Frank Polizzotto dons the coveted Green Jacket

Wins TQ Masters 2001 with 44 Stableford points

Frank Polizzotto carded 44 Stableford points at Eastern Star on Friday, October 26 to win the 8th annual TQ Masters golf tournament. Last year’s winner Steve Mascari and tournament organizer Woody Underwood presented Frank with the coveted TQ Masters green jacket, symbol of excellence. Frank’s name will now be engraved on the perpetual trophy that sits permanently in the TQ on Beach Road, as do some of those whose names are also engraved on the trophy.

Frank Polizzotto (center) receives the green jacket and trophies from last year’s winner Steve Mascari (right).

Last year’s winner Steve Mascari once again shot a great round, carding a scratch 79 to win low gross honors.

Eastern Star, perfectly set up for the tournament, provided a tough test for the competitors, its main defense being a deceivingly difficult rough and the many water hazards. Overnight rains also prevented any run in the fairways, but with “winter rules” being used, and amazingly no rain on the day, the weather provided little other difficulties.

The tournament’s “defense” was undoubtedly the copious amount of vodka and clamato juice being freely dispensed at all the water stops, dispensed by beautiful TQ women ably assisted by Richard Livingston and Bennie “The Nerd” Hanson, as well as the abundant amount of free beer being passed out from the beer buggy throughout the course by Joe Otter and Terry.

Woody (center) and two lovely TQ lasses handed out plenty of vodka and clamato juice before, during and after the tournament.

The tournament was divided into 3 handicap divisions and a ladies division, and along with technical prizes in each division, 35 trophies were awarded on the day.

Ian Warwick won Division 1 (0-17 handicap) with 40 Stableford points, Somchai won Division 2 (18-27), also with 40 points, and David Johnson won Division 3 (28-36) on a count back from Scott Chatburn, both with 35 points.

Toy Ryser carded 33 points to win the Ladies Division, edging out Oradee Kassavane by two shots.

Of the technical prizes, the most memorable were arguably Woody winning the Division 3 long drive on hole #9 in his own tournament (“I used a 7 iron to give everyone else a chance,” he joked), as well as Jack Levy and Ernie Bakke, both of the Dream Team, sharing the shortest drive on hole #13. Apparently it was a tough decision for the judges, as both drives left the tee box in opposite directions, neither making it past the ladies tee. Jack Levy also kept the Dream Team’s mystique alive by hitting a shot into the wrong fairway, then mistakenly playing Mike Franklin’s ball (which, by the way, was in the correct fairway) for his next shot.

Futility gets recognized - Niel Poulsen receives his “trophy” and prizes for low score of the day.

In the TQ Masters, failure is recognized and well rewarded. Niel Poulsen amassed an incredible 2 points on the day, and was duly rewarded with a trophy and dinner for two including a bottle of wine at Shenanigans.

As always, tournaments of this magnitude cannot be run without a lot of work behind the scenes. Woody Underwood once again did a great job hosting the event, and received tremendous help from Mike Franklin. Tom Cole of Eastern Star was also very beneficial to the success of the event, as were, at the course: Stephen Beard, Wayne Ogonoski, Malcolm Clare, Richard Livingston, Bennie Hanson, Joe Otter, and Terry, and back at the TQ, Tony Stevens, who pitched in with the prize giving. Bjarne Neilson of Cafe Kronborg fame once again provided a delicious BBQ at the after tournament party and presentation at TQ.

