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Hundreds gather for Papa Ray’s annual Thanksgiving Day Tournament and party
Pattaya Sports Club Golf from Cafe Kronborg
On Thursday November 28, a full field of intrepid golfers
arrived at Pattaya Country Club on a beautiful, sunny, dry day, with a nice
gentle breeze. Papa Ray was already there at 8 in the morning to welcome the
field.
Papa
Ray enjoys the benefits of being ‘host’.
The
winning team: Bob Morrison, Frank Polizzotto, Stan Godwin and Andy Spence,
pose with the host.
After being checked in by the starter Gert Hansen and his
helpers, the first groups got away on time at 09:00.
All were looking forward to the star event of the day -
the Turkey Day Feast prepared by Papa Ray and Bjarne Nielsen, along with
their teams of assistants.
Even with a full field, the last of the players were back
at Ray’s house in good time for the festivities.
Following the food service, that fine speaker David
Pittman announced to the well fed (and watered) throng that the day had been
another major success in the annals of P.S.C. activities. He paid tribute to
the organizing team (David Richardson / George Bennison / Gert Hansen /
Bernie Tuppin / Ron Amero, etc.) Congrats were also extended to Bjarne (Cafe
Kronborg) Nielsen, his family and staff for their hard work, and, not least,
to Papa Ray and his team of helpers.
It was pointed out that all prizes were funded from the
200 baht golf entry fee - all monies being spent on those gifts.
The
golf is over - now it’s party time!
The
kitchen team is all smiles during another successful Turkey Day event.
In addition, each golfer received a gift of one sleeve of
Pattaya Sports Club Logo golf balls as a personal gift from Papa Ray.
The intrepid Ron (the Hat) Amero then carried out the
‘Hat Ceremony’ to raise funds for the ladies who’d spent the previous
3 days / nights preparing for the party.
Next came the announcement of the competition results,
the prize giving and then last, but not least, the distribution of the many
lucky draw prizes.
A good day was enjoyed by all and Papa Ray extended his
hopes that all would be back next year! All prizes were purchased from the
Good Golf Shop located on 3rd Road in Pattaya and we thank them for their
continued support.
Golf Competition Results:
1st place team: Bob Morrison, Frank Polizzotto, Stan
Godwin and Andy Spence, net 58.2
2nd place team: Ray Matti, Rick Sharp, Malcolm Clare and
Jim Muns, net 58.8
3rd place team: Bob Pring, Granvile Swanton, Roger
Privett and Matt Andersen, net 59.6
4th place team: Martin Hanfelt, Magnus Johanssen, Lennart
Belander and Anders Pedersen, net 60
Near pins: Kevin Fortt, Don Richardson, Neville Goode,
and Bruce Tollett.
Longest 1st putts: Derek Nicholson and Frank Polizzotto.
Aran Homaruen crowned Thailand Windsurfing Champion 2002
DTAC 23rd Siam World Cup draws international competitors
Aran Homaruen was crowned Thailand’s 2002 Windsurfing
Champion in the cumulative scoring windsurf competition category last
weekend at the DTAC 23rd Siam World Cup. It wasn’t surprising, as Aran
holds numerous windsurfing trophies.
Competitors
launch from the beach in the DTAC 23rd Siam World Cup held last weekend off
Jomtien Beach.
The DTAC 23rd Siam World Cup was organized to give Thai
windsurfers an opportunity to improve their skills to be able to
successfully compete in international competitions, such as the SEA Games,
the Asian Games, and hopefully the Olympic Games.
Windsurfers from 21 nations participated in the event,
including Thailand, China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, England,
France, German, Italy, Poland, Norway, Netherlands, U.S.A., Canada, Fiji,
Argentina, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. National competitors in the
over 20 year-old age group participated in the event.
The competition was held prior to the world windsurf
competition, which was scheduled to take place at Pattaya Park Beach
December 4 - 5.
The generous sponsors who made the event possible were
Pattaya City, which provided funding worth 400,000 baht, DTAC with another
100,000 baht and the Windsurf Club with 50,000 baht.
Phanuthas Ruamsap and Suhimee Muhamad Kasem, both
national windsurfers, came in second and third respectively.
In the international category, Ho Chi Ho from Hong Kong
took top prize, and the women’s windsurfing champion was Barbara Kendall
from New Zealand.
Witthaya Khunpluem, member of parliament and secretary to the minister of
social development and human resources, presided over the opening ceremony
on November 30. The ceremony was held opposite of Surf Beach Hotel on
Jomtien Beach.
Captain’s day out with PSC Fishing Chairman Frank Collins
On Friday November 28, Frank Collins and three other
fishing captains (Captain Po, Captain Lut, and Captain Lan) set out in
Frank’s boat to Koh Pai for a great day of fishing.
(L-R)
Capt. Lut, Capt. Lan, & Puak with the day’s catch.
