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Ana and Vera head the line-up
at the PTT Pattaya Open tennis
Vera
Zvonareva. (AP Photo/ Rick Rycroft)
World No 2 Vera Zvonareva from Russia and former World No
1 and Grand Slam Champion Ana Ivanovic of Serbia head a star-studded line-up
at the US$220,000 PTT Pattaya Open, which will be held at the Dusit Thani
Hotel, Pattaya from 6–13 February 2011.
The PTT Pattaya Open which was recently voted “Tournament
of the Year” by the players on the WTA Tour will be celebrating its 20th
anniversary in 2011 and the event will be marked by one of the strongest
player fields ever in the 20 year history of the tournament.
Top seed for the tournament is world No 2 Vera Zvonareva
of Russia, the defending champion who is looking to complete a hat-trick of
wins after her victories in 2009 and 2010. She had her best season ever in
2010, reaching the finals of both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open and the
semi-finals in the year-end Championships.
Ana
Ivanovic. (AP Photo/ Mark Baker/file)
She will face stiff opposition from Serbian Ana Ivanovic,
a former world No 1 and Grand Slam Champion who is finding her form again
with wins in Linz and Bali at the end of the 2010 season.
Ana’s ranking has risen to No 17 in the world and is she
is tipped to return to the top ten again this year. Another player on the
rise is Russian Maria Kirilenko who has powered to No 20 in the world thanks
again to good form in the latter part of 2010, where she reached the final
in Moscow and the semi-final in New Haven. She is also an accomplished
doubles player winning tournaments in San Diego and Cincinnati. Completing
the quartet of top players is Daniela Hantuchova of the Slovak Republic.
In 2010 Hantuchova was a finalist at Monterrey and
semi-finalist in San Diego. Her career is distinguished by having won all
four Grand Slam titles in the mixed doubles event.
Leading the Thai contingent is Tamarine Tanasugarn last
year’s runner-up and winner in Osaka in October. She returned to the top 100
last year and will be aiming to go one better this year and win the
tournament. Other Thai players will be joining her as wild cards into the
qualifying and main draw in the tournament.
Qualifying for the PTT Pattaya Open will be held on 6–7
February, with the main draw running from 7–13 February. Main draw matches
will start from 15.00 daily.
Tickets for the tournament are priced at 300 baht for
qualifying, 300, 500 and 800 baht for the early rounds of the main draw from
Monday 7 February – Friday 11 February and at 300, 500, 800 and 1,200 baht
for finals weekend on Saturday 12 February and Sunday 13 February.
For ticket bookings, please contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd: Tel
02-311-3414-5 Fax: 02-311-3498 or check the official website at:
www.pentanglepromotions.com or through ThaiTicketMajor Co., Ltd on
02-262-3456 or via website:
www.thaiticketmajor.com.
Tournament organizers and dignitaries attend a press conference held in
Bangkok on Friday, Jan. 7 to announce the 2011 PTT Pattaya Open.
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Redemptorist School sets eyes on sweep at disabled games
Manoon Makpol
With Chonburi this year hosting the National Disabled
Sports Games’, athletes at Pattaya’ Redemptorist Foundation schools are
feeling the pressure to win.
Udomchok Choorat, director of the Redemptorist School for
the Disabled, said athletes have been training since May for the games under
the guidance of 94 coaches with the intent of dominating the medal count.
The school certainly aims to sweep wheelchair-based
events, such as track and field, badminton, weight lifting, petanque, table
tennis, sepak takraw, basketball, archery, futsal, tennis, boxing, and
fencing.
The Foundation will send 349 disabled and blind athletes
to the Jan. 23-27 games, which will feature 29 different sporting
disciplines. Udomchok said the school is aiming for 90 gold medals, with 54
in track and field alone.
Windsurfers fly past the
finish post at Jomtien Beach
An
international line up of windsurfers takes to the water off Jomtien beach
during the final round of the 2010 Windsurfing Thailand Championships.
Tanachot Anuwan
The Thailand Windsurf Association, in collaboration with
the Pattaya Windsurfing Club, Pattaya City and the Sports Authority of
Thailand, held the third and final round of the 2010 Windsurfing Thailand
Championship in front of the Surf Kitchen off Jomtien Beach from January
7-9, 2011.
Even though this competition is an annual national
championship, there were several international sailors in attendance
including representatives from Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, who were also
competing in the first round of the Pattaya Windsurfing Cup 2011 which was
being held at the same time.
The Thai Championship was divided into 8 categories,
namely Mistral One Design men’s, women’s and juniors, RSX Open, Slalom A &
B, and Techno 293 men’s and women’s.
In a competitive three days of racing it was Natthapong
Phonoparat from Thailand who triumphed ahead of Ek Bunsawat (Thailand) and
Lee Tae Hun (South Korea) in the RSX category but Bunsawat had done enough
in the two earlier events last year to take the overall honours in this
racing class.
In the Mistral One Design category it was success for
Orca Sulaksana of Indonesia in the men’s division, with Thailand’s Nawin
Singhsat taking the runner-up spot while Pannipa Mangmeepol was victorious
on the women’s side.
Other individual results to hand at press time were
Pannipa Mangmeepol (1st junior Mistral One Design),
Uthen Sampaothong (1st Slalom), and Krongkaew
Sakulfang (1st Techno 293).
The final standings for Thailand Windsurfing Championship
2010 after the total three round scores were added together saw the list of
champions as follows: Ek Bunsawat (RSX category), Nawin Singsat (Men’s
Mistral One Design), Phanipa Mangmeepol (Women’s Mistral One Design), Uthen
Sampaothong (Slalom Overall), and Krongkaew Sakulfang (Techno 293 women’s).
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Pattaya United unveil new Japanese signing
Kesuke
Okava, right, is unveiled by Sombat Pinuasiri, the Assistant Manager of
Pattaya United FC, to the media at a press conference held on January 14.
Ariyawat Naumsawat
Pattaya United who finished sixth in their 2010 Thai
Premier League campaign are hoping to build on their improved showing last
season with the acquisition of some new playing staff before the big
kick-off next month.
The latest name to be added to the roster is Japanese
wingback Kesuke Okava who has been snapped up from division 2 outfit Chiang
Rai United and who was introduced to the public and media at a press
conference held by the club on January 14.
Sombat Pinuasiri, the Assistant Manager of Pattaya
United, spoke about the signing at the meeting and said that United were
very fortunate to have acquired the services of this player who was out of
contract at Chiang Rai and who had been attracting the attention of a host
of top clubs.
United have signed Okava on a 1 year rolling contract
with the option to extend it should the player prove to be a hit with both
the fans and management.
“We made the signing (Okava) to cover for the loss of
left wingback Anucha Kitpongsri who has moved to Chonburi,” said Pinuasiri.
“It is certainly true that we expect him to make a great impression on the
field”, added the United Assistant Manager.
Okava was unveiled to the press wearing a club scarf and
later revealed that he was proud and honoured to have been offered a
contract by United and vowed to give his all in the cause of the team.
Aside from Okava, United have also engaged his compatriot
Hiroyuki Yamamoto, a midfielder from TTM Pichit, and the double signing of
Anuwat In-yin and Wichan Preedaboon, both from newly promoted Air Force Utd.
Going out in the opposite direction are Santi Chaipeuak (Muang
Thong), Anucha Kitjapongsri (Chonburi), Sun Pramkum (Ayuthaya FC), and
Richard Langley, Ricardo Alves Fernandes and Jeremy Novero, who have either
been signed by other clubs or who have not been offered new contract terms
by the ‘Dolphins’.
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Mixed fortunes for Pattaya City football teams
MBMG International League Div. 1 & 2
Paul Frain
After the long Christmas break both Pattaya City football
teams played matches in Bangkok last weekend, with the first team playing
the in-form Bullshead FC, who were just behind them in the championship
race.
City went on the attack straight from the kick-off and
the Bulls found themselves a goal down before they’d even had time to settle
down. A superb ball was sent in by City’s left back Knorr to top scorer
Peter Ndjanna whose volley screamed into the back of the net to make it 1-0
to the Pattaya outfit.
Bullshead immediately replied however when an easy cross
was fumbled by the City keeper and it fell invitingly to Bullshead forward
Alex, who slotted it into the empty net to make it 1-1.
