Pattaya Sports Club
Bowling League
PSC bowlers pose for
a group photo.
Green Tree, last league’s winner, moves
into first place after winning three points from Bavaria. Scores were low
and most bowlers were complaining about the lack of oil on the lanes.
VFW Post 9876 dropped from first to second place after
losing three points to Brother D.
Mittin2012 moved into fourth place after taking all four
points from Canada. Yeow Gale had one of the few good games this week with a
532 series for Mittin2012.
Indiana took three and one half points from Caf้
Kronborg. Kran Nielsen bowled a 523 series for Kronborg.
Pattaya Sports Club Fishing Reports
Capt. Dene
What a fantastic day we had on our June 2 trip! Eight of
us met at Khram Marine at 07:00 after a night of storms, rain and fierce
winds wondering if the trip would be cancelled. To the contrary, we set out
on calm seas with overcast skies and had a terrific day’s fishing.
The Captain holds up two
greys caught on June 2.
Although it was a little slow for the first hour or so,
with a change of tides the fish started biting and we soon had good catches
of larger than usual pla-daeng together with plentiful grouper, yellow tail
and snapper. The big grey cods were also around and six of us landed 2 each
of these 2ฝ - 3 kilo beauties. However, the best catch of the day was a 3
kilo plus grouper caught by Sollie. The captain is pictured here with 2 of
the greys.
We all went home with bags of 10 kilos and over but John
and Marnie were unlucky in not having any of the large greys in their haul.
On our departure the tide was at its lowest I have seen
this year and we all had difficulty in descending the ladder to the boat.
Unfortunately, I did not have my camera handy when Marnie was making the
descent. Comments on my maneuvers were not complimentary either.
There’s little to say about our subsequent trip on June
7. Definitely the least fish caught during the last 2 years. One 3 kilo big
grey cod caught by Sollie was the only large fish for the day and most of us
only had around 2 kilos each to take home – mainly pla-daeng. As usual, Khun
Daeng had a reasonable bag catch for the day.
The captain blamed flood waters from Northern Thailand
flowing into the Gulf from the Chao Praya River in Bangkok and Bangpakong.
This may be the case as other reports say fishing will be poor until June
18, presumably awaiting the flood waters to abate.
Fortunately, the weather was great and the six of us were
still in good spirits at the end of the day - even more so after our snacks
and refreshments after docking at Khram Marine.
Next trips are on Saturday June 23 (this may be
cancelled) and Thursday 28.
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Shenanigans Quiz Night
This week’s winners – Dusty
Treecaps.
Dusty Treecaps 88, Non Blondes 88, Knuckleheads 86, The
Tinkers 81, 7 Chinese Brothers 73, Surprise Package 73
Growling Swan Golf kicks off in style
PSC Golf from The Growling Swan
Mike Allidi, Peter Blackburn &
Fred Dineley.
Peter Blackburn
Tuesday, June 5, Eastern Star – Stableford
This was a historic occasion for the twenty golfers who
signed up for The Growling Swan Opening Day at the challenging Eastern Star
Golf Course and there was a terrific “buzz” in the air as we assembled at
the venue in readiness for the trip to the course. Complimentary tea &
coffee was available prior to our departure and several of us took advantage
of Peter Grey’s hospitality.
As I looked around the bar I couldn’t help thinking of
the people who had been saying that this was another “Aussie Golf Bar”. We
had representatives from USA, France, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Ireland,
England, and of course a “handful” of Australians. No Danes on this occasion
but I’m sure it won’t be too long before they will be amongst us.
Mashi Kaneta & Peter
Blackburn.
Some of us were travelling to the golf course by car and
the remainder departed in 2 mini buses and due to the 10.26 am tee time we
got on our way at 9.15 am. There was a bit of activity when we arrived at
the course 35 minutes later but we were hopeful of teeing off ahead of
schedule.
I thanked all for attending this important inaugural
Growling Swan Golf Competition and in particular made mention of the
presence of the Pattaya Sports Club Golf Chairman, Joe Mooneyham who had
kindly agreed to participate in the day’s event. As we teed off 6 minutes
ahead of schedule Joe kicked off the proceedings by hitting a cracking drive
down the first which we were expected to follow but unfortunately we
couldn’t match him.
It was alleged after the game that one of the Aussies who
cannot be named but his initials are Stuart Rifkin, celebrated the occasion
by performing a good old Aussie ritual called “shooting the moon” on the
first tee. Good on you Stu and rest assured, the likelihood of incarceration
is fairly remote as all present said they “never saw a thing”!
The weather was fine but hot with a very stiff breeze and
the golf course was looking good although some of the greens had much
residual sand on them which made putting very tricky at times. Despite a
couple of fairly slow groups in front of us we proceeded at a good pace and
after a 10 minute drinks break before the 11th tee we
managed to finish our round in the good time of four hours & fifteen
minutes.
It was also important to thank Peter Grey of The Growling
Swan who contributed to making this all possible and thanks to Mashi Kaneta
& Tom Cotton for supporting me on this special day.
We had 2 Flights with A Flight for handicaps 0 to 20 and
B Flight for 21 and over. There were rewards for nearest the pins on the
four par threes and longest first putts on the 9th &
18th greens. Many thanks to Peter Grey & Martin Todd
for providing additional rewards for these novelties.
The going was tough for most of us on the day as the
scores will indicate and no-one was able to get better than 2 points from
their handicap. As there were 6 golfers amongst us without handicaps their
scores were determined using the Callaway System which certainly evened
things out somewhat.
The A Flight was won once more by Mike Allidi with a
modest (for him) 32 points. There were 4 golfers on 31 points vying for
second & third places with Tony Turnbough (17 point back nine, 13 points on
last 6 holes & 8 points on last 3 holes) finishing second ahead of Stu
“naughty boy” Rifkin (17 point back nine, 13 points on last 6 holes & 6
points on last 3 holes. The two unlucky golfers were Mashi Kaneta & Alain
Taddei, both with 16 point back nines.
Much to his surprise Fred Dinely took out the B Flight
with the best score of the day, 34 points, just 1 ahead of Tom Cotton in
second place and in third place was Sandy Leiper with 31 points.
A Flight (0-20)
1st Mike Allidi (2) 32pts
2nd Tony Turnbough (20) 31pts
3rd Stu Rifkin (16) 31pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Fred Dinely 34pts
2nd Tom Cotton (23) 33pts
3rd Sandy Leiper 31pts
Near Pins: 3rd – Ken Bernek, 6th
– Eric Black, 13th - Ken Bernek, 17th
– Mashi Kaneta
Long Putts: 9th – Tom Cotton,
18th – Mashi Kaneta
It needed a count back to decide who was going to win the
Compass Cap (awarded for worst score on the day) with your writer happily
wearing the cap which was just reward for a very ordinary but very enjoyable
game of golf.
Deefa the Dog was more than happy in his new home and was
paraded by big Ken “let’s hear it for” Bernek in the absence of Hunter and
collected many donations from the generous Growling Swan boys.
It was then back to The Growling Swan for a few hours and
several celebratory beers with much humor and merriment. It was unanimous
that the day had been an outstanding success and we are all looking forward
to many more super days like this.
Thursday, June 7, Crystal Bay A & C – Stableford
Despite one “no show” we had a good group of fifteen
golfers eager to compete in the second Growling Swan Golf event. The course
was the popular Crystal Bay and as we assembled at G.S. we once more enjoyed
Peter Grey’s complimentary tea & coffee and prepared for the trip down
Highway 3.
