jimmybcool

Doggie, The problem is the stupid Congu system. I have played like a pig for 6 monhts, but every 8 or 9 rounds all my putts find the hole and I shoot a 73 or 74. This screws me handicap wise. I prefer the USGA system which more closely follows your current level of play. But this is better discussed over alchohol IMO. ;D As to Lewinskis, yeah, the Yanks are in charge now. Doesn't seem to help me any though. And the handicaps are still kept by Steve in Haven (I think) and he isn't a Yank. As to my buddy, sorry. Last I heard he is in Houston (yes, he is a Brit by birth) and won't be back to Thailand this year. If he does show up I'll be sure to NOT tell him about it. For a while I was beating him like a bass drum but right now he is kicking my ass.

Doggie, I agonized last year and in the end, did not play in it. In fact, I was at the course when FLB played there with the Lewinskis bar. I paid a whole lot less. But that isn't the point. Once a year, for a special event with all this stuff included is OK. My friend owns Classroom and runs a tournamnet once a year. I always play in it. The cost is higher than a normal round of golf (I think around 2500 baht). But it s a special event. So, I compare what I get there to this, and the difference is small. And since it is a smaller field, should be more fun after in the bar. Hey, who knows. Maybe the girls will get drunk enough to like me and I'll get lucky

OK. Assuming I can change my flight (and do a Visa run) I am in. I expect this is a 98% good deal as I am pretty good at flight changes and visa runs. ;D I am of course playing for the Yanks. I am no bargain though playing off an unrealistic 7 handicap. Yeah right. I think those Brits in the Lewinski bar have artificially lowered my handicap just cause I won a few times. :-[ But I shall endevour to persevere. Whatever that means. ;D OK euros - bring it on. Oh, and my brit buddy Julian can NOT play for you effers. He is too damn hot last time I played with him. Cheers

Thank you for this post. I have been agonizing over this tournament. Couple of reasons. 1) I am currently scheduled to go home before it. But I could reschedule if I do a visa run. 2) It always struck me as way expensive. I like this board and would like to play a round of golf with some of you guys. But no one likes to feel a fool. Let me explain why. I live 6 months a year there and play a lot of golf. And as noted, most tournaments do NOT cost this much. And, most tournaments include a shirt, green fee and caddy fee. And at the end the bar hosting provides a buffet for the lads. The difference is the transport, buggy and caddy tip. Assuming you are not keeniow, and tip as I do, this is equal to about 300 baht for the buggy, and 300 for the caddy. Transport is usually around 200 from most of the bars. So the total dif is about 800 baht. Most of the tournaments are around 2500 baht. So the equal comparison is 3300 baht. So, now we are talking a much smaller difference than I thought. Only 700 baht. If this is going to be used to "loosen up" the girls and/or simply a cost for the use of this board - count me in. I really think this should be made clearer for the "burned out golf bums" of Pattaya like myself. Based on the above, I am going to look into changing my return trip so I can play. Oh, for the Yanks of course. Alas, off a silly unrealistic 7 handicap. But I shall try my best against one of you sandbagging euro types. ;D Cheers.

You know, I like Pinewood. They always take care of me. And their p rice structure is in line with the quality. You know why I always look elsewhere? Because I don't get a discount. ::) I guess since I spend 6 months a year there, I would like some kind of perk thrown my way. Nope. Unless it is 6 months uninterupted, the price on their price sheet is it. I really can't say I blame them though. They were near full in June when most hotels are empty. They have a steady return clientele. On Sunshine Vista Serviced Apartments, what I really liked was: 1) Seperate shower/tub. Walk in shower. Big shower. If I need explain more there is no point 2) With the suite, you could turn on the AC in the main room, crack the door to the bedroom, and leave the AC off in the bedroom. Temp stayed perfect even in sticky June. I am going to look around more this trip. I think I shall start renting a car which opens up where I can stay a bit.

fbf I have stayed at Pinewood many times. I'm not certain what defines a Penthouse Suite. I have stayed in a suite (i.e. seperate bedroom, living room) on the top floor (7th floor). I had a long term stay deal and forget what I paid. The room itself in my case was cool. It had an inroom wet sauna which is nice. And the girls might balk at first but drag them in and they learn to like it. The bedroom had mirrors on all the walls (but not ceiling darn it). It was OK. But you have to remember that the Pinewood is a bit older and each room/suite is different from all others in what furniture it has and decor. In general, I like Pinewood. I must, I keep going back there. But for that price, I think I would also consider some other choices that are newer. For example, the SUnshine Vista Apartments on Soi3. I think them overpriced, but I think you could get a suite for that price that would be slightly smaller than Pinewood, but newer and nicer. Oh, no sauna though. You never really know what you are getting in Thailand until you get there. I won't commit financially to anything until I see the room I am getting. Good luck

