PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, July 13,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
Mashi came close to winning the golfer of the month title in June and he seems determined to win it this month. Mashi scored the most stableford points today to beat Rab by one point and add to the win he had at Green Valley earlier in the month. This win now takes him into second place in the monthly race. Meanwhile Tony Robbins had a good day also, finishing third with 34 points.
1st Mashi Kaneta (12) 37pts
2nd Rab McDonald (13) 36pts
3rd Tony Robbins (11) 34pts
Near Pins: Eddie Martin, Tony Robbins and Takeshi Hakozaki.
Wednesday, July 15,
The Emerald - Medal
Playing a Medal round at Emerald our most senior player “Reggy” had his second win this month, shooting level par to win by one stroke. Rab McDonald was runner up and Geoff Parker came in a close third to put all three of them in the shake up for golfer of the month award, along with Mashi (who was absent without leave today!)
1st Reg Smart (22) net 72
2nd Rab McDonald (13) net 73
3rd Geoff Parker (15) net 75
Near Pins: Unto Kilvonen, Alan Sutherland, Colin Stokes and Geoff Hart.
Friday, July 17,
Pleasant Valley - Stableford
We haven’t played Pleasant Valley for a few months so the Bunker Boys decided to give it another go to see how it was coming along. Most of the course is in good condition and they’ve removed a couple of the internal “OB’s” which is a plus, but there’s still plenty of construction going on with trucks buzzing around everywhere, however it is gradually improving.
Rab McDonald kept in touch with the leaders in the golfer of the month table, but he had to settle for second place today, losing on a count back to Eddie Martin, while Geoff Cox’s 35 point was enough to get third place.
1st Eddie Martin (17) 37pts
2nd Rab McDonald (13) 37pts
3rd Geoff Cox (13) 35pts
Near Pins: Tony Robbins, Eddie Martin and Alan Sullivan.

Pierre puts on a magic show

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, July 12, Green Valley – Medal
A Flight
1st Vic Hestor (13) net 73
2nd Bob Newell (6) net 73
3rd Jim Munns (13) net 75
B Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (16) net 67
2nd Don Lehmer (14) net 69
3rd Bob Lindburg (16) net 70
Red Flight
1st Mike Craighead (16) net 72
Near Pins: #2 Pierre Bietry, #9 Benny O’Connor, #12 Mike Craighead, #16 Mick Beresford.
Ounce again the monthly medal was upon us, and it needed a bit of magic from Pierre “The Magician” to win and gain entry to the Gold Medal, which is held later in the year. Pierre posted a sparkling net 67 to win the B flight, the July Monthly Medal, and man of the match honors. This was Pierre’s first ever monthly medal win.

Pierre Bietry (right) receives the Monthly Mug from Bob Newell.

The Magician’s wife Yui tried to get in on the act with a bit of her own magic, the four ball disappearing trick on the tee box on the par-four 5th hole. Don Lehmer finished two shots off the pace to claim second. Bob “The Guru of Green Valley” carded a very impressive net 70 to close out the flight.
Vic Hestor secured the A flight bragging rights with a net 73, gaining a count back decision over Bob “Luckless” Newell. Captain Fog returned a net 75 for the third spot.
“Michele the Mechanic” waltzed round the course and posted an even par round net 72 to win the Red flight.
Pierre Bietry, Geoff Doddy and Mike Beresford shared a very handy 2’s pot.
Back at Lewiinski’s the biggest cheer of the night was for Colin who won the Lou inskis free draw worth over four thousand baht.
Wednesday, July 14, Phoenix - Stableford
A Flight
1st Simon Spaulding (2) 41pts
2nd Tracy Spaulding (9) 35pts
B Flight
Bill Broschart (17) 40pts
2nd Robin Peach (16) 37pts
It was Simon and Tracy Spaulding’s turn to turn to shine today, this time at the Phoenix playing the Mountain and Lakes. Simon, who plays off a seemingly stingy enough two handicap, served yet another notice that he may deserve to be lower. He managed six birdies in his round that even without the birdies would have been a personal best for most of us. His gross sixty nine 41 point haul deservedly copped first place in A Flight
Just to prove a point Tracey, Simon’s better half, followed him home with 35 points for second spot.
B Flight chucked in a forty-pointer by way of one Mr. Bill Broschart. Robin Peach and Sid Crawley were knotted on 37 points apiece; with the resulting count back going to Robin 21/19.
Guess who had the only ‘2’ of the day? That’s right Simon.
I heard it on the ‘Wireless’
Golf is a game of opposites - the world’s slowest people are ahead of you, and the fastest are behind.
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 Bob on 080 096 8232. Transport is provided.

Sinclair avoids the dreaded count back

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, July 13, Plutaluang – Stableford
It was a quiet start to the week before the IPGC Club Championship taking place on Wednesday and Friday and only 21 players were out today.
It was back to our favourite combination of the North and West courses here and with the conditions improving every week it was a pleasure to play. This was reflected in the scores with Burnie Sinclair winning division 1 with 38 points and not losing on count back, if you can believe this. Andy Mills came in second on 33 points and in third just three points behind was Harry Vincenzi
In his last week with us, with a preference to living in Scotland rather than here, Tony Sawers won division 2 with 32 points. Tony Duthie was one point behind in second place and Bryan Rought took third after beating Jack Hinchey and Gordon Everingham on a 16/13/10 back-nine count back.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Due to the IPGC Club Championship (see report on page 52), there was only the one outing this week.

Channing lets his golf do the talking

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

The weekly winners strike a pose with the Aussie sponsors.