We were welcoming back Bo Cardwell from a week with her
family and Fred Cuypers from his 3 weeks in Europe. Unfortunately we were
also saying Bon Voyage to Fred as he is returning to Perth, Australia in the
next day or so. We also bade farewell to our good friend Paul Sharples who
is returning to his work in Oman.
8.30 am is now our normal departure time from G.S. and we
got away right on time, arriving at Crystal Bay 46 minutes later to find the
caddies eagerly awaiting as there were very few other golfers present at
that time. A & C were the designated nines to be played on the day and after
some leisurely preparation our first group, a three ball teed off 10 minutes
ahead of schedule at 9.50 am.
It was “millionaire’s golf” as there was no-one ahead of
us and with almost perfect weather, albeit a few rain clouds above we
proceeded to enjoy this great golf course which was in excellent condition.
Playing the first nine, A in the very good time of one hour and fifty five
minutes we had a short drinks break before commencing C nine which we had
not played for quite some time. Continuing our good pace we finished the
whole round in four hours & five minutes after taking another quick drinks
break half way through the second nine.
With the smallish field we had just the one Grade plus
nearest the pin rewards on all the par threes and longest first putts on A9
& C9, kindly sponsored by Mike Gosden & Daryl Evans.
Mostly the scoring was good on the day with one
exceptional score, that being the 44 points by Mashi Kaneta who carded his
best ever gross score of 75. Well done Mashi! This of course gave him first
place and 5 points further back came Tom (T.C.) Cotton in second place.
There were 3 golfers on 38 points so a count back was
necessary to determine third, fourth & fifth places. In third place came Stu
“Heineken” Rifkin (20 point back nine) with departee Fred Cuypers (19 point
back nine) coming fourth and another departee Paul Sharples (17 point back
nine) completing the podium in fifth spot.
1st Mashi Kaneta (11) 44pts
2nd Tom Cotton (23) 39pts
3rd Stu Rifkin (16) 38pts
4th Fred Cuypers (14) 38pts
5th Paul Sharples (13) 38pts
Near Pins: A5 – Tom Cotton, A8 – Peter Blackburn, C4
– Mike Gosden, C7 – Alain Taddei
Long Putts: 9th – Mashi Kaneta,
18th – Peter Blackburn
Bo Cardwell celebrated her return by winning the Compass
Cap (awarded for the worst score on the day) on a count back from Jerry
Dobbs and Hunter paraded Deefa the Dog who is reveling in his new home and
collected many donations from the generous Growling Swan Golf crew.
The winner of the Consistency Award for May, kindly
sponsored by Mike Gosden was won by yours truly, Peter Blackburn.
Back at the Growling Swan afterwards we once more
celebrated another successful outing and enjoyed the camaraderie and
merriment.
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Capt’ Steve tastes road-trip success - again
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
From left: Steve Mann, Rod
Crosswell, Martin Kingswood & Rosco.
An early 8am Bangkok Airways flight carried fifteen of
the seventeen players on the annual international tour, back in Siem Reap
again, after a three year break; one of the other two had arrived the night
before and the other was due in from the Philippines. The short 50 minute
flight was painless and smooth enough, although the turbo-prop plane was a
little too small to accommodate the likes of Steve Poznanski, who really
needed about another one foot of leg room and a hole in the roof when he
stood up.
The airport at Siem Reap, built in the traditional
Cambodian style, is small but busy but the express clearance procedure at a
cost of US$5 each, is worth every cent, as we sped our way through to the
waiting transportation. Then it was off on the 15 minute journey to the
hotel to drop off any non-required baggage and the girls for an early
check-in; before leaving for the golf course, a further 15 minutes, for an
11.30 tee time.
Overall winner Steve Mann
(front centre), runners -up; Martin Kingswood (front left) & Rod Crosswell
(front right), Jim Bryan 4th (back left) & Pete Stonebridge 5th (back
right).
The Nick Faldo designed course, which opened in 2009, was
quiet and the weather fine, although there had clearly been heavy rain in
recent hours as the fairways were quite wet, yet good, nevertheless we
decided it prudent to play winter rules (pick, clean & place on the
fairways). Upon reflection to play from the blues at 6666 yards, was
probably a mistake but since it was only a practice round, we decided to
give it a try; however the scores quickly demonstrated how tough it was, as
the best in was 31pts from Capt’ Steve and Bill Rogers.
The greens were absolutely marvellous but the general
layout somewhat disappointing, with the repetitive theme of water on the
left and bunkers on the right, hole after hole; so much so that it was
difficult to recall the holes after the round.
So, Steve got the nod on count back from Bill, both with
31 and Jim Bryan (30), Rick Forrest (29) and Sel Wegner (28) followed them
home.
From left: Bill Rogers, Clyde
Smith, General Jack & Rod Crosswell at Siem Reap Lake Resort.
Tuesday, June 5, Day 1 – Angkor Golf Resort
We stayed at the Ta Phrom hotel after failing to get a
deal with the Sofitel where we were three years ago, chalk and cheese really
absolutely incomparable but it’s just as well we didn’t bet a deal with the
Sofitel as we later found out that the Prokeethra course, managed by them
(Sofitel) is currently undergoing some serious maintenance work and
renovation.
After the severe mauling we all received from the blue
tees in yesterday’s practice round, we moved ourselves up about 500 yards to
play from the white tees on the Faldo designed Angkor Golf Resort; not an
ideal length on paper at about 6100 yards but with no roll and stacks of
water, it was the best on offer.
With hardly anyone on the course and in very hot and
humid conditions we were round quite quickly although the two groups which
played the front nine first did get held up somewhat by a stray couple
playing a two-ball, stray because they would have been better off shopping
in Siem Reap than being on a golf course, it would have probably cost him
less as well! In case you were wondering why we would take a two tee start
with only four groups, the rain has a habit of falling very heavily in the
afternoons – but not today.
So just look at the difference a tee makes, Capt’ Steve
romped in with a gross 75 for 44pts followed home by Rod Crosswell with 40;
Art also did well with 36 as did Martin (35) and Chad was really pleased a
he grabbed the last podium place with 34.
There were just two ‘2’s from Rosco & Steve Mann
1st Steve Mann (11) 44pts
2nd Rod Crosswell (14) 40pts
3rd Arthur O’ Connor (11) 36pts
4th Martin Kingswood (15) 35pts
5th Barry Chadbourn (20) 34pts
Wednesday, June 6, Day 2 – Siem Reap Lake Resort
So today we went to the Japanese designed, Korean owned
Lake Resort course which opened only about three years ago. A slightly
longer drive from the centre of town but shortened by our knowledgeable tour
guide, Sam, who was with us on every journey expounding the history of
Cambodia not only in the 12th century but also in the
more recent and terrible times of the Khmer Rouge, which he could remember
vividly as a child. Sam was a likeable guy, who everyday earned more and
more respect from all the Outbackers on the tour and seemed to know pretty
much everything about not only the Siem Reap area but also most of Cambodia.
From left: Jim Smith, Clyde
Smith, Martin Kingswood & Bill Rogers with their caddies at Angkor Golf
Resort.
Facing a course called “Siem Reap Lake Resort”, we felt
in wise to treat the place with some respect as we chose to play from the
silver tees, at some 6100 yards. It was a bit too short really, mainly
because the water, although plentiful, didn’t really come into play but the
layout was more interesting than the Faldo course with far greater changes
in elevation as well. The greens however, showed their tender years and were
no comparison (to the Faldo course) and it was difficult to get the ball to
the hole, even downhill. The weather was once again incredibly good to us,
no rain but very, very hot.
