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Asian team too strong for
Germany at Thai Polo Club
PM Reporters
The Thai Polo Club near Horseshoe Point was the setting for
the B.Grimm 131st Anniversary Polo Cup on Sunday December 13,
featuring a one-off match between a combined South East Asian team
and a strong and powerful looking German National side.
 The
SE Asian team (orange shirts) take on Germany in the B.Grimm 131st
Anniversary Polo Cup at the Thai Polo Club.
The fixture, which kicked of the 6 month long International Polo
season here in Thailand, proved as ever to be a colorful and
successful event and was attended by a wide variety of guests and
VIPs.
The first chukka (period) saw both teams go into the break level at
1-1, but the SE Asian team, which featured 3 Malaysian international
players and the founder and president of the Thai Polo Club, Harry
Link, came out storming in the remaining chukkas to record a well
deserved 6-4 victory.
The winning Asian players received the victor’s trophy from a
diplomat from the Russian Embassy here in Thailand, following which
the spectators, guests and players were able enjoy a fantastic BBQ
laid on by The Thai Polo Club.
After the New Year break, the Thai Polo finals will be held on
January 15, 2010 and an international fixture between Malaysia and
England will take place on January 17; both events being staged at
The Thai Polo Club.
In other polo news it has been announced that the Thailand Polo
King’s Cup 2010 (7th tournament), featuring a number of top class
international teams, will be held from January 23 – 30, 2010 at the
VR Sports Club and Siam Polo Park, Samutprakarn Province.
A bevy of beauties take care of one
of the stars of the show.
14-year-old girl propels Thai team to glory in IODA sailing championship
A party of officials
including Khamthorn Pumhiran, president of the Yacht Racing Association
of Thailand, and Sattahip Mayor Pairoj Malakul na Ayutthaya greet the
young sailing stars on the tarmac at U-Tapao Airport, Monday, December
21.
Patcharapol Panrak
Thailand’s male-dominated yachting world found itself paying
homage to a 14-year-old girl who blew away all competitors and brought
team and individual glory to her home country at the International
Optimist Asian Championship in Malaysia.
 Noppakao
Poompat was the outstanding sailor at the recently completed
International Optimist Asian Championships held in Malaysia. A full
report on page 51. (Photo Malee Whitcraft/file)
Royal Thai Navy Adm. Khamthorn Pumhiran, president of the Yacht Racing
Association of Thailand, and Sattahip Mayor Pairoj Malakul na Ayutthaya
led a delegation of boat-racing officials to U-Tapao Pattaya
International Airport Dec. 21 to pay tribute to Chonburi native Noppakao
Poompat and her teammates in the IODA sailing contest in Kuah Harbour on
Langkawi.
 Noppakao
Poompat smiles as she holds the IODA Asian Championship Girls Challenge
Trophy.
Sponsored by PTT Exploration and Production Public Co. Ltd., Noppakao’s
team, also consisting of Totsapol Mahawichian, Jirawat Jadklai,
Chatcharin Naborn, and Samach Thaiyanon, placed first in the Dec. 12-19
contest out of teams from 25 countries.
The runaway leader from the opening day on Monday, Noppakao laid claim
to the undisputed title of queen of sailing by winning 10 out of 12
races and besting her nearest opponent by 18 points. She is a three-time
Optimist girls individual champion.
Khamthorn said he hopes this year’s strong showing will carry on into
2010 when the Thai team goes for gold in November at the next Asian
Games in China.
Rod Howett back at last
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Dec. 21, The Emerald -
Stableford
1st Alex Sala 38pts
2nd Stuart Thompson 35pts
3rd Dave Thompson 35pts
4th Barry Traynor 34pts
5th Roar Berger 34pts
6th Martin Grimoldby 34pts
Alex Sala returned to The Haven in Soi 13 to top the podium with a very tidy
round of two under handicap to win by three clear and be the only contestant
to beat par, although enough of the rest of the field played within two of
their handicap for the CSS to be reduced to 71 at the final analysis.
Stuart Thompson led in his namesake Dave Thompson, thanks to a higher count
back in points on the back nine of 21 to 15 after Dave had promised much in
an outward half of twenty points, but he could not match Stuart’s tenacity
over the closing holes.
Barry Traynor led in a group of seven players on 34 points with a best back
nine of 20 with Martin Grimoldby next best at 18 for the last half. They
were followed by Rod Howett and Fred Land with 17 each on the back nine and
Rodney Hayes and Tony Barritt with 16 each.
Barry Traynor and Fred Land shared the 2’s pool in the first division and
Markku Tynell swept the board in the second division.
Before the presentations, Tom McCarthy, Markku Tynell, Gaute Moen, Rodney
Hayes and Alex Sala were all welcomed back.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, Green Valley - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Danny Miller 40pts
2nd Yutaka Nakayama 39pts
3rd Michael Healey 39pts
4th Barry Traynor 38pts
Div. 2
1st Rod Howett 41pts
2nd Roar Berger 38pts
3dr B.J. Smith 35pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka 35pts
In the first division Danny Miller, having declared a two and a half drop in
handicap when he returned last week, underscored his current form with an
excellent gross 77 which netted him top spot. Yutaka Nakayama made it a
happy first outing with The Haven as he took second place with a better
count back of 23 to 18 over Michael Healy after they had finished with an
equal total of 39 points. Barry Traynor was again found to be in contention
just a shot away in fourth place, with Mark Cooper losing out on the count
back with him as Barry finished with 20 to Mark’s 18, but in turn he was
better than Tim Wilkinson who could manage only 16. But Tim did get a
mention as his gross 76 was the best of the day.
The second division was led in by Rod Howett who’s five under handicap was
his best score since August 2008, as he finished three in front of Roar
Berger who was hoping for a win at last after several near hits in the
recent past. B. J. Smith took third place ahead of Shuichi Kodaka with a
better inward half of 19 to 17 after they had tied on one under scores for
the round.
With solid scoring from the majority of the players the CSS went down to 71
on the day.
Martin Grimoldby, Danny Miller and Rodney Hayes shared the first division
2’s pool whilst Derek Holt slipped in the only one in the second division.
Back at The Haven Yutaka Nakayama was welcomed as a new member and Brian
Wilkinson and son Tim Wilkinson, together with Damian Montague were welcomed
back.
Slow going at Pattaya Country Club
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
There was the good - and then there was the bad. The good was that the
course was in fine shape, the weather beautiful and the company, as usual,
convivial. The bad? A five-some who kibitzed every tee shot and got down on
hands and knees for every putt. To say it was slow going would be an
understatement. The idea of a course Marshall chiding the five-some borders
on the ludicrous. I’ll refrain from telling what the composition of the
five-some was but they were not expats.
 Tuesday
winner Paul Kinmond (left) with runner up Herbie Ishinaga.
One three-some skipped around the five-some but were disqualified later as
they were not able to make up the skipped hole, though even with the skipped
hole they had higher scores than the subsequent winners. Bad luck fellas.
Back at Caddy Shack II when the cards came in the scores of many of the
regular high scorers were low. Paul Kinmond came in with a respectful 37
points as Herbie Ishinaga and Walt Straub came in with 30 each. Walt lost
out on the count back.
Herbie provided the usual snacks and his entree was slow cooked roast beef
slices in delicious gravy. A golf culinary experience to be envied.
A swinging Christmas Party with the PSC
Derek Brook
Twice a year the ‘rich and famous’ of Pattaya Sports Club, supported by the most
glamorous ladies at any function worldwide, gather to have a fun and fine night.
This one being the Christmas gathering, we even had Santa to give away the
prizes and also to give each child in the choir a personal Christmas present.
 Santa
does his bit, as he has for hundreds of years.
Much hard work goes into the planning of an event like this, and Mike Gerrard
was busy for weeks before trying to organize the evening and advertising the
party. However, it is always nice to see a good plan come together and on the
night the overwhelming comments were, “What a great night.”
The evening started as normal with a big queue at the door at the banquet hall
in The Town in Town Hotel; we tend to use this venue as it is central for most
people, but more important it has tremendous facilities and the staff look after
us well. Once the door was open the rush was on for the best seats and the place
filled up quickly. All tickets were sold.
