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United ease relegation fears with home draw to Osotspa
Pattaya United’s Ittipol Poolsap evades a challenge from an
Osotspa FC defender during their 1-1 draw at the Nongpreu Stadium in
Pattaya last Sunday. United took the lead in the 12th minute through a
goal from Amorn Thammanam before Kowat Wongwailikhit equalized for the
visitors. Pattaya next play away at Samut Songkhram on Sunday, Oct 3,
kick off at 4 p.m. Meanwhile Chonburi FC Sharks will take on league
leaders Muang Thong United at the Thunderdome on Sunday in what could be
a title decider.
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Thai
Premier League Table (Sept. 27)
Team P W
D L F A Pts.
Muang Thong United
26 16 7 3 41 18 55
Chonburi FC
26 16 6 4 44 26 54
Bangkok Glass FC 26
13 9 4 36 24 48
BEC Tero Sasana 26
13 6 7 44 27 45
Osotspa FC 26
12 8 6 32 26 44
Thai Port FC 26
11 8 7 29 23 41
TOT FC 26
8 11 7 27 26 35
TTM Samut Sakhon
26 8 11 7 27 26 35
Provincial Electricity
26 7 8 11 30 36 29
Pattaya United 26
6 10 10 22 27 28
Bangkok United
26 5 13 8 22 30 28
Samut Songkhram 26
8 4 14 17 27 28
Rajnavy Rayong FC
26 6 6 14 25 34 24
Nakhon Pathom 26
6 6 14 27 42 24
Chula United 26
4 11 11 25 42 23
Sriracha FC 26 4
6 16 16 30 18
Results: Thai
Port 1-0 Bangkok Glass, Pattaya United 1-1 Osotspa FC,
Bangkok United 1-1 BEC Tero, Muang Thong United 3-1 Samut
Songkhram, Sriracha FC 0-1 Chula United, Nakhon Pathom 1-2
Chonburi FC, TTM Samut Sakhon 1-0 PEA FC, TOT FC 2-1 Rajnavy
Rayong FC. |
FC Pattaya win final warm-up match
Paul Frain
FC Pattaya are a new soccer team in town and they had their
final workout against an Asian University XI last Saturday, winning the
game 6-3.
 Stuart
Levy.
The club was formed four months ago when a group of people met while
working out in a local gym and decided to form a football team to play
in the second division of the MBMG International League. They were
accepted into the league and their first match is on Saturday in Bangkok
against Robin Hood F.C.
The team manager is Stuart Levy who served in the British army for 26
years. Stuart gained his full F.A. coaching badge which allowed him to
coach the army football teams. In his youth, before joining the army, he
played in the English league with Southend F.C.
Stuart has been in Thailand for six years and he is happy with the
progress the team has made and is looking for a top four place in the
first season. The squad trains every Tuesday and Thursday night in
Jomtein and if anybody is interested in playing football for the team,
ring Stuart on 085 287 8885 or e-mail [email protected]
Additionally, if anybody would like to sponsor the team, please ring the
above number.
Pattaya softballers strike silver in Cebu
The Pattaya Softball team in
Cebu: (Front row L to R): Don, Flip, Diego, Mike; (Back row L to R): Peter,
Andre, Scotty, Ben, Mike L., Perry. Absent (out chasing skirt), Phil, Rick,
Brian.
Diego Wells
A great weekend for Pattaya softball, as 13 of our talented players
flew to Cebu, Philippines to take part in the first ever Cebu Cup. Four
Philippino teams, plus our own Pattaya team (sponsored by Pattaya Sports
Club) took to the field on Saturday September 19, slugging it out to see who
would earn the top prize.
Our boys started slow, playing their first game at the ungodly hour of 9
a.m. They got out-classed, out-hustled and out-played by the number 1 seeded
Salazar team (who sported 2 national team players on their side). The lone
bright spot was rookie Ben “F.W.” Reiber, who hit the first home-run of the
tournament. The 2 run blast gave our boys the first inning lead, but it was
extremely short lived. Salazar went yard on us often, and punished our
defensive errors in the soggy quagmire that they called a softball field. It
was an ugly game for the Pattaya players, and they went down in shame by a
score of 18-2.
The first game loss meant that Pattaya needed to win each succeeding game,
or suffer early elimination. With their backs up against the wall the
Pattaya boys showed their true colours, playing hard nosed, high spirited,
team softball. They used their embarrassing first game defeat as fuel to
help them feed their burning desires to earn a place into the finals. In the
process they eliminated every other team from the tournament.
Mike “The Dancing Bear”
smashes the ball against the Energo team (Pattaya won the game 19-8).
Their first casualties were team Haberstock, an older,
and experienced Philipino team. Perry McNeely’s crafty pitching and the
team’s revamped defense silenced the Haberstock bats. Ringer, Mike Lopez hit
a grand slam home-run in the first to open the offensive flood gates, as the
Pattaya boys won the match by the incredible score of 15-0 after 2 innings
(mercy rule instituted).
Next up for the Thai farang team was Team Energo, who had also beaten Team
Haberstock. Energo gave the Pattaya team a scare, scoring 6 runs in the
first inning, to lead 6-1. But again, our guys overcame adversity and turned
up their play another level. The scribe managed to hit a grand slam homer in
the second to ignite an 8 run rally. In the third inning, key hits by Brian
Gavagan, Mike Nardick, and homers from Scotty Torgusson and Peter Jaffe
turned the game into a blowout. The final score read: Pattaya 19, Energo 8,
and sent them home, packing.
The semi final match up was another tough test for the Pattaya Partyers, as
they took on another A division team from the Philippines, Team Locan. Our
boys had hit their groove, and managed to score in every inning of the four
inning encounter. The defense was stellar, as our infielders Andre, Mike L.,
Phil and Rick constantly stymied the Locan rallies. A grand slam home-run by
Rick Harris in the top of the third was the nail in the coffin for Team
Locan. The final score, Pattaya 9, Locan 1 and a trip to the finals was
booked for our ecstatic Thai ex/pat team.
The finals would be our toughest match of the day as we were again going up
against Team Salazar. The undefeated Salazar team boasted 2 national team
players in their line up, and had won all of their games by a minimum of 10
runs. The Pattaya team again rose to the challenge and played brilliant
defense throughout the 6 inning final.
The best defensive series I have ever seen occurred in the fourth inning.
Out number one saw center fielder Brian Gavagan track down a sure home-run,
running into the fence, falling on his back, causing the fence to tumble,
and bare handing the grab. Out number two saw the scribe cut off a hard one
hopper to shallow centerfield, and gun down the speedy runner at first. Out
number three saw a hard hit ball glance off of pitcher Perry’s mitt and
deflect into short stop Mike’s mitt. We had to play this good to contain the
high powered Salazar offense. Salazar led 4-0 after three innings with 2 run
homers from each of their national team players.
In the top of the fourth, Pattaya made it a game, as sexagenarian Perry
McNeely hit a sharp one into the right center field gap and legged out a
homerun. It is the first time the ‘Pinos’ have ever seen a senior citizen
earn an inside the parker, and it pumped up the entire Pattaya team.
Two batters later, your correspondent caressed a ball over the right field
fence to score both he and Ben, cutting the deficit to 4-3. However, the
bats of Team Salazar awoke in the fifth and they earned 3 runs to go to the
last inning ahead 7-3. Our Pattaya boys gave them one last scare, scoring a
run and leaving the bases loaded with our ringer Mike Lopez up to bat.
Unfortunately for us, Mike got a little too excited, and swung at some
extremely bad pitches, to end the game on a strike out. Final score Salazar
7, Pattaya 4.
Congratulations must go out to all the Pattaya boys who journeyed to the
“Pines” and showed their stuff! Overall, our second place finish was both
well deserved and well received. All who took part agreed that we played
both hard and fair, and impressed the locals (both on and off the field). We
leave Cebu hoping that some day soon, we can do it all again. Rumour has it
that plans are in the works for a bigger and better tournament to be held
there in April, so stay tuned.
