Singles league goes down to the wire

PSC Lawn Bowls Report

Bavaria made a move up the standings from fourth to second place after winning three points from Tea Party who dropped to fourth place. Antero Ronkainen led Bavaria with a 521 series and Joe Ferral was best for Tea Party with a 504.

Ken was the Gold medal winner.

La Montgomery bowled a 529 series and Morn Mack had a 501 to help Indiana salvage a two- two split with VFW Post 9876. Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 526 series for VFW.

Lek Reaper bowled a 538 series and Tue Pettae had a 203 game, 518 series, to lead Canada to a three point win over Green Tree who fell from second to third place.

Caf้ Kronborg won three points from Brother D behind Kran Nielsen’s 209 game and days best 561 series.

Somrit bowling as a spare bowled a 217 game which was the best of the day.

Graham Swann picked up the Silver award.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Sue Murphy bowled a 521 series to lead last place Brother D to a three point win over first place Indiana. However, neither team changed their position in the standings.

Tui was the only 200 Bowler this past week.

Green Tree moved up from third to second place after winning all four points from Tea Party. Noodle Russell had a 512 series for Green Tree.

Rich Murphy bowled a 551 series to lead Canada to a three point win over Bavaria who dropped from second place to third. Leo Kretscher had a 508 series for Bavaria.

Tui Amphanon rolled the only 200 game of the day with a 503 series to help VFW Post 9876 salvage one point from Caf้ Kronborg. Scores were low on lanes 9 and 10

Smith shows the way at Emerald

PSC golf Bunker Boys at The Bowling Green

Paul Smith (left) is congratulated by JJ after his win at Emerald.

Monday, February 6, Greenwood A & B- Stableford

Although we’d been allocated a tee time 40 minutes later than our usual 11.00 a.m. slot, we arrived at the course to find it relatively quiet, and the first group was able to tee off ahead of schedule. One has to say that despite sometimes less than ideal organization, Greenwood deserves our continued support for their high season pricing policy, especially for the PSC groups – unlike some other local courses.

Alan Freeman and Geoff Parker (playing in the same four ball, but not marking each other’s cards!) had a nip and tuck battle throughout the round, and inspired each other to win the A and B flights respectively.

A Flight

1st Alan Freeman (4) 40pts

2nd Geoff Cox (14) 34pts

3rd Tony Robbins (14) 34pts

B Flight

1st Geoff Parker (16) 41pts

2nd Barry Murnin (16) 34pts

3rd Tom Jones (26) 32pts

Near Pins: Alan Freeman, Ian Kluth, John Graham and Mike Corner

Wednesday, February 8, The Emerald – Stableford

We had a large turnout today for our visit to Bang Chang and the ever-popular Emerald course. Although the condition of the course has deteriorated slightly from its high point of a couple of years ago, it still provides a good test of golf, and there are numerous hazards waiting to trap the wayward golfer. Such was the frustration for the normally mild mannered Ken Young, who was reported to the committee for joining the ranks of the club throwing brigade.

The day was notable for two eagles on par 4’s; one by Ian Kluth and the other by Tony Robbins, although rumour has it that Tony’s ball made a complete lap of the green before accidentally falling into the hole!

Paul Smith put in a superb performance, shooting a round of gross 70 to show everyone else how it should be done, and comfortably won the A Flight.

Back at the Bowling Green there was a heated discussion over our rule requiring cards to be submitted by latest 6.45pm, and the decision was made that the rule will be applied rigidly in future, to avoid delaying the presentation. All members should now be aware that having that one extra beer may cost them their prize.

A Flight

1st Paul Smith (3) 41pts

2nd John Graham (10) 38pts

3rd Tony Scambler (8) 37pts

B Flight

1st Peter Habgood (20) 36pts

2nd John Hughes (17) 35pts

3rd Tom Jones (26) 34pts

Near Pins: Alan Freeman, Colin Greig, Chris Dupp and Ian Kluth.

Friday, Febrary 10, Century Chonburi – Stableford

On arrival at our scheduled course, Khao Kheow we discovered that they denied all knowledge of our booking, even though they had called a few days earlier to change the tee time! Unable to play the course, hasty rearrangements were made and a reduced field set off to play at Century Chonburi which was the only course able to accommodate us at such short notice.

We haven’t played here for almost a year (following a similar mess up with caddies at Treasure Hill), and those that made the effort were pleasantly surprised to find the course generally in reasonable condition. The greens, although looking good were very slow (like putting through treacle) and the scores reflected our lack of familiarity with the course. The only player that managed to play to his handicap was Mike Corner, and Alan Freeman took second place on a count back from Tom Jones.

1st Mike Corner (22) 36pts

2nd Alan Freeman (3) 34pts

3rd Tom Jones (26) 34pts

4th Mike Stokel (23) 33pts

Near Pins: Paul Edgar, Geoff Parker, Mike Stokel and Syd Harris.

Following the recent demise of the Bunker Bar, the Bunker Boys now 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 1469978, email dave.evel yn18@yahoo.co.uk.

Keith singing in the Valley

IPGC golf from The Links

Silky Oak top three: John Connolly, Jean Morel & Andy Galvin.

Sunday, February 5, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

Twenty-three golfers made the ever popular Sunday trip to Pattaya Country Club on Sunday. Unfortunately, due to a lack of available golf carts (last week it was caddies), we were unable to take advantage of the vacant tee on arrival, and with other groups starting to arrive, we made the decision to start walking where possible, with the carts catching the groups as they became available; again, thanks go to the starter for giving priority to those who needed them most.

The group was split into two flights, 0-14 and 15+ and in the A flight, Terry Kelly, on his return to Thailand, took first place with 38 points, ahead of Jon Batty (36) and Jack Behan (35).

Noel Reynolds triumphed in the B flight with 35 points, finishing two ahead of Sean Hallahan while Alec Hoare completed the places with 32 points, beating John Connolly on count back.

The ‘2’s went to Terry Kelly (2) and Ted Lodge.

A Flight

1st Terry Kelly (14) 38pts

2nd Jon Batty (8) 36pts

3rd Jack Behan (14) 35pts

B Flight

1st Noel Reynolds (15) 35pts

2nd Sean Hallahan (18) 33pts

3rd Alec Hoare (17) 32pts

Tuesday, February 9, Lotus Valley – Stableford

The second trip of the year to Lotus Valley saw the largest turnout so far, with 48 golfers deciding the 1 hour 40 minute drive was worthwhile. 4 minibus’s and one car left the Links in convoy, a little later than the planned departure time of 9.00am, but the first group managed to tee off at 11.00am, as scheduled. Unfortunately, the two-tee start we were promised failed to materialise, which meant a long wait for those scheduled to go out at the back.

The course was as always in fantastic condition, and the management had obviously taken onboard our feedback regarding the pace of the greens, as they were much slicker than our previous visit, despite reports of them still being slow the week before. As per our previous visit, we used the blue and white tees, with 21 golfers with handicaps 6-13 playing off the blues and 20 golfers at 14+ playing off the whites.

There were also enough ladies to have their own division for the first time this year, with Theresa Connolly taking the honours with 34 points, 5 ahead of Kathleen Fetherston. Christina Peltonen just missed out on a prize, shooting a very creditable 93 gross off her 11 handicap.

Round of the day in the A Flight went to Al Keith, shooting a 75 gross off his 6 handicap to top the flight. Rob Taylor and Joe McArdle could only be split for second by a 12–11 back 6 count back; Joe proving that the longer blue tees are not just for the young’uns. Rick Schramm completed the places, shooting a level 36 points after his birdie– birdie start.

In the B Flight, Tony Barritt took the spoils with 40 points ahead of Ted Morris and Francie McGuigan on 37 and 34 respectively. Jean Morel edged out Jack Behan to complete the places, by virtue of a 17–16 count back.

The ‘2’s pot went to Rob Taylor, Mark Stanley and Jack Behan.

A Flight

1st Al Keith (6) 39pts

2nd Rob Taylor (8) 37pts

3rd Joe McArdle (12) 37pts

4th Rick Schramm (7) 36pts

B Flight

1st Tony Barritt (16) 40pts

2nd Ted Morris (16) 37pts

3rd Francie McGuigan (15) 34pts

4th Jean Morel (20) 33pts

Ladies

1st Theresa Connolly (24) 34pts

2nd Kathleen Fetherston (23) 29pts

3rd Christina Peltonen (11) 26pts

Thursday, February 9, Silky Oaks – Stableford

This was my first visit to Silky Oaks, not a course I was particularly looking forward to, based on reports I’d heard, and I get a feeling you either love it or hate it. I felt it was a bit contrived, with no natural flow from one green to the next tee, and the greens were painfully slow and uneven. It is however extremely well organized, with no possibility of “clashing” with another group on the shared fairways, and at 1500 baht including buggy hire, which is compulsory due to the long drives between green and tee, represents decent value for money. I may even go again, but probably not this year!

With the long trip to Lotus Valley obviously taking its toll on many, only 16 signed up, which meant only one flight.

Jean Morel took the honours as the only player to shoot his handicap, ahead of Andy Galvin on 35 points, with John Connolly completing the places a further point behind

The day got better for John Connolly when he learned he registered the only ‘2’ of the day.

1st Jean Morel (20) 36pts

2nd Andy Galvin (20) 35pts

3rd John Connolly (19) 34pts

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.

Sindberg & Elphick sparkle at Crystal Bay

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn

Monday, February 6, Crystal Bay (A & B) – Stableford

On a beautiful, sunny Pattaya morning we assembled at Caf้ Kronborg to prepare for the journey to another of our favorite courses, Crystal Bay. This time we had a full field of 40 golfers and despite a few late cancellations we retained that number due to a list of reserves. Five mini vans were required for the trip and opposite the Kronborg was more like the taxi ramp outside Hard Rock Caf้ when the US Fleet is in town!

Barry Elphick, Peter Sindberg & The Admiral.

We welcomed back Martin Todd from Mandurah in Western Australia, Monte Sykes from Virginia, USA, Bill Plath from Hawaii, Russell Goldsworthy & Don Everett from my old Golf Club Gosnells in Perth, Western Australia, Barry Emery from Somerset, England & Barry Elphick from Tropical Berts.

