IPGC Sunday Golf at Green Valley

Sunday, Jan. 31 – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Dave Stockman 40pts
2nd Steve Mulberry 38pts
3rd Barry Howarth 38pts
4th Danny Miller 37pts
Div. 2
1st Brian Wilkinson 42pts
2nd Charles Sheppard 38pts
3rd Joe Peters 38pts
4th Sean Murphy 38pts
Dave Stockman continued his fine run of form to take the top division in fine style off his 6 handicap. Steve Mulberry, never far from the fray, fought a tight battle with Barry Howarth, emerging victorious and securing second place on count back. Barry Howarth took third position from Danny Miller who is enjoying an extended holiday from Manchester. Danny is a frequent winner during the week and is well supported by his lovely partner from Poland who was an Olympic gold medalist at shopping and continues to train hard during her stay in Pattaya.
Brian Wilkinson continues his run of form and stormed away with the second division spoils, ahead of the evergreen Charles Sheppard. Charles had a close tussle with the Irish duo Joe Peters and Sean Murphy with the scores needing to be taken to count back to separate them.
The ‘2’s were shared by Marc Napier, Joe McArdle, and Barry Tregurtha.
Sunday, Feb. 7 – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Brian Wilkinson 42pts
2nd Ted Lodge 41pts
3rd Russell Exley 39pts
Div. 2
1st Roar Berger 37pts
2nd Gerry Doyle 37pts
3rd Alec Hoare 34pts
Another good turnout saw Brian Wilkinson celebrating promotion to the top flight with a superb 42 points. This was Brian’s final Sunday round this holiday and we wish him well and speedy return. Ted Lodge took second position with an excellent 41 points but had to play suitor to the irrepressible Brian today. Russell Exley beat his handicap by 3 points to secure third place.
The second division was a more closely contested affair with Roar Berger, a regular Pattaya visitor from his native Norway, beating Gerry Doyle on count back. Similarly Alec Hoare, Sean Hallahan, and Damian Montague could only be separated on count back in an all Irish contest for the minor honours.
There were no ‘2’s in the second division today.
The presentations were held at the Golf Centre Bar where a welcome addition of French fries were served with the sandwiches by hosts John and Geoff, assisted by their bevy of beautiful ladies, taking excellent care of the many golfers.
For further details on Sunday IPGC Golf at Green Valley, phone Russell Exley 084 782 4582.

Campbell keeps a cool head

IPGC Monthly Medals

Monthly winners (from left to right): Mark Campbell,
Alan Griffiths, Noi Emmerson and Jack Robertson.

Tuesday, Feb. 2, Greenwood
Div. 1 (0-10)
1st Mark Campbell (10) 71
2nd Paul Smith (3) 72
3rd Danny Miller (8) 73
Div. 2 (11-18)
1st Alan Griffiths (12) 70
2nd Don Head (15) 71
3rd Stan Dismuke (17) 73
Div. 3 (19-36)
1st Jack Robertson (23) 38pts
2nd Ronnie Ramsay (19) 37pts
3rd Barry Rawlinson (28) 37pts
Ladies (0-36)
1st Noi Emmerson (30) 32pts
2nd Somporn Hestor (22) 30pts
3rd Patsad Ryves (28) 28pts
Once again there was a large turnout for the IPGC Monthly Medals held this month at Greenwood from the white tees over the A and C courses, on a course softened by overnight rain.
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, dependant on final positions, which will then be aggregated for the year to establish the overall winner.
As usual the first two divisions played a stroke play format whilst the third division and Ladies played stableford.
A taut and frustrating day for many began with the course management changing from A-B to A-C on the stroke of the allotted start time and this caught out some golfers hoping to make some early headway as they left the B tee in high expectation of establishing an early lead.
In the first division, favourite Steve Mascari had already stumbled as Paul Smith produced a round of infinite quality on the day, firing a gross of 75 to give him second place, one shot ahead of Danny Miller’s fine efforts. The flight winner was Mark Campbell, producing this time the golf of which he is often capable. Steve Mascari’s nearest challenger for Player of the Year, Russell Exley, also had a frustrating day leaving the challenge wide open for the next month at Green Valley.
The second division saw Stan Dismuke record net 73 for third place, with Don Head breaking par with net 71 for second. Alan Griffith’s consistent round gave him net 70 for the winner’s trophy.
In the third division Barry Rawlinson’s hard earned 37 points lost on the only count back of the day to Ronnie Ramsay for second place with a worse 18 to 21 score over the inward half and Jack Robertson came up with a perfectly timed round of 38 points to win the flight.
The Ladies division saw Noi Emerson’s 32 points rewarded with the win, ahead of Somporn Hestor (30) and Patsad Ryves (28).
In the ongoing Player of the Year competition, following the frustrations of the course decision to change nines so late, Steve Mascari retains his seventeen point lead at the top thanks to Russell Exley’s disappointing performance when he could have made great strides in the chase, and only Pete Sumner and Mark Campbell in the chasing group could make headway on the top three.
Following a splendid buffet at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar in Soi Buakhao, generously sponsored as always by the IPGC, the presentations were made by Len Jones and the Club Chairman, Chris Knapp. Before presenting the prizes Len thanked the golfers, the organising committee and scorers for their good work both on the day and during the run up to the competition.
The evening continued thereafter as usual with more than a few cool beers punctuating tales of great glory and woe, the ones that got away and those which were nailed, and thoughts turned to next month’s Medal competitions to be held on Wednesday 3rd March at Green Valley, for which early registration is advised as it is expected to be fully taken up again.

