Golf from the Bowling Green

Gareth Weeks
Monday November 19, Phoenix (White Tees) - Stableford
Phoenix was the venue for Monday’s stableford competition, and with our later than normal tee time many regular participants enjoyed the extra hour in bed. We set off for the short 20min journey, and after a quick check in it was onto the Lake and Ocean Nines but some players, having hired buggies at a cost of 700 Baht, felt a little disgruntled by the new “High season” pricing.

This week’s winners with a staff member from the Bowling Green.

The course looked in its usual fine condition, good fairways, and well-kept greens, but added to this was a tricky swirling wind.
With rounds completed many of the lads participated in enjoying a cool beer at the club house bar to reflect on the day, and once again found themselves paying ++prices. I wonder is Phoenix going to price itself out of the regular golf society’s circuit? I guess time will tell.
Back at the Bowling Green the results showed that many of our group found the going at Phoenix tough with only one player managing to break his handicap. So in first place with a score of 40 points off H/cap 8 was yours truly (Gareth Weeks), in second was Mark Brenton with 28pts off his 30 H/cap and in third place came Graham Jameson (11) winning a three-way count back on 27 points. Mark Brenton also picked up the “Longest Putt” prize.
Friday November 23, Treasure Hill (White Tees) - Stableford
Treasure Hill was the test on Friday, and after completing the long journey to the course it was onto the first tee, with the course looking fairly quiet on arrival. It soon changed however, and as our groups were starting their rounds the first tee looked more like a cattle market holding a sale, with more than 10 other groups waiting to tee off.
This venue is never easy, playing 6,726 yards off the white tees and with a gale force wind blowing the day was tough to say the least, but I must say the course itself looked in excellent condition with super fairways and fast greens.
All the players enjoyed the day, with the scores and results as follows: winning for the second time in the week, with 36 points was yours truly again (Gareth Weeks), second was Des Sharkey playing off H/cap 21 with 35 points and in third was Alan Griffiths (H/cap 24) with 33 points. The winner of the “rookie of the month” award was Peter Brown “Rolex” - well played boys!

The two Grahams make a winning combination

PSC golf from the Caddyshack

Monday, November 19, Bangra, 2-Man Scramble
Today we played a two-ball Texas Scramble and the course was Bangpra. This venue has got to be one of the best around for a scramble and on the day reports back from all golfers were complementing the place.

Roger Moore was a surprised Division 1 winner on Friday.

With a large number of teams entering this was always going to be a close game. In third place came Alistair Templeton and Steve Durey, both players have been knocking on the door of late and today they put it together with a net 71. David Hester and Peter Henderson put together a very nice round of net 68.4 for second place, but only half a shot ahead was the very strong pairing of Graham Beaumont and Graham Dietrich with a score of 67.8 to give them the win.
Wednesday, November 21, Green Valley, Stableford
The trip today was to our regular course of Green Valley, and as we play here every Wednesday you would think that the golfers would be scoring well but this course is hard to crack, and today only one golfer broke par.
In Division 2 there was a count back between three golfers all on 34 points; Greg Ritchie finished second, Bruce Tollitt took third and the unlucky fourth place went to Mike Wing. Just the one shot ahead of these three with 35 points was the division winner Jack Hinchey.
The scores in Division 1 were slightly better with Vincent Smith taking third place with 34 points, Brenden McGovern scoring 36 points for second, but as mentioned earlier Clive Bruce put a faultless round together with a gross 75 (net 38 points) to take the lowest gross of the day and the Division One winners award.
The 2’s pot was shared between Jack Hinchey, Brenden McGovern and Graham Dietrich.
Friday, November 23, Eastern Star, Stableford
Friday we traveled to Eastern Star golf course and I would swear that every golfer from Pattaya was playing there on the day, and maybe the delayed tee off time was to blame for most golfers’ very bad scores.
In Division 1, third place went to Clive Bruce with a meager 29 points, in second was Graham Dietrich, and to his total amazement and disbelief Roger Moore won the division with 31 points.
In Division 2 the scores were not much better with Chris Platten scoring 32 points for third place, Bruce Tollitt returned 35 points for second, and the only golfer to have kept his head and blitz the opposition was Peter Henderson with a whopping 41 points.
Note: The Caddyshack is playing a four man Texas Scramble on Boxing Day (26 December) come and sign up at the Caddyshack as all are welcome.

Golfers scramble for success at Papa Ray Thanksgiving Memorial

Derek Brook
Thursday, November 22, Pattaya Country Club - Scramble
Gary Rogers said he would not let his uncle’s memory fade away, and continuing the two major scrambles, and helping to finance it, goes a long way towards it. These days the competitions are supported by the Nielsen family and run by Dave Richardson, helped by George and Derek. In fact nothing much has changed except the post-tournament food on this day was at The Cafe Kronberg. Ray would have appreciated it - he liked his beer at the ‘Round Table’.
The day started with a trip up to Pattaya Country Club where the tees, 1st and 10th, were reserved for the competition. We had a good turnout and many old faces were seen again, mind none of us gets any younger.
The wind was howling as we stood on the tee, and it was apparent this was not going to be an easy day for golf. The course was not in bad condition with grassed fairways and hard fast greens, however, it would have been nice if the holes had been round instead of ‘square’. With the wind being so strong it was difficult to hold a line on the greens, still as usual someone would beat the system.
Well we all got around, and obviously enjoyed it despite being wind blown. There is something about a scramble that is particularly enjoyable, probably seeing you are not the only one who can make a fool of him or herself. However, all good things must come to an end, and a quick shower saw us sat in the restaurant and having a snack before departing for the home ranch and the evening Buffet.
Talking of food, after a long day the vultures were on edge, and were circling long before the food was fully out. Stand still at this time and you can be trampled in the stampede. The buffet was excellent and even after the wolves had been back more than once, and were fit to burst, the table was still loaded with Turkey and other goodies.
Then it was time for Dave to do his bit, his act is well tuned after more years than we care to remember. Many of the players were in short socks when he started to refine it. Still, our ‘Admiral’ soon got underway and mentioned that Gary had presented many of the prizes, including 24 umbrellas and 16 prints of Augusta and Pinehurst, and mentioned those who helped him. Then it was down to the day’s winners.
In fourth place was the team of Ernst Hansen, Freddie Tomhill, Morten Jansper and Jan Henriksen with a score of net 57.4. In third came the team of Richard Kubicki, Carole Kubicki, Pete Hammond and Walter Bachli, just pipping them with a score of net 57.2.
We then had a bit of a drop to the team in second place when Warren Holland, Fred Ormme, Bill Ziegler and Tom Saxon came in with a very good net 56.
And so to the winners and with an excellent net 55.5 the champions were the team of Russel Exley, Tony Barrett, La Keith and Al Keith.
With the presentation over Dave got onto the best part for most of us when he got into ‘The Lucky Draw’, and all went home happy. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Noodle, Earnst Hansen, Clive Robinson, Jan Henrikson
Long Putt: Carole Kubicki, Earnst Hansen

The tournament winners pictured with Gary, Bjarne and Dave.