Departing the Kronny right on time at 0815 hrs we headed off down Highway 3 and arrived at the course 47 minutes later. We had already been informed that this popular course would be very busy and sure enough we had plenty of time to relax before our scheduled 1000 hrs tee off time. Eventually getting our first group away at 1005 hrs we proceeded at a leisurely pace in great weather conditions with the course once more looking a treat. There were a couple of minor delays at par threes and we had one or two drink breaks but considering the amount of traffic on the course our round was quite reasonable, four hours & twenty minutes.

Scoring on the day was quite good, particularly in A Flight which was won by Peter Sindberg with 41 points. A count back for second & third saw Stu “SMS” Rifkin (22 point back nine) edge out Ken “Let’s hear it for” Bernek (18 point back nine), both having 39 points. In fourth spot came the returning Monte Sykes with 37 points and another count back on 36 points saw Mike Gosden (21 point back nine) take fifth place from yours truly (20 point back nine) in sixth spot.

Carole Kubicki & Peter Blackburn.

Barry Elphick won the B Flight with 38 points with Jan Lovgreen second on 37 points and the day’s winner of the Fashion Award, Bjarne Kjaer third with 36 points. Fourth place went to Jesper Rasmussen on 34 points and Mike Winfield was fifth with 33 points, one point ahead of Kjeld Ravn in sixth spot

A Flight (0-20)

1st Peter Sindberg (13) 41pts

2nd Stu Rifkin (14) 39pts

3rd Ken Bernek (19) 39pts

4th Monte Sykes (9) 37pts

5th Mike Gosden (11) 36pts

6th Peter Blackburn (13) 36pts

B Flight (21+)

1st Barry Elphick (22) 38pts

2nd Jan Lovgreen (23) 37pts

3rd Bjarne Kjaer (21) 36pts

4th Jesper Rasmussen (21) 34pts

5th Mike Winfield (21) 33pts

6th Kjeld Ravn (21 32pts

Near Pins: A5 – Bjarne Kjaer; A8 – Jan Lovgreen; B4 – Stu Rifkin; B6 – Erik Andersen

ong Putts: A9 – Mike Gosden; B9 – Don Richardson

The Compass Cap (awarded for worst score on the day) was awarded to visitor Barry Emery and Hunter paraded Deefa the Dog who once more collected many donations to charity from the ever generous Kronny crew.

Thursday, February 9, Royal Lakeside – Stableford

Once more almost a full field for the day’s event after a late cancellation the night before and 39 of us assembled at Caf้ Kronborg in preparation for the drive to the challenging Royal Lakeside Golf Club.

There were welcomes given to Beat Michael from Switzerland and Jens Gundorph from Denmark. We were also able to report that the prolific winner of recent weeks Mrs Bo Cardwell gave birth to baby boy Alex three days ago and both are doing fine. Congratulations go out to Dr Paul & Bo and it’s remarkable when you realize that she won the B Flight with 41 points on Thursday of the previous week and gave birth 4 days later. Perhaps some of us should re-consider sometimes when we think about not playing because of a “sore back” or a “runny nose”!

Leaving the Kronny in 5 mini vans right on time at 0815 hrs we arrived at the course 59 minutes later and it appeared quite busy. Plenty of time for a practice putt and in Walter’s case several cups of coffee and our first group managed to tee-off behind a Thai five-ball right on schedule at 1000 hrs. Despite threatening rain clouds the weather was fine but hot & humid and the pace was surprisingly good despite the groups in front.

The golf course looked a treat and the greens in terrific nick with emphasis on being below the hole in order to avoid three putts or more. With a couple of enforced drink breaks we were able to complete our full round in four hours & thirty two minutes.

This golf course is now a bit tougher than before as is indicated by the scores where only 3 golfers played better than their handicap. Your writer was able to sink a few crucial putts for a change and won the A Flight with 39 points and Rob Brown was second on 37 points. In third place came Richard Kubicki with 36 points and in a count back for fourth & fifth Ingi Magnfredsson (18 point back nine) edged out the day’s fashion award winner Walter Baechli (17 point back nine), both on 35 points. Monday’s winner Peter Sindberg finished in sixth place with 34 points.

The A Flight was won by Carole Kubicki who had 37 points and another count back was required as 3 golfers had 36 points. Susan Gaarde (19 point back nine) finished second with Kjeld Ravn (17 point back nine) in third spot & his wife Ulla (15 point back nine) was fourth. Graham Buckingham finished fifth with 35 points and Mike Winfield sixth on 34 points.

Interesting to note that in Bo Cardwell’s absence the ladies flag was well & truly flown with all the ladies participating in the day’s event having places on the podium.

A Flight (0-20)

1st Peter Blackburn (13) 39pts

2nd Rob Brown (8) 37pts

3rd Richard Kubicki (14) 36pts

4th Ingi Magnfredsson (14) 35pts

5th Walter Baechli (18) 35pts

6th Peter Sindberg (12) 34pts

B Flight (21+)

1st Carole Kubicki (24) 37pts

2nd Susan Gaarde (25) 36pts

3rd Kjeld Ravn (21) 36pts

4th Ulla Ravn (38) 36pts

5th Graham Buckingham (22) 35pts

6th Mike Winfield (21) 34pts

Near Pins: 3rd – Richard Kubicki; 6th – Mike Allidi; 12th – Henry Wong; 15th – Ingi Magnfredsson

Long Putts: 9th – Martin Todd; 18th – Carole Kubicki

The Compass Cap (worst score on the day) was awarded to the luckless Jens Gundorph who managed to beat Eddie Glisek’s previous low score record by one and Hunter paraded Deefa the Dog who collected many donations to charity from the ever generous Kronny crew.

Earley on a roll

The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited the Emerald course in Ban Chang on Monday, 6th February to play a stableford competition on the course which was in good order with medium paced greens and running fairways. Visa runs, domestic duties and the “Superbowl” had left the field with a single flight but all the challenges of a round at Emerald were still there.

In third place a trio of regulars all scored 34 points with Wichai Tananusorn joining Brian Kelly and Evan Millar. Just one point better was Joe Niisato, again playing sound golf to match his handicap. The winner was Mike Earley and the round was the second consecutive victory for the Englishman whose 36 points again were augmented by a blitz on the final three holes which gave him ten points again.

The ‘2’s pot was shared by Wichai, Mike Ensor and Brian Kelly and the Booby Bevy went to Keith Melbourne for his 13-7 split. Those who were not distracted elsewhere and made the golf course had again enjoyed some friendly competitive golf with the PGS.

ESR back on track

On Wednesday, 8th February the Pattaya Golf Society chose Eastern Star as the venue for a stableford competition in the hope that the course had improved since the previous few visits and they were not disappointed. Fairways were good and running and the greens, so often the cause for complaint, were very well prepared, cut and almost running with a consistent pace. Spirits were lifted and a tight competition took place.

Visitor Niall Caven returned 37 points but at the top of the field a trio of experienced golfers jostled as local member Mikael Andersson joined Dave Moriarty and lady golfer Margaret Wilkinson on 34 points.

Mike Earley recorded the day’s only birdie ‘2’, on the seventeenth. The Booby Bevy went to Keith Melbourne only hours before his return to UK as a reminder of the fun he has shared on the golf course this trip and he will be back for more later in the year. Hopefully Eastern Star will still be in good form when he arrives.

oe steals the show

Greenwood is currently the “must play” golf course on the Eastern Seaboard with its splendid green fee package and well prepared fairways and greens and the Pattaya Golf Society visited there on Friday, 10th February to play a stableford competition on the B and C nines. As expected the course was full but, starting on time, the large field made good progress.

The cut was at fifteen and under and in the second flight Ken Grimes and Mr Len shared third place with 33 points each, just one behind Ken Page and his 34 point card. The flight winner was Aussie “senior” Alan Walker and his 35 points represented his best showing in a long time with the group.

In the top flight Canadian Will Bean scored 34 points for third place and Wichai Tananusorn blew his front nine score of only one over the card to finish on 36 points, his gross 79 being the best of the day. The flight winner was Joe Niisato and he repeated his score at the course just a month ago with another exquisite 41 points.

The ‘2’ pot was shared by Khun Wichai, Richard Dobson and Dave Moriarty. Mike Ensor sponsored two technical prizes and the award for the best par three points total went to Roy Bassett and Dave Moriarty (10) and the par five total went inevitably to Joe Niisato with his ten point total.

The Booby Bevy was reserved for Richard Dobson after a reasonable front nine of seventeen points was followed by a miserable return of nine points on the back nine. Greenwood did the PGS proud once again and more visits are scheduled there soon.

Vance Millar continues to improve

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday 6th February, Greenwood A & B – Stableford

CSS 72

1st Vance Millar (17) 38pts

2nd Alan Pilkington (9) 36pts

3rd Graham Johnson (7) 35pts

4th Alan Griffiths (11) 35pts

5th Warren Gallop (11) 33pts

One of the longest drives to a local course, but still just 45 minutes, turned out to be well worthwhile as Greenwood’s A and B courses were found to be in excellent condition, and with the green fee one of the lowest in the area when there are more than 20 players, it was great golf at affordable prices which other courses would do well to note with the low season approaching and the world economic situation not looking to improve in the near future.

Vance Millar.

Vance Millar took another win with a solid performance that earned him another cut in handicap for the coming competitions and down to the lowest that it has been for some time.

Alan Pilkington just kept ahead of the chasing pack to lay claim to second by a single point in front of a very close count back between Graham Johnson and Alan Griffiths, with Graham winning out on the last three with a better 6 to 4 after they had tied the nine on 17 and the back six on 10 a piece.

Warren Gallop took his first podium placing for the week two further back in fifth place.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Alan Pilkington broke a run of several dry days taking the first division alone which included several roll overs.

Prior to the presentations there were welcome backs for Yasuo Suzuki, Tomoyasu Ishisaki and Nobutaka Yamaguchi.

