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Tseng fends off Kim challenge to win LPGA Thailand by 5 shots

Yani Tseng of Taiwan holds up the 2011 Honda LPGA Thailand champion’s trophy after shooting a final round 66 to win the tournament by 5 shots on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Top-ranked Yani Tseng shot a 6-under-par 66 last Sunday to win the season-opening Honda LPGA Thailand by five shots over Michelle Wie at Pattaya’s Siam Country Club.

The 22-year-old began her 2011 season with victories on the Ladies European Tour at the Australian Open and Australian Ladies Masters in consecutive weeks prior to last week’s LPGA season opener. She has now teed it up four times in 2011, including a small professional event in Taiwan, with four victories.

Paula Creamer hits her tee shot on the 16th hole.

Tseng led by one stroke over Wie and I.K. Kim of South Korea going into the final round at the immaculate Siam Country Club Old Course and had the lowest score of the day with six birdies in her first 13 holes before her first-and-only blemish of the day at 14, where she made bogey. She rebounded with a birdie at 15 and never looked back, claiming her sixth-career LPGA Tour victory at 15-under-par 273.

Wie had to settle for a 70 to finish second, while Kim was another shot back in a tie for third with Karrie Webb.

“I just tried my best and I know I had lots of confidence,” Tseng said about winning three weeks in a row. “But with all the great golfers out here, you never know until the last putt drops in.”

Carrie Webb putts for birdie on the short par-three 8th.

First round leader Kim birdied three of her first six holes to sit tied for the lead with Tseng, and was at 13 under after a birdie on the 13th. However, she made a quintuple bogey on the 17th including five chips from the back of the green to fall out of contention, before finishing with a birdie on the last to secure a tie for third.

Wie also put pressure on Tseng by chipping in for a birdie on the first hole and picking up two more shots on the sixth and seventh. But she didn’t make another birdie the rest of the way and was already four shots behind Tseng when she bogeyed the 17th.

“I feel like I played good out there today, but on the back nine I just didn’t make anything,” Wie said. “Yani played fantastic. She played like a rock star out there. She made every single putt and zero mistakes. Congrats to her.”

Michelle Wie celebrates after birdying the first hole.

Carrie Webb bogeyed four of her first five holes in the final round but bounced back on the inward nine holes to finish with a 69, while Paula Creamer of the United States shot a 71 to finish in fifth on 8-under.

“For sure I felt the pressure today,” said Tseng, “especially the first hole when Michelle chipped in with the big crowd. It was crazy. Michelle and I and I.K., we pushed each other really hard all day. I knew I needed to stay patient. All day, I was patient and focused and I just tried to control what I could control. I really enjoyed the tournament this week.”

Tseng will have a chance for a fourth straight victory at this week’s tournament in Singapore.

Yani Tseng poses for the assembled media holding the champion’s trophy.

“I have lots of confidence and I’m looking forward to next week to see if I can win,” she said. “I feel very excited every week. I just focused on this week. I think to myself, last week has passed. Don’t put pressure on this week. Next week is a new week and I’ll enjoy it.”

With the win, Tseng earns $217,500 and an early lead on the LPGA Official Money List and Rolex Player of the Year race.

Also by virtue of their top-three finishes, Tseng, Wie and Webb each earned a spot in the season-ending Titleholders event, to be held Nov. 17-20, 2011 at Grand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando, Fla. The inaugural Titleholders, a season finale with a field made up of three qualifiers from every official LPGA Tour tournament, is a format never previously used in professional golf. Despite tying with Kim for third place, Webb qualifies with a lower final round score. (Source LPGA and AP)

Tseng strikes an iron into the green during her final round.

The Honda girls always add some colour to the event.

I.K. Kim of South Korea faces a meltdown on the 17th hole where she made a quintuple bogey 9 to fall out of contention.

The colorful Natalie Gulbis, left, and the 2007 Honda LPGA Thailand champion, Suzann Petterson, right, wait to tee-off on the final hole.

Huge crowds gather around the 18th green as the final pairing prepare to putt out.


Snooker World Cup to be held in Thailand to mark HM the King’s 84th birthday

Ronnie O’Sullivan.

BEC-Tero Entertainment Public Co. Ltd. has announced that it has been granted the rights and sanction from World Snooker Limited (WS) and the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand to stage the Snooker World Cup 2011 in honour of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday. Superstar snooker players from 19 countries will compete in the seven-day event to be held in Bangkok in July. A budget of 70 million baht has been set for the organization of the tournament.

Fifteen years ago, Thailand was the first and only country to host the Snooker World Cup tournament featuring the world’s best snooker players representing their countries. BEC-Tero successfully held the 1996 event to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. And so it is appropriate that in the auspicious year of 2011, the Snooker World Cup will return bigger and better to Thailand, in honour of His Majesty.

Marco Fu.

The Snooker World Cup 2011 will feature a who’s who of the world’s best snooker players. The star-studded line up will include luminaries such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Marco Fu, Stephen Maguire and Ding Junhui. In total 40 players will comprise 20 competing teams from 19 countries including England, Scotland, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Australia, with two teams from the host country Thailand.

Each team will compete under their nation’s flag in a round robin format vying for the USD700,000 (21 million baht) in prize money. The champion team will also receive the prestigious King of King’s Cup, made of solid gold, and designed and fabricated by the Royal British Jewellers in 1996.

The tournament will be broadcast around the globe, attracting a television audience in the tens of millions.

Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of BEC-Tero Entertainment Public Co. Ltd. said, “The Snooker World Cup 2011 is a premium international sporting event. It will promote Thailand’s image to the world and further enhance the kingdom’s reputation as the host of top international events.”


Local yacht clubs launch new annual challenge

Racing at close quarters as the fleet gets underway.

Kipsan Beck

Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien and Royal Varuna Yacht Club jointly hosted a monthly racing event last weekend in what will become an annual fixture for the two clubs who between them have most of the region’s sailors joining them out on the water every month.

Featuring joint courses for both beach cats and keelboats, sailors enjoyed the south west monsoon which has come relatively early in 2011, bringing with it 14-16 knots and perfect sailing conditions.

On day 1, all the boats headed off on a course that would take keelboats, sportsboats and ocean multihulls through a downwind start to a mark just off picturesque Royal Varuna; a 4NM trip out to southern Koh Khrok; a long upwind leg to Koh Rangkwian and then a reach back to the finish off Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

In a nice twist, for the first time the speedy beach cats started off Varuna as the main fleet completed the first leg, and then took off upwind around the same course, and chasing the leaders.

With a solid downwind breeze to start, El Coyote, Sting and Pornstar all wanted to start at the boat end, with Pornstar drawing a foul, forcing her to drop her spinnaker and complete a 2 turn penalty. However, soon after, the crew had the little Shaw 650 surfing and planing, reaching the bottom mark in 43 minutes, 13 minutes ahead of the next boat. From there, she held her lead to the finish.

An interesting battle developed for the next places. After three and a half hours of racing, Gary Bagueley’s crew on El Coyote held just a little more breeze to the finish as rain clouds moved across the course, beating David Bell’s Magic Roundabout by just 2 minutes to take second and third places respectively. For the 11 catamarans who started the long 20NM course, Pom Green took out first from Morten Jacobsen in second, and Alex Scaria in third.

After the racing, Royal Varuna held a sumptuous BBQ next to the sea, and all sailors enjoyed the fine hospitality from one of the region’s most famous dinghy clubs.

Sunday conditions saw all competitors sailing 2 windward leeward races, in solid 12-18 knot conditions which continued to build throughout the day. Five beach catamarans sailed down from Varuna to race on the same courses.

The first Sunday race saw 2 boats retiring with sail damage, as wind strengths peaked below a large cloud system moving up the bay; in the aftermath, El Coyote sailed well to win on line and handicap, ahead of Pornstar by just 10 seconds. Once again Magic Roundabout hung in for third.

The last race had a little more breeze, and in these conditions, Pornstar was able to win on line and handicap again, winning both the sportsboats and also PHS overall win for the weekend. El Coyote damaged their chances when they tore one kite and then struggled to set their replacement one; however while they conceded second place to David Bell’s Magic Roundabout in the last race, they had done enough to win first in IRC and second overall.

Sailing long distance courses, the cruising division enjoyed the stronger breeze, with Dutch Raver taking the win overall with victories on both days.

The Beach cats saw ‘Mr. Consistency’ Morten Jacobsen finish Sunday with a second and a first to take top spot overall for the weekend of racing.

As a new edition to the monthly racing schedule, the chance to see dinghies and keelers on the same course was a huge success, and all competitors look forward to doing it all over again in the 2012 season.


Record international attendance expected for River Kwai Trophy race

Adventure Racing in the River Kwai Trophy.

Part of the Amazing Thailand International Adventure Race Championships Series 2011, the 6th edition of the River Kwai Trophy is by far the largest and most exciting Adventure Race in South East Asia.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 5th, the race will start at the famous River Kwai Bridge at 8:30 a.m. and will take teams of two through various activities and challenges including running, kayaking, biking, swimming and other mystery tests.

150 teams from around the world are expected at the start and more than 1000 people will attend the event including VIP’s, sponsor’s guests, families, supporters, media, competitors and local communities.

This year’s event is particularly exciting with best Asian teams coming from Hong Kong and Singapore to challenge local champions Saman Gunnan and Seree Ruangsiri (Winners of Yara Bangkok Challenge and ibis Koh Samui Trophy 2010).

Saman Gunnan, the Thailand Adventure Race Champion 2010 is hungry for more silverware and is eager to clinch his first ever River Kwai Trophy victory. Saman has already won the Chiang Mai Challenge, Bangkok Challenge and Koh Samui Trophy in the past few years.

“This is the only Adventure Race title I have not yet won in Thailand” says Saman. “I have trained very hard to win this edition and bring back the trophy to my country!”

It is expected that last year’s winners, top athletes from Asia Pacific Adventure, Ryan Blair and Piers Trouzel, will have their work cut out if they want to retain the trophy and keep it in Hong Kong for another year.

For more information on this year’s race call Nid, Soy or Mai at Active Management Asia Co., Ltd on Tel: 02 7189581-2 or go to the website at www.riverkwaityrophy.com.


A day on the waves with the Bluewater Sailing Club

The 40ft catamaran chartered by the Pattaya Bluewater Sailing Club.

The Pattaya Bluewater Sailing Club sponsored a day-sail early February on a 40ft catamaran. The yacht easily accommodated 10 members and everyone brought their lunch and favorite beverage.