Same track, 12 point difference, that’s golf

PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Feb. 2, Emerald - Stableford
Tuesday dawned fresh and clear, and off we went to Ban Chang to play Sir Nick’s Emerald, where a good test is always provided. Today was no different with nobody beating their handicap, although Allan Cassin (11) went closest, shooting 36 points, to lead the field home in the A Flight of 0-19 handicappers. He was pursued in the A, by Monte Sykes (5), with a commendable 35 points.

Jimmy Fortune and Alex Meldrum were the top two in B Flight at Emerald.

The B Flight was also tight, with Jimmy Fortune (25) leading the way with 34 points and notching up his third podium on the trot. He was followed in by Alex Meldrum (36) with a hard won 34 points.
Near Pins were all collected by B Flighters, with Alex, Paul, David and Derek showing the others how it is done.
Thursday, Feb. 4, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
Thursday was a quick return back to Pleasant Valley, the scene of Graham Hiskett’s previous week’s triumph. As the headline suggests, history did not repeat, although Graham (now 12) was only beaten out of 1st place by a count back 18/17, by Jeff Wylie (5), after both recorded 32 points. Third & fourth placings went to Ken Hole (14) and Matt Anderson (16), with 31 & 30 points respectively, Matt just edging the unfortunate Jimmy on a count back over the last 6 holes.
Near Pin prizes were picked up by Jeff, Graham, Ken and Keith.
Last week here, from a field of 19, we had 5 golfers break their handicap. This week of 15 players the best we managed was a pair of 32’s.
Being an Irish Bar, Mulligans Lakeside will be hosting its usual St Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament, so set the date aside in your social calendar as it promises to be another great day (& night). More details will be advertised as they come to hand.
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.

Monte Sykes wins again

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Feb. 1, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
For the second time in two outings we assembled at Café Kronborg in readiness for the lengthy drive to Royal Lakeside. We had a starting group of thirty-eight and welcomes were handed out to Frank Hughes from the U.K. and the “bold & fresh” Doug Maiko returning for another visit from Providence, Rhode Island.

The Admiral (left) with Monday’s winners Graham Buckingham, Jan Lovgren and Niels Hansen.

We arrived at the course in plenty of time for a “chip and a putt” before our scheduled 1000 tee time and our first group got away right on time. To speed things up the course marshalls allowed our last three groups to tee off the tenth tee which certainly helps with getting everyone in and showered in readiness for meals and presentations.
Good scoring was the order of the day as eight of us played to our handicap or better. The par five first hole got its revenge on Monte Sykes after his eagle there last Thursday and he had to settle for a double bogey on this occasion. Once more we set a cracking pace with no hold ups and our round was completed in four hours and twenty minutes.
It was a three-way count back at the top of A Flight with Niels Hansen emerging victorious from your writer with Don Richardson in third place. Klaus Kaergaard finished fourth.
B Flight was easily won by Jan Lovgren with Joop Jaspere 5 points further back in second place. Peter Hammond took out third place on a count back from Nigel Perry.
A welcome return to form saw Graham Buckingham win C Flight with Alan Ewing second and Laurina Brinn third. Fourth place went to Cilia Bosman.
For the fourth consecutive time The Admiral took out the “Compass Award” despite the return of Paul Avery after a brief trip back to Queensland, Australia. Looking forward to Stu Rifkin’s return from “hosting” duties on Thursday!
A Flight
1st Niels Hansen (10) 38pts
2nd Peter Blackbrn (14) 38pts
3rd Don Richardson (10) 38pts
4th Klaus Kaergaard (10) 37pts
B Flight
1st Jan Lovgren (20) 39pts
2nd Joop Jaspere (19) 34pts
3rd Peter Hammond (18) 33pts
4th Nigel Perry (21) 33pts
C Flight
1st Graham Buckingham (23) 40pts
2nd Alan Ewing (24) 38pts
3rd Laurina Brinn (28) 37pts
4th Cilia Bosman (23) 33pts
Near Pins: No3 Jan Lovgren, No6 Richard Kubicki, No12 Doug Maiko, No15 Don Richardson.
Long Putts: No9 Kjeld Ravn, No18 Leif Kirkgaard.
Thursday, Feb. 4, Greenwood A & B – Stableford
It was obvious that the Greenwood Golf Course was a very popular venue as we had 44 golfers signed up for the event and assembled at Café Kronborg. This is the largest number for quite some time and included a couple of visitors – Svend & Sussane Gaarde from Denmark who were heartily welcomed, along with the return of Stu Rifkin, back from “domestic” duties.
After discussions with Joe, the new Manager at Greenwood we were delighted to find that we could use two tees so our first six groups teed off on A and the last five groups off B. Our first group teed off at 1010 and as usual found the course in great shape although the greens were rock hard and very fast as many of us discovered at our peril. Perhaps a lack of watering but nonetheless a golf course to be enjoyed.
Scoring appeared difficult for the higher handicappers as is shown in the results and in fact only two golfers overall managed to play to their handicaps or better. The “forecasted” rain thankfully stayed away once more and playing conditions were most pleasant all day.
Monte Sykes hit his straps once again by winning A Flight on a count back from Mike “Hunter” Gosden. Paul Avery finished in third place with Doug Maiko fourth. Peter Sindberg just beat yours truly on a count back for fifth place.
In his first game for a week or so Stu Rifkin managed to take out B Flight on a count back from Mike Herridge. Daryl Evans finished third with Jesper Rasmussen one point back in fourth place. A three-way count back saw Mick O’Connor finish fifth from Mike Winfield & Andre Van Dyk.
In C Flight it was a low scoring contest with Bunt Moeller winning with thirty points. Alan Ewing finished in second place three points further back with Walter Schober third. A “ladies” count back for fourth & fifth saw Laurina Brinn edging out Carole Kubicki.
The Admiral continued his dominance of winning the coveted “Compass” award for the fifth consecutive time despite the return of Stu Rifkin, widely tipped to stop The Admiral’s run after his break from golf.
A Flight
1st Monte Sykes (5) 37pts
2nd Mike Gosden (8) 37pts
3rd Paul Avery (11) 35pts
4th Doug Maiko (16) 34pts
5th Peter Sindberg (9) 33pts
B Flight
1st Stu Rifkin (19) 34pts
2nd Mike Herridge (22) 34pts
3rd Daryl Evans (21) 33pts
4th Jesper Rasmussen (19) 32pts
5th Mick O’Connor (21) 30pts
C Flight
1st Bunt Moeller (24) 30pts
2nd Alan Ewing (24) 27pts
3rd Walter Schober (28) 26pts
4th Laurina Brinn (28) 25pts
5th Carole Kubicki (27) 25pts
Near Pins: A2 Bunt Moeller, A6 Paul Avery, B2 Per Anders Karlsen, B5 Mike Gosden.
Long Putts: A9 Niels Hansen, B9 Klaus Kaergaard