Wednesday 8th February,Rayong C.C. - Stableford

CSS75 NC

1st Don Everett (21) 33pts

2nd John Pearce (16) 32pts

3rd Paul Hartley (19) 32pts

4th John Oswald (11) 29pts

5th Konrad Klama (24) 29pts

A smaller group than usual turned out for the trip to Rayong Country Club were the conditions were not quite up to the standard of the previous outing, but there was little to complain about except that it was extremely difficult to score on the day with the pin positions tucked away and hard to get to from the fairway. But then again, the green fee is very competitive with other similar courses making for a good value day out on the fairways, which is where the golfer needs to stay or risk a lost ball amongst the heavy rough.

Don Everett.

The CSS for the day underscored the difficulty of the conditions as it moved out to 75 and became non-counting for upward review of handicaps.

Don Everett took the first of a brace of wins in the week with a tidy round, keeping the ball on the short stuff for most of the day and with the short stick proving to be fairly reliable it was enough to deny returnee John Pearce a win in his first game back for a year by a single point.

John still needed to win a count back with Paul Hartley, which he did on the last six by a margin of 10 to 8 after they had finished level for the eighteen and then tied the inward nine at 14 each to leave Paul in third spot.

John Oswald won the count back for fourth place with Konrad Klama with a better 16 against 14.

In keeping with the difficulty of the day’s play there were no 2’s in either division.

Back at The Haven there were welcome backs for Ron Rigden and John Pearce.

riday 10th February, Treasure Hill (Yellow tees) - Stableford

CSS 74 NC

1st Don Everett (21) 35pts

2nd Warren Gallop (11) 34pts

3rd Rodney Hayes (12) 33pts

4th Hal Hart (25) 33pts

5th Yasuo Suzuki (11) 32pts

Another difficult day although the weather held off until the last player sunk the final putt for the day, making it another good day away in the country, especially for the Australian contingent as they swept the top three places and took the only 2 of the day.

Once again the course was found to be in tip top condition with the greens especially quick but very difficult to read and even with the yellow tees being the choice of the day, considered by some to make the course a little on the short side, the day’s CSS again moved out three and once again became non-counting for upward review ensuring that the winner’s handicap was reduced by a stroke for next week.

Don Everett took his second win in succession by the narrowest of margins, again relying on good play from the tees and solid putting when finally arriving on the greens.

Warren Gallop took second place with a workmanlike round that suffered from a dodgy day with the putter after playing extremely well from the tee but unable to get close enough with his approach to avoid a few triple putts.

Rodney Hayes came back into the podium placings with a winning count back over Hal Hart with a better return of 17 to 15 from the back nine to take third place, leaving Hal in fourth and one ahead of Yasuo Suzuki who benefitted from a leisurely chauffer driven trip to the course rather than his now usual motorcycle dash, which seems to affect his play over the opening holes as he perhaps grips the clubs a little too tightly until the effects of the ride wear off as the round progresses.

There were no 2’s in the second division but John Oswald slipped on in to take the first division which included a roll over in the pot.

Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed new members Tyge Rasmussen together with husband and wife Linda and Garry Beck.

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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 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.

Lavery larrups the field at Burapha

PSC golf from The Outback Golf bar

Monday, Feb. 6, Khao Kheow - Stableford

It appeared remarkably quiet at Khao Kheow and the 32 Outbackers were away on time on the A loop, with it almost to themselves. B was our other nine and the course was a little damp in places with carts allowed only in the rough, so we played winter rules.

Capt’ Bob (right) congratulates Paul Kaye after his win at Phoenix.

Raji & John O’Keefe had matching 37’s, each winning their respective divisions and they were the only two players to better their handicap. Steve Plant & Bob St. Aubin had to be split on count back for second place in Div A, both with 35pts whilst the second placed man in Div B was Jarrod Braithwaite, a long way back with 32.

There were two ‘2’s, both on hole A5, from the Sugarman and John O’Keefe.

Div A (0-16)

1st Amarjit Banwaitt (8/Hi7.2) 37pts

2nd Steve Plant (15/Hi13.5) 35pts

3rd Bob St. Aubin (14/Hi13.3) 35pts

Div B (18+)

1st John O’Keefe (17/Hi16) 37pts

2nd J Braithwaite (24/Hi21.6) 32pts

3rd Andy Makara (31/Hi28.1) 31pts

Monday, Feb. 6, Burapha – Stableford

With 32 players at Khao Kheow and 33 here at Burapha it was a very busy Monday morning at breakfast time at the Outback.

Chris Thompson was a double winner last week.

Once again our boys were able to give this course a severe mauling with the inflated playing handicaps caused by the questionable slope and rating given to the A & B nines. Neil Lavery picked up 43pts, easily the best score of the day, making the most of a 3ฝ shot hike to his index and comfortably beating the next man, John Cunningham (39pts) who is no slouch round this course.

Div B went to Tim Knight on , just one more than Pete Stonebridge (38) and welcome back to Kim Stokes, who took third with 37.

Welcome also to Mark Rendell who won at his first attempt with the Outback, winning Div C with 38pts, ahead of Burapha regular, Ivan Plunkett (34) and a stranger to this course, Geoff Moodie (33) with a six shot advantage over his index; whereas where he normally plays, at Pattaya C.C., he would have been playing off 25.

There were three ‘2’s; one on hole A3 from Kev Waycott and two on hole B3 from Neil Lavery & Graham Houston.

Ray Verrall and his Aussie mates try to remember their tee-time at Pattaya Country Club.

Div A (0-16)

1st Neil Lavery (16/Hi12.5) 43pts

2nd John Cunningham (9/Hi6.9) 39pts

3rd Graham Houston (15/Hi12) 35pts

Div B (17-23)

1st Tim Knight (22/Hi18.2) 39pts

2nd Pete Stonebridge (21/Hi16.9) 38pts

3rd Kim Stokes (18/Hi14.2) 37pts

Div C (24+)

1st Mark Rendell (27/Hi22) 38pts

2nd Ivan Plunkett (25/Hi20.6) 34pts

3rd Geoff Moodie (31/Hi25.3) 33pts

Tuesday, Feb. 7, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford

Lots of new faces and ‘long time no see’ returns, amongst the 21 Outbackers at Pattaya, including Ray Verrall and his mates from Aus, who were late on the tee, thinking it was a 9.30 tee time but it wasn’t - it was 9am as always; then he thought they were at completely the wrong course until he called Capt’ Bob.

Also welcome to a couple of French boys, Joseph & Jean-Claude who played with us once a long time back and to Petri Takkonen who didn’t go well today but he does have the most amazing swing and can play some exceptional golf, which is quite a feat given that he only has one arm.

We also had five Thai girls in the field as Noy (last week’s winner) did it again with an excellent 39pts (Div A winner) to be cut again and in second was another lady, Orn, with 36. KE Persson won Div B with 35 with no real challenge from the rest of the pack, headed by Geoff Moodie (32pts).

There was only one ‘2’ from Chop Daprakhon.

Div A (0-22)

1st Noy Kamsantia (22/Hi21) 39pts

2nd Orn Kanasaengsri (14/Hi14) 36pts

3rd Stewie McKeown (16/Hi17) 33pts

Div B (23+)

1st Kurt Eric Persson (29/Hi29.2) 35pts

2nd Geoff Moodie (25/Hi25.3) 32pts

3rd Jean-Claude Coulon (31/Hi31.8) 31pts

Wednesday, Feb. 8, Phoenix – Stableford

Capt’ Bob B’Day Bash was delayed from his real birthday, 31st January to today at Phoenix, giving players the option to walk if they wished, whereas at Burapha they could not. As it happened it was way oversubscribed and even though the list was closed at 40, at one stage there were more than 55 names down and Phoenix saying there was no way we could have more tee times; so we had another small meet at Eastern Star with another nine players there.

Phoenix is still a very popular course and because of that you can be virtually guaranteed to have a slow round at this time of the year, nevertheless it was worth one of our biannual visits here.

The winner of the Bash was Paul Kaye, playing off handicap 6, only just beating Sakorn, also with 38, with a back nine count of 21 over Sakorn’s 18.

Apart from the overall winner; Div A winner, Mark McDonald (35pts), was the only real success story for the men as the ladies dominated the podium despite losing shots to their index. Noodle (34) & her good friend, Oosa (33) took second and third in Div A; Suzi Lawton (35pts) won Div B from Lumpy (Noodle’s other half) and Pete Stonebridge both also on 35. Another lady won Div C, Sakorn on 38pts followed in by Eng on 36 and the best the men could do in that Div, came from Chris Thompson on a mere 32.

Back at the bar, there was the usual birthday complimentary food as many enjoyed the day well into the evening; there were even a couple of fireworks to add to the celebrations.

Near pin vouchers were won by Tubz, Paul Kaye, Suzi & Tony Garnett and the lucky draw bottle of whiskey, kindly donated by Willi Mercer, had to be drawn three times as the first name out was Paul Kaye and the second name, Willi himself – the eventual winner being John Player.

There were four ‘2’s; two from Paul Kaye and Tubz & Bill Marsden both had one.

Div A (0-11)

1st Mark McDonald (1/Hi2.2) 35pts

2nd Noodle Russell (11/Hi12.8) 34pts

3rd Oosa (11/Hi12.8) 33pts

Div B (13-17)

1st Suzi Lawton (17/Hi18.4) 35pts

2nd Lumpy Russell (14/Hi13.6) 35pts

3rd Pete Stonebridge (17/Hi16.3) 35pts

Div C (18+)

1st Sakorn Pramoolchart (26/Hi26.5) 38pts

2nd Sunanta Duangwaw (37/Hi36) 36pts

3rd Chris Thompson (25/Hi23.5) 32pts

Wednesday, Feb. 8, Eastern Star – Stableford

Steve Mann kindly volunteered to take the overflow group down to Eastern Star but, to be polite, the scoring was not very good. Jeff Warner won with 30pts and Brian Maddox (29pts) got second and had the only ‘2’.

The course was reported in average condition but the greens were slow.

