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Pattaya Sports Club
Bowling League
Snow Bowler continue on their winning ways as they took
all four points from Caf้ Kronborg. Wade Meyers was the best bowler in this
match up with games of 175, 193 and 189 for a 557 series.
Second place Brother D continued their good bowling
winning four points from VFW Post 9876. Ralph led Brother D with games of
192, 182, 180, 554 series, and La Montgomery had a 534 to clinch the win.
Sue Murphy bowled a 513 series to help USMC to move up
one place in the standings as they won three points from Green Tree. Green
Tree has been struggling since captain Noodle Russell left for Australia.
“Hurry home Noodle”.
Bavaria took all four points from a slumping Canada team
who were also bowling without their captain Lek Reaper. Where are you Lek?
Orn leads the guys home at July Diana Open
July’s Diana Seniors and
Lady’s Open winners: (From left) Denis Persson, Chris John, Orn and Bengt
Borg.
Nigel Cannon
With just 12 players (11 men and 1 lady) again, this
month’s Diana Seniors and Lady’s Open was an overall competition held on
July 28.
The weather was perfect for golf and the course at
Pattaya Country Club in good condition. With the current promotion of ‘play
4 times and the 5th green fee is free’ the course is
getting busy.
We had just one lady today and she had not played with
the Diana group before, Orn Kansaengsri (Mrs Marney). Visiting Pattaya from
his new home in Udon Thani was our Liverpool friend Roy Pimblett.
The best score of the day came from the aforementioned
lady, Orn (18) with a fine 42 points. Our local ‘Turnip’ Denis Persson (18)
came top of the men with 36 points, closely followed by Chris John (20), and
Bengt Borg (10) both with 35 points with Chris getting the nod on
count-back.
Near pins went to Orn on hole 5, Denis Pesson hole 7,
Mike Coleman hole 12, and Jan Slotten on hole 16.
Alan Pearce calculated the results allowing the
presentation to take place soon after the last group came in. All scores are
submitted to Pattaya Sports Club.
The next Diana Seniors and Ladies open is on Thursday
25th August at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 0900.
Sign-up sheets are at Diana Green Bottle on 2nd
road and the Diana Driving range.
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Hurwitz captures Suzi’s birthday rainbow
PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Roger Koehler (left) with Suzi Lawton and
Friday’s overall winner, Randy Hurwitz.
Monday, July 25, Burapha -
Stableford
Twenty Outbackers travelled to Burapha for our normal
Monday outing. The weather was overcast with some light rain to start but it
cleared up as the round progressed and was hot and humid by the time we had
finished. Five groups teed off starting at 9:45 and all groups had completed
their 18 holes by 1:45, great pace even though we were spread over a few
holes.
The course was reasonably dry and both nines had been
prepared the same and all greens, fairways and rough had been cut and the
course looked a picture.
Welcome to Steve Durey and Andy Brady for their first
game with the Outback and welcome back to Paul Sharples and Owen Walkley
from overseas.
We played the B and C nines off the white markers which
made for some good scoring with a rating of 71 and a slope of 120. The
winner of Division A (0-16) was Bobby Driggs with 38 points off his 12
handicap, from Colin Goon with 37 points and John O’Keefe in third with 36
points on a count-back from Paul Sharples.
The division B (17+) winner was Andy Makara with 38
points from Steve Giles in second, who enjoyed his first ever podium finish
with 37 points, with the consistent Bob Lindborg third on 36.
There were two ‘2’s to Paul Sharples and Colin Goon.
Div A (0-16)
1st Bobby Driggs (12/Hi12.1) 38pts
2nd Colin Goon (3/Hi3.6) 37pts
3rd John O’Keefe (16) 36pts
4th Paul Sharples (12/Hi11.8) 36pts
Div B (17+)
1st Andy Makara (26/Hi25.4) 38pts
2nd Steve Giles (25/Hi24.4) 37pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (18/Hi17.9) 36pts
4th Steve Durey (19/Hi19.1) 34pts
Tuesday, July 27, Pattaya
C.C. - Stableford
An earlier than usual start here at Pattaya C.C., as the
Outback have brought their regular Tuesday booking here forward to 9am,
instead of 9.30. This was brought about mainly by the fact that most of the
time we teed off early anyway, it even happened today as all 13 Outbackers
were away by 9am.
The course was fine as was the weather, and even though
the greens had been scarified they ran OK and the work on the banks of the
bunkers is coming on.
Geoff Moodie dropped his hands at the finish; he wiped
the last hole seemingly knowing that he had just done enough with his 38
points, which he had, to win by one from Raji with 37. Chad, who is very
consistent round this course, had to settle for third as he squandered a few
shots on the back nine having accrued 20 at the turn.
There were just two ‘2’s one from Raji on hole 5 and the
other from Orn on hole 7.
1st Geoff Moodie (24/Hi23.2) 38pts
2nd Amarjit Banwaitt (6/Hi6.5)
37pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (16/Hi16.6)
36pts
4th John Cogan (15/Hi15.6) 35pts
5th Orn Kanasaengsri (18/Hi16.7)
35pts
Wednesday, July 27, St.
Andrews - Stableford
The Outback boys and girls travelled to St. Andrews for
the second time this month and were lucky enough to play millionaire’s golf
as the course was deserted. Unfortunately St. Andrews wasn’t presented as a
millionaire’s golf course as the greens which were scarified last time we
played on the 1st July haven’t fully recovered and were being sanded as we
played, so it made for inconsistent greens. Many of the bunkers had very
little sand in them but at least the fairways and rough were presented well.
Welcome to two new players in Joe Armit and Darren Cook
and goodbye for now to Barry McIntosh who returns home to Melbourne.
As we only had 17 players there was only one division
with five places and we played off the white markers at 6,300 yards. There
were three tied at the top all on 35 points with the win going to Darren
Cook on count-back from Amarjit Banwaitt (Raji) and Andy Brady; fourth was
Mark McDonald with 34 points also on count-back from Bob Lindborg.
There were four ‘2’s with two to Raji on the 5th and 10th
holes and one each to Suzi Lawton on the tough 17th and Sugar Ray also on
the 5th.
1st Darren Cook (28/Hi26.3) 35pts
2nd Amarjit Banwaitt (7/Hi6.3)
35pts
3rd Andy Brady (25/Hi24) 35pts
4th Mark McDonald (3/Hi3) 34pts
5th Bob Lindborg (19/Hi17.9) 34pts
Friday, July 29,
Khao Kheow A & B - Stableford
We broke away from the regular golfing formats to hold a
‘fun competition’ hosted by birthday girl, Suzi Lawton. 45 Outbackers
partook in a “Rainbow”, where a player must play off six red, six white and
six blues tees of his choice and the ladies, twelve red and six white tees;
as such with the mixture of tees, the scores do not count towards handicap.
The nine on which we started (A) had been closed
beforehand, leaving a clear run at the course apart from one Thai group, who
our leading group caught up very quickly but they (the Thais) were able to
speed up and caused little delay. The weather was set fine with a light
breeze which strengthened through the round but no sign of rain; the greens
were great but the course is undergoing maintenance on many tee boxes and
the broad leaf “cow grass” is very apparent on many holes. Still, it doesn’t
take away the challenge of the course and it continues to represent great
value for money.
Suzi, playing in the first group out, started strongly
with a birdie on the first, chipping in for bogey on the second before
setting up both par 3 “near pin” markers on the third and fifth before
holing her putt on the fifth, for her second birdie. She turned on 21 points
but a series of errors on the back nine put paid to her chances of winning
her own tournament.
