Atkins and Millar take the Medals

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, Jan 25, The Emerald - Monthly Medal
Div. 1 (0-15)
1st Tom Atkins, net 74
2nd Bob Lamond, net 74
3rd Brian Beaupre, net 77
Div. 2 (16+)
1st Evan Millar, net 79
2nd Brian Lewis, net 80
3rd Shuichi Kodaka, net 81
For the second time the Monthly Medals were played off the blue tees at The Emerald and once again the course proved to be the master as the CSS for the day moved out to 76, ensuring that at least a couple of the contenders would see their handicaps reduced for the coming weeks. The day’s golf was heavily affected by the recent rains which left the course in an almost waterlogged condition, allowing no run at all from the tee shots and with many balls needing to be dropped after plugging in the fairways.
Tom Atkins and Bob Lamond were the two affected, as Tom just got the better of the count back by a margin of 36.5 to 37 over the inward half to take his first Medal out of The Haven, as they both played steady golf to make the best of the conditions. Brian Beaupre was their nearest challenger some three shots adrift.
The second division was taken by Evan Millar, who stuck to the task manfully to claim his first Medal win by a single stroke ahead of Brain Lewis and a further shot from Shuichi Kodaka in third place.
Final indicators of the difficulties of the day were the 11 non-returns, which was a definite record out of The Haven for a medal round.
The were no 2’s in the second division but Peter Sumner, Tom Atkins, Bob Lamond and Russell Exley shared the first division pool.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed new members David Ferguson, Viv Williams, Brian Rees and David Donovan and also welcomed back Victor Reimer, Sam McLellan and Patrick Scullion.
Wednesday, Jan 27, Khao Kheow - 2 person scramble
1st Bob Lamond & Brian Beaupre 47pts
2nd Steve Brown & Ian Hart 47pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer & B.J. Smith 46pts
4th Masanori Takano & Shuichi Kodaka 46pts
5th Jeremy Masse & Stan Dismuke 46pts
6th Russell Exley & Steven Howard 46pts
After the rigours of the previous outing the format at Khao Kheow was a very friendly 2 person scramble using the Red, White and Yellow tees with the teams having to play from each colour six times and taking seven tee shots each. There was also the application of a 40% limit of combined handicaps with no limiting factors, and using the Stableford scoring system this combination of rules provided a very close contest with the whole field finishing within 5 points of the winners.
Bob Lamond and Brian Beaupre carried on from where they left off on Monday as they both contributed to a solid eleven under total and took the top spot with a better count back of 25 off of their 4 handicap, thus denying Steve Brown and Ian Hart, playing off 13, by a single point.
Trevor Schirmer and B.J. Smith, the usual favourites, were again in contention playing with a handicap of 14. They managed to accumulate 46 points and take third with a count back of 26, which left Masanori Takano and Shuichi, playing off 12, in fourth with a count back of 23.
Jeremy Masse and Stan Dismuke, off of 10, took fifth with their count back of 21 and the Russell Exley and Steven Howard partnership rounded out the mentions in sixth with 20 on the back and a handicap of 16.
Before presenting the prizes the Doc welcomed back Steven Bickle, Alan Wand, Stan Dismuke and Stephen Beard and also welcomed new members Walter O’Keefe and David Palmer.
Friday, Jan. 29, Pattana A & B - Stableford
Div. 1 (0–13)
1st Marc Jensen 42pts
2nd Russell Exley 41pts
3rd Danny Miller 37pts
4th Barrie Howarth 36pts
5th Ted Lodge 36pts
Div. 2 (14+)
1st Ole Stamnes 36pts
2nd Kenny Priddy 35pts
3rd Roar Berger 34pts
4th Tony Barritt 34pts
5th Chris Knapp 34pts
Once again another large group required the formation of two divisions and just short of the requirements for three divisions to take on the par 73 A & B courses at Pattana, playing from the yellow tees.
The first division was a definite two tier affair with the two leaders well out in front as Marc Jensen recorded his best round in Thailand and Russell Exley shot his best since February 2009. At the final count up it was Marc by a point ahead of Russell, and Danny Miller, steady as usual, in third place five behind the winning score. Barrie Howarth took fourth with a better count back of 19 ahead of Ted Lodge with 18 and Bob Lamond with 17.
Ole Stamnes recorded a rare win in the second tier by the slimmest of margins in front of Kenny Priddy in second place and playing partner Roar Berger another one back in third. Roar took his place with a better count back of 17 as Tony Barritt and Chris Knapp had to go back to the back six of the front nine with Tony getting the nod with a 15 to 11 margin after they had both scored the count back of the back nine equally.
The first division 2’s were shared between Bob Lamond, Russell Exley, Barrie Howarth and Alan Griffiths and in the second division John Ingram spoilt Kenny Priddy’ s day as he slipped one in to match Kenny and stop him claiming the huge roll over pool.
Prior to the prize presentations The Doc welcomed new member Bob Cowell.

Tewin makes it to single figures

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Fergus has had a private bet with Tewin Lamthong (Poopay) for a long time. If she managed to get her handicap in to single figures then he would give up smoking. Well she did just that after her thirty-eight point win at Phoenix last Thursday she went from ten down to nine. So stop he has. Not easy for fifty a day man.

A group of Saturday’s podium finishers: Dean Rice, Jack McNamara, Tewin Lamthong, Jon Lay and Mab Jiwa.

