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Pattaya Sports Club’s 7th Annual Charity Classic deemed a huge success
Well the day is over and the race is run, and according
to the P.S.C. Treasurer the day was a great financial success, but how did
we get to this point? Not I assure you without a tremendous amount of hard
work and planning by a group of dedicated personnel led by the P.S.C. Golf
Chairman Herbie Ishinaga and his ‘volunteers’. So what do we need to
talk about? The weeks of hard planning and the discussions with our
excellent sponsors? The long hard day for the organisers and the players on
the day? The magnificent presentation at the end? Or the significance of the
amount raised to the poor of Pattaya. Well we will discuss each item
separately because this is the ‘prime caring’ day of the year for the
PSC and all parts deserve comments.
Men’s
winner Bob Ormond (right) presented his trophy by PSC President Carl Engel.
Runners
up Sugar Shack 4’s Captain Andy Spence, Michael Seely, Bob Osmond and
Garry Haskins.
The
winning team celebrates.
The success of the whole is in the planning, and the
planning for this year’s Classic started some time ago when all aspects of
the operation were discussed, with two main objects: a successful day for
all who took part and maximising the final amount that could be donated to
the local charities. The second was most important as the PSC regularly
donates well over 300,000 baht from this day.
Sponsors, very important, and all members were requested
to investigate and bring to the attention of the team any organisation or
individual who would be willing to donate, and it can be seen from the list
of sponsors how successful this approach was and to all the sponsors,
thanks.
For the day, first a good helpful course, and here thanks
to Khao Kheow who did all in their scope to make the day a success. It is
sometimes overlooked that certain courses really do go out of their way to
be helpful. So to format, and here precedence ruled, so a Stableford format,
and shotgun start, was decided on with many ‘Mulligans’ to make the day
brighter. A field limited to 144 golfers was decided on and this meant 36
groups of 4 golfers.
The big day dawned bright and breezy and Herbie and his
team had set their alarm clocks and were all at the course at 0800 hrs,
three hours before the shot gun start at 1100 hrs. There was plenty to do,
with all the main prizes being on each hole and the sponsor signs to be put
out. This is not counting the booking in of 140 competitors, many of whom
were in for their first experience of a major day in the life of Pattaya
golf. Nonetheless, after three hours of hard work, all the players were
booked in and were at their start tees, whilst Herbie and his team were
still at their tasks and racing to get started on time.
Why do they call it a shotgun start when a hooter is
usually used? Not to worry, the day started with a blast, whilst the course
marshals ably lead by Matt were putting out the last of the sponsors’
signs.
Cook
& Lamai ran the 100 baht competition on B8.
Ladies
winner Nora Haugsjordet is presented her trophy by Carl Engel, P.S.C.
President.
(L to
R) Dene Munday (the worker), Herbie Ishinaga (golf chairman) and Bernie
Tuppin (charity chairman).
Putting 36 groups of golfers through 18 holes of golf
when they have 24 Mulligans and every single hole has at least one major
prize can be rather time consuming, and so it proved but the good humour and
effort to keep up with play was most evident all through the day and as
‘Matt’s Assistant’ and marshals we met all competitors and were amazed
by their good humour and commitment to a charitable day.
Of course there had to be a bottleneck and as the day
wore on it proved to be, as we had suspected, B8 where not only was there a
near pin for men and ladies, but for 100 baht, a shot landed on the green
would win a sports shirt. Many competitors could be seen taking two
Mulligans at this hole in order to win a shirt. Cookie and Lamai who ran it
were more than willing to take the money for charity. And so it proved on
many holes as Mulligans could be used to shoot for hole prizes. I rather
suspect the course may do very well with ‘lake balls’ at #8.
The golfers slowly completed the course, which was a
tribute to both Khao Kheow and the organisers, the estimate of 6 hours was
not far off and as the golfers happily returned to the clubhouse and a hot
shower, the course was cleared and returned to normal.
This is always a critical time as the scorecards have to
be collected in and the results tabulated, but this time it worked out quite
well as every hole prize had a caddie in attendance and they returned the
result to the scorers. The team prizes were also reasonably straight forward
as was the individual winners, so we were soon ready to go.
Upstairs the ‘Banquet Hall’ had been laid out with a
super hot meal layout, so strength could be put back in the body along with
an excess of fluid. Then on to the presentation ably hosted by the P.S.C.
treasurer, Alan Pearce, who started off with personal gifts and went on to
the raffle.
At the end of the presentations came a last minute
‘special’ as the Dusit had given a prize of 3 months family membership
at the Health Club, worth approx 20000 baht, and this was raffled off for a
substantive amount to add to the charity fund.
All the presentations over, the evening concluded at
about 2000hrs, a long day for all but particularly for the organisers and
helpers, and to these from Herbie a special thanks.
When all is wrapped up a substantial sum will be added to
the ‘coffers’ to allow PSC’s charity chairman to continue with the
good and charitable acts of Pattaya Sports Club.
