Pattavia on the rise

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tony Scamber & Daryl Evans.

Derek Brook
Friday, Jan. 31, Pattavia Century - Stableford
Whilst tourist numbers may be down around the country, there is certainly no shortage of players who want to have a game of golf. As soon as the list goes up for the next game it is full up, and usually we have to limit the number who go.
Once you have booked a number of tee times with a course, you are really obliged to take that number of players, and the ‘organisers‘ find it difficult to say how many players will wish to play, sometimes up to 2 months ahead of time. Well that is my excuse. I have to say the courses are pretty good and you can usually slip in a group or two. But the key word is ‘usually’.
On this day we had to phone the course to ask if we could take a couple of groups extra, and thankfully they said ‘Yes’, so Bert’s was packed out in the early morning as all the players gathered.
The building of the new clubhouse at Pattavia seems to be going well, but in the meantime some work has been done on the old structure. You can now get air-conditioning in there, and the lockers have been doubled in size, but still leave a lot to be desired. Some extra showers and toilets, it seems, have also been added.

We got to the start early as instructed, but a build up meant we actually got off a little late. Still, all our groups got away. Our initial view of the course was positive, the first fairway was in good condition and we were soon on the green. That is where the problems started. The green was fast and the ball seemed to go where it wanted, some with the bend even went off the green. Would this be the way ahead for the rest of the round?
For the remaining 17 holes we saw all the improvement that has been done at this course. The bunkers are now clean and raked, where once they were a wilderness! The fairways are good and you can get a fair lie, and the greens are to put it delicately, different. Even though you are on the green, be careful, as they are so made that the ball seems to go at right angles at times. Sometime when you chip on you can get your line totally wrong.
The major drawback as usual is the rough which is covered with grassless brown bare sand patches. Seeing the improvements that have gone on so far here I have no doubt that this area will be sorted out, but I fear it will take some time, and even though these areas are in the rough, to save your golf club from damage at the base, I think a rule to declare these areas G.U.R. needs to be implemented. Mind, as we now know this is a problem area ‘Organisers’ can make it a rule of the competition.
Back at Bert’s, with a packed bar, we were soon into the results which were as expected quite low. In the A Flight, 0 to 19, the winner was Tony Scamber with 33 points ahead of a count back on 32 points that saw Walter Baechli in second and Steve Hamstad in third. We then had a count back on 31 points that saw Rob Brown in fourth and John Carlton just losing out.
In the B Flight we had the one golfer who beat his handicap as winner when Daryl Evans won with 37 points. In second was Tom Cotton with 33 points, from Graham Buckingham in third with 32 and Barry Elphick in fourth with 31.
As mentioned above, the changes made to this course make this now an enjoyable visit. There are still areas to be dealt with but all the same, well done Pattavia! T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: John Carlton, Brian Parish (2), Richard Kubicki, Daryl Evans, Barry Elphick, John Marrit.
Long Putt: Rob Brown, Brian Parrish, Mike O’Brien.

Hart takes DeVere Monthly Medal

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

In the prizes on Wednesday (from the left): John Fitzgerald, John White, ‘Chopper’ and Steve Reece.

Monday, Dec. 30, Burapha - Stableford
Finally, the high season has arrived at Burapha, as the 37 Outbackers, playing the C & D loops were slowed to a snail pace behind groups of Koreans, leading to a four and a half hour round, which is long for here, considering we are all in carts! It was overcast with a cool wind and the course was in its usual great condition.
Steve Mann, who was suffering from flu, brushed all that aside on the golf course, coughing and spluttering his way to the day’s top score of 39pts to take Div A by two from course specialist, John Cunningham with 37pts, playing off 7 and regular visitor, Alex Graham, also with 37, playing off 9.
The second best score of the day of 38pts earned John O’Keefe the Div B title, from Bob Finley (36pts) and Chopper (Kerry), who has played some excellent whilst on his holiday, with 35pts.
Div C didn’t fare quite so well this week, as Peter McNoe’s 34pts (welcome back mate) was enough to win from Greg LeBlanc in a distant second place on just 28 who beat Tim Knight on c/b.
Finally, welcome also to Bob Barnes and his group.
There were five ‘2’s from Stephen Mann, Geoff Stimpson & Scott Wilson all on C5, Peter Nixon (D2) and Robert Barnes on D8.
Div A (0-13)
1st Stephen Mann (11) 39pts
2nd John Cunningham (7) 37pts
3rd Alex Graham (9) 37pts
Div B (14-20)
1st John O’Keefe (15) 38pts
2nd Bob Finley (17) 36pts
3rd Kerry Rothman (15) 35pts
Div C (21+)
1st Peter Macnoe (21) 34pts
2nd Greg LeBlanc (26) 28pts
3rd Tim Knight (22) 28pts
Tuesday, Dec. 31, Khao Kheow - Stableford
The last game of the year was to be at Khao Kheow but being a National Holiday, we were struggling with the number of tee times such that we were oversubscribed on Monday night. Fortunately, an early phone call the following morning sorted the problem and a field of 29 took to this splendid course.
As it happened, there was plenty of room on the course and we could have got away as much as 30 minutes early on the C loop but General Jack delayed us until he was sure everybody had arrived or nearly arrived so as to not break up the groups.
The weather was beautiful; lovely sunshine with a good stiff cool breeze; just right for golf if not a little tricky to gauge the right club and the course was in great nick and looked splendid but maybe a little dry and hard in places.
Only one person beat his handicap, which is not unusual from the yellow tees, so congrats to Geoff Stimpson for his 37pts to win Div A, with two Steve’s following him home both with 34pts; Mr. Plant beating on c/b Mr. Reece, who was recording his first podium finish this trip but unfortunately was returning home.
If your name wasn’t John, then you were to come nowhere in Div B, as the surprise winner was once again John Lawton with a mere 33pts, from John White and John Fitzgerald.
There was a jackpot ‘2’ from Chopper (Kerry) on B3.
Div A (0-18)
1st Geoff Stimpson (9) 37pts
2nd Steve Plant (13) 34pts
3rd Steve Reece (13) 34pts
4th Peter Frost (18) 33pts
Div B (19+)
1st John Lawton (19) 33pts
2nd John White (26) 33pts
3rd John Fitzgerald (19) 31pts
4th Suzi Lawton (29) 28pts
Friday, Jan. 3,
Green Valley - Medal
We had a great turnout for the first monthly medal of 2014 sponsored by Greg Hirst of the DeVere Financial Group. 53 starters, which was slightly complicated by the fact that Green Valley management had for some reason taken three of our normal tee times, but after the off the matter was resolved so we should be OK in future.
There seems to be no need to report the condition of the course other than outstanding, particularly when one considers the sheer number of rounds played here.
With double Race2Bkk points up for grabs, the competition was bound to be tough; but only five players played to their handicap or better as Muzza (Murray Hart), who has been in the wilderness for a while, emerged on top with a very fine net 67 off a handicap of 13. His card looked pretty impressive, not only playing the four par 5’s to par but also playing the back nine in just 2 over.
Bob Finley was two back on 69, made up of two very steady nines, 44 out and 42 back off his 17 handicap, and Eddy Beilby put it together at last to take third on 71.
Rick Evans took fourth equal with a 38 out and a 38 back to also secure the low gross and there were five players all tied on net 74, who included Bob Lindborg, Tom Byrne, Tony Pieroni, Suzi Lawton and John Chambers.
There were also four near pins, kindly sponsored by Tim Knight, whose birthday was on Jan 1st and they were won by Suzi, Paul Greenaway, Brian Mitchell and Dave Coller.
Finally, welcome back to the Irish boys, led by Teddy Lodge and also a couple of new players; Reijo and Seppo. We said goodbye to Norman Cheetham and his mates, who have been with us for a while on and off and who were returning home to Aus.
You will note that we will no longer have count backs for the minor placings in the Monthly Medal, and will only be used to obtain the outright winner.
There were two ‘2’s from Paul Greenaway & Bob Barnes.
1st Murray Hart (13) net 67
2nd Bob Finley (17) net 69
3rd Eddy Beilby (18) net 71
T4th Michael Wittmaak (24) net 72
T4th Rick Evans (6) net 72
6th Reijo Heiskanen (19) net 73
T7th Bob Lindborg (21) net 74
T7th Tom Byrne (15) net 74
T7th Tony Pieroni (14) net 74
T7th Suzi Lawton (29) net 74
T7th John Chambers (10) net74
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Lou ‘Zigzag’ - golfer of the month

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Lou Szigligeti, Paul Bray and Nick Odnoral.

