SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Chris John out-duels Pat Donnelan for TAGGS Invitational 2002 Championships

Thai racers take 3 out of 4 major prizes at the 7th King’s Cup Jet Ski Competition

Final rounds of King Powers Mistral World Championships 2002 this weekend off Jomtien Beach

Varuna Cup ready to sail: sponsors line up

New Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League starts on December 13

A day at the races

Mickey Mouse Darts League

Fitness Tips

Malcolm and Mo take the honours

Diana Group Golf

Shenanigans Golf Society Extra Friendly at Christmas

Spot plays like anything but a dog

It’s that Guy Remy!

Paul Kraft beats 38-point foursome on count back

PSC fishing team has a good day

The Third Bunker Four-Man Team Scramble

MFC Tennis Champions gather at Montien

Gross 72, net 65 not good enough to win

What happened to winter?

Mercurial Murphy returns - Scans win again

New Guys make good

The Square Ring

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Chris John out-duels Pat Donnelan for TAGGS Invitational 2002 Championships

Chris John scored 41 Stableford points, but more importantly he scored 14 over the last 6 holes to edge out Pat Donnelan in a count back to win the 2002 TAGGS Invitational Golf Tournament played at Phoenix Country Club on Friday, December 6.

Dream Teamer Ernie Bakke proudly shows off his long drive trophy.

Chris, a 24 handicapper playing out of Division 3, shot a 91 off the sticks to earn the knotted putter trophy, the sweep and a whole lot of accolades from friends.

Pat Donnelan, who plays off 13 in Division 1, shot a credible gross 80 for 41 points to finish second overall and first in Division 1. Both Chris and Pat scored 20 points on the back nine, but Pat faded down the stretch, scoring 11 points over the last six to just lose out on count back.

This annual event is held to celebrate TAGGS mogul “Dr” Stephen Beard’s birthday, and this year 122 of his closest friends joined the party. And what a party it was, as a remarkable 33 golfers, exactly 1/4 of the field, equaled or bettered their handicap. The benevolent Doc also made sure that 30 golfers went home with a trophy.

One of the trophy winners was none other than Ernie Bakke of the Dream Team who won the Rabbits long drive contest. What’s becoming of the Dream Team? Another Dream Teamer, Kurt Farnham even scored 20 points on the front nine. Alas, Kurt faded down the stretch and posted a more Dream Team-like 10 points over the back nine.

Kurt, however, was not alone when fading down the stretch, as the unseasonably hot weather took its toll on much of the field. It also became obvious that the busy season is upon us, as hordes of Asian golfers managed to get out onto the course before the first tournament groups teed off, which in turn managed to slow play, sometimes to a halt. To his credit, though, once the course marshal learned of the situation, he did manage to speed things up a bit.

Birthday boy Stephen “Doc” Beard (left) presents the coveted knotted putter trophy to TAGGS Invitational 2002 champion Chris John.

The opening of the busy season does have its advantages, as many a happy returnee could be seen back on the course. The winners’ list was an eclectic mixture of nationalities, residents and returning visitors.

Regular man-about-town Malcolm Clare won Division 2 with 40 points on a count back after scoring 23 points on the back nine. Malcolm also won the Division 2 long drive competition.

Passi Venalainen earned Division 3 honors, also with 40 points. Greg Schulze won the Rabbits Division with 41 points, and Nuan Feaungoi won the Ladies Division with 40 points. Graham Johnson shot a 75 off the sticks to earn low gross honors.

Lots of smiling faces returned to the presentation/birthday party back at The Haven and were treated to another of Lamyai’s great buffets. Emcee Mike Franklin called out the winners for the Doc to present their trophies, and after a rousing rendition of the “Happy Birthday song”, the Doc sounded the horn to treat all to another round. It was fuel on the fire, for in the spirit of friendship, the party lasted long into the night.

Big thanks for the hard work done by PGA professional Richard Livingston, Wayne Ogonoski, Mike Franklin, and of course Stephen and his crew at the Haven, without whom this popular “major” on the golfing calendar would not be possible.

Overall Champion

Chris John, 41 points (count back)

Low Gross

Graham Johnson, 75

Division I

1st: Pat Donnelan, 41

2nd: Graham Holmes, 40

Division II

1st: Malcolm Clare, 40 (cb9 23)

2nd: Pertti Reivila, 40 (cb9 20)

Division III

1st: Passi Venalainen, 40

2nd: Des Pearson, 36

Rabbits

1st: Greg Schulze, 41

2nd: Dave Lee, 36

Ladies

1st: Nuan Feaungoi, 40

2nd: An Drader, 39 (cb over Pid Ovegren)

Near pins: M4: 3rd Div Neil Griffen, 2nd Div Serge Stratten, 1st Div Arthur Hancock. M8: 3rd Div Tai Kennedy, 2nd Div Roy Mitchell, 1st Div John Emmerson. O5: 3rd Div Klaus Lukarsch, 2nd Div Bob Lindborg, 1st Div Rick Sharp. O7: 3rd Div Gerhard Schulze, 2nd Div Pertti Reivile, 1st Div Pete Murray.