A Course
# Competition
/Hole Winner
/Sponsor /Prize
A1 Nearest To The Flag /Doug Douglas /Bill
Thompson /Pakistani Carpet
A2 Nearest Bunker Not In/ Darren Critchley
/Expert Telecom Solutions /Driver
A2 Longest Drive Ladies /Nora Haugsjordet
/Blue Parrot /1 Baht Gold
A3 Nearest Pin All Players /Bill Collis /Tahitian
Queen/ DVD Player
A4 Longest 1st Putt /Larry Ball/ White
House Hotel/ Deep Fat Fryer
A4 Long Drive A Flt 0 to 18 /Anders
Pederson/ Russell Finch /DVD Player
A5 Nearest Pin All Players /Tim McMasters
/Jack Levy /Mobile Phone
A5 Longest 1st Putt/ Harold Gruber /Cafe
Kronborg /6000 Baht Golf Voucher
A6 Nearest Diagonal Line/ Jack Piercefield
/Alan, Ian, Mike, Phil /Television
A7 Nearest Pin 2nd Shot/ Bryan Dodd /Crathco/
Microwave
A8 Nearest Keg /Kevin Dodd/ Herbie &
Fast Eddie /Keg Beer & Golf bag
A9 Nearest Inverted V Line/ Bob Christie/
T.A.B.S /DVD Player
B Course
B1 Straight Drive /Peter Ring/ Pesco /Golf
Bag, 7 Wood & Hat
B2 Nearest Flag 2nd Shot/ Bob Mueller/
Gilligans /Set Of Irons
B3 Nearest Pin All Players /Graham Banks /Marriott
/2 Nights Stay In Hua Hin
B3 Longest 1st Putt/ Tom Gingerich Beez /Bar
& Restaurant/ Mobile Phone
B4 Nearest Horizontal Line /Ted Morris /Jesters/
DVD Player
B5 Nearest To Ditch /Jez Tracy/ Fawlty
Towers /Bowling Ball
B6 Nearest Pin 3rd Shot /Bob Christie /Diana
Inn /6000 Baht Golf Voucher
B7 Longest 1st Putt /Dave Richardson /Dougie
Powell /DVD Player
B7 Longest Drive B Flight 19+ /Stephen
Mulberry/ Team Canada /Television
B8 Nearest Pin Men/ Graham Rudd /60s Bar /Fishing
Trip For 4 People
B8 Nearest Pin Ladies/ Nora Haugsjordet /Tim
McMasters/ 1 Baht Gold Chain
B9 Nearest To The Water/ Dave Richardson /Gerry Carpenter/
7500 Baht Shenanigans Voucher
Team North/South Divide wins 2003 PSC Charity Classic
Friday January 24
Khao Kheow Country Club
(Stableford)
Captain ‘Cold Stone Sober’ James Flanagan, Geordie Ed
Morris, Tyrone (London) Bridge, and ‘Obviously Still Improving’ Mick
O’Connor from Team North/South Divide, representing the Cafe Kronborg, won
the team competition of the 2003 PSC Charity Classic. Team North/South
Divide scored 142 points and won on count back.
Team
North/South Divide, comprising team Captain ‘Cold Stone Sober’ James
Flanagan, Geordie Ed Morris, Tyrone (London) Bridge, and ‘Obviously Still
Improving’ Mick O’Connor won the team competition of the 2003 PSC
Charity Classic.
Captain Andy Spence, Michael Seely, Bob Osmond and Garry
Haskins from Sugar Shack 4’s also scored 142 points to finish second.
Third was Harley Bar, with Captain Simon Dutton, Justin
Raines, Charlie McGregor, and George Jackson, with 137 points.
Fourth were Kazak Rejects, Captain Bill Thompson, George
Davis, Russell Finch, and Trevor Carnahof, with 133 points.
The men’s individual winner was Bob Ormond with 53
points and the ladies winner was Nora Haugsjordet with 49 points. (Don’t
forget, each player had the option of using 24 Mulligans.)
Thais beat Germans to win
HM the King’s Trophy in the
Thailand Polo King’s Cup 2003
Songklod Kaewvisit
Held at the Siam Polo Park, Pattaya on the 26th of
January, this competition is considered one of the most important
competitions in Asia. This is the second time that the Polo Association of
Thailand has organized the tournament following the success of last year’s
Ladbrokes.com Polo Gold Cup 2002 tournament.
(From
left to right) Adolfo Cambiaso, Sebastian Harriot, Ali Albwardy, Vichai
Raksri-aksorn, and Aiyarat Raksri-aksorn, the members of Thai Polo team that
conquered the Thailand Polo King’s Cup 2003 trophy.
The competition was jointly organized by the Polo
Association of Thailand and the King Power Duty Free Co. Ltd., which brought
together the top players from all over the world to compete.
Among the world-class polo players was Adolfo Cambiaso,
from La Dolfina, Argentina who just won the 109th Argentine Open
Championship last December. This time he played for the Thai side along with
Vichai Raksriaksorn, president of the Polo Association of Thailand.
The Germans were led by another Argentine, Batolome
Castagnola who is ranked as the 2nd best player in the world.
With the players’ handicaps being so evenly matched,
the spectators looked forward to a thrilling display of superb polo.
There are six chukka in a polo match. Each chukka is
seven minutes long. Breaks between chukkas are three minutes long, with a
five minute halftime. The ball is rolled in by an official to start the polo
match or resume play after a time out. Each team lines up in numerical
order, directly behind the other. The umpire rolls the ball between the two
teams, and play begins.
There are four players on a team. The forwards are
numbered one and two, and are mainly concerned with scoring. Number three is
the center half, who assists the scorers and aids in defense. The number
three is often the most experienced member of the team. Defense and fast
breaks are the responsibilities of the back, number four.
Adolfo
Cambiaso (right) makes a play on the ball as Peter Davies defends.
Polo players are ranked yearly on a scale of -2 to 10
goals. Team play is handicapped on the basis of ability. A team’s handicap
is the total of its players’ goal ratings. Tournaments are held in
handicap categories. High goal polo is considered to be for teams rated
nineteen goals or over and medium goal play is fifteen to eighteen goals.
The Thai team consisted of the captain No. 1 Vichai
Raksriaksorn (0 handicap), No. 2 Ali Albwardy (1 handicap), No. 3 Sebastian
Harriot (7 handicap) and No. 4 Adolfo Cambiaso (10 handicap). Adolfo is
considered to be the best polo player in the world.
The Germans fielded captain No. 1 Harald Link (0
handicap), No. 2 Peter Davies, No. 3 Juan Manuel Roman (6 handicap) and No.
4 Bartolome Castagnola, who is considered to be the second best player in
the world with a handicap of 10.
In the first chukka with the Thais ahead 3-2. In the
second chukka the Germans were able to equalize at 3-3. At half time the
Thais led again, 4-3.
At half time, as is the custom, spectators crowded onto
the field to mingle with the players. It is also fashionable to be seen at
polo matches.
The second half play saw the Thai team extend their lead
to 5-3 in the 4th chukka. The Germans fought back bravely in the 5th chukka
closing the gap to 5-3 before the Thais fought back to keep the lead at 6-5.
The last chukka saw both teams go all out and play some
very fanciful and accurate polo, raising the excitement to a fevered pitch.
But the Thais were steadfast and fought gallantly. The end of the 6th chukka
and match saw them victorious in their hard fought battle downing the
Germans by the final score of 8-6.
