Barry Winton crowned new PSC Golf Champion

Rayong Green Valley was the host course for this year’s PSC Golf Championship. The event, played over two days to determine the Club Champion and A, B, C and D Flight winners, attracted a field of over ninety players. The format as always for this event is stroke play; tough for some, impossible for others.

(L to R) Bill Thompson, PSC Golf chairman Dennis Willet, A Flight 2nd place Ken Lill, A Flight winner Per Aschan, Bernie Tuppin, Jim Montgomery and PSC Club Champion 2001 Barry Winton.

Unlike recent PSC events, low scores were few and far between. After the dust had settled on the first day, only seven players had bettered par and another six equaled it. The remainder of the field spread out like farmer Brown’s cows and returned net scores that could have been mistaken for gross results. Quite a few single hole scores reached double figures. The general feeling was that the greens were hard and fast and difficult to hold. For some of the older players the heat and humidity was also a factor.

Leaders after the first day were: Dean Dodgson, Ray Ryan, Marcel Wittner, Alan Pearce, Gez Tracey, Ken Lill and Magnus Karlsson. All were a tad under par, with one shot separating them. They were followed by a group of six on level par with four more a further shot back. As all four flights were represented in the first group and spread evenly amongst the rest, it was difficult to suggest a favorite.

Conditions for the second day were made more difficult with tougher pin placements while the heat and humidity were just as severe. After 27 holes, there was quite a logjam at the top. Five shots separated the top 12 players.

Dean Dodgson led Marcel Wittner by one stroke with Barry Winton among a group of four players one shot further back. The odds seemed to favor the longer handicappers but Barry Winton was having none of that. He pared the last nine holes for a net of 33, which was the best stretch of golf of the two days. Marcel Wittner, playing off a 33 handicap, had a last nine of 34 net moving into a tie with Barry for the lead on 140. This was too good for the rest of the field. After a count back, Barry Winton was declared champion. His last day 68 net edged out Wittner’s 69.

In the A Flight, Per Aschan’s measured approach to the game took him to the podium despite a few hiccups on his last nine. Ken Lill’s fine net 36 on the last nine earned him second place while the long hitting Bob Van Mol leapfrogged a lot of tired players on the way in to finish 3rd.

B Flight was won by Gez Tracey who’s swing and temperment amazingly held together for two consecutive days. Gez had consistent rounds of 71 - 71 for a total of 142 and put his form down to the support of his partners who urged him on throughout the day. Anders Karlsson struggled into second with an indifferent closing round of 77 net. Third place was taken by Paul Moore who battled on gamely from deep in the field.

Dean Dodgson, who was top of the leader board with nine to play, stumbled over those holes to finish with 75. Combined with his 70 on the first day his total of 145 was good enough to win the C Flight trophy. He was followed by Rob Morrison 73 - 76 for 149 and “Rocky” Ryan, who kept swinging until the last bell, had 71 - 78 for 149.

Marcel Wittner’s despair at missing the champion’s trophy was lightened a little as he accepted the winner’s plate for D Flight. His rounds of 71 - 69 for 140 under tough conditions was 8 strokes better than second place winner Beth Lill, the only lady to make the podium this year. Beth scored 149 and was one stroke better than Herb Schweiterman and Alan Pearce on 150 - Herb getting the nod for third on count back.

While there was no trophy for low gross, Barry Winton did shoot the low gross of 154 over the two days making him a very worthy club champion.

Presentations were held at Rayong Green Valley with Golf Chairman Dennis Willett in charge of proceedings. Peter Malhotra, president of PSC, joined Dennis to thank our band of generous supporters; Shenanigan’s, Green Bottle, Cafe Kronborg, Rosie O’Gradys, Tequilla Reef, Blue Parrot and Papa Ray Rogers. He also drew attention to the efforts of the golf committee in the preparation and conduct of the tournament. Thanks also were awarded to Green Valley management and staff for their hospitality during the tournament. In all respects, a great event.

