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Sommai sets the standard
PSC Fishing News
Happy anglers with their
catch.
Capt. Dene
Thursday 5 January saw the first trip for the PSC in 2012
and what a great trip it was for the group.
Seven stalwart fishermen set off from Sattahip at 07:00
in absolute mill pond waters on a bright sunny day, full of aspirations for
good catches, and none of us were disappointed!
Sommai, the champ of the day, showed the rest how to
fish. With her new rod, a metre long, she proceeded to catch 6 coral trout
of between 1 and 3 kilos, many grouper of over 1 pound and, with Peter
assisting, managed a total of over 30 kilos for the day.
Jeff and Khammoon bagged around 20 kilos, I managed 17
plus kilos and Rich, who likes to have numerous rest periods, siestas and
smokes, finished with over 10 kilos.
The captain, true to his word, had a much improved ladder
and boarding and leaving boat was made easier and considerably safer.
Nevertheless, high and low tides will require all of us to exercise caution
when boarding and docking.
Our trip on 26 January is fully booked but check out the
PSC website for details of future excursions.
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Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League
All the bowlers gather for a
group photo.
It was one of those unusual days of bowling when no one
managed to bowl 200 and no teams changed position. Morn Mack bowled a 508
series to help Indiana split their match with Tea Party and move one point
closer to first place. Scores were pretty low in lanes 11 and 12.
First place Green Tree lost three points to Brother D
with Aht Johansson bowling best with a 509 series. Sue Murphy had a 541
series and Ralph a 539 for Brother D.
Ooy Pluemkamon bowled games of 181, 191 and 195 for a 567
series to lead VFW Post 9876 to a three point win over Bavaria.
Caf้ Kronborg won three points from Canada with Kran
Nielsen leading the way with a 530 series.
Frankie triumphs at long last
PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg
Peter Blackburn
Monday, January 9,
Plutaluang W&N - Stableford
After two late cancellations we were down to 37 starters
for our monthly trip to the popular but tough Plutaluang layout. We welcomed
back Dick Braimbridge from his month in Queensland and Mike Herridge from
the U.K. It was also good to have Dick Warberg from Tropical Berts playing
with us and he was made very welcome. On a sad note we said farewell to my
good mate Frankie Sharratt who is returning to Derby, U.K. later in the week
along with Volker Buley who returns to Germany.
Frankie Sharratt, The Admiral
& Graham Buckingham.
We departed the Kronny right on time at 0815 hrs and
arrived at the course 45 minutes later. I can’t remember ever seeing this
course so busy as there were people everywhere, so we knew that it would be
a long day and we were allocated the West & North nines. Our first group got
away 15 minutes ahead of schedule at 0945 hrs but being a three-ball the
going was slow behind a mixed foursome and we were waiting on just about
every shot.
The weather was great with a stiff breeze which made the
West nine even more difficult at times but the nines that we played were in
terrific condition, especially the greens which were the best I have ever
seen them in 23 years of playing the course. After several enforced drink
stops we finally completed our round in four hours & thirty five minutes,
which was not too bad under the circumstances. This would have to be one of
the best value for money courses around.
There were 2 flights with A Flight for handicaps 0 to 19
and B Flight for 20 and over. There were rewards for nearest the pin on all
four par threes and longest first putts on the ninth & eighteenth greens.
The going was tough for most on the day as not one golfer
managed to play better than their handicap and there were many more scores
in the twenties than in the thirties.
Frankie Sharratt mentioned to me last week that he had
been coming to Pattaya to play golf for sixteen years and he had never won a
competition but this day was his “day in the sun”. On a count back with 36
points (18 on the back nine) he won the A Flight from Rob Brown (17 point
back nine) and San Miguel Stu Rifkin finished third on 33 points. In a count
back for fourth & fifth on 31 points Ken Bernek (17 point back nine) edged
out Mike Gosden (15 point back nine) with yours truly scraping into sixth
spot on 30 points.
The B Flight was easily won by Graham Buckingham on 36
points, 5 points clear of Urs Zwicky in second place. A two-way count back
was necessary to decide third & fourth places with Bjarne Kjaer (17 point
back nine) just beating Dick Warberg (14 point back nine), both having 30
points. In a three way count back for fifth & sixth spots Jerry Dobbs (18
point back nine) beat Jan Lovgreen (14 point back nine). Both golfers had 29
points along with Kevin Dinan (12 point back nine) who just missed out on a
podium finish.
A Flight (0-19)
1st Frank Sharratt (13) 36pts
2nd Rob Brown (10) 36pts
3rd Stu Rifkin (14) 33pts
4th Ken Bernek (15) 31pts
5th Mike Gosden (11) 31pts
6th Peter Blackburn (13) 30pts
B Flight (20+)
1st Graham Buckingham (22) 36pts
2nd Urs Zwicky (23) 31pts
3rd Bjarne Kjaer (21) 30pts
4th Dick Warberg (20) 30pts
5th Jerry Dobbs (23) 29pts
6th Jan Lovgreen (24) 29pts
Near Pins: W3 - Don Richardson, W8 - Mike Allidi,
N3 - Frank Sharratt, N6 - Takeshi Hakozaki
Long Putts: W9 – Peter Blackburn, N9 – Michael
Catillon
The Compass Cap (worst score on the day) was won by Volker Buley and
Deefa the Dog had a walk around with his master, Hunter and collected many
donations to charity from our generous Caf้ Kronborg group.
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Ken Meek is the man in form
PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society
Monday, January 9,
The Emerald - Stableford
We had a rather modest turn out today so only the one
division. There were several players who did really well on the front nine
only to fall away on the home stretch. Whether it was the hot, clammy
conditions or too much booze the night before I don’t know, however, Ken
Meek managed to keep it going and scored 35 points to take first prize from
John & Pier.
Ken Meek.
There were no near pins today.
1st Ken Meek (23) 35pts
2nd John Maycox (11) 33pts
3rd Pier Cere (12) 32pts
Wednesday, January 11,
Wangjuntr - Stableford
Today we played the Valley course and what a test of golf
it is (as reflected in the scores returned.) Everybody agreed that it was
well worth the longer journey than usual to play this fantastic golf course.
We all suggested that if we knew our way around the course a little better
we might have scored more. Who knows!
Unusually this course has five par threes and the near
pins were claimed by Ken Meek, Karl Flood (2) & Jason Cole (2). Jason took
first spot in the stableford from Ken while Toby O’Niel took revenge on Tony
Duthie for beating him on a back nine count back the previous week by
returning the favour.
1st Jason Cole (6) 31pts
2nd Ken Meek (23) 30pts
3rd Toby O’Niel (24) 27pts
4th Tony Duthie (21) 27pts
Friday, January 13,
Treasure Hills – Stableford
The first time we have played this course for quite a
while and I must say it was most enjoyable as it was in good condition and
the weather was ideal for playing golf - overcast with a nice gentle breeze.
First place was won on a count back by Roy Dayton17-16
from the man in form Ken Meek, who is on a fine run and has been in the
frame every day this week. Fred Land was only one point behind in third
spot.
Near pins went to Roy Dayton (2), Ken Meek & Ben.
1st Roy Dayton (24) 35pts
2nd Ken Meek (23) 35pts
3rd Fred Land (13) 34pts
Note: The Fairways Golf Society & Driving Range is
located at the top of Pattaya Klang on Sukhumvit Road and plays every
Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Anyone wishing to play with us can call in to
the club house and put their names down on the lists provided or call Scott
on 084 389 2379. Transport provided if required.
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Handscombe takes maiden win at Green Valley
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Friday’s winners at Green
Valley (from left): Arab, Nick and John with Sa, one of the Outback’s staff.
Monday, Jan 9,
Khao Kheow -
Stableford
So with our new schedule underway and 30 Outbackers at
Burapha today, there were another 11 here to taste the delights of the A & B
nines at Khao Kheow, where we are pleased to be able to offer the walking
alternative to those who prefer. It was a cracking day with a perfect
course, excellent greens and great weather, all wrapped up with a lovely
pace of play. Where could you find a better place for golf at the right
price?
