Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, June 12 Green Valley Medal

A Flight

1st Mickey Beresford (19) net 71

2nd Eddy Beilby (18) net 78

It was a perfect day for golf, little sun and no wind, as the lads gathered at Green Valley for the Lewiinski’s monthly medal. As is usual with this competition most arrived well in advance of their tee time. Recent rain had helped the course which at the moment is now in tip top condition, and like many local courses at present was not too busy so four hours was the norm.

As the results came in it was Eddy ‘the eagle’ Beilby who was in the frame again with a net 78 that earned him the second slot on the podium. Eddy’s four ball and good mate Mickey ‘nine holes’ Beresford took the monthly medal for the month of June 2016, and an invite to play in the year end Gold medal to be held later in the year. He also picked up a bottle of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey.

Back at Lewiinski’s and after the presentation Mickey generously shared his bottle of Jameson’s.

Monday, June 13 Greenwood B+C Stableford

A Flight

1st Joe Tynan (33) 36 pts

2nd Peter Henshaw (25) 35 pts

3rd Michael Jeffreys (17) 35 pts

Our Monday outing this week was to the Greenwood which is in excellent condition.

After posting a match winning 38 points last Monday Joe ‘sat nav’ Tynan has won again and was the only player to play to par. His even par round earned him the top podium spot and the man of the match honours. Joe was one clear of fellow Mick Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw and the Welsh wonder Michael Jeffreys the scales of justice leaning in Peter’s favour.

Wednesday, June 15 Pattana A+B Stableford

A Flight

1st Tom Gorey (18 36 pts

2nd Mark Bamber (8) 34 pts

3rd Mathias Hermann (9) 34 pts

Following heavy rain the night before, the course, despite being in good condition, afforded little run and combined with a stiff breeze conspired to keep the scores above par for all but for one player, County Killkeny’s Tom ‘the Irish rover Gorey, whose solid even par round took the day. Tom was two clear of a pair of golfers Mark Bamber and Mathis Hermann, the scales of justice tipping in Marks favour.

Friday, June 17 Plutaluang S+E Stableford

A Flight

1st Tom Gorey (16) 40 pts

2nd Billy Briton (19) 38 pts

3rd Ken Hole (18) 37 pts

Friday saw the lads travel to one of our regular haunts for Lewiinski’s, going there these days because they are keeping their prices competitive. The course was in fine condition which seemed to suit Tom ‘the Irish rover’ as he made it two wins on the trot with a fine 40 point return. (Tom keeps telling everyone that he is not playing well but nobody believes him anymore.) Tom was two strokes clear of fellow Mick Co Wicklow’s Billy Briton. Ken ‘he’s there or there about’s’ closed the flight with 37 points.

Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list.

World Sailing Grade 5 event

Royal Varuna Yacht Club, July 11 – 12 – Twenty seven sailors in nine teams took part in last weekend’s Match Racing event at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

Congratulations to Jade Gavin, Aim Panot and Christopher March (all under 13 years old) who won every race to take 1st place overall and overcoming many adult members along the way.

Match race Thailand RS Vision Challenge is a World Sailing Grade 5 raking event that Royal Varuna Yacht Club has been an organizer of twice a year. The events look to discover match-racing champions here in Thailand, giving them a great opportunity to pursue higher levels in world class match racing events.

PSC Bunker Boys Golf Society

Monday 13th June Khao Kheow B & C white tees Stableford

1st P J Redman (27) 39 pts

2nd Les Hall (24) 38 pts

3rd Jimmy Carr (17) 38 cb

Near Pins: Frank Quinlan, Les Hall, Jimmy Carr, P J Redman.

Eleven players made their way to this scenic golf course which was in superb condition with the greens a little slow resulting in some excellent scores from the higher handicap players. Of course our Silver Surfer, P J Redman, had a huge advantage with the silver tees a good 1000 yards shorter than the regular tees. However, his game was impeccable with all drives on the fairway and good approach shots, but please don’t mention his putting. Both Les and Jimmy bettered their handicaps and are slowly moving up the GOM point tally.

Wednesday, June 15 Greenwood white tees Stableford

1st Blair (Skinny) Newton (28) 43 pts

2nd Jimmy Carr (17) 40

3rd Mike Johns (16) 35

Near Pins: Geoff Cox (2), Geoff Parker.

A great turnout of seventeen players for our fixture at this consistently good course with good grass coverage and fine greens.

Our winner, Skinny Newton, had his maiden win with the Bunker Boys after 20 years membership and he did it in style scoring 28 pts on the front nine. Jimmy Carr couldn’t believe he had lost out with his 40 pts and, to add insult to injury, his handicap was cut after having two top three finishes without a trip to the winner’s circle.

Friday, June 17 Mountain Shadow blue tees Stableford

1st Les Hall (24) 40 pts

2nd Mike Lloyd (17) 37

3rd Sean Murphy (17) 35

Near Pins: Mike Johns, Sean Murphy, Mashi Keneta (2).

Eleven players returned to Mountain Valley to check out how the recent rains had affected the course and were pleased to note the improvement in ground coverage with bare patches rapidly disappearing and consistent greens. The rough also benefiting from the rains made wayward shots hard to find.

Les Hall has had a welcome return to form with a win and second on his most recent outings. Welcome back to Mike Lloyd who is here on a short trip and managed to be in the prizes on his first game.

The Bunker Boys play out of The M Club located 100 meters up Soi 14 off of 3rd Road and no prior booking is required, merely turn up by 9.30 a.m. on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday and enjoy a game with us. We arrange transport which departs at 10 a.m. for a booked tee time at 11 a.m. For inquiries contact Neil at tel. 08 47589907.

IPGC Golf from the Tara Court

Sunday, June 12 Green Valley Monthly Medal

Another month gone round quickly and time for our Monthly Medal here again in Green Valley. Very quiet today and we got away twenty minutes before our allotted time. We got around quickly so an early finish today. For the second time this year Ged Foy has won the Medal. If he keeps this up he won’t have much competition for the Gold one in January! This was after losing a shot on his handicap at the weekend which makes it even better and after this he will be losing another one which I know will make him happy to have got down to eighteen which was his ambition.

Ged won it with a net seventy one which also included the only two of the day. He was a clear winner by two strokes with a number of players coming in with a net seventy three. On the count back Shaun Tracy took the second place on the back nine and Allan Parker got the third place on a count back which went down to the last six. Donal McGuigan who has just returned from a break in Ireland took the fourth and last place.

1st and Medal Winner Ged Foy 19, net 71. 2nd Shaun Tracy 15, net 73. 3rd Allan Parker 10, net 73, 4th Donal McGuigan 17, net 73. 2’s Ged Foy.

Tuesday, June 14 Greenwood Stableford

We played the B and C nines in Greenwood where we were again joined by our friends from the PFGS. It has been a long time since we played the C nine and maybe because most of our group were not familiar with it, but it seemed to catch a lot of the out. Many had good scores on the B nine but fell away on the C nine.

For two players this certainly wasn’t the case. Jim Traynor was one of them as he had a total of forty points to win the day.

It wasn’t a problem for Ger Lodge either as he had nineteen points on both nines for thirty eight points to give him the second place. Allan Parker took the third place with thirty six. We then had two players on thirty four with Derek Kane winning the count back to take the fourth place and Paul Pavloff having to settle for the fifth and last place.

1st Jim Traynor 28, 40 pts. 2nd Ger Lodge 18, 38 pts. 3rd Allan Parker 10, 36 pts. 4th Derek Kane 21, 34 pts. 5th Paul Pavloff 5, 34 pts. 2’s Brendan Roddy.

Thursday, June 9 Burapha Stableford 

Another quiet day in Burapha where we again played the A and B nines off the white tees. Today it had really cooled down a lot from the weekend and although cloudy we got around dry.

The group wasn’t very large but we still got good scores. Donal McGuigan, who has only recently come back, had his best game in a long time and was a runaway winner with forty one points. Russell Gilroy has kept up his good form and came second with thirty six points. Russell beat Ged Foy on the count back so Ged had to settle for third today. We had no twos today.