Damian Trante
Monday, July 13, Green Valley – Stableford
It must have been playing its usual tough self because for the second week in a row nobody played to their handicap on our home course of Green Valley.
Coming home in the third place with 32 points and continuing his good form was every bodies favourite German, Helmet Helstred. I have played a few rounds with Helmet of late and his game has improved so much I think that the next step for him is a single figure handicap. One place above Helmut in second, and now officially the second best left handed golfer in the Caddy Shack, was James Savage. The winner on the day with 35 points, on holiday visiting his far less talented brother (Greg), was Gary Ritchie.
1st Gary Ritchie 35pts
2nd James Savage 34pts
3rd Helmet Helstred 32pts
Wednesday, July 15, Bangpra – Stableford
We were all really looking forward to playing Bangpra after the recent Thai tournament and all the good reports of late. It’s just our luck then that the day before we turn up they decided to sand and spike the greens. This was to be a problem to most of us with only one person shooting better than their handicap.
There were two 2’s on the day, these being achieved by Ben ‘love really hurts without you’ Findon and Jack Hinchley.
In third place in the stableford today, and playing his first round with the Caddyshack, was Steve Rawlings with 33 points. One place above in second and also playing his first round with the group was the Aussie/Englishman Paul Spedding. Paul plays off a twenty handicap back in Perth but this will be under review for the next time he plays. Coming home in first place with a wonderful 37 points was Bernard Channing. When it comes to talking Bernard is world class and today his golf was class as well. Well done Bernie.
1st Bernard Channing 37pts
2nd Paul Spedding 35pts
3rd Steve Rawling 33pts
Friday, July 17, St. Andrews – Stableford
Whenever we get to play St. Andrews for the same price as Green Valley there’s never a shortage of players. Today was no different, meaning the field was split into two flights.
In A flight third place went to Keith Hecter with respectable 34 points. Second place went to Gary Ritchie who capped off a good week with 35 points, and the top spot was claimed by Bill Hewitt with a very nice 37 points.
B flight third place was taken by Mell Mcgowan with 34 points, just one behind the very popular ladies man Derick Mower in second. In first place, and for the last time playing off 20, was Paul Spedding with another 37 point return.
Thank you to the Australian contingent who sponsored the 2’s today. There were two in total and the lucky winners were Emit White and Jeff North.
A Flight
1st Bill Hewitt 37pts
2nd Gary Rithie 36pts
3rd Keith Hector 34pts
B Flight
1st Paul Spedding 37pts
2nd Derick Mower 35pts
3rd Mell Mcgowan 34pts

Champions: Simon Spaulding, Ted Gardener & Yui Bietry

The IPGC Championship 2009

Stephen Beard
The IPGC Championships were held this year over two days, Wednesday and Friday July 15 & 17, at the impressive Pattana 27 hole course where day one was played on the par 72 B & C courses and the pressure day 2 on the A & B nines, which have a par of 73.

The 2009 IPGC Club Champion, Simon Spaulding (left) receives the winners’ trophy from the IPGC Club Chairman, Chris Knapp.

