SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

YWCA holds charity bowling in commemoration of HRH Princess Sirindhorn

Panthers build up to the “Manila 10’s”

Royal Garden Plaza hosts its first arm wrestling championships

PSC Three Sisters Golf

Treasure seekers take to the Hills

A very low score

PC Classic, Varuna Gala: Ready to Roll

The Square Ring

P.S.C. Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar

Kennedys on form in Shenanigans Better Ball

The Doc in search of magic recipe for stardom

Shenanigans Friendly Golf Society gets very silly on April 1st

House of the Golden Coin increase first place lead

Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts

P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

P. Galore win the pool league

They think it’s all over

PH3 Run 993 St Paddy’s Day Run

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

YWCA holds charity bowling in commemoration of HRH Princess Sirindhorn

Suchada Tupchai

Chanyuth Hengtrakul, advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, opened the YWCA (Bangkok-Pattaya) Charity Bowling held at P.S. Bowling, Central Pattaya to commemorate to HRH Princess Sirindhorn and to support the campaign to provide lunches for needy kids in Pattaya and Banglamung.

All the winners of the YWCA charity bowling tournament in commemoration of HRH Princess Sirindhorn.

The X-Ray Club won the tournament and earned the coveted HRH Princess Sirindhorn trophy.

Nitaya Patimasongkroh, president of YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya said the association initiated the lunches for needy kids in 1990 to commemorate to HRH Princess Sirindhorn on her 3rd cycle birthday in 1991. The campaign titled “A Warm Family” allotted each designated child 1,500 baht per year until they finish high school.

In the year 2002, there were 368 students from 36 schools who were included in the campaign. The number of schools has increased each year. The association committee realized that they should be creating another campaign this year, which was the lunch for needy kids. The funds raised from the fundraiser aided needy children in the Pattaya and Banglamung area. The association also supports the Anti-Drugs campaign, and many other social community projects.

Winners X-Ray Club gained the highest score and the coveted HRH Princess Sirindhorn trophy. First runner-up Thai Oil 1 team received the Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports trophy. Second runner-up team Alcazar received the Chonburi Governor Sawarng Srisarkun trophy.

In individual honors, Patharapol from Rugby Karajuku team received a trophy from Yuwarat Kamolvej, former Chonburi governor.


Panthers build up to the “Manila 10’s”

Pattaya Panthers Vs The Southerners 15th March 2003

This year sees ‘The Return of The Panthers’ to Manila International 10’s after a one-year absence. In 2001, a good display on the pitch was surpassed only by the team claiming the converted “Most Festive Team Award”.

Physical play was the norm for the day as the Pattaya Panthers did battle with the Bangkok Southerners.

Panthers’ “Man of the Match” Dickie Holt.

In preparation for this year’s up coming rugby tour to Manila, the Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club took to the road. The Panthers headed north, complete with supporters, for a 15-a-side fixture with the Southerners at the International School Bangkok.

It was an early start for the Panthers, with the team meeting in Shenanigans for a ‘healthy’ breakfast before trusting their lives to ‘Khun Schumacher’ and his beloved minibus ... with this man at the wheel there was no chance of being late!

Due to other fixtures involving Pattaya’s sporting elite, the Panthers had to call on the support of the Bangkok British Club and a local Thai University to bolster their squad for what would prove to be a bruising battle with a very physical Southerner’s outfit.

The match was played over four 20-minute periods. The first quarter saw some fierce tackling by both sides: Panthers inside centre, ‘Mocha’, delivering some of the heaviest blows. Outstanding commitment on both sides prevented either team imposing any control on the game.

Eventually the speed and fitness levels of the University players gave Pattaya a slight edge in the early encounters of the second period. Excellent handling and support play created the space and overlap to allow the Panthers to open the scoring midway through the period with a converted try.

The Southerners finished the half with some impressive close interplay between their forwards. Their heavier pack was starting to take control of the game, despite the best efforts of the rejuvenated Panther, Mark Rummery, his decision to have an alcohol free week proved an inspiration ... alas his abstinence did not last far beyond the final whistle.

The first half finished with the Southerners captain, Simon Parks, forcing his way over in the corner, following some tight forward play. Confidence was high in the Panthers camp, going into the half time interval with the score at 5-7 in favour of the visitors.

The second half saw the visiting team line up against a Southerners outfit replenished by numerous substitutions. The injection of fresh legs proved too much for the tiring Panthers. A much heavier Southerners pack were impressive, as their more experienced players combined well to breech the Panthers line twice without reply, to take the score to 19-7.

However, a dogged performance by Panther’s Man of the Match, open side flanker, Dickie Holt, ensured that the Southerners had to work hard for every bit of possession.

Regrouping and with the support of players from the large home team squad, the final period saw the Panthers fight back.