I have recently been accused of having a weekly whinge. Sorry no whinge this week but the reverse - a bit of praise. The course was Khao Kheow who asked for us to restrict our player group to a maximum of forty players because of a very full field being booked on Saturday. It was also noticed that a great deal more marshals were to be seen on the course helping to keep things moving along smoothly. Good move Khao Kheow. Congratulations.
As a footnote, with the courses getting busy it is very important to sign up early if we are playing a course that you like, to avoid possible disappointment.
Monday, Jan. 25, Greenwood A & B - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Llew Matthews (2) 39pts
2nd Ted Senior (12) 36pts
3rd Ted Lodge (12) 34pts
Div. 2
1st Martin Zimmmerman (14) 35pts
2nd Danny Whelan (13) 32pts
3rd Mike Rushant (13) 31pts
Div. 3
1st Derek Lucas (18) 34pts
2nd Bill Priestley (21) 33pts
3rd Joe Kowalczyk (18) 31pts
Monday saw a great turnout so there were three divisions.
Derek Lucas took the win in the third division with thirty-four points and was followed home by Bill Priestley with his thirty-three and Joe Kowalczyk with thirty-one.
The second tier saw a win for Martin Zimmerman with his thirty-five, three ahead of Danny Whelan in second, with Mike Rushant taking third at thirty-one.
In the top division Llew Matthews, who is off scratch, went two places better than his previous Monday outing and came in first with thirty-nine points. Llew plays off -2 and played some excellent golf. In second was Ted Senior winning on the count back over Ted Lodge, both at thirty-six.
Three ‘2’s came from Fergus Brennan, Mod Chaviraksa and George Robinson.
Tuesday, Jan. 26, Plutaluang S & N – Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 37pts
2nd Billy Ostle (17) 37pts
3rd Donald Pearson (33) 34pts
4th Howard Tyler (6) 34pts
Tuesday was a visit to Plutaluang where we had not been in some time because reports indicated that it was not up to par. This seems to have put a few people off. Well it was their loss because contrary to the bad information the course was in very good condition and played well. Many good reports were heard from all who played.
Fergus Brennan was the top dog with his thirty-seven pointer after winning the count back over Bill Ostle with a one better score on the back nine. Third was Donald Pearson with a thirty-four, also winning after count back over Howard Taylor
Three ‘2’s came from S. Mehta, Anne Hannigan and Howard Tyler.
Thursday, Jan. 28, Phoenix - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Tewin Lamthong (16) 38pts
2nd Brendan Moore (12) 36pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (11) 36pts
Div. 2
1st Billy Ostle (16) 38pts
2nd Mab Jiwa (13) 37pts
3rd Mike Rushant (13) 36pts
Div. 3
1st Bob Short (22) 38pts
2nd Paula Byrne (27) 37pts
3rd Alun Webber (20) 36pts
Phoenix Ocean and Mountain was in excellent condition and played well, as was apparent when you view the returned scores with all three divisions won with thirty-eight points.
The third division saw a win for Bob Short, just one ahead of Paula Byrne in second and a further point in front of Alun Webber in third.
The second flight had Billy Ostle in first, second was Mab Jiwa on thirty-seven and Mike Rushant took third with thirty-six.
The top division witnessed a win for the title lady, Tewin Lamthong, with thirty-eight points and second and third was decided on count back with both Brendan Moore and Mod Chaviraksa finding themselves on thirty-six, with Brendan just edging it.
Six ‘2’ came from Robert Andrews, Mod Chaviraksa, Mab Jiwa and Bob Short at the seventh and Mab Jiwa and Mike Rushant at the seventeenth.
Saturday, Jan. 30, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Jon Lay (8) 33pts
2nd Garry Blackborne (7) 31pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (9) 30pts
4th Mod Chaviraksa (11) 30pts
Div. 2
1st Dean Rice (15) 34pts
2nd Mab Jiwa (12) 33pts
3rd Mike Rushant (13) 32pts
4th Trevor Thorley (15) 30pts
Div. 3
1st David Gibson (24) 33pts
2nd Jack McNamara (21) 33pts
3rd Michael Moreton (25) 32pts
4th Joan Murphy (19) 31pts
Saturday and off yet again to Khao Kheow where we had a very, very good turnout yet again. We were restricted to an entry of forty players by the course but we still had three good divisions.
Good weather to start the day but this was to change and rain came in at one stage for at least three holes and this affected some players it seems, pegging back the scores a little as well.
Michael Moreton took third spot in division 3 with thirty-two points, second went to Jack McNamara with thirty-three and the winner was David Gibson, also with thirty-three but a better back nine than Jack.
Division 2 had Dean Rice at the top with thirty-four points followed in by Mab Jiwa at thirty-three in second spot and Mike Rushant in third.
The winner of division 1 was Jon lay with his thirty-three points ahead of Garry Blackborne in second with thirty-one and Tewin Lamthong in third with thirty.
Only three ‘2’s came from Niall Cronin, Liam Horgan and Mab Jiwa.
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.

Hiskett takes the biscuit, cake et al

PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, Jan. 26, Greenwood - Stableford
Tuesday was Australia Day, but not at Mulligans Lakeside, where the group of 15 had travelled north to Greenwood, where the C & A courses were to be our test de jour. The course was in fine condition, with some recent rain having dampened the fairways, thus shortening the roll from the tee, so playing a little bit tougher than normal. The greens were in good shape, rolling smooth and true, but without some of the fire they can possess at times.

Two-time podium finishers, Graham Hiskett & Jimmy Fortune, with Tuesday’s winner Monte Sykes.

Monte Sykes (6) came to the fore, with solid golf to record 37 points, followed by three golfers, all with 35 points, requiring count backs on the back 9. In second place with 19 on the back was Jeff Wylie (5), followed by Graham Hiskett (13) with 18, while Jimmy Fortune (26) had to be content with fourth place having 15 on the back after a very good front 9.
The Near Pins went to Monte, Graham, Jeff & Nobby.
Thursday, Jan. 28, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
After Tuesday’s solid but unspectacular scoring, some of the boys turned up the flame on Thursday at Pleasant Valley, where we played off the Blue tees, other than holes 5, 8 & 14, where we went off the White, to give everyone a chance of carrying any hazards, which come into play for the shorter hitters.
As the headline suggests, it was Graham Hiskett (13) who really lit it up with 44 points to lead the A Flight (0-18) home. In second and third respectively, both with 39 points, were Matt Anderson (17) and Ken Hole (15) having had 22 & 20 on the back.
The B Flight was not quite as spectacular, but still above average, with Ed Horrocks (25) leading the way with 39 points, second was Keith Hodges (23) with 37 points, while Jimmy Fortune (26) made it two out of two placings this week, with 34 points.
The Near Pins were shared amongst Jeff, Steve & Paul. The course continues to improve, and in some places is spectacular, while 1 or 2 holes do not measure up to the rest of the course. Oh well, nothing is perfect.
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!

Whitehead seals it at Lakeside

PSC golf from Tropical Berts

Derek Brook
Tuesday, Jan 26, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
One of the problems of going to the distant golf courses is that some of the drivers have ‘senior moments’ and tend to go by various routes, not direct. To overcome this on this day I put a ‘route master’ in with Keith and went with ‘Bumble’ myself. No problems, both went straight there, however the winner of ‘The Longest Drive’ on the day went to Kevin who was also charged 20 baht at the Toll’s, but it did show him the course from overhead.

Peter Whitehead (right), winner of Alan Bolton Monthly Tournament, is presented his prize by Derek Brook.

