|
Thai Bankers win annual PSC Charity Classic 2004
Friday January 23 at Phoenix Country Club (Stableford)
Once a year the ‘Rich and Famous’ of Pattaya Sports Club, this year
148 of them, gather on the playing fields of one of the fine golf courses in
the area to give their time, and hopefully money, in the support of Pattaya
Sports Club’s drive to raise finance for charity. This year the money
raised will go to support the needy children in the area.
 The
“Thai Bankers” Chris John, Ploy Thongpen (who also won women’s best
Stableford score with 44 points), Moon Schluwera and Alan Pearce won this
year’s PSC Charity Classic with 125 points.
I am informed by the PSC treasurer, Alan Pearce, that the
day was a fine success and will have raised at least 400,000 baht. This will
be a big boost to the charitable efforts of PSC and will result in many
happy local children.
Pattaya Sports Club is a registered non-profit
organization established in 1979 for the purpose of promoting sports and
supporting local charities and has grown from 31 Charter Members in 1979 to
in excess of 16000 members worldwide. In its daily operations, PSC, in the
guise of its charity chairman, Bernie Tuppin, have supported many local
charities to the tune of many millions of baht over the years and continue
to do so. We all know, however, that this day annually is the icing on the
cake and all put in a tremendous effort to make it a success.
 The
S2 Shaggers John Dearden, Dene Airey (who also won men’s best Stableford
score with 43 points), Ian Ribbey and Phil Page finished in third place with
115 points.
Planning starts early for the event and the organizing
committee, this year under the leadership of the golf chairman Gerry
Carpenter, start early and devise a plan for the event that includes armed
robbery of as many local businesses and affluent members as is possible. Of
course it is all in a good cause so most people approached give freely and
to all sponsors, volunteer or volunteered, we give thanks. In particular if
their name is missed later please know we have only so much space but they
are not forgotten, next year ‘We Will Remember Them’.
So on the morning of the event it was enlightening to see
an army of volunteers scurrying about, fixing the unfixable and applying
Band-Aids where blood was seen dripping. Alan Pearce must have lost a stone
in weight, Dene Munday was everywhere, Bernie upon booking in all the
starters zoomed around the course and of course Big Matt Kirkland did a fine
job as the bouncer. Who wants to argue with him? He has vays to make you
verk. All in all it worked and it worked fine. Like the good referee, you
only notice these sort of people when things go wrong and they did a fine
job. Oh and Gerry was there, nice to have someone with managerial
experience.
 The
Irish Rovers Arthur Hancock, Joe McArdle, Tom Breslin and Jerry Power
finished second with 116 points.
To the start and the arrival at Phoenix to be met by an
efficient booking in system that got the players through, their goodies in
hand, and also a key tag with a number of which more will be said later. A
look at the start sheet listed all the teams and informed all that the
‘Ocean and Mountain’ were the test for the day, both first tees in use,
so tighten the sinews, shake off the hangovers and lets get to it.
The competition consisted of teams of four players, best
three to count, in a Stableford format. Pretty simple really after the
travail of years gone past but testing nonetheless and played out with real
seriousness by all the competitors. Well maybe some groups took it in the
spirit of the day and were light-hearted. We played behind Kim Fletcher’s
group and at one time considered asking for them to be disqualified, golfers
are only allowed 14 clubs each, but we reckon in addition they must have had
a backhoe and a calculator each. Surely a backhoe leaves different tracks
than a cart. Perhaps it was to bury the Heineken cans?
Never mind, what a superb day. The two nines were in
pristine condition, the fairways fine, the greens fast and tricky, and the
weather superb, what is more some kind person had laid on a hotdog stand,
free, between the two nines. Ken and his crew did a fine job of feeding
hungry golfers all day. On a day such as this the results don’t matter, do
they? Well yes if you win but that was not what the day was about. Lovely
day, fine people and a bucketful of money for the kids, what more can one
want?
So the day flowed, and it flowed smoothly, until at the
end, showered and clean, a little tired all, gathered in the fine banquet
room of the Phoenix complex. There to be met by some fine food and a happy
and willing bar staff to provide liquid refreshments whilst all the players
finished and the scores could be tabulated and the winners declared.
So it begins, the results, but not quite yet. First we
were reminded that all had been given a key ring and this equated to a
prize, and bingo, Father Christmas was there for all, unfortunately Alan had
forgotten his beard and red suit but the thought was there.
So onto the night and this was opened by an address from
the PSC president, Carl Engel, who thanked the sponsors, the main sponsors
being Diamond Sponsor, Bauer Construction Thailand, the organizers and all
who took part. Following him was the PSC golf chairman who thanked Carl for
saving his sore throat and the people who aided him and passed the
presentation over to the host Alan Pearce, who proceeded to read the results
and let Gerry present the fine crystal prizes.
Surprise, surprise, the winners of the team prize were
the Thai Bankers with a total of 125 points. The team being Ploy Thongpen,
Moon Schluwera, Chris (I can pick them, I run the handicaps) John and last
but not least Alan (so surprised) Pearce. What can one say, but well done.
Fried not boiled.
In second place were the Irish Rovers with 116 points.
The team consisting of Arthur Hancock, Joe McArdle, Tom Breslin and Jerry
Power.
Third were the S2 Shaggers with 115 points just behind
the second and just in front of the third. The team being, Denis Airey, John
Dearden, Ian Ribbey and Phil Page.
With a fine 114 points and for some time the leaders in
the clubhouse was that fine bunch of men, the Hawaiian Mafia, consisting of
Herbie Ishinaga, Kenny (a little) Mau, Sus Ige and Charlie Yoshida. Didn’t
they all do well? But next year! Who said that?
