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William Turnbull tallies 45 points to win Wayne Tischbern Memorial Open 2003
Pattaya golf major remembers lost hacker
Some time after the game of golf was invented, the
Coca-Cola Company began producing their mixer, and not long after that
Mekong whisky began to take its present day form. Mix liberal doses of all
three and you end up with what might be called “Wayne Tischbern Golf”.
PGA Pro
Richard Livingston (right) presents the knotted putter trophy to one of his
Diana Driving range pupils William Turnbull, champion of this year’s Wayne
Tischbern Memorial Open.
Every January for many a year, this hacker’s hacker
would invite 120 or so of his closest friends to join him on his birthday
for a round of golf. The Wild Chicken Open transformed into the Hare House
Open, and slowly the event became one of the “golf majors” on the
Pattaya calendar.
One thing that stayed constant was the fact that the
Dream Team, with Wayne a prominent member, would finish last. And not just
by a little. Time after time the scorekeepers would wait in the clubhouse
for the final group to come in, 5 1/2 - 6 hours after the Dream Team had
teed off and still nowhere in sight of the 18th fairway.
Much has changed over the past few years. We have lost
our good friend Wayne. The Dream Team no longer takes 6 hours to finish
their round, and are even managing to bring down their handicaps, thanks in
no small measure to the tutelage of PGA Pro and Diana Driving Range man
himself, Richard Livingston. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that,
round about the second week in January, Wayne’s friends and more can still
be found celebrating his birthday out on the golf course, as his former
business partner and friend Stephen Beard has kept the major going. The name
has once again changed, perhaps this time forever, and the tournament is now
called the Wayne Tischbern Memorial Open. This year was the 4th running of
the tournament and was held at Phoenix Golf and Country Club on Friday,
January 10.
Mike
Franklin (left) and PGA Pro Richard Livingston (right) present Nora
Haugsjordet (center) with her second consecutive Wayne Tischbern Memorial
Open ladies division championship trophy.
William Turnbull carded 45 Stableford points to earn the
knotted putter trophy as this year’s Memorial Open champion. William, who
plays off a 24 handicap in Division 3, broke 90 at Phoenix, carding a
scratch 87 to win the trophy by 1 point.
Barry Winton, playing in the first group off the Mountain
nine, played to his 5 handicap, shooting a scratch 77 to earn low gross
honors on the day.
Nora Haugsjordet won her second straight ladies title,
this year carding an 89 off her 18 handicap, scoring 37 points and edging
out Ann Drader in second place on 36.
In Division 1, Lee Adelly compiled 44 points to finish
first in the division, followed by Steve Weller in second on 41.
Brian Kelly carded 40 Stableford points to win Division
2, followed closely by Serge Straeten in second place with 39 points.
Bob Wells carded 43 points to win Division 3, edging out
by count back hard luck story Mick Spears, who was also Division 3 runner-up
last year.
Lee Hanlon won the Rabbits Division going away, carding a
91 off his 33 handicap, finishing 14 under par and with 50 points. John
Kennedy finished second in the Rabbits with 33 points, earning second place
by virtue of a count back from Keith Taylor.
Barry
Winton (left) won the low gross honors and was presented with his trophy by
PGA Pro Richard Livingston.
Of the technical prizewinners, Ning Fletcher’s Division
3 closest to the pin on Ocean #7 stands out the most. She’s not a Dream
Teamer, but her husband plays one on TV.
In the end, it was yet another great day out on the
course. The strong breezes may have been the excuse used for a wayward shot
or two, but combined with the cool temperatures made for a comfortable day.
Once again, Stephen Beard organized a “major” for the
ages, helped by PGA Pro Richard Livingston and Wayne Ogonoski at the course,
and MC Mike Franklin at the awards presentation ceremony back at The Haven
after the tournament, where once again the food was delicious (thanks Lamyai
and staff at The Haven), the beverages plentiful and the camaraderie
unmatched. A fitting Mekong-Coke toast to Wayne Tischbern.
Results:
Overall Champion: William
Turnbull, 45
Low Gross: Barry Winton, 77
Division 1:
1st: Lee Adelly, 44
2nd: Steve Weller, 41
Division 2:
1st: Brian Kelly, 40
2nd: Serge Straeten, 39
Division 3:
1st: Bob Wells, 43 (count back)
2nd: Mick Spears, 43
Rabbits:
1st: Lee Hanlon, 50
2nd: John Kennedy, 33 (cb9 21pts from Keith Taylor 17
pts)
Ladies:
1st: Nora Haugsjordet, 37
2nd: Ann Drader, 36
Near pins: M4 Div. 1 Henrik Enquist, Div. 2 Colin
Davis, and Div. 3 Morgan Jonsson. M8 Div. 1 Eero Kallinen, Div. 2 Bob
Lindborg, and Div.3 Ann Drader. O5 Div. 1 Anders Pedersen, Div. 2 J.J.