Eventually we all got there and played the course on one of its windier days. The course itself was in good condition and despite getting in many bunkers we all enjoyed the day, especially because it was very quiet.
There was a major difference between the two flights, with A Flight (0-17) really playing well as this course favours the better players. The winner in the top flight was Richard Kubicki with 41 points. Richard has been off his game this trip but this could signal we are in trouble. We had a three way count back on 39 points that saw Mashi Kenata in second, Keichi Kasumi in third and Joel Flor just losing out. Also worth mention was a 38 points from Kevin (Astronaut) Dunne and 37 From Steve ( GPS) Hamstad.
In the B Flight the winner was Peter Whitehead with 44 points. Peter had a great day and also won 3 technical prizes. Nine points behind in second was Nigel Perry with 35 points and we had a count back for third place on 34 points with Carole Kubicki in third and Keith Phillips just losing out.
This was also the Alan Bolton Golfer of The Month day and with his last gasp heroics Peter Whitehead was declared the winner for this month.
Near Pins: Tom Cotton, Keichi Kasami, Alan Harris, Peter Whitehead
Long Putt: Peter Whitehead (x2)
Friday, Jan. 29, Treasure Hill - Stableford
The last competition of the month and all were looking forward to a good day at a course, while difficult, is one of the groups favorites. Breakfast was a bit earlier than our norm as our tee time was 0930 instead of our preferred 1000. Not to worry all were loaded up and on the way in good order and all arrived at the course in plenty of time. As we arrived, several vans were also arriving and disgorging what seemed like scores of players. No problem as the staff and starter were well organized and our group was on the first tee while the other group was sent off the 10th.

Tuesday’s A Flight winner Richard Kubicki.
The pace of play was very good for our groups and in a little over four hours, all were in, showered and relaxing in the clubhouse. Only negative comment had to do with some very wet areas of the course due to recent rains and maybe over doing the planned watering. In fact, all agreed that the course was in as good nick as any and a pleasure to play. Guess we’ll have it on the schedule for next month as well.
Back at Tropical Bert’s the scorecards were collected and tallied and the results announced. Once again, with no one managing to place a tee shot on the par 3 hole number 2, an additional prize was made to the delight of the PSC Treasurer.
In first place today was David Donovan (15) on count back over Paul Brown (9), both with 34 points. Third place went to Dick Warberg on 33 and Tom Cotton completed the podium with 32 points, just edging out Kevin Dunne on count back.
Near Pins: Doug Maiko, Daryl Evans, Tom Cotton.

Eliassen excels at Rayong

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Rayong C.C. on Sunday, January 24 to play a stableford competition on this testing Faldo designed course. The day was fine as the field, divided into two flights at sixteen and under, took to the tee but the increasing humidity gave warning of what was later to come.
All the Sunday regulars were there except for Jean Morel and in the second flight Jack Robertson registered 31 points for third place, one behind Larry Slattery’s second placed 32. For the fifth time in succession Ronnie Ramsay took the flight, this time with 35 points.
In the top flight Peter Ditz again showed his consistency with a fine 36 points for third place but Chris Voller went two better on his birthday by recording his best score for a while, 38 points. The flight winner was Norwegian golfer Tore Eliassen who made up for his previous error-strewn round with an excellent 39 points for an overdue win.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Chris Voller, Peter Ditz, Sam McLellan and Jack Robertson for their efforts on the seventh hole and the near-pins, sponsored by Chris Voller, were won by Tore, Tony Thorne, Ray Banks and Mike Earley.
The Booby Bevy went to Scot Allen Dow who chose to pay his green fee directly to the club instead of purchasing the PGS discount voucher which makes the course such an attractive proposal in high season.
The final two groups finished in the rain and the journey home was a storm lashed adventure but the day had been a good one at Rayong CC.
Banks in credit Again
Australia Day dawned on Tuesday, January 26 and the Pattaya Golf Society, with its strong Aussie connections, celebrated with a stableford competition at Greenwood over the A and B nines. The seasonal large group was divided into two flights with the cut at sixteen and under and the return of more old friends to the golf course was a warming sight.
Greenwood was in excellent condition with lush fairways and quick but receptive greens but it was long off the white tees and good scores were in the main hard to come by.
In the second flight Jim Ferris posted 30 points for a surprising third place, with joint winners Vic Barton and Rabbi Cohen himself taking the honours. It was fitting that Rabbi should be in the frame on his country’s prime day and his tasty post-round sausage barbie was even more palatable later in the day.
In the top flight Tony Thorne found some semblance of his game at last and recorded 34 creditable points for third place, one behind David Thomas whose 35 points card disguised the fact that his front nine score of 21 points left him starting the back nine with the handbrake still on! Steady Ray Banks was the only golfer to break par on the day and his 37 point return gave him the honours in the top flight.
The ‘2’s pots were shared by Kasuo Takimoto, Rick Schramm and Tony Thorne in the top group whilst Dave and Margaret Wilkinson kept it in the family in the lower division.
The Booby Bevy should have gone to Ronnie Ramsay for his dismal failure to produce a sixth consecutive flight win and went instead to gaffer Mr. Len for a round which was probably confined to the recycle bin after the first three holes but manfully he continued, not letting the course win hands down.
The day ended with the inevitable party in Rabbi’s Elephant Bar in Soi Buakhao marking another enjoyable Australia day.
Masa class
at Green Valley
Green Valley is always a welcome visit for the Pattaya Golf Society and Thursday, January 28 was no exception as the Soi Buakhao group played a monthly medal competition there. The course was full but the staff have certainly come to grips with the two-tee situation and the 55 Korean golfers who are currently here. Progress could not have been better and a fine competition was in prospect for the two flights, cut at sixteen and under.
In the second flight Jim Ferris came third with net 77, three behind new member Pritam Merchandani’s 74, and a further few behind Allen Dow, making the winners’ enclosure for the first time in a long while with an excellent net 71.
In the top flight Rick Schramm had a creditable score of 71 for third place, one behind David Thomas whose net 70 represented his best PGS efforts since returning to Pattaya last month. The winner, with net 68, was Japanese golfer Masanori Takano and his golf is capable of throwing up a good score like this on a regular basis. His iron play was effective and his two birdie 2’s on the front nine helped his cause immensely.
Other ‘2’s winners were Alan Bridges, Sam McLellan and Ronnie Ramsay. Ronnie also took the Booby Bevy for striking a tee marker during his warm up regime and shattered his driver before even using it. But that was the only bad news from Green Valley on a day when the Pattaya Golf Society enjoyed another excellent competition.

Flello storms home at Pattana

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

A happy Randy Flello (center) celebrates after his 42 points at Pattana.