PSC Golf Championship Scores

Club Champion: Barry Winton, 140

A Flight
1st: Per Aschan, 146
2nd: Ken Lill, 149
3rd: Bob Van Mol, 151

B Flight
1st: Gez Tracey, 142
2nd: Anders Karlsson, 148
3rd: Paul Moore, 149

C Flight
1st: Dean Dodgson, 145
2nd: Rob Morrison, 149
3rd: Ray Ryan, 150

D Flight
1st: Marcel Wittner, 140
2nd: Beth Lill, 149
3rd: Herb Schweiterman, 150

Nearest to the pins:

First Day: #4 Serge Straeten, #7 Mam Trayling, #11 Michael Dige, and #15 Eric Wandaller

Second Day: #4 Bill Macey, #7 Kenny Chung, #11 Dean Dodgson and #15 Mats Ljungvall

Longest putts:

First Day: #9 Paul Kraft and #18 Kenny Chung
Second Day: #9 Eric Wandaller and #18 Sture Briseholm

Long drive: Bob Van Mol

The Pattaya Golf Society Individual Matchplay Championship Final

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

Bangpra Golf Club, Tuesday April 3

A wonderfully hot day, a beautifully presented golf course at Bangpra and the tantalizing prospect of play off the blue tees set the scene for a thrilling final in the Bunker’s annual Matchplay Tournament.

The finalists were Englishman Wilf Latham and American Bruce Lawrence. Both men had in mind the significance of 2001 to golfers from both sides of the Atlantic and this was a chance to put the first mark on the leader board!

Champion Wilf Latham congratulates runner-up Bruce Lawrence after the presentation.

From the start, things were very tight and Bruce was the first to master Bangpra’s notoriously fast greens, but Wilf’s power hitting helped to keep the match all square after nine holes.

By the time they came to play the 187-yard par three twelfth the American flag was in the ascendancy. Then came one of the tie’s major turning points. Wilf drove into the water from the tee and Bruce’s drive ricocheted off the pin to land only a few feet away. Wilf took his penalty and pitched to within a couple of feet of the hole. Bruce had two putts for the win but the pressure was on and after Wilf tapped in his putt for a four, Bruce proceeded to take three very nervous putts and half the hole.

Now it was Wilf who applied the pressure, and this lasted until the seventeenth when Bruce should have taken the hole to go one up. He hadn’t bargained on Wilf sinking a fifteen-footer to win the hole. In an instant the game had swung in Wilf’s favour.

Bruce’s game had now turned full circle and a missed short putt on the final hole assured Wilf of the victory, by one hole. Smile Sam Torrance, that’s one up to Europe!

The unofficial play-off for third place was between Arsenal fan John Preddy and Belgium’s Remy Guy. The two Bunker mates had a real ding-dong battle for the first nine holes, both playing some good nip-and-tuck golf on a tough and long course, but in the end the heat told and John found it very difficult to hit his long shots accurately.

He is also urgently seeking a urologist as he had trouble passing the water all day! He emphasised this when he “Barnes Wallace-ed” the seventeenth, but by this time the tie was already won by Remy, three and two.

Both players had done well to reach this stage and they must be congratulated on contributing to a wonderful competition in every round and for showing us all how much fun golf should be! Well done lads, long may the spirit last.

Bangpra 1 The Bunker 0

Apart from the finalists, thirty-five other Bunker Boys travelled to Bangpra to play their usual Tuesday competition, the format being medal for division one and Stableford for division two.

In division two Dave Johnson scored 34 points in third spot and the joint winners were Dave Kyle and Steve Wiskin, both with 35 points.

In division one Bruce Lawrence and Remy Guy both carded net 76 whilst the player of the day, Wilf Latham, came out on top with net 75. The course truly won the day!

Nearest-the-pins went to Dutchman Dik Lenten, Dave Kyle and Chris Harris, leaving one 210 yard green unscathed. It has to be mentioned that all players went off the blue tees, thus making the course exceedingly long, as a result of the transport manager, John Preddy, accurately conveying to everyone the wishes of the absent Mr. Loy. Mr Loy, therefore, was unanimously voted the winner of the Bunker Banana Booby.

Lots of 200 games bowled by PSC bowlers

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling

Cafe Kronborg took all four points from Cafe Ole behind Kran’s 201 game, Wan’s 209 game, Jim’s 534 series and steady bowling by Lek. Cafe Ole had some good bowling by Jeed and Suda but it wasn’t good enough to win a point.

200 bowlers from left to right: Somrak, Kran, Peter, Tue, Peter, Mio and Wan.

