Emerald shows its teeth

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Emerald at Ban Chang was the venue for the Pattaya Golf Society on Tuesday, August 25, when they visited to play a stableford event on the popular course. The course is currently playing tough with pacey greens but the fairways are in need of a little pruning, difficult with the ever-present heavy seasonal showers.
An experienced field took to the tee on time and Ya Riley, playing off the white tees, showed she can still compete with her male counterparts coming home with 32 points to share third place with Brian Kelly. Chris Voller found his focus again with a good round of 34 points and the best gross of the day putting him in second place as Emiel van der Wiele continued his good run with another winning score, this time 35 points.
For the second successive round there were no birdie ‘2’s but the Booby Bevy went to Kazuo Takimoto when some uncharacteristic comments on the first tee backfired in his face at the end of the day. Humour and golf will always bite back and the tough track at Emerald certainly did that.
Hurley bounces back
Green Valley is such a popular venue that the Pattaya Golf Society always try to play there as often as possible and Thursday, August 27 was the latest opportunity to play a competition there, under the stroke-play format. The course is in excellent condition and the greens are so true and a close contest was in prospect.
Playing from the white tees, Ya Riley impressed once again with a fine net 74 for fourth place, only one behind joint runners-up Emiel van der Wiele, currently in excellent form, and Wichai Tananusorn who fired the day’s best gross of 82. After a horror show at Emerald two days previously Richard Hurley found his game again and produced a level par round for the victory.
For the third successive event there were no birdie ‘2’s - amazing, on the quality greens and with some good golfers in the field.
The Booby Bevy went to Mike Camping, playing his second round for a handicap, and his eleven shots on the par five eighth was not the first and will not be the last on this hole. Now Mike has “been there, done that” and enjoyed the Booby Bevy for his pains. It’s all part of golf’s inevitable learning curve. Ask Richard Hurley!
A fine week’s work
Saturday August 29 saw the Pattaya Golf Society visit Pattana for a stableford competition over the A and B courses on a heavily humid day. As always the course was beautifully set up with the B greens benefiting from a few weeks rest and showing some excellent consistency.
The round was the culmination of the group’s “Player of the Month” challenge and with the two main contenders separated by only half a point the day was set to be exciting. Indeed, Emiel van der Wiele and Richard Hurley were paired together and nobly jousted throughout nine holes until the wheels started to come off Richard’s wagon as his drive disappeared and four shots changed hands on the B3 hole.
Emiel finished on 36 points to share the win with Kazuo Takimoto and Bob St Aubin. His birdie ‘2’ on B3 was not only the “undoing” of Richard, but also took a share of the ‘2’s pot with Tony Thorne who had set the standard earlier on A3.
New member Mike Camping finished his qualification for a handicap and took the Booby Bevy for his remarkable “honesty” in adding two birdies to his card, thus reducing his potential handicap immediately.
The week ended in fine style for Emiel van der Wiele as he finished with two wins and a second place, giving only two shots up to par. A very worthy “Player of the Month” indeed.

Herbie pips Sus for monthly trophy

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

The Three Sisters group headed out early this August 25 at the Pattaya Country Club. Despite lightning on the horizon at 5:45 am, the day turned out to be a golfer’s delight - sunny but with a cool breeze. The breeze had some effect on the ball but only on a couple of holes. The course was in fine shape and the greens are now mostly in great shape with a few “work in progress” patches. A few of the group had putting problems but that had nothing to do with the greens.

Winner Herbie Ishinaga (left) with runner-up Sus Ige.

Two casualties occurred with both Bill Key and Bob Benda swinging their way into apparent painful back muscle pulls. We hope they are in repair and are able to go out again next Tuesday.
Back at Caddy Shack II, Herbie Ishinaga had the pot full of two kinds of sausages as well as snacks on the tables. A tally of the cards revealed Herbie Ishinaga coming in first with 37 points followed by Sus Ige with a 36. This being the end of the month’s play, Herbie will have his name engraved on the “monthly winner’s trophy”. The rest of the group had respectable scores but a bit shy of the leaders.

