SPORTS

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SPORTS

John Kepplers Cider Pool League

Results & Standings August 15

Team Pts. For Against Diff.

Brasshouse 54 177 122 55

Panitas 45 164 135 29

Ice Bar 39 152 147 5

Smarty’s 39 150 149 1

Barking Frog 33 158 141 17

Siam Country Res 30 146 153 -7

Lucky Bar 27 135 164 -29

Pats Bar 24 142 157 -15

Sweet Dream 15 118 181 -63

Happy Day 3 22 43 -21

Results: Panitas 5 v 8 Pats Bar, Smarty’s 10 v 3 Brasshouse, Ice Bar 9 v 4 Happy Day, Siam Country Res 8 v 5 Lucky Bar, Sweet Dream 5 v 8 Barking Frog

British Bar Snacks Friday Pool League

Results & Standings August 16 (week 1)

Division 1

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Easy R-Con Bar 1 1 0 6 0 3

Legends Pool 1 1 0 6 0 3

Mata Bar 1 1 0 6 0 3

Links Bar 1 1 0 3 0 3

Pook’s Bar 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sweethearts Bar 1 0 1 -3 0 0

Acorn Pub 1 0 1 -6 0 0

Shoot Pool ‘A’ 1 0 1 -6 0 0

Butchers Arms 1 0 1 -6 0 0

Results: Easy R-Con Bar 10 v 4 Acorn Pub, Legends Pool 10 v 4 The Butchers Arms, Links Bar 10 v 7 Sweethearts Bar, Mata Bar 10 v 4 Shoot Pool ‘A’

Division 2

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Shoot Pool ‘B’ 1 1 0 5 0 3

Smile Bar 1 1 0 3 0 3

Dean’s Bar 1 1 0 2 0 3

FCUK Inn 1 1 0 2 0 3

Old Thai Angle 0 0 0 0 0 0

Crazy Eddie’s 1 0 1 -2 0 0

Tie’s R Us 1 0 1 -2 0 0

I-Rovers 1 0 1 -3 0 0

Offshore Bar 1 0 1 -5 0 0

Results: Dean’s Bar 10 v 8 Crazy Eddie’s, FCUK Inn 10 v 8 Tie’s R Us, I-Rovers 7 v 10 Smile Bar, Offshore Bar 5 v 10 Shoot Pool ‘B’

Division 3

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Wet Bar 1 1 0 7 0 3

The Stag’s Head 1 1 0 6 0 3

Buffalo Jacks 1 1 0 2 0 3

Mai’s Bar 1 1 0 0 0 3

The Ranch 0 0 0 0 0 0

Connections 1 0 1 -2 0 0

The Queen Vic 1 0 1 -6 0 0

Rabbi’s Elephant 1 0 1 -7 0 0

Results: Connections 8 v 10 Buffalo Jacks, Mai’s Bar W v L Bye, Rabbi’s Elephant 3 v 10 Wet Bar, The Queen Vic 4 v 10 The Stag’s Head

Crumpton Oaks Dry Cider Wednesday Darts League

Results & Standings August 14 (week 1)

Team P W L Bonus Diff. Pts.

Mee Chew Sports Bar 1 1 0 1 9 2

Legends Sports Bar 1 1 0 1 7 2

I-Rovers A 1 1 0 1 5 2

I-Rovers B 1 1 0 1 5 2

Jantha Coffee House 1 0 1 0 -5 0

Yates Bar 1 0 1 0 -5 0

W. Tankies 1 0 1 0 -7 0

Mai’s Bar 1 0 1 0 -9 0

Results: I-Rovers B (7-1)-(2-0) v Jantha Coffee House, Legends Pool & Sports Bar (8-1)-(1-0) v W. Tankies, Mee Chew Sports Bar (9-1)-(0-0) v Mai’s Bar, Yates Bar (2-0)-(7-1) v I-Rovers A

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Results & Standings August 12 (week 21)

Team Played Won Lost For Agst Diff. Pts.

Phimai Geordie 21 19 2 215 100 115 59

Shoot Pool 21 19 2 201 114 87 59

San Snack Bar 21 15 6 192 123 69 51

Biggy’z Rest 21 14 7 184 131 53 49

Joy’s Paradise 21 12 9 153 162 -9 45

Crazy Eddie’s 21 11 10 171 144 27 43

Buffalo Jack’s 20 8 12 140 160 -20 36

Mee Chew 21 5 16 133 182 -49 31

Connections 21 5 16 99 216 -117 31

Rising Sun 20 5 15 112 188 -76 30

Cum On Inn 19 5 14 130 155 -25 29

Parrot Inn 19 5 14 115 170 -55 29

Results: Mee Chew 3 v 12 Shoot Pool, Rising Sun 4 v 11 Phimai Geordie, Buffalo Jack’s 10 v 5 San Snack Bar, Cum On Inn P v P Parrot Inn, Biggy’z Rest 13 v 2 Connections, Joy’s Paradise 3 v 12 Crazy Eddie’s

WKD Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings August 13 (week 14)

Team P W L B/legs Pts.

I-Rovers 14 13 1 9 26

Londoner 13 12 1 10 24

Mee Chew Sports Bar 14 10 4 9 20

W. Tankies 13 10 3 6 20

Buffalo Jack’s 14 9 5 9 18

Shoot Pool Roxy 13 9 4 8 18

Jantha Coffee House 13 5 8 6 10

Crazy Eddies 13 5 8 5 10

Yates Bar 14 5 9 5 10

Shoot Pool 14 4 10 7 8

Mai’s Bar 13 4 9 6 8

Nervous Wreck 14 3 11 9 6

Scandalic 14 3 11 5 6

Cum On Inn 14 3 11 1 6

Results: Buffalo Jack’s (6-1)-(4-0) v Jantha Coffee House, Crazy Eddies (3-0)-(10-1) v I-Rovers, Cum On Inn (0-0)-(7-1) v Mee Chew Sports Bar, Nervous Wreck (4-0)-(5-1) v W. Tankies, Scandalic (1-0)-(6-1) v Mai’s Bar, Shoot Pool (3-1)-(9-0) v Londoner, Yates Bar (2-1)-(5-0) v Shoot Pool Roxy

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings August 14 (week 8)

Team P W D L +/- Pts.

Links Bar 7 6 1 0 38 19

Pook’s Bar 8 6 0 2 36 18

Legends Pool 7 6 0 1 26 18

Shoot Pool 7 5 1 1 24 16

Easy R-Con Bar 6 5 0 1 22 15

Mata Bar 6 3 1 2 18 10

George & Dragon 8 3 0 5 -16 9

Legends All-stars 7 2 1 4 -24 7

Queen Vic 7 1 1 5 -28 4

Wet Bar 8 0 2 6 -34 2

FCUK Inn 7 0 2 5 -36 2

Buffalo Jacks 6 0 1 5 -26 1

Results: Buffalo Jacks 10 v 10 Wet Bar, FCUK Inn 8 v 12 Legends Pool, George & Dragon 7 v 13 Links Bar, Legends All-Stars 3 v 17 Easy R-Con Bar, Pook’s Bar 12 v 8 Mata Bar, Shoot Pool 13 v 7 Queen Vic

Dolly Dalton Jomtien Pool League

Results & Standings August 15 (week 12)

Team Played Won Lost Bonus Pts

Buddy Bar 11 10 1 1 31

Country Road 11 10 1 1 31

Winners Bar 11 9 2 2 29

Simple Simon 12 7 5 5 26

Jimmy’s Den 11 7 4 4 25

Woaw’s Bar 11 7 4 3 24

Flying Dolphin 11 6 5 4 22

Shenanigans 11 5 6 4 19

DK bar 11 4 7 7 19

Aussie Ally’s 11 4 7 6 18

Windmill Bar 11 4 7 6 18

Rioja 11 5 6 2 17

Take Care Bar 11 3 8 8 17

Lion Pub 12 3 9 7 16

Wombat Bar 12 0 12 4 4

Results: Wombat Bar 6 v 9 Lion Bar, Simple Simon 5 v 10 Winners Bar, DK Bar 7 v 8 Rioja, Aussie Ally’s 9 v 6 Take Care Bar, Country Road 9 v 6 Jimmy’s Den, Woaw’s Bar 7 v 8 Buddy Bar, Shenanigans 2 v 13 Flying Dolphins

Tragedy at Plutaluang

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Wayne Chatfield, Gerry Arthur & Steve Jones.

Peter Blackburn
Tuesday, August 13, Plutaluang – Stableford
It was a very sad day for Growling Swan golfers as one of our regular players collapsed and died on the 15th green here today at Plutaluang. Tony “Spaggoni” Olcorn, a frequent visitor to Pattaya from Brisbane, Australia fell over after a probable heart attack. After his playing partners attempted desperately to revive him he was eventually pronounced dead when the ambulance arrived. There is not much more I can say about the incident but Tony will be sorely missed.
Tuesday is not a normal playing day for us but due to the Mother’s Day/Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday on the Monday we had booked Plutaluang and 26 golfers were signed up to play and assembled at the bar. We welcomed a very good personal friend Gerry Arthur from Perth, Western Australia and also from Western Australia Lee Bloomfield, Dean Stewart, Mike King, Steve Jones and Wayne Chatfield, all from Mandurah Country Club. It was also good to see Martin Todd’s son Brad back with us again for about a month.

