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Berra and Edmunds take the podium in Shenanigans better ball
Mike Franklin
No excuses at Plutaluang on the South & East courses
in Shenanigans May 27th Better Ball Stableford competition, as the weather
was fine and the course in excellent shape.
Mike
Franklin (left) congratulates Usa Chaiyusit (right) who claimed the near pin
prize on South #4 and sank the longest first putts on South and East #9s.
Philippe
Berra and Dennis Edmunds had 51 points and claimed the winner’s spot.
This
pairing of Ken Mau (2 new hips) and Alan Pearce (2 new knees) scored 50
points between them but only came second to a 51 point total!
The many fine scores returned included 49 Stableford
points from Herbie Ishinaga and Ian Edwards, who surely anticipated the
runner-up prize in the knowledge that playing partners Alan Pearce and Kenny
Mau had a 50 on the card. However, that was not to be as Philippe Berra,
partnered by Dennis Edmunds, had 51 points and claimed the winner’s spot.
Never out of the limelight, Usa Chaiyusit claimed the
near pin prize on South #4, and sank the longest first putts on South and
East # 9s.
Newcomer Patcharee Kulsai was nearest on South #7; Chant
Schwulera on East #2, and Kenny Mau, the only men’s technical winner,
nearest on East #5.
It was the usual very friendly party night back at
Shenanigans, with a delicious Paprika Chicken dish on the menu as the
Tuesday Special to start things off.
Dennis Edmunds was welcomed back (especially by Philippe
Berra), while Patcharee Kulsai and Leonard Smoot from the U.S Marine Corps
Air Wing here for Cobra Gold, were given the Shenanigans newcomers welcome.
The next challenge, on Tuesday 10th June, is at Burapha
West course for a pairs scramble. Sign-up, in pairs please, on the notice
board at Shenanigans.
Local pros fare well at Singha Pattaya Open
Burapha 22-25 May 2003
With the exception of a few international stars such as
Tongchai Jaidee (who happened to be pre-occupied at Wentworth in England
playing on the European Tour), the cream of Thailand’s professional and
amateur golfers converged on the beautiful Burapha complex last week for the
Singha Pattaya Open.
(from
left) Pattaya’s golf professionals: Ian Ashenden, Darren Robson and Mike
McLaren in front of the leaderboard at the Singha Pattaya Open, Burapha Golf
Course. All of them made the cut and competed against Thailand’s top
golfers over the weekend.
Normally regarded as a fairly easy resort-type course
from the forward tees, the East course at Burapha was transformed into a
great test of golf with long, thick rough, firm, fast greens and tees that
measured very nearly 7000 yards for this Thai TPC Tour event.
The Pattaya golfing community was well represented with
local PGA Professional Mike McLaren from Pattaya Driving Range (3rd Road)
and teaching professionals Darren Robson from Greenway (Sukhumvit), Ian
Ashenden and Sakkarin Sawatdee from Pattaya Golf Academy (Thepprasit Road)
all taking part.
With the 36-hole cut on Friday evening at 6 over par, all
four were comfortably positioned on or around par. Leading Pattaya
Professional after the final round was seasoned campaigner Mike McLaren who
finished 1 under par, albeit with what for him was a disappointing finishing
74.
Sakkarin shot a good final round 71 to finish level par
for the tournament whilst Darren and Ian both finished with creditable 2
over par totals for the 72 holes.
As can be seen from the photograph, none of our local
guys were unfortunately near the winner, Thai star ‘Thaworn’ who
finished an amazing 24 under par and four shots clear of Bangkok-based Scot,
Simon Yates and Thailand’s ‘Chawalit’.
All three top players shot a 64 at least once during
their four rounds which is amazing testament to their superb ability, and
Thaworn showed Thailand’s golfing TV viewers just exactly why he was top
of the leader board as he fired five consecutive birdies live on television
Sunday afternoon.
Next stop on the TPC Tour is Springfield in Cha Am, north of Hua Hin
where Mike, Darren and Ian will all be competing from 19th to 22nd June.
Follow their progress on ITV or UBC Channel 31. In between their competitive
outings, all three pros are offering good deals for courses of lessons
during the low season. Contact any of them at their respective ranges for
information.
Ratchapat Suandusit Institute captures ‘Beach Soccer University Cup 2003 Championship’
Songklod Kaewvisit
This year 12 universities submitted their best beach
soccer players to play in the Beach Soccer University Cup 2003 to win a cash
prize of 100,000 baht.
The tournament commenced on May 23rd at Pattaya-Jomtien
Beach near Sigma Resort Hotel. ITV broadcast the matches to audiences at
home.
Teams Ratchapat Suandusit Institute and Ramkhamhaeng
University faced each other during the final match played on Sunday, May
25th.
