Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Ooy, Mai & Aht.

After leading the league for most of the season Tea Party has been downgraded to second place after losing three points to Green Tree. Tea Party has been bowling without their Captain Joe Ferral who is missing in action. Noodle Russell led Green Tree with a 521 series. Green Tree moved up from fifth to fourth place. Aht Johansson bowled a 204 game for Tea Party.
Canada took over first place after splitting their match against Bavaria with each team winning two points. Leo Kretscher bowled a 511 series for Bavaria.
Indiana won three points from third place Café Kronborg. La Montgomery led Indiana with a 525 series and Ooy Pluemkamon was best for Kronborg with a 203 game and 529 series.
VFW Post 9876 took three points from Brother D and Brother D dropped from fourth to fifth place.
Mai Munsitha bowling as a Pacer had a great day with a 233 game and 587 series.

Results & Standings Feb. 7 (week 25)
Pos.	Team	Score	Standings
1	Canada	2-2	56.0 - 44.0
2	Tea Party	1-3	55.5 - 44.5
3	Café Kronborg	1-3	52.0 - 48.0
4	Green Tree	3-1	50.5 - 49.5
5	Brother D	1-3	49.0 - 51.0
6	VFW Post 9876	3-1	49.0 - 51.0
7	Indiana	3-1	46.5 - 53.5
8	Bavaria	2-2	41.5 - 58.5

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings Feb. 3 (week 2)

Division 1
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
Shoot Pool	2	2	0	10	0	6
Shoot Pool ‘B’	2	2	0	8	0	6
The Butchers Arms	2	2	0	8	0	6
Legends Pool	2	1	1	1	0	3
Links Bar	1	1	0	1	0	3
Sweethearts Bar	2	1	1	0	0	3
Nicky’s Bar	2	0	2	-5	0	0
Acorn Pub	1	0	1	-5	0	0
Offshore Bar	2	0	2	-8	0	0
Pook’s Bar	2	0	2	-10	0	0
Results:  Acorn Pub P-P Links Bar, Shoot Pool 10 v 4 Pook’s Bar, Shoot Pool ‘B’ 10 v 6 Offshore Bar, Sweethearts Bar 10 v 9 Nicky’s Bar, The Butchers Arms 10 v 6 Legends Pool
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
Cheers Bar	2	2	0	9	0	6
The Caddyshack	2	2	0	9	0	6
Dean’s Bar	1	1	0	0	0	3
Classroom	2	1	1	-3	0	3
Corner Sports Bar	2	1	1	-5	0	3
Anzac Sports Bar	2	0	2	-4	1	1
I-Rovers	0	0	0	0	0	0
No Team	2	0	2	0	0	0
Rest Stop	0	0	0	0	0	0
The Ranch	1	0	1	-6	0	0
Results:  ANZAC Sports Bar 9 v 10 Classroom, No Team A-W Dean’s Bar, The Caddyshack 10 v 5 Corner Sports Bar, The Ranch 4 v 10 Cheers Bar

Crumpton Cider Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings Feb. 4 (week 10)

Team	P	W	L	B/legs	Pts.
Londoner	10	8	2	6	16
Mee Chew Sports Bar	10	8	2	5	16
I-Rovers	10	7	3	9	14
Yates Bar	10	7	3	7	14
Crazy Eddies	10	7	3	4	14
Nervous Wreck	10	5	5	7	10
Shoot Pool A	10	5	5	6	10
Jantha Coffee House	10	5	5	5	10
Shoot Pool B	10	4	6	6	8
Mai’s Bar	10	4	6	3	8
Scandalic	10	4	6	3	8
Buffalo Jack’s	10	3	7	4	6
Legends Sports Bar	10	3	7	3	6
W. Tankies	10	0	10	3	0
Results:  Buffalo Jack’s (6-1)-(7-0) v Jantha Coffee House, I-Rovers (3-1)-(4-0) v Yates Bar, Legends Pool & Sports Bar (10-0)-(2-1) v Shoot Pool B, Londoner (6-1)-(9-0) v Mai’s Bar, Mee Chew Sports Bar (5-0)-(7-1) v Scandalic, Shoot Pool A (4-0)-(3-1) v Nervous Wreck, W. Tankies (1-0)-(9-1) v Crazy Eddies

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Results & Standings Feb. 3 (week 22)

Team	Played	Won	Lost	For	Agst	Diff.	Pts.
Phimai Geordie	22	19	3	215	110	105	60
San Snack Bar	22	17	5	213	117	96	56
Mata Bar	22	17	5	196	134	62	56
The Rest Stop	22	14	8	193	137	56	50
Shoot Pool	22	14	8	182	143	39	50
Crazy Eddie’s	22	12	10	173	157	16	46
Cum On Inn	22	11	11	156	174	-18	44
Mee Chew	22	9	13	146	184	-38	40
Buffalo Jack’s	22	8	14	140	185	-45	37
Rising Sun	22	5	17	127	208	-71	31
Connections	21	3	18	108	207	-99	27
Parrot Inn	21	2	19	106	209	-103	25
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 7 v 8 Shoot Pool, Connections 7 v 8 Buffalo Jack’s, San Snack Bar 7 v 8 Mata Bar, Rising Sun 6 v 9 Mee Chew, Phimai Geordie 8 v 7 The Rest Stop, Cum On Inn 11 v 4 Parrot Inn

Buffalo Jack’s Wednesday Premier Darts League

Results & Standings Feb. 5 (week 9)

Team	P	W	L	Bonus	Diff.	Pts.
Mee Chew Sports Bar	9	9	0	8	45	18
W. Tankies	9	7	2	6	25	14
Legends Sports Bar	9	6	3	7	43	12
Yates Bar	9	6	3	5	19	12
I-Rovers A	9	6	3	5	17	12
Mai’s Bar	9	4	5	4	-5	8
Jantha Coffee House	9	4	5	4	-9	8
Clinic	9	1	8	1	-39	2
I-Rovers B	9	1	8	3	-43	2
Buffalo Jack’s	9	1	8	2	-53	2
Results:  Buffalo Jack’s (2-0)-(7-1) v Jantha Coffee House, I-Rovers B (2-1)-(7-0) v I-Rovers A, Mee Chew Sports Bar (7-1)-(2-0) v Clinic, W. Tankies (5-0)-(4-1) v Legends Pool & Sports Bar, Yates Bar (5-0)-(4-1) v Mai’s Bar

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings Feb. 5 (week 5)

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Easy R-Con Bar	5	3	2	0	24	11
Links Bar	5	3	1	1	26	10
George & Dragon	5	3	1	1	12	10
Pook’s Bar	5	3	0	2	10	9
Legends Pool	5	3	0	2	8	9
Crazy Eddie’s	5	3	0	2	-4	9
Queen Vic	5	1	1	3	-10	4
Classroom	4	1	1	2	-10	4
Buffalo Jacks	4	1	0	3	-12	3
FCUK	5	0	0	5	-44	0
Results:  Easy R-Con Bar 16 v 4 Crazy Eddie’s, FCUK 8 v 12 Classroom, George & Dragon 13 v 7 Buffalo Jacks, Legends Pool 13 v 7 Pook’s Bar, Links Bar 13 v 7 Queen Vic

Kelly signs off in winning style

IPGC golf from The Tara Court Golf Group

Sunday, Feb. 2, Green Valley - Stableford
Green Valley today for our usual Sunday spot and what turned out to be a long game with the group in front seeming to play very slowly. It resulted in a five hour round which is too long for a game of golf anywhere.

Robert Hanson.

Despite the slow play Don Byrne took the top spot in the A Flight with thirty seven points and the best score of the day. A back in form Teddy Lodge was second with thirty four and Tony Pike, Barney Sheedy and Declan Kelly completed the podium on thirty three, thirty two and twenty nine points respectively.
In B Flight, Paddy Naughton, who was playing his last game for this year, took the houours with thirty five points and Gilbert Brossnan was second with thirty three, beating Joe Peters into third place on a count back. Alec Hoare, who can only play with us on Sundays as he is a working man, made his usual appearance on the podium with thirty two points and Alec beat Mary Kelly into fifth, also on a count back.
The ‘2’s were shared by Don Byrne, Gilbert Brossnan and Sean Hallahan.
Tuesday, Feb. 4, Khao Kheow - Stableford
We were back in Khao Kheow today after a bit of an absence and everyone were full of praise for the condition of the course. The greens were a bit slower than normal for this venue, where usually they are lighting fast, but nonetheless we were all very happy with it.
Robert Hanson was back with us today after being away for a while and he won the A Flight with thirty six points. I think playing Plantation three times every week is obviously good for your golf! Barney Sheedy was second with thirty five and Joe McArdle placed third with thirty three.

Joe Peters.

On what was her last game with us for this year, Mary Kelly rounded off what has been a very successful trip both for herself and the Kelly family by winning the B Flight with an excellent thirty nine points, which is a great score for this course and the best of the day. Well done Mary and hope you are enjoying the lovely weather back in Ireland!
Gerry Doyle has just arrived and quickly made a name for himself coming second with thirty six points, a measly thirteen on the front nine and then twenty three on the back, and Pauline Byrne came third with thirty four.
There were no ‘2’s today which meant a big carry over to Thursday.
Thursday, Feb. 6, Bangpra - Stableford
So to Bangpra on Friday, another beautiful course and it was also a beautiful day for golf. The greens were very fast today, which caught out a lot of our golfers and if you were above the hole then putting was very difficult indeed.
John Fetherston was the winner in A Flight with thirty five points and so keeping his handicap intact at the same time. Denis Lea, on his first outing with us, came second with thirty three and Don Byrne was third with thirty.
In B Flight Joe Peters was first with thirty three points, with Pauline Byrne adding to the family kitty with thirty one for the runner-up spot. Pat Carthy, who has just arrived, was third with twenty eight points.
Because of the carryover from Tuesday we had a very large pot for the ‘2’s and it was shared by John Walshe and Terry Kelly with one each.
Note: The Tara Court Golf Group play every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, leaving O’Gara’s Bar and Restaurant in the Tara Court on Pratamnak Rd. around 10.00 a.m. Sign up either in O’Gara’s or ring Joe on 089 249 1364 and he will book you in.

