Pattaya Sports Club Fishing News

Capt Dene

The second trip for 2012 on January 14 was a replica of the first - an absolutely beautiful day with hardly a ripple on a mill-pond ocean. Unfortunately Phil and Nat From Bangkok missed a great day due to ill-health. We wish Phil a quick recovery.

Peter Hyland with his two blue-spotted cod

The six remaining members took advantage of the day and all took home the usual 6-10 kilos of pan sized snapper, yellow tail, grouper and pla dang. We welcome a new member, Kuhn Poon who is likely to join our Saturday trips.

On Thursday January 19 there was a delay caused by late notification from Khram Marine that the boat had relocated from Sattahip back to Bang Saray, so five of us set sail at around 7.45 A.M. After our 2 previous trips of magnificent weather we encountered a little rain for 30 minutes or so. This did not dampen our spirits however as the seas were calm and the day brightened up. Fishing was slow to start with but improved throughout the trip.

The champ for the day was Peter Hyland who caught what I believe are blue-spotted cod, which I have referred to in other articles as “large greys”. Whatever they are, everyone agrees they are the best fish to catch and are excellent eating.

The return to Bang Saray resulted in good bag catches for most of us, my catch weighed 15 kilos (after scaling and gutting) but was helped by those caught by the skipper.

We had planned an overnight trip on 11-12 February 2012 but the boat is not available until mid-March at the earliest. More news of this in future articles.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: La, Ken, Tue, Ooy & Kran.

Bavaria won three points from Indiana and they are now only two points behind third place Tea Party. Bowling was not good on lanes 9 and 10 but La Montgomery managed to bowl a 202 game and 505 series for Indiana.

Kran Nielsen bowled games of 163, 216 and 178 for a 557 series to lead her Caf้ Kronborg team to a four point win over first place Green Tree.

VFW Post 9876 is starting to improve as they won all four points from Tea Party. Ooy Pluemkamon, one handicap, bowled games of 182, 221 211, 614 series and Nok had a 530 for VFW Post 9876. Somrit bowled a 530 series as a Pacer.

Canada won three points from Brother D led by Tue Pettae who bowled a great 633 series with games of 210, 225 and 198. Ken Johansson had a 204 game for Brother D.

England prevail at Mulberry Ryder Cup

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Steve Mulberry with the Cup.

Steve Ellison

It was a grueling four straight days of match-play competition as the 9th annual Mulberry Ryder Cup was held this year at Soi Dao Highlands. Steve Mulberry instigated this special competition 9 years ago and has become a “must play” for residents and our regular visitors (too young to retire) and was proudly hosted by The Golf Club once again.

The January classic is a test between our finest players from England v. The Rest of the World and this year was a repeat of last year as England rolled on to victory. The ROW side was made up of Canadians, Americans, Scots, Australians and (Ch)ermans.

Dave Mather - Mulberry Ryder Cup MVP.

Soi Dao Highlands was the venue for the first 3 days of golf and she was a beauty. We had perfect weather and just a touch of wet on the fairways. The General had arranged to give us three days of different pin positions that we were most grateful for, and made the comp that much more of a challenge. You must play this course at some point in your golfing life, it is magnificent and a very special place for golfers.

Now, if you are a veteran of Soi Dao you must admit that some copious amounts of alcoholic beverages may be consumed on some evenings by certain individuals. This additional “handicap” only adds to the festivities and challenges of the next day and tests the true mettle of the hardiest drinker/player… or is that player/drinker? More on that later.

The Cup (from England, of course) was up for grabs up until the last day of singles which was held at St. Andrews. It went right down to the wire… but as the scores came in off the 18th green, the tally finished with a 24–21 win for Team England.

ROW Captain Mike Lowen – the great organizer- was expectedly gracious in defeat and thanked by all for making things run smoothly for all concerned, not just his own team. Mike is a great friend, one of our many buddies from the Sugar Shack, and is always the first guy to lend a helping hand to anyone. Golf can be a true fellowship at times, and the camaraderie built is unique in all of sport to this funny old game, especially when the lads get out on a road trip.

The 2012 Mulberry Ryder Cup teams.

England Captain Barry Tregurtha was his usual gregarious and generous self and treated the boys to a Ryder Cup full of Veuve Clicquot in celebration of the victory. Captain Barry thoughtfully initiated 2 new awards for this year. The first was “Rookie of the Year” won by Canadian Vance Rosling who finished his tournament with a dazzling 4-0 record. The second award “MVP” or Most Valuable Player went to crowd favourite Dave Mather, who also received accolades as the aforementioned drinker/player of the year as he walked away with a 4-0 series as well. The Clapometer cannot be wrong, and I mean that most sincerely folks!

Wednesday,January 18,Greenwood(White tees) – Stableford

1st Peter LeNoury (9) 35pts

2nd Andy Leach (5) 35pts

3rd Peter Hynard (14) 33pts

The Golf Club had no less than 70 golfers out there today, playing in 3 different provinces in Thailand!

And on we went to some of the loveliest 27 holes of golf in Pattaya, Greenwood. This time of the year we really do get some perfect weather for golf and today was no exception. True, most of the lads had ventured out to Soi Dao or Kabinburi, but the rest of us who stayed in town had a great day out.

You learn something new every day and today was no exception. It was a very tight comp today and the English duo of Peter LeNoury and Andy Leach ended up at the top of the pack, in fact in a dead heat! Both lads came up with a respectable 35 points which had to go to count back. Strangely enough, it all came undone once we discovered that off the white tees on A & B, the yardage here at Greenwood is exactly the same at 3,247 yards!

The decision was made that the two would equally share the 1,000 “Handsome Man Vouchers” on offer for today’s comp, which is what two gentlemen should properly do. Peter Hynard was gracious enough to host the day’s event and was rewarded with third place on 33 points. Cheers Pete!

Friday, January 20, Treasure Hill (White tees) - Stableford.

1st Peter Hynard (14) 37pts

2nd Mark Wood (9) 33pts

3rd Vic Hester (15) 32pts

Treasure Hill is proving to be one of the most challenging tracks in town… and we love it! This is probably the best value for money course around and it just keeps getting better and better.

Peter Hynard led the lads out today and showed them how to play the course like a fiddle with a score of 37 on this tough test of golf.

Considering that he had just finished four straight days of golf, Mark Wood earned a highly respectable 33 points on his fifth straight day to give the Scotsman second place. The man with the best “boys toys” in town, Mr. Ducati himself Vic Hester ended his round with a fine 32 points for third place. Well played guys and thanks for joining us!

No space for the Kabinburi Road Trip, watch this space next week please for full results!

Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro (off Soi Diana). We play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday so come join us for a fun day out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www. golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www. facebook.com/golfclubpattaya.

Fitzgerald bids farewell with 40 more at Burapha

PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Monday, January 16, Burapha - Stableford

Today at Burapha and the second of our split Mondays, the 20 Outbackers played C and D from the whites. Generally the standard of scoring was very good even though the fairways were very wet in places - you could have almost have played winter rules as we were getting lumps of mud on the ball in many cases.

Steve Mann celebrates with a cigar after being crowned 2011 Outback champion.

John Fitzgerald, scoring 40 points for the second time in a row here at Burapha, took the top prize in Div B as well as the bragging rights for the best score of the day and a handicap cut of 1.2. That however, will have to wait until next time as we are saying goodbye to Mags and John as they are off back to Ireland, safe travelling folks.

With just five groups playing, it was a very quick round and there were few other people on the course, it was very muggy with no wind for the first nine holes then a little breeze sprung up and cooled us down somewhat.

There were five ‘2’s; three on hole C5, from Paul Bourke, John Fitzgerald & John White, Noddy Moyle got one on C8 and finally Paul Bourke had his second on D8.

Div A (0-14)

1st Paul Bourke (10/Hi9.7) 38pts

2nd Neil Lavery (13/Hi12.6) 36pts

3rd John Cunningham (6/Hi6.5) 34pts

Div B (15+)

1st John Fitzgerald (17/Hi16.2) 40pts

2nd Paul Rodgers (21/Hi20.6) 37pts

3rd Joe Mooneyham (15/Hi14.8) 33pts

Monday, January 16, Khao Kheow – Stableford

With 20 Outbackers at Burapha and another 23 ‘real’ golfers here at Khao Kheow the day was set for excellent golf. No disappointment here as Andy Butterworth went out on the C loop in level par to notch up 25 stableford points whilst on the receiving end of a barrage of abuse from his playing partner and good mate, Andy Robertson. Perhaps that’s what fired him on or was the late drinking session with General Jack the night before, which may have contributed to Jack returning a score for the first time for a while! Any which way, he (Andy) played more normal golf on the back nine (loop B) to end up with a total of 43pts, a brilliant score from the yellows on this course.

Paul Greenaway - Div A winner at Green Valley.

There were many other good returns as both Bernie Stafford (37pts) and Steve Mann (36pts) both found out, when neither of them made the podium as Steve Plant (39) and Dennis Pelly (38) filled the minor places in Div A.

The scoring was still good in Div B with Brian Maddox taking the honours with 38 from Carl Luke on 37 and Arab Russell back in third with 34.

There were four ‘2’s from Ed Middlewood (hole C3), Suzi Lawton (B3), and two on C8 from Dennis Pelly & Sugar Ray.

Div A (0-18)

1st Andy Butterworth (14/Hi13.2) 43pts

2nd Steve Plant (15/Hi13.8) 39pts

3rd Dennis Pelly (11/Hi10.8) 38pts

Div B (19+)

1st Brian Maddox (22/Hi20.6) 38pts

2nd Carl Luke (19/Hi17.8) 37pts

3rd Arab Russell (25/Hi23.6) 34pts

Tuesday, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

Today the first serious rain of the year fell very locally, it caught some of the 16 Outbackers here at Pattaya C C; there was none at all just down the road from the bar but Capt’ Bob got soaked twice (now on his third change of clothes) as he went in and out of Pattaya.

