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Honda LPGA Thailand 2011 returning to Siam Country Club next month
Tournament organizers have confirmed that the Honda LPGA
Thailand will once again take place at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course
from February 17 – 20, 2011.
Golfing
superstar Michelle Wie is expected to join a star studded cast of players
for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2011 at Siam Country Club Old Course next month.
(Photo/Honda LPGA)
Atsushi Fujimoto, President of Honda Automobile
(Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that, “Fifty professional players who are in
the LPGA Official Money List 2010 will take part in this prestigious
sporting event including previous LPGA winners, and it is certain that they
will pull in many of their fans and supporters.”
The field will once again represent the elite of the
women’s game and their participat
1ion in the Honda LPGA Thailand will lift the excitement
of the tournament. Together, they will be competing for over a million US
dollars in prize money plus the title, and the added bonus of a luxurious
New Honda Accord for any ‘hole-in-one’ scored.
As one of the co-promoters, Surang Prempree, the MD of
Channel 7 who will televise the event, spoke of the growing prestige of the
tournament.
“I firmly believe that golf fans around the world will
focus on the action and results at the Honda LPGA Thailand in mid February
as the tournament has been chosen by the LPGA to be the season opening event
for the year 2011,” she said. “The race to be World’s No. 1 is very intense
and the Rolex Rankings No. 1 spot has changed hands nine times between three
different players; Shin Ji Yai, Cristie Kerr and Ai Miyazato since Lorena
Ochoa retired in early 2010. It is expected to see three other players;
Suzann Pettersen, Paula Creamer and Na Yeon Choi, also vie for the crown in
the year 2011 as well,” she added.
The host venue, Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course is
widely regarded as one of the best golf course in Thailand. Prasertchai
Phornprapha representing Siam Country Club said, “Hosting the only
LPGA-sanctioned event in Thailand is an excellent opportunity to showcase
the club’s world class facilities, further promoting Thailand as the world’s
golfing destination. We are very confident to provide the best course
conditions to challenge the skills of LPGA players.”
The roster for this year’s Honda LPGA Thailand 2011 will
feature a 60-player field boasting some of the world’s top ladies golfers,
comprising the top 50 players on the LPGA Money list plus 10 sponsors’
invites. They will compete in a 72-holes stroke play with no cut for the
purse prize of US$ 1.45 million. This will be the fifth edition since its
inaugural event in 2006.
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United juniors held to stalemate by Chonburi ‘Sharks’
United
skipper Tasanapong Muadarak, left, shoots past a ‘Sharks’ defender during
the second half of their FA Youth Cup match on December 28 in Chonburi.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The FA Youth Cup 2010-2011 brought an intriguing fixture
last week as Pattaya United took on local rivals Chonburi FC in a Group C
encounter at the Chonburi administration organization sports stadium on
December 28.
Chances were hard to come by in a furiously contested
first half with United’s Siriwat Lunklang coming closest to breaking the
deadlock with a shot that just skimmed the wrong side of goal.
The hosts Chonburi piled on the pressure in the second
half and after Piya Kruawan had headed over the Pattaya bar with the goal at
his mercy, the Shark’s Adisorn Sapso was unlucky to see his snapshot rebound
off the post and out to safety just moments later.
Adisorn was sent off for his second bookable offence late
in the second half but it made no difference to the eventual outcome as the
match fizzled out into a 0-0 draw.
United’s next match in this tournament will be on
Saturday, January 8 against TOT CAT FC at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya.
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Golf tour group finds a new meeting point
Arne
Dahlin stands outside the Hasse Café on Soi Post Office, the new meeting
point for the Players and Traveller golf tour group.
Local golf tour operator Players and Traveller Co., Ltd.
have found a new home on Soi Post Office in Pattaya, operating out of the
Hasse Café.
Run by Swedish man Arne Dahlin, the Players and Traveller
Co., Ltd. provides a first class all-in-one service to players wishing to
sample the extensive choice of golf courses in the area, and at very
competitive rates. For those travelling from abroad, the company also offers
accommodation in some of the finest hotels in Pattaya at great discounts
when booked as a total golf package, and airport transfers are also included
as part of the deal.
All the venue and price information can be found on the
company’s website and their golf schedule is also listed here in the Pattaya
Mail on a weekly basis.
So why not call in and talk to Arne and his staff to find
out what great offers they have for golfers of all ages, nationalities and
abilities, and in no time you can be teeing it up on some of the best golf
courses here in Asia.
Contact then on 083 588 4100, email info@playersand traveller.com or
check out their website at www.playersandtraveller.com.
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Black Mountain comes of age
The
impressive Black Mountain golf course, venue for this weekend’s Royal
Trophy contest between Europe and Asia. (Photo/Black Mountain Golf Club)
If the finest golfers from Asia and Europe have any
complaints about the rough at the spectacular Black Mountain Golf Club
at this weekend’s Royal Trophy, they should have seen it four years ago.
Back then the Thai course was still a combination of
dense jungle and pineapple plantations. But a Swedish holidaymaker had
seen the potential for a great golf layout when he visited the area 18
months earlier - and his vision quickly became a stunning reality.
The speed of construction was truly staggering. An
army of 400 workers toiled around the clock, using 200 trucks and 80
excavators, to get a world class golf club built in double quick time.
Three huge lakes were dug, and filled with three million cubic litres of
water, while many existing creeks and their rocky borders were also
incorporated into the new design.
Royal Trophy Europe team member, Johan Edfors of Sweden, tees off at the
Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin during the final round of the 2009
Black Mountain Masters. (Photo/Black Mountain Masters Media)
Black Mountain Golf Club opened to great acclaim in
2007. It was hailed as the best new course in Asia, and within a year it
was voted as one of the best six courses in the entire Asia Pacific
Region. In 2009 it was up to fourth place, and had won the award as the
Best Championship Course in Thailand. This past year at the Asian Golf
Summit held in Bangkok, Black Mountain re- affirmed its position to the
Asian golf elite - being voted one of the three best championship golf
courses in the entire region.
The Club takes its name from the huge black rocks
dotted around the mountains that overlook the course in the Hua Hin
region.
Building a new course there carried a certain risk -
Hua Hin was already regarded as a golfer’s paradise, with nine other
clubs vying for attention, including some of Thailand’s best-loved
courses. But the combination of a dazzling backdrop, a terrific design
from Phil Ryan, superb conditioning and top quality facilities proved an
instant winner. And in 2009, Black Mountain became the first Hua Hin
course to host an Asian Tour event.
The Black Mountain Masters was so successful that it
was elevated in stature in 2010, and became the final event of the Asian
Tour schedule. It proved a fitting venue for the climax to a great year
of competition in Asia - and whetted the appetite for a fascinating
shoot-out between Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki’s young and extremely powerful
Asian Team and Colin Montgomerie’s star-studded European line-up.
That field includes Swedish ace Johan Edfors, who
showed how impressed he was by the course after winning the first Black
Mountain Masters - he immediately celebrated by buying one of the
luxurious villas on the property, which also features superbly furnished
condominiums.
Another regular visitor is England’s Simon Khan, like
Edfors a touring professional attached to Black Mountain. Khan was
unable to claim a place on Montgomerie’s hotly-contested Royal Trophy
team list despite winning the European Tour’s showpiece event in 2010,
the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth - a sign of how difficult it is to
break into any European Team.
He commented: “I would have loved to have been part
of the Royal Trophy over a course I know and love so well. But let’s
face it, the competition for places in both teams is incredibly hot.
“I think Black Mountain will prove a great host venue
for the Royal Trophy. The reachable par-fives and the sprinkling of
short par-fours will make for fantastic match play golf, and the closing
holes are bound to supply plenty of drama.
