Green Valley GC spreading goodwill to Pattaya golfers

The tournament winners: Harry Riley, Dave Stockman,
Mark Williamson & Paul Butler.

Mike Gerrard

A couple of months ago the management of Green Valley/St. Andrews Golf Club invited various weekly golf group organizers from Pattaya Sports Club, IPGC and others to attend a meeting to discuss certain aspects of the past few months and the coming low season.

One of the main points they wished to communicate to all who attended was to apologize for some of the unfortunate misunderstandings regarding overbooking of the first tee on many occasions. Other topics would include course changes and future policy.

Runners up: Bruce Tollit, Damien Trant, James Savage & Phonse McGahagn.

The meeting turned out to be one of great interest and proved to be very constructive. It was quite obvious that the management were keen to try and encourage future good relations with all groups. A free round of golf at St. Andrews 2000 after the meeting could only make the spirit even better!

Klaus Schackt, a long time member of Green Valley, had helped the Management Group to better understand the farang way of thinking and their requirements.

At the end of the meeting Klaus unveiled their plan to organize a 144-player strong competition in the way of a four-ball scramble with a shot gun start. This was greeted with huge delight, especially when it was announced that the only cost would be the caddy fee of 250 baht. I have never seen a competition fill up so quickly.

And so the day came upon us. The weather was set fair, although a little hot but with a nice breeze to keep the humidity down.

After many days leading up to the competition where poor old Klaus had to contend with many changes over the phone, the final start sheet was compiled and the transport buses ferried everyone to their respective start holes to await the Big Bang. And it was!

One of the topics of the original meeting was to announce the changing round of the course back to having what is now the 5th hole reverting back to the 1st. This would have been superb for my two teams who had been drawn out to start on the 2nd hole. This would have been quite a nice comfortable par 4 to start on. Somewhere prior to the game the idea of changing the course round was abandoned which meant my two groups were, in fact starting on the par 3 surrounded by lots of water. You wicked man, you! Never mind both teams managed to record a par.

What a stroke of genius to decide to draw a circle around every hole on the greens so as to accept that any ball played within it could be assumed a gimme. This seems to be a great way to speed up a scramble. And it did.

After the game it was shower time and into the main ballroom for food and drink (again supplied free of charge by the Green Valley management) and to await the prize presentation. The food was very adequate and the free beer soon disappeared, (No surprise).

The result of the tournament was a win for the team of Harry Riley, Dave Stockman, Mark Williamson & Paul Butler with a net 56.3. The runners up were the four-ball of Bruce Tollit, Damien Trant, James Savage & Phonse McGahagn with a net 56.9, and coming in third was the quartet of Roy Thornton, Grant Cadell, Barry Trayling & Rick Holmes with a net 57.2

All of these players received a very handsome trophy each, presented by the general manager of Green valley, Khun Nirand.

After the main prizes were handed out it was time for the lucky draw. Thank God for lucky draws. It’s the only way a lot of players (including myself) can ever win anything.

Again, it has to be said the amount of lucky draw prizes and the quality was a tribute to Green Valley for their generosity. At least one member of every team won something.

After the presentation I was informed that there had been a Hole in One recorded on the day by Bob Patterson, but for some unknown reason neither he nor his team did not wish it to be publicized. No fear of a bar bill - the beer was free! Never mind, congratulations from everyone.

Finally, the object of the whole exercise was to create good will from the management of Green Valley and there was no doubt about it, they succeeded hugely. From all the players who were treated to this event we all say a great big thank you!

With the future in mind, Green Valley Golf Club are to hold another day out on the 28th April 2010. This will be an individual competition with special green fee rates applying on the day. For further information regarding this please contact the information desk in the club house.

Third placed team: Roy Thornton, Grant Cadell, Barry Trayling & Rick Holmes.

Campbell heads large field at Siam Old Course

Panita’s Golf Bar (Siam Old Course Members)

With all 20 places taken for Panita’s Bar Golf Day on Friday, April 9, it was Doug Campbell who shot a superb 39 points to take the top spot at Siam old Course.