VFW Post 9876 were able to win two points from first place House of the Golden Coin despite Captain Mio of Golden Coin bowling another great 603 series with games of 166, 210 and 227. She was aided by teammates Somrak with a 222 game and 548 series, and Peter with a 209 game. Dang led the VFW team with a 511 series.

The Sultans of Swing were only able to win one point from Shakey Pete’s despite strong bowling from Tue with games of 188, 169, and 216 for a 573 series, and Peter’s 205game. Once again the Shakey Pete’s team just relied on steady bowling by all of their players.

Three Sisters took three points from Winchester Club with Captain Otto bowling a 517 series. Mamo with Winchester knocked down 509 pins and helped her team win at least one point.

League Standings

Team	Captain	Points	6 Apr
House of the Golden Coin Shakey Pete’s Three Sisters Cafe Kronborg Winchester Club Sultans Of Swing Cafe Ole VFW Post 9876	Mio La Otto Kran Jon Peter Jeed Morn	24 - 8 22 - 10 21 - 11 17 - 15 13 - 19 12 - 20 11 - 21 9 - 23	2 - 2 3 - 1 3 - 1 4 - 0 1 - 3 1 - 3 0 - 4 2 - 2

Panthers most festive in Manila

It was with a heady mix of trepidation, anticipation, excitement and fear that the Panthers bid farewell to their loved ones and set off to Manila. After posting a defeat (last-minute score by the Bangkok Japanese) and a victory (heavy rout of a bunch of ornery bearded blokes - the Southerners) in warm-up games, the squad departed the Land of Smiles to participate in the premier rugby 10s tournament in Asia, sartorially eloquent in a fetching pink outfit designed by Inspector Cosmo, to the hummed tune of ‘The Pink Panther’.

With the in flight entertainment unsatisfactory, Insp. Small, calling on his Welsh heritage, treated the passengers to his full repertoire, from ‘Nessun Dorma’ to ‘Singing in the rain’, successfully dodging the chief steward and receiving many behind-the-back passes from Bloody Mary.

In high spirits the boys landed in Manila and were shortly joined by Insp. Tunnel who received the first of many welcoming hakas. Successfully rendezvousing with the rest of the team at the hotel, the squad undertook an arduous training circuit of the local area.

Pleased with their efforts the team slept soundly (if briefly) before the opening match on Saturday morning. Resplendent in fully sponsored tour garb of black Foster Wheeler / Maconnell Dowell shirts and Black Thainox shorts, the Panthers took the field against Saipan. (Scientific note - black is an absorber of infrared radiation and thus the most stupid colour to wear in the Philippines.)

Surprisingly, considering it was a national team, the Panthers were in no way over-awed, meeting fire with fire as the bruised shoulder (and ego) of Cosmo will testify, before succumbing to a last minute breakaway score (0-7).

The task was clear - win the remaining matches - and the team redoubled their preparatory efforts. A confident 10 took the field against the crack SAS-laden Panaga team, and with Insp. Tiny orchestrating from stand-off with aplomb the riot of running produced superb tries from Inspectors Dry and Cosmo, topped by a solo effort from Insp. Brother (his worrying penchant for striking for the line with 3 opposition players on his back was to produce tragic future repercussions, however).

Only a horrendous blunder from fullback Kit could taint the effort - final score 21-7.

Buoyed by their victory the team received welcome refreshment from the Global Silverhawk / Santa Fe tent and did well to maintain focus, especially as the ringer-laden Bangkok British Club tried to tempt the Panthers into some premature revelry (morris-dancing).

Against the backdrop of the setting sun the team’s third match was against Kowloon of Hong Kong. It was a hard-fought nip-and-tuck affair and a draw seemed likely before a lofted pass went astray and Kowloon scored.

The Panthers then showed their guts and character, a rousing sequence of 15 phases highlighted by barn-storming incursions from Haka and Dry capped by a wonderful score from Miniscule, which he improved with the drop-kick to a roaringly-approved win for Pattaya, 7-5.

As a seeded team for the Plate some celebration was appropriate, the balmy air rent with the full catalogue of Panthers’ choral hits.

