PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar

Sunday, August 21, Khao Yai Golf Club – Stableford

After a bacon and egg sandwich at the Billabong 12 intrepid golfers set off for Khao Yai.  3 hours later we arrived at the hotel to check in and once the formalities were over it was off to Khai Yai Golf Course.

Everyone was thinking it was going to be a hot day but there was a cool breeze and it followed us for the 4 hours of golf.  It was a perfect day and the course was in magnificent condition, the fairways and the greens were just fantastic.

The scores were not as good as usual up here and only 3 people managed to get into the 40’s.  Taking third spot was the man from Hong Kong, Glyn Davies, with 40 points while second went to Chris Dodd on 41.  Out in front on his own was Mike Gosden with a sparkling 42-pointer.

There were two ‘2’s, coming from Auke and Graham Rice.

Monday, August 22, Rancho Charnvee – Stableford

Rancho Charnvee for day two of the challenge and what a course this is, if there is such a thing as total perfection this has to be as close as you can get.  Once again we got away a little early and were back in just under 4 hours.  The course is in magic condition with not a blade of grass out of place.  That makes two great courses we have played so far.

Once again the scores were not all up there but there were a couple of exceptions.  The ever-consistent Auke Engekles took third spot with 37 points while Keith Allen came in second with 39, but the new man on the tour, Graham Rice, took line honours with a fine 41 points.

There were two ‘2’s today, coming from Graham Rice and Glyn Davies.

Tuesday, August 23, Sir James – Stableford

Sir James, the last day of the tour and the last time we came here the course was a little rough around the edges, but today we were pleasantly surprised as it was in grand condition.  This course has been changed around quite a lot and it has made a difference to the length; we played from the yellow tees as the whites at 6,500 would have made it too tough for some of our lads.

Millionaire golf today with nobody on the course it made for a great day out.  We were finished in just on 3ฝ hours.

The scoring today was good and the day went to that new man again Graham Rice with his second consecutive 41 pointer.  Mike Gosden was second with 37 points, beating Kevin Wild into third with a better back nine.

There were two ‘2’s, coming from Mike Gosden and Kevin Wild.

The overall winner of the 3-day comp was Graham Rice with 120 points, a country mile ahead of Auke Engekles and Mike Gosden who finished in second and third respectively with 109 points each.  The NAGA prize, kindly donated by Mike Gosden, was presented to Bob Philp for his lowly score of 89 points.

Wednesday, August 24, Green Valley – Stableford

The Green Valley course was in great condition with lush fairways and whilst the greens have been recently sanded they ran fast and true.  We only had 6 groups out today, meaning most of the golfers who went on the trip to Khao Yai didn’t make it.

In the girls’ tournament, Phaeng Van Mol won the day with 37 points and got the only 2 while Songkran Lusha took second place with 31 points.

In the men’s event, coming in third was Bill Eyles with a fine 37 points, second place went to Sel Wegner with 40 points and the top spot went to Lloyd Shuttleworth, playing his 4th day in a row with 41 points.  This is a guy who hadn’t seen a golf club in 6 weeks and over the last 4 days shot 79, 78, 76 and today 73 off his 6 handicap.

There were six ‘2’s, coming from Sel Wegner, Dave Lusha and the man of the moment Lloyd Shuttleworth.

Friday, August 26, Plutaluang – Scramble

We played West and North loops for the monthly scramble at Plutaluang, with 12 teams participating and all were away on time.  A great day for golf as there was a gentle breeze blowing to keep the heat at bay.  The course was in grand condition and as usual the putting is always the key to winning this event and was the same today.

The team taking third place was Nat, Wan, Dick and Paul with a net score of 60. Second place went to the team of Bob Newell, Simon Philbrook, Bobby Young and Mick Beresford with a score of 58.6, and the winners today were the Billabong team of Bill Marsden, Greig Ritchie, Paul Greenaway and Bob Philp with a score of 56.8 including 10 birdies and one bogie tossed in for good measure.

PSC Bunker Boys Golf Society

Monday, August 22, Eastern Star (white tees) – Stableford

1st Geoff Cox (15) 34pts

2nd Raleigh Gosney (18) 33pts

3rd Les Burns (30) 32pts

Near Pins: Mogens Melander, Colin Greig, Geoff Cox, Raleigh Gosney

The Bunker Boys were obviously discomfited by the well-presented Eastern Star course as not one of the thirteen players managed to play to their handicap, and 34 stableford points took first place.

Hip hip hooray for the groundskeeper!  Unlike the vast majority of other courses in the area, the bunkers were in excellent nick and were so pretty you had a hard time staying out of them.

There was a bit of anxiousness back at the Club as people could be heard to say, “how many did you have on the back”, “how many did you have on the back”? This was the result of Les Burns, Neil Carter, Lee Butler, and Jimmy Carr all posting 32 points.  Smiley Les walked off with the 3rd place prize by scoring 18 points, one better than Jimmy at 17.

Wednesday, August 24, Pattavia – Rainbow Stableford

1st Neil Carter (15) 39pts

2nd Jimmy Carr (17) 38pts

3rd Les Cobban (8) 38pts

Near Pins: Trevor Priestly, Les Burns, Jimmy Carr

Playing from the red, white, and blues is a real mind-fudger: One needs to match skill sets with tee-boxes, and this is a lot easier said than done.  Neil Carter entered the fray with a theory (using the term lightly) borrowed from Colin, i.e., get the blues out of the way from the go get, and save the reds for your last six.  It obviously panned out as he posted a very respectable 39 points to take first place.

Neil wasn’t as fortunate with near pins as he hit two of the four greens only to be knocked-off by Trevor on the 7th, and Les Burns on the 13th.  We were all amazed that no one was able to hit the par-3 17th, even though most players were playing from the reds at 152 yards.

When all is said and done, the whole shooting match should have been won by Raleigh as he had three par-putts lip-out, and two that missed by a you know what hair.  Add these five points to his 35 and, yeap, you’ve got the winner.

Friday, August 26, Mt. Shadow (blue tees) – Stableford

1st Geoff Parker (13) 33pts

2nd Jimmy Carr (17) 33pts

Near Pins: Gerry Cooney (2), Jimmy Carr

For the last month or two, this course has been bouncing back and forth between scruffy and less scruffy.  We’ll call today less scruffy although the bunkers and tee-boxes were in terrible shape.

Geoff Parker took first place on count back over Jimmy with a paltry 33 points.  Oh, what could have been: Geoff had at least five putts that missed by millimeters, and the wheels came off for Jimmy on the back, with just 13 points after posting 20 on the front.

With two rounds to go to decide Golfer of the Month it’s neck and neck between four players: Colin Greig, Geoff Parker, Raleigh Gosney, and Neil Carter.  Good luck to you all.

PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar

Sunday, August 21, Khao Yai Golf Club – Stableford

After a bacon and egg sandwich at the Billabong 12 intrepid golfers set off for Khao Yai.  3 hours later we arrived at the hotel to check in and once the formalities were over it was off to Khai Yai Golf Course.

Everyone was thinking it was going to be a hot day but there was a cool breeze and it followed us for the 4 hours of golf.  It was a perfect day and the course was in magnificent condition, the fairways and the greens were just fantastic.

The scores were not as good as usual up here and only 3 people managed to get into the 40’s.  Taking third spot was the man from Hong Kong, Glyn Davies, with 40 points while second went to Chris Dodd on 41.  Out in front on his own was Mike Gosden with a sparkling 42-pointer.

There were two ‘2’s, coming from Auke and Graham Rice.

Monday, August 22, Rancho Charnvee – Stableford

Rancho Charnvee for day two of the challenge and what a course this is, if there is such a thing as total perfection this has to be as close as you can get.  Once again we got away a little early and were back in just under 4 hours.  The course is in magic condition with not a blade of grass out of place.  That makes two great courses we have played so far.

Once again the scores were not all up there but there were a couple of exceptions.  The ever-consistent Auke Engekles took third spot with 37 points while Keith Allen came in second with 39, but the new man on the tour, Graham Rice, took line honours with a fine 41 points.

There were two ‘2’s today, coming from Graham Rice and Glyn Davies.

Tuesday, August 23, Sir James – Stableford

Sir James, the last day of the tour and the last time we came here the course was a little rough around the edges, but today we were pleasantly surprised as it was in grand condition.  This course has been changed around quite a lot and it has made a difference to the length; we played from the yellow tees as the whites at 6,500 would have made it too tough for some of our lads.

Millionaire golf today with nobody on the course it made for a great day out.  We were finished in just on 3ฝ hours.

The scoring today was good and the day went to that new man again Graham Rice with his second consecutive 41 pointer.  Mike Gosden was second with 37 points, beating Kevin Wild into third with a better back nine.

There were two ‘2’s, coming from Mike Gosden and Kevin Wild.

The overall winner of the 3-day comp was Graham Rice with 120 points, a country mile ahead of Auke Engekles and Mike Gosden who finished in second and third respectively with 109 points each.  The NAGA prize, kindly donated by Mike Gosden, was presented to Bob Philp for his lowly score of 89 points.

Wednesday, August 24, Green Valley – Stableford

The Green Valley course was in great condition with lush fairways and whilst the greens have been recently sanded they ran fast and true.  We only had 6 groups out today, meaning most of the golfers who went on the trip to Khao Yai didn’t make it.

In the girls’ tournament, Phaeng Van Mol won the day with 37 points and got the only 2 while Songkran Lusha took second place with 31 points.

In the men’s event, coming in third was Bill Eyles with a fine 37 points, second place went to Sel Wegner with 40 points and the top spot went to Lloyd Shuttleworth, playing his 4th day in a row with 41 points.  This is a guy who hadn’t seen a golf club in 6 weeks and over the last 4 days shot 79, 78, 76 and today 73 off his 6 handicap.

There were six ‘2’s, coming from Sel Wegner, Dave Lusha and the man of the moment Lloyd Shuttleworth.

Friday, August 26, Plutaluang – Scramble

We played West and North loops for the monthly scramble at Plutaluang, with 12 teams participating and all were away on time.  A great day for golf as there was a gentle breeze blowing to keep the heat at bay.  The course was in grand condition and as usual the putting is always the key to winning this event and was the same today.

The team taking third place was Nat, Wan, Dick and Paul with a net score of 60. Second place went to the team of Bob Newell, Simon Philbrook, Bobby Young and Mick Beresford with a score of 58.6, and the winners today were the Billabong team of Bill Marsden, Greig Ritchie, Paul Greenaway and Bob Philp with a score of 56.8 including 10 birdies and one bogie tossed in for good measure.

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Last week I was telling you all about the runaway winners of the week’s golf competitions at the TRGG.  It would appear that the fashion has caught on as this past week the “mind the gap” became the “mind the Grand Canyon” as the winning margins became even greater.  There was however one exception and this occurred at Greenwood on Wednesday where the two leaders finished on the same number of points but a whole six points ahead of third place.  I don’t know who was holding on to whose shirt tails but it was obvious that no one was letting go

Monday, August 29, Pattana – Stableford

On Monday the small TRGG turnout headed off to play Pattana (B and C).  Billy Ostle, who hails from “oop North” in the UK set the cat amongst the pigeons by decimating the opposition and winning easily by five clear shots.  His magnificent 39pts was far too good for the rest and it was only Neil Bramley on 34 who kept him in sight, but only just.

Kiwi Jeff Bunn finished 9 shots behind our Billy and came in third.  He was the only other player to beat 30pts on the day.

1st Billy Ostle (12) 39pts

2nd Neil Bramley (9) 34pts

3rd Jeff Bunn (7) 30pts

Tuesday, August 30, Burapha – Stableford

The walkovers continued on Tuesday at Burapha (C and D courses), with Neil Bramley shooting the lights out for the rest of the field.  Again the winner finished on 39pts five shots ahead of second placed Keith R Evans.  Derek Thorogood, who is normally our bridesmaid, lost out on count back to Keith and had to settle for page boy this week.

1st Neil Bramley (9) 39pts

2nd Keith R Evans (15) 34pts

3rd Derek Thorogood (15) 34pts

Wednesday, August 31, Greenwood – Stableford

On Wednesday the TRGG took the high road to Greenwood (A and B courses).  Two of our steely eyed old timers decided to have a shootout in the sun and a battle royal ensued.  Wily old Jack Mooney took on big Eddie Townsend at the OK Corral with neither giving an inch they both finished on 38pts.  If it had been an arm wrestling competition there was only one winner – big Eddie would have wiped the floor with little Jack but this was golf and Jack kept right on to the end of the road and finished a gnat’s whisker ahead after a count back.

Miles and miles behind came Father Ted Senior who took third place.

1st Jack Mooney (19) 38pts

2nd Eddie Townsend (22) 38pts

3rd Ted Senior (17) 32pts

Thursday, Sept. 1, Green Valley – Stableford

On 1st September it was back to our usual Thursday venue at Green Valley.  Masa Takana, who last week finished in second place on this course, went one better this week and cleared up.  His 36pts was easily good enough to take the winner’s podium and proved to be four shots better than Billy Allan who finished in second place.  Keith R Evans took third spot after finishing with 31pts.