1st Donal McGuigan 17, 41 pts. 2nd Russell Gilroy 16, 36 pts. 3rd Ged Foy 19, 36 pts.

Note: The Tara Court Golf Group plays every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, leaving O’Gara’s Bar and restaurant in the Tara Court on Pratamnak Rd. around 10.00 a.m. Sign up either in O’Gara or ring Joe on 0892491364 and they will book you in.

Pattaya Golf Society at The Links

Monday, June 13 Mountain Shadow Stableford

On Monday, 13th June, the Pattaya Golf Society visited Mountain Shadow to play a Stableford competition from the blue tees. The recent rains have done the job at the course and fairways are now well covered and the greens are in good condition. There may be some small patches of worn turf off the fairways but off fairway destinations are not the places to be at the course.

There was only one other four ball on the course for the whole morning so progress was excellent.

In second place was Murray Edwards with 29 points in his penultimate round this trip and the winner’s place went to Mr Len with 34 points, which should have been better had he not four-putted two consecutive holes.

No booby prize was awarded as all players had put in “good shift” and with an empty course millionaires’ golf had been the order of the day.

All Square at Soggy Emerald

Friday, June 17 Emerald-Stableford

On Friday, 17th June the Pattaya Golf Society visited an empty Emerald golf club to play a Stableford competition on the rapidly improving course, after a few weeks of regular rain. Fairways are well grassed and the greens in a week or so will be excellent after some recent repairs.

The moderately sized group found scoring tough as they followed a Gallic social four ball intent of playing like “escargots”, meaning that five hours on a humid course punctuated by a heavy storm would guarantee nothing more than moderate scoring.

Sharing the win on 30 points were Toby Glass and Mike Davies, with Mike Wilsher coming in third with 29 points. Toby also recorded the only birdie two with a fine, if speedy effort on the short fifteenth.

The week finished in the usual way with beers at The Links back in Soi Buakhao and another week of tough golf on excellent courses was anticipated.

PSC Golf from Colin’s Bar

Sunday, June 12 Green Valley Stableford

Just 8 players turned up today after a long pool session in the Phantom Bar last night, when all the challenges were laid down. But in the cold light of day at 8.30 am on a Sunday morning there were only 8. Still we made 2 x 4 balls. The first, Christen Boysen, Phil Davies, Mogen’s Melander & New Satita went off at a fast pace and soon left the 2nd group in the distance.

No-one was setting the place on fire with Phil & Christen locked into 32 pts. apiece with Phil getting the nod on countback. Christen did claim a 2. Mogen’s & New were tied on 26 pts.

In the 2nd group were new comer J.P. Maffray, Stan Stewart, Bent Larsen & the Donkey. This group really struggled with J.P. taking the honors with 30 pts. and new member Stan 3 shots back on 27 pts.

The Donkey has finally found out what’s been wrong all week, the grip on his driver is slipping on the shaft, hence all the slices. A new grip will be fitted.

Bent was a shadow of his former self of last week with 45 pts. at Silky Oak, this week with only 21 pts. at Green Valley. Stan shared the 2’s pot with Christen.

1st Phil Davies (13) 32 pts.

2nd Christen Boysen (8) 32 pts.

2s Christen Boysen & Stan Stewart.

Monday, June 13 Pattavia Stableford 

12 players today so 3 x 4 balls. The usual lightning greens of Pattavia had just been hollow tined and this seemed to give a strange range of scores.

We welcomed newcomers Tom Mills and Greg Perfrement, along with old friends Sunny Khana and Jacob Olsen. Some of these newcomers made their mark.

With just a small field we just had 1 flight with two near pins and one long putt.

Leading the way was that quietly spoken but deadly Viking, Jacob Olsen with 42 pts off his 10 hcp. He was followed by the darling of Walking St Tip Briney (the only tip he gives is his name) with 40 pts., and poor old Barry Oats with 39 pts., just outside the frame. At least Barry got a near pin. The longest putt went to the winner Jacob Olsen.

Back at Colin’s Golf Bar after the free food & presentation we had the lucky draw which was won by 1st timer Tom Mills to his great surprise.

1st Jacob Olsen (10) 42 pts.

2nd Tip Briney (22) 40 pts.

Near Pins: Jacob Olsen & Barry Oats

Long Putt: Jacob Olsen

Wednesday, June 15 Bangpakong Riverside Stableford

14 players out today for the long trip to Bangpakong and when we got there we were a bit disappointed with the condition of the course. Despite all the recent rain there were plenty of bare patches on the fairways. The greens were OK but they have just started to hollow tine them. Apart from that the game went smoothly with very few cars on the car park.

The 1st group, being a 3 ball, flew round with Phil Davies, Marco Beer and Nim Cheychaoo. Maybe the speed of play was not good for scoring with Phil top with 32 pts., Nim 31 pts., and Marco 27 pts.

The next group, Colm O’Donavan, Greg Perfrement, Peter Hynard and Sunny Khana, took their time and it reflected in the scores with Colm on top with 35 pts,. Greg one back on 34 pts., Peter 32 pts., and Sunny with 31 pts.

Then came another 3 ball, with Gerd Reidler, Steve Truelove and Walter Baechli. Steve was the man in this group with 36 pts., Gerd with 32 pts., and Rainbow with 30 pts.

Finally came the misfits Neil Smith, Stan Stewart, Stuart Mann and the Donkey. This group finished 4 holes behind the group in front. This might have had something to do with the number of shots taken and the lost balls, but with no one behind, it was no problem. Suffice to say, the misfits did not figure in the prize presentation, but Stan did win the lucky draw back at the bar.

1st Steve Truelove (7) 36 pts.

2nd Colm O’Donavan (20) 35 pts.

3rd Greg Perfrement (23) 34 pts.

Near Pins: Steve Truelove & Peter Hynard

Long Putts: Stuart Mann

Friday 17th June Burapha A & B Stableford

A big field to-day with 40 players boosted by an influx of Simon Spalding’s party from Melbourne. We got off about 20 mins before the 10.00am scheduled tee time and everything was running smoothly until the rain came. But this was short lived and this scribe was just at a drink station so was completely dry all day long.

The course was in its usual excellent condition and the management gave us a couple of free green fees because of the size of the field and our continued patronage throughout the year.

We had 3 flights with 3 places in each, plus 4 near pins and 2 longest putts.

We welcomed back from a long layoff Dave Stockman who seems to have had a good rest and he came back stronger than ever with 38 pts for 2nd place in A flight, just one behind A flight winner Rob Knight. Peter Burton finished 3rd losing out on countback to Dave.

In B flight Ian (San Miguel) Pickles shook of the cobwebs to take the flight with 39 pts., followed by the ever present Sunny Khana who beat Peter Hynard on countback with 37 pts.

In C flight Shane Fenton was top gun with 38 pts., followed by Stuart Mann 36 pts. and Jason M’Donald also 36 pts.

The near pins were claimed by Adam Farrell with 2, Peter Hynard & Peter Burton.

The longest putts won by Sunny Khana & Greg Treineer.

Back at Colin’s Golf Bar we were treated to a traditional Thai chicken & cashew nuts & masaman curry & rice.

The draw for the comp green fees at Burapha went to Jacob Olsen & Colin Davis.

The lucky Draw winner was not on the premises so it will carry over till Tuesday next week.

A flight

1 Rob Knight (11) 39 pts.

2 Dave Stockman (10) 38 pts.

3 Peter Burton (11) 38 pts.

B flight

1 Ian Pickles (13) 39 pts.

2 Sunny Khana (14) 37 pts.

3 Peter Hynard (12) 37 pts.

C flight

1 Shane Fenton (18) 38 pts.

2 Stuart Mann (20) 37 pts.

3 Jason M’Donald (19) 36 pts.

PSC Golf from the Billabong Golf Bar

Monday, June 13^th Phoenix GC – Stableford

Perfect weather conditions, a half empty car park that gives the impression, quite rightly, that the course is more or less empty. The course is being prepared for the King’s Trophy in July and there are a large number, we assume unemployed caddies, removing foreign grass and weeds from around the greens which are being top dressed but the course is still in good condition.