“My connection with the course began when I was
talking to another English player, Simon Yates, about golf in Hua Hin,
as I’ve been coming here for nearly ten years to relax and work on my
game when the European season takes its winter break. He said I should
try out this new course, Black Mountain, and I was immediately blown
away by the facilities and the standard of everything connected with the
Club.
“Course conditioning can sometimes be a problem with
some Asian courses - but Black Mountain is one of the best conditioned
courses I have ever played on.
“I’d love to keep the connection going if the Royal
Trophy stays at Black Mountain, by making the European Team sometime in
the future. In the meantime, I’ll be following the matches as two great
teams battle it out on a great course.” (Royal Trophy Press Release)
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Berry bags monthly title
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Tony
Berry - Club Champion, December Golfer
of the Month and winner at Green Valley.
Monday, Dec. 20, The
Emerald - Stableford
We arrived at Green Valley to find yet another problem
with our booking, and were fortunate to be able to reschedule the
competition to nearby Emerald G.C. We experience more problems with bookings
at Green Valley than with any other golf course, this despite reconfirming
the booking the day before and on the morning of the event – what more can
anyone possibly do?
Things went much more smoothly at Emerald and the course
was in good condition, allowing Tony Berry to put in yet another good
performance to take the honours on the day, and further cement his lead in
the Golfer of the Month.
A Flight
1st Tony Berry (11) 39pts
2nd Patrick Kelly (2) 37pts
3rd Peter Kelly (7) 36pts
B Flight
1st Dave Ashman (16) 34pts
2nd Tom Jones (23) 33pts
3rd Richard Baldotto (27) 30pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Dave Ashman, Geoff Parker, and Peter Kelly
Wednesday, Dec. 29,
Eastern Star - Stableford
Although Eastern Star has not been a regular venue on the
Bunker schedule for some time, we decided to play there after receiving
reports that the course was now in much better condition. The reports proved
to be correct, and although the greens were still fluffy and slow, the
fairways were excellent and a good day was had by all.
Rocky Jones put in the best performance of the day,
narrowly beating Peter Kelly to win the A Flight. The general consensus of
the players was that Eastern Star now offers good value and should be back
on our regular schedule, so we’ll be returning soon.
A Flight
1st Rocky Jones (7) 36pts
2nd Peter Kelly (7) 35pts
3rd Colin Greig (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st Nile Sheehan (21) 33pts
2nd Roy Dayton (24) 29pts
3rd William Macey (16) 32pts
Near Pins: Tony Berry, Geoff Cox, and Patrick Kelly (2)
Friday, Dec. 31, Treasure Hill - Stableford
New Years Eve, and a smaller than usual group of golfers
headed off to Treasure Hill, to find that the course was surprisingly quiet,
given that it was a public holiday. Treasure Hill is now in its best
condition for quite some time, but still presents a difficult track for most
golfers. Only Patrick Kelly and Les Burns managed to match their handicaps
on the day to win the A and B Flights respectively.
Tony Berry’s fourth place overall increased his total
tally in the Golfer of the Month to 53 points, well ahead of the leading
contender Mike Corner, who finished 14 points adrift. Well done Tony, the
Annual Bunker Golf Champion, the December Golfer of the Month and the Bunker
Pool Champion all in one month!
A Flight
1st Patrick Kelly (2) 36pts
2nd Tony Berry (10) 32pts
3rd Colin Greig (11) 29pts
B Flight
1st Les Burns (28) 36pts
2nd Ron Hall (17) 33pts
3rd Dave Ashman (16) 31pts
Near Pins: Patrick Kelly, Dave Ashman, and Ken Elmore(2)
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Pattaya Sports Club throws a swinging Xmas Party
The
Pattaya Orphanage choir warm up for the Christmas carols.
Christmas started early for over 460 members and guests
at the annual PSC Christmas Party at the Town in Town Hotel on Wednesday 15th
December.
Upon arrival they were greeted by Santa (Rick Bevington)
and each lady was presented with a wrapped red rose.
Before the excellent buffet (Western and Thai) was open
and whilst all were enjoying a drink the evening was opened by Social
Chairman Nigel Cannon who announced that tonight was party night and
‘speeches ’ would be kept to a minimum – this was received with cheers!
President Tony Oakes then welcomed all and said the
buffet was open.
The Town in Town band played soft music whilst eating and
drinking took place.
At 8 p.m. some 40 children – aged from 6 up – suitably
dressed - from The Pattaya Orphanage were welcomed by loud applause as they
lined up in front of the stage. Charity Chairman William Macey introduced
the choir and the children then sang 4 Christmas carols in English! During
the singing many guests took photos and joined in with the singing. The
appreciation of all was indicated by the long and loud applause.
More music from the band and many took to the dance floor
for some exercise!
At 9 p.m. Nigel announced the ‘Elvis had not left the
building – but was here! with that a ‘Thai’ Elvis burst into the room gave
45 minutes of nostalgic hits – once again the dance floor was crowded with
rock and roll fans! Great applause showed the appreciation of the audience.
For the first time at a PSC Party we were honored by a
visit from Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh who spoke some words of
appreciation for the part that PSC play in both raising funds for charity
and bringing the foreign and Thai community together.
After a brief break it was time for the Lucky Draw with
28 prizes worth over 58,000 baht – including some gold. Nigel was assisted
by Am North – who drew the tickets and Tony Oakes, William Macey and Santa
handing out the prizes to the lucky winners.
Then it was more music and dancing late into the night.
Great party – enjoyed by all!
“Elvis”
enters the building.
Social
Chairman Nigel Cannon kept everything running smoothly.
Santa
doles out some early Yuletide gifts.
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Muaythai world championship bout at Pattaya Beach
England’s Steve Wakeling, left and Thailand’s reigning world champion,
Jaochalam, right, pose with Pattaya City Mayor Ittiphol Khunpluem at the
official press announcement for the fight, held at the Hilton Hotel, Pattaya
on Tuesday, Jan 4.
The Champions Club returns to the home of Muaythai this
weekend with a star studded open-air event at Pattaya’s Tipp Plaza Complex,
near Mike Shopping Mall, on Saturday, January 8.
Following the official weigh-in on Friday evening on
Walking Street, the next night will see seven international Muaythai
superfights, an international 4-man Muaythai tournament and the WBC Muaythai
super middleweight world championship bout between England’s Steve Wakeling
and Thailand’s reigning world champion, Jaochalam, all taking place to
provide an evening of world class sporting action for the fans.
Launched in 2007 in Bamberg, Germany, The Champions Club
has since grown to become an important sports event for world class
professional Muaythai and K1 rules superfights, providing a unique platform
for champion stand-up fighters from any federation and from all over the
world to compete against each other.
The Champions Club also supports the work done by the
Pattaya Orphanage and to mark Thailand’s “Children’s Day” on January 8, a
proportion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the charity.
Ticket prices range from 100 to 1,200 baht and can
be obtained through the Thai ticket hotline + 66 (0) 89 2155 721 or for
general enquiries email [email protected]. The doors open on fight
night at 6 p.m. with the event starting at 8 p.m.
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Walter nails it by a whisker
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Derek Brook
Tuesday, Dec. 27,
Pleasant Valley – Stableford
The last Tuesday of the month is always a little
different as we look at the best performer of the month and it usually
turns out very tight. This month was no different and we had only four
players in with a chance. Leading was Brian Parrish, with Rob Brown and
Walter Bachli just behind and Frank Pilkington as usual in with a
chance.
Dick
Warburg, right, presents the golfer
of the month award to Walter Bachli.
