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Pattaya Sports Club
Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Ooy and Sue.
Green Tree moved into first place after winning all four
points from Bavaria. Noodle Russell led Green Tree with a 520 series and
Antero Ronkainen was best for Bavaria with a 505.
Dave Dolle bowled a 545 series to lead Café Kronborg to a
three point win over Indiana and knocking Indiana from first place to
second. Duanjai bowled a 529 for Indiana.
Tea Party moved up to third place after winning three
points from Canada.
VFW Post 9876 and Brother D split their match with each
team winning two points. Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 209 game, 536 series, for
VFW. Sue Murphy had a 210 game, 505 series and Ralph bowled a 503 for
Brother D.
Cannon comes out firing for monthly mug
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Christina (right) presents the Cafe Kronborg
October Monthly Mug to Nigel Cannon.
Peter Blackburn &
The Drut
Monday, Oct. 17, Eastern
Star – Stableford
Fourteen Cafe’ Kronborg golfers fronted in anticipation
of an interesting day on this challenging course. The weather was pleasant
whilst the course despite recent heavy rains was in ok condition.
With a liberal dose of sun and a trim the course should
return to its very best. The greens putted truly and the punters who
declined to play here missed out on a great day. Playing from the yellow
tees the first group completed their round in four hours and five minutes.
Wednesday flight winners, Ken
Bernek and Ted Morris with Peter Blackburn.
Graham Buckingham is absolutely delighted Martyn Topham
has returned for his annual visit as now Buckers is only the second worst
putter playing at the Cafe’ Kronborg. We welcomed Martyn Topham from Canada,
Brian Gabe from the United States and Tom Parry from Pattaya.
In the A Flight Leif Kirkegaard with thirty nine points
took first spot whilst Martin Todd finished second with thirty five points.
Mike Gosden handed in thirty four points for third and Tom Parry with thirty
three points gained a podium finish and fourth place.
In the B Flight Graham Buckingham with forty points (the
putter worked) finished well clear of Mike Winfield on thirty three points
whilst Kevin Dinan with thirty one points and Mick O’Connor on twenty nine
points rounded out the flight.
A Flight (0–20)
1st Leif Kirkegaard (20) 39pts
2nd Martin Todd (7) 35pts
3rd Mike Gosden (9) 34pts
4th Tom Parry (17) 33pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Graham Buckingham (24) 40pts
2nd Mike Winfield (21) 33pts
3rd Kevin Dinan (22) 31pts
4th Mick O’Connor (22) 29pts
The Coveted Compass Cap was claimed by Brian Gabe who
indicated that a trip to Ebay looked imminent for the offending rods.
Deefa was again the happy recipient of a few shekels from
the Kronborg crew which will be used to assist the needy of Pattaya.
Wednesday, Oct. 19, Green
Valley – Stableford
Another full contingent of 20 golfers were signed up for
the much anticipated competition at Green Valley and I must say it was great
to be back in Pattaya after 11 days in Perth, Western Australia. Many thanks
to Mike Gosden and The Admiral for looking after the show in my absence and
also The Drut for his write ups.
Heading off from Caf้ Kronborg at 0815 hrs on the dot we
arrived at the course just 33 minutes later, well ahead of our 1000 hrs tee
off time. A quick word to the Starter and our first of the 5 groups were
able to hit off 25 minutes ahead of schedule. Although rather soggy in parts
the course was as usual in very good nick with most of the greens having
sand on them and a mixture of medium and fast.
The weather was great although at times very hot & sticky
and we completed our first nine in the leisurely time of two hours and
fifteen minutes which included a much needed drink stop. Our pace continued
for the back nine and the round was completed in four hours and thirty five
minutes.
We were able to have 2 flights with A Flight for
handicaps 0 to 15 and B Flight for 16 and over. We had rewards for nearest
the pin on all four par threes and longest first putts on the ninth &
eighteenth sponsored by your writer.
Most golfers found it tough on the day as only one person
was able to play to their handicap or better and that was veteran Ted Morris
who won the A Flight with a fine 37 points. Mike Allidi’s 75 off the stick
was this time only able to finish second with 34 points 1 point ahead of
Andre Van Dyk in third spot. Paul Avery finished fourth with 32 points.
A welcome return to form saw Ken Bernek win the B Flight
with 35 points ahead of Alain Taddei in second place with 34 points and Mike
Winfield third with 33 points. A four-way count back was necessary to decide
fourth spot with Henry O’Brien (16 point back nine) edging out Kevin Dinan
(14 point back nine, Jan Lovgreen (13 point back nine) and Bo Cardwell (12
point back nine), all having 29 points.
A Flight (0-15)
1st Ted Morris (15) 37pts
2nd Mike Allidi (1) 34pts
3rd Andre Van Dyk (15) 33pts
4th Paul Avery (9) 32pts
B Flight (16+)
1st Ken Bernek (16) 35pts
2nd Alain Taddei (18) 34pts
3rd Mike Winfield (21) 33pts
4th Henry O’Brien (18) 29pts
Near Pins: Alain Taddei, Mike Allidi, Wendy
Bernek, Paul Avery
Long Putts: Peter Blackburn, Jan Lovgreen
Thursday, Oct. 20, Pattaya
C.C. – Monthly Mug/Stroke
Thirteen players gathered at the Cafe’ Kronborg for
today’s challenge. Hitting off the white markers the first group completed
their journey in four hours and fifteen minutes.
The weather was great for golf and the course in
excellent condition which undoubtedly contributed to the good scores.
The usual suspects featured in conversation with Dave
Richardson returning from a brief sojourn to Hong Kong with his wallet
intact and Graham Buckingham celebrating his birthday. Ken Bernek injected
some post game locker room chatter after it was discovered he had one putted
the par twelve 17th hole for a birdie.
We welcomed Nigel Cannon for his first game with us for
some time. Nigel fired on all cylinders to win the Cafe’ Kronborg Monthly
Mug shooting a net seventy off his twenty three handicap.
In a close contest for the minor places Leif Kirkegaard
continued his good form with a net seventy one; Peter Blackburn on seventy
two net finished second edging out Mike Gosden on a count back, whilst the
happiest golfer in Pattaya Mike Winfield with a net seventy three relegated
Mike Allidi into fifth spot on the same score.
Monthly Mug
1st Nigel Cannon (23) net 70
A Flight
1st Leif Kirkegaard (20) net 71
2nd Peter Blackburn (10) net 72
3rd Mike Gosden (9) net 72
4th Mike Winfield (21) net 73
5th Mike Allidi (1) net 73
Near pins went to Peter Blackburn on the 5th, Mike Allidi
on the 7th, Mike Gosden on the 12th and The Phantom on the 16th.
The Coveted Compass Cap went to Niels Hansen who saw more
action than Brick Bradford and Clutch Cargo put together. Deefa the Dog was
again the happy recipient of donations from the players who complimented the
charity collection for the needy of Pattaya.
Once again thanks goes to Bjarne and his team at the Cafe Kronborg for
their continued support which is much appreciated.
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Derek Walsh on fire
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society
 Sunday’s
winner Jan Eriksen.
Sunday, Oct. 16, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jan Eriksen (12) 41pts
2nd Derek Walsh (9) 39pts
3rd Claude Harder (12) 37pts
B Flight
1st Chris Parry (18) 37pts
2nd Mick Beresford (20) 35pts
3rd Ian Wilson (20) 33pts
Near Pins: No 4 Thierry Petremont, No 9 Troy
Misiar, No 12 Bob Newell, No 16 Claude Harder.
Two time winner Thierry
Petrement.
A good sized crowd left Lewiinski’s to play a very wet
Green Valley for our usual Sunday bash. The conditions were due to the
inclement weather of late so the ‘lift and place’ was brought in to effect.
This did nothing to dampen the spirit of Jan the ‘quite one’ Eriksen as he
overcame a treble bogie on the first hole to shoot a senior flight and match
winning 41 points.
