Harry and Ya make the perfect team

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

Monday, March 17, Plutaluang – Stableford
With temperatures abnormally high for this time of the year, we were all glad the starter picked the South and East courses for today’s game.
Only two prize spots were up for grabs in each division in the stableford competition; Jim Connelly won Division 1 with 34 points, with Howard Stanley a close second on 33, and in the second flight Jim Lane was the winner with 37 points ahead of Bev Ewens on 33.
There were no 2’s in the first division and Andy Crabb and Pater Elder shared the pot in division 2.
Wednesday, March 19, Khao Kheow – Stableford
We recorded a 41.8 degree high around noon on the B course today and there were many wilting figures approaching the last few holes who have never experienced this sort of heat before. Needless to say this was reflected in some of the scores.
Ben Findon’s 38 points was enough to claim top spot in Division 1 with Raivo Velsberg second on 35. Keep it in the family springs to mind in Division 2 as Miss Nom won with 36 points ahead of the ‘Old Man’ finishing second with 35 points.
Ben Findon and Burnie Sinclair shared the 2’s purse in Division 1, and with his first ‘2’ for some considerable time Ken Foster took the pot in Division 2, and despite a few frowns and nudges from miss Nom the bell was still not rung back at the bar.
Near pins went to Adi Mayer, Burnie Sinclair, Geoff Stubbs, Raivo Velsberg, Rick Newman, Miss Nom, The organiser and Valentina.
Thursday, March 20, Eastern Star – 2-Person Stableford Multiplier
An amazing 21 teams were out today in a two-person team multiplier as well as a two divisional individual stableford competition.
Dave Ross took Division 1 in the stableford competition with 37 points, second 1 point behind was Chris Holmes and Harry Riley beat Roy Thornton on count back to grab third place after they both came in with 35 points.
Tony Duthie also lost out on count back in Division 2 to hand the victory to Miss Nom after they both finished with 35 points each and Les Hall with 32 points beat Rick Newman into third place after yet another count back.
In the team multiplier, 69 points won it for Harry and Ya Riley, in second place with 66 points was Tony Duthie and Chris Holmes and in third with 60 points came Glyn Evans and Raivo Velsberg.
The ladies tipple, the bottle of strawberry daiquiri, was awarded to a team who scored 12 points on the first hole and then had seven blobs, finishing with 15 points on the front nine, and then bouncing back with an amazing 43 points on the back nine, well done Burnie Sinclair and Ted Morris
Bill Hewitt and Ted Morris shared the 2’s in Division 1 and there were none in the second flight. Near pins went to Adi Mayer, Ted Morris, Raivo Velsberg, Paddy Wilson, William Chang, Tony Duthie, Gordon Everingham and Miss Oam..
There was a free buffet afterwards back at Siam Cats for all players and their partners courtesy of the rollover kitty.
Note: Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Siam Cats, Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Rd at around 8.30am for a 10.00am tee off time. Please sign up in the bar or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464.

Henderson marches on

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, March 17, Bangpra, Stableford
Monday was a visit to Bangpra for a stableford competition and most of the golfers were using the day as a warm up for our matchplay game against The Driving Range Bar on Wednesday.

Peter Henderson all smiles after his second win of the week.

In fourth place today on 33 points was Peter Henderson, just losing out on count back to Graham Beaumont in third. In second place was last week’s winner Brian Orr with 36 points and the day’s winner with a very fine round of 38 points was Paul Walia.
Jeff North managed a birdie ‘2’ to take the pot all on his own.
Wednesday, March 19, The Emerald - Matchplay
Today was our inter-bar matchplay league game against the Driving Range Bar at The Emerald. The news from the Driving Range was that they had taken on a couple of new signings and were putting out a very strong team.
Nothing against their team, they played some good golf, but they were simply outplayed by the red hot team of The Caddyshack with us only dropping one game out of ten and one game halved. This leaves our team firmly at the top of the division with the unbeaten run still intact.
Friday, March 21, Green Valley - Stableford
Friday was a visit to Green Valley for a stableford competition. The course was in very good shape and the weather was perfect so some good scores were expected.
The Caddyshack put up some prizes for each par three and sharp shooting Emmet White took the ones on the 2nd and the 9th, on the 12th par three Paul Walia put one close and took the prize and on the 16th Brian Orr was very accurate and was nearest the pin. Out of all that Paul Walia was the only player to covert a ‘2’ and won the pot all on his own.
The main results of the day saw Bruce Tollitt secure third place with 34 points, second place went to the very consistent Brian Orr who never seems to be out the frame just of late, and today’s winner and very much in form, winning two medal rounds last week and his matchplay singles this week, was Peter Henderson with 41 points. This good form did not go unnoticed by the handicapper who had no sympathy and cut him 3 shots.  

“Free Drop” almost makes it three

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

He almost did it! He came as close as anyone could have done. “Free Drop” Jim Hern came so close to doing the hat trick it wasn’t funny.

Winner Herb Ishinaga (right) with “Free Drop” Jim Hern.

Last week Jim told the Three Sisters golfers that he was going to win three weeks in a row. It had never been done before so a few bets were made. Jim was sitting at Caddy Shack 2 (the post golf gathering place) savoring his 41 points and thinking he had won. Normally it would have been enough, as a matter of fact, no one had gotten over 40 points in the last few months.
But Jim was unlucky as Herb Ishinaga shot his best round in a few years. Herb was sinking putts from all over the place and kept his drives fairly straight. Although he messed up the 16th hole with a double bogey, he got pars on the 17th and 18th to win the day with 42 points.
Herb shot 86 off the stick which was his normal score about 15 years ago. He is hoping that his game is back.
Coming in with another good score was Dale Murphy. Dale shot 38 points to come in third to round out the top scores for the day.

