Emerald produces only semi-precious rounds

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, June 16,
Emerald – Stableford
Tuesday saw us travel down to Ban Chang to play the Nick, sorry, Sir Nick Faldo designed Emerald golf course. His Lordship’s not proudest achievement was in reasonable condition, with well grassed undulating fairways and medium paced greens providing a test for all participants.

Rich Murphy, a picture of concentration.

Only our winner, Rob Gandley (19) was able to match his handicap with 36 points. A count back was required to separate second & third with Leroy Huntinton (24) 18pts, edging Ray Ryan (22) 16pts on the back 9, both players scoring 33 points in total.
Ray was in good form early, finishing with both near pins on the front 9; Leroy and Jeff nabbing 1 each on the back.
Thursday, June 18,
Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Thursday we travelled to Mountain Shadow to test ourselves from the blue tees. And testing it was indeed, with the tree lined fairways meaning that any bad shot got punished severely.
Our crew today all seemed to suffer punishment, of varying levels, throughout their rounds. Bernie Segrave (10) was able to best manage his game to finish with 32 points; next best was Rich Murphy (16) who was on fire early, with 20 points on the front 9, before fading to finish with 31. The only other player to crack 30 points was Jeff Wylie (7), but too many poor shots amongst a smattering of good ones to score better.
Near pins were picked up by Martin and Bernie.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday (we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday). Presentations are made at the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday presentation. On Tuesday 30 June we travel to Green Valley, while Thursday 2 July we are off to Greenwood. For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094 1841. Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!

Late strike saves a point for United

PM Reporters
A late goal by Piyapol Bantai spared Pattaya United’s blushes last Sunday at bottom placed Chula United after Phaitoon Nontadee had opened the scoring for the home team in the 55th minute at a packed Chulalongkorn stadium. With time running out, Nontadee’s goal looked to be enough to leapfrog Chula above United in the league until Piyapol’s timely equalizing strike in the 83rd minute.
Chula remain rooted to the foot of the table on 12 points from 15 games, with United just three places above them on 13 points. Separating the two clubs are Sri Racha FC and Navy Rayong, also both on 13 points, which means that the three Eastern Seaboard teams will all start the second half of the season with an uphill fight to escape the relegation zone.
Meanwhile better news from the region’s football teams is the form of Chonburi FC who continue to head the Thai Premier League after securing a 2-1 away win at Thai Port FC last Saturday. Pipob On-mo and Kone Mohamed were on target for the ‘Sharks’ to give Chonburi their ninth win of the season. They now sit in first place in the league table on goal difference over Bangkok Glass, both teams on 30 points each.
Having reached the halfway stage, the Thai Premier League now takes a break until August.

Pattaya United fans celebrate their team’s late equalizing goal at Chula United last Sunday, June 21. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Robert sticks to the rules

Last week I wrote about playing in the annual individual tournament at the Som-mut club.  I was doing well up to the last round.  My partner for the last two hands was my old friend Robert the Rules.  His nickname comes from his love of rules, at the bridge table and in life.  He used always to play third hand high.  Now, when there is an honour in dummy, he adopted the new rule that I taught him - keep an honour to beat an honour in dummy.
Unfortunately, in last week’s hand, he applied the rule without thinking first.  The result was such a disaster that I needed a really good last hand to stand any chance of winning the tournament.  This was the deal: 

No one vulnerable, South dealer

                     S: K73

                     H: AQ

                     D: AKQJ4

                     C: 764       

S: J1096                         S: A85

H: K3                             H: 862

D: 10862                        D: 9753

C: K93                           C: AQ10

                     S: Q42

                     H: J109754

                     D: -

                     C: J852       

This was the bidding:

East                South        West       North

 (Robert)                          (me)

-                      2H             P               2N

P                     3C              P               4H

All pass                                             

South preempted with a (very) weak 2 heart call.  North bid 2N, which was asking South for more information on his hand.  South responded with the Ogust bid of 3 clubs, a conventional bid meaning nothing about clubs but showing both a poor suit and a poor hand.  North, with good support for hearts and a 19 point hand, bid 4 hearts.
Now cover up the other two hands and look just at dummy and East’s cards.  The lead was the jack of spades and dummy ducked.  What card would you play from the East hand?
Robert, seeing the king in dummy, ducked.  South took the first trick with the queen of spades and led a trump to the queen of hearts.  The ace of hearts then felled my king.  He led four rounds of diamonds, throwing all his clubs.  He ruffed a club in hand, pulled the last trump and claimed 11 tricks, losing only two spades.
Robert was pleased with himself for remembering to keep an honour to beat the one in dummy, but his mood changed when he saw my face.  I pointed out that he knew declarer had six trumps from the bidding.  If I had the king, it was dead, with the ace and queen over it.  So that meant six certain heart tricks.  Dummy has four certain diamond tricks after my trumps are pulled.  So our only possible chance of beating the contract was to take club tricks before they went away.  He had to take the ace of spades immediately and switch to a club.  Then we get the first four tricks.
So, what card did you, gentle reader, play from the East hand? I am sure it was the ace.
I tried as hard as I could to persuade Robert that in bridge (as in life) thinking was much more important than blindly following a rule.  But it was a hopeless task.  For him, as for some other players (but not you, gentle reader) the lure of a simple rule was too strong.  After this hand, I refuse to tell you how I finished in the tournament.  Suffice it to say, I was not first!
Please e-mail me your favourite hands to [email protected].

In form McNeely shoots 40-pointer

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton
Tuesday June 16, Greenwood - Stableford
After a week’s hiatus, the serious golfers converged on Tropical Bert’s to get their rides to Greenwood, a course far out of Pattaya, but for some reason or other favoured highly by the golfers. The weather was quite fine, perhaps a little muggy to start, but then cooling slightly as a breeze came. The field was exotically arrayed with golfers from Hawaii and Guam.

Tuesday’s winners: (left-right) Derek Brook, Stan Dare, Thomas Cotton, Perry McNeely and Joel Flor.

Considerable coughing and wheezing amongst the golfers caused concerns that many had contracted the dreaded G1N1 golfer’s flu, or maybe it was just a bunch of old men with colds and smokers’ cough. At the half-way point some of the golfers had to drop-out due to non-specific syndromes, while the others just slogged away, facing their afflictions with defiance.
The player of the moment was Stan Dare, who for perhaps the first time in living memory bettered his handicap. Sadly, our correspondent was not in Stan’s foursome and is unable to recount the details of his achievement. Stan must have had some premonition that this day was to be special, for the photo shows that he was adorned in a dazzling black shirt with bursting stars.
A Flight (0-18)
1st Perry McNeely 40pts
2nd Derek Brook 35pts
3rd Steve Hamstad 31pts
B Flight (19 up)
1st Tom Cotton 38pts
2nd Joel Flor 38pts
3rd Stan Dare 37pts
Near Pins: Mick O’meara, Joel Flor, Steve Hamstad, Perry McNeely.
Long Putts: Gordon Clegg, Derek Brook

Role reversal for top two

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

The usual suspects showed up on June 16 for a romp around the Pattaya Country Club course. Great clouds provided a nice relief from the sun although the level of humidity was a bit high.