Friday’s winner Doug Campbell.

Doug, who is a newcomer to Panitas Bar Golf group, held off the challenges of Gary Blackburne (37pts) and Mick O’Meara (34pts) and the other 16 also rans, to claim his first win at Panita’s and celebrated his fine win by treating the whole group to a welcome drink after the game. After this very hot day at the Old Course it was much appreciated. Well done Doug!

Earlier in the week regular winner Gary Blackburne once again showed his class with another masterful display and 39 points, leaving second placed Nicky Falconer (36pts) well in his wake and low handicapper Mark Thomas (36pts) having to settle for the third spot.The hot news from Panita’s Bar Golf is that soon there will be a ‘Monday Away Day Special’ to be played at popular local courses with a Max number of 24 golfers and will include a Free meal after golf and prizes too! All this for only 100 baht. Watch this space and happy golfing!

Wed., April 7l
1st Gary Blackburne (8) 39pts
2nd Nicky Falconer (12) 36pts
3rd Mark Thomas (5) 36pts
Friday, April 9
1st Doug Campbell (16) 39pts
2nd Gary Blackburne (8) 37pts
3rd Mick O’Meara (19) 34pts

Mike Winfield fires at Rayoung Country Club

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn

Monday, April 5, Rayong C.C. - Stableford

This was our penultimate outing prior to the two week Songkran break and seventeen golfers assembled at Café Kronborg in readiness for the trip to the ever improving Rayong Country Club. The journey took just under 45 minutes thanks to the new Highway 7 exit from Sukhumvit and as the golf course was fairly quiet our first group was able to tee off 35 minutes early at 0925.

Monday’s winner Mike Winfield, left, with the scribe.

Unlike the last time we played, the caddies were silent around the first tee when asked to consider players hitting off and I’m not saying it was because there were no male caddies there but there were no male caddies there! It was very hot and yours truly forgot to “load up” with bottled water at the clubhouse so my first major objective was to make it to the first drink station which is after the 5th hole.

The course was in fine shape and the greens were excellent as my two playing partners appreciated and did the course justice by playing better than their handicaps. Even allowing for three lengthy drink stops we “scorched” round the course in the excellent time of four hours and ten minutes.

Thursday winners Mike Allidi and Graham Buckingham with B Flight runner-up Chop Daprakhon.

We had one flight with four place-getters and nearest the pins on all par threes. Thanks once again to Stu Rifkin who generously sponsored longest first putt awards on the 9th & 18th. Stu is returning to Cairns, Australia for a month so we wish him Bon Voyage.

As mentioned earlier, my two playing partners played very well and Mike Winfield absolutely obliterated the rest of the field by winning with his fine 44 points. Six points further back in second place was my other playing partner, Graham Buckingham, and making his first appearance with us since last November, Colin Swann finished third. The winner from the previous Thursday, Joseph Bensoussan, continued his good form and finished fourth.

Alan Ewing was rewarded for his return to our group by receiving the “Compass Hat” from the current holder, myself (nice to get rid of that one!)

1st Mike Winfield (21) 44pts
2nd Graham Buckingham (22) 38pts
3rd Colin Swann (24) 37pts
4th Joseph Bensoussan (18) 36pts
Near Pins: No5 Per–Olav Baarli, No7 Alan Ewing, No12 Mike Allidi, No16 Guy Canipel.
Long Putts: No9 Per-Olav Baarli, No18 Jerry Dobbs.

Thursday, April 8, Treasure Hill – Stableford

This was our last game out of Café Kronborg before the two week break for Songkran and we had a fairly good turnout of 20 golfers for the competition at Treasure Hill. We welcomed Gary Larose from Clarkesville, Tennessee, playing with us for the very first time. Likewise Ms Chop Daprakhon from Thailand, and it was great to see Tropical Bert’s cunning linguist Tom Cotton having a hit with us.

Thanks to the new road it was a short 45 minute trip to the course and as it was extremely quiet our first group was able to tee off 30 minutes ahead of schedule at 0930. Conditions were hot as expected and the course was in as good a condition as I’ve ever seen it, with lush fairways and beautifully prepared greens. This is one of the best value for money courses around and I’m sure it will be regularly on our schedule over the coming months.