 The
PSC President, Herbie Ishinaga makes his speech.
It was really nice to note that all the party goers were very smartly dressed
and the ladies were sparkling. We do have a very lucky bunch of distinguished
gentlemen.
Soon the Emcee Mike Gerrard was doing his bit and leading the entertainment for
the night; Mike is a ‘Professional’ from the U.K. and we are lucky to have such
experience at the helm. At least that is what he told me to say.
The night got underway with the Baan Jing Jai Orphanage giving us all a recital
as only they can, then off they all went to the changing room where Santa Claus
awaited them and for each of them he had a Christmas present, as Santa tends to.
The kids were absolutely enthralled and for a while we were able to put the
noise of the party to one side.
It’s all smiles as the lucky draw gold winner (2nd
left) hold up his prize.
But the Devil must, so back to the main room where it was time for the
President, Herbie Ishinaga, to talk to the assembled masses, and then those
magic words from the Emcee, “the buffet is open.” Then it was a case of standing
out of the way while the stampede got under way. What a fine layout of food it
was, spread around the pool there was just about everything one could wish for,
even for the vegetarians. There was all, from seafood, to steaks, to Thai food,
of course my favourite had the longest queue, yes the sweet queue.
Meal nearly over it was back to the cabaret, starting with the Emcee doing his
songs and then onto the star of the night, yes the ‘real’ Tina Turner. Well even
if not real this was the show that brought the house down. The dance floor was
packed and ‘Tina’ was urged to do encores, and of course ‘Tina’ did. Cracking
cabaret and all were by now electrified and wide awake for the big star event.
Sorry for the let down but it was the lucky draw.
Mike called up Doug Powell and Nan for the draw, and just by chance Santa put in
a special appearance. The prizes were many and varied, but a flat screen
television and a gold chain were topping the list. The draw always goes down
well and so it did on this night. It was an excellent draw, well run and
organised.
I must here give thanks to those who worked so hard to make the night a success.
Obviously that legend in his own mind, our Social Chairman and Emcee Mike
Gerrard, Max ‘The Sec’ Mathews and Tony ‘Vice’ Oakes for their help on door
control. To Doug and Nan Powell for the lucky draw help and a pat on the back to
your humble correspondent for the photography, write up and P.R. To all the
press for simply being there and to our sponsors of the lucky draw, Black Star
Jewelers, Ryder Gems (Bangkok), Shenanigans, The Golf Club, John Mills
Photography, The Town in Town Hotel, St Andrews Golf Centre and San Miguel. Also
thanks to the staff and management of Town in Town, the band and special cabaret
Tina Turner. To those forgotten thanks anyway and apologies for the oversight.
The night then degenerated into those things that men and women like to do at
night, yes, dancing for the ladies and drinking for the men. A great night and
to all we wish a great Xmas and a Happy New Year. T.T.F.N.
The Emcee Mike Gerrard does his star turn.
‘Tina Turner’ wows the crowd.
Ison on fire again
PSC golf with the Phoenix Tuesday Group
Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, Dec 22, Phoenix - Stableford
You would think that the headline suggests that our Roger
burned the course up. No such thing. This course is now up to top
quality and on and around the greens is possibly one of the best
tests of short play in the area.
Mountain and Lakes course was the challenge and the greenkeeper has
taken on board the constructive criticism about too much water
around the greens, because it seemed a lot better today.
So, after the golf it was back to (what is now called) Noy’s Music
Bar for the presentation. Since the change of management the
hospitality has doubled for our merry little group. When we get back
every Tuesday the tables and chairs have been arranged for all to
sit together.
So, it was Big Roger Ison claiming the spoils today with a score of
35 points. Our lovable Italian Sergio Volpi claimed second place
with 33 points and Bartley’s Boy (sounds like a racehorse don’t it -
it’s John Bartley really) grabbed third prize with 32 points.
One can only feel that it don’t say a lot for the rest of us,
however, there’s always the lucky draw. But the technical near pins
were the next handout and these went to the Boston Burglar (Bob
Neylon), Bill Campbell, and John Bartley.
The lucky draw went to Dave Boran and the free drink voucher from
Noy’s bar was won by yours truly. That lasted about ten seconds.
We had a new sponsor this week in the form of Graham Richmond, and
although he failed to show for the game (still spoiling himself with
the pleasures of the night I think) we did award a voucher for his
new bar, The Highway Star situated near Happy A Go Go in Walking
Street, to Phil Kington.
Finally, on behalf of all our group, I would like to wish everybody
(Yes everybody) a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Montana & Steadman triumph at Sugar Ray’s birthday bash
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Dave Boran, General Jack,
Colin Bavington & Lee Swain on the first tee at Burapha.
Joey’s column
Monday, Dec. 21, Burapha - Stableford
This is truly as good as it gets; spectacular weather and a
spectacular course. It was a privilege and an experience to play the Cypress
& Dunes nines here at Burapha just two days after the Thai Senior Pro Tour
had played on the very same course with the pins still in their tricky ‘last
day’ positions. Needless to say the greens were perfect and the tee box
advertising hoardings were still in place, just a constant reminder
throughout the round.
Sixty-two Outbackers enjoyed their day, probably none more so than General
Jack, who fired another 38 points, his second in a week since returning to
the game. It was enough to earn him second place in Div A, beaten by Mark
Hurwood, with the day’s top score of 39, off a 4 handicap. Good golf Mark!
Steve Plant took Div B scoring 37 points from Barry Copestake, who beat
Jamie Milner on count back, both on 34. Murray Hart won Div C with a good
round of 38 points, three clear of the in form, Brian Maddox, who is now
playing off 20. Finally, Div D was won by the San Francisco policeman, Jesse
Serna, also breaking his handicap with a fine 37 points, from Bruce McAdam
(35pts), who has seen his handicap drift out to 23 after a lean spell; and
Johnny Spiller in third with 33.
Another heap of ‘2’s, this time nine, came from Mark Hurwood, Jack Moseley,
Andy Baber, Jim Getty, Steve Budrys, Jim Bryan, Joe Mooneyham & Capt’ Bob
had two.
Div A (0-11)
1st Mark Hurwood (4) 39pts
2nd Jack Moseley (10) 38pts
3rd Dave Boran (11) 34pts
4th Neil Lavery (10) 34pts
Div B (12-14)
1st Steve Plant (14) 37pts
2nd Barry Copestake (14) 34pts
3rd Jamie Milner (12) 34pts
4th Rosco Langoulant (12) 33pts
Div C (15-20)
1st Murray Hart (15) 38pts
2nd Brian Maddox (20) 35pts
3rd John O’Keefe (16) 32pts
4th Peter Stonebridge (17) 31pts
Div D (21+)
1st Jesse Serna (36) 37pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (23) 35pts
3rd John Spiller (23) 33pts
4th Peter Gibson (26) 32pts
Tuesday, Dec. 22, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
A record turnout for a regular Tuesday here at Pattaya Country
Club with 29 Outbackers on the tee; a special welcome too went to Ed & Mam
Trayling. The course has continued to improve over recent weeks and the
greens, although a little lumpy, now have a good covering of grass.
The superb weather continued, leading to excellent golfing conditions but
nobody posted a really high score: 37 points from Mike Tilley was the best
of the day to win Div A by two from a three-way count back between Bill
Bishop, Sugar Ray & Jack Moseley, all with 35.
In Div B, Nigel Cannon took the honours with a handicap equalling 36 points
from La’ong with the same score off of a handicap of 45, which now must come
under scrutiny.
There were only two ‘2’s from Barry Chadbourn & Emile Van de Wiele.
Div A (0-18)
1st Mike Tilley (15) 37pts
2nd Bill Bishop (17) 35pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 35pts
4th Jack Moseley (10) 35pts
Div B (19+)
1st Nigel Cannon (22) 36pts
2nd Laong (45) 36pts
3rd Alan Pearce (19) 35pts
4th Henry Enz (19) 33pts
Wednesday, Dec. 23, Greenwood A&B – Stableford
Sixty was the number today as regular Outbacker, Sugar Ray
Hanford celebrated his 60th birthday (he was actually sixty the day before).
