|
Stenson stays cool to seal
Royal Trophy victory for Europe
Henrik Stenson showed all his class to prevent the
Royal Trophy being decided by a sudden death play-off as the clash
between Europe and Asia produced one of sport’s classic cliffhangers
last weekend.
 Henrik
Stenson of Sweden tees off on the 3rd hole at the Amata Spring Country
Club course in Chonburi province during the 4th Royal Trophy between
Asia against Europe. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
No-one could have scripted a more dramatic climax than the one fought
out by world number eight Stenson and Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee,
at the end of three days of pulsating golf at the Amata Spring Country
Club in Chonburi.
With Europe leading 8-7, but Thongchai one up on Stenson in the final
match, there was everything still to play for as the players stood on
the final tee.
The crowds of more than 20,000 were held spellbound by the intensity of
the competition, with Stenson recovering from three down to level the
match before Thongchai’s winning birdie on the 17th revived the prospect
of a sudden death shoot-out.
But super Swede Stenson had other ideas. With his Thai opponent out of
position off the tee, Europe’s anchor man pounced. He left himself with
a six-footer for par, while Thongchai was closer to 15 feet away for his
four, after gouging his ball out of the rough and only just finding the
green with a tricky third shot.
Thongchai’s putt was willed towards the hole by the packed Asian
galleries, but it stopped agonizingly short, in the jaws of the hole.
Stenson, who holed the winning putt against the same opponent in the
inaugural Royal Trophy four years ago - as well as achieving that
distinction in his Ryder Cup debut the same year - once more made no
mistake.
That meant he had won the hole, squared the match, and earned the
precious half point that saw Europe edge home by the smallest possible
margin, 8½ - 7½.
European player-captain Colin Montgomerie, a veteran of eight Ryder
Cups, admitted he was as breathless with excitement as any of the
spectators. He commented: “The Asian Captain, Joe Ozaki, and I said at
the start of the week that the competition would be close, and how right
we were. But I didn’t mean for it to be that close! I sent Robert
Karlsson and Alexander Noren to the driving range to warm up for a
play-off when the scores were tied at seven each, because that is the
way it looked like turning out.”
Another spectator enthralled by the incredible finish was the Royal
Trophy’s founder, Seve Ballesteros. He was following closely back home
in Spain, where he is continuing his recovery from brain surgery 14
months ago.
Montgomerie added: “It was nice to get a telephone call from Seve on the
18th green. He rang to congratulate me on the success of the European
Team, and I wished him good health. Let’s hope he can take over next
year when this great Event is held again.
“I just want to say that I feel honored to have captained this Team of
champions. We came here with a very strong team, and it was an
incredible competition. It shows that Seve’s vision is coming to
fruition, and that this competition can only help the game of golf grow,
especially here in Asia.”
Captain Ozaki admitted he could not have asked for any more from his
players. They gave the powerful European team a massive scare before
relinquishing the trophy they claimed for the first time with a 10-6
triumph last year.
He added: “Overall I was very happy and satisfied with the way my
players played. Before Thongchai hit his putt on the last hole I had
this lovely scenario in mind, where it went in the hole, all the hats
went into the air, and he went back to the 18th tee with Ryo (Ishikawa)
for the play-off. They were the two players we nominated for that.
Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but I was very pleased with the way we
tried to come back from a point behind. We shared the singles against a
very strong European Team, and that should not be forgotten.
“As I mentioned before, it does not happen in any other sport that Asia
comes together to make one team to compete against another continent.
This is a great event, and we were able to prove to the Asian fans
through this Royal Trophy that match play and team golf are so
enjoyable.
“I want to congratulate the European players - but also my own team for
making it such a close match. After each Royal Trophy I watch with
interest to see how the players perform throughout the year, and I am
sure this helps them to play better.
“Will I be back next year? I will wait to see if Seve asks me to come
back.”
(PR Royal Trophy)
Four goal Ndjanna secures another win for Pattaya City
MBMG International League Div 1 & 2
Paul Frain
To keep their momentum going after the holidays, City played and
beat a Banglamung side in a friendly match and it proved to be a
successful ploy to keep the players on their toes for when City met the
French side Les Gaulois in the league last weekend.
With both sides battling for the midfield and with City slowly getting
the upper hand, a good combination between Earnest Dipita and Pierre
Ndjanna ended with the latter just failing to open the scoring with a
delicate chip. The French keeper had to make another good save soon
after, diving at the same City’s forward’s feet, but Les Gaulois should
have gone ahead themselves when their forward shot high and wide with
only the City keeper to beat.
The French team was quick on the break but City made them pay for their
earlier misses when a low shot by Peter Ndjanna found the net and the
same player scored again soon after to make it 2-0 to City.
Another breakaway by the French brought a good save by City’s keeper who
then gave the ball to Patrice Love who ran down the right wing before
crossing to Mark Brittain who tapped in for number three. City were
playing enterprising football and went even further ahead when Brittain
scored his second and City’s fourth following a simple but devastating
passing move.
The scoring wasn’t over yet for City and Earnest Dipta made it five nil
at the break.
The French came out fighting at the start of the second half and put
heavy pressure on City’s defence, but it was City who scored the next
goal when Pierre Ndjanna scrambled the ball home to make it 6-0. Les
Gaulois continued to press forward however and scored two good goals but
Ndjanna capped a great day for City by scoring his fourth and City’s
seventh to make the final score 7-2 and keep the Pattaya team at the top
of the division.
Lee Homer’s hat trick all in vain
FC Pattaya learned before the start of their match that the
top two teams in their division had drawn in the earlier kick off, so a
win against Samitivei Hospital would give them a big chance of catching
up.
FC got the perfect start when forward Bjorn Ellington was brought down
in the first minute and Lee Homer converted the penalty to give his side
the lead, but Samitivei responded by hitting FC’s bar and then equalized
when the Pattaya defence couldn’t clear the ball.
The game was end to end and Samitivei took the lead to make it 2-1, but
FC fought back and a shot by Lee Homer struck Giles Garratt before
ending in the opponent’s net and then Lee Homer scored again to make the
half time score 3-2 to FC.
FC hopes of consolidating their lead were soon dashed as Samitivei
scored straight after half time and then turned up a gear; their slick
passing and running brought them three goals in five minutes to make the
score 6-3. FC were awarded another penalty soon after from which Lee
Homer completed his hat trick to make it 6-4, but Samitivei continued to
attack in numbers against a tired defense and scored three more goals
before the final whistle to make it 9-4 at the end of the game.
Wil & Simon win New Year’s Contract Bridge title
The Dutch Bridge Club of Pattaya organized their fifth
annual New Year’s drive on Sunday, January 10 in the Chateau Dale
restaurant, Thappraya Road, Jomtien. Some 68 bridge players participated,
featuring officials of the Contract Bridge League of Thailand and several
different nationalities were represented. The grand prize was a two-night
stay in a luxury suite at the Chao Phya Park Hotel in Bangkok and this was
won by Wil Baudri and Simon de Goede. As is usual, a buffet was laid on for
the players which added to ambience and relaxed atmosphere of another great
event.
 The
New Year’s Bridge drive in full swing at the Chateau Dale restaurant.
The Dutch Bridge Club was started in 2004 by Douwe Bosma and players meet
each week. The numbers have gradually increased over time and at the moment
there are more than 100 players on the books. They are mainly Dutch-speaking
but many people of other nationalities also regularly participate.
Players meet regularly every Thursday and Robber Bridge is played on Sunday
afternoons. During the high season (November to March) the group meets on
Tuesday evenings as well. Each year, both Midsummer and New Year’s
competitive drives are organized.
More details concerning the bridge club can be found on the website of the
Nederlandse Vereniging Pattaya at http://nvtpattaya.org/cms/
J.E. back to winning ways
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Robert Newell
Monday, Jan. 4, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight (0–13)
1st John Emmerson (12) 38pts
2nd Phil Mitchell (6) 37pts
B Flight (14-up)
1st John Warren (20) 40pts
2nd Jeff Calrow (15) 38pts
Due to time constraints, recent and up-coming golf trips and other
commitments, we will have rather truncated reports for a couple of weeks
before returning to our normal efforts. Today was our regular Monday Green
Valley slot and it continues to grow in popularity, so much so that we could
pay out in 2 flights today. I really think that our later tee times are
proving to be widely welcomed.
