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Shenanigans Quiz

The Knuckleheads.


Ken and Brumi John share lawn bowls championship

Joint winners Brumi John and Ken.

John Anthony McCann

Friday, March 30 saw the conclusion of the PSC lawn bowls from the Bowling Green singles league. This league has been running for 11 weeks with over 20 participants fighting for the honour of a place on the rostrum. There were 7 players that could win one of the 3 medals at stake on this last day.

Leading the way was Ken with 24 points, followed by Brumi John with 22 points and Bluemoon Brian on 20 points. These were closely followed by Russell and Paul Avery on 19 points and Sandy and Claus on 17 points.

The draw paired the 2 frontrunners Ken and Brumi, playing against each other with Brumi John coming out on top.

In another match Russell got the better of Bluemoon Brian.

Ultimately at the end of the proceedings Ken and Brumi John shared the championship with 25 points each, closely followed by Russell with 23 points.

Well done to all that competed making it such a competitive league.

After the proceedings there was a presentation of the medals and prizes with our guest representing the Pattaya Sports Club, William Macey, doing the honours. There was also an award to clubman of the season going to Sandy.

Sandy winning the clubman award.

William presenting 3rd place to Russell.


Mike cans an ‘Ace’

Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Kevin (left) and Andy.

Sunday, March 18, Green Valley - Stableford

A Flight

1st Andrew Byrne (10) 35 pts

2nd Kevin McEntee (8) 35 pts

B Flight

1st Dave Driscoll (16) 42 pts

2nd Sim Davis (24) 37 pts

Near pins: No 4 Garry Blackburne, No 9 Colin Davis, No 12 Jan Erickson, No 16 Mike Craighead.

Lighting does strike twice if you are Mike Craighead as he for the seventh time knocked in a hole-in-one on the 16th hole at Green Valley. Mike, who has won more lead crystal goblets than any golfer in Pattaya over his long and distinguished involvement on the Eastern Seaboard golf, found that his round needed more than an Ace to gain a podium place.

The laurels and loot in A Flight went to the Irish pair Andrew Byrne and Kevin McEntee who along with Matt Doyle are founder members of the infamous Co Offaly gang (get used to it).

It was great to see Dave Driscoll on the top step of B Flight. Dave who we loose to the evil known as “work” now and again picked up the sticks again and fired a magical 42 points for the man of the match. Sim, the ‘society’s first lady’ rounded out the B Flight winners. The Donkey Sims other half stood back a shot adrift in case of any slipups.

Gally Blackburne weighed in with a couple of 2’s but unfortunately Mike’s ace took the pot. Back at Lewiinski’s Mike celebrated his ace with a generous bell ring.

Monday, March 19, Khao Kheow - Stableford

A Flight

1st Tore Eliassen (15) 34 pts

2nd Andrew Byrne (10) 32 pts

B Flight

1st Merle Humphreys (19) 37 pts

2nd Fergus O’Brien (26) 30 pts

It was a much anticipated return to Pete Dyes creation. Merle Humphreys bolted through the pack with his B Flight winning 37 points. That was the best score by three points on the day. Fergus O’Brien was delighted to find his 30 points was good for the silver.

Tore Eliassen snapped up the A Flight gold with 34 points. The calculator was out big time as four players tied 32 points, Andrew you know who, Terry Dutton, Jerry McCarthy, and Andy’s fellow Co Offaly gang mate big Matt Doyle. When the count back was done Andrew was laughing all the way to the pay desk, as the unlucky three were left satang less at sea level.

Fergus O’Brien slotted home the only 2 of the day.

Wednesday, March 21, Greenwood - Stableford

A Flight

1st Kevin McEntee (8) 36 pts

2nd Andrew Byrne (10) 34 pts

3rd Pen Caruthers (13) 34 pts

B Flight

1st Mike Jeffreys (19) 37 pts

2nd Geoff Kubas (21) 33 pts

3rd Peter Henshaw (18) 33 pts

Kevin McEntee, one of the Co Offaly gang to descend on the society this week topped out A Flight with a solid even par round. Would you believe Kevin was followed up the podium steps by fellow gang member Andy you know who edged Scotland’s Pen Caruthers on a count back. “The third member Big Matt as yet to get over jet lag” Kevin and Andy also added a 2 each along with Andre Fortis.

B F lights Mike ‘the Welsh Wizard’ Jeffreys rock solid 37 points was the top score on the day. Geoff ‘Elvis’ Kubas was on song as he edged Peter Henshaw on count back for the final podium place.

Friday, March 23, Treasure Hill - Stableford

A Flight

1st Jim Brackett (6) 38 pts

2nd Kevin McEntee (8) 36 pts

3rd Tore Eliassen (15) 36pts

B Flight

1st Peter Henshaw (18) 40 pts

2nd Mike Jeffreys (19) 36 pts

3rd Peter Wallace (21) 34 pts

“Treasure Hill or bust” was the cry of the field as they braved the ever improving highway 331 to play the wonderfully designed and solidly conditioned toast of the three most remote courses within the scope of what is referred to as the Eastern Seaboard golf courses. They were not disappointed as they found the course to be in excellent condition.

B Flight provided the day’s man of the match in Peter ‘Don O’corleone’ Henshaw with a sparkling 40 points. This was four strokes clear of Mike the ‘Wizard Jeffreys’ and a further two from his close mates Peter Wallace and Christ ‘good’ Knight Peters. Irish eyes sparkled a little more than Christy’s.

Jim Brackett, always a welcome addition to the society’s ranks, stood on top of the podium with a solid 38 points. Kevin “you know who from you know where” stood a step lower as he gained a favorable count back over Tore Eliassen. Tore did have the comfort of a 2 along with the day’s top man Peter.

Sunday, March 25, Green Valley - Stableford

A Flight

1st Andrew Byrne (10) 38 pts

2nd Garry Blackburne (6) 38 pts

3rd Jim Brackett (6) 37 pts

B Flight

1st Loz Shaw (23) 40 pts

2nd Jez Lees (14) 38 pts

3rd Jerry McCarthy (15) 38 pts

Near pins: No 4 Peter Lenoury, No 9 Loz Shaw, No 12 Andrew Byrne, No 16 Jen Callow.

Birmingham’s Loz Shaw had quite a day as he pummeled the Sunday shortened Peter Thompson layout with a sparkling 40 point haul. That overshadowed two fine efforts by Jez the ‘Principal’ and Gerry ‘the Irish rover’ McCarthy. The luck of the Irish was not in evidence as the Principal’s math’s held up in the following count back.

Andy stick’ erm up Byrne and Gally Blackburne tied atop A Flight, but Gally didn’t calculate the count back favorably. Big Jim Brackett and a count back knocked the smile off Andy’s mate Kevin’s face and the rostrum.

Five 2’s were recorded.

Monday March 26, Crystal Bay - Stableford

A Flight

1st Andrew Byrne (10) 42 pts

2nd Kevin McEntee (8) 39 pts

3rd John Heaney (19) 39 pts

The fear that Crystal Bay strikes in the Golfer’s heart and the fact Mondays are the second of back-to-back outings contributed to a smaller than usual crowd for this fixture. However, the good sized single Flight was just fine for Andy ‘stick’ erm up’ Byrne as he took the course apart with a flawless 42 pts and was his second victory in as many days. Andy will also receive a healthy handicap cut. Kevin you know who followed Andy up the podium steps as he wrenched the second place loot from ex mate John Heaney who rounded out the Flight which made it an Irish rout.

Peter Larsen and the out of sorts Big Matt Doyle split the 2s pot.

Wednesday, March 28, Khao Kheow C & B - Stableford

A Flight

1st Colin Faraday (16) 35 pts

2nd Kevin McEntee (8) 33 pts

B Flight

1st John Heaney (19) 38 pts

2nd Eddy Beilby (19) 33 pts

John Heaney has a great deal of upside potential even though he is currently off a creditable 19 handicap. His 38 points at the demanding Khao Kheow is testimony to that. There was no luck of the Irish as ‘Eddy the Eagle’ dumped Christy ‘Good’ knight off the podium on a count back as he filled the Flight in second spot.

Colin Faraday was the surprise in the Co Offaly Flight, as out-gunned Kevin what’s his name and Andy thing were just a shot of the pace.

Colin Faraday, Kevin McEntee and Matt Cronin shared the 2’s pot.

Friday March 30, Crystal Bay - Stableford

A Flight

1st Kevin McEntee (8) 40 pts

2nd Colin Davis (15) 35 pts

B Flight

1st Vee Reece (18) 31 pts

2nd Sean Murphy (23) 31 pts

Well there was never any doubt about this week’s title as Kevin ‘yawn’ McEntee was man of the match and only player to better par with 40 points. Kevin was five strokes clear of the field, and the Donkey in A Flight.

