A big week for Ken Graham

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the OK Corral

The first week in August saw the IPGC Pattaya Golf Society travel to two of the finest courses in the area when they played a medal competition at Phoenix on Tuesday, August 2 and a stableford event at Mountain Shadow on the following Thursday. At Phoenix, under cloudy skies, Barry Pethig, despite a four shot reduction in handicap, managed to shoot net 76 to share third place with Basil Foley, both one shot behind Bill Hewitt whose net 75 indicates he has found his Thai form again.

Best of the day was Ken Graham whose net 69 even contained a nine! The two’s pot was shared by Barry Pethig and Frank Griffin whilst the Booby Bevy was enjoyed by George Meigh whose net 74 would have been good enough for second, had he decided to enter the competition and not choose casual golf as his option.

At Mountain Shadow Bill Hewitt again impressed as his 30 points gave him a share of second place with Richard Wardell but the continued fine form of Ken Graham, this time taking a voluntary cut of two shots, and his 32 points took the day’s honours. The only two of the day, on the undulating and speedy greens, was achieved by Stuart Thompson, on hole five. The seventeenth hole at Mountain Shadow is unique in that there are two par threes and the club rings the changes with the choice. This time it was the easier left hand option. Not having played the course before Barry Pethig teed-up on the left tee-box and proceeded to fire at the right hand green, ending up in the water to boot! He certainly won’t make the same mistake again as the Booby Bevy was a suitable reminder! The first week in August had indeed been a memorable one for double winner Ken Graham.

The older Junger wins twice

IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s

Sunday July 31, Green Valley
White Tees, Stableford

1st White A Flight: John Emmerson, 43 pts
2nd White A Flight: John Hillier, 38 pts
3rd White A Flight: Bob Lindborg, 37 pts
1st White B Flight: Peter Emslie, 39 pts
2nd White B Flight: John Low, 37 pts
3rd White B Flight: Graham Hiskett, 37 pts
1st White C Flight: Noy Pimmoen, 41 pts
2nd White C Flight: Ken Kutzing, 35 pts
3rd White C Flight: Toy Theobald, 35 pts
Near Pins: #5 Chris Kelly; #16 William Junger

The Ol’ Silver Back served notice that there is still some life in that beat-up back as he showed the field nothing but taillights in his A Flight winning, and best on the day, 43 points. Johnny Hillier bested the Guru of Green Valley by a single point to set the order for the premier Flight.

Noy Pimmoen had the second best tally on the day with 41 points as she led C Flight, and second place K4 and Auntie Toy into the barn.

Good ol’ Peter Emslie put the hurt on the middle Flight with his 39 points getting the better of Aussie John “Swing” Low and Graham Hiskett, who were knotted at 37 points. The Man from Down Under took the count back.

In a brief aside, Chris Kelly and the son of our title man, Will Junger, the Younger Junger, took the two Near Pins on the day.

Tuesday August 2
Laem Chabang, A & B
Blue or White Tees, Stableford

1st White Flight: Ed Junger, 39 pts
2nd White Flight: Dave Porter, 39 pts
3rd White Flight: Vic Hester, 39 pts
4th White Flight: Graham Hiskett, 38 pts

Tuesday found the Society off to the slightly damp, albeit imminently playable, Mountain and Lake Nines of Jack Nicklaus’ Laem Chabang. The conditions were just enough that it encouraged the Bomber Brigade to step forward to the Whites, thereby consolidating the field on one tee. Our title boy, the Older Junger started his bid for the large font with a count back victory over Sir David Porter and Victor “The Inflictor” Hester. His Propership edged his continental colleague to take the second slot. Graham ‘The Biscuit” Hiskett was pleased that a fourth podium spot was added but it took him a count back to edge Monsieur Serge and The Hermit.

Wednesday August 3
Crystal Bay, A & B
White Tees, Stroke/Medal

1st A Flight: Jim Munns, net 71
2nd A Flight: Gary Emmett, net 72
3rd A Flight: Nick Payne, net 72
1st B Flight: Mike Frizzell, net 70
2nd B Flight: Ray Dell, net 70
3rd B Flight: Theo Smith, net 72

Ah! Beware the Flower Children. How synergistic that Jim “Capt. Fogg” and Mikey “Frizzie” Frizzell should both grab the gold in their respective Flights on the same day. Jim made the beautifully maintained Crystal Bay layout look as comfortable as MacArthur Park as he took the A flight with a net 71. Bunched behind him were Gary Emmett and Nick Payne and for the second time on the week the Aussie had the better of the count back. Atop the B Flight podium stood Mr. Frizzell, his coils wafting in the summer breeze, thanks to a count back victory over, the continuing to improve, Ray “The Farmer in the” Dell. Theo Smith, the third spoke in the Low-Bancroft-Smith Wheel of Terror dipped into the cash box for the first time in his Society play.