Wright, and Div.3 Lee Hanlon. O7 Div. 1 Brent Philp, Div. 2 Gunnar
Nordstrom, and Div. 3 Ning Fletcher.
Long drives: O9 Div. 1 Anders Pedersen, Div. 2 Alee Ovegren, Div.3
Danny Greer, Rabbits Paul Azzopardi, and Ladies Tai Kennedy.
Morris and Dunkley take Shenanigans January Scramble
Mike Franklin
Ted Morris and Steve Dunkley, playing the immaculate
South & East courses at Plutaluang on January 7th, returned a net 66.4
to narrowly take the winners’ spot in the Shenanigans opening Pairs
Scramble for 2003.
Ted
Morris and Steve Dunkley, shown here with Mike Franklin, narrowly took the
winners’ spot in the Shenanigans opening Pairs Scramble for 2003 on
January 7 at Plutaluang.
Tony Stevens and Usa Chaiyusit won the tie for runners-up
and third place with a net 67, beating the ever-present Woodruffes, Im &
Ray, on count back. The field of 46 players included some new faces,
visitors and new additions to the Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society
member list. The usual convivial gathering took place back at the pub and
the new faces welcomed in the form of: Ted Morris, Steve Dunkley, Ian
Dickson, Tony Barber, Nisa Nunprom & Thom Hauger, Jeff Wibrow
(Richard’s dad) Pete Andersen, Lars Evensen and quiet man Mac Mackenzie.
George ‘Colcannon’ Holroyd received a welcome back.
Technical winners were Usa Chaiyusit, Im Woodruffe, Cecil
Williams and Tony Barber, all closest to their respective pins, and Lars
Evensen and Ted Morris claimed the long putts. It was hot and dry, partly
overcast with some breeze and still hotter than normal for the time of year.
The South and East courses were well presented and dry. The greens were
good, but beware the white plastic inserts in the cups. They cause a barely
visible crown around the hole, which, unless the putt is firm to the hole,
will take an on-line ball away at the lip.
It was a good start to 2003, the next outing being on Tuesday 21st
January for a Pairs Better Ball, venue to be confirmed. Sign-up, in pairs
please, at Shenanigans.
This is your team
Here they are at last. Those lusty lads (ages ranging
between 16 and 40-something) not only exhibiting the best pairs of legs you
will see on a Farang this side of Bangkok, but also sitting pretty on top of
their division of the MBMG International Soccer League - a league composed
mainly of teams from Bangkok - except for this team, successfully your team
- Racing Club Pattaya!
Home games are at the beautiful grounds of the
International School Regent on Saturday afternoons. That is when the team is
not “on the road” playing games in Bangkok - which are usually tempered
with some post-match socialising.
So if any of you wish to support your successful local
team then please feel free to drop by for a mug of iced Bovril on the
terraces at ISR one Saturday.
For more details and fan club information please email
[email protected]
Male and female support most welcome.
Pleasure Dome wins Mickey Mouse title
By virtue of the league’s tie breaking system, Pleasure
Dome was crowned champion of the Mickey Mouse Darts League for the season
ending January 3.
This despite receiving a scare from a resurgent Bulls
Eye, who upset the champions in the final match of the season. The win
ensured Bulls Eye of a third place finish.
Rising Sun, meanwhile, won their last game of the season
over Devonshire, but it was too little too late and the Sunners finished the
league in second place.
Cheers finished off the season with a win over Smugglers
Rest, ensuring the Smugglers finished without a win all season and thereby
earning the league’s wooden spoon award. A small consolation, but the
Smugglers did win the final beer leg of the season.
The Lobby Bar defeated The Bunker, but lost the beer to
the thirsty golfers. Palmer’s, meanwhile, had a bye.
At the end of season awards presentation party, other
trophy winners were: the Bulls Eye’s Roger for the league’s highest
check-out (118), and Palmer’s for achieving the league’s most under 10s
(125).
The league is looking for another team to join the fun in the new season.
Bill maintains a narrow lead
The Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League
On Monday Dec. 23 the Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League
enjoyed a round of Xmas bowling, with gifts for all the players and the main
prize sponsored by Cafe Kronborg. All seemed to be in the Xmas spirit, and
this was reflected by a lot of high scores.
200+
Xmas bowlers (from left) Suraphan, Nut, Pin, Tui, Kran, Tue.
Bill’s team earned a 2-2 draw against La’s team, with
Tui rolling a 221 game and 527 series, and Porn achieving a 554 series, both
for Bill’s team. Otto scored a 516 series for La’s team, making for
good, tight match.