Todd has a round to remember

PSC golf from The Outback Bar

Monday, Feb. 1, Burapha - Stableford
Don’t let it be said that the golf courses are not having a high season; all the main courses are enjoying excellent numbers with tee times at prime times difficult to come by. Burapha, in particular, for the third week out of the last four, have been unable to give the Outback their customary two-tee start. Nevertheless, it was yet again a good day out for the 53 Outbackers with some top scoring in all four divisions.

Bob Noble, winner of Div C at Khao Kheow, puckers up to say goodbye to Colin Bavington.

La crème de la crème (Div A) excelled with four players all on 38 points with Jamie Milner edging out Neil Lavery and Tony Garnett; Pat Regan, who has been going a little bit of a lean spell lately, was the fourth but failed to make the podium.
Bob Finley finally got something back from all that’s he’s put in over the past few months, with the day’s joint top score of 39 points to head Div B from an Outback newbie, Mike Grasser (37pts & welcome Mike) and welcome back Mab Jiwa on 36 points in third.
Another 39 points from Bob Lindborg comfortably won Div C from Noddy Moyle (35pts) and Sakorn gave the men (playing from the whites) something to think about in Div D, also with 39 points, just beating Ivan Plunkett by one. They were a long way clear of four players on 33 points, the final placing eventually going to Martin O’Neill in the stewards room.
The course must have been easy today, as there were a whole bunch of ‘2’s (nine to be precise) and they came from Rosco, Capt’ Bob, Tony Garnett, John Cunningham, Murray Hart, John Locke, Andy Butterworth, Mitch Black and Steve Budrys.
Finally, for all you regular Outbackers out there, the Feb ladder started today so if you’re not already signed up for the month, catch up with Capt’ Bob or General Jack sometime this week so as not to miss out on this unique monthly competition.
Div A (0-12)
1st Jamie Milner (12) 38pts
2nd Neil Lavery (10) 38pts
3rd Tony Garnett (12) 38pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Robert Finley (13) 39pts
2nd Mike Grasser (13) 37pts
3rd Mab Jiwa (13) 36pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Bob Lindborg (18) 39pts
2nd Greg Moyle (19) 35pts
3rd John O’Keefe (16) 32pts
Div D (20+) - white tees
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (26) 39pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (20) 38pts
3rd Martin O’Neill (35) 33pts
Tuesday, Feb. 2, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
Twenty-one Outbackers made their way to Pattaya Country Club for the regular Tuesday competition and for one it was going to be a memorable day.
It was a welcome to Thip and Jim Federspiel playing with the Outback for the first time and a welcome back to Eddie O’Neill all the way from bonnie Scotland.
The course was busy but as is usual we were away on our regular tee time and all rounds completed in 4 hours.
This week work had been done on the bunkers making the course up to a reasonable standard. The field was split into two divisions and of course there were the ‘2’s.
In top spot in Division A was regular Outbacker, Frank O’Neill (16) with 35 points, unusually low for the course but even more surprisingly, some five points adrift were today’s organiser ‘Chad’, Barry Chadbourn (18) and ‘The Colonel’, Bob Pearce; both with a very ordinary 30 points each, with Chad making second place on count back.
The winner in Division B was the man who had the round of his life - Greg Todd (24) with a magnificent 45 points, including an eagle 3 at the par-five 18th. Well done Greg and enjoy you new handicap!
In second place, some eight points behind, but still beating his handicap was Don Tyldsley (28) with 37 points, and taking the final place today was ‘New Choppers Martin’ aka Norman Martin (23) with 34 points.
There were three ‘2’s from JinJo O’Neill, Bob Pearce and Jim Federspiel.
The Outback has a regular slot at Pattaya Country Club each Tuesday at 09.30.
Div A (0-20)
1st Frank O’Neill (16) 35pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (18) 30pts
3rd Bob Pearce (13) 30pts
Div B (21+)
1st Greg Todd (24) 45pts
2nd Don Tyldsley (28) 37pts
3rd Norm Martin (23) 34pts
Wednesday, Feb. 3, Phoenix - Stableford
Time wise, Phoenix excelled today, with the first group of 36 Outbackers, playing Mountain & Lake, round in less than four hours, held up only in front by two holidaymaking three-balls. Price wise Phoenix at 1,950 baht (incl cart for one person) is dearer than Burapha by far, add that to the price of a beer in the clubhouse and on the course, and it becomes an expensive day out. Nevertheless, the course was very busy and with the Outback’s numbers capped at nine groups, we apologise to those we could not accommodate.