Polo is played in more than 60 countries and enjoyed by
more than 50 million people each year.
The association feels that by organizing these
tournaments it will raise the levels of competition amongst the youth and
help develop an interest in the sport in Thailand.
H.E. Air Marshall Kamthon Linthawanond, privy councilor
presided over the competition and presented the winning team with the
revered King’s Cup Trophy.
Proceeds from the tournament will be presented to His Majesty the King
for use in his royal charity projects.
Regional Canoe Championships this weekend at Mabprachan Reservoir
The 4th Southeast Asian Canoe Championships and the 2nd
Junior South East Asian Canoe Championships will be held this weekend at the
Mabprachan Reservoir from Friday, January 31 till Sunday, February 2.
Phisit Boonchuang, deputy governor of Chonburi announced
the competition last week after the Thai Sailing Association informed him
that 10 countries would compete in this major regional event.
The association is confident that local competitors will
take some gold medals in the international standard competition.
The ten nations competing include Thailand, Myanmar,
Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and
Cambodia.
Competition begins at 8 a.m. on Friday at the Mabprachan
Reservoir on Siam Country Club Road, with rowers competing in three distance
categories: 200 meters, 500 meters and 1,000 meters events in the men’s,
women’s open and youth boys and girls’ sections.
A special display of traditional Thai Longboat races will
also be featured as part of the weekend with teams of 35 and 55 rowers.
Pete Sumner wins 5th Annual Asean Explorer Open Golf Tournament
Pete Sumner, playing off a handicap of 8, was declared
the overall winner and new holder of the green winner’s jacket (no apology
to Augusta) of the 5th Annual Asean Explorer Open Golf Tournament.
Pete
Sumner (right) earned the green winner’s jacket for being the overall
winner of the 5th Annual Asean Explorer Open Golf Tournament. Jill Smith
(left) earned the burgundy jacket for winning the final round at Plutaluang.
The final tournament winner was Jill Smith, playing of
15, who won at Plutaluang with 33 points.
The format, as in previous years, was that competitors
needed to take part in 3 of 4 qualifying rounds to be eligible to compete in
the final. After each round their handicaps are adjusted around the average
on the day for the next round. This format keeps scores tighter and more
competitive.
The competition was held at 4 courses: Khao Kheow,
Treasure Hills, Plutaluang and Burapha, with the final being at Plutaluang.
With cups for the qualifiers and the burgundy and green winners’ jackets
for the overall and final competition, there were also minor prizes for
second and third spots and for two nearest to the pins in each section.
Alderney in the Channel Islands, with only 2,400
residents, provided 7 of the competitors. Within this contingent Jill Smith
was the worthy final winner. Jill has entered the Asean Explorer Open three
times now and was overcome with excitement at winning. Pete Sumner from the
Midlands, again a regular supporter of the tournament was the very worthy
overall champion.
Individual qualifiers were won by Nick Hurn with 35
points at Khao Kheow, Nigel Irvine with 32 points at Treasure Hills, Jill
Smith with 38 points at Plutaluang, and Neil Duncan with 36 points at
Burapha.
Doug and Lydia Riach made a special effort to attend the last week,
flying out at 2 day’s notice. Doug actually scored 38 points in the final,
but could not win as he had not completed the qualifiers. As a former winner
Doug presented Jill with her burgundy jacket and was very complimentary
about the competition and organization.
Manager weeps, Mighty Warbler crash
MBMG International League Week 9
It was the week where there were more shock results than
you could shake a stick at. Formbooks went out of the window and managers
and fans were left shaking their heads in disbelief.
The Mighty Warbler took on lowly SOHO, who had just three
points all season, and yet with the Mighty Warbler looking far from Mighty
it was SOHO who ran out 2-1 winners ensuring the Mighty Warbler lost their
unbeaten streak of 24 games. It is ne’r good to see a man cry. So, during
the post match press conference, as Robbo, the Mighty Warbler’s manager
began to weep uncontrollably, most reporters left him to it.
Elsewhere, the league favorites, the Bullshead took on
bottom club Bangkok Blitz expecting another goal rush after beating Blitz
7-1 in their previous game, but with a 1-1 draw the Bullshead were left
ruing a catalogue of missed chances.
The Scandinavian Vikings won a close encounter against
the British Club 2-1 and secured their position as second in the league.
In Conference B Pattaya rebounded after last week’s
loss to post a comfortable 3-1 win against SCI. Yet there was another shock
result as the HSC hammered the Germans 7-3. HSC, whose goals against record
resembles a third world debt mountain, must surely be relieved at last
having won a victory having conceded 30 goals in their last two games.
Latest results:
Racing Club Pattaya 3 - 1 SCI Hunters FC
German All Stars 3 - 7 High-School Casualz
Patana 2 - 6 UNOCAL
The Mighty Warbler 1 VS 2 SOHO
Bulls Head Brazilians 1 VS 1 Bangkok Blitz
British Club Casuals 1 VS 2 Scandinavian Vikings
Cafe Ole remains in first place after week 6
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Cafe Ole held on to first place behind excellent bowling
by all three bowlers and took all four points from Three Sisters. Captain
Udom led her team with a 522 series, Otto had a 519-pin count and Rich
knocked down 518 pins, which included a 211 game.
200
bowlers: Tue (week 5), Rich, Mio and Gert (week 5)
Domicil is making a run of first place after winning four
points for the second week in a row. They took all four from Winchester Club
with Captain Peter bowling the best series in this match, knocking down 511
pins.
Captain Mio led her third place House of the Golden Coin
team to a three-point victory over VFW Post 9876. Mio had a 202 game and 514
series and Tue led the VFW team with a 526-pin count.
Cafe Kronborg won four points from Nice & Sleazy with
Captain Kran leading the way with a 508 series.
Captain La’s 517 series and Mai’s 510 pins toppled was enough to lead
her Shakey Pete’s team to a three point win over Jack & Tar. Porn
tipped over 512 pins for Jack & Tar.
Kev and
the dreamers
Pattaya Lawn Bowls Division One
Fat Boy Slim and his reserve Brendan were heard singing,
“I’m Telling You Now”, the lyrics from that old group Freddie and The
Dreamers as they took the game to the famous team The Windmills with guns
blazing all the way, winning by one shot on the last end.
