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Windsurfers turned into treasure hunters during the Dongtan Windsurfing Marathon 2002
Left in the lurch by the god of wind, the schedule had to
be slightly changed and at 2 p.m., the Dongtan Windsurfing Marathon 2002
took off with a slalom instead of the marathon. Only one race could be
completed in the afternoon, but the 30 competitors nevertheless fully
enjoyed the day, which concluded with a beach party at Amara Sailing Center,
the organizer of the event.
Beach
start
Amara
waits for the start signal
On Sunday, the god of wind had mercy and the marathon
could start at 1 p.m. Guided by a treasure map, the competitors raced around
Koh Krok to Koh Larn, where they had to locate and secure a buried treasure.
Having completed this task, each participant then had to solve the problem
of how to carry one precious item back to Dongtan Beach. Not an easy task as
the treasure consisted of rather voluminous pots, pot-lids, bowls, and
footstools.
The first to arrive on the island were rewarded by being
able to choose the smallest items. In light of the pre-announced time limit
of two hours, improvisation was the key to success.
Dean
proudly presents his treasure
Some
happy treasure hunters
The Women - Pro Class had to be cancelled as no
professional female windsurfer challenged Ms Amara Wichithong (the pioneer
of female windsurfers in Thailand and owner of Amara Sailing Center), who
then raced in the Men - Pro Class.
The event was sponsored by Singha, Cobra, Starboard, Surf
Club, Pattaya City, WATH, Pattaya Park Beach Resort, Rabbit Resort,
Somboon’s House, Ao Prao Resort, and Loong Wai Seafood Restaurant, who all
contributed to the success of this year’s Dongtan Windsurfing Marathon.
The event was rounded off with the prize giving ceremony
and the overall results were as follows:
Youth Class
1st - Nuttapong Ponopparut
2nd - Navin Songsart
3rd - Ake Boonsawat.
Women - Amateur Class
1st - Tina Sahl
2nd - Daisy Vogt
3rd - Jintana Luttikoon
Men - Amateur Class
1st - Dean Callister
2nd - Ittipon Marksri
3rd - Pichit Poonsanguan
Men - Pro Class
1st - Kreingkrai Sakunfang
2nd - Joon Sikkim
3rd - Kookiat Sakunfang
From bridesmaid to bride for Mr. Loy
The Third Annual Bunker Four-Man Team Scramble
at Eastern Star Golf Resort
The Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker - The Bunker Boys
- held the last IPGC “major” of the year, their third annual Four-Man
Team Scramble, at Eastern Star Golf Resort on Monday, December 30. The start
list included thirty-two teams of eager golfers and despite the ubiquitous
Asian tourist presence all managed to get away in relative comfort and
safety.
The
victorious “Bunker Boys & Girl” team, pictured with Mike Franklin,
from left: Dave Stockman, Saranya Chaiyanont, Mike Franklin, Roy Mitchell
and Michael Dige.
The team scramble format is always an enjoyable one to
play and this was to be proved yet again. The course was well presented even
though the recent remedial work on the greens has not quite been completed
and a feast of good golf was enjoyed.
The early pacesetter was the “Nice with Ice” team
comprising Patrick Scullion, Jens Gunnarson, Peter Hall and Rick Bevington
and they were to hold the clubhouse lead for more than an hour.
Out on the course, however, things were changing as Dave
Stockman and Michael Dige hit green after green in regulation allowing
teammates Roy Mitchell and Saranya Chaiyanont to take advantage of the
birdie opportunities. In all they were to record a splendid total of
thirteen gross birdies and this helped them to take the title, knocking
“Nice with Ice” into second place and the Golf Shop team of Anders
Pederson, Martin Hanfelt, Jocke Stulpe and Gerhard Schulze into third.
For Mr. Loy it was especially sweet as on the previous
two occasions he was part of the runner-up team.
Elsewhere on the course the other teams were enjoying
their share of good and bad luck and the occasional distant cheer could be
heard heralding yet another birdie. The technical prizes included long drive
awards for Dave Stockman, Paul Ovens and Usa Chaiyosit, whilst the accuracy
of Bunker Boys Colin Walker, Bill Hewitt and John King was rewarded with
nearest-the-pin trophies. The fourth honour in this section went to Banjob
Franklin.
The presentation back at the Bunker also saw the dreaded
Bunker Banana Booby appear in the hands of the “Sugar Shack” team of
David Dagg, Brian Ellis, Ken Ince and Wally Anderson for their high score of
the day.
