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Pattaya Cricket Sixes finals this weekend
Enjoy some spectacular cricket action
at this weekend’s Pattaya Cricket Sixes tournament.
The finals of the 2nd Pattaya
Cricket Sixes tournament will take place this weekend, April 22-24 at
Horseshoe Point Resort on Siam Country Club Road. Teams from Asia Pacific &
Worldwide will compete for honours in Cup, Plate, Bowl and Spoon divisions
in the all action six-a-side cricket match format.
A special T20 Pattaya vs Rest of the World match will
take place on Friday with a Sixes Party Night later at Jamieson’s. At the
end of the tournament on Sunday a Gala Awards Dinner will be held under the
stars at the spectacular Three Kingdoms Park at Horseshoe Point.
In addition to the cricket there is also paintball, quad
biking, horse riding and many other activities on offer at the resort.
Spectators are encouraged to come along and cheer on the
teams in what promises to be a spectacular feast of cricket. Admission to
the ground is free of charge and refreshment and food stands have been set
up for the convenience of both players and spectators.
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United edge 10-man
Sri Racha in derby clash
Pattaya
United’s O.J. Obatola, right, shrugs off the challenge of Sri Racha’s
Sujarit Jantakul, left, during the second half of their Thai Premier League
game in Chonburi, Saturday, April 16. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)
Pattaya United entertained bottom club Sri Racha Suzuki
FC last Saturday in the ninth round of the Thai Premier League season.
Coming off the back of their 1-0 win the previous week
against SCG Songkhram, United were looking to pick up another three points
against their struggling neighbours; a win that would enable the Dolphins to
consolidate their position among the leading teams in the division.
The home team got off to a perfect start when they took a
15th minute lead through midfielder Seehawong, who
collected the ball at the far post to convert a cross from United’s Somchai
Singmanee with a fierce low shot past Lucas.
The hosts then went on to control the majority of the
first half possession but right before halftime both Wonghoi and Thaweekarn
had chances to equalize for the visitors but they were unable to find the
target when well placed.
The chances of Sri Racha getting back into the match were
dealt a cruel blow early in the second period when Sujarit Jantakul was
shown a straight red card for a dangerously high challenge on Ludovick.
Reduced to ten men Sri Racha regrouped and came close to
grabbing a lifeline in the 53rd minute when Thaweekarn
was just inches away with an effort on the Pattaya goal. United however were
not to be denied and just 10 minutes later they doubled their lead through a
fine header from O.J. Obatola that beat Lucas in the far corner.
United could have added more to their tally before the
end but a combination of poor finishing and some fine saves by Lucas kept
the score at 2-0 until the final whistle.
United are now sitting in seventh place in the league,
eight points behind leaders Buriram, while Sri Racha are still looking for
their first win of the season and are left propping up the table.
United coach Jutaporn seemed happier with the result of
the game than the performance of his team.
“Sri Racha made it difficult for us and they played very
well, even when down to ten men. I’m just happy to take the three points at
the end of a tough match,” said Jutaporn.
United’s next game is on Sunday, April 24 away to Si Sa
Ket FC.
Last Sunday Chonburi ‘Sharks’ recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over Si Sa Ket
FC at the Chonburi Stadium with the goals coming from Ribic, On-mo, Abdul
Lasoh and a brace from substitute Sukree Etae to keep the pressure on
Buriram who are just three points ahead.
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Stuvik enjoys promising start at season opening Formula Ranault EuroCup race
A pile-up on the opening
lap of Race 1 on Saturday enabled Sandy to move through the field.
16 year old Sandy Stuvik’s debut in the Formula Renault EuroCup went above
all expectations, with the young Thai racer fighting for points from the
onset at the Motorland circuit in Spain last weekend.
Starting from 19th place on the grid last Saturday, Sandy
took advantage of a first lap pile up on the straight and quickly moved
himself up to 11th place. Several laps then went under Safety Car, while the
start area was cleaned up from damaged cars. He then had a good restart and
kept up with the lead group until a brake balance problem kicked in and
slowed him down by several seconds per lap. Sandy then had some laps where
he traded positions back and forth, but as he had to break much earlier than
normal he lost 3-4 positions.
By the end he took the checkered flag in 11th place, much
higher than the team had hoped for, but still frustrated at having lost out
on a points position.
Carlos Saintz won the race ahead of Frijns and Riberas,
while sitter Will Stevens went out of the race mid way through
The second race of the EuroCup started late in the
afternoon Sunday and after a dismal qualifying run in the morning Stuvik
found himself starting from 31st of the 34 car grid, all the way at the back
of the pack. His qualifying time was a mere 1.6 second behind pole sitter
Stevens, which goes to show how fiercely competitive this European junior
formula series is.
Sandy had a good start and immediately passed several
cars going into the first lap, this time with no major incident. He started
overtaking one or two cars each lap and by the 5th lap he was up to 18th
place.
The race was fought hard, but fair, up and down the long
grid of cars, with Will Stevens leading the race from pole position, his
second of the this race weekend. Carlos Saintz ran second and Robin Frijns
third. Sandy managed to get up to 16th position, by lap 10, but all the late
breaking to overtake others took its toll on his front tires. Towards the
end of the race the flat spotted front tires vibrated so much he had to
concede 2 places on the final lap, finally taking the checkered flag in 18th
place.