The burning issue

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, August 24,
Pattana B & C - Stableford
1st Greg Gawron 36pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer 34pts
3rd Grant Cadell 34pts
4th Rod Howett 33pts
Following an uncomfortable day which finished late in the evening on Sunday in Pattaya, and around ten minutes to three Monday morning in Sidney, where Rodney Hayes could be found slumped in his armchair in front of the wide screen plasma television purchased especially for the occasion, albeit with a different result in mind, bemoaning the loss of the last International trophy to escape from the cabinet, two Australians claimed some pride back as they took first and second places at Pattana.
Greg Gawron, now a regular visitor to the winners level of the podium, and Trevor Schirmer, also no stranger to the handshake at the prize giving, led in a happy group of Englishmen over the B and C courses from the white tees, with Greg taking the day by two from Trevor who in his turn beat off the challenge of Grant Cadell on the count back with a better 13 against 10 on the last six after they had halved the back nine at 17.
Rod Howett was the best of the celebrating cricket fans as he carded a three over handicap score, a further shot behind them.
Back at The Haven, in lieu of the advertised sports cast, various members regaled the jostling throng with many anecdotal tales of Derring Do from past sporting annals.
There were no 2’s in either division for the second event in succession.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Jorn Eriksen who was finding all the talk of byes, late swingers and maidens more than a little confusing.
Wednesday, August 26,
The Emerald – Stableford
1st Brian Kelly 41pts
2nd Dave Stockman 37pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 36pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka 36pts
5th Danny Greer 35pts
After some time away from the Emerald a large contingent of players descended on the course to find it in immaculate condition but playing a little on the short side even though the fairways were not allowing much run following the recent wet weather. This factor was more than made up for by the great condition of the greens and surrounds that offered a good chance for scoring.
Brian Kelly blew the rest of the field away with a stunning five under handicap round that was enough by four clear shots to claim the day’s top spot.
Dave Stockman turned in a very tidy card of gross 76 to take his place on the second tier.
Trevor Schirmer won his second count back of the week over the back six with a better 11 to 10 after he had shared the back nine with Shuichi Kodaka on 17. Danny Greer slipped into fifth place in his last appearance for some time another shot behind them.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division to carry forward a triple roll over to Friday but Dave Stockman and Trevor Schirmer shared the triple pot in the first division with one a piece.
There were no welcomes or welcome backs but Danny Greer was given a fond farewell as he prepares to return to the home of The Ashes.
Friday, August 28,
Phoenix (Blue Tees) - Monthly Medals
Division 1
1st Takeshi Hakozaki net 73
2nd Paul Taylor net 73
3rd Greg Gawron net 74
Division 2
1st Rowley Morris net 73
2nd Rod Howett net 74
3rd Brian Kelly net 74
With the local wet weather patterns recently, it was surprising that the Mountain and Ocean courses played so benignly and the days CSS went down unusually to 73 from the blue tees.
Takeshi Hakozaki made a happy return to Thailand with a solid 73 to take his second medal of the year in the first division and become the eighth player to qualify for the end of year gold and silver medal finals in December. It took a count back with Paul Taylor, which he won with a better 33 against Paul’s 33.5 on the back nine, to succeed after they had both had very good inward halves. Greg Gawron was again to be found amongst the prizes in third place with a level CSS score at two over his handicap.
Rowley Morris was successful on his first visit to Soi 13 with a one shot win in the second division and also became the eighth player in the second division to qualify for the gold and silvers, as he shot a one over handicap to win by a shot from Rod Howett and Brian Kelly, with Rod having seen the better of the count back with a 17.6 to Brian’s 18.7 over the last six holes.
Bob Lamond shot the only ‘2’ in the first division to sweep the pool and new boy Brad Dippie cleaned out the huge rollover fund in the second division to make it a happy first outing from Soi 13.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed new members Brad Dippie and Rowley Morris and also welcomed back Takeshi Hakozaki and Stuart Thompson and had a farewell for serial winner Greg Gawron, as he retires back to the Gosnells Golf Club in Perth to try and spend his take from Thailand and commiserate with his chums over other matters of more national importance.