Tuesday winner Michael Fischer (left) with runner-up Sus Ige.

Recently sanded greens played havoc with the putting but that, in no way, hampered today’s winner. Reversing the photo from 2 weeks ago we now have Michael Fischer coming in first with 39 points to top Sus Ige, who came in second with a 38.
Everyone joined up at Caddy Shack 2 where Herbie Ishinaga, the New Pattaya Sports Club President, provided great sandwiches plus assorted snacks. There were even a few bottles of liquid refreshment available.

‘The Saint’ takes it on countback

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, June 15, Plutaluang – Stableford
There was a good turn out for Monday’s competition at Plutaluang. It’s been quite a long time since the Caddy Shack played at the course and this may be the reason why four groups played the South, North courses and the last two groups played South, and East, or it could be that Greg Richie’s caddy was advising him that everyone was on South and East. She was very pretty though and was forgiven instantly. Also due to half the field having navigation problems they were taken from the short list of new navy recruits.

Wednesday and Friday winners: Jeff North and Roger Moore.

Never mind, the competition was split in two, with prizes for more competitors. The deal Plutaluang are currently giving is excellent, with the price including buggy at just over 1,000 baht. All three course’s conditions were given good reports; so much so that it was decided the Caddyshack would book to come here again on June 26.
Listed here are the two group winners; group B were the ones that went the wrong way (we think) but back at the Caddyshack the debate continued way into the night, but was all in good taste.
Group A
1st Ben Findon 35pts
2nd Helmut Hebstreit 33pts
3rd Roger Moore 33pts
Group B
1st Ted Gardner 37pts
2nd Greg Richie 37pts
3rd Peter Henderson 35pts
Wednesday, June 17, St. Andrew’s - Stableford
Today was a good turn out of golfers to play St Andrews golf course; I don’t think I have ever heard a bad word on the condition of this course and that still stands today.
The usual story is that it’s not easy to play but the vistas are some of the best seen on a golf course so the reports back were all positive, especially from Jeff North who put together another superb round of 37 points to take first place. In second spot was our American friend Ted Gardner with 36 points, in third came the very consistent Roger Moore with 35, and in fourth place was Don Wilson with 34.
The birdie ‘2’s pot was shared by Emmet White (fresh back from a short spell in Ireland) and Greg Richie, who managed to play the same course as the others today so well done for that.
Friday, June 19, Greenwood – Stableford
1st Roger Moore 39pts
2nd Dave Strange 39pts
3rd Jeff North 36pts
Today’s challenge was Greenwood golf course and the tee positions proved to be tougher than normal here, with them stretched back a long way.
This did not seem to phase a few of the golfers however, with Roger Moore putting in a round of a saint with 39 points. Dave Strang, fresh back from Tasmania, put up a sterling performance with his new clubs to also get 39 points - it was also suggested that he gets a new outfit as well. In third place was Jeff (radar) North who hit every fairway in regulation and only had 19 putts, so god only knows what happened between those shots.
Altogether it was a very enjoyable day’s golf with some good topics on the day aired back at The Caddyshack over a couple of cool beers.

Rod continues in winning vein

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Last week I made mention of a player called Rod Crosswell who had a division win on the Monday, an outright win on the Tuesday, and followed this with two third places on the Thursday and Saturday.

Saturday’s winners: Michael Moreton and Len Hardingham, (Inset, Rod Crosswell).

Well he had obviously not finished because he came out with all his guns blazing this Monday to win at Pattana and storm the field by a clear ten points with a score of forty-two, leaving George Bishop in his wake back at thirty-two in second spot. He followed that up with a position on the team win the following day at the four-ball scramble at St. Andrews along with Fergus Brennan, Peter Evans and Ray Allison. Congratulations Rod.
Monday, June 15, Pattana - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Rod Crosswell (17) 42pts
2nd George Bishop (14) 32pts
3rd Ray Trembath (6) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Alun Webber (23) 32pts
2nd Ron Gillett (36) 31pts
3rd William Smith (18) 30pts
We travelled back to Pattana for the second Monday visit in a row to play the A & B courses: a very nice course this and found yet again to be in very good condition and we also had a good turnout on the day so two divisions.
It obviously suited Rod Crosswell’s style of play as he beat the field in division one by a clear ten points on forty two. Second was George Bishop at thirty-two, winning on the count back over Ray Trembath and Ted Senior.
In division two Alun Webber took top honours, also with thirty-two and just the one up on Ron Gillett in second spot. William Smith held third with a thirty pointer.
Just two ‘2’s from George Bishop and Rod Crosswell who both rang the bell back at the TRGG.
Tuesday, June 16,
St Andrew’s – Four-Ball Scramble
1st Fergus Brennan, Rod Crosswell, Peter Evans and Ray Allison, net 59.9
2nd David Allison, Rob Herald, Bob Cannon, Keith Huxtable, net 61.1
Tuesday was a trip to St Andrews and a change of format to a four-ball scramble.
Fergus Brennan, Rod Cresswell, Peter Evans and Ray Allison took the top spot with a net fifty nine point nine over David Allison, Rob Herald, Bob Cannon and Keith Huxtable with a net sixty one point one.
Thursday, June 18, Phoenix (Lakes & Ocean) – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Keith Huxtable (12) 38pts
2nd David Jeffrey (10) 37pts
3rd Ray Trembath (9) 36pts
4th Rod Crosswell (14) 33pts
Div. 2
1st Dick Stewart (21) 35pts
2nd Terence Winter (18) 31pts
3rd Alun Webber (23) 30pts
4th Alan Evans (24) 29pts
Yet another of our regular outings to Phoenix on Thursday; the course as ever was in great condition and we had an excellent turnout of good quality players so two divisions were played.
Keith Huxtable really found his form and piled in a great thirty-eight pointer to make division one his own by just one point over David Jeffrey. In third was Ray Trembath who could not find his winning form from the previous week.
Division two had Dick Stewart at the top with thirty-five and a clear four points up on second placed Terence Winter at thirty-one, with Alun Webber just the one back in third at thirty.
Only one ‘2’ and that belonged to that man again Rod Crosswell.
Saturday, June 13, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Michael Moreton (24) 35pts
2nd Len Hardingham (18) 34pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (9) 32pts
4th Ron Gillett (33) 32pts
5th Terence Winter (18) 32pts
Saturday saw a trip to our regular weekend venue of Green Valley, but this time with only a small entrant listing. But this did not deter some good golf being played.
Mike Moreton could only manage a third at this course last week but he improved dramatically this week to take top honours with a thirty-five pointer and one clear of Len Hardingham. Fergus was third after a three-way count back over Ron Gillett and Terence Winter, all at thirty-two.
No 2’s so the traditional bell ring for all back at the Travellers Rest for the presentation.