The same old faces rose to the top again as this time Rod
got the better of Steve, both sharing 41pts and even though Rosco finished
in third with 39, he let a great score go to waste as he stood three over
gross with three holes to play. Rick, who Rosco beat on count back, also
threw away a good score after racking up 23pts on the front nine.
There were three more ‘2’s today from Jim Bryan, Chris
Davisson and another one from Rosco (his 2nd of the
week).
1st Rod Crosswell (14) 41pts
2nd Steve Mann (11) 41pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (12) 39pts
4th Rick Forrest (15) 39pts
5th Martin Kingswood (15) 38pts
Thursday, June 7, Final Round - Angkor Course
Of course no trip to Siem Reap would be complete without
seeing the world renowned Angkor Wat and although constantly undergoing
repair work, it is still an amazing sight to behold and just a 20 min tuk
tuk ride out of town. Definitely well worth seeing but tiring at the end of
a very hot day and particularly after a round of golf.
The final round was back on the Angkor course, again from
the whites, and as is customary with these events the leaders go out last;
with the last group being Steve Mann (85pts), Rod Crosswell (81pts), Martin
Kingswood (73pts) and Rosco (71pts).
The half an hour earlier start proved unnecessary as
there was only a short interruption for rain and there was nobody on the
course, meaning everybody was in and finished by around 2pm, three hours
before we had to be at the airport. At presentation, Jack thanked everybody
for coming and being such a congenial group for which everybody should
congratulate themselves.
Martin Kingswood made a run at the overall win with a
great 44pts to win today’s round comfortably by five from Jim Bryan (39),
with two day second placed man Rod, back in third with 36; Capt’ Steve who
held the two day lead was back in fifth on 34.
As for the overall winner, Capt’ Steve held on to
complete a double after winning in Chiang Mai last year; this time he won by
three from the fast finishing Martin Kingswood, who shared the runner-up
spot with Rod Crosswell; Jim Bryan was 10pts further back on 107 total to
take fourth with the final podium place going to Pete Stonebridge with 99
There were four more ‘2’s from Art O’Connor, Chris
Davisson and Sel Wegner got two.
1st Martin Kingswood (15) 44pts
2nd James Bryan (17) 39pts
3rd Rod Crosswell (14) 36pts
4th Sel Wegner (12) 35pts
5th Steve Mann (11) 34pts
Overall Results
1st Steve Mann (11) 119pts
2nd Rod Crosswell (14) 117pts
3rd Martin Kingswood (15) 117pts
4th James Bryan (17) 107pts
5th Peter Stonebridge (15) 99pts
Note: A full list of the results can be found at the Outback Bar
website at: www.outbackgolfbar.com.
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A double take for the 2 K’s
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, June 4, Rayong
C.C. - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Al Keith (5) 30pts
2nd Terry Hodgkiss (25) 29pts
With another holiday when all courses push up the prices
and players migrate either back to their own membership clubs or to one of
those that are still within the budget, it was back to Rayong Country Club
where the price is about the same as most other courses on a standard
weekday.
Al Keith.
As usual the course was not quite up to the standard of
many of the others but still provides excellent value for money. It was
expected that there would be a very heavy demand for places on the course
which turned out not to be the case, with it virtually empty other than the
Pattaya Golf Society playing from the first while our competition teed off
from the tenth. In the event the participation of another competition over
the course meant that the day did not become non-counting after the scores
from the tenth tee were less than spectacular.
Al Keith amassed, if that is the correct phrase, just
enough points to take the win as the slow greens took their toll on the
smaller than usual field. This mirrored his win the previous week out of Soi
13 although being some twelve shots higher.
Terry Hodgkiss just about managed to keep the ball in
play around the tight and tricky layout to take second spot.
There were no 2’s in either division
Shuichi Kodaka.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back
Tomas Nilsson. There was also an announcement of the cessation of the
tradition at The Haven of the winner buying a drink for the rest of the
competitors attending the prize giving, after some extended discussions
amongst the local members of the group during the past weeks. However there
would still be a free drink for all those attending the after competition
gatherings as the bar would in future provide it.
Friday, June 8,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Shuichi Kodaka (18) 39pts
2nd Jens Gunnarsson (15) 37pts
3rd Alwyne Burley (18) 36pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki (11) 34pts
5th Mike Dabanovich (11) 32pts
Crystal Bay has not quite returned to the glory days but
if progress continues to be made with the condition of the course in general
it will not be long before it will be once again a must visit for all
players in the area. The greens particularly are getting back to the old
speed and flatness having benefitted tremendously from a serious upgrade in
greens keeping.
The condition of the course allied to the very
competitive pricing during the low season will ensure that it remains on the
schedule as a regular feature during the coming months. It is to be hoped
that a similar effort will be made to return the changing facilities to the
past when they also were amongst the best in the area.
With the course playing so well it was little surprise to
find that the scores were of a much better standard that the week’s earlier
competition.
Shuichi Kodaka made it the second win in the week for a
previous winner, making the pictures of the winners look very similar to
last week’s, as he went three under handicap even if once again the last
hole almost undid all the good play that preceded it, he had enough of a
margin to wrap up the day’s top honour.
Jens Gunnarsson took second place with a solid round that
include just one blank hole and he finished strongly to consign Alwyne
Burley to third place after the latter had followed a steady front nine with
a two under handicap inward half.
Yasuo Suzuki made it a happy return to his second home
with a very tidy round for the most part but he suffered a little from
travel exhaustion at the close, taking just five points from the last four
holes.
Mike Dabanovich started slowly and never quite got up to
speed during a round that included four 3 pointers and four 1 pointers and a
couple of wipes. There will surely be better days for him in the near
future.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but
the first division rollovers pool was taken by Mike Dabanovich.
Before the presentations there was a welcome for new
member Peter Newham, who having arrived from Australia was given a rare
opportunity to view a replica of The Ashes which has become a tradition for
all visiting players from that country. This (The Ashes replica) was a
donation by a fellow countryman after the original had been retained during
the 2010/11 series by England in Australia, having previously been virtually
owned down under from the late eighties until the 2005 series.
After a few eyes had been dried, there were welcome backs
for Rodney Hayes and Yasuo Suzuki and it was time for Stephen to blow the
horn and get everyone in a party mood once more.
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.
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Missler swinging in the rain
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, June 4, Eastern
Star – Stableford
A public holiday today and we had a reasonable turnout
today considering half of our guys have gone home for a 1/2 month break.
There were six groups out and there were a few three and four-balls spread
throughout the course as we ventured round.
Mike Missler and Joe Kubon -
winners on Friday at Eastern Star.
There was a fresh breeze coming off the coast and this
reflected in the scores. In his last game with us before his return to the
UK for six months, Alan Pilkington won division 1 with 34 points, while in
the frame again Chris Voller took second after beating Mikael Andersson on a
19/17 back nine count back, both coming in with 33 points each.
The cut today was 5-16 and 17 plus and Brian Blackford,
playing his last few games with us before his re-location to Issan, won
division 2 with 32 points after beating the new recruit Ken Miller on a
20/15 back nine count back. Joe Kubon, now recovering from his operation,
was third with 30 points.