Neil Lavery and Paul Bourke both made it to Friday’s podium.

Nevertheless, all but one group escaped the worst of it as the best score of the day (37pts) went to Orn playing off 14, second was Tom Murray with 34 off of 8 and third, John Cogan with 32.

Welcome back to Terry Marney after a stretch of high intensity work and also to the Pearns and Darren Cook, all here on a fleeting visit.

There were only two ‘2’s from Eddie O’Neill on hole 7 and Alan Whittingham on hole 16.

1st Orn Kanasaengsri (14/Hi14.2) 37pts

2nd Tom Murray (8/Hi9.3) 34pts

3rd John Cogan (15/Hi16.2) 32pts

Wednesday,January 18,Greenwood –Better-Ball Stableford

19 Outbackers made the trip up to Greenwood today with the new schedule, for our first visit here since June last year. The green fee here is fantastic, as is the condition of the course, even if they don’t marshal it properly allowing five-ball groups to walk! Although we waited every hole, often with three groups stacked up on the par threes, we were round in about four and a half hours playing the A & B loops.

The course had not been set up before using the EGA handicap system, so General Jack was unable to advise precisely what people’s playing handicaps would be, but generally everybody got at least one stroke more than their index using a rating of 71.6 and the slope of 128.

The scoring was solid, yet not fantastic, as Gary Hogg took division A with 36pts ahead of the 2011 Outback Champion, Steve Mann on 35 and Kissy back in third with 34, whilst Jack at last started to sort his game out with 37pts to win division B, even if he was playing off an outrageous handicap of 18! Second in Div B was Ivan Plunkett (36) and third Bernie (34) beating Bob Lindborg on count back.

Today was also supposed to be the start of our new two-day competitions (Weds and Thurs) but it has been slow to get going and thus difficult to administrate. However we came up with a solution today which makes it easy for everybody yet doesn’t affect the normal singles competition, a blind draw better-ball. Everybody drew out a number before they teed off and they were matched at the end of the round with another player who drew the same number but nobody knew who their partner was.

The winners today of this sponsored tournament were Bernie Stafford and Bob St. Aubin, probably a more unlikely pair to play together you could never find, with a fine score of 45pts. The sponsors of this tournament were Kirwan Industrial Services.

There were no ‘2’s recorded today.

Individual

Div A (0-15)

1st, Gary Hogg (8/Hi7.1) 36pts

2nd Steve Mann (11/Hi9.9) 35pts

3rd Keith Buchanan (13/Hi11.4) 34pts

Div B (16+)

1st Jack Moseley (18/Hi16.2) 37pts

2nd Ivan Plunkett (23/Hi20.4) 36pts

3rd Bernie Stafford (17/Hi15) 34pts

Team

1st Bernie Stafford & Bob St. Aubin 45 pts

2nd Jack Moseley & Keith Buchanan 44 pts

3rd John Locke & Paul Greenaway 44 pts

Thursday,January 19, Rayong C.C. – Better-Ball Stableford

Another course the Outback haven’t been to in a long time, this time Rayong C.C. and another Sir Nick Faldo design. 13 players took advantage of the very reasonable green fee rate to find the course in acceptable condition, although there were some poor patches here and there but the greens were fine.

This course has not been officially rated and is therefore given a PSC standard rating of 72/120 until such time that it can be rated; the PSC handicap committee is due to meet soon so maybe it can be done in the next few weeks.

Now Capt’ Bob played here and as such it would normally fall upon his shoulders to submit a write up but after the presentation it became abundantly clear, that this was the one man band show and it was probably better that he did not say anything.

So the winner was Capt’ Bob with 36pts, Capt’ Bob had the only ‘2’ and Capt’ Bob won the second of the Kirwan Asia sponsored, blind draw 4BBB with his partner, Jeff North!

There’s very little else to be said other than welcome to Ed Turner, first time with the Outback and well done for getting second with 34 and welcome back to Stan Stoker and a couple of his Canadian friends, but you all just happened to catch Bob on a good day despite him being in pain after ricking his back the night before.

Individual

1st Bob Philp (12/Hi11) 36pts

2nd Ed Turner (15/Hi14) 34pts

3rd Owen Walkley (10/Hi9.8) 33pts

Team

1st Jeff North & Bob Philp 43 pts

2nd Geoff Couch & Bill Marsden 41 pts

3rd Dick Mohns & Arab Russell 39 pts

Friday, January 20, Green Valley – Stableford

A really solid performance from many of the 37 Outbackers playing today contributed to a very high standard of scoring in all divisions; only two of Div A failed to score 30pts, three in Div B and six in Div C.

The top score of the day came from last minute entry, Brian Wilkinson, who scored 39pts to win Div B from Keith (Kissy) Buchanan on 38 and Neil Lavery, two back on 36; Neil beating Joe Mooneyham on count back. Joe must have felt slightly disappointed having started the day with a wipe but still managing 22pts on the front nine only to lose the plot on the back.

Paul Greenaway once again demonstrated his like of this course with a fine 38pts to take the premier division from his good friend Paul Bourke on 36; whilst the 2011 Outback Golf Champion, Steve Mann had to be content with third place on 35.

The Sugarman, who also favours this course, also scored 38pts to win Div C from Tom Parker (36), having his first podium finish and Noddy (36) who is eventually finding a bit of form after last year’s success.

There were loads of ‘2’s; Paul Greenaway & Joe Mooneyham on hole 4, Owen Lloyd (hole 7), Steve Mann & Dick Mohns on hole 9, John Player (hole 12) and John Stafford (hole 16).

Did you spot the odd one out? Hole 7 is a par 4, Owen had an eagle 2!

Finally, a special welcome back to Emmet White who we haven’t seen for a while and also to Gerry O’Dwyer and Eddie Smith.

Div A (0-10)

1st Paul Greenaway (8/Hi8.6) 38pts

2nd Paul Bourke (8/Hi9.4) 36pts

3rd Steve Mann (9/Hi9.9) 35pts

Div B (11-16)

1st Brian Wilkinson (13/Hi13.7) 39pts

2nd Keith Buchanan (11/Hi11.4) 38pts

3rd Neil Lavery (12/Hi12.7) 36pts

Div C (17+)

1st Sugar Ray Handford (18/Hi18.3) 38pts

2nd Tom Parker (18/Hi18.2) 36pts

3rd Noddy Moyle (17/Hi16.7) 36pts

Ping has a gem of a round at Emerald

PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn

Monday, January 16, Crystal Bay A & B – Stableford

The later than normal scheduled tee time of 1130 hrs did not appear to deter anyone as we had almost a full field with 39 golfers signed up but unfortunately there were a couple of people that did not read the sign-up sheet properly and turned up at the normal time. It was a long day for them, and everyone actually as we did not get back into Pattaya until 1930 hrs.

Tarquin Macmanus (left) receives his Cafe Kronborg January Monthly Mug from Bjarne.

We were happy to welcome Ray McLaughlin from Albury, NSW, Australia, Pekka Mustonen from Finland, Kim Ping Fung from Hong Kong and Jesper Rasmussen, Tom Guldfeldt and Peter Bygballe from Denmark. As Jan Lovgreen was getting married on the weekend we wished him all the best and encouraged him to enjoy his last few days as a bachelor!

The course was looking great and although not yet back to its condition of former years; the fairways were good and the greens firm and true. After a couple of enforced drink breaks due to some slow play we finally completed our round in a couple of minutes under five hours.

Emerald boss lady Candy with Peter Blackburn, Kenny Chung & Ping Kim Fung.

Rob Brown carried on from the previous week, when he won the PSC Club Championship A Flight, by scoring 40 points in winning A Flight with big (let’s hear it for) Ken Bernek second on 38 points. Leif Kirkgaard was third with 37 points, Niels Hansen fourth on 36 points and Mike Allidi’s 75 off the stick was only good enough to secure fifth spot. In a 3-way count back for sixth place on 33 points, Michael Catillon (18 point back nine, 13 points last 6 holes) took the last spot on the podium from yours truly (18 point back nine, 11 point last 6 holes), with Don Richardson (17 point back nine) also missing out.

Continuing his good form (with the exception of the Club Championship) The Admiral himself, Dave Richardson won the B Flight with a fine 39 points, 2 points clear of Kenny Chung in second place. Graham Buckingham was third with 35 points and in a count back with 34 points Jan Lovgreen (18 point back nine) finished fourth from Hugh O’Donnell (17 point back nine) in fifth. Yet another count back saw the winner of the day’s fashion award, Bjarne Kjaer (20 point back nine) take out sixth place from John Marritt (15 point back nine).

A Flight (0-20)

1st Rob Brown (10) 40pts

2nd Ken Bernek (18) 38pts

3rd Leif Kirkgaard (20) 37pts

4th Niels Hansen (15) 36pts

5th Mike Allidi (1) 34pts

6th Michael Catillon (18) 33pts

B Flight (21+)

1st Dave Richardson (24) 39pts

2nd Kenny Chung (30) 37pts

3rd Graham Buckingham (22) 35pts

4th Jan Lovgreen (24) 34pts

5th Hugh O’Donnell (24) 34pts

6th Bjarne Kjaer (21) 33pts

Near Pins: A5 – Rob Brown; A8 – Kenny Chung; B4 – Bjarne Kjaer; B6 – Ken Bernek

Long Putts: A9 – Leif Kirkgaard; B9 – Carole Kubicki

I felt it was important to acknowledge the outstanding effort by our Caf้ Kronborg golfers in last week’s PSC Club Championship at Khao Kheow. We managed to provide the winners of four out of the five flights with Rob Brown (A Flight), Richard Kubicki (B Flight), Kenny Chung (D Flight) and Bo Cardwell (Ladies Flight). In addition there were also daily place getters in Rob Brown, Peter Blackburn, Richard Kubicki, Kenny Chung, Bo Cardwell, Karen Brown, Mike Winfield, Niels Hansen and Bo Cardwell again.