Steve Mann revelled in it, winning the day’s only
division with 36pts from the two that were first and second on Friday at
Green Valley, Paul Greenaway (35pts) and Mark McDonald (34pts) who was
disappointed to have dropped four shots on the last three holes.
There were no ‘2’s.
1st Steve Mann (11/Hi9.9) 36pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (9/Hi8.3) 35pts
3rd Mark McDonald (2/Hi1.9) 34pts
4th Steve Plant (15/Hi13.8) 33pts
Monday, Jan. 9, Burapha -
Stableford
With Burapha at its best, 30 players took to the A and B
loops from the blue tees and apart from John Fitzgerald who took Div B with
a magnificent 40 points, Cameron Henderson (37pts) winner of Div A and
Stuart McKenzie (38pts) winner of Div C, nobody else beat their handicap,
even though I think this course gives back a few too many shots and a
re-slope & rating should be considered.
Anyway down to business it was welcome today to quite a
few new players, namely Cameron Henderson, Paul Gover & Mick Sullivan all
from around Sydney and also to a couple of mates of Jason’s; Bubba & Matt
and hello again to Tony Briggs and Keith Meehan.
The course surprisingly played one shot easier than par
apart from holes 8, 9, and 10; where the wind was blowing straight at you
and if you reached the green in regulation on those three holes it was two
fantastic shots.
There was a little bit of fun on the last hole for the
Project Manager as he four putted to lose the money; well done cobber Cottee
but I enjoyed the beer.
There were four ‘2’s from Greg Hill (A3), Wes Rado &
Capt’ Bob (A6 ) and Neil Lavery (B8 ).
Div A (0-15)
1st Cameron Henderson (9/Hi6.5)
37pts
2nd Gary Olliffe (15/Hi12.2) 36pts
3rd Paul Gover (13/Hi10) 35pts
4th John Cunningham (9/Hi6.5) 35
Div B (16-21)
1st John Fitzgerald (21/Hi17.3)
40pts
2nd Greg Hill (21/Hi17.3) 36pts
3rd Matt Molloney (16/Hi12.5) 36pts
4th Wes Rado (16/Hi12.6) 35pts
Div C (22+)
1st Stuart McKenzie (23/Hi18.8)
38pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (25/Hi20.3) 36pts
3rd Keith Meehan (24/Hi19.7) 33pts
4th Mick Sullivan (26/Hi21.5) 32pts
Tuesday,
Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
An unexpected early start today with the first tee due at
8.15 caught a couple by surprise, but with a bit of extra running around all
16 Outbackers were away on time with a slot to spare as some 40 odd Finns
were queuing up behind for a major tournament.
Chad, our regular Tuesday organizer, was unable to be
here today as he is off to hospital for some critical surgery. He will be
away for a number of weeks but we at the Outback and all his friends wish
him a speedy recovery. Good luck mate!
Geoff Moodie took the honours with a fine 38pts off 27
with Paul Smets following him home in second place with 37pts. Dave
Earthrowl, who couldn’t get off the tee here the previous day, got his
driver going again today to finish in third place on 36.
There were three ‘2’s; two from Alan Whittingham on holes
5 & 7 and one from Bob Pearce on hole 16.
1st Geoff Moodie (27/Hi27.6) 38pts
2nd Paul Smets (18/Hi19.5) 37pts
3rd David Earthrowl (22/Hi22.9)
36pts
4th Jason Gale (19/Hi20.1) 34pts
Wednesday, Jan. 11, The
Emerald - Stableford
You would have to go back to May last year when the
Outback last played the Emerald and today was just a reminder how tricky
this course can be; it might be short but never easy, with its undulating
and hard fairways.
Originally with 28 booked to play here, we had to turn
people away as the course was unable to take any more groups despite our
desperate phone call requests; however regrettably for one reason or
another, only 22 Outbackers actually played and those who did enjoyed an
excellent day out in lovely weather conditions.
Phil Waite was the only person to beat his handicap with
the day’s top score of 37pts to win Div A by two from Richard Steadman
(35pts ) and Wayne Cotterill (32pts), whilst Joe Russell took Div B edging
out on count back the Sugarman, having his first game since returning from
holiday in Aus and the in-form Jason Gale, all on 35.
There were five ‘2’s: two from Paulie O’Mahony on holes 7
& 15, two more on hole 13 from Phil Waite & John Fitzgerald and another one
on hole 15 from Joe Russell.
Div A (0-14)
1st Phil Waite (14/Hi13.8) 37pts
2nd Richard Steadman (12/Hi12.3)
35pts
3rd Wayne Cotterell (13/Hi12.7)
32pts
4th Gary Hogg (6/Hi6.9) 31pts
Div B (15+)
1st Joe Russell (20/Hi19) 35pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (19/Hi18.2)
35pts
3rd Jason Gale (21/Hi20.1) 35pts
4th Arab Russell (26/Hi24) 34pts
Thursday, Jan. 12, Century
Chonburi - Stableford
Well it’s now 2012 and the Outback Golf bar has deemed it
prudent to now cater for all golfers by not only going to play the premier
golf courses but playing others that do not normally come into our schedule.
So for the first time ever we journeyed to the Sir Nick
Faldo designed Century Chonburi course, which nestles in a hilly location in
amongst the pineapples. I think the worst part was the road in but to liken
it to other courses in the area would not be fair but suffice to say there
was nothing too much wrong with it. By that I mean the club house is nothing
like Laem Chabang or Old Siam but if you can put up with a cold shower and
only Heineken beer in the club house you will be doing alright. The greens
here probably needed a cut and the fairways a little water but apart from
that the 12 golfers the ventured there had a great time which was continued
back at the Outback.
There were no ‘2’s and you can see from the scores that
it didn’t play easy apart from that man again Jason Gale, who had an
excellent 38 points and even I found a place on the podium for a change with
my 29 points!
I’m not too sure about the rating of the course but it
seemed about right except it appeared a little generous to the ladies; we
had one play with us today and for the first time, so a big welcome to
Janthorn who definitely enjoyed herself back at the bar and is a pretty
useful pool player.
1st Jason Gale (23/Hi20.1) 38pts
2nd David Davies (30/Hi27) 32pts
3rd Janthorn Kuanha (35/Hi29) 32pts
4th Bob Philp (12/Hi10.8) 29pts
Friday, Jan. 13, Green
Valley – Stableford
As always this course is well supported by both members
and visitors alike, with some 31 players out there today. Quite a number of
first timers with the Outback namely Nick Handscombe, Gary Royston and
Sterling Pearson so welcome to them and welcome back to Gabriel Enright who
we haven’t seen for some time.
Nick came out of the traps absolutely flying as he won
Div A with 38pts and beating Kissy on count back, with Cotty back in third
on 37. Following his 40-point win at Burapha on Monday, John Fitzgerald took
Div B also with 37pts ahead of Steve Plant (36pts) and the unlikely winner
of Div C was Arab Russell (36pts) ahead of Jason, yet again! We know you’re
away home tomorrow but at least someone else will have a chance next week –
maybe Noddy will come good.
There were four ‘2’s today; two on hole 4 from Keith
Buchanan & Dennis Pelly, Paul Greenaway (hole 7) and Paul Bourke (hole 12).
Div A (0-12)
1st Nick Handscombe (11/Hi12) 38pts
2nd Keith Buchanan (11/Hi11.9)
38pts
3rd Wayne Cotterell (12/Hi12.8)
37pts
4th Gary Hogg (6/Hi7) 35pts
Div B (13-18)
1st John Fitzgerald (16/Hi16.5)
37pts
2nd Steve Plant (13/Hi13.8) 36pts
3rd Phil Waite (13/Hi13.5) 35pts
4th Sugar Ray Handford (18/Hi18.2)
33pts
Div C (19+)
1st Arab Russell (25/Hi24) 37pts
2nd Jason Gale (19/Hi19.3) 35pts
3rd Ed Horrocks (20/Hi20.2) 33pts
4th Keith Meehan (20/Hi19.7) 32pts
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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Arnold back
in the winner’s circle
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Wednesday winner Arnold van de
Graaf (left) with runner-up Mark Campbell.
