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Jim Montgomery wins 25th PSC Members Monthly and Memorial Tournament
Thursday December 19 - Khao Kheow (Stableford)
The decision was taken this year to combine the two
tournaments, and this resulted in a massive turnout, and with so many last
minute entries that at times they threatened to overwhelm the organisers.
The decision announced at last month’s competition not to accept late
entries was suspended to next month due to respect for the persons we were
remembering, but all members are specifically requested to register early to
avoid having to be disappointed.
George
Davis (left) presented the Dr Sam trophy for the day’s low gross.
C
flight winner Andrew Barril (left).
Let us first remember the persons the Memorial Tournament
is all about. Firstly we remember Karl Lislevanten, an American
communication engineer who worked extensively in South East Asia. He gave
Alec Chilcott, then PSC golf chairman and now also passed on but a legend in
Pattaya golf, a ‘Pot of Money’ to start the Pattaya Classic Golf
Tournament in December. He subsequently passed on in 1996 and the tournament
became the Memorial Classic. The low net is his legacy to P.S.C.
Herbie
wonders, “What hit me?”
Ladies
winner Karlotta Einersdotter.
Jim
Montgomery (left) earned the Karl Lislevatin Trophy for his best net of the
day, presented by George Davis (right).
A
flight winner Ted Morris (right), presented by Gerry Carpenter.
D
flight winner Jim Flanagan (right).
Secondly, a legend in the history of P.S.C. Golf and
known to all ‘Old Timers’ simply as Doctor Sam (Dr Sutap Arodnskool) our
own local surgeon, a regular for many years and his departure to a new
dimension left behind many good friends, not to mention a few poorer bar
owners. The Gross Prize is in his memory.
And let us not forget at this time of the year our long
time golf chairman, Alec Chilcott, who was a mainstay for many a year and
who all the ‘oldies’ remember with great respect.
The start to the day was marred by the large number of
late entries and this caused a stutter in the normally smooth registration
process. After spending many hours the night before planning the day, a
disconsolate Herbie could be seen trying to put on some of the 20 kilos he
has just lost. However, he’s nothing if not resilient, and he and his
‘volunteers’ soon had the start to the day underway and all 130+ players
trying to win one of the very many prizes for Xmas. One of the high points
was a large ladies section and they produced some fine golf.
Meanwhile out on the course, battle was joined in all the
flights with some very strange results, as the A flight played some inept
golf, whilst the B, C, & D flights as usual produced good results. It
must be the pressure.
In the A Flight (0 to 13) the scores were mediocre in the
extreme, but you only have to win the test on the day and the winner with 35
points was Ted Morris. The actual second with 34 points was Bob Walton but
he somehow ended up in the D flight due to a computer blip. Rubbish, in etc.
That meant third place went to Barry Barnes with 31 points, and it is sure
the scores next month will be much better.
The star of the day resided in the B Flight. With a
magnificent 43 points, Jim Montgomery won with ease. Second in B flight with
38 points was Marcel Wittwer and third with 37 points was Kristiann Felgason.
Clearly a very strong flight.
In the C Flight we once again had some reasonable scores,
with the winner Andrew Barril coming out on top with 40 points ahead of Rick
Bevington with 39 points and Andy Spence third with 36 points.
In the D flight, traditionally the highest scoring, the
scores were high and tight with the first place going to Jim Flanagan with
40 points on count back over in second, also 40 points, Arthur ‘Steady’
Bailey with close behind on 39 points Lee Hanlon.
It seems that the object of all the winners should be to
get into the flight above to make life easier, but what about the people at
the other end, the last in flight? Well, maybe a drop in flight would
improve their chances, unless you are in D flight. So last in A Flight was
Matt Toivonen with 21 points, last in B Flight was Lars Nyman with 22
points, last in C Flight was Mick O’Connor (the ex Still Improving) with a
mighty, and days lowest,13 points. In D Flight Earl Kershaw also slipped to
16 points.
The Ladies also had a fine day with the winner being
Karlotta Einarsdottel, second was Mam Trayling and third was Saen Jeroenwong.
The winner of the main prize of the day, the low net, was
won by the super round of net 43 by Jim Montgomery, and he won the Karl
Lislevatin Trophy.