The runners up collect their prizes from the “Admiral”.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Wake up – seriously!

I always try and steer away from international football in The Beautiful Game? as regular readers will be aware. There are three reasons. Aside from the obvious first two that the nature of the international audience here in Pattaya means concentrating on any particular nation is going to raise a few grumbles and that international football is actually quite boring, there is the undisputable fact that unless you support Brazil or perhaps Italy, following your country is often a miserable experience.
But after the hectic week we’ve just had, as our respective nations attempted to secure qualification for the European Championship finals next summer to be held in the yodelling capitals of Austria and Switzerland, it’s worth looking at the lack of representation from the English-speaking world.
Northern Ireland didn’t make it in the end, but came remarkably close to doing so thanks to great support and the goals of international magician David Healy, whilst Wales and the Republic of Ireland will likely be concentrating on the future.
It’s Scotland who have the most to be positive about. What an utterly fantastic campaign the Tartan Army have had, and I eat my words after having initially made fun of their chances in a group that pitted them against three of the final eight sides at the last World Cup finals.
Home and away wins against France were the highlights on paper, of course, and the side were oh so close to pulling off another magnificent result against Italy, but the re-emergence of Scotland as a genuine force on the international stage will please their supporters more that any of that.
The contrasts with England couldn’t be more pronounced. “Useless, pathetic, insipid, spineless, desperate, rubbish,” The Sun reported on its website after a home defeat to Croatia sealed their fate. “England are the joke of European football,” the newspaper continued, just in case anyone hadn’t got the message.
Things didn’t get off to a good start. “We wish Steve McQueen and his team good luck,” English FA Chairman Geoff Thompson told a group of visiting dignitaries shortly before kick-off. And then things got worse.
Disorganised and with seemingly no idea what their roles were, England raced into a 2-0 deficit, came back and then threw it all away again to crash out of the qualification race at the very last hurdle. Steve McQueen himself couldn’t have orchestrated a ‘great escape’ from this one, let alone Steve McClaren.
There are many England fans that feel that this setback could be the best thing to happen to the English game in quite some time, and you can see why. McClaren has taken the side backwards during his short and disastrous tenure in the hot-seat. Millionaire footballers that are fawned over week-in, week-out in the Premier League where they perform at their peak looked unable to string more than a couple of passes together in the white shirt of England.
Why? Well if you listen to the opinions from the media and those of a number of callers to radio phone-ins it’s all about a lack of passion. The players don’t try hard enough, they say.
They’re entitled to their opinion, but if you ask me it’s exactly the opposite. The players tried TOO hard, pumping long balls across the pitch and running around like proverbial headless chickens in a desperate attempt to get back into the match against the savvy Croats.
Sometimes that approach works and sometimes it doesn’t, but the problem at the very heart of the English (and often British) game is that the players lack the technical ability and know-how to compete with their continental counterparts. The English superstars of the Premier League may look great alongside their teammates at club level but it appears that, when put together for England, nobody has the faintest idea what they’re doing.
That little problem won’t be solved by any new manager, from O’Neill to Capello to Mourinho or whoever else is in the running for the job as you read this. Sure, things might improve in the short term with someone in charge with more ideas than Second-Choice Steve, but it’s the fundamentals of how British players approach the game that’s the problem.
“To go two up was almost too easy,” said the visiting manager, Slaven Bilic. “I read that people said no Croatian player would make the England team. Wake up, seriously. There shouldn’t be a scapegoat, like there was with Paul Robinson in Zagreb. We were just the better team out there.”
Today is not the time for analysing all the problems in the English game, we’ll leave that for someone else. But in the meantime England might do well to start realising that quality players don’t automatically equal a quality team. England’s footballers, along with its media, need to start respecting the opposition and concentrate on making themselves extremely difficult to beat.
You hear all the time about coaches visiting European destinations to see how things are done, trying to learn new approaches from their neighbours. Here’s an idea - how about they start in Scotland this time around?
Then Again…
Perhaps it’s got nothing to do with any of the above. Maybe it’s a fault of the opera singer hired to sing the Croatian national anthem at Wembley who inadvertently raised the spirits of the Croatian players.
Tony Henry belted out a version of the Croat anthem before the 80,000 crowd almost perfectly, but, like England’s campaign, things came unstuck at the end. Henry should have sung ‘Mila kuda si planina,’ which translated roughly means ‘You know my dear how we love your mountains’.
Instead he crooned ‘Mila kura si planina,’ which can be interpreted as ‘My dear, my penis is a mountain’.
“He’s been given the lyrics correctly but he has enough trouble with English, never mind Croatian,” joked his manager Douglas Gillespie. “There were 80,000 people in the crowd and millions of people watching. It was just the pressure of the moment. He did sing it very well and made a very, very small mistake for someone doing his best and singing in a language that is alien to him. If you’ve ever tried to speak Croatian, it’s very difficult.”
“The Croatians think it’s great”, continued Gillespie, “and they’ve invited him to come over and sing at Euro 2008, and asked if he will be their mascot.”
Ludicrous
“Time and again different goalkeepers were brought into the squad - Chris Kirkland and Ben Foster were selected in the early stages, then Scott Carson and Robert Green and finally myself. But until the Austria game, and other than Paul Robinson, only Ben Foster - in the friendly against Spain - started a match. In the meantime the number-two goalkeeper sitting on the bench rotated between five of us. It’s ludicrous.” David James tells it like it is.
Security worry for 2010
Concerns over safety at the 2010 World Cup were heightened at the weekend when a friend of the former World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer was shot dead in on the eve of the preliminary draw in Durban.
Pieter Burgstaller, an Austrian former professional goalkeeper with SV Salzburg, died from gunshot wounds suffered on a golf course on Friday in a suspected robbery. The incident once again questions FIFA’s wisdom in holding the tournament in South Africa, whose crime problems are probably up there with a certain seaside resort on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.
However in more pleasing news, German team manager, Oliver Bierhoff, had his briefcase stolen at his hotel yesterday. “It could happen anywhere,” said the former striker. “South Africa is trying very hard - I hope nothing else happens - but we won’t be able to move so freely as we are used to at World Cups.”
This weekend
A full set of Premier League fixtures on the cards this weekend to take the blues away. I fancy Aston Villa against Arsenal as being the one to watch, and that’s the late game tomorrow night (early Sunday morning Pattaya time). Blackburn and Newcastle could be a good one, and Chelsea kick things off tomorrow at home to West Ham. See you next week.