Light winds necessitated using the engine in the morning to get to the lunch time anchorage off of Koh Sak. Many areas of Koh Sak still have live coral that supports many varieties of tropical fish and everyone enjoyed the snorkeling off the island.

A deckhand hard at work.

Some of the members also enjoyed using the yacht’s kayak to explore the shores of the island nearby while other members were taken to the beach in the yacht’s dinghy. The beach on Koh Sak now has a fully operational restaurant.

The wind picked up in the early afternoon and the yacht weighed anchor for the sail back to the mainland.

This yacht has sleeping accommodations for 8 and the club plans on sponsoring a 4 day sailing cruise down to Koh Samet in the next couple of months.

For further information on activities of the Pattaya Bluewater Sailing Club contact Nathan Russo at 085 275 6724 or email [email protected].

Enjoying a paddle out to the island.


Vikings end Nova’s unbeaten run in crushing style

MBMG Bangkok International League Division 2

FC Nova’s unbeaten league run came to a crushing end last Saturday when they found themselves on the wrong end of a 6-2 thumping at the hands of a rampant Scandinavian Vikings team. The defeat opens up the race for the division 2 title with the Scans now 9 points behind Nova with a game in hand. However the Pattaya based side are still in the box seat for the championship and 6 points from their final 4 games will be enough to lift the trophy.

It could be a jittery run in though judging by Saturday’s performance and coach Stuart Levy is in desperate need of strengthening his injury ravaged and depleted squad. The trip to Bangkok on Saturday to take on the Scans saw Levy only have 13 players available at his disposal with a number of those carrying injuries. And although they only finished the game with 9 players on the field, this cannot be used as an excuse for the defeat as the Vikings team thoroughly deserved their victory.

What will be a concern to Levy is the manner in which their opponents exploited their weaknesses, especially in the defending of set pieces as well as a naivety in giving away needless free kicks in dangerous positions on the field.

The game itself started brightly enough for Nova, the extra man in midfield once again allowed them to retain possession of the football and they soon had their opponents camped in their own half. It could well have been a different outcome had Nova managed to convert a number of glorious openings that came their way in the early stages of this game.

First a Roger Cox corner was met by the powerful head of defender Dave Booton before his goal bound effort was scrambled clear off the line only to fall to the feet of Andrew Robinson whose effort was brilliantly kept out by the Vikings keeper. Moments later Booton was again involved, Mark Hill’s free kick saw him arrive unmarked at the far post but once again his goal bound header saw the Vikings keeper produce a wonder save to tip the ball onto the bar before it was scrambled clear.

Soon after Vikings opened the scoring with virtually their first attack of the game; Nova conceded a needless free-kick, the first of many, just deep into their half and the resulting free kick saw the ball floated into the box but keeper Art made a rash decision to come for a ball which he was never going to get allowing the Vikings player to head the ball into the empty net.

It was a lead that should not have lasted long as once again Nova went on the attack and another Cox corner again found the towering Booton only yards out but somehow his point blank header smashed into the face of the Scan’s keeper and out for another corner. The defender looked on aghast and amazed as to how the keeper had managed to keep his third goal bound effort from finding the net.

Nova’s pressure was telling and on the half hour they finally broke the Scan’s resistance and managed to find a way past their inspirational keeper. Cox floated in a telling free kick which saw the ball arrive to striker Bjorn Ellingsen who, with his back to goal, cleverly swivelled before firing the ball into the bottom corner.

The impetus was now with the visitors but they failed to press home their advantage and they once again allowed the home team to take the lead on the stroke of half time. It was an exact repeat of the first goal when they once again gave away a needless foul in a dangerous area. The resulting free kick was swung into the box and the same Viking player who opened the scoring ghosted in between two Nova defenders before planting his header over Art and into the net.

Half time soon came and Levy tried his hardest to rally his troops. Unaccustomed to finding themselves in this position Nova knew they had a real hard battle on their hands come the second half if they wanted to keep their unbeaten league record intact.

The second half saw Nova come out of the blocks all guns blazing and it seemed only a matter of time before they found an equalizer. However they once again failed to capitalize on their opportunities as the Vikings defence held firm.

The telling moment in the match came with half hour remaining. Nova’s centre half Dar, after having already been booked for a rash challenge in the first half, made another clumsy challenge some thirty yards out which resulted in his second yellow card. It was na๏ve of the defender and it was certainly a foul however the over-reaction of a number of Vikings players in brandishing imaginary cards in the face of the referee and subsequent clapping and cheering after the second yellow card was totally uncalled for and is something you do not wish to see in amateur football.

Nova could do nothing however with the resulting free-kick as the Viking player unleashed a ferocious strike that rocketed into the top corner giving keeper Art no chance.

The ten men of Nova were now well up against it and as they went in search of goals the Scans broke quickly allowing them to soon score a fourth. Nova however refused to lie down and even with their numerical disadvantage took the game to their opponents. With 15 minutes remaining Mark Mckeown gave them hope when a clever move involving Paul Derbyshire and Stuart Cowie saw the ball arrive to the midfielder on the edge of the area before his drilled shot nestled into the bottom corner.

Nova however, already down to ten men and with two players injured on the sidelines, suffered further heartache when Andrew Robinson pulled a calf muscle resulting in them having to play the latter stages of the game with nine men. The outcome was inevitable and despite the heroics of Captain Lee Homer in the Nova defence the Scans broke away to score two more goals and make the final scoreline a rather flattering 6-2 in their favour.

Nova should not get too disheartened with this defeat. The Scans certainly played well, they were fit, well organized, played to their strengths and their keeper had an absolute blinder. In the end it was not to be Nova’s day but they need to dust themselves off, patch themselves up and look at getting a result against mid-table BSL Youth this coming Saturday in Bangkok.

It will certainly not be easy and Coach Levy is in desperate need of strengthening his threadbare squad as they get to the business end of the season. He will be further hampered by the loss of experienced defender Daryl Mann as well as the possible suspension of Dar. He will need to scout around in the next few days for local talent in time to get any possible new players signed on before Saturday’s game. Nicholas Creasey, Mark Dorey and Ben Bryant who all missed the game Saturday should hopefully return.

After a rather sombre journey home, the lads from Pattaya returned back to Jamesons Irish Bar to enjoy the excellent spread of food laid on, but after suffering defeat for the first time this season it probably did not taste as good and the beer did not flow down so well as it has done in previous weeks.


PSC Sea Fishing News

The band of eager anglers read to cast off.

Captain Dene

Thursday 17 February saw another perfect day for the PSC Fishing Group. Shown in the photo here are six of the anglers and the boat captain all eager to get underway on the Kram Marine boat we use for all our trips.

Once again we were all successful in getting good catches between 6 and 10 kilos comprising snapper and grouper, many of which were around the half kilo size and a few over one kilo. On the return trip we stopped and added a number of large pladaeng to our respective bags.

Honours of the day went to Geoff and Khammoon with Peter and Sommai a close second. We also extended a warm welcome back to Walt Straub who has not fished with us for a while. He also took home a good haul.

I mention that if you are looking for fishing tackle “Rigger Fishing” on Soi Thepprasit has a comprehensive selection of gear and will give a discount to P.S.C. Fishing group members on request.

The next trip is scheduled for 5 March 2011 and is fully booked. The March mid-month trip will be on Wednesday 16 March and there are several vacancies at this time but be quick to book.


City draw a blank in Turks defeat

MBMG International League Div. 1 & 2

Paul Frain

Pattaya City were on a revenge mission last weekend against the Turkish side Anatolia who won their earlier encounter 4-2 in Bangkok.

City attacked the Turks from the opening whistle and Tshuma spurned two good early chances before their keeper was forced into pulling off a string of good saves to deny the Pattaya forwards. The half closed with City peppering the Turks goal but remained scoreless at the break.

The Turks changed tactics after the interval and ran at the City defense which caused panic in the Pattaya back line and following a goal line clearance one of the Anatolia forwards blazed his shot over the bar in front on an open goal. In return City let another chance go begging when the league’s top scorer Ndjanna could not control the ball in front of the Turks’ goal.

Anatolia eventually made the breakthrough halfway through the second period when their forward ran onto a long through ball to smash the ball past City’s keeper and make the score 1-0.

City could have gone two down but the Turks missed another easy opportunity soon after but then Pattaya went on the offensive themselves and were unlucky when Dipita’s free kick struck the Turks’ post.

The game was end to end and both keepers had to be on their toes to keep out the opposition, but there was no further score and Anatolia thus became the first team this season to do the double over Pattaya City.

In City’s last three games they have scored just three goals, all from set pieces but they have not scored in open play for over 280 minutes and their hands are slowly slipping from the championship trophy.

Pattaya City Reserves meanwhile, who were in Bangkok, drew 0-0 with BSL Masters.


PCC nearly snatch improbable league win

Pattaya Cricket Club (PCC)’s latest Bangkok Premier League game against Bangkok Stars at the AIT ground last Sunday saw a match where the bowlers always held the upper hand as the batsmen struggled to score on an unpredictable wicket.

Winning the toss PCC opted to bat in extremely hot and humid conditions and it soon became apparent runs would be hard to come by as the variable bounce and lack of pace in the wicket made timing the ball nearly impossible. However, Leon Bouter, making his first appearance as opener, stuck to the task and began to grind out an innings that would yield 66 valuable runs.

After the loss of Giles Mongare, Simon Philbrook and Sunny early, Dave Booton joined Leon and the pair knuckled down to put on 46 runs before another ball kept low to trap Dave LBW. From that point PCC’s batsmen resembled the comings and goings of clientele visiting a local establishment of ill repute as they strolled out to the wicket full of bravado only to return looking red faced and sheepish with alarming regularity.

They lost their last 6 wickets for a paultry15 runs to end up with a total of 142. It must be commented upon that the speed of the umpiring decision making would not have been out of place at the OK Corral and greatly contributed to the rate at which the batsmen returned to the pavilion. The spinners were the dominant bowlers throughout the innings with Gautam finishing with 4 for 20.

PCC needed to bowl well and they were not let down by their openers of Usman and Samy. As the wicket deteriorated even further under the baking sun and starting to resemble Goose Green, the Bangkok Stars batsman soon realized they had a difficult time ahead if they were to overhaul the target. Usman had the ball lifting off a length and removed Saad and Gautam caught at short leg.

Samy clean bowled the league’s leading run scorer Tauseef with one that kept low and the score was 28 for 3. A brief fight back saw several boundaries before Usman struck again bowling Samad and having Yasir caught at mid on. Shan maintained the pressure by removing Malinga to reduce BSCC to 61 for 6.