Results: Overall Champion Frank Polizzotto, 44 points Low Gross Steve Mascari, 79 Division 1 1st: Ian Warwick, 40 2nd: Tony Stevens, 39 3rd: Bob Morrison, 37 Division 2 1st: Somchai, 40 2nd: Keith Meehan, 39 3rd: Gerry Carpenter, 35 (count back) 4th: Tomas Wikman, 35 Division 3 1st: David Johnson, 35 (count back) 2nd: Scott Chatburn, 35 3rd: John Preddy, 32 Ladies 1st: Toy Ryser, 33 2nd: Oradee Kassavane, 31 Near pins: #4 Div. 1 Bob Morrison, Div. 2 Ivan Plunkett, Div. 3 B.J. Smith. #8 Div. 1 Brad Doyle, Div. 2 Herb Schwieterman, Div. 3 J. O’Keefe. #12 Div. 1 Steve Mascari, Div. 2 Stan Axon, Div. 3 No Winner. #15 Div. 1 Steve Mascari, Div. 2 Steve Ross, Div. 3 David Johnson. Long drives: #9 Div. 1 Philip Mitchell, Div. 2 Mike Smith, Div. 3 Woody Underwood. #18 Div. 1 Steve Mascari, Div. 2 Frank Polizzotto, Div. 3 Chris John. #3 Ladies Aree Arp. Lowest score of the day: Niel Poulsen, 2 points. Shortest drive: #13 (tie) Jack Levy and Ernie Bakke.

Volvo Women’s Open 2001 starts this weekend

Highly ranked tennis players from around the world are scheduled to compete in Pattaya when the “Volvo Women’s Open 2001" gets underway at the Pattaya Dusit Resort on November 3. The finals are scheduled for Sunday, November 11.

1999 champion Magdalena Maleeva

Among the players competing for the US$110,000 purse are Jelena Dokic from Yugoslavia (ranked 10th in the world), Patty Schnyder from Switzerland, and 1999 champion Magdalena Maleeva from Bulgaria.

Thailand will be well-represented in this year’s Volvo Women’s Open, with tennis stars including Montinee Tangpong, Napaphorn Tongsalee, Wilawal Chobtaeng, Chatratida Timchapoh, and of course Tamarine Tanasugarn.

As part of the fun, early morning tennis lessons will be available for young players, as will be a chance to meet Thai and international tennis stars.

Spectators can obtain ticket information at the Pantangle Promotion Company at 02-3823491-3. From November 3-10 contact the Dusit Resort receptionist or the public relations office at Pattaya Central Festival Center. Tickets for the finals on November 11 (2.00 p.m.) will be available at the front of the tennis courts at the Dusit Resort starting at 10.00 a.m.

Over B.200,000 in gold to be won in ‘Diana Gold’ 2001

Every hole will be sponsored with one baht gold for both shotgun starts in the ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament offering technical prizes with a value of over B.200,000, plus many performance trophies and spectacular lucky draw prizes.

The two shotgun starts at 07.15 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. at Eastern Star Resort on Friday November 16th will each have a maximum of 96 players to ensure a smooth round of golf and provide better odds than last year’s big field for winning one of the one baht gold items.

The prize giving party and presentation ceremony will be staged back at the Diana Garden Lodge and Driving Range, North Pattaya.

Diana Gold is now an established ‘major’ charity tournament on the golfing calendar and all proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to provide scholarships for children at Banglamung Schools.

Sign-up for Friday November 16th, Diana Gold 2001 to support Banglamung children’s education. Full details and entry forms are available at the Green Bottle, Diana Inn, and the golf venues. Or see John Cole or Mike Franklin.

Sign-up without delay, and remember to state which shotgun start you prefer, early or late.

PH3 Run 920

Eastern Star Resort Promotes Youth Golf

Eastern Star Golf Resort, in conjunction with the Garden International School and area golf professionals, has established a series of tournaments for young golfers up to age 12. Beginning with the inaugural event on Sunday, December 2, 2001, young golfers will be able to experience a competition format that is both fun and instructional.

Golfers playing in these “Pee-Wee” events will be classified by age group: under 8, from 8 to 10, and from 10 to 12 years of age. The golfers will be teeing off from special tees set in the fairway, to compensate for the shorter distances that they can hit the ball. They will play in groups of three golfers, with a non-playing adult helper to walk with them.