64 was the number of Sugar’s friends who signed up and played in a two-ball
scramble on A & B at Greenwood, from tees that were often right back on the
blue markers, making the course play very long. The slick, small and hard
greens also made the game tough and the first thoughts that around 62 would
win this event were quickly dispelled as a gross level par became the best
score of the day.
The Outback bus was in full use yet again this week, bringing ten players
from Pattaya to the Outback Bar and then up to the course, no more than a
comfortable 35mins up the 331.
Since our Sugar is an Aussie, there were of course many of his fellow
countrymen to assist in his special day. Sugar was never married in is
homeland but just two years after his first visit to Thailand he met Lek,
who later became Mrs. Handford and they now have two fine sons, Aaron and
Luke. Like father like sons, both having birthday’s in December; Luke on the
5th and Aaron today! Sugar is well known in golfing circles in Pattaya for
his unusual but effective KFC swing (7 pieces)!
The Outback have not played Greenwood, nor had a two-ball scramble for
sometime but the course has undergone some extensive planting of trees and
shrubs and the redecorated drink stops with their immaculate flower beds
added to it’s (the course) delightful presentation. Unfortunately, the
starter still managed to keep the first group waiting for thirty minutes and
with 16 groups, all from one tee, it was a long but enjoyable day.
Back at the ranch, it became a real family affair with Lek, Aaron and Luke
all there – later there was a cake with Aaron blowing out the candles with
his Dad.
The results were announced around 6.30 p.m. with the surprise pairing
(incidentally the very last entrants) of Rich Montana & Richard Steadman
winning the day, firing a gross 72 (65.25 net); just 0.25 ahead of the big
hitting pairing of Jamie Milner and Alan Duckett. They were followed in
third by Gary Saunders & Dick Hobson with 65.75. The Englishmen, Jack
Moseley & Dave Boran also finished on level par gross (net 66.75) to share
fourth place with their American playing partners, Dave Driscoll & Robert
McEvey, and the Aussie pairing of Bruce Milner & Murray Hart.
The near pins, compliments of Sugar and worth a 500 baht voucher, were won
by Murray Hart, Rosco, Ian Taylor and Capt’ Bob, who put his back into a
random draw, to be won by Charlie Sheppard.
Following the presentation by Capt’ Bob, good food was served, again with
compliments from Sugar – with the Outback’s famous cottage pie together with
the new and popular fisherman’s pie.
Thanks Sugar – a great day and may you have many more.
1st Rich Montana & Richard Steadman, net 65.25
2nd Alan Duckett & Jamie Milner, net 65.5
3rd Gary Saunders Dick Hobson, net 65.75
Friday, Dec. 25, Khao Kheow A&B - Stableford
Golf on Christmas Day, can’t be bad; the Mrs would never dream of
letting you out for a game in the UK, even if you did fancy playing in the
snow and frost.
Thirty-five Outbackers braved the extreme sunny and warm conditions here
only to get beaten up once again by the tough A & B nines. Kerry Beck, one
of the frequent Aussie visitors to the Outback, brushed the challenge aside,
scoring an amazing 39 points in his first game back and winning Div A by
nine from the December ladder leader Bob Pearce and Bobby Driggs, both with
30. Kerry also earned himself a new handicap of 9.
Mr. Consistent, Bruce Milner headed Div B with a good 35 points from Dave
Driscoll on 34 and Tony Garnett getting the nod over John Exall for third,
both with 32. Meanwhile Div C was won by John Cogan (33pts) from one of two
newcomers to the Outback, Jean-Paul Michiels with 32.
There were seven ‘2’s from Bruce Milner, Darren Smith, Paul Greenaway, Steve
Plant, Dave Driscoll & Sakorn had two.
Div A (0-12)
1st Kerry Beck (10) 39pts
2nd Bob Pearce (11) 30pts
3rd Bobby Driggs (10) 30pts
Div B (13-17)
1st Bruce Milner (14) 35pts
2nd Dave Driscoll (13) 34pts
3rd Tony Garnett (13) 32pts
Div C (18+)
1st John Cogan (21) 33pts
2nd Jean-Paul Michiels (20) 32pts
3rd John Kittilsen (18) 31pts
Note: 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.
First win for Peter Bye
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, Dec. 21, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
Our numbers were down a bit from the previous Monday but we
still had a good field of 29 golfers assembled at Café Kronborg.
Greetings were handed out to my very good friend and soon to be resident
of Pattaya Mike Gosden (aka Hunter) from Gosnells Golf Club in Perth,
Western Australia. Also Neville Goode from Sydney and Volker Buley from
Germany. We also had the return of Darryl Evans back from another trip
home to Australia.
 The
Admiral (left) presents Per Anders Karlsonn with The Alec Chilcott Cup.
Departing right on time as usual we set off for the long drive to the
beautiful Royal Lakeside course and arrived there seventy minutes later.
The weather was perfect and the course was in fantastic condition with
the greens fairly slick and tricky at times. This course is excellent
value at the high season price of 920 baht for green fee & caddy and
well worth the longer journey. Even with three stops for drinks we were
able to complete our round in the very good time of four hours and
fifteen minutes which was a credit to the Sugar Shack golfers in front
of us as our group tends to always be fairly quick.
We had 2 Flights today, A Flight for handicaps 0 to 18 and B Flight for
19 and over. Once again nearest the pins on the four par 3’s and longest
first putts on 9 and 18.
It was a very good day for the Aussies as they took out the first three
places in A Flight. Peter Bye broke through for his first Café Kronborg
win, easily beating yours truly by four points who pipped his mate
Hunter on a count back for second place. Mr Consistent Per-Olav Baarli
finished in fourth place one point further back.
It was a very close contest in B Flight with a three-way count back for
first, second & third: Volker Buley emerged as the victor ahead of Jan
Lovgreen and Graham Buckingham. Aussie Stu Rifkin finished in fourth
place just one point adrift.
A Flight
1st Peter Bye (12) 41pts
2nd Peter Blackburn (13) 37pts
3rd Mike Gosden (9) 37pts
4th Per-Olav Baarli (17) 36pts
B Flight
1st Volker Buley (31) 35pts
2nd Jan Lovgreen (19) 35pts
3rd Graham Buckingham (21) 35pts
4th Stu Rifkin (20) 34pts
Near Pins: Jan Lovgreen, Per Anders Karlsen, Alan Ewing, Per-Olav
Baarli
Long Putts: Peter Hammond, Mike Gosden
Thursday, Dec. 24, Greenwood A & B – Stableford.
Well today’s competition was the annual Xmas fayre day where
we start to celebrate Christmas by ensuring everyone receives a present
from one another. Everyone buys a gift wrapped present and after the
round the best score gets first pick and so on right down to last place.
In addition, the best golfer on the day receives the Alec Chilcott Cup.
Past Chairman and Vice President of the Pattaya Sports Club, alas Alan
is no longer with us but his memory lives on through this annual event.
We had 23 starters for the day and after the 65 minute drive we arrived
at Phoenix to find that surprisingly the course was practically
deserted. Upon checking afterwards we were told that there had been in
total 90 golfers on the course throughout the day but we hardly saw
anyone other than our own Café Kronborg groups.
We were able to tee off at 0945 in perfect conditions and once again
found the course in fantastic shape. The greens were perfect and the
bunkers so good that even I managed to escape from a couple of them
quite comfortably. This course is excellent value at the high season
price of 1,050 baht for green fee & caddy.
I was having a bad day but still enjoying the course and the company,
and we were treated to a very unusual occurrence as we approached the
green on A9. What sounded like a traffic accident over by the starter’s
hut prompted us to wander over there to see that a truck carrying large
bottles of water had somehow lost control, hit a pole and ended up on
the practice putting green. Thankfully no-one was hurt but believe me,
it was a very unusual site on a golf course.
Our round was completed in the excellent time of four hours & fifteen
minutes which included a couple of lengthy stops for drinks.
No division in flights on this special day with everyone being rewarded
for their participation and thanks to the generosity of The Pattaya
Sports Club there were rewards for nearest the pins on all par 3’s and
longest putts on A9 & B9.
