Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 brings the world’s top women golfers to Pattaya

The Siam Plantation golf course in Pattaya will host the best female golfers in the world next week for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2009.

PM Reporters
Golf enthusiasts in Pattaya will be treated to four days of world-class golfing action next week as the Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 gets underway at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Plantation Course from February 26 to March 1. The tournament is the first Asian stop of LPGA 2009 season, offering a prize purse of US$1.45 million, and is expected to boost Thailand’s tourism, drawing golf fans from overseas to visit the kingdom.

Natalie Gulbis (left) and Lorena Ochoa (right) will be just two of the headline acts at next week’s Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 event in Pattaya. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Honda LPGA Thailand will be headlined by the Rolex Rankings’ world number one Lorena Ochoa and world number three Paula Creamer, two superstars in women’s golf.
Sixty of world’s top women players will be competing over the four-day, 72-hole stroke play tournament, which has no cut. The tournament will showcase the best players including Laura Davies, Natalie Gulbis, Mika Miyazato, Shiho Oyama and 2007 Honda Thailand winner Suzann Pettersen.
Over 25,000 spectators attended Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, and this year’s number is expected to double.
Pitak Pruttisarikorn, Director of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said, “As title sponsor of this prestigious golf tournament, we have all the right elements for a thrilling golf tournament. We have one of the most challenging golf courses in Thailand, top-ranking LPGA professional golfers and the best of Thailand’s sponsoring teams.
“This internationally-acclaimed tournament, broadcast ‘live’ to many countries, is also reinforcing Thailand as one of the world’s leading golfing destinations. The Honda LPGA Thailand is indeed a global sporting event that attracts top-league professional LPGA golfers as well as many fans to visit the Kingdom every year, creating significant contributions to the country’s tourism industry,” he added.
At a press conference held at the Dusit Thani Pattaya last Friday to officially introduce the event to the media, two young pro golfers from Thailand, Thidapa Suwannapura, the winner of the recently concluded Honda Golf Challenge, and Junior Open champion Moreeya Jutanukarn, were invited to play among the world’s top women players in this prestigious four-day event.
Tickets for the event are already on sale from www. thaiticketmajor.com. The first and second round tickets cost 200 baht per day, the third round is 300 baht, and tickets for the final round cost 400 baht. Additionally a season ticket covering all four days can be purchased for 600 baht. There will be free admission for spectators aged 18 years or below and 60 years or above.

Two of Thailand young pro golfers, Moreeya Jutanukarn and Thidapa Suwannapura, pose with sponsors of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 at the official press conference held at the Dusit Thani Pattaya, Friday, Feb. 13.

City struggle to keep in the title race

MBMG International League 2008/09

Paul Frain
Pattaya City played Woodstock last weekend in the capital with City under pressure to keep winning their games and stay ahead of title rivals The Londoner. The Bangkok outfit have two games in hand and can overtake City by two points if they win them both.
Although Woodstock entered this game lying in mid-table, a hard match was expected and right from the off it was the home team who looked the most threatening and they scored after only 8 minutes when a long throw-in into City’s penalty was only half cleared and the Woodstock forward pounced to put the ball in the net.
Woodstock turned the heat up on City and better finishing would have produced more goals, but the shots were wild and City’s keeper was untroubled.
Pattaya very slowly edged into the match and ten minutes before half time they equalized when right winger Emmanuel Tshuma made inroads into the Woodstock defence and unleashed a great shot past the keeper.
This goal seemed to provide the tonic that Pattaya needed and soon after, a dazzling run from Glen Wilkins saw him pass to Lee Homer whose shot just scraped the home teams bar. Woodstock, however, had the final say of the half when City’s keeper made a terrific save to keep the scores level at half time.
The second half started with an explosive four minutes as City took the lead through Marcos Old after another good run by Emmanuel Tshuma; but within a minute Woodstock had equalized. A cross came over on the left and three City players went up for the ball and only succeeded in heading the ball down for the waiting Woodstock forward who blasted it in off the under side of the bar.
The game opened up with both teams going for the killer goal and near misses were seen at both ends. The Woodstock’s keeper made a couple of good saves and Carlos Old missed a good chance. City then had a goal disallowed and at the other end Matheus Knorr headed off the line to keep the scores level.
Despite all the pressure on the defences, a goal just would not come and both sides had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
This is a result City did not want but they still have to play the Londoner twice so the championship is still in their hands. Pattaya City next game is on Saturday week, February 28.

Alls fair on the fairway

Eastern Seaboard Ladies Golf Society

Thursday, February 12,Eastern Star
A total of 45 lady golfers from the Pattaya area descended on Eastern Star Golf Resort last week for their regular monthly tournament. The field was split into two flights, A Flight (0-12) and B Flight (13 and up).
Taking the honours in the A Flight were Lumyai, who carded a fine low gross 84, and Malee Jongjohoe, who captured the low net prize with a net 75 off her 10 handicap.
In the B Flight the winner with the lowest gross score was Siripen Homkam with a great score of 85 off her 16 handicap (net 69), and the lowest net winner was Nusaba Boontung with a net 65 off her handicap of 24.
The ‘guest of honour’ low net score was recorded by Nattawat Jaroonpongdeja, who shot a gross 85 (net 72) off her 13 handicap.
The Booby prize was awarded to Subsuda Sanlao who couldn’t quite manage to break the magic 100 barrier.
Near Pin prizes went to in course order Mam Trayling, Punyanuj Temprakon, Rungrudee Dean and Siripen Homkam. The longest putt on the 18th hole was sunk by Napavadee Panyingjaruen.

The golfers pose for a photo after their round at Eastern Star.

Pattaya Triathlon this Sunday

Authorities will close off sections of Pattaya 2nd Road and the Beach Road this Sunday from 5.30 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. to facilitate the staging of the 3rd Pattaya Triathlon.
The race, which is expected to attract some 200 participants, will start in front of Soi 4 on Pattaya Beach Road and will include a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle ride and a 10km run. The race is to be spilt into different age groups and gender categories.
The entry fee is Baht 500 for each age group & Baht 1,500 per team. Prizes will be given to the first 5 competitors across the line in each category. Race registration will take place on Saturday between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and again on the morning of the race between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
For more information contact Pattaya City call center on 1337 (24 hour).

Visually impaired athletes warm up for Sukhothai games

Vimolrat Singnikorn
Blind and visually impaired athletes from the Pattaya area used a special sports day held at the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind on February 11 as a warm up for a disabled student games competition to be staged in Sukhothai at the beginning of March.

The Mayor of Nongprue Municipality, Mai Chainit, sounds the gong to open the sports day.
Chaired by the Mayor of the Nongprue Municipality, Mai Chainit, the fun sports day was also attended by Andrew Scadding, Director of Thai Children’s Trust London, Father Lawrence Pattin, Director of the Father Ray Foundation and Father Worawut Saraphan, Vice-President of the foundation and school-license proprietor.
Representatives of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center brought crackers and milk for all and Nittaya Patimasongkhroh, Chairwoman of the YWCA, and Bernie Tuppin, Charity Chairman of Pattaya Sports Club, were there to cheer the students on.
After the opening gong was sounded by the Mayor, the torch was paraded and various folk dances were conducted by blind students, consisting of “I see the moon,” “How do you do” and “Aerobics for health.”