Rick blows the field away with 47 points

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Paul Donahue
The Three Sisters 13 November showing was a bit sparse with many of its members either back at work or visiting the homeland. A loyal core showed up to play under beautiful skies and almost no wind to speak of.

Rick Murphy, right, celebrates his great round with second placed Sus Inge.

The top two champions had been picked and their picture taken when all of a sudden Rick Murphy came in late with a whopping 47 points. (Tony Oaks please note for handicap adjustment). Not surprisingly that 47-point haul took top honors ahead of Sus Inge (36pts) in second.
With Rick taking top billing, Paul Kraft’s 33 points was pushed out of second place. Dale Murphy (no relative) came in with a respectable 32. Joe (no-show) Albright graced our group today bringing with him his son and grandson in from Seattle for a visit.

Dinan dominates at Burapha

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, November 19, Burapha, Stableford
Burapha A & B Nines were to be the test for the day, and with a high wind it was expected they were to be a difficult test, except that these Nines are usually played well.

Kevin Dinan scored a “best of the day” 44 points to win at Burapha.

On this day they were both in fine condition and a pleasure to play, and as a bonus the course was relatively quiet. Mind it is never really quiet here as with 36 holes the management can spread the load.
With a large field we had two flights with the A Flight being from 0 to 18. The scores were really good with Gordon Dunican winning with 42 points ahead of the ever-consistent Richard Kubicki in second with 40 points. In third was Lee Dunnecliffe with 38 points and in fourth was Robert Avery with 36 points.
In the B Flight, 19-upwards, we also had excellent scores. The winner with 44 points, best score of the day, was Kevin Dinan; when Kevin wins he usually comes in with a great score. In second was P.Singh Basi with 39 points while Jan Lovgren was in third with 38 points on count back ahead of Per Olav Baarli in fourth and Laurence Harding just missing out. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Chris Shepard (2), Jack Watkins, Martin Topham
Long Putt: Klaus Wormsbeher, Mike Herridge

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Straight away The Square Ring would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej who was born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A. As everyone knows His Majesty is a big fan and supporter of the sport of boxing, having been recognized by the WBC with special honors.
How old is His Majesty this year? Well he can be any age he wants because His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej is a king - and kings make the rules.
Another king, this one also a Don, missed his big promotion of the Fernando Vargas (26-4)-Ricardo Mayorga (27-6-1) fight last Friday. Don King spent Thanksgiving with U.S. troops at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and then viewed the fight via satellite with U.S. troops in Iraq.
“I was supposed to be at Staples Center in Los Angeles for Vargas vs. Mayorga on the day after Thanksgiving, but there is nothing more important to me than the men and women serving in our great American armed services,” said King. “They are the vanguard of our nation, and when I was invited to visit I wanted to be there for them.”
Seems that maybe others also found a reason not to attend Vargas-Mayorga. The day of the fight the following press release was issued.
“Promoters have rescaled the house at the Staples Arena to make more $50 seats available. The event has become a hot ticket in LA, however seats remain available in all price categories.”
The “hot ticket” fight drew 10,365 into an arena that could seat considerably more. Let me get this straight, the event’s a “hot ticket” item so you’re going to lower the price of tickets? Yeah right! And the winner of the fight?
Well the old crazy guy, that would be Ricardo Mayorga, now 28-6-1, reinvented himself to score a majority decision over Fernando Vargas 114-112, 115-111, with one lone Latino holding out for his hero 113-113. Fact is that it was a pretty darn good fight for two guys that many thought were done, packed away and shipped off.
Vargas will retire (yet again) while Mayorga says, “In February I’m going to start working to go down to 147lbs. I’m coming after Cotto and I’m coming after Mayweather and I want to show the world that I’m the champion of the 147lb division.”
The Vargas fight was at 168lb so he’ll have to do lots of South Beach Diet and Slim Fast to reach 147. Mayorga is a true character who makes boxing interesting.
The Square Ring had an epiphany last week and is now out of the darkness walking into the light of day. This column has tried to nail down the reasons for the demise of boxing as a major sport. The fastest growing sport is the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). The UFC, based in Las Vegas, is run by former Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Marc Ratner. Last year they did $48 million US Dollars from pay-per-view. This year, with growth, they’ll do more than $248 million. The UFC anticipates that with international exposure proceeds will exceed 1 billion in the next couple of years.
The President of the UFC, Dana White, was asked the secret of the UFC’s success? “We do what boxing doesn’t”, he replied.
Some months ago the attorney for Iron Mike Tyson was shedding crocodile tears because “no one cared about Mike.” Well now it seems at least someone does.
Last September Tyson changed his plea to guilty on charges of felony drug possession and driving under the influence. Last week Arizona’s Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Helene Abrams threw the book at Tyson. She sentenced him to 24 hours in jail, fined him $3,600 and will require 360 hour’s of community service.
The title of the book thrown was probably “I Love You Mike.” Way to go Judge! Tyson “did the crime and now will do the hard time.” What a farce. One has to wonder what world the judge lives in, certainly not in the world of The Square Ring or Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
“This is a bad message for the courts to send”, Arpaio told the Arizona Republic. “It looks like if you’re a celebrity you get different treatment.”
Arpaio is famous in the USA for his approach to law enforcement. He houses jail inmates in a tent city, gives them two bologna sandwiches for lunch and makes them wear pink underwear.
Tyson’s attorney told the judge that his client had taken 29 drug tests without a relapse since his December 2006 arrest and that he’s attended Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Well isn’t that just special - about the same as a killer finding God on his deathbed.
Tyson issued a statement outside the courtroom thanking everyone for “helping him.”
“Now I look forward to spending time with my children,” commented Tyson. Yeah right, that’s what I want, Tyson spending time with children.
The AP reported that Sheriff Joe Arpaio said ‘Iron’ Mike sat on his bunk and read the book “American Gangster” to pass the time. He spent 24 hours alone in a tent separated from the general population by a fence. Arpaio added that the meals served to the inmates on Tuesday were a bologna ‘brunch’ and Sloppy Joe’s for dinner.
Tyson’s attorney David Chesnoff, said he was appalled by Arpaio’s treatment of his client. “The sheriff would be better off encouraging people to deal with their addictions the way Mike has,” Chesnoff said. “He’d probably have less visitors to his jail.”
Gotta love attorneys. What’s the old joke? “What do you call 1,000 attorneys at the bottom of the sea?” Answer – “A darn good start.”
Chesnoff may have to represent Tyson again soon. Shown on TV in the courthouse Tyson was smoking a cigarette which is against the law in Arizona (smoking in a building). If cited this offense could land him hard time like maybe 50 years. Watch out for the smoking Nazis Mr. Chesnoff, they will show you what tough justice is.
How about “Joltin” Joe Calzaghe and Clinton Woods next year? Could be. Woods looking for a big money bout has said, “There have been talks and money’s been offered. I could be ready in March or April. I’d be a massive underdog, but I’d fancy my chances against him. And for the British public, it’s far bigger than Calzaghe against Bernard Hopkins.”
That’s true but with all due respect to the homeland of Jeeves, the money for “Joltin” Joe is in a New York fight against Hopkins. The only hope for Woods is if Hopkins opts for a rematch with Roy Jones jr.
“Calzaghe’s not going to prove anything by beating a 42-year-old Hopkins. The British public aren’t worried about the Hopkins fight. He lost two against Jermain Taylor [in 2005], who’s just been beaten by Kelly Pavlik. I think Roy Jones would be a better fight for Hopkins because there’s still a bit of needle between them. I still think Roy Jones is a force to be reckoned with, in his last two fights he’s looked very good,” said Woods. He’s got a point but with Jones, “looking very good” is always relative.
This Saturday night in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Wayne “The Pocket Rocket” McCullough (27-6) gets back in the ring after more than a 16 months respite. He’s in really tough against youngster Kiko Martinez (17-0) with power for 14 KO’s.
Martinez had 16 fights in his homeland of Spain where he was fighting an assortment of “Euro” career builders with a couple of Algerian camel jockey’s tossed in before he accepted a fight in Dublin against 24-0 Bernard Dunne. Martinez was a big underdog but it only took him 1:27 seconds and 2 knockdowns to dispose of Mr. Dunne and his unbeaten record. Our Pal ‘The Pocket Rocket” is in tough but then he’s got a lot of tough in him.
Thailand’s Petchthongkam Sithprakaifah (2-4-1) thought the best way to break a three-fight losing streak was to pop over to Tokyo for a match against Takehiro Shimada (21-3-1). Bad idea as he got put to sleep at 2:27 of the 3rd round. As this makes four losses in a row it might be time for plan “B” - cause Plan “A” seems to have hit a “dead bill.”
Received an e-mail from a well-known boxing professional who agrees 100% with The Square Ring in regard to disposed New Jersey Major Domo Larry Hazzard.
“Happy to hear about Hazard … he was a bonafide (small expletive deleted) and was not that good of a referee. He, like so many others, thought more of himself than the boxers.”
So save your crocodile tears for others. One “journalist” wrote a fawning story in regard to Hazzard and how he’s been maligned. In part he wrote, “Hazzard has been credited with over the years the development of the 10-point majority.”
That is total BS. The lover continues, “Hazzard was considered the best referee in the business.” Only by himself and his appointed lackeys.
Hazzard was also well known for stopping fights before some of his referees did, except that isn’t the commissioners business. A Referee has to referee. Gosh you got to love those “lips on the back of the lap journalist.”
Another e-mail via most honored sports editor takes The Square Ring to task thanks to Jeeves.
The email begins: “I think if you use that ‘Jeeves’ and ‘Lordship’ one more time, in your column, I will croak! I, and many of my friends enjoy reading your column but is that ‘Jeeves’ and ‘Lordship’ s**t necessary? It gives the reader the opinion that you think that in some mundane way you feel you are superior to the reader. I personally know this is not so. So Howie, do us a big favor and delete that ‘Jeeves’ and ‘Lordship’ from your column. Love, Betty.”
The e-mail was sent by someone named Bruce but signed as Betty which should provide some clues.
Ok Jeeves, check out your usual night haunts and get back to me on this Betty/Bruce person. Taking Bruce/Betty at “it’s” word “it” will probably not be reading this reply as “it” stated “If you use “Jeeves” or “Lordship” one more time “I will croak!”
With that in mind Bruce/Betty may be appearing in a lily pond near you as this is read. That aside I must confess that I do not think, even in a mundane way, that I am superior to the reader. My Manservant and loyal sidekick Jeeves does, but he has a right to his opinion. I remember the words of football coach Bill Parcels. “If you listen to the fans in the stands eventually you’ll be sitting with them.”
Let’s celebrate the completion of yet another award winning column with lager and cigars. Life is good.