Monday, Jan. 25, Pattana – Stableford
There were ten ladies out today in their own competition with three places up for grabs in the stableford, their own ‘2’s and 4 nearest the pin prizes also. After weeks in the spotlight and with a reduction in her handicap now to 23, Miss Nang came in third with 26 points, Nar Hector was second one point ahead and the winner in the ladies division was Miss Nut with 30 points.
Playing off 8, Raivo Velsberg took the top podium position in Division 1 with 39 points, John McLoone was second five points behind and Timo Ahvenainen finished third with 33.
With his best ever score with us, Randy Flello won Division 2 with 42 points, Cully Monks was second some 7 points behind, and Barry Rawlinson took third place with 31 after beating Bryan Rought on a 17/14 back nine count back.
Near Pins went to (Div.1) Timo Ahvenainen, John McLoone, Bryan Rought and Raivo Velsberg, (Div. 2) Bjorn Jangtunge and Jakob Knudsuite, and (Ladies) Nar Hector and Else Knudsuite.
Enrico birdied the second hole on the C course to record the only ‘2’ of the day in any of the divisions.
Wednesday, Jan. 27, Pattaya C.C. – 2-person scramble
Our fun game of the month and there were 24 teams out in a pairs stableford scramble, one person from Division 1 and their partner from Division 2. The anticipated winning score, judging from the banter at Siam Cats before we departed, was around 50 ish.
The rollover kitty was sponsoring a few other prizes in today’s competition apart from the 2’s. The first of our four-balls went out bang on time and there were thoughts of whether there would be chaos when the first group reached the tenth, as in the past here. It was however a smooth passage for all 12 groups, so well done Pattaya Country Club.
The forecast at the bar was spot on with Harry Cowling and Keith Hector winning with exactly 50 points after beating Randy Flello and Bryan Rought on a 27/26 back nine count back. Jimmy Johnson and Mike Theedam took third place with 49 points, Mikael Andersson and Barry Rawlinson were fourth with 48, while Gordon Everingham and Jean Morel beat Ray Atkinson and Billy Hewitt on a 24/23 count back to finish in fifth spot. Miss Faa and Tony Duthie lost out on a back 6 count of 16/15 to Bill and Ray.
There were eight ‘2’s today in the team competition coming from Joe Kubon and Harry Riley (x2), Paul Butler and Peter Grant, Mikael Andersson and Barry Rawlinson, Ray Atkinson and Bill Hewitt, Tony Holehouse and Peter Seward, Kit and Ernst Egeskorg, and Jean and Les Utting.
Near Pins went to John Mclonne and Andy Oz on the 5th, Miss Nang and Jack Watkins on the 7th, Joe Kubon and Harry Riley on the 12th, and Mikael Andersson and Barry Rawlinson on the 16th. The additional prizes of nearest the pin in three shots on the 8th and nearest the pin in two shots on the 17th went to Jimmy Johnson and Mike Theedam and Randy Flello and Bryan Rought respectively.
Friday, Jan. 29, Eastern Star – Stableford
There were dark clouds in the distance as we approached the course and we were wondering surely no more rain at this time of the year. However, as the round progressed the clouds dispersed and it was a very hot and humid day.
There were 38 out today so there were 3 divisions in the Men’s competition with the cut at 8-16, 17-20 and 21 +, and three rollovers in the ‘2’s to play for as well.
Jim Lane won Division 3 with 35 points, Barry Rawlinson came second on 33 and Ken Foster beat Peter Grant on a 17/16 back nine count back after they both came in with 32 points. The same score won Division 2 for Bryan Rought who beat Mike Theedam on a 18/17 count back and Andy Oz finished third with 34 points.
Still playing fantastic golf off the white tees, Ya Riley won Division 1 with 36 points while Pete Sumner beat Don Nellis on a 20/18 back nine count back for second after they finished with 35 points each.
Miss Nut took the ladies division, also on a count back of 16/14, beating Miss Nang after they both tied with 33 points.
Peter Grant, Jimmy Johnson and Jim Lane shared the rollover ‘2’s pot after two birdies on the 13th and one on the 17th. Near Pins went to (Div. 1) Jim Connelly and Harry Riley, (Div. 2) Peter Grant x2 and Geoff Pickin, and (Ladies) Miss Nang and Miss Nut.

Pearce hits a purple patch

Nigel Cannon
The first Diana Seniors and Ladies Open for 2010 saw 37 players converge on Pattaya Country Club on the last Thursday of January. As is usual with this competition all arrived and checked in early and despite the course being busy some groups got away before time and all were round in about 4 ½ hours, with the presentation just 30 minutes after the last group came in.

January winners (left-right): Henry Anderson, Pimusa Tonkhoksoong and Bob Pearce.

The weather was fine for the golf although it looked like rain towards the end for the last couple of groups it never arrived.
The course was in a reasonable condition other than the bunkers which were suffering from the recent spells of rain.
There were just 6 ladies playing today and in top spot – and winning 3 near pins - was regular Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (16) with 38 points. Runner-up was Chaba Carney (19) with 31 who had not played in this competition for some time.
In the Seniors - aged 50 – 64 – there were two new names for both winner and runner-up; Ted Lodge (12) came in with a fine 37 closely followed by Henry Anderson (18) with 35.
The Super Seniors 65+ was topped by ‘The Colonel’ aka Bob Pearce (13) - who is going through a purple patch at present – with the top score of the day a great 39 points. Runner-up and fellow member of PCC was Norman Martin (23) with 34 points.
The next Diana Seniors and Ladies open is on Thursday February 25 at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 0900. Sign-up sheets are at the Diana Green Bottle on Pattaya 2nd Road and the Diana Driving range.
Near Pins: No5 Pimusa Tonkhoksoong, No7 Pimusa Tonkhoksoong, No12 Pimusa Tonkhoksoong, No16 Ulf Berggren.
Long Putts: No9 Norman Martin, No18 Eva Carlsson

Bridge in Paradise : by Neil Robinson

This interesting hand was played in the 2007 World Championships in Shianghai (reported by Andrew Robson).  North-South were vulnerable and South dealt: 

                        S: 2

                        H: AKQJ5

                        D: 985

                        C: 8543   

S: AQJ965                       S: 1073

H: 1043                           H: 98762

D: 107                              D: 2

C: 97                                C: KQ106

                        S: K84

                        H: -

                        D: AKQJ643

                        C: AJ2 

Everyone had something to say in the first round of bidding: 

South   West       North     East

1D        2S           3H          3S

?                                            

Imagine you are sitting South: you have a very nice playing hand and North’s bid at the three level shows about ten or more points.  What do you bid now?  Do you settle for a safe 3N or take a risk and go 6D?
At Table One at the World Championships South took the risk.  The ace of spades was led, followed by a switch to a club.  South won with the club ace, pulled trumps in two rounds and ruffed a spade to get to board, then threw his black suit losers on dummy’s good hearts.
An opening club lead is no better, because declarer can win, pull trumps, cross to the board with a third round of trumps and again throw black suit losers on dummy’s top hearts.  Either way, “risky” slam made.
So, did you choose the safe 3N bid, like the South at Table Two?  West led the nine of clubs, hoping his partner could win and lead a spade through declarer’s king.  Declarer beat East’s queen with his ace and played two top diamonds.  But now what to do?  Declarer could cash seven diamonds to go with the ace of clubs, but had no way to get to board.
Alternatively, declarer could cross to board with a third round of diamonds and cash the four top hearts, but then had no way of getting back to hand to cash the diamonds.  Either way, declarer is limited to eight tricks.  So, the “safe” contract goes down.  Which did you choose?
If you have bridge questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please contact me at: bridgethailand@live.com.  I look forward to meeting you at the bridge table.