At the end of the day, this is the best value tournament
in the known universe; after all it’s free, and as such cannot be put on
without much help. So thanks to all of Herbie’s back room boys who put in
so much of their time. Thanks also to all the sponsors, mainly P.S.C., Blue
Parrot, Tequila Reef, Cafe Kronborg, Papasan Ray Rogers, Shenanigans,
Gilligans, Harley Bar & Eden Hotel, and Ian Ashden.
At the end we will not forget for but by the will of Lady
Luck, There Go We.
Overall Stableford Winner
Jim Montgomery, 43 points
A Flight
1st: Ted Morris, 35 points
2nd: Bob Walton, 34 points
3rd: Barry Barnes, 31 points
Lucky 7th: Dag Nordenskjold, 29 points
Last: Matt Toivonen, 21 points
B Flight
1st: Jim Montgomery, 43 points
2nd: Marcel Wittwer, 38 points
3rd: Kristian Helgasson, 37 points
Lucky 7th: Arnie Wilhelmson, 34 points
Last: Lars Nyman, 22 points
C Flight
1st: Andrew Barril, 40 points
2nd: Rick Bevington, 39 points
3rd: Andy Spence, 36 points
Lucky 7th: Matt Kirkland 32 points
Last: Mick O’Connor, 13 points
D Flight
1st: Jim Flanagan, 40 points c/b
2nd: Arthur Bailey, 40 points
3rd: Lee Hanlon, 39 points
Lucky 7th: Reg Walton, 34 points
Last: Earle Kershaw, 16 points
Ladies
1st: Karlotta Einersdotter, 36 c/b
2nd: Mam Trayling, 36
3rd: Saen Jeroenwong, 35
Near pins A & B Flights: A3 Steve Newell, A5 Arne
Wilhelmson, B3 Lumpy Russel and B8 Ted Morris. C & D Flights: A3 Oliver
Schneider, A5 F.T. Albarico, B3 Ken Ince and B8 Dick Worden. Ladies: A3
Celia Bosman, A5 Mimi Kirkland, B3 Nora Haugsjordet and B8 Lamun Hanley.
Long putts A & B Flights: A9 Willie Mercer and B9
Bill Thompson. C & D Flights: A9 Pete Galle and B9 Paul Shaw.
Long drives: Men Bob Walton and Ladies Nora Haugsjordet.
It’s all in the mind (Part 1)
by Mike Franklin
Hundreds of books have been written about golf over the
years and many include a section about the mental aspects of the game.
Browsing through my library of books, I thought it would be interesting to
review and summarize what some of the well-known PGA professionals have to
say about the mental approach to the game. All variations on a common theme
that so much of the game is ‘in the mind’ and that golf is about the
golfer playing against the golf course, rather than his playing partners.
The most interesting views came from a range of
publications spanning a period of thirty-three years, starting with a book
called ‘Easier Golf’, published in 1969 by TV Commentator Peter
Allis, then a successful PGA European Tour professional making, in all,
eight Ryder Cup appearances between 1953 & 1969. It would be hard to
find a simpler and more enjoyable analysis of the game than ‘Easier
Golf’ in which a quote by Peter’s father and former tour
professional, Percy Allis, sums it all up: “Golf is a simple game which
only golfers make difficult”.
“The golfer plays against the course and if it all goes
wrong, only the golfer is to blame. Problems in golf are due the time it
takes the golfer between shots to walk to the ball, probably worrying if the
previous shot was not too good and if the process is about to be repeated.
The point is made that in other sports, such as tennis and football, the
ball comes to you and you react instinctively with little time to think, and
therefore under less mental pressure.
“In golf, you must be positive to be successful. The
great champions, such as Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, do not have the word
‘can’t’ in their vocabulary (and today one would have to add
Tiger Woods to that category). Their mental approach totally rules out the
thought of a fluffed shot.” (Perhaps one of the reasons why Tiger Woods
changed his caddy to Steve Williams was that Williams’ predecessor, Mike
Cowan, had the nickname ‘Fluff’!)
“Nicklaus, Player and Woods demonstrate great powers of
concentration, and the ability to play as though the only player on the
course. Sometimes they may make bad shots, but you will never see them make
careless ones.”
Peter Allis also brings superstition into the equation
and its role in overcoming mental problems. Gary Player always played in
black and with a perfect ball, sometimes using eighteen in a round. Tiger
Woods always wears a red shirt for the final round of a tournament, and
Justin Rose had three tour wins in 2002 wearing the same lime green shirt.