Mike Franklin did the “emceeing” with his customary
aplomb and echoed the thoughts of all when he extended warm thanks to the
Bunker backroom team comprising the ladies, Mary Jones, Avis Hewitt and
Barbara Cowling for their work at registration and collection of the cards,
and the Bunker’s web guru, Len Jones. Everyone expressed their enjoyment
of the day and were unanimous in declaring it the finest way in which a
golfer could end the year.
Results:
1) The Bunker Boys & Girl, Roy Mitchell, Saranya
Chaiyanont, Dave Stockman, and Michael Dige, 54.3.
2) Nice With Ice, Patrick Scullion, Jens Gunnarson, Peter
Hall, and Rick Bevington, 56.
3) The Golf Shop, Anders Pederson, Martin Hanfelt, Jocke
Stulpe, and Gerhard Schulze, 56.5.
Long Drive Hole # 4: Div. 1 Dave Stockman, Div. 2 Paul
Ovens, and Ladies Usa Chaiyosit.
Nearest the pins: Hole 3 Colin Walker, Hole 6 Bill
Hewitt, Hole 13 Banjob Franklin, and Hole 17 John King.
Bunker Banana Booby: Sugar Shack 1, David Dagg, Ken Ince, Brian Ellis,
and Wally Anderson.
Kris Helgasson wins Alec Chilcott Christmas Fayre Cup
Monday Dec 23
Plutaluang Royal
Thai Navy Golf
Complex
There was a time when golf in Pattaya was synonymous with
the name of Alec Chilcott, and so this competition was for the Alec Chilcott
Christmas Fayre Cup.
The
Admiral (right) presents the Alec Chilcott Christmas Fayre Cup to Kris
Helgasson.
The name of the game therefore was a Christmas Fayre
Stableford competition on the South and East layouts of the Admiral’s
favorite place, the land of the matelot. The 38 entrants were to bring a
wrapped Christmas gift in lieu of an entrance fee to vie for the Alec
Chilcott Cup.
This is a tough and demanding course and the players were
all severely tested, but a lot of them played excellent golf and the winning
scores proved to be quite good.
Icelander Kris Helgasson took the cup with 39 points on
count back over in second Finn Hannu Koelmainen, also 39 points, and third
Aussie Barry Kerr, also 39 points. Fourth was Mike Dige on 38 points who
beat Bob Benda on count back.
Near pins: S4 Bjorn Kristjohansson, S7 Mike Gosden, E2 Pete Galle, and E5
Eero Kallinen.
TAT and Thai Golf Association of the Eastern Seaboard invite golfers to participate in “Love the King” charity tournament
The Thai golf Association in cooperation with the
National Golfers Association will organize their 4th charity golf tournament
under the theme “Golfers Love the King” with an aim to raise money for
Royal Charities.
The first round will be held on January 31 at Plutaluang
Golf Course in Sattahip, and the second round on February 7 at Sriracha
Inter Golf.
Shotgun start is at 12.00 noon for both events.
Registration fee is 1,500 baht per person inclusive of
green fees, caddy, golf shirt and cap souvenir, and a dinner party where
many draw prizes will include return tickets U-Tapao-Phuket, hotel
accommodation vouchers and golf vouchers.
Interested parties can contact any golf course and golf
driving range in the Eastern Seaboard or at the TAT Region 3 in Pattaya,
telephone 038-428 750, 038-429 113.
Pattaya Media Association organizes charity golf tournament January 24
Thonglor Amphung, president of Pattaya Media Association
called a recent meeting at Pattaya City Hall to prepare for the upcoming
Pattaya Media Charity Golf 2003. Golfers will be vying for winning the
trophy sponsored by Minister of Tourism and Sports Sonthaya Khunpluem, who
will preside over the opening ceremony.
Proceeds from the tournament will support the association
and provide for underprivileged children in the district.
The event will be held at Plutaluang Golf Course in
Sattahip on January 24 with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.
A press conference promoting the event will be held at
Dusit Resort on January 10 at 2 p.m. during which time the public can
register for the tournament.
The registration fees are 2,000 baht per person.
Additional information can be acquired from the Pattaya Media Association or
at any of the local newspaper offices.
Excitement fills the lanes during first PSC Charity Bowling Tournament
The Pattaya Bowl were gracious hosts to the 1st Annual
(hopefully) Pattaya Sports Club Double Elimination Charity Bowling
Tournament on Friday, December 27. Thirty-six bowlers searched their closets
and roamed the aisles of the supermarkets to provide food and clothing for
the Mercy Ministries. A very surprised and happy Pastor Fred Doell and his
wife Diane accepted the donations and thanked the Pattaya Sports Club for
their overwhelming generosity during the holiday season.