We did think we had the place to ourselves until we caught up with the dreaded Thai 6-ball after about 13 holes but a lengthy much required drinks break saw them get away from us and no further hold ups were encountered. Including our two stops for drinks we were able to complete our round in the very good time of four hours and fifteen minutes.

We had 2 flights, A Flight for 0 to 19 and B Flight for handicaps 20 and over. Dave Neal once more generously sponsored the four par three nearest the pins and we also had rewards for longest first putts on the 9th & 18th.

Another super round gave Mike Allidi first place in A Flight with 37 points off his 3 handicap ahead of Mike (Hunter) Gosden in second place. Third place was won by Bjarne Kjaer who seems to be hitting a bit off form just lately.

There was a two-way count back to decide the winner of B Flight with two golfers having the excellent score of 41 points. Graham Buckingham was victorious with newcomer Chop Daprakhon in second place. Mikko Hiltunen from Finland finished third.

The current holder of the “Compass Hat”, Alan Ewing, was delighted to present it to Pratheep Nuamcharuen who finished behind a couple of very nervous golfers, including myself.

A Flight
1st Mike Allidi (3) 37pts
2nd Mike Gosden (8) 36pts
3rd Bjarne Kjaer (19) 33pts
B Flight
1st Graham Buckingham (22) 41pts
2nd Chop Daprakhon (23) 41pts
3rd Mikko Hiltunen (26) 37pts
Near Pins: No2 Chop Daprakhon, No6 Per-Olav Baarli, No13 Chop Daprakhon, No17 Alan Ewing
Long Putts: No9 Patrice Bardy, No18 Petteri Kihlberg.

Papa Ray Memorial Scramble

Another year has passed and we have just three weeks until the Ray Rogers Memorial Birthday 4-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 will be back at Ray’s house around the pool afterwards. The sign-up sheet goes up on the board at Café Kronborg on April 20 with the entry fee of 500 baht per person to be placed in the box at sign up.

Howzat: Capt. Bob has top knock at Lakeside

PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Participants of the inaugural Pattaya cricket sixes gather back at the Outback Golf Bar on Friday night, April 9. (Photo courtesy Wayne Morrison/ACST)

Monday, April 5, Burapha – Stableford

The Div D cut line was the lowest it’s ever been at h’cap 17 as 51 Outbackers played on the B & C loops today at the new low season rate. This led to two very closely matched mid divisions; Div B, thirteen players between h’cap 11 & 13 and Div C , fourteen players between h’cap 14 & 16. The end result is much more competitive golf, as like for like golfers are playing against each other rather than the vast differentials that can happen with smaller groups when a single figure handicapper, who has played really well, can lose out to a high handicapper.

The top score of the day came from Jean Guy (16) in Div C with 40 points, five clear of “Roo Cup” holder, Steve Milne (15) on 35. Steve was defending the “Roo Cup” today with his partner, Andy Butterworth, against the Australian partnership of Capt’ Bob & Chris Fletcher. By all reports it was a bit of a trouncing with the English pair going six up after seven holes, in a match that could have been very embarrassing for the Outback Capt’. However, they (the Aussies) rallied on the par 3 eighth to win their first hole, eventually going down 5 & 3.

Rosco (13) took Div B with the day’s second best score of 38 points from one of the early starters, Art O’Connor (13) on 36; and Bobby Driggs (11) and Tony Garnett (12), finishing in that order, both with 35.

Div A at the top, was an all Aussie affair as Steve (9) & Kerry (9) thrashed it out in the same four-ball with 18 points apiece on both nines; the count back going to the last three holes to split them, whilst Paul Smith (3) took third on 33 points (gross 78).

It was a tough day for the Div D players from the blue tees as the best score there was 34 from Martin Solberg, beating Barry Lewis on 32.

There were nine ‘2’s from Ian Heddle, Bob Philp, John Stafford, Andy Butterworth, Bobby Driggs, Rick Evans, Martin Solberg & Steve Mann had two.

