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Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Somrit, Tue,
Allan, Aht, Antero & La.
Lots of 200 games and some pretty good overall bowling
this week resulted in part to three matches ending in two-two splits.
La Montgomery bowled a 221 game and 568 series to lead
first place Indiana to a two-two split against Green Tree. Noodle Russell
led Green Tree with a 516 series.
Second place Bavaria split their match with Brother D
with Antero Ronkainen leading the way with a 201 game, 545 series and Rich
Murphy had a 529. Ralph bowled a 529 series and Sue Murphy had a 512 for
Brother D.
Canada and VFW Post 9876 also got two points each with
Tue Pettae leading Canada with a 201 game and 515 series. Ooy Pluemkamon
bowled below her handicap with a 501 but was best for VFW.
Tea Party bowling without their Captain Joe who went home
not feeling well won three points from Caf้ Kronborg. Pao Orawan led Tea
Party with an even 500 series and Yeow had a 526 for Kronborg.
Spare bowlers did well on this day as Aht Johansson
bowled a 202 game, 524 series, Allan had a 207 game, 527 series, Brand
bowled a 511 series and Somrit had a 202 game and 513 series.
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Golfers take the fight to Mountain Shadow at PSC Monthly
The flight
winners at the 111th PSC monthly golf tournament.
Report Nigel Cannon/
Photos William Macey
Friday, November 18 -
Mountain Shadow
The one hundred and seven PSC members who played in this
month’s competition, the 111th edition, made their way
to Mountain Shadow to be greeted by Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham and Social
Chairman Nigel Cannon for registration prior to starting their rounds on a
great course, and thanks to sensible management the course was ‘ours’.
Mountain Shadow has always been a challenging course,
however many today met that challenge head on. Jon Dean (H/cap 10) came in
with the low gross of 77 to take the first prize.
Mike & Ning - happy to be
here!
In the ‘A’ Flight – playing stroke play from the blue
tees – it was tight at the top with Steve Snelgrove (5) and Mike Morris (11)
both having net 74’s with Steve getting the nod on count back, while Jeff
Wylie (5) was a creditable third with net 75.
In the Stableford flights all the winners beat their
handicap; ‘B’ Mashi Kaneta (13) 39 points, ‘C’ Gerry Hughes (21) 42 points
and ‘D’ Mick O’Connor (22) 44 points.
Just 8 Ladies played today and 5 of them won a prize!
Barbro Spets (29) led the Ladies Flight with 34 points and the runner-up
just a point back was Ning Morris (17) with 33.
All rounds were completed in a little over 4 hours and
whilst Joe, Bob and Nigel checked the cards it was time a shower before
returning to Pattaya.
At Lewiinski’s once again the buffet was excellent with
service to match. Prior to the presentation Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham
expressed his appreciation to all of today’s competitors.
Brian Gabe (left) was glad he
bought a ticket as he accepts the 50/50 prize from PSC Golf Chairman, Joe
Mooneyham.
On to the presentation of the prizes announced as usual
by Nigel Cannon – followed by the ‘lucky draw’ where many were lucky.
However one very lucky man was Brian Gabe who had his number drawn by Joe to
win the 50/50 draw.
The 112th PSC tournament will be held at The Emerald Golf
Course on Friday 16th December – sign-up at the PSC Clubhouse.
Sim & Paul keep an eye on
Colin.
Low Gross
1st John Dean (10) 77
A Flight
1st Steve Snelgrove (5) net 74
2nd Mike Morris (11) net 74
3rd Jeff Wylie (5) net 75
B Flight
1st Mashie Kaneta (13) 39pts
2nd Matt Doyle (14) 37pts
3rd Reg McKay (14) 36pts
Barbro, “I did it!”
C Flight
1st Gerry Hughes (21) 42pts
2nd Jim Federspiel (18) 39pts
3rd Gary Emmett (17) 35pts
D Flight
1st Mick O’Connor (22) 44pts
2nd John Sheppard (25) 37pts
3rd Bob Linborg (22) 37pts
“Cheers PSC!”
Ladies
1st Barbro Spets (29) 34pts
2nd Ning Morris (17) 33pts
Near Pins: (Men) Jeff Wylie (2), Brad Spoxton,
Pierre Bietry, Ivan Plunkett (2), Karsten Kristensen, Reg McKay, Staffan
Lyrestam, Jimmy Fraser, Tore Eliassen, John Walsh, Dave Richardson, Cliff
Wenzel, Brian Gabe, Tony Geeland. (Ladies) Bibbi Wimmerstedt, Ning Morris
Long Drives: (Men) Jon Dean, Reg McKay, Ken
Bernek, William Major. (Ladies) Noi Emmerson.
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Cannon fires again
at Pattaya Country Club
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Dave Richardson, Elias
Magnusson & Martyn Topham.
Peter Blackburn
Monday,
November 14,
Treasure Hill – Stableford
Yet another beautiful Pattaya morning saw 33 golfers
assemble at Caf้ Kronborg ready to take on the challenging Treasure Hill
layout. We welcomed Annie & Tage Anderson from Denmark, Larrina Brinn from
Holland and Frank Donnelly from Qld., Australia.
Mike Gosden was running just a touch late due to his
media commitments but we managed to depart the Kronny right on schedule at
0815 hrs, arriving at the course 45 minutes later. The car park at Treasure
Hill was fairly empty, which is generally a good sign for us and after a
short wait we were able to get our first group away at 0930 hrs.
The weather was great but hot at times but there was a
stiff breeze early on to cool things down a bit. The golf course was looking
quite good although many of the tee boxes were temporary and in spots we’d
never seen them before, making some tee shots a little bit tricky. If you
happened to face a downhill putt on the greens as I did several times then
you had to be extremely careful as they were very slick indeed. We were
never held up at any stage of our round which was completed in four hours
and thirty minutes which included a couple of lengthy drink stops.
We had 2 flights with A Flight for handicaps 0 to 23 and
B Flight for 24 and over. There were rewards for nearest the pin on all four
par threes and longest first putts on the ninth & eighteenth.
Nigel Cannon (right) receives
his Cafe Kronborg November Monthly Mug from The Admiral.
The course was the real winner on the day as only one
golfer played to their handicap or better and that was Martyn Topham who won
the B Flight with 38 points. The A Flight was won by Elias Magnusson with 34
points and in a four-way count back for the next 4 places; Mike Gosden (19
point back nine) finished second, Mike Allidi (17 point back nine) was
third, Jan Lovgreen (16 point back nine with 9 points for last 6 holes) was
fourth and Kjeld Ravn (16 point back nine with 8 points for last 6 holes)
finished in fifth place.
Gordon Clegg took second spot in B Flight with 35 points
and Sussanne Gaarde was third with 34 points. Dave “The Admiral” Richardson
finished in fourth place with Annie Barril fifth on 32 points.
A Flight (0-23)
1st Elias Magnusson (19) 34pts
2nd Mike Gosden (10) 33pts
3rd Mike Allidi (0) 33pts
4th Jan Lovgreen (23) 33pts
5th Kjeld Ravn (23) 33pts
B Flight (24+)
1st Martyn Topham (31) 38pts
2nd Gordon Clegg (28) 35pts
3rd Sussanne Gaarde (30) 34pts
4th Dave Richardson (26) 33pts
5th Annie Barril (28) 32pts
Near Pins: #2 Ronnie Ratte; #6 Annie Barril; #13
Maurice Herbergs; #17 Mike Gosden
Long Putts: #9 Mike Allidi; #18 Svend Gaarde
The Compass Cap was well won by Dick Braimbridge and
Deefa the Dog was present to collect lots of donations to charity from the
Kronny Crew.
Thursday,
November 17, Pattaya C.C. – Monthly Mug/Stroke
There was a full field of 32 golfers once again signed up
for a chance to compete for the coveted Caf้ Kronborg Monthly Mug and we
assembled at the Kronny bright & early ready for the short ride to Pattaya
Country Club. We welcomed Patrick Poussier from France and Nigel Cannon back
to defend his title from last month.
Departing just a couple of minutes early at 0813 hrs in
three mini vans we were at the course in a blink of an eye to find the car
park quite well occupied and sure enough it was soon evident that we would
have a fair wait before getting the day’s proceedings underway. Despite this
we were able to get our first group away 15 minutes ahead of schedule at
0950 hrs in perfect conditions for golf with the course looking in fine
shape.
