Malcolm lands the big one

Sea fishing with KPK Food Services Ltd.

Mike Gerrard
Ahoy me hearties, Captain Chaos here!
With two of the passengers not feeling up to it today (May 12), five of the remaining crew set off to catch the early tide. When we arrived we knew it was going to be a hot sticky day out on the ocean. The skies were clear but there was a hint of a breeze.

Malcolm Schofield with his queen fish.

When we arrived at the first destination we decided to try for big fish only. The tide was running favorable and it was considered the best time to try for the biggies. However a couple of hours later, after having one biggy bite (and subsequently lost in the attempt to land it) we decided that all the crew needed a bit of action, so we moved to another spot and drifted with the current and the breeze. It was not long before all members of the crew were pulling in good sized snapper, pla dang and grouper - all good eating fish. In fact yours truly pulled in the biggest pla dang I have ever seen. Boy was he a fatty fish.

There is always something different happening at sea and today we had first. As Fred pulled up two small fish (on the same line) the rod seemed to bend a little more than normal. As we watched it reach the surface there was a huge cuttle fish hanging on to the two small fish plus a tangled live squid from another line. All three were being held in the mouth of the cuttle fish.

Great care was taken to lift the whole catch in one piece until a net could be put around the cuttle fish. As soon as net touched the cuttle fish it released its prey and tried to dive for safety. Too late - we had him. Well actually as I write this my wife is slowly devouring the whole thing. The sad part of that catch was that no one owned a budgerigar so as to take the cuttle bone home.

And so the day went on until about 3.30 p.m. and we decided to try an old spot I once remembered catching big fish. So we set off and spent the last hour talking and waiting for a reel to scream. By this time I had settled to award the KPK Food Services cap to Peter Holt for his good sized snapper. After duly awarding the cap and taking the photo, (it was too much to tempt fate) bang, the big rig reel went berserk. After a 15 minute fight Malcolm Schofield landed the lovely queen fish depicted in the photo. This meant I had to take the cap from Peter and award it to Malcolm.

We gave it another 15 minutes before deciding it was time for a couple of amber nectars to wash the salt water down. Back at Mama’s Bar, owned by Steve Craythorne, we enjoyed the couple of drinks whilst all the lovely girls sorted out their fish for the evening.
Next scheduled trip is the 26th May and we are already half full. If anyone is interested in coming along, call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565, or send an email to [email protected]. After that the next trip will be 16th June.

Kepplers Cider Knockout Cup

Round 1 First Leg Results:
Barking Frog 3 v 8 Panitas Bar, View Bar 8 v 3 Sammys Bar, Lucky Bar 7 v 4 Rendezvous, Pepe Bar 8 v 3 Drop In, Neena Bar 6 v 5 Mulligans, Brasshouse 8 v 3 Pats Bar

Round 1 Second Leg Results:
Panitas Bar 8 v 3 Barking Frog, Sammy’s Bar 4 v 7 View Bar, Rendezvous 5 v 6 Lucky Bar, Drop In 3 v 8 Pepe Bar, Mulligans 9 v 2 Neena Bar, Pats Bar 3 v 8 Brasshouse

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Aht, Dave and Tue.

The new 30 week league got going after a two week break and Canada are off to a good start winning four points from Indiana. Dave Dolle had a great start bowling games of 171, 200 and 191 for a 562 series to lead Canada.
VFW Post 9876 continued their strong bowling from the last league taking three points from Green Tree with Ooy Pluemkamon bowling games of 175, 192, and 189, 556 series and Tui Amphanon added a 521 series for VFW. Noodle Russell was best for Green Tree with a 510 series.
Mittin2012 (formally Tea Party) took three point from Brother D led by Nok Ostbo’s 503 series. Tue Pettae bowled a 200 game for Brother D.
Aht Johansson bowled a 214 game and 508 series to lead Bavaria to a two-two split against Café Kronborg.

Hornick shoots personal best at Laem Chabang

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Ian Heddle, centre, with Brian Maddox, left, and Stuart Tinkler after their fine rounds at Khao Kheow on Monday.

Monday, May 7, Khao Kheow - Stableford

Today was a Thai Holiday (Coronation Day) but unlike Burapha, there was no increased rate to play here at Khao Kheow - so 20 Outbackers took advantage of their (Khao Kheow’s) generous offer and played the C & A nines.

Despite it being a holiday the course was virtually deserted, but regretfully not really in the best of condition as the previously sabotaged greens on C still haven’t recovered properly and the greens generally were disappointingly slow. The cow grass on C seems to be taking over the fairways and where the cow grass hadn’t taken control the grass was very thin giving way to poor lies.

A loop was much better but it is quite possible until future notice we will play ‘winter rules’ every week here. A reminder also that the Outback has discontinued the use of Drop Zones apart from certain exceptions, further information available on the website or at the bar.

Ian Heddle was the only man to break par with the day’s top score of 37pts and he beat home in Div A, Stuart Tinkler and Suzi with 34 and 33pts respectively.
Brian Maddox did the business in Div B with his remarkable 35pts, with a card that included two shots that just refused to go out of bounds, they were out but just somehow came back in a again!

Robert Barnes got a birdie on hole A4, the toughest hole on the course and a very good shot it must have been as his tee shot knocked a bird right out of a tree in a puff of blue and black feathers, poor thing.
A couple of welcome backs to David Davies, Andy Makara & Tony Gliddon.
There was only one ‘2’ from Tony Gliddon on hole A3.

Div A (0-18)
1st Ian Heddle (6) 37pts
2nd Stuart Tinkler (14) 34pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (18) 33pts
Div B (19+)
1st Brian Maddox (21) 35pts
2nd Barry McIntosh (21) 30pts
3rd Ken Davidson (20) 28pts

Tuesday, May 8, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

Twelve intrepid golfers made their way to Pattaya Country Club to tackle the nine holes, first nine whites, second nine blues. After getting away before our allotted tee time we were caught in the rain, normal for this time of year. Even with a forty minute delay we were all round in under four and a half hours, the ones that finished anyway.
Luckily for the men the ladies had their own comp; Laong coming out on top with 42 points, beating Noy’s 38 into second place.
In the men’s comp, the scores were not quite so good with Dennis Persson taking first place with 33 points followed by Terry Marney on 31.
There was only one ‘2’ today also scooped by Laong - well done girl.
For your information Pattaya have extended their 550 baht green fee to include holidays and weekends till the 30th of September

Ladies
1st Laong Gatepratum (23) 42pts
2nd Noy Kamsantia (17) 38pts
3rd Orn Kanasaengsri (14) 32pts
Men
1st Dennis Persson (16) 33pts
2nd Terry Marney (27) 31pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (21) 30pts

Tuesday, May 8, Laem Chabang – Stableford

Twenty-one players travelled to Laem Chabang for one our new regular Tuesday low season outings and were greeted by overcast skies with some thunder and lightning in the air. Eventually it started to rain just as we were due to tee-off and all play was suspended as the greens and fairways quickly became rivers. We waited just over an hour for the rain to stop so we could commence play. The course was a little wet but drained well as the round went on and we finished the round with blue skies and high humidity.

The greens were a little slow but still great to putt on and the rest of the course was presented well. We played C and A courses off the white markers and A of the white markers was a little shorter than normal and with receptive greens a number of players had some very good scores. We played two divisions with two places in Division 1 and four places in Division 2 because of the unbalanced split with five players off a handicap of 14.

A couple of goodbyes to Stuart Tinkler & Colin Jones and a welcome to Patrick Douglas playing with the Outback for the first time today, with his Dad, Doug.
Division 2 (14+) was won by Bill Hornick with the best round of the day and his (Bill’s) best ever round in Thailand with 46 points, 76 gross off his 14 handicap. Second was Steve Milne with 40 points off his 17 handicap, third was Murray Hart (14) with 37 points and fourth was Colin Jones (22) with 35.

Division 1 was won by Paul Greenaway with a great score of 43 points, 74 gross off his 9 handicap with second going to Paul Bourke with 37 points off his 8 handicap.
There were four ‘2’s for the day and they went to Bill Hornick on C5, Steve Milne on C8 and Murray Hart got two on C5 and C8.
Note: The Outback have four tee times booked here every Tuesday throughout the low season.

Div A (0-13)
1st Paul Greenaway (9) 43pts
2nd Paul Bourke (8) 37pts
3rd Tom Fitzpatrick (13) 31pts
4th Ron Dickie (7) 30pts
Div B (14+)
1st Bill Hornick (14) 46pts
2nd Steve Milne (17) 40pts
3rd Murray Hart (14) 37pts
4th Colin Jones (22) 35pts

Wednesday, May 9, Treasure Hill – Stableford

In addition to the 15 at Siam Plantation, there were 8 Outbackers today playing at Treasure Hill and we were playing millionaire’s golf due to a big Government competition being played in Bangkok.
The course was above average although in parts the rough was very rough and you needed a lawnmower in your golf bag to find your ball. The men decided to play off the White Tees for a bit of a challenge and maybe the Yellow Tees would have been a wiser decision as the course played very long due to the amount of rain they have had over the last few days. Ian Heddle was heard to comment in the bar later, that Treasure Hill is one tough golf course.
Murray Hart was the winner with 31pts, beating Paul Bourke on count back but Paul had the only ‘2’ on the 6th.
All in all it was a very pleasant day
1st Murray Hart (14) 31pts
2nd Paul Bourke (8) 31pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (18) 28pts

Wednesday, May 9, Siam Plantation – Stableford

On another of our double course days, 15 players went to Siam Plantation for our Wednesday outing on a beautiful sunny day with clear skies and a gentle breeze. The course was not fully booked and the starter let our first groups go early but our last group had to hang back as one player got a little lost, but all groups had hit off before 9am and finished before 1pm.
The course was presented very well as is normal and whilst the greens were good they were a little slow. Pace off play was very good with all groups keeping their place in the field.

