Top four remains unchanged after week 7

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Mai and Lance.

Weeks result: Montana and SaBai SaBai Friday split 2-2, Café Kronborg win 3-1 over Bavaria, VFW Post 9876 win all four from Jack Tar, Montgomery win 3-1 over Canada, Brother D win 3-1 over Brother D and House of the Golden Coin win 3-1 over Sala Thai Restaurant.
Best Bowlers: Ooy, Canada, 555 series; Tui, VFW, 549; Mai, Jack Tar, 548; Lance, Montgomery, 547; Aht, VFW, 524 and Kran, Café Kronborg, 515

Results & Standings August 29 (week 7)
Team	Points	Standings
Montana	2 – 2	21.5 - 6.5
Café Kronborg	3 - 1	21 - 7
VFW Post 9876	4 - 0	21 - 7
Café Ole	1 – 3	15 - 13
SaBai SaBai Friday	2 – 2	15 - 13
Jack Tar	0 – 4	13 - 15
Brother D	3 - 1	12.5 - 15.5
Montgomery	3 – 1	12 - 16
Bavaria	1 - 3	11 - 17
Canada	1 - 3	10 - 18
House of the Golden Coin	3 – 1	10 - 18
Sala Thai Restaurant	1 - 3	6 - 22

Plath maintains fine form at Plutaluang

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Thursday, 28 August, Plutaluang – Stableford
If there is one thing that really excites me it is playing Plutaluang. There, now I can tell the truth. This is a 36-hole layout that varies greatly depending on which 18 holes you play, and what condition the course is in. The last time I played it, to put it politely, it was in the process of maintenance, so what would this day bring.

Bill Plath was the winner at Plutaluang last Thurday.

The staff here are always polite, and the clubhouse is really good. The rates are excellent, and eat and drink here and you will find you get fine value for money, and to cap it all the view from the clubhouse is really good.
Play golf and each nine holes is different, so it matters greatly which two nines you play. I personally like South and East, but on this day we were to play West and South, or so we were told when we started, and in fact did after playing West, then being sent to East after nine and finding it packed with a competition we were then sent back to South as the competition there had just completed teeing off and we could start.
South had improved since last time I played it, but West is always a little ‘rural’ so I lost my normal number of balls. Of course after zooming around the first nine we had to wait for every shot on the back nine being behind a competition. Luck of the draw I guess. Happy Days!
Finally we got around and met in the restaurant where the winners were declared. The winner on this day was Bill Plath with 34 points ahead of a three-way count back on 32 points that saw Monte Sykes in second, Ebrahim in third and Henk De Bock just losing out. T.T.F.N.

Pattaya youngster finds off-road success

Ben Fortt from Pattaya, who is only 14yrs old, recently took part in a race meeting held at Seacon Square raceway in Bangkok on Saturday, 30 August. Ben was entered in the 250cc Super Motard Open category, which consists of part on-road and part off-road racing and the field had many experienced riders, all a lot older than Ben, taking part.

Ben Fortt is a new name to look out for in the sport of Autocross.

There were a wide variety of motorcycles on view with Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and KTM all in evidence whilst Ben was riding his Yamaha 250yzf.
Qualifying in the morning was very tough with some wet conditions that made the track very difficult. Ben scraped through the qualifying rounds and was placed at the rear of the grid but this must of inspired him as he rode the race of his life in the afternoon and worked his way gradually through the field to eventually finish in third position.
As this was only his second major race he was not surprisingly ecstatic with his performance and said he owed his great progress to a lot of training he puts in at the Bira Circuit in Pattaya.
Ben now has his sights set on an event next month at Sapanburi.

Sarens Asia team wins the Camel Summer Classic

Great support sees an excellent amount raised for the St. Camillus Foundation

A cheque for 204,000 baht, the proceeds from the golf tournament,
is presented to the St. Camillus Foundation.

The winning Sarens team: Dave Stockman (capt), Yar Reilly,
Mikael Andersson and Harry Reilly with Ronnie Coulson (left).

Saturday, 16 August, The Emerald Golf Course
For this year’s tournament the sky was clear and the temperature was very warm until the afternoon clouds gave a little relief to the largest ever number of congenial golfers that have supported this most worthy of causes - the St. Camillus Foundation which runs the Camillian Social Center, a relief center for HIV/AIDs people, just out of Banchang, in Rayong. This wonderful tournament managed to raise a total of 204,000 baht for the Camillians.

Tournament host Ronnie Coulson with able assistant Keith Whittle.
The large numbers of golfers, over 180, were teeing off from 6:30am and the organizers, once again, had everything arranged and in order, from the easy registration (a special thank you to Klaus and Tong), to the carts, drink stands and all of the technical prizes. Banners for major sponsors were appropriately located and the course itself was in fine condition and we extend our gratitude to the management, greens keepers and staff from Emerald for turning the course and facilities out so well.
The format this year, as with previous years was an open Texas scramble with teams taking an aggregate handicap based on a finely tuned calculation to make the chance for a win for all teams as even as possible. With such a large number, golfers were teeing off until almost 2pm but there were no delays and the teams generally managed to get around in just better than 4 hours.
The Camel Bar had strategically placed huge buckets of the finest Bloody Mary’s and some fine BBQ in just the right places to keep golfers strength up in the searing Thailand heat.
After the game and some welcome refreshments at the clubhouse, most golfers made their way, by 6pm, to the Camel Pub, Banchang’s largest and finest pub/ restaurant. Their, the Camels host, Ronnie Coulson and his excellent staff had prepared a sumptuous buffet for the golfers and their families to enjoy along with the continuing refreshments after their hard day’s toil chasing the golf ball.
Prize giving and presentations to the successful golfers commenced just after 7pm with Ronnie hosting and being ably supported by Keith Whittle and Dennis Willett making sure the right prizes got to the right folks. A raffle and lucky draw were also held.
The tournament champions for the Camel Summer Classic, 2008 were the team from Sarens Asia; Dave Stockman (capt), Harry Reilly, Yar Reilly and Mikael Andersson, with a brilliant net score of 55.2. The champions were presented with individual cut crystal trophies, a bottle of the finest spirits, a cap, umbrella and towel set.
The 2008 runners up were the Russell Exley team of Russell Exley (capt), Barry Winton, Bubbles Davies and Stephen Beard, also with an excellent net score of 56. They were presented with a cut crystal trophy each plus cap, umbrella and towel set. Congratulations to 2008 champions and runners up.
The Camel Pub wishes to express their appreciation to the two gentlemen who, preferring to remain unnamed, donated the champion and runners up trophies.
For the technical prizes this year, there were 2 longest drives, one longest putt and 4 near pins. The two longest drives, from all reports were monsters and both ended right in the middle of the fairway, a long way from the tee. All technical prize winners received a bottle of the finest spirits, a cap and umbrella. Congratulations to the individual winners who are listed below.
A tournament like this cannot be a success without the generous support of a legion of contributors. The Camel Pub wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the following local establishments for a bottle of spirits each: The Offshore Bar, The Bar, Candy Bar, The Blackcat Bar, Moonshine Bar, Good Luck Bar, Sunshine Bar, Beaver Bar, Rainbow Bar, Kiwi Bar, Wherehouse Bar, McAllisters Bar and Grill, Jigsaw Bar, Noots Bar, Faces Bar, Willy Coull and Noi Shop.
Additionally, special thanks go to local businessman Lasse Westberg for donating a brand new domestic pizza oven for the raffle, which by raising 10,000 baht on its own went very nicely with the bag and full set of clubs donated by the Camel. A very lively raffle contributed to a fine return for the Camillians.
Other donators of cash and prizes are also warmly and sincerely appreciated and they are: Chevron (Offshore) Thailand Ltd, Deborah Services Ltd, Sarens Asia, San Miguel, The Blackcat Bar, Scott & Shaun, Ken Leadstone, Jim Ryan, Andy Wegner and of course, the Camel Bar & Restaurant.
Many thanks to all who supported and played in this fine tournament. We hope to see you all and your friends back for the Camel Winter Classic, this coming December.
More information about the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand and the Camillian Social Center can be found at: www.camillian-rayong. org/en/contact.asp
Technical Awards:
Longest Drive: #9 Jeremy Masse, #18 Pusu Pimanusorn
Longest Putt: Allan Duffus
Near Pins: #5 Suranya Chaiyanont; #7 Clark Alexander; #13 John Greenoff; #15 John Blyton.