A slick handover for the blue team in the relay.
The sport competition got underway soon after and was divided into blue and green teams with all activities emphasizing development of students’ movements, such as running with and without supportive equipment, rope-jumping, and male and female relay races.
Some of the supporters of the athletes were decked out in some eye-catching attire made from recycled plastics, much to the amusement of the spectators.
Orora Sribuaphan, director of the Redemptorist School, said that the establishment had now been open for some 22 years, was licensed by the Ministry of Education to be a private charity school in 1991, and came under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Sirindhorn in 2004.

One young athlete happy to cross the finish line.
“The school is open free of charge for blind children throughout the country from 3-20 years of age without restrictions placed on sex or religion,” she said.
The school develops the abilities of blind children for daily self-service at this location and elsewhere. They are educated from kindergarten age to secondary school level using the Ministry of Education’s standard syllabus but modified to be appropriate for the blind.
The school also actively supports sport for health and wellbeing, and has held annual sports days since 1993.
Orora said that from 1991 the school has participated in the National Disabled Student Sports program organized by the Department of Physical Education, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Sports Association for the Disabled People of Thailand (SAPT).
The sports consist of swimming, track and field, judo, and goal ball (international sports for the blind). Blind runners have also participated in the Pattaya and Bangkok mini marathon and marathon.
In addition, Thai blind athletes have also traveled overseas to swimming competitions in Spain and Sweden, a marathon in New York, racing in Sydney, swimming at the World Blind Championships, track and field and goal ball in Canada, a competition for disabled youngsters in Hong Kong, the FESPIC Games in Thailand, Korea, and Malaysia, and the ASIAN Para Games in Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
“Our school participated in all of these competitions and students received medals and certificates, which gave parents and the school much joy,” the director said.
From January 13-23, the school also sent nine athletes to compete in the National Games for the Disabled in Phitsanulok, organized by the Sports Authority of Thailand.
From March 2-6, the school’s busy students will participate in the Disabled Student Games 2009 in Sukhothai, organized by the Department of Physical Education.

Bernie Tupin, Charity Chairman of the PSC and members of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center look on as a one of the cheer squads hogs the podium.

Traditional folk music played by the students kept everyone in good spirits.

Student Kanthma Srisuk parades the torch.

The Blue cheer team had all the right moves.

Barry wins the Medal; Geoff takes the Gold

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, February 8, Green Valley - Medal
A Flight
1st Terry Mangan net 67
2nd Jack Grinvold net 69
3rd Paul Shaw net 69
B Flight
1st Ben O’Connor net 68
2nd Seamus Cotter net 69
3rd Ian Halfpenny net 70
C Flight
1st Barry Tregurtha net 63 (Monthly Medal winner)
2nd John Hartigan net 68
3rd Owen Mcsweeny net 69
D Flight
1st Jim Bell net 69
2nd Jum Kanlaya net 70
3rd Geoff Doody net 72 (Gold Medal winner)
Near Pins: #2 Andre Fortis, #9 Mick Shrosbree, #12 Sunny Crawford, #16 Terry Mangan
2’s: Twenty one
Baan Jing Jai hidden six: 1st Barry Tregurtha, 2nd Colin Oliver, 3rd Ben O’Connor, 4th Terry Mangan
An extra large turn out of some eighty seven players showed up for this month’s Medal and Gold Medal final. The main event of course was the Gold Medal.
Geoff Doody, a regular Lewinski Sunday competitor, managed to win gold but only after getting a count back verdict over the ‘Welsh Wizard’ Bob Dibben.
C Flight’s Barry Tregurtha booked his place into next years Gold Medal with an incredible net 63 to co host the title slot with Geoff. Five shots back was John Hartington in second, and a further shot back in third was Owen Mcsweeny.
A Flight saw Terry Mangan post a net 67, the second best score overall to win the flight. Jack ‘whacko’ Grindvold got the verdict in a two-way tie over the out of luck Paul Shaw; both two shots shy of Terry.
Big Ben O’Connor snatched B Flight with a net 68, from Seamus V C by one stroke; a further stroke adrift was Ian ‘Loose Change’.
Jim Bell shot that magical net 69 to win D Flight, while Jum Kanlaya slotted into second with a net 70. However, it was the Gold Medal boy Geoff Doody’s day as he filled the flight with a net 72 for third.
Tuesday, February 10, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Gavin Knox (13) 37pts
2nd Colm Mullen (16) 37pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 36pts
B Flight
1st Mike Jeffreys (20) 34pts
2nd Per Brandsrod (25) 33pts
3rd David Dunne (17) 31pts
The Lewiinski’s gang traveled to the formidable Emerald and found it a tough nut to crack, with its tight fairways and more than its fair share of dry patches.
Gavin “Opportunity” Knox emerged the victor after a count back over Colm “Eats tees and shoots through the leaves” Mullen, these being the only two golfers to break par with 37 points each. Completing A Flight was Peter the president one shot adrift.
The junior flight also found the going tough as Mike Jeffereys needed only 34 points to take pole position. Per Brandsrod was a shot back for second, with David Dunne a further two shots back in third.
It is all ways a pleasure to play at Emerald, it is not a million miles away but it seems a hell of a long way back.
Francois Bard and Kim Stokes split the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, February 11, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Sonny Crawford (10) 41pts
2nd Neil Cameron (12) 37pts
3rd Mark Napier (10) 36pts
B Flight
1st Colin Oliver (16) 35pts
2nd Colin Davis (15) 35pts
3rd Colm Mullen (16) 33pts
C Flight
1st Jim Bell (20) 37pts
2nd Mark Bonner (17) 35pts
3rd Mike Jeffreys (20) 32pts
“The sun shines east, the sun shines west, that’s when Sonny plays his best.”
Sonny “tiger” Crawford made short work of his last game before returning to work, shooting a superb 41pts to destroy the field. Neil Cameron returned an impressive 37pt haul for second, leaving Mark Napier to fill third spot on 36.
The three Colin’s filled the podium in B Flight with Colin Oliver getting a count back verdict over Colin the donkey, as both players carded 35 points. Colm Mullen returned a 33 point haul to round out the flight. Colm I understand is the equivalent for Colin in Irish.
Jim Bell, the man in form, took the C Flight honors with a useful 37 points, “Mussels” Bonner claimed second place on 35, and Mike Jeffers effort of 32 points tided up the flight.
Pat Regan, Colin Oliver, Colin Davis, Gavin Knox and Kim Stokes split the 2’s pot.
Friday, February 13, Crystal Bay - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tore Eliassen (13) 38pts
2nd Terry Mangan (9) 38pts
3rd Nick Strasshine (5) 36pts
4th Bob Dibben (9) 35pts
B Flight
1st Peter Barathy (17) 39pts
2nd Joe Tynan (28) 37pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 36pts
4th Roland Bangerter (20) 35pts
Lewiinski’s would like to welcome Ravinder Singh to the society with a Hello, Hello, Hello. No prizes for guessing what he does for a living. Ok here’s another clue, ‘One Ball’ ask him for the time.
On with the game, B Flight was a closely fought encounter with Peter Barathy emerging the victor with a very impressive 39 points for man of the match honours. Joe Tynan, County Wicklow’s man of leisure, took second with a creditable 37 points while El President’e was a further shot adrift for third. It was a hell of a fight for fourth place with no less than five players tied on 35 points and coming out on top of the pile was Roland Bangerter.
Tore Eliassen and Terry Mangan tied for top spot in A Flight with 38 super points each, the scales tipping in Tore’s favor for first place. Third place was filled by the big hitting Buckie boot boy Nick Strasshine two shots back. Bob Dibben, the Welsh Wizard and Sugar Robertson, another big hitting Buckie boot boy needed a count back to separate them, Bob just sneaking the final spot 17/16.
There were an amazing ten ‘2’s, with Nick Strasshine and Brian Price picking up a pair apiece.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land 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 Bob on 080 096 8232. Transport is provided.