Friday, Dec. 27, Pattavia Century - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pen Carruthers (12) 35pts
2nd Freddy Starbeck (14) 35pts
3rd JP Maffray (10) 31pts
B Flight
1st Nick Odnoral (16) 33pts
2nd Mike Jeffreys (17) 33pts
3rd Lou Szigligeti (17) 32pts
C Flight
1st Ray Baran (33) 33pts
2nd Ed Junger (20) 29pts
3rd Ulrik Sinding (25)pts
It was nice crowd on Friday as A Flight led the day with two 35 point best on the day outputs. It was hard luck for Freddy Starbeck as his 35 points took the silver thanks to a count back loss to Scotland’s Pen Carruthers. JP Maffray filled the flight on 31 points.
B Flight and C Flight were a bit subdued as 33 points took both top places; by Aussie Nick Odnoral in B Flight and Ray Baran in C Flight, although Nick did need the aid of a count back over Mike the Welsh wizard’ Jefferys. Lou ‘the thunder from down under’ Zigzag made it a second Aussie on the podium with 32 points.
Ray Baron was followed in to the barn by Ed Junger and Ulrick Sinding with 29 and 25 points, the former picking up the silver.
Freddy Star beck and JP Maffray split the 2’s pot.
Sunday, Dec. 29, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Claus Birk Thompson (13) 37pts
2nd Bob Watson (2) 37pts
3rd Paul Bray (7) 35pts
B Flight
1st Dave Boran (15) 36pts
2nd Nick Odnoral (16) 33pts
3rd Pierre Bietry (17) 32pts
C Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (18) 33pts
2nd Jum Karagit (19) 33pts
3rd Bruce Berlin (24) 32pts
Well the battle for golf supremacy of the day, Australia vs. Denmark, was settled by count back as Claus Birk Thompson edged Bob Watson for the A Flight top spot. The other Aussie star Paul Bray, in consistent and fine form, used the same method to grab the penultimate spot from the big hitting combo of Dave Driscoll and Dave Stockman.
Dave Boran, a marvelous player off 15 handicap, showed his class with a best in B Flight 36 solid points, bettering Nick ‘down under’ Odnoral and the Swiss precision of Pierre Bietry, with the scales of justice tipping in Nick’s favour.
In the battered and bruised C Flight it was age before beauty as Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby out-pointed the belle of the bar Jum Karagit on count back as the pair were tied on 33 points. Bruce Berlin added another bronze place to his extensive collection.
Bob Watson, Dave Stockman, Adrian Schmitt, Lou Szigligeti and Laurie McBride shared the 2’s pot.
Monday, Dec. 30, Burapha A & B – Stabelford
A Flight
1st Francis Goyons (11) 38pts
2nd Eric Gobert (6) 37pts
3rd JP Gasser (11) 37pts
B F light
1st Walter Baechil (16) 36pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) 36pts
3rd Hans Monk (18) 35pts
C Flight
1st Tom Cotton (23) 40pts
2nd Mick Folan (19) 34pts
3rd Mick Coughlan (21) 31pts
Burapha was the host venue for the final fixture of the year and Tom Cotton mastered the day and C Flight with an outstanding 40 points. Tom was six strokes up on Mick Folan and seven clear of a log jam of six players. When the divots had settled it was Mick Coughlan who got to fill out the flight as Dal Paztroist, Jim Elphick, Kim Jarninen, Barry Oats and Bruce Walters were left out in the cold.
Francis Goyons’ solid 38 points was the top score in A Flight and the calculator was on overtime as it sorted the silver and bronze from a bunch of four, all tied a shot back on 37. Eric Gobert emerged with the silver and JP Gasser took the bronze as Pat Hanafin and Mike Alidi were the unlucky pair
B Flight had their own count back as the flamboyant Walter Baechli and Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw went head to head for the flight gold, both locked on steady even par rounds. Walter claimed the count back after citing a lower PSC membership number. Hans Monk closed the flight without the help of a count back.
The top golfer of the month was a tight affair as Lou ‘the thunder from down under’ Zigzag took the honour by just two points from fellow Aussie Paul Bray.
Thursday, Jan. 2, Crystal Bay A & C – Stableford
A Flight
1st Paul Bray (7) 38pts
2nd JP Gasser (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st Bruce Walters (34) 36pts
2nd Somchai Rattanarurk (22) 36pts
A relatively modest group, possibly attributable to the season, took on the formidable Crystal Bay layout and the Aussie pair of Paul Bray and Bruce Walters carried on where they left off, winning their flights in the first game of the new year. Paul’s A Flight score of 38 points was the top score of the day and he also bagged a brace of 2’s. JP Gasser followed Paul up the two-man podium with a solid even par round.
Bruce won B Flight after he tied with Somchai Rattanarurk, both carding 36 points, but the count back sorted it for Bruce.
Bruce Berlin slotted home a ‘2’ for a third share of the pot.
Friday, Jan. 3, Pattavia Century - Stableford
A Flight
1st Mike Allidi (2) 35pts
2nd Paul Bray (7) 35pts
3rd Pen Carruthers (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Laurie McBride (14) 34pts
2nd Ronan Simms (17) 34pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 29pts
C Flight
1st Vera Naughton (28) 34pts
2nd Bruce Berlin (24) 32pts
3rd Tizian Dal Pastro (25) 31pts
Mike Allidi was once again a pleasant addition to the society’s roster and his fine trademark play was in evidence, as always. His 35 points in A Flight matched society regular Aussie star Paul Bray’s fine effort and the following count back handed Mike the top podium place, 16-10 to 16-9. The bronze spot also went to a count back as Scotland’s Pen Caruthers, JP Maffray and Barry ‘the boot’ Copestake all stood a shot in arrears. When the counting was finished Barry and JP were left out in the cold.
Since numerology is the apparent theme of this article we will keep it going by pointing out that B Flight’s podium starts with another count back as Laurie McBride and Roan Simms were tied on 34 points apiece, and the former was handed the flight win as his mathematics were more favorable. Ireland’s Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw closed out the flight five strokes in arrears
Another visitor from Ireland, first lady Vera Naughton, led C Flight with a tidy 34 points. Vera was two clear of Bruce Berlin and a further stroke clear of Tizian Dal Pastro.
Pat ‘the Irish rover’ Hanafin was the sole heir to a very healthy 2’s pot
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near 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.

Beresford bags the ‘Ace’

Hole in one for Mick Beresford.

In an article published in last week’s Pattaya Mail relating to the Pattaya Sports Club’s 130th monthly golf tournament we erroneously credited a hole in one to Barry Oats when in fact this should of course have been Mick Beresford. We apologize to Mick and offer our congratulations to him on achieving this rare feat in golf. Mick celebrated his ‘Ace’ by making a donation to charity rather than the usual bell ring back at the bar. Well done Mick!

Frankie, Kae & Sandy sparkle at Crystal Bay

PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

Frankie Sharratt, Duangjai Tusagad & Sandy Leiper.

Peter Blackburn
Thursday, Jan. 2, Crystal Bay, A & B – Stableford
Crystal Bay was the venue for our first game of 2014 and it proved to be a very popular choice as we had 35 golfers signed up to play.
The Growling Swan was a hive of industry as we all assembled there to prepare for our departure and we had many welcomes to hand out including to Vince Romero, Ernie Picken & Alan Ray from Melbourne, Harry Wszola back from Cairns in Queensland, Peter Burke from Broken Hill in New South Wales and Steve Truelove from Sydney.
Everyone was on time so our 3 mini-vans were able to get away right on schedule at 8.30 a.m. and we headed North up Sukhumvit Road where the traffic was not too bad and arrived at the course 44 minutes later. The course was reasonably busy but we were invited to play A & B nines and told we could tee off on A1 as soon as we were ready.
The weather was glorious, not too hot with a gentle breeze and the course was looking good as our first four-ball got away 10 minutes ahead of our designated tee time of 10.00 am. The groups ahead slowed us down a touch at first but some quickened up and we proceeded at a fairly good pace, completing a very enjoyable round of golf with terrific company in four hours & twenty two minutes.
We had 3 Divisions – Division A for handicaps 0 to 17, Division B for golfers on handicaps of 18 to 25 and Division C for handicaps of 26 and over with four places in each Division. There were also rewards for nearest the pin on the four par 3’s and longest first putts on the A9 & B9 greens.
It was tight at the top in Division A with 2 golfers scoring 40 points and the resultant count back saw Frankie “Goes to Hollywood” Sharratt (21 point back nine) victorious over Sal Brizzi (20 point back nine) in second spot. In third place was Gerd Riedler with 39 points and Ebrahim came fourth with 38 points.
Division B saw Duangjai “Kae” Tusgad winning with 38 points and with 3 players on 36 points it was Mark Stapleton (20 point back nine & 14 points on the last 6 holes) finishing second from John Davis (20 point back nine & 12 points on the last 6 holes) in third place and Roy “Plums” Dayton (18 point back nine) finished fourth.
In C Division the winner was Sandy “Cindy Lauper” Leiper with a very good 41 points, 6 points ahead of Ian Masterson (22 point back nine) in second place and Andrew “Turtle” Allen (20 point back nine) took third after the count back with both on 35 points. Geri Crilly was fourth with 33 points.
Division A (0-17)
1st Frank Sharratt (13) 40pts
2nd Sal Brizzi (6) 40pts
3rd Gerd Riedler (9) 39pts
4th Ebrahim (17) 38pts
Division B (18-25)
1st Duangjai Tusagad (20) 38pts
2nd Mark Stapleton (20) 36pts
3rd John Davis (18) 36pts
4th Roy Dayton (24) 36pts
Division C (26+)
1st Sandy Leiper (34) 41pts
2nd Ian Masterson (36) 35pts
3rd Andrew Allen (34) 35pts
4th Geri Crilly (26) 33pts
Near Pins: A5 – Nolan Wise, A8 – Frankie Sharratt, B4 – Ted Morris, B6 – Mick Wilkes
Long Putts: A9 – Sandy Leiper, B9 – Ebrahim
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 Growling Swan Mine Host Peter (Pizza) Grey who accepted the award like the good sport that he is. Andrew 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 welcomes golfers of any persuasion – low & high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays & Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan 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 petermalcolmblackburn @gmail.com.
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 084 345 4005.