The total cost of 2,000 baht included the two rounds of golf with caddies and three buffets, day one being in the Oriente Restaurant at the course, the second on the Thursday at Lewiinski’s and the third prior to and after the presentations at The Haven on Friday evening, which represented fantastic value for the members especially when the lucky draw prizes, which everyone attending the prize giving received, were added in to the mix.
The entrants were divided into three divisions set at 0 to 11, 12 to 17 and 18 and above in the Gentlemen’s divisions and a Ladies section playing Stableford over the two days without a cut.
Day one was played in a stroke play format with a cut being made at around 50% of the entries in each division, the top half having made the cut to play a second day of stroke play and the rest of the competition going into the Plate Competition played under a stableford scoring system.
The three courses had been especially laid out with tee positions and pin placements by the organising committee to provide a very tough test of golf over the two days as was to be expected for the Club Championship and the scores returned certainly showed that objective had been attained, with the CSS on day one moving to 73 and just staying at 73 for day two.
Even with a lower possible attendance, due to the current economic recession and the threat of various flu epidemics, the numbers participating were only two down from the previous year underlining the steady growth of the IPGC over the last year and the quality of player also advance with just under 25% being single handicappers.
Day 1 - Pattana B & C Courses par 72
Day one was played over the B and C courses, on which the management and green staff had worked wonders, considering the recent heavy rainfall in the area, and although the greens were slow they were true and even without too much sanding. The course still played all of the stated 6564 yards with a serious degree of difficulty and with the pins in championship positions it was about as tough as anyone could remember.
The day started with the players being greeted in Pattana’s impressive entrance lobby and provided with a special edition card of the course fully detailed with names and handicaps, and a plan of the pin placements for the day and a copy of the IPGC local rules, and aided with the television display of the tee times everyone knew exactly what, when and where, which meant that the starters had a fairly simple task to get everybody away on time. The round then proceeded at a good pace as the whole field was divided into three-balls for speed and convenience of play.
The Ladies Division was tied up with Ann Silawong and Yui Bietry on 35 points.
The Third Division was headed by the new Club Chairman, Chris Knapp off an 18 handicap, one of only two players able to match par on the day with none bettering it. He was followed by Charlie Sheppard with a 73, also off of an 18 handicap, and Evan Millar also with a 73 off of his 21 handicap. The cut in the third division came at 79 net.
In the Second Division, things were just as close with Ted Gardener and Trevor Schirmer leading at 73 and Robin Peach and Yasuo Suzuki one behind, and the cut also being made at 79.
The first division featured the only other player to match par, Clinton Hazlett at 72, with Daniel Willits, Phil Mitchell and Dave Stockman all on 74. The cut came at 77 in the division with Daniel Willits unable to compete on the final day having been unable to change his flight schedule back to Oz.
Day 2 – Pattana A & B courses par 73
Starting from two tees again with the Plate Competition beginning on the B course and the Championship divisions from the first tee on A, the stage was set for another tense and exciting final day with 22 trophies to play for.
As usual the Ladies led off the day and although there were only two competing they proved that golf can be competitive whilst also being a sport to be enjoyed even under pressure. Yui Bietry continued with her recent good form to claim the Ladies Championship with a two under handicap round of 38 points to win by six from Ann Silawong.
In the Third Division, Chris Knapp continued serenely, although not quite so convincingly as day one, with a net 77 that was good enough to see him home by three strokes from second placed man Kevin Hamilton, whose second day round of 73 was enough to win the count back with Bryan Rought on the same total of 152, but a worse 78 on the last day. Chris’s two-day total was four better than the previous years winning total.
The Second Division top spot was passed to Fred Land, as Ted Gardener went forward to the Net Champion position, with a solid even par round on day two he finished with a 147 total to take the division by one shot from second place man Yasuo Suzuki, who managed to keep it all together this time after last year blowing the division with a ten over round when leading at the start of the day. Third spot was claimed by Robin Peach as he took the count back on the final round by a score of 76 when Trevor Schirmer, with the same 150 total, could just scrape in with a 77 to miss out on the prizes by the slimmest of margins.
The top of the first division looked like it would be a real battle, with the main contenders vying for both the division prize and the prestigious IPGC Gross Champion award. In the event it was Rick Holmes, playing in the second from last group, who came through to surprise the front runners with an outstanding net level par round of 73, which left him with the winning total of 148 that equaled the winning score from the previous years event.
The final group did provide two placings with Dave Stockman taking second place with a 150 total and Clinton Hazlett claiming third another shot back.
Having missed the cut with a very surprising eight over on day one, Simon Spaulding got it all together on the final day with a gross 77 that was just enough to see off the challenge of Steve Mascari, who could only manage a pair of 79s, as he finished with 157 gross and took the coveted 2009 IPGC Club Championship trophy.
The Plate Competitions
Division 3 had Laurence Slattery at the front with a modest 34 points as the difficulty and length of the 6,769 yards course began to tell, especially against the higher handicappers. Derek Holt slipped into second place with a better count back of 18 to Harry Vincenzi‘s 17, with both having the same score of 32 points.
Division 2 saw Pierre Bietry add to the family’s trophy haul for the day, as he became the only player in the Plate divisions to equal par with a very steady round. Grant Cadell at last kept it on the short stuff for most of the round as he garnered 35 points and second place ahead of Mikael Andersson by one in third spot. Mikael had to see off the efforts of Eddie Beilby with a better count back of 17 to Eddie’s 16.
Division 1 gave a fillip to Rodney Hayes as he took top spot with 34 points with his unspectacular but effective game off the tee that rarely sees him miss a fairway.
Before the presentation of the prizes by Len Jones the Club Promotion and Advertising specialist, Chris Knapp, the Club Chairman, thanked Len Jones, Glyn Evans, Steve Mascari, Bob Newell and Russell Exley together with their respective venues, for assisting in the promotion and organisation of another very successful Club Championship and also thanked the recently retired Chairman, Bob Newell for his efforts on behalf of the Club in the past.
There was also an additional thank you to Stephen Beard and Russell Exley who had spent most of the week dealing with many of the details setting up the course, organising the new IPGC Club banners and custom made tee markers and in organising Start times, registration, starters and scoring amongst other things together with Glyn Evans who had assisted very helpfully on the golf days at the course.
Chris also thanked the management and staff of Pattana for presenting the course in great condition and also controlling tees and generally marshalling what must be said was a very disciplined and amenable field. Special thanks also went to the catering staff for the sumptuous buffet on Wednesday.
The Chairman then gave notable appreciation to all the IPGC members who had supported and contested over the two days and to Pattaya Sports Supply for once again supplying all of the trophies. Chris also thanked Lewiinski’s for providing the buffet on the in-between day and also The Haven and Khun Lumyai for once again providing a first class buffet that went on late into the night well after the prize giving was finished. This put a final gloss on what had been once again a very memorable and well organised two days of top drawer golf played in the very best spirit of the game.
Following the prize giving, everyone attending was presented with a lucky draw prize of either a pair of custom made golf shoes, an IPGC branded shoe/kit bag, or a dozen quality golf balls by Titleist, Callaway, Nike or Taylormade, which rounded off the day very nicely.
The full 2 day results can be accessed on the official IPGC web page www.ipgc.org.

IPGC Club Championship 2009
Gross Champion          Hdp         D1        D2        Total
Simon Spaulding            1            80          77       net 157
Net Champion
Ted Gardener                 12           73          72       net 145
Ladies Champion
Yui Bietry                      17           35          38         73pts

New Guy on the block

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Greenwood on Tuesday, July 14, to play a loosener before the start of the IPGC Annual Championship, beginning the following day at Pattana.
The chosen combination was the tough C and A selection and the small quality field found the going tough on a day with the clouds heavy and the humidity high. There was still more than a hint of pace in the greens after the lightning speed of the week before and amazingly the point scores were high.
Sharing third place were Emiel van der Wiele and Chris Voller with 38 points each, the latter adding another sub-par round to his recent CV and his best gross figures of 76 showed the consistency of his game. In second place was Kazu Agune, playing his final round this trip, his 40 points being the best score in his PGS career. The winner was new member Guy Pennington and his remarkable 42 points showed a golfer with unnerving accuracy.
Tony Thorne shook off his sad recent form with a birdie on C3 and shared the ‘2’s pot with Chris Voller, for whom the birdie on C6 added a little more to his pocket money.
The Booby Bevy was reserved for Japanese visitor Inaho Saito after his low scoring expedition but in his absence went to Mr. Len whose usual steady driving had deserted him, leaving the rest of his game in tatters. The perfect preparation for the big one at Pattana!

Allidi pips the scribe for monthly honours

Seagrave storms home at Greenwood

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday’s top four (left-right): Thomas Cotton, Steve Hamstad,
Perry McNeely and Bernie Seagrave.