The winner on the day with an excellent score of 40 points was Per
Anders Karlsen, ahead of Andre Van Dyk in second place 2 points back.
Third place was taken by Rob Brown with Alan Ewing fourth, Don
Richardson fifth and Hans Huber sixth on a count back from Neville
Goode.
1st Per Anders Karlsen (18) 40pts
2nd Andre Van Dyk (25) 38pts
3d Rob Brown (8) 35pts
4th Alan Ewing (24) 34pts
5th Don Richardson (9) 32pts
6th Hans Huber (4) 31pts
Near Pins: Per Anders Karlsen, Doug Maiko, Carole Kubicki.
Long Putts: Walter Baechli, Alan Ewing
Binns top of the tree
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, Dec. 22, The Emerald - Stableford
We headed south out of Pattaya towards Emerald and fortunately we had
the cognoscenti with us for we were able to take this left at the road going to
the Big Buddha Mountain, then turn left-right and head towards Ban Chang and
then back onto Sukhumvit, thereby cutting some 10 or 20km from our trip. But our
guides thought I was swearing at them in Italian, and I tried to reassure them
that cognoscenti was complimentary, so they simmered down and I was allowed to
continue without being battered like Berlusconi.
 Tuesday’s
top four: Richard Kubicki, Daryl Evans, John Binns and Dick Warberg.
We got to the famous Emerald course and it was green and lovely and crowded with
vacationing golfers and those waiting for the watering holes in Ban Chang to
open.
It was a fine day and in the afternoon, it clouded over and there was a nice
breeze, which really made the play pleasant. The real highlight of the day was
the return to Pattaya of Kevin Dunn, who is one of our regulars when he is in
town. Kevin was looking very trim indeed and must have lost a stone or two and
his gait now reminds one more of a proud racehorse than the lame camel as of
yore.
Kevin was able to limp into fifth place in his flight, our captain, on the other
hand, was in a frightful mood, cursing everybody, especially me. Then Mashi got
all worked up over a minor rule violation as he saw his chances of ‘Golfer of
the Month’ slipping away. Maybe it was just that the approach of Christmas was
making everybody tense and nervous, until they found out what Santa was going to
bring them!
A Flight (0-16)
1st John Binns 36pts
2nd Richard Kubicki 34pts
3rd Koji Yamada 34 pts
4th Rob Brown 33pts
5th Kevin Dunn 32pts
B Flight (17 & up)
1st Daryl Evans 33pts
2nd Dick Warberg 31pts
3rd Frank Pilkington 30pts
4th Thomas Cotton 30pts
5th Jack Robertson 30pts
Near Pins: Rob Brown, Koji-san, Kevin Dunn and Dick Warberg.
Long Putts: Kevin Dunn, Frank Pilkington
Colourful times at Khao Kheow
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Robert Newell
Monday, Dec. 21, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Brad Sproxton (10) 40pts
2nd Alan Thomas (8) 39pts
3rd Dave Mather (11) 39pts
4th Dale Shier (13) 38pts
Christmas week and the start sheets were filling up nicely, there was a
party atmosphere all around and our first fixture with the new, later
start time, worked a treat. No apparent hold ups, although it did look a
bit dodgy at the start, until another group were ferried out to the 10th
tee.
Scoring was good today, with the white tees in some better positions
than of late. There were comments from one or two that Green Valley is
too easy, particularly from the whites, I don’t necessarily subscribe to
those thoughts and I’m sure that most of the guys don’t either. Yes, it
is short in comparison to some we play, but, in my opinion, it is simply
the familiarity that helps players score well. After all, you should
always score better around your home course than elsewhere and that’s
what Green Valley is to most of us.
Although we didn’t know so at the start, we were graced today by the
presence of a current senior pro from the Australian and Asia tours, a
very nice man by the name of David Hutchison. If I had known beforehand
it may have influenced my choice of what group he played in. As it
turned out everything went well.
David said he found the tips he received on the way round from
‘wireless’ Wilkinson very useful and he was heading out to the range to
try them out! Not true, of course, and I do apologise now for the
reports for the next few weeks while ‘wireless’ is here. He will be
mentioned frequently but I can’t help it, he provides just so much
ammunition guys!
We had a plethora of both new and old faces joining us today and it’s
always great to see familiar people back but, its just as much fun to
see the brand new guys show up, who we hope will then go on to be
regulars. These included David, of course, then the ‘gee gee’ himself,
Gareth Gill. How soon before he’s in the winners enclosure? Gabriel
‘duelling banjos’ Enright, he’s back from Korea. Dave Mather, Claus Birk
Thomsen and Kevin ‘shrek’ Hamilton are all back and new boy Kevin ‘kiss
me’ Hardy, a recent import from Leicester (that’s in England by the
way).
The man who cant stop scoring, Dale ‘e bay’ Shier grabbed 4th today with
another impressive 38 points, with, one point ahead on 39, Alan Thomas
and Dave ‘nocturnal’ Mather. Alan nicked it on the back 9 by a point
from the ‘man of the night’ Dave.
Now for the winner and this really is spooky. Every time Brad the
Mountie goes to see Richard ‘sensay’ Livingstone for a lesson, the next
day he shoots the lights out and romps home the winner, as shown by his
40 point haul. Now this is the really clever part, Richard only gives
away enough for Brad to play well for one or two games, so he has to go
back and see him again and again. Brilliant!
Wednesday, Dec. 23, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Justin Fowlis (14) 39pts
2nd Anthony Morris (23) 37pts
3rd Bob Newell (6) 35pts
With ‘wireless’ not playing today I thought I might struggle to find a
suitable topic to start with but I needn’t have worried. The arrival of
the ‘catalogue man’ and the ‘man from Del Monte’ soon put paid to that.
When asked, recently, how his game was going Mick said that he was on
fire and, from a distance, it actually looked like he was! I didn’t know
if it was Tango and Cash or a couple of escapees from Guantanamo! Even
the battle-hardened, seen-it-all-before caddies were stopped in their
tracks. Subtle? About as much as a house brick.
We had barely recovered from this when, looking like a million Turkish
Lira, in walked Peter Hynard. The only man known to make the Beverly
Hillbillies look sophisticated. To plagiarise a great comedy line, ‘if
Versace were alive today he’d be turning in his grave’.
And so to the golf. Yet again this course offered a challenge and
setting that’s hard to beat. There are some scrubby-type lies in patches
on some of the fairways but, all in all, it’s a cracker. If you could
consistently knock it round here around your handicap then I’d suggest
you’re off the wrong one.
As is pretty much the norm here, three-quarters of today’s field bought
in scores in the twenties and I’m guessing that most of the problems
came on the greens. Not that there was anything wrong with them, quite
the reverse, in fact, the ball went exactly where you hit it. It’s just
that they play so much quicker than most of the courses we play on and
when they are that quick and true they take every bit of break there is.
Outside of the 3 places, only 2 other players managed to score in the
thirties. Mark Wood with 30 and Dale Shier with 32. I’d like to report
that his partner in crime, Mick Beresford, was up there too but I’m
afraid I can’t. With a short game today worse than Stevie Wonder it was
never going to happen!
After a couple of minor swing changes and a much bigger attitude change,
a little bit of confidence is creeping back into yours truly’s fragile
game and a decent return of 35 points and 3rd place was welcome.
Apparently, at times, I have been known to have a little bit of a temper
but I can categorically state, on record, that I am a changed man!
Up in second with 37 was Anthony Morris. This was a particularly good
score as this course has been known to beat up the higher handicappers.
In the top spot today and playing one of his rare games with us was
Justin Fowlis. He must love it here; he was a runaway winner on one of
his last games here on his previous trip. Justin has, apparently,
stalled a bit of late after taking big chunks of his handicap in a
relatively short time. His 39 points was a great knock in anybodies
book, let’s hope that this helps kick start him back on his quest for
single figures.
Friday, Dec. 25, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tim Wilkinson (6) 43pts
B Flight
1st Kevin Moraghan (12) 41pts
Near Pins: Tim Wilkinson, JJ Wright
Christmas Day - I was so excited the previous night I could hardly sleep
and then I realized, I’m not 10 anymore! Something happened. I woke up
and I was fifty bloody four! If I want that new bike, then I suppose
I’ll have to go and buy it myself. I bet that’s made a few people think
there, eh?