A well worked move between forwards and backs saw Panthers fullback, Wood cross the line for a well deserved try to reduce the deficit to only five points, 19-14. A lack of fitness again took its toll on the Panthers as the home team ran in two late tries, to leave the final score 29-14.

It was a hard fought physical battle, played in excellent spirits, which was reflected in the excellent hospitality offered by the Southerners after the game. Jimbo’s version of the Haka must be repeated!

On this performance the Panthers are off to Manila with a strong squad, ready to make a bid for glory on and off the pitch.

Details of the Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club, upcoming matches, tours and the 4th Annual Pattaya International Rugby 10’s Tournament, can be found at www.pattayapanthers.com


Royal Garden Plaza hosts its first arm wrestling championships

Songklod Kaewvisit

The Royal Garden Plaza Arm Wrestling Championships 2003 were held last weekend on the ground floor of the plaza. Competitors in two categories - under 75 kilos and over 75 kilos - battled it out in front of the crowd with two winners emerging victorious, taking home the first place trophy and 10,000 baht in cash and prizes.

Arthur Fraacx (left) and Adam Klasnic do battle in the over 75-kilogram division.

Arthur Fraacx defeated all comers in the over 75-kilogram division and Komsak Gertsuk won the under 75 kilogram category.

The event was organized by the Royal Garden Plaza in conjunction with the Thai Sports Association and featured Wachara Nooraman, winner of the 85-kilogram class in the Mr. Thailand 2002 bodybuilding competition. Judging by the success of this event we can expect to see a re-match next year.


PSC Three Sisters Golf

On Monday the 16th, Don Ratcliffe with his sore thumb clobbered the rest of the field by three strokes. Don, whose thumb got stuck in a bowling ball and went halfway down the alley with his ball, went easy on his swings and shot one of his better games. He said his thumb was still hurting so it helped in his concentration to swing easy and hit the ball more cleanly. (A lesson for everyone.)

Following three shots back was Bill Thompson at 35 points. Others were close behind but no one made a move on Don as he nursed his hand and strokes around the course.

Holding up the group this week was a new bag holder. Although he has played many a game with the Three Sisters, this was the first time that Joe St. Laurent stumbled and fell into the cellar. Joe must have had one hell of a hangover to have shot so bad. He came in with 21 points to be the bag holder for the week.


Treasure seekers take to the Hills

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

On Tuesday, 18th March, Mr. Loy suffered a mental relapse in Soi Chaiyapool and led his troops blindly up Highway 331 to the course at Treasure Hill for their weekly medal tournament. There is a masochistic streak in many people - how else can one explain the decision by thirty-one poor demented souls to follow him?

But go they did, and in division two Dick Worden took the honours with a creditable net 79, pressed by Sharon Burton on 80 and Andy Anderson on net 81. Dick was so confused by the experience that he forgot to attend the apr่s-golf presentation. Or was it embarrassment? Treasure Hills has that affect on a golfer!

In division one saner minds prevailed and Keith Hector made it two victories in a row with a fine net 74. This was good enough to withstand the challenge of four-handicapper Michael Dige on 76 and regular visitor Bruce Ogilvie on 78.

Appropriately there were no birdie two’s recorded but Bill Hewitt’s nightmare 14 shots on the frustrating sixteenth hole gave him sole custody of the Bunker Banana Booby, declaring later that “bananas and custody” was his favourite dessert.

Back at the Bunker the glazed eyes and blank expressions on many faces betrayed the fact that many had actually enjoyed the day’s golf on a course that continues to frustrate all but the best golfers.

Wilf Latham takes victory at Khao Kheow

On Thursday, 20th March, the Bunker Boys and ladies made a very welcome return to the beautiful course at Khao Kheow after an absence of a couple of months. The course did not disappoint but the speed of the greens took all by surprise. The day was hot and humid as the players teed off on the A and C courses and it soon became clear that those getting to grips with the tricky pin placements would have the advantage.

In the ladies division Margaret Wilkinson’s 33 Stableford points held off the challenge of Natsuda Heitmann with thirty.

Division two saw Norman Robinson fire 35 points, easily defeating the chasing group of Des Pearson (31), David Johnson (30) and George Redgewell (30).

Division one saw the round of the day when Lancashire’s favourite son, Wilf “Blondie” Latham, produced a back nine of such quality that it boosted his first nine haul of a mere 17 points to handicap threatening 40 point total. Such was the power of his play that his gross for the C course was just two over par. Playing partner Bert “Remy” Guy watched in awe as his own challenge petered out and he would only manage 36 points to give him second place. Tying for third were Steve Nowell, Rick Schramm and Keith Hector, all scoring 34 points.

The rain, which had threatened, finally arrived to soak the final group on the last green but did little to dampen the enthusiasm of Ciano Glavinia, who took the Bunker Super Sawng award for his birdie two on A5. Regular visitor, and scratch golfer, Keith Smithson matched Tiger Woods’ drab round at stormy Muirfield in the Open Championship last summer with his 83 (25 points) and received the Bunker Banana Booby by way of consolation.