B Flight found the going tough as Vee Reece gratefully accepted the top spot with a count back verdict over Sean Irishman Soden both knotted on 31 points.

Colin Faraday and Vee Reece split the 2’s pot.

Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list, otherwise, why not give Colin a ring on 0898260764. Transport is provided.


Kenny & Henrik emerge victorious at Navy

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg - 2012

Peter Blackburn

Henrik Aargaard, Peter Blackburn & Kenny Chung.

Monday, March 26, Plutaluang West & North - Stableford

The Admiral was on his way to the USA and Buckers still had a crook back but we had a good field of 28 golfers signed up for our monthly trip to the Navy Course. We were happy to welcome back Frenchman Alain Taddei after his hernia op and also Henrick Aargaard from Denmark & Peter Wiltshire from New Zealand.

Departing Caf้ Kronborg 10 minutes later than normal at 0825hrs due to a couple of golfers “dragging their feet” in just 40 minutes we were at Plutaluang where we were told that it was very quiet and we had our pick of which nines we wanted to play. I chose West and North as West is the nine that we have played least in recent times and is also probably the most difficult of the four.

We had an all Aussie four ball leading the way and 25 minutes ahead of our scheduled 1000hrs tee off time your writer, Hunter, Toddy & San Miguel Stu commenced proceedings with fine weather although somewhat overcast skies.

Mike Winfield, Peter Blackburn & Niels Hansen.

The course was in very good shape and the greens were very well maintained although of course considerably slower than we had been used to at most of the other courses that we play. We continued at a leisurely pace with of course plenty of good (mostly) mickey taking as is the Aussie way and due mainly to the fact that San Miguel Stu was not “on Safari” on the day we finished our full round in four hours & twenty minutes.

There were 2 flights with A Flight for handicaps 0 to 18 and B Flight for 19 and over. There were rewards for nearest the pin on all four par threes and longest first putts on West 9 & North 9 greens.

The combination of West & North nines did in actual fact prove a challenge as only 2 golfers played to their handicap or better and newcomer Henrik Aargaard won the A Flight with 35 points. In a count back on 34 points we saw Martin Todd (21 point back nine) finish second with Lotte Boskov (19 point back nine) in third spot. Another count back on 33 points awarded fourth place to Ulf Larsson (17 point back nine, 12 points on last 6 holes & 7 points on last 3 holes) with Ken (let’s hear it for) Bernek (17 point back nine, 12 points on last 6 holes & 5 points on last 3 holes) in fifth place.

B Flight was won by Kenny Chung with a fine 37 points with Bjarne Kjaer (also the fashion award winner once more) in second spot with 36 points. Coming third was Aussie Jerry Dobbs with 34 points and in a three way count back on 31 points for fourth & fifth places Mike Winfield (19 point back nine) finished just in front of Peter Hammond (15 point back nine, 11 points on last 6 holes). J C Lhoste (15 point back nine, 8 points on last 6 holes) just missed out.

A Flight - 0 to 18

1st - Henrik Aargaard (18) - 35 points

2nd - Martin Todd (9) - 34 points

3rd - Lotte Boskov (18) - 34 points

4th - Ulf Larsson (16) - 33 points

5th - Ken Bernek (17) - 33 points

B Flight - 19 and over

1st - Kenny Chung (24) - 37 points

2nd - Bjarne Kjaer (20) - 36 points

3rd - Jerry Dobbs (23) - 34 points

4th - Mike Winfield (21) - 31 points

5th - Peter Hammond (23) - 31 points

Near pins: W3 - Ulf Larsson, W8 - Lotte Boskov, N3 - Stu Rifkin, N6 - Uwe Zickermann

Longest first putts: N9 - Henrik Aargaard, W9 - Alain Taddei

The Compass Cap was once more won by Ron Folks to the delight of yours truly, Eddie the Eagle and a couple of others and Hunter paraded Deefa the Dog who as usual collected many donations to charity from the Kronny Crew.

Thursday, March 29, Treasure Hill - Stableford

After a couple of late cancellations and one annoying “no show” we were left with a group of 28 golfers for the trip to Treasure Hill Golf & Country Club. We welcomed Daniel Oshiro from Hawaii and bade a fond farewell to our friend Peter Hammond who is shortly returning to the U.K. after his lengthy annual stay in Pattaya. Of course Peter will return later in the year & we look forward to seeing him then.

San Miguel Stu was hungry so popped down to Kiss Food & Drink for breakfast and as a result we were running a tad late thus departing The Kronny a few minutes later than normal at 0820hrs. Stu was kind enough though to gobble down his brekky after Dobbsy rang him to say that we were about to leave.

Arriving at the course 50 minutes later we found the car park fairly empty and sure enough we were invited to tee off at our leisure. There had been recent adverse reports regarding the condition of the greens at Treasure Hill so we weren’t quite sure what to expect but apart from the greens having plenty of residual sand on them there were no problems.

Our first four ball was able to get away 25 minutes ahead of schedule at 0935hrs and in very hot & humid conditions we commenced what was to be a fairly leisurely round of golf. The course was in very good shape and as mentioned earlier the greens were sandy and mostly fairly slow but as usual it was a case of adapting to the conditions. It got fairly hot later in the round so a couple of drink stops were necessary but we were able to complete the full round in four hours & twenty minutes.

There were 2 flights with A Flight for handicaps 0 to 17 and B Flight for 18 and over. There were rewards for nearest the pin on all four par threes and longest first putts on the ninth & eighteenth greens.

One of our playing partners, Niels Hansen had a very good day and won the A Flight with 39 points, 1 point ahead of Ulf Larsson in second place. A two way count back was necessary to decide third & fourth spots and Takeshi Hakozaki (20 point back nine) just pipped Ken (let’s hear it for) Bernek (18 point back nine) with both players on 36 points. Three Handicapper Mike Allidi finished fifth with 35 points.

The B Flight was well won by Mike Winfield with 40 points and the departing Peter Hammond was second on 37 points, 4 points ahead of Daniel Oshiro in third spot. In a three way count back with 31 points Jan Lovgreen (17 point back nine, 11 points on last 6 holes) finished fourth from Bjarne Kjaer (17 point back nine, 10 points on last 6 holes) in fifth place. Thientong (12 point back nine) just missed out.

A Flight - 0 to 17

1st Niels Hansen (15) 39pts

2nd Ulf Larsson (16) 38pts

3rd Takeshi Halozaki (14) 36pts

4th Ken Bernek (17) 36pts

5th Mike Allidi (3) 35pts

B Flight - 18 and over

1st Mike Winfield (21) 40pts

2nd Peter Hammond (23) 37pts

3rd Daniel Oshiro (20) 33pts

4th Jan Lovgreen (21) 31pts

5th Bjarne Kjaer (20) 31pts

Near pins: 2nd Thientong Charoenrung, 6th Thientong Charoenrung, 13th Ulf Larsson, 17th Mike Allidi.

Longest first putts: 9th Takeshi Hakozaki, 18th Takeshi Hakozaki.

The Compass Cap (awarded for worst score on the day) was won in a count back by Lotte Boskov and Hunter paraded Deefa the Dog to collect many donations from our generous group.


Lumpy leads the way at Burapah

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Martin Kingswood, the top scorer at Greenwood on Wednesday.

Monday, March 26, Burapha - Stableford

Twenty-nine players travelled to Burapha to play the C and D courses. The group included 11 visitors from Royal Fremantle Golf course in Perth, Western Australia and a great day was had by all.

The starters approached our group on the first tee and asked if we could send some groups to D course and to C5 as they had some slow groups on course and didn’t wish for us to have a slow round. So with a three tee start and not too many players to hold us up, most completed their round in under three and a half hours.

The course itself was presented as always in great condition as far as the fairways and tees were concerned, the greens on C nine were great, flat, true and fast but the greens on D nine have still not fully recovered from the scarifying and were a little bumpy and the scores from most players reflected the different condition of the greens.

With 29 players we played two divisions with 4 places in each division plus the ‘2’s.

Division 2 was won by Carlo Cocciolone from Royal Fremantle with 43 points on his 16 handicap, from Bob Lindborg with a return to form with 41 points on his 23 handicap, with third place going to Ivan Plunkett with 40 points on his 21 handicap and in fourth place was another Royal Fremantle member Robbie Kershaw with 37 points off 28.

Division 1 was won by Lumpy Russell, an ex-Fremantle member, with the day’s best round of 45 points on his 14 handicap, from Stephen Mann with 37 points on his 10 handicap, with third place going to the consistent John Cunningham with 36 points on his 5 handicap and in fourth place was another Royal Fremantle member Charlie Fiorentino (6) with 35 points.

There were seven ‘2’s for the day and they went to Lumpy Russell, Carlo Cocciolone, and Ivan Plunkett all on C5, Fidge Button on C8, Keith Buchanan and John Cunningham on D2 and Joe Palermo on C8.