Sus tops a four-way tie at Pattaya C.C.

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Three Sisters wound up the month with a bevy of players at the top. Faced with a sky full of blue plus many cumulus clouds, our stalwart players began teeing off at 06:30. Unfortunately some of the players were looking at those beautiful clouds just as their club head was about the meet the little white orb.

Monthly winner Sus Ige (left) with runner up John Christie.

The course was in fine condition but many of the greens had a coating of morning dew which made judging putts a bit difficult early on. On the other hand you were able to see where very early birds had missed the hole.
Four players came in with 35 points and Sus Ige captured the lead with an 18 on the count back. The cards of John Christie, Bob Benda and Walt Straub had to be examined closely as the count back went from the back nine to the back six to the final two. Finally it was John Christie who came on top to take second place.
The rest of the field followed back to the Caddy Shack II where Herbie had furnished our favorite spicy hot sausages as well as the more familiar hot dogs. A great day was had by all and Sus gets his name engraved on the monthly winners trophy.

Willie takes the ‘Mug’ at Emerald

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday 26 August, Greenwood A & B (White Tees) - Stableford
Having inspected the fairways, the management committee decided that preferred lies on closely mown grass would be in order and few objections to this decision were forthcoming from the fifteen competitors.

Thursday’s winners Willie Nachbur (left) and Neil Duncan (right) with sponsor Gao.

Jim Fortune (26) put his game together to take first place with 41 points, Willie Nachbur (24) and Martin Hayes (14) were second and third on count back with 39 points and Neil Duncan (13) and Alan Cassin (12) were fourth and fifth respectively on count back with 37 points.
Near pins bonuses went to Willie Nachbur, Don Bennet and Tiger Jumparnit (2) and Willie Nachbur added extra profit to his day by sinking the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average score for the day on cards returned was 33.3 points.
Thursday, 28 August, The Emerald (White Tees) - Stroke Play (Monthly Mug)
A Flight (0-19)
1st Neil Duncan (13) net 76
2nd David Gardner (9) net 76
3rd Jeff Wylie (5) net 76
B Flight (20+)
1st Willie Nachbur (24) net 72
2nd Keith Hodges (23) net 73
3rd Peter Mills (23) net 83
Twenty players took on a very rain sodden golf course, which according to PSC local rules warranted preferred lies through the green. There were several instances where players found their balls in flooded bunkers and had to apply the rules of golf accordingly.
Willie Nachbur was the only competitor to play to handicap and was awarded the Monthly Mug (a wine glass) by P J Pool Bar for his efforts.
The average score for the 18 cards returned was a high 83.5 indicating that the application of preferred lies through the green has little impact on lowering the scores of the average golfer. Near pin bonuses went to Martin Hayes (3) and Don Bennett, whilst Terry Bailey had the longest 1st putt on the 18th green and also the Paradise Bar golf shirt for playing the most golf this day.
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.

Dietrich becomes ‘The Bride’ at last

PSC Phoenix Tuesday Group (Members & Guests)

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday 26 August, Phoenix - Stableford
We welcomed two of our old friends back to happy land this week. Notably the very fine American gentlemen by the name of David Czernie (his name goes on a little bit longer than printed, but I ain’t taking no chances with the spelling), and the equally English gentleman, Lennie Bantleman. Sadly Lennie will only be with us for a couple of weeks before he is off to do others duties in the gulf states.
This meant a full compliment of 3 groups this week and what a pleasant day it turned out to be. The weather was set perfect for golf.
After this week the three courses will be open again and ready for the high season’s onslaught of hackers and golfers alike. It has to said it is a shame to see so many tourist hackers allowed on this course. This track is far too difficult for beginners, but as we know money in the till is the main priority in this town. Just hope the standard is better during this high season.
And so today meant that the Lakes and Ocean course, which was our task for the day, was in fine fettle. The whole course now is up to a very high standard of manicure and condition. Even the dreaded bunkers seem to be getting back to some sort of normality.
As the heading states, Graham Dietrich managed to move up one better this week to the winner’s podium after a couple of weeks coming second. A modest score of 35 points was enough to secure first place, which shows what a good test of golf this course is.
In joint second place were the loveable Irishman Kenny Graham and the now (Mr. Consistency) Neil McAllister with 34 points each. We don’t do count back for minor places in this group.
It was also goodbye to Joe Miller for a while, as he will be leaving to go back to work in America this week. Carry on the good work Joe of building up the cash reserves for us old codgers to keep our pensions coming in.
A notable funny this week was when I was just about to commend my caddy for what appeared to be an excellent job of raking the bunker I had just managed to play out of, but when she finished she just threw the rake into the bunker and walked away. It was like just ironing a shirt, folding it neatly and then throwing it on the floor. Well it seemed funny at the time. Seems like a little bit more education is need when starting these caddies.
Friday, 29 August, Phoenix (Blue Tees) - Stableford
This Friday saw our first attempt at ‘Tiger Tee’ golf and what a pleasant day it turned out to be. Only one four-ball, but the standard of play was very good considering the many interruptions for rain that we experienced. Still this meant that the air was nice and cool for the whole round.
Again the in form Graham Dietrich shot a superb 38 points and failed to score on the last (better look at his handicap I think). From the back tees this was a fine effort. Even the other players managed to score 35 points, and 31 points respectively.
Note: if anyone would like to join our group on Tuesday’s from white tees and Friday’s from Blue tees, please call me (Mike Gerrard) on 087 091 7565. Our first tee time is usually 12.00 noon with registration closing at 11.30am on the day. Strict R&A and USGA rules apply to our golf.

Warberg wins on tense count back

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, 26 August, Khao Kheow – Stableford
This was to be my first game back after spending a wet and windy month in the U.K., and I came back to the last game of the month with those perennial winners McNeely and Warberg locked in a tussle with Steve Hamstad for the monthly prize, and the test was to be K.K., now that was going to be fun.

Dick Warberg (right) receives the “Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month” award from the man himself, Alan Bolton.