In a frantic start to the game it took just minutes for
City to take the lead again through Matheus Knorr, who latched onto a cross
from flying winger Emmanuel Tshuma to make it 2-1 to City.
Having retaken the initiative, the Pattaya team began to
exert some control on the match and the Bulls keeper was forced into making
a splendid save from a Patrice Lowe pile driver to keep his team in the
game.
He was powerless minutes later however to prevent City’s
third goal when Peter Ndjanna produced a brilliant piece of skill, receiving
the ball on his left foot before lobbing it onto his right and blasting it
into the back of the net to make it 3-1 to the visitors.
City were now looking to seal the match and had a shot
headed out from under the bar and the Bulls keeper made a double save to
stop the Pattaya team from adding to their score before the break.
The half time interval seemed to galvanize the Bulls and
they came out on the attack in the second half and were soon rewarded when
one of their forwards was brought down in the area by Gabriel Nyepang and
the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. City’s keeper was
given no chance with the resultant penalty kick that reduced the arrears to
just one goal.
The Bulls sensed that they could get a result and applied
intense pressure on the City goal, but their chances were dealt a hug blow
when they were reduced to ten men after one of their players committed one
foul too many.
Soon after City made the game safe when first John
Campbell scored direct from a free kick and then Earnest Dipita managed to
get a final foot to the ball in a goalmouth scramble to make it 5-2.
The scoring for the day was not yet finished however as
Matheus Knorr scored from an acute angle after a superb six man passing
combination to notch his second of the game and almost immediately after
Alex scored a consolation for the home team to leave the final score at 6-3
to Pattaya City, which keeps them amongst the group of teams at the top of
the table.
Pattaya City Reserves run out of steam
The Reserves team were on their travels also last
weekend, playing new boys Bangkok Storm in a second division encounter.
After a goalless first half in which chances were few and
far between, the Storm took the lead early in the second period though a
snap shot by one of their forwards.
Worse was to follow for the Reserves side soon after when
a long kick by the Storm’s keeper caught out the City defense leaving one of
the home attackers in the clear and he was able to run on with the ball and
slot it into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
City Reserves fought back and Harry Webb had the best
chance of the afternoon but put the ball agonizingly wide. City then gained
a corner from which Nakornmuang was able to score direct and reduce the gap
to just one goal. The City players were getting tired however and Storm
proved more than able to keep the visitors at bay until the final whistle
for a well deserved 2-1 win.
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Durham seals victory with 40-pointer
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
Monday, Jan. 10, Crystal Bay -
Stableford
A compliment of twenty seven players made the trip out to
the course in the usual convoy of cars and buses.
This is not a course that we visit often but as usual it
came up to expectations. It played well and allowed one or two players to
shine, specifically Neil Wilkinson in Div 1 for his win with 35 points and
Andrew Rich in Div 2 with the even better score of 38. The nearest anyone
else could get were the second spots for Fergus Brennan and John Welch both
at 34 each (I’ll bet John was pleased with that result has he had been
playing some very poor golf in previous outings).
Saturday’s winners: Brett Arnold, Michael Lausch, Kevin Smith, Jeff Oxler,
John Welch, Ben Durham and Naga (lowest score) award winner Nemr Natmed.
Nine two’s on the day from Reg Glass (2), Neil Wilkinson
(2), Brian Comer, Fergus Brennan, Mike Rushant, Tewin lamthong and Roger
Stokes to set a TRGG record.
Div. 1
1st Neil Wilkinson (12) 35pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 34pts
3rd Mike Smith (10) 33pts
4th Daryl Ottaway (8) 33pts
Div. 2
1st Andrew Rich (22) 38pts
2nd John Welch (33) 34pts
3rd Hugh O’Donnell (23) 32pts
4th John Baxter (15) 31pts
Tuesday, Jan. 11, Eastern
Star - Stableford
On Tuesday Eastern Star was the venue and we had a very
low number in attendance for this time in the season with just seventeen
players.
We had not visited here for some time and had heard none
to good reports on the state of the course. It was decided to give it
another try but I have a feeling it will be some time before we go back.
What a shame, this could be a great course if they tried a little harder but
the greens were not cut short and were very sandy, making them very slow. I
never heard one good comment on the day about them so a quick return looks
out of the question.
This meant that it caught a lot of players out as courses
recently visited have all had quite quick greens. This subsequently showed
up in the scores as Tony Navarro was top man with 36 points, but we had to
go all the way down to 29 to find the next man and that was the organiser
Fergus Brennan (don’t think that will encourage him to return soon). We had
to go yet another two back to 27 for third, fourth and fifth. I have not
seen that kind of score pick up prizes in a long time.
Only the one ‘2’ today from Jeff Oxler.
1st Tony Navarro (14) 36pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 29pts
3rd Jeff Oxler (12) 27pts
4th Neil Allison (19) 27pts
5th Michael Mier (7) 27pts
Thursday, Jan. 13, Phoenix - Stableford
Thursday was our usual weekly visit to Phoenix to play
Lakes and Ocean. There was a big turnout as always for this course on the
day and two divisions.
This course is very popular and one a can understand why.
It is value for money and quality and not a big journey time to get there,
which goes to really shorten the day somewhat.
Having said all that, the scores were somewhat lower
today than those returned of late for this venue. The top scorer was Daryl
Ottoway at 36 for his Division 1 win while 34 enabled Maik Maurer to take
the same position in Division 2 but only after a count-back over Alan Evans.
Thirty-three points took second spot in Div 1 for Tony
Navarro (shame he did not quite make it a double win in two outings) but he
also had to wait for a count-back to secure the place, this time against
Fergus Brennan.
Reg Glass also had 33 for his third spot in Div 2.
Just the one ‘2’ came from Mike Smith.
Div. 1
1st Daryl Ottaway (8) 36pts
2nd Tony Navarro (12) 33pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 32pts
4th Ted Senior (11) 32pts
Div. 2
1st Maik Maurer (27) 34pts
2nd Alan Evans (27) 34pts
3rd Reg Glass (15) 33pts
4th S. Mehta (15) 32pts
Saturday, Jan. 15, Greenwood - Stableford
Saturday was another visit to Greenwood which is now our
favourite course at weekends. Great support so there were three divisions.
The course was in top order and scored well. Greens were
superb so the old adage of drive for show and putt for dough was definitely
the order of the day.
Division 1 had Ben Durham at the top with the great score
of 42 points followed in my Michael Lausch at 38 and Chris Stewart in third
on 37.
The second tier was led in by Kevin Smith at 37 points
ahead of Jeff Oxler in second with 35.
John Welch took out the third division with a fine 38
points (congratulations to John - what a great way to play your last match
before returning back to the USA). In second was Brett Arnold on 35 and Tim
Mitchell took third with 34.
Only the two ‘2’s came from Jack McNamara and Michael
Lausch.
It was bell ringing time( twice) at the presentation
which was extremely well attended. The new policy of having to be there to
collect prizes is obviously working.
Div. 1
1st Ben Durham (10) 42pts
2nd Michael Lausch (8) 38pts
3rd Chris Stewart (1) 37pts
Div. 2
1st Kevin Smith, (12) 37pts
2nd Jeff Oxler (12) 35pts
3rd Maurice Beaudoin (16) 33pts
Div. 3
1st John Welch (33) 38pts
2nd Brett Arnold (18) 35pts
3rd Tim Mitchell (21) 34pts
Note: If you want any further or fuller
information about the golf outings played by the TRGG from the Travellers
Rest Hotel, please contact the hotel manager Tewin Lamthong on 086 056 7019
or just call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro, Pattaya and look at
the notice board or visit our website at www.trgg.biz.
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Bucks bags ‘em all again
PSC golf from Café Kronborg
Left-right Monday’s winners: ‘The Admiral’, Don Richardson, Graham
Buckingham and Andre Van Dyk.
San Mig Stu
Monday. Jan. 17, Treasure
Hill – Stableford
There was pandemonium at Caf้’ Kronborg as the “All
aboard!” signal from the Admiral did not eventuate at the usual 08.15 time,
the delay in departing directly due to the fact that we were a mini bus
short. Only three buses of the four ordered had shown up on time and the
lead bus driver Boon was frantically on his phone directing the lost driver
of the fourth bus.