Monte fires at Royal Lakeside

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Jan. 25, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
The weather forecast said rain for Pattaya but we were fairly confident that we would escape it at Rayong Country Club and our confidence was justified. Café Kronborg was a “hive of industry” from 0730 onwards as Green Fee Vouchers (400 baht) were purchased and numbers were finally realized at thirty nine for the day’s competition. The course was in very good shape and the greens are ever-improving and excellent value at the PSC Green Fee price.

Nigel Perry, ‘The Admiral’ and title man Monte Sykes.

A Flight was well won by Maurice Herbergs who finished 3 points ahead of the consistent Richard Kubicki, who in turn beat Anne Max Pedersen in a count back for second place. Returning for another visit was Virginian Monte Sykes who finished fourth, beating Peter Sindberg on a count back.
A welcome return to form and no doubt some “anger management” counselling enabled Per Anders Karlsen to win the B Flight easily from Lasse Boskov in second place. A count back was necessary for third & fourth places with Brendan Byrne just pipping J C Loste who is leaving us soon for a few months. Bon Voyage J.C.
That man again Andre Van Dyk hit his straps and won the C Flight by 4 points. Richard Kubicki’s wife Carole completed a good day for the family by finishing in second place with Cilia Bosman third and Laurina Brinn fourth.
The coveted “compass award” was presented by Hunter to The Admiral for the second time in a row.
A Flight (0-16)
1st Maurice Herbergs (9) 37pts
2nd Richard Kubicki (12) 34pts
3rd Anne Max Pedersen (15) 34pts
4th Monte Sykes (6) 33pts
B Flight (17-21)
1st Per Anders Karlsen (17) 38pts
2nd Lasse Boskov (18) 35pts
3rd Brendan Byrne (18) 33pts
4th J C Lhoste (21) 33pts
C Flight (22+)
1st Andre Van Dyk (22) 40pts
2nd Carole Kubicki (27) 36pts
3rd Cilia Bosman (22) 35pts
4th Laurina Brinn (28) 33pts
Near Pins: No5 Klaus Kaergaard, No7 Mike Herridge, No12 Anne Max Pedersen, No16 Kristinn Helgason.
Long Putts: No9 Lotte Boskov, No18 Bent Moller
Thursday, Jan. 28, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
On another wonderful day in paradise there were thirty two of us ready for the 75 minute trip to tackle the popular Royal lakeside course. Welcomes were handed out to Kjeld & Ulla Ravn from Denmark, Roy Stubbs from the UK and it was great to see big John Naponick here from Cambodia for another visit.
We departed Café Kronborg spot on time at 0815 and arrived at the course 30 minutes prior to our tee off time. As mentioned before the weather was fabulous with just a gentle cooling breeze and the course looked magnificent as ever.
Our first group teed off at 1000 on the dot and it was obvious the six handicapper in our group, Monte Sykes was in for a good day as he eagled the par five first hole. Not a conventional eagle however as he chipped in from about 25 metres right off the green but a three for five nonetheless and a great start to a round of golf. Our other single figure man “Hunter” Gosden was also going well but alas stumbled at the finish to just miss out on a spot on the podium.
I must once more mention the first class condition of the course, in particular the greens which were as good as any that we come across. Great value for money!
Monte continued his good round and took out the A Flight by 2 points from Peter Sindberg who beat Per Anders Karlsen who finished third on a count back. Your writer showed a rare glimpse of form and pipped Don Richardson in a count back for fourth & fifth places. B Flight was won by Englishman Nigel Perry with American Eddie Glinsek in second place. In a count back for third and fourth places John Marritt beat Mike Herridge. Darryl Evans finished fifth on a count back from Carole Kubicki. “Hunter” Gosden presented to “Compass” trophy to the Admiral for the third consecutive game. As more “Compass Club” members are returning to Pattaya shortly, i.e. Paul Avery & Stu Rifkin, I suspect the Admiral’s “winning” run will soon come to an end.
A Flight (0-20)
1st Monte Sykes (6) 40pts
2nd Peter Sindberg (9) 38pts
3rd Per Anders Karlsen (17) 38pts
4th Peter Blackburn (14) 37pts
5th Don Richardson (10) 37pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Nigel Perry (22) 37pts
2nd Eddie Glinsek (26) 36pts
3rd John Marritt (25) 35pts
4th Mike Herridge (22) 35pts
5th Darryl Evans (21) 33pts
Near Pins: No3 John Marritt, No6 Kjeld Ravn, No12 Finn Olsen, No15 Peter Hammond.
Long Putts: No9 Klaus Kaergaard, No18 John Naponick.

‘Shutts’ reaches half century but comes up just short

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, Jan. 25, Burapha - Stableford
Lloyd Shuttleworth celebrated his big ‘Five O’ with 44 Outbackers at Burapha, playing the Augusta & Belfry nines. The course was busy and once again we were restricted to a one tee start; nevertheless everybody was efficiently away as ever and round in about four and a quarter hours. Carts were not allowed on the fairways, still soft from the previous days heavy rain, until about 11.30 a.m. and rain threatened to disrupt again today but fortunately stayed away.

Monday’s overall winner Lawrie McBride with Lloyd Shuttleworth who was marking his half century.
This being an Outbacker Birthday cup event, there is always an outright winner whose name is added to the honours board back at the bar. At one stage it seemed as though ‘Shutts’ was going to win it himself (nobody has won their own cup yet) as he started birdie, bogey, birdie, birdie; but a blocked tee shot on the first par 3 cost him dear, as did a lost ball on the eighth. However, he recovered well on the back nine after a birdie on the par 5 fifteenth. He found water with his drive on the index one sixteenth, but dropping out under penalty and using his 7-iron from about 170 yards he then holed out for an extraordinary birdie and a four point haul.
Big Lawrie McBride, having only his second game on his current R & R stint, found some long lost form to win overall with an excellent 39 points, just edging out John O’Keefe who had to settle for the win in Div B on the same score.
The low handicappers rose to the top is the premier division, won by James Sheffield (37pts) playing off plus two, followed in by the birthday boy, Lloyd with 36 points off 3 and Ian Heddle back in third on 35 points, also off a h’cap of 3.
Other notables include Harry Cowling (38pts) second in Div B and his good friend Ray Atkinson (38pts) and winner of Div C, followed in by Sakorn with 36 points.
There were eight ‘2’s from Mitch Black, Jack Moseley, Shutts, Raji, Bob Lindborg, James Sheffield, Owen Lloyd and Ian Heddle.
Overall
1st Lawrie McBride (15) 39pts
Div A (0-12)
1st James Sheffield (2) 37pts
2nd Lloyd Shuttleworth (3) 36pts
3rd Ian Heddle (3) 35pts
Div B (13-19)
1st John O’Keefe (16) 39pts
2nd Harry Cowling (19) 38pts
3rd Frank O’Neill (17) 36pts
Div C (20+) white tees
1st Ray Atkinson (20) 38pts
2nd Sakorn Pramoolchart (27) 36pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (22) 30pts
Tuesday, Jan. 26, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
On this fine Tuesday morning it was 20 Outbackers who were to the receive the warm welcome from the PCC staff, who have become good friends during the year we have been playing regularly at this local course.

