HILLY

Dont worry mate Pieman is a bandit off 28 as you found out. He thrashes me and my mate most Thursday's at Khow kheo and thank god that Taxi was not on form as that would have made it much worse for the pair of you. Now Jeremy is a pussy cat and I can say that safely as he never reads the boards but from what I heard it was you giving him a lesson. lol The one thing that does need answering was the state of Mission Hills. Fantastic facilities and great service all round on what should by now be a top course but I venture to say that it has not improved one bit in the last year with boggy fairways and bald greens. Bunkers that have not seen a rake for months and clover all over the place that they are treating with salt rather than hebicides that is leaving bald patches all over. I was very dissapointed with it and it seems like a course in lots of trouble to me. It is down to bad course management I feel as if you look at the two greens and fairways near the clubhouse they are in great condition so it can be done. Sad for what should be by now a fantastic course.

This is the Misty's annual event that this year has been moved from August to now.The whole course has been booked exclusively for the day. The event is normally booked out with many already confirmed for a 4 player per team shotgun start Texas Scramble. Combined handicaps to a max of 36 with ladies prizes as well. There is a motor bike and many other prizes to be won throughout the day for individual and team scores etc. Prize giving in the evening along with the traditional food with a tent set up in Pattayland Soi 2. It will be held at Burapha again with a civilised starting time of 11.30 am. The entry fee of 2000 Baht a player does not include transport/caddy tip but does include course buggy. For anyone who can get a team of 4 players together you need to register at Mistys or Classroom (Pattayaland Soi 2) in the next couple of days to be sure of your place.Ask for Tim or Andy. For anyone who does not know, Burapha is about 8 kilometres out on the motorway leaving Pattaya. At the flyover turn off left and do a U turn then go over the motorway flyover. Burapha is well signposted from there and 5 minutes further on. It is a great day out on one of the best courses. All proceeds go to charity so do your best please. Solar golf already has one entry for a 4 man team so lets see if you can get an FLB team going as well.

After a hard battle Team Europe triumphed in todays event at Burapa, This means the score stands at 3/2 to Europe after the fifth annual event today. Our commiserations to the losers but there has to be a loser. Now where did our trophy go Mat??????

For those who have put their names down for The Rideher cup tomorrow at Burapa please ensure that you make it to the FLB tonight around 8.30pm to secure your entry for tomorrows big event. This is the biggest one so far and there are already a few on stand by to fill any vacant spaces. For those playing in the Catz Open on Thursday this week you can also secure your entry tonight at the same time. If any one has any problems then Doggie will accept telephone calls on 0840035030.

Cant answer if you will be able to use it but if you were transit then you would be able. It is bloody huge and takes about 3 minutes to walk from one end to the other with several food and booze stations but sadly not one smoking room which pissed me off. However it was very busy even with the size of it but this may have been the time of the day.

OK the low down on HSBC LOS. There is one branch that acts as head office and has banking facilities. It is opposite Lumpini Park in Bkk and that is all they have here. HSBC was about to buy Bangkok Bank but it all went tits up in 2000 as they said that BOB was not a reliable purchase. HSBC does not have the same banking permissions that fully licensed banks in LOS have and that includes not being able to issue Debit Cards. They have lower ATM daily limits than other banks and Internet banking does not work with them either. Interest rates are lower and they charge higher account charges so even though I have an account with them they are not that good. My HSBC ATM daily max is 80K Baht but Siam is 200K max. I felt that as I had HSBC accounts in the UK and elsewhere that I would stick with them but this year I opened an account with Siam and they knock the socks off of HSBC. Money from an HSBC UK account gets to Siam even quicker and no hastle either with Siam. HSBC holds money recieved for 48 hours but Siam clears it the same day and improves the conversion rate a bit as well. HSBC is second rate when it comes to Thailand but the ATM still works OK for visitors.

They are supposed to have been refurbed but not all of them have yet. On 7th Sept to London I got an old config in 1st class with 14 seats and the old lay flat beds never quite did go flat as the leg part of the seat does not come up far enough. Rubbish movie selection on tiny screens also. Last Thursday I had the new config with 10 seats which is two pairs at the rear in the centre and 3 single window seats on each side. Excellent entertainment screens and bloody great big tables. I have to say that this is one of the best seats around and slept for 7 hours solid which was a first for me. Spoke to Thai in london about the old aircraft and they told me that there were two older 747's still undergoing the change very soon and they reserve the right to switch aircraft although try to avoid doing so if they can. One of the older configs also made the run to London last week as another passenger told me on Thursday night.

Was in the London Lounge on Thursday night again. It is OK and the smoking room is fine for a change. Limited booze selection and food just passable. Cleaners are crap also and be careful as they do not make anouncements on flights.

Off to the UK next week for a holiday and when I come back I am going to bring some french salad seed potatoes (Ratte) to give it a try. I really miss new potatoes and reckon they will grow in our climate. We will see.