We decided to get in the Xmas spirit and have a bit of fun today. Red
was the colour of the day and all golfers were asked to have part of
their attire in that colour. Next we cancelled the normal competition
fee in favour of each player bringing a wrapped gift, so that each
participant took home a prize. Before someone says it, yes, it was the
only way I could guarantee I’d get a present this year!
Along with this there were some other little bits and pieces, with the
Golf Club throwing in a few prizes and the ‘catalogue man’ and Mick
Beresford sponsoring the near pin prizes.
It was a great turn out, with the party atmosphere under way early and
continuing through the night. The golf was great too: out of 35 players,
19 were 11 handicap or less, with 13 single figure players. I don’t know
of many societies in town that can boast that standard of golfers. In
fact one group today, Sonny Crawford, Tim Wilkinson, Jack Spencer and
Brad Sproxton had an astonishing 17 birdies between them, that’s amazing
golf!
There were so many good scores today its difficult to highlight them
all, 39’s and 40’s all over the place. Sonny, Dave Mather and Kevin
Moraghan deserve a mention for their excellent scores but the stand-out
player today, with a gross 71 and 6 birdies, was Tim Wilkinson. Great
knock, well played.
Back at the Golf Club for the presentation it was a little bit of
organized chaos. The place was mobbed. Turkey dinners and presents all
around but we managed to pull it off. It was great to see everyone
entering into the spirit of the day and, besides the usual offerings of
golf balls, gloves, wines and spirits, there were a couple of
interesting ‘gentlemens’ prizes. Enjoy yourselves guys!
It was a great success, thanks to everyone for taking part.
Paddy makes a comeback at Hill & Mountain
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Dec. 22, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Tuesday saw a welcome back to Paddy Devereux after a short
sojourn working in Singapore, to find we were off up the 331 to tackle
Treasure Hill, one of the most feared (by many) courses in the area. The
course was in very good condition, with the greens running smooth, fast and
true, if only the putting stroke matched.
 Tony
W., Paul Ainsworth and Paddy Devereux.
Paul Ainsworth (14) was the leader after 18 holes, with a relatively low
score of only 30 points, however at Treasure Hill that is near acceptable,
and with the field gathered today, was good enough for the win. In second
spot and just edging Paddy (22) into third on a count back was Jeff Wiley
(5), both players recording 29 points but Jeff winning the count back with
15 on the back nine.
The technical prizes were shared amongst Tony W, Paddy & Jeff, however none
of these were able to be converted for a birdie.
It was good to see another Chetland family member, Jack, joining us for only
his second full round of golf, while Alex, without navigator Ray, was able
to find his way straight to the course. Ray was a bit banged up following a
tussle with a motorbike; hope to see him back on the course soon.
Thursday, Dec. 24, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Thursday was going to be another test, this time at Khao Kheow, where we
played the B & C layouts. The course was also in fine condition with the
greens running smooth and true. I was told later that the A course greens
are markedly faster than either B or C, so they would prove an even greater
test, maybe next time we can get on A.
Paul Ainsworth was unable to carry over his Tuesday form, and although
starting strongly he faltered as the day progressed. However Jeff Wiley was
able to convert some of his putts today, scoring 39 points to lead the field
home. Paddy Devereux played some good golf (especially on the back 9) to
record a solid 36 points for second place, while Ken Hole (15) scored 34
points, after a slow start, to round off the podium placings.
The Near Pin prizes were picked up by Paddy, Ken, Paul A, & Nobby, but alas
their putting came up shy, so no 2’s for them.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday (we
sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday). Presentations are made at
the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday
presentation. For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094
1841 or Ray 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!
Parker & Smith take Christmas Day scramble
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
|
Geoff Parker. |
Paul Smith. |
Monday, Dec. 21, Pleasant Valley -
Stableford
Pleasant Valley is getting better all the time, especially with
the clubhouse now open and with the green fees and caddy fees quite low (for
high season), so we had another good turn out. The cut was set low at
handicap 13 and with the players getting more familiar with the layout of
the course the scores are getting better all the time.
Paul Smith had a good round and won the A Flight with 37 points; Kevin Dunne
took second place and Eddy Graham beat Tony Scambler on a count back to take
the third place.
Mike Corner’s also showing some good form this month as he took the B Flight
with the same number of points as Paul and he was followed by Geoff Parker
and Jack Robertson.
A Flight
1st Paul Smith (4) 37pts
2nd Kevin Dunne (11) 33pts
3rd Eddy Graham (7) 31pts
B Flight
1st Mike Corner (20) 37pts
2nd Geoff Parker (16) 33pts
3rd Jack Robertson (21) 30pts
Near Pins: Gerry Cooney, Tony Scambler, Eddie Martin and ‘Skinny’
Newton.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, Royal Lakeside - Medal
Bit of a bargain going on at Royal Lakeside during this high
season so the golfers headed north to take advantage of the cheap prices on
offer. It’s always a pleasure to play this lovely course and today was no
exception.
Playing a Medal round, and with the cut set at handicap 16, there were some
good scores today helped by the course being in superb condition. Colin
Greig won the A Flight with a 3 under par round closely followed by Alan
Sullivan a shot behind and Tony Scambler beat Mashi on a count back to take
third place with a level par round.
Dave Keats won the B Flight, also having a 3 under par round which could
have been much better if he hadn’t shot two 6’s and a 5 on three of the par
three holes! Steve Brighton had a steady round to take runner up spot one
under and PJ Redmond was surprised to find himself in third place with a net
74.
A Flight
1st Colin Greig (13) net 69
2nd Alan Sullivan (13) net 70
3rd Tony Scambler (8) net 72
B Flight
1st Dave Keats (25) net 69
2nd Steve Brighton (26) net 71
3rd PJ Redmond (18) net 74
Near Pins: Alan Freeman, Hugh O’Donnell, Tony Berry and PJ.
Friday, Dec. 25, Mountain Shadow – 2-Man Scramble
After breakfast in the bar, the Bunker Boy’s set off for Mountain
Shadow for a Christmas Day fun game of golf. Playing a 2 man scramble
(Stableford) there were some interesting pairs coming out of the hat.
Paul Smith and Geoff Parker were pleased to be drawn together and their 44
points reflected how well they gelled together and it was enough to win them
the money. Alan Evans and Ronny Hall came in as runners up only one point
behind and Tony Berry carried Rod Stevens around 18 holes and collected
third prize.
1st Geoff Parker & Paul Smith (5) 44pts
2nd Alan Evans & Ronny Hall (8) 43pts
3rd Tony Berry & Rod Stevens (8) 39pts
Near Pins: Paul Smith (2), Geoff Parker and Koji Yamada.
Birdie Boys take out charity golf tourney
The victorious Birdie Boys team
receive their trophies from Gordon of the Golf Apartments and Sports Lounge
(far left).
The Golf Apartments 4-man Texas scramble charity golf
tournament was held at Pattana golf course on December 17, with the proceeds
from the event being pledged to the Mercy Centre in Pattaya.
No strangers to the winners circle, The Birdie Boys of Russell Exley, Chris
Voller, Michael Adersson, and Michael Dige were once more too strong for
their rivals and finished at the top of the podium with a creditable net
56.9 total.
Second place went to the Café Kronborg team of Yens, Freddie, Egon, and
Suchat with a net 58, in third place came the Safe Haven team comprised of
Fred Chadwick, Tony Barrett, Aron Griffiths, and Alan Pilkington on net
59.1, and completing the podium in fourth place were the Caddyshack team of
Jeff North, Graham Beaumont, Brain Orr and Richard Steadman who returned a
net 62.5.
After some splendid rounds of golf the players retired to the venue of the
tournament hosts, the Golf Apartments and Sports Lounge on Pattaya 3rd Road,
for the presentations and a great buffet.
A total of 16,000 baht was raised from this event for the Mercy Centre and
will be used to buy food and provisions for the kids at the facility.