Limming lands a double

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, Dec. 30 at Green Valley we saw Mick Limming (H/cap 27) take a slim victory with an even par 36 points. Second place went to Doug Crowe (11), just edging out Gentry Harrington (9) on a 35-point count back. Brian Orr(16) took fourth on 33 points and Mike Phillips trailed in fifth with 32.

Mick Limming.

The Caddyshack visited Silky Oak for the first time on Wednesday, January 1 and found it to be an unusual golf course but very playable. Again we saw Mick Limming (27) come out ahead with 37 points, just one in front of 3 players tied on 36 points: the podium order seeing Phil Cawse (16) in second, Jack Butler (14) third and Dave Bramley (18) in fourth. Dave led the way after 9 holes with 24 points but returned to his normal form on the back nine.
The final outing of the week on Friday January 3 at Green Valley found Ted Gardner (7) winning a 4-man count back on 38 points. Mel Davis (18) took second ahead of Dave Hester (13) in third and Phil Cawse (16) in fourth. John Murdoch (13) completed the standings with 37 points.
The Caddyshack wishes all golfers a happy and triple-bogey free year.
Note: The Caddyshack is located on Soi 17 off 3rd Road or soi 8 off Thepprasit Road. All golfers are welcome and reservations taken at 081 865 3104.

Laem Chabang gives Cheetham new-year cheer

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
Apologies to one and all, I have been sitting in horrendous traffic jams for the last week so I am not up to date with all that happened with the TRGG over the New Year period. One thing that does stand out viewing all the competition results is that it was not just Thailand’s roads that were busy, the numbers playing golf have been the highest for a very long time which is good to see.

Norman Cheetham - winner at Laem Chabang.

Because of my road trip last week’s report was somewhat curtailed so I shall start by giving you the results of the competition on Saturday 28th December at Eastern Star which once again was divided into two divisions.
Div. 1 (0-14)
1st Daryl Ottaway (8) 38pts
2nd Peter Carhu (12) 38pts
3rd Paul Sharples (11) 37pts
Div. 2 (15+)
1st Richard Talbot (15) 32pts
2nd Warren Black (18) 31pts
3rd Jay Sher (16) 30pts
So on to New Year week and on Monday 30th December Greenwood (A and B courses) provided the venue and again two divisions were called for. Peer Brun finally came good to easily win Div.1 and Warren Black had a two point cushion in winning Div.2
Div. 1 (0-14)
1st Peer Brun (14) 38pts
2nd Michael Jones (10) 34pts
3rd Joe Stranks (11) 33pts
Div. 2 (15+)
1st Warren Black (18) 39pts
2nd Joe Kellihee (23) 37pts
3rd Ted Senior (15) 36pts
On New Year’s Eve, 31st December, the largest contingent of golfers for nearly a year headed off to Emerald to see who could round off the old year in style and Bill Shepley and Gerry Swan did just that by taking the honours in Div.1 and Div.2 respectively.
Div. 1 (0-12)
1st Bill Shepley (6) 37pts
2nd Tewin Poopay Lamthong (11) 33pts
3rd Rocky Jones (6) 32pts
Div 2 (13+)
1st Gerry Swan (14) 32pts
2nd Anthony Atherton (15) 30pts
3rd John Fraser (17) 29pts
On Thursday, 2nd January, with everybody recovered from their New Year hangovers, the TRGG headed off to beautiful Laem Chabang – the B and C layouts of the golf course that is, not the shipyard.
Again a large field fought it out in two divisions and good scoring abounded. In Div. 1 Norman Cheetham did himself proud by collecting 42pts and to carry on the shipyard theme he has now been docked two shots on his handicap. I can just imagine Norman’s response to that piece of New Year cheer.
Also to be mentioned in dispatches was Rocky Jones who amassed 41 pts but found himself on the rocks in second place. In Div.2 Jay Sher outscored everybody else and returned with 44 pts so his 16 handicap is going to get a good seeing to.
Div. 1 (0-15)
1st Norman Cheetham (15) 42pts
2nd Rocky Jones (6) 41 pts
3rd Jari Lindstrom (10) 38pts
Div. 2 (16+)
1st Jay Sher (16) 44pts
2nd Ross Healey (17) 36pts
3rd Jack Macnamara (19) 31pts
On Saturday, 4th January, it was back to Crystal Bay (B and C courses) to round off the first week of 2014. Only one division was required and it was Neil Wilkinson who got his year off to a good start by winning the competition quite easily really with 40pts. Well done Neil!
1st Neil Wilkinson (14) 40pts
2nd Rocky Jones (5) 37pts
3rd Anthony Atherton (15) 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.
Happy New Year to you all!

Cavaliers charge contunies

The Billabong Bar Golf Society

The Courtyard Cavaliers - Geoff, Jeff, Helmut and Dave.

Friday, Dec. 27, Plutaluang 4 -
Person Scramble
What started out as 10 groups turned into 12 in the end and it was a nippy start to the day, but as the sun came through and the wind dropped off a little it turned out to be a lovely day for golf. It was a bit hectic for a while but we were all away in just over an hour all with one thought in mind - to beat the Courtyard Cavaliers.
Visitors from New Zealand, John Wood and his partner the lovely Tiger were playing today, as were Willie Dunlop back from China, Paul O’Mahoney from Dubai, and John Turnbull also from NZ.
The course was in great condition and there was some run on the fairways. The normal tales of woe were heard from some players as the birdie putts got away but all in all it was a great day out.
The scores were very close with only about 5 shots difference over the twelve groups. Coming in third was the team of Brian Maddox, Phil Waite, Owen Walkley and Willim Lasonder with a net score of 59.5. Second went to the Russell Clan of Arab, Lumpy and Young Max duly helped by Richard Steadman with a net score of 59.4, and yes you guessed it The Courtyard Cavaliers went on a winning streak again, taking first place with a net score of 57.5.
The next scramble will be on the 29th January so guys keep looking over your shoulder we will be out to give you a run for your money.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, Green Valley - Stableford
The course was in great condition today and the greens were running extra fast. There were a few standout great scores with fourth place going to Richard Steadman on 37 points, losing third spot on count back to Alan Beck. In second was by Jeff Warner with 38 points and coming in first was Steve Blazsanyik with a fine 40 points.
There were three ‘2’s coming from Roger Ison, Paul Bourke and Paul Hunter.
Friday, Jan. 3, Pattavia Century - Stableford
A very busy Pattavia was the venue for our game on Friday, but it was only just over four hours for the round, which was quite good considering the amount of people out there.
The road going in to the course is still as rough as before but they seem to be working on it to make it better. The course itself is in great shape with very fast greens.
We welcomed back Lloyd Shuttleworth today and as he hadn’t had a club in his hand for a few months we were feeling sorry for him, only for him to then take his playing partner to the cleaners; a birdie for four points on hole six was not good enough to beat Lloyd’s eagle three for five, two great shots and a bottler of a putt. Well done mate!
There was a three-way count back on 34 points for fifth, fourth and third with Owen beating Capt Bob to take fourth place and Phil Waite taking third. Craig Wheeler was beaten on a count back into second spot by Alan Beck both with 38 points. That is a hell of a score around this course as from the white tees it measures 6,600 yards - a long way for most of us.
There were four ‘2’s today coming from David Hausman, Lloyd Shuttleworth, Owen Walkley and John Locke.
Note: The Billabong Golf bar is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. Call Bob on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game.

Andre & Elias on the mark at the Mountain

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Elias Magnusson and Andre Vandyk with Dave Richardson.