Sullivan and Evans shoot 40-pointers

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, February 10,
Green Valley - Stableford
This day we were to play one of our group’s favourites, made more-so by the unsung efforts of our PSC Golf Chairman, Perry McNeely, who had arranged for green-fee vouchers at special rates. The course’s name has special significance as we approach the annual academy awards ceremony, as it brings to mind the 1941 winner of best picture: “How Green Was My Valley”. The soft, soothing narrative of Walter Pidgeon always comes to our reporter’s mind when arriving at this course.

Tuesday’s winners: Alan Sullivan and Daryl Evans with B Flight runner-up Frank Pilkington.

The day started off sunny and calm, but as the day wore on, it clouded over and there was a gentle breeze to cool the golfers. So this promised to be a day for good, if not great scores.
Unlisted amongst the winners was the outstanding play by Keith Phillips, who shot 20 points on the front nine and easily defeated our Captain in our little match. Our captain stumbled along, struggling to make pars, although paired with the prior week’s winner, Nigel Perry, who has been in top form recently. Nigel suggested sotto voce that our Captain was suffering from “the curse of San Migel”, having been out late on the ‘Roof’ the night before.
Back in the clubhouse, many of us couldn’t resist the authentic German food, especially our Captain and our reporter, who was just getting over a bout of dysentery acquired at the new shopping mall. Many of the other players, however, headed straight back to Bert’s to enjoy his “Thairish” stew golfer’s special. We have also extended our outings to Friday and Bert is indulging the golfers then as well.
A Flight (1-16)
1st Alan Sullivan 43pts
2nd Tony Scrambler 36pts
3rd Alex Kazaris 36pts
4th Mike Phillips 36pts
5th Scott Dobbins 35pts
B Flight (17+)
1st Daryl Evans 41pts
2nd Frank Pilkington 40pts
3rd Charlie Sykes 37pts
4th Dick Warberg 34pts
5th Colin Cronin 34pts
Near Pins: Steve Hamstad, Alan Sullivan, Richard Kubicki, Alex Kazaris.
Long Putts: Colin Cronin, Frank Pilkington

A double dose of Fortune

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, February 10 The Emerald (White tees) – Stableford
Swelled in number by a visiting posse from East Side Friendly Golf Society, twenty-nine of us took on the green jewel. In keeping with the ‘spread it about’ ethos of the group we competed in 3 divisions.
Mike Jackson won the A Flight with a count back win over Ken Hole after both players returned 33 points. Frank Waterhouse came third 2 points further back.
B Flight saw Dennis Jaycock post a best of the day 36 points for the win, Rich Murphy came second on 32 and Brendan Dougal rounded out the podium with 30.
A three-way count back battle sorted out the top three places in C Flight; Jim Fortune living up to his name to claim top spot ahead of Bev Ewens in second and Keith Hodges in third, all with 33 points.
Tiger Jumparnit had a good day with the technicals, knocking off two near pins and the longest first putt on the 18th green to leave the other two near pin 200 baht dividends for David Clamp and Ken Hole.
The overall average score for the day was 26.7 points and the winning scores really demonstrate that it is certainly not necessary to play to handicap at The Emerald in order to be into the prize money.
Thursday, February 12 Crystal Bay A & B (White tees) - Stableford
As noted by other groups, Crystal Bay’s revised green fee structure has also led our group to return to this venue. It has been so long since we have been here that more than one navigator/driver team couldn’t remember the directions.
The flowering pride of India trees lining the first hole gave us a smashing ‘welcome back’ and most (but not all) enjoyed our return to this course. There were enough competitors to allow for three divisions again.
In the A Flight, Peter Sumner won a count back over Jeff Wylie for top spot, both on 35 points, and Ian Wheeldon claimed third on 32.
Peter Fitton’s even par 36 points was enough to win the B Flight ahead of Ken Hole (34pts) in second and Jim Walton (31pts) in third.
C Flight saw Jim Fortune claim his second successive win of the week, this time with a fine 39 points ahead of Bill Jones five points back in second and Willy Nachbur a further three back in third.
Near pins bonuses in course order were won by Peter Mills, Ken Hole, David Wood and David Clamp.
According to Aka O’Reilly, Ken Hole did a splendid imitation of a whirling dervish dance on canning the longest first putt on the 18th green. The overall average score was 28 points which is not so bad considering how unfamiliar this course was to us.
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.

Warburton shines at Crystal Bay

It’s blistering Blackburne again

PSC golf with The Phoenix Tuesday Group

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, February 10, Phoenix G.C. - Stableford
Will this man ever become human like the rest of us? On a hotter than normal day we all went out thinking well the guy got cut last week so we should have a chance. None of it. Gary is in such good form at the moment we can only take our hats off and say well played.

Tuesday’s winners back at Toy’s Music Bar.

So Gary Blackburne scored 40 points on the day to take the winners cheque for 200 baht (hardly seems worth it does it) and get cut another shot for his efforts, he’s now down to 5. Giorgio Baccioli came in second place with 38 points playing off his 18 handicap. It was inevitable that Giorgio would sooner or later get into the frame after a long mean spell (mostly due to overwork at that lovely Italian restaurant of his Trattatoria), and in third place was the lovable rogue himself, Hugh Byrne with 36 points playing off 12 handicap.
When asked how he had managed to play so well, Hugh replied “I tink tis due to de fact dat the wife has gone away for a few days” (only joking Paula).
So back at Toy’s Music Bar we all sipped our first drink (free in this outfit) whilst yours truly summed up all the scores for the day.
Technical prizes went to Gary Blackburne, Hugh Byrne (2) and Stuart Gordon who unfortunately could not come back for the presentation and duly directed me to put his golf ball for his technical prize into the lucky draw. This was done and the winner of the lucky draws were Barry Wood and Tom Breslyn - 1 new golf ball each, with Hugh Byrne being the lucky recipient of a Green Bottle voucher.
One notable score for the day was from John Martin, who notched up a birdie 3 at the 1st on Mountain course to give him 5 points. With his handicap it equated to a net hole in one on a par four. This, by the way was as many points as I had scored for the previous 5 holes.
NOTE: Next week we start much earlier than normal 11.12 am. This is due to the course being closed at 12.00 noon for the staff to get their annual party under way. So please arrive by 10.30 am. For all information call me (Mike Gerrard) on 087 091 7565.