Kenny Priddy finds gold

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, June 15, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Takeshi Hakozaki 35pts
2nd Yukio Kikuchi 34pts
3rd Kazuki Agune 34pts
4th Russell Finch 34pts
For the first time in a long time the competition at the notoriously difficult Mountain Shadow course, reputably built for play by golfers with a fifteen handicap of better by its designers, was a single stableford event and the scoring certainly made a good case for that designation.
Takeshi Hakozaki, taking full advantage of his reciprocal member’s knowledge, remembered to keep it straight and leave the driver in the bag for most of the round, to amass a very creditable 35 points from the blue tees against a CSS of 72.
Yukio Kikuchi also showed that by playing short and using his shots, even a higher handicapper can score and did so to good effect to claim second spot by virtue of a better count back of 22 over the inward half.
Kazuki Agune almost outdid him by using the same game plan but just failed to capitalise on an excellent starting nine, but he still just edged out Russell Finch for third place, by a better count back of 20 on the back nine, 12 on the back six and an amazing 9 on the back three, as Russell could only manage a very tired 5 over the closing three.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back YaKaYuTa Tours in the form of Kaneo Watanabe, Yukio Kikuchi and Tatsumi Noguchi headed by their inscrutable leader, Yasuo Suzuki, who has temporarily left the bicycle in the garage.
Wednesday, June 17, Pattana A & B – Stableford
1st Yukio Kikuchi 33pts
2nd Kinya Akiyama 33pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 33pts
4th Rick Schramm 31pts
5th Rick Holmes 29pts
6th Alan Griffiths 29pts
With the IPGC championship scheduled for Pattana on the 15th and 17th of July and the excellent pricing of the green fees, Pattana is now getting a fair amount of play and as the course is in generally very good condition the various IPGC venues are taking full advantage to play it as often as possible.
But playing a course regularly does not necessarily make it any easier and with the day’s organisers deciding that all play would be from the white tee blocks over the par 73 A and B courses, and therefore making the length a full 6876 yards, it ensured that there were no easy plays and also played a large part in the days CSS moving out to 75 and the competition being non-counting for upward review.
Yukio Kikuchi continued with his winning game plan of “keep it straight and out of trouble” whilst not worrying over the length off the tee, to garner a solid three over round that with a better count back of 18 on the inward half set him up for his first win out of The Haven for a long time.
Kinya Akiyama had to use all his skills and considerable length off the tee to keep Yukio in sight but could not manage to keep it going as he tired over the back nine, which meant with a worse back six of 12 to a 14 he would be taking second place on the day.
Trevor Schirmer, also playing steadily, took third place by a couple of shots with his count back of 15 on the back nine from Rick Schramm in fourth.
Rick Holmes rounded out the podium with a better count back of 9 on the back six against 7 from Alan Griffiths after they had tied the back nine on 12 apiece.
Once again there were no 2’s in either division.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed back Tom McCarthy, Rick Schramm and Shane and Allan Heavey.
Friday, June 19, Eastern Star - Stableford
1st Kenny Priddy 43pts
2nd Rick Holmes 35pts
3rd Shane Heavey 35pts
4th Paul Hartley 35pts
5th Allan Heavey 34pts
Two weeks after taking the top spot in the IPGC Monthly Stableford in the second division at Greenwood from the forward tees, Kenny Priddy again showed his ability to stitch together a very nice round but this time it was over a much longer course and one that certainly played about as hard as one could expect. The greens were looking more like the Gobi Desert with the amount of sand that had been recently applied, and together with the scarifying of the greens, the pin positions being were placed in the middle of the worst affected areas.
Kenny took it all in his stride as he easily cruised round in seven under handicap to win by eight clear and ensure that his handicap would again be reduced by a substantial amount. It has in fact now gone down by five strokes in the last two weeks which is to Kenny’s great delight as he showed with an extra round of largesse up at the bar.
Rick Holmes was the closest rival in second place as he won the count back with the youngest of the Heavey family, Shane, by a margin of 20 to 19. Paul Hartley took fourth place with a weaker 15 points on the back after he had set the courses alight on the front with 20 points. Allan Heavey, the eldest, closed out the prize winners another shot back in fifth place.
Very surprisingly once again there were no 2’s in the first division making an unprecedented none in the week, but Peter Aitcheson made up for a lean period by slipping in the only one in the second division to sweep the huge pool.
Before the presentations The Doc welcomed back Frank Hughes and John Teague and had farewells for Kinya Akiyama, Takeshi Hakozaki, Yukio Kikuchi, Kaneo Watanabe and Tatsumi Noguchi, thanking the latter for supplying a new sauce for the famous Haven Yakitori Specials.

Drumm beats winning path at Green Valley

Hapgood throws his hat in the ring for monthly title

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, June 15, The Emerald - Stableford
Richard Griffin had a very good round of golf today but his 35 points playing off scratch wasn’t enough as Mashi took the honours, beating Jim Wooler on a count back after both retuned 38 points. Richard took some consolation by winning one of the technical prizes instead.

Peter Habgood - winner at Greenwood.

1st Mashi Kaneta (13) 38pts
2nd Jim Wooler (22) 38pts
3rd Richard Griffin (0) 35pts
Near Pins: Richard Griffin, Alan Sullivan (2)
Wednesday, June17, Greenwood - Medal
Peter Habgood closed the gap on William at the top of the golfer of the month table by winning at Emerald with a superb five under par round. Dave Keats had a good round too, taking runner up spot with a sub par round and Gary Austing beat Richard Griffin (who had a fine level par round) on a count back to take the third place.
1st Peter Habgood (18) net 67
2nd Dave Keats (27) net 71
3rd Gary Austin (16) net 72
4th Richard Griffin (0) net 72
Near Pins: Peter Habgood, Gerry Cooney and Richard Griffin.
Friday, June 19, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
William Macey took the lead in the race for the golfer of the month title by winning with 38 points. Reg Smart, who seems to be getting over his recent illness, came into the clubhouse with 33 points to take second place and the minor places were decided on a count back; Alan Sullivan just beating “Scoby” (who made a welcome return to the golf course) into third place.
1st William Macey (13) 38pts
2nd Reg Smart (23) 33pts
3rd Alan Sullivan (10) 30pts
4th Richard “Scoby” (14) 30pts
Near Pins: Reg Smart, P.J, Alan Sullivan and William.