In the ‘2’s today, playing off nine still, Ian Speirs
shot one on the 17th to three feet from the pin and earned himself the prize
in division 1, while there was a rollover in division 2.
Near pins went to Mike Missler, Ian Speirs, Chris Voller,
Brian Blackford, Peter Davies and Fred Temminck.
Friday, June 8,
Eastern Star - Stableford
As we headed towards the Rayong coast the skies were very
dark and dismal in the distance and the 331 road was heavily covered in rain
and the feeling was there would be no game today. As we approached Easter
Star we assembled on the first tee and the clouds were dispersing slightly
and we thought it might be ok. There were four ‘no goes’ overnight so we had
only five four-balls out today.
The cut was 7-16 in division 1 and 17+ in division 2 and
the best score of the day was in division 1 with Mike Missler winning with
40 points. Mikael Andersson took second with 37 and Chris Voller came in
third on 36.
After months in the doldrums and now with a minor
disability, Joe Kubon bounced back to winning ways with victory in division
2 and 36 points. Ronney Howett claimed second five points behind and Peter
Davies beat Iain Walsh on a 19/15 back nine count back for third after they
both came in with 30 points.
As we were here on Monday, the rollover kitty sponsored a
36-hole competition for two divisions for a fun prize and Mike Missler won
in division 1 with a 32 and 40, with Mikael Andersson second with 70 points.
Rod Howett was second in division 2 with 57 and the winner Joe Kubon scored
of 30 and 36 to finish with 66 points.
In the ‘2’s a rollover from last Friday in division 2
plus Mondays game here and today makes for an interesting game on the 15th
June while in division 1 in the frame again Mike Missler birdied the 17th,
and his other half Faa was smiling at the presentation as she is now having
a driving range lesson every day and will be joining us soon.
Near pins went to Mikael Andersson, Grant Cadell, Arthur
Hancock, Mike Missler, Peter Davies and Bryan Priestley.
Another four Bon Voyages this week to our regulars Alan Pilkington, Pete
Sumner, Kari Kuparinen and David Taylor.
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Brian’s the big winner
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society
Sunday’s winners Brian and
Sean with Colin the Golf Manager.
Sunday, June 3, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Sean Connolly (10) 40pts
2nd Tom Byrne (14) 38pts
B Flight
1st Brian Cooper (23) 42pts
2nd Jez Lees (15) 33pts
Near Pins: No 4 Steve Little, No 9 Tom Byrne, No
12 Dave Boran, No 17 Brian Cooper.
Brian ‘Mini’ Cooper was the big winner this Sunday as
he shattered the field with a very impressive 42 points to take a nine
shot margined B Flight and man of the match victory over Jez ‘the
principal’ Lees. Jez gratefully accepted the silver while the Donkey and
the Eagle a shot further back juggled for a nonexistent bronze place.
Leaping up to the senior flight we saw Sean Connolly
atop the podium with a sound 40 points. Sean was two shots clear of the
inform Irishman Tom Byrne, but Tom did have the comfort of a coverted
near pin. ‘Broad more’ Bob’s 37 points was good for zero satang but he
manage to joined Tom, Steve Little and Dave Boran for a share of the 2’s
pot.
Monday, June 4, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Nick Odnoral (19) 39pts
2nd Mike Jeffreys (18) 35pts
3rd Gerry Roche (18) 35pts
Sometimes one has to go to multiple count backs to
determine the winner and other times the winner jumps right of the page.
For the midweek stint at the Pete and Perry Dye’s Khao Kheow course the
latter was the case. Nick Odnoral’s 39 points was four clear of Mike
‘the Welsh wizard’ and Gerry Roche. Mike was the better when he compared
his back nine leaving Jerry to tidy up the flight.
Paul Hack was the sole heir to the 2’s pot
Wednesday, June 6, Bangpra - Stableford
Day 1 Monthly Lewinski/ Golf Club Challenge
A Flight
1st Tore Eliassen (14) 39pts
2nd Ed Wyckoff (8) 35pts
3rd Ken Aihara (5) 35pts
4th Chaten Patel (13) 35pts
B Flight
1st Joe Tynan (33) 39pts
2nd Gerry Rafferty (14) 35pts
3rd Christy Knight (21) 35pts
4th Mike Jeffreys (18) 31pts
Bangpra was the host to our co-sanctioned event with
our mates at The Golf Club. Tore Eliassen was in fine form as he led A
Flight home with a sparkling 39pts to co-lead the first day. Ed ‘the
Senator’ Wyckoff, Ken Aihara, Chaten ‘the Raj’ Patel, and Salvatore
Brizzi were all log jammed on 35 points vying for the final three A
Flight podium spots. Count back dictated that they finish in that order
with Salvatore losing out by a whisker but well in the hunt for the
overall prize.
B Flight belonged to Lewiinski’s most senior player,
78 years young Joe ‘sat nav’ Tynan, with a splendid co-man of the match
39 points. Joe was four strokes clear of fellow Irishmen Gerry Rafferty
and Christy ‘good’ Knight as Mike ‘the Welsh wizard’ edged Keith
McLachlan for the last flight podium spot.
Lewiinski’s led the scoring averages 29 to the Golf
Club’s 27. It would be very interesting to see if Tore or Joe can hold
on for the overall prize.
The evening presentation at Lewiinski’s was
fantastically well supported and a great success. Once again the staff
coped admirably and our thanks go out to them.
To find out the outcome of this event please find the
result in the Golf Club’s Friday report located else were in the sports
pages.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1,
Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with
us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826
0764. Transport is provided.
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Phillips wins close
encounter at Rayong
The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
Visakha Buddha Day, 4th June, so the Pattaya Golf Society
visited Rayong C.C. with a baker’s dozen of golfers for another session of
public holiday golf, on a course almost empty by comparison with other local
courses. As usual a competition local rule was applied because of the
peculiar nature of the track, with its bare patches, and the group got away
well before time.
Scoring was difficult with hard fairways and slowish
greens but Brian Shaw, Mr Len and the “Rabbi” performed better than most
with 35 points each for a share of second place. One point ahead was Aussie
Lindsay Phillips who took his maiden win with the group on 36 points.
Brian Shaw recorded the only birdie ‘2’ of the day on the
16th hole and the Booby Bevy and free beer draw was cancelled in deference
to the solemnity of the day and the vigilance of the “Boys in Brown”.
Superb Seil
On Friday, 8th June the Pattaya Golf Society visited
Pattana to play a stableford competition on the B and C nines which were in
perfect condition with lush fairways and splendidly consistent greens. It
was certainly the best conditioned course the group has played in months and
the fee was remarkable value for money when other local courses, in poorer
condition, are charging ransoms for groups with unachievable numbers.
Some very good golf was played and Tony Thorne turned in
a score of 34 points for third place. Dave Wilkinson conjured up a rare
sub-par round of 37 for second place but the day belonged to Seil Revels who
produced a round of stunning quality with his card bearing only two bogeys
against four birdies and a dozen pars. Gross seventy (forty four points) is
a remarkable achievement and represents the best round with the group in
more than a year.
Incredibly there were no birdie ‘2’s.
In the opinion of all the golfers it had been an
excellent day at Pattana and the PGS looks forward to repeating the trip
next month and during the rest of low season.
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Russell wins at Emerald with impressive back nine
Backyard Golf Society
Russell with the staff from
the Blue Sky Bar.