Div A (0-10)
1st Kerry Beck (9) 36pts
2nd Steve Mann (9) 36pts
3rd Paul Smith (3) 33pts
4th Chris Fletcher (10) 32pts
Div B (11-13)
1st Rosco Langoulant (13) 38pts
2nd Art O’Connor (13) 36pts
3rd Bobby Driggs (11) 35pts
4th Tony Garnett (12) 35pts
Div C (14-16)
1st Jean Guy Gaudet (16) 40pts
2nd Steve Milne (15) 35pts
3rd Frank Dante (15) 33pts
4th Campbell Potts (16) 32pts
Div D (17+)
1st Martin Solberg (18) 34pts
2nd Barry Lewis (28) 32pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (19) 31pts
4th Johannes (19) 29pts

Tuesday, April 6, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

So this was a National Holiday (Chakri Memorial Day) but the higher green fee rate did not deter some 22 Outbackers from playing the regular Tuesday venue.

A great round from Arthur Bailey (39pts), who hasn’t played much over the past couple of weeks or so since recuperating from a minor operation, was the top score of the day. He easily won his division (B) by six from the rapidly improving Laong (33pts), who is already down to handicap 36.

Frank O’Neill did the business in Div A with 37 points ahead of the day’s trusty organiser, Chad, who in turn beat the ebullient Canadian, Jean Guy on count back.

There were four ‘2’s coming from Rick Evans, Lamun, Chad & Ian Covill.

There was apparently an incident of somebody hitting up on a group that was being accused of slow play; we would prefer to think it was not deliberate. Please ensure that the group in front is out of range before taking your next shot. Secondly, at Pattaya Country Club please hand your scorecards to Chad at the clubhouse; do not bring them to the bar, as they could be overlooked when the result is calculated.

Div A (0-18)
1st Frank O’Neill (17) 37pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (18) 35pts
3rd Jean Guy Gaudet (16) 35pts
4th David Day (17) 34pts
Div B (19+)
1st Arthur Bailey (21) 39pts
2nd Laong (36) 33pts
3rd Paul Smets (21) 32pts
4th Jean-Paul Michiels (19) 31pts

Wednesday, April 7, Royal Lakeside - Stableford

There were 18 Outbackers who made the decision to take the 50 minute journey from the Outback to the slightly cooler Royal Lakeside. The news that greeted us upon arrival was that two players could share a cart - which was a reversal of the decision when we last came here in February.

Warmly welcomed by staff and caddies we were soon on our way to a virtually deserted course, apart from our five groups and three from our friends at The Bunker, there were just a few casual players.

The course was in its usual fine condition, and a cool breeze helped to make a comfortable 4 hour round.

It was the last round for our Scottish friend, Eddie O’Neill, who returns to bonnie Scotland after enjoying his golf with the Outback for the last three months and plans to return in October.

With 18 players there were two divisions and ‘2’s and in Division ‘A’ it was our very own Capt’ Bob (7) who took the lead (as a Captain should!) coming in with a fine 41 points (gross 74). Not far behind was Steve Mann (9) with 38 and playing in the same group was Suzi Lawton, now able to concentrate on golf whilst Stunnin’ John is away, and playing off 14, having come down from 20 since the last week of January and once again finding herself in the top division.

Top spot in Division ‘B’ went to Mickey Moore (23) with 40 points, followed by John Kittilsen (18) with 37 and the final placing went to ‘Kathy’s man” Geoff Doody (23) with 34.

There were just three ‘2’’s from Suzi & Capt’ Bob had two.
I don’t think it will be too long before the Outback return to Royal Lakeside.

Div A (0-17)
1st Bob Philp (7) 41pts
2nd Steve Mann (9) 38pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (14) 36pts
Div B (18+)
1st Mick Moore (23) 40pts
2nd John Kittilsen (18) 37pts
3rd Geoff Doody (23) 34pts

Friday, April 9, Khao Kheow - Stableford

There were forty-one Outbackers at Khao Kheow today, tackling the premier A & B nines from the yellow tees, hosted by a brand new organiser for the Outback Golf Bar, Steve Mann. Steve, a frequent visitor to Pattaya over the years, has recently decided to move here and comes with a wealth of experience organising golf and whose help will be greatly appreciated.