That’s Peter Henshaw with November’s Medal

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, November 11, Green Valley – White Tees, Monthly Medal (Stroke)
A Flight
1st Bob Newell (12) net 69
2nd Sugar Robertson (8) net 71
3rd Ian Grout (10) net 76
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (16) net 67
2nd Colm Mullen (16) net 71
3rd Colin Davis (13) net 73
C Flight
1st Peter Ring (23) net 69
2nd Paul Ryan (26) net 75
3rd Larry Nicholas (18) net 77
Ladies Flight
1st Trudy Chadbourn (23) net 77
2nd Lyn Foote (29) net 80
Near Pins: #2: Bob Lindborg; #9: Bill Peach, #12: Sugar Robertson; #16: Brian Wood
2’s: Sugar Robertson, Don Lehmer, Jim Munns, Chris Davisson, Vic Hester, Seamus Cotter, Peter Ring
Peter Henshaw, the leader of a pack of family members who have graced the Society’s doors, showed them and the rest of the field how to play on this Sunday. His B Flight winning net 67 was two clear of newly arrived A Flighter, Bob Newell, and the in form C Flighter, Peter Ring, and thereby qualifies him for the 2007 Gold Medal competition.
In B Flight, Peter Henshaw was four clear of a fellow Irishman, Colm Mullen, whose net score was one under handicap. The Donkey GM rounded out the men’s middle flight.
The aforementioned Bob Newell was two clear of the possessor of the day’s Low Gross (79), Sugar Robertson. Ian Grout and Don Lehmer were both surprised when their net 76’s stood knotted for A Flight third, but only Ian left smiling.
Peter Ring became the second Irishman on the day to stand on the top step of the podium, in this case C Flight, as his net 69 was six clear of Paul Ryan and another two in front of the Crustacean.
In the Ladies Flight, Trudy Chadbourn’s net 77 was three clear of the tandem of Lyn Foote and Mol Thongkiew. The lass from Downunder had the better of her Thai counterpart in the count back.
Monday, November 12, Mountain Shadow – Blue Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Gordon Kerr (11) 33pts
2nd Colm Mullen (16) 32pts
B Flight
1st Richard Mitchell (18) 33pts
2nd Matt Doyle (18) 31pts
2’s: Dave Driscoll, Brian Kent Cooper
The wind was blowing and that just made a tough course tougher as 33 points took both flights.
Gordon Kerr was the benefactor in A Flight and Richard Mitchell in B Flight. Gordon was followed in closely by Colm Mullen’s 32 points and Richard by Matthew Doyle 31.
Wednesday, November 14, Greenwood A & C – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Andrew Byrne (13) 41pts
2nd Brian Dunbar (12) 38pts
3rd Colin Davis (16) 38pts
B Flight
1st Herb Pastor (28) 43pts
2nd Dave Driscoll (20) 42pts
3rd Colm Mullen (16) 37pts
2’s: Brian Dunbar (2), Colin Davis
Herb Pastor (I guess he could be Herbshore) was MoM with a rousing 43 points, but he needed everyone of them to edge that Alaskan fisherman, Capt. Dave, for the top spot in B Flight. Colm Mullen had the better inward nine as he prevailed in a count back over The Man of Leisure.
Irishman Andrew Byrne topped out A Flight with a three-point spread over Brian Dunbar, Colin Davis and Sugar Robertson. A count back sorted out the trio with Brian Dunbar having the best of it and Sugar the worst of it.
Friday, November 16,
The Emerald – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Kevin McEntee (10) 39pts
2nd Brian Dunbar (12) 36pts
3rd Gareth Gill (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st Matt Doyle (18) 37pts
2nd Dave Driscoll (20) 31pts
3rd Chaten Patel (17) 28pts
2’s: Peter Hynard
Kevin McEntee was best in A Flight and on the day with 29 points, leaving Brian Dunbar in second for the second comp in a row. Gareth Gill sent Sugar to his second count back loss in as many outings as the big Brit claimed a Flight third.
Matt Doyle ran away from the duo of The Rajah and The Man of Leisure. Like Sugar in A Flight, Eddy lost his second count back in as many comps.
Peter Hynard had the only ‘2’ on the day. A Missing Persons Alert was issued immediately after the money changed hands.
Note: This concludes The Scribe’s etchings after an estimated 260 articles on 1,040 competitions (give or take a few due to hangovers and apathy). So long, it’s been fun.