The first tee on Mountain was well forward auguring perhaps for some low scoring but the greens were hairy and grainy causing loads of swing as the ball slowed, making for some tricky putting conditions.
Rick Evans got right back into the groove scoring a solid 36 points off 6 to win Div A from the Irish contingent of Messrs Connellan & Regan who finished in that order with 34 points apiece, with another Irishman back in fourth.
Div B was won by the in form, Lawrie McBride on 37 points, one ahead of Bruce Milner (36pts) who played better today than of late and Rosco (31pts) who has also been out of sorts recently; but holds the honour of being the Outback’s most prolific winner in 2009, with 15 wins.
Div C was once again the turn of the girls to dominate, even though they have two shots deducted from their handicap. There’s no stopping Jum, off 19 today, with an excellent 39 points ahead of another lady Sakorn, and Jack Piercefield both with 34; but Jack just edged Sakorn into third on count back.
There were only three ‘2’s from Noddy Moyle, Lawrie McBride & Frank O’Hara.
Div A (0-13)
1st Rick Evans (6) 36pts
2nd Vin Connellan (11) 34pts
3rd Patrick Regan (12) 34pts
Div B (14-18)
1st Lawrie McBride (15) 37pts
2nd Bruce Milner (14) 36pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (14) 31pts
Div C (19+)
1st (Jum) Karagit (19) 39pts
2nd Jack Piercefield (20) 34pts
3rd Sakorn Pramoolchart (24) 34pts
Friday, Feb. 5, Khao Kheow - Stableford
It was a year ago to the day at Green Valley when Paul Quodomine, besides writing his name on his scorecard, wrote as the event – ‘weekly self flagellation’. Those three words probably best describe what most of the Outbackers go through each week at Khao Kheow, yet we all come back for more.
A full house of 12 groups (46 Outbackers) tried their hand today on the toughest two nines, C & A, and as many as eight of them failed to make it past 20 points. Only one scored more than 30 points in Div B, whilst the three podium finishers in Div C; 1st - Bob Noble (35pts), 2nd – John Cogan (34pts) and 3rd – Kev Hamilton (32pts), were the only players in that division (Div C) to score more than 30.
Div A fared a little better with Capt’ Bob (34pts) coming out on top on count back from Raji and Mitch Black back in third, on 33. Div D was won by the only lady in the field, Sakorn, playing two shots out of her handicap (off 24) and making an excellent 37 points, from the top scoring man of the day, Bruce McAdam with 36.
Finally, a big welcome to a bunch of Aussie boys who joined us today, Kim Stoke, Neil Herd and Mike Quill to name but a few and farewell to Colin Bavington, who leaves for the Isle of Wight tomorrow but assures us he will be back in June.
There were only four ‘2’s from Capt’ Bob, Kev Hamilton, Mitch Black & Colin Oliver.
Div A (0-12)
1st Bob Philp (8) 34pts
2nd Amarjit Banwaitt (7) 34pts
3rd Mitch Black (5) 33pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Steve Plant (14) 34pts
2nd George Bishop (14) 30pts
3rd Kim Stoke (13) 30pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Robert Noble (20) 35pts
2nd John Cogan (20) 34pts
3rd Kevin Hamilton (18) 32pts
Div D (21+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (24) 37pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (22) 36pts
3rd Mike Quill (22) 31pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down or visit www.outbackgolfbar.com.

Top marks for Leroy

PSC golf from the PJ Pool Bar

Tuesday, Feb. 2, Khao Kheow - Stableford
PJ’s Pool Bar Golf Group enjoyed a great day at Khao Kheow golf course on Tuesday. The conditions were superb, although the course played tough, with our best score being 33 stableford points by the winner Mike Benton, who attributes his success to new red golf grips. He was followed home by Rusty Archibald in second with 32 points, Andy Gaskin third with 31, Leroy Huntington in fourth with 31, and Mike Jackson shoring up the rear with 30 points.
Closet to the pin and long putts were won by Rusty Archibald John Raddis, Mike Jackson, Andy Gaskin and Mike King.
Thursday, Feb. 4, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
Our group were out again on Thursday at Pleasant Valley golf and country club and the course was in great shape. The scores were a little better today and Leroy Huntington was at the top with 38 points, followed by John Raddis in second at 32, and Ian Wheeldonat taking third on 30 after beating out Mike Jackson in the count back.
Closest to the pins and long putts were won by Rusty Archibald, Dave Clamp, Roger Kidd and Ian Wheeldon (twice).