Pastor
and Mrs. Doell receiving donations from the PSC bowlers.
In a format unfamiliar to most, the 36 bowlers were
randomly selected and placed in the tournament brackets. Winners advanced
and the not so fortunate were sent to the loser’s bracket, which would
prove to be a long and winding road back to the top.
The ever-resilient Bernie Tuppin kept the brackets
updated, assigned lanes and score sheets, and in general kept the tournament
“rolling” along. Eight beautiful trophies and 20 lucky draw prizes
awaited the results at the end of the evening.
When the smoke had cleared, Tukta Thompson emerged to
claim 4th place after losing her first game to Gert Hansen in a sudden death
roll-off. On her trek through the loser’s bracket her victims included
Nut, Konrad Forg, Andy Evans (also in a roll-off), and Tony Baker before
losing to Porn.
(L to
R) Joe St. Laurent, Porn, Elvis, Tukta, Samruay, and Otto.
An extremely focused ‘Elvis’ Cronan won 3rd place.
After dancing to the finals in the winner’s bracket, and losing to Joe St.
Laurent 178 to 200, Elvis was finally relegated to the loser’s side.
Unfortunately he was destined to play against an equally determined Porn,
and lost 204 to 226. This set the stage for the final showdown.
Joe St. Laurent had won 5 straight matches and was
sitting pretty on the winner’s side. In contrast, Porn had won 3 straight
before losing to Joe 181 to 188, and had to fight her way through the
loser’s bracket to set up a re-match. Before a wildly supportive crowd
Porn handed Joe his first loss 179 to 156 to even things up.
The atmosphere was electric as the two top bowlers
prepared for the final match. However, exhaustion from Porn’s previous 10
matches must have set in as Joe emerged as the 1st PSC Charity Bowling
Champion by a final score of 196 to 172. Porn’s average for her 11 games
(9 wins, 2 losses) in the tournament was 182, 16 pins above her handicap.
High game with handicap winners were Samruay Kuatan with
251 on the ladies side and Peter with 236 for the men. High game scratch
winners were Porn with 223 for the ladies and Otto with 207 for the men.
Results:
Winner - Joe St. Laurent
Runner-up - Porn
3rd place - ‘Elvis’ Cronan
4th place - Tukta Thompson
It’s not over until it’s over
Lawn Bowls Division One
The boys from the Chaplin Spam Heads, Willy and Peter,
were up 14-4 but let the game slip out of their hands, losing to the bottom
team Asylum 1.
Steve the streak has really mellowed out, they lost to
the almighty skillful team the Carlsberg Kids. Steve took the thrashing like
a real gentleman; well done Steve.
Yingyang girl Jeang convincingly beat her loving
boyfriend Kev of the Dream Team to put them in the relegation zone (come
back BSB, he needs you).
Tartan Bar Willie, the most improved player of last
season, kept up his half and Lee the new signing provided the other three
quarters to beat Team Somtams.
Team of the Week: Asylum.
Match of the Week: Carlsberg Kids v Likely Lads.
Player of the Week: Martin of the Carlsberg Kids.
Results: Carlsberg Kids 26 - Likely Lads 6, Team Somtams
13 - Tartan Bar 18, Yingyangs 21 - Dream Team 11, Chaplin Spam Heads 14 -
Asylum (1) 18.
Division Two
New Guys Paul and Dennis pushed aside the Coral Reef’s
Jez and Dave with an outstanding win to keep them firmly on top of Div 2.
Harvey from team Musketeers with his reserve player Welsh
Wizard Rob outplayed the high class player Dave Smith who plays for
Middlesex County England and his partner Brandon from the Desert Rats (well
done boys, keep this up and you will go up).
Thepprasit Ten Thistle came good to beat Winchester.
Results: Thepprasit Ten Thistle 14 - Winchester 9,
Musketeers 14 - Desert Rats 8, Coral Reef 8 - New Guys 20, Musketeers 12 -
New Guys 22.
Fitness Tips: It’s fun time now!
G’Day readers and welcome to another year of fitness
tips. Aquatic exercise - this is the best time of year to be it to it:
Relieve arthritis 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.
Not a
lot of dancing going on here but I guarantee that the people that want to
put a lot of effort into an exercise class in the pool will get huge
benefits out of it.
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. They are also likely to form
new friendships with other people in similar situations.
Just think, having fun while you are exercising and using
not only the physical benefit of the workout to keep you coming back but
knowing that you will get a laugh and make some new friends as well; what a
bonus.
Can Aqua reduce your chances of stroke?