Double success for Ravn

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Kaj Aabling and Kjeld Ravn with Dave Richardson.

Monday, Feb. 3, Crystal Bay A&B – Stableford
A Flight (0-21)
1st Kjeld Ravn (18) 39pts
2nd Carole Kubicki (21) 35pts
3rd Richard Kubicki (14) 35pts
4th Peter Sindberg (13) 34pts
B Flight (22+)
1st Kaj Aabling (26) 36pts
2nd Franco Moretti (29) 35pts
3rd Kurt Sandgaard (30) 34pts
4th Silvo Pizzato (23) 33pts
Crystal Bay was the game today and we got off 10 minutes early under sunny skies and with a nice breeze blowing. The course on the day was OK, with the greens fast and bumpy leaving it the luck of the draw for a ball to roll in the hole. Also just about every fairway had numerous leaks in the sprinkler system.
We rolled around in 4 hours and 20 minutes and today had much more of a low season feel to it. Back in the clubhouse welcomes went out to Peter Sindberg, Robin Flint, Silvano Pizzato and the still not retired Gordon Clegg. We also bid farewell to Michele Sancillo.

Hugh O’Donnell.

Kjeld Ravn won the A Flight with best score of the day 39 points, while Carole Kubicki took second on a count back from her husband Richard in third. Peter Sindberg finished fourth with 34 points.
Kaj Aabling won the B Flight with 36 points ahead of Franco Moretti in second, Kurt Sandgaard third and Silvo Pizzato fourth, taking the final podium spot on a count back over Dave Richardson.
Near Pins: A5 Mike Winfield, A8 Kjeld Ravn, B4 Peter Sindberg, B6 Kjeld Ravn
Long Putts: A9 Silvan Pizzato, B9 Elias Magnusson
Thursday, Feb. 6, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
A Flight (0-21)
1st Kjeld Ravn (18) 38pts
2nd Richard Kubicki (14) 37pts
3rd Henning Olsen (17) 34pts
4th Mashi Kaneta (15) 33pts
B Flight (22+)
1st Hugh O’Donnell (33) 37pts
2nd Jan Lovgreen (22) 36pts
3rd Ulla Ravn (37) 32pts
4th Dave Richardson (27) 25pts
Near Pins: #5 Mashi Kaneta, #8 Peter Bygballe, #15 & #17 Richard Kubicki.
Long Putts: #9 Henning Olsen, #18 Dave Richardson.
It was off to Mountain Shadow today and we got off the first tee on time. The course was in good shape and the greens were very fast. We made it around in 4 hours and 10 minutes and had two flights with the cut at handicap 21, plus a full set of near pins.
Kjeld Ravn took the A Flight with 38 points, one ahead of Richard Kubicki in second, while Henning Olsen was third with 34 and Mashi Kaneta fourth on a count back from Tom McDowell, both with 33.
Hugh O’Donnell won the B Flight with 37 points, Jan Lovgreen was second with 36 and Ulla Ravn took third with 32 while Dave Richardson was a distant fourth.

Lasonder leads from the front

PSC golf from The Billabong Golf Bar

(Left-right): Willim Lasonder, Capt. Bob, Peter Ennis and Rosco Langloulant.

Monday, Feb. 3, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
A five and half hour round of golf at Pleasant Valley today was way too long for some, including the scribe. Although the course was only in OK condition with the greens a bit soft & fluffy, there were some really good scores coming in.
John Locke finished in third place with a fine 39 points, losing out on a count back to Phil Waite on the same score. First place today went to Liz Collier with a great 41 points.
There were three ‘2’s coming from Owen Walkley, JJ Harney and John Locke.
AA thank you goes to George Barrie for looking after the lads today and giving Capt Bob a spell again.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, Green Valley – Stableford
With 45 players going to Green Valley it was a bit of a hectic start but we all got away and finished in just over four hours.
The course was in great condition and the scores were fantastic with a three-way count back on 36 points for sixth place that was taken by Roger Ison with 21 points on the back nine, beating John Locke and Noddy Moyle with 19 and 20 respectively. Fifth place went to JJ Harney with 37 points, fourth went to Alan Bissell with 38, in second was Paul Greenaway with 39 points but top of the stack today was our good mate Paul Bourke with a fantastic 42 points.
There were five ‘2’s coming from JJ Harney, Peter LeNoury, Kevin Wild, Bill Trainer and Aukle.
Friday, Feb. 7,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
Crystal Bay was our venue for today and it started out a little bit hectic. There was a mix up between Capt. Bob and the little lady over bookings but it turned out alright in the end, even though we played a three-ball, then a four-ball followed by 5 five-balls. Thanks to the guys who persevered, we all got around in about 4½ hours in bright sunshine and not too much heat.
The course was in good condition but the greens were a little different to putt on, with a strange type of weed in some of them.
There were some great scores in with a count back on 37 points for fifth place and Wayne Cotterell got the nod over Helmut. Fourth place went to Rosco Langoulant with 39 points, third was taken by Capt. Bob with, second went to Peter Ennis with 41 and first went to Willim Lasonder with a fine 42 points.
There were three ‘2’s from Willim, Liz Collier and Noddy, the last one resulting from a fifty-foot putt.
Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. If you are looking for a game call into the bar and put your name down or call Bob on 082 204 3411.

Phil & Magnus top score at Riverside

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
For those of you who have been asking after the health of our main man, Fergus Brennan, I am happy to inform you that he is on the mend. When your intrepid reporter caught up with Fergus last week he declared that his eyes were much improved and that he hoped to be back on the golf course by the middle of the month or shortly thereafter. After posing for the enclosed photograph it is plain for all to see that he is nearly back to normal.
Monday, Feb. 3, Pattavia Century - Stableford
On Monday we headed off through the pineapple fields to play Pattavia Century, formerly Century Chonburi, our first visit here for about two years.

Fergus Brennan on the road to recovery.

It has certainly changed for the better and it was always a picturesque course. When the new clubhouse is completed the facilities will be first class and I am sure the TRGG will be more regular visitors in the future.
All the players found it tricky and that resulted in a very tight finish with the first four all finishing on 34pts. Irishman Niall Cronin came out on top after a count back, with his mate Liam Horgan taking the runners up spot and Dave Palmer in third.
1st Niall Cronin (12) 34pts
2nd Liam Horgan (14) 34pts
3rd Dave Palmer (6) 34pts
Tuesday, Feb. 4, Green Valley - Stableford
On Tuesday it was off to Green Valley and my old mate Ken Brehm took the competition by storm and posted 39pts, which was far too good for the rest. Seasoned campaigner Roger Wilkinson sailed into second place and Mr. Reliable Alan Thomas took third.
1st Ken Brehm (17) 39pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (13) 36pts
3rd Alan Thomas (5) 36pts
Thursday, Feb. 6, Bangpakong
Riverside - Stableford
The largest group of the week set off on Thursday to play Bangpakong, or so we thought. When we all arrived at Royal Lakeside there was a lot of waving of arms and scratching of heads amongst all the Thai minibus drivers when we tried to explain we were at the wrong course. All was eventually sorted out and we were only a few minutes late for our first tee off time at Bangpakong.

Niall Cronin - winner at Pattavia Century.

The facilities here are now second to none and nearly everybody came away feeling better about their game. Because of the high numbers two divisions were necessary.
In Division 1, Phil Mitchell (not the Eastender) smashed his way to the head of the field and then beat a hasty retreat before I could take his photograph for the hall of fame. Sounds like the sort of thing the Eastender would do. Tristan Gilbert, who gives the golf ball a good spanking most of the time, finished second and also won a bottle of whisky for being the first player to do a birdie on the stroke index 1 hole. Alan Thomas once again finished on the rostrum taking third place.
In Division 2, Magnus Alvarsson, another guy who gives a golf ball what for, finished top of the pile, followed home by Jack Swan and Reg Glass.
Div.1 (0-12)
1st Phil Mitchell (6) 39pts
2nd Tristan Gilbert (10) 39pts
3rd Alan Thomas (5) 38pts
Div.2 (13+)
Magnus Alvarsson (13) 41pts
Jack Swan (19) 38pts
Reg Glass (15) 37pts
Saturday, Feb. 8, Crystal Bay - Stableford
On Saturday the minibus drivers managed to get everybody to Crystal Bay (B and C courses), which was where we were supposed to be. Rice farmer David Booth showed he was the pick of the crop by amassing 38pts, which was just good enough to defeat restaurateur Jim Cleaver but only on count back. Retired Larry Simpson made it into third place.

David Booth - winner at Crystal Bay.

1st David Booth (14) 38pts
2nd Jim Cleaver (10) 38pts
3rd Larry Simpson (9) 36pts
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.

Corner tames breezy Crystal Bay

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Mike Corner discovers some form.