Friday August 5, Eastern Star
Blue or White Tees, Stableford

1st Blue Flight: Phil Mitchell, 32 pts
1st White Flight: Ed Junger, 39 pts
2nd White Flight: Jorn Finnerup, 39 pts
3rd White Flight: Gary Bancroft, 39 pts
4th White Flight: Paul Phillips, 38 pts

It was a tough day for the Bombers at Robert Trent Jones, jr.’s Eastern Star Resort as the eight-fold competitors could do no better then Flipper’s 32 points, but Phil wasn’t complaining ‘cuz it spends just as well.

There was our title man, the Older Junger, winning his second three-way count back victory of the week. In a two month late Father’s Day celebration, the other dad in the field, John Finnerup, in the competition with his son Christian, took the second level of the three-way knot. Gary Bancroft showed that he could win just as well as his mates John Low and Theo Smith, as he claimed the hard luck third. Paul Phillips, himself, ironically, the son of long-time member Mike Phillips, took the second of the two unusual fourth place awards on the week.

Back from the Dead - The “Doc” plays 18 holes at Siam

IPGC golf from The Haven  

Monday August 1
Green Valley, Stableford

1st Bob Lindborg, 40 pts
2nd Rick Holmes, 39 pts
3rd Jan Eriksson, 37 pts

Typical English weather greeted the hardy contingent at popular Green Valley, steady drizzle all day with one or two heavy showers, so it was not surprising that Brits Bob & Rick came romping home at the top of the leader board! Bob shot 20 points on each 9 whilst Rick carded a superb 35 gross on the back 9. Jan completed the podium places with a very creditable 37 points on a day when four single handicappers competed with seven other division 1 players leaving just four 15 plus handicappers in the field! So not surprisingly there were no 2s carded in division 2 whilst four players shared the division 1 pool, those being Barry Winton, Richard Garland, Trevor Schirmer & Bob Lindborg. Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed Shane Heavey before bidding farewell for a while to Richard Garland and Peter Hall.

Wednesday August 3
Eastern Star, Medal

1st Mikael Andersson, net 66
2nd Rick Holmes, net 68
3rd Barry Winton, net 71

Despite heavy early morning rain in Pattaya that deterred many fair weather golfers from venturing out of their nests, the day turned out beautiful in Ban Chang and those that made the effort were well rewarded with a nice cool dry day at Eastern Star.

Scores were excellent and the single handicappers dominated with Mikael shooting a 74 gross, Barry a 75 gross and Rick a 76 gross. Quite unusually, neither Mikael or Barry carded a “six” and astonishingly, Mikael was 1 under gross with 3 holes to play! Mike Dabanovich shot a scorching 40 gross on the front 9 that included a 9 but unfortunately, couldn’t maintain the momentum. In the 2s competition, again there were none carded in division 2, whilst Mikael Andersson, Roy Thornton, Rick Holmes & Mike Dabanovich shared the division 1 pool. Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston welcomed back Joe McArdle, Fred O’Connor, Steve Byrne, Ger & Ted Lodge.

Friday August 5
Siam Country Club, Stableford

1st Gordon Millar, 39 pts - c/b19 c/b3 7
2nd Barry Winton, 39 pts -c/b19 c/b3 6
3rd John Desmond, 37 pts

A memorable day for everybody at The Haven as Stephen Beard made his long awaited return to golf! And after a “rusty” first six holes The “Doc” enjoyed a magical second six before tiring down the home straight, perhaps due to his liking for Siam’s bunkers... so much so, that he ended up speaking “Bedouin” or was it gibberish? Playing with Barry Winton in a challenge match play (within the competition) against Brian Kelly & Mike Dabanovich, he did more than enough to help Barry out and maintain their undefeated pairings title, winning 3 & 2. But Barry’s superb 73 gross was not quite enough to win the competition! If the day belonged to Stephen, it equally belonged to Gordon Millar. After years of trying, the amiable Scottish teacher finally won his first ever competition and broke the 100 barrier for the first time in Thailand. Well done Gordon, that 5 points for birdie on 17th did it! Commiserations Barry and a big well done to John Desmond who finished with “bronze” and also to Graham Davis & Mike Dabanovich with their 36 points apiece. In the 2s competition, once again there were none carded in division 2 so a quadruple rollover awaits at Khao Kheow on Monday. In division 1 the pool was shared by John Desmond, Roy Thornton & Graham Davis. Back at The Haven, Richard Livingston welcomed back John Taylor, Des Regan, Jeff McLaury and of course Stephen Beard, before wishing farewell to John Desmond.