1st Jeff Warner (13/Hi12.6) 30pts

2nd Brian Maddox (21/Hi20.3) 29pts

3rd Phil Waite (13/Hi13.1) 29pts

Thursday, Feb. 9, Eastern Star – Stableford

The scheduled visit to Eastern Star today did little better in terms of scoring than Wednesday’s attempt, with the best of the 7 players being Chris Thompson, with 32, beating Suzi on 30.

The numbers were a little low from the three tee times booked due to last minute withdrawals but it must be said that even with discounts, this course does not offer very good value for money; perhaps their rates need to be reviewed.

1st Chris Thompson (24/Hi23.5) 32pts

2nd Suzi Lawton (19/Hi18.4) 30pts

3rd John O’Keefe (16/Hi15.4) 28pts

Friday, Feb. 10, Green Valley – Stableford

The huge field of 55 playing in four divisions at Green Valley experienced similar problems to te previous week, with a shortage of caddies. Some of the groups went out with one between them and in some cases they were just the gardening staff who knew absolutely nothing about golf. We have since been assured that it will not happen again.

So on to the golf and the score of the day came from Pat Regan, playing with some of his visiting Irish colleagues, scoring a fine 39pts to win Div B by one from Colin Oliver. In a low scoring Div A, Capt’ Bob took first place with only 34pts from two of the Irish raiders on a repeat visit from last year, Peter Ennis (33) and Frank O’Hara (32).

Pottsy (38pts) found his form again, winning Div C, two in front of Tom Parker and another of the Irish boys, Shay Mitchell.

Chris Thompson finished his holiday on a high with back to back wins, following his win Thursday at Eastern Star, with a much more respectable score of 36pts to take Div D from Tony Tolan (34pts), yes you’ve guessed it – another Irish lad. Tony headed a five way count back which included David Davies and Greg LeBlanc in third and fourth.

There were six ‘2’s; Chris Thompson (hole4), John Player & Colin Oliver (hole 12) and Peter Ennis, Dennis Pelly & Jim Murray (hole16).

Div A (0-11)

1st Bob Philp (10/11.2) 34pts

2nd Peter Ennis (11/12) 33pts

3rd Frank O’Hara (11/12) 32pts

Div B (12-16)

1st Pat Regan (14/Hi14.4) 39pts

2nd Colin Oliver (15/Hi15.5) 38pts

3rd Lumpy Russell (13/13.6) 37pts

Div C (18-21)

1st Campbell Potts (18/Hi17.8) 38pts

2nd Tom Parker (18/Hi18.4) 36pts

3rd Shay Mitchell (21) 34pts

Div D (22+)

1st Chris Thompson (24/Hi23.5) 36pts

2nd Tony Tolan (22) 34pts

3rd David Davies (29/Hi28) 34pts

Bob the flying Scotsman

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, Feb. 5, Green Valley - Stableford

A Flight

1st Jack Grindvold (4) 40pts

2nd Connie Walsh (11) 36pts

3rd Thierry Petrement (11) 36pts

B Flight

1st Colin Davis (16) 37pts

2nd Ian Halfpenny (12) 37pts

3rd Dave Driscoll (15) 35pts

C Flight

1st Barry Tregurtha (18) 41pts

2nd Jim Bell (19) 38pts

3rd Sim Davis (26) 37pts

Near Pins: No 4 Dave Driscoll; No 9 Morgan McEvoy; No 12 Barry Tregurtha; No 16 Pierre Bietry.

Well if it needed to be confirmed, Barry Tregurtha showed today why he deserves to carry on playing here in Pattaya as he humbled the defenseless Green Valley with 41 points. (Six weeks ago Barry threatened to pack golf in as his game was in bits; however since then he has won five out of his last six outings).

Bob Stokes (left) with Colin Davis.

Barry’s C Flight winning score was three clear of Jimmy Bell and a further shot ahead of the Donkey’s better half, the society’s first lady Sim ‘card’ Davis.

Arguably Jack Grindvold with a 40 point even par round of the stick masterpiece in A Flight was the round of the day. Connie Walsh took the flight silver with a count back success over Thierry Petremont.

The Donkey’s return to form helped Sim with the week’s groceries as his backside 37 points was more evenly dispersed than Ian Halfpenny’s while Dave Driscoll closed the flight on count back with 35 points over Billy Briton.

There were seven 2’s

Monday, Feb. 6, Mountain Shadow – Stableford

A Flight

1st Barry Power (11) 35pts

2nd Bob Stokes (11) 35pts

3rd John Oswald (11) 33pts

B Flight

1st David Dunne (20) 37pts

2nd Keith Murphy (19) 37pts

3rd Jim Bell (19) 32pts

Mountain Shadow can play as tough as any course around and that was certainly in evidence as only two competitors bettered their handicap on the day; unusually both flights were left to the perils of count back.

In A Flight, Barry Power in the first count back on 35 points got the verdict over second placed Bob Stokes. John Oswald got the same reward for third as he edged J-P Maffray.

B Flight provided the winner as Irish men dominated. David Dunne with a fine 37 points was man of the match with a count back win over the unlucky Keith Murphy. Jimmy Houdini’ bell closed the flight as he put together a fine even par round.

Six 2’s were recorded as Barry Power claimed a brace.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, Bangpakong – Stableford

A Flight

1st Bob Stokes (11) 40pts

2nd Conner Doyle (13) 37pts

3rd Chris Barrett (14) 36pts

B Flight

1st Martin Allard (24) 41pts

2nd Colin Davis (17) 40pts

3rd Michael Craven (18) 38pts

The entire field attacked the Bangpakong Riverside country club. Martin Allard was man of the match and B Flight winner with a splendid 41 points; this bettered the inform Donkey by a single shot who must have found a new supply of fresh carrots as he also collected a 2. A count back was required to separate Michael Craven and the canny Irishman Tom Gorey, both locked on very steady 38 points - Michael got the bronze as Tom was left satang less.

Bob Stokes went one better than his performance on Monday as he led the ‘big boys’ home with a sold 40 points. Bob was three clear of Irishman Conner Doyle who lifted the silver. The calculator was out big time to sort out a four man pile up for the bronze, as Chris Barrett filled the flight with an even par round. Fits Pocke, Pat Hanafin and Peter Ennis’s fine efforts were unrequited

Michael Craven and Paul Heyworth shared the 2’s pot with the Donkey.

Friday, Feb. 10, Mountain Shadow - Stableford

A Flight

1st Val Bredin (16) 37pts

2nd Peter Kelly (10) 35pts

3rd Bob Stokes (11) 34pts

B Flight

1st David Dunne (20) 36pts

2nd Les Greentree (18) 36pts

3rd Sean Soden (23) 33pts

Val Bredin found himself a little short of cash on Friday morning and was torn between visiting the ATM or playing a little golf. The line was so long at the ATM he decided to join us for a great day on the challenging Mountain Shadow and came away first in A Flight and also man of the match with 37 points, plus he was the only player to better par.

Irishman Peter Kelly on 35 points and the title guy Scotsman Bob Stokes filled the minor places.

B Flight saw a real tussle as David Dunne and Les Greentree were all square with even par rounds - the count back verdict going to David by the narrowest of margins 22-21. Sean Soden closed the flight on 33 points.

Six 2’s were recorded.

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.

J.J. Wright can do no wrong

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Steve Ellison

Friday, Feb. 10,
Greenwood A & C (White Tees) – Stableford

A Flight

1st J.J. Wright (11) 37pts

2nd Steve Weller (7) 36pts

3rd Dave Shelton (7) 33pts

B Flight

1st Brett Chan (20) 40pts

2nd Paul Hack (26) 38pts

3rd Alex Tregurtha (13) 37pts

Finally! After years of toiling away on the driving range, hundreds of hours on the putting green, chipping and pitching for days on end, the hard work came good at last for our pal J.J. The recently retired Chief Engineer is Pattaya’s youngest senior citizen. Rumor has it he applied for an AARP card when he was 38.

J.J. Wright on 37 points - a winner at last.

Before there was Google, there was J.J. to go to for any sports, history or geography trivia. Thanks to his quiz night experiences, J.J. has always been a wealth of information. This Philadelphia/New Jersey import worked his magic over a tough field of 40 golfers to claim top spot on the day.

5-time Open Championship winner Peter Thompson designed this lovely layout of Greenwood and the course is one of the fastest filling sign-up sheets on the board. Last week’s big winner, Steve Weller just missed out with his 36 points and Dave Shelton came in for third on 33.

Brett Chan topped all those A flighters with a red hot 40 points to claim first in the B Flight. Well played guys and thanks for joining us for some great golf.

Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. 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: pattaya4golf@gmail.com and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya.

More ecstasy for Etherington

Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group

Tuesday’s winners pose with the staff at The Relax Bar.

Mike Gerrard

Friday, Feb. 3,Phoenix – Stableford

I don’t know what he’s on these last couple of weeks but whatever it is I really need some. After last Tuesday’s result of 39 points, Keith Etherington was cut a shot for the Friday game but still managed to equal his gross score of 80 - equating to 38 points to win the day again. Surely it cannot last?

Sad thing for Keith is that in a couple of week’s time he will have to re-adapt to the cold weather of the U.K to continue his good fortune and give the rest of us a chance to win.

In second place was Richard Baldwin with 36 points and third was Mukesh Thakker with 35 points.

Near pins went to Keith Etherington, Peter Rawling & Granville Swanton.

Lucky draw of a free massage at The Relax Bar went to yours truly. The free drink went to Denis Dixon

Tuesday, Feb. 7, Phoenix - Stableford

On to Tuesday and another player who will be going back to his homeland next week is Joe Miller who managed to beat the slick greens today and score a fine 35 points in ‘A’ Flight. Yes 35 points was good going today. The course is very dry and the greens are faster now than they have been for some 10 months. Absolutely no chance of spinning the ball to stop unless it was a very high shot.

In second place was Denis Dixon with the same score but losing on count back and in third place with the same score again was newcomer Francesco Toma.

B Flight (19 to 28 H/C) was won by Sergio Volpi with 32 points, with Patrick Browne in second on 30 points pushing Bob Neylon into third place with the same score.

Near pins went To Mark Prytz, Joe Miller (2) & David Czernie.