If you would like to join our champions out on the diamond, we meet every
Sunday at 1 p.m. in Jomtien. Go see Perry McNeely at the Pattaya Sports
Club, or email me (Diego) at: igolfwells @gmail.com for more details. See
you on the diamond soon.
The champion Salazar team and
second place Pattaya
team celebrate the end of a great tourney.
Eddie ‘the Eagle’
bares his talons
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, Sept. 30, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim Brackett (5) 38pts
2nd Pat Reagan (10) 37pts
3rd Ben Nelson (14) 37pts
B Flight
1st Eddie Beilby (16) 39pts
2nd Doug Campbell (17) 36pts
3rd John Deardon (19) 34pts
Red Flight
1st Yui Bietry (16) 39 pts
Near Pins: #2 Vic Hester, #9 Chris Davison, #12 Pat Reagan, #16 Bill
Broschart
Playing his usual steady golf, Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Beilby flew round the
course with ease to win Sunday’s comp and B Flight honors, carding a solid
39 points on the way. Accepting second place three shots back was the
ever-reliable Doug Campbell. John Darden’s 34 points did the biz over the
ever present Bill Broschart and ‘Smoking’ Joe Tynan, by virtue of a better
back nine.
 Eddie
Beilby.
Big Jim Brackett triumphed in the senior flight with a fine 38 points. Co.
Dublin’s Patrick Reagan gained a count back verdict over Admiral Nelson as
both were knotted on 37 points, a shot adrift of Jim.
Yui Bietry posted a cracking 39 points to win the Red Flight and share
golfer of the day honors with Eddie.
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Burapa - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ben Nelson (14) 37pts
2nd Bob Dibben (9) 37pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (22) 38pts
2nd Bill Broschart (16) 37pts
Having spent a difficult holiday trying to solve the conundrum of balancing
golf with the prior nocturnal activities of Pattaya, Ben ‘The Admiral’
Nelson finally learnt that early to bed and early to rise does make a golfer
wealthy and wise. Ben’s 37 points was good enough for the senior flight
honors moving up from his third place finish on Sunday. Bob ‘The Welsh
Wizard’ pushed Ben hard but came up a shot short.
Geoff Kubas shot the top score of the day, a very impressive 38 points to
win B Flight. Bill Broschart, the man on form, finished his holiday as he
began by securing second place a shot back.
Paul West, Seamus Cotter and Bill Broschart scooped the ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Pattana - Stableford
1st Kevin Ward (6) 37pts
2nd Vic Hestor (13) 37pts
3rd Paul West (13) 35pts
Greenwood is earning a lot of friends these days as the course continues to
be in fine condition and more important at this time of year, you get to
play an undisturbed round. It makes the long trip well worth it, especially
if you travel on the transport provided and fancy a kip on the way.
Australian Kevin Ward wasted no time after his long trek from up north (well
north to an Aussie) to stamp his authority on the game and gain the top rung
after a tight count back victory over Vic Hestor, both knotted on 37 points.
Paul West filled the flight a couple of shots back
No ‘2’s were recorded so it’s a rollover on Friday at Pattana.
Friday, Sept. 25, Pattana - Stableford
1st Paul West (11) 39pts
2nd Pat Reagan (10) 39pts
3rd Geoff Kubas (22) 37 pts
Paul West kept his good form going to record a solid 39 points for a fine
victory at a very challenging Pattana; mind you it went down to the wire as
Paul got the verdict on a count back, the count back victim being the Co.
Dublin man Pat Reagan. Geoff ‘Elvis’ Kubas rounded out the flight two shots
adrift.
A handsome rollover ‘2’s pot was shared between Pat Reagan, Paul West with
two and Rocky Ring.
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.
Jeff’s strong finish clinches Medal
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Monday, Sept. 21, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
1st Jeff Cordiero (6) net 68
2nd Grant Cadell (17) net 68
3rd Bob Newell (6) net 71
4th Henry O’Brien (17) net 72
The return to Green Valley for our monthly medal saw 24 competitors take on the
course, that again was in excellent condition, which was more than could be said
of some of our Soi Dao tourers. We had a couple of new faces turning out today
as well as a return of a few familiar ones, so a big welcome to all of those
guys.
The scores were a pretty mixed bag, with a couple of notable exceptions and a
few guys got good starts without being able to capitalize, so, same old story
there then.
For the minor places it was very much as case of what could have been: Henry
O’Brien, off 17, started like a train, playing some terrific golf and after
twelve he was only four over. Whether lack of concentration or a bit of fatigue
kicked in we’ll never know but he couldn’t sustain it and tailed off to finish
with 72.
Bob Newell had an equally good start but despite some quality golf he couldn’t
make the birdies he needed. However, at only two over standing on 16 it was
still a great position but for the second week in a row the finish was lacking.
Three straight bogeys ruined his card.
The top two places produced cracking scores of 68, only separated by count-back.
In spite of his opening 7 on the first Grant Cadell must have thought he had
done enough, but he couldn’t live with the exceptional back nine of the ever
present Jeff Cordiero. He too opened badly with a bogie on one but three birdies
on the back is top golf in anybody’s book and he was a worthy medal winner.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Bob Newell (6) 38pts
2nd Mark Wood (6) 33pts
Today’s golf was an absolute treat for all concerned. Bangpra had recently
hosted a pro tournament and the course was in stunning condition, so hats off to
all the green staff, well done guys. Those who missed it should be kicking
themselves; rarely do we have an opportunity to play a course as the pros do and
for less than a 1,000 baht.
At first glance the lay out looked very intimidating with all the fairways
frighteningly narrowed down and the rough thick and unforgiving. The secret
today was to keep it on the short stuff. Easier said than done though and if the
fairways were missed then you were always struggling.
The greens were back to their old fast selves but they ran true and the good
putting strokes were rewarded. Mark Wood and Larry Bland fought out for second
place on a solid 33 points each. Marks back nine of 17 edged out the unlucky
Larry’s 15 to take second. But the runaway winner was Bob Newell with 38.
‘Seamless’ has been threatening for some time to put a score together and today
it was very satisfying to have done it.
A special mention must be given to one of our new members Paul Hammond. Paul is
brand new to golf and, under the watchful eye of Richard Livingstone, he is
coming on in leaps and bounds. Today he had his first ever birdie! Well done
mate. He also celebrated his triumph with a big Porterhouse steak at The Golf
Club- not well done, but medium rare!
Friday, Sept. 25, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
1st Larry Bland (14) 37pts
2nd Martin Todd (6) 36pts
3rd Chris Stewart (6) 33pts
There are many opinions about this course and the more one plays it the more one
seems to like it. Pleasant Valley requires course management, plain and simple.
If you barge ahead and take out a driver on every par 4 and par 5, you will more
than likely find trouble. Pay attention to the dictates of the hole and your
score will benefit markedly. We had a pretty much perfect day for golf, and
though we had a small turnout, there were plenty of laughs.
Larry continued his consistent play and this time was rewarded with victory. Mr.
Toady showed he is a true sporting gentleman and helped a fellow competitor with
the correct scoring on their card, albeit at his own personal expense. In
Stableford competitions remember that the individual is responsible for the
actual score on the card being correct, but the committee is responsible for
ensuring the Stableford score is correct. Big Chris Stewart finished just out of
the prizes on this day, but watch out for him, his turn will come.
The Golf Club will continue to support Pleasant Valley through their
construction phase and beyond. The course only gets better, the new clubhouse is
coming along nicely, and naturally, a new business needs capital - in the form
of green fees - so show your support for the new courses by playing them. We
look forward to our next day out here and also to when we start playing Rayong
Country Club, the former Great Lakes. We are so lucky to be here in Pattaya, the
home of golf in Thailand.
Larsen & Duthie lead the way at Emerald
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Sept. 21, Khao Kheow – Stableford
This was our first visit here since April, owing to the
compulsory buggie rule that has now been lifted and also a reduction
in the green fee. A small field of 22 players turned out today,
still recollecting the tough conditions we faced six months ago with
the ball almost disappearing in the semi rough just off the
fairways. The course has improved since those times and we were
given the A and B today and there were no complaints from anyone
afterwards.