Rob Brown & Dave Richardson.

We also took out many of the NTP prizes with Niels Hansen (2), Jan Lovgreen (2), Mike Gosden (2), Ken Bernek (2) and Richard Kubicki. In addition, long drive prizes were won by Ken Bernek & Henry Wong. This was a proud time for Caf้ Kronborg and we hope to do even better next year.

Wednesday,January 18,The Emerald – Stableford

Three late cancellations gave us a field of 22 for the competition and we assembled at Caf้ Kronborg in readiness for the journey to the testing (for most) Emerald Golf Course. It was a pleasure to welcome professional golfer Tarquin Macmanus and his caddy Michael Roggie, both from Cairns in Qld., Australia. They are good mates of Sam Miguel Stu Rifkin and were in Pattaya for a few days after playing in the Asian Tour Qualifying rounds in Hua Hin last week.

We were confident of perfect golfing conditions for our round here and indeed that was the way it turned out. The course was fairly busy but we were able to get our first group, a three-ball, away 15 minutes early at 0945 hrs in perfect golfing weather with a slight breeze.

It was a change of late to play on greens that were a tad slow but firm and true and the rest of the course was also in great shape. There were a few minor hold ups so we stopped for drinks a couple of times and were able to complete our round in the good time of four hours and fifteen minutes.

Ping Kim Fung from Hong Kong had an absolute day out and easily won the A Flight with a terrific 44 points, 9 points ahead of yours truly in second place. The plus two handicapper from Cairns managed to par the course and took out third spot with 34 points and his good mate Stu Rifkin finished fourth with 31 points.

It was a good day for the guys from Hong Kong as Kenny Chung won the B Flight with a fine 41 points, 5 points ahead of the colorful Walter Baechli in second place. Bo Cardwell (17 point back nine) continued her good form and took third spot with 34 points on a count back from Kevin Dinan (16 point back nine) who finished fourth.

A Flight (0-17)

1st Ping Kim Fung (10) 44pts

2nd Peter Blackburn (13) 35pts

3rd Tarquin Macmanus (plus 2) 34pts

4th Stu Rifkin (14) 31pts

B Flight (21+)

1st Kenny Chung (30) 41pts

2nd Walter Baechli (18) 36pts

3rd Bo Cardwell (33) 34pts

4th Kevin Dinan (24) 34pts

Near Pins: 5th – Michael Catillon; 7th – Ping Kim Fung; 13th – Ping Kim Fung; 15th – Rita Zoebeli

Thursday, January 19, Pattaya C.C. – Monthly Mug/Stroke

There was an excellent field of 37 golfers ready to compete for the first Caf้ Kronborg Monthly Mug of the year and had it not been for a couple of late cancellations and one annoying “no show” we would have had a full field of 40.

We welcomed back Doug Maiko from Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Thomas Cotton from Tropical Berts, PSC Social Chairman Nigel Cannon and Patrick Mok from Hong Kong. It was time also to farewell Aussie Golf Professional Tarquin Macmanus and his caddy Michael Rogge who were leaving on Sunday.

Arriving at the course we were able to get our first group, a three-ball, away well ahead of the scheduled. The weather was fine but very overcast and it was apparent that the course had received a fair bit of rain over the past few days so as carts were not allowed on the fairways preferred lies through the greens were permitted.

The rain came as we were on the 8th tee and slowly got heavier and by the time we reached the 9th green we were only just able to putt-out. Then the rain stopped and after a ten minute drinks break at half way we continued in fine but muggy conditions but the course soon started to dry out and we finished the round in sunshine.

The greens were in very good shape notwithstanding the 30 minute downpour and very quick at times. Our full round was completed in the very good time of four hours & five minutes.

Golf Pro Tarquin Macmanus (net 32 back nine) tore the course apart and shot seven under par 65 (5 birdies & 1 eagle) which gave him net 67 off his plus two handicap and won the January Monthly Mug on a count back from the B Flight winner.

Takeshi Hakozaki won the A Flight with a net 70 and in a count back for second & third Rob Brown (net 35 back nine) beat Michael Rogge (net 37 back nine), both having net 71. Fourth place went to Richard Kubicki with a net 72 ahead of Wolfgang Bade in fifth place with net 74.

Previous 2 time Mug winner Nigel Cannon (net 34) won the B Flight with a fine net 67 and Kenny Chung was second with net 69. Third place went to Ulla Ravn on net 70 with Henry Wong fourth with net 73 and Bo Cardwell fifth on net 74.

Monthly Mug

1st Tarquin Macmanus (+2) net 67

A Flight (0-19)

1st Takeshi Hakozaki (15) net 70

2nd Rob Brown (10) net 71

3rd Michael Rogge (5) net 71

4th Richard Kubicki (15) net 72

5th Wolfgang Bade (19) net 74

B Flight (20+)

1st Nigel Cannon (24) net 67

2nd Kenny Chung (28) net 69

3rd Ulla Ravn (37) net 70

4th Henry Wong (22) net 73

5th Bo Cardwell (33) net 74

Near Pins: 5th – Wolfgang Bade: 7th – Michael Rogge; 12th - Doug Maiko; 16th – Henry Wong

Long Putts: 9th – Carole Kubicki; 18th – Mike Winfield

There ain’t no mountain high enough

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, January 8, Green Valley -Gold Medal

A Flight

1st Claude Harder (14) net 65

2nd Takasaka Yasutern (13) net 67

3rd Brien Wilkinson (15) net 69

B Flight

1st Jez Lees (18) net 68

2nd Lou Szigligeti (16) net 68

3rd Pierre Bietry (16) net 71

Red Flight: 1st Sim Davis (25) net 73

Near Pins: No 4 Benn Nelson No 9 J-P Gasser No 12 Mike Craighead No 16 Pierre Bietry.

Medal winners Jez Lees and Claude Harder.

The championship of twelve months of medal competition was on the table this Sunday as the members of the golf society who had won or tied for first in each of 12 monthly competition of 2011 vied for what is clearly one of the two top awards of the society’s golf calendar, and the winner was… Jez ‘the Principal’ Lees, who fashioned a net 68 off his 18 handicap. And all this after climbing Mount Everest!

Jez played in B Flight and as the other finalists were scatted about I will carry on with the B Flight scores. Tying with Jez was yet another mountaineer Lou ‘the thunder from down under’, but not participating in the Gold medal and failing on count back anyway took the flight silver. Pierre Bietry with the help of a count back filled the flight at the expense of Aussie Jim Bell.

The common folk contested a slightly less intensive 1st monthly medal of the new year; Claude Harder topped the day’s score with a net 65, just two strokes ahead of Takasaka Yasutern San and a further two ahead of Brian the ‘Wireless’ Wilkinson, who promised all that attended the presentation a full commentary of his game.

Jim Bell and Pat Reagan triumphed at Green Valley on Sunday.

In the Red Flight we saw red hot favorite Mike Craighead falter a bit under the sun as Sim ‘card’ Davis with a net 73 walked off with the cut glass chardonnay flute and bottle of the same, and she also qualifies for the gold next year along with Claude. All three winners will see their names engraved on the Lewiinski’s wall of shame.

Seven 2’s were recorded.

Wednesday,January 11,St Andrews - Stabelford

A Flight

1st Peter Hynard (14) 37pts

2nd Duncan Kerr (4) 37pts

3rd Young Paul (12) 35pts

B Flight

1st Balechi Walter (17) 37pts

2nd Peter Henshaw (17) 35pts

3rd Colin Davis (18) 35pts

It is always a great day albeit a tough one, when the gang takes on the formidable St Andrews. However, don’t tell that to A Flight’s Peter Hynard or B Flight’s flamboyant Walter Balechi and their 37 points, or for that matter Duncan Kerr who was on the wrong side of a count back in the senior flight. The distribution of Paul Young’s 35 points edged Ireland’s Frank Higgins for the bronze.

The management of Peter ‘Don Corleone’ Henshaw and Colin ‘the Donkey’ Davis were left to fill the minor places in B Flight, the silver going to Peter via the resulting count back.

Colum my mate Mullen and fellow Irishman Peter Henshaw split the ‘2’s pot.

Sunday 15 January Green Valley

A Flight

1st Pat Reagan (14) 41pts

2nd Gareth Gill (6) 39pts

3rd Terry Mangan (13) 39pts

B Flight

1st Jim Bell (21) 40pts

2nd Gerry Power (17) 40pts

3rd Jez Lees (17) 39pts

Near Pins: No 4 Thierry Petrement No 9 Yui Bietry No 12 Gary Blackburne No 16 Gerry Power

On a day of big scores on the Sunday-shortened Green Valley set up, it wasn’t going to take long to justify the ‘title guy’ this week as ‘Young’ Pat Regan was man of the match with 41 points off his 14 handicap. That A Flight winning score was two clear of the duo of Newcastle’s big Gareth Gill and close Irish friend Terry red card Mangan. Gareth contributed a shade more on the inward nine to take the silver leaving Terry to close the flight with the bronze.

Aussie Jim Bell and Gerry ‘the Irish rover’ Power were the top dogs in B Flight, both tied on 40 solid points. The count back did not reflect the luck of the Irish. ‘Sir Edmund’ Lees, minus the yips, continues to amaze as his steady 39 points filled the flight.

With the Donkey down with a touch of colic, the Scribe was put in charge after he himself has just got over a bad dose of writer’s cramp and wished he had stayed at home, as he was paired with the A Flight winning Irish pair who both doubled his points tally. Pat and Terry’s card has been well and truly marked! But it was a pleasure to see that ‘Gally’ Blackburne back in town.