1st Masa Takana (9) 36 pts

2nd Billy Allan (18) 32pts

3rd Keith R Evans (15) 31pts

Friday, Sept. 2, Parichat – Stableford

The golfing week drew to a close on Friday with a visit to Parichat and judging by the final scores I should guess that at least sixteen golfers had wished they had stayed in bed.  The word that comes to mind is CARNAGE and I have no doubt the sentence “has anybody got a golf ball I can borrow” passed a few lips on the day.  This testing course can reduce grown me to tears and perhaps that explains where all the water hazards come from.  Anyway, on Friday it turned into a debacle with all but two golfers struggling to reach 26 pts.

Carmen Hurdon, one of our lady golfers, kept a stiff upper lip and came home with a very respectable 35 pts which was easily the best score on the day.  In second place young Stewart Booth, showing commendable courage in the face of adversity, held his nerve to muster 30pts.  Our old battleship Seamus Farrell probably couldn’t believe his luck when he found that his 26 pts was good enough for third place.  For the rest I can only offer my condolences.

1st Carmen Hurdon (18) 35 pts

2nd Stewart Booth (9) 30pts

3rd Seamus Farrell (25) 26pts

Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG, please phone Derek Thoro­good on 080 673 3118 or pop into the Valentines Guest House Restaurant and Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at The Links Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society held its monthly medal event at Phoenix on Monday, 29th August and the designated combination was the Lakes and Ocean nines.  The Lakes’ greens are still not good but better than they were for the “pros” a couple of weeks ago while the easier Ocean nine is on good condition.  Fairways are generally very good.

Medal play requires a different mindset and those who can adapt to playing the course and not the handicap usually come out on top.

Scores were high after a heavy storm punctuated the start with the first two groups starting, then marking, then returning to the safety of a drinks stop on hearing the clubhouse siren.  Another siren thirty minutes or so later sent the golfers out again on flooded fairways and soft greens.  Overhead the humidity was at 100% and with not even the hint of a breeze conditions were extremely uncomfortable.  Expect high scores?

In third place was the low marker on the day Mark Lang and he produced another quality round of golf finishing with net 76.  In second place was Wichai Tananusorn whose net 73 showed his golf form has returned after the distractions of his new life in Chiang Mai.  The winner was Jon Batty on net 72 who played the best golf of his life for thirteen holes.  On the fourteenth tee he stood three under par gross and an easy six iron shot on the 165 yard par three saw an uncharacteristic sh… (mustn’t say the word) which then tumbled him into a maelstrom of triple and double bogeys, losing ten shots to par on the final five holes.  Most golfers never reach that standard so don’t let it get you down Jon!

There were no birdie ‘2’s and the consolation beer went to Alan Flynn when his non-winners’ card was drawn out by the cashier back at the Links in Soi Buakhao.

Phoenix is never as tough as this and in another month maybe we can expect a breeze, dry fairways and properly tended greens on the Lakes nine. Time to dream.

Two excel at Emerald

A hot and humid day, some mates wanting to play some golf on a challenging course at a “vfm” deal.  Say no more!  The Pattaya Golf Society visited The Emerald on Wednesday, 31st August to enjoy the day playing a stableford round from the white tees, on an empty course in good conditions.

Only a slight breeze was evident from the start and the well grassed fairways and quick greens made good golf possible.  For many golfers however the accent at Emerald is on luck and a good shot is often punished by less than flat lies in the fairways and the game becomes so much tougher as a result.  So it was this day, as Brendan Gilsenan played one of his better rounds with the group finishing in third place with 38 points after an excellent back nine.  The winners were Wichai Tananusorn and Mike Firkin who both recorded 40 points to share the pot.  Mike also joined Kevin Timbrell and Simon Kendall in a share of the ‘2’s pot.

Back in the Links Bar in Soi Buakhao, Mr Len, on behalf of the group, thanked Russell for all his help in hosting over the last eighteen months as this was to be his last day running the PGS “clubhouse” and we all wish the new management team, headed by Christian Boysen the best of luck in the days to come.  More of the same is in order for the PGS.

Masa in control

On a bright Friday, 2nd September the Pattaya Golf Society visited Mountain Shadow to play a stableford event on the course which was in fine condition.  Playing as usual from the blue tees it was even more of a challenge to find the tees well back.  In fact some were on the black tee boxes and members who had played there for many years found tee shots off the “new” markers a different prospect altogether.  Yes, it was long in the strong breeze.  Greens were splendidly consistent.

Scores reflected the length of the course with Mr Len and Kiwi Alan Flynn sharing third place with a mere thirty points each.  Two ahead was American golfer Kevin LaBar on 32 and the winner was old friend Masa Takano with 33 points.  Mike Firkin recorded the only birdie ‘2’ of the day, on the fifteenth.

At the presentation back at the Links in Soi Buakhao golfers shuffled around the debris of plasterers, decorators and air-con mechanics to enjoy a few beers and gossip as an almost seamless change of management continued with the redevelopment of the PGS base.  “It’ll be nice when it’s finished” was the general comment.

PSC Golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, August 28, Green Valley – Stableford

1st Christy Knight (24) 42pts

2nd Eddy Beilby (19) 37pts

3rd Connie Walsh (13) 36pts

4th Jorn Finnerup (26) 35pts

In an effort to show that last week was no fluke but rather a trend, Christy ‘good’ Knight followed up with a top spot today and the man of the match honours with a terrific 42 points.  So it’s congrats to the red hot player from the old Sod!

Christy’s 42 points overshadowed the fine effort from Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby whose 37 took the silver step on the podium.  Connie Walsh, another player in top form, filled the bronze step with a solid even par round.  This left Jorn Finnerup to close the flight with 35 points.

Monday, August 29, Green wood A & B – Stableford

1st Bernard Green (29) 38pts

2nd Ken Hole (17) 36pts

3rd Peter Henshaw (23) 35pts

A small but tidy group, due no doubt to our back to back playing days, traveled up the 331 highway to tackle Greenwood A & B layouts, always a popular venue for the group.  The course was in fine nick and the weather was hot and humid.

The day and match honours went to Bernard Green who shot a best on the day 38 points.  Ken Hole could only get within two of the winner but that was enough to secure the silver spot ahead of two players knotted on 35 points; Co. Dublin man Peter ‘the silver surfer’ and Kevin ‘the Thunder from down under’ Rogers and when the knot was undone it was Peter who claimed the bronze leaving Kevin you know where and potless.

Wednesday, August 31, Crystal Bay B & C – Stableford

1st Takeshi Hakozaki (15) 40pts

2nd Peter Henshaw (23) 36pts

Crystal Bay is one of the local courses that can play quite easy or be extremely difficult dependent on where the green-keeping staff place the flags on the greens.  On this day some holes were relatively easy and some extremely difficult and this combined with the hot and humid conditions looked to a good challenge for the lads.  So it was somewhat of a surprise to see Takeshi Hakozaki hand a splendid 40 points to take the match honours,  Takeshi was four clear of Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw, a sound effort and this was also Peter’s second pay window visit of the week.

