PSC protégé wins again

Ms. Patamaporn Khamchan, who is now studying at Pattaya School Number 8, is receiving sponsorship from the Pattaya Sports Club and the Amari Orchid Resort.

Patamaporn competed in the "Wilson Lawn Tennis" Chiang Mai Open on March 13-15, 1999, and won the mixed doubles title in the 12-year-old division.

This is the second award she has won this year. We can see her form progressing at an admirable pace, after she began with coach Phiboon Phimvichai.

Continued success, Patamaporn.

PSC Golf & Delaney’s St. Patrick’s Day Scramble

Rayong Green Valley, Wednesday, March 17

The Pattaya Sports Club and Delaney’s Irish Pub jointly sponsored a four man scramble tournament in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Over one hundred golfers came to help drive out the bogeys from the emerald green Rayong Green Valley Country Club on Wednesday, March 17. ’Twas a grand sight indeed, to see so many of Ireland’s sons and daughters (and adopted sons and daughters) wearing the green and whacking the little white ball.

Photo: David Stockman, Mick Cunnane, David Bond, and Phil Cowley, the winning team, are presented their spoils by Mike Franklin and Mark Greenwood.

Perhaps it was the wonderful weather, or perhaps the beautiful course, but most probably because it was St. Patrick’s Day everyone seemed to have even more fun than usual. Smiles and laughter were the order of the day, and the scores reflected the gaiety that abounded. Nine of the twenty six teams came in with net scores in the fifties. Even the worst score of the day was under par.

It was indeed a grand day, and probably no team had more fun than David Stockman, Mick Cunnane, David Bond and Phil Cowley. They shot a gross score of 65, and when coupled with their handicap allowance (ten percent of the total team handicap) they ended with a net score of 57.8. Even with a round that good, it would take a count back to win the day. Arthur Hancock, Bob McLauchlan, Don Shaw, and Alan Weaver also came in with a net score of 57.8. But the luck of the Irish was with the winning team (surely a name like Mick Cunnane is Irish) and even with a McLauchlan on their team, team number two lost the count back.

The third place team reads like a Who’s Who of Pattaya golf. Steve Mascari, Stan Fry, Ray Matti, and Rick Sharp had a team average handicap of less than ten. That meant that they were only going to get 3.9 strokes and if they were going to win then they better score well. And score well they did. Shooting the best gross of the day with a 63, they took the third place trophy with a net score of 59.1.

Delaney’s was very generous in awarding each member of the first five teams a stipend as well as gift certificates to Delaney’s and other prizes. Delaney’s chairman Mark Greenwood was on hand to hand out the awards and congratulate the winning teams.

The Near Pins were won by Al Keith, Dennis Willett, Brian Kelly, and Arthur Hancock. They were each give free green fees to Rayong Green Valley, as were Anders Karlsson and Jonas Rosell who won the Long Putts.

The strong Irish traditions of St. Patrick’s Day were upheld in a very strong Thai setting. Not so strange for a holiday that represents merriment and mirth to be successfully celebrated in a country that is known as the Land of Smiles.

Results

Winning Team: David Stockman, Mick Cunnane, David Bond, Phil Cowley, Gross 65, H’Cap 7.2, Net 57.8

2nd Place: Arthur Hancock, Bob McLauchlan, Don Shaw, Alan Weaver, Gross 68, H’Cap, 10.2, Net 57.8.

3rd Place: Steve Mascari, Stan Fry, Rick Sharp, Ray Matti, Gross 63, H’Cap, 3.9, Net 59.1.

4th Place: Anders Karlsson, Stephen Beard, Serge Straeten, Harry Riley, Gross 66, H’Cap 6.8, Net 59.2.

5th Place: Derek Brook, Teresa Holley, Nick Hadden, Doug Jeffrey, Gross 64, H’Cap 4.8, Net 59.2.

Nearest to the pins: #4 Al Keith, #7 Dennis Willett, #11 Brian Kelly, #15 Arthur Hancock.

Long Putts: #9 Anders Karlsson, #18 Jonas Rosell.

Fire and Brimstone

The Divine Sinners and Lucifer’s Saints brought a little hell and damnation to the weekly Pattaya Sports Club softball game on Sunday, March 21. When the smoke cleared, the Saints came marching in and won both ends of the doubleheader.

The opener began innocently enough with the Sinners putting up three, thanks to hits by Quick Chris and Joker Man Mike.