Colum Mullen, Yui Bietry, Garry Blackburne Thierry Petrement and Jerry McCarthy shared the ‘2’s pot.

Monday, January 16, Pattana - Stableford

A Flight

1st Ed Wyckoff (11) 36pts

2nd Peter Hynard (14) 33pts

3rd Petrie Raita (10) 32pts

B Flight

1stGeof Kubas (20) 36pts

2nd Frank McNamara (17) 35pts

3rd Jim Bell (21) 31pts

Monday’s venue was the intriguing construct of Svenska Golf Design Pattana. Our man at the white house Ed Wyckoff showed his fine mettle as he was co-man of the match and topped A Flight with a solid even par round. Peter ‘the right honorable’ Hynard was three shots back as Petrie Raita closed the flight a further stroke back.

Geoff Kubas was top shot in B Flight as he matched Ed’s even par round for co-man of the match. Big Frank McNamara, no stranger to the pay window, was a shot adrift in second place. Jim Bell was happy to see any part of the podium with 31 points, although he needed the aid of a count back over the unlucky Ed Delaney.

The happiest player by far was Irishman Paraic McManus as he slotted home the only ‘2’ of the day.

Wednesday,January 18,Greenwood B&C - Stableford

A Flight

1st Pierre Bietry (16) 41pts

2nd Peter Henshaw (17) 37pts

3rd Colin Davis (17) 36pts

B Flight

1st Jim Bell (21) 43pts

2nd Eddie Kelly (18) 37pts

3rd Sean Soden (23) 35pts

There was our title guy again topping B Flight and the field with a man of the match 43 points. To my recollection that is a couple of 39 points in the recent PSC Championship, 40 points last Sunday, a hiccup yesterday and 43 points today (the handicap secretary has been informed). And not a sound of that there bell either!

Jim’s mammoth 43 points was six clear of Irelands’ Eddie Kelly and a further two of Sean Soden who edged David Dunne on count back for the last flight place.

A Flight read like the minutes of the Pattaya Bar association meeting, with the newest addition’s winner Pierre Bietry with a fine 41 points who was absent from the presentation, apparently he was at the bar, Yui’s “little hole” situated on Soi Post office. Peter Henshaw (Lewiinski’s) took the silver, as the Donkey (Lewiinski’s) rounding out the flight.

Tore Eliassen and who else Paraic McManus split the ‘2’s pot

Friday, January 20, Mountain Shadow - Stableford

A Flight

1st Paraic McManus (5) 38pts

2nd Connie Walsh (11) 34pts

3rd Tom MacManus (11) 34pts

B Flight

1st Tore Eliassen (15) 38pts

2nd Ken Hole (14) 34pts

3rd Eddie Kelly (18) 34pts

C Flight

1st Ger Lodge (19) 33pts

2nd Gerry Hughes (21) 31pts

3rd Pat Culloty (20) 30pts

Paraic McManus and Tore Eliassen brought the week to a fine close as they plotted their way round the challenging Treasure Hill layout to pick up 38 points each to win A and B Flight’s respectively. They were also the only players to better par. Connie Walsh triumphed in style, winning a 34 point count back from Tom McManus.

It was the same story in B Flight as Ken Hole did the same with a similar score to push Eddie Kelly down to the bronze position in their count back.

Skipping down to C Flight saw the lads find the tough layout a bit harder to handle as Ger Lodge took the top spot on 33 points. Ger was two shots clear of Gerry Hughes. Pat Culloty got the better of Sean Soden in a 30 point count back to fill the flight and Sean was left speechless.

Tore Eliassen (a brace), Barry Power, Collin Davis and Colum Mullen shared a large ‘2’s pot.

Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Neville and Dan M big winners at Emerald

The Backyard Golf Society

Neville (center rear) celebrates his win outside Blue Sky Bar.

On arrival at Emerald Golf Course this past week it was nice to see the first tee empty after a few weeks of following various nationalities around the course. We had eight players so with two groups we set off on a nice leisurely round of golf.

A little bit of rain freshened us up following a very hot and humid first few holes. Under four hours later we were all finished and off into the clubhouse for prize giving.

Neville ended up a clear winner with 35 points and also took nearest the pin prize. Dan M took the majority of the skins with 12 (which included a rollover from last week) and the other winners were as follows: JJ (4), Mike (2) and Bob G (1).

Just to let everyone know the dates have been set for the yearly match against Siam Cats on March 2nd and 9th so let’s try and get the “A” game ready as we would rather not lose again this year!

Lee lights up at Wangjuntr

PSC Bunker Boys at The Bowling Green

Monday, Jan. 16, Plutaluang W&N - Stableford

The Navy course is not one that the Bunker Boys visit very often, but due to the high season pricing policies of some of our regular courses, we decided to give it a another try.

Marion Melia gets a farewell hug from JJ.

Organisation is never a strong point here, and we arrived to find that there was a shortage of caddies, a problem which the management had solved by drafting in navy cadets, school children and gardeners – not exactly experts on course distances and putting lines! However, we did at least get off on time, and the round progressed smoothly for an hour, until the heavens opened and a torrential downpour hung over the course for 40 minutes.

Following the rain, the greens dried out remarkably quickly, but the fairways were heavily waterlogged for the remainder of the round. All of the above may be factors which contributed to the amazingly poor scores on the day, but rarely has it been known for so many players to return scores in the 20’s.

The course was in good condition and is very good value for money, but the general consensus after the round, was that we’ll not be rushing back in the near future.

A Flight

1st JJ Harney (12) 33pts

2nd Ken Ellmore (16) 29pts

3rd Geoff Parker (17) 28pts

B Flight

1st Mike Brett (18) 32pts

2nd Daryl Whyte (20) 26pts

3rd Mike Corner (20) 25pts

Near Pins: Ken Ellmore, Geoff Parker, Stuart Ferneaux and JJ Harney

Wednesday, Jan 18, Wangjungtr (Highlands) - Stableford

A rare visit by the Bunker Boys to the Wangjuntr Golf Park, arranged at the request of several members who had never played there before. Certainly it’s worth at least one visit for the spectacular scenery, and a layout which contains features which would never be found on a “real” golf course.

A field of over 30 players made the slightly longer trip than usual, to find that the management had drafted in caddies from Century Chonburi GC to accommodate this extra influx of players. This provided several sources of amusement as the caddies couldn’t find their way to the tees, and some were clearly terrified at driving the buggies up and down the steep mountain slopes.

With little or no help from the novice caddies most players suffered on the huge undulating greens, and at least two were seen picking up their ball after trying several times, unsuccessfully, to ascend the huge slopes on the 10th and 18th greens.

Once again we were interrupted by a heavy shower of rain, but most players enjoyed the day even though we ended up driving back to the Bowling Green in the dark.

Duncan Lee must have found one of the few good caddies to return to the clubhouse with a fantastic score of 41 points, and Mashi also had a good day returning 37 points to win the A flight.

A Flight

1st Mashi Kaneta (12) 37pts

2nd William Macey (15) 36pts

3rd Mike Grasser (10) 34pts

B Flight

1st Duncan Lee (17) 41pts

2nd Mike Corner (20) 36pts

3rd John Hughes (17) 34pts

Near Pins: Cyril Wallwork, Rab McDonald, Colin Greig and Paul Smith.

Friday, Jan. 20, Mountain Shadow – Stableford

We arrived at Mountain Shadow to find that we were late due to a mix up with our tee time, but we were still able to get away without delay. The course was in good condition, although showing signs of drying out in places, and the water levels in the lakes were much lower than expected at this time of year.

For the third game in a row we had a brief shower of rain during the round, but this time very light, and hardly worth bothering with an umbrella, although heavy thunder could be heard in the distance.

The round progressed smoothly and the leading groups were back in the clubhouse in comfortably less than 4 hours. The greens today were less pacey and treacherous than they sometimes can be, and this was reflected in the scores.

The A and B flights were both won with 37 points, and Marion Melia, playing her last round before returning to the U.K., managed to play to her handicap for the first time since arriving – well done Marion, and we look forward to seeing you again later in the year.

A Flight

1st Keichi Kasami (8) 37pts

2nd Cyril Wallwork (12) 35pts

3rd Paul Smith (2) 32pts

B Flight

1st Mike Brett (18) 37pts

2nd Marion Melia (23) 36pts

3rd Ken Ellmore (17) 29pts

Near Pins: Tom Jones, Bob Taylor, Colin Greig and Paul Smith

The Bunker Boys play out of the Bowling Green on Soi X-Zyte between Pattaya 3rd Road and Soi Buakhaow. We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why come and join us. We meet at the Bowling Green at 9 a.m. and new players with valid handicaps are always welcome. For more information call Dave on 087 146 9978, email dave. [email protected].

Land grab at Khao Kheow

PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society

Monday, Jan. 16, Khao Kheow – Stableford

I must say today we were very disappointed with the course as it was not up to its normally very good condition. There were many bare patches on the fairways and the light rough was bone dry with hardly any grass at all. Also the greens were extremely slow.

Fred Land.

This did not seem to bother two of our golfers who both played under their handicaps by several shots. On Sodok, our only lady player today fired an excellent 39pts which would normally be enough to secure first place, but unfortunately for her Fred Land returned to form with a bang scoring 40pts off his 13 handicap. Apparently he had two putts of only about three foot that just lipped out and two blow outs on his card.

Harvey Samuals crept into third place while Phil Mitchell took fourth spot from Roy Dayton on count back 19-14.

Near pins went to Ken Meek, On Sodok and Fred Land.

1st Fred Land (13) 40pts

2nd On Sodok (22) 39pts

3rd Harvey Samuels (19) 34pts

4th Phil Mitchell (6) 33pts

Friday, Jan. 20, Greenwood - Stableford

Only two outings this week and this was the better one of the two, even though we just missed out on the special rate for twenty or more players (please make a note of this when you play here).