Rought storms home at Greenwood

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, June 15, Plutaluang – Stableford
This was our first visit here for a couple of months with the reduction in the green fee, and the majority were impressed with the general condition of the course, especially the greens on our selected South and East nines. There was a very cooling breeze today and everybody enjoyed their round which was reflected in the scores.
Terry Cowell’s 23 points on the South course and his 16 on the East took first place in division 1. John Truman, playing his last game with us before his departure back to the UK, came in second with 38 points and in third place was Andy Mills with 36.
Ian Hart won division 2 with 36 points, followed by Joe Kubon one point behind and Bryan Rought in third with 34.
There were no ‘2’s in either division so some large rollover pots were carried forward to Greenwood on Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 17, Greenwood – Stableford
We encountered another empty course at Greenwood on Wednesday and it was a pleasant day enjoyed by all.
The group started on the C course followed by A and Count back Burnie’s 22 points on the front nine secured him first position in division 1, finishing with 40 points. In second place and losing out yet again and still playing off 6 was the Sheffield lad, Andy Mills with 39 points.
Bryan Rought’s amazing 25 points on the back nine, a gross three over par, won him division 2 easily with a total of 42 points. Five points behind in second was Evan Millar on 37.
Andy Mills birdied the 6th hole on the C course to take the two rollovers plus today’s ‘2’s in division1 and Burnie (countback) Sinclair also birdied the same hole to share the division 2 prize with Bryan Rought who got a ‘2’ on the 6th on the A course.
Friday, June 19, Eastern Star – Stableford
Friday saw a smaller field than normal and with a relentless management not reducing the green fees owing to the condition of the course, the cancellations within the I.P.G.C. and other groups are continuing.
There was only a two divisional stableford competition today with Jim Lane in division 1 taking the honours with 36 points. He was followed in by Miss Nom with 30 points who beat Terry Cowell on a 15/14 back-nine count back.
Thirty points 30 points secured Jimmy Johnson first place in division 2 and his first podium position for some time after beating Ian Hart on a 21/18 back-nine count back. There will be another two departures next Sunday when the old man takes Miss Nom to the UK for her visit. Enjoy your trip!

It’s the Ha’penny Medal

IPGC golf from Lewiinskis

Sunday, June 14, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Ian Halfpenny (11) net 68
2nd Don Lehmer (14) net 69
B Flight
1st Kevin Hamilton (19) net 69
2nd Peter Ring (22) net 70
Near Pins: #2 Kevin Hamilton, #9 Tom Byrne, #12 Joe McArdle, #16 Colin Davis
2’s: (4)
This month’s Medal was a case of Ian for a halfpenny, in for a pound, as ‘loose change’ cashed in with a match winning 68 points. This was Ian’s first monthly mug win and his impressive card could have been even more so as it included two triple bogeys. Don Lehmer took second over Seamus V C on a count back as both posted net 69s, the scales tipping in The Dons favor.

Ian Halfpenny celebrates winning the Monthly Medal at Green Valley.

Cleveland’s Kevin Hamilton “Still off 19” posted a net 69 to take the junior flight. But oh how different the headlines could have been this week; Co Dublin’s reigning ex bouncer was having the game of his life and his card after 17 holes read a super net 61. However, by the 18th Rocky was tiring fast. He lined his tee shot up and chucked in a left hook, then a right cross, then he was jabbing with his putter, he could not produce a straight shot to save his life.
At the end of the game Rocky sat in his buggy, his head in his hands, bemoaning his disaster on the last. He knew he had lost this one on points and even though he had blown the medal, Rocky took it on the chin.
Nice to see the Mike “The Mechanic” Craighead back in the fold; a little bird told me Mike made par on the last five holes, mind you he has worked hard to ameliorate his game.
Tom Byrne, Bill Broschart, Phil Holmes and Mike himself shared the ‘2’s pot. The Lou-iinski’s free draw was not won.
Note: ameliorate - to improve something.
Monday/Tuesday June 15/16, Soi Dao – Stableford
A Flight (Day 1)
1st Tom Byrne 40pts
2nd Jack Spencer 38pts
3rd Bob Newell 37pts
B Flight (Day 1)
1st Chas Sheppard 35pts
2nd Sim Davis 34pts
3rd Barry Elphick 31pts
A Flight (Day 2)
1st Eddie Beilby 39pts
2nd Bob St Austin 34pts
3rd Peter Henshaw 34pts
B Flight (Day 2)
1st Sim Davis 38pts
2nd Chas Sheppard 34pts
3rd Kevin Hamilton 34pts
The Lewiinski’s gang traveled to the beautiful Soi Dao to play a two-day eclectic and, as one would expect, the course was in superb condition.
The first day saw a Tom Byrne victorious in A Flight with a top score of 40 points. Jack “Bilko” Spencer took second place two shots adrift, leaving Bob “Seamless” Newell to round out the flight a shot further back.
The Sheppard took the top rung in B Flight with a solid 35 points. Sim Davis on 34 points climbed up the ladder to take second, and Barry Elphick posted 31 for third.
Everything was turned upside on the second day with Eddie the captain triumphing with 39 points to win A Flight. Second spot went to Bob St Austin on 34 and third place was filled by Peter “the President”, also with 34 points.
B Flight saw Sim Davis emerge the winner with 38 points, second place went to Chas ‘The Sheppard” on 34 and Kevin Hamilton rounded out the flight carding 33.
Eclectic
A Flight
1st Eddie Beilby 47pts
2nd Nick Payne 45pts
3rd Ian Halfpenny 44pts
B Flight
1st Sim Davis 46pts
2nd Barry Elphick 41pts
3rd Chas Sheppard 40pts
Wednesday, June 17, Greenwood – Stableford
1st Lindsey Semple (10) 35pts
2nd Tom Gorey (19) 34pts
3rd Gabriel Enright (17) 34pts
The Lewiinski’s mob headed down the 331 to play the Wolveridge & Thomson designed Greenwood. Aussie Semple Lindsey led the field home with a best of the day 35 points. Co. Wexford’s Tom Gorey gained a count back victory for second over Aussie Gabriel Enright, as both were knotted on 34 points. Justin Fowlis took the ‘2’s pot.
Joe Tyrant asked his pal Tom Gorey if he fancied a pint or two in Banchang after the game. Well after two hours Joe had still not found it, seems Joe’s memory is failing him as well as the Sat Nav.
Friday, June 19, Pattana – Stableford
A Flight
1st Don Lehmer (14) 39pts
2nd Justin Fowlis (13) 39pts
B Flight
1st Joe Tynan (28) 38pts
2nd Bill Broschart (16) 37pts
Playing the A and B nines proved to be an ideal finish for the week for the Lewiinski’s mob. The “Don” Lehmer got the verdict over the unlucky Justin “Scouser” Fowlis as both were knotted on 39 points. Joe “Sat Nav” Tynan found his way around with ease, posting a fine 38 to win the B Flight and Bill Broschart came in a shot behind for second place.
Six ‘2’s were recorded.
I heard it on the ‘Wireless’
If you’re best shots are the practice swing and the “gimme” putt, you might wish to reconsider this game.
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.

