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New striker Ludovick gives United a dream start
Staff
Reporters
Pattaya United’s new Cameroonian signing, Kengne
Ludovick, got his side’s 2010 Thai Premier League campaign off to a
flying start last Sunday by poaching a goal in the opening minute of
their local derby clash against Navy Rayong at the Nongprue Stadium in
Pattaya. Ludovick took advantage of some slack marking by the Rayong
defenders to turn on the edge of the area and fire a low shot past the
Navy keeper into the bottom corner of the net to send the home fans into
raptures.
Pattaya United’s Kengne Ludovick (20) challenges for
the ball with Navy Rayong FC defender Sarayut Kiewprae (3) at the
Nongprue Municipality Stadium, Sunday, March 28.
It was a dream start for the ‘Dolphins’ and they
could have doubled their lead soon after when the diminutive Cameroon
player again found himself in space but his cross was headed over by
United’s Pichit Ketsro.
Reeling from the early goal, it took Rayong a full 15
minutes to settle themselves but gradually they started to edge their
way back into the game and a couple of darting runs by their pacey
Korean forward Jang Gil-Yeong had the alarm bells ringing in the Pattaya
defence. Navy were by now starting to exert their authority on the
midfield and they should have drawn level when midfielder Suttinan
Nontee broke clear, but he as he bore down on the United goal he fired
his shot wastefully high and wide.
Tana Chanabut celebrates after giving United a 3-0 lead on the stroke
of half time.
It was to prove a costly miss for Rayong as soon
after United achieved some clear breathing space in the match when
Ludovick isolated the Navy left fullback and crossed low and hard for
his striking partner Tana Chanabut to tap in from 5 yards out.
Worse was to follow for Rayong on the stroke of half
time when Pattaya put together the move of the match with Ludovick once
more the architect. Following some clever interplay with Chanabut, the
Cameroon striker played a lovely ball out to United skipper Santi
Chaiyaphurk whose left wing cross was delivered perfectly onto the head
of the unmarked Chanabut to give United a 3-0 half time lead.
As the second half got underway, it would have been
easy to think that Rayong would have been lambs to the slaughter in the
face of continuous Pattaya pressure, however it was the visitors who
came out the more fired up side as United appeared to take their foot
off the pedal. Indeed, for long stretches of the second period the
‘Dolphins’ struggled to get the ball out of their own half as they sat
back and tried to draw the sting out of the Rayong forward line.
It was a curious tactical ploy by United coach
Thawatchai and whilst ultimately successful, it wasn’t pretty to watch
as the United players took every opportunity to break up the play with
what appeared to be a succession of feigned injuries. It seems that this
is one of the least favourable traits that the Thai Premier League
players have adopted from abroad and it is to be hoped that the referees
stamp down on this blatant time wasting tactic if the overall spectacle
is not to be ruined. We can but live in hope.
The frustrations clearly began to mount for Rayong
who had a succession of near misses, including a thunderbolt from Nontee
which struck the outside of the United post, but try as they might they
could not find a way past the Pattaya back line.
Rayong’s star forward Jang Gil-Yeong let his
frustration get the better of him and after giving ‘the bird’ to a
section of the Pattaya fans he was roundly jeered whenever he touched
the ball thereafter. Eventually he allowed his temper to boil over and
he was red carded for striking United’s Somchai Singmanee with his hand
after he had won his team a free kick on the edge of the Pattaya area.
It was a very unprofessional passage of play by the
Korean who had been his side’s best player up to that point. What
followed was a melee on the field as players from both sides surrounded
the referee and the game threatened to get out of control.
Eventually calm was restored and despite being a man
down Rayong continued to push forward and they got their just rewards in
the 85th minute when Jang Gil-HYeok crossed from
the right and Wuttichai Asuweewa headed in to reduce the deficit to two
goals.
It was all too little too late for Navy however and
Pattaya were able to see out the remaining minutes of the match and even
went close themselves in a rare foray into their opponents half when
Chanabut, going for his hat trick, saw his free kick turned onto the
crossbar by the Navy keeper. The final whistle sounded soon after with
the home fans celebrating a successful start to the new Premier League
season.
United will be buoyed by this win over Rayong and in
the signing of Ludovick, who teamed up well with Chanabut, they appear
to have at least partially overcome their striking limitations from last
season. ‘Dolphin’ fans will also have been pleased with the composed
performances from Siriwong and Arlindo at the back and Langley in
midfield.
Pattaya United’s next match is a home game this coming Sunday, April
4, against fierce rivals Chonburi ‘Sharks’ FC and it should be a game
not to be missed. Kick–off is at 4 p.m. at the Nongprue Stadium.
The Navy Rayong fans look on in stunned disbelief as
their team
is put to the sword in the first 45 minutes of the match.
City have one hand on Championship trophy
MBMG International League 2009/10
Paul Frain
Pattaya City carved out a magnificent result at
Horseshoe Point against second placed Bulls Head last weekend in what
was a must win match for both teams. With a large crowd cheering them on
from the touchline, both sides gave everything in an exciting match.
City drew first blood within the opening five minutes
of the game with the first attack on their opponents’ goal. Left back
Matheus Knoor made a great run and passed the ball to Patrice Lowe whose
first time through ball allowed Attaapon Dapayo to run on and shoot past
the helpless keeper to make it 1-0.
Bulls Head didn’t lie down however and from the
restart they gained a number of corners, from one of which they missed a
golden opportunity to equalize as their forward put a free header over
the bar. The Bulls were now on top and they started to run the City
defense ragged and only desperate defending preserved City’s lead.
Pattaya tried to relieve the pressure with a
breakaway by Patrice Love but his shot went the wrong side of the post.
The Bulls came straight back and a quickly taken free kick left the City
defense flat footed as a four man move finished with the ball in the
Pattaya net to make it 1-1.
From the restart the Bulls went looking for more
goals and with City’s defense still creaking it was the Pattaya keeper
who came to the rescue with a splendid one handed save to stop the
visitors from taking the lead.
City at long last put an attack together with a three
man move that ended with top scorer Peter Ndjanna putting the ball into
the Bulls’ net to make it 2-1. Both sides gave no quarter in this battle
but right on the stroke of half time a wonderful diving header by
Phompong Fungajorn flashed the ball past the Bulls Head keeper to make
it 3-1 to City.
After the interval the Bulls kept up the pressure and
poor clearances by the City defense did nothing to help the home team’s
cause. City’s keeper made another good save and a goal bound shot was
kicked off the line as the Bulls made an all out assault on the Pattaya
goal.
The turning point of the match proved to be a sending
off for one of the Bulls players which left them exposed at the back as
they pushed forward looking for a foothold back in the game. City’s
Fungkajorn took advantage of the gaps in the Bulls defence and played a
ball through to Earnest Dipita who made it 4-1 to City and put the game
out of reach.
The Bulls still attacked the City goal but found that
playing with ten men was a big handicap and it was no surprise that City
went further ahead when Dipita picked up a loose ball and scored his
second goal of the match to make the final score 5-1.
All credit must be given to the Bulls Head as they
made City work very hard to win this match and with two games remaining
City could be heading for their second Championship within three years.
City’s next game is on April 24 in Bangkok.
Another win
for FC Nova
FC Nova played BSL Youth last weekend in Bangkok and
proved to be just too powerful against a young BSL side. It was one way
traffic to the BSL goal and Nova were winning 3-0 at half time. A
landslide of goals was expected but BSL defended well to let FC Nova
score only one more goal in the second half. Andy Robertson had an
outstanding game for Nova and another vital three points were secured in
their climb up the table.
FC Nova’s next game is also on April 24 in Bangkok.
Thai Navy hold bicycle rally in Sattahip
Officers and sailors take to two wheels in the 1st
Sattahip Naval Base Bicycle Rally held on Wednesday, March 24. The 200
riders raced in teams of three over a 12.5km course for a trophy donated by
the Commander in Chief of Sattahip Naval Base. The rally was organized to
promote good health, teamwork and energy conservation at the naval base.
