North Hill, 30.09.16
Today at NH there were 14 golfers who were blessed with wonderful weather for a round of golf. Yes it was hot but the light breezes were a blessing. I must remind everyone that the rule with Chiangmai Golfers is that you must be at the golf course with your green fees paid and your score card with the club captain by and preferably prior to 8am because that is when the draw is done, if you arrive at 8am by the time you have paid your fees the draw has been completed and it causes problems in rearranging the groupings just because you are late. Also when you have completed your round it is a priority to get your score card to the captain on completing your round, if you are going for a sh*t, shave or shower please give your card to someone who is not, so that all the members do not have to wait for the results. Thank you for your consideration to all your playing partners.
The mystery birdie hole today was the par 3 fourth hole which many managed to par but no one birdied so all the better for next weeks winner.
Some great scores today much to the relief of those who played poorly at Inthanon on Wednesday. The winner today was Shaun Stewart with 38 points, certainly a regular in the winners circle in recent weeks, runner up was an old regular Peter “Smiley” Haddon (who finally undid the purse strings and joined North Hill today) and in third place was Ralph Hamilton who was happy to just keep Garry & Camilla out of the prizes due to a late adjustment to handicap. Also worth a mention is that Ian Fraser submitted his last card for handicap today and started off the round with 3 pars so may be someone to watch in coming weeks.
Ralph, Shaun, Smiley
Maejo, 30.09.16
Another great turn-out as we had (27) members all arriving on time for a Friday stable-ford competition. The weather for our 1st nine holes was ideal as we played under cloudy skies with intermittent light breezes. The last nine holes were played under sunny skies and as our round progressed the temperatures rose substantially but luckily for some light breezes it could be considered a great round weather wise.
We Welcome new member Ronny Peters who joint the CMSG today.
Prior to reporting the winners of today’s competition it should be noted that finally the birdie hole (hole #10) was claimed today by Tom Berger, Graham Adams, and Frank Schwarz. For the time being the birdie hole is being discontinued waiting for re-implementation by the next future Maejo captain.
Getting back to the winners of today’s competition Ric Cameron, our birthday boy, took 3rd place honors by posting score of (36) points. 2nd place today was shared by Nigel Stubbs and Jeff Crosthwaite both scoring (37) points. Alone in 1st place with an impressive (42) points was Tom Berger. Hats off to all of today’s winners!
Jeff, Tom, Nigel, & Ric
In closing please do not forget about signing up for the “2016” annual tournament by advising your respective captain and/or send an e-mail to Jack Kuzina.
Lanna vs Mae Jo Challenge, 28.09.16
Finally we got underway after having to postpone 2 weeks due to rain. It proved to be the right decision as we all enjoyed glorious sunshine and dry conditions and the course presented well.
The day was not without problems, there were 2 non-starters [best wishes to a hospitalised Kim Anderson and I hope Gary Cooke solved his loss of wallet and credit cards.]
Nearest the Pins were claimed by Graham Adams, Leon Smiler, Garry Walker and Lennart Larssen. Men’s longest Drive was a whopping 246 yards by Kieran Savage and Saranee Livingston was the Ladies’ winner.
I apologise if it seemed shambolic before the awards but all scores were needed and it was almost six hours from start to finish before the last team made it in. Thanks to all who assisted in making the event, including Jack Kuzina, Ashley Kim Sing, and a special thanks to an invaluable Keith Freeman.
Lanna won this years Challenge.
Pre-match instructions
All Smiles for the Lanna Team as they win the Cup
Captain Terry accepts the Cup
Lanna, 26.09.16
Today 20 members enjoyed sticky conditions around Lanna courses 1+2 where the balls just didn’t run at all, and the greens were a little jumpy. Also we were held up by a couple of 3 and 4 balls ahead so the round took a bit longer than normal and scores weren’t all that impressive. Anyway, 3rd place went to Lawrence Nahlik with 31 points, there was a tie for 2nd place between Frank Schwarz and Yokio Doi having 34 points each, but today’s winner was Dave Beck (in John Daley style attire) with 39 points.