Scrambles and Stroke play

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Monday, March 17, Phoenix – Three-Ball Scramble
1st Kemjila Pawapho, John Dennis, Fergus Brennan - 58.5 c/b
2nd Ray Trembath, Dean Rice, Barry Hooper - 58.5
3rd John Merritt,Greg Mason, Gary Clark Score - 59.2
Monday we had a good turnout and as usual the Phoenix course was in fine shape. The result was very close affair with both the top two teams having the same score on net 58.5 at the finish and separation was only possible with a count back giving the win to Kemjila Pawapho, John Dennis and Fergus Brennan.
Tuesday, March 18, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight (0-17)
1st Bill McGarvie (11) 36pts
2nd Tony Molloy (11) 35pts
3rd Keith Marsden (17) 35pts
4th Ito Akitoshi (8) 32pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Brian Prudden (20) 37pts
2nd Tony Burnettt (22) 37pts
3rd Marlene Prudden (23) 36pts
4th Jeff Norman (19) 30pts
2’s: Frank Kelly and Brian Prudden
Near Pins: Fergus Brennan, Frank Kelly, Beverley Byrne, Brian Prudden
Tuesday at Bangpra and it was back to the standard stableford scoring system in two flights. The day was a very close run affair as Bill McGarvie took the honours in the A Flight with 36 points, just seeing off Tony Molloy by a single point. A count back was needed in the B Flight between Brian Prudden and Tony Burnett, both had 37 points, with Brian just edging it by one on the back nine.
Thursday, March 20, Greenwood – Stroke & Stableford
A Flight (Stroke)
1st Dean Rice (15) net 65
2nd Ray Trembath (10) net 70
3rd Fergus Brennan (8) net 71
4th Mike Wardman (12) net 71
B Flight (Stableford)
1st Peter Byrne (27) 42pts
2nd Peter Basi (21) 37pts
3rd David McFeely (18) 37pts
4th Peter Morris (17) 36pts
2’s: Frank Kelly, Peter Byrne
Near Pins: Frank Kelly, Eddie Townsend, John Pegram, Dean Rice.
Mixture of formats on the day with the A flight playing stroke play. Dean Rice was the winner with a net 65 ahead of Ray Trembath net 70 in second and our hard working organiser in third spot on count back over Mike Wardman.
B Flight was a stableford affair and Peter Byrne was the clear winner by five with 42 points. In second was Peter Basi with a count back 37 points against David McFeely.
Saturday, March 15, Eastern Star -Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Tony Molloy (11) 36pts
2nd Tewin Lamthong (14) 36pts
3rd Ray Trembath (10) 35pts
4th Toni Hardman (19) 34pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Beverley Byrne (25) 38pts
2nd Anders Langstrom (27) 33pts
3rd Marlene Prudden (22) 33pts
4th Paul Challis (30) 33pts
Near Pins: Marlene Prudden, Anders Langstrom,John Dahlseng, Mod Chaviraksa
Saturday saw our usual weekend visit to Eastern Star with a large turnout and two flights on a course in tip top condition.
The flight honours on the day went to Beverley Byrne in the B Flight with 38 points, from Anders Langstrom in second with 33 points on count back over Marlene Prudden.
The A Flight winner was Tony Molloy on count back over Tewin Lamthong, both with 36 points, whilst Ray Trembath was third with 35.
Reminder: If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at 7:45 am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

‘Misfits’ gel together to take 2008 PSC Charity Classic

The winning ‘Misfits’ team with PSC Golf Chairman,
 Tony Oakes (pictured center).

The ‘Rich Man, Poor Man’ team came a close second.

Derek Brook
Friday, March 21, Eastern Star
The PSC Charity Classic provides the club with the largest single influx of charity funds of the year, and for months in advance the Golf Chairman and his Committee beaver away to twist arms and find volunteers to give generously. This is usually not really difficult as all who live here realise how important the amount we give is to some poor soul. The harder the Committee work the more they provide, and although in the present financial climate the situation this year has been daunting, still at least a half million baht was raised. This money along with our normal charity works will be distributed to the poor and needy by our Charity Chairman, Bernie Tuppin.

The ‘Bangkok Bowlers’ were involved in the count back fight at the top and eventually finished third.
This day, therefore, was the culmination of a tremendous amount of time put in by Golf Chairman, Tony Oakes, and his helpers, mainly Perry, Nigel, Tim, Bernie and Dennis the President, and too many others in the trenches to mention, but special mention must go to our major sponsors, Baltex, Bauer, Seadrill, Joe St Laurent and Diamond Dave, and to all the others who gave so generously. So let us play the game.
After all the hard work of the last few months, the actual day is sometimes a bit of an anti-climax for those that organise it, but as Tony said, this day was exceptional because all were ahead of the game. So when we arrived all was planned and all the ‘Gimmies’ were given out very smoothly, all the players were booked in, all knew where they were to tee off and they moved smoothly to their allotted tees.
The day was to be a shotgun start at 10 a.m., and the scoring was to be best three stableford scores out of the four players in a team at each hole. One of the ‘amusing’ things was that the hooter (called a shotgun) actually went three times, each time just as our player was about to swing. All was well though as he hit a good tee shot.

The reception team, PSC Golf Chairman, Tony Oakes (left) and Charity Chairman, Bernie Tuppin (right) kept things running smoothly during the check-in.

So at last, after all the planning the day was underway. Here I must say that the course was in fine condition, with the all aspects at their best. This is normally a tough course, and so it was on this day, but poor play could not be put down to the condition of the layout. It was just bad play.
The wind was a factor on the day and blew quite strongly, and the heat was also a major problem for those who walked, however the play continued to move along quite smartly and we got around in good time.
This is maybe the time to thank the Eastern Star management who provided a really fine course, were helpful and courteous, aided in the charity aims and provided a really nice buffet after the round. This is a fine place to hold a major function.
The buffet was set up outside and the players had plenty of space and time to sample the food and relax after a really hard day. This passed the time until the results could be tabulated in a nice relaxed manner, in fact so relaxed was it out there, that one of the players actually fell asleep and had to be ‘gently’ awoken by the Emcee, our Nigel. We will not mention who it was but as he was a sponsor along with Tropical Bert’s and Bua’s Fishing, we will let Tom remain anonymous.
The peace and quiet was all too soon interrupted by the Golf Chairman thanking all his helpers, all the sponsors and Eastern Star for their help and hard work. He then passed the mantle onto our Emcee for the night, Nigel Cannon, who did the honours.
First Nigel called out the technical winners, a list of them is on this page, and then he got onto the actual team winners.
In fourth place was the ‘Shenanigans’ team of D Bramley, S Dutton, C Platten and R Smith with a very creditable 116 stableford points.
We then got into the ‘count back zone’ with all the top three teams having 118 points each, and so it came down to who played well at the end.
In third place was the team of ‘Bangkok Bowlers’ consisting of G Hiskett, R Murphy, P Lindley and G Dodson. In second was the ‘Rich Man, Poor Man’ team of S Behr, A Duckett, T Mason and A Evans.
And so to the winners and this fine team was ‘The Misfits’ and consisted of B Blackford, P Seward, F Kelly and A Galvin. They were obviously overwhelmed by the fame such a great win would bring, but I was most impressed when Brian Blackford phoned me up and insisted I thank Tony, his helpers, The Eastern Star management and all sponsors, on their behalf, for an excellent tournament, well organised and well run. Surprisingly in many years of completing the write-ups this is the first time anyone has said thank you. Well done ‘The Misfits’ and thank you.
So now we got down to the real reason for being here, the Prize Raffle. This was run by the Emcee and had ‘dozens’ of fine prizes. All the tickets were drawn by ‘Our Arthur’ ably helped by Tim, and with respect to Arthur’s age (nearly 80 years), they were both allowed to sit down. The list of raffle winners and sponsors is too long to be printed here but well done to all the winners and a very ‘Big’ thank you to all the sponsors.
After a fine day, with the light failing, the players made their way to their transport and went home after a great day. Roll on next Year. T.T.F.N.