Long drives: Ladies Noonit Tawapee, Rabbits Ernie Bakke, 3rd Div Len Jones, 2nd Div Malcolm Clare, 1st Div Hans Collett.


Thai racers take 3 out of 4 major prizes at the 7th King’s Cup Jet Ski Competition

Flamingos and Sharks spotted off Jomtien Beach

Songklod Kaewvisit

Thai riders took 3 out of the four major prizes in a field of international competitors at the 7th King’s Cup Jet Ski Competition held off Jomtien Beach last weekend.

Chokuthit Molee raises his trophy in elation after winning the Pro-Am Runabout 1200 Superstock championship.

Cheered on by the home crowds, Chaowalit Kuajaroon riding for Flamingo took the top spot in the Pro-Am Runabout 800 Superstock category, narrowly defeating current champion Chris ‘The Flying Fish’ Fischetti from the Ford Thailand team, while fellow countrymen Satakorn Srisawad from the Happy Time Jet Sports won the Pro-Am Sport 800 Superstock class and Chokuthit Molee from Flamingo sped in to win the Pro-Am Runabout 1200 Superstock class.

Jeff Jacobs proved why he is 10 times world champ taking out the top prize in the Pro-Am Ski 800 Superstock category in an action packed weekend on the water.

Last weekend’s competition hosted in Pattaya by Thailand Jet Sports Boating Association (TJSBA) and the international body, IJSBA drew riders from around the world to compete in the East Asian leg of worldwide competition.

Conditions were fine on Saturday morning for the start of competition racing. However, the first race didn’t go off without a hitch, as a local fisherman decided he wanted to cross the race course rather than go around. The crowd cheered as race commentators urged him, in Thai, to get a move on, which he eventually did but at a slovenly pace.

Leading the race has its advantages, not the least of which is being able to see where you’re going.

Late afternoon showers luckily did not dampen the spirits of the competitors, who continued to jockey for positions for the next day’s finals.

The second day of racing saw the best of the field engage in a heated battle for the right to be called best of the best. The competition was broadcast around the nation, once again placing Pattaya and Jomtien in the spotlight.

Vira Susangkornkanj, head of the TJSBA said, “The TJSBA has received a great deal of cooperation from both the government and private sectors as well as the Thai National team in hosting the event. The King’s Cup can only boost Thailand’s position (as a host of) world competition. This year we are very happy to welcome the IJSBA, which have accepted the King’s Cup as part of their international series. The race has developed through the last 6 years; it can only further develop Thailand’s sporting ability and promote further opportunity for tourism.”

Mayor Pairat added, “This is another outstanding success for Pattaya and the TJSBA as we are very honored to present these trophies under the auspices of HM the King of Thailand. Pattaya should be proud to host such a sporting event, which can only benefit the city, the sport and the country as a whole.”

General Surayuth Julanont, chief of the supreme command, who is also an advisor to the TJSBA, presented the top four class winners their King’s Cup.


Final rounds of King Powers Mistral World Championships 2002 this weekend off Jomtien Beach

Songklod Kaewvisit

Over 200 world-class windsurfers from 30 countries will be competing in the King Powers Mistral World Championships 2002 this weekend off the shores of Pattaya Park Hotel.

The competition is the first of four qualifying rounds to earn places in the next Olympic Games to take place in Greece in 2004. The world’s best windsurfers will be compiling points over the four qualifying rounds, and only 12 national teams will qualify for the Olympics.

Thailand’s number one windsurfer, Aran Homraruen, expressed confidence that the home waters advantage will enable Thailand to earn serious points in both men’s and women’s categories and enable the Thai national team to qualify for the next Olympics.

Aran, a Sea Games gold medal winner and an experienced Olympic athlete, expressed confidence in Thailand’s performance in the first round of qualifying, despite it being the most difficult stage.

“We have to work as a team, even if it is home territory, because we will still have to compete in another 3 rounds to qualify. We are racing against world-class athletes and champions.”

In all, a total of 9 Thai team members will be selected if they qualify to race in Greece.

The King Powers Mistral World Championships 2002 are being held off the shores of Pattaya Park Hotel in Jomtien. The races began on December 8, and will continue through to the finals this Sunday, December 15.


Varuna Cup ready to sail: sponsors line up

Story and photo by Peter Cummins

A long list of entries, with several from Australia and Hong Kong, will ascertain that the 2002 Varuna Cup, to be raced off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya, over the weekend of 14 & 15 December, will be a “full house”.

The Hobies and Nacras will be making their presence felt in the Varuna Cup this weekend.

Principal sponsor SIG Combibloc Ltd. has been joined by the Alabat Resort in the Philippines, Lawton Asia Co. Ltd. and Nestle which will make sure that the big fleet of juniors will, literally, wallow in ice cream.

Royal Varuna sailor Antony Chapman, the driving force behind this Varuna Cup revival, expects a team from Hong Kong Hobie Cat strong -hold at Lantau Island and perennial visitors to the Kingdom, Aussie National Nacra Champions - and Nacra builders, Mike and Warren Guinea who take every possible opportunity to come to Pattaya.