Div A and Div B both had to be split by count-backs for
the first three places; in Div A, the magic score was 40 points with Bob
Newell (8) pipping Andy Todd (13) and Jack Spencer (10) recording back nine
scores of 22, 21 and 18 respectively. In Div B, you had to make 37 points to
be in the shake up as Eddie Beilby (15) edged out Barry Copestake (15) and
Brian Wilkinson (16) with back nine returns of 21, 18 and 17.
Div C went clearly to Roger Koehler with 38 points off
h’cap 25; he was followed home by one of four ladies in the line-up, Nuan
Keddie (19) with 34 points and newcomer to the Outback, Mike Shreve (25) on
33.
Apart from the overall and regular divisional prizes,
Suzi sponsored four near pin prizes (500 Baht vouchers at the Outback) which
went to Don Lehmer on A3, Nuan Keddie on A5, Roger Koehler on B3 and Andy
Todd on B8. There was also a special prize for the best stableford score on
the four par 3’s; right up until the end of processing the results, John
Player, Bob Lindborg and Eddie Beilby were all tied on 12 points but then
along came Roger Koehler, who, not satisfied with his Div C win and “near
pin”, ran up an amazing 13 points on the par 3’s, to take the win for that
as well. Well done Roger!
Back at the ranch, after presentation, there was an
excellent spread of food, all courtesy of Suzi, which included Lasagne,
garlic bread, Wienerschnitzel, potato salad and the wonderful Thai dish,
Gaeng Kari Kai.
Altogether a great day out and Happy Birthday Suzi and a
big thank you from all of us - also a special thanks to Steve Mann for
running the competition and sorting the start sheet.
Finally, there were ten ‘2’s from John Player, Suzi, Pat
Regan, Jez Lees, Don Lehmer, Roger Koehler and both Bob Newell and Eddie
Beilby had two each.
For the record, this was our last Friday at Khao Kheow as
it moves to Mondays, starting 8th August and next
Friday, 5th August and every Friday thereafter, we
will be at Green Valley.
Overall Winner
1st Randy Hurwitz (12) 41pts
Div A (0-14)
1st Bob Newell (8) 40pts
2nd Andy Todd (13) 40pts
3rd Jack Spencer (10) 40pts
4th Tony Musgrave (5) 36pts
Div B (15-18)
1st Eddy Beilby (15) 37pts
2nd Barry Copestake (15) 37pts
3rd Brian Wilkinson (16) 37pts
4th Jez Lees (15) 36pts
Div C (19+)
1st Roger Koehler (25) 38pts
2nd Nuan Keddie (19) 34pts
3rd Michael Shreve (25) 33pts
4th Sid Ottaway (23) 32pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km
from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join
us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or
give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
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Blacky & Ted triumph at Bangpra
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn, ‘The Admiral’
& Ted Morris.
Peter Blackburn
Monday, July 25, Bangpra –
Stableford
The rain started at 0630 hrs and continued for a couple
of hours but as usual we were optimistic about fine weather for our much
awaited monthly outing to Bangpra. There were a couple of late withdrawals
but we still had a good field of 17 golfers signed up.
We welcomed back Neil Skilton, back for a week’s R & R
from Malaysia, and his friend Adam Rochd from Bangkok, also Liam O’Connell
from Nottingham, UK, and Peter Fagerlund from Sweden.
Departing Caf้ Kronborg at 0817hrs and driving through
rain for most of the journey we arrived at the course 44 minutes later and
the rain had stopped, leaving us with perfect golfing conditions. We were
able to slip in front of some other golf outlets there on the day and our
first group got away 35 minutes ahead of schedule at 0925 hrs.
As mentioned before, the weather was great and the course
was looking and playing in tip top shape as it was being prepared for a
tournament in a week’s time. As usual the famous Bangpra greens were as
slick as ever and three putts were commonplace, particularly when putting
from above the hole from a distance.
It was a two hour first nine for us and including a
couple of lengthy drink stops our round was completed in four hours and
fifteen minutes. The monkeys were back although not in great numbers but
stayed away from us and didn’t get up to any of their infamous pilfering
tricks.
Yours truly continued his good recent form and despite
six or seven 3 putts managed to take out the A Flight with 36 points. There
was a count-back for second & third places with Walter Baechli pipping
Martin Todd, both on 35 points. Another Aussie, Paul Avery finished in
fourth place with 32 points.
Veteran Ted Morris won the B Flight with an excellent 40
points, 4 points clear of ex PSC Treasurer Graham Buckingham. Ken Bernek
finished third on 33 points, just 1 point clear of Ronnie Rattie in fourth
place.
A Flight (0-16)
1st Peter Blackburn (12) 36pts
2nd Walter Baechli (16) 35pts
3rd Martin Todd (8) 35pts
4th Paul Avery (8) 32pts
B Flight (17+)
1st Ted Morris (18) 40pts
2nd Graham Buckingham (22) 36pts
3rd Ken Berneck (17) 33pts
4th Ronnie Ratte (26) 32pts
Long Putts: 9th Paul Avery;
18th Adam Rochd.
Liam O’Connell managed to win the Compass Cap and Hunter
was back to parade Deefa the Dog who collected plenty of donations to
charity from the ever generous Kronny gang.
Thursday, July 28,
Bangpakong – Stableford
On a beautiful Pattaya morning we assembled at Caf้
Kronborg in readiness for our monthly visit to the classy Bangpakong
Riverside Country Club and eighteen keen golfers were raring to go, in fact
even Stu Rifkin arrived early.
We welcomed Mark Jordan from Cairns, Queensland who is
here until Sunday and also Matt Badman from Perth in Western Australia. We
bade farewell to Neil Skilton who is also departing on Sunday to return to
his work in Malaysia.
As it’s a bit of a hike we managed to depart the Kronny a
couple of minutes early at 0813 hrs and made very good time, arriving at the
golf course just one hour and three minutes later. It did not appear to be
very busy and our first group, a three-ball were able to get away five
minutes earlier than scheduled at 0955 hrs.
As stated earlier the weather was superb and not too hot
with the course looking an absolute picture as usual. It really is a treat
to play this course as it is always in terrific nick and the greens are
among the best one can find anywhere in Thailand.
We breezed through the front nine in one hour and
fifty-five minutes with a stop for drinks but slowed down considerably early
in the second nine due to a Thai threesome appearing out of nowhere in front
of us. We suspect they had crossed over from another hole as they are likely
to do on occasions. This resulted in having to make another couple of drink
stops while we waited (they were fairly ordinary golfers and very slow) but
we managed to finish the round in four hours and five minutes.
Aussie Martin Todd had a super round off his 8 handicap
and won the A Flight with 40 points. There was a three-way count-back for
second, third and fourth with Mike Gosden edging out yours truly and Takashi
Hakozaki finishing in fourth place, all on 37 points.
Stu “Heineken” Rifkin, making his first appearance of the
week had a great 41 points and took out the B Flight, 2 points clear of Ted
Morris and Daryl Evans with Ted pipping Daryl on a count-back. Ted was
advised to check his new handicap on Saturday afternoon after his second 39
points of the week. Peter Fagerlund finished in fourth place with a very
good 37 points.
It must be mentioned that all place-getters in both
flights played better than their handicap on the day, a rare occurrence for
us.
A Flight (0-13)
1st Martin Todd (8) 40pts
2nd Mike Gosden (11) 37pts
3rd Peter Blackburn (12) 37pts
4th Takeshi Hakozaki (12) 37pts
B Flight (14+)
1st Stu Rifkin (16) 41pts
2nd Ted Morris (18) 39pts
3rd Daryl Evans (18) 39pts
4th Peter Fagerlund (22) 37pts
Longest Putts: 9th Paul
Avery, 18th Graham Buckingham
While travelling to the course veteran Hugh O’Donnell remarked that he
had a feeling he was going to win today. Well he was correct but
unfortunately for Hugh it was the Compass Cap that he won for the “worst”
score of the day – many thanks for the donation Hugh. Hunter and Deefa were
of course present and managed to collect more donations to charity from the
generous Caf้ Kronborg “mob”.