Div A (0-15)

1st Lumpy Russell (14/Hi13.3) 45pts

2nd Steve Mann (10/Hi9.8) 37pts

3rd John Cunningham (5) 36pts

Div B (16+)

1st Carlo Cocciolone (16/Hi15.5) 43pts

2nd Bob Lindborg (23/Hi21.7) 41pts

3rd Ivan Plunkett (21/Hi20) 40pts

Monday, March 26, Khao Kheow – Stableford

Just 13 Outbackers at Khao Kheow today, who after a little confusion at the start as to which nines they were playing found themselves on A & C, starting on A which was generally met with approval as opposed to the tough opening hole on C.

The greens, which had been damaged a few weeks ago, were nearly back to normal and thanks to the management for fixing them so rapidly.

Welcome back also to Paul Sirban, who last played with the Outback a year ago almost to the day also at Khao Kheow on 25th March 2011.

Nobody broke par here as Steve Plant recorded the best of the day, 36pts to take first place in one division, as Martin Kingswood, who has seen his handicap reduced in recent weeks, produced another good round, scoring 34pts to take second but this time playing off 18.

There was only one ‘2’ from Dennis Pelly.

1st Steve Plant (14/Hi13.2) 36pts

2nd Martin Kingswood (18/Hi16.7) 34pts

3rd Suzi Lawton (17/Hi20.2) 33pts

Tuesday, March 27, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

This was last Tuesday of the month, and the last Outback day here when all 18 holes are available at this local course; as of Sunday 2nd April, the back nine will be closed for several months for refurbishment. Arrangements have been put in place for players to play the front 9 twice (two tee times).

There were 16 Outbackers with the regular Tuesday organiser Barry Chadbourn back in charge. Some new faces this week with a welcome to John Eyers, Joe Tynan, Sarah Humphrey and the return of Ian Covill here for 3 weeks respite from the UK.

Work has already started on the back nine with a number of tees taken up and a lack of watering making it very dry – but plenty of run!

With 16 players but no ‘2’s; we were able to have two divisions with three places in each, albeit that the split wasn’t very even.

In division A (0–20), regular Tuesday man Paul Smets (18) with 33 points filled the top spot with a count back for second and third between Ian Covill (14) and David Earthrowl (20), both on 31 points, with Ian in second with a point advantage on the back nine.

Division B (21+) went to former caddy, Laong Gatepratum (24), with the day’s best, 34pts leading from the ‘Hamster Man’, John White (24) runner-up with 32 points. Final place was taken by PCC member Geoff Moodie (25) on 30.

The Outback has supported Pattaya Country Club for the past 3 years and will continue when the full 18 holes are back in play. In the meantime for those who are willing to play 2 x 9 there will be slots available on Tuesdays through April and depending on numbers, a decision will be made for future months.

Div A (0-20)

1st Paul Smets (18/Hi19.4) 33pts

2nd Ian Covill (14/Hi15.1) 31pts

3rd David Earthrowl (20/Hi20.8) 31pts

Div B (21+)

1st Laong Gatepratum (24/Hi23.2) 34pts

2nd John White (24/Hi25) 32pts

3rd Geoff Moodie (25/Hi25.8) 30pts

Wednesday, March 28, Greenwood – Stableford

There were 40 Outbackers today playing C & A at Greenwood, the course was in good condition but after seven holes the greens needed a little bit of TLC but this didn’t dampen the scoring. One would have to seriously question the rating of the course when even the middle ranked golfers receive two or three shots back and some of the higher handicappers getting as many as six! Just reviewing the scores afterwards, with seven players scoring over 40pts and a total of sixteen playing to handicap or better perhaps underlines that this course is much easier than rated.

Martin Kingswood continues to play well and his handicap continues to come down, another 1.8 today as he recorded the top score of the day, 43pts to take Div B from Tom Bailey on 41. Neil Lavery, having his last game for a while as he’s off to work in Hong Kong, took Div A with 41pts from the new Outback Capt’, Steve Mann on 38 but the best bunch of scores came in Div C as John Cogan won it with a marvelous 42pts from three tied on 41; Andy Makara, and Dick Hayes and Terry Ellis, both of whom were having their first game with the Outback so welcome to them and well played.

Capt’ Steve was due to play early but his other partners got delayed so ended up off last, so much for a day off, as he helped Suzi at the first tee sending the players on their way.

Finally, we would like to say Bon Voyage to John Player, Fidge Button, Barney Clarkson all of whom have to return to Aus but will be back soon.

There was just one ‘2’ on A2, from Paul Greenaway.

Div A (0-16)

1st Neil Lavery (13/Hi10.8) 41pts

2nd Steve Mann (12/Hi9.6) 38pts

3rd Bernie Stafford (16/Hi13) 37pts

Div B (17-21)

1st Martin Kingswood (20/Hi16.7) 43pts

2nd Tom Bayley (18/Hi15) 41pts

3rd Tony Pieroni (18/Hi14.8) 39pts

Div C (22+)

1st John Cogan (22/Hi18.2) 42pts

2nd Andy Makara (34/Hi28.8) 41pts

3rd Dick Hayes (24/Hi20) 41pts

Friday, March 30,St. Andrews – Stableford

28 Outbackers and 14 Rebels travelled to St. Andrews for the day as Green Valley had another tournament with a shotgun start at noon. The course was well attended and our regular 10 o’clock tee off had been pushed back to 10.30 but as usual a number of groups that had booked failed to appear and we actually commenced tee off just after 9.30 with most groups completing their rounds in just on 4 hours.

The course itself was in good condition with lush fairways and good consistent greens that were fast and true. Some complained about the hard bunkers but to be fair they are all the same and you just have to adapt your game.

I had the pleasure of playing with Dave Buchanan and his father Frank and Steve Plant. Anybody that gets a chance to play with Dave who plays off 1 will see some great ball striking, great etiquette and great course management, fantastic to play a round with.

Welcome to new members Sarah Humphrey, Stan Dickinson, Jim Hoffman and Frank Buchanan.

We had two divisions, although an uneven split, with four places in each plus the ‘2’s.

Winner of Division 2 with a timely return to form was Steve Milne with a great score of 39 points on his 16 handicap, from the ever improving Martin Kingswood with 35 points on his 15 handicap, with third place going to Brian Maddox (22) with 34 points who beat both John Cogan (17) and Greg Hill (19) on count back.

Winner of Division 1 also with 39 points was Bernie Stafford on his 12 handicap, from the consistent Dennis Pelly with 37 points on his 10 handicap, with third place going to Stephen Mann with 36 points on his 8 handicap and fourth place going to Dave Buchanan with 35 points playing off -1 with 74 (Par for the course), beating Steve Plant on a count back.

There were four ‘2’s going to Brian Maddox on hole 3, Bernie Stafford on hole 5, Bob Lindborg on hole 10 and Martin Kingswood on hole 17.

Next Friday, April 6, is a holiday but we still have a booking at Green Valley for those who wish to play, the Green Fee is 1250 Baht

Div A (0-14)

1st Bernie Stafford (12/Hi13) 39pts

2nd Dennis Pelly (10/Hi10.6) 37pts

3rd Steve Mann (8/Hi9.4) 36pts

Div B (15+)

1st Steve Milne (16/Hi16.4) 39pts

2nd Martin Kingswood (15/Hi14.9) 35pts

3rd Brian Maddox (22/Hi20.9) 34pts

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 call Jack on 087 941 2474.


Simon sets the standard

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Peter LeNoury congratulates Tommy ‘Bahama’ Balch.

Steve Ellison

Monday, March 19, Green Valley (Red & White tees) – Stableford

1st Tom Balch (24) 45pts

2nd Peter LeNoury (9) 43pts

3rd Don Bland (4) 40pts

4th Mashi Kaneta (11) 39pts

As the photo testifies, Peter LeNoury was none too happy to find his 43 points were still not enough to claim the top spot at Green Valley. Tom Balch played lights out to bag 45 stableford points on the day and walk away with the win. In fact, if you didn’t manage a 40 pointer, you were not even on the podium. These guys are good!

Don Bland came in with that 40 points required for third place and Mashi Kaneta continued his good run with 39 for fourth, with Geoff Doody in fifth on 38.

I must mention once again how beautiful Green Valley was, and our thanks go out to the greenskeeping staff for getting her in such great shape. Good luck to all the juniors who have their big comp there.

Wednesday, March 28, Khao Kheow B & A (white tees) – Stableford

1st Masao Ishikawa (17) 38pts

2nd Greg Gawton (16) 36pts

3rd Andre Fortis (17) 36pts

4th Mashi Kaneta (11) 35pts

5th Pierre Bietry (15) 34pts

Everyone seems to love Khao Kheow and today was no exception. We were off the B and A tees of this Pete Dye track and had a great day out. The course was in good shape but plays tougher than most other courses in the area.