There will be tough competition among the Hobie Cats where David and Susan Race have ruled supreme at Royal Varuna for many years. Alain Brancart too is always there giving the leaders a hard time and there are many other good sailors straddling the Hobie pontoons.

In the Nacra Division, supremo Gary Baguley will take on all-comers, with the new breed of single-handed 16 Squares, now carrying gennikers - or, should that read, spinnakers. Alberto Cassio, sponsor’s CEO Peter Ole Herning and other top helmsmen in this burgeoning class, will be battling it out.

In the Open Catamaran Class, little, agile and multi-talented Pouk Mackinson, honed up after the Koh Samui Regatta earlier this year and constantly racing off Royal Varuna, will not give any quarter to anyone.

A large fleet of Lasers is anticipated and this highly-competitive single-hander, will be very evident around the course.

Other classes may include Wind-surfers, Mods and Platus, though in the case of the first, it may be difficult to attract many entries, for there is a World Championship Wind-surfing competition being raced off Jomtien over the same weekend.

Last - and, by no means least - are the Optimists, under Varuna junior sailing manager, Linden Phanpho and the little folk will also have their own battles and then, of course, they will wolf down their Nestle ice cream. I will bet that there will be a lot of adults, too, lurking around the Nestle freezer.

Royal Varuna sailing secretary and web-master supreme, Dick van den Heuvel will be in charge of the racing which will consist of a minimum of five races - wind permitting, spread over Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15.

Dick announced that registration and measurement will be at the Varuna Club from 0730 - 0900 Saturday morning, with a pre-race briefing at 0900 and the first warning signal will be at 10:30.

There will, of course, also be a vigorous social programme and it looks like being a great weekend of sailing - and, oh, what is that other Royal Varuna occupation? Perhaps a beer or three at the sea-side bar after the racing.


New Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League starts on December 13

Blind draws were held on December 6 and the new 30-week league will start on December 13. This league will consist of ten teams of three players per team with the team captain selected by the sponsor and the remaining two players selected in the draw. The two new teams that have joined the league are Domicile Restaurant and Jack & Tar Bar/Restaurant.

Fun week winners: Otto, Tukata and Morn (Sven not shown).

Winners of this week’s fun week bowling that were bowled with handicap were: Morn, Three Sisters, women high series 623, Tukata, VFW Post 9876, women high game 231, Sven, Winchester Club, men high series 562 and Otto, Cafe Ole, men high game 227.

Winners of the just completed 30-week league are:

First Place Team: Shakey Pete’s, Captain La, Jon, Tui and Tukata.

Second Place Team: VFW Post 9876, Captain Jim, Pin, Peter and Lek.

Third Place Team: Nice & Sleazy, Captain Tony, Tue, Lada and Porn

High Game Scratch Women: Kran - 247 - Cafe Kronborg

High Game Scratch Men: Tony - 243 - Nice & Sleazy

High Series Scratch Women: Mio - 616 - House of the Golden Coin

High Series Scratch Men: Gert - 572 - Three Sisters

High Game with Handicap Women: Mai - 256 - Winchester Club

High Game with Handicap Men: Peter - 244 - VFW Post 9876

High Series with Handicap Women: Tukata - 681 - Shakey Pete’s

High Series with Handicap Men: Suraphan - 661 - Cafe Kronborg

The Bowling Party and awards presentation will be held in early January 2003 - time and place to be announced.


A day at the races

Sonthaya Khunpluem (3rd from right), Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Chanyut Hengtrakul (left), the minister’s advisor recently attended the opening ceremony of “5th Thailand Touring Car Championship” at Bira Circuit.


Mickey Mouse Darts League

On Dec. 6, Rising Sun took match and beer over Lobby, Palmer’s swept match and beer from Bulls Eye, Pleasure Dome won the match but lost the beer to Mick’s Place, Devonshire won match and beer over Cheers, and Bunker won match and beer over Smugglers Rest.

Dec 13 sees Palmer’s v Devonshire, Cheers v Rising Sun, Lobby v Mick’s Place, Pleasure Dome v Smugglers Rest, Bunker v Bulls Eye.


Fitness Tips: Holiday!

G’day readers,

Yep it’s holiday time and I threw that headline at you to catch your eye. Christmas is upon us again (he writes with a very large smile on his dial) and the season of giving and general good will turns hard hearts soft for, not only, our loved ones but those less fortunate than ourselves. Be nice to someone. Just because you can be, enjoy the smile you put on their face.

David - looking fast in his mountain bike competition gear.

Eat breakfast to lose weight - yet another part of the fabulous Dusit diet

A new study presented by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition may be all you need to convince your clients of the importance of eating a regular and healthy breakfast. The study revealed that a vast majority of the people who successfully lose weight and manage to keep it off eat a daily, healthy breakfast.

The National Weight Control Registry, USA, looked at 3,000 people who had each lost and kept off at least 13kg over a one year period or more. Only 114 (4%) of the 3,000 participants claimed they never ate breakfast while an impressive 78% ate breakfast every day.