Tue’s team got beaten by Kran’s tram, 4-0, despite
Tue’s 211 game and 540 series. Kran helped her team by rolling a 215 game
and 523 series.
Suraphan’s team achieved a 2-2 draw against Mio’s
team, highlighted by Suraphan’s 202 string and 557 series backed by
Udom’s 530 series. For Mio’s team, Nut rolled 205 game and 542 series,
and Pin followed suit with a 200 game and 511 series, making for another
good match.
On Monday Jan. 6, the bowlers returned to the lanes to
wish each other Happy New Year after the break for the festive season
holidays.
Bill’s team won, this time beating Mio’s team by 3-1.
Tue’s team also continued their winning streak by beating La’s team 3-1.
Tue helped her cause with games of 225 and 211 and a 605 series. La also
bowled a 200 and a 533 series, but this was only enough to secure 1 point.
Kran’s team lost to Suraphan’s by 1-3, even though
Jeed bowled a 222 game and 553 series for Suraphan’s team. All 24 players
who turned out welcomed back Somrak after her Africa absence.
Sorry to the 200+ bowlers their picture did not come out well.
Measure them all, the long, the short and the tall
Lawn Bowls Division One
Measure them all, the long the short and the tall. Willy
of the Chaplin Spam Heads and Juggling Ken were heard singing the famous
lyrics from the well known song by beating the mighty Dutch duo Big Frank
and the dark destroyer Dennis on the last end to keep them flying up the
league. The all girl team Jeang and Thong out classed the out of form Tartan
boys Lee and Willy. Fat Boy Slim and “BsB 100 percent fit now” beat Sir
Peter and Dave from the Cobblers team.
Division Two
Thepprasit Ten Thistle Scots Willy and ballerina Peter
outgunned little Coral Reef team Jez and David to keep them rock bottom of
Division two. Lucky Chaplin’s Peter and Dave carried on their winning ways
by beating the Jan Bar. Desert Rats beat the top of the league boys Dennis
and Paul from the team New Guys. Musketeers lost again by getting beat by
the improving Asylum 2 team.
Player of the Week: Willy from the Chaplin’s.
Match of the Week: Chaplin’s v Windmills.
Team of the Week: Desert Rats (Div 2).
Fitness Tips: The holistic approach
Part 1
G’Day readers,
Fitness tips this year will be off in all sorts of
directions, as you saw, for last week we took a look at Aquatic exercise and
this week I’m taking you even further away from the “Western
World’s” popular perception of exercise. Growing diversity in health and
fitness programming has been occurring, in particular over the last 5 years
for several reasons, the most prevalent two being the public’s need for
variety and the fitness industry’s need to serve the clientele thus
“make a buck” or make more by finding ways to appeal to a broader range
of people.
Yoga is
becoming quite popular as a method of exercise.
Mind / body programmes have been cropping up all over the
place to not only appeal to someone looking to take care of their body but
to take their minds off the daily grind and to assist in dealing, internally
with the stresses of modern life.
Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga, Chi Gong, various forms of
martial & healing arts and long observed practices are becoming
commonplace throughout the entire world.
Yoga, in particular, has seen a resurgence in popularity
of late and it’s teaching of not only stretching the body but training
with the body as the resisting force as well as meditation and internal
energy control leading to assisted self healing has made the participation
levels go through the roof. Make sure that you get an instructor that will
not only take inexperienced people and educate them and train their bodies
gradually to assume the ‘forms’ but will stimulate the brain - yoga is
not just a stretching class.
Meditation program reduces arteriosclerosis
New evidence released recently indicates that it may be
possible to prevent and reverse the effects of cardiovascular disease
without drugs thanks to meditation. Researchers from the Centre for Healthy
Aging in Chicago, USA found that patients who participated in regular
meditation sessions reduced arteriosclerosis (the build-up of fat deposits
in the arteries) by up to 11%.
The study of 46 elderly people with a median age of 74
required participants to complete either a comprehensive meditation program,
a conventional diet and exercise program specific to reducing heart disease,
or make no changes to their lifestyle at all. Plaque build-up was measured
at the beginning of the study and again one year later.
The meditation program was based on the Maharishi Vedic
Medicine program, a comprehensive meditation system derived from traditional
Vedic knowledge of India, which includes a combination of a high-fibre,
low-fat diet; herbal supplements; yoga; aerobic exercise, and meditation.
It was found that patients on the meditation program
reduced arteriosclerosis by 11% while patients who were at high risk of
developing heart disease had a 19% reduction. Sixteen of the twenty people
on the meditation program reduced arteriosclerosis while only five out of
the nine people on the conventional program demonstrated significant
reductions.