Various items of interest among the Billabong regulars today with George Barrie experiencing what we have all experienced in the past, and that is following many below par rounds golf has the last word and brings us all crashing back to earth.

Graham Beaumont discovered areas around the course which were largely uninhabited, or at least by snakes and other wildlife. Alan Barclay tried a new grip but forgot that he has more moving parts than a combine harvester. Bob Philp and Lloyd Shuttleworth obviously had an early night, felt good and are big enough hitters to perturb those on the green of a par four which they did on two occasions.

A mixed bag of scores today with big hitting Kevin Wild, a very apt surname for not every shot goes straight, lost out to Keith Allen for 2nd place both with 36 points. Gerrard Lambert was by far the best of the day with 39 points. Alan Beck was unlucky not to hit the pin for a hole in one but settled for the only 2 on the day.

Wednesday, June 15^th Green Valley – Stableford

Walking around the Green Valley clubhouse last week it was obvious that it did not take too long – probably overnight – for the management to revert to the much despised lay out of the course from that demanded by the professionals in their recent competition. Why are the professionals any different from those golfers that support Green Valley on a regular basis and, very often, on a weekly basis?

But credit where credit is due, the fairways are recovering nicely following the recent rains and the greens are slowly returning to their best. The only situation that requires attention is the inconsistency of the bunkers.

Not many ladies for many of the regulars played in the Ladies Tournament on Tuesday but Miss Pin came second with 35 points, well short of the performance by Miss Eng who had a magnificent 42 points.

Kevin Wild showed his Jekyll and Hyde personalities today with, what is probably the lowest score ever recorded for nine holes – 4 points on the front nine. He was obviously embarrassed by this score and the ribbing that he will receive back at the Billabong – surely not? Was it the Dr. Jekyll or the Mr. Hyde in him that surfaced to be able to score 24 points on the back nine? Mr. Robert L Stevenson would have been proud of him.

Sel Wegner could not match the back nine of Ted Gardner who had 24 points on the back nine to take third place. Jeff North made a welcome return to form with 38 points but not quite good enough to unseat Bill Eyles winning the day with 39 points.

Three 2s went to Miss Orn, Andrew Woodall and Gary Hogg.

Having played golf for many years, Bob Philp, Tony Oakes, Allen Beck and William Macey, 200 years between us, experienced something for the first time ever in a game of golf. They say the fastest way to get to know someone on a golf course is to play their ball. Bob, Tony and Allen played their second shots then their chip onto the green ready to putt before they realized that they had each played the wrong ball way back on the fairway. William wondered why he had been left out of this pantomime.

Friday, June 17^th Burapha – Stableford

Burapha at its best, playing the A and B loops in perfect weather conditions, apart from the brief stop at the end of the 10th when the skies opened up but only for 10 minutes or so, then it threatened but never eventuated. The course is in great condition with greens that are as fast and true as you would want. We had 6 groups playing and were away about half an hour before our tee time and were all in around 3 and ½ hours later.

The birthday boy Ramsay Smith managed to get another two along with Vincent Smyth, those being the only twos of the day.

You had to better your handicap today to be in the prizes, and there were only 3 players that managed to do that. Kevin Wild worked out what he was doing wrong after his first tee shot and fired a fine 37 points to take third place, being beaten by Vincent Smyth with 37 also but with 23 points on the back nine very hard to beat, First place went to Jeff North with 38 points.

PSC Golf from the Growling Swan

Monday, June 13 Burapha – Stroke

We had 22 starters all eager to attack Burapha for the second time this month. This came about simply because this course is priced perfectly for us here at The Swan. B1700 all inclusive (that does not include cans Cassa). We requested Courses C & D and that’s what we played, playing from the front tees.

The weather was on our side even though it did get warmer as the day got longer, and the course was once again in very good nick.

Some good scores resulted with Keith Buchanan setting the pace taking A Flight comfortably from Tom McMahon and Martin Todd, who went to the countback to decide second and third.

B Flight saw Sandy Lieper acknowledge the judges ahead of Roger Ellis with The Viper, Mark Stapleton filling the third spot. As it turned out third position went to a count back between four players.

A Flight

1st – Keith Buchanan (17) 41 points

2nd – Tom McMahon (11) 37 points (Countback)

3rd – Martin Todd (13) 37 points

B Flight

1st – Sandy Lieper (31) 35 points

2nd – Roger Ellis (28) 33 points

3rd – Mark Stapleton (19) 31 points

Near pins: C5 – Denis Steele, C8 – Tom McMahon, D2 – Keith Buchanan, D8 – Steve Younger.

Longest First Putts: C9 – Keith Buchanan, D9 – Sand Lieper.

Back at The Growling Swan our host Peter Grey welcomed back Eric The Judge Black, Tony Cook, Tom McMahon, Roger Ellis, Phil Taylor, Dave Headington and Keith Buchanan. No need for farewells this time. He also thanked Alan The Colonel Sanders for his very kind donation to add a fan to the front of the bar.

D-For the Charity dog was again the happy recipient of many donations for the needy children of Pattaya and all golfers are thanked once again for their generosity.

Andrew Hills takes the prize as Kissy & Sandy do the double

Thursday, June 16 Khao Kheow Stableford

Big field of 32 golfers travelled to Khao Kheow Golf Course, which was in quite good nick.

The skies were overcast with a light wind, and the odd spot of light rain, which made playing conditions quite pleasant.

Greetings were handed out to Jim Groves, Glenn Henriksen, Brad Green, Frank Di Vincenzo, Elliott Ness, Ron Gillett, Stuart Brown & Andrew Hills, and fond farewells to Martin Todd and his pal and our pal, Alan “Colonel” Saunders. See you back soon we hope guys!

We played C and B Nines in that order with Toddy leading the way with a duck hook into the drink as the first shot of the day. He did report that things did improve after that, but not until the third hole. He managed a very respectful 35 points.

A Grade was won by Andrew Hills with a fine 38 points. He won on a countback from big hitting Tom McMahon, with the very consistent “The Bookie” Steve Younger filling third spot with 36 points. Steve was a little disappointed in his final score after a great first nine.

B Grade saw another victory to Keith “Kissy” Buchanan, who scored 40 points to give him back to back wins with The Growling Swan. A man in form.  Jayson Schembri came in second on a countback with 36 points, with an average front nine, and an improved back nine of 22 points. Alex Field, who was also celebrating his birthday, filled 3rd spot with 36 points also.

C Grade saw another victory to Sandy “Cindy” Leiper, who scored a very impressive 42 points, to also give him back to back wins with The Growling Swan. Another man in form, who was quick to praise the skills of his caddy. Shane “Jockey” Young continued his fine form with a business like 38 points. Improvement in his putting being quite evident. Volker Buley was 7 points back from Jockey, but that was good enough to get a 3rd placing.

Back at the Swan we enjoyed a tasty chicken noodle dish prepared by the girls at the Swan!

A Grade (0-14):

1st Andrew Hills (8) 38 pts C/B

2nd Tom McMahon (11) 38 pts

3rd Steve Younger (12) 36 pts

B Grade (15-26):

1st Keith Buchanan (17) 40 pts

2nd Jayson Schembri (20) 36 pts C/B

3rd Alex Field (17) 36 pts

C Grade (27-36):

1st Sandy Leiper (28) 42 pts

2nd Shane Young (27) 38 pts

3rd Volker Buley (31) 31

Near pins: C3 Andrew Hills, C8 Andrew Hills, B3 Bill Stienmann, B8 Keith Buchanan.

Long Putts: C9 Fred Cuypers and B9 Martin Todd.

Friday

DFiT, Dusit Thani Pattaya: Visitors using the group fitness membership can avail of the THB 2,000 offer for five visits to the gym after their membership has expired.  The offer includes unlimited use of DFiT facilities including tennis courts.  For more information, call 038-425611 ext. DFiT.

2:00 p.m. Pattaya Sports Club Bowling at PS Bowl on the top floor of Tops Supermarket at the junction of Central and Second Roads. Contact La at PS after 1:30 p.m.