Thomas Cotton &
Derek Brook
Tuesday, July 14, Greenwood - Stableford
A mere 220 years ago, the Parisian citizenry stormed the Bastille, the hated symbol of monarchial oppression. When our correspondent woke on Tuesday morning, the sky was heavily overcast and it was raining, so he wondered whether the delicate golfers from Tropical Bert’s would be brave enough to storm Greenwood Golf Course. But at Tropical Bert’s, launch pad for the attack, there was a respectable contingent keen to face the storm and storm the course. Their numbers were augmented by returning combatants. Amongst them was the staunchly Democratic Doug Maiko, still blaming George W. Bush for all the ills of the world’s economies.
So the revolutionary and apolitical alike scuttled off to Greenwood, hoping they would land an agnostic foursome. We were also favoured with the return of Mashi Kenata from his annual sojourn in the U.K.
Steve Hamstad appeared, although his PSC membership had evidently lapsed, but he was determined to keep in the running for the coveted “Alan Bolton Golfer of the Year”. Steve was in fine form this day, driving long and straight and putting like a champ. If not king, Steve may be queen of the par-3’s but oddly this day his swing was shunned by the short holes. His putting, on the other hand, was masterful and inspiring.
Well, the day started with a steady drizzle which morphed into an unsteady drizzle, which denigrated into a drip, which finally departed, leaving hazy and cloudy skies with a tentative sun peaking-through, teasing the golfers. Our correspondent was able to play the whole round without once donning his sun glasses.
There were several memorable shots, like that of our Captain DB, who chipped-in for a birdie on the very long C-9 Par 4 to block Mashi’s Mashers from winning the front nine. But in the end our Captain’s luck was smashed and the Mashers won the back nine and the game!
Back at Bert’s we celebrated Bernie Seagrave’s exemplary performance with a score 5 strokes under his handicap. But sadly, we didn’t have one French person with whom to share the “Fete Nationale” of France. Perhaps they were put off by the home of the British Legion.
1st Bernie Seagrave 41pts
2nd Steve Hamstad 36pts
3rd Perry McNeely 36pts
4th Thomas Cotton 34 pts
Near Pins: Mick O’Meara (2), Bernie Seagrave, Daryl Evans.
Friday, July 17, Rayong Country Club - Stableford
After last weeks successful outing at this course, we rescheduled and returned for another round. Check-in was efficient from the friendly staff and the price, 300 Baht green fee, was even lower than a week ago! This made everyone happy and we were soon off to find the course in very good condition.
A lot of work is going on around the course to improve the overall environment. Other than the few barren areas noticed last week and played as GUR, all aspects of the course were in excellent shape. The greens again were on the slow side but were smooth and true once the speed had been figured out. This reminded some of the greens at Siam C.C. years ago. All players expressed satisfaction with the course and we will definitely return in the months ahead.
We had a few more participants today including the venerable Bob Benda, returning from a brief hospital stay for a stint insertion after heart attack symptoms. With more players, technical prizes’ were in order which made for a bit more interest on the par 3’s. Some good scores were recorded on this challenging layout with Joel Flor leading the way with 39 points, resulting in a one stroke cut to his handicap for the next few games.
With fish ‘n chips on special back at Tropical Bert’s, we headed back for drinks, food and the prize presentation.
We play every Tuesday and Friday from Bert’s and all are welcome.
1st Joel Flor (21) 39pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (12) 36pts
3rd Tom Breslin (22) 36pts
Near Pins: Bob Benda, Mashi (2), Daryl Evans.

Last hole birdie secures win for Sus

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

A hardy group of golfers teed off despite the heavy clouds hanging about. The skies teased the players with light showers, not so bad, but then an errant cloud dumped on the crew: nothing like wet gloves and slippery grips! The rain backed off around the 10th hole but the damage was done to some but not all of the gang.

Tuesday winner Sus Ige (left) with runner-up Dale Murphy.

Dale Murphy was looking good to move on Sus Ige until Sus got a birdie on number 18 to slide in with a 39 to Dale’s 37. Arnold Van Der Graaf, soon to be back aboard his ship, squeaked in just behind Dale with a nice 36. A golf holdout, Kenny Mau who had not played this year came in with a respectable 34. Somyong Ishii saved Paul further shame by coming in with 17 to Paul’s 19.
Semi-dried and back at Caddy Shack II, players enjoyed Herbie Ishinaga’s sliced roast Beef sandwiches. It’s nice having the “President” cook for you. Considerable beverages were also available.”

A double weekend success for Liam

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
A name you will not have seen very often on my reports is Liam Horgan. The reason for this I am not really sure, but he has certainly done his best to make up for that over the past two weeks.

Saturday winners: Ted Senior, Mod Chaviraksa and Liam Horgan.

He was second last week at Green Valley to George Robinson and then made this weekend an even better one at the same course with a fine win. It really must suit his game. It was his last game as well before returning home. Liam heralds from the ‘Emerald Isle’, Dublin to be exact. What a nice way to finish any vacation.
The other name that I just have to mention this week is Ted Senior. Over the three outings this week he had two seconds and a win and this was despite being cut two shots throughout the course of the week. Well done Ted your success is deserved.
Monday, July 13, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Ted Senior (15) 35pts
2nd George Bishop (14) 35pts
3rd Seamus Farrell (35) 35pts
4th George Robinson (11) 34pts
5th Alan Evans (24) 34pts
6th Liam Horgan (12) 34pts
On Monday we took a trip to Bangpra and we had a good turnout on the day. It turned out to be a very tight pointed affair with only seven points covering the whole field. Fourth place went to George Robinson with a thirty-four after a three-way count back against Alan Evans and Liam Horgan. Third to first likewise was a thirty-five count back shoot out with Seamus Farrell (nice to see him back in the fold for a visit) losing out to George Bishop in second, and just winning with a better back nine by two was Ted Senior.
There were three ‘2’s coming from Fergus Brennan, Seamus Farrell and George Robinson.
Thursday, July 16 Phoenix (Lakes & Ocean) - Stableford
1st Rodney Hayes (11) 41pts
2nd Ted Senior (15) 39pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (9) 39pts
4th Tom McCarthy (22) 39pts
With no play on Tuesday we paid another of our regular visits to Phoenix (Lakes & Ocean) on Thursday.
The ‘2’s on this course seem to be very hard to obtain and this is the third week that I have none to report. However, the general scoring was strong with three-way count back thirty-nines covering second to fourth places. Tom McCarthy could only pull a fifteen on the back nine and had to settle for fourth. Six up on him at twenty one were both Fergus Brennan and Ted Senior so count back of the last six was required with Ted edging it by two at fourteen. But the winner was in no doubt with a great forty-one from Rodney Hayes (new name to me this time) but a well deserved win. Congratulations Rodney or is it Rod.
Ted found his handicap cut by two to thirteen on returning back to the Travellers Rest for the presentation.
Saturday, July 18, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Liam Horgan (12) 34pts
2nd Ted Senior (13) 34pts
3rd Mod Chariraksa (11) 32pts
Saturday saw us back for one of our regular weekend visits to Green Valley. We had a low turnout and some low point scoring as the course proved tough on the day.
Places were awarded to third and Mod Chaviraksa found herself in that position, much to her surprise, with thirty-two points. Ted, despite his two shot cut, still held form to come home with a thirty-four and fifteen on the back nine to take second. But little did he know that Liam Horgan (on his final outing of his vacation) had also posted an identical score and back nine count back so it was another count-back of the last six holes where he found he had edged it by just the one with twelve over Ted’s eleven.
Well done Liam, two good weekend plays in a row. Hope you return home safely.
Three 2’s were recorded by Mod at the second, George R. at the ninth, and Billy Fitzgerald (there is a name I have not seen for some time) at the sixteenth.

