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Pattaya Sports Club
Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Brand,
Kran, Noodle, Morn & Tue
VFW took over first place in the second
week of the new league after winning all four points from Canada. Ooy
Pluemkamon bowled a 555 series and Pao Orawan had a 513 for VFW.
Caf้ Kronborg moved up to second place after taking all
four points from Mittin2012. Morn Mack bowled a 242 game, 593 series, Kran
Nielsen bowled a 210 game, 531 series and Sue Murphy had a 504 series for
Kronborg.
Green Tree is now in third place after winning four
points from Indiana. Noodle Russell bowled a 245 game, 557 series, Rich
Murphy had a 529 and Tukata Thompson bowled a 507 series for Green Tree.
Tue Pettae bowled a 202 game, 532 series and Brand had a
202 game, 55l series to lead Brother D to a three point win over Bavaria.
Andy Baber shines on Hua Hin road trip
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
The top five in Hua Hin, left
to right, Alan Pilkington, Pete Sumner, Grant Cadell, the Champ Andy Baber,
and Neville Scurell
Monday, May 14, Black
Mountain – Stableford
Our 16th annual trip to Hua Hin and the majority arrived
on Saturday afternoon and a few more over the weekend for the 2012 Golden
Elephant tour.
Black Mountain is probably the most favourable course in
the region and we were here twice this week with an unbelievable green fee
of 1,100 baht. There were 26 on the tee for our first game in this four day
competition and as there were no coloured tee markers we selected the 65 tee
position throughout the round which equates to 6,500 yards; this was agreed
by all rather than the 61 or 70 preferences.
The cut was 7-17 in division 1 and playing off 14 Neville
Scurrell returned a score of 40 to win the division. Pete Sumner was second
with 35 and Alan Pilkington third one point behind.
In division 2, back from China for the trip, Bob Poole
won with 37 points, Andy Baber was 7 points behind in second place and the
organiser took third on 29.
The course was in fabulous condition and everyone
thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Near pins went to Jon Lay, Marty Rock, Mark Stanley, Pete
Sumner, Andy Baber, Rod Howett and Bob Poole (2).
In the ‘2’s Jon Lay, Mark Stanley and Marty Rock split
the pot in division 1 while Rod Howett was the only winner in division 2.
Tuesday, May 15, Sea Pines - Stableford
A 20 minute journey south of Hua Hin and we arrived at
the Sea Pines course; nobody in our group had ever played this course and
upon arrival we found the club house situated almost on the beach and the
location was fantastic and the facilities just as good. As you tee off on
the first you are overlooking the bay here and you can see the last four
holes almost running parallel to the beach, quite stunning!
There were a few ex-Black Mountain caddies employed here
now owing to the flat surface rather than the undulating and hilly
conditions there which they found tough work.
Another 40 pointer came in with Jon Lay winning division
1. Playing off 13 today after being cut by 1 shot, Neville was second with
39 points and Grant Cadell beat Alan Pilkington20/17 on the back nine after
they both finished with 38 points.
Countback Burnie won division 2 with 34 points and the
organizer, with his best round for the past three months, was second beating
Bob Poole on a 13/11 back six count back after they both scored 33 points.
Near pins were claimed by Grant Cadell, Jon Lay, Neville
Scurrell, Mark Stanley, Marty Aronson, Glyn Evans, Andy Oz and Bryan Rought.
Neville Scurrell birdied the 8th in division 1 to take
the ‘2’s pot while in division 2 a rollover ensued to Black Mountain on
Thursday.
After two rounds now Neville Scurrell was in the lead,
with Alan Pilkington second and Bob Poole third, so all still to play for.
Thursday, May 17, Black Mountain - Stableford
There were a few clouds in the background as we teed off
but these passed by and we enjoyed another rain free round, surprisingly for
this time of the year here.
Improving his score each round an 18 handicap was in
division 1 today and Andy Baber won this with 37 points, beating Mark
Stanley on a 20/17 back nine count back. Paul Renall was third with 35.
Lee Casey won division 2 with 33 points, Rod Howett was
second one point behind and Andy Oz took third with 31.
Near pins went to Grant Cadell, Jon Lay, Alan Pilkington,
Marty Rock, Rod Howett, Terry Redding, Burnie Sinclair and David Taylor.
In the ‘2’s Grant Cadell and Neville Scurrell shared the
prize in the premier flight while in division 2 a rollover plus today’s
purse was shared by Burnie Sinclair and David Taylor.
We were really lucky this week, this was the third day
the skies opened just as we arrived back in Hua Hin and we were stuck in a
bar while drinking a few coffees for an hour or so.
Scores on the doors after three round now were Neville
Scurrell 105, Alan Pilkington103, Pete Sumner 102, Andy Baber 101 and Grant
Cadell 98.
Friday, May 18, Majestic Creek Country Club - Stableford
A late cancellation and we moved to Majestic rather than
the Banyan tree owing to a couple of our guys playing there on Wednesday and
reporting back that all of the 18 greens had been 50% holitized, half of the
flags on the cored greens and the other nine on the normal surface. After
all the years playing here we never played the C course but with the
renovations going on throughout the course and clubhouse, the A is going to
be shut for the next 6 months.
So it was C and B and quite a nice surprise playing this
nine with a fantastic natural waterfall flowing down on the fourth tee. The
B course as always a good test of golf especially on the first over the
water and the eighteenth, a thinking person’s hole.
The best score of the week came in today, 24 on the front
nine and Andy Baber won division 2 with 41 points. Steve Ironside was second
with 38 and Mark Armstrong took third with 36.
The two New Zealand boys in their last game with us
before their departure to Bangkok were first and second in division 1 with
37 and 36 points; Larry won and Paul Renall beat Neville Scurrell on a 19/18
back nine count back.
There was a short shower for the first group on the tenth
and a heavy downpour for the third group on the 18th which lasted for 15
minutes.
Near pins went to Grant Cadell (2), Larry, Alan
Pilkington, Lee Casey (2) and Colin James (2).
In the ‘2’s Grant Cadell, Jon Lay and Mark Stanley shared
the pot in division 1 and Lee Casey and Rod Howett in division 2. Amazingley
over the four rounds there were no rollovers in the ‘2’s in either division
and all the nearest the pin prizes were won.
So the overall scores over the four rounds saw in fifth
place Grant Cadell on 132, fourth was Alan Pilkington with 133, Pete Sumner
took third on 135, Neville Scurrell second with 141 and the winner of the
2012 Golden Elephant tour was Andy Baber with 142 points, congratulations
Andy from all of us!
A great week was had by all, our next outing is in Chang
Mai the third week of November.
Arriving back at Siam cats on Saturday it was Bon Voyage
to Bob Poole back to China, Paul and Larry, Steve Ironside to the UK, Terry
Redding to Albert’s Bar in Chang Mai, Mark Armstrong back to Oz for 1 month,
Howard Stanley the UK for 6 and also Marty Aronson the US for 6 as well.
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Murphy back on top
PSC golf from The Blue Moose
Left-right: Rich Murphy, Gary
Crutchfield & Mark Campbell.
Thirteen players teed off at 7:45 am this 16th of May at
the Burapha Golf Club. The weather was great, a bit overcast but the sun did
come through.
We played B & D courses and if you didn’t have a nice
long drive straight down the middle, you were in serious trouble. There was
a 7' wide path down the middle leading to the fairway. If you got on that
path, lucky you, if you deviated from that path or didn’t make the fairway,
you were in grass so deep we almost lost one of the caddies. Once in that
grass you had to look down on your ball and just whack away at the grass.