Chaplin Spam Heads Vodka Willy and hair bear Curly, like
two men possessed, came back from the death to pinch two shots on the last
to draw the game with the Carlsberg Kids.
Likely Lads Steve the streak, back from his honeymoon,
and Newcastle John outplayed team Somtams Dancing Peter and Ned the Ted to
keep them in with a chance for Div 1 championship.
The all girl team Yingyangs ripped the heels off the
Cobblers with a fantastic win.
Results: Chaplin Spam Heads 14 v 14 Carlsberg Kids, Team
Somtams 11 v 24 Likely Lads, Yingyangs 24 v 8 The Cobblers, Dream Team 15 v
14 Windmills.
Won Drawn Lost Points
Carlsberg Kids 6 1 2 13
Yingyangs 6 0 3 12
Chaplin Spam Heads 5 1 2 11
Windmills 5 0 3 10
Likely Lads 5 0 2 10
Dream Team 4 0 4 10
Tartan Bar 3 0 5 6
Team Somtams 3 0 6 6
The Cobblers 1 0 8 2
Asylum 1 1 0 4 2
Pattaya Lawn Bowls Division Two
Results: Coral Reef 13 v 16
Asylum 2, Winchester 14 v 16 Desert Rats, Lucky Chaplin 21 v 9 New Guys.
Won Drawn Lost Points
Lucky Chaplains 7 0 3 14
Asylum 2 7 0 1 14
New Guys 7 0 4 14
Musketeers 6 0 5 12
Desert Rats 6 0 3 12
Thepprasit Ten Thistle 6 0 3 12
Winchester 5 0 5 10
Jan Bar 4 0 4 8
Coral Reef 3 0 5 6
Fitness Tips: The young and the not so young
G’day readers, this week we take a look at the
possibilities of participating in regular exercise for those of us not
“18-25 years of age”.
It’s never too late to start exercising
A new study published in a recent issue of Circulation:
The Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that six months of
regular exercise could reverse the damage of 30 years of aerobic inactivity.
Two separate studies were conducted involving the same
five men. The original study conducted in 1966 looked at the negative impact
of bed rest on physical fitness. The second conducted thirty years later
analysed the benefits of a six-month training program including a variety of
cardiovascular activities.
The fitness level of the five men had significantly
declined over the 30-year period with their VO2max (the measure of the
maximum amount - Volume of Oxygen they can use) decreasing by an average
12%; body weight increasing 25% and their body fat percentage escalating
100% - Doubling the body fat stores from an average of 25% of body weight
when aged 30 to 50% of body weight when aged 60.
On the completion of the six-month training program their
VO2 max had increased by 14%, from 2.9 to 3.3 litres/minute (translates to a
highly encouraging not only increase but final figure as well), which was
slightly higher than when it was tested in 1966 (when they were young and
‘fit’). The program not only restored these men to their previous levels
of fitness as recorded 30 years earlier but also slightly increased it after
only six months of training.
“The studies indicate that middle-aged men can actually
reverse many of the negative results of non-exercise, even after being
physically inactive for a long time,” said Benjamin Levine, MD, the
study’s co-author and the medical director of the Institute for Exercise
and Environmental Medicine at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, USA.
The bottom line is it’s never too late to start, which
is positive news for anyone, of and age, contemplating how to improve
lifestyle.
Physical guidelines for infants and toddlers
While we have long been saying it’s never too late to
start exercising, apparently you can never be too young either. The National
Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) in the USA recommends
that children should be encouraged to be physically active from birth.
NASPE claim that children who are physically active from
an early age will learn to move more skilfully by promoting motor skill
confidence. They warn that children should not be confined to playpens,
strollers or infant seats for hours at a time as it may delay physical and
cognitive development and hinder physical activity participation in later
life.
The activity recommendations are based on developmental
characteristics of children, and are specifically designed to meet these
needs.
The guidelines for infants and toddlers include:
* Infants should interact with parents and/or caregivers
in daily physical activities that are dedicated to promoting the exploration
of the infants’ environment.
* Infants should be placed in safe settings that
facilitate physical activity and do not require restricting the infants’
movement for prolonged periods of time.
* Infants’ physical activity should promote the
development of movement skills.
* Toddlers should accumulate at least 30 minutes of
structured physical activity per day; preschoolers should accumulate at
least 60 minutes per day.
* Toddlers and preschoolers should engage in at least 60
minutes and up to several hours of unstructured physical activity per day
and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time except when
sleeping.
* Toddlers should develop movement skills that are
building blocks for more complex movements tasks; preschoolers should
develop competence in these movement skills.
While no similar guidelines have been released in
Australia to date, this helps to support the argument that children should
be involved in physical activity from a very early age to combat
Australia’s growing obesity epidemic. Australia is not alone in this
problem area.
So, if you are planning on having your youngster growing
up to be 20 years from now’s equivalent of Tiger Woods, David Beckham or
Serena Williams get them enjoying movement early and find something that
they enjoy so they don’t feel like they are being forced into it.
Carpe’ Diem
Tony Stevens & Usa Chaiyusit the best
By Mike Franklin
Tony Stevens and Usa Chaiyusit returned the best Better
Ball score in the Shenanigans January 21st tournament at Plutaluang, playing
the South and East courses on a hot and windy day. Forty-five Stableford
points was just enough to take the winner’s prize, closely followed by
runners-up Mam Trayling and Bill Hurd with forty-four points. A special
mention for Steve Ryser who had to play as a single but managed an
impressive gross 85 and forty-four points also.
Tony
(left) and Usa (right) enjoy their moment in the spotlight with Mike
Franklin.
However, his twenty-four points on the back nine was not
enough as Mam and Bill scored twenty-five. Steve’s scorecard is in for
handicap review and he is ecstatic at the thought that he will come down to
eighteen.
The course, like most this time of the year, was busy
which can mean a slow round, but enjoyable nevertheless.
Near pins were claimed by Tony Stevens, Mauno Pollari and
the other two by Mam Trayling (Lucky Ed). Mauno also had the longest putt on
S.9 and Max Busslinger on E.9.