With only 15 players we only played one division with four places; the winner was Rosco Langoulant with a great score of 40 points off his 14 handicap, with second going to Bill Hornick who had 39 points playing off his new handicap of 12, cut 2 after winning at Laem Chabang yesterday, with third place going to Patrick Douglas (14) with 35 points and fourth place going to the Capt’ with 34 points playing off 10.
Welcome too, to some new boys in town, Gordon Etheridge, Richard Pegler and also Frank & Ernest although we didn’t see the latter two’s scorecards.
There was one ‘2’ for the day and that went to Patrick Douglas on B7.
The Outback will be here again next Wednesday at the same tee time, 8.44.
1st Rosco Langoulant (14) 40pts
2nd Bill Hornick (12) 39pts
3rd Patrick Douglas (14) 35pts
4th Steve Mann (10) 34pts

Friday, May 11, St. Andrews – Stableford

Twenty-four Outbackers were at St Andrews for the second time in the last fortnight due to Green Valley having a member’s competition.
With very little breeze blowing, we were in for a hot one; the fairways were in great condition but the greens had been cored and sanded, which made putting a bit more difficult to judge, but this didn’t stop nearly half the field playing to their handicap or better.

Welcome back to Colin Goon, here on a quick visit and Sel Wegner, who’s just found his form again ahead of the Outback’s tour to Siem Reap next month, with an excellent 39pts but not quite enough to beat the in-form Ron Dickie, who equalled the points and beat Sel only on count back. Ian Heddle had an easier time than at Treasure Hill earlier in the week, today finding himself in third place in Div A on 37.
Another man who’s still playing well and staying one step ahead of the handicapper is John O’Keefe, who posted the day’s top score of 40pts to win Div B from Joe Mooneyham (39) and Dave Edwards (38).
There was only one ‘2’ from Greg Hill on the 5th.
Div A (0-14)
1st Ron Dickie (7) 39pts
2nd Sel Wegner (13) 39pts
3rd Ian Heddle (5) 37pts
Div B (15+)
1st John O’Keefe (17) 40pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (15) 39pts
3rd Dave Edwards (17) 38pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar can be contacted on 087 941 2474 (Jack).

Thompson triumphs once more

PSC golf from the Blue Moose

Bill Thompson and Larry Emerson.

Green Valley Country Club was the venue for the Blue Moose golfing group this 8th of May. Three foursomes took to the field and gave it their best. The course is in beautiful condition in all respects. While the skies were overcast no rain fell on the group despite dark clouds and thunder on the horizon.
There was one water hazard that got just about everyone. It was a reasonable pond that most were able to get over but unseen from the tee box was a 2nd pond. Not nice Green Valley.
Returning to the Blue Moose where delicious fried chicken legs and wings were provided, the cards were tallied. As is often the case, Bill Thompson came in with a 39, followed by Larry Emerson with a 37. Dale Murphy and Ted Gardner both had 35 and Dale managed to get closest to the pin on #9.

Scribe’s team tastes success at Papa Ray tourney

Derek Brook
Thursday, May 10, Plutaluang N&W – Team Scramble

The legend continues and gains strength as the years go by. When ‘Papa’ Ray Rogers went to the ‘great golf course in the sky’, his nephew Gary declared that he will keep it going as long as he can, till at least Ray would have been 100 years old. That is in three years time. Fully supported by his friends this will continue to go forward from strength to strength.

The winning team: Derek Brook, Mashi Kaneta, Bob Watson and Max Scott with the ‘Admiral’ and Peter Blackburn.

Dave Richardson continues to be the driving force of the organisation side, supported by his team, especially Peter Blackburn, and as usual by the scribe, the ever faithful recorder. The friends of Papa Ray and Gary rally around and many old faces come out of hiding. Particular thanks go to Bjarne and his family from The Cafe Kronborg who provided the buffet food which went down particularly well this year with the hungry golfers and the absence of the airborne menace of previous years.

Gary is the major sponsor and every year throws himself into the day by providing his house for the event, sponsoring the many prizes, and being the ever respectful host, and I am certain his uncle Ray would be most proud of him. From all who take part and fondly remember Ray, our thanks to Gary for his continuing commitment.

Runners-up: Dave Richardson, Peter Blackburn, Mick O’Connor and Mike Alidi.

Onto the day itself and Dave had slaved away, as he usually does, to get together a number of groups and zoomed about raising additional bits and pieces to make the day a success. An event such as this does not just happen and Dave was out and about for some time previous.

On this day with shirts for all the golfers and fine prizes, Gary and Dave surpassed themselves. The day started with all turning up at Plutaluang, and a great deal at present, and playing off either the North or West as we had a two Tee start. This 18 holes is, as all who play there know, a really difficult layout. Our group started well with a quick ‘Eagle’ at the par 5 and after 9 holes we were 8 under par, and the question was, ‘is this our day?’

Gary Rogers with the golf organizers.

The course as such was in quite good condition, if you like grass that reminds one of a broad leaf pasture. These 18 holes are not the most esthetically pleasing but a real test none the less. I must also say that these days it is very well maintained and the fairways are well manicured and the greens well looked after and run fast and true, even if the ball seems not to want to go in the hole.

Driving out, my passengers commentated on how good the course looked as we drove past it. On this day the layout was as ‘The Admiral’ wanted it, in fine condition for the day but a real test.

The restaurant at this course is probably the best value of any golfing venue. It has inherent advantages in that it is on a military base, but it has to be said the food is usually very good and well priced and the views are exceptional - worth a visit. Mind, with the food at Gary’s beckoning, most sat and had a beer until the results were in and then a quick drive back.

The third placed team, Ken Berneck, Henry Wong, Bo Cardwell and Mike Winfield, receive their awards from the ‘Admiral’ and Peter Blackburn.

You can always tell where the house is; the cars are parked all down the road, and through the gates the tables are set out and the beer is flowing. The beer this year was not in ‘The Well’ but in coolers on the back of a pickup, and it worked fine. The food was laid out nicely and the beef and pork in particular were especially tasty. The tables were full of hungry golfers filling up on cold beer and good food.

Dave meantime was beavering away on the results but was not missing out on the cold beer and food. Then it was time for the presentation and Emcee Dave was soon underway. Firstly he thanked all who helped him, and paid particular attention to Gary who gave of his house for the day and so heavily sponsored the event. Then it was time to announce the winners.

Dave gave out the technical prizes first, reported below, and then onto the team winners. In third place with net 59.2 was the team of Ken Berneck, Henry Wong, Bo Cardwell and Mike Winfield. In second place with a net 57.8 was the team of Dave Richardson, Peter Blackburn, Mick O’Connor and Mike Alidi.

So to the winners and with a net 56.8 the victors on the day were Derek Brook, Mashi Kaneta, Bob Watson and Max Scott. After nigh on twenty years of trying the ‘Scribe’ finally won and the good start held up. Makes it all seem worth it somehow.

With the presentations over it was time for Dave’s ‘Lucky Draws’ and all went home with something. Then the pickup was emptied and all went home but vowed to return next year. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: Mike Alidi, Max Scott, Rick Bevington, Owen Lloyd
Long Putts: Dan Wilson, Ray Dell

John and Rob scoop the scramble

IPGC golf from The Haven

Wednesday, May 9, Mountain Shadow - Rainbow Scr. Stableford
1st John Armstrong & Rob Richardson (15) 45pts
2nd Alwyne Burley & Mike Hill (17) 45pts
3rd Daryl Kellett &Paul Hartley (14) 43pts
4th Phil Groves & Gary Warren (10) 43pts
5th Bob Akapita &Don Everett (15) 39pts

John Armstrong & Rob Richardson.

We passed on Monday when once again the courses required an increase in green fees due to the Holiday on the previous day, which the regulars decided was another straw across the back and chose to have a rest instead, therefore leaving the proposed course totally out of pocket.

On Wednesday the monthly rainbow scramble was held at the tight and tricky Mountain Shadow course where the conditions of the course were found to be excellent with as usual fast running greens and also having had the fairways and rough recently cut and trimmed.

Phil Groves.

As usual the format was pairs scramble or Ambrose as it was known to most of the day’s contenders, with the handicaps being arrived at by taking 40% of the teams combined total playing handicaps. Teams had to take scores from six each from the Red, White and Blue tees with players having to take at least seven tee shots each.
Although playing the format for the first time, the team of John Armstrong and Rob Richardson combined very well to run out the winners although the situation was getting very tight towards the end with Rob, the high handicapper, requiring two tee shots out of the last three holes, one from the whites and two from the reds, resulting in just five points from the three holes. In the event it was just enough to enable them to equal the score of Alwyne and Mike Hill and then win the resultant count back with a better 22 to 20.