PCC could sense an improbable victory but Dushi had other ideas. Batting with assured confidence as the PCC bowlers tired, he gradually turned the innings around. Ably supported by Azad (19) and his captain, who inexplicably refused PCC a substitute fielder for 7 overs whilst a player was treated for heat exhaustion, Dushi compiled 67 runs that were enough to secure the victory and the deserved man of the match award. Usman finished with impressive figures of 4 for 28 from his energy sapping 8 overs.

PCC’s next league game is on Saturday Feb. 26 against AIT at the Thai Cricket Ground and practice for all is at Horseshoe Point every Friday from 4 p.m. More details are available on the club website www. pattayacricketclub.com.


ISE host Mekong River International School Football Tournament

ISE players and coaches pose for a group photo.

Eight International Schools from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand gathered February 10-13 at the International School Eastern Seaboard for the 2011 Mekong River International Schools Association (MRISA) High School Football Tournament.

MRISA tournaments provide opportunities for students from different schools in the region to come together, play sport and make new friends. Participants enjoy safe, organized and competitive matches while developing friendships and improving their skills and appreciation of sport.

The eight MRISA schools are United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS), Hanoi International School (HIS), International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), Saigon South International School (SSIS), International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP), Northbridge International School of Cambodia (NISC Cambodia) Vientiane International School (VIS) and International School Eastern Seaboard (Thailand).

Penalty joy for the ISE boys team as they reach the final.

The tournament at ISE saw 160 boys and girls from 37 different countries playing 40 matches over the course of the weekend. The MRISA format is 7-a-side with round robin group games on Friday and knockout cup and plate matches on the Saturday.

The ISE boys’ team got off to a flying start with back to back 2-0 wins over NISC and SSIS. So, 2 goals from team captain Tilmann, one from Marcelo and one from Alex proved enough to put ISE atop of group B despite a 5-1 loss to UNIS in the final group game. It should be noted that Ta’s thunderbolt goal for ISE was perhaps one of the goals of the tournament.t.

Saigon’s ISHCMC finished top of group A with defending champions ISPP coming second and so facing old rivals ISE in Saturday’s cup semi-final.

In the girls’ tournament, the ISE girls had mixed fortunes as a 3-1 defeat to SSIS was followed by a 7-0 win over HIS, before a 6-0 loss to an outstanding ISPP team confined the home team to the plate event. Hat-tricks for Elisabeth and Kanari plus a goal from Callie were some consolation for the girls’ team. UNIS and ISHCMC were the top 2 teams in the other girls group.

The ISE girls hit form on Saturday, as goals from Elisabeth (2), Andreia, Kanari and Callie gave them a 5-0 win over a spirited and popular MRISA United team. Captain Andreia’s left foot strike was especially memorable. Elisabeth then struck her 6th goal of the tournament in the plate final against VIS and so secured the plate trophy for the host school.

The Girls Championship was deservedly won by the amazing ISPP team whose 4-0 win over UNIS in the final gave them a record of P 5, W 5, GF 35, GA 0 – Staggering!

The boys semi-final between hosts ISE and defending champions ISPP became the game of the tournament, as an end to end match left the teams locked on 1-1 after golden goal extra time.

So to penalties, where 3 amazing saves from ISE keeper Alec and 3 goals from 5 attempts (Tilmann, Kengo and goalkeeper Alec) gave Marcelo the chance to strike the winning sudden death penalty.

The final brought an ISE / UNIS rematch. as UNIS had beaten Vietnamese rivals ISHCMC 2-1 in the other semi. The ISE boys fought hard, but without the injured Ta found this one game too many and so lost 2-0 to the deserving champions UNIS, Hanoi. The ISE boys team should be proud of their achievement in giving the host school fans so much enjoyment and excitement throughout the weekend.

A feature of MRISA tournaments is the wonderful sportsmanship on display. This year the sportsmanship awards deservedly went to ISPP boys for their dignity in facing not one, but two agonizing penalty shoot out defeats, and to the MRISA United Girls team for the spirit and desire they showed in playing against such well trained and skilful opposition.

Once again this MRISA tournament highlighted all that is good in sport and proved to be a true festival of football and friendship. MRISA football will return to ISE same time next year for the 2012 Middle School Championships.

For more on ISE visit http://www.ise.th/ or for more on the tournament go to the tournament blog http://mrisaise.wordpress.com/about/

International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) girls’ team take on Saigon South International School (SSIS) in one of the opening fixtures.


Lammers shoots highest of the week

PSC golf from the The Caddy Shack

Monday, Feb. 14, Phoenix – Stableford

Twenty players off the white tees at Phoenix with Dietmar Lammers top scoring on 38 points to take out the B Flight. Phonsie McGahan scored one point less to win the top division and also scored the day’s only ‘2’

A Flight
1st ‘Phonsie’ McGahan (6) 37pts
2nd Bill Hewitt (15) 34pts
3rd Bernard Channing (17) 32pts
B Flight
1st Dietmar Lammers (20) 38pts
2nd Mick OMeara (22) 34pts
3rd Bruce Tollitt (19) 33pts
Wednesday, Feb. 16, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
Twenty-four players off the white tees at Mountain Shadow on Wednesday.
A Flight
1st Dave Bramley (15) 37pts
2nd ‘Phonsie’ McGahan (6) 36pts
3rd Brendon McGovern (0) 34pts
B Flight
1st Vaughan Jackson (18) 36pts
2nd Mick OMeara (22) 36pts
3rd Dave Strang (18) 32pts
2’s
: Les Charles
Friday, Feb. 18, Green Valley – Stableford
Just 12 players on the Holiday at Green Valley on Friday so only one flight.
1st Gary Blackburne (8) 39pts
2nd Derek May (19) 35pts
3rd Ben Findon (18) 35pts


Schramm leads the way at Bangpra

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

On Valentine’s Day the Pattaya Golf Society paid a visit to Bangpra, which occupies a warm place in the hearts of many golfers. This day the course was full and as it was also the run-up to a major competition the course was not in the best of conditions with unusually slow and inconsistent greens. However the large field enjoyed the challenge of a stableford event with the field divided into two flights at sixteen and under.

In the second flight John Chelo returned a score of 33 points for third place but found he was some way behind the joint winners Yvonne Earley and, making his debut as a winner, Alan Walker. They both recorded 37 points on a tough day.

In the top flight scores were a mirror image with Mike Early making it a family double with his 33 points earning a share of third place with Dave Moriarty. The winner, with the best gross score of the day, eighty, was Rick Schramm whose golf is assured and confident these days and his 37 points came as a result of a sparkling back nine of 21 points, just one over the card.

Birdie ‘2’s were recorded by Mike Earley, Alan Walker and new member Gerry Kendrick and PJ Mitchell thought his day was looking good after his front nine of eighteen points but then proceeded to throw the round away with a lacklustre ten over on the back nine. The Booby Bevy lay in wait for him back at Rabbi’s in Soi Buakhao.

The best feature of the day was the return to his golfing home of David Thomas, finding time during his short stay to forget the ardours of the Western Australian sheep farm which has been his home for many months now. But just being on the golf course again was its own reward regardless of the rusty nature of his game.

Canadian doubles up

Eastern Star was the venue for the Pattaya Golf Society on Wednesday, 16th February, when the group called to play a stableford event over the well prepared course, with the field divided into two flights at thirteen and under. The course was relatively empty and the day was hot and humid.

In the second flight Harry Riley cruised around the course scoring 33 points which gave him third place, one behind the 34s of the joint leaders Mike Earley and the “Medal Man” John Mason, whose incredible round took off with two outrageous putts from off the greens on fourteen and fifteen, giving him eight points and almost doubling his score at that juncture.

In the top flight Wichai Tananusorn and Brian Beaupre shared second place with 32 points each whilst Rick Schramm took his second successive victory with 35 points and the best gross figures of the day. His form is irreproachable at present after a slow start to his tour of duty.

The ‘2’os pot was shared by Masa Takano (6) and “Banjo” Bannister (17) and the Booby Bevy went to Jim Ferris for his low score of the day. Paul Sturgeon shared the same low score but had the honour of teeing off the sixteen-thousandth round of golf with the PGS since the “reinvention” of the group back in May 2005. Here’s to the next sixteen!

Maestro Morel

On Friday, 18th February, “Makka Bucha Day” to those of the faith, the Pattaya Golf Society played a stableford competition at Rayong C.C. on a day when the course was full and the management tried unsuccessfully to accommodate all with a lack of caddies, forethought and respect for a three months in advance booking.

The insertion of a Korean six-ball and then a five-ball at the group’s start-time guaranteed a five-hour plus round and the inevitable final opportunity to tread the fairways on the course was stoically accepted by the PGS.

The field was divided into two flights at sixteen and under and in the top flight Mike Ensor, returning after an absence of a couple of years, posted 34 points for third place, just one behind the joint leaders Mike Earley and Brian Beaupre, the latter recording excellent gross figures of 78 for the round.

In the second flight late entrant Alan Duckett came good after a round of 35 points gave him third place. Runner-up was John Mason, fortified by the intake of copious draughts of Sambucca the evening before, and his 37 points represented his first sub-par round this trip. The flight winner was Jean Morel who conjured up forty points from his final group start-time to complete an excellent day.

Mike Ensor generously sponsored near pins on hole five and twelve and these were won by Dave Moriarty and John Mason whilst David Thomas and Mike Earley shared the ‘2’s pot after their efforts on the twelfth hole.

In deference to the good Lord Buddha the Booby Bevy was not presented, which saved the blushes of organiser Mr Len after his 20-5 split set an unwanted record for the group. The adrenalin created by doing the caddy marshall’s job for an hour before tee off had obviously drained completely after a three hour front nine! Bye Rayong C.C., see you when you’re in a better fettle.


Chabot on fire at Treasure Hill

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, Feb. 14, Green Valley – Stableford

A forty minute delay on the first tee due to the society in front increasing their numbers without informing the starter, so with eleven groups out today, and the last tee-off at around midday, it was almost a five o’clock finish for the final group.

Paul Chabot scored a great 44 points at Treasure Hill.

The greens were slower than normal and the best score of the day in all 4 divisions was 39 points in division 3 for John Williams. Fred Duffy was second one point behind and Mike Fitzgerald took third after beating Les Winch on a 18/15 count-back, both coming in with 34 points.