It was the usual very friendly apres golf back at
Shenanigans, the Red Snapper 100 baht ‘special’ and jugs of blue
margaritas for the ladies corner. Mike did his usual welcome announcement -
this time for Stuart Payne (Jason’s brother), Meg Owen, and welcome back
to Max Busslinger, Maria Hasila & Mauno Pollari and Peter Arne.
The next date is Tuesday February 4th with a change in venue to Century
Ban Chang. Combined Stableford is the format, so sign-up, in pairs please,
at Shenanigans.
And the gulf wind blew
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday January 20
Century Chonburi
Bogey
1st Division
1st: Peter Emslie, all square
2nd: Bob Lindborg, 1 down
3rd: Arthur Hancock, 2 down
2nd Division
1st: Rick Bevington, 1 down
2nd: Dave Spendley, 2 down cb9 1 up, cb6 1 up
3rd: Mick Spear, 2 down cb9 1 up, cb6 all square
With some courses asking almost a king’s ransom for
green fees, it was a nice surprise to travel to Century Chonburi and find
that the green fee plus caddy were on offer for 280 baht and a cart could be
had for another 400 baht. One wonders where most of the golfers will be
teeing it up when the quiet seasons begins in another month or so.
The Nick Faldo designed course was playing exceptionally
well, although the bunkers were rather difficult to deal with and CSS
reflected that by increasing to 72 on the day.
Peter Emslie is returning to the form that made him a
feared competitor off a 13 handicap and just took the win from Bob Lindborg
and ever-present Arthur Hancock in the first division.
Rick Bevington managed to secure the second division
without matching “Old Man Par” from Dave Spendley and Mick Spear.
The twos were shared between Doug Campbell, Mike
Dabanovich, Dave Lee and David Spendley.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Bob Giddings from the USA and
welcomed back Gary Wilborn from the USA via the Philippines, Mike Morris and
Al Rolnik also both from the USA.
Wednesday
January 22
Plutaluang
Stableford
Gentlemen’s Division
1st: Rick Bevington, 38 points, cb9 20
2nd: Mo Bertrand, 38, cb9 15
3rd: Michael Dige, 37
4th: Arthur Hancock, 33, cb9 16
5th: Doug Hollingsworth, 33, cb9 15
6th: Gary Wilborn, 33, cb9 10
Lady’s Division
1st: Wendy Hollingsworth, 33 points
Playing the North and West courses in a high wind is
never an easy task and to better one’s handicap was a considerable
achievement on the day. The top three podium winners managed to do that,
headed by Rick Bevington, taking his second win of the week, with both Mo
Bertrand and Michael Dige in close attendance. The minor placings were to be
found some way back.
The twos were shared between Arthur Hancock, Al Rolnik,
Dave Spendley, Mike Lanty, Wendy Hollingsworth and Michael Dige, who
achieved his with a four iron second shot 195 yards on the 18th hole for an
eagle two.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Mike Lanty
and Bob Hope both from England, and welcomed back George Jackson and Phil
Utting also from England.
Friday January 24
Phoenix Blue Tees
Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st: Doug Hollingsworth, 73, cb9 34.5
2nd: Phil Groves, 73, cb9 35
3rd: Al Rolnik, 75, cb9 37
4th: Barry Winton, 75, cb9 37.5
2nd Division
1st: Jens Gunnarsson, 75, cb9 37
2nd: Mo Bertrand, 75, cb9 37.5
3rd: Stephen Beard, 76
Lady’s Division
1st: Srinuan Feaungoi, 76
2nd: Wendy Hollingsworth, 78
Once again it was time to play the Monthly Medal,
traditionally played from the tips at Phoenix, and on this occasion over the
Mountain and Lakes courses. The wind was blowing half a gale and seemingly
changed to be against whichever direction one was playing. It proved to be a
true test of golf against both the course and the conditions, to which the
scores attested. In fact the starter was so surprised to see the first group
setting up on the blue tees asked, “are you going to play from all the
blue tees, or just from this one?” Another classic to add to the “The
Book of Thai Golf Sayings”.
In the event, nobody managed to better or even match
their handicaps, which saw the CSS move up two shots to 74.
Doug Hollingsworth again showed well, heading the first
division by count back from Phil Groves and “Big Al” Rolnik and
“Noddy” Winton Fading over the last three holes.
The second division was even more challenged, with “The
Iceman” getting the edge over Mo Bertrand and “The Doc” without
getting near to par.
Nuan took her second Monthly Medal in a row, beating a
spirited attempt by Wendy Hollingsworth to make it a double for the
Hollingsworth family.
It was no surprise to find that there was only one two on
the day, and that was made by Pete Murray, who used all his old wiles to
sneak a driver into the wind onto the 195 yard fourth hole on the Mountain
Course and sank the ensuing 3-foot putt to claim the pot.
Noble Place is very ‘Andy’
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Tuesday, 21st January, Harry Riley led the Bunker
Boys, in the absence of Mr. Loy, to distant Noble Place for their weekly
stroke play competition, and the day was warm and fine. The course played
quite short because the white tees were well forward, but even so the course
was still at its challenging best.
Visitor Gary Wilborn shot the best score of the day in
division one and his net 67 was a country mile ahead of second place Harry
Riley and Keith Hector who both shot net 73.
In division two veteran Jal “Andy” Anderson played
another of his “cute” rounds to head the field with a net 70, just one
shot ahead of Brian Bradley and David Johnson who both fired net 71.
Amazingly there were no twos recorded and because the
fruiterer was away on a visa run the Bunker Banana Booby was held back until
the return of Mr. Loy.
Eastern Star holds all the aces
Eastern Star put on a weak smile and welcomed the Bunker
Boys for their weekly Stableford competition on Friday, 24th January. On the
day, it managed to host a large Thai tournament in addition to the Bunker
Boys and the tired old lady held all the aces as a strong wind and
inconsistent greens could not persuade the players to break par.
In division one Norman Brooks used all his experience to
shoot 35 points with Keith Hector finding a consistency lacking recently to
fire 33 and soul mate Harry Cowling coming third with 31 points.
In division two Cecil Williams hit good form firing 34
points, with Keith Saunders closing in on 33 and Gerhard Schulze buffeting
the course with his 31point haul.