Capt’ Bob was away on cricket duty (not playing) up at Horseshoe Point and Jack was having a knock in the invitational scramble organised by the Green Valley management.

The Outback Golf Bar sponsored the 20/20 cricket match between the Pattaya All Stars, led by Simon Philbrook, against the Rest of the World team captained the cricket sixes chairman, Michael ‘Cat’ Maher. Simon hit a spirited 57 runs from 31 balls but that wasn’t enough to prevent the Rest of the World winning with one ball to spare. The trophy for the winning team, donated by the Outback, was a silver platter complete with a cocktail shaker and seven silver goblets.

So back to the golf, the best score of the day came from Billy Fitzgerald, who continues his new found form with a fine 40 points to win Div C by five from Frank Kelly on 35. Mick Moore wrapped up his second win of the week with a fine 36 points, winning Div D by six from the husband and wife pairing of John & Wendy Khan both with 30 - and nice to see you both at the Outback again!

Bobby Driggs (35pts) took Div A ahead of another Bob, this time Bob Finley with 33 and the Div B winner was Mark Allen (36pts) playing to handicap with Mark Riggall second on 34.

Today was also Bruce McAdam’s birthday who chose to sponsor the near pins that were won by David Day (A5), Suzi Lawton (B8) and Mark Allen collected the other two – A3 & B3.

Thanks B2 and Happy Birthday!

There were six ‘2’s coming from Suzi Lawton, Wendy Khan, George Bishop, Micky Moore, Andy Butterworth & Mark Riggall.

Div A (0-12)
1st Robert Driggs (12) 35pts
2nd Robert Finley (11) 33pts
3rd Kerry Beck (9) 32pts
Div B (13-15)
1st Mark Allen (14) 36pts
2nd Mark Riggall (15) 34pts
3rd Wayne Cotterell (14) 32pts
Div C (16-19)
1st Billy Fitzgerald (16) 40pts
2nd Frank Kelly (16) 35pts
3rd Carl Luke (16) 30pts
Div D (20+)
1st Mick Moore (23) 36pts
2nd John Khan (23) 30pts
3rd Wendy Khan (27) 30pts

Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country Club Road. 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.

Herbie beats the heat

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Maybe it was the tall fairway grass or maybe it was the humidity, whatever it was, several of the regulars failed to show up this Wednesday, April 7 at the Pattaya Country Club.

Winner Herb Ishinaga on the left with Larry Emerson on the right.
Many excuses were heard but still eleven hardy players showed up and did the 18. The course was in reasonably good shape with lots of tall grass stems in the fairways and it didn’t take long for the humidity to hit the high mark.

As cards came in to Caddy Shack II, it appeared the heat did have an adverse effect on some. Herb Ishinaga and Larry Emerson both carded 33’s but Herb beat Larry on the count back. Bill Thompson came in with a 32 for third place while Donald Goins carded a 31.

What a difference a week makes

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Monday, April 5, Rayong C.C. - Stableford

We played on Monday this week to avoid the Tuesday Holiday price increases, so off to Rayong C.C. prepared with our vouchers from the PSC ensuring a good value day out. The course, although drying out in places, was still very playable, with some holes providing stern tests to the gathered golfers.

Tuesday winner Les Easton (seated) celebrates with playing partners Alex & Lucky.

Les Easton (15) doubled his tally from the previous Tuesday to lead the way home with an impressive 40 points, followed by Mike Pledger (21) with a solid 38 points. Third & fourth places were separated by count back (20 to 17) after Terry Phur (17) & Ken Hole (16) respectively, came in with 36 points.

The near pins were spread around, mostly amongst the form players of the day, with Les, Ken and Mike getting one each, while K managed the other.