Patrick Poussier, Gary Monley & Mike Gosden.

Departing the GS right on schedule at 8.30 am and headed South, arriving at the golf course 46 minutes later where we were allocated the West and North nines and invited to proceed to the first tee when we were ready.
Our first group, a four-ball, got away 10 minutes before our scheduled tee time at 9.50 am and proceeded at a good pace in rather humid but fine conditions. The state of the course was terrific and the greens were the best I’ve ever seen them there but unfortunately some of the bunkers were in a sorry state and the caddies surely need to be reminded to rake them after their golfer has played from them.
The weather remained fine although still quite humid and we completed the full round in four hours & fifteen minutes after enjoying the very good company and golf course.
We had 2 Grades - A Grade for handicaps 0 to 13 and B Grade for handicaps 14 & over with 4 places in each grade. There were also rewards for nearest the pins on the four par threes and longest first putts on the W9 & N9 greens.
The A Grade section was well won by visitor Dean Stewart with 38 points, 2 points ahead of Martin “Toddy” Todd in second place. Mike “Hunter” Gosden came third on 35 points and with 2 golfers on 34 points a count back saw your writer Peter “Blacky” Blackburn (15 point back nine) finish fourth ahead of Wayne Chatfield (14 point back nine).
Another Mandurah Country Club visitor Steve Jones won the B Grade with 34 points and Stuart “Heineken” Rifkin was second with 33 points. In third spot came Kurt-Eric Persson with 32 points and Brad “Bad” Todd rounded off the podium with 31 points.
A Flight (0-13)
1st Dean Stewart (13) 38pts
2nd Martin Todd (8) 36pts
3rd Mike Gosden (13) 35pts
4th Peter Blackburn (11) 34pts
B Flight (14+)
1st Steve Jones (25) 34pts
2nd Stu Rifkin (15) 33pts
3rd Kurt–Eric Persson (24) 32pts
4th Brad Todd (18) 31pts
Near Pins: W3 – Martin Todd, W8 – John Pierrel, N3 – Stu Rifkin, N6 – Martin Todd
Long Putts: W9 – Ebrahim, N9 – Ted Morris
The Growling Swan NAGA Award, (awarded to the golfer who has the worst score on the day and discreetly their score is not made public) was won by good sport Gerry Arthur and he accepted & wore the award with pride for a short time. He did make the comment that he was delighted as by the way he had been playing recently this was the only way that he was likely to get his photo taken!
We retired back to The Growling Swan where the mood was somewhat somber due to the tragic happening earlier in the day and as I mentioned earlier Tony “Spaggoni” Olcorn will be remembered and sorely missed.
Friday, August 16, Rayong Country Club – Stableford
Due to the PSC Monthly Tournament at Siam Plantation on the Thursday we elected to play on the Friday and Rayong Country Club was the choice, having not played so far this year. We had a good field of 25 signed up and as we assembled at The Growling Swan we were happy to welcome Rob Pearce from my old Golf Club in Perth, Gosnells and also Tom McMahon & Patrick Poussier from Pattaya.
Departing the GS 5 minutes early at 8.25 am we proceeded to the course & arrived 44 minutes later to find hardly anyone there. We had some green fee vouchers to use which made it a very cheap day and we needed to find out for ourselves about the state of the golf course.
Prior to tee off we all observed a minute’s silence in memory of Tony “Spaggoni” Olcorn who passed away at Plutaluang 3 days earlier and black arm bands were worn by all on the day. Teeing off the first right on our designated tee time of 10.00 am we proceeded at a good pace and found the course to be in quite good condition although a lot of the greens were fairly slow and ordinary with a few bare patches on some of them.
The weather was humid but fine and drink holes were plentiful and we completed the round in four hours & fifteen minutes after enjoying the excellent company and the golf course.
We had 2 Grades - A Grade for handicaps 0 to 23 and B Grade for handicaps 24 & over with 5 places in each grade. There were also rewards for nearest the pins on the four par threes and longest first putts on the 9th & 18th greens.
I omitted to mention at presentations that we had good success the day before at the PSC Tournament held at Siam Plantation where Mike Allidi won the lowest gross prize, Max Bracegirdle finished on top of the D Flight and yours truly picked up one of the B Flight NTP’s.
The going was tough on this challenging layout and it was Mike “Hunter” Gosden with the best score of the day, 37 points who won the A Grade from John Davis on 35 points who finished second. In third spot was your writer, Peter “Blacky” Blackburn on 34 points with Eric “Judge” Black fourth having 32 points and Mark “Westy” West fifth on 31 points.
B Grade was won by Patrick Poussier (19 point back nine) with 35 points on a count back from Kurt–Eric Persson (18 point back nine) in second place and Geri Crilly finished third with 31 points. In fourth place came Fred Dineley with 28 points and Ron Gillett was fifth on 26 points.
A Flight (0-23)
1st Mike Gosden (13) 37pts
2nd John Davis (23) 35pts
3rd Peter Blackburn (11) 34pts
4th Eric Black (15) 32pts
5th Mark West (16) 31pts
B Flight (24+)
1st Patrick Poussier (30) 35pts
2nd Kurt–Eric Persson (24) 35pts
3rd Geri Crilly (26) 31pts
4th Fred Dineley (26) 28pts
5th Ron Gillett (32) 26pts
Near Pins: 5th – Ted Morris, 7th – Mark West, 12th – Sal Brizzi, 16th – Peter Blackburn
Long Putts: 9th – Ebrahim, 18th – John Davis
The Growling Swan NAGA Award was well won by Gary Monley and he accepted & wore the award with pride back at the bar. Mark West then kindly paraded Deefa the Dog and of course collected many donations for the needy in Pattaya from our generous Growling Swan Golfers.
Note: Growling Swan Golf, the home of friendly golf in Pattaya welcomes golfers of any persuasion – low & high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays & Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan (formerly The Bunker Bar) in Soi Chaiyapoon at 8.00 am with transport departing at 8.30 am. For bookings or more information please contact Peter on 0806 351 386 or email to [email protected].
We also play bowls out of the Growling Swan every Wednesday and Sunday. Sunday is Lawn Bowls and Wednesday is Indoor Bowls. All are welcome and for anyone that is interested the transport leaves The Growling Swan at 10.00am on each of those mornings. For more information please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454 005.

Willett continues winning ways

PSC golf from the Beaver Bar & Grill

Larry Willett.

As the day broke fair and cool on Friday, August 16, the Beaver Bar golfers arrived at Emerald to again challenge this course. While the management at Emerald are still working to improve the fairways here, progress can be noticed already.
Larry Willett was able to overcome the obstacles thrown up by the course to post another winning round with a 39 stableford points and take top honors for a second week in a row. Nearest to the pin was hole 13 and again no one put it on the green.
After the golf, all returned to the Beaver Bar & Grill for lunch and refreshments. The Beaver wishes to thank all for their continued support.

Barry puts the boot in at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Friday podium placers (from the left): Bruce McAdam, John Stafford, Suzi Lawton, Paul Greenaway and Dennis Pelly.