We were all pleased to see Allan Gariano put in an appearance after his recent operation, so hopefully he can join us on the golf course again soon. Best wishes Allan for a full recovery.
Doi, Frank, Lawrence & Dave
North Hill, 23.09.16
Today we had 17 members attending, 16 in the stableford competition and 1 putting in last card for handicap. A random draw got things started in overcast & humid conditions on a course where, even after a night of heavy rain it was not necessary to have lift clean and place, and even in the wet conditions the grounds keepers had been out and cut the grass. We were allowed to go off both tees which got everyone away early but the course did get busy during the round which resulted in people getting in between our groups between nines, sometimes it is better to all go off one tee box, anyway we all finished in a reasonable time and eager to enjoy the social aspects of the game.
Today both Shaun and Ralph were celebrating birthdays and we wished them well and we had some new members joining NH and taking advantage of the current deal ending this month, well done Jack Cooper, Ian Fraser, Yung & Dao Beece.
The first hidden birdie hole was on the long par 3 second hole and even with the pin in a difficult position which I thought would allow the kitty to build to a nice prize it was taken out by Lawrence Nahlik on the first week. Ah well hopefully I will choose a more difficult proposition next week.
The placings in todays event were a tie for third place between Dave Beck & Shaun Stewart with 36 points, in second place and playing to her usual high standard was Sarinee Livingstone with 38 points and the overall winner finally playing to his full potential and thrashing the field was non other than Brian Heuston with an amazing 48 points witnessed by myself and Tom Berger and I have to admit it was pretty to watch. I am even happier to know that his handicap will be serverely reduced before I have to play against him in the Maejo/Lanna challenge at Inthanon on Wednesday (LOL).
Shaun, Lawrence, Brian, Sarinee, Dave.
Mae Jo, 23.09.16
This Friday we had (18) members and (1) guest all showing up on time for a straight stable-ford competition. For a change we had no rain prior to our 8:00 AM tee-off that continued throughout our respective rounds. To most players the course is playing somewhat more difficult due to the extremely high grass that line both sides of most fairway. The reason for this is due to the heavy rains over the past few weeks, subsequently the ground keepers have not cut the grass in these area. These conditions are also attributing to longer playing times as players look for lost balls in these high grass areas.
Regardless we had some impressive results today. Taking 3rd place was Michael (Kuzie) Kuzmich posting a score of (36) points. 2nd place honors goes to Nigel Stubbs finishing with (38) points. Alone in 1st place was Silvan Schwarz finishing with a highly impressive (41) points. Hats off to all of today’s winners – well played!
Again, no one had a birdie on #10 hole so the kitty grows to 600 baht!
Nigel, Silvan & Kuzie
Don’t forget next Wednesday we will be playing at Inthanon. For those not playing at Inthanon we still have our allotted 8:00 am tee time at Maejo.
Inthanon, 21.09.16
After a cloudy start the day turned perfect for golf,dry and not too humid.When Inthanon’s like this it takes some beating. Despite that the 9 members that attended all seemed to struggle with the exception of Ashley Kim,who won the day despite a tennis elbow. [beware the injured golfer! ] Second was Yours Truly,
3 points behind with 31. We look forward to those of you who are coming next week for the Shootout.
Terry & Ashley
Maejo, 21.09.16
This Wednesday the early morning started off with scattered showers through out the Chiang Mai area that at times vacillated between light to heavy rains. Luckily for the (18) members showing up at Maejo the rain ended (5) minutes prior to our 8:00 am tee off and we completed the round without the need for an umbrella. The course appears to be drying out after the last few weeks of intensive rain, but the rough is extremely high do to it being so wet that the ground keepers can not cut the grass. It appears that most of the members are looking for the rainy season to end as scoring in these wet conditions are proving to be extremely difficult.