Morris holes approach shot for second win of the week

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn
Monday, August 24, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Once again a good field of 18 golfers fronted up, this time for the challenge of the testing Pleasant Valley layout and after a 50 minute drive we arrived at the course at 0905 hrs in readiness for our tee off time.

Ted Morris, Dave ‘The Admiral’ Richardson and Kevin Dynan.

Our first group hit off at 0930 hrs in very hot and humid conditions but at that stage it looked like being a round uninterrupted by bad weather. Alas this was not to be so as after 7 holes we found ourselves, along with another 20 or so players and caddies huddled under a drink stop shelter for around 30 minutes. Eventually the rain eased off and we continued but there were still many threatening rain clouds and thunder around. It was a shame as the course looked great and the greens, although somewhat slow were well kept and true.
It wasn’t long before The Admiral wisely told our group to head for shelter once more as there was plenty of lightning around which of course is a dangerous situation. Once this threat had eased and the rain stopped we carried on and completed our round, albeit in the total time of around five & a half hours. The course held up very well to the downpours but of course it was very soggy and some greens were affected and this was reflected in the scores for the day.
We again had 2 flights – A Flight for handicaps 0 to 16 and B Flight for 17 and upwards. Ted Morris pipped Takeshi Hakozaki on a count back to win the A Flight from the consistent Marcel Wittwer in third place. B Flight was won by Darlyl Evans from Hugh O’Donnell and Per-Olan Baarli.
A Flight
1st Ted Morris (9) 31pts
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki (10) 31pts
3rd Marcel Wittwer (15) 29pts
B Flight
1st Daryl Evans (9) 32pts
2nd Hugh O’Donnell (24) 30pts
3rd Per-Olan Baarli (17) 27pts
Thursday, August 27, Greenwood (C & A) – Stableford.
Fourteen of us left the Kronborg in 2 mini vans right on time at 0815 hrs and arrived at Greenwood 1 hour later. The weather was great although rather hot and the indications were that we would have no rain interruptions today, and this indeed was the case.
Our first group teed off at around 0940 hrs and our four-ball hit off third and completed our round in four and a half hours, including a couple of much required drink stops.
The course was as usual in tip top “nick” and the sand on most of the greens could not be offered as an excuse for any bad putting results.
It was a farewell to Paul Jackson who returned to Melbourne the next day after his 3 week holiday in “paradise”.
We had 2 flights, A Flight for 0 to 18 & B Flight for 19 handicap and over. Ted Morris made it two wins in a row by winning the A Flight, assisted no doubt by an eagle 2 on the par 4 A5. He tells me he received excellent advice from his caddy who suggested a 9 iron for his 120 yard shot. He said that he had hit it very well but after it landed over the bunker in front of the green they were surprised that it was not on the green when they got up there.
Ted gleefully picked it out of the hole. Bill Plath finished second from our Swiss friend Mr Colours himself, Walter Baechli (at last I’ve got his name correct).
B Flight was won by Kevin Dynan on a count back from Per Anders Karlsonn with Graham Buckingham finishing in third place.
Dave Neal from Birmingham generously donated trophies for nearest the pins on 2 holes but such was our standard of golf today only one golfer managed to hit the green on one of the 2 designated Par 3’s.
A Flight
1st Ted Morris (9) 33pts
2nd Bill Plath (17) 30pts
3rd Walter Baechli (16) 29pts
B Flight
1st Kevin Dynan (22) 32pts
2nd Per Anders Karlsson (19) 32pts
3rd Graham Buckingham (22) 25pts
Near Pins (C-6): Kevin Dynan

Flor falters but hangs on for monthly award

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook & Dick Warburg
Tuesday, August 25, Green Valley – Stableford
First time I ever played golf in Thailand it was at Green Valley, and I have been there many times since and I can never remember coming away disappointed with the round.

