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Schlumberger Laser Nationals:
An Outstanding Success
by Peter Cummins,
Pattaya
In a closely-contested regatta, Royal Thai Navy sailor,
multi-times Laser national champion and Sydney Olympian, Veerasit Puangnak,
on five penalty points, beat a very strong line-up of Thailand’s best
sailors, with Varunian Frank Teeuwen second on nine points, followed by
Manat Phintong (10), Kevin Whitcraft (23), Chulapong Chanyim (24), Doug
Morse (25), Marcel Dubbelman (29), U Thiha (33), Charlie Zbinden (35) and
Philippe Narbonne (42), third to tenth placing, respectively.
 Close
racing in the Radials.
In the second division, the smaller Laser Radial, Siri
Chandler was the undisputed boss, finishing with a perfect four firsts in
the four races counted of the five sailed.
Fourteen-year-old Joe Connelly handled the tough
conditions superbly to finish second on eight points, ahead of lady sailor
Ute Dorfner (14), and two more 14-year-olds, Patrick Schenker (16) Antoine
de Cuyper (22).
Veteran Al Chandler, who actually was the first Thailand
Laser National champion in the inaugural event, held way back in 1981, had
to concede to daughter Siri - and the teenage terrors - to finish
equal-fifth, also on 22 points.
Under Swiss management would be a more appropriate
heading for this article. With Laser Fleet Captain Charlie Zbinden
organizing the event and delegated race officer Gilbert Leemann in charge of
water-borne operations, the 2004 Schlumberger Laser Nationals of Thailand,
sailed off Royal Varuna Yacht Club last weekend, were an outstanding
success.
Sponsored by Schlumberger, the international company
which services oil rigs and, with additional input from Blue Wave Water
Sports and some liquid refreshments provided by Varuna Club members Alex
Skaria and Philippe Narbonne, the 2004 Laser Nationals, with 49 participants
- the largest in years - was a fitting start to the Varuna 2004 sailing
calendar.
The large participation was solely the work of Charlie
who started a campaign weeks ago. No one escaped his bombardment of phone
calls, faxes and e-mails. And he still managed to finish in the top 10 -
ninth, in fact, on 35 points. The three races held on Day One were sailed in
a strengthening southerly, with a big sea causing many capsizes and a lot of
aching bones. The single-handed Laser is not exactly a user-friendly machine
and, for many of the sailors, it was their first outing, in some cases, for
years.
The second day started with a massive rainstorm which
killed any wind that there might have been. It looked as though the event
had moved to another country. But slowly the cloud cover broke and a light
northerly filled in, ending later in the afternoon, as a perfect day. One of
the many advantages of sailing over other sports is that no matter how much
it rains before - or even during - a race, the ‘arena’ is no wetter as a
result.
Another feature that singled out this championship was
the huge age span between the aforementioned 14-year-olds and the
grand-daddy of them all, Reggie Chambers, checking in at a sprightly 77: if
my mathematics are correct, that makes 63 years difference.
Regardless of macho claims, for which sailors are (in)
famous, chivalry is not dead; rather it was alive and well off Royal Varuna
last week when a club member, who would like to remain anonymous, plunged
into the water to rescue a ‘damsel in distress’ as her Laser hovered
near the rocks. A “practice” for the 14th, perhaps?
The Lasers were virtually the curtain-raiser for an intense few weeks of
yacht racing along the shores of Pattaya, Jomtien and Sattahip, with next
week’s Valentine’s Day scheduled for the annual Pattaya Marriott Resort
and Spa Koh Larn Classic, appropriately enough, the 14th in the series.
Results:
Laser: (first 30 only) 1. Veerasit Pougnak; 2. Frank Teeuwen; 3.
Manat Phintong; 4. Kevin Whitcraft; 5. Chulapong Chanyim; 6. Doug Morse; 7.
Marcel Dubbelman; 8. U Thiha; 9. Charlie Zbinden; 10. Philippe Narbonne; 11.
Ivo Gonzenbach; 12. Suwan Poopoksakul; 13. Kitsadar Siaisakon; 14. Aaron
Frankel; 15. Wittaya Sangsui; 16. Ralph Tye; 17. Lawnin Crawford; 18. Les
Nyerges; 19. Malcolm Humphreys; 20. Bird Bhanubandh; 21. Thani Disyanant;
22. Olaf Schoenicke; 23. Colin Wray; 24. Smit Mrigadat; 25. Pete Fischer;
26. Barney Smith; 27. Peter Harper; 28. K. Pisut; 29. Pairode Matturanant;
30. Cheerut Sudasna.
Laser Radial: (all) 1. Siri Chandler; 2. Joe Connelly; 3. Ute Dorfner; 4.
Patrick Schenker; 5. (equal) Antoine de Cuyper, Al Chandler; 7. Kai Postma;
8. Jeeranun Anunthai.
World famous bowler visits Pattaya
Norwegian Arne Svein Strom and his wife Aud just spent some time in
Thailand visiting Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. During their week in
Pattaya, most of the time was spent playing golf and enjoying the good
seafood.
 (L
to R) La Montgomery, Arne Svein Strom and Mio Aamlid.
One afternoon Arne Svein paid a visit to the Pattaya Bowl
to give instructions to two of our local bowlers, La Montgomery and Mio
Aamlid. Some 10 years ago Mio met Arne Svein at one of his bowling halls in
Norway. Arne Svein gave Mio some free instructions, and when visiting
Pattaya Arne Svein would like to see if Mio had made some progress during
the years.