Magnusson the magnificent

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Tuesday, February 10, Plutaluang S & E – Stableford
Plutaluang South and East layouts were the host to a stableford competition in two flights with the cut at Handicap 19.

Elias Magnusson.

Neil Allison won the A Flight with an amazing 42 points ahead of Elias Magnusson in second on 34 points and Per Olaf Baarli in third with 33 points. In the B Flight the winner was Patrick Browne with a fine 40 points ahead of Gordon Clegg in second with 36 points ahead of a count back on 35 points that saw Svend Gaarde in third and Jesper Rasmusson just losing out.
Near Pins: Finn Klarskov, Mark Ferrar, Don Richardson, Susanne Gaarde.
Long Putt: Elias Magnusson, Mike Winfield.
Thursday, February 12, Greenwood A & B - Stableford
At the present time I find that Greenwood is not heavily used and that is a pity as it is such a fine day out on a fine course. The main reason is that some of the closer venues offer better value, and even with the roads now much better to travel, it is still the best part of one hour.
On this day we had a large group and once under way it soon became obvious that the scores on the day would be very good. The course was in excellent condition, there was only a light breeze and even the ‘Scribe’, who has been playing so bad in the last six months that his handicap has gone out six shots, was playing like a hero here with 24 points on the first nine. If I could do it in my poor form so could some others, still there was always hope.
We sat after in the outside restaurant as the scores were tabulated, and I tried very hard to make the A Flight 0 to 18, but no amount of adjustment could change the fact that the split was A Flight 0 to 19, and B Flight 20 up. Sad, as Elias was off 19 handicap. We really have to get some better players at the Cafe Kronborg, probably like Elias who is now off 16.
Starting with the B Flight where the scores were quite good, the winner with 38 points was Jan Lovgren ahead of Art Bailey at 80 years young with 37 points, in third was Hugh O’Donnell with 36 points and in fourth was Per Anders Karlsen with 35.
The A Flight was a different kettle of fish with the scores being really excellent. I have to say that because I thought I had a good chance, but you know what thought did.
So the winner with a magnificent 46 points was Elias Magnusson, it seems not only the Icelandic Kroner is coming good these days. In second place with 42 points was the ‘Scribe’ with his dreams shattered (but there is always tomorrow), and in third with a still fine 40 points was Alan Taddei. We then had a three-way count back for fourth place on 37 points that saw Peter Blackburn in fourth and Richard Kubicki and Alex Kazazis just losing out. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Per Anders Karlsen, Neil Allison, Elias Magnusson, Brian Gabe.
Long Putt: Derek Brook, Walter Bachli

Crownline Rally hits the water off Phuket

Martin Holmes
Sunday, February 1 was a special date on the calendar for Crownline owners, friends and families as Lee Marine invited them to join the sales and service team for the inaugural Crownline Phuket Rally.

The kids had a great time on the banana boat.
This informal get together was the brainchild of Lee Marine broker, Marcus Overman, who had sold several Crownline models to customers in 2008 and was looking for a way to thank customers for their choice of boat and to provide a good excuse to get the boats together and cruise in company out to a nearby island, Koh Khai Nai.
The day got off to a good start with everyone congregating at the Boat Lagoon Marina for a breakfast briefing before heading out into the bay for some formation cruising. A total of six Crownline boats joined the parade, including the entry level 185SS bowrider, 220LS, 240LS, 270CR up to the twin engined 315 SCR Cruiser.

In tandem on the Crownline Phuket Rally.
The weather for the day was perfect as the early breeze died away leaving perfectly flat water for these boats and their owners to enjoy. Once out in open water the team was joined by Lee Marine staff on board a Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht which proved the perfect platform from which to launch and retrieve the remote controlled helicopter which was there to record the day from a unique perspective, arranged through Helicam Asia.
As the Crownlines formed a close formation around our ‘aircraft carrier’, the helicopter was skillfully flown around the fleet to take birds eye photos and video footage of this awesome sight. It is not often that a boat owner has the opportunity to see his boat at speed from above and the resulting images were certainly worth the effort. With skill and precision the formation remained and the drivers of each boat eventually learnt to look ahead and stop watching the helicopter as it flew just feet above their vessels bow.

Six different Crownline boats took part in the event.
With filming complete, we cruised south to Koh Khai Nai where guests were welcomed ashore with a fresh coconut to the private stretch of beach complete with deck chairs and umbrellas. The water was clear and inviting all for a pre-lunch swim, with banana boat rides and wakeboarding available for the more adventurous.
The Helicam crew took the opportunity to fly around the island for some more spectacular shots which really showed what a perfect destination this island was for the day.
We left the island in the afternoon for the trip back to the Boat Lagoon Marina and time to reflect on the great day that we had enjoyed together, vowing to repeat the experience with the support of the Crownline owners at the earliest opportunity.

The amazing helicam in action.
When Lee Marine were appointed Crownline dealers in late 2007, this was exactly the experience that we had in mind and we look forward to seeing more Crownline boats arriving in Thailand for our customers and families to enjoy.
Lee Marine is a leading international yacht dealership and brokerage based in Phuket and Pattaya with the largest selection of second-hand yachts for sale in Asia. The company was appointed as Crownline dealers in late 2007. For more information, visit www.leemarine.com.

Kai Nai Island, the perfect spot for a day cruise.

Mirror-mirror at Three Sisters

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar & Grill

Paul Kraft was a winner for the second week in a row.

No fog today as the Three Sisters gang teed off on Feb 10 at 6:30 am. If we could only get the grounds keepers to stop soaking the fairways the game would move a lot better. Many players found themselves taking relief due to saturated grounds.
In spite of the soaked fairways problem, the players managed to come in with pretty decent scores. Back at Caddy Shack II as players enjoyed some liquid refreshment and Herbie’s smoked Canadian ham sandwiches, the score cards were tallied up and it was a repeat of the previous week with both Paul Kraft and Bill Thompson coming in as number one and two.