A very low score

Rising Sun Golf Society

Tuesday 18/3/03
Green Valley

A very low score, 1st Robert Cross (9) 44 pts, first time with the Sun, plays out of Lewiinski’s, member at Siam, some would ask, “is he good at the Mexican hat dance?” I say very good, a gross 73, off 9, 1 over par, is good golf in any language. A long way back in 2nd, Bill Campbell (20) 34 pts edged his nose out in front of the pack.


PC Classic, Varuna Gala: Ready to Roll

by Peter Cummins, Pattaya

Two major events at the Royal Cliff are in store for Pattaya on the 29th of March: the Pattaya Mail PC Classic Royal Cliff Resort International Regatta and the Royal Varuna Yacht Club’s first Gala Dinner.

Bob Garner (left) accepted the permanent PC Classic 2002 Trophy from Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, as “PC” extends his congratulations.

This latter is being held to raise funds for a huge re-building programme of the clubhouse, the facilities and other necessary changes, in keeping with development of the land surrounding the Varuna site.

For the sea-borne activities, everything is falling into place, with the only unknown: Mother Nature. Will the south-westerly, which has been blowing strongly and steadily in Pattaya the past two weeks, stay in?

Nevertheless, race officer supremo, Dick van den Heuvel has the regatta under control and announced this week that he aims to start the racing off the Royal Cliff at 13.00, with the intention of holding two races back-to-back. This will give, according to Dick, “Maximum enjoyment to the sailors and spectators alike”. He announced also that there will be a pre-race briefing at Royal Varuna around 10.00 on Saturday morning. The start times also coincide with a high tide, whereby Dick ensures that the “fleets will be able to sail close in to the foreshore”. But, whether the boats can beach on the Royal Wing Bay is unknown at this stage.

The Royal Cliff luxury catamaran Island Dream will be the committee vessel, and it, too, will present a colourful spectacle, draped with the flags of the 20-some countries expected to participate.

This, the auspicious ninth sailing of the PC Classic, has garnered the best sponsorship up till now, with the supporters, primarily from the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estates, viewing the event as a most environmentally-friendly activity which will promote Pattaya and the environs as a most desirable venue for all manner of marine sports.

The Copeland Corporation, a part of the industrial giant Emerson Climate Technologies, agreed to be the 2003 regatta Platinum Sponsor, thus joining the illustrious other supporters whose contributions greatly benefit Pattaya-Jomtien, the Eastern Seaboard as a whole and Thailand, generally. Among these are Ambrose Wine Limited, Barter Card, Carlsberg Beer, Coca Cola, Jomtien Boathouse, LCB Container Terminal 1, Pattaya City, Pattaya Mail/Pattaya Blatt newspapers, Rieckermann Thai Engineering Co. Ltd., the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the Tourism Authority of Thailand - always a great advocate of sports, especially those which are marine-related.

In fact, yacht racing, sailing and cruising are much in line with the new Ministry of Tourism and Sports and, no doubt, the PC Classic is a ‘happy marriage’ of these two sectors.

As Minister H.E. Sonthaya said in his message to the regatta, “The marriage of tourism and sports is an ideal combination and, especially in the beautiful waters of the Northern Gulf, the sailing of a yacht race close in to Pattaya’s shores makes a marvellous spectacle, beneficial to both tourism and sports.”

The Royal Varuna Yacht Club was founded in July 1957 by two Swiss nationals - Walter Myer and Rachiman Gintzburger. There was something prophetic about these two gentlemen from the Swiss mountains, founding what was to become one of Asia’s best yacht clubs. Walter and Rachiman were joined on that fateful day in July, 1957 by Thai yachting enthusiast HSH Bhisadej Rajanee and US citizen Roberto Maestrini. Thus, the Varuna Marine Club - as it was then called - “set sail”, nautically speaking, to develop into one of Asia’s most prolific yacht clubs, promoting not only yacht racing, sailing and cruising in the Kingdom and abroad but also, by extension, Thailand itself.

His Majesty the King, himself a Gold-Medallist helmsman in regional Games in 1967, honoured the Club on 26 April 1965 by bestowing Royal Patronage, and the Marine Club, established to promote ALL marine-related sports, became the Royal Varuna Yacht Club with the same aims. Consequently, since then the Royal Varuna Club has organized, hosted and managed countless world championships, regional and national events, as well as local and inter-regional regattas, bringing much good press and publicity to Pattaya, the Eastern Seaboard and beyond.

With a new 30-year lease on the splendid property - undoubtedly the best on the Eastern Seaboard - the Royal Varuna membership, under the lead of incumbent Flag Commodore Robert England, is about to embark on a multi-million baht re-building programme, guaranteed to make Royal Varuna a showplace for Pattaya’s marine activities, as well as a worthy neighbour for the beautiful Royal Cliff, the five star resort hotel - voted recently the region’s best in a number of categories.