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Murphy takes monthly honours
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Dale Murphy (left) holds the monthly winner’s trophy
alongside Mark Millar.
I believe the Three Sisters players have a connection
with the weather man: another beautiful day for golf at the Pattaya Country
Club this July 27th,
mostly cloudy and not too hot, except the players.
A field of 12 players went off the tee box starting at
7am and the competition was stiff. This being the end of the month, the play
was for the trophy honours.
No stranger to the top was Dale Murphy with 37 points
followed close in the chase by Mark Millar with a 36. There were another
five scores in the 30s. One husband faced defeat by his wife by quite a
margin. No names, as I value my life.
Sus again supplied snacks and big sausages. Herbie is finally out of the
hospital and on the mend.
Barry Winton dominates the week
IPGC golf from The Haven
Barry Winton.
Monday, July 25, Bangpra –
Stableford
CSS 72
1st Barry Winton (5) 37pts
2nd Tom McCarthy (20) 37pts
3rd Warren Gallop (12) 36pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka (16) 32pts
5th Benny Hansen (28) 32pts
6th Graham Davis (7) 32pts
Following a week of improvement when he took two second
places, Barry Winton at last rose to the top of the list with a one under
handicap round, but he had to win the count-back in the process to do so.
This he did by a margin of 18 to 17 to leave Tom McCarthy in second place.
Barry’s pair of gross 38’s were just enough, assisted by a two in each nine
to close it out, after Tom had turned the corner at two under handicap but a
blob on the 15th was enough to end his challenge for
the day’s top spot.
Jeffrey Bunn.
Warren Gallop turned in a very tidy card that showed a
solid round that did not include any birdies or doubles to finish level in
third spot.
Shuichi Kodaka got the better of a three-way count-back,
garnering 16 over the inward half to leave Benny Hansen in fifth place with
a score of just 11 on the nine with 8 over the last six, and Graham Davis
creeping over the line in sixth as he finished quietly with just six points
over the last six holes..
There were no 2’s in the second division but there were
four in the first, one each by Graham Davis and Rodney Hayes and two by
Barry Winton.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed new
member Patrick Calcun and also welcomed back Markku Tynell.
Wednesday, July 27,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Jeffrey Bunn (10) 36pts
2nd Graham Davis (7) 35pts
3rd Barry Wellings (5) 32pts
4th Barry Winton (5) 31pts
5th Frank McGowan (15) 31pts
Treasure Hill is currently in excellent condition and
playing from the white tees is definitely a challenge for any standard of
golfer as the scores on the day attested with none of the hopefuls able to
better handicap but enough of the counting golfers, handicap 20 and below,
making the mark to just keep the CSS at 72 for the day.
Warren Gallop.
Newcomer Jeffrey Bunn defied the pundits to win on his
first outing with the Soi 13 group with a steady level handicap round after
having taken a zero pointer on the first, collecting a two shot penalty in a
poorly marked hazard but then improbably chipping in for a four pointer on
the 4th after a five seemed a certainty, to get
himself back on track and on the way to the win.
Graham Davis, playing in the same group just failed to
keep it going to the end as he missed out on the last hole when a steady par
would have been enough to take his first win of the holiday, so he had to
settle for a very creditable second place.
The next two players on the podium were also in the same
group as the first and second places, so the standard for the day for them
was of the highest order but Barry Wellings, although the longest from the
tees on the driving holes, could only return a four over handicap as the
approach shots went a little astray.
Barry Winton, the fourth member of the group, had to win
another count-back, this time with Frank McGowan, which he did by a margin
of 18 to 16 after he had three putted four of the front nine.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Prior to the presentations there were welcomes for new
members Phil Stevenson, John Wood and Jeffrey Bunn.
Friday, July 29, Phoenix
Blue Tees - Monthly Medals
CSS 74
Division 1
1st Barry Winton (5) net 71
2nd Warren Gallop (12) net 72
3rd Jeffrey Bunn (10) net 76
Division 2
1st Tom Parks (19) net 81
2nd Mark Armstrong (23) net 81
3rd Shuichi Kodaka (16) net 83
Another sterling round from Barry Winton ensured that he
will once again be contending in the Gold and Silver Medals to be held in
December after he returned a three under the CSS to win the first division
by a single shot from the in-form Warren Gallop. After his last outing, when
three putts cost him dear, Barry was in good from with the short stick as he
cruised round the Mountain and Ocean nines in a pair of 38’s, for the second
time in the week, and a gross 76.
Warren Gallop also played very steadily for the second
time in the week to finish at level par on handicap, which is no mean feat
from the blue tees at any time especially when the format is medal stroke
play.
Jeffrey Bunn again showed strongly although not quite up
to the form of his first outing was still good for third place.
The second division was a much tighter affair, although
not quite at the same level, it required a count-back to decide that Tom
Parks would be the name going forward to the Gold and Silvers after he
finished with a net 38.5 on the inward nine and Mark Armstrong could only
muster a net 44.5 after he took a very ugly 10 on the last which cost him
the chance to take his first medal in any competitions.
Shuichi Kodaka filled out the last place in the division
another two behind the front pair.
Warren Gallop cleared out the first division 2’s pool
while there were none in the second division.
Back at The Haven there were welcome backs for Tom Parks
and Marty Rock.
Note: As from the 1st of July the Haven group is
departing Soi 13 at the earlier time of 9 am until further notice. If you
would like to play with The Haven group you can contact mobile 082 219 0965
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 9.00am on Sundays on the days you wish to play. A
schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at
www.thehaven-hotel.com.
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Putting the key for Larry
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Bangpra on Monday,
25th July, to play a stableford event on the fine course. At present there
is plenty of “run” and with many of the white tees back to their fullest
extent run was essential.
The greens were “military medium” but ending up above the
hole was inevitably frustrating. Putting is always the key to a successful
round here and Larry Bland had discovered a quirk in his putting style by
accident and had done some recent work on his stance. What an effect this
had. He three-putted only once in a fine round and ended with 39 points for
the win.
In second place was Peter Masters producing another
“masterful” round with 38 points. Without the distractions of the
“you-know-whats” he ended with his second consecutive sub-par round a happy
man. In third place was Garry Hookey on 36 points and Tim Lazecki
volunteered a two shot cut on the first tee and performed creditably to
finish fourth with 35 points.
Haru Kato joined Garry Hookey in a share of the ‘2’s pot
after they both birdied the eighth and the day ended at Rabbi’s with the
usual fine hospitality provided by Khun Peung and the girls.
angpra has woven its magic once again for the PGS.
Aussie clean sweep at
Emerald
The Emerald Golf Club hosted the Pattaya Golf Society on
Wednesday, 27th July, for a strokeplay competition. The day was fine and the
course was unusually empty, the reason being the greens on the front nine
were heavily sanded whilst those on those on the back nine were recently cut
- like on the very morning whilst the front nine were being played - and
very quick.
Conditions were far from ideal for the group’s monthly
medal round. However the competition threw up some excellent scores with
Stuart Thompson finishing third on net 74 after some fine early holes. Peter
Masters again proved his worth with a third consecutive sub-par round, this
time net 70 giving him second place. The third Aussie in the frame was the
winner Garry Hookey whose net 68 was a splendid performance on those greens.
His back nine of gross 38 was as good as he has ever played in the Kingdom.
Unsurprisingly there were a lack of birdie ‘2’s and the
Booby Bevy went to Wichai Tananusorn for a third consecutive round far below
the standards he has set for himself this year.