Arriving at Emerald Golf Course, for our weekly game of
golf with the Backyard Golf Society, the weather looked pretty awful so
everyone was a bit concerned about getting the full round in. Ten players
this week with nine in all competitions and we welcomed Darren for his first
game with the society and also Kit, who is on a fly-in visit from the UK.
All ten players finished the front nine but Andy Oz
staggered off after the ninth hole with either a knee problem or prolonged
abuse of alcohol. No one was really sure! With nine players left the back
nine holes were completed without further incident and with the rain holding
off it was back to the club house for prize giving.
Four players tied with 33 points in the stableford
competition; Dan M, JJ, John Mac and Russell, with Russell ending up as the
winner with a back nine score of 22. John Mac took nearest the pin prize and
the skin results were as follows: Dab M (8), Kit (7), Terry C (2), and
Russell (1).
With Andy Oz going straight back to see a doctor it was
then left down to the rest to make sure he was not missed in Ban Chang!
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Browne & Baccioli again
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group.
Giorgio Baccioli and
Patrick Browne with a staff member at The Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
Friday 1st June would be the last game on the Mountain
course for a while. We were told that the Ocean course would be open by next
Tuesday. We all hold our breath hoping that the ground-staff have not
decided to open the newly maintained course too early and it is in poor
condition. We wait with bated breath!
Onto the game today, which was most enjoyable with nice
clear skies with a cool breeze. Well, of course it would have been a good
day. Yours truly was the winner with 36 points, followed closely by Stuart
Gordon with 35 points and John Willoughby third with 33 points. Sadly we
said goodbye to John for a while whilst he goes back to Sweden for the
summer (he is English but lives and works in Sweden).
Our main day was, of course Tuesday 4th June. Well we
were all pleasantly pleased to find that, at last, the management and
ground-staff have finally listened to much given advice and waited until the
Ocean course was in superb condition before opening it (the first time in 10
years that I can remember that they have done that). So, not instead of
closing a good course and opening a poor course we can enjoy pristine
conditions at all times. Let’s hope it lasts! Our sincere congratulations go
to all involved.
Winners today were Giorgio Baccioli and Patrick Browne
with 36 points each. Giorgio would have been the clear winner but it was
difficult to split the prizes so we awarded the same to each player. Behind
on 34 points to claim third place was Bill Hewitt.
Two near pins today were won by Patrick Browne & Bill
Hewitt. Lucky draw prizes (donated by our hosts The Relax Bar, went to John
(“I never win the lucky draw”) Bartley and Stuart Gordon.
Next week we play for the KPK Food Services prize under
Stableford rules.
Note: We play every Tuesday and Friday at Phoenix. If
anyone is interested in golf or sea fishing call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.
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Davies finds some form at Burapha
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Friday’s winners, from left,
Sugar (winner Div C), Lamun (3rd Div B), Joe (winner Div B) and Craig
(winner Div A).
Monday, June 4, Burapha –
Stableford
It’s pleasing to report that at long last the Burapha
management refrained from increasing their prices to the Outback on a
holiday (Visaka Bucha Day) and were rewarded with 25 Outbackers here,
playing off the blues on courses A & B and although it was a holiday we all
went round in under four hours. The course was in its usual great condition
from tee to green although the rough around the greens was deep and
difficult to find your ball.
Welcome back Norm Cheetham and to Dave Boran on a
fleeting visit and a special welcome back to Dave Arrowsmith, who left
Thailand almost three years ago; this is a surprise, where are you mate?
The top score of the day came from Dave Davies who at
long last has regained some form after his recent foot surgery; Dave scored
an excellent 39pts to win Div B and beat his good friend Tony (37pts) by two
in the process; third was Dave Boran (35pts) beating Brad Papas on count
back.
The aforementioned Dave Arrowsmith won Div A with 36 from
Craig Jolly (35) and Andy Todd, also with 35.
There was just one ‘2’ from Bob Barnes.
Div A (0-13)
1st David Arrowsmith (12) 36pts
2nd Craig Jolly (8) 35pts
3rd Andy Todd (10) 35pts
Div B (14+)
David Davies (28) 39pts
Tony McDonough (14) 37pts
David Boran (14) 35pts
Tuesday, June 5, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
With the usual Tuesday organiser (Chad) away on the
Outback trip to Cambodia it was Nigel taking care of things today. Just 10
players – 3 ladies and 7 men. The day was fine and hot, the course was
reasonable and not busy.
It was Orn Kanasaengsri (14) with the best of the ladies
with 37 points, who play their own competition from the red tees, with both
Orn and Laong securing a ‘2’.
For the men playing white then blue tees, Alan
Whittingham (14) came in with a fine 40 points in pole and showing that the
responsibility for the day did not weigh too much, Nigel Cannon (21) was
runner-up with 36 points. Final place on the podium and good to see him back
went to ‘The Colonel’ aka Bob Pearce (16) with 35 points. The men had no
2’s.
Outback will continue to support PCC during their
refurbishment of the back 9 – playing the front 9 twice using white and blue
tees.
1st Alan Whittingham (14) 40pts
2nd Orn Kanasaengsri (14) 37pts
3rd Nigel Cannon (21) 36pts
4th Bob Pearce (16) 35pts
Tuesday, June 5, Laem Chabang – Stableford
We have been desperately trying to increase the number of
tee times booked here at Laem Chabang due to overwhelming popularity and the
alternate course to Pattaya C.C. on the second double course day of the
week. 25 Outbackers here, having to play in five-balls, which seemed to go
quite well, getting round in around four hours which was pretty good going;
still playing C & A, as B hasn’t been re-opened yet. The course was in good
shape as always but the greens were pretty slick which put a damper on many
a golfer’s score card.
Neil McMillan slipped through the net to win Div B with
an amazing score of 42 points, at the first time of asking but won’t find it
quite so easy next time as his handicap was slashed by three. Second was
Steve Milne with 33, beating Tim Knight (welcome back) on count back.
Bernie Stafford sizzled for a while and did enough to
take Div A with 34pts from Max Mitchell (31) and Kissy Buchanan (and welcome
back to you too).
There were two ‘2’s from Andy Butterworth and Craig
Jolly.
Div A (0-13)
1st Bernie Stafford (12) 34pts
2nd Max Mitchell (12) 31pts
3rd Keith Buchanan (12) 29pts
Div B (14+)
1st Neil McMillan (36) 42pts
2nd Steve Milne (16) 33pts
3rd Tim Knight (18) 33pts
Wednesday, June 6, Siam Plantation – Stableford
As with Laem Chabang, Siam Plantation was also
over-subscribed as 19 Outbackers turned out today playing B & C, requiring
some manipulation from member, Lumpy, persuading the management to allow one
five-ball to play. The mathematics don’t quite work out there, so there must
have been 21 players, a couple of them not in the comp. Whatever the case,
thanks Lumpy for helping Suzi out and thanks Suzi for all the good work
you’ve done running the golf this week in the absence of Capt’ Steve and the
General.
We teed off a little bit early and the course was in its
customary fine condition and the greens were fast; the only downfall being
that the sand in the bunkers was very hard due to the heavy thunderstorm the
night before but Greg Hill had become a master of them after 18 holes with
the day’s top score of 35pts to win Div B from Roy Barrell (33) and Frank
Mills (32).
Scotty Qua returned to the course after an absence of a
few months and immediately found winning form with 33pts to take Div A by
two from three tied on 31pts, Andy Butterworth, Kev Reid and Lumpy,
finishing in that order after the usual count backs.
There were no ‘2’s.