Researchers believe that starting the day with a healthy breakfast prevents people from getting hunger pains later in the day, which can lead to overeating. Eating breakfast helps you better manage your food intake throughout the day by spreading out your hunger.

Let’s take this thought another step further; a study conducted by researchers at Cardiff University in the UK found that eating a regular healthy breakfast significantly reduces the chance of contracting colds or the flu.

The 500 healthy volunteers were required to keep a ten-week diary of illness, noting any physical symptoms and affects on memory, attention span and general mood.

Researchers found that those who had developed more than one illness throughout the study were less likely to have eaten a regular healthy breakfast. The 188 participants who developed colds were more likely to drink and smoke than those who lead (enjoy) a healthy lifestyle, including eating a regular breakfast, throughout the ten-week program. They also found that smokers and participants who had a lot of stress in their lives developed illnesses much quicker than non-smokers.

The study also demonstrated a link between eating a regular healthy breakfast and a reduction in stress levels and stress related illnesses

Helping Osteoporosis patients through Aqua

Many arthritis sufferers will undoubtedly boast the benefits they have enjoyed from participating in aquatic exercise. Aquatic exercise for arthritis sufferers has proved to be valuable physical therapy for individuals with arthritic and related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis.

The benefits of aquatic exercise for the arthritis sufferer are endless but include the following:

* Temperature-controlled aquatic therapy pools, which provide a comfortable environment for arthritis patients.

* Depending on water depth, participants may only need to move one-sixth of their body weight to receive benefits, which allows for greater mobility without the risk of injury.

* Aqua therapy allows for a more rapid recovery following surgery.

* Aquatic exercise is fun! Therefore, participants will be more likely to maintain regular attendance and enjoy increased health and physical as well as mental well being. They are also likely to form new friendships with like minded people.

Dusit Resort Sports Club is currently offering Aqua Aerobics classes once a week at 0930 on Friday’s, check it out!

Carpe’ Diem


Malcolm and Mo take the honours

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 2nd
December
Burapha East
Bogey

1st: Malcolm Clare, 4 up

2nd: Chris Davisson, 1 up cb9 1 up

3rd: Dave Lee, 1 up cb9 all square

4th: Peter Emslie, 1 up cb9 1 down

Playing from the blue tees over the East Course at Burapha is usually a fair test of golf and with the extremely heavy rain that fell the night before the competition that left trees uprooted and washed away and the fairways giving zero run to the ball, it was surprising that so many of the contenders played so well. Indeed on some of the fairways relief had to be taken from dead fish that were unable to find their way to safety during the previous night’s deluge.

Malcolm Clare ran away with first place, no doubt due somewhat to his years of experience working at sea surrounded by water, by three clear shots, as he continues his quest to reduce his handicap to one shot a hole. A target that gets closer week by week at the moment.

Chris Davisson led the chasing pack on 1 under, with Dave Lee and Peter Emslie just losing out on count back.

This was Dave Lee’s fifth visit to the podium in seven competitions and it cannot be long before he comes to the attention of the club handicappers.

The twos were shared between Mike Morris, Dave Spendley and Bernard Laffey.

Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Bernard Laffey from England and welcomed back Ray Hurd and Dave Spendley also both from the England.

Wednesday 4th December
Century Ban Chan
Stableford

1st: Mo Bertrand, 39 points

2nd: Paul Taylor, 38 cb9 22

3rd: Michael Dige, 38 cb9 20

4th: Barry Traynor, 37 cb9 21

5th: Bob Lindborg, 37 cb9 20

6th: Doug Campbell, 37 cb9 14

The Nick Faldo designed course at Ban Chan continues to benefit from the expenditure on fairway sprinklers and new drainage works and with the greens also improving month by month, it is now one of the most enjoyable courses to play in the area, with its spectacular views of the surrounding tree covered hills.

Mo Bertrand improved on his recent form to claim a narrow one-shot victory over playing partner Paul Taylor and returnee Michael Dige. Michael putted sixteen times for birdie but was unable to convert one and is now considering whether to use one of the famed knotted putters rather than the 18" stick that he currently employs.

One shot back were Barry Traynor, Bob Lindborg and Doug Campbell who had to be separated by the usual count back. Doug Campbell could so easily have won if his back nine had been even halfway decent, but that was not the case and Doug will have to wait a little longer to get back his single figure handicap that he held for so many years that he can’t remember when he didn’t have one.

The twos were shared between Barry Traynor and Karl Holm.

Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Eric Ahlswede and Joe Bolinger both from Costa Rica, whilst welcoming back Tom Sathrum from the USA, and Karl Holm, Kristin Helgason and Michael Dige all from Denmark.

Friday found the entire Haven players at the TAGGS Invitation, a report of which can be found on the back page of this issue of the Pattaya Mail.


Diana Group Golf

Seniors & Ladies December Open

The next tournament, exclusively for Seniors (50-64), Super Seniors (65+) & Ladies (any age) will be held at Pattaya Country Club on Thursday January 2. The change in date from December 26 to a week later on Thursday January 2 is due to the Christmas holiday. The January fixture will be back on schedule, on Thursday January 30.

Program

* Booked tee-off times from 10 a.m.