I can personally comment on the state of the bunkers and
the greens as I spent plenty of time in and on both of them. The greens in
particular appeared unusually quick and once more being above the hole was
the order of the day otherwise three putts were the norm.
The groups in front did not hold us up at all and we
managed to complete our full round in four hours and twenty five minutes
which included several stops for drinks. Everyone appeared to struggle on
the day as nobody managed to play better than 2 points off their handicaps
and I believe the slickness of the greens was a major reason for that.
In addition to the Monthly Mug Award we had 2 flights
with A Flight for handicaps 0 to 22 and B Flight for 23 and over. There were
rewards for nearest the pin on all four par threes and longest first putts
on the ninth & eighteenth.
There was a four-way count back necessary to decide the
winner of the Mug and last month’s winner Nigel Cannon emerged victorious
with a net 74. The winner of A Flight was Mike Winfield also with net 74 and
Mike Allidi finished second with net 75. Another count back was required to
decide third & fourth with Mike Gosden edging out Leif Kirkgaard and Takeshi
Hakozaki was the one who just missed out, all three carding net 76.
Gordon Clegg won the B Flight in another count back with
J C Lhoste finishing in second place, both on net 74 and yet another count
back enabled Ronnie Ratte to finish third from Laurina Brinn in fourth spot,
both with net 75
Monthly Mug
1st Nigel Cannon (24) net 74
A Flight (0-22)
1st Mike Winfield (20) net 74
2nd Mike Allidi (0) net 75
3rd Mike Gosden (10) net 76
4th Leif Kirkgaard (19) net 76
B Flight (23+)
1st Gordon Clegg (28) net 74
2nd J C Lhoste (24) net 74
3rd Ronnie Ratte (27) net 75
4th Laurina Brinn (23) net 75
Near Pins: #5 Annie Barril; #7 Patrick Poussier;
#12 Takeshi Hakozaki; #16 Mike Allidi
Long Putts: #9 Takeshi Hakozaki; #18 Jan Lovgreen
The Compass Cap was won by Ulla Ravn, and Mike Gosden
paraded Deefa the Dog who collected lots of donations to charity from the
Kronny Crew.
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Hot Bunn takes a double helping
Travellers Rest Golf Group
Saturday winners David, Ed, Richard, Jim, Brett,
AJ, & Geoff.
Tim Dalton.
This week we bade a fond farewell to our very popular
member Jeff Bunn who has returned home for the winter. Jeff certainly signed
off in some style winning 2 out of his 3 competitions and finishing just
outside the points for his third. We all look forward to his return and will
be happy to review his handicap in the New Year.
This week was probably our best ever week in terms of
numbers, with 3 minibuses and a convoy of private cars leaving the
Travellers each day. Sadly for me however my highlight of the week was
finishing runner up in the pool comp on Thursday night, so a much needed
trip to the range is in order.
Monday,
November 14, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Div 1
1st Jeff Bunn (09) 37pts
2nd Ian Bell (06) 36pts
3rd Mike Sanders (05) 32pts
Div 2
1st Frank Hughes (17) 33pts
2nd Simon Tapster (16) 30pts
3rd Phil Battah (13) 30pts
Monday saw an impressive field of 25 players take on
Mountain Shadow. Division 1 winner was Jeff Bunn with 37 points, with Frank
Hughes heading Div 2 with 33.
Tuesday,
November 15,
Greenwood - Stableford
Div 1
1st Jeff Bunn (09) 40pts
2nd Larry Simpson (11) 34pts
3rd Mike Rushant (12) 34pts
Div 2
1st Jim Cleaver (13) 39pts
2nd Jim McNeill (16) 38pts
3rd Jimmy Wolfe (17) 37pts
On Tuesday we headed to Greenwood, which is now looking
in great shape just in time for the High Season, and once again Jeff was
victorious with a great score of 40 points in Div 1, with Jim Cleaver
cooking up a great score of 39 to lead Div 2.
Thursday,
November 17,
Phoenix - Stableford
Overall
1st Stewart Booth (13) 40pts
Div 1
1st Jon Dean (10) 38pts
2nd Len Commons (09) 37pts
3rd David Hutchinson (0) 36pts
Div 2
1st Jack McNamara (19) 40pts
2nd Steve Smith (21) 38pts
3rd Brett Arnold (15) 35pts
Our regular Thursday trip to Phoenix saw our biggest
field of the year so far take on Lakes & Oceans, where we had an overall
winner Stewart Booth on 40 points, with Div 1 won by Jon Dean, and Div 2 by
Jack McNamara.
Saturday,
November 19,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
Finally Saturday saw us go to Crystal Bay, where I had
the pleasure of playing the B course for the first time, and I must say it
is probably my favourite 9 holes in Pattaya. David Booth scored an
impressive 37 points to win Div 1, with Brett Arnold winning Div 2 with an
even better 38 points.
Div 1
1st David Booth (13) 37pts
2nd Ed Brubaker (12) 36pts
3rd Noel Pittard (06) 36pts
4th Jim Cleaver (12) 35pts
Div 2
1st Brett Arnold (15) 38pts
2nd Richard Moore (20) 37pts
3rd Geoff Beckett (29) 36pts
4th Arnold Jones (16) 35pts
For more information, visit our website www.trgg.biz or
call 038 422 525. You can find us on Soi LK Metro where a warm welcome will
be given to golfers and non golfers alike.
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Slow, slow, quick, quick... Joe
Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The winning team (from left)
Shane Ruddle, Richard Hurley, Russell Exley & Jon Lay.
The week began for the Pattaya Golf Society with a trip
to Eastern Star to play a stableford competition, in two flights cut at
eighteen and under. The day was bright and warm and the course was still
soft in parts after recent saturations whilst the greens still retained a
little pace. Some erratic cutting just off the fairways made for problems
however.
Once again scores were low across the field and in the
second flight Kevin Dinan managed 25 points which gave him third. In second
place was Booby Shirkey with 27 points and the winner was Benny Hansen with
a respectable 35 points.
In the top flight “Banjo” Bannister recorded a steady 32
points for third place, a few behind Haru Kato’s excellent best gross which
gave him 35 points. The winner after a very slow start was Joe Niisato. Joe
had struggled to only fourteen points from the front nine but then shot into
overdrive with a back nine which saw him record only two over “off the
sticks”. Thus he collected twenty five more points to add to his front nine
giving him 39 for the day.
Joe’s cause was also helped by the only birdie ‘2’ of the
day, on the seventeenth. The Booby Bevy was not awarded and held over until
the next round.
What is it about Eastern Star these days? Good scores are
increasingly hard to get and only the occasional “purple patch” saves
golfers’ blushes.
Thorne heads in the right
direction at last
On Wednesday, 16th November, the Pattaya Golf Society
visited Pattaya C.C. for a sneak preview of the course which was to host the
group’s Annual Scramble only two days later. The large field was comprised
of two flights, cut at seventeen and under and a bright warm day offered the
best of conditions for the field.
The major surprise was the speed of the greens. No-one
could remember them as hard and fast as they were this day and the occasion
proved to be a sharp learning curve for those involved later in the week.
In the second flight Mr Len used the adrenalin which
accompanies the administration duties to return a level par score of 36
points for third place, a couple of points behind the joint winners Jean
Morel and Alan Duckett who both returned 38 points.
The top flight saw a tighter contest with Paul Blackshaw
posting 37 points for third place and Frank Hughes going one better with 38
points for second place. The winner, on forty points, was Tony Thorne, for
whom most of the last twelve months has been a nightmare on the golf course
but the signs are there that a renaissance may be around the corner as this
round followed another forty-plus round the previous week.
There were two birdie ‘2’s in the second flight with both
Mr Len and Bernt Dubland enjoying success on the twelfth hole and the Booby
Bevy went to Willie Barber for his birdie ‘2’, also on the twelfth, whilst
scoring a qualification card for an IPGC handicap. As Willie was later
reminded “You gotta be in it to win it”.
The course had given an excellent insight into the
conditions for the upcoming Scramble and no doubt some valuable lessons had
been learnt.