The weather gods were fine but the course at the Pattaya
Country Club was in need of water, lots of water. No need to lose one’s ball
in the tall grass because there was none.
Sixteen players showed up this 11th of January 2012 and
did their best. Ratings were hole #1 wet, #5 soaked in front of green, 18th
like playing in sand. Other than that everything was fine.
Back at Caddy Shack II the cards were tallied and not
seen at the top for some time was Arnold van de Graff coming in with a 37
points. Mark Campbell tied with Bobby Clark, both having 34s but Mark took
second spot on the count back with 19 strokes. Paul Kraft and Sus Ige were
close behind with 33s.
Herbie came through with the usual snacks but today he
had roast pork slices that everyone enjoyed.
Miller storms home at Navy
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Andy Baber and Terry Redding
with two Jomtien golf ladies, Miss Faa and Miss Tar.
Monday, January 9,
Plutaluang – Stableford
For unknown reasons this was our first visit here for
four months and we were allocated the East and South courses. As we reached
the marshall’s box we were then told there was another society going out
before us with five groups so we had a 40 minute delay and then got stuck
behind the group in front.
We had eleven groups out and with our normal tee time of
10.00am delayed and a slow round our last four-ball came in at around 4.00
p.m. The cut today was 6-17, 18 -22 and 23+ in the three divisions.
Ron Miller, playing off 14, won division 1 with 44
points, John Smith was second with 37 and Stan Everingham took third two
points behind.
The two bandits topped divisions 2 and 3; Paul Chabot in
the second with 34 points ahead of Mauri Frimam in second on 32 and the
French boy Jean Morel third on 31, and in the third flight Willy van
Heetvelde was on top of the podium yet again 34 points. Brian Ferigno took
second place with 32 and Frank Weiand was third with 30.
Pranee Bossett claimed the ladies division with a meagre
24 points but she was still smiling at the presentation back at Siam Cats.
Near pins went to Georges Faber, John Smith (2), Mark Armstrong, Tom Novak
and Terry Redding.
Ron Miller birdied the second on the East course to win
the ‘2’s in division 1 and Mark Armstrong and William Chang split the
rollover pot in division 2.
Wednesday,
January 11,
Greenwood - Stableford
There were eight cancellations overnight and early
morning and two no shows at Siam Cats and this disrupted the schedule
immensely, both for the transport and for the starting list. In the end on
the first tee we had 2 ladies out and 29 men with the cut at 6-17 and 18
plus in division 2.
There were many good reports on the condition of the
course back in the clubhouse, especially the greens so this will be a
regular booking over the next few months.
Erkki Pohja recorded the best score of the day with 38
points to win division 2, William Chang was second one point behind and
Terry Redding beat count back Burnie 20/18 on the back nine after they both
came in with 36 points.
Back from the US, Harry Vincenzi topped division 1 with
36 points, Frank Kelly was second on 35 and Raymond beat Adi Mayer on an
18/17 back nine count back after they both shot 33 points.
Verana Suhr took the ladies division but we are not
mentioning the winning score.
Near pins were claimed by Adi Mayer, Raymond, Dennis
Scougal, Volker Suhr and Bryan Rought (2).
William Chang birdied the 6th on the C course to record
the only ‘2’ of the day and take the pot in division 2.
Friday, January 13,
Eastern Star - Stableford
A really murky day here and with a cool breeze coming off
the coast, perfect playing conditions. The two-person scramble list here in
two weeks is filling up fast and we are going to limit it to 30 pairs.
With her first ever score under par Jill Stanley won the
ladies division today with 39 points, well done Jill! Evelyn McNamara came
in second with 35 and there were seven ladies out today in the competition.
Darryl Blair won division 1 with 37 points and Chris
Voller, playing off 7, was second after beating Bill Bertram (8) on a 11/10
back six count back, both scoring 34 points each.
Not seeing his Chevrolet for over two months now because
of the two rounds a day for his lady at Buraphra, Andy Baber cheered up and
won the second division with 32 points. Paul Chabot was second one point
behind and the Somerset based horse trainer Malcolm Saunders beat Tony
Holehouse on a 14/13 back nine count back after they both scored 27.
Near pins went to Josie Monks (2), Verana Suhr, Anothai
van Zeeland, Mikael Andersson, Darryl Blair, Ya Riley, Frank Kelly, Ian
Plummer and Bryan Priestley.
In the ‘2’s Darryl Blair birdied the 6th for the only one
in division 1 and there are now six rollovers to next Friday at Eastern Star
in the second division.
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Buckingham bags top spot
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Friday’s top three pose
for a photo at Tropical Bert’s.
Derek Brook
Friday, January 13,
Pattaya Country Club – Stableford
We do not go to Pattaya Country Club very often
because it seems to be a course that lacks any great views as you go
around. This place used to have the best fairways anywhere and that more
than made up for the lack of what I would call ‘character”, but now the
fairways are now no more than average as the grass seems to have
deteriorated.
However, we have been going to Pattaya Country Club a
bit more lately because despite what I have said above, the management
and staff here remain friendly; a point that many courses with better
amenities could take note of. Many of the players with Tropical Bert’s
like to go there because it is a ‘golfer friendly’ course. Indeed many
of the golfers with high handicaps prefer it to courses with a much
higher reputation exactly because it is a relatively ‘relaxing’ course.
On this day we played with those players who do not
like playing two day competitions, as per the PSC Championships, or the
overflow who could not get in. Normal service will be resumed shortly,
however surprisingly we had quite a good turnout, proving that many
people just want to play a round of golf with friends.
It is only a pitch and a put to this golf course, not
a long drive, so we were there in plenty of time to join the queue, and
the course was pretty full. So off we went and as usual these days into
a strong wind. Also with ahead backed up at every par 3.
As said, the fairways are not what they used to be,
but once I got onto the back nine I was reminded that it was Friday the
13th with 11 bunkers in 7 holes. I was not the only one as those
laughing at my bunker recoveries also started to succumb. It went
rapidly downhill, and I was to see later that all the rest seemed to
find the day difficult for similar reasons.
Back at Bert’s for the presentation and Dick Warberg
announced the results. The winner with 38 points was Graham Buckingham
ahead of Steve Hamstad in second on 34. We then had a count back on 33
points that saw Max Matthews in third over yours truly. Near pins went
to Don Carmody, Daryl Evans, Derek Brook and Mike Gaussa.
Presentation over it was then time to top up on
‘Happy Hour’. T.T.F.N.
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Ritchie on a roll at Green Valley
PSC golf from The Caddyshack
Monday, Jan. 9, Bangpakong
– Stableford
Wednesday winner Greg Ritchie
with his caddy.
A Flight
1st Mike Phillips (11) 35pts
2nd Brian Orr (15) 35pts
3rd Clive Bruce (9) 34pts
B Flight
1st Steven Phillips (27) 40pts
2nd Dave Bramley (18) 38pts
3rd Dave Strang (18) 37pts
2’s: Mike Phillips, Steven Phillips
Two flights at Bangpakong on Monday with Steven Phillips
recording the best round, a fine 40 points, to win the B Flight ahead of
Dave Bramley and Dave Strang. Mike Phillips needed a count back to take the
A Flight honours from Brian Orr, both on 35 points, while Clive Bruce
completed the podium.
Wednesday, Jan. 11, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Eddie Blackwell (11) 38pts
2nd Dave Hester (7) 36pts
3rd Arch Armstrong (7) 36pts
B Flight
1st Greg Ritchie (21) 42pts
2nd Tom Breslin (26) 38pts
3rd Derek May (18) 38pts
2’s: Brian Orr, Greg Ritchie
Another full complement of golfers assembled on Wednesday
to take on Green Valley. Greg Ritchie shot the best round of the week
(42pts) to take out B Flight and also took a share of the ‘2’s pot with
Brian Orr. Eddie Blackwell headed the senior flight by two from Dave Hester
and Arch Armstrong.
