Flight
1st Jack Robertson (23) 32pts
2nd Mike Corner (19) 30pts
3rd Barry Murnin (16) 29pts
Near Pins: Bill Clark, Paul Edgar, Patrick Kelly and
Barry Murnin.
Friday, Feb. 11, Century Chonburi - Stableford
Our scheduled visit to Crystal Bay had to be cancelled
when we were informed by the course that no golf buggies would be available
(the second time in a month this has happened). This coupled with the fact
that many of the regular golfers were playing in the PSC monthly
competition, meant that a smaller field of golfers than usual headed off to
our alternative venue at Century Chonburi.
Whenever we play here everyone always comments what a
good course this could be if only it was maintained better, but the reality
is that it’s well below the standard of other local courses, and is really
only suitable as a last minute standby venue.
Peter Habgood had another successful day to take first
place ahead of Barry Murnin, with Eddie Martin beating Rab McDonald on a
count-back to claim third. The smaller field meant there was only one flight
today,
1st Peter Habgood (16) 36pts
2nd Barry Murnin (16) 35pts
3rd Eddie Martin (16) 32pts
4th Rab McDonald (12) 32pts
Near Pins: Peter Habgood, Rab McDonald and PJ Redmond.
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Mountain Shadow takes no prisoners
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
The
victorious boys from Jomtien Golf pose for a photo after defeating the
Backyard Golf Society at Emerald.
Monday, Feb. 7, Mt. Shadow
– Stableford
A smaller field than normal today with just 29 out,
probably due to the harshness of the pin placements one month ago here and
there were quite a few who cancelled, but today it was still a great test of
golf for everyone.
This was yet again reflected in the scores coming in and
the best of the day was in division 2 with William Chang winning with 34
points after beating Paul Chabot on a 18/17 count-back. Mike Fitzgerald took
third place after edging Tony Holehouse 14/10 on the back nine after they
both tied with 31 points.
Playing off 13 and with two four putts on the round, Timo
Ahvenainen won division 1 with 31 points, beating Billy Hewitt on a 18/14
count-back. There was a scratch player out today and two five handicappers
who didn’t come into the reckoning in this division, as Kari Kuparainen took
third with 29 points.
Ingrid Egeskog was the victor in the ladies division with
28 points.
Near pins went to Timo Ahvenainen, Geoff Stubbs, Dave
Wheeler, Jeff Hamilton, Tony Holehouse, Muller and Tony Holehouse.
Dave Wheeler birdied the 15th for
the only ‘2’ in division 1 and in division 2 Les Utting won the pot after a
‘2’ on the 17th.
Wednesday, Feb. 9, Pattaya
C.C. - Stableford
Our first visit here in four months due to reports of the
improvement of the course and also the reasonable price today, and the round
for the 11 groups was enjoyed by everyone. It was slightly cloudy throughout
the day and with a cool breeze it was perfect.
The cut in the divisions was 3-14, 15-20 and 21+, and
also the six ladies in a separate flight.
Alan Griffiths, playing off 11, recorded the best score
of the day for the men, coming in with 40 points to beat Mike Combs by one,
and Chris Voller edged Paul Smith, Wilf Latham and Martin Macateer
18/17/15/15 on the back nine to finish third after they all came in with 34
points.
Noi Emmerson also scored 40 to win the ladies division
with the Frog’s other half Mam Morel second on 34.
Scoring 22 points on the back nine, Fred Duffy won
division 3 with 39 points, with Mike Ftzgerald taking second three points
behind, and John Williams was third after beating the much improved Paul
Chabot 16/15 after they both shot 34.
Mam also birdied the 16th to win
the ladies ‘2’s while Paul Butler, Alan Griffiths and Chris Voller split the
division 1 pot and Mike Fitzgerald and John Williams shared division 2.
Near pins were claimed by Mod Churiaska, Noi Emmerson,
Mam Morel (2), Alan Griffiths, Wilf Latham, Peter Pedder, Harry Vincenzi,
Mike Fitzgerald, Tom Novak and John Williams (2).
Friday, Feb. 11, Eastern
Star – Stableford
There were twelve of our players fighting the Backyard
boys in the final of the match-play contest at the Emerald today (see
Backyard report), so we were down to 37 men and four ladies.
Back from one of the Russian republics for five weeks,
Tom Novak, playing off 24, won division 3 with 40 points, while Paul Chabot
beat John Connolly 7/5 on count-back for second on the back three holes
after they both scored 36 points, 17 on the back nine and 12 on the back
six.
Marty Rock, now playing off 11, won the premier division
with 39 points, with Paul Butler second one point behind and Timo Ahvenainen
in third with 37.
Yet again in the headlines was the Irish boy Cully Monks
who took out division 2 with a paltry 35 points and still refuses to ring
the bell after all these weeks in the frame. Dennis Scougall was second five
points behind and Geoff Pickin came third on 29.
Playing her best golf for a long, long time, Herma
Fitzgerald, now playing off 19, won the ladies division with 36 points.
Near pins today were picked up by Herma Fitzgerald (2),
Timo Ahvenainen, Risto Hakkanen, Kari Kuparainen, Ya Riley and Glyn Evans.
Herma also birdied the 17th to win the ladies ‘2’s
and Risto Hakkanen got the only one in division 1.
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Etherington signs off with a win
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday (PSC) Golf Group
Tuesday’s winners celebrate with the staff at the Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
Friday, Feb. 4, Phoenix –
Stableford
Friday is now well established as proper golfers’ day, by
way of playing from the back (blue) tees. It is quite a test, having to be
more accurate with longer fairway shots to the greens. That is, if you hit
the fairways!
Well our dear friend Keith Etherington almost managed to
beat the course by scoring a splendid 35 points to win the day. In second
place was Landis Brooks with only 31 points and in third was (canny) Clive
Robinson with a mere 28 points. Doesn’t say much for the rest of the field
does it!