Saturday

Pattaya Archery Club meets between 10am and 12 midday every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at our dedicated shooting range within easy reach of Pattaya, near the new railway road.  Beginners of all ages are welcome, and equipment and coaching are free.  For more information call Eric, the club President , on 089 535 1193 or visit www.pattayaarcheryclub.com

Ocean Marina Yacht Club invites experienced sailors and learners for racing weekends and funsail/training weekends.  The club has 5 star clubhouse facilities and a fleet of 25′ racing yachts available. www.omycsailing.com, phone Kev Scott 087 825 0011.

8:00 a.m. Diving with Mermaid’s Dive School.  Contact Mermaid’s Dive Center, tel. 038 232 219 – 20, email: mermaids@loxinfo.co.th

8:00 a.m. – noon & 2 – 6 p.m. (Sat & Sun – Also Monday to Friday) Horseback riding at the Horseshoe Point Riding Academy, the biggest equestrian center in South-East Asia.  Show jumping, hacking, trail, dressage and classical dressage.  Training courses from beginners to advanced riders with English speaking instructors.  Leisure trail riding, group and private classes.  All levels of riders welcome.  Over 100 horses and ponies available.  Located on 1,500 acres of beautiful tropical garden land just outside Pattaya.  Free shuttle service available.  For more information: phone (+66) 3873 – 5050 (ext. 4016-18), fax (+66) 3873 – 4973 or email: ridingschool@thehorseshoepoint.com

8:30 am. -10:00 am. International Players Academy meets every Sat. morning for Jr. Intermediate level Tennis at Ambassador City Tennis Courts. Visitors are welcome, just bring your tennis racket, ages range from 10-16. For more details call CJ on 086 086 2121

Indoor Lawn Bowls Free at Coco Club every Saturday for school or college aged children from 11.00am – 2.00pm, with Male – English and Female Thai tutors.  Parents can sit at the bar and watch.  New champions needed!  Call Sue on 087 135 8357 or pop in to the club at Baan Amphur – signposted behind Phoenix Golf.

12:30 p.m. Pattaya Sports Club Softball plays slow pitch recreational pick-ups games every Saturday at the soccer stadium right behind the National Indoor Stadium on Chayapreuk 2 Road.  New players always welcome regardless of skill level, experience, age or time away from the game.  For more information and directions see the softball page at the Pattaya Sports Club website www.pattayasports.org or contact Dirk Brijs at dirk_brijs@yahoo.com or 088-218-8148

Sunday

Badminton players are invited to play 3 mornings a week at Mama Badminton Club on Soi Khao Noi, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 10am-12 noon. For more information, visit www.pattayasports.org/sports/badminton.

The Amazing Sunday Golfers are a friendly group of average index who welcome new players.  Each Sunday they have friendly games on different courses with a meeting point at the course.  Contact Philippe at 082 546 0770 or email 2012tasg@gmail.com to be updated each week for the upcoming game.

8:00 a.m. Diving with Mermaid’s Dive School.  Contact Mermaid’s Dive Center, tel. 038 232 219 – 20, email: mermaids@loxinfo.co.th

3:00 p.m. Pattaya Jungle H3 meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month and departure is from the Lek Hotel on 2nd Rd at 3pm.  For more info please call Kai on 01 863 5095.

Monday

3.15 p.m. Pattaya Hash House Harriers: The club for drinking people with a running problem meets every Monday at 3:15 p.m. in Pattaya Third Road, in front of the Buffalo Bar close to soi Lengkee, and just down the road from the Boxing Roo. We depart at 3:30 p.m. sharp. More info at: www.pattayah3.com.

Tuesday

Chess and Scrabble Club: every Tuesday 12pm – 5pm at Hoek-Van-Holland in Jomtien. Take Thappraya Road to intersection with Beach Road. Dong Tan Police sub-station is right there. Walk back towards Pattaya 10 meters along walking path. Hoek-Van-Holland is on the right, before the parking lot. Bring your own chess set and/or scrabble board. For more information please see website www.hoek-van-holland.com – Everyone welcome.

The Pattaya Chess Club meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. onwards at Brauhaus on 2nd Road between Soi 7 and Soi 8. Learners and anybody who would like to play chess are most welcome. Boards and clocks are provided.

Pattaya Ladies Netball Club: 7.30 pm every Tuesday at Fairtex Sports Club.  All ages and abilities are welcome.  100 baht per person.  Please email pattayanetballclub@gmail.com to confirm or find us on Facebook – ‘Pattaya Ladies Tuesday Night Netball’

Wednesday

4.00 pm – Club Petanque Thailand plays Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.  The court is open for groups every day. New and bigger surface. Very good drainage as well as better lighting.  No membership fee. Find us at Soi Nernplabwan 100/2 Moo7, next to Sutawas Temple and small Banglamung Police station. Contact: 085 280 7182, fax 038 248 067, email: petanque.Th@gmail.com (English, French, German, Scandinavian); (Thai & Chinese: 080 618 2831.)

Thursday

4.00 p.m. Pattaya Cricket Club practice nets at Thai Polo Club. All ages and abilities welcome. Please contact Simon at chairman@pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club website for more information and ground location: www.pattayacricketclub.com.

7:00 p.m.  Pattaya Panthers Rugby training every Thursday night at Horseshoe Point next to Siam Country Club. New players are always welcome – we are a very sociable team! Please contact Damian McCoy on Telephone 086 111 2816, Adrien Simon 095 705 0822 or send email to info@pattayapanthers.com.

More than 2,500 people laced up their trainers as the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center hosted its annual charity walk-run.

Chonburi Deputy Gov. Phawat Lertmukhda kicked off the June 11 event with YWCA Chairwoman Praichit Jetapai, Anupong Udomrattanakulchai, president of the Walk-Run Association, and area political figures at Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

Aimed at both promoting tourism and exercise, funds from entry tickets and t-shirts will go to purchase water filters for rural areas and support the relocation of an embattled AIDS hospice.

Praichit thanked participants and sponsors and Pattaya City Hall for its logistics support.

More than 2,000 shirts were sold and, with the entry fees, more than 500,000 baht was raised.

Winners of the six-kilometer run were Thanwarath Khamjing (men’s bracket), Amanee Klapajan (women’s), Chanon Chaipornpisut (under-18 boys), and Rattaporn Phusasai (under-18 girls).

The three-kilometer walk was split into eight men’s and women’s age brackets. Winners were Sira Sing­nonpak, Rachapon Sirikanchana, Piyanat Sarawong, Wirawan Wiengkham, Danny San, Suthanee Maneenop, Nuch­jaree Yangtam, Siriporn Jam­roonpan, and Rujina Nanta.

The 1.5 kilometer fun Walk-Run included Open Boys and Girls under 7, special children, VIP Men, VIP Ladies and Beauty on the Beach.

After the race, all participants were invited back to the sunken area for food and drinks, and special entertainment ‘The Face’ and ‘The Star’, all free.

Sunday, June 19 Green Valley Stableford 

We still have our Aussie friends with us but they say they need their beauty sleep (but I think they are just getting to know what Pattaya is like). So we had to book 3 tee times at our normal time of 8.30 am and a further 4 times at 11.00 am.

Once we got to Green Valley everything went smoothly with no-one in front of us for a few holes, so our 1st 2 x 3 balls went flying.

Dave Ferris showed he has finally mastered Green Valley with another 41 pts. to win the B flight. Shane Fenton finished second in B flight with 36 pts., followed by Karl Diekman who also played well with 36 pts.

Simon Farrell finished tops in A flight with 36 pts., followed by Simon Spalding in second with 35, and Adam Farrell in third, also with 35 points.

Twos: Simon Farrell, Adam Farrell, Peter Collins, Colin Davis & Tony Barnes.