Div A (0-13)
1st Scotty Qua (13) 33pts
2nd Andy Butterworth (12) 31pts
3rd Kev Reid (12) 31pts
Div B (14+)
1st Greg Hill (19) 35pts
2nd Roy Barrell (21) 33pts
3rd Frank Mills (16) 32pts
Friday, June 8, Green Valley – Stableford
Not only did Capt’ Steve find the energy to go out and
play again today after a winning four rounds on the trot in Siem Reap, but
he also organised the day here at Green Valley as Suzi, who has done such a
great job all week, returns to the UK for a couple of weeks to catch up with
husband John.
A good turnout of 35 played at this ever popular course
but unfortunately a slightly slower than usual round which perhaps was the
cause of lower scoring than last week. The day’s top score went to the
Sugarman with 42pts, for which he will receive nearly a 2 shot handicap cut
and he won Div C by six from Tim Knight (36) and John & Brad both with 34.
Div B went to The PSC Golf Chairman, Joe Mooneyham, with
the day’s next best score of 40pts from Martin Kingswood (37pts), fresh from
his second place in Siem Reap and he will see his handicap come down again
to 13; in third was Lamun Hanley (35) and lovely to see her back playing at
the Outback again.
Div A had Craig Jolly & Jack Butler both with 37 from
course specialist, Jan Eriksen on 36.
There were six ‘2’s, two from Paul Greenaway on holes 4 &
12, then one from Craig Jolly (12th), and three on the
16th from Paul Bourke, Sunanta Duangwaw & Bob
Lindborg.
Div A (0-11)
1st Craig Jolly (8) 37pts
2nd Jack Butler (11) 37pts
3rd Jan Eriksen (7) 36pts
Div B (12-16)
1st Joe Mooneyham (15) 40pts
2nd Martin Kingswood (14) 37pts
3rd Lamun Hanley (15) 35pts
Div C (17+)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (18) 42pts
2nd Tim Knight (18) 36pts
3rd John O’Keefe (17) 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.
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Sumner and Lodge
brothers bow out in style
IPGC golf from The Links
Sunday, June 3, Green
Valley – Stableford
Again only one fixture this week, and another good
turnout for Green Valley. Today was hot and humid, with a strong breeze
throughout, and with the greens being cored and top dressed earlier in the
week, one would have expected scoring to be difficult.
Peter Sumner.
However, one would have thought wrong, and with the
fairly strong field making a mockery of the conditions, the standard scratch
for the day was reduced to 69 and one category one player was even awarded
0.1 back for only shooting his handicap!
On a day when over half the field shot their handicap or
better, those that scored 37 or 38 points could be forgiven for thinking
they had a chance of the prizes, but alas, this was not the case, as three
players, all starting their final week of this visit, tied for the lead on
41 points.
Ger Lodge was the first to fall on the count back,
managing only a paltry 20 points on the back 9, one behind his brother Ted.
The (half) round of the day, however, went to Peter Sumner, who, after
struggling to a measly 17 points on the front 9, returned in 2 under gross
for an outstanding 24 points and first place.
There were five 2’s recorded, with the pot diluted
between Ted Lodge (2), Ger Lodge, Russell Goldsworthy and Les Cobban.
Ted & Ger Lodge.
1st Peter Sumner (8) 41pts
2nd Ted Lodge (11) 41pts
3rd Ger Lodge (18) 41pts
4th Jon Batty (8) 38pts
5th Alan Pilkington (9) 37pts
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.
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Handscombe nicks the trophy
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Colin, Nick Handscombe &
Steve.
Steve Ellison
Monday, June 4, Green Valley (White Tees) – Stableford
1st Steve Little (7) 41 points
2nd Ken Aihara (5) 40 points
3rd Jeff Calrow (13) 38 points
Another good turnout for low season for our regular
Monday venue of Green Valley. The course has been in better shape certainly,
greens were a bit on the bumpy side, but it’s the same for everybody, as the
old saying goes. Hollow tine greens were the order of the day and it made no
difference to a couple of guys who managed to shoot in the 40’s so it
couldn’t have been that bad, eh?
Pattana B-3, Aced by Steve
Little.
Steve Little has not been to Pattaya in a few years and
he made an impressive comeback by shooting 41 points to win today’s contest.
From Yeepon, as the Thais call it, Ken Aihara- Mr. Steady- should have won
with a great score of 40 points but Steve had other ideas about that. Last
on the podium but certainly not least, Jeff “Make mine a latte” Calrow
closed out the top three with another respectable day of golf and a 38 on
the card. See y’all next Monday!
Wednesday, June 3, Bangpra (White Tees) – Stableford
1st Ken Aihara (5) 35pts
2nd Chaten Patel (13) 35pts
3rd Nick Handscombe (12) 33pts
Time once again for that monthly contest with our pals
for The Golf Club – Lewiinski’s Challenge. The venue for the first day of
our 2 day event was Bangpra. This golf course is in great nick with
lightning fast greens and should be on your play list at such keen prices.
There were 40 of us who took the challenge this outing and another great day
out was on the cards.
We don’t call him Mr. Steady for nothing, and shooting
just one stroke off his handicap today gave Ken Aihara enough points on the
scorecard for victory. 35 points also went to Chaten Patel who lost on count
back- better luck next time mate! Nicky was third with a Handscombe score of
33 to round out the leaderboard from The Golf Club.
The team score told a different tale though, with TGC on
27.0 and the lads from Lewiinski’s on 29.0, a substantial shot difference.
There was much work to be done on Friday, our second day of competition.
Thanks go to Colin and the Lewiinski’s bar and kitchen
staff for their hospitality at the presentation and dinner afterwards, we
all had a great time.
Friday, June 8, Pattana (White tees) – Stableford
1st Nick Handscombe (12) 39pts
2nd Chaten Patel (13) 37pts
3rd Tore Eliassen (10) 31pts
The second day of The Challenge was before us at the
lovely Pattana Golf & Sports Club. Did you know there is a 40,000 seat
football pitch here? It is a sprawling complex with the best and biggest
clubhouse on the Eastern Seaboard and the 27 holes of golf here are
outstanding.
There was some chatter in the locker room about the U.S.
Open and it looks like either Tiger or Lee for the trophy, but it should be
a most interesting competition indeed, and good luck to both of them.
We had a long road ahead of us as Lewiinski’s took a big
lead on day 1. The course itself was in fine shape so no excuses please for
bad play. One hole stood out in particular, B-3 for Steve Little who took
only one swing to put the ball in the hole! Congratulations to Steve, his
first hole-in-one in 24 years of golf! The Lewiinski’s side was relentless
on the day and we had small chance to play catch up.
We all headed back to The Golf Club for our signature BBQ
and presentation after the comp. The totals at the end looked embarrassing
for The Golf Club as we ended up losing with a 56.57 point total Stableford
scoring average to Lewiinski’s 62.08 points.
The good news was that one of our lads, Nick Handscombe,
won the day and the overall crystal goblet trophy with 72 points, beating
our own Chaten Patel on count back, with Tore Eliassen taking third. That
evens up this year’s Challenge Competition at 3-3 so let’s see what happens
next month! Thanks guys, and keep it in the fairway!
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We
play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday so come join us for a seriously fun day
out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclub pattaya.com and
for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.
facebook.com/golfclub pattaya.