Thursday, Jan. 2,Mt. Shadow - Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Andre Vandyk (19) 42pts
2nd Jesper Rasmussen (20) 33pts
3rd Brian Gabe (20) 33pts
4th Mashi Kaneta (14) 31pts
B Flight (20+)
1st Elias Magnusson (21) 40pts
2nd Carole Kubicki (25) 35pts
3rd Jack Robertson (27) 34pts
4th Graham Buckingham (24) 32pts
Near Pins: #8 Lawrence Lee, #17 Leif Kirkgaard
Long Putts: #9 Jack Robertson, #18 Mashi Kaneta
Mountain Shadow was the game today, up route 7 for 43 minutes with little or no truck traffic on the way. After a swift check-in we were off the first tee on time under sunny skies and with very little wind. The course was in good shape with very fast greens.
Even though the course was busy we managed whizz around in 4 hours and 5 minutes. Back in the clubhouse welcomes went out to John Costello from Queensland and Andre Vandyk back for a little bit from New South Wales.
Two flights today with the cut at handicap 20 and the usual 4 technical awards to shoot for.
Andre Vandyk won the A Flight by a mile with a grand 42 points while trailing in 8 points behind in second was Jesper Rasmussen on count back over Brian Gabe. Mashi Kaneta completed the flight podium in fourth on 31 points.
Elias Magnusson had a grand 40 points to take the B Flight honours on the day. Carole Kubicki came in second with 35 points, one ahead of Jack Robertson in third and Graham Buckingham placed fourth with 32.

‘Michelle’ is back

The Backyard Golf Society

‘Michelle’, a.k.a. ‘Mike the Taxi’ (left) at Blue Sky.

It was another enjoyable day for the Backyard Golfers at Emerald last Friday, Jan. 3. The issue of non-booked players walking on and being allowed to do so was not repeated this time, so perhaps (we all doubt it greatly) the course management has seen the light?
The winner and back from a week off as alter-ego ‘Mike the Taxi’, was ‘Michelle’ Chatt with 38 points being enough on this occasion. The near-pin award went to the returning Pommie Kit; at least England has something to smile about after the Ashes debacle.
The skins turned out to be a curious affair with just 2 players winning. Both ‘Foos yer Doos’ Cowe (complete with a very stylish Jockonese #1 hair-cut) and Irish John won 6 skins each and the last 6 will be rolled over to the following week. As is our practice, only those players who played today will be eligible to win the roll-overs next time, we are not inclined to let someone just come in to take the loot.
So it was down the road then for the traditional post-game beverage consumption session where ‘Michelle’ was glad to buy a round with the day’s big winnings. Our un-regulated custom of the winner buying a round still continues and a curse on he who first decides not to buy the lads a drink - May all your putts be short!
There were a couple of absentees on the day as Don ‘The Divorcer’ has not surfaced since his trip to The Killing Fields (did she bury him there?) and Russell ‘He’s a Victoria’is still Down Under for the holidays. Best of luck in 2014 to all players!

Wylie kicks off the new year with a win

PSC golf from Siam Country Resort

George Gamble showing his form at Pleasant Valley.

Just the 1 game last week, with holidays to see in 2014 from Monday to Wednesday, so on Thursday, Jan. 2, we eventually rolled around to Pleasant Valley to kick off the golfing year.
Our last visit here saw some sloppy fairways, but following the reporting of these to the management, the course was in reasonable condition, although there are 1 or 2 greens that are not consistent with the others. My philosophy is that we are all playing on the same course, so the conditions are pretty much the same for all.
On this day it was Jeff Wylie (7) who best came to grips with the course, scoring a good 41 points, while Willem Lasonder (21) signed for a solid 37 points. There were several good front 9 scores, notably from George & Bob, but the back 9 took some revenge on them.
Near pins went to Willem, Allan & Jeff.
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 in 2014!

Voller in top form at Greenwood

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, Dec. 23, Greenwood C & A – Stableford
Three divisions out today with the best score coming from Chris Voller (H/cap 9) whose 42 gave him top spot in division 1 ahead of John Chambers in second on 37 and Martin Grimoldby third with 35.

Dennis Scougall

Rudi Schaefer was the winner in division 2 with 37 points and Michael Healy beat Jerry McCarthy and Kari Aarnio for second on an 18/17/16 back-nine count back after they all came in with 33 points each.
Bob Poole claimed division 3 honours with 38 points, beating Pepo Frick on a 21/18 back-nine count back and in third place was Chris Reed with 35.
John Chambers, Martin Grimoldby and Klaus shared the near pins in division 1 and there were none in the other flights. John Chambers also birdied the 6th on the A course and Matti H on C3 to split the division 1 ‘2’s pot.
Thursday, Dec. 26, Green Valley - Rainbow Stableford
There were 32 players out today in eight groups so we had three divisions with the splits coming at 6-14, 15-19 and 20+.
Mika Viljakainen returned the best score of the day to win division 1 with 39 points. John Chambers came in second with 35 and Raivo Velsberg was third on 33.

Mike Chatt

After an eight month golfing sabbatical and still playing off 15, Ya Riley topped division 2 with 34 points, one ahead of Ger Lodge ins second and Michael Healey beat Sulis on a 13/12 back-nine count back for third after they both came in with 29 points.
Jorma Heinjok’s 34pts was the best score returned in division 3 and he was followed in by Pepo Frick in second on 32 and Charlie Charalambous in third place with 31.
Near pins went to John Chambers, Lindsay Phillips, Klaus Tschinder, Raivo Velsberg, Glenn Martin, Richard Owen and Harry Riley.
There were six ‘2’s in division 1, coming from John Chambers, Peter Pedder, Lindsay Phillips, Horst Starchl and Raivo Velsberg (2), while Glenn Martin and Harry Riley shared the pot in division 2.
Friday, Dec. 27, Eastern star - Stableford
Despite a reducing handicap Chris Voller was back in the frame today, winning division 1 with 38 points after beating Marty Rock on a 20/19 back-nine count back. Horst Starchl placed third just one point off the pace.
After 40 points the previous Friday, and a reduction of two off his handicap, Walter Weber returned with 38 points today to win division 2, while Iain Walsh was second with 33 after edging Pepo Frick on a 19/14 back-nine count back.
Near pins were claimed by Marty Rock (2), Horst Starchl (2), Pepo Frick, Eiichi Matsumoto, Eugine Maguire and Iain Walsh.
Eiichi Matsumoto birdies the 6th for the only ‘2’ in either division.
Monday, Dec. 30, Pattavia - Stableford
32 players out today with the cut at 5-19 and 20 plus and Chris Reed returned the best score to win division 2 with 37 points. Bob Poole came in second with 34 points and Andy Oz was third with 33.
In division 1, Mike Chatt was the winner with an even par 36 points and Chris Voller beat Horst Starchl 22/17 on count back after they both signed for 35 points each.
There were six ‘2’s in division 1 from Mike Chatt, Billy Fitzgerald. Ger Lodge, Terry Madsen and two from Jerry McCarthy, while in division 2 there was a rollover to Pleasant Valley next Monday.
Near pins went to Mike Chatt, Martin Grimoldby and Jerry McCarthy (2).
Thursday, Jan. 2, Plutaluang E & S – Stableford
Chris Reed played his best round for a long time today, winning division 2 with a fine 40 points to finish 2 up on Walter Weber in second and five ahead of Pepo Frick in third.
Dennis Scougall also shot 40 points to win division 1, while Roope took second with 36 and Volker Suhr placed third after beating Chris Voller 19/12 on the back nine, both coming in with 32 points each.
There were no ‘2’s in either division today so a double rollover to Pleasant Valley on Monday.
Near pins were shared around among Roope, Horst Starchl, Chris Voller (2), William Chang, Bryan Priestley and Sulis.
Friday, Jan. 3,
Eastern Star - Stableford
We had nine groups out today and the cut was made at 8-15, 16-20 and 21+.
Playing off 21, Jim Connelly returned the highest score of the day to win division 3 with 38 points while Joe Kubon came in second with 34 points and Bruce Gardner was third with 32.
Wilf Latham topped division 1 with 37 points and surprisingly Billy Fitzgerald came in second with a meager 34, one ahead of Chris Voller in third.
In top form this week, Dennis Scougall took pole position in division 2 with 37 points, three up on Frank Kelly in second and Rudi Schaefer was third on 33.
Max Alabor birdied the 6th to scoop the ‘2’s pot.
Near pins went to Max Alabor, Karl Flood, Horst Starchl, Volker Suhr, John Bisceglio, Pepo Frick, Josef Kranz and Iain Walsh.

Golfnutter: Gambling on Golf

Beating the odds in golf – a tough call.