Fairways pushed all the
way at PGS Annual Charity Scramble
The Pattaya Golf Society held its Annual Scramble on
Friday, 18th November, once again this year in aid of the Fr Ray Foundation
Outreach Center on Soi Thepprasit. The event was held at Pattaya C.C. which
is currently in good condition with greens as fast as anywhere at present
and fine weather meant the day was destined to be a good one for the fifteen
teams of four golfers.
Scrambles are infinitely “fun” days and the introduction
of a free “mulligan” for every golfer meant that the trepidation of that
first drive, duffed chip and “too early in the round “ birdie putt was
easily dispelled.
A hastily assembled team only twelve hours before tee off
managed to blend well as Alan Walker, Stuart Moulton, Tim and Prom Trafford
scored net 56.4 for fourth place. In third was the in-house favourite
outfit, the “Defending Champions”, made up of Wichai Tananusorn, “Banjo”
Bannister, Larry Slattery and Jim Ferris who this time recorded net 56.1.
A long way ahead in scramble terms was the surprise team
of the day, the “Boss’s Bandits”, who benefitted from having the highest
handicap in the event and they recorded a bogey free round of net 54.9 for
second place. Mr Len had picked his team well with Paul Blackshaw and Dave
Milne firing on all cylinders and Bryan Barrell providing an excellent
back-up service when the others faltered.
The winning team of Shane Ruddle, Russell Exley, Richard
Hurley and Jon Lay played a round of consummate skill with fifteen birdies
giving them net 54.1. It was a PGS scramble record and any team beating that
in a future event will surely have to be at their peak of their game.
Back in Rabbi’s Elephant Bar the presentation began with
everyone pausing to remember their dear friend Roy Thornton who had recently
sadly passed away. There was an ironic poignancy as Roy was a previous
winner with his “Birdie Boys” team.
Technical prizes were won by Jean Morel, Trevor Schirmer,
Robbie Taylor and Stuart Moulton on the par threes with Barry Winton taking
two for the accuracy of his irons on the third and seventeenth holes.
Hosts Rabbi and Khun Peung had provided an excellent
buffet and Mr Len warmly thanked them and recognised the stirling efforts of
Russell Exley and Stephen Beard in drumming up support for the event. A
special word of thanks went to Mary Jones and Phen Ratchakit for their
registration and recording duties and Phen, wearing her other hat as
Administrative Officer for the Outreach Center, thanked the golfers for
their wonderful support all year of her project which saw thirty thousand
baht raised on the day for the underprivileged kids in her care.
In many ways it was by far the best of the twelve PGS
Scrambles organised so far. Thank you Pattaya golfers, we’ll certainly be
back next year with more fun.
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Neville enjoys his day at Emerald
The Backyard Golf Society
Friday’s winner Neville
outside Kisses Bar.
For the second week in a row there was a good turnout for
the Backyard Golf Society at Emerald Golf Course. Nine players of which
eight were in all competitions made for a very pleasant round of golf on our
Friday day out, November 18.
We welcomed back Micky but unfortunately it was the last
round of the year for Bob G and Andy Oz who are both going to be missed but
for very different reasons!
Neville beat out Andy Oz by 1 point for the game and he
also took the nearest the pin and (9) skins so a very successful day for the
Aussie contingent who then proceeded to get hammered down the road. Other
skin winners were as follows: Bob G (5), JJ (3), Andy Oz (1).
We can now look forward to a quiet few weeks as Oz has promised he will
stay away for two months.
Rush breaks his duck at Bangpra
PSC golf from The Caddyshack
Roger Rush celebrates his
first win with The Caddyshack at Bangpra on Friday.
Monday,
November 14,
Pleasant Valley – Stableford
1st Gary Lunn (13) 34pts
2nd Vincent Smyth (13) 34pts
3rd Roger Rush (18) 33pts
2’s: Ramsay Smith, Jim McGovern
Gary Lunn garnered a count back verdict over Vincent
Smyth to claim top honours at Pleasant Valley on Monday after both players
finished tied on 34 points each. Roger Rush claimed third a further point
back.
Wednesday,
November 16, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ted Gardner (8) 39pts
2nd Tony Oakes (9) 38pts
3rd Paul Walia (13) 36pts
B Flight
1st Bernard Channing (19) 41pts
2nd Les Charles (22) 35pts
3rd Roger Rush (18) 34pts
Some fine scores at Green Valley on Wednesday with
Bernard Channing recording the best of the day, a fine 41 point haul for
first place in B Flight. Ted Gardner posted another good tally of 39 points
to take out the premier flight.
Friday, November 18,
Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim McGovern (13) 39pts
2nd Mike Phillips (10) 37pts
B Flight
1st Roger Rush (18) 37pts
2nd Ramsay Smith (18) 34pts
Jim McGovern led the way home in A Flight at Bangpra with
a three under par 39 points to finish ahead of Mike Phillips. Roger Rush
claimed the top spot in B Flight with 37 while Ramsay Smith was second on
34.
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French connection
and the Irish ‘Ace’
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society
Medal winner Michel
Gonnett.
Sunday, November 13,
Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Thierry Petrement (12) net
68
2nd Peter LeNoury (8) net 70
3rd Jack Grindvold (4) net 70
B Flight
1st Michel Laurent-Gonnett (16) net 68
2nd Bill Peach (23) net 69
3rd Jim Elphick (25) net 69
Low Gross
Jack Grindvold
Red Flight
1st Mike Craighead
Near Pins: No 4 Bill Peach; No 9 Ian
Halfpenny; No 12 Francis Goyons; No 16 Peter Lenoury.
Two advance to the gold and on to the wall and off
with the Lewiinski’s engraved lead whiskey glass plus a bottle of
Jameson’s. Frenchman monsieur Michel Laurent-Gonnett carded a best of
the day net 67 and trailing in his wake were Bill Peach and Jimmy ‘two
shots’ Elphick two strokes adrift. Bill Peach prevailed on the dreaded
count back over Jim.
Peter Henshaw celebrates
his hole in one.
The French also supplied the winner in the top flight
as Thierry Petremont (Vive la France) posted a flight winning net 68.
Likewise with what seemed to be the requirement of the day, the second
and third places needed the aid of a count back with Jack Grindvold and
the red hot Peter LeNoury locked together on net 70’s. Peter, playing
the best golf of his stellar Pattaya career, just edged Jack. Peter’s
last nine rounds of golf played on four different courses have averaged
out at 78.6 per round - very impressive.
Jack, not to be outdone, won the low gross trophy.
The big story of the day in the red flight was the
fine performance of one of our most senior members, Mike ‘the mechanic’
Craighead’s seventh non-transferable application to play the year end
Gold Medal. Mike achieved this feat with a net 76. The fact that he was
the only one in the flight should not denigrate the achievement - he
could have NR’d. Regrettably he had neither a Red 2 nor a Red near pin..
Mike got to keep his lead crystal champagne flute to
add to his collection, and his entrance fee back but the Donkey put the
wine back in the cooler. As our regular readers know, Michel joins Mike
in the gold medal later in the year.
Monday,
November 14,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Kevin Mcentee (7) 38pts
2nd Andrew Byrne (12) 35pts
B Flight
1st Esseth Morten (17) 36pts
2nd Michel Goggin (17) 30pts
The rumors that the Co. Offaly gang is a spent force
was quickly dispelled as gang leader Kevin Mcentee finally made it to
the top. He was also the only player to better par posting a solid 38
points. Just to press home the point Kevin was followed in by his good
friend and gang member Andy Byrne just three strokes back.
The junior bunch was won by Morten Esseth with an
excellent even par round. Michel Goggin was to say the least very
surprised to find his 30 points took the silver which rounded out the
flight
Three of the regular society members pleaded their
case to go out early as they had business elsewhere later in the day. It
was a pity they did not leave a note on the tee box as they played off
the wrong tee, but they enjoyed the walk all the same. This was nearly
an all-Irish affair but it did contain a Welshman.
Flight winners Kevin and Morten added a ‘2’ apiece to
their pay packets.
Wednesday,
November 16,
St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Andrew Byrne (12) 44pts
2nd Liam McGuinness (15) 41pts
3rd Doyle Connor (15) 40pts
4th Nigel Bennett (12) 39pts
B Flight
1st Bob Fagan (19) 38pts
2nd Michel Laurent-Gonnett (16)
37pts
3rd Brian Cooper (24) 35pts
4th Tom Gorey (22) 34pts
If not the card of the day certainly the shot of the
day belonged to Peter ‘Don Corleone’ Henshaw as he ‘aced’ the very
difficult fifth par three hole; thank goodness he was playing off the
right tees.