It was a needle match to be sure. Tony (alias justony) is well know for his contempt of losing and me and him started the day in optimistic form but found ourselves 1 down on the first after lobin sinks a put from off the green for a birdie 3 Then it was 4 down by the 9th. This was in spite of Tony declaring that we were going to win every hole from the first. Things were looking dire for us and our 150 Baht's. On the tenth we started to fight back in glorious style to find ourselves 3 up on the back nine after both Pie and Lobert found the water at the island hole leaving me and Tony as the only two on the green after Lobin and Lobert had tried to teach two more of their balls to swim from the drop zone. By this time the rivalry between Tony and Lobin had reached fever pitch with side bets of 1400 Baht between the two of them just resting on a victory for Tony and me on the 18th, which is a long par four with a nicely placed, fucking great big lake, on the left. Here is how the hole panned out. After waiting, for what seemed like ages, for the fairway ahead to clear of nature loving Thais playing a four ball, whilst Tony had his legs in the air and his balls scratched by his and my caddie, Lobin and Lobert took their turns on the tee. Ping went the sound of metal on plastic as Lobert launched his ball at the fairway. This was followed by a duller sound and a plop, as another of Lobins balls veered left and died a watery death. Later that sunny afternoon Lobins "three off the tee ball was to meet the same fate and he was destined to walk the last fairway in shame. Now it was my turn and I went for the tiger line over the little bay and my ball rolled to a halt a few yards behind Loberts. Tony was the last up and declared with determination that nothing was going to stop him from taking Lobins dosh. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation as his club was drawn slowly back for the big one and before beginning its rush to the ball. The sound of wind whistling past the club head was all we could hear as it approached the hapless ball that Tony was hell bent on murdering. Then a feint tickling sound was heard as the ball was sent a massive 6 inches in front and to the right of the tee and this was followed by the sound of raucous laughter from not only us but our caddies as well. Tony turned his back in shame but to him all was not yet lost as he took a fairway wood to salvage the situation with his shorts still firmly in place, despite our caddies appeal for fair play. Tony swung at his ball both deliberately and with malice but the contact was once again somewhat lacking in style as his ball briefly rose into the air and landed in a water filled ditch just in front of the ladies tee. His caddie enjoyed her swim by the way. All was still not yet lost however, as his illustrious partner (me) and my only remaining opposition Lobert, were all set to contest this match of giants in fine style. I took my Srixon four wood (thanks Doggie it is going well now) and the connection was pleasing to both the eye and the ear as my ball travelled long, straight and fast toward a small hillock about 20 metres to the right and in front of the green where it held about half way up. Lobert managed to just surpass my shot finding himself about 15 yards from the green and still on the fairway. Meanwhile Tony had driven our buggy to the back of the green where he was lying on top of a hill with his caddie, who was massaging his nerves away. It was at this point that I decided that this game was a matter of personal pride and that my caddie would not mind me turning my attentions to the far less important game of golf rather than her tits. This was in fact the most difficult decision I have ever had to make but Tony's money and my pride was resting on my prowess so I took my place on the hillside with nothing less than a win being acceptable. The sand wedge in my hand felt like a leg of lamb as I tried to find a stance that would allow me to sweep the ball, so awkwardly placed, onto the green. The ball rose high and straight toward the front of the green where it came to a halt just 15 feet from the pin. Great applause was heard from all around me and even the Lobert sportingly joined this appellation. Now it was Loberts turn and his wedge came down on the ball with confidence and went all of 6 feet to not quite join mine. I snickered inwardly as it was obvious that he was losing his nerve and the advantage was turning in my direction as his next shot still left him a fair distance from the pin. The confidence was brimming over in me and even Tony had lost his hard on, on the hill. All I had to do now to win this hole was get my ball close enough to the pin with two puts to win or what would be a really lucky shot from lobert to half the hole from off the green. Judging by his performance that seemed unlikely so carefully I took my position over the ball with trusty putter in hand and began my practise swings. The putter felt like it wanted to do the job for me as it slowly swung backward and forward in a perfectly balanced motion and then the unthinkable happened. Suddenly my putter took on a life of its own, as like a reverse magnet the back of it repelled the ball in such a fashion that it caused the ball to move fully 3 inches sideways toward the now distraught Lobert and Lobert. How this happened I will never know but suffice to say that Lobins Voodoo lessons during his time in Africa had just paid off. The end was now inevitable and as Lobert and me sunk our puts in two shots each to half the hole we could not help noticing that Tony had blended in with the grass and was hardly visible any more, until once again he appeared from his hole to declare that he had extracted me from his friends for ever more. This was a day to remember, or one to forget, in great company. Maybe though, it will be the last time that our Thursday four ball will ever meet again.

I must add my congrats to the US team for a great sporting day. Great to see you again Deuce and thanks for carrying me mate. -5 degrees? I will get around to posting a few pics and me and the misus are looking forward to the revenge match next year. Good to see all you guys for what has become the most exausting two weeks of the year. We said goodbye to a few more last night and hopefully Pty is now returning to the quiet life at last. LOL.