A flight

1st Simon Farrell (17) 38 pts

2nd Simon Spalding (0) 35 pts

3rd Adam Farrell (12) 35 pts

B flight

1st Dave Ferris (21) 41 pts

2nd Shane Fenton (19) 36 pts

3rd Karl Diekman (18) 36 pts

Tuesday, June 21 Laem Chabang A & B Stableford

There was a big turnout on Tuesday for our 1st visit this year to Laem Chabang. 44 player’s for mid June is not a bad turnout. We welcomed back from the U.K. Mark Haffenden, Hubert Gayaud, Kevin Rogers and Pierre Bietry from his sick bed.

The event was divided into 3 flights, with 3 places, 4 near pins and 2 longest putts, and a rollover lucky draw at the Phantom Bar. With 3 scratch players in the field, A flight was 0-12, B flight 13-20 & C flight 21- 47, using the new slope handicap system. We had one no-show but that kept it to 11 x 4 balls.

We were able to tee off a little earlier than booked and it was just as well with the sky darkening in the distance and sure enough about 11.15 am the heavens opened up. Everyone headed for the nearest shelter, and after about 45 mins we were able to continue with our game.

You would have thought that after the rain the scores would suffer, but quite the reverse. Most of the cards showed a marked improvement on the back nine.

The star of the day (on his last day here) was Greg Perfrement who had a steady 18 pts on the front and then blitzed the back 9 with 29 pts with just one over gross. His playing partner was trying his best to keep up with him with 43 pts and the scribe just looked on in amazement.

Mark Haffenden showed his mate Simon Spalding a clean pair of heels with his 39 pts, both of them off 0 hcp to claim A flight on his 1st game back. And Shane Fenton & Stan Stewart had 41 pts & 40 pts respectively.

The presentation was held at the Phantom Bar with the free food supplied by Colin’s Bar, where Neil Smith won the rollover lucky draw for the 3rd time in 3 weeks.

A Flight

1st Mark Haffenden (0) 39 pts

2nd Jacob Olsen (9) 38 pts

3rd Simon Spalding (0) 35 pts

B Flight

1st Gerry Raftery (17) 43 pts

2nd Shane Fenton (19) 41 pts

3rd Karl Diekman (18) 36 pts

C Flight

1st Greg Perfrement (23) 47 pts

2nd Stan Stewart (25) 40 pts

3rd Colm O’Donavan (21) 37 pts

Near Pins: Steve Rawlings, Barry Oats, Peter Collins Mark Haffenden.

Long Putts: Simon Spalding & Phil Davies

Wednesday, June 22 Greenwood A&C Stableford

After yesterday’s big turnout it was always going to be a quiet day today. 16 on the sheet but only 14 at the course. A & C had a slope rating of 133 so everyone was in a joyous mood before they teed off with all the extra shots, but they soon found out why they had extras. Only 2 players were able to break par. They were the 2 Irish Rovers Gerry Raftery & Seamus Lanagan who had to have a countback to decide the winner, both having 41 pts. Gerry came out on top.

3rd place for the 3rd day running it was California’s favorite son Karl Diekman with 35 pts. The rest of the field were all in the mid range 30+ to 25 pts.

Gerry Raftery generously donated his winning to the Baan Jing Jai orphanage fund. Well done Jerry.

1st Gerry Raftery (19) 41 pts

2nd Seamus Lanagan (22) 41 pts

3rd Karl Diekman (18) 35 pts

Near Pin: Torben Lindgaard

Long Putt: Karl Diekman

Friday, June 24 Pleasant valley Stableford

Another good turnout today with 24 player’s despite the rain in Pattaya. We set off at 8.30am under grey & wet skies but as we travelled down the motorway the skies lightened and the rain stopped. The god’s were looking down on golfers today.

A flight was dominated by a Pleasant Valley regular Gordon (trigger) Ramsay with 38 pts and he nearly blew it on the 18th. Then this week’s man in form from county Galway Gerry Raftery with 36 pts, and in 3rd place Mike Allidi who had a great front nine level gross but found a bit of trouble on the back to finish with 35 pts.

But what can we say about B flight Ted Morris (the Geordie Destroyer) 77 years young with a net 79 just 2 short of playing to his age. He walked the course, scoring ‘just’ 48 pts (3 birdies back to back), a near pin, and longest putt. He left the rest of the field gasping. 2nd place went to Colm O’Donavan just pipping Tip Briney, both with 41 pts, on countback. The near pins were claimed by Nim, Alistar G, Peter Hynard and Ted Morris.

Back at the Phantom Bar for presentation we were treated to Chilli Con Carne and Rice complements of Colin’s Bar. The lucky snow ball draw was won by Torben Lindgaard.

PSC Golf from the Growling Swan

Monday, June 20 Pattavia GC Stableford

Twenty five eager golfers gathered in Soi Chaiyapoon keen to take advantage of the 1,650 baht green fee, caddy and cart deal on offer at such a good keep you honest type course.

Climatically it was a balmy type of day with little or no breeze to help the comfort level. This course (as always) was in good condition and with the usual tricky type greens, which were a little on the slow side, assisted in contributing to good scores.

Two flights today, with scratch to seventeen being A Flight and eighteen plus for the B Flight. All the novelty holes were in play.

In the A Flight we had 4 golfers tied with 38 points, bringing the count back into play. Unfortunately with only 3 podium placings one golfer missed out on the prize money. The 4 were Tom McMahon, Bill Steinmann, Ebrahim and Sal Brizzi. Tom McMahon was the unfortunate golfer to miss out.

B Flight saw popular golfer Lorraine Percy take out her first win with us with Fred (Boris) Cuypers, and Geri Crilly filling the spots on the podium.

D-For was again let from his chain by Alex Field to collect for the needy in Pattaya. All golfers are thanked for their generosity.

A Flight 0 – 17

1st Ebrahim (16) 38 points

2nd Bill Steinmann (13) 38 points

3rd Sal Brizzi (4) 38 points

B Flight 18+

1st Lorraine Percy (33) 35 points

2nd Fred Cuypers (18) 34 points

3rd Geri Crilly (27) 33 points

Near Pins: 4th Andrew Hills, 7th Sal Brizzi, 13th Gerry Arthur, 17th Tom McMahon.

Longest First Putt: 9th Gerry Arthur and 18th Mike Gosden.

Boris Cuypers & Jockey Hand & Heels for Solid Wins Thursday, June 23 Greenwood Stableford

A field of 24 golfers set out to Greenwood in overcast conditions.

Greetings were handed out to Paul Hack, Callum McCann and Alain Taddei, and a farewell to Volker Buley.

We played C and A Nines in that order. A few showers were experienced whilst on course, and if we had the use of the Flemington penetrometer the course may have been rated a Soft 6!

A Grade was won by Fred “Boris” Cuypers with a fine 39 points. His ability to handle the wet conditions must stem from his golfing adventures in Saint Petersburg. He won on a countback from the very consistent “The Bookie” Steve Younger, with 3rd place filled by another consistent golfer Alex Field, sporting lovely new golf shoes, one point back on 38.

B Grade saw victory to Shane “Jockey” Young, whose recent improvement in his game may have our resident Irishman Geri Crilly a wee bit worried about his next battle with the wee man.  Shane scored a solid 38 points with 19 points on each of the nines.

Second place, one shot back, was Lindsay “Uncle” Slender with 37 points. It was looking like being close to 40, but unfortunately a lost ball on the 17th halted his charge for victory. He still claims to have had a profitable day, but l cannot confirm this! He was so excited about his round, after his caddy had dropped him back to the clubhouse, he strode straight into the Ladies Locker Room, only to sheepishly turn around once he was aware of his mistake.

John Anderson filled third spot with 34 points, as such, Russell Calcutt was duly advised.

Back at the Growling Swan we enjoyed a Thai chicken dish.

D-For (our charity collector dog) was delighted to receive many donations and the players are thanked for their continued generosity.

A Grade (0-18):

1st Fred Cuypers (18) 39 pts C/B

2nd Steve Younger (12) 39 pts

3rd Alex Field (17) 38 pts

B Grade (19-36):

1st Shane Young (27) 38 pts

2nd Lindsay Slender (22) 37 pts

3rd John Anderson (26) 36 pts

Near Pins: A2 Frank Di Vincenzo, A6 Tom McMahon, C3 Paul Hack, C6 Lindsay Slender.