The trip started at 7 a.m. from the beach at Soi 6,
arriving at Koh Pai at 8:30 a.m. where the three Thai captains began arguing
about where the best spots for fishing would be. Frank finally flipped a
coin and decided on a spot which paid off with fish biting the lines
immediately.
The main catch of the day were queen mackerel and
pompano. Three sailfish were spotted but not feeding. At the end of the day,
24 fish were caught and all captains headed for shore at 3 p.m. - in time to
get back to Bobby Joe’s 60’s Bar to hand over the fish for Thanksgiving.
If you are interested in day or overnight fishing trips, please contact
Frank Collins, PSC Fishing Chairman at 01-987-5116 or go to Bobby Joes’
60’s Bar at Soi Regent Marina, telephone: 038-361-115.
Is pool on its way to replacing darts as the farang bar game?
by Len Banfield (PSC Darts Chairman)
The past two years has seen a revival of a pool league in
Pattaya the like of which was discouraged by the authorities about 12 years
ago on the basis that it was an opportunity to gamble. At that time for most
English language orientated bars there was a mix of Darts, Pool, Golf and
Quiz with most venues doing 2 or 3 if not all 4. Some bars were double
fronted and could handle pool and darts without being cramped for space,
others had upstairs games rooms for that sort of stuff. The places that
owned their premises stayed remarkably stable over the years while those who
rented were forever under the gun of increased rent at renewal, especially
after they had spent money on improving the premises to attract more
customers. To fill the gap some bars switched to showing movies and
satellite sport especially live soccer.
On the first Sunday in November, the Texxan Inn an old
established institution now located in a spacious building in Soi Chaiyapool
held their first 8 ball Tournament for years. Maurice the master chef from
Le Cap Breton opposite the Texxan helped organise it and brought along 5 of
his compatriots to compete (his restaurant is where Frenchmen like to eat
now). The event was enthralling, I went to see how my neighbour Jerry and my
old friend Ron were faring and to have a beer, I ended up staying to the
finish. At no time was there a match where the result was predictable (I did
it often at first and mostly got it wrong); at no time was the play less
than interesting. Ron Hickson qualified for the final 8 in a repercharge. He
ended up beating Jerry in the final. He never gave up, he fought back from
impossible positions time after time. An interesting contrast was in the
style of play between the 2 Americans and the 6 Frenchmen. I played from a
snooker background where you leave the ball safe for you and difficult for
the other player and set up balls in the jaws for your next shot, all the
French played that strategy, both the Yanks went to pot a ball every time,
and to leave themselves another shot however difficult. I think this is more
successful on American Pool tables simply because the pockets are wider and
kinder than on European tables, which have no funnel type jaws.
During this year I have been looking at enlisting more
venues for the PSC Dart league for Monday night, however all the apparently
stable and desirable places seemed to be happier to play in the Pool League.
At the end of our Summer Season the winning team decided to play Pool
instead. Subsequently I recommended at the PSC Dart Captains meeting that we
should change the playing night to Thursday for the Winter Season
conditional on unanimous agreement of our existing teams. This was obtained,
so that the next PSC Darts League will be held on Thursdays, thus allowing
teams committed to Pool on Monday to compete if they wish to and comply with
our rules.
Having posed a question I probably should propose an
answer; there is certainly a place for both and a state of equilibrium
should be reached soon. I suspect most dart players have enjoyed playing
pool while cue games are pretty popular around the world and therefore have
appeal to a wider collection of Farangs and thus a much bigger market for
the industry to tap. The answer is a qualified Yes!
This week a schedule for the new PSC Darts will be
forthcoming, following the Presentation Party held at The Londoner in Soi
Post Office. The Pool League has already started their season with more than
1 division playing on Monday nights. The Texxan Inn will continue to hold a
Tournament on the first Sunday of the month.
Good Luck to all involved.
Rising Sun takes over Mickey Mouse lead
Rising Sun defeated Pleasure Dome in a battle for the top
spot in the Mickey Mouse Darts League, handing Pleasure Dome their first
loss of the season. The win was a payback for Rising Sun, who suffered their
only defeat of the season at the hands of Pleasure Dome.
In other Nov. 29 matches, Bulls Eye swept match and beer
from still winless Smugglers Rest, Palmer’s won the match but lost the
beer to Cheers, Mick’s Place swept match and beer from Bunker, and the
Lobby did the same against Devonshire.
This week sees Mick’s v Pleasure Dome, Rising Sun v Lobby, Devonshire v
Cheers, Bulls Eye v Palmer’s and Smugglers v Bunker.
VFW Post 9876 wins second place & Nice & Sleazy takes third
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
VFW Post 9876 finally managed to beat the first place
Shakey Pete’s team and end the league in second place after 30 weeks of
bowling. Led by Pin with a 515 series and Lek with a 513 pin count they
managed to take three points from Shakey Pete’s even though they were
bowling with one blind. La led her first place team with a 531 series.