As far as the results of the Stableford Nassau format we had a 3-way tie for the back nine holes being shared by Brian Hueston, Camilla Dwyer, and Frank Schwarz all scoring (17) points. We had a solo winner on the front nine holes with Julian Wing posting a score of (18) points. Today’s overall winner with (34) points (still in the buffer zone) was Mr. James Hopkins.
Brian, Camilla, Frank, Jim & Julian
We look forward to this coming Friday’s stableford competition.
Lanna, 19.09.16
This Monday at Lanna we had (19) members participating in a Stableford competition. For a change we teed off under clear skies that lasted the majority of our round with intermixed overcast conditions. When the sun was out it was extremely hot,but luckily and as stated above, we had a mixture of cloud cover coupled with some light cooling breezes.
Today the competition was fierce with some extremely fantastic scores. Alone in 2nd place was Sarinee Livingstone posting an impressive (30) points. We had a tie for 1st place being shared by Peter Brown and yours truly Jack Kuzina both posting a blistering (32) points.
Lastly, we look forward to seeing everyone next Monday at Lanna and for those who entered into the Lanna – Maejo Challenge don’t forget it is scheduled on Wednesday September 28, 2016 at Inthanon.
Peter, Sarinee & Jack
North Hill, 16.09.16
Today there were 12 members present and contemplating a round of golf with overcast skies. There were five visitors from Gymkhana experiencing a round on the course and who enjoyed it as guests of CMSG as well, good on you Dr.Bob. Anyway the stableford event began under cloudy skies and we did experience a light shower on the fourth hole but then the cloud cleared and the sun shone and we suffered the humidity as all that moisture went back up into the skies. The course held up pretty well considering the recent rains and it was not necessary to have lift, clean and place although it was considered, but with the plugged ball on fairway rule that was considered sufficient.
The group as a whole have agreed to have a birdie hole included in our events. Most agreed that it would be a mystery hole, that is it would not be broadcast until after the event. So good luck out there in each round and your birdie might just give you a surprise reward.
The winner today was Garry Walker with 34 points (It was tough out there with no run) and tied in second place were Sarinee Livingstone & Shaun Stewart and just out of the prizes was Ralph Hamilton 29 points in third place.
Nice to see Haydn & Les join us in the club house for drinks afterward and along with Camilla & Brian it was a very sociable afternooon.
Sarinee, Garry, Shaun
Mae Jo, 16.09.16
Another raining morning prior to our scheduled 8:00 am tee off. Even with the rains we still had (21) members arriving on schedule to complete in a Friday stable-ford competition. Amazing, but typical during the rainy season, the rains completely stopped around 8:20 AM with the skies clearing as we progressed thru our round subsequently changing from wet conditions to extremely hot and humid conditions. It also should be noted that 90% of all of the fairways were saturated with water resulting in most difficult playing conditions even with “lift, clean, and place” rule in effect.
Relative to the scores one could state the results were “nothing to write home about”. We had a 3-way tie for 3rd place being shared by Adam Jackson, Frank Schwarz, & Robert Green all posting a score of (31) points. Coming in 2nd place was Ric Cameron with (32) points. Today’s first place winner with (35) points and staying in the buffer zone was Silvan Schwarz. Congratulations goes out to all of today’s winners!
Robert, Adam, Silvan, Frank, Ric
Mae Jo, 14.09.16
Today we had (12) members showing up at Maejo under raining conditions. Regardless of the wet conditions we all teed off on schedule with the rain ending after 4-5 holes. Our remaining holes were played under cloudy but rainless conditions.
Today we had a tie for 2nd place both scoring (31) points being shared by Stuart Duncan and Tom Berger. Alone in 1st place with (35) points was Dave Beck. Your’s truly finished in 3rd place with (29) points but was not allowed to share in any winnings based on Harry’s input.