During the mid break, Tui-Theerapat and Silly-Fool,
famous alternative bands in Thailand entertained the crowds gathered on the
beach to watch the games.
Ratchapat Suandusit Institute defeated Ramkhamhaeng 4 to
3. Third runner-up was the Bangkok University. The winning team went back
home with a huge trophy and 100,000 baht in cash.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar
Friday May 30
Bangpra
(Stableford)
One thing Bobby is an expert at, is getting over a
hangover. You can always expect to see him there in the morning when you
arrive, chasing the cook, to get the food ready I mean. Usually having a few
drinks with him and Bob Benda the night before, Bob and I have decided Bobby
is a scratch drinker whilst Bob and I are high handicappers.
Rod
(center) presents to Tim (R) and Claus.
Ready to
go.
This is why breakfast is such an adventure; if I can eat
breakfast I can get through the day and this week I was on the wagon so the
meet in the morning was a pleasure. It was like sitting in a bar and being
sober. The food even tasted, amazing.
Anyway onto the reason for being there, golf, and it was
a pleasure to sit there and contemplate a round at one of the finest in the
area, Bangpra, and knowing we were in for a treat. So we left sharp on nine
as not only was it the promise of a fine day but Bangpra had their Monthly
Tournament starting immediately after us and we wanted to start before them.
So we did with their early starters queuing up behind us and in fact
slipping a couple of 5 balls in at the 9th which slowed us down on the back
nine. But who cares on a beautiful day and on a beautiful course.
On the course some fine golf was played, particularly in
the last group where three of the top scores of the day were posted. Tim
Holt produced his best round ever in Thailand and at last reminding us he
can play some sparkling golf.
So the drive back to Pattaya for our group, in Tim’s
new car, was a fine one with only Humpty Dumpty not winning, but blow me
down when it came time for the lucky draw out came his name, the luck of the
Irish, for his tee shirt. This made him happy as his son was returning home
and it would be a fine going home gift for him.
Of course we were treated to one of Bobby’s specialties
as we tucked into his chili con carnie and fresh crusty bread before we had
our guest presenter Rod Perrin doing the honours. It has to be said here
that Bobby was sober but seemingly his sister emailed him from the U.S.A.
that she really preferred pictures of Rod, and who are we to disappoint a
lady.
Winner: Tim Holt
Near pins: #2 Claus Thomsen, #8 John Sinclair, #12 Paul
Kraft and #17 Derek (B) Brook.
Long putts: #9 Johnny Katz and #18 Steve Nowell.
The Monthly Mug
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Thursday May 29
Siam C.C. (Stroke)
The playing of the Mug means another month nearly over.
Are the months really getting shorter? Or is it just that we get to play
such good golf that time flies by? Whatever the answer is, another Mug rolls
into the record books after being played at its new home: Siam.
Songkran
presents the Kronborg Monthly Mug to Kenny Mau.
The field for this competition was as usual full, and a
fine bright morning at Siam meant that as usual all the players got underway
on time, chased onto the tee by The Warlock himself and such was his message
of ‘don’t dawdle’ that the players sped around the course and all
finished in good time. This was despite the course itself being not in the
best of condition with many of the greens sanded and the ball jumping all
over the place.
At this point it is interesting to note that since moving
the Mug to Siam from Phoenix the winning scores have risen and the first
three competitions at Siam the winning score has averaged 67 whilst the last
5 at Phoenix averaged 63.5. Who said you can prove anything by facts?
As the results came in it became obvious that the winning
score once again would be pretty average, and in fact only three people beat
net 70, and you guessed it, they were all in the B flight. No complaint from
me as with a net 70, I managed to slip in and win the A flight and this
meant a nice easy afternoon as I got Mick O’Connor to do the presentation
to save me presenting to myself. Of course Mick didn’t mind as his son
played in the competition. That’s my Dad up there.
So the A flight was won by Derek Brook with a net 70,
ahead of a four way count back on net 71 which saw Jeff Couch in second
ahead of John Emerson in third and Marcel Wittwer in fourth. The unlucky
Herbie missed out in fifth.
In the B flight Claus Thomsen slipped into first place
with a net 69 on count back ahead of in second Jimmy Flanagan. Third and
fourth was also decided on count back on net 70 with Dick Caggiano coming
third and Dick Worden fourth.
So onto the big one and here we had a nice surprise as
Kenny Mau came in ahead of the field with a net 67. Well done Kenny, and
last seen Kenny was ‘Mau’ enjoying having his Mug filled up by the
losers.
Near pins: #4 Serge Straeton, #8 George Bennison, #12
Phil Bystrom and #16 Lionel Rowles.