Well it needed to be affirmed. Andy Byrne showed why
he deserves to be known as one of the top Co. Offaly gang’s hit men as
he mastered one of, if not the toughest courses on the Eastern Seaboard,
with an incredible 44 points. This gave Andy the senior flight and man
of the mach titles along with a healthy handicap adjustment.
Andy’s top score was three clear of fellow Irishman
Big Liam McGuinness and good friend Connor Doyle. Guess where he hails
from? A further podium place was added because of the big turnout and
this was filled by Nigel Bennett, with a very good 39 points.
B Flight was the quiet flight of the day but Bob
Fagan wasn’t complaining as he knocked off a first top spot this stay in
the land of chuckles. His solid 38 points were one clear of Sunday’s
maestro Michel Laurent-Gonnett, a further two from Brian ‘Minnie’
Cooper, and a further stroke from Tom Gorey.
Spare a thought if you will for Michel Prideaux who
was as happy as Larry thinking he had the only 2 of the day and indeed
he had, what he did not realize was that Peter’s ace claimed the lot!
Back at Lewiinski’s it was party time, as the famous
Irish Dirty Dozen joined in the proceedings.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land
Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to
play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on
089 826 0764. Transport is provided.
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Hanscombe holds on for count back win
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Bob Newell
Monday,
November 14, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Nick Hanscombe (12) 36pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (15) 36pts
3rd Mark Reid (9) 35pts
4th Peter Larsson (12) 34pts
A swirling and unpredictable wind caused our boys all
sorts of trouble today, as reflected in the scores returned. Normally a
score in the high 30’s is required to even get in the places, in fact last
week the winning score was a whopping 11 points better! So it was a case of
who could control their wind.
Thirty two was a very popular score today with no fewer
than 7 guys posting that. Amongst them were a couple of in-form players;
Peter LeNoury and Henry ‘burglar’ O’Brien. Pretty steady on the day boys but
not quite good enough. Nice to see an old, smiley face out there making a
rare appearance, Ray Dell, but, unfortunately, he too couldn’t make an
impact on the day.
Brad Gearie literally flew in for the start of his
vacation. Brad’s an airline pilot from Oz and a top fellow to boot and,
although he put his flaps down and waggled his joystick furiously, he could
only muster 30.
Peter Larsson grabbed 4th spot with
a solid 34 points but, even if he hadn’t placed, he surely would have to
have had some kind of prize. Despite my advice he actually volunteered to
play alongside Peter Hynard. I cant believe there’s anyone who doesn’t know
him but just in case; in Peters eyes he’s a suave and sophisticated wit and
raconteur whereas in reality he’s more like a cross between Herman the
German, Harold Steptoe and Worzel Gummidge! So our Scandanavian friend
deserved some reward, even though he did look a little shell-shocked at the
end. Peter, by the way, continued with his atrocious golf with a 26 point
tally.
Mark ‘H2O’ Reid looked liked he’d shot 120 when he walked
off when, in actual fact, he had a 35 point haul and missed out by only 1,
taking third. Wouldn’t like to play him at poker! ‘Mighty’ Joe Mooneyham,
last week’s run-away winner lost out on count back this week with 36/18. Our
top spot belonged to Nick ‘horizontal’ Hanscombe with 36/21.
Regular readers will know I have a penchant for putting
little nick-names in (some guys have 5 or 6 different ones alone) and Nick’s
comes from a certain laid back quality and I do mean laid back. He sometimes
has to be gently reminded that the bus is leaving, that he has inadvertently
not paid his comp money or even pointed to face the correct way down the
fairway but he’s never far away when it comes to the shake-up. A great 3
over gross on the back settled the issue today an earned him top dog status.
Wednesday,
November 16, Treasure Hill - Stableford
1st Stu Carr (24) 36pts
2nd Jari Lindstrom (14) 33pts
3rd Bob Newell (7) 33pts
There’s gold in them there hills alright but it sure
isn’t easy to find. Even with a couple of tees pushed forward whilst the new
ones are being built, this is a seriously tough challenge.
Then, you might ask, why do guys risk making it tougher
by failing to do a bit of simple arithmetic correctly? I’ve almost got used
to what passes as scorecards out here that would just be automatic DQ’s at
home, no names, no handicaps, ineligible scrawl, cards signed at the
beginning (I’m told it saves time!!) but to mark down the wrong points and
then to add them up wrongly as well and, unbelievably, find that the marker
has screwed his up too is baffling.
A few weeks ago on a 27 hole course with the 3 nines
indexed 1-9, I swear it would have been easier explaining quantum physics in
Russian than trying to get through to some about where they took their
shots! Knowing I had completely lost a couple with my convoluted explanation
(‘for odd handicaps, take your extra shot on the longer nine’ tricky, eh?) a
quick check revealed one of the cards was wrong by six points!
Guys, Stableford scoring is not difficult and adding up
is even easier!
Maybe I should have had one of these guys marking my card
yesterday because after a cracking 20 point front nine my mathematics let me
down completely and I just couldn’t make it any more than 13 on the back and
so I lost out to one of our new boys from Finland, Jari Lindstrom. Even with
a blob on the back Jari posted a very respectable 19 for a 33 total and
second place.
Behind him in the queue to pay, he looked a little
puzzled as he walked away, ‘what’s up mate?’I said, ‘yesterday 250 caddy,
today 300’, ‘oh, where was that?’, ‘here’ he said! T.I.T.
In first place with (is it 34, 35 or 36?) as it turned
out 36 points was one of our regulars of the last few weeks, Stu Carr. Stu
knocked together a nice round containing 6 pars and rightly gets top spot
and a copy of the new best seller ‘Stableford Made Easy’ by Stephen Hawkins.
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Bryce takes a shine to new clubs
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Friday podium placers (from
left): Mark McDonald, Dave Buchanan, Bryce Stick and Murray Hart.
Monday, November 14, Khao
Kheow - Stabelford
A relatively low turnout at Khao Kheow this week on what
was otherwise a busy course. 23 Outbackers lined up to do battle on the C &
B nines, with at the end of the day, the course once again being the victor
as only the returning Jon Kittilsen was able to match his handicap on this
tricky layout. He won Div B with his 36 points, the next best being Bob
Lindborg with just 30 and a pair of 29’s just behind.
Div A was won by the consistent Dennis Pelly, who also
leads the Big Mango Properties sponsored, monthly ‘best 6 cards tournament’
by quite some margin. Dave Buchanan also returned to the Outback today,
bringing with him his brother, Alan, playing with us for the first time.
Dave excelled on the first hole, C1, as he hit driver, eight iron through
the green on this opening par 5, before chipping his next shot in the hole
for his eagle!
Capt’ Bob remained in the wilderness with his game,
scoring a measly 27 points off nine as he continues to try to prove to the
General that his handicap should be increased!
There were only two ‘2’s, both on the Island Green (B8)
from Bob Lindborg & Bryce Stick.
Div A (0-16)
1st Dennis Pelly (11/10.9) 35pts
2nd Dave Buchanan (1) 34pts
3rd Murray Hart (14/12.9) 33pts
4th Bob St. Aubin (12/11.4) 30pts
Div B (17+)
1st Jon Kittilsen (22/Hi20.7) 36pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (20/18.8) 30pts
3rd Chris Thompson (25/23.8) 29pts
4th Clint Pingree (33/30.5) 29pts
Tuesday,
November 15, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Here remained as popular as ever with another excellent
turnout of 25 players but as with yesterday, proved that this course is no
pushover and should not be taken lightly. Turnip’s group, which includes
many who played here again today, found the course playing 3 shots tougher
than par, giving the Turnip himself a bit of a shock after being cut 0.3
with just 34 points.
Today was little better as Chad found himself being cut
0.4 for his Div A win with 35 points as the course again played harder than
par, this time by 2 shots. It’s not clear why, in what seems to be near
perfect conditions, the course is giving everybody such a hard time, maybe
it’s the slick greens or just the additional run from the generally firmer
lies.