Local Muay Thai talent proves a knock out in Hong Kong
Local student Mathias Gallo Cassarino recently travelled
to Hong Kong to compete in the ‘13th Annual Libogen Fight Night Gala’
sponsored by Twins Boxing where he caused a sensational upset by crushing
the Hong Kong professional boxer, Jason Wong in the 58kg weight class.
Mathias Gallo Cassarino, left, takes on Jason Wong in
Hong Kong, March 5.
It was a victory which scarcely seemed possible, due to
the fervent home support for Wong, but in the second and third rounds’
Mathias showed them he was a force to be reckoned with. His opponent had to
endure a barrage of continuous attacks and was unable to match the great
technique and determination of the Satit Udomseuksa student. Even before the
Match Officials had delivered the result, Mathias had the crowd roaring
their approval.
Mathias continues to surge towards superstardom with the support and help
of all at his training camp, Pattaya Kombat (www.kombatgroup.com).
Laser Youth Worlds: Minor Group enters the fray
Peter Cummins
It is most appropriate that the Minor Food Group have
decided to “come aboard”, as the principal sponsor for next week’s 2010
World Laser 4.7 Championship, to be sailed off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club,
South Pattaya. Some 120 boys and girls (under 19 years-of-age) are coming to
Thailand’s shores from 27 countries, to compete against a strong contingent
of Thai youngsters, for the largest one-design dinghy event ever held in the
Kingdom: the 2010 World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship.
Enjoy some exciting sailing action at the 2010 World
Laser 4.7 Championship, being held off Royal Varuna Yacht Club from April
2-8.
Although Minor Food Group brands cater to all peoples
world-wide, it is to the young, vigorous and active for whom these brands
are “household words” - The Pizza Company, Swensen’s, Sizzler, Dairy Queen,
Burger King and The Coffee Club – and, thus, supporting this world event,
concurs admirably with Minor’s image.
It is not the first time, either, that the Group sees the
potential for developing marine sports in Thailand. Just two years ago,
Minor hosted a similar event in Pattaya. – also a world championship for
youngsters.
Additionally this time, many groups and private
individuals, stalwarts of youth sailing in the Kingdom, have also joined
Minor as sponsors: Al Chandler, OMYC Sailing Group, Anirut Posakrisna, Simon
Makinson, Alan Kessler, Raymond Waldron, Craig Gordon, Mona Ramasoot and
Stephanie Everett,
Besides his great contributions to this event, Al
Chandler, who has been the driving force in the Kingdom’s marine development
for several decades, has also sponsored a world-renowned sailing coach from
Latin America to hone up the Thai teams.
For the uninitiated, the Laser, numbering some 100,000
world-wide, was designed as a single-handed dinghy, launched in 1971, by a
then-yachting correspondent, Canadian Bruce Kirby.
There are now three different rigs available and next
week will feature the “4.7” which signifies the sail area (i.e. 4.7sqm), as
against the “Radial” (5.76sqm) and the original “full rig” (7.06sqm). This
smaller rig suits the somewhat lighter frame of Asians and, particularly,
the girls.
Now, an Olympic Class, sailing a Laser is regarded as a
“big league” contender for the Olympic heights.
The Championship, organized by the Royal Thai Navy, the
Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the International Laser Class
Association and the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, will be held off the Royal
Varuna Club, South Pattaya, with racing from Friday 02 April to Thursday, 08
April next week.
It is going to be an exciting event and, unlike most
yacht racing where the action is “somewhere over the horizon”, the Worlds,
raced in onshore southerlies, will be VERY close in to shore-based
spectators.
Come along to the Royal Varuna Club in South Pattaya to enjoy the
ambience and the action. All spectators are welcome. More information on the
Laser can be found at the website www. laserinternational.org and
information on the 2010 World’s at http://www.l aserthailand.org/, or
contact Peter Cummins, Publicity Officer, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club: phone
(66)3825-0116; fax: (66)3825-0115; e-mail: [email protected].
Pattaya Cricket Sixes next week
An exciting new international cricket tournament, the
Pattaya International Cricket Sixes 2010, will be staged at Horseshoe Point
Resort, Pattaya, from 7 - 10 April 2010. The tournament is part of the
international award winning Asian Cricket Sixes Tour (ACST), the leading
organizer of superb cricket tournaments across Asia Pacific region which
also includes events in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hong Kong, Shanghai, the
Philippines, Singapore and New South Wales, Australia.
The Pattaya event is being staged at the newest cricket
ground in Thailand, the prestigious and picturesque Horseshoe Point Resort,
and is fully supported by the recently formed Pattaya Cricket Club. Sixteen
teams, plus supporters, families and officials from Australia, UK, India,
Pakistan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand will fly in to
compete in this brand new tournament plus teams from Thailand and Pattaya.
Admission is free of charge and refreshment and food
stalls will be positioned around the boundary edge. Spectators are
encouraged to come along and participate in this one of a kind event here in
Pattaya. For more information check out www.cricketsixes.com.
Three more winners at Siam Old Course last week
Panita’s Golf Bar (Bar for Siam Old Course Members)
Roger Rush, Gary Blackburne and Robin Lennon were all
winners last week at The Siam Old Course with scores reflecting the tough
conditions and difficult pin positions. The hot steamy weather took its toll
on most of the golfers at Siam with below average scores on the three golf
days.
Monday saw regular winner Roger Rush top the list with 34
stableford points. Roger, playing off a generous 17 handicap, pipped the
very consistent Gary Blackburne into second place with 33 points (8) and
Graham Ramsey took his first podium position with 31 points (17). One
highlight of the day was a delicious Indian curry served up to the golfers
after golf by Panita at the Golf Bar.
By Wednesday the heat had really built up, highlighted by
the many low scores registered by the members, with only Gary Blackburne
showing his class with an excellent 36 points, well ahead of the field. A
consolation free cold beer from (Gary) to his fellow golfers softened the
blow at the bar after golf. Cheers Gary!
On to Friday where it was Robin Lennon’s turn to lead the
field with a score of 36 points, closely followed by Les Charles and in
third place John Porteous.
Panita’s Bar, located on Soi Siam Country Club near
Horseshoe Point, plays at Siam Old Course every Wednesday and Fridays. Just
call in to register.
‘Broken Wing’ makes a winning start in Ban Chang
The Ban Chang Golf Society
The Ban Chang golfers at Mamas Bar.
New society, old members, and Emerald Golf Course,
what a mixture! We arrived at the course at 9 a.m. for a 9.36 tee time
and were welcomed by a 1hr rain delay. We had 9 guys turn up and finally
got away at 10.30 a.m.
Stableford and blind skins were the order of the day
and much fun was had by all. After a 4hr round we then went to the 19th
hole, Mamas Bar in Ban Chang, for the results.
The winner in the stableford competition was Dave who
beat his son out by one shot. Tony D won nearest the pin +5 skins with
Andy Oz (5), Dangle (5), Paul (2) and John with one skin.
A special mention goes to Tip from Mamas for providing the cold beer
and eye candy. That’s all folks until next week.
Protests can’t stop sailors at OMYC
Kipsan Beck
The March Ocean Marina Yacht Club race series held 20-21
March saw some brave sailors avoiding the political protests, with a
slightly reduced fleet of thirteen boats taking to the waters off Jomtien,
in perfect summer sailing conditions. This followed the previous week of
Platu racing in their annual championship.
Cruising Class winner ‘Souay 1’.
Saturday’s race comprised a passage race for all classes,
with race officer Oaychai sending the fleets to Ko Khram Noi & Ko Rang Kwian,
into an light & oscillating SSW breeze, before heading back home to OMYC
with a freshening south wester on their sterns.
The ‘Thai Navy1’ team is a long standing winning team in
SE Asia. Skipper Srirasakorn and his charges sailed strongly to win on both
IRC & PHS, and while Brad Kirk’s larger ‘Dynamite’ crossed the line in first
place they were awarded 2nd place once handicaps were applied, with only 15
seconds separating the two teams after 3 hours of racing on PHS. ‘Magic
Roundabout’ came in third.
There are many new cruising boats in the marina, and
cruising division numbers are increasing, due to the introduction of
cruising handicaps as well as the hard work of their fleet captain Andrew
Watt, with nine boats lining up for the start of the weekend.