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Phoenix –
Stableford
Onto the following Tuesday and it seems that winter is
maybe over. The temperature had soared to about 37 degrees and we all knew
it was going to be a tough day.
Playing back off the white tees on Tuesday’s may seem
easier, but it does have its drawbacks. If you are not quite straight (as
most of us are not) it’s all too easy to find the bunkers and other hazards.
We are still enjoying full compliments of groups at this
time of the year and the admin problems still don’t go away. One player
failed to turn up and left us with one group of three. Never mind, I love
all the hustle and bustle, but I must admit it does interfere with my mind
to play good golf.
Mountain & Lake course was the challenge today and the
winner of A Flight was big Shaun Merriman with a superb gross 79 to record
37 points, and that after dropping 5 shots on the first 4 holes and then
only two more for the rest of the game. In second place was Clive Robinson
with 36 points (been eating his mother’s jam again) and in third place was
Joe Stranks with 34.
You may well ask where was Keith Etherington? Well he’s
been taking money off me for the last 6 weeks but sadly poor Keith had to go
home to work and bad weather. I know he will grit his teeth when he reads
this. Keep the pension funds up Keith!
B Flight winner was ‘big’ John Bartley showing good form
with a fine 38 points. In joint second place was another ‘big’ John
(Stafford this time) and Eamon Murtagh with 37 points to make it a clean
sweep for the Irish.
Near pins went to Clive Robinson, Gary Blackburne and
Shaun Merriman.
As usual our hosts at the Relax Bar served us well and
donated their usual prizes for the lucky draw which went to Barry Wood,
Patrick Browne, Bob Neylon and Richard Baldwin.
On Tuesday Feb. 22 we will be playing our monthly stroke
play game with the special prize of the Trattoria Italiana voucher for the
best nett score.
Both Tuesday and Friday next week are already almost
full, but there are a couple of spaces if anyone would like to join us.
Don’t forget that non members of Phoenix can be signed in as guests of the
members at a rate of 1,000 Baht green fee. Please contact me (Mike) on 087
091 7565 for more information.
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Goldsworthy strikes it rich
IPGC golf from The Haven
Sunday, Feb. 6, Green
Valley - Stableford
CSS 73
Division 1(0-17)
1st Russell Goldsworthy (2) 40pts
2nd Ted Lodge (11) 35pts
3rd John Fetherstone (10) 33pts
Division 2 (18+)
1st John Connolly (21) 36pts
2nd Gilbert Brosnan (19) 33pts
3rd
John Walsh (18) 30pts
As usual two divisions contested the Sunday competition
held this week over the Green Valley course, which was found to be in good
condition.
Bob
Blair.
Russell Goldsworthy walked away with the first division
with a sparkling 70 gross round that was easily the best round of the week
out of a total of over 130 rounds played, after knocking it round in one
under over both nines. Ted Lodge took second by a couple of points from John
Fetherstone in third with neither able to keep up with Russell’s very
special game on the day.
In the second division John Connolly ensured that he
continued the family tradition of winning on a Sunday, with his first top
spot for a while ahead of Gilbert Brosnan in second and the count-back for
third place which John Walsh won over Joe Peters with a better 17 to 14.
Ted Lodge, Paul Egan and Don Byrne shared the 2’s.
Monday, Feb. 7, Crystal
Bay - Stableford
CSS 73
Division 1 (0-17)
1st Peter Sumner (8) 37pts
2nd Jens Gunnarsson (14) 33pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer (14) 32pts
4th Kevin Townsend (11) 32pts
Division 3 (18+)
1st Ole Stamnes (26) 36pts
2nd Vance Millar (19) 36pts
3rd Konrad Klama (24) 36pts
4th
Shuichi Kodaka (19) 31pts
Another good number turned out for the trip to Crystal
Bay where the course is looking and playing a lot better than in recent
months.
Warren
Gallop.
Peter Sumner took the top place in the first division by
a clear four points with his best round out of Soi 13 for some time, which
left Jens Gunnarsson in second and Trevor Schirmer in third after the latter
had won a count-back with Kevin Townsend by a margin of 14 to 13.
The second division was a lot closer affair with Ole
Stamnes running out the winner after taking the count-back by 18 to 17 from
Vance Millar, with Konrad Klama in third with only 16 in the same count-back
and leaving Shuichi Kodaka in fourth place a further five back from the
leading three.
Peter Sumner had a lone 2 in the first division to clean
up the pot which included three roll overs and Shuichi Kodaka did the same
in the second division to tidy up the triple roll over as well.
Before presenting the prizes Mike Sanders, Trevor Edge,
Paul Hartley and Allan Duffy were all welcomed back and there was a farewell
for George Pittam.
There was a special farewell toast to Leo Lichtensteiger,
a long time member from Switzerland, who sadly passed away recently after
succumbing to his injuries following a traffic accident in the city.
Wednesday, Feb. 9, Bangpra
- Stableford
CSS 75 NC
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Bob Blair (9) 32pts
2nd Mike Dabanovich (10) 30pts
3rd Kevin Townsend (11) 30pts
4th Don Scott (9) 29pts
Division 2 (16+)
1st Leif Lossius (29) 29pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (18) 29pts
3rd Kare Lunde (17) 28pts
4th Al
Rolnik (23) 28pts
Once again there were sufficient entries to form two
divisions, with Bob Blair making a big return to Thailand with his first
ever win out of The Haven after spending two weeks in Perth, Australia
preparing his game. He found the slick greens of Bangpra a little more
difficult to handle that anticipated as they were for the whole of the day’s
hopefuls, many of whose dreams were cruelly shattered by the end of the
day’s round.