Jan’s great return overshadowed the fine 39 point effort
posted by Irishman Derek Walsh, who I might add is in lethal form (you have
been warned!) Santa Claude Harder filled the flight a further two stroke off
the pace.
The junior flight found the going tough as Chris Parry
led the field home with a solid 37 points. Mickey ‘nine holes’ Beresford
stood on the podium second rung looking up at Chris, as Ian Wilson took the
bronze.
Every golf day in every bar in Pattaya is filled with
stories of hard luck and it would be tough not to offer some consolation to
one particular player, Jez ‘the Principal’ Lees, who once again was in pole
position seemingly with the game in the bag as he toured the outward nine
with a dazzling 21 points only for the wheels to come off big time. Jez had
three no scoring holes out of the last five but still ended up with 34
points. Let’s hope Jez finds an answer to his problem soon (perhaps a quite
word in Jan’s ear might sort it hey.)
‘Broad more’ Bob had two ‘2’s to add to his near pin to
make him the happiest player by far. Thierry Petremont was the only other
‘2’s recipient.
Tuesday, Oct. 18, Crystal
Bay C& B - Stableford
A Flight
1st Derek Walsh (9) 37pts
2nd Eric Curley (5) 35pts
3rd Gary Lunn (13) 34pts
B Flight
1st John Stolarczyk (21) 31pts
2nd Odd Holm-Hansen (23) 30pts
3rd Torben Nielsen (28) 29pts
One player broke par and he did it in fine fashion;
Ireland’s Derek Walsh playing off a miserly 9 handicap fashioned a solid 37
points to take the senior flight and the day by two strokes ahead of Eric
Curley. Garry Lunn emerged from a triumvirate of players to take the bronze.
Sunday’s hero Jan ‘the quite one’ must have had a busy
night before as he could not total overall Sunday’s outward nine.
The junior flight might well have been with him as
evidenced by the scores posted. The podium places sounded like it was the
Scandinavian Masters as John Stolarczyk took top spot needing just 31
points. Odd Holm-Hansen took the silver a shot adrift, while Torben
Nielsen’s card counted up better on the inward nine leaving Epsen
Kristofferson relegated to the satang less club (I think it time to get my
sticks out and shake ‘em up a bit).
Eric Curley, Jim Glover and Jan ‘I did have one good
hole’ Erickson shared the ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, Oct. 19, St.
Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Thierry Petrement (12) 37pts
2nd Derek Walsh (9) 34pts
3rd Francis Goyons (7) 31pts
B Flight
1st Alan Delaney (20) 37pts
2nd Epsen Kristofferson (23) 37pts
3rd Ingo Model (18) 32pts
It has its detractors but St Andrews provides a marvelous
test and enhances the golf diversity of the Eastern Seaboard.
Thierry Petremont is not one of the detractors of this
course. Thierry led the senior flight and shared in the man of the match
honors after carding a sparkling 39 points that was three shots ahead of you
know who, the Irish clean-up guy Derek Walsh.
Two ‘man of the match’ honors and two second place
finishes in his last four Lewiinski’s games dating back to last Friday -
can’t wait for this Friday! Derek has been offered a one way ticket to any
destination of his choice by the society members.
For the second day running a triumvirate of players vied
for the bronze, with Francis Goyons gaining the position and relegating
Craig Blyth and Darren Braike to watch the presentation from sea level.
The junior flight gets a gentle jab from the scribe on
occasion, even though he was a card carrying member of the same. But there
are no needles today, just kudos, as Alan Delaney and Epsen Kristofferson
rose to the challenge and matched the flagship flight winner. Alan had the
better of the resulting count back, with Ingo Model sweeping up the last
change.
Darren Braike and Aussie Jim Bell split the ‘2’s pot.
Friday, Oct. 21,
Khao Kheow A&B - Stableford
A Flight
1st Thierry Petrement (12) 35pts
2nd Derek Whalsh (9) 34pts
3rd Jeane-P Gasser (6) 33pts
B Flight
1st Aaron Taylor (13) 30pts
2nd Peter Hynard (13) 29pts
3rd Eric Curley (14) 26pts
C Flight
1st John Grubber (20) 42pts
2nd Christy Knight (23) 37pts
3rd Fergus O’Brien (27) 33pts
It was a large sort of high season crowd with three
flights and while he didn’t win it seems appropriate to acknowledge a lad
who has been playing around Pattaya for about a month and who is rounding up
his stay to return to his native Ireland.
Derek Whalsh shot a steady34 points off his 9 handicap
that was good for second place in A Flight and it can simply be added to the
list of thrills he provided his partners and the society during his stay. He
left stories of eagles and strings of birdies, and most of all he left
behind a lot of friends who appreciated his pleasant manner every bit as
much as his golf. So explains the title - pity I have no photo. (Derek I can
be found every Sunday in Lewiinski’s sitting at the end of the bar).
Now I hope this didn’t diminish the glow on Thierry
Petremont’s A Flight victory nor the bronze effort of Jeane-P Gasser.
The usually reliable B Flight found the A and B layouts a
tough nut to crack as Aaron Taylor was top man with 30 points - no matter it
all spends the same!
Peter’ the Right Honorable’ Hynard was more than grateful
to accept the silver and to say that Eric Curly was gob smacked to gain the
bronze with a 26 point return would be an understatement.
C Flight provided the man of the match as John Grubber
led in the gang with a 42 point lashing. Christy ‘Good’ Knight, along with
John, was the only other golfer to better par. Christy’s 37 points was 4
clear of fellow Irishman Fergus O Brien.
Thierry Petrement, Francis Goyons, Guy Stewart and
Christy Knight each received a portion of the ‘2’s pot.
Meanwhile Colm Mullen received a warm welcomed back.
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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New boy takes the spoils
at Treasure Hill
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
A surprised Clive Hoseason after his second
place at Treasure Hill.
Tuesday, Oct. 18, Mountain Shadow -
Stableford
“No-one is more surprised than me” - that is the quote of
Clive Hoseason after getting a podium finish on Thursday, but more on that
later. First to Tuesday, when we travelled to Mountain Shadow to dice with
some of the trickiest greens in the area. The course was in good order,
although the greens though offering a challenge did lack the fire of times
past.
Jim Federspiel (18) played good golf nearly all day, but
faded to score no points on the last 2 holes, allowing Jeff Wylie (6) to
slip under his guard to edge him on a count back 17/14, after both scored a
modest 31 points.
Thursday, Oct. 20, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Thursday we changed venues to take advantage of the
reduced price at Treasure Hill, while they are completing their greens
maintenance. I thought the greens were in reasonable condition, with the
rest of the course in very good nick and was satisfied with the decision to
change.
New player to ML, Gary Lunn (13) played very well on the
front 9 for 19 points, before signing for 34 at the finish. Next best was
the surprised Clive H (28) with 30, while Gary was the only one to snaffle a
near pin, so 3 went to Banglamung Boys Home.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf on Tuesday &
Thursday, with presentation at the course Tuesday & ML 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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Czernie’s beautiful bogey
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group
Tuesday’s top three with the
staff at the Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, Oct. 18, Phoenix - Stableford
This week was the first week of our new sponsor, Nemo’s
Music Lounge situated in Soi Diana Inn. Federico has agreed to give us a
voucher every month for the winner. We have decided to play for this voucher
on the third Tuesday of the month. Along with the Trattoria Italiana voucher
and the KPK Food Services voucher, we now have 3 monthly sponsors to award
to the winners of the day.
We also enjoy sponsored benefits from our hosts every
week in the way of preferential prices and lucky draw prizes to award to non
winners of the main trophies of the week.
At last it looked like the storms of late were abating,
but we were soon dashed when after 4 or 5 holes the heavens opened yet again
to halt play for about 30 minutes. Thankfully the storm did disappear and we
never saw any more rain. One has to admire the way the water is allowed to
drain so quickly at Phoenix. Even 2 minutes after the torrential downpour
the greens were ready to putt on again.