Friday, Jan. 13, Mt.
Shadow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Doug Crowe (8) 34pts
2nd Jason Barnett (6) 33pts
B Flight
1st Dave Strang (18) 31pts
2nd Kevin Hamilton (18) 23pts
Lower scores on Friday as Mountain Shadow bared its
teeth. Just two places up for grabs in each flight and Doug Crowe topped the
A Flight on 34 points ahead of Jason Barnett, while Dave Strang secured B
Flight honours with 31 and Kevin Hamilton placed second on a meager 23
points.
Just to show how tough Mountain Shadow played; Caddyshack regular Ramsay
Smith scored a society record 9 points on the front nine and stormed home
with 1 point on the back. He remarked later that he “found that course a
little difficult.”
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Strong wind makes it tough going at Khao Kheow
PSC golf from the Bunker Boys at the Bowling Green
Monday, January 9,
Pleasant Valley - Stableford
Pleasant Valley will never be the most popular course on
the Bunker Boys schedule, but a good field turned out for one of our
infrequent visits there. Starting on the back nine made the course even less
appealing to some, particularly as a strong breeze always seems to blow down
what for some has become known as “unpleasant valley”.
Gordon and Marion look
surprised at scooping the B Flight on Friday.
Our scheduled tee time was delayed by 20 minutes giving
Skinny and Neil time to get an early start on their attempt to break the
course record (for the number of beers drunk in a round). The ensuing round
took almost five and a half hours which left a number of other players
wondering whether they’d be better off entering the beer drinking
competition.
Three players managed to keep their concentration,
finishing with a very creditable score of 38 points; Mark Stanley beating JJ
on a count back to win the honours in A flight, and Eddie Kelly romping home
in the B flight.
A Flight
1st Mark Stanley (12) 38pts
2nd JJ Harney (12) 38pts
3rd Colin Greig (12) 36pts
B Flight
1st Eddie Kelly (18) 38pts
2nd Geoff Parker (16) 35pts
3rd Marion Melia (22) 33pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Ken Ellmore and Eddie
Kelly (2)
Wednesday, January 11,
Khao Kheow A & B - Stableford
Much of the conversation at the Bowling Green prior to
departure was about the windy conditions experienced the previous day at
Khao Kheow, by those taking part in the PSC annual championship. As we
assembled on the first tee it was obvious that the wind today was even
stronger than Tuesday, making the course even more formidable than usual.
A number of players finished the first nine with single
figure points totals, but fortunately the gale subsided on the back nine,
allowing the scores to become more respectable. Colin Greig and Eddie Kelly
handled the conditions the best to win the A and B flights respectively with
35 points.
Special mention goes to Reg Smart who had a score that he
will be very keen to forget, but kept his good humour throughout.
A Flight
1st Colin Greig (12) 35pts
2nd Geoff Cox (14) 33pts
3rd Tony Robbins (13) 32pts
B Flight
1st Eddie Kelly (18) 35pts
2nd Jack Robertson (27) 34pts
3rd Gordon Melia (17) 31pts
Near Pins: Mike Brett, Gordon Melia, Rab McDonald
and Ken Ellmore
Friday, January 13,
Greenwood C & A - Stableford
We had a good turnout today, despite the fixture clash
with the final day of the annual PSC championship. The Greenwood course is
in excellent shape and great value for money at the moment, so well worth
the trip up the 331.
There was some confusion at the start when we discovered
that the course had no caddies available, due to absentee mothers attending
Children’s day celebrations. Once we eventually got underway, there were no
other holdups, and the round progressed smoothly.
Shot of the day went to Rab McDonald who put the ball
within five feet of the pin on the long and difficult par 3 third hole on
the C course (then missed the birdie!). Ken Ellmore continued his good run
of form to win the A flight, and Denis Quinn was only one point behind to
take the honours in the B flight. Gordon and Marion Melia put in a fine
joint performance to take second and third places in the B flight.
A Flight
1st Ken Ellmore (16) 38pts
2nd JJ Harney (12) 36pts
3rd Geoff Parker (16) 33pts
B Flight
1st Denis Quinn (21) 37pts
2nd Gordon Melia (17) 36pts
3rd Marion Melia (22) 35pts
Near Pins: Rab McDonald and Geoff Parker (2)
Following the recent demise of the Bunker Bar, the Bunker Boys now play
out of the Bowling Green on Soi X-Zyte between Pattaya 3rd
Road and Soi Buakhao. We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out and a friendly but competitive
golf competition, why come and join us. We meet at the Bowling Green at 9
a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players with valid handicaps
are always welcome. For more information call Dave on 087 146 9978, email
dave.evelyn18 @yahoo.co.uk.
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Fun in the sand at Kabinburi Sports Club
IPGC golf from The Links
Sunday, January 8, Pattaya
Country Club – Stableford
Boosted by a strong Irish contingent, 22 golfers made the
short trip from The Links to Pattaya Country Club which will now be the
regular Sunday venue until further notice, due to the lack of available
slots at Green Valley. The condition of the course is steadily improving and
the heavily discounted green fees coupled with the tremendous finishing
holes make this course an excellent weekend alternative.
There were two flights today with the split coming at
0–17 and 18+.
In the A flight, late entrant JJ Harney wolfed down his
breakfast once he found out there was a slot available for him, and managed
to keep his indigestion at bay long enough to score 36 points and take 1st
spot off his 10 handicap, edging out Joe Peters by a single point, with
Frank McGowan 4 points back in 3rd.
In the B flight, Richie Martin returned his best score
for quite a while, to take the division by a full 6 points. Aussie chef Mark
Armstrong came 2nd on 31 points, with returnee Roar
Berger a further point back in 3rd.
The only 2 of the day went to Joe Peters.
A flight
1st JJ Harney (10) 36pts
2nd Joe Peters (17) 35pts
3rd Frank McGowan (16) 31pts
B Flight
1st Richie Martin (21) 37pts
2nd Mark Armstrong (21) 31pts
3rd Roar Berger (23) 30pts
Tues & Wed,
Jan 10 & 11, Kabinburi Sports Club – Stableford
Thirty-six golfers signed up for the Links’ second two
day trip to Kabinburi, an event which is fast becoming a highlight on the
hotel’s calendar. For 2,800 baht you get two rounds of golf on a wonderfully
manicured course and one night in a suite in the Kantary hotel, an
establishment that would be 5* if it wasn’t for the painfully slow service
in the restaurant.
The only thing that lets the course down is the state of
the bunkers. The sand is so soft that you almost sink to your knees when you
get in, and even a ball trickling in the edge ends up buried. To counteract
this, the course has a local rule of placing in the bunkers, which we only
took advantage of on the second day and the difference was evident from the
improved scoring on day 2.
With 36 golfers of varying ages and handicaps between 7
and 24, we decided to forego the chance to play off the “Kato” tees,
weighing in at a whopping 8,075 yards (the longest in Thailand), and opted
instead for the whites, still a healthy 6,652. With a strong wind on both
days and fast, subtly sloping greens, the course played well over par.
In the A flight (0-12), Marty Rock played steadily off
his 9 handicap and won both days with 35 and 34 points respectively, edging
out Jon Batty on day 1, and Russell Exley on day 2 by virtue of an 18 to 16
count back. Mr consistency, Nick Hanscombe finished third on both days.
The B flight (13-18) was taken John McKenna on day 1 with
36 points, the only player to match his handicap during the trip, and Frank
McGowan on day 2. Brian Lougheed was the bridesmaid on both occasions, but
it was not all bad news as he shared the two day eclectic competition with
Canadian Mike “constuction” Korney.
The C flight (19+) was an all Irish affair, won by Ted
Murphy on day 1 and Ger Lodge on day 2. Paul Magowan picked up the first
payday of his long stay here, taking 3rd place on day
1 with 25 points.