Arne Svein Strom was in the Norwegian National Team,
bowling for 26 years. He played in the FIQ World Championship from
1971-1995, and in 1975 Arne Svein was 2nd best. At the AMF World Cup, Arne
Svein won twice, 1977 in London and 1982 in Scheveningen, Netherlands. In
2002 the World Cup - AMF took place in Pattaya and was won by another good
Norwegian bowler.
 Norwegian
Arne Svein Strom provides some instruction for Mio Aamlid.
Arne Svein has been European Champion twice, 1973 in
Dublin and 1981 in Frankfurt.
In 1981, Arne Svein was elected Bowler of the Year, and
in 1994 Arne Svein was the 2nd Amateur Bowler inducted into the Hall of Fame
by the Bowling World Writers.
Mio and La wanted to know if Arne Svein ever had had a perfect 300 game.
Arne Svein has, in competition, bowled more than 10 perfect 300 games, and
has stopped counting how many he has achieved during practice. Mio and La
realized lots of more practice is needed to reach the top in this
fascinating game. Arne Svein promised to return to Pattaya at a later
occasion, but most of the time would be spent at the golf courses.
Cafe Ole moves into sixth place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
With only three weeks to go in the current league
there are only 12 points available and the trophy race is winding down.
 200
bowlers Gert, Bill, Tue, Ken and Nual (below)
Cafe Ole took all four points from Night Life to move
into sixth place and still could win a fourth place trophy. Cafe Ole was
led by Tue who had a 211 and 207 game, 586 series and Ken who rolled a
league best 239 game for men and a 582 series.
 VFW
Post 9876 bowled over Nice & Sleazy taking three points behind
Bill’s 225 game, 539 series and Gert’s 200-game and 531 pin count.
House of the Golden Coin lost some ground as they went
down to Brother D winning only one point in that match. Brother D was led
by Pin who tipped over 551 pins and Mio was best for Golden Coin with a
547 series.
Cafe Kronborg split their series with Nam Tip at two
points each and remains in third place. Tukata led Cafe Kronborg with a
525 pin total and Aun rolled a 511 series for Nam Tip.
Shakey Pete’s remained in fourth place with a
three-one victory over Three Sisters as Ooy knocked down 515 pins for
Shakey’s.
Fifth place Jack & Tar gained one point on fourth place by taking
all four points from Alt Koelle. Nual had a 213 game, 540 series and Sven
tipped over 512 pins for Jack & Tar.
Week 27 Points
Team Standings 6 Feb 04
VFW Post 9876 68.5 - 39.5 3 - 1
House of the Golden Coin 66 - 42 1 - 3
Cafe Kronborg 65.5 - 42.5 2 - 2
Shakey Pete’s 61 - 47 3 - 1
Jack & Tar 59 - 49 4 - 0
Cafe Ole 53- 55 4 - 0
Three Sisters 51.5 - 56.5 1 - 3
Night Life 49 - 59 0 - 4
Brother D. 46.5 - 61.5 3 - 1
Alt-Koelle 45 - 63 0 - 4
Nam Tip 44 - 64 2 - 2
Nice & Sleazy 39 - 69 1 - 3
Peacock Place Indoor Bowls and Snooker Leagues
Its all getting very tight at the top of the leagues; in the mixed doubles after
keeping it close at 4 each Spotty Dog let Double Trouble get away in the last
two ends to win 10 – 4. Yellowbirds beat Gin 16 - 5, and very nearly clawed
their way back in their next match but lost to Peacock 7 – 6, and then Gin
nearly let it slip, 8 - 4 up with two ends left gave away a 5 and had to fight
back to gain a draw 9 - 9 against Spotty Dog.
The ladies were up and down this week with Lek gaining
an 11 - 1 win against Peacock Sue who came back with a 13 - 3 win over
Mam.
George takes over at the top of the snooker after an 85 - 24 win over
Eddie.
Pattaya Pool League
Mo comes second
Sunday February 1
Green Valley
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight, Steve Weller, 44 points
2nd Place A Flight, Rick Sharp, 42 points
3rd Place A Flight, Chuck Carriere, 38 points
4th Place A Flight, Gerry Power, 37 points
1st Place B Flight, Ken Kutzing, 40 points
2nd Place B Flight, Oddvar Rykke, 37 points
3rd Place B Flight, Dave Blakey, 35 points
4thPlace B Flight, Colin Davis, 34 points
Near pins: #13 Ken Kutzing and #16 Robbie Bennett
How do you deny a guy the week’s title when he shoots 74
off the stick? Hey it’s Weller, and he can’t read anyway. Just kidding! It
was the best effort on the week that saw several low scores. Rick Sharp
realizing that his competition bank account was running low turned it up a
notch, as only he can, and threw a 76 at it off the stick. He just didn’t know
the ol’ Stevareno would go over the top. Chuck Carriere and Gerry Power took
the last two spots in the big field with 38 and 37, respectively. Gerry relied
on a count back to edge former European Senior Tour player, Tony Potziy.
Kenny Kutzing continues his consistent play with a very
creditable 40 points to be top man in the B flight. Back in town barely in time
for the comp, Oddvar Rykke bettered his handicap with 37 points. Dave Blakey,
replete with new clubs, showed that the investment was worth it as he edged The
Donkey for the penultimate spot.