Birthday Boys Neil Lavery and Capt’ Bob with Friday’s outright winner, Mitch Black.
It was ‘Australia Day’ and they were represented by regular Outbacker Geoff Moodie. However the ‘Emerald’ Isle were here in force with regular Johns, Messrs Cogan and Stafford bringing along some fellow countrymen – including the recently appointed Captain of Lewiinski’s, Seamus Cotter, to whom Capt’ Bob made a special welcome as he presented him with his second place winnings.
The course was busy but our tee times were honoured, however we had to follow two slow four-ball Koreans, making for a slightly longer round than usual.
Whilst the course had benefited from the rain of the last few days the bunkers had not and caused some problems for those who found them. With no ‘2’s, it was two divisions with four places in each.
In top spot in Division 1 was the ‘workings man’s other half – Suzi Lawton (20) with 40 points – and a handicap adjustment! Some six shots less was the aforementioned Seamus Cotter (11) on 34. Never far away, Bob Pearce (13) took third with 31, and just squeezing in on count back in fourth was Bill Bishop (16) with 30.
It was 40 points for John Cogan (21), the winner of Division 2, in second was the other ‘Irish John’ Stafford (21) with 37 points and in third – after a poor front nine – was Norm Martin (23) with 35 points. In the frame again was the lady La’ong (38) with 29 points.
The Outback Golf Bar play at Pattaya Country Club each Tuesday with a tee time of 09.30.
Div A (0-20)
1st Suzi Lawton (20) 40pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (11) 34pts
3rd Bob Pearce (13) 31pts
4th Bill Bishop (16) 30pts
Div B (21+)
1st John Cogan (21) 40pts
2nd John Stafford (21) 37pts
3rd Norm Martin (23) 35pts
4th Laong (38) 29pts
Wednesday, Jan. 27, Crystal Bay - Stableford
It is pleasing to report that since the Outback last visited Crystal Bay back on June 3 last year, that the general condition of the course has vastly improved. 36 Outbackers enjoyed the A & B nines in the warm sunshine, making a pleasant change from the unseasonal rain over the past few days. The greens were fine and of good pace and the fairways more than acceptable in spite of the wet condition here and there.
The scoring was average with only Capt’ Bob (38pts) beating his handicap to win Div A by three from General Jack (35pts), who carelessly threw his round away over the last three holes, dropping five shots to par. Three players, all on 34pts, endured the scrutiny of a count back for third but it was an easy task for the stewards, with Richard Steadman amassing 21 points on the back.
Owen Lloyd (35pts) won Div B from last Monday’s Outbacker B’day Cup champ, Lawrie McBride (33pts) and Div C was won by Paul Smets on count back from Jean Paul, both with 34.
Today the Outback said goodbye to Lloyd Shuttleworth (Shutts), who celebrated his fiftieth with us on Monday, as he returned for another work stint.
There were six ‘2’s from Richard Steadman, Alan Pilkington, Tommy Atkins, Shutts and Capt’ Bob had two.
Div A (0-12)
1st Bob Philp (8) 38pts
2nd Jack Moseley (9) 35pts
3rd Richard Steadman (12) 34pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Owen Lloyd (13) 35pts
2nd Lawrie McBride (15) 33pts
3rd Tommy Atkins (15) 32pts
Div C (16+)
1st Paul Smets (21) 34pts
2nd Jean-Paul Michiels (18) 34pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (22) 33pts
Friday, Jan. 29, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A busy field of 43 Outbackers, playing the B & C nines, came here to celebrate the birthdays of both Capt’ Bob and Neil Lavery. It was extremely hot and humid but there was no rain and the course was in excellent condition.
Mitch Black, who strikes a beautiful ball off the tee, has been struggling around the greens and with his putting. Although today, some putts that he should have holed got away, he did enough to win the day with an excellent 76 gross to rack up 37 points.
Paul Greenaway, playing in the second group out, found the pace of play to his liking and mounted a serious challenge to win overall but a couple of mistakes in the closing holes ruined his chance and he had to settle for 35 points and the Div A win. The ‘Colonel’, Bob Pearce, playing with Capt’ Bob, was his usual steady self, putting in a good round of 34 points to take second from three players all with 33 points, headed by Raji.
Big Kev Hamilton headed Div B with 35 points from Lawrie McBride, who’s had a good week, in second on 34 and Noddy Moyle in third with 32. Greg Todd won Div C, with the same score as the overall winner, 37 points, only to lose on count back; whilst John Cogan (34pts) & Bruce McAdam (33pts) also continued their current form to finish second and third.
The near pins were won by Nick Sidhu (B3), Andy Butterworth (B8), Brian Maddox (C3) and Larry Emerson (C8) all winning Outback food & drink vouchers.
There were only two ‘2’s coming from Andy Butterworth and Roy Studds.
Back at the ranch, Neil was joined by his wife (also celebrating her birthday) and friends to enjoy an excellent spread of farang and Thai dishes prepared by the Outback team as the celebrations continued well into the evening,
Capt’s Note: There were a couple of ‘no shows’ today which thoroughly disrupts the whole field. Repeat offenders will be asked to pay the tournament entry fee when signing up to play to help jog their memory.
Overall
1st Mitch Black (5) 37pts
Div A (0-13)
1st Paul Greenaway (11) 35pts
2nd Bob Pearce (13) 34pts
3rd Amarjit Banwaitt (7) 33pts
Div B (14-19)
1st Kevin Hamilton (17) 35pts
2nd Lawrie McBride (15) 34pts
3rd Greg Moyle (19) 32pts
Div C (20+)
1st Greg Todd (24) 37pts
2nd John Cogan (21) 34pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (22) 33pts
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.

Café Ole increase their lead at the top

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Café Ole increased their first place lead after winning three points from second placed USMC. Antero Ronkainen led Café Ole with a 510 series. Meanwhile third placed Jack Tar gained ground on second place with Mai Munsitha leading her team to a four point win over Brother D. Mai bowled a 221 game, 577 series and Morn Mack bowled a 526 for Jack Tar.