As a final footnote for the first time ever the
presentation was attended by every golfer and they were full of praise for
the Aussie trio at the top of the leaderboard at Emerald.
Playing for
the kids again
The PGS “Golf for Fr Ray Day On Friday, 27th July - the
Pattaya Golf Society played its monthly charity event at Crystal Bay over
the A and B courses, the proceeds of which were directed to the Fr Ray
Foundation Outreach Center, one of the Foundation’s newest projects.
Almost on the anniversary of the sad passing of the man
voted Pattaya’s “Man of the Century” in 1999, friends and acquaintances
turned out again to play a stableford pairs better score competition on the
well prepared course. Near pins were sponsored by Larry Slattery, John
Mason, Mr Len and Jeff “Rabbi” Cohen. These were won by Garry Hookey,
Richard Palmer, Pete Seward and Jean Morel respectively and the twos pot was
shared by Pete Seward and Mr Len for their efforts on B4.
In the main event scores were very close with Garry
Hookey and his hidden partner coming third with 45 points, one behind the
Japanese pairing of Haruyuki Kato and Masa Takano on 46. The winners were
Pete Seward and Richard Palmer with 47 points. Fine individual sub-par
rounds were recorded by Phil Knight, Garry Hookey, Haruyuki Kato and lady
golfer Wan Meeraka and the presentation party heard that proceeds from the
day had raised 3,000 baht, increasing the total for the year to date to more
than seventy thousand baht for the Outreach Center’s street kids, raised in
just seven events.
The PGS is rightly proud of the generosity and warmth of
its members who regularly turn out for the monthly event. Next month’s “Golf
for Fr Ray Day” will coincide with Mr Len’s “senior” birthday and will take
the form of a pairs scramble at Pleasant Valley.
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Phillips powers to victory as Mashi takes the awards
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Derek Brook (right)
presents the golfer of the month and the golfer the year awards to Mashi
Kaneta.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, July 26, Khao
Kheow – Stableford
This was no normal start to a day out with players
going sick and other players turning up, but as usual we took it all in
our stride, apart from the odd burst of ‘Why Me’. So it was then into
cars and off to K.K. We go there regularly as this is a premium golf
course that we play at good rates.
When we got there we found the course very quiet, so
we were at the start early and were underway as soon as we were able.
Early morning, some of the players tend to be a little slow off the
mark, but watch them when the sun comes up, really warms the old bones
up, or so we like to think.
We played off the white tees as also some of our
players find it difficult to reach the short mown area and tend to put a
lot of balls in the water. This made the round very perplexing as one
hole we were literally playing off the reds and the next way back. Very
exciting, what!
The course tended to be a bit overgrown, with rough
difficult to get out of, and the greens were very slow. The board in the
clubhouse said the greens were at Stimp 9 but I suspect uncut they were
slower. Even Mashi couldn’t get the ball to the hole. Still we got
around and all enjoyed it.
Anyway, soon around, we were back for a hot shower,
and then up to the restaurant where most players visit as it is such a
fine view and good food.
Back at Bert’s there were three results to deal with;
the winners on the day, the golfer of the month and the golfer of the
year.
On the day we had one of those results that only
occur once in a ‘blue moon’ as Keith Phillips gritted his teeth and
ground out a fine win. Keith came in with 42 points which is certainly
the most points anyone here can remembering him scoring. Indeed it is
only the second time in memory that we can remember him beating his
handicap. Well done Keith! In second place we had a tie on 38 points
that saw John Binns come second and Brian Parrish in third.
If either John or Brian had managed to come first we
would have had a different result for golfer of the month and golfer of
the year, but as usual Mashi Kaneta was graced by the Gods and so was
crowned as golfer of the month and golfer of the year. Well done Mashi,
but as the most solid golfer around he deserves to win. Well done
indeed. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Paul Sharples (2), Steve Compton,
Neil Skilton
Long Putt: Jack Eckerman, Daryl Evans
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Yui puts on a master-class at Green Valley
PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society
Tuesday’s flight winners, Tony
Duthie, Mark Slinn, and Yui & Pierre Bietry, pose for a photo with MC
Russell (standing centre).
Tuesday, July 26, Green
Valley - Monthly P.A.G.S. Tournament
Talk about keep it in the family! Another good turn out
today considering it is the low season as we had ninety players, so there
were three divisions plus ladies with the cut set at 0 to14, 15 to 21, and
22 up.
There was some fantastic golf played today with over a
dozen players finishing under par. The A Flight was taken quiet convincingly
by Pierre Bietry at six under and a great round of 42 points, while in the B
Flight Tony Duthie just scraped home with 40 points closely followed by Fred
Land on 39 and Dave Done with 38.
In the C Flight Mark Slinn also had a convincing victory
to win with 42 points but it was very refreshing to see a junior, Lucas
Johanson, playing of 32 handicap, finish with 35 points to take third place.
Well played Lucas!
Just to keep it in the family and not to be out shone by
her husband, Yui Bietry had to be the star of the day with a magnificent
gross level par round to finish nine under off of her nine handicap to
easily take the ladies division by six strokes from May Mitchell on 39
points.
Mikael Andersson is leading the mens order of merit while
Noi Emerson is still leading the ladies.
There were technical prizes on every single hole today
and the winners of these were as follows: Long putts - Noi Emerson & Pierre
Bietry; Long Drives - Fred Land, Andy Crabb, Andy Robinson, Mike Ryder, May
Mitchell & Yui Bietry; Near pin in three - Rick Bland & Tony Duthie; Near
pin in two - Andy Mills, Fred Land (2), Alex Milbourn, Bengt Borg, Yui
Bietry & Adam Oyston; Near pin in one - Terry Huchinson, Dave Richards (2) &
Pierre Bietry.
Flight A
1st Pierre Bietry (14) 42pts
2nd Mikael Andersson (9) 40pts
3rd Jan Eriksen (14) 40pts
Flight B
1st Tony Duthie (21) 40pts
2nd Fred Land (15) 39pts
3rd Dave Done (17) 38pts
C Flight
1st Mark Slinn (24) 42pts
2nd Kenny Chung (23) 35pts
3rd Lucas Johansson (32) 35pts
Ladies
1st Yui Bietry(9) 45pts
2nd May Mitchell (22) 39pts
The celebrations went on well into the night after the
prize giving and excellent barbecue laid on by the guys at the Fairways.
Thursday, July 28, Burapha
- Stableford
Not so many players today and we lost a couple on the way
to the course, so only one division.
The competition was fierce with three players scoring 37
points so a three-way count-back for first place with Ryan McGregor coming
out on top with nineteen to Fred’s 18 and Shane’s 17.
“Steady Eddie” Tony Duthie with 36 points must have been
kicking himself for nobbling his ball off the seventeenth tee and then
fluffing his second. He then proceeded to whack his ball O/B on the last,
only scoring one point on the last two holes to ruin his chances of victory
when he appeared to have it in the bag.
Near pins went to Ryan McGregor (2), Ken Meek & Fred
Land.
1st Ryan McGregor (13) 37pts
2nd Fred Land (15) 37pts
3rd Shane Ruddle (0) 37pts
Note: The Fairways Golf Society and Driving Range
is situated at the top of Pattaya Klang on Sukhumvit Road. Anyone wishing to
play with us can call into the club house and put their names down on the
lists provided or call Scott on 084 389 2379. Transport provided if
required.
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Dan edges out three others
for a win at Emerald
The Backyard Golf Society
Dan M (center) outside the
YoYo Bar.
After the rain of the previous week it was nice to tee
off in the sunshine at Emerald Golf Course.