The organizers of the Royal Varuna Gala Dinner, which they expect will become an annual event, are expecting a big crowd of sailors, city officials and leading personalities in both the public and private sectors, to attend and, by doing so, contribute to the considerable funding needed to proceed with the re-development.

It is fortuitous that the new Varuna will be opened during the Royal Patron’s 76th birthday year.

The Gala Dinner will be held at the Royal Cliff’s Siam Ballroom, commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 19.00 hours, followed by an awards ceremony for the PC Classic. Thereafter, the evening will comprise dinner, interspersed with dancing to music of the Royal Cliff’s trio, an auction, “sailor of the year awards” in various categories and, of course, fun and games for all.

Ticket requests for the Gala should be directed to: Royal Varuna Yacht Club, tel. (038) 215116; fax: (038)215115.


The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Prior to his fight on Sunday with Scott Harrison, Wayne McCullough was quoted by a Glasgow newspaper as saying, “I was underdog when I fought Yasuei Yakushiji for the WBC bantamweight title in Japan and I won on points, so I am not worried about Harrison being favourite.” Both your humble writer (that would be me) and Wayne McCullough were wrong. Scottish Dave and three judges were right as Scott Harrison (19-1-1, 9 KOs) of Glasgow won a UD (119-109, 119-108, 120-108) over McCullough to retain his WBO Featherweight crown. The Mail had the fight 117-111. Harrison landed a really big right hand in the first and “The rest is history.”

With Roy Jones now out of the light heavyweight ranks, WBO champion Dariusz Michaslczewski (47-0) can wear the mantle as best at that weight. Too bad that Jones and Herr Alphabet didn’t meet for a unified title. Twas not to be as Jones was lazy while Dariusz was scared to fight outside Germany. Saturday he’ll fill the new Color Line Arena (14,500) in Hamburg to defend his title against Yank Derrick Harmon (23-3).

Beating the drums for what should be an easy defense, some scribes are asking, “Could this be another Sanders-Klitschko?” My answer? No way. Fritz Sdunek trains Michaslczewski. He agrees. “I think we are going to win this fight. Dariusz will remain the world champion and he will continue to seek for new world records. But we don’t take Harmon lightly. There are similarities to Corrie Sanders. He is little known in Germany but he fought against top opposition in the US. And he also looked very good against Roy Jones. He landed some good punches.”

Me? Derrick is a good guy, he did look good against Jones, but is lazy. He’s done nothing noteworthy since the Jones fight. That’s not good. Michaslczewski gets number 48.

As mentioned, maybe too much, no one has gone from the penthouse to the outhouse faster than the WBC, IBF & WBA Middleweight Champ Bernard Hopkins (41-2-1). He was on top of the world after beating Felix Trinidad. Now his promoter, the lovable Don King, had to pony up $150,000 USD so he wouldn’t be the undercard of the David Tua (42-3) - Hasim Rahman (35-4) heavyweight clash in his hometown of Philadelphia. How could this happen? Hopkins was taken deep with the stupid stick. He ended up in court defending himself in lawsuits and lost both. One of the cases was to promoter Lou DiBella. Guess who promotes Sunday’s fight? Heck you got that figured out.

His opponent in what will be little more than a paid workout will be Morrade Hakkar (28-3). How’s this for planning. Hakkar is a native of France. He fights for a title in Philadelphia, the home of America as a country. Guess who the hometown favorite will be?

There are too many “3-K Batteries” running around Thailand box fighting. One, Fahsung 3K Battery (37-6, 20 KOs) stopped Ajib Salum (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of Tanzania in the 1st to win the vacant IBF Pan Pacific jr featherweight title in Pethchaburi Province. Now, not knowing my “3-K’s” from a hole in the ground, I thought this was a really big deal. “Then upon further review” I discovered that this was really a low ranked Bantamweight and not the WBA Champion Super Featherweight Yodsanan Nanthachi 3-K Battery (40-2-1). Regardless, the not big deal 3-K Battery’s manager/promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang said, “Fahsung 3K Battery has the skills and power to defeat any jr featherweight in the world. That includes the IBF jr Featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.”

On the same card featherweight Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (36-3, 22 KO) defeated Rod Kevcathe (14-6-2). Rakkiatgym’s last outing he was blasted in one by Pacquiao. My reply? Not in this life. Good thing that I’m here to help you keep your 3-K’s all in a row.