The young Thai was happy with having finished both his
first 2 EuroCup races and without any major incidents. The team had hoped
for a mid-field performance and Sandy managed to deliver with excellent
results.
From here the young racer will go straight to the Navarra
Circuit for the final official 2 days of testing, in preparation for the
next round at Spa Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium on April 31 and May 1.
Note: For more on Sandy Stuvik turn to Automania
Sandy
Stuvik sits in his car on the grid prior to the start of Race 1 at the
Motorland circuit in Spain, Saturday, April 16.
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Pattaya rugby festival 2011
kicks off next weekend
The Chris Kays Memorial
Rugby 10’s Tournament takes place next weekend at Horseshoe Point.
The weekend of 30th April and 1st May 2011 will see
the eleventh staging of the Pattaya 10’s Rugby Tournament, which is now
known as the Chris Kays Memorial Tournament to perpetuate the memory of the
former Pattaya Panthers captain, who was tragically killed in the Bali
bombing in October 2002.
Once again the tournament will be staged at The Horseshoe
Point Resort, the newly expanded playing field is superb and with the
support of Khun Chainarin Srifuengfung, Khun Jate, Khun Korn and his staff,
we are sure that everybody will love playing or watching the rugby in such
attractive surroundings. There will be an open 10’s Tournament for men and a
Junior Division (Under 18’s), which is now in its third year, to enable the
youngsters to display their skills and potential on a major stage.
There will be 16 teams in the main tournament and as
usual this year there will be a very strong local influence led by the Old
Bangkok Bangers and their development team The Bangers Colts. We look
forward to the return of The Thai Legends, who will be returning to defend
their title and The Chiang Mai Suas, who were beaten in an epic Cup final
last year will be hoping to go one better this time around. Former champions
Thai Barbarians will have a new feeder team A.T. Truck along with them and
other new names include F. Club and Thai Mosquitoes.
The overseas flavour will come from the Causeway Bay RFC
and the Typhoons RFC, both hailing from Hong Kong. The Typhoons will be
carrying a very famous touring name “The Tequila Mocking Birds”, which will
strike fear into all the opponents that they meet along Walking Street!
Of course crowd favourites The Bangkok Japanese and the
new look Southerners will be looking to upset some of the more favoured
teams and there will also be a strong academic influence with Kasetsart
University and Bangkok University both entering accomplished teams.
Don’t underestimate the hosts Pattaya Panthers who have
been training hard on the field under Captain Eoin Quirke and at the pool
bar so they promising to provide a few surprises!
Players and friends will get together on Friday night (29th
April) for a “welcoming party and training session” at The Tavern by the Sea
in the Amari Orchid Resort. Disco music will be provided at the field and
throughout the weekend by popular DJ Russell Jay and his Soundzgood
Discotheques, we may also feature on live radio Mix 88.5 FM.
The action begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and concludes
around 6 p.m. Sunday in what should be a memorable weekend festival of rugby
that will feature almost 24 hours of entertaining rugby action during the
two days. Note the U 18’s tournament will be played from 16:00 to 19:00 on
Saturday evening and will conclude between 08:00 and 10:00 on Sunday
morning.
The weather is forecast to be fine and the venue is in
perfect condition so we have no doubt that “this will be the best tournament
yet,” said Chairman of the Pattaya Panthers, Jim Howard.
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Gustafsson wins Thai Open chess championship
Jan
Gustafsson of Germany, center, stands with runners up Nigel Short of
England, left, and Spain’s Paco Vallejo at the conclusion of the 2011 Thai
Chess Open tournament held at the Dusit Thani Pattaya Resort.
German Grandmaster Jan Gustafsson won the 2011 Thai Chess
Open at the Dusit Thani Pattaya Resort after finishing in a three-way tie
for first place and winning the title on a tiebreaker.
Gustafsson, seeded third at the start of the tournament,
finished equal on points with the top two seeds, Paco Vallejo of Spain and
England’s Nigel Short but was awarded the 11th Thai Open title because he
had played tougher opposition. Short, who lost to Gustafsson in the critical
game of the tournament, was awarded the runners-up cup. The three players
shared 220,000 baht in prize money.
In a dramatic final day of play on Sunday, April 17,
Short, 45, seemed to have the most difficult task but he smoothly outplayed
Indian Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte.
Both Gustafsson, 31, and Vallejo, 28, were required to
play tricky endgames against Norwegian youngster Kjetil Stokke and
Bangladeshi veteran Niaz Murshed but both outplayed their opponents to reach
the tie for first.
Sunday’s final round of Thailand’s largest and strongest
open tournament was a grim one for local players with the leading Thai
performer Wisawat Teerapabpaisit missing a chance to reach sixth place after
losing to Indian Grandmaster Jha Sriram.
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World champions line up for 2011 Top of the Gulf Regatta
Top sailors from around the region come to
Thailand to compete in the Top of the Gulf Regatta.
The Top of the Gulf Regatta will take place 29 April – 3
May 2011 at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya. Incorporating the one-design
Platu Coronation Cup and the Thailand Optimist Nationals, the regatta enters
its seventh year having firmly established itself as a ‘Regatta For
Champions’. A springboard for many past and present world champions, the TOG
Regatta continues to offer sailing competition at the highest level.