German - Swiss Golf Club with new ideas

The German Swiss Golf Club organized a tournament for members and guests at the Nobel Place at Saturday July 30. Under cloudy skies did they teed off 9.30 a.m.

The president of the GSGC, Christian Beckers, was happy with the outcome, “The weather was ideal and the golf course was in excellent condition. It was a quite nice tournament. We were very happy to welcome two guests who had a long way to drive.”

(l - r) All prizewinners: Fritz Schanzer (“red lantern”), Klaus Melech (third), Ruen Schanzer (nearest to the pin), Toni Schuett (second) an the tournament winner Gerd Schaudt.

One player Toni Schuett from Siam Sands Club Bangkok and Urs Stegmann from Kabinburi. Both got the information of the tournament from the Pattaya Blatt.

Christian said, “the GSGC offered a new concept to their members and non members. We offer a package, which covers green fees, caddy fees and dinner. We want to make our tournaments more interesting and decided at this time to celebrate in the Moon River Pub of the Thai Garden Resort. Our plan is to change the location to a different place once a month.”

The winner of the tournament received trophies from president Christian Beckers and from one of the club founders Turi Nagel with a big applause.

The winner of the tournament was Gerd Schaud with 39 stableford points followed by Toni Sch?tt with 35 stableford points in second and Klaus Melech with 34 stableford points at third.

Ruen Schanzer won nearest the pin. Her husband Fritz Schanzer was not so lucky and received the red lantern for the day.

The next tournament will be held at the Eastern Star at on August 27 with a following celebration at the Henry J. Beans Pub of the Amari Resort Pattaya.

For more info look at the homepage: www.gs-golfclub-thailand.com or contact Christian Beckers direct on 01 930 1165 or Turi Nagel 06 087 5030 or drop in on Friday evenings 7 p.m. at the Deutsche Haus Restaurant on Beach Road corner of Soi 4 where the Club has its Stammtisch (round table) every week.

Jomtien 8- Ball Pool League

With top spot all but sewn up, the interest in week 18 was about who would emerge as the real contenders for the runners-up trophy.

In their catch-up match played on Monday in the Jomtien Complex, Simple Simon leapfrogged a couple of places in the standings when they defeated Hide-A-Way 5-4.

Some of the contestants line up at Twilight Zone - Moonshine won 7-2.

And back in the regular schedule on Thursday, at Woaw’s Pub they got one hand on the runners-up trophy with a 6-3 victory. The Simple Simon boys would consider themselves favourites for runners-up with the easier - on paper - run to the finish.

Country Club had another 5-4 win - their 10th of the season - at home against Lucky Bar. They look to be well placed in the standings but with three tough matches and the bye to come, they will have to finish strongly.

Paweena’s had a chance to score the upset of the season when they held visitors San Snack Bar to 4-4 going into the last game. Paweena’s had a shot on the black but could not convert the chance allowing SSB the narrowest victory. Statistically, all SSB must do is turn up for the last four matches to get their name on the winners’ trophy.

By their previous standards, Bolaget have had a awful season but they could be staging a late season, face saving come back with their third win in a row. Their 6-3 defeat of visitors Rose & Thistle doesn’t do much for their position in the standings but it makes R&T’s hopes for a podium finish that much harder.

In the remaining match, Moonshine continued their good form from last week when they handed their hosts Twilight Zone a 7-2 drubbing after an early 2-2 score line.

Hide-A-Way had the bye this week.

Next week, interest will be focused on the race for second spot with Simple Simon hosting the resurgent Bolaget and Country Club having to play on the difficult Rose & Thistle table.

Sunday Quiz League

Wednesday Quiz League

Soi 6 Quiz League

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar

Tuesday August 2
Century Chonburi
Stableford

Weird start to the morning at Bert’s, for the Scribe, as I ate my bacon butties and drank my coffee. Having been volunteered to run the day, as Bob was not available, the rain poured down outside. This may have been an omen, and to make the day more difficult, nine players not signed in turned up, whilst five signed in did not. These things are sent to try us.

Steve Hamstad and Keith Hodges take their place as winner and runner up following a trying round at Century Chonburi.