200
games rolled by Tue, Mio, Porn and Gert
Nice & Sleazy took third place after defeating the
unlucky Winchester Club who was in the top three for most of the league. Tue
rolled a 211 game and Porn had a 207 game, 504 series for the Nice &
Sleazy team and the Winchester Club just bowled below their capabilities and
lost out in the trophy race.
Captain Mio knocked down 526 pins and had a 210 game but
her House of the Golden Coin could only split the points with Cafe Kronborg
at two-two.
Three Sisters managed to get out of the cellar at last when they took
three points from Cafe Ole. Gert led Three Sisters with a 233 game and 572
series and Cafe Ole just had a hard time hitting the pins.
Kids are back in town
Lawn Bowls Division One
Carlsberg Kids pulled of a great victory over the Dream
Team coming back from 10\1 down. Dave the Rave and the blond bombshell
Martin played excellent bowls to beat Fat Boy Slim Kev and Sir Bill Jones on
the last end by two shots. Unlucky Kev and Sir Bill. The season is still
early enough to make a comeback. Come back BSB, all is forgiven.
Windmills’ Big Frank and the Dark Destroyer Dennis came
back from last week’s defeat by beating the Tartan Bar. It looks like the
boys have lost their sporrans since they won the League Cup, so come on
boys, pull your kilts up.
The Cobblers team won their first game of the season
beating The Somtams (welcome back boys).
Likely Lads beat the all girl team Yingyangs on the last
end to put them on top of Div 1.
Lawn Bowls Division 2
Division 2 started their first game of the season with
some spectacular bowling from the 3 new teams entering the league. New guys
team Dennis and Paul, who have just started bowling, won their first game
beating league fav big boys Kev and Joe. Well, boys, it looks like Div 2
will be hard to get out of.
The other two new teams also won on the night. Harvey and
Graham who play for new team Musketeers had a fantastic win over the Jan
Bar.
The other new team Thepprasit Ten Thistle beat the
Unlucky Chaplins on the last end. Welcome back Thepprasit boys from the old
school of bowls Rolex Peter and Scots Willie who had a 6 months rest.
Player of the Week: Harvey of the Musketeers, Div 2.
Match of the Week: Carlsberg Kids v Dream Team.
Team of the Week: Likely Lads
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society Golf Date Changes
As Tuesday December 10th is Constitution
Day and a public holiday, that date for the scheduled Shenanigans Pairs
Scramble has been moved to Tuesday December 17th. The fixture to follow that
will be on Tuesday 7th January 2003, and fortnightly thereafter.
Pattaya Sports Club Christmas Party
The Pattaya Sports Club will be having
their annual Christmas Party on the 18th of December 2002, at the Town In
Town Hotel (near Foodland). Tickets will be on sale at the PSC office
starting 20th of November. Current members: 300 baht. Member’s guest: 600
baht. This price includes a fabulous international buffet, beer, wine, other
alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and live entertainment. Raffle prizes include
four baht of gold and many other great gifts. Hope to see you there!
Eastern Star celebrates
10th Anniversary with an
Open Golf Tournament
The Eastern Star Robert Trent Jones Jnr. championship
golf course was opened on December 5, 1992 and, to celebrate the 10th
Anniversary, Eastern Star Resort is staging an Open Stroke Play Tournament
on Sunday December 15.
Six flights will participate: A, B and C for men covering
handicaps 0-12; 13-18 and 19-24. Seniors for 55 years up; Juniors under 12
years; and Ladies.
Many trophies and prizes are to be won and an entry fee
of just 800 baht includes green & caddy fee, and buffet dinner. Tee-off
will be from 09.30 to 13.00 on a ‘turn up and play’ basis and, to ensure
a level field with handicaps, the 36 Stroke Play Scoring System under USGA
Rules will be used. Full details in the entry form.
This is a good opportunity for a Sunday round and a
chance to see improvements to the presentation of the course which have
recently been made at Eastern Star. Sunday, 15th December, the Eastern Star
Open.
Herb can brag for a week, while Gary agrees to hold the bag for Dick
PSC Three Sisters Golf
Last week Erle Kershaw beat the field coming in with 39
points. There were no bandits as the scores reflected numbers close to or
above rated handicaps. Running close behind Erle was old Jerry Lien but he
could not catch up with Erle.
Holding the bag last week was Marvin Smith, who came in
with the low score for the week. Marvin, just back from the States, was
probably jetlagged which affected his game.
This past week, Herb Ishinaga came in with 40 points to
take the bragging rights for the week. With some lucky shots and steady
putting he managed 22 points on the front nine and 18 on the back.
Holding the bag this week should have been Dick Caggiano.