Tommy, Paul, Birthday Bob and Mark & Eddie with Friday’s medal winner Simon Philbrook.

Only one golfer managed to better his handicap today and that was the winner, Masao Ishikawa with 38 points. Greg Gawton jumped ahead of Andre Fortis on count back and Mashi Kaneta came in with 35 for 4th with Pierre Bietry bringing up the rear with a very respectable 34 points, a good score at Khao Kheow. You can find Pierre at his new bar “The Little Hole” on Soi Post Office, with his lovely wife Yui.

Friday, March 30, Bangpra (White tees) - Medal

A Flight

1st Simon Philbrook (6) net 71

2nd Paul Smith (2) net 74

3rd Dale Shier (13) net 74

B Flight

1st Mark Bonner (14) net 72

2nd Eddie Bielby (19) net 72

3rd Tom Balch (24) net 73

Simon Philbrook finally won his second star and another Monthly Medal to claim his Antigua shirt once more. It was a tough old slog out there today as temperatures soared and so did the scores. You had to keep a cool head, quite literally, to do well here at Bangpra. Paul Smith also had a great day out to claim second on countback over Dale “I never thought I had a chance” Shier who came in a surprise third.

The B Flight saw fit as a fiddle Mark Bonner knock out Eddie Bielby on count back for the ol’ 1-2 and Monday’s winner Tommy “Bahama” Balch in for third place and the podium once again.

Near pins and Pork Chop dinners went to John Emmerson, Eddie Bielby, Larry Maxey and Peter LeNoury.

We all enjoyed the song stylings of a certain Mr. Bob Newell who led the night off with his own unique rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly me to the moon” to kick off Bob’s birthday party and that led to a songfest that lasted until the wee hours. Happy birthday mate!

Note: Our Songkran road trip this year is 13-20 April and up in the Khao Yai region at Pak Chong. This is a hot new area for some terrific new courses including Mountain Creek by Seve Ballesteros, Panorama, Rancho Charnvee and Bonanza (4 rounds inc. caddy fees) with 7 nights hotel with breakfast at the Landmark all for 12,000 baht. We will have optional golf at Toscana Valley and Mission Hills so drop by Soi LK Metro to see us for details and sign-ups.

The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday so come join us for a fun day out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www. golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www. facebook.com/golfclubpattaya.


Fortune shines on Dan at Emerald

The Backyard Golf Society

Dan (L) and Mike (R) with staff outside the Blue Sky Bar

With the return of John Mac and Terry C bringing along a few friends from Koh Samui, it was a good turnout for the weekly Backyard Golf Society’s game at Emerald Golf Course. Eleven players, of which eight were in all competitions, started the round early and with the hot and humid conditions it was good to finish the round in under 4 hours and get back to the relative coolness of the club house.

Dan M ended up the winner after one or two favorable bounces and ricochet enabled him to reach 35 points, with Mike in second, again, just short of finally getting a photo by himself in the Pattaya Mail losing out by one point. Dan M took nearest the pin prize, (2) skins plus the rollovers to have a very rewarding day. Other skin results were as follows: Terry C (7), Andy Oz (3), Mike (2) with (4) rollovers left for next week.

With Dan M full of money we all then went down the road to alleviate him of some of his hard earned winnings.

Finally a big thank you goes to Emerald for again letting some of us take up the VIP low season membership with particular thanks to Candy for setting it all up.


Batty’s double delight

IPGC golf from The Links

Sunday, March 25, Green Valley – Stableford

A smaller than usual field this week led to one division with 3 places up for grabs. Again we were able to tee-off on arrival and although thunderstorms were constantly passing nearby throughout the morning, the golfers were spared the downpours and the pace of play was excellent on the unusually quiet course. With the tees well forward on most holes, scoring was fairly easy, with the average points haul for the field being 34.

Double winner
Jon Batty.

The scorer was tested to the limit, with a 5-way tie for the places on 36 points. Jon Lay was the first to fall by the wayside, after only managing 17 points on the back 9, which left a 3-way tie on 18 points. Ted Murphy was next to go, his 11 point back 6 being bettered by Paul Hird (14), playing his final round with the Links this visit, and the big hitting Irishman Bryan Dore, who aided by some truly monstrous drives, scored one under gross on the back 6 to secure 15 points and third place.

Andy Galvin’s 19 point back 9 left him in second place, three shots behind the winner, your scribe, who came back in 1 over gross, despite taking two to get out of the bunker at the last, which cost me a double bogey. To make matters worse, as the self confessed worst bunker player in the world, I had spent over an hour two days before practicing such shots – note to self – open stance, open blade, ball at front of stance, weight on front foot, follow through! Any further tips would be much appreciated.

Again there were no ‘2’s, so a double rollover went to Crystal Bay on the Thursday.

1st Jon Batty (8) 39pts

2nd Andy Galvin (19) 36pts

3rd Bryan Dore (5) 36pts

Thursday, March 29, Crystal Bay – Stableford

Despite taking a day off on Tuesday, a smaller than usual turnout travelled to Crystal Bay to tackle the B&C courses. This was my first visit here for nearly 6 months, and I’m not sure why we’ve waited so long between visits, as the well laid out course was on the whole in excellent condition, with the greens receptive and running true.

The car park was almost empty on arrival and we rushed to tee off a little early in order to get out in front of a 5-ball that had checked in just before, only to watch them tee off on the C course as we started on the B!

The windy conditions led to some unusually low scoring, with 3 players tied in second place despite managing only 29 points. Joe Mcardle missed out on the places, collapsing to 10 points on the back 9 after scoring an excellent 19 on the front. Joe Peters came third with a 15 point back 9, one behind Sean Connolly. The winner was again your scribe, scoring 32 points, aided somewhat by an eagle at the par 5 18th.

Sean Connolly registered the only ‘2’ of the day and was therefore the beneficiary of the double rollover pot.

1st Jon Batty (8) 32pts

2nd Sean Connolly (11) 29pts

3rd Joe Peters (17) 29pts

Note: The Links depart from the hotel on Soi Buakhao at 9.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and for Rayong Green Valley every Sunday. Sign up at the hotel or contact Jon on 080 021 1034. A full schedule of courses can be found on the IPGC website www.ipgc.org


Brian Libby and Ron Kerslake snatch the Medals

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, March 26, Eastern Star - Stableford

CSS 73

1st Joe Niisato (12) 35pts

2nd Al Rolnik (18) 30pts

3rd Keith Emerson (12) 29pts

4th Shane Heavey (18) 29pts

5th Yasuo Suzuki (11) 28pts

6th David Ross (9) 28pts

With the course in generally pretty good shape it was disappointing to find the greens not up to the same level, having presumably not been cut low enough leaving them playing more like Velcro than putting surfaces. This contributed greatly to the poor returns on what should have been good day with the weather overcast and a hint of rain that never quite materialized and meant that the CSS for the day moved out to 73.

Rod Crosswell.

With the low season fast approaching, the numbers are returning to those that require just one division usually, which was the situation today.

Joe Niisato took the top spot with a one over handicap round which was easily the best of the day by a clear five points as he went out in 19 but could not maintain his momentum coming home.

Al Rolnik was the best of the chasing pack, although ambling might have been a better description, with a round that never really got started but on the day proved to be sufficient to claim second spot.

Keith Emerson was surprised to take third after winning a count back over Shane Heavey with a better 15 to 12 as Shane wilted badly, amassing just seven points over the last six holes.

Ron Kerslake.

Yasuo Suzuki started to get to grips with the greens on the back nine which enabled him to win a count back over David Ross by a margin of 16 to 14 for fifth place on his last game on this trip.

In keeping with the difficulty of the course there were no 2’s in either division, in fact there were only six threes all day with many complaining about being unable to hit it hard enough from over four feet.

Before presenting the prizes there were welcome backs for Mike Hill, Philip Voas, Arthur Todd and the Kershaw brothers Chris and Colin together with farewells for Phillip Cass, Keith Emerson and Yasuo Suzuki.

Wednesday, March 28, Bangpra - Stableford

CSS 72

1st Rod Crosswell (12) 38pts

2nd Bruce Kusyk (13) 37pts

3rd Kevin Townsend (11) 34pts

4th Alan Pilkington (9) 33pts

5th Alwyne Burley (17) 32pts

6th Shuichi Kodaka (18) 31pts

Following the below average returns of the previous outing there were few confident voices on the journey to the always difficult Bangpra where the greens, whilst always in top condition, are notoriously difficult from above the hole. But most were pleasantly surprised to find that their scores were much better as the consistency of the conditions throughout the course made golf a lot easier, with the grounds keeping staff having prepared an excellent test of golf.

Brian Libbey.