Japanese #10 super-fly Daisuke Maruyama (12-0, 12 KO’s) got the 12th W by taking care of Thai Saenchaloeng Mahasapcondo (8-10-1, 2 KOs) in 5. Yukio Wadamine (11-2-1) KO’d Thai #10 light-fly Prabpram Khongphajon (9-8, 2) in 10. The fights were held in Yukihashi, Japan on Sunday last. This time in Las Vegas, WBC #1 ranked Jesus Chavez stopped Carlos Gerena in six. What the heck does that have to do with Thailand? With the win, Chavez gets a fight with WBC superfeather champion Sinimongkol Singmanassuk (42-1) of Thailand. But first...

Singmanassak will face South African Kaiser Mabuza in a ten-round non-title bout as a table setter for WBC bantamweight champion Veerapol Sahaprom’s (40-1) title defense against WBC#12 Julio Gamboa. “I’ll drink to that.” He’ll defend his title for the 10th time against Gamboa, a four-time world title challenger at The Mall Shopping Center in Bangkok on May 1. Many claim that Veerapol is the greatest all-time Thai fighter in 118-lb class. “I’ll drink to that also.”

Filling out the card, WBC#1 and WBC international superbantam champ Napapol Kiatisakchokchai will face South African Thomas Mashaba before a mandatory challenge against WBC superbantam king Oscar Larios.


P.S.C. Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar

Friday March 21
Khao Kheow
(Stableford)

For the second time in two days a P.S.C. outlet visited this great course for a competition, and many of the same players decided to try to beat the course, and as usual most of them failed.

Bobby presents to Bob Benda (L) and Rod Perrin.

Bobby presents to Andy Evans and Laurina Brinn.

At this stage of the write-up I think it fair to say I saw a magnificent shot to the par 3, hole number B3 by Kevin Dunne. As we went to the hole it looked to be nearly in but Kevin said it was at least nine inches away. I do at times like doing these write-ups but unfortunately this time I had left my camera behind, ‘However, chuckle, chuckle’, fancy missing a 9 inch put for your birdie. Kevin said it was at least a foot away but as I am the scribe I reckon it was 9 inches, I don’t get much fun in life. I feel much better as Mr Kevin had forced me to drink too much the night before and I reckon the shakes got him too.

Back to the plot, and it really revolved around a group of escapees from the 60’s Bar enjoying a walk around this beautiful setting. One or two of the players did perform exceptionally well, as Maurice Herberge came in with an eagle but the spoils of the day went to that boring golfer, straight down the middle, Boring Bob Bender, once again the most photographed golfer in Pattaya after his second win at Khao Kheow in two days.

Back in the clubhouse the rush was for the Khao Kheow Beef and this was despite the fact that free food was awaiting back at Bobby Joes. Mick O’Connor who IS in fact a master chef in his other incarnation reckons it’s the sauces that are special, and he should know.

The big worry on the way back in Tim’s new car was would we actually be able to get back to the 60’s Bar before the whole area filled up with cars and spectators for the music festival. Well, we had to park well away and walk but we were first back and it took a long time for the rest to filter in.

Bobby had sensibly laid on a cold cut salad as he realised many would have difficulty getting back and to be honest sitting outside was an experience with the loud speakers, loud, and the crowd full.

We did, however, manage to do the presentation against this backdrop, and it was interesting to note that most of the players stayed outside for a long time watching the world go by.

Winner: Bob Benda

Last: Rod Perrin

Near pins: B3 Kevin (The Putt) Dunne, B8 Derek Brook, C3 Bob Benda and C8 Jim Russel.

Lucky draw: Andy Evans and Laurina Brinn.


Kennedys on form in Shenanigans Better Ball

By Mike Franklin

John and Tai Kennedy returned 47 Stableford points to take first place in Shenanigans March 18th Better Ball Stableford tournament at Pattaya Country Club.

Tai and John Kennedy, shown here with Mike Franklin (center) returned 47 Stableford points to take first place in Shenanigans March 18th Better Ball Stableford tournament at Pattaya Country Club.

Tai shot a below handicap career best, with husband John effectively filling in the gaps where necessary.

Three other pairs scored 45 points each. Lamud Chaidara, with partner Harald Saur, scored 20 points on the back nine, leaving Terry Phur & Michael Anderson and Markku Kallio & Peter Alfthan to take third and runner-up spots respectively. Both pairs had 21 points on the back nine, with Terry & Michael scoring 13 points on the back six, against Markku & Peter’s 15.

Near pins went to Nitza, Mam Trayling, Markku Kallio and, not surprisingly, Im Woodruffe. Tai Kennedy had the long putt on the ninth and Mam Trayling claimed her second prize on the eighteenth.

Scores overall were good on a dry course with hard, but good, greens on a partly overcast, windy hot day.

It was ‘welcome back’ for Lamud Chaidara, Peter Renggli, Bob Lindborg and Terry Phur, and a newcomers welcome to Michael Anderson, John King, John Stinson, Markku Kallio, Peter Alfthan, Harald Saur, Ian Middlemass, Diana Werner. A special welcome was given to Thai golfers Lek Wanliparom, Surin Tangjeaw and Boon Ting.