So the night gradually wore on, but once again it is only
fair to mention the major Sponsors and if I miss some I apologise.
Diamond Sponsor: Bauer Construction Thailand.
Platinum Sponsors: Team Canada, Joe St Laurent,
Shenanigans, 60’s Bar & Bua’s Fishing, Sriracha Golf, Gerry
Carpenter, Marriott Hotels, CR Industries Thailand, Pattaya Fantasy Football
League
Main Sponsors: Bill Thompson, Baltex, Pattaya Mail, Lotus
Crystal, Graham Rudd, Trevor Carnahoff, Thai Ger Line, Rotary Thaksin, Rosie
O’Grady, Pattaya City Golf, Good Golf, Town in Town, Bang Sarae Club, Cafe
Kronborg, and to all and others who donated our thanks.
Results
Winning Team: Ploy Thongpen, Moon Schluwera, Chris John
and Alan Pearce. (125 points)
Second: Arthur Hancock, Joe McArdle, Tom Breslin and
Jerry Power. (116 points)
Third: Dene Airey, John Dearden, Ian Ribbey and Phil
Page. (115 points)
Fourth: Herbie Ishinaga, Kenny Mau, Sus Ige and Charlie
Yoshida. (114 points).
Low Gross Men
Graham Rudd, 74
High Stableford Men
Dene Airey, 43 points
Low Gross Women
Nora Haugstaad, 73
High Stableford Women
Ploy Thongpen, 44 points
Mountain Bike enthusiasts converge on Nong Nooch for first round of Thailand Championships
Damri Muangkaew
Over 400 mountain bikes last weekend traversed the rugged
course at Nong Nooch Gardens in the first round of the national mountain
bike championships.
The course offered varying degrees of difficulty, as iron
legged peddlers made their way through the various courses according in to
their placement in one of four main categories: Cross Country Route A, Cross
Country Tour B and C, and a Downhill course for adrenalin junkies in the
men’s and women’s age classes.
 They’re
off and racing in the first round of the Thai Mountain bike Championships
held at Nong Nooch Gardens last weekend.
The national team took top places in the men’s 36
kilometer course, won by Thawatchai Masae from the national police bureau.
In the men’s over 50, 18 km class, Saiyan Suwansarm from Yala finished
first. The 24km winner in the men’s 40-49 class was Bunterng Jeennant from
Buriram.
In the youth class, women’s under 18 Thaichanok
Srisuwan from the Athletics School in Suphanburi proved she was no chicken
and won the 18 km course, while in the women’s open 30 km course,
Chonburi’s own Jindarat Pornbunjerdkul felt right at home in first place,
as did Thanasak Tharachai from the national police bureau in the under 18s
in the 30km ride.
The 18 km course winner in the Women’s Under 35 class
was Ratree Sawadeeparb of Klaeng. The men’s 30 km class in the 30-39 age
group saw first place go to Prasert Chitmart.
The second round of national competition, where mountain
bikers will compete in the northeastern province of Mukdaharn for the
coveted Princess Trophy, is scheduled for March 6 and 7 this year.
Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Chanin Jantruseksa fired the
starting pistol for the first round of the event, in conjunction with Nong
Nooch management.
Super Bowl XXXVIII
by Howie Reed
At 6:26 Monday morning as the sun comes up on another
day of Pattaya Paradise either New England or Carolina will kick off to
get Super Bowl XXXVIII (that’s 38) in Houston Texas under way. The two
combatants arrive after winning their division’s championship game in
similar fashion. They physically intimated their opponents to the point
that opposing receivers developed “alligator arms” and swivel heads
watching for the next hit.
Carolina used the legs (Davis & Foster combined
for 136), the passing of Jake “Who?” Delhomme (9-14) and DB Ricky
Manning Jr.’s three interceptions. The Pats used their smothering
defense. The Eagles and the Colts came ready for a “tea dance” only
to find a gang war. The Panthers and the Pats won all the fights.
The Boston Patriots were born in 1960 as part of the
now gone but not forgotten AFL. As no team with the name Boston has ever
won a professional football title the name was changed to the New England
in 1971.
Meanwhile, in 1959 the Baltimore Colts won their
second championship. Each player got $3,000 for the win. Rookie receiver
Jerry Richardson caught a TD pass in that game. Told, “Invest your
money,” he did. He’s now the owner of the Carolina Panthers.
The Patriots have been made a early and late 6 to 7
point favorite by the folks that do that sort of thing. Why? New England
has won 14 games in a row, played a more difficult schedule, has a better
defense, better kicking and better coaching. Fact is there isn’t a lot
of difference between the two teams. Offensively Carolina has a slight
edge, gaining 13 more yards per game and defensively giving up 9 less.
Both teams like to control the ball in different ways.
New England with the short passing game; Carolina with the running game.
New England doesn’t run the ball well, although Antowain Smith got 100
against the Colts. The figure is a little misleading as 49 of those yards
came on two plays. New England has to be able to pass. Many think that
the Carolina defensive front four will get to Brady. If that occurs New
England has to run which they don’t do well. Many think the New England
defense will stuff the run forcing Carolina to pass.
New England is called the NFL’s best defense. Hall
of Fame Quarterback Steve Young, “They put a linebacker on the tight
end. The LB’s task is to see that the TE doesn’t get out. Hold, trip
or tackle. Can’t call a penalty on every play. The wide receivers get
the same treatment. This disrupts the timing with the QB eventually
getting sacked.”