Rod Crosswell, in good form following an away trip when he played very steadily, returned to continue his form with a two under handicap round that was just enough to pip Bruce Kusyk by a single point. Rod finished extremely strongly with a two over gross back nine as Bruce slipped backwards on the inward half with a blob on the tenth hole and even finishing with two three pointers on 17 and 18 could not quite make up the difference.

Kevin Townsend, who is also playing very tidily recently, took third place with a solid round that suffered from a couple of errant tee shots through the last nine but still did enough to consign Alan Pilkington, another regular podium placer, to fourth by a shot.

Alwyne Burley did enough on the outward half to tie up fifth place after Shuichi Kodaka started badly with a couple of blobs and single pointers and could not generate a good enough finish after scoring thirteen points through holes 12 to 15.

Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Rod Crosswell added to his day’s haul with the only one in the first division to sweep the roll over pool.

Prior to the presentation of the prizes there were welcomes for new members Derek Dickson and Peter Whitty together with a welcome back from a very successful trip to Hua Hin to Rod Crosswell, who had placed second overall behind Don Everett who himself was still away celebrating his massive win ahead of his fellow countrymen.

Friday, March 30, Phoenix - Monthly Medals

Division 1 Blue tees

CSS 75

1st Brian Libbey (9) 75

2nd Alan Pilkington (9) 76

3rd Kevin Townsend (11) 77

4th Phil Groves (8) 77

5th Kari Kuparinen (6) 77

Division 2 White tees

CSS 72

1st Ron Kerslake (28) 66

2nd Serge Straeten (17) 69

3rd Alwyne Burley (17) 77

4th Shane Heavey (18) 77

With the first division playing as usual from the blue tees over the Ocean and Mountain courses, whilst the second division played from the white tees, and the wind blowing a little stronger than it had been for the rest of the week, scoring was always going to be on the hard side even with the course in pristine condition and the greens running fast and true.

So it proved to be as Brian Libbey came in as the winner with a three over handicap return against the par of 72 and with the standard scratch having been set at 74 and just two players making the standard of two over handicap from that, it was certain that the CSS for the day would be moving up, which it did to 75, which put Brian’s round into perspective as a very good result.

Alan Pilkington claimed second place just a shot back after a very strong run to the finish that saw him close with a one over gross back nine which left him ruing an eleven stroke worse outward half that surely cost him his chance this time to tee it up in the year end Gold and Silvers.

Kevin Townsend made a good showing in his last competition before returning to Blighty to do his bit in helping the economy recover over the summer months as he took charge of third spot ahead of Phil Groves and Kari Kuparinen after winning a count back with a better 36.5 as Phil could muster just 39 and Kari 40 for fourth and fifth place respectively.

The second division was a walk over almost for Ron Kerslake who had his best round in Thailand by eight shots since 2008 and leaving Serge Straeten wondering what he will need to do to get into the end of year play-offs after he returned a very good three under card with a pair of 43’s on each nine to leave the third and fourth players way back some eight shots adrift, with Alwyne Burley just getting third after winning a count back by a margin of 38.5 to 40 after Shane Heave faded with a couple of doubles in the last three holes.

Marty Rock slipped in the sole ‘2’ in the first division and Ron Kerslake excelled by putting his first’2’ in Thailand to sweep the rollover pool in the second division to add to his day’s winnings.

Back at The Haven there were welcome backs for Marty Rock, Jon Lay, and Kari Kuparinen prior to the presentations.

Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 082 219 0965 or call in to The Haven 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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 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.


Sharing is caring at Greenwood

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Aussie trio, Norm, Tony & Pat ‘the NTP Marauder’.

Tuesday, March 27, Greenwood – Stableford

Tuesday was a visit to Greenwood, where last month and this, we shared the booking with Eastside Golf, to ensure we had 20+ players, taking advantage of their reduced green fee. The C & A combination was our test, and the course generally was good, although the greens seem to have suffered a little from their peak condition of a month or so ago.

Enjoying a surge in form of late, was Kurt Erik Persson (28) who signed for 35 points, courtesy of a couple of long putts, I am told. Coming in next was Clive Hoseason (28) with 32 points, while it was Tom Murray who got to write his name on the NTP markers.

Thursday, March 29, Pattana - Stableford

Pattana A & B was our venue for Thursday, with the PJ Bar joining our booking, to take advantage of the vouchers we had available. Pity the PSC couldn’t see their way clear to get some, so all the groups could visit this top course and facility.

Today it was Clive Hoseason (28) making the most of his run of form to secure 39 points. In second spot was Jeff Wylie (6) making a return to competitions after 2 months off, with 36 points, while Peter Henderson (14) rounded out the placings with 35 points.

Visitor Pat Quinlivan scored big, collecting 3 NTPs, while Dave grabbed the other.

Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf on Tuesday & Thursday, with ML hosting prompt presentations on both days. Call 0890941841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!


Mashi crowned monthly champ once more

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook

Tuesday, March 27, Crystal Bay – Stableford

Turn left on Sukhumwit and keep going until you hit the three big towers on your right, U-turn and on your left is the entrance. I say this because this is the only course ‘locally’ you go to that you in fact do not, in some way, have to cross a set of railway lines. That alone makes it unique, but when this was in its most pristine condition, this course, in my opinion, was the best one around.

Mashi Kaneta (left) receives the ‘golfer of the month’ award from Dick Warberg.

I say that because on this day we were playing a golf course that is in many respects a faded image of the splendor of several years ago. But at the end of the day the general opinion was that this was the most enjoyable venue we have played for weeks.

Today we were to play the A & B Nines, in many respects they were, or seem to be, similar to each other. Despite a strong wind the things that were obvious were that the fairways were well grassed and you could see the ball tee itself up. The rough was really tough and the greens were really fast and tricky.

Now it seems that all the courses we have played of late have been below par, either through bad and bald greens, bare and hard fairways or just not up to scratch. Very disappointing!

Tuesday’s top three with one of Bert’s finest.

Round over we were through the changing room where we were reminded of the limitations of Crystal bay, with cold water and ragged towels and into the Restaurant with its slightly worn out interior. However, as always with golfers these problems were ignored and the only discussion was how much the players had enjoyed the course. Yes it is a regular on our list for definite.

Back at Bert’s it was time for the presentation and not only that, but being the end of the month it was time for the MBMG Golfer of the Month award to be handed out.

On the day the winner was Kevin Dunn with 40 points on count back from Mashi Kaneta. Kevin, as befits a builder, first gave us an estimate of his result but when pressed we got a reworked final quote. In third place we also had a count back but on 39 points when Doug Maiko came in third and Bernie Cairns came in fourth. Brian Parrish came in fifth with 38 points.

Onto the winner of the MBMG Golfer of the Month, and I wonder who it was? Well with a late run Mashi once again stormed into first place. Now despite having many photos of Mashi winning the MBMG Golfer of the Month we lashed out and took another one. Well done Mashi!

B Flight top three at Emerald.

Near Pins: Bob Watson, Mick O’Connor, Kevin Dunn

Friday, March 30, The Emerald – Stableford

On this day we had the promise of a really hot day, and so it proved with no air movement and very humid. Still we were away a little early, and despite having a 3-ball to start we were not held up. However, it has to be said that those who played without carts really struggled towards the end.

The course itself was not in bad condition. You have to realise that if you play here you will have very few level lies, you will nearly always have to play the ball above or below your feet and usually a cross hill lie. You are also most times playing into elevated greens that are shallow as you play into them. A difficult test - but on this day all was fine and the course was in good condition.

Round over it was back to Bert’s and soon time for the presentation where it was found the B Flight had scored better than the A Flight. In the A Flight, 0 to 16, the winner was Andre Van Dyk with 34 points on count back over your scribe in second while in third was Mike Gaussa with 33.

In the B Flight the winner was Tom Cotton on count back over Don Carmody, both with 37 points, and in third was Brian Gabe with 34 points. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: David Hutchinson, Mike Gaussa, Stan Everingham, Doug Maiko


Smithson starts the week with a bang

Bunker Boys @ The Bowling Green

Monday, March 26, The Emerald - Rainbow Stableford

Twenty-one players turned out for our first Rainbow competition for several months (6 off the red tees, 6 off the whites and 6 off the blues with players making their own choice of tee on each hole). The Emerald course is always a good choice for this competition, because of the large variety of difficult holes (long and short), not many people would choose to go off the blue tees on the 16th for example.

P.J. - a model of patience.

The additional brain work required in choosing the tees was no problem for Keith Smithson, who set off birdie, birdie, par, birdie and kept up that form to eventually finish with a score of 39 points. Even with the challenging format the round was completed in 4 hours and 15 minutes, so hopefully a good sign that the low season is now kicking in.