Carts are not allowed on the fairway until 8 am. Greens
were very fast and the bunkers were very sandy.
Returning to the Blue Moose Bar, cards were tallied and
awards presented to deserving players. Rich Murphy again was at the top with
37 points, followed by Mark Campbell 35 points and Gary Crutchfield 33
points. Normally we only take a photo of the first and second place players
but Gary cried that he’s never been in paper.
Note: Visit the Blue Moose web page for schedules:
www.bluemoosepattaya.com. Every Monday is at the Pattaya Country Club.
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Mitchell pips Allidi for monthly Low Gross honours
114th PSC Monthly Members Golf Tournament
Report Nigel Cannon/Photos
William Macey
Friday, May 18 - Greenwood Golf Club
Like many others, Joe Mooneyham and Nigel Cannon woke up
early to the sound of rain! However the nearer they got to Greenwood the
rain stopped and it looked as if it was to be fine day. For the first couple
of hours it was – then later on play was interrupted twice due to heavy rain
– however all players completed their rounds.
Double winner.
There were 64 competitors with 3 Men’s flights and the
Ladies of which 8 played. There were a number of new faces today which was
good to see.
The course was in reasonable condition although the
recent coring and sanding of the greens left many players unhappy.
Pick and place ‘through the green’ was the order of the
day following the recent rain, and carts were on paths only.
There was a battle for the low gross this month between
Mike Allidi (2) and Phil Mitchell (7) both scoring a fine 77, with Phil
getting the nod on count back.
Flight winners were ‘A’ Thierry Petrement (11) 72 net,
‘B’ Bill Johnston (16) with 39 points, ‘C’ Phillippe Pruvot (21) with 38 and
Noi Emmerson (17) won the Ladies with 37 points.
The presentation was at Dicey Riley’s who once again
provided an excellent buffet enjoyed by those who were there, which due the
rain resulted in a reduced group of only 40.
PSC’s regular MC Nigel Cannon introduced Golf Chairman
Joe Mooneyham who expressed his appreciation to all those playing today and
his thanks to Nigel and William for their assistance.
Joe reminded all that the June monthly is at Phoenix on
Friday 22nd and sign-up sheets are in the PSC office.
Following the presentation of the prizes and the lucky
draw it was home time. In the rain!
The full results are on the web-site and on the notice board at the PSC
office.
First time winner.
Ladies winners.
Each one a winner.
Happy to be here.
Lucky table.
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Steve & Ian win Birthday Cup by one
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Steve Milne accepts the
winning pair’s trophy from Bob and on behalf also of his playing partner,
Ian Heddle.
Monday, May 14, Khao Kheow
- Stableford
This was in fact the fourth Bob Lindborg Birthday Cup
which started at Burapha in 2009. It is currently the only better-ball
tournament that the Outback stage (apart from the hidden pairs) and makes a
welcome change from the individual events.
A great field of 41 players, we’ll explain later how that
works, turned up a rather tired looking Khao Kheow course to play the B & C
nines (yellow tees), which were far from the condition that we would expect
but nevertheless we played “winter rules” which did give relief from many of
the indifferent lies on the fairways. The weather was absolutely splendid
throughout although the breeze did seem to fade away on the back nine.
So 41 players in a pairs event, easy, you have a swinger
who plays for two teams and you stick a five-ball near the back of the field
and you can still get round in a reasonable time. On this occasion, Suzi was
our swinger.
You may have thought you’d be in with a chance of a place
with 40pts but only On & Lloyd Owen were lucky enough by virtue of their
better back nine which gave them sixth place; the other four teams all with
40pts as well, had to settle for joint seventh and no podium place. Paul
Squibb & Barry McIntosh were fifth on count back with 42, beaten by the
father and son pairing of Doug & Patrick Douglas. Two more pairings shared
44pts, Muzza & Sugar edging out Bourkey & Tubz; with the top spot and trophy
going to Steve Milne & Ian Heddle with a fantastic 45pts.
At presentation General Jack thanked Bob Lindborg for the
day and for the spread of food for all the participants and friends and also
the 500 Baht near pin vouchers. Both Bob & Chris Davisson particularly
enjoyed their day partnering their respective caddies from Khao Kheow and
Siam.
Near Pins were won by; Patrick Douglas (B3), Barry
McIntosh (B8), Mick Moore (C3) and Dave Edwards (C8).
Thanks again for the day Bob and Happy Birthday!
1st Ian Heddle & Steve Milne 45pts
2nd Murray Hart & Sugar Ray
Handford 44pts
3rd Paul Bourke & Mark McDonald
44pts
4th Doug Douglas & Patrick Douglas
42pts
5th Paul Squibb & Barry McIntosh
42pts
6th On Lloyd & Owen Lloyd 40pts
Tuesday, May 15, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
On this fine Tuesday morning there were just 10
Outbackers who arrived at an almost deserted course. We welcomed Bill Scowen
returning to golf after a lengthy lay off. Those 10 did find the challenge
of playing the front 9 twice enjoyable – for the men it was white tees on
the first 9 and blue on the second – although it has to be said that on some
of the holes the difference is minimal.
The three ladies played in their own competition from the
red tees – the winner was former caddy Laong (21) with the top score of the
day of 36 points and with another lady taking second, Orn with 35; the men
can breathe a sigh relief again that the ladies have their own tournament
here for the foreseeable future.
For the men once again it was Terry Marney (27) in pole,
with a dare I say it, almost shameful, 30 points, beating the Outback’s
Turnip aka Dennis Persson (16), with only 29!
What can be written about the other five also-rans?
Work is well under way on the back nine with many tees,
fairways and greens being dug up! However, the Outback will continue to play
at PCC on a Tuesday 9am. – playing the front nine twice whilst there is the
support from the regular Outbackers.
Ladies
1st Laong Gatepratum (21) 36pts
2nd Orn Kanasaengsri (14) 35pts
Men
1st Terry Marney (27) 30pts
2nd Dennis Persson (17) 29pts
Tuesday, May 15, Laem Chabang C&A - Stableford
16 Outbackers travelled to Laem Chabang for our normal
Tuesday outing on a lovely sunny Thailand day with a gentle breeze to help
keep the temperature down. We played C and A, as B is still closed for
renovations. Both courses were in great condition and the greens were first
class and fast.
With Tuesday being a sports day it appears that more and
more of Pattaya’s golfers are migrating to Laem Chabang and consequently the
course is heavily booked and unfortunately even though the marshals are all
out and trying to get groups moving we still had a five hour round.
We only had one division with four places plus the ‘2’s.
The winner for the day was a new member Jon Gruber with
37 points on his 20 handicap from in second place, Ken Davidson with 36
points also on a 20 handicap; Robert Barnes (13) showed some form at last
with 35 points, to take third place from Khalid (16) with 34 to take fourth.
We say goodbye to Khalid who was on his way to the
airport after his round today and also to Kevin and Ken who both leave later
this week.
There were three ‘2’s, all on hole C5; from Khalid,
Gordon Etheridge & Barry McIntosh.
1st Jon Gruber (20) 37pts
2nd Ken Davidson (20) 36pts
3rd Robert Barnes (13) 35pts
4th Khalid (16) 34pts
Wednesday, May 16, The Emerald - Stableford
13 Outbackers travelled today to Emerald but only 11
people played in the competition as the two mates of Oscar’s, Mark & Rob
didn’t have proper handicaps and just turned up for a hit.