Long putts: #9 Paul Kraft and #18 Marie Rowles.
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday May 26
Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy Golf Course South & East Layouts
(Stroke)
Philippe Berra (left)
receives congratulations from Dave Richardson.
A pretty full field of 33 players reported to the Royal
Thai Navy’s South and East layouts for a Stableford competition in two
flights, A flight 0 to 18 and B flight 19 and up.
The A flight was won by Philippe Berra with a fine 40
points ahead of Bob Morrison in second with 39 points and Peter Vanderworp
in third with 38 points.
The B flight was won by Irish Mick O’Connor with an
amazing 43 points ahead of Tyrone Bridge in second with 38 points and in
third was Mick’s son Andy with 36 points.
Plutaluang continues to improve and with its low green
fees and excellent value clubhouse is becoming a must for a visit.
Near pins: S4 Brian Holden, S7 Marcel Wittwer, E2 Mick O’Connor and E5
John Swanson.
Good ole Erle Kershaw wins end
of the month bragging rights
PSC Three Sisters Golf
Monday the 26th brought out 24 golfers vying for the
Three Sisters "End Of The Monthly Winner". The winner at the end
of each month gets his name put on the Three Sisters Trophy that was donated
by Andy Bettany. This Monday was the day and the competition was hot and
heavy.
Winner
Erle Kershaw (right) and Marvin Smith (left), who was left holding the bag.
Winning the bragging rights and the next name on the
trophy was good ole Erle Kershaw. Erle shot the game of his life as he came
in with 42 points edging out titanium hips Kenny Mau by one. It was Erle’s
day as he hit his drives down the middle and had his flat stick working.
Kenny, coming in with 41 points, thought he had a shot at the title but Erle
cut him down.
Following close behind the leaders were Ian Edwards and
Eddie Rudkin with 40 points and Paul Kraft closing in with 39. Two others
were at 37 points - Carl Baumann and Dick Caggiano. It was a tight race to
the finish but Erle managed to hang in there to take the title of braggart
for the day.
Again this week the geriatrics fought it out for the bottom spot. Rollie
Weese, Jim Tully and Marvin Smith, whose average age is 75 years old, had a
nip and tuck game to see who would end up with the bag this week. At one
point it looked like Tully might just wrest the bag away from Marvin, but
Marvin managed to somehow retain his grip and with a mighty jerk of his club
managed to take the extra stroke needed to get a firm hold of the bag,
coming in with 25 points. Tully, with a big smile, managed to come in with
the needed 26 points to climb out of the cellar.
2nd Annual BCCT Bangkok vs Pattaya Challenge
The British Chamber of Commerce in
Thailand will run its 2nd Annual Bangkok v Pattaya Challenge on June 21st at
Plutaluang. Players will use a System 36 Format, with the top 30 net scores
counting for each side. We are hoping to beef up the Pattaya side, which
lost by the narrowest of margins last year. It promises to be a great day
out and a terrific networking opportunity. For details contact Greg Watkins,
executive director of the BCCT at: [email protected] or by phone at 02 651
5350-3.
Rab’s back
Rising Sun Golf Society
Thursday 29/5/03
Burapha GC
Things have been quiet at the Rising Sun, but there was a
good turn out for this event, thanks in part to the reduced vouchers from
Thepprasit Golf Range. The course was in great condition after the Singha
Open. Rab McDonald (10) came in with 42 pts, playing under his PSC hcp -
good shooting from the Scot. Gerry Cooney (8) 2nd with 37pts, played very
well but slipped up in 2 holes. Everyone else drowned their sorrows in the
bar, what might have been IF.
PSC Fishing from the 60’s Bar
We haven’t had a fishy story for some time, as we haven’t
caught any monsters, or been on any three-day trips, but life goes on as
normal and day trips continue to depart at intervals from Bobby Joes 60’s
Bar.
All
smiles, Bua takes her boat out.
A fine
fish - suggestions say a wolf mackerel.
Those
fine golfers Mick and Andy leave for a day out
Didn’t
I do well?
The trips offer good deals for P.S.C. members and a great
day out on a Thai Fishing Boat with a few fish thrown in for the ‘Barby’.
Yesterday a family trip took place on Bua’s Dolphin
with many small fish caught, a large ray lost after an hour’s fight and
two tasty pompano hauled in to grace the frying pan.
Trips take place regularly and you can check up by contacting Bobby on
038 361115, email the60sbar@ yahoo.com or fax 038 412213.
Pattaya prepares for the
‘World under 18s Beach
Volleyball Championship’
in August
World-class competition adds to city’s image as a sporting and tourist venue
Songklod Kaewvisit
The men and women’s ‘Under 18 World Beach Volleyball
Championships’ will take place on Jomtien Beach from August 27 to 31.