A Flight

1st Keith Smithson (2) 39pts

2nd Mike Lloyd (14) 36pts

3rd Tony Robbins (13) 35pts

B Flight

1st Rab McDonald (15) 37pts

2nd Paul Edgar (19) 36pts

3rd John Hughes (16) 35pts

Near Pins: Colin Greig, Keith Norman, John Graham, and J.J. Harney

Wednesday, March 28, Bangprakong – Stableford

We were scheduled to play at Greenwood today, but after receiving a number of reports that the condition of the greens there weren’t good, we made a late change to Bangprakong. The trip up the Chonburi by-pass was no problem for most drivers, only Lee Butler deciding to take the scenic route via Bangkok, and hence ended up playing in the last group.

This course is always in good shape, and today the greens were excellent. Keith Smithson carried on from where he left off on Monday, shooting a level par round of 72 gross, without a birdie on the card – 18 straight pars! Even that great score wasn’t enough to take the honours on the day though - his good mate Mike Lloyd beat him by a point to win the A Flight with 37 points.

P.J. Redmond finally found some good form to win the B Flight with 35 points, ahead of “Drunken” Duncan, playing his first game since returning from U.K.

A Flight

1st Mike Lloyd (14) 37pts

2nd Keith Smithson (0) 36pts

3rd J.J. Harney (12) 34pts

B Flight

1st P.J. Redmond (23) 35pts

2nd Duncan Lee (16) 33pts

3rd John Hughes (16) 32pts

Near Pins: Mike Lloyd, Colin Greig, John Graham and Geoff Cox

Friday, March 30, Bangpra – Stableford

A smaller group of golfers today for our visit to Bangpra, but unfortunately we were behind two other golf societies, and the round was painfully slow. At one stage there were 5 groups waiting at the par 3 second hole, and this occurred depressingly often during the round.

As always with a slow round, it’s difficult to keep concentration, and the scores on the day reflected that. In the end, most of the players completed the round in five and half hours, only P.J. (normally renowned for being such a calm and patient golfer!) lost his cool, and walked off at the 14th hole.

Colin Greig had a good day on the par threes, taking two near pin prizes, and recording 3 birdies. Rab McDonald had the best score of the day, with hard earned 32 points to win the marathon contest.

1st Rab McDonald (3) 32pts

2nd Mark Stanley (13) 31pts

3rd Dave Ashman (15) 31pts

4th Gordon Melia (17) 31pts

Near Pins: Mark Stanley and Colin Greig (2).

Despite a brave attempt by John Hughes, and the late charge by Rab McDonald, there was no catching Colin Greig as he won the race to the Golfer of the Month title. That’s two in a row for Colin now, so it’s high time he went on his spring break to the wilds of Scotland, and gave somebody else a chance! In fairness Colin has knocked 5 shots of his handicap over the last 3 months (now playing off 7.6), which is great golf by anyone’s standards.

Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society who now play out of the Bowling Green on Soi X-Zyte between Pattaya 3rd Road and Soi Buakhaow. We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us. We meet at the Bowling Green at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players with valid handicaps are always welcome. For more information call Dave on 087 1469978, email dave. [email protected].


Walter Webber records maiden hole-in-one

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday’s three division winners from Khao Kheow: Ron Miller, Dennis Scougal and Willy Van Heetvelde.

Monday, March 26, Khao Kheow – Stableford

Our first outing here for over eight months and with a 10.34 tee off we arrived and were allocated the C and B courses. The starter then informed us we could tee off 50 minutes ahead of our scheduled time. The par 5 first on the C is not everyone’s favourite starting hole but with 38 players out today, amazingly nobody went into the water from their tee shot.

Playing off nine now, Ron Miller returned the best score in the three men’s divisions with 39 points. Heikki Alanko was second four points behind and the Estonian lad Raivo Velsberg, with an 8 handicap, was third with 32 points.

Willy Van Heetvelde won division 3 with 38 points ahead of Mauri Friman in second on 35 and Chris Slota, on a four week vacation from his African residence, was third with 34.

The phone box delegate topped division 2 with 34 points, well done Dennis Scougall, while Jerry McCarthy took second one point behind and Jean Morel was in third with 32 points.

Pranee Bosset won the ladies division with 30 points.

In the ‘2’s today there were no rollovers in division 1 and Heikki Alanko, Kari Kuparinen, Toni Stoltsen and Raivo Velsberg shared the pot while a rollover in division 2 ensued to Emerald on Wednesday.

Near pins went to Pranee Bosset, Heikki Alanko, Kari Kuparinen (2), Alan Pilkington, Lee Casey, Rod Howett and Jean Morel (2).

It is that time of the year again and the numbers are diminishing - after the presentation at Siam Cats it was Bon Voyage to our regulars Roar Berger, Jim Connelly, Fred Duffy, Jerry McCarthy Neville Scurrell and Harry Vincenzi, we will see you all soon!

Wednesday, March 28, The Emerald - Stableford

There were two divisions out today with no lady players (they are all in hibernation it seems). Albert’s friend Terry Redding won division 2 with 40 points ahead of Mauri Friman in second two points behind and Wily van Heetvelde was in third on 33.

Chris Voller topped division 1 with 37 points but the main plaudits went to Walter Webber. He stood on the 15th par three with a seven iron, his shot hits the fringe before the pin and rolled in for his first ever hole in one. Congratulations from all of us at Jomtien Golf and the drinks were flowing when he returned to the clubhouse, many thanks Walter! His 35 points gave him second place and Ron Miller was third with 34.

Walter took the ‘2’s pot from both divisions and also the rollover from Khao Kheow, he was a happy man. This was our sixth hole in one since we started 5 years ago and his name will be on the shield at Siam Cats.

Apologies to Walter - at the time of sending our report in, his photo was lost in the organizer’s system, but we will try to find it and publish it next week.

Friday, March 30, Eastern Star - Stableford

Another very hot day here and the greens are still improving slightly but were still very slow compared with our rounds earlier in the week. The cut today was 7-18 in division 1 and 20+ in division 2.

One week left before her return to the French town of Marseilles, in-form Pranee Bosset, now playing off 15, won the ladies division with 36 points. There will be a cut before her return in September.

Frank Kelly took top podium position in division 1 with 36 points, and a warm welcome return to Peter Marsh who finished second with 34, with Ron Miller in third one point behind.

The mask has been off for a few weeks now but Paul Chabot was back in the reckoning today, winning division 2 with 35 points. Rodney Howett was second on 34 and Yves Bosset beat Joe Kubon on a 19/16 back nine count back for third after they both returned scores of 33.

Near pins went to Pranee Bosset, Chris Voller, Yves Bosset (2), Bill Bertram and Robert Kitsunn.

There were no ‘2’s in division 1 and three rollovers in division 2 to next Friday.

Even more departures over the next few days: a goodbye to Andy Baber, back to Scotland for Dennis Scougal and Chiang Mai for Terry Redding, but we are not sure who with?


Mashi & Walter beat the Tropical heat

The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

On Monday, 26th March the Pattaya Golf Society visited Plutaluang to play a stableford competition on the East and South nines. It was the first time this combination had been assigned to the group since an abandoned attempt at a competition some four years ago in the midst of a vicious thunderstorm. So, optimism was high at the thoughts of what the day might hold for the field. The course was well turned out but the greens were vintage Plutaluang, running at 6.5 on the stimp.

On an empty track in third place came Dave Wilkinson with 32 points, representing his best round for a month or two, whilst in second place was “Rocketman” Rick Schramm, playing his final round this trip and he finished on a credible 34 points. The day’s best score was recorded by Jesper Hansen, his 40 points being his best return with the group. It was also the twelfth forty point plus return with the group so far this year. Now that the Eurocrat has sorted out his game he can turn his thoughts to the lesser problem of solving the crisis in Greece!

There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went at last to Rick Schramm for no other reason than to wish him God speed!

Barton & Page tops at Lakeside

The Pattaya Golf Society travelled again to Royal Lakeside on Wednesday, 28th March to make another assessment of the extensive changes the club has made to the hitherto benign course in an effort to toughen up the challenge. An apricot “white house”, additional lateral bunkers, additional intrusive water hazards, raised and tiered greens, a “tarted-up” clubhouse - all were there to greet the two flights with the cut at sixteen and under. Putting is the key to success now and a reliance on caddies for advice is hasty as they too have to re-learn the lines.

In the top flight Phil “PJ” Mitchell posted one of his better rounds, peppered with good luck, to record 32 points to share second place with Chris Smith who shot the best gross of the day, 77. The flight winner was again Jesper Hansen who took the win with 36 points.

In the second flight James Smith produced another competent round to finish third with 32 points and the flight win was shared by Ken Page and Vic Barton with 38 points apiece.

The Booby Bevy went to an out of sorts Gary Bolger who managed only thirteen points, three of which came on the final hole. Gone are the days when it took a four under round to find a place in the frame at Royal Lakeside and in some ways this is a good thing. Let’s hope it’s not money wasted.