We had a pretty even split in nationalities between Brits and Americans,
plus a sprinkling of Aussies and, although our days ‘A’ Flight winner was
from over the pond, the rest of the places were taken by the Brits. A good
sign, I feel, just before our big tournament (happening just as you’ll be
reading this).
Generally the scoring was a little improved over recent weeks, with many
players in and around the 33, 34 and 35 point range, then there was a little
pocket of half a dozen guys who bettered their handicap.
Down in ‘B’ Flight, just outside the places, we had the contrasting tale of
two 16 handicappers, one of whom shall remain nameless, and the other big
Kevin Hamilton. We have all enjoyed a bit of fun at Kevin’s expense over the
last 18 months, courtesy of his extremely rash statement regarding what he
was going to do to his handicap, but it does appear now that he is finally
moving in the right direction.
Second in this flight was Jeff Calrow. Jeff is off 15 and desperate to come
down but, in recent times, he has struggled to hold his concentration over
the whole 18 and many promising rounds end up in the average bracket. Today
was better though and a nice solid 38 was well deserved.
Taking the honours, just back from an Xmas break in the UK, was the
Blackpool Tower himself, John Warren. He stroked it round for a best of the
day 40 points. He did remember the PG Tips but where was the Blackpool rock
mate?
Up in ‘A’ flight Phil Mitchell pushed hard with his 37 (with a great inward
nine of 22) but fell one short of the winner, whose rapid rise up the
handicaps meant a win must surely have been coming sooner rather than later.
Even with 2 blobs the ‘flyboy’ Emerson still compiled 38 points and took
first spot.
Friday, Jan 8, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Herb Pastor (21) 30pts
2nd Brian Holden (7) 29pts
My non-participation due to injury means today’s report contains only the
bare facts, although judging by the scores, perhaps I could have played,
even with only one good leg. I know this course can be tough but its hardly
Augusta National lads!
For a number of reasons it was a pretty poor turn out, whilst we have a
large number of guys as members of other courses it seems this can only be
inevitable. However, yet again, it seems no report can be written without
the continual mention of no-shows. It was 5 today, one was a complete
4-ball, so that’s no accident. I know I’m ‘old school’ but no calls or even
a text message shows a complete lack of respect, perhaps its just the times
we live in but good manners cost nothing.
With low scores abounding we had Mike Devalon, Gabriel Enright and Richard
Moore pushing for places, all on 28. Next up and just missing out on count
back was Jay ‘the hair’ Burns. He garnered 29 with a 12 point back 9 despite
making a fantastic eagle 3 on number 5. Jay is a former U.S. College player
so he knows his way around a golf course, maybe the temptations of Pattaya
are dulling his ability a little!
Brian Holden, who himself comes from the same golfing background as Jay,
nicked the second spot from him by virtue of his16 point back 9. Brian, too,
shares his compatriot’s penchant for the local entertainment.
Today’s winner is no stranger to the bright lights and razzmatazz. Herb
Pastor hails from a casino background in Las Vegas: today he spun the wheel,
threw the dice and hit the jackpot with 30 points.
Low scores at Greenwood
PSC golf from The Caddyshack
Damian Trant
Monday, Jan. 4, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Clive Bruce 37pts
2nd Helmut 34pts
3rd Rich Montana 32pts
4th Jeff North 32pts
B Flight
1st Ramsay Smith 36pts
2nd Phil Utting 35pts
3rd Steve Gidan 35pts
4th Danny Medd 31pts
As usual Greenwood was in decent nick with the greens returning to their old
slick style. What was unusual was that this course normally gets murdered with
some great scores posted here in the past. It must have been down to all the
Christmas and New Year celebrations because in general the scores were pretty
poor. Due to the large number of players the field was split into two and the
cut was seventeen.
In A flight Jeff North took fourth place with a very mediocre 32 points, but
after several weeks of wonderful scoring this was well overdue. Rich Montana
also posted 32 points but because of a better back nine snatched third spot.
Second place went to everybody’s favorite German Helmut Hebstreitt with a
respectable 34 points. But well out in front and the only person to play better
than his handicap was Clive Bruce with 37 points.
In B flight the scoring was very average with nobody playing under their
handicap. Danny Medd was very surprised that his poor score of 31 points was
good enough for fourth place. A massive four shots better on 35 points were
Steve Gidan and Phil Utting, with Phil taking second with a better back nine.
The stableford specialist, Ramsey Smith again came out on top with 36 points to
take yet another victory, while still maintaining his ‘Mickey Mouse’ handicap of
nineteen.
Wdnesday, Jan. 6, Pattana - Stableford
A Flight
1st Richard Steadman 36pts
2nd Rich Montana 34pts
3rd Ted Gardner 32pts
B Flight
1st Derek Mower 36pts
2nd Trevor Priesley 35pts
3rd Derek Wilkin 34pts
Friday, Jan. 8, Green Valley – Stableford
After having our weekly time put back one hour to cope with the
yearly visit of our Korean friends, there were quite a few of us that were
expecting a very long day. In the end we were back in the clubhouse at our
normal time; not because the play was quick, but because on the thirteenth hole
the heavens opened and that was that, competition cancelled, day over and
everyone soaked.
The rain seemed to affect the stableford specialist Ramsey Smith more than most.
On returning to his car, he peeled off two hundred baht from his rather large
wad of notes. But instead of giving his caddy the two hundred baht tip, he gave
her the money that was in his other hand (ten thousand nine hundred baht) and
off she went with a very large wad and an even larger smile.
One hour later after searching everywhere for his money the Wally of the week
realized what he’d done. All he had to do now was to find the caddy and after
two days of searching he finally found her and the missing money. He told me
that because of her honesty he gave her a thousand baht, but he is a Scotsman,
so I think it’s more likely that he didn’t even swap back the original two
hundred.
Russell Exley emerges from the shadows
IPGC golf from The Haven
Wednesday, Dec. 30, Pattana B & C - Monthly Medal
Div. 1
1st Russell Exley net 68
2nd Al Keith net 74
3rd Rodney Hayes net 75
Div. 2
1st Dave Thompson net 71
2nd Shuichi Kodaka net 72
3rd Tom McCarthy net 76
With the current green fee prices at Phoenix the monthly medals are
currently “on tour”, and this month’s settled at Pattana where the
white tees over B and C were a fairly good substitute for the usual
blues at 6,600 yards at Phoenix.
Russell Exley returned his best score in singles since February 09
when his handicap started to move in the wrong direction after a
stunning drop to a single figure, so could be the start of another
surge to get to category 1 in the near future? In any event it was
good enough to win the opening competition of the 2010 Gold and
Silver series in the first division by a clear six shots, with Al
Keith making a rare appearance in second spot by a single stroke
from Rodney Hayes.
Dave Thompson took his second divisional win in succession with a
solid one under handicap round that was just enough to leave Shuichi
bemoaning the odd couple of missed putts. Tom McCarthy kept
soldiering on to finish in third place another four shots behind.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Danny Miller slipped in
the only one in the first division to sweep the pool.
Gold & Silver Medals
Div. 1
Gold: Al Keith
Silver: Rodney Hayes
Div. 2
Gold: Shuichi Kodaka
Silver: Rodney Howett
With several qualified winners either unable to play due to absence
abroad or illness, there were still enough contenders to ensure a
proper outcome with each of the divisional qualifiers placed in
competing groups so that all could watch each others progress
without the need for the normal mobile scoring board, which was just
as well as the bus left The Haven without it earlier in the day.
Al Keith was the winner of the coveted first division Gold by a
single stroke ahead of Rodney Hayes after they had swapped positions
constantly throughout the round with Al just getting the edge on the
last green with a magnificent birdie from 25 feet that left Rodney
almost as amazed as when he finished watching the last test series.