Blackburne’s bonanza

Phoenix Monday & Thursday Golf

Mike Gerrard
Monday, March 17, was the first of a new day’s golf at Phoenix Golf club as we were playing out of Toy’s Music Bar in Soi Chaiyapreuk (first major left turn to Jomtien heading north from Phoenix.)
Meeting is at the Phoenix Golf Club restaurant at 11.15am every Monday, with tee times from approx 12 noon. Registration is by phone call only, no later than 4.30pm the previous day to myself on 08 709 17565. At the moment we are only reserving 3 tee times, but as the group grows we will up the figure to 5 tee times maximum.
At present we award only the first two places, but, again as the figures grow over the 16 mark, we will split the group into 2 flights. Handicaps can be any official handicap with a maximum allowance of 28. All players will play from the same tees.
Today’s winner was that steady player, Gary Blackburne, with 40 points playing off a 6 handicap: a wonderful game from the crafty cockney. A not so close second place went to myself, Mike Gerrard with 35 points playing off 15. Again as figures grow we will introduce technical prizes in the form of near pins.
So it was back to Toy’s Music Bar for the presentation. What a nice place, with 50’s & 60’s background music and the tables and chairs out on the pavement. The owner of the bar has promised to award a small prize for a monthly medal. I will keep you all informed about this in the future. Last Monday of the month will be the medal/stroke play day.
Lennie the lionheart triumphs
Thursday was another millionaire’s day at Phoenix. We assembled at the restaurant where we duly put the names into the hat for the draw and then reorganised a few names to suit players who wished to share carts.
Heading to the tee to tackle the Mountain and Lakes layout we also noted that the course was very quiet, and so it proved by the first group completing their round in well less than 4 hours. Out at 12.00 and in by 3.45pm.
Big Lennie Mantleman was our winner today with 38 points playing off 11 handicap. Lennie has been working very hard to improve his game over the last few weeks and was well pleased with today’s round. Sadly, now he has found form he has to leave this beloved part of the world for a couple of months to help keep the pension funds up for us old buggers. Thanks Lennie, maybe someone else can win now for a while. However keep safe and hurry back.
Coming in second, for the second time this week was myself, Mike Gerrard, with a mere 32 points. Perhaps the quick play does not suit most of us.
Technical prizes went to Bob Lindborg, Paul Larkin and Mike Gerrard.
Note: Don’t forget, as of next month Phoenix will offer a green fee of 700 baht on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s so book your place with our group to be guaranteed a tee time.

P J golfers get hit for six!

Golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, March 18, Treasure Hill (White tees) - Stableford
A Flight (0–21)
1st Jeff Wylie (7) 33pts
2nd Jim Walton (20) 26pts
3rd Tony Chetland (21) 25pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Owen Walkley (21) 33pts
2nd Ulrich Nachbur (25) 33pts
3rd Leroy Huntingdon (24) 29pts
Near Pins: Leroy Huntingdon, Tony Chetlan, David Gardner (2)
Long Putt: Ian Campbell
Seventeen of us made the trip to one our favorite courses only to have our day sadly marred by inconsiderate course management. Although it is most surprising why golfers would seek to play in six-ball format in the first place, it must surely be a disregard of etiquette and a lack of good management by the starter to allow a six-ball group to start just ahead of a regular, pre-booked social competition.

Winners at Plutaluang (L-R): Willie Nachbur, Graziano Amodeo and David Gardner.

Not only did the six-ball have a bad day by having to constantly let groups through, sometimes with the intervention of the course Marshall, but our first group was in the club house just under two hours ahead of the last group.
If the tempers of the inconvenienced players in our group persists and we don’t now play Treasure Hills for say six months until the general grumpiness subsides, that’s 150,000 baht of gross turnover down the pan all for the sake of course management once acceding to a request for six tourists to play together. Hmmmmmm!
The average score for the day was a low 25.7 possibly reflecting not only the degree of difficulty of this tremendous course but also the kafuffle referred to above.
Thursday, March 20, Plutaluang S & E (White Tees) - Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st David Gardner (8) 36pts
2nd Neil Duncan (14) 36pts
3rd Jim Walton (20) 32pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Willie Nachbur (25) 36pts
2nd Ian Campnbell (23) 35pts
3rd Own Walkley (24) 34pts
Near Pins: Jim Walton, Willie Nachbur, Neil Duncan (2)
Something unkind was happening to us last week with the starter at my personal favorite course electing to put our regular fortnightly social competition at Navy off behind two six-balls. Thanks a lot! Of course at Navy players are obliged to tuck their shirts in to comply with starter’s understanding of etiquette and good manners.
The Paradise Bar golf shirt for the most golf played on the day was claimed by Graziano Amodeo.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Inaugural St. Patty’s Day scramble stays home

IPGC golf from Donovan’s

St. Patrick’s Day, Eastern Star (White Tees) - Stableford
1st Adi Mayer (7), Bob Patterson (6), Dave Mascari (5), Steve Mascari (4) net 58.8
2nd Eddie Behr (20), Chris Holmes (8), Andy Mills (6), Andy Evans (28) net 59
3rd Phil Moore (12), Peter LeNoury (9), Dave Driscoll (12), Roger Moore (15) net 59.4
Near Pins: #3 Eric Ahlswede; #6 Dave Mascari; #13 Dave Driscoll; #17 Larry Immethun
From a PR standpoint it may be argued that another result would have been preferred, but it terms of good golf it could not be denied that the lowest handicap team had played to their potential. With playing handicaps ranging from 4 to 7 and a tournament team handicap of 2.2, the team of Mayer, Patterson & Bros. Mascari fashioned 12 birdies off the stick and a tournament winning 58.8 score.
The current scourge of team golf on the Eastern Seaboard is the foursome out of Rich Man, Poor Man, a guest house, restaurant and bar on Soi 9 in Jomtien, which nearly added the St. Patty’s victory to the their war chest which already includes the PSC’s most recent Member’s Monthly and a second in the just finished PSC Charity Classic. Proprietor/Chef Eddie Behr and his charges each enjoyed a bottle of Jameson’s Irish Whisky which they each took home for their efforts.
It was a bottle of fine fermented grapes from the extensive selection at Donovan’s that went to the bronze medalist’s (and Near Pin winners, as well!). Messrs. Moore, LeNoury, Driscoll and Moore (yep there was more than one Moore) were the happy recipients of the bronze prize.
Wednesday, March 19, Treasure Hill (White or Yellow tees) - Stableford
White Flight
1st Chaten Patel (16) 30pts
Yellow Flight
1st Vic Hester (14) 37pts
Ladies Flight
1st Apple Jitchana (10) 33pts
Near Pin: Steve Gordon
2’s: Steve Gordon
It was a three-flight Wednesday as windy weather bifurcated the Men’s Flight and the fellas split between the demanding White tees (6,700yds.) and the still tough Yellow tees.
The Rajah took the longish White Flight with a modest 30, with Victor The Inflictor topping out the yellows with 37 points. Ms. Blackwell topped a competitive field of gals with 33 points.
Friday, March 21, Khao Kheow B & C (Yellow Tees) - Stableford
1st Dave Mascari (5) 37pts
2’s: None
Lightning sent half the field packing, leaving the younger, and yes, slightly less tall, member of the Mascari clan atop the leaderboard.
Saturday, March 22, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Mascari (4) 42pts
2nd Brian Holden (8) 39pts
3rd John McHugh (8) 38pts
4th Dave Mascari (5) 38pts
B Flight
1st Sugar Ray Handford (20) 38pts
2nd Vic Hester (14) 38pts
3rd Dave Boran (15) 37pts
4th Mike Craighead (22) 35pts
Ladies Flight
1st An Kaesawang (21) 39pts
2’s: John McHugh, Gary Blackburne (2), Jim Brackett, Vic Hester, Mark Bonner, Pierre Bietry, Nat Meesuk
It was a big day at the Ol’ Watering Hole as the Sunday Green Valley fest gained steam.
As he did in the week’s opening team event, the Pres showed they way with a gross 70 (yes that’s off the stick) and a monstrous 42 points for a 4 handicapper. The Demon Deacon was three back with Johnny McHugely and the man from #10 Downey St. sorting out third and fourth in the Premier Flight with a count back.
It was great to see old friend Sugar Ray in the line-up, that is, unless you were in B Flight. SRH had the better of The Inflictor on count back as they were both were one clear of good mate Dave Boran. The Mechanic tidied up the junior flight with his fourth place 35 points.
An Kaesawang showed her old game is still rattling around inside as she topped out the gals with 39 points. An was showing the kind of ability that would allow her to become a single digit player until other pursuits took time away from her game. Great to see her back on top the lot again.