It was also noted that 90% or the patients participating
in the meditation program were still meditating at the conclusion of the
study. Only 50% of participants on the conventional program were still
adhering to the guidelines after a year.
Next week we will take a look at a good example to
indicate how popular Yoga has become.
Carpe’ Diem
Experience and consistency are the keys at Green Valley
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker
The Bunker Boys’ first two-day event of the year was
held at beautiful Green Valley on 6-7th January. The format was an exciting
three-ball one where the two best net scores on each hole counted towards
the team total. Nine teams competed in a close encounter and on the first
day only ten shots covered the first five teams.
Holding on to a slim two shot margin of a lead was the
master blend of age, experience and consistency, John Preddy, Len Jones and
Mikael Andersson, and their sixteen under total of 128 was just enough to
keep pre-tournament favourites, Roy Mitchell, Saranya Chaiyanont and Harry
Riley, recent hole-in-one winner on the course, at arm’s length.
In touch in third place was the team of David Johnson,
John King and Alan Sullivan.
The second day started badly for the leaders when they
recorded a double bogey on the first hole but that was to be the only
blemish on their card. They proceeded to rack up a host of fine birdies
again and finished the tournament thirty under par on 258 to win the event
by eight shots from Mr. Loy, Saranya and Harry, with David, John and Alan on
270 just holding off a strong second day challenge by Steve Nowell, Joe
Sebastian and Norm Robinson, two shots further behind.
The feast of fine golf saw six birdie two’s recorded
and the fun and friendship of the competition will live long in the memories
of those who took part. News of future two-day events and other Bunker
activities can be seen at http://www.thebunkerboys.com
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
Richard Garland
holes in one
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday January 6
Treasure Hill
Stableford
1st: Pete Murray, 34 points
2nd: Peter Hall, 33
3rd: Serge Straeten, 32
4th: Stephen Beard, 31
Having changed the venue at short notice due to an
overnight increase in prize of 135% at the scheduled course, the competitors
found a stiff test awaiting them at Treasure Hill from the white tees. The
course was in excellent condition and at 80% cheaper than the discarded
venue proved to be both great value for money and a real test of the golfers
ability, which was reflected in the scores on the day.
The “Old Fox”, Pete Murray, playing the course for
the first time, kept the field at bay with a steady round in which he kept a
blob off the card, which was good enough to consign Peter Hall to second
place and ensure that he did not take a trophy during this visit to the Land
of Smiles.
Serge Straeten and “The Doc”, who both struggled
against the length and breadth of the course, made up the balance of the
prizewinners.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new members Andrew Lockhart from
Australia and Kenneth Priddy from England; he also welcomed back Chris
Davisson and Reg Warner both from England.
The twos were shared between Malcolm Clare and the two
returnees Chris Davisson and Reg Warner.
Wednesday January 8
Khao Kheow
Stroke Play
1st Division
1st: Pete Murray, 69 cb9 33.5
2nd: Eero Kallinen, 69 cb9 34.5
3rd: Dave Stockman, 70
4th: Brian Kelly, 71 cb9 35
5th: Jens Gunnarsson, 71 cb9 36.5
6th: Serge Straeten, 71 cb9 38.5
2nd Division
1st: Dan MacLean, 71 cb9 34.5
2nd: Reg Warner, 71 cb9 36
3rd: Mike Spear, 74
4th: Rick Bevington, 75 cb9 35.5
5th: Bob Lindborg, 75 cb9 36
6th: Trevor Edge, 75 cb9 39
Khao Kheow is always a popular venue and Wednesday’s
entry proved the case as so many golfers turned up to play they had to be
split into two divisions.
The wind blew and the prevailing course conditions, which
gave little or no run, meant that scoring was at a premium. Although many
played under their handicaps, no one managed to tame the Pete Dye designed
layout.
Pete Murray continued with his rich vein of form and held
off a strong challenge from returnee Eero Kallinen and Dave Stockman in the
first division.
Dan MacLean showed the usual steady form he always
displays during his infrequent visits to The Haven and led home the field
winning on count back from Reg Warner but three strokes better than the next
best.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed back Pat and Bob
Duxbury and John Wassall from England together with Roar Berger and Ole
Stamnes from Norway and Eero Kallinen from Finland.
The twos would have been shared between Brian Kelly, Mike
Spear, Stephen Beard, Dave Stockman, Jean-Pierre Carcabal, Eero Kallinen and
Doug Hollingsworth, but Richard Garland stepped up to the 3rd tee on the B
course and stroked a five iron 155 yards straight into the cup for an ace to
save the organisers the effort of splitting the pot into 7 parts. It was
Richard’s first hole in one in Thailand and to celebrate he not only
bought the whole field a drink, but paid all their bar bills for the
evening.