Emmerson turns back the clock

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Monday, Feb. 1, Green Valley - Stableford
1st John Emmerson (11) 42pts
2nd Dave Mather (10) 40pts
3rd Stan Dismuke (18) 39pts
4th Marc Napier (9) 38pts
5th Mol Thongkiao (18) 36pts
Former golf manager, John Emmerson, took the reins today in order to give ‘Seamless’ a little breather and it looked like he’d never been away! Orders were barked out, ‘you bus one, you bus two’, insults were thrown and expletives abounded. He was like a pig in poo, his very own school of diplomacy all over again and then he shoots 77 off the stick for good measure!
Another good turn-out of 8 groups (more than enough for our size of venue) was another great effort and the scores, also, showed some improvement on recent outings.
Up in the 30’s but not in the places, were a number of individuals: Gabriel ‘Archangel’ Enright closed out on 31 after a solid back 9 and Martin Zimmerman and Keith Warboys, both recently back in town, carded 32’s, with Martin notching a couple of birdies on the back to Keith’s one on the front. We then had a trio of 33’s: Peter Le Noury couldn’t match his outstanding gross 74 of the previous day but was steady again, Robbie Bennett was there too, as was Bob Newell.
‘Seamless’, who’s handicap continues to rise as his knee problem persists, thought, just ever so briefly, that there were at last some green shoots of recovery showing. Six pars in the first eight was solid but an ugly 5 on number 9 shattered the fragile confidence and resulted in another unsatisfying 83 for 33 points.
Brent Philp had six 3-pointers in his round of 34 but it was spoiled by 3 blobs. Just outside the places 3 guys shared 35 points; Kevin Hamilton, Dale Shier and Andreas Grunenberg. Kevin had a top-notch 21 points on his front 9 whilst the other 2 had strong finishes, not enough consistency though for any to finish in the money.
Mol Thongkiao had a solid 36 for fifth place, marred only by a single blob on number 13. Two better was Marc Napier (good to see him back scoring well) and one better still, for 3rd place, was Stan Dismuke. His 39 had five 3-pointers coming in.
Dave Mather, who always seems to score well (unless he’s my partner) took 2nd with an excellent 40 points. It was an unusual card though, 1 dropped shot for a 37 on the front (no birdies) but 2 birdies on the back for a 41! Nevertheless a nice 78 for a 4 under handicap.
So on to the winner and, I think, for the second Monday in 3 weeks, it was ‘Flyboy’ Emmerson. A 6 under 77, for 42 points, with a 21/21 split and 2 birdies makes impressive reading and he rightly took the day’s headline. Which brings me on to today’s quiz question; what handicap system will ‘the Flyboy’ try next? USGA? Done that. Congu? Done that. USGA again? Done that. Any answers please to Flyboy@handicaps .r.us.com. But, with teeth firmly gritted, well played John!
Wednesday, Feb. 3, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Marc Napier (9) 35pts
2nd Bob Newell (8) 33pts
3rd Gabriel Enright (18) 31pts
A smallish group travelled to one of my favourite courses in the area, Khao Kheow. We played the C and A nines today and here is one small gripe concerning that. Merely looking at the card the white tees measure out at a little over 5,800, which is basically a blown up pitch and putt, but the yellows play at around 6,400. Assuming that the tees are laid out as per the card (okay, we know this is rarely the case) then this is a rather large disparity that plays into the hands of any whingers you might have. It did play a little long that’s true, due to the recent rain, but there are no long carries here so, in my opinion, it was perfectly playable. My suggestion, if you want to play golf over a 5,800 course, is to get a ladies handicap and play off the red tees!
To be expected, then, the scores were on the low side. Terry Pettitt played some good stuff in patches, with a couple of birdies, so too did Clive Johnston. Clive was trying out a new 3-wood so he headed over to the range beforehand to ‘find out where the clubhead was’. Naturally this was followed up quickly by the very flippant and obvious answer ‘it’ll be at the end of the shaft, mate.’ Well it was funny at the time anyhow!
The ‘archangel’ Gabriel nabbed 3rd place today, just behind the scribe, who again managed to mess up a great start. Despite partnering, and losing badly with the ‘sleeping giant’ Kevin Hamilton (I think he did wake up briefly on the 15th), Marc Napier took first slot today. He hit some prodigious drives today but not always ending up in the same post code (zip code for some of you) that he started in. On A1 he hit his drive so far right he was very nearly OB on A9! Then he smoked an iron over 2 lots of trees, on to the green and lipped out for birdie! He took the individual honours then but in his match there were no eggs from his partner to go with his ham.

Bridge in Paradise : by Neil Robinson

This hand was played in a recent Sunday duplicate game in Chiang Mai.  No one was vulnerable and South dealt.  This was the bidding: 

South   West       North     East

P           P              1D           1H

P           1S           3D           P

3N        All pass                   

Imagine you are sitting West, with the hand below.  You have the awkward task of leading.  Given the above bidding, what is your opening lead? 

S: A8743

H: 84

D: 862

C: A92 

Do you believe that South actually has the stoppers in both majors that he should have for his 3N bid (South is known for risky bids)?  Do you lead your partner’s suit?  Or your own suit?  Or dummy’s suit?  Or the unbid suit?  The fate of the hand depends on the opening lead, so decide what you would do before looking at the full deal below. 