Shuichi Kodaka had a much easier path to the Gold in the second
division as his nearest challengers all left their A game back at
home somewhere and only Rod Howett kept the prize in view but even
he still lagged several shots back. However it was just about
alright for the Silver, which was his main objective for the day.
Monday, Jan. 4, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Derek Holt 39pts
2nd Ray Barnes 37pts
3rd Ben Wilkinson 35pts
4th Stuart Thompson 34pts
5th Bob Lamond 33pts
Another Peter Thompson designed course in the area that poses the
player some questions from the tee and then tests the shot to the
green, and is also never easy to score well on unless the tees are
pushed forward. On this day they were not and scoring was therefore
at a premium.
Derek Holt at last made good on all those promises that he has made
just before leaving the bar every night “that the game it is all
just about there, and ready to be unleashed”, as he swept to his
first win for three years by a clear two shots over the steady and
reliable Ray Barnes who tried hard but in the end could not match
the flair of the winner. Ben Wilkinson took third place another two
shots back with Stuart Thompson and Bob Lamond in close attendance.
Stuart Thompson won the roll over 2’s pot in the first division but
there were none in the second division.
Friday, Jan. 8, Pattana A & B - Stableford
1st Martin Grimoldby 39pts
2nd Stuart Thompson 38pts
3rd Russell Exley 37pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka 36pts
5th Alan Pilkington 35pts
6th Alex Sala 35pts
7th Roar Berger 35pts
Martin Grimoldby always shines when a course is playing hard to beat
and once again made the point by the slimmest of margins against
Stuart Thompson, the latter who is just beginning to show signs of
the old form that he had prior to the major surgery to his shoulder.
In the end analysis one shot was sufficient to deny Stuart what
would have been a well merited win as Martin secured his second win
in a fortnight.
Russell Exley again slipped in under par and with the CSS going out
to 73 for the day that ensures another drop in his handicap.
Shuichi Kodaka took fourth place by a shot from Alan Pilkington,
Alex Sala and Roar Berger with the count back going in that order
20, 18, 17.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Martin Grimoldby and
Russell Exley shared the first division pool.
Murphy scrapes home by one
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
We had a great turnout for this first meeting of
“Twenty-Ten” on 6 January. However, as the eighteen players formed up they
found a bus full of visitors from Korea at the first tee. Discretion being
the better part of valor, we all moved to hole number 10 and teed off there.
This worked out well and the course was in good condition with just a few
“wet” spots.
 Tuesday
winner Dale Murphy (right) with second placed Matt Miller.
As the first group finished number 18 and moved to the number one tee box
they found quite a few groups waiting to go. Fortunately the course Marshall
stepped in and managed to integrate our groups with the new groups waiting.
Back at Caddy Shack II the cards were tallied and Dale Murphy came in with a
34 for the win followed by Matt Miller and Dale Drader with 33 points each,
with Matt taking second place on count back. Sus Ige, Bob Benda, Jim Hern
and Joe St. Laurent followed with 32 points apiece.
Herbie Ishinaga again furnished delicious ham slices for sandwiches and
plenty of liquid refreshment was on hand.
Richard Kubicki finds form at last
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, Jan. 4, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
We started off the new year as we finished the old one with
another very good turnout of 34 golfers keen to tackle the challenging
Pleasant Valley course. There were welcomes to Pekka Mustonen from
Finland and Ronnie Rattee once more on R & R from Korea.
 The
Admiral (center) with Monday’s winners, Ted Morris and Andre Van Dyk.
The course was as expected very busy but it was a nice surprise when we
were invited to tee-off twenty minutes earlier than scheduled. The
weather was great, the course in magnificent “nick” and as the scores
indicate, the opportunity to start the year playing good golf was taken
eagerly by several of our golfers.
Marcel was back in our first group and showed us that the “anger
management” courses we had enrolled him in had certainly paid off as his
behaviour was impeccable. In the group behind us there were suggestions
that Koji should participate in “stop being so silly” lessons but he
obviously enjoyed himself and played very well also.
It was not as quick a round as we have been used to of late but
including a few stops for drinks we finished our round in four hours and
fifty five minutes. This golf course is excellent value at our PSC
voucher price of 600 baht green fee and it’s improving by the week. I
must also commend the restaurant and it’s staff but humbly request that
they include ice cream on their menu, particularly for diners like
myself who appreciate their superb hot chicken curry & rice.
As mentioned earlier there were some super scores and a two way count
back at the top of A Flight saw Ted Morris’s 40 points just beat the
same score of Rob Brown. Another count back for third & fourth place saw
Don Richardson victorious over Koji Yamada while Aussie Paul Avery
finished in fifth place.
The excellent score of 44 points saw Andre Van Dyk win the B Flight, six
points clear of Hugh O’Donnell who beat Kevin Dinan on a count back for
second place. Yet another count back for fourth & fifth resulted in
Karen Brown just pipping John Marritt.
A Flight
1st Ted Morris (9) 40pts
2nd Rob Brown (8) 40pts
3rd Don Richardson (9) 39pts
4th Koji Yamada (14) 39pts
5th Paul Avery (11) 38pts
B Flight
1st Andre Van Dyk (24) 44pts
2nd Hugh O’Donnell (23) 38pts
3rd Kevin Dinan (23) 38pts
4th Karen Brown (38) 36pts
5th John Marritt (24) 36pts
Near Pins: #5 Mike Herridge, #8 & #13 Hugh O’Donnell, #17 Kevin
Dinan.
Long Putts: 9th Marcel Wittwer, 18th Don Richardson.
Thursday, Jan. 7, Plutaluang, South & North –
Stableford
On another “wonderful day in Paradise” our maximum field of
40 golfers assembled at Café Kronborg ready to tackle the popular
Plutaluang Golf Course. Hearty welcomes were handed out to Maurice
Herbergs & Laurina Brinn and a farewell to Koji Yamada who is returning
to Japan in an attempt to earn enough money to finance another trip to
Pattaya. Mike (Hunter) Gosden also leaves us, returning to Perth,
Western Australia albeit for just 1 week after which he will return to
commence his new life as a resident of Pattaya – Good luck Hunter.
We arrived at the course after the 50 minute journey and although it
seemed reasonably busy we were informed that we would be playing South &
North nines and could hit off at our leisure. Our first group teed off
at 0925 in perfect conditions although a little humid but nevertheless
apart from the course being a little “soggy” in some areas there were no
excuses for not playing good golf. It was surprising therefore that only
1 golfer was able to play better than his handicap but a very enjoyable
day was had by all I’m sure.
We breezed through the first nine in just over two hours and although
there were a few hold ups on the second nine we finished in the
reasonable time of four hours & thirty five minutes which included a
couple of lengthy drink breaks. The journey home took much longer than
normal for a few of us as our mini van blew a head gasket shortly after
leaving the course but we were able to “flag down” a red baht bus (the
first one I’ve ever seen) and after negotiation on price we returned
home safe and sound.
The full field allowed us to have three flights – A Flight for 0 to 15,
B Flight for 16 to 21 and C Flight for handicaps 22 and over.
A long awaited return to form saw Richard Kubicki win A Flight with Paul
Avery beating Koji Yamada on a count back for second and third places
while Don Richardson finished fourth two points further back.
B Flight was a very close affair with all four top place-getters having
the same score. In the four-way count back Brendon Byrne emerged the
victor with second place going to Pekka Mustonen and Kristinn Helgason
finished third ahead of Andre Van Dyk in fourth place.
Hugh O’Donnell was victorious in C Flight with Mike Herridge finishing
second and Kevin Dinan took out third spot from The Admiral who finished
fourth. Just to note that all of us from Café Kronborg wish Hugh
O’Donnell good luck and all the very best for his upcoming major
operation in about a week’s time
The “Compass” award which is awarded to the lowest scorer between a
small group of us was easily won by Volker Buley. The small compass is
mounted on a cap and enables the recipient to find his way around the
golf course a bit better.