The Saints answered with one in the bottom of the inning behind Alan (Y.B.) Baa’s triple to right.

After being held scoreless in the second, the Sinners erupted for five in the third behind RBI by Mike (Mr. Ice) Berg, Craig (The Hitman) Lewis and Maple Leaf Rick.

But in the last half of the inning, the Saints also heard the trumpet call and scored five with Brent (Mr. McGwire) smashing a grand slam and Brandon (Bewildered) adding a long solo shot.

The game stayed close until the bottom of the fifth when the Saints added six thanks to yet another homer by Mr. McGwire.

The Sinners tried for repentance and put up a couple in the sixth but in the end were resigned to purgatory and fell 17 to 10.

The nightcap saw the Saints descend from the heavens and score seven in the first. John (Baypoint) Bechtel, Esso Mike, and Dick (The Stick) Cagg each contributed RBI.

The Sinners responded with three in the last of the first when M. J. (Coffee) Jim, Kiwi Rick & Serve and Folly Peter put hits together.

But in the top of the second Mark (The Shark) doubled to left and scored on (Matinee Idol) Jeff’s dinger to right. The Saints scored five in all.

Despite a two run homer and sparkling defense by G’day David, this was not the Sinners day and the Saints prevailed again 14 to 9.

If you’d like to raise a little hell, come to the PSC softball game any Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The field is located at Pattaya School #7 on Sukhumvit Rd. just past Greenway driving range and Caltex gas station. Equipment is provided and refreshments are available. All are welcome.

Prattley scoops the PC Classic

Peter Cummins reports from Pattaya

All the auspices were good: the south-westerly blew in at 18-knots, the sky was clear and David Wales was there to put his professional imprimatur on the 1999 PC Classic, sailed off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya.

The ever-improving Eastern Seaboarder Simon Prattley and crew Suzanne Merz were unbeatable in the Prattley Hobie Cat 16, finishing the course in some 54 minutes, to take the overall honours and place their names for posterity on the permanent trophy. The shield-like shape of the winner’s award is a hand-crafted map of Tasmania, carved out the bole of a "Black Heart Sassafrass", a native tree which grows along Tasmania’s damp, forbidding and very chilly West Coast. The base is a white Huon Pine, grown south of the state capitol Hobart. It would seem most appropriate that Simon won the race: he is a fine Kiwi lad originating from across the Tasman Sea.

Photo: "PC" presents the "Tasmanian Shield" to winner Simon Prattley and crew Suzanne Merz. Photo by Annie.

Following Simon and Suzanne was the even more-rapidly improving Gardham team - Bob and Judy - who brought their Hobie Cat 16 into second place, some minutes behind Prattley. Third were Don Mackenzie/John Turner with Peter Rasch and his lovely daughter Anne, fourth. "What a pity Peter was not out there in front," said one competitor, "for we could have looked at his crew!"

Among the monohulls it was business as usual, with dual PC Classic champion (1997, 1998) Patrick Helms bolting home from Charlie Zbinden, Shin Suenaga and Suwan Poopoksakul, finishing second to fifth respectively.

The 1999 event, the fifth in the series, was somewhat different to previous races and principal race officer David Wales designed what was, basically, a pursuit race. Setting a course to take major advantage of the prevailing south-westerly, David worked out a pre-handicap, sending off the fleets at times concomitant with their ratings fixed by the international authorities in Portsmouth, UK.

David was very close to the average. He calculated the handicaps on an elapsed time of one hour for the fastest catamaran, sending the Lasers off some 12 minutes ahead of the Hobie Cats and 20 minutes ahead of the faster Nacras.

The leading cats were just a little faster than the estimated hour, due principally to the very fast reaching legs across the bay to Koh Sak and back to the eastern shore off Royal Varuna. Nevertheless, it was remarkably close and, after the first two catamarans crossed the line, it was a very even mix of multis and mono-hulls coming in. Well done, Mr Wales!

This was the fifth sailing of a race which has been held annually since 1995 to celebrate that fateful day when Peter Cummins, the old "Pattaya Mail" scribe, reached the tender age of 60 years.

Apart from his birth 64 years ago - about which he claims to have very little recollection - Peter recalls two main events in his life which are of similar significance.

The first was when he left his native Tasmania in February 1956 on a ship bound for Europe. His departure helped raise the then appallingly-low IQ of the islanders.

