|
Stefan Andersson takes the Open at Lewiinski’s
In this multinational community of which we find ourselves a member, we
had a Swede win the 3rd annual Open of a bar/hotel/restaurant/golf venue
with a Polish surname which is owned by an American of Italian ancestry who
drinks Irish whisky.
This unique Pattaya event is eyed suspiciously by some in
the golfing community as being too much golf and requiring an unreasonable
commitment of four days. To those that have played, however, it represents a
chance to match their games to a test similar to that faced weekly by the
guys and gals on TV.
 Stefan
Andersson (left) hoists the Claret Jug while he cradles the Lewiinski’s
Open Cup. Owner Steve Mascari (right) joins in the revelry.
This year’s event kicked off on Monday, February 23
with a field of 77 brave and hopeful male hearts, on Green Valley, matched
in stroke play. They repeated that itinerary on Tuesday, February 24. Then
in the only departure from the game played by the guys who make a living
doing it, the field took off Wednesday. They huddled up at Lewiinski’s
Wednesday evening for a nice buffet put forth by the capable staff of the
house, and learned if they were numbered amongst the top 50% of the two day
field, plus ties, who had earned the right to press on for two more days of
stroke play for the Cup, the first again on Green Valley and the final day
on St. Andrews 2000.
The partygoers also learned their fourball pairing as the
field was sent out on each of the last two days, in the reverse order of
accomplishment, that is, with the leaders going off last. I told you it was
like TV!
Those who did not clear the Cut hurdle were not to be
abandoned, however, as they were granted a fresh slate in a two-day
Stableford tilt for the Plate. They were joined by another half dozen
competitors whose schedule or stamina only allowed participation in the
two-day event. Amidst all this male revelry were two intrepid gals who
matched games for a four-day Ladies Stableford event.
The event culminated with another grand feast at
Lewiinski’s supplemented by Egon Neilsen’s tasty BBQ’d leg of Ox.
Interestingly enough, the winner and the host are,
without question, two of the finest golfers and gentlemen of our community
and both had their moments on the pitch this week, albeit the former more
consistently then the latter, who is still recovering from a 15-month layoff
due to tendinitis.
Stefan Andersson, playing off a five handicap, broke from
the gate in strong form, carding a gross 74, net 69, but trailed first day
leader, the wily and sage Irishman, Sean Murphy, by a single stroke. Stefan
showed no let up on Day Two as he matched his Day One effort of 74/69 to
pull in front of his senior opponent who fell five shots afield.
Just when a walkover looked assured, back came a well
rested Sean Murphy against a now mortal Swede and the battle was joined as
the two finished Day Three knotted at net 214, two below par. Two fellows
who weren’t receiving too much attention, Dene Airey and Peter Henshaw,
lay third and fourth, but three and four strokes back, respectively.
The Man of the Day Three was the event’s mastermind and
host, Steve Mascari, who shot the week’s best gross round on Green Valley
at gross 73 and the attendant best net of 67. Meanwhile, a strong pitch for
the Plate was initiated by Robbie Bennett who was four points clear of
Harvey Samuel, with 40 points.
Chaba Carney continued her consistent march toward the
Ladies trophy as she was now 15 points clear of second place Sangworn Blair,
increasing her daily margin of by increments of one.
The final day at St. Andrews 2000 had the field abuzz as
the pressure mounted. Regrettably, as he had in the first couplet of days,
Sean fell back and fell from the podium altogether.
Dene Airey showing the stamina one would expect from a
man of his fitness and relative youth almost pulled off a stunning upset
with a two below par net 72, which found him finishing one shot behind the
steady Stefan Andersson who shot his handicap at gross 79, level net 74.