Thursday, April 8, Pleasant Valley - Stableford

Thursday was our normal day, and off to Pleasant Valley we went, where the course was in very good condition, well grassed, smooth fairways, with smooth, true & tricky greens. It seems that many of the golfing groups have forsaken this continually improving course in the Low Season, as other courses drop their prices. Perhaps a bit of loyalty may be shown, considering some courses were quick to refuse PSC bookings when the High Season came around, remembering, what goes around comes around.

Leading the way home today was Keith Hodges (24) with a fine 41 points. At one stage Keith fired off 5 pars on the trot, a feat he cannot remember having achieved before. Les Easton (14) seemed to have found some form also, with 38 points for second, while Dave Edwards (17) secured third spot with 37 points.

Near pins were won by Graham, Derek and Keith, while the 13th went unclaimed, resulting in a donation to the Banglamung Boys Home.

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. Next week we are off to Emerald on Tuesday, with Khao Kheow the venue for Thursday. Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!

Andrew Byrne’s it up

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, April 4, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Andrew Byrne (11) 44pts
2nd Gary Blackburne (8) 38pts
3rd Pat Hanafin (12) 36pts
B Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (18) 38pts
2nd John Deardon (20) 35pts
3rd Barry Copestake (16) 34pts
Near Pins: No2 & No9 Mark Napier, No12 Kathy Doody, No16 Gary Blackburne.

Co. Wicklow’s Andrew Byrne, obviously unsatisfied with last Friday’s second place effort at Eastern Star, decided to put the pedal down to the floor and his effort was rewarded with Man of the Match and A Flight honours. Andrew has been at the top of his game lately and he will have to carry on the good work to match his new handicap.(told you so last week).

Sunday’s winners: Andrew Byrne, left, with Pierre Bietry.

Leading the more ‘human’ portion of the field, six shots adrift, was Gally ‘The Ladies’ Man’ Blackburne. Ireland’s Pat Hanafin and USA’s Marc Napier, neither strangers to the podium, fought out a tight contest for third, both posting even par rounds, but Pat getting the upper hand by the narrowest of count back verdicts.

‘The Magician’ (at last) put together a decent score of 38 points to take the laurels in B Flight. John ‘Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah’ Deardon scraped 35 points together for second. Barry ‘The Boot’ Copestake was a shot back for third.

Monday, April 5, Crystal Bay - Stableford
A Flight
1st Gavin Knox (12) 35pts
2nd Pat Hanafin (12) 34pts
B F light
1stNok Somporn (21) 38pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (19) 37pts

Gavin ‘The Brylcream Boy’ Knox cited, “never leaving myself a putt short” as the reason he was able to stand atop the A Flight podium. He needed every trick in his well worn but extensive book of golf tricks to edge Co. Cork’s Pat ‘The Big Easy’ Hanafin by one stroke. Pat, who has been seen at the pay window consistently of late, edged Aussie Test Cricket legend Trevor Chapple on a count back for second, a shot adrift.

B Flight supplied the day’s top score and match winner in Nok Somporn with a rock solid 38 points. Geoff Elvis Kubas was a little out of tune a shot back in second.

Ed Wyckoff and Gavin Knox split the ‘2’s pot.

Wednesday, April 7, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ed Wyckoff (12) 35pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (15) 35pts
3rd Pat Hanafin (12) 35pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (18) 37pts
2nd Brian Cooper (25) 36pts
3rd John Hillier (20?) 34pts

Peter ‘The Irish Rover’ Henshaw continued to show steady play as he put together a best of the day 37 points. This fine effort gave Peter top spot in B Flight followed by Brian ‘Mini’ Cooper, who is on a roll of his own at the moment, just a point behind. John Hillier, whose dedication to the driving range is now paying off, filled the flight.

Ed ‘The Right Honorable’ Wyckoff took the glory in A Flight in a three-way count back that saw Tore Eliassen gain runner up spot. Co. Cork’s Pat ‘The Post Man’ Hanafin rounded out the flight.

‘The Magician’ left the course early followed by a large green snake and a troupe of monkeys!

No ‘2’s were recorded so it’s a rollover to Friday.