Both Harry Riley and Mal Spence recorded twos to share
the Bunker Super Sawng award whilst another invalid, the Bunker’s web guru
Len Jones, coughed and spluttered to an all-time low of nineteen points
which more than merited his second Bunker Banana Booby.
The latest bulletin can be found at http://www.the
bunkerboys.com
PSC Golf from the 60s Bar
A fair size group, considering the PSC Charity Tournament
was on, set out on time from the 60’s Bar on time for the 10 a.m. tee off.
However, the group’s driver managed to go to the wrong course, twice.
After visiting Bangpra and Natural Park Hill, the golfers finally arrived at
Natural Park Resort almost on time.
Bobby
Joe (left) presents the winning award to Kenny Chung (right).
N P Resort is one of the better maintained in the area
and although there was a little wind it was a beautiful day. Play moved
along quick enough, as there are 27 holes with a starter directing groups on
the different courses to avoid congestion. However, make sure you book a
cart in advance if you want one. An uneventful return trip back was greeted
with steaming pork goulash and special pasta.
One of the nearest the pin markers was forgotten but
since no one had their name on it and organizers couldn’t find it anyway
they substituted with a lucky draw.
Nearest the pin: Jerry Kurtz two times; Kevin Dun. Lucky
draw went to Ning Fletcher. Overall winner was Hong Kong visitor Kenny
Chung.
Transportation leaves the 60s Bar at 9 a.m. after breakfast at 8. Those
requiring transportation should book ahead to ensure enough seating. Stop
into the 60s Bar and sign up or by phone at 06-0044344.
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Thursday January 23
Century Chonburi
(Stroke)
At this time of the year, not only are the courses pretty
full, but the number of golfers wanting to play in the competition are
usually more than we can accommodate. To ensure we have a course to go to we
usually book at least two months ahead, and estimate how many people we
expect to turn up, and this year the inflow of golfers is very large.
Bob
Morrison
There are some courses that are booked up months in
advance, there are others that we can only take the golfers to that we have
booked for, but there are a few courses that are not only reasonably priced
but we can generally slip in a couple of 4 balls. Generally these courses
are the ones farthest from Pattaya and whilst it is a long trip we can
usually have a good day at a reasonable rate.
The Century courses are such, so with a full list we
slipped in a few more and off we went on the long trip to Century Chonburi,
to be met by caddies waiting and the cheapest rates at any course at any
time of the year. So it was a really cheerful bunch of golfers that teed off
despite what has to be the worst changing rooms at any course.
The course was in pretty good condition despite my
trepidation that the bunkers would be in poor condition. They weren’t that
bad and we could cope. The course is a really tough test and well worth
playing.
Kenny
Chung
After a pleasant round it was back to a cold shower and
into the basic clubhouse to await the arrival of the golfers and see what
the day had brought. And it didn’t take long to realise we were going to
have a mixed bunch, especially playing stroke.
The winner in the A flight, 0 to 20, was Bob Morrison
with an excellent net 67 ahead of Jerry Kurtz on net 69, in third was Valun
Siguursson net 70 with Johan Reynisson fourth on net 73.
In the B flight the winner, after 5 years of trying, was
Kenny Chung with a super net 66, well ahead of the rest in his flight. In
second place with a net 73 was Mick O’Connor ahead of a three way tie for
third and fourth. Losing out was T.J. Stockinger. So in third was James
Flanagan with 34 points ahead of Hwang Yong Hwan, also 34 points.
Near pins: No 4 Einar Johansson, No 13 Jerry Kurtz, No 17
Steindor Johansson, there was nobody on at no 7.
Ted
Morris
Long putts: No 9 Jerry Kurtz and No 18 Tarja Kankainen.
Monday January 20
Treasure Hill Country Club
(Stableford)
Nestled just off 311, just short of Noble Place, this
quiet and peaceful “private” club is the ideal location for a fine day
out at a testing golf course, at a reasonable price.
So it was with great expectations of a good day out that
a full house, with the ‘Admiral’ in control, set out for a Stableford
competition on this fine course, played in two flights, A flight 0 to 19 and
B flight 20 and above.
Pete
Galle
After some fine golf in both flights the A flight was won
by Ted Morris with an excellent 41 points, ahead of Royal Sunningdale caddie
Norrie Whiter on 39 points, who is fighting back courageously from major
surgery on both knees. Third with 38 points was Jerry Kurtz and fourth with
37 points was Rick Evans.
In the B flight Big Pete Galle, looking forward to a
‘Top Up’ in the restaurant, was the winner with a very fine 42 points.
Second with 36 points was Kenny Chung, third was Herb Schweiterman with 34
points and fourth with 33 points was Tarja Kankainen.
Near pins: No 2 Don Richardson, No 6 Dan Heidebo, No 13
Harald Gruber and No 17 Sirkka Puikkainen.
Long putts: No 9 Don Richardson and No 18 Norrie Whiter.
Paul Kraft wins after NFL-induced late start
Three Sisters Golf
The 20th of January brought a different finish as the
field got spread out due to the playoff games in American Football. Paul
Kraft, playing with Bill Thompson, got off to a late start but cleared the
field with 42 points. By the time they got in, most of the players had left
Caddy Shack Two. Paul, finally getting his game together after months of
frustrations, powered his way to the top to take the bragging rights.
Paul
Kraft on the comeback trail with his new handicap won the bragging rights at
SCC Monday 20 Jan 03.
Four shots back of was Don Ratcliffe with 38 points. At
first we thought that Don had won the day, but due to cell phones, contact
was made with the latecomers and the word was that Paul Kraft was going to
win the day.
Mr. Kinner was holding the bag, but due to the fact that time was getting
on, he quietly left Caddy Shack Two without getting his picture taken with
the winner of the day.
An Kaesavane gives the lads a golf lesson
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski - Orchid
Sunday January 19
Green Valley - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight - Kevin Taylor - net 64
2nd A Flight - Klaus Schackt - net 68
3rd A Flight - Jack Grindvold - net 68
4th A Flight - Barry Tregurtha - net 70
1st B Flight - Sean Murphy - net 70
2nd B Flight - Wayne Challis - net 73
3rd B Flight - Steve Donovan - net 74
4th B Flight - Paul Ovens - net 75
I’m not even going to mention it this time, but the
clean-up guys struck again. Kevin Taylor drew the short straw and then left
nothing to chance as he shot a career best gross 74 for a well clear best on
the day 64 net.