Bryce Stick stood head and shoulders above the rest,
using his brand new set of clubs purchased at the Outback, for only the
second time to score 39 points, seven clear of course specialist, Nigel
Cannon on 32.
In the DeVere sponsored eclectic, Dennis (aka Turnip)
maintained his lead with 53 points, ahead of John Cogan (51) and Chad (50).
There were no ‘2’s recorded.
Div A (0–17)
1st Barry Chadbourn (17/18.6) 35pts
2nd Dennis Persson (14/15.6) 34pts
3rd Billy Fitzgerald (12/13) 33pts
4th Jack Moseley (14/14.9) 30pts
Div B (18+)
1st Bryce Stick (18/19) 39pts
2nd Nigel Cannon (21/21.6) 32pts
3rd Noy Kamsantia (23/22.2) 31pts
4th Ken Davidson (21/22.1) 31pts
Wednesday,
November 16, Burapha – Stabelford
The course played pretty straightforward (one shot easier
than par) for the 21 Outbackers out there on A & B from the long blues, in
what was ideal conditions. Mick Morrison (38pts), here on a flying visit,
carded the best score of the day in Div A, with Mark Bell, also a regular
visitor to the Outback, going well for his 36 points, to take second. The
day’s top score came from Chris Thompson with 40 points to take Div B from
Bob Lindborg in second with 36.
There were five ‘2’s from Neil Lavery on hole A3, Bryce
Stick & Pete Stonebridge (hole A6), Dave Buchanan (B3) and Andy Makara (B8).
Div A (0–19)
1st Mick Morrison (14/11.3) 38pts
2nd Mark Bell (13/10) 36pts
3rd Pete Stonebridge (19/15.2)
35pts
4th Neil Lavery (14/11) 35pts
Div B (20+)
1st Chris Thompson (29/23.9) 40pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (23/18.8) 36pts
3rd Geoff Williams (22/18.2) 35pts
4th Alan Buchanan (23/19.1) 35pts
Friday,
November 18, Green Valley – Stableford
Thirty Outbackers here at Green Valley today and quite a
number of new faces in Peter Jason and Mike Jackson as well as Mike Kavanagh
and Mick Indge (hope that’s spelt right). A big welcome to them and also to
the returning Rick Sinfield, Richard Steadman, John Locke, Barry Lewis, Paul
Sibley and Ian Humphrey.
A good pace of play with some excellent scoring,
particularly from Mark McDonald in Div A, with 73 off the stick for his 37
points off a handicap of 2 and Dave Buchanan with the same 73 gross, off his
handicap of +1 for his 34 points and the runner up spot.
Bryce Stick continued to shine with his new clubs,
scoring 41 points to take Div B by six from Ed Horrocks. Bryce contributed
his win to the lightweight putter that came with the new clubs, saying that
he just couldn’t miss with it.
There were four ‘2’s, two on hole 4 from Mark McDonald &
Murray Hart and two on hole 12 from Ed Horrocks and Rick Sinfield.
Div A (0–12)
1st Mark McDonald (2/3.2) 37pts
2nd Dave Buchanan (+1/1.1) 34pts
3rd Murray Hart (12/12.9) 34pts
4th Rick Sinfield (0/2) 32pts
Div B (13+)
1st Bryce Stick (17/17.4) 41pts
2nd Ed Horrocks (21/21.1) 35pts
3rd Jon Kittilson (20/19.9) 35pts
4th John Locke (16/15.9) 35pts
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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Cometh the hour - cometh Coffey
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group
Tuesday’s winners pose with
the staff at the Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
On a drop dead gorgeous day, November 15, we had clear
sunny sky with a good breeze to keep us all cool and we had our maximum
numbers allowable out this week. We try to keep to six groups, but had to
increase to 7 due to a couple of late signers. One of them was Chris Coffey,
and boy was he glad he decided to play at the last minute.
Chris has been persevering for the last couple of year to
get his game sorted. After a few lessons and plenty of practice we were all
very pleased for him today. At last he broke that 28 handicap barrier. His
official handicap is still in the 30’s, but I am sure it will come down
after today. Chris scored a superb 37 points playing off 28 (our maximum
allowed) to win the B Flight and the overall Nemo Music Lounge (Soi Diana)
voucher.
In second place in B Flight was Patrick Browne with 36
points and in joint third was John Bartley and Bob Neylon with 27 points
each.
In A Flight the winner was the man himself, Eamon
Murtagh, with 35 points. This was secured with a disgustingly incredible
long putt on the last. The pin was set in the worst place possible, but
Eamon’s putt found its way to the bottom of the cup somehow. It also halved
the little matchplay game we had as well.
In second place was that happy little chappie, Sandie
Duthie. with 34 points and joint third were Denis Dixon and yours truly with
33 points each.
Near pins went to your correspondent (with 2), David
Czernie and Jim Nielson.
Some of the guys had to leave early today which left more
players than prizes for the lucky draw after the main presentation. So with
the first drink free out of the days takings and everyone who returned to
the presentation receiving some sort of prize it turned out a completely
free day.
Our thanks go to our hosts Ung and Dieter and their staff
of the Relax Bar (Ban Am Phur) for their donations of the lucky draw prizes
and preferential rates for the first drinks.
Next week we are playing on the 29th November for the
very prestigious Trattoria Italiana voucher with a stroke play format.
For information regarding golf at Phoenix call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.
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Herbie’s strikes back
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Wednesday winner Herbie
Ishinage (left) with runner-up Janthorn Kunahay.
What a beautiful day for golf. There was a nice breeze at
the Pattaya Country Club this 16th of November. Not enough to influence the
flight of the balls but our golfers managed to send a few into the “wind”
regardless.
Fourteen of the Three Sisters group teed off beginning at
0630 hours (6:30 a.m.). One player went from a knee replacement to a walker
to a cane and nothing could hold him back. I speak of Herbie Ishinage who
today stroked a 37 pointer to take first place. Right on his tail, so to
speak, were Janthorn Kunahay and Arnold van de Graaf, both carding 36’s,
with Jan taking second place on the count back. Some of the normally big
hitters were just not on their game today.
Back at Caddy Shack II, Herbie provided snacks and both
fat and slender hot dogs with a variety of dressings.
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
The ladies gather at Noi’s for
the presentation.
Monday, November 14, Green
Valley – Stableford
Today was Noi Emmerson’s 2nd annual charity event in aid
of the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the blind and Jomtien Golf organised
the day for her. There were seven ladies out and 51 men in a three
divisional stableford competition with various technical prizes to be won in
all divisions. The cut here today was 1-16 in division 1 and 17 + in
division 2.
The players chose to start over the water on the first
and surprisingly enough the majority of them cleared the hazard. The course
was in good condition and the greens had been slightly sanded but still very
slick.
Forty-three points was the best score of the day and
Arisa Hennings won the ladies division with this fine tally while Yuza
Reginiussen was second one point behind.
Longest drive winners on
Monday, Mike Lewis and Scott Dobbins accept their awards.
In division 1 the in-form Chris Voller claimed top spot
with 40 points ahead of Kari Kuparinen one point behind and Timo Pyykonen,
playing off 4, third with 36.
The Irish boy Cully Monks was in the news yet again by
winning the second division with 40 points, one ahead of second placed Andy
Baber, and ‘count back’ Burnie beat Kevin Meek 19/18 on the back nine after
they both came in with 38 points for third.
Near pins prizes went to Sassa, Bryan Rought, Kung
Maliporn, Scott Dobbins, Tony Duthie, Josie Monks, Pete Sumner, Arisa
Hennings, Frank Ripley and Harold G.
The long putt award was claimed by Graham Johnson while
the long drives went to Arisa Hennings, Scott Dobbins and Mike Lewis (an
amazing 282 yards).
The ‘2’s were split by Timo Pyykonen (2), Sassa and Chris
Voller in A Flight; Jim Connolly, Tony Duthie, Harold G and Bryan Rought in
B Flight; and Yui Bietry was the sole winner in the Ladies division.
It was all back to Noi’s restaurant in Soi 10 just off
Second Road for the presentation and an open buffet for all golfers and
partners. Thanks go to the sponsors of the day, the Thai Nippon Steel
Engineering Co. and Fairways Driving Range.