Monday, August 12, Burapha – Stableford
Twenty-nine Outbackers played Burapha on the Queen’s birthday holiday. Scheduled to play C and D, we were unexpectedly moved to A and B which we played from the blue tees (our apologies to those of you who were just getting used to playing from the whites!)
Even thought it rained quite heavily for three holes both division winners had good scores, with John O’ Keefe comfortably winning Div A with 40pts from Geoff Stimpson on 35. Peter Nixon and John Cunningham had 34 apiece with Peter getting the nod for third on count back.
Div B went to visitor Peter Macnoe on 39 points, from the Irishman John Stafford with 34. Scott Wilson and Jimmy Little filled the minor places with 33 and 32 respectively.
There were three ‘2’s, all on the 12th by Jim Brackett, Peter Nixon and Geoff Stimpson.
Div A (0-15)
1st John O’Keefe (15) 40pts
2nd Geoff Stimpson (7) 35pts
3rd Peter Nixon (10) 34pts
4th John Cunningham (6) 34pts
Div B (16+)
1st Peter Macnoe (23) 39pts
2nd John Stafford (17) 34pts
3rd Scott Wilson (20) 33pts
4th Jimmy Little (19) 32pts
Tuesday, August 13, Phoenix – Stableford
Six of the eight players here at Phoenix are in the line-up for Hua Hin which starts on Sunday week, 25th August. If any of those six were going to indicate any sign of form before they go, they certainly managed to keep it a secret today.
The only two not going (to Hua Hin) filled the top two places; Stefan Hoge took the win with 34pts from regular podium finisher, John O’Keefe on 33, playing off a handicap of 2 less than Monday as a result of his fine 40pts at Burapha.
There were no ‘2’s.
1st Stefan Hoge (16) 34pts
2nd John O’Keefe (13) 33pts
3rd Jim Payne (26) 31pts
Wednesday, August 14, Siam Plantation – Stableford
Siam Plantation continues to appeal to the most discerning golfer and this week was no exception with an excellent field of 15 playing the A & B nines. There are few who do not find this course very special from the moment one arrives at the clubhouse; it is five star treatment all the way.
Today, the scoring was lower than usual with New York Steve being the only player to break handicap, winning the day with 37pts. Geoff Braithwaite played well in his last game before returning to Aus to take second with 35, beating his mate Dennis Pelly on count back, and Stuart Brown, having his first game with the Outback, headed three players all with 34; the other two being Andy Butterworth and Geoff Stimpson.
Finally, welcome back to Joachim and his two mates, Peter Montinari and Thomas Luescher, who got the only ‘2’.
1st Steve Poznanski (12) 37pts
2nd Geoff Braithwaite (8) 35pts
3rd Dennis Pelly (10) 35pts
4th Stuart Brown (11) 34pts
Friday, August 16, Green Valley – Stableford
After very heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, 31 players turned out on Friday to find Green Valley in remarkably good nick – this course really does drain incredibly well and with a moderate breeze and sunny conditions it was perfect to play golf.
The numbers were a little lower than usual as a result of the big field that played in the PSC event at Siam Plantation the day before, not that it made any difference to Barry Copestake. After winning B flight at the aforementioned PSC event with 40pts, he came out and did it again, winning our Div B with another 40pts to record the best score of the day.
Dennis Pelly improved on his third place on Wednesday to win Div A with 37pts from Paul Greenaway with 36 and quite a big gap back to third placed John O’Keefe on 32.
Surprise winner of Div C was Suzi Lawton who beat Bruce McAdam (B2) on count back, both with 34, and Japanese newcomer to the Outback, Abe Toshi was third with 33.
There was only one ‘2’ from guess who? Barry Copestake – what a good week for him. Well done Barry but you won’t playing off 14 in Hua Hin, rumour has it that your new handicap is 12.
Div A (0-13)
1st Dennis Pelly (10) 37pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (8) 36pts
3rd John O’Keefe (13) 32pts
Div B (14-19)
1st Barry Copestake (14) 40pts
2nd Stephen Blazsanyik (18) 38pts
3rd John Stafford (17) 36pts
Div C (20+)
1st Suzi Lawton (22) 34pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (29) 34pts
3rd Abe Toshi (21) 33pts
Saturday, August 17, Green Valley – Stableford
Not a big field on a Saturday but good for guys who have to work in the week and go out and have a hit.
Herman Rowland did the business with 35pts, beating Bob St Aubin in second on 33, with Toshi (as we are allowed to call him) getting the only ‘2’ on the 12th and quite a remarkable back nine of 23pts, doesn’t say too much for his front nine though.
Back at the bar there were some great celebrations after the game as the bell was a couple of times by both Bob and Herman.
1st Herman Rowland (33) 35pts
2nd Bob St. Aubin (12) 33pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Outback says farewell to an old friend

Barry Chadbourn (Chad) was born in Alfreton, Derbyshire on 7th August 1942.

Barry Chadbourn (7th Aug 1942 to 4th Aug 2013)

Chad joined the Royal Marines on 7th Jan 1959 as a driver and served with Commando 40, 41 and 45 units and in 1965 was presented with his GSM with clasp for Borneo. He was later presented with clasps for the Malay Peninsula and Aden.
In 1969 he joined the grooms branch, going from a marine to a Colour Sergeant Corps’ Head Groom in charge of six stables from Scotland to Poole, Dorset over a period of 14 years. He also competed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Royal Tournament at Earls Court for many years as well as in Europe.
His first love though was sailing; 1980 marked his first Atlantic crossing as watch leader aboard HMSTC Chaser, a 55ft sailing vessel. In 1981 he sailed from Bermuda to Plymouth on the 77ft Great Britain II, which was later re-named “Drum” by the then owner Simon Le Bon. In 1984, again as watch leader, he sailed from Las Palmas to Bermuda on HMSTC Dasher.
He led a very varied life and enjoyed every minute of his three loves; sailing, horses and then golf. When he left the marines in 1986 he was 2 inches taller and his chest nearly some 5½ inches bigger, and he was as fit as a fiddle.
He bought his own 9 metre catamaran which he lived on for a while with wife Trudy, sailing around the channel across to the Isle of Wight before taking it down to Exmouth and all the way on to Gibraltar. In 1988 they moved to Competa, Spain where they lived for 16 years before coming to Thailand for a golfing holiday in 2000 and eventually moving here in 2005.
Rest in Peace Chad, we’ll miss you at the bar, especially on a Sunday for that glass of red and biscuits & cheese but rest assured, we will continue the tradition in your memory – Jack.

Willem flies the flag at PSC Monthly

PSC golf from Siam Country Resort

Tuesday, August 13,
Bangpra - Stableford
Tuesday saw us visit the oldest course in the area, Bangpra, and quite possibly one of the best. The greens here are currently in some of the best condition I have seen them for more than a decade, and they are at least the equal of any in the area.

Willem Lasonder.

The rain threatened, but held off for the most part, so no excuses for the poor scores returned. Our best was 31 points, with Owen Walkley (12) edging Jeff Wylie (5) on a count back to the last 6, 12/9, after both signed for 16 on the back.
Near pins went to Willem & Jeff.
Friday, August 16,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
Thursday was the PSC tournament at Siam Plantation, so we shifted our day to Friday in order to take advantage of the Treasure Hill Sports Day rate.
Jeff Wylie (5) gained some revenge over Owen Walkley (12) after both signed for 29 points. Again the count back went to the last 6 holes, 12/11, with both players having had 17 points on the inward Nine.
Near pins went to Jeff, Steve, Owen & Martin.
Willem Lasonder (21) played well at Siam Plantation the previous day, scoring a near pin and second in D Flight, while Paul Smith did the same in A Flight. Dave and Jeff couldn’t crack it for a prize, although Dave did get a lucky draw.
Note: Siam Country Resort, Restaurant & Bar is located just off Siam Country Club Rd, after going under the arch past the 7/11, turn right after 50 metres, with the venue on the left another 200 metres along. Golf from here is generally played on Tuesday & Thursday, with the Resort hosting prompt presentations on both days.
As a PSC affiliated venue we welcome ALL golfers, including Ladies & Seniors who have opted for the “Silver” tee option. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!

Great value golf

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, August 12, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Phil Groves (7) 35pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer (13) 29pts
3rd Benny Hansen (25) 25pts
4th Ray Daws (19) 23pts

Phil Groves.

It was a great value week’s golf, which included a holiday price day, totaling just 4,600 baht for three days golf to cover green fees, caddy fees and golf carts. A price that would be hard to beat anywhere in the world and demonstrates that if one is selective, the Pattaya area can still be a great and inexpensive place to spend a golfing holiday playing courses created by some of the world’s great course designers.
The day’s test was scheduled to be over a course that had been designed for golfers with handicaps of fifteen and below and always proves a difficult proposition for the fourth tier handicappers of 20 and above, but it also takes few prisoners from those below that level and today’s event underlined that fact.
The best of the day belonged to Phil Groves, whose one over handicap round proved to be good enough by six clear to take the top spot. But even Phil struggled over the front nine to play to his handicap as he just managed to keep the doubles off the card to allow him a surge to the end over the inward half, leaving playing partner Trevor Schirmer to watch him disappear into the distance, score wise, except for a stunning seven wood to the 17th that helped him claim second place.

Chris Setchell.

Benny Hansen was the next best and another four shots in arrears, with Ray Daws playing his last game before returning to Adelaide two further back but with a lot of other hopefuls stacked up behind them.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Trevor Schirmer cleaned out the multi rollover pool in the first division with the shot that was almost a hole in one as it finished just six inches short of the cup.
Back at The Haven there was a welcome for new member Neil Vieth from Honolulu together with a welcome back for Benny Hansen.
Wednesday, August 14, Crystal Bay A & C - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Chris Setchell (15) 39pts
2nd Phil Groves (7) 37pts
3rd Vincent Gras (17) 35pts
4th Mike Dabanovich (13) 31pts
5th Don Everett (21) 31pts
Following heavy and persistent overnight rain and the day set for Crystal Bay, where the lack of golf cart paths means there can be a problem, there was some thought about a possible change of course. But an early telephone call with the management, who are always very honest and forthcoming regarding the condition of the course, confirmed that there would be carts allowed.
Although there were areas of water collection these did not interfere or affect the day’s golf with scores being generally the best of the week.