With John Mac gone back to work and Andy M honoring his
family commitments it was down to 7 players at this week’s competition but
it turned out to be an extremely competitive one.
Terry C, Neville and JJ teed off first and all ended up
with 32 points but Dan M beat them all with 33 for the win. With the tee box
back on the nearest the pin hole yet again, no one ended up on the green so
the prize will be rolled over to next week.
Neville was the big winner in the skins competition with
(11), followed by Martyn (3), Terry C (2), and 2 to be rolled over which
will make for an interesting first hole next week.
Golf finished, it was down to the bars in BC where, just
by way of a change Dan M posed for the photo as opposed to being the guy
taking it.
Merriman’s merriment
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group
Tuesday’s top three pose with
staff at The Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
The first thing to say this week is how pleasing it was
to play on the Mountain/Lake course, which is now up to about 95% perfect.
The second thing is how nice it was to play in glorious
sunshine and dry conditions. Last week’s trip to Royal Hills really peed us
all off. It absolutely pelted down non-stop for 3 to 4 days, leaving the
course a complete quagmire
Third thing to say was congratulations to Shaun Merriman
after a struggling net 74 on Tuesday, July 27, to claim the first prize and
the Trattoria Italiana voucher. This was poetic justice because a couple of
weeks earlier he had checked the winning cards for the KPK Food Services
voucher and had declared Duncan McGee the winner. After rechecking the cards
the day after, Shaun himself should have won.
In second place today was yours truly, Mike Gerrard, with
a net 75 and third was ‘Mr. Consistency’ Clive Robinson with a mere net 79 -
just goes to show, this course aint no pushover.
Actually all the winners can thank Barry Copestake. He
scored a fine net 71 but defaulted by not returning to claim his prize at
the presentation.
With a couple more of our group having to leave early and
with only two near pins claimed (Bob Neylon and Arthur Barrett) we had
enough lucky draw prizes (5 in all, two of which were donated by The Relax
Bar) so as to award one to every other player who attended.
After a few beers and a bite to eat served to us by our
great hosts (The Relax Bar) I think it safe to say that everyone had really
enjoyed the day out.
Note: We meet every Tuesday and Friday at Phoenix so
as to tee off around midday. If anyone would like to join us (official
handicaps required) call me on 087 091 7565.
Also we have a sea fishing trip coming up on the Saturday 10th August and
there are a couple of spaces available. Call on the above number if
interested.
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Daryl is top man for the week
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
Short and sweet is what sums up my report this week. I
made mention last week about an increase in numbers joining us at the TRGG,
well that slowed a bit this week with quite a number of our regulars going
home and the replacements not arrived yet, so on a couple of occasions the
entry was low. However that said it did not diminish the quality of the
golf.
Mondays outing to Bangpra was a low scoring affair with
just 35 taking the win for Fergus Brennan. Two 33’s followed him from John
Franklin and Richard Talbot with count-back the decider in John’s favour.
On Tuesday we went to Plutaluang and have not been there
in some time. Andrew Rich managed to secure the win with 37 after count-back
over Don McMillan. Jon Dean was third on 36 and Ian Smith fourth with 35
The top scoring player for the week was Daryl Ottoway on
Thursday with his 40 and a Div 1 win at Phoenix, narrowly beating Noel
Pittard by just one at 39. In third was Mod Chaviraksa just one more back
38.
Div 2 saw a win for Steve Smith with 33 and in turn just
one up on Don McMillan in second spot. Third was Arnold Jones also with 32
but losing out on the count-back.
Saturday was a visit to Greenwood, giving Emerald a
bypass now because of the work that is now taking place to the greens. The
turnout was very low but Joe Kowalczyk secured a good win with 34 and second
spot went to Richard Talbot at 29.
No exciting stories came my way and sorry there is no
picture this week. I was just unable to catch up with any of the winners.
They can sometimes be a very tricky bunch to pin down these golfers.
Monday, July 25,
Bangpra - Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 35pts
2nd John Franklin (12) 33pts
3rd Richard Talbot (19) 33pts
Tuesday, July 26,
Plutaluang S & W - Stableford
1st Andrew Rich (20) 37pts
2nd Don McMillan (18) 37pts
3rd Jon Dean (10) 36pts
4th Ian Smith (12) 35pts
Thursday, July 28,
Phoenix M & L - Stableford
1st Daryl Ottaway (7) 40pts
2nd Noel Pittard (8) 39pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (12) 38pts
1st Steve Smith (21) 33pts
2nd Don McMillan (18) 32pts
3rd Arnold Jones (16) 32pts
Saturday, July 30,
Greenwood - Stableford
1st Joe Kowalczyk (18) 34pts
2nd Richard Talbot (19)
29pts
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.
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Peter Henshaw continues illustrious career
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sonny Crawford.
Sunday, July 24, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Sonny Crawford (9) 39pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (14) 37pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (17) 43pts
2nd Bob Lindbergh (20) 41pts
Peter Henshaw, whom this column has cited as a “nice guy”
several times previously, won B Flight but more importantly took the man of
the match honors. To do so Peter had to shoot a dazzling 43 points which was
just two strokes ahead of Bob ‘the guru of green valley’ Lindbergh, who has
returned to the fold after a six month self-imposed exile.
Peter Henshaw.
Spare a thought for big hitting Adam Oyston who must have
thought he had done enough to have won the day with 40 points, and he had,
it was just the wrong day.
Moving on to the flagship flight saw the scribe’s
personal script writer Sonny ‘get your gun’ Crawford shot a flight best 37
points. Pierre ‘the Magician Bietry’ was a couple of tricks back to take the
silver.
Ian Grout Mark Wood and Bob ‘I love you two’ Newell
shared the 2’s pot.
Update on the Strathlene Open. Buckie boot boys Nick and
Sugar fell at the first so let’s hope Reggie can pull something out of the
bag.
Monday, July 25,
Bangpakong - Stableford
1st Ed Wyckoff (10) 36 pts
2nd Joe Tynan (28) 35 pts
A relatively modest group, attributed to the season and
back-to-back playing days, made the journey to Bangpakong. Ed’ the Senator’
Wyckoff posted a steady even par round for the low score of the day. Joe
‘Satnav’ Tynan cruised his way round a stoke back for the silver.
No 2’s rollover on Wed.
Wednesday, July 27,
Burapha - Stableford
1st Serge Straten (17) 39pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (17) 38pts
3rd Ed Wyckoff (10) 36pts
Serge Straten used to visit Lewinski’s from his native
Haven just when he was short on cash, but lately he has found the feeding so
good he has found it difficult to leave. It didn’t come easy though as his
39 points was just a stroke ahead of the red hot Peter Henshaw. Ed ‘the
right honorable’ Wyckoff keeps sliding on to the podium when no one is
looking as a count-back left Joe ‘Satnav’ Tynan at angles.
No 2’s were recorded rollover Friday.
Friday, July 29, Treasure
Hill - Stableford
1st Mark Wood (11) 40pts
2nd John Deraden (20) 36pts
3rd Sonny Crawford (9) 36pts
The boys from The Golf Club joined up with Lewiinski’s
today and left with all the loot. Mark Wood, Aberdeen’s favorite son, led
the boys home as his fine trademark play was in evidence as always. Mark was
the only player to better par.
The Golf Club’s John Deraden, never far from the pay
desk, and Sonny Crawford, lethal off an eleven handicap, squared off in a
count-back as both returned solid even par rounds; John’s maths edging Sonny
into the bronze spot.
John also took home the rollover 2’s pot.
The scribe will be back in sunny Thailand next week.
Lewiinski’s last hope of glory in the Strathlene Open disappeared as Reggie
put two balls in the North Sea on the first hole.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi
1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with
us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764.
Transport is provided.