Birthday boy Ken provides party after Pattana

PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, July 14, Green Valley - Stableford
An extraordinary week at Mulligans Lakeside, but more on that later. Firstly, on Tuesday we made our way out to Green Valley, joined by some M L first timers, including our first lady golfer, Kathy Doody.

Birthday boy Ken (left) with Thursday’s winner, Bernie Seagrave.

The course was in fine condition however the greens here, and on all courses, do not seem to be as fast as in previous years. Maybe they are being kept a bit longer to prevent wear & tear.
Coming to terms best with a fine 38 points was Jeff Wylie (7), just ahead of Kathy (20) with 35 points, and followed by friend and fine story teller Alan Bishop (15) with 34.
Near pins were shared amongst Jeff and Kathy, although stories of “I was close” were prevalent.
Thursday, July 16, Pattana - Stableford
Now to Thursday, where regular M L player Ken Hole had decided to celebrate his birthday with a special competition at Pattana, followed by a buffet and a few ‘quiet’ beverages. Ken put up the prizes & complimentary entry for all the players, while Ray and Terry joined in the spirit by also providing some prizes.
The technical awards were hotly contested on the Pattana B & C layout, which was particularly testing with the windy conditions. Near Pins were won by Brian Blackford - B3, Ted Morris - B7, Bob Rasmussen - C2, and Jeff Wylie - C7. We also had a closest 3rd shot an a Par 5, C8, where Bernie Seagrave won a new Driver, while the Long Drives were won by Kathy Doody, the Ladies; John Chapman, 15+; and Jeff Wylie, 0 - 14 division.
Ken had generously provided prize money down to 5th spot, however prizes were decided only after a 6-person count back, from 2nd to 7th, all with 30 points.
Just edging fifth after count back to the last 3 holes was Jeff Wylie (7). In fourth spot was Kathy Doody (20) on count back over the last 6 holes, third was Ray Ryan (23) with a back 9 of 16, and in second came John Chapman (25) who recorded 17 on the back. The overall winner was Bernie Seagrave (12) with 33 points, a well compiled score in the day’s conditions.
Many thanks to Keow and the girls on their fine preparation and service to the golfers on the day.
I would like to point out that M L always plays from the second to back tees, be they Blue @ Mtn Shadow, Yellow @ Khao Kheow, or White @ most other courses, (as do most golf venues), we do not alter this to suit individuals or specific groups. It is both offensive and insulting for anyone to suggest otherwise and blame their inadequacies on the day on anything, but themselves!
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday (we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday). Presentations are made at the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday presentation. For more details on scheduling etc., please call Jeff 089 094 1841 or Ray 081 935 8088.
Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing.

Milne & Riggall take ‘Roo Cup’ win

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, July 13, Burapha - Stableford
It was an extremely tough test of golf for the 25 Outbackers playing C & D from the blue tees. Capt’ Bob was in his most vindictive mood giving everybody something to think about with a three club swirling wind and trying to hit those narrow tight fairways. If you missed them, the rough was punishing and as usual the grainy greens were slick and difficult to fathom out.

Mark Riggall and Steve Milne celebrate their ‘Roo Cup’ victory.