The second event was back in March 1995 when he was ‘eased’ out of the United Nations in Bangkok, having reached the mandatory retirement age. Likewise, this departure also helped raise the IQ of the 2,000 remaining staff there. Peter is still not too sure - even now - if any of the staff actually realize he has left.

"But these mile-stones are minor," noted the scribe after last week’s race. "As long as there is an annual PC Classic and Dave Wales to organize it, I will know that I AM still alive - at least once a year!"

Thanks again, David!

Scrambling around Natural Park Hills

PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

This week the Golf Society held a 2-man scramble at the beautiful Natural Park Hill Golf Club.

The course has a multitude of rolling slopes, trees and water hazards and leads to plenty of thought to each and every shot.

However, all this did not seem a great problem to Bo Ahlgrel, recently reduced in handicap, and four club Tommy Jeeves, not reduced in handicap. This partnership triumphed with a combined score of 2 over par. A very worthy performance on a difficult track.

In second position were Roy Mitchell and Clive Edwards with 4 over par.

Nearest the pins were shared by Tom Waldron, Roy Walker and Bo Ahlgrel.

It has to be said that the 17th par 3 hole is the most beautiful this writer has seen in 39 years of playing golf.

Press Release-Health & Fitness: Tennis

International Tennis Coaching from Beginner to Professional level.

Dusit Resort Sports Club can now provide, truly, the highest international standard of tennis coaching available in Thailand.

Brett Seagrott is an International, Level 3 Coach. Level 3 is the highest level attainable in his native Australia and is equivalent to the highest worldwide qualification.

Only a small percentage of coaches have the drive, and even less still have the ability to reach this level. Brett previously worked for the I.T.F. (International Tennis Federation) and has coached internationally ranked players that have won various titles at Wimbledon, Australian, French and Italian Open events.

Brett has been appointed the coach of the Thailand National Tennis Team and has trained several elite training squads in the Australian National Junior development program.

Brett has just started a limousine hire service in Jomtien - Image Car Travel - which is doing very well so you can expect to have him around for a long time.

By arrangement through Dusit Resort Sports Club, Brett will be available to you for tennis coaching in English or Thai languages from absolute beginner to professional level.

For those truly dedicated to improving their tennis game quickly and for the real tennis talents out there, Brett is available for coaching day or night.

Contact Dusit Resort Sports Club 038 425 611-226/7 or Brett Seagrott 01 3102477.

Rates: Day 1,150 Baht per hour or night 1,350 Baht per hour.

Bill Jones and Mike McKay clear winners at Green Valley: Mary Kollak best Stableford at Khao Kheow

Pattaya Sports Club Golf from the Café Kronborg

Rayong Green Valley - Monday 15th March (Better Ball)

In fine hot weather at Green Valley, partners Bill Jones and Mike McKay were clear winners with a score of 47 points.

Winners: Bill Jones & Mike McKay, 47 points
2nd: Serge Straeten & Dave Richardson, 40 points
3rd: Ebrahim & Mike Franklin, 38 points
Nearest Pins: #4 All failed, #7 Gary Reid, #11 Mike McKay, #15 Serge Straeten.

Khao Kheow - Thursday 18th March (Stableford)

A small field, with only one player Mary Kollak, the winner on the day, returning a below par score.

Winner: Mary Kollak, 38 points
2nd: Eric Wanlander, 35 points
3rd: Anek H., 34 points
Near-Pins: A 3 Kristen Helgasson, A 5 Ebrahim, B 8 Mary Kollak.

Major PSC Golf Tournaments coming up in April

On Friday April 9th, at Phoenix Golf & Country Club, the annual PSC Golf Am-Am Tournament run by TAGGS at Hare House takes place. Run along similar lines to a Pro-Am, the scoring is based on the two better ball scores on each hole from a team of four. Sign-up at Hare House or any of the PSC Golf venues.

A Birthday celebration on Friday April 16th when John Ottaway, a long time golfing member of Pattaya Sports Club, reaches the 60 year landmark. PSC Golf in association with the Paradise Club (Soi 8) are staging the John Ottaway ‘Paradise Classic’. Format will be a two-man scramble held at Pattaya Country Club. The entry fee of B.1000 per team will include breakfast, Paradise Classic shirt, prize giving with trophies at the Paradise Club, plus buffet, live band, cabaret and lucky draw prizes. More details next issue.

April ends on Friday the 30th with the Delaney’s ‘Funhill Cup’ at Rayong Green Valley, organised by Pattaya Sports Club Golf and Delaney’s. This new event will be a two-man team scramble with a Shotgun Start. The entry fee of B.1100 per player will include green and caddy fees, a ‘Funhill Cup’ shirt, free buffet and prize-giving at Delaney’s, plus Happy Hour and live entertainment.