Lucky Draw prizes donated by The Relax Bar went to yours truly (free drink) and Graham Hiskett (free massage). A lovely PGA tournament memento ball marker donated by Joe Miller was won by Bong Thonsaphon.

Next week we play for the KPK Food Services voucher under stableford rules.

We are now playing every Tuesday and Friday with a small group also playing on Sundays. If anyone is interested please contact me on 087 091 7565. Visitors can enjoy a green fee rate of 1,000 baht as a guest of the members on Tuesday and Friday.

Butler bales out with win at Emerald

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Jomtien golfers pose for a group photo on their Kanchanaburi road trip, Sunday, Feb. 12.

PARASUB: Monday, 6th February, Treasure Hills – Stableford

A totally deserted course upon arrival and we teed-off 30 minutes ahead of our 10.00 start time. After the tee renovations here over the past few months they are now in excellent condition.

We had three groups out and no ladies with the cut at 7-16, 17-20 and 21+ in the 3 divisions. We always play off the yellow tees here and the best score winning division 1 with 37 points was Raivo Velsberg, with Matti Pihlajisto in second after beating Chris Voller on a 11/9 back six count back, both on 32 points.

Tony Holehouse with 36 points topped division 3 ahead of Magne Gunnarson who beat Zorro on a 20/13 back nine count back after both came in with 34 points each.

Harry Cowling won division 2 with 35 points, Rudi Schaefer was second one point behind and Jean Morel took third on 33.

Near pins went to Kari Aarnio, Raivo Velsberg, Chris Voller, Jack Watkins, Harry Cowling (2), John Steel and Vambola.

It must have be Harry Cowling’s day as he birdied the 13th for the only two in division 2. There were no winners in division 1 so a rollover ensued to Emerald on Wednesday.

Wednesday, 8th February, The Emerald – Stableford

There was a ladies division today and 51 men out in three divisions with the cut at 3-15, 16-19 and 20+.

In his last game but one for six months, Paul Butler won division 1 with 37 points, Ron Miller was second one point behind, Raivo Velsberg took third on 33 and Heikki Alanko beat Barry Stirling on a 19/16 back nine count back after they both came in with 32’s.

Burnie Sinclair topped division 2 with 35 points, and with 4 places in each division three came in with 32 points; John Harvey taking second after beating Mauri Friman and Rodney Howett 17/15/14 on count back.

Thirty points was the best score in division 2 with Erki Pohja beating Keith Hector 15/13 on count back while Tony Barritt was third with 29, edging out Harry Vincenzi 17/14 on the back nine.

Miss Nut wins the ladies division with 34 points.

Near pins were claimed by Miss Nut, Jouko, Matti Pihlajisto, Marty Rock, Raivo Velsberg, John Harvey, Ian Plummer and Bryan Rought.

Marty Rock birdied the 7th and Paul Butler the 15th to share the ‘2’s pot in division 1 with one rollover added and in division 2 there are no two ‘2’s today.

Friday, 10th February, Eastern Star - Stableford

The lovely Pranee Bosset, back from Toulouse, won the ladies division today at Eastern Star on 38 points, with Josie Monks in second place.

Ya Riley had a great round today and came in with 38 points to claim division 2 honours ahead of Frank Kelly in second one point behind, and Volker Suhr in his last game with us before his return to Switzerland took third on 34.

Ian Hart topped division 2 with 37 points, Tony Holehouse was in the frame again with 36 points for second place and Magne Gunnarsson came third with 35.

Ron Miller surprisingly won division 1 with 33 points, Bill Bertram was second three points behind and Chris Voller claimed third place on 29.

There was another welcome return for Alan Bissell after many months in Nigeria.

Near pins went to Verana Suhr, Mikael Andersson, Tony Doherty, Ron Miller, Jerry McCarthy, Alan Bissell, Harry Cowling and Paul Chabot.

There are no ‘2’s in either division so a good rollover to next Friday.

Campbell prevails in ‘pea-souper’

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

Wednesday winner Mark Campbell (left) with Herbie Ishinaga.

The fog was so thick this morning at the Pattaya Country Club this 8th of February, it seemed like a scene from a “B” horror movie. The usual 6:30 am kick-off was delayed for only a short period before Herbie Ishinaga took the lead and drove into a blind fog. How the caddies were able to find the balls of this threesome may never be known. Others waited until they could at least see to the 1st hole dog leg.

The skies never completely cleared up until the 13th hole. Fortunately no one was lost in the fog.

Back at Caddy Shack II the cards were tallied and leading the pack was Mark Campbell with a 35. There were four players coming in with 33 but on the count back, Herbie Ishinaga took second place. The other 33 scorers were “Jan” Janathorn, Jim Hern, & Vance Millar.

Herbie provided the usual chips and pretzels for table snacks and very good hot dogs for the hot entree.

Monte takes over at the top

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Bob Edwards and Monte Sykes with the new Mulligans girls.

Tuesday, Feb. 7, Treasure Hill - Stableford

Treasure Hill on Tuesday, with good conditions for golf and a great venue, what more could you ask for? Well, some decent scores would be nice, but not necessary to enjoy the day. However enjoying it most was Monte Sykes (9) with 32 points to lead the way home from (I’m sure he will be surprised) Walter Baechli (19) with 28 points. Near Pins were shared by Monte & Bob.

Thursday, Feb. 9, Plutaluang - Stableford

Thursday was a return trip to Plutaluang, where we played the East & South combination. For the second time in as many weeks we had no hold-ups, the threatening skies remained just that, so the temperature was quite comfortable for some good golf.

Again, it was that man from Virgina, or something like that in the USA, Monte Sykes (9) with a solid 37 points, edging recent in-form golfer Bob Edwards (9) with 36, after wiping the last, to Monte’s birdie. Near Pins were secured by Monte, Bob & Graham.

Friday saw a good/great representation (per capita) from Mulligans Lakeside at the PSC Monthly Tournament, this time held at Pleasant Valley. We played there the previous week to get a sighter, (as we always try to do), and this paid off handsomely, with Brian Maddox winning C Flight, Jim Federspiel getting 3rd in B Flight, Jeff Wylie winning the Low Gross & Bob Edwards scoring the A Flight Long Drive. Monte & Willem got a prize in the lucky draw, & everybody had some fun, so let the good times roll.

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!

Channing makes it a double

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, Feb. 6,Mountain Shadow – Stableford

1st Bernard Channing (19) 36pts

2nd Jason Barnett (5) 35pts

3rd Bruce Tollitt (18) 34pts

Just one flight at Mt. Shadow on Monday with Bernard Channing coming in first with a level par 36 points ahead of Jason Barnett and Bruce Tollitt respectively.

Wednesday B Flight winner Dave Foulk.

Wednesday, Feb. 8,Green Valley - Stableford

A Flight

1st Graham Houston (12) 34pts

2nd Dave Hester (8) 34pts

3rd Ted Gardner (6) 34pts

B Flight

1st Dave Foulk (20) 36pts

2nd Ed Horrocks (21) 35pts

3rd Bruce Tollitt (18) 34pts

The usual contingent of golfers at Green Valley on Wednesday split into 2 flights with the top score coming in B Flight from Dave Foulk on 36 points. Graham Houston took the A Flight on count back after three players finished on 34.

Friday, Feb. 10,Bangpra - Stableford

A Flight

1st Phonsie McGahan (6) 39pts

2nd Mark Williams (10) 36pts

3rd Ed Blackwell (10) 35pts

B Flight

1st Bernard Channing (19) 40pts

2nd Robert Marsh (26) 34pts

3rd Dave Bramley (16) 31pts

Bernard Channing top scored on Friday with 40 points to finish six clear of Robert Marsh in the B Flight while Dave Bramley took third on 31.

Phonsie McGahan headed the A Flight with 39 points, Mark Williams finished second on 36 and Ed Blackwell was third one point further back.

The ‘2’s pot was shared by John O’Flynn, Les Charles, Mel McGowan and Mark Williams.

Brown bags 40-pointer at Khao Kheow

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

First 2 in each flight with one of Bert’s finest.

Derek Brook

Tuesday, Feb. 7, Khao Kheow – Stableford

We always like going to Khao Kheow - this is a quality, if very tough, course and these days it is just a quick trip up Route 7. Not only that, these days you can get straight onto the correct road without all the heavy traffic in town.

It did not take long to get there, and we were soon through the booking-in and onto the first Tee. We were to play the A & B Nines, best 18 holes, so we were soon up the first, which is the last time you play an easy hole, then onto the holes that are, to put it softly, tough. We were as usual playing into a strong wind and while the fairways were good, the rough was difficult and the greens were fast and tricky.

Then the day changed as one of our players collapsed on the 3rd hole after being bitten by something and having a bad reaction. We thought at first it was maybe worse, but it was bad enough. The caddie acted fast and got a cart out and we were soon back at the clubhouse. Our friend was not well so it was into an ambulance and off to Phyathai Hospital in Sriracha.

Let me say here that if you are going to take a ‘turn’ on a golf course you could do a lot worse than Khao Kheow. The staff were absolutely superb in looking after our distressed friend; the ambulance was quick and all was handled with much care. Also the manager Khun Surapol was absolutely excellent and drove ahead of me on the way to the hospital and stayed as interpreter with the hospital staff. A big thanks to him.

Also big thanks to Gavin Waddell, the ‘International Marketing Executive’ of the hospital. It is scary in these places and Khun Surapol and Gavin breached a big gap, thanks again. Also thanks to the hospital, they were very professional and if you are thinking of going here, they are ‘Farang Friendly’.

Our friend is now much improved and has been released, however be careful on the courses, there are still nasty creepy crawlies out there, and that is just the golfers.

Back at the course, sitting in the restaurant, the scores were coming in and they were either good or bad. So it was into cars and back to Tropical Bert’s.

Arriving at Bert’s it was on with the presentation. In the A Flight, 0 to 15, the winner was Rob Brown with a great 40 points ahead of Richard Kubicki with 38 points in second. In third was Masa Tojo with 35 points.

In the B Flight, the winner was Carole Kubicki with 39 points ahead of Bernie Cairns in second with 37 points and Karen Brown in third with, yes the points are correct, 27 points.