So for this week’s game we adopted the bogey system of
scoring. For those who are not familiar with the name this was the original
form of competition other than stroke play back in yesteryear. It was
replaced by stableford when I was just a lad.
David Czernie was possibly one of the many who did not
understand the full way of scoring, however he soon learned very quickly by
posting a superb plus 5, to win the day. This equated to a net 66 when
adjusted back to stroke score, or 42 points in stableford.
In second place was the in-form Eamon Murtagh who scored
a mere plus 2 and in third was yours truly who recorded plus 1. All other
scores were in the minus bracket.
Back at the Relax Bar we were once again treated well by
the management and staff as we eventually had all entrants back for the
presentation.
The near pins went to Colin Gregg, David Czernie (2) and
Peter Harris. The lucky draw prizes donated by the Relax Bar went to Bill
Hewitt, John Stafford and newcomer Joris Goetschalkx (I’m glad I only write
that name. I cannot pronounce it without his help)
Next week is the Trattoria Italiana voucher prize and we
will be playing stroke play. The week after on the 1st November we are
planning to run a pairs competition of some sort. Bet you 100 baht we end up
with an odd number of players. Never mind we will still find a way round it.
For more information regarding our little group, contact
me (Mike) on 087 091 7565. As of November 1st all guests can enjoy the green
fee rate of 1,000 baht as a guest of the members.
And finally: - I went to see my doctor the other day and
he asked me if I led an active life. So I told him about my day.
“Well yesterday afternoon I waded across the edge of a
deep lake, barely escaped from a wild pig in the heavy brush, marched along
a treacherous trail up and down a mountain, stood in a patch poison ivy,
crawled out of quicksand, and barely escaped jumping away from an aggressive
brown snake”.
Inspired by the story the doctor said. “You must be an
awesome outdoorsman”.
“No” I replied. “I’m just a poor golfer.” (Thanks to Paul Sharples for
that one)
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O’Meara returns
winning ways
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s winners pose for a
photo with Bert’s ‘Pocket Rocket’.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, Oct. 18,
Greenwood – Stableford
It always seems these days to be a battle against the
elements, where the rain falls and how much. It looked quite good as we all
met at Bert’s and despite rain the night before we were in hope that was dry
at Greenwood, so off we went.
So far this year, despite it having poured down at times,
we have been lucky and not lost a day so we set out in hope. Arriving there
we noted it looked quite dull and booking in it was the normal chant, carts
on the paths only, so off to the first tee where we were told we would be
playing C & A in that order.
Teeing off and walking down the first fairway the thing
we most noticed was that it was soaking wet, as was the rough. Talking to
the caddie I was not surprised to learn it had rained heavily the previous
night. It was also noticeable that the ball did not go anywhere. On reaching
a drive you could normally find the ball just past the mark where it had
landed. It was going to be a long day! The wind was also quite strong so the
initial thoughts were that the score would not be high.
We moved on however and were soon onto the second nine
and learning that the day had suddenly got very hot and muggy. The hot sun
had caused the humidity to rise. However we battled on and in time it cooled
down and we were able to finish and get into a nice hot shower. Surprisingly
it did not rain, so all in all a great day out.
Then it was into cars and back to Pattaya where we were
told it had been raining on and off all day. So to the results and it was
nice to have played with the winner who after some illness of late put a
great round in. The winner with 41 points was Mick O’Meara ahead of a count
back for second on 37 points that saw Dick Warberg in second ahead of yours
truly in third and Mike Gaussa just missing out.
As it was still a bit rainy outside we decided to have a
cold one, or two or three, until we were all quite happy. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: John Hackett, Mashi Kaneta, Mick
O’Meara, Mike Gaussa.
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Edgar in a league of his own
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, Oct. 17,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
Playing the A & B nines on his last day before returning
to the UK, Alan Freeman signed off in style by beating Gerry Cooney on a
count back, both coming into the clubhouse with 38 points. Tore Elliasson
came in third with 35 points.
1st Alan Freeman (4) 38pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (12) 38pts
3rd Tore Elliasson (15) 35pts
Near Pins: Ji Hwan (Ted), Tony Robbins, Gerry
Cooney (2)
Wednesday, Oct. 19,
Greenwood - Stableford
Another count back was needed to sort out the winner
again today, Dave Ashman getting the better of Gordon Melia on the back nine
while Reg Smart was pleased to come in third place with a respectable 33
points.
1st Dave Ashman (12) 35pts
2nd Gordon Melia (16) 35pts
3rd Reg Smart (24) 33pts
Near Pins: Dave Ashman and Peter Habgood
Friday, Oct. 21,
Bangpra - Stableford
Bangpra is in very good condition these days, at least
Paul Edgar thinks so after wiping the floor with everyone today scoring a
very impressive 40 points to win by six points. Two near pin prizes as well
rounded off a very successful day for him! Mashi came in as runner-up with
34 points and Tony Robbins took third place a few points behind.
1st Paul Edgar (15) 40pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (14) 34pts
3rd Tony Robbins (11) 31pts
Near Pins: Tony Robbins, Kevin Hughes, Paul Edgar
(2)
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Consistent Mann takes Outback Chiang Mai Challenge 2011
PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar
Overall winner Steve Mann
(center) holds the trophy flanked by runners-up Keith Buchanan (left)
and Chris Sloan (right).
Monday, Oct. 17, Inthanon G.C. -
Stableford
The 24 Chiang Rai touring party were joined today by
another 15 golfers and friends who flew in with Bangkok Airways the
previous day. A special welcome to all the new boys on the tour, Steve
Bowyer, Jim Smith, John Oswald, Kim Stokes and Dave Fryer all up from
Aus and of course to some of the Pattaya regulars who joined us here for
the first time, Paul Smith and Adam Oyston to name but a couple.
Our regular transport lady looked after us again as
our designated 25-seater bus and two minibuses were away on time at
8.15am to take us on the hour long trip to the relatively new, Inthanon
Golf Course, which is over-looked by Thailand’s highest mountain, Mount
Inthanon at some 8481 feet (2585 metres).
We had been here in March this year only to have our
tournament disrupted by the weather and we were all hoping for better
luck today but upon arrival it didn’t look too good and the top of Mount
Inthanon still remained in the clouds.
Anyway, we were unbelievably lucky as heavy rain fell
all around but we got away with it as most of the rain passed by,
although the course was incredibly wet and soggy underfoot. It was
disappointing to see the untrained caddies trying to drive the carts
onto the soggy fairways, doing far more damage than was necessary,
taking it to the point where some of us got off the cart and walked.
However, the greens were in good nick and a delight to putt on and
generally the course was well received, although it was pretty ordinary
around the edges and there were a couple of “Micky Mouse” holes in what
was otherwise, an acceptable layout.
The best score of the day came from three players,
Steve Mann, who won Div A with 36 points from Chris Sloan on the same
score, and General Jack won Div B, also with the same 36. Rod Crosswell
and John Greenhalgh shared the same score of 34 points to take second
and third in Div B, whilst the Div C players didn’t fare so well with
the winning score being only 31 points, as Adam Oyston beat Suzi, on
count back.
There were four ‘2’s to be carried forward to the
pot; from Lumpy Russell, Jim Brackett, Peter LeNoury and Capt’ Bob.
Div A (0-12)
1st Steve Mann (12) 36pts
2nd Chris Sloan (8) 36pts
3rd Paul Smith (1) 34pts
4th James Brackett (7) 34pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Jack Moseley (16) 36pts
2nd Rod Crosswell (13) 34pts
3rd John Greenhalgh (13) 34pts
4th Norm Cheetham (14) 31pts
Div C (17+)
1st Adam Oyston (17) 31pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (20) 31pts
3rd Peter Kehrlli (18) 30pts
4th Barry Chadbourn (19) 29pts
Tuesday, Oct. 18,
Royal Chiang Mai - Stableford
We were back on one of the older, more established
course in Chiang Mai after giving it a miss in March due to the greens
being in poor condition. Nothing like that today, just the weather,
which never looked good from the onset.