The third place was claimed by Irishman Peter Henshaw who
can now add yet another entry to his extensive golf portfolio. Stefan not
only was universally acclaimed as a worthy Cup winner for his effort off his
stingy handicap but was further lauded for his winning the Claret Jug
emblematic of the Low Gross winner with a total of 308 which left him five
clear of Jim Wickstrom who dazzled the field with a gross one over 75, net
71 tally on Day Four. Poor Robbie Bennett met a fate similar to Sean on that
final day and found himself looking towards the Plate podium, rather than
down from it as that first day may have suggested. Through the breach left
strode Tom Breslin and Andy Leach who took home the platters for first and
second with 72 and 70 points over the two day event. Chaba Carney tidied up
her task on the final day and found herself well clear for the ladies
crimson cup with a 34 point a day average.
Owner Steve Mascari and Golf Manager John Emmerson acted as Masters of
Ceremony at the Presentation Dinner and thanked all present for their
participation in such a unique, demanding and interesting test of golf. The
field responded with plaudits for the vision and execution that makes the
2005 Lewiinksi’s Open, to be held again in February, a much anticipated
event.
Final week and no team could make a move up the standings
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
The thirty-week league came to an end on Friday and no team could change
their place in the standings. VFW Post 9876 took three points from House of
the Golden Coin to capture first place. Mio rolled a 201 game and 561 series
for Golden Coin and her team ended in second place.
 200
Bowlers, (front row) Somrak, Kran, Jeed; (second row) Mai, Lenz, Mio and
Nut.
Caf้ Kronborg took third place behind Kran’s 204
game, 573 series and good bowling by Tien, to take three points from Shakey
Pete’s. La had a 520 series and helped Shakey Pete’s to hold on to
fourth place. Fifth place Jack & Tar and Sixth place Caf้ Ole
split their match at two points each and neither team could make a run on
fourth.
Nual rolled a 518 series for Jack & Tar and Mai
knocked down 563 pins with a 202 game for Caf้ Ole. Seventh place
Three Sisters got into the black after taking three points from eighth place
Brother D. Morn, Three Sisters, was best in the match knocking down 512
pins.
Jeed led Nam Tip to a four-point sweep over Nice &
Sleazy bowling games of 214, 188, 205 for a great 607 series. Night Life
ended the league on a positive note taking three points from Alt Koelle.
Somrak had a 201 game and 529 series for Night Life. Spare bowlers did some
good bowling with Lenz rolling a 201 game, 551 series, Nut had a 223 game
and Lenz knocked down a 201 game and 551 series.
Next week will be a fun bowling day on Friday and Pattaya Bowl and
bowler’s names will be drawn and assigned to a team. All PSC members are
welcome to join in the new league that will start on March 12 at PS Bowl
above TOPS super market.
Week 30 Final Points
Team Standings Feb 27
VFW Post 9876 79 - 41 3.5 - .5
House of the Golden Coin 73.5 - 46.5 .5 - 3.5
Caf้ Kronborg 69.5 - 50.5 3 - 1
Shakey Pete’s 64 - 56 1 - 3
Jack & Tar 62 - 58 0 - 4
Caf้ Ole 61- 59 2 - 2
Three Sisters 60.5 - 59.5 3 - 1
Brother D. 53.5 - 66.5 1 - 3
Night Life 53 - 67 3 - 1
Alt-Koelle 53 - 67 1 - 3
Nam Tip 49 - 71 4 - 0
Nice & Sleazy 44 - 76 0 - 4
Peacock Place Indoor
Bowling and Snooker League
This week saw the final matches in all
leagues. In the bowls Mixed Doubles Yellowbirds and Double Trouble fought
out a ding dong match to end all square at 6 a piece. Peacock beat Gin 15
- 2 to take the title from runners up Double Trouble. In the Snooker
league George overcame Bill to secure the top spot with Bill a creditable
runner up.
Saturday March 6 is the mixed Doubles Cup and Party
Night.