             S: KJ

             H: 5

             D: AKQJ109

             C: J865 

S: A8743            S: Q105

H: 84                   H: A10973

D: 862                 D: 3

C: A92                                C: Q1043

             S: 962

             H: KQJ62

             D: 754

             C: K7    

At the table the two of clubs, the unbid suit, was led.  The lead was ducked in dummy and the ten of clubs taken with the king in hand.  Declarer then crossed to board with a diamond and led the singleton heart.  East correctly went up with the ace (otherwise, declarer makes a heart trick to go with a spade - with the right guess - a club and six diamonds for the contract).
East then led a low club back to West’s ace.  West now switched to a diamond to pin the lead in dummy.  Declarer led the eight of clubs from dummy, hoping that whoever held the queen would go up with it, or that it would fall.  East did rise with the queen.  He was reluctant to lead from the queen of spades into the king jack on board, so he led a second heart.  Now declarer has the rest of the tricks - winning six diamonds, three high hearts and the first club trick for an over trick.
If you can see all four hands, it is not difficult to see how to defeat the contract.  At the table however, defence is difficult, primarily because of the difficulty of working out what South has for his bid.  The opening club lead did not work out well (although the contract could still have been defeated).  An opening heart lead followed by a heart continuation (which is what South was hoping for) works out even worse and concedes the contract quickly.  An opening spade lead probably dooms the contract.  However, the best opening lead may be the least obvious - dummy’s strong suit, diamonds.  Declarer has no entries to hand and is likely to be stuck on board and limited to seven tricks - six diamonds and eventually a spade.  What lead did you choose?
If you have bridge questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please contact me at: [email protected].

Now you can play a round of golf without leaving town

Golf rained off? Can’t get a tee time? Maybe you just don’t have the time to play or are tired of the 5 hour plus rounds that can be such a bane for golfers here during the high tourist season.

The spacious Hi Vector golf simulator and academy off Pattaya 3rd Road.
Well, why not try an alternative golfing day or evening at the newly opened Hi Vector golf simulator and academy located in central Pattaya. Situated in a purpose built 1,300 square meter building next to the TN Condo on Pattaya 3rd Road (behind Carrefour), the Hi-Vector golf facility offers 14 state of the art golf simulators to either enhance your game or provide an opportunity to play a real-time round of golf on one of 40 top Asian golf courses.
There is also an in-house driving range that is designed to provide the ultimate in functionality for practice, self-analysis and teaching. The shot data recorded by the micro sensors in the playing mat provide an accurate record of swing path, club and ball speed, and strike angle.
For those wishing for a more complete analysis of their game, a frame by frame video lesson can be taken for 500 baht per hour. The software enables a golfer to check each stage of his or her swing and the onscreen graphics can easily identify any errors in technique that may otherwise go undetected to the naked eye.

14 state of the art golf simulators can be used to analyze and improve your golf game.
From the purely entertainment angle, the Hi Vector academy really comes into its own. It offers 9 spacious, air-conditioned rooms, each with its own individual golf simulator and wall to wall projector screen. The rooms can easily accommodate up to eight people and make for a perfect venue for a day or night out for both groups and individuals, who can also take advantage of the onsite bar and snack facilities. You can bring your own clubs to play with or use the ones onsite at the academy. The cost for a round is just 500 baht per player for 18 holes of golf, or 300 baht for 9 holes.
The Hi Vector golf academy owners, Cabin Management Co.,Ltd., also hold the licence in Thailand for the exclusive state of the art software and equipment used in their simulators. This equipment can be purchased from the company by hotels or other similar establishments wishing to provide an entertainment facility for their guests, or by private individuals seeking that special addition to their luxury home. Each simulator package, including free air-condition unit, can be purchased for approximately 1 million baht, which is about one third of the cost of similar systems from Europe and the USA.
So whether you are an aspiring amateur golfer interested in improving your game, or a complete novice who just fancies a swing of the club with some friends, but without the risk of embarrassing yourself on a real course, the Hi-Vector golf academy could be just the place for you to come and visit. Pop down during their opening hours of 10 a.m. to midnight every day of the week or call them on 038 489 502-3.

Bavaria moves up to third

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Last week’s 200 bowlers: Aht, Ooy and Suphan.

Café Ole retained their three point lead over second place USMC as both teams won three points last week. Café Ole won three from Green Tree, led by Ooy Pluemkamon who had a 202 game and 557 series and Antero Ronkainen added a 513. USMC team won three points from Canada behind Somrak’s 519 series with Suphan Prathumthong leading Canada with a 537 series.
Bavaria won three points from Jack Tar to move up from fourth to third place. Aht Johansson had a 206 game and 594 series bowling as a Pacer. Brother D had another good week winning all four points from VFW Post 9876. Yeow led Brother D with a 515 series. Indiana moved up to sixth place after winning three points from Sabai Sabai Friday. Mio Aamlid bowling as a Pacer rolled a 550 series.

200 cast lines in Jomtien Fishing Games

Saksiri Uraiworn
More than 200 anglers eagerly cast their lines off Jomtien Beach last week, all hoping to catch the biggest fish in the 5th Jomtien Fishing Games.

Naret Saelee (left), winner in the Pangasuis fishing category, receives his trophy from Pattaya Deputy Mayor, Verawat Khakhay.

Sponsored by the Thai Fishing Club, the Feb. 3 competition saw 66 speedboats take to the water with teams of three fishermen each. The boats were given a 1km stretch of water about 3km off Jomtien’s Windsurfing Club to try and catch the most fish, and the biggest.
The team led by fisherman Wanchalerm Pungpuang took the prize for heaviest total catch of the day at 24.8kg while Wanchalerm Pungpuang won the trophy for the largest single fish, which weighed in at 15kg.
In all, Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay awarded trophies and prizes to three winners in five different categories, including rays, sharks, eagle fish, and “heavy” fish, such as grouper and snapper. While the competition was open to both Thai and foreign anglers, Thais took all the prizes.