The test for the day was to Pleasant Valley and as we
had not played for a few weeks at this course we were looking forward to
finding out what condition it was in. So bright and early we were into
cars and up the road to the course, to be met with the comment that we
were not pre-booked in and they would like to talk to the ‘Boss’, as
soon as our first player got there. Amazingly they already had a plan to
‘feed’ us in. Surprisingly, they had a large group booked in playing
‘Shotgun’, but not on all Tees.
This situation is not unknown to all the groups who
play golf here in Pattaya; you book first and a ‘bigger’ group book, and
suddenly the course ‘loses’ your booking. Good commercial sense in one
way, but very annoying nonetheless. Loss of face is a major problem.
Still, after a ‘discussion’, off we went to the first
tee and slipped in amongst the shotgun starters. Not too bad really and
we were all underway within the hour. Still, it meant a spread group and
we found as the round went on and the shotgun groups dropped out, that
big spaces developed as we came to the 18th hole. Different I have to
say.
The course itself was in as good a condition as most
of the venues round here and better than nearly all. The fairways were
well grassed, the rough well maintained and the greens slippery and
fast. With the weather also playing the game, the day developed into a
most enjoyable outing despite our start. Must be getting old as one
thing you learn here is to stay calm and roll with the waves.
The showers are fine here and with a new clubhouse
the wait till you go back is a time peacefully spent. You can sit
outside on the balcony and watch as the golfers come up the 18th hole.
All very nice!
Back at Bert’s we were met with a nice surprise as
Bert and Pu had provided a free Xmas meal for all the golfers of turkey
and chips with pickles, and bread and butter. Bert also told me it was
not leftover turkey but one he had cooked specially for the golfers. All
the golfers expressed their appreciation to Bert and Pu, not just for
the food but the way he looks after them all through the year.
As the results came in it was obvious we would have a
tight race for ‘golfer of the month’ and Brian Parrish had to come in at
least third to win if Walter came in second. On the day the winner was
Phil (Badger) Barnsley with a great 42 points, 26 of them on the front
nine. In second was Walter Bachli with a fine 40 points and in third we
had Brian Gabe on count-back with 36 points over Brian Parrish in
fourth.
So the ‘golfer of the month’ with his second place,
and Brian Parrish losing third on count-back, was Walter Bachli. Well
done Walter!
Near Pins went to Derek Brook, Badger (2) and Brian Downey, while the
long putts were sunk by Mashi and Rob Brown.
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Phoenix Tuesday Golf Group ends the year on a high
The
day’s golfing winners with the staff back at the Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
What a great way to end the year of variable golf and
united friendship (well almost). Over a twelve month period people come and
go in all types of groups and finding total harmony is nigh on impossible.
However I have to say that with just a couple of exceptions this year we
have developed a super bunch of guys who seem to be on the same wave length.
Today, December 28, we had more entrants than I like to
handle, which proved to justify my opinion. With just 45 minutes to go we
had up to four drop outs, making the final arrangements for the remaining
groups a little stressful at the wrong time. Nothing worse than going onto
the first tee with your brain (what’s left of it) in a whirl. Needless to
say my game was not worth mentioning, and even if it were I don’t think
anyone would be interested anyway!
We started on Phoenix Lakes and Ocean course and it was a
beautiful, sunny and breezy day. Not a cloud in the sky. With extra revenue
taken in today to cover the cost of a buffet and a few extra prizes after
the game we implemented a couple of new ideas for technical prizes. This
always keeps the few players without an official handicap who cannot compete
for the major prizes in the game.
Quite surprisingly the course was not over busy for the
time of the year, and play was reasonably quick.
Back at the Relax Bar I had pre arranged a surprise
buffet and little party for all who attended. The buffet was paid for out of
the days takings as was the usual first drink. When we first arrived there
were a few biscuits and savouries placed on the tables by the management of
the bar and I thought for one horrible moment that this was the buffet.
Think again McDuff. Once everyone was assembled and the scores were being
collated the real buffet was opened. Wow, what a lovely surprise. All of the
guys warmly applauded when the Relax Bar were congratulated on the efforts.
I can be sure that not many people went out to dinner that night.
There was only one thing missing on the night and when
someone asked me if I was going to sing, I thought better of it so that
everyone would stay. However a couple of jokes prior to the presentation
went down well, (Just like my blow up doll).
I was a little out of sorts just before the presentation
due to the fact that I had some worrying news about my mother. Apparently
she locked the cat in the washing machine after coming back from answering
the phone (the cat jumped in when she was at the phone). Killed the poor
thing. Never mind it did die in Comfort! (Get it?? Comfort the fabric
softener). Oh please yourselves missus.
There are too many winners to record all the names, but
the main winners were: A Flight winner with 37 points was Landis (the
Brummie Boy) Brooks. Second with 34 points was Albert (his brother manages
some team from Sunderland I think) Bruce.
The B Flight winner with 37 points was David
(unpronounceable) Czernie and second with 36 points on count-back was Graham
(The bookie) Ellis.
As a special prize we had hidden pairs and the lucky two
to be drawn together were Graham Ellis and Sergio (just one cornetto) Volpi,
who we welcomed back after a long absence.
Near pins went to Arthur (the umbrella man) Barrett,
Landis Brooks, and, Dave (the bank man) Boran (2). Long first putt on the
18th went to Sergio Volpi.
Sadly missed (and his voucher for Trattoria Italiana) was
our dear friend, Giorgio Baccioli, who has suffered a setback with one of
his wrists (too much of you know what?). He now has to undergo a complete
operation on his one wrist again and will be out of action for some time. We
all wish you well Giorgio and hurry back.
There were so many lucky draw prizes it will be too much
to print (in any case I cannot remember who won what), save to say that out
of 20 people returned only two left without a prize. However they did get
their first drink and buffet free.
So we move on to a new year with hope that we maintain
our friendship and frivolity. (Go easy on me guys. It is hard work, but I
really do enjoy it).
We play every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 12.00
noon at Phoenix and non members of Phoenix can enjoy a reduced green fee
rate as a guest of the members. We do stipulate golfers of a reasonable
standard only, with an official handicap, join our group. The occasional
social player will not fit in. A handicap of 28 maximum is allowed and we
all play from the same tees.
We also have quite a number of our group keen on sea
fishing and at present I am arranging at least 2 trips a month. This is a
great day out at sea (but not too far). From about 7.00am till 5.00pm.
Anyone interested in joining our little group, please contact me on 087 091
7565.
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Oh Henry O’Brien
PSC golf from The Golf Club Sports Bar
Monday, Dec. 27, Green
Valley – Stableford
1st Henry O’Brien (17) 46pts
2nd Kevin Moraghan (15) 40pts
3rd Allan Thomas (6) 37pts
4th
Graham Johnson (7) 35pts
Santa was a couple of days late but delivered Henry
O’Brien’s present today. Inside the goody bag was a marvelous 46 points.
Kevin Moraghan was second on 40 and it must have felt like a lump of coal.
Alan Thomas and Graham Johnson were third and fourth respectively.
Wednesday, Dec. 29,
Greenwood - Medal
1st Roger Cross (23) net 69
2nd Steve Mulberrry (11) net 72
3rd Grant Montgomery (8) net 72
4th Ernie McInnerney (15) net 73
5th
Henry O’Brien (15) net 74
Roger Cross was our Monthly Medal winner with a net 69.
He managed to remain patient and outlast the field and the 30 minute delay
on the first tee. The greens were very slick on the C & B combo.
Steve Mulberry was second on net 72, beating Grant
Montgomery on count-back. Ernie McInnerney was fourth with net 73 and Henry
O’Brien forgot his Christmas present but still managed a net 74.
Keith Worboys took the near pin.