The Alan Bolton golfer of the month, Joel Flor (center), receives the monthly award from PSC Golf Chairman Perry McNeely.

There have been many changes since the first time I played; the clubhouse is new but the old one is still at the top of the hill and used by the caddies, and the start is different but the old first is still essentially there but is now the 6th.
One of the major changes to allow the first to be where it is, and a par four, is that the fourth is now a testing par four where it used to be a superb par five. Of course the average par five on the back nine also used to be a superb par four but that is life. I prefer it as it was but maybe memories betray us all.
On the day we had a good turnout and as it was also the end of the month we had the climax to the Alan Bolton golfer of the month competition, with Joel Flor leading and a good round would see him walk in. However, Joel did not have a good day and it gave the others a chance to snatch it.
Back at Bert’s the results were given and winning the A Flight, 0 to 19, with 37 points was Frank Pilkington ahead of Perry McNeely with 36 points in second and in third was Dick Warberg with 34 points.
In the B Flight the winner was Steve Compton with 37 points on count back over Kevin Dinan in second and in third was Tom Cotton with 36 points on count back over Neil Shaw.
So no mention of Joel Flor who had an average day, but fortunately for him so did his challengers and as a result the Alan Bolton golfer of the month was announced as Joel Flor and he was congratulated by the PSC Golf Chairman Perry McNeely. Well done Joel!
Near Pins: Ada Tse, Steve Compton, Dick Warberg, Perry McNeely
Long Putt: Derek Brook, Dick Warberg
Friday, August 28, Plutaluang S & E - Stableford
We do not book this venue often as our regulars are fairly evenly split on liking or not liking the course. However, it has been about three months since we last went so it was booked and we had a good turnout with 16 showing up, including several of the nay sayers.
With all booked in at the course, most taking advantage of the good pricing in effect for golf, caddy, and cart, we were off South 1 about 20 minutes early. We had been advised to try to get off early as sometimes the start gets busy around mid day and other groups will be inserted as your group is making the turn.
Play was steady, the course was in as good shape as ever and when we made the turn there were no problems. Even the ever-threatening skies held the moisture and no rain fell until we were close to Pattaya on our return.
As we settled in at Bert’s to ham and egg sandwiches and tallied the scores, it became evident that quite a few must like the course as there were good scores and some very good near pins. As the results were announced we bid farewell to some of our regulars; Bill Knight, Steve Compton and Pinky Farrell, who are departing for a bit of time back home and we welcomed new players, Ian and Plah Hutchinsen.
All in all the day was a success with very good results for the winners. Well played!
1st Steve Hamstad (13) 38 pts
2nd Dave W. Jones (26) 37pts
3rd Mike O’Brien (20) 37pts
4th Colin Swann (26) 36pts
Near Pins: Daryl Evans (2), Dave Jones