Monday, Feb. 3, Royal Lakeside - Stableford
This course has the reputation of being a long distance from Pattaya and thus avoided, but in reality it only takes around 50 minutes to get here and is well worth the small extra travelling time. The clubhouse is very imposing as you arrive, and with reasonable green fees this should be on your ‘to play’ list.
The course itself is very well maintained and looks neat and tidy with nice views wherever you look. Fairways were in very good condition, and the greens, although lightly sanded, were running true and fast. Lots of lateral water and bunkers were waiting for the unwary, and with a stiff breeze blowing, claimed many victims.
The tricky conditions and course length off the blues (6653 yards) definitely accounted for low scoring from the nineteen golfers. Nobody managed to play to par, Stuart Tinkler and Paul Smith in A flight coming the closest with 34 points each and separated by a count back. B flight also produced a tie with John Hughes edging out Thomas McDowell also on count back.
Only 3 nearest to the pins were claimed without a single golfer able to hit a fairly straightforward 165 yard wind assisted hole number 3.
A Flight
1st Stuart Tinkler (16) 34pts
2nd Paul Smith (4) 34pts
3rd Colin Greig (8) 33pts
B Flight
1st John Hughes (18) 33pts
2nd Thomas McDowell (20) 33pts
3rd Neil Griffin (25) 31pts
Near Pins: Paul Smith, Barry Murnin and Keith Norman.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, Khao Kheow - Stableford
This lovely setting is always popular with the punters and thirty-five golfers severely tested our limited tee times. Shortage of caddies didn’t improve the situation but eventually everybody teed off over an hour period to challenge C & B nines.
The course was in excellent shape with the new fairways on the B course settling in well, but the greens were very slow providing the day’s main complaint.
Colin Greig and Paul Smith took on Peter and Patrick Kelly (Patrick +3 Handicap, playing off the Blacks) and the Kellys cleaned them up, Patrick’s 4 birdies in the last 5 holes helping.
Round of the day was Raleigh Gosney with 39pts, 25 (gross 39) on the back 9. Tony Berry, after putting himself out to grass for a spell, came back strongly to take A flight. Lots of count backs with ‘Laughing’ Les Burns pushing out not so laughing John Hughes for the last spot in B flight.
It was pleasing to see Khao Kheow recognise the sartorial elegance of Colin Greig’s orange and Paul Smith’s lilac by supplying them with push carts in matching wheel colours.
A Flight
1st Tony Berry (12) 38pts
2nd John Graham (11) 37pts
3rd Tony Robbins (12) 37pts
4th Peter Kelly (12) 35pts
B Flight
1st Raleigh Gosney (19) 39pts
2nd Geoff Hart (25) 37pts
3rd Roger Mitchell (24) 35pts
4th Les Burns (30) 34pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Ian Milne, Raleigh Gosney and Geoff Hart
Friday, Feb. 7,
Crystal Bay - Medal
Twenty-five golfers assembled at the Ranch for our monthly trip to this course, where the management take good care of us in terms of bookings and price. On arrival a lot of bags and bodies were in evidence but we sailed through and made our way to A course for our tee off time. This would be the quickest part of the day as C course was closed with the remaining 2 nines very busy resulting in a 5 hour plus round.
This is a great layout but unfortunately some aspects of the course and clubhouse have seen some serious neglect. Fairways and tees are fine but the greens are not consistent as they have up to 7 different types of grass mixed in, which gives variable grain and speed. The bunkers are also a problem with ragged edges, invading grass and sand worn through to gravel. These latter issues could easily be remedied quickly by the attention of a few people for a week. The locker room is also in need of some urgent renovation.
On the golfing front a strong breeze and slow greens thwarted some golfers but not Mike Corner in B flight with an impressive net 68, followed by Gordon Melia on net 71. The other golfer to better handicap was the recently returned Bruce Gladden in A flight also with a net 71.
Back at the Ranch the departing Stuart Tinkler was given a wonderful rendering of “leaving on a jet plane.”
A Flight
1st Bruce Gladden (14) net 71
2nd Colin Greig (8) net 73
3rd John Graham (11) net 75
B Flight
1st Mike Corner (21) net 68
2nd Gordon Melia (17) net 71
3rd Dave Keats (34) net 74
Near Pins: Stuart Tinkler, Mike Corner, Tony Robbins and Keith Norman
Note: The Bunker Boys play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We meet at The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road 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 www.bunkersociety.com.

‘Second-Hand’ Bob in the pink

The Backyard Golf Society

‘Second-Hand’ Bob (center) celebrates his win with the staff at Blue Sky Bar.

The Backyard Golf Society lads had a solid hit-out at Emerald last Friday, Feb. 7. Our biggest outing for some time, if not ever, saw 5 groups tee off and caused the poor old starter to do a double-take.
Leading the way today - and inspired by the cute caddy’s pink underwear - was ‘Second-Hand’ Bob whose 41 points blitzed the field and left the winner shocked when he had to fork out for 15 drinks down the road later. Actually, with silver teapots fetching a great price up Bangkok way, Bob had no problem celebrating his first ever victory with the group.
Near-pin on the 15th went to ‘Passport Control’, now happily re-united with Irish, at least for a while. We do hope that some day he will get around the 18 without complaining about his handicap.
With 17 players, skins are always going to be hard to win but we did see ‘Second-Hand’ winning 3 including the rollovers from the previous week, Passport Control won 5, Diet Whiskey won 1 and The Biss won, 2, with 6 carried over to next week’s game.
A couple of new players today means we are now getting a good turn-out but it is playing havoc with the Michelle’s attempt to make up the groups in advance. Her intricate method to arrange the tee-offs were all for naught when Golden Trowel’s last minute sick-note arrived at the first tee. So now she has decided to draw names from a hat, which means she has to now buy a hat. Oh the travails of being the woman in charge!

Gerd & ‘The Colonel’ take command

PSC golf from The Growling Swan

Alan Sanders, Graham Buckingham & Gerd Riedler.

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Feb. 3, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
We had another small Monday morning group with just 17 golfers signed up and ready to tackle the tough Mountain Shadow, this time off the blue tees. Even Patrick was early so we were able to depart the GS 5 minutes ahead of our scheduled 8.30 am departure time in 2 mini vans.
After a good run through the Monday morning Pattaya traffic we headed off on number seven and arrived at the golf course 45 minutes later to find it almost deserted. For some reason we had been given a 9.44 am tee time but did not see any other groups there so our first four-ball was able to get away 4 minutes early.
The weather was hot with very little wind and although the course was as usual in good shape and the greens were tricky to say the least, as Ebrahim & Buckers discovered on the second green. It was a difficult pin spot up towards the back of the green and Bucker’s three-foot downhiller resulted in a thirty-foot uphill putt for his next one, with Ebrahim encountering something similar.

JJ Harney, Nolan Wise, Russell Calcutt & Rosco Langoulant.

Nonetheless, we pushed on and with the closest group two holes ahead of us we were able to proceed at a fairly steady pace and in fact found it necessary to stop for a drink and a rest before the 13th tee. The round was completed in a fairly good time of four hours and seventeen minutes and it had been a very enjoyable outing with good company but some fairly ordinary golf been played.
The golf course was definitely the winner on the day with no-one scoring better than 34 points and it was Gerd Riedler who finished in front in Division A with that score. There were 2 players on 30 points contesting for second and third places so a count back was required which saw Mark “Westy” West (17 point back nine) edging out veteran Don Richardson (11 point back nine).
In Division B it was boiled lollies to chocolates for last start NAGA winner Alan “Colonel” Sanders as he finished in first place with 33 points. Another count back was necessary for second & third as there were 2 on 31 points and it was Bob Akapita (18 point back nine) who finished just ahead of Duangjai “Kae” Tusagad (15 point back nine).
Division A (0-16)
1st Gerd Riedler (8) 35pts
2nd Mark West (13) 30pts
3rd Don Richardson (13) 30pts
Division B (17+)
1st Alan Sanders (26) 33pts
2nd Bob Akapita (18) 31pts
3rd Duangjai Tusagad (18) 31pts
Near Pins: 5th – Duangjai Tusagad, 15th – Ebrahim
Long Putts: 9th – Roy Dayton, 18th – Alan Sanders
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 on a count back by Graham “Grunter” Buckingham who accepted the award like the good sport that he is.
Thursday, Feb. 6, Crystal Bay A & B – Stableford
Another good Thursday group of 30 golfers were ready to tackle the popular Crystal Bay Golf Course and with the help of Mark & Alain, who took several non car owners, we were able to just have 2 mini vans for transportation.
As we assembled at The Growling Swan hearty welcomes were handed out to Don Hope from Queensland, Nolan Wise returning after his motorbike mishap, Andy Purdie back from Queensland for more R & R, Kissy Buchanan recently returned from OZ, Davey Healey from Belfast and that well known Mine Host from Soi Honey Inn, Rosco Langoulant. It was sadly time to say farewell to JJ Harney who will shortly be returning to Waterford in Ireland.
It was terrific to see a full contingent of Growling Swan delinquents with us once more so we knew the caddies were going to be in for lots of fun and apparently Russell made sure of that!
With everyone on time we were able to depart the GS five minutes early at 8.25 am and after a good run through Sriracha for a change we arrived at the golf course after a 45 minute drive up Sukhumvit. The course was quite busy and we were allocated A & B nines with our first four-ball following a couple of Korean groups (much to Bill’s dismay) and able to hit off 6 minutes behind schedule at 9.50 am.
The weather was fine but cloudy overhead and there was not too much wind but a very comfortable day to play golf. The course was in good shape although a few of the greens were somewhat bumpy but all in all conditions were good.
The going was fairly slow as was to be expected and there were several hold ups, particularly on some of the par threes, but we all had a good time with great company and finished our round in four hours & forty five minutes. Poor old Bill Steinman enjoyed himself despite the groups in front, having to go back to the first tee to retrieve his putter when reaching the first green and at the finish managed to leave his locker key in his golf bag so had to go and get that. Deefa the Dog was very grateful afterwards!
Thanks to the generosity of Rosco who kindly donated the rewards for NTP’s & LFP’s we were able to have an additional place-getter in each of the 3 divisions today.
Determined to end his visit on a high note, JJ Harney played some very good golf and won Division A with 40 points and Kevin “Wayco” Waycott was second on 39. Keith “Kissy” Buchanan was third with 38 points and your writer, Peter “Blacky” Blackburn scraped into fourth spot with 35.
In Division B, big Rosco Langoulant also had a fine 40 points to win, with Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei in second place on 39, third spot going to John Davis with 37 and Ebrahim finished fourth with 36 points.
Scoring was not so good in C Division where Russell Calcutt was the winner with 35 points and Andrew “Turtle” Allen was second on 29. Visitor Don Hope came third with 28 points and with 2 golfers on 26 points the resultant count back saw Gary Monley (14 point back nine) finish fourth ahead of Geri Crilly (11 point back nine).
Division A (0-15)
1st JJ Harney (11) 40pts
2nd Kevin Waycott (10) 39pts
3rd Kissy Buchanan (15) 38pts
4th Peter Blackburn (13) 35pts
Division B (16-24)
1st Rosco Langoulant (17) 40pts
2nd Alain Taddei (19) 39pts
3rd John Davis (16) 37pts
4th Ebrahim (16) 36pts
Division C (25+)
1st Russell Calcutt (36) 34pts
2nd Andrew Allen (32) 29pts
3rd Don Hope (25) 28pts
4th Gary Monley (33) 26pts
Near Pins: A5 – Jason Schembri, A8 – Andrew Purdie, B4 – Ernie Picken, B6 – Bob Akapita
Long Putts: A9 - Fred Dineley, B9 – Ernie Picken
The Growling Swan NAGA Award was won by the courageous Nolan “No-one” and 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 [email protected].
We also play Lawn and Indoor bowls out of the Growling Swan every Wednesday and Sunday, leaving The Growling Swan at 10.00am. For more information, contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454 005.