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Farewell to ‘Kaptain Klipboard’
PSC golf from The Golf Club Sports Bar
Brad Sproxton.
Bye, bye Brad and many thanks for your invaluable
service and contributions to golf (and the fun times in general) at The
Golf Club. Our fearless Golf Manager, Mr. Brad Sproxton, will be moving
on to greener and calmer pastures but will be around to join us at the
course and the bar when he returns from his native Canada. His drink of
choice is Bacardi & Coke so show him some thanks and get the man a
drink!
We cannot thank Brad enough for his diplomacy,
patience and people skills whilst herding cats here for the last 14
months. Brad is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and a true
gentleman and also possesses one of the sweetest and smoothest swings in
Pattaya that would make ‘The Big Easy’ jealous. All hail Brad (AKA
Kaptain Klipboard) and all the best for the future for you back on the
rigs!
Medal winners, Bob Newell
and Don McMillan with Brad
(Kaptain Klipboard) and Jack Spencer.
Monday, July 25, Green
Valley – Stableford
1st Suzi Lawton (18) 43pts
2nd Mark Reid (11) 42pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (20)
41pts
4th Noel Pittard (7) 41pts
Near Pin: Ian Smith
There were 23 players in the field today and some
truly amazing scoring. We started out on the 1st tee in a slight
drizzling rain which apparently didn’t dampen the field’s outcome. 3
players on 39 points didn’t make it into the frame.
Suzi Lawton was on form today and fired a fantastic
83 gross and finished in front of the lads with 43 points. Mark (always
a bridesmaid never a bride ) Reid finished second yet again but with a
very fine 42 points. Sugar Ray (Plumbob) Handford raced home in 22
points, nipping Noel Pittard by 2. They were both on 41 points.
‘Horrible’ mentions go to Nigel (C’mon Man!)
Flanagan, Ian Smith and Wireless.
Wednesday, July 27,
Bangpra - Monthly Medal
A Flight (0–12)
1st Bob Newell (8) net 73
2nd Jack Spencer (10) net 74
3rd Brad Sproxton (11) net 74
B Flight (13+)
1st Don McMillan (18) net 70
2nd Dan Avon (14) net 72
3rd Brian Wilkinson (16) net 73
2’s: Roger Verville, Sonny Crawford, Dan Avon
We had a great turn out for the Monthly Medal and
race for the coveted Antigua winner’s shirt. 33 players took on the
always challenging Bangpra greens and fairways. They were preparing for
a large tournament later in the week, so the course was in fine shape.
Division A (0–12) was taken by ‘Seamless’ Bob Newell
who found some resemblance of form and finished with a net 73. His
playing partner Jack Spencer was second on net 74, edging out Kaptain
Klipboard.
Don McMillan handled the slick greens and finished on
net 70 to take first in B Flight and was the overall winner today and
received the Monthly Medal shirt. Second in B was Dan Avon with net 72
and finishing third with net 73 was Brian Wilkinson.
It should be noted that Sonny Crawford’s ‘2’ was an
eagle that came on the Par-4 14th hole. Not only an eagle, but the ball
went straight in the hole without touching any grass at all. Great shot
Sonny, good thing it went in, but didn’t you just 4 putt the previous
green?
The presentation was held back at The Golf Club and
many a story was told about the shots that slipped away on those
slippery greens. Thanks to all for participating in this week’s
fixtures, and don’t forget to check us out on facebook ‘golfclubpattaya’
for updates, musings, and scandals in general.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK
Metro, off Soi Buakhao and Soi Diana junction. We can be reached on 085
434 3377 or [email protected] and our new website is www.
golfclubpattaya.com.
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Hewitt romps home at Bangpakong
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Billy Hewitt and Bruce
Gardner, winners at Bangpakong.
Monday, July 25,
Bangpakong - Stableford
A one hour’s drive away now and still a favourite course
with many of our players, and we are booked in here every two months. It is
still very quiet here in Jomtien with many of our guys still away.
There were only two divisions out today with the equal
cut 7-17 in division 1 and 18+ in division 2. The course is still in good
condition and the weather today was very pleasing.
The best score of the day was in division 1 with Billy
Hewitt winning with 40 points. Peter Seward, in form at the moment with a
decreasing handicap each week and now playing off 15, was second with 39.
Bruce Gardner, the boy from OZ, won division 2 with 32
points, beating his fellow countryman ‘count-back’ Burnie on a 18/15 back
nine count-back. Bryan Priestley lost out with the same score after scoring
12 on the back nine.
There were no ‘2’’s today in either division so there is
one rollover in division 1 and 4 in division two at Pattaya Country Club on
Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 27,
Pattaya Country Club - Stableford
There were 5 four-balls out today and with this ever
improving course each week another 39 points was recorded by Peter Seward to
win division 1 by four points, beating Bill Bertram who in turn beat Harry
Vincenzi on a 17/15 back nine count-back.
With 36 points and we are sure his first ever pole
position, the lad from the valleys, David Phillips won division 2 with Bryan
Priestley in second on 35 and ‘count-back’ Burnie third one point behind.
Chris Voller and Peter Seward both birdied the 5th hole
to share the ‘2’s in division 1 and Jean Morel got a ‘2’ on the twelfth to
scoop the rollovers in division 2.
The slow groups have now realised the error of their ways
and they have improved their pace over the last two rounds, we hope this
continues.
Friday, July 29, Eastern
Star - Stableford
There were a few spots of rain as the first group teed
off at 9.15 and this lasted for three holes before the skies brightened and
there was a cool breeze throughout the round. Six groups were playing today
with a ladies division as well.
In his second game with us for a long time Roy Thornton
who sponsored the game here two weeks ago won division 1 with 37 points. The
gentlemen’s club owner here in Jomtien came second with 36 and Bill Bertram
was third with 32..
Andy Baber won division 2 with 34 points while the
organiser was second with 33, beating Bruce Gardner on a 11/9 back six
count-back.
With her first ever win in the ladies stableford, Josie
Monks was celebrating with 33 points. Miss Kung birdied the 13th meanwhile
to record the only ‘2’ of the day for the ladies, while Mikael Andersson,
Bill Bertram and Roy Thornton shared the kitty in division 1 and Bruce
Gardner got the only one in division 2. Unfortunately there were no Eastern
Star rollovers in any division.
It was bon voyage today to Paul Hobson, have a good journey.
Century Chonburi - cheap but not nasty
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, July 26, Pattana -
Stableford
Joel Flor, all smiles after an
enjoyable day of golf at Pattana.
Tuesday was a visit up 331 to Pattana, where we combined
our visit with a Pattana organised tournament. This proved to be an
enjoyable day despite none of our players troubling the prize getters. This
was due more to our lack of good play than any other factor as several of
the group, namely Allan, Mike, Graham & Ken managed to make birdies, but
threw in too many other not quite so good shots.
Jeff & Stuart by all reports hit some decent shots but
could not convert with birdies, which may have seen them figure in the final
wash up.
Thursday, July 28, Century Chonburi - Stableford
Thursday dawned and we were up the 331 again, this time
to test ourselves against that diamond in the rough, Century Chonburi. We
were able to play as one group today, so decided on a skins format, with
everybody getting on the board.
Jeff led the way with Allan in hot pursuit, just ahead of
Ning whose putter was not quite on song today. Mike & Clive also got on the
board, Mike with a nice birdie on a high rated hole, while Clive utilised
his having the only shot on the long par-3 7th.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf on Tuesday & Thursday, with
presentation at the course Tuesday & Mulligans Lakeside hosting on
Thursdays. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you
there, cheers & good golfing!