Friday, Sept. 2, Pattana B & C – Stableford

1st Peter Henshaw (23) 34pts

2nd Joe Tynan (34) 33pts

3rd Kevin Rogers (11) 33pts

We set off Friday with a smaller than usual group to tackle the tough Pattana golf course, a course that has extremely tight fairways and lots of water hazards, so one must be very accurate off the tee box.  The course was in fine condition and the weather continued to be hot and humid.

No player managed to better their handicap on the day and the man of the match was Peter Henshaw, a player the scribe finds himself writing about on a regular basis.  Peter’s 34 points was one clear of two players, Joe ‘sat-nav’ Tynan and Kevin ‘the thunder from down under’ Rogers.  Kevin kindly gave way to the evergreen Joe in the ensuing count back.

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 or call Peter on 086 139 6301.  Transport is provided.

PSC Bunker Boys Golf Society

Even without making an appearance on the podium, Geoff Parker sealed the deal on the second to last round of the month as none of the other players in contention were up to the challenge.  Needing a win to stay in the running, Neil, Raleigh, Colin, and Jimmy were all knocked out by Thomas Nyborg who romped home with a very fine 40 points.  For the second month in a row Geoff is the Bunker Boys golfer of the month. Congrats Geoff!

Monday, August 29, Bangpakong Riverside (white tees) – Stableford

1st Thomas Nyborg (15) 40pts

2nd Jimmy Carr (17) 39pts

3rd Colin Greig (12) 39pts

Near Pins: Steve Durey, Trevor Priestly, Neil Carter, Thomas Nyborg.

Rumor has it that since moving back to Bangkok, Thomas Nyborg has been seen at this well-presented track on a weekly basis.  This obviously explained all the six foot or more one-putts, chip-ins from some twenty-feet out, never landing in a bunker, and keeping it in the fairway.  Either that or, he just had a good day.

It was a good day for the Bunker Boys as nearly 50% of the players were able to play to or better their handicaps; and 40, 39, and 39 stableford points took the win, place, and show positions, respectively.  Considering there are four par-4’s of over 400 yards, and three at nearly 400 yards, the Bunker Boys did a fine job of playing from the whites at 6,700 yards.

A special welcome to Colin’s mate, Graem Henry.  It goes without saying, Graem is having a great time trying to keep up with Colin on the golf course and, especially, staying apace at the watering holes.

Wednesday, August 31, Burapha C & D (blue tees) – Stableford

1st Lee Butler (20) 34pts

2nd Peter Habgood (22) 33pts

3rd Gerry Cooney (17) 33pts

Near Pins: Graem Henry (2), Raleigh Gosney, Colin Greig.

The infamous rough at Burapha proved to be too much for the guys today as no one had a par round (played to their handicap).  34 points took first place, followed by two 33’s for second and third.  In addition to the thick rough, six par-4’s of over 400 yards proved to be the undoing of a number of players: regulation-on was out of the question for all but the longest hitters.

Lee Butler managed to win the day even with a lost ball, which was ultimately recovered after returning to the tee-box and hitting a second ball which came to rest by what was thought to be the lost original, and an OB on the par-5 D-5 track in which he somehow managed to finesse three birdie points due to receiving two strokes on the hole.

Peter Habgood and Gerry Cooney both posted 33 points, with Peter winning on count back by recording twenty points on the back after thirteen on the front, and Gerry fifteen on the back after eighteen on the front.  Throw first and ask questions later, Peter, wasn’t in very good form today, i.e., we never saw a club outdistance a ball even with a meager thirteen points on the front.

Graem Henry hit three of the par-3’s claiming two near pins, but with no deuces.

Finishing up on the 18th – D-9 – we looked over to the tee-box on B-1 to see two Koreans walloping each other and making quite a ruckus.  The man in the green shirt was obviously displeased with a playing partner as he was punching, kicking, and attempting to pummel the man in the blue shirt.  He was finally restrained by the other two members in his group just as the marshal showed up to restore order.  After our shower, the man in the green shirt was with two of his mates in the parking lot waiting for a ride somewhere: obviously tossed from the course.  No word on the man in the blue shirt.  Kind of brought back memories of the Reds and Yellows.

Friday, September 2, Bangpra (white tees) – Stableford

A Flight

1st Les Cobban (8) 35pts

2nd Phil Moore (15) 33pts

3rd Neil Carter (16) 32pts

B Flight

1st Jimmy Carr (17) 34pts

2nd Raleigh Gosney (18) 29pts

3rd Ross Schiffe (19) 28pts

Near Pins: Phil Moore, Geoff Cox, Les Cobban.

Robbie Watts, accompanied by three of his mates from downunder (Dave McFeely, John O’Leary, and Stuart ‘the Battler’ Thompson), had high hopes of putting it to the Bunker Boys today at the always challenging Bangpra G.C.  Unfortunately, none of the men were able to make an appearance on the podium when the presentation was held back at the M Club.  Robbie and John did, however, come out on top in their four-ball against two of our regulars: Gerry Cooney, and Geoff Cox.  It was a real grin meeting you fine fellows and better luck next time.

The monkeys were out in force today: Graem Henry had his sandwich nicked, and a rumble between big daddy and three of his cohorts was taking place on the sidelines of the 16th fairway.  Second ruckus we’ve seen this week, first the Koreans, now the monkeys.

The track was in good nick, the weather perfect – just another fine day in golf paradise.

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.

PSC Golf from The Golf Club

Monday, August 29, Green Valley (white tees) – Medal

1st Corey Cusatis (24) net 74

2nd Terry Dyer (16) net 76

3rd Michael McCluskey (16) net 76

It was overcast all day long and the course was perfect so our trip to Green Valley was just ideal for our monthly medal.

It was getting down to the last week of holiday time for our mate Terry Dyer.  Terry has been with us for 5 weeks now and has had decent success on the podium.  For the comp today, Terry just got ahead of Mike McCluskey by the gift of count back.

Let’s not forget our Caddy Smile near pin contest on the last par-3 which was won by Phil Smedley while someone was holding his clipboard for him.

Corey Cusatis knew this could be the right time to strike.  With both Kenny Aihara and Dave Ferris absent, everyone now had a chance!  Corey was playing for his second star, as his first was garnered in the high season.  Today, Corey only needed a net 74 for the top spot and a new Antigua 2-star shirt!  Nice going Corey, a well-earned win!

Wednesday, August 31, Pattana A & B (white tees) – Stableford

1st Peter Thomas (20) 45pts

T2nd Tom Casey (18) 38pts

T2nd Masa Takano (9) 38pts

We should play Pattana more often, as the returning golfers gave rave reviews to the course layout, the condition, and the magnificent facilities out here.  It is well worth the drive and the Sports Days offer great value as well.