Tony Duthie.

The course was in really good condition and the weather was just right for golf so there was a lot of good scores in with four golfers playing under their handicaps. Notably the old man himself (Steady Eddie) Tony Duthie came in with 39pts after returning to form following quiet a long lean spell. He was closely followed by Warren Gallop 38pts while third and fourth places 37pts were decided on count backs.

Near pins went to Patrick Engels, Scott Dobbins, Robert E and George Robinson.

1st Tony Duthie (21) 39pts

2nd Warren Gallop (12) 38pts

3rd Ardrien Palmer (28) 37pts

4th Patrick Engels (15) 37pts

Note: The Fairways Golf Society & Driving Range is located at the top of Pattaya Klang on Sukhumvit Road and plays every Mon/Wed & Friday. 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.

A real pea-souper at Pattaya C.C.

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

Bill Thompson (left) with Paul Kraft (right) and Jan Thorn (center).

Three Sisters Golf group began the day in a deep fog… no not the players, although that happens, but the Pattaya Country Club was deep in fog for the first three holes. That did not stop our stalwart heroes from whacking away, hoping the caddy had an idea of where their ball landed. Sometimes finding it was easy when it conked the golf cart of the group ahead! As it was January 18, the fog conditions seemed a bit early in the season.

Back at Caddy Shack II, the cards were tallied. Coming in first was Bill Thompson with a 40-pointer, followed by Paul Kraft and Jan Thorn, both with 37. Paul took second on count back but seeing the sad look on Jan’s face, it was decided to put her into the picture also.

Herbie provided what might be called hot dogs but looked more like torpedoes. They were good and enjoyed by all.

An old ‘Shadow’ slips into the spotlight again

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, January 16, Eastern Star - Stableford

CSS75 non-counting

1st Vance Millar (17) 32pts

2nd Ole Stamnes (27) 31pts

3rd Alan Hanlon (12) 31pts

4th Brian Randall (36) 30pts

5th Rodney Hayes (12) 29pts

With a strong wind blowing from the outset it was not a very big surprise to find the scores at the end of the day were well below par; indeed so much below that the standard scratch score for the competition went out to 75 and the day became non-counting for upward review of handicaps.

Brian Lewis.

Vance Millar, having already won the longest drive for leaving home without his clubs and having to go all the way back for them, started off driving well (as would be expected) and did enough to take his first win on this trip.

Ole Stamnes had to keep at it till the end as he improved as the round progressed to take second place with a better count back of 11 to 10 over the last six to consign Alan Hanlon to third place after they had tied the back nine at 16 each.

Brian Randall also stayed the course well in fourth with Rodney Hayes strangely out of touch a further shot back in fifth place.

There were no 2’s in either of the divisions.

Wednesday,January 18,Bangpra - Stableford

CSS 73

Division 1 (0–18)

1st Warren Gallop (12) 36pts

2nd Alwyne Burley (18) 32pts

3rd Peter Sumner (9) 31pts

4th Bruce Kusyk (13) 31pts

Division 2 (19+)

1st Brian Lewis (20) 34pts

2nd Ole Stamnes (27) 32pts

3rd David Bowles (19) 30pts

4th Frithjof Kayser (25) 30pts

A large contingent set off for the always popular Bangpra layout with much trepidation as to what the day had in store following the results of the previous outing, with the weather still blowing players around and a much harder course to contend with if past experience was to be believed. The one big miss was Rodney Hayes who was away to the driving range for the second day in the hopes that his old expertise may return with some tweaks to the old swing, with the plan that three days should make a difference.

Vance Millar.

In the event the results were much better than expected with the first division being won by Warren Gallop carding a level handicap round, although it should be noted that it was four better than the best of the chasing division, which underlined the quality of the result.

Alwyne Burley was the best of the chasers taking second place, with Peter Sumner taking third by virtue of a winning count back against Bruce Kusyk with a better 17 to 14.

The second division was a much closer affair with Brian Lewis getting back into the limelight once again with a solid two over handicap round. It has been a long time since Brian played lead guitar on tour in Japan in the 1970’s with the reconstituted Shadows alongside Hank Marvin and the boys, and although the applause was not quite as loud it was still much appreciated, but sadly no amount of coaxing could get Brian to perform a reprise for the fans.

Ole Stamnes again took second place following two behind as David Bowles, having cleaned out his playing partners, claimed third with a better count back of 9 to 8 on the back six after Frithjof Kayser had halved the inward nine at 15 each.

Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Bruce Kusyk slipped one in for the first division spoils which included a roll over.

Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back Kare Lunde, Paul Simpson, Peter Sumner, Warren Gallop, Sekio Ojima, David Bowles, John Berry and Andy Harrison.

Friday, January 20, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford

CSS 71

1st Serge Straeten (17) 38pts

2nd Vance Millar (17) 35pts

3rd Sekio Ojima (24) 34pts

4th Rodney Hayes (12) 34pts

5th Leif Lossius (30) 34pts

At last the wind abated for the trip just up the road to Pattaya Country Club and there was a marked difference in the scores returned right across the board; so much so that the CSS went down to 71 although scoring still remained difficult enough that only one player managed to equal or better par.

That was Serge Straeten, who is seen less frequently since his move over the hill to Jomtien, but is well appreciated for his “bon homie” when he arrives. His two under handicap was easily the best of the day, with the in-form and much travelled Vance Millar taking second place three back.

Sekio Ojima slipped on to the podium with the best of a three-way count back over Rodney Hayes and Leif Lossius, which he won with 19 points on the inward half as Rodney, still not quite back to form after a many hours honing the blunt instrument, was in fourth with 18 and Leif in fifth with 15.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Serge Straeten brought back some memories as he sunk a very short one to sweep the second division which included a few rollovers. The last time Serge faced a short one to sweep a huge rollover pool which stood in excess of 7k, one of his playing partners reminded him of the prize, ensuring that he missed from around 15 inches (40 cm), in fact not even touching the hole. Fortunately this time his partners were unaware of the pool size as they were playing their first rounds on their trip.

Prior to the presentations there was a welcome back for Alan Bridges.

Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 082 219 0965 or call in to The Haven 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

Glorious weather, courses top-shelf

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Tuesday, Jan. 10, Treasure Hill - Stableford

Tuesday was a return visit to Treasure Hill, where the course just continues to impress; the greens currently match the rest of the venue in condition, and are running true and fast. The weather again was close to perfect, I did wonder what the rich people were doing, but didn’t really care.

Bob Edwards, all smiles after successful outings at Kabin Buri and Pleasant Valley.

Jeff Wylie (8) led the way home with 34 points, from Phill Waite (14) with 30, while Phill was the only player to sign for the NTP marker.

Thursday, Jan. 12, Greenwood - Stableford

Greenwood was our venue for Thursday, with the C & A combination being the allotted test. We again joined up with PJ Bar to take advantage of the discounted rate for 20+, big thanks to Dennis & crew as they really carried the load on this day following a disappointing turnout from ML players.

The course was in peak condition, & was a pleasure to play. With the shortfall in players, we decided on a skins format with Jim jumping out of the blocks, but Jeff ended up as the leader following a series of halved holes. Dan was unlucky with several holes, where he made good scores through longish putts, only to see other players hole on top of him, to continue carryovers. The carryover on the 18th was donated to Banglamung Boys Home.

Mon & Tues,
Jan 16-17, Kabin Buri - Stableford

Monday & Tuesday was an overnighter, a trip away to Kabin Buri, where we played the Kabin Buri Sports Club on both days. The course was in very good condition, generous fairways, lightish rough & large, flat greens gave everyone the opportunity for reasonable scoring.

We had decided on daily competitions with Front 9, Back 9 & Overall available. Day 1 winners were Ian Hart (19) & Jeff Wylie (7) sharing the Front 9 with 18 points each. Ed Horrocks (21) got the Back 9 with 20 points, while Bob Edwards (11) in his first game this holiday got the Overall with 39 points.

Following a bit of confusion with our booking on Day 2, everything fell into place & we got away pretty close to our previously confirmed tee time. Ian Hart again led the way on the Front 9 with 21 points, Bob Edwards continued his good form to win the Back 9 with 20, while the consistent Jeff Wylie got the Overall with 36 points.

Thursday, Jan. 19, Pleasant Valley - Stableford

Thursday, it was back to normal competition play, with a trip to Pleasant Valley. Again the course was in good order, the showers held off until we had completed our round, so all in all a good day for golf.

That man Bob Edwards (11) clearly led the way with 38 points, after having played steady golf all day. In 2nd was the (today) erratic Jeff Wylie (7) with 33 points, having eagled the last to edge Willem.

Willem did get some consolation with a NTP, alongside Jeff & Bob, with 1 going to Banglamung Boys Home.

Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday, with ML hosting prompt presentations on both days. Call 0890941841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!

Kaneta continues good form at Pleasant Valley

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Winners and runners-up from Pleasant Valley.

Derek Brook

Tuesday, January 17, The Emerald – Stableford

Much better getting here now as we do not have to fight the traffic down Sukhumwit; just up past Green Valley, turn left, a bit of peaceful countryside and into the course.

Soon booked in it was down to the start and it started to spit with rain, where the big decision was whether to play ‘pick and place’ as it had rained all night also. Being brave we just went and it was probably the correct decision as we got around without too much mud on the ball.

The course probably needed the water, and the covers actually were needed on the golf bags, but it was forge ahead. In fact apart from the course being packed, we quite enjoyed getting wet. Weird people these golfers.

As is usual with this course, the ball ended up in some funny positions, it has to be the most ‘bad lie’ course in the country. Anyway, despite the square holes we finally got around.