* Format: Stableford (handicap qualifying)

* Transport leaves Diana Inn, 9 a.m. (B.100 return fare)

* Prize presentation & buffet at the Green Bottle 6 p.m.

* Trophy and prize for best score in each division

* Prize for runner-up in each division

* Technical hole prizes for near pins & long putts

* Sign-up at:

* The Green Bottle or

* Diana Group Driving Range

All Seniors, Super Seniors and Ladies welcome


Shenanigans Golf Society Extra Friendly at Christmas

by Mike Franklin

Shenanigans landlord Kim Fletcher, seasonally assisted by Shenanigans director of golf, Mike Franklin, have added festive elements to the pairs scramble taking place on Tuesday December 17 at Plutaluang, playing the North and South courses.

The ‘Santa Scramble’, exclusively for Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society members, will feature additional technical prizes - four long putts and four near pins with men’s and ladies long drives. The winning pair will receive a ‘Free Carvery for Two’ every week for a year, together with the ‘Santa Superstars’ Trophy for 2002.

The runners-up will receive champagne, and third place winners, bottles of Jameson’s.

An additional ‘pairs’ prize will go to the best ladies pair - most likely a jug of margaritas, and something for the best men’s and mixed pairs.

The entry for all members will be 200 baht (instead of 150 baht), but that does includes a free Irish Coffee back at Shenanigans.

The ‘Santa Superstar’ winning pair will naturally have privileged access on the night, to the exclusive Superstars Table, which usually props up the landlord between his welcoming sorties round the pub.

This is a fun and extra friendly event to wind up the year’s golf at Shenanigans, so sign-up early, in pairs please at Shenanigans.


Spot plays like anything but a dog

IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s - Orchid

Sunday - December 1
Green Valley - White Tees
Medal

1st A Flight - Pat Donnellan - net 68

2nd A Flight - Barry Tregurtha - net 68

3rd A Flight - John Emmerson - net 68

4th A Flight - Stan Fry - net 69

1st B Flight - Paul Ovens - net 62 - Monthly Medal Winner

2nd B Flight - Jim Munns - net 71

3rd B Flight - John Dilstein - net 71

4th B Flight - Lee Adelly - net 71

38 players squared off to contest the last Lewiinski’s-Orchid Monthly Medal of 2002 at the traditional Sunday venue of Green Valley Rayong. To say that Spot the Dog (a/k/a Paul Ovens) vanquished the field is putting in lightly. He was a Tigeresque 6 shots clear of the field! He is fortunate that he has an alias because the field might be after him following his brilliant gross 82, net 62 performance.

The mere mortals in A Flight were closely grouped with first through third all shooting net 68’s and only a count back separating them. Pat Donnellan, a visitor from Ireland was the A Flight winner thanks to his net 31 back nine.

Spot’s B flight podium companions were 9 strokes behind at net 71. Jim Munns garnered the silver with a victory in a three-way count back.

Monday - December 2
Great Lake - White Tees
Stableford

1st A Flight - Ian Ashenden - 35 points

2nd A Flight - Barry Tregurtha - 35 points

3rd A Flight - Pete Stonebridge - 35 points

1st B Flight - An Kaesavane - 37 points

2nd B Flight - Nigel Canon - 35 points

3rd B Flight - John Horton - 31 points

A good-sized field trekked off to play an old favorite, Great Lake. Boasting what some consider the best par fours, as a group, the course has been plagued from time to time with falling out of playable nick. It is getting closer to its old form but the rough is prohibitively high and further work is needed on course maintenance. However, the potential is there that it returns to its rightful place as one of Pattaya’s favorites. Certainly new Pattaya teaching professional, Ian Ashenden nor the only lady in the field, An Kaesavane, had any problems with course conditions as they won A and B Flight, respectively. Ian fashioned a blistering gross 33, 21 point back nine to win a four-way count back. Following him were Barry Tregurtha and Pete Stonebridge. Left out in the cold of A Flight was Gordon Kerr who fell out to unrewarded fourth place.

An’s best on the day 37 points led Nigel Cannon and John Horton in B Flight. John sent Robert Sellick packing off to podium oblivion by edging him 16 points to 15 points on the final nine.

Wednesday -
December 4
Natural Park Hill - White Tees
Medal

1st A Flight - Graham Johnson - net 70

2nd A Flight - Klaus Schackt - net 70

3rd A Flight - Barry Brooks - net 72

4th A Flight - Stan Fry - net 72

1st B Flight - Bill Borta - net 70

2nd B Flight - Ken Gillatt - net 71

3rd B Flight - An Kaesavane - net 72

Because of the difficulty of the course, and in the interest of not denigrating the grand old game too severely, Lewiinski’s-Orchid usually plays Stableford when it visits Natural Park Hill. Management threw the lads a curve by playing medal on the day. Halfway through the competition some of the lads became confused or were misled that the comp was Stableford. Fortunately, most players doing well in Stableford don’t have any “wipes” and have played out all the holes, thereby making conversion to medal an easy matter.