Although Dick had 22 points and won the bag rights on count back, he
disappeared before his picture could be taken. Gary, who is here on vacation
for just a short while was tied with Dick at 22 points. Gary bit the bullet
and stood in for Dick as bag holder for the week.
King & Wilkes scramble to victory at Green Valley
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
The immaculate course at Green Valley Country Club put on
its best smile over the two days of 24th/25th November to welcome the Bunker
Boys for their monthly two-day event, this time a two-man team scramble.
There were twelve eager teams waiting at the first tee on the first day and
more than twenty-four hours later the same smiles were evident at the end of
a very enjoyable competition, where no less than nine of the teams totalled
par or less.
There is something very likeable about a scramble and on
the first day Harry Riley and Ciano Glavinia set out their stall early to
top the order list, from Wilf Latham and Remy Guy and pre-tournament
favourites Mr. Loy and Saranya Chaiyanont.
Lurking in the wings, two shots behind, were the fourth
placed team of John King and Colin Wilkes who had the advantage of being the
lowest handicapped pairing.
Many proud boasts were made at the presentation party on
the first evening and the second day dawned with the lip-smacking prospect
of a head-to-head battle at the top of the field between the two overnight
leaders. Wagers were struck and oaths made but the four protagonists psyched
themselves out of it as the dark horses, John King and Colin Wilkes, put
right their mistakes of the first day to register the best score of the
tournament with their net 66. Their 36-hole total of 135 was enough to take
the title and Harry and Ciano were relegated to second place with 136,
whilst Norman Brooks and Bill Hewitt shot a fine total of 139.2 to leapfrog
Wilf and Remy into third place.
On the first day the only two was recorded by Terry Phur
and Nora Haugsjordet and they took the Bunker Super Sawng award. On the
second day they were to share it again with PJ Redmond & Bill Macey,
Wilf & Remy, and the Sunshine Boys, John Preddy & Len Jones.
Back at the Bunker later the talk was to be about the
putts that got away, the duffed pitch shots, the club head that had sheared
off and the pride that came before a fall. Well done everyone and here’s
to the next time!
Fireman Danny strikes at Phoenix
Phoenix was full on Friday, 29th November, but the club
still found room for thirty-six Bunker Boys to take on the challenging
Mountain and Lakes nines in their weekly Stableford competition. Just to add
spice to the occasion division one golfers played from the blue tees, whilst
those on higher handicaps coughed and spluttered from the usual white tees.
Visiting Irishman Kevin O’Hagan had kissed the Blarney
Stone (Irish for “Heineken”) before teeing off and cajoled and teased
his way to an impressive 38 points in division one. His luck did not hold
out on the Mountain 7th however, where he put his second shot into the rest
stop and suffered the embarrassment of an eight. He was to be rewarded for
this indiscretion later at the Bunker!
Sharing second place were Roy Mitchell and Ciano Glavinia,
both firing 32 points.
In division two local member Fireman Danny Greer used his
new clubs to good effect firing 38 points, three ahead of Des Pearson with
the chasing group of Norman Brooks, Norm Robinson, and Mikael Andersson a
further three shots back.
Mikael dedicated his podium finish to his mentor in
Sweden, Robert Knutsson, whilst Fireman Danny dedicated his strike to his
colleagues in England who are on strike for better pay and conditions at
present. Danny also posted one of the two two’s, along with Richard
Wardell, and both shared the Bunker Super Sawng award whilst Kevin O’Hagan
savoured his first Bunker Banana Booby for his “faux pas” on the
Mountain 7th.
Catch up with more news at http://www.thebunkerboys.com
Benign conditions produce “career best” rounds
IPGC Golf from The Haven
Monday 25th
November
Burapha East
Stroke play
1st: John Low, 62
2nd: Al Rolnik, 63 cb9 31
3rd: Serge Straeten, 63 cb9 32
4th: Phil Groves, 67
5th: Chris Ferris, 68
It is not often at this time of year that golf is played
in such benign conditions as were to be found at Burapha on Monday and with
the organisers deciding that as the day’s competition was to be stroke
play, it should be played from the white tees, it turned out to be one of
the easiest rounds of the year for some of the competitors.
Indeed three of them shot lifetime bests and not
surprisingly, this took them to the top of the leader board. They were
headed by John Low (still recovering from the Twickenham Blues) whose 77
gross was only just good enough to hold back a chasing pair led by “Big
Al” Rolnik firing in the seventies for the first time and edging out Serge
Straeten also with a lifetime best 81 gross, on count back by one shot.
No one was more surprised than Phil Groves to find
himself only in fourth place after a very creditable gross 75, whilst the
winner, fellow New Zealander Chris Ferris’s 68 could only muster fifth and
last position on the podium.
With the course playing at it’s easiest, it was also no
surprise to find the twos were shared between Phil Cleland, Brian Lewis,
Brian Kelly, Al Rolnik, Chris Ferris, Peter Emslie and the “Doc” with
two. Chris Ferris’s effort coming with a three wood second shot at the par
four 4th hole.
Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
Professional welcomed new member Dean Peterson from the USA and welcomed
back Herb Swieterman also from the USA.
Wednesday 27th
November
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st: Jack Spencer, 38 points
2nd: Al Rolnik, 35
3rd: Arthur Hancock, 34 cb9 20
4th: Rick Bevington, 34 cb9 18, cb6 12, cb3 7
5th: Dave Lee, 34 cb9 18, cb6 12, cb3 6
6th: Larry Ball, 34 cb9 17
What a difference a couple of days make. Most of the
field were the same people that played so well two days earlier but with
weather conditions being more like those normally encountered at this time
of year, and the tees right back on the yellows (the back tees at Khao Kheow),
the scores were a little higher.
Even “Big Al”, who is coming right back into form,
could only manage to shoot ten shots more which put him into second place
behind Jack Spencer who managed to beat his handicap by two.
Arthur Hancock led a group of players on 34 points by
virtue of a count back, by Richard who finished almost parched in the
process, and a solid twenty points on the back nine. The next four places
were determined by the same count back with only unlucky Larry Ball failing
to make the podium.
The twos were shared between Jack Spencer and Stefan Hoge.
Prior to the prize giving, Richard welcomed back Stefan
Hoge and Mike Morris, both resting from their efforts in the oil industry.
Friday 29th
November
Phoenix Mountain &
Ocean
Bogey
1st Division
1st: Chris Davisson, 2 up
2nd: Stephen Beard, 1 up cb9 1 up, cb6 1 up
3rd: Phil Groves, 1 up cb9 1up, cb6 all square
4th: Mike Morris, 1 up cb9 all square
2nd Division
1st: Jens Gunnarsson, 3 up
2nd: Rick Bevington, 1 up cb9 2 up
3rd: Dave Lee, 1 up cb9 1 up
4th: Paul Taylor, all square cb9 1 up
5th: Gordon Langtry, all square cb9 1 down
A large field preparing for the upcoming TAGGS Invitation
meant that two divisions were required with the fifty percent separation
falling at handicap 16. As usual the greens played a big part in determining
the winners, with the better putters holding sway on the large expanses of
sward that sometimes cover three clubs difference from the front to the
back.
Chris Davisson headed the first division and “The
Doc”, who in his turn barely managed to beat Mr. Steady Phil Groves with a
better back six, closely followed him, with Mike Morris also in close
attendance.
The second division was led by “The Iceman” Jens
Gunnarsson, tasting his first success following his recent return from the
depths of the boiler room aboard ship and now getting to grips with the
little white thing rather than the oily rag.
Rick Bevington took his second podium placing of the
week, as did the now familiar Dave Lee having now been placed in four of the
last six competitions. It cannot be long now before Dave comes under the
handicapper’s sharp pencil. Paul Taylor and Gordon Langtry filled out the
remaining podium positions in the second group.
The twos were shared between Ian Ashenden, Rick Bevington
and Gordon Langtry.
Before the prize giving, Richard welcomed new member
Barry Traynor from England on his annual break from the rain in Manchester.
Ramkhamheng Club of Pattaya organizes ‘Minister Trophy Charity Bowling 2002’
A charity bowling tournament was recently held to raise
funds to help accident victims who cannot pay for medical treatment and
provide aid to other charity programs in the area.
Santsak
Namphiches, head advisor to the minister of tourism and sports, rolled the
first strike to open the Charity Bowling 2002 tournament at P.S. Bowl
Santsak Namphiches, head advisor to the minister of
tourism and sports opened the Charity Bowling 2002 at P.S. Bowl, Pattaya on
November 24. Premjit Mahiwan, president of the Ramkhamheng Club of Pattaya
welcomed sports lovers and distinguished guests to the opening ceremony,
including Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat and Chanyut Hengtrakul, advisor to
the minister of tourism and sports.
Premjit said that the Ramkhamheng Club would donate money
collected from the registration fees to those who suffered from accidents
and could not afford hospital bills. He said that the club has been working
closely with Pattaya City Hall to subsidize poor and underprivileged people
in the area and that some money from the tournament would be allocated for
help where needed.
The tournament was divided into two categories, singles
and teams. The winners were honored with trophies from Sonthaya Khunpluem,
Minister of Tourism and Sports.
After the games, club members enjoyed a dinner party in
the warm and friendly atmosphere at Town in Town Hotel, Pattaya.
The results of the tournament are as follows:
In the team category, 1st prize went to Sukhonna 2003;
runners-up were Sukhonna 2, and Pran Poh.
Male Individual Single-frame highest score category
winner was Benjarong.
Male Individual Double-frame highest score category
winner was Pol. Lt. Col. Nopparut Rattananam.
Female Individual Single-frame category winner was Oly
from Star team.