Chanyuth Wongprasert, president of the National Beach Volleyball Association
and Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat said the city’s administrators are
ready to hold yet another world class sporting event.
Chanyuth
Wongprasert, president of the National Beach Volleyball Association.
Competitors from six continents will battle it out in
Jomtien over 4 days on 5 international standard courts, complete with
spectator stands.
Mayor Pairat said, "We are honored that the National
Volleyball Association has chosen Pattaya for the venue to host the
competition. We have already held similar competitions and so we are
completely ready for this event. Another world championship event will
promote our city as a center for sports and tourism."
Competitors will stay in the beachside hotels near the competition
grounds and the city has called for further cooperation from business
operators to give support to the event.
Eastern Seaboard Charity Boxing
tournament to be held on June 16
Thepprasit Boxing Stadium to stage stunning display of Thailand’s ancient martial art
Suchada Tupchai
A Muay Thai boxing tournament, to raise funds for
charity, will be held at the Thepprasit Boxing Stadium on Monday June 16.
PBTA
president Thanes Supornsaharangsri and Atthapol Wannakij joined Mayor Pairat
Suttithamrongsawat at city hall to announce the details of an upcoming
charity boxing tournament.
The art of Muay Thai has been struggling of late after an
increase in popularity of other martial arts introduced into Thailand. So,
this tournament aims to begin to restore and preserve of the ancient art of
Muay Thai in the eastern region and fighting skills handed down over many
generations.
Proceeds from the boxing matches will be used to purchase
sporting equipment for Pattaya’s 10 schools, as well and promote Muay Thai
in Chonburi Province.
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat and Manit Boonchim,
director of the TAT Central Region 3 office will preside over the opening of
the event since the city, TAT and the PBTA are strong supporters of the
event.
The matches will begin on June 16 from 8 p.m. at the
Thepprasit Boxing Stadium with a total of 11 fights to be held on the night.
Chaiyant Limcharoen - well-known boxing promoter from the nationally
recognized Lumpini Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, is promoting the event.
Mark Gorda is unstoppable
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 19th May
Natural Park Resort
Stableford
1st: Paul Hartley, 43 points
2nd: Duncan Lee, 39
3rd: Richard Garland, 38 cb9 21
4th: Trevor Schirmer, 38 cb9 18
5th: Al Rolnik, 36 cb9 20
Following an extended absence, the players from the Haven
returned to the Resort course with a splash, as one of the contestants took
an unscheduled visit to one of the numerous lakes that are normally to be
avoided on the way to a good card. To his credit Phil Mitchell still
recorded a gross 80 to finish just out of the prizes.
Paul Hartley had a personal best score to notch up his
first win for some time by four clear shots from Duncan Lee. Richard
Garland, revelling in the fact that his long time adversary,
"Shaky" Pete Murray, has a multitude of worries and
responsibilities since taking on a new house, and house guest complete with
two kids, mother in law, a dog and a cat and is now looking for a bigger
place to move into, took third on count back from "The Sheepshagger"
and "Big Al".
The twos were shared between "Sumo Phil" and
Usa Chaiyosit.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Tim Hansell from the USA and
welcomed back Dave Lee from England.
Wednesday 21st May
Pattaya Country Club
Bogey
1st: Mark Gorda, 5 up cb9 3 up
2nd: Serge Straeten, 5 up cb9 1 up
3rd: Stephen Beard, 4 up cb9 1 up
4th: Trevor Edge, 4 up cb9 all square
With the clouds looming all through the day, it was a
surprise that the whole group finished without getting wet either by the
weather or extra curricular activities.
Mark Gorda, playing his best golf recently, continued to
sweep all before him as he squeezed out Serge Straeten over the last nine
holes with two solid nines that did not include any double bogeys. Serge
started with an exceptional series of pars to go four up on the front nine
and continued through the back until the last two where he stood seven up
only to see two wayward shots lose the holes and the competition.
The twos were shared between "Big Al’ Rolnik and
B.J. Smith.
Friday 23rd May
Siam Country Club
Monthly Medal
2nd Division
1st: Mark Gorda, 68
2nd: B.J. Smith, 72
3rd: Trevor Schirmer, 73
1st Division
1st: Stephen Beard, 68 cb9 30.5
2nd: Owen McSweeney, 68 cb9 32
3rd: Phil Groves, 68 cb9 33
In the second division, Mark Gorda again proved to be
unstoppable as he swept to his second win of the week by four shots and
easily kept ahead of the battle between B.J. and Trevor for the title of low
handicapper.