Monday February 2
Eastern Star
White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight, Chuck Carriere, net 66
2nd Place A Flight, Klaus Schackt, net 72
3rd Place A Flight, Mark Wood, net 74
4th Place A Flight, Vincent Conellan, net 74
1st Place B Flight, Roger Koehler, net 69
2nd Place B Flight, Dave Blakey, net 72
3rd Place B Flight, Neil Cameron, net 72
4th Place B Flight, John Clements, net 73
Near pins: #6 Peter Elder and #13 Shay Mitchell
Didn’t I just mention Chuck Carriere in yesterday’s
article? Maybe he should be the guy in the title. Nah. But he did shoot a great
round on a tough course, that is, good enough to win his flight by 6 strokes!
Wily Klaus Schackt was impressed by Chuck’s effort, but didn’t complain as
second place money spends the same whether you are one back or six back!
Scotsman Mark Wood edged Irishman Vincent Conellan on count back to round out
the top flight. Then there is the case of Roger Koehler. As fine a guy as you
would ever want to meet, but doesn’t his handicap ever go down? There he was
on top, three clear of Blakey and The Clubmaker to the Stars. Monsieur John
Clement, in the French (or is that Greek?) tradition brought up the rear.
Wednesday February 4
Royal Lakeside
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight, Phil Utting, 43 points
2nd Place A Flight, Phil Mitchell, 41 points
3rd Place A Flight, Roger Parenteau, 39 points
1st Place B Flight, Ken Kutzing, 38 points
2nd Place B Flight, Kurt-Erik Persson, 37 points
3rd Place B Flight, Nigel Cannon, 36 points
Near pins: #6 Peter Henshaw
Lewiinski’s Golf Society made their second trip to Royal
Lakeside in two weeks. Since last week was greensomes the field asked if they
could return to play the well-manicured layout on an individual basis. It turned
out the story of the day was Phil the Younger’s 43 points to edging Phil the
Older, aka Flipper Mitchell, who it should be noted was 74 off the stick. Roger
Parenteau, a new visitor, showed no timidness and walked off with the A flight
bronze. Kenny Kutzing, for the second time on the week took the B flight laurels
to edge Kurt-Erik who would have to wait 48 hours for his 15 minutes of fame.
Nigel Cannon made sure that the entire podium was at par or better as he matched
his handicap at 36 points.
Friday February 6
Treasure Hill
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight, Peter D. Wilson, 35 points
2nd Place A Flight, Rick Sharp, 34 points
3rd Place A Flight, Roger Parenteau, 33 points
1st Place B Flight, Kurt-Erik Persson, 36 points
2nd Place B Flight, Mo Lamki- 32 points
3rd Place B Flight, Dave Blakey- 32 points
Near pins: #2 Peter D. Wilson
I told you Kurt-Erik would only have to wait 48 hours for his
15 minutes of fame and here he is with the best on the day 36, the gold in B
flight and the only player to match his handicap. That bettered the A flight
winner’s total of 35 points shot by Peter D., who has not chosen that moniker
to be pretentious but only to differentiate himself from a namesake on the
handicap system. A flight was rounded out by two guys who had seen the pay
window already this week, Rick “The Hermit” Sharp and Roger Parenteau. That
brings us to our story of the week where Mo Lamki, rumored to be the Sultan of
Oman, but without Al Queda connections, edged the now omnipresent Dave Blakey
for second in B flight, much to the chagrin of odd man out Nigel Cannon. So
somebody is bound to ask, “Why is Mo Lamki the Title Guy”? Well, we like
him.
38 prizewinners at The Haven
Monday 2nd February
Century Ban Chang
Stableford
1st Division
1st Michael Dige, 43
2nd Mikael Andersson, 38
3rd Mike Morris, 35
2nd Division
1st Trevor Edge, 36
2nd Roy Thornton, 35 cb9 19
3rd Paul Simpson, 35 cb9 18
Super Bowl Monday is not usually a well attended golf
day as many of the regulars want to spend the morning alternately cheering
and cursing their luck as the big game swings one way and then the other,
but this year thirty four hopefuls took off for Ban Chang leaving the
couch potatoes to eat and drink as much as they could force down at the
usual free binge in front of the massive screen. Strange to relate the
only people not to have the benefit of a first time live viewing of the
half time expose, were all the watchers at The Haven. Due, no doubt, to
the copious volumes of free booze consumed during a slow first half.
In the first division Michael Dige swept the field away
with a fantastic gross 69 amassing 43 points over a tricky Ban Chang that
is normally noted as one of the most difficult courses to take on in the
area. Mikael Andersson, even with a strong 38 points, could only manage
second place, although he too was well ahead of his nearest challenger,
Mike Morris in third place.
The second division was a lot more competitive,
although the scores came nowhere near those of the senior group, with
Trevor Edge squeezing out another win without breaking par, from Major Roy
and Paul Simpson one shot back.
The twos were shared between Mike Morris, Trevor Edge,
Michael Dige, Mikael Andersson and Ning Morris.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new members John Phelan and Steven
Aguilla.
Before the celebrations started “The Doc” handed
out the big prize for the Super Bowl to Mike Morris, who showed his
appreciation by blowing the horn to get everybody in a good mood, no
matter what their score had been during the other competition of the day.
Wednesday 4th February
Green Valley
Stroke play
1st Division
1st Arthur Hancock, 71
2nd John Desmond, 72
3rd Chris Davisson, 73
4th Chang Suh, 75
5th Doug Campbell, 76 on count back
2nd Division
1st Jim Barnett, 73
2nd Alec Daugherty, 75 cb9 33
3rd Michael Moore, 75 cb9 35
4th Brian Kelly, 75 cb9 37.5
5th Roy Thornton, 75 cb9 39.5
The Head Bottle Washers new design continues to baffle
most of the players at Green Valley with only the members and those
availing themselves of the aforementioned family members as caddies
seeming to succeed in circumnavigating the new layout.