Greenaway & Bishop blaze a trail at Burapha

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, August 24, Burapha - Stableford
The first group of eight (31 Outbackers) teed off from the blues about 20 minutes ahead of the scheduled 10 a.m. and by 10.30 a.m. everybody was on the course (A & B).
It was another quiet day for Burapha with only one course open and just about the only players out there were from the Outback. The fairways were still wet but good and the greens were excellent with a good pace and to make a change from last week when nobody broke par, the course was at the mercy of the Outbackers.
Needless to say the front groups scooted round in well under four hours even though the carts were not allowed on the fairways and everybody was back in the clubhouse by 2.30 p.m.
Poor old Eddie Smith and Paul Bourke ran into the unstoppable pairing of Paul Greenaway and George Bishop, whose combined scores were a massive 85 stableford points. Paul fired the top score of the day (43pts) to win Div B by four with George, only one behind with 42pts, winning Div C by seven.
Andy Butterworth (39pts) and Dave Boran (38pts) both had a good day to take the minor places in Div B; whilst Outback regulars, Bruce McAdam (35pts) and the Sugarman (33pts) completed the podium in Div C.
Erik Antonnen celebrated his return to the Outback with a fine, amber nectar fuelled 39 points winning Div A by two from Jim Brackett (37pts), who is beginning to find his form and John Whittaker 35pts) back in third.
There were three ‘2’s from Sugar Ray, Bob Lindborg & John Whittaker.
Note: Under the PSC handicap committee guidelines, the following players have had their handicaps adjusted which remain in place until the publication of the new handicap lists on September 5.
Paul Greenaway from 11.7 to 10.2; George Bishop from 16.0 to 14.4; Erik Anttonen from 7.9 to 7.3 and Andy Butterworth from 12.3 to 11.6.
Div A (0-11)
1st Erik Anttonen (8) 39pts
2nd James Brackett (7) 37pts
3rd John Whittaker (7) 35pts
Div B (12-14)
1st Greenaway Paul (12) 43pts
2nd Andy Butterworth (12) 39pts
3rd Dave Boran (13) 38pts
Div C (15+)
1st George Bishop (16) 42pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (21) 35pts
3rd Sugar Handford Ray (18) 33pts
Tuesday, August 25, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Sixteen Outbackers crossed the ‘36’ to receive the usual warm welcome at Pattaya Country Club. The weather was hot and humid but with a little wind making it comfortable and the course had benefited from the recent work on the greens and the rain, making for an enjoyable round.
Welcome to Pat Regan and Jum playing with us on a Tuesday for the first time, and a welcome back to Erik Anttonen following a spell at work.
The top spot was taken by Ian Covill (13) with 41 points – his second 40+ in two days despite a handicap cut (along the guidelines by the PSC handicap committee).
The next three places were decided on count back with Erik Anttonen (7), Alan Pearce (21), and Nigel Cannon (23) all with 38 points. Second place went to Nigel (22 back nine) third Erik (17) and fourth Alan (16).
There was just the one ‘2’ by Pat Regan.
We are at Pattaya Country Club each Tuesday with a 9.30 a.m. start.
Note: Ian Covill’s handicap has been reduced from 13.1 to 11.8
1st Ian Covill (13) 41pts
2nd Nigel Cannon (23) 38pts
3rd Erik Antonnen (7) 38pts
4th Alan Pearce (16) 38pts
Thursday, August 27, Green Valley - Stableford
Apparently the course was in fantastic condition, albeit the play being a little slow following a Japanese five-ball. 11 Outbackers were there, with the Doodys coming out on top; Kathy scoring 37 points followed by “good shot” Geoffrey on 33.
The remainder of the scores were little better than the Australian cricket team could muster in the fifth test match and as such hardly deserve a mention. Hey you Aussie boys out there! There are still a couple of toffees left!
There was a ‘jackpot 2’ today scored by Kathy Doody.
1st Kathy Doody (20) 37pts
2nd Geoff Doody (20) 33pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 31pts
Angeles City, Philippines - 4-day golf trip