Thursday, Dec. 30, Khao
Kheow - Stableford
1st Graham Johnson (7) 34pts
2nd Nick Handscombe (8) 31pts
3rd
Brad Sproxton (12) 29pts
We had a smaller group today and even smaller scoring.
Fast greens and a stiff breeze may have contributed to the outcome for most.
Graham Johnson took the frame with 34 points. Nick
Handscombe went out in 10 but came back in 21 to place second and Brad
Sproxton 3-putted his way into third. Happy Holiday’s and best wishes from
The Golf Club for 2011.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro,
off Soi Buakhao and Soi Diana junction. We can be reached on 085 434 3377 or
[email protected] and our new website is www.golfclubpattaya.com.
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Goins on the march at Pattaya C.C.
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
With a good crowd of golfers for our end of the month get
together at Pattaya Country Club on Wednesday, Dec. 29, it was a close
finish with 8 golfers within three strokes of the winner. Larry Emerson, who
predicted that he would win, missed by a whisker. He tied for second with
Dale Murphy at 34 points. Larry finally came ahead on count-back on the back
nine.
The leader for the day was Donald Goins with 35 points.
Don had to leave early before pictures could be taken at the end of the
round. Don squeaked by as any mistake along the way would have cost him the
tournament. Others were kicking themselves for making mistakes and not
getting scoring a few more points.
Ciano Glavina came in with 33 points and four others were
tied at 32. It was close at the top and anyone could have won. The rest of
us faded in the distance down into the twenties.
The Wintons make a great return
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Dec. 27, Greenwood
- 2 person scramble
1st Barry Winton & Ohn Winton (13) 49pts
2nd Russell Exley & Mike Dabanovich (7) 47pts
3rd Mikael Jansson & Roar Berger (15) 43pts
4th Stuart Thompson & Alex Sala (10) 43pts
Barry &
Ohn Winton.
After a hiatus of almost 21 months caused by a series of
accidents and illnesses, Barry Winton returned to competitive golf to play
with his wife Ohn, who had not played competitively herself for an even
longer period, to win the 2-person stableford scramble with a very
commendable level par gross round that included just one bogey and one
birdie and sixteen pars at the superbly conditioned Greenwood layout, by a
two shot margin.
John
Shin.
Russell Exley and Mike Dabanovich also combined well to
return a 68 gross to take second place ahead of Mikael Jansson and Roar
Berger a further four behind them.
Stuart Thompson and Alex Sala held fourth place after
losing a count-back for third by a margin of 20 to 19 over the inward half.
Due to the format the 2’s were suspended for the day.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Vance
Millar, Barry and Ohn Winton and Patrick Scullion.
Wednesday, Dec. 29,
Phoenix Blue tees - Monthly Medals
CSS 74
Division 1
1st John Shin (0) 71
2nd Al Keith (4) 75
3rd Marty Rock (11) 76
4th Rodney Hayes (9) 76
5th John Chambers (6) 76
5th Tom Byrne (13) 76
Division 2
1st Andy Galvin (17) 76
2nd Ger Lodge (19) 81
3rd Sean Banbury (22) 83
4th Bubble Davies (17) 83
5th Joe
Niisato (16) 83
With an extremely stiff wind and playing from the blue
tees over the Mountain and Lakes courses at the well prepared Phoenix
course, it was always going to be a severe test of golf for even the best of
the field.
Andy
Galvin.
The best of the day belonged to John Shin, who is hoping
to play on the Asian PGA Tour via the qualifying competitions to be held
soon at Hua Hin, with a gross 71 that could have been a few better with one
or two more putts dropping. This was enough, by four clear, to take the
first division Medal ahead of his playing partner Al Keith whose best
efforts were just not quite enough.
Marty Rock put in a another steady round to take third
place after a count-back with three others which he won with a better 37.6
over the Lakes nine.
Rodney Hayes took fourth with a count-back of 26 on the
last six holes, after the three next best had tied at 38.5 for the inward
half.
John Chambers finished fifth with 26.7 on the last six
and Tom Byrne sixth with 28.7 over the last six.
The second division was a little higher in the scores
with many of the placings believing they were well out of the hunt and being
pleasantly surprised with their end results.
Andy Galvin took his first Medal out of The Haven with a
fine round in the conditions of two over the CSS for the day, with Ger Lodge
in second a few more shots adrift and Sean Banbury winning a three way
count-back over Bubbles Davies and Joe Niisato by a margin of 39 to 40.5 and
42 respectively.
John Shin and Al Keith shared the first division 2’s pot
while Paul Hartley and Evan Millar did the same in the second division.
Prior to the presentations there were welcomes for Sean
Banbury, and Donal and Ciaran Lyne together with welcome backs for Mark
Campbell and Ken Chambers.
Whilst the monthly Medals for December were being played,
the finals of the Gold and Silver Medals were also being contested with the
day’s card counting for both competitions if the player was qualified for
the end of year playoffs.
In the event, with many of the second division unable to
attend and a couple of no returns, only the Gold Medal was awarded in that
division and that was taken by Evan Millar.
But a good turnout in the first division with two thirds
of the winners competing, resulted in Marty Rock adding the Gold Medal to
his two won during 2010 and Rodney Hayes taking the Silver Medal.
Division 1
Marty Rock - Gold
Rodney Hayes - Silver
Division 2
Evan Millar - Gold
Friday, Dec. 31, Green Valley - Stableford
CSS 72
1st David Dines (7) 41pts
2nd Dave Stockman (4) 39pts
3rd Mike Hill (23) 36pts
4th Keith Emerson (12) 36pts
5th Tim Wilkinson (4) 34pts
6th
Rob Hornsby (24) 34pts
A rather smaller turnout for the day was recorded after
many players had played the previous day in the PGS Charity Scramble, but
the quality of golf was still of the highest order with David Dines taking
the top spot with a very good gross 74 which netted him 41 points and a shot
winning margin over an equally fine round, which was even lower at gross 73
achieved by Dave Stockman on his return from abroad.
Mike Hill slipped into third place with a solid level
handicap round winning the count-back over Keith Emerson, in fourth, by a
margin of 21 to 18.
Tim Wilkinson also had a happy return as he took fifth
ahead of Robert Hornsby with a better count of 13 over the last six after
they had tied the nine on 18 a piece.
Joe Niisato scored the only 2 in the second division to
sweep the pool and David Dines and Dave Howden shared the first division.
Back at The Haven Robert Hornsby and Joe Niisato were
welcomed as new members and Dave Stockman Nhwee Stockman, Cliff Hornsby,
Keith Emerson, John Dahlseng and Brian and Tim Wilkinson were all welcomed
back.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven
group you can contact mobile 084782 4582 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi
13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the
course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you
should be there by 8.30 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays on the
days you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on
our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
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Travellers Rest Golf Group gets tough
Golf from the Travellers Rest
New Year’s Day winners: Jack McNamara, Ted
Senior, Brendan Moore, Jay Sher, Rocky Jones and Guy Fraser with (inset) Ted
and his official handicap document.
Reporter Barry Hooper
A somewhat serious start to the New Year: At the TRGG we
have always tried to be fair and honest in our handling of all the affairs
of the group. It was in this respect that it was noted that more and more
event winners were not returning to the presentations back at the hotel to
collect their prizes.
After consultation with many a member and gathering their
opinions, it was generally felt that it was only common courtesy to
personally collect your prizes. So it was decided that as of New Year any
player not making themselves personally available to pick up his or her
prize would not receive same. But it would be gathered up and distributed to
a local “Charity Account” of the groups choosing.
So to all members and players at the TRGG - you are so
duly advised.
In the meantime a “Happy New Year” to all the readers and
the members and players at the TRGG - may 2011 bring you the good golf of
your wishes!