Arthur Hancock took an advantage when stealing Bob
Lindborg’s usual caddy, the sister of HBW, to rack up another win. John
Desmond, who is at last showing signs that he will someday return to the
form that he brought with him many months ago, closely followed him. Chris
Davisson continues to improve following his extensive programme of
practice, with many hours spent combing the local poor house for
inspiration.
Jim Barnett was as surprised as everyone else to take
his maiden win out of The Haven, so much so that he was already home (?)
in bed by the time the winners were presented. Alec Daugherty took second
place ahead of Michael Moore and a bunch of the usual suspects after an
exhausting count back that left Richard gasping for another Mekong.
The twos were shared between Gerald Greba, Chris
Davisson, Doug Campbell and Brian Kelly.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new members
Bob O’Dowd, Noi Jenvuthida and Ole Steen and welcomed back Bill
Kirkpatrick for his annual golf lesson.
Friday 6th February
Khao Kheow
Bogey
Ladies winner
Jean Utting, 6 down
1st Division
1st Chuck Carrier, 4 up
2nd Tony Barritt, 2 up
3rd Mike Allidi, 1 up cb9 2 up
4th Doug Hollingsworth, 1 up cb9 all square
2nd Division
1st Glynn Nicholas, all square
2nd Trevor Edge, 2 down
3rd Paul Taylor, 3 down
4th Jim Barnett, 5 down on count back
Khao Kheow is now in almost perfect condition but
unfortunately too many people know and players can now look forward
confidently to a five hour round during the rest of the high season. But
with most of the quality courses in the same overcrowded situation one can
only grin and bear it whilst dreaming of a much quieter low season, which
is expected to start in April.
Chuck Carrier led home a class field in the first
division to claim his first winners trophy by two shots from Tony Barritt
with Mike Allidi and Doug Hollingsworth scrapping over the minor placings.
In the second division Glynn Nicholas performed for the
first time during his current trip to at last match his newly declared
lower handicap, which he had brought with him from England. Trevor Edge
again managed to creep on to the podium without breaking par on his way to
collecting from his usual pension augmenters donations.
Newcomer Tony Gallagher, Doug Hollingsworth, Mike
Allidi and Glynn Nicholas shared the twos pool.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members David
Henry, Tony Gallagher, Mark Graham and Jeffrey Wibrow.
Houdini’s Heroics
at Treasure Hill
On Thursday, 5th February, thirty
golfing masochists, otherwise known as the Bunker Boys, swallowed the pill
and travelled to distant Treasure Hill for their weekly Stableford event.
The course can be a brute and on this day there was a
strong wind blowing, which thankfully kept the threatening rain at bay, but
regretfully “lengthened” an already very long course.
The course at present is in excellent condition and those
who managed to keep the ball on the fairway found that their shots to the
green were well-received and their task of putting was consistent.
Division two golfers struggled as usual to overcome the
length of some of the holes, but those meeting with success included
Treasure Hills’ favourite son, Mr. Loy, who shot 33 points to come third.
One ahead of him was the genial giant, Jim Payne, who snatched second place
with a fine 34 points. The hero of the second flight was Aussie Gavin
Bradley whose 35 points gave him his second consecutive Bunker victory.
Better golf was witnessed in division one as Steve
Nowell, Mark Joshua and Mike Allidi all produced rounds of 35 points to
share third place. Newcomer Flemming Jorgensen fared one better to take
second place but the day’s heroic performance was from Paul “Houdini”
Butler, whose power shots made a mockery of the windy conditions, winning
the prize with a score of 38 points.
Keith Smithson chipped in for a birdie two on hole 6 to
take a share of the Bunker Super Sawng award, but Flemming’s birdie on the
notorious second hole more than merited his share of the award.
Now, John Hughes is a very consistent golfer, playing off
fourteen, and he began the day with a “survival pack” breakfast at the
Bunker, threatening to take the course apart. As he stood on the sixth tee
having collected only one point, he knew then that later in the day there
would be fruit on the menu for him, back at home base! There was indeed, as
his 21 points came back to haunt him, disguised as the Bunker Banana Booby
award. However, all talk was about the winner and the tasty round that the
Butler served up.
Shenanigans Mikeless Golf Competition
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society
returned to Eastern Star for its February 3 Pairs Combined Stableford
competition. The course improves with every visit and the 52 golfers were
treated to perfect scoring conditions but only two managed to break par,
Graham Rudd and John King with 38 points.  Kim
Fletcher & Tony Stevens with the Winner John King.
This was the first time in 3 years that Mike Franklin was
not at the helm due to his working holiday in the UK and it was left to Kim
Fletcher and Tony Stevens to direct operations for the day.
Mikael Anderson and John King shot a combined 72 points
with Max Busslinger and Usa Chaiyusit in second with 71 points, three times
in the water costing them top spot. Third place went to Colin Bristow and
Tony Stevens on 69 points.
 Tony
Stevens with Runners up Max & Usa.
Technical prizes went to Mikael Anderson, Phil Taylor,
Gary Blackburne and Dave Burgess for the near pins and the long putts were
claimed by Tom Adams and John King.