Have you ever wondered if you could be at risk of stroke
or heart disease? It is near impossible to tell whether an individual is in
the high-risk category by simply looking themselves up and down without
delving into their family history and health background. A new study
presented at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology
researchers revealed that waist to hip ratio is a crucial factor in
determining an individuals risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Researchers from the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center
in New York compared 570 stroke victims with 1,100 people who had never
suffered a stroke. It was found that waist-to-hip ratio (how big their waist
was relative to their hips) was the most significant difference between the
two groups. Those who had suffered a stroke had the largest waist-to-hip
ratio.
Those people who have relatively thin arms and legs and a
rounded stomach tend to be most at risk. While professionals will suggest
that they monitor their blood pressure closely and regularly check in with
their doctor, continual participation in an aqua aerobics class may be one
of the best things for them. As we know, aquatic activities are a great form
of cardiovascular exercise, which may contribute to lowering blood pressure
and increasing fitness. Aqua exercise is also excellent for weight loss,
which could contribute to a reduction in waist-to-hip ratios. YES IT CAN.
Dusit Resort Sports Club now has 2 Aqua Aerobics classes
each week, Tuesday afternoon at 1700 (5pm) and Friday morning at 0930
(9:30am). Non-members are welcome at a charge of 100 baht per person per
class.
Watch this space for news of the upcoming Yoga classes to
start at Dusit Resort Sports Club.
Carpe’ Diem
Kevin Taylor starts late, finishes first
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski - Orchid
Sunday December 29
Green Valley - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight - Kevin Taylor - net 67
2nd A Flight - Klaus Schackt - net 72
3rd A Flight - Rick Sharp - net 73
4th A Flight - Bob Patterson - net 73
1st B Flight - J.J. Wright - net 76
2nd B Flight - Steve Sgier - net 76
3rd B Flight - Werner Strub - net 79
4th B Flight - Wira Siduang - net 79
The boys from the Sugar Shack are not cutting their
Saturday night activity short by any stretch of the imagination, but by
teeing off late with Lewiinski’s Orchid for the traditional Sunday tilt at
Green Valley they are (a) able to get sufficient sleep, or (b) gag down
enough “hair of the dog” that by the time they hit the first tee they
are ready to play some golf. Over the last five Sunday comps, each with two
flights, they have garnered five of the available ten first places.
Kevin Taylor and J.J. Wright stood atop A Flight and B
Flight, respectively. J.J. had to go to count back to beat Steve Sgier, each
with a modest net 76. But there was nothing modest about Kevin’s brilliant
67. Kevin’s score cleared his podium mates, Klaus Schackt, Rick Sharp and
Bob Patterson by 5 strokes!
In B Flight, Werner Strub edged Wira Siduang on count
back, as well, for third and fourth, a count back that left Denis Curtain
out in the cold.
Tuesday
December 31
St. Andrews 2000 - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Steve Weller - 40 points
2nd A Flight - Bob Patterson - 38 points
3rd A Flight - Brent Merron - 34 points
1st B Flight - David Porter - 38 points
2nd B Flight - Rusty Boysen - 37 points
3rd B Flight - Tore Elliason - 36 points
Steve Weller has a great deal of upside potential even
though he is currently off a very credible 11 handicap. His 40 points at the
demanding St. Andrews 2000 layout is testimony to that. Bob Patterson
thought he did what he had to do, shoot gross 78 good for 38 points, he just
did it on the wrong day.
Brent Merron kept his head bent as he accepted the third
place prize for his less than memorable 34 point nobble.
David Porter, who has yet to hit consistent stride this
visit, is sending out seismic signs that an explosion may be in the offing
as he bettered his handicap by two. Rusty Boysen who is always around the
podium, continued his ways with 37 points and the silver. Tore Elliassen
cashed for the first time at Lewiinski’s-Orchid on this current holiday.
He has lost on a couple of hard luck count backs, but this served notice he
won’t be held back for long.
Friday January 3
Natural Park Hill - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Barry Tregurtha -37 points
2nd A Flight - Pete Murray - 36 points
3rd A Flight - Mike Gosden - 34 points
4th A Flight - Brent Merron - 33 points
1st B Flight - Wira Siduang - 34 points
2nd B Flight - Rusty Boysen - 33 points
3rd B Flight - Colin Davis - 33 points
4th B Flight - Jim Munns - 32 points
Barry, for those of you who do not know him (and few
don’t, given his gregarious personality and numerous visits), has an acute
acumen for numbers. We all know other such gifted people, but I am not sure
any of them could do better then Barry did as he played the demanding
Natural Park Hill layout, while calculating the CSS on the day, all the time
ensuring his victory be by no more than one stroke. Ah, if there were a
Nobel prize... On the other hand, that prize would not be for being a
humanitarian because who could steal first place from a kind old man like
Pete Murray? This poor old doddering gentleman, who just entered a new
decade (which one can’t be disclosed) and who should get a share of the
prize money for just showing up, barely had the strength to ram in one more
15 foot putt on the day to just shoot to his 11 handicap.