This scribe was smart enough to steer clear of the
Admiral during this period and I can assure the late driver he was fortunate
that the Admiral seated himself in Boon’s bus. No doubt Boon copped a
serving.
Thirty six golfers teed off with the first group away at
09.35, finishing in 4 hours and twenty minutes in perfect golfing weather.
The day’s golf certainly seemed longer as there were delays on many holes
which I guess is a testament to the degree of difficulty of this course and
its layout. Some of the holes score rating had a number of players
questioning the validity of same. For instance the 16th par 5 crocodile hole
rated at index 15? This hole’s degree of difficulty is certainly much more
challenging than some of the lower rated par 4’s!
This aside, Treasure Hill is to be congratulated on the
superb condition and notable improvements constantly being made.
We welcomed visitors and returning regulars as follows:
Martin Todd from Australia, Doug Maiko from the United States, Poul and
Kirsten Hansen from Denmark, Finn Olsen from Denmark and Pekka Mustonen from
Finland.
The course tore up every player except one. Graham
Buckingham was the sole player who managed to tame the course with a par
round of 36 points, winning C grade in the process. On yer Bucks! Second on
33 points was Hugh O’Donnell and Jan Lovgreen won third on a count-back from
Andy Makara both with 32 points.
B grade was taken out by Andre Van Dyk with 30 points.
Andre stated that he was terribly embarrassed to accept the winning B flight
prize with such a low score, so San Mig Stu said if he felt that bad he
could share the spoils with him as he had shot a similar score in A grade
and won ‘SFA’. Andre retorted he didn’t feel THAT embarrassed! Second was
Fin visitor Pekka Mustonen with 29 points who beat Per Olav Baarli and Lief
Kirkgaard on a count-back respectively.
The A grade winner was Don Richardson on 35 points who
narrowly defeated Martin Todd, Walter Baechli and Rob Brown all with 34
points. Don also was a whisker away from nailing an ace on the 6th par 3
hole and took out two of the NTP prizes.
A Flight (0–14)
1st Don Richardson (10) 35pts
2nd Martin Todd (8) 34pts
3rd Walter Baechli (14) 34pts
4th Rob Brown (8) 34pts
B Flight (15-20)
1st Andre Van Dyke (16) 30pts
2nd Pekka Mustonen (20) 29pts
3rd Per Olav Baarli (15) 29pts
4th Lief Kirkegaard (20) 29pts
C Flight (21+)
1st Graham Buckingham (23) 36pts
2nd Hugh O’Donnell (23) 33pts
3rd Jan Lovgreen (21) 32pts
4th Andy Makara (31) 32pts
Near Pins: Peter Hammond, Don Richardson (2), Rob Brown.
Long Putts: Paul Cardwell, Jerry Dobbs
Deefa the Dog managed to fill his belly with generous
donations from all winners and the compass cap award for the most wayward
golfer of the day went to Oz visitor Dobsy (narrowly defeating another
Aussie who shall remain nameless) who also coughed up to help the less
fortunate. Thanks to all donors as your gifts will soon be put to the better
good of thai children in this area.
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Voller heads the scoring at Bangpakong
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Division 2 winners at Bangpakong,
Howard Stanley, Billy Hewitt and Dennis Scougal.
Monday, Jan. 10,
Bangpakong – Stableford
Division 1
1st Chris Voller 39pts
2nd Paul Butler 33pts
3rd Peter Pedder 31pts
Division 2
1st Bill Hewitt 37pts
2nd Howard Stanley 32pts
3rd D. Scougal 31pts
Division 3
1st Chris Reed 36pts
2nd M.Fitzgerald 33pts
3rd Fred Duffy 33pts
Ladies
1st Noi E. 36pts
2nd Herma F. 34pts
3rd Mam
Morel 32pts
A group of eight ladies and thirty four men took up
the challenge of Bangpakong on Monday with some good scores topping all
four divisions.
Chris Voller recorded the best tally of the day, 39
points, to be a runaway winner in the premier flight by six points. Bill
Hewitt did almost equally as well in division 2 to win by five clear
while the third and ladies divisions were won with even par 36-point
rounds from Chris Read and Noi E. respectively.
Near pin prizes were picked up by Andy Baber, Jean
Bruneau, Bill Hewitt, Wilf Latham, William Chang, Jean Morel (2), Rudi
Schaefer, Herma (2) and Miss Nut, while Wilf Latham was the only one to
convert his into a birdie ‘2’.
Wednesday, Jan 12, Mt.
Shadow - Stableford
Division 1
1st Jean Bruneau 32pts
2nd Peter Seward 32pts
3rd Raivo Velsberg 31pts
Division 2
1st William Chang 29pts
2nd Bruce Gardner 28pts
3rd
Jim Connelly25pts
Twenty-seven players were out in just two divisions
on Wednesday at always tough Mountain Shadow. The scores reflected the
difficulty of the course as the top return of the day was just 32 points
by Jean Bruneau and Peter Seward in the top flight, with Jean have the
better of the count-back.
William Chang was the winner of the second flight
with a remarkably low 29 points, just edging Bruce Gardner into the
runner up spot by one point.
Near pins went to Andy O’Neill, Peter Seward, Howard
Stanley, Geoff Stubbs, Paul Chabot and Jim Connelly, while the 2’s went
to Andy O’Neill in division 1 and a rollover to Jim Connelly in division
2.
Friday, Jan 14,
Eastern Star - Stableford
Division 1
1st M. Macateer 35pts
2nd Jean Bruneau 35pts
3rd Chris Voller 35pts
Division 2
1st Bryan Rought 34pts
2nd Don Head 31pts
3rd Cully Monks 30pts
Division 3
1st Glyn Evans 32pts
2nd Lee Casey 29pts
3rd Fred Duffy 29pts
Ladies
1st Sangworn Blair 36pts
2nd
Miss Nut 32pts
The largest group of the week, 43 in total, travelled
down to Ban Chang on Friday to play our regular course at Eastern Star.
The scores were not so great today with only one
player able to equal par and that golfer was Sangworn Blair who scored a
four point victory over the field in the Ladies division.
The next closest to a par score was M. Macateer in
the top division who took the honours with 35 points.
The second and third tier flights were won by Bryan
Rought and Glyn Evans respectively while the near pins went to Daryl
Blair, Jens Gunnarson, Arthur Hancock, Chris Voller, Paul Chabot, Jim
Lane (2), John Williams, Miss Nut (2) and Jill Stanley.
There were no ‘2’s recorded in any of the flights today.
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Dabanovich lights up Green Valley
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Jan 10, Phoenix -
Stableford
CSS 72
1st Al Rolnik (23) 36pts
2nd Ohn Winton (30) 34pts
3rd Rodney Hayes (9) 34pts
4th Brian Lewis (18) 34pts
5th Roar Berger (26) 33pts
6th
Alan Hanlon (12) 33pts
After a long wait Al Rolnik finally made it back to the
top of the list once more with a solid even handicap round that in some part
paid back all the hours and hard work put in at the driving range following
a nearly three year hiatus when golf was not on the programme whilst he
beavered away in India. In the post game interview he said this was just the
beginning of a whole new career on the local courses, he hoped.
Mike
Dabanovich.
Ohn Winton, another golfer trying to return after a long
layoff, took second place after a much better result with the flat stick
which enabled her to win a three-way count-back with a better 21 to Rodney
Hayes’s 17 as he finished third with a better count back of 12 to 10 on the
back six against Brian Lewis in fourth after they had tied the inward nine
at 17.
Roar Berger slipped into fifth also with a better
count-back, this time 21 to 18, with Alan Hanlon.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member
Jacques Le Pottier and also welcomed back Peter Sumner and Rick Schramm.
Wednesday, Jan 12, Green
Valley - Stableford
CSS 72
Division 1
1st Mike Dabanovich (11) 42pts
2nd Barry Wellings (5) 41pts
3rd Joe Peters (18) 38pts
4th Chris Knapp (17) 37pts
Division 2
1st Sean Banbury (22) 36pts
2nd Roar Berger (25) 36pts
3rd Eric Hornsby (24) 34pts
4th Rod Howett (25) 34pts
Al
Rolnik.