The Inaugural ‘Asian Tour International’ at Pattana

Mike Franklin
The Asian PGA Tour has scheduled some thirty events in 2008 with over US $38 million in prize money to be won.
Three Asian Tour events take place in Thailand: The Bangkok Airways Open at Santaburi G.C., Koh Samui, in June, the Volvo Masters of Asia at Thai Country Club, Bangkok in December, and March 20 – 23 the inaugural Asian Tour International at Pattana Golf & Sports Resort, Chonburi.

Piya Sawangarunporn was in strong contention going into the final round of the Asian Tour International at Pattana.
Pattana was one of the acclaimed Qualifying School courses in 2006 and is presented to Tour standard. The Asian Tour International, a full-field event with $300,000 US prize money, showcased thirteen stars from the Japan Golf tour participating through sponsor’s invites.
During the week of the tournament, on the evening when Premier Golf Asia, the official media partner for the event, was hosting a player’s party at the Fairway Club Sriracha, I had the opportunity to talk with three of the entered professionals. All three are staff professionals with Premier Golf Asia and I spoke first with Richard Clements, Managing Director, about the event, Premier Golf Asia’s involvement and his staff professional team.
Two are young Thai Professionals from Bangkok, Piya Sawangarunporn and Vuttipong Puangaew, but now resident in Sriracha. The third, a seasoned Swedish professional, Olle Nordberg, has been playing the European & Asian Tours since he turned pro in1989.

Sweden’s Olle Nordberg is an experienced professional who played 4 years on the PGA European Tour.
I began with Piya Sawangarunporn, twenty-four years of age and a professional since 2006. He started golf at the age of 10 and did well in Junior Championships between 1997 and 1999. He was Thailand National player in 2000, had numerous ‘Top 10’ finishes in the following two years and won the Thailand Open in 2004.
After turning professional in 2006 he carded eight ‘Top 10’ finishes, winning the MGM at Thanont Golf View. Piya went on to win the Thai PGA Challenge at Pattana, took third place in the All Thailand at Bangpra, and went on to win the All Thailand at the Victory course.
With that form maintained Piya Sawangarunpong stood a chance of featuring on the Asian Tour International leader board at Pattana. Certainly length would not be problem for Piya as he is a Thailand two-time long drive champion, booming his drive in last year’s event more than 340 yards.
Next up was Vuttipong Puangkaew, also 24 years of age but turning professional some years earlier in 2000 at the age of 15, Thailand’s youngest golf professional ever. He trained with the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Thai PGA and has Tour membership with Thai PGA Tour (2000), Malaysian PGA Tour (2006), and the Asian PGA Tour (2007).

Vuttipong Puangkaew was Thailand’s youngest ever golf professional when he turned pro in 2000 at the age of 15.
Vuttipong spent time as an instructor at the Dynamic Golf Center, Samutprakarn during 2001 – 2002 applying his qualifications and knowledge in club fitting, teaching and importantly the rules of golf. He quotes the highlights in his career in 1998 as Thai National player Asia Pacific Junior Open; Singapore Junior G.C. winner (Net score); runner-up Flight B Springfield Junior Open and runner-up Flight B Ratchaburi Junior Open.
In 2000 he was winner A-Class Rising Star and came nineteenth at the 3K Open at Great Lake. In 2005 he was eighty-fourth on the TPC Tour Order of Merit and in 2006 seventeenth. In 2007 he was awarded Asian Tour Thai player country exemption by the Thai PGA meaning that his sound play and attitude make him a great representative for Thai golf. Through this exemption status Vuttipong is eligible for most of the Asian Tour top events.
Finally, I spoke with Olle Nordberg, a longstanding Swedish professional from Boden, now resident in Thailand, who turned professional in 1989 after winning the Swedish Junior Championship three successive years between 1985 and1988.
A member of the PGA of Sweden, his tour experience is extensive. Initially he joined the European Challenge tour 1989-1891 & 1993. He moved up to the PGA European tour in 1992 and for three more years 1994-1996.
In 1995 -1998 he came to Asia joining the APGC Tour (Asia Pacific Golf Confederation) and in 1998 joined the Asian PGA Tour until the present day.
Olle featured in one major, the 1995 US Open at Shinnecock Hills won that year by Corey Pavin. Olle’s coach is Peter Kostis who he has worked with on numerous golf outings.
In addition to being a champion golfer, Olle is also an experienced and motivating golf instructor and has conducted corporate days and golf clinics for a prestigious range of major companies including Omega Watches, Mercedes, Citibank, Carlsberg, Regal Hotels, SAS, FedEx, Alcatel and many others.
His professional tournament wins include: Alabama Open, Philippine Masters- Asian Tour, Asian Tour Q- School (APGC), Riva dei Tessali Open- European Challenge Tour, FLA Open- European Challenge Tour, and even more notable second places at Singha Masters- TPC Tour, Philippine Open- Asian Tour, Davidoff Tour Q-School- Asian Tour, Zambia Open- European Challenge Tour, Collingtree Park Challenge- European Challenge Tour and Rolex Invitational- European Challenge Tour. In 2007 he took seventh place in the Asian Tour Pakistan Open
The three Premier Golf Asia Staff professionals have different levels of experience but all hoped to play well in this inaugural Asian Tour International at Pattana.
The interviews with them that preceded the tournament can be seen on PMTV Saturday 29th March.
As things transpired it was a case of mixed fortunes for the three at Pattana.
Olle unfortunately missed the cut due to an over-par first round, but Vuttipong and Piya both made the cut and played at the weekend. Vuttipong finished at even par for the tournament whilst Piya, after an excellent second round 65 and two other rounds of 70, teed off on the final day tied 10th at 11-under par. His excellent form sadly did not continue through to the end, as a 3-over par 75 in the final round took him back to 8-under for the tournament and tied for 31st place.
But then this was a full field Asian Tour event with 141 players at the outset, so it was a very creditable performance by Piya Swangarunporn and surely a name to watch out for on the Asian Tour.
Lightening suspended afternoon play on both days at the weekend but when play did resume on the final day it was Lin Wen-tang from Chinese Taipei and Korean sixteen-year old Noh Seung-yul at the top of the leaderboard leading the field.
The inaugural Asian Tour International was finally won by Lin Wen-tang with four magnificent sub-par rounds finishing 23-under par at 265, five shots clear of Noh Seung-yul at 18-under and 270 for the tournament.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Football keeps on coming