Monday, Dec. 27, Green
Valley - Stableford
1st George Robinson (12) 40pts
2nd Ted Senior (13) 39pts
3rd Stuart Banks (20) 37pts
4th Rob Herald (17) 36pts
5th
Neil Wilkinson (14) 36pts
Monday was a visit to Green Valley with just the one
division and the course must have played very well judging by the scores
returned.
George Robinson topped out the list with a full
40-pointer with Ted Senior only one behind for second. Stuart Banks
completed the top three with his 37 points. Two 36’s followed from Rob
Herald and Neil Wilkinson with Rob edging it on the count-back.
No ‘2’s so a bell ring at the presentation.
Tuesday, Dec. 28, Khao
Kheow C & A - Stableford
1st Jerry McCarthy (17) 36pts
2nd Ted Senior (13) 35pts
3rd Arnold Jones (16) 34pts
4th Rocky Jones (19) 33pts
5th
Neil Wilkinson (18) 33pts
On Tuesday we visited Khao Kheow with a moderate
attendance number so again just the one division. The course was in great
condition and played tough but an excellent day’s play resulted.
The highest score was posted by Jerry McCarthy with 36
points while Ted Senior was second again at 35 (he is becoming ‘Mr.2’ for a
different reason these days it seems). Arnold Jones rounded off the top
three with his 34 and was followed in by two 33’s from Rocky Jones and Neil
Wilkinson, with Rocky taking it by 1 on count-back.
Two ‘2’s came from Jay Sher and Fergus Brennan
Thursday, Dec. 30, Phoenix
- Stableford
Div. 1
1st Hugh Byrne (12) 39pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 38pts
3rd Richard Dobson (14) 37pts
4th Rocky Jones (7) 36pts
Div. 2
1st Derek Thorogood (18) 38pts
2nd Alun Webber (19) 36pts
3rd Stuart Banks (21) 34pts
4th
Jerry McCarthy (17) 33pts
The last of our regular visits to Phoenix for 2010 took
place on Thursday, December 30. A good group as always made the journey to
enjoy the attributes of this great course so we had two divisions.
Division 1 had Hugh Byrne find good form for the win with
his 39 points. In second was Fergus Brennan with his 38 and taking third was
Richard Dobson on 37 points.
Derek Thorogood topped the list in Division 2 with 38
points while Alun Webber was second on 36. Following him home was Stuart
Banks at 34.
Only the one ‘2’ was recorded, from Norman Cheetham
Saturday, Jan. 1,
Greenwood – Stableford
1st Rocky Jones (22) 38pts
2nd Ted Senior (19) 38pts
3rd Guy Fraser (21) 36pts
4th Jay Sher (16) 36pts
5th Jack McNamara (17) 35pts
6th
Brendan Moore (10) 34pts
Saturday was a return visit to Greenwood for the first
outing of the New Year, and has become our favourite port at weekends now.
The course was found yet again in very good condition and we had a very good
turnout bearing in mind it was New Year’s Day. Even so, we decided to keep
it to just the one division.
Before the event Rocky Jones made comment that he would
very much like to go out with a win as he was returning home the following
day. And that is just what he did as he came home with 38 points, but only
took the win on count back over Ted Senior (by 3) who had to be content with
his third second place finish of the week. In third was Guy Fraser with 36
points, but again after count-back over Jay Sher. Taking fifth was Jack
McNamara at 35 and places went down to sixth and that was filled by Brendan
Moore with his 34.
Two ‘2’s came from Graham Johnson and Derek Thorogood.
At the days presentations Ted Senior was presented with
an official New Year letter from the TRGG Handicap committee advising him
that it had come to the committee’s attention that his form of late (lots of
seconds etc.) required an immediate two shot cut in his handicap (see inset
pic.). His reaction was a treat to see - speechless!
Note: If you want any further or fuller
information about the golf outings played by the TRGG from the Travellers
Rest Hotel, please contact the hotel manager Tewin Lamthong on 086 056 7019
or just call in to the Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro, Pattaya and look at
the notice board or visit our website at www.trgg.biz
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Captain Pierre at the double
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, Dec. 26, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Gareth Gill (9) 38pts
2nd Lindsay Semple (12) 37pts
3rd Ian Dallas (‘plus 2) 37pts
B Flight
1st Jum Karagit (17) 41pts
2nd Ian Halfpenny (14) 39pts
3rd Pierre Bietry (16) 37pts
Near Pins: No 4 Mike Craighead, No 9 Jum Karagit,
No 12 Chris Wright, No16 Bob StAubin.
Lewiinski’s new golf captain, Pierre Bietry.
This week B Flight provided the day’s top score with Jum
Karagit putting together a splendid 41 points for the day’s honours, and a
new handicap from Santa. Ian ‘Loose Change’ Halfpenny got back to the podium
for the silver two shots adrift. Pierre and Ed Junger both penciled the same
score with Pierre getting the count-back verdict after Ed’s two no-scoring
holes proved to be the deciding factor.
A Flight was a casting directors delight with the gold
leaving in the hands of Gareth ‘The Car Park Champion’ Gill. Gareth used his
length and driving accuracy to fashion a rock solid 38 points. Devastated
Aussie Lindsay Semple played a lot better than his cricket heroes with a
great knock of 37 not out to gain a count-back verdict over the unlucky plus
two player Patrick Kelly (no prizes as to where this young man ails from).
Patrick Kelly, Mike Craighead, Gareth gill and Dave boron
divided the ‘2’s pot.
Back at the ranch Lewiinski’s welcomed new President Eddy
Beilby as Peter stepped down, and also welcomed new Capitan Pierre Bietry.
Pierre has an almighty task to fill the outgoing Captain Cotter’s shoes but
if anyone can we are sure Pierre will. He got off on the right foot by
ringing the bell.
Jimmy ‘The Ladies man’ Day was a very popular choice as
vice Captain as he has a very creditable CV (Captain of the Co. Wiclows Boys
Brigade as a lad).
Monday, Dec. 27, Greenwood
- Stableford
A Flight
1st Phil Page (12) 35pts
2nd Colin Davis (14) 34pts
B Flight
1st John White (27) 35pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (20) 31pts
A relatively modest group - attributable to the season
and back-to-back playing days - took on the favorite of many, Greenwood’s A
and C layout.
Phil Page was top and co-man of the match with a steady
35 points. The Donkey survived a count-back with Tore Eliassen to collect
the silver.
Not to be out done the junior flight had their own 35
point haul and co-man of the match in John White; Geoff Elvis Kubas managed
to reach no 2 in the charts and also collect a very handy ‘2’.
Wednesday, Dec. 29,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
A Flight
1st Paul Young (12) 34pts
2nd Mike Shrosbree (14) 32pts
3rd Colin Davis (14) 31pts
B Flight
1st John Baxter (16) 35pts
2nd Geoff Kubas (20) 34pts
3rd Frank McNamara (17) 33pts
A good sized field trekked off to play Treasure Hill
where no player managed to match their handicap. John Baxter was the nearest
with 35 points that was good for man of the match and B Flight top spot.
John edged Geoff Elvis Kubas by two shots and Ireland’s big Frank McNamara
by three.
The A Flight competitors showed less acumen as the 34
points from Paul Young stood up for first place, in quick succession. Paul
was followed home by Mike ‘the Isan Raider’ Shrosbree who was two shots back
and the Donkey a further stroke behind.
Paul Young, Kevin Marshall, Ray Dorman, Tony Cotter and
David Kelly shared the ‘2’s pot.