Don Everett.

Chris Setchell returned the second best card of the week as he took his first win with The Haven group with a fine three under handicap round that included just one blemish, a blob on the par five sixth on C. Chris stopped Phil Groves from claiming his second win in a row by finishing the last two holes with two pars and with a shot on each. Phil pushed to the end but even with a finish that included thirteen points from the last five holes he could not close the gap after a slow start and had to settle for second place.
Vincent Gras overcame a quiet start to the day before a solid last six ensured that he took a podium position that had looked far from certain a couple of hours earlier, but with a few libations on the way round the day just got better and better.
Mike Dabanovich had to win a count back over Don Everett, which he did with a better 17 to 16, to take fourth spot and consign Don into fifth place.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Phil Groves added to his day’s winnings with the sole one in the first division.
Before the presentations were made there were welcome backs for Toshihiro Aoki from Japan and Vincent Gras from Oz once again. Vincent must have one of the longest commutes to work in the world as he travels between Perth and Pattaya on a weekly basis.
Friday, August 16, The Emerald - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Don Everett (21) 40pts
2nd Chris Setchell (15) 32pts
3rd Hal Hart (19) 31pts
4th Ben Jackson (15) 30pts
5th Trevor Schirmer (13) 30pts
This day’s event was scheduled for one of the courses in the area designed and set up by Sir Nick Faldo. It is basically a links style course with trees and mostly small greens except strangely for the par threes and fives.
At the present time the course is undergoing extensive renovations but with a judicious lift and place local rule it is very playable, although from the scores returned it was playing very tough, having been set up at almost the blue tee length and measuring around 6,500 yards.
Don Everett’s remarkable four under forty points has to be considered exceptional with so many lower handicappers unable to get anywhere near to his score on what was a very testing golf course as the CSS attested by moving out to 75 and becoming non counting for upward review. It resulted in an extra three shot value reduction for Don’s handicap which is now down to its lowest ever historical level, and which will surely see him walking with a bit more bounce along the fairways in the next few weeks.
Chris Setchell’s steady but unspectacular round some eight shots further back was good for second place as Hal Hart took third another shot behind him.
Ben Jackson claimed fourth place after winning a count back over Trevor Schirmer with a better 18 to 17 on in back nine.
In keeping with the difficulty of the course, the par threes had been set up on the blue tee positions with the shortest being the fifteenth at over 165 yards and with the other three at 180 yards plus it was not surprising to find that there were no 2’s in either division.
Prior to the prize presentations there were welcomes fro Peter Koha, Ben Jackson and Ian Tanner from Perth, Australia and Jan Wessells from Den Hague, Holland.
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 8.15 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the days that you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.

Clift stakes his claim for monthly award

Phoenix Members Golf Society

Tuesday’s winners with the staff at The Relax Bar.

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, August 13 was a very overcast day and there had been much rain in the night before but we were astounded to find that carts were allowed on the fairways and not confined just to the paths. Just another bit of evidence of how the storms seem to skirt the fairways of Phoenix and the superb way in which the course drains. It was true to say that all day there was thunder and lightning in the distance but thankfully none of it threatened us in any way until the last hole when we had a little drizzle.
Today’s scores were fairly good with John Clift claiming first place with 37 points, followed by Joris Goetschalckx and your scribe on 36 points, with Joris having a better back nine than myself to claim second place. Oh woe, woe and thrice woe - those missed short putts!
John Clift not only won the first prize but was also awarded the KPK Food Services voucher donated by our good friend Keith Keohane.
Near pins went to Bill Hewitt, Mike Gerrard (2) and Joris Goetschalckx.
Bill Hewitt was also the winner of the free massage voucher, with David Luxha claiming the free drink, both prizes donated by our hosts Ung & Dieter of The Relax Bar at Ban Amphur.
Peter Harris, who just missed out on a major prize was the lucky recipient of the consolation lucky draw prize of 50 baht - should pay for his next holiday!
John Clift’s winning score this past week puts him on the top of the Blue Olive table which runs until the end of the month. This is the player of the month award for the best three scores added together out of a minimum of four scores entered to win.
We also now have our own society shirts, which were donated by Harvey Trewarn and all players are encouraged to purchase one or two during the next few weeks before they sell out.

Greig dominates in Hua Hin

PSC golf from the Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Mashi tees off at Banyan Resort Hua Hin.

Monday, August 12, Eastern Star – Stableford
Only five golfers today with the majority of our members saving their energy for the annual road trip to Hua Hin, departing early Tuesday.
We drove through torrential rain on the journey down to Bang Chang, but fortunately the course had escaped the downpour and there was only intermittent light drizzle throughout the round - not worthy of using a bag cover or even an umbrella.
Although today was yet another public holiday we were able to negotiate a reasonable rate with the course, and they allowed us to play as a five-ball with everyone in carts for the very reasonable (holiday) rate of 1,510 baht per player all in.
The round was slow as we were out behind another society, but generally the course was in good shape, although the greens were once again slow, as is always the case here.
Sean Murphy and Tony Robbins had good tussle throughout the round with Tony eventually winning the honours on a count back after his chip on the 18th hole lipped out, leaving him a tap in par, whilst Sean could only manage a bogey.
1st Tony Robbins (14) net 73
2nd Sean Murphy (13) net 73
Near Pins: Sean Murphy.
Tuesday, August 13, Sea Pine G.C. – Stableford
Twelve golfers took part in our annual three day tournament in Hua Hin, a few leaving a day earlier, and the rest setting out from Pattaya at 7.30 a.m. to arrive around lunch time.
Sea Pine army golf course had been a popular choice by those who had played here last year, with the course being set out in a beautiful bay, and the last three holes running along the beach. The weather looked ideal as we tee’d off and the course was again in great shape, as it had been the previous year.
Unfortunately, as we started back on the inward nine a squall moved in and we were forced to play two holes in heavy rain (this is when you realize that there’s an absence of shelters on this course!) but then the skies cleared and the final holes were completed in fine weather.
Colin Greig had one of those days all golfers dream about when almost everything goes right, and despite missing at least eight good birdie chances, he managed to birdie the last two holes to come home with a great score of 42 points.
The par five 16th hole is spectacular and runs directly towards the beach, a fact which Barry Murnin discovered to his cost as his approach shot flew over the green, bounced on the cart path and ended up in the sea!
1st Colin Greig (9) 42pts
2nd Geoff Cox (15) 36pts
3rd Mike Johns (18) 32pts
Near Pins: Alan Sullivan, Colin Greig, Geoff Cox and Raleigh Gosney.
Wednesday, August 14, Banyan Resort G.C. –Stableford
Although Banyan Resort wasn’t participating in the golf festival, those who had been here last year were happy to pay the extra cost to have another opportunity to tackle this challenging course.
There was a very fine drizzle falling as we tee’d off, but not enough to deter any semi-keen golfer, and it soon cleared away after a couple of holes. Some of the holes are extremely long here, so we elected to play off the shorter white tees, a decision which Mashi Kaneta took full advantage of, hitting his normally accurate drives and with his good short game, he comfortably came home the winner.
Mashi was playing in the first group and managed to complete the 18th hole before a huge storm blew in, and the following two groups were thoroughly drenched and almost blown off the course.
Only three near pin prizes were claimed, with no one being able to get close to the difficult par three 4th hole which plays 200 yards over water and uphill - even from the white tees.
1st Mashi Kaneta (14) 36pts
2nd Geoff Cox (15) 34pts
3rd Alan Sullivan (13) 33pts
Near Pins: Mashi Kaneta and Colin Greig (2).
Thursday, August 15, Springfield Resort G.C. (Mountain and Lake courses) - Medal
Even though none of our players had ever played this course before, we voted to play a medal round off the blue tees (masochists?) and several players were subsequently to suffer for their rashness. It’s difficult to explain why we haven’t played this course on previous visits, because the Jack Nicklaus layout is superb and set in some wonderfully peaceful countryside.
The weather was ideal and the course was in great shape so the leading group were soon galloping off into the distance until they caught up with a slow two-ball (!!) on the 7th hole, which allowed the following groups to catch up some ground.
The 18th hole here is a great par five ending on an island green and provides a suitable climax to a great course. As the leading group played towards the island, another squall blew in and a certain person was heard to say that he hoped that the players who’d escaped the storm the previous day would get their soaking today - but it never happened!
The in-form player of the trip Colin Greig had been cut one shot following his opening day exploits at Sea Pine, but once again he took first place on a count back from Mashi Kaneta.
Following an excellent lunch in the elegant clubhouse, the trophy was presented to the three match tour champion Colin Greig, before we set off for the drive back to Pattaya.
1st Colin Greig (8) net 75
2nd Mashi Kaneta (14) net 75
3rd Geoff Cox (15) net 76
Near Pins: Barry Murnin, Colin Greig, Mashi Kaneta and Ross Schiffke.
Friday, August 16, Plutuluang East & South – Stableford
Just eight players for our visit to the normally popular Navy course, with the majority of members electing to take a day off to recover from the the rigours of three days in Hua Hin.
We welcomed back Terry Hamilton at the start of his visit, and he promptly returned the compliment by securing the winner’s prize in his first game back. Lee Butler secured second place beating Peter Habgood on a count back.
1st Terry Hamilton (20) 33pts
2nd Lee Butler (14) 32pts
3rd Peter Habgood (17) 32pts
Near Pins: Ross Schiffke, Terry Hamilton, and Lee Butler (2).
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.