On Friday the 10th all the Haven players were to be found
at the Wayne Tischbern Memorial at Phoenix, a report of which can be found
on the back page of this issue.
Tore Eliassen makes last week profitable
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s - Orchid
Sunday January 5
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Klaus Schackt - 38 points
2nd A Flight - Brent Merron- 36 points
3rd A Flight - Jon Emmerson - 36 points
4th A Flight - Barry Tregurtha - 35 points
1st B Flight - Dan MacLean - 42 points
2nd B Flight - Tore Eliassen - 38 points
3rd B Flight - Bob Lindborg - 37 points
4th B Flight - Jim Munns - 37 points
The week started as the last several have, that is with
the raiders from the Sugar Shack putting one of their lads forward to sweep
a flight. This time Big Dan MacLean was the point man and he didn’t
disappoint with a four clear, best on the day 42 points. There will be a
regular Saturday night group forming at Lewiinski’s about 5:00 p.m. who
are going to drink every where Big Dan, J.J., John, Kevin, Lee, Tom and the
rest of the SS troops go in the hope that some of that Sunday magic will
wear off on them.
Rounding out Big Dan’s mates on the B flight podium
were second place Tore Eliassen, who was showing good form beginning his
final week of holiday, late entrant Bob Lindborg and Jimmy Munns, off for a
few weeks holiday in Vietnam.
A Flight was led by a resurgent Klaus Schackt who the
evening before was bemoaning the state of his game. Brent Merron edged
Johnny Emmerson on count back, while the fourth rung was occupied by Barry
“the B”, who beat Bob Patterson on count back.
Monday January 6
Noble Place - B & C -White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Bob Patterson - 40 points
2nd A Flight - Klaus Schackt - 40 points
3rd A Flight - Rusty Boysen - 39 points
1st B Flight - Tore Eliassen - 39 points
2nd B Flight - Tarja Kankainen - 36 points
3rd B Flight - Risto Manerus - 36 points
It had been awhile since Lewiinski’s-Orchid Golf Club
had played at Noble Place. Always a favorite, a combination of scheduling
and a slight downturn in course conditioning had led to the hiatus. The
course was in very good nick and it will not be long before the lads will be
returning. All three nines are entertaining but it was especially enjoyable
to play the “C” side, which even some long residents have only played
but once or twice.
If it was enjoyable to all, it was particularly enjoyable
to Bob Patterson and Klaus Schackt who each showed no signs of unfamiliarity
as they both scored 40 points. Bob fortuitously had his best side, 21
points, on the back side to take the count back for A flight gold.
A count back joust was staged for third place as well as
Rusty Boysen’s 39 point, 19 on the back, bettered Rick Sharp’s 39 point,
18 on the back.
Our man in the title, Tore Eliassen, made it two trips to
the pay window in two days, but this time it was for B flight first prize
monies. Second and third place in B flight went to count back, although it
hardly mattered, as significant others Tanja Kankainen and Risto Menerus
commingled their winnings.
Wednesday January 8
Khao Kheow - A & B - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight - Barry Tregurtha - net 69
2nd A Flight - Ron Hodges- net 72
3rd A Flight - Jon Emmerson - net 72
4th A Flight - Brent Merron - net 74
1st B Flight - Tore Eliassen - net 73
2nd B Flight - Syd Harrison - net 74
3rd B Flight - Wira Siduang - net 76
4th B Flight - Neil Cameron - net 76
The story of the week continued as Tore Eliassen bid a
fond adieu to Pattaya, until next November, with his second first place of
the week (coupled with a second as well) scoring a net 73 to capture B
flight. On the one hand it is a pity that such a pleasant fellow, as he,
must leave as he reaches form, but on the other hand the field said, “Good
riddance, at least someone else has a chance to win!”
Tore was closely followed by first time Pattaya visitor
Syd Harrison. The golf manager tried to counsel Syd that it is proper
etiquette to lose for a month or so upon your initial visit to Pattaya, but
Syd would have none of it. Wira Siduang, whose name is appearing in these
columns with some regularity, beat the “Clubmaker to the Stars”, Neil
Cameron. Barry (tB) forgot his calculator at home and carelessly scored a
net 69 for first in A flight, when a handicap friendly 71 would have done
the job quite nicely. Nonetheless, it was a great round on this windy,
challenging Dye design.
Ron Hodges, who had his stay abbreviated but will return
in March for a couple of months, made good in his last outing with second
place in A flight, winning on count back over John Emmerson. A flight was
rounded out by the golfing caddy from Whistling Straits, Brent Merron.