As usual there was a very large turnout at Green Valley
so that two divisions had to be formed split at 18 and below. Unfortunately
the groups were following a large number of other golf parties which left
the supply of proper caddies extremely thin on the ground, with many of the
field having a bag dragger who neither knew the course nor spoke Thai,
having been elevated from trainee leaf sweepers at another course close to
the border. This all meant that many of the players were unable to putt,
having never read a putting line for themselves for several years. This was
not the case for the front runners in division one however who were both
experienced and capable and managed to score extremely well, even without an
assistant green reader.
Barry Wellings would have thought himself to be very
unlucky to have knocked it round in gross level par, which after using his 5
handicap equated to 41 points, only to find Mike Dabanovich also in great
form as he put in his best round for over two years to finish six under
handicap, just sufficient to take the day’s top honours.
Tim
Wilkinson.
They were followed in by Joe Peters, who found himself
strangely in the first division in third, and Chris Knapp in fourth a
further shot back.
The second division was a much more sedate affair with
Sean Banbury taking the lead with a better count-back of 12 to 11 on the
back six after he had tied with Roar Berger at 18 apiece for the front half.
Eric Hornsby took his first podium placing in Thailand
another two shots behind them, also with the benefit of a better count-back
of 16 to 13 over Rod Howett in fourth place.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but
Russell Exley and Mike Dabanovich shared the first division pool.
Friday, Jan 14, St.
Andrews - Stableford
CSS 74
1st Tim Wilkinson (4) 39pts
2nd Chris Knapp (17) 38pts
3rd Marc Jensen (8) 36pts
4th Ger Lodge (20) 36pts
5th Alan Hanlon (12) 35pts
6th
Brian Wilkinson (12) 34pts
With many of the usual suspects opting for a day of rest
with the course requiring compulsory carts, even though the price was a very
acceptable one compared to all other courses implementing a similar rule,
there were still almost enough players to require two divisions, falling
short by just two.
In the event the competition was a very closely fought
one, with Tim Wilkinson just getting the edge over Chris Knapp by a single
shot over the par 74 layout set in the hills behind Green Valley.
Marc Jensen had a quite but efficient return to Soi 13
with a solid level handicap round that earned him third place after a
count-back which he won by 17 to 16 over Ger Lodge in fourth.
Alan Hanlon got his second well done mention of the week
with a one over handicap round in fifth with Brian Wilkinson taking the last
honourable mention in sixth.
Marc Jensen had the lone 2 in the first division and
Steven Howard took the massive roll over pot in the second division.
Back at The Haven There was a welcome for Leo McCauley
and welcome backs for Marc Jensen, David Bowles and Tim Wilkinson.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven
group you can contact mobile 084782 4582 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi
13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation
to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day,
but you should be there by 8.30 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays
on the days you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be
found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
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Phillips makes the podium at last
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Derek Brook
Tuesday, Jan 11, Greenwood
– Stableford
The test for the day was to be Greenwood and when we got
there we were told we were to play the A & B Nines, not a bad day out when
the sun is out and the weather is at its best.
Tuesday’s winners, Brian Downey
and Keith Phillips, with one of Bert’s finest.
The outing brought only 4 groups as this was also the
first day of the PSC Club Championships; some played this and the rest opted
for a nice quiet day on a fine course that was not overfull. Besides we do
not all wish for glory or need another shirt.
So, after a quiet breakfast off we went to this all
around favourite of many of the players at Bert’s. As said, the course was
in fine condition and the weather great, although as we went around it
started to get a little warm, but with a light breeze it could not have been
much better. The course itself was in its usual fine condition, so I
expected some good scores, but in this I was to be a little disappointed and
surprised.
It did not take us long to get around, with the fairways
in good condition and the greens really good but the ball not going into the
hole. So round over it was into the showers and a quick bite on the
‘terrace’ until we were all in, fed and watered and then on our way back to
Pattaya.
Back at ‘the ranch’ alias Bert’s, the player consumed his
‘golfers special’ then it was onto the results. The scores were pretty
average, but the winner on the day was Brian Downey with 33 points. Then the
result of not just the year but of the past ‘long time’ as one of our
golfers who turns up week after week and is never in the first three, Keith
Phillips, came in second with 32 points, and if he had not ‘faded’ in the
last 5 holes, he would have won for the first time in his golfing life. A
particularly well done to Keith. In third place was Bill Knight with 31
points ahead of Pekka Mustonen on count-back.
Then it was time for Bert’s happy hour and a few ‘cold
uns’. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Bill Knight & Tom Cotton.
Long Putt: Brian Parrish & John Heffernan.
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The Blarney Boys victorious again
The Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group
Mike Gerrard
Another full complement of players today, Tuesday, Jan
11, and the weather was set as fair as it can get on the green pastures of
Phoenix. Makes you kind of sad not be back in good old Blighty - all that
frost, rain, snow, flood and tempest. Don’t miss it at all.
Lake/Ocean was the challenge today and some of the scores
were quite impressive, but most were the usual average.
After 5 re-hashes of the start sheet yours truly started
off somewhat confused and brain dead which reflected his score.
Back at the Relax Bar we almost spilled onto the street
again and after our first drink (free out of the day’s takings) the results
were almost complete. The only problem with having so many players in the
group is the wait for the first boys out, but so far we have managed to put
up with it.
A Flight winner today was, back in form, Hugh (the
Minister) Byrne, scoring a very respectable 40 points. Joint second were,
Stuart Gordon (who complained his short game was very poor. God help us if
he gets it back), and a great pal on holiday from the cold UK, Keith
Etherington, both scoring 37 points.
B Flight winner was another great ‘boyo’ from the Emerald
isle (wishes to remain anonymous at present) who scored 41 points. In second
place was our man on the Italian job, Sergio Volpi, who scored 38 points and
in third place with 32 points was the Stars and Stripes man, Bill Campbell.
Near pins went to Clive Robinson, Albert Bruce (2) and
Hugh Byrne. The longest first putt on the 18th went to Graham Richmond, who
failed to return to the Relax Bar and so his prize went to a lucky draw,
duly won by Joe Miller, who claimed the free massage donated by our hosts at
the Relax Bar.
Tuesday’s winners take it easy with the staff at the Relax Bar.
Other lucky draw winners were Sandie Duthie, Chris Coffey
and Landis Brooks.
It was then time to relax the brain with more amber
nectar. The best thing I had done all day.
Friday golf is going well with only three groups to have
to worry about (easy). We are trying playing from blue tees for a change.
With the golf course so busy at this time of the year, booking your place
on both days in advance is very important. Arriving unannounced may mean we
have to refuse you a game. Bookings can only be made by personal phone call
to myself on 087 091 7565. Text messages or emails may not necessarily be
received and will not be acknowledged.
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Duthrie gets his groove back
Golf from Fairways Driving Range
Monday, Jan. 10, Greenwood
- Stableford
When we arrived at the course today it was overcast with
a slight breeze, which made it ideal for golf. The course was in immaculate
condition as usual and we completed the round in just over four hours.
Friday’s
top two, Tony Duthie and Ron Hall.
Fifteen players today so only one division and nobody
managed to break par but the scoring was very close, with four players
scoring 35 points. Steve Durey lost out on a back nine count-back of 17-15
to finish fourth to Tony Duthie in third, while Ning Neal just lost out on a
back three count-back of 8-7 to Mike Grasser for top spot.
There were no birdie ‘2’s today.
1st Mike Grasser 35pts
2nd Ning Neal 35pts
3rd Tony Duthie 35pts
4th Steve Durey 35pts
Wednesday, Jan. 12, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Thirty players out today so two divisions and again the
weather was overcast with a nice breeze, so it was ideal for golf. However
you would not have thought so with the scores coming in as only one player,
Jordie Jack, managed to break par, with the rest of the field trailing way
behind. So the course won hands down on the day.
There were five ‘2’s today won by Paul Smith, Harvey
Samuels, Larry Bland (2) and Jeff Carlrow.
Over a few jars of ale back at the Fairways club house
the conversation was all about three and even four putting and everybody was
of the opinion that the green keeper must have got out of bed on the wrong
side that morning because of some of the evil pin positions. But even so
everyone enjoyed the day.