‘2’s went to Mike Korney, Russell Exley, Richie Martin
and Joe Peters on day 1, and Jon Batty and Andy Galvin on day 2.
Day 1
A Flight
1st Marty Rock (9) 35pts
2nd Jon Batty (9) 32pts
3rd Nick Hanscombe (12) 31pts
B Flight
1st Frank McGowan (16) 34pts
2nd Brian Lougheed (15) 33pts
3rd Philip Rock (18) 30pts
C Flight
1st Ger Lodge (19) 33pts
2nd Richie Martin (21) 29pts
3rd Paul Magowan (24) 25pts
Day 2
A Flight
1st Marty Rock (9) 34pts
2nd Russell Exley (7) 34pts
3rd Nick Hanscombe (12) 32pts
B Flight
1st John McKenna (16) 36pts
2nd Brian Lougheed (15) 34pts
3rd Alwyne Burley (18) 33pts
C Flight
1st Ted Murphy (22) 31pts
2nd Andy Galvin (20) 30pts
3rd Fred O’Connor (24) 29pts
2-Day Eclectic
1st Brian Lougheed 43pts
1st Mike Korney 43pts
3rd John McKenna 41pts
Thursday, Jan 12, Bangpra
– Stableford
The two tough days in Kabinburi obviously took their toll
on the regulars as only 7 golfers signed up for Bangpra the next day.
This was the author’s first trip to the course, and I was
especially looking forward to pitting my wits against what I’d been told
were the toughest greens around. Maybe it was an off day for the green
staff, but I found them disappointingly on the slow side (9.5 stimp) and
managed to limit myself to only one 3-putt. It was some shocking tee shots
on the par 3’s contributing two points in total, which limited the winning
score to 32 points.
Paul Magowan picked up his second prize of the week
scoring 30 points, with Barney Munnin third on 28. There were no ‘2’s, so
the pot carried forward to Pattaya Country Club on Sunday.
1st Jon Batty (9) 32pts
2nd Paul Magowan (24) 30pts
3rd Barney Munnin (16) 28pts
Note: The Links depart from the hotel on Soi
Buakhao at 9.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10.00am for Pattaya Country
Club every Sunday. Sign up at the hotel or contact Jon on 0800211034. A full
schedule of courses can be found on the IPGC website www.ipgc.org.
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Hal Hart grabs a pair of 38’s
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, January 9,
Greenwood - Stableford
CSS72
1st Hal Hart (26) 38pts
2nd Brian Lewis (20) 36pts
3rd Vance Millar (17) 33pts
4th Wilf Wellman (25) 32pts
5th Alan Hanlon (12) 30pts
Bob Lamond.
As is usual at this time of year, the A and C courses at
Greenwood were in excellent condition and with the course not very busy it
made for a very good days golf, with the only small gripe being the charging
of 600 baht for a golf cart with a restriction of one golfer per cart,
making it not so inexpensive for the non-walkers but this seems an almost
churlish complaint with the green fee and caddy cost at just 800 baht.
Hal Hart came to the front after a couple of dry weeks
with a very good return of two under handicap, which was enough to ensure
his first win out of The Haven by two clear shots.
Brian Lewis, having warmed up in other venues, found the
competition slightly easier with the Soi 13 boys and girls as a level par
round was sufficient to lay claim to second spot ahead of Vance Millar by
three.
Wilf Wellman, having taken on the onerous duties of
competition course manager and general organizer with great relish in
Trevor’s absence, found he was still alert enough to take fourth place two
in front of Alan Hanlon, but complained of severe mental fatigue on his
return to the bar at the end of the day and claimed that it was the extra
responsibilities that had ruined his chances of the top honours.
Hal Hart.
There were no 2’s in either of the divisions.
Wednesday,
January 11,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Mike Hill (25) 38pts
2nd Bruce Kusyk (13) 36pts
3rd Barry Wellings (5) 35pts
4th Brian Libbey (9) 34pts
5th Al Rolnik (18) 34pts
Returning to the A and B courses at Crystal Bay was the
second good experience of the week as the course was also in very nice
condition with the greens beginning to return to their old speed and
flatness.
The green fee and caddy fee is also quite reasonable at
990 baht for walkers and at an exceptional value of 1,290 for a single usage
cart golfer.
It has been a while since Mike Hill won his last
competition but on the day he took to the wide open fairways with gusto to
record his best round for a year and a record points total in Thailand, and
take the win that was even more satisfying when he took the money off his
playing partner Rodney into the bargain.
Bruce Kusyk returned to play after a break from playing
any serious golf whilst awaiting the migration from Canada by his regular
golfing buddies, and claimed second place with a solid performance at level
handicap.
Barry Wellings was not quite able to capitalize on his
prodigious distance off the tees but did just enough to take third ahead of
a count back between Brian Libbey and Al Rolnik, which Brian won with a
better 18 to 17 to take fourth spot on the podium.
After a few misses both of the 2’s pools were won, the
first division by Kevin Townsend and the second by Rod Howett.
Prior to the presentations Bruce Kusyk and Leif and
Torild Lossius were welcomed back.
Friday, January 13,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
CSS 70
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Bob Lamond (6) 41
2nd Alan Hanlon (12) 39
3rd Kevin Townsend (11) 37
Division 2 (16+)
1st Torild Lossius (36) 38pts
2nd Hal Hart (26) 38pts
3rd Dave Thompson (19) 35pts
A much larger group set off up the 331 to Treasure Hill,
which is now well within a forty five minute drive, and on arrival were very
happy to find that for the third time in the week the caddy/green fee rate
was under a 1,000 baht, making it a very reasonable week’s golf for the high
season on three very well maintained courses.
With sufficient numbers to make two divisions and the cut
coming at the standard 15 and below, the field set off from the yellow tees,
which for once were playing to the shorter length of the card which made for
some excellent scores and ensured that the CSS for the day was reduced to
70.
In the first division Bob Lamond came right back into
form with a stunning 73 gross that spread-eagled the competition and took
first place, and even though Alan Hanlon got within two for second place it
was still a remarkable round over one of the more difficult layouts in the
area. Kevin Townsend also played well but had to settle for third with a one
under handicap return.
In the second division Torild Lossius won her first
competition in Thailand with a solid round of two under handicap and with
very few mistakes well deserved to take the top step by count back from one
of her playing partners, Hal Hart, who returned his second 38 point haul in
the week. Dave Thompson rounded out the division’s winners in his last game
in Thailand for a while as he returned to the UK that same evening.
To add to her success Torild Lossius slipped in the only
2 in the second division which helped tremendously towards her win as it
also netted her 5 points whilst Rodney Hayes and Bob Lamond shared the first
division, Bob’s being particularly noteworthy as he achieved it on the
second hole.
Before presenting the prizes, Stephen Beard welcomed back
Frithjof and Marianne Kayser.
Note. If you would like to play with The Haven group, you
can contact mobile 082 219 0965 or call in to The Haven Hotel, at 185 Soi
13, between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All
transportation to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up
prior to the day, but you should be there by 8.30 on Mondays, Wednesday,
Fridays and 9.00am on Sundays on the days you wish to play. A schedule of
courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
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No holding Joe
The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
PGS Championship winners Pete
Sumner & Dave Cadwallader (centre), flanked by runners-up Larry Slattery and
Ray Banks, with Player of the Year Wichai Tananusorn and Mr Len
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Khao Kheow on Monday,
9th January to play a stableford competition on the A and B nines. The
course which had been seriously rain damaged for most of the low season is
slowly recovering but there are still bare patches on some fairways. Greens
however are true and quite quick.
The large PGS field was divided into two flights at
fifteen and under and the second flight played from the white tees. Here
Larry Ang found his form again with 34 points for third place, a couple
behind Larry Slattery in second. The flight winner was Canadian member Henry
Mah whose 37 points was his best with the group in two seasons of trying.
In the top flight Tom Atkins played a level par round of
36 points for third place whilst Mike Earley broke his personal habit of
playing poorly on his return to record 40 points. He must be forgiven for
thinking it would be good enough to secure the victory but playing partner
Joe Niisato had other ideas and went one better recording 41 points for an
excellent win.