The event is also leading the sailing community with a
unique sailing initiative in Thailand, with a special book signing, open for
Thai and international sailors to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 84th
Birthday and Seventh Cycle. The book is available at Ocean Marina Yacht Club
until the end of Top of the Gulf Regatta 2011 for all to sign.
Acknowledging the pedigree of sailors at the TOG Regatta,
William Gasson, Chairman of the regatta organising committee and himself a
four-time winner of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, said, “246 boats and over
500 sailors from around the world took part in last year’s Top of the Gulf
Regatta and we expect similar numbers this year. The Top of the Gulf Regatta
has a long tradition of developing junior sailing talent with the Thailand
Optimist Nationals and the Laser and dinghy classes.”
Explaining that the Regatta’s fleet continues to develop
each year, Gasson added, “Over the years the Top of the Gulf Regatta has
attracted world champions from all over to take part and each year the fleet
continues to get more competitive.”
The Gulf of Thailand is well known as an excellent
training ground for sailors with challenging conditions and world-class
sailors taking part in events in the region. No fewer than five world
champions and three former regional champions will be competing in the 2011
event.
Thailand’s 2011 world optimist champion, Noppakao
Poonpat, will return but this year will be racing a 420. The Thailand
Optimist Nationals is therefore very open this year and the competition will
be tough with Noppakao’s fellow Thailand team world champions and top
sailors from Malaysia and Singapore vying for the title.
The Thailand Optimist Nationals are a valuable training
ground for future champions and Noppakao, after having so much success over
the years, is moving on to the 420 class and hopes to continue her
successes.
Leading the challenge in the big boat fleet is defending
IRC Racing 1 champion Ray Roberts and his crew on “Evolution Racing”. Recent
wins include the 2010 Phuket King’s Cup and 2011 Royal Langkawi
International Regattas, as well as being the reigning Asian Yachting Grand
Prix champion, yet Roberts will be facing a tough challenge from four-time
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta winner and 2008/9 Asian Yachting Grand Prix
champion Neil Pryde and his highly experienced crew on “Hi Fi”.
Current Asian Beach Games gold medalists and former world
top ten, Thai Hobie 16 sailors Damrongsak Vongtim and Kritsada Vongtim,
return to defend their title and will be up against some of the world’s
best, including former Hobie 16 world champion (and current Hobie 17 world
champion) Aaron Worrall and crew. While in the Laser class, 2010 Asia
Pacific champion and reigning Thai national champion, Keerati Bualong, also
returns to defend his TOG Regatta crown.
One-design Platu racing is seeing a resurgence in
Thailand with newly established Match Racing events attracting world-class
sailors to Pattaya and a fleet series of which the Coronation Cup at the TOG
Regatta is the jewel in the crown. Former youth champion, Australian Scott
Duncanson, will return to defend his Coronation Cup title which he and his
crew on “The Ferrett” won in 2010 following a Hollywood-style finish to win
by just a single point.
For more information on the Top of the Gulf Regatta 2011, go to the home
page www.topofthegulfregatta.com.
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Danny knocks JJ off his perch at Emerald
The Backyard Golf Society
Being a holiday we did not know what to expect when arriving at Emerald Golf
Course but we were pleasantly surprised to find the course empty with no one
waiting on the tee.
Danny L celebrates his
golfing win with the staff at Senorita’s Bar.
Eight players today and we welcomed back Bob G, so with
everyone in all competitions we got away early and four hours later were
finished and sitting in the club house.
Danny L took the game with 37 points which enabled us to
have someone else other than JJ in the photo this week! Geoff S will be
pleased to know for the second week in a row, since he left, no one managed
to hit the green for the nearest the pin prize so yet again it is rolled
over to next week. The skin results were as follows: Dangle (7), Danny L
(6), Broken Wing (3), JJ (1), and (1) rolled over to next week.
After prize giving it was down to BC for a few beers and nice to be able
to walk around a few bars without some idiot throwing water over you!
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New names in the frame
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
It was a relatively quiet week as golfing weeks go. I
suspect because of the impending Thai New Year holiday. Only the three
outings held but the headline pertaining to ‘new names’ just about sums
it up. Who were those names you ask? Jon Dean, David Lacey and Larry
Simpson. It’s always nice to see some fresh winners.
Saturday, April 9,
Greenwood C&A - Stableford
1st Jon Dean (10) 38pts
2nd Richard Moore (25) 36pts
3rd Andrew Rich (20) 35pts
4th
Larry Simpson (11) 33pts
On Saturday the trip out to Greenwood left everyone
wondering if any play would be possible at all as we had to drive
through continuous rain, but to everyone’s surprise just about 100
metres from the clubhouse the rain stopped and play started on time and
never a drop of rain was to be seen for the rest of the day.
Monday’s winners: Tim Mitchell, Mod Chaviraksa and David Lacey.
The weather can sure play tricks here in Thailand
that is for sure. I thought the idea of Songkran was to throw water at
each other, but who needs to with the amount of rain that we are
presently getting?
Top honours went to Jon Dean with 38-pointer. He was
followed in by Richard Moore and Andrew Rich in second and third
respectively.