With an overcast day we teed off ten minutes early, the
course was in good condition except the greens which had unfortunately had
recently been cored and sanded; but even so they read true and some were
faster than expected.
Great value for money and the course condition makes
Emerald another future date on our calendar.
Sugar topped the day with his 36pts just beating his good
buddy, Muzza on 35 with our day’s organiser, Suzi, back in third with a
creditable 33pts.
Finally, welcome to Oscar Sheehan and his friends’ Mark &
Rob, who only decided to play late last night whilst in Rosco’s “Good
Everything Bar” in Second Road.
There were three ‘2’s; Suzi Lawton (7th),
Mike Gibb (13th) & Steve Plant (15th).
1st Sugar Ray Handford (19) 36pts
2nd Murray Hart (14) 35pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (18) 33pts
Wednesday, May 16, Siam Plantation A&B - Stableford
15 Outbackers went to Siam Plantation to play Suger Cane
and Tapioca courses. The course had copped the storm that hit Pattaya the
previous night and they had lost a large number of trees but the course
itself was in great condition and full credit to the ground staff for fixing
the wash-aways in the bunkers and clearing debris from the course before we
hit off.
The greens were flat and fast and very receptive to good
shots as a result of the previous nights rain but only one golfer took
advantage of the great course and conditions to record a very good score.
Pace of play was very good considering how heavily booked the course was and
our groups all finished in just over 4 hours.
One division plus the ‘2’s with the winner being Paul
Bourke (9) with a great score of 42 points, subsequently reduced to a new
playing handicap of 7; from in second place, Steve Reece (14) with 36
points, with course member Chris Davisson (10) on 34 points taking third
from Greg Hill (19) countback.
We will be back here on Wednesday 30th May at the later
time of 11.56.
There were two ‘2’s from Paul Bourke (A3) and Jon Gruber
(B3).
1st Paul Bourke (9) 42pts
2nd Steve Reece (14) 35pts
3rd Chris Davisson (10) 34pts
4th Greg Hill (19) 34pts
Friday, May 18, Green Valley - Stableford
31 Outbackers played Green Valley on an overcast and cool
day with the threat of rain on the horizon but luckily the rain held off
apart from a couple of light showers and a breeze blew all day and kept
things reasonably cool which turned out to be, just a good day for golf.
Green Valley has had plenty of rain over the last week,
so much so, we received a phone call, late on Thursday, saying that carts
would not be allowed on Friday. However, after a couple of hastily organised
contingency plans, Green Valley said they would call us at 8am on Friday
morning with an update. True as their word they did, and carts were to be
allowed using the 90 deg rule.
The course was found to be in great condition with great
fairways and flat and fast greens; although some previous cart damage could
be seen in places and some bunkers were still under water but most were
playable. Thank you Green Valley management for your co-operation.
We played 3 divisions with 3 places in each division plus
the’2’s.
Top score of the day was Carl Luke’s 39pts giving him the
Div C win from three guys all tied on 36; Sugar Ray, Mick Moore and Ed
Horrocks, finishing at that order after count back.
Mark McDonald shot an excellent gross 73 (38pts) to win
Div A from Sel Wegner (37) and Andy Butterworth on 34, having beaten Peter
Daff, also on count back.
For some strange reason Div B did not fare so well, as he
best score they could muster was a lowly 33 from John O’Keefe, who wasn’t in
the bar at presentation but would hardly have expected to have won with that
score. Second was Muzza (32) who beat Steve Reece also on 32; Steve was
having his last game with us for a while so farewell to him, as was Patrick
Douglas and the same goes for him.
There were seven ‘2’s; Suzi Lawton (4th),
Paul Bourke, Sel Wegner & Steve Milne (12th) and Steve
Mann, Mark McDonald & Ed Horrocks (16th).
Div A (0-13)
1st Mark McDonald (3) 38pts
2nd Sel Wegner (13) 37pts
3rd Andy Butterworth (12) 34pts
Div B (14-17)
1st John O’Keefe (16) 33pts
2nd Murray Hart (14) 32pts
3rd Steve Reece (14) 32pts
Div C (18+)
1st Carl Luke (18) 39pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (19) 36pts
3rd Mick Moore (23) 36pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road
along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a
hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or call Jack on 087 941
2474.
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Mod gets her groove back
Travellers Rest Golf Group
Alun Evans & Min Moore,
winners at Phoenix, are pictured with Mod Chaviraska (winner at Mountain
Shadow) and Ampan North.
We have to bid farewell to a number of our players who
returned to Australia last week. We wish them a safe journey and look
forward to their return later in the year. In the meantime boys the revised
handicap certificates are in the post to your home golf clubs. As they say,
“Gad Luk Mates!”
Saturday, May 12, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
It was pleasing to record a good turnout at this
difficult course, particularly as we have seen a number of players return to
their home countries. There were 20 players and it was agreed to have one
division and winners were as follows:
1st Mod Chaviraska (14) 41pts
2nd Seil Revels (6) 38pts
3rd Masa Takana (9) 35pts
4th Derek Thorogood (17) 34pts
5th John Gruber (20) 32pts
Monday, May 14,
The Emerald - Stableford
The weather was extremely good to us today as we left
Pattaya in the rain and arrived in the sunshine, which remained throughout
the day. On our last visit here the first nine greens were very slow and
recovering from being sanded/hollow tined. There is some improvement now but
not significant was the feedback today. However, it is good value for money
given the impressive nature of the course where fairways are always well
maintained. Again good numbers, which reflects the attraction of the course.
An issue raised was the number of flies in the open air
clubhouse when golfers were having their lunch. One member counted at least
5 flies practicing their backstroke in his beer (is this what they call bar
flies?).
One division today with Fergus Brennan leading the way!
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 39pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (14) 36pts
3rd Daryl Ottaway (7) 34pts
4th Jim Sykes (13) 33pts
5th Ted Senior (13) 33pts
Wednesday, May 16, Burapha B & D - Stableford
The course was set up recently to accommodate the Pattaya
Open and naturally we were delighted to play the same course as the
professionals. Our normal practice is to play the 3rd
tee back and it was only some time later we noticed there was no difference
between this and the pro tees! (Nice one Ted, aren’t you meant to be back in
Australia?)
Naturally it was a tough day for all golfers since there
was no secondary rough and when your ball left the fairway you had little to
no chance of recovery. On reflection on our next visit we will need to
review which tee to play from and maybe consider allowing Ted to play in his
own competition.
1st Jim Sykes (10) 34pts
2nd Jim Cleaver 913) 31pts
Friday, May 18, Phoenix L & M - Stableford
An issue today was the time taken to complete the course
which was directly the result of a 5-ball being placed in front of our
groups. Times in excess of 5ฝ hours were recorded and this was brought to
the attention of the marshalls. Whilst it is appreciated the Ocean course
was closed due to maintenance, it was clear we had 4 groups waiting to tee
off and why place a 5-ball in front of two groups of 3-balls? We were
advised this was the first time a 5-ball had been allowed to tee off on this
course.
It was clear the 5-ball was very slow and there were no
‘gimmie’ putts as this was not a Thai 5-ball. Indeed one group (not ours)
walked off the course because of the pace of play. It is clear there was no
supervision or management of tee off times which created this issue.
With regard to the greens it was noticeable there were a
large number of areas which were sanded but not marked as GUR. Putting on
these areas was extremely difficult and maybe the combination of these
factors made for not such a pleasant day. However, there were smiles on the
following faces namely Jim Sykes, Alun Webber and Min Moore.