The Golf Apartments would like to thank all the golfers who participated in
the tournament and also the main sponsors, namely Anna Jet Bar, Lolitas Bar,
Bee Bar and Sweet Dreams Bar. Thanks also goes to all the local businesses
who participated in sponsoring the event: Golf 4 U, The Golf Shop, Siam
Driving Range, San Miguel, Bliss Lounge, Tim’s Bar, Murphy’s Law Bar, Boxing
Roo Bar, Sexy A-gogo, Champagne A-gogo, Secrets Bar, Queen Vic (Soi Honey),
Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant, and Nick the Pizza. Appreciation also goes to
some personal sponsors, Brian Habberfield and Mike of Armageddon Bar.
The Café Kronborg team finished
second with a net 58.
If it’s Sunday it must be Emiel
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Rayong Country Club
on Sunday, December 20 to play another weekend stableford competition on the
course which is making great strides in presentation, and they found the
greens better than for years in the run-up to a major TPGA event at the end
of the week.
With the current large fields again in evidence the two flights were divided
at seventeen and under and the improvements in the course conditions had an
obvious effect with some excellent scores returned.
Third place in the second flight was shared by Dave Cadwallader, Fredy Braun
and Markku Tynell, all with 33 points, one behind Mr Len’s 34. The flight
winner was Austrian golfer Robert Mom and his score of 36 points represented
his best effort so far with the PGS.
In a quality top flight Marc Jensen was third with 37 points after another
assault on breaking gross eighty narrowly failed whilst Simon Kendall
returned from England with a fine score of 38 points for runner-up place.
But it was Sunday after all and no-one overlooked the “bookies’ weekend
favourite” Emiel Van de Wiele as, yet again, he took the course by the
scruff of the neck wringing out another forty point score from his favourite
track. He freely admits that playing at Rayong every weekend has been
largely responsible for the six point reduction in his handicap since the
PGS’s first visit in September.
Jack Robertson secured the day’s only birdie ‘2’ and the Booby Bevy went to
Chris Walsh. Roll-on next week, will the habit be broken at Rayong C.C.?
Klassic Kendall at Lakeside
By way of a change and responding to an excellent rate, the
Pattaya Golf Society visited distant Royal Lakeside golf club on Tuesday,
December 22, to play its monthly medal round on the always excellently
prepared course. As usual the group received a warm welcome and an empty
midweek course made the day’s proceedings go well, after a wayward Gallic
driver had eventually found his way to the course, calling in at Bangpakong
en-route!
The field was divided into two flights at fourteen and under and scores were
good as expected. In the tightly contested second flight Harry Cowling took
third place with net 73, whilst Margaret Wilkinson held down second place
with one shot better. The flight winner was Chris Walsh, his net 71
representing his best return for a while.
In the top flight Paul McNally’s gross 74 was the highlight of the day but
it was not good enough to elevate him to the prize list. Mark Cooper and
Fred Land both returned net 69 for a share of second place but were eclipsed
by the form of Simon Kendall whose round of net 66 was testimony to the
ball-striking of the amiable English golfer.
David Thomas and Mark Cooper shared the ‘2’s pot for their efforts on the
sixth and fifteenth holes respectively. The Booby Bevy went to Jean Morel
after his adventures on the short par-three fifteenth saw four balls in the
water, one in a bunker and a further few putts give him an eleven on the
short hole. Maybe he should have stayed at Bangpakong instead!
Pattaya golfers tend to overlook Royal Lakeside but at only fifteen minutes
further away than Greenwood its quality and “vfm” is very rewarding and the
golf is hassle-free, even in high season. We shall certainly be back soon.
The Boss’s Christmas Cracker
The Pattaya Golf Society members chose Green Valley as the venue
for the Christmas Eve competition and a large group turned out to mark the
event. The course was well presented and the field was divided into two
flights at fifteen and under.
Division one saw the debut of new IPGC member Miles Angell, a sixteen year
old of immense potential, bearing a golf demeanour truly beyond his years
and his gross 77 was but one highlight of a fascinating day.
In a tense top flight Wichai Tananusorn, Harry Riley and Paul McNally shared
second place with 36 points each, the latter coming up with the best gross
of the day, 76. One point to the better was Japanese golfer Koji Yamada who
added another sub-par round to his recent CV with his winning score of 37
points.
The second flight held the surprises as Harry Cowling again made the podium
with a third placed 35 point score whilst Margaret Wilkinson came up with
another scorcher with 40 points from her round. Sadly for Margaret it was
good enough only for second place as behind her Mr Len produced his finest
round since early January to win with 41 points, his best effort in ten
years as a member at Green Valley.
Dave Stockman and Mikael Andersson shared the top flight ‘2’s pot whilst
Dave Wilkinson added to the family fortunes with the sole birdie ‘2’ in the
second flight. Dave Cadwallader received the Booby Bevy for his poor scoring
round.
At the presentation back in Soi Buakhao Mr Len thanked the golfers for their
unstinting support all year and extended his seasonal greetings to all
golfers enjoying days such as this one at Green Valley.
The 10th PGS Annual Team Challenge
Pattaya’s golfers are reminded that the 10th PGS Annual Team
Challenge goes ahead at Greenwood golf course on Tuesday, January 12. The
start time is 9 a.m. from the 1st and 10th tees and the format is teams of
4, best 3 individual stableford scores to count and full handicaps apply.
The cost to enter is 1,500 baht per player and includes Green Fee & Caddy
Fee, prizes and free presentation buffet at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar, Soi
Buakhao.
Sign up forms are available from Rabbi’s Elephant Bar, the Haven, Jomtien
Golf (Siam Cats, Soi 5). Entries, in teams of four players, to be returned
to Len Jones or Rabbi at the Elephant Bar on Soi Buakhao by 6 p.m., Sunday,
10th January, 2010. Entry Fees must be paid with entry form.
Riley rules with double win
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Dec. 21, Green Valley –
Stableford
As it was Christmas there were only two games last week, and with
over 32 in the men’s competition on Monday there were three divisions plus
of course the separate ladies competition.
All of our groups were given a start time off the 10th tee and there are a
few ponderings about how this would work out at this time of the year.
However, as the leading group reached the par five 1st hole there was no one
waiting so a smooth round was enjoyed by all. Well done Green Valley.
In division 1 the handicap cut was 5-17 and in form Harry Riley won it with
39 points. Two players tied for second place with 37 points but Mr. Kermit
beats Simon Kendall on a back nine count back of 19/17.
William Chang’s 41 points topped division 2 with Rudi Schafer in second
place three points behind and in third was Tony Duthie on 36 points.
In the third division and winning by 10 points was Matty Swire, second with
28 was Bernd Floethner, and Richard Palmer took third on 26 points.
Miss Nang won the Ladies contest with 39 points and Miss Sang finished three
points behind in second place.
Three ‘2’s came from Ya Riley Terry Cowell and Matty Swire and the near pins
were won by: Simon Kendall, Ya Riley (x2) and John Williams (Div. 1) and
William Chang (x2), Bernd Floethner and Matty Swire (Div. 2).
Wednesday, Dec. 23, Eastern Star – Stableford
Back to two divisions today for the men and after Monday’s
impressive score Harry Riley continued to improve his game, winning division
1 with 38 points. Count back Burnie came in second two points behind and
Simon Kendall, playing off 9, was third with 35 points.
As we were playing on a Wednesday here instead of our normal Friday slot,
there were a few players who had not returned since the refurbishment to the
greens had finished and they were impressed with the standard of the course
in general.
Barry Rawlinson won division 2 with 37 points while Jim Lane beat Willy Van
Heetveld into second place on a 16/15 back nine count back after they both
scored 33 points.
Three ladies fought for first place in the female competition, all with 33
points so a count back ensued that saw Miss Nang win with a back nine of 18
over Faa Dollak in second (16) and May Mitchell in third (12).
Peter Seward birdied the 17th and with two rollovers he was a happy man.
There are no winners in division 2 with four rollovers.
Gandley has day to
remember at Khao Kheow
PSC Soi Khao Noi Golf Group
Tuesday, Dec. 22, Plutaluang S&E (White
Tees) - Stableford
Twenty two of us took up the 500 baht voucher offer now available
to play Navy before participating in the group’s Xmas dinner and A.G.P.U. at
La Piscine.