Mike Gosden, who was denied a place on the podium when he
shot 77 off his 7 handicap last week, was granted some revenge by the golf
gods as his 81 gross, 34 point effort gave him bronze in A flight. Brent
Merron edged Stan Fry and Joe Mooneyham on count back for fourth place.
Wira Siduag, another pupil of teaching pro Ian Ashenden,
let nobody stand on the podium higher than she as she took B Flight with a
modest 34 points. It should not go unmentioned that Wira is a 36 on the
handicap system but cut herself to 29. Fair play seldom goes unrewarded.
A rarity it was when Rusty Boysen out-nosed the Donkey on
count back. But the Donkey was quick to point that, “Yah, but it took him
three levels of count back to do it!” Jim Munns, who survived the 60’s
pretty much in tact, rounded out B Flight.
Shep & Martin tops
at Noble Place
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
Noble Place, near far-off Chachaensao, was on the menu
for the Bunker Boys for their weekly Stableford event on Friday, 27th
December. The course was tastily presented, as usual, and a feast of golf
was laid out before them.
In division one Martin Davis enjoyed a sweet and sour
round, recording 39 points to head Norman Brooks’ entree of 35 whilst
Michael Dige dropped a chopstick scoring 33 points.
In division two Kevin Sheppard licked his lips at the
thought of his 24 point haul on the front nine, ending up with 39 points,
whilst both Sunny Ruthsip and Gerhard Schulze savoured their rounds of 38
points.
Bill Hewitt pulled out a plum, shooting a birdie two for
the Bunker Super Sawng award and Martin Davis found egg on his face with his
birdie two, not having ordered it in the first place! His day turned sour
when he was presented with the Bunker Banana booby.
The feast of golf was enjoyed by all and, at the end of
the day, Mr. Loy, who chose not to attend the banquet, was left to do the
washing-up.
Nowell and Pearson start in style
The Pattaya Golf Society chose the magnificent course at
Khao Kheow for their first fixture of the New Year on Friday, 3rd January.
The course was well presented, as usual, and the large group of Bunker Boys
shook off their celebrations and tackled the breezy A and B courses in
energetic style.
Two of the Bunker notables, Mr Loy and John Preddy,
decided to sit this event out but all the other regulars were there with Des
Pearson smiling his way to the top of the division two list, firing 35
Stableford points, two ahead of Mikael Andersson, who was a further three
points ahead of Blair Newton and Colin Morgan, jostling in the same playing
group.
Division one saw a tighter duel with Steve Nowell
eventually holding out to win with 34 points, just heading off the
attentions of John King and Bob Morrison with 33 points.
The first Bunker Super Sawng award of the year went to
Colin Morgan and Bill Macey for their birdie twos. For the second successive
round poor Jim Payne picked up the Bunker Banana Booby, thereby breaking one
of his New Year resolutions. He apparently found problems coming to terms
with the wind, but don’t we all after the seasonal celebrations! Follow
the Bunker Boys regularly at http://www.thebunkerboys.com
Lefty Davis wins at Siam
PSC Three Sisters Golf
End of the year golf brought more than 30 golfers for an
early morning start at Siam. Leading the way to the front was George Davis,
as the left handers took the prizes for the day. George had 16 points on the
front nine but came storming back with 21 on the back. Joe St. Laurent tied
George on points but managed to lose on count back as he garnered only 20
points on the back nine.
George
Davis (left) holding the trophy donated by the “Don” won the bragging
rights at SCC Dec 29, while Rod (right) was left holding the bag.
Following close on their heels were Carl Baumann and Herb
Ishinaga with 36 points. Carl almost pulled off the win but managed two
8’s and got zero on the two holes to put himself out of contention.
Holding the bag this week was another left hander. Rod Perrin, playing
for the first time on a large course, managed to get 15 points. Playing with
borrowed clubs on a regulation course must have been intimidating after
playing previously only on a par 3 course. As Rod gets used to the regular
courses, his game is sure to improve.
Koji Yamada finishes 2002 and begins 2003 with wins
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday
December 30, 2002
Noble Place
(Stableford)
It’s a long trip to Noble Place, probably the longest
from the Pattaya area, so this course is not amongst the most popular.