Now been at the puter for close to 8 hours and it it amazing what you can see out of my window.

Dungie will do this when we get back next week mate. OK Royal Chang Mai yesterday and what a great course it is. We all seemed to really enjoy this challenge and it looks like Taxi's 32 Stableford points won the competition, This is an old course and the first ever built up here I am told. However, today a good percentage of golfers including me and the missus have whimped out, being too knackered to continue with yet another day of what has become an endurance test worthy of any Japanese game show. This morning many of the guests curtains were still closed at 8am as I sat here working away on the PC with business from the UK flooding in last night. All of a sudden the curtains of Doggies room opened to the glorious sight of the scantily clad Miss Whiplash who waved cheerfully at me and made gestures to indicate that Doggie would soon be leaving her alone in the room whilst he spent the day playing what will likely be the only 3 ball of the day. Doggie appeared to be in better spirit than he was last night with eyes actually open. Tomorrow it looks like most of us will be on the course again with the Chang Mai, Rideher Cup challenge set to be played against a Thai team that appears to be made up of the local Constabulary. Think we ought to let them win. LOL. We should therefore be returning from the course with a police escort to ensure we can make our dinner engagement at 8pm. The traffic is a bit deadly here and half the nation seems to have descended on the city for Loy Katoey. The festival seems to last for several days with fireworks going off all night and everywhere looks really festive. Thats it guys and off for some shopping now.

And it is a blooody good one. Well done and thanks Pete

Dear Sir Smelly Bum At present your camera is in the equivilent of boyz town in Chang Mai in the very uncapable hands of Doggie. Will of course post ALL your pics when have purchased correct lead. We, me and Sir Hilly that is, assumed you wanted them emailed direct to home? Was that a misunderstanding? Chang Mai is crap without you.......... Love Mrs Hilly and Sponsor xxxxxxxxxx

A couple of hours to go before we all head off to Chang Mai for the last of these killer days. So far I have watched the total collapse of the group whi now look tired and bedgraggled. BigKev must have finished some more of them off at his third birthday party in three days at Jade yesterday. Fortunatelly I got hit with reams of paperwork that had to be answered yesterday so I not only had a recovery day but also was in bed by 9.30pm. I will keep you all informed on the goings on and as to whether BigKev gets arrested for obsene behaviour in Chang Mai at last.

Thank god we left before that.

We lost to the USA by 11 to 13 and I have no more to say on the subject. LOL.

Having just got back home and going out in a few minutes I thought I would get this post started. A great day was had by all and I reckon there are going to be some good photos posted. My missus who paired with Tomo, Dungheaps Japanese GF played against BigKev and Greg. The match was a draw and guess what? This happened.

Well you heard wrong Martin. Ended up in Catz being drip fed alchohol. Anyway, for someone who had an easy night I understand you only managed 9 holes today before retiring. LOL.

Two hours to tee time and I am fucked. Last night many of us were pissed yet again and the US teams headed for their beds straight after the registration at FLB. This one promises to be very interesting.

Hot today but blue skys with a little haze both in the sky as well as inside me after breaking my golden rule not to get pissed the night before a golf day and great weather for spoiling a good walk. Thanks Lobin and Lobert and I am going to do the same to you on Thursday night. On second thoughts!!!! Lobin please pass on this message to Lobert for me. Tell him that BJ's are possible but not for the price of a pasty. LOL

My congatualtions to the Dhaka Dongers, who on this occasion, proved too much for The Doggie and myself. Having fallen at the third I took some time to regain my grip and despondancy at giving these, descendants of convicts, a chance to regain their pride, after losing almost every noteworthy sporting trophy this year and clinging on to the only victory they had in the rather dubious rest of the world matches. However it is true that we were humiliated and so we coughed up in the bar later, just before the prize giving, where yours truely received even more dosh than the Dungheap and Taxi had received in remuneration from us hapless pair. Dungie put up a fair arguement for his net Eagle on a par three being as good as my net Eagle on a par four until it was pointed out that my Missus Hilly's net Eagle on the same hole as Dungies Net Eagle had cancelled Dungies out. These guys from the colonies just don't get the meaning of team play, but then we know that from the last years sporting records. With only one day of many in the next two weeks so far used up, there is plenty of time for motherlanders to stage that well known and world respected come back. Nice day though lads and lulling others into a false sense of security is what we have been doing to our colonial cousins for centuries.

With a great time planned for all the golfers in town the weather has been very crap being wet, hot and extremely humid but today there has been that change in the wind that we were all hoping for. So, if it lasts, then we are now into the cooler dry season and everything in the garden will be rosy. I love LOS when this happens.

It is still raining every day Doggie and we have been rained off Phoenix, Siam, and Khow Keow in the last week. The ground is waterlogged but as you say it dries out in a day if there is no more rain. Whilst it is too early to be worried this season is seeing some very heavy and very late heavy rains. In fact the rain is heavy again right now with black skies all over. Phoenix is better than most for drying also.