Its Paul’s medal for Shaw

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Monthly medal winner Paul Shaw (left) with Colin Davis.

Sunday, Feb. 2, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Paul Shaw (8) net 68
2nd Andy Kellaher (8) net 68
3rd Peter LeNoury (11) net 70
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (17) net 69
2nd Brian Wilkinson (16) net 70
3rd Pat Reagan (14) net 72
C Flight
1st Shay Mitchell (20) net 69
2nd Jim Lanzo (19) net 73
3rd Tony Tolan (23) net 76
Near Pins: No 4 Ian Halfpenny, No 9 Ed Wyckoff, No 12 Peter Henshaw, No 16 Jum Karagit
Paul ‘Fetz’ Shaw knew the round was out there, it just hadn’t been answering the call. Well it heard him in time to take the monthly medal and along with the crystal engraved glass and a bottle of Jameson’s Irish whiskey Paul also gets an invite to play in the year ending gold medal as well as having his name added to the Lewiinski’s wall of shame.
Every bit of Paul’s excellent net 68 round was required as a sublime day had the field tightly packed. Paul was one clear of B Flight’s Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw and C Flight’s Shay Mitchell. The inform A-Flighter Andy Kellaher followed Paul up the podium steps, also with a net 69, and Andy in turn was one clear of the formidable duo of Peter ‘the right honourable LeNoury and Bert Ulrich, as Bert got to watch the presentation sitting on his favourite bar seat.
Peter was followed up the B Flight podium steps by Brian ‘the unbalanced’ Wilkinson a stroke adrift. Ireland’s Pat Regan and Gareth Gill knotted it up on even par rounds with the luck of the Irish prevailing.
Jim Lanzo lifted the silver in C Flight with a net 73, with Tony Tolan closing the flight three shots back.
Andy Kellaher, Ian halfpenny, Peter Henshaw and Ajit Amin shared the ‘2’s pot.
Monday, Feb. 3, Greenwood C&A – Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Kelly (13) 36pts
2nd Pat Hanafin (14) 34pts
3rd Patrick Kelly (+2) 32pts
B Flight
1st Sean Soden (24) 36pts
2nd Ken Kelly (19) 34pts
3rd Jorn Finnerup (27) 34pts
As always, the society received a warm welcome at the well maintained Greenwood, no doubt due in some measure to the players always conducting themselves in a proper manner and adhering to the very best in golf etiquette.
The day’s competition was held on the C&A layouts from the white tees and proved to be a very good test as the scores would indicate. It would seem that the Irish boys handled it best, as I think they took all or certainly most of the podium places.
In A Flight, Co. Cork’s Pat Hanafin was sandwiched between the Irish father and son, Peter and +2 Patrick Kelly, Peter carding a co-man of the match even par round as Patrick was two adrift of Pats 34 points.
Peter Soden was the top man in B Flight with his co-man of the match even par round. Ken Kelly (I wonder if he is related) took the silver with a count back victory over the unlucky Jorn Finnerup.
Tuesday, Feb. 4, Burapha - Stableford
A Flight
1st Maurice Roberts (15) 38pts
2nd Peter Ennis (13) 35pts
3rd Dominic Downey (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Ed O’Meara (19) 33pts
2nd Shane Cunningham (17) 32pts
3rd Jason Schembri (20) 31pts
C Flight
1st Aidan Murray (23) 39pts
2nd Barry Oats (21) 38pts
3rd Joan Heaney (21) 36pts
With around twelve regulars away on a mystery trip up north, Aiden Murray slipped through a gap in the Society’s defenses and took the C Flight and man of the match honours with a best on the day 39 points. Right on Aiden’s well rounded heals were C Flight mate Barry Oats and A Flight’s top man Maurice Roberts. John Heaney closed C Flight with a solid even par round.
Peter Denis took the A Flight silver three back as Dominic Downey tied up the flight a further stroke in arrears.
Eddie O’Meara with 33 points was the best in C Flight as Shane Cunningham and Jayson Schembri followed Eddie into the barn strung out in one shot increments.
Six players shared the rollover 2’s pot.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, St. Andrews – Stableford
A Flight
1st Freddy Starbeck (16) 41pts
2nd John Nalty (14) 36pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (17) 34pts
B Flight
St Pat Harney (20) 33pts
2nd Tony Dolphin (18) 32pts
3rd Jim Lanzo (19) 31pts
Freddy Starbeck had been inspecting his handicap construct lately, feeling it was deserving of some upward movement. Well forget that, as Freddy put together a magnificent 40-point effort off the white tees at the tough Desmond Muirhead designed St Andrews. John Nalty continued his fine play as he posted a very creditable even par round for the silver. Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw snagged the bronze.
The B Flight mob was led in by Pat Harney on 33 points, Tony dolphin took the silver and Jim Lanzo followed Pat up the podium steps with identical scores as the day before.
Peter McCann slotted home the only 2 of the day.
Thursday, Feb. 6,
Mt. Shadow – Stabelford
A Flight
1st Pat Hanafin (16) 32pts
2nd Max Scott (7) 29pts
B Flight
1st Jim Lanzo (19) 35pts
2nd Tom Gorey (18) 34pts
Although still missing the bulk of the society to the road trip it was pleasant to see a fairly robust Thursday crowd take on the always tough layout of Mountain Shadow. Jim Lanzo was the man of the match and top in B Flight with 35 points as no one could better par. Tom Gorey and Aiden Murray locked it up a shot adrift for the silver the count back helped fill Tom’s back pocket as Aiden was left penniless at sea level.
Irishman Pat Hanafin was surprised that his 32 points held up for the gold in A Flight, but not as surprised as Yamaguchi Nobutaka as he took the silver on 29 points.
Peter Kelly and Andy Kellaher split the ‘2’s pot.
Friday, Feb. 7, Pattavia Century – Stableford
A Flight
1st Chris Martin (14) 35pts
2nd Mike Allidi (3) 33pts
3rd John Nalty (12) 32pts
B Flight
1st Paul Robinson (16) 30pts
2nd Ken Kelly (19) 30pts
3rd Michael Stafford (20) 30pts
C Flight
1st John Heaney (21) 32pts
2nd Bruce Walters (30) 32pts
3rd Jorn Finnerup (26) 31pts
The always difficult Nick Faldo designed Pattavia Century proved to be a hard nut to crack as no one played to or bettered par. The player nearest, with a man of the match and A Flight winning 35 points, was Chris Martin. Mike Allidi, always a pleasant addition to the society, took the silver with 33 points. John Nalty and Bill Steinman went to the first of many count backs on the day, both with 32 points, but John was the happiest and Bill the saddest.
Three players were log jammed on 30 points in B Flight and after the divots had settled it was Paul Robinson who emerged to take the top place followed by Ken Kelly and Michael Stafford.
C Flight continued with the count back as John Heaney and Bruce Waters were tied on 32 points, with John getting the nod. A count back was needed again as Jorn Finnerup and John Janson were both a shot in arrears and Jorn took the bronze. Unfortunately there was no step left for John.
Mike Allidi, Dominic Downey and Michael Goggin shared the ‘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.

Longer courses, smaller scores

PSC golf from Siam Country Resort

Bob Edwards & Jim Federspiel.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, Pattana - Stableford
First off last week, we visited Pattana on Tuesday where we played the C & A combination. At a length of 6742 yards from the white tees and a Par of 73, this is amongst the longest courses we play. Pattana Golf Club is certainly a 1st class operation and leaves some of the self-professed top line courses in the rear view mirror. The course was playing shorter than the card as several tees were forward, one par 5 being reduced to a moderate par 4 at best.
On this day it was Bob Edwards (8) who led the way on 35 points, just getting the better of Paddy Devereux (23) on count back 20/19. Bob also scooped the Par 3s, to reinforce his form of the day.
Thursday, Feb. 6, Greenwood - Stableford
Greenwood was the venue for Thursday’s trip, with the A & B courses being our allotted test of the day. With the course at just under 6500 yards, fairways firm & fast, with the greens running true, the day showed potential.
The weather co-operated, with a light breeze and enough cloud cover to keep the sun off, so really an ideal day for golf. The only thing missing was some hot scoring, with the best of the day being a somewhat mediocre 33 points from Jeff Wylie (7), while playing partner Jim Federspiel (18) will be even more surprised to see his name in the winner’s list after posting 30 points for second. Jeff & Neil shared the near pins today.
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 (>60s) who have opted for the “Silver” tee option. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!

Stafford shoots net 67 to win monthly medal

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

John Stafford (centre) collects the DeVere trophy from Greg Hirst (right) and his Black Label hamper from Pete Stonebridge (left).