Back at Shenanigans a fine baked ham was enjoyed and
Mikeless Kim swiftly dealt with the prize giving along with mystery gifts,
one being awarded to Graham Rudd for driving the par 4 12th, with the group
ahead still putting out.
The next Shenanigans is on Tuesday February 17 for a pairs scramble at
Sriracha (TBC), sign up early on the golf notice board inside Shenanigans.
PSC Three Sisters Golf
The monthly winner for January was a new name
to put on the Three Sisters Trophy. Chris John, who normally stays in the middle
of the pack, surged forward for the day with 45 points. It was one of the best
rounds that Chris has ever shot as he smiled ear to ear at Caddy Shack two.
Following a few shots back was a surprised Jim Tully. Jim,
who is normally holding the bag, finally found his swing on the back nine and
came in second with 40 big points. Jim received a big round of applause for his
efforts.
Just back of Jim were three golfers at 39 points. Jerry Lien,
Kenny Mau and Herb Ishinaga were tied but could not catch the front-runners of
the day. Chris John just had too much of a lead for anyone to surpass.
A new face appeared at the bottom of the pile this week. Greg
Perrin, in from Australia, got tripped up and got caught holding the bag. Big
Greg, and I do mean “BIG”, had a miserable day at the course and shot 18
points to dig his way into the cellar. Greg is Rod Perrin’s son - If you think
Rod is big, you should see his son! As Greg gets a few more games in, he should
be able to get out of the bottom position.
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday February 2
Treasure Hill Golf & Country Club
Stableford
The Treasure Hill Golf and Country Club was host to a
Stableford competition in two flights, A: 0 to 18 and B: 19 and above. The
course was in fine shape and we had it to ourselves, millionaires’ golf!
 Steinder
Eidsson
Steinder Eidsson took the A flight with 42 points, Johan
Reynisson second with 38 points, Aku Aho third with 36 points and Jerry
Kurtz fourth with 33 points.
Bent Moeller took the B flight with 36 points, John
Swanson second with 35 points, Dan Heidebo third with 34 points and Harald
Gruber fourth, losing third on count back, with 34 points.
Near pins: #2 Norm Martin, #6 Johan Reynissan, #13 Leif
Kirkgaard and #17 Harald Gruber.
Long putts: #9 Willy Mooney and #18 John Swanson.
Thursday February 8
Rayong Green Valley C.C.
Stableford
This was to be a special day. Normally we leave at 8:15
a.m. and tee off somewhere between 9:15 to 9:30 a.m., but because of the
dual start time at Green Valley we had to tee off at 11:10 a.m., meaning a
nice sleep in, in the morning, for me anyway. The start list was full on
the day it was put up, one week in advance, bring it on.
 Bent
Moeller
On the morning of the competition, the Kronborg was full
with happy golfers eating breakfast and getting ready for the big day out.
Me, I phoned up the course and booked a cart, yes sir, no problem. Happy
days.
Buses loaded off we went and arrived in good mood, to be
met by a long queue. Still no rush we didn’t tee off for a long time. No
Sir, sorry no carts for anyone. Booked, well sorry still no carts. Never
mind let’s go out and tell the caddies no carts, caddies? What caddies?
‘Yes sir they’ll be here in a while, half an hour or so’, so being a
natural leader, I organised the starting four balls in order to get caddies
as they arrived, and when the first four arrived we left and left the rest
to the mercies of chance.
 Doug
Maiko
Stood on the new first tee, let’s get away and this is
worth all the messing about, now nothing can go wrong. Fresh and cool what
a beautiful day and we began to really enjoy the day. Then it rained, and
it rained, in fact it poured it down, and soaking wet golfers and caddies
from all over the course gathered at the first stop.
Of course it cannot rain all day and after 30 minutes or
so it nearly stopped. Let’s go boys I am the leader and it is my
decision. Of course being a leader does not mean you have any brains; look
at the politicians. Of course as soon as we got on the next green it
hammered it down and blew a gale. ‘Hang on lads it’ll stop soon,’
well it didn’t and we got soaked.
By the time we were half way to the next green we were
down to three, and as soon as we got near the clubhouse we were down to two
in our fourball and seriously questioning our sanity. Well I was a leader
and I couldn’t be bowed, but I was cold and wet and frankly fed up.
“Mad Dogs and Englishmen” and all that. So what was an American doing
carrying on with me? He reckoned with a lack of intelligence someone had to
look after me.
So on to the 12th we forged and half way up the fairway
it rained, in fact poured down, and we got soaked to the skin again as we
dashed to the next drink stop. Of course it was full with players who
wanted to know if we knew Se Ri Pak.
Of course when the rain stopped they went home whilst we
slopped on to finish the round. This is the first time since I came here,13
years ago, that I have actually taken my spikes off and wrung my socks out.
I wouldn’t care but they really are top quality waterproof spikes, the
water must have got in from the top down.
Arriving back at the clubhouse we were met by the
Admiral reading a book and sipping, the other two of our fourball with feet
up stuck into a few beers and many others relaxing, whilst the brave, about
50%, completing their round. Me? A hot shower went down well.
Showered and sipping a glass of beer, the rest trudged
in and added their cards to the papier-mโch้ pile in the middle
of the table. A wet soggy ball of scorecards and it was getting dark.
We assumed the scores were correct, but we did have one
hero when Doug Maiko came in with 40 points. How that is possible in such
conditions is not understood, but he stands alone on a day of total failure
for practically all the others.
Surprisingly the rest of the night developed into a good
laugh as the players vied to tell the tallest of tales. Never mind tomorrow
is Century Bang Chang and lightening does not strike twice in the same
place. Does it?