The first division again saw "The Doc" in fine
form although he only just managed to pip the two Aussies with a tremendous
back nine of 38 gross net 30.5 from Owen McSweeney, whose count back would
normally have walked into first place. "Sumo Phil" again showed
great promise in third, without the added pressure of "Pom
Throwing", but also just lost out with another good count back.
The twos were shared between "Little Jimmee",
"Big Al", Trevor "The Sheepshagger", and Daryl Harris.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Jason
Payne and Rich Wibrow from England and also welcomed back Fred Streeter,
Daryl Harris, Keith Huxtable, Owen McSweeney all from Perth Australia and
Malcolm Clare from the North East of Thailand for a couple of R & R days
in Fun City.
Monday 26th May
Green Valley
Bogey
1st: B.J. Smith, 6 up
2nd: Trevor Schirmer, 3 up
3rd: Steve Mathews, 2 up
4th: Mark Gorda, 1 up cb9 2 up, cb6 3 up
5th: Christoph Vielle, 1 up cb9 2 up, cb6 2 up
The ongoing saga between B.J. and the Sheepshagger
continued at a roaring pace as they both strived to master the other over
the testing Green Valley layout designed originally by Peter Thompson but
now being redesigned, presumably by Fred Bloggs, who is doing his best to
spoil a good walk even more. On the day B.J. swept ahead in the race to a
bogey handicap by three shots, leaving Trevor taking stock of his golf
equipment for the auction brochure to be produced shortly. Inside info: size
ten golf shoes are definitely one of the lots.
Steve Mathews got the only two of the day and therefore
swept the pool including the carry over.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new members Callum Mackie from Australia
and Christian Pogetti from Italy.
Wednesday 28th May
Natural Park Hill
Stableford
1st: Bob Lindborg, 39 points
2nd: Daryl Harris, 36 cb9 18 cb6 14
3rd: Steve Mathews, 36 cb9 18 cb6 10
4th: Pete Murray, 35 cb9 22
5th: Phil Groves, 35 cb9 19
Bob Lindborg had one of his exceptional days when
everything went almost exactly to plan and he led the field home by a clear
three shots. All the more creditable as the greens keeper had obviously had
a very bad time at home and was determined to exact revenge on someone with
the pin placements, which would have been unacceptable to even those playing
on the professional tours.
Daryl Harris led home the chasing pack with his best
result during this tour, albeit by count back from the improving Steve
Mathews and the big hitters Shaky Pete and Sumo Phil a further shot back.
The twos were shared between Shaky Pete, Big Al and the
Doc.
Back at the Haven Richard welcomed back Peter Emslie from
an extended holiday in Scotland where he had watched Rangers play Celtic
fourteen times in 7 weeks in the Scottish Premier Football League.
Friday 30th May
Khao Kheow
Country Club
Stableford
1st: Mark Gorda, 39 points cb9 20
2nd: Phil Groves, 39 cb9 19
3rd: Callum Mackie, 34 cb9 16
4th: Dave Lacey, 34 cb9 14
5th: Mo Bertrand, 33
Following the previous outing where the pin positions
were difficult, the day’s outing to Khao Kheow proved even more testing
with the flags nearly all tucked away in the corners or edges of the greens
making three putts the norm rather than the exception. Big and straight
hitting was rewarded and allowed some leeway if the greens were hit in
regulation, as born out by the front runners Mark Gorda and Phil Groves,
with the former just getting the better over the latter over the last three
holes and squeezing him out on count back.
Callum Mackie took his first podium position out of The
Haven on count back from Dave Lacey with Mo a very surprised prize winner in
the final slot.
To put the final icing on the cake Mark Gorda shot the
only two of the day and therefore collected all the day’s spoils.
Richard welcomed new members Donald Everett and Noel
McKenna from Australia and welcomed back Ray Walton, Tony Quaid and Darrell
Paull.
Julian Clarke shoots level par off the stick!
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Special congratulations to three of our local pros, Mike
McLaren, Ian Ashenden and Darren Robson who competed in last week’s Singha
Pattaya Open at Burapha, all of whom did us proud by making the cut and
finishing in the money! And can we possibly forget to acknowledge the
efforts of Neil "ya got 10 seconds" Cameron, who has now added
"Caddy to the Stars" to his near legendary sobriquet of "Clubmaker
to the Stars".