 Div
1 winner Dannie Larsen, birthday girl Mrs. Foster and Div 2 winner
Tony Duthie at the Emerald.
Peter Seward returned 33 points in division 1 to take third place,
with Andy Mills one ahead in second, and the winner with 35 was Mam
Morel. There must be a recession in France as Mam’s other half
finished third in the second division with 32 points, Heikki Tehro
came second with 33, and in form Steve Ironside took the top rostrum
position with 36 points.
From Green Valley and Rayong C.C. there were rollovers in the ‘2’s
for division 1, and just before his return to Ireland, Cully Monks
birdied the 5th on the A course, as did Burnie Sinclair, while Rick
Smith got a ‘2’ on the island green for a three-way split. Jimmy
Johnson also birdied the 5th A to take the only prize in division 2.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, The Emerald – Stableford
There were four late cancellations the previous evening,
but we still had a field of 31 players out today. Unbeknown to us,
there was an 80-person competition starting just ahead and teeing
off at 8.00am, so this caused a slight panic as we arrived and saw
teams of 5 waiting at the first tee. After a few words with the
marshall three of our groups went off on the 12th while the other
five started on the 10th. There were a few slight hold ups on the
way round, but it could have been a lot worse if we all had waited
on the first.
A perfect cut today with division 1 (0-18) on the handicap scale in
the stableford and two players came in with 36 points each, but the
Sheffield boy beat Neville Scurrell on a 19/17 back nine count back
to take second place. Captain Pugwash, alias Dannie Larsen, won the
division with 37 points.
Tony Duthie took division 2 with 39 points and at last will be cut.
William Chang finished second one point behind and Steve Ironside
was in third place after beating Joe Kubon on a 17/14 count back,
both scoring 36 points.
As always the last group out always seems to win the nearest the pin
prizes with Burnie Sinclair gaining two, and Andy Mills and Ya Riley
one each as well. Glyn Evans, Steve Ironside, Miss Nang and Heikki
Tehro took the near pins in division 2.
There was only one ‘2’ today and that came in division 1, well done
count back Burnie. It was also Mrs. Foster’s birthday bash back at
Siam Cats. The old man provided the buffet, Miss Tar the pig roast,
and Faa the live music. Many thanks to you all, it was a great night
and there were many bad heads in the morning so I am told.
Friday, Sept. 25, Eastern Star – Stableford
Next week on Oct 7 is the I.P.G.C. Monthly Medal here for
divisions 1 and 2, a stableford competition for division 3, and a
separate ladies contest with great prizes all round and also our
first buffet back at Siam Cats for the all the players.
Willy Van Heetvelde recorded his second ever prize with us after
coming in third in division 2 with 31 points. One ahead of Willy was
Jim Lane in second and Glyn Evans took first place with a meager 33
point total. In division 1 Bryan Rought’s 37 points gave him pole
position, with Ya finishing second on 35 and Tom Sathrum beat Harry
on a 17/12 count back for third after they both scored 30 points.
To everyone’s surprise at the presentation, with no birdies on the
par three’s today, there has not been a ‘2’ scored in division 2
since July 24, so next Friday could be an interesting day indeed. Ya
Riley got the only ‘2’ in division 1 on the third, so she was
smiling back at the clubhouse.
79-year old Hugh O’Donnell cleans up
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, September 21,
Pattana A & B (Yellow Tees) – Stableford
Fifteen of us left the Café Kronborg at the usual
time of 0815 and arrived at the classy Pattana course 50 minutes later.
Before we left, Hugh O’Donnell was commenting how he had gone out one shot
after last Saturday’s handicap review and would have been completely unaware
of what the day had in store for him.
 Hugh
O’Donnell (left), The Admiral (centre) and Walter Baechli.
After a short wait at the first tee we commenced at 0935 in hot and very
humid conditions. The course was in great shape as usual although a bit
soggy for the first few holes after the early morning heavy showers. Greens
were excellent and certainly to the liking of one of my regular playing
partners, Marcel Wittwer who scorched around the front nine level with the
card for 25 points. Alas, his game dropped away somewhat on the second nine
which prompted me to address him as HMAS Wittwer (anchors away). I was
determined to inject some sort of humour into the situation as my own golf
was extremely ordinary to say the least. Our round was completed in the
excellent time of 4 hours & 10 minutes.
We had 2 flights with the A Flight 0 – 17 and B Flight 18 and over. Marcel
was able to hang on for first place despite his second nine of 14 points
(his handicap has now gone from 14 to 13) and Walter Baechli finished second
from Elias Magnusson who is just starting to thaw out after his return from
Iceland.
There was a “bolter” in B Flight with 79-year old Hugh O’Donnell winning
with the marvelous score of 44 points (his handicap has now gone from 26
down to 22). The consistent Colin Swann finished in second place from Graham
Buckingham.
A Flight
1st Marcel Wittwer (14) 39pts
2nd Walter Baechli (15) 37pts
3rd Elias Magnusson (16) 32pts
B Flight
1st Hugh O’Donnell (26) 44pts
2nd Colin Swann (25) 38pts
3rd Graham Buckingham (22) 30pts
Thursday, September 24th – Treasure Hill –
Stableford
We had 13 starters, including Barry Collier from
Hong Kong who was here in Pattaya for a 6-day stay. As usual we left Café
Kronborg at 0815 on the dot and although there was a small amount of rain
during the 55 minute journey to Treasure Hill, it was fine and very pleasant
when we arrived.
 Marcel
Wittwer.
Just one group in front of us enabled our first group to tee off at 0940 and
we found the course in fairly good condition but once more lots of sand on
the greens and indeed on the fairways also. Another speedy round with a
couple of drink stops and we were finished in four hours and twenty minutes.
We had two flights comprising of A, 0 to 17, and B, 18 & over. Once again
the Swiss figured in the A Flight winner’s list with Mr. Colour himself,
Walter Baechli finishing first from Bill Plath and Mr. Consistent Marcel
Wittwer in third place.
Losing 4 shots off his handicap didn’t seem to bother 79-year old Hugh
O’Donnell who took out B Flight on a count back from Wayne Koch, with Colin
Swann finishing third.
A Flight
1st Walter Baechli (15) 36pts
2nd Bill Plath (16) 33pts
3rd Marcel Wittwer (13) 32pts
B Flight
1st Hugh O’Donnell (22) 34pts
2nd Wayne Koch (23) 34pts
3rd Colin Swann (25) 30pts
Stormy weather plays havoc with scores
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Sept. 21, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Tim Williams 36pts
2nd Benn Nelson 34pts
3rd Shane Heavey 34pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka 32pts
5th Brad Coy 31pts
6th Sid Ottaway 31pts
The week started promisingly at the Pete Dye designed Khao Kheow A and B
courses, where the recent wet weather and the day’s high winds conspired
to test the players resolve to get it round in any sort of reasonable
score.
Tim Williams at last fulfilled the promise of his new and amazingly
lower single figure handicap, it having gone down by five since his last
visit in 2008, by taking the day’s top spot by two with a solid
performance, where being able to drive straight for a change was fully
rewarded on the card.
Benn Nelson just scraped into second place with a lower back six of 11
on the count back, after sharing the back nine with Shane Heavey on 17
apiece, after Shane returned 10 over the same six.
Shuichi Kodaka took fourth place another three shots back with Brad Coy
and Sid Ottaway having to be split on the count back, which Brad won by
16 to 15.
There were no 2’s in either division so the pools were carried forward.
Before the presentations Brad Coy was welcomed as a new member and there
were farewells for Steven Bickle and John Ingram as they return to the
old center of motor car engine production in England.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Pattana - Stableford
1st Shuichi Kodaka 37pts
2nd Derek Holt 36pts
3rd Tony Barritt 36pts
4th Roar Berger 33pts
5th Russell Exley 33pts
6th Benn Nelson 32pts
With the rain through the previous evening and the morning of the
competition, things did not look so bright as the golfers left for
Pattana to take on the A and B courses, but apart from some restrictions
on golf carts over the first few holes the round turned out to be the
driest and easiest of the week.