Cully Monks top scores in a quiet week

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, February 9, Eastern Star – Stableford
Makha Bucha Day, a public holiday, plus 20 players off to Nakhon Nayok for a three day tournament, it could be a quiet week. Sure enough, only 20 players out today for a simple two divisional stableford competition, with no 2’s or nearest the pins.
Cully Monks won the A Flight with 38 points, in second place and 7 points back was Raivo Velsberg, and Harry Vincenzi beat Srithong Tann on a back nine count back of 17/16 to take third after they both finished on 29 points.
Wearing his mask for the last time, Don Head’s 41 points easily took B Flight honours, beating second placed Gunborg Gunnerson by 6 points, and in third was Terry Cowell with 32.
Wednesday, February 11, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
Only eight groups out today and as always here we tee off at 10 o’clock on the dot. This is a thinking persons course, do we use the driver or play safe and lay up with either a three or five wood? This was the favourite discussion in the club house, but it did not reflect in the scores.
In the two divisional stableford competition, 34 points was the highest score and won the A Flight for Ted Morris. Now playing for the first time in this division, Kari Aarnio came in second, just one point behind, and in third place with 32 points was Cully Monks.
Jimmy Johnson won the B Flight with 33 points while Les Hall beat John Thornton on an 18/13 count back for second place after the both recorded 31 points.
There were no rollovers in the 2’s competition in either division; Raivo Velsberg birdied the 5th and Ralph the 7th to win the A Flight prize while Terry Cowell, Tony Duthie and Les Hall shared the division two pot.
Near pins went to Kari Aarnio, Srithong Tann and Raivo Velsberg (A Flight); and Tony Duthie, Peter Grant, Les Hall and Miss Nut (B Flight).
Friday, February 13, Eastern Star – Stableford
Back to reality, and nine groups of four out today so back to four prizes in each division and much to our surprise, a very busy course indeed.
With the wind now coming off the coast instead of from the north it makes some of the tougher holes a little easier to play. This reflected in the scores today and in the top division three people came in with 37 points; Harry Riley beating Roy Thornton on a 20/18 count back who in turn beat Harry Vincenzi 18/17 on the back nine. Raivo Velsberg meantime finished fourth with 33 points.
Thirty-seven points also won the B Flight for Fred Duffy, with Neil Gamble in second one point behind, and Jimmy Johnson pipped Angela Schafer for third place on an 18/15 count back after they both finished with 33 points.
There were no rollovers in either divisions in the 2’s, but, with the ‘Old Man’ not playing today, Miss Nom had to come into the frame somewhere so she birdied the 17th to win the second division purse. Michael Andersson, Saranya Riley and Roy Thornton all shared the division 1 pot.
Near Pins were won by Timo Ahvenainen, Mikael Andersson, Jean Bruneau and Ted Morris (A Flight); and Peter Grant and Miss Nom (B Flight).

Fred Land breaks the bank

IPGC golf from The Haven

Wednesday, February 11, Crystal Bay – Stableford
Div 1
1st Alan Hanlon 40pts
2nd Barry Winton 38pts
3rd Rick Holmes 38pts
4th Tony Barritt 37pts
5th Trevor Schirmer 36pts
6th Norman Isherwood 36pts
Div 2
1st Suichi Kodaka 35pts
2nd Stephen Lewis 34pts
3rd Vance Millar 33pts
4th Roar Berger 33pts
5th Mike Sanders 32pts
6th Fred Land 32pts
With the Monday being a Bank Holiday, Crystal Bay was the opening fixture for the week and it was clear that a few people had been waiting to play, as there were enough of them to warrant two divisions and even three, but it was decided to increase the numbers of places to count and that the split would be at 15 and below for the first division.
This was led home by Alan Hanlon with another good round as he carried on from where he left off the previous week with a four under handicap round. Barry Winton was left regretting a couple of missed opportunities on the inward nine that consigned him to second on count back from Rick Holmes. Rick continued on his quest for a return to his former 7 handicap with another round under par that is sure to be most helpful, although he could only muster 18 points on the inward half to Barry’s 20.
Tony Barritt slipped into fourth place alone, with a round that he was well pleased with after some recent tired performances and he played just well enough to put Trevor Schirmer into last place on count back from Norman Isherwood, with a score of 19 to Norman’s 16.
In the second division, Suichi Kodaka won his first out of Soi 13 for some considerable time and ensured that he at last bought a drink for those that had been waiting for seemingly an eternity. His round (of golf) although not quite matching par, was still sufficient to take the top spot away from Stephen Lewis another shot back.
Vance Millar seems to always be on the podium recently albeit sometimes in the lower positions, and this day was another occasion to appear there as he led home Roar Berger by a count back of 19 to a very modest 13 from Roar.
Mike Sanders seemed more than pleased to finally get some share of the glory with the last placing by a count back of 19 to Fred Land’s 18 with the same points totals.
Bob Maloney, Barry Howarth and Bob Lamond with two, shared the first division 2’s pool whilst Roar Berger picked up the second division including the roll over on his own.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Gary Nicholas, Allan Duffy and Danny Greer.
Friday, February 13, St Andrews 2000 - Stableford
Div 1
1st Russell Exley 40pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki 38pts
3rd Rainer Helling 37pts
4th Bob Maloney 36pts
5th Marty Rock 35pts
Div 2
1st Fred Land 43pts
2nd Mike Sanders 40pts
3rd Vance Millar 37pts
4th Don Everett 36pts
5th Tom Parks 34pts
Once again a very large turnout, unsurprising with the special rate for the day that was on offer, meant that three divisions could be formed, but again it was decided to limit them to two with the cut this time coming at 13 and below for the first division.
This was lead by Russell Exley, with a very good four under round that saw him in as the only player under 80, in fact a gross 77 against the par of 74, which was an outstanding feat, considering the quality of the field that contained many single figure handicappers. It also turned out to be his career best result taken against par.
Yasuo Suzuki also returned a very good score of two under handicap to secure second place ahead of Rainer Helling, who obviously had saved his best for his last round this trip. Bob Maloney also ensured a nice memory of his last round this time here, with a level par round that just consigned Marty Rock to the final step of the podium another shot back.
The second division was totally decimated by Fred Land, as he cruised round seven under his handicap without ever taking the driver out of the bag, having learnt a lot from his last visit and displaying prodigious length even with his 5 wood off the tees. The final tally was also his career best total low score and ensures a two shot drop in handicap for next week, making a total of three dropped shots in handicap in the last two weeks.
Mike Sanders was the unluckiest player to find Fred in such commanding form as he also had his best round of this holiday at four under par only to find he was three off the pace. Still he was well pleased with the days round and second spot.
Vance Millar was once again to be found among the prize winners in third place with a one under round that pushed Don Everett, also playing his final round of this trip, into fourth place. Tom Parks filled out the last spot by taking the count back 20 to 11 against Doug Campbell after Doug had had a very impressive start to the round going out in 23 points, which was five under his handicap.
There were no 2’s in the second division, but Mark Rossiter, Eero Pirohonen and Russell Exley shared the first division pool.
Back at The Haven, The Doc welcomed new members Kevin Moroney, Mark Rossiter, Jason Moylan and Mark Quill and also had farewells for Bob Maloney, Don Everett, Geoff Braimbridge, Rainer and Oili Helling, Eero Pirohonen, Pekka Harkki and Jukka Sariola.

Steve Carleton does the double

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
This week at the TRGG belongs to two people for similar reasons - “good golf”. Steve Carleton for his double wins and David Nash for his first ever win here in Thailand.