Monday, Feb. 3, Burapha - Stableford
Back off the whites on the C & D nines with 31 Outbackers playing, we had a relatively slow round of golf with many more customers generally on the course, including unfortunately a few 5-balls. The weather continues to be fine but the indiscriminate hand watering of parts of the fairways in the heat of the day meant that some areas were burnt off and others wet under foot.
Steve Mann at last put it all together to show his true potential as a single handicapper, to shoot an excellent 76 gross and amass 42pts. Not only was it the day’s top score but he also won his division by four from course specialist Paul Bourke with 38. Pete Stonebridge brought his ‘A’ game to take third with 37 over Muzza in fourth on 36.
Jimmy Little would have surprised himself by winning Div B with 37pts, from Barry McIntosh and Andy Poulter both on 34, and the consistent Bob Mattes fourth with 32.
There were four ‘2’s from Murray Hart (C5), Chris Thompson (C8) and Peter Nixon & Ivan Plunkett (D2).
Div A (0-16)
1st Stephen Mann (10) 42pts
2nd Paul Bourke (12) 38pts
3rd Pete Stonebridge (16) 37pts
4th Murray Hart (12) 36pts
Div B (17+)
1st Jimmy Little (20) 37pts
2nd Barry McIntosh (20) 34pts
3rd Andy Poulter (20) 34pts
4th Bob Mattes (21) 32pts
Wednesday, Feb. 5, Bangra - Stableford
We were vastly over-subscribed for Bangpra this week and regrettably unable to get all the extra tee times we required. With many walkers and our continued reluctance to play 5-balls, the field was reduced to just 25, however that did include one 5-ball. General Jack didn’t play and the surplus players gave Silky Oak a whirl.
Another beautiful day and the course looked great as we teed off from the tenth but judging by the scoring is must have been a tough old day out there, as nobody played to their handicap. Best of the day was David Davies whose 35pts won him Div B from his old sparring partner John Stafford, four back with 31 and beating Greg LeBlanc on c/b.
Tom Larsen, and thanks for agreeing to take a cart, took Div A with 34pts and an amazing six clear of a very surprised Peter Eriksen in second on 28. Andre Coetzee took third, beating Mick Leighton on c/b, both with 27.
Terry O’Connor bagged the only ‘2’ on the 12th.
Div A (0-17)
1st Tom Larsen (15) 34pts
2nd Peter Erikson (6) 28pts
3rd Andre Coetzee (5) 27pts
4th Mick Leighton (16) 27pts
Div B (18+)
1st David Davies (24) 35pts
2nd John Stafford (19) 31pts
3rd Greg LeBlanc (23) 31pts
4th Eddy Beilby (18) 29pts
Friday, Feb. 7,
Green Valley – Monthly Medal
A full field of 12 groups turned out for the second DeVere Monthly Medal of the year but this time with an additional sponsor by way of Pete Stonebridge from the Classroom Go-Go Bar down in Pattayaland 2.
Teeing off on time with the continuing fine weather was to set the day right for some good scoring but perhaps the pace of play here once again was to throw a few potential scores off course as only three players managed to play to their handicap or better.
John Stafford, who has been playing very well of late with some fine driving and iron play, only to be let down by some inconsistent putting, clearly got it all right today. John won the day with a net 67 (h’cap 19) to collect the DeVere monthly trophy from Greg Hirst, together with a very fine ‘Black Label’ hamper from Peter Stonebridge on behalf of the Classroom. Second placed Steve Mann (68) not only collected the ‘Red Label’ hamper from Pete but also the ‘Low Gross’ medal with 78 and three ‘2’s, so a very rewarding day for Steve.
Jon Adler, who joined the Outback for golf a few weeks ago, has shown very little form to date but he did today, missing out on the low gross by just one shot to score a net 72 off his handicap of 7, as well as picking up the ‘100 Pipers’ hamper from Pete.
A special mention is deserved for Roy Studds, who has been persevering off his handicap of 36 for quite some time. Well today it paid off at last as a delighted Roy scored a net 73 in a two-way tie for fourth, which included a birdie on the par 5 (14th) and would have been worth 5pts in stableford. Well done Roy!
The Classroom also sponsored four near pins but you had to be there at the presentation to win them. One person was, John Hicks, but the rest weren’t so they (the vouchers) went back into a lucky draw to be won by Eddy Beilby, Peter LeNoury and Paul Greenaway.
There were nine ‘2’s from Stephen Mann (4th), Stephen Mann, Joe Mooneyham & Geoff Stimpson (9th) and Stephen Mann, Jon Adler, Bruce McAdam, Dennis Pelly & John Stafford (12th).
1st John Stafford (19) net 67
2nd Stephen Mann (10) net 68
3rd Jon Adler (7) net 72
T4th Tom Byrne (15) net 73
T4th Roy Studds (36) net 73
T6th Peter Nixon (13) net 74
T6th Murray Hart (12) net 74
T6th Jimmy Little (20) net 74
T6th Peter LeNoury (11) net 74
T6th Rick Evans (6) net 74
T6th Bob Lindborg (21) net 74
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Scougall sets the pace at Greenwood

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Jim Sims, Howard Stanley and  Diana Elliott

Monday, Feb. 3, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
There was field of 39 out today, 5 ladies and 34 men in a three divisional stableford competition. There were a few groups out in front of us but we still manages to tee off just 15 minutes later than our scheduled time.
The equal cut today in the cards was 7-16, 17-20 and 21+ and the best score of the day was returned in division 3, with Randy Flello winning the flight with 38 points. Andy Crabb took second place on 36 and Magne Gunnarson was third with 35.
Barry Stirling was the winner in division 1 with an even par 36 points, one point ahead of Lindsay Phillips in second while Pete Sumner beat Terry Madsen and Horst Starchl 18/15/14 on the back-nine count back for third after they all came in with 34 points each.
Another Bristol boy was on the podium this week with Jim Sims winning division 2 with 34 points ahead of Finn Olsen in second two points behind and Rudi Schaefer came third with 31 after beating Volker Suhr and Harry Vincenzi on a 17/15/14 back-nine count back.
Diana Elliott topped the ladies division with 36 points while Verana Suhr came second with 34 and in third place, playing off the red tees for a change today, was Miss Nut on 31. Near pins went to Terry Madsen, Horst Starchl (2), Raivo Velsberg, Randy Flello, Michel Martin, Rudi Schaefer, Hilduhr and Verana Suhr.
There were no ‘2’s so rollovers to Greenwood on Wednesday.
The course was still in good condition today but there were a few remarks regarding some of tees and this was forwarded to the management after the round, but this won’t deter us from returning in three weeks time.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, Greenwood - Stableford
Upon arrival we are allocated the B and C courses today and as the first group of ten teed off another 20/25 players turned up, which caused a few complications for the marshall but in the end everyone got out on schedule.
The cut today came at 6-14, 15-19 and 20+ and the top score of the day came in division 2 where Dennis Scougall won with a fine 41 points after scoring 19 on the front nine and 22 on the back. Harry Vincenzi took second place in the division with 37 and Volker Suhr was third with 36.
Terry Madsen claimed the top podium position in division 1, beating Chris Voller on a 19/17 back-nine count back after both come in with 34 points each, and Pete Sumner was third on 33.
‘Countback’ Burnie was the winner in division 3, beating Randy Flello 18/17 on c/b after they both returned scores of 34, and Miss Nut, still playing off the white tees, came in third with 32.
Near pins were claimed by Terry Madsen, Dennis Scougall, Chris Voller (2), Volker Suhr and Harry Vincenzi.
Dennis Scougall birdied C6 and Chris Voller B5 to split the ‘2’s pot in division 1 and Matti Pihlajisto and Harry Vincenzi did the same in division 2, both scoring birdies on B5.
Friday, Feb. 7, Plutaluang - Stableford
Not a recommended course to play on a Friday with all the naval staff out in 5 and 6-balls and without caddies as well, but this was our last resort today after the cancellation at Eastern Star.
There was a very strong cool breeze blowing across the course and as we teed off on the first on the East course it was blowing straight into our faces, making it very tough for a few of our players.
There was a welcome return to our Hua Hin agent Roger Smith whose 14-year old son George played with us today off a 7.9 handicap. Great to see you both again!
We had three scores of 35 in division 2, with Howard Stanley beating Harry Vincenzi and Walter Weber for top spot on a 19/17/15 back-nine count back.
In his last game with us, Ted Lodge won division 1 with 34 points while in second place was Chris Voller who beat Wilf Latham and Paul Butler on a 20/19/17 count back, all coming in with 33 points each.
Near pins were won by Paul Butler, Wilf Latham, Jerry McCarthy, George Smith, John Bisceglio, Ray Gott and Kevin Shanaghan.
Once again no ‘2’s in either division so rollovers to Pattavia on Monday.

Walter O’Keefe’s week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Walter O’Keefe, Mike Hill and Markku Tynell.