We have had several visitors join up with us lately from Japan, and they have proven themselves to be very competent golfers.  Masao Takano is one of them, and today Masao had a very solid 38 to share second place with Tom Casey.  We saw Michael McCluskey play well on Monday, and today Mike got the Caddy Smile near pin prize.

Blowing the field away, our mate Peter Thomas shot one of his best ever rounds of golf and turned in a big red 45 circled at the top of his scorecard!  Peter had been struggling for the last 2 months with a decent card turned in here and there.  Pete is a consistent golfer and skills at getting the ball off the tee and in the middle of the fairway some 250 yards down the way.  Today his short game was also on form and when the putts drop as well, you just can’t lose.  Nice playing Pete, now just channel all that talent for when we are playing for the monthly medal!

Friday, Sept. 2, Khao Kheow A & C (white tees) – Stableford

1st Michael McCluskey (16) 47pts

2nd Sakai Yasuo (12) 40pts

3rd Phil Smedley (14) 37pts

One of our favourite courses was on the menu today, and a full sheet of golfers was on the road to Khao Kheow.  It was in beautiful condition, the weather was gorgeous and yet another round of millionaire’s golf was on the cards.

Corey Cusatis was our monthly medal winner on Monday, and today Corey put the ball in the right place for our Caddy Smile near pin contest.  Captain Phil got his name in the papers for the second time this week, and today it was for third place honours.  Another golfer from Japan, Sakai Yasuo, garnered 40 points for second place.

Now we come to the story of the year, in fact this score sets a 9-year record for The Golf Club for the best Stableford score we have ever had!  With 47 points (yes, 47), and to do it on his 51st birthday, Mike McCluskey could do no wrong.  The scorecard showed 13 pars, 2 bogeys, 2 double bogeys (he is human) and a birdie as well.  He nailed a blistering 25 points on the front nine and a steady 22 on the back with hands trembling on that 18th tee box.

Mike told us after the round that it was 20 years ago he had a round like that, and most of the lads agreed it had better be another 20 for the next one or he had better check out the Federal Witness Protection Program.  Just kiddin’ Mikey, we know you’re legit!

Thank you for your support of TGC, and keep it in the fairway!

Note: The Golf Club is located in the Heart of Pattaya on Soi L.K. Metro. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: pattaya4golf@gmail.com and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya … all handicaps welcome!

IPGC Golf from The Haven

Monday, August 29, Greenwood A & B – Stableford

CSS 75 NC

1st Mike Hill (20) 32pts

2nd Pat Quinlivan (17) 32pts

3rd John Carlin (17) 31pts

4th Rod Crosswell (15) 31pts

5th Daryl Burkett (12) 31pts

6th Rodney Nabbe (13) 30pts

Following heavy rain over the weekend, carts were rightly being kept off the fairways and the ‘lift and place in the fairway’ local rule was in force but that did little to help with the scoring for the day, as with almost zero run from the tees and heavy going in the rough, playing conditions were as tough as they could be.  The CSS for the day spoke volumes as it moved out three and became non-counting for upward review.

Mike Hill made the best effort to win the day after edging a count back over Pat Quinlivan, finishing the back nine in a better 17 to 16 and without a zero on the card for either of them.  So Pat took his first podium placement with the group and could be very satisfied after taking everything into consideration.

John Carlin, having seen his handicap reduced by two through the previous week’s efforts, won another count back for third, carding a best 15 points as Rod Crosswell took fourth after he had a better 10 to 9 over the last six holes to leave Daryl Burkett, in his last outing of this visit, in fifth after they had tied the nine on 14 each.  Rodney Nabbe, another good player affected by the conditions, took sixth place another point behind them.

Rodney also knocked in the sole 2 in the first division as did Shuichi Kodaka in the second division, both sweeping the rollover pools clean at last.

Wednesday, August 31, Khao Kheow A & C (yellow tees) – Stableford

CSS 73

1st Neil Skilton (4) 39pts

2nd Mike Dabanovich (11) 35pts

3rd Shuichi Kodaka (18) 34pts

4th Jon Batty (8) 34pts

5th Rod Crosswell (15) 32pts

6th Larry Gibb (20) 32pts

After the trials of the previous outing many were expecting a very torrid time at the always difficult but fair Pete Dye designed course, where the A and B nines were the test of the day. In the event the course was found to be in quite good shape although it was the long hitters that ruled the top of the podium as the higher handicappers found the length required from the tee, just a little too much to score well.

The longest hitters were in fact the top two, with “sneaky long’ close behind in fourth.

On the top step was to be found Neil Skilton once again, as he continued his outstanding run of results at this venue having previously won seven times with one second and a third in nine events during which time his handicap has reduced from 6.6 to 3.5.  His card for the day, while not his best, was an excellent one over gross 73 and had the rare result of not having a score over five on any hole.

In second place, having kept pace with the winner for the front nine, was Mike Dabanovich who just let it slip a little over the closing holes as Neil applied the pressure.

Shuichi Kodaka then won a count back for third over Jon Batty, who had also been in contention for the front nine, but a much weaker back nine left him losing out for third place with a worse 15 to 18 return.

Rod Crosswell was also involved in another count back with Larry Gibb, winning it with a 18 to 15 results and consigning Larry down to sixth place.

There were no 2s in the second division but Jon Batty and Neil Skilton shared the first division pot.

Friday, Sept. 2, Phoenix Gold – Stableford

CSS 75

1st Markku Tynell (22) 39pts

2nd Peter Skinner (10) 33pts

3rd Mike Hill (20) 31pts

4th Shuichi Kodaka (18) 31pts

5th Rod Crosswell (15) 29pts

6th Rodney Nabbe (13) 28pts

Phoenix Gold showed its teeth and sent many of the better players into deep depression as they found the greens just not up to the standard that they expect, with still many areas of some greens still marked as GUR and in reality it was difficult to tell which was the ‘in’ part and which was the ‘out’ in many cases.

But the conditions did not trouble the winner, Markku Tynell, who returned his best score in over a year and that was at the same venue, as he took 20 points from the opening half and then 19 from the closing half, even slipping in a zero-pointer on the now difficult ninth on Ocean nine.  But in the end analysis it was an excellent win by six clear from a good field of players, and but for the new CONGU system that allows for category four players to count in the production of the CSS, the event would have been non-counting for upward review.  In the event the CSS moved out to 75 and remained counting and reduced Markku’s handicap by two shots for the coming week.

Peter Skinner, who can usually be relied on to return a solid card, did so again at three over handicap to take second place two ahead of a count back for third and fourth places.  That count back was won by Mike Hill with a better 17 to 16 to leave Shuichi Kodaka in fourth spot.