The weeks double winner Steve Carleton with Nut and inset “Birthday Boy” David Nash.
Steve, in the previous week’s outing to Greenwood, could only manage a second but this week he secured a clear win by three points at the same course and this was after doing exactly the same thing by two points on Thursday at Phoenix (good golf).
David Nash had plans for a birthday party at the Travellers Rest on Valentines Day, however, little did he know that he would be able to start partying earlier than planned after his first ever division win at Phoenix on Thursday.
It also has to be noted that last week’s headliner Bruce Kusyk blew the opposition away again on Tuesday at Khaow Kheo with some great play.
There was no outing on Monday due to the local holiday. It was decided that the courses would be very busy and as usual the prices inflated so on this occasion we gave it a miss.
Tuesday, February 10, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Div 1
1st Bruce Kusyk (12) 37pts
2nd Paul Whitnall (12) 35pts
3rd Larry Simpsonl (9) 33pts
Div 2
1st Nijole Murtagh (22) 34pts
2nd David McFeely (18) 34pts
3rd Ted Senior (16) 32pts
Khao Kheow was the venue on Tuesday and we had a great turnout. This is another favourite with many players these days and a good test of the game.
Bruce Kusyk carried on in the same vein as the previous week with a two-point win (37pts) in Division 1 over Paul Whitnall at 35 and Larry Simpson at 33.
Division 2 was won on count back by Nijole Murtagh with her 34 points, over David McFeely, while Ted Senior picked up third two back at 32.
Bruce also picked up the ‘2’s pot and advised that his handicap had been cut by one and promptly rang the bell back at the Travellers Rest to celebrate.
Thursday, February 12, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes - Stableford
Div 1
1st Steve Carelton (8) 38pts
2nd Larry Simpson (9) 36pts
3rd John Merritt (14) 35pts
Div 2
1st David Nash (15) 35pts
2nd Phil Corbett (36) 34pts
3rd George Pittam (16) 33pts
On the 11th our regular weekly outing to Phoenix (Mountain and Lakes) was continued – this is a great course in excellent condition and another great turnout ensured two divisions.
Division 1 saw the start of something good for Steve Carleton with a clear two point win at 38 over Larry Simpson (36) in second. John Merritt took third on 35 after a five way count back over Ben Durham, Richard Wakeling, Fergus Brennan and Hugh Byrne.
David Nash achieved his first ever win here in Thailand with a victory in Division 2. His 35 points was enough to beat Phil Corbett by a single point, while one further back in third was George Pittam on 33.
Three ‘2’s were recorded by Dean Rice at the fourth and John Merritt and Tony Navarro at the eleventh.
Saturday, February 14, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Steve Carlton (8) 40pts
2nd Ricahrd Wakeling (12) 37pts
3rd Ted Senior (16) 37pts
4th Jimmy Wolfe (13) 35pts
5th Fergus Brennan (10) 33pts
6th Michael Moreton (25) 33pts
Saturday marked the second weekend trip to Greenwood in a row and another long days outing ensued with a late tee off time. The players it has to be said never seem to mind this because it is such a great course. The weather proved to be very hot and I have never seen so many red and weary looking players returning to the bar.
One player, however, had a great big smile on his face and that was Steve Carleton who had pulled off his second win of the week with a forty-pointer. I asked him to what he could put down his success and he answered “Luck”, however I think a little skill has to come in somewhere. His handicap was also cut by one.
Richard Wakeling’s 37-pointer took second on count back over Ted Senior, Jimmy Wolfe was fourth at 35 and Fergus Brennan fifth with 33, beating Michael Moreton on count back.
The ‘2’s went to Steve Carleton who promptly rang the bell and started off the party that was following to celebrate “David Nash’s” birthday - and what a party that turned out to be.
Never let it be said that we don’t have great parties at the Travellers Rest. I unfortunately had to leave at midnight or else this report would not get written and it was still in full flow with singing and some great dancing girls.

Successful debut at Green Valley

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Green Valley on Tuesday, February 10 to play a stableford competition on the popular course and the large group was divided into two flights at sixteen and under.

January’s “Player of the Month”, Chris Voller, is congratulated by Rabbi.

A top quality top flight saw a fascinating tussle with Rick Holmes and Alan Bridges tying for third on 34 points each, just behind Stuart Thompson, recovering from major shoulder surgery, one ahead with 35 points. The winner was the current man in form Richard “Banjo” Bannister and his level par 36 point score reflected his content with his game at present.
In the second flight Canadian Tim Lazecki found himself in the frame again with a clinical 36 points, only to be usurped this time by Vic Barton with an excellent 37 for second. The best score of the day was notched by Swedish “rookie” Larseric Meyner who marked his first win as an IPGC member with a fine forty point score.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Mikael Andersson and Jim Ferris for their efforts on number 12 and 16 respectively whilst the PGS “rules guru”, Stuart Thompson found “egg on his face” after ill-advising one of his partners to play the ball as it lay after a practice swing nudge on the third tee. The Booby Bevy may well serve as a reminder for him should the occasion happen again.
What potentially could have been a disaster of a day as a result of some late re-scheduling by the club ended well with all the golfers enjoying the bonus of a good golf course at extremely good value for money.
Lady Luck smiles
on Voller
Mountain Shadow was the venue for the Pattaya Golf Society on Thursday, February 12, when the Soi Buakhao based IPGC group played a stableford competition over the demanding course. The lack of income this high season has resulted in a cutback on course maintenance and irrigation and it is showing with dry, hard fairways but the greens however remain consistent and quick.
The field was divided into two flights at twenty and under and play got underway on time on an almost empty track.
In the second flight there was a clutch of players on 32 points in third place with Tim Lazecki, Jim Proctor and Larseric Meyner joining organiser Len Jones, and they found themselves a couple points adrift of Evan Millar (34) in second and Bill Pickersgill who took the win with 35 points to mark his final appearance this trip.
In the top flight Kazuo Takimoto was third with 31 points whilst compatriot Masanori Takano came second with 32 points. The easy winner, with the day’s best gross figures of 79, was Chris Voller, the PGS’s “Player of the Month” for January, and his 36 points was as much a testimony to his good luck as his skill. Seemingly every tree he struck repelled the ball back onto the fairways, avoiding the OB and water hazards, every rock and undulation did likewise and gave the good iron player the opportunity to thank the golfing gods for their generosity.
It was little surprise then that Chris also chalked up the first of the four birdie ‘2’s on the day; the others being achieved by Evan Millar, Larseric Meyner and Robert Knutsson whose birdie on the eighth was the signal for consecutive birdies on the two following holes.
At the other end of the scoreboard Christine Pickering registered a low score for the Booby Bevy, thus joining the small band of ladies to have achieved the dubious honour.
Mountain Shadow always provides a stern test for the golfers and currently is proving extremely good value for money with its generous IPGC discount.
Wichai digs in for win
The Pattaya Golf Society took the well-worn track to The Emerald golf club in Ban Chang on Saturday, February 14 to play a hastily rearranged competition after the original venue, Treasure Hill, had superimposed a major local event over the original booking. Len Jones and Chris Voller worked the oracle yet again ensuring all golfers made the event at less than twenty-four hours notice, even claiming a few more.
The course was in good condition and virtually empty and a good tussle was in store.
The single flight saw “Banjo” Bannister take third place with 33 points, which included a seven-putt nightmare on the seventeenth, the greenkeeper having obviously won his bet by placing the pin on the very restricted top level. Thai golfer Wichai Tananusorn at last came good with 34 points to share the win with Canadian Tim Lazecki.
Wichai also recorded the only birdie ‘2’ to take the substantial rolled-over ‘2’s pot. It goes without saying that “Banjo” received the Booby Bevy for his putting nightmare on the seventeenth whilst Chris Voller received Rabbi’s Sabbatical Slammer for forgetting to pay the minibus driver and subsequently interrupting another golfer’s tender Ban Chang moment with a frantic telephone call. It all made for a splendid day and it would never have happened at Treasure Hill.