So after breakfast at Bert’s it was off to the transport and down to K.K., where the test was to be the C & A Nines in that order, now that is a tough test, and to cap it all we had a strong wind and high, humid, temperatures to contend with. With the rain of late we also had little run on the fairways. This was going to be a really tough day.
And of course that’s exactly what we got, K.K. really screwed us to the floor and as usual beat us 20 to nil. So who amongst these valiant golfers would rise to the top, well back at Bert’s we would find out.
Playing at Khao Kheow we all know that a score approaching net par can win, and the winner on this day was Bill Knight with a good (for K.K.) 35 points. Well done Bill. We then had a three-way count back on 34 points that saw Dick Warberg in second, Anders Pederson in third and Badger in fourth.
How did this equate to “The Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month” award? Well with Dick winning the count back it just allowed him to become the top dog for August. Lose the count back and we would have had our usual, of late, winner. Well done Dick, and thanks for standing in for the last month. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Steve Compton, Daryl Evans, Badger (2)
Long Putt: Perry McNeely

Gerry takes monthly award

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, 25 August, St. Andrews - Stableford
Well The Bunker Boy’s had a strange week at the end of August with something upsetting the applecart on all the courses we played.

Gerry Cooney (right): August’s golfer of the month at The Bunker Bar.

On Monday we were meant to play Green Valley but on arrival at the course the wonderful staff insisted we did not have a booking, considering it is a Thai lady who makes our bookings there every month you couldn’t even use the language barrier as an excuse. Anyway a switch to play St. Andrews for the same price was a fair enough solution so that’s what we did.
William Macey seemed to be the only one who benefited from the change of venue as he won by a huge margin with 41 stableford points. Gerry Cooney came in second with a paltry 28 points, Colin Stokes took third spot with 26 points and Geoff Hart claimed fourth place with only 25 points.
Needless to say William won one of the near pin prizes and the other three went to Gerry Cooney, John McDonald and Mashi Kaneta.
Wednesday, 27 August, Burapha - Medal
Today’s Medal competition got off to a normal start but with storm clouds swirling all around it was after playing about eight or nine holes that the heavens opened and promptly flooded fairways and greens. With lightning posing a danger and most of the golfers dripping wet in the clubhouse it was decided to cancel the competition and try again next month when we will play Burapha again.
It was also nice of the staff there to give the golfers a rain check too so it didn’t turn out too bad after all.
On returning to The Bunker Bar for some much needed refreshments it was discovered that due to a lack of communication some brave fools had continued to play the eighteen holes after the weather cleared and were dismayed to hear the comp had been cancelled and even more ticked off because they didn’t get a rain check for next month either … The joys of golf!
Friday, 29 August, Phoenix - Stableford
It was to be a Matchplay league game today and The Bunker Boy’s turned up in a confident mood having strung some good league results together to take them up to third in the table.
But, the golfing Gods had their final laugh of the week when the opposition, Tropical Bert’s turned up a man short and had to forfeit the match, so, although The Bunker took the points it was disappointing to do so in that manner.
Nevertheless the players who showed up had a friendly game together and John McDonald had the best round to win with 40 stableford point ahead of Gerry Cooney with 39 points.
The second place Gerry Cooney garnered on Monday was enough for him to win the golfer of the month for August … well done Gerry.
Roll on September!

Billy “Whiz” Fitzgerald

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Many of our golfers, and in particular those of the older fraternity and specifically those from the UK will have heard of a comic character called “Billy Whiz”. He appeared as a character in the Beano comic in May 1964 and was a boy who could move at superhuman speed.

Three of Saturday’s winners: George Robinson, Billy “Whiz” Fitzgerald and Ted Senior.

Well I am very happy to advise you that we appear to have our own version of Billy Whiz here in Pattaya and he now plays golf regularly out of the TRGG. I am referring to Billy Fitzgerald.
Billy won on Saturday, August 23, at Eastern Star and then took a third place at Laem Chabang the following Tuesday. But this was only a warm up for a win on Thursday at Phoenix and then, despite being cut two shots, he promptly went out on Saturday and won again at Eastern Star.
Maybe not at superhuman speed as he has slowed down a bit these days but it was a fine performance none the less, and this from someone who only took up the sport some twelve months ago.
The unluckiest player this week has to be Matt Gibbons he had second place in all three outings for the week. His report card surely reads, “ Must try harder.”
Tuesday, 26 August, Laem Chabang B & C - Stableford
1st Steve Gould (18) 37pts
2nd Matt Gibbons (14) 37pts
3rd Billy Fitzgerald (16) 34pts
4th Akitoshi Ito (9) 34pts
2’s: Tewin Lamthong, Billy Fitzgerald
First outing this week was one of our rare visits to Laem Chabang on Tuesday. We had a very good turnout and this shows that this course is popular with the players.
I am happy to report that the winner was Steve Gould with a count back thirty-seven points: He has been thereabouts recently on many occasions. Pushed into second with the same score was Matt Gibbons while Billy “Whiz” Fitzgerald was third with a count back thirty-four over Akitoshi Ito.
Two 2’s were recorded by Tewin Lamthong and Billy Whiz
Thursday, 28 August, Phoenix Lakes & Ocean - Stableford
Division 1
1st Fred Brent (10) 40pts
2nd Matt Gibbons (14) 38pts
3rd Ray Allison (12) 33pts
4th George Robinson (11) 33pts
Division 2
1st Billy Fitzgerald (16) 42pts
2nd Peter Morris (24) 40pts
3rd Tony Burnett (22) 39pts
4th George Robinson (23) 38pts
2’s: Ito Akitoshi, Billy Fitzgerald, Ted Senior, Matt Gibbons
Thursday and it was back to one of our regular venues, Phoenix (Lakes and Ocean), and yet again we had a very good turnout and two flights 0-15 and 16 up.
Division 1 saw a win for Fred Brent with forty-points followed by Matt Gibbons in second again, this time with thirty-eight points. Third was count back fight on thirty-three points between Ray Allison and George Robinson, with Ray getting the nod.
Division 2 belonged to “Billy Whiz” with a great forty-two point effort, two ahead of Peter Morris in second with Tony Burnett and Alun Webber taking third and fourth respectively.
There were four 2’s, going Ito Akitoshi, Ted Senior, Matt Gibbons and “Billy Whiz”.
Saturday, 30 August, Eastern Star - Stableford
1st Billy Fitzgerald (14) 36pts
2nd Matt Gibbons (14) 33pts
3rd George Robinson (11) 32pts
4th Fergus Brennan (9) 31pts
5th Ted Senior (17) 30pts
2’s: None
Saturday we headed to our usual weekend venue at Eastern Star. We had a much better turnout on the day than the previous week but the conditions made it tough for everyone: The wind was up and the pin placements very testing.
So no great scores were posted but this failed to deter Billy “Whiz” Fitzgerald who despite being cut two shots after his fine outing on the Thursday put in a winning thirty-six points to take it by three from (Mr. Second) Matt Gibbons. One further back and third was George Robinson and Fergus brought up the rear at thirty-one.

Tony’s Tigers take over at the top

MBMG Matchplay League 2008

Monday, 25 August, Burapha - The Driving Range v Outback Golf Bar (match halved)
Heavy rains spoiled the return match between these two sides just after the turn. It was probably a blessing for the Outback as apparently they were only up in a couple of matches, although Barry Chadbourn had already won his against the Driving Range captain, Ian Hart.