Carolina’s running can negate New England’s
defense. Carolina when they run have two problems. DeShawn Foster is a
good runner but he has a serious problem with fumbling. New England has
recovered 17 more turnovers than they’ve lost. Carolina has lost 3
more.
The Prediction: The game may be won in the first five
minutes or the first drive. If Carolina’s defense line can get to Brady
it will be a long day for the Back Bay Guys. If, when on offense,
Carolina gets either a defensive holding or pass inference call the New
England defense will be less effective. If Brady has time and Carolina
can run, it will be one heck of a scrap. The first team that kicks a
field goal will lose. The way to wining will be scoring touchdowns. The
team that takes advantage of field position and scores in the red zone
with a TD will win. The team that hits harder and plays with more heart
will win. Two key injuries could make a difference. If Carolina’s RB
Steve Davis or Pats Linebacker Teddy Bruschi aren’t 100% that could
make the difference. The last team to have the ball will win. The final
score? 27-24. The winner? The team with 27.
Andersson and King by one shot
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society
Mike Franklin
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society returned to
Plutaluang for its 20th January Pairs Better Ball Stableford competition.
Playing the North and South courses, a field of 40 players set out at the
earlier start time of 9.30 a.m. on what started as a fine overcast day.
Steady rain came for a while mid-round and upped the humidity into the
afternoon.
 Runners-up
Clive Bruce and Tony Stevens.
Mid-forties is the usual score-line for the format and
the winning pair of Mikael Andersson and John King did just that with 46
Stableford points.
The count-back between runners-up and third place went to
Tony Stevens and Clive Bruce with 45 points overall and 24 points on the
back nine. John and Tai Kennedy, also with 45 points, took third place with
20 points on the back nine.
 Winners
Mikael Andersson and John King flank presenter Mike Franklin at Shenanigans.
The technical prizes were shared around with near pins
claimed by Paul Coutoumas and Meg Oke on the North nine, and Mal Spence and
Usa Chaiyusit on South. The long putt pin for North #9 was nowhere to be
seen and subsequently not claimed. However, Sue Hough holed the longest putt
on South #9.
The course was well presented as usual, except for a
visible lack of raking of the bunkers that is not normally the case. Best
‘Holes of the Day’ were announced - the honors going to landlord Kim
Fletcher for making gross par on the challenging par five South #6, and to
Tai Kennedy for her gross birdie on the par five North #2.
Back at Shenanigans the newcomers were welcomed, namely
Meg & John Oke, David & Joyce Jones and Colin Bristow, all visiting
from the UK. George Holroyd was back, as were Ken & Beth Lill with
friends Trudi & Art Reichenberg from Holland. Clive Bruce was over from
Hua Hin to enjoy some cheaper golf in Pattaya, and pie-man Tony Harris was
partnering Matthew Swire who was celebrating his 50th birthday.
Shenanigans is next out on Tuesday February 3 at Eastern
Star Country Club & Resort for a Pairs Combined Stableford with 40 tee
times from 9.30 a.m. Tony Stevens will hold the short straw and direct
operations with Kim for this one while Mike is away in the UK tying up a few
loose ends. Sign-up early on the golf notice board inside Shenanigans.
The fish was nearly as big as his wife!
On
January 15, Peter Wickenden and Mark took their wives fishing on the J Sea
Hunter. Mark caught a beautiful 16-kilo cobia just off Pattaya Park. The
fish was nearly as big as his wife Foon. A great day of fishing was had by
all.
Peacock Place Indoor Bowls and Snooker Leagues 0392
Mixed Doubles Bowls has a new leader in Double Trouble as
they overcame Spotty Dog 15-4, but the newcomers gave a good account of
themselves again and pushed The Peacock all the way, just going down 5-3 in the
lowest ever score with just one bowl winning each end and Paul and Nut driving
on the last end to save 5 and win the end.
Yellowbirds beat Love Nest 12-4 and Spooty Dog 10-4 to jump
into second place and revive their title hopes. The ladies were back in form
this week with some catch up games where Peacock Sue held on 10-7 against a fast
finishing Nid, Danny Sue beating Banjob 10-3 and then Banjob and Lek put up a
great game for a 7-7 draw before Banjob overcame Nid 10-6.
Danny is just holding on to the snooker lead but George, Bill
and Eddie are closing in. New Jeep games night starting on Thursdays, all 4x4
owners welcome.
Mixed Doubles Bowls
Double Trouble 8 6 0 2 67 47 12
Yellowbirds 8 5 1 2 70 41 11
Love Nest 10 5 1 4 62 71 11
Peacock 6 5 0 1 80 28 10
Gin 9 3 1 5 54 80 7
Thaied 3 1 1 1 21 28 3
Spotty Dog 5 0 0 5 22 50 0
Bakehouse 5 0 0 5 23 54 0
Ladies Singles Bowls
Peacock Sue 6 5 0 1 47 34 10
Nid 9 3 1 5 73 74 7
Danny Sue 9 4 0 5 55 68 8
Banjob 7 3 2 2 51 46 8
Mam 6 2 0 4 36 49 4
Lek 5 2 1 2 40 31 5
Snooker
Danny 14 9 0 5 806 589 18
George 10 8 0 2 632 376 16
Bill 8 6 0 2 424 321 12
Eddie 8 6 0 2 438 371 12
Derek 10 6 0 4 456 468 12
Peter 12 4 0 8 496 669 8
Danny Sue 13 3 0 10 546 685 6
Daryl 6 3 0 3 279 276 6
Mike 3 0 0 3 100 235 0
Brian 6 0 0 6 232 419 0
Mikael Andersson excels
IPGC TAGGS Golf from the Haven
Monday 19th January
Century Chonburi
Stableford
1st Division
1st Mikael Andersson, 43
2nd Tony Barritt, 38
3rd Richard Garland, 35
4th Joakim Persson, 32 cb9 18
5th Doug Campbell, 32 cb9 13
2nd Division
1st Eberhard Stoll, 33
2nd Ken Preddy, 31 cb9 18
3rd Trevor Edge, 31 cb9 16
4th Dave Lee, 30
Another super course costing almost nothing meant
another good day’s golf for the large field of contenders in three
divisions who travelled up the 331 to a venue that was almost deserted and
in excellent condition.