Hopefully sorted out, 22 players set off in the pouring rain for the course. For those who do not know, this is not a nice drive in the rain, in fact a real pain in the you know what. Still as all things do, it finally came to an end, and we stood on the first, with the rain teeming down, to tee off. Noticeable was the fact that two golfers had arrived, not liked the look of it and gone home. Brave men.

So off we went, and the rain slowed, and by the end of the second hole it had stopped, and a ‘cool’ Sun showed itself. We then had one of the best days golf I can remember, apart from wet feet, as the temperature remained ideal.

This course is pretty good value, with a very good course, but on this day slow greens. Any ball in the rough was severely penalised, that is usually me. Ball in the rough meant no go forward, it was hard work.

Back in the clubhouse, it was noticeable that with only cold water, many golfers decided to wait till they got home to shower. Being brave I ventured in, nobody sits in my car after golf without a shower, even me, and the very cold shower was no fun!

So to Bert’s, where Pu had laid on a fine cold buffet, enjoyed by all. Then to the presentation, and a major shock. For the first time in living memory Jeff was not in the frame. Still there is always next week. So the winner was Steve Hamsted with Keith Hodges in second, beating Alan Gummer on countback. T.T.F.N.

Results:

Winner: Steve Hamstad; Second Keith Hodges
Near Pins: Bob Benda, Steve Hamstad, Bob 4U, Joel Flor, Mike Gaussa, Derek Brook, Tim Holt and Alan Gummer

Long Putt: Alan Gummer (2)

PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday August 1
Eastern Star
Stableford

The Eastern Star Resort was host for a Stableford Competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 18, and B Flight 19 and above. The course on the day was in very fine condition.

Barry Kerr

Fergus Brennan took the A Flight on countback from Bill Plath in second and Gene Rooney in third, all having 36 points. In the B Flight, Aussie Barry Kerr won with 37 points, ahead of Jay Perrin in second on countback over Wayne Koch in third and Joel Flor just missing out. All had 34 points.

Near Pins: #6 John Christie, #17 Mike Gaussa.

 

Thursday August 4
Bangpra
Stableford

Once again the storm clouds gathered over Bangpra, as we drove down the road to this oldest of Eastern Seaboard courses. Once there carts were allowed, but in the rough, and rain covers were on all the bags as we set off.

Anita Lundberg

The weather as we set off was threatening, however the first threat we met were the monkeys on the third and so on. You left your clubs, or cart, alone at your own peril. They are really starting to be a nuisance, and becoming quite aggressive. Do not leave any food loose, it will go.

Once past the third the heavens opened, and the brave kept going, whilst the sensible stopped at a rest stop. The rain seemed to slow down, then when you teed off and got 50 yards down the fairway came down much heavier. Yes it was one of those wet pants days.

So, wet and bedraggled, we all eventually reached the clubhouse, and for me a soak in the hot tub. Upstairs whilst waiting we tried the food, and declared it fine indeed. I had the best burger I have had in many a long year.

The scores were close and as expected quite low. The winner with 33 points was Anita Lundberg ahead of Ebrahim in second with 31 points. For third we had a three-way countback on 30 points, with Henk De Bock in third, Alan Cole in fourth and Pete King losing out. T.T.F.N.

Bill blazes at Siam

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

Monday, August 1 - It was a good day for golf as the weather was overcast with a slight drizzle at times. Herb Ishinaga sat at the Caddy Shack Two with his fingers and toes crossed hoping to win the day to no avail. As more and more golfers came and went, it looked like a good possibility but Bill Thompson rolled in with the winning score for the day. Bill had an excellent round as he came in with 41 points off a 10 handicap. Bill was driving well and kept his putts on line to win the competition by two shots.

Bill Thompson (left) rolled in with the winning score for the day while Paul (PK) Kinner skipped out after holding bag to leave Chris John, PSC Golf chairman standing in for him...

Following Bill was Herb with 39 points. Bob Benda and Gordon McKnight were right behind with 38 points followed by Dennis Willett with 37. All had a good day but could not touch Bill’s 77 off the stick.

Our bag holder for the day pulled a disappearing act. He had not seen the inside of the cellar for a long time and may have been afraid of the dark with a heavy bag to carry. Paul Kinner stopped at the Caddy Shack but moved on before picture taking time. He beat out Tully by 1 shot - it was a close call but Paul managed to hang on at the end with 21 points. Our Golf Chairman was nice enough to stand for the picture taking. Not the best looking but - Thanks Chris!