However, his fourth win at Woburn in the British Masters saw a different
shirt in the final round against his close friend Ian Poulter, so maybe he
is not so superstitious after all. Ball numbers are important too, as most
pros will not play with a ball numbered higher than 4. Peter Allis would
always use a ball numbered 1 or 2 after a bad hole. Many of us have
superstitions, such as a favorite ball marker or using a particular color
tee peg.
The book refers to the approach to making a shot:
“Visualizing the shot is important, by seeing the straightforward shot and
not the difficulties ahead. Concentration should be on the area where you
want the ball to land, not on the area you want to avoid.” The book also
suggests an interesting approach to the par threes. “Par Three greens
usually look frighteningly small from the tee so, when on the green, look
back to the tee, and the green will look much bigger and less intimidating
from that perspective.”
Something to keep in mind when next playing a par three.
Peter Allis considers 80% of the game as mental and
offered this analysis to back that up: “If the swing on average takes
about 4 seconds, and if you shoot a round of ninety, then only 6 minutes of,
say, a four hour round is actually the action of striking the ball. That
leaves 3 hours 54 minutes of thinking time between shots, setting up and
preparing to make shots.”
Interesting thoughts (slightly updated), and mostly
common sense, from a fascinating book by one of golf’s most knowledgeable
and entertaining media personalities.
Finally, to close Part I, here are a couple of quotes:
The first reported by Columnist Jim Murray, quote:
“Walter Hagen once said that every golfer can expect to have four bad
shots in a round and when you do, just put them out of your mind. This, of
course, is hard to do when you’ve had them and you’re not even off the
first tee.”
The second by a writer, Charles Price, quote: “People
who say golf is fun are probably the same people who rationalize the game by
saying they play it for their health. What could be fun about a game in the
entire history of which nobody has ever shot the score he thought he should
have?”
Back next time with Part II, which reveals some of the
thoughts of John Jacobs, Sam Snead, Timothy Gallwey and Gary Player.
Rotary hosts Christmas Charity Bowling Tournament
Suchada Tupchai
On December 21, Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat presided
over the opening ceremony and bowled the initial shot to mark the commencing
of the ‘Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya Christmas Charity Bowling
Tournament for Pattaya City’.
Bruno Keller, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien
Pattaya announced the tournament and warmly welcomed distinguished guests
and competing bowlers.
Many representatives from local clubs including Pattaya
Sports Club, Rotaract Club of Banglamung, and Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya
joined in for the fun and charitable event in which some got away with
trophies and cash prizes.
First place went to the Euro-Design team with 2107
points, led by Ms. Wipha Demet.
The
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, the Pattaya Sports Club, the Pattaya
Interact Club and honored guests.
(From
left) Nicolas Demet and President Bruno Keller award trophies to the winners
Niyom Thatmee (3rd place), Wipha Demet (1st place), Mayor Pairat
Suttithamrongsawat and Neamit Pukdee (2nd place).
Second went to the Nic Ace team with 2101 points, led by
Mr. Neamit Pukdee.
Third place was earned by the Star Block team with 2091
points, led by Niyom Thatmee.
The bowling tournament was one of many projects that
Rotary Clubs in the Pattaya area held between December 10 and 21, aiming to
raise funds for needy children in society. Through these charity activities,
children are given the chance to continue their studies.
The money raised will also be used in aiding the poor and other social
charitable projects in Pattaya and Chonburi Province.
Dome takes lead as Sun upset by Palmer’s
Mickey Mouse Darts League
During the week before Christmas, Pleasure Dome received
an early Christmas gift from Palmer’s Bar who upset Rising Sun and allowed
Pleasure Dome to take over first place in the Mickey Mouse Darts League.
The week was a busy one for the Pleasure Dome, as they
had to win twice to keep the top spot, once over the Bunker in a regularly
scheduled match, then again over the Lobby Bar in a make-up match.
In other week 17 matches, Bulls Eye beat Devonshire,
Lobby won the match but lost the beer to Smugglers Rest, and Mick’s Place
swept match and beer from Cheers.
Rocky from Devonshire still holds the league’s highest check with the
110 he shot early in the season.