The Irish boy is back in the news yet again; Cully Monks beat William Chang 20/17 on the back nine in division 2 after they both scored 37 points. Rudi Schaefer was third on 32.

The same score of 37 won division 1 for Dennis Scougall, with Tony Thorne second two points behind and Chris Voller in third on 34.

Noi Emmerson took out the ladies competition with 32 points, beating her arch rival Mam Morel on a 15/14 back nine count-back. She was smiling back at Siam Cats at the presentation after also recording the only ‘2’ in her division. Pete Sumner with his last game with us before his return in late May birdied the 4th and 16th to share the pot with Chris Voller who got a ‘2’ two on the ninth. Geoff Pickin was the only winner in division 2 with a birdie on the fourth.

Near pins went to Noi Emmerson, Herma Fitzgerald (2), Martin Macateer, Adi Mayer (2), Tony Thorne, Fred Duffy, Tom Novak, Geoff Pickin and Burnie Sinclair.

Wednesday, Feb. 16, Treasure Hill – Stableford

The greens at Treasure Hill were slightly slower than four weeks ago but this did not deter Paul Chabot shooting a great 44 points to win division 3. Mike Fitzgerald was in the frame again in second place with 39 points and Fred Duffy beat ‘count-back’ Burnie 20/15 on the back nine to finish third after they both scored 33.

Jean Morel bounced back as well to win division 2 with 40 points, Jim Connelly was second four points behind and Frank Kelly took third on 35.

The Estonian boy Raivo Velsberg beat Mike Combs on an 11/10 back six count-back after they both finished with 36 points and the Bristol lad, Paul Smith, playing off 3, was third with 34 points.

Still in a winning mode was Herma Fitzgerald who won the ladies division after beating Ingrid Egeskog 16/13 on the back nine after they both scored 30 points each.

Mike Combs and Kermit the frog split the ‘2’s pot in division 1 with two birdies on the 6th hole, while Paul Chabot, John Chelo and Gordon Everingham shared the division 2 kitty.

Near pins were claimed by Ingrid Egeskog, Mam Morel and Jean Utting, Mike Combs (2), Malcolm Macateer Raivo Velsberg, Fred Duffy, Ernst Egeskog, Jef Hamilton and John Williams.

Friday, Feb. 18, Eastern Star – Stableford

Being a Holiday we anticipated another five hour contest with our group of 38 players but surprisingly we teed off bang on time and the first group came in in just over four hours, no problems whatsoever.

Toi Blair recorded the highest score of the day with 36 points in the ladies division, with Josie Monks returning her highest score ever in five years and only her second podium position in with 35 points. Her old man also took out division 2 with a meagre 33 points while Barry Stirling was second with 31 after beating Ya Riley on a 15/13 count-back.

Mikael Andersson topped division 1 with 35 points, beating Adi Mayer on a 21 /18 back nine count-back, with Mike Combs in third on 35.

Lee Casey was the victor in division 3 with 34 points after beating Joe Kubon 18/17 on the count-back, with Jim Lane in third on 32.

In the ‘2’s Toi Blair birdied the 17th for the only one in the ladies division while Barry Stirling and Raivo Velsberg shared the division 1 pot and a rollover ensued in division 2 to this week’s Eastern Star Extravaganza Day.

Nearest pin prizes were picked up by Toi Blair (2), Noi Emersson, Jean Bruneau, Barry Stirling (2), Raivo Velsberg, Joe Kubon, Cully Monks and Tom Novak.

Note: There is still no finalized agenda for Hua Hin on the 6th May as we are awaiting the best course and hotel prices for the week.


Pattaya trio take out Bowls final

The winning trio of Pim Pierce, Keith Fortt and Dave Mays.

Pattaya Lawn Bowls came alive last weekend with the biggest sponsored tournament of the year. It consisted of teams of 3 bowlers for each team known as a triples event, and the best of the best players rallied around to make their best teams. The Thai national team from Bangkok along with several other strong teams including the Thai army were there to make a total of 16 teams in all entered into the tournament.

After 2 days of competition and some very tough games the team of Pim Pierce, Keith Fortt and Dave Mays won a thrilling final under floodlights at The Retreat Bowling Green Pattaya. The tournament was kindly sponsored by Peter Brown and Robin Girlie and it turned out to be a great occasion for all those who took part. After the final the Retreat Bowling Green kindly supplied a running buffet and live music to end the day in a fitting manner.

At the presentation Keith Fortt and Dave Mays were also awarded their extra trophies for being the league pairs champions, which they have won for the last 4 seasons in a row. They remarked that this season was the toughest so far, taking on twelve top teams from Pattaya and they did not have it all their own way as they won 16 games and lost 4, and only won on shot difference from the second placed team of Brian and Pim Pierce.

Keith Fortt and Dave Mays receive additional trophies for retaining their pairs crown for the fourth consecutive season.


Samuels stars at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society

Monday, Feb. 14, The Emerald - Stableford

It seems that there were many people suffering from hangovers from the weekend as we had lots of last minute cancellations, so only one flight today with twenty players.

Wednesday winners Mike Winterburn and Harvey Samuels.

A very mediocre 34 points scored by Brian Maddox managed to take the first place, holding off Steve Durey, also 34 points, on a back nine 19-16 count-back.

Near pins went to Steve Durey (2) Thea van Spellen & Tony Duthie.

1st Brian Maddox (22) 34pts
2nd Steve Durey (20) 34pts
3rd Joop Medze (15) 31pts
4th Tony Duthie (20) 30pts
Wednesday, Feb. 16, Treasure Hills - Stableford

A lot of confusion and rearranging at the start today with forty golfers, hardly any caddies, and no buggies! But eventually we got it sorted out and everybody got off.

One golfer today, Shay Mitchell, had a very interesting round, having one caddy for two holes a different one for the next ten holes and yet another one for the last six holes. He also had two different buggies for his round. When asked how many tips did he have to give out, all he gave in reply was a broad smile and a shrug of the shoulders.

As we all know this can be a very tough track to score on so we were very surprised with the scores returned, even though we played off the yellow tees.

Harvey Samuels was the star of the day with a magnificent 40 points in the B Flight, closely followed by Mike Winterburn and Pier Cere in the A Flight with 38 points each, Pier losing out on a 12-11 front six count-back.

Near pins went to Ken Priddy, Mike McPhee, On Sodok and Bryan Neal.

A Flight
1st Mike Winterburn (6) 38pts
2nd Pier Cere (12) 38pts
3rd Mike McPhee (7) 36pts
4th Pat Regan (9) 34pts
B Flight
1st Harvey Samuels (17) 40pts
2nd Dave Booton (20) 35pts
3rd On Sodok (22) 35pts
4th Shay Mitchell (19) 34pts
Friday, Feb. 18, The Emerald - Stableford

Due to the Buddha holiday we only had twenty golfers today so only one division with four places. Alan Griffiths the only player to break par with 37 points took first place closely followed by Fred Land on 36 points.

The near pins went to Alan Griffiths Ken Priddy Martin Grimondey & Nigel Jenkinson.

1st Alan Griffiths (11) 37pts
2nd Fred Land (16) 36pts
3rd Martin Grimondey (5) 35pts
4th Brian Maddox (22) 34pts

Note: The Fairways golf soc play every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Anyone wishing to join our group can call in the clubhouse and enter their name on the lists provided or call Scott on 084 389 2379.


Hamstad defies the deluge to post 44 points

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday flight winners and runners up pose with Karen who was second the previous week.

Derek Brook

Tuesday, Feb. 15, Pleasant Valley – Stableford

Well didn’t it rain, Noah! It had all started, a quiet meeting at Bert’s, then off to Pleasant Valley and a nice quiet drive up there. We reached there and quickly booked in and out to the first tee. The only pause for thought was that it had rained during the night and we were only allowed to use carts on the paths. Still it is February and the weather looked great and was forecasted at 10% for rain.

So off we went and it was great weather, and after playing there with PSC on Friday the course was still in great condition. With the fairways wet we decided to play off the white tees, and with soggy ground this seemed a good decision. The greens were a little slow but were still very difficult.

So all looked well, and we moved on at a good pace. Then, after 7 holes or so, we noticed the sky getting dark, but what is the odd shower, so we ploughed on. The rain started slowly and we were by then on the ninth hole, and as we went towards the green it started to rain heavily. We finished the hole as fast as possible and ran to the clubhouse, by which time it was hammering it down. So what! Give it 15 minutes and a bit to dry and we would soon be off. Pity about the other 6 groups behind us but they would be in a rest stop we were sure.

We stopped in the rest stop by the 10th hole, and it was difficult to hear with the rain hammering on the roof, still it would soon stop, wouldn’t it? Well it rained and rained and an hour later we were watching the weather circle round the course. In the rest stop we were getting flooded and the course was seemingly under water with the water hazards overflowing. And still it rained. Surely it was time to call it quits!

It continued to rain and there seemed no break in the weather. Still we waited and after about 1 hour 30 minutes the rain slackened to a drizzle and another 10 minutes and Dick Warberg and his group bravely teed off in wet weather and fairways that were water covered.

It looked like it could rain at any moment, but after about half an hour the weather cleared and as it sometimes happens here the rest of the round was in great weather, mind the shoes will surely need the soles super glued on tomorrow.

Round over it was good to get a warm shower, then a drink in the restaurant and get the scores in before a trip back to Bert’s on busy roads, and we arrived much later than normal.

Back at Bert’s it came time to declare the results we found that the scores were amazing and that the one golfer who tried to phone me on the course to ask if we were quitting, in fact gritted his teeth and came in with the best score of the day. Mind it was discussed if he should be disqualified for using his phone on the course and he was given the benefit of the doubt.

In the A Fight, 0 to 17, the winner was Steve Hamstad with 44 points ahead of Dick Warberg with 42 points in second, Frank Pilkington with 40 points in third and Tony Scamber in fourth with 39 points ahead of Rob Brown on count-back. We also incidentally had 3 players with 38 points. Weird is all I can say with it pouring down and soaking fairways we had great scores, and it continued in the B Flight.

In the B Flight the winner was Kenny Chung with 40 points on count-back over Don Carmody in second. In third we had Nigel Perry with 38 points on count-back over Jack Robertson in fourth.

The time now was much later than normal so many departed, but some stayed till much, much later. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: Kenny Chung, Derek Brook, Tony Scamber, Mashi
Long Putt
: Brian Parrish, John Atkinson


Holiday plans torpedoed at Navy

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, Feb. 14, Bangpra - Stableford

Our group of 30 golfers arrived at Bangpra to find that our booking time had been changed from 11.20 to 12.12 a.m. so there was nothing else to do other than get a cup of coffee, and chat for an hour (although some of the keener members were spotted on the driving range and practice areas).