The new leagues will start on March 10 for the Ladies
and March 13 for the Mixed Doubles and Snooker, new players welcome. The
final leagues are below with adjustments for teams and players who were
unable to complete their league matches:0
Ladies Singles
Peacock Sue 10 8 0 2 82 54 16
Lek 10 6 1 3 85 55 13
Nid 10 4 1 5 81 80 9
Banjob 10 3 2 5 60 80 8
Danny Sue 10 4 0 6 57 79 8
Mam 10 3 0 7 63 80 6
Mixed Doubles
Peacock 10 9 1 1 107 48 18
Double Trouble 10 6 1 3 77 59 13
Yellowbirds 10 5 1 4 88 54 12
Love Nest 10 4 1 5 61 76 9
Gin 10 2 1 7 54 110 5
Spotty Dog 10 1 1 8 52 92 3
Snooker
George 9 7 0 2 540 307 14
Bill 10 6 0 4 494 494 12
Danny 10 5 0 5 489 449 10
Derek 10 5 0 5 442 479 10
Peter 9 3 0 6 394 513 6
Danny Sue 10 2 0 8 424 541 4
Sunday Quiz League
Wednesday Quiz League
Lawn Bowling
Pleasure Dome beat PSI 10-4 to win PSC Thursday Darts Title
PSC Fishing
On an outing
from The Domicil Restaurant on board Frank Collin’s boat ‘The Kitsana’,
Juergen, Peter Muller (both in photo) and
the boss Dominic caught some fine fish and had a
great day out.
Pattaya Pool League
Flipper takes a pair of golds and silvers
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday
February 15
Green Valley White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 41 points
2nd Place A Flight: Bob Patterson, 40 points
3rd Place A Flight: Jim Brackett, 39 points
1st Place B Flight: Joe McArdle, 40 points
2nd Place B Flight: Peter Stonebridge, 39 points
3rd Place B Flight: Terry Jordan, 37 points
1st Place C Flight: David Knowles, 38 points
2nd Place C Flight: Roger Koehler, 38 points
3rd Place C Flight: Chris Leack, 36 points
Near Pins: #5 Jim Wickstrom; #8 George Jackson
Phil had been in a modest slump, at least for him, which
saw his handicap rise all the way up to 6! Well by week’s end he had
tidied it back up to his more traditional 5.
Phil shot 73 off the stick and in so doing amassed 41
Stableford points. Phil needed every one of them to edge his A flight podium
mates as Bob Patterson and Jim Brackett were only behind in one stroke
increments.
Joe McArdle attacked the Peter Thompson layout with
nearly the same fervor as the premier flight as his 40 points found him one
clear of local publican Pete Sonebridge and two clear of Geriatric Hooligan,
Terry Jordan, in B Flight. David Knowles needed countback to snatch the gold
from red hot Roger Koehler in C Flight. Chris Leack likewise edged Gez Lees
for the final step in the third flight.
Monday February 16
Khao Kheow Yellow Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight: Bob Patterson, net 68
2nd Place A Flight: Andy Leach, net 69
3rd Place A Flight: Eddie Blackwell, net 70
1st Place B Flight: Peter D. Wilson, net 69
2nd Place B Flight: John Knight, net 72
3rd Place B Flight: Simon Howarth, net 72
1st Place C Flight: Daniel Leach, net 72
2nd Place C Flight: Kurt-Erik Persson, net 74
3rd Place C Flight: Nigel Cannon, net 76
Near Pins: #B8 Jon Haugen
Bob Patterson who was edged in the Sunday comp was quick
to take revenge as he shot 68 on the usually diabolical Pete Dye design,
especially when it is challenged from the yellow tees. The balance of A
podium was once again staggered by but a stroke at each step as Andy Leach
notched a net 69 and Eddie Blackwell a net 70. Peter D. Wilson continued a
successful run on the Society’s financial reserves as he brought a 69
home. Peter D.’s fellow tour partner, John Knight, was three in arrears
edging fast closing Simon Howarth on countback.
Daniel Leach, Andy’s son, became the youngest winner in
Lewiinski’s history, as he took the C flight top step at the ripe old age
of ten (or was it eleven?). It was a rare example as Daniel’s youth
overcame the treachery of the senior member of the field, Kurt-Erik Persson.