Joe also shared the ‘2’s pot with Martin Grimoldby, Tony
Thorne, Tom Atkins, Rob Lamond, Alan Griffiths, Fred Land and Henry Mah.
Evan Millar, for whom nothing went right at the start of his round, received
the Booby Bevy for the day’s largest split of ten points between the front
and back nines.
The return to Khao Kheow had been a successful one and as
the course is improving all the time the PGS look forward to returning there
next month for some more testing golf on the beautiful course.
Sumner & Cadwallader show Championship class
The Pattaya Golf Society held its Annual Championships at
the Emerald course in Ban Chang on Wednesday - Friday, 11th-13th January.
The course was tough in the strong ever-present wind and players had to dig
deep to come up with good scores. Thirty six holes of strokeplay is always a
tough call but the large field enjoyed the challenge with daily prize pools
to add some spice to the mix.
First day divisional winners were Dave Cadwallader (net
71) and Larry Slattery (net 73), with impressive performances from Gary
Bolger, Mike Earley and Pete Sumner and the pressure was turned up on Day
Two when the field played to a conclusion in rank order with the leaders
going head-to-head.
The second day proved as challenging as the first but
Mike Earley was continuing his outsider challenge and Mr Len, the “Friday
Man” was making a charge after a dismal final hole on Day One had blown his
chances early. Second Day divisional winners were Sumner and Cadwallader
with Slattery and Jones sharing the second flight.
Overall Dave Cadwallader produced the best net display
with net 71 on both days and finished as Net Champion with Larry Slattery as
runner-up. Pete Sumner took the Gross Champion title after Ray Banks blew
away five shots on holes five and six to finish runner-up.
The “All-Comers” award went to new member Seil Revels for
his best gross total of 159 which saw an inspired second day performance of
76 off the sticks at Emerald.
It had been a worthy Championship and with the defending champions
elsewhere the group was delighted to boast of its two new “heroes”. At the
presentation Tony Thorne’s and Khun Wichai’s unstinting help and support
before and during the event was recognised and Jeff “ Rabbi” and Khun
Peung’s in-house efforts were of their usual high standard. Well done
everyone! Full results and scores can be found on the group’s informative
website at http://www.thepattaya golfsociety.org.
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Volpi victorious at Phoenix
Phoenix Tuesday/Friday/Sunday Golf Group
Tuesday’s top three with a
staff member from the Relax Bar.
Mike Gerrard
This week’s report starts with Sunday 8th Jan 2012 when
six of the Phoenix members turned out on a glorious day with not too many on
the course. This made the round more enjoyable because we had the place
virtually to ourselves.
Having two three-ball teams we decided to try a new
format and we played the best two scores to count for each team. This means
that even if someone is having a bad day they can still contribute right up
until the very last hole.
After checking the scores, both teams scored the front
nine with 44 points (8 under par), however the team of Mike Gerrard, Stuart
Gordon and Eamon Murtagh scored another 43 points on the back nine as
opposed to the 32 by the team of John Bartley, Patrick Browne and Bill
Hewitt.
So this made the winning team 15 under par, a score that
anyone would easily win a major tournament. Problem is that when you try to
do it in a major tournament it doesn’t work somehow.
The best individual score was from yours truly (Mike
Gerrard) with 41 points, with John Bartley six shots behind on 35 points to
claim second place.
Ah well, it was time I had a good score, so it was a two
shot voluntary cut to my handicap for the next few days until the PSC
review.
Onto Tuesday, January 10, and this day we had a full
complement of 7 groups (that’s our limit folks) and once again the weather
was absolutely perfect. We also enjoyed a much faster round than of late due
to the course not being so busy. It was nice for everyone to enjoy being
involved in a four-ball team.
Sergio Volpi brought along a guest player to play with
him and we discovered that he was a golf teacher. Thus Sergio won the day
with a fine 39 points. I do not think for one minute that his teacher was
instructing him during the competition!! Sergio is seen in the photograph
holding the KPK Food Services voucher as part of his winnings. Our thanks go
to Keith Keohane for his company’s support.
In second place was Stuart Gordon with 38 points,
followed closely by Denis Dixon in third place with 37 points. We decided to
go down to six places today and so it was yours truly in fourth place with
36 points, Bob Neylon in fifth with 35 points and Bill Hewitt & Peter Harris
joint sixth with 34 points each.
Near pins went to Denis Dixon, Are Hogestor, Angel
Matamala & Bill Hewitt.
We also had four lucky draw prizes donated by our hosts
The Relax Bar, with Joe Miller claiming the free massage at the Relax Bar.
For more information regarding both golf at Phoenix and
sea fishing (twice monthly) contact me on 087 091 7565.
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Ocean Marina launches new race series to mark
17th year anniversary
Monks give their blessing to
the Ocean Marina Yacht Club and its staff on the occasion of its 17th
anniversary.
Phasakorn Channgam
Ocean Marina Yacht Club celebrated its 17th
birthday on the weekend of January 14-15 by holding the first of what is
planned to be a prestigious monthly international sailing competition.
Before the action on the water got under way however, 9
Buddhist monks were invited down to the marina to accept alms and also to
perform a blessing ceremony to bestow good luck and prosperity on both the
Ocean Marina resort and its staff.
The fleet assembles at the
start line for the inaugural Ocean Marina Anniversary Regatta.
Out in the bay, the sailors representing Scotland,
Thailand, Malaysia, China and Japan were keen to get underway and vie for
the title of being the inaugural winners of this new sailing event – the
Ocean Marina Anniversary Regatta. The race series is planned to be held on
the second Saturday of each month.
The four race classes include Racing Keelboats, Cruising
Monohulls and Multihulls, Racing Multihulls, Platus and Sportsboats. To
qualify for the overall club championship in each of the classes, a yacht
must sail in a minimum of five regattas out of the 11 scheduled events.
Three discards will be allowed and the best eight results from qualifying
yachts will be totalled. At the end of the season, points will be
recalculated for each regatta, using the results of qualifying yachts only,
to determine the club champion in each class.
Later on the Saturday evening, Jan 14, a festive party
was held to welcome the sailors who took part in this first race series
event and also to celebrate the start of the 18th year
cycle of this high class maritime facility and hotel resort.
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First win for Kit at Emerald
on Eastern Star
Backyard Golf Society
Kit (2nd right) celebrates his
win with the staff outside Moonshine Bar.
We had eight players last week for the Backyard Golf
Society’s round of golf at the Emerald Golf Course. After encountering a few
problems over the last couple of weeks it was nice to have two four-balls
with everyone getting along well, both on and off the golf course.
Kit celebrated his first win by beating Mike on count
back after both finished with 34 points. John Mac took nearest the pin prize
in his final round before going back to work for a few weeks and skin
results are as follows: Kit (7), Mike (5), JJ (2), Terry C (2), John Mac
(1), and one rollover for next week.
The party atmosphere continued after the golf, first down
the road at Ban Chang and certain members becoming well intoxicated in
Jomtien later.
Pattaya Panthers RFC storm to first win of 2012
Tong (far left) breaks free
from the back of the scrum to attack the U.S. Navy back line.
The balmy evening of 7th January saw the rejuvenated
Pattaya Panthers RFC taking on the might of the United States Navy in the
guise of the USS Abraham Lincoln RFC. This was the Panthers first match of
the New Year following a recent AGM, which saw the injection of some new
blood into the team’s organisation.
The game took place on a cool and mild evening under the
floodlights at the splendid Horseshoe Point Resort. The late kick-off meant
relatively fresh conditions, which made a pleasant change from the usual hot
and sticky weather that we are used to.
Under the guidance of coach Des Halls and led by newly
installed Captain Adrien Simon the Panthers fielded a strong squad, with
competition for places seeing some of the older regular players make way for
some of the younger blood.
Pattaya Panthers Chairman Jim
Howard congratulates both teams after the match.