In the A Flight, 0 to 15, the winner was Rob Brown with 36 points ahead of Mashi Kaneta in second on 34 points while John Binns took third with 33 points on count back over Mike Gaussa.

In the B Flight the winner your scribe with 33 points ahead of Tom Cotton on count back. In third was Graham Buckingham with 32 points, also edging Sid Crawley on count back.

Near Pins: Sid Crawley, Carole Kubicki, Keichi Kasame, Mike Gaussa

Long Putt: Mike Gaussa, David Nicholson

Friday, January 20, Pleasant Valley – Stableford

On this day we played Pleasant Valley and for a Friday we had a very good turnout. This is a course that elicits a lot of debate from those who do not like it and those who do. The against crowd say it is too tight and was placed on to too little real estate, that too many fairways are dangerously too closely parallel and that false ‘OB’ are needed.

The pro crowd realise this is probably true, but since the course came into use the condition has improved to such an extent that fairways and greens are on a par with just about all the courses. At present, while other courses are dried out with bare fairways it has a lush green look. You pay your money and vote with your feet.

On this day the course was packed out, and we had a later start so we got into the queue and started only a little late. As said the layout was in good condition but is one that needs respect. Of course it rained but only a little ‘spitty’. So we battled on and in fact got around in reasonable time despite the many players here today.

Back at Bert’s it was soon time for the presentation and Dick was soon in full flow. In the A Flight, 0 to 19, Mashi Kaneta had one of his good days with 41 points and won ahead of a count back on 37 points that saw Rob Brown in second and yours truly in third.

In the B Flight the winner with 38 points was Don Carmody with 38 points ahead of a three-way count back on 37 points that saw Karen Brown in second, Daryl Evans in third and Brian Gabe just losing out. Then it was time for a cold one or two. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: Joel Flor, Mashi (2) and Barry Elphick

Dixon’s double dash

Phoenix Tuesday/Friday & Sunday Golf Group

Tuesday’s top three (standing rear) pose with staff members from the Relax Bar.

Mike Gerrard

Hi. As you can see from the headline of the group we have now added Sunday’s to our weekly golf, which is more popular for the Phoenix members. Guests are still very welcome but the green fee would be 1,600 baht plus caddy and cart fee, as a guest of the members. OK for the rich!

So onto the golf and first up was Friday Jan 13 when some of our group played at Phoenix, but due to the fact that 8 of the group went to Soi Dao for two days I can only report on the events that happened there.

For those who know of Soi Dao Golf & Country Club I do not need to tell them how good it is. For those of you who have not experienced the venue I can only recommend that you do so as soon as you can. Obviously the high season dates are better because the weather is a little drier. This resort is smack in the middle of a beautiful mountain range and when there are any rain clouds about the course usually gets the brunt of it.

On the first day after we had checked into the hotel we went out to play and found that although the course was in superb condition, the greens were very slow due to not being cut on that day. The day was very overcast and cold! Just like back in dear old ‘Blighty’.

By day two however the weather had warmed up and the sun came out, plus the greens had been cut and they were much better to judge.

Both days were a huge success and Denis Dixon swept us all away on both days with scores of 40 points on day one and 39 on day two, after being cut a shot. Both scores equated to 81 gross.

Sunday, Jan 15, Phoenix - Stableford

With only two groups to worry about today I thought this would be my time to really relax and concentrate on pure golf. Think again McDuff! There we all were, standing on the tee waiting for Goort Gelten and wondering where he was. So I called him and he reminded me that he had told me he was not playing that day. Stupid boy Gerrard - only two groups to sort and I make a mess of it.

So after a long period of mediocre golf and increasing handicaps, Bill Hewitt finally came good and won the day with a score of 35 points, with myself second on 33 points (not scoring any points on the last two holes) and Eamon Murtagh and Stuart Gordon on 30 points for joint third.

Tuesday, Jan 17, Phoenix - Stableford

Tuesday has always been our main day at Phoenix and at this time of the year we are really oversubscribed with players. The problem is we try to set our target at 7 groups maximum, but we also have a rule where we try not to refuse anyone a game.

As usual, some of the latecomers throw the spanner in the works which really does make the arrangement of the groups very difficult. Never mind, only for a few weeks.

Today we were playing for the Nemo’s Music Lounge voucher, kindly donated by Federico Zambon.

Mountain and Lake course was the task for the day. Sadly the greens had not been attended to for a few days (or so it seems) and they were very inconsistent.

We segregated the players into two flights today with ‘B’ flight 19 and up and ‘A’ Flight 0 to 18.

A Flight winner was again Bill Hewitt with a fine 38 points. With 23 points on the back nine he easily pushed Keith Etherington into second place, who also scored 38 points. Keith has been here for three weeks now and has just adjusted to our type of courses from those of the UK. Sad that his best score to date should be beaten on a count back. In third place was myself with 34 points.

Onto B Flight now where the scores were slightly poorer. The winner was John Bartley with 30 points, in second place was Peter Harris with 29 and in third place was Colin Gregg with 28 points.

Our hosts the Relax Bar looked after all of us as usual and donated the lucky draw prizes, which went to Sergio Volpi, Fred West, and a few more.

Near pins went Denis Dixon, Goort Gelten, Peter Rawling & Joe Miller.

Next week we are incorporating a pairs competition in addition to the usual singles game on the Tuesday and Thursday and Friday a large group of us are going to Royal Hills Hotel and Golf Course for a couple of days.

For further information regarding golf and sea fishing call me on 087 091 7565.

Barnett bags a brace 17th year anniversary

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, Jan. 16, Plutaluang – Stableford

A Flight

1st Mike Phillips (11) 37pts

2nd Jason Barnett (6) 32pts

B Flight

1st Dave Strang (18) 34pts

2nd Greg Ritchie (21) 34pts

Two flights on Monday at Navy with Mike Phillips top scoring with 37 to take out the premier division. Dave Strang bettered Greg Ritchie on count back for the B Flight honours after both finished on 34 points each

Jason Barnett.

Wednesday, Jan 18, Green Valley, Stableford

A Flight

1st Jason Barnett (6) 38pts

2nd Jack Butler (13) 37pts

3rd Emmet White (10) 35pts

B Flight

1st Derek May (18) 38pts

2nd Tom Breslin (25) 36pts

3rd Ed Horrocks (21) 36pts

Thirty eight points was enough to top both flights at Green Valley with Jason Barnett and Derek May taking the honours. Jack Butler was runner-up in the A Flight while Tom Breslin edged Ed Horrocks for silver in the junior division.

Friday, Jan. 20, Bangpra - Stableford

A Flight

1st Jason Barnett (6) 38pts

2nd Jim McGovern (14) 38pts

3rd Paul Walia (13) 37pts

B Flight

1st David Foulk (20) 38pts

2nd Bruce Tollitt (19) 33pts

3rd Derek Wilkin (18) 32pts

Same story at Bangra on Friday with two 38’s once more topping the respective A and B Flights. Jason Barnett took his second win in 3 days, pushing Jim McGovern into the runner-up spot while David Foulk took the B Flight plaudits, five clea r of Bruce Tollitt in second.

Mike Phillips recorded the sole birdie ‘2’ of the day.

Burnie in sparkling form at Emerald

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, January 16, The Emerald – Stableford

There were three men’s divisions out today as we teed-off in dark overcast conditions with a few drops of rain but happily it stayed mainly dry for everyone.

The cut in the flights today came at 7-15, 16-20 and 21+. Thirty nine points was the highest score of the day from Countback Burnie to win division 2 ahead of Howard Stanley in second two points behind and Don Head in third on 32.

Roar Berger was the winner in division 3 with 37 points while David Phillips beat two rivals on a 19/16/15 back-nine count back to take second place after they all scored 32. Pepo Frick was in third and the masked man Paul Chabot lost out.

After a few miserable rounds recently Chris Voller was back in the limelight, taking division 1 with 37 points after edging Ron Miller on a 13/12 back-six count back, with the Scots boy Dennis Scougal in third with 34.
Near pins went to Mike, Dennis Scougal, Raivo Velsberg, Harry Vincenzi, David, Bernd Floethner, Bryan Rought and Rudi Schaefer.

Two ‘2’s today, both on the 15th, came from Harry Vincenzi and David.

Wednesday, Jan 18, Royal Lakeside - Stableford

Our first visit here for over a year and everyone was impressed with the course condition and the clubhouse; it was worth the extra few miles to travel here and we will all be returning soon.

There was a ladies division out today plus three men’s divisions with an almost similar cut in handicaps as Monday.

The same winning score as Monday, 39 points, gave Ron Miller the podium position in division 1, John Smith was second with 36 and Adi Mayer beat Jerry MaCarthy on a 16/15 back-nine count back after they both returned scores of 33.

Zorro (alias Paul Chabot) took out division 3 with 36 points, beating Yves Bosset 22/16 on the back nine with Rod Howett coming in third with 31 after points beating Ian Plummer and Terry Redding on a 17/15/14 back-nine count back.

Tony Barritt won division 2 with 34 points while Neil gamble was second one point behind after beating Mauri Friman on a 17/13 count back.

Ursala Lehner claimed the ladies division with 31 points.

Near pins were won by Ursala Lehner, Ron Miller, John Smith, Chris Voller (2), Neil Gamble, Jeff Hamilton and Ian Plummer.

John Smith birdied the 6th in division 1 and Jeff Hamilton the 15th to scoop the ‘2’s pots in both divisions.

Friday, Jan 20, Eastern Star - Stableford

Friday saw our largest field of the week, with 4 ladies and 44 men in three divisions with an unusual cut of 6-14, 15-18 and 19 plus. It was another gloomy day as we arrived and we had some strange intermittent weather conditions as we played the 18 holes.