Div. 1
1st Jordie Jack 37pts
2nd Harvey Samuels 33pts
3rd Jeff Carlrow 32pts
4th Pier Cere 31pts
Div. 2
1st Jan Van’s Pellan 32pts
2nd Tony Duthie 31pts
3rd Mark Slin 30pts
4th On Sodoc 25pts
Friday, Jan. 14, Bangpra - Stableford
Today we travelled to the well known monkey course, which
was in good condition and the weather was cool and breezy so again it was
ideal for golf. Unfortunately though the course was over-subscribed yet
again and everybody got a little bit frustrated as the round took over five
and a half hours to complete.
There were 15 players today so only one division and in
the main competition Tony Duthie continued his return to form this week by
finishing in top spot, this coming after being in the doldrums for quite
some time. He claimed his success this week (three podium finishes) was due
to having just one lesson from the pro Scott Dobbin, who managed to get him
hitting the ball straighter and longer.
Again it was a close finish with Goort Gelten beating
Pier Cere for fourth place on a back nine count-back of 16-15 and Ron Hall
beat Scott Dobbins in the battle for second place with a scintillating back
six count-back of 15-11.
There were two ‘2’s today and both were recorded by Scott
Dobbin.
1st Tony Duthie 36pts
2nd Ron Hall 35pts
3rd Scott Dobbin 35pts
4th Goort Gelten 35pts
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Hall illuminates Pattaya C.C.
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
Last
week’s winner Richard Hall, left, with runner-up Don Goins.
Wednesday, Jan. 12, we again gathered at the first tee at
Pattaya C.C. but due to cloud cover it was still pitch black and our first
group had to wait until 6:30 a.m. before they had enough light to tee off.
Another group had teed off earlier in the dark and when one of our players
talked to them later and asked how they could see, the answer was – easy,
they played with balls that had LED’s that blinked in the dark!
Today, one person stood above the rest - Richard Hall led
the way with 40 big points as the next best was at 35. Don Goins kept his
same score as last week. He again shot 35, the same score that gave him
December’s monthly tournament.
Richard Baldotto is finally getting near the top and scored 34 points to
fall just short on being on the podium. Just back of Richard was Ciano
Glavina and Dale Murphy with 33 points each. The rest of us disappeared in
the darkness.
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Low markers lead the way
PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, Jan. 11, Crystal
Bay - Stableford
Tuesday saw us travel north to Crystal Bay where we
played the B & C layouts. The course was in good condition, with good
weather to boot, making an ideal day for golf.
All
smiles for Mulligan’s host Ray Ryan and long time pal John Ottaway (NTP
winner on Tuesday).
The single figure markers made the most of the
conditions, with Graham Johnson (7) leading the way with 36 points, closely
pursued by the ever consistent Jeff Wylie (6) with 35 points, while past PSC
Club Champion, Darren Ottaway (1) filled out the place-getters with 34
points.
Near pins were shared around amongst other players within
the golfing group; John, Graham and Frans, maintaining his recent form with
2.
Thursday, Jan. 13, Khao
Kheow - Stableford
Thursday was a visit to Khao Kheow, in what could only be
described as perfect golfing conditions - great course accompanied by
beautiful weather. The B & C combination was our test for the day, and again
the low markers led the way with Jeff Wylie (6) securing a respectable 37
points, while Tuesday’s winner Graham Johnson (7) came home with 33 points.
Near pins were picked up by Jeff and Frans, while two
went unclaimed and so a donation to Banglamung Boys Home will result.
Frequent readers of the Mulligans Lakeside group will be
familiar with the group’s support of the Banglamung Boys Home and as our
designated charity we will be holding a special Charity Day in February, so
if you enjoy a day of golf and wish to participate give us a call for more
details.
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 089 094 1841 or 081 935 8088.
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Hung, drawn and quartered
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
President’s Day runner-up Seamus Cotter, right, accepts his prize.
Sunday, Jan. 9, Green
Valley - Stableford
Lewiinski’s Golf Bar and Restaurant on Soi Pattayaland 1
staged its second annual President’s golf tournament, in aid of the Bann
Jing Jai Orphanage, last Sunday. Proprietors Peter, Colin and Jim welcomed a
large group of competitors to this popular event and the weather remained
dry with a little breeze that made it a pleasure to play.
Peter
Henshaw – the President’s Day winner.
Peter ‘Don O’Corleone’ Henshaw, the retiring President,
was not about to take it lying down. He rose to the occasion and made
mincemeat of the field by shooting a magnificent 46 points off his old
handicap. No-one-begrudged-him his 46 points and the coveted crystal cut
glass vase as this sparkling round newly set the bar in points total for the
short President’s day history.
At a distance, Peter was followed in by (yawn!) Seamus
Cotter, who picked today of all days to amass 43 points and only gain the
runner up cut glass trophy. The same could be said about the young man from
Co. Dublin, who filled the podium with a masterful 41 points to win the last
piece of the super cut glassware to compete an Irish rout, but to be fair
everyone can join the real winners - the kids.
Pat
Reagan took third place to make it a triumvirate of Irish winners.
A as a novelty all the par threes had a chance for
everyone to get in the spirit of the day. All you had to do was hit the
green with your tee shot for a hundred baht a go, with half the sum going to
the card picked out back at the prize giving, and the other half going to
the total amount raised. The lucky winners were Gareth Gill, Pat Reagan, Jum
Karagit and Colin Davis.
Back at Lewiinski’s it was party time and prior to the
presentations there were special thanks to those who had assisted in setting
up and organizing the day: Bob Lindbergh for his kind donation, the
proprietors, and Lewinski staff for a great Lewiinski’s buffet.
The event raised over 30.000 baht and thanks goes to a
very generous donor who doubled the amount to a staggering 60,000 plus.
The party carried on across the road long into the night,
with Peter starting the singing with an Irish tune that went something like,
“In Moore Street where I did dwell, a butcher boy I was loved right well.”
Next year’s President’s day is a most eagerly awaited comp.
Wednesday, Jan. 12,
Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tom McManus (10) 35pts
2nd Peter Hynard (13) 34pts
3rd Brian Comer (8) 32pts
B Flight
1st Benn Nelson (15) 41pts
2nd Frank McNamara (17) 36pts
3rd Gordon Kerr (17) 35pts
C Flight
1st Peter Hedenburgh (18) 36pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (19) 35pts
3rd
David Kelly (20) 34pts
Benn Nelson’s scorecard read as though he had played
another and nearer set of tees, like the reds, as he was the only one to
break par on the day and did so by five points! Benn’s fine round left Big
Frank McNamara some way adrift in second. David Kelly filled B Flight a
further shot back on 34.
Moving up to the senior flight found Tom McManus in top
spot after carding a fine 35 points, with Peter ‘The Right Honorable’ Hynard
in second place a shot back. Brian Come showed there was no sign of jet lag
as he rounded out the flight.
The laurels in C Flight went to Peter Hedenburgh with a
fine even par round. Peter ‘Don O’Corleone’ Henshaw, unaccustomed to taking
a back seat for anyone, had to settle for second as he came up a shot short,
with David Kelly completing the flight podium a further stroke back.
Peter Hynard (2), Peter Lenoury and John Bang shared the
‘2’s pot.
Lewiinski’s welcomed back Colm Mullen and Brian and Lynne
Comer this past week.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi
1, Beach road Soi/13 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.
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Kelly and Emmerson prove star turns at Kheow Kheow
The 17th PSC Annual Club Championship
Men’s
and Ladies Annual Club Champions, Patrick Kelly, left, and Ngamjit Emmerson,
right, hold their trophies while the PSC Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham stands
center rear.
Welcoming in the new year, our first monthly golf
tournament of the year was the 17th Club Championship,
played this year at Khao Kheow Golf Club which was in great condition, as
most of the courses we play are right now.
A full field of 144 competitors turned out to enjoy 2
great days of golf on January 11 and 14. Unfortunately we had to turn quite
a few golfers away as the field filled up very early. The idea of playing a
36-hole course next year is being discussed so we can accommodate a larger
field next time.
Blessed with super weather, the A and B courses were the
order of business for the 2 day competition and there were quite a few
superlative rounds turned in. If by chance, the first day was not your best
day out, you had a good chance to make the grade on day 2. We had winners
for the first day and winners for the second day - and of course the overall
winners which encompassed the two days together. It was a format that was
very equitable and enhanced two great days of golf at a great golf course.