Another quiet week in the Premier League with sendings off, fabulous goals, title deciders and relegation six-pointers, with more of the same on the menu for this weekend. Throw an ‘Old Firm’ derby thrown into the mix, the European Champions League quarter finals coming up next week, the UEFA Cup, and next weekend the FA Cup – along with yet another full calendar of Premier League fixtures – and you’ve got an overdose of football on the cards. Where will all this fun come to an end?
Don’t answer that. I expect the cloud of my silver lining will surface sometime around June when I find myself forced to choose who to support in the European Championships. Hello Holland, nice to see you again.
Back to the domestic game in England, and it was an excellent week for anyone hailing from the North East of England, so in the coming weeks you can expect to hear a few heavily-accented types in striped football shirts suddenly emerge from the woodwork free in the knowledge that their own club’s future is almost assured.
Middlesbrough don’t play in stripes, I‘ll grant you, but that would ruin the image and as I don’t expect any Boro fans to be reading this I think I’ve got away with it. Anyway they look safe after a surprise win against the worst side of all time, Derby County, in a snowy encounter at the Riverside in front of about three fans.
Roy Keane’s Sunderland achieved an excellent 1-0 win at Aston Villa, their first away victory of the season. It could hardly have come at a more desperate time and whilst the ‘Black Cats’ (I hate that name) aren’t safe by any means it’s certainly looking rosier.
Talking of necessary victories, Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Fulham took the cake. It took 64 days but Kevin Keegan has finally taken his side to victory in the Premier League, courtesy of goals from Mark Viduka and Michael Owen, and the Geordies now look almost there. With a moment to stop worrying it was time for some trademark nonsense from Keeganr, who saw fit to demand a new contract for Michael Owen.
“Whatever finances are here, I don’t think we could go out and get a player that’s any better than Owen,” Keegan said of his occasionally fit striker who already earns 115,000 pounds each week. “That’s the reason I think we should keep him and, as long as he doesn’t get injured again, Newcastle fans will see a player who’ll grow into one of the greats here.”
Lovely. But as the North Eastern sides prepare for another season on the Premier League gravy train, all is not quite so rosy at Bolton and Birmingham. These two look favourites to fight over the final ticket to the Championship, and of these two it’ll be Bolton with most to fear. Both play at home on Saturday, Birmingham taking on Man City whilst Bolton host title-chasing Arsenal.
Meanwhile Fulham visit Derby County, and if they can’t win that encounter they simply don’t deserve our sympathy.
Manchester United and Liverpool served up a decent game at Old Trafford last Sunday, even if the result was all too familiar. Aside from the 3-0 win that took United further away from the chasing pack, can anyone tell me what Javier Mascherano had been taking before kick off? I weighed up a number of legal and not so legal substances and came to the conclusion that it was a mixture of strong booze - to increase the likelihood of getting into a fight - and some sort of fluffy white powder that leaves the taker unable to stop chattering.
Even I, sat here on the other side of the world, could have told Mascherano that a clampdown on player behaviour was on the cards after Ashley Cole’s disgraceful actions during Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with Tottenham. But the Liverpool midfielder still saw fit to castigate referee Steve Bennett again and again, even after being booked, and at 1-0 down at Old Trafford Liverpool already had enough to do without being reduced to ten men when Mascherano was eventually, and inevitably, sent off. It was a shame, because it could have been quite a contest.
Never mind, there was always Chelsea and Arsenal for Sunday dessert. A battle between the second and third placed sides looked to have all the ingredients there, but somehow failed to deliver. Much like both these teams this season. Still, you can’t fault the persistence of Didier Drogba and Chelsea perhaps deserved their three points in the end. Arsenal are going backwards and might even struggle at Bolton on Saturday, however unlikely that seems.
So there we are then, another week has passed. What does the next have in store? Well how about Man United at home to Aston Villa this weekend? United will be desperate for three points to start putting nails into the title coffin. Chelsea face Middlesbough in Sunday’s early game, Spurs play Newcastle and to finish there’s the small matter of a Merseyside derby as Everton visit Anfield to face Liverpool.
Not enough for you? OK, throw in some Champions League into the mix on Tuesday and Wednesday. That Arsenal and Liverpool game is not to be missed. On Thursday the UEFA Cup also reaches the quarter final stage.
Is that enough for you? Enjoy what you can.
Free tickets!
Talking of the UEFA Cup, Scottish side Rangers have bought their entire ticket allocation for the away leg of the UEFA Cup tie with Sporting Lisbon and will give them out free to travelling fans. 2,500 supporters will gain free entry based on their previous travel history.
“This gesture is a big thank you to our supporters who have shown extraordinary commitment this season,” said chief executive Martin Bain.
As mentioned earlier it’s the ‘Old Firm’ derby early Saturday evening, also at Ibrox.
South Africans
go large
South Africa will spend around 30 billion rand (3.7 billion US dollars) on hosting the 2010 World Cup, according to a report released last Tuesday.
“This report shows we have complied with literally every guarantee we have made, we even went beyond that,” Sports Minister Mike Stofile told the SAPA news agency.
“About 20 billion rand had already been made available for infrastructure investment,” he said, at a ceremony to hand over the 2010 mid-term government report to the country’s deputy president. South Africa, the first African country to host the World Cup, is hoping to attract about 450,000 visitors for the finals.
Derby - rubbish
“At this moment, Sunderland are the worst team in Premier League history,” said Derby manager Paul Jewell last week. “To get past that has to be our aim. But I’m embarrassed and I want the players to be as embarrassed and hurt as I am at the results.
“Put it this way. If you offered me the record low points tally this season, but you’re coming back up from the Championship next year, I wouldn’t care what happens in the rest of this season. If you can go up, go down and learn from your lessons, like Watford have, then it’s not been a worthless exercise.”
“We aren’t bottom of the league because we’ve been playing well,” he said. “We’ve got to write this season off once we’ve looked into why we are where we are - are the players not good enough, are they not prepared enough, are they fit enough, are we organised enough? When we get back [into the Premier League], we have to tick those boxes.”

Carole beats Wayne on count back for Monthly Mug

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Tuesday, March 18, Plutaluang S&E – Stableford
Plutaluang South and East layouts were host to a stableford competition in two flights, with the cut at Handicap 18. The course on the day was in very tidy condition, with Sports Days now on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a Green Fee of just 350 baht.