1st Jim Sykes (10) 38pts
2nd Alun Webber (20) 35pts
3rd Min Moore (19) 34pts
Note: The TRGG play out of the Bowling Green, Soi Excite, and Fergus
Brennan (Tel. 086 056 7019) will be pleased to welcome golfers to the group.
The website is trgg.biz.com where you have info concerning where and when we
play. We also publish our results on www. masterscoreboard.co.uk.
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Jeff sweeps & Clive cleans up
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Thursday’s Near Pin winners,
Clive, Allan & Owen.
Tuesday, May 15, Greenwood
- Stableford
Tuesday was a visit to Greenwood, with the B & A
combination to be our test for the day. The B course was in good order,
while the A had had recent greens work done, but was still quite playable.
As the headline suggests, it was the consistent Jeff
Wylie (6) who led the way home with a strong 40 points, heading home the
ever improving Clive Hoseason (24) who signed for a solid 37 points. Jeff
also showed how it was done with the NTPs, while the Banglamung Boys Home
was also the beneficiary today.
Thursday, May 17, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
A trip up Hwy 7 to Pleasant Valley on Thursday, under
threatening skies, and so it was that on hole 10 the clouds opened up, but
with no lightning about, we pressed on. After a few holes the rain abated,
but the course was a bit damp underfoot, so some casual water drops were
required.
Again it was Jeff who showed how it was done, but with a
much reduced total of 33 points, while Clive again picked up second spot
with 31.
NTPs were spread around between Allan, Owen & Clive, with
1 going unclaimed resulting in a further donation to Banglamung Boys Home.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday
(subject to Public Holidays), with ML hosting prompt presentations on both
days. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there,
cheers & good golfing!
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Barry is back with a bang
Bunker Boys @ The Bowling Green
Monday, May 14,
Bangpra – Stableford
Once again Bang Pra was surprisingly quiet, and we
were able to tee-off a few minutes ahead of our scheduled tee time. This
is always one of our favourite venues, and with the excellent condition
of the course and the low season pricing, it must currently represent
one of the best value for money courses in the area.
Returning champion Barry
Murnin.
Although the weather was hot, the round progressed
smoothly (without a monkey sighted all day) and the first group never
caught up with any group in front. Lee Butler and Geoff Parker, playing
in the same group, had a nip and tuck battle all day, with Lee
eventually taking the honours, when Geoff missed a 5 feet putt for par
on the 18th green – no pressure!
1st Lee Butler (15) 39pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 38pts
3rd Ken Davidson (24) 36pts
Near Pins: Mashi Kaneta, William Macey and Lee
Butler (2)
Wednesday, May 16, Bangprakong – Stableford
We arrived at Bangprakong to find that the course
wasn’t in its normally excellent condition, with uncollected grass
cuttings lying all over the semi-rough areas, and several greens very
bumpy, in the process of recovering from recent coring. However, the
course was quiet and the weather good, so the round progressed smoothly,
being completed comfortably in 4 hours.
Geoff Parker continued his recent run of good form to
record the best score of the day with 38 points. Mike Corner, playing
his first game back, since returning from U.K., took second place on a
count back ahead of Geoff Cox.
1st Geoff Parker (15) 38pts
2nd Mike Corner (19) 36pts
3rd Geoff Cox (13) 36pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Ken Davidson and Mike
Corner (2).
Friday, May 18, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
Today we welcomed back reigning Bunker Boys champion
Barry Murnin, after a three month break in the States, and what a
triumphant return it turned out to be. After scoring no points on the
first two holes, Barry got his champion’s form back and recovered to
finish with a creditable 34 points.
Ken Young made a rare visit to the podium in second
place, and Colin Greig was third, collecting three near pin prizes in
the process.
The shot of the day came from Les Burns, who almost
scored a hole in one on the par three 7th hole,
and collected the fourth near pin prize.
1st Barry Murnin (15) 34pts
2nd Ken Young (28) 32pts
3rd Colin Greig (7) 30pts
Near Pins: Les Burns and Colin Greig (3)
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf
society who 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 not
come and join us.
We meet at the Bowling Green at 9 a.m. for breakfast and
transportation, and new players with valid handicaps are always welcome.
For more information call Dave on 087 1469978, email
[email protected].
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Hackett edges Gaussa on the Mountain
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s top three with one
of Bert’s finest.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, May 15, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
There are very few courses that history says are probably
the most difficult around. I would certainly put Mountain Shadow in this
category, and despite the course being relatively short it can be soul
destroying at any moment. One wrong shot will cost the hole and after a
series of bad shots the desire to play well can be seriously hurt.
The fairway wends between trees that if you veer off line
swallow the ball up, and they always block the next shot. The sound of balls
bouncing around the trees is a normal here, and reach the greens in
regulation and your problems are only just starting. The greens are more
than difficult when they are at their fastest, the ball can go to places you
cannot imagine, so all in all it is more than a test.
Get over 30 points off the blue tees and you know you
have had a good round, and I have run competitions here when the winning
scores were under 30 points. So on this day I sent the players off the
white, or ‘Mickey Mouse’ tees, and prepared to defend if the players took
the course to pieces. Mind, I was quietly confident they would not.
So off we went in hot and humid conditions with the
course ahead clear. The normal situation met my group on the first hole,
short of the green and three putting for 6’s. Not much changes. Then
pressing on where we found the fairways in decent condition but the greens
were not as difficult as they could be as they were a little slower. Mind,
the crashing around in the trees was as normal. I expected some would have a
good round but how many points would they get?
So we battled on and some of the scores in our group were
not too bad, but the number of no-returns on all cards was more than normal.
Usually we played the hole well but sometimes the hole bit you where it
should not, right in the butt.
So the round progressed and we made good time. Finally
drained we finished and were pleased to find the showers were working, and
so we went clean and cooled to the restaurant. This is a bit basic however
the food we had was good and the prices quite reasonable. Indeed on this day
there was even a cooled area put to one side for the golfers that was quite
appreciated.
Into cars and soon back, the players took advantage of
‘The Golfers Special’ and ‘Happy Hour’ at Bert’s then into the results where
I was looking for 40 points, but we fell just short.
In first place we had a count back that saw John Hackett
in first place with 39 points and Mike Gaussa in second. In third was Mike
O’Brien with 37 points before a four-way count back on 33 points that saw
Brian Parish in fourth, Dick Warberg in fifth and Derek Brook and Frank
Parkinson missing out.
The day was well enjoyed by all and the course is worth a
visit if you are a masochist. Come to think of it that is not a bad
definition of a golfer. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Mashi Kaneta, Brian Parish, Frank Pilkington
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Aussie clean sweep at Bangpra
The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC)
at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
On Monday, 14th May, the Pattaya Golf Society travelled
to Bangpra to play a stableford competition; the course where the greens are
slowly getting back to speed after some needed remedial work. The rest of
the course is in excellent condition.
It was destined to be an all-Australian day with Bryan
Barrell belying his lofty handicap to post a score of 31 points for third
place and ahead of him in second was Robbie Taylor with 34 points. The best
score of the day and for the second round in succession Ken Grimes posted a
sub-par round, this time one of 37 points to take the win.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to
Chris Sanders for his mediocre debut round with the group.
Bangpra always gives a good account of itself when we
call and next time we shall probably have some slick putting to contend with
for a change.
All square at Wangjuntr
The Pattaya Golf Society visited the Wangjuntr Golf
Centre on Wednesday, 16th May to play a maiden stableford competition on the
Valley course. It has to be said that the course is a tough one but the day
was made so much tougher by the closure of all the kiosks, for lack of
customers, and the only refreshment available was in the clubhouse.