Mike Dabanovich started as if he would sweep the board
and then lost his broom somewhere on the back nine but just edged out Kevin
Townsend, who also slipped badly coming home by a margin of 14 to 12, which
left Don Scott in fourth just one back.
In the second division Leif Lossius made up for missing
out the previous week winning by a margin of 16 to 14 in a count-back with
Shuichi Kodaka after they had both returned hard won seven over handicap
cards for the round.
Kare Lunde also won a count-back with Al Rolnik to claim
third place with a better 17 to 12 return.
There were no 2’s in either division. Back at The Haven
there were welcomes for new members Noel Donovan and John Wheeler and
welcome backs for Bob Blair, Chris Bott, Mick Remington and Danny Greer.
Friday, Feb. 11, Phoenix -
Stableford
CSS 72
Division 1 (0-13)
1st Warren Gallop (11) 35pts
2nd Alan Pilkington (10) 35pts
3rd Reiner Helling (8) 33pts
Division 2 (14-19)
1st Shuichi Kodaka (18) 38pts
2nd Paul Hartley (19) 35pts
3rd Ron Rigden (15) 34pts
Division 3 (20+)
1st Danny Greer (25) 34pts
2nd Michael Davidson 34pts
3rd Rod Howett (24) 32pts
Ladies Division
1st Seija Lammi (11) 29pts
2nd
Torild Lossius (36) 26pts
The largest turnout for the season saw three divisions
plus a Ladies at the always popular Phoenix played over the Lakes and Ocean
nines.
Warren Gallop at last fulfilled the promise he has always
maintained that he has with his first win, although the exceptionally windy
conditions on the day meant that it would not be a handicap shattering
result, but it still went down as a memorable occasion as he won the
count-back with Alan Pilkington by 20 to 16 following a struggle round the
front half. Reiner Helling took third place with a steady three over
handicap return.
Shuichi Kodaka had the best round of the day at two under
to take the second division by three from Paul Hartley in second and Ron
Rigden getting his first podium visit in third.
Danny Greer, having already won the longest drive prize
took the third division with a storming 20 points on the back nine to beat
out Michael Davidson who could only cobble together just 18 in a count-back
after they had both returned two over cards for the eighteen.
Rod Howett also needed to win a count-back, which he did
by 17 to 15, to take third from Konrad Klama to round out the division.
Seija Lammi, along with all the ladies, found the going
hard but stuck with it to win the division by three ahead of Torild Lossius
to complete the day’s results.
Kare Lunde slipped in the only 2 in the second division
to claim the double pot while Robert Webb and Danny Miller shared the first
division pool which also included a rollover.
Prior to the presentations there welcomes for new members
Derek Salmon, Zach Philipps Gary Butler and Ron Rigden and also welcome
backs for Danny Miller, Ian Foster, Robin Barry, Jan Vilcins, Bob Webb,
Allan Wand, Michael Davidson and Lindsay Gailey.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven
group you can contact mobile 084 782 4582 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi
13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation
to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day,
but you should be there by 8.30 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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Scramble format a big hit
at Green Valley
PSC golf from The Caddy Shack
Monday, Feb. 7, Greenwood
- Stableford
A small group of 12 players made the long trip up to play
Greenwood on Monday.
Dave Bramley (H/cap 16) was the winner on the day with 35
points, followed in by Bruce Tollitt (19) on 33 and Mike Phillips (10) on 29
points.
Wednesday, Feb. 9, Eastern
Star - Stableford
Twenty players took on the challenge of Eastern Star on
Wednesday and Mick O’ Meara was the only one to equal his handicap as the
rest of the field all struggled to get their game together.
A Flight
1st Steve Plant (14) 33pts
2nd Clive Bruce (8) 31pts
3rd Gary Blackburne (7) 31pts
B Flight
1st Mick O’ Meara (22) 36pts
2nd Derek May (19 32pts
3rd Ramsay Smith (19) 31pts
2’s: Steve Plant
Friday, Feb. 11, Green Valley – 4 Man Scramble
An excellent turnout of 36 players in 9 teams for the 4
Man Scramble on Friday and it is hoped that this can become a regular
monthly event.
1st Mark Williams, David Hester,
Derek Wilkins, Derek May, net 58.2
2nd Robin Lennon, Mike Phillips, James Savage, Mick
O’Meara, net 59.9
3rd Damiam Trant, Clive Bruce, Jeff North, Ted
Gardner, net 60.6.
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].
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Monte on song at Mountain and Valley
PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside
The Mulligans Lakeside contingent pose for a
group photo prior to teeing off at the PSC monthly tournament held at
Pleasant Valley on Friday.
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Rayong
C.C. – Stableford
On Tuesday we travelled to Rayong C.C., where we hadn’t
been for several weeks. Despite everywhere being pretty dry lately, the
course was in acceptable condition, especially considering the reasonable
price through the PSC.
Jeff Wylie (6) & Ken Hole (16) could only be separated
following count-back, after both had signed for 36 points. Jeff just got the
edge 19 to Ken’s 18 on the back 9 after he birdied the last. Third place
went to the consistent Graham Hiskett (16) with 33 points.
Near Pins were secured by Monte, Ken, Graham J & Joel.
Thursday, Feb. 10, Mt.
Shadow - Stableford
Thursday saw us return to Mountain Shadow, which is
nearing its previous high standard condition, with smooth rolling greens,
albeit like lightning from above the hole on several of them.
Monte Sykes (6) best came to grips with the conditions
recording 38 points, despite coming home in an ambulance with 3 x 1 pointers
to finish his round. Next best was Graham Johnson (7) with a solid 34
points, while near pins were picked up by David, Monte, and Jeff with the
back 2.