A Flight
Winner: Gary Blackburn, 34 Pts
Second: Bob Benda, 33 Pts
Third: Tony Scrambler, 30 Pts
Fourth: Ebrahim, 29 Pts
B Flight
Winner: Doug Maiko, 40 Pts
Second: Harvey Samuel, 36 Pts
Third: Werner Strub, 35 Pts
Fourth: Barry Kerr, 33 Pts
Near pins: #5 Cees Bosman, #8 Dave Richardson, #13 Barry Kerr and #16
Stuart McNichol.
Long putts: #11 Ted Morris and #18 Archie Tonkin.
PSC Golf from the 60’s Bar
Friday February 9
Century Bang Chang
(Stableford)
The night before was spent by many drying their clubs,
gloves and shoes, before a trip to this test for the day. Breakfast at
Bobby’s, a hot cup of coffee then away for a fine round of golf on,
hopefully, a dry day.
 Max
with winner and runner up
Arriving at Bang Chang it was a pleasure to be told
that my booked cart was available, and so my clubs were put on the back,
with a rain cover over them just in case it rained. No, we could not tee
off till our tee time of 1015 as groups were on the tee, so a sit in the
‘Clubhouse’ was planned.
‘Looks a bit black’ was the comment, surely not
rain! Then it hit, literally a deluge with a howling gale. The tables in
the clubhouse were blown over and the place flooded out. On the course it
was chaos with the fairways disappearing under water and caddies and
golfers returning by the dozens on foot and by cart. ‘Cart sir ok’,
did not look promising now. When it stopped and the mopping up started,
the first fairway was like a river and the cart paths deep in water.
Can I have my money back? No, well give it half an
hour and we’ll give it a try.
 Max
with technical winners
The first fairway was wet in the extreme and around
the first green was a lake, and it was still spitting. The next few holes
were played in the heavy rain, but slowly it cleared, till by half way it
was half decent. Then it started to warm up. Who needs a sauna? My wife
says it doesn’t usually rain in February, I don’t remember it this
wet in the wet season.
Anyway, by halfway we could take the carts on some
parts of the course if we were very careful and the day slowly improved.
Not the scores but as usual someone would come out of the wood.
Back first in the clubhouse a cold beer and a long sit
were in order, before a hot shower, now the latest innovation at Bang
Chang. At least 2 hot showers and I know which they are.
Back at Bobby Joe’s we had a treat as Bobby laid on
a Thai Style beef ragout and rice, really tasty after a long cold day on
the golf course. Then Max did the presentation and we all went home. Some
much later than others.
Winner: Tony Scrambler
Runner up: Bob Noble
Near pins: Jeff Wylie (2), Doug Maiko, Jeff Wylie,
Cees Bosman and Herb Schwieterman.
Long putts: Mike Gerrard and Pete King.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Former WBA Fly champ from the Kingdom Sornpichai Singwangcha
(35-4) got a rude awakening last week. He got KO’d at 1:45 of the 9th by
“feather like hitting” Jun Toriumi (21-3). Prior to the win Jun had only 7
KO’s from 20 wins. Sornpichai lost his WBA crown to Eric Morel in 2000.
Meanwhile in Sheffield, England, the rematch between IBF
Light Heavy Champ Clinton Woods and Glencoffe Johnson was held. Their first
meeting, November 7, 2003, ended in a highly debatable draw. (116-112 Johnson,
115-113 Woods, 114-114). The rematch last Saturday night (Pattaya Time) promised
to be a barnburner. It wasn’t. “Different dance different tune.” Better
scoring. Glencoffe Johnson (40-9-2) won an easy UD (116-112, 115-113 twice) and
the IBF light heavyweight championship. Woods, now 32-3-1, was never in the
fight. Woods may have not recovered from his whipping by Jones and Johnson.
WBA Champ Yodsanan 3-K Battery, now 43-2-1, had little
trouble in conquering Ryuhei Sugita (25-2-2) last Sunday in Gifu City Japan.
What had appeared at the outset to be a test of the 3-K Battery turned into a
triumph of skill and power.
“Yodsanan floored Sugita with a combination in the second
round and went on to demolish the Japanese on the ropes with a flurry of blows
following a staggering left in the seventh round. Australian referee Derek
Milham stepped in to stop the onslaught and declare Yodsanan the winner by
technical knockout at 2:49.” How about them apples?
The heavyweight division has had good and bad news the past
week. The bad news is that Roy Jones has relinquished the WBA belt. That means
that John “The Boring Man” Ruiz is champion again. What a joke. Another bad
joke is that Mike Tyson will return to the ring in either May or June. He’s in
light training which means he’s cut down to 4 or 5 lap dances a day.
On the bright side last Saturday “The Imperial One”
Lennox Lewis said, “Good bye”. About time. Never has one person done so
little with so much. You can’t be the people’s champion when you despise the
people. Contempt for your subjects will eventually come to the surface.
Bookmakers William Hill are quoting odds of 7/2 that Lennox Lewis will fight
again within two years - and making that scenario more likely is that fellow
Brit Audley Harrison could become World Champion (WBA, WBC, WBO, or IBF) within
the same space of time - which Hills rate as a 9/2 chance. When pigs fly. Take
the bet, the odds and go to the window to collect.