The course was reasonably presented and the two flights,
cut at sixteen and under set off on time with the course to themselves.
In the second flight Margaret Williams again showed good
form with 31 points giving her third place, just one behind the joint
winners husband Dave and Ken Grimes. Margaret also had the honour of a
birdie ‘2’ for the second round in succession.
In a competitive top flight three shared the win with
newly returned Steve Evans joining Joe Niisato and Masa Takano on 37 points.
It was a return to form for Masa and his gross of 78 was the best of the
day. The ‘2’s pot was shared by Garry Hookey, Robbie Taylor, John
O’Sullivan, Joe Niisato as well as a brace from Rob Lamond, temporarily back
in the real world after an incident filled stay up country.
There was no Booby Bevy as Mr Len rang the bell back at
Rabbi’s to celebrate the seventh anniversary of his stewardship of the fine
group and thanked all the members for their unstinting support over the
years. Seven years, more than a thousand competitions, some twenty thousand
individual rounds. The Pattaya Golf Society has every right to be proud.
New faces at Phoenix
Phoenix beckoned for the Pattaya Golf Society on Friday,
18th May as the group planned a stableford competition on the Lakes and
Mountain nines. The day was quite overcast and the course was reasonably
presented.
Having been switched tees at the last moment the group
inevitably hit a major hold-up on the tenth as the officious starters had
pushed in a farang holiday five-ball just in front of the group leading to a
three hour back nine which tested the patience and rhythm of the field. All
attempts at asking the marshalls to act according to the club policy failed
as the marshalls continued to tour the course, enjoying the day. In the
event scores suffered.
In third place was Joe Niisato, continuing a good week
with 34 points. The joint winners were Alan Duckett from Jomtien and new
member Leroy Blasi with 35 points. Halfway leader Mr Len was further behind
as Rob Lamond posted the best gross of the day, a moderate 85. There were no
birdie ‘2’s.
For the second successive round at Phoenix the PGS had
suffered a five hour plus ordeal because of the inefficiency of the course
staff and is currently reviewing its scheduling policy regarding the course.
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Top cops beat the lot
PSC golf from The Golf Club
Kalani, John Emmerson and Mark
Wood.
Steve Ellison
Monday, May 14, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Kalani Makaneole (8) 41pts
2nd John Emmerson (12) 40pts
3rd Gavin Perfect (12) 39pts
4th Mark Wood (8) 37pts
Some guys can get off a plane, stroll onto the first tee,
and shoot 5 strokes better than their handicap. There must be a unique skill
to that, and it is one that I do not possess. You are not supposed to be
that good, that quickly!
Kalani never heard of any of that and waltzed away with
first place on a golf day with a full sheet of golfers. The big guy Kalani
is a policeman from Hawaii and regularly leaves his paradise to join us here
in our sleepy little fishing village. Well played to the top cop Kalani.
Aloha bruddah.
Emmo must have been thinking he had a shot at it, 40
points is a great score on any golf day. The celebratory cigars were lit
anyway to congratulate Kalani on his big win. Maybe next time Johnny.
Gavin nearly had a near ‘Perfect’ round with his 39
points, a very good score on the day.
Mark Wood (shortest backswing in Pattaya, according to
the Guinness Book of World records) grew up on the links courses of Scotland
and is always in contention for the prizes. On another day he would have
won, but today’s score put him in 4th after a solid
round of 37.
Thanks to all for joining us!
Wednesday, May 16, Bangpra (white tees) – Stableford
1st -Bob Newell (7) 34pts
2nd Ken Aihara (4) 34pts
3rd Henry O’Brien (19) 33pts
4th Karsten Kristensen (8) 31pts
Well, well, well, if it isn’t Bob Newell, former Wormwood
Scrubber. Bob escorted many a Brit back home for the pleasure of Her
Majesty, and our former Golf Manager and former top cop done good on the
day.
The ‘Monkey Course’ was our destination this Wednesday
and we knew there was a tough day of golf ahead of us. This course is
usually dry and hard this time of year, but not so tight today. Sweeping the
ball off the fairway is still the order of the day, and that is no easy
task. Great round Bob, even if it was just a 34 hard earned points.
Ken Aihara was also back on form and gave Bob a run for
his money, but sadly lost on count back. Henry O. was just one shot out with
his ‘dirty tree’ and Karsten K. finished off the leaderboard with 31. With a
name like Karsten, he must have sunk a few putts out there today.
Our thanks go out to Brad Sproxton (once again) who has
come out of Golf Manager retirement (once again) to run the golf today (once
again). Big thanks buddy. We owe you several Molson’s… allegedly!
It was goodbye this week to Mutzie Metzigan, Stevie
Snelgrove, and hello to Kris Kritsanajootha, Dale Shier.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We play on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday so come join us for a seriously fun day out. Just call
085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclub pattaya.com and for more
information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.
facebook.com/golfclubpattaya.
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Not so grim up North
IPGC golf from The Links
Sunday, May 13, Green
Valley – Stableford
On the day the title went to Manchester for the first
time in 44 years, 11 players, including the customary Manchester United fan
from Droitwich, made the weekly trip to Green Valley. The conditions were
hot and windy to start, with the back 9 scores generally better as the wind
dropped and the temperature cooled.
Cliff North.
We teed off on time, and with a good pace of play
throughout and no on course hold-ups, the rounds were completed in around 4
hours. The course is still generally in good condition, but a few bare
patches are showing on some fairways.
Cliff North, now playing more regularly as work
commitments allow, continued his recent improvement, to record his first win
with the group and his best score yet in Thailand, with 40 points. Haven
regular Vincent Gras, joining the Links for the first time, finished second
with 34 points, two ahead of Frank McGowan, who capitalized on Jon Battys
out of bounds at the last, to claim third on a 19-17 card playoff.
Again there were no ‘2’s, so a triple rollover goes to
Pattana on Tuesday.
1st Cliff North (21) 40pts
2nd Vincent Gras (18) 34pts
3rd Frank McGowan (16) 32pts
4th Jon Batty (8) 32pts
Tuesday, May 15, Pattana – Stableford
Only 9 players today, to play the C&B loops on what
remains one of the best conditioned courses in the area. Due to the handicap
profile of the group, we decided to tackle the tough track off the shorter
yellow tees, a decision which proved the right one as conditions remained
very windy throughout, making scoring very difficult.
Cliff North was again in the places, scoring 20 points on
the tough B9 after only managing 10 points on the front. Fellow suffering
Leeds fan, Gary Warren claimed second place with 31 points, three points
behind Jon Batty.
Joe Mcardle was perhaps the happiest man in the group,
his 2 on the B9 island third scooping the triple rollover pot.
1st Jon Batty (8) 34pts
2nd Gary Warren (16) 31pts
3rd Cliff North (21) 30pts
Thursday, May 17, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Almost the same group as Tuesday travelled to Crystal
Bay, to tackle the A&B courses. Conditions were overcast and cool, with
sporadic light rain and little wind, which made for almost perfect golfing
conditions, reflected in the generally high standard of scoring. The course
has benefited from the recent rain, making the fairways and rough quite
lush, and the greens excellent with the exception of a couple on the B9.
Victory again went to ‘Mr. Consistency’, Jon Batty, who
came back in one over gross for 38 points, beating Ted Morris, who
unfortunately had done his good work on the front 9, on count back. Tuesdays
‘2’s beneficiary, Joe McArdle, finished third on 34 points.