Despite Mulligans Lakeside being one of the smaller
golfing venues, we had 8 players get along to Pleasant Valley to support the
PSC monthly tournament. Successful results came from Monte Sykes, the Low
Gross winner (and a Near Pin), plus Allan Cassin scoring a Near Pin & the
Long Drive, and also Joel Flor getting the Long Drive in C Flight. The other
5 players failed to even get an LL, we know what that is hey Tony. Well done
to all players and thanks to Lewinski’s for the fine tucker.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on
Tuesday & Thursday (we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday).
Presentations are made at the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside
hosting the Thursday presentation. For more details on scheduling etc,
please call 089 094 1841 or 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, Cheers &
Good Golfing!
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Sublime scores at Pleasant Valley
The 104th PSC Monthly Tournament
Low
Gross winner Monty Sykes with the PSC Golf Chairman, Joe Mooneyhan.
On another sunny pleasant day in paradise, the Pattaya
Sports Club ventured out the new motorway to Pleasant Valley Golf Club for
our 104th monthly competition. Pleasant Valley is
maturing into a very good course, and the staff ran a smooth transition from
arriving to teeing off. Thanks to the staff at Pleasant Valley and also
thanks to Joe Mooneyham, Max Matthews, and Nigel Cannon for organizing an
enjoyable day for all participants.
A
Flight winner Lindsay Semple.
The awards ceremony was held at Lewiinski’s on
Pattayaland Soi 1. Colin, Jim, and Peter provided an excellent meal, which
was hastily consumed by the satisfied golfers who arrived hungry and
thirsty. Thanks for the great service and good food. We hope to see you
again.
Some great golf was played by a full complement of 132
competitors. Thanks for the support of all who played.
Low Gross
1st Monty Sykes (gross 74)
A Flight
1st Lindsay Semple (10) net 66
2nd Hans-J–Itchen (12) net 67
3rd Tony Scrambler (8) net 69
B Flight
1st Claude Harder (14) net 64
2nd Tore Eliassen (13) net 69
3rd Elias Magnussen (17) net 70
C Flight
1st Jim Carlsson (19) 43pts
2nd Jan Van Spellen (19) 40pts
3rd Eddie Bielby (18) 39pts
D Flight
1st Graham Buckingham (23) 40pts
2nd Odd Holm Hansen (26) 39pts
3rd Mike Herridge (24) 38pts
Ladies
1st Hana Skabova (31) 44pts
2nd Montha Hmuenphaw (26) 40pts
Ladies
winner Hana Skabova collects her prize from the PSC Golf Chairman Joe
Mooneyhan.
2’s: Brian Downey, Doug Maiko, Brian Gabe, John
Hughes (2), Tony Robbins (2), Carol Kubicki, Karen Brown, Andy Galvin, Tom
Byrne, Montha Hmuenphaen, Jesper Rasmussen, Colm Mullen Arthur Scholi, Andre
Fortis, Terry Mangan, Reg McKay Haemmi Hammerli, and special mention to
Eddie Bielby for making a 2 on a par 4.
Long Drives: Allan Cassin, Joel Flor, Henry Wong,
Noi Emerson
Near Pins: Monty Sykes, Tore Eliassen, Jan Van
Spellen, Graham Buckingham, Karen Brown, Allan Cassin, Tom Byrne, Bjarne
Kjaer, Ramsey Sangchomhen, Thiery Petrement, Reg McKay, Jesper Rasmussen,
Kenny Chung, Noi Emerson, Terry Mangan, Tony Robbins, Andy Galvin, Don
Carmody.
B Flight
winner Claude Harder.
C Flight
winner Jim Carlsson.
D Flight
winner Graham Buckingham.
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A family affair for the Murphy’s
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
Well they finally did it. It was all in the family – the
family affair. Poottida Murphy walloped the field as her ‘other half’ Dale
squeaked into the runner-up position at Pattaya C.C. on Wednesday, Feb. 9.
It was a no contest day as Poottida played one of her best games and posted
a score of 43 points.
Poottida & Dale Murphy celebrate their one-two finish at Pattaya Country
Club.
The Three Sisters group teed up as daylight permitted.
The fog still had not burned off but it didn’t seem to bother the golfers.
It sure didn’t bother Pootitda or Dale. Dale Murphy had tied for second with
another Dale (Drader) with an identical score of 38 points but Murphy won on
count-back.
Other notable scores were Matt Millar at 33 points, and
Paul Evans, Herb Ishinaga, and Chris Millar all tied at 32 points.
It was a fun day with a good turn-out. We hope to see more of you next
week.
Booton blitz’s the field
PSC golf from the Fairways Golf Society
Billy
Vickers & Patrick Engels
Monday, Feb. 7, Khao Kheow
- Stableford
When we arrived today we were allotted C & A courses and
not one of the thirty four golfers playing managed to play to their
handicap.
The competition was close, especially in the B flight
where three people finished on one over par so there was a count-back for
all three places. Jan Van Spelling had to settle for second place after his
better half Thea beat him 18-16 on the back nine. Terry Fox was pushed back
into third place on a 12 -11 back six.
The A flight was taken by Mike Grasser also on one over
for his round.
Near pins today went to Thea Van Spellen, Lee Butler,
Keith Allen and Bill Clark.
A Flight
1st Mike Grasser (10) 35pts
2nd Lee Butler (15) 32pts
3rd Larry Bland (14) 31pts
B Flight
1st Thea Van Spellen (21) 35pts
2nd Jan Van Spellen (19) 35pts
3rd Terry Fox (22) 35pts
Wednesday, Feb. 9, Crystal Bay - Stableford
With the large field again today split into two divisions
the cut off was 0 to 15 & 16 to 28.
David
Booton.
Only one golfer managed to break par today, Dave Booton,
and I think he must have had three shredded wheats for breakfast as he took
the B flight with a great round of 40 points, a massive 5 shots better than
the next best score. Well played Dave.