Alwyne and Mike had turned up the wick on the front nine and returned what looked to be a winning 25 points but could not quite finish the job as Mike had to take the last five tee shots, two of them from the blues and just effectively parring them all.
Third place went to the big hitting team of Daryl Kellett and Paul Hartley who also had to win a count back, which they did by a margin of 21 to 20 over the pre-start favourites Phil Groves and Gary Warren whose challenge faded over the closing holes with Gary struggling to get in his required drives until the last two holes and collecting just 4 points in the process.

Bob Akapita and Don Everett slipped into fifth place with a steady but unspectacular round that contained too many one pointers to be in contention with the leading groups.
There were no 2’s competitions due to the day’s format.
Before making the presentations Stephen Beard welcomed new members Quentin Killian, John Armstrong and Rob Richardson and also welcomed back Bob Akapita, Daryl Kellett, Bob Pratt, Gary Warren and Paul Hartley. With so many Aussies joining and returning to The Haven it required a special presentation of the Ashes replica as many who could hardly remember what it looked like.

Friday, May 11, The Emerald – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Phil Groves (8) 37pts
2nd Daryl Kellett (16) 34pts
3rd Alwyne Burley (18) 34pts
4th Adrian O’Sullivan (9) 34pts
5th Vincent Gras (18) 31pts
6th Gus Guidetti (12) 31pts
Back to the standard pattern of play and once again it was the old master, Phil Groves, at the top of the leader board again with a clear three shots margin over his closest challengers. A very tidy round without a six on the card until a straight drive on the par-5 14th found an almost unplayable behind the centrally positioned tree in the fairway afoot to either left or right of dead centre would have been sufficient to have a dig at the green but in the end it resulted in an ugly seven for one point. But undeterred Phil plodded on to complete the win by parring the last four holes.
Daryl Kellett, having got onto the podium in the previous outing, went one better taking second place following a winning count back over Alwyne Burley with a better 14 to 12 over the last six after they had tied the nine on 19 a piece, which left Alwyne in third.
Also in the count back for the back nine was Adrian O’Sullivan who had to settle for fourth spot as he could only garner 17 points to match his outward half.
Vincent Gras took fifth ahead of Gus Guidetti after he also won a count back by a margin of 16 to 15.
Once again there were no 2’s in either division leaving both pools brimming over.
Prior to the presentations there were welcomes for new members Liam Malone and Gus Guidetti and welcome backs for Vincent Gras, John Donovan, Maurice Byrne and Adrian O’Sullivan.

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.

Plain Seil-ing at Rayong

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Yet another in a series of public holidays on Monday, 7th May, saw the Pattaya Golf Society visit an empty Rayong CC to play a stableford competition on the testing course which was only in fair condition. Bunkers were heavily rain damaged whilst fairways continued to cry out for irrigation. Greens were moderately paced.
The small field enjoyed a quick round with Jean Morel and Wichai Tananusorn sharing third place with 32 points each. Of the favourites Masa Takano’s 33 points secured second place and included the day’s only birdie ‘2’, on the seventh.
The winner was Seil Revels, currently in a good run of form and his 37 points from a gross 77 represented his best round of the year with the group. His card displayed nine pars and two birdies and was highlighted by a lack of any score above five, a rare event indeed. As it was his first taste of Rayong CC it was even more impressive. Plain “seiling” in fact.

Smith at the double

On Wednesday, 9th May, the Pattaya Golf Society visited Crystal Bay to play a stableford competition on the C and B nines which were in very good condition. The day was heavily overcast and conditions for the golfers were almost perfect and certainly very comfortable. A feast of fine golf was in store as the group left the tee and results showed that some golfers performed to the max in their efforts.
In fourth place was Masa Takano with 38 points, with Ken Grimes a point better off in third with 38 points and it represented his finest round since joining IPGC a year ago. Recently returned the much travelled Don Nellis came good on the back nine, firing a two over par 38 to help himself into second with forty points and on another day it should have been enough but James Smith, still learning the game, topped that with his second consecutive round of forty plus, an excellent 43 points equaling the best round of the year with the Soi Buakhao based group. Brother Chris took the best gross of the day with 73. Phew!
The day also saw eight birdie ‘2’s on the fine greens with Chris Smith, Tony Thorne, Wichai Tananusorn, James Smith, Robbie Taylor and Don Nellis all in the frame with an exuberant Masa Takano taking a brace.
Poor Jean Morel took the Booby Bevy as the only golfer breaking par but not winning a prize, his 37 points giving him nothing more than a cut in handicap! Now that was a day worth writing about at Crystal Bay.

Masterful Masa

The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Emerald at Ban Chang on Friday, 11th May to play a stableford competition on the popular course under blazing skies and a humid atmosphere. The course is still recovering from remedial work on the greens but it is good to see the fairways have improved with the recent rains.
The group again just failed to achieve two flights but there was plenty of class on display for the second time in the week. Playing his first official IPGC competition since joining, Rob Pritchard managed a creditable 37 points for third place, just one behind an in-form Don Nellis whose 38 points followed a forty point spree at Crystal Bay two days before. The winner was Masa Takano, in another good week and he set a personal career best with a gross 74 giving him 43 points. It was the second consecutive round with a 43 point haul for the group indicating that there are still some excellent golfers in low season Pattaya, and with PGS in particular.
Two birdie ‘2’s were recorded in the same playing group, on the same hole (15) with Don Nellis and Margaret Wilkinson adding some sparkle to their round. However for Masa there was an extra touch of magic as he will remember this round at Emerald for a long time yet.

The society is ‘Green’ with envy

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Garry Green, right, with Colin and the Golf Manager.

Sunday, May 5, St Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Garry Green (10) 41pts
2nd Ed Wyckoff (9) 40pts
B Flight
1st Ken Blinco (16) 40pts
2nd Eddy Beilby (18) 38pts
Near Pins: No 3 Garry Green, No 5 & 10 Gordon Wallace, No 17 Peter Fox
Garry Green had shown that he was riding a purple patch last week and that play continued at St Andrews this Sunday as his 41 points left him one clear of Ed ‘our man in the White House’ Wyckoff in A Flight and the field.
Ken Blinco and his 40 points took the B Flight top spot followed by Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby who was 2 shots in arrears. The Principal mustered 7 points on the front nine but could not keep it going as he managed only 6 on the back.
Terry Mangan and Ken Blinco split a healthy 2’s pot.

Monday, May 7, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Garry Green (10) 35pts
2nd Paul Hack (14) 35pts
B Flight
1st Jim Bell (17) 35pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (19) 34pts
There is our title boy finalizing his claim to the vaunted bold print on the day, this time with 35 points in A Flight plus a co man of the match. Sitting one shot back of Garry was Paul Hack no stranger to the pay window.

2-day winner Thierry Petrement, right, with Colin Davis.

Jimmy ‘I did ring the’ Bell stood on the top rung in B Flight with his co man of the match 35 points. Peter ‘Don Corleone’ Henshaw edged both Peter Godfrey and Christy ‘Good’ Knight for the silver on a count back.
No 2’s so a rollover on Wednesday.

Friday, May 11, Pattana B&C - Stableford
A Flight
1st Semple Lindsay (14) 37pts
2nd Ken Aihara (5) 36pts
3rd Terry Mangan (11) 34pts
B Flight
1st Christy Knight (21) 35pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (17) 34pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (19) 33pts

Friday saw the society off to play Pattana for the second day of our Lewiinski’s Golf Club monthly challenge (please see the Golf Club report for the first day). I can tell you that after the first day Lewiinski’s ‘Mr. nice guy’, Thierry Petrement, was the leader by four strokes over Ed ‘our man in the White House’ Wyckoff, Jim ‘he can ring the’ Bell, Peter Hynard and Ken Aihara, all on 34 points.

The story today was Lewiinski’s Lindsay Semple and his 37 points as he was the only player to better par. The Golf Club’s Ken Aihara increased his chances of lifting the glassware with a solid even par round. There was a pile up for the bronze as Terry ‘pork chop’ Mangan, Paul Hack, Salvatore Brizzi and Thierry Petrement all returned 34 points. Terry emerged from the pack to fill the flight.

B Flight was an all Lewiinski’s affair as Irishman Christy ‘Good’ Knight returned to fine form with a flight winning 35 points. Following Christy up the podium steps was Aussie Lou ‘the traffic warden’ spaghetti (Szigligeti) just a stroke behind. The calculator was needed again as Peter ‘Don O’corleone’ Henshaw, Jimmy ‘two shots’ Elphick and Eddy the Eagle were all tied up but no one had the nerve to get one over Peter ‘Don O’Corleone.

Back at Lewiinski’s and after the splendid buffet it was time to add the scores for the two days to find the winner – and with a two day total of 72, Lewiinski’s Thierry Petrement lifted the lead crystal glassware. The Golf Club’s Ken Aihara was the runner-up with 70 points. Lewiinski’s also had the better scoring average but only by a half shot.
After the presentation Colin thanked everybody who took part and the Lewiinski’s staff for all the hard work and the famous Buffet.

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.

Butler blitzes the field

PSC Bunker Boys @ The Bowling Green

Monday, May 7, Rayong Country Club – Stableford
A public holiday today, so we elected to make a return visit to Rayong C.C., since the general opinion following our previous visit had been favourable. Unfortunately today the greens were in poor shape and overnight rain had left the bunkers literally full of water, to the point where it was almost impossible to find any sand to take a drop. Despite all the water available in the bunkers, none of the drink stops around the course had any water in the toilets - so anyone taking a call of nature during the round faced a very smelly prospect!