Seaboard sailors and Optimists fare well at Samui Regatta

Neil Pryde’s “Hi-Fi” was a clear winner in the Racing Class.

Report by Peter Cummins,
Photos by Rolien
Radab Kanjanavanit and Kirati (Nim) Assakul, who finished second and fourth, respectively, in the Multihull Class, Gary Baguley, fifth in the Cruising Class and Kipsan Beck, third in the IRC One Division, were the top Eastern Seaboard sailors in the just recently concluded 8th Sawadee.com Koh Samui Regatta which took place from May 31 – June 6.

Andrew Short’s title winning crew in the Bareboat Charter Class share a relaxing moment on the Oceanis 461 “Constanza”.
However, overall honours must go to the Samui Optimist sailors, some 20 of whom, sailing in the 2nd Samui Junior Sailing Squadron Challenge, raised their arms in triumph during the prize-giving ceremony held at coach John Stall’s Tradewinds facility reception.
Urged on also by local resident and perennial regattarian Frankie Brancaccio, the first two junior sailors at the end of the Optimist Regatta were tiny Nat Panyawan (age 11) and Mai Deridder (10). Their performance has been so good, in fact, that both Nat and Mai have been selected by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand to join the Thai team heading to Singapore to compete in the Sentosa Optimist Championships. Very good news for the Thailand marine sector in general.
Undoubtedly these youngsters are the “wave of the future”, for two earlier regattas on the Eastern Seabpoard, the Top of the Gulf at the Ocean Marina in Jomtien and the Admiral’s Cup at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya, both had upwards of 100 children competing - in all manner of wind conditions.
In fact, so popular has this junior sailing programme become among the Kingdom’s young (under-16-year-olds), that the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta management is considering introducing the class into the annual event – the region’s biggest regatta.
Meantime, back to the last day of the 8th Sawadee.com Regatta 2009 Samui, dawning clear, with a moderate south-westerly, continuing the week-long pattern and only broken by the disruptions which impinged on the attempted round Samui long-distance race, abandoned for major classes on Friday.
There was an irony here, for this first-attempted round- Samui race. The wind which had been the sailors’ friend all week, died that day and the fleets had to struggle to reach shore off Chaweng. Nevertheless, this was just a minor irritation to the some 350 participating sailors who, to a person, have acclaimed the 2009 event, “as the best ever”.

The Racing Class set out under full sail on Day 4 of the regatta.

Although first placings in the Racing and Premier Classes were already decided before the last race, in the former there was an intense struggle for the #2 spot, with just one point separating the four top yachts. The final race sorted them out and Hong Kong’s Neil Pryde (“Hi Fi”), on 10 penalty points, bolted away with the Racing Class from Aussie Ray Roberts “Quantum Racing” (23), with Brits Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth, “Fortis Mandrake” (24) in third and Aussie Matt Allen, “Ichi Ban” (26), fourth.
Perhaps, Matt, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, was a little unlucky, for his love of racing and sailing in Asian regattas and helming his Beneteau First 44.7 “Ichi Ban” was the medium of his outstanding successes. So, the Race Management team, under Simon James, elevated Matt into the Racing class where he “crossed tacks”, so to speak, with the region’s best sailors.

Pattaya based Kipsan Beck’s “Pornstar” finished third in the IRC One Division.
Marcel Leidts, “Blauwvoet” (5), was clearly the master in the Premier Class, from Peter Churchouse, “Moonblue 2” (11), Jon Wardill’s “Australian Maid” (12), Pattaya sailor Gary Baguley “El Coyote” (13), and Ian Nicolson, “Intrigue” (14), second to fifth, respectively.
Jeff Davison, likewise, was undisputed winner of the IRC One Class, racing “Panic” (7) from Ken Eyears in second on “Waka Tere” (13), with a similar pattern in the Bareboat Charters, where Andrew Short dominated throughout the total regatta.
In the Multihull Class, veteran sailor and Phuket-based Henry Kaye, “Thor” (12) scraped home ahead of a fast-finishing Radab Kanjanavanit, “Semico Cedar Swan” (14), who was fractionally ahead of Peter Dyer’s “Sea Property” (16) with Kirati Assakul’s “Bandara Sonic”, (31), well back in fourth place.

Some star performers in the Junior Optimists.
As the last regatta of the 2008-09 racing season, the Sawadee.com Regatta is one of the most anticipated events on the regional sailing calendar. Neil Pryde, clearly winning the Racing Class, helming his Welbourne 52 “Hi-Fi”, was also awarded the “Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper and Yacht of the Year” prize, beating out, amongst others, current champion Aussie Ray Roberts. The champion is awarded the accolade on the basis of the aggregate score from eight regional regattas held during the year.
AY’s man-on-the-spot, Captain Marty, did the honours with the champion’s jacket which fitted Neil perfectly. But it did not matter too much for, after some photo-ops with the new champion, Marty quickly retrieved said jacket and packed it away until next time. He figured that Neil had had his fleeting moment of glory.
Along with title sponsor Sawadee.com Regatta 2009 Samui, co-partners were Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Dunlopillo and Singha – supported by Event Partners: Samui Villas & Homes, Dhevatara Properties, Nikki Beach Samui, The Moorings, Central Wine Cellar, Samui Emerald Condominiums, Thai Rent a Car, Seatran Discovery and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. In fact, there was hardly an enterprise on the island that did not carry a supportive regatta banner.
The splendid Awards Dinner at the host facility, the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, was a fitting finale to the event. As Callum Laing, Chairman of the Sawadee. com Regatta observed, “The atmosphere and the ambience this year were even better than usual.” A sentiment clearly echoed by all the competitors, including the juniors.
Ian Grundy, director of Citrus Public Relations, was also very happy with the outcome and looks forward to two more years of promotion of the Samui Regatta. With the economic down–turn affecting tourism strongly, this is indeed, good news for the Island Regatta which, according to the press and media, “gives back to Samui what it receives from the people and support of the islanders”.

Moorie gets a cut and still makes hay

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, June 15, Burapha - Stableford
About six weeks ago, the Outbackers tackled the unusual pairing of the Belfry & Dunes nines; today the 34 that played were on the converse nines of Augusta & Cypress from the blues. Once again the course was in pristine condition, apart from some repair work to the apron of the par 5 seventh on Cypress; which did make getting at the front flag a little tricky. The greens were immaculate and ran true with good speed and the weather behaved itself as well.

Tuesday’s winner Bob Pearce (left) with runners up Suzi & John Lawton.