Two guys who had every reason to be optimistic of their
chances in A Flight with net 68’s, Klaus Schackt and Jack Grindvold, but
were left to sort second out via count back, with the nod going to the
former. Poor Barry Tregurtha (boy, you won’t hear that often) was left
with the low step on the four-place podium with a usually “good enough to
win” net 70.
The action in B flight was reasonably sublime in
comparison with Sean Murphy’s top score of net 70 just equaling Barry’s
fourth, with the balance of the three B positions all garnered by players
who did not match their handicaps.
Monday January 20
Phoenix - Mountain
& Lakes - Blue Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight - Chris Davisson - net 70
2nd A Flight - Tom Breslin - net 77
3rd A Flight - Paul Coutoumas - net 77
1st B Flight - An Kaesavane - net 71
2nd B Flight - Kevin Bowman - net 72
3rd B Flight - Wira Siduang- net 78
I had the pleasure of playing with him and although there
were times the wheels wobbled a bit, it certainly felt like the top spot was
always his. Chris Davisson, ironically, did not hit too many greens in
regulation but was never more than one foot from it. He then parlayed that
position into a par by making continual deft chips, one of which found the
hole and several others of which just rolled across the edge of it. The
dominance that Chris exhibited off the blue tees at Phoenix was made clearer
with a quick review of the balance of A flight which showed Tom Breslin and
Paul Coutoumas in a count back seven strokes adrift.
The belle of the week, and Klaus would say every week, An
Kaesavane showed signs of the extraordinary form that was to occur two days
hence when she dominated B flight with net 70, playing off the 5,829 yard
yellows at Phoenix. It should be noted that the yellow distance represents
an increase of 820 over the standard ladies red tees.
Kevin Bowman, who is establishing himself as a very
consistent visitor with the purchase of a condominium, came second with a
credible net 72 off the blues. It is apparent that Kevin has stepped up his
play to defray that down payment. Wira Siduang edged the old golf manager
for the third and final awards position.
Wednesday January 22
Natural Park Resort -
C & A - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - An Kaesavane - 46 points
2nd A Flight - Rick Sharp - 37 points
3rd A Flight - Roger Bell- 37 points
1st B Flight - Jim Boyd - 41 points
2nd B Flight - Reg Warner - 37 points
3rd B Flight - Tarja Kankainen - 33 points
The title of this week’s article promised it and here
it is: 46 points! That calculates to a gross 79, for the divine Ms. K. (If
she had gotten one more point she could have had the moniker AK-47, but
enough of that). You should have heard the moaning by Jim Boyd, who himself
had 41 points, but was “beaten out by some girl”. Well to have a picture
of his sheepish mug as the math dictated that An went to A flight and he
went to B, straight to the top rung of same. 37 points left Rick Sharp and
Roger Bell dueling in a count back in A flight but sent Reg Warner straight
to the silver in B. Tarja Kankainen edged the third lady in the field, Wira
Siduang, on count back, each having 33 points apiece.
An Eastern Star Junior Golf Championship with a difference
by Mike Franklin
Eastern Star Golf Resort added a new dimension to Junior
Golf by staging the first Invitational Junior Golf Championship as a
thirty-six hole stroke play match between Korea and Thailand, on the weekend
of January 18 & 19, 2003.
Thai
and Korean winners proudly dis[play their trophies after a hard weekend of
golf. Tournament director, Mike Franklin (far right) and ee Geunwoo, golf
professional at the International Golf School Burapha (secoind left) join
the golf stars of tomorrow after prizegiving ceremony at Eastern Star.
Eighty young enthusiastic golfers took part with the
Korean Team, brought to Eastern Star by Mr. Lee Jin Soo, president of Hello
Tours and Alba 21. The ages ranged from 8 to 18 years, set up in three
divisions by age, with the winner and four runner-up trophies to be claimed
in each division. However, the real challenge at this testing Robert Trent
Jones Jnr. Championship course was to win the Team Trophy, to be presented
to the team with the lowest gross aggregate score from the fifteen best
players, five from each division.
One sensed from the outset that this was not just another
tournament, but the chance to play for one’s country. On day one the Thai
team looked sharp, smartly dressed in white TSGU shirts with the Thai flag
and long black trousers. The Thai Students Golf Union, through Khun Seksan
and his staff, skillfully organized the pairings and starting in mixed
Korean-Thai four-balls, with Eastern Star co-ordination ably provided by
Kewalin Horsting, and Eastern Star golf manager, Khun Vanchai. The weather
was fine, hot and windy on both days, and a real test of golf for these
young players, and especially some of the Thai team who had come direct from
a four-day event at Soi Dao to play in the tournament.
It was an early start both days and, as tournament
director surrounded by many of the golfers eager to know the result, I had
my work cut out to complete the final scoring on Sunday in time to announce
the winners and match winning team by mid-afternoon.
There were many fine scores. Division C (12 and under)
was won by Jun Heo (12) for Korea with a 78/76, total 154, the lowest gross
score of the tournament. The best individual 18-hole score was carded by one
of the Korean girls, Park Seon Kyoung (12) with a gross 75 in the Saturday
round.
Kisakorn Chantravichien (14) won Division B (13-15) for
Thailand, with an 82/80, total 162. Lee Myoung Huan (16) for Korea, won
Division A (16-18) with a 78/77, total 155.
The match result was close. The Thai team was narrowly
ahead on the first day, just 20 strokes better than the Korean team.
However, the margin increased slightly on day two and the Team Trophy went
to a jubilant Thai Team. The final ‘Best Fifteen’ result over the two
days was Korea 2560 strokes, and Thailand 2514 (-46). An 18-hole average of
85.3 for Korea and 83.8 for Thailand. So, nothing in it really, just a
difference of 1.5 strokes per player in a close fought and friendly match,
played in the true spirit of the game between two nations that are actively
promoting junior golf.