Record turnout at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Wednesday, Feb. 3, Rayong C.C. – Stableford
A confirmed booking three weeks ago for a ten o’clock tee off suddenly changed to an eleven o’clock start time when we arrived at the course, but after talking to the management we were eventually allowed to tee off at 9.40. There’s a surprise!
There were only seven groups out today; two divisions for the men and of course the ladies comp.

Miss Nut was the ladies winner at Eastern Star with 38 points.

Alan Duckett won Division 2 with 38 points ahead of William Chang in second, just one point behind, and newly returned Darren Steffes took third place with 35 points.
Peter Seward was the victor in Division 1 with 36 points and there were three players in contention for second and third place with 33 points; Bjorn Tunge finished with 17 on the back nine, beating Jean Morel by 1 point and Raivo Velsberg lost out with 15 points.
Else Knudsvik took the ladies division with 33 points while Jean Utting came second, winning her first prize of the year with 28 points after beating Miss Jum on a count back.
Near pin prizes went to (Div 1) Arvo Hiller and Raivo Velsberg x2, (Div 2) Alan Duckett, Fred Duffy and randy Flello, and (Ladies) Else Knudsvik, Turid Tunge and Jean Utting.
Friday, Feb. 5, Eastern Star – Stableford
We had our highest ever turnout here on a Friday with 47 players out, including seven ladies in their own division.
Playing off 7 now, Raivo Velsberg won Division 1 with 36 points, Ya Riley lost out by one point and in third place was Peter Sumner with 33.
There were many scuffle shots today in his round today, but with the luck of the Irish Cully Monks took out Division 2 with 35 points. Don Head beat Jakob Knudsvik on a 13/11 back six count back for second after they came in with 33 points.
Jimmy Johnson’s 35 points in Division 3 proved to be unbeatable, and Dan Morgan with his first placing for at least six months beat Ernst Egeskorg (16/13) for second after they both came in with 33 points.
Else Knudsvik was third in the ladies competition, beating Miss Nang on a back six count back of 9/8 after they both tied with 27 points. Miss Noi came second with 29 but nine points ahead with 38 was the clear winner today Miss Nut. Well done, a great round.
Near pins were won by (Div 1) Paul Butler, Will Latham, Pete Sumner and Les Utting, (Div 2) Glyn Evans, (Ladies) Jan Burrows and Miss Nut.
With two birdies on the 6th hole, Paul Butler and Harry Riley shared the honours in the ‘2’s competition today.

Murtagh missing so Cronin cops it

PSC golf with The Phoenix Tuesday Group

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, Feb. 2, Phoenix Lake & Ocean- Stableford
Almost a full house today with one or two of our regulars off on their travels. We welcomed newcomer Peter Kelly. I say newcomer, he played in our group some 15 months ago. Still he did not forget us. Foolish boy!
Lakes and Ocean course today, most players favourite combination at Phoenix. Some of the views are quite stunning on a clear day.
I was lucky to be paired up with Gary Blackburne today, but it eventually gets to you as you watch a nearly perfect swing nearly every shot. However, after suffering too many months in the freezing U.K. Gary has not honed his game up enough to threaten top spot just yet. I give him one more week.
As the title suggests Eamon Murtagh would have been our winner today with 38 points, but failed to show at the presentation so the next best score went to Colin Cronin with 36 points to claim the 1st place. Runner up should have been Roger Ison, yours truly cocked up and awarded second place to Gary Blackburne with 35 points. Third place went to joint players, Hugh Byrne and Alain Bellec with 34 points each who could not be split on any count back.
Had Eamon turned up and I had not missed Rogers score then Gary Blackburne, Hugh Byrne and Alain Bellec would not have received anything. Just goes to prove, even I am slightly human. Never mind, Roger took it all in good stride with a promise of allowing him to check the results next week before the presentation.
Near pins went to Stuart Gordon, Colin Cronin (2), and Roger Ison.
Just a reminder that on March 30 we hold our 1st Charity tournament in aid of the Baan Jing Jai Orphanage. If anyone would like to help raise some funds to provide much needed better drinking water facilities at this establishment, please contact either myself on 087 091 7565 or Bob Neylon on 081 916 1853 or Stuart Gordon on 085 630 7402.
It will be a two person scramble (Male/Female) combination of teams going out as four-balls. The entrance fee will be 600 baht including a buffet at reception and all green fees, caddy fees and cart fees are extra on the day. We also invite anyone who would like to donate any form of finance for the charity and/or prizes for technical awards and lucky draw.

Le Noury gives master class, Elphick fires an ‘Ace’

PSC golf from Lewiinskis

Sunday, Jan. 31, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Le Noury (9) 45pts
2nd Jack Spencer (6) 38pts
3rd Romero Cereto (10) 38pts
B Flight
1st Don Lehmer (15) 42pts
2nd Colm Mullen (17) 38pts
3rd Bobby (13) 37pts
C Flight
1st Bruce Macadam (22) 39pts
2nd Jum Karagit 39pts
3rd Nok Somporn
Near Pins: No 2 Vic Hester, No 9 Jack Grindvold, No12 Nok Somporn No16 Colin Bob Lindburg.
The round of the week, and the best in recent memory, was turned in by the soft-spoken Peter LeNoury who scalded his handicap with an incredible 45 points – that’s a superlative gross even par 72. This masterpiece included nine pars, and five birdies of which three were ‘2’s. It was more than enough to demote Colonel Jack ‘Bilko’ Spencer to second. Jack, perhaps a little shell-shocked, managed to wrestle that second place from Romero Cereto via count back as both were knotted on 38 points.