After two near misses the previous week, Wendy
Hollingsworth won the Ladies Division.
The first Division was cleaned out by the in-form
Mikael Andersson who turned out to be unmatchable after an outward nine of
38 gross, which he matched on the inward half to record a personal best of
gross 76 consisting of fourteen pars and four bogeys. Tony Barritt,
although unable to equal Mikael’s performance took second well ahead of
Richard Garland, Joakim Persson and Doug Campbell in the other placing
positions.
Eberhard Stoll took his first win, albeit with a score
well over his handicap, by two shots from Ken Preddy and Trevor Edge, who
had to be separated by count back, in second and third with Dave Lee
getting the last place on the podium.
Chang Suh, Wendy Hollingsworth, Michael Dige, and
Richard Garland who had two, shared the twos between them.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Andy Pedlar, John Hayes and
Travis Mitchell.
Wednesday 21st January
Pattaya Country Club
Stableford
1st Division
1st Paul Taylor, 39 cb9 18 cb6 14
2nd Mikael Andersson, 39 cb9 18 cb6 13
3rd Karl Holm, 38 cb9 20
4th Martin Hayes 38 cb9 19
5th John Desmond, 36
2nd Division
1st Stephen Beard, 37
2nd Tony Quaid, 36
3rd John Clements, 35 cb9 28
4th Trevor Edge, 34 cb9 18 cb6 12
5th Bob Lindborg, 34 cb9 18 cb6 11
6th Volker Esser, 34 cb9 16
Karlotta Einarsdothir took the ladies division by two shots
from Lorraine Scott.
Paul Taylor just managed to get ahead of the in form Mikael
Andersson to claim first place by 1 point on the back six and take the day’s
top prize. Karl Holm took second again by a shot on count back from Martin Hayes
who won his first placing out of The Haven for some time, with John Desmond two
points adrift in the last place on the podium.
“The Doc” at last showed some signs of life, although it
was almost “still life”, to take the second division by a point from Tony
Quaid who also had not been seen anywhere near the placings for a considerable
amount of time. John Clements sang his way into third place just ahead of Trevor
Edge, whose success still did not net him any cash as he unfortunately took on
everyone who finished ahead of him on the day. Bob Lindborg and Volker Esser
finished in the last two positions after losing out to Trevor on count back.
The twos were shared between Sunny Khanna, Jim Barnett and
Brian Kelly.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new members Paul
Reaper, Sunny Khanna, Claes Glaesner and again welcomed Frank and Lorraine Scott
to actually playing even though they again travelled to the course with the
organiser, this time they sent their clubs in another vehicle to ensure that
they played. “The Doc” had in any case broken into another sixpence, and
lashed out on a spare key.
Friday 23rd January
Khao Kheow B & C
Stoke play
1st Division
1st Norman Isherwood, 67
2nd Karl Holm, 69
3rd Al Rolnik, 70 cb9 37 cb6 24.3
4th Takeshi Hakozaki, 70 cb9 37 cb6 24.7
5th Chris Davisson, 70 cb9 38.5
2nd Division
1st Peter Emslie, 67
2nd Sunny Khanna, 75 cb9 34
3rd Ole Stamnes, 75 cb9 37.5
4th Roy Thornton, 76
Wendy Hollingsworth took her second trophy of the week in the
ladies division, this one being even more commendable following a drive-by
motorbike mugging that left her needing hospital treatment, having been dragged
into the road in a vain attempt to retain her handbag and sustaining some nasty
abrasions to her hands and arms which made gripping and swinging the club more
than uncomfortable.
Norman Isherwood had his best day for a while to claim top
spot in the first division by two shots from Karl Holm to take his first win out
of The Haven. Al Rolnik led the chasing group and just got the nod by point four
of a stroke after a count back from Takeshi Hakozaki and Chris Davisson.
Peter Emslie who finished eight strokes clear of second
place, decimated the second division with Sunny Khanna and Ole Stamnes who had
to be separated by count back in second and third respectively. Roy Thornton was
unable to match his previous week’s performance but still took fourth place,
an event that will no doubt be added to his speaking repertoire during his
lecture tours of the city nightspots.
With the greens playing superbly it was no surprise to see
that there were nine twos and the pool was shared between Frank Scott, Bob
Lindborg, Glynn Nicholas, Barry Winton, Stephen Beard, Takeshi Hakozaki, Claes
Glaesner and Karl Holm who had two.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Kurt and
Uibeke Knudsen and welcomed back Glynn Nicholas, Michael Moore, Ray Hurd and
Brian Prime.
PSC Three Sisters Golf
With beautiful weather prevailing and the course in
good condition, scores came tumbling down. Rod Perrin, who normally is near the
bottom, finally found his game and pounded the rest of the field with a terrific
score of 46 points. Rod has never shot that well and shot the game of his life.