Hats off to all of today’s winners!
Tom, Dave & Stuart
In Memoriam
It is with a heavy and remorseful heart to notify all our members the passing away of one of our long time members and close friend Mr. James Catterson. Jimmy passed away Tuesday evening due to a severe pulmonary infiltration condition. Jimmy C, as known by all of us, will be surely missed and his memory will be with us forever.
The following photos of Jimmy are indelible images of our close and dear friend!
Jimmy with the Ian Poulter hair due
How could you miss that perfected swing!
“All Smiles in the winner’s circle”
We will miss your Smile Jim boy!
We will all miss your dearly – Godspeed!
Note: Services will be held at the Wat “Kon Tan” that is located off highway #1260 that runs between highway 107 and 1001. From Maejo University travel north and turn left onto route 1260 and turn left on the 1st Soi after crossing over the Ping River bridge. Wat “Kon Tan” is located approximately 150 meters off the 1260 road.
The Final Chapter:
Jimmy was laid to rest on a beautiful sunny day with numerous of his golfing friends in attendance. A special thanks goes out to Graham Adams and his partner Jan for providing the Scottish bag pipe music at the end of the ceremony that resulted in a countless number of teary eyes. Jim will be missed but never forgotten.
God Speed and God Bless Jim Catterson
Lanna, 12.09.16
Since it has been raining all night and was still raining at 7:30am today, the decision was made to cancel today’s Lanna event. Seven members did turn up and some of them ended up honing their skills at the driving range.
Jack Kuzina will be hosting next Monday’s Stableford event.
North Hill, 09.09.16
There were 15 members at North Hill today for a Stableford event in glorious weather and with two groups going off the front nine and two off the back nine we were all finished in under four hours.
Some Good scores with Shaun Stewart coming in First Place with 38 points, followed closely by Kim Anderson (still kicking himself for a 3 putt on the last hole) & Lawrence Nahlik with 37 points and Barry Ochitwa in third place with 35 points. Today, Smiley’s chip in birdie on the last was not enough to get him a prize. Others to get birdies were Shaun, Lennart, Camilla & Lawrence, so if as a group you would like to follow Mae Jo’s lead and have a birdie hole each week at North Hill just let me know next week before the round and if all in agreement we will set it up.
The captain was too busy socializing and once again forgot to take a photo for which I deeply apologize.
Shaun Stewart
Mae Jo, 09.09.16
This Friday we had another large turn-out with (25) members and (1) guest participating in our stable ford event. Everyone arrived on time so we had and orderly and on schedule start. The weather was ideal for golf with cloudy skies coupled with some cool breezes thru out our round. For some unknown reason those groups starting on the back nine completed their respective rounds approximately (20) minutes ahead of those teeing off the number 1 tee box. Typical for this time of the year the fairways were somewhat on the wet side so the “Lift, clean, and place” rule was in effect.
Relative to the results Frank Schwarz took 3rd place honors with (34) points followed by Jomo Mac Dermott coming in 2nd with (37) points. Alone in 1st place today was Steve Bjorge posting an highly respectable score of (43) points. Hats off to all of today’s winners.
Again, the extremely difficult hole #10 produced no birdies today so the kitty grows to a substantial 300 baht!
The Winners Circle: Frank, Steven & Jomo
As a reminder next Wednesday the majority of us will be playing at Inthanon. Those playing at Maejo can still submit their cards to Harry.
Inthanon, 07.09.16
After a very wet trip down to the course we were delighted to find no rain at the course and the glorious weather held
for 18 holes. 9 hardy golfers made the trip and generally scores were good. David Beck, Ralph Hamilton and Ashley Kim each shared 1st place with 35 points and Kieran Savage ran a close 2nd with 33.
The course should continue to play well for the Lanna/Mae jo shootout next Wednesday the 14th.