Peter Le Noury.

Don Lehmer must have thought he had a chance at the day’s honours posting a rock solid 42 points and to be fair he would have, but alas this only gave him the B Flight podium first slot. Co. Dublin’s Colm ‘The Man of Leisure’ Mullen gracefully accepted the second podium place with a solid 39-point haul, but only after a three-way count back involving Bobby Collis, who managed third, while Mab Jiwa was the unlucky competitor.
Bruce ‘Skippy’ Macadam was the victor in C Flight, winning with another count back, this time over the ubiquituous Jum Karagit after both posted fine 39-point hauls. Splitting Nok Somporn and Bob The guru of Green Valley also needed a count back; Nok’s back side needless to say got the vote.
There were a staggering ten ‘2’s posted, and Pater had 3 of them. Back at Lewiinski’s the ever gracious Peter rang the bell on a day that he will long remember.
Monday, Feb. 1 Plutaluang - Stableford
A Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 35pts
2nd Martin Hennessy (16) 34pts
3rd Colum Mullen (17) 32pts
B Flight
1st Pitram Birchia (27) 36pts
2nd Morten Esseth (19) 34pts
3rd James Bell (20) 32pts
Only one player broke par today, as Robin Virant fired an excellent but ultimatley pointless 39 points. Why is he not in the prize list above then you might ask. Well, Plutaluang has 4 nines, North, South, East and West, right? Well poor Robin lost his bearings big style and ended up on the South and East nines as opposed to the designated North and West. Bad luck Robin, but well played anyway and next time bring a compass!
Meanwhile, on the correct course, Jim Elphick fired an ‘Ace’ on the West’s par three seventeenth. Jim’s hole in one rescued playing partner Colm from certain defeat in a small wager against ‘Wing commander’ Gavin Knox and Jimmy Bell.
B Flight’s Pitram Birchia took the day’s honours with a solid even par round. Morten Esseth was two shots back for second, leaving the luckless Jim Bell to tidy up the flight.
The Donkey, who has seen his handicap gain in numbers recently, returned to winning ways in the senior flight posting a sound 35 points. Martin Hennessy kept his head down to gain second spot a shot adrift. Irelands’ Colum ‘I’m in the money’ Mullen was a further two shots back.
The final unfortunate golfer today was Peter Sjim who posted the lone ‘2’ of the day, only to be usurped by Jimmy’s ‘Ace’. It was nice to see Bernie Nolan Join us for the day (No not that Bernie Nolan - just ask Oneball?)
Wednesday, Feb. 3, Bangpra – Stableford
A Flight
1st Kevin Waycott (9) 37pts
2nd Kim Stokes (13) 36pts
3rd Peter Le Noury (7) 36pts
B Flight
1st George Hayes (22) 40pts
2nd Colm Mullen (17) 37pts
3rd Jim Elphick (23) 33pts
George Hayes left nothing to chance on this day as he surpassed the entire field by three clear points and copped the top spot in B Flight. Colm ‘The man of leisure’ Mullen posted a useful 37 points for the runner up spot, leaving Jim ‘I’m on a run’ Elphick to close out the flight.
Two Aussie newcomers to Lewiinski’s, Kevin Waycott with 37 points and Kim Stokes a shot adrift, finished first and second on a count back over Peter Le Noury with his new handicap in tow. These two roos could be a force to be reckoned with in future Lewiinski’s events.
Kim Stokes, Ayako Pueschl, Seamus Cotter and Jim Elphick shared the ‘2’s pot.
Friday, Feb. 5, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Vic Hester (13) 39pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (11) 37pts
3rd peter Le-Noury (7) 35pts
B Flight
1st Colm Mullen (17) 41pts
2nd Jimmy Day (14) 36pts
3rd Eddie Beilby (15) 35pts
C Flight
1st Christy Knight (23) 38pts
2nd Ajit Amin (19) 36pts
3rd Jum Karagit (21) 35pts
When Colm ‘I’m in the money’ Mullen was advised that his winnings account was depleted he did the rational thing, and took a slow walk up Second Road and sorted his handicap out. Colm was given a temporary handicap which resulted in a match winning 41 points, and B Flight honour’s, and his third podium finish this week. His feet never touched the ground as he was escorted back up Second Road in handcuffs by the Donkey and his side kick Oneball.
Jimmy Day, of the ‘Day and Knight’ partnership posted a solid even par round for the silver. Mr. Edward Beilby was a shot back for third.
C Flight saw the other half of the dynamic duo Christy Knight victorious with 38 points. The silver went to Ajit Amin; bronze place was awarded to Jum Karagit a further shot back
Vic Hester showed his mettle in the senior flight posting a very impressive 39 points. Captain Cotter kept his feet on the ground to gather the silver carding a even par round, this left the man on form Peter Le Noury to claim third place a shot adrift.
There was an astonishing ten ‘2’s recorded.
Back at Lewiinski’s the lou-iinski’s free draw worth 8,730 baht was won by guess who? The one and only Captain Seamus Cotter.
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.