Monday, April 11, The
Emerald – Stableford
1st David Lacey (14) 37pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (11) 34pts
3rd
Tim Mitchell (20) 33pts
A small group went to Emerald on Monday and enjoyed
very good weather. Another new name topped the lists, this time it was
David Lacey’s turn and he posted 37 points. But that lady, I think you
all know who I mean by now, Mod Chaviraksa, was second with her 34 and
Tim Mitchell was third with 33. He seemed very shocked indeed when I
asked him to step up for a photograph – “Me? You sure it was me?” - was
his response.
Tuesday, April 12,
Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Larry Simpson (11) 34pts
2nd Jon Dean (10) 33pts
3rd
Bill McGarvie (9) 32pts
Tuesday was a visit to a course we do not visit that
often these days, Mountain Shadow, and again we only had a small
following on the day.
I am judging from the scores posted that the course
played tough but Larry Simpson took the opportunity to play some good
golf and came home in first place with 34 points. Jon Dean just missed
out on a double win for the week and found himself one back in second
place. Bill McGarvie made up the winners list with 32 points for third
spot.
Thursday’s planned visit to Phoenix was cancelled as
we were advised by the course that the prices on the day were being
hiked for the Sonkran Holidays. So we duly responded with our feet. It
is a pity a few more of the other locally based golf groups do not
follow suit when this happens.
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 call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro,
Pattaya and look at the notice board, or visit their website at
www.trgg.biz.
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Mcentee wins the Medal
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, March 20, Green
Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Kevin Mcentee (6) net 69
2nd Peter Larsson (12) net 70
3rd Gareth Gill (9) net 70
B F light
1st Pierre Bietry (15) net 71
2nd Mark Bonner (16) net 71
3rd Colin Davis (16) net 71
Ladies Flight
1st Sim Davis (29) net 68
Near Pins: No 4 Gareth Gill, No 9 Jack Grindvold,
No 12 Bob Newell, No 16 Andrew Moffat.
April
Medal winners: Kevin Mcentee, left, and Sim Davis.
It was a fine day for the Co. Offaly Gang leader Kevin
Mcentee as he etched his name on the 2011 wall of shame with a Monthly Medal
and A Flight winning gross75, net 69. One can only muse over how resplendent
our sartorial wonder will be when he suits up for the year-end Gold Medal
competition. It could make Elvis blush, even in his grave.
Looking up the flight awards podium were Peter Larsson
and Ralphy Gill that needed a count back to separate.
The calculator went into overtime as Pierre Bietry held
sway over ‘Mussels’ Bonner as they were knotted on net 71’s in the minor
flight. The Donkey got the verdict in his count-back over Eddy ‘the Eagle’
to stand on the last rung on the podium.
Sim ‘Card’ Davis took the ladies flight with a solid net
68 and so joins Kevin in the year-end Gold medal.
Spare a thought for the Principal, whose hopes were
dashed on the first hole as his very first attempted shot was a complete
miss, resulting in a first hole total of nine.
Tuesday, April 12, Phoenix
Lake & Ocean – Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Larson (12) 39pts
2nd Jum Karagit (15) 39pts
B Flight
1st Adam Oyston (23) 42pts
2nd
Colin Davis (16) 35pts
Hey where’s the old title boy today? Well before the
field could get too smug about keeping Mr. Mcentee off the podium, it was
pointed out that he had to take a rest day to let his golf shafts cool down,
so that left Adam Oyston an opportunity to vault atop the B Flight with a
magnificent 42 points, followed by the Donkey and his 35 point effort.
Peter Larsson went one better than his Sunday finish as
he got the nod over Jum Karagit in a very close count-back as both were
knotted on excellent 39 point hauls. All the action was closely watched by
big Matt Doyle a shot adrift.
Peter Larsson added a 2 to his winnings along with Barry
Copestake and Jim Bell.
Wednesday, April 13,
Pattana - Stableford
1st Colin Davis (15) 33pts
2nd
John Haugen (9) 32pts
With a group of society members opting to avail
themselves to the Lewiinski’s trademark Songkran road trip to Royal Hills,
it was a small yet intrepid lot that ventured down the road to Pattana. The
Donkey was top man with 33 points closely followed by John Haugen.
No 2’s were recorded so a rollover on Friday.
Friday, April 15,
Greenwood - Stableford
1st Colin Davis (15) 41pts
2nd
John Haugen (9) 37pts
No you are not reading a duplicate article. The Donkey
came first again with a much improved 41 points, and John Haugen was second
with 37 points.
Again no 2’s were carded so a double rollover on Friday.
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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Songkran – Outback style
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Barry
Chadbourn & Capt’ Bob relax after their win in the Songkran scramble on
Tuesday. In the background are some of the caddies with Sel Wegner and Geoff
Moodie.
Monday, April 11, Burapha
- Stableford
Capt’ Bob made it tough again on the 21 Outbackers,
giving then the A & C nines from the blue tees. The scoring however was
surprisingly good with Jim Brackett, Div A winner and Greg Hill, Div B
winner, both making 37 points.
Steve Mann, who was having his last round for couple of
weeks as he pops back to Oz, took second in Div A with his 34, from Owen
Walkley in third with 33. In Div B the runner up was Murray Hart (35) and
Stefan Hoge was in third place with 34.