More details in future issues of Pattaya Mail and on the PSC Web Page at www.pattayasports.org.

Gibson notches first victory at Hare House

PSC TAGGS... golf from the Hare House

Friday, March 19 - Siam Country Club (Stableford)

1st: John Gibson, 43 points
2nd: Harry Riley, 36 points
3rd: Derek Reaper, 34 points

John Gibson is selling his bowling ball. He will probably throw in his fishing rod, his darts, and his cribbage board as well. John garnered an overwhelming 43 points at Siam in the weekly TAGGS Stableford event on Friday, March 19 and won his first golf tournament since Moses made it over the water hazard at the Burning Bush Country Club. Forget all those other distractions, John is back to golf.

John is the epitome of the golf equivalent to the Peter Principle. In golf, one plays miserably, rises to one’s level of "competence", wins a few competitions, gains a little bit of confidence, and then watches in dismay as the handicap falls to one’s level of "incompetence". Don’t worry John, by the time Gordon McKnight gets back, your 27 handicap will be down to 23 and he will be able to beat you with ease.

In second place with 36 points was Harry "a wee one" Riley. In Harry’s case it is even a wonder that he can play golf at all, much less pull in 36 points. He spends so much time on the World Wide Web looking for jokes that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can’t be too far away. Harry, who contributes a lot of time and effort into helping local charities, probably considers that part of charitable responsibilities is to send funny emails to local lock-ins like Dave Walsh and Woody Underwood.

There was a three way tie for third place, with Vic Cross and Mark Gorda losing in a count back to Derek "the mustache is back" Reaper. There are so many Canadians playing out of the Hare House (Gibson, Gorda, and Reaper among them) that Moosehead will soon be on tap and English lessons are being considered to teach the unlearned the proper way to say "aye" with every sentence.

PSC Golf for March

On Sunday March 28th PSC Smokers from Lewiinski’s go to Noble Place to play Stableford. Sign-up at Lewiinski’s in Pattayaland Soi 1.

On Monday the 29th there is a choice of Stableford at Siam with PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg, or stroke play at Khao Kheow with the PSC Splinter Group from the Green Bottle.

On Tuesday the 30th, PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker go to Phoenix for a medal competition, while the Smokers from Lewiinski’s go to Bangpra to play stroke.

On Wednesday the 31st there is a visit to Pattaya Country Club from the Green Bottle playing Stableford, or a two-man scramble at Laem Chabang from Hare House.

On Thursday 1st April PSC Golf Café Kronborg goes to Bangpra and the week ends on Friday 2nd April with the Diana Group Monthly Medal at Rayong Green Valley and a Stableford competition at Sattahip from Hare House.

The full April Schedule can be seen at the PSC Golf Venues, in Pattaya Mail and at our Web Site at www.pattayasports.org.

1999 PSC Charity Classic sponsors

Major Sponsors: PSC, Hare House, PSC Golf Kronborg, Delaney’s, Splinter Golf Group, Fobé Sportswear, Rotary Club Jomtien, Pattaya Mail, Bill Collis, Hansard.

Hole Sponsors: Diana Group, T.M.S. George Davis, Team Canada, Harry Riley, Ronnie Glaister, Bill Thompson, Northern Thai Insurance, Swagman Group, Orchid Trading, The Jesters, Fobé Jewelry, Classroom, Ray Papasan Rogers, Lewiinski’s, Tahitian Queen, Las Vegas, All The Way Live Prodns., Café Kronborg, Rajas Fashions, Scottish Provident Int., BDS Designs Thailand.

Draw Prize Sponsors: Harry Riley, Hare House, Diana Group, Fobé, Lewiinski’s, Café Kronborg, Delaney’s, Phoenix, Mike Franklin, Steve Ross, Cathay Pacific, Pats Pies, Fair Hire Car Hire, Richard Livingston, Pattaya Mail, Classic Tailors, Swagman Group, Paradise Club Soi 8, Acushnet Foot-Joy (Thailand), Richard & Carol Smith, Bruno’s, KIZWA OK Ca. Ltd., Shakey Pete’s, Pattaya Sports Supply, Brian Ellis, BIAM Golf Clubs, Catherine Bond, Green Valley Golf Club, Laem Chabang Golf Cub.

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.