In-form Page secures a double

Jomtien Golf with the I.P.G.C.

Monday, November 19, Plutaluang, Stableford
An interesting combination today and one welcomed by many as we opted to play the North and South courses; the only disappointment was that the sprinklers were being used and it created a few soggy fairways, but that’s life.
With no rollovers in the 2’s it was all to play for in each division, but yet again there were no 2’s in Division 1. Joe Kubon and Page Thomas both got birdies on the 6th North and shared the pot in the second division.
Some very steady scoring today with Bruce Lawrence winning Division 1 with 35 points, one point behind was Howard Stanley, and in third was Douglas Ruhen with 33 points.
Tarja Kankainen won the second division with 37 points, whilst Page Thomas and Les Halll both came in with 36 points but Page’s back nine count back of 21/20 pipped Les for second.
Nearest the pins went to Andy Mills (2) Anita Davies, Page Thomas (2), Miss Nom and Jill Stanley.
Wednesday, November 21, Greenwood, Stableford
With the A course shut today it was the first time for a few of our members that they had ever played the C course, and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Three players, Chris Holmes, Bob Martin and Timo, shared the rolled over 2’s pot in the first division, whilst Tony Sawyer picked up the only one in the second flight.
With very forward white tees on the majority of the holes we all knew that this would be reflected in the scores today. In form Page Thomas won Division 2 with 39 points, beating Dave Ross by one point whilst in third place was Jim Lane with 36 points.
Similar scoring was seen in Division 1 where Keith Hector took third with 37 points, our new dad Andy Mills secured second with 39 points and Jim Connelly won with 40 points.
Nearest the pins went to Bob Martin (2), Andy Mills, Tapini, Tony Duthie, William Chang, Les Hall and Paul Quodomine.
Friday, November 23, Eastern Star, Stableford
With a maximum turnout today, the cut was made at 16 and under with 18 players in each division fighting for four payout places.
In Division 2, Russell Benson’s 31 points got him in the frame finishing fourth, two better was Jim Lane in third, in second place with 35 points was Richard Kings and the division winner with 36 points was Page Thomas.
Improving her game each week before her departure back to the UK for a couple of weeks, Anita Davies finished fourth in the top division with 32 points, John Cunningham took second over Howard Stanley on a 17/16 count back after both finished with 34 points, and the winner in Division 1 was Paavo with 35 points.
Note: With a maximum turnout three times last week, which is surprising for this time of the year, there will now be a month’s schedule on the board for the regulars to sign up at each course on the specified dates.
Also, with the new bar being totally renovated and with an expected opening date of later this week we are all looking forward to the return. Many thanks to Burnie and Jules for relocating us at their bar in View Talay 1, for this period.

Chaos reigns at Century

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, November 19,Burapha,Stableford
Div A (0-9)
1st Jack Spencer (7) 36pts
2nd Bob Rasmussen (9) 35pts
3rd Clive Robinson (6) 34pts
Div B (10–15)
1st Des Scott (10) 36pts
2nd Mick Leighton (12) 34pts
3rd Paul Lavender (14) 33pts
Div C (16–19)
1st Paul Taylor (19) 38pts
2nd Paul Crosland (19) 36pts
3rd Sugar Ray (18) 35pts
Div D (20+)
1st Dennis Persson (22) 35pts
2nd Norm Martin (22) 34pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (20) 33pts
Forty outbackers joined our regular Monday venue where we played the C & D courses; it was just as well, since a similar number from the Kronberg were on A & B. Nice to see the farangs overwhelming the Koreans this time of year.
It was a fast round, around 4 hours, and Jack Spencer continued his run of form, picking up 1 point, to stay at the top of the November ladder. Sugar Ray, who slipped from the top spot by picking up minus points at Plutaluang last Friday, kept in touch with a hard fought 35 stableford points - worth 1 point for the ladder.
The Hat went to Derek Young because he was going home and there were four birdie 2’s recorded by Alan Bishop, Bob Rasmussen, Dave Mawford & Don Francis.
Wednesday, November 21, Century Chonburi, Stableford
What can be said about this course, other that we were there by mistake and should have been at Treasure Hills! Double booked with many others we were dismissed to the 10th Tee. Unfortunately when rounding the turn we were confronted by many disgruntled Thais as we muscled our way through. You can’t blame them and we did make our apologies. Hats off to the management!! Shan’t be rushing back there!
There was only one ‘2’ recorded and it was Jack Spencer that got it.
Div A (0-19)
1st Harvey Samuel (19) 38pts
2nd Jack Moseley (10) 33pts
3rd Paul Crosland (19) 32pts
4th Suzi Lawten (15) 32pts
Div B (20+)
1st Patrick Browne (26) 35pts
2nd John Morel (23) 31pts
3rd Brendon Dougle (20) 29pts
Friday, November 23, Pattaya Country Club, Stableford
Div A (0 -18)
1st Alan Pearce (18) 35pts
2nd Sugar Ray (18) 35pts
3rd Suzi Lawten (15) 32pts
Div B (19+)
1st Fred Theobald (27) 36pts
2nd Trudy Chadbourn (27) 35pts
3rd Joachem (28) 34pts
It was an arid, rock-hard course that greeted us with wind-dried lightning fast greens. I would like to meet the person that said this course is easy, as the scores reflected - the only player who managed to equal or better their handicap was Fred Theobald.
With only two more rounds of the November ladder to go, four of the top five contenders continued to do battle. Regrettably three of them failed to improve their points tally with only Sugar Ray picking up a point to draw level with Jack Spencer at the top.
The Hat went to Jingjo for a splendid 14 pts, and there were three 2’s by Jack Spencer (again), Kathy Doody (welcome back) and the other Jack, Jack Moseley.
All riveting stuff I’m sure you’ll agree or do you prefer a bit of a joke at a few mates’ expense? If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474. More information can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.