The Panthers won the toss and this was a good omen, as
from the first blow on referee Mike Gilbert’s whistle they started in a very
decisive manner. The forwards reclaimed the ball from the Panthers kick-off
and following a series of 17 phases scored the first try of the night scored
by Captain Adrien, who easily converted his own try.
The Abraham Lincoln boys responded strongly and pressed
into the Panther’s 25 and with the Panther’s line in sight threw a wayward
pass that was intercepted by Panther’s greyhound winger Derrick, who
sprinted the length of the field to touch down under the posts for the
second try, which was again converted by Captain Adrien.
The Panthers kept the momentum going, with fly-half
Adrien dictating the game decisively in his first match as captain. The
score at the end of the first period was 38-0 with further tries from
Marcus, Olivier, Lindon and Khun Tong.
The second period saw the scrums become contested and
every scrum was heavily fought in a fairly even battle up front. Credit to
all the Panther’s forwards from 1-8, who held their own against a bigger and
stronger US pack. The Abraham Lincoln however finally got onto the
scoreboard with one of their big forwards driving over from close range
after a period of sustained pressure on the Panther’s try line.
The Panthers responded well after a break through the
centres took them to within metres of the opponents’ line before Adrien was
able to pick up and dive over for his second try of the night. A further try
was added by flanker Khun Tai.
The third period continued to be hotly contested with the
USS Abraham Lincoln team putting in 100% + effort. The Panther’s forwards
however were able to capitalise on their opponents’ lack of experience and
secured lots of good ball for the backs and the pressure paid off with a
flurry of last minute tries from Adrien, Josh and Lindon. At the final
whistle the score was 69-5 with Adrien (2) & Khun Tong (5) having converted
7 out of the 11 tries.
It was a great all round performance from the “new look”
Panthers with high work rate from all the forwards who set the groundwork
for some exciting backline play. The game was well controlled by guest
referee Mike Gilbert, who complimented both teams on their enthusiasm.
Following the game, the teams convened poolside for a few
refreshments (and a very entertaining “belly-flop” dive competition that was
won convincingly by the US boys) before heading to Jamesons Irish Pub for
some food and further liquid refreshment and revelry that continued late
into the night.
The Panthers wish to thank everybody that supported the
game; Mike Gilbert, the staff at Horseshoe Point, and the USS Abraham
Lincoln for providing a sporting and fair opposition and look forward to
hosting them or any of their sister ships again next time they are in port.
The Pattaya Panthers RFC meets every Thursday evening at
Horseshoe Point from 7.00pm for training and new members or rugby
enthusiasts are always welcome. For more information please visit:
http://www.pattayapanthers.com or contact Paul Crouch at
[email protected].
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City teams enjoy
a winning weekend
amidst the drizzle
Bangkok Casuals Football League Div 1 & 2
Paul Frain
The two Pattaya City teams were once again on their
travels last weekend to make the trip to Bangkok for the second week
running. The first team played Cosmos, who are lying in the mid-table of Div
1 and this is always a game of high drama and high standards. This proved to
be the case again as the two teams battled to gain the upper hand, but with
both defenses up to the mark it took 15 minutes before a shot was made.
Soon after, City’s Tshuma made a superb run which was
ended when he was brought down in the area and the referee pointed to the
spot. The penalty was converted by City’s top scorer Earnest Dipita to put
City in the lead. This goal brought confidence to the Pattaya players and
they started to put heavy pressure on the Cosmos defense which resulted in
the Cosmos keeper fumbling the ball and centre forward Alexsei Ivanov
pouncing to tap the ball home and make it 2-0.
Cosmos had a golden chance to get back into the match
when their centre forward was put clean through, but after rounding the City
keeper he somehow managed to put the ball wide of the open goal. It was a
let-off for City but they were not so fortunate soon after when Cosmos took
advantage of a static Pattaya defense to cut the arrears to just one goal
going into the break.
City came out firing in the second half and another
dazzling run by Tshuma saw the ball fed to Earnest Dipita who made no
mistake to make it 3-1 to City.
Cosmos replied with a shot that hit the City bar and then
forced a good save out of the Pattaya keeper as they tried to get back into
the game, but it was City’s livewire Dipita who made the next telling blow
as he received the ball from Tshuma to make it 4-1. With the clock running
down there was just enough time for Cosmos to grab a consolation goal and
make the score 4-2 at the final whistle.
City showed their best form for a long time in this match
but they will have to maintain this standard if they are to have any chance
of winning the overall championship.
Meanwhile on the same weekend, the Pattaya City Reserves
needed to win their match against Triumph Masters to regain some confidence
following their mauling by the league leaders in their previous game.
City had the first chance when O’Callaghan’s shot went
just the wrong side of the post but they followed this up almost immediately
by opening the scoring. The Masters keeper’s wayward throw went straight to
City’s Glen Wilkins who tapped the ball home to give the Pattaya team the
lead.
City could have gone further ahead but Glen Wilkins’ shot
went over the bar with only the keeper to beat however his namesake made no
mistake soon after as Brian Wilkins scored with a rasping volley to make it
2-0, which was the half time score.
After half time the Reserves took the game to the Masters
and a couple of shots from centre forward Chris Burt hit the bar and post
with the ball being scrambled clear on both occasions. They were unable to
add to their scoring however and the game concluded with the City Reserves
claiming a well deserved 2-0 win.
Note: If there is anybody who is interested in
playing and would like to join the club, please ring Rick on 086 150 8799.
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Thai Polo Open final this Saturday
Royal Pahang take on Thai Polo
in one of the earlier group matches.
The final of the 2012 BMW - B Grimm Thai Open Polo
Tournament will take place this coming Saturday, January 21 at the
picturesque Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in east Pattaya.
The Thai Polo Open is one of the most prestigious events
on the Thai polo calendar, with teams from Southeast Asia vying for the
Princess Cup. The tournament is a charitable event to raise funds for HRH
Princess Maha Chakri Sirinidhorn’s Chitralada Vocational School project.
Play got underway on January 11 with nine teams featuring
local and international riders taking part in a round robin three group
format. The winners of each group and the best runner-up were due to play
off in the semi finals on January 18.
Finals Day will be on Saturday and over 1,400 spectators
are expected to attend, including, many VIPs, celebrities, diplomats, sports
enthusiasts and businessmen.
They will enjoy the shopping opportunities and games at
sponsors’ tents set amid the palm trees, pony rides for the kids, music by
the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, as well as generous supplies of wine and
food at the outstanding buffet lunch. BMW will showcase its latest vehicles
available in Thailand, while La Martina will have its fashions and polo
equipment on sale.
The day’s sporting activities will include a play-off to
decide 3rd and 4th places, kids polo match and the Grand Final. This is
followed by presentation of the Princess Cup and other prizes, a relaxing
cocktail party and fireworks display.
Visitors are welcome to attend. There is no entry fee, although guests
are asked to donate 500 baht for charity, which also entitles them to enjoy
the sumptuous buffet lunch. The festivities on Saturday begin at 11.30 a.m.
with the first polo match at 2.30 p.m. For directions to the venue go to
website: www. thai-polo-club.com.
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Mark &Yui - the new PSC Champions
PSC 18th Club Golf Championship 2012
(Left-right) PSC Golf
Chairman Joe Mooneyham, Ladies’ Champion Yui Bietry, Men’s Champion Mark
McDonald, and PSC President Tony Oakes.
Report Nigel
Cannon/Photos William Macey
The first major PSC tournament of the year was played
over 2 days at the challenging Khao Kheow Golf Club, both days playing the
‘A’ and ‘B’ 9’s. There was a full field of 120 players including 18 ladies.
The format was an individual competition; 4 flights and Ladies, (stroke or
medal according to handicap) on both days as well as the 2 day overall to
find the 2012 Lady and Gentleman PSC Champions.
Day 1 - Tuesday 10th
January
The welcoming party was President Tony Oakes, Golf
Chairman Joe Mooneyham and Social Chairman Nigel Cannon and with these three
experienced administrators, booking in and the collecting of the
Championship shirts went smoothly.