Cap’t Bob’s mate, Moorie, once again demonstrated just how good a golfer he is, firing a gross 72 for 39 points, to win Div A with the joint top score of the day. He has already been cut from h’cap 4 to 3 and will now find himself playing off 2 for the rest of his visit to Thailand. General Jack, showed a bit of form ahead of the Outback’s away trip to Siem Reap, taking second with 37; followed by five players all with 35 points, headed on countback by Chris Davisson.
Another Aussie boy, Dalby, won Div B with 36 and will also find his h’cap reduced to 13, just for his consistency and general play. Pottsy, at last showed what he can do, with the other joint top score of 39 to win Div C; from Colin Bavington, who started like a runaway train only to lose a little momentum on the back nine, to finish with 36.
The last hole (C9) was particularly difficult for the shorter hitters, with the tee placed right back on the black tee box leaving a 200 yard carry over water to reach the fairway; made worse by the fact there was absolutely nowhere to lay up.
There were a bundle of ‘2’ worth next to nothing each, coming from Capt’ Bob, Mark Rigall, Keith Buchanan, Chris Davisson, Wayne Cotterell and Moorie had three.
Div A (0-12)
1st Ian Moore (3) 39pts
2nd Jack Moseley (11) 37pts
3rd Chris Davisson (12) 35pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Brent Dalby (14) 36pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (15) 33pts
3rd James Bryan (14) 32pts
Div C (17+)
1st Campbell Potts (20) 39pts
2nd Colin Bavington (32) 35pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (210 34pts
Tuesday, June 16, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
On a fine sunny morning, 15 Outbackers made the short journey to the local Pattaya Country Club. Like so many courses at present the numbers playing were sparse and we were round in less than 4 hours on a course in reasonable condition.
We welcomed Rob Heenan, playing with us for the first time, and our resident ‘Turnip’, aka Dennis Persson, making a rare appearance on a golf course, although he didn’t exactly trouble the leaderboard!
Special mention here for our Arthur. Arthur Bailey, who is a regular with us, had celebrated his 81st birthday the day before. Congratulations Arthur from all at the Outback and your many friends in Pattaya – you are an inspiration to all us younger folk!
With no ‘2’s today we went to five places with the organiser, Chad, just missing out on count back for fifth. Top spot went to a Pearce again! This time it was Bob (13) with 37 points. The ‘stunning’ Lawton’s took second and third with both Suzi (21) & John (15) on 35 points with ‘the lady’ winning on countback. Fourth and fifth places, both with 34, went to two of our Australian friends, Brent Dalby (14) & Bryce Stick (18) with Brent again winning on a countback.
The Outback play at Pattaya Country Club each Tuesday at 10 a.m.
1st Bob Pearce (13) 37pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (22) 35pts
3rd John Lawton (15) 35pts
4th Brent Dalby (14) 34pts
5th Bryce Stick (18) 34pts
Wednesday, June 17, Royal Lakeside - Stableford
The delightful Royal Lakeside was the venue for today’s golf for the 20 Outbackers who signed up to play. They were not disappointed, with the course in its usual fine condition – the only comment was that they had rain recently and the bunkers were ‘smooth’!
The weather was cool, until towards the end when it warmed up and the swirling wind made it a bit tricky causing a few blips along the way for most.
Many decided not to drive themselves but take the ‘Outback’ bus which just adds to pleasure of the day and welcome back to Lloyd Shuttleworth, on a brief R & R visit from Iraq.
There were two flights with the first three in each making the podium.
The scores were not up to the normal standard but everybody tried hard. Moorie, after being cut from 4 to 3 then to 2 still managed to come in the money again, maybe a 1 handicap is what is needed? Even though he scored well, he and Capt’ Bob got a serious kicking from Dalby and the Bryce man.
Div A was won by Ian Moore, aka Moorie, on 35 points with John O’Keefe (34pts) in second on a countback over Dalby, also with 34.
Bruce McAdam, got it together at last with the joint top score of the day to share first place in Div B with Geoff Doody, both with 36 points; these two could not be separated on countback, using the back 9, last 6, last 3 or last hole. Gary Saunders also had 36 to take third, and must regret blobbing the last two holes.
The ‘2’s, of which there were seven, came from Bruce Milner, Bruce McAdam, Ian Moore, Kathy Doody, Nigel Cannon, Lloyd Shuttleworth and Capt’ Bob.
Div A (0-18)
1st Ian Moore (2) 35pts
2nd John O’Keefe (16) 34pts
3rd Brent Dalby (14) 34pts
Div B (19+)
1st, Bruce McAdam (21) 36pts
1st Geoff Doody (20) 36pts
3rd Gary Saunders (20) 36pts
Thursday, June 18, St. Andrews - Stableford
Not a course from the usual circuit for the 22 Outbackers today, but one of great challenge with its two rather unique, par sixes. The course was in reasonable condition and was the overall winner on the day, with nobody playing to handicap or better.
The top score of 35 was enough to win both divisions; Bob Lindborg taking Div A and one of our Japanese friends, Yukio Kikuchi, winning Div B. Rich Montana got the better of Dave Arrowsmith on countback for second in the top flight, both with 34, whilst Kathy Doody’s 34 points earned her second place on her own in Div B.
There were four ‘2’s from Dave Arrowsmith, Brent Dalby, Bob Lindborg and Bryce Stick.
Note: Just a word of caution, as one of the caddies was hit by a golf ball today but not seriously. Always be aware of players and caddies around you, and call for them to move out of your way if they are causing you some concern.
Finally, the Outback apologises to those of you who paid a green fee of 800 baht; this was contrary to what we were promised and we will be taking it up with the Green Valley management.
Div A (0-17)
1st Bob Lindborg (15) 35pts
2nd Rich Montana (14) 34pts
3rd David Arrowsmith (5) 34pts
Div B (18+)
1st Yukio Kikuchi (24) 35pts
2nd Kathy Doody (18) 34pts
3rd Bryce Stick (18) 32pts
Friday, June 19, Laem Chabang - Stableford
This was the first of many visits to Laem Chabang at their exclusive Friday ‘Sports Day’ rate and what a delight to play this magnificent Nicklaus course of international repute.
Forty-two Outbackers played the Valley [C] and Mountain [A] nines from the Outback Golf Bar’s own Tee markers that had been clearly placed by the leading group adjacent to the white marker stone on every hole. This ensured that the correct length was played and not the shorter course that is so often marked with the white tee markers.
The first groups teed off ahead of schedule on the difficult opening four holes on Valley, making play a little slow; however once out of the way, the pace of play was generally quite brisk; the weather was good and there was no threat of rain.
Thirty seven and thirty six points were the most popular scores of the day, with no less than ten players scoring one of those numbers. Four 37’s came in Div B, involving a countback for first to fourth places.
Div B consisted of a narrow band of just four different handicaps, 13 to 16, making for an extremely competitive division; that was eventually headed by regular Outbacker, Rosco Langoulant. In second was Terry Wagner followed by “welcome back” George Bishop in third and Capt’ Bob’s old mate Dalby in fourth, having his last game before returning to Aus today.
Chris Davisson wrapped up Div A, also with 37, ahead of two players with 36, Richard Garland & Tony Garnett; whilst Div C was also headed by two on 36, namely John Stafford & Bruce McAdam. John got the better of Bruce by virtue of his back nine [mountain] and it’s nice to see you back in the winner’s circle after such a long absence.
The ‘2’s were two-a-penny, with a total of nine, coming from Henry O’Brien, Bryce Stick, Ian Moore, Joe Mooneyham, Terry Wagner, Chris Davisson, Jack Moseley and Jim Bryan had two.
Finally, The Outback Golf Bar will be at Laem Chabang every Friday, with the exception of three (check website for details), between now and the end of September with a tee time of around 10 a.m. Sign up early to avoid disappointment as extra tee times are not always possible.
Div A (0-12)
1st Chris Davisson (12) 37pts
2nd Richard Garland (12) 36pts
3rd Garnett Tony (11) 36pts
4th Lloyd Shuttleworth (1) 35pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Rosco Langoulant (13) 37pts
2nd Terry Wagner (15) 37pts
3rd George Bishop (16) 37pts
4th Brent Dalby (13) 37pts
Div C (17+)
1st John Stafford (21) 36pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (21) 36pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (17) 35pts
4th Henry O’Brien (21) 34pts
Note: If you played this course, the Outback would like you to comment on our forum, outbackchat – topic, “course reviews”, which can be found on our website, www.outbackgolfbar.com. This would help others as to the current condition of the courses in the area. For example: value for money (green fee & cart etc), pace of play, condition of the fairways, condition of the greens, caddies, and drink stops & restaurant. Even if you played a different course, please send in your review for all to read. The more the merrier.
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.