Bruce Tollitt (Caddyshack Capt’) & Tony Duthie (Tony’s Tigers) are all smiles after a closely fought match at Green Valley.

Many enjoyed a few beers at the first drink stop on Dunes in the hope that the storm would pass, but after about 40 minutes there was no sign of it abating.
Tuesday, 26 August, Phoenix - Café Kronborg 1½ v Angkana House 4½
Individual Results (Kronborg first): Dave Richardson won 1 up v Ken McCarthy; Monty Sykes lost 4 & 3 v Marty Alred; Kris Helgason lost 4 & 2 v Clive Robinson; Ebrahim lost 1 down v Barry James; Henry O’Brien lost 1 down v Trevor Loersch; Graham Buckingham halved with v Bob Rasmussen.
Monday, 25 August, Green Valley - Caddyshack 4 v Tony’s Tigers 6
This top of the table clash lived up to all expectations and kept everybody waiting for the final result. As the pairs were coming off the course it was obvious it was going to be very close after the first pair came in it was 1-1, then 2-2, before the Tigers went 4-2 ahead but the Caddyshack players battled on and got the score to 5-3 with only the last pairings out on the course; it was very tense but the Tigers managed to hang on and go on to record a 6 & 4 victory.
The match was played in good spirit and a great time was had back at the Caddyshack. During the evening, discussions went on for many hours as to who might end up winning the title now; as the Caddyshack’s lead, which once looked invincible has been whittled down to nothing.
Individual Results (Caddyshack first): Jeff North lost 3 & 2 v Dave Richards; Graham Beaumont won 2 & 1 v Terry O’Connor; Bruce Tollitt won 5 & 4 v Ben Findon; Jim McGovern lost 2 & 1 v Ted Morris; Peter Henderson lost 1 down v Chris Holmes; Helmut Herbstreit lost 3 & 2 v Geoff Bowers; John Murdoch won 3 & 2 v Nigel Irvin; Greg Richie lost 3 & 2 v Brian Jacks; Clive Bruce won 4 & 3 v Thomas Kjellgren; Phil Utting lost 6 & 5 v Gordon Duncan.

Roscoe takes roundabout route to second at Lakeside

PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, 25 August, Burapha - Stableford
It’s Monday morning and some 52 Outbackers are looking forward to a good round of golf on the Crystal & Dunes nines. With them are 14 more from the Driving Range, ten of whom are there for the return leg of the MBMG Matchplay league.
Teeing off from the white tee on Crystal, Barry Chadbourn led the way for the Outbackers playing Ian Hart, the Driving Range captain. Following them were the rest of the matches and four groups playing in the regular stableford competition. On the Dunes tee, were another 8 groups, streaming off at seven minute intervals, including Capt’ Bob, who was running around making sure everybody was where they were supposed to be. In his inevitable calm way and with a bit of shuffling here and there, they were.
Inconclusive reports about the halfway stage indicated that with the exception of Barry, who had already won his match, the Outback Golf Bar were down again in their matches. This time however, the weather came to their rescue. Threatening for some time, it seemed as though it might have skirted round the back and across to Laem Chabang, but then from nowhere, the rain could be heard approaching from behind the hill. Tee off and head for the shelter. The balls are still there.
It was some storm as many Outbackers sheltered in the kiosk at the end of the par-three 11th, resigning themselves to getting as wet inside as they were outside. Nobody had completed the competition and it was clear this storm was not going to go away quickly, it was a long wet dash to the clubhouse but the hot shower was welcomed by all.
The disappointing end to the golf was brightened by the Burapha management, who gave everybody a nine-hole rain check. Thanks Burapha, we’ll be back.
Wednesday, 27 August, Royal Lakeside - Stableford
Hello Rosco, Mark & Ben, here are your directions from Perth to Karratha, a total of some 1538km: Head east on St. Georges Terrace toward Barrack St, continue on Adelaide Terrace, continue on Causeway, ... slight left to stay on W Swan Rd. ... continue straight to stay on Brand Hwy, ... Turn right at Chapman Rd, Go through 3 roundabouts, turn left to stay on NW Coastal Hwy (for 1044km), turn left at Karratha Dampier Rd. D’you feel at home now, mate?
Your route for yesterday from the Outback Golf Bar to Royal Lakeside Golf Club should have been a hell of a lot shorter and possibly a little more simpler at just over 70km: Head east on Phon Prapha Nimit 30 toward 2010, Turn right at 2010, Turn left to stay on 2010, ... Take the ramp to National Highway No. 36 ... Take the ramp to 7 ... Continue straight onto Sukhumvit, ... Keep right at the fork to continue toward Sukhumvit and merge onto Sukhumvit, ... Sharp right at Thetsaban Tha Kham 2 and then turn left.
It’s not surprising you got lost with those directions!
15 Outbackers reached the course on time, the other 3 teed off some one hour behind. The day was won by David Evans with 39 points followed by Rosco, who in spite of his extended journey via the Royal Golf Course on Route 9, still managed to come second with 38 points and get a ‘2’. Just goes to show the stuff that Rosco’s made of.
The remainder of the field was headed by a three-way count back between Bruce McAdam, Suzi Lawton & Kathy Doody all on 35 points.
There were two ‘2’s today from Suzi Lawton & Rosco.
1st David Evans (14) 39pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (13) 38pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (20) 35pts
4th Suzi Lawton (22) 35pts
5th Kathy Doody (18) 35pts
6th Des Scott (9) 33pts
Friday, 29 August, Siam Plantation - Stableford
It was a showery start for the 32 Outbackers playing the Pineapple and Sugarcane loops.
In yet another example of the golfing venues working together for the betterment of local golf, The Outback Golf Bar was joined for the second time this month by some 24 players from Lewiinski’s.
Limited today supposedly to thirteen groups (fourteen actually played) and only a one tee start (instead of the usual two), Capt’ Bob stood down from playing today, although he was there at the start doing his usual juggling act to get everything underway. Contrary to a recent harsh newspaper report that condemned the Plantation’s organisational skills, Capt’ Bob said that he found them (the marshalls etc.) always a pleasure to work with.
Ray Doman played out of his skin to gain a top score of 37 points, which on this course is an immediate handicap cut (17.1 to 16.2). However, it was later learned that Ray is returning home before that cut can come into effect. Well played Ray, the new handicap will keep!
The next best score was Paul Bourke on 33, pretty much to handicap round here, and was enough to take the first division win. Regular Rosco, who found the course today without mistaking it for the Old Siam, was second on 32 and coincidentally, Mark, his driver for his Wednesday excursion also had 32 points to take second in Div B.
There was only one ‘2’ and that came from Bruce McAdam
A Flight
1st Paul Bourke (11) 33pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (13) 32pts
3rd Nick Payne (13) 31pts
4th Paul Sharples (9) 30pts
B Flight
1st Ray Doman (17) 37pts
2nd Mark Kembrey (18) 32pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (19) 30pts
4th George Bishop (17) 30pts
Friday, 29 August, Emerald - Stableford
Plutaluang was the scheduled course today but due to a major tournament there, the venue was switched to Emerald at the last minute.
Twelve Outbackers made the trip south to this ever-popular course and Dave Evans showed his versatility carding his second win of the week. He followed up his 39 on Wednesday at Royal Lakeside (just outside the cut zone, 40 needed on Lakeside) with a fine 35. He was two points clear of his nearest rivals; Sugar Ray & Peter Emslie both on 33, with Sugar getting the better of Peter on count back.
There was only one ‘2’ from Mo Bertrand.
1st Dave Evans (14) 35pts
2nd Sugar Ray Hanford (18) 33pts
3rd Peter Emslie (18) 33pts
4th Joachim Oestreicher (24) 32pts
Note: Monday 15 Sept Burapha, Weds 17 Phoenix & Fri 19 Siam Plantation is the Ryder Cup Pattaya Style. Sign up at Outback Golf Bar, The Golf Club in Soi LK Metro or Lewiinski’s.
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