The Female Individual Double-frame category winner was
Ubol Pairot.
Aunt Jintana 1 Team received the Booby Trophy for the lowest score.
Dave Hughes tops Rising Sun at Green Valley
The Rising Sun played their weekly Stableford competition
at the immaculate Green Valley. Dave Hughes won with 36 points, and was
followed in second place by Kevin Fortt with 35 points.
The twos pool was shared by three players, Scott Hubbard,
Brian Lewis and Trevor Sharman. Nearest the pins went to #2 Ron Matthews, #9
Sibbo, #12 Trevor Sharman (who used his 11-wood on the 110 yards par 3 -
“sheer power”), and #16 Brian Walker.
Five-a-side football tournament kicks off at Mike Shopping Mall
Matches to run until December 22nd
Songklod Kaewvisit
The 2nd Five-a-side Football tournament or ‘Futsal’
opened last weekend on the 5th floor of Mike’s Shopping Mall. The matches
will be played for cash prizes and the coveted Minister of Tourism and
Sports trophy.
Mayor
Pairat Suthithamrongsawat and Chanyut Hengtrakul, advisor to minister of
tourism and sports, posed with players who will be competing in the 2nd
Five-a-side Football tournament this month at Mike’s Shopping Mall.
Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat presided over the opening
of the tournament, and honored guests included Chanyut Hengtrakul, advisor
to minister of tourism and sports, Niran Wattanasatsathorn, deputy mayor,
Mike Shopping Mall management board members and a crowd of football fans.
A whopping total of 63 teams signed up for the
tournament, which were then categorized into four groups including under 12
years of age; under 16 years of age; east region hoteliers, and the general
public.
Mayor Pairat led the Pattaya Media Team to the field and
played against the V.I.P Pattaya Team in the opening match after the
official opening ceremony.
The mayor noted that football and other sports help the
nation’s children gain a sense of sportsmanship and self-reliance. He said
that sports not only develop physical and mental health but also strengthen
the community and teach kids how to work as a team.
The mayor added that youngsters also learn to lose with
dignity as well as win with pride, and to take on challenges with courage
and optimism.
Winners of the event will represent Pattaya City in the upcoming national
competition.
Despite putting woes, Bob Benda wins
PSC Golf from the 60’s Bar
A smaller group went out on Friday, no doubt due to the
not to be missed annual event at Papasan Ray Rogers’s on Thursday. But the
hearty core showed up, along with some welcomed first timers. The breakfast
of scrambled eggs and ham went down well for the hungry bunch about to set
out to concur Natural Park Hills. The bus departed on time at 9:00, but
after an on board head count the bus returned to the bar for the lad we left
in the men’s room. Tee off was half an hour late because Bobby Joe, who
was transporting the clubs, got lost again.
The course is beautiful and beautifully maintained. The
name Natural Park “Hills” is apropos, the course is quite rolling.
Scores were a little high due to the fast greens and all that darn water.
Competition organizer Bob Benda summed it up with the statement, “My
putting woes continue.” He did, however, win the competition.
Aussie Ray Spurling managed to embed one of his balls in
a palm tree; the shot would have gone 300 yards if it hadn’t been for that
tree. Bobby Joe forgot his camera so there are no pictures of Ray climbing
the tree, but Ray was awarded the play of the day.
After a few very cold ones at the beautiful clubhouse,
golfers headed back to the 60’s Bar for the presentations. No one got
lost. All were welcomed back with a big steaming pot of the famous 60’s
chili con carne and a bunch more cold ones. Bob Benda won overall (he does
it a lot). Closest to the pin prizes went to Eddy Rudkin, Ray Spurling and
60’s first timers Mick Macay and John Evens.
Bobby Joe’s P.G.A. instructor, Mike McLaren has
diagnosed Bobby’s problem, “You have too many moving parts,” he was
told. He has decided to sleep at the driving range until he works it out and
vows to take the honors next Friday.
Breakfast is served from 8:00 and the bus departs the
60’s Bar, beach end of Soi Zero, aka Soi Bowling, at 9:00. Booking at the
bar is suggested especially if transportation is required. Snacks at the bar
on return.
Turnbull and Hanlon combine well at Plutaluang
by Mike Franklin
William Turnbull and Lee Hanlon paired well in
Shenanigans November Combined Stableford at Plutaluang returning 73 points,
the best score of the day.
Ning
Fletcher (right) and Bee Matti scored a creditable 64 Stableford points to
finish in third place.
With the South course under maintenance the West course
was selected as the front nine to go with the regular East nine and, judging
by the scores, proved to be more of a challenge than the familiar South. The
weather was dry and overcast and parts of the course wet due to recent rain
and the high level of regular watering that Plutaluang receives.
In the runner-up spot were Clive Bruce paired with
Amphiew Rimngam, one of the regular lady golfers who plays consistently
well. Her 37 points contributed well to the 69 points total for the pair.