Thanks go out again to Joe Mooneyham, the PSC Golf
Chairman, Max Matthews, the Club Secretary, Nigel Cannon, the Social
Director, and of course Tony Oakes, the PSC Club President for organizing an
event enjoyed by so many. Kudos guys, much appreciated!
Patrick Kelly proved to be the strongest golfer over the
2 days to record a fabulous low gross combined score of 143 (70,73) to take
the overall Club Champion title and trophy. Ngamjit Emmerson, playing off
handcap 20, did likewise to win the Ladies overall title with a combined
score of 76 stableford points. Congratulations go to them both.
Gareth Gill (net 138), Geoff Cox (net 137), Ken Bernek
(79pts), Tom Breslin (84pts) and Pong Noren (74pts) were the respective
2-day flight winners from divisions A to D and Ladies while the technical
prize winners are all listed below.
Friday night after the last round, the players journeyed
back to the Diana Garden Resort for the awards ceremony. Poolside under the
stars, cold drinks, a delicious buffet and the company of good people - it
does not get much better than that! Thanks go to the Diana Garden Resort for
all their efforts in making it a great evening.
Near Pins: (Day 1) Bob Newell, Reg McKay, Andy
Galvin, Paul Lindgren, Britt Rebello, Marty Allred, Roland Soderberg, Mike
Jeffreys, Kenny Chung, Patrick Kelly, Per Olav Barli, Petur Haraldason, Lars
Nyman, John Naponick, Colin Davies, Ken Bernek, Torbjor Oen, Initra
Goransson; (Day 2) Robert Allerrud, Peje Lindfors, Andy Galvin, Torbjorn Oen,
Initra Goransson.
Long Drives: (Day 1) Patrick Kelly, Geoff Cox,
Petur Haradason, Henry Wong, Mod Churiaska; (Day 2) Gareth Gill, Owen
Walkley, Anders Frodig, Henry Wong, Mod Churaiska
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Murnin top scores in a slow week
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Rab
McDonald - winner at Crystal Bay on Friday.
Monday, Jan. 10,
Bangpakong - Stableford
One of our infrequent (but always enjoyable) visits to
the Bangpakong Riverside course attracted a number of new faces to join the
regular golfers.
Although the course was in excellent condition, it turned
out to be surprisingly busy, and a significantly longer round than usual was
the inevitable result. Since the management decided to switch the playing
order of the two nines, they appear to have created a problem on the first
par three, where our first group arrived to find five groups waiting on the
hole. How this can occur on what is now the fourth hole defies any logic,
but is a very real problem.
Despite the slow pace, some great scores were returned,
none better than Barry Murnin who ran away with the B Flight on 41 points.
At over 6,800 yards this course is longer than most
others we play, and generally favours the longer hitters, but no less than
eight golfers returned scores better than their handicap.
Colin Greig, Mike Corner, Rishi and Patrick Kelly picked
up the near pin prizes.
A Flight
1st Barry Pussell (6) 39pts
2nd Colin Greig (11) 37pts
3rd Patrick Kelly (3) 37pts
B Flight
1st Barry Murnin (17) 41pts
2nd Richard Baldotto (25) 37pts
3rd Jack Robertson (25) 37pts
Wednesday, Jan. 12, The Emerald - Stableford
We arrived at Emerald to find the course to be busy,
although we were able to tee-off just a few minutes after our allocated tee
time. As at Banpakong previously, the first par three always creates a hold
up and our first group arrived at the tee to find three groups waiting
there. After completing another 5 hour plus round, both flights were won
with a score of 40 points, with Tony Robbins winning the A Flight and Nile
Sheehan taking the honours in the B.
Special mention should be made of Colin Stokes who was
having his best round for quite some time, with a score of 28 points after
13 holes, who then went into self-destruct mode, scoring only one more point
on the last 5 holes, to disappear down the order in spectacular fashion.
Near Pin winners were Colin Greig, Simon Smith, and
Marion Melia (2).
A Flight
1st Tony Robbins (12) 40pts
2nd Tony Berry (10) 37pts
3rd Colin Greig (11) 34pts
B Flight
1st Nile Sheehan (23) 40pts
2nd Ken Elmore (18) 37pts
3rd Eddie Kelly (17) 35pts
Friday, Jan. 14, Crystal Bay A & B - Stableford
Several of our less active golfers attempted to book
buggies on the morning of the golf, only to discover that none would be
available. Ominous signs indeed and the obvious conclusion was that the
Koreans were here. On arrival at the course we discovered that this was
indeed the case and that not only were there no buggies, but there weren’t
enough caddies available either!
After a slight delay caddies were brought over from the
nearby Mountain Shadow course, and the round got underway behind a trio of
Korean five-ball groups. Progress wasn’t actually as slow as everyone
feared, and eventually the round was completed in about five hours.
Rab McDonald was the only golfer able to beg, borrow or
steal a buggy, and took full advantage to come in with the day’s best score
of 37 points. No other golfer was able to match or better their handicap on
what turned out to be a difficult day, which left most regulars wishing for
the return of the low season.
Near pins were claimed by Colin Greig, Hugh O’Donnell,
Jerry Waselenkoff and Peter Mace.
A Flight
1st Rab McDonald (13) 37pts
2nd Gordon Melia (14) 33pts
3rd Jerry Waselenkoff (15) 32pts
B Flight
1st Daryl White (18) 34pts
2nd Geoff Parker (17) 33pts
3rd
Ken Elmore (18) 33pts
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Hughes in hot form at Greenwood
PSC golf from The Caddy Shack
Monday, Jan. 10, Pattaya
C.C. - Stableford
Due to increase in numbers, we have started a Monday
competition which this past week took place at Pattaya Country Club, with
Phonsie MCGhan and Save Strang topping the listings on 37 and 33 points
respectively. John Murdoch and Paul Walia in A flight, and Don Wilson and
Bruce Tollitt in the second tier, took the minor places.
A Flight
1st Alphonsie McGahan (6) 37pts
2 John Murdoch (10) 33pts
3 Paul Walia (13) 31pts
B Flight
1st Dave Strang (19) 33pts
2nd Don Wilson (20) 32pts
3rd Bruce Tollitt (18) 31pts
2’s: John Hughes
Wednesday, Jan 12, Greenwood – Stableford
Twenty five players tackled the A & B layouts at
Greenwood off the white tees and John Hughes produced the first 40+ point
round of the week, a whopping 47 points, to book himself a date with the
Handicap Chairman.
Emmett
White, A Flight winner on Friday.
Mark Williams was the other winner on the day with 39
points to take out the A Flight while Rick Culley scored the only ‘2’ of the
day.
A Flight
1st Mark Williams (6) 39pts
2nd Paul Walai (13) 38pts
3rd Doug Crowe (8) 37pts
4th Dave Hester (6) 37pts
B Flight
1st John Hughes (24) 47pts
2nd Dave Strang (19) 39pts
3rd Bernard Channing (19) 38pts
4th Les Easton (14) 36pts
2’s: Rick Culley
Friday, Jan. 14, Green Valley - Stableford
Our largest group of the week (32 players) took on the
challenge of Green Valley on Friday off the white tees. Emmett White (A
Flight) and Gordon Kerr (B Flight) were the stars of the show as they
returned to the clubhouse with 42 points each to win their respective
divisions. Bernard Channing also warrants a mention, recording a fine 41
points for second place in the B Flight.
Due to the large numbers today an extra 4-man team match
competition was organised and the winners with 134 points were Gordon Kerr,
Ted Gardner, Clive Bruce and Emmet White.
A Flight
1st Emmett White (13) 42pts
2nd Alphonsie McGahan (6)36pts
3rd Ted Gardner (7) 36pts
4th Robin Lennon (10) 36pts
B Flight
1st Gordon Kerr (16) 42pts
2nd Bernard Channing (19) 41pts
3 Les Charles (21) 38pts
4 Les Hall (17) 36pts
Note: The Caddy Shack is situated on Soi 8
Threppasit, follow the soi to the well appointed Old English style Bar. We
play golf on Mon/Wed/Fri. For more information email [email protected].