In this division, Jean Rheault is an experienced yacht
racer, having sailed solo to Thailand from Canada, and previously racing the
6.5m mini solo across the Atlantic. Now in his 41 foot J41, ‘Souay 1’, Jean
crossed the line only minutes ahead of Peter Herning and his team aboard of
their new boat ‘Kirafiki’ and just ahead of George Foose on ‘Free Wind’.
The racing multi hulls saw the return of skipper
Kanjavanit and his meticulously prepared Farrier trimaran ‘Cedar Swan’, as
he begins the preparation of the defence of his 2009 ‘Top of the Gulf’
title.
Sunday’s racing consisted of shorter windward leeward
races for the IRC1 & Racing Multi-Hulls. ‘Thai Navy 1’ won all three races,
but 2nd and 3rd saw some bad
luck for ‘Dynamite’ as their keel picked up some rope and they were left
floundering while divers were sent down to remove the fishing rope from the
keel. As a result ‘Magic Roundabout’ came in 2nd overall ahead of ‘Dynamite’
in 3rd place.
Kanjavanit and his team were dominant in the multihulls,
winning all three heats on corrected time, in the freshening south wester.
Overall results for the weekend were ‘Cedar Swan’ 1st and David Race’s ‘Free
Wheeler’ 2nd.
In the cruisers, it was a sight to see so many new boats
taking to the water, and enjoying a friendly yet serious race around the
islands. Once again Jean’s French Connection ‘Souay1’ crossed the line in
first place to take out both line honors and handicap, closely followed by
Peter Herning in ‘Kirafiki.’ Third place was again hotly contested between
‘Free Wind’ & ‘Sansanook’, with this time Andrew nudging ahead of George to
take out 3rd place.
The Next OMYC race days will be April 10 – 11, also
marking the start of the annual cruise for larger boats from Ocean Marina to
Koh Chang, a long distance sail exploring one of the Gulf’s most spectacular
cruising destinations.
Thanks must be given to race officer Ray Waldren, and the race officer
services of Ouychai and his team. All sailors send their best wishes to
absent sailor Dick Sander, and express hopes to see all of the ‘Thai Raver’
team back on the water soon.
The happy couple clean up at Emerald
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, March 23, The
Emerald - Stableford
Tuesday saw the group of 16 players gather to test
skills at The Emerald, Ban Chang, where the course was in good condition
with fast greens. With sufficient numbers we were split into 2
divisions, 0-21 & 22+.
K & Mem, winners of both flights at The Emerald on
Tuesday.
In the A Flight, at the top end of the handicap
range, we had K (21) signing for a respectable 35 points to lead the way
home from Dave Edwards (17) who battled all day to record 32 points. In
the B Flight, it was K’s partner Mem (31), again with 35 points leading
home Mike Pledger (22) by the solitary point.
Near Pins were collected by Ken, K & Mike, while the
13th provided too stern a test, resulting in a donation to the
Banglamung Boys Home.
Thursday, March 25,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
Thursday, and we had a smaller field with just the 1
division today to test their mettle against the always “cruel but fair”
Treasure Hill Golf & Country Club.
Leading the way home was recently returned to
Thailand, Dave Edwards (17) with a solid 35 points. Next best was Paddy
Devereux (21), a long way back on 27 points, just edging Ken 16 to 11 on
the back 9. Ken eased some of the pain of missing out on the count back
with a Near Pin on #6, while Keith grabbed the prize on #17. The 2
longer Par 3s went unwon (is there such a word?), resulting in another
donation to the BBH.
Other than not yielding up much in the way of
scoring, the course was in generally very good condition, despite the
back 9 greens being recently sanded.
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!
New kid on the block
The March Diana Seniors & Ladies Open
Nigel Canon
The last Thursday of the month, March 25, saw 38 players
come to Pattaya Country Club to participate in the Diana Seniors and Ladies
Open.
March winners (left-right): Joe McArdle, Noi Saraprakhon
and Willy Hindsjo.
It was a fine day hot and humid but with just a slight
breeze to help cool it down.
The course, like many, is dry so the ball just runs and
runs. It was not too busy and most groups were away before their allotted
time and round in 4 hours.
Before the presentation, just half an hour after the last
group came in; the scribe, and Emcee for the day, welcomed a number of new
faces this month – with some in the frame.
Just 6 Ladies today with some good scores – Noi
Saraprakhon (27) came in with 39 points to be in the top spot, followed by
Lamun Hanley (15) as runner-up with 35 points on count back on the last 6
holes from her friend ‘Moon’!
It was a new face – but an old friend – Joe McArdle (12)
winning the Seniors with 39 points, closely followed by Kale Karlberg (14)
with 38.
The Super Seniors winner was Willy Hindsjo (21) with 37
points and the runner-up was Ian Covill (15) with 36. All scores are
submitted to Pattaya Sports Club.
The next Diana Seniors and Ladies open is on Thursday
April 29 at Pattaya Country Club with a tee time of 09:00. Sign-up sheets
are at the Diana Green Bottle 2nd road and the Diana
Driving range.
Near Pins: No5 Lamun Hanley, No7 Ian Covill, No12
Alban Mathiasson, No16 Noi Saraprakhon
Long Putts: No9 Orjan Lissvik, No18 Glen Riding
Vincenzi signs off in style
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, March 22,
Plutaluang – Stableford
There were a few discussions at Siam Cats on the Friday
evening as to which Nines to play today and the majority went for the North
and West courses so these were booked on Saturday and we all arrived to a
totally deserted course. There were nine groups out with two divisions for
the men and the ladies comp as well.
In his last game with us before his return to the US,
Harry Vincenzi won Division 1 with 40 points from Andy Mills in second place
three points behind, and in third place some ten points behind the winner
was Bryan Rought.
Playing some great golf lately, Barry Rawlinson’s 36
points secured first place in Division 2, and with his imminent departure
back to Scotland for six months Fred Duffy took second with 32 points ahead
of third placed Darren Steffes (30pts). Miss Nang won the Ladies division
with 29 points with Miss Kung second two points behind her.
Near Pins went to (Ladies) Miss Kung, (Div. 1) Georges
Faber, John MsLoone, Andy Mills and Harry Vincenzi, (Div.2) Martin Arnold,
Burnie Sinclair and Ray Thirtle.
Jim Connelly and Andy Mills on the 8th
on the West, Cully Monks on the 6th on the North and
Harry Vincenzi on the Lighthouse Hole all recorded ‘2’s in Division 1 and
there was only one winner in Division 2, a birdie on the 6th
on the North course for Tony Duthie.
Back at the presentation at Siam Cats their were a few
rumours spreading regarding a certain relationship amongst two of our
golfers, and this proved to be correct as Nar and Keith Hector arrived after
tying the knot in Banglamung today. Congratulations and the very best to you
both from all of us at Jomtien Golf.
Wednesday, March 24, Green
Valley – Stableford
With an additional 3 groups added overnight, there were a
few adjustments to be made at the starting grid but we still got away bang
on time.
Rob Lamond was the winner in Division 1 with 35 points
ahead of Andy Mills (34pts) in second place and Frank Kelly (33pts) in
third.
The second division witnessed a sparkling round from Ben
Findon who took first place with 41 points. He was followed onto the podium
by Tony Duthie and Burnie Sinclair with 36 and 31 points respectively.
A similarly impressive 41 points was enough to give
Division 3 honours to Barry Rawlinson ahead of Tony Holehouse and Evan
Millar, who had to be separated on count back after both finished on 37
points. Tony got the best of the calculations.
Miss Orawan was the ladies winner today on 30 points with
Miss Nom second on 27 and Miss Nang third on 25.
Near Pins went to (Ladies) Miss Nang and Mam Morel, (Div.
1) Andy Mills (2) and Tony Barritt, and (Div. 2) Jouni Metsanen and William
Chang. On the second hole, 165yards over the water, out of 48 players there
was not one person on the green, amazing!
Just two ‘2’s today from Andy Mills on the 9th
and Jouni Metsanen on the 12th.
Friday, March 25, Eastern
Star – Stableford
There were a few spots of rain as we all arrived at Siam
Cats but these soon dispersed and as we head towards Eastern Star we passed
Phoenix and the clouds towards Rayong looked very doubtful. As we reached
the 332 the heavens opened and we drove all the way to the course in this
downpour and were told it had been raining there for almost two hours. After
an hour’s wait the majority departed and with still fine drizzle 9 players
went out at around 10.30 a.m. So no competition today!