A good few of the regular Outbackers were on a four day unofficial golf tour in Angeles City in the Philippines, playing two of the courses in the area. Flying out on Tuesday with Cebu Pacific direct into Clark AB; it’s about a three and half hour flight in a not very comfortable seat but it does save the long trek up, if flying into Manilla. There were few tourists to be seen and although there are plenty of hotels, they are generally more expensive than Pattaya but the beer and night life cheaper by far.
There are just two eighteen hole courses about 20 mins from Angeles; Mimosa, an older well established member’s course and the brand new Korea Country Club just five minutes further down the road. They both suffer from ‘no carts being allowed on the fairway’ disease as well as being relatively expensive.
The Korea C.C., where the carts were compulsory, was in fairly good condition in spite of it’s newness but it felt as though the back nine had been ‘fitted in’ to the land that was left after the front nine had been designed and the Index 1 (16th) was a short hole with a daunting drive, with water left and right; leaving a second shot (one hopes) into an island green. Price wise, this course was more expensive than anything played here in Pattaya (including Siam Plantation).
Mimosa was very disappointing. Firstly it’s bogged down with procedure and paperwork, as the caddie master checks each bag for clubs and each player has to complete a form with full name and signature. In the pro-shop you are given a ‘golf passport’ which is used the entire time you are there; to buy drinks on the course or in the restaurant etc. and the bill is paid including the green fee when you leave. (Once set up this worked quite well).
Assigned to play the Mountain View course, the long opening Par 5 looked inviting as the two four balls split into ‘walkers’ (here carts were not compulsory) and those with carts.
It was not until the first green that the disappointment set in, the green was just dreadful; hardly any grass, sand scattered all over the place and elsewhere the surface breaking up, somewhat reminiscent of the Oval wicket strip on the fifth day of the Ashes – sorry to mention that again! Just to add more pain to the round, it was a hell of long walk between the holes and two of them, the 4th and 6th had temporary greens. This was even more expensive than the Korea Country Club and definitely was not worth the money. You’d better believe it guys, it just makes one appreciate the courses here in Thailand even more!
Leaving, is even more of a hassle, taking over an hour to check in eight sets of golf clubs, even after being first in the queue; then being asked to remove one’s highly dangerous flip flops or sandals to be screened separately as one goes through the security procedures.
All in all, probably just about worth the trip but leave the golf clubs behind next time!
Friday, August 28, Laem Chabang - Stableford
A smaller than usual field of 20 Outbackers played from the white tees on the B & C nines. Due to preparations for a major tournament starting here next Thursday, carts were not allowed onto the fairway on the lake course (B).
Andy Butterworth followed up his 39 points on Monday with another great round, scoring this time 42 points to win Div A emphatically by five from Paul Young (37pts) in second. Tony Garnett continued his run of form to take third with 35. The rest of the ‘A’ pack, headed by Rick Evans (32pts), were some way behind.
Div B was won by Sakorn, Tony Garnett’s fair lady with a fine 37 points to register her first win with the Outback; second was Mark Riggall with 36 and third Henry O’Brien with 34.
There were three ‘2’s from Dave Boran, Paul Young & Rick Evans
Note: Andy Butterworth has handicap adjusted again from 11.6 to 10.4 until September 5, when the new handicaps are published.
Div A (0-14)
1st Andy Butterworth (12) 42pts
2nd Paul Young (12) 37pts
3rd Tony Garnett (13) 35pts
Div B (15+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (28) 37pts
2nd Mark Riggall (16) 36pts
3rd Henry O’Brien (17) 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.