Friday, Dec. 31, The
Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Nok Somporn (14) 32pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 32pts
3rd Mick Folan (15) 32pts
B Flight
1st John Baxter (16) 35pts
2nd Kurt Erick Pedersen (24) 33pts
3rd Peter Hedenburgh (18) 33pts
The final game of the year saw the lads at their favorite
golf course - Emerald. John Baxter duplicated Wednesday’s score of 35 points
to take his second consecutive victory as again he was man of the match and
tops in B Flight. Amazingly 35 points has won the last three games played
out of Lewiinski’s. Out came the calculator to decide the minor places as
three players posted 33 points; Kurt Erick Pedersen took second, Peter
Hedenburgh lifted the bronze and David Kelly was the unlucky player.
The senior flight saw the calculator glowing as all three
podium winners recorded 32 points. Leading the gang home was Nok Somporn,
followed by Seamus Cotter and Mick Folan.
Don Lehmer pocketed the only ‘2’ of the day.
Lewiinski’s wish all golfers everywhere a happy and
prospers New Year.
The scribe and Don Lehmer, who share the same birthday,
will be playing their birthday bash out of Lewiinski’s on January 30 and all
welcome.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi
1, Beach road Soi/13 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us
just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 8260 764.
Transport is provided.
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Dan’s ‘the man’ at Eastern Star
The Backyard Golf Society
Dan M.
celebrates his win with the staff at Senorita’s Bar.
Due to the public holiday this past week we decided to
play on Thursday instead of Friday and, with Emerald being full, moved
across to Eastern Star Golf Course. This, being the first time as a golf
society we have moved away from Emerald, made us a bit unsure of how many
guys would turn up. Surprisingly 13 players made the trip with 12 in all
competitions.
Home course advantage proved decisive with Dan M., who
came first with 35 points, and Terry C. taking the first two spots which
should be no surprise as they are both members at Eastern Star. Dangle came
back down to earth this week and only managed to take the nearest the pin
prize.
Skin results were as follows: Broken Wing (6), Geoff (4),
John Mac (3), JJ (2), Neville (1), Bernie (1) and to go with his first win
at our society Dan M (1).
Senorita’s was the bar of choice this week after the
prizes were handed out with thanks going to Ya and her staff for making us
fell welcome. Finally, Happy New Year to all of our players, both here and
abroad, and may it be a good one for the Backyard Golf Society.
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Paul steals the show on Xmas fun day
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Tuesday’s best dressed players: Capt’ Bob (left), complete with Tam o’
Shanter, with the colourful Kevin next to him, Paul is in the centre with
the caped Sugarman (complete with Dracula make-up) on his right, and the
flamboyant Nigel next to him.
Joey’s column
Monday, Dec. 27, Burapha -
Stableford
Twenty-five Outbackers played the A and B loops here from
the blue tees and what a pleasure it was too; the greens were lightning fast
and there were no bad spots or lies anywhere at all. With once again a quiet
course it was millionaire’s golf and we were all away by 10 o’clock -
there’s no sign of the high season here!
A good day was had by all with the ‘Boo Hoo’ Cup up for
grabs again but which was retained by the holders. In a concerted effort to
get rid of it, joint ‘Boo Hoo’ Cup holder, Phil Waite, seconded the Sugarman
to have a go at General Jack & Steve Mann at Pattana on Wednesday. This
challenge (the Boo Hoo) comes to an end at the end of this week with all the
money raised going to a local children’s charity.
John Cunningham won the Div A with his 37 points from
Tony Garnett with 36, who now draws level with Raji at the top of this
month’s ladder, whilst Steve Mann and Capt’ Bob both lost a ladder point.
Div B went to John O’Keefe with the day’s top score of 38.
There was a jackpot ‘2’ today, bagged by Larry Emerson.
Caddies
and golfers gather back at the Outback Bar
following the Xmas scramble at Pattaya C.C.
Div A (0-14)
1st John Cunningham (7) 37pts
2nd Tony Garnett (9) 36pts
3rd Peter Stonebridge (14) 34pts
Div B (15+)
1st John O’Keefe (15) 38pts
2nd Sakorn Pramoolchart (22) 35pts
3rd John Kittilsen (20) 34pts
Tuesday, Dec. 28, Pattaya C.C. - Xmas Fun Day
There were seventeen teams (34 players) at our Xmas Fun
Day, a two person scramble, which grew into a partial fancy dress day out a
Pattaya Country Club, with a number of the players getting truly into the
festival spirit.
Had there been a prize for the best dressed, it would
have had surely been awarded to Paul Sharples complete with hooter, glasses
and white stick; and creating a bit of a stir, tapping his way into the
clubhouse to pay his green fee.
The winning team of Ae & Laong cleared the field by a
mile, with the all Aussie team of Sel & Phil playing under great pressure as
England were giving their boys a severe thrashing in the Ashes back in their
homeland. A special mention also to Fordie and Muzza after a few San Migs
last night went shopping in Made in Thailand to turn up for golf like this.
After the golf, many of the Pattaya C.C. caddies, who
were joined by some more from Burapha, came back to the Outback to join in
the party with some complimentary food from the barbecue and some Thai
delights for the girls.
1st Laong & Ae O’Neill, 60.25
2nd Phil Waite & Sel Wegner, 63
3rd Bob Philp & Kevin Fitzgerald, 65
4th Jack Moseley & Bob Pearce, 65.25
5th Murray Hart & Robert Ford, 65.5
6th Bob Lindborg & Doug Campbell, 66.75
Wednesday, Dec. 29, Pattana - Stableford
This was a trial run to this course, rarely visited by
the Outback. We had a good rate so we thought we would give it a try, the 18
Outbackers had mixed views. However, this is where all the ‘high season’ is,
they’re all here, so it would be good if they all stay here, well away from
the other courses!
Steve Mann produced an excellent 38 points, not only to
win the day comfortably by four, but also to secure a victory for himself
and General Jack in the ‘Boo Hoo’, thus ensuring that Phil Waite and Sugar
have only one day (Friday at Khao Kheow) to lose it.
Kerry Rothwell (Chopper) put his best round together
since he’s been here and had a great ding dong battle with one of his
playing partners, Mike Brown; both finishing with the same score of 34.
For the record we played loops C & A from the yellow
tees; the course management was excellent with no hold-ups at the turn but
although the course has matured considerably since some of us last came
here, the greens still leave a lot to be desired and the one or two Mickey
Mouse holes need some professional rethinking. We are supposed to be back
here on Friday 14th January, whether we will be,
remains to be seen
There was another jackpot ‘2’, this time from our winner,
Steve Mann.
1st Steve Mann (8) 38pts
2nd Kerry Rothwell (12) 34pts
3rd Mike Brown (15) 34pts
4th Sugar Ray Handford (19) 32pts
5th John Cogan (14) 32pts
Friday, Dec. 31, Khao Kheow - Stableford
The last golf of 2010 was at Khao Kheow on A & B with 41
Outbackers in attendance, despite the holiday rate. It was an attractive
rate but there was a compulsory cart rule in place, which did upset a couple
of the fellas, of which the Outback knew nothing but we later discovered the
rule was applied in error to the Outbackers. Khao Kheow have since
apologised and promised to make it up to us.
Geoffrey Kubas had the day’s top score of 35 points to
win Div C, three clear of John Kittilsen and Mark Kembrey, who was having
his first game for some months after recovering from an injury; nice to see
you back Mark. 34 points was enough to win the other two divisions with Dave
Boran taking Div B from Mike Brown and Ray Doman just one point back, and
Pat Regan taking Div A, with Neil Lavery and Steve Mann also just one
behind.