So with that we had a few drinks on our sick friend. But he will be back, be warned. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: Bob Watson, Rob Brown, Dennis Bayley, Masa Tojo

Long Putts: Landis Brooks, Carole Kubicki

St Andrews School Rugby Premiership opens with a tie

Running rugby the order of the day as Year 8 take on Year 7.

Kerry Sutherland

The opening round of the St Andrews Rugby Premiership was held recently between teams from Year 7 and Year 8. It was a hard fought match with some great running rugby and some big tackles.

Harry opened the scoring for Year 8, however Year 7 came back with tries to Henry (two) and Ethan to take a 12–4 lead at halftime. Year 8 started the second half with a try to Junior, followed by an excellent individual effort by Declan. Year 7 struck back with a second try to Ethan putting them up by 16–12.

In the last minutes Harry scored his second try to tie the game 16–16, which was the final score at the whistle.

There was some good running from CJ, Isak, and Khao Tu, a great pass from Lo to set up a try, and some tough tackles put in by Kenny, Oat and Daniel. Special thanks to the Year 6 and 9 boys who also played.

Seeing is believing

Pattaya Sports Club Fishing News

The anglers enjoy a beer while swapping stories of the ones that “got away”.

Capt. Dene

After our 4 great trips in January with wonderful weather and good fishing, we were due for a bit of a set-back.

We left Khram Marine Fishing Lodge at the usual time of 07:00 a.m. Feb. 4, on nice calm waters but an hour and a quarter later as we rounded the last island we encountered, not rough seas but, quite heavy swells. I appeared to be the only one affected by the swell, so possibly the day before in Ban Chang could have had a contributing effect. Nevertheless it was considerably more difficult in holding our feet and bracing against the side rails whilst fishing.

The lack of fish being caught didn’t help our mood, as by noon we only had a handful of fish each. Fortunately, following a tide change, the fish improved their attitude and began biting with a vengeance. Our three new members, Palmer, Robert (Lek) and Robert (Yai) who were having serious doubts about our claims of 6–10 kilos per person each trip suddenly realized we were telling the truth. We managed to catch 11 or 12 of the 1ฝ-2 kilo blue spotted cod and good hauls of our usual pan-sized snapper, brown cod (bigger than usual), yellow tail and grouper. And all were more than satisfied with their day’s take home bags.

We extend a warm welcome to our 3 newcomers and wish “Big” Robert good luck with his trip to Belgium for medical reasons and a quick return to the Land of Smiles.

We still have vacancies for our next trip on Saturday 18 and for Thursday 23 Feb.

Pattaya Cricket Club defeat English touring team in last ball thriller

Horseshoe Point was the venue for Pattaya Cricket Club to host Richard Harvey’s famous touring team from England ‘Not The MCC’ in a 32 over game, played as two 16 over matches combined. The format was as successful as the outcome with PCC winning off the final ball by 2 runs.

It had been seven years since NTMCC last visited Thailand and a time when cricket did not exist in Pattaya. “It is fantastic to see such a facility available here in Pattaya and a credit to all those involved in making PCC the success it is today” said Paul Capleton the NTMCC captain.

The umpires Kim ‘Trigger’ Fletcher and Headmaster Roger conducted the coin toss with the captains Simon and Paul, and NTMCC elected to bowl first in overcast conditions that looked conducive to swing. And so it proved as the opening bowlers moved the ball in both directions and posed many an uncertain moment for the batsmen.

Dan soon went caught behind for 7 and was quickly followed by Debdas as PCC reached 30 for 2 from the first 6 overs. Usman’s breezy 16 maintained the run rate but it was Hansie’s 49 and Simon’s 13 ball 27 not out that ensured PCC attained a respectable 123 for 6 from their 16 overs.

Hansie was destined not to reach his half century as Trigger called one run short when on 48 and then gave him out on the next delivery, the seventh ball of the over! Andy was out for a golden duck.

In reply the NTMCC openers Gandahl (53 retired) and Matty (17) got the innings off to a flying start and Salman (22no) continued the momentum to finish with 126 for 3, a lead of just 3 runs. Andy’s 4 overs went for 41 runs as he dished up some very tasty buffet bowling.

PCC’s second innings was an altogether more dominant display as nearly all the batsmen contributed heavily. Debdas (53 no) was the mainstay as Dan (25), Mithu (27) and Hansie (20) all found the boundary with regularity to reach 147 for 6 and a combined total of 270. Andy was out for his second golden duck of the day and he was now wondering why he had even bothered to get out of bed.

Needing a challenging 145 to win, NTMCC were certainly up for it as Prasad (34) and Gandahl (40) launched into the PCC bowling. The onslaught was temporarily halted by Usman who loosened a few teeth of Vinny as he attempted to hook a short ball and succeeded in only leaving a pool of claret at the side of the wicket and requiring 3 stitches to the inside of his mouth.

NTMCC were in the ascendency and on course for victory until Simon brilliantly ran out Prasad with one stump to aim at and then held a wonderful running catch on the boundary to see the back of Gandahl. Andy dropped a catch at deep mid wicket to add to his woes.

With 18 runs needed from the final over to be bowled by Debdas it seemed PCC had the game under control. Salman had other ideas as he stuck 2 sixes over long on and 3 runs were needed from the last delivery. A full straight yorker could only be hit for one run and a very relieved but elated PCC (except Andy – who thankfully did not bowl) accepted the handshakes and retired to the beer tent for a deserved ice cold libation. Andy, without so much as a whimper, duly packed the team kit bag.

The game was played in a tremendous spirit with everyone agreeing the format was hugely successful and should be played more often. “PCC have been wonderful hosts and are a credit to the game of cricket. To play in such beautiful surroundings is a privilege and NTMCC will certainly look forward to their next overseas visit to Thailand and Pattaya” commented Richard Harvey the NTMCC’s Chairman.

Details of all PCC’s fixtures and events are available on the club’s website www.pattaya cricketclub.com.

Popp leads St Andrews basketball team to victory over GIS

St. Andrews add to their points tally from the free-throw line.

Garden International School recently hosted a friendly basketball match against St Andrews and the game tipped off with both teams showing lots of energy at first but little end product.

Gradually, however, the teams got into the flow of the game with baskets being scored on both ends and one player in particular seemed to be ‘on fire’, as James Popp hit 3 three-pointers in the 12-minute opening period, giving St Andrews a 17-8 lead over Garden at the break. David and Gao out-rebounded Garden’s big men, Tee and Mickey pressured the ball well and James Popp caused more trouble on Garden’s defense. The Senior Boys kept up the lead, making the score 29-14 by half time.

The game was played in a friendly but competitive manner.

The third quarter was no different – Sangjin, Earth, Isada and Bright subbed in and played strong. They swarmed Garden on the defensive end and pushed the ball on offense. By the end of the third quarter, St Andrews had an 18-point lead over Garden.

Come the fourth quarter, Garden stepped up their game. They scored the first two baskets, making the score 36-22. St Andrews responded by scoring two of their own with a jump shot from Isada and Tee. James Popp then tipped the ball in after a missed shot by Mickey and Garden scored a free-throw, making the score 42-23 with 4 minutes left on the clock. The St Andrews Senior Boys kept playing hard until the final whistle, securing the win with a final score of 46-24.

Team Canada tops the World 7-5 in charity ice hockey game

Fast and furious ice hockey hits Bangkok as Canada take on the World for charity. (Photo/Naz Brown)

In a thrilling charity hockey game held recently to raise money for Thai flood victims, Team Canada defeated the World Team 7-5 as the game also launched “The Rink”, a new ice skating facility located on the 7th floor of the Central Grand Rama IX shopping centre in Bangkok.

Team Canada was composed of Canadian expats based in Thailand, plus four visiting Canadian MPs (Patrick Brown – Barrie, Andrew Saxton - North Vancouver, Brian Jean – Fort McMurray, and Blaine Calkins - Edmonton ), and ex-Trustee Justin Heran from Barrie.

The World team was a collection of American, Czech, English, Finnish, German, Norwegian and Swedish players based in Thailand. It was also boosted by the top line from the Thai National Team, which won silver at the Asian Winter Games in Kazakhstan in 2011.

The Canadian team fell behind 2-0 early in the game then rallied with four straight goals to take the lead 4-2. MP Brown scored on a beautiful slapshot to tie the game at 2 and Kirk Nell tipped in a clearing pass to put the Canadians in the lead.

The World team also rallied to within one scoring to trail only 4-3, but the Canadians seemed to draw energy from a skirmish in front of the World net and exploded for three goals in quick succession to take a commanding 7-3 lead. The World squad later two added goals late in the game to make the final score a respectable 7-5.

Thomas Doucet was in goal for Canada during the first period, Simon Halverson during the second period and Lance Parker was in net in the third. Fifteen-year-old Halverson, the son of RCMP officer Gary Halverson, was particularly brilliant during stretches of the second frame when the World team stormed the net trying to tie the score.

The BNH mascots were on hand delivering good cheer as they worked the crowd. Everyone seemed to enjoy the show, especially the Canadian MPs who were presented with their own personal Flying Farang jerseys before the game.

Organizer Scott Murray said, “We were on pins and needles up until game time because the Zamboni was broken, but in the end it all worked out and everyone had a good time. The Flying Farangs would like to thank Khun Noi of The Rink, Sakchai Chinanuvatana and Scott Whitcomb, without whose help we could not have staged this game.”

The game raised Bt70,990.25 for the Thai Red Cross in support of flood relief.

Jameson’s footballers take on WA Royal 7’s for charity

The two teams gather at Jameson’s for the after-match celebrations and the auctioning of a football shirt signed by ex-Liverpool legend Ian Rush.

Mott the Sport

The annual football trophy ‘The Jameson’s Charity Cup’ was yet again fought over this year between Brian Abbott’s Jameson’s Football Team and the visitors, The WA Royal 7’s from Australia, with the game taking place on a fine but balmy evening at Horseshoe Point in front of a 200 strong partisan crowd.

Over the years this has been a close fought encounter, always played with passion, but with all the fun of the beautiful game, and in the past, more often than not, after a pulsating ninety minutes in the savage Pattaya heat a draw or only one goal has divided the sides.