A Flight
1st Richard Kubicki (12) 38pts
2nd Paul Avery (11) 35pts
3rd Koji Yamada (14) 35pts
4th Don Richardson (9) 33pts
B Flight
1st Brendon Byrne (17) 35pts
2nd Pekka Mustonen (20) 35pts
3rd Kristinn Helgason (18) 35pts
4th Andre Van Dyk (21) 35pts
C Flight
1st Hugh O’Donnell (23) 33pts
2nd Mike Herridge (22) 30pts
3rd Kevin Dinan (23) 29pts
4th Dave Richardson (23) 28pts
Near Pins: S4 Richard Kubicki, S7 Maurice Herbergs, N3 Richard
Kubicki, N6 Frankie Sharratt.
Long Putts: S9 Frankie Sharratt, N9 Maurice Herbergs.
A pair of Tonys, with a bit of Hart
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Jan 5, Emerald – Stableford
Tuesday and a new year of golf dawned at The Emerald, Ban Chang for
20 Mulligans Lakesiders. With 2 flights today, the split coming at 18 +, we saw
the higher flight needing a count back to separate Ian Hart (21) & Paddy
Devereux (22), both with 38 points but with Ian just getting the nod on the last
6 holes, 13 to 11. Terry Phur (18), whose new year resolution is to get back to
14 handicap, followed hot on their heels with 37 points.
 Thursdays
winner Graham Hiskett, looking very relaxed.
In the lower flight, a count back was again needed to confirm the winner, with
Tony Oakes (9) beating Tony Weresay (17) on the back 9, 21pts to 18, after both
had signed for 36 points. Jeff Wylie (5) secured third placing with an
unspectacular 34 points.
The Near Pins were won by #5 Ian, #7 Zep, #13 Steve and #15 Terry.
It was good to see Ray Hird come along for the day out (no golf), while still
recovering from his recent accident, as a stunt footpath walker, those motorbike
taxis are everywhere.
Thursday, Jan. 7, Century Chonburi - Stableford
Thursday saw us drive north along H’way 331 to Century Chonburi,
where the course was in quite good order and representing excellent value in
these days of downturn. The amenities have even been improved, with doors on the
showers no less, still, it is the golf we go for, not the amenities.
Tony Weresay was able to maintain some of his form for 2010, with 34 points to
secure second placing behind the usually reliable Graham Hiskett (14) who fired
an impressive 37 points. I say impressive, because this course is very
unforgiving, although quite fair, with poor shots likely to receive full
punishment.
The Near Pins were won by #4 Jeff, #7 Ken, #13 Paul & #17 Tony.
Saturday, Jan. 9 was Children’s Day in Thailand, and several regular Mulligans
Lakesiders went along to The Banglamung Boys Home to distribute food, drinks and
other goodies to the many kids gathered there. ML collects donations from both
the golfers and the Tuesday quiz night patrons for just such an occasion.
This year the donation was swelled somewhat to nearly 92,000 baht, following
John Chapman’s Birthday golf day, along with the support of The Vineyards and
PSC, together with many individual supporters of both Mullugans Lakeside and
this deserving charity. Along with the food and drinks distributed on the day,
there were also food, household goods and electronic equipment given to supply
the Boys Home in the medium and longer term, for the benefit of the residents.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday (we
sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday) and 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!
A snake in the grass
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Saturday winners: Billy
Ostle, Tewin Lamthong, Mod Chaviraksa, Jerry McCarthy and Niall Cronin,
(Inset) Thursday’s winner John Welch.
Barry Hooper
My story this week happened at Khao Kheow. Alan Fraser, one of
our Australian visitors, was at the third hole and ready to play his
second shot out of the rough on the right hand side. He was about to
address the ball when his caddy shouted out “snake”, in good and very
clear English. There is a question as to who won the high jump or the
hundred yards dash - Alan or his caddy? I asked Alan what colour the
snake was and he said that he did not hang around long enough to find
out. Why is there such an aversion to snakes in Thailand? All replies
seriously considered.
Monday, Jan 4, Eastern Star - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Ross Schiffke (15) 37pts
2nd Tewin Lamthong (10) 33pts
3rd Brendan Moore (11) 31pts
Div. 2
1st Neil Allison (18) 40pts
2nd Jack McNamara (20) 36pts
3rd Derek Lucas (18) 35pts
Our first outing of this week, and the second of the year, was to
Eastern Star on Monday where we had a great turnout and two divisions.
The second division was a high scoring affair with Derek Lucas coming
third at 35 points, Jack McNamara second at 36, and Neil Allison topped
it out with a 40-pointer as well as getting the only ‘2’ on the day.
The top flight was not so high scoring with Brendan Moore taking out
third with his 31 point effort after a count back over Brian Foster. I
bet Brendan was a little surprised at that result. Tewin Lamthong had a
33 for second but topping out this division was Ross Schiffke with his
37 points.
Tuesday, Jan. 5, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Mike Sanders (5) 37pts
2nd John Welch (34) 36pts
3rd Niall Cronin (11) 35pts
4th Richard Moore (25) 34pts
5th Brendan Moore (11) 34pts
Tuesday was a visit to Mountain Shadow with a low attendance compared to
those of late, so just the one division.
Richard Moore pulled off fourth with his 34 points after winning the
count back over Brendan Moore (not sure if they are related or not). In
third was Niall Cronin with 35 and second was John Welch (my, his game
is coming on in leaps and bounds) with a 36, and just narrowly pipped by
the winner Mike Sanders with his 37.
Two ‘2’s came from Brian Foster and Mike Sanders.
Thursday, Jan. 7, Phoenix Ocean & Mountain -
Stableford
Div. 1
1st Ted Lodge (11) 39pts
2nd Naill Cronin (11) 38pts
3rd Jon Lay (9) 38pts
Div. 2
1st Ross Schiffke (13) 34pts
2nd Michael Brett (15) 32pts
3rd Alan Rawson (13) 30pts
Div. 3
1st John Welch (33) 37pts
2nd Alun Webberl (22) 36pts
3rd Joe Peters (20) 32pts
January 7 and it was back to our usual Thursday venue of Phoenix (Ocean
& Mountain) with an enormous turnout of players, so yet again three very
full divisions.
Division 3 saw the first win ever for John Welch with 37 points, what a
nice back up to his second on Tuesday. Well done John. In second was
Alun Webber with 36 and third went to Joe Peters with 32 after a count
back over Petri Ryhanou.
Ross Schiffke took the Division 2 honours with 34 points for his second
win of the week, followed home by Michael Brett at 32 and Alan Rawson in
third on 30 after a count back over Mike Rushant.
Division 1 was a pretty high scoring affair with a third place for Jon
Lay after loosing the count back to Tewin Lamthong, both on 38 points.
But the winner and one up on them both was Ted Lodge with his 39. Four
‘2’s came from Tewin Lamthong (2), Llew Matthews and Jeff Wilcox. John
Welch rang the bell to celebrate his first ever win back at the
presentation.
Saturday, Jan. 9, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Tewin Lamthong (10) 39pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (11) 38pts
3rd Niall Cronin (10) 37pts
4th Ted Lodge (11) 34pts
Div. 2
1st Brian Foster (17) 34pts
2nd Billy Ostle (17) 33pts
3rd Jerry McCarthy (16) 33pts
4th Dean Rice (29) 29pts
Saturday and off to Khao Kheow with two full divisions.
Division 2 found Dean Rice take fourth place with his 29 points, I bet
that was a surprise. In third was Jerry McCarthy after losing out on the
count back to Billy Ostle, both at 33, and Brian Foster topped out this
division with 34 for the win.
Ted Lodge was the fourth placed player in Division 1 with his 34 points;
third place went to Niall Cronin with 37, but this was another ladies
day with only one point dividing our regular lady players, Tewin
Lamthong (39) and Mod Chaviraksa (38).
Four ‘2’s on the day came from Mod and Tewin, Jerry McCarthy, and for
the second week in a row at this course, John Welch.
I am advised that on the day there was a small private competition
between one American and two English players against three Australians,
with the honours going to the English pair and the American with a score
of 76 to 67. I saw some very sad looking guys at the bar at the
presentation I am sure it must have been the Aussies.
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.
Cronin makes a winning return
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s winners: Tom Breslin, Brian Gabe,
Colin Cronin and Neil Shaw.
Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, Jan. 5, Phoenix - Stableford
We had one of our largest showings of golfers this day, which was
to be expected, it being the peak of the tourist season for Pattaya. It is
always great to meet old friends and some new ones, no matter how ephemeral
those acquaintances may prove. We hadn’t played at Phoenix for some time, so
it was good to be back to the home of the tastiest tuna sandwiches in
Pattaya (your correspondent’s own prejudice).
On this day, Scotsman Henry O’Brien had joined our foursome and we had a
lively conversation about the Anglo-Saxon oppression of the Scots and just
about everybody else since Edward Longshanks. Of course the French would
probably vote for Henry the V as the chief tormentor and the Americans for
George III, so everybody has his favourite tyrant. But at this point our
Captain, DB, protested that the badinage was dominated by someone other than
himself and we should get on with the golf.
As it transpired the Captain didn’t have too bad a day, finishing fourth in
his flight, but the main contest was on between Motown Man, Brian Gabe, and
Colin Cronin. I asked Colin, why he had won and he answered that he hadn’t
played in a few months and was totally relaxed, with no expectations. And
this is often the explanation of why we play golf well: less is more.
A Flight (0-17)
1st Colin Cronin 38pts
2nd Brian Gabe 38 pts
3rd Rob Brown 36pts
4th Derek Brook 36pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Tom Breslin 34pts
2nd Neil Shaw 33pts
3rd Frank Pilkington 32pts
4th Les Burns 32pts
Near Pins: DB, Mashi, J.C., Rob Brown.
Long Putts: Richard Kubicki, Frank Pilkington, Derek Brook.
The Outback Golf Bar remembers Mike Franklin
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s column
Monday, Jan. 4, Burapha - Stableford
Back on Augusta & Belfry, the 48 Outbackers produced some
excellent scoring off the white tees (h’cap 20+) and the blue tees.
Kev Moraghan collared Steve Mann, both with 37 points, using the usual count
back method to win Div A; two clear of Bob Green & Neil Lavery, both on 35.
 (Left-right):
Nigel Cannon with Bob Pearce, Jack Moseley and Chad following the Mike
Franklin remembrance tournament at Pattaya C.C.
Pottsy found his form today scoring 39points, he denies he’s back and says
it was a fluke, however it was enough to easily win Div B by three from John
Kittilsen and Jim Bryan.
Bruce McAdam, who has also been out in the wilderness for a while and has
seen his handicap drift out to 23, played well today off the white to score
40 points (also 3 ladder points) to win Div C by two from the in-form John
Cogan.
A special welcome today to ‘the Norfolk Raiders’, Mark, Dick, Billy and
newbie Mick.
There were five ‘2’s fom Pottsy, Steve Mann, Jum, Mark Bamber & Ian Taylor.
Div A (0-12)
1st Kevin Moraghan (12) 37pts
2nd Steve Mann (11) 37pts
3rd Bob Green (12) 35pts
4th Neil Lavery (10) 35pts
Div B (13-19)
1st Campbell Potts (18) 39pts
2nd John Kittilsen (19) 36pts
3rd James Bryan (15) 36pts
4th Bruce Milner (13) 34pts
Div C (20+)
1st Bruce McAdam (23) 40pts
2nd John Cogan (22) 38pts
3rd Martin O’Neill (36) 37pts
4th (Jum) Karagit (22) 35pts
Tuesday, Jan. 5, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
It was just a year ago since Mike Franklin passed away. Quite
apart from his many years as ‘Mr. Golf’ in Pattaya, Mike became a good
supporter of the Outback from its very beginning – reporting its opening
night on PMTV and inviting Bob Philp to appear on his Insight programme.
Towards the end of his life he came to the Outback frequently for the
‘special’ liver and bacon with onions.
Today, regular Outbacker and a long time friend of Mike’s, Nigel Cannon, who
succeeded Mike as Diana Seniors organiser; sponsored four near pins with the
winners each receiving a voucher for a liver and bacon meal and a bottle of
beer.
This ever popular Tuesday group had 22 Outbackers today playing on a course
which has been continually watered throughout the past couple of months,
giving way to softer than usual fairways and improving greens. The
‘O’Neills’ took command of Div B as Laong recorded her first victory on
count back from Frank’s son, Martin, also with 38. As a result of Laong’s
rapid golfing improvement over the past few weeks, General Jack slashed her
handicap to a more acceptable and challenging (for her) 38; Martin also saw
his handicap adjusted to 35, following his excellent result at Burapha on
Monday.
General Jack, playing with the infamous pairing of Suzi & John Lawton, and
despite John’s valiant attempts to slow him down with vast quantities of
amber nectar, started with eight straight pars to set up an excellent round
of golf of 41 points to win Div A by six.
Laong took Jack’s near pin on the short 12th , donating her liver & bacon to
Frank, and Jack’s tee shot to 10 inches on the 16th looked certain to gain
him his second ‘2’ and the liver & bacon. However, it was not to be, in
quite a remarkable turn of events, Chad got to about 12 inches from the
sixteenth for his ‘2’ and then the Colonel, Bob Pearce, playing in the same
group, holed out for an Ace; nicking the liver & bacon and all the ‘2’s pot.
Great shot Bob!
Div A (0-18)
1st Jack Moseley (9) 41pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (18) 35pts
3rd Chris Fletcher (9) 33pts
Div B (19+)
1st Laong (45) 38pts
2nd Martin O’Neill (36) 38pts
3rd Mike Loewen (23) 33pts
Wednesday, Jan. 6, Phoenix - Stableford
It’s a busy time of year at the Outback, with another sponsored
tournament, this time for 43 Outbackers playing in Steve Mann’s B’day Cup.
The oddest thing was the weather, play was delayed for some twenty minutes
as heavy rain fell on the Phoenix course, water-logging it in places and
preventing the carts travelling on the fairways for a while. It (the
weather) led to some hot and humid playing conditions and rain threatened
again towards the end of the round but fortunately stayed away.
Chris Davisson, missing his regular caddie, claimed that he could have
scored more as he three-putted two or three times, but still played well
enough to win Steve’s Outbacker B’day Cup by one from the ‘Mann’ himself,
Steve (37pts), who was trying to win his own Cup; something that has never
yet been achieved. Also with 37 points was Carl Luke, winner at Treasure
Hill last week and this time winner of Div B from John Kittilsen & Mark
Kembrey tied on 35.
Despite the Outback ruling that ladies play in a regular tournament at
Phoenix off two lower than their actual handicap, Jum still proved she was
up to the task, taking Div C with 34 points ahead of Brian Maddox (33pts)
and Bruce McAdam & Nev Steward (32pts).
The near pins were claimed by Joe Mooneyham, Bob Lindborg, Tony Garnett &
Geoff Doody; all winning food and drink vouchers compliments of Steve. Back
at the ranch after the results were announced, good food was laid on by the
Outback, courtesy of Steve.
There were four ‘2’s from Rosco, Bob Lindborg, Tony Garnett & John O’Keefe.
Thanks for the day Steve and Happy Birthday!
Overall
1st Chris Davisson (11) 38pts
Div A (0-12)
1st Steve Mann (11) 37pts
2nd Tony Garnett (12) 36pts
3rd Ian Heddle (3) 36pts
Div B (13-19)
1st Carl Luke (16) 37pts
2nd John Kittilsen (19) 35pts
3rd Mark Kembrey (18) 35pts
Div C (20+)
1st (Jum) Karagit (20) 34pts
2nd Brian Maddox (20) 33pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (23) 32pts
Friday, Jan. 8, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Another celebration, but with a touch of sorrow, as long time
Outbacker, Peter Gibson hosted a farewell tournament having decided to pack
up and move to Spain to live. 43 Outbackers played at the course which has
now become the regular Friday home for the Outback, Khao Kheow, this time on
the C & A loops.
The course was up for grabs today, with many of the tees more forward than
usual and sure enough, Carl Luke was the man for the job, firing an
excellent 41 points to comfortably win the day by four from the winner of
Div A, Capt’ Bob (37pts) and the winner of Div C, Geoff Doody (37pts). They
(Bob & Geoff) both won their respective divisions by three.