It was also the last day of the December ladder with Raji,
Tony Garnett and Steve Mann all tied on seven points at the start of the
day, and at the finish Steve Mann came out on top scoring one ladder point
for his 33, whilst Tony’s 28 earned him nothing to take second and Raji, who
has led throughout the whole month, tripped up at the final hurdle losing 2
points for his 25, to end up third.
There was another ‘jackpot 2’, the third this week, this
time from Steve Plant.
Div A (0-12)
1st Patrick Regan (12) 34pts
2nd Neil Lavery (11) 33pts
3rd Steve Mann (8) 33pts
4th Murray Hart (12) 31pts
Div B (13–16)
1st Dave Boran (15) 34pts
2nd Mike Brown (15) 33pts
3rd Ray Doman (15) 33pts
4th Phil Waite (15) 31pts
Div C (17+)
1st Geoffrey Kubas (20) 35pts
2nd John Kittilsen (20) 32pts
3rd Mark Kembrey (19) 32pts
4th
John White (28) 31pts
| Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated
about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are
welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and
put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
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Rought races home at Navy
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Dec. 27,
Plutaluang – Stableford
One day after the festive season and with a large group
still in Kanchanaburi there were only two divisions out today. This was our
first visit here for around nine months and the hearsay from various groups
over the past week or so was to play the North and East as these were in the
best condition out of the four nines. These were duly booked and we tee off
bang on time.
Monday’s winner Bryan Rought enjoys an evening out with all the golfers at
Siam Cats.
Mike Combs won division 1 with 36 points while Takimoto,
playing off 7, was second and Chris Voller took third on 34.
The cut today was 6-16 in division 1 and with a handicap
of 17 Bryan Rought won division 2 with 37 points. Ger Lodge came in second
some eight points behind after beating Terry Redding on a 15/14 back nine
count-back.
Mike Combs birdied the lighthouse hole and the 2nd
on the East to win all the pot in division 1 in the ‘2’s, while Rudi
Schaefer was the only winner in division 2.
Wednesday, Dec. 29,
Greenwood – Stableford
Still two divisions out today with 31 players and yet
again our first visit here for some considerable time. The remarks
afterwards were “unbelievable”, with the greens being the slickest and the
most true we have played on lately.
A slightly higher cut than of Monday with division 1
being set at 6-18, but only 33 points won it for Chris Voller, with Bryan
Rought in second one point behind and Howard Stanley taking third on 31.
‘Count-back’ Burnie claimed top podium position in
division 2 with 36 points ahead of Eugine McGuire in second, some five
points behind, and William Chang beat Fred Duffy and Christer Olsson on a
18/16/14 back nine count-back for third after they all scored 30 points.
Peter Pedder birdied the 6th on the
C course for the only ‘2’ in division 1 and a rollover ensues in division
two. Near pins went to Peter Pedder (2), Chris Voller (2) and Matty Swire.
Friday, Dec. 31, Eastern
Star – Stableford
New Year’s Eve and a public holiday here today so there
were only 25 players out due to the increased green fee. Absolute pleasant
conditions with a strong cool breeze coming from the north, and this was
reflected in the scores with 34 points the highest in both divisions.
Ya Riley beat Chris Voller on a 20/17 count-back with
Andy O’Neill second on 33. In division 2, Nigel Saunders won with Lee Casey
second on 32 and in third place was Tony Holehouse who beat Jim Lane on a
13/12 count-back after they both scored 29 points.
Chris Voller lipped out on his tee shot on the 3rd
for a hole in one but still secured a ‘2’, and there are none in division 2.
Near pins were claimed by Timo Ahvenainen, Harry Riley, Chris Voller (2)
and Alan Duckett.
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James & John make
a winning combo
PSC golf from The Caddy Shack
Scramble
winners, James Savage & John Murdoch.
Wednesday, Dec. 29,
Green Valley – Pairs Scramble
To usher in the New Year a better ball pairs scramble was
held at Green Valley on December 29 with a good turn-out so places down to
fourth. Graham Beaumont and Jeff North took that position with a respectable
44 points while in third place, and also on 44 points, was the pairing of
Bill Lutton and Kevin Lutton but they did enough to edge the count-back.
The runners up were Andy Spence and Al McRory with 45
points but three points clear of the field was the deserved winning combo of
James Savage and John Murdoch who returned a fine 48 points.
Near Pins were shared by Arch Armstrong, Ted Gardner, Les
Easton and Ramsay Smith, while the Long Drives went to Mark Williams and On
Sodok.
1st James Savage (19) & John
Murdoch (11), 48pts
2nd Andy Spence (27) & Al McRory (12) 45pts
3rd Bill Lutton (11) & Kevin Lutton (26), 44pts
4th Graham Beaumont (11) & Jeff North (9) 44pts
Note: The Caddyshack is located on Soi 8 Threppasit Road. If you wish to join us
for a day of golf please email [email protected]
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Ferris wheels in another big show
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
Scramble winners, Jeremy Masse, Khun Rung, Mikael Andersson (abs. Roy
Thornton) with Phennippa & Tam of the Fr. Ray Foundation Outreach Centre.
The Pattaya Golf Society members played their 150th
competition of 2010 at Green Valley on Monday, 27th December and the format
was the usual monthly medal one. This time the two divisions, cut at
eighteen and under, went off from the old tee as a festive concession and
some good golf was in store.
In the top flight Jean Morel showed his consistency again
as he posted net 71 to share second place with Joe Niisato. The flight
winner was Mark Cooper whose net 69 shared the day’s best gross with Martin
Grimoldby and ensured for him the flight win.
In the second flight Pat Murphy embarrassingly accepted
third place with his score of net 78 whilst Brian Kelly enjoyed his second
place finish on net 77. The flight winner was Jim Ferris, again in the
frame, and his latest offering of net 68 emphasised the form he has
rediscovered over the past few weeks.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Mikael Andersson and Ray Banks
after two fine efforts on the short fourth hole and the Booby Bevy was
withheld after a stress-free day for the boss.
Green Valley still disappoints a little as it is not yet
up to it usual high season condition but it still offers a great golfing day
out.
Maiden win for Gilsenan
The final club outing of the year for the Pattaya Golf
Society was at Emerald on Wednesday, 29th December when the group played a
stableford competition in one flight. The course was to offer a real insight
into conditions the golfers would face the following day in the PGS Annual
Scramble with pacey greens and neat fairways.
Off the back of a reasonable round on Monday, Brian Kelly
posted 34 points for third place, just one behind the solid display of Paul
McNally whose best gross figures of 78 gave him a stableford return of 35
points for runner-up. The winner was Aussie Brendan Gilsenan, still a rookie
with the group, and his twenty-four points after nine holes held great
promise for the Papua New Guinea based golfer. His previous rounds have
never shown his potential but the hiccups on the back nine this time did not
prevent him logging his first win with the group as he finished on level par
36 points.
Tony Thorne recorded the only birdie ‘2’ of the day and
the Booby Bevy went to low scoring John Chelo making his debut in an IPGC
competition.
The day had been a pleasant one at the Ban Chang course
and Brendan was soon able to forget the shambles in Melbourne in the other
big England - Aussie clash.
Birdie Boys fly high
The Pattaya Golf Society’s annual swansong every year is
the group’s Annual Scramble and this year it was held at the Emerald club in
Ban Chang on Thursday, 30th December. For weeks prior to the event its
existence had been in doubt with the lack of golfers in Pattaya but in the
end the PGS members and friends came up trumps and a quality competition was
played on the well presented course.
The day remained fine throughout and all the hard work in
the run-up paid off in style as a most enjoyable competition played out. As
always on these occasions the emphasis is on fun golf with a wonderful
friendly atmosphere and all teams contributed their humour and skills in
equal measure.