Lee Butler carded the best score of the week at Rayong C.C.

The conditions didn’t affect Lee Butler though, who decided to bring his driver out of retirement, and consistently knocked huge drives down the middle of the fairways setting himself up for a fantastic score, finishing 7 clear points ahead of second placed Mashi.

1st Lee Butler (16) 43pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (10) 35pts
3rd Alan Sullivan (13) 35pts
Near Pins: Geoff Parker, Mashi Kaneta and Colin Greig (2)

Wednesday, May 9, Pattana C&B – Stableford

A small group of golfers today on yet another public holiday, but fortunately we currently have a good deal with the management at Pattana. The course was surprisingly quiet, in excellent condition, and although a storm rumbled close by, the rain never arrived and the round was completed without incident.
Although Tony Robbins always comments that the course is too long for him off the white tees, he carded the best score of the day to beat Colin Greig on a count back.
1st Tony Robbins (13) 32pts
2nd Colin Greig (7) 32pts
Near Pins: Tony Robbins and Les Burns.

Friday, May 11, Treasure Hill – Stableford

We arrived at Treasure Hill to find the course almost deserted, and the first group, led by PJ, set off on time to complete an uninterrupted round well within 4 hours. The course is still undergoing improvement works, but is already in great shape, and if all goes well should soon develop into one of the best in the area.
Whilst we normally play this tough course off the white tees (6,700 yards), the decision was made to play off the yellows today (6,400 yards), which resulted in a general improvement in the scores. Stuart Tinkler, playing his last game before returning to U.K., was the only golfer to better his handicap on the day, beating Geoff Parker by a single point.

1st Stuart Tinkler (16) 37pts
2nd Geoff Parker (16) 36pts
3rd Lee Butler (14) 33pts
Near Pins: Ken Young and Stuart Tinkler,
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 087 146 9978, email [email protected].

Ken and Jay take the week

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Steve Ellison
Monday, May 7, Green Valley (White tees) – Stableford
1st Bob McPhail (13) 37pts
2nd Ken Aihara (5) 37pts
3rd Geoff Doody (19) 37pts
4th Peter Hynard (12) 36pts

Our regular Monday venue proved to be another great day of golf and saw us decide a three-way tie for the title. Visiting Australian Bob McPhail did the best on the back nine count back cluster to take the win.

The course was in beautiful shape and even the weather was quite favourable as the recent rains had cooled things down from the humid week before. Ken Aihara and Geoff Doody rounded out the trio of 37’s whilst reigning golf manager Pete Hynard brought up the rear, so to speak, with a solid 36.

Jay Burns, Diego Wells and Peter Hynard.

Wednesday, May 9, Rayong C.C. (Yellow tees) – Stableford
A Flight
1st Thierry Petrement (4) 38pts
2nd Ken Aihara (5) 34pts
3rd Jay Burns (3) 33pts
B Flight
1st Peter Hynard (12) 34pts
2nd Jim Bell (19) 34pts
3rd Christy Knight (21) 33pts

Now this was an interesting day of golf, but not as we know it. Rayong C.C. is currently offering 2 golfers + buggy a fee of 500 baht each on the weekdays. That’s it. No caddy required! So off we went on this (mis)adventure with our pals from Lewiinski’s for our monthly challenge. We used our vouchers from the Pattaya Sports Club to save money (thanks to Joe Mooneyham!) and had a fun day of golf, albeit wet. I doubt that there is another Sir Nick Faldo designed course in the world anywhere near that price!

The layout here is really nice, but one should play ‘lift, clean and place’ through the green (the bunkers were puddles) as smooth turf is hard to find even on the fairways. You get what you pay for and nobody complained as our expectations were not that high. It is a great price for what is on offer. Our buddy Seòor Diego Wells took the helm for today so we were guaranteed a good time (he brought the vodka!)

There were many chuckles through the day as we all kept leaving clubs around the green- no caddies, remember- so it was just like the old days before we all moved to Pattaya from places afar. The other problem some of the lads had was that there was no one to blame for those misread putts! It was an eye-opener in many respects. Caddies -come back…all is forgiven!

In these comps, the host puts on a dinner so here at The Golf Club we treated all involved to our signature hickory smoked BBQ on the Weber grill. We ended the nights’ presentation with the score of TGC 26.3 to Lewiinski’s 25.9 as our Stableford Scoring Average so The Golf Club won this day’s event. It was the closest match we have had over the last 7 months but the winning club is decided over two rounds so we were all off to Pattana on Friday for the final. Advantage The Golf Club…but not by much.
Thierry Petrement blew away the field and won by 4 strokes with 38 points over Ken Aihara, Jim Bell, and our own loveable Peter Hynard. On 33 were Jay Burns and Christy Knight to fill the leaderboard for this outing. Who shall claim the individual prize of the Crystal Giblet for May? We have lots of work to do.

Friday, May 11, Pattana (White tees) – Stableford
1st Ken Aihara (5) 36pts
2nd Phil Smedley (12) 33pts
3rd Jay Burns (3) 35pts

Back to the lovely Pattana for a serious round of golf and the second day of competition with The Golf Club – Lewiinski’s Challenge. The scores listed above are just for The Golf Club so see the full results in the Lewiinski’s write-up. For us, it was the usual suspects that topped the leaderboard this week.

Ken (shall we nickname him Mr. Steady?) Aihara is not a long hitter. He is an accurate striker of the ball and very, very handy around the greens. We have seen him save so many pars from rough, bunkers, or whatever. Phil Smedley also seems to have it all together and has been rewarded well in the last 2 weeks. And what can you say about Jay? Our Monthly Medal winner for April only gets better off his 3 handicap.

Unfortunately, all of their fine efforts were not enough this time ‘round. On Wednesday we led by a very slim margin, however it just was not good enough. The final score was TGC 55.96 Stableford Scoring Average to Lewiinski’s 56.26, which is the closest match we have ever had. Well played to the lads of Soi 13/3 and the tally thus far for the 5 months into 2012 is TGC 3 – Lewiinski’s 2.

Thierry Petrement was the Man of the Match and won the beautiful crystal goblet, and our congratulations go out to the affable Frenchman. Don’t just sit there, come and join us next time, all golfers are welcome.

Sorry, but the Bangkok Road trip on the 22nd and 23rd, May and playing Lam Lu Ka and Lotus Valley is now full. Goodbye to Gabe Enright, Dale Shier, Steve Mulberry, Alain Pelsherbe and hello to Kalani, John McHugh, Keith Worboys, and Dave Mather.

Note: 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

Wilkinson top scores

Travellers Rest Golf Group

TRGG has introduced a change to its playing schedule as feedback from members indicates a preference for a golf day to be followed by a rest day. The revised schedule has been posted on the website www.trggbiz. com and listed here in the Pattaya Mail. The sign-up sheets are located inside the Bowling Green Clubhouse. As a number of our golfers are residents and approaching the golden years we hope this will provide a much welcomed rest in these extremely hot days.

Monday, April 30, Pattana C.C. - Stableford

It has been some time since we played the course and it proved good value for money. Although there was a local competition in play, the marshalls ensured there were no undue delays and we all experienced a trouble free round. The course continues to be well maintained and supported by a five star clubhouse.
The numbers were slightly down with 17 players and therefore 4 prizes.
1st Brendan Moore (12) 35pts
2nd Ted Senior (12) 32pts
3rd Bob Watson (0) 32pts
4th Billy Allan (14) on 30pts

Wednesday, May 2, St. Andrews - Stableford

This is always a course in good condition and a challenge to all golfers but we had some very good scores in today despite it being one of our more difficult courses. It was an Aussie out front today and an excellent round of golf to put him in pole position.
1st Peter Roberts (16) 40pts
2nd Jeff North (8) 37pts
3rd Jim McNeil (16) 37pts
4th John Wulf (23) 35 pts

Friday, May 4, Phoenix - Stableford

Our apologies to a member who won the first division but his playing card remained in the scorer’s golf bag. The lesson today is never give a jug of Heineken to the man who puts the cards into the computer ( best to wait until he has input the cards first). Arnold my apologies and hope you can understand it was entirely my fault, nothing to do with the Heineken.
Having corrected this error it is good to report a bigger field today with two divisions on our home course.

Division A (0-14)
1st Arnold Jones (14) 40pts
2nd Glynn Furfie (9) 39pts
3rd Billy Allan (14) 38pts
Division B (15-36)
1st Roger Wilkinson (15) 42pts
2nd Alun Webber (21) 40pts
3rd Jim McNeil (16) 38pts

I have been advised to correct last week’s notice that it is not Alan Evans but Alan Webber who is in awe of the sheep in Wales. However, both agree they are partial to a bit of mutton dressed as lamb in Thailand. Nice to see Roger Wilkinson returning to his good form as he is known as Mr. Consistent. Although the Ocean course was closed it was good to report no undue delays and the greens are showing improvement.

Sunday, May 6, Crystal Bay - Stableford

A very hot day was experienced by all golfers and as this was our first Sunday outing we were all a bit apprehensive about how long the round would take. It was pleasing to report there were no delays and all groups finished in good time. Some very good scores in today with the winner taking first place on count back. It is worth reporting we had a scratch golfer today who finished on 36 points but could only take fifth place.