Nigel Cannon continues to nip little portions of the purse consistently,
taking the bronze in C Flight.
Wednesday February 18
St. Andrews White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 44 points
2nd Place A Flight: Terry Buck, 40 points
3rd Place A Flight: Mike Allidi, 39 points
1st Place B Flight: Simon Howarth, 40 points
2nd Place B Flight: Martin Zimmerman, 35 points
3rd Place B Flight: Peter Henshaw, 32 points
Near Pins: #3 Phil Mitchell; #17 Martin Zimmerman
Egad! It’s Mitchell atop again! You thought 40 points
was something on Sunday, try 44 on Desmond Muirhead’s behemoth. That was
level par 74 off the stick!
Terry Buck scored two score points to leave third place
to Mike Allidi who continues to perform well off his 5 handicap. Simon
Howard who had been bedeviled by countbacks during this holiday left nothing
to chance as he took sole possession of the gold in B Flight with 40 points.
Martin Zimmerman was no threat to first but was well clear of third
place’s Peter Henshaw who was piecing together 32 points.
Friday February 20
Burapha C&D Blue Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: John Biangazzo, 43 points
2nd Place A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 40 points
3rd Place A Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 39 points
1st Place B Flight: Norm Robinson, 45 points
2nd Place B Flight: Wally Barstow, 43 points
3rd Place B Flight: Chaba Carney, 38 points
Near Pins: #A6 Tom Breslin; #B8 Kurt-Erik Persson
Norm Robinson has long been considered a player of great
potential, or was it a sandbagging bandit. Well, whatever. In any vent,
Stormin’ Norman showed the ability all day that has only previously come
in flashes as he was Man of the Match with 45 points!
Poor Wally Barstow, who had been beset by stomach
indigestion and mediocre golf, shook off both and blasted 43 points. Chaba
Carney, Joe’s better half, brushed Tore Eliassen, Joe McArdle and Jimmy
Munns off the podium with a countback for third. Pony Tail John, as he is
known to his sidekicks despite not having a ponytail (?), has been best
known for his percussionist contribution on jam nights at the Jazz Pit.
However, in recent weeks the golf side of his resume has grown and today’s
75 off the stick will add to that. PTJ needed that to Flipper Mitchell in
second, as the later found his brilliant 41 points and 73 off the stick go
unrequited with gold. Eddie Blackwell became the third player in the A
Flight to fire in the 70’s off the stick.
Sunday February 22
Green Valley White Tees
2-Person Betterball - Stroke/Medal
1st Place: Paul Coutoumas & Robbie Bennett, net 61
2nd Place: Phil Mitchell & Sugar Ray Handford, net 62
3rd Place: Joe Mooneyham & John Ginnane, net 62
4th Place: Gareth Lord & Pete Senior, net 62
With four days of stroke play in the offing for the
successful competitors in the Lewiinski’s Open, the gang was given a
relatively soft day with a 2-person Betterball competition.
Paul Coutoumas and Robbie Bennett didn’t approach it
lightly, however, as they ham and egged it for a winning net 61. Phil
Mitchell showed no ill effects from his reduction to handicap 5 as he
boosted Sugar Ray up on his shoulder and on to the second step of the
victory podium.
Joe Mooneyham relied on John Ginnane to carry the holes when the sh*nks
demonized him from time to time, and the two lads put together a strong
enough effort to be the mid team in a three-way countback. Gareth Lord and
Pete Senior used the European Tour caddying moxie to join the knot at net
62, but since the pros don’t use countbacks they were dismayed when they
found they had played too well on the front and not well enough on the back.
25 Different Prize Winners in the week
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday February 23
Sriracha
Stableford
1st Division
1st: Al Rolnik, 41
2nd: John Wheldon, 37
3rd: Mike Allidi, 36
4th: Jens Nielsen, 34 cb9 17
5th: Tony Barritt, 34 cb9 16
2nd Division
1st: Stephen Beard, 41
2n:d Vance Millar, 39
3rd: Ken Johnson, 36 cb9 19
4th: Peter Emslie, 36 cb9 16
5th: Unto Kilvonen, 33
Sriracha very kindly donated a years membership to the
overall winner of the days tournament and it came down to the wire with Big Al
just getting the better of The Doc, his playing partner, on countback with 21
points on the back to the latter’s 19, perhaps as he did not know what was on
the line on the last hole where Stephen took a five to Al’s 4.