John O’Keefe took Div A with 36 points ahead of Suzi Lawton (35pts), playing
off 17 today and Pete Gibson’s good friend, Frank O’Neill in third also on
35.
Peter also sponsored the usual spread of good food, fisherman’s pie and
chicken & cashew plus the near pins prizes that were won by Bob Green (hole
C3), Frank Kelly (hole C8), Jack Moseley (hole A3) and Jamie Milner (hole
a5). There were also some lucky draw prizes, Outback shirts (again sponsored
by Peter) won by John Lawton, Sugar Ray and Mark & Ben Kembrey. General Jack
returned his near pin prize into the draw only to be won by Johnny Spiller.
There were four ‘2’s out there from Frank Kelly, Frank O’Neill and Suzi
Lawton had two.
Next Friday, Johnny Spiller hosts his version of an Outbacker B’day Cup to
be held at the Emerald course with the first tee at 10am. A two ball
scramble is the format, with drawn partners,playing for a very special first
prize. The field is limited to a maximum of 30 teams.
Overall
1st Carl Luke (16) 41pts
Div A (0-13)
1st Bob Philp (8) 37pts
2nd Bob Green (12) 34pts
3rd Bruce Milner (13) 33pts
Div B (14-17)
1st John O’Keefe (16) 36pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (17) 35pts
3rd Frank O’Neill (15) 35pts
Div C (18+)
1st Geoff Doody (20) 37pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (23) 34pts
3rd John Spiller (22) 34pts
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.
Seamus Cotter takes over takes the reins
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday Jan. 3, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Barry Tregurtha (14) 39pts
2nd Gareth Gill (9) 37pts
3rd Ian Halfpenny (11) 36pts
B Flight
1st Tony Cotter (13) 35pts
2nd Bob Lindburg (16) 3 pts
3rd Colin Davis (16) 36pts
C Flight
1st Keith Clubb (20) 36pts
2nd Geoff Doody (20) 35pts
3rd John Hamilton (18) 34pts
Red Flight
1st Kathy Doody (21) 42 pts
Near Pins: No 2 Bob Lindburg, No 9 Sonny Crawford, No12 Bruce
Macadam, No16 Gavin Culloty.
It is often said that nice guys or girls (i.e. Kathy Doody) always’ come
last. However, in this case one of the nicest and most effervescent
personalities came first. Kathy waltzed to a magnificent 42 points to take
the Red Flight and match honors.
 Seamus
– the new captain.
Barry Tregurtha, for those of you who don’t know him (and few don’t given
his gregarious personality and frequent visits) has an acute acumen for
numbers, won the senior flight with a rock solid 39 points. Big hitting
Gareth Gill posted a fine 37 pts for the silver while Ian ‘lose change’
Halfpenny was nearly “short changed” in a mix up with a resulting count back
with Frank Higgins.
The B Flight players showed less acumen as (His Excellency) Mr. Tony Cotter
needed a mere 35 points to take the top rung. Bob ‘The Guru of Green Valley’
was a shot back for second. There were the usual muttering of possible
manipulation of flights by some as the golf managers’ humble 33 points put
him third. After a thorough documentation of the handicaps of all the
players in the field, the division of flights was begrudgingly accepted.
C Flight was not a lot to shout about either, the best score being shot by
Keith Clubb with a steady even par round. Geoff Doody picked up the silver,
to help the Missus out with the week’s groceries. John Hamilton and Raspie
Matzie needed the aid of a count back as both tied a shot further back;
Raspie was the count back victim.
Back at Lewiinski’s it was time to introduce the ever popular Seamus Cotter
as the new Captain, as the Eagle’s term ended. A hard act to follow
certainly but I think the right man is there. Seamus gave a very heart
rendering speech. Eddie was in turn then elected very appropriately to the
job of vice president. Pierre ‘The Magician’ was appointed Vice Captain.
The Lou-inskis rollover was not won, and now stands at a staggering 20,000
baht.
Monday, Jan. 4, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Phil Page (12) 35pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) 3 pts
B Flight
1st Jack Mouly (24) 40pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (19) 34pts
A true test of golf always awaits you at the magnificent Khao Kheow course,
but often someone plays out of their skin. Jack Mouly did just that amassing
40 points to take the junior flight and the day’s honors, six clear strokes
of Aussie Lou Zigzag. Jack also posted the only ‘2’ of the day for a bumper
pay out.
The senior flight saw Phil Page put together a fine 35 points to win the
flight. Peter the President needed the aid of a count back over fellow Irish
man Terry Mangan for second place as both were knotted on 32 points.
There might be something in the rumor that bird flu might be back, certainly
Eddy the Eagle was as sick as a parrot after missing Monday night’s
Lou-iinski’s snowball.
Wednesday, Jan 6, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (12) 36pts
2nd Phil Page (12) 35pts
3rd Nial Higgins (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st Joe Tynan (27) 38pts
2nd Colin Davis (16) 35pts
3rd Eddie Beilby (18) 34pts
It didn’t take him long to settle in, about ten minutes actually as Bingo,
‘Captain Fantastic’ Shamus’s 36 points gave him first place in the senior
flight; they say a good captain always leads from the front (that’s the bull
out of the way). Second and third places were settled by a count back
between Phil Page and Nial Higgins.
Hey up Sat Nav’s back with a whopping 38 points (anybody know Joe’s official
handicap?) It was easily enough for Man of the Match and the junior flight
victory. ‘The Donkey’ was back in the shafts with 35 points, leaving the
‘The Broken hearted Eagle’ to fill the flight.
No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover Friday at Treasure Hill
Here’s a question! Why does Colin Davis play golf all week? He repairs pitch
marks, rakes bunkers, moves any obstructions on the fairway, dishes out the
rules, but will not lift a hand to help Sim in the house.
Friday, Jan. 8. Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Paraic McManus (10) 40pts
2nd Mick Shrosbree (12) 36pts
3rd Jimmy Day (14) 35pts
B Flight
1st Ed Junger (19) 39pts
2nd Sim Davis (25) 38pts
3rd Seesa Phompimon (33) 38pts
Treasure Hill, guess it must be Friday, seems like the boys and girls are
getting used to this once formidable challenge. Ireland’s Paraic Manus shot
a flawless 40 points to win the top flight and man of the match title. Mike
Shrosbree carded a useful par round to accept second four shots adrift, with
‘Co Wicklow’s The Ladies Man’ Jimmy Day a shot shy of Mike for third for
third spot.
The lower flight was just as entertaining with great scoring, and a near
fatality on the fourth hole; Frank Higgins was accidently hit on the head
with a seven iron by his caddie resulting in a two minute nap. Well Fran
you’re not the first to fall for your Caddie!
Ed Junger put together a fine 39 points for first, while Sim Davis (who
else) came up a shot short with an amazing four no scores on her card for
second, gaining a count back decision over the unlucky Seesa Phompimon.
Back at the ranch it was party time with ‘Satnav’ celebrating his 69th
birthday (I might have got the age mixed up.) Happy birthday Joe from all at
Lewiinski’s. Pat Regan must have thought it was his birthday as he proved to
be a most popular Lou-inskis free draw winner – 23,000 Big ones.
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.
Brilliant Bellec browbeats the boys
PSC golf with the Phoenix Tuesday Group
Mike Gerrard
As Del boy (from Fools and Horses) would say, “Mon Dui mon ami, la
plume du ma tat”. If you’re French you may know what that means, but for the
rest of us, including the famous Del Boy it could mean the jammy s*d.
 Tuesday’s
top two, Alain Bellec and Roger Ison celebrate back at Noy’s Bar.
On a glorious day with a hint of some rain clouds forming we set off to
challenge the Lakes and Ocean course, my favourite 18 at Phoenix. Happily
the rain kept away.
I decided to go out last today for a change so that I could greet all the
boys to our first game of 2010. Ken Akester and Stuart got their own back on
me and Graham Dietrich. Hammered, we were, 7 and 6. Nuff said.
Back at Noy’s Bar we settled into our first beer (free out of the days
takings) where we duly worked out the results for the day. It has to be said
it really is a superb time of the day sitting out on the pavement watching
the world role by as the sun sets. I stated to all the boys it reminded me
of the old days back in Birmingham when I was a kid. We used to sit out on
the street with tables and chairs. It was called eviction.