Ever had a punt on golf? No, I’m not referring to the bet you may have with your playing mates. I am talking about betting with the bookies and backing who you think could win the tournament.
I used to regard golf betting as a mugs game as the odds given the top players were minuscule when compared to the frequency of their wins. I mean, unlike other sports such as tennis, the number of times a golfer actually wins is tiny. Top golfers such as Mickelson and Scott won how many in 2013 – two or three? Woods has had one of his best years in terms of wins and he managed five. Most of the top players struggle to win year on year, yet their odds remain unattractively low.
Look at the odds British bookies like William Hill or Ladbrokes allocate players such as Donald, Poulter or Westwood, and you will see they are artificially low. One reason is the influence of mainstream media who are not interested in odds or betting. Another is fan favouritism which sees the books heavily weighted with what the fan wants – heart over head. From a value-for-money perspective, these guys, the ones mentioned so far, don’t rate.
Does anyone?
Take the PGA Tour; each tournament sees all 146 golfers allocated odds to win. Woods is often quoted around 10/1 which means the punter stands to collect $10 for every $1 placed on him to win. Alternative betting is also available such as a top-five finish which many bookies offer at 25% of the player’s win odds. Thus Woods would be 2.5/1 for a top-five finish.
When Darren Clarke won the Open Championship in 2011 he was at odds of 200/1. Trevor Immelman won the Masters in 2008 at odds of 350/1. Yeah right, but who would’ve picked them?
Two Englishmen did, and that’s not all.
Dave Kelner and Mike Grenham work for the broadcast division at the UK’s biggest bookmaker, William Hill. When starting 20 years ago they were into horses. They still study form, but now it’s golfer’s form above any other.
Four hours preparation per tournament would be the norm, according to Kelner. “I’ll start by looking at the course, looking at players’ form, see who’s due a win, I’ll find statistics from similar players who have played there recently, I’ll find quotes from superintendents ... all sorts of things.”
They are after enough information to assign odds to each player and compare those with odds given by the bookies. When they spy a big discrepancy they move. Their rewards come because they rarely pick favourites – “Who rarely win and when they do they pay peanuts” – they pick longshots who nobody else is looking at.
“Every good tipster knows that players like Westwood and Poulter are artificially short ... they’re bad value most of the time,” Grenham said, something that Kelner agrees with.
“In the mainstream media, guys who aren’t interested in betting and don’t really look at the odds, they just pick Westwood and Donald,” he said. “It’s become a running joke between us, but we don’t really mind.”
Mike Grenham recalls the Open Championship of 2009 with some pleasure. That was the year 59yo Tom Watson lost in a play-off to Stewart Cink. “I may be the only person who liked that result,” he said, recalling Cink’s odds of 100/1. And this just a year after backing Trevor Immelman to win the Masters at 350/1.
So, it is possible to make money betting on golf; simply sign up for Dave Kelner’s and Mike Grenham’s column at William Hill and follow their advice. Be prepared to wait though.
Unusual Statistics: Following our recent series on golf stats, some readers referred me to a list of interesting and unusual stats relating to the 2013 PGA Tour season, courtesy of Golfdigest:
· No golfer in 2013 led the field in driving accuracy the week they won.
· Billy Horschel hit 20 consecutive greens in regulation at last year’s US Open, including all 18 on Saturday – thus becoming the first golfer to accomplish that feat in a US Open in 20 years.
· Only four players – Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Stephen Ames and Richard Lee – played the par-3s under par in 2013.
· Sergio Garcia gained more than half a stroke on the average PGA Tour field putting. That’s more than a full stroke better than his strokes gained putting average in the year he switched to the claw grip.
· Last year saw 11 five-putts on the PGA Tour, and 193 four-putts.
· Rising star, Jordan Spieth made US$3,879,820 in 2013. That’s more than Gary Player and Arnold Palmer made on the tour in their careers combined.
Happy golfing,
Golfnutter

Grieg seals golfer of the month award for December

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

The Christmas escapees assemble at Pattavia Century.

Monday, Dec. 23, Green Valley - Stableford
Colin Greig claimed his second win in successive games with (for him) a modest score of 34 points, ahead of Rab McDonald and Mashi Kaneta who needed a count back to separate them. Geoff Parker claimed fourth place and produced the shot of the day, sinking a putt in excess of 50 feet, uphill with a 3 foot break, on the par-four 5th green.
1st Colin Greig (8) 34pts
2nd Rab McDonald (13) 33pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (14) 33pts
4th Geoff Parker (14) 32pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, John Graham and Mike Corner.
Wednesday, Dec. 25, Pattavia – 2-man scramble
We arrived at the clubhouse to find the course was almost deserted and were able to tee off at our leisure on another bright and breezy day. It was immediately obvious that the new owners have done some good work, with new grass on the fairways and the greens running slick and true.
The winners on the day were the pairing of Gerry Cooney and Duncan Lee with a six under par score of net 66. Everyone celebrated back at The Ranch, devouring the massive Christmas dinner provided by Buff and his staff, to conclude what had been a satisfying and enjoyable Christmas Day for everyone involved.
1st Gerry Cooney & Duncan Lee (6.6) net 66
2nd Geoff Williams & Mike Brett (7.38) net 67
3rd Mark Stanley & Skinny Newton (9.8) net 68
Friday, Dec. 27,
The Emerald - Medal
The course has improved significantly over the past few weeks, with most of the previous GUR now playable, but today there was a problem with the sprinkler system so that several fairways had rivers of water running down them. The greens however were at their best, significantly faster than they’ve been in recent memory, producing many complaints when seemingly reasonable putts rolled completely off the putting surface.

A metric tonne of rice is delivered to the Pattaya Orphanage.

Mark Stanley and Tony Scambler were playing in the same group and produced the best scores on the day, with Tony’s score of gross 37 on the inward nine, being sufficient to win the day on the count back.
Geoff Cox continued to dominate the B flight (he’s now had two wins and a second place in his last three appearances) ahead of Ken Young and the newly arrived Ken Ellmore.
A special mention is due for Ian Masterson who secured a near pin prize on the par three 15th hole, which was his first after many appearances over the years with the Bunker Boys.

Colin Greig - December ‘Golfer of the Month’.

Today was the last opportunity for the remaining couple of contenders to challenge Colin Greig’s lead in the Golfer of the Month competition, but even though Colin didn’t add to his points tally today, neither did any of the contenders, so he wrapped up his fifth title of the year, with one game still to play.
A Flight
1st Tony Scambler (9) net 68
2nd Mark Stanley (11) net 68
3rd Geoff Williams (12) net 74
B Flight
1st Geoff Cox (16) net 74
2nd Ken Young (28) net 76
3rd Ken Ellmore (18) net 77
Near Pins: Ian Masterson, Mashi Kaneta, Neil Jones, and Geoff Williams.
Monday, Dec. 30, Greenwood A & B – Stableford
Thirty one golfers today for the final game of 2013 and we arrived in good time and were able to tee off on schedule and although the course was busy, the pace of play was reasonable. The course was in good condition although the greens were a little on the slow side.
Mike Corner rediscovered some good form to record the best score of the day, beating Roger Mitchell on a count back to win the B Flight. Geoff Williams continued his good form to win the A Flight one point clear of December Golfer of the Month, Colin Greig.
A Flight
1st Geoff Williams (11) 37pts
2nd Colin Greig (8) 36pts
3rd Tony Scambler (8) 34pts
4th Peter Kelly (11) 34pts
B Flight
1st Mike Corner (21) 38pts
2nd Roger Mitchell (26) 38pts
3rd Geoff Hart (27) 37pts
4th Ian Masterson (36) 34pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, John Hughes, Daryl Whyte and Ian Masterson.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, Pattavia Century – Stableford
Just twelve golfers managed to surface after the New Year’s Eve celebrations, and some of those appeared to be in less than peak condition over breakfast at The Ranch. We arrived at the course to find it remarkably quiet and were able to tee off at our leisure, a few minutes ahead of schedule.
Most of us had played this course a week earlier when the greens were slick and fast, but today the grass had been allowed to grow and they were running much slower. The round progressed smoothly without any holdups and the leading group were back in the clubhouse in a few minutes over four hours.
Geoff Parker started the new year in good form winning the honours on the day, one point ahead of Daryl Whyte who claimed his first podium position since his arrival.
Since the re-opening of the course the staff here seem to be going out of their way to make golfers welcome, and a very nice touch today was a complimentary glass of Chang beer after the round, to welcome in the New Year.
1st Geoff Parker (14) 38pts
2nd Daryl Whyte (25) 37pts
3rd Tony Robbins (13) 34pts
Near Pins: Jack Robertson and Geoff Parker (2)
Friday, Jan. 3, Khao Kheow A & B – Stableford
A full complement of thirty two golfers turned out today for what was for many, a final practice round before the PSC annual tournament, which will be held here next week.
The course was extremely busy but we managed to get the first group away just a few minutes after our scheduled tee time. The pace of play over the first few holes was slow, but speeded up a little as the round progressed and most golfers returned to the clubhouse in around four and a half hours. The course was in good condition and the weather conditions were once again nearly ideal, so the stage was set for some good scores.
Stuart Tinkler was playing his first game since his arrival in Pattaya and the conditions obviously suited him, as he came home with a great score of 40 points, one point clear of the ever consistent Colin Greig, winning the A Flight in the process.
Henry Wong took the honours in the B Flight ahead of Marion Melia, who was playing her first game for seven months, after recovering from a broken ankle sustained whilst playing golf in the U.K.
Geoff Williams almost scored the first ace of the year when his tee shot on the par three 5th hole on the A course, pitched on the edge of the hole (damaging the hole in the process) and rolled twelve inches away.
A Flight
1st Stuart Tinkler (16) 40pts
2nd Colin Greig (8) 39pts
3rd Geoff Parker (14) 37pts
4th Tony Berry (11) 34pts
B Flight
1st Henry Wong (22) 36pts
2nd Marion Melia (23) 34pts
3rd Raleigh Gosney (17) 32pts
4th Mike Brett (18) 31pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Jan Ulrikson, Tony Berry and Geoff Williams.
Bunker Boys deliver 1-tonne of rice to Pattaya Orphanage
The 8th John Preddy Memorial Charity Golf Tournament was held at the end of November 2013 and raised 23,000 baht for charity. It was decided to use these funds to respond to a recent appeal for rice issued by the Pattaya Orphanage. The Orphanage takes care of 850 underprivileged children and students with disabilities, and each year 75,000 kilos of rice are needed to feed the hungry mouths.
On Saturday 4th January, representatives from the Bunker Boy’s golf society delivered 1,000 kilos of rice to the Orphanage, which was gratefully received by the staff and children. Special thanks go to the tournament sponsors, Indophil Resources, DHL, KPK Foods, The Ranch, Jim and Donald Preddy and individual sponsors.
Note: The Bunker Boys is a PSC affiliated golf society that now plays 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, and meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries or got to www.bunkersociety.com. 