The 40 minute journey was in a constant drizzle with
patches of heavier rain coupled with some very low cloud, dense enough
for the tops of the low hills surrounding the parkland like course to
disappear. The narrow road into the course showed many signs of the
recent heavy downpours with it being almost impassable in many places,
where it had collapsed into the adjacent farmland as our bus edged its
way through.
As we drove up, the caddies were clearly delighted to
see us but the organisers remained a little doubtful whether play would
get underway as the rain got heavier again.
We waited almost until 10am, our designated tee time,
to see if it would ease and it did seem to a little; so after checking
part of the course and after some discussion we decided to go ahead with
preferred lies thru the green and to take all the bunkers out of play,
designating them GUR. For these reasons, the scores today will not be
admissible for handicap purposes.
Apart from playing in Batam, Indonesia last year,
when we also allowed the use of tee pegs thru the green, this has to be
the wettest and soggiest course that one could ever have played on, with
preferred lies being increasingly difficult to find. As we moved through
to our back nines the rain got heavier and even with the benefit of a
two-tee start, we all got very wet but at least the greens were looking
much better!
Jim Smith just shoved the conditions aside and shot
an amazing 40 points to win Div A by three from the ever consistent,
Steve Mann, whose 37 points coupled with his 36 at Inthanon on Monday,
gave him the two day lead on 73. Visitor, Kim Stokes edged out on count
back another consistent player, Kissy Buchanan; to win Div B, both on 35
points and newbie to the Outback, Dave Fryer grabbed third with his 34.
Alan Ansell, who nearly didn’t get here because of
the floods north of Bangkok, was clearly prepared for the wet conditions
as he played his way to the Div C win with 36 points, one ahead of Adam
Oyston (35), with Suzi, three further back on 32.
There were another six ‘2’s from Peter LeNoury, Chris
Sloan, Rod Crosswell, Fidge Button, Bob Green and Adam Oyston.
So at the end of round two of the 7th
Chiang Mai Challenge the leaders were Steve Mann (73), Chris Sloan (69),
Jack Moseley (68), with Paul Smith and Peter LeNoury both on 67.
Div A (0-12)
1st Jim Smith (12) 40pts
2nd Steve Mann (12) 37pts
3rd Peter Lenoury (9) 36pts
4th Bob Philp (8) 35pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Kim Stokes (14) 35pts
2nd Keith Buchanan (14) 35pts
3rd Dave Fryer (16) 34pts
4th Bruce Milner (13) 33pts
Div C (17+)
1st Alan Ansell (23) 36pts
2nd Adam Oyston (17) 35pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (20) 32pts
4th Greg Hill (22) 32pts
Thursday, Oct. 20,
Chiang Mai Highlands - Stableford
Unfortunately, the General had to declare himself a
non-starter for the final day’s showdown at the wonderful Chiang Mai
Highlands course as did Peter Stonebridge who was also taken ill,
leaving us with a line-up of 37 players, all going out in reverse order,
the leaders going out last.
At least the weather got it right with some bright
sunny periods and apparently the greens were absolutely second to none,
with a couple of well travelled players saying they were up there with
the best they’ve played.
Apparently the white tees were quite well forward and
many thought the course was there for the taking and that’s exactly what
Kissy Buchanan did, with an outstanding 44 points for the day’s top
score and the win in Div B, leaving Chris Regittnig wondering what he
had to do, when his 40 points only gave him second! Had Kissy done
enough to take the overall and take the Chiang Mai Challenge?
Chris Sloan once again belied his 8 H/cap with a fine
40 points to win Div A, ahead of the form horse, Steve Mann on 38,
whilst the other two last group players both disappointed, as Peter
LeNoury fell away managing a poor 27 points and Paul Smith didn’t play
as well as we know he can, with only 31.
Barry Chadbourn was pleased with his result in Div C,
as he won that with 36 points, just edging out Don Lehmer, and Geoff
Moodie was surprised to take third with 34. The third Pattaya Country
Club member in this division, Dave Earthrowl, just missed out on a clean
sweep podium finish for the PCC members, beaten only on count back by
Adam Oyston’s brilliant eagle (worth 5pts) on the par 5 18th.
There were another seven ‘2’s from Chris Sloan, Steve
Mann, Peter LeNoury (he got one everyday), Capt’ Bob, Kissy, Fidge and
Dave Earthrowl.
Div A (0-12)
1st Chris Sloan (8) 40pts
2nd Steve Mann (12) 38pts
3rd James Brackett (7) 37pts
4th Bob Philp (8) 36pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Keith Buchanan (14) 44pts
2nd Chris Regittnig (13) 40pts
3rd Rod Crosswell (13) 36pts
4th Maurice Copan (15) 34pts
Div C (17+)
1st Barry Chadbourn (19) 36pts
2nd Donald Lehmer (19) 36pts
3rd Geoff Moodie (25) 34pts
4th Adam Oyston (17) 33pts
It was another very successful Chiang Mai Challenge
as the Chiang Rai section beforehand gained more interest and next year
will have its own three day tournament playing just the one course,
Santiburi; in a format yet to be finalised.
The weather in Chiang Rai was excellent throughout
and with the exception of Royal Chiang Mai, the weather in Chiang Mai
satisfactory although there were still signs of extensive flooding. Our
next visit here will be October 2012, the dates will be set shortly and
unless Bangkok Airways decide to change their booking system, we will
either leave you to book your tickets online yourselves (we will
recommend the flight), which we can no longer do or we will be flying
Thai, which is a little more expensive.
Instead of coming here in March 2012, most of you
already know, it will be Hua Hin, departing on the 18th
and playing Banyan on the first and last days, with hopefully Black
Mountain on the second and Sea Pines on the day off day. We have already
blocked off 30 rooms at the Thipurai and need your 3000 baht deposits
ASAP, if you want to come, the field is limited to 48 players.
Anyhow, back to overall result here; the win went to
Steve Mann, a very popular win and well deserved with some very solid
golf, not only in Chiang Mai but also in Chiang Rai. Steve’s been
knocking it around over recent months with three-wood off the tee and
more recently splashed out on a new Ping driver. He hadn’t been sure he
had done the right thing but this week it (the driver) came good and
with it, so did Steve. He’s a great supporter of the Outback bar and
puts a lot of work in, helping us out running tournaments etc, well done
mate, you deserve the win.
Kissy came up a couple short after his final round of
44 points but nevertheless shared second place with Chris Sloan, both
with a three day total of 109.
Finally, it should be noted that the Capt’ finished
in the top 10 for the first time on tour.
We did have a game on the day off day, Wednesday,
which was at Summit Green Valley but it was hardly surprising with
everybody having wet gear from the day before, only six turned out to
play. The course was said to be in good condition and maybe under
consideration for next year depending on how Maejo green replacement
programme is getting on.
There were a total of seventeen ‘2’s over the three
days.
Overall Result
1st Steve Mann (12) 111pts
2nd Keith Buchanan (14) 109pts
3rd Chris Sloan (8) 109pts
4th James Brackett (7) 103pts
5th Rod Crosswell (13) 101pts
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Erik and Shuichi take the Medals
IPGC golf from The Haven
Alan Pilkington.
Sunday, Oct. 16, Green
Valley - Stableford
For the second week running incessant rain prevented the
completion of Sunday’s competition, which resulted in an early return to the
Golf Bar where Jeff and John supplied the necessary wetness on the inside to
go along with the outside following the early showers.
Monday, Oct. 17, Treasure
Hill - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Trevor Schirmer (15) 35pts
2nd Nigel Jenkinson (10) 34pts
3rd Alan Pilkington (9) 31pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka (16) 30pts
5th Erik Donnestad (4) 30pts
Erik Donnestad.