You can guess from the title that Alain Bellec was our winner today with an
unusually high score of 41 points (the nice part of that is we can cut him a
shot overnight). Second was the consistent Roger Ison with his usual 36
points and third was newcomer Paul Hart. Sadly Paul and one or two others
could not make it back to the ranch this time, so after awarding the near
pins we were left with just enough lucky draw funds to give everybody a
prize. Along with the first free drink it meant that all who came back for
the presentation received a minimum of their original stake money for the
day.
Technical prizes went to Stuart Gordon, Ken Akester (2) and Keith
Etherington.
The special lucky draw prize (500 baht voucher for the Highway Star, Soi
Happy off Walking Street), which was donated by Graham Richmond, went to
Sergio Volpi who would you believe also won the weekly free beer donated by
Noy’s Bar.
Note: If any of you golfers fancy a day out at sea, fishing, on a
first class boat, we run a monthly schedule of the third Saturday of the
month. Contact me on 086 832 7874 or 087 091 7565 for details. If you would
like to join in the fun with our little group on Tuesdays you can enjoy a
special high season green fee of only 1,000 baht as a guest of the Phoenix
members of the group. Again call me if you are interested. Basic rules are
28 handicap maximum and all players play from the white tees.
Monks gets in the winning habit
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Jan. 4, Plutaluang – Stableford
Our regular monthly visit here and yet again we were given the
South and East courses to play, but there were no complaints, as the
lighthouse hole on the North nine causes many headaches for a lot of our
players. There were ten groups out today and with a cool breeze and a
slightly overcast sky it made for a perfect day for golf.
In the ladies division Elly Bout beat Miss Nang with a greater back nine
count back of 16/13 after they both finished with 32 points. In the three
divisions for the men the highest score was in division 2, with Cully Monks
winning with 40 points, Rudi Schafer second five points behind and in third
with 33 was Ben Findon.
Harry Vincenzi took his first podium position since his return by winning
division 1 with 36 points. John Smith came second with 35 and Jim Connelly
beat Karl Flood to take third place on a 16/14 count back after they both
finished with 34 points.
There were plenty of smiles from a certain lady as Ken Foster won division 2
with 33 points, beating Tom Novak on a 14/11 back nine score, and Matty
Swire was in third with 32 points after beating Barry Rawlinson by 2 on a
count back.
Near pins went to (Div 1) Fred Duffy, Karl Flood, Bob Poole and John Smith,
(Div 2) Tony Duthie, Barry Rawlinson, Rudi Schafer and Matty Swire, and
(Ladies) Miss Nom and Miss Nut.
There were no 2’s at Pattana on the 28th in either division and with birdies
on the 5th on the East course, Howard Stanley and Harry Vincenzi shared the
double pot. Miss Nom also birdied the same hole to win the ladies prize.
Friday, Jan. 8, Eastern Star – Stableford
After one car breaking down just before Sukhamvit Rd., there were
only 37 players out in three divisions plus the ladies as well. The equal
cut in the men’s division today was 7-14 (12 cards) in division 1, 15-21 (13
cards) in division 2, and in the third division with a 22 plus handicap
there were 12 players as well so an equal turnout.
Thirty nine points was the highest score of the day to win division 3 for
Jim Lane. Les Winch was in second some six points behind and in third place
the ‘old man’ beat Willy Van Heetvelde on a 15/12 count back after they both
finished with 31 points.
Amazing people every week with her ever-improving scores and handicap, and
playing off the men’s tees, Ya Riley took division 2 honours with 38 points.
Ger Lodge was second two points behind and Harry Cowling came in third with
33 points.
In division 1, Arthur Hancock beat John Cunningham on a 20/17 back nine
count back after they both returned scores of 35 to win, and there were four
players in contention for third place but Mikael Andersson, Joe McArdle and
John McLoone all lost out to Tom Byrne’s 20 points on the back nine.
Harry Riley birdied the 6th in division 1 and Jim Lane was the only ‘2’s
winner in division 2 after his birdie on the 17th. There were no lady
winners in the ‘2’s today.
Nearest pins were claimed by (Div 1) Paul Butler, John Cunningham, Harry
Riley and John McLoone, (Div2) Tom Breslin and Jim lane x2, and (Ladies)
Miss Faa.
The IPGC Monthly Medal
The Monthly Medal winners and runners up (
Left to Right): Orawan Meeraka (Ladies winner), Saranya Riley, Steve Mascari
(Div 1 winner), Rodney Hayes, Danny Miller, Derek Holt, Arthur Hancock (Div
2 winner), Masashi Iizumi and Bobby Shirkey (Div 3 winner).
Wednesday, Jan. 6 - Khao Kheow
Div. 1 (0-10)
1st Steve Mascari (2) net 74
2nd Danny Miller (8) net 76
3rd Rodney Hayes (8) net 76
Div. 2 (11-18)
1st Arthur Hancock (13) net 72
2nd Alex Sala (17) net 75
3rd Saranya Riley (15) net 75
Div. 3 (19 +)
1st Bobby Shirkey (27) 37pts
2nd Masashi Iizumi (22) 33pts
3rd Derek Holt (24) 32pts
Ladies (0-36)
1st Orawan Meeraka (34) 36pts
2nd Jinda Tonkhambai (26) 30pts
3rd Elly Bout (21) 26pts
Once again there was an increased turnout for the IPGC Monthly Medals held
this month at Khao Kheow from the yellow tees over the A and B courses,
which provided the toughest test so far in the current series as attested by
the scores across all divisions, with only one player bettering par on the
day.
This was the more unusual, as the standard of players was of the highest
order, with 17 single handicap golfers in the field. It was therefore no
surprise to learn that the CSS for the day went up to 75 and became non
counting for upward review with less than 4% of the players with a handicap
of 20 and less making the standard of two over handicap net.
Each monthly medal competition provides three winners in the gentlemen’s
divisions and one from the ladies, who will go forward to the finals to
compete for the Gold and Silver Medals next August. In addition, the medals
will also be used to determine the IPGC Gentleman Player of the Year, with
between 1 and 15 points to be won in each division every month, dependent on
final positions, which will then be aggregated for the year to establish the
overall winner.
With Russell Exley controlling the registrations and Glyn Evans and Chris
Knapp acting as starters on the two-tees start, things went smoothly as
usual and the course was found to be in tip top condition but the fairways
were rather tightly laid out and players needed to accept the penalty for
missing them or face even higher sanctions. As the greens were playing very
fast and true and the rough a little unfriendly, the golfer had to be at the
top of his or her form to score well on the day.
As usual the first two divisions played a stroke play format whilst the
third division and Ladies played Stableford.
In the first division Steve Mascari was back at the front again with a solid
two over round that was good enough by two to take his third medal of the
season as he continued his recent run of great form. He was followed in by a
group of four on four over, headed by Danny Miller who claimed second spot
with a better count back of 34 as Rodney Hayes finished with a 37 on the
inward half for third place and Kazuo Takimoto missing out with 38 on the
back nine.
Russell Exley must have been kicking himself after finishing his seventeenth
hole, the island green par 3 eighth on the B course, with an eight after
putting two in the water to finish in fifth place with a weak 40.5 for the
inward half having gone out in level par and looking good for his first
medal.
The second division was dominated by Arthur Hancock whose level par round
was too good by three ahead of Alex Sala in second place as Alex won the
count back over Saranya Riley with a 34.5 to 35.5. Alex was another player
to suffer badly at the 8th on the B course, as he took an almost mind
numbing 13, to completely ruin his card and deny himself an almost certain
first medal win. Richard Craig just missed out on the prizes with a worse
net 37 in the count back.
In the third division Bobby Shirkey strode into first place and his first
medal win by three clear from Masashi Iizumi in second place and Derek Holt
a further shot back in third.