Sunday morning brought a match against new friends - the Flying Elvises. Our na๏ve band should have been warned - the Elvises losing their quaffs and rhinestones of the previous night and turning out to be completely folliclely-challenged. This bald approach matched their no-frills rugby, and the Panthers duly carved them up. Then, the turning point. With Kit screaming for the walk-in pass Brother eschewed the easy option, attempting once again to break the line (see earlier) with the whole of the opposition on his back. Stopped agonisingly short, Pattaya would never be so fluent again.

Pulled in to a rugged forward battle, and without sufficient men of girth, they were frustrated and then flummoxed as chubby-but-quick Elvis scored (7-0).

The defeat was a bitter one, Pattaya out of the tournament, apparently with nothing to show for it. Our Player of the Tournament, Barbie, was called up by the Guam National Team to contest the Plate Final (well he did have an afro once) and while we cheered him on we all knew in our hearts that the Panthers would all have been there if they had only played to their strengths.

The Final was a cracker, Blackwatch (British Army) having too much pace for the Bahrain Warblers, and immediately after the Panthers headed for the bus to the airport, empty-handed.

But wait, the announcer called them back. The Panthers had been voted “Most Festive Team” by their peers, and so received a huge cut-glass trophy and invitations to every tourney in the region as their reward.

A final verse of ‘Pinocchio’ (safety note: don’t try this with Insp. Skinner loitering behind you), and the Panthers left the stadium to rapturous applause.

Once on the flight, the pride slumbering noisily, a final act as Paramedic Oyster gave mouth-to-mouth to an ailing passenger (saving him from heart failure but possibly intoxicating him with his fumes) and receiving a hero’s reception from the Thai Airways staff.

And so the Boys dispersed at Don Muang, the hardiest allegedly returning ‘home’ to Shenanigans for a nightcap.

It had been a wonderful experience, only possible through the generosity of Major Tour Sponsor Foster Wheeler, with welcome support from Shenanigans, Maconnell Dowell and Thainox, and thanks also go to Manila Nomads and the Filipino people in general for their warmth and hospitality. With our luminous pink trench coats, facial hair and cabaret routines we had won friends and raised the profile of our club and city, though as a sports team we had underachieved. We intend to make amends at the upcoming Pattaya 10s (April 14/15 - Songkran weekend).

PBH3 Run #007 this Saturday

Shenanigans all teed up for the Funhill Cup

Shenanigans Funhill Cup on Friday April 27th at Eastern Star looks like being a sell-out before the published closing date. Once again, players will enjoy the popular pairs team scramble format and a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Teams will play to a handicap which will be 20% of combined, with maximum allowances of 28 for men and 36 for ladies.

The B.1,250 entry fee includes green and caddy fee; Shenanigans Funhill 2001 shirt, beer and snacks on the course; Shenanigans renowned Carvery; prize giving and lucky draw, and a live band to wind down the proceedings.

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winning team and 2nd, 3rd and 4th place teams, plus Shenanigans vouchers for near pins, long drives, straight drives and long putts.

Entry forms are at all the venues, and on Shenanigans web page at www.shenanigans-pattaya.com

Sign-up in pairs please and indicate if there is another pair you would like to play with as a group.

Hand in your entry form, with the entry fee, to Kim Fletcher at Shenanigans, or to Mike Franklin. Only paid entries will go on the start sheet. Field strictly limited to 128 players, so be sure to sign-up early.

Woodless Woody does it again

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

On Friday, 6th April thirty-three Bunker Boys and Girls travelled to the ever friendly Century course at Ban Chang for a medal/Stableford competition.

On a very hot day division one players returned excellent scores with Dave Fotheringham carding net 69, Michael Dige a gross 74, net 68 and towering above all Mr Exocet, Ken Lill, with a sparkling net 65.

Division two had newcomer Lomun Mili, playing off her 36 handicap, shooting 32 points, a few shots behind the ever consistent Mam Trayling with 42 points. Out in front again was the Tartan Iron Man: Jon “Woodless” Wood, with a breathtaking 43 points. Be prepared for an emergency handicap amputation Jon! Oh, and one more thing pal... the man that invented ‘golf’ and said it was ‘fun’ is the same guy that invented ‘bagpipes’ and said it was ‘music’!

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Michael Dige, Norman Brookes, Beth Lill and transport manager, John Preddy.

The eagerly awaited Bunker Banana Booby was awarded to Ed Trayling and John Hanley, of Khun John’s restaurant, for complaining incessantly that their wives are now shooting lower scores than them. This was the first time the booby has been shared and no doubt Ed and John will enjoy their banana split.