Allen & Alwyne take the Gold

IPGC golf from The Haven

Alwyne Burley (left) & Allen Raaen.

Friday, Dec. 27,
The Emerald – Stroke-play
CSS 74
Division 1 (0–15)
1st Russell Exley (9) net 72
2nd Adrian Cook (13) net 75
3rd Kevin Townsend (12) net 76
Division 2 (16+)
1st Alwyne Burley (17) net 73
2nd Brian Randall (36) net 76
3rd Mick Lowe (16) net 76
The Emerald must surely be one of the toughest courses in the area over which to hold a stroke play competition and this was confirmed after a large field of two divisions, competing for the first medal in the 2014 series, returned just one score of par or better - a result that ensured the CSS for the day moved out to 74.
Russell Exley was the sole player with a par score, a return that determined his handicap would return swiftly down after the recent rise and ensured that in 2014 he would again be contending for a Gold Medal. Russell led the first division in three clear of Adrian Cook in second place, with Kevin Townsend another shot back in third.

Dave Howden.

The second division was headed by Alwyne Burley, who also led by three, from Brian Randall in second and Mick Lowe in third after they had to be separated by a count back, which Brian won with a better 24 to 24.5 over the last six following a tie after nine on 39 apiece.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Kevin Townsend had the sole one in the first division.
The day was also the culmination of the year’s medal competitions with all the year’s winners competing for the Gold or Silver Medal in two divisions. The results of these are listed below.
First Division
Gold - Allen Raaen
Silver - Jon Batty
Second Division
Gold - Alwyne Burley
Silver - Mike Hill
Prior to the presentations of the prizes there were welcome backs for Kevin Blake, Gaute Moen, Mike Dabanovich and Johannes Murken.
Monday, Dec. 30, Bangpra - Stableford
CSS 73
1st Hal Hart (20) 37pts
2nd Mark Lang (8) 35pts
3rd Murray Frost (36) 34pts
4th Dick Heaney (15) 33pts
5th Bob Pratt (26) 33pts
6th Shane Heavey (19) 33pts

Peter Newham.

Bangpra was the venue for the last competition of the year and the course ensured that things went out with a bang by raising the prices to holiday rates without notice. The feeling of discontent this caused among the players was exacerbated by the mayhem that ruled on the course, with groups cutting in and the ensuing five and a half hour round will have ensured they have their card marked for the future by many of the day’s patsies.
Having started under a cloud that got bigger as the day progressed the only saving grace was the condition of the course, which was very good as the scores generally attested, allowing that the greens were as usual devilishly difficult from above the pin.

Russell Exley.

Hal Hart at last came back to form with a one under handicap win that was enough by two to see off the challenge of Mark Lang, who was in tip top form with his irons but suffered on most of the greens except the par threes.
Murray Frost played very steadily to lock up third spot ahead of a three-way count back for fourth between Dick Heaney, who won with a better 16, Bob Pratt in fifth after 14 on the back nine, and Shane Heavey in sixth with 13 points.
Murray Frost and Bob Pratt shared the rollover ‘2’s pot in the second division whilst Mark Lang made sure of the first division with one on each nine to sweep the pool.
Before the presentations were made there was a welcome back for Dick Heaney.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, Eastern Star - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Dave Howden (14) 34pts
2nd Werner Pausch (18) 31pts
3rd Ulf Richardsen (12) 28pts
Perhaps organising a competition on New Year’s Day was a bit of wishful thinking but a least a few players turned out after they had been to bed early with earplugs in place.
Eastern Star has shown that once again it is well worth its place on any groups schedule, as the course and especially the greens have returned to being in a very playable condition following extensive renovations and careful maintenance.
Dave Howden turned in the best return of two over handicap, with Werner Pausch in second and Ulf Richardsen in third, and those that made the start all enjoyed the day except for the drive back from the course which was badly affected by the holiday traffic. But at least the day’s golf had been less expensive than on a non-holiday day earlier in the week.
There were no 2’s in the first division but Werner Pausch dropped one in to claim the second division pot.
Back at The Haven there were welcomes for new members Ulf Richardsen and Albin Wursch from Switzerland.
Friday, Jan. 3,
Mountain Shadow - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Peter Newham (20) 33pts
2nd Werner Pausch (18) 31pts
3rd Kevin Townsend (12) 30pts
4th Albin Wursch (17) 29pts
It was another hard day’s golf, at the always difficult Mountain Shadow layout which was originally designed for use by players with handicaps of 15 or less. The course was found to be in excellent condition but as usual the greens were where it was all won or lost, and at the end of the day most of the hopefuls had to settle for second best to the course.
Peter Newham topped the leader board with a three over return that owed much to a steady game from the tee and laying up rather than taking on the trouble in most cases, a strategy that left him the winner by two from Werner Pausch who could not get to terms with the greens but hung on to claim second spot.
Kevin Townsend did well, so he reported, on the par threes but dropped too many shots with wayward drives on the longer holes, however he did just enough for third place ahead by one from Albin Wursch in fourth whose inexperience of the course actually helped by him not realizing the hazards along the way.
The difficulty of the course was underlined with Kevin Townsend slipping in the only 2 in the first division and none in the second division.
At the prize presentations unusually there were no welcomes but there was a farewell for Peter Newham who was leaving on a high note with his win for the day.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 094 567 5726 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.

Purdie power prevails

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

The Pattaya Golf Society ended its fascinating golfing year with a visit to Mountain Shadow on Monday, 30th December. The course had kept its green fee rate at normal and with the course in excellent condition from the blue tees and with faster greens than many could remember the challenge of the day was enormous.
The field was divided into two flights at fourteen and under and in the second flight Canadians Kevin McConnell and Henry Mah shared third place with 30 points, leaving Michael McGuigan and John Evans in control of the flight with 31 points.
In the top flight Alan Flynn recorded 29 points for third whilst Marc Jensen’s 30 points took second. The round of the day was that of Andrew Purdie and an eagle on the testing par five third hole was followed by the only birdie two of the day on the fourth to set up a level par round of 36 points. On a day with a strong breeze always evident his power was the controlling factor.
And so the year ended, with the return to the fray for Rabbi who duly celebrated with the Booby Bevy after a dismal performance. Better days lie ahead Boss!
Wichai & Wilson first foot
A Happy New Golfing Year was guaranteed as the Pattaya Golf Society chose to open its annual schedule on Friday, 3rd January with a trip to Khao Kheow to play a stableford event on the B and C nines, which were in excellent order with running fairways and well paced greens.
The field was divided into two flights at seventeen and under and newly arrived old friends included Dave Moriarty, Alex Sala and David Thomas.
In a fiercely competitive second flight Mr Len threw off the frustrations of four-putting the last hole to share second place with Larry Ang on 34 points whilst canny old campaigner Pat Murphy opened his 2014 account with 35 points for the win.
In the top flight Marc Jensen again showed his consistency with 34 points for third. The best rounds of the day were those of Peter Wilson and Wichai Tananusorn who shared the win with 37 points.
There were four birdie ‘2’s with Kevin McConnell, Henry Mah and Pat Murphy conquering the B8 island green and Dave Edwards popping up on C8. Rabbi’s no winners bonus beer went to Masashi Iizumi whilst Alan Flynn received the Booby Bevy for his split figures of eight and nineteen.
Thus the new year had begun successfully with PGS and there will be many more golf days las enjoyable ahead.