Near pins went to Gary Saunders (2), Dave Dunn and Dave
Booton.
A Flight
1st Gary Saunders (14) 35pts
2nd Scott Dobbin (0) 34pts
3rd Andre Vandyk (15) 32pts
B Flight
1st David Booton (21) 40pts
2nd Gort Gelten (21) 34pts
3rd Tony Duthie (21) 33pts
Friday, Feb. 11, Greenwood – Stableford
We were allocated B & C courses on our arrival today and
found them both to be in excellent condition, with the greens were a little
on the slow side but very true. There was also a light breeze and conditions
were ideal for golf.
The A flight was taken by Billy Vickers with a very good
round of 38 points whilst in the B flight the still improving (muscles from
Brussels) Patrick Engels took the pot with a massive 41 points to hold off
(steady Eddie) Tony Duthie who took second place. Mark Slin, who had surgery
on his neck earlier in the week (which probably helped him keep his head
still) came in third with in B flight with 34 points.
Near pins went to Joop Medze, Mike Winterburn, Ian
Blakewell and Mike Waltchek.
A Flight
1st Billy Vickers (10) 38pts
2nd Mike winterburn (6) 36pts
3rd Allan Griffiths (11) 34pts
4th Mike Waltchek (8) 33pts
B Flight
1st Patrick Engels (21) 41pts
2nd Tony Duthie (21) 36pts
3rd Mark Slin (28) 34pts
4th Steven Cooper Reade (21) 31pts
Note: The Fairways Golf Society plays every
Sun-Mon-Wed & Fri. Anyone wishing to play with our group can call into the
clubhouse at Fairways Driving Range on Sukhumvit Road and put their name on
the lists provided, or call Scott on 084 389 2379.
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Magic Mikael
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Society visited Green Valley on Monday, 7th
February and found an empty course and a first tee where the Starter was
beckoning the group to start fully forty minutes before time! Amazing!
Always willing to oblige the group, divided into two flights at sixteen and
under, followed his advice to the letter, but only when a full complement of
caddies had been drained from the furthest expanses of the course, including
gardeners and mechanics.
In the second flight three golfers shared second place on
36 points and the “Medal Man”, John Mason, was joined by John Chelo and lady
golfer Yvonne Earley. Jean Morel held kept nose in front as he won the
flight with 37 points.
In the top division Wichai Tananusorn and “Banjo”
Bannister shared third place with 35 points each whilst Rick Schramm
continued his consistent form of late with a fine 37 points for second
place. The day belonged to Mikael Andersson who took the course apart with a
gross 77 giving him 41 points, the fourth time that heady score has been
achieved this year so far within the group.
There were birdie ‘2’s for Mikael, Banjo, Yvonne Earley
and visitor Keith Kelso and the Booby Bevy went to visitor Will Bean for his
unrewarded two on the twelfth. After all “you have to be in it to win it!”
as former PGS mogul Mr Loy used to say.
Green Valley continues to surprise but it couldn’t say
“Boo!” to Mr Mikael on this day.
The lady wins on merit
The Pattaya Golf Society’s first qualifier for its
“Player of the Month” challenge for February was held at Phoenix over the
Mountain and Lakes nine on Wednesday, 9th, with the large field relishing a
stableford competition on the local course.
The course was set up long from the back white tees and
the greenkeeper’s penchant for placing the pins on slopes had not yet waned.
The field was divided into two flights at sixteen and under and four ladies
made the group complete.
Scores were uncharacteristically low on the course and in
the top flight Vic Hansen, playing his swansong round this trip, joined Paul
Sturgeon in third with 33 points. Paul had achieved his first ever placing
with the group. In second place on 34 points was Wichai Tananusorn, still
enjoying his resurgence in form with the PGS. The flight winner was Rick
Schramm again with 36 points.
In the second flight Mr Len trailed in third with a
meagre return of 29 points, two behind Jim Ferris’ second placed score of
31. The flight winner, with the best score of the day, was Yvonne Earley
whose golf was unspectacular yet very effective and her accurate putting
gave her a distinct advantage over the rest of the flight.
Paul McNally recorded the only birdie ‘2’ of the day on
the Mountain fourth and the Booby Bevy went to debutant Keith Melbourne for
his “baker’s dozen” score.
The first order of merit event at Phoenix had resulted in
a lady topping the rankings for the first time in a long while. How long
will it last we wonder?
More of the same from
Mukesh
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Crystal Bay on Friday,
11th February to play a stableford competition on the rapidly improving
course. The fairways are now in excellent condition and the greens were
deliciously consistent and quick suiting most players’ choice. The day
remained fine throughout and a good competition ensued with the large field
divided into two flights at fifteen and under.
In the second flight Gordon Everingham and Dave Lehane
shared third place with 32 points each, only one behind the joint winners
Jean Morel and Gordon Gilchrist, the latter celebrating his final round this
trip with an excellent performance.
In the top flight a consistent Mike Earley shared third
place with Rick Schramm on 34 points, one behind Japanese golfer Tomoyasu
Ishisaki in second. The flight winner with 37 points was Mukesh Thakkar
taking his third victory in four outings with the group with his second
consecutive par breaking round. He also scored two birdie ‘2’s on the A nine
and joined the other ‘2’s winners Ishisaki, Richard Bannister and Len Jones.
The Booby Bevy went to Jim Ferris after his failure to
appear at the start of the day caused endless re-jigging of the start sheet
for the organiser... and it’s one of his favourite courses! Why shouldn’t it
be? Crystal Bay in its present condition is well worth the green fee.
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Mashi cleans up at Khao Kheow
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Flight winners Mashi Kaneta and Carole Kubicki,
center,
with Brian Gabe and Jack Robertson.