Melia magic at Crystal Bay
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, March 22, Khaow
Kheow - Stableford
Down to a single flight as the tourists begin to go home,
Mashie Kaneta has taken the lead in the race for the golfer of the month
trophy, winning again today with an impressive 39 stableford points. Gerry
Cooney kept himself in contention taking the runner up spot a couple of
points behind and Laurence Harding is also still in touch with the leaders
after finishing third today.
Weekly winners (left-right): Gordon Melia, Reg Smart and
Mashie Kaneta.
1st Mashie Kaneta (11) 39pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (13) 37pts
3rd Laurence Harding (18) 35pts
Near Pins: Peter Habgood, Laurence Harding, Mashie and Keith Smithson.
Wednesday, March 24,
Rayong C.C. - Stableford
1st Reg Smart (25) 40pts
2nd Geoff Cox (14) 34pts
3rd PJ Redmond (19) 30pts
Near Pins: Geoff Cox (2), Tony Robbins.
Friday, March 26, Crystal
Bay - Medal
There were some cracking scores today at Crystal Bay
where Tony Robbins fancied his chances of winning with a two under par
round, but it was only good enough for third place. Alan Sullivan thought
he’d won with a three under par but had to settle for second place because
Gordon Melia took the honours with a fabulous seven under par net 65!
1st Gordon Melia (15) net 65
2nd Alan Sullivan (13) net 69
3rd Tony Robbins (14) net 70
Near Pins: Gordon
Melia (2), Keith Smithson, Alan Sullivan.
‘Hole in One’ for Rose
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Weekly winners: (Sat) Amphan North, Brendan Moore, Kay
Molloy,
(Thurs) Bill McGarvie, and inset Rose Jackson (hole in one).
Barry Hooper
Over the past couple of years of reporting golf for the
TRGG I have had opportunity to report on four “Hole in One’s” from male
players. But at no time have I reported on one from the many, many females
that have played with us. Well that has all changed with Rose Jackson from
Dublin, Ireland, achieving that feat during Monday’s outing at Mountain
Shadow. I was told that it was at the fifth hole with an eight-iron, only
one bounce and straight into the cup she reported.
When I interviewed Rose after her round I asked her if it
was her first one and she said no, she had her first in Spain some three or
four years ago (a lucky lady it seems) but never any on home soil back in
Ireland. The shot also helped her into second spot on the day with
thirty-one points. Well Done Rose. What a great way to end your vacation.
My “Whine of the Week” this time goes to some (not all)
of the Khao Kheow caddies. I had several players return on Saturday and tell
me that the caddies were moaning and groaning about the fact that the
players did not take buggies and they were having to walk and pull the
carts. One moaned and groaned all the way around and was ‘yacking’ to fellow
caddies about it constantly. Strange, I actually thought that pulling the
carts was in the caddies’ job description. My how times seem to have
changed!
Monday, March 22, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Pierre Ruggieri (28) 35pts
2nd Rose Jackson (17) 31pts
3rd David Park (5) 30pts
4th Tony Molloy (13) 30pts
5th Phil Battah (15) 27pts
The first outing of the week was to Mountain Shadow on
Monday. Numbers are starting to drop off a little now so just the one
division today.
Fourth place went to Tony Molloy with 30 points, the same
as David Park but Tony lost out on the count back. Meanwhile 31 points gave
second place to the “hole in one” lady, Rose Jackson and in first place
today was Pierre Ruggieri with his 35 pointer.
The ‘2’s pot was, as is customary for a “hole in one”,
awarded to Rose Jackson.
Tuesday, March 23, Bangpra - Stableford
1st John Merritt (14) 39pts
2nd Howard Tyler (4) 38pts
3rd Pieere Ruggieri (26) 35pts
4th Phil Battah (15) 34pts
5th Tewin Lamthong (9) 33pts
6th Jimmy Merritt (28) 32pts
Tuesday was a trip to Bangpra and good numbers so one
very full division. The day saw a great win for John Merritt, who played
some good golf for his 39 points. You may remember last week’s report on a
win for his son Jimmy. Second spot was only one back at 38 points and that
from Howard Tyler. Coming in third at 35 was Pierre Ruggieri after his win
the previous day.
Two ‘2’s came from David Booth and David Park.
Thursday, March 25, Phoenix – Stableford
Div. 1
1st Bill McGarvie (11) 38pts
2nd Larry Simpson (10) 38pts
3rd Amphan North (14) 36pts
4th David Booth (12) 34pts
Div. 2
1st Norman Cheetham (16) 35pts
2nd Rose Jackson (17) 34pts
3rd Noel Jackson (21) 33pts
4th Pierre Bietry (17) 33pts
Thursday and it was our usual weekly outing to Phoenix
where the courses chosen for the day were Lakes and Ocean. As is standard at
this course these days a very big entry and two full divisions.
Division 2 saw a win for Norman Cheetham with 35 points,
just the one ahead of Rose Jackson in second, while taking third was Rose’s
husband Noel Jackson (I bet he was happy about that), Noel just winning the
count back over Pierre Bietry.
The top flight was won by Bill McGarvie on 38 points
after he took the count back over Larry Simpson by one. In third was Amphan
North at 36 and fourth to sixth saw a count back fight out with all the
players on 34. Honours for fourth went to David Booth with his eighteen on
the back nine, just pipping Tewin Lamthong and her seventeen. Mike Rushant
only had fifteen.
Only the one ‘2’ today and all the booty went to Tewin
Lamthong.
Saturday, March 27, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Div. 1
1st Amphan North (14) 36pts
2nd Brendan Moore (13) 36pts
3rd Michael Jones (13) 34pts
4th Bill McGarvie (11) 31pts
Div. 2
1st Kay Molloy (29) 37pts
2nd Jerry McCarthy (16) 30pts
3rd Michael Moreton (25) 28pts
4th Brad Dippie (19) 27pts
Saturday and off we went to our alternative weekend venue
of Khao Kheow. The entry numbers were good so two divisions and pay outs
down to fourth place.
In Division 2, Kay Molloy was top this week with her 37
points ahead of Jerry McCarthy in second, Michael Moreton in third and Brad
Dippie in fourth, with 30, 28 and 27 points respectively.
The top division had Amphan North heading the list with
her even par 36 points and twenty over the back nine which was five better
than Brendan Moore’s fifteen on count back, pushing him to second. Taking
third place was Michael Jones with 34 points and Bill McGarvie was fourth
with 31.
Four ‘2’s came from Hugh Byrne, Jerry McCarthy and Larry
Simpson, all at the eighth, and Athole Reid at the fourteenth.
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.
Two new Monthly Medal winners
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, March 22,
Greenwood - Stableford
Div. 1 (0–17)
1st Erik Donnestad (4) 38pts
2nd Russell Exley (7) 36pts
3rd Julie Donnestad (3) 35pts
Div. 2 (18+)
1st Stephen Lewis (21) 34pts
2nd Dave Spendley (24) 34pts
3rd
B.J. Smith (23) 31pts
With the tees in the backward positions it was no
surprise to find the CSS for the day move out to 73 and although the general
condition of the course was excellent, the additional length was a telling
factor on the day’s returns.
Erik Donnestad made fairly light work of the course with
a solid 74 gross to take the first division’s top spot by a couple of points
ahead of Russell Exley, with Erik’s daughter Julie another shot back in
third place with a very tidy gross 76.
The second division was led in by Stephen Lewis, taking
his first win of the trip after several close calls and lower podium
placings. He needed to be better on the count back, which he was, taking it
by 19 to 18 to deny Dave Spendley the top step. B.J. Smith was a little
surprised to be in the mix with a meager five over handicap score but with
the course playing it’s part in keeping the higher handicappers well out of
the picture it was enough on the day to take third place.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Russell
Exley slipped in one in the first division to sweep the pool.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back
Chris Kershaw, Colin Kershaw, Philip Voas, Mark Armstrong and Russell Gilroy
and had a farewell for Richard Dobson.