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Mitch has a grizzle, then shoots gross 71
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s column
Monday, Jan 10, Burapha -
Stableford
It’s very nice to have brand new scorecards Burapha but
don’t you think it would have been a good idea to have proofread them before
you printed them? D7, the short par 4 up the hill (255 yards long),
reachable in one for some of the big hitters, the index 1? and the former
index 1 (D9), which plays as a par 5 for most has become index 7. There’s no
index 2 on the card but as a consolation, there are two index 3’s;
nevertheless the course was is splendid shape even if the scoring was a
little ordinary.
Friday’s
flight winners: Greg ‘Noddy’ Moyle and Paul Greenaway.
A good crowd of 42 Outbackers here at Burapha, playing
the C and D loops and a special welcome to Alan Pilkington and his friends,
many of whom did very well in their respective divisions as well as picking
up three of the lucky draw free green fee vouchers. Alan himself won the
premier division with the equal top score of the day, 38 points, just ahead
of his stable-mate Martin Grimoldby with 37.
Another welcome also to John O’Keefe and his mates over
from Europe, one of them being the runaway winner of Div B in the form of
Gerry Gentle, also with 38 points and four clear of Cottee (34pts), who in
turn was another three clear of the pack, headed by Tom Jensen. Noddy Moyles
had 34 points, which surprisingly was enough to win Div C, whilst two more
of Alan’s team filled the first two places in Div D, namely Ken Priddy
(35pts) and Bill Fenton (33pts).
There were a load of ‘2’s from Alan Pilkington, Bob Philp,
Ed Delaney, Gary Hogg, Ivan Plunkett and Martin Grimoldby had two.
Div A (0-9)
1st Alan Pilkington (9) 38pts
2nd Martin Grimoldby (5) 37pts
3rd Hogg Gary (8) 37pts
Div B (10-14)
1st Gerry Gentle (14) 38pts
2nd Wayne Cotterell (13) 34pts
3rd Tom Jensen (10) 31pts
Div C (15-19)
1st Noddy Moyle (19) 34pts
2nd John Fitzgerald (16) 33pts
3rd Tom Parker (18) 29pts
Div D (20+)
1st Kenneth Priddy (21) 35pts
2nd Bill Fenton (28) 33pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (20) 32pts
Tuesday, Jan. 11, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Steve Plant, who rarely plays here, showed the way to the
PCC members and regulars with 37 points to win Div A from the ever-improving
Turnip (Dennis) with 35. Welcome back to Mike Tilley (34pts), who also did
well having his first game with the Outback for a while, as he beat Suzi
into third place on count-back.
Barry Chadbourn organised the 21 Outbackers here today
and himself did well taking Div B, after a three way count-back with 35
points; the other two being Arthur Bailey and Dave Spendley.
The course was in reasonable nick marred perhaps by the
irregular spiking of the first four greens, which had been carried out in
such a way, that it would affect virtually any putt from any direction.
Elsewhere, on some greens the holes seemed to be crowned and a number of the
bunkers had not been raked from the previous day.
There were just two ‘2’s from John Lawton and Alan
Whittingham.
Div A (0-18)
1st Steve Plant (14) 37pts
2nd Dennis Persson (18) 35pts
3rd Mike Tilley (14) 34pts
Div B (19+)
1st Barry Chadbourn (19) 35pts
2nd Arthur Bailey (22) 35pts
3rd David Spendley (24) 35pts
Wednesday, Jan 12, The Emerald - Stableford
After confirming twice that our 44 players were OK and
that the start had been moved to 9.30, we asked some players if they could
get there for that time and be ready for an immediate start. Unfortunately
nobody told the starter so is was bedlam when the early teams arrived.
The man on the tee did his very best, and sent a few
teams around to the tenth; we all got away eventually but it resulted in
nearly a five hour round. The course is in great condition at the moment but
if water in not pumped onto the fairways very soon, it will go downhill
fast, you can already see the dry spots getting worse.
Anyway enough of the complaining there were some great
scores in; Mitch Black telling the Capt’ in the bus on the way to the course
that he couldn’t play to a 3 handicap, well 40 points (gross 71) does seem
to shoot his foot off, but good on you Mitch, it’s good to see you in the
winning circle. He was five clear of two on 35, Raji and Gary.
Lawrie McBride at last put a decent round together for
his 39 points off 15 and Barry Ennis took Div C with his 36. Sakorn (35pts)
resumed her winning ways to win Div D from Ke (33pts), that’s all we know, a
nice old fella who lives down that way, first time with the Outback.
It was goodbye to Phil Waite as he is going home and his
last game was today - safe travelling mate, see you again soon. Any Aussie’s
out there and want a game next Tuesday playing against the Pom’s for the
Ashes give us a call as we need a few of you.
There were a record number of ‘2’s today, twelve, from
Ole Aarrestad, Barry Ennis, Chris Dopp, Paul Greenaway, Mitch Black, Phil
Waite, John O’Keefe, Steve Mann, Robert Ford, Wayne Cotterell, Eric Antonnen
and Pottsy.
Div A (0-11)
1st Mitch Black (3) 40pts
2nd Amarjit Banwaitt (6) 35pts
3rd Gary Hogg (8) 35pts
Div B (12-15)
1st Lawrence McBride (15) 39pts
2nd Chris Dopp (12) 35pts
3rd Steve Plant (14) 34pts
Div C (16-21)
1st Barry Ennis (16) 36pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (19) 32pts
3rd Greg Moyle (18) 31pts
Div D (22+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (22) 35pts
2nd Ke (23) 33pts
3rd Ben Kembrey (36) 32pts
Friday, Jan. 14, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Twenty-two Outbackers tried their hand at Treasure Hill
today off the long white tees, and the scores turned out to be worse reading
than the usual Friday scores at Khao Kheow.
The best of the day was 33 points on this 6,700yd course,
scored by both Paul Greenaway and Chris Dopp, which you had better believe
is a very good score round here. Paul topped the division on count-back,
with the ‘old’ Capt’ himself, nicking third place on 29.
‘Noddy’ Moyle continued his run of podium visits, this
time on the top rung with his 32 points, which included a four-pointer
birdie on the 200 yard 13th hole, where he stuck his
driver to about 14 inches, holing the putt for the only ‘2’ of the day.
Barry McIntosh got second with 30 points and welcome back to Colin Bavington,
who was third with 28.
For the record the course was reported to be in excellent
condition with the putts running very fast, particularly the downhill ones.
Div A (0-14)
1st Paul Greenaway (11) 33pts
2nd Chris Dopp (12) 33pts
3rd Bob Philp (9) 29pts
Div B (15+)
1st Greg Moyle (18) 32pts
2nd Barry McIntosh (18) 30pts
3rd Colin Bavington (29) 28pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km
from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join
us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or
give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
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Another first for Phoenix fishing group
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group fishing news
Mike Gerrard
Ahoy me hearties, Captain Calamity here!
Today, Saturday Jan 15, our little group set off from
Sattahip full of expectations on a beautiful calm and cool day. As we
chugged out of the harbour we passed the Royal Navy of Thailand fleet still
slumbering in the early morning mist.
Stuart
Gordon with the king mackerel.
Within the confines of the harbour area there were small
fry fish jumping and flying through the air, trying to escape from the
larger predator fish chasing them for their breakfast. Was this a good sign
of things to come?
Well, at first we thought it was. As we were heading for
the first fishing area of the day we were using a trawl lure and all of a
sudden the rod and reel started screaming. Sadly one of our guest passengers
was first to the rod and with this being his first sea fishing trip he
somehow managed to lose the fish. On retrieving the lure the teeth marks on
it suggested a very large barracuda. This turned out to be a bad omen for
the first half of the day.
Due to the tide going out from the mainland, this usually
means that the larger species tend to be going out with it. Also the speed
of the tide run was too fast to have small rigs in the water, which meant
that due to both of these problems we were left struggling to catch fish for
the first 2 to 3 hours. However, in this time we persevered and it was the
lovely Ingrid being the first to catch a couple of sizable snapper.
Eventually when the tide started to turn back inwards to
the mainland our fortunes changed dramatically.
We immediately hit into a large fish. It seemed to fight
like a queen fish at first, but because it was not flying out of the water
we realised it was something different. Another first of a species for the
area, it was a beauty, approx 8 kilo of king mackerel.