On a separate note, all at Jomtien Golf were sad to hear
news of the passing of Roy Thornton and our sympathies are with his family
and friends.
Wednesday,
November 16, Treasure Hills - Stableford
A favourite with many people and a tough course, so the
discussions the night before and on the journey up the 331 centered on,
“what tees shall we play off?” When we arrived we were told that there were
nine temporary tees with most of the yellow and white markers positioned
together - so we went for the yellows.
The greens were even faster and slicker than at Green
Valley on Monday and this reflected on the scores coming in today. There we
six groups out and 34 was the best recorded score, coming in division 2 from
Ian Plummer for the win. Terry Redding was second on 31 and Paul Chabot
third, also with 31.
The cut here today was 4-20 in division 1, and with 32
points Jim Connolly took top spot, with Mike Lewis in second one point
behind and Kari Aarnio was third after beating Pete Sumner and Sassa on a
16/13/12 back-nine count back, all three on 28 points.
Near pins went to Kari Kuparinen, Alan Pilkington, Pete
Sumner (2), Bryan Priestley, Terry Redding, Roger De Jongth and Burnie
Sinclair.
In the ‘2’s today Kari Kuparinen birdied the 17th and
Pete Sumner the 182 yard second hole to split the pot in division 1 and on
the 6th Roger got the only one in division 2.
Friday, November 18,
Eastern Star - Stableford
One week before our 2-day annual club championship and
there were still improvements being made here on the fairways and the
greens.
Thirty five points was the best score in all three
divisions with Bill Bertram winning division 1, and Pete Sumner was second
on 33 and one point ahead of Chris Voller. Andy Baber also scored 35 to win
the B Flight with Mike Lewis second and Ian Plummer third with 32. Toi Blair
took the ladies division with 28 points and she also birdied the par-three
third for the only ‘2’for the ladies. Bill Bertram also on the same hole
made a ‘2’ to take the pot in division 1.
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Meek makes his mark
at Green Valley
PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society
Monday winner Ken Meek.
Monday, November 14,
Green Valley – Stableford
Not so many in the competition today as we had so many
players also participating in Noi’s charity event at the same time. So we
had a few golfers playing a comp within a comp with no near pins.
Ken Meek came through to take first place with an
excellent 38 points from Tony Duthie and Frank Riley. So it was back to
Noi’s Bar afterwards for her presentation and a few small libations in
pleasant company and surroundings.
1st Ken Meek (23) 38pts
2nd Tony Duthie (20) 35pts
3rd Frank Riley (16) 33pts
Wednesday, November 16,
Pattana – Stableford
Again not such a large field today with quite a few
players going away for a few days, so only one division.
An excellent score of 38 points by Brian Liddy won the
day, from Pier Cere in second on 37. They were the only two players to break
par. We only had two near pins today and they were also taken by Brian &
Pier respectively.
1st Brian Liddy (9) 38pts
2nd Pier Cere (12) 37pts
3rd Kevin Townsend (12) 32pts
4th Roy Dayton (20) 30pts
Friday, November 18,
The Emerald – Stableford
The conditions today were ideal for golf - a warm sun
with a nice cool breeze - so we were expecting some really good scores to
come in, especially as a lot of the tees were well forward. As it turned out
however only two players managed to break par, namely Bob Moore and Ken
Meek. Many of the players had excellent front nines only to blow up on the
back while several others had a horrendous start and then a brilliant back
nine.
Third spot today went to the in-form John Coetzee and
Scott Dobbins nicked fourth place from Tony Duthie on a back nine count
back.
Near pins were won by Andy Crabb, Frank Riley and Scott
Dobbins (2).
1st Bob Moore (16) 38pts
2nd Ken Meek (23) 37pts
3rd John Coetzee (18) 32pts
4th Scott Dobbins (0) 31pts
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 us 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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Farewell to The Major
IPGC golf from The Haven
The
late Roy Thornton MBE.
Sunday,
November 13, Green Valley - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Alec Hoare (17) 37pts
2nd Jon Batty (9) 36pts
3rd Peter Masters (9) 36pts
4th Russell Exley (7) 35pts
Alec Hoare returned his best result for over six months
when he won the weekly Sunday outing at Green Valley where the course is
slowly getting back to normal following the recent extremely wet weather.
But the win was by the narrowest of margins over a very strong field with
three single figure handicappers having to settle for no better than second
best on the day, which underlined what a great effort it was to just get it
round under handicap.
Jon Batty had to go a step further on the back nine to
take second place by taking the count back with a better 20 to 18 over, the
now solid single figure player, Peter Masters with Russell Exley slipping
into fourth spot a further shot behind them.
There were no 2’s dropped by anyone on a day when all the
par 3’s played fairly long and none of the pin placings were easy to get at.
Monday,
November 14,
Century Chonburi - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Alan Pilkington (9) 33pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki (10) 31pts
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki (12) 31pts
4th Russell Exley (7) 31pts
5th Al Keith (5) 30pts
6th Alan Griffiths (12) 30pts
There can be no better value golf course in the world
surely when the total cost of a day’s golf including green fee, caddy fee
and share of a cart is just 500 baht (approximately $16. 50 or 10 pounds
sterling), which is almost an unbelievable price even under the current
economic situation. But that is the all up cost at Century Chonburi and it
would be churlish to complain too loudly about the state of the bunkers when
a sensible local rule can overcome almost any difficulty a player is likely
to encounter, especially when the rest of the course is certainly as good as
some courses that are charging four times more and this place having greens
that are as quick and as flat as most.
The low scores were by no means a product of the course’s
condition but more a reflection of the difficulty, with the pin placements
making the positioning of the approach shot critical to the end result for
the hole.
Alan Pilkington started well but faded over the last four
holes but still did just enough to take the top spot on the podium by two
clear ahead of a group of three who needed to be separated by a count back.
These three were led by Yasuo Suzuki who won the back nine with 18 after a
very slow start, with third place being taken by Takeshi Hakozaki with 17 on
the back. They were followed in by Russell Exley who improved to 16 points
over the inward half but which was not quite good enough.
Al Keith and Alan Griffiths took fifth and sixth
respectively after Al Keith won a count back by 17 to 16.
Danny Greer scored the lone 2 in the second division and
Peter Skinner and Nigel Jenkinson shared the roll over pool in the first
division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Danny
Greer, Takeshi Hakozaki and Tony Barritt.
The day was tempered with the extremely sad news that Roy
Thornton MBE passed away on Sunday 13th of November
after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home and efforts to revive him at
the local hospital were unfortunately in vain. Known almost universally as
Major Roy, he will be remembered here in Pattaya for all the charitable work
that he performed raising money for local organisations involved in
assisting children, especially for the Baan Jing Jai Foundation and he was
instrumental in starting the Santa Scramble to raise money so that local
orphans and previously neglected children would have the pleasure of opening
a special present at Christmas time.
Roy was also previously heavily engaged in charitable
works and received the award of the MBE for his work in Germany, while he
was based there with the British Army, organising leagues of football for
local youngsters and providing sporting opportunities for literally
thousands of young people in Germany while he was stationed there.
He will be sorely missed here in Thailand by his wife
Wanita, scores, if not hundreds, of children and his many friends.
Wednesday,
November 16, Rayong C.C. - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Frijof Kayser (27) 38pts
2nd Rodney Nabbe (10) 32pts
3rd Stephen Beard (22) 32pts
4th Shuichi Kodaka (16) 31pts
5th Wayne Waywood (15) 31pts
Another hard day at the scorecard as for the second time
in the week the day’s competition became a non counting one for handicaps to
go up, only down, as the CSS climbed to 75 with absolutely none of the
players counting towards assessing that figure could manage to play within
two of their handicaps.
Frijof Kayser, being the sole competitor to better his
handicap and indeed finished six points clear of his nearest challengers,
won the day and his first ever competition out of The Haven.
Once again it was not the condition of the course that
determined the end result as apart from a few bumpy greens still rewarded
good putting, the course was in fairly good shape apart from being a bit
untidy around the edges of the fairways and the deep rough was extremely
rough in places.
Rodney Nabbe claimed second place with a better 17 on the
back nine and Stephen Beard took third as he could total only 14 after a
very good front eight holes that saw him amass 18 points before excitement
and lethargy in equal measure overtook him.