The WA Royal 7’s may look back on the 2012 game with pangs of regret however as the Jameson’s Cup is now resting in the Jameson’s trophy cabinet, and after this year’s performance it may well be there for a very long time.

The WA Royal 7’s Captain Spike won the toss (which was to prove to be the only thing he would win all tour) and elected to kick off. It was also about the last thing that went right for the hapless Australians as the Jameson’s Pattaya eleven immediately started to run them ragged on the park.

Such was the dominance of the Jameson’s team that the first goal came after only three minutes as Brian Abbott threaded the ball through to his left winger Stephen Page who with great skill controlled the ball and headed off towards the goal; slipping past the Australian midfield of Doc and Les, he then completely dummied Darren the Australian right back (who perhaps felt by now he wished he had already been right back in the pub), then with his left foot Stephen let go a blistering effort to curl into the top corner of the Western Royals 7’s net.

The crowd would go wild from this point onwards every time Stephen Page took off on one of his surging runs. Captain Brian Abbott playing in the center of the Jameson’s midfield shrugged off the years, relying upon his experience and heart to dominate the whole game in open play, leaving the packed WA Royal 7’s midfield floundering even to get a kick of the ball.

I think during the first half the Australian players Claxa, Les and Spike could only look on in awe as the Jameson’s Pattaya team dominated the game, with the poor Australians barely getting a foot on the ball, let alone being able to control it.

The Jameson’s team grew in stature and confidence as the game went on, pushing up the field at every opportunity. With players of the caliber of Sam Peebles and Jimmy Deacon in central defense for Jameson’s, you could see the confidence draining away from the Australians.

With the game being played mostly in the Australian half of the pitch it was not long before another goal arrived. Obviously a worked out plan for corners, Mick Newton thundered over a swinging kick, beautifully met by the head of Jerry Stewart the Jameson’s lanky center forward, who was all over the WA Royal 7’s defense.

With another surge forward Stephen Page picked up the ball outside the Australian penalty box and slammed in another curling effort which the Australian Goalkeeper could only stand and watch in admiration as it smacked into the back of the net to put Pattaya 3-0 up.

As this was only a charity game we then saw some wonderful skills from the Jameson’s team as they played with the hapless Australians, although it was quite obvious that Stephen Page wanted to get his hat-trick at the earliest opportunity and was unleashing thunderbolts at the goal every time his eager colleagues passed the ball his way. But it was the other winger that slotted in the fourth, Shaun Houlding tapping in from short range after another fine move.

When the whistle blew for half-time there was a look of relief on the WA Royal 7’s faces as the Jameson’s players paraded in front of a jubilant crowd.

The second half started in exactly the same way as the first as within minutes Brian Abbott laid on an inch perfect pass to Stephen Page who again had been left in plenty of space, and although he was 35 yards out with players in front of him, it never seemed likely that anybody would be able to stop the young Geordie, and the result was confirmed as from two yards young Page nut-megged the Australian keeper to finish off his hat-trick and any hope that the supposedly re-organized Australian Royal 7’s had of scrambling back into the game.

Job done, there were a couple of Jameson’s substitutions, with Steve Page and Mick Newton gracefully coming off to be replaced by the Dobbs brothers, Paul and David.

By now the Jameson’s team was in full attack mode and with the fans urging them on for another goal the home side was camped out in the Australian half. This did allow the Royal 7’s a chance as one slightly wayward pass gave the Aussies a chance to scream up field towards the unprotected Jameson’s goal and WA’s Paul unleashed a shot screaming towards the top of the Jameson’s net but Ray ‘The Cat’ Campbell was equal to it and parried the ball away, but only to the feet of the WA Royal 7’s Andy who caught the ball on the volley and hammered it goal bound. Sadly for Andy, Ray ‘The Cat’ had recovered his feet and somehow managed to scramble this away too. The ball then fell at the feet of the WA Royal 7’s Super Vet, Big Jeff, but with the Cat sprawled on the ground and the Jameson’s defense momentarily caught out of position Jeff inexplicably, with an open net in front of him, managed to hook the ball over the bar from 2 yards out. It just was not going to be a Royal’s 7’s jolly day out.

For the rest of the game Ray ‘the Cat’ did not have much to do apart from collect the odd back pass as Jameson’s regrouped for another attack. Sadly for the WA Royal 7’s, their goalkeeper was the most over worked man on the pitch. Further goals came from Paul Dobbs, and now playing as another center forward alongside Jerry Stewart, Sam Peebles also showed his more delicate side by scoring with a delightful scissor kick.

There was still time for Brian Abbott to step up to the penalty spot as one of the WA Royal 7’s gave a desperate tug on a goal bound Shaun Houlding to be penalized with a penalty. Sadly, as has become almost folklore in the game, Brian Abbott blazed the last minute penalty five feet over the WA Royal 7’s goal which left the Jameson’s team with a convincing 7-0 win.

Both teams returned to Jameson’s to a splendid evening of drink and fine food. The WA Royal 7’s fine session then produced fifteen thousand baht to be put towards the Jesters Care4Kids Charity Drive. So the charity won, the Jameson’s football team won their only game of the season and the WA Royal 7’s team proved to be jolly good sports.

Brian Abbott and his Jameson’s team look forward to the return of the WA Royal 7’s next year.

Ivanov hat-trick helps City to big win

Bangkok Casuals Football League Div 1 & 2

Paul Frain

Pattaya City FC, whose game was cancelled at the very last minute the previous week due to a downpour and the pitch being water logged, were looking for a good win to forward their title chances last weekend against the struggling French team Les Gaulois.

City forced the early play in the game and a shot by Earnest Dipita hit the bar from the right side of the penalty area. A great pass by City midfielder Craig Banks then found centre forward Aleksei Ivanov who made no mistake to make it 1-0 to the home team.

It took the French twenty minutes to have their first shot on the City goal but it went high and wide and at the other end City continued to pile on the pressure with good open football and they went 2-0 when the ball was worked through a static French defense, with City’s Yannick Gwabou getting the final touch.

Soon after a curling centre/shot from Dipita was missed by the French keeper but was kicked off the line by a desperate defender and the loose ball fell to City’s Tchuite whose shot just went the wrong side of the post.

On a rare attack the French caught out the City defense and with only the keeper to beat, the forward chipped the ball over the bar.

From a corner kick City’s centre half Phillip Walter then saw his first time shot slam against the post and then the French keeper was forced into a brilliant save by City’s Tchuite to stop City from going further ahead. Just before half time the French took a quick free kick which caught out the City defenders but the City keeper made a great diving save to keep the score 2-0 until the break.

In the second half City soon had the chance to go further ahead when a ball from Thioma found Alexsei Ivanov who jinxed his way past two defenders but unluckily shot wide. The same player then received a pass from Earnest Dipita and ran through the French defense to score and make it 3-0.

The French were now getting desperate and City’s Aleksei Ivanov was brought down by the French keeper from behind and it earned him a red card. Ivanov then skipped around a defender and met a through ball from Craig Banks to slot the ball into the net to score his hat-trick and City’s fourth goal.

Les Gaulois made one final attack and were awarded a penalty when their forward was pushed off the ball, but a brilliant diving save by the City keeper Narcisse Yongui made sure that City kept a clean sheet with the final score being 4-0.

This was the best performance by a City side for a long time but they have yet to reach peak form and will need to if they are to become champions.

The City Res game was cancelled due to other commitments by the opposing team but they had a terrific result against second place Siam Celtic on a water sodden pitch the previous week. The Res had 70% of the play but from all their chances the ball just refused to go into the net but it was a good point to take away. Both teams are at home at the Thai Polo Club this coming weekend with the earlier kick off at 2-30 p.m.

Hantuchova comes from behind to defend Pattaya Open crown

Third seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia beat Maria Kirilenko of Russia 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 in a tense and exciting final to defend her title at the PTT Pattaya Open tennis tournament held at the Dusit Thani Pattaya last Sunday. At 3 hours, 14 minutes in duration, the match was just 10 minutes short of the longest WTA final ever played.

Doubles winners Sania Mirza (left) and Anastasia Rodionova pose with their trophies. (Photo/PTT Pattaya Open)

“It feels great,” said Hantuchova, who defended a title for the first time and was also her first since winning in Pattaya last year. “I thought it was an incredible match. Maria was playing really well and we were fighting for every single point. Even though I lost the first set very closely I just kept going and didn’t really look back and always just tried to focus on the next point. That was the key. This is special for me.”

Both players managed to sustain a very high level of performance from beginning to end, and if anything the final set produced some of the best tennis as neither player showed any signs of fatigue.

Chatchawal Supachayanont, GM of Dusit Thani Pattaya congratulates Daniela Hantuchova at Sunday’s conclusion of the 2012 PTT Pattaya Open.

For defending champion Hantuchova the match could hardly have started in a worse fashion however as she dropped her serve with a double-fault in the first game. She was then forced to hold off a break point at 2-3 and another at 3-4 before eventually pulling level at 5-5.

The Slovak star had not dropped a set in any of her previous matches leading up to the final, but in the tie-break it was Kirilenko who showed the greater composure and she took the first set when Hantuchova netted a backhand at 6-3.

Maria Kirilenko hits a return on her way to winning the first set tie-break.

The second set was decided early when Kirilenko’s serve was broken and Hantuchova held off two break points in the next game to take a three one lead. Kirilenko fought back gamely and forced two further break points but was unable to capitalize on either as her opponent defended superbly and eventually broke the Russian again to take the set 6-3.

At one set all Kirilenko called on the trainer for treatment on a right hip injury that had forced her out of the Australian Open in January. To the relief of the spectators she was able to continue and showed no apparent discomfort as the match reached its climax.

Following the extended break both players appeared to have gone off the boil slightly as they lost their opening service games to love. However, the tennis thereafter was simply top drawer and included several lengthy rallies that brought the crowd to their feet.

Daniela Hantuchova smashes a forehand winner during the second set of the final.

With the title in the balance, Kirilenko first serve appeared to desert her at the crucial moment and after holding off three break points in game four she was eventually broken in game eight when she double faulted at 30-40. Hantuchova served out the match in the following game with the help of two forehand winners down the line to take the title for the second year running.