Monday, Feb. 3, Khao Kheow B & C - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Markku Tynell (23) 37pts
2nd Walter O’Keefe (16) 34pts
3rd Alan Hanlon (12) 32pts
4th Jens Gunnarsson (15) 31pts
5th Russell Gilroy (17) 30pts
Suddenly the numbers of hopefuls dropped as arguably three of the toughest courses on the schedule cropped up all in the same week. Those that did take up the challenge were rewarded with three excellent courses in great shape but none were easy, with the first being the only one of the three to keep the standard scratch for the day at par.
Markku Tynell took yet another win on the first outing of the week to make it three wins in a row on a Monday, with a one under handicap round that even included a blob on C9. But with five three-pointers on the card it surely cannot be too long before his handicap will catch up and give a few of the others a chance to start their week’s golf off with a bang.
Walter O’Keefe took his first of three podiums in the week three shots back in second place after a fairly steady round blighted only with a couple of zeros.
Alan Hanlon slipped into third place as he began to get the pace of the greens after a few holes practicing and just did enough to keep Jens Gunnarsson back in fourth a point behind, with Russell Gilroy rounding out the day’s mentions another one back in fifth.
Russell Gilroy cleaned out the second division ‘2’s pool whilst Trevor Schirmer celebrated his return with the sole one in the first division, which took the beefed up rollover pot.
Before the presentations were made there were welcome backs for Konrad Klama, John Pearce and Trevor Schirmer and a second farewell to Jens Gunnarsson who definitely went this time.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
CSS 74
Division 1 (0-18)
1st Bruce Kusyk (13) 36pts
2nd Walter O’Keefe (16) 33pts
3rd Alan Hanlon (12) 31pts
Division 2 (19+)
1st Mike Hill (21) 26pts
2nd George Pittam (19) 25pts
3rd Konrad Klama (24) 25pts
A slightly better turnout meant the formation of two divisions again with the cut coming at 18 and below for the first division to take on the always tricky Mountain Shadow course. This place is reputed to have been designed for fifteen handicappers and below and considering the day’s scores that would appear to be a fair description, with ten points difference between the top two scorers in each division.
Bruce Kusyk led in the first division with an excellent level par round and being the only player to make the handicap standard it resulted in the CSS for the day increasing by two to 74. The scores were a reflection of the difficulty of the greens, where the pins had been placed in some of the most testing positions demanding great precision with the approach shots, as the rest of the course was in tip top condition.
Walter O’Keefe took his second, second place of the week with another solid round but could not match the steadiness shown by the winner, recording a zero and a few too many one-pointers in his round.
Alan Hanlon again showed it will not be too long before his handicap will be travelling south as he returned a card that got better the longer the round went and he did enough to claim third place.
The second division was led in by a very surprised winner in Mike Hill, as he returned the lowest score in memory to win a division out of Soi 13. The pin placements wrecked havoc with all of the second tier players but his return did include a four-pointer and a couple of three-pointers, which was far and away the best of the division.
There followed a four-way count back for second which George Pittam won with 13 while Konrad Klama in third with 12 led in Hal Hart and Patrick Scullion with 11 apiece.
Underlining the difficulty of the course on the day there were no 2’s in either division.
Friday, Feb. 7,
Treasure Hill (yellow tees) – Stableford
CSS 73
1st Walter O’Keefe (16) 37pts
2nd Don Everett (19) 33pts
3rd Mick Alleyne (8) 32pts
4th John Cooke (14) 30pts
5th John Carlin (16) 29pts
Friday saw a slightly smaller group taking on perhaps the hardest challenge of the week at Treasure Hill where it was decided to play from the shorter yellow tees at nearly 6,400 yards. Despite the reduced yardage, the difficulty of the terrain was the winner and even with the course being in great shape the CSS for the day went out two to finish at 73.
Walter O’Keefe at last topped the podium with a fine win that left the best of the rest trailing four shots in his wake, as he started out with a one under nine followed by a solid even handicap inward half to ensure that he will be playing the next few rounds in a lower division.
Don Everett was the best of the rest at three over handicap to underline his steady improvement since returning to Thailand.
New member Mick Alleyne, playing the course for the first time, was taken a little by surprise by the first four holes from which he only gleaned four points and then managed to level with the course for the next fourteen to take third place.
Another new member, John Cooke, also struggled on the outward nine, taking just 11 points from it, but then settled down well to finish strongly with the best back nine of the day, which was enough to see him into fourth place. John Carlin led a count back for fifth with 15, ahead of Hal Hart with 14 and Mike Hill with 13.
There were no 2’s in the second division but John Cooke celebrated his first time out with the group with the only one in the first division to scoop the rollover pool.
Back at The Haven there were welcomes for new members Tony Foster and Mick Alleyne from the Moor Park club in Sydney, together with Kunal Singh from the Rambagh club in Jaipur and John Cooke from the Udon Thani Golf Society of the same town.
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.

Jackson signals intent with victory at Crystal Bay

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Vaughan Jackson and Dave Gibson.

Monday, Feb. 3, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Dave Gibson (15) 37pts
2nd Mark Williams (9) 35pts
3rd Terry Phur (19) 34pts
4th Don Hachey (17) 32pts
5th Peter Henderson (17) 32pts
Dave Gibson fired a one-under par 37 points at Green Valley on Monday to take the win by two from Mark Williams in second. Terry Phur was a further point back in third and Don Hachey and Peter Henderson filled the minor places.
Wedneday, Feb. 5, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Vaughan Jackson (17) 38pts
2nd Dave Hester (11) 38pts
3rd Phonsie McGahan (7) 36pts
4th Brian Orr (17) 36pts
Wednesday we made the trip to Crystal Bay where we found the condition of the course to be slowly deteriorating and have heard that the sister course is similar. This could be due to lack of funds as only 15 Koreans were resident here this month compared to 60 golfing tourists last year.
Our own numbers have now been bolstered by the arrival of a few friends from Western Australia and it was only fitting that one of them, Vaughan Jackson, took the honours on count back over Dave Hester.
Friday, Feb. 7,
Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Phonsie McGahan (7) 38pts
2nd Paul Walia (15) 36pts
3rd David Lowe (7) 36pts
4th Vincent Smyth (13) 34pts
B Flight
1st Mel Davis (17) 42pts
2nd Sean Soden (24) 33pts
3rd Brian Orr (17) 33pts
4th Gerry Hughes (22) 31pts
We had such a large crowd today that awards were given in 2 flights. Phonsie McGahan topped the A Flight with 38 points, 2 up of the chasing duo of Paul Walia and David Lowe. The best score of the day came in B Flight where Mel Davis finished on 42 points and 9 clear of his rivals.
Note: The Caddyshack is located on Soi 17 off 3rd Road or soi 8 off Thepprasit Road. All golfers are welcome and reservations are taken at 081 865 3104.

Nothing Bland about Don’s win

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Mark Wood, Don Bland, Kevin Moraghan and Nigel Flanagan.

Steve Ellison
Monday, Feb. 3, Green Valley (white tees) - Stableford
T1st Peter LeNoury (11) 38pts
T1st Derek Winkless (9) 38pts
T2nd Alan Rothwell (6) 36pts
T2nd Vic Hester (18) 36pts
T2nd Akifume Tate (15) 36pts
It was another beautiful day as 8 groups of the best golfers in town journeyed out to our regular Monday venue.
Peter LeNoury kept his cool after discovering someone had backed into his brand new Honda Accord, just a month old. I would have been a lot more upset, but Peter was unfazed and went on to shoot a 38 to share the win with Winkless…that’s Derek, not brother Peter. The brothers have been joining us on a regular basis on this trip out and playing some good solid golf.
Right behind them on 36 points was American Alan Rothwell, a 6 handicapper who is hard to beat as he is one of the most consistent players we have.
It was also the week where we welcomed back our old pal Vic “the Rig” Hester, another car junkie like Mr. LeNoury. You will usually find Vic behind the wheel of some gorgeous exotic machine, and I’m not talking about a Club Car or E-Z Go here. Vic shot a 36 as well, and Aki Tate made up the trio of 36’s for joint 2nd place credits.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, Royal Lakeside (white tees) – Stableford
T1st Don Bland (4) 37pts
T1st Kevin Moraghan (16) 37pts
2nd Mark Wood (9) 34pts
T3rd Derek Winkless (9) 32pts
T3rd Nigel Flanagan (14) 32pts

Derek Winkless with Peter LeNoury.

It is just under an hour’s drive to get to this course, but certainly worth the extra 20 minutes in the van. Lakeside is usually in top condition and aside from the hard greens, it was perfect. The course played long and we were also challenged by some high winds as the day progressed.
We quickly filled our 5 tee times so got another 2 a few days ago. Mark Wood was lucky enough to find his group as our additional 2 tee times were put off the 10th to speed things up, quick thinking from a clever starter. Mark stumbled a bit at the end and could only muster 4 points on the last 4 holes (with 2 strokes!) for his placing. Coulda, woulda, shoulda? Wood finished sole second, not a bad result for a finish like that.
But it was a rogues gallery for the lead photo this week with Don Bland finally getting a well deserved tie for first with Kevin Moraghan, then Derek and Nigel sneaking in with 32 points for a few handsome man vouchers.
Seems like the Siam members have to slum it this week with the Old Course closed for the LPGA and good to see them back in the fold.
Friday, Feb. 7, Plutaluang Navy (yellow tees) – Stableford
1st Ken Aihara (3) 38pts
2nd Bob Mulholland 36pts
3rd Reg Glass () 34pts
4th Ray Powell (16) 33pts
Last month when we played here a splendid time was had by all. This time it was quite different: no carts, no caddies and a starter who had no clue. We schedule this course just a few times a year, and that is probably enough. It is such a shame because it is a great layout in a spectacular setting and I personally love the elevation changes this course presents. They just need to get up to speed with the maintenance program here.
Thanks to partner John Emmerson for filling in Phil’s spikes as Capt’n. Smedley is off to Cambodia for a little R&R. Johnny gave me the properly filled in results sheet, which I proceeded to lose immediately. Never mind, I’ll just go back over the scorecards, right? What a mess of scratches and scribbles, and that was just filling in the name on top.
Guys, take 10 seconds to print your name in block letters so we can read them please. You can’t win if we can’t read your card. The one card I could read was the winner, Kenny Aihara, who had a big 38 circled at the top of his card, next to his name in block letters, just like you’re supposed to do. It was good to see Kenny return to form as he hasn’t been scoring well of late, so this was a well deserved win for him.
Next was either Bob Mulholland or Bill Meader, must be Bob on second glance, who had 36 points, then came Reg (have another) Glass with 34 and Ray Powell with 33…I think.
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!

Mashi has a week to remember

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Mashi Kaneta (left) and Henry Wong (right) with one of Bert’s finest.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, Feb. 4, Khao Kheow - Stableford
There may be less people coming to Thailand, but it has not been seen in the number of golfers wanting to play here. As soon as the lists are put up for the following week they are practically full, and for this visit to Khao Kheow we even had a few golfers who put their names down as reserve. We could have turned out another 4-ball but Khao Kheow said we would have to get there early to slip in the extra group we were playing.
We arrived at the course with 15 minutes to spare and we were soon away with the test for the day being the A & B Nines. The course was in reasonable condition, the fairways were fine and the rough was as it usually is, difficult, but the main problem, apart from the wind, was to be the greens. Khao Kheow usually has really good, fast greens, but on this day they were very slow and there seemed to be a lot of grass on them.
I suppose my claim to fame on this day was a near pin, and at the same time 4-putting the same green. Not one of my finest moments but trying to get the ball to move on some of the greens required a driver.
Back at Bert’s we were soon into the results and in the A Flight, 0 to 20, the winner was Mashi Kaneta with 38 points ahead of Brian Gabe in second with 35. We then had a count back on 34 that saw Richard Kubicki in third and Andre Van Dyk in fourth.
In the B Flight the winner, with the best score of the day, was Henry Wong with 40 points. In second place came Rita Zoebeli with 34 points on a count back over Don Carmody while in fourth was Tom Cotton with 33.
Near Pins: Derek Brook, Doug Maiko, Bernie Cairns, Carole Kubicki
Long Putts: Brian Parish
Friday, Feb. 7, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Many players turned up at Bert’s today for another day of chasing a white ball that tries to go where it wants. Sometimes you need to be a masochist to play this stupid, but great, game. And maybe that is it, it is only a game.
All the players stood on the first tee at Pleasant Valley, all believing they could play the best game of their lives, they were faced with a strong wind but a course that was in quite good condition, except that the greens that had not been cut and were over slow. It is difficult to play on greens this slow, but some managed to putt quite well. The rest of the course was as is normal, reasonable fairways and tough rough.
Sadly we all think we can win, shooting a score that to most people is quite embarrassing. However all you have to do is shoot a better score than the rest of the players on the day, and after you can sit around the table and talk about the one great shot that made sure you won.
Back at Bert’s it was time for the results and in the A Flight, 0 to 20, the winner was that ‘Bandit’ Mashi Kaneta with 37 points, thus making this a ‘Mashi Week’, having won also won on Tuesday. Today however he had to rely on the count back to edge Bob Edwards into second. Taking third place was Andre Van Dyk with 35 points on count back over Brian Gabe in fourth.
In the B flight the winner was Don Carmody with 37 points, with Henry O’Brien second on 36 after taking a count back over Tom Cotton in third. In fourth place was Rita Zoebelli with 35 points on count back over Dick Warberg who just missed out. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Henry O’Brien, Tom Cotton, Doug Maiko (2)
Long Putt: Graham Buckingham (2)

Family Bike Day to support 2 local charities

Join a great day’s cycling at the Thai Polo Club on March 9.