Geoff Cox - winner at Bangpra.

After eventually getting away, the round progressed slowly for the front nine, although it speeded up somewhat on the inward nine. The slow pace of the day appeared to suit Geoff Cox, who returned a score of 38 Stableford points to win the A Flight, whilst Reg Smart made a welcome return to form to take the honours in the B Flight.

A Flight
1st Geoff Cox (13) 38pts
2nd Dave Ashman (14) 36pts
3rd Lee Butler (15) 35pts
B Flight
1st Reg Smart (23) 33pts
2nd Geoff Parker (18) 31pts
3rd Jack Robertson (22) 26pts
Near Pins
: Alan Freeman, Lee Butler, Reg Smart and Geoff Cox
Wednesday, Feb. 16, Phoenix Ocean & Mountain - Stableford

The day started perfectly as we set off on time to play an apparently empty Ocean course. The groups progressed rapidly around the first nine holes, until the leading group arrived at the 10th tee to find 4 groups waiting to tee off! The resulting 40 minute wait destroyed many players’ concentration, and changed the whole complexion of the day.

Those who coped best with the break in play went on to take the honours, with Peter Kelly winning the A Flight beating Gerry Cooney on a count-back. Reg Smart took the honours in the B Flight for the second game running, despite scoring only a single point on each of the last 5 holes (handicap management?).

A Flight
1st Peter Kelly (9) 38pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (11) 38pts
3rd Tony Robbins (13) 36pts
B Flight
1st Reg Smart (23) 34pts
2nd Paul Edgar (17) 32pts
3rd Jack Robertson (22) 32pts
Near Pins
: Geoff Cox, Gerry Cooney, Mashi Kaneta and Cyril Wallwork.
Friday, Feb. 18, Emerald - Stableford

We arrived at our scheduled venue at Plutaluang Navy course to find the place in chaos. No caddies, no golf buggies, and at least 30 golf bags awaiting the arrival of caddies completing their first round. Clearly a hopeless cause, or at least an interminable wait. We decided to find an alternative venue, and were fortunate to be allowed to squeeze in at nearby Emerald.

Despite the initial trauma at the Navy course the rest of the day went smoothly and Geoff Parker made a welcome return to form with the best score of the day on 37 Stableford points to win the B Flight. Cyril Wallwork matched his handicap to win the A Flight with 36 points ahead of Tore Elliason and Barry Murnin who had to be separated on a count-back.

After match discussions centered on the future policy regarding what best to do on public holidays, but the only decision that met unanimous approval, was that we will be steering clear of the Navy course!

A Flight
1st Cyril Wallwork (12) 36pts
2nd Tore Eliason (13) 34pts
3rd Barry Murnin (16) 34pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Parker (18) 37pts
2nd Jack Robertson (22) 35pts
3rd Nile Sheehan (21) 28pts
Near Pins
: Alan Freeman, Peter Habgood, Bob Turner and Mike Whiting.


Monte nails a ‘Bullet’

PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Tuesday, Feb. 22, Greenwood - Monthly PAGS Tournament

Jesper Rasmussen, left, receives the Monthly Mug
from Cafe Kronborg’s Bjarne Neilsen.

The Drut

Monday, Feb. 14, Treasure Hill – Stableford

In a state of frenzy not seen since the Rolling Stones fought over the world’s last amphetamine, thirty-six golfers set out at 0815 hours from the Cafe Kronborg for the day’s festivities.

Playing from the white markers the first group teed off at 0930 hours in overcast pleasant weather and completed their journey in four hours and fifteen minutes.

The course was in great condition and the greens, despite being as slippery as a Teflon flatulation in a jump castle, didn’t affect the hardy souls from submitting some great returns.

Monte Sykes recorded a hole in one at Treasure Hill.

We welcomed Dave Addison from England and Jerry Garcia and Bob Edwards from the United States.

The highlight of the day was Monte Sykes reducing the par three sixth to a single blow. Well done Monte.

Post game two gents who only open their mouths to take their feet out ran into a brick wall in the way of Carole Kubicki. One said “Today I putted like I was wearing a skirt.” Carole smiled sweetly and said “You sank all of them?” The other guy said, “How did you score 30 points?” Carole’s reply, “I had one more than 29.”

Men are not equipped for these battles.

In the A flight Tore Eliassen continued his good form to place first with forty points from Monte Sykes (The Ace) on thirty eight points. Third spot went to Bob Edwards with thirty seven whilst Rob Brown handed in thirty five points to take fourth and commented he had more putts than the old lady in the shoe had stretch marks.

The B flight saw Jerry Garcia storm home to claim the top podium place with a forty point effort whilst Ken Bernek was as happy as a blind butcher with a three fingered glove the way he toured the back nine to post thirty eight points and second spot.

Third place went to Daryl Evans on thirty four points whilst Peter Hammond rounded out the flight on the same score.

C flight saw Kjeld Ravn amaze the pundits with a forty point return to take the honours despite his driver being as useful as a chocolate teapot. Dave Richardson, the only man with salt water coursing through his veins, ran second with a steady thirty eight points. Martyn Topham with improved putting also handed in thirty eight points for third place whilst Mike Herridge posted thirty six points to finish fourth.

A Flight (0–15)
1st Tore Eliassen (13) 40pts
2nd Monte Sykes (6) 38pts
3rd Bob Edwards (12) 37pts
4th Rob Brown (7) 35pts
B Flight (16-21)
1st Jerry Garcia (18) 40pts
2nd Ken Bernek (19) 38pts
3rd Daryl Evans (21) 34pts
4th Peter Hammond (21) 34pts
C Flight (22+)
1st Kjeld Ravn (23) 40pts
2nd Dave Richardson (23) 38pts
3rd Martyn Topham (31) 38pts
4th Mike Herridge (24) 36pts

Near pins went to Monte Sykes on the 6th with his hole in one, Ken Bernek on the 13th and Mike Gosden on the 2nd and 17th.

Bill Plath slotted an anaconda on the 9th and Mike Herridge binned a python on 18 to win the flat stick department.

SMS is still AWOL so the Coveted Compass Cap was not up for grabs however Deefa held the fort and the troops generously contributed to the needy in Pattaya. Their generosity is acknowledged with thanks.

Thursday, Feb. 17, Phoenix - Monthly Mug/Stroke

Twenty nine golfers gathered today at the Cafe’ Kronborg in anticipation of another day’s hilarity in a stroke event and as events unfolded they were not disappointed.

Playing the Ocean and Mountain nines from the white tees the first group completed their challenge in the good time of four hours and fifteen minutes.

A notoriously slow player from another outlet was advised that slow play would not be tolerated and in fact would attract a two shot penalty. Heeding the advice his four finished right up with the group in front however he was completely knackered and handed in a net 86 to finish way back in the pack. It appears he was unable to handle the pace of a Cafe’ Kronborg field.

The course was in excellent condition, the greens putted truly and the weather, whilst warm to begin with, cooled down after about an hour’s play.

We welcomed John Orlebeck from the United States and from the Gosnells Golf Club in Perth Western Australia Wayne Harman, Tony Pieroni, Dr Brian Vale and Captain Pat Quinlivan.

In the A flight Rob Brown commented that an encephalonic flatulation nearly destroyed his round on the 2nd hole however he posted an impressive net 69 for first place to hold off the fast finishing Martin Todd on net 70 whilst third spot went to Richard Kubicki with a net 71.

In the B flight Wayne Harman returned a steady net 70 to take first place from Tony Pieroni who, despite scoring a nine on the first hole on the Mountain side, handed in a net 71, whilst Niels Hansen hung on like a latrine rodent to claim third spot with a net 74.

In the C flight Jan Lovgreen handed in a net 70 for first place. Ulla Ravn placed second with a net 73 relegating husband Kjeld on the same score to third spot.

The February monthly mug was won by Jesper Rasmussen with an excellent net 68.

Monthly Mug
1st Jesper Rasmussen (20) net 68
A Flight (0–14)
1st Rob Brown (7) net 69
2nd Martin Todd (8) net 70
3rd Richard Kubicki (10) net 71
B Flight (15-21)
1st Wayne Harman (17) net 70
2nd Tony Pieroni (16) net 71
3rd Niels Hansen (15) net 74
C Flight (22+)
1st Jan Lovgreen (22) net 70
2nd Ulla Ravn (36) net 73
3rd Kjeld Ravn (23) net 73

Near pins went to Mike Gosden on Ocean 5, Wayne Harman on Ocean 7, Rob Brown on Mountain 4 and Takeshi Hakozaki on Mountain 8

Long putts saw Dave Addison on Ocean 9 and Kjeld Ravn on Mountain 9 successful.

Thanks again to Bjarne and his team at The Cafe Kronborg for their generous support which is much appreciated.


Pierre takes the Captain’s role

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s

Captain’s Day’s winners: (Left to right) Sang, Jez, Pierre, Garry and Thierry

Sunday, Feb. 13, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Thierry Petrement (12) 41pts
2nd Gary Blackburne (8) 41pts
3rd Peter Kelly (9) 39pts
4th Steve Mulberry (10) 38pts
B Flight
1st Dave Driscoll (12) 40pts
2nd Colm Mullen (13) 38pts
3rd Peter Ennis (12) 36pts
4th Silvio Bizzotto (12) 36pts
C Flight
1st Jez Lees (15) 40pts
2nd Barry Tregurtha (15) 39pts
3rd Geoff Kubas (18) 37pts
4th Don Lehmer (17) 37pts
D Flight
1st Christy Knight (20) 38pts
2nd Lou Zig Zag (20) 38pts
3rd Michael Craven (19) 37pts
4th Jim Elphick (24) 35pts
Ladies Flight
1st Patsada lyves (Sang) (12) 37pts
2nd Yui Bietry (10) 36pts

Near Pins: No 4 Steve Mulberry, No 9 Jack Grindvold, No 12 Colm Mullen, No 16 Pierre Bietry.

This Sunday was Pierre’s ‘Captain’s Day’ tournament. The weather was hot and humid with a slight breeze which helped to cool things down. The players were met on the first tee by ‘One ball’ George who had been allocated official starter and photographer duties. George made sure everyone got away on time and the standard of play was exceptional with the course being in fine condition.