1st Alan Delerbe (16) 41pts
2nd Brendan Moore (12) 41pts
3rd Max Scott (5) 37pts
4th Peter Roberts (14) 37pts
5th Bob Watson (0) 37pts
6th Terry Power (9) 34pts

Note: The TRGG play out of the Bowling Green and Fergus Brennan (Tel 086 056 7019) will be pleased to welcome golfers to the group. The website is trgg.biz.com where you have info concerning where and when we play. We also publish our results on www. masterscoreboard.co.uk.

Cheap - but not nasty

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Allan, Yves & Martin.

Tuesday, May 8, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
Tuesday was a trip out on Hwy 36 to Rayong Country Club where they are currently offering great value to golfers, especially those cart users. The course was in reasonable condition, although we endured a severe downpour with accompanying thunder & lightning after completing 3 holes. This required a half hour stop, but the water drained well, except for the bunkers, so no problems.
Small field today, so we dispensed with near pins and had prizes for front & back 9s, plus overall. Winning the F9 with 18 points was Jeff Wylie (6) while Martin Hayes (14) showed some form with 19 on the B9, but it wasn’t enough to overtake Jeff who finished with a solid 36 points.

Thursday, May 10, Wangjuntr - Stableford

Thursday we had 2 groups travel north for a return (for some), while others had their initial opportunity to play Wangjuntr Valley Course. Walking is permitted on the Valley, & represents good value at the moment, along with a challenging test.

Two greens on each hole is novel and today was the turn of the left side greens. Most players decided to test themselves from the blue tees at about 6,600 yards, with no real competition today, as ML managment wanted everyone to enjoy the course and surrounds without any added pressure. Many positive comments on the venue, although no-one really tamed the beast, all in all a good day.

Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally 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!

McGarvie takes the win at Pleasant Valley

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Friday’s first four with one of Bert’s finest.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, May 8, Bangpra – Stableford
We had not been to Bangpra for some time, but with the low season in we managed to get a good rate. So on a day when it was really overcast and as we went up there we were constantly deluged with torrential rain and arrived at the course to find players as usual waiting to see if we were to play. Bangpra has a ‘No Rain check’ policy, so why not see how the weather turns out. Still ‘faint heart never won fair lady’ so book in and get away. Mind, we were told no carts on the fairway but as you could go in the rough you could zip around to the other side.

Keith Phillips.

The course was as expected soaking wet, however ‘lift, clean and place’ ensured the ball remained mud free, and despite water laying everywhere we all enjoyed the round.

The rain continued for some time before slowing down and finally stopping. The fairways were in good condition and the greens despite being wet, still had a certain speed to them. While not being the fast ones they usually are, the greens never the less proved to be quite tricky. The tees on the par 3’s were also set back and as such were most difficult, even to the degree that despite many single handicappers playing, one green was not hit. Still, with the course relatively empty we, the first group, zipped around and were even let through by the group ahead, but then the rest were a bit behind.

Soon finished it was into the excellent changing facilities which are as good as anywhere, then upstairs to the restaurant where in addition to the ‘Rainbow Ice cream’ you also have an excellent view. This is a good place to chill out before you embark on the trip back. This proved quite pleasant as the rain had gone away.

Back at Bert’s it was soon time to get into the presentation and on this day we had decided to have a couple of long putts as some of our players could not get over the water at any of the par 3’s. The winner on the day was Mike Gaussa with 40 points ahead of Max Scott with 38 points. In third we had a count back on 34 points that saw Mike O’Brien in third and Bob Watson in fourth. In fifth we had Derek Brook with 31 points just sneaking into the frame.

One good point was that putting on two long putts allowed one of our long term players, Keith Phillips, to finally prove he could putt. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Mike Gaussa, Barry Elphick, Brian Cooper
Long Putt: Bob Watson

Friday, May 11, Pleasant Valley – Stableford

The test for the day was to be a Pleasant Valley that in the last few years has shown constant improvement, would that continue? On this day we had a good turnout considering the weather has been dodgy of late and some players were absent due to playing the day before. The spirit may be willing but as we get older the body tells you to take a day off.

So after a Tropical Bert’s breakfast it was into cars and a quick run down to the course, a quick book in and onto the first tee where we were soon off. The course was in fine condition and it seems the rain of late has only been kind to it. The fairways were in good condition and the greens were fast and true.

It was soon through the showers, a quick bite to eat for some, then into cars for the trip back where we arrived early as we had got around the course so well. Then it was into the presentation where the scores proved quite average for this course and we waited to see if Mashi’s front nine of 21 points had provided him with another win.

Well, the winner with 37 points was Bill McGarvie. It was nice to see him in the places as we always find that players take a lot to live up to their home handicap and he has been struggling. In second was that improving golfer Mike Gaussa with 37 points. Keep it up and he may even become a single handicapper. In third was David Nicholson with 34 points and in fourth with 33 points was Henry O’Brien on count back over Alan Sullivan. Mashi failed on the back nine with 9 points, nice to see he is human.
Presentation over we had a few cold ones and as golfers do told the story of the ‘If only and what ifs’.
Near Pins: Bob Watson, Henry O’Brien, David Nicholson, Brian Parish

Stanley triumphs at last

IPGC golf from The Links

Sunday, May 6, Green Valley – Stableford
Back to a full fixture list this week, and we started with a dozen golfers heading off to Green Valley today to find the course still in excellent condition, but the greens not up to their usual challenging pace.
Mark Stanley.

For differing reasons, two players failed to complete the course, but for those that did, the scoring was generally good, with all but one finisher managing 30+ points.
Cliff North just missed out on the places, his 34 points not quite good enough as he was pipped by Sam McLellan on an 11 to 10 back 6 after both scored 16 on the back 9. Alec Hoare was again in the mix on his “home” course, coming in with a strong 36 points. There was a welcome return to the winners enclosure for Jon Batty, who managed to meet all his usual pre-round targets; no 6’s, no 3 putts and two 9’s in the 30’s, on his way to a gross 78 for 39 points.
Frank McGowan scored the only ‘2’ of the day, and took the double rollover pot.
1st Jon Batty (9) 39pts
2nd Alec Hoare (18) 36pts
3rd Sam McLellan (13) 34pts
4th Cliff North (21) 34pts

Tuesday, May 8, Kiarti Thanee – Stableford

Eight players made our first trip of the year to this little gem on the Bang na-Trad highway, with most feeling it was worth the journey of a little over an hour. Although things didn’t look good as we drove through a heavy storm on the outskirts of Pattaya, the storm passed around the Bangpra area and we teed off in very light drizzle which was refreshingly welcome in the hot still conditions.
The course was on the whole in its usual immaculate condition, although the greens were unusually slow and a little grainy.
Mark Stanley played a solid round of golf to score 36 points and register his first victory with the Links during his 5 month trip, after finishing second on three previous outings. Nick Odnoral put the shock of being charged as much for his none-playing partner as he was for himself behind him, as he scored 20 points on the back 9 after only managing 13 on the front, to take second place. Paul Rennel edged out Jon Batty by virtue of a 16-13 count back after both scored 32 points.
There were no ‘2’s, so the kitty rolled over to Phoenix on Thursday.
1st Mark Stanley (12) 36pts
2nd Nick Odnoral (17) 33pts
3rd Paul Rennel (17) 32pts
4th Jon Batty (9) 32pts

Thursday, May 10, Phoenix - Stableford

Another reasonable field made the shorter trip to Phoenix today to tackle the Mountain and Lake courses. Although the sky looked a little threatening when we set off, we were met by very hot and sunny conditions, which made my decision to wear all black rather a strange one! Again, the greens were unusually slow as they are still coming back from their recent coring, but on the whole they ran true, and the course grows on me every time I play there after not really taking to it the first couple of times.
Scoring proved rather difficult today with only two of the field breaking the 30 point barrier, with Cliff North claiming his first podium finish in quite a while, taking second place with 31 points. Victory again went to Jon Batty, who scored a creditable 37 points in the fairly tough conditions.
Again there were no ‘2’s on the tricky par 3’s, so as per last week, any deuces this coming Sunday at Green Valley could prove rather valuable.
1st Jon Batty (9) 37pts
2nd Cliff North (21) 31pts
3rd Grant Cadell (15) 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.

Voller on form at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Jomtien golfers all set for Hua Hin.

Monday, May 7, Green Valley - Stableford
There was a last minute cancellation at Pattana today regarding the cost as it was a public holiday and after a discussion at Siam Cats the majority voted price wise to go to Green Valley. We still had two divisions out today for the men with the cut at 5-19 and 20+ in division 2.

Paul Renall has been trying to reduce his handicap over the past two weeks and today his wishes came true as he came home with 39 points to top division 1, beating Kari Kuparinen on a 21/19 back nine count back. Kevin Tobin was in third place with 30 points.

In division 2 Rod Howett beat Lee Casey on a 18/14 back nine count back as they both recorded scores of 33 and Bob Poole beat Marty Aronson for third place 15/14 on the back nine after they both came in with 32’s.

There were no ‘2’s today in either division so a rollover to Crystal Bay on Wednesday.

Wednesday, May 9, Crystal Bay B&C - Stableford

Another proposed holiday today but no extra charge was levied as we arrived on another hot day. It has been a long time since we have played the C nine here but everyone enjoyed the change.