Everyone received a Free Irish Coffee voucher, as it was the day after St. Patrick’s Day, and Chef Sunny provided an excellent Tuesday 100 baht Special - an Irish Mixed Meat Kebab with all the trimmings.

April 1st, All Fool’s Day, is the next Tuesday outing for ‘Franklin’s Folly’ at Plutaluang South & East. All players off the ladies tees with many technical and performance prizes including long drives for men, ladies and one open to all! Possibly an interesting result for that one! It’s a pairs scramble, so sign-up early at Shenanigans (by Sunday 30th March please), or see Mike Franklin. Entry is just 200 baht and that includes a free Irish coffee. All are welcome to join for a fun day of golf.


The Doc in search of magic recipe for stardom

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 17th March
Noble Place
Stableford

1st: Stephen Beard, 40 points cb9 23

2nd: Phil Groves, 40, cb9 19

3rd: Mikael Andersson, 39, cb9 20

4th: Richard Garland, 39, cb9 18

5th: Mike Dabanovich, 38

The competition was run over the A and B courses at the Peter Thompson designed layout at Noble Place, and although it was a fairly long drive to get to the venue, it was well worth the effort for the day’s contenders, as the clouds loomed but failed to materialise into a storm until all were finished.

“The Doc”, playing for the first time with new irons that had been tailor made for him by local expert Mark Campbell, started slowly but then got the hang of his new weapons, firing a gross 39 on the back nine and easily held off the challenge from Phil Groves on count back, to take the day’s honours.

Mikael Andersson continues to score well off his new handicap and he also held on over the back nine to take fourth place from Richard Garland, with Dabber taking the last available spot on the podium.

The twos were shared between Bob Heath, Fred Ewing, Gordon Langtry, Phil Groves and “The Doc”.

Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Robert Knutsson and Peter Hall.

Wednesday 19th March
Plutaluang
Bogey

1st: Brian Kelly, 1 up, cb9 1 up

2nd: Klaus Lukarsch, 1 up, cb9 1 down

3rd: Peter Emslie, 1 down

4th: Mikael Andersson, 2 down

At last fine weather was the order of the day with little wind and clear skies, and the opportunity to play the testing North and West courses at Plutaluang. Testing indeed as only two players managed to equal or better their handicaps, as the length of the holes with the tees set well back almost to the blues meant that the total yardage was nearer 6,800 yards.

Brian Kelly, still playing under the handicap of an injury, fought through the pain to just edge out returnee Klaus Lukarsch and take his first win in a few months.

Peter Emslie continues to thrive under the tutelage of Richard and just failed to match his handicap with a loss on the last, but that was still good enough to hold out Mikael Andersson, who wilted badly over the back nine after promising much through the front half.

Following his previous success, “The Doc” was to be seen trailing his new clubs behind him in search of another magic recipe for stardom. Perhaps the odd lesson or some practice might help.

The twos were shared between Toi Blair, David Lacey, Fred Ewing, Paul Taylor and “The Doc”.

Back at The Haven Richard welcomed back Klaus Lukarsch, Rick Schramm and Jeff McLaury, the latter from illness that had kept him away for a few weeks.

Friday 21st March
Phoenix - Lake & Ocean
Monthly Medal (Blue Tees)

Division 1

1st: Richard Garland, 67

2nd: Pete Murray, 72

3rd: Per Aschan, 74

Division 2

1st: Peter Emslie, 75

2nd: B J Smith, 76

3rd: Brian Kelly, 79

On a day when thunderstorms delayed the start for almost two hours it was the low handicappers who dominated the scoring in difficult conditions, cold & windy on the front 9 - hot & humid on the back 9.

In Division 1, Richard Garland, after a recent lean spell, played superbly all day to beat his buddy Pete Murray with Per, playing in the same 3 ball rounding out the podium positions, holding off Chris Davisson & Mike Dabanovitch on count back.

In Division 2, the canny Scot Peter Emslie, with his vast experience of Scottish Highland conditions, mastered the chilly wind and thick rough better than most to win narrowly from BJ, with Brian trailing in 3rd beating off Serge and Rick Bevington on count back.

The twos were shared by Bill Kirkpatrick and Mike Dabanovitch.

A day to remember as 27 golfers sat shivering, watching the lightening and waiting for the storms to pass over. A day when the blue tees were as far back as is possible. A day when the pin placings were as difficult as possible. A day when Phoenix said “no rain checks”. A day when we bade a fond farewell to Mark (The Mangler) Campbell off back to work in Trinidad.


Shenanigans Friendly Golf Society gets very silly on April 1st

By Mike Franklin

Shenanigans landlord, Kim Fletcher, encouraged by Shenanigans director of golf, Mike Franklin, added silly elements to the Pairs Scramble taking place on 1st April, April Fool’s Day at Plutaluang, playing the South & East courses.