Pattaya Sports Club Softball changes venue
The Pattaya Softball Team would like to invite all for a
Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.) game of slow pitch softball at the fields of
Pattaya Sport Flying Club. The fields are situated as follows: follow
Sukhumvit Road in the direction of Sattahip and turn left just past Greenway
Driving Range. Follow the road for about 5 km till you see a sign saying
Pattaya Sport Flying Club on your left hand side. Turn in the sandy road for
another 3/4 km till you see the fields on your left side.
For further info please contact Dirk at oxbow70 @yahoo.com
or phone at 015754528 or Alan at 061574795. Hope to see you all very soon.
Four wise men break seventy at Phoenix
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Christmas Eve forty hopefuls followed the star (Mr.
Loy) to Phoenix Country Club in search of the Bunker’s weekly stroke play
prize. The challenge was the Mountain nine with its surprisingly lightning
fast greens and the equally testing Lakes nine.
All festive thoughts were cast aside as the leaders of
both divisions bore their cards proudly into the clubhouse recording scores
of less than seventy.
In division one Ashley Archibald found himself top of the
tree for the first time with a Christmas cracker of a round, shooting gross
79, net 67, closely pursued by Bob Morrison with 69 and Harry Cowling with
73.
In division two Sweden’s Mikael Andersson celebrated
Christmas in style shooting a fine net 67, one shot ahead of Gerhart
Schulze, 68, and Andy Spence with 70.
There were five winners of the Bunker Super Sawng award
but the cheery David Johnson blushed redder than Rudolf’s legendary nose
when he found his stocking full of bananas for his birdie two because he did
not send his letter to Santa Claus on time. And what of the old man with the
beard? Len Jones quietly sat and wished all days could be as pleasant!
Moreton & Burr Shenanigans
‘Santa Superstars’
By Mike Franklin
A festive field of fifty-six players turned out for
Shenanigans ‘Santa Scramble’ at Plutaluang on December 17, playing the
North and South courses. The weather was fine and the course, as usual,
presented well although fairly wet in parts due to heavy watering. All the
players received a mini-Santa to give to their caddy and a free Irish coffee
voucher for later back at the pub.
Best of
the day came from Johnny Moreton and Graham Burr who were each rewarded with
a Shenanigans Free Carvery every week for a year plus of course a Santa
trophy.
The normal Pairs Scramble was played, the difference on
this occasion being the extended prize structure and content.
Best of the day came from Johnny Moreton and Graham Burr
playing off a combined handicap of 3 and returning a gross 69 to produce a
winning net 66. They were each rewarded with a Shenanigans Free Carvery
every week for a year plus of course a Santa trophy.
Just a tad behind and runners-up were the Rysers, Steve
& Toy, with a net 66.8 and each winning a bottle of champagne on ice
which, in the true spirit of Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society apr่s-golf
prize givings, were quickly opened and shared around. Just a fifth of a shot
behind were the third place pair, in the form of Alan Pearce and Phil Taylor
winning a bottle of Jameson each for their net 67.
The
highest net score of the day was rewarded with two of the infamous
Shenanigans Diablo cocktails. These went to Ann Drader and Henning Huser for
their net 86.2. Unfortunately Ann was unable to be present, so Henning was
obliged to have both.
Additional consumable prizes were awarded to the ‘next
best’ pair combinations. Newcomer Sritong Tannert-Huser and Lamun Hanley
were the best ladies pair with a 68.6, winning a jug of Margaritas each and
enough glasses to be hospitable on the long table. Arthur Hancock and Dave
Stockman were the best men’s pair with a net 67.6, but as they were unable
to make the prize giving, and as the jugs of Heineken were already poured
and ready with tankards to hand, the next pair in line - Bob Moberg and
Trevor Carnahof with a net 68.6 - came to the rescue.
The mixed pair award went to Clive Bruce and partner
Noonit Tawapee with a net 68.2, each winning a bottle of wine, which was
also consumed at the now rather raucous long table.
The highest net score of the day was rewarded with two of
the infamous Shenanigans Diablo cocktails. These went to Ann Drader and
Henning Huser for their net 86.2. Unfortunately Ann was unable to be
present, so Henning was obliged to have both.
On next to the technical prizes, on this occasion men’s
and ladies shirts.
Near pins were claimed by Nora Haugsjordet, Barry Winton,
Sritong, and Phil Taylor. Phil also won the men’s long drive on South #6,
and Noonit boomed the ladies longest on North #4. Four long putts were on
offer and two of these were sunk by Steve & Toy Ryser, the others being
claimed by Trevor Carnahof and Tony Stevens.