Mulberry for the Valley & Newbert for the Medal

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Wild Bill Eyles, Mike Newbert with Phil Smedley back at TGC.

Steve Ellison
Monday, Dec. 23, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Steve Mulberry (11) 37pts
T2nd Mike Newbert (10) 36pts
T2nd Brian Wilkinson (16) 36pts
3rd Mick Beresford (17) 35pts
The course was found to be in great shape, and the greens were the fastest for quite some time. The big winner on the day was long-time Golf Club (and Blackpool) supporter Steve Mulberry who was the only golfer to better his handicap.
Wednesday. Dec. 25, Khao Kheow (yellow tees) – Stableford
1st Brad Gearie (13) 37pts
T2nd Peter Wilson (7) 33pts
T2nd Bill Eyles (27) 33pts
Bill Eyles has been playing some great golf lately and today was no exception. With 33 points on his card, Wild Bill came in tied for 2nd with Peter Wilson for another finish on the podium. Our Aussie mate Brad Gearie, a previous Monthly Medal winner, was King for a Day with a very respectable 37 points, a good score on this difficult golf course.
Friday, Dec. 27, Pattavia Century (white tees) – Monthly Medal
1st Mike Newbert (10) net 75
2nd Bill Eyles (27) net 77
3rd Phil Smedley (11) net 78
Phil Smedley, as well as being a great golf manager is also a very tidy golfer and featured on today’s card with his net 78 off his 11 handicap for sole 3rd place. Just ahead of Phil was Wild Bill Eyles who has been in the frame for the last several weeks and his net 77 took 2nd place honours today.

Kenny Aihara and caddy getting ready for battle.

Finally to the Monthly Medal winner: he is a guy who is a past winner, so his new Antigua shirt will have 2 gold stars on it for December 2013 so congratulations to Mike Newbert aka ‘The Montauk Mauler’ for a great finish to the year.
Monday, Dec. 30, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Ken Aihara (4) 41pts
2nd Muffy Kerr (12) 39pts
3rd Steve Wentford (12) 37pts
Not to rub it in, but we have been experiencing some perfect golf weather here of late. I see from the news that the UK and the US are having a pretty monstrous winter and hope those back home get through it the best they can. Here in Pattaya, it has been just beautiful. Hope things turn around for you soon.
Time for the last round of golf for 2013! We set off to Green Valley once again to find the course in fine condition as usual. It was another win for Kenny Aihara, now playing off just a 4 handicap, as his 41 points was a great round on this breezy afternoon. A fine effort by Muffy saw his card in with a 39 and Stevie Wentford just behind on 37.
Thursday, Jan. 2, Crystal Bay (white tees) – Stableford
1st Peter Wilson (7) 38pts
T2nd Ken Aihara (4) 37pts
T2nd Glen Hendricksen (10) 37pts
T2nd Robbie Taylor (12) 37pts
And now for the first day of golf to break in the New Year! We skipped playing Wednesday as it was a holiday so today we had the lads off to Crystal Bay.
Peter Wilson was the star of the show and a trio of 37’s had Ken, Glen and Robbie snapping at his heels. The greens were superfast and it was a long slog at 6,600 yards, but at least we were getting some roll on the ball!
Friday, Jan. 3, Khao Kheow A & B (white tees) – Stableford
1st Steve Weller (7) 39pts
2nd Robert Moore (14) 37pts
T3rd Ken Aihara (4) 35pts
T3rd Phil Smedley (12) 35pts
T3rd Brad Gearie (12) 35pts

We thought it would be a good idea to play Khao Kheow this week as we will be here next week for the PSC Annual Members Championship. A bit of practice never hurt anyone.
Hey Stevie, it’s about time! Mr. Weller finally got his just desserts this week and had a terrific round at Khao Kheow with a 39 on the card. The timing was perfect as this was a warm-up week for the annual Mulberry Ryder Cup which tees off in Khao Yai on the 13th of January. Or are we peaking too early? Time will tell, but the best of luck to Team Rest of the World, that Weller is on, and Team England with some of Blighty’s finest out of Pattaya for this 11th edition of the January classic.
Also joining us today were 3 of Aberdeen’s finest, and this trio of Scotsmen finally had a round of golf in good, comfortable weather. Neil Cameron, Duncan Kerr and Sugar Robertson must have been shocked to have a mild breeze and see the sun actually shining on a golf course. These difficult conditions wreaked havoc on their game so no podium finishes for the lads and we will spare you the gory details of their scores.
In case you haven’t noticed, this week saw Ken Aihara with a win and 2 other podium places, so thanks and a tip of the hat to our buddy with the meanest short game in town.
Have a Happy New year to all and see you for more great golf in our Pattaya paradise!
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!

Chonburi Sports Association honors disabled athletes for 2013 wins

Ronakit Ekasingh, deputy mayor of Pattaya city (left), presents the Outstanding Sportsperson award to badminton player Sujirat Pukkhum.

Warunya Thongrod
The Chonburi Sports Association recapped a successful year for disabled athletes when it presented plaques to the athletes who took home more than 150 medals in competitions last year.
Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and top executives from the Father Ray Foundation hosted the Dec. 28 ceremony at the Redemptorist Vocational School for People with Disabilities.
The party saluted athletes from the Redemptorist schools, Chonburi School for the Deaf, and Karunyawet Foundation for People with Disabilities who won 52 gold, 54 silver and 47 bronze medals at the January 2013 “Wieng Ping” games in Chiang Mai.

Suphap Intharaksa, Chonburi Sports Association secretary (right), presents a grant of 171,250 baht to a representative of the wheelchair basketball association.

Plaques were presented to winners, as well as their sponosrs. Additional awards were also distributed.
Outstanding Sportsperson went to badminton player Sujirat Pukkhum. Best Female Sportsperson plaques were awarded to Sirikarn Sunthrn, Kalya Thepasa, Saman Butsai, and Thitiya Sukklin. Best Male Sportsperson awards were given to Ekasith Jumcharoen and Sunya Suksangh.
Outstanding Coach awards went to table tennis coach Rakchanok Bunyok, petanque coach Banyang Duangmayot, athletics coach Matcha Prawisut, petanque player/coach Somnuk Saengnat and athletics coach Wain Muljad.
The Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization was recognized with the Outstanding Sponsor award.
Father Ray President Rev. Michael Picharn Jaiseri said the event was organized to thank players, coaches and sponsors who brought fame to the province.
“I have to praise the players and coaches for having worked hard and competed, leading to wins in the Disabled Games,” Ronakit said. “Whether the participants won medals or not, we consider that they made Chonburi proud and showed their potential and patience for training and winning in sports.”
The event also saw donations of more than a million baht to Chonburi sports programs. Wheelchair basketball received 171,250 baht, volleyball received 107,750 baht and athletics got 280,650 baht.

Petanque players from the Karunyawet Foundation for People with Disabilities pose for a group photo on awards night.

Local sailors hit the medal trail at 27th SEA Games

The Thai Optimist team - gold medalists at the SEA Games in Myanmar.

Ngwe Saung, Myanmar - Pattaya’s windsurfers dominated the sailing event at the 27th Southeast Asian Games - Myanmar 2013 (SEA Games) - which saw Thailand win four gold, five silver, and two bronze medals in a week long sailing competition in mid-December marked by unpredictable wind (when there was wind) and some very suspenseful medal races.
Considered the most important regatta for Thai sailors this year, the biennial SEA Games opened with six Southeast Asian countries represented in 13 sailing events, each sailor beaming with pride to have made their national team, anticipation in the air as well as a palatable sense of hunger for gold among the top sailors who had trained intensely for months for this regatta.

Local windsurfer Duangkamon Phongern dominated the RS:One Girl’s division.

Thai sailors were confident of doing well after ten days of pre-event practice at the venue, which would usually have proved a huge advantage in competition, but conditions changed dramatically and suddenly just as the regatta began. After training in light winds averaging 8 knots, they arrived on the first day of racing to find high winds of 15 knots gusting to 20 with very large, choppy waves. The next day and for the rest of the week, a new northerly cold wind proved fickle and fanciful, dancing on, off and around the course, frustrating sailors trying to spot wind shifts and gusts while avoiding windless spots moving around the course.
Pattaya’s wondergirl Duangkamon Phongern proved adept at reading conditions, quickly putting her competition behind her by finishing first in ten races out of twelve in the RS:One Girl’s division. Fellow windsurfer Nattaphong Phonppharat performed nearly as well, also confirming his gold early with seven first place finishes out of twelve in the RS:One Open division.