Friday, April 9,Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Dibben (9) 36pts
2nd Gavin Knox (12) 35pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (19) 39pts
2nd Mike Jeffreys (19) 36pts

Geoff Elvis Kubas must have thought it was not to be his day as he started today’s game at Treasure Hill with two ‘no scores’, but then Elvis got in tune to record a blistering 39 points on the next fifteen holes, finishing with a no score on the last, but the top score of the day. Mike Jeffreys followed Elvis home in B Flight three shots back.

The ‘Welsh Wizard’ Bob Dibben also had a ‘no score’ on the first, and then turned in the top score in the ‘big boys’ flight’, a useful even par round. Gavin ‘The Brylcream Boy’ Knox took the runner up spot a shot adrift.

Bob Dibben and Jim Elphick split the rollover ‘2’s pot.

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.

Songkran starts early at Emerald Golf Course

The Ban Chang Golf Society

Andy Oz, center rear, celebrates his win with the girls at Mama’s Bar.

We arrived at Emerald Golf Course for our weekly game and were greeted by the news that the green fee was more expensive because of the Songkran holiday. Hang on, I thought the official public holiday was next week, but no, yet another case of T.I.T. After paying over the odds we went down for our 9.36 tee time and due to higher green fee we ended up with only 10 players in the comp.

Easier pin position this week resulted in two players hitting par with 36 points each: Andy oz beat Dangle on a back nine count back. The jinx of being responsible for the nearest the pin flag continued this week with John Mc claiming “Oh I left it in my room’, but while some players were having breakfast he manufactured one out of a Heineken box, tooth picks and a wooden meat skewer. As he made it, he thought he might as well win it and take it home with him.

Blind skins results this week: Martyn (6), Dangle (5), Andy Oz (3), Ero (3) and Alan (1).

Just to finish up we welcomed back Danny this week, and after golf we celebrated his arrival by slinging a few cold ones back at Mama’s bar.

Haugen running hot

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Rayong C.C. on Chakri Day, Tuesday, April 6, to play a stableford competition on a course which is rapidly improving, especially the greens which are now smoother and have a little more pace than when the group was last there a month ago.

The combination of the public holiday and a very heavy IPGC week saw the field size down to one flight but there was still some fine golf on view, and when Jack Robertson teed off he became the one thousandth golfer to start in a PGS tournament this year.

Aussie Trevor Chappell played his first round with the PGS, taking time off from his cricket duties with the “Sixes” tournament currently being played and performed well for a fourth place finish on 34 points. In third was Les Burns, making his first appearance on the PGS leaderboard and his score of 37 points was his best in more than a year with the group. Similarly John Robertson who came second with an excellent 38 points, eclipsing Dad Jack in the process. The winner was Jon Haugen and what a round he played, gross 76 giving him 42 points and everything long and straight, driving to the greens on three par fours. Very much a case of “Norwegian Woods, isn’t it good!” It was a splendid performance on a course which can be thoroughly testing.

There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Alan Walker for his 12 - 21 split. One final statistic - low season is truly here when a PGS field has no English golfers. Even the gaffer is Welsh!

Triple Crown at Khao Kheow

The PGS travelled initially to Bangpra on Thursday, April 8 for a pre-booked competition but were met with a demand for an extra three hundred baht on top of the green fee and thus redirected to the ever-welcoming Khao Kheow to play a stableford tournament on the A and B nines. The course was in excellent condition and the greens swift and true throughout. An empty course made the day complete.

The single flight saw a three-way tussle at the top with Jon Haugen sharing the win with father and son combination Jack and John Robertson on 33 points. The prize fund was boosted by the lack of birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy at Rabbi’s later was replaced by a “thank you” round from the organiser, Mr. Len, for the valuable support the group had shown earlier in the day. The day had lost nothing after the initial re-routing and the PGS will be eager to promote its golf at the course on alternative weekends from the first of May.