There were three 37’s today in division 1 and the count back of 15/14/13 saw Alan Pilkington smiling the most, Pete Summer in second and Kari Kuparinen taking third.
The Jersey boy, now moving over here on a permanent basis next month, topped division 2 with 35 points, Ian Plummer was second one point behind and Marty Aronson took third with 30.

Near pins went to Ted Morris, Alan Pilkington, Pete Sumner, Chris Voller, Mark Armstrong, Marty Aronson and Steve Ironside.
There were three birdie ‘2s, all on the 6th on the B course, in division 1 for Alan Griffiths, Ted Morris and Alan Pilkington. In division 2 there was another rollover To Green Valley on the 21st.

Friday, May 11, Eastern Star - Stableford

Our last game here before our departure for Hua Hin and our largest turnout of the week with 2 ladies and 36 men, so there were four divisions today. There was also a 1-2-3 team competition sponsored by the rollover kitty.
The front nine was played in extremely hot conditions but after the turn the clouds came in and the wind built up and it was quite comfortable.

Chris Voller topped the three men’s divisions scores with 40 points in division 1, Marty Rock was second on 36 and Mikael Andersson beat Bill Bertram and Frank Kelly on an 18/17/14 count back for third after they all came in with 32 points.
Neil Gamble won division 2 with 36 points, Andy Baber was second one point behind and Barry McIntosh beat Cully Monks 17/14 for third place after they both scored 33 points.
36 points for Ian Plummer was enough to win division 3, Iain Walsh was second with 34 and the organiser came third with 31.

Kung Maliporn (Miss Chevrolet) won the ladies division with 32 points.
Near pins were claimed by Toi Blair (2), Bill Bertram, Marty Rock, Chris Voller (2) and Derrick Kane.

In the 1-2-3 team competition, 80 points won it for Mikael Andersson, Bill Bertram and Chris Voller. Andy Baber, Glyn Evans and Steve Ironsise were second with 74 and Neil Gamble, Barry McIntosh and Tom Novak took third with 72. The lowest score in today was 58 with 13 teams out.
There were no ‘2’s today in either division so rollovers to the 25th at Eastern Star.

Baa Baas take the Cup at thrilling Pattaya Rugby Festival

Amari Orchid Pattaya Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament 2012

“Mr. Banana Head” from the Thai Barbarians accepts his player of the tournament ‘prize’.

It had been the hottest week of the year and temperatures were certainly running high amongst the teams that gathered at Jamesons Irish Pub on Friday 4th May to register for the 12th edition of the Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament. The officials warned them all to expect a very steamy weekend and to remember to keep well hydrated and drink lots of fluids, Well most of the teams certainly did that, many of them even over indulged on the amber fluid in the name of good health!

Saturday dawned and as we travelled to the ground there was an almighty thunderstorm and so much rain fell there was a real concern that the tournament might even be washed out. However when we arrived at the Horseshoe Point the facilities looked superb and the rain was being swallowed up by the thirsty turf.

Master of Ceremonies Jim Howard finely attired for the occasion.

The Horseshoe Point playing field had never looked better our major sponsor for the tournament, The Amari Orchid had turned the whole area into what amounted to a festival garden with a bouncy castle and train rides for the children, a spa for easing those tired muscles and a superb bar set up to serve the thirsty patrons in the crowd. David Cumming, the General Manager of the Amari Orchid had even set up a VIP area surrounded by plants, which added a very nice touch to the ambiance surrounding the playing area.

The facilities provided by the Amari and Horseshoe Point were supplemented by Jamesons Pies and Salmans Indian delights all ready to cater to the expected hordes and the playing surface now had what we would call in racing parlance soft going!

So everything was ready for the twelfth edition of the Chris Kays Memorial 10’s Rugby Tournament, the organizers had oiled all the necessary wheels, Amari had ensured a vast choice in beers and ciders would be available and there was a virtual army of delightful promotion ladies available to help satisfy even the mightiest of thirsts.

David Cumming, General Manager of the Amari Orchid Pattaya, 2nd right, presents the Cup to the Thai Barbarians.

The tournament took place over the weekend of 5th and 6th May, and although the number of teams participating had been reduced due to the Thai authorities having rearranged the 2011 University Games for the same weekend, thus depriving the tournament of all of the usual University teams that usually featured, everybody was still committed to making it a tournament to remember.

12 rugby teams from all over Thailand and other parts of the world had arrived in Pattaya to contest what has become one of the principal 10 a-side tournaments in the region. Despite the smaller number of teams, those that had turned up were promised plenty of rugby as the organizers had drawn up a mammoth programme.

Thammasat University were worthy winners of the Plate.

There were many familiar faces returning to try and capture some of the silverware and there was a very welcome appearance from the “ Pot Bellied Pigs”, one of Asia’s most colourful and committed touring teams, albeit in the disguise of The Pau Ma Tei Barbarians / Valley Griffins and anybody else that would support them, led by the indomitable Boris. We also welcomed back another famous touring team from “ Down Under “, that fortunately this year had got their dates right, The Buccaneers had arrived early and had familiarized themselves with the local conditions and were seen to be taking in lots of liquid!

Pau Ma Tei Barbarians / Valley Griffins / Pot Bellies took the Shield trophy.

The main tournament was to be contested by 12 teams with a strong local bias. The Thai teams continue to improve and it was very pleasing to see that two of the former school sides that had previously participated in the youth tournament had now graduated to the main tournament, so welcome to the big time for Brutal Surin and Watsrichan Old Boys from Samutprakarn. There were only 4 all Thai teams with several Thai national players in their ranks and of course many Thai players in the other squads. Unfortunately last year’s champions the Royal Thai Police were engaged elsewhere and were unable to defend their title. Khun Nattapol still managed to raise the Thai Barbarians, who were former champions and Thammasat University led the local challenge.

As usual there was strong representation from the expatriate teams in Bangkok, The Southerners were as usual favourites from this group but the Old Bangkok Bangers had found some young Bangers and were expected to be very competitive both on off the field.

Brutal Surin beat the Banging Panther to win the Bowl.

Perennial crowd favourites the Bangkok Japanese have also found some new blood and they were expected to make a stronger showing as the tournament was being played over a holiday weekend - the Japanese do take holidays - so they had more of their players available. We also welcomed back The Chiang Mai Suas, who have gone from strength to strength and were hoping to go one better than being losing Cup Finalists last year.

The hosts Pattaya Panthers were reinvigorated following a French Revolution and were at full strength so they also expected to stand a good chance of getting amongst the trophies. Those that were unlucky enough not to make the first team squad were shanghaied into the Banging Panthers, which had been formed to keep up the numbers together with the surplus players from the Bangers.

Brutal Surin take on the Banging Panthers in the Bowl Final.

The location was in perfect condition, the weather had cooled considerably following the heavy morning rain and the players reveled in these conditions and produced some high quality rugby. As usual Tournament Director Malcolm “The Root of all Evil” Clare with his dour assistant Wayne “Blowfly” Oganoski had spent weeks organizing the groups and programming the many spreadsheets to cover every possible outcome.

After some initial confusion when the teams realized that they would have to play 5 group games on Saturday everybody set about the task ahead, that someone had said was more like a torture programme than a rugby tournament. Play commenced about 1 hour behind schedule due to the rain and this gave some of the late comers (Southerners) who had stopped to pick up LNG on the motorway time to arrive. The matches were under the control of Bruce Birchall and his merrie band of referees and we were off.

Barbarians and Southerners battle it out in the Cup Final.

The teams were divided into 2 groups and Saturday’s games were played in a round robin format to determine the ranking for the various knockout tournaments. In the cool and damp conditions hard and fast running rugby was the order of the day for the Thais and rucking and mauling for the larger and more mature foreign players.

Most games went to form as expected and there were strong performances from the Thai Barbarians and The “Suas”, whilst the host team stunned everybody (including themselves) by playing out of their skins and actually beating the “Suas” narrowly in the pool game and winning 3 of their games and drawing against Thammasat University in a hard fought group game and then running up the highest score of the day against Brutal Surin 48:0, thus qualifying for the cup competition.

Team work at the line-out.

The Thai Barbarians led the way into the cup quarter finals and were established as early favourites with the “Suas”, Southerners, Pattaya Panthers and the Old Bangkok Bangers threatening to gatecrash the cup party, the Bangkok Japanese and the Banging Panthers rounded out the qualifiers with Thammasat University.

The Plate and Bowl participants would not be decided until the Cup quarter finals were completed due to the Chairman’s crafty trickle down system.

After a hard day’s play, cooling off in the pool was obligatory and a strong start was made on some of the mighty hangovers that were to be seen the following morning. Sunday dawned cool with intermittent morning drizzle that actually provided cool temperatures and perfect conditions for rugby.

After the youngsters had shown their paces and produced some outstanding rugby it was on to the main tournament. Due to the Chairman’s carefully crafted draw the teams that had qualified for the Cup and Plate competitions were required to play early as the losers from first round knock out games then dropped down into the next competition.

Many teams had obviously taken large quantities of the local soothing balms and looked much the worse for wear and headed straight to the Amari Spa or Bar for rejuvenation. Amazingly The Panthers who had surpassed all expectations in qualifying for the cup were there early and with a full complement of fit players! Tired limbs were anointed and strapped and the knockout phase commenced with few complaints and the quest for Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield got under way.