Lately the course also has not been in the best of condition, so it was with
some trepidation that we decided to book it, especially at this time of year
with large fields.
Japan’s
Koji Yamada won the B flight on the last Kronborg competition of 2002 and
the first of 2003.
Chuck
Carriere won the A flight at Noble Place.
However, on arriving with a large field of 44
competitors, it was with a sense of relief that we realised the course was
vastly improved and the A&B layouts proved a pleasant test for the
competitors. Indeed, it is considered that the course is in better condition
than it has been for at least 7 years, so is well worth a visit.
The competition was split into two flights: A flight 0 to
19 and B flight 20 and over, and indeed it is felt that the condition of the
course helped with the excellent scores that came in.
Canadian Chuck Carriere took the A flight with a net 69
ahead, on count back, of Ted Richards also net 69. In a count back Bob Benda
came third on net 71 ahead of Serge Straeton also net 71.
Japan’s Koji Yamada took the B flight with an amazing
net 65 ahead of John Ostram in second on net 67 and third Dick Worden with
net 68 and in fourth Einar Vfoft on net 70 ahead of Barry Kerr and Brian
Cooper on count backs.
Near pins: A2 Dick Worden, A6 Ted Richards, B2 Ralf Zwick,
and B5 Kris Helgason.
Long putts: A9 Einar Johansson and B9 Brian Cooper.
Thursday
January 2, 2003
Pattaya Country Club
(Stroke)
One thing you can always be sure of at Pattaya Country
Club is a courteous welcome and a course that has, in my opinion, the best
fairways in the area. I do like fairways that have a nice cushion of grass
on them that seems to set the ball up and say ‘Hit Me’.
So it was that a large field of players assembled at the
Kronborg to travel to Pattaya to take on this challenging course. The 40+
players were split into two flights: A flight 0 to 20 and B flight 21
upwards.
T.J
Stockinger: 2 heartattacks,2 strokes and still playing golf with us.
Ralf
Zwick won A flight at Pattaya Country Club.
As the day promised to be a busy one for the course the
players moved swiftly to the first tee and got under way. Fine day, fine
course, if a little bland, let us see if we can take it apart.
OK, advertisements out of the way, after 9 good holes we
went to the 10th full of the joy of Spring and lo and behold we suddenly
found at least 6 groups in the middle. It is particularly annoying when you
have a group of 40 players to have a break of some 40 minutes in the middle.
It shows a lack of something, and have you noticed when this sort of thing
happens there is never anyone around to talk to?
So whinge over, but not forgotten, and lets get onto the
golf.
It was pretty mediocre golf as the scores started to come
in, but do you ever wonder why the B flight scores are always way better
than the A flight scores? And so it was here with the A flight scores
average and the B flight scores exceptional.
However, the A flight was won by Ralf Zwick with a net
67, second with a net 70 was Ted Morris ahead of Aidan McMahon on net 71.
Fourth was Wayne Koch on a net 72 ahead of Jerry Kurtz on count back.
In the B flight the scores were as usual, how can I say
it, low. Must be paradise to stand on the first tee and know you have more
shots than a drunk in a shooting gallery. Back to the plot, the winner of
the B flight with a net 65 was Koji Yamada, for his second win of the week,
second with a net 66 was Dick Worden, third with net 67 was Bill Gibson and
in fourth with net 68 was J C Lhoste.
Near pins: no 5 John Ostrom, no 7 Srikka Puikkonen, no 12
Johann Reynisson and no 16 Bob (the photo) Benda.
Long putts: no 9 Wayne Koch and No 18 Ralf Zwick.
Helgasson wins Kronborg Monthly Mug
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Thursday
December 26
Phoenix
(Stroke)
The big day of the month from the Cafe Kronborg usually
means Phoenix with a large crowd all trying to win the monthly medal, and to
win it you have to be on top of your game. The scores in this competition
are usually the lowest of the month so if you get off to a slow start you
may as well lie back and enjoy it, and this being Pattaya, why not!
B
flight winner Elias Magnusson.
A
flight winner Bob Benda.
So it was that a full field of 48, or so, golfers set off
in good humour to test their skills against a course that is usually
forgiving, with wide open fairways and fast, good greens. But something is
happening at Phoenix and the gaps are being filled with new trees, the
greens seem faster, and for our competition the tees all seemed to be back,
surely the course would play harder.
Mountain and Ocean nines provided the test for the day,
and tees back and gusty winds showed the day was not going to easy, but not
only a competition was underway but a round with friends in super weather on
a really good course, and no clubs to carry.