As with other tournaments, there will be an assortment of technical prizes, as well as trophies for individual and team achievements. According to tournament director Michael Franklin, “This is a great opportunity to create an interest in golf among very young players. In these events they will also learn the Rules of Golf, the importance of golf etiquette and courtesy on the course, play strategy and good sportsmanship.”

Special prices are made available so that the events can be affordable to all, and include practice balls for the Eastern Star Driving Range. Corporate sponsors include Cathay Pacific and Shenanigans.

For further information contact: Tom Cole - Eastern Star Resort: 01 611 0871 or 038 630 410-6, [email protected] or Tony Vallimae 01 762 9325, [email protected]

Mark Campbell sets personal best at 12th PSC Members’ Open

Mark Campbell, playing in the A Flight at the Pattaya Sports Club’s 12th Members’ Tournament, shot 45 Stableford points, a score seldom seen in the ranks of the low handicappers. Mark, who only first broke 80 roughly a year ago, parlayed hard work and his laid back demeanor into a personal best 73 “off the stick”. Interestingly, David Claas, who recently moved to Pattaya from Bangkok, shot the second best score of the day, 40 points, also from the A Flight. It is probably no surprise that the low handicappers rose to the top, as the venue, the Blue Tees on the East Course of Burapha Country Club, left the high handicappers straining to make the start of the fairway on their drives.

Kevin Fortt with 37 points and Frank Polizotto with 38 points won the B and C Flights, respectively.

The event was played in excellent weather for this time of year, and the course, while damp from recent downpours, was in excellent condition. Many thanks to Charlie Chuvapituck, Burapha’s managing director & GM, and his staff for their work in making it an enjoyable day for the 75 participants. The two 18-hole Burapha layouts and Charlie’s hospitality allowed for a unique “shotgun start” which the field greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Joe Banks, a longtime PSC member and owner of the White House on Soi 13, for hosting the field at Pattaya’s only private golf course.

The following tournament sponsors provided donations which put a prize in most of the field’s pockets: Pattaya Sports Club, The Golfshop (Soi Skaw Beach across from the Scandi Hotel), Cafe Kronborg (Soi Diana), Papa Ray, Blue Parrot Bar and Restaurant (Soi Pattayaland Two), Tequila Reef Cantina (Soi 7), Shenanigans Fun Pub (2nd Road, near the Marriott), Rosie O’Grady’s (Soi 7), PolTony’s Gourmet Restaurant & Fairplay MiniGolf (South Pattaya on Jomtien Hill), and the Diana Group’s Green Bottle Pub (2nd Road & Soi Diana). Thanks again to these people who make it possible.

The next Monthly Members’ Tournament is scheduled for November 9th at Phoenix Country Club. Sign up for the tournament is already open at the PSC Clubhouse on Third Road. Opportunity to sign up will also be provided at the PSC golf venues, Cafe Kronborg and Three Sisters Bar, at their November fixtures.

A Flight: 1st Mark Campbell (45), 2nd David Claas (40), 3rd George Blackburne (38)

B Flight: 1st Kevin Fortt (37), 2nd Russell Finch (36), 3rd Gordon Tarapasky (36)

C Flight: 1st Frank Polizotto (38), 2nd Steve Wilkens (37), 3rd George Meigh (38)

2nd to Last: A Flt: Jack Moseley (24); B Flt: Dave Richardson (23); C Flt: Jerry Lien (21)

Closest to pin: #3 Gerhard Schultz, #6 David Claas, #12 Don Scott, and #17 Kenny Mau

Longest putt: #9 George Meigh and #18 John Preddy
Long drive Mark Campbell

Diana Group Inaugural Seniors and Ladies Open tees off at Pattaya Country Club

The original inaugural date at Sriracha had to be abandoned after just a few holes due to torrential rain, and the signs for the next outing on Thursday 25th October did not look too promising either. However, it turned out to be a fine day, the rain having left its mark overnight.