Obviously, Peter Stonebridge must have played a different course as he was head shoulders above the rest, with the top score of the day, 37 points; winning Div B by three from Steve Milne in second [34] and Sid Ottaway in third. The Aussie visitors wiped the board in Div A taking all three places with the Spauldings taking first [34 pts Tracey] and third [32pts Simon], whilst Dan Willits was sandwiched between them also with 34 points but beaten on count back.
There were only two ‘2’s today and they were apparently both pretty close to the stick. Bernie Stafford got one of them, and he also got the other one. Well done Bernie!
Div A (0–13)
1st Tracey Spaulding (9) 34pts
2nd Daniel Willits (10) 34pts
3rd Simon Spaulding (2) 32pts
4th Bernie Stafford (12) 32pts
Div B (14+)
1st Peter Stonebridge (16) 37pts
2nd Steve Milne (17) 34pts
3rd Sid Ottaway (24) 32pts
4th Kevin Moraghan (14) 30pts
Tuesday, July 14, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
There were a couple of different faces at Pattaya today, with Rick Evans and General Jack joining the usual Tuesday Outbackers. Sixteen enjoyed their local course, which is in surprisingly reasonable condition and well worth the every day ‘sport day’ rate which is currently on offer until September.
One could be picky and criticise the course for being scruffy round the edges and it’s true to say the bunkers need a bit of attention but the greens, although bobbly in places, do hold the incoming shot; which is more than can be said for some greens at the moment.
This time is was the turn of the other ‘stunning’ Lawton, Suzi, to excel with a brilliant 40 points to win by two from Jack, who after wiping the first and a catalogue of missed putts that contributed to a poor front nine, came back in gross 37 to finish on 38 points. In third was Mike O’Brien on the same score (38) and in fourth was the first timer on the podium, Don Tyldsley with 37.
1st Suzi Lawton (22) 40pts
2nd Jack Moseley (11) 38pts
3rd Mike O’Brien (21) 38pts
4th Don Tyldsley (29) 37pts
5th Nigel Cannon (23) 35pts
Wednesday, July 15, Bangpra - Stableford
The regular Outbackers were joined by five Kiwis making a total of 21 players today. The course was empty giving way to some speedy rounds but regrettably the greens were going through their maintenance programme having been recently hollow tined and haphazardly sanded. It seemed as though their usual machinery for doing the job was not working, as historically the groundsman usually does a good job leaving the greens quite playable. They weren’t today but it was still a good day out.
A special welcome to John Low and his mates from New Zealand and particularly to Dion Lane who still holds the world record for the double buck saw of just 4.7 secs to rip through about a 20 inch diameter log.
Did you hear the one about the Englishman, Irishman, Scotsman & a Kiwi? Well they were one of the four-balls playing as part of the Outback’s truly International field, which also included a couple of Aussie boys, five Americans, five more Brits and another Irishman.
Jack carried on where he left off on Tuesday, but this time going one better with the top score of the day to win Div A with 37 points, from visiting Kiwi Geoff Christy on 36 and saw man, Dion, back in third with 32.
Bob Lindborg did enough to take Div B [34pts] despite a succession of holes around the turn where he collected only a couple of points, from Peter Stonebridge & Pottsy both with 31.
There were surprisingly five ‘2’s coming from Geoff Christy, Pat Regan, Henry O’Brien, Rick Evans & Rich Montana.
Div A (0-15)
1st Jack Moseley (11) 37pts
2nd Geoff Christy (5) 36pts
3rd Dion Lane (12) 32pts
Div B (16+)
1st Bob Lindborg (16) 34pts
2nd Peter Stonebridge (16) 31pts
3rd Campbell Potts (18) 31pts
Thursday, July 16, Green Valley – Stableford
The visiting Kiwis dominated the small field of 10 Outbackers at Green Valley, with John Low beating his mate Geoff Christie on count back, both with 37 points and leaving Geoff with his second consecutive second of place of the week. They were four points clear of the third man, Rich Montana on 33.
1st John Low (17) 37pts
2nd Geoff Christy (5) 37pts
3rd Rich Montana (14) 33pts
Friday, July 17,
Laem Chabang - Stableford
Prime conditions gave way to prime scoring as 9 of the 29 Outbackers playing Mountain [A] & Lake [B] went on a scoring spree to match their handicap or better. Probably the course is a bit short from the white tees at under 6,100 yards but it is still a good test of golf and has a number of testing holes; not only the renowned Mountain No.1 but also the 2nd is no pushover nor are the 6th & 7th. Lake also has it’s fair share including the 3rd and in particular the 6th.
Peter Stonebridge took the top score of the day with 42 points to win Div B; with Kevin Moraghan playing alongside him in the same group, amassing just one less [41pts] heading Div A. Two back in Div A was General Jack [39], who has had a good week, from the ‘sawman’ Dion [38], scoring 21 points on the back after a birdie-birdie finish.
Steve Milne was the runner up in Div B with another great score of 40 points which figured strongly in his victory [2 & 1] with playing partner, Mark Riggall, taking the ‘Roo Cup’ from holders, Paul Greenaway & Bernie Stafford, both having a miserable day. However, that was another English victory and keeps the ‘Roo Cup’ firmly out of the Aussie hands but the match on Monday at Burapha against the Kiwis, Dion Lane & John Low, is destined to be a much tougher battle.
In keeping with the PSC handicap committee’s rules, the following players have had their h’cap immediately adjusted: Peter Stonebridge from 15.5 to 13.9, Kevin Moraghan from 13.6 to 12.6, Steve Milne from 17.1 to 15.9 and Jack Moseley from 10.6 to 10.0.
All players are reminded that these handicap reductions apply wherever you choose to play in Pattaya and remain in place until the publication of the next handicap list update [25th July].
There were only two ‘2’s, both on the same hole [Lake 8th] from Dion Lane & Kevin Moraghan
Div A (0-15)
1st Kevin Moraghan (14) 41pts
2nd Jack Moseley (11) 39pts
3rd Dion Lane (12) 38pts
4th Bruce Milner (12) 37pts
Div B (16+)
1st Peter Stonebridge (16) 42pts
2nd Steve Milne (17) 40pts
3rd Campbell Potts (18) 38pts
4th Nok Hester (23) 37pts

King reigns supreme

PSC Soi Kaonoi Golf Group

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, July 14, The Emerald (White tees) - Stableford
Our chum Dennis Kannar safely led the group round The Emerald, discarding empty tins aplenty as he did so.

Thursday’s winners (left to right): Dave Clamp, Mike King and Dennis Jaycock.

Mike King, suitably refreshed from his holiday, took the honors with 36 points after a count-back, pushing Jim Fortune and Mick Benton back into second and third places respectively. David Clamp was fourth with 34 points and Rob Gandley fifth a point further behind.
David Clamp and Bob Drumm had two ‘technicals’ apiece and Peter Mills the other.
The group collectively decided to have a drink after golf at La Piscine in the Chokchai Garden Homes No 4 village just off Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) on the left at the top before the right hand bend. By a large majority a decision was made to make La Piscine the group’s meeting point and last penultimate drink bar in the future. Ergo the group has re-christened itself the Soi Kanoi Golf Group.
Thursday, July 16, Phoenix Mountain and Lakes (White tees) - Stableford
Always a pleasure to play on Phoenix and the venue was up to its customary high standard. Mike King made it two in a row by carding 41 points and picking up a manual handicap cut accordingly.
Only eleven players this day so only three small prizes - David Clamp picking up second place with 35 points whilst Dennis Jaycock took third spot with 32 points, which was a surprise for him considering he blobbed the first four holes.
The average score for the day was 29.2 points.
Bob Drumm again made a meal out of the ‘technicals’ with two of them, Leroy Huntingdon one other, and Mike King having the longest first putt on the 18th green which was just a gimme in anybodies’ book.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the group’s format please phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Alan’s Army triumph twice over Perry’s Patrolmen

PSC Sunday Softball

The softball gang goofing off after a great day on the diamond (Front row L to R): Rocky (with x bats), John S., Kevin, Mark and Penn, Sebey and Daniel (being goofy). (Back row L to R): Rick H, John E, Rick Z, Dirk (behind Rick), Rhys, John CF, Perry (Michelle in one hand, money in other), Ben, Scott D., Phil (partial shirtless and sexy), Mathew, Josh, Scotty, Ernie and Shawn.