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Khao
Kheow - Stableford
The trip to Khao Kheow these days is just a bimble up the
road for half an hour or so, and on this morning with a 10:30 a.m. start we
were able to have a relaxing late departure from Bert’s in order to be on
schedule. Even then we were on the first tee in good time and were still
able to get away a bit early.
The test for the day was to be the A & B Nines, and with
a superb temperature the only worry was the strong wind that seems to blow
all the time of late. Once onto the course we soon settled down and although
strong, the wind seemed to blow itself out then die away. It was very
changeable and thus difficult to play golf in.
The course itself was in super condition with clean cut
fairways, tough rough and all in all a real picture. The only slight
negative was that the greens were a little uncut, but with the speed still
there we finally thought that if cut shorter they would be really tricky.
Still we soon got around.
It is always a pleasure to sit in the restaurant here as
the view is tremendous, and the food is also very good, but soon all good
things must come to an end and it was into transport and back to Bert’s.
Back at Bert’s the players tucked into Bert’s ‘Golfers
Special’, which was burger and chips, then it was on with the presentation.
In the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Mashi Kaneta
with 37 points, and we then had a count-back on 36 points that saw Brian
Gabe in second and Dick Warberg in third, with Frank Pilkington just losing
out.
In the B Flight it was ‘Ladies Day’ with Carole Kubicki
winning with 34 points on count-back over Karen Brown in second. Jack
Robertson was third with 30 points.
The day over we then had a few ‘cold uns’. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Derek Brook (2), Richard Kubicki, Mashi
Kaneta
Long Putt: Walter Bachli, Mashi Kaneta.
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Hammond hammers ‘em at Pattaya Country Club
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday’s
winners, Bjarne Kjaer, Dave Richardson & Rob Brown.
Peter Blackburn & The
Drut
Monday, Feb. 7, Plutaluang
E&S - Stableford
Well firstly may I say it’s great to be back in sunny
Pattaya after 7 months in Asmara, Eritrea and although the people over there
are wonderful it’s good to be with my mates again. I would like to thank The
Admiral for his invaluable contribution to this ever popular golf outlet and
he is certainly a hard act to follow. Also a special mention to Mike Gosden,
Stu Rifkin, Martin Todd, Ken Bernek, Andre Van Dyl & Mick O’Connell for
helping out with the organizing and the write-ups during my absence. You can
rest assured you will still hear from The Drut and San Miguel Stu again in
the months to come.
That’s enough of the “sloppy” stuff so back to
yesterday’s golf at Plutaluang which was only a 38 minute drive from Caf้
Kronborg and poor old Micko Connell didn’t even get a chance at 0815hrs to
say let’s go as The Admiral still has his mouth synchronized to his watch
and he once more fired the starting gun. 31 golfers in 5 mini-vans headed
off in absolutely perfect conditions and found the course fairly busy on our
arrival but nevertheless we were able to tee off 15 minutes ahead of
schedule at 0945hrs.
The first group of 4 consisting of Richardson, Blackburn,
O’Connell & Gosden prompted a comment from PSC Treasurer Graham Buckingham –
“All Chiefs & no Indians”. This was during a 15 minute hold up on the tee at
E2 but in fact that was the only real delay of the round.
Mick O’Connell provided our group with a good belly laugh
after hitting his ball out of the water on the right hand side of the
fairway on S6 and ended up looking like a Dalmation dog!
The round was a little slow as we finished in 4 hours and
50 minutes but I have to say that the course was in great shape with the
greens a bit slowish but consistent and I noted a big improvement in the
condition of all the tee boxes.
Thanks to Jason (Champagne) McDonald for loaning me his
Odyssey putter (I remembered to take the 3 iron out of my bag the night
before) but I was back using my Ping putter on the second nine and that
didn’t work either. Could be something to do with just 3 games in 7 months I
guess!
Welcomes were handed out to Monty Sykes, Arne Fuglholt
and yours truly.
The course wasn’t playing too easy as usual, in fact
nobody played better than their handicap. The consistent Rob Brown was the
winner in A Flight with 3 players one point behind in a count-back – Martin
Todd second from Andre Van Dyk with Monte Sykes in fourth place.
B Flight was won by Bjarne Kjaer, with Elias Magnusson
second, 80 year old Hugh O’Donnell third and Leif Kirkegaard in fourth
place.
The Admiral himself, Dave Richardson, obviously relishing
the absence of his organizational duties took out C Flight from Martyn
Topham in second place while Finn Klarskov finished third and Nigel Perry
was fourth.
A Flight
1st Rob Brown (7) 34pts
2nd Martin Todd (8) 33pts
3rd Andre Van Dyk (15) 33pts
4th Monte Sykes (6) 33pts
B Flight
1st Bjarne Kjaer (20) 36pts
2nd Elias Magnusson (17) 34pts
3rd Hugh O’Donnell (21) 33pts
4th Leif Kirkegaard 30pts
C Flight
1st Dave Richardson (23) 36pts
2nd Martyn Topham (31) 31pts
3rd Finn Klarskov (33) 30pts
4th Nigel Perry (22) 28pts
Near Pins: E2 Peter Sindberg, E5 Elias Magnusson, S4 Bjarne Kjaer, S7
Peter Blackburn
Long Putts: E9 Monte Sykes, S9 Brian Gabe
Thursday, Feb. 10, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
Thirty one golfers gathered at the Kronborg in an
anticipation of another day’s great entertainment and they were not
disappointed.
Teeing off the white markers at 0940 hours the first
group completed the journey in four hours and forty minutes. The weather was
overcast and mild, the course ever improving and the greens putted truly.
Pre-tournament favourites Rob Brown, Mike Winfield and
Dave Richardson bypassed all practice facilities as they considered the game
too easy and commented, there must be a way to toughen it up.
In the A flight Rob Brown again showed the way to score a
solid thirty eight points and stand first on the podium. Second spot went to
Richard Kubicki with thirty seven points whilst Niels Hansen garnered thirty
six points to relegate Peter Sindberg to fourth place on the same score.