With so many tilting at the mug it is always a certainty
that we will have some really low scores, so after a long hot day slaving
over a cold golf ball it was a pleasure to sit in the Phoenix Restaurant, as
the first off the course, after a nice hot shower, and with a cold drink and
watch hot sweaty golfers turn their cards in. We can all be masochistic at
times.
Songkran
presents the Kronborg Monthly Mug to Kris Helgasson.
As the scores came in it became quite obvious that as
usual the winner would come from the B flight, as the scores in the A
flight, whilst good, as usual could not touch the low B flight scores.
The winner in the A Flight (0 to 20) was Elias Magnusson
with a net 69 beating Ebrahim also net 69 into second on count back. Third
was Dave Stockman on net 71 who beat Tore Eliason also net 71 into fourth on
count back.
In the B Flight (21 & up) the winners as usual were
considerably lower with the winner Bob Benda winning with a net 64, and
indeed only losing the Mug on count back. In second place and having a good
week was Cilia Bosman with a net 65 ahead of Werner Strub in third with net
67 and Barry Kerr fourth with a net 70.
Back at the ranch as we did the presentations, all were
reminded that they had to be there to collect their prizes, except those who
were not there and missed out. One man who was there, however, and who
finished up a fine week for himself, with two major wins, was Kristinn
Helgasson with a net 64, and thus became the recipient of a free drink from
the other players. All he has to do is catch them.
Near pins: O5 Clive Robinson, O7 Hwang Yong Hwan, M4 Dave
Stockman and M8 Ebrahim.
Long putts: O9 Werner Strub and M9 Kristinn Helgasson.
Big week for the princess and the frog
P.S.C. Golf from the 60s Bar
Friday December 27
Century Bang Chang
(Stableford)
Every good fairy story is about a damsel in distress who
through strength of will evades all the baddies and kisses the ugly frog who
turns into a handsome prince and they live happily ever after.
Early on the morning of the 27th as the baddies gathered
at Bobby Joes for their brekkers, lo and behold one brave lady turned up,
and despite the fact no other lady turned up, decided to go to the course
and play the round with her ‘Prince’, alias Sir Cees.
Good
food, good friends.
We all like this course; it is in my opinion the best
course for a small group to play. The reason I say a small group is only
because of the quality of the changing rooms and the ‘Club House’.
However, the course is top class, the value no 1, and as you sit outside the
ambience is excellent.
As usual as the round progressed, the players gradually
lost shots to the course and as I played with our princess and her
‘prince’ he was heard to mutter after one particularly fine shot by her,
“You only play with her one round, I have to suffer this every day”.
Suffice to say as his game disintegrated, hers became better and as his tail
started to grow so he started to croak.
At the end of the round our damsel in distress was no
more, but was indeed the winner and she even went so far as to kiss her
‘frog’ and turn him back into a ‘prince’.
Bobby
Joe and Cees plus a lot of shirts.
Bobby
Joe presents to Cilia.
The trip back to The 60’s Bar saw the usual spread of
manpower, but at last we arrived back to be met by Bobby Joe preparing
grilled burgers for all, along with beans in special sauce. Then on to the
presentation which followed in its normal manner, Bobby Joe wise. Enough
said, except this was a fun filled day when all competitors had a really
good time.
Winner: Cilia Bosman
Near pins: #5 Cilia Bosman, #7 Kenny Chung, #13 Simon
Dutton, and #15 Ian Edwards.
Long putts: #9 Bob Moberg and #18 Paul Sharples.
Lucky draw: Ray Spurling
Friday January 3
Century Chonburi
(Stroke)
Its really nice when a plan comes together and so it
turned out for the group from the 60’s Bar as we finally located Century
Chonburi and booked in, to be met by the cheapest rates at any course. So a
group of smiling faces set out to play a course that is very challenging and
later voted by all as worth a visit next month.
Some of the par threes here are very long so on the 7th
hole we had an innovation and had a prize for nearest the green if nobody
got on and guess what, nobody got on, so 5 yards short won. Nice to play fun
golf.
After the win last week by the ‘princess’ she
didn’t play this week to allow lesser mortals to win, but she did allow
the ‘Frog Prince’ Sir Cees to carry the family honour. He must have been
really upset last week as he literally carried all before him, as not only
did he win the day but was also on three of the pins. He said in his victory
speech that if he hadn’t won he couldn’t go home, but would have had to
return to the pond.
Whilst wishing the Bosman family the best, we will have
to devise some sneaky plan to slow them down, like having to play left
handed, the mind boggles and all suggestions will be considered. But nice to
see them doing well.