Pete Sumner (20 on the front nine) came in with 37 points to win division 1 ahead of Tom Atkins in second with 35 and Ron Miller took third after beating Fred Land on a 19/17 back-nine count back, both returning scores of 34.

Jerry McCarthy’s 35 points was enough to win division 2, and after being equal all the way to the back three with a 2, 2, 2 points finish, Sid Crawley and Stan Everingham shared the runner-up places on 33 points.

Andy Galvin won division 3 with 34 points with Yves Bossett second two points behind and Zorro was third with 30.

Toi Blair took out the Ladies division with 26 points.

Harry Vincenzi recorded the only ‘2’ of the day in division 1 on the 13th. The ladies tipple of the day was awarded to (no names mentioned) a person who played off the fourth tee into OB, then his third and his fourth went into the water and bounced forward into the hazard, while his fifth shot was a disaster and he fell back into the water. Laughs all round for Bryan R.

Near pins today went to Toi Blair, Verana Suhr, Jason Cole, Mark Cooper, Georges Faber, Chris Voller, Tony Barriyy (2), Paul Chabot and Andy Galvin.

Peters troubles the handicapper

IPGC golf from The Links

Sunday, January 15, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

Twenty-eight players made the short weekly trip to Pattaya Country Club, and with a strong field the cut for the two divisions was 0-15 and 16+. Due to the heavily (over) watered first fairway, there was a brief discussion whether to declare “lift, clean and place”, but this was deemed unnecessary, a decision which may have cost some players a shot or two as this condition was apparent on a number of fairways, leading to some boggy lies just shy of casual water.

In the top flight, Russell Exley recovered from a slow start to record a level gross back 9, but his 36 points were only good enough for third place, behind Barney Sheedy (37) and Keith Woolley (38).

In the B flight, Andy Galvin and Ted Murphy played some solid golf to record 35 and 37 points respectively. The round of the day however belonged to genial Irishman Joe Peters, who recorded his best ever score in Thailand, carding a gross 82 off his 18 handicap to return a massive 44 points. Not bad for a 71 year old, although needless to say, Joe, it will be a long time before you play off 18 again!

Joe’s card also included a brace of ‘2’s with Jon Batty the only other beneficiary in the ‘2’s comp.

A Flight

1st Keith Woolley (14) 38pts

2nd Barney Sheedy (10) 37pts

3rd Russell Exley (7)36pts

B Flight

1st Joe Peters (18) 44pts

2nd Ted Murphy (22) 37pts

3rd Andy Galvin (20) 35pts

Tuesday, Jan. 17, Laem Chabang – Stableford

Twenty-seven players travelled to Laem Chabang, another firm favorite of the Links group, but with heavy rain during the front 9, one group decided to take advantage of the 9 hole “rain check”, so only 24 returned scores.

The courses for the day were the Mountain and Lake, by far the easiest combination at Laem Chabang, and playing off the white tees at a little over 6,000 yards, the point scores were understandably high, with over half the field returning 30 points or better and the CSS for the day played one below par.

The two flights were split at 0-16 and 17+, with Barney Munnin taking first place in the A flight, shooting gross 82 to return 43 points. Returning Irishman Sean Connolly was second, 6 points behind, edging out John McKenna by a single point.

In the B flight, Ted Murphy got his revenge on Joe Peters for his Sunday score, this time his second consecutive 37 point haul proved good enough to knock Joe back into second place by two points. Andy Galvin again had to settle for third.

There were four ‘2’s, the pot being shared equally by Andy Galvin, Joe McArdle, Frank McGowan and Michael Walsh.

A Flight

1st Barney Munnin (17) 43pts

2nd Sean Connolly (9)37pts

3rd John McKenna (16) 36pts

B Flight

1st Ted Murphy (22) 37pts

2nd Joe Peters (18) 35pts

3rd Andy Galvin (20) 31pts

Thursday, Jan 19, St Andrews – Stableford

The heavy rain before tee-off led to a slight delay on Thursday, but did not deter any of the 29 golfers, although it may have been a contributor to the difficulty of the course, which played much harder than par off the white tees, and with only three players scoring 30 points or better the CSS moved out a full two shots to 76.

In the A flight, handicaps 0-18, Robert Lamond continued his good run of form, with the only level par round of the day, 3 shots ahead of John Chelo. Risto Kopu took third place by way of count back, beating Graham Johnson 14-13 on the back 9.

In the B flight, Seiko Ojima was delighted to take the pot with 30 points. His victory was soured, however, when the following day he realized that he had left his wallet at the course, and spent most of his winnings on a taxi fare to go and retrieve it. Henry Mah and Mikko Antilla completed the places with 27 and 26 points respectively.

The only ‘2’ of the day went to Toni Nichols.

A Flight

1st Robert Lamond (5) 36pts

2nd John Chelo (18) 33pts

3rd Risto Kopu (13) 29pts

B Flight

1st Seiko Ojima (24) 30pts

2nd Henry Mah (23) 27pts

3rd Mikko Antilla (22) 26pts

Note: The Links depart from the hotel on Soi Buakhao at 9.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10.00am for Pattaya Country Club every Sunday. Sign-up at the hotel or contact Jon on 080 021 1034. A full schedule of courses can be found on the IPGC website www.ipgc.org.

Pattaya City continue their winning run

Bangkok Casuals League Divisions 1 & 2

Paul Frain

Pattaya City were hosts to the German All Stars last weekend and the home team had the better of the opening exchanges before Oleg Vorontsov latched into a pass from Tshuma to brush off three defenders and shoot pass the German keeper to make it 1-0 to City.

As the visitors searched for an equalizer the game opened up more and City spurned several good opportunities to double their lead before getting a let-off on the stroke of halftime as they saw the German winger strike the inside of their own woodwork.

The second half saw the German side come into the game more and City had to thank their goalkeeper Yongui for pulling off a series of important saves to keep his side ahead.

At the other end of the field Vorontsov almost doubled both his and his teams tally but his shot in the final minutes was well saved by the German goalkeeper.

City had 70% of the possession in this match but ultimately they were forced to accept the 1-0 win thanks to some resolute defending by their opponents and some over elaboration in their own play.

Reserves come unstuck in capital

The Pattaya City Reserves meanwhile travelled to Bangkok to play BSL Youth and were put under early pressure with the home team shooting just over the bar and then seeing Pattaya’s David Brown clear the ball off his own goal-line.

After withstanding the early onslaught, City settled down and began to exert some authority on the game and it was no surprise when Glen Wilkins prodded the ball home after hitting the post to give Pattaya the lead.

The goal seemed to galvanize City even further and soon after, a move involving Phansaloud and Thongpla saw the ball passed on quickly to O’Callaghan who made no mistake to give Pattaya a two goal cushion.

BSL had been restricted by the well organized City defense to taking long shots in the first half but soon after the break, a lapse in concentration from a throw in allowed the home team to break down the right wing and float a ball over for their center forward to make the score 2-1.

Pattaya were guilty of similar slack marking soon after that allowed BSL to equalize with an almost identical goal to their first.

BSL were now getting on top and the City players were getting tired and it was no surprise when a 35 yard shot flew into the City goal leaving the keeper stranded and making the score 3-2 to the hosts.

City fought back but just could not make the final ball count and with a slight hint of offside BSL scored again to make it 4-2.

City came back with tired legs but again the final ball was missing and BSL scored their fifth goal as the City players were pushing forward and the final score was 5-2 to BSL. This was a game of two halves - the first half belong to City and the second half belong to BSL who showed their superior fitness at the end.

Tananusorn wins head-to-head with Schramm

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society returned to normal after a hectic and thoroughly successful Annual Championship week with the relief of a stableford competition at the well presented course at Crystal Bay on Monday, 16th January.

Playing the A and B nines the large field was divided into two flights at seventeen and under and excellent progress was made on a full course thanks to the full cooperation of the staff and the golfers in the group.

The B flight saw the Rabbi overcome his recent “yips” with a battling 32 points for his biggest result yet, third on this occasion, a couple of points behind Denis Quinn who produced a steady round of 34 points. The flight winner was Mr Len, continuing his recent improvements with a return of 35 points. How he must rue that 3 putt-3 putt-4 putt run in the middle of the back nine!

In the top flight new PGS Net Champion, Dave Cadwallader showed his credentials yet again with 35 points for third place whilst the main joust of the day was the head-to-head of the two strongest players in the field, Rick Schramm and Wichai Tananusorn. The former was battling his way out of a bout of bronchitis and pushed Wichai all the way with a score of 37 points but the Thai golfer was a little too strong for the Canadian and took the win with two excellent birdies on the back nine.

Birdie ‘2’s were recorded by Mike Earley, Jack Behan, Ray Banks and Wichai with Helene Lindberg also striking a blow for the ladies with a fine effort into the wind on B4.

The Booby Bevy went to new member Stephen Rowley who managed to play a fourth shot from behind the ladies tee, having gone OB with his first and topped his next, leaving himself a shot of three hundred yards plus into the wind for par. Life gets tough for low handicappers when that happens. But it was all part of a very good day at Crystal Bay and the organisers are grateful the club could find room for three extra groups at very short notice. We’ll be back you bet!

Nice place - shame about the greens

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Eastern Star on Wednesday, 18th January to play a stableford competition with the large field divided into two flights at sixteen and under. Eastern Star was reasonably presented but the greens led one member to search for a thesaurus to find another way of saying “atrocious”. Not only were they slow and generally uncut but where efforts had been made to cut them the mower had left swathes of green and brown of uneven height. So the nightmare began.

In the second flight Don Nellis and new member Vincent Sammon managed to scrape 31 points together each for a share of second place whilst Larry Slattery took the flight with a very creditable 33 points.

In the top division Dave Moriarty played well recording 31 points for third, just one behind the second placed man Ray Banks, who was playing his penultimate round this trip. The winner was Tony Thorne and his 38 points were due in part to his knowledge of the course and some accurate shot making.