The night‘s partying had definitely taken it’s toll and the men ground their way through a very heavy schedule that finally weeded the weak from the strong. Many first time losers were surprised to find that they then had to play more games than if they had won as the trickle down worked. Again there were some superb performances and some very close encounters with not a few surprises.

The Thai Barbarians led the way into the Semi Finals with Chiang Mai Suas, Southerners and the hosts filling the other spots, which meant that they could all now take a well earned rest while the battles for the minor trophies continued.

In the Plate we saw some fine performances from the Buccaneers and the Bangkok Japanese, whilst the Bangkok Bangers strolled through against Watsrichan Old Boys. Thammasat University who had of course dropped down from the Cup slipped through to the semi finals whilst Brutal Surin, Pau Ma Tei Barbarians, Watsrichan Old Boys and the Banging Panthers would contest the Bowl semis.

The Semi Final rounds went mostly true to form although there were some very tight battles, in the Bowl where the hastily put together Banging Panthers prevailed over the Pau Ma Tei Pot Bellies and in the battle of the ex-youth teams Brutal Surin finally overcame Watsrichan Old Boys.

In the Plate the Bangkok Japanese were starting to fire on all cylinders and they defeated the brave Buccaneers, which delighted the Buccaneers as it meant that they would be first in the bar! In a surprise result the boys from Thammasat upset the Old Bangkok Bangers to progress to the Plate Final.

In the premier category, Thai Barbarians eventually doused the hopes of the Panthers in an enthralling contest that was decided by a single score and the Southerners won a spirited encounter with the Chiang Mai Suas. By now weariness was beginning to take it’s toll and all the finalists had to make that one last effort to take a prize home.

The Shield was won by the Pau Ma Tei Barbarians / Valley Griffins / Pot Bellies etc., their greater weight and experience being just too much for the boys from Watsrichan in a Little and Large demonstration of possession rugby and the heavy favourites ran out winners in a tight contest 14:12.

Competition for the Bowl was by contrast a bagful of surprises with the boys from Surin eking out a popular victory over the Banging Panthers 10:5. So for the second year in succession the Bowl is headed back to Surin, proof that our youth development programme is working.

In the Plate it promised to be just as exciting and hard fought as crowd favourites Bangkok Japanese took on the unlikely finalists Thammasat University. The Japanese took an early lead and looked to be heading for a comfortable victory but the students had some different ideas and 2 runaway tries put them into the driving seat. The Japanese came back strongly but the University defence held firm and the students ran out comfortable winners in the end 24:7.

So the stage was set and the Cup Final was to be between the resurgent Thai Barbarians, who were former champions and the new look Southerners, who had demonstrated just why they now should be considered in the top tier of Thai rugby, with their aggressive style. It was an absolutely cracking final in which no quarter was asked or given. The Thai boys displayed total commitment, great handling and superior fitness but the Southerers with their older and more experienced heads in the team gave their all but finally the superior fitness of the Baa Baas told as the Southerners tired. The Thai Barbarians eventually triumphed and regained their title in great style winning a hotly contested final 10:7.

After the final whistle everybody crashed into the pool and the presentations were made to all trophy winners by Jim Howard the Chairman of Pattaya Panthers RFC and David Cumming the General Manager of the Amari Orchid, they also presented the prestigious Chris Kays Award, for the person contributing most to the tournament on and off the field, to the Panthers own Adrien Simon, who had led from the front and set a fine example to the younger members of The Panthers. The player of the tournament was “Mr. Banana Head” from the Thai Barbarians.

A vote of thanks is due to all the organizers supporters and sponsors without whom a tournament like this could not happen. Amari Orchid Resort made a great difference as did MBMG International, Cranes and Equipment Asia Ltd., AusGroup Corporation, Waste Management Siam Thailand, Construction Cost Consultants, Jardine Shipping, Hemaraj Land, and Phoenix Pacific Inc.

Also a big vote of thanks to Contract Resources Asia, who provided all the shade and Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for the first aid and medical attention, of course Horseshoe Point for providing a perfect venue and Mr. and Mrs Rock and Roll, who stepped into the breech at the last minute to provide the sounds and music.

A final mention should also be made of the girls from the Regents School gap students, who provided the ball persons and scorers for the weekend, they did an amazing job and the referees with Commissar Bruce Birchall in command kept the games running smoothly with his team of Thai and Foreign referees. Thank you very much gentlemen we couldn’t have a tournament without you.

2012 TOG Regatta: Another huge success for founder Bill Gasson

“Jing Jing” and “KukuKERchu” battle for position
in the IRC 1 Class on Race Day 2.

Peter Cummins
There is no doubt that the eighth Top of the Gulf Regatta, sailed out off the Ocean Marina facilities last week, was the most successful of the series. Master-minded by yacht-racing entrepreneur William J. Gasson who watched over every detail, the 13-class event, comprised some 300 craft and 1,000 participants who came from 25 countries to compete with local Thai sailors in this maritime extravaganza.

Under excellent race management of Aussie Jerry Rollin, there were three days of hard, fast sailing in the prevailing south-westerlies which brought grief to such perennial champions as fellow-Aussie Scott Duncanson’s Sports Boat, “Aus Quantum”. Nevertheless, the big fleets were grounded on the last day when a northerly storm front dissipated and left a windless sea. By then, several of the major dinghy classes had been decided.

The youthful crew on “Stingray”, skippered by Dylan Whitcraft.

And, as the wind-gods had decided, the storm came back, just as Marina Harbour Master Scott Finsten was officiating at the splendid Gala Dinner and Prize-Giving Party on the Marina’s spacious north-side lawns. What did the sailors do? Like any good seamen in a storm, they headed for the safest port of call - on this occasion inside the Marina tower, where they continued to quaff vast amounts of liquid refreshments and argue over the merits or otherwise of a great week’s sailing.

As reported in last week’s Pattaya Mail, Thailand’s new Optimist Championship had already been decided, when Sattahip boy, Sarawut Phetsiri won the fiercely-contested Optimist event, held concurrently with the main regatta.

“The Ferret” headed the platu fleet in the Coronation Cup.

The second great event incorporated into the Regatta proper was the 2012 Coronation Cup, originally raced to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty on 05 May, 1950. Raced in the Platu, the eight metre, designed by New Zealander Bruce Farr and built by McDell Marine in New Zealand, specifically for the Thai maritime sector, this one-design class produced the closest finish in the Regatta. At the top, emerging finally from the protest room on the last day, was Australian Chris Way’s “Ferret”, from always-competitive Malaysian Rolf Heemskerk (“Nataya”), second and “Naiad” (Chai Weiguo/Russell Ken, Thai), third.

A team led by Dylan Whitcraft with his “United Nations” crew astounded the media office when the five on “Stingray” announced their total age of less than 90 years. One old veteran at the media was heard to remark: “Five of them combined are under 90. I stand ALONE at close to that age.”

“Crime Scene”, left, and “Magic”, right, were winners in the Sports Boat and IRC 2 categories respectively.

Meantime the Singaporean team SMU (Singaporean Management University) were not so happy when one spectator thought that SMU meant Southern Methodist University (USA).

A first for the TOG 2012 was the addition of the Neil Pryde Racing Series which was held inside the Marina waterway, bringing the action right among the spectators lining the marina’s walkways. The Windsurfing Association of Thailand sponsored Ek Boonsawad and Napalai Tansai for this unusual event and both will be representing the Kingdom at the London Olympics.

And, apropos the Olympics, Thai Laser sailor Keerati Bualong, has just qualified as the first Thai Laser sailor, along with Kamonwan Chanyim who will compete in London in the Laser Radial. Both these young men are graduates from former TOG Regattas. Royal Varuna Yacht Club member, Gareth Owen, has been instrumental in Keerati’s success, having trained, nurtured and contributed considerable funds to the Thai youngster’s development here and in the cooler climes of the UK, as a conditioning for harder sailing in cold waters.

Meantime, back at the TOG, Hong Kong’s Neil Pryde on “HiFi” won the IRC Class (the Racing elite) by two points from 2011 Phuket King’s Cup winners Japan’s “Karasu”, skippered by Yasuo Nanamori. Both finished ahead of Aussie David Ross, “KukuKERchu”, third on equal points with UK’s Steve Manning’s “Walawala 2.”

Local stalwart “Magic”, skippered by David Bell, led from start to finish, dropping a second place (his worst score) to take the IRC 2 Class title from “El Coyote”, skippered by Gary Baguley in second and Brad Kirk’s Dynamite in third.

Wiwat Poonpat and his ever-consistent crew on Royal Thai Navy 1 scored three wins and two second places to take the IRC 3 Class crown. The Singapore SMU crew on “Hi Jinks” improved as the Regatta went on and finished in second place overall ahead of Royal Thai Navy 2, skippered by Nattapol Srihirun in third.

IRC 4 Class completed only four races meaning all results counted. Having won four from four, this was no problem for Peter Herning and his crew on “Kirifiki”, who walked away with the class title. In second place was “San Sanook”, skippered by Andrew Watt, with Eric Habers on “Reef Knot” in third.

The trio of Shaw 650’s in the Sports Boat Class showed their pedigree taking three of the top four places in the Series. The all yellow “Crime Scene”, skippered by Noel Leigh-Smith, scored a clean sweep winning six from six and claiming the title. Kipsan Beck, skippering the original Shaw 650 “Porn Star”, put in a consistent performance to secure second overall. The all-pink sister-ship “Hello Kitty”, skippered by Miki Munchusa, was just half a point in fourth, behind Hong Kong entry “Brace Brace Brace”, skippered by Paul Murphy.