In the B flight Peter Hammond handled the conditions like
a politician fielding voter’s questions, i.e. with great dexterity, to post
thirty eight points whilst Mick O’Connor scored thirty six points to secure
second spot. Third was Jan Lovgreen on thirty four points, edging out Daryl
Evans in a tight finish for the minors on thirty three points.
In the C flight Finn Klarskov did a Usain Bolt and
blitzed the field with thirty nine points whilst Carole Kubicki handed in
thirty three points to pip Dave Richardson and Brian Noguer for third and
fourth respectively, both finishing on thirty two points.
We welcomed Jacky Tan from Hong Kong and John Marritt
from England.
Per-Olav Baarli had an interesting day with a thirty
three point card comprising twenty two points on the first nine and an
eleven point wap effort for the second stanza.
After the game Mike Winfield asked Carole Kubicki “How
did you score thirty three points?”
Carole replied, “I had one more than thirty two.”
A Flight (0–18)
1st Rob Brown (7) 38pts
2nd Richard Kubicki (11) 37pts
3rd Niels Hansen (15) 36pts
4th Peter Sindberg (13) 36pts
B Flight (19–22)
1st Peter Hammond (21) 38pts
2nd Mick O’Connor (22) 36pts
3rd Jan Lovgreen (22) 34pts
4th Daryl Evans (21) 33pts
C Flight (23+)
1st Finn Klarskov (33) 39pts
2nd Carole Kubicki (23) 33pts
3rd Dave Richardson (23) 32pts
4th
Brian Noguer (21) 32pts
Near pins went Eddie Glinsek on the 5th,
Ken Bernek/Martin Todd (ask them how this happened ) on the 7th,
Martin Todd on the 12th and Richard Kubicki on the 16th.
Hot blades saw Dave Richardson on the 9th
and Richard Kubicki on the 18th successful.
The Coveted Compass Cap was not played for today much to
the disappointment of Graham Buckingham.
Deefa the dog, despite recent health problems, has made a
full recovery producing a brand of courage not seen since Rocky Marciano got
up off the floor after a fourth round knock down in his 1955 world
heavyweight title fight with Archie Moore, and going onto win with a 9th
round KO. The players contributed their usual donations to Deefa for the
needy in Pattaya which is much appreciated.
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Stafford still in good form, takes the win at Crystal Bay
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
(From left to right): Vin Connellan, Colin
Oliver, Jan Thorsberg, Murray Hart, Doug Campbell, Rick Forrest and Sid
Ottaway.
Monday, Feb. 7, Burapha -
Stableford
Forty Outbackers at Burapha today, with a two-tee start
on the C and D loops, we had an early start but poor old Roy Studds and his
caddy were getting dizzy going from the first on C then to the first on D,
and then back again then back to D then back again to C.... sorry Roy.
With both Steve and Jack a bit crook, two tee starts
don’t work too good when you only have one fella to put it together. In
saying all that, it was a truly great day, the course was in tremendous
condition and the greens were lightning fast, causing the Capt’ to have his
fair share of three putts. I think it has been mentioned in the Capt’s
column before but if you have not been “Lumpyed” on a golf course it is time
you were, early to bed tonight Bob.
Pat’s Irish mates were back with us today, one of them
getting a free green fee for next week in the lucky draw, as did John
Stafford. There were no really good scores out there today apart from Pat
Regan’s 40 points, which won Div A by five from Gez Tracey and Kim Stokes’
39, which won him Div B by the same margin from John Locke. Newcomer to the
Outback, Jerry McCarthy, landed Div C with his 38, also a comfortable margin
ahead of two on 34, Colin Oliver and Greg Hill.
There were just three ‘2’s from Frank O’Hara, Pat Regan &
Fred Land.
Div A (0-12)
1st Patrick Regan (10) 40pts
2nd Gez Tracey (12) 35pts
3rd John Cunningham (7) 34pts
4th Neil Lavery (12) 34pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Kim Stokes (16) 39pts
2nd John Locke (15) 34pts
3rd Tony McDonough (14) 32pts
4th Murray Hart (13) 32pts
Div C (17+)
1st Jerry McCarthy (17) 38pts
2nd Colin Oliver (18) 34pts
3rd Greg Hill (26) 34pts
4th John Stafford (20) 33pts
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
The 26 Outbackers here this morning were greeted with a
bit of a surprise on the course, after the heavy overnight rain filled most
of the bunkers to the brim and carts were only of restricted use, which is
quite unusual for PCC. We even heard reports of a golfer trying to play out
of a bunker with his ball lying under water, needless to say he didn’t get
it out, but he could have taken a drop in the bunker!
Chad did an excellent job again, organising the troops
but the best score his four-ball could muster was 26 points; must be
something to with the company he keeps – yesterday Capt’ Bob was “Lumpy’d”
today Chad was “Lawton’d”!
Mike Allidi returned to play with us after an absence of
more than a year but his winning streak continued, notching up his fourth
win in a row with the Outback on this course. Today he had 39 points (71
gross). His previous wins came with gross scores of 68, 74 and 72 – maybe he
likes the course.
Alan Whittingham, whose game is coming together at last,
took second with an excellent 38 points ahead of John Locke, a long way back
in third with 32.
Div B went to Arthur Bailey, who won with a mere 33
points ahead of Jinjo O’Neill (32) and Chris Thompson (31), who was having
his last game with us for a few months as he returns to Aus.
There were three ‘2’s from David Day, Doug Chalkley and
Mike Allidi.