Longest First Putt: A9 Alain Tadddei and B9 Alain Tadddei.

The GS is a friendly golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers male and female to have a hit at any of our weekly outings. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey if you are interested on 0861 503086.

The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Sundays at 10 a.m. to play at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is less than 400 baht so great value for a day out.

Golfers please be aware that if you are leaving your golf bags at The Growling Swan, they must be tagged appropriately with your name and address clearly marked on them.

PSC Golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, June 19 Green Valley Stableford

A Flight

1st Michael Beresford (18) 37 pts

2nd Barry Copestake (17) 36 pts

3rd Raymond Crosthwaite (14) 34 pts

Our title boy was ‘man of the match’ and he certainly has been ‘The man of the match’ the last two Sundays. Mickey followed his fine medal winning net 70 with another fine effort, 37 points this week. His score containing two birdies, becoming the first time Mickey has achieved this in the same round. Mickey has found the time and effort to play and practice and the hard work is beginning to bear fruit. Of course, if he continues at the current rate Mickey may have his hanging fruit removed by his buddies at Lewiinski’s. Imagine what he would shoot from the red tees!

Mickey was chased in by Barry ‘the boot’ Copestake with a fine even par round. Raymond Crosthwaite was left to close the Flight with 34 points.

Wednesday, June 22 Mountain Shadow Stableford

A Flight

1st Billy Briton (19) 39 pts

2nd Bernard Green (28) 36 pts

3rd Peter Walker (19) 36 pts

A fair sized low season crowd left Lewiinski’s to play the Ronald Fream layout at the tough Mountain Shadow. The course was quite busy and the greens were like glass, so all credit to those guys who played to or beat their handicaps. It was some achievement at Mountain Shadow.

The man who is there or thereabouts beating of the strong challenge from Bernard Green and Peter Walker to take the days honours with a splendid 39 points. Bernard and Peter were separated only by a count back, both with fine even par rounds with Bernard edging Peter for the silver by the slightest of margins.

Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near walking street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list otherwise why not call Peter on 0861396301. Transport is provided.

IPGC Golf from the Tara Court

Sunday, June 19 Green Valley Stableford

For some reason it was extremely hot and humid here today in Green Valley. It has been a funny year, one day ok and the next very hot, but again today although it looked like rain a few times we still got around dry.

Craig Robson is back for a short visit this time and today he came out on top to win with thirty seven points and beating Bob St Aubin in to second on a count back. Allan Parker continued his very steady golf playing to his handicap and he came third with thirty six points. Paul Pavloff came fourth with thirty two points and Paul Beat Ged Foy in to the fifth and last place on the countback.

We had no twos today so instead of doing a carryover we just added the money to the winners giving them all a little extra for their efforts.

1st Craig Robson 16, 37 pts.

2nd Bob St Aubin 14, 37 pts.

3rd Allan Parker 10, 36 pts.

4th Paul Pavloff 5, 32 pts.

5th Ged Foy 19, 32 pts.

Tuesday, June 21 Treasure Hills Stableford

Now for low season we join up with our friends from the PFGS every Tuesday which gives us good numbers for a better competition. Today here in Treasure Hill we had enough to make up two flights with the cut coming at fifteen for the A Flight. It was much cooler today than Sunday but unfortunately we weren’t so lucky today and for the last five or six holes we had some heavy rain, but everyone carried on after a bit of a break and finished their round.

As everyone knows this is a difficult course so the scores were ok under the circumstances with the rain. The best score we had was thirty three points and we had a few of them in both flights.

In the A Flight Keven Blake won with thirty three and he beat Joe McArdle in to second on the count back. We then had three players with thirty two with Norman Cheetham and Tom Shea losing out on the count back and not getting anything, but at least Norman had the satisfaction of having a two so all was not lost. Allan Parker got the third place with the best back nine.

In the B Flight we also had two players with thirty three and here Craig Robson, who was having his last game for this trip, won the count back to come out the winner. He beat Dan Hobbs in to second on the count back. Ronan Simms took the third place with thirty points.

A Flight

Kevin Blake 7, 33 pts.

2nd Joe McArdle 12, 33 pts.

3rd Allan Parker 10, 32 pts.

B Flight

1st Craig Robson 16, 33 pts.

2nd Dan Hobbs 22, 33 pts.

3rd Ronan Simms 19, 30 pts.

Twos: Norman Cheetham and Craig Hitchens, one each.

Thursday, June 23 Burapha Stableford

Another day of private golf here in Burapha where we decided to play the C and D courses off the white tees. A smaller group out today and as we had the course to ourselves we got round in record time.

For the second time this week Kevin Blake came out on top and was the only golfer to play to his handicap, winning with thirty six points. Norman Cheetham came second with thirty two points and Norman beat his fellow countryman Russell Gilroy in to the third and last place on the countback.

Joe McArdle got the only two of the day.

On another note we have a visitor here whose main ambition when he comes over is to beat one of the locals in a series of matchplay. Unfortunately for him despite having a big advantage both in age and in handicap today the series came to a premature end with our local here coming out on top again. I think this is about the fifth time in a row that this has happened so on the law of averages our visitor might win the next time he comes over in the New Year.

1st Kevin Blake 7, 36 pts.

2nd Norman Cheetham 15, 32 pts.

3rd Russell Gilroy 16, 32 pts.

Twos: Joe McArdle.

Note: The Tara Court Golf Group play every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, leaving O’Gara’s Bar and restaurant in the Tara Court on Pratamnak Rd. around 10.00 a.m. Sign up either in O’Gara or ring Joe on 0892491364 and they will book you in.

IPGC Golf from The Haven

Monday, June 20 Greenwood, C & A courses Stableford

CSS 72

1st John Carlin (19) 33 cb 17 b6 11

2nd Phil Cass (16) 33 cb 17 b6 9

3rd Jon Batty (8) 32

4th Dick Heaney (15) 31

5th Markku Tynell (22) 29

Following heavy overnight rain the course was extremely wet which affected the scoring with arguably the two most difficult nines in play for the day and none of the hopefuls able to make par against their handicap.

John Carlin ran out the winner after he won a count back with Phil Cass with a better 11 to 9 over the last six holes on the C course, that being the back nine on the card, even though the last nine played was the A, after they had tied the nine on 17 apiece.

Jon Batty took third place just a single stroke behind them and but for a poor start when he took only three points from the first three holes would surely have run out the winner.

Dick Heaney seemed a little off form allowing that he had spent the previous week playing every day as he slipped into fourth a couple of shots in front of Markku Tynell in fifth.

There were no 2s in the first division and once again none in the second division either.

Before the presentations were made there was a welcome back and a farewell for Dick Heaney on a quick visit between the Centara event in Hua Hin and his flight to Melbourne.

Wednesday, June 22 Khao Kheow, B & C courses Yellow tees Stableford

CSS 72

1st Neil Skilton (6) 45

2nd Mike Hill (20) 36

3rd Jon Batty (8) 34

4th John Carlin (19) 33

5th Phil Cass (16) 25

Once again following another night of heavy weather the usually great conditions at this venue were adversely affected and so the local lift and place rule was in play for the day.

Neil Skilton, who manages to play irregularly while in Pattaya and away from his home course of Lee-on-Solent, in Hampshire, England, had a day to remember as did the rest of his playing partners when following a fairly sedate opening nine holes on the C course when he accumulated 19 points, he proceeded to par the 10th then birdie the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th holes, slipped in a couple of pars then another birdie on 17 and a par on the 18th to finish with 26 points and a gross five under 31 for the nine. Which all added up to 45 points and a gross 69 for the day.

This was easily enough to win at any course, let alone one of the toughest that the group play regularly, and which was the case on this occasion by nine clear ahead of Mike Hill, who may well have thought that level par could possibly be a winning number but finally had to settle for a good second place.

Jon Batty took third place another two back and the in-form John Carlin fourth a shot adrift.