Once the dust from that gaffe settled, Graham Johnson won a backside count back in A Flight over Klaus Schackt, as both carded net 70’s. A count back was also required to sort out the last two podium positions in A Flight, with Barry Brooks edging Stan Fry. Barry had low gross on the day with 74 which included two three putts and a “9”!

Bill Borta edged Bangkok resident Ken Gillatt by a stroke shooting net 70. An Kaesavane garnered her second payday of the week with third in B Flight.

One curiosity, amongst a field of them, is that Dhaka resident Bill Collis shot a less than brilliant net 92 off 12 handicap. In adjusting his score for handicap purposes, his adjusted score of 94 nearly equaled his net. He had a little three-hole stretch of 9, 9 and 11 to thank for that.


It’s that Guy Remy!

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

Treasure Hill was, once again, the venue for the Bunker Boys and their monthly dose of masochism on Tuesday, 3rd December. The course was looking very jaded with “bearded” greens and heavily sanded fairways and what is normally an extreme test of golf became a much sterner task.

The two large divisions followed the old Bunker formula of medal for division one and Stableford for division two. The very steamy conditions conspired with the state of the course to keep scores high and in division one Remy Guy showed his class with an excellent net 74, three shots ahead of a trio of players, Ciano Glavinia, Bill Hewitt and Colin Wilkes.

Division two saw no player getting within six shots of par but Norman Brooks and Neil Griffin performed well enough to share the top place with 29 points each. Norm Robinson and Denis Palmer took the minor places with scores of 28.

Three players shared the Bunker Super Sawng award with returning Michael Dige, Yasuo Suzuki and Terry Phur firing birdie two’s. There was no louder cheer than when Mr. Loy awarded himself the Bunker Banana Booby for his high gross of 106 shots.

Visit http://www.thebunker boys.com for more news and details of the forthcoming Bunker Four-Man Team Scramble, which is being held at Eastern Star Golf Resort on Monday, 30th December.


Paul Kraft beats 38-point foursome on count back

PSC Three Sisters Golf

Paul Kraft, Ian Edwards, Jerry Lien and Alan Pearce all shot 38 points on Monday. Winning on count back was Paul Kraft who shot 18 on the front and 20 on the back, which all the others found more difficult.

Paul Kraft won the bragging rights with 38 points on a count back at SCC on Dec 2. Intira was left holding the bag with 22. Guess who is ogling the bag holder in the rear?

Newcomer Intira Anuchon had the honor of holding the bag for the week as she came in with 22 points, beating out Paul Donohue. Paul had a better back nine to ease out of being last place on count back.

It was a good day as the weather held up without any rain. The heat and humidity was bad for a while but it finally got a little better towards the end of play as a breeze picked up. The scores reflect a pretty even field, as there were many scores within distance of catching the winner. A new winner of the bragging rights should be there next week.


PSC fishing team has a good day

On Friday November 29, the Pattaya Sports Club fishing team of Carl Engel (PSC president) and Frank Collins (PSC fishing chairman) were out deep-sea fishing. For the past two weeks the fishing has been excellent. The “queen mackerel fish” have been running and some boats have been catching up to 30 and 40 fish a day. The fish have been running mostly 2 to 3 kilos each with some larger ones up to 8 or 9 kilos.

PSC President Carl Engel admires the day’s catch.

The Pattaya Sports Club organizes a fishing tournament each month open to all who enjoy the sport of deep-sea fishing. For more information contact Frank Collins PSC fishing chairman at phone 01-987-5116, or e-mail [email protected]

Or go by Bobby Joe’s 60’s Bar Soi “0” just behind Henry J Beans and talk some fishing.


The Third Bunker Four-Man Team Scramble

The Bunker, in association with the International Pattaya Golf Club (I.P.G.C.), presents the Third Bunker Four-Man Team Scramble on Monday, December 30 at Eastern Star Golf Resort. First tee time 9 a.m.

Teams of four. Maximum 28 Handicap. Team handicap 10% of total.

Entry fee 1400 baht per player includes trophies for winner, second and third placed teams, long drives (two divisions and ladies), 4 near pins, green fee, caddy fee, commemorative bunker golf shirt, buffet and prize-giving at the Bunker.

Sign up by entry form available from The Bunker, The Haven, Lewiinski’s, Shenanigan’s, Scandic Hotel and the Diana Driving Range. Online entry forms are also available at the Bunker Boys website: www.thebunkerboys.com


MFC Tennis Champions gather at Montien

Winners and dignitaries at the ‘Tennis Montien Hotel, Pattaya Fitness Club Championship’ tournament gathered for a group photo. Pakorn Srisook, executive assistant manager of Montien Hotel, Pattaya was the guest of honor.


Gross 72, net 65 not good enough to win

P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday November 25
Plutaluang
Stableford

A goodly crowd visited the Admiral’s favourite haunt - the Plutaluang course and, of course, his old home from home, the clubhouse (ala the mess!).

It was a very hot and humid day, and, in the absence of the regular scribe (who’s doing what all ex militaries do - visiting old haunts) we’re a bit short of observances!

So, all we’re left with are the results of a closely fought Stableford Comp.