Scores were very good again this year and the team of
Russell Exley, Bubbles Davies, Mark Campbell and Mike Dabanovich pushed
themselves all day to finish on net 57 in third place. The home team
favourites, “Fantastic United”, with Wichai Tananusorn, Jim Ferris, John
Chambers and Pat Murphy chased and harried all day, starting off with five
straight birdies, and eventually came home with 56.2 points in second place.
The winning team was an amended “Birdie Boys” outfit comprising Roy
Thornton, Mikael Andersson, Jeremy Masse and caddy Khun Rung and their gross
60 with a split of 31 - 29 was a superhuman effort which could not be
matched. They closed in first place on 54 net to set a record for the event,
now in its eleventh year.
Near pins were recorded by John Chambers, Jim Ferris and
Simon Kendall (two) and the Booby Bevy went to the Anglo/French/Canadian
outfit of Simon Kendall, Jean Morel, Jack Robertson and Gordon Everingham.
The main focus of the day was to raise money for the
group’s charity, The Fr. Ray Foundation Outreach Centre on Soi Thepprasit,
and the Centre’s Administrator Khun Phennippa was in attendance all day with
Registration and Recording duties.
The day provided proof, if any were needed, that Pattaya
has some wonderfully warm hearts with more than thirty thousand baht being
raised through completely voluntary contributions, including Rabbi, the
Elephant Bar host, waiving his usual buffet fee, Gordon McComb and friends
winning the bidding for the bottle of twenty-one year old Chivas Royal
Salute, “Banjo” Bannister donating his Player of the Month prize for
November and Ray Banks and all the PGS members contributing to a splendid
collection afterwards.
It was a very memorable way in which to end the golfing
year with the Pattaya Golf Society, 152 weekly competitions ending with the
biggest smiles in Pattaya from those kids in Soi Thepprasit. Well done
everyone, heroes all, and here’s to the new golfing year out of Soi Buakhao.
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Bucks beats all
PSC golf from Café Kronborg
Monday’s
winners (left-right): Ken Berneck, The Admiral, Graham Buckingham and Owen
Walkley.
San Mig Stu & The Drut
Monday, Dec. 27,
Plutaluang S&E - Stableford
First of all SMS must apologize for his stuff up in
failing to mention (last report Thursday 23rd Dec) that the PSC was the
sponsor of the Alec Chilcott Trophy/Cup and that Walter Baechli kindly
donated the prizes for the NTP’s and Longest Putts. Many thanks go to both.
As all who played will attest, the Navy course here is
quite challenging and playing the East and South nines proved just that for
most of the 31 players who tried their skills (or lack of in the case of SMS
and a number of others) on this day.
Having teed off at 9.45 a.m., ahead of schedule and under
perfect skies, the first group finished some 4 hours and 50 minutes later.
Plenty of upgrades are going on and it is encouraging to see that monies are
constantly being spent to improve this course.
According to a number of players many of the caddies also
need improving and it would be good to see a caddie rating box introduced,
which a high percentage of other courses have implemented, to assist the
course management in providing refresher courses for wayward/low rating
caddies.
We welcomed Marcus Simmons from England today.
A pleased Graham Buckingham was the only player today to
shoot handicap (36 points), narrowly defeating Dave Richardson (35) with Jan
Lovgreen and Daryl Evans beating Andy Makara and Martyn Topham on a
count-back for third and fourth spots with 32 points in C grade. B grade was
won by Ken Bernek with a creditable 35 points from Bent Agerbo 33, Walter
Baechli 32 and Peter Hammond 30. Owen Walkley again took out A grade
(although not as handsomely as at our last outing at Khow Kheow where he had
45 points), with 34 points followed by Niels Hanson 33, Rob Brown 32 coming
in third on a count-back from Marcus Simmons.
A Flight (0-15)
1st Owen Walkley (13) 34pts
2nd Niels Hanson (15) 33pts
3rd Rob Brown (7) 32pts
4th Marcus Simmons (8) 32pts
B Flight (16-20)
1st Ken Berneck (18) 35pts
2nd Bent Agerbo (20) 33pts
3rd Walter Baechli (16) 32pts
4th Peter Hammond (19) 30pts
C Flight (21 -36)
1st Graham Buckingham (23) 36pts
2nd Dave Richardson (24) 35pts
3rd Jan Lovgreen (21) 32pts
4th Daryl Evans (21) 32pts
Near Pins: E2 Elias Magnusson, E5 Bent Agerbo, S4 Koji Yamada, S7 ‘The
Phantom’
Long Putts: E9 Daryl Evans, S9 Carole Kubicki
Deefa the dog again managed to score baht from all the
winners, water finders and other lost ball shot makers to help boost his
charity bin and SMS was very grateful to Karen Brown who managed to wrestle
the Compass Cap, which was securely in my grasp until she kindly put her
card in. Thanks for the donation Karen and all other donors on the day.
Thursday, Dec. 30, Rayong
C.C. – Stableford
Twenty-five golfers buttered up for the last game of the
year and arrived at the course at 0900 hours. Teeing off at 0930 hours the
first group completed the round in four hours and forty minutes.
The weather was great the course in good condition and
the greens, despite being slower than a turtle doing backstroke through a
pond of custard, putted truly.
After the game, change room comments overheard included
Ian Woo lamenting that the only way his game could be saved is if the
National Trust declares it an historical or hysterical ruin.
Despite a podium finish at his previous start Peter
Hammond said that the possibility of the invention of perpetual motion and
real consistency in his game were of similar odds.
A solid effort on the practice tee by Ken Bernek didn’t
prevent him tightening up coming down the stretch, not unlike the cord on a
sumo wrestler’s speedos, and handing in twenty three points.
We welcomed Ian Woo from Bangkok for his annual Xmas
visit, Frank Sharratt from England, Mikael Anderrson from Sweden and Wendy
Bernek from a day off work.
In the A Flight Rob Brown continued his great form with a
score of thirty seven points to take the final year honours, relegating the
consistent Don Richardson to second on a count-back. In third spot Bent
Agerbo handed in thirty six points to head of Mike Gosden on thirty four.
In the B Flight Mike Winfield returned to form with a
steady thirty two points to take first place and finish off a good season,
with Eddie Glinsek on the same score taking second place. Jan Lovgreen the
Danish Dynamo handed in thirty one points for third spot and Dave Richardson
with twenty nine points rounded out the flight in fourth place.
A Flight (0-20)
1st Rob Brown (7) 37pts
2nd Don Richardson (10) 37pts
3rd Bent Agerbo (20) 36pts
4th Mike Gosden (9) 34pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Mike Winfield (21) 32pts
2nd Eddie Glinsek (29) 32pts
3rd Jan Lovgreen (21) 31pts
4th
Dave Richardson (24) 29pts
Long Putts saw Volker Buley successful on the 9th and
Niels Hansen on the 18th. Near Pins went to Ian Woo on the 5th, Dave
Richardson on the 7th and Frank Sharratt on the 12th and 16th.
As San Mig Stu was on a visit north to see the Village
People, the Coveted Compass Cap was not up for grabs much to the relief of
Graham Buckingham who maintains that the apple crumble at Nicky’s restaurant
is the best this side of the Thames.
Deefa the dog however was on full alert and duly
collected a handsome amount of sponderoolies for our charity drive and all
who continue to support this worthy cause are sincerely thanked.
A big thank you also goes to Brian Gabe who donated even
though he was on loan to the Tropical Bert’s outfit for the day.
By the time this goes to press we will be enjoying golf
2011 style. Some golfers will be as happy as the second mouse to the trap,
whilst others will be under more pressure than a one armed motor cyclist
with fleas. Either way it is better than the alternative - or so I have been
led to believe.
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