A Family Bike Day will be held at the Thai Polo Club & Equestrian Center in east Pattaya on Sunday, March 9.
This will be the first event of its kind in the Eastern Seaboard and over 300 participants from both the expat and local communities, including mountain biking enthusiasts from both Pattaya and Bangkok are expected to take part.
There will be a short trail for the younger riders, a 10km mountain bike ride for the older kids and adults and a 30km trail for the more hardcore cyclists. Set in and around the stunning and prestigious Thai Polo Club grounds and neighbouring farmland, the family fun day will also consist of food and beverage stalls, children’s activities and opportunities for sponsor booths around the magnificent pavilions.
Proceeds from the day will be donated to two charities: Women With A Mission and Make a Wish Foundation Thailand.
The organizers are still looking for corporate and private sponsors for the event so if you would like to help out or require more information about taking part in the rides, email: [email protected]  or go to webpage: www.pattayafamilybikeday.org.

Brass Monkey thrash 1st division opponents

Bangkok Casuals League Div. 1 & 2

Paul Frain
The players of Brass Monkey FC were on their travels to Bangkok last weekend to play their re-arranged League Cup group match against first division side, the German All Stars.
The match started slowly with both sides probing for each other’s weaknesses but the Pattaya team gradually began to impose themselves on the game and shots began to rain down on the All Stars’ goal. Brass should have taken the lead after a six-man move left Dipita on his own in front of an empty net, but he somehow managed to put his shot wide when a simple tap in was in order.
Brass were on their game for this match and were zipping the ball around with some crisp, sharp passing, making the German team do all the running around in the hot sun. Another good passing move from the Brass saw Dipita collect the ball outside the German penalty area and he then beat three defenders before firing the ball home to put the Brass into the lead 1-0.
The All Stars tried to respond but the Brass held off their attacks with ease while more chances were being missed at the other end of the pitch and the score remained 1-0 at half time.
After the interval, Brass Monkey continued were they left off before the break and put a lot of pressure onto the German goal and five minutes after the restart a half chance fell to Matveev whose rocket shot flew into the top of the net to make it 2-0.
A superb through ball from Brass’s Ndjana then found Diptia whose shot skimmed the bar and Brass were putting together some fine passing moves seemingly at will. The Pattaya team went further ahead when Matveev’s shot somehow found its way past a bemused German keeper to make it 3-0 and Vorontzov’s added a fourth after another fine run.
The Germans replied with only their second shot on target in the game and it brought a good save by the Brass keeper Yongui, whose immediate throw out started another swift attack and the ball found its way to Diptia who, with his back to the goal, lobbed two defenders before shooting past the advancing keeper to make it 5-0.
Shots by the Brass’s forwards pounded the German goal until eventually Fungkejorn’s shot found the back of the net to make the final score 6-0.
On a boiling hot day this was a superb display by the Brass Monkey who now need only one more point from their last game to be champions of their group.

Big two unfazed by starter chaos

The Pattaya Golf Society fulfilled its booking at a chaotic Green Valley on Monday, 3rd February to find no caddies available at 10:30am. An hour later saw some of the group teeing off, but unhappy and hungry caddies were redirected immediately from the eighteenth tee to the first to complete a nine to ten hour “shift” with no break. Little wonder there were a lack of caddies!
As a result most of the field felt this was not going to be their day but the large field made the best of it. With the cut at seventeen and under the top flight saw Wichai Tananusorn take third place with 32 points whilst John Topping made second place his own with 33 points. The flight winner was Canadian golfer John Chelo with an excellently crafted 35 points.
In the second flight Murray Edwards was third with 35 points, one behind Martin Hennessy on 36. The flight winner was amiable Scottish giant Michael McGuigan whose round of 39 points saw him score eleven on the front nine and an incredible 28 points (yes, twenty-eight) on the back, playing par golf for six holes, all off a handicap of 31!
Michael has history with the group, so it was not totally unexpected. This prompted fellow winner Chelo to muse that “even a blind squirrel sometimes finds nuts”!
Sharing the ‘2’s pot were Chris Smith, Dennis Lea and Robbie Taylor and the Booby Bevy went to Alan Flynn for his 10-19 split.
What a memorable day it had been with absolute chaos on the first tee and amazing round the result of it all. Nice one “Squirrel”!
King for a day,
Richard the First
The Society treated itself to a competition day out at Bangpra on Wednesday, 5th February on a course which was impeccably presented with rolling fairways and quick and testing greens. The large field was divided into two flights at fifteen and under for the stableford event.
In the second flight Mr Len, Jim Ferris and Dennis Lea all shared second place with 32 points each whilst Larry Putter showed he had come to grips with his new Odyssey putter with an efficient 33 points for the win.
In the top flight Alan Flynn’s pedigree again showed as he took third place with 33 points, one behind Mike Earley’s very solid 34 points. The flight winner, with the best points score of the day, was Richard Dobson who has successfully come through a crusade against ill-luck and mistimed shots which has dogged his game for a few weeks now. His 36 points represented his best effort this trip.
There were birdie ‘2’s for Larry Slattery and Paul Sturgeon whilst an unlucky Wichai Tananusorn took Rabbi’s non-winners’ beer and Shelagh Sturgeon enjoyed the Booby Bevy for her low score of the day.
Bangpra certainly knows how to make a golf day almost perfect.
Caven conquers Crystal Bay
The PGS ended its golfing week with a visit to Crystal Bay on Friday, 7th February, to play a stableford competition on the A and B nines which were not in the best of conditions, with slow and very bobbly greens. It must be a headache to regularly maintain greens, especially when courses such as Crystal Bay are so well populated in high season, but other courses manage somehow. Perhaps communication is the problem?
The two flights were divided at fifteen and under and in the first flight Rick Schramm played very solidly for his third place finish with 33 points, whilst Pete Sumner’s 35 points represented the best gross of the day. The flight winner was Aussie Andrew Purdie with 37 points.
In the second flight PJ Mitchell and big Michael McGuigan shared third place with 35 points, just one behind Jim Ferris’s level par 36. The flight winner with the best points total of the day was Niall Caven and his 39 points was his best score with the group.
The sole ‘2’ of the day was recorded by Yvonne Earley on the long A5th.
The boss for the day, David Thomas inexplicably forgot to award the Booby Bevy, which would have put him in the frame as well but he had already identified Dave Moriarty for the beer with his six and eighteen split.
Thus ended another successful week out of Rabbi’s Elephant Bar in Soi Buakhao when all the fields were fully booked well in advance and all the golfers played their part well in representing the group on some quality courses.

Regents host and win at Invitational Senior Games

The victorious Regents boys’ football team.

On the 1st February over 230 students travelled from all over South East Asia to take part in the Invitational Senior Games, a two day football and basketball tournament hosted by Regents International School Pattaya. All the schools competed well, and Regents’ boys’ squad triumphed in the final of the football tournament.
The competition included 16 teams from 8 international schools, including St Andrew’s School Rayong and Garden International School. After a weekend of great talent and tough competition students took to the stage to be awarded their medals, with Regents boys’ football team taking home the 1st place trophy after winning 1-0 in the gripping final against the British International School Phuket. Regents not only came out of the football competition victorious but also remained unbeaten, not conceding a single goal throughout the whole tournament.
The girls’ football team put on a brilliant performance, just missing out by one goal in the final to gain an impressive second place. The school’s basketball teams also put on a good match for the spectators and hit the court with real grit and determination against tough competition. They certainly showed the opposition there is a real future for basketball at Regents!
Paul Madden, Head of PE, commented: “The PE Department and I are extremely proud of all our students: they have grown into real team players with the best possible attitude to sport. The boys’ football team did us especially proud with their first international schools’ tournament victory. I have no doubt that it will inspire all our other teams to be just as successful in the future. Well done Team Regents!”

Regents take on British International School Phuket in the boys’ football final.

The girls’ basketball squad put up a creditable showing in their event.

The Regents girls’ football team finished as tournament runners-up.

Star golfers line up for Honda LPGA Thailand 2014

South Korea’s Inbee Park will be back to defend her title at the 2014 Honda LPGA Thailand.