The championship trophies were presented by Khun Vanchai,
Mr. Lee Jin Soo, Khun Lee Geunwoo, golf professional at the International
Golf School Burapha, and the Team Trophy by Khun Jeerawat, general manager
of Eastern Star.
This was a junior golf tournament with a positive difference, and a first
for Eastern Star Golf Resort. A return match is planned for 2004.
Pattaya’s first hockey tournament huge success
Another ‘first-time-ever’ event in Pattaya City
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya City just organized its first hockey tournament,
held on January 18 and 19 at the central field next to Pattaya City Hall.
The games drew a tremendous crowd on both days and hockey fans cheered as
teams from Chulalongkorn University, Burapha University, Ramkhamhaeng
University, Army, Air Force, Marines, Sathit College, and College of Sports
Science thrilled spectators.
Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat (right) presented the championship trophy to the
captain of the Pattaya City team, which defeated the Cavalryman Club 1 - 0
in the final.
At the professional level, Pattaya City defeated the
Cavalryman Club in the final by the score of 1 to 0, taking home the trophy.
At the student level, Youth Air Force-Army walked off
with first prize.
The championship trophy for the Female General Public
competition went to the Chonburi Sports Science College team, followed by
Ramkhamhaeng University and Khon Kaen University respectively.
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat presided over the opening
of the tournament, which was a new addition to the city’s Anti-Drugs
Campaign 2003.
Nathapol Chinnadet, vice president of Banglamung Hockey
Club said over the years the club has been well supported by the Tourism
Authority of Thailand, and Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Proceeds from the
event will go to Ban Poonsri Uppathom Rehabilitation Center for drug addicts
in Pattaya.
The mayor said hockey is one of the world’s most
popular sports and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports should be encouraging
their young players to be keener in the sport and organize more tournaments
this year.
The mayor added that if our nation’s youth is given more opportunities
in sharpening their skills in sports - any sports - they will be able to
compete in international sporting events and create a name for themselves
and the country.
The Square Ring
By now most everyone knows that Kostya Tszyu (30-1)
successfully defended his undisputed (140 lbs) world title before 35,000
Australian supporters with a “could not come out of the 7 th”
TKO of Jesse James Leija (43-6-2). The Telestra Dome in Melbourne was
rocking, so many probably failed to realize that Tszyu didn’t look sharp
in the very early rounds and was fighting from behind when Leija’s dad
told the referee his son could not continue. “I busted my eardrum. I lost
my equilibrium, my balance,” said Leija. Tszyu put forth the opinion that
sometimes you get hit hard and often enough you lose your balance.
There were a couple of surprising aspects to the fight.
First that Tszyu’s one fight a year plan is not working, as he can’t
afford to give away rounds while the rust is scraped off. Secondly is how
Thailand judge Noppharat Sricharoen could have possibly scored the fight
60-54 for Tszyu when it was stopped. Possible that he marked his scorecard
before he boarded his plan at Don Muang.
Next up for Tszyu will probably be Arturo Gatti (35-6)
sometime in the fall in New York’s Madison Square Garden. It makes good
sense as Gatti is popular there after his two wars against Irish Mickey
Ward. The first fight against Ward was named Fight of the Year in 2002 by
most boxing experts. Yes even I. Giving the possibility of a Tszyu-Gatti
fight even more creditability is the fact that the IBF (International Boxing
Federation) recently made Gatti the number one contender. That means that if
Tszyu wants to keep the IBF belt, and he does, a mandatory bout against
Gatti is in the offing. But then that’s what I just said.
There might have been a new star born, or at least
christened, on the undercard when Mohamed Abdullaev (11-0) stopped former
champ Philip Holiday (38-6-1) 55 seconds into the 4 th
round. If the name sounds familiar Abdullaev won the 139-pound Gold Medal at
the Olympics in Sydney. To capture that he took a 27-20 decision over
American Ricardo Williams who is also undefeated as a professional at 8-0
with 5 KOs. Look for Abdullaev to get a real title shot within 18 months.
“Real title shot?” His win against Holiday presented him with the
“very” prestigious WBO Inter-Continental Title, himself typed dripping
with sarcasm. That “real title shot”, such as it is, will probably come
against WBO Champ DeMarcus Corley (28-1-1) as that’s the only title Tszyu
doesn’t own.
Want to put to bed a myth that’s been around for a
couple of years. Once it was true but now it’s all posturing. Kostya Tszyu
is not a GREAT fighter and the 140-pound division is not the best in boxing.
Tszyu is an honest fighter that gives you 110%. Can’t have a column
without at least one clich้’. That in the books, Tszyu will never be
a superstar anywhere but in Australia. He’s a nice guy but doesn’t have
the “Oscar Flash”. One Yank Idiot, not to be confused with Yank idiots
in general, said, “Tszyu will never be a star in American because he
doesn’t do enough trash talking.” The idiot is Steve Albert who holds on
to his announcing job obviously because he still has some photos from
Christmas parties past. Yanks NEVER take to foreign athletic heroes.
The 140-pound division is but a mere shadow of what it
used to be. When the likes of Trinidad, Mosley and DeLaHoya were around it
was the best. They’ve moved on and up. The 140 pound class now is
relegated to Zab Judah (28-1), Sharmba Mitchell (50-3), Ben Tackie (24-3)
and a never fought anyone Ricky Hatton (31-1). The champ has beaten the
first three and the fourth has no intention of getting in the ring with him.
In short, it’s an interesting group. Nothing more and nothing less.
Maybe I should temper my comments in regard to British
jr. welter Ricky Hatton (31-0; 24 KOs). At 24 years old and everything ahead
of him he could certainly develop into someone that could take control of
the division down the road. He is the WBU Champion, for what that’s worth,
and is taking a “baby step” up in competition when he defends against
veteran “Cool” Vince Phillips (44-7-1) on April 5 in Manchester.
Phillips did not look good in his last outing when losing to Sharmba
Mitchell. Phillips can claim that he’s the only fighter to beat Kostya
Tszyu as a pro. True fact. He’s the “1” in the 30-1. So if Hattan
wins, as expected, he can claim, “I’m the guy that beat the guy that
beat Kostya Tszyu.” That’s probably worth a lot more than being the WBU
Champ. How about them apples?
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