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Funk gets his groove
on at Phoenix
PSC golf from the Blue Moose
The weather gods were looking out for the Blue Moose
players both on Monday the 4th as well as Thursday the 7th. Monday’s action
was at the Pattaya Country Club. No rate changes for the holiday and there
was only the slightest wait at the turn and then the play moved well. Clouds
kept the sun at bay for the entire 18.
Thursday’s top two - Bruce
Funk and Richard Hall.
Finishing in first place with 41 points was Rich Murphy
followed by Janathorn Kunaha with 40 points.
Thursdays group was also favored with cloudy skies and no
rain. Fortunately the downpours have been limited to the evenings and that
helps the grass. Phoenix was the venue and the course was in good condition.
Play moved well starting with an 8:20 tee off.
Coming back to the Blue Moose the cards were tallied.
While waiting for the results, the Blue Moose staff furnished rolls, tuna
salad sandwich material, potato salad and crackers. When the counting was
finished, Bruce Funk led the group with 39 points followed by Richard Hall
with 35 points. Various beverages were consumed as the players kibitzed
about their game.
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Scribe wins in ‘forgettable’ week
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Friday’s top two with one of
Bert’s finest.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, June 5, Khao Kheow – Stableford
This is a fine course and it is certainly one of the
favourites of Tropical Bert’s golfers. Playing here every month you tend to
build up a relationship with the ‘Management’ and recently one of our
members took ill on this course, and the help from the management could not
have been more positive. It is also the course we use for the ‘Poppy Golf
Tournament’ and it has to be said they are very good to deal with. So this
year we will be going there on November 9 for another ‘Poppy Golf
Tournament’. Watch this space!
This day we were at the course on time, so off to the
first tee and we were to play the A&B Nines, very tough on a day when the
wind was blowing. The A Nine turned out to be very difficult; sometimes this
course can be harder than on other days, and the greens in particular were
of different quality, some fast, most slow. Still, as a three ball and first
off we zoomed around, but the results were very indifferent.
So onto the B Nine with nobody in sight both in front and
behind, and even though we were playing really ‘average golf’ the holes flew
by. Indeed, we got around at a really impressive rate which saw us in the
restaurant a full 75 minutes ahead of the group behind, which admittedly
were a four ball and walking. Or enjoying the scenery!
One of the troubles of being in so early, when you
collect the score cards etc, is that you also have to wait till not only all
the cards are in but the results are tabulated etc, so a long yawn is in
prospect. Mind, the food here is fine and the views are spectacular. Still,
the long haul eventually came to an end so it was into the cars and back to
Tropical Bert’s.
As I sat there the phone rang and it was Max Scott asking
where Barry Elphick was, and as I said ‘I am not my brother’s keeper’, but
had his phone number and would give him a call, with no reply. Then the
phone rang again and it was Keith Phillips saying he had brought Barry back
with him as he had noticed him standing by his clubs waiting for me. Good
Old Keith. This was when the penny dropped and I realised he was one of my
buddies in my car and his phone was in the car. My ‘senior moment’ for the
day!
So back at Bert’s it was time to get on with the
presentation and the scores were below par, except for one player. In the A
Flight, 0 to 16, and obviously ‘talented golfers’, believe it or not, the
winner was Max Scott with 31 points; proves what a tough day it was. Second
was Gerry Crolla with 30 points and in third was Mike Gaussa with 29 points.
In the B Flight we had much better scores putting to bed
the idea that better golfers play better on tough courses. The winner was
that ‘very forgettable golfer’ Barry Elphick, with a score that outshone all
the other players, of 39 points. I remember now why I left him behind! In
second, also with a good score, was Daryl Evans with 36 points. We then got
back to normal and in third was Bob Lindborg with 31 points on count back
over ‘Turbo’.
Presentation over I had a couple of ‘cold un’s’ and back
for an early night. After all, when the memory starts to go you need all the
sleep you can get!
Near Pins: Brian Parish, Bob Watson, Paul Sharples,
Barry Elphick.
Friday, June 8, Rayong C. C. – Stableford
Not having been to this course for some time it was a
chance to see if the condition had improved since last time I went, and to
see how the new system of two players in a cart not needing a caddy worked
out.
The clubhouse is basic to say the least, however we were
soon booked in, although the scramble to have two to a cart, so they did not
have to have a caddy, caused a bit of a holdup. The scribe stuck to the norm
and had a cart and a caddy which with an odd number playing meant I ended up
in a five-ball at the end.
So off we went and it did not take long to realise the
condition of the course had not improved and in fact had even deteriorated.
Still, we plowed on and with a strong wind it was going to be a difficult
day.
One of the things I found, as a ‘Golden Oldie’ was that a
lack of caddies meant that a long time was spent looking for balls as the
‘old’ eyes did not follow the ball. Also if you had a caddy she tended to be
expected to do the things that normally all the caddies did. Habits die
hard. I also found that players tend to leave things behind in the cart, a
thing that with practice can be overcome.
Round over it was a quick visit to the restaurant, then
into cars and back to Bert’s. The scribe, after his ‘senior’ moment on
Tuesday, actually managed to remember all his passengers, which is a major
step forward.
Back at Bert’s it was soon time for the presentation,
where it was unanimously agreed that the course was in very poor condition,
or worse. The playing without caddies situation was also discussed and there
were mixed views, however for me it definitely slows the game up, and more
balls are lost.
The winner with a good 40 points was the scribe, and just
goes to show what a caddy can do to help as she found many a ball. Also the
new driver started to work once I sorted out the various adjustments.
In second was Joel Flor with 37 points, also a good
showing on this bare course. In third was Alan Sullivan with 35 points and
we then had a count back on 33 points that saw Mashi Kaneta in fourth and
Turbo and Ada Tse just missing out.
Near Pins: Derek Brook (2), Alan Sullivan
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Richardson makes it a weekly double
PSC golf from Café Kronborg
Wednesday, June 6, Bangpra
– Stableford
We set off on time for a 43 minute transit to Bangpra
where we have not been since October. Check-in was speedy and we teed-off
seventeen minutes early at 0943. The course proved to be in exceptional
condition as always and because of the sports day the course was fully
booked but we completed the round in 4 hours and 18 minutes.
Back in the clubhouse we welcomed back Joe Vanderwegon
from Belgium and Volker Buley from Germany and said farewell to Mick
O’Connor going back to the UK to cook for the upcoming Olympics.
Due to reduced numbers there was only one flight.
1st Dave Richardson (28) 34pts
2nd Kristin Helgason (18) 32pts
3rd Mike Winfield (20) 27pts
Thursday, June 7m Plutaluang - Stabelford
It was another on time departure for a 43 minute transit
to the Royal Thai Navy Plutaluang golf course. We teed-off at 0930, thirty
minutes early on the east loop followed by the south. Again the courses were
busy but we made it around in 4 hours and 10 minutes. The east loop has had
a lot of renovations the last two months but was in very good condition as
was the south.
Back in the clubhouse we all enjoyed the panoramic views
of the east and south nines and the inexpensive prices for food and drink.
We had another small field for the second time this week, with just the one
flight.
1st Dave Richardson (28) 35pts
2nd Kristin Helgason (18) 30pts
3rd Chris Walsh (22) 30pts
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Sunday Softball sizzles at the Thai Polo grounds
PSC Sunday Softball
Tyler hits one to right field
as 2nd baseman Gep, and 1st baseman Dirk get ready to field the ball for
their Sunrise Taco team.