Jerry Lien charges to the front
PSC Three Sisters Golf
The opening round of 2003 brought big Jerry Lien charging
to the front. Jerry, who has a wild game, finally got his clubs under
control for the day. Although his playing partners claim that he was lucky -
hit the top of the flag stick and dropped next to the hole, 30 foot putts,
hit trees and bounced back to the fairway - it was just Jerry’s day in the
sun. He shot the game of his life getting 85 off the stick for 44 points.
Jerry
Lien (left) won the bragging rights with a whopping 44 points at Siam
Country Club Jan 6. Rod (right) came in holding the bag again.
Alan Pearce again got the shaft as he came in with a
brilliant score of 42 points. It seems that every time that Alan gets a good
score, someone else gets a better one. Think of the positive side, Alan,
your handicap will be going down.
In a distant third was George Davis. George, playing with
a sore back, came in with a credible 39 points. Normally it would have been
enough for a win but not today.
Holding the bag for the second week in a row was big Rod Perrin. With
wide shoulders and coming from down under (Australia) Rod has literally got
the world on his shoulders, holding the rest of us up. Better luck next week
Rod.
It’s getting crowded out there
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday January 6
Green Valley
(Stableford)
This is a great course, but the situation at this time of
the year that seems to exist at many of the courses was immediately evident
on arrival. The course was overbooked. It seems courses just can’t tell
people they’re full. So for the second time on a trot a long, long wait
had to be put up with before the 40 golfers who had travelled there could
even tee off, and meant minimum rounds of over 5 hours.
Kris
Helgason
Once on the course it was found to be as usual, in fine
condition. As I have said before many golfers consider this course the
ultimate golfers course in the area, others find it difficult. Nevertheless
the 40 golfers set out play to their best split into two flights, A flight
(0 to 20) and B flight (21 and up).
Tarja
Kankainen
The winner of the A flight with 40 points was Ted Morris,
ahead of in second Mike Gosden with 37 points on count back over in third
Jerry Kurtz also on 37 points. Fourth with 36 points was Don Richardson.
In the B flight the winner with an amazing 44 points was
Dane Claus Thomsen ahead of Finn Sirkka Pulkkonen on 40 points, whilst Big
Pete Galle came third on 38 and Cees Bosman was fourth on 36 points.
Near pins: No 2 Johan Reynissan, No 9 Cees Bosman, No 12
Dave Richardson (nearly a hole in one) and No 16 Pete Galle.
Ted
Morris
Long putts: No 9 Pete King and No 18 Juha Savanlampi.
Thursday January 9
Natural Park Hills
(Stableford)
If you want to see how well you are playing take a trip
to Natural Park Hills and see your game be really put to the test. This is a
really super golf course that has it all: super fairways, really fast tricky
greens and a really tough layout. All in all the type of course we all like
to play, but not too often or else our belief in our own brilliance would
take a big knock.
The field was full for our trip to this super course, and
all set out with hopes set high, most to be dashed, as is usual here, by the
end of the round. As the scores started to come in it was apparent the
scores would be low, and indeed if any one beat their handicap they would
have a very good chance of winning.
Pete
Galle, third B flight, and near pin, also resident gourmet.
In the A flight (0 to 18) the winner was one of our
regular winners, as Kris Helgason won by a street with the best score of the
day: 39 points. In second, third and fourth places we had a three way tie so
it went to a count back. In second place was Chris Davison, in third place
was Christian Palmgren and in fourth was Ted Morris, all on 34 points.
The B flight was just as close with our winner, a lady,
Tarja Kankainen on 37 points, second on 36 points was Barry Kerr, third on
35 points J.C. Lhoste and fourth on 30 points and still improving Mick
O’Connor.
Near pins: No 5 Don Richardson, No 8 Pete King, No 15
Chris Davison and No 17 Ted Morris.
Long putts: No 9 Tore Eliassen and No 18 Chris Davisson.
Ian Edwards strikes treasure at Treasure Hills
P.S.C. Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Friday January 10
Treasure Hills
(Stableford)
One of the things you learn when you play from the 60’s
Bar is always to expect the unexpected, so it was no surprise that we went
to Treasure Hills the ‘Scenic’ route under control of master map reader
Eddie, not, as was said, that it was so that more time could be spent so the
heroics of Monday’s fishing trip could be told and retold. However, we
finally escaped and reached the safe haven of Treasure Hill.
Ready
to start.
Here the peace and tranquillity returned, and with
several first timers at the course the day started in blustery wind that
only aided in keeping the golfers cool. The course was in reasonable
condition and the group as a whole commented that it should be put regularly
on the schedule.
After a hard fought day the winner was Ian Edwards and
the group as a whole sat in the Treasure Hills restaurant refilling the body
with fluids they had just lost.