Bardill blasts back

An empty Eastern Star was the venue for the Pattaya Golf Society’s weekend stableford competition on Saturday, April 10, and the group took the opportunity to seek revenge on a tough course which had hosted the IPGC Monthly Medals only a couple of days before. The single flight was expecting an easy ride as the course was in good condition but the greens are so inconsistent in Ban Chang at present.

Sharing runner-up place was a trio of golfers including visitor Bent Saeverud, making his debut with the group, and he joined Larry Slattery and JJ Harney on 35 points. In the lead was Andy Bardill whose miserable performance three days before was the downside of his short stay but on this occasion he shook the living daylights out of the course, performing fully thirty-seven shots better in amassing 43 points for a huge win. Within hours he was returning to Switzerland and the tale of this round would surely earn him many a beer in his home club.

The ‘2’s pot was shared by “JJ” and Trevor Lazowski for their efforts on number six and when Bob St. Aubin became the umpteenth golfer to attempt to prove that a seven iron will float he was guaranteed the Booby Bevy.

The day was all about Andy Bardill’s exploits and shows what a fickle occupation this noble game is. And we queue up for more every week!

USMC regain top spot

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

In an amazing week where five teams won all four points in their matches the top four teams have moved up or down.

200 Bowler: Ooy.

USMC team won four from Canada and they moved from second to first place while Canada dropped from third to fourth. Joe Ferral led his USMC team with a 519 pin count.

Leo Kretscher bowled a 517 series to lead Bavaria to a four point win over Jack Tar and they moved from fourth to second place. Café Ole dropped from first to third after losing all four points to Green Tree. Ooy Pluemkamon had a 201 game and 513 series for Café Ole.

Brother D took four points from VFW Post 9876 despite Graham’s 541 series for VFW. La Montgomery bowled a 546 series and Dang Downs had a 529 to lead Indiana to a four point sweep over Sabai Sabai Friday.

Results & Standings April 9 (week 25) Pos.   Team                                      Score           Standings 1        U.S. Marines (USMC)           4 – 0              59 - 41 2        Bavaria                                   4 - 0           57.5 - 42.5 3        Café Ole                                  0 - 4               56 - 44 4        Canada                                   0 - 4           54.5 - 45.5 5        Brother D                                4 - 0               52 - 48 6        Green Tree                              4 - 0               51 - 49 7        Jack Tar                                  0 - 4           46.5 - 53.5 8        Sabai Sabai Friday                0 - 4               45 - 55 9        Indiana                                    4 - 0               44 - 56 10      VFW Post 9876                      0 - 4           34.5 - 65.5

Bridge in Paradise : by Neil Robinson

This hand, played at six hearts by Morten Andersen in the Danish First League, was reported by Svend Northrup.  It looks like the defence are bound to take a spade trick, since they have the queen, jack and ten between the two hands, as well as the ace of diamonds.  There is only one entry to dummy, the king of spades, so it does not look possible to do anything with the queen and jack of clubs.  However Andersen, sitting South, made the slam.

Can you see how he did it?  His nickname is “duck” and this may give you a clue.  There was no opposition bidding and West led the jack of spades. 

                                        S: K843

                                        H: 9

                                        D: K1086

                                        C: QJ82      

                   S: J107                             S: Q5

                   H: 32                                H: J76

                   D: J97                              D: AQ432

                   C: 106543                       C: K97

                                        S: A962

                                        H: AKQ10854

                                        D: 5

                                        C: A            

South, living up to his nickname, ducked the jack of spades opening lead!  Reasonably enough, West continued spades.  South won in hand with the ace and drew trumps in three rounds, throwing two diamonds from board.  He cashed the ace of clubs and led the nine of spades to dummy’s king.  Dummy’s queen of clubs was next, covered by the king and ruffed in hand.  Then South led over to dummy’s carefully preserved eight of spades.  Now the diamond five in hand was thrown on dummy’s good jack of clubs.  Twelve tricks (seven hearts, three spades and two clubs) and slam made!

Did you work out how to do it?  And if you had been sitting West, would you have defeated the contract by switching to a diamond switch at trick two?  I don’t think I would.

If you have bridge questions, or to send me your interesting hands, please contact me at: [email protected].