‘Franklin’s Folly’, so named as it is Mike’s Birthday on April 1st, is exclusively for Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society, but all are welcome to join. The tournament will feature eleven technical prizes - four long putts, four near pins, men’s and ladies long drives and a mixed long drive. That should prove particularly interesting, as everyone will be playing off the ladies forward tees.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the men to find out just how easy it is for the ladies playing from the forward tee-box. With such a distance bonus for the men there should be some really silly low scores.

The winning pair with the best net score will each receive ‘A Free Carvery Every Week for a Year’, together with the ‘Franklin’s Follystars’ Trophy for 2003.

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

Additional ‘pairs’ prizes will go to the best ladies pair - jugs of margaritas; jugs of Heineken to the best men’s pair and bottles of wine to the best mixed pair.

The tournament entry fee for members and non-members will be 200 baht and that includes a free Irish coffee back at Shenanigans. The green fee & caddy fee at Plutaluang will be 580 baht.

The ‘Franklin’s Follystars’ winning pair will also be granted privileged access on the night to the exclusive Shenanigans superstars table which, with the landlord present, exudes congeniality, abundant super chat, some silliness and free flowing consumption of assorted beverages.

This is a foolish and unusually silly event to kick off April with Shenanigans, so sign-up early, in pairs please at Shenanigans.


House of the Golden Coin increase first place lead

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

House of the Golden Coin increased their first place lead by winning three points from Cafe Kronborg while second place Cafe Ole lost four points to Jack & Tar.

Third Place VFW Post 9876 gained slightly on second place after winning two and one half points from Shakey Pete’s and pulled away from fourth place Domicil who lost four points to Nice and Sleazy.

Left to right: Porn 571 series, Kran 207game & Jon 200 game.

Three Sisters gained on the top four after taking all four points from Winchester Club.

Kran, 207 and Jon, 200, rolled the best games of the day. Best series were rolled by Porn, 571 and Kran 548.


Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts

Week 16 of the winter season 2003


P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Tuesday March 18
Royal Lakeside
(Stableford)

Different day different course, it’s not often we play on a Tuesday nor play at Royal Lakeside, but after this visit to this course we have decided to schedule it for May, June (April already booked) because it’s a pretty good course and despite the longer trip we had a full house to play it.

Derek Brook

Tim Holt

Ian Ashenden

Bob Benda

On arrival all who had not played the course before were suitably impressed by the clubhouse and once on the course were also impressed by the quality of the fairways and greens.

On the course, a new experience and a new course for most resulted in generally lower scores with the A flight, 0 to 17, being won by Derek (The K.S.M.) Brook with a fine 39 points ahead of Wayne Koch on 37 points and in a three way count back for third on 36 points Jeff Wylie came third, Yasuo Suzuki came fourth and Rod Beckett just missed out.

Big story in the B flight, 18 upwards, was the win by Tim Holt, with an excellent 40 points. Tim has recently ‘retired’ here and after years of playing our competitions and never even being placed, started his account with a first. Second was Jim Flanagan with 38 points beating Barry Kerr, also 38 points, into third on count back. In fourth was Frank Sinclair with 36 points just beating out Pekka Kunkannan on count back.

The successful day out will lead to further visits and who knows we may even go further a field.

Near pins: #3 Norm Martin, #6 Jeff Wylie, #12 Jeff Wylie and #15 Wayne Koch.

Thursday March 20
Khao Kheow C.C.
(Stableford)

The course as usual was in fine condition, fine fairways and fine greens and the A and C courses were to provide a good if stern test. We also had the local teaching pro, Ian Ashenden playing with us and it is always an education to play with someone like him, even if we did let him join in with a scratch handicap.

In the event, the A flight 0 to 16 was won by Ian with 37 points, and a gross 71, he will play off +1 the next time he plays but it was a pleasure to have his company. Second with 35 points was John McHugh with 35 points ahead of Ebrahim in third with 33 points beating Barry Emery and Kris Helgason on count back.

The B flight, 17 upwards, was won by the best round of the day when ‘Boring’ Bob Benda scored a very good 39 points. Second on 36 points was Reese Wanderwap ahead of Judy Russel on 35 points.


P. Galore win the pool league

After a tense season of cut and thrust pool, P. Galore won the Pattaya Pool League for the second time running. After a bad start where they lost three out of their first four games, they went on an unbeaten run to blow away the opposition and win the league at a canter, thanks in part from their imported professional players. Well done Steve and all the lads.

A party will be held at the bar on Monday the 31st March from 8 p.m. onwards with a fun pool match and lots of good grub from Steve and Simple Simon the mad butcher, so don’t miss it.

Division 2 Champions were Tom and the boys from the Kiss Bar at the top of Soi Six. Losing only one game in the whole season they won by a mile. How will they do next time with the big boys of division one?

The division two party will be held at the Kiss Bar the following Monday, 7th April, so pop along as everybody is welcome.