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

For all those out there that were waiting with baited breath for the announcement of De La Hoya-Pacquiao -your prayers have been answered, the seas have parted, famine has been reduced and two boxing guys have found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It was announced last week that Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao will meet on December 6 in Las Vegas in what may or may not be Oscar’s last fight.
Oscar did the old Mexican shuffle during the press teleconference confirming the fight. “My focus is my training. My focus is my next fight. I’m not going to talk about retirement. I’m not going to think about retirement,” he said
They’ll meet over 12 rounds at the 147lbs weight limit but there might be some cause for concern with the weight restrictions. Pacquiao will be coming up in weight while De La Hoya will be at 147 for the first time in 7 years. The last time he fought at that weight he destroyed Arthuro Gatti. For every pound Oscar is over the 147lbs limit he’ll pay $3 million USD.
The wise guys in boxing tend to go with the boxer coming down in weight as he retains his power and is usually in better shape. That may be one of the reasons why early odds favor De La Hoya as a –155 favorite. Pacquiao is the +135 dog. What’s that mean? With a bet on De La Hoya you lay out 1.55 to win 1.00 plus your bet back. On Pacquiao it’s 1.00 to win 1.35.
De La Hoya on Pacquiao - Manny
on Oscar
 “Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best. I am glad we were able to make this fight happen because while Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success and has defeated all of the top fighters he has faced, I am going to show the world that it stops with me. December 6 can’t get here soon enough,” said Oscar.
“This is my greatest challenge,” stated Pacquiao. “When I take that walk to the ring to fight Oscar, I will carry all the people of The Philippines - the entire country - on my shoulders. I promise I will fight with all of my heart and that I will give everything I have. Like my trainer Freddie Roach says, I have what it takes to win the biggest fight of my life.”
TRS spot on…
Both regular readers of TSR will remember that this space had pronounced all along that the fight would indeed come to fruition. That aside, kudos has to be extended to Golden Boy Promotions for stretching the announcement out longer than “Who shot JR?” from the final days of Dallas. They were aided in their efforts by a fawning boxing media that is so gullible that they would go to Guyana and accept a large Grape Kool Aid from Jim Jones.
It’s clear that someone explained to Manny Pacquiao and his “Filipino Posse” that 30% of something is a lot better than the 30% of nothing that he would have gotten from a fight against anyone else. Pacquiao’s last PPV against David Diaz bombed at the box office.
It’s estimated by those that do such things that De La Hoya-Pacquiao may do $100 million dollars from pay-per-view. Those same folks think that this may be the largest PPV fight ever, eclipsing Holyfield-Tyson. This PPV will be historic, for those that care about such things, as the first mega PPV without a black fighter as one of the participants.
Generating $100 million USD would equate to 2 million PPV buys. That’s a goal which is reachable but probably unattainable as Europe, especially Germany, would be a very minor player as the fight would hit there about 2AM.
Olympics - finale… das Finale…finálé… lokaþáttur
True fact but this is the very last time that the Olympics and specifically Olympic boxing will be mentioned in this space.
Last week the following appeared in TSR: “Rudi Obreja (Romanian delegate to the AIBA) called a press conference. At that press conference he ‘alleged improprieties in the process used to give refereeing and judging assignments’ as well as ‘a litany of lurid allegations against AIBA and its officials.’”
After TSR went to press the ‘litany of lurid allegations’ came to light but it appears they proved to be darn near nothing, and certainly not ‘lurid’. The claim was made that after referee and judging assignments had been made by a computer, a Korean official went to “specific” national team representatives asking them if they were happy with assigned officials. If they weren’t happy the Korean official would make changes in assignments. The AIBA was aware of the charges two months before the Olympics and called in the IOC. Yes, that’s like asking the fox to watch the henhouse.
In addition, Obreja charged that “said Korean official” was active in “bribing” AIBA voters in favor of current ABIA President Wu Ching-kuo. What will happen? Nothing, Zero, Zip and not to leave out Nada.
It’s a shame that such a grand event as the Olympics has been hijacked by bureaucratic bumblers. One American Amateur boxing insider said, “They’ve got to tear it down and start all over again. The system is a mess.”
The upside, for some, is that while the world was watching the Olympics, the Ruskies were able to invade a sovereign country, kill a bunch of people for “peace” and blame it on the invaded country.
Chaycahi Saskul title shot ... about time
Chatchai was the WBC flyweight champion from 1997 until he ran into Manny Pacquiao in December of 1998 – then it was goodbye title as he was KO’d in 8.
Since then he’s gone 31-1 with nary a sniff of another title chance. Of course he was fighting guys that had their girlfriend watch the noodle stand while they got a “punching pay day”, but still 31-1 is nothing to be sneezed at. The only loss came when he ventured to Japan in December of 2006 to meet an ordinary Kuniyuki Aizawa. Of course he lost.
Finally last weekend Chaycahi got a title shot in Monterrey, Mexico, against Cristian Mijares (35-3-2) for the WBC super-fly title. Mijares had a nice little run of 24-0-1 against guys that abandoned their taco wagons for the payday. Except in 2007 when he stepped it up winning the title from Katsushige Kawashima and then defending it 7 times including against the great Jorge Arce: all those fights in less than a year.
Oh my goodness, after waiting all this time Chatchai Saskul (64-4) lasted only 3 rounds with champion Mijares last Sunday morning in Monterrey. Saskul was never in the fight, kissing canvas in round two and again in round three. He beat the count of ten but the referee judged him unable to continue. “I come here to win the titles from Cristian,” Saskul had said prior to the fight.
Meanwhile in Berlin, Germany…
Nicolai Valuev (48-1) reclaimed the WBA heavyweight championship with a 12-round UD (116-111, 116-113, 114-113) over John Ruiz (43-7-1) in Berlin.
The first time these two met Valuev won a majority decision. Ruiz had vowed before the fight that he “wouldn’t be holding” which he claimed he never did anyway. From all reports it does seem that Ruiz did try to make a fight of it even inside where Ruiz was more than willing to trade power shots. But another wire report said, “Their infighting regularly turned into a clinch, especially as the bout progressed.”
One that saw the fight in a different light was “injured” WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev. He had to step aside in June when he tore his Achilles tendon.
“For me, the fight was at the most a draw. I even leaned toward Ruiz. If he would have won, nobody would have complained. All in all, I saw nothing new. The only thing I noticed is that Ruiz was a little more aggressive and Valuev’s jab has improved a little. But I’m still not worried. I’m WBA world champion because I have clearly beaten both,” he said.
How can there be two WBA heavyweight champions? Easy - This is Boxing!
Manchester
‘Really Big’ card
Alex Arthur (26-1) rules the roost as the WBO junior lightweight champion. On Sunday in Manchester at the M.E.N. Arena he will face fellow Brit, Nicky Cook (28-1) in yet another Battle of Britain.
The two boxers have great records with a combined 54-2, which would be a lot more impressive had they fought better quality opponents. Regardless, they will fight for the WBO title and also the championship of the United Kingdom. The fight should be very entertaining with the edge going to Arthur.
Most attention in Manchester will be focused on Amir Khan (18-0) when he takes on Breidis Prescott (17-2). The name Breidis Prescott is certainly not a household name anywhere outside of his native Columbia but he has some quality. He brings to the dance a punch that has accounted for 17 KO’s from 19 wins. Like most “punchers” that get a chance against a “hero in waiting” a win here would be a surprise.
In Prescott’s last fight he upset Richard Abril who was 10-0 till then. Abril was one of a group of boxers that hauled their bottoms out of Cuba with impressive amateur records and was on his way in the pro’s in the USA. A win here by Khan will be a plus.
UK gold medal winner
Almost forgotten is former Olympic gold medal winner Audley Harrison in yet another attempt to restart his faltering career. He appears on the Manchester undercard. Boxing fans have short memories, especially when gold medal winners falter as pro’s. That’s the case with Harrison.
James De Gale won the gold in Bejing as a middleweight. When asked if he was going to turn pro or continue as an amateur he said that he wasn’t sure. He did say he would not “mess up” like Audley Harrison. How quick they forget. There is reportedly a $1 million dollar offer for De Gale to turn pro.
Advice to De Gale, “Don’t take a check.”
Jeeves Time…
“I know that your Lordship despises all the extra weight carried by boxers with nicknames. His special scorn is reserved for fighters who have never done anything yet still claim nicknames. I’m sure that will change with the new nickname of Emanuel Augustus the WBO oriental welter champ. His new name is ‘The Drunken Master.’
“To think that your Lordship could have applied for a copyright first. Augustus is apparently moving to Las Vegas, which begs the questions, ‘Is Las Vegas big enough for two Drunken Masters?’
“Your Lordship, this week rather than toast to the end of another great column, how about we tip a few for Sir Frog & Nuch as their buffet raised 25,000 baht for the Jesters Care 4 Kids Charity?”
“What’s with all this ‘we’ stuff, Jeeves?”