It is always tough to lose to a count back and it is always tough to lose with 41 points. To lose the prestigious Captain’s Day the same way is even tougher. Well it happened to Gary Blackburne who finished in second spot in A Flight and runner up overhaul. Winning the day and the Captains coveted trophy was Pierre’s good friend Thierry Petremont. Peter Kelly posted a very impressive 39 points for the bronze, closely followed by Steve Mulberry a further shot back.

Big hitting Dave Driscol showed all his metal in B Flight, carding a rock solid 40 points for the win. Dave’s drive on the 18th hole very nearly made the green. Peter Ennis edged Silvio Bizzotto for the silver whilst Reg McKay was awarded the fourth place spot.

Hold it, administration error, arriving back at Lewiinski’s the golf manager was informed that an updated handicap list had been delivered which led to more than a hours delay in the proceedings. While it did not make a lot of difference to most, it did to one particular player, Irishman Colm Mullen, who had been placed third in C Flight and so once placed in his rightful position in B Flight, Colm’s pride was restored.

As for Reg, well he had been done up like a, you got it - a kipper! Reg, good Scot that he is, did somehow manage to hang on to the prize.

The fine play continued in C Flight, as the Principal put together one of his more memorable rounds for a splendid 40 points and a super piece of cut glass for his famous trophy cabinet. Barry Tregurtha, always a welcome addition to the ranks, filled second spot while Elvis Kubas was on song for the bronze. Don ‘Hey where’s my Prize’ Lehmer rounded out the flight as he out pointed the Donkey and Dale Shier.

Christy ‘Good’ Knight put the hurt on Lou Zigzag in the minor flight with the aid of a count-back as both were locked on 38 points. Michael Craven was a shot adrift in third as Jimmy ‘Two shots’ Elphick filled the flight a further two back.

Thai lady Sang won the ladies flight and the cut glass winner’s trophy, and the red hot Yui Bietry got the right result in the following count-back over Sim Davis and Jum Karagit.

Technical prizes, went as follows: Hole no 6 - nearest the box: Peter Ennis; Longest drive hole no 2 (+2-10) Peter Kelly, (11-15) Peter Ennis, (16-36) Pat Culloty, (Ladies) Jum Karagit. Hole no 18 - longest first putt: Garry Blackburne..

Returning to Lewiinski’s after the game the players were welcomed to a splendid Lewiinski’s buffet, after a little delay as mentioned and prior to the presentation, Pierre gave a rousing speech and thanked all who had gave their time to make this a day to remember.

The Baan Jing Jai Orphanage benefited from the hitting the green competition to the tune of 22,000 baht, which was doubled by a very generous player, and was then added to the total that was raised at George and Don’s birthday bash, approximately 74.000 baht.

The festivities went on long into the night.

Monday, Feb. 14, Crystal Bay – Crystal Bay
1st Barry Copestake (15) 38pts
2nd Colm Mullen (13) 36pts
3rd Bert Ulrich (11) 35pts

A relatively modest group, attributable to the back-to-back playing days, took on the favorite of many, Crystal Bay.

Barry the boot Copestake fashioned a sparkling 38 points for the best score of the day. Barry was also the only player to better par. Ireland’s happy go lucky Colm Mullen took up his usual podium place with a rock solid even par round. The final place needed the aid of a calculator which saw Bert Ulrich triumph over Irishman Pat Hanafin and the Donkey.

The Donkey and Bert Ulrich split the 2’s pot.

Wednesday, Feb. 16, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ed Wyckoff (10) 36pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (13) 35pts
3rd Peter Hynard (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Andre Fortis (17) 36pts
2nd Mike Jeffreys (17) 33pts
3rd Geoff Kubas (18) 33pts
C Flight
1st Pat Culloty (20) 32pts
2nd Alan Delany (19) 31pts
3rd Sean Soden (21) 31pts

The Emerald, a favorite for many mainly due to its proximity to a certain village, bared the teeth of its tight fairways and undulating greens to ensure that no one broke their handicap. Those that equaled theirs, Ed ‘The Right Honorable’ Wyckoff and Andre Fortis, led A Flight and B Flight respectively.

Tore Eliassen, who has been in very good form of late, took the runner up spot in A while good friend to all Mike Jeffreys did likewise in B. Peter Hynard filled A and Elvis Kubas filled B.

I wonder whether the junior flight played off the same tee’s a the rest, as Co. Kerry man Pat Culloty need a mere 32 points to top the podium. Alan Delany and Sean Soden were left to sort out the minor places via a count-back as both were a shot back, and finished in that order.

Eddy the Eagle, Big Frank McNamara and Keith McLachlan shared the 2’ pot.

Friday, Feb. 18, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Kelly) 37pts
2nd Jeff Horsfield (8) 35pts
3rd Thierry Petremont (10) 34pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (18) 36pts
2nd Maurice Byrne (17) 36pts
3rd Tom Byrne (15) 33pts
C Flight
1st Alan Delany (19) 37pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (20) 33pts
3rd Christy Knight (20) 32pts

Peter Kelly was one of only two to better his handicap on the day and his 37 points was good for co-man of the match and A Flight honors. This effort also edged Jeff Horsfield by two strokes. Sunday’s hero Thierry Petremont was a further shot back for the third spot.

C Flight produced the co-man of the match as Alan Delaney matched Peter’s card. Lou zigzag filled the silver spot four shots back. Christy ‘Good’ Knight kept his head bent as he accepted the third place prize for his less than memorable 32 point nobble.

Elvis Kubas left B Flight a little shook up as his even par round was good for the top spot, but it needed the aid of a count-back to split him and Maurice Byrne. Tom Byrne (no relation) filled the flight.

Tom Byrne had the last laugh as he sank the only ‘2’ of the day. Tom wanted to ring the bell but as it was a no alcohol day he was thwarted, so he kindly donated a fair size of his winnings to the Bann Jing Jai orphanage.

Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Any one wishing to play with us just pop in, and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 82 60764. Transport is provided.


Cool Kinmond strides ahead

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Paul Kinmond and Arnold Van De Graf.

The fog was heavy and hadn’t lifted as the first group of golfers took off and it wasn’t until the 4th that it finally cleared up.

Paul Kinmond topped the field with 38 points to win the day. He was lucky as Herb kept his putts on the same line but further out. This helped Paul get a good idea on the breaks as he made putt after putt. Paul also had help as he ripped his shorts as he bent down to line up a putt. This gave him a little extra comfort and an easier swing with a cooling effect.

Arnold Van De Graf had to settle for the second spot with 35 points as he couldn’t match Paul on the greens.

Bill Thompson had one of his worst days on the course as he came in with a score in the low 20’s. A few of us did not do much better. It was either a hangover or a bad day for golf. Hopefully next week will be better.


Ole Stamnes best of the week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Sunday, Feb. 13, Silky Oaks - Stableford
CSS 71
Division 1 (0-16)
1st Toby Jones (15) 38pts
2nd Gary Hookey (16) 37pts
3rd Paul McDonald (15) 34pts
Division 2 (17+)
1st Rod Howett (24) 33pts
2nd Zach Philipps (17) 33pts
3rd Keith Melbourne (24) 31pts
St Andrews - Stableford
CSS74
Division 1 (0-14)
1st Brian Talbot (13) 38pts
2nd Andy Redmond (14) 36pts
3rd Joe McArdle (11) 35pts
Division 2 (15+)
1st Jim Byrnes (15) 38pts
2nd Frank McGowan (16) 38pts
3rd Jackie O’Connell (18) 37pts

As Sunday golf at Green Valley is becoming fairly congested, the management of the course agreed to the competitions being changed to Silky Oaks and St Andrews with a special concession allowed for the green fees and so a large contingent of 14 groups of golfers suddenly became much more manageable to every ones advantage after they were split into seven groups on each course.

Ole Stamnes.

The end result was a lot of happy golfers finishing much earlier than anticipated, allowing for a least an extra glass of sustenance before the prize giving which as usual at the weekends was held in John and Jeff’s 19th hole bar.

As is usual, Silky Oaks played pretty benignly although the scoring was not particularly sparkling with Toby Jones leading the first division with a two under handicap round followed by Gary Hookey, one behind in second, and Paul McDonald taking third.

The second division was won by Rod Howett who seems to save his best results for Sundays, although this week it only needed a three over handicap round to win allied to a better back nine of 17 as Zach Philipps could only manage 15 with the same score for the eighteen, and Keith Melbourne taking third another two back.

There were no 2’s in either division.

Over St Andrews played from the white tees the general scoring was much better with the first division being won by Brian Talbot at two under handicap from Andy Redmond in second and Joe McArdle in third.

The second division was also won with 38 points plus a better count-back of 19 to 18 by Jim Byrnes, which denied Frank McGowan a long awaited win and left Jackie O’Connell in third one further back.

Brian Talbot added to his days spoils as he had the only 2 during the day.

Monday, Feb. 14, Khao Kheow - Stableford
CSS 72
Division 1 (0-10)
1st Bob Lamond (6) 37pts
2nd Danny Miller (8) 36pts
3rd Barry Wellings (5) 34pts
Division 2 (11-19)
1st Jens Gunnarsson (14) 38pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (17) 35pts
3rd Paul Hartley (19) 32pts
Division 3 (20+)
1st Rod Howett (24) 38pts
2nd Al Rolnik (23) 37pts
3rd Derek Salmon (26) 33pts

Another large contingent of golfers out of Soi 13 required the formation of three divisions at the always popular but hard to score at Khao Kheow, but with the management and starters being particularly helpful everything went smoothly until the rains came. After an hour’s delay scoring became even more difficult with hardly any run on the fairways and the odd soggy lie to make things just that little bit harder.

Rick Roberts.

Bob Lamond had the best of the conditions as he just completed his round before the deluge and held on to win the first division, with Danny Miller showing strongly in second and Barry Wellings taking third.

The second division was won by Jens Gunnarsson as he prepares to go back to sea for a few months, with Shuichi Kodaka in second and Paul Hartley locking up third place.

Rod Howett followed his Sunday success with another good round to claim the third division top spot as Al Rolnik, who continues to improve, taking second and Derek Salmon, reaching the podium for the first time, in third.

Keith Evans shared the first division 2’s pool with Danny Miller, and Don Everett, Rod Howett and Shuichi Kodaka shared the second division pot.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Don Everett, Paul McDonald, Michel Desloover, Denis Jamison and Keith Evans, just back from reviewing his potential property investments in Dubai, and Barry Wellings back from a similar activity in northern Thailand.