Shuichi Kodaka was a very happy man as he discovered on the way back to
Soi 13 that he was a narrow winner and could hardly contain his
enthusiasm to blow the horn as the bus rolled into the car park back at
The Haven.
He had to wait seemingly ages before he could actually get his hands on
the horn following the presentations but sat stoically waiting, albeit
with wet and clammy hands in anticipation of the happy event.
He very nearly missed out in the end, as Derek Holt could only manage a
couple of single pointers on the last two holes having started off the
back nine with a real bang. But in the end Derek had to be content with
winning the count back for second by a margin of 18 to 16 against Tony
Barritt, after Tony had opened up on the front nine with a very good 20
points.
Roar Berger and Russell Exley got into the picture a further three
strokes behind, with Roar getting the better of the count back by 17 to
16, to leave Benn Nelson back in sixth another shot behind them.
Once again there were no 2’s in the first division but Derek Holt made
it a very special day for him, as he knocked in only his third 2 in
Pattaya, to add to his success in the main competition and claim the
only one in the second division, which included a double rollover.
There were no welcomes or returnees but there were farewells for Tim
Williams, Brad Coy and Benn Nelson as they return to various corners of
the world until the next time.
Friday, Sept. 25, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 31pts
2nd Mark Johnston 31pts
3rd John Harris 29pts
4th Chris Knapp 27pts
5th Shuichi Kodaka 27pts
An extremely wet and soggy course demanded the implementation of ‘lift
and place’ on the fairways, but even that did little to help the scoring
as short distance and claggy lies were the order of the day and scoring
was at a premium with nine over handicap being the median mark for the
day.
Trevor Schirmer led in a very bedraggled and tired group with a better
count back over the inward half of 18 as Mark Johnston, who had gone out
in 20, was only able to muster a meager 11 over the back nine which was
the C courses, with the competition having started on the C course and
then moved to the A. As usual the count back was determined on the back
nine on the card.
John Harris was a very surprised third place with his hardly returnable
card but it was still a further two shots better than the fourth and
fifth placed Chris Knapp and Shuichi Kodaka, with Chris getting the
first mention with a better 15 to 13 in the count back.
A record of sorts was made when the cards were returned to show for the
third time in a week there were no 2’s in the first division, setting up
a huge rollover to start the following week’s pool. Geoff Picken had the
only one in the second division to sweep the pot, which will go some way
towards funding his enormous tuition fees.
Back at The Haven The Doc had farewells for Mark Johnston and Derek
Holt, the latter not quite up to sweeping the board as promised prior to
the tee off, in his last outing before returning to London to “get a few
in the back of the cab” if it has not completely closed down over there
in his absence.
Rounding off the evening was an announcement of the next IPGC Monthly
Medal to be held at Eastern Star on October 7 for which the entry is
just 300 baht, which includes the Prize Fund, Trophies and Free Buffet
prior to the presentations. As usual there will be three divisions in
the gentlemen’s section each with three prizes and a winner’s medal, and
a ladies section. Sign ups can be made at any of the IPGC venues and
should be completed as soon as possible to ensure inclusion in the
starting line up.
Mod gets a birdie
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
I have to admit that the headline may seem rather innocuous at first. So
someone got a birdie. So what? Isn’t that what you are supposed to try and do in
golf? But please read the whole story to understand the headlines full meaning.
For the squeamish amongst you I must advise you that this is a sad story.
 Saturday
winners: Chris Stewart, Gary Leigh and Jon Lay.
At Bangpra during our Monday outing this week, amongst our players was one of
our very regular lady participants Mod Chaviraksa. She was not having one of her
best days it seems and what she was obviously unaware of was that things were
going to end up even worse.
On the eighteenth she found herself in a fairway bunker and decided that it
would be possible to play out using a fairway wood. Not the first choice of club
some would make I am sure, but undeterred that is what she used. However, the
execution of the shot was not all that it could have been. She was apparently
aware of two small birds grazing at the edge of the bunker but gave them very
little attention. She addressed her ball and made her shot only to find that it
took a very much lower trajectory than planned and squarely hit one of the
birds, which I have it reported (I was not present myself) broke the bird’s
neck. This did not apparently kill the bird as it, along with its partner,
waddled off to the base of a nearby tree with its head at very strange angle.
Sorry but I am not in possession of what exactly what happened next to the
unfortunate bird but I do know that Mod was very upset about the incident and
wishes it was one birdie that she had never had.
Monday, Sept. 21, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Jon Lay (9) 34pts
2nd Tewin lamthong (13) 31pts
3rd Richard Talley (15) 31pts
4th Peter Morris (21) 29pts
On Monday a fair group travelled out to Bangpra and I have it on good advice
that the course was in good condition.
Well, despite having his handicap lowered, Jon Lay continues to bring home the
bacon. This time it was with a thirty-four pointer for the win. In second was
Tewin Lamthong with thirty-one, taking it on count back over Richard Talley and
beating him on the back nine by five.
It was the two ladies in the group that took the 2’s pot: Mod at the eighth and
Tewin at the seventeenth.
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Richard Talley (13) 33pts
2nd Gary Leigh (17) 33pts
3rd Eric Forgerson (12) 31pts
4th Ray Trembath (8) 30pts
Tuesday saw a small group set off to play Greenwood C & A. We have not been
there in some time but do try and visit it occasionally. It was in fine fettle
it seems and no one else was to be found playing so it was like millionaires
golf, resulting in a very quick round of only three and a half hours.
The course was playing long due to the overnight rain and run on the ball was
hard to come by. Richard Tally made up for his previous day’s disappointing
third to take the win with thirty-three points, albeit after a count back over
Gary Leigh who was forced into second spot. Eric Forgerson was third at
thirty-one with Ray Trembath taking fourth with thirty.
There were no 2’s recorded so the bell ring took place back the Travellers Rest.
Thursday, Sept. 24, Phoenix (Mountain & Lakes) - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jon Lay (9) 41pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (8) 37pts
3rd Frank Kelly (12) 35pts
4th Mod Chaviraksa (11) 33pts
B Flight
1st Paul Byrne (29) 40pts
2nd Alun Webber (24) 35pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (17) 33pts
4th Gary Leigh (17) 33pts
Yet another visit to our regular Thursday venue of Phoenix (Mountain and Lake)
and an excellent turnout so two divisions. The course was superb as always and
the scoring was very, very good.
Well he was at it again in division one. Whom you might ask? Jon Lay of course.
This time with a big forty-one points and a clear four points up on the rest of
the field. Fergus ventured out despite his bad knee and took second spot with
thirty-seven. Frank Kelly was two further back at thirty-five for third.
In division two it was Paula Byrne at the top (nice to see her back with us once
again) with forty points. A great score, she has obviously brought her top game
back with her. Alun Webber found himself five back in second at thirty-five with
Roger Wilkinson two more back at thirty-three in third.
Both Paula (27) and Jon (8) received adjustments to their handicaps. There were
no ‘2’s yet again.
Saturday, Sept. 26, St. Andrews - Stableford
1st Gary Leigh (17) 42pts
2nd Jon Lay (8) 34pts
3rd Chris Stewart (6) 33pts
Saturday and off to St. Andrews we went. A low turnout on the day but some
quality play, particularly from Gary Leigh who poured in a forty-two pointer to
win, which is no mean feat on this course. Congratulations Gary. He also made
the ‘2’s pot all his own and promptly rang the bell for all back at the
presentation. His handicap is now fifteen as a result of the performance.
Coming in second was that man again Jon Lay, this time with thirty-four points
and one ahead of third placed Chris Stewart at thirty-three
Note: If you want any further information about the golf outings played
by the TRGG please contact Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019 or call in to the
Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro.
Three Rays at Rayong;
more Rays at Khao Kheow
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Green Valley –
Stableford
Tuesday was our fortnightly trip to Rayong Green Valley, where the
course had maintained its fine condition of the past few months: smooth
greens, rolling well and with good pace leave no excuses (other than
poor strokes of course).