Phil Cass was the next best some eight shots further back, which underlined the difficulty that most of the field experienced with the conditions making Neil’s performance even more impressive.

Once again there were no 2s in the second division but Neil managed two, amongst his five birdies, to sweep the pot clean in the first division.

Prior to the presentations there was a welcome for new comer Not Yuenyadchai together with a welcome back to playing for the usual long driver Samson Beard.

Friday, June 24 Phoenix Mountain & Lakes Monthly Medals

1st Division 0 – 15

Blue tees

1st Kevin Blake (7) 70

2nd Tomas Nilsson (12) 73

3rd Jon Batty (8) 75

2nd Division 16 +

White tees

1st Phil Cass (16) 72

2nd John Carlin (19) 78

3rd Larry Gibb (20) 81

Once again the weather looked pretty dismal at 8.30 am, as it had started to rain during the night and was continuing at a steady rate. But as always the group was undeterred and their confidence paid off again as with just a short delay the Monthly Medals got off to a slow but soggy start.

In the first division, played from the blue tees but from a slightly more forward position as the course prepares for the King’s Cup event to be held at the end of July, Kevin Blake took his first Medal of the year to qualify for the end of year Gold and Silver playoffs with a solid two under handicap return that was good enough by three strokes to consign Tomas Nilsson into second place, but one that also earned him a qualification spot. Jon Batty took third place rounding off a good week with the group having earned three podium placements.

The second division was taken by Phil Cass, who was surprisingly to be a first time winner this year after eight events, winning by a clear six shots ahead of John Carlin who was again left waiting for his first medal of the year after he had also had a very successful week. Larry Gibb took third place another three back having slipped in a few too many triples but many other holes on the card showed good promise for the coming events.

Graham Marchant using a beautiful set of Taylormade hire clubs, usually used in making scores of over a 100, hit a wonderful five wood into the 4th hole of the Mountain to set up an easy putt to claim the first division pool with the only 2 of the day, as the second division again went begging for someone to either hit a green or chip in.

There were welcome backs for Graham Marchant and Kevin Blake before the presentations were made.

The Haven golf group have now relocated to Soi Lengkee, on the corner of the road leading to the Vogue Hotel, where there are good parking facilities but sadly no room for club storage at present.

Whilst the kitchen in being renovated, there is a limited range of food available, but the supply of beverages continues, at ice cold temperatures and the hotel section is in full swing.

Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact 094 465 5002 or call in to The Haven, 315/13 Soi Lengkee, situated between Third Road and Soi Buakhao. 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 8.15 on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the days that you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played throughout the year can be found on the web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com

Friday

DFiT, Dusit Thani Pattaya: Visitors using the group fitness membership can avail of the THB 2,000 offer for five visits to the gym after their membership has expired.  The offer includes unlimited use of DFiT facilities including tennis courts.  For more information, call 038-425611 ext. DFiT.

2:00 p.m. Pattaya Sports Club Bowling at PS Bowl on the top floor of Tops Supermarket at the junction of Central and Second Roads. Contact La at PS after 1:30 p.m.

Saturday

Pattaya Archery Club meets between 10am and 12 midday every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at our dedicated shooting range within easy reach of Pattaya, near the new railway road.  Beginners of all ages are welcome, and equipment and coaching are free.  For more information call Eric, the club President , on 089 535 1193 or visit www.pattayaarcheryclub.com

Ocean Marina Yacht Club invites experienced sailors and learners for racing weekends and funsail/training weekends.  The club has 5 star clubhouse facilities and a fleet of 25′ racing yachts available. www.omycsailing.com, phone Kev Scott 087 825 0011.

8:00 a.m. Diving with Mermaid’s Dive School.  Contact Mermaid’s Dive Center, tel. 038 232 219 – 20, email: mermaids@loxinfo.co.th

8:00 a.m. – noon & 2 – 6 p.m. (Sat & Sun – Also Monday to Friday) Horseback riding at the Horseshoe Point Riding Academy, the biggest equestrian center in South-East Asia.  Show jumping, hacking, trail, dressage and classical dressage.  Training courses from beginners to advanced riders with English speaking instructors.  Leisure trail riding, group and private classes.  All levels of riders welcome.  Over 100 horses and ponies available.  Located on 1,500 acres of beautiful tropical garden land just outside Pattaya.  Free shuttle service available.  For more information: phone (+66) 3873 – 5050 (ext. 4016-18), fax (+66) 3873 – 4973 or email: ridingschool@thehorseshoepoint.com

8:30 am. -10:00 am. International Players Academy meets every Sat. morning for Jr. Intermediate level Tennis at Ambassador City Tennis Courts. Visitors are welcome, just bring your tennis racket, ages range from 10-16. For more details call CJ on 086 086 2121

Indoor Lawn Bowls Free at Coco Club every Saturday for school or college aged children from 11.00am – 2.00pm, with Male – English and Female Thai tutors.  Parents can sit at the bar and watch.  New champions needed!  Call Sue on 087 135 8357 or pop in to the club at Baan Amphur – signposted behind Phoenix Golf.

12:30 p.m. Pattaya Sports Club Softball plays slow pitch recreational pick-ups games every Saturday at the soccer stadium right behind the National Indoor Stadium on Chayapreuk 2 Road.  New players always welcome regardless of skill level, experience, age or time away from the game.  For more information and directions see the softball page at the Pattaya Sports Club website www.pattayasports.org or contact Dirk Brijs at dirk_brijs@yahoo.com or 088-218-8148

Sunday

Badminton players are invited to play 3 mornings a week at Mama Badminton Club on Soi Khao Noi, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 10am-12 noon. For more information, visit www.pattayasports.org/sports/badminton.

The Amazing Sunday Golfers are a friendly group of average index who welcome new players.  Each Sunday they have friendly games on different courses with a meeting point at the course.  Contact Philippe at 082 546 0770 or email 2012tasg@gmail.com to be updated each week for the upcoming game.

8:00 a.m. Diving with Mermaid’s Dive School.  Contact Mermaid’s Dive Center, tel. 038 232 219 – 20, email: mermaids@loxinfo.co.th

3:00 p.m. Pattaya Jungle H3 meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month and departure is from the Lek Hotel on 2nd Rd at 3pm.  For more info please call Kai on 01 863 5095.

Monday

3.15 p.m. Pattaya Hash House Harriers: The club for drinking people with a running problem meets every Monday at 3:15 p.m. in Pattaya Third Road, in front of the Buffalo Bar close to soi Lengkee, and just down the road from the Boxing Roo. We depart at 3:30 p.m. sharp. More info at: www.pattayah3.com.

Tuesday

Chess and Scrabble Club: every Tuesday 12pm – 5pm at Hoek-Van-Holland in Jomtien. Take Thappraya Road to intersection with Beach Road. Dong Tan Police sub-station is right there. Walk back towards Pattaya 10 meters along walking path. Hoek-Van-Holland is on the right, before the parking lot. Bring your own chess set and/or scrabble board. For more information please see website www.hoek-van-holland.com – Everyone welcome.

The Pattaya Chess Club meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. onwards at Brauhaus on 2nd Road between Soi 7 and Soi 8. Learners and anybody who would like to play chess are most welcome. Boards and clocks are provided.

Pattaya Ladies Netball Club: 7.30 pm every Tuesday at Fairtex Sports Club.  All ages and abilities are welcome.  100 baht per person.  Please email pattayanetballclub@gmail.com to confirm or find us on Facebook – ‘Pattaya Ladies Tuesday Night Netball’

Wednesday

4.00 pm – Club Petanque Thailand plays Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.  The court is open for groups every day. New and bigger surface. Very good drainage as well as better lighting.  No membership fee. Find us at Soi Nernplabwan 100/2 Moo7, next to Sutawas Temple and small Banglamung Police station. Contact: 085 280 7182, fax 038 248 067, email: petanque.Th@gmail.com (English, French, German, Scandinavian); (Thai & Chinese: 080 618 2831.)

Thursday

4.00 p.m. Pattaya Cricket Club practice nets at Thai Polo Club. All ages and abilities welcome. Please contact Simon at chairman@pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club website for more information and ground location: www.pattayacricketclub.com.