Sunday - 25th of May
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight - Julian Clarke - net 67
2nd Place A Flight - John Emmerson - net 70
3rd Place A Flight - Gerry Power - net 70
1st Place B Flight - Jim Munns - net 70
2nd Place B Flight - John Hillier - net 70
3rd Place B Flight - Jez Lees - net 72
If you follow this column you are well aware that Julian
Clarke, the Houstonian who is a transplanted Brit, has been hot since his
arrival in Pattaya some two weeks ago. He isn’t leaving yet, but perhaps
he has put an exclamation point on this visit with a sparkling even to par
round of 72, which coupled with his miserly 5 handicap, left him as Man of
the Match with a net 67. It can well be said that such an effort was needed
where his two mates, John Emmerson and Gerry Power, on the second and third
rung of the A Flight podium, respectively, plus Jim Munns and John Hillier,
the top two in B, all bettered their handicaps with net 70s. The final open
position, that being the third step on the B podium, was garnered by Jez
"Yips’ Lees who’s victory emphasized the value of VHS (the Variable
Handicap System).
Tuesday - 27th of May
Laem Chabang - C & A - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st - Rick Sharp - net 67
2nd - Seamus Brennan - net 72
Like a hibernating bear, you don’t want to be around
The Hermit when he wakes up. Those who were bore the brunt of a
five-clear-of-the-field net 67 by venerable Rick Sharp. The game is always
rattling around in those bones and rears its head when the competition or
the courses call it out. Seamus "Shameless" Brennan who is
frustrated because his handicap won’t go down, despite collecting medals
all the time, joined Rick at the pay window. Gee, neither The Donkey nor
Papa ever feels that way!
Wednesday
- 28th of May
Burapha - West Course (C & D) - Blue Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight - Joe Mooneyham - 39 points
2nd Place A Flight - John Hillier - 37 points
1st Place B Flight - Colin Davis - 42 points
2nd Place B Flight - Seamus Brennan - 39 points
Friday - 30th of May
Khao Kheow - A & B - Yellow Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place - Pete Stonebridge - net 75
2nd Place - Jim Brackett - net 78
3rd Place - Lee Lepper - net 79
Bill Macey tames Treasure Hill
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Tuesday, 27th May, the Bunker Boys took the well
trodden journey up Route 331 to the enigmatic course at Treasure Hill. When
they arrived they found the course in excellent condition which prompted
many to declare the fairways to be in the best condition they had seen. In
this state this makes the course a much fairer test of golf even though
accuracy is still paramount.
In division two both Len Jones and Norman Brooks managed
to keep their rounds together to tie at the top of the leader board with
very creditable scores of 34 points. This was five points clear of John
Preddy and Mike Parsons, both sharing the runners-up place.
In division one the only sub par round of the day was
recorded by Bill Macey. Bill is a twelve handicapper who usually manages to
keep the ball on the fairway and this consistency rewarded him with a fine
38 points, a country mile ahead of nearest rivals Harry Riley and Terry Phur
on 31 points each.
Bill also had the honour of recording the day’s only
birdie two and he was subsequently presented with the Bunker Super Sawng
award. In golf nothing is ever certain but the return of "Dutch
Dandy" Sunny Ruthsip lent an air of inevitability to the Bunker Banana
Booby award and this he shared with Neil Griffin, both posting the lowest
scores of the day.
King for a day at Natural Park Resort
There are only a few golf courses that always draw gasps
of appreciation from players and one of these has always been Natural Park
Resort. Excellent management and programmed maintenance continue to produce
a course of the highest quality, with colourful backdrops and lush fairways.
On Friday, 28th May, the Bunker Boys reacquainted
themselves with the course when they visited for their weekly Stableford
competition. They were presented with excellent facilities and fast greens (Stimpmeter
#9).
In division two the Bunker’s quickest golfer, John
Preddy (Stimpmeter #10), showed a welcome return to form with a fine display
recording 38 points, two ahead of nearest rival Gerhardt Schulze, with
"Sunny" Ruthsip scrambling to 31 points in third place.
Division one was all class, with the Bunker’s fastest
talker, Harry Riley (Stimpmeter #12) holing an amazing 190 yard second shot,
over water, on the par four A4 hole. His round of 40 points gave him a share
of second place with partner Saranya, playing the course for the first time.
But well out in front was the thoughtful John King who shot a stunning score
of 43 points off his sixteen handicap, without doubt the round of the day.
Harry Riley’s eagle effort secured for him the Bunker
Super Sawng award and new boy David Levi celebrated his rookie status with
the Bunker Banana Booby for his low score of the day. Back at the Bunker
afterwards the abiding memories were of quality golf on a quality golf
course.
Mio’s 610 series leads House of the Golden Coin to four points
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Captain Mio led her House of the Golden Coin team with
games of 185, 201, and 224, for a 610 series, to take all four points from
last place Cafe Kronborg. Captain Kran was best for Kronborg with a 521-pin
count.
200
Bowlers, La, Christian and Mio.