Barry Winton’s fantastic week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, 25 August, Green Valley - Hi/Lo Pairs Better-Ball Stableford
1st Dave Shaw (15) & Orathai Winton (30) 47pts
2nd Barry Winton (4) & Phil Stevenson (22) 44pts
3rd Tony Barritt (12) & Russell Watkins (25) 44pts
4th Jens Gunnarsson (14) & Paul Hartley (21) 42pts
5th Al Keith (5) & Stephen Beard (20) 41pts
A large group left The Haven in high expectations following a draw for teams based on one high and one low handicap. With the cut coming at an almost unprecedented 19, and with many people playing with their partners for the first time, hopes were high among the higher handicapped players that some of the skill of their lower partners would rub off on them.
In most cases it did as the format, never before tried, brought together some unexpected results. None more than the winners who included the highest handicapper of the day in Orathai Winton, who was paired with Dave Shaw.
They led in a very competitive field by three shots as they managed to return an outstanding eleven-under having got round taking an equal share of the holes and responsibility for the excellent win.
It should be mentioned that the format was based on a generous full handicap basis rather than the usual three quarters, so as to give the higher handicaps an even chance to appear on the card, and which turned out to be a very good idea.
Barry Winton benefited from the partnership with Phil Stevenson, as Phil helped to restore some confidence into Barry following a week which saw his first matchplay loss, an unmemorable better ball, and just a 75 gross. This day saw him stroke it round in 70 gross.
Indeed it was to be the start of a remarkable rebirth for Barry’s golf during the week, as he and his partner took second spot on a count back of 23 to 21, from Tony Barritt and Russell Watkins. There was no doubt who was the “top banana” in that team as Tony’s latest innovative approach to the putter, where he actual putts left handed whilst being left handed, seems to belie nearly 50 years of golfing error and may possibly lead to a total renaissance.
Jens Gunnarsson, another to have suffered badly in recent games and matches, also seemed to get a lift from “The Pie Filling Runner” Paul Hartley as they easily slipped into fourth place, holding off an almost spirited challenge by Al Keith and Stephen Beard, who would possibly have done better if either of them could have hit a green or two. Al was seen leaving the course for six hours of short iron practice immediately following the last putt.
There were no 2’s on the day due to the format.
Before presenting the prizes “The Doc” welcomed new members Lex Clark, Bob Seiler and Russell Watkins and also welcomed back Paul Hartley and Rick Holmes from an extended illness.
Wednesday, 27 August, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Barry Winton 42pts
2nd Russell Exley 41pts
3rd Jens Gunnarsson 40pts
4th Rod Howett 40pts
5th Kenny Graham 39pts
The managements insistence of placing the white tees well forward during the week is leading to some extremely low scores as the shortness of the Greenwood layout, and the ability of the players to ‘take the trouble out of play’ and mostly hit over the hazards, leads to a course with very little defence.
Having said that, the player still needs to get it in the hole, and no one did that better on the day than Barry Winton as he cruised it round in 70 gross to be four under his handicap, and underscoring the new found belief following his good result of two days earlier.
Russell Exley, surprisingly not among the mentions on Monday, recovered his usual form to take second place by a shot from the battling Jens Gunnarsson and Rod Howett, with Jens taking the honours by 22 to 20 on the count back for third spot.
Kenny Graham deserves a mention for his three-under, but that normally good score was nowhere near on a day that saw 95% of the field shoot to within two of their handicaps.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Jens Gunnarsson, Tony Barritt (Tony Barritt!), Brian and Libbey and Russell Exley with two, shared the first division pool.
Prior to the prize-giving, Yasukasu Ueda was welcomed back.
Haven Matchplay Knockout
The day was also the final of the Haven Monthly Matchplay Knockout competition - Al Keith playing Tony Barritt in the final and Jens Gunnarsson meeting B.J. Smith ion the third place decider.
Tony Barritt found the going surprisingly easy as Al still struggled to find any consistency in reaching greens in regulation and was always trying to get it up and down to save the hole. With Tony’s new found putting technique it turned out to be just too hard a task for Al as Tony ran out the winner 4 &2 to destroy the Keith family dream of two in a row.
Jens Gunnarsson also found B.J. well below his normal standard of late as B.J slumped to two under his handicap and could not quite make up the difference of an early lost lead as he went down 2 & 1 to Jens’s four-under.
Friday, 29 August, Phoenix Blue Tees - Monthly Medals
Division 1
1st Russell Exley net 70
2nd Barry Winton net 72
3rd Al Keith net 74
Division 2
1st Chris Knapp net 78
2nd Brian Kelly net 81
3rd Derek Holt net 82
Always a little bit tough off the blue tees, Phoenix really shows its teeth when it blows hard and the rain comes regularly throughout the round. And on this day the wind was always swirling around to make things even harder as the course played every inch and one needed excellent length in the drive to get any sort of return out of a day of real difficulty.
Russell Exley moved another big step downwards in his quest to be a category one player, (under six), with a very good round of four under the day’s CSS of 74, to beat out the now almost rampant Barry Winton. At one point he even threatened to beat Barry gross until “The Bear” responded on the last with a birdie which was very nearly an eagle.
Barry also finished off an excellent week that had seen him in at four under par gross for the three rounds, which also reduced him to a solid 3 handicap for the next few games, and more importantly matches.
Al Keith at last started to return to some form following a grueling few days on the practice range.
The second division was a totally different affair as the contestants found the conditions and length a little too hard to handle, with nobody getting anywhere near par it was always going to be a survival of the most patient. Chris Knapp and Bran Kelly, old hands at that sort of thing, led in a very bedraggled group most of whom failed to finish, one of the exceptions being Derek Holt, who was elated to be among the prize winners prior to returning to “ I had that Er… in the back the other day”, in sunny London.
Paul Hartley claimed the only 2 in the second division and Russell Exley did the same in the first division.
Before the presentation, Rick Schramm and Kris Kritsanjootha were welcomed back.