The party back at Shenanigans was even more festive than
usual with a lucky draw, and the lady golfers having a great time, assisted
by Kim’s occasional intrusion with a large jug of blue Margaritas.
Mike gave the customary friendly welcome to returning
visitors and newcomers alike. Namely, Doug & Wendy Hollingsworth, Barry
Winton, Pid & Oke Ovegren, Henning & Sritong Huser, Mal & Sue
Spence, Lawrence Anderson, and the 2002 Santa Superstars Johnny Moreton
& Graham Burr.
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society sees in the New
Year on Tuesday January 7th. That day is a relaxed and hopefully normal
Pairs Scramble, so sign-up in pairs please at Shenanigans.
Happy New Year.
Doug Douglas finally makes it to the top of the pile
PSC Three Sisters Golf
On Monday, the 23rd of December, a new winner rose to the
top. Doug Douglas, after playing in the event for a couple of years, finally
made it to the top of the pile. It was close, but on count back he won by
shooting a brilliant 21 points on the back nine to take the bragging rights.
Derek Brook was right on his heels tied at 39 points but lost on count back.
Derek shot 20 on the front and 19 on the back nine to drop the ball.
Doug
Douglas (right) won bragging rights out of the Three Sisters this week, as
Bobby Clark (left) was left holding the bag.
Herb Ishinaga and Chris John both came in with 37 points
giving the frontrunners a chase but could not keep up the pace. Herb had 22
points on the front nine but died in the second half and got only 15 points
on the back nine.
Fighting to get a hold of the bag this week was Bobby Clark. He beat off
Khan Kristiansen (Fast Eddie’s Wife) to win honors of holding up the group
with 21 points. Bobby and Khan were tied at 21 points but Bobby’s lower
back nine won him the honors for the week.
Playing golf on Christmas day in 40 degrees of heat
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday December 23
Burapha East
Stableford
1st: Bob Van Mol, 40 points
2nd: Malcolm Clare, 38 cb9 21
3rd: Mark Gorda, 38 cb9 19
4th: Arthur Hancock, 38 cb9 18
5th: Serge Straeten, 37 cb9 20, cb6 16
6th: Phil Groves, 37 cb9 20, cb6 12
7th: Doug Campbell, 37 cb9 18, cb6 12
8th: Richard Garland, 37 cb9 18, cb6 11
Playing from the blue tees on the East Course at Burapha
can usually be a bit of a challenge, but “Back Door” Bob Van Mol made it
look easy, recording a gross 74 to lead the field by two clear shots. It is
obvious that his frequent absences on business to Viet Nam have not affected
his ability to strike the ball and get it in the hole.
Malcolm Clare, Mark Gorda and Arthur Hancock, who had to
be separated by the usual count back, followed him. Serge Straeten headed
another bunch of players a further shot back.
The twos were shared between Bob Van Mol, Phil Groves,
Peter Christianssen, Mark Gorda, Pete Murray and Mark Williamson with two.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Peter Hall from Canada via Japan
and Patrick Scullion from Eire via India.
Wednesday December 25
Phoenix Mountain & Ocean
Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st: Doug Hollingsworth, 74
2nd: Richard Garland, 76
3rd: Phil Groves, 78 cb9 36.5
4th: Peter Hall, 78 cb9 42
2nd Division
1st: Rick Bevington, 66
2nd: Jens Gunnarsson, 67
3rd: Stephen Beard, 74
4th: Bob Lindborg, 75
Ladies
1st: Srinuan Feaungoi, 68
2nd: Wendy Hollingsworth, 70
There is something unreal about playing golf on Christmas
day in 40 degrees of heat, which may have had something to do with the
number of people who turned out for the experience, and the day proved to be
one of the best attended competitions of the year.
Playing from the blue tees at 6,800 yards and a standard
scratch of 73, proved to be a little more than most of the players could
manage after a busy Christmas Eve schedule and an early start which found
most of them still half asleep.
Doug Hollingsworth took his first trophy out of The Haven
with the rest of the division trailing badly.
The second division was a more closely contested affair,
which found Rick Bevington just edging out Jens Gunnarsson by a shot with
“The Doc” and Bob Lindborg flagging a long way back.
Srinuan Feaungoi headed the ladies division with Wendy
Hollingsworth also taking her first podium position just two shots adrift
but making it a family yuletide affair to ring home about.