He could be seen grinning ear to ear at Caddy Shack Two as he celebrated his win
with a few beers.
 Rod
Perrin (right) won this week’s bragging rights, whilst Tully continued to
flirt with the bottom of the pit.
Last week’s winner was Doug Douglas and he only scored
40 points. The second place this week scored 41 points but it was not good
enough for the win. Trevor Carnahof thought he had a chance until Rod’s
card arrived at the scene. Although it was a disappointment, Trevor can
still be proud of his score. Last week Trevor scored 38 points and tied for
third position, maybe next week he can take the honors.
Following close behind was Derek Brook and Ray Spurling
with 39 points each. Derek is always near the top but Ray has done a
remarkable job of improving his game over the six months. Ray held the bag
many times but is now looking for his first win.
For two weeks in a row Tully has flirted with the bottom of the pit. He
actually fell in last week with 19 points and was saved this week by Bruce
McAdam with 21 points. The low score this week was higher than the previous
weeks. It seems that the golfers at the bottom are improving and getting
their games together. Well, lets hope that the bottom keeps changing as the
golfing improves.
Tough times at Khao Kheow
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Tuesday, January 20 a large group of
Bunker Boys took the road to the beautiful Khao Kheow golf course for their
weekly medal tournament on a hot and fine day. The group should have
included one more player but turning up five minutes before departure, with
a plastic bag and four clubs does not signal a serious intent for golf!
The cut was made at eighteen and under and the stage for
the drama was the B and C nines, apparently the easiest combination!
Division two saw the usual high scores as a result of
indiscretions at the “island” eighth hole and Sunny Ruthsip showed some
return to form with his net 83 taking third place, Dickie Barbe’s net 81
taking second, and the returning Bill Cook recording his best ever score in
Thailand, winning the flight with a net 77.
Division one golfers had a little more success and Harry
Cowling managed a net 77 to take third place. One shot better was PJ Redmond
and his thoughtful net 76 was the only real challenge to Keith Smithson,
whose gross 74 gave him net 73 off his IPGC handicap. It was a fine round of
golf in any circumstances.
There were three shares of the Bunker Super Sawng award
and they went to Keith Smithson, Tom Bray and Uwe Schr๖der, for whom
it was his swansong round before leaving for his native Berlin.
The rash of high scores gave Mr. Loy a headache in
deciding the recipient of the Bunker Banana Booby prize but John Preddy’s
net 97 stood out like his beloved Arsenal’s lead in the English
Premiership. But, at the end of the day, it was the course that had won.
Khao Kheow is always a harsh challenge and a good score there remains a
lasting memory.
Remy is Top Gun at Eastern
Star
Another large group of Bunker Boys gathered at the
revamped course at Eastern Star on Thursday, January 22, for a Stableford
round, to be played out under heavy skies, threatening rain and the wrath of
Royal Thai Air Force. A crowded course saw them revving their engines for
thirty minutes beyond their allocated start time but eventually all got
safely underway.
The day threw up few surprises and division two played
itself out with newcomer Sunny Khanna firing 34 points in his second Bunker
tourney to take third place, one shot behind runner-up Alan Turbill. It was
left to Patrick Murphy to break par and scoop the flight with a score of 38
points.
In the top flight Mikael Andersson, PJ Redmond and local
golfer Paul Butler dueled for third place with their 36 points, whilst John
Hughes nosed ahead of them with his 37 points.
As pairs of F4’s scored the skies it was left to
Belgium’s “Top Gun”, Remy Guy, to soar high over the field with a
supersonic score of 41 points, which included two miraculously accurate
bunker shots. Belgian chips are very tasty indeed!
Keith Smithson managed to emulate this feat with his
birdie two to take the Bunker Super Sawng award and Remy’s playing
partner, Wilf Latham, had to play the role of batman to the ace, bringing up
the rear with his score of 19. For him his first Bunker Banana Booby award.
Quote of the day came from Mr. Loy at the presentation:
“Remy must have played well!” Didn’t he just.
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday January 19
Eastern Star Country Club and Resort
(Stableford)
The much-improved Eastern Star layout was host to a
Stableford competition in two flights, A flight 0 to 19, and B flight 20 and
above.
 Jeff
Wylie
The new management has striven to keep the course in fine
condition relative to what it was a year ago, making it now very popular even on
weekdays, as the total for the day was one hundred and seventy three players,
but all moved on the course in a timely manner.
Aussie Jeff Wylie took the A flight with 39 points, Steindar
Eidasson and Kevin Dunne second and third with 36 points and Einar Johansson
fourth with 35 points.
 Cees
Bosman
Cees Bosman, recovering quickly from a crook shoulder, took
the B flight with 38 points, Kenny Chung second with 37 points and Pete Galle
and John Swanson third and fourth with 35 points.
Near pins: #3 Kevin Dunne, #6 Jeff Wylie, #13 Pete Galle, and
#17 Jeff Wylie.
Long putts: #9 Brian Blackford and #18 Ted Morris.
Thursday January 22
Noble Place
(Stroke)
One of the things I have to buy is a camera with a faster
shutter speed if I want to catch some of the more exciting and newsworthy items,
and on Thursday I nearly missed the picture of the year when on entering the
changing room I spotted Aussie Barry Kerr with a smart shirt on and with a towel
in his hand. This historic picture was nearly spoiled by the quick ducking by
Barry, keen to maintain his dis-reputation, and I apologise if the picture is a
trifle blurred.