The ‘2’s went to Gary Warren, and Geoff Potter, playing
his final round with the Links before returning to the UK to watch his son
compete in “Britain’s Got Talent” this Saturday.
1st Jon Batty (8) 38pts
2nd Ted Morris (16) 38pts
3rd Joe McArdle (12) 34pts
Note: The Links depart from the hotel on Soi Buakhao at 9.30am on
Tuesdays and Thursdays and for Rayong Green Valley 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.
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Hunter Gosden wins his second Mug
PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, May 14, Eastern Star – Stableford
With most of us having not played Eastern Star for about
9 months, we were looking forward to reacquainting ourselves with this
challenging course. After a last minute cancellation due to illness we were
left with 18 starters and we departed Caf้ Kronborg 5 minutes ahead of
schedule at 0810 hrs. Just 45 minutes later we arrived at the course to find
it fairly deserted and after waiting for just one golfer to tee off our
first group got away 30 minutes ahead of schedule at 0930 hrs.
Bjarne, left, presents the
Cafe Kronborg May Monthly Mug to Mike Gosden.
The weather was excellent although hot with very little
wind to cool things down and the course was looking in great shape although
the greens were in the late stages of being cored & sanded therefore a lot
slower than greens that we are used to at many other courses.
We continued at a cracking pace and kept up the liquid
intake by stopping for a couple of drink breaks and we were able to complete
our full round in the very good time of four hours & ten minutes. Although a
tough layout it was a very enjoyable day and will be now be back on our
regular schedule.
There were 2 flights on the day plus rewards for nearest
the pin on the four par threes and longest first putts on the ninth &
eighteenth greens. Many thanks to Pattaya Sports Club for providing Casa
Pascal meal vouchers for the technicals.
It certainly was tough going for most as the scores
reflected and just one golfer played to their handicap or better. 34 points
was good enough to win the A Flight with 2 handicapper Mike Allidi
victorious having 76 off the stick. A count back with 2 golfers on 28 points
saw Mike Winfield (16 point back nine) take second spot from Ken Bernek (13
point back nine) in third spot. A very good score of 37 points enabled Rita
Zoebeli win B Flight from Graham Buckingham with 33 points in second place,
1 point ahead of Bo Cardwell who finished third.
Monday winners Mike Allidi and
Rita Zoebeli with The Admiral.
A Flight (0-20)
1st Mike Allidi (2) 34pts
2nd Mike Winfield (20) 28pts
3rd Ken Bernek (16) 28pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Rita Zoebeli (24) 37pts
2nd Graham Buckingham (23) 33pts
3rd Bo Cardwell (28) 32pts
Near Pins: 3rd – Mike Allidi; 6th – Graham
Buckingham; 13th – Rita Zoebeli; 17th – Bo Cardwell
Long Putts: 9th – Marie Rowles; 18th – Dick
Braimbridge
The Compass Cap (awarded for worst score on the day) was
won by Tony Leece and Hunter paraded Deefa the Dog who once more collected
many donations to charity from the ever generous Kronny crew.
Thursday, May 17, Pleasant Valley –Monthly Mug/Stroke
Once more a couple of late cancellations due to sickness
left us with a small field of fifteen to compete for the Caf้ Kronborg May
Monthly Mug. The Admiral reported that the weather forecast was not the best
as we assembled at the Kronny in readiness for the journey to Pleasant
Valley.
We welcomed Jon Gruber from Washington State, U.S.A., now
working & residing in Germany and we bade a fond farewell to Barry Collier
who was soon to return to his business in Hong Kong but promised to return
in the not too distant future. Departing slightly later than normal at 0820
hrs it was just a 45 minute ride to the course which appeared to have a fair
amount of activity but we were still able to get our first group, a three
ball away 30 minutes ahead of schedule at 0930 hrs.
As the weather was looking fairly ominous it had been a
difficult decision for me whether or not to apply sunscreen but disregarding
the Admiral’s advice I was all “creamed up”. He was correct of course as
after a dry but cloudy front nine we sat down for a drink and the heavens
opened. We watched the 18th green slowly get
waterlogged but as the rain eased the water disappeared somewhat. After a
forty five minute break we resumed in light drizzle but the rain soon went
away.
The course was looking really good as it had been
prepared for a tournament the following day and apart from plenty of casual
water on the fairways the greens had drained magnificently and posed no
problem at all. Including the 45 minute stop for rain we completed our full
round in four hours & fifty minutes.
In addition to the Monthly Mug Award we had five
placegetters. There were rewards for nearest the pin on the 8th and a
longest first putt on the 18th green, both kindly
sponsored by The Admiral.
Aussie Mike Gosden was the only player to play to their
handicap or better and his net 71 was good enough to win him the Monthly
Mug. Mike Allidi shot 75 off the stick to come second with a net 73 and Ken
(let’s hear it for) Bernek finished third with a net 75, one stroke better
than Bjarne Kjaer who took fourth spot. In a count back for fourth & fifth
on net 77 yours truly (net 39 back nine, net 25 last 6 holes) edged out Mike
Winfield (net 39 back nine, net 26 last 6 holes).
At presentations back at Caf้ Kronborg we acknowledged
Bjarne Nielsen and his family & staff for once more sponsoring this monthly
event.
Monthly Mug
1st Mike Gosden (12) net 71
2nd Mike Allidi (2) net 73
3rd Ken Bernek (16) net 75
4th Bjarne Kjaer (19) net 76
5th Peter Blackburn (11) net 77
6th Mike Winfield (20) net 77
Near Pins: 8th – Mike Allidi
Long Putts: 18th – Mike Gosden
The Compass Cap was won by the departing Barry Collier and Hunter paraded
Deefa the Dog who collected lots of donations to charity from the Kronny
Crew.
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Terry hits top form at Green Valley
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society
Sunday’s winner Terry Mangan,
right, is congratulated by Colin the Golf Manager.
Sunday, May 13, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Terry Mangan (13) net 67
2nd Mark Wood (8) net 68
B Flight
1st Ed Delaney (25) net 68
2nd Peter Henshaw (18) net 70
Red Flight
1st Sim Davis net 68
Near Pins: No 4 Sim Davis; No 9 Jim Bell; No 12
Thierry Petrement; No 16 Mike Craighead
Terry ‘pork chop’ Mangan has long been considered a
player of great potential, or was it a sand bagging bandit. Well, whatever.
In any event Terry showed the ability all day that has only previously come
in flashes as he brought home the ‘bacon’ with a man of the match net 67
performance, More importantly he picked up the lead crystal whiskey glass
and a bottle of Jameson’s. Aberdeen’s favorite son Mark Wood followed Terry
up the podium steps a stroke adrift.
B Flight turned out to be an all Irish affair as Ed
Delaney took the top spot with a rock solid net 68. Peter ‘Don O’corleone’
Henshaw continued his steady improvement of late with a creditable net 70.
Dropping down to the Red Flight we saw the society first
lady Sim Davis win the Medal with a solid net 68. As many readers and
players know, both Terry and Sim go on to qualify for the gold Medal slated
for January 2013.
Terry Mangan, Mark Wood, Tom Byrne, Jon Haugen and Pete
Godfrey shared the 2’s pot.