With so many of the local courses having suffered badly
with an excess of water over the past three weeks, it was not surprising
that the day’s venue was a little on the muddy side but after the local rule
for the day was defined as ‘lift and place’ on the fairways, a reasonable
round was the result for most of the participants.
Trevor Schirmer just kept ahead of Nigel Jenkinson with a
strong finish over the back nine, even with the latter sinking a long one of
the 17th for a birdie, but by the slimmest of margins
needing a solid par on the 18th, which is never an
easy ask on that hole.
Alan Pilkington was in contention until the last four
holes, over which he slipped below his previous form for the first fourteen
and so had to settle for third place.
Shuichi Kodaka, having been cut a couple of shots on his
handicap following his sterling round in the previous week, did well enough
over the inward nine to win a count back over Erik Donnestad by a margin of
15 to 13 after Erik had started the day very steadily.
Trevor Schirmer.
Nigel Jenkinson and Alan Pilkington shared the 2’s pot in
the first division whilst John Teague cleaned out the multi roll over second
division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back John
Teague and Kare Lunde and had a farewell for Paul Hartley.
Wednesday, Oct. 19,
Phoenix - Monthly Medals
CSS 74
Division 1
1st Erik Donnestad (4) 72pts
2nd Barry Wellings (5) 74pts
3rd Alan Pilkington (9) 78pts
Division 2
1st Shuichi Kodaka (16) 80pts
2nd Rod Howett (23) 80pts
3rd Joe Niisato (16) 82pts
Shuichi Kodaka.
Playing from the blue tees with the course in a similar
condition to all the others in the area was always going to be a bit of a
struggle, but the first division generally finished with a fair return while
the second division found the going to be a bit more than could be managed.
Erik Donnestad showed his class and ability with a two
under the day’s Competition Standard Scratch (CSS) of 74 which was enough
for him to secure his first monthly medal in the first division and become
the eleventh different player to qualify for the play-offs for the Gold and
Silver Medals, to be held in December. Unfortunately he will not be able to
participate as his skiing activities in Norway with his family will have to
take precedence.
Speaking of the family, both of whom are former members
of the IPGC, Erik’s wife Anna now plays off scratch and daughter Julie plays
regularly on the Swedish Ladies PGA professional circuit making it quite
difficult for him to get many bragging opportunities at home. Which is a
long way removed from past times that included him representing Norway in
the Golf World Cup and playing in the same group alongside Arnold Palmer in
the American team.
Barry Wellings, another internationally acclaimed
sportsman, from the world of football, took second place a couple of strokes
behind with Alan Pilkington, the internationally renowned builder, slipping
into third spot following a strong run into the finish.
The second division’s medal was taken by Shuichi Kodaka
with a round, that whilst good for the win was otherwise less than
memorable, but it was sufficient to take his third medal of the year.
Rod Howett plugged away manfully but had to give way to a
better count back by Shuichi following his strong finish by a score of 38.5
to 36, after Rod had led after the front nine and had looked set to take his
first medal of the year and qualify for the end of year play-offs among the
second division contenders.
Joe Niisato, playing in his first ever monthly medal,
found things just a bit harder from the back tees but still did well enough
to earn third place.
To add to his day’s haul Shuichi Kodaka had the lone 2 in
the second division while Trevor Schirmer and Erik Donnestad shared the
first division pool.
Prior to the prize presentations there were welcomes for
new members Bernie Burckard, Jon Batty and Carl Plaisted and welcome backs
for Joe Peters and Joe Niisato.
Friday, Oct. 21, Pleasant
Valley - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Alan Pilkington (9) 38pts
2nd Roar Berger (26) 37pts
3rd Erik Donnestad (4) 36pts
4th Mark Armstrong (21) 33pts
5th Yasuo Suzuki (9) 32pts
After some urgent renegotiations prior to the start of
the round, following a difference of opinion as to the correct price of a
green fee for the day, the day got off to the now regular wet round and once
again ‘lift and place’ was the rule for the competition.
Alan Pilkington continued where he had left off on the
previous outing with a solid start to the day that he managed to keep going
through to the end, which proved to be enough to take the top spot by a
single point from Roar Berger as the shorter length of the course played to
his strength off the tee as he produced some prodigious drives down the
middle.
Erik Donnestad again returned a very tidy level handicap
card another shot back in third, while Mark Armstrong, who is now playing
off a handicap some seven shots less than when he first arrived from Oz some
six months ago, slipped into fourth a single point ahead of Yasuo Suzuki in
fifth.
Yasuo is looking forward to the next couple of weeks,
when he will be leading some of his fellow countrymen on their regular tour
to the Land of Smiles, and hoping for a few better results than he has been
returning of late so that he can maximize the opportunities.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Nigel
Jenkinson had the sole one in the first division to sweep the pool.
Note: The Haven group now departs Soi 13 at the
earlier time of 9 am until further notice. If you would like to play
with the 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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Dayton delivers
at Pleasant Valley
PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society
The two Richards relax after
their battle at Crystal Bay.
Tuesday, Oct. 18, Pleasant
Valley – Stableford
What did everybody have for breakfast? Because I want
some of the same. It was a very high scoring day here at Pleasant Valley
with the entire field playing within a couple of shots of their handicaps
and half a dozen of them playing well below par.
Roy Dayton came out on top of the pile with 42 points
from Eric Reginilssen while husband and wife Bryan and Ning Neal battled it
out for third place, Bryan once again beating his lovely wife on a back nine
count back (I hope he enjoys his burnt dinner tonight).
Near pins went to Tony Duthie, David Lowe, Ken Meek and
Bryan Neal.
1st Roy Dayton (23) 42pts
2nd Eric Reginilssen (20) 41pts
3rd Bryan Neal (21) 40pts
4th Ning Neal (14) 40pts
Thursday, Oct. 20, Crystal
Bay – Stableford
We arrived here today and found that we had the course to
ourselves so no hold-ups. Also the management wisely had a special promotion
on golf carts, only 300 baht so most of us took advantage of this and took
one and this resulted in a less than 3ฝ hour round. The course was also in
great shape considering all the rain we have had.
The two Richards were the winners today playing together
and trying to out-drive each other on every single hole (I wish I had been
in their four-ball to see them both flexing their muscles on the tee). Third
place went to John Little on count back and fourth spot was taken by the
recently returned Frank ‘the Bank’ Riley from the ‘bus driver’ Shane Ruddle,
also on a back nine count back.
Near pins went to Roger Rees, Richard Hurley (2) and Sean
Hartley.
1st Richard Hurley (6) 37pts
2nd Richard Lines (9) 35pts
3rd John Little (20) 35pts
4th Frank Riley (15) 34pts
Note: The Fairways Driving Range and Golf Society
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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Worboys tops the ‘Roaring Forties’
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Keith Worboys.
Bob Newell
Monday, Oct. 17, Green
Valley – Stableford
1st Keith Worboys (14) 40pts
2nd Fred Brent (5) 40pts
3rd Grant Cadell (16) 40pts
4th John Dearden (20) 37pts
5th John Pierrel (11) 37pts
Our regular Monday Green Valley fixture was extremely
well supported today and thanks go out to all the guys for continuing to
support the Golf Club in its endeavours.
Normally with the amount of players we had there would be
2 flights but unfortunately we couldn’t get close to an even split on the
handicaps, so 5 places it was.
The course itself is nowhere near the kind of condition
we have come to know and love and much of this is down to the abysmal
weather of late. There are indications of remedial work going on and we can
only hope the management continue this to bring it back to its former glory.
There were many talented players in the field today with
quite a number of single figure guys and if you didn’t bring your ‘A’ game
you were in trouble, shooting your handicap just wasn’t going to cut it.
This was borne out by two rock-solid 36’s for Stefan Hoge and John
‘diplomatic’ Emmerson, who both just missed out on the places.
As it turned out there was some scintillating golf played
and the dreaded count back situation occurred for all 5 places.