 Barry
... caught at last
After this, the day as a whole had to be a disappointment,
with the drive up there being surprisingly quiet, the course being in good
condition, the rate of play good and the weather fine, and we had the same old
winners, myself and Kriss Helgason. Makes you wonder what the world is coming
to, and thankful to the real gentlemen and sports of the game, such as Barry.
So the winner of the A flight, 0 to 18, was Derek Brook with
a net 68, ahead in an exciting count back over in second Ebrahim. The count back
went to the 18th hole before a par finally beat a bogie. In third, close behind,
was Johan Reynissan with net 69.
 Derek
Brook
In the B flight, 19 upwards, we had a clear winner when Kriss
Helgason won with a fine net 67 ahead of a count back for second on net 71 won
by Cees Bosman with Harald Gruber in third.
The food afterwards was fine and cheap and I do not think the
day complete without mentioning the fine rates. Two green fees, two caddy fees
and a cart for 1100 baht, and that is value.
Near pins: #A2 Stephen Peters, #A6 Stephan Peters, #B2 Derek
Brook and #B5 Ebrahim.
Long putts: #A9 Harald Gruber and #B9 Werner Strub.
Joe Mooneyham is Golden for 2003
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
As those of you readers who play out of the Lewiinski’s
Golf Society or read this column with some regularity know, the Gold Medal
competition, usually held in January, pits the Monthly Medal qualifiers for
the prior year in an 18 hole medal match for the ultimate honor.
 Joe
Mooneyham (right) receives the Golden Tanker for winning the 2003Gold Medal,
from Steve Donovan.
This year the 2003 Gold Medal Match fielded 11 of the
prior year’s 13 qualifiers (ties with the Monthly Winner qualify as well),
an amazing percentage given the varied schedules of our visitors.
Evidencing the pressure of the day, the winner, Joe Mooneyham, was the
only qualifier to match his handicap at gross 85, net 72. It should be noted
that Joe had been battling a case of the sh*nks and thanks to work with
local pros Ian Ashenden and Richard Livingston, was able to “string and
glue” a game together to take the Golden Tanker.
Somebody get Koehler
off the podium!
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday January 18
St Andrews 2000 White Tee
Stableford
1st Place A Flight, Brian Holden, 36 points
2nd Place A Flight, Gordon Kerr, 35 points
3rd Place A Flight, Doug Hollingsworth, 34 points
1st Place B Flight, Sean O’Connor, 38 points
2nd Place B Flight, Roger Koehler, 35 points
3rd Place B Flight, Kyle Williams, 34 points
Near Pins: #2 John Emmerson, #10 Gordon Kerr, #17 Chuck
Carriere
Sean O’Connor was the only player to better his handicap as
his 38 points was three clear in B Flight. The first pay window appearance of
the week was notched by our title boy, Roger Koehler, as he came in second in B.
Kyle William, whose name seems to be omnipresent in the standings, took the last
rung in the junior flight. Brian Holden doesn’t do anything overly dramatic on
the course but that notwithstanding he regularly makes his presence felt during
his frequent visits from Chiang Mai. Today was no exception as he made his even
to handicap 36 points stand up in the A flight. Gordon Kerr and Doug
Hollingsworth were but one and two strokes back, respectively. Golf manager John
Emmerson won the big prize of the day when he hit the near pin on No. 2 that was
graciously sponsored by Simon Kendall.
Monday, January 19
Khao Kheow - B & C, White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight, Nora Haugsjordet, 36 points
2nd Place A Flight, John Emmerson, 34 points
3rd Place A Flight, Bob Patterson, 34 points
1st Place B Flight, Roger Koehler, 36 points
2nd Place B Flight, Norm Robinson, 34 points
3rd Place B Flight, Ken Kutzing, 32 points
Near pins: #B8 Joe Smiley; #C8 Barry Foley
Roger Koehler, obviously unsatisfied with yesterday’s
second, decided to put the pedal down on the B and C course designed by the Dye
Company. His effort was rewarded with first place in the second flight. His B
flight podium mates were Norm Robinson and Kenny Kutzing, as they took second
and third respectively. Nora Haugsjordet signaled that there might be good
things ahead in the week’s end PSC Charity Classic, as she took the top prize
in A flight. Two back and separated by only a count back were consistent victors
John Emmerson and Bob Patterson.
Wednesday, January 21
Green Valley, White Tees
2-Man Better Ball, Stroke/Medal
1st Place, Jim Munns/Ken Kutzing- net 60
2nd Place, Roger Koehler/Jeff Johnson, net 62
3rd Place, David Dines/Kyle Williams, net 64
Near Pins: #3 Phil Utting; #13 Ian Ahsenden
Because Sunday’s fixture was forced to move to neighboring
St. Andrews 2000, due to a large tournament, the Lewiinski’s Golf Society used
the opportunity to have a rare mid-week run at their home course. To add a
little spice players signed up in pairs and played better ball medal play. Jim
Munns and Kenny Kutzing were the team that “ham and egged it” the best going
two shots clear at net 60. Roger Koehler persevered for the third time in as
many outing as he carried his mate, Jeff Johnson, up to the second step on the
victory podium. David Dines and consistent Kyle Williams rounded out he winners.