The day’s competition was also the culmination of the
yearlong monthly medals and featured the playoffs for the gold and silver
medals. With many winners being absent the eventual winners of the medals
found things were not as competitive as usual for the years top honours but
it still needed to be won against those that were in contention.
Srinuan Feaungoi took the gold in the Ladies section with
Lamud Chaidara taking the silver. In the second division Brian Kelly took
gold and Serge Straeten the silver. Phil Groves with Pete Murray in second
place headed the first division.
Barry Traynor followed his hole in one last week by being
the only player to get a two and with so many playing, took home another
huge pot.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new member Ralf Zwick
from Switzerland and welcomed back Patrick Asklund from Sweden, Moe
Deverdenne from Canada via Oman and Dan MacLean from The USA via the big
pond.
Glyn Jenkins Memorial Trophy
Saturday December 21 was the day we officially remembered
Glyn, but as all his friends will admit there is still not a day goes by
when he is not in our thoughts. It was so good to see his family, friends,
fellow golf professionals and golfers from Bangkok, Ban Chang and Pattaya,
all 120 of them, gathered together to remember Glyn and raise funds for a
most worthy cause, St. Camillus Home for orphaned children with AIDS in Ban
Chang, Rayong.
Father
Giovanni (right) from St. Camillus was on hand to receive a cheque from Ron
Coulson (left) for 215,430 baht for the center.
The venue was Century G.C. Ban Chang, the event got
underway at 07:00 hrs. On a Century course that was in very good condition,
the scoring was amazing considering the difficulty of this Faldo links
course. The presentation was at the Camel Bar and Restaurant Ban Chang, mine
host Ronnie did us proud as usual providing a pig roast, turkey, many side
dishes and his world renowned chili. The prize presentation was carried out
by Dennis Willet.
Father Giovanni from St. Camillus was on hand to receive
a cheque from Ron Coulson for 215,430 baht for the center. We would like to
thank all our sponsors and friends for making this Memorial such a memorable
day.
Winners’
presentation at the Glyn Jenkins Memorial Trophy awards on December 21.
Main Sponsors: Chevron Texaco 50,000 baht, The Camel Pub
and Restaurant, The Eastern Star Saturday Morning Golfers 50,000 baht,
Martin Hoffie from Deborah’s, Thames Water, Rodders, Mac, Dave, Tony,
David, ABB, Simple Simon, BCSSC, CR, Jesters, and Eden Hotel (Harley Bar).
The results are as follows:
Overall team Winners
First place: Dennis Willet team, 61 gross, 55.6 net
Second place: Glow team, 67 gross, 57.9 net.
Third place: Larry Willet team, 65 gross, 59 net.
Near pins: Les Walsh, Pid Ovegren, Roger Hinson and Lew
Jenkins.
Long putts: Mats Gjers and Alan Walker.
Ladies long drive: Da and Pid Ovegren.
Men’s long drive: Russell Finch and Jack Watt.
Nearest the keg: Hole 14, donated by Faces Ban Chang, Mike Willet, Hole
17 donated by Shenanigans Pattaya, Emmerson
Barry Brooks Bags Barry’s Bash
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski - Orchid
Sunday December 22
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Joe Mooneyham - 41 points
2nd A Flight - Stan Fry - 39 points
3rd A Flight - Ray Matti - 39 points
4th A Flight - Barry Brooks - 38 points
1st B Flight - Bob Lindborg - 40 points
2nd B Flight - Edward Tregurtha - 37 points
3rd B Flight - Rod Spongberg - 37 points
4th B Flight - Colin Davis - 36 points
Joe Mooneyham swept away the field in the warm-up to
Barry’s Xmas Bash. His A Flight winning 41 points was followed closely by
B Flight winner Bob Lindborg’s 40 points. Portends of thing to come was
evidenced by the performances of Edward Tregurtha with 37 points to claim
the silver in B and Barry Brooks who shot 74, good for 36 and fourth in A
Flight. A third level count back was needed to separate second place A
Flight winner Stan Fry from third place Ray Matti. Both managed an excellent
39 points off their single digit handicaps. Visitor Rod Spongberg, himself a
loser on count back to the aforementioned Edward, edged the Donkey for third
place in B Flight.