Rod Crosswell took his third podium placement for the week in fifth, with Rodney Nabbe, in his last outing for his current tour, in sixth place.

There were no 2s in both divisions and interestingly less than one three per player on all the par 3s which underlined the difficulty level at which they were playing.

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.

PSC Golf from The Billabong Bar

Monday, August 29, Phoenix Gold – Stableford

The Mountain nine is now closed and we were designated Lakes and Ocean and it started as a perfect day with just a gentle breeze.  Perfect, you would think, but unfortunately, whilst most of the Pattaya area remained dry, the rain gods had other ideas for those playing at Phoenix.  After 6 holes the heavens opened and all three groups had no alternative but to take shelter in the drinks stop on the 6th tee.  Sitting there waiting for the torrential  rain to stop we were treated to the sight of a 10-12 foot monitor lizard that decided that there was no attraction in his pond and took a slow stroll across the fairway to explore the pond on the other side.

We soon discovered whether our golf shoes were waterproof or not when we left the drinks stop to recommence our round.  The excuses came thick and fast, blaming the rain for destroying the round but this may well have been the case as the winning score was just 33 points, as was second and third places.  Lloyd Shuttleworth lost out on the count back to finish third, with George Barrie missing out on the top spot to Chris Dodd.  Not for the first time at Phoenix, there were no 2s.

Wednesday, August 31, Green Valley – Monthly Medal

It is a racing certainty that having negotiated the nightmare that is route 36 on the way to Green Valley, you would have forgotten that today is the monthly medal and, then after a few holes have been played, you will remember that they called it golf because all the other four letter words had been taken.

The changes taking place on the first was now taking shape and it is quite obvious to everyone that the finished article will be very pleasing to the eye.  The weather was perfect, the sun hiding behind some heavy clouds and a gentle breeze that occasionally turned into a gentle wind but the perfect conditions were not reflected in the overall scores.

Brian Chapman, CEO of Haven Consultants Financial Advisors, was on hand today as the long term sponsor of this monthly event.  Miss Eng had a day to remember, winning the ladies medal with a net 70 and helped considerably by having two 2s, but she was pushed hard to maintain top spot by Miss Yen with a net 71, the difference being Miss Yen had only one 2.  In with a chance until the last hole was Miss Karn in third with a net 72.

Four golfers in the men’s flight challenged for fourth place with a net 77 but Martin Hayes had a better back 6 to relegate the others to also-rans.  That single figure experienced golfer, Bob Newell, having had to borrow a set of steal shafted blades from the Billabong overcame all the club problems to come home third with a net 74.  Wayne Cotterell could not emulate his wife Miss Eng by winning the medal but came very close to finish second with a net 72.  Lloyd Shuttleworth is playing very consistent golf recently and today was no exception as he posted a net 72 to win the trophy.

Only one 2 for the men and that went to Kevin Hamilton.

Friday, Sept. 2, Burapha – Stableford

Playing the A and B loops at Burapha today was a pleasure, the course is in magic condition, and as we hadn’t played these particular nines it made it all the better.  It was a perfect day for golf with some high cloud and a nice breeze blowing over the course.

With only 3 groups playing it didn’t take long for us to get on the course, there were only 2 players that scored under 30 points so the course must have been set up pretty fair.  Coming in third place today was Paul Smith with a fine 36 points off his 2 handicap.  Dave Stockman was second with 38 points and the winner was Auke Engekles with a fine 39 points.

There were four ‘2’s, coming from Auke, Dave Stockman, Jim Brackett and Lloyd Shuttleworth but with such a small field there was no payout.

Results & Standings Sept. 2 (week 23)

Bavaria increased their first place lead by two points after winning all four points from Green Tree.

Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 548 series and Leo Kretscher had a 507 for Bavaria.  Nok Kennedy bowled a 516 series with a 203 game for Green Tree.

Second place Ardeo City split their match with Canada and each team won two points.  Jean led Ardeo with a 540 series and a 207 game.  David Shaw bowled a 544 series for Canada.  Jang Shaw bowing as a sub had a 526 with a 202 game.

Brother D won three points from third place Café Kronborg.  Peter bowled a 559 series and Leo 2 had a 509 for Brother D.

Tue Pettae bowled a 622 series with games of 225, 162 and 235 to lead Balloon Bar to a three point win over PWC.

The Riviera Group and its contractors put aside business for a day to compete in tug-of-war, eggplant rolling, volleyball and other games as the real estate developer hosted its first-ever Sports Day.

Riviera Group chief Winston Gale and his wife Sukanya, the company’s project manager, hosted the Aug 22 event, welcoming the various companies and construction firms that do business with Riviera throughout the year.

Riviera organized the Sports Day to strengthen friendships, have workers from all levels participate in joint activities and encourage exercise.

Twenty teams participated, including squads led by both Winston and Sukanya, with staffers from various construction companies and representatives of partner companies taking part.

Events included women’s volleyball, a 100-meter race, 4×100-meter relay, hands-free eating, tug-of-war, sack races, eggplant rolling, football and cheerleading.

Winning teams took home 2,000 baht while runners up got 1,000 baht each.

Five participating contractors were split into men’s and women’s teams, dubbed “Hot Daddy” and “Sexy Mom”.  Contractors were JWS, Ideal Design, Texcawall Siamese Ecolite, TRW Teerawat Meepol and Pan Ceiling.

The highlight of the event was the cheerleading competition between Winston’s Team R1 and Sukanya’s Team R2.

Next up was the football match between Riviera Group and the contractors.  The builders took the lead thanks to their close possession game, eventually polishing off the developers 4-0.

The second match was between men and women contractors.  Both teams had their own advantages, resulting in a fun atmosphere and the field was full of smiles.  Unexpectedly for the men, the Sexy Moms came out on top, winning 5-4.

PSC Golf from The Outback GolfBar

Monday, August 29, Burapha – Stableford

Playing the difficult C & D courses, scores were low.  Some thick rough off the fairways had most of our golfers struggle to navigate the course and the A division, with handicaps up to 18, coped with the conditions better.  It certainly gives credence to the USGA handicap system which gives higher handicappers a higher playing handicap as the course difficulty increases.  Having said that, it’s clear that Burapha’s rating on the A & B courses are too generous, considering that it plays a lot easier.

In the B division, Colin Patterson came in with a third place with 32 points, beaten on count back by Ivan Plunkett who had a better back nine.  Peter Moon won B division with 33 points, a testament again of how difficult the course played.

In the A division, Steve Plant scored 35 points for third, as did John O’Keefe in second who beat Steve on a count back.  The winner, Tony McDonough, was the only fella to better his handicap on the day with 37 points.

Neil Skilton managed to get the only ‘2’ of the day.