Roar & Kjell by a whisker

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, November 19, Eastern Star, Stableford
1st Bill McGavrie 38pts
2nd Barry Traynor 35pts
3rd Stephen Snelgrove 34pts
4th Mike Rushant 34pts
Bill McGavrie made it a good farewell to Pattaya with a very useful two-under round that was easily enough to see off the challenge of Barry Traynor in second and Stephen Snelgrove and Mike Rushant in third and fourth respectively.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Dave Ross slotted one in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes ‘The Doc’ welcomed new members David Sadler, David Steward and John Perry and also welcomed back Dave Ross.
Wednesday, November 21, Mountain Shadow, Pars Scramble
1st Roar Berger & Kjell Christiansen 49pts
2nd Norman Isherwood & Tony Barritt 48pts
3rd Barry Winton & Russell Exley 44pts
4th Dave Howden & Paul Simpson 43pts
5th Chris Adkin & Terry Pead 43pts
6th Peter Brown & Bob Morrissey 42pts
A very good turn out for the monthly 2-person scramble saw the long shots of Roar and Kjell just slip by Norman and Tony on the last two holes as they truly scrambled to victory. From a couple of very unlikely tee shots they managed to finish net birdie, net birdie, and claim the days spoils by one point.
Norman blamed it all on his partner for not buying any of the new clubs currently on “special offer” on the notice board and trying to rely on old technology and the old crossed fingers putting grip.
Barry Winton, who is at last starting to make regular appearances again, took full advantage of Russells drives, second shots, chips and putts, and some very well posed positions after the swing, whilst giving his partner great verbal support to edge out Dave and Paul for third place.
Newcomers Chris and Terry just finished ahead of their playing partners Peter and Bob to claim the last spot on the podium.
Two teams had a ‘2’, Bob Morrissey & Peter Brown and Norman Isherwood & Tony Barritt, but due to the format there were no 2’s to be played for but they all got a mention to cheer them up instead.
Prior to the prize giving Terry Pead, Chris Adkin and Peter Brown were welcomed as new members and Bob Morrissey and Peter Aitcheson were welcomed back.
Friday, November 23, Emerald, Stableford
Division 1
1st Tony Thorne 38pts
2nd Lee Duneclift 36pts
3rd Yasuo Suzuki 35pts
4th Chris Davisson 35pts
Division 2 (14+)
1st Rick Bevington 38pts
2nd Brian Kelly 35pts
3rd Paul Taylor 34pts
4th Peter Aitcheson 34pts
Ladies Division
1st Anna Donnestad 32pts
2nd Paula Virolainen 28pts
3rd Olli Helling 26pts
Another large contingent meant that there had to be three divisions to be played over the Emerald.
Anna Donnestad playing off her 4 handicap showed real class in the difficult conditions, with the wind blowing seemingly half a gale and the greens wickedly quick, to claim first spot in the Ladies. Paula Virolainen did well to stay fairly close in second and ahead of Olli Rainer by a couple of strokes.
In the second division, Rick Bevington played the best round since arriving several weeks ago to record his first win out of The Haven for some time, which was at the expense of Brian Kelly who thought that one-over on the day might just be enough in the conditions. Paul Taylor just got the better of Peter Aitcheson for third place.
In the first division Tony Thorne overcame the conditions to record a steady two-under and consign Lee Duneclift to second as he slid in a very nice birdie on the last, a par 5, following a tremendous drive that left him almost in pitching distance of the green. Yasuo Suzuki took the last podium position by count back from Chris Davisson.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but in the first division Anna Donnestad had one and Yasuo Suzuki had two.
Back at The Haven “Doc Shufflealong” welcomed new members Anna Donnestad, Wenche Skeisvoll, Paula and Maura Virolainen and Svein Bjornsen and also welcomed back Olli and Rainer Helling together with Rick Bevington and Doug Campbell, before presenting the prizes.
He also gave notice that Richard Livingston is expected to return to England in the near future and suggested that a collection be started to assist Richard with the expense, which would culminate at the 3-Person better ball tournament that will be held on December 7 at The Emerald.

A bridge too far? Not for Ray

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, November 20, Greenwood C & B White (Yellow)
Tees - Stableford
1st Ulrich Nachbar (25) 40pts
2nd Jeff Wylie (7) 38pts
3rd Jim Walton (22) 37pts
Nine of us turned out on Tuesday - welcome to new participant Tony! The course was very short to the extent that scores will be reported to the handicapper as off the yellow tees and the high average score was 33 points.

Tuesday’s winners: Ulrich Nachbar and Jim Walton (right) - he with his black and white kit bag.

Jeff Wylie bagged two near pins and the longest 1st putt on the 18th green. David Gardner had another near pin with the fourth being left to the course fairies.
By popular demand from a very wide audience Jim Walton, having played himself onto the winner’s rostrum, was persuaded to show off his now infamous brand new ever-so-posh black and white St Andrews 2000 kit bag. Poser!!
Thursday, November 22, Plutaluang N & W White Tees - Stableford
1st Ray Allison (14) 37pts
2nd Jeff Wylie (7) 36pts
3rd Bob Drumm (9) 36pts
4th Jim Walton (27) 31pts
5th David Gardner (7) 31pts
Near Pins: (N3 & 8W) Jeff Wylie, (W3) Bruce Lawrence, (N6) Jim Walton.
Longest 1st Putt on 18: Bob Drumm.
Fifteen golfers materialized for Thursday’s outing to the ever-popular Plutaluang Navy venue.
On making a return to this group, Kiwi Ray Allison enjoyed what can only be described as a remarkable stroke of good fortune on his way to racking up his winning score. Witnessed by the scribe, he struck his ball onto the left shoulder of North 3 (the lighthouse hole) only to see it jump off left and head for the water. However, his ball bounced onto the wooden bridge and then proceeded to bump across it. A goner for sure. But not to be this day, the ball somehow rolled shakily to rest on the bridge itself. Thereafter Ray made a par!
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the weekly format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Record field heads to Bangpra