Barry’s Xmas Bash
December 23 & 24
Green Valley - White Tees
1st Place - Barry Brooks - net 136
2nd Place - Edward Tregurtha - net 139
3rd Place - Rick Sharp - net 140
Joint 4th Place - John Emmerson & Darren Smith - net
141
A field of 32 contested the annual Barry Tregurtha’s
Xmas Bash. The format was two days of stroke/medal play over the Green
Valley Rayong Golf Course. The surprise of the first day was the host’s
eldest son, Edward, who shot a net 65 to lead John Emmerson by three
strokes. Young Edward was then subjected to the crucible of competition as
he was put into the final foursome on Day Two. To his credit he played a
strong finishing nine holes to hold onto second place.
The winner, himself no stranger to pressure, was
Aberdeen, Scotland native Barry Brooks who shot a best of the year gross 68,
net 66 to lead the field by three strokes. Regrettably, Barry will have
returned to the cold confines of the British Isles by the time you read this
article. We all look forward to his return on next year’s holiday.
A significant move, good enough to garner third place,
was made by wily old veteran Rick Sharp who shook off an eight on the par
three, second hole to shoot a gross 80, net 68. John Emmerson could not
repeat the form that had yielded a gross 78, net 68 on Day One as he slipped
into a fourth place tie with fast closing Darren Smith.
It should not go unmentioned that Barry’s other son
Alex also played and will surely be out to better his older brother in next
year’s event.
Near pins: Day One - #2 Moe Deveredenne; #9 Ian Ashenden;
#12 Mike Phillips; #16 Jim Boyd. Day Two - #2 Ray Matti #9 Ian Ashenden; #12
Terry Summers; #16 Barry Tregurtha.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Now that you’re about all “Sawadee Pee Mai ed” out,
let’s take a look at what might or might not happen in the year 2003 in
the world of boxing. First there is a note of sadness from late last year.
Boxing is a tough sport. It’s man against man. The object is to inflect
more damage than your opponent. Hemingway said that there were only three
true sports, “Bull fighting, auto racing and boxing.” In all three
it’s mano-e-mano. There’s always the chance of injury or death. When a
death occurs, regardless of where it happens, there is sadness throughout
the boxing community. Six days after suffering a TKO at the hands of
Masamitsu Ikeda (1-2) Thailand’s Bantamweight champion Yodsingh Chuwatana,
28, passed away last week after two-day coma at Charoenkrungpracharak
Hospital, Bangkok.
Yodsingh had returned from the fight in Japan, he was at
his home for four days when he fell, lapsing into a coma. The coma lasted
two days before Yodsingh passed. His final record of 14-4-1 means nothing in
light of events of his death. A charity Muay Thai event was held for his
family at Rachadamnern Stadium on December 30.
If I were a man that would wager on things to come in the
New Year, and I am, there is a better than 50-50 chance that the WBA Super
Featherweight king Yodsnan 3K-Battery could jump into the international
waters and make a big splash. For the first time in recent memory the
managers/promoters of a major Thai fighter seemed to be making the effort to
advance his career. The WBA (World Boxing Association) has given 3K 120 days
from his December 5th fight with Lamont Person to defend against Joel
Casamayor (28-1). Anyone with even the rudimentary knowledge of boxing and
ranking organization is well aware that the deadline means almost nothing,
but it is a diving board into the pool.
Casamayor is coming off a very impressive fifth round TKO
over Yoni Vargas, who the 3K camp calls “his ex sparring partner” which
is correct to a point. Vargas, devoid of real power, also had the perfect
style to make Casamayor look good. Ex sparring partner, regardless, it made
Casamayor look better than he has in a long time. Casamayor’s loss to
Acelino Freitas may have been the wake up call that the Cuban refugee
needed. In the past Casamayor used his superior talent to carry him along.
Now he’s in shape and fighting 3 minutes per round.
The newest vogue in boxing is sending e-mails. The 3K
camp has joined the party with this, “Casamayor, I guess that you
extreamely fear me and try to run away from me with your utmost energy. You
selected a weak opponent like Yoni Vargas for your movement. Don’t behave
like a coward. Let’s make things happened to the world.” Besides a
misspelled word here and there it’s a nice idea but probably useless. IF
3K will take the fight in Miami or Las Vegas the deal will get done.
That’s only a small part of the battle. Then Yodsanan Nanthachai-3K will
have to do the business. Will it happen? Probably not. MY best guess, which
is only adequate, is that Jorge Barries (37-1) will be lured from Argentina
to Bangkok for a defense.