In 5th with 37 points and losing on
count back was a very amiable gentleman by the name of John Pierrel, who
seems to be making a bit of a habit of late of getting in the places.
Another guy who seems to be hitting a bit of a purple
patch is the inimitable JTB (those who know him will easily understand the
initials – those who don’t I’m sure can make an educated guess). John’s back
nine 17 was enough to squeeze out the other John and net him 4th
spot. It’s always fun back at the Golf Club when JTB gets in the frame,
especially if you want to hear about the 5 iron he hit to a par 3 in 1968!
Up in the top 3 places then and it was nail-biting to say
the least, with all 3 guys shooting a cracking 40 points. Grant Cadell (or
is it Cadell Grant this week?) must be rueing his bit of handicap protection
(only kidding mate) as he blobbed the last for a 19 count back and 3rd
position.
On any other day Fred Brents marvellous level par gross
and 21 point back 9 would have been good enough for first but someone woke
the sleeping giant and Keith ‘the plumber’ Worboys blazed through the back
for a wonderful 22 point haul and the day’s spoils. As generous as ever
Keith rang the bell back at presentation and celebrated his win in true
style with the biggest cigar I’ve ever seen. You certainly couldn’t on this
occasion say “It was close but no cigar” because everyone in the bar was
close to it!
Wednesday, Oct. 19, Mt.
Shadow - Stableford
1st Bob Newell (8) 34pts
2nd Tom Yahnke (12) 25pts
Is this finally the turn-around in the weather? Well
according to our very own John ‘Mr Weatherman’ Emmerson the wind is now
blowing from one direction or another (not sure which) and the clouds are a
different height in the sky and his bunions don’t hurt in the morning, so it
most definitely is. On that we’ll just have to wait and see but it’s true
that today was a glorious day to be out golfing; blue skies, a little light
breeze and No Rain!
After Monday’s large field it was a much reduced turnout,
due partly to the fact that this was a hastily arranged fixture to cover the
cancelled Soi Dao trip. Those people who missed out playing today did indeed
miss out.
As mentioned, it was a fabulous day, on a near empty
course that, in my opinion, is fast becoming the best value for money
around. While many courses in the area are deteriorating at an alarming rate
this course gets better and better. Considering the recent appalling weather
it was in tip-top shape and a joy to play. Okay, it’s a tough test of golf,
with tight, tree-lined fairways and slick, undulating greens but what would
you rather have? That, or a big wide open field and slow flat greens? I know
which I’d rather play, any day.
All of those difficulties were compounded today by, at
times, some brutal pin positions and it certainly reflected in the scores
being handed in, many of which would be best forgotten. If one of today’s
participants, Tommy Balch, a retired teacher of some standing, were doing
the report one line would definitely read, “Must try harder”.
Today’s winner somehow managed to scrape together 34
points despite having 4 blobs on his card (sublime and ridiculous spring to
mind) but, as it turned out, didn’t need anything like that as he romped
home by 9 shots from one of our new boys, Tom Yahnke.
The 2nd and 4th
of November next month will see the inaugural 2 Day Challenge Competition
staged by The Golf Club and Lewinski’s. Each day will be a normal stableford
competition on our usual golf days, with the added bonus of the overall
winner receiving a very nice piece of engraved, hand-made, lead crystal
glass. Presentation will alternate after each event between the two bars.
Sign-up can be made as normal at either venue and we very much hope that you
support this unique event which is new to the Pattaya golfing calendar.
As ever we have a full monthly schedule of golf with regular road trips,
just pop into The Golf Club on Soi LK Metro to sign up or have a word with
me, John or Steve.
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Greenaway doubles up at the Valley
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Friday, Oct. 14, Green
Valley – Stableford
Our thanks to Suzi for running the day, whilst Capt’ Bob
and General Jack were away in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai (see page 47). Just
12 players but at long last there are signs that Paul Greenaway is getting
game sorted out with a fine win, scoring 41 points, three clear of Brian
Maddox with 38.
There were no ‘2’s.
1st Paul Greenaway (10/Hi11.2)
41pts
2nd Brian Maddox (18/Hi17.9) 38pts
3rd Andy Butterworth (9/Hi9.9)
35pts
Tuesday, Oct. 18, Pattaya
C.C. - Stableford
Today is was the Turnip’s turn to garner our thanks for
running the comp for us at Pattaya Country Club where there were just 11
players, as many were away in Chiang Mai. Although we remain somewhat
perplexed how Dennis managed to get two divisions, but all of you who know
him, know that he has his own way of doing things, not to be argued with or
forever hold your peace.
So Billy Fitzgerald won Div A by two, with the top score
of 38 points, from Orn with 36 and in Div B, we have an amended result from
the stewards room after discovering that a few mathematical errors resulted
in K E Persson being awarded the win with 32 points, but upon scrutiny of
the card we can reveal he actually had 29 and was moved back to third with
the win be amended to Laong with 32.
Div A (0–20)
1st Billy Fitzgerald (12/Hi13.3)
38pts
2nd Orn Kanasaengsri (15/Hi15.3)
36pts
3rd John Cogan (13/Hi14.4) 35pts
Div B (21+)
1st Laong Gatepratum (27/Hi26)
32pts
2nd Phompinmon Seesa (29/Hi27.9)
31pts
3rd Kurt Eric Persson (29/Hi29.2)
29pts
Wednesday, Oct. 19,
Burapha - Stableford
Only 15 players today as most of the group are in Chiang
Mai for the October annual event but even though the sun was out all day,
the course had rain the previous night and it was cart path only, so ‘lift,
clean & place’ was in effect and the organizer of the day declared the white
tees playing the A & B course.
It was a good thing he made this decision as there was no
roll on the ball, it basically stayed where it landed with mud on the ball.
Even off the white tees, nobody shot their handicap! The starter also put a
five-ball out in front of us and it made for a long day (over 4ฝ hrs), even
though the marshall came by several times but did nothing. This is the way
it is in Thailand and looks like it will never change and we all just have
to suck it up.
There was a three-way count back for first, second &
third all with 34 points; the winner being John Cunningham with 17 points on
the back 9, Dave Stockman second with 16 on the back 9 and Bob Lindborg with
15. Our organizer, Joe Mooneyham came in fourth place with 32 points (thanks
for your help Joe).
There were two ‘2’s today from Dave Stockman & Joe
Mooneyham.
Friday, Oct. 21, Green
Valley - Stableford
Paul followed up his previous week’s big win here (41pts)
with another 40 points today to win again by one point from Owen Lloyd, who
has recently returned from the UK but has already had his handicap reduced
by one shot, as a result of his round today.
There were four ‘2’s; two on hole 4 from Barry Welling &
Graham Johnson and hole 12, George Cousins & Sugar Ray.
1st Paul Greenaway (9/Hi10.3) 40pts
2nd Owen Lloyd (11/Hi12.1) 39pts
3rd Barry Welling (4/Hi5) 33pts
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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Arnold back in the winner’s circle
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Arnold van de Graaf (left)
with Larry ‘shades’ Emerson.
The weather could not have been better as our members
teed off this 19th of October at the Pattaya Country Club. A larger than
usual group went off today and moved around the course in a timely manner.
The course was in good shape and the bunkers were dry (not that anyone would
go into one).
Back at Caddy Shack II the cards were turned in and
tallied. Coming out on top once again was our seafaring Arnold van de Graaf
with 39 points. Chasing Arnold was Larry Emerson with a 38 (the dude with
the sun glasses) while Bill Thompson lagged with a 37 and found a new
handicap.
Herbie provided snacks as well as great ham sandwich
fixings and hot dogs including home-made hot dog relish.
Voller takes low-ball win at Pattana
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
 Friday’s
winners: Brian Blackford and Bill Bertram.
Monday, Oct. 17, Plutaluang – Stableford
We are allocated the West and North courses today and
there were two divisions out with the equal cut at 3-16 and 17 plus.