Miss Oam and Paddy are scramble champs

The Beautiful Game?: Transfers hot up, at last

A week of largely boring World Cup qualifiers ahead, so dull in fact that we can’t be bothered to even preview them. Instead let’s use this week to take stock after a hectic first few weeks of the season and an even more hectic final day of the transfer window. After last week’s grumbling over never-ending transfer sagas dominating the back pages all summer long we finally saw some player movement on Monday, and about time too.
Tottenham may have got off to a dreadful start to their season, but the London side have dominated the transfer market recently and weren’t about to let anyone steal their thunder on the final day of the window. Two more additions have arrived in the shape of Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Manchester City defender Vedran Corluka for 14 and 8 million pounds respectively, which should challenge the song writing abilities of the White Hart Lane faithful.
Dimitar Berbatov left Spurs for Manchester United in the worst kept secret of the summer, but the move that really caught the eye was Brazilian striker Robinho ending up at Manchester City. An absolutely astonishing piece of business by City, who I can only imagine rang the player pretending to be Manchester United. Good luck to them.
Everton have angered fans with their lack of purchases but eventually signed Standard Liege midfielder Marouane Fellaini for a club record fee of 15 million pounds. No, I’ve never heard of him either, but apparently the 20-year old has played 10 times for Belgium and represented his country at the Beijing Olympics. The Toffees also brought in injury king Louis Saha and Wigan’s Carlo Nash.
Newcastle signed Spanish striker Xisco from Deportivo La Coruna on a five-year deal for a reported 5.7 million. The 22-year-old, who scored 12 goals in 44 games for Deportivo, will link up with former team-mate Fabricio Coloccini at St James’ Park and wear the number 19 shirt. “It is a great feeling to be here and to have signed for Newcastle,” he muttered.
City trading
Back to Manchester City, and the club have been taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment (Adug), according to reports. City’s former owner Thaksin Shinawatra agreed the deal on Sunday with Adug, who will be represented on the new City board by Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim.
“We will release details later, but this is a great event for both the club and Abu Dhabi,” said Al Fahim, the chief executive of Hydra Properties. “Our goal is very simple: to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League, and to begin with to finish in the top four this season.”
Platini loves
roast beefs
UEFA boss and former France legend Michel Platini will admit to cheating ‘twice’ during his career, said the Daily Mail earlier this week, but there is one accusation he is not prepared to accept. ‘I am not anti-English,’ he says. ‘Napoleon was anti-English. Not me.’
‘I know what has been said about me, about being anti-English, but I don’t know why,’ he said after a lunch in Monaco with journalists from across Europe. ‘But you represent the English press. You can say it’s not true.
‘When I spoke about the debts of certain clubs, everybody said it was directed at the English clubs. But we have many problems in clubs across Europe; many clubs that have run up massive debts.
‘Clubs like Steaua Bucharest and CSKA Moscow have already been punished because they don’t have respect, because they don’t have the money but they buy players. You can’t have that, and in Germany and France it is already forbidden. But in England it is still allowed.’
Platini considers it cheating. ‘It is a strong word but it is true and I have to fight against the cheats,’ he said. ‘You can’t be buying players on credit and simply running up huge debts. Clubs are not competing on a level playing field and that is not right.’
Rangers go top
Rangers cruised to the summit of the Scottish Premier League at the weekend with a double from former Celtic player Kenny Miller helping secure a 4-2 win against their Old Firm rivals at Parkhead.
Both teams finished with ten-men with Daniel Cousin and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink seeing red in the second-half. The two sides had gone in level at half-time after a superb solo effort from Daniel Cousin was cancelled out by Celtic’s Georgios Samaras.
But Miller came back to haunt his former employers scoring twice either side of a Pedro Mendes wonder strike from 30 yards out before Shunsuke Nakamura scored a consolation goal in injury time.
Rangers manager Walter Smith was delighted with his side’s victory. ‘At half-time 1-1 was just about right,’ Smith said. ‘In the second half we managed to get a second and added one quite quickly after that which gave us the upper hand. It was always going to be difficult for Celtic to come back after that. In the end it was a terrific victory for us at a place where it is difficult for any team to get a win.’
Gordon Strachan said he thought his Celtic side had coped well with Rangers until the second-half. ‘At half-time I couldn’t see that coming. I thought it was a good game and at half-time we were looking forward to the second-half. Through some bizarre goals and one excellent strike we found ourselves in a position where it was hard to win the game.’