Spirit If you go to the reviews section I wrote one about this place. Bottom line - it is a nice place. Nothing wrong with it except they are over-priced. Not a big deal for an infrequent short time visitor. But I stay 3 trips a year for 2 months a trip - can't make myself overpay for that. Oh and regarding laundry, they mixed it up a bit. If you use it make a note of what you send down.

party, No, he is another guy and hard to reach. If you have another guy riding with you, spend a little more and go to the Thai Limo desk. Less than 2000 baht will take you on the toll roads to pattaya with a decent driver (usually) and good car. A taxi, in my experience, is an extra hour or two of pain and aggravation. Plus, if the guy doesn't know pattaya, you better. BTW, some limo touts in the airport will offer you a car and if you say you are going to Thai limo, they'll say it is closed. That is bullshit. Never ever believe a thai when he says some place you want to go to is closed. They always have an angle.

I would like to second the be cautious comment. Look, these girls aren't evil. They just want to get ahead same as any of us. But consider, you meet the big boss (CEO) of the company. You are on your best behavior. Laugh at all his jokes, make sure he is having fun. Hope to get noticed for a promotion. Your real self is stifled to present a better than you impression. Same thing. Only, they have lots of big bosses and it is a personal service which allows them a larger measure of control. I have to say it is hard to consider any of them "not on the game". Frankly, do you really think you are the first farang this salon girl has worked her charms on? Does having a day job and only working freelance part time mean she is different from the bar girls? Only in degree. I have a lady friend in Pattaya that has a fiancee in a foreign land (left unnamed). He calls her every day to check up on her. Usually, she is in her room, but if she is with me she runs to the bathroom for quiet and chats with him. He sends her money every month. So why does she go with me? Well, the farang obviously listened to his mates that the average thai makes 5000 baht a month, so he sends her xyz baht and feels it is enough, despite her telling him she needs more to quit work. If he sent more would she be faithful? Nah. If I came to town she would be with me in a minute. Why? Good money and she does like it a bit I think. And if he never finds out she has it all. This is kind of long winded. But what I;m really trying to say is, chances are your girl has another farang or two on the hook. She is trying to improve her lot in life. Her feelings for you are not the western version of love we all grew up with. If you understand all this and still want her to come, do it. It is possible she is one of the ones with a heart of gold who wants a stable life and family and will make you a good partner. And away from the bar scene she might be very happy to settle down. Good luck.

OK, the banner says it all. I plan on taking a Thai limo or call ahead to my regular driver. Cost will be around 1000 baht each (for two guys) or maybe a tad less. This will include tolls, taking the fast route, and a fair tip for the driver. Perhaps a bit less if we take Thai Limo since I don't know the driver. I like my driver and always give him 2000 for the trip. Come on August 29 8)

Can't say if it has changed, but if it is still the same - YES. Bill runs a tight ship and you can have a lot of fun in there. Just don't go on a weekend late afternoon as all the golfers stop in and it gets packed. Better off midweek to have your pick.

Simon, If it feels right do it. I would warn though that living there isn't the same. Especially if you will be on a tighter budget than your usual vacation there. And then, there is the "loser syndrome". I see a lot of expats who don't want to leave, and they slowly sink into a lifestyle that is barely living instead of going home. Many become drunks. Lots of them each evening chase "balloons" for free food with their Singha beer. And maybe they'll be around when someone rings the bell. Provided you don't go into "loser state", do what you want. Thats what life is all about.

Hmmm, while I hate to see people eat western in LOS, having spent months at a time there I understand the occasional need for home food. I think the best burger in Pattaya is at the Hard Rock Cafe on Beach Road. overpriced? Yes. Good? Damn straight.