There were three ‘2’s today from Greg Hill, Jim Brackett
& Steve Plant.
Div A (0–12)
1st James Brackett (6) 37pts
2nd Steve Mann (9) 34pts
3rd Owen Walkley (11) 33pts
Div B (13+)
1st Greg Hill (26) 37pts
2nd Murray Hart (13) 35pts
3rd Stefan Hoge (15) 34pts
Tuesday, April 12, Pattaya C.C. - Scramble
It was the day before the madness of Pattaya started that
48 Outbackers went to their regular Tuesday course – Pattaya Country Club
for a ‘fun’ two-person scramble.
With many at the Outback for breakfast, the staff were
kept fully occupied in what was bound to be a busy day and Capt’ Bob was
once again in his element, remembering everybody’s name at the course, where
we were met by the PCC staff in their usual friendly efficient manner and
dressed ready for Songkran celebrations.
The course was in good condition however the greens a
little slow, even though they looked in fine fettle. It was a perfect day
for golf, a little overcast but no rain and not too hot. There were not too
many others on the course thus producing a round played at a comfortable
pace of around four hours.
It has become an Outback ‘unique’ tradition after these
‘fun’ games to invite a number of the regular caddies to join the players
back at the bar for a few drinks and food and today was no exception, with
ten caddies coming back as well as the caddymaster, Hewie.
On arriving at the Outback the barbecue was up and
running with various delights, including chicken and salad, steak
sandwiches, as well as the usual hot dogs and the Outback’s homemade
burgers; there was also some Thai food for the caddies.
With all fed and watered it was time for the presentation
– this was in the hands of the Outback’s regular MC, Nigel Cannon who opened
with a welcome to all (eight nationalities represented) on behalf of Capt’
Bob and General Jack. He made a mention of a number of visitors joining us
today from the ‘light-side’ including PSC President Tony Oakes, Lewiinski’s
President Eddie Beilby and Brad Sproxton from the Golf Club and of course, a
regular with the Outback, the incumbent Golf Chairman, Joe Mooneyham.
Nigel, a Pattaya C.C. regular, also welcome all 10
caddies – naming each one and then moved on to the results. There were
supposed to be prizes down to eighth place but a small oversight led to nine
prizes actually being awarded.
The winning team was the Capt’ himself playing with
Tuesday organiser ‘Chad’, with a bogey free gross score of 69 (net 61.75)
ahead of Bobby Driggs and the Sugarman with a net 63; just in case you
didn’t hear it from the Sugarman himself, he chipped in twice. The surprise
partnership of General Jack and his caddie, Lek, were not to be left out of
it by taking third place (63.25) giving up their tie for the lead only at
the 17th, when the best they could manage was a
disappointing double.
1st Barry Chadbourn & Bob Philp
(69) net 61.75
2nd Sugar Ray Handford & Robert Driggs (70) net 63
3rd Jack Moseley & Lek (74) net 63.25
4th Steve Plant & Dave Buchanan (66) net 65
5th Murray Hart & Ricky Poe (76) net 65.25
6th Dennis Persson & David Earthrowl (75) net 65.75
7th Sel Wegner & Geoff Moodie (75) net 66
8th Geoff Doody & Kathy Doody (76) net 66.25
9th Bob Pearce & Tony Oakes (72) net 66.5
Friday, April 15,Khao
Kheow - Stableford
A different looking Khao Kheow today as the mass exodus
of golfers from Pattaya gathered pace, leaving 26 Outbackers to rock up for
their weekly self flagellation on the fairways and greens of the A & B
nines.
Most of the 23 Outbackers who were off to Nakhon Nayok on
Saturday probably welcomed being spared the torture of trying to play this
course, except one; Tony McDonough honed his driver and putter to the extent
that he demolished the course with an exceptional 40 points, eight clear of
his nearest rival. It is Tony’s best score for quite some time and would put
him firmly amongst the favourites to win at Royal Hills over the following
three days.
Welcome back to Tony Garnett (2nd
with 32pts) and his son Rhys and also to Sakorn, who picked up the reins
from where she left off, recording another win with just 29 points.
There were three ‘2’ today from Jon Kittilsen, Tony
Garnett & John O’Keefe.
Rosco and Pottsy, who both had rounds they would sooner
forget, put golf behind them for a few days as they headed off to the
airport on their way to Vietnam to take part in Anzac Day, which this year
falls on Easter Monday, 25th April.
Finally, we say goodbye to Dave Buchanan who has played
some outstanding golf over the past couple of weeks or so, off of his 1
handicap.
Div A (0-18)
1st Tony McDonough (14) 40pts
2nd Tony Garnett (10) 32pts
3rd James Brackett (6) 31pts
Div B (19+)
1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (20) 29pts
2nd Benchamas Kembrey (36) 26pts
3rd John White (25) 26pts
Tuesday
runners up Sugar Ray Handford & Bobby Driggs with two more of the caddies.
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Italian Job almost a family affair
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group
Tuesday’s winners celebrate with their families
at The Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
Not playing myself today, Tuesday, April 12, I went to
the first tee to get everyone away on a day which looked as if there would
be no more rain, after a heavy deluge on the morning. And so it turned out
that way. Also it is now reasonably quiet and the groups got round the
course pretty quickly.