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Butler bags monthly award
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, July 25, Khaow Kheow
- Stableford
Lee Butler is determined to win the golfer of the month
trophy this month and he was in the frame again taking second place with 36
points. Alan Sullivan had the best round of the day winning with 39 points
and William Macey made one of his rare appearances to take third place.
1st Alan Sullivan (12) 39pts
2nd Lee Butler (16) 36pts
3rd William Macey (15) 34pts
Near Pins: Alan Sullivan, William Macey (2)
Wednesday, July 27, Green Valley - Stableford
Colin Greig is keeping the pressure on Lee Butler by
winning today taking the race for the golfer of the month title into the
last game of the month at Mountain Shadow on Friday, Colin had a superb
round winning with 42 points while Lee had an off day and scored a miserable
22. Colin Stokes got in the money for the first time ever taking runner up
spot ahead of third placed Tony Robbins (who can also catch Lee Butler in
the monthly comp). William Macey might not be winningthe Stableford
competitions but he won two near pin prizes to go with the two he won on
Monday!
1st Colin Greig (11) 42pts
2nd Colin Stokes (28) 36pts
3rd Tony Robbins (13) 36pts
Near Pins: Barry Murnin, William Macey (2).
Friday, July 29, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Barry Murnin was one of the golfers who could catch Lee
Butler in the monthly comp and he tried his hardest but could only manage
second place so Lee, who took third place, won the golfer of the month title
for the first time with The Bunker Boy’s and Peter Habgood was the (almost
insignificant) winner on the day with 38 points.
1st Peter Habgood (18) 38pts
2nd Barry Murnin (16) 35pts
3rd Lee Butler (16) 34pts
Near Pins: Geoff Williams, Lee Butler, Barry Murnin, Peter Habgood.
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Six Senses Raceweek earns its ‘Asia’s Best Regatta’ title
The Raceweek fleet
under full sail off Phuket.
Peter Cummins
It was all “sixes”: six different nationalities won each
of the six divisions of the Six Senses Phuket Raceweek, just completed off
Phuket’s east coast, held at the Six Senses Resort and Spa from Thursday 21
July until Sunday, 24 July. The only numerical variation was that this
sailing of the Raceweek event, was the eighth and, according to Grenville
Fordham, managing director, IMAGE Asia, organizer of the event, it was the
best so far.
Although there were few Eastern Seaboard and Royal Varuna
sailors participating in the Raceweek Regatta, with the exception of the
Royal Thai Navy team from Sattahip, nevertheless, there was great interest
among the maritime community around our area. Raceweek is the opening gambit
in a swathe of South East Asian regattas, with sailors vying inter al.
for the coveted Asian Yachting Award of the year, presented to the best
aggregate scorer in 10 regattas.
Raceweek featured 38 entries from world-wide and the
teams were challenged to the maximum, in the shifting - and, relatively
light - winds which prevail in this area during the south-west Monsoon
season.
Neil Pryde, arguably the region’s best sailor, romped
home with the IRC Racing Class honours, on Team Premier (15 points),
followed, in order (2-6) by: Ben Copley, Katsu and Rick Pointon, Jing Jing
equal second on 17 points, David Ross, KukuKERchu (22), Scott Duncanson,
Quantum Fusion M (36), Mark Mizner, Babe (37).
IRC 2 division (first three only) was won by Mark
Chapman, Piccolo (9), Cmdr Pomprom Sakultem, Royal Thai Navy 4 (17) and
Peter Dyer, Team Sea Bees (18).
IRC 3 (first three only): Jim Ellis, Remington (6), Jim
Kane, Linda and Rob Azzopardi, Dreamtime, equal second on 11.
Firefly 850 Sportsboat (first three): Peter Dyer, Team
Land and Houses (11), Ian Coulson/Clarance Tayong, Voodoo (13) and John
Newnham, Twin Sharks (17).
Multihull (first three): Alan Carwadine,Sidewinder (9),
Paul Larsen, Da Vinci (12) and David Liddell, Miss Saigon (18).
Classics: Mark Myking, Idiom (13), Khun Bao, Seraph (17).
After the competitive racing, the more than 400
participants, racing and management personnel enjoyed marvellous parties and
the friendly ambience, sea-side at the Six Senses facilities. All was made
possible by the long list of generous sponsors, suppliers, media partners
and other supporters for this regatta,
Phuket Raceweek had been voted as the “Best Regatta of
the Year” in the Asia Boating Awards 2011, from a broad spectrum of some 25
marine-industry categories, including builders, marina infrastructure and,
of course, racing. The award presented in Hong Kong in May this year, is
only the second time a Thai regatta has won this category - the other being
the Phuket King’s Cup.
As a consequence, Raceweek attracted a huge array of
sponsors, supporters and partners, ranging from Switzerland’s Franke,
suppliers of renowned kitchen equipment, to Germany’s Rodenstock,
world-class eye-wear, famous for their single vision lenses.
It is no wonder then that such yachting luminaries as Dee
Caffari, Paul Larsen and, our own Asian star, Neil Pryde chose to come
aboard the Raceweek regatta. Dee has gone into the yachting annals as the
first female to sail a non-stop solo global circumnavigation, counter to
prevailing winds and currents. Dee also competed in the 2008/9 Vendee Globe
solo non-stop around the world race.
Paul Larsen is managing the Vestas Sailrocket team,
presently in Namibia, preparing to attempt the World Sailing Speed record.
Both Dee and Paul are racing the ultra-fast Andaman Cabriolet catamaran,
built in Phuket, the Da Vinci, clear leader in its class..
Neil Pryde, a Hong Kong-based skipper has won almost
every regatta in the region at one time or another in his well-known Hi Fi.
This time he tried the IRC Racing Division on Team Premier. One could be
tempted here to revert to an old cliche which went something like, “Never
change horses in mid-stream.” This could be transposed to - in Neil’s case -
“never change hawsers (a large cable for mooring or towing craft, essential
to a boat’s stability), in mid-ocean”.
One of the many positive aspects was from the media point
of view; this correspondent has struggled for many years trying to file
stories when the technology was not quite up to the demands. But, through
the TOT Public Company and the Southern Information Technology, the
broadband wireless internet brought instant wi-fi - even at the Evason’s
“Into the Beach” area.
The opening party, in what one rightly anticipated was a
succession of spectacular social events for the duration of the regatta,
took place on Wednesday, with major sponsor, Mount Gay Rum, introducing its
brand in Thailand. Mount Gay set the tone – what can be more appropriate for
sailors than rum, reminiscent of the sea shanty of the ‘ancient mariners’ of
yore on the high seas “Yo ho ho...and a bottle of rum”!
The high-spirited (pun intended) party featured Caribbean
steel bands, limbo competitions and fire dances but the morning after,
although a fine day, opened to a flat sea and the necessity of principal
race officer Simon James, sending the fleets back to shore.
And so, the beat went on and Grenville Fordham looks forward to events in
the future – bigger, better and even more fun!
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Thailand off to a flying start
in muaythai Challenger Series
Saiyok Pumpanmuang from Thailand (left) takes on Australia’s Bruce Macfie
during the Grand Opening of the second Thailand vs Challenger (2011) Series
held at River City Hall, Bangkok on Saturday, July 23.
Muaythai fans were treated to
an evening of world class entertainment on the evening of July 23 as the
Thailand vs Challenger (2011) Series held its grand opening at Bangkok’s
River City Hall.
Organised by Bangkok-based Elite Boxing in co-operation
with One Songchai Promotions, the event is the second Challenger Series
following on from the success of last year’s inaugural event which saw top
class muaythai fight-cards staged at luxury venues both in Thailand and
around the world.