Kirilenko could draw some comfort from even reaching the final after her injury at the Australian Open had prevented her from practicing in the lead up to this event.

“I’m disappointed to lose in the final,” she said. “But if I look back I almost lost the first match so I’m trying take the positive things from the tournament. After the Australian Open I didn’t play for nine days because I was injured, and today I was in the final so I think it’s a good result still.”

For the champion Hantuchova, as well as enjoying the US$37,000 winner’s cheque she said she was also planning on a change of diet after maintaining a winning routine throughout the week-long tournament. She said she had eaten chicken fried rice and salad for the past seven days, and was looking forward to trying something different.

All square as the match goes down to the wire.

“It could be a pizza or anything. I also kept eating the same thing in Indian Wells and I won there,” she said.

In the doubles final, also played on Sunday, India’s Sania Mirza and her Australian partner Anastasia Rodionova beat Hao-ching Chan and Yung-jan Chan of Chinese Taipei after coming back from a set down. The top seeds showed great fighting quality to force their way back into the match, eventually take the title in a nail-biting tie-break. The final score was 3-6, 6-1, 10-8.

(Sources - AP/Pentangle Promotions)

Spectators enjoyed a thrilling contest.

Kirikenko serves to Hantuchova during the final of the 2012 PTT Pattaya Open.

Pattaya Mail PC Classic Challenge sets the stage for a great Multihull Festival

The fastest crew of Xander and Marc Pols receive the inaugural Peter Cummins PC Classic Perpetual Trophy.

Peter Cummins

The First Pattaya International Multihull Festival was raced off the host club, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya last week and it was an outstanding success. 60 craft representing 16 countries from as far apart as Aruba to Australia, Netherlands to New Zealand came to join a large Thai contingent for a week of fierce, competitive racing, good camaraderie and fun-filled shore activities at Varuna’s sea-side bar.

And it was a green regatta, with no flotsam and jetsam left in the wakes and even a daily copious free flow of Heineken Beer had a “green theme”, being dispensed by the beautiful Heineken girls dressed resplendently in their green attire.

A highlight of the festival was the Pattaya Mail-sponsored race day which consisted of two events: a regular windward-leeward course, set out in the bay, off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the “Island Record Race” which will be an identical course each year, allowing an annual challenge to the inaugural record set this year, by the fastest beach-launched catamarans in existence.

The Pattaya Mail, voted the best English language newspaper in the region for the past 12 years, had agreed to sponsor the Pattaya Mail PC Classic Challenge, Race Day on Sunday, 5 February, as a major feature of the Multihull Festival, extending from 3–10 February.

This represented a welcome return by the Mail and its associated media, the Pattaya Blatt, the Chiengmai Mail and PMTV, to sponsoring the burgeoning marine-related activities along Pattaya’s Eastern Seaboard. Since 1995, the Mail has strongly supported yacht-racing, held off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, through the then annual Pattaya Mail PC Classic, proceeds from which were disbursed to the needy–children, elderly and disadvantaged citizens of the Eastern Seaboard.

Now, for this special event, the Mail resurrected the original “Map of Tasmania” trophy, to become known as the 15th Pattaya Mail PC Classic Challenge Perpetual Trophy.

The group was so diverse, with such a variety of multihulls, ranging from the super-fast Thai-built Viper F-16s, to the more conventional Hobie Cats, that the race management committee divided the fleets into White and Yellow Divisions, comprising 36 and 24 craft, respectively, allowing handicaps to be applied to level the playing field, somewhat.

The large Dutch team dominated the Whites, with Caroljn Brouwer, partnered by Aussie Brett Goodall (Viper F-16), taking the top honours, while perennial Hobie Cat champions Thailand brothers Damrongsak/Kitsada Vongtim from Sattahip, cleaned out the Yellow Division.

The committee boat all decked out for the event.

The aforementioned Dutch/Aussie combination of Carolijn Brouwer/Brett Goodall team also won overall title ahead of brothers Xander and Marc Pols from Holland in a Nacra F20, but the runners-up had earlier in the regatta captured the 15th Pattaya Mail PC Classic Perpetual trophy. It was an interesting acquisition for the pairing, knowing that it was Dutch explorers who discovered Tasmania in 1642. Now, they take away the trophy map, cut from Tasmanian native timbers – a timely memento of the land their forebears discovered some 350 years ago.

A selection of the winners is documented separately in this report, but if there is one outright winner of the multihull festival it is Pattaya’s image, with the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, playing a key role.

Sailors get their briefing from the race officer.

The wind god, Varuna, in the Hindu Parthenon of pre-Vedic times, was the supreme “Lord of the cosmos, ruler of the oceans and the winds”. For some weeks prior to International Multihuill Festival, there was virtually no wind, rain storms and dull skies. Then, as some 60 multihulls descended upon the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pataya, from various parts of the world, it appeared that the god Varuna also arrived. The skies cleared, the south-westerly Monsoon blew in - and stayed for the duration of the regatta, creating perfect conditions.

Some of the more- sophisticated craft would have benefitted from stronger winds, but an overall daily average of some 15–20 knots, with superb race management and fair, competitive courses satisfied all.

It is little wonder that the visitors, particularly those from Northern climes, were exuberant, as the temperatures in their home countries hovered around minus 16-20 C.

A drop of the good stuff always helps after a day’s sailing.

Sponsors have also been most enthusiastic about the event which promotes Pattaya, according to some of the international contingent of experienced sailors, “as one of the finest sailing venues in the world.” The Royal Netherlands Embassy, naturally, with so many Dutch competitors, supported their own champions, the Pattaya Mail Media Group is always, as noted above, in the vanguard of promoting our city-by-the-sea, the Sattahip-based Chilli Works, building the high-tech A Class Catamarans, right here on the Eastern Seaboard and Heineken Beer and Zweterleven, all supporting the regatta.

Gareth Owen also brought in a team of Dart 18 sailors from the Dee Sailing Club in Mersyside UK, to swell the ranks of the participants.

There was much focus on the F16 class due to the expectation by many that an F16 will be chosen as the new Olympic class in 2016 and already top sailors with an eye on Olympic glory are pushing the limits in their quest for success.

Royal Varuna Yacht Club – a hive of activity on race day.

In fact the F16 was the most competitive of all the classes racing and was the first open F16 class, sailed mainly with a mixed team (man/ woman) ever to race in Asia. F16 competitors such as Coen de Koning from Holland, a double World champion in the Formula 18 class, Carolijn Brouwer also from Holland who is a three times Olympic competitor and tornado world champion, Gunnar Larsen from Holland, Jason Waterhouse, Bret Goodall from Australia and Chris Sproat from the UK also feature as top 10 finishers from previous F18 worlds.

Twenty-three entries made up the F18 class, mostly from Holland and Thai sailors, making it the largest class at the festival, with 11 Pattaya entries among that group.

Very high level entries in the Dart 18 Class included Gareth Owen, a Pattaya based sailor who is a former world Dart 18 champion and Ian and Fiona Kernick, reigning world champions from South Africa.

Peter Cummins (center) stands next to the trophy table with Anders Widén (left) and Peter Malhotra, MD Pattaya Mail Media Group (right).

First-class race management was assured by a British team, led by principal race officer Neil Dunkley, with able assistance from another Neil (Whitehead) and Malcolm Humphreys out there on the race course, while yet another Neil (Semple) headed up the international jury, with much land-based activity from official scorer Chris Dando and management assistance from Norma Humphreys and, of course, the staff of Royal Varuna.

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 also be to create a high profile of Pattaya as a prime venue for water-based activities and marine sports for the city-by-the-sea.

And the verdict: to a man, woman and child, those who came from far and wide to take part in this inaugural event will want to come again to our beloved sea-shore – soon!

(Above) The 15th PC Classic category winners receive their awards.

Heineken Happy Hour went down a treat.

Sundowners at the tropical beach bar.

1st Pattaya International

Multihull Festival Results

(Yellow Division)

Hobie:

1st Damrongsak Kitsada Vongtim

2nd Po.1 Teerapong/Whatcharpong

3rd Alan/Fiona Kernick

4th Gary Baguley/Araya Peampibul

5th Chulapong /Kamolwan Chanyim

6th Nicolette Van Gorp/Ruud Van Gisbergen

Dart:

1st Gareth Owen/Bobby Friefel

2nd Dick Ganseman/Diane Rokx

3rd Robbie Vogelenzang/Astrid Abendroth

Nacra 16 Sq:

1st Jan Holdorrf

2nd Alberto Cassio

(White Division)

Viper F-16:

1st Caroljn Brouwer/Brett Goodall

2nd Jason Waterhouse/Lisa Darmanin

3rd Adrian Fawcett/Jesse Dobie

4th Chris Sproat/Georgina Bourke

Nacra F-20:

1st Xander/Marc Pols

2nd Guillaume Laberenne/Jean-Richard Minardi

3rd Alex Skaria/Peter Herning

Nacra infusio:

1st John Moret.Frank de Woord

2nd Remco/Marielle Remeijer

Singles league goes down to the wire

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Smith shows the way at Emerald

Keith singing in the Valley

Sindberg & Elphick sparkle at Crystal Bay

Earley on a roll

Vance Millar continues to improve

Lavery larrups the field at Burapha

Bob the flying Scotsman

J.J. Wright can do no wrong

More ecstasy for Etherington

Butler bales out with win at Emerald

Campbell prevails in ‘pea-souper’

Monte takes over at the top

Channing makes it a double

Brown bags 40-pointer at Khao Kheow

St Andrews School Rugby Premiership opens with a tie

Seeing is believing

Pattaya Cricket Club defeat English touring team in last ball thriller

Popp leads St Andrews basketball team to victory over GIS

Team Canada tops the World 7-5 in charity ice hockey game

Jameson’s footballers take on WA Royal 7’s for charity

Ivanov hat-trick helps City to big win

Hantuchova comes from behind to defend Pattaya Open crown

Pattaya Mail PC Classic Challenge sets the stage for a great Multihull Festival