Two extremely close matches were contested Sunday July12 at Jimmy’s Field of Dreams. Veteran pitchers Alan and Perry drew up even sides, Rick and Jimmy agreed to umpire, and two competitive, and sportsmanlike (surprisingly) softball games ensued.
Game 1
Perry’s Patrolmen elected to bat first and got off to a fine start with a hit from Ernie (who sadly will be leaving us to be a real seaman again for a while), followed by a 2 run dinger from our ever improving John Stockton.
Alan’s Army struck back with lethal force! They got home runs from Mark and Rick Harris (who were voted co-MVPs for their overall hitting performance) to go up by a score of 5-2.
The Patrolmen were persistent, and kept nibbling at the lead. They scored 2 in the second, 1 in the third, and 2 in the fourth to take the lead for their first and only time of the game 7-6. But Alan’s Army also battled back, and scored 4 in the fifth, with the highlight being a LONG triple by the speedster known as Dirk (would have been at least a 5 base hit if anyone else was rounding the bases, but he did go 5 for 5 in the game and almost hit for the cycle), and solid hits from new recruit Scott D.
The Patrolmen continued to make a game of it, but came up 3 runs short in the final inning to lose 13-10.
Game 2
With such a tight first game, the captains decided to keep the same teams for the second half of the doubleheader. Rhys and Josh were added to Alan’s side, while John CF gave Perry’s side a lift.
This game turned out to be a marathon, as it eventually went 10 innings. After a few innings of pitching, Alan was relieved by Phil, and the hit parade continued. Perry’s team jumped out to a 2-0 lead after two, but were down 6-3 in the fourth. Josh, Rhys, Phil and Ben had strong hitting games for the Armymen who went into the final inning up by a score of 8 to 4.
The Patrolmen rallied in the bottom of the ninth with singles by new recruit Mathew, Rocky, and a clutch two out single by Rick Z to tie the score and send the game to extra innings. In the top of the 10th Mark Reynolds banged a huge blast along the line in right field that turned into a 3 run homer and was the play of the game. Alan’s Army scored 1 in the extra frame, but Scotty’s fly out to Phil finished them off, and they came up on the short side of the 11-9 final.
Due to the huge egos of some of our softballers, a new format is introduced into the weekly softball story. Batting statistics are shown here, because I am tired of hearing the following typical response of a member of the losing team “Yeah, we lost both games, but I went 10 for 10!” Hopefully, the facts won’t lie, and we can all admit in the weeks to come, that we just aren’t that good. Enjoy!

Pattaya Backgammon League

Gabriel Davis
The 2009 World Championship of Backgammon at the Fairmont Hotel in Monte Carlo started this week with 173 entries in the Championship division representing over 20 countries. Now we are down to the finals with Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan) and Lars Trabolt (Denmark) who won the title of Worlds’ #1 last year! If he wins, he will be the first ever back to back winner at this event.

Black to play 31 Match to 15 Score 0-0

This final round match up could be the strongest and most equally matched battle for the title ever. Currently, Mochy holds title of 6th best player in the world and Lars Trabolt 16th.
The final match is a race to 25 points; first player to win 25 points will be our new world champion. Crawford rule in effect, which means when one of the players reaches 24 points, this game is played with out the doubling cube. Good Luck to both!
Last Saturday, the Pattaya Backgammon League had its weekly event at Somboons Restaurant on Dong Tarn Beach next to The White House Hotel and in front of Rabbit Resorts newly annexed parking lot. A map how to get there can be seen on the leagues website, www.pattayabackgammonleague .com. The weekly tournament starts at 13:00.
As fate would have it, I managed to get to the final round against Khun Noo for a 15 point match where, admittedly, I rolled over him without giving him much chance. Above is a position from our first game which illustrates some of the core fundamentals of the game.
I quickly played 17/13, picked up my dice and realized I should have thought a bit more. While running the open checker or blot to the midpoint looks natural and probably correct, in fact, it is very wrong. Making the 5 point in blacks home board with 8/5 6/5 becomes clear when we weigh the assets of the position.
After making the 5 point or the golden point black has chances to contain the 2 checkers on the 24 point. Running gives white free reign to either extend his already impressive prime and a second open point in blacks’ position makes it easier for white to escape. Once making the golden point and white misses the blot on his 8 point, blacks’ game has improved by leaps and bounds.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Last week I mentioned the relaxed attitude towards life, exemplified in the phrase “may pen rai” (meaning something like “never mind”) which is famously part of Thai culture.  However, such an attitude has its disadvantages when it comes to the bridge table, where planning is rather important to success.
For declarer, the most important aspect of planning is to count your tricks before even playing to the first trick.  If you are in a four level contract, you want to be able to count 10 tricks, in a six level, 12 tricks.  Try this with the hands below.
You are sitting South and are declarer in six hearts, with no opposition bidding.  The ten of spades is led.  You see the North and South hands as below.  Before looking at the full deal, decide what is your plan for the contract?

                     S: K64

                     H: AQJ10

                     D: K108743

                     C: -                  

S: ?                                        S: ?

H: ?                                       H: ?

D: ?                                       D: ?

C: ?                                       C: ?