Once again thanks to all who took part and everybody will be looking forward to next season when the pool league will be even bigger and better.


They think it’s all over

Pattaya Lawn Bowls

Division One

The Likely Lads team, Steve the Streak and Mackem John think it’s all over apart from the shouting as they crushed the Chaplin Spam Heads Vodka Willy and Heineken Jeff (just like squeezing a lemon in Vodka Willy glass). The Likely Lads have one more game left so stay tuned.

Dave the Rave in action.

The all girl team Yingyangs’ Jeang and Thong demolished the Somtams’ Ned the Ted and Dancing Peter, as the latter could not get in to the game. (It was like they did not have enough somtam and sang tip that day.) Jeang’s boyfriend Fat Boy Slim Kevin, who had a night off, prayed for the girls to win to keep his team the Dream Team with a glimmer of hope of staying up in Division One.

Tartan Bar Scots Willy and Diver Daz overcame a fright on the night as bottom team The Cobblers Peter and Dave pushed them all the way.

Division One Results March 20: Yingyangs 27 v 4 Team Somtams, Tartan Bar 19 v 15 The Cobblers, Chaplin Spam Heads 9 v 27 Likely Lads.

Division Two

Bombs away Ginger as Brendan of the Desert Rats blew away the Winchester team with his 100 percent firing, keeping commander Brendan within a shout of going to division one. In the other games, bottom team beat the poor old Coral Reef Team. Lucky Chaplins Came unstuck to T. Ten Thistle, keeping them in with a chance.

Division Two Results March 21: T. Ten Thistle 26 v 7 Lucky Chaplins, Coral Reef 4 v 23 Jan Bar, Musketeers 4 v 23 Asylum 2, Desert Rats 19 v 9 Winchester.

Match of the Week: Tartan Bar v The Cobblers

Player of the Week: Thong

Team of the Week: Likely Lads

Manager of the Week: Mr. Tim


PH3 Run 993 St Paddy’s Day Run

Well here I am back in the land of smiles having another great break from the Hamersley hash again. I then get nominated to be scribe, no worries. A good long bus trip out. Good to see a new a-site! We formed a circle after the late sign ups, then Fini dealt with the new shoes.

When the hares C Face and Compost Heap explained the run, we were told there were two special prizes to be won if you pick up and return the plastic cards at two of the falsies. So off we went with Rottweiler the other hare directing everyone onto the dirt road.

I got off to a good start, after taking the first check ok with Tampax puffing and panting behind me. At the next check I got the falsie but no prize at this one. After that I took a leisurely stroll and caught up with Obewan and we just took our time to get back to the on-in which took approx 1 hour. I thought great country, good trails and a nice rubber plantation just before the on-in.

Back at the A-site we were treated to Rottweiler’s delicious Irish Spring Rolls, there was certainly plenty for everyone, I had at least 4. Good to see the beer security doing well, this week was Haggissimo and Poncho The Pervert. Form a circle calls Fini, then Dr. Pinky and Energizer Bunny took care of the raffle instead of Ewok who seemed to do a disappearing act. The first winning ticket was won by Dr. Pinky again, I’m sure it was rigged?

The first on ice was our bad RA Sir Airhead, something to do with him sponsoring some thin local Thai man who was roaming around the circle with a torn shirt and some bread rolls in his hand. Next Sir Airhead takes the circle and calls in all the Belgians, and then Poncho explains how a survey concluded that the water in Belgium is very undrinkable and dirty. He iced the hares next and almost everyone agreed the run was great.

Well you guessed it I am called in to take a seat, which I am used to by now. I got my welcome back mate and Airhead told everyone my badman story. Next in were the Germans on ice Stupid Kraut K, K Cooker, Chunk of Blue Cheese and Poison P who got his name after experimenting with Tiger Balm on his old fellow. Fini called in the virgins for a welcome and a down-down.

A couple of anniversaries next, Star Trek 100th run today and Energizer Bunny 50 runs today, well done. V.V. called in for his upcoming 69th birthday. The hares were in next for the hares song to the tune of When Johnny comes marching Home Ya Ho! Ya Ho! Well done boys. Sir Chicken F takes the circle, first in T4 to accuse a virgin of sitting on his seat and breaking it. Now he has to stand so this will wear his shoes out quicker.

While all this is going on I hear this revving motor cycle as it goes through the circle, apparently Lord Lucan paid Evil Knievel 50 baht to do a wheelie through the circle? To finish off I was called in on ice again with some Aussie mates and Sir Chicken F sang the ugly song. Then it was time for the hash hymn done by a percentage of the hashers. Anyway great circle and a good bus trip back into town with Hagissimo and his mate entertaining us at the rear of the bus with their songs. Then into the Classroom for Happy Hour with a great helping of Irish stew. Well done and thanks Compost Heap.

On-On The Badman


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