Page Two

The Pattaya Golf Society chose its favourite course, Bangpra for the final PGS March competition on Friday 30th and found a quality course in excellent condition but with all the white tees placed on the blue tee boxes. The day was destined to be a long one!

Fairways were well grassed and the greens were at their legendary best. A moderate sized field saw only one flight and in third place was the only lady in the field, Wan Meeraka, her game holding up well with a result of 32 points. Racing out of the traps was Mr Len with eighteen points recorded after just seven holes but thereafter the consistency of his drive deserted him and he finished with 33 points in second place. The winner was Ken Page, his second success in as many outings and his 34 points was a fine result in the conditions.

With the shortest par three at over 182 yards there were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy was sacrificed in favour of a congratulatory cold beer for Pat Murphy as he had the honour of starting the one thousandth round with PGS this year.

Bangpra did not disappoint and the group will certainly enjoy the hospitality of the club for a long time yet as the low season rate is once again very favourable.


Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Aht, Noodle, Joe, Ooy & Lek.

Sue Murphy bowled a 518 series for Brother D to lead them to a four point sweep over first place Indiana. Morn Mack had a 504 for Indiana.

Green Tree is only one point behind first place after winning three points from Tea Party. Noodle Russell celebrated her birthday with a 202 game and 546 series to lead Green Tree. Aht Johansson, Green Tree, had a 234 game, 517 series and Joe Ferral, Tea Party, bowled a 203 game and 519 series.

Bavaria also gained on first place after winning three points from Canada. Lek Reaper bowled a 221 game and 536 series for Canada.

VFW Post 9876 split their match against Caf้ Kronborg with each team getting two points. Ooy Pluemkamon, VFW, had games of 211, 187 and 190 for a 588 series.

Kran Nielsen, Kronborg, had games of 199, 182 and 185 for a 566 series. Wade Myers bowling as a spare bowled a 513 series.


Thai driver Sandy Stuvik impresses during testing at Oschersleben Circuit

The first official test session for the 2012 Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup was held at Germany’s Oschersleben Circuit just outside Magdeburg last month. Sandy Stuvik arrived as the fastest driver from the previous test in Spain, to race at Oschersleben for the first time and immediately took the lead in the morning testing session.

Sandy Stuvik.

The 16 year old Thai driver led the morning session until the last half hour when most drivers went out on new tires to set quick times. Unfortunately for the Thai driver, his lap 3 and fast lap saw another car spinning off the track and the session was red flagged. Still, Stuvik’s outlap time of 1:26:580 was fast enough to secure him the second fastest overall time for the day.

Following Interwetten. com’s team strategy, Stuvik opted to save his new tire allotment for the second day of testing, hoping to make an impact for the overall fastest time at Oschersleben. The team was well satisfied with the Thai driver setting the 2nd fastest time of the day and were optimistically looking forward to the season start in April.

After the first day of testing Sandy commented; “I really like the Oschersleben Circuit and feel it fits my driving style and the Interwetten .com team gave me a car set-up that allowed me to really push. I am confident I can improve further though and will go over my driving data tonight to look for improvements for tomorrow.”

Stuvik sets a fast time during testing at the Oschersleben Circuit in Germany.

Sandy was constantly amongst the fastest during the first day of testing and on the second day he set the overall fastest time of 1:26:077 early in the morning and remained on the P1 spot for the entire morning session. In the afternoon the Thai driver had 1 new set of tires left, but was again unlucky and saw the track closed with a red flag, just as he started his first flying laps on the new tires. With more than 20 cars on track, this is something that happens and as the tires are only at peak performance during laps 3 to 5 the drivers need to have a little luck on their side to get clean runs.

The last 2 days of official testing before the start of the Formula Renault NEC season were held at Hockenheim Circuit in Germany. Sandy raced at the Hockenheim circuit one year ago and looked forward to 2 days of testing at the circuit, as it also will host the first round of the championship, in a month’s time.

Sandy was using the same car as he did during the previous days testing at Oschersleben and the first day was marred with car problems. First the injectors had to be changed, then well over half the day went by trying to find the reason the car could not reach top speed. The data clearly showed the car could not reach full RPM, but it took well into the afternoon to find that the catalysator had melted.

Finally in the last session the car was again up to speed and Sandy opted to put on one of the valuable new sets of tires (only 3 sets were allowed and it is typically 1.5 to 2 seconds faster than a used set). Sandy exited the pits together with an F312 and on the out lap the sight impaired F3 driver managed to take both cars out with a do or die maneuver. Sandy’s battery was depleted, so all he could do was to wait for the service car after the session had finished.

Day 2 of testing again started with problems, as when Sandy went out on the new tires, he straight away hit slow traffic and then another red flag, so the “new tire” advantage was again spoilt.

The track is approx. 1 second faster in the cold morning, than the warm afternoon, so with this a chance for a glory (fastest) lap was gone. Nonetheless, the team felt that Sandy had the potential for setting one of the fastest times.

In the 4th session in the afternoon, almost all drivers were on used tires and Sandy went second fastest.

Then in the final 5th session all drivers put on their last set of new tires and it was a shoot out. Sandy did manage to get the first 4 laps free from traffic and set a time of 1:38:986, which was the 5th fastest in the session and also overall 5th fastest for the day.

Considering where the young Thai driver’s car was on weight, on full race specification and with catalysator in the car, the team is carefully optimistic about being a strong contender when the season starts later this month.

Team Interwetten.com Junior Racing team did an outstanding job in solving technical problems that came up and kept the car and driver in the top group. At Hockenheim Sandy again had the opportunity to work closely with his driver coach, former F1 test driver Neel Jani, in perfecting his driving technique and car handling.

Next for Sandy will be another testing session at Slovakiaring and Red Bull Ring as a warm up for the 2012 season start at Hockenheim on 21 April, 2012.


Do-Yeon rescues a point for United with last gasp goal

Pattaya United’s Anuwat Inyin (2nd left) fires in a shot during the second half of the Thai Premier League match against Bangkok Glass FC at the Leo Stadium in Bangkok, Sunday, April 1. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat/Pattaya United FC)

Following two successive home wins, Pattaya United took to the road for the first time this season to take on Bangkok Glass in the Leo Stadium in Bangkok last weekend.

In an entertaining opining 45 minutes both teams had chances to go in front, with Dolphin forwards Ekollo and Obatola causing problems for the home defence, however it was the hosts who took the lead on the stroke of half time when French midfielder Flavien Michelini volleyed in superbly from the edge of the area to give Narit no chance in the Pattaya goal.

The second period had a bit of everything; chances at both ends, two red cards and some last minute drama throw in. Bangkok Glass thought they had sealed the points on two separate occasions but each time the goal was ruled out for an infringement, sparking scenes of fury on the terraces and protests on the home bench. As tempers began to boil over, United’s Keisuke Ogawa clashed with Bangkok forward Winothai and both players received their marching orders from the referee.

With the action unrelenting and tempers running hot on both teams, it was almost inevitable that we would have some drama at the death, and so it proved. With just seconds of the match remaining a scramble in the Bangkok Glass penalty area saw the ball fall to the feet of United’s Kim Do-Yeon who calmly dispatched it into the bottom corner of the net to set off scenes of joy from the Dolphin supporters amassed at one end of the stadium and yet more protests from the home players and officials.

The goal maintained United’s unbeaten start to the season and the point gained allowed them to hold onto fourth spot in the standings, just one point behind defending champions and current league leaders Buriram United.

Pattaya United’s next fixture is on Sunday, April 8 against Chainat FC at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.


Father Ray team takes out Shai Davis Soccer Tournament 2012

Derek Franklin

Congratulations go to the team from the Father Ray Children’s Home who lifted the winner’s trophy at the 2012 Shai Davis Soccer Tournament which was played at Planet Football on Soi Siam Country Road.

The Father Ray Children’s Home team celebrate their win.

Now in its fifth year, this annual soccer competition saw regular teams from the Pattaya Orphanage, Father Ray Children’s Home and Sarnelli House – Nong Khai welcome the Banglamung Boys Home who were invited to play in the competition for the first time.

The competition started with ten players from each team taking penalty shots against Shai Davis, earning themselves fifty baht if they kicked the ball into the net.

First game of the day was between the team from Nong Khai and the Pattaya Orphanage, with the local boys winning by several goals.

In the second game the new team from the Banglamung Boys Home lost on penalties to the Father Ray Children’s Home, who secured a place in the final against the Orphanage team.

Play was halted when thunder, lightning and a heavy downpour caused a blackout and everyone ran for cover.

Penalties were used to decide who would be the third and fourth winner, and in the end it was the team who travelled from Nong Khai who came in third place leaving the newcomers from the Banglamung Boys Home in last place.

Any game between the Pattaya Orphanage and the Father Ray Children’s Home is taken very seriously. While the players may be friends off the pitch, when the whistle blows to start a game there is fierce rivalry.