If there is one fighter that is underrated that hold
three titles it would have to be WBC/WBA/IBF 140 lb. champ Kostya Tszyu
(29-1). He fights the mandatory challengers two or three times a year, wins
and moves on. He gets a jump start on champions this year with his January
19th defense against Jesse James Leija (43-5) in Aussieland. Kostya’s main
problem is that the 140 pound field is thinner than a Go-Go Girls attire.
There’s very little to cover the field. Tszyu’s only loss came at the
hand of “Cool” Vincent Phillips who just got punched out by Sharmba
Mitchell (50-3) who in turn was punched out by Tszyu. Mitchell didn’t help
himself when he called Tszyu a “bum”. Not a good move.
It’s probable that internationally the heavyweight will
again dominate the boxing scene. The “Pastel Prince”, Lennox Lewis
(40-2-1), has pronounced that he will fight Wladmir Klitschko (40-1)
probably in April. Wladmir gets the honor for beating Larry Donald. BFD.
Both the Klitschko’s have size and power but don’t have the foggiest how
to fight. Lewis should have little trouble with either big or little brother
as he will fight them both before a rematch with Iron Mike Tyson (49-4).
In February Tyson gets the perfect set up in Clifford
“The Black Rhino” Etienne (24-1-1) who has a suspect chin and lack of
real boxing skills. On the undercard will be Tonya “The Hub Cap”
Harding, late of Olympic figure skating and whacking her boyfriend with a
hubcap. That’s all boxing needs is the stigma of Olympic figure skating
judges.
In March David Tua (43-2) gets a good test of his
improved skill against Hashim Rahman (35-4). Rahman beat the “Pastel
Prince”, refused to sign a big contract until after the rematch, got
whacked out and was last seen losing via TKO to Evander Holyfield.
Much is being made of the March fight between Champions
John Ruiz (38-4) and Roy Jones jr. (47-1). Why? It’s supposed to be a
fight between the best light heavyweight in the world and the 25th
heavyweight in the world. Ruiz too big, Jones too lazy. A yawner. If you
want a guess for the breakout Heavyweight of the Year remember the name
DaVarryl Williams (17-1). He’s finally got some management, can fight and
has the “want to”. Mark it down.
The glamour boy of boxing, Oscar DeLaHoya (36-2), will
fight only once this year. He’s got a September date in Vegas with Sugar
Shane Mosley (27-2) who comes off two losses to Vernon Forest who is almost
the forgotten man of boxing. Finally our pal and international star, Irish
Wayne McCullough, like you didn’t guess the fact that he was Irish, gets a
WBO featherweight title shot against Champ Scott Harrison (18-1). The fight
will probably be in Harrison’s hometown of Glasgow. A win by McCullough
and the Popular One will be back in the mix with a plethora of attractive
fights in Las Vegas against Mexican opponents. How about them apples?
Russian tennis star visits the Royal Cliff Beach Resort
20-year old Russian tennis sensation, Mikhail Youzhny,
the player who recently helped Russia to a historic 1st-ever win of the
prestigious Davis Cup tournament, recently arrived at the Royal Cliff Beach
Resort for a 3-week long training session with colleagues.
Tennis
star Mikhail Youzhny (center) and his coach Boris Sobkin (far left) were
warmly welcomed to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort by (from left to right)
Ranjith Chandrasiri, resident manager of the Royal Cliff Grand, Victor
Kriventsov, director of sales, and Andrew J. Wood, general manager during a
cocktail reception held in honor of the visiting tennis group.
The Russian star and his contingent of fellow tennis
professionals, coaching staff, as well as his family, will be staying at the
Royal Cliff Beach Resort for a 3-week period. The purpose of the visit is to
prepare for the 2003 season as well as to acclimatize to the hot weather
they will encounter in several events in the near future, including the
Australian Open.
Youzhny, who finished 25th in the world in the ATP Champions Race this
year, claimed a stunning 5-set comeback victory over Paul-Henri Mathieu of
France in the fifth and deciding match of the Davis Cup finals last month.
His win clinched Russia’s 3-2 victory over France and catapulted Youzhny
to national star status in his home country. Youzhny’s victory also made
him the first player in the 102-year history of the world’s oldest and
most prestigious team tennis event-the Davis Cup-to come from 2 sets behind
in the deciding match to claim victory.
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