Another sunny, action packed Sunday at the splendid Thai
Polo Grounds saw the Soi Dogs defeat the Sunrise Taco team 2 games to 1 to
win the tripleheader. The Soi Dogs were led by their young guns, Tyler and
Jerry who have happily returned to their Pattaya homeland.
The hard hitting of Dave D., Rick S. Greg and Andy, plus
the speedy base path running of Jerry, Phil and Tyler were too much for the
Soi Dogs. Sunrise Taco won the first game by a score of 17-12, and the third
and rubber match by a score of 9-5 to win the series.
Soi Dogs bats woke up in game 2 when Stockton moved to
lead-off hitter, hit a triple that was followed by doubles from Rodney, Ben,
and Harris and the only over the fence homerun of the day by yours truly.
Sorry for tooting my own horn, but they did move the fences a further 10
meters back from last week, and it was a beauty of a smash to right field
(Vince even cut his leg running into the fence trying to catch it).
Sunrise Tacos easily won game 2 by a score of 13-2. But
in the end, the day belonged to youth and experience. Rick S. was a crafty
pitcher and a huge welcome back to Phil, who still knows how to hit the ball
with precision.
We at Pattaya Sports Club Softball would like to thank
our new sponsors: The Golf Club in LK Metro; The A Team, located off of Soi
Excite and beside the Bowling Green, in joining with Sunrise Tacos in
Jomtien, beside Shenanigans, in helping us to grow our league into a 4 team
affair. Now we need just one more title sponsor for our 4-team league to be
formed. Furthermore, a huge thanks goes out to the Pattaya Sports Club who
are not only sponsor us, but also put us on their website and assist us in
getting new recruits to the posh and beautiful Thai Polo Grounds, where we
play every Sunday noon to 4pm.
We are still in need of a few good players, so if
interested email John Stockton (scrabbleking @gmail.com), myself (igolfwells
@gmail.com) or check us out on the pattayasportsclub website.
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Koh Samui 2012: A regatta for all seasons
The racing was close
throughout the Samui Regatta. (Photo by SamuiPics.com.)
Peter Cummins
There was something for everyone at the just-completed
11th Koh Samui Regatta: thirty-two entries and 500 crew members from some 20
countries, variable winds, interspersed with storms and clear “Samui” skies,
excellent race management and a round of parties during the week-long event.
Challenging racing in the five designated classes,
resulted in narrow wins for almost all the champion sailors, all listed here
on this page. Prizes were awarded at the sumptuous closing dinner and party,
sponsored by the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, host venue for this
self-titled “Tropical Island Regatta.”
A highlight of the final evening was the presentation by
renowned yachting scribe, Captain Marty of Asian Yachting of the 2011/2012
awards for the Asian Grand Prix Yachting Champion. The coveted blue jacket
was donned this time around by Hong King’s Neil Pryde, as the Skipper of the
Year, while his entry, “HiFi” was crowned Yacht of the Year. These accolades
are based on the skippers and/or boats’ aggregate performances over a year
of Asian regattas.
The Centara Grand Beach Resort was the focal point during
the week’s sailing fest, with numerous beach-side social/prize giving events
every evening, at the appropriately-named Regatta Tavern. The opening gamut
at Zico’s, the Centara’s Brazilian Grill and Bar, was presided over by
Suthep Thaugsuban, member of the House of Representatives and Chalorsak,
Vanichatoen, Deputy Governor of Surtthani Province, adding official credence
to the event which was totally supported by the private sector of Samui.
The whole island was behind the Regatta, and co-founder
of the event, John Stall, with wife Bang, opened the Trade Winds for a
splendid party and the Beach Republic held the other “off-location” events.
Another highlight of the prize-giving was the “Dijeree
Doo” competition whereby so many tried their hand (rather, mouth) to play
this indigenous (Aboriginal) artifact. Many called for Darwin native, Capt
Marty, to show how it is done. But, alas, he was out of breath!
General Manager of the Centara Grand, Danny McCafferty,
entered the fray, regaling the sailors, supporters and, especially the
press, with his love and experience of sailing. “I won my ‘wings’”, said
Danny, at the opening party, “My total sailing experience was gained on the
ferry across from Nakhorn Si Tammarat to Samui.”
The Regatta was superbly managed by the new team of Simon
James as race director and Kae Wattana as event director – new, inasmuch as
they only had three months to organize the big event. They have followed
regattas up and down the Kingdom for years.
Aussie Ross Chisolm controlled the racing and the usual
suspects appeared as the jury: Mark Pryke, Tom Sheppard and RAdm. Prasart
Sribhadung. Ocean Marina very kindly supplied the official start boat.
While “Hooligan” took the initial Regatta title, it was
the maxi (90 ft.) “Genuine Risk” (Geoff Hill) which took line honours, in
all 10 races of the “racing class” (IRC Zero), regarded as a record
performance.
In the strong winds which prevailed on the last race day,
one craft, which must remain anonymous, blew the spinnaker which sent a
female crew overboard. “The skipper went back for her”, said one sailor,
while another cynical, hard-bitten veteran growled: “Of course; it was not
his wife overboard, was it!”
As usual, with such a wide range of craft and
wildly-varying ambient conditions, there were many mishaps, some broken gear
and a young crew member knocked out. But – also as usual – the staff of
Samui’s Thai International Hospital were ever-alert.
The 2012 Samui Regatta was organised by leading regatta
services provider, Regattas Asia, with strong support from Samui businesses
and staff, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the International Sailing
Federation.
Prasert Jitmung, the Koh Samui District Chief Officer,
was delighted with the Regatta and wished all to come back for the 12th
edition, to be sailed from 24 May to 01 June, 2013.
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Pattaya invites citizens to compete in Patanque 2012
Phasakorn Channgam
The Pattaya Education Office is organizing the Patanque
Pattaya 2012 event to be held over two consecutive weekends on June 23 and
30. The competition is open to everyone and will be divided into several age
and gender related categories. The tournament will take place at the Pattaya
School No. 2 in Banglamung.
Entrance fees range from 100–300 baht depending on age
and category and cash prizes and trophies will be presented to all the
winners.
For further information, contact the Pattaya Tourism
Department on 038 253 128-9.
Buddhists walk, run, meditate for Visakha Bucha Day
Runners and walkers get
underway on their route around Phratamnak Hill.
Warunya Thongrod
Throngs of Pattaya-area Buddhists walked, ran and
meditated to celebrate Visakha Bucha Day on Monday, June 4.
Pattaya Permanent Secretary Pakorm Sukhonthachat and
Education Office Director Jintana Maensurin opened the annual holiday
walk-run with contestants competing in under- and over-40 categories, as
well as a contest for just women. All winners received trophies.
The event culminated in a parade towards the Big Buddha
temple on Phratmank Hill to participate in the Wien Thien ceremony at Wat
Khao Phra Yai to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s
enlightenment. Organizers said the event is meant as a sign of commitment to
the five Buddhist precepts and to avoid all vices during the three-month
lent period.
“I am amazed by the response to the event,” Pakorm said.
“This clearly shows that residents place a lot of importance on Visakha
Bucha Day.”
Yordcherry Sidyordthong, a 14-year-old runner from
Nongyai Health Club, said she wanted to participate because she loves sport,
and because her parents planned to take her for a Wien Thien ceremony
anyway.
Malee Kurapong, 41, of Laem Chabang said she wasn’t in
the race to win any awards. “Visakha Bucha Day is just one of those days
that Buddhists should not miss,” she said.
Runners from the Suan Tamnak
Nam Chonburi Club line up at the start.
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