7:00 p.m.  Pattaya Panthers Rugby training every Thursday night at Horseshoe Point next to Siam Country Club. New players are always welcome – we are a very sociable team! Please contact Damian McCoy on Telephone 086 111 2816, Adrien Simon 095 705 0822 or send email to info@pattayapanthers.com.

Tuesday, June 2 Phoenix GC 4 person scramble

They say that the older you get the quicker time flies, well here we are again, was it really a year ago that the first charity event took place? This year the Billabong Golf Charity Day was held at the Phoenix Golf and Country Club and once again, with the support of so many people, June 21st was a tremendous success. 128 golfers, playing a four person scramble, turned out to support this eagerly awaited event.

In the months approaching June last year, Bob Philp, Scott Qua and some Billabong regulars caste their eyes away from the rugby, golf and cricket on TV, but still holding on to their cold beers of course, to discuss the possibility of holding a Charity Golf Day. They were inspired by Scott’s daughter Kelly, to raise money which will be donated to various centres that take care of Children With Special Needs. The seed of an idea developed, a casual drink and quiet chat in the bar turned into a huge success last year, raising 550,000 baht to help children that are autistic, have Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or other ailments. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and golfers, a magnificent sum close to 525,000 baht has been raised this year.

Thanks also to the co-operation of Phoenix GC and Nigel Cannon on the registration desk, the whole day ran as smooth as silk, although finding your buggy sitting amongst 127 others was a minor challenge, for this was a shotgun start and they were lined up like an invading army. A brief shower did not dampen the spirits of the protagonists and with the course being in excellent condition there was no surprise the scores were very good. 16 groups were in the frame for a prize but here are the first three groups.

1st. Jack Mosley, Tim Knight, Brian Maddox, Pete Stonebridge. – Net 57.5

2nd The girls from Phoenix: Misses Jeeranan, Bunsong, Prasong, Jubjang. – Net 58.6

3rd. Andy Butterworth, Chris Kerr, Mark Riggall, Keith Allen. – Net 59.0

Back at the Billabong, the clink of glasses and the sound of happy voices echoed around the bar, happy in the knowledge that this was another successful day. Following the presentation, the auction was the next item on the agenda and the generosity of those bidding was a testament to the feelings that those present have for the children who are in need of all the help they can get. 2 golf shirts, signed by the ladies who played at Siam in February, courtesy of LPGA professional Minjee Lee, a Scotty Cameron putter, a flag for the 18th hole at Whistling Straights signed by Jason Day, and many other items, but the star of the show was 4 rides around the Bira circuit in a high octane racing car which went for 20,000 baht.

The arrival of the food was very welcome at this point, an endless supply of refreshments, many tall stories starting with ‘if only’, the evening being helped along with live music in Thai and some golden oldies in English.

Every baht raised today will be donated to Children With Special Needs in the area. Full reports of the donations will appear in the newspapers and the Billabong web but, in the meantime, if you feel that you could make a contribution, regardless of how small, please contact Bob Philp on 08223043411 or William Macey on 0861522754.

Results & Standings June 16 (week 6)

PSC Golf from SIAM Country Resort Pattaya

Tuesday, June 21 Pattavia Stableford

On Tuesday 21th June we went to Pattavia with 2 groups. The course was in very good condition and a pleasure to play. The weather was cloudy with a few raindrops and not too hot. So very good conditions for good scores. And we had good scores today.

Paddy Devereux (22) played a strong back nine with 26 Stableford points, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Daniel Oshiro (22) scored 46 points and became the winner. Paddy ended second with respectable 41 Stableford points.

The near pins were for Daniel Oshiro and Jonathan Pratt (8) triple.

Thursday, June 23 Burapha Stableford

On Thursday 23rd June we went to Burapha with 2 groups. Again a very nice course. We played the C and D. Problem for us was the high rough. It was not easy to get a good shot out of the rough.

The weather again was cloudy and not too hot. Good playing conditions. Today again good scores.

It was again Daniel Oshiro who played solid. Not so many points as Tuesday, but he won with 40 Stableford points. Second became Tony Wakeling after a strong back nine, with 39 Stableford points.

The near pins were for Tony Wakeling, Willem Lasonder (19) and Jonathan Pratt double.

Siam Country Resort Pattaya, Restaurant & Bar is located just off Siam Country Club Rd, after going under the arch past the 7/11, turn right after 50 meters, with the venue on the left another 200 meters along. Golf from here is generally played on Tuesday & Thursday, with the Resort hosting prompt presentations on both days. As a PSC affiliated venue we welcome all golfers, including ladies & seniors (>60s) who have opted for the “Silver” tee option. Call 089 253 5440 (Willem Lasonder) for scheduling or enquiries.

PSC Golf with Bunker Boys

Monday, June 20 Bangpra white tees Stableford

1st Sean Murphy (15) 33 points

2nd Mike Lloyd (16) 30 oco

3rd Les Hall (23) 30

Near Pins: Jimmy Carr and Neil Carter.

Twelve players returned to a course which had been showing excessive wear and tear during the dry spell hoping that the recent rains had given it the kiss of life, only to find the patient still in the intensive care ward but displaying signs of life. Rain can only do so much for the course which was still ragged in places and needs a bit of TLC.

The scores reflected the condition of the course and Sean Murphy playing his second last game before his return home managed a win with four players ending up on 30. The unlucky ones not securing a place were Peter Habgood and Tony Robbins. Only two near pins were won again reflecting the challenges.

Wednesday, June 22 Royal Lakeside blue tees Stableford

1st Tony Robbins (15) 34 pts

2nd Neil Carter (13) 33 pts

3rd Sean Murphy (15) 31pts cb

Near Pins: Mike Lloyd, Neil Carter.

A disappointing turnout of only 8 players to this prestige club with its commanding setting, layout and fast putt able greens which should attract bigger fields. However, on analysis the following points came up, the combination of a ThB 1000 green fee (in low season), the distance, the roadworks, heavy rain overnight and playing off the blue tees deterred a few although 5 of our regulars did take off for the UK this week.

Those who are not deterred by the green fee (600 baht more than Greenwood which is in excellent condition) love coming here as it is usually in great condition.

Today the greens were terrific, and at 11 on the stimpmeter, fast and true. Unfortunately a few of the fairways were scruffy and a number of bunkers had not been repaired by the caddies. (Players please make your caddies rake the bunkers). Also the regulations that only permit the caddie to drive the buggy means that the golfer has to put up with trainee racing car drivers who dash to your ball with no consideration of where other golfers are playing their shot and finally with so many areas restricted to the buggies a golfer spends a large fee to walk and have his golf bag chauffeured around the course.

We started on 10, always difficult with a challenging par 5 followed by a cute par 4 with a water carry to the green. Sean Murphy and Jimmy Carr started well with 17 pts each on the first nine but faded at the end. Tony Robbins after a disappointing 14 pts on the first nine romped home with 20 pts on the second nine to take 1st place. Neil Carter shrugging off a poor run of form took 2nd with 33pts and Sean Murphy in his last game this holiday edged out Jimmy Carr for 3rd on count back with 31 pts. Sad to say Skinny Newton after his amazing 43 pts last week came last.

Friday, June 23 Eastern Star white tees Stableford

1st Geoff Parker (14) 35 points

2nd Geoff Cox (14) 33 oco

3rd Jimmy Carr (16) 33

Near Pins: Mike LLoyd, Les Hall

Only ten players made the trip to this southern course that we have not played for a while. The course is recovering well from the dry spell and has good grass coverage on fairways but areas frequented by the buggies are taking longer to recover. But this did not spoil our enjoyment of the course. Many players were heard to comment on how good the greens were, being closely mowed and holding their line on the putts.

The heavy rains prior to us teeing off resulted in many of the bunkers turning into water hazards with lost balls in bunkers being the order of the day.

Geoff Parker is back in the winning spot and consolidating his spot near the top of GOM as is Jimmy Carr. The par threes were challenging with only two golfers getting to put their names on the markers.