Monday, May 14, Khao Kheow B&C - Stableford
A Flight
1st Andy Harrison (14) 37pts
2nd Salvatore Brizzi (7) 34pts
B Flight
1st Christy Knight (21) 33pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (18) 31pts
Andy Harrison was the highest point getter of the day as
he was the only player to better par with 37 points on the favorite of many,
Khao Kheow. Andy was followed up the podium steps by Salvatore Brizzi whose
34 points edged Aussie Lindsay Semple into the presentation crowd on count
back.
The Irish pair of Christy ‘Good’ Knight and Peter ‘Don
O’corleone’ Henshaw filled the Irish flight formally known as B Flight.
Christy top scored with 34 points as Peter, who was speechless, (nothing to
do with the Black stuff) stole the silver on 31 points.
No 2’s were recorded so it’s a rollover on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 2, Royal Lakeside - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim Bell (16) 35pts
2nd Paul Hack (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Esara Duangari (33) 34pts
2nd Lou Szigligeti (17) 31pts
This was the last fixture of the week in deference to the
PSC monthly comp which wrapped up the week on Friday. The lads and ladies
went to the demanding layout and greens of Bangpra.
Aussie Jim Bell topped A Flight and the entire field with
35 points, as no player managed to better par. A trio of players became
knotted on 34 points for the minor places; Paul Hack had the better of the
math to take the silver spot while Thierry Petrement and Terry ‘Pork chop’
Mangan fell completely out of the money.
There was no top man in B Flight as the highest score was
posted by a lady, Esara Duangsri, with a very good 34 points. Lou (the soi
13 traffic warden) ‘Spaghetti’ was delighted to grab the silver with 31
points.
Esara added to her winnings as she had the only 2 of the
day.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi
13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and
add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is
provided.
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Bob Lamond makes winning return
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, May 14, Crystal
Bay - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Bob Lamond (5) 40pts
2nd Paul Hartley (18) 39pts
3rd Benny Hansen (29) 39pts
4th Alwyne Burley (18) 37pts
5th Phil Groves (8) 34pts
Crystal Bay is starting to return to its old condition,
although the greens are not as fast as in the early days when the course was
known as Natural Park and had the best greens in the East Coast area. They
have never really recovered from the destruction caused by some people who
were in dispute with the old controllers of the courses at the time of a
change in management, but now show signs that with a little more work they
will be amongst the best again.
Bob Lamond.
The rest of the course is also looking quite good and
combined with the lack of other players on the course, as with all the local
courses recently with so many of the locals staying away and many tourists
not travelling so much, it was a real pleasure to play.
Bob Lamond made a triumphant return from his new home and
showed that he had lost none of his old prowess as he returned a very tidy
73 gross, which included three birdies and just four bogies for a four under
return that was just enough to squeeze ahead of the chasing pair consisting
of Paul Hartley and Benny Hansen.
Paul took second place after winning a count back with a
better 18 to 17, taking six points from the last six as Benny could manage
only five having blobbed the seventeenth under pressure.
Alwyne Burley took fourth place ahead of the strangely
out of form Phil Groves.
After several dry runs at last both of the 2’s pools were
cleared out with Alwyne Burley taking the second division with one on his
own, while the first division was shared by Geoff Potter with one, and Bob
Lamond with two.
Terry Hodgkiss.
Before making the presentations Stephen Beard welcomed
new member Geoff Potter and also welcomed back Bob Lamond who is on a flying
visit from the far north near “where here be tigers”, according to the local
map.
Wednesday, May 16, Greenwood - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Phil Groves (8) 37pts
2nd Daryl Kellett (16) 34pts
3rd Paul Hartley (18) 28pts
A surprisingly low turnout for the usually popular
Greenwood but due no doubt to players picking what they consider the best
value and most convenient of the courses on offer as they now play either
once or twice a week instead of the usual, in earlier and more affluent
times, three or four times a week.
It was back to the usual as Phil Groves returned to form
and a one under handicap return that was easily enough to take the top
honour for the day.
Daryl Kellett had a very steady round following the good
news he had received from OZ earlier in the day which may have helped him
just knock the thing around without too much thought process, and which can
sometimes be a great advantage, to claim second place with the long hitting
Paul Hartley taking third some six strokes further back.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Phil Groves
cleaned out the first division pool regretting that it was a day too late.
Prior to the presentations there was a welcome back for
Paul Taylor who is still struggling to get back to his old form with his
shoulder injury keeping him off the podium since June 2009.
There was also a small celebration as Daryl Kellett had
just heard that he had become a great, great grandfather. There may be one
too many greats in there but it was still worth a round and a toast, with
the former provided by Daryl and the latter by the Doc.
Friday, May 18, Century Chonburi - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Terry Hodgkiss (25) 33pts
2nd Gary Warren (16) 33pts
3rd Alwyne Burley (18) 31pts
4th Trevor Schirmer (16) 30pts
5th Daryl Kellett (16) 30pts
With the financial climate such as it is, it was
surprising that a few more people did not take advantage of the great deal
to be had at Century Chonburi where a green fee, caddy fee and share of a
cart costs just 500 baht. The course is now in fairly good shape, being at
least as good as a public course back in Europe or the Southern Hemisphere,
with even the bunkers looking in slightly better shape.
Playing with the ‘lift and place’ in the fairways and
using the local rules to effect in the bunkers makes the whole golfing
experience, if not the best, at least very acceptable and at the price
excellent value.
Terry Hodgkiss took his first win out of The Haven since
April 2009, which followed his maiden win in June 2007 so cannot really be
called a serial winner and is usually quite happy to just be there somewhere
and maybe somewhere near the top. But today even though the conditions were
extremely tough he hung on through the back nine to win a count back with a
better score of 15 to 13.
Gary Warren returned his best result of this trip but
just failed to keep the pressure on as he lost out over the last three holes
and especially dropping a blob in on the last hole cost him the chance of
his first win from Soi 13.
Alwyne Burley got into the frame in third place for the
second time in the week with a steady round on a course that was giving
nothing in any area with the wind blowing in all directions but seemingly
into it on almost every hole.
Trevor Schirmer took advantage of the price to chance
whether his dodgy knee would allow him to play more than a few holes and
succeeded in not only finishing but getting an honourable mention in fourth
ahead of the great grandfather Daryl.
There were no 2’s in either division as the competitors
found the par threes just a little on the long side with two of them
measuring over 200 yards.
Back at the Haven there was a welcome back to Trevor
Schirmer whose recent golf has been confined to the long drive, as he is
still hampered with a debilitating knee problem but managed to make it all
the way round on the day and contest until the last couple of holes.
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.
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Dolphins suffer 2-0 defeat at Army
Thai Premier League Season 2012
Pattaya United slipped to 11th place in the Thai Premier League standings after
a disappointing 2-0 defeat away at Army United last Sunday.
With just one point separating the sides going into the
match, it was important for the Dolphins to get something out of the game,
however, after enjoying the better of the first half, Pattaya were made to
rue their missed chances when Army took the lead early in the second period
through a powerful header from club captain Tatree Sing-Ha.
United pressed hard for an equalizer but were caught out
again, in the dying minutes of the match when Issarapong Lilakorn beat the
offside trap to dummy Narit in the Pattaya goal and stroke the ball into an
empty net.
The defeat was a major blow to Pattaya who had been
occupying the top half of the league since the opening day of the season but
who now see themselves in the lower reaches of the division. The Dolphins
will need to galvanize themselves for this coming weekend’s home fixture
against Wuachon United on Saturday, May 26 at the Nongprue Stadium. Kick off
for the match is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Chonburi FC had no game last weekend and have dropped one place to fifth
following Army’s win over Pattaya.