Wednesday, Feb. 16, Green Valley - Stableford
CSS 72
Division 1 (0-14)
1st Rick Roberts (12) 38pts
2nd Don Scott (9) 37pts
3rd Danny Miller (8) 36pts
4th Alan Hanlon (12) 35pts
Division 2 (15-21)
1st Paul Hartley (19) 39pts
2nd Maurice Byrne (17) 38pts
3rd Paul McDonald (15) 37pts
4th Tony Pieroni (16) 35pts
Division 3 (22+)
1st Ole Stamnes (29) 41pts
2nd Don Everett (23) 36pts
3rd Leif Lossius (29) 35pts
4th Rod Howett (24) 33pts

For the third day in succession a very large turnout meant the necessity for three divisions and fortunately for once Green Valley was not over crowded, but the situation was alleviated by an extra early start from The Haven coupled with an earlier than usual first tee time.

Rick Roberts took the first division with a two-under handicap round that just edged out Don Scott, who, having got his guitar finely tuned in readiness for his solo concert at The Haven, has been struggling to do the same with his golf game but on this occasion managed to get under handicap for the first time during this tour.

Danny Miller again slipping in a level round took third, leaving Allan Hanlon one back in fourth place.

The second division was won by Paul Hartley with a powerful three under that is sure to see his handicap cut to its lowest for some, while Maurice Byrne continued his good week two behind, and Paul McDonald took his second placing of the week in third and new boy Toni Pieroni in fourth.

Ole Stamnes had his equal career best round which after the week end handicap adjustments will see his handicap at its lowest ever with possibly still even more to come, which was good enough to take the third division by half a street from Don Everett who again confounded the pundits with another level par round in second.

Leif Lossius was once again up near the top of the list with the almost ever-present Rod Howett in fourth.

Wayne Harman had the lone ‘2’ in the second division and Bob Lamond and Paul McDonald, with two, shared the first division.

Prior to the presentations there were welcomes for Tony Pieroni, Adrian O’Sullivan, Maurice Byrne, John Donovan and Otto Haeling and welcome backs for Ted Murphy, Wayne Harman, Patrick Quinlivan and Brian Vale.

Friday, Feb. 18, The Emerald - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Shuichi Shibata (28) 32pts
2nd Danny Poole (18) 32pts
3rd Paul McDonald (15) 32pts
4th Brian Kelly (19) 30pts

As is usual when the competition falls on a public holiday and the rates increase dramatically, the turnout went down sharply with less than 30% of the numbers that had been seen for the other three days earlier in the week, but part of the decrease could be attributed to the Honda LPGA tournament where many of the usual suspects could spend a day free of charge, so no contest.

But at least the weather held fine and those that played enjoyed the day although the scores were a long way from good as the wind blew and the slow greens played havoc with the player’s short games.

The other Shuichi, Shibata, took top spot on the podium winning for the first time out of Soi 13 after edging a three-way count back. He had a better 21 after Danny Poole, almost taking his first win for more than two years, could just scrape 20 for second and Paul McDonald slipping up over the inward half after going out in 17 back in third with just 15 coming home.

Brian Kelly surprised himself and everyone else taking fourth spot at six over handicap, which was a strong indicator of just how difficult the days scoring had been.

Unsurprisingly there were no 2’s in either division.

Back at The Haven Thomas Magnusson and Thomas Sjodt were welcomed as new members and Kinya Akiyama, Shuichi, Shibata, Gerald Mapson, Keith Emerson and Danny Poole were all welcomed back.

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

The 15th Pattaya Am-Am

The 15th Pattaya Am-Am golf tournament will take place on Wednesday 9th March 2011 at Greenwood Golf Course and will feature teams of 4 players (75% of playing handicaps per player) playing a Stableford format with 2 team members scores to count on each hole.

Entry fee of 1500 baht includes prizes for 1st 2nd 3rd places plus technical awards and superb buffet. The presentation will be held at The Haven (see above for contact information). Entry forms can also be obtained at Donovan’s (Steve Mascari), Jomtien Golf (Glyn Evans), The Links (Russell Exley), The Rabbi’s Elephant Bar (Len Jones) and The Sportsman’s Retreat (Paul Tebbs).


Bob does the double

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday’s top twosome of Allan and Bob relax at Mulligans Lakeside.

Tuesday, Feb. 15, Crystal Bay - Stableford

Tuesday was a visit to Crystal Bay, where our test was to be the B & C combination. However the real test of the day was the weather with miserable, heavy rain making keeping grips dry impossible. The rain was so heavy at one stage that it necessitated a delay as greens were unplayable.

Bob Edwards (12) coped best with the conditions to record a solid 32 points, edging Allan Cassin (11) who signed for 31 points, pipping Monte Sykes (6) on count-back 11/10. The count-back scores were a result of the wet conditions, as both had played good golf on the front 9.

Near Pins were spread around between Allan, Joel and Tony, who incidentally converted for a nice birdie 2.

Thursday, Feb. 17, Treasure Hill - Stableford

Thursday saw the group travel north to Treasure Hill where we played from the white tees, making it a good test for the day. Again it was Bob Edwards (12) leading the way with 35 points, shading Monte Sykes (6) into second on count-back 19/15. That made 2 games this week Monte got edged on count-back. He did gain his revenge however with winning 3 near pins, converting one for birdie 2, while K got the other one.

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!


Players take a beating at Khao Kheow

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Friday’s winners: Ole Aarrestad (Div A winner) with Tony Pieroni (Div B winner), centre, and the day’s top scorer and Div C winner Bert Ulrich.

Monday, Feb. 14, Burapha - Stableford

We played the Burapha C and D sides on Monday and on some parts of the course it was very wet to say the least; just reminds us the rainy season is on the way. As I write this story (Tuesday) it is pelting down here at the bar so I feel a little bit for the boys playing our regular spot just up the road at Pattaya Country Club.

Anyway at Burapha, the course was in great condition as usual and it was off to an early start about 15 minutes ahead of our scheduled tee time of 10 a.m. and the day took just over 4 hours which was good.

With 29 players the Capt’ went at the back as a five-ball and had his butt kicked big time by Neil, the Project Manager, but amid all the banter our Irish friend Gerry O’Dwyer got in some laughs, and even our five-ball only took 10 minutes more.

There were some good scores in today from the three Aussie boys who went home at the end of the week; Kim (Div A winner with 39 points), he’s been cut 4 shots since he’s been here and he’s still winning, and also Greg and Colin (Div B first & second both on 37).

Welcome back to Martin Grimoldby who got in late Sunday night and was telling me on the tee box that he was jet-lagged to hell but couldn’t think of anything better to do than play golf. Jet-lag or not, 37 points off H/cap 5 is a great round of golf. That earned him second place in Div A with Steve Mann (35pts) in third and a massive six way count-back for fourth all on 34.

There were six ‘2’s coming from Barry Ennis, Ken Priddy, Gerry O’Dwyer, Ian Bakewell, Alan Pilkington and Greg Hill.

Div A (0-15)
1st Kim Stokes (14) 39pts
2nd Martin Grimoldby (5) 37pts
3rd Steve Mann (8) 35pts
4th John Cunningham (7) 34pts
Div B [16+]
1st Greg Hill (26) 37pts
2nd Colin Oliver (18) 37pts
3rd Andrew Makara (30) 35pts
4th Stuart Sutton (22) 35pts
Tuesday, Feb. 15, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

The first wet day this year but somehow the 19 Outbackers here today got round, even though they did look a bit bedraggled. 37 points was the score of the day, in both divisions, if you couldn’t manage that in Div A in particular, you were a mere also-ran.

The top two were Alan Whittingham and Paul Smets, who could only be separated on a count-back over the last three holes, better known to the regulars, as Amen corner – just ask our Turnip! Alan got the nod and the two of them were a long way clear of the rest, headed by John Locke with 31.

JinJo O’Neill and Geoff Moodie were the two at the top of Div B, finishing in that order with David Spendley a couple back in third on 35.

There were only two ‘2’s from Suzi Lawton and Alan Whittingham.

Div A (0–18)
1st Alan Whittingham (16) 37pts
2nd Paul Smets (17) 37pts
3rd John Locke (15) 31pts
Div B (19+)
1st Martin O’ Neill (30) 37pts
2nd Geoff Moodie (22) 37pts
3rd David Spendley (22) 35pts
Wednesday, Feb. 16, The Emerald - Stableford

It may have been the earlier than normal start time (9 a.m.) but an unusually small group of just 14 Outbackers were at the Emerald today, however the scoring was very competitive at the top.

The course was reported to be in fair condition and the greens excellent; but once again, in spite of their promises to the contrary, carts were in short supply and the players had to share.

Three out of the top four, who are all in this month’s ladder competition, all scored one ladder point each and all occupy the first three ladder places, so there’s no change there. Paul Greenaway had the day’s top score of 36, followed in by Owen Walkley, who was twelve over par on the first nine, woke up, and then came back in one over par for his 35 points. Muzza got the better of the Sugarman on count-back, both with 34.

There were three ‘2’s today from Gerry O’Dwyer, Murray Hart and Mark McDonald.

1st Paul Greenaway (10) 36pts
2nd Owen Walkley (12) 35pts
3rd Murray Hart (14) 34pts
4th Sugar Ray Handford (16) 34pts
Friday, Feb. 18, Khao Kheow - Stableford

Thirty-six Outbackers decided to play Khao Kheow, even though it was a holiday and higher rates applied and the course was busy. The course was again in great condition and the pace of play was quite good considering the number of players out there.

We played the A and B courses from the yellow markers and conditions really were perfect for a good round of golf. Unfortunately the course was once again the winner, with Burt Ulrich (11) the only golfer capable of reaching 34 points (the day’s top score), which also gave him the win in Div B. He was followed in by Tony McDonough, who beat Chris Davisson on count-back, both with 32.

Div A, supposedly the elite players, also failed to impress as Ole Aarrestad, playing off 6, won with a lowly 31 from Angus Neilson, also off 6, with believe it or not, just 29.

Div C didn’t fare much better, with a newbie to the Outback, Tony Pieroni getting the win again with 31 points on a count-back from Shay Mitchell.

Elsewhere, it was bad news for the February ladder leaders as none of them gained a point and for the Sugarman, it was a really bad day out, as he could only manage 23 points, which represents a loss of 2 points on the ladder.

Finally, there was another “Roo Cup”, this time between Steve Milne & Paul Greenaway (Eng) and Andy Butterworth & Drew Robertson (Scot), with the English pair getting the win on the last hole. However, looking at their individual scores, it didn’t look as though Paul contributed too much, sorry mate but 19 points, what happened?