So all was well at 11 a.m. when thirty-seven seniors and ladies teed off, comprising 8 ladies, 10 seniors and 19 super seniors.

Ladies Division winner Beth Lill accepts her trophy and congratulations from the Diana Group’s John Cole.

Tournament director, Mike Franklin, commenting on the balance between the divisions at the prize giving in the Green Bottle said, “We will review over the next two months the numbers in the Seniors and Super Seniors Divisions and, if necessary, will adjust the age breaks to even up the field.”

Pattaya Country Club played long due to the rain and, no doubt, the age of some of the players, but was nevertheless enjoyable in the fine weather.

John Cole and Richard Livingston took good care of registration with efficient cooperation from Pattaya Country Club staff, and later completed the scoring for this first medal round.

Prize giving took place at the Green Bottle Pub after the buffet, with podium honors for the day going to Beth Lill with a net 70 to win the Ladies Division, just one stroke better than Nora Haugsjordet with a net 71. John Murdoch won the Seniors with a ‘Best of the Day’ score of net 68, with Don Scott runner-up returning a net 71.

Bob Pearce took the Super Seniors trophy with a net 69, with John Hurst in close pursuit, carding a net 70.

The ladies featured well in the technical prizes with Beth Lill and Keow Somkid winning near pins, the other two being claimed by Don Scott and Dave (17th hole disaster) Earthbowl. Longest first putts were sunk by Norman Brooks and Banjob Franklin.

It was a good first outing, the next being on Thursday 29th November at Pattaya Country Club. Sign-up at the Green Bottle please.

“Wonderful” sailfish landed out of Pattaya

On Sunday October 13, the fishing team from the Wonderful Bar landed a beautiful sailfish. Seen in the photo are Andre Verdoobt and his Belgian friends from the Wonderful Bar on Soi Yamoto and Second Road.

Sharp out-holes Gorda, Suzuki beats the rain

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 22nd October - Century Ban Chan (Stableford)

1st: Rick Sharp, 39 pts (cb9 22)
2nd: Mark Gorda, 39 pts (cb9 21)
3rd: Bob Morrison, 34 pts
4th: Ray Matti, 33 pts

In conditions more suitable for water polo than golf, Rick Sharp, as usual on his visits to The Haven, managed to pull a few rabbits out of the hat and took the top spot at the testing Nick Faldo designed course, although on this occasion Mark Gorda ran him very close, just failing at the last with a three putt, caused no doubt by thinking too far ahead to his subsequent visit to the gun club, and imagining it was in the hole already. The result was decided on count back with Rick just edging through with 22 points.

Bob held Ray at bay holding on by one point over the last hole to take third prize. Rick also shared the twos with Bob, to make it a very worthwhile visit.

Back at the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed back Brian Kelly and Matt Millar. Matt played with a debilitating shoulder injury, and whilst not troubling the scorers, enjoyed the walk.

Wednesday 24th October - Phoenix (Stroke Play)

1st: Yazuo Suzuki, 70
2nd: Mike Spear, 72
3rd: B.J. Smith, 73
4th: Don Scott, 75

On a day when the rain did not stop for the whole round and without the benefit of golf carts, the course played as long as it can, and under the circumstances a large field of golfers performed quite well.

Yazuo Suzuki managed the conditions better than most and carded a very creditable gross 83, including a fantastic back nine of 38 with a double on the last hole, to see off the chasing pack led by the head cook and bottle washer Mike Spear, who in his turn held off B.J. the journalist come farmer from Australia. Don the veteran blues player from the States was a further two shots back and rounded out the prizewinners list on the day.

The conditions were a factor on the par threes, and no one manage to achieve a two, and therefore the pot was carried forward to the next competition to be held at Khoa Kheow on Monday the 29th.

Back at The Haven, Richard welcomed back Brett Hillas, Rupert Jeffrey and Neville Steward, whilst welcoming new member Terry Barnes, all from Australia. Indeed on the day 50% of the players were from down under, which made for a very liquid evening and a few red eyes the following morning.