Wednesday, March 24,
Pattana A & B - Stableford
1st Russell Gilroy (18) 38
2nd Roar Berger (26) 37 cb 21
3rd Julie Donnestad (3) 37 cb 17
4th Dave Stockman (6) 37 cb 16
5th
Russell Exley (7) 36
Playing the longer A and B courses with a par and SS of
73, the scores were surprisingly good and with a lower than usual turnout
that meant a CSS of 73 was the order of the day.
Russell Gilroy took his first win of the week, and indeed
his first out of The Haven, with a steady two under handicap round to win by
the slimmest of margins over the chasing group of three. These were headed
by Roar Berger with an excellent 21 on the count back with Julie Donnestad
17, and Dave Stockman 16 in third and fourth respectively. Russell Exley
also had a good round at level handicap for fifth place.
Whilst Tony Rose had the lone ‘2’ in the second division,
surprisingly there were none in the first division.
Back at The Haven, Stephen Beard welcomed back Rod Howett
from watching his life time home team, Fulham, beating the mighty Juventus
and also Shizuo Satori.
Friday, March 26, The
Emerald - Monthly Medals
Div. 1 (0–15)
1st Dave Stockman (6) net 69
2nd Nhwee Stockman (7) net 70
3rd Yasuo Suzuki (12) net 70
Div. 2 (16+)
1st Russell Gilroy (18) net 73
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (18) net 75
3rd
Rodney Howett (23) net 76
A heavy fall of rain for about two hours prior to our tee
off time meant a tough day’s play from the tees, but the course was
generally in such good shape with the greens a little slower than recently
that the CSS for the day went down to 71 with nearly 50% of the players
playing within their two shot buffer zone.
The first division was led home in some style by Dave
Stockman with a very good gross 75 for a net 69 to take his first medal of
the year and ensure a starting spot in the Gold and Silver Medals to be held
in December.
Dave’s son Nhwee made a long awaited return to play out
of Soi 13 and just missed out, by a shot, for the top spot in the division
but claimed second with a better count back of 36.5 to Yasuo Suzuki’s 37 in
third.
The second division entrants generally found the
conditions a bit tougher with Russell Gilroy picking up the Medal, also his
first, with a one over return that proved to good enough by two from Shuichi
Kodaka in second place and Rodney Howett third a further shot back.
Dave Thomas, Russell Exley, Dave Stockman and Julie
Donnestad shared the roll over 2’s pot in the first division whilst Sid
Ottaway made it a happy return to The Haven with the only one in the second
division.
Prior to the presentations Sid Ottaway, Nhwee Stockman,
Paul Taylor and Bubbles Davies were all welcomed back from the four corners
of the world and there were farewells for Julie and Erik Donnestad, Russell
Gilroy and Dave Thomas. Julie is hoping to play on the Swedish Ladies PGA
Tour, so we will be watching out for her to build on what has been a very
good practice period spent with The Haven and with many different players
having had the opportunity to have a round with her, there will be quite a
few followers of her tournament achievements.
Mashi heads the field at Pleasant Valley
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s four tops: Mashi Kaneta, Derek Brook,
Carol Kubicki and Don Carmody.
Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, March 23, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
There was a time when we didn’t like Pleasant Valley, but
there have been so many improvements here and the club house has one of the
best views of any I’ve seen in my life from the change room. One hardly
wants to leave the change room, except the view from the restaurant is just
as good. Thanks to the efforts of erstwhile Golf Chairman, we are still
getting terrific green fee rates here. Nestled in a valley, the course still
gets enough moisture in the dry season to keep the greens in good condition.
The golfers used to complain that the course was too
tough, but judging from the results this day, they now seem to have it
mastered. There are still a few holes where it is a challenge for the
shorter hitters to get across the hazards and a rule enabling them to play
their second shot off the red tees would go a long way to mitigating their
deprecations of the course.
Mashi Kaneta really played well today, with two birdies
and won. When asked why he had done so well, he answered it was due to his
playing partner (your correspondent).
1st Mashi Kaneta 42pts
2nd Carole Kubicki 41pts
3rd Derek Brook 40pts
4th Don Carmody 38pts
Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Mike O’Brien (2), Neil Shaw
Long Putts: Richard Kubicki (2)
Tough going at Bangpra
PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, March 22, Treasure
Hill – Stableford
Another small field of 23 golfers assembled at Caf้
Kronborg, including The Admiral, who returned to “steer the ship” after
nearly 2 weeks off with an injured thumb. Departing at 0815 we arrived at
Treasure Hill 1 hour later and were invited to tee off at our leisure. It
was hot and overcast but we were confident the rain would stay away and
although our first few groups remained dry the last couple finished in light
rain.
Monday’s winners, Ulf Larsson and Andre Van Dyk, with the
recently returned ‘Admiral’.
Our first group teed off at 0940 and The Admiral’s thumb
was put to the test with the result being all was well and the recovery was
complete. The course was in fairly good “nick” although the greens appeared
rather inconsistent with a mixture of uncut/slow and some sanded. Our round
was fairly quick and with a couple of drink stops we got round in four hours
and fifteen minutes.
The inconsistency of the greens was reflected in the
scoring as there was nothing to write home about and the winner of A Flight
on a count back was Ulf Larsson from Stu Rifkin. Mike (Hunter) Gosden
finished third and Niels Hansen was fourth on a count back from yours truly.
B Flight was won by Andre Van Dyk with Carole Kubicki one
point behind in second place. Jan Lovgreen finished third just ahead of
Bjarne Kjar.
The “Compass Hat” winner was again decided on a count
back with Richard “I’ll never win it” Kubicki just avoiding the “honour”
which went to Mr. Colours himself, Walter Baechli.
A Flight
1st Ulf Larsson (15) 34pts
2nd Stu Rifkin (15) 34pts
3rd Mike Gosden (8) 33pts
4th Niels Hansen (15) 32pts
B Flight
1st Andre Van Dyk (19) 36pts
2nd Carole Kubicki (27) 35pts
3rd Jan Lovgreen (21) 34pts
4th Bjarne Kjar (18) 33pts
Near Pins: No6 Mike Allidi, No13 Carole Kubicki, No17
Andre Van Dyk
Thursday, March 25, Bangpra – Stableford
On a beautiful morning there were twenty of us ready to
head off and tackle Bangpra, one of the first golf courses to exist in the
area, and still one of the prettiest. After persuading Boon our driver to
try the now open motorway we arrived at the course in the short time of 45
minutes after leaving Caf้ Kronborg just a tad after 0815.
We had plenty of time to relax at the course as we
awaited ten o’clock when the green fee rate reduces by 200 baht (a lot of us
are pensioners you know!). We were then told that we would have to wait
until ten thirty but after a show of insistence from the organizer of the
day (yours truly) we were able to pay at ten o’clock. We were then told that
we could not tee off before our original time of eleven o’clock but as the
course was very quiet I was very confident that we would be teeing off
almost immediately and lo and behold our first group was able to get away at
1015 – T.I.T!
As mentioned earlier the weather was fantastic with a
nice breeze to cool things down a little and the course looked a picture as
usual. Slick greens were once more a feature but straying off the fairway
resulted in a very bare and hard lie at times.
Mick O’Connor’s buggy was hijacked by monkeys alongside
the second green and alas, Mick was relieved of his breakfast of bananas –
You would think he would have learnt by now but as he hasn’t played the
course for a number of years I guess he is excused.
We were travelling at a fairly quick pace until arriving
at the tenth tee where we found that the Starter had slipped in a Thai
five-ball in front of us (try to play as a non-Thai five ball at this
course! – T.I.T.). Nonetheless we completed our round in four hours and
twenty-five minutes which included three drink stops. Returning on the new
motorway we arrived back in Pattaya in just under 45 minutes.
Rarely have we seen so many poor scores on a perfect day
for golf and no-one could explain why only one player was able to get to
just 2 points off his handicap. A Flight was well won By Mashi Kaneta who
finished four points ahead of Doug Maiko in second place. Brian Gabe
finished third with Bjarne Kjaer fourth.
Henry O”Brien took out B Flight from Mick O’Connor in
second place. Andre Van Dyk was third from The Admiral himself in fourth
place.