PSC golf from the Travellers Rest

Report & Photo Barry Hooper
Monday, November 19, Green Valley, Stableford
A Flight
1st John Merritt (15) 35pts
2nd Peter Seward (14) 33pts
3rd Eve Neilson (15) 33pts
B Flight
1st Brian Prudden (20) 35pts
2nd John O’Leary (17) 32pts
3rd Eddie Townsend (17) 31pts
2’s: None
Near pins: Randall Barker, Fergus Brennan, Peter Seward, Eddie Townsend
Monday’s outing was to Green Valley where John Merritt took the A Flight with 35 points from Peter Seward in second whilst Brian Prudden, also 35 points, triumphed in the B Flight with John O’Leary taking the runner-up prize. There were no 2’s on the day and the near pins went to Fergus Brennan, Randall Barker, Peter Seward and Eddie Townsend.
Tuesday, November 20, Khao Kheow, Stableford
A Flight (0-15)
1st Phil Knight (10) 36pts
2nd John Merritt (15) 35pts
3rd Ray Trembath (11) 35pts
4th Lee Duneclift (8) 33pts
B Flight (16 up)
1st Les Burns (33) 34pts
2nd John O’Leary (17) 34pts
3rd Eddie Townsend (17) 34pts
4th Peter Singh Basi (23) 33pts
2’s: None
Near Pins: Colin Cronin, Nijole Murtagh, Stuart Rogers, Marlene Prudden
Tuesday and off to Khao Kheow where play was off the yellow tees on the B and C courses. Phil Knight found form and took the A Flight with 36 points and second and third spots were decided on a count back with John Merritt on top of Ray Trembath, both on 35 points.
Into the B Flight and Les Burns has returned from Oz still on form and he secured a win in a three-way count back on 34 points over John O’Leary second and Eddie Townsend third.
There were no 2’s winners again and the nearest pins went to Colin Cronin, (Smiler) Nijole Murtagh, Stuart Rogers and Marlene Prudden.
Thursday, November 22, Bangpra, Stableford A Flight (0-15)
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 35pts
2nd Bob Dearnley (14) 35pts
3rd Eve Neilson (15) 33pts
4th Ray Trembath (11) 33pts
B Flight (16-20)
1st Frank Kelly (16) 38pts
2nd Mike Winfield (20) 35pts
3rd Keith Marsden (16) 33pts
4th Randall Barker (16) 33pts
C Flight (21 up)
1st Eddie Grogan (21) 35pts
2nd Jackie Mc Pherson (22) 34pts
3rd Andy Galvin (21) 34pts
2’s: Triple Roll Over - 7 winners
Near Pins: Jackie MacPherson, Lee Duneclift, Frank Kelly, Eve Nielson
The outing on Thursday to Bangpra produced the biggest number of players (54) for us at the start of the High Season. In order to accommodate everyone we organised three flights with starts at the first and the tenth tees.

Saturday winners: Lawrence Harding, Frank Kelly, Jackie MacPherson, Thomas Jonansson, with the staff at the Travellers Rest in traditional Thai costumes.

Flight A saw Fergus Brennan maintain his form and win with 35 points on count back from Bob Dearnley. Eve Neilson took third spot with another count back 33 from Ray Trembath.
Flight B went to Frank Kelly from Mike Winfield in second and the C Flight had Eddie Grogan in first slot ahead of Jackie MacPherson in second and Andy Galvin third, both with 34 points.
The 2’s pot was a triple roll over and seven players shared the spoils. The near pins went to Jackie MacPherson, Lee Duneclift, Frank Kelly and Eve Neilson.
Saturday, November 17, Eastern Star, Stableford
A Flight (0-17)
1st Thomas Johansson (6) 38pts
2nd Frank Kelly (15) 37pts
3rd John O’Leary (17) 37pts
4th Lee Duneclift (8) 35pts
B Flight (18 up)
1st Lawrence Harding (22) 38pts
2nd Jackie MacPherson (22) 37pts
3rd Kemjila Pawapho (36) 29pts
4th Don MacPherson (21) 28pts
2’s: Frank Kelly, Thomas Johansson, Philip Knight
Near Pins: John O’Leary, Eamon Murtagh, Graham Buckingham, Nijole Murtagh
Saturday and it was back to Eastern Star after a two week break. A sizeable turnout bearing in mind it was Loy Krathong.
Thomas Johansson took the A flight with 38 points despite having advised us that he had a very hard session on the Thai whisky the previous night. Maybe there is a message in their somewhere for those lacking form. Frank Kelly was in second spot on count back from John O’Leary.
The B Flight had Lawrence Harding at the top with 38 points followed by Jackie MacPherson on 37. But the surprise of the day had to be the face of Kemjila Pawapho, who has only recently been introduced to the game, when advised that she had won third spot. Well done “Kem”
On an extra note on Wednesday, Nov 21, a Bar/Hotel warming party was held with a full programme of live music, karaoke from the audience and the usual food supplies. A very large turnout of our regular golfers and residents of the hotel were present. A Big thank you goes to Fergus and Poopay for an excellent evening. Good Luck from all of us for the future.
Reminder - If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at7:45 am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

‘Elvis’ takes over the reins as Phoenix golfers party into the night

Phoenix members group 2nd Annual Captain’s Handover Competition and Party

From L-R: Elvis enters the building; “I got no strings but watch where you put that hand mate.”;  The magical hula dancers strut their stuff; Ladies B Flight winner Pia Haarslev with Angela Poustie and Ben Hogstrom