Friday, Sept. 2, Silky Oak – Stableford

Surprisingly few complaints from the players today – last week we heard a lot from other societies about the greens being super slow, but most people I spoke to thought the course was in fair condition (definitely not the place to go to every time, but ok for an occasional knock).

Silky Oak is playing relatively easy from the white tees (although some high handicappers still have tremendous difficulty even clearing the first hole) and all in all scores were reasonably good today.

In the B division, Neil Fidele came in third place with a level par 36 points.  At the top of the leaderboard Andy Makara and Eddie Beilby fought a titanic tussle for the bragging rights, both posting superb scores of 41 points, but Eddie getting the nod for top spot thanks to his 21 points on the back nine.

Jack Butler once again made it into the prize list in the A division with his 36 points.  In second place was Sel Wegner with 38 points and the division honours went to Steve Planthas with a superb lowest gross of the day 81, giving him 40 points.

Saturday, Sept. 3, Burapha – Skins

Welcome back to John Low and his crew from New Zealand that joined our regular Saturday golfers for a fun day out.  As mentioned previously, Saturday golf is a bit more laid back, with lots of beer and even music on course and the only time that we do allow ‘gimmies’.  The reason being that it is a skins competition where each hole carries a reward for the lowest net score, so it has a bit of a matchplay feel to it.

Carl Sellick played yet another amazing round with a gross 72 and with 40 points he was the clear winner on the day.  However, being a skins comp does mean you have to get your birdies on the right holes (as a low handicapper), and his great round wasn’t good enough for any skins! Instead, Shaun Pullen got crucial net birdies on holes 7 and 8 and a fabulous net eagle on the par-5 fifteenth hole to bag him a total of 9 skins.

The other 9 skins were gobbled up by the Kiwi boys, with Geoff Christie getting a nice windfall as holes 16, 17 & 18 wrapped around to make his birdie on hole-1 count for 4 skins.  John Low’s birdie 2 on hole-12 ensured that he got 4 skins and Gary Bancroft got in with a skin via his birdie on hole-2.

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Last week I was telling you all about the runaway winners of the week’s golf competitions at the TRGG.  It would appear that the fashion has caught on as this past week the “mind the gap” became the “mind the Grand Canyon” as the winning margins became even greater.  There was however one exception and this occurred at Greenwood on Wednesday where the two leaders finished on the same number of points but a whole six points ahead of third place.  I don’t know who was holding on to whose shirt tails but it was obvious that no one was letting go

Monday, August 29, Pattana – Stableford

On Monday the small TRGG turnout headed off to play Pattana (B and C).  Billy Ostle, who hails from “oop North” in the UK set the cat amongst the pigeons by decimating the opposition and winning easily by five clear shots.  His magnificent 39pts was far too good for the rest and it was only Neil Bramley on 34 who kept him in sight, but only just.

Kiwi Jeff Bunn finished 9 shots behind our Billy and came in third.  He was the only other player to beat 30pts on the day.

1st Billy Ostle (12) 39pts

2nd Neil Bramley (9) 34pts

3rd Jeff Bunn (7) 30pts

Tuesday, August 30, Burapha – Stableford

The walkovers continued on Tuesday at Burapha (C and D courses), with Neil Bramley shooting the lights out for the rest of the field.  Again the winner finished on 39pts five shots ahead of second placed Keith R Evans.  Derek Thorogood, who is normally our bridesmaid, lost out on count back to Keith and had to settle for page boy this week.

1st Neil Bramley (9) 39pts

2nd Keith R Evans (15) 34pts

3rd Derek Thorogood (15) 34pts

Wednesday, August 31, Greenwood – Stableford

On Wednesday the TRGG took the high road to Greenwood (A and B courses).  Two of our steely eyed old timers decided to have a shootout in the sun and a battle royal ensued.  Wily old Jack Mooney took on big Eddie Townsend at the OK Corral with neither giving an inch they both finished on 38pts.  If it had been an arm wrestling competition there was only one winner – big Eddie would have wiped the floor with little Jack but this was golf and Jack kept right on to the end of the road and finished a gnat’s whisker ahead after a count back.

Miles and miles behind came Father Ted Senior who took third place.

1st Jack Mooney (19) 38pts

2nd Eddie Townsend (22) 38pts

3rd Ted Senior (17) 32pts

Thursday, Sept. 1, Green Valley – Stableford

On 1st September it was back to our usual Thursday venue at Green Valley.  Masa Takana, who last week finished in second place on this course, went one better this week and cleared up.  His 36pts was easily good enough to take the winner’s podium and proved to be four shots better than Billy Allan who finished in second place.  Keith R Evans took third spot after finishing with 31pts.

1st Masa Takana (9) 36 pts

2nd Billy Allan (18) 32pts

3rd Keith R Evans (15) 31pts

Friday, Sept. 2, Parichat – Stableford

The golfing week drew to a close on Friday with a visit to Parichat and judging by the final scores I should guess that at least sixteen golfers had wished they had stayed in bed.  The word that comes to mind is CARNAGE and I have no doubt the sentence “has anybody got a golf ball I can borrow” passed a few lips on the day.  This testing course can reduce grown me to tears and perhaps that explains where all the water hazards come from.  Anyway, on Friday it turned into a debacle with all but two golfers struggling to reach 26 pts.

Carmen Hurdon, one of our lady golfers, kept a stiff upper lip and came home with a very respectable 35 pts which was easily the best score on the day.  In second place young Stewart Booth, showing commendable courage in the face of adversity, held his nerve to muster 30pts.  Our old battleship Seamus Farrell probably couldn’t believe his luck when he found that his 26 pts was good enough for third place.  For the rest I can only offer my condolences.

1st Carmen Hurdon (18) 35 pts

2nd Stewart Booth (9) 30pts

3rd Seamus Farrell (25) 26pts

Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG, please phone Derek Thoro­good on 080 673 3118 or pop into the Valentines Guest House Restaurant and Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.

A young golfing star from Pattaya has won a major competition in the United States.

Queen, who studies at Garden International School (GIS) in Ban Chang near Pattaya, shot a remarkable 14-under par to take the title in the Girls 11-12 category at the World Stars of Junior Golf tournament held recently at Angel Park Golf Course in Las Vegas.

Queen finished an astonishing 22 shots ahead of the runner-up after the three completed rounds.

The diminutive golfing starlet has studied at GIS since 2008 and won many major tournaments both in Thailand and abroad.  She is currently ranked number 1 in the country for her age and is certainly one to watch for the future.

PSC Golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, Sept. 4, Green Valley – Stableford

1st Donald Lehmer (21) 39pts

2nd Jim Elphick (27) 35pts

3rd Eddy Beilby (21) 34pts

It was a small field that turned out for this Sunday bash at Green Valley.  The weather remained hot and humid and the course was in excellent condition despite the heavy storms of late.