Still playing on the Lake & Ocean course whilst the
Mountain undergoes much needed repairs, the scores today were not too high,
which meant the course must have played a little difficult.
Our winner today was so delighted with his current form
that he went home to fetch the wife and kids to enjoy his 15 minutes of
fame. Hence our photo which is a truly family affair this week: we have our
hostess Ung with her beautiful young daughter, Sergio Volpi with his wife
and two kids (one held by Kristinn Helgason - very much a family man
himself).
My thanks go to John Bartley for taking the photo,
unfortunately by not playing I had been a little greedy during the afternoon
and supped a few too many to be able to focus on a camera lens. However back
at our presentation venue The Relax Bar much fun was had by all.
The first prize, which included a food voucher donated by
Keith Keohane of KPK Foods Ltd went to Sergio Volpi, who scored 35 points
and won on count-back from Kristinn Helgason with the same score, with David
Czernie beating off four other players with the same score of 33 points for
third, this being decided by the last 3 holes count-back.
Near pins went to Richard Baldwin (2), Stuart Gordon and
Phil Kington.
Lucky draw winners were Bob Neylon, Eamon Murtagh and
John Stafford. Each week our hosts The Relax Bar donate two lucky draw prize
of a free drink and a free massage. Much thanks to them from all of the
players.
Next week we will play our monthly stroke play tournament
for the coveted Trattoria Italiana voucher, kindly donated by Giorgio
Baccioli. W e shall also be back playing our regular Friday spot at 12.00
Noon and this now means we have two tournament sponsors, KPK Foods Ltd and
Trattoria Italiana, and prizes are given each fortnight to the winners.
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Mashi defies the handicap man
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s winners pose for a photo with one of Bert’s finest.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, April 12, Pattana
- Stableford
We had a good turnout for this last competition before
the players took cover from the expected soakings of the next week. It seems
most of the players were planning to depart shortly for other golf courses,
and locations, to escape the Pattaya soaking. It is expected they will
return for St. Georges Day, April 22, when we will play at Burapha. Me, I
usually stock up and watch the mayhem from my balcony.
So after meeting at Bert’s we were off to Pattana for
what is undoubtedly the slowest book in at any course. Then off to the
sumptuous changing rooms, best around, before slipping out the back door and
onto the start. On this day the test was to be the A & B nines. The course
was still wet from the rains of late so it was buggies in the rough only and
the fairways were saturated and soft so we had little run.
Once underway and with little run the day proved a tough
test. Especially in the rough where it was hard to get the ball out. Still
the course was fairly empty and we were able to move at a good pace. Also
the greens were still wet and hairy, so the putting was very slow.
After a well deserved shower it was into the superb
restaurant where the food is excellent, if not cheap. Still, for the view
and luxury sometimes one must bite the bullet. Then it was into cars for a
slow bimble back to Bert’s.
Back at Bert’s it was soon into the results after a
reminder that St Georges Day was on the 22nd and I wished all a good trip.
The scores were not outstanding but you only have to do enough to win, so
off his new handicap, wow, the winner was Mashi Kaneta with 36 points. In
second was Brian Parrish with 35 points and we then had a count-back on 33
points that saw Steve Hamstad in third and Mike O’Brien in fourth. In fifth
we had Mike Gaussa with 32 points.
It then became time to partake of Bert’s ‘happy hour’,
and we did indeed. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Ray White, Mark West, David Parrish, Frank
Moniz.
Long Putts: Ray White.
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Ken Hole continues his winning roll
at Rayong C.C.
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Tuesday, April 12, Rayong
C.C. – Stableford
Just the one game this week, due to Songkran, so it was
off to Rayong C.C. on Tuesday. The course has implemented some very
attractive pricing offers, and was in good condition, especially for the
price. Some of the other courses could do well to look at the pricing
structure implemented here, to ensure best use of the facilities.
It was Ken Hole (H/cap 15) who today continued on his
fine run of form, after 40 points last week, with 39 points this week after
his 1 shot handicap reduction. Next best was Joel Flor (22) with a fine 38
points, leaving Graham Hiskett (15) to secure third spot with 35.
The technical prizes were picked up by Dave, Ken, Neil,
with a special mention to Ray Slence’s effort of bouncing off the rocks,
over the bunker and rolling up to about 10 foot on the 12th.
M’mmmm, seeing is not necessarily believing!
A Charity Day to benefit The Banglamung Boys Home will be
hosted by Mulligans Lakeside on 28 April at Greenwood. We have secured a
2-tee start, commencing at 11.00 a.m., with a buffet and presentation back
at ML after the round. Cost is 1200 baht, green fee & caddy fee inclusive
and it should be a good day. Spots are limited to 40 so give us a call to
reserve your tee time.
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. Hope to see you there, Cheers &
Good Golfing!
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Kari clouts Crystal Bay
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, April 11, Crystal
Bay – Stableford
This was our first visit here for a few months and the
majority of the players were impressed with the overall condition of the
course, with the greens not quite as fast and lethal as it’s neighbour
Mountain Shadow but at this time of the year as everyone knows, anything
could change overnight.