Mike Gerrard
Sunday, November 18, Phoenix Lake & Ocean
How time flies. It does not seem 1 year since Ron Bridge handed the captaincy over to Ben Hogstrom at the Beach Club Bangsaray.
That alone was so successful that we wondered how we could improve the following year.
Well, we did. We had a full field of 60 players participate for 14 major prizes, plus many technical and lucky draw prizes.
With 15 groups signed up the start was relatively easy, with all players knowing their respective tee times in advance. Not like our other days when we have total chaos just before our 1st tee time.
Lake and Ocean was the challenge today and as usual the course is now in pristine condition for the high season. The greens are proving to be quite fast and tricky though.
Our first thanks for the day must go to Uli Leuenberger, who, although he did not play, had donated all the 14 major prizes to commemorate his 70th Birthday.
Secondly thanks to Ben Hogstrom, as this was his last day as captain and after tirelessly organising the day, and starting everyone, he too decided not to play. We know what he was up to. After he had started everyone, he went to the party venue to organise the room for the evening’s entertainment. And guess what he was doing all afternoon whilst discussing the arrangements with the venue manager at the bar? He deserved it.
So it was that everyone made their way to the Beach Club at Bangsaray, where we were greeted with a complimentary drink and escorted to our tables.
A great time was had by all, with good food from the buffet and nice background music from our duo.
It was time for the cabaret and after a few songs from Neil Diamond, on came the star of the show. Freshly dug up from the crypt we had a grand entrance from Elvis Presley (both acts performed by yours truly)
Vibeke Poulsen sporting the Teddy Boy gear and giving a strong performance of “The Wonder of You.” Then we had David Czernie, Richard Tzerskieviche and Geoff Bowers as our beautiful hula hula dancers for the “Rock A Hula.” This was followed by a brilliant Swedish sing-song accompanied by traditional accordion player.
After all this it was time to present the prizes for the day. This was performed by the outgoing captain, Ben Hogstrom and ably assisted by Angela Poustie.
The low gross for men was won, with a superb score of gross 77 from our chairman, Ron Bridge. The Ladies low gross was won with another good score of 82 from Mayo Deane.
The Men’s A Flight was won by Richard Tzerskieviche on 40pts, with Kevin Bird second on 39pts and Neil McAllister taking third place with 37pts.
Men’s B Flight was won by Niels Johanessen with 40pts over David Czernie’s 37pts in second and Bob Stor third with 36 Pts.
The Ladies A Flight went to Prakong Robinson with 40pts on count back over Annette Haroldsson in second and Pia Loquist claimed third spot with 38pts.
Ladies B Flight was won by Pia Haarslev with 38pts, second was Bibbi Wimmerstedt with 36pts and third was Kirsten Lillilund with 33pts.
For our guests, who could not qualify for the major prizes, first place went to Ann Welt with 37pts, second was Premsiri Brady with 35pts and third was Jan van Houtven with 33pts.
Technical prizes were awarded to Kitty Stor, Anne Welt, Premsiri Brady, Pia Haarslev, Prakong Robinson, Bob Deane, Peder Haroldson, Jeff Cargill, Don Lavoie and Jan van Houtven. Special prizes went to Pia Haarslev and Niels Johannessen for the best total points on the four par three’s.
The prize draw then took place and anyone going home empty handed was extremely unlucky
And so it came to the time to hand over Captaincy for the next year. The honour was handed over to myself (Mike Gerrard), and I can only hope I can do justice to the position.
Finally our thanks go to all the people who helped to make the evening go with a bang and also to all the sponsors who kindly donated many lucky draw prizes.
Thanks also to David Goulden and all of his staff who kept everybody’s glasses full.

Taki tastes victory at last

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Sunday, November 18, the well-presented Navy course at Plutaluang witnessed another fine day’s golf from the Pattaya Golf Society. This time it was the turn of the North and West nines to present the challenge and they did not disappoint, even though the greens were slower than the group had encountered during the previous week’s efforts north and south of “fun city”.
On this occasion it was the turn of the lower handicappers to shine, something always difficult to accomplish from a single-figure perspective. Last week’s big scorers Len Jones and Kazu Agune continued their fine efforts, pushing the big lads hard, but fell a point short of the leading group.
In third place in the large single flight was Peter Masters, enjoying a weekend break from his classroom and his 36 points was a good result for the canny Aussie. Just clipping his wings were the two Tonies, Thorne and Dixon, and they performed impressively with results of 37 points each for a share of second place.
It was left to Kasuo Takimoto to lead the pack home. The jovial Japanese giant posted the day’s best gross figures of 74 for a huge 38-point haul and took his first big purse with the PGS. He also had the pleasure of emulating the “Two Tonies” with a birdie ‘2, something also accomplished by Stan Kure.
The Booby Bevy went to Mr. Denis whose tension at the thought of an imminent return to UK caused him to call at every “rest-room” on the course and he got to count every tile on the walls waiting for the inevitable to happen. Putting can be difficult with clenched teeth and a clenched “derriere”. Just ask the boss!
Ray’s ‘Big Day’
Tuesday, November 20, saw the Pattaya Golf Society travel up to Treasure Hill for only the fourth time this year to play a stableford competition off the white and yellow tees; the latter choice making for a more enjoyable day for the higher handicappers on a course noted for the severity of its challenge.
The day remained warm and windy throughout just to prove the course still had teeth. Past performances show that scores here are notoriously high and on this occasion there was but one exception to this.
The two flights were cut at 19 and under and in the top flight an embarrassed Phil Burton accepted third place after a score of 24 points. Ahead of him was David Wilkinson on 28 points, showing that his recent serious health scare seemed to be behind him and his strength is returning. The flight winner was Emiel van der Wiele whose 31 points was good enough for the victory despite the loosening of the wheels on the back nine.
The second flight fared better with Jorma Liila, Martin Hoblyn and Kazu Agune sharing third place with 28 points each, two behind runner-up Margaret Wilkinson and her 30 point return.
The day’s best round was played by probably the oldest golfer in the field, Ray Underwood, and his sprightly 39 points left some chins on the floor in amazement. Treasure Hill has never been so impudently treated by a PGS golfer and full marks to Ray for his excellent effort. It included a chip-in birdie ‘2’ on the seventeenth whilst Barry Trowell’s on the sixth was more orthodox.
One of the golfers playing the course for the first time, Mikael Lindberg, had boasted of his first victory by the end of his second week on this trip and he was sadly off the mark on this, the day of atonement, thus having to ring the bell back at the OK Corral. The Booby Bevy was never more roundly applauded!
On a more serious note most of the golfers held the opinion that the hole handicaps at the course need to be revised. Some of the higher handicappers received two shots on a par-three and yet only one on the par-five sixteenth, allegedly the fourth easiest hole, which returned a grand total of only eighteen points all day out of a potential average of 46. Maybe, far away, someone is taking note?
A breeze for Bill Pickersgill
After an absence of a few months the Pattaya Golf Society returned to Eastern Star for a strokeplay competition on Thursday, November 22, and found the course in fine condition under clear skies but with a strong breeze blowing all day. This, coupled with the longer tees, made the day interesting and the event quite challenging.
The large single flight, as always for the monthly “medal”, saw no little skill and the low handicappers were not going to have it their own way. A consistent golfer like Tony Dixon could only manage net 77 points, this after a few weeks of fine performances, and secure fourth place.
Stan Kure played steadily for third place with net 73 but David Wilkinson showed his mettle with a fighting 68 for second place. It was David’s best performance in a long while and he also had the honour of returning the best gross for the day.
The winner was newbie Bill Pickersgill whose net 65 was easily the best round of his short tropical golf career and the modest Yorkshireman took the win in his stride. Seven-under on the day was an excellent achievement.
Stan Kure nabbed the 2’s pot for a fine effort on hole thirteen, whilst Swedish lady golfer Helene Lindberg had her first taste of the Booby Bevy after fourteen strokes on the eighth hole put paid to any thoughts she may have had of challenging her husband Mikael for the family bragging rights. Eastern Star can be truly tough when the wind blows.