But it was down to the last penalty kick which decided the winner, and there were scenes reminiscent of a World Cup final when the trophy was presented to the captain of the Father Ray Children’s Home.

Pattaya hosts many soccer competitions throughout the year, but the Shai Davis Tournament is one of the most popular. It brings together teams from different charitable organisations, each player receives a specially designed soccer kit and the prestige of taking home a trophy, no matter if they come first or fourth.

Five years of trying the team from Nong Khai are still yet to reach the final but can smile anyway.

Trophies were awarded to the best player in each team.

This year’s runners up, the Pattaya Orphanage.

The Banglamung Boys Home team came in fourth place.


Varuna veteran Malcolm Humphreys battles (and beats) the Briny

Malcolm celebrates with a bottle of bubbly while wife Norma holds the pencil sketch presented by the Royal Varuna Yacht Club to mark his amazing swim.

Peter Cummins

What could be more appropriate for a man who has embraced the sea all his life, than to leave Thailand with a unique achievement? Malcolm Humphreys, alias The Old Man and the Sea (courtesy, Ernest Hemingway) or the Ancient Mariner (courtesy, Samuel Taylor Coleridge), last Sunday swam solo the 9-Kilometre stretch of water between the Royal Varuna Yacht Club on South Pattaya’s eastern shore, to Koh Larn, the island of the setting sun, due west. His time of 2 hours, 59 seconds, could well enter the prestigious Guinness Book of Records.

Malcolm Humphreys is a British 75 years young long-distance swimmer and Laser sailor who comes to the Royal Varuna Y.C. with wife Norma to escape the British winter, joining the flock of migratory birds, doing like-wise to avoid their dreadful northern climes each winter.

Malcolm has quite an aquatic track record. He started swimming at the age of 15, when he won every trophy in the Richmond upon Thames Swimming Club, and was a keen water-polo player, while holding the record for the Bala Lake British Long Distance swimming Association in Wales, during 1960s.

Malcolm represented Great Britain in the Cross-Schelde (Netherlands) swim when he was the first swimmer to finish.

Following the birth of two daughters, he decided to take up sailing as a family activity, qualified as an Ocean Yacht-master and later completed two trans-Atlantic crossings with his wife Norma as crew.

Since joining Royal Varuna Y.C. it has always been his ambition to swim to Koh Larn and he is extremely grateful for the support boats provided by the Club which encouraged him to complete the swim and returned him to a welcoming committee, members and staff from the RVYC.

At a post-swim reception sponsored by the Royal Varuna Club, Dave Littlejohn, Varuna Vice Commodore, presented Malcolm with a pencil-drawing sketch, which had been organized by Gareth Owens, himself a world-champion sailor.

“We shall place this memento in the Varuna Hall of Fame,” said Dave at the reception. “It will be an example of courage - AND a challenge to future trans-gulf contenders.”

Malcolm and Norma returned to their roots yesterday, but I feel Koh Larn will be waiting for the Varuna Veteran to come back and do it all again!


16th PSC Charity Classic raises 400,000 baht

The Pattaya Sports Club recently announced that their 16th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, held at Green Valley on March 16, has raised 400,000 baht for charities and promoting sports.

They would like to thank all the PSC members who played in the tournament and great appreciation to all the sponsors. The major sponsors were Jesters and Sinto. The hole sponsors were YWCA; Casa Pascal; VFW Post 9876; VFW District V (Thailand/Cambodia); Top Cat; Walter Baechli; Outback Golf Bar; The Golf Club; Mulligan’s; Kronny Bunch; The Cardwell Family; Jesters; Classroom Hotel & Bar; TQ Masters; Marriott Dicey Riley’s; Lewiinski’s; Compass Real Estate; Pattaya Mail and Inspire. Other sponsors were Punta Turf and Pattaya City Golf.

These are some of the charities that will be supported by this tournament. Hand To Hand Foundation; Pattaya Orphanage; Able The Disabled Foundation; Father Ray Foundation.

Again the Pattaya Sports Club EC and especially the golf chairman, Joe Mooneyham, would like to thank all the players and sponsors for their support and making this event a most successful day.


Forget the Olympics - we’ve got FOBISSEA

Garden International School is to host a major international sporting event

GIS’s football stars celebrate another goal!

The Group C Primary FOBISSEA games will be held at Garden International School (GIS) from June 5-8. This mini-Olympics will see students competing from schools in Nepal, Malaysia and Vietnam. It will be an exciting time for all the children in GIS, particularly those who are in Years 4, 5 and 6 and especially for those children who are competing in the various sporting events.

The school, which is based in Ban Chang, Rayong, now has a full team of primary students ready to compete in various sporting events.

Several fundraising events, such as a sponsored swim, disco, sporting mufti day and a ‘Beat the Keeper’ contest, will be held next term, and there will be a meeting with the parents of participating students. The fundraisers will help keep the costs for parents to a minimum.

MBf Taylors has already generously agreed to sponsor the swimming kits and hats. GIS is also very grateful to the other sponsors: Crathco Ltd, Tanachart Bank and Alliance Insurance. There is still time if you would also like to sponsor the event, which is expected to gain national and international coverage.

If you or your company would like to help out, please contact Ms Lucy, who is coordinating the sponsorship, at [email protected], the Head of PE, Mr Edwards, at roberte@gardenrayong. com or Rob Grisdale at [email protected].

For more on the event, please visit www.gardenrayong.com.

One of Garden’s top swimmers.


St Andrews’ students prepare themselves for a sports event in China

St Andrews International School’s U13 FOBISSEA (Federation of British international Schools of South East Asia) Team.

Matt Dunn, PE Teacher

St Andrews School has been invited to compete in the U13 FOBISSEA Games in Suzhou, China hosted by Dulwich International College. All the students are busy training hard for this big event. We would like to wish all our competitors the best of luck!


Blue Moose says goodbye to Pattaya Country Club

Three Sisters Blue Moose Golf

Rich Murphy on the left and Dale Murphy on the right.

This 28th of March was our last day of golf at the Pattaya Country Club, at least until late 2013. The course will be open for 9 holes of golf for those interested. All future golf will be played out of the Blue Moose Bar and Apartments.

Seventeen players showed up to play. Several areas of the course were soaked as the sprinklers must have been left on all night. The greens were shabby which is probably why the course is undergoing renovation.

Returning to Caddy Shack II for the last time, the cards were tallied and the winner was Rich Murphy with 40 points followed by Dale Murphy also with 40 points but lost to Rich on the count-back.

This being the end of the month it was Trophy day. Herbie furnished snacks of chips, nachos and pretzels. The entree was steamed hot dogs. No agreement was reached as to the next venue or venues. Bill Thompson, owner of the Blue Moose will post the agenda on his web page.


Season opener for PSC Softball

Team PSC and The Teachers pose for a group photo at Thai Polo Club.

Dave Dolle

For this opening day there would be no horsing around on this playground at the Thai Polo Club. Team PSC were playing The Teachers from St. Andrews International School for local softball bragging rights.

The Teachers did their homework and prepared well for game 1. They put down their pencils and picked up their bats and schooled Team PSC, scoring 5 runs in the first and never looked back, putting a win on the board to take a deserved lead.

Fortunately for Team PSC the lunch bell rang and they were able to lick their wounds and their chops over burgers and beers, hit the books, then the ball and proving to be too much of a test for The Teachers in game 2. While The Teachers got an “A” for effort it was Team PSC that chalked up the “W”.

So in the end this day will go down in the history books as a win-win for both teams and the lesson learned: “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how much fun you had playing the game.”

Thanks to all our fans and to our host the Thai Polo Club for the beautiful field, tasty food and beverages. For more information about PSC Softball visit the Pattaya Sports Club website: www.pattayasports.org.


 
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]

Shenanigans Quiz

Ken and Brumi John share lawn bowls championship

Mike cans an ‘Ace’

Kenny & Henrik emerge victorious at Navy

Lumpy leads the way at Burapah

Simon sets the standard

Fortune shines on Dan at Emerald

Batty’s double delight

Brian Libby and Ron Kerslake snatch the Medals

Sharing is caring at Greenwood

Mashi crowned monthly champ once more

Smithson starts the week with a bang

Walter Webber records maiden hole-in-one

Jesper joins the forties club

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Thai driver Sandy Stuvik impresses during testing at Oschersleben Circuit

Do-Yeon rescues a point for United with last gasp goal

Father Ray team takes out Shai Davis Soccer Tournament 2012

Varuna veteran Malcolm Humphreys battles (and beats) the Briny

16th PSC Charity Classic raises 400,000 baht

Forget the Olympics - we’ve got FOBISSEA

St Andrews’ students prepare themselves for a sports event in China

Blue Moose says goodbye to Pattaya Country Club

Season opener for PSC Softball
 

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

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