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Beach volleyball world
tour moves to Bang Saen
Narongchai Khunpluem, Mayor
of Saensook Municipality, centre, and Geoffrey Rowe, Managing Director of
Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd., 2nd right, pose with other local dignitaries
to announce the 2012 Bangsaen Thailand Open beach volleyball tournament.
Thailand’s annual beach volleyball world tour tournament
is moving to a new home in 2012. The tournament which was staged on Karon
beach, Phuket from 2006 – 2011, will be played this year at Leamtaen,
Bangsaen beach from 23 – 28 October. The tournament, which is the last stop
on the 2012 FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour, will be called the
“Bangsaen Thailand Open powered by PTT”.
The move, which has been approved by the FIVB’s Beach
Volleyball World Tour Council, will give an opportunity for beach volleyball
fans in Bangkok and Chonburi Province to see the world’s best women beach
volleyball teams in action. Response to the change of venue from the beach
volleyball teams has been very positive with over 40 teams from 17 countries
having already entered, including the current world champions from Brazil.
Entries are due to close at the beginning of October by which time over 70
teams from 30 countries are expected to have signed up for the tournament.
Narongchai Khunpluem, Mayor of Saensook Municipality
said, “We’re delighted that the Beach Volleyball World Tour is coming to
Bangsaen this year, as the tournament is very much in line with our strategy
of using events to lift the image and awareness of Bangsaen in both the
domestic and international market. The tournament gives us worldwide
exposure and the influx of beach volleyball teams and fans will give a boost
to the local economy as well.”
Geoffrey Rowe, Managing Director of Pentangle Promotions
Co., Ltd stated that, “the move to Bang Saen was made to increase the
exposure of beach volleyball to the Thai public. The tournament is
recognized as the leading women’s beach volleyball event in Asia and
traditionally draws large crowds of spectators throughout the event. As well
as being televised locally, the final 2 days of the tournament are broadcast
‘live’ worldwide to an international audience of over 700,000,000
households, which gives tremendous exposure to the host venue.”
The Bang Saen Thailand Open powered by PTT will feature 6 days of
competition plus a number of additional activities designed to support the
local community and increase the popularity of beach volleyball amongst the
Thai public.
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Royal Cliff’s ‘Fitz Club’ holds first tennis tournament
Winners of the first Fitz Club
tennis tournament are presented with their trophies.
On May 5th and 6th the Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s Fitz
Club-Health and Wellness Centre held their first Tennis Tournament with
competitions in Men’s Single and Men’s Doubles. The fun and games lasted two
days and with the array of talent present the matches were no small
challenge.
Executive Director Vitanart Vathanakul presented the winners with their
trophies and prizes at an intimate award ceremony at Fitz Club and stated,
“This tournament made for a very exciting weekend and we look forward to
hosting more competitions in the future.”
Billy Boy’s bonanza
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday Golf Group
Tuesday winners with the staff
at The Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
With a few players returning to ‘fun city’ and the
weather cooling a little, we had a better turn-out today (Friday 11th May)
than of late. I say the weather turning cooler. Today it turned decidedly
hot again.
Some good scoring today and yours truly might have been
forgiven for thinking that 38 points would have been good enough to claim
first prize, but that sly old Cheshire grin man Patrick Browne quietly
slipped his card onto the table which showed a superb 40 points. This after
already being cut strokes the week before. As we all know these things go in
phases and I am quite sure Patrick’s bubble will burst soon.
So it meant demotion to second place for myself and I am
also sure that I will be cut as well after the handicap revision at the PSC
headquarters.
Onto Tuesday 15th May and the weather was once again
quite hot and unforgiving. Most players were thankful to get off the
Mountain and Lake course, which incidentally are both starting to get quite
good. The greens are now settling down and although still a little slow they
are very true. Not the same can be said for the first cut fringes around the
greens. They are a total disgrace with many bare sandy patches right up to
the next cut of semi rough. We have implemented a local rule for the time
being to allow free relief from such areas. Happy to report that the
fairways are in very good condition.
So it was Bill Hewitt who won the day with 36 points. In
second place was Harvey Trewarn with 33 points and in third place with 31
points was myself, Mike Gerrard.
No near pins were won today as most of the par threes had
been lengthened to their maximum, with the tees well back and the flagsticks
likewise.
Back at the Relax Bar our hosts afforded us our usual
discount first drinks and donated their usual free lucky draw prizes
consisting of 1 massage and 1 drink. The recipients of the lucky draw were
Joris Goetschalkx, Kevin Bird & Patrick Browne.
We play every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. At this time of the year
non-Phoenix members can enjoy discounted green fees which are Tuesday’s 800
Baht and Friday’s 900 Baht. For more information regarding the golf and sea
fishing call me on 087 091 7565.
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Singapore take home the bacon (and cabbage)
All-action Gaelic sports on show at Thai Polo Club
Thailand on the attack against
Singapore B in the ladies Plate final.
John Campbell
Last Saturday, May 19, saw teams from Thailand,
Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Shanghai and Taiwan take to the immaculate
playing fields of the Thai Polo Club to battle it out for the South Asia
Gaelic Football Championship.
The Gaelic sports of football and hurling are the
national sports of Ireland and not surprisingly, given the widespread Irish
diaspora around the world, teams can be found from Dublin to Dubai and
Beijing to Buenos Aires. Thailand’s own team, the Bangkok-based “ThaiGAAs”,
were founded 5 years ago and, having previously played host to the All Asian
Gaelic Games in Bangkok in 2009, last weekend welcomed teams from south east
Asia (and a few other locations) to the Pattaya debut of this fast-paced,
exciting sport.
Singapore open the scoring in
the ladies final against Malaysia.
The Thai Polo Club was in glorious condition thanks to
Khun Akarin and his hard-working staff. The torrential rain that had visited
Pattaya during the week stayed away and the games kicked off under blue
skies.
160 players took part in the men’s and women’s
tournaments and it was no surprise that Singapore, one of the powerhouses in
the Asia-Gulf region, triumphed in both men’s and women’s tournaments.
Malaysia were battling runners-up in both competitions, with the Thai ladies
picking up the 3rd placed plate, and the Thai men, who had previously put up
the display of the day against Singapore, losing out in the 3rd place
play-off to the Viet-Celts thanks to a controversial goal.
Thailand did however come out on top in the “poc fada”
hurling competition with Eimear O’Higgins and Shane O’Mahony hitting the
winning sliotars (hurling ball).
Thailand’s men on the charge
against Viet-Celts.
The awards dinner was held in the recently refurbished
Hall of Fame at the Hard Rock Hotel with the celebrations continuing
throughout the night across Pattaya.
Special thanks to sponsors The Irish Thai Chamber of
Commerce, the St Patrick’s Society of Bangkok and Laem Chabang based
electronics company Wisetek, and to the management and staff of the Thai
Polo Club and The Hard Rock Hotel.
Next up for the ThaiGAAs is the Asian-Gulf Games to be
held in Kuala Lumpur 26-28 October. For more information on Gaelic games in
Thailand check out www.thaigaa.com or email John at gaathailand @yahoo.com.
Malaysia charge down a kick in
one of the preliminary matches.
The victorious Singapore men’s
team. (Photo courtesy of Steve Murphy)
Thailand ladies receive the
Plate trophy and their medals at the presentation held at the Hard Rock
Hotel, Pattaya.
High scoring Singapore kick
yet another point against Malaysia in the men’s final.
Fans and players cheer on from
the touchline.
Challenging for the ball at
the restart.
The Thailand men’s and ladies
teams pose for a group photo.
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