The cream of women’s golf will be assembling in Pattaya next week for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2014, being held from February 20-23 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.
The leading 60 players on the 2014 LPGA Priority List and 10 invites will compete in the 72-hole stroke play tournament with no cut, to win a share of the prize purse of 1.5 million USD (46 million THB). In addition, the first player to secure a hole-in-one on the Par-3, 16th hole will be awarded a new Honda Accord 2.4 EL, worth 1.66 million THB.
Star names taking part this year include defending champion Inbee Park, Suzann Pettersen, and Stacy Lewis, who are currently sitting first, second, and third in world rankings; Ai Miyazato, the 2010 winner; Paula Creamer; Jessica Korda, who is the latest Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic champion; and top-performing Thai professionals Moriya Jutanugarn and Pornanong Phatlum. New Zealand teenage sensation Lydia Ko, Mamiko Higa, Ariya Jutanugarn and Supamas Sangchan will also join the tournament.
This is the eight staging of the Honda LPGA Thailand with all previous editions being held here in Pattaya. Last year’s event saw record crowds with 47,932 spectators attending all 4 days and over 20,000 turning out for the final round.
The micro site www. hondalpga.com will be available for golf fans to stay updated on news and activities throughout the tournament and will feature online quizzes with the chance to win premium Honda gift sets autographed by the golfers.
Honda will also build a fun zone adjacent to the clubhouse featuring a range of exciting activities for spectators, including a Honda Golf School to learn techniques from professional golfers, a putting contest to win prizes, and a photo corner where you can take souvenir photos to preserve memories of the tournament.
Advanced tickets can be purchased at www.thaiticket major.com or at the Siam Country Club golf course on all 4 days of the tournament. Ticket prices are 300 baht for Thursday and Friday, 400 baht for Saturday and 500 baht for Sunday. A 4-day pass is also available at 800 baht. Spectators under 18 years of age or over 60, with valid ID card or passport, can gain free admission to the event. For more information, visit website at www.lpgathailand.com  or www.hondalpgathailand2014.com. 

Record partnership sees PCC defeat Southerners

Bangkok CricLeaguket e 2013/14

Man of the match Simon Philbrook.

Pattaya Cricket Club captain Simon Philbrook and stalwart John Spiers recorded a club record partnership of 137 runs to post an imposing total of 197/4 from 25 overs against league rivals the Southerners of Bangkok at last Sunday.
Having won the toss, PCC elected to bat first on a beautiful day at the magnificent Thai Polo Ground. Openers John G (32) and Venky (7) started brightly and when Andy Schofield (15) departed with score on 60/3 after 11 overs PCC were well placed and Simon and John were united at the crease.
The pair were circumspect early on as they both struggled with the slow pace of the wicket. Simon broke the shackles with a dazzling 22 runs in the 15th over that signalled the start of an aggressive onslaught. John was happy to play the supporting role despite being hit in the mouth early in his innings that required stitches and maneuvered the ball expertly into the gaps for singles.
Simon continued the big hitting, looking to hit straight anything pitched up and pull anything short. The Southerners opening bowlers returned at the end of the innings to regain some control of the scoring but the damage had been done after Simon finished with 85no from 54 balls, including 6 sixes and John being bowled off the final ball for 42. The pick of the bowlers was Raj with 2/20 from his 5 overs.
In reply the Southerners top order batsmen scored steadily, helped by some wayward PCC bowling and at drinks the score was 75 but tellingly 4 wickets had fallen. As the required run rate increased so the pressure mounted and eventually it told as more wickets tumbled in their attempt to stay in the game. Finally, the Southerners were all out in the last over for 143 as PCC ran out the winners by a comfortable 54 runs.
John Spiers capped a fine day with figures of 3/30 but it was not enough to take the man of the match award away from the captain. The result means PCC now top the league with 6 games remaining.
PCC would like to thank the main club supporter the Pattaya Sports Club.
Pattaya Cricket Club play their next league fixture on Sunday 16th February at the Thai Polo Ground against Indorama and welcome any supporters or anyone wanting to play or officiate. Please refer to the club website www.pattayacricketclub.com  or visit the club Facebook page for more details.

Top international boats sign-up for 10th anniversary TOG Regatta

A strong international fleet of boats is set to line-up for the 10th anniversary Top of the Gulf Regatta.

Asia’s largest multi-class sailing event, Thailand’s Top of the Gulf Regatta hosted by Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and it is expected to welcome a strong fleet of sailors from around the world.
With over 250 boats and 700 sailors expected to take part from more than 20 countries, organisers are planning for one of the biggest and best regattas yet – a fitting tribute for the 10th year.
Entries are already coming in from overseas in the keelboat and multihull classes – the “big boat” fleet. Oi! (AUS) and One Sails (AUS), both TP52’s, look set to lead the racing class and will be up against a new boat to the region that is being shipped from Australia to compete (details to be announced soon), and together with many top IRC boats in Asia confirmed to compete including Foxy Lady VI (SIN) and Fujin (AUS), they will make up a strong international fleet.
The prestigious Coronation Cup, contested by the one-design Platus, has a 19-year history and was incorporated into the Top of the Gulf Regatta ten years ago. With a multinational fleet challenging for the trophy last year, charters of the local fleet are already filling up and 2014 looks set to be even more competitive.
New for the Regatta this year is a change for the cruising boats racing in Class Four, who will be using a performance handicap system, and with an increase in interest from overseas sailors, more boats are available for charter this year, with Sunsail providing a fleet from their base in the Gulf of Thailand as well as local fleets available from Gulf Charters.
The big boat classes will be run by an Australian race management team under the watchful eye of International Race Officer Denis Thompson, who returns this year and brings with him a wealth of experience from officiating at Hamilton Island Race Week, Magnetic Island Race Week, Rolex One Design Regatta (Farr 40 and Sydney 38), SB 20 World Championships, and Sydney Harbour Regatta, just to name a few.
Joining the big boat fleet will be over 60 single and double-handed dinghies (Lasers, 29ers, 420, 470 etc.) and beach catamarans, including a number of Thai and regional gold-medal sailors from the recent SEA Games. Race management is provided by the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.
Since the beginning of the Top of the Gulf Regatta the aim of the organisers has been one of inclusiveness, encouraging new classes and fleets to take part, and ten years ago, in co-operation with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Regatta provided a new home for the country’s iconic youth sailing event, the Thailand Optimist National Championships. Thirty-nine years old this year, and an integral part of the Top of the Gulf Regatta, over 120 junior sailors from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Myanmar and beyond will compete for the coveted perpetual trophy.
Having introduced windsurfing to the mix a few years ago, Regatta organisers have worked closely with the Windsurfing Association of Thailand (WATH) and Neil Pryde to provide the ISAF-approved RS:One racing format. And this year, being held as part of the Regatta, will be the three-day RS:One Asian Championships – the first time Thailand has hosted this regional championship – and 30 sailors are expected to take part from Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, and other Asian nations.
The 10th Anniversary Top of the Gulf Regatta will take place 1st to 5th May 2014, hosted by Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien, Pattaya. For more information, visit www.topofthegulfregatta .com or Facebook: www. facebook.com/togregatta.

Canada edges Rest of World 6-5 in charity hockey game

Canadian ambassador Philip Calvert (center) prepares to drop the puck at the opening face-off. (Photo/Julie Lestage)

Team Canada defeated the World Team 6-5 in a charity hockey game held in early January at “The Rink”, located on the 7th floor of Bangkok’s Central Grand Rama IX shopping centre.
Team Canada was composed of Canadian expats based in Thailand, plus three visiting Canadian MPs (Patrick Brown – Barrie, Andrew Saxton - North Vancouver, & Gordon Brown – Leeds Grenville), plus ex-Trustee Justin Heran from Simcoe County. The World team was a collection of American, Czech, English, Finnish, German, Kiwi, Swedish and Swiss players based in Thailand.
Team Canada was in tough for this game because the World squad featured a top line of Swede Henrik Olofsson, Swiss defenseman Remo Nyffenegger, American Scott “Whitty” Whitcomb, Vladimir “the Czech Tank” Prochazka and Thai stars Tewin “Thor” Chartsuwan and Tim Suphankomut; some of the best players currently playing in Thailand.

The 2 teams line up together after the game. (Photo/Julie Lestage)

Philip Calvert, Canada’s ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, dropped the puck for the ceremonial face-off between Team Canada captain Rob Taylor and World Team captain Vladimir Prochazka. Taylor had fellow Canucks Adrian Myers, Jason Salituri, Zak Garofolo, Michael White and Craig Noon with him on the Canadian team’s top line.
Christian Lefebvre, Lt. Colonel Stephen Lemieux and Salituri represented the Canadian Embassy and former TCCC president John Casella was also a member of the Canadian team.
The Canadian team was out in front 6-2 at the start of the third period, but the World Team stormed back to within one goal to make it a close 6-5 final score. Garofolo’s marker when he caught the World Team’s defense knapping while cherry-picking at their blueline ended up being the winning goal.
Thai referees Sakchai “Jeab” Chinanuvatana and Arnupap “Op” Charoenrak did a good job of maintaining order in the game and keeping the players in line.
Organizer Scott Murray said, “We had the Canadian ambassador to drop the puck, three serving Canadian MPs playing, a Canadian (Phil Hageman) singing a rousing version of ‘Oh Canada’ and we won—what more can you ask for?”
The game raised THB 81,870 for the Thai Red Cross. This was the fourth charity hockey game to help the Thai Red Cross; the first was in January 2005 to benefit tsunami victims, and the others were in early January 2012 and 2013.
Injured Flying Farang goalkeeper Lance Parker was the MC for the event and did a great job helping to promote it.
The format for the game was different than normal as there were three 25-minute periods and each team had four lines of six skaters with 5 from each side appearing on the ice at any one time.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Crumpton Cider Tuesday Darts League

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Buffalo Jack’s Wednesday Premier Darts League

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Kelly signs off in winning style

Double success for Ravn

Lasonder leads from the front

Phil & Magnus top score at Riverside

Corner tames breezy Crystal Bay

‘Second-Hand’ Bob in the pink

Gerd & ‘The Colonel’ take command

Its Paul’s medal for Shaw

Longer courses, smaller scores Longer courses, smaller scores

Stafford shoots net 67 to win monthly medal

Scougall sets the pace at Greenwood

Walter O’Keefe’s week

Jackson signals intent with victory at Crystal Bay

Nothing Bland about Don’s win

Mashi has a week to remember

Family Bike Day to support 2 local charities

Brass Monkey thrash 1st division opponents

Big two unfazed by starter chaos

Regents host and win at Invitational Senior Games

Star golfers line up for Honda LPGA Thailand 2014

Record partnership sees PCC defeat Southerners

Top international boats sign-up for 10th anniversary TOG Regatta

Canada edges Rest of World 6-5 in charity hockey game