Peter Hammond was determined to win something in his last
round of golf before returning to the U.K. and he achieved his objective by
winning the “Compass Hat” presented to him by the previous winner, Walter
Baechli.
A Flight
1st Mashi Kaneta (11) 33pts
2nd Doug Maiko (16) 29pts
3rd Brian Gabe (16) 28pts
4th Bjarne Kjaer (18) 27pts
B Flight
1st Henry O’Brien (19) 34pts
2nd Mick O’Connor (22) 32pts
3rd Andre Van Dyk (19) 31pts
4th Dave Richardson (21) 29pts
Papa Ray Rogers Memorial Scramble
Another year has passed and we have just five weeks until the Ray Rogers
Memorial Birthday Four Person Scramble scheduled for Thursday, May 6 at
Plutaluang South & North layouts with a green fee of just 400 baht.
Presentation of prizes and food to be back at Ray’s house around the pool
afterwards. The sign up sheet goes up on the board at Caf้ Kronborg on April
20 with the entry fee of 500 baht per person to be placed in the box at sign
up.
Bridge in Paradise : by Neil Robinson
The Contract Bridge
League of Thailand (CBLT) held an Open Teams event at the Royal Bangkok
Sports Club in June 2009. The CBLT Bridge News describes a number of the
hands played and I plan to write about a few of them in the next couple of
weeks.
This interesting hand
came from the first round. Plan how you might bid each of the hands with
your favourite partner. Most bridge players, myself included, do not use
cue bids often enough. The reported bidding makes full use of such bids.
North dealt and N-S were vulnerable:
S: A4
H: 742
D: QJ98
C: KJ84
S: K10632 S: QJ75
H: AK9653 H: J108
D: 7 D: 1063
C: 10 C: 973
S: 98
H: Q
D: AK542
C: AQ652
The reported
bidding was:
North East South West
P P 1D 2D
2S Dbl 3C 4H
4S P 5H P
5S P 6C 6H
All pass
The bidding certainly
needs some explanation! West’s 2D bid is a Michaels cue bid showing at
least five cards in each major. North’s 2S is a cue bid (North cannot want
to play in spades, knowing West has five). It shows a close to opening hand
and support for South’s suit, diamonds. East doubles to show spade
support. South bids his second suit and West bids 4H to show a good hand
with more hearts than spades and offer East a choice.
North cue bids spades
again, to show a stopper or shortage. 5H by South shows a stopper or
shortage in hearts and asks North to pick a slam. 5S by North says either
slam (6C or 6D) is OK by me. South chooses 6C. West then sacrifices in 6H
(and did not even get doubled).
I count no fewer than
five cue bids in the bidding of just this one hand, including three by
North!
West made an excellent
sacrifice, even if it had been doubled. 6H goes down only two, losing one
club, one diamond and the ace of spades. N-S are cold for 6C, losing only a
heart (the losing spade from dummy goes away on the long diamond).
Note:
If you have bridge questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please
contact me at: [email protected].
Buchanan blitz at Burapha
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
From the left, Steve Mann, Bruce McAdam, birthday boy Ian
Heddle and Dave Buchanan after the outing to Burapha on Monday.
Monday, March 22, Burapha
- Stableford
Today was Ian Heddle’s Outbacker Birthday Cup and 52
players participated playing the C & D nines at the Burapha resort. Even
though it was the white tees, there was some quite remarkable scoring given
the slowish greens, narrow fairways and lush rough. Add to that the heavy
showers of rain and it could be said the conditions were far from easy.
However, more than 75% of the field scored 30 points plus and 31% (16
players) played to their handicap or better!
The winner of Ian’s B’day cup was Steve Mann (42pts), who
after visiting Thailand many times over the years, has now decided to try
living here for a while; at least we’ll be able to keep tabs on his handicap
now - only joking Steve – well played mate! Winner of Div A was Dave
Buchanan who shot a fantastic gross 68, to amass 41 points off a handicap of
1 and believe it or not Dave played against Ian in a county match some years
ago back in Scotland. Small world isn’t it?
Joe Mooneyham returned to his best game to take Div B
with 41 points from his mate Pete Stonebridge on 40 and Bruce McAdam bounced
back to top form with 40 points to win Div C ahead of two Irish lads, Ivan
Plunkett and Ed Delaney, both with 39.
Back at the ranch, the Outback laid on liver and bacon
and fisherman’s pie, courtesy of Ian and Ian also sponsored the four near
pin 500 baht vouchers that were won by Rosco, Lawrie McBride, Anton
Rowbottam, and another Irishman, Ed O’Connor.
There were a bundle of ‘2’s from Lawrie, Bob Maloney,
George Gardner, Bob Finley, Steve Budrys, Ed O’Connor, Anton, Rosco and the
birthday boy, Ian.
Overall
Steve Mann (11) 42pts
Div A (0-12)
1st Dave Buchanan (1) 41pts
2nd Tom Fitzpatrick (11) 35pts
3rd Robert Finley (10) 35pts
4th Bruce Milner (10) 35pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Joe Mooneyham (15) 41pts
2nd Peter Stonebridge (15) 40pts
3rd Steven Budrys (13) 38pts
4th James Bryan (15) 38pts
Div C (17+)
1st Bruce McAdam (19) 40pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (19) 39pts
3rd Eddie Delaney (32) 39pts
4th Jean-Paul Michiels (19) 38pts
Tuesday, March 23, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Following Ian Heddle’s on Monday, today was Nigel
Cannon’s Outbacker Birthday Cup with another massive field of some 50
players. Nigel had chosen a format with a difference, yet plainly popular; a
rainbow stableford where each player elects to play from six red, six white
and six blue tees. (In the case of the ladies, twelve red and six white).
Strangely, the scoring was practically the same as if
playing from the normal tees, if not a little lower; never let it be said
the game is easier for amateurs just because it’s a forward tee. There was
many a conversation overheard of the same story, “Well, I played the blacks
OK, but I messed up from the reds.”
This is the third B’day Cup that Nigel has hosted and
each time it has been won by an Australian, this year being no exception,
with Wayne Waywood lifting the overall prize with an excellent 40 points.
Wayne, who has enjoyed his golf with the Outback over the last ten days or
so, including the Chiang Mai trip; was having his last round before
returning to Aus early Wednesday. He also takes back with him a beautiful
beer mug presented to him by Nigel.
At the end of the usual presentations, Nigel took over
the ‘mike’ from Capt’ Bob and welcomed all to his birthday bash,
particularly many of the PCC caddies that were invited; presenting a bouquet
of flowers to his long time caddie, and also to his lovely partner, Bee.
He also sponsored the near pin prizes won by Norm
Cheetham, Jack Moseley, Dave Day & Ed O’Connor (who also won one on Monday).
Nigel wished PCC regular, Arthur Bailey well, unable to play today as a
result of a minor operation and went on to present a special first prize for
the best score for a ‘Super Senior’ which was a count back between Ian
Covill and Frank O’Neill both on 37 points. Frank got the win, with a great
back nine collecting another of the keepsake beer mugs. That (the beer mug)
will be especially dear to Frank, as the Outback managed to misplace his
previous beer mug in their recent move. At least Frank will be able to have
a drink again now!
Winners of the divisions were Ian Heddle (36pts) Div A,
Chris Dopp (39pts) Div B and Don Everett (38pts) Div C.
There were just three ‘2’s from Jean Guy, Jack Moseley &
Don Everett.
The Outback again laid on a fine spread of ‘pub grub’ and
a couple of Thai dishes for all to enjoy all courtesy of Nigel. Thanks for a
great day Nigel and Happy Birthday!
Overall
1st Wayne Waywood (15) 40pts
Div A (0-14)
1st Ian Heddle (3) 36pts
2nd Bob Maloney (12) 35pts
3rd Paul Greenaway (12) 35pts
4th Ray Dell (11) 34pts
Div B (15-17)
1st Chris Dopp (15) 39pts
2nd Ian Covill (15) 37pts
3rd Kathy Doody (17) 35pts
4th David Day (17) 35pts
Div C (18+)
1st Don Everett (26) 38pts
2nd Frank O’Neill (18) 37pts
3rd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 34pts
4th Noy Kamsantia (20) 34pts
Wednesday, March 24, Emerald - Stableford
Rosco’s last four rounds of golf are; 41pts (Chiang Mai
Highlands – last Thurs), 37pts (Burapha – Mon), 32pts (Tuesday’s rainbow,
non-counting at Pcc) and today, 40pts at Emerald; to win Div A. That’s
pretty good golf in anybody’s book and it has also earned Rosco eight ladder
points in the process to sweep him into the lead by four, with only four
possible rounds left this month.