A couple of our regulars away today, but they were replaced by some new
players to Mulligans Lakeside, both named Ray, joining in with our
landlord Ray. It must be a common name!
The golf played was best described as middling, with Ray Jackson (10)
prevailing with 32 points, 18 on the back. Carl Lovatt (15) played well
on the front 9 with 18 points but was unable to maintain his form and
faded over the back.
Thursday, Sept. 24, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Thursday and we were off to Khao Kheow, truly one of the best
overall courses in the area: a testing layout, great surroundings and
currently reasonable value. Good scores here are earned, not just
presented to golfers, but when the round goes south (which it can do)
you can always enjoy the views.
Welcome back to Dave Edwards, and straight back in to the placings, with
second on a count back over Ken Hole, 20 to 15 on the back 9. They were
not able to match it with Ray Jackson (10) who scored a creditable 34
points, which included closing with 6 pars on the trot, well played.
NTP’s (near pins) were picked up by Irene Middlemiss, on A3 & A5, while
Dave Edwards knocked it close on C3 (converting for a 2), and Ray got C8
by an inch or 2 from Dave.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside, out on the shores of Lake Mabprachan
hosts golf on Tuesday & Thursday, usually teeing off between 10 am &
10:30 am. We try and avail ourselves of the PSC negotiated vouchers or
Sport Days offered by various clubs in the current Low Season, with no
prize pool skimming on “Administration Fees”. For details on scheduling
etc, call Jeff on 089 094 1841 or Ray 081 935 8088.
Cheers & Good Golfing!
‘Shorty’ wins by a distance
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Green Valley - Stableford
The stormy season seems to have now arrived in Pattaya and some
of the usual players have drifted off on little trips. Indeed, our
correspondent will also escape for distant shores this weekend.
 Tuesday’s
top three: Mashi-san, Shorty and Keiichi-san.
As it was, our numbers were somewhat depleted as we headed from Bert’s out
to one of our favourite venues: Green Valley. And with the cloud-laden skies
and freshly watered grass, the valley was indeed green this day. (Apologies
to the grammar school crowd who were taught never to begin a sentence with a
conjunction).
Our mini-match was between the carnivores: our Captain with Paul Sharples
and the herbivores: Frank Pilkington with our correspondent. So it was going
to be a fight to the metaphoric death between two dietary alternatives.
We could also characterize it as the predators and the prey, but this heroic
struggle (which ended with the herbs being eaten alive), was over-shadowed
by the larger battle for the competition, where a tall handicapper, by the
name of Shorty led the field by a wide 8-stroke margin. But the scores for
the rest of the field were uninspiring, except for the Japanese,
low-handicap, contingent which also finished on the leader board.
1st Lamar Short 43pts
2nd Keiichi Kasam 35pts
3rd Mashi Kenata 33pts
Near Pins: Walter Baechli, TC, Paul Sharples, Mashi
Long Putts: David Jones
Too tough Bangpra takes its toll
PSC golf from The Caddyshack
Damian Trant
Monday, Sept. 21, Bangpra – Stableford
With the pro-tournament finishing the day before, everybody was
looking forward to playing a course that had to be in good nick. I am told
that it was at its toughest and if you missed the fairway, a chip out was
your only option.
 2-Man
scramble winners Emmet White (left) and Neil Hughes pose with the pool
trophy.
In general the scores were awful and it just shows you how far we are from
the proper golfers. Nobody got anywhere near playing to there handicap and
in A Flight Ted Gardner’s 32 points was good enough to win, beating Tony
Oaks with a better back nine. B Flight was much the same, serial winner
Ramsey Smith with 33 points taking top spot, just ahead of Bill Collis whom
amassed 32 points.
A Flight
1st Ted Gardner 32pts
2nd Tony Oakes 32pts
B Flight
1st Ramsay Smith 33pts
2nd Bill Collis 32pts
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Phoenix – Stableford
After Monday’s tough slog at Bangpra it was off to the much
simpler Phoenix.
Only one flight today and coming in third place was the unofficial second
best left-handed golf in the Caddy Shack, Jeff North, with 34 points. Jeff
has just returned after a month or so back in England armed with several new
golf clubs and ready to renew his old rivalries.
Bruce Tollitt, after recovering from a short illness was back to some sort
of form coming in second, also with 34 points. Well out in front though,
making it two victories in a row with 37 points was the lover man, Ted two
handicaps Gardner.
1st Ted Gardner 37pts
2nd Bruce Tollitt 34pts
3rd Jeff North 34pts
Friday, Sept. 25, Green Valley – 2-Man Scramble
Today was the first of what is going to be our new monthly 2-man
scramble and after our golf organiser Bruce Tollitt barked that my partner
Clive Bruce and I had no chance of winning, I was feeling quite confident.
There were some great teams playing which resulted in some great scores. It
was all very close at the top but snatching third place was the pairing of
Ray Jackson and Carl Lovett with a net score of 67. In second place with a
net score of 66.2 came yours truly and Clive Bruce. Thank you Clive for
expertly carrying me around for most of the 18 holes and you’re all correct,
I can’t putt.
Capping off a great week and taking top spot were the formidable pairing of
Emmet white and Neil Hughes, with a very impressive score of 64.8. Emmet and
Neil are valuable members of the Caddy Shack pool team that won the league
earlier in the week.
The nearest pins sponsored by the Caddy Shack went to Neil Hughes, Jeff
north, Clive Bruce and Ted Morris.
1st Emmet White & Neil Hughes net 64.8
2nd Clive Bruce & Damian Trant net 66.2
3rd Ray Jackson & Carl Lovvet net 67
Max joins Thorne at the top
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society
at Rabbi”s Elephant Bar
On a very overcast day, Tuesday, September 22, the Pattaya
Golf Society visited The Emerald course at Ban Chang to play its monthly
merit competition. The course was very damp with little or no run and the
greens had been sanded to frustrate the golfers further.
The competition had a fascinating sub-plot with the two main contenders for
the PGS “Player of the Month” title meeting head-to-head. At the turn Chris
Voller and Paul McNally were all square and Chris, in fact, had the temerity
to birdie the tenth putting his nose in front, but he was to lose his two
shot advantage by bogeying the final two holes to Macca’s par, thus
finishing level with the same net score.
In the main event Wichai Tananusorn and Emiel van der Wiele tied for third
place with splendid level par performances to record net 72’s. For the
second time in three events there was no outright winner with Tony Thorne
and Max Tolbert finding their form and sharing the win with net 71’s. The
PGS does not operate a count back system and prizes and points are shared
accordingly.
Unsurprisingly there were no birdie ‘2’s on the beaches, sometimes referred
to as greens, and the pot was added to the main fund.
Chris Voller deserved the Booby Bevy for blowing his chances on the final
two holes and also for an embarrassing oversight at the presentation but, as
he had been standing in for the currently housebound organiser, his role on
the day had been invaluable and his blushes were spared.
As expected the storm eventually arrived as the golfers were leaving the
final green but, as always, ample shelter and warmth was in abundance in
nearby Ban Chang.
Andersson’s
flashback
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Phoenix on Thursday, September
24 to play a stableford competition on the Lake and Mountain nines. The
course was well-turned out but the greens on the C nine had been dressed and
putting was to be a little demanding, adding something else to the challenge
of a day’s golf at the popular course.
Scores are generally good here and today was no exception as the top four
players all registered sub-par rounds. Slipping out of the frame with 37
points was Tony Thorne, one behind Chris Voller who filled the third spot
with 38 points, and the best gross of the day, 76 shots. In second was the
Jomtien Group regular Rick Smith and his forty-point round marked an
excellent and memorable debut with the PGS.
The winner was Mikael Andersson who repeated his round on the same track in
July, this time winning with 41 points. The popular Swede is struggling with
his game so much at present that rounds like this are an exception but
hopefully it marks a return to the fine form we all know Mikael is capable
of showing. He also enjoyed the day’s sole birdie ‘2’, on the Ocean 7th.
The Booby Bevy went to a sadly out of touch Garry Hookey who still managed
to play his game with a smile. Most people do, at Phoenix.