Shuichi Kodaka slipped into fourth spot with a better
back half of 15 to consign Wayne Waywood, with 14, down to fifth.
In keeping with the difficulty of the course there were
no 2’s in either division.
Friday 18th November saw all the
available players lined up in the PGS Annual Charity Scramble at Pattaya
Country Club a report of which can be found on other pages of this issue of
the Pattaya Mail.
Note: The Haven group now departs Soi 13 at the
earlier time of 9 a.m. until further notice. If you would like to play with
the group you can contact mobile 082 219 0965 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 9.00am on 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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40+ or forget it as Joop
& Jim go off the scale
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Jim
(left) and Joop pose for a photo at Pleasant Valley Golf Club.
Tuesday,
November 15,
The Emerald - Stabelford
Tuesday was a trip to Emerald, where we had a great
golfing day, clear skies with a light breeze, conducive to good scoring, as
the results reflected.
Leading the way was Joop (36) with an outstanding 45
points, ahead of Jim Federspiel (18) who signed for what we thought was a
winning 42 points. Tony Chetland (19) continued his Mr Consistency run to
card 40 points for third spot while Mam (28) showed last time’s score wasn’t
a fluke to post 37 points.
While Jeff was unable to keep up with the hot scoring, he
did show his presence with all 4 NTPs and learnt a new Dutch greeting from
Willem.
Thursday,
November 17,
Pleasant Valley - Stableford
Thursday saw us travel north to Pleasant Valley; the
course was in great order and several of our first time visitors to venue
were very impressed.
Jim Federspiel (18) really kept the pedal to the metal
this day to record 44 points, while Willem Lasonder (18) played consistently
all day to finish with 35 points. Jim, Jeff & Lol grabbed a NTP each today,
with 1 going to Banglamung Boys Home.
Mulligans Lakeside once again supported the PSC Monthly
tournament on Friday, with Jim (39pts) continuing his fine run to get second
in C flight, while Jeff, net 75 (no, not a misprint) managed a third in A
flight to go with a couple of NTPs.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf on Tuesday &
Thursday, with timely presentations at the bar on both days. Call 089 094
1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good
golfing!
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PSC November Fishing News
Khammoon with her catch.
Capt. Dene
It has been a busy month to date with 4 trips conducted
to 17 November. With the increased interest in fishing (maybe influenced by
the Bangkok floods), I had to run 2 trips additional to the first Saturday
of the month trip and a further special charter trip for Stuart Banks and
his friends. He reported that trip as an unqualified success with several
2–3 kilo fish and a big haul of the usual pan-sized variety.
Our 3 other trips have all departed from Sattahip and
were favoured with blue skies and calm seas.
Our trip on November 5 comprised five regulars, Jeff &
Khammoon (they haven’t missed a trip in 18 months), Phil & Nat from Bangkok
(nearly every Saturday trip) and me. More recent members Charlie and Tor
with his lovely wife Mook and son Kong, taking turns to fish, rounded the
numbers to 9. The catch comprised 8–10 fish of around 2kg size and average
hauls of 5-7kg per person.
Many thanks to Tor for his excellent video presentation
which can be seen on YouTube at our PSC website – Fishing.
Anna enjoyed a successful
first fishing trip with the PSC.
November 15 our group comprised of (would you believe)
Jeff & Khammoon, John & Marnie, Alan Baldwin, a new member, and me, and was
outstanding with at least 15 fish in the 2–3kg range and monstrous bag
catches of 20–25 kilos per couple. My catch, assisted a little (?) by the
skipper was 25kg after cleaning.
The captain and boat boy did an excellent job in managing
to have all the fish scaled, cleaned and iced by the time we docked – all
for the moderate cost of Bt 100 per person (although I’m sure they received
a little extra for their efforts).
We wish Paul Adamson a speedy recovery from his illness
which caused him to miss the trip.
The trip on November 17 saw a full complement of 9;
namely Jeff & Khammoon, Peter & Sommai, Tor & Mook, Jack & Anna (who took
turns to fish as only 8 can fish comfortably) and yours truly.
Again it was a perfect day with catches similar to the
previous trip. Not so many of the larger variety in the 2 plus kilo range
but more than compensated by the number ฝ to 1 kilo range of snapper and
large grouper.
The ladies outclassed the men with their catches.
Nevertheless, couples went home with around 20 kilos and I had 17 kilos
which can only be described as excellent hauls for all.
Several members thought I should mention our fishing fees
and discount program. Pattaya Sports Club charges Bt 1,500 per person per
trip and costs of boat, captain & boat boy are Bt 9,500 for the trip. Any
surplus of income over costs is accumulated and when funds exceed Bt 10,000
I give regular attendees (5 trips or more) a Bt 500 discount. To date 26
such discounts have been given. A register of these discounts is maintained
and monthly income/expense reports are submitted to the PSC Committee.
Next trip, 3 December, will be run by Rich Murphy while I
am in Oz. This trip is already fully booked and Rich will contact interested
members about a mid-month outing.
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Sea Fishing with
KPK Food Services
Two fish with
one hook!
Mike Gerrard
Due to the winds and tides most of the fishing boats tend
to dock at Sattahip harbour this time of the year. There is a huge
breakwater built by the navy there and this shelters all the boats during
the winter months. Or maybe it’s because we had heard that there were some
sailfish about? Well that turned out to be true. It is quicker to drive to
Sattahip and take the boat to the waters where the sailfish are than try to
reach them from Bangsaray.
So, off we set into the morning sun on November 17 with a
cloudless sky and a fresh breeze to keep us all cool.
As we neared the fishing ground we were seeking there
were shouts of “Look at that!” as a sailfish was moving across the top of
the water towards the boat on its side. We all thought that someone had
hooked it and it was being reeled in. However this turned out to be untrue.
The fish was merely showing off and taking the Mickey! This happened all
day.
We saw many sailfish swimming alongside the boat and
further away, but sadly they did not like the look of our baits.
Gary Stocks eventually told us why. Apparently the night
before was a full moon and because of this the fish can see their prey by
the light of the moon and feed all night, leaving them too full to feed by
day. I am not sure of this philosophy, but by the fact that we never caught
one we were all too pleased to accept the reason.
However fret ye not! The day turned out to be a super day
for the smaller varieties with approx 30 to 35 kilos of good eatable sized
fish.
The photo shows one of the groupers caught. This was
strange really because the first bite was the smaller fish you can see in
the mouth of the grouper. As the small fish was being reeled in the grouper
took a bite at the small fish and got hooked with the same hook.
As the sun started to disappear on the horizon we all
decided that it was time for a beer or two and instructed the skipper to
head for home.
Our next trips are scheduled for the 10th December and
the 24th (yes, Christmas Eve). Both trips have vacancies at present. Anyone
interested please call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.
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Blackthorn Cider
Mabprachan Pool League
Results & Standings November 17 (week 1)
The players from Pepe Bar
were the winners of the inaugural Mabprachan Pool League.
The Presentation evening for last season’s pool league
took place at Mulligans Lakeside on October 28. Apple Honey Company,
Blackthorn Cider are the sponsors of the league and everyone enjoyed had a
fun packed evening which included a live band, together with a wonderful
buffet, followed by the presentation.
The cup was presented by Selina Lovett of Apple Honey and
Ian Hart, president of the pool league, to Pepe Bar as the winners of last
season’s title and a trophy was also given to Panita Bar who finished as
runners-up. All the players received medals, as a keepsake.
The new season started on November 17 and there is a
newcomer to the league in the form of the View Bar and Restaurant, also
located at Mabprachan Lake.
Team P W L F A +/- Pts.
Panita 1 1 0 9 2 7 3
Brasshouse 1 1 0 8 3 5 3
Pepe 1 1 0 7 4 3 3
Lucky 1 1 0 6 5 1 3
Rendezvous 1 1 0 6 5 1 3
View 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Barking 1 0 1 5 6 -1 0
Neena 1 0 1 5 6 -1 0
Sammy 1 0 1 4 7 -3 0
Pats 1 0 1 3 8 -5 0
Mulligans 1 0 1 2 9 -7 0
Results: Rendezvous 6 v 5 Neena, Sammy 4 v 7 Pepe,
Panita 9 v 2 Mulligans, BYE 0 v 0 View, Lucky 6 v 5 Barking, Brasshouse 8 v
3 Pats
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Pattaya wins golf destination
award for 2012
Pattaya City Mayor Itthiphol
Kunplome (left) accepts the award from Peter Walton, CEO of the
International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
Pattaya has just been named Golf Destination of the Year
2012 for Australasia and Asia. The Mayor of the City of Pattaya, along with
representatives from several of the regions golf clubs, accepted their award
in Turkey on November 16, the final night of the International Golf Travel
Market.