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League

Results & Standings June 19 (week 13)

Stars are making a late run for the league title by winning their second game of the season against Cheers. High on the game victory, Stars also took the beer. Stan said “I’ll get my coat”.
At a secret location on 3rd Road, the Coffee Shop Quartet hosted the Palmers Crew; Blue Mountain taking both the honors. The customized golf buggy was spotted holding traffic up as it made its way to the OK Corral. The spittoon filling Posse were no match for the club swinging Bunker Boys, The Bunker taking both game and beer.
O’Leary’s Lepracorns were held hostage in Melly’s dungeon and forced to drink beer. Melly’s Crew took the game with the Lepracorns fighting back to win the free beer.
Lucky Time was hosted by the Rising Sun (and St Johns Ambulance). The Sunshine Boys were up for it big style (not sure what the street name for the drug is called), and before you could say “Lance is crap at darts” they had 5* on the board against Lucky Times 0*.
Lucky Time with true Bulldog Spirit fought back and the score sat at 6-5 to the RS with one match remaining. If Lance could win his singles match it would be ‘Goodnight Ladies’ to LT. You know when you say something that you later regret, well that was Lance. Welsh Ian took the match to leave all on the beer.
St Johns medics bandaged Steve’s hand after he had bitten his finger nails down to the second knuckle, and the beer leg began. The Sunshine Boys outplaying Team LT (I think there was something dodgy in the sandwiches) and checked out to take both the honors.
Lucky Time and the Bunker now share the league lead, with Mee Chew, the Rising Sun, and Blue Mountain snapping at their heels.
Player/celebrity look-alike: 2 nominations this week; Melly/Ronnie Barker, and Steve (RS)/Rigsby (Rising Damp). On a final note, I want to know who keeps e-mailing me adverts for hair restorer?

Malaysian challenge for the PGS

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Monday, June 15 saw the start of an eventful week for the Pattaya Golf Society as they hosted a Malaysian tour group for a few days serious yet friendly golf.
The first day saw a four-ball better ball match play event at Green Valley, on a course well prepared with greens quicker than they had been two days previously. The eight man teams were captained by Chris Voller (PGS) and Jean Daniels (Mal) and all four ties were very closely contested.
In match one, Rick Schramm and Erik Anttonen took the better of Jean Daniels and Lee Chaw Ban 2 & 1; Erik playing his best round in Thailand with a gross of 75. In the second tie Chris Voller and Tony Thorne extended the home lead by winning 2 & 1 against Gan Say Beng and Lim Joo Wah. Lim Hong Hai and Ong Khean Seng narrowed the gap with a 3 & 2 win against Bob Watson and Mikael Andersson.
In the final tie Len Jones and Guy Pennington, representing PGS, found themselves against familiar faces as Phil Knight and Emiel van der Wiele substituted for the Malays in the absence of two of their party. Phil (aka “Hoo Flung Dung”) and Emiel (“Won Hung Low”) fell behind quickly, giving too many shots away and lost the tie 3 & 2 to give an overall result of 3 ties to 1 in the PGS favour.
It had been a fine encounter at Green Valley.
“Silly” scores at Phoenix
The second day’s competition was held at Phoenix over the Lakes and Ocean nines and was preceded by an excellent demonstration of trick shots and long driving by former Long Drive World Champion, South Africa’s Jean Daniels. He went through his excellent and amusing routine on the driving range and had course staff and a large audience enthralled as he hit a succession of 400 yard-plus drives into the next parish and used clubs in all manner of shapes, guises and sizes to show how to control the ball.
The fun continued on the course proper with a stableford event. The field represented eleven nations and was divided into two flights at fourteen and under with a Ladies’ flight to boost.
In the second flight Bob Watson, Emiel van der Wiele and Yukio Kikuchi all shared third place with 32 points, two behind joint winners Lee Chaw Ban and old friend Kevin Wilson, playing his first PGS round for more than six years.
In the top flight Lim Joo Wah posted 38 points for third place, in pursuit of Erik Anttonen, his 38 points giving the flying Finn a two day aggregate of eight under. The winner was returning Aussie Garry Olliffe and he celebrated his long awaited return to the Kingdom with a fine forty point card for the victory.
The best score of the day was achieved by lady golfer Ann Silawong (“Silly” to her very best friends) and her forty point total eclipsed her two nearest rivals, Prasong O’Connor and Suebsuda Saenlao by six shots.
Jean shared the 2’s pot with Mikael Andersson and Lim Joo Wah.
At the special presentation party back in Soi Buakhao, Jean and Lim graciously offered two Fusion Excel Quantum Pendants as Lucky Draw prizes and Mikael Andersson and Darren Norris were the winners. Apparently they generate positive energy flows and help to maintain energy balance and we all look forward to exceptional performances from the two lads over the next few rounds!
The Booby Bevy went to Jean Daniels for consigning half a tray of golf balls to the suburbs of Rayong and probably causing Phoenix to raise their green fees yet again to make up the shortfall. All this... and it was still only Tuesday!
Accuracy key at Mountain Shadow
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Mountain Shadow on Thursday, June 18 to play a stableford event over the once beautiful course which sadly is showing signs of neglect currently as the financial crisis continues to bite. The fairways are dry and dusty and the surfaces off the fairway are hard and sandy. The greens are in reasonable condition and still pose problems with their huge undulations.
Thus said, it is always good to test skills on a course where accuracy off the tee is at a premium and just to add to the rigours of the day, the round began in a stiff breeze and ended in a strong wind.
The single flight saw newest member, Darren Norris, contribute a score of 31 points for third place whilst the considerable talents of Kazuo Takimoto and Chris Voller helped them to 33 points for a share of the victory. Indeed Chris added to his rainy day fund with the only birdie ‘2’ of the day, on the testing 17th hole into the wind.
Two days previously Garry Olliffe had won with forty points but his “hero to zero” antics which brought him only 23 points ensured he would enjoy the Booby Bevy.
Mountain Shadow on a windy day is not to be recommended to golfers of a nervous disposition.
Voller at his best
With a major Thai PGA tournament planned for the following week Green Valley was well set up on Saturday, June 20 when the Pattaya Golf Society called to play a stableford competition. The greens had picked up pace all week and the fairways had a lot of run, and with a full course in prospect the early start was essential.
The single flight saw David Roberts find form with 34 points for third place and playing partner Tony Thorne take second with 36 points. Chris Voller was having one of those weeks when everything went well. Coming home in 35 his best ever Green Valley gross of 74 gave him 41 points for an easy victory as he ended the week under par yet again.
Bob Watson had some consolation for missing out on third place with a birdie ‘2’ on the ninth and he was joined by Darren Norris on the sixteenth for a share of the pot.
The sartorially elegant Rabbi returned to the fray giving the day a somewhat Tyrolean air and the two long parrot feathers adorning his hat more than merited the Booby Bevy.
It takes all sorts to make a splendid day out at Green Valley.