Yasuo finishes first, Bob drinks for free

PSC Golf from Cafe Kronborg

Monday, October 22 - Great Lake (Stableford)

Yasuo Suzuki took 1st place with 38 points, followed by Denis Curtin with 35, Aussie Graham Holmes 3rd with 34, and the ever-present Ebrahim 4th with 33 points.

Bob Morrison won the Kronborg Monthly Mug and now gets a free refill from each of the others who played.

November promises to be a busy month with many old friends arriving to take part in Bjarne’s Birthday scramble on the 5th, as well as a 3 night / 4 day trip to Hua Hin on the 11th, and probably the best event on the calendar, Papa Ray’s Thanksgiving golf / dinner party on the 22nd.

Sign up early for these events.

Thursday, October 25 - Phoenix Country Club (Monthly Mug)

Phoenix was in good condition after the rains when the Kronborg Monthly Mug was held there on Thursday the 25th. Bob Morrison, the winner, was presented with the coveted mug by mine host Bjarne. As all know, the winner is entitled to a fill-up from all who played!

Results:

Winner of Bjarne’s Monthly Mug: Bob Morrison, net 67

A Flight (handicaps 0-18)

Winner: Paul Kraft, net 70
2nd: Wayne (careful) Koch, net 71
3rd: Philippe (steady) Berra, net 72

B flight (19 and up)

Winner: Alan Pearce, net 69
2nd: Ken (where is he?) Cook, net 71
3rd: Denis Curtin, net 71

Slow Siam fits the Bill

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

If it’s Friday then the Bunker Boys are playing Stableford. On Friday, 19th October they went to the local course at Siam Country Club, a course notable for its tree-lined fairways and slow greens, made slower this time by the persistent rain.

There was only one division and the conditions certainly played their part in contributing to low scores. Bill Jones won with 33 points and there was a tie for second with Chris John and Norman Brooks both scoring 31 points. A bemused Norman was later espied crying in his beer at the thought of his first-nine tally of 21 points and of what his score might have been had the heavens not opened!

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Chris John and Norman Brooks (2).

Suzuki motors to victory at Ban Chang

On Tuesday, 23rd October, a hardy bunch of Bunker Boys braved the seasonal bad weather and faced the challenge of medal play at Century, Ban Chang. On Chulalongkorn Day they were greeted by chilling grey skies but the rains held off long enough for Yasuo (Bless You!) Suzuki to take control and return a score of net 73.

In second place came the redoubtable pair of Remy Guy and Colin Wilkes, both of whom recorded net 77’s.

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Remy, John Preddy, Sunny Ruthsip and David Johnson. Once again the Transport Manager indulged himself with the bananas for not returning a score and was cheered only by the thought of a warming “cha lorn” at the nineteenth hole. Roll on the dry season!

Follow the Bunker Boys at http://www.thebunkerboys.com.

Gerald Holt nudges Doug Powell on count back

PSC Three Sisters Golf

On Monday the Three Sisters Golf took off as normal. Leading the pack this week was Gerald Holt and Doug Powell with 37 points each. Gerald managed to nudge out Doug on count back to take the bragging rights for the week. Doug has been fairly consistent during the past few weeks and is expected to be holding the bragging rights shortly. In the meantime Gerald could be seen with a smirk on his face as he entered caddy shack two ready to take on the field again.

Following the leaders was none other than Vic Cross. Although Vic made a valiant effort to overtake the leaders, he fell short by a few points. Following Vic and the rest of the field was ole Jerry Lien. Jerry started like a house on fire taking the first three skins from his group of players but faded as the day went along. His driver deserted him along with the rest of his clubs as he dove to the bottom to hold up the rest of the field for the day.

Next week will be different as it was declared that a three club competition will be in session. The three includes the putter. This means your putter and two other clubs only for the day. Hope to see you all there.

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  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

Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]