Powerful display by Johnston
On Saturday, September 26, the Pattaya Golf Society drew the
curtain on a tough week’s competition golf with a stableford joust at
Pattana on the C and A courses. It had been a tough week for the regulars
with heavy, damp fairways, preferred lies, heavy showers, uncut greens and
unendingly overcast and humid conditions. Wet season golf is no fun at all.
The gloss is starting to peel off Pattana as the starter again tried to hold
the group up for an hour with an empty course, in deference to a “local”
competition, and then eventually started the group on time on the unkempt C
nine with uncut and sanded greens and very soggy conditions underfoot. Full
marks then to the pacesetters as Jean Morel and Brian Shaw recorded level
par rounds of 36 points each for a share of the third place pot.
Tony Thorne submitted his third consecutive sub-par round with a consistent
38 points to take second place and cap his “Player of the Week” role. The
victor was the self-effacing Zimbabwean golfer Mark Johnston and his 39
points showed his mastery around the course as his length and accuracy off
the tee set him up for eight pars and a birdie in a fine winning round.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the rolled-over Booby Bevy served as a
commiseration drink for Brian Shaw and Garry Hookey for being subjected to a
round of such comparative ineptitude by their out-of-touch playing partner.
The organiser has no shame!
Well done everybody for facing up to the challenge at Pattana an a day such
as this.
Robbins shoots
net 62 at Phoenix
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, Sept. 21, Phoenix - Medal
Playing a Medal round at Phoenix the cut was set at handicap 15
and it was a couple of long standing regulars who were in the money today.
Tony Robbins had a fantastic round to win the A Flight, Tony came in with a
10 under par net 62 to relegate regular “returnee” Gordon Melia into second
place and Gordon had a great round himself to card six under par. Three
people tied in third place; JJ, Paul Smith and Frank Dante but Frank took
the money winning on a count back.
 Paul
Smith (left) and Mashi Kaneta - winner and runner up at Khao Yai.
In the B Flight the scores were a bit more modest and Geoff Parker was a
surprise winner, shooting a two over par round to finish one shot ahead of
Peter Habgood and PJ, with Peter taking runner up spot on a count back.
A Flight
1st Tony Robbins (11) net 62
2nd Gordon Melia (14) net 66
3rd Frank Dante (13) net 73
B Flight
1st Geoff Parker (17) net 74
2nd Peter Habgood (16) net 75
3rd PJ Redmond (16) net 75
Near Pins: Lee Butler (2), Frank Dante and Paul Smith.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Pattana - Stableford
A group of regulars went on a golf tour to Khao Yai for a few
days (see results at the end of this report) so the numbers were down a
little and meaning there was only one flight. Frank Dante won the stableford
comp, one point ahead of Eddie Martin, while Sunny Ruthsip, who has been
away from Thailand for around 18 months, took third place and Geoff Hart
came in fourth a couple of shots back.
1st Frank Dante (13) 37pts
2nd Eddie Martin (15) 36pts
3rd Sunny Ruthsip (28) 34pts
4th Geoff Hart (18) 32pts
Near Pins: Geordie Hudson, Geoff Parker and Hai Sul Chung (2)
Friday, Sept. 25, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Frank Dante pulled off a double for the week, winning with the
same number of points as he had on Wednesday. Hai Sul, playing his final
round before heading back East, took second place, Gary Lee came in third
and JJ Harney scraped into fourth place.
1st Frank Dante (13) 37pts
2nd Hai Sul Chung (11) 34pts
3rd Gary Leigh (17) 33pts
4th JJ Harney (11) 32pts
Near Pins: Frank Dante, Ron Ryan, JJ Harney and Geoff Parker.
Khao Yai golf tour
Some of the Bunker Boy’s teamed up with a few of Tropical Bert’s golfers to
travel to Khao Yai for a friendly competition for two nights and three days.
They stayed at the Sir James Country Club Resort where there are tennis
courts, swimming pools, snooker tables, karaoke at night and many other
facilities including golf courses of course! The Sir James Country Club has
three nine hole courses while the Royal Hills Golf Resort is an 18 hole
course; both courses are pretty hilly and very challenging.
It was Paul Smith who outshone the others; Paul, playing off 4 handicap won
the first day’s comp on the Sir James course with 40 stableford points which
earned him a two shot cut for the second day. Playing the same course again
the next day, Paul made light of his handicap cut by taking second place
with 35 points, only just being beaten by Rab McDonald by one point.
Still playing off handicap 2, Paul won the third days comp on the Royal
Hills course with a brilliant 37 points to become the Khao Yai Champion.
Day 1
1st Paul Smith (4) 40pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (11) 33pts
3rd Steve Hamstad (12) 32pts
Day 2
1st Rab McDonald (10) 36pts
2nd Paul Smith (2) 35pts
3rd Alan Sullivan (11) 34pts
Day 3
1st Paul Smith (2) 37pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (11) 31pts
3rd Bruce Gladden (20) 30pts
Wee Willy gets his groove back
Soi Khao Noi Golf Group
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Phoenix Lakes & Ocean
(White tees) – Stableford
Possibly the ideal number for a ‘ball pool’ (sixteen players)
turned out to take on the lovely Phoenix where Willy Nachbur made a welcome
return to form, carding 37 points to win first prize. Three competitors
carded 35 points each with a count-back determining that David Clamp, Bob
Drumm and Brendon Dougal were 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.
 Thursday’s
winner Mike King ‘rubs up’ Tuesday’s winner Willy Nachbur.
Alan Cassin could have been in the count-back as he has an extra shot on his
handicap but he did not know about or account for this before his card was
submitted and the prizes distributed.
Mike King had the small 5th place dividend with the near pin/long putt pot
being evenly distributed. The average score for the day was 31.2 points.
Thursday, Sept. 24, Treasure Hill (White tees) -
Stableford
Returning to this course after an absence of some months we were
reminded how really good the venue is all round. Playing off the white tees
an average score of only 26.3 was yielded so when we return twice next month
we will play off the yellow tees in the interests of making the tough course
better suit the golfing abilities of the group.
F/O Mike King took the honors today with 32 points, followed onto the
dividend list by David Clamp, John Roddis and Dennis Jaycock with 29, 29 and
28 points respectively.
Similarly to Tuesday, the near pin/long putt pot was evenly distributed with
unusually hole No 2 being claimed with a superb shot by Dennis Jayock.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know
about the group’s format please phone Neil on 089 511 0575.
Arnold snatches victory
in final Tuesday outing
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Teeing off this 22 of September, the Three Sisters golf
group were fortunate to have absolutely great weather: Mostly cloudy right
up to the 18th hole when the sun came out in full force.
 Tuesday
winner Arnold Van Der Graaf (left) with second placed Bill Thompson.
The Pattaya Country Club course was in fine shape so there were no excuses
for poor play. Paul Kraft scared himself by chipping from off the green to a
birdie ‘2’ on the notorious Par three #16. Bill Thompson thought he had a
‘hole in one’ coming as his drive came within inches of the cup. Nice try
Bill. Returning from his stint at sea, Arnold Van Der Graaf came in to Caddy
Shack II with a respectable 39 points followed closely by Bill Thompson with
a 38.
A special treat enjoyed by all at the presentation were the chili dogs
provided by Larry Bell. Thanks Larry.
Next week the Three Sisters Group will begin golfing on Wednesdays at the
usual 7 a.m. tee time. This will allow players to watch NFL Monday Night
football from the USA.
Capt’ Bob gets back on course
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s Column
Monday, Sept. 21, Burapha - Stableford
Capt’ Bob gave the 31 Outbackers another reprieve this week,
playing again from the white tees on the Crystal & Dune nines. There were a
couple of rumbles that the course is too short but the big hitters will have
to use a little course management to score well and remember there are many
golfers that can’t hit the ball far and they deserve their chance.
 Jim
Moreton, left, (check those shorts!) with Capt’ Bob, centre, and Kev
Fitzgerald, right.
Ian Heddle & Paul Bourke, who can both give the ball a bit of tonk, shared
the top of Div A scoring 38 points apiece; Ian however, nicking first place
by virtue of his better back nine.