A flight was won by Kris Helgason on 37 points. The KSM’s friend Bob Benda kept up the running in 2nd place with an admiral (sic) 36 followed by Phillipe Berra on 35 and Barril Founde on 33.

B flight was won by - would you believe - complete with 2 Thai knees -Norrie Whiter on 46 points! Well done, Norrie and all congrats to the Military Hospital at Sattahip! They must be proud of you and your achievements.

John (Jockey) Swanson was 2nd with 36 followed by Hwang Yong Hwan on 34 and the irrepressible Koji on 33 (count back from Barry Kerr and Mick O’Connor).

Near pins were won by Bob Benda, Bob Nelson, Hwang Yong and Ebrahim (always in the list).

The putts were won by TS Stockinger (nice to see you back!) and Bill Plath.

Monday December 2
Green Valley
Stroke Play

A happy crowd of campers went to one of their favourite venues - Green Valley Golf. The weather welcomed them and the course rewarded them with some fine (incredible) scores.

Rick Evan’s gross 72, net 65, was only good enough for 2nd place in the A Flight! Wayne Koch took star spot with a gross 79, net 64. Third and fourth places went to Ebrahim (gross 83, net 67) and Mike Winfield gross 87 net 70.

B flight - not to be outdone - went to the effervescent Koje (John Daly) Yamadawith a gross 86, net 63. Barry Kerr finished 2nd with gross 90, net 65, in 3rd was Hwang Yong Hwan with 90 / 66 and, last but not least in the prizes was Pete Galle 90 / 66.

Per Kobbelko won the latest offering of a golf lesson at the Tommy’s Driving Range (high net score on the day).

Dave Richardson / Per Kobbelko / Hwang and Mike (the bike) Dige won the near pins.

Longest putts were won by Jimmy Flanagan and Mike Dige.

Sadly, due to the absence of David (KSM) Bailey, -there are no photos this week. Look up the fixture list in the Cafe Kronborg, and in the Pattaya Mail, for next week’s happenings.


What happened to winter?

PSC Golf From the 60s Bar

It was a beautiful day at Khow Kheow last Friday, a little too beautiful. No clouds. Every refreshment stand seemed like an oases in the desert. “What happened to winter this year,” demanded Joe St Larent, the competition winner. Even though golfers are a tough lot, 2 of our number headed for the clubhouse bar after playing 16. However, just as we were finishing a light cooling drizzle arrived. Could have used that a couple of hours earlier.

Overall winner was Joe St Laurent. Nearest the pin prizes went to Brendan Kelly, John Gibson, Bob Benda and Doug Maiko. Putting woes continued for most of the group, as greens were fast and difficult to read. But some were able to overcome the difficulties, and long putt prizes were awarded to Alan Pearce, Andy Evens and Mark Lamb.

This week we will be gracing Green Valley with our smiling faces. T-off at 10:00 with transportation leaving the 60’s bar at 9:00 after breakfast served at 8:00. If going direct to the course book with Bobby Joe at 06-0044344.


Mercurial Murphy returns - Scans win again

MBMG International League Week 5

In today’s world of player power, exorbitant wages and inflated transfer fees, loyalty and honour are words of a bygone age but in the MGMB International league one man is a shining example to all those young players aiming, to one day, play football at the very highest level. Paul ‘Scholsey’ Murphy of SCI is that person. Injured for much of last season he could only look on as many of his team mates left small town team, SCI, who under the crafty stewardship of John McGuigan had nurtured them, and succumbed to the lure of money and the scent of greed. But not the honourable Murphy. He resisted all these temptations to stay with his mentor McGuigan and last week the fairy tale was complete when the talented Murphy, injury healed, came off the bench to score the winner in last week’s 17-2 victory over Paradise. In a world exclusive, Scotsman Murphy was asked why he had shown loyalty when many of those around him did not know the meaning of the word. The mercurial midfielder replied, “Money means nothing to me. All I ask for is a wee dram of whiskey and a roof over my head.” It is hoped that this loyal man can achieve the heights of mid-table mediocrity with SCI this season, a success that has so far eluded the team in their short history; however, an away win over UNOCAL this week has boosted the SCI squad to second in the table behind the ever powerful RC Pattaya.

In conference A the Scans showed the form of champions by grinding out a close 1-0 win against a determined SOHO team. Elsewhere Bangkok United gained their second successive win against slumping Bangkok Blitz and look good for a playoff place in an increasingly competitive Conference A.

Latest Results

Scandinavian Vikings 1 - 0 SOHO

Bangkok United 5 - 1 Bangkok Blitz

UNOCAL 1 - 3 SCI Hunters


New Guys make good

Lawn Bowls Division two

New Guys Paul and reserve player Ken who has been playing only a handful of games, outplayed the very powerful Musketeers. Paul for the first time played captain with some fantastic bowls. Ken with his knees trembling at the start of the game came good and out bowled experienced bowler Graham. Well done, boys, keep this performance up and you will be stars at the end of the season.

Jan Bar with their powerful weapon (scud missiles Howard) shot some scuds to blow away team Desert Rats. Come on Brendan don’t desert now, keep going; it’s early days in the league.