Set in the plush surroundings of the exclusive River City
Hall, last month’s event attracted an elite crowd of local and international
VIPs including World Muaythai Council (WMC) Honorary Life President General
Pichit Kullavanijaya, Sonia Couling, Mathew Dean, Sarunrat Visutthithada or
Lydia, and Miss Thailand Universe pageant in 2006 Charm Onwarin Osathanond.
The opening fight saw local talent Armin Blackdragonswis
looking very sharp as he defeated Chinese challenger, Hong Guang, by way of
a comfortable decision win. Contender Asia veteran, Aussie Bruce Macfie,
encountered a torrent of blows from Thai competitor, Saiyok Windysport
(Pumpanmuang), and did well to go the distance, even though Saiyok’s victory
was never really in doubt.
The Thai team were also victorious in two other matches;
Kaoklai Kaenorsing knocked out American, Cyrus Washington, in a match that
exhibited some unusual technique and a very balanced exchange. Eventually,
Kaoklai drew blood from a vicious elbow and the match had to be stopped.
Seulokkao Kor Kraivilas scored a technical victory over
German, Valdet Gashi. However, the decision was met with a chorus of boos
from the sell-out crowd who clearly believed that Valdet had done enough to
deserve the win. Elite Boxing co-founder Toli Makris even took the unusual
step of apologising for the decision and announced that Valdet would
certainly be fighting in TVC events again in the future. “I am sorry to all
the fans about the decision against Valdet,” commented Makris. “But I can
guarantee that he will have his chance again.”
The only Challenger victory came by way of Frenchman,
Antuan Siangboxing, who won on points against local competitor, Saenchainoi
Pumphanmuang. Having narrowly lost on points in previous TVC events, it was
a sweet victory for the battling Frenchman.
Proceeds from this first TVC event of 2011 will go to
support charities, including the “Muaythai Against Drugs Foundation,” headed
by World Muaythai Council (WMC) Honorary Life President, General Pichit
Kullavanijaya.
The much-anticipated second series of Thailand vs
Challenger consists of 6 international events taking place in both Europe
and Asia. The next date to look forward to is the Queen’s Cup on August 12,
which is happening at Sanam Luang, Bangkok.
Thailand vs Europe will see the Challenger Series head to
Germany next for a glittering event in Stuttgart, before returning to
Thailand in December for the highly-anticipated Thailand vs Asia. For more
details of the TVC (2011) Series, visit the Elite Boxing website:
www.elite-boxing.com. (Press Release)
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O.J. puts United on
winning track at Thai Port
O.J. Obatola (left) celebrates after giving Pattaya United the lead in their match against
Thai Port FC at the Pat Stadium in Bangkok, Sunday, July 31. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)
Staff Reporters
Pattaya United gained a morale boosting victory in their
first Premier League game back after the mid-summer break with a 2-0 victory
over Thai Port FC at the Pat Stadium in Bangkok last Sunday.
United had to endure some early pressure from the home
side and Narit in the Pattaya goal was forced into making a smart save to
prevent Kongcharoen from opening the scoring after a slip by defender
Parinya Saenkhammun had left him one on one with the keeper.
Eventually United began to find a footing in the match
and they took the lead in the final minutes of the first half. Nigerian O.J.
Obatola started the move near his own penalty area and went on a driving run
up the field. After exchanging a neat one-two with strike partner Ludovick,
O.J. unleashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the Thai Port area that
flew past the despairing dive of the keeper.
United’s travelling band of supporters had barely stopped
celebrating when the ‘Dolphins’ went two up with the final move of the first
half. The visitors took a quick throw in on the left wing and when the cross
came over, Kritsana Taiwan was waiting on the edge of the box to slam a left
foot shot into the far corner of the goal.
Thai Port had a chance to get a foothold back into the
match immediately after the restart when their Nigerian forward Jacob
Aikhionbare was sent sprawling in the box following a clumsy challenge by
Sompob Nilwong. Worawut stepped up to take the resulting spot kick but his
fierce shot was superbly turned around the post by the diving Narit.
It proved to be the pivotal point in the game as
following this miss Thai Port were unable to breach the Pattaya defence
despite piling on the pressure and the visitors held out for a well deserved
three points.
United’s next match is this coming Saturday against
Osotspa M-150 in Saraburi. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The was more good news for the Eastern Seaboard teams last weekend as
Sriracha FC recorded a vital 1-0 victory over Army United that sees the
‘Marlins’ move out of the bottom three relegation places on goal difference.
Pattaya United back on a winning track
Goalscorer Kritsana Taiwan (left)
celebrates with teammates O.J. Obatola (center) and Parinya Saenkhammuen
(right) after putting Pattaya United two-up against Thai Port FC at the Pat
Stadium in Bangkok last Sunday, July 31. For a full match report turn to
page 51. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)
Staff Reporters
Pattaya United gained a morale boosting victory in their
first Premier League game back after the mid-summer break with a 2-0 victory
over Thai Port FC at the Pat Stadium in Bangkok last Sunday.
United had to endure some early pressure from the home
side and Narit in the Pattaya goal was forced into making a smart save to
prevent Kongcharoen from opening the scoring after a slip by defender
Parinya Saenkhammun had left him one on one with the keeper.
Eventually United began to find a footing in the match
and they took the lead in the final minutes of the first half. Nigerian O.J.
Obatola started the move near his own penalty area and went on a driving run
up the field. After exchanging a neat one-two with strike partner Ludovick,
O.J. unleashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the Thai Port area that
flew past the despairing dive of the keeper.
United’s travelling band of supporters had barely stopped
celebrating when the ‘Dolphins’ went two up with the final move of the first
half. The visitors took a quick throw in on the left wing and when the cross
came over, Kritsana Taiwan was waiting on the edge of the box to slam a left
foot shot into the far corner of the goal.
Thai Port had a chance to get a foothold back into the
match immediately after the restart when their Nigerian forward Jacob
Aikhionbare was sent sprawling in the box following a clumsy challenge by
Sompob Nilwong. Worawut stepped up to take the resulting spot kick but his
fierce shot was superbly turned around the post by the diving Narit.
It proved to be the pivotal point in the game as
following this miss Thai Port were unable to breach the Pattaya defence
despite piling on the pressure and the visitors held out for a well deserved
three points.
United’s next match is this coming Saturday against
Osotspa M-150 in Saraburi. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The was more good news for the Eastern Seaboard teams last weekend as
Sriracha FC recorded a vital 1-0 victory over Army United that sees the
‘Marlins’ move out of the bottom three relegation places on goal difference.
‘Nong Dao’ takes silver at World Youth Windsurfing Championships
Siriporn Kaewduangngak or “Nong
Dao” (right), sporting her silver medal, accepts a Sports Authority of
Thailand scholarship donation from Pattaya City Mayor and acting President
of the Thailand Windsurfing Association, Itthipol Khunplome (left).
Phasakorn Channgam
Local junior female windsurfer Siriporn Kaewduangngak or
“Nong Dao” came in second place and took the silver medal at the World Youth
Windsurfing Championships (maximum 18-years of age) held in Zadar, Croatia
last month, and in the process booked her ticket on the plane to compete in
the Pre-Olympics in Perth, Australia at the end of the year.
On July 21, at Khrua Windsurfing on Jomtien Beach,
Itthipol Khunplome, Mayor of Pattaya City and acting President of the
Thailand Windsurfing Association, headed a welcome home ceremony for the
junior windsurfer who was presented with a scholarship grant of 100,000 baht
from the Sports Authority of Thailand to help with her training expenses and
studies.
Training grants were also given to other junior
windsurfers including Nakaret Wantana who placed 8 th
in the youth championships in Croatia.
Currently two of Thailand’s brightest windsurfing prospects, Ek Bunsawat
and Napalai Thansai, are competing in an Olympic test event in London,
England as preparation for the Summer Games next August.
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