Ralph, Dave, Ashley & Kieran
Mae Jo, 07.09.16
This Wednesday we had (19) members and (2) guests all arriving on time at Maejo under rainy skies. Our scheduled tee-off time was pushed back approximately 30 minutes for the rain to subside to playable conditions. Of course we played under the lift, clean , and place rules due to the extremely wet conditions. It should be noted that for the 1st half of our respective round we played most of the time with umbrella in hand and the 2nd half the rain ended and we could finally put away the umbrellas. Regardless, the consensus opinion was it was miserable at the start but improved continually as we progressed thru our round. Personally, my opinion was it totally sucked!
Relative to the Stableford Nassau format we had some impressive scoring under these extremely wet conditions. We had a tie for the front nine holes being shared by Yung Beece and Adam Jackson both scoring (20) points. The back nine holes also resulted in a tie with Steve Borje and Dennis Byrne both posting (19) points. The overall winner today with (40) points went to Frank Schwarz. Congratulations goes out to all of today’s winners!
For everyone’s reference no one claimed the #10 birdie hole today so the pot grows to 200 baht.
Yung, Adam, Frank, Steven & Dennis
Lanna, 05.09.16
Nice humid day at Lanna this Monday morning for 19 CMSG members who got out of bed to try to beat courses 3 and 1 in Strokeplay, and we had more than the usual number of casualties – 3 self disqualifications to be exact. What is it about this course that brings out the worst in player expertise?
Anyway, we had 3 winners with close scores – Julian Wing had a net 75 and came third, Brian Heuston had a net 73 to come second, and the overall winner was Keith Freeman with a net 72.
Stroke play over for this month so you can all breathe a sigh of relief and come and play Stableford next week.
Julian, Keith & Brian
North Hill, 02.09.16
At North Hill this Friday there were 13 members, one new member, welcome to the club Ian Fraser, and 2 guests, welcome also to Brian & Camilla’s Aussie guests Milton & Denise, all playing a stableford round in 4 groups. Having all cards in by 8am meant that we also could tee off earlier as we were the only groups on the course. This would change by the time we finished our round as it seems that those who play North Hill prefer afternoon rounds.
The winner today was Brian Heuston with 37 points and Shaun Stewart coming in second with 36 points followed by a trio of lennart Larsson, Barry Ochitwa and Camilla Dwyer on 35 points. There were a few happy souls who had birdies and several even happier to have completed the round having lost only one ball but the main complaint it seemed were the number of missed putts due to difficult hole positions.
Camilla, Lennart, Brian, Shaun, Barry
Mae Jo, 02.09.16
This Friday at Maejo we had (25) members and (3) guests teeing off for another stableford competition. We had (4) groups teeing off # 1 hole and (3) groups going off of #10 hole. Today the weather was a mixture of sunny skies coupled with intermixed cloudy conditions. The first group off of # 1 and the first group going off # 10 made the turn simultaneously as their were very few other golfers on the course. Luckily, the 60+ golfer tournament teeing off at 11:00 am did not interfere with any of our groups as we all completed our respective rounds in (4) hours.
Today the scoring was on the high side with Adam Jackson taking 3rd place honors by posting (37) points. Chris Kendall, sore back and all, took 2nd place honors with (38) points. Sole possession of 1st place goes to Andy Galwey finishing with (41) points. It appears Andy’s lessons at Lanna are paying dividends.
Finally, after changing the Birdie hole to the par (3) # 7 holes we had (2) members registering birdies, both from off the green. These distinguished gentleman were Robert Green and Michael (Kuzie) Kuzmich.
Congratulations go out to all the above money winners!
Also with a vote of (9) in favor and (8) against we will continue the Birdie hole competition in the foreseeable future. Based on this the next/new Birdie hole will be the par four hole #10 with a HI of 17.
Lastly we extend our best wishes to Chris Kendall who is going back to the UK to resolve his back problems and look forward to his healthy return.
Adam, Andy & Chris