Lucky (or unlucky) Chaplins fell to the hands of Big Kev and Man City Bob. Kev with his new bowls played out of his skin to help his partner out to finish the game and the Lucky Chaplins.

Division One had a week off to wish His Majesty the King A Happy Birthday.

Player of the Week: Paul of the New Guys

Match of the Week: Jan Bar

Team of the Week: New Guys

Results: Thepprasit Ten Thistle void 2pts Teddy Bears, Winchester 20 - 12 Lucky Chaplins, Musketeers 10 - 17 New Guys, Desert Rats 12 - 16 Jan Bar


The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Heavyweight title fights bring out a special type of audience. The crowd is a little more festive as the gladiators take on a larger than life persona. The words “World Heavyweight Championship Fight” can do that even to a grizzled old boxing writer. This one for the occasion donned a purple velvet smoking jacket, black raw silk trousers, white “Fruit of the Looms” (which is probably more than you need to know), purple silk shirt, white silk tie with matching pocket handkerchief. Most of the attire from Will’s Tailor of Soi 6. The crowing glory on this dandy’s cake was a velvet red rose and an Al Capone type fedora.

All week long the Mandalay Bay press office was telling anyone that would listen that, “Two of the best four heavyweights in the world are fighting here.” A little hype is allowed, especially until WBO Champ Wladimir Klitschko (40-1) and Jameel McCline (28-3-3) met last Saturday night, and who was to say they were wrong? Now it’s over and I’ll write it, “If they are the future of the heavyweight division, enjoy what we have now cause it’s going to get ugly.” Wladimir Klitschko won when Jameel McCline quite on his tool after the tenth round in which he was surprisingly knocked down.

How bad was the fight? After watching Floyd Mayweather jr. (29-0) defend his WBC Lightweight title against Jose Luis Castillo (46-6-1) the paying customers were praying for some action. Mayweather jr won a unanimous decision (115-113, 115-113, 116-113) which was roundly booed by the predominately Hispanic crowd and the blond lady in front of me. By the third round of the heavyweight fight the “guests” were leaving. By 6 all those that had even a promise of some action were walking up the isles. By the 8th even the empty seats were booing.

It came as a surprise when McCline went down towards the end of the 10th that there was a cheer. At first I thought empty seats were cheering but then I remembered that there was a Volkswagen mechanics convention in town. The difference between the two heavyweights in the ring and Lennox Lewis or Evander Holyfield is night and day. They were simply dreadful.

Next week Evander Holyfield (38-5-2) gets a shot at the IBF Title when he meets Chris Byrd (35-2) in Atlantic City in the last meaningful fight of the year. Byrd is favored but people have gone to the poor house betting against Evander Holyfield. In the UK Joe Calzaghe (34-0) will defend his WBO Super Middleweight Crown against Tocker Pudwill (39-4) who, if nothing else, has a great name. Why would you hate a child so much you would name him “Tocker Pudwill”?

I have never hidden the fact that if I was the only light in the lamp things would be pretty dark. But bet you didn’t know that Lovemore Ndou (32-6-1, 20 Kos - I have the urge to place a question mark after the name “Lovemore Ndou?”, which is a question asked by a demimondaine), scored a fourth round knockout over Saknirun Twins Gym (15-6, 7 KOs) to win the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Jr welterweight title. Bet you also didn’t know that the fight was held in Melbourne. True fact. Kinda sad when a young Thai, obviously over matched, is tossed to the lions in the name of money. Might this be one of those This Is Thailand?

Another who suffered the same fate was Loedsiam Kiatkriengkrai (4-4, 1 KO). He got a trip to Japan and a match with ex-WBA 115-pound champ Hideki Todaka (20-3-1, 10 KOs). The young Thai fought well but lost the one-sided decision (99-91, 99-94 and 100-93). But all in all it was not a good trip for the guys from Siam. Japanese 140-pound champ Tadashi Yuba (20-1-2, 13 KOs) scored a one-punch KO over Thailander Chodchoi 13 Coin Tower (5-3, 3 KOs), 138, at 1:59 of the first stanza. Japanese #9 super-bantam Yasuo Kunimi (11-4-4, 5 KOs) dropped previously unbeaten Thai #4 122-pounder Lookai Sishsoe-I (3-1, 1 KO), at 1:47 of the first round.

But as I predicted, Yodsanan Nanthachai 3K-Battery (39-2-1) had little trouble with Lamont Person (19-2-1) impressively retaining his WBA superfeather crown. It was his first defense, and lasted 9 rounds before Armando Garcia the referee stepped in. Knocked the Yank down twice he did. But you know that as you watched it on TV. Crowd was rather disappointing as only “60,000 showed up for a free day of Thai’s beating up on the world.” That is if your world consists of the USA and Philippines. Next for 3K should be Joel Casamayor. The Thai will have to fight at a higher level and on the road. It won’t be another “walk in the park.”

After the heavyweight fight a pal said, “Heck I could have had more fun staying home with my wife and getting nekked”. My reply? “I didn’t know that was a option. If I had, I would have dressed different.” How about them apples?


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