Kris K has swinging time at Soi Dao

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Friday-Sunday, 22-24 August - Soi Dao
Friday – 2-Man Better Ball
1st Bob Newell & Mick Shrosbree 41pts
2nd Clinton Hazlet & Kris K 41pts
3rd Dean Airey & Chris Hayward 40pts
Saturday - Stableford
1st Kris K 43pts
2nd Mick Shrosbree 36pts
3rd Chris Hayward 34pts
Sunday - Stableford
1st Clinton Hazlett 36pts
2nd Kris K 36pts
3rd Bob Newell 33pts
Team event: Best two cards of three:
Kris K, Jack Spencer and Mick Shrosbree.
2-Day Eclectic scores
1st Kris K 47pts
2nd Mick Shrosbree 42pts
3rd Clinton Hazlett 42pts
4th Jack Spencer 39pts
5th Ian Grout 39pts
What a trip for Kris K. He demolished Soi Dao’s reputation as one of the more challenging tests of golf shooting a career best net 71 for 43 stableford points. Mick Shrosbree and Clinton Hazlett also tamed the course whilst Jack and Scary nearly shut the bar Friday night with their version of “I did it my way.” A great time was had by all.
Sunday, 24 August, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Roy Thornton (14) 39pts
2nd Paul Young (13) 39pts
B Flight
1st Mike Craighead (15) 39pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (21) 38pts
Near Pins: Ray Dell, Andrew Moffatt, Paul Young, Pierre Bietry.
2’s: Loads
Hidden six winners: 1st Robert Knutsson, 2nd Jeremy Masse on c/b over Terry Phur and Bruce Mcadam.
A smaller group than usual took to the road for Sunday’s stableford comp, with sixteen Lewiinski’s die hards away on the tour to Soi Dao.
The Mechanic’s run of form continued as he took the junior flight, with an excellent 39 points. In second place was Geoff Kubas, winning on count back over Terry Phur with both players on 38 points.
The senior flight was even closer, with Roy Thornton MBE winning on 39 points to share man of the match honours with the Mechanic. Losing on the count back was Paul Young.
Big Nick’s bad luck carried on with his low gross of the day yet again counting for nothing. Nick’s pleas for at least a drink fell on deaf ears.
Tuesday, 26 August, Laem Chabang - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (12) 40pts
2nd Jim Brackett (6) 36pts
B Flight
1st Joe Tynan (27) 28pts
2nd Peter Ring (19) 27pts
2’s: Joe Mcardle
B Flight saw a right good battle between two of our Irish senior members as the Wicklow man “Fighting Joe Tynan” took the honours, with 28 points, from Dublin’s ex-boxing champ Peter Ring. Dave Schelling and Dublin’s Peter Henshaw missed out on count back. As Peter and Joe made their way home it was Joe who was whistling the loudest for the second time in a week.
A Flight saw the right honourable Seamus Cotter bounce back to form with a blistering 40 points while second place was filled by Big Jim Brackett with a nice level par round of 36 points.
Wednesday, 27 August, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Gareth Gill (10) 38pts
2nd Bob Newell (6) 37pts
Leading the small Crystal Bay field home were the two heavyweights as big Geordie, Gareth Gill’s 38 points squeezed Captain Bob into second place by a single point. The lads made a hasty retreat back to Lewiinski’s after the game to celebrate the GM’s 65th birthday bash. Look out for his new donkey head cover.
Friday, 29 August, Siam Plantation - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ken Deringer (9) 35pts
2nd Tony Thorne (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Dene Airey (14) 35pts
2nd John Fitzgerald (14) 33pts
Ken Deringer fired 35 points to win A Flight at this very challenging Plantation layout. He was followed home closely in second place by Tony Thorne on 34 points.
B Flight was won by Dene “Scary” Airey with a share of man of the match on 35 points. Ending the week’s golf in second place was John Fitzgerald.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattayaland Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Thorne ‘Top Gun’ at Eastern Star

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

The Pattaya Golf Society regularly visits Eastern Star for its Sunday special stableford event and on August 24 the golfers arrived to find the course hosting a children’s event, not in itself a bad thing.
However, to subject children to the current course conditions might be construed as child abuse. The re-opening of three of the greens closed for re-seeding is way too soon and some of the bunkers, freshly sanded with what appears to be self-raising flour, brings back bad memories of Phoenix three years ago. The course does not warrant special attention in its current condition but golfers will make a fist of any challenge, and so it was with the PGS.
The returning Ian Wilson, clad in blushing pink, shared third place with Mam Morel, scoring 34 points, only one behind the consistent Chris Voller who is making a habit of appearing on the podium. The day’s winner was Aussie Tony Thorne and his round of 39 points was by far the best for a month or more with the Sunday group. Tony also had the honour of the best gross figures of the day, 78 representing some fine golf.
The only birdie ‘2’ was secured by Simon Kendall on his first round back after a summer in UK, the sixth hole confiding its putting secrets to him. Mr. Denis ignored the strong claims by the sartorially challenged Ian Wilson for the Booby Bevy, preferring instead to award it to Max Tolbert for his low round of the day. But it is probably true to say that the Eastern Star greenkeeper may have thrown his hat in the ring for that award as well.
Another win
for Kiwi Thomas
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Bangpra on Tuesday, August 26, to play a strokeplay event on the fine golf course.
The newly refurbished clubhouse now features a wonderful new locker-room with state-of-the-art showers and toilet facilities and the general conclusion was that money was being well-spent both on and off the course.
In the tournament itself things went to plan with the usual suspects in the frame. A packed middle order saw Bill Pickersgill emerge to take third place with an excellent net 75. One shot better, on net 74, was Simon Kendall and his round included the day’s sole birdie ‘2’, a chipped-in effort on the eighth hole which surprisingly was played off the blue tee box. At twenty yards longer than usual it caught out some of the golfers.
The day’s winner, with the best gross figures of 77, was David Thomas and he was left to rue a lost ball on the seventh which cost him a sub-par round. It was golf of the highest order on a course never too forgiving.
At the other end of the scale was the performance of Jean Morel who had a day to forget, arriving late at the course, shooting sixteen over and breaking down on the return journey on Sai Sam, in rush hour. It was no contest for the Booby Bevy.
For lovers of Bangpra the course is almost back to its best after months of renovation but there will be a cost to pay in high season no doubt.
Ladies on song
at Phoenix
Thursday, August 28, saw the Pattaya Golf Society play its one hundredth competition of the year, this time at Phoenix, over the Lakes and Ocean nines. A large field turned out to celebrate the event with the added attraction of a ladies’ four-ball included for good measure.
The quality field saw some fine golf with the average stableford score being almost 33 points.
Sharing third place were Bobby Shirkey, David Thomas and Mod Churaiska all on 37 points, whilst Chris Voller reinforced his position as favourite for the group’s “Player of the Month” title with an excellent 39 points for second place. David Thomas fired the best gross of the day yet again with an excellent 76.
The day’s winner was the diminutive Thai lady golfer Ann Silawong, whose recent introduction to the game saw her return 40 points on the course where she also caddies. Local knowledge is indeed an advantage and it marked her best performance with the group.
There were four birdie ‘2’s, with David Thomas, Ken Deringer, Ann Silawong and Bangkok-based Michael Sim, making his debut in the lists with his best performance in Pattaya, all sharing the prize.
Organiser Len Jones had checked his clubs earlier and found one extra in his bag and removed what he thought was a seven-wood, only to find when standing on the first tee that it was his driver and he thus had the embarrassment of tracking back to the car park to retrieve his favourite club, thereby relegating his playing group to the end of the queue, and determining the destination of the Booby Bevy before his round had begun. It had been another grand day out at Phoenix.

Forty plus is the magic number

Diana Seniors and Ladies open 28th August

The headline refers to the winning scores (not age) at the August Diana Seniors and Ladies open where Nigel Cannon, standing in as organizer for Mike Franklin, met the 31 competitors prior to the start.

Diana Seniors and Ladies winners for August: (left-right) Bo Engstrom, Siripen Homkum and Hans Kafka.

It was a perfect day for golf at Pattaya Country Club – not too hot and a cool breeze with just a few spots of rain and the rounds of a little over 4 hours.
The score of the day came from first-timer Super Senior Hans Kafka, an Austrian with an Australian handicap of 22, who racked up 47 points whilst the runner-up was last month’s winner John Hurst with 39 (15).
The Senior winner was regular competitor Bo Engstrom with 42 points (11), followed by runner-up Jan Slotten with 40 (18).
Just four ladies out on the day but the winner again this month was Siripen Homkum with 45 points off her 17 handicap, and runner-up on count back was Pimusa Tonkhoksoong with 41 points (19). This matched her partner Jan’s, runner-up place.
The next Diana Seniors (men 50+) and Ladies (any age) will be on Thursday September 25 at Pattaya Country Club. Sign up at Diana Driving Range or The Green Bottle on 2nd Road.
Near Pins: Dave Arrowsmith, Pimusa Tonkhoksoong, Bengt Borg, Bo Engstrom.
Long Putts: Arne Stangness, Walt Straub