Back on the bus and a return the quick way to Pattaya,
and the 60’s Bar where more fluids were returned to the body, and were
complimented by Bobby Joe’s excellent, free, spaghetti bolognaise.
Ian
Edwards receives the spoils of victory from Bobby Joe.
Pete
King
Jim
Flanagan
Andy
Evans
So onto the presentation where Bobby Joe congratulated
the winner Ian Edwards, who promptly rang the bell, and the winners of the
difficult near pin and long put.
Another fine day ended with Bobby ringing the bell and
things getting bleary.
Near pins: No 2 Eddie Rudkin, No 6 Andy Evans, No 13
Kenny Chung and No 17 Derek Brook.
Long putts: No 9 ‘Stone Cold Sober’ Jim Flanagan and No 18 Pete King.
The Square Ring
Howie Reed
If someone held a gun to my head or even the offer of an
ice cold Kloster I could only name a couple of fighters that qualify as
“Undisputed Champions”. Regardless of the titles once you get past Oscar
DeLaHoya and Lennox “The Imperial One” Lewis there’s only Kostya Tszyu
(29-1). The likable native of Serov Russia, now residing in Australia, has
been a pro since 1992 but only has 30 fights. He trains four months for a
fight, wins then takes a break. His fight Saturday night in the Telstra
Dome, Melbourne, will be his first for the home fans live since he KO’d
Jan Piet Bergman in 6 to retain the IBF Light Welterweight title Newcastle
NSW.
Jesse James Leija (43-5-2) be in the other corner when
the opening bell rings and deservedly so. Leija is a “warhorse” who’s
been in with the best, beat some but always gives (here comes the clich้)
110%. Sorry about that.
Leija has been around long enough to put the big payday
in perspective. “I’m supposed to come in and get knocked out so I have
no pressure. All I have to do is go out there and fight. He has all the
pressure. I’m used to it. I know for a fact that there’s not going to be
anything I haven’t seen in the ring before that Kostya can show me.”
It’s not the fact that Tzysu does anything different, it’s that he does
things so darn good. The main difference is that not only has Tzysu been in
with the best he’s beaten them all save one. His one loss came to
“Cool” Vincent Philips back in 1997. Philips was in line for this fight
until he opened his mouth at the press conference following Tzysu’s win
over Ben Tackie in Vegas last year.
If Land of Smiles gets this bout on the telly check out
Muhammad Abdullaev (10-0) vs. Phillip Holiday (38-5-1) on the undercard.
Abdullaev won Olympic Gold in Sydney and has a style that means action. He
comes in throwing and catching punches. He’s a future superstar learning
the pro game under the tutelage of Kenny Adams. Sure he gets a former champ
Phillip Holiday who is but a shadow of what he use to be but he’s probably
still good enough to keep it interesting for a few rounds.
OK guys enough is enough. There’s an old expression
that my Mom used when I had tried her patience to the limit, “Enough
already”. It’s also called beating a dead horse to death. So to Yodsanan
3K Battery, his promoter and his manager I say “Enough already”. The WBA
super featherweight champion can fight but his attempts at PR are just plain
silly. He leaves messages on Joel Casamayor’s (ranked #1 in the division)
answering machine like a jilted lover. “Hey guy, let’s make thing
happened. You must get out of the shell and show yourself to the world. I
mean you fear me and the world know this also. Don’t claim that you are
the best in 130lbs division until you fight with me. If not, you are only
the guy who likes keeping yourself in the shell. You disappoint me a lot.”
Would be hard to answer that message. Heck hard enough to figure out what
the hell he’s talking about.
From the promoters’ press release, “Yodsanan added
that his promoter did contact to Casamayor camp such four times, but no
feedback from them at all. He believes the Cuban party try to fight him with
their silence. This is the best way of the man who claims that he is the
best in 130lbs division. It’s very ridiculous for that. Nobody is suitable
for you Casamayor, even though that guy is Acelino Freitas. There is me
only.” Someone, 3K, needs a serious reality check or at least someone to
check the tobacco in his humidor.
The rumor mill has been grinding overtime for the story
that Oscar DeLaHoya will have one fight before he beats Shane Mosley in
September. As almost no one remembers or cares, the WBC convention was held
in Tokyo last December which prompted the rumor mill to bake up this story.
“De La Hoya is popular in Japan, but he has never fought outside the USA,
something he has said he’d like to do before he retires. He was taken with
Japan during a recent visit for the WBC convention. It’s totally Oscar’s
decision if he wants to do it or not. Oscar is thinking about it, and
we’re working to present him a plan. If he does an interim fight (before
Mosley), he wants to do it from an exotic or special place and make it a big
event.” Too bad he didn’t attend the WBC Convention in Pattaya in
“Ought 1”. One night with Monkey House Fred at the TQ and he’d be
fighting in Pattaya for nothing.