Marseille air traffic controller Yves Bosset and his wife Pranee have
returned from France for their fifth year with the Jomtien Golf Society.
The equal cut in the divisions was 6-17 in division 1 and
18 plus in division 2.
Kari Kuparinen, playing off 6, recorded a gross 73 and
won division 1 with 40 points. Chris Voller, also playing off 6, birdied the
two par threes on the front nine C course and came in with a gross 35 that
equated to 22 points but only took second overall with 36. In his last game
before his return to the golf courses in Estonia, Raivo Velsberg was third
with 35 points.
Lee Casey topped division 2 with 37 points, 23 on the
front nine, and Willy Van Heetvelde was second with 36 while John Williams
was third after beating Kari Aarnio and Yves Bosset on a 20/19/16 count-back
after they all scored 35 points.
There was a rollover in the ‘2’s in division 2 and this
was forwarded to Emerald the following week, while Chris Voller birdied the
4th and 7th and Kari Kuparinen
the 4th as well to split the pot in division 1.
Friday, April 15, Eastern
Star - Stableford
There were seven regular member cancellations throughout
the week due to the Songkran festivities and four more overnight, and with
two no-shows at Siam Cats (without any communication whatsoever) we were
left fielding two ladies plus 30 guys in the men’s competition.
The cut today was 6-16 in division 1 and 17 plus in the
second.
Most players found the greens very sluggish today and
hard to comprehend but this could change next month when work commences to
improve them all. The scores were reflected in this today with Paul Hartley
recording the highest points of the day, winning division 2 with 33 points.
Cully Monks was second one point behind and James Ferris took third on 31.
Mikael Andersson, back in the frame now after a short
relapse, won division 1 with 32 points, Alan Pilkington was second with 31
and the new boy Geoff Dickinson, playing off 12, scored 20 points on the
back nine to beat John Lay and Brad Dippie on a back nine count-back for
third after they all came in with 30 points.
Cully’s other half, Josie, won the ladies comp with 25
points and it’s a few more in the purse before their trip to their home in
the land of the leprechauns.
After a birdie on the 6th last
week, Harry Riley repeated this on the 3rd today to
record the only ‘2’ in the second division yet again, and there were
rollovers ensuing to Eastern Star next Friday in division 1.
Near pins went to Geoff Dickinson, Michael Dige (2), Brad Dippie, Lee
Casy (2), Cully Monks and Harry Riley.
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Oyston tops at Khao Kheow
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society played a stableford competition
at Khao Kheow over the B and C nines on Monday, 11th April. The course was
in fine condition but for some reason the greens were the slowest they had
been for many months.
The two flights were cut at seventeen and under and the
top flight played from the yellow tees with Phil Knight and Jean Morel
sharing third place with very mediocre scores of 27 points each. In second
was Ray Jackson on 31 and the flight winner was Wichai Tananusorn with 33
points. He is in such splendid form at present that one has to look a long
way to find his match.
In the second flight, playing from the white tees, Gordon
Everingham shaded third place with 34 points, two behind Steve Durey’s 36
points return. The flight winner, with the best points score of the day,
thirty eight, was rookie winner Adam Oyston.
Khun Wichai and Gordon Everingham took the ‘2’s pot in
their respective flights and Mal Russell was awarded the Booby Bevy after a
lacklustre performance on his final appearance this trip.
There was a sting in the tail for Adam as he was later
asked to contribute to the tea fund for the boys in brown after foolishly
leaving his driving licence at home. As if it would have mattered anyway.
Good job he had topped his flight at Khao Kheow!
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Paul Hartley tops the week
IPGC golf from The Haven
Sunday, April 10, Green
Valley - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Mark Armstrong (26) 34pts
2nd Wes Radomijc (15) 32pts
3rd
Joe McArdle (12) 31pts
Once again there was another small turnout requiring just
one division, and with scoring at a premium two under handicap resulted in a
win for Mark Armstrong as he struggled with a seriously infected leg
following a minor scrape that was then left unattended, but he hung on to
grab the win ahead of Wes Radomijc playing his first time with the group.
Russell
Gilroy.
Joe McArdle battled round to take all the money in his
playing group, which is not an unusual occurrence, and also take third place
with a less than sparkling performance, but one that was well worthwhile.
There were no 2’s which was not surprising on a day when
the birdies had definitely flown the coop.
With the poor scores carded it was no surprise to find
that the CSS for the day went out to 75 and became non counting for upward
review but resulted in Mark Armstrong’s two over becoming a one under and
earned him a one shot cut in handicap for the next week’s competitions.
The presentations were conducted and overseen by Russell
Exley as usual at the Golf Centre Bar on the course, with amiable hosts John
and Geoff assisted by their lovely staff, taking excellent care of the
golfers.
Monday, April 11, Bangpra
- Stableford
CSS 71
1st Russell Gilroy (14) 35pts
2nd Al Rolnik (22) 35pts
3rd Rod Crosswell (13) 34pts
4th Trevor Schirmer (14) 34pts
5th
Shuichi Kodaka (16) 32pts
There seems to be no holding back Russell Gilroy, even
following a three stroke reduction in handicap he was still able to play
just one over the new level and even bettered it on the inward nine to win
the count-back over Al Rolnik with a better 20 to 18. Russell’s good score
came in spite of him missing out with two zeros on two of the par fives
which would normally have netted him at least five points.