200 Bowlers: Mai and Rich.

Bavaria won all four points from Green Tree and moved from fifth to fourth place; Noodle Russell bowled a 510 series for Green Tree but it was not enough. Sue Murphy has just returned from the U.S. and rolled a 522 series to lead Canada to a three point win over Sabai Sabai Friday.
VFW Post 9876, trying to dig themselves out of last place, took all four points from Indiana. Tui Amphanon led VFW with a 512 series. Bowling as Pacers, Rich Montana had a 204 game, 546 series and Mio Aamlid bowled a 550.

Top Adventure Race teams attracted to River Kwai Trophy 2010

The 5th edition of the world-renowned River Kwai Trophy Adventure Race, supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Kanchanaburi province, is by far the largest and most exciting event of its type in South East Asia. Created to promote and expose the beauty of Thailand, the race this year will also raise funds for the Elephant Conservation Network (ECN), a community-linked wild elephant conservation project based in Kanchanaburi.

The spectacular scenery of Kanchanaburi will once more play backdrop to the exciting River Kwai Trophy Adventure Race on March 6.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday March 6, the race will start at the famous River Kwai Bridge and will include disciplines such as running, kayaking, biking, swimming and other mystery tests as the athletes battle their way through the fantastic countryside of Kanchanaburi.
Up to 150 teams of two from around the world are expected to take part with top representatives coming from Hong Kong and Singapore to challenge local champions Saman Gunnan & Anand Duangsopa (winners of Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009) and Chadarak Chaikamjorn & Suwat Phaiboon (winners of Koh Samui Trophy).
In order to make it a festive event and involve the Kanchanaburi residents, a Fun Run for all will be offered as a parallel event to the Adventure Race. This Fun Run will involve local schools and communities and will create a festive, sporty and friendly atmosphere throughout the day.
The 2-day Adventure Race weekend will also feature an Expo village near the bridge, shows, dances and songs from local artists, universities and schools, a gala dinner and trophy presentation and a children’s corner and games area.
Anyone interested in taking part in this year’s River Kwai Trophy Adventure Race should contact the organizers Active Management Asia at www. ama-events.com.

Archery Darts and Wand Shooting make their debut in Thailand

Press Release
The Pattaya Archery Club has introduced two new sports to Pattaya % Archery Darts and Wand Shooting. Although there are a few other archery clubs in Thailand, it is quite probable that this was the first time that these particular types of archery have been ever been seen in the Kingdom.

“Poppy” (right) put up a tremendous fight against Gilbert.
The Pattaya Archery Club was founded four years ago, with one active member, Eric Hearn, now President of the club. Since then the membership has grown to about 30, but in all that time the members concentrated on target shooting.
So, in an effort to introduce something new, just for a bit of fun and as a bit of an experiment, Eric organised a Three Event Shoot comprising Archery Darts, “Wand Shooting” and “Annoy a Bunny” - more about these other two activities later.
Archery Darts
This was something new to the members of this club, and none had ever played darts quite like this before. In fact some of the French and German archers had never played traditional darts in a pub and so the rules had to be explained carefully. As they all speak English, at least there was no need for interpreters.
That did not stop some of them muttering under their breath about “this crazy English game”, especially when they needed a double to finish; shot too high a score % and were declared “bust”. This was a concept they found strange, especially if they had some arrows left over in their quivers after “busting”.

John and Georg had a personal shootout with their compound bows.
Archery darts is based on the traditional game of darts as played in countless pubs throughout the UK. The rules and scoring system in archery darts are the same as in traditional darts % two contestants start at 501 and finish on a double, throwing / shooting just three darts / arrows at a time
There are some differences, of course. Instead of darts, the archers use their bows to shoot their arrows into a 30 inch diameter paper version of a dartboard; and the shooting line / “ockie” is 18 metres distance from the board.
However as there are no wires separating the scoring zones on the archery dart target, there had to be some guesses in which score zone an arrow had landed. So no “bouncers” there, then!
Even though the bows have a sight, it proved quite a challenge to put an arrow into the “double” which was just one inch wide by 4 inches long, from 18 metres away.
Archers were paired-off according to ability and so their games proved quite close. Most club members shoot a recurve bow, as used in the Olympic Games, but there are two members who shoot a compound bow, with all the gadgets, gizmos and extra sight.

Paul Inglis beat fellow Brit Allan Jones in the fastest game of archery darts.
John (Surinam) played Georg (Germany) but was pipped at the post by Georg. As both were shooting their compound bows, this game should have been over the quickest, due to the more complex technology of these bows. However, because they kept “busting” when near their final double, the game went on, and on. Finally Georg got his 3, double 3, ending the game.
“Poppy” a Thai lady, put up a tremendous fight against Gilbert (France) but the Frenchman beat her, even though she only needed a double 2 to finish. It was another very close game.
The fastest win was in six ends of three arrows, a really excellent example of precision archery. This was achieved by Paul Inglis, from England, who narrowly beat his opponent, Allan Jones, another Brit, who was just three arrows away from finishing. Moreover, Paul, despite being a Midlander, had never played traditional darts before, so this was a first for him, too.
Just to complete the archery darts match, Gilles Fourquet (France) narrowly beat Barbara Braun (Germany) in another closely-fought game.
Overall the standard of archery marksmanship was very high. Everyone had a good time and no doubt archery darts will soon feature on a frequent basis in the club’s activities.
This new activity raises the possibility of Pattaya Archery Club competing against regular darts players. So if there are any darts teams in Pattaya who want a different sort of challenge, then please contact Eric Hearn on 089 535 1193.
Wand Shooting
The history of Wand Shooting is shrouded in the mists of time. It appears that several hundreds of years ago it was a rite of passage to mark the passing of a boy into a man, for that boy to shoot an arrow into a piece of wood (the “wand”) stuck upright in the ground at least 100 yards away. And of course in those days the only bow in England was the famous longbow: a bent stick of wood with no sight, no stabilisers or other gadgets, which shot wooden arrows of dubious straightness.
The crossbow was seen as a European invention which no self-respecting Englishman would put in his hand.
To anyone who has any experience of archery, to hit a stick of wood at 100 yards with a longbow is a really impressive feat. Probably explains why our archers were so feared in those wars so many years ago.
Well there are no longbow shooters in the Pattaya Archery Club; and the archery range at the Pirates of Pattaya Shooting Club in Hua Yai has only a 50 metre distance.
So a strip of tape, 4 inches wide, stuck into a target served as a makeshift “wand”. Longbows were replaced by modern recurve bows and the distance was just 50 metres % about as near as we could get to replicating the real thing.
Even so, to hit such a narrow target at that range takes some doing and the club members found this quite a challenge. Once again Paul Inglis (England) and Gilbert Pelissier (France) were the most accurate, each scoring 4 hits on the “wand” out of 6 arrows. Very impressive and accurate shooting.
Annoy a Bunny
This was an attempt to replicate hunting animals with a bow. The targets were paper pictures of various animals (Squirrel, Jay, Goose, Boar, Hare, etc) pinned onto targets positioned at irregular and unmarked distances from the shooting line.
Each archer could only shoot one arrow at each picture, so replicating bow-hunting. As the targets were at unknown distances this was quite a challenge to target archers who are accustomed to shooting at targets on fixed and known distances.
It was interesting to see how close some of the archers came to scoring a direct hit on the pictures. This barrage of arrows would certainly have annoyed the bunny!
The most successful archer in this section was a newcomer to the club, Guenter (Germany), who shoots barebow. That is a modern recurve bow, but without sights and stabilisers. He shoots instinctively, that is he has to use his judgement where to aim his bow. This is a skill of marksmanship which takes many years to develop, and is very impressive to watch.
Trying archery in Pattaya
Pattaya Archery Club shoots on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 10.00 am and finishing at about noon or thereafter. Anyone - Thai or farang, young or old, man or woman % is welcome to come along to the Pirates of Pattaya Shooting Club in Hua Yai and find out what it is all about.
Beginners’ Coaching is held on a Tuesday and / or a Saturday. The coach’s services and the use of the club’s bows, arrows and other equipment are free for beginners, and so it costs nothing to see if this challenging sport is for you.
For more details visit Pattaya Archery Club’s website at www.pattaya-archery-club. com, or telephone Eric, the President, on 089 535 1193.