In the Ocean Multihull Class, the 26-foot “Sweet Chariot”, skippered by John Higham took the class win from Andrew Stransky on his 50-foot self-designed Fantasia. “Free Wheeler”, skippered by David Race, finished third.

The team of Damrongsak Vongtim and Michapa Weiwai scored six wins out of nine in the Open Multihull series to take an easy victory over Teerapong Watibunrueng and Narissara Usawat in second, who beat Gareth Owen and Bobby Freifel by one point into third place overall. Hot on the heels of his TOG Regatta win, and following the selection of the Nacra17 as the Mixed Multihull class for the 2016 Olympics, Damrongsak announced his intention to compete in the Rio Olympics.

Twenty-nine sailors took part in the Single-handed monohull dinghy class, a combination of Laser Radial, Laser Standard and Laser 4.7. After nine races, Supakorn Pongvichien proved too good for the international fleet, finishing six points ahead of Nut Butmarasri in second and Azri Bin Suhaimi in third.

The duo of Navee Thumsontorn\ Tanapong Kamolwat reigned supreme in the Double-handed monohull dinghy class, while second place overall was won on count back by Tenku Muhammad Othman\ Mohd Sollehuddin Bin Ismail, beating Tatsapon Mahawichean\ Chaichanawut Deenak into third.

Navee Thumsontorn, after winning the Top of the Gulf Regatta for the fourth time said, “I have gained extensive experience and developed my sailing skills competing in the Top of the Gulf Regatta, and I am planning to train in 470 to compete in the upcoming SEA Games.”

For some, the end may have been an anti-climax but as sailors gathered on the Ocean Marina lawn for the closing gala dinner and awards ceremonies the disappointment of the final day’s wind conditions was forgotten and there was no doubt that the happiest man of the night was Regatta founder Bill Gasson, as he urged one and all to come back in 2013 for the ninth TOG.

The 2012 Top of the Gulf Regatta was supported by the Principal Sponsor Ocean Marina Yacht Club as host venue. Co-Sponsors included Tourism Authority of Thailand, Land Rover and Range Rover, Singha Corporation Group, and Mont Clair Wines.

Other sponsors were Thai Airways, Gulf Charters, Mont Gay Rum, Bank of Ayudhya Plc., Neil Pryde, Minor Group (The Pizza Company and Dairy Queen), Corsair Marine Thailand Co. Ltd., QBE Insurance (Thailand) Co. Ltd., SKPF, Thai Numthip Co. Ltd. (Coca Cola), CAT Telecom PCL, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, Golden Foods Siam Ltd., Lucaris, Suniture, Sunbrella, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Buzzcats and Simpson Marine.

Media partners included Helm Superyacht magazine, SEA Yachting magazine, Go Yachting, Mix 88.5FM, Pattaya Mail, Guy Nowell Photography, and Asianyachting. com.
The event is supported by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT), Royal Varuna Yacht Club and Pattaya City.

Note: The writer appreciates the great help and input for this round-up from Infinity Communications and their team. For more information on this year’s event, got to www. topofthegulfregatta.com.

United draw a blank against Osotspa

Thai Premier League Season 2012

Pattaya United are seen in action against Osotspa Saraburi FC at the Nongprue Stadium, Pattaya, Sunday, May 13. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat/Pattaya United)

Pattaya United were held to a goalless draw last Sunday by Saraburi based Osotspa FC at the Nongrue Stadium in Pattaya.

Chances were hard to come by in a scrappy first half with United skipper Niweat Siriwong coming closest to scoring when his pile driver free-kick from the edge of the area smacked against the top of the Osotspa crossbar with the keeper well beaten
United pressed forward after the break but were unable to penetrate the stubborn visitors’ defence and were too often forced into taking pot shots from long range. Indeed Osotaspa were themselves unlucky not to snatch all three points when Suradej Thongchai saw his fierce shot rebound off the United post with just 5 minutes of the match remaining.

The draw sees United remain in seventh place in the league standings on 13 points from their opening nine fixtures. The Dolphins next match is on Sunday, May 20, away at Army United. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

A fabulous farewell to Elfrado from Pattaya Cricket Club

The Pattaya Cricket Club and British Club of Bangkok players pose for a group photo prior to last weekend’s match.

A marvelous day, in memory of Elfrado ‘Slasher’ Roberts, involved a Pattaya Cricket Club XI playing The British Club of Bangkok last Sunday at Horseshoe Point in a 30 over game.

Proceedings started at noon with a short address from Simon Philbrook, the club Chairman, to all the supporters and players that included references to the great man’s character, achievements and legendry storytelling from yesteryear.

Elfrado ‘Slasher’ Roberts, whose memory lives on at Pattaya Cricket Club.

After a swift rum and coke the captains for the day Earl Brown and Dale Lamb tossed the coin and PCC elected to bat first in a game to be played as two 15 over innings. The BC bowlers bowled a controlled line and length to restrict PCC to 100 for 4. The loudest roar of the day was heard from Rob above as Earl Brown edged his first delivery to depart for a hard fought golden duck! Jerome retired with 30 runs to his name, whilst Debdas and Usman each finished 22 no.

In reply, the PCC bowlers began aggressively as early wickets tumbled but a strong recovery ensured they had the smallest of leads after their 15 overs, scoring 102 for 5. Rahul retired with 30 runs and Sailesh was 27 no.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Pattaya team still posted a fine 258 run total from their 30 overs.

Second time around and with those who had not batted to continue the innings it was 13 year old Hamza who was the linchpin of the innings as he compiled an accomplished 30 not out. This would surely have brought a huge smile of satisfaction to Rob’s face as he was so passionate about the development of juniors within the club. Support was provided by Sunny (34 no) and Debdas (32 no) who were evidently invigorated by the half time pies supplied by Jamesons and PCC posted an impressive 258.

The BC batsmen never really threatened an upset as they were continually kept in check by the PCC bowlers with Hamza again demonstrating his potential and maturity, finishing with figures of 2 for 14 and in doing so claiming the man of the match award. His and Rob’s smile could be seen all round the ground.

The result of the game was not important as both sides immediately indulged in a mammoth slammer session involving 3 litres of fine Thai rum, almost completely appropriate as Rob was West Indian.

A special thank you goes to The British Club, in particular Jack Dunford, for their participation in what was an extremely enjoyable and memorable occasion that Elfrado ‘Slasher’ Roberts would have been proud of.

For more details of all things cricket at PCC please see the club website at www.pattayacricketclub.com.

Pattaya City signs-up for major golf event

Itthiphol Kunplome, the Mayor of Pattaya signs the agreement with Peter Walton, CEO at IGATO, to host the 2nd Asia Golf Tourism Convention. Also in the photo are are Panga Vathanakul, the Managing Director of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, and Mike Mesommonta, from the EGA (East Coast Golf Course Management Association).

As advised earlier this year, Pattaya has been chosen as the host venue for the 2nd Asia Golf Tourism Convention which will take place from 29th April to 2nd May 2013 at the Royal Cliff Resort.

This premier golf tourism event in Asia is expected to attract over 500 delegates to Pattaya for a programme of meetings between buyers and suppliers. The event is run by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators – a trade organisation whose members are responsible for 85% of the world’s golf holiday package bookings.

Itthiphol Kunplome, Mayor of the City of Pattaya, and Peter Walton, CEO of IAGTO, recently signed the agreement confirming Pattaya as the 2013 host city. It is estimated that business emanating from the event is likely to generate $ millions in high revenue low impact golf tourism over the subsequent 6-18 months for Asia’s golf courses, hotels and resorts meeting with IAGTO members to showcase their products and destinations.

Peter Walton CEO of IGATO said, “We anticipate there will be over 180 leading golf tour operators attending, roughly 50% from the Asian markets and the rest from around the world. This will have a major economic impact not only for Pattaya but for Thailand’s tourist industry as a whole.”

The Irish are coming

This weekend, Saturday 19th May, Pattaya is hosting the South Asia Gaelic Football Championship at the Thai Polo Park. This is the first time Gaelic football, the Irish national sport, has been played in Pattaya.
Teams will be travelling from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Shanghai and Vietnam to take on the local ‘Thai’ team and some 170 players, both male and female are expected to participate.
The games run from 9 a.m. through to 5 p.m. at the Thai Polo Park. Admittance is free and everyone interested in coming to watch this fast paced and exciting sport is more than welcome.

Malcolm lands the big one

Kepplers Cider Knockout Cup

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Hornick shoots personal best at Laem Chabang

Thompson triumphs once more

Scribe’s team tastes success at Papa Ray tourney

John and Rob scoop the scramble

Plain Seil-ing at Rayong

The society is ‘Green’ with envy

Butler blitzes the field

Ken and Jay take the week

Wilkinson top scores

Cheap - but not nasty

McGarvie takes the win at Pleasant Valley

Stanley triumphs at last

Voller on form at Eastern Star

Baa Baas take the Cup at thrilling Pattaya Rugby Festival

2012 TOG Regatta: Another huge success for founder Bill Gasson

United draw a blank against Osotspa

A fabulous farewell to Elfrado from Pattaya Cricket Club

Pattaya City signs-up for major golf event

The Irish are coming