Friday, January 23
Burapha - C & D - Blue Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight, George Jackson- net 70
2nd Place A Flight, Bob Patterson, net 71
3rd Place A Flight, John Emmerson- net 72
1st Place B Flight, Graham Buckingham, net 68
2nd Place B Flight - Colm Mullen, net 70
3rd Place B Flight, Colin Davis, net 70
Near pins: #C5 Tony Dixon; #D8 Graham Buckingham
Finally, on Friday, the field found a way to keep Roger
Koehler off the podium ... have him take a day off. George Jackson’s net 70
with two 9s on the card, one of them on a par three, was good enough for the top
rung in A flight! Colm Mullen’s and the poor Ol’ Donkey’s 70s didn’t
prove to be as stout as George’s, however, as they fell to a count back behind
the best score on the day, Graham Buckingham’s 68. Bob Patterson and John
Emmerson were in file behind George in one stroke increments with the latter
edging Gary Blackburne on count back.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
After breakfast we set out from Bobby Joe’s with a smaller
crowd due to the PSC charity classic. We arrived at Treasure Hill and had a fine
round of golf.
 Bobby
Joe (back left) presents to Max Matthews, Alan Lord, Frank Sinclair and Bob
Noble.
Frank Sinclair had the best game and was driving straight
down the middle on every hole to win the competition. Frank also won prizes for
nearest the pin and longest first putt.
Bob Noble had a magnificent eagle on the third hole par 4
sinking from 160 yards. He also won a longest first putt.
Bob Lawrence looked like he was in a mud wrestling contest
after some unlucky shots. Max Matthews took the second nearest the pin while
Alan Lord won a lucky draw.
Bobby Joe had the Webber fired up on our return for some of his memorable
hamburgers with some of the coldest beer in town. With presentations over
quickly we settled down to some more cold beer.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Here’s a little more that proves “The Square Ring is
#1 in the world.” From a reader in San Francisco, California: “Azuma
Nelson (39-52)? I don’t think that’s the record. If so how the hell did
this guy get in the Hall of Fame? arif.” Good point. The record should
have been 39-5-2. Missed one of those “-” deals. Bummer and sorry about
that.
Another typo that was brought to my attention by a
reader. “Always a pleasure to read your column but I would be remiss if I
didn’t bring it to your attention that Paul Briggs is not undefeated. He
has lost one fight. Please don’t mention my name.” Rest assured Ed that
I would never mention your name. The “person” is correct. Paul Briggs
after winning his first against Ronald Doo (32-8-1) just a scant two and a
half years later he lost his second fight to Larl Zada (5-1) at the Stafford
Tavern in Brisbane. Briggs record should be 21-1.
The “Viva Espana” guys didn’t have long to
celebrate the WBO light heavyweight championship reign of Julio Cesar
Gonzalez (35-2). Fact is they had about three months as Gonzalez lost to
Zsolt Erdei (19-0) over 12 rounds in Karlsruhe Germany. Was it close? Not
even. The judges saw it 118-110 twice and 117-111. Up until this fight the
challenger’s claim to fame was that he and former champ Dariusz
Michalczewski were stalemates.
There were 5,000 spectators in Karlsruhe to watch Zsolt
Erdei the hometown lad triumph. Like Gonzalez, Erdei is a former Olympian.
He joins Istvan Kovacs as only the second Hungarian to capture a world
title. “I expected to win but I knew this was going to be a hard piece of
work,” said Erdei. “Julio is skillful and a great fighter. I did
everything I had to do and I subordinated my entire life to this goal of
mine. I’m very happy now”. If you’re happy, I’m happy. Let’s toast
the new champ with a couple of dozen cervezas.
Promoter Songchai Ratanasuban is presenting a 72 kg
Muaythai tournament on March 4 in the Bec Tero Hall in Bangkok. The total
prize money is reported to be 1 million baht. “There are very skillful and
qualified boxers all over the world joining my gala, winner will get a
trophy from royal family and a prestigious world Muaythai belt to guarantee
the invincible greatness and also certificate.” That is what the man said.
The rules of the tournament are slightly more complicated than Chinese
arithmetic but if you have a Muaythai 72 kg fighter or know one or even a
drunken tourist you might like to contact the promoter by telephone
662-6185314-6, by fax 662-2713981, by mobile 6618370300 or at www.
muaythai.co.th How about them apples?
One of the most contentious divisions in boxing is found
at bantamweight. Thailand’s Veeraphol Nakhornluang (41-1) the WBC champ
along with Rafael Marquez (30-3) the WBA Champ and Johnny Bredahl (54-2) the
IBF titleholder are the three best. Here’s where the rating organization
people raise their ugly heads. These three will never meet. What makes it
worse is that at lower weights fighters from one ranking organization, at
any level, don’t fight. The marquee names world wide are Bredahl (Denmark)
and Marquez (Mexico) that puts Veeraphol scrambling for “quality
opponents.” His management doesn’t look to darn hard either. His 12th
defense of his title comes on March 6 in Saitama, Japan when he’ll face
Toshiaki Nishioka (23-3-3) for the 4th time in 4 years. Heck, they ought to
travel together to save expenses. In the three other meetings Veerphol has a
win (2000 unanimous decision) with a pair of draws in 2001 and 2003. The
scoring of the last draw was highly creative. 116-112 (Veeraphol) 114-113
(Nishioka), 114-114. This will be their fourth fight in Japan. They keep
getting closer. Eventually the judges will get it right.
Boxing is a dangerous game. Like car racing and bull
fighting, part of the allure is the danger for the contestants. When a
fatality occurs in the ring the sport and its fan morn. Yet another fighter
has died in Indonesia of the injuries he received in the ring. Antonius
Moses Seram (reportedly 14-0-1) died six days after being KO’d by
Thailand’s Kaichon Sor Vorapin whose 3-7 record would not have suggested a
KO win. Vorapin’s two wins came against fighters that had never won a
fight. That then begs the question, “What type of medical tests do they
perform in Indonesia?” The answer is “Damn little.”