SEA Games Laser silver medalist Keerati Bualong (2nd left) and bronze winner Kamolwan Chanyim (2nd right) are welcomed home by YRAT officials. (Photo/Saranya Ngarmdee)

RS:One Boy’s sailor Thanatip Suebyubon initially appeared to be following in their wake with a string of first place finishes, but on the second to last day, Myanmar’s Set Naing Aung stole the lead in three races in light to nonexistent winds, setting the stage for a final race that would decide who won gold. Thanatip needed a first place finish to Myanmar’s third to retake gold, but instead finished second to Myanmar’s third, losing gold by one point.
Even more suspenseful was the battle for gold and silver waged throughout the week in the Laser fleet by Olympians and aspiring Olympians.
Defending gold from the 2011 SEA Games in the Laser Standard, the innately talented Keerati Bualong faced his toughest challenge to date in regional waters against fellow Olympian Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy of Malaysia whose months of rigorous coaching and high performance competition in Europe this past year paid off, despite Keerati’s repeated attempts to retake the lead.

Nattaphong Phonppharat (left) with teammate Thanatip Suebyubon.

In the Laser Radial, Kamolwan Chanyim entered the regatta more well prepared than ever before, thanks to sponsorship by Pattaya real estate developer Kingdom Property which has seen her able to participate in four major international events and two short high performance coaching programs this year. Gold however went quickly to Singaporean Olympian Elizabeth Yin, an international circuit sailor currently ranked 31st in the world, with Malaysia’s Nur Amirah Hamid getting the upper hand on silver with some strategic game plans and lucky calls in the unpredictable wind, confirming the trade of her 2011 SEA Games bronze for Kamolwan’s silver on the second to last day.
The Thai Optimist team won all but one race out of seven in its one day match racing competition, proving ten months of training well worth the effort.
In the 470s Men’s class, Navee Thamsoont Orn and Nut Butmarasiri also secured gold for Thailand with an impressive 16 points to Singapore’s 25.
The event was staged at the purpose-built luxury Ngwe Saung Yacht Club & Marina in Ngwe Saung, a relatively undeveloped stretch of beautiful coastline six hours drive from Yangon.

Kamolwan Chanyim had to settle for bronze this time in the Laser Radial class.

Thai stars vow to erase bitter memories of Royal Trophy defeat

Thongchai Jaidee (center) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat (left) compete at the seventh edition of the Royal Trophy in Guangzhou, China.

Asia’s star performers in their shock Royal Trophy defeat, Thai golfers Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, admit that loss was even harder to take after they both claimed a maximum three points. But both have pledged to return to Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou, China later this year to help erase the bitter memories of the way the Asian Team stumbled from a near–invincible position at 7–3 ahead to lose 8½ – 7½.
Thongchai has been one of the Royal Trophy’s most fervent supporters, establishing a new record at Dragon Lake by making his sixth appearance from a possible seven since the competition was launched in his homeland in 2006. The fact that the perpetual sixteen-kilogram solid-silver Royal Trophy itself was graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand, and the first five editions were played in that nation, adds to the poignancy of the event for all Thai golfers.
So it is no wonder Thongchai could scarcely believe he had finished on the losing side for the fifth time – ironically, Asia completed a memorable play–off victory when he missed the event for the only time in 2012 – and he is determined to improve that strike rate.

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee tees-off at the Dragon Lake Golf Club during the recent Royal Trophy tournament.

He said: “I still cannot believe it all changed so dramatically for us, although the European team was a very strong one and their players have more experience of team match-play than we do. I think we are still learning the strong mentality you need when it gets close in this format, but we will get better and better at it with more experience.
“I would be happy to come back again next year – and to help the team do better. Even though we lost this was a lovely team, and I always want to do my best for them and for our Asian continent.
“It is hard to accept defeat, but it is good that the Royal Trophy is so close every year now, because it was not like that when we first started. Europe was much stronger than us, but not anymore.
“I want to thank the sponsors and the organisers – and both teams – for making this such a great event.”
His passion for the Royal Trophy was mirrored by Kiradech, who banished the memories of his disappointing performance in 2012 with an outstanding display this time. He too found it hard to believe their efforts had not provided the bedrock for another Asian triumph.
Kiradech commented: “I didn’t think the European team could recover after falling so far behind. But I want to say we had a very good team, we were all in it together, and our Captain Y.E. Yang could not have done any more to prepare us.
“All eight of us players did our best, and we thought it would be good enough. But the Europeans showed why they are so good, and so successful in this team format. I have played in two very close matches – the play–off win last year and this defeat – and that shows there is nothing to choose between the teams.
“I would love to come back again for the 2014 Royal Trophy, and I am confident with this extra experience, and a determination not to feel similar feelings to the one we have now, it will be our turn to succeed again.”
The eighth edition of the Royal Trophy will be held on 19-21 December 2014 at the 54-hole Dragon Lake Golf Club set amidst a stunning mountain range and the pristine Dragon Lake in the outskirts of Guangzhou, China’s third largest city.
The Royal Trophy is the official and established competition between the continents of Europe and Asia. The championship is sanctioned by the China Golf Association, the governmental authority for the sport in the People’s Republic of China, and the Japan Golf Tour, Asia’s premier, richest and most traditional professional golf tour.
The Royal Trophy originated from the vision of the late legendary five-time Major winner Seve Ballesteros who intended to gift the Asian continent with the same golf growth impetus experienced by the Europeans in the 1980s and 1990s as a result of the Ryder Cup. The Royal Trophy Players’ Committee, hand-picked by the late Ballesteros, is comprised of six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo, former Masters champion Ian Woosnam OBE, current European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, highly-successful Royal Trophy and Ryder Cup captain José Maria Olazábal, Japanese golfing legend Isao Aoki, five-time Asian Team Captain at the Royal Trophy Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki and India’s all-time top golfer Jeev Milkha Singh.
“The support for the Royal Trophy by the greatest names in golf and by the most important institutions in the sport is clear,” stated Lincoln Venancio, Royal Trophy Co-Managing Director.
“It is also very clear that the Royal Trophy is well on its way to fulfill the prediction made by Seve, that “... the Royal Trophy will grow into one of the world’s most important sporting competitions,”” concluded Lincoln Venancio.

Sabine Lisicki heads the line-up at 2014 PTT Pattaya Open

Germany’s Sabine Lisicki will head a star-studded field at the 2014 PTT Pattaya Open.

The 2014 PTT Pattaya Open WTA tennis retains its date behind the Australian Open, increases the prize money to US$250,000 and features an exciting line-up of stars headed by Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki of Germany. For the winner of the tournament, which will be played at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya from 26 January – 2 February there will be a cheque for US$43,000 and 280 ranking points.
Sabine Lisicki is making her second appearance at Pattaya. Currently ranked No 15 in the world she reached the final in Pattaya last year, going down in a three set marathon to Russia’s Maria Kirilenko. Her outstanding achievement in 2013 was reaching the final at Wimbledon, beating Serena Williams on the way before falling to Marian Bartoli at the final hurdle.
Making her comeback appearance in Pattaya is crowd favourite Vera Zvonareva of Russia, she missed the whole of the 2013 season after having surgery on a shoulder injury. She is now fully fit again and will be hoping to recover the form which led her to back-to-back wins in Pattaya in 2009/2010 and to the dizzy heights of No 2 in the world.

Twice former champion Vera Zvonareva will be back this year.

Another crowd favourite returning is Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, she has an excellent record at Pattaya, reaching the semi-final in 2012 & 2013 and hoping to go one better this year.
A newcomer to Pattaya is Russian Ekaterina Makarova who, along with fellow Russian and doubles partner Elena Vesnina, won the French Open doubles title and both were runners-up in the year-end WTA Championships. The pair are also accomplished singles players, finishing the year at no’s 24 and 25 in the world respectively.
Another new face to Pattaya is Germany’s Julia Goerges who after a relatively poor year in 2013 is looking to climb back up the rankings.

The PTT Pattaya Open is celebrating its 23rd anniversary in 2014, making it one of the longest running tournaments on the WTA calendar and the oldest women’s professional sporting event in South-East Asia.
The tournament will commence with the qualifying rounds on 26 – 27 January, with main draw matches starting on 27 January and play starting from 15.00 daily until Friday 31 January. For the final 2 days of the tournament, Saturday 1 February and Sunday 2 February, matches will start from 16.00.
For more information on the tournament and tickets, please contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd at Tel: 02-3113414/5 or via the website at www.pentanglepromotions.com.  Tickets are also available at Thaiticketmajor on 02-262-3456, website www.thaiticketmajor.com  

Romania’s rising star Sorana Cirstea.