Randy Hurwitz took second in Div A with a good score of
37, with Andy Butterworth in third on 35.
Brian Maddox had the best score of the day, 41pts to win
Div B comfortably, ahead of Stan Rees (36pts) and Ian Hart (35pts).
Finally, it’s goodbye to Fidge (Ian Button) and Barney
(Jeff Clarkson) who have been with us for the last couple of weeks, as they
are returning to Aus tomorrow.
For the record, 28 Outbackers played today.
There were five ‘2’s from Andy Butterworth, Rosco, Sugar
Ray & Brian Maddox had two.
Div A (0-15)
1st Rosco Langoulant (14) 40pts
2nd Randy Hurwitz (12) 37pts
3rd Andy Butterworth (11) 35pts
4th Mike Tilley (15) 33pts
Div B (16+)
1st Brian Maddox (19) 41pts
2nd Stan Rees (25) 36pts
3rd Ian Hart (22) 35pts
4th Jeff Clarkson (25) 34pts
Friday, March 26, Khao Kheow - Stableford
The first on loop C looked a bit of a daunting start with
the trees flanking the OB on the right, bent almost double in the strong
cross wind. It kind of set the tone for the day and with the other tough
loop, A, as the back nine, it wasn’t going to get any easier, as, apart from
a couple of exceptions, this course gave the players another serious
drubbing.
Forty-four Outbackers gave it their best shot, only one
of them beating their handicap – John Stafford - who hit an amazing 40
points in very testing conditions, to win Div C by four from the only other
person to play to handicap, Billy Fitzgerald, with 36 points off of 17.
Having said that, this course has now been re-rated, as by general consensus
the previous ratings were way out; for a 15 handicapper now, the effective
par is around 74.5 or 33 to 34 points.
So elsewhere in divisions A & B, that was the score to
have – three guys all tied at the top of Div A, all with 33 points; Jamie
Milner coming out on top, followed by two Steves – Messrs Mann & Budrys. Joe
Mooneyham also got to 33 points to win Div B from Kathy Doody (32pts),
playing off two less than her official handicap and Norm ‘the chatter’
Cheetham (30pts) who heads back to Aus this weekend. Hmmm, peace at last.
There were only three ‘2’s coming from Dave Buchanan &
Capt’ Bob had two.
Div A (0-13)
1st Jamie Milner (12) 33pts
2nd Steve Mann (11) 33pts
3rd Steven Budrys (13) 33pts
4th Andy Butterworth (11) 30pts
Div B (14-17)
1st Joe Mooneyham (15) 33pts
2nd Kathy Doody (15) 32pts
3rd Norm Cheetham (15) 30pts
4th Jean Guy Gaudet (16) 28pts
Div C (17+)
1st John Stafford (19) 40pts
2nd Billy Fitzgerald (17) 36pts
3rd Vic Barton (18) 35pts
4th Brian Maddox (19) 32pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar has now completed the move to its new
home, situated 400 metres nearer to Pattaya than the old premises, but still
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
on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
Tuesday’s birthday boy Nigel, left rear, with the PCC caddies,
plus Don
Everett, Wayne Waywood, Ian Heddle and Frank O’Neill.
Fischer gets off to a flyer
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Fifteen golf enthusiasts under the Three Sisters flag took to the greens of
the Pattaya Country Club on March 24. The weather was great albeit a bit
warm, even with the 6:30 a.m. tee off.
Wednesday winner Michael Fischer, left, with runner-up
Larry Emerson.
First off was a threesome that left the rest of the field
in their dust. The foursomes followed but at least one group held up the
movement even with some gentle “cattle” prodding by the Marshall.
Recognizing that the game requires concentration, it is impolite to force
other players to fall asleep while waiting for you to play.
Back at Caddy Shack II the cards were collected and
tallied. Coming out on top again was hot shooter Michael Fischer with 39
points followed by “off from work” Larry Emerson with a 38. Dale Murphy
(36), Bill Thompson (36), Herb Ishinaga (35) and Bob Benda (34) followed the
leaders.
The usual post golf treats provided by Herbie once more awaited the
players.
The best dressed wins
PSC golf from The Golf Club
From left, Friday’s winners Richard Goud,
Bob Newell and
Steve Weller with the Lovely Nat.
Monday, March 22, Green
Valley - Stableford
1st Dale Sheir (11) 40pts
2nd Steve Weller (9) 36pts
3rd Keith Worboys (17) 35pts
Dale, sporting the latest from “bought it on Ebay”,
proved to be “best in show” for the day. A well executed 40 points! Steve
(I’ll shave when the Canucks win the Stanley Cup) Weller was a steady 36
points in second and Monthly Medal winner from February, Keith Worboys was
third on 35.
Wednesday, March 24,
Eastern Star - Stableford
1st Jon Lay (6) 34pts
2nd Richard Goad (12) 33pts
3rd
Kevin Taylor (6) 33pts
After a slow start from the blocks “Motorway Lay”
sprinted to a fine finish and was on the podium at day’s end with 34 points.
He negotiated the “round about” pin placements and slippery sections like a
true racer. A close second, and a 5-way count back winner, was newcomer to
the fold Richard Goad with 33 points. No stranger to our podium in recent
events was Kevin Taylor also with 33 points in third. The rest of the field
where clearly “lapped” on this day.
Thanks also to Bad Ernie and his brother Clive for
joining us today and signing up for the rest of their golfing experience in
Thailand.
Friday, March 26, Khao
Kheow - Stableford
1st Bob Newell (9) 34pts
2nd Steve Weller (9) 33pts
3rd
Richard Goad (12) 32pts
A 10 day adventure away with only pedal power and pure
determination did not hamper the performance of Bob “Uphill all the way,
both ways” Newell. Arriving back in time to join us on a blustery day, Bob
proved that he too had the stamina on the golf course. Tough pins and two
club winds were met with ‘the bottle’ to persevere. Well done Bob on your 34
points.
Steve “I’m still not shaving” Weller fought off the
conditions and a pre-game trip to Walking Street to finish a close second on
33 points. Richard Gaud kept up his form from Eastern Star and was 32 in
third.
NB: Just a note to say that we have a Soi Dao trip
scheduled on April 6 and 7 as well as a Songkran “Get Outa Dodge” trip
heading for the Pak Chong area. Stop in and peruse our sign-up sheets for
these great trips or call Brad on mobile 080 771 0673. Cheers and Chilly
Beers!
The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro, off Soi Buakhao and Soi Diana
junction. We can be reached on 085 434 3377 or pattaya4golf@gmail. com and
our new website is www.golfclubpattaya.com.
Dominic overrules ‘the Donkey’
PSC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, March 2, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Dominic Downey (12) 38pts
2nd Dave Dobson (8) 37pts
3rd Alan Thomas (8) 36pts
B Flight
1st John Deardon (21) 39pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (20) 37pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (24) 31pts
Red Flight
1st Yui Bietry (12) 35pts
2nd Jum Karagit (17) 34pts
Near Pins: No 2 Mike Craighead, No 9 Jack Spencer, No12 Gary Blackburne,
and No 16 John Deardon
Co. Galway’s Dominic Downing, who spent a couple of days
going over the rules, made no mistake today as he stood atop the A Flight
podium after posting a splendid 38 points. Dominic was one of the only four
players to better par on the day. ‘Galley’ the ladies man Blackburne
finished a shot shy in second place while the final spot in A Flight was
decided by a count back between Alan Thomas and Peter LeNoury, both tied a
further shot back, with Alan getting the nod.
Sunday’s winners at Green Valley: Dominic Downey, Yui
Bietry and John Deardon.