Cotterell collects at Green Valley

The Billabong Bar Golf Society

Wednesday, August 14, Green Valley - Stableford
Ever so Green Valley - even with the storms that lashed the course over the previous week or so the carts were still allowed on the fairways and walking you couldn’t get your shoes wet, amazing drainage for sure!
We got away early and were around in under four hours.

Bruce McAdam (left) with Wayne Cotterell.

There was no rain although it did threaten for a little while.
We said goodbye today to Peter LeNoury as he was heading home for a couple of months break and will return sometime in October.
The scores today were exceptional with Wayne Cotterell taking line honours with a fine 38 points, and from there it was a three-way count back on 37 points with Brian Maddox getting the nod for second courtesy of 20 points on the back nine. Third place went to Roger Ison having 18 on the back and in fourth spot was Bruce McAdam with 17. Amazing that 34 points won the week before, maybe the rain softened the greens up.

(From left) John Player Bob Philp and Brian Maddox.

There was one ‘2’ coming from Roger Ison on the ninth.
Friday, August 16, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
Our trip to Pleasant Valley on Friday was the first time we had been here for months. The course is not in very good condition, with the rough being particularly brutal and a lot of the players lost balls just a few feet off the fairway. It may be a while before we go back.
In saying all that there were still some good scores recorded. One of the group, whom shall nameless, was four up at the turn thinking they were a shoe in to beat their opponents only to have to drop a fifteen foot putt on the last to tie everything up all square. Funny game isn’t it!
Those in the winners’ circle were Brian Maddox in third place with 38 points, second went John Player with 40, but it was Capt Bob’s day today with 42 points taking first place.
There were four ‘2’s coming from Darl White, George Barrie, Greig Ritchie and Eng Duangwaw,
Note: If you are looking for a game with some friendly golfers, give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 or call into the bar, we are just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan.

Gamble & Berger hit form at Pattana

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, August 12, Eastern Star – Stableford
A public holiday today so we were at Eastern Star along with another three societies from the Pattaya area, who teed off just behind us.
It didn’t look too promising as we drove towards the course with heavy dark clouds overlooking the coastline and just after the turn for the last group it started to rain but it was very light and soon cleared up.

Grenville Hill.

Now playing off 22, Tony Cowe recorded the best score of the day to win division 2 with 36 points. Iain Walsh was second all of seven points behind and in third place with 28 points was ‘Count back’ Burnie.
The Khao Yai boy Tim Hake topped division 1 with 33 points and Terry Madsen beat Marty Rock on a 13/12 back six count back for second after they both scored 19 on the back nine with 31 points overall.
There are no winners in the ‘2’s today so a rollover ensued in both divisions to Pattana on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 14, Pattana - Stableford
After we checked in we were allocated the A and B courses today and after a few discussions we decided to play off the yellow tees at 6,483 yards rather than the whites at 6,876 and due to the heavy overnight rain we implemented a ‘pick, clean and place’ policy on the fairways and fringe areas only.

Bryan Priestley.

There was an equal cut in the divisions today with 10- 18 in the top flight and 22 plus in division 2 and playing off 18, Neil Gamble won division 1 with 40 points. Terry Madsen came in second with 37 points and Billy Fitzgerald was third a further point behind Terry.
With his best score for many months and now playing off 28, Roar Berger claimed division 2 honours with 38 points and was followed onto the podim by Glenn King in second on 36 and Khao Yai winner Tony Cowe third with 34.
Near pins went to Billy Fitzgerald, Terry Madsen (2), Neil Gamble, Glenn King and Bryan Priestley.
Terry Madsen birdied A3 to take the division one ‘2’s pot and two birdies on B7 for John Biceglio and Glenn King saw them split the second division booty.

Bruce Gardner.

It was bon voyage today to Tim Hake and his lovely wife Uan who were going back to Rushton in the UK for four months and also to Tony Cowe - there will be a few new faces on the winner’s podium now!

Friday, August 16, Easter Star - Stableford
There was heavy rain here the day before so once again we employed the pick clean and place ruling but it was still tough going with no run on the fairways and some wicked pin placements around a yard or two from the front fringe of the greens.
The testing conditions were reflected in the scores as 33 points was the best of the day, winning division 1 for Karl Flood. Paul Butler came in second one point behind Karl and in third place with 29 points was Tony Thorne after beating Darryl Blair on a 18/17 back nine count back.
Eiichi Matsumoto’s 30 points placed him on top in division 2 with Iain Walsh second on 28 and Peter Davies third after poor Rod Howett lost out on an 18/16/15 back nine count back. Nobody was able to hit a green to claim a nearest the pin in division 2 while in the premier flight Karl Flood got 2 and Tony Thorne and Harry Vincenzi shared the pot with him.
We had to say bon voyage today to Danny Greer who will be returning in early November.

Edwards the star man

The Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society celebrated HM Queen’s Birthday on Monday, 12th August, by playing a stableford competition at Eastern Star. The course was in very good shape with yielding fairways and even, medium paced greens.
A large field had assembled and play got underway before the stipulated time. Conditions were very overcast and the day stayed humid throughout but thankfully the rain stayed away. Eastern Star has got progressively more difficult as the years have gone by and again the group found it hard to come to terms.
In third place was an Aussie triumvirate of Robbie Taylor, Ken Grimes and Alan Walker, all with 29 points. Runner-up was Andrew Purdie with 31 points, only hours before he was due to return to work, whilst the winner was Dave Edwards who held all at bay with an excellent 35 points.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and Rabbi’s non-winner’s beer draw was won by Craig Thomas. Finally the Booby Bevy went to the returning Leigh Abbey for his more than mediocre display. Did Leigh really expect better on his first full day back in town?
The PGS had indeed celebrated the auspicious day in style.
Tough times
at Bangpra
Bangpra was the second weekly fixture for the Pattaya Golf Society on Wednesday, 14th August when the group visited the quality course to play a stableford competition.
The course was in top condition with greens running at a tasty pace but the soft fairways gave very little run for tee shots and again it would be a day when longer hitters dominated. As a result in third place was New Zealander Evan Millar who recorded 31 points, a couple behind the joint winners were Wichai Tananusorn and Dave Edwards with 33 points.
Once again there were no birdie ‘2’s, making the main prize pool more rewarding and the Booby Bevy was reserved for a hapless pair of nil returns.
At least the tail of Hurricane Utor ignored the area allowing a full day of golf at beautiful Bangpra.

Baechli the best of a bad bunch

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Walter Baechli (left) with Max Scott.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, August 13, Bangpra – Stableford
We had a good turnout for this visit to what has to be one of the best courses around. Despite the fact that it beat us up on the day there was not one of the players who did not have a great day despite the water covers being on and the bags and the monkeys being absent.
A great deal at present, along with a super course, saw us all there nice and early and raring to go. Despite the rain of late we were able to play without the ball picking up mud and that made playing from the fairway a pleasure. Mind, on this particular day I did not seem to be able to find the fairway very often and the rough was very difficult to get out of.
The greens here are infamous; they have a history of being unplayable for the average golfer and indeed for some pretty good ones. There was the time that if you got on the top side of some of them the caddy’s word was “Bye Bye” as the ball disappeared off the bottom of the green. However these days they are just really fast and with a constant drizzle today they were just fast.
Talking of a drizzle, it rained most of the time and it did not help the golf. I expected scores that were not great, especially as it seemed that our group was making heavy work of it. I hoped the others were playing better.
Always nice to get finished and into a warm shower here. A new facility, the showers are great and the towels white and new, a bit of luxury. Then it was up for a bite to eat at the restaurant to relax before the trip back to Bert’s.
Back at Bert’s it was time for the results and to find that as bad as our group played, it seemed the others played even worse. The winner was Walter Baechli with 34 points ahead of in second Max Scott with 33 and in third was George Bayley with 30 points on count back over Dick Warberg. Taking fifth place was the Scribe with a magnificent 29 points, however, with a first, third and fifth, and very average scores, our three-ball was the best - still rubbish but the best. How about that! T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Walter Baechli, Mike O’Brien, Max Scott.

PSC monthly golf tourney raises 200,000 baht for charity

Words: Nigel Cannon/ Photos: William Macey
Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham provided a sign-up sheet of 120 PSC members to play Thursday, August 15, at the prestigious Siam Plantation golf course for another memorable monthly tournament. This month, as well as being the 126th edition, it was also a special charity day with input from our two major sponsors - EGA and Singha.