Back at Bobby Joes after a free meal of one of his famous
fish dishes, the presentations were carried out, and there were not many
with Cees winning four, but at least he rang the bell and says he can set up
a shop with all the shirts he has.
Winner: Cees Bosman
Near pins: #4 and #13 Cees Bosman, #7 Derek Brook, and
#17 Mashi Kanata.
Long putts: #9 Kenny Chung and #18 Cees Bosman.
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 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
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.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Whilst in the midst of celebrating the holidays, got some
e-mails to share. Straight away from the World’s Greatest Dart Player ever
and big time boxing fan, who just concluded a visit to Phuket where he was
the second biggest draw at the Island Lager Bar Beer. The biggest draw? The
Island Lager Bar.
>From John Lowe of the Derbyshire Lowe’s of England:
“Howie, Big George Foreman appeared on a chat show on British TV recently,
he was of course promoting the George Foreman Grill which is selling by the
thousands, he told Parkinson that he will be applying for a license to fight
at 50, he intends to be the oldest heavyweight champion, his he for real?”
If anything in the world is real it’s George Foreman. If Big George said,
“I’m going to jump over the moon,” you best buy a telescope to watch
the action. His grill is great. He got 100 million USD’s for the lifetime
endorsement. Not too Chablis.
>From Cheryl McCullough, the second prettiest of the
McCullough’s. Daughter Wyona being numero uno. “Wayne McCullough vs
Scott Harrison is set for March 22nd 2003. No venue is set yet, but we have
no problems going to Scotland to win the belt!” Tip: if the fight’s in
Glasglow, as it seems it will be, don’t eat the haggis. Stick with a good
Irish 7 course meal. “Six beers and a potato.” Writing about the Pocket
Rocket, not only is he getting one title fight but a win could propel him
into another. Paulie Ayala has indicated he will be returning to the junior
featherweight division to defend his IBO 122lb belt. Among the opponents
named were Manny Pacquiao, Wayne McCullough and Johnny Tapia. The latter
Tapia is just silly. They’ve already fought twice with Ayala winning both.
Kinda of an interesting fight coming up on Monday evening
in Tokyo. WBC Super Featherweight Champion Sirimongkol Singwancha (41-1) is
fighting for the WBC Jr. Lightweight title against Korean Yongsoo Choi
(29-2-1) who used to be the WBA Super featherweight titleholder. OK here’s
the deal. Do I know the difference between a WBC Super Featherweight and a
WBC Jr. Lightweight? Not a flipping clue. The Super Feather weight limit is
130lbs and the Lightweight limit is 135lbs. There is NO listing anywhere for
a WBC Jr. Lightweight Champion. Do I know why a Thai and Korean are fighting
in Japan? Nope. Call me clue less in Las Vegas.
The fight itself should be interesting, to say the least.
The least is about 250 words which is important when you’re getting paid
by the word. Singwancha is considered just a step below the tops in a
division ruled by Flord Mayweather jr. (WBC 135 Lbs Champion), Joel
Casamayor (28-1) and Acelino Freitas (WBA/WBO 130lb champion). Actually
he’s a rather large step below those. One computer ranking, which is
really good, as opposed to those computer rankings that aren’t, has him a
couple of steps below fellow Thai Yodsanan Nanthachai 3-K Battery (39-2).
Writing of 3-K he made noises of fighting Joel Casamayor
in the near future. The chances of that have improved as Casamayor has all
of a sudden gone on a routine of fighting rather than sitting back and
waiting. The Cuban expat, sure they have them, they’re called Floridians,
gets back in the ring the 25th of January just 36 days after he whacked out
Yoni Vargas in 5.
Back to Singwancha. He does have the credentials of only
one loss which came back on November 11, 1997 in Osaka when he lost his WBC
Bantam Weight title to Joichiro Tatsuyoshi via a 7th round TKO. Since moving
up in weight he’s 26-0 which is close to perfect. Yongsoo Choi’s career
has been interesting and anything but a smooth ride on the toll road. He was
the WBA Super Featherweight Champion from 1996 to 98 defending 8 times going
6-1-1. After losing the title in 98, he fought three times in 99 then said
“Adios” or whatever the Korean equivalent of “I’m out of here” is.
Decided that real work wasn’t his plate of Kimch’I so he made a comeback
of sorts in the year of Ought 2. Twice he invited foolish Thai lads to visit
him in Japan. Suphachai Poh Surasak (0-0-0) got KO’d in 1 and Petcharoon
Wor Surapol (3-2-2) lasted 5. Singwancha (41-1) will be a different kettle
of fish which may not be Choi’s Kimch’I. How about them apples?
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