Shakey Pete’s moved up from sixth to fifth after taking
four points from a slumping VFW Post 9876 team. Captain La led Shakey Pete’s
with a 201 game and 552 series and Toy knocked down 515 pins. Tue was best
for VFW Post 9876 with 547 total pins and Christian had a 200 game and 523
bowling as a spare.
Winchester did it again, winning four points for the
fourth week in a row and knocking Three Sisters down to sixth place. Konrad
led Winchester with a 534 series, 648 with handicap.
Jack & Tar took three points from Cafe Ole and Nice & Sleazy took
three from Domicil with below average bowling by all four teams.
Moon shines over
Greenslade and Brooks
Moon Schwulera had the best score of the day in the May
Diana Seniors & Ladies Open at Pattaya Country Club. Her forty-five
Stableford points should ensure a further handicap drop to reward her
steadily improving game. Runner-up to Moon in the ladies category was Yupa
Chaipanya with a creditable forty points.
The Seniors performed a little better than the Super
Seniors, headed by Paul Greenslade with forty-one points beating Chris John
into second place on count back. Thirty-eight points was the best in the
Super Seniors, carded by Norman Brooks. Bernie Tuppin and Arthur Bailey both
had thirty-seven points with Bernie taking the runner-up spot on count back.
The weather was very good with a cooling wind, and the
course in good condition.
Near pins were claimed by George Meigh, Moon, newcomer
Hakken Widestedt and Nora Haugsjordet. Paul Greenslade and John Healy had
the longest first putts on # 9 and # 18. Thirty players took up the May
challenge and most were in attendance for the prize-giving at Pattaya
Country Club.
The next outing is on June 26th, so sign-up please at the
Green Bottle or Diana Driving Range. The competition will be Singles
Stableford as usual.
Pattaya Pool League
Mickey Mouse Darts League
The Mickey Mouse Darts League champions, Pleasure Dome, started the new
season by taking both game and beer from the Rising Sun. Last season’s
wooden spoon winners, Palmers, rose to the occasion by also taking both
game and beer on the first night of the new season. The remaining teams
all shared the honors on the night.
Next Week’s Fixtures (06/06/03)
PSI Bar v Pleasure Dome
Bunker v Palmers
Rising Sun v Devonshire
Smugglers v Cheers
Pattaya Lawn Bowls
Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts
Week 3 of the Summer Season 2003
Fitness Tips: Weight loss at health clubs more successful than going solo
A recent survey commissioned by the International Health,
Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) found that health club weight
management programs achieve a higher success rate than programs unaffiliated
with health clubs.
According to the survey involving 116 million people, the
most popular weight loss strategies outside of a health club were outdoor
exercise (48 million) and home exercise (47 million). But only 17% of those
people considered themselves successful in achieving their weight loss
goals.
However, of those who exercised at health clubs to lose
weight (21 million), 30% were satisfied with their success. According to
John McCarthy, executive director of IHRSA, health clubs are changing their
services to cater to the needs of members, including women-only clubs,
wellness and nutrition instruction, and yoga and pilates classes.
"Health clubs are now providing something more - a holistic approach to
healthy lifestyles," said McCarthy.
Further, Dusit Resort Sports Club, while being a co-ed
facility provides everything listed above aside from the pilates - although
we do have a parallel stretching and core strengthening programme. All good
health and fitness facilities should be able to provide these services to
their members along with quality instruction from caring staff to ensure you
achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
Carpe’ Diem
PH3 Run 1003
I knew something would go wrong with this run when one of
the hares called me to say that they could not make it back into town to
have a hare on the bus. A bad mistake on their part. Ninety seven runners
including the consistent late comer Sir Airhead made it out to an area that
has been hashed so many times recently and has so much different colored
paper laid down that it cannot and should not be used for quite some time.
1/4 Pounder With Cheese in his first appearance as
rotating GM calls the circle and quickly deals with the new shoes. Next the
hares, Lord Lucan & Mobile try to explain about the run and to watch out
for all the paper laid in this area. The only paper to follow they say is
new white and white checks. So off they go and within 20 minutes we start to
see runners and walkers coming in - not the usual one or two but the whole
pack. It seems the hares screwed up on the trail and the walkers met the
front runners coming the opposite way. Total confusion back at the circle
site. The hares claim everybody short cutted while the runners claim they
were only following the paper that was poorly laid by the hares. Anyway,
more on that later. While waiting for the rest of the runners we all had
plenty of time to buy raffle tickets from Energizer Bunny and Hash Rags from
Banjo and Finger Picking. Uncle Pervy had his "beer truck" set up
with his mix of different bottles of home made beer for all to sample.
Finally 1/4 Pounder gets the circle going and has Dr.