Div A (0-18)
1st Mike Allidi (2) 39pts
2nd Alan Whittingham (16) 38pts
3rd John Locke (15) 32pts
Div B (19+)
1st Arthur Bailey (24) 33pts
2nd Martin O’ Neill (30) 32pts
3rd Chris Thompson (26) 31pts
Wednesday, Feb. 9, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Twenty-eight Outbackers headed out to Crystal Bay with
directions from Capt’ Bob, who was off to Royal Hills on course inspection
duty, as to the best and quickest way to get there; unfortunately some got
lost but eventually found their way to the course.
The course was very busy and the B & C nines were open
for the day; it was in good condition and the greens were flat and fast. We
played from the white markers, which was a fair test for all golfers.
Bernie Stafford continued his good form with 40 points
which won Div A from Owen Walkley on 38, who is also playing well. Div B
went to the continually improving Gus George with 38 points, from Mike
Jefferies on 37; these two being well ahead of the rest led by David Davies
and Bob Lindborg, both on 29.
There were five ‘2’s from John Locke, Bernie Stafford,
Steve Milne, Paul Greenaway and Murray Hart.
Div A (0-14)
1st Bernie Stafford (14) 40pts
2nd Owen Walkley (12) 38pts
3rd Paul Greenaway (10) 35pts
4th Tony McDonough (14) 34pts
Div B (15+)
1st Garry George (25) 38pts
2nd Michael Jeffreys (17) 37pts
3rd David Davies (24) 29pts
4th Bob Lindborg (19) 29pts
Friday, Feb. 11, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Fifty-five Outbackers travelled to Khao Kheow to take on
the C and A courses; unfortunately it appeared that the rest of Thailand
were there also, as there was a shortage of carts and caddies, but
thankfully the staff finally found enough caddies and those Outbackers with
single carts, generously shared, so that all were accommodated.
The course itself was in great condition with the greens
a little slower than last week and it was a good test off the real yellow
tees again at last, after a few weeks with the tees well forward.
The course again was the winner with the best score of
the day being 37 points, coming from Sid Ottaway, who said that everything
went well for him out there today and usually it doesn’t. So he won Div D
quite convincingly as the second placed man, Gus George had 31.
The Irish guys finally came good with Vin Connellan
taking Div A on 36 points, ahead of the day’s organiser, Steve Mann with 35,
and Peter Ennis back in third on 34. Div B was won by Murray Hart on 36
points after a count-back with Doug Campbell; and Colin Oliver, nearing the
end of his stay here, finished in style to win Div C with 33 points, one in
front of the local course specialist, Sugar Ray, on 32.
There were eight ‘2’s from Steve Plant, Doug Douglas,
Tony McDonough, John Kendall and two each to playing partners, Doug Campbell
and Jan Thorsberg on the same two Par ‘3’s.
Div A (0-12)
1st Vin Connellan (12) 36pts
2nd Steve Mann (8) 35pts
3rd Peter Ennis (12) 34pts
4th James Brackett (8) 34pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Murray Hart (13) 36pts
2nd Doug Campbell (15) 36pts
3rd Jum Karagit (14) 34pts
4th Steven Budrys (14) 33pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Colin Oliver (18) 33pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (16) 32pts
3rd Rick Forrest (19) 31pts
4th Doug Douglas (19) 30pts
Div D (20+)
1st Sid Ottaway (23) 37pts
2nd Garry George (25) 31pts
3rd Eldridge Suggs (20) 29pts
4th John Stafford (20) 29pts
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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PSC Sea-Fishing News
Capt. Dene
Another magnificent day with scarcely a ripple on the
ocean saw 9 of us set out from Kram Marine. There were 8 regular anglers
accompanied by Bobby Clark, PSC Vice President, who as part of his duties,
liaises with the various PSC sporting activities. For a novice, he turned
out to be quite a good angler catching almost as many as the rest of us
whilst only fishing less than half the day.
Khammoon, right, and Geoff with their prize catches of the day.
Good hauls of between 6 and 10 kilo of larger than usual
snapper, many of around one kilo, were made by all. Also, some large grouper
were landed along with pla dang and another tasty variety I have yet to
learn the name.
Khammoon and Geoff were crowned the winners of the
biggest haul and the largest fish. There was some dispute as to who actually
caught the largest, but Geoff was smart enough to defer the honour to his
wife.
Fortunately, yours truly remembered the camera and
pictures of winners are shown with their catches.
Again, several large fish were hooked but not landed due
to misfortune and broken equipment. Better luck next time!
We headed home a little earlier this trip due to the
lateness of return the previous trip.
Nevertheless, refreshments at Kram Marine subsequently
ensured we did not arrive home before 7.30 p.m. with Phil & Nat being much
later having to return to Bangkok.
Several interested people have asked for details of the
boat we use. It is larger than the many fishing vessels seen around
Bangsaray, has good areas forward and aft and can easily accommodate 8
anglers or more but to avoid tangling lines we limit participants to eight.
It has a clean toilet, kitchen facilities with coffee
provided by the captain 2 or 3 times during the trip, also a nice rest area
on an upper deck. I will include a picture of the boat in the report of our
next trip which is scheduled for Feb. 17, and is fully booked.
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Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200
Bowlers: Tue, Christian, Ooy & Rich.
The USMC team is off to a fast start and they look to
have a strong team as they took all four points from Show Bowler on the
difficult five and six lanes.
Tue Pettae had a very good series with games of 201, 203
and 171 for a 575 series and Pao Orawan bowled a 541 series to lead Canada
to a four point win over VFW Post 9876.
Ooy Pluemkamon, VFW, bowled games of 208, 183 and 199 for
a 590 series.
Brother D and Café Kronborg split their match with each
team getting two points. Rich Murphy bowled a 206 first game for Kronborg.
Bavaria won three points from Green Tree with none of the
bowlers excelling on this day.
Christian bowling as a Pacer had a 201 game and 523 series. Joseph also
bowling as a Pacer had a 202 game.
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