Neil Duncan made the best of the B Division with 36 points despite a crash
and burn back nine of only 13 points. Willy Nachbur, Rob Gandley and Curt
Svelyn were 2nd, 3rd and 4th with 35, 34 and 33 points respectively.
 Thursday
winner Rob Gandley (left) and runner up David Clamp.
Nick Hurn led the A Division with a commendable 37 points, past skipper
visiting from Korat, David Gardner was 2nd, John Roddis 3rd and Roger Kidd
4th all with 34 points, the places being decided by a count-back.
John Roddis, Cliff Saveall and Rusty Archibald had near pin bonuses with
South 7 proving too tough for all 22 players. Nick Hurn sunk the longest
first putt on the 18th green.
The group then repaired to La Piscine where we had an excellent meal washed
down with wine and beer provided by and extinguishing the group’s kitty.
Thursday, Dec. 24, Khao Kheow -
(Yellow Tees) - Stableford
Now that this course has got its format and price sorted out it
becomes bookable again. Rob Gandley made a feast of the day coming first
with 38 points and claiming two near pin bonuses and the longest first putt
on the 18th green besides. David Clamp, Jeff Richards, Brian Mitchell and
Denis Dunkley were 2nd to 4th in descending order. Jeff Richards and Roddo
had the other two near pin bonuses. The average return was a very severe
26.7 points underlining what a tough course Khao Kheow is.
Aka O’Reilly had an out-of-body experience of sorts this day. He somehow
ripped a large chunk out of his pro VIx on exiting a bunker revealing that
this type of ball has a pink interior. Interesting! Granted a replacement
ball he promptly four putted. Amen.
After his playing partners had putted out, Aka decided to get rid of his
battered ball, teed up, and blasted a drive way out into a tapioca field as
a form of anger management for taking five from the edge. His playing
partners swear it was the best hit any of them have ever seen Aka make. The
ball went for miles and miles. When it was Aka’s turn to tee off on the next
hole he rummaged around in his baggy pants and placed a ball with a gaping
pink wound onto his tee peg. Ha! Ha! Ha!
Note: Any golfers desiring to know about the group’s format please
phone Neil on 089 511 0575.
Dale leads down the valley
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, Dec. 20, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ian Grout (5) 39pts
2nd Jim Munns (11) 39pts
3rd Pat Reagan (11) 37pts
B Flight
1st Dale Shier (14) 42pts
2nd Yui Bietry (16) 36pts
3rd Kathy Doody (18) 36pts
C Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (19) 41pts
2nd Geoff Doody (21) 38pts
3rd Pat Cullony (21) 36pts
Near Pins: No 2 Martin Solberg, No 9 John Deardon, No12 Eddy Beilby,
No16 Eddy Beilby.
Green Valley is typically set up in a forgiving configuration for our weekly
Sunday outings, that is forward tees, but even that cannot dampen the
quality of Dale Shier’s excellent 42 points to win man of the match and B
Flight glory. Dale had been playing at or just around the standard scratch
score (the CONGU equivalent of USA’s course rating) for the past few games
and has clearly, and finally moved his game to a level more commensurate
with his age and physical condition. We will see how he manages with the
forthcoming cut.
 Sunday’s
winners: Ian Grout, Dale Shier and Eddy Beilby.
Dale’s fine effort made also-rans of Eddy ‘The Eagle’ and ‘Gizza fag’ Grout
despite their creditable 41 and 39 points on the day. Three golfers tied on
36 points in B Flight for the minor places, losing out was Doug Campbell,
while Yui Bietry’s backside was preferred to Kathy’s for second place,
leaving Kathy with the final spot.
Second to Eddie in C Flight was Geoff Doody who went one better than his
other half Kathy. Irishman Pat Cullony took third to fill the flight
Second in A Flight saw ‘Capt fogg’ end a lean spell to take the runner up
spot. The Co. Dublin man Pat Reagan needed the help of a count back to edge
Pat Hanafin for third.
Monday, Dec. 21, Crystal Bay - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pen Caruthers (12) 36pts
2nd Max Hedenbergh (4) 35pts
B Flight
1st Angus Mullen (24) 38pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (16) 37pts
We have been playing Crystal Bay quite a lot as of late, maybe that’s
because it is such a challenging course, or maybe it’s because the golf
manager is a member. Anyhow, it suited Irelands’ Angus Mullen (I guess he is
Irish, the only other Mullen I know certainly is.) Angus posted the day’s
best score of 38 points for man of the match and B Flight honors. The
Magician played very well but came up one shot short.
Scotland’s Pen Caruthers carded a solid even par round to take the senior
flight, Max Hedenbergh and Takeshi Hazozaki San were both a shot back with
Max taking second place on the resulting count back.
Max Hedenbergh, Jimmy Day, Peter Hedenbergh and Andrew Lindquist shared the
‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, St Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pat Hanafin (11) 38pts
2nd John Feehan (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st Lou Zigzag 38pts
2nd Jum Karagit (22) 37pts
Thirty-eight points was the order of the day if you wanted to win your
flight. In an all Irish battle in the upper flight, Co. Cork’s Pat Hanafin
did just that to his playing pal, Co. Tipperary man John Feehan by two clear
points.
Aussie Lou Zigzag did the same but by one shot less margin in the lower
flight to push ‘Miss Jomtien’ Jum Karagit into second
John Feehan, Gavin Culloty, Terry Mangan and Seamus Cotter shared the ‘2’s
pot
Friday, Dec. 24, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (16) 33pts
2nd Peter Hynard (18) 33pts
B Flight
1st Kurt-Eric Persson (21) 36pts
2nd Phomppimon Seesa (36) 36pts
Christmas Eve and a trip to the Emerald was cherished by some, but not easy
to concentrate I find, as you can tell by the scores in the big boy’s
flight. A little magic was needed and supplied by Pierre ‘The Magician’ with
a count back victory 18/17 over the unlucky Paul Robinson with 33 points,
who had two costly no scores on the 8th and 12th holes.
The scores were a little better in the minor flight: Kurt-Eric Persson
winning a count back decision over Phomppimon Seesa, both carding even par
rounds. Phomppimon also had two no scores on the 5th and 6th holes.
The Magician posted the only ‘2’ of the day, ‘Just like that’.
To finish the week some of the lads went to Banchang Atheist church for the
Christmas Service.
The Lou-inskis snowball remains unclaimed, and now stands at around 14.000
baht.
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 Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is
provided.
Short & Sweet
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Saturday’s winners (L-R):
Brendan Moore,
Tewin Lamthong, Akira Kodama and Hisaki Sahashi.
Barry Hooper
A Happy Christmas to all my readers and a prosperous New Year to you
all from the TRGG. May you all have better luck with your golf in 2010.
This is my final report of the year, my it has gone quick, but perhaps that
is a sign of old age creeping in. I do hope that I have kept you informed
and a little entertained during 2009. Sorry I am forced to keep this report
short and sweet as the deadline of the New Year publications is a little
tight, so straight into the week’s reports.
Monday, Dec. 21, Eastern Star - Stableford
1st George Robinson (12) 41pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 39pts
3rd Alun Webber (22) 37pts
4th Brendan Moore (12) 37pts
The first outing of the week was a visit to Eastern Star on Monday, the
second trip here in as many weeks. The course was as usual in good shape and
attained a very good attendance.
Top on the day was George Robinson with a great forty-one pointer, with the
boss himself Fergus just the two back in second at thirty-nine. It was two
more back to third for Alun Webber after winning the count back over Brendan
Moore, both at thirty-seven with Alan having two more on the back nine.
Two 2’s came from George Robinson and Chris Partridge.
Tuesday, Dec. 22, Greenwood A&B - Stableford
1st Bruce Kusyk (12) 37pts
2nd Michael Prideaux (12) 36pts
3rd Jon Lay (9) 35pts
4th Neill Allison (18) 34pts
Tuesday had us visit Crystal Bay and a good attendance so one big division.