Pinky explain the requirements for the upcoming Betty Boop run. Next up was
Ewok and the raffle. Queen Stella was the first to spot the free run ticket
and now rumor has it King Yao Yao will exercise his powers and claim it for
himself. Make a note of this Dr. Pinky! Free Willy claimed his 1,000,000th
raffle prize. It was good to see some old faces return to our Hash, most
notably Golden S, Rudi Voeller, Velcro D and P Of Wales.
VV and SS tell about the wild and dangerous adventures
into Cambodia. Bimbo, Free Willy and Weed Eater tell us about the latest
edition of the Asia-Pacific Harrier magazine. Icy Davidson told us how he
saved Derelick from sure death and celebrating their 100 runs together on
the Classic City Hash in Athens Georgia. Odd Job brings in the only two
virgins on this run, Waree Ratasmee and Bjorne Andersen. Star Trek was iced
for her upcoming birthday and was presented with a loaf of stale bread with
used candles - is this Hash getting cheap or what - no more cakes only stale
bread. Not to worry Star Trek as we hear that a new car will arrive shortly.
Uncle Pervy finally receiving his 300th Run Mug. Its not
that the Mug was late, but that it took him from run number 58 until run
number 1000 to reach 300 runs.
Time for the hares’ song - but do they have one - you
guessed it NO. They claim they were too busy so it was up to SS and the
visitors to lead us all in the Hash Hymn. Back to Olala for some great BBQ
and Thai food. Thanks to Steina and all his staff for having us and it was
good to see quite a number of hashers stay on after the food instead of the
"dine and dash" routine.
On On Blowfly
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
I know that we’ve been down this road before but as
former President of the United States Ronald Reagen use to say, "There
you go again." Well here I go one more time. Sometime this day, June 6,
in Songkla, Thailand WBC Flyweight Champ Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (46-2) is
going to do battle against Randy Mangubat (31-17-1). I wrote that the
Gremlins had caused the fight to disappear. Not true. Got a note from the
WBC: "The date was changed." This fight has been on and off more
than a punter’s absentee romance.
Some might say that the WBC has no conscience so it is
little wonder that they accept this as a title defense. In this case might
cut them a little slack. The flyweight division has three quality fighters
(Morel and Pacheco being the other two). They fight for different
organizations so having them fight each other is out of the question. The
problem is that these fighters have fought twice before. In 1996 Pongsaklek
KO’d the visitor from the Philippines in 3. Then in 99 it was an 8 round
decision on points. That’s the fight that was supposed to be 10 but wasn’t.
How can that be? ThisIsThailand.
Mangubat is #10 in the WBC rankings. The last time
Pongsaklek fought a low rank it was December 6 of "01" in Pattaya.
He fought a suddenly ranked Luis Alberto Lazarte. Was not pretty. Today’s
fight will probably be on the telly in the afternoon so give it a look
before a night on the town.
Former WBO heavyweight champion Herbie Hide’s second
comeback fight was a roaring success as he scored a first round knockout
over Joseph Chingangu at Dagenham’s Goresbrook Leisure Centre in
Newcastle. "Last night the relief was painfully clear on Hide’s face
as Chingangu slipped down for the third and final time in round one after a
series of vicious punches. The fight had been unpleasant from the opening
bell and Hide was extremely savage" was the way that the Independent
described the action.
WBO featherweight champion Scott "The Hammer"
Harrison (19-1-1) has lured former WBC and IBF Champion Manuel Medina
(61-13) to Glasgow for a July 12th title defense. The young Scott is coming
off his biggest win of his career a 12 UD over Wayne "The Pocket
Rocket" McCullough. If there was no term "warhorse" they
would invent it for the 32-year-old Mexican. In point of fact when boxing
people describe "Mexican fighters as tough" Medina could be their
poster boy. This will be a step up for Harrison even though Medina has lost
two of his last three. First he lost the IBF Feather title to Johnny Tapia.
When Tapia gave up the belt for a Marco Antonio Barerra payday, Medina lost
to Juan Manual Marquez. That may have signaled that the end of his
championship run was over. If he comes straight in as he did against the
prince a couple of years ago the results will be predictable. Of course they
are probably predictable anyway.
There are a couple of female fighters that are really
good. They are really good because they have boxing skills. Lucia Rijker
(15-0, 14 KOs), a native of Holland, has been considered the best of all
women fighters for some time. Her problem is that she doesn’t fight. Rumor
has it that she can’t pass any "substance" test. We’ll see, as
she has been added to the Lewis-Johnson Heavyweight title fight on June 21.
She’s had only one fight in four years, that a 4th round KO of a barely
warm body. She gets no stroll in the park as Jane Coutch (19-4) from Merry
Ole England will be the opponent. Coutch was the female boxer that sued the
British Boxing Control Board to allow women’s fights. How about them
apples?
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