‘Bourkey’ as Paul is known to his mates, was having his last game with the
Outback for a while, as he returns to Aus to earn a few pennies; have a good
trip mate! Whilst on the subject of hellos & goodbyes; a big welcome to
Terry & May Larose returning to live in Thailand after eighteen months in
Canada.
The not so long hitting ‘Gentleman George’ headed Div B and shared the top
score of the day with Jim Moreton, both on 39, ahead of Tony Garnett one
back with 38. Campbell Potts, aka Pottsy, turned his fortunes around after
struggling for sometime, to record 36 points; enough to win Div C by one
from Graham Fletcher and Ivan Plunkett on 35.
There was a bundle of ‘2’s (nine) coming from George Bishop, Pottsy, Bob
Lindborg, Murray Hart, Paul Greenaway, May & Terry Larose and Jim Moreton
had two.
Div A (0-12)
1st Ian Heddle (3) 38pts
2nd Paul Bourke (10) 38pts
3rd Paul Sharples (9) 36pts
Div B (13-16)
1st George Bishop (14) 39pts
2nd James Moreton (16) 39pts
3rd Tony Garnett (14) 38pts
Div C (17+)
1st Campbell Potts (19) 36pts
2nd Graham Fletcher (24) 35pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (19) 35pts
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
There were 20 Outbackers who turned up this week to play at
Pattaya Country Club, which provides good value for money on this
ever-improving course with the friendliest of staff.
It was a welcome back – for a few weeks – to the ‘Stunning’ John Lawton and
a welcome to Mike Allidi, Patrice Bardy and Joseph Bensoussan, who were
playing with the Outback for the first time.
After the round we all had a drink in the restaurant, where the service is
good, and a chat about what might have been!
Organiser ‘Chad’ Barry Chadbourn was busy working out the results for
today’s two divisions, ready for the presentation at the Outback Bar an hour
later and in anticipation of their name being pulled from the rolling ‘lucky
draw accumulator’. Sadly for those who were there when the draw took place
(4.45pm), the name that came out was Murray Hart, who was not in the bar; so
it (the draw) rolls over to tomorrow (Weds)
In Division A the three leading players had 39 points each so it was count
back time: The top spot went to Mike Allidi (3) with a fine round of level
par, second was the ‘ever ready’ Steve Ready (18) and third was Mike O’Brien
(18).
‘Irish John’ aka John Cogan (20) was in first place with 36 points in the
second flight followed by two 34’s from Don Tyldsley (29) and Barry
Chadbourn (19) with Don making second spot. This result was later amended in
the ‘weighing room’ as Don should have played off 28 and not 29; and Chad
was promoted to second with Don third.
Note: Please guys, make sure you check you handicaps regularly,
particularly in the future as the USGA updates will be going weekly. On
Monday at Burapha (yesterday), there were some six golfers playing off the
wrong handicap, none of which affected the results.
We had four ‘2’s today from John Lawton, Ian Covill and Mike O’Brien (2).
The Outback Golf Bar plays and enjoys Pattaya Country every Tuesday with a
tee time of 09.30. Just give Bob a call or sign up at the bar, to join the
Tuesday game.
Div A (0-18)
1st Mike Allidi (3) 39pts
2nd Steve Ready (18) 39pts
3rd Mike O’Brien (18) 39pts
Div B (19+)
1st John Cogan (20) 36pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (19) 34pts
3rd Don Tyldsley (28) 33pts
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
This was another well supported visit to the revitalised former
Great Lakes course as 31 Outbackers descended on this ‘value for money’
venue. Perfect it is not and the greens still have a long way to go with
reports that this week they (the greens) were tougher to putt on than twelve
days ago. However, in a country where ‘ Money is No. 1’, Rayong C.C. will
continue to grow in popularity, particularly if the management can keep fees
around the current levels throughout the upcoming “High Season”.
The Outback’s resident “Turnip” was spotted on the course complete with can
of amber nectar but he failed to trouble the leader board; and hats off to
Pottsy, who not only played with him but was still in the bar with him late
last night!
Capt’ Bob (35pts), despite a few one pointers, did the business in Div A;
winning by two from “the Farmer” and Ian Middlemiss both with 33. Welcome
back to Ian & Irene M!
Harvey Samuel produced the day’s top score of 39 points to win Div B, three
ahead of the Sugarman, who definitely likes this course and David Davies
took Div C with a modest 33.
The accumulator draw was not won, with Kathy Doody’s name coming out for the
second time in a week, but regretfully she was not in the bar to collect the
rising jackpot.
There were five ‘2’s from Capt’ Bob, Ray Dell, Eric Curley, Bob Lindborg &
Carl Luke.
Div A (0-15)
1st Bob Philp (9) 35pts
2nd Ray Dell (11) 33pts
3rd Ian Middlemiss (15) 33pts
Div B (16-22)
1st Harvey Samuel (17) 39pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (19) 36pts
3rd Eric Curley (18) 34pts
Div C (23+)
1st David Davies (24) 33pts
2nd Bob Debnam (24) 31pts
3rd Orowan Sodok (26) 31pts
Thursday, Sept. 24, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Thank you Green Valley for not telling anybody that you’re
staging a tournament and completely ignoring your regular customer’s
bookings; there are such things as telephones! So a new venue was hastily
hunted and eventually Khao Kheow came to the rescue; but regretfully with a
substantially reduced starting line up.
The six Outbackers who played the A & C nines from the yellow tees toiled on
this tough course, made tougher by the moderate condition of the greens. Jim
Moreton’s 33 points was enough to win the day from Jim Peachey with 30.
There were no ‘2’s
1st James Moreton (15) 33pts
2nd Jim Peachey (15) 30pts
Friday, Sept. 25, Laem Chabang - Stableford
Thirty-five Outbackers enjoyed perfect conditions on the C & A
nines of this wonderful local course. Still experiencing the after effects
of the recent credit crunch, the course was quiet and most were round in
less than four hours, even though carts were not allowed on to the course
due to the recent incessant rains.
The Oman raiders dominated the leaderboard, with Bernie Austwick (35pts),
third Div A; Jim Moreton (39pts), winner of Div B; Khalid (33pts), third Div
B; and Kev Fitzgerald (32pts), winner of Div C. Rest assured guys, the
Outback will be scrutinising your handicaps carefully over the next few
days.
Another who will find his handicap under review is the Outback Capt’ himself
with an excellent 41 points after a lean time in recent weeks after his rib
muscle strain; not much wrong with it now eh Capt’? - back down to 8 h’cap
on the new PSC Congu system.
Other notables were Ian Heddle (2nd Div A) 36pts off 3, Tony Garnett (2nd
Div B) 37pts off 14; and Ed Delaney is fighting hard, in his affable Irish
way, to get his head round this wonderfully frustrating game, with a fine 30
points of his starting h’cap of 36!
There were seven ‘2’s from Capt’ Bob, Khalid, Graham Fletcher, Jim Peachey,
Adam Smith & Ian Heddle had two.
Div A (0-12)
1st Bob Philp (9) 41pts
2nd Ian Heddle (3) 36pts
3rd Bernie Austwick (12) 35pts
Div B (13-18)
1st James Moreton (15) 39pts
2nd Tony Garnett (14) 37pts
3rd Khalid (13) 33pts
Div C (19+)
1st Kev Fitzgerald (28) 32pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (19) 31pts
3rd John Stafford (22) 31pts
AustCham golf tees off again
Dr Iain Corness
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Thailand has its annual
AustCham ESB Charity Golf Open next Friday October 9. This very successful
event is again being organized by AustCham’s Eastern Seaboard representative
Paul Wilkinson (AGS Four Winds) and David Dombrovskis.
This is an 18 hole tournament played at the Phoenix golf course and very
definitely a charity event with all funds raised being donated to charity.
It is a 12 noon shotgun start (registration from 11.00 - 11.45am) and costs
2,500 THB (member or non-member). The fee includes caddy but excludes tip
and (optional) cart.
You can contact Paul Wilkinson on 081 903 9477 to book (places are already
filling fast) or if you want to sponsor a hole, contact david
@austchamthailand.com.