After arriving on Friday the Swansea boy Mike Lewis lost
out on a 16/15 back nine count back to the Windmill, alias Alan Duckett,
after they both scored 33 points.
In division 1, 31 points won it for George Faber with
Chris Voller in second place on 29.
It was playing tough out there today with no run at all.
In the ‘2’s there were three rollovers in division 2 and Bryan Rought
birdied the 3rd on the West course to scoop the pot.
Chris Voller also birdied the 6th on the North for the
only one in division 1.
Monday, Oct. 17, Eastern
Star – Stableford
The numbers are growing each week here on Mondays and
there were 15 out today but only playing one division at the moment with
various options for the competition on the day.
Two players came in with 32 points, Mikael Andersson and
Joe Kubon, but there was no count back in this game today so the pot was
carried forward. Frank Kelly was third with 31.
Wednesday, Oct. 19,
Pattana - Stableford
We decided to play off the yellow tees today after
playing our last round here on the white, which was a struggle for everyone.
The A is still shut and we started on the C for a change as most people
think the first tee on the B course is a tough test for an opening hole.
It was ‘pick, clean and place’ from the start with sodden
conditions everywhere. It would be a tough challenge today. No ladies
playing today and the cut in division 1 was 3-15 and 16+ in division 2. The
majority of the yellow tee boxes had been moved backwards towards the whites
and this proved to be a true test of golf.
Richard Kings recorded the best score of the day in
division 2 with 31 points and Reijo was second with 28.
Chris Voller won division 1 with 26 points, yes 26
points, and even more humiliating Georges Faber stood up and took second
prize in this division, beating Martin McAteer on a 10/9 back 9 count back
after they both scored 22 points.
Kari Aarnio birdied C2 and Chris Voller B3 to take the
‘2’s kitty in division 1.
There was a happy return from Dennis Scourgall with a
reduced handicap of 14.6
Friday, Oct. 21, Eastern
Star – Stableford
We were in Siam Cats the previous evening organizing the
transport and tee placings at around 5pm when the heavens opened and we had
11 cancellations over the phone in the next hour for the next day’s game.
Many had played there on Wednesday on a very damp course and were not
prepared to come back. As we drove to the course there were a few phone
calls and another 5 no shows. In the end we had four ladies out and 24 men
in three divisions.
Rotjana Neal won the ladies division with 37 points and
Toi Blair was second on 35.
The best score of the day in the men’s division was 37
points for Bill Bertram. Roy Thornton came second with 36 and Mikael
Andersson took third with 35. In division 2 Brian Blackford scored 36 with
Jim Lane second on 33 and Bryan Rought third two points behind.
In the ‘2’s Jim Connolly birdied the 17th
in division 1 and Brian Blackford in division 2 the same hole but with four
rollovers, Brian was a happy man, but he doesn’t know what the bell is!
Near pins went to Rotjana Neal (2), Toi Blair (2), Mikael
Andersson, Chris Voller, Bryan Rought, Jim Connolly and Jim Lane.
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Tananusorn back
on familiar ground
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society began the new week with a trip to
Crystal Bay on Monday, 17th October, to play a stableford competition over
the A and B nines, which were soft and yielding as a result of the recent
deluges. On the day there was very little run but the greens were very good
and consistent.
The longer hitters/lower handicappers all fared better
than most and in fourth place was Japanese golfer Haru Kato with 30 points.
One shot ahead in third was Paul Bartlett, playing better than on any of his
previous visits. In second place was Masa Takano with 34 points but the best
gross of the day, 80, was set by Wichai Tananusorn giving the seven
handicapper 35 points for the win. Don Nellis in Malaysia is probably
smiling at the thought of Wichai keeping the seat warm until he returns in a
week or so!
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to
Keith Melbourne on his penultimate round for his nil return. He narrowly
pipped Jean Morel after his early morning confrontation with a brown-shirted
highwayman in Bangpra who had accused him of “running” a flashing orange
warning light on Sukhumvit and relieved him of some tea money - all these
ordeals in the name of golf!
Masters shows his class
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Eastern Star on
Wednesday, 19th October, to play a stableford event on the rain-affected
course, which was still damp and soft underfoot after a few days of good
drying weather. Greens were painfully slow and in need of a cut but the day
stayed fine and warm throughout. As so often currently the course played
“long” and long gone are the days when Eastern Star was a course on which
high scores were possible.
Sharing third place on 31 points were Paul Bartlett,
repeating his performance at Crystal Bay two days previously and Mr Len who
again let a level par round slip from his grasp with a three hole
“walkabout” in the middle of the back nine. In second place was local member
Mikael Andersson with 33 points.
The winner was Peter Masters whose descent in the
handicap lists during the last three months has been nothing short of
remarkable. Playing off eight he produced a class round of 35 points to
emphasise the improvement in his game.
Again there were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy was
thoroughly deserved by Rabbi himself who let a sub-par front six dissolve
into oblivion over the back nine. However, Eastern Star had seen the
“master” demonstrate his skills once again to dominate the proceedings.
The lady tames the beast
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Bangpra on Friday,
21st October to play a stableford competition on the course which was
extremely well prepared with good dry fairways offering enough run for most
golfers. The white tees however were at their fullest extent and the greens
were faster than many could remember. A notice in the locker room area
detailed the green speed at 8.5 but that had allegedly been assessed at four
in the morning by an inebriated greenkeeper, pointing the stimpmeter up the
slope! They were at least two points quicker. Tough times lay ahead.
It was fitting perhaps that two of the lower handicappers
in the field, Peter Masters and Masa Takano shared second place with 34 very
fine points each. The winner with 36 points was lady golfer Margaret
Wilkinson who may have had the advantage of the red tees but she still had
to master the same devilish putting skills.
Birdie ‘2’s were recorded by Robbie Taylor on hole two
and by Ken Grimes and Stephen Donahue on hole eight and the Booby Bevy went
to Mr Len for whom every green started with a downhill putt and too many
holes saw no recorded score. However Bangpra will still remain firmly in his
favourite list.
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Pattaya Sports Club supports National Junior
Badminton Championships
All the award winners pose for
a group photo.
William Macey
We felt exhausted last year and this year was no
different. No, not from our own strenuous exertions but from watching the
juniors abusing a shuttlecock at the National Junior Badminton Championships
in Chonburi which fall under the patronage of His Majesty The King.
Hundreds of juniors from clubs all over Thailand,
although not quite so many this year because of the floods in many areas,
competed this month to be crowned individual or doubles champions of their
particular age groups.
A study in concentration.
The standard was very high and the shuttlecock was
propelled at great speed from one side of the net to the other, sometimes a
little too fast for older eyes to see.
The championships have been held for many years and
afford the opportunity for young boys and girls to progress to greater
things, as has happened recently. A young Thai lady, Rachanok Inthanon, 16
when she won her first World Junior Crown, has since successfully defended
her title for the second year. She is nearly 18 now, no longer qualifying
for the junior competitions, and the next step is the Olympic Games and she
has risen to number 12 in the world rankings.
Mens under-16 doubles winners.
Pattaya Sports Club has been supporting the Badminton
Championships for 8 years and is very happy to make a contribution to
provide an opportunity for the young people of Thailand to take part in this
annual event.
Professor Charoen Wattanasin, President of the Badminton
Association of Thailand, just one of his many hats, was there to offer his
support and present trophies to some of the winners, as were members of the
PSC Committee, representatives of the YWCA, and the CEO of the Amati Group.
A 5 day competition takes months to organize, so well done to everybody
involved.
Ladies under-16 doubles
winners on the podium.
Ladies under-13 singles
winners collect their trophies.
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Pattaya cricketers show class at Bangkok International Sixes
With two teams entered, Pattaya Cricket Club displayed
the true spirit within the club at the Bangkok International Sixes last
weekend as the Thoroughbreds won the Shield final on count back to bring
back another trophy and the Stallions finished runners up on count back in
the Cup final. All of this despite the constant threat of floods that
eventually brought a premature end to the tournament.