I am not big on conspiracy. 8) More likely a technical failure. I think I posted this almost 4 days ago but whatever. If you read this Pete let me know if you want me to repost it. The short and sweet is that the hotel has one major flaw - price. It is overpriced for the market. If you are only staying a little while up to you. I also had some laundry complaints, but you just need to monitor it closely. Somehow I kept getting extra laundry in my laundry. Obviuously it isn't breeding so someone else was getting shorted. Since I don't normally count what I send I probably lost some of mine. ::) I think if the money doesn't matter (1400 baht a night monthly rate for a one bedroom suite) it is rather nice. Great for sleeping at night with no noise and good insulation so you don't need to run the AC all night. But when you stay months at a time as I do it is just too much dinero. I stay at Pinewood which isn't as nice but is much less expensive. I found it strange in the post war SARs offseason empty new hotel syndrome they let me walk instead of lowering the price. But, this is Thailand.

I am confused. I posted a review of the Sunshine Vista Apartments and it is not here. I don't plan on going through the effort again if it won't show up. Anyone know why this disappeared?

That does it. I think both of you young men need a timeout. ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

Fair enough. I wish I could say but my only internet needs are email. You might have to use a high end hotel to get this. Or, you might get lucky and talk a hotel into getting it just for you. Or, maybe if you find a good internet cafe with hs you can bargain for a good rate. In any case, I bet you love Thailand. Good luck.

Shilo, I have bought several pieces of jewelry at World Gems and always been happy when they are appraised in the US. Mind you, there are two World Gems. The giant one on Pattaya Central is a ripoff. The one on the corner of Beach Road and Pattaya South (at t he beginning of walking street) is where I have shopped. Good luck. And don't believe any BS you here even from customers at any other gem shops. There are a LOT of gem scams.

peteboy, You don't give enough info to form an opinion. What truth are you after? Look, if she was a bar girl when you met her, she is probably still a bar girl when you leave. While I think it possible to have a relationship with one of these girls, that is ONLY if you live there. Once you are gone, she is back on the game.

Guys, I'm gonna spend 6 weeks there from May 19 thru June 28. I will post a detailed review at that time. If you are coming before then - too bad. Can't help ya. 8)

Bruce, I honestly haven't a clue about where inroom high speed internet access is available. It isn't an issue for me. What I would suggest is that if this is your first trip to Thailand (as a mongering trip not business) you should go to Pattaya. I find Bangkok much less friendly and more difficult to get around to the party sites. In pattaya, in less than a day, you will be comfortable with how to get from one end of the action to the other for the price of a 25 cent baht bus ride. Pattaya is clearly an easier place to learn the ropes regarding Thai nitelife, IMO. Hopefully, someone else can aid you in your quest for inroom internet service in Pattaya. Have fun. PS - why DO you need internet in the room?

Pete, As you say, the best way to avoid a motorbike accident is don't get on the effing things. I have friends with them always offering me lifts here or there, e ven out hitting the bars. I always meet them there taking baht buses. I am not getting on 2 wheels in Thailand. It would be safer to bang a different bargirl every night without protection than to ride a motorbike every day in Pattaya. My humble opinion of course.

Speedy recovery for your tilac. The only thing I would add is what TYPE of helmet. Frankly, most of the helmets worn in Pattaya are useless in an accident. They simply do not protect anything. In the US I know we have specific ratings and tests for helmet approvals. I don't know if/what LOS has. Still, try and get more than a peice of plastic that ties to her head.

Steve, Perfect. Hey, and you know what kills me is the 28 handicapper that agonizes between a 4 iron and a 3 iron. Hell, there is a 3% chance he'll hit it right anyway. IT DOESN'T MATTER. Pick one and HIT IT. Sorry. pet peeve of mine. Players that don't get on with the game.

Opinions vary. ;D ;D ;D If you were a close friend of mine, I would figure out what you need by watching then go buy some used clubs to fit the bill. Used clubs are not worn out. Just last years marketing hype. Primarily, you first need to know if you need regular length, flex, loft. 90% chance of that being the case as a newby. If so (and your damn pro should have said something), then get a half set. Get a decent set with: PW, 9, 7, 5 irons (if it is a used set with all PW-3 no problem) 5w and 3w (driver a waste of time for most players over a single digit handicap) SW putter That is all a beginner needs for the first year. I could find a good set that meets this criteria for less than $250 and it would ALL be proline. You wouldn't be a better player if you spent $2000. If you actually start to develop a game THEN you'll know how to pick a set of clubs that you can use for years to come. And once you bring a handicap under say 20, then it begins to matter what clubs you have. You should ask your pro for advice. He knows your swing.