It was a 2-tee start with 15 groups on each side. The
weather was fine and sunny with a wind during the first part of the day. The
course was presented in absolutely first class order.
Bo Napawan (left) was the
Ladies division winner.
Rounds were to the order of 4ฝ hours and as the players
came into the clubhouse Tony, Joe and Nigel were busy calculating the first
day’s results.
Past champion Paul Smith came in with the best gross of
75 – interesting round for Paul 41/34. In ‘A’ flight there were 3 net 72’s
with Tom McManus (11) declared the winner on count back.
Tony Robbins (14) led ‘B’ flight with a net 72 on count
back – this was Tony’s first game for a month following knee surgery.
Dave Richardson (right) is
congratulated by Joe Mooneyham after his lucky draw win.
‘C’ flight saw Tony Chetland (18) as the leader with 40
points. Best of the day came in ‘D’ flight with 45 from Kenny Chung (30).
All the Ladies played medal and coming in first place was
Bo Napawan (34) with a net 67 – this despite her being 8 months pregnant!
Day 2 - Friday 13th
January
Another fine day of golf and with all arriving early and
playing in the same groups as Tuesday, everyone was away on time with rounds
of 4ฝ hours. The weather was perfect for golf with no wind and cloud cover
keeping it comfortable.
The low gross today was from Mark McDonald with gross 75.
This being the same as Paul Smith on Tuesday it would need count back to
determine the year’s Men’s Champion.
There were all new names in the flight winner today.
‘A’ flight leader was Mark Wood (9) with a net 69, and in
‘B’ flight Colin Grieg (12) with a net 71.
The Kubicki’s showed up once
more in support of a PSC event.
The stableford ‘C’ flight was won by Steve Ellison (17)
with a fine 41 points. ‘D’ flight produced the best of the day with 46
points by Phillppe Pruvot (29).
The ladies flight saw three players all on net 68 with
Yui Bietry (10) getting the nod from Rotjana Neal (13) and Bo Napawan (34).
Once the Day 2 results were calculated then came the job
of finding the 2-day overall winners including both Ladies and Men
Champions. Tony, Joe and Nigel were busy long after all had gone as such a
competition needs careful calculation to ensure the correct results are
recorded.
The presentation was at Marriott’s Dicey Riley’s on 2nd
Road. Prior to the presentation all enjoyed some excellent food with the
serving of drinks done in a very efficient manner. Then it was time for the
presentation with Tony, Joe, William and Nigel all taking part.
President Tony Oakes expressed the appreciation of all
competitors to Joe for an excellent competition – and as a past Golf
Chairman was only too aware of the organizing it takes to run a competition
like this one. Joe expressed his thanks to Tony, Nigel and William for their
help in ensuring all went well and thanks to all who took part.
Nigel then proceeded to announce the winners from both
Day 1 and Day 2 followed by the overall results:
Past champion Robert Brown (10) was in top spot in ‘A’
flight with 144 net. Richard Kubicki (15) was the ‘B’ flight winner with 147
net, beating Jerry McCarthy (16) on count back.
The Bunker Boys relax at Dicey
Riley’s.
In the stableford ‘C’ flight it was Steve Ellison (17)
with 76 points getting nod over Colin Davis on count back. Kenny Chung (30)
won ‘D’ flight with 83 points.
It was now time for the announcement of the 2012 PSC
Ladies and Gentleman’s Champions. Nigel asked all to stand to welcome the
PSC 2012 Lady Champion Yui Bietry with gross score over the two days of 162.
Yui was welcomed on stage by both Tony and Joe to receive her trophy.
The Men’s Champion was decided on count back with 2
players both having had a 75 on one of the first 2 days. Runner-up was a
past champion Paul Smith and the new PSC Men’s Champion was Mark McDonald
with a gross of 153 – once again the Champion was greeted with a standing
ovation.
After some time whilst the new Champions were
congratulated, it was time for the lucky draw, followed by the 50/50 lucky
draw. This month the winner was ‘The Admiral’ Dave Richardson.
Nigel then reminded all the next PSC monthly would be at
Pleasant Valley on Friday 10th February and sign-up sheets would be at the
clubhouse next week.
He also reminded all that the annual PSC Charity Classic
would be on Friday 16th March at Green Valley – when the winner would be
‘Charity’.
Note: Full results are available on the PSC
web-site and on the Club notice board.
Men’s Champion
Mark McDonald 153
Ladies Champion
Yui Bietry 162
A Flight
1st Robert Brown (10) net 144
2nd Jean Maffray (11) net 145
3rd Ed Wyckoff (11) net 146
B Flight
1st Richard Kubicki (15) net 147
2nd Jerry McCarthy (16) net 147
3rd Neils Hansen (15) net 152
C Flight
1st Steve Ellison (17) 76pts
2nd Colin Davis (18) 76pts
3rd Tony Barrit (19) 74pys
D Flight
1st Kenny Chung (30) 83pts
2nd Phillippe Pruvot (29) 79pts
3rd James Bell (21) 78pts
Ladies
1st Bo Napawan (34) net 135
2nd Rotjana Neal (13) net 141
3rd Pon Naren (17) net 141
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2012 PTT Pattaya Open set to be the most competitive ever
The US$220,000 PTT Pattaya Open, WTA professional women
tennis tournament has attracted one of the most competitive fields ever with
over a dozen players capable of lifting the trophy and taking home the
US$37,000 winner’s cheque.
Sorana Cirstea
(AP Photo/John Donegan)
In addition to leading tennis stars, Vera Zvonareva of
Russia, Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia, Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia,
Maria Kirilenko of Russia and Zhang Jie of China there are several other
players who have the capability to cause upsets and win the PTT Pattaya Open
which will be held at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya from 5–12 February
2012.
Returning from injury are Sorana Cirstea of Romania and
Sania Mirza of India. Cirstea is one of the most attractive players on the
WTA Tour and she rose as high as number 23, before an injury plagued season
dropped her down to No 60. This week she showed her potential in knocking
out World No 5 Sam Stosur at the Australian Open. Mirza is well-known to
Thai fans and reached the final here in 2009 losing to Zvonareva. She was
moving back up the rankings in 2011, before an injury in the 2nd half of the
season halted her charge.
Other strong challenges will come from the British and
Japanese contingents. There is a 3 strong British line-up including Heather
Watson, Laura Robson and Anne Keothavong. Robson is known to Thai fans after
she defeated Noppawan Lertcheewakarn in the Junior Wimbledon final at the
age of 14 in 2008. Keothavong is the more experienced of the trio and at the
end of last season was in good form reaching the semi-final in Luxembourg.
Sania Mirza.
The top 4 ranked Japanese players are also competing in
Pattaya; their challenge is led by Ayumi Morita who broke into the top 50
for the first time in 2011, veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm returns for the fourth
successive year, while Misaki Doi and Erika Sema round out the quartet of
Japanese players.
Tamarine Tanasugarn will lead the Thai team, she is
coming for the 18th successive year in Pattaya and after reaching 2 finals
in 1996 and 2010 she will be looking to go one better this year. Tamarine
will be joined in the main draw by Thai wild cards entries which will be
announced at a press conference this coming Friday.
The main draw singles and doubles matches commence on 6
February with play starting from 15.00 daily, including the finals on Sunday
12 February. Tickets are available at 300, 500, 800 and 1,200 baht.
For more information on the tournament and tickets,
please contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd at Tel: 02-3113414/5 or via the
website at www.pentanglepromotions. com or through ThaiTicketMajor Co., Ltd
at 02-2623456 or website www.thaiticket major.com
Laura Robson.
The PTT Pattaya Open is supported by PTT Public Company
Limited, Pattaya City, Sports Authority of Thailand, Chonburi Province,
Chang Drinking Water, Sony Ericsson, Peak Sporting Goods, Jetstar, Dusit
Thani Hotel, Pattaya, Wilson, Yonex, TOT Public Company Limited, Philips
Lighting, Tez Tour and Bangkok Pattaya Hospital.
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