Ladies were in evidence too in third place, in the form
of Ning Fletcher and Bee Matti scoring a creditable 64 Stableford points.
Thirty-seven players took to the field and new faces were
duly welcomed back at Shenanigans at the prize giving, namely, Mike Morris,
William Turnbull, Lee Hanlon, Ted Morris, Stan Dare, Rick Sharp and ‘new
image’ T.J. Stockinger in fine shape having recovered from serious illness
in recent years.
The near pin technical prizes were claimed by Stan Dare
W.3, Rick Sharp W.8, John Hanley E.2, and yours truly with a very close one
on E.5. Wongwan (Fon) had the longest putt on W.9 and Harvey Samuel sank it
on E.9.
The scheduled 10th December Pairs Scramble has been moved
to Tuesday 17th as the 10th is Constitution Day and a public holiday.
Sign-up for that at Shenanigans, in pairs please. It will be the final
outing in 2002, the first in the New Year being on Tuesday January 7th.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mark Your Calendars!
The 2003 PSC Charity Classic Tournament will be held on:
Friday, January 24th, Khao Kheow Golf & Country Club
Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.
Entry fee is 2,500 baht per person and you can sign up at
the following PSC venues: Three Sisters, Cafe Kronborg, Shenanigan’s,
60’s Bar and the PSC Clubhouse. Entries are limited to 144 players so sign
up now to secure your place.
Stay tuned for more details in the near future!
P.S.C. fishing from the 60’s Bar with Frank Collins
Pattaya November 4-7 Part 2
by Derek Brook
The second night was not as rough as the first, and being
on one of the biggest boats in the fleet helped, but I still tossed and
turned in my sleep and as I stumbled down for breakfast on the morning of
the third day I was feeling pretty tired. It was certainly the low point for
me, but as I sat eating my sausage sandwich for breakfast, I realised I was
actually eating and enjoying it, and whilst feeling tired, I felt fine, so I
had a fried egg sandwich as well. From then on till the arrival back in
Pattaya Bay it was all downhill.
Fishing on that third morning was not good and the
decision was made to travel back towards Pattaya and fish at a spot closer
to land, about 8 hours closer. On the journey the sea gradually settled
until by the afternoon the seas were, if not calm, at least not throwing us
about, until finally about 1800 hrs we anchored over the spot the clever
Captain knew to contain a large shoal of fish.
Frank
into a ‘Bigun”.
It never fails to amaze me how they sail for several
hours and seem to know where the fish are. The sea was much better and the
lines were soon over the side with all five of us striking into fish and at
last feeling at ease with life and knowing why the fishing bug is deep into
the souls of most men. We sat there companionably through busy periods and
quiet periods until about 0200 hrs, until fatigue and a sense of peace sent
us to our beds, and for the first time to sleep the sleep of the just.
During these hours red snapper, pompano, groupers, giant
trevaux and other assorted fish fell to the line, but the most fascinating
sight was that the lights from the boat brought a myriad of sea life to the
surface to have a look at the boat. Shoals of all sorts swam around the
boat, little fish shoals being chased by bigger fish shoals, by bigger fish
shoals, etc., and just on the edge of the light cruised the bigger
predators, shoals of barracuda, and even a black marlin that circled the
boat constantly.
Across the surface squid made their way and garfish
patrolled in groups of four or five it seemed. The sea was alive with
jumping fish, a truly fascinating time. So fascinating that I actually
partook of a Heineken to celebrate, my first of the trip. Sabai Sabai.
Derek -
I’ll have this one and chips please.
Blondie,
Bobby Joe & John with fish.
Actually waking up refreshed the next morning, I noticed
something was missing and it took me some time to realise what it was, the
boat was still. I got off the bunk and could stand up comfortably and so
went ‘downstairs’, to the ‘back’ of the boat where Frank and Blondie
were dipping their lines in the water in a calm sea. Now this ‘was’ good
stuff and the arrival of T-bone and pork stakes from the galley for
breakfast, cooked to perfection, set the world to rights. This was what we
had come for.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, so in
calm seas we set off on the journey back. The sea was now like a mill pond,
as if the Old Man Of The Sea was mocking us. Still, as we sat there in this
perfect setting, as the mind does, all the bad vanished and the world was a
fine place to be.
Frank and Blondie had their lines out all the way back,
but all of us delved into the stocks of Heineken, whilst a few G & T’s
hit the right spot, feet up on the side of the boat, sun shining down, in
good company, just another day in paradise, it doesn’t get any better than
this!
Whilst we were relaxing the crew of the boat were at work
filleting the fish and putting it into bags so that when the shore finally
came into sight we all had a bag of fish in the ice boxes ready to take home
and put in the freezer.
Back to shore on the long boats, then home to shower and
shave before we all descended on Bobby Joe’s 60’s Bar, to tell tales of
giant seas and giant fish, that grew by the Heineken.