After the golf, all players are invited to attend the Eastern Seaboard
Sundowners (6 p.m. till 9 p.m.) at the new Pattaya Holiday Inn on Beach
Road, next to the Amari Tower, with admission at members’ rates.
Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson
This week, some more bridge quotes. Starting with Frank
Stewart on partnerships and defence:
“Regardless of what sadistic impulses we may harbour, winning bridge
means helping partner avoid mistakes.”
Or, you can take this advice from Alfred Sheinwold:
“A player who can’t defend accurately should try to be declarer.”
Of course, if you want to be declarer, you have to bid. Consider this from
Jon Baldursson of Iceland:
“Don’t be a pleasant opponent—bid”
Or this from Edgar Kaplan:
“It is well-known that in third seat, you must have 13 cards to open the
bidding.”
“If you want to bid naturally and still sound modern, just say your bid
shows the suit below the suit above the one you bid.”
Two by Hugh Kelsey, which have a certain truth about them:
“The average defender operates in a fog of uncertainty.”
“If you bid a stop at no trump, then you don’t need to actually have
one.”
After bidding, if you find yourself in a contract, you have to actually play
it. This advice by Zia Mahmood on locating an honour when finessing may be
useful:
“When they don’t cover they don’t have it.”
And a couple of anonymous ones:
“The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its
limits.”
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You won’t live long enough to make
them all yourself.”
Next week, back to interesting hands. Send me your entertaining hands or
good quotes at: [email protected].
Swedish sports stars add sparkle to Thailand Cup 2009
(From left) Jan Ove Waldner,
Marten Bystrom (near pin winner), Niclas Joseffson (tournament winner), Jan
Ingemar Stenmark, Borje Salming and tournament organizer Kent Lindwall
attend the presentation held at the Nusa Playa Hotel.
Paul Strachan
The Nusa Playa Hotel in Jomtien was the venue on Tuesday September
22 for a dinner for 90 Swedish guests, some of whom had played in the
Thailand Cup 2009 at Burapha Golf Course.
This tournament started back in Sweden many months ago with the final 60
golfers getting through to play here in the Land of Smiles.
It was organized by Kent Lindwall who worked closely with Khun Manit from
the Tourist Authority of Thailand (Sweden) and with his colleague here in
Thailand, Niti Kongrut.
 Jan
Ingemar Stenmark tackles the greens at Burapha.
The tournament also had a touch of celebrity to it as three world renowned
Swedish sportsmen joined in for a round or two of golf.
Jan-Ove Waldner is known as “the Mozart of table tennis” and is a legend in
his native Sweden as well as in China. He has won 3 gold, 5 silver and 2
bronze world championship titles as well as winning gold in the 1992 Olympic
Games.
Jan Ingemar Stenmark is regarded as one of the most prominent Swedish
sportsmen, and as the greatest slalom and giant slalom specialist of all
time. He competed for Fjällvinden Tärnaby. Stenmark has won more alpine ski
competitions than any other man with a total of 86 races (45 giant slaloms
and 41 slaloms) in the Alpine Skiing World Cup, Hermann Maier being the
second with 54 victories.
And Börje Salming, nicknamed “The King”, is a retired Swedish professional
ice hockey defenceman, he played for Kiruna AIF, Brynäs IF, the Toronto
Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and AIK.
Known best for his years as a Leaf, Salming was one of the premier
defencemen of his era. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996.
He was elected to the IIHF centennial All Stars team in 2008 along with
Vladislav Tretiak, Viacheslav Fetisov, Sergei Makarov, Valeri Kharlamov and
Wayne Gretzky. He is significant to the history of the NHL in that he was
the first European hockey player to have major success in the NHL which
pioneered the way for other Europeans to play professionally in North
America.
The golfers and their families were treated to an evening of entertainment
by Mike Gerrard and a delicious assortment of Thai treats by the Nusa Playa.
The Thailand Cup 2009 was won by Niclas Josefsson and it is hoped that this
tournament will return with even more golfers in 2010
Murphy top scores
at Pattaya C.C.
September Diana Seniors and Lady’s Open
The last Thursday of the month saw 27 Seniors and Ladies
arrive at the Pattaya Country Club to play in the monthly Diana Seniors and
Ladies Open. The two groups that went out before our booked start time found
themselves in pouring rain for a couple of the early holes. The remainder
waited until the rain stopped and found pleasant conditions of both weather
and the course.
 Super
Seniors winner Rich Murphy (left) with Ladies winner Pimusa Tonkhoksoong and
Seniors champ, Werner Schwarz (right).
After a round of about 4 hours it was back to the clubhouse for a cool beer
and something to eat until the last group came in. Whilst Nigel showered and
changed, Alan Pearce was busy working out the results so that the
presentation could take place quickly as usual.
It was a welcome to some new players this month – Frenchmen Joe Bensoussan
and Coulon Claude and Thai lady Chop Daprakmon.
Before making the presentation, organizer Nigel Cannon announced the Diana
Group would continue with the monthly Seniors and Ladies Open during 2010
and tee times had been booked for the last Thursday of each month except
December. He also stated that this years Diana Gold would be held on Friday
November 13 at Eastern Star and hoped many Seniors and Ladies would support
this annual event where as usual ‘Gold’ would be available on all 18 holes.
Further details would be announced shortly.
Nigel also reminded PSC members that handicaps were now being updated on a
weekly basis.
In the Ladies division it was Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (15) taking the top prize
with 35 points and Chop Daprakmon (25) runner-up with 33points on her first
outing with the Diana Group.
The Senior winner was Werner Schwarz (16) with a fine 40 points and Bo
Enstrom(11) was runner up with 37.
The ‘best of the day’ came from Super Senior Rich Murphy (20) with 41 points
and the runner-up was new (Super senior) Bengt Borg (10) with 35 points.
The next Diana Senior and Ladies competition is on Thursday October 25 at
Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 09:00. Sign up sheets are at Diana
Driving Range and Green Bottle 2nd Road.
Ladies
1st Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (15) 35pts
2nd Chop Daprakmon (25) 33pts
Seniors
1st Werner Schwarz (16) 40pts
2nd Bo Engstrom (11) 37pts
Super Seniors
1st Rich Murphy (20) 41pts
2nd Bengt Borg (10) 35pts
Near Pins: #5 Bengt Borg, #7 Patrice Bardy, #12 Patrice Bardy, #16
Glen Riding
Long Putts: #9 Nigel Cannon, #18 Eddie Blackwell
Darkside Darts League
The end of yet another season of darts over at the Darkside
Darts League sees congratulations go to the league winners the Chill Bar.
Meanwhile the Lucky Time met with the Court Jesters and what a battle it
was! Jesters team were throwing arrows like javelin chuckers, even Ian
manage to get a few to stay in the board. The 19th Hole were short of a
player as their player (Del) came down to the Lucky Time Bar to watch a real
game of darts, but he prove to be a jinx as the Lucky Time bar lost the game
5 – 4 … Darts Jesters!
A quick draw at the Chill Bar against the Squadron’s Pioneer International
Bar and it was all over by 9.30 p.m., Chill Bar all stars taking all the
games apart from one. Is Mark ever going to win a game of singles?? More
180’s were thrown on the last night. Darts Kenny and Peter!
19th Hole, with one player short, managed to get beaten/slaughtered by
Moanies the bottom team and lost 5 – 4. There has been a request from Del to
transfer from the 19th Hole to the Lucky Time Bar, but can the LTB afford
the transfer fee of 6 baht?
The party/presentation night is due to be held on October 1 at Chesters Bar
on Soi Nernplubwern. Also congrats to all for playing and runners up the
Lucky Time Bar, 180’s - Mark (LTB), Ian (CB), Dave (Pioneer), Tony (19th
Hole), Simon (CB), Kenny (CB) and Pete (Pioneer). The highest checkout was
by Alan from Moonies (118).
For more info please look at www.pattayadarts.com. The new season with some
new bars starts October 8. Anyone interested in playing please contact Simon
at the Chill Bar. See you there!
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