Low Gross winner Mike Allidi.
Following much rain earlier in the week all eyes were looking upward as Joe, together with President Tony Oakes and Social Chairman Nigel Cannon arrived at the course early to prepare for the registration. In the event the day was windy but warm with the rain arriving just as the players were returning to the clubhouse.
The administrative arrangements at Plantation are excellent! As the players arrived for the shotgun start their name was ticked off by the staff and their bags taken – to be seen next on a buggy clearly marked with their name and starting hole. Joe, Tony and Nigel registered the players who were all given an energy drink courtesy of Singha. At 1150 and the sound of a hooter all were taken to their respective starting holes and at 1200 the hooter sounded again and all were off.
It was some 4½ hours later that the groups returned to the clubhouse with many compliments made on the condition of this excellent course.

Ladies winner Noi.
Whilst all enjoyed the buffet provided by the club, Joe, Tony and Nigel were busy working out the results. Prior to the presentation of the prizes Nigel welcomed all to Siam Plantation and asked for special appreciation to Joe Mooneyham who had organized the day and worked with the sponsors to ensure it was a successful event. Joe then came and expressed his appreciation for the generosity of Siam Plantation and to all 120 players – a full house – the help from Tony, Nigel, William and Noi Emmerson, and the PSC office staff who dealt with administration.
Then it was back to Nigel to announce the winners and Joe to present the prizes. The low gross winner was once again Mike Allidi (2) with 75 gross, which is a great score at any time but with the day’s wind even more so. This earned Mike a Singha golf bag – again donated by our major sponsor.

PSC Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham (left) with Kyle Roadley and Jeremy Cairns.
‘A’ Flight was a stroke play competition and Jeff Cordeiro (7) claimed top spot with 73 net. It was Barry Copestake (14) with 40 points winning ‘B’ Flight, and 43 points from Jean Laroche (17) securing ‘C’ Flight. Regular PSC player Max Bracegirdle (23) took ‘D’ Flight with 37 points and Peter Henshaw (18) topped the Senior Flight with 32 points.
In the Ladies Flight it was a new name at the head of the listings with Sasitorn ‘Noi’ Srithong (13) registering a fine 46 points for the win. Khun ‘Noi’ was greeted with much applause for her great score.
Joe then gave details of next month’s tournament at Pattana Sports & Golf Resort on Friday 20th September. The lucky draw and raffle was next again with some great prizes donated and the final ticket winning 40% of the takings. Thanks to some of our sponsors including Tony Doyle of the Drunken Duck, Bob Newell and Kyle Roadley from The Players Lounge, and the Singha corporation.

Wayne Cotterell (right) receives the 60/40 prize from Golf Chairman Joe.
It was then time for a special auction as PSC member Kyle Roadley – who is a caddy on the professional circuit – gave Joe a pin flag from the recently played US Open and signed by the winner Justin Rose. The bidding was a little slow to start but then heated up with a final bid or 25,000 baht from Jeremy Cairns going home with this prized possession.
Joe then distributed sports day vouchers for Green Valley kindly donated by Khun Niran General Manager.
A total of 200,000 baht was raised from this event and many thanks go to our sponsors, especially Boon Rawd Brewery (Singha).
As the players made their way home there were many favorable comments on another finely organized tournament by the Golf Chairman and PSC staff.

Clinton left shopping for a gold ensemble

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Medal winner Clint Hazlett (2nd right) poses with Lewiinski’s management, Colin, Peter and Jim.
Sunday, August 11, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Clinton Hazlett (11) net 65
2nd Mark Wood (8) net 66
3rd Bob StAubin (12) net 69
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (15) net 69
2nd Jean LaRoche (17) net 70
3rd Nick Odnoral (17) net 71
Near Pins: No 4 Clinton Hazlett, No 9 Peter LeNoury, No 12 Mark Wood, No 16 Bob StAubin.
Clinton Hazlett, whom this column has cited as a “nice guy” several times previously, won A Flight but more importantly took home the cut-crystal and bottle of Jameson’s Irish whiskey, emblematic of the monthly medal, which in this case was for the month of August. To do so he had to shoot a dazzling net 65 to beat fellow A Flight pal and the pride of Aberdeen, Mark Wood with his net 66. No small under taking that.
Moving on to the balance of A Flight we found Bob ‘the ever generous’ St Aubin post a quality net 69 to fill the bronze spot.
The Donkey galloped to the top of the B Flight podium with another quality net 69. Colin was one stroke clear of Canadian Jean LaRoche who in turn left Nick Odnoral and nice guy Barry ‘no nick name please’ Tregurtha a further shot back, but alas nice guys finish last, especially when you’re up against the guile of Nick in a count back.
The three A Flight winners along with Peter LeNoury collected a near pin and a converted 2 as Jim Bell rounded out the ‘2’s pot
Back at the Lewiinski’s Clinton rang the bell to celebrate his fine win.
Tuesday, August 13, Phoenix - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim Bell (15) 37pts
2nd Mike Allidi (2) 37pts
3rd Tom Byrne (14) 34pts
B Flight
1st Gary Emmett (17) 36pts
2nd Jean LaRoche (17) 33pts
3rd Jim Reid (24) 32pts
The low handicappers showed their mettle on the Mountain and Lake Nines at Phoenix as the only two players to better their handicap came from A Flight. The hard luck story was Mike Allidi who always plays the course extremely well off his stingy two handicap and was relegated to the silver spot on count back by Jimmy ‘A-K-47’ Bell, both with best of the day 37 points.
Tom Byrne, who always keeps it down the middle, filled out the flight on 34 points.
The B Flight players showed less acumen as the 36 points of Gary Emmett was good for the top podium place. Jean LaRoche made it two second places in a row as he took the silver podium step. Jim ‘I’m getting better’ Reid closed the flight with32 points.
Mike Allidi and Tom Byrne split the 2,s pot.
Friday, August 16, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Jean LaRoche (17) 35pts
2nd Mike Jeffreys (17) 32pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 32pts
A relatively modest group, no doubt attributed to Thursday’s PSC Monthly competition, took on the always challenging Mountain Shadow. The lads found that most of the usual blue tees were in the process of being refurbished; this meant that more than half of the eighteen holes were played of the black tees.
Jean LaRoche made a strong bid for the bold print with two second places in the week and a top spot finish today with 35 points. Had it not been the week of the Monthly Medal he would have had a very strong case. Jean was followed up the podium steps by old friends Mike ‘the Welsh wizard’ Jeffreys and Peter ‘the Silver Surfer’ Henshaw, the order of accent was determined by count back.
Jean and Peter split the ‘2’s pot.
Note Peter Henshaw made it two wins on the trot in the PSC monthly comps Silver tee division.
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.

The Quiet Man strikes

The Backyard Golf Society

The Quiet Man celebrates his win with the staff at Blue Sky Bar.

The Backyard Golf Society had a very quick and enjoyable round at Emerald on Friday, August 9. The course was amazingly quiet and in fact we hardly saw any other players at all. The fairways still remain rough in places and indeed some areas we had previously thought to be good have now been transformed into mud patches!
After a nervous start for the group supplying the winner, where firstly Second-Hand Bob suffered a relapse to his “I tripped in the shower” ankle injury and then Golden Trowel’s Boyfriend suggested Bob retire so he could take over his buggy, Martin (the Quiet Man) won the main prize today, his 38 points winning easily.
The near-pin on Hole 15 was also won by The Quiet Man along with the rollover from the last event.
Irish John won 7 skins, Foos yer Doos Cowe won 3 (and stayed off the grog until the 16th hole… amazing all the other players in the process!) as did Passport Control Scurrell (formerly known as Yaya’s Delight). 2 each went to The Diet Whiskey Man (and the 2 rollovers from before) and The Quiet Man, with 1 to Second-Hand Bob.
Despite our best efforts we were unable to locate Michelle Chatt’s wallet either on the course or down the road afterwards. Rumours persist that the wallet has been spotted touring around Bangkok though.
Down the road for a few cooling ales and The Quiet Man was more than happy to buy the other players a round after his big win. The party at Yo-Yo was entertaining but not enough to convince the usually adventurous group to remain there overnight, for a change. Once Golden Trowel’s Boyfriend was located the group was able to return to the more familiar territory of the Jomtien market bar complex.

Horgan huffs and puffs his way to lifetime best

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
Tuesday, August 13, The Emerald - Stableford
It was the Queen of Thailand’s birthday on Monday 12th August which meant it was a Thai Holiday, which also meant no golf for the TRGG. So the golf fanatics among the TRGG had to go cold turkey on Monday and it was Tuesday 13th August before they could get their next fix.

Liam Horgan.