Catch up with all the fun at the Bunker at http://thebunkerboys.com

Dave Hughes wins Rising Sun Stableford

The carry on team of golfers from the Rising Sun went to Sriracha on Monday, playing a Stableford competition. With no crocodiles to contend with anymore, the only problem was sharks and bandits.

Winner was Dave Hughes with 36 points. Runner up was Jiss Montogmerie with 34 points, while 3rd and 4th were Micky Tarbuck and Sid James respectively.

Then on Thursday the Rising Sun All-Stars went to Pattaya Country Club and with windy conditions (mostly from the players), Bernard (Basil Brush) Gailey laughed himself to victory to win the day with 35 points.

Doctor Blob (yes, I’m a real doctor) finished runner-up with 33 points, with Dave (Fat) Hughes finishing with 32 points.

Another notable was Micky Tarbuck, who made it round 18 holes in a personal best time of 6 1/2 hours.

PH3 Run 891

Oh, why does my head hurt? And what am I doing at this dumb computer at 5:30 a.m. Oh, I remember! I volunteered to be the scribe for this week’s hash run, or so that’s what the GM announced when he called the circle to order.

As the run was just down the road from the house, there was no need for Mrs. Head and I to go into town and sign-up at the infamous “Scandi Bar”. Fossil and Dr. Pinky would have sign-ups well in hand as they normally do.

Although the bus delayed leaving for the A-site for a couple of minutes, just in case someone thought the departure time had changed to 4:30 this week as previously announced, it arrived at the A-site within 30 minutes. This scenic A-site area has been used during numerous runs over the past few years.

Today’s hares, Festering Streaker and S S, explained the run with a notable “barbed wire” caution before sending us on our way.

As usual, the FRB’s, led by Tampax, Big Nose B, Fossil, Boy George, Pile of S, T4, Charlie Manson, Wank-King, and others (who would finish in about 50 minutes) were out of sight within minutes of starting.

The “back of the packers”, notably - Pegleg, Uncle Fester, Flying Frog, Sweetballs, Queen Stella, Chicken F, Seagull S, and Sir Airhead were enjoying their weekly (1 hour and 20 minute) nature walk through the country side.

The usual SCB’s, including A Breadfruit, Salvatore, Fowl F, Karamba, Mrs. Head, and myself were scoping out the shortest route back to the beer truck. Not finding a short cut across the reservoir we reluctantly plodded forward through the tapioca, coconut, and eucalyptus fields, soft dirt roads, and along the reservoir causeway following ON-ON shouts and properly laid paper back to the cold beer and snacks.

After a short cooling off period, the GM called “form a circle”. Yes folks, that’s form a circle and not form a F’in circle (he’s learning). Hares on in to the tune of “Good Run, Great Run, Long Run, Short Run”, etc. Sir Airhead would exclaim later that these two hares had progressed from poor and mediocre hares to well trained “super” hares - “only because they were trained by him”.

The GM called Pile of S into the circle to explain his story of a “flying” four-foot snake that he encountered on the run. The story was obviously true judging by the large brown stain on the back of Pile of S’s running shorts. Flyin’ snakes, what’s next? Flyin’ pink elephants!

Hares entertained the group with Cface’s rendition of the St. Patty’s Day run song - Alive, Alive, Oh! Boy George forgot to announce the hare’s song on the St Paddy’s Day run.

Sharon Tate - recognized for her 150th run. Spag. Head received his 20 hare T-shirt. The Master of Music entertained all Aussie’s, and Englander’s with a song as they cooled there heals on the ice.

Salvatore, V.V., Pacemaker, and Spag. Head on the ice for the moustache vote - with Spag. Head winning due to the moustache growing out of the left side of his head to down under his nose.

Hash Hymn sung by all and off to our new hash bar - Olala. The management and staff of Olala should be congratulated for the fine food and enjoyable atmosphere they provided. It is nice to be able to sit, eat, and carry on a normal conversation in a clean, quiet, and relaxed establishment. If you went away hungry, it’s your own fault! Great venue Olala.

See everyone next week. Don’t forget the beach party on Saturday. Sign-up at the Scandi Bar at 1 o’clock and the bus leaves at 1:30.

On-On Spag Head

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