Man of the match and B Flight winner was Johnny
‘Abdullah’ Deardon who posted a rock solid 39 points. Lou Zig Zag, playing
his extended holiday, was second two shots adrift and the third place also
needed the aid of a count back between Bob ‘the guru of Green Valley’ and
Ireland’s Come Dancing star Christy Knight; the Guru, who has been in a bit
of a slump by his standards in recent weeks, gained the verdict.
Two of Lewiinski’s Sugar babes, Yui Bietry with 35 points
and Jum Karagit with 34 points filled the podium places in the Red Flight
Jack ‘Bilko’ Spencer won the rollover nearest the pin on
number nine.
Monday, March 22, Khao
Kheow - Stableford
1st Jon Haugen (10) 41pts
2nd Nok Somporn (22) 37pts
3rd
Fergus O’Brien (23) 36pts
Norway’s Jon Haugen left the field behind by four clear
strokes in winning today’s game at Crystal Bay. Jon was followed home by the
only lady competitor, Nok Somporn, who also managed to beat par. It needed
an even par round to fill the flight; this was accomplished by Irishman
Fergus O’Brien.
Jon Haugen, Per Brandsrod, Lou Szigligeti and Fergus
Obrien shared the ‘2’s pot.
Wednesday, March 24,
Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (11) 37pts
2nd Jimmy Day (14) 36 pts
3rd Peter Hynard (15) 34pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (18) 39pts
2nd John Hartigan (16) 37pts
3rd
Colin Davis (16) 36pts
First and second place in the senior flight were filled
by Irishmen: Co. Cork’s Seamus Captain Cotter returned a splendid 37 points
for the top rung and Co. Wicklow’s Jimmy ‘The man of leisure’ Day came in a
shot behind for the runner up spot, leaving Peter LeNoury a further two
shots adrift to fill out the flight.
In B Flight, Co. Dublin’s and Lewiinski’s President Peter
Henshaw celebrated his 39th (?) Birthday in style, as
he no scored the first and last holes, but as we all know it is the bit in
the middle that counts; 39 points for man of the match and junior flight
winner. Co. Kerry was not left out as John ‘the big easy’ Hartington pushed
Peter all the way but came up two shots adrift. And who else but to round
out the flight than ‘the Donkey’ who did all the spade work and came home
with an even par round.
No ‘2’s were recorded so a rollover to Friday.
Friday, March 26, Treasure
Hill – Stableford
A Flight
1st Gavin Knox (11) 43pts
2nd Bill Shepley (14) 40pts
3rd Seamus Cotter (16) 37pts
B Flight
1st Sim Davis (24) 36pts
2nd Colin Davis (17) 35pts
3rd
Christy Knight (19) 34pts
There are no words, at least of which this scribe is
aware, to right the injustice that occurred in the society on March 17 (St.
Pat’s Day at St Andrews). Here is a man and wife on holiday, enjoying the
fine weather and playing a friendly game of golf only to be penalized with a
two shot penalty for playing according to the rules of golf. Lewiinski’s
have apologized; Dominic accepted the apology and the Donkey got to keep his
job. Thanks for the info Neil.
If you ruffle an Irishman’s feathers watch out (and I
should know) Co. Galway’s Dominic Downey must have thought he had won,
carding a solid 39 points, and most times he would, it was just the wrong
day. Dominic was two behind the Texan Marc Napier and a further shot behind
today’s winner Peter Hynard.
Brian ‘Minnie’ Cooper shot an even par round to win B
Flight, Lou Zig Zag and Gordon Cadle needed the aid of a count back with Lou
edging Gordon for second.
The rollover ‘2’s was won by sugar babe Jum Karagit.
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.
USMC back in second place as Café Ole
increase their lead
Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Noodle and Joe.
USMC moved back into second place in the league after winning three points
from Jack Tar, with Joe Ferral leading the charge with a 210 game and 553
series. Caf้ Ole meanwhile won all four points from Sabai Sabai Friday
behind Ooy Pluemkamon’s 548 series. Bavaria dropped from second to third
after splitting their match with Indiana with each team getting two points.
Canada continued their winning ways taking three points from VFW Post
9876. Tue Pettae bowled a 520 series for Canada. Noodle Russell bowled games
of 188, 182 and 211, 581 series, to lead Green Tree to a three point win
over Brother D.
Surprise pairs winners
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Pattana on Tuesday, March 23, for
their monthly Pairs event, a stableford best score competition over the A
and B nines. The course as usual was well presented but the white tees on
the front nine were well forward and well back on the back nine, making a
stern challenge for all in the closing stages.
There were eleven teams involved and a fair mixture with
random team selection in some cases added a touch of mystery to the
competition.
Fast greens and a long back nine held scores at a
sensible level with Russell Exley and Rodney Hayes joining David Thomas and
Brian Ferrigno and the pairing of Peter Duncan and Len Jones in third place
on 41 points. For Peter especially it was a feast of fine golf on the back
nine which matched any he has played in the Kingdom in a long while.
In second place came the redoubtable pairing of Tony
Thorne and Rick Schramm and their 42 points represented a fine end to Rick’s
tour of golf duty for this trip. The winners, completely out of the blue as
a hastily put together outfit at the last minute, were Greg Gawron and Alan
Duckett and their combined score of 46 points blew the field apart.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Russell Exley on A3, Peter
Duncan, Greg Gawron and Tony Thorne, all on B7.
The presentation back at Rabbi’s was an amusing affair as
David Thomas did a more than passable impression of Rick Schramm on the
putting green and the Canadian took revenge by relating the tale of his
playing partner on B4 playing to the wrong green, a worthy Booby Bevy win
for Tony Thorne! There is always an element of fun in these pairs events and
this day at Pattana was no exception.
Green Valley turns up the
heat
The PGS travelled to Green Valley on Thursday, March 25,
on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far, to play a
stableford competition on the popular course which was in good condition.
Once again the field was large enough to allow two flights and these were
divided at sixteen and under.
Progress was quick on the almost empty track but by the
turn the golfers were starting to feel the effects of the conditions and it
was increasingly difficult to maintain the focus needed for a good round. In
the second flight Pat Murphy toiled away on his return to record 32 points
which took third place, two behind Jack Robertson’s 34 points in second
place. The flight winner was the consistent Irishman Larry Slattery and his
37 points was one of only two sub-par rounds of the day.
In the top flight scores were remarkably similar with
David Thomas and Tony Thorne sharing third place on 31 points and Greg
Gawron taking second with 34. The winner was Steve Jones and his 37 points
matched the score of the winner in the other group.
The only birdie ‘2’ was recorded by Len Jones on the
sixteenth and the Booby Bevy went to low scoring Andy Bardill, still
acclimatising himself after five golf-free months back in wintry
Switzerland.
The best gross was David Thomas’ 83 and that alone speaks
volumes about the difficult conditions at a very hot and humid Green Valley.
The cold beers afterwards were never so welcome!
Earley-Masters leaders
A decidedly cool and comfortable Eastern Star welcomed
the Pattaya Golf Society on Saturday, March 27 when the Soi Buakhao based
group visited to play a weekend stableford event on the Ban Chang course.
The day was overcast and there was little evidence of the downpour which had
affected the golf there the day before. The field was divided yet again into
two flights with the top flight consisting of golfers on handicaps of
fourteen and under.
The inconsistency of the greens has made Eastern Star a
“tough nut” to crack these days and scores were again on the low side. In
the second flight Len Jones faltered at the end to finish on 31 points for
third place, one shot behind the two golfers battling for the win, Andy
Bardill and Larry Slattery.
In the top flight Mikael Andersson and Steve Jones shared
third place with 34 points each whilst a resurgent Mike Earley joined Peter
Masters at the top of the leaderboard with 35 points after Peter had enjoyed
a farewell joust with Kiwi David Thomas which saw friendly shots, jibes and
ripostes rebound from all corners of the course.
The day’s only birdie two came from Aussie Steve Godfrey
on the thirteenth and the Booby Bevy found its way into the hands of John
Robertson at last after he conjured up an asymmetrical card bearing eleven
points on the front nine and eighteen points on the return. It was that sort
of day at Eastern Star: bits of “good”, bits of “bad” but highly enjoyable
nevertheless.
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