Host Bjarne, right, presents the Monthly Mug to Carole.

The ‘ever steady’ Ebrahim took the A Flight with 38 points ahead of Bruce Lawrence in second with 36 points, and Bill Plath with his new hip finally got back in the winners circle in third place with 32 points.
Mike Cantrell took the B Flight with 37 points ahead of Chris Borrett in second with 35 points and Peter Hammond in third with 32 points.
Thursday, March 20, Pattaya C.C. - Monthly Mug
This is the course we usually play every month for The Monthly Mug. So on this day our normal ten groups turned up to enjoy a round of golf on what proved to be a very hot day. When I say enjoy, I mean before we started, as the heat allied with a course that is over dry, has little grass on and is generally in very poor condition, took a lot of the gloss off the day.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg as the results were read out we saw that the scores were not very good. In the A Flight, 0 to 19, the winner was Elias Magnusson with a net 71 on count back over Larry Simpson in second place. In third was Peter Hammond with a net 72.
In the B Flight, 20 up, the winner was Wayne Koch with a net 70 ahead of Kevin Dinan in second with a net 74 and in third we had a count back that saw Toy Theobald in third and Chris Borrett just losing out, both net 75.
So to the winner, and completing a good week for her, Carole Kubicki won the Kronborg Mug with a Net 70 on count back over Wayne Koch. Well done Carole and have a good trip home. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Tristan Gilbert (2), Kris Helgasson, Toy Theobald
Long Putt: Phil Battah, Les Charles

Haven team triumph on home soil

Thailand Claret Jug Matchplay Challenge

Thursday, March 13, Green Valley - Haven v South Herts Elect
The inaugural match between The Haven and South Herts Golf Club was played over the heavily sanded Green Valley course, that left the favourites bemoaning the state of the greens, although the rest of the track played exceptionally well with good conditions from tee to green.
Having to give shots in every match and fighting various degrees of hangovers and other stresses from living in Happy Town, it was always going to be a hard fought match with the locals from the Haven well rested but extremely short of matchplay practice. Indeed three of the team had never played in a true match previously and they were up against a well seasoned and experienced team from South Herts.
In the final count The Haven made up for their lack of experience with outstanding playing efforts as they took the lead and the match with great contributions from all the team, to secure the result before the last two matches went the way of the visitors and added a little respectability and balance to the final score of 5 to 3 in favour of The Haven.
At the celebratory presentation Stephen Beard congratulated the winning team whilst sympathising with the losers and looked forward to the next meeting either in Thailand or London and adding that, in any event it was a good experience for the home team as the start of the Pattaya IPGC Matchplay League is due to start in May and much knowledge on tactics was learnt and assimilated.

South Herts Elect                   3 v 5 Haven Michael Cutmore (lost 5 & 3)      v    Al Keith Colin Taylor (won 3 & 2)             v    Tony Barritt Jim Slattery (lost 7 & 6)             v     Russell Exley Peter Skinner (lost 5 & 3)          v    Trevor Schirmer Bob Heath (lost 3 & 2)               v    Alan Griffiths Gerald Decio (lost 4 & 3)           v    Brian Kelly George Oakley (won 7 & 6)        v   Chris Knapp Luigi Bragoli (won 2 & 1)            v    Stephen Beard