One man who knows all about going cold turkey is big Liam Horgan our affable Irishman. Liam however was not addicted to golf but the dreaded weed, tobacco. He informs me that with the help of his giant collection of E Cigs (electric cigarettes for the uninitiated) he has now gone six months without a cigarette, well done Liam.
On Tuesday at Emerald, however, Liam was certainly smoking as he put together his best round of golf in his living memory and returned with 43 points, which was miles ahead of Robert Cannon who puffed his way into second place on 37 and even further ahead of Ted Senior who must have been suffering from withdrawal symptoms, only finishing third on 35.
1st Liam Horgan (14) 43pts
2nd Robert Cannon (17) 37pts
3rd Ted Senior (14) 35pts
Thursday, August 15, Phoenix - Stableford
On Thursday 15th August the TRGG headed off as usual to Phoenix (Lakes and Mountain) and the smokers among us fought back. Roger Wilkinson took one giant puff and blew the opposition away, but only just. He won on count back from Jim Cleaver both of them finishing on 37 points. Tewin Poopay Lamthong made it into third spot with 35.

Roger Wilkinson.

1st Roger Wilkinson (11) 37pts
2nd Jim Cleaver (12) 37pts
3rd Tewin Poopay Lamthong (11) 35pts
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG please phone Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019 or pop into the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists, which are posted on the notice board.

Max finds headroom at the Valley

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Gary Emmett, Max Scott and Bob Watson.

Steve Ellison
Monday, August 12, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Max Scott (4) 39pts
T2nd John Pierrel (13) 38pts
T2nd Gary Emmett (17) 38pts
T3rd Martin Kingswood (16) 37pts
T3rd Bob Watson (2) 37pts
Here in Pattaya, we have had some ideal weather for golf and just about every golf course is in pretty good shape. Green Valley was no exception and today was yet another perfect day for golf in the Kingdom.
The Australians all seemed to be in form on this outing, and our leaderboard had 3 out of 5 Antipodeans on the platform. Bob Watson came in with 37 points as did Martin Kingswood to tie for third place in today’s comp. Next up the ladder was Gary Emmett and the travelling golfer John Pierrel who both had 38 points on the card for their efforts, and that put the duo in a tie for second. That’s very good shooting and was well earned in a field of 28 golfers.
The King of the Hill (or in this case, valley) was Max Scott who always seems to be one of the hardest guys in town to beat! This bloke plays a great game and is a very consistent player who earns his points. Max turned in his card with a big red 39 circled on top to claim victory over today’s field of Pattaya’s finest. Well played mate, and good luck up at Royal Hills!
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We try to schedule summer “Sports Days”, so come join us for a seriously fun day out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya... all handicaps welcome!

Walter makes winning return

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Wednesday, August 14, Burapha C & D - Stableford
1st Walter Baechli (19) 35pts
2nd Eric Black (15) 34pts
3rd Stu Rifkin (15) 31pts
4th Graham Buckingham (23) 31pts
Burapha was the test today and after a swift check-in we were off the C1 tee 50 minutes early under overcast skies and hot conditions. The course was very wet from overnight rains but in fine condition with some of the best greens around.
It was a slowish round of 4 hours and 10 minutes due to cart restrictions. Back in the clubhouse welcomes went out to Walter Baechli, just back from a tour of Spain, Stu Rifkin, Eric Black and Graham Buckingham.
The ever colorful Walter Baechli was the winner with 35 points, one ahead of Eric Black in second while Stu Riflin took third on 31 after edging a count back over Graham Buckingham.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Tue, Tao, La & David.

The new league has started we have eight teams made up of three bowlers per team.
Canada started strong by winning four points from Tea Party with the pin counts low for both teams.
Indiana won three points from VFW Post 9876 with La Montgomery leading the way with a 208 game and 557 series and Tao bowled a 223 game and 520 series. Tue Pettae was best for VFW with a 204 game and 556 series.
Green Tree took three points from Café Kronborg. Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 519 series for Kronborg.
Bavaria won three points from Brother D despite good bowling by David Shaw who had a 256 game and 584 series for Brother D.

Results & Standings August 16 (week 1)

Pos. Team Score Standings

1 Canada 4 – 0 4 - 0

2 Indiana 3-1 3-1

3 Green Tree 3-1 3 – 1

4 Bavaria 3-1 3-1

5 Café Kronborg 1 – 3 1-3

6 Brother D 1 – 3 1-3

7 VFW Post 9876 1 – 3 1-3

8 Tea Party 0 – 4 0 - 4

Golfnutter: Tiger’s Major Game – where’s it gone?

Welcome to Golfnutter’s Blog – a weekly commentary highlighting contemporary golfing issues, in Pattaya and beyond. For more on matters golf, especially Pattaya golf, visit golfnutter.wordpress.com.

On the weekend prior to the US PGA, the year’s last major, Tiger Woods easily won – by seven shots – the Bridgestone Invitational, thus giving him an amazing fifth win from just seven PGA Tour starts this year. Moreover, in the last two years he has won four times leading into majors – an incredible ratio which would suggest his game was good to go. Yet come major time Tiger Woods’s game is found wanting, and markedly so.

Woods last win in a major was the US Open at Torrey Pines in 2008. Since that time he has played in 51 ordinary Tour events, not including majors, and won 14. No current player has a win ratio anything like as good. As for majors played during this time, however, he is zero from 18. Is this statistic significant? You judge.

Tiger Wood’s record in majors over the last two years:

· 2012 Masters: 72, 75, 72, 74 for a +5 total. T40.

· 2012 US Open: Shared lead after round two, then 75, 73 = T21.

· 2012 Open: 67, 67, 70, 73. Finished -3 for T3, 4 adrift.

· 2012 PGA: Shared lead round two, then 74, 72 = 11 shots adrift.

· 2013 Masters: Better scores in weekend with 70, 70. T4.

· 2013 US Open: 73, 70, 76, 74. Finished +13 = T32.

· 2013 Open: Began Sat one shot from lead. Finished 6 adrift = T6.

· 2013 PGA: Never close. 71, 70, 73, 70. + 4 = T40.

A quick glance at the PGA Tour stats reveals nothing out of the ordinary. Total Driving, GIR, Scrambling and Strokes Gained Putting show reasonably acceptable numbers. But these stats are for all rounds played on the PGA Tour, majors included. What if we separated the majors from the rest?
Woods’s record in these events offers some insight. It involves his scoring over the last two rounds at major championships. For the period shown – 2012-2013 – Woods is a cumulative 26-over par for weekend play at the majors. Compare that to the period 2005-11 where he was an amazing 60-under on weekends at majors – a phenomenal difference.
Why?
It was Johnny Miller – lead golf analyst for NBC Sports – who, following the final round of this year’s US Open at Merion GC, stated, “Tiger has developed two distinct putting styles; one for the Tour and another for majors.” This after watching Woods amass 128 putts, including five three-putts, at Merion. That is an average of 32 putts per round!
Some weeks later, during the course of weekend play at the Open Championship at Muirfield, Woods took 66 strokes with the putter. The winner, Mickelson, took ten less.
These statistics are from the man many regarded as the best putter the game has ever seen.
But the problem may not be restricted to putting alone.
During the last round of the Open Championship Woods was in the penultimate group, partnered with the player many regard as now possessing the best swing in golf – Adam Scott. The number of times Scott hit driver to Woods’s 5-come-3-wood was noticeable, as indeed was the result. Not only has Woods lost what used to be regarded as controlled aggression, but his shot selection has become very conservative. His confidence with driver appears to be extremely low, as indeed it should be given the trouble it nets him these days.
Woods himself appears to be in denial. His comments post the US Open and The Open cited his inability to read the speed of the greens as the reason for not performing better. Many putts at the PGA were similarly short.
Where has the aggression gone?
Perhaps Woods could talk to other “legends” who have experienced something similar. Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson contended in majors into their early 40s (Watson a lot longer), but never won one after the age of 33 because of putting.
History tells us of many famous names – Hogan, Snead, Miller, and more recently, Ernie Ells – who lost their putting stroke never to get it back.
Tiger, noted for his gutsy grinding skills, is not likely to confess publicly to any shortfall in his game. But without the natural aggression born of confidence, so prominent in his prime, the putting stroke he currently uses when competing in majors is likely to be found wanting.
Whatever the reason for Tiger’s major malaise, he needs to fix it soon if he is to challenge Jack’s record of 18 major victories. This analysis suggests the root of the problem lies somewhere between his left ear and his right – just like the rest of us – except his only surfaces during the majors.
Happy golfing,
Golfnutter

Tan and Noom capture Inter Super League Pairs Bowls title

Go, Bus, Tan, General Petchpanom Parochai, Thanom, Lek, Noom and Bank.