Jimmy returns to his ‘Field of Dreams’ and wins the double

PSC Sunday Softball

Survivors of the June 14 softball double header: (From L to R) Ernie, Rick Z, Steven, Diego and John S (on one knee), Dave, Perry, Phil, Rocky, Alan, John CF (base headed), Nick, Ben, Rick H and Shawn.

Diego Wells
Over the last 2 weeks of Pattaya Softball it has been good to see a lot of old faces, back in familiar places. With the return of Robin, Robert, Jim-Bob, Jason, Sam, Alan and the grand man himself, Jimmy, softball has started to sizzle again. The bats have been swinging harder, while the defense has been more ferocious.
Overall, the games have been more competitive and exciting. But what truly makes it magic for us at softball when the old guard returns is the crazy arguments about rules that give us young guys a welcomed rest. So thanks again, senior citizens of softball, for coming back and again impressing us with your argumentative skills. Pattaya softball would not be the same with out you old curmudgeons. We are extremely happy to see you all back on the diamond a little bit slower physically, but as verbally abusive as always!
The double header on June 7 was captained by Perry and Alan. Alan’s team consisting of Nick, Shawn, Scotty, Rick H. and Z., John S and CF, Ernie, Phil and Josh, looked stronger on paper. Of course, that proved meaningless as Alan’s team lost both games of the double header to Perry’s crew. Perry’s team was led offensively by the big bat of Jason (who was named MVP of the day on his triumphant return to softball), Diego, Mark, Sam and newbies Steven, and Ben.

John (Elvis) Stockton celebrates his brilliant no glove catch to preserve the win, as teammates John CF and Rick Z, get ready to carry him off the field in triumph.
Perry led the defensive squad by pitching rainbows and crazily spun strikes to Alan’s bewildered hitters. Recently returned Robert was solid at first, while John E. did a great job at second, and Rocky made some key catches in right field. The two games ended in comfortable wins for Perry’s outfit by scores of 14-10 and 19-10 respectively.
The week of June 14 saw the triumphant return of Jimmy. His bat was not at his best, but his pitching and fielding were fantastic, and he got himself on the team that won both games of the double header (and that was enough to earn him the day’s MVP). Jimmy’s team beat Diego’s Dogs by a score of 13 to 9 in the first game, and 10 to 8 in the nail biting back end of the double header.
Game 2 of the day was the most hotly contested game of the two weeks. It saw some strong defense, huge hits, and was a dog fight until the end.
In the top of the first, the Dogs jumped out to a 3 run lead with a homer from Diego scoring Perry and Shawn. Jimmy’s boys countered with doubles from Ernie, Rick H, and John S. to tie the game.
Diego’s Dogs scored 3 more in the second on hits from Ben, Rocky, Rick Z, and Nick. But Jimmy’s team kept scratching and clawing at the lead, scoring one in the second and third inning, and close the gap at 6 -5.
The Dogs went scoreless in the third and fourth, and saw themselves down 7-6 as they batted in the fifth. Another solo homerun from Diego tied the game, and strong singles from Steven, John E, and Nick gave them an 8 to 7 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning. The bats of Jimmy’s team awoke then, batting through the order and scoring 3 crucial runs, on hits from Robin, Jimmy, and Joe to go to the last inning up 10 -8.
The Dogs fought hard in the last, and got 2 runners aboard with two out and Shawn up to bat. The play of the game ensued, as Shawn hit one deep to left field, knowing that a hit would tie the game. John Stockton got a great jump on the ball and was under it early, ready to make the catch. Paying homage to the 20/20 Cricket World Cup, he threw off his glove and made the final out barehanded.
Scouts from all the top 10 cricketing nations are sure to be on the diamond next week looking for much needed talent.
The Pattaya Softball boys wish to extend an invitation to all battered and bruised former athletes, who enjoy being on a ball diamond on a Sunday afternoon. We start play at 1 p.m. and the fun doesn’t stop until we finish both games of the double header (usually around 4:30 p.m.).
For directions to the field, please see Perry or John CF at the Pattaya Sports Club, or email me at igolfwells @gmail.com. Hopefully, we will see you out there soon.

Green Chilli moves up into second place

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Graham, Dung, Pauline, Nok, Rich, Tue & Wade

Dung Downs bowled a 204 game and 569 series to lead Green Chilli to a four point sweep over Canada and her team jumped up from fourth to second place.
Sala Thai Restaurant remains in first place after they won all four points from Indiana with Somrak leading Sala Thai with a 529 series. Brother D dropped to third place on total pin count but they won three points from Café Ole. Wade Meyers bowled a 206 game, 535 series and Tukata Thompson had a 525 series for Brother D.
Rich Montana had a 546 series and Morn Mack a 503 for Café Ole. Nok Kennedy bowled games of 202, 181 and 213 for a 596 series to help her Sabai Sabai Friday team to a two and one half point win over Swethai. Graham had a 212 game and 545 series for Swethai.
Café Kronborg took three and one half points from Bavaria and Jack Tar won three from VFW Post 9876. Joe Ferral bowled a 524 series for VFW.