A birdie ‘2’ on hole six also helped and he was joined in a share of the ‘2’s pot by Pat Murphy and Booby Shirkey. The latter also received the Booby Bevy as the four points on hole three made up almost a quarter of his total for the day. One suspects it may be some time before the group will schedule a visit to Eastern Star again this high season. Sad, but...

Banks signs
out with win

The Pattaya Golf Society ended the week in “cheap and cheerful” fashion with a trip to Century Chonburi on Friday, 20th January, to play a stableford competition on the course which is slowly shedding its dowdy image. Attempts have been made to water the fairways and tidy up the bunkers but the absence of rakes anywhere on the course is still noted.

The large field was divided into two flights at seventeen and under and a cloudy day made the golfers comfortable from the off.

In the second flight Dave Wilkinson and Booby Shirkey shared third place with 27 points each, a couple behind second placed Mr Len. The flight winner was Brian Shaw with 31 points on yet another of his flying visits from Australia.

In the top flight Steve Jones, Joe Niisato, Dave Cadwallader and Don Nellis all shared the third place pot with 29 points. Tony Thorne again played solid golf recording 32 points for second place whilst Ray Banks ended his trip in style with a win, recording 35 points.

There were no birdie ‘2’s and Swedish lady golfer Helene Lindberg volunteered to play off the white tees and promised herself a beer after she passed on five holes. “Murphy’s Law” kicked in and when she got to the sixteenth tee the hut was empty. What better consolation than the Booby Bevy.

Cheap and cheerful Chonburi may be, but it is well worth a visit during high season.

International multihull race festival comes to Pattaya

Some of the world’s fastest sail craft will be battling it out for honours in the week-long regatta.

Peter Cummins

The first-ever international yacht-racing event, featuring sleek, super-fast new multihulls, will be held in the waters off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya, from Friday 03 until Friday 10, February, 2012.

The Royal Varuna Yacht Club in south Pattaya will play host to the 1st Pattaya International Multihull Festival from Feb 3-10, 2012.

More than sixty entries have already been confirmed for the 1st Pattaya International Multihull Festival, comprising some 120 participants, from eight countries, including Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, as well as a large contingent of Thai-based sailors. Hundreds of yacht-racing enthusiasts will gather on the South Pattaya sea-front for the week-long spectacle, seen for the first-time on the Pattaya-Jomtien seascape.

According to the principal organizer, Pattaya-based catamaran builder, John Higham, this inaugural event is to be held annually and, says John, “will become Asia’s largest multihull regatta by next year”. The aim, apart from promoting this visually-exciting form of yacht racing, will be to also create a high profile of Pattaya as a prime venue for water-based activities and marine sports for the City-by-the-Sea.

The regatta, in effect, will showcase the fastest sail-driven craft in the world, thereby emphasizing the superb marine environment and sailing conditions which make the Pattaya-Jomtien area as one of the world’s best.

“This event will, no doubt, in the future become one of the largest beach-based sailing spectaculars in the world.” added John.

The most competitive fleet is expected to be the Formula 16 with multiple world champions and Olympic sailors involved. This class is sailing mainly with a mixed team, i.e. one man, one woman as crew.

Double world champion Coen de Koning from Holland, will be taking part in the F16 class and will be joined in the event by compatriot Carolijn Brouwer, a three times Olympic competitor and tornado world champion.

Local honours will be defended by Gareth Owen, a Pattaya sailor who is a double world Dart 18 champion and will be sailing in the Dart 18 division.

For the first time in Asia there will also be a small fleet of F20 carbons racing which are capable of attaining speeds of 60 km/h.

The popularity of sailing, yacht-racing, cruising, and water sports generally has enjoyed exponential advances both world-wide and in the Kingdom. Recently, a French team, under Loick Peyron, took an incredible three days off the record in the Jules Verne Trophy, allocated for the fastest circumnavigation of the world: Loick’s team finished in just 45 days.

Elsewhere, teenagers are sailing the world single-handed: Dutch girl, Laura Dekker – all of 16 years of age - just arrived at home port after a year-long solo circumnavigation of one year. An Aussie teen – also 16 – Jessica Watson did likewise last year.

Then, of course, is the build-up for the America’s Cup in 2014 and, anyone down Pattaya way in February, can have an inkling of what these speed machines are capable of achieving.

But, back to Thailand and the forthcoming extravaganza: Yacht-racing in the kingdom is forging ahead, with a junior world champion and many other Thais in top contention. And, now, with events like the catamaran fest and the many regattas held up and down the country during the year, Thailand’s water-ways are the most desirable venues in the world. This is the collective opinion of many sailors who come back year after year.

Events during the week will include the “Island Record Race” which will always be an identical course each year allowing a record to be set and also speed trials, as some of the fastest beach cats in existence will be taking part in the event.

In successive years, the “Island Record Race” will be open to windsurfers, kite surfers and also larger multi-hulls creating a true on the water challenge between all sail-driven craft.

The event is organized by the HM the King’s own Royal Varuna Yacht Club, situated on a beautiful property south of Pattaya and, as the kingdom’s oldest club, has years of experience in managing big international events.

All are welcome during the week, to view the action from Royal Varuna Yacht club foreshore.

For further information go to www.thaicatregatta.org.

Columbia Trial Masters 2012 blasts off in Pattaya

The race gets underway at beautiful Khao Mai Kheow on the outskirts of Pattaya, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.

Last Sunday morning, January 22, saw a huge crowd of over 450 runners gather just outside Pattaya for the first Columbia Trail Masters Race of the year. Set in the beautiful forest of Khao Mai Kheow, this year’s event welcomed back many competitors from last year, as well as many new racers eager to enjoy the off-road half marathon and 10km races

The weather was cool as the competitors registered for the 21.5km, the 10km and 3km races and excitement was high as they gathered at the start line.

What makes a trail race different to a road race? It’s simple! When running on the road, a runner may maintain a set speed and rhythm that’s comfortable. When running off-road, the runners have to concentrate where to put their feet, and to be able go over small obstacles such as tree roots and small rocks. This quality often surprises runners who aren’t used to running off-road but adds an extra dimension to the experience.

An event such as this really proves that there a many runners who want to compete in events that are as challenging but subtly different to the more common road races and triathlons. The hilly course and rough trails, combined with the open farmland roads, provide a very varied race in terms of terrain and difficulty, challenging a competitor’s concentration and stamina.

The results of the Columbia Trails Race – Episode 1 were as follows:

Men 21km

1st Hillary 1:21:51

2nd Patikarn Petsicha 1:25:04

3rd Neals Strik 1:28:04

Women 21km

1st Melissa Johnson-Schnyder 2:00:26

2nd Orn Anong Wongson 2:12:08

3rd Parntip Sanglamanon 2:13:39

Men 10km

1st Edwin Lagat 40:30

2nd Jared 43:23

3rd Aumyot 45:08

Women 10km

1st Sarah Bagnuoli 58:02

2nd Roslyn Mc Cornack 1:03:20

3rd Thidara Thangjaithongdee 1:03:37

This was the first of the Trail Master events for 2012. The Columbia Management, being very happy with this event, have pledged sponsorship for two more such races in 2012 which makes the Columbia Trail Master Series one to look out for. The next episode of the series will take place in Phuket on May 6. For more information, go to www.ama-events.com.

1st Pattaya International Multihull Festival: Pattaya Mail joins the fray

The Pattaya Mail, voted the best English language newspaper in the region for the past 12 years, has agreed to sponsor the Pattaya Mail PC Classic Challenge, Race Day on Sunday, 5 February, 2012, as a high-light of the week-long Multihull Festival, extending from 3–10 February.

This represents a welcome return by the Mail and its associated media, the Pattaya Blatt, the Chiengmai Mail and PMTV, to sponsor the burgeoning marine-related activities along Pattaya’s Eastern Seaboard.

Since 1995 and through until 2007, the Mail has strongly supported yacht-racing, mainly held off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, H.M. the King’s own club in South Pattaya. These magnificent spectacles, accentuating the beauty of Pattaya’s environs and promoting the city as a most desirable venue and tourist destination has also contributed much to the city’s less-advantaged people – especially children.

Each year, with proceeds generated – mostly through local sponsors - by the annual “Pattaya Mail PC Classic” yacht race, considerable disbursements were made, through the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, to the needy children, the aged and other disadvantaged groups of our society.

Everyone wins in this scenario: the media coverage generated by the Mail group, reached a world-wide market, with Pattaya as the focal point. Now, after a short hiatus, we are back, doing our utmost to present Pattaya-Jomtien as a tourist, family-oriented venue.

The Race Day itself will feature two races, exhibiting these “flying machines” at their best. All are welcome to join the excitement at the Royal Varuna beach-front for the day and evening. Don’t miss the unique Happy Hour sunset at Varuna’s sea-side sala.

More, detailed information is provided in the above article.

Pattaya Sports Club Fishing News

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

England prevail at Mulberry Ryder Cup

Fitzgerald bids farewell with 40 more at Burapha

Ping has a gem of a round at Emerald

There ain’t no mountain high enough

Neville and Dan M big winners at Emerald

Lee lights up at Wangjuntr

Land grab at Khao Kheow

A real pea-souper at Pattaya C.C.

An old ‘Shadow’ slips into the spotlight again

Glorious weather, courses top-shelf

Kaneta continues good form at Pleasant Valley

Dixon’s double dash

Barnett bags a brace

Burnie in sparkling form at Emerald

Peters troubles the handicapper

Pattaya City continue their winning run

Tananusorn wins head-to-head with Schramm

International multihull race festival comes to Pattaya

Columbia Trial Masters 2012 blasts off in Pattaya

1st Pattaya International Multihull Festival: Pattaya Mail joins the fray