Angkana finish strongly to seal bragging rights

MBMG Golf Matchplay League

Friday, February 13, Phoenix - Angkana House 6½ v Tropical Berts 3½
Phoenix (Mountain and Lake) was the venue for Angkana’s home fixture against their friends from ‘across the road’ at Tropical Bert’s.
With the majority of the handicaps evenly matched, this fixture had all the signs of being a close encounter with neither captain being confident of the outcome.
It was those two ‘class acts’ Marty Allred and Scott Dobbins who led the way, battling it out for what turned out to be an honourable half after Scott birdied two out of the last three holes to draw level.
Anders Pederson continued his excellent matchplay record by defeating Tony Dauth 3/1 whilst in the second group Kris Helgasson and Clive Robinson edged Angkana ahead with victories against Colin Cronin and Alex Kazazis 4/3 and 3/2 respectively.
Brian Downey put in a fine performance to hand a rare defeat to the consistent Ken McCarthy 2/1 but Angkana retained their slender one point lead when the amiable Hugh Byrne defeated Steve ‘The Dominator’ Hamstad 2/1.
Tense moments ensued for the captains as the remaining groups came up the eighteenth but Richard Kubicki’s determined defeat of Perry McNeeley 3/2 and Bob Rasmussen’s 2/1 win over Doug Maiko sealed Tropical Bert’s fate as Angkana gained the required five and a half points to secure victory.
In the final matches Don Carmody, despite playing off a reduced handicap of 28, gained a fine victory over Graham Buckingham 2/1, whilst big hitter Trevor Loersch saw off the challenge of the in form Paul Brown 4/2, resulting in a six and a half to three and a half victory for Angkana.
Once again a few beers back at Angkana, and then a few more, confirmed the spirit of the competition as both teams enjoyed the banter and looked forward to the return fixture later in the year.
Individual Results (Angkana first): Marty Allred halved with Scott Dobbins; Tony Dauth lost to Ander Pederson 3&1; Clive Robinson beat Alex Kazazis 4&3; Hugh Byrne beat Steve Hamstad 2&1; Ken McCarthy lost to Brian Downey 2&1; Richard Kubicki beat Perry McNeeley 3&2; Bob Rasmussen beat Doug Maiko 2&1; Kris Helgasson beat Colin Cronin 3&2; Trevor Loersch beat Paul Brown 4&2; Graham Buckingham lost to Don Carmody 2&1.

McGovern the class act at Green Valley

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, February 9, Burapha - Stableford
Today was Macha Buddha National Holiday, commemorating the unplanned assembly, ordination, and subsequent enlightenment of 1250 of the Buddha’s disciples. Fifty-three Outbackers took to the Cypress & Dunes nines on a packed course and although they had the benefit of their usual two tee start, some groups out there experienced long delays resulting in nearly a five hour round. There were quite simply, too many people on the course.

Chris (eagle two) with Peter (top scorer of the day) at Burapha on Monday.

It didn’t seem to bother Peter Gibson too much as he returned the top score of the day of 40 points to win Div D (white tees) quite comfortably from Patrick Browne (37pts) & Don Everitt (36pts).
Angus Neilson is in training for his annual challenge against his mate due here next week, John Goddard, and shaped up well with an excellent 37 points to win Div A, despite a heavy night before. In second Jim Brackett welcomed a sign of a return to form with 34 points (20 on the back) to edge out Gary Blackburne on the same score.
Bob Pearce downloaded all the latest GPS information for his golf gismo to help him to his 34 points, enough to win Div B on a course he rarely plays whilst Bruce McAdam’s 35 earned him the top spot in Div C, four clear of Harvey Samuel (31).
There were three ‘2’s today, two conventional ones from Jim Brackett & Pat Regan and an Eagle ‘2’ from Chris Davisson who holed his second shot on Cypress hole No. 6.
Finally, the winners in the draw for free green fees were; Peter Gibson, Jum & Pottsy.
Div A (0-10)
1st Angus Neilson (7) 37pts
2nd James Brackett (6) 34pts
3rd Gary Blackburne (6) 34pts
4th Patrick Regan (8) 33pts
Div B (11-14)
1st Bob Pearce (12) 34pts
2nd Barry Ennes (14) 33pts
3rd Joe Mooneyham (11) 32pts
4th Rick Sharp (12) 31pts
Div C (15-19)
1st Bruce McAdam (18) 35pts
2nd Harvey Samuel (16) 31pts
3rd Peter Stonebridge (18) 28pts
4th Mike Tilley (18) 28pts
Div D (20+)
1st Peter Gibson (25) 40pts
2nd Patrick Browne (26) 37pts
3rd Donald Everett (26) 36pts
4th Jum Karagit (29) 35pts
Tuesday, February 10, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
It was a fine (memorable for some) Tuesday morning as 21 Outbackers set off for the short journey to Pattaya Country Club under today’s organiser – our ‘Chad.’ With a few regulars missing this week it was pleasing to see a number of new faces with a particular welcome back to Joop following an enforced lay-off.
We were off on time as is usual on a Tuesday although it was just over 4 hours as the course was busy.
In ‘A’ division it was almost a ‘family affair’ with Suzi Lawton coming in with 39 points and husband John third with 33; John Eyres spoiling the party, in the middle with 38.
The scores in ‘B’ division were not that great with Nigel leading the pack with 31. However, the first four in Div B represented England, Australia, America and Wales, showing that The Outback Golf Bar is truly international! Not too much should be said about all the Brits in the top half of Div A.
There were no 2’s so the pot was added to the prizes.
We are at Pattaya Country Club around 10 am every Tuesday. Come and join us for a friendly game – we welcome all golfers.
Div A (0-21)
1st Suzi Lawton (21) 39pts
2nd John Eyers (20) 38pts
3rd John Lawton (21) 33pts
4th Barry Chadbourn (21) 31pts
Div B (22+)
1st Nigel Cannon (24) 31pts
2nd Geoff Moodie (26) 29pts
3rd Paul Quodomine (26) 26pts
4th William King (24) 23pts
Wednesday, February 11, Phoenix - Stableford
Twenty-seven Outbackers played at a quieter than usual Phoenix on the Mountain & Lake nines. It was monthly ladder moving day today, with Michael Waltschek, winner of Div A with 39 points and Joe Mooneyham (37pts), runner up in the same division, both collecting 2 ladder points to go joint top. Des Scott and Bruce Milner filled the minor places in the remainder of Div A, both with 35.
Gary Saunders had an excellent 36 points to win Div B from a new Outbacker, Heather Moritz with 34 and the battling Geoff Doody, also with 34.
Finally a big thank you to the organiser for the day, Norm Martin, who did such a great job he forgot how to play golf, which often happens as Capt’ Bob & Jack know only too well.
The ‘2’s pot was scooped by Barry McIntosh.
Div A (0-15)
1st Michael Waltschek (8) 39pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (11) 37pts
3rd Desmond Scott (10) 35pts
4th Bruce Milner (14) 35pts
Div B (16+)
1st Gary Saunders (23) 36pts
2nd Heather Moritz (30) 34pts
3rd Geoff Doody (20) 34pts
4th Alan Bishop (17) 32pts
Thursday, February 12, Green Valley - Stableford
Just 15 Outbackers at Green Valley, but only three got to witness the wonderful demonstration of easy golf from the +1 golfer in the line-up, Brendan McGovern. He fired an effortless gross 68 to score 39 stableford points to deservedly win the day from in second, also with 39, Bob Maloney. Regular Outbacker Chad, and the competition organiser for the day, was left some four shots back in third; as was Alan Pearce on the same score.
There were two ‘2’s coming from Brendan McGovern & Jan Slotten
1st Brendan McGovern (1) 39pts
2nd Bob Maloney (12) 39pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (21) 35pts
4th Alan Pearce (17) 35pts
5th Joachim Oestreicher (24) 33pts
Friday, February 13, Laem Chabang - Stableford
Whilst Siam Plantation is unavailable for the next four weeks, what another wonderful world class course to have as an alternative. Fifty-two Outbackers, including another large contingent from The Golf Club were able to enjoy playing here at an exceptionally attractive price for the time of year and find this course in absolutely superb condition.
Unfortunately, the management do insist on placing the white tee markers way forward on the first hole on Valley, which once again begged the question of which tees to play from? It had been decided the day previously that it would be the white tee markers wherever they were; but some misunderstanding on the first, meant most of the field ended up playing from the blues, with only the small Div D off the whites. Rest assured, for the next two visits here, it will be the white tee markers for all divisions.
Grant Montgomery had a remarkable round scoring the day’s best of 41 points to easily win Div A, whilst earning himself an immediate handicap cut from 8.5 to 7.5. In second was Kevin Waycott with 37 and Marc Napier took third on count back from Tojo Masao, both on very good scores of 34.
Quite how John Emmerson got his handicap to 13 one would never know, playing off that handicap he is dangerous off any tee on any course. However, he ended up with a very modest score of 31 today but it was enough to beat the remainder of this seventeen player large division, covering just three handicaps, 13, 14 & 15. Surprisingly, Rosco was third with 27 and Bruce Milner fourth with 26.
Div C and Div D were also both won with the relatively low score of 32 by Colin Oliver and Bob Noble respectively.
There were six ‘2’s today from Grant Montgomery, Keith Spencer, Bob Finley, Bob Warn and Peter Stonebridge had two.
Div A (0-11)
1st Grant Montgomery (9) 41pts
2nd Kevin Waycott (10) 37pts
3rd Marc Napier (10) 34pts
4th Masao Tojo (10) 34pts
Div B (13-15)
1st John Emmerson (13) 31pts
2nd Paul Whitehall (12) 28pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (15) 27pts
4th Bruce Milner (14) 26pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Colin Oliver (16) 32pts
2nd Peter Stonebridge (18) 31pts
3rd Barry Ennes (16) 28pts
4th Eldridge Suggs (17) 28pts
Div D (20+)
1st Robert Noble (21) 32pts
2nd Shabib Alkahtani (29) 32pts
3rd Raleigh Gosney (20) 30pts
Friday, February 13, Eastern Star - Stableford
Eastern Star does not get too many visits from the Outbackers, about once every six weeks. Thirteen of them played here today on Friday 13th, with generally some quite acceptable scores for this tough little track. Alan Pearce put together a good round to score a best of the day 35 points, followed just one shot back by Norm Martin with 34.
There were no ‘2’s, so the pot was added to the prize fund paying out down to fifth place.
1st Alan Pearce (17) 35pts
2nd Norm Martin (26) 34pts
3rd Roger Newton (22) 32pts
4th Bill Davis (21) 31pts
5th Geoff Doody (20) 31pts
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.