I’ll bet as you sit there reading today’s Pattaya Mail
you’re saying to yourself and Teelock, “I wonder how many championship
fights there are this month?” “I don’t care boxing. All you care is golf,
friends, drinking and watching television. I clean house, wash cloths and cook
food. I take care of family. Why you no ask me what I want to know?” So, as
Teelock is starting to sound like the “nagging no longer significant other”
here’s your championship fights for the month. The Square Ring to the rescue
yet again.
On February 21 Joe Calzaghe (36-0) defends his WBO Super
Middle title against Mger Mkrtchyan (18-1) on home grounds in Cardiff, Wales.
Calzaghe should have little trouble. Time he moved up and out. He’s moving
out. Wales will no longer be home grounds as Calzaghe has bought a home in
Florida saying, “I can’t take this weather.” What took him so long?
Can’t get too excited about WBC super the feather title
bout between Jesus Chavez (40-2) and Erik Morales (45-1) in Las Vegas. Morales,
the challenger, hasn’t really done much of late. Morales was the WBC
featherweight champ until he lost to Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera told the WBC
what they could do with their belt and title. The WBC vacated the title. Morales
beat Paulie Ayala over 12 for the “vacant title”. He then had two defenses
against a washed up Eddie Croft (32-6), hadn’t fought in 3 years. Then a win
over Bobby Bob Velardez (23-6). Morales, through the good graces, the WBC, gets
a Super Feather title eliminator against Guty Espadas who he has already beaten.
Chavez has been on a roll since his KO at the hands of Floyd Mayweather jr. He
reversed a loss early in his career with a 6th round TKO of Carlos Gerena
(38-4). That led to a title match with Sirimongko Singmanasak (43-1) last
August. The UD (117-111, 117-111, 118-110) gave Chavez the title. The Thai was
never in the fight.
On February 28 Markus Beyer (28-1) defends his WBS Super
middleweight belt against Andre Thysse (14-2) in Dresden. This was supposed to
be Beyer’s rematch with Danny Green of their August 16, 03 match that ended in
DQ whilst Beyer was getting his laundry taken to the cleaners. Beyer is really a
minor champ with Sven Ottke (WBA/IBF) and Joe Calzaghe (WBO) the stars. Coming
up fast is “Left Hook” Jeff Lacy.
WBC/WBA/IBF 140lb champion Kostya Tszyu doesn’t want to
lose his titles due to injury. He paid a non-refundable $26,000 fee to the IBF
(I Be Fixin) to ask for a medical exemption. If approved at a IBF Board meeting
this week he’ll get his wish. Now what are the chances of the IBF taking a
bribe and then ratting the Champ out? Right. About 50-50.
Meanwhile the WBC will hold its 42nd annual world convention
at the Phuket Arcadia Hilton October 3-9. That may be the official headquarters.
Unofficial headquarters will be the Island Lager Bar on Soi Seal Pearl. WBC El
Presidente’ Suliaman issued a statement to whit (or half whit as the case may
be), “This is going to be a very important convention, as it will be dedicated
to the restructuring of boxing within the rules and regulations of the WBC to
adjust to the present times.” Translation? “Be there or as an official
you’ll be working your next WBC fight in your imagination.” God I luv boxing
and boozing.
2004 Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa
Koh Larn Classic tomorrow
by Peter Cummins
What an appropriate day for a ‘marriage’. On
Valentine’s Day, tomorrow, the ‘marriage of convenience’ between
the Royal Varuna sailors and the Hash House Harriers will be
‘consummated’. Appropriately, it is the 14th edition of this
marvellous event.
 In
fact, it seems that the Hashers had just hung up their running shoes and
the sailors had just folded their sails after last year’s event, when
suddenly the Pattaya Marriott-sponsored race is on again.
Since the inaugural event in 1991, the Koh Larn
Classic has joined the league of similar races such as the Four Peaks - a
36-hour endurance test of sailing 76 nautical miles, 20 miles of overland
running and scaling four peaks, first organized by Hong Kong’s Aberdeen
Boat Club, in 1985.
Another is the Australian Three Peaks Race, a most
gruelling test of man and machine around the island state of Tasmania
which, for the slower yachts - and runners - can be a four-day marathon.
In the 1997 event, for example, one run took an incredible 18 hours, when
a team was lost in the fog, cold and rain of one of Tasmania’s
formidable mountains.
Fortunately, the Koh Larn Classic is much more
“user-friendly” than either of these, as the veterans know and the
novices soon learn. Many spectators come to admire the sailors’ skills
and the athletes’ feats. For most of this latter group, however, it is
usually a case of going home to tend to an incidence of “athlete’s
foot”!
As this year’s event will clearly show, again,
however, neither the fastest runner nor the best yacht performance wins;
rather, the sail-run team with the best combined land-sea aggregate time
will take home the first prize, while the fastest runner will be awarded
the Karl Schmid permanent trophy as an individual category.
First organized in 1991 by John Stall, acknowledged at
that time as one of the “Stall-warts” of yacht racing in the Kingdom,
the annual Classic comprises a yacht-race and cross-country run, teaming
the sailors from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club with the runners from the
Bangkok Hash House Harriers and Harriettes.
The course will consist of a start off Royal Varuna,
set for around noon Saturday, then round Koh Chun, leaving the tiny
“Lighthouse Island” to port, then west to the northern tip of Koh
Larn. There each boat will drop the runner who will follow a marked trail
to the southern end of Koh Larn, then back over the hills to Had Tien on
Koh Larn’s west coast, where yachts and runners will rejoin. Thence,
the yachts will race back east to Royal Varuna where the Royal Garden
Resorts Pattaya will greet the teams with “refreshments”, a swag of
trophies and tee shirts sponsored by Schenker.