In December of 2000 the WBC refused to take any
“real” action against the “ruling boxing clique” in that country.
WBC President Dr. Jose’ Suliaman made a nice speech, slapped the
organization’s hands but refused to do anything that would actually
protect fighters in the country. Medical people from the country were
refused the chance to speak.
This death is a blot on boxing, the country of Indonesia
where life and death means little to greedy promoters and should be placed
at the doorstep of the WBC for turning a blind eye to a serious situation.
If you though February 8 was going to bring some boxing
from Moscow and Las Vegas on the “radio with pictures that fly through the
air”, not going to happen. Kostya Tszyu hurt his shoulder forcing a
postponement of his fight with Sharmbra Mitchell from Moscow. Now the other
half of that card, James “Lights On but the House is Empty” Toney tore
his Achilles tendon so scrap his contest with Jameel “The Big Dummy”
McCline. Toney was operated on last Saturday. A full recovery is expected.
In the meantime Mitchell had been matched with Lovemore
N’dou (pronounced “Love More.... U Do?”, the Damsels lament) as part
of a double dipper that now has only one dip. That fight will probably be
scrapped also. Heck of a deal.
Dollhouse Team miss-starts in Bangkok League
Dirk Brijs
Captain, Dollhouse team
On Saturday Jan 24, it became clear where the weak
point is in Pattaya’s Dollhouse softball team. They started off with
high hopes against 5-time champions Tilac; however, it soon became clear
where the Dollhouse’s weaknesses are situated: no offense. The defense
kept up pretty well against Tilac’s big bats, and big means really big,
as in the first game 5 balls were send way out of the park. Not a lot
even the best defense can do against that. One light point, though, as
first baseman Tanatouch did hit one out of the park for Dollhouse.
 Pattaya’s
Dollhouse softball team stumbled a bit in their first game of the season,
but have high hopes for better outcomes in the future.
Slow pitch softball still is an offensive sport and we
were outclassed and out hit by the champions. Except for that one HR, we
weren’t able to throw anything at Tilac. First game was lost 18-3 and
we knew right away where our place was in the league. Let’s hope we can
keep it for the rest of the season up there right behind Tilac.
The second game started off promising, though, as the
first few innings we managed to get some runs on the board and it was 2-2
after one inning, 8-4 after 2 innings, and 10-5 after 3, which looked at
least a little respectable after our first game performance. But then as
sudden as they came, the bats fell away again and Tilac kept rolling.
After 7 innings Tilac won the game 17-5.
As this was our first game and the team was a little
shorthanded with some of our star players playing in a baseball
tournament elsewhere, I still saw a lot of good points in our team and am
very confident for future games.
Our next game will be a test again, though, as we will
be playing the Local RBSC team (finished 3rd last season) on their home
turf. The double-header will be played on Sunday, February 8, starting
the first game at 3 p.m.
I would like to shine some spotlight on a few very
good personal performances in our team though. Going out to our 3B David
Mills who went 3 for 5 with 1 double, 2 singles and 2 RBI. Also to
Tantouch who hit a HR and had 3 RBI. Top 3 hitters of the team were Mong
Teerathiti who hit .667, David Mills who went .600 and Young Hadjidulah
who hit .500.
Bangkok United win again, Scans ease in to second, Parrott jeered
MBMG International Casuals League - Week 8
It was an action packed weekend in the MGMB
International league. Surprise leaders Bangkok United notched up another
win, beating SCI Gecko and, in the clash of second versus third, the Scans
ran out winners against Shrewsbury in a close 2-1 victory. The Scans have
now won their first five games of the season and with a game in hand over
leaders Bangkok United look certain title favorites. Inspirational
captain, Jacob Longboat said, “I think if we can continue the merciless
plundering of defenses, we’ll be hard to defeat.”
 British
Club captain, Vaughan Elias holds the line against Dubliner Corner.
Elsewhere, 2002 champions, The Mighty Dubliner, look to
be in some trouble with their two big summer signings misfiring. Brought
in for a massive financial outlay, Nicholas Smart and James Parrot have so
far only returned a meagre four goals tally between them. After a shaky
2-0 win against the lively British Club, angry Mighty Dubliner fans booed
the team off with Parrott receiving the worst of the abuse with a group of
fans waving a stuffed donkey and chanting ‘Hee Haw’ at the hapless
forward.
In tense press conference after the game, Robbo, the
team’s legendary manager said defiantly, “I believe in class and Smart
oozes class. The boy was living with his mum not three weeks ago, he needs
time to adjust, but believe me, the boy will come good. As for Parrott, I
know the fans think he’s a donkey, but they need to get off his back and
stop whipping up trouble.”
Racing Club Pattaya rebounded after last week’s
crushing defeat to the Scans with a good win over Pattana, rumours
abounding that Taylor, the Pattaya manager, may be about to take advantage
of the transfer window and bring in some fresh blood. His team rose above
the mediocrity they have so far shown this season to chalk up a dominant
3-0 victory, though this apparently had something to do with the
opposition, Pattana not showing up!
Meanwhile, the Bullshead continued their recent run of
form with a 1-0 win against the German All Stars.
Results - Week 8
Les Gaulois de Bangkok 5 - 2 Bangkok Blitz
Racing Club Pattaya 3 - 0 Pattana
The Dubliner 2 - 0 British Club Casuals
Bangkok United 4 - 2 SCI Gecko FC
German All Stars 0 - 1 Bulls Head Brazilians
AFC Shrewsbury 1 - 2 Scandinavian Vikings
|