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Penthouse to Outhouse
Too often those of us that write about boxing miss the 500-pound gorilla that lives in the house of the sport. Well, either miss the gorilla or lack the courage to speak or write frankly about it. Those that do are usually ‘persona non grata’ with promoters and some sanctioning organizations and boxing commissions. The Gorilla? No world wide professional sport puts its fate and integrity in the hands of a bunch of ever changing, local political, ego driven hacks.
It’s written that Las Vegas, Nevada, USA is the “ boxing capital of the world.” That may have been true at one time but those days are past. Now? It’s pure “Bull Stuff.”
Once Nevada developed officials that were the envy of the boxing world. Under Executive Director Marc Ratner, the Nevada Commission was the gold standard. The well-respected Ratner then left to join the martial arts group UFC. Ratner’s replacement is Keith Kizer, a lawyer who formally worked in the Nevada Attorney General’s office. Since Kizer’s arrival, judges that couldn’t judge the winner of a one-person beauty contest have been officiating at world championship fights. Under Kizer the Nevada Athletic Commission is becoming a joke in boxing.
Recently there was a bout with scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 94-96. At first it was thought that maybe the judge (name withheld to protect the guilty) had mixed up the corners.
“I asked him that,” said Kizer. “He assured me that he didn’t. Now I’m no judge but it was a difficult fight to score. In fact I thought many of the rounds could have gone either way,” said Kizer.
He’s right. He’s not a judge and couldn’t be more incorrect. After admitting that he doesn’t know anything he then gives his opinion. Like someone saying, “I know nothing about heart surgery but even though the patient died I think the doctor did a great job.”
One of Kitzer’s new, favorite judges got caught doing a “Ray Charles” on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Marquez fight. WBC lightweight champ David Diaz tuned up for his June 28 meeting with Pacquiao with a UD over willing but light-hitting Ramon Montano (15-5-2) trained by good guy pal Aussie Steve. The scores were 99-91, 97-93 for Diaz. “Kizer’s Boy” had it 95-all. HBO’s Emanual Steward said, “This guy can’t judge fights.” Spot on Manny
Boxing commissions and sanctioning organizations work “together” in the appointment of ring officials. It’s a gentleman’s agreement. Some jurisdictions mandate local referees for reasons of competence and safety although at times those are moot points.
The Nevada Commission, it seems, has decided that “gentlemen’s agreements” are out the window. The issue first came to light at the post-fight press conference after Pacquiao-Marquez. Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer questioned the replacement of a judge in the days leading up to the fight.
“I find it hard to believe that a judge was changed in the week leading up to the fight,” said Schaefer. A source inside the WBC commented: “Nevada has gone into a direction that no one understands. They are now 100% responsible for appointing ring officials giving sanctioning organizations ridiculous input…which is zero.”
Then came WBC President Jose Sulaiman with well-deserved, public criticism. “The arbitrariness and arrogance of the Nevada Athletic Commission replacing a WBC judge (Dick Flaherty, who is friends with Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach’s mother) with WBO judge Tom Miller.”
Miller had it 114-113 for Pacquiao. Guess a “gentleman’s agreement” needs two gentlemen.
Senior tour - par deux
Aussie WBA light-heavy champ Danny Green had some unkind things to say about former trainer and Aussie legend Jeff Fenech. Green equated Fenech’s expanding waist size to a lack of intelligence. An opinion which us wide-bodied guys would like to question.
Now the story has surfaced that Fenech may be thinking about a “minor” comeback in Bangkok against Samart Payakaroon sometime in mid-June. The two fought in 1987 for the WBC super-bantam title. To treat this event, if it does materialize, seriously would be a travesty. Payakaroon (21-2) hasn’t been in the ring since 1994 when he was TKO’d in 8. Fenech was last a contestant in 1996 when he lost to Phillip Holiday, getting clocked in 2 rounds. Combined age? 89 years. When you’ve a combined 89 years there is no young.
Maybe going on another kind of senior tour is former light heavyweight champ Reggie Johnson (44-7). Johnson won the IBF title in 1998 but when he tried to step up against Roy Jones he got slammed with Elmo “The Great” Adolph refereeing.
Johnson had one more title shot against Antonio Tarver, losing a dodgy SD. Now it may be the ‘Gray Bar Inn’ that beckons. Johnson has been indicted on a second-degree felony charge of theft. The Houston Chronicle reports that, “a corporation run by Johnson allegedly accepted $120,000 in grant money for boxing camps to be held last summer for children displaced by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, then never did the camps.” Could be a 20-year sentence if convicted. The more likely case is that some “sleaze bag” did the dirty using Johnson’s name.
One on his way to jail is former heavyweight contender Elijah Tillery. He got 9 years for 2nd degree weapons possession. His crime this time? He concealed a 12-gauge sawn-off shotgun inside a 3-foot green toy alligator. Not smart but kind of original
Some may not remember Tillery but us old geezers do. Better known in boxing as a sparing partner for Tyson and Michael Spinks, he got a fight against then undefeated Riddick Bowe (26-0) in 1991. At the end of round 1 Bowe landed a punch well after the bell. Tillery retaliated by kicking Bowe several times then all hell broke loose. Bowe’s manager, Rock “Head’ Newman, pulled Tillery out through the ropes where Bowe’s fans did a dance with their Floreshines on the unfortunate Mr. Tillery.
Hitman - He’ll never walk alone
Didn’t take long for Ricky Hatton to sell out the City of Manchester Stadium for his May 24 “pay day” against Juan Lazcano (37-4-1). In the first 36 hours more than 45,000 of the 55,000 seats were “Going-Going-Gone.” With lots of seats available some family tickets were sold at $200 USD. Those tickets would admit two adults and two children. Nice “Eye Deer Ah.”
The card will rely on UK support as it will be held at 9 p.m. Manchester time, which would eliminate it from “prime time TV live” in the USA. Many UK fights shown on Yank TV kick off at 2 a.m. UK time.
The UK PPV will also feature Paul Malignaggi (24-1) against Lovemore N’dou (46-9-1) in a rematch of their June 2007 bout. This will be Malignaggi’s first step on the two-fight contract. Step #2 would be a fight against Hatton in New York this fall. Yank TV? Not going there.
You’re kidding!!
Most everybody take shots, cheap and otherwise, at Promoter Don “Only in America” King. Even with his long and boring pre-fight press conferences Don King makes good copy for the media.
In 2004 ESPN telecast a documentary on King. In that program they accused him of being a “con artist and bully” and included several false statements that King allegedly issued death threats to sports journalists and to boxers he promoted. The program also purported that King cheated his fighters out of millions of dollars.
King responded by suing ESPN for $2.5 billion USD for “defamation.” One would guess to his “character.” The Miami Herald reported that ESPN went to a Broward County Florida courthouse in an attempt to have the suit dismissed. After several hours the judge refused the motion.
ESPN used the defense or argument that most of the statements in the documentary had already been reported in the past. The Judge didn’t seem to buy that line of “lawyer stuff” which is a lot like “Bull Stuff.”
If TSR’s chief writer hasn’t lost the portions of his mind that haven’t been dulled by “demon rum,” King has already lost court cases with boxers in regards to money that disappeared “as if by magic.” Mike Tyson, Chris Byrd and Tim Witherspoon all won financial court cases against King. And “death threats” against sports journalists? Anyone that covers boxing and calls themselves a journalist ought to be “off’ed.”
King, when all is said and done isn’t afraid to try something new, as long as it means money. Thursday night he televised on the Internet a ‘live’ bout between Cory Spinks and Verno Philips. Internet fans may want to check out www.donkingtv. com for future bouts.
Jeeves jawing time
“Thank you your Lordship. In Japan super-bantam Saenghiran Singwancha (21-1-1) got off the deck in the second session to battle back for a ‘split draw’ against former WBA-challenger Zaiki Takemoto (22-7-2). For Saenghiran it has to be satisfying to know that he’s on the comeback after being KO’d in 10 in a WBC eliminator bout. The winner of that one, Napapol Kiatisakchokchai, is supposed to get champ Israel Vazquez. That’s probably on hold as Vazquez heals up from three battle royals with Rafael Marquez in less than a year.
“As his Lordship is now doing his last minute packing for his holiday in ‘Land of Smiles’, he’s left it up to me to close this week’s The Square Ring. So beware, should you see an old geezer in a very loud “Hawaiian” shirt wandering the streets of Pattaya for the next few weeks it could be his Lordship. Upon further review it seems that I’ve just described most old geezers in Pattaya.
“To clarify, his Lordship is height challenged, hasn’t missed many meals, doesn’t have the required amount of hair on his head and what he does have has been altered. Daytime will find him in shorts and T-shirt before the evening finds the Master dressed for a night on the town. Watch for him enjoying beverages at Tim’s, TQ, Classroom or any of the other 5-star watering holes that abound in Pattaya. Or maybe wandering Soi City Hall on his way to Wil’s Tailor for new duds.
“If you see an old, loud geezer accepting free refreshments, bet your last Baht that’s his Lordship. He’ll be searching for his lost youth, but then aren’t we all. Don’t forget to ask him about the Muay Thai fights in Bangkok on Saturday April 12. Meanwhile he’s left me with a vast supply of lager, cigars and lots of music. Life is good.”