Prizes will be awarded to the winners, with a special
award to the first lady helm and the Karl Schmid Memorial Trophy to the
fastest runner.
Dave Wales, Gilbert Leemann and a competent team of
race marshals will be in place to ensure a fair, competitive and safe
event.
Back ashore later, the famous Pattaya Marriott Resort
and Spa catering assures the big group of the best in food, while Alberto
Cassio’s Photo Bank will supply beverages to keep the dry, dusty
throats well oiled. The traditional evening entertainment will again be
provided by the Royal Thai Navy.
It is a most appropriate event for the Royal Garden
Resorts sponsorship for, of all sports and related past-times, it would
be impossible to find any human activity more environmentally-friendly
than running and yacht-racing: both rely entirely on human endeavour -
the latter requiring the added assistance of Nature’s forces.
Interested participants should plan to be at the Royal Varuna Yacht
Club early tomorrow morning. Enquiries to tel. 038 250116; fax: 038
250115; e-mail: [email protected]
Landing the big ones
that didn’t get away
PSC Fishing from the 60s Bar
Saturday January 24 - I do like a fishy story and where
else do you get to tell people how big it is? Well yes, but we are talking
of fishing and at this present time it is nice to see fish landed,
particularly when the tides are not at their best.
 Big
ray for Mike.
The tides will be fine for fishing, as will the moon for
squid fishing, by the time this goes to print but at present, night is
better than day, so that night catches are better, but we are still catching
some fine fish during daytime.
However, the day fishing is superb, the seas are calm and
the weather is magnificent, what more can you wish for? This is just another
day spent in paradise, especially if you golf and fish.
Shown here are some of the fine fish caught aboard ‘The
Dolphin’ and ‘The Kitsana’ and by Frank Collin’s captains, and at
the time of sending this in, reports are coming in of another fine day’s
fishing.
Till the next time ‘Tight Lines’ T.T.F.N.
Fine cobia
for Joe.
Fine night
out on the Kitsana for Marcus, Nancy, Billy and Chris.
Pattaya hosts 2nd annual youth swimming competition
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The second annual youth swimming competition against
drug use was recently held at the Sathit Udomsueksa School with 450 avid
swimmers ready to power through the water in hopes of winning medals.
 The
second annual youth swimming competition against drug use was recently
held at the Sathit Udomsueksa School.
Over 30 teams of children from the ages of six to
fifteen participated in the event, officially supported by the city and
opened by Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat at the school grounds. The
children had a host of supporters by the way of eager parents and
teachers.
A range of events featuring freestyle, butterfly, sidestroke,
backstroke and medley races saw the kids battle for supremacy as to who
would be the king and queen of the pool in their age groups and for their
swimming club.
Formation Skydive record set in Korat
357 jumpers honour HM Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday
Last Friday (February 6) 357 jumpers led by B.J. Worth
built a 357-way formation skydive over Takhli district of central Nakhon
Sawan province, which was declared complete by international judge Sherry
Schrimsher. The jump took place after more than a week of attempts by the
international sky diving group known as the World Team 2004, which
includes top ranked skydivers from around the world.
 Some
357 skydivers representing 42 nations head for the ground Friday, Feb. 6,
in Takhli district of central Nakhon Sawan province. Karina Willerup, a
spokeswoman for the organizers, World Team, claimed the jump from four
Hercules C-130s belonging to the Thai Air Force set a world record for
largest freefall formation. The organizers released the photo on Saturday,
Feb. 7. (AP Photo/Henny Winggers, World Team, HO)
The goal of the group was to set a new Federation
Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) World Record for the largest freefall
formation. The previous world record for this category stood at an
impressive 300 linked skydivers.
To honor Her Majesty’s 72nd birthday, the World Team
planned to raise the bar by completing a massive 372-way freefall
formation, and register it in the archives of the FAI and the Guinness
Book of World Records.
42 countries participated in this event, but the goal of 372 linked
together was thwarted by bad weather; however, World Team 2004 did succeed
in their goal before the cutoff date of February 7 to make a formation
from 357 skydivers, to break the FAI World record and set a new mark in
the Guinness Book of World Records.
Jeff North aces #12
at Royal Lakeside
Jeff North achieved a hole in one at
148 yd par 3, #12 at Royal Lakeside on Monday February 2, 2004, playing
out of Mulligans.
Jeff said that, “The tee was a little forward at 131
yards ... I took a 9 iron and hit the ball at the hole; it took one bounce
and went in. The hole was cut on a slope, making it a very difficult
placement ... Maybe it helped that I am left handed!”
 Jeff
North achieved a hole in one at Royal Lakeside on Monday February 2, 2004.
He is shown here in a photo taken on Jan. 28 when Mulligans Team beat a
team of lads from Wyke Green Golf Club, who are over for their regular
visit - Jeff is the one in the middle with a cup on his head.
The hole is sponsored by Johnny Walker and after
filling in a claim form and getting congrats from the management of Royal
Lakeside, Jeff was told he will hear something from them in a couple of
months?
Jeff is a 9 h/c from West London. He plays regularly
with a bunch of nice lads from Mulligans Bar, and said that, “One of the
boys, Graham Boumont, had just popped in a putt for 3 at the 10th par 5 to
eagle the hole for 5 Stableford points. He was still in a state of elation
when I upstaged him by getting a hole in one ... but only for 4 points?”
Jeff said that the great day was finished off by him ringing the bell
in Mulligans and getting well pissed!
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