Don ‘the ladies’ Man ‘ Lehmer showed the lads how it should be played as he turned in a man of the match performance – an excellent 39 points.  Don was also the only player to better his handicap and was four clear of Jimmy ‘two shots Elphick’.

Jimmy picked up the silver with the help of a five-pointer on the fifth hole par-3.  Aiden Murray also had a five-pointer on the seventh par-4 but came up one shot adrift for a podium spot.

Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby and Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw went head to head in a count back for the bronze, both tied on 34 points, and when the mud had settled it was Eddy who was the happiest, leaving Peter at the bar and quite happy with a pint of the black stuff.

Monday, Sept. 5, Greenwood – Stableford

1st Takeshi Hakozaki (16) 40pts

2nd Kevin Rogers (11) 39pts

3rd Pierre Zibinden (22) 39pts

Green Wood A & C nines was the task for the Lewiinski’s gang today.  The course was found to be in its usual fine condition with good fairways and moderately placed pins on the greens, and that led to some extremely good scores.

Takeshi Hakozaki took the man of the match honours with an excellent 40 points, mind you he needed every one of them as two players were tied on 39 points.  Joe ‘sat nav’ Tynan and Jimmy ‘two shots’ Elphick were those two and Joe maths added up a little better on the inner nine than Jim’s in the resulting count back.

Wednesday, Sept. 7, Khao Kheow A & C – Stableford

1st Yasumasa Watanabe (36) 40pts

2nd Joe Tynan (34) 39pts

3rd Jim Elphick (27) 39pts

Khao Kheow is certainly one of the best and also one of the toughest around, so when we arrived it was nice to see clear skies and no strong winds.  Even so, you cannot take this course lightly, post a good score here and you have played very well.

Today we played A & C nines, which can be a pretty difficult combination with plenty of water and very tough rough.  Peter ‘the silver surfer’ Henshaw must have thought he was in with a shout with 38 points and most days he would have been, he just chose the wrong day.

In fact the days scores were identical to Monday’s outing with the top podium spot and man of the match honours going to Yasumasa Watanabe with his rock solid 40 points.  Joe ‘sat nav’ Tynan and Jimmy ‘two shots’ Elphick were knotted on 39 points and when the knot was undone it was Joe who picked up the silver leaving Jim with the bronze.

Friday, Sept. 9, Burapha – Stableford

1st Chris Marten (15) 39pts

2nd Yasumasa Watanabe (34) 37pts

3rd Peter Henshaw (22) 36pts

Considering the rain we had overnight and during the last few days, the course was in fine condition.  The hot and humid conditions did not affect the scores as Chris Marten was man of the match with a fine 39 point return.  Chris was two strokes clear of Yasumasa Watanabe who followed Wednesday victory with a second place podium spot.  Peter Henshaw was left to tidy up the flight with a useful even par round.

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 or call Peter on 086 139 6301.  Transport is provided.

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Links Bar

A new golfing week began for the Pattaya Golf Society with a trip to Khao Kheow to play a stableford round on the course which was in fine condition with quick greens.  The large field got away on time and the day stayed fair if humid throughout.

Scoring, for some reason became a problem, and the average across the field was only 27+ points, which is low when compared with the PGS average.  Murray Edwards returned the only birdie ‘2’ on the day, a fine putt on A5 securing the honour.

In third place was Simon Kendall with 34 points and Kevin Timbrell saw a renaissance in his game with 37 points for second place.  Once again Mike Firkin impressed with some long and accurate drives and finished with 38 points for the win.

Back at a bar in temporary chaos, in an effort to get the Links ready for the new owner’s opening day event on Wednesday, the golfers enjoyed a convivial presentation which saw warm welcomes offered to Greg Gawron and Jim Ferris whilst Kevin LaBar took his leave after his first experiences of golf with the PGS.  He will be back for more, for sure!

Two-way tie at Pleasant Valley

The Pattaya Golf Society ended a hectic week with a visit to Pleasant Valley on Friday, 9th September to play a stableford competition from the blue tees.  The day was hot and breezy and the course was in good condition except that the fairways were soft and greens were patchy and recovering from repairs.  Scoring would not be easy as results would show.

In third place was Simon Kendall, playing his final round this trip, with a solid round of 32 points whilst Masa Takano and Mr Len shared the win with 33 points each.  There were no birde ‘2’s on a day when putting held the extra challenge of slow greens, which are a feature of the course.

The empty course meant an early finish to the day and a relaxed drive back to town.  Next week things would be different with trips to Treasure Hill and Bangpra the main feature.

Ooy Pluemkamon bowled a 557 series with a 204 game to help tie her match two-to against a hot bowling PWC eam.  Preecha led PWC with a 607 series and games of 203, 193 and 211.Pao Orawan bowled a 520 series with a 235 game for PWC.

Second place Ardeo City kept pace with Bavaria, winning two points from Green Tree.  Jean bowled a 541 series for Ardeo.

Third place Café Kronborg got back on the winning track, taking two and one half points from Canada.  Thomas bowled a 534 series for Kronborg and La Montgomery had a 530 for Canada.

In a high scoring match up Balloon Bar won three points from Brother D.  Horst bowled a 592 series with a 232 game and Tue Pettae had a 546 with a 200 game for Balloon.  Peter led Brother D with a 264 series and a 224 game and Leo 2 added a 506 pin count.

Pattaya United took a positive step towards Premiership survival last Saturday after securing a vital point in a scrappy 1-1 draw with Ratchaburi FC at the Nongprue Stadium.

It took a good 15 minutes for the game to come to some semblance of life and the first shot on target was well saved by United goalkeeper Pattiwat.  This seemed to serve as a wake-up call to the Dolphins and on 24 minutes they took the lead when Jae Ho connected with a Pina corner to head powerfully into the Ratchaburi net.

United then enjoyed a period of apparent dominance, but against the run of play Ratchaburi equalized via Chutiporn’s sharp dipping bullet of a shot.  It could have gone even worse for the hosts and they had goalkeeper Pattiwat to thank for saving smartly from Yannack’s effort at the end of the first half, keeping the two teams level at the break.

With both teams striving hard for maximum points, the second half started with greater urgency yet neither side could find the breakthrough.  Pattaya’s Soony came closest to breaking the deadlock after coming on as a second half substitute, but his acute shot glanced off the far post and out to safety.  The game ended in a stalemate and both teams were reasonably happy with a share of the points.

United’s Pinto Junior said afterward, “it was a hard fought game but we had chances and should have won, however every point is important at this stage of the season.”

With five more rounds remaining in the current campaign, Pattaya’s next fixture is away to Sisaket FC on September 18.