Max 5 proves a winner

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, March 17, Greenwood - Max 5 Scramble
1st Jesper Hansen, Jim Ferris, Evan Millar, Pat Murphy 53pts
2nd Kazuo Takimoto, Brian Libbey, Fred Chadwick, Brian Kelly 52pts c/b 26
3rd Mikael Andersson, Barry Traynor, Peter Duncan, Roy Thornton 52pts c/b 23
4th Jim Slattery, Bob Heath, Peter Skinner, Gerald Decio 50pts c/b 25
5th Phil Groves, Trevor Schirmer, B.J. Smith, Johnny Clements 50pts c/b 23
A blistering hot start to the day made way for exceptionally strong winds that brought some relief to the early starters but created havoc for those drawn at the back of the field, all except the winning combination of Jesper, Jim, Evan and Pat who combined extremely well to amass a seventeen-under 53 points.
With the handicaps set at 12.5% of the teams combined total and each player having to have no more than 5 tee shots, it made for some interesting and tough decisions after the tee shots as it left only two combinations with one player having to have at least 3 and the other three 5 or 5,5,4 and 4. This certainly added another dimension to an already widely appreciated scramble event.
It also turned out to be a very competitive day as the top ten teams finished within 5 shots of each other and the whole event field within eight shots, so that everyone went away from the day feeling that they all had a chance of getting into the prizes.
At the prize giving buffet at The Haven, The Doc thanked Russell Exley for ably assisting in the organisation and promotion and also Len Jones for his help in adding to the starting lineup.
There was also a warm round of applause for Lumyai and the staff for preparing yet another first class buffet that seemed to go on forever and was still being replenished well after the prize giving was over. As usual the celebrations went on long into the night with all agreeing to be at the next Max 5.
Wednesday, March 19, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Brian Libbey 36pts
2nd Barry Traynor 34pts
3rd Mark Cooper 30pts
With many of the group away at Soi Dao for a couple of days, the field for the first stableford at Mountain Shadow for several months, was much reduced from the recent numbers but still enough to have a competitive day over what is arguably the most difficult course in the area off of the blue tees.
Brian Libbey slipped in to claim a rare win and then slipped out after the prize giving before many of the day’s competitors could get back to claim their “drink with the winner.”
The Silver Fox was once again to be found near the top of the podium with another steady round with Mark Cooper a further 4 shots back in third.
There were no 2’s in the second division but inevitably once again Barry Traynor had one, together with Fred Chadwick and Barry Winton in the first.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc said a sad farewell to Tony Barritt, as he readies the family for a quick holiday (surely a mistake) back to the storm torn UK.
Friday, March 21, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Kenny Priddy 38pts
2nd Barry Traynor 37pts
3rd Paul Taylor 36pts
4th Phil Groves 36pts
5th Trevor Schirmer 34pts
Kenny Priddy took his first win out of The Haven since falling foul of the very attractive croupier in Pompey, who had caused his belated arrival back and the missed chance to win many more tournaments off a steadily rising handicap that defies all laws of nature.
Barry Traynor also took his third podium placing of the week without a win, something which surely cannot be too far away in the future. Paul Taylor just got the better of a revitalized Phil Groves on the count back, as Phil tired badly over the closing holes after being in pole position for most of the round.
Trevor Schirmer led a group consisting of John Dahlseng, Yasuo Suzuki, Chris Davisson, George Oakley and Peter Skinner, all who had 34, but worse count backs, for the last spot on the prize list.
For the third time in succession there were no 2’s in the second division, but Yasuo Suzuki was extremely sad to learn that Paul Larkin and of course Barry Traynor had also had one each, to add to his, which he had hoped had been the lone one in the first division.
Prior to the presentations Peter Hall, Steven Barclay, Richard Lyne and Andy Pedlar were welcomed back and also there were farewells to Mike Sanders, Kenny Priddy, Fred Chadwick, Bob Heath and George Oakley.

Bangpra plays tough as the field wilts in the heat

Gardner shoots best of the week at Bangpra

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, March 17, Burapha - Stableford
Div A (0-13)
1st Graham Holmes (8) 37pts
2nd Richard Line (9) 37pts
3rd George Gardner (9) 35pts
4th Pat Regan (9) 34pts
Div B (14-18)
1st Anton Rowbottom (14) 38pts
2nd Alan Bishop (18) 35pts
3rd Bob Martin (17) 35pts
4th David Evans (14) 34pts
Div C (19 +)
1st John Cogan (22) 33pts
2nd Jeff Moodie (25) 32pts
3rd Barry Rothberg (19) 31pts
4th Mark Kembrey (20) 29pts
2’s: Bob Philp, Don Frances, George Gardner, Richard Line, Bodie Brown & Steve Plant.
Forty-eight Outbackers played today off the blue tees of the Crystal & Dunes nines. A later than usual start time due to a major competition on the other course gave plenty off time for the usual banter before tee off at the strategically placed drinks hut right next to the first tee.

Nigel, with his good lady Bee, and the Wednesday division winners; George Gardner (left) and Doug Chalkley (right).

Conditions were tougher than usual with a stiff wind making club selection difficult and some of the holes played exceptionally long. Many players reported using a 3-wood or driver into the 205yd Par 3 seventeenth.
A special welcome today for Glenys & Bill Cook and also to the Aussie boys, many of whom stayed over from the TIAC tournament last week and are getting some extra practice before playing a similar splinter tournament.
The Outback Golf Bar decided, for the first time, to slightly change the format for the day and have an overall winner and runner up.
They were in first place Peter Allen (26) with 39pts and in second Steve Mann (13) also with 39pts, well played you guys!
Wednesday, March 19, Bangpra - Stableford
Div A (0–16)
1st George Gardner (9) 40pts
2nd Bruce Milner (14) 38pts
3rd David Hamilton (6) 34pts
4th Steve Mann (13) 34pts
5th Anton Rowbottom (14) 33pts
Div B (17+)
1st Doug Chalkley (19) 34pts
2nd Peter Allen (26) 32pts
3rd Nigel Cannon (21) 31pts
4th Barry Rothberg (19) 31pts
5th Harvey Samuel (17) 30pts
2’s: Doug Chalkley, Mike Marshall, Trudy Chadbourn, Dick Rose, David Hamilton & George Gardner (2).
This was another split day for the Outbackers, with Capt’ Bob taking the Matchplay Team to Green Valley and his deputy Jack, taking the remaining 34 players to Bangpra. This was the first visit here since Sept 10 last year & it might be as long again before a revisit.
“This is a lovely course, the ‘FF’ course”, as one golfer was heard to say. Puzzled, I couldn’t find the words to match ‘FF’ but nonetheless it seemed to be appropriate. Then he explained, “Flora & Fauna.” Hmmm, that’s what I thought he meant!
Well, there wasn’t too much of that around, it looked more like a construction site and in need of a lot of water, anywhere off the fairway, (I know you shouldn’t be!) was rock hard. However, this is probably preferable to the course being closed 9 holes at a time, which was rumoured a couple of years back. Probably worth another look after a bit of rain.
This was also Nigel Cannon’s birthday bash, 17 it said on the cake! Nigel presented a bottle of wine to each of the division winners as well as providing the near pin prizes on the Par 3s. Later in the day, Nigel treated his fellow golfers and friends to Cottage Pie at the Outback Golf Bar. Special congratulations go to you Nigel, and thanks for all your support.
The near pin winners were: #2, Bill Cook: #8, Mike Casey; #12, David Hamilton & #17, Harvey Samuel. They each won Sunday lunch for two at The Outback Golf Bar.
Friday, March 21, Plutaluang - Stableford
Div A (0–17)
1st Frank Frawley (8) 38pts
2nd Dave Boran (12) 36pts
3rd Gary Blackburne (6) 35pts
4th Mike Marshall (5) 34pts
Div B (18+)
1st Alan Bishop (18) 37pts
2nd Dennis Persson (18) 37pts
3rd Geoff Treloar (30) 35pts
4th Peter Gibson (35) 33pts
2’s: Dave Boran, Frank Frawley & Des Scott.
Whilst Capt’ Bob & Jack were away on PSC Charity Classic duty, Barry Chadbourn kindly took the reins as the Outbackers made their way to the ‘Navy’ course. That was the easy bit getting there, Dougie, who was the bus driver for the day managed to delay the presentation as the Outbackers enjoyed a few beers at the local watering hole. Apparently it was a good day with very few other golfers around. Thanks for your help Chad & Dougie!
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]
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.

Captain Nok leads SaBai Friday back into first