Paul
Hartley.
Although losing out this time it would appear that Al
Rolnik’s long layoff from golfing activities and the subsequent loss of form
and rise in handicap is soon to be reversed if another solid round is any
indication.
Rod Crosswell again showed strongly until a few
aberrations on the back nine sent his card into a tailspin, but he still he
managed to take the count-back over Trevor Schirmer with a better 17 to 16
score, mostly scored on the first six holes of the nine after Trevor closed
out with two blobs on the nine.
Shuichi Kodaka knocked in the only 2 in the second
division and Rod Crosswell had the lone one in the first division as they
cleaned up in their respective divisions.
Before the presentations Terry Hodgkiss was welcomed back
to join the other members of the Gosnell’s Golf Club currently on tour in
Pattaya.
Wednesday, April 13, The
Emerald - Stableford
CSS 71
1st Paul Hartley (19) 38pts
2nd Rod Crosswell (13) 36pts
3rd Rod Howett (23) 28pts
4th
Russell Gilroy (14) 28pts
Paul Hartley had a day when the drives went mostly
straight and resulted as usual, when Paul gets it right, with a very tidy
card that was good enough to take the day’s top spot and also finished as
the week’s best winning score. He took advantage of a much reduced field
with many still cowering under the covers in the dry as the first official
day of Songkran kicked off in Pattaya. The management of Emerald did their
best to encourage golfers to play by offering a nominally increase of 100
baht for the public holiday but perhaps the lack of notice or the fear of a
long and arduous return after golf resulted in far fewer players than would
usually be expected at this very popular course.
Rod Crosswell did just enough to keep his handicap intact
for the week and still slipped into second place with a very good level par
round, with Rod Howett just edging out the usual suspect for third with a
better 10 to 9 over the last six count-back after tying the nine at 13 a
piece with Russell Gilroy.
In keeping with the difficulty of the course there were
no 2’s in either division.
Back at The Haven Jon Jason was welcomed a s a new member
prior to the presentations.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group you
can contact mobile 084 782 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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Steady Pilkington takes the honours
PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society
Tony Duthie
Monday, April 11, Pattana
- Stableford
I was travelling home in a songteaw along Second Road
near big C at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, when two large buckets of iced
water were thrown into it from one of the bars, soaking everyone onboard.
Officially Songkran starts in Pattaya on the 17th but here they just seem to
start earlier and earlier every year, much to the majority’s annoyance.
Monday’s top two, Alan Pilkington and Alan Griffiths.
Only one outing for us this past week as I, and most of
the sensible people living in Pattaya, just wanted to get away from the
madness here over Songkran and stay somewhere were the festival is enjoyable
and not dangerous.
Monday’s golf venue was at Pattana where we were conned
into taking their ‘special offer’ of the day, I.e. having a buggy at a cost
of only 250 baht, but only to find soon after that the course was so wet we
could not go onto the fairways with them. There was absolutely no run on the
ball so the course played very long and hence only one player (Alan
Pilkington) managed to play to his handicap. Alan Griffiths took second and
Richard Line lost out for third place on a 16-14 count back to Nicky Clow.
Near pins went to Billy Vickers, Alan Griffiths (2) and
yours truly.
1st Alan Pilkington (8) 36pts
2nd Alan Griffiths (11) 34pts
3rd
Nicky Clow (27) 32pts
Note: The Fairways Driving Range and Golf Society
is situated at the top of Pattaya Klang on Sukhumvit road and plays every.
Sun/Mon/Wed & Fri. Anyone wishing to play with our society can call into the
club house and put their names down on the lists provided or call Scott on
084 389 2379. Transport provided if required.
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No wuckers for Buckers
PSC golf from The Cafe’ Kronborg
The Drut
Monday, April 11,
Plutaluang - Stableford
A baker’s dozen of golfers headed out in anticipation of
an enjoyable day’s golf at Plutaluang and were not disappointed. Playing the
West and North nines from the white markers the first group completed the
round in four and a half hours. The weather was pleasant, the course very
good, and the greens excellent.
In the leading group a keenly contested battle between
Graham Buckingham and Andre Vandyk for line honours resulted in the former
prevailing. On the fifteenth tee with scores close Andre commented that it’s
not over until the rotund lady warms up the vocal chords. Graham responded
with “well zip up your corset darling because you’re on next.”
With only one flight today Graham Buckingham took first
place with thirty eight points whilst Jon Haugen handed in thirty six points
for second. Andre Vandyk scored thirty five for third whilst Ken Bernek on
thirty two was fourth and Mike Gosden on thirty one points gained a podium
finish.
We welcomed Wendy Bernek from a day off work and Liam
Duangsi.
1st Graham Buckingham (24) 38pts
2nd John Haugen (9) 36pts
3rd Andre Vandyk (17) 35pts
4th Ken Bernek (18) 32pts
5th
Mike Gosden (10) 31pts
The ‘Coveted Compass Cap’ went to Ted Morris whose scores
are improving with every outing which is great to see. Deefa the Dog
meanwhile was on hand to accept donations for charity and once again
contributors are acknowledged by the scribe.
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