The lucky draw for the first fish went to Stuart Gordon
who you can see in the photograph with the fish. We were very lucky to land
this one because it was hooked on a nylon leader rather than a steel leader.
Take it from me, you would not put your fingers in the mouth of this fish.
We then changed from a static position with the anchor
down to a drifting tack and ended up with a huge catch of all sorts of
lovely eating varieties, including some nice pladang, snapper and grouper.
At about 5.00 p.m. we were all rather worn out from the
activity and sun, and so we instructed the skipper of the boat to head home.
When we were back on terra firma it was lovely to refresh the taste buds
with a nice drop of the amber nectar on the pier before driving home with
our catch to make ready for the freezer and future eating.
Note: If anyone is interested in trying a day out
on the ocean then please contact me (Mike) on 087 091 7565. Keep your worm
dangling!
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Triple triumph at Chonburi
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
After hearing good reports regarding the condition of
Century Chonburi, the Pattaya Golf Society chose it as its venue for a
stableford event on Monday, 10th January. It has to be said that reports
were misleading as in reality the state of the course made even Rayong C.C.
look like Augusta by comparison. Fairways were rock hard and very bare, off
the fairways grass was burnt yellow and the greens were painfully slow. The
bunkers were ready for their once-a-week raking and the clubhouse facilities
remained as basic as they always have been and any former assemblage of
logical car parking had disappeared entirely. However, the cost probably
made the day a sit little easier.
Those who chose to pass on the option missed a creditable
effort by three golfers who eventually tied for the win on 36 points.
Wichai Tananusorn continued his excellent recent form to
share the win with Ray Banks and Alan Maxwell. Marc Jensen joined Ray Banks
in a share of the ‘2’s pot, despite the attentions of a swarm of hornets and
Mr. Len magnanimously awarded himself the Booby Bevy for his 15-2 split, a
result in part of the frustrations of the day, what with a couple of lost
golfers, a gang of irate Teutons on the tee, some missing near-pin markers
and the prospect of a cold shower to cool his ardour at the end. In response
to a question regarding an imminent return his answer was in the affirmative
- “Not on my watch!”
Banks in profit again
On Wednesday, 12th January the Pattaya Golf Society
opened its account for the year at Green Valley when the group called to
play a stableford competition in two flights, cut at fourteen and under. The
course was in reasonable condition but disappointed many regulars who were
expecting the usual high season quick greens.
The Starter had his work cut out for the day as the
course was fully booked but the PGS got away on time. Scores were destined
to be good as in the second flight Jim McNeil found himself in third place
with 33 points and an in-form Alan Maxwell in second with a solid 35 point
return. The flight winner was the inveterate Jean Morel and his 38 point
scorecard bore witness to his short but accurate game plan.
In the top flight Wichai Tananusorn and newbie Lee
Dolphin tied for third with 35 points, the latter playing his first round in
the Kingdom off his domestic handicap of eight. Following a good round the
previous day at Laem Chabang Simon Kendall continued to revel in the game
with an excellent 38 points for second place whilst Ray Banks produced a
round of stunning quality, his best by far in two years or more, when he
took the flight with 41 points, his gross of seventy-seven being the best of
the day. He also shred the top flight ‘2’s pot with Lee Dolphin, Simon
Kendall and Paul Butler whilst Len Jones recorded the sole two in the second
flight.
In memory of the group’s old friend Dougie Eames, Rabbi
generously sponsored two near-pins and these were won by Lee Dolphin and
Dave Moriarty whilst Phil “PJ” Mitchell received his first Booby Bevy this
trip for his inconsistent 17 - 9 split.
The final highlight was the appearance at the
presentation of Tim Lazecki, one full week after his unfortunate accident at
Emerald which resulted in an emergency hip replacement and his smiles and
camaraderie meant the day will be remembered fondly by many of those who
took part.
Thommo holds the aces at
Bangpra
The Pattaya Golf Society tried its hand at a stableford
event at beautiful Bangpra on Friday, 14th January, on this well presented
course. The greens were decidedly quick and the watchwords were “keep it
below the pin”.
The field was divided into two flights at fifteen and
under and the Starter excelled himself by inserting four Thai groups
immediately in front of PGS at the tenth, thereby adding an hour to the back
nine and it wasn’t helped by one of the groups enjoying a few hands of gin
rummy at each drinks stop, whilst waiting for the group ahead to clear the
hole!
But PGS golfers are made of stern stuff and the flights
competed as best they could with Rick Schramm and Bob St Aubin sharing third
place in the top flight on 31 points. Ahead in second and producing the best
gross figures of 82 was Ireland’s Nicky Patton with 32 points. The flight
winner was Simon Kendall and his 33 points took the narrowest of victories.
In the second flight Denis Quinn and Gordon Everingham
shared third place with 33 points whilst Ronnie Ramsay blew it over the
final three holes to finish in second on 35 points. The best score of the
day saw Dave Thompson take the flight win with 38 points. His birdie ‘2’ on
the seventeenth was matched by Dave Moriarty’s effort on the same hole and
Ray Banks’ birdie on the twelfth.
Finally the Booby Bevy went to Lee Dolphin after he
discovered at the presentation that he had left his hotel room key in the
locker-room. All in a day’s work for the Soi Buakhao based group.
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‘Broken Wing’ narrowly beats
Alan B at Emerald
‘Broken
Wing’ celebrates his success at Mama’s Bar.
I don’t know whether high season has already finished or
we just got lucky at Emerald Golf Course for our weekly game with the
Backyard Golf Society. As per usual we turned up a little bit early and were
very surprised to see that we had a clear golf course in front of us.
Of the ten players, nine were in all the competitions so,
after welcoming Tony back for his second game, we teed off and finished just
over 4 hours later.
‘Broken Wing’ took the game, with a paltry 33 points, on
count-back from Alan B. John Mac took nearest the pin prize and the skins
results were as follows: Broken Wing (7), John Mac (3), JJ (3), Geoff (2).
Alan B (2) and Bob G (1).
After prize giving we all wandered down to Mama’s Bar in Ban Chang and to
our surprise Tip had blessed her recent renovations so free food and bell
ringing was the order of the day!
Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200
Bowlers and first place team: Noodle (208), Tui, Somrak and David (first
place team-VFW), Dang (205) Mai (206), Tue (220) & Lek (210).
Brother D had to bowl very good to win the second
place trophy as they took three points from first place VFW Post 9876.
Dang Downs carried Brother D with a 205 game and a 555 series. Somrak
bowled a 535 and Tui Amphanon had a 525 for VFW. Brother D won second
place with a higher league total pin count over Green Tree.
Bowling for the third place trophy, as a result of
Brother D winning, was Green Tree and Café Kronborg. Green Tree was led
by Tue Pettae with a 220 game, 570 series and Noodle Russell who bowled
a 208 game and 543 series to take all four points from Café Kronborg.
Sue Murphy bowled a 524 series and Kran Nielsen had a 523 which included
a 210 game for Kronborg.
House of the Golden Coin split their match against
Canada with each team winning two points. Mio Aamlid had a 525 for
Golden Coin and Lek Reaper had a 525 with a 210 game for Canada.
Bavaria took three points from Sabai Friday and once
again pin counts were low on the difficult lanes 11 and 12.
Mai Munsitha bowled a 206 game, 524 series to lead
the USMC team to a three point win over Jack Tar. Ooy Pluemkamon bowled
a 540 for Jack Tar.
The new league will start in two weeks time so get down to PS Plus
Bowl and put your name in the draw on 28 January at 13:30.
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Final
Results & Standings Jan 14 (week 30)
Pos. Team Score
Standings
1 VFW Post 9876 1 - 3 79
- 41
2 Brother D 3 - 1
68.5 - 51.5
3 Green Tree 4 - 0
68.5 - 51.5
4 Café Kronborg 0 - 4 64
- 56
5 House of the Golden Coin 2 - 2 61 - 59
6 Canada 2 - 2
58.5 - 61.5
7 Sabai Friday 1 - 3
56.5 - 63.5
8 Bavaria 3 -
1 54 - 66
9 USMC 3 -
1 49 - 71
10 Jack Tar
1 - 3 41 - 79 |
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