                     S: AQJ

                     H: K542

                     D: 2

                     C: K8654

I watched one declarer play this.  He snarled his thanks at his partner and then paused, correctly, before playing to the first trick, in order to formulate a plan.  As play proceeded, it became obvious that his plan involved trumping his club losers on board.  That meant delaying pulling trumps.
He needed plenty of entries to hand, so he began by playing the spade king and overtaking it with the ace in hand.  Then he ruffed a low club and led another spade to hand.  He ruffed a second low club and tried a third spade to hand.  East ruffed in and led another trump, leaving only one trump on board, while hand still had three losing clubs.  Declarer then seemed to lose heart (understandably) and ended up losing a trump, two clubs and a diamond, in addition to the defence ruff, to go down four.
At the other table, declarer paused to count tricks.  He saw that he could never get to 12 tricks if he used dummy’s high trumps to ruff clubs, because his trumps in hand were too weak to use to pull trump.  The only way was to use his own trumps to ruff diamonds and try to set up dummy’s diamond suit.
He won the opening trick in hand and led a low diamond.  West went up with the ace, to declarer’s relief, and led a low club.  This was ruffed on board and a low diamond was led to be ruffed low in hand.  He crossed back to board with a trump, and led a third round of diamonds which he ruffed with the king in hand.  West discarded a low spade.  Now, he led his last trump to board and pulled trumps with dummy’s last high hearts.  He breathed a sigh of relief again when trumps split 3-2.
Dummy now has good spades (with the help of the ace in hand) and the good K108 of diamonds.  Twelve tricks (three high trumps, a club ruff on board, two diamond ruffs in hand, three spades and three diamonds) and contract made, thanks to careful planning.  Admittedly, he needed a little luck, but he went for the only possible way to make twelve tricks, which was by setting up dummy, not trying to set up his hand.
More about dummy reversals (setting up dummy, not hand) next week.
This was the full hand, with North dealer and EW vulnerable.  Would your plan have made the contract?

                        S: K64

                        H: AQJ10

                        D: K108743

                        C: -               

S: 109872                              S: 53

H: 983                                   H: 76

D: A6                                    D: QJ95

C: Q103                                C: AJ972

                        S: AQJ

                        H: K542

                        D: 2

                        C: K8654

I would like to hear from readers about their favourite hands - please do contact me at: [email protected].

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Christian, Somrak, Wade, Kran & Rich

Sala Thai Restaurant remain in first place after they split their match against Bavaria with each team coming away with two points. Leo Kretscher was best for Sala Thai with a 538 series.
Kran Nielsen had to recover from a bad first game as she bowled a 202 and 208 in the remaining games for a 525 series to lead second place Café Kronborg to a three point win over Café Ole. Rich Montana had another great day for Café Ole with games of 231, 213 and 192 for a 636 series.
Wade Meyers bowled a 202 game and 511 series to lead Brother D to a three point win over Swethai and Brother D moved up to third place. VFW Post 9876 took three points from Green Chilli and knocked them down from third to fourth place. Dung Downs had a 515 series for Green Chilli.
Indiana are on the move as they won four points for the second week in a row. They beat Jack Tar with La Montgomery leading the way with a 545 series and Mai Munsitha had a 550 series for Jack Tar.
Sabai Sabai Friday jumped from eight to fifth place after they won three points from last place Canada. Nok Kennedy had a 556 series for Sabai and Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 545 for Canada.

Results & Standings July 17 (week 21)
Pos.   Team                                 Score        Standings
1         Sala Thai Restaurant           2 - 2             50 - 34
2         Café Kronborg                     3 – 1          48.5 - 35.5
3         Brother D                           3 - 1             45 - 39
4         Green Chilli                        1 - 3             44 - 40
5         Sabai Sabai Friday             3 – 1          41.5 - 42.5
6         VFW Post 9876                 3 - 1             41 - 43
7         Bavaria                              2 – 2             41 - 43
8         Indiana                              4 - 0             41 - 43
9         Jack Tar                            0 - 4          40.5 - 43.5
10       Café Ole                            1 - 3             40 - 44
11       Swethai                             1 - 3             36 - 48
12       Canada                              1 - 3         35.5 - 48.5

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League

Results & Standings July 17 (week 17)

The Bunker Boys found they had no work to do on Friday and they were awarded game & beer against their bye.
Gorgeous George took the Palmers Crew to O’Leary’s where Mandy’s wish from last week was granted - Palmers taking both the honors, which resulted in OK Corral becoming the strongest team in the league again. Talking of which, the Posse packed their saddle bags with provisions to last 3 days and headed off into the yonder of the dark side to face off against Lucky Time. The Posse put up a good fight but at the end of the day they were out gunned by a feisty Team Lucky Time.
Stan’s Boys & Girls made the trip to a secret location on 3rd Road to play the Coffee Shop Quartet. Blue Mountain took the game, however Cheers journey was not in vain, Cheers winning the free beer.
In the Soi Yamoto derby, Rigsby led the Sunshine Boys along the soi to Melly’s dungeon. The Sunshine Boys took the first 4 matches but Melly’s Crew then staged one of those comebacks and ended up taking the game 9-6. The Sunshine Boys huddled together for a team talk and before you could say “Miss Jones”, they themselves staged a comeback and took the beer.
In an exciting race to the end of the season, Lucky Time need a game or beer win next week to take the league title, otherwise they will end up sharing the title with Mee Chew. At the other end of the table, the Wooden Spoon recipients all depends on the results achieved next week by OK Corral and Palmers.
On a final note, rumors are circulating that one of the Sunshine Boys may be a Katoey; we do not know for sure which player is being referred to, so whoever said that it is probably Lance because he throws darts like a girl, stop it!

Results
Match                                Winner                  Beer-leg              U – 10’s
Bunker v Bye                      Bunker                    Bunker                      0-0
Mee Chew v Rising Sun       Mee Chew               Rising Sun               1-4
O’Leary’s v Palmers            Palmers                  Palmers                     6-4
Lucky Time v OK Corral       Lucky Time             Lucky Time              2-2
Blue Mountain v Cheers       Blue Mountain         Cheers                      5-4

League Table
Pos.    Team              Won    Lost       Beer          U-10’s      High Check Out
1          Lucky Time     14          3            13                62
2          Mee Chew      13          4            12                48         Simon 111
3          Bunker           13          4            10                40
4          Rising Sun      11          6            14                72
5          Blue Mountain 10         7            10                 57
6          O’Leary’s         7          10           10                63
7          Cheers             7         10            5                 53
8          Palmers           6             11            4              89
9          OK Corral        5             12            6               81

Next Fixtures (Week 18): Blue Mountain v Bye, Rising Sun v Bunker, Palmers v Mee Chew, O’Leary’s v Lucky Time, OK Corral v Cheers