The Ladies division saw another new winner as Orawan Meeraka played very
tidily to return a level par card which easily took the division by six
shots from Jinda Tonkhambai who had won the previous month’s medal. Elly
Bout took third place another four shots further back
In the ongoing Player of the Year competition Steve Mascari increased his
lead at the top of the table but Russell Exley is proving hard to shake off
as he continues to score in every medal and this time out just missing a
good opportunity to close the gap. Roy Thornton lies third but his
continuing poor physical condition may mean he will not be competing in
future events as he wasn’t in this one. Joe McArdle is in fourth and Dave
Stockman in fifth but both failed to score this month.
Following a fine buffet sponsored by the IPGC, the presentations were made
at Siam Cats Soi 5 in Jomtiem, the home of Jomtiem Golf, by the Club
Chairman, Chris Knapp, assisted by Russell Exley. Before presenting the
prizes he thanked the organising committee and scores for their good work
both on the day and during the run up to the competition.
The evening continued thereafter as even more cool ones were sunk and
everyone looking forward to next month’s Medal competitions to be held on
Tuesday the 5th February at Greenwood, for which early registration is
advised as it is expected to be fully taken up again.
The full results can be accessed on the official IPGC web page www.ipgc.org.
USMC and Café Ole start the New Year with a bang
Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Pao and Tue.
The U.S. Marines team remain in first place in the league after they took
three points from Sabai Sabai Friday on the always difficult lanes 11 & 12.
Ooy Pluemkamon meanwhile had a 519 series for second place Café Ole to lead
them to a three point win over Indiana and keep the pressure on the leaders.
Tui Amphanon bowled a 505 series to lead VFW Post 9876 to a three point win
over third place Bavaria and Jack Tar took all four points from Green Tree
to move from eighth place to fourth. Tue Pettae bowled a 203 game and 525
series to lead Canada to a three point win over Brother D.
|
Results &
Standings Jan. 8 (week 12)
Pos. Team Score Standings
1 U.S. Marines (USMC) 3 – 1 32 - 16
2 Café Ole 3 – 1 30 -
18
3 Bavaria 1 – 3 25.5 -
22.5
4 Jack Tar 4 – 0 23.5 -
24.5
5 Sabai Sabai Friday 1 – 3 23 - 25
6 Indiana 1 – 3 22 -
26
7 Brother D 1 – 3 22 -
26
8 Canada 3 – 1 21.5 -
26.5
9 Green Tree 0 – 4 21 -
27
10 VFW Post 9876
3 – 1 19.5 - 28.5 |
Bridge in Paradise : by Neil Robinson
I love to get in the way of the opponents’ bidding by overcalling their
bids. Indeed, as my partners have learned to their cost, I have been known
to do this with very few points. Sometimes this prevents the opponents
finding the right contract. Sometimes, on the other hand, this strategy
works out badly. There are two possible bad outcomes: they double me and I
go down badly or I force them into a game or slam that they otherwise would
not bid.
Sometimes I meet with opponents with a similarly
spirited approach to interfering with my bidding. This hand was played in
Chiang Mai in a recent Sunday duplicate session. With South dealing and no
one vulnerable, this was the bidding:
South West North East
4S 5C 5S 6C
P P 6S All
pass
South opened a somewhat gambling 4S, showing a good
eight card suit. West made a very spirited overcall of 5C. North had a
difficult decision. He could see three certain tricks in his hand and a
possible fourth. But did South really have a completely solid suit which
would withstand the probable bad break to take eight spade tricks?
Torn between bidding 5S or 6S, he settled for five.
East now made a sporting bid of six clubs, which was enough to push North
into the small slam in spades. The full deal is shown below:
S: 8
H: AQ962
D: AK108
C: Q52
S:
3 S: 1042
H: J3
H: K1074
D: 6532
D: QJ
C: AK10987 C:
J643
S: AKQJ9765
H: 85
D: 974
C:
-
West led the club king, trumped in hand. There are two
possible losers, a heart and a diamond. If you try diamonds first the ten
on board may set up on the fourth round. Then the second heart in hand can
be thrown away and the heart finesse will not be necessary. South therefore
pulled trumps and led the nine of diamonds towards board, hoping that West
had both the queen and the jack, or that one of these cards would
subsequently drop in three rounds. East won the queen and led back another
club. South ruffed in hand and took the top two diamonds. The jack fell
and the slam was made, with eight spade tricks, three diamond tricks and the
ace of hearts.
Indeed, as the cards lie and looking at all of them, it
is possible to make all thirteen tricks. Very fortunately for North-South,
the defense bidding had pushed us into a slam we could make, rather than
pushing us over our heads, but I still like this spirited approach to
bidding!
If you have bridge questions, or to send me your
interesting hands, please contact me at: [email protected].
The Kevin Drumm Memorial Lawn Bowls Tournament
The winning team, Reg, Tenby
and Chopper collect
the Kevin Drumm Memorial Trophy from Charlie (Chaz) Ayres (far right).
Barry Hooper
Kevin Drumm was just another ex-pat who enjoyed the lifestyle that
only Pattaya can offer you. However, this was cut short when he was
tragically killed in a drowning accident off the island of Kho Larn in
August 2009.
 The
medals & trophy await the winners.
He was only fifty-three years old and heralded from the north west England
and had been living in Pattaya for many years. I personally never met him
but I have spoken to many of his fellow lawn bowlers and drinking pals and
ascertained that he was a very unassuming and likeable person who got on
with everyone and is being very much missed by all who came into contact
with him.
His local watering hole was that of Nicky’s Bar in Soi Buakhao where he
could be found playing pool for their team. He was also an avid lawn bowler
and played at second division spring league level at the Bowling Green in
Pattaya, winning with his team the second division title last year and he
has subsequently been awarded the same honour posthumously this year after
fellow players filled in his team position for the remainder of the summer
league.
He also enjoyed his football and was a keen Celtic and Manchester United
supporter.
By reason of discussions amongst many of his fellow bowls players in late
2009, it was decided that it would be very fitting to hold a memorial
tournament in memory of Kevin.
 Kevin
Drumm.
So David and Reg from the Bowling Green formatted an “Invitational Free Draw
Triples Lawn Bowls Tournament” to be held over the weekend of the 9th and
10th of January as a kick off to 2010. This will remain now as an annual
event on the Bowling Green calendar.
Obtaining a group of bowlers to take part was no problem and soon a full
card of some thirty players was put together. They participated in the first
rounds of play on the Saturday and the quarter’s, semis and final were held
on the Sunday.
All players were handicapped according to ability and expertise and the
triples format free draw was made. It did not come as all would have liked
it seems but that is the way free draws often turn out.
After Saturdays first round play we were reduced down from ten to eight
teams. The quarter finals produced some surprising results with a couple of
favoured teams going out, particularly that led by Chaz (the present Club
Champion) and the Pro (David) the gaffer at the Bowling Green.
The quarterfinal results were as follows (all matches over 16 ends): Team
Chaz 13 - Team Frank 19,Team Reg 17 - Team Skinny 16, Team Ozzie John 12 -
Team Pro 23, Team Paul 30 - Team Alex 10. Semi Final Results: Team Frank 10
- Team Reg 25, Team Pro 11 - Team Paul 17.
The final proved to be a first class affair with Team Reg having to give a
five point start under the handicapping system employed for the event to
Team Paul, and the latter used this to great advantage throughout the match,
but it was no easy task for either team and the latter part of the match had
to be played under floodlights. However, the final result was Team Reg,
Tenby and Chopper 21 v Team Paul, Alex and Rolex (Pete) 11 and the winners
of the Kevin Drumm Memorial Trophy for 2010 were Reg, Tenby and Chopper.
The presentation of medals to the runners up and the memorial trophy and
medals to the winners was then made by Charlie Ayres (known to all bowlers
as Chaz) who had recently won the Bowling Green Club Championship.
Many words were subsequently offered about Kevin Drumm and how he will be
missed and then thanks offered from all in attendance to the staff,
organisers and management at the Bowling Green on a very successful event.
I picked up on a little ironic coincidence. Chopper a member of the winning
team was partner to Kevin in the league play before his demise and Rolex
Pete was the player who played out and supported Kevin’s position in winning
the summer league division two.
The last end of the Final
between Team Paul and Team Reg.
|