It was the PCC 1st team, the Stallions, that raised the
eyebrows of many spectators in the group of death by beating the tournament
second favourites Skylarks of UAE by 9 runs and then easing to victory over
the much fancied CBB SC’s in a tense 52 run chase finish off the last ball.
A convincing win against the Koh Chang Crossbars in their
final group match ensured a top of the table finish and second seeding in
the semi finals. Yasir, Sunny and Jack had outstanding performances with
both bat and ball but it was the relentless bowling display backed up by
exemplary fielding that enabled the Stallions to restrict their opponents at
the crucial stages of the game.
The Thoroughbreds, as is their prerogative, started the
tournament slowly with a heavy defeat to eventual Cup semi finalists Fu Wang
Ramblers of Bangladesh. They improved drastically but still lost the second
game to the Southerners and improved still further to lose their final group
game to the CBB SA’s.
At the end of the group stages and propping up the table
meant they automatically qualified for the semi final of the Shield against
Koh Chang Crossbars and this time they really did peak. All the bowlers
bowled full and straight to restrict the opposition to a mere 36 runs from
their 5 overs. In reply Salman and Dan got the Thoroughbreds off to a fast
start and Lindon and Billy maintained the run rate to secure the much needed
moral boosting victory they deserved and a place in the Shield final.
Finals Day promised so much for PCC but the much
anticipated floods finally came and literally washed away any chances of
play on the Sunday. In fact, they drowned everything in sight and our
heartfelt thoughts are with all those who are so badly affected.
Despite the cancellation of the business end of the
tournament the club had many memorable experiences. It was the first time
the club was able to enter two teams into an away tournament, new members
such as Jack, Yasir and Debdas displayed their considerable talent and
juniors such as Lindon and Billy showed the strength in depth within the
club.
Notable Thoroughbred mentions go to Rob ‘Not So’ Young
whose wicket keeping was in complete contrast to the teams improvement in
play as four games in a day proved two too many and ‘Wanky Tanky’ Carlton
whose bowling ensured either a heavy defeat or convincing victory depending
on the amount of amber fluid consumed immediately prior to the start of the
match.
Chairman and club captain Simon Philbrook said “this
tournament represents a giant step in the club’s development. For a club
that was established only in October 2009 to be able to enter two teams in
such a prestigious tournament as this is testament to the players, committee
and supporters alike. In our very first Bangkok tournament in 2009 the
Stallions won the Shield and in 2011 we are in the Cup final - it’s amazing.
“The Thoroughbreds have just won this year’s Shield final
in their first away tournament. I think it is a fantastic achievement by
everyone concerned within the club and I would like to congratulate them all
personally.”
Pattaya Cricket Club is desperately looking for sponsors
to support the ongoing development, in particular the junior development
programme within the Thai schools and their Pattaya Colts team. The club’s
success is proving more costly and we would be delighted to discuss with
anyone an ongoing sponsorship programme that would ensure the continued
success of the club. Please see the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or
email pattayacricketclub @gmail.com.
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United climb to sixth after 1-0 win over Sisaket
Staff reporters
Pattaya United’s steady climb up the Thai Premier League
rankings continued after they secured a 1-0 win over Sisaket FC at the IPE
Stadium in Chonburi last Saturday. The only goal of the game came through a
first half strike from United’s Theerawesin Seehawong who received the ball
on the right hand side of the penalty area before poking it past the
advancing Sisaket goalkeeper.
United were very rarely threatened in a somewhat
lackluster display by their opponents and were able to go into cruise
control in the second half to wrap up all three points.
The win temporarily lifts United into sixth place in the
league standings but the teams immediately below them all have games in
hand. United now have a three week sojourn from league action until their
next fixture on November 20, away at Bangkok Glass.
At the top end of the table Chonburi FC’s chances of
catching runaway leaders Buriram PEA all but evaporated after they suffered
a surprise 4-3 defeat at the hands of Chiang Rai United. The Sharks rallied
in the second half to level the game after trailing 3-1 but were ultimately
undone by a 79th minute goal from Sanong Chaiprakom.
The defeat leaves Chonburi 13 points adrift of Buriram
with just ten matches remaining.
Siam Navy FC slipped into deeper relegation trouble meanwhile after they
were defeated 3-2 in the maritime derby against Thai Port at the PAT Stadium
in Bangkok.
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Rescheduled date
for Bangkok eco-race
Sample the beautiful
countryside around Bangkok in the Essilor Bangkok Eco Challenge Adventure
Race 2011.
Due to the excessive flooding in Bangkok, the Essilor
Bangkok Eco Challenge Adventure Race has been put back one month until
Saturday, December 12.
The event, organized by Active Management Asia, will
feature a new course around the Nong Chok area of the capital and will take
teams of 2 participants through a 50+ km course of trekking, mountain
biking, swimming, and paddling as well as some mystery tests.
The race is open to anyone 14 years of age or older and
each team must consist of two athletes. Categories include: Men, Women,
Mixed, Masters (80 years combined), Seniors (100 years combined) and
Students (14-18 years of age, adventure level only).
For more information or to register, go to www.ama-events.com.
Pattaya to hold Jet-Ski King’s
Cup-World Cup Grand Prix 2011
Jet-Ski King’s Cup returning
to Pattaya this year.
Manoon Makpol
To mark the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 84th
birthday the Jet-Ski King’s Cup-World Cup Grand Prix will be returning to
Pattaya this year after making a detour to Phitsanulok Province in 2010.
A meeting chaired by Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit
Ekasingh was held at City Hall earlier this month to discuss preparations
for the event, which is once again expected to draw a large field of local
and international racers and gain exposure on overseas TV outlets.
The competition will be held from December 1-4 at Jomtien
Beach and organizers are pulling out all the stops to make this the premier
Grand Slam event on the international jet-ski calendar.
Subjects covered at the meeting included logistical affairs and health
and safety for the competing racers. In co-operation with the Jet-ski
Association of Thailand, rescue boats will be lined up along the entire
section of beach where the racing is to take place and the local police have
been requested to handle traffic and crowd control matters.
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Pattaya prepares for Asian golf summit
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol
Silapa-Archa will join golfing dignitaries, officials and administrators
from across the region in Pattaya next week to discuss future trends for the
industry in Asia.
Chumpol will make a keynote address at the Royal Cliff
Resort’s PEACH conference hall on the opening day of the week-long golfing
festival that begins on October 31. The fifth edition of the Asia Pacific
Golf Summit will be followed by the second PGA Conference of Asia and the
inaugural Golf Course Superintendents of Asia Summit.
Other activities include the one-day Asean Golf Tourism
Forum and the Southeast Asia and India Golf Merchandise Exposition
(SEAIGME).
Mike Sebastian, CEO of the Asia Pacific Golf Group which
is organising the events, said: “The Asia Pacific Golf Summit is the only
custom-designed business conference that has served as a forum for key
industry players to meet, discuss and exchange ideas on the challenges and
opportunities confronting the industry.
“The 2011 Asia Pacific Golf Summit is an event that no
serious decision makers in golf can afford to miss. There is no denying the
fact that the problems faced by golf in the West are beginning to creep into
Asia. Already, Japan has slowed down significantly. It is only a matter of
time before the malaise threatening golf’s growth will spread throughout the
region.
“The 2011 Asia Pacific Golf Summit has no desire to sit
back and allow this to happen. The organisers have decided to address the
challenges well before they become insurmountable problems. The early
response is to meet the challenges head on, think positive and come up with
effective solutions.”
Pattaya mayor Itthipol Khunpluem added: “I’m pleased that
Pattaya is the host venue for these golf conferences and exhibitions. This
is evidence that Pattaya is both an important centre for golf and a major
international conference centre.”
The week-long activities are sponsored by the Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
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