Al had already taken first place in division 1 by four shots
from John Wheldon who has just flown in to take his yearly tithes from Doug
Campbell, his usual partner in Canada. Mike Allidi did well to score a level par
after being demoted to last off the tee following his late arrival and having to
play in an exceptional five ball in the last group.
In the second division, The Doc made a strong showing after a
prolonged absence due to a series of ailments although he faded badly on the
back after a scorching 23 points on the front.
Vance Millar took second with a solid round to keep the
chasers well back.
Mike Allidi, Ole Steen, Tatsumi Noguchi, Peter Emslie and
Doug Campbell shared the twos.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the resident
PGA Professional, welcomed new members Anders Eldebrandt, Anthony Four, Ron
Kramble, Martin Terleckie, Tom Miles, Lars Christensen, Ole Steen, Marck Lindved
and Jens Nielsen. He also welcomed back John Wheldon, Ken Johnson and Carl
Lukaweckyj.
Wednesday February 25
Siam Country Club
Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st: Tatsumi Noguchi, 64
2nd: Simon Spaulding, 68
3rd: Jens Gunnarsson, 69
4th: Chris Davisson, 70
5th: John Wheldon, 71
2nd Division
1st: Harald Gruber, 67
2nd: Trevor Schirmer, 69 cb9 32.5
3rd: Brian Kelly, 69 cb9 37
4th: Trevor Edge, 71 cb9 32.5
5th: Fred Ewins, 71 cb9 36
Tatsumi Noguchi played his best round in Thailand to take the
first division by a street from Simon Spaulding who had a gross 73 in second
place. Jens Gunnarsson having trained assiduously with a group of Danish
professionals the previous day, held on to third place with Chris Davisson and
John Wheldon again showing form in the last two slots.
Harald Gruber took the second division by two from Trevor
Schirmer and Brian Kelly with Trevor Edge at last returning a score that kept
most of his cash in his pocket following a couple of expensive outings. Steady
Freddy added yet another shirt to his collection by picking up last place.
Trevor Schirmer scored the only two of the day to sweep the
pool, which with 48 players in, was a sizeable one.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new member Simon
Spaulding and welcomed back Paul Hartley.
Friday February 27
Eastern Star
Stableford
1st Division
1st: Richard Garland, 40
2nd: Simon Spaulding, 39
3rd: Jens Gunnarsson, 38 cb9 21
4th: Frank Hughes, 38 cb9 19
5th: John Desmond, 37
2nd Division
1st: Stefan Hoge, 45
2nd: Gavin Bradley, 40
3rd: Trevor Schirmer, 39 cb9 22
4th: Stephen Beard, 39 cb9 19
5th: Paul Hartley, 38
Stefan Hoge rounded off a good spell of golf with a personal
best which garnered forty five points on an Eastern Star course that’s green
looked more like a desert due to the management’s attempt to get the course
into top shape for the upcoming Am-Am to be played the following Wednesday.
Gavin Bradley had to be content with second after recording a
score which would normally be good enough to win most times.
Trevor Schirmer and The Doc took 3rd and fourth respectively
after a count back with Paul Hartley rounding out the podium for the second
division.
Richard Garland, only just back from counting piles of cash,
just took the first division’s top honour from Simon Spaulding, who had
another good seventy four gross, by a shot with the Iceman again showing
prominently in third by count back from Frank Hughes. John Desmond, after weeks
of practice and early nights, at last made it all pay off with a place among the
elite.