VFW close in on league leaders

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Tui, Noodle, Ooy, Rich, Kran & Joe.

Joe Ferral bowled a 205 game, 578 series and Tui Amphanon had a 200 game and 539 series to lead VFW Post 9876 to a four point sweep over Indiana. Pao Orawan had a 518 series for Indiana. VFW is now just two and one half points behind first place Café Kronborg.
Fittingly, first place Café Kronborg and second place Sala Thai Restaurant played to a 2-2 draw: Kran Nielsen had a 224 game and 555 series for Café Kronborg and Somrak led Sala Thai with a 513 series.
Bavaria moved up from fifth to fourth place after they won three points from Sabai Sabai Friday: Nok Kennedy bowled a 551 series for Sabai and Leo Kretscher had a 511 series for Bavaria.
Swethai won four points from Café Ole and they jumped from eleventh to eighth place.
Ooy Pluemkamon bowled games of 210, 196 and 204 for a 610 series to lead last place Canada to a three point win over Brother D and Mai Munsitha bowled a 516 and Doug had a 513 series to lead Jack Tar to a three point win over Green Chilli. Noodle Russell had a 517 for Green Chilli.

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Dart League

Results & Standings August 28 (week 4)

The Londoner gang jumped from last to sixth place in the league after their dramatic game and beer win over Melly’s crew. Is there any truth in the rumour that tears were shed by the Mee Chew crew as they made their way back home to the dungeon for six of the best from Headmaster Melly?
The Bunker Boys travelled in style (baht taxi) to O’Leary’s where they proceeded to give the Lepracorns a good clubbing; taking both game and beer. Cheers (the dark horses) remain in second place (by 1 beer) by outgunning the Posse at OK Corral to take the game 5-4. After a nosebag, Stan’s boys & girls went on to take the beer. Darts Cheers.
Current league champions Lucky Time hosted new recruits Streamline over the dark side. Although Geoff (S) didn’t know which way around to hold the pointy things, an enjoyable evening saw Lucky Time take both the honours. Darts to Kris (S) who won her game, obviously this doesn’t happen all that often as husband Paul had to take several photographs of the X18 checkout as evidence to show the folks back home!
Gorgeous led the Palmers crew to Soi Yamoto to find all the furniture in the Rising Sun covered in dust sheets. “What’s going on here?” thought Gorgeous, as the Sunshine Boys filed out of the Rising Sun office dressed in identical coveralls and flat caps. The Palmers crew did not have to wait very long to find out why the opposition was dressed as painters, as the Sunshine Boys proceeded to whitewash the Palmers Crew! Ron (RS aka George Cloony’s dad) scored a 180. Darts Ron.
And finely, Welsh Ian (Lucky Time) has stated that should he be drawn against Lance in his singles match at the Rising Sun next week, then Lance may as well get his coat and go home. “Lance is rubbish at darts” Ian told our reporter, “and let’s face it, I beat Ta and Ta slaughtered Lance!” Gauntlet thrown me thinks. Until next week!

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

On Sept 29, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, John and Myrtle Bennett sat down to play bridge against their neighbours, Charles and Mayme Hoffman.  John, sitting South, dealt and opened 1S.  His wife raised him to 4S.  Unfortunately, he went down.  His wife goaded him about his poor play and the argument escalated to such a point that his wife shot him dead.  Not surprisingly, this created a sensation.  Myrtle was tried for murder, but the jury ruled the killing accidental.  It is reported that she continued playing bridge, but encountered some difficulty finding a partner! 

                        S: A1063

                        H: 1084

                        D: 4

                        C: A9842      

S: Q72                                   S: 4

H: AJ3                                  H: Q95

D: AQ1092                           D: KJ763

C: J6                                      C: Q753

                        S: KJ985

                        H: K762

                        D: 85

                        C: K10            

South        West             North        East

(John B)             (Charles H)            (Myrtle B)        (Mayme H)

1S               2D                  4S              All pass 

The hands, bidding and play were reconstructed for the trial as far as possible with the help of the Hoffmans.  John certainly overbid when he opened his ace-less 10 points.  I like Myrtle’s aggressive 4S call however.
West led the ace of diamonds and shifted to the jack of clubs.  South won the king in hand and led the jack of trumps (to tempt a cover by the queen).  When West did not cover, he went up with the ace and led the spade 10.  East showed out and he won with the king in hand.  Next, declarer trumped a diamond in dummy, played the ace of clubs and then the club nine.  East covered with the queen and declarer trumped with the five of spades.  West over ruffed with the queen and cashed the ace of hearts.
At this point, EW had taken three tricks and declarer had to take the rest.  So far, NS had taken only five tricks, two top spades, two top clubs and a diamond ruff.  This was the situation as West led a low heart: 

                           S: 6

                           H: 108

                           D: -

                           C: 84              

S: -                                              S: -

H: J3                                           H: Q9

D: Q109                                     D: KJ

C: -                                             C: 7

                           S: 98

                           H: K76

                           D: -

                           C: -                   

Declarer won the heart lead with the king.  Unfortunately, he could not get to dummy to cash the good clubs and throw away his losing hearts.  So, he ran his trumps and went down two.  Overall, I like his line of play.  He was extremely close to making the contract.  He just made one small error.  Can you see what it was?
His error was ruffing the club with the five.  If he had only ruffed with the eight he could have saved his life!  Then, he can lead the five of spades to the six on board and cash the good clubs.  He makes the last five tricks with the king of hearts, two clubs and two trumps, for a total of ten tricks.  I wonder whether he had time to regret his error!
Send me your interesting hands (whether or not involving gunplay) at: bridgethailand @live.com.