And the thing to be learned from the trip? My wife tells
me the fish are super tasty and I can go again, but I’ve told Frank I want
to see the weather forecast. Still, I have arranged to buy a new rod and
reel, also many, many Dramamine; they seem to work.
Frank Collins can be contacted on 01-987 5116 or at the 60’s Bar.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Truth in Boxing, not an oxymoron. OK here’s the deal. I
will admit that by reading this column you are NOT going to find out the
results of the Yodsanan Nanthachai ( now 37-2-1) and Lamont Pearson (19-2-1)
which was contested yesterday as part of the Celebration of the 75th
Anniversary of the Birth of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great,
the longest reigning monarch in the world today. Sorry but it’s not going
to happen. It was on TV live, and if you wanted to know who won you would
have watched. Staying on the bright side there were fights held yesterday in
Levallois, France, Tokyo, Grand Rapids Michigan, The Hollywood Park Race
Track and Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Guess what? You won’t find those
results either. Life’s not always easy.
But you will find out that when I wrote two weeks ago
that WBC flyweight champ Pongsaklek Kratindaeng-gym Wonjongkam (46-2, 25
KO’s) would have no problem defeating Hidenoby Honda (25-2,13KO’s) in
Osaka I was right again. He won a unanimous decision (119-109, 115-113,
116-112) with most in attendance leaning more towards the 119-109. As I
wrote then, “Honda has no power.” He didn’t. Case closed. Would love
to see Wonjonglam in against either Irene Pacheco (IBF Champ) or Eric Morel
(WBA Champ). He would beat Pacheco easy. The toughie from Madison Wisconsin,
Morel, might be a different story. If they fought at a neutral sight, like
Pattaya, I’d take the Thai.
Couple of firsts will be recorded by the time that Square
Ring is put to bed for another week. Neither of my fans may believe this but
I made a mistake. (“Stupid farang”). When writing about David Tua (who
won in a walk last week and moved his record to 42-3) I wrote that if he
beat Hashim Rahman (35-4) on March 1 he would fight the winner of Evandler
Holyfield-Chris Byrd. So far I’m correct. The problem is that I identified
Holyfield-Byrd as taking place on March 1. Not true. Silly old Geezer.
Holyfield (38-5)-Byrd (35-2) fight on December 14th with WBA Heavyweight
Champ John Ruiz (38-4) fighting Roy Jones jr. (47-1) on March 1 in Las
Vegas. Sorry about that.
For the first time in memory next year will see the shake
out of the heavyweight division and some semblance of order may be restored.
(That would be real memory not Thailand Memory. Thailand Memory? “I did
WHAT last night?”) Trying to remember all the champions and the phony
ranking organization is too much work for too little reward. But that’s
why I get the big bahts. Don King has been blamed for many of boxing ills
(he has lots of help) but now it’s one of those times to give him credit
for the facelift that the division’s going to receive. How’d he do it?
Start with money. First he persuaded “The Imperial One” Lennox Lewis
(40-2) that he didn’t want to hold on to the IBF Title. “Champ I’ll
give you one million dollars to dump that belt” “Nope.” “OK I’ll
give you one and a half million, make you the TV commentator for Byrd-Holyfield
(December 14 for the IBF Crown) and March 1 (Ruiz-Jones for the WBA
title).” Done deal.
In addition he convinced all of the top heavyweights that
it was in their best interest to fight each other. “Best interest”
equates to “Money”. The entire heavyweight tournament was King’s
“brainchild”. When does this all begin? Sunday morning Thailand time
when WBO Champ Wladimir Klitschko (39-1) puts his title on the line against
Jameel McCline (28-2) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. What King has done is
include Lewis, the Brothers Klitschko, Tua and Holyfield in the mix.
You might wonder about this guy McCline. He, like all
heavies today, fought and beat the usual suspects. He became the darling of
the press when he took out Michael Grant (31-1)with one punch in July last
year. The 43 second stoppage in retrospect wasn’t really all that great.
Since then it has been revealed that Grant broke his ankle and that his jaw
is as fragile as an old man’s ego. It will be a good showcase for
Klitschko who was last seen taking old man Ray Mercer to the woodshed. That
aside, the champ has really not done anything to distinguish himself.
Klitschko won the title from Chris Byrd. Byrd won the
title from the champ from Vladimir Klitschko, who quit on his stool while
leading the fight. Now Vlad has been rehabilitated after beating a “no
one” Larry Donald and will face Lennox Lewis probably in April.
Sunday morning on the undercard is Kirk Johnson. When
last seen he was putting forward a lousy effort against John Ruiz. His
effort in whining about the disqualification was much better than his
performance in the ring so he gets a chance at another payday. Johnson
fights someone that if he makes it to the ring on his own will have won a
battle. How about them apples?
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