Jens Gunnarsson and Roy Jackson shared the twos.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Edgar Irizarry, Roy Jackson,
Geoffrey Treloar, Robert Gee and Gavin Bradley and also welcomed back Bob Heath,
Achim Mueller, David Knight, Richard Garland and Dave Lee.
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday February 23
Plutaluang
Stableford
The Plutaluang Royal Thai Naval Golf Course was host to a
Stableford Competition on the North & West layouts in two Flights, A Flight
0 to 17 and B Flight 18 and above.
 Barry
Kerr, winner B Flight on Tuesday
Frank Hughes took the A Flight with 38 points, Don Richardson
was second with 36 points, Ted Morris was third with 35 points and Ebrahim was
in fourth place with 34 points on countback from Doug Calkins and Jeff Wylie.
Aussie Barry Kerr took the B Flight with 38 points ahead of
Harald Gruber in second with 36 points and Cees Bosman in third with 35 points
on countback ahead of Per Krause in fourth and Bent Moeller just losing out.
 Per
Krause, winner B Flight on Thursday
Near Pins: N2 Bent Moeller; N6 Alan Sullivan; W3 Ebrahim; W8
Pete King
Long Putts: N9 Barry Kerr; W9 Cees Bosman
Thursday February 26
Siam C.C.
Stroke - Monthly Mug
Siam is pretty dry and used at the moment, maybe not the best
time of the year to play it but a full house turned up to play and consequently
got what they deserved, especially the ‘good’ golfers.
 Alex
Kazazis, winner A Flight on Thursday
Always one of the highlights of the month the competition
always has a good turnout and it is a feather in ones cap to have a Mug in the
trophy cabinet, or for some more than one as the winner this month was to prove.
On the day the course played tough, dry fairways covered in
divots, greens not up to their usual standard, all conspired to make it a severe
test, still someone had to win and in the end we had a three way countback on
net 69 for the win, the highest winning score for some time. But you should have
seen the ‘good’ golfers, suffice to say they were embarrassingly ‘not
good’.
 Papa
Ray presents to Takeshi Hakozaki, winner of the Monthly Mug.
In the B Flight, 17 up, winner was Per Krause with a net 69
on countback over in second Pekka Kuhannen. Third and fourth places was also
decided on countback, on net 70, with Lief Kirkegaarde in third and Brian
Blackford in fourth. All pretty respectable, now to the A Flight.
As the scores came in it became apparent that the players in
the A Flight were having a torrid time, with one exception, and were turning in
some of the worst scores I had seen in many a year. Still I suppose we have to
tell of the total surprise and amazement of the names in the frame, and of the
scores. So we had a four-way countback for the A Flight winner, all on net 77, I
shall mention the score only once. Winner was Alex Kazazis, second Doug Maiko,
third Kris Helgason and fourth Derek Brook.
The winner of the Monthly Mug was Takeshi Hakozaki with a net
69, and on a day when the A Flight completed in a battle of the midgets Takeshi
emerged a shining light. Well done.
Near Pins: #4 Per Krause; #8 Dave Richardson; #12 Rob Brown;
#16 Brian Blackford
Long Putts: #9 Ebrahim; #18 Takeshi Hakozaki
Butler turns master at Treasure Hill
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
Three dozen eager Bunker Boys bounced and rattled up
route 331 to Treasure Hill on Tuesday February 24 for the week’s medal
competition and found the course in reasonable condition, but thankfully
devoid of tourists. The course has a reputation as a “man-eater” but
perhaps it was the memory of Paul Butler’s 38 points three weeks ago
which persuaded the grounds man to build a moat around the fringe of two
greens, the first and seventeenth, making running shots impossible.
The field was cut at seventeen and under and once
again the second division stalwarts huffed and puffed to try to blow the
fortress down. Needless to say they were unsuccessful and their progress
was slowed by an unseasonable heavy shower for four holes.
Those who survived included Len Jones, whose short
game continued to offer amusement to his playing partners, but whose net
79 took third place. Ahead of him were George Redgewell and the
consistent David Johnson who shared the day’s first place with net 76.
Division one saw the better scores with