If there is a fight WBC featherweight Champion Eric
Morales will be on the card. It’s the WBC so Morales opponent would have
to come from their ranks. Only one around would be WBC Super Bantamweight
Champ Napapol Kiatisakcholechai (20-1 with 16KO’s). How could I ever come
to that conclusion? (Bob) Arum (DeLaHoya’s promoter) said, “If the fight
comes off, I envision featherweight titleist Erik Morales fighting on the
card against a top Asian challenger.” Make that a WBC Thai fighter.
Also on the proposed card is Undefeated WBA flyweight
champion Eric Morel who has ties to Thailand. He won the title in 2000 by
beating Sornpichai Pisnurachank (26-2-1) and last October defending against
Denkaosen Kaowitchit (20-1). Both Thai fighters were undefeated going into
their contests with Morel. How about them apples?
The eagle has landed
PSC Fishing from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar with Frank Collins
Monday January 6 - Waking early on Saturday I packed my
bag and loaded up on Dramamine for the 4 day fishing trip ahead, only to be
told on arriving that the weather was too bad and it had to be called off,
but never fear we would go out on Monday for the day.
Derek
& Frank in a hard fight.
What a let down as I had spent the time since the last
trip buying a new all singing all dancing rod and reel that I proudly
informed people I was going to land an elephant on, and now only a single
day trip to christen it! However HE works in mysterious ways and what I
didn’t realise was that one day or not, an elephant would have been easy
compared to the struggle we found ourselves in.
The day started out as normal, meet at Bobby Joes with
Bobby, Bill Sullivan, Colin Murray (alias Capt Ahab), and go to the beach
and catch the long boat to the fishing boat.
Derek
with Eagle Ray showing ten foot tail.
Two hours or so later, I sleepily took my brand new rod
and reel to the rear of the boat and after the ‘skipper’ baited it up
with a whole squid, dropped the bait over the side. Next to me Frank was
also doing the same and threw his bait into the water. Well surely as we
both turned around, now would be a nice time to wake up and have a cup of
coffee and one of Bobby Joe’s super put up sandwiches?
Bang, both lines zoomed out with the ratchets screaming
in unison as we both made a dive for our rods and settled into our chairs
for the fight ahead. This was what I had wanted, my own rod and my own fish.
However, as Frank and I held on and the lines streamed out, they both went
in the same direction and we thought at first we were into two big fish in a
school of big fish, but were we wrong!
As the fight went on it slowly became apparent that the
improbable had happened and we were both into the same fish, and if that
were so it was a monster as it was taking every bit of our combined strength
just to hang on. The minutes passed slowly and the whisper came from the
Thai fishermen that this was special, but all Frank and I could do was to
grit our teeth and hang in there with arms straining and sweat running in
torrents, as behind us the other anglers poured cold water on us to keep us
cool and provide some relief.
Now we were gaining and it started slowly to come in to
my relief, but the old wise head of Frank new better. “Just wait till it
sees the boat and it’ll go again,” and sure enough as we got it close
enough to see what we had, the call from Colin from the upper deck said it
was a magnificent Ray, off it went again, ripping line off the reels and
testing our arms to breaking point. And still we fought on.
After 1 hour and forty minutes we had it at the back of
the boat and four people couldn’t lift it out of the water, finally six of
us got it onto the deck. A marathon on two lines, and there was nobody there
who even believed we could have landed it on one rod. Both hooks had taken
it in the big lips and that is unusual.
The captain sad it was by far the biggest Eagle Ray he
had seen landed in his twenty five years of fishing. The captain estimated
it to be between 100 to 120 kg (we couldn’t lift it) and it was 81 inches
across the wings with a tail all of 10 feet long.
Back in harbour it was decided the fish was too big to
move in one piece, so with a heavy heart we gave permission to the crew to
turn it into Tom Yam Kung, and the last we heard the whole of Pattaya Beach
was being fed for the foreseeable future.
The ten foot tail will be dried and will hang from the
wall in Bobby Joes 60’s Bar, and rumour has it his staff will suddenly
become respectful and hard working.
For me a great day, who would believe that the first cast with my new rod
and reel would provide such a result, but I concur with Frank’s comments
that next time he hooks a Ray he’ll cut the line. Done it once; that’s
enough.
From the pier to the pan
The
Queen Victoria Inn Fishing Club held its first fishing trip on Tuesday 7th
Jan, and here we see the team outside the kitchen with their motto being,
“From the pier to the pan as fast as we can”. Check out the Fishing
Club’s notice board in the bar for details of future trips.
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