Bruce Kusyk was top dog on the day with thirty-seven points, just the one up
on Michael Prideaux (boy these names are getting hard to spell these days)
who had thirty-six and just the one back in third was the equipment abuser
himself Jon Lay at thirty five (how many clubs he has destroyed of late?).
Guess who had the only two on the day? Right first time, Jon Lay.
Thursday, Dec. 24, Phoenix - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Rodney Hayes (10) 39pts
2nd Niall Cronin (12) 37pts
3rd Graham Hurdon (7) 35pts
Div. 2
1st Trevor Thorley (16) 36pts
2nd Michael Brett (15) 36pts
3rd Billy Ostle (17) 35pts
Div. 3
1st Alun Webber (21) 35pts
2nd Roger Mitchell (22) 32pts
3rd Alan Evans (22) 32pts
Another visit to our regular venue of Phoenix on Thursday and an enormous
turnout of players for Christmas Eve: players really like this course so
three full divisions.
Division 3 saw another win for Alun Webber, his second in two weeks at this
course, this time with thirty-five points and a full three up on Roger
Mitchell. In third was Alan Evans after a count back, also at thirty-two.
The second division saw a win for Trevor Thorley on count back over Michael
Brett. Third place went to Billy Ostle at thirty-five.
Rodney Hayes took Division 1 plaudits with thirty-nine points, two up on
second placed Niall Cronin. Another two further back was Graham Hurdon in
third.
The ‘2’s pot was split five ways by Joe Kowalczyk, Keith Hindmarsh, Rodney
Hayes, Lee Duncliffe and Brendan Moore.
Saturday, Dec. 26, Khao Kheow A&B – Stableford
1st Tewin Lamthong (13) 36pts
2nd Akira Kodama (5) 33pts
3rd Brendan Moore (12) 32pts
4th Mike Sanders (5) 32pts
5th John Franklin (12) 32pts
6th Hisaki Sahashi (0) 32pts
7th George Robinson (11) 31pts
Saturday saw our fourth weekend visit in a row to Khao Kheow. We had great
participation for Boxing Day but only one division because the split in the
handicaps would not work out evenly, so places were given down to seventh.
It played tough, as this course can only do, and the scores reflected this.
Seventh place went to George Robinson with his thirty-one points after being
top of a count back pile of four players. It was the same for sixth to
third; count back thirty-two’s with calculation right down to the last three
holes.
In sixth was a scratch player from Japan, Hisaki Sahashi, who joined us for
the first time as one of two guests of Guy Fraser one of our regulars. John
Franklin came fifth, Mike Sanders fourth and Brendan Moore took third.
Just the one up on this group was fellow Japanese player to Hisaki, Akira
Kodama, who plays off five with his thirty-three points. But top of the pile
on the day was Tewin Lamthong with her thirty-six points. What a great
Christmas present for her.
No ‘2’s today so a bell ring took place for all who returned for the
presentation.
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.
Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson
I recently played in a match in beautiful Chiang Dao,
north of Chiang Mai. We had quite a number of interesting hands. See if
you can make 5H, with South dealing, E-W vulnerable, and this very
competitive bidding:
East South West North
1H 2D 4H
4S 5H Dbl All pass
The full deal is shown below:
S: KQ2
H: KJ983
D: 4
C:
9862
S:
875 S: AJ1096
H:
10 H: 62
D: KQ1072 D:
A5
C: KQJ10
C: 7543
S: 43
H: AQ754
D: J9863
C:
A
West leads the king of diamonds, which holds, and
follows it with a spade to dummy’s queen and East’s ace. East switches to a
club, won by South’s ace.
Imagine you are sitting South. What is your plan to make the contract from
here? You have a lot of low cards in both hands to deal with. If you start
by taking out two rounds of trumps, you will go down, because you will be
left with only three trumps in each hand. To set up your hand, you need to
ruff four rounds of diamonds on board, so you will end up losing a diamond
trick. Alternatively, to set up board, you will need to ruff three rounds
of clubs and one round of spades - again you need four trumps. If you try
to set up your hand, you might get over ruffed in diamonds, since the
bidding tells you that East is short. So, you are better off trying to set
up board.
To do this, lead to dummy’s king of spades. Then lead a club from dummy and
ruff it. Now cross back to dummy by ruffing a diamond low - all is well
since East follows. Now ruff another club and lead another diamond. This
time you ruff with the jack and lead dummy’s last club. You ruff this with
the queen and lead a low trump to the ten (you are very pleased to see this
fall!) and king.
Now, you ruff dummy’s last spade with the ace of trumps in hand. Dummy is
left with the two master trumps and takes the last two tricks, for a tricky
doubled contract made. If this was your plan, take 650 points (duplicate
scoring).
However, you should really thank your opponents for a poor defence. An
opening trump lead, followed by East leading another trump when he gets in
with the ace of spades, dooms you. You will not have enough trumps left to
do the cross-ruff. Trump leads often work well when the other side is
sacrificing.
If you have bridge questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please
contact me at: [email protected].
PSC fishing from Bangsaray harbour
Mike Gerrard
The crew on our most recent December outing were predominately from
Bangkok, and being of a much younger age than yours truly they decided they
would like to start out at 06.00 hours. (For the non military types this
means 6 in the morning). This meant rising at 4 a.m., strange really because
when I was their age I was just going home to sleep at that time!
 Richard
with his 15kg queen fish.
Never mind it was a perfect day for being out on the boat. The sea was
reasonably calm and the temperatures just right, so yours truly climbed the
ladder to the upper deck and the sound of the deep throated engine and the
gentle roll of the boat soon had me snoring for the first hour.
With the tides not so favourable for morning fishing we went for the smaller
variety species first for about 3 hours. A nice catch of snapper and grouper
along with a few Pla dang whetted the appetite for bigger things to come.
Then, when the tides turned the skipper moved to the areas where we normally
catch a few big uns. Straight away the small rod set-up bent over double and
with a lot of care and playing for about 15 minutes, yours truly landed a 4
foot shark.
This set off the trend for the day and Michael (yes another one) landed a
nice 1 kilo snapper, just the right size to fill a plate.
Then the big rig screamed and bent over. It was Richard’s turn to have some
fun and about 20 minutes later he hauled up a beautiful 15 Kilo queen fish
(depicted in photo).
And so it went on until about 14.30 hours (gotcha again) 2.30 p.m., when the
boys said, “let’s go and get the fish home to have for dinner.”
I know I have said it before, but now we have one of the best boats in the
area and a very good, hard working skipper the fishing days are becoming a
real treat. (Once you get used to getting up early).
The order of the day is to bring your own food and drink, and plenty of sun
block. The sea air and the sun bouncing back off the water soon starts to
redden even the hardest of skins.
The next scheduled trip is the 2nd January 2010 with just a couple of spaces
left if anyone is interested.
After that it is the 17th January 2010 and then every 1st and 3rd Saturday
of the month. The schedule is as follows: February 6th & 21st and March 6th
and 21st. Thereafter it will be every 3rd Saturday of the month.
The day is from around 7.30 to 8.00 a.m. till about 4 p.m. However trips
other than the scheduled ones can be privately arranged for any duration
from a 12 hour day or night to a full 2 day trip. Prices are displayed on
the website or at the PSC clubhouse, and there are distinctive advantages
for PSC members.
If you are interested please do not hesitate to call me, Mike Gerrard, on
087 091 7565 to book your place. If it is your first time you will need to
pay a deposit of 1,000 baht at the Pattaya Sports Club on 3rd Road, next to
the Pattaya Golf Driving Range.
Tight lines chaps!
Pattaya Sports Club
Bowling League
Some people love bowling as much
as they do Christmas.
Some die hard bowlers showed up on Christmas Day for a fun
bowling day. Some good scores were recorded with Tue Pattae leading the pack
with games of 195, 191 and 189 for a day’s best 575 series. Antero Ronkainen
bowled games of 183, 205 and 180 for a 568 series. La Montgomery had a 210
game and 542 series followed by Joe Ferral with a 541. Ooy Pluemkamon bowled
a 523 and Mai Munsitha came in with an even 500 series.
The regular league bowling will resume on 8 January 2010 and in the meantime
the PSC Bowling players wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
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