The last day of the monthly Super League started with 5 teams potentially in with a chance of taking third spot in the standings: Sue and Pukky were already on 8 points in third but the pack was chasing.
Bank and Yuppa were in the unfortunate position of having to play 54 ends of bowls - nearly 5 hours - as a catch up but stepped up to play Dave and Ian in the first match which was almost over from the very first end when Dave let six shots slip away! At this level you cannot afford to give that many shots away on one end and the result was an 18-13 win for Bank and Yuppa who then came up against tournament favourites Tan and Noom and were blown 17-9.
Then came the battle of the girls as Lek and Thanom - already guaranteed at least runners up spot – took on Coco’s Sue and Pukky who were trying to secure 3rd place. There were no suggestions of any foul play or gamesmanship here and the match went to 12-12 with three ends to go when Lek and Thanom pulled out 4 shots and went on to win 18-15.
These three results meant no chasing team could get the magic 10 points to take third place on their own without a count back. Ken and Harvey were plodding away but their bowl difference was never going to be enough. So it was left to Bus and Go versus Bank and Yuppa to settle it; a win for Bank would leave Sue and Pukky with 3rd spot but Bus and Go had other ideas squeezing out a 22-19 grinding win to take the coveted 3rd spot on bowl difference with 4 teams on 8 points.
So it was Tan and Noom who were crowned the winners of the first Inter Super League Pairs Cups from the Lawn Bowls Association of Thailand and received the 10,000 baht first prize. Lek and Thanom finished as runners up with 8,000 baht and trophies from The Huay Yai Police Commissioner, and Bus and Go took third with Coco Club trophies and 6,000 baht.
The Hua Hin girls, Inn and Oiw, who travelled nearly 800km round trip each week to play in a league which will give them some superb experience, were deservedly given the Coco Club Sportmanship Award.
The evening was concluded with presentations by General Petchpanom Parochai - Secretary General of the Lawn Bowls Association of Thailand followed by a buffet and music.

Final League Table

Skip For Against Pts.

Tan 174 80 16

Lek 173 116 14

Bus 184 139 8

Sue 165 123 8

Ian 157 122 8

Ken 111 135 8

Bank 140 135 6

Ing 139 135 4

HH Ladies 55 313 0

Pattaya United lose 5-goal thriller in Bangkok

Muang Thong United’s Bang Seung-Hwan evades the attentions of two Pattaya United defenders during their Thai Premier League fixture at the SCG Stadium, Saturday, August 17. (Photo courtesy Muang Thong United FC)

Pattaya United experienced a roller coaster ride of emotions over the past 10 days as they took on two of the league’s leading teams in their desperate quest to avoid relegation.
On Wednesday, August 14, United entertained local rivals Chonburi FC and despite coming under intense pressure and falling behind in the game twice, the Dolphins produced an inspired display to snatch an unlikely but entertaining 4-3 victory thanks to a late winning goal from Laksana Kamruen.
United’s fortunes would take a tumble just 3 days later however when they travelled to Bangkok to take on second placed Muang Thong United at the SCG Stadium.
Buoyed by their success against Chonburi, Pattaya came out in confident fashion and took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Kriangkhai Pimrat fired in a superb low shot from the edge of the area.
United held the advantage until 2 minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half when they conceded what appeared to be a harsh penalty and Bolivian striker Edvaldo Hermoza converted the spot kick for Muang Thong to take the teams in level at the break.
A smart header by Teerasil Dangda gave the home team the lead for the first time in the match in the 57th minute after he latched onto a low cross from Pichitphong, and Muang Thong appeared to have sealed all three points 15 minutes from time as Korean Bang Seung-Hwan fired home from close range to extend the advantage.
However, Pattaya came charging back and Obinna reduced the deficit just 5 minutes later as he turned sharply in the Muang Thong area before slotting the ball home. There was to be no fairytale ending for Pattaya this time though as the hosts ran down the clock to the final whistle.
Pattaya United were due to take on Bangkok United at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya this past Wednesday and this coming weekend have an away fixture at TOT on Saturday, kick-off at 6 p.m.

Thai Premier League Standings August 18

Team P W D L +/- Pts.

Buriram United 22 15 7 0 33 52

Muang Thong United 22 16 3 3 20 51

Chonburi 22 13 5 4 14 44

Suphanburi 22 11 7 4 13 40

Army United 22 11 4 7 13 37

BEC Tero Sasana 22 9 8 5 7 35

Osotspa 22 8 8 6 1 32

Bangkok Glass 22 8 6 8 -3 30

Songkhla United 23 7 8 8 -4 29

Police United 22 7 7 8 2 28

Chainat 22 6 7 9 -2 25

TOT 22 6 6 10 -16 24

Bangkok United 22 5 5 12 -17 20

Ratchaburi 22 4 7 11 -6 19

Samut Songkhram 21 3 7 11 -13 16

Chiangrai United 21 2 9 10 -12 15

Pattaya United 22 4 1 17 -26 13

Sisaket 3 0 1 2 -4 1

Results: Bangkok United 4-2 Ratchaburi, Songkhla United 0-2 Police United, Buriram United 2-0 Chiangrai United, Muang Thong United 3-2 Pattaya United, Bangkok Glass 2-3 BEC Tero Sasana, TOT 1-2 Chonburi, Sisaket PSTP Samut Songkhram, Chainat 1-2 Osotspa, Suphanburi 0-1 Army United

Lamborghini one-two caps spectacular Super Series weekend at Bira

Chonsawat Asavahame (rear-center) holds up the champion’s trophy after winning Round 4 of the Thailand Super Series Class 1 at the Bira International Race Circuit in Pattaya, Sunday, August 18.

Chonsawat Asavahame and Indharasak Taechatheerasiri provided a first & second finish for Lamborghini and overall team honours for Reiter Vattana Unity Racing during an exciting Round 4 of the Thailand Super Series Class 1 event at Pattaya’s Bira Race Circuit last Sunday.
Packed crowds attended the motor racing festival, held from August 16-18, and as well as stunning weather they were also provided with some memorable racing in the multitude of racing classes on show. The main event was the 3rd and 4th rounds of the Super Series Class 1 championship which featured some of the fastest GT sports cars in the region.

Chonsawat’s Lamborghini Gallardo (right) holds off the challenge of Piti Phiromphakdee’s Porsche 997 GT3R.

Thai/Greek driver Phasin Lathuras won leg three on Saturday in his Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 and was hoping for a repeat in Sunday’s race when he lined up in pole position on the grid. Indeed Lathuras would speed into the first corner in first place after battling for road position with Piti Phiromphakdee’s Singha-A Motorsports Porsche 997 GT3R, both closely followed by the twin Lamborghini Gallardo LP600’s of Chonsawat and Indharasak.
The four cars pulled away from the rest of the field and held a titanic mini-battle for the lead for 10 laps until Phasin, who had already slipped down to third, tried to overtake Piti for second place and sent both cars spinning off the track. Piti would recover and rejoin the race in a distant third position but Phasin’s Ferrari had sustained terminal damage in the collision and he was forced to limp back to the pits, his race over for the afternoon.

Large crowds enjoyed the racing weekend in Pattaya.

The incident allowed Chonsawat to pull out a substantial lead over his team mate Indharasak and the two would remain in first and second positions to the checkered flag, Chonsawat winning by a margin of 8 seconds. Despite suffering handling problems in his damaged Porsche, Piti was able to hold off the challenge of Suttiluck in the True Visions Lamborghini Gallardo for third, both finishing almost half a minute down on the winner.
Chanomsawat stated after the race, “It is all worth the hard practice for the past month but I had to acquaint myself with the car since this is the first time on the Bira circuit and on Thursday the test driver missed the curve and damaged the car. It wasn’t until Friday that the Lamborghini was fixed and I therefore only had one practice before qualification.”
With Chanomsawat’s third place finish on Saturday and the one-two result on Sunday, it enabled Reiter Vattana Unity to pick up enough points to take the team title for the weekend.
“Our results this week were satisfactory as I finished 3rd on the first day and managed to win today. I am very happy but it is sad that my teammate crashed out in round 3 but we got maximum points today to allow us to take the team title,” added Chanomsawat.

Cars and brollies line up on the starting grid.

In other races held Sunday, Nattavude Charoensukawattana improved on his second place finish on Saturday to win Race 4 of the Super Series Class 2 event for Toyota Team Thailand while Kantasak Kusiri and S. Tin captured the Class A & B honours respectively in the Super 2000, and Kantadhee Kusiri and Komkrit L won Class B & C in the Super 1500 race.
The final race of the day saw a spectacular crash on the first corner in the Thailand Super Pickup championship that caused a 20 minute delay while officials cleared debris off the track. When the reduced field finally got underway, the race was won by Vorapot for the Bridgestone-Sittipol-Isuzu team.
Rounds 5 & 6 of the Thailand Super Series are due to take place again at the Bira Circuit in Pattaya on Oct. 5-6 with the championship being concluded at the Bangsaen Speed Festival in December. For more information, go to: www.thailandsuperseries.net.

Action from the Super 2000 race, Sunday, August 18.

Nattavude Charoensukawattana was the winner in the Class 2 Race.

Phasin Lathuras’ Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 pulls out onto the pit lane.