There was a “jackpot 2” from Chris Davisson and all the boys wanted a bell ring but Chris was not at the presentation, so bad luck fellas.

Div A (0–10)
1st Ole Aarrestad (6) 31pts
2nd Angus Neilson (6) 29pts
3rd Steve Mann (8) 27pts
Div B (11-15)
1st Bert Ulrich (11) 34pts
2nd Tony McDonough (14) 32pts
3rd Chris Davisson (11) 32pts
Div C (16+)
1st Tony Pieroni (16) 31pts
2nd Shay Mitchell (19) 31pts
3rd Barry Ennis (16) 28pts

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.


Hole in one for Fergus

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Some of the Saturday’s winners from Greenwood: Mike Quinn, Thomas Knudsen, Mod Chaviraksa, Maurice Byrne and John Donovan, (Inset: Thursday Div 3 winner Mike Lam).

Barry Hooper

What a week for Fergus Brennan. He went out on Monday, the first outing of the week at Emerald and came home with a win from 36 points and made a hole in one at the 7th, his second at this course. Congratulations Fergus!

He then had his handicap cut to 10 but despite that he followed it up on Tuesday at Pattana with a third place and 34 points, and this was only after losing out to Mick Quinn and Ian Dallas on the count-back.

Then on Thursday at Phoenix Fergus took a second place with 35 points, just the one back on winner Gary Blackborne. That is fair golf by anyone’s standards and I just happen to know that Fergus sets his standards very high.

Monday, Feb. 14, The Emerald - Stableford

On Monday we visited Emerald with twenty eight players in attendance so two divisions. The course played well and the scores were very tight, particularly in Div 1 with only three points separating the four awarded places. Fergus Brennan found first place at 36 points after winning the count-back over Alan McGarvie. Larry Simpson was third at 35 and Bill Shepley fourth with his 33.

Div 2 found Seamus Farrell at number one (nice to see him back with us) at 36 and we had to go four back to the 32 for second from Mike Rushant. Alan Hansen followed in third at 30 and fourth went to Roger Wilkinson at 29

A Flight
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 36pts
2nd Alan McGarvie (9) 36pts
3rd Larry Simpson (10) 35pts
4th Bill Shepley (3) 33pts
B Flight
1st Seamus Farrell (36) 36pts
2nd Mike Rushant (13) 32pts
3rd Allan Hansen (13) 30pts
4th Roger Wilkinson (13) 29pts

Tuesday was a trip to Pattana to play the C & A course. Twenty five took part so again two divisions.

We do not visit this course very often but as is the policy at the TRGG they do try and offer a variety of courses to their golfers.

Scoring was not that high with the one exception and that being the 38 from Jeff Norman to take Div 2. We had to go down seven points to 31 to find second from Colin Oliver after he took the place on count-back over Yoshiya Obina.

Division 1 was all about 34’s and only a count-back could decide who ended where, the honours going to Mick Quinn, Ian Dallas, and Fergus Brennan in that order.

Mick Quinn and Chigira Tetsuya recorded the day’s only ‘2’s.

A Flight
1st Mick Quinn (7) 34pts
2nd Ian Dallas (11) 34pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 34pts
B Flight
1st Jeff Norman (18) 38pts
2nd Colin Oliver (17) 31pts
3rd Ebina Yoshiya (20) 31pts

It was our regular weekly visit to Phoenix on Thursday to play Ocean & Mountain. We had thirty seven participants on the day and three divisions.

A very popular course this and despite all the recent local banter that I have heard about price hikes at Phoenix the TRGG is obviously holding its costs and they are apparently very suitable to its players because the numbers playing are certainly not dropping.

The highest score on the day came from Mike Lam with his 39 to take Div 3. 37 was enough for Suresh Mehta for Div 2 and 36 from Gary Blackborne took Div 1.

The sole birdie ‘2’ came from Alan Mcgarvie.

A Flight
1st Garry Blackborne (8) 36pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 35pts
3rd Andy Halsey (9) 33pts
B Flight
1st Surash Mehta (15) 37pts
2nd Tewin Lamthong (12) 35pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (13) 34pts
C Flight
1st Mike Lam (21) 39pts
2nd Kozo Makino (22) 38pts
3rd Ebina Yoshiya (20) 33pts

Saturday and yet another weekend visit to Greenwood with a large group of forty three players.

What can you say about this course; it is always in good condition and the players seem to like it as the results speak for themselves.

Top scorer on the day was the Div 3 winner Maurice Byrne with 38 points while in second was Thomas Knudsen at 35. John Donovan and his 37 took Div 2 after count-back over Mod Chaviraksa (21 to 17 on the back nine) and the 37 for Mick Quinn in Div 1was also enough for the win but again only after winning the count-back over Barry Welling with 19 to 17 on the back nine.

Two ‘2’s came from Suresh Mehta and Martin Cooper.

A Flight
1st Mick Quinn (7) 37pts
2nd Barry Welling (5) 37pts
3rd Andy Halsey (9) 33pts
4th Ian Dallas (11) 32pts
B Flight
1st John Donovan (14) 36pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (13) 36pts
3rd Mike Ensor (12) 35pts
4th Ted Senior (12) 34pts
C Flight
1st Maurice Byrne (17) 38pts
2nd Thomas Knudsen (28) 35pts
3rd Kozo Makino (21) 34pts
4th Andrew Rich (21) 32pts

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 call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro, Pattaya and look at the notice board or visit their website at www.trgg.biz.


Phoenix Group Sea Fishing News

Keith Keohane with his pompano.

Mike Gerrard

Setting sail from Bangsaray with the sun just rising behind you and a faint sea breeze blowing in your face soon wakes you up, and everyone is exchanging stories and searching the waters for the elusive sight of something unusual in the water.

This day, Thursday, Feb. 10, started a little quiet and with the tides running very fast trying to fish for the smaller varieties was a waste of time. So we all just relaxed with all the big rigs out waiting for the whoppers to bite. It was not too long until we heard the scream of the first reel go Wheeeeeeeee!

Lucky for our sponsor, Keith Keohane, who drew the first number (apt really as it was his rod). Seen in the photo he landed a lovely pompano.

The day went on and the larger varieties eluded us for the rest of the morning and afternoon, but as the tide slowed the smaller varieties became abundant.

Good catches of snapper, pladang and grouper were achieved and the day in general was a huge success, (or so everybody said).

Saturday was a bonanza of prize catches.

With the same atmosphere and feelings as Thursday we set sail from Bangsaray harbour once again two later on Saturday 12th. I say the same feeling. For me it was slightly different as after fishing all day on Thursday, playing golf on Friday and then fishing again on Saturday I had the feeling that I may not be very active today. Think again McDuff!

We started by trawling a lure as we left the harbour and soon after the cry went up “Stop the engine” we had something big on the lure. Sadly, whatever it was managed to free itself from three triple hooks and escape without being recognised. It was something quite aggressive as we inspected the lure and found some very large teeth marks along the length of it. Never mind, there’s plenty more where that one came from.

We dropped anchor in a different place than normal, except I do remember fishing this area, once only some years ago with our original fishing chairman (Derek Brook), on the good boat Bua Dolphin.

What an amazing decision by our young Thai skipper. Very soon we were into some very good pompano and we also managed to hook into a couple of very large barracuda, which excited us all by flying through the air trying to shed the hook.

Sadly they did manage to do this, or one did and the other just bit through everything to escape. The skipper was duly reprimanded for not tying steel trace lines onto the end of the lines.

Altogether we lost about 4 big fish due to incorrect tackle and a little inexperience. Then all of a sudden the reel went again and David Smith landed a beautiful Barracuda. God I wish I had teeth like that. You don’t mess with these boys until they have been beaten about the head a couple of times to subdue them, and even then you have to be careful.

We then moved onto more recognisable places to fish for the smaller, as well as the larger fish. Once again there was plenty of snapper, pladang and grouper which I personally prefer for the dinner table.

Later in the day we returned to the original place of the morning to be rewarded with another barracuda, a superb queen fish (brought in this time by Stephen Lilley). Then we bagged another pompano.

At approx 5.00 p.m. most of the guys were exhausted by the good fishing and plenty of sun for one day, and so we set sail for home.

Note: All future trips will be sponsored by our good friend Keith Keohane of KPK Foods. Keith has promised a voucher reward for the best catch of the day.

For more information you can contact either myself on 087 091 7565 or Keith Keohane on 086 145 0147.

Next trips are scheduled for 24th Feb, 5th March, and the 24th March. Sadly for any newcomers interested all these dates are full, however we have the boat booked for the 3rd and 17th April and spaces are available.

If anyone would like to charter the boat privately for their own party, any day of the week it can be booked (subject to availability of the boat).


Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Noodle Russell: the only 200 bowler this past week.

Brother D took all four points from the USMC team and moved into first place while the USMC team dropped to third. They were bowling on the difficult eleven and twelve lanes and no good scores were recorded.

Noodle Russell bowled a 208 game and 548 series to lead Green Tree to a three point win over last leagues number one team VFW Post 9876. Ooy Pluemkamon rolled a 513 series for VFW which is way below her last league average. She was the only bowler in the last league with a zero handicap, 180 or above average.

Somrak bowled a 527 series to lead Café Kronborg to a three point win over Canada. Tue Pettae bowled a 522 for Canada.

Snow Bowler got on the winning tract after winning three points from Bavaria.


 
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]

Tseng fends off Kim challenge to win LPGA Thailand by 5 shots

Snooker World Cup to be held in Thailand to mark HM the King’s 84th birthday

Local yacht clubs launch new annual challenge

Record international attendance expected for River Kwai Trophy race

A day on the waves with the Bluewater Sailing Club

Vikings end Nova’s unbeaten run in crushing style

PSC Sea Fishing News

City draw a blank in Turks defeat

PCC nearly snatch improbable league win

ISE host Mekong River International School Football Tournament

Lammers shoots highest of the week

Schramm leads the way at Bangpra

Chabot on fire at Treasure Hill

Pattaya trio take out Bowls final

Samuels stars at Treasure Hill

Hamstad defies the deluge to post 44 points

Holiday plans torpedoed at Navy

Monte nails a ‘Bullet’

Pierre takes the Captain’s role

Cool Kinmond strides ahead

Ole Stamnes best of the week

Bob does the double

Players take a beating at Khao Kheow

Hole in one for Fergus

Phoenix Group Sea Fishing News

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

 
PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

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