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League

Results & Standings February 13 (week 16)

Results
Match                                      Winner                      Beer-leg                U – 10’s
Bunker v Cheers                        Bunker                       Bunker                     4-5
Lucky Time v Stars                    Lucky Time               Lucky Time                5-0
Rising Sun v Mee Chew             Rising Sun                 Mee Chew                 8-9
Helicopter v Palmers                  Helicopter                  Helicopter                  0-0
Blue Mountain v OK Corral         Blue Mountain         Blue Mountain              3-7

League Table
Pos.    Team            Won       Lost          Beer         U-10’s       High Check Out
1         Rising Sun     13              3               11              67         Chris 118
2         Bunker           12              4                8               48
3         Helicopter       11              5                8               45
4         Blue Mountain 9               7                9               53
5         Mee Chew       8               8                9                63
6         Lucky Time     8               8                7                77
7         OK Corral       7               9                7                82
8         Palmers         4              12               6                71
8         Cheers           4              12               6                61
10       Stars              4              12               4                56

With only 2 weeks remaining until the end of the season, the top of the table is so tight it squeaks when it walks!
The Bunker Boys have gone all religious, praying that not only do they shoot Helicopter down next week and win their last game of the season, but also that the Sunshine Boys become unglued and lose their last 2 matches. Capt’ Mick’s secret meeting with a Voodoo Priest during the week in which a small doll with pins stuck in it (which bore a striking resemblance to Steve from the Rising Sun) suggests that Mick may have a cunning plan.
Not suggesting that Steve is confidant in having the League Trophy returned to the Rising Sun, but he was spotted during the week dusting off his trophy shelf and preparing a space where the trophy will sit.
There were no real surprises in Friday’s results apart from the Sunshine Boys losing out on the free beer to a thirsty Mee Chew crew. Rob (MC) scoring a 180. Hmmm, could this beer loss have anything to do with the ‘black arts’ I wonder?
Bob Palmer gave Richard a free ride (ooh errr) when he forfeited the evening to Helicopter. A depleted Team Lucky Time could be replacing the League Trophy with the upside down most under 10’s trophy, the battle for this honor between Team Lucky Time and the posse from OK Corral.
Will Mick’s cunning plan work? Will Steve’s frantic mid week dusting all have been in vain? Will I ever find the combination to my wallet? Tune in next week and all will be revealed……..Darts!
Next Fixtures (week 17): Helicopter v Bunker; Cheers v Lucky Time; Stars v OK Corral; Mee Chew v Blue Mountain; Palmers v Rising Sun.

Kraft takes it on count back

PSC golf from Beaver Bar & Grill

Friday the 13th saw many golfers arrive at the Emerald Golf Club, trying to overcome this particular day many may consider as an unlucky day to venture out and challenge the elements.
Quite a few of those who played overcame the possible jinx to record a decent score. First place was won on a count back by Paul Kraft with 37 points and losing on the count back was Herb Schwieterman coming in second. Third place was won by Eddie Blackwell with 36 points followed by Larry Willett in fourth with 35 and Tony Oakes in fifth with 34.
The long putt of the day was won by Dene Mundy and Dennis Willett won the closest to the pin. Terry Curtis won the lucky (?) draw of a Beaver Bar hat.
As it turned warmer in the afternoon, all retired to the Beaver Bar for some cool refreshments and snacks.