The archery range set up for a fun day.

Youth World(s) coming to Pattaya

Peter Cummins
In a world clouded with doom and gloom, there is a bright ray shining - at least for Thailand - over the Sattahip-Jomtien-Pattaya Eastern Seaboard region. It is an event far removed from the outside turmoil. It is clear skies, sparkling waters and the smiling faces of some 100 teenagers from more than 24 countries world-wide who will come to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard - to go sailing.

Noppakao Poonpat is just one of a host of bright young prospects on the horizon for Thailand’s sailing scene. (Photo/Malee Whitcraft)

2009 was a very good year for Thailand, nautically speaking that is. Two teenagers from the Sattahip Naval Base, some 30 km south of Pattaya, went to compete in junior events in Brazil, Japan and Malaysia, and came back to the Kingdom with top honours.
Noppakao Poonpat, an incredibly-talented young sailor, finished first girl and fourth overall at the 2009 IODA World Sailing Championship in Brazil. She finished first overall in the 2009 International Open dinghy Regatta in Hong Kong, and in the 2009 IODA Asian Championship in Malaysia.
Keerati Bualong, a promising young sailor, finished sixth sailing Laser Radial in the 2009 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Brazil, and first in the 2009 Laser Radial Youth World Championship in Japan.
It has been a long, hard road for the development of yacht racing, sailing and cruising in the Kingdom - a journey which started with the founding of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club at Pattaya in July, 1957. Subsequent development of the marine infrastructure, marinas and yacht clubs all over the Kingdom was the catalyst for the virtually exponential growth, fuelled by His Majesty the King’s interest in dinghy racing.
In fact, the Monarch himself was a gold-medalist helmsman in 1967 and he bestowed Royal Patronage on the Varuna Yacht Club in April, 1965.
The Yacht Club, ensconced on the shores of South Pattaya-Jomtien, has been the custodian and the prime mover in this burgeoning leisure sector for the seas and waterways of the Kingdom, shared by Thais and expatriates alike.
Over the decades, Royal Varuna has hosted many world, regional and national championships which have given so much positive media coverage to the Kingdom, increasing the huge numbers of tourists - particularly in the marine sector - and the exponential interest world-wide in Thailand as a yachting, cruising and sailing venue “par excellence”.
This has all been made possible by generous sponsorship over the years: along with local press and life-style magazines, such major players as Volvo, Lufthansa, BMW, Boonrawd Brewery, Coca Cola, Raimon Land, the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, and innumerable others have “come aboard”. Their brands and logos have been featured on the world’s press and media outlets, consistently, for several decades.
Now, as we enter 2010, there is a new surge upon us and the inevitable tremendous success of Thailand on the world stage of yacht racing. Progress of the Thai youngsters from the Royal Thai Navy base in Sattahip, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya and the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien, is being fully supported by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the national authority.
To continue the momentum, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club is embarking on an ambitious programme of prestigious events, namely the Laser Asia-Pacific Masters, where the “gray hounds of the Gulf” will strip for the action 8 - 12 March. Then 31 March – 8 April more than 100 teenagers will compete against the best from some 24 countries, in the 2010 World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship. 16 Thai sailors are entered.
The Laser 4.7 is the leading boat for youth who have left the under-16 year-old limit Optimist class. It is the stepping stone for both men and women skippers who can proceed to the Olympics in the Laser and Laser Radial.
“We wish”, pointed out Kevin Whitcraft, Flag Commodore of the host club, “to continue on this trend, going forward into 2010 and hopefully to the 2012 Olympiad.”
As this event is taking place in Thailand, the organizers need sponsorship for the Thai skippers in order to maximize Thai participation. As most of these Thai skippers will be coming to Pattaya from the Sattahip area and require new boats and equipment, and world-class coaching, the costs of participation are somewhat high.
Thus, for the 2010 World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship, sponsorship is being sought for Thai sailors, their coaches and supporters - and three levels of support are proposed:
GOLD SPONSORSHIP:
Baht 30,000 will cover entry fees , equipment upgrades, housing in Pattaya at the site, food during the event and participation in coaching seminar (held by a world class coach).
SILVER SPONSORSHIP:
Baht 20,000 which will under-write entry fees, housing in Pattaya at the site, food during the event, and participation in a coaching seminar (held by a world class coach);.
BRONZE SPONSORSHIP:
Baht 10,000 which covers entry fees and sustenance during the event.
What’s in it for the sponsors? As in the huge number of regattas held in the Kingdom in the past few decades, all regatta materials, signage and other paraphernalia related to undertaking such a prestigious world-wide event, will feature names of the contributors.
Furthermore, also as in the past, the organizing committee expect a very broad coverage through the press and international media, including world-wide TV coverage beamed into millions of homes around the globe – especially to those of the competing nations.
If you are able to support the 16 Thai sailors, it would be most appreciated by both the Thai sailors and the Thai sailing community as a whole if you could contact the Royal Varuna Yacht Club on +66-38-250116, Email rvyc@ptty.loxinfo.co.th, before 15 February 2010.