The nominees for 2012 included Malaysia, New Zealand,
Vietnam plus Thailand’s Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket regions.
This prestigious award was voted for by over 400 global
tour operator members of the International Association of Golf Tour
Operators (IAGTO).
Previous winners included Malaysia and Thailand, but this
is the first time that an actual region has won this award. Spain, the
United States and Thailand are currently the big three international golf
destinations, with Turkey and Portugal among developing countries that were
rapidly increasing their golf tourism sectors.
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, while accepting the
award said, “Pattaya is already well known as a resort destination, however
I hope that by winning this award, it will help give the destination a
higher profile, and through increased marketing budgets, elevate Pattaya as
a top international golf destination.”
Peter Walton President and Chief Executive of IGATO,
commented, “The main reasons why they won this award were that our members
found that Pattaya offered quality golf courses, good management, great
service, value for money, and most importantly, that the local agents and
tourist board were particularly supportive both to our members and of course
their clients.”
Mike Mesommonta, spokesman for the Eastern Seaboard Golf
Management Association added, “This award is a huge endorsement for all our
members, who have worked very hard to create some top class golf courses in
the region. Our courses attract thousands of foreign visitors and several
major International tournaments every year, including the Thailand Open, the
Pattaya Open and the Honda LPGA Open. We are lucky to be able to offer fine
weather all year round, keeping our courses in perfect playing conditions
365 days every year, and perhaps are best secret weapon are the wonderful
smiling caddies!”
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Evacuee from Bangkok hits spectacular ‘Robin Hood’
Only been shooting a bow for 3 weeks
Philip Cutlan and his ‘Robin
Hood’.
Philip Cutlan, the newest member of the
Pattaya Archery Club, recently shot a most spectacular ‘Robin Hood’ (arrow
in the end of another arrow) even though he has only received 3 week’s
coaching.
When the floods came to Bangkok, Philip, a Tasmanian-born
Maths teacher, decided that he and his wife should escape from Bangkok and
evacuate to Pattaya for the duration (sounds like something from WW2). They
packed a few essentials and drove to Pattaya, seeking sanctuary from the
nightmare that is Bangkok.
Like many of his fellow Bangkokians now living
temporarily in Pattaya, Philip had too much time on his hands, and so as he
had always had an interest in trying archery, he decided to use this time to
good advantage.
He contacted the Pattaya Archery Club and was introduced
to archery by the club’s President and Coach, Eric Hearn.
Philip proved to be a natural at this challenging sport
and very quickly began to shoot quite well. So well that Eric loaned him his
own personal bow and helped Philip to hone his skills even further.
The use of a professional bow enabled Philip to start
shooting very accurately … so accurately in fact, that the ‘Robin Hood’ came
within three weeks of joining the club. A feat that has never been seen
before in the club.
What is a ‘Robin Hood’?
A ‘Robin Hood; is where a second arrow hits a previous
arrow so perfectly that it splits open the first arrow and embeds itself in
that arrow. In the club’s five-year existence this feat has only been
achieved a couple of times previously … and none so spectacular as the photo
here shows.
The expression a ‘Robin Hood’ is used throughout archery,
worldwide; and is taken, of course, from the legendary feats of that famous
English outlaw.
Philip’s first arrow was split at least 10 inches down
its shaft and opened up like a banana, with half the shaft broken clean off.
So now the remnants of that arrow will be displayed on a wall in Philip’s
home … when the floods subside.
This amazing achievement astounded all the archers at the
club … not only for the total devastation of the first arrow, but also for
the short time that Philip has been a toxophilist.
Moreover the first arrow was in the 10-ring, as was
another, so with just two arrows in the 10-ring, Philip scored 30 points,
the ‘Robin Hood’ also scoring the same 10 as the arrow it had pierced!
Trying archery in Pattaya
Pattaya Archery Club shoots on Tuesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 10.00 am and finishing at about noon or
thereafter.
Anyone - Thai or farang, young or old, man or woman - is
welcome to come along to the Pattaya Shooting Park in Hua Yai and find out
what it is all about.
Beginners’ coaching is held on a Tuesday and/or a
Saturday. The coach’s services and the use of the club’s bows, arrows and
other equipment are free for beginners, and so it costs nothing to see if
this challenging sport is for you.
For more details visit Pattaya Archery Club’s website at
www.pattayaarcheryclub.com, or telephone Eric, the club’s President, on 089
535 1193
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PCC Thoroughbreds getting stronger
PCC Thoroughbreds and British
Club cricketers pose for a photo at Horseshoe Point, Sunday, November 20.
The Pattaya Cricket Club Thoroughbreds
took to the fields of Horseshoe Point on Sunday, November 20 in conditions
reminiscent of an oven rather than a November autumn day. However, take the
field they did against a rather youthful looking side from the British Club
in Bangkok.
A good start to the day was achieved as skipper Joe
Grunwell won the toss and elected to bat in blustery, hot and steamy
conditions. Starts were achieved by John Giuffrida (18), Richard Harvey (17)
and Salmon Khan (13), but nobody was able to build a score until Earl Brown
came to the wicket at 5 down. His competent and explosive 40 not out led the
Thoroughbreds to a reasonable 145 from their allotted 27 overs.
Teas and refreshments were provided during the interval
by Jamesons.
Needing a rate of 5.4 runs per over the British Club
started slowly and the pressure was on at 34-0 after 9 overs. But explosive
hitting from Saliesh, Rahul and Dunlop took the visitors to within site of
the 145 and they made it with 5 overs to spare. Giuffrida and Thomson took
the bowling honours for the PCC Thoroughbreds.
An excellent afternoon was completed by both sides and
fans alike over a few refreshments at the end.
Note: The full score sheet is available at www.
pattayacricketclub.com.
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United settle for a
point as Thai Premier League resumes
Pattaya United returned to Thai Premier
League action last weekend but drew a blank on their away trip to the
capital to face fourth placed Bangkok Glass. The game had to be moved to
Muang Thong United’s Yamaha Stadium as Bangkok Glass’s own ground was
affected by the flooding in Pathum Thani, and this gave a surreal atmosphere
to the match as the majority of the stadium was empty with just pockets of
United and Glass fans behind each goal.
Pattaya played some good football in the match against
their higher placed opponents and should really have capitalized on the
numerous chances that fell to their strike force of Ludovick and Paul
Ekollo, but at the same time they were thankful that the woodwork came to
their rescue twice in the second half as the ‘home’ team threatened to get
on top.
A share of the points consolidates United’s position in
the top half of the table and they will hope to carry their recent good form
to the end of the season.
Chonburi kept alive their distant hopes of winning the
title with a 1-0 victory at Samut Songkhram on Sunday but Buriram’s 6-1
hiding of Phichit still leaves Pattaya’s northern neighbours trailing the
league leaders by 13 points with 9 games remaining.
Pattaya United’s next match is on Saturday, November 26
when they take on Insee Police United at the Suphanburi Stadium with
kick-off scheduled for 6 p.m.
Siam Navy FC names new coach
Siam Navy Football Club has hired seasoned manager
Somchai “Shuay” Chauyboonsoom to take over a team on the verge of relegation
from the Thai Premier League.
Sakchai Tantirattiphong, managing director of the club
said the decision to change managers came after another season of
disappointing results that have the club on the verge of being dropped into
the second tier. Somchai, a former U19 coach for the Thai national team, has
the qualities to make the navy club a winner, he said.
Somchai takes over from previous coach Vorakorn “Auk”
Vijarnarong, and said he will strive to change the players’ philosophy and
repair any weak links in the squad. He added that his new assignment would
be a challenge and would require getting the team to gel quickly and not
make any mistakes. But he said he believes the team has enough talent to
survive.
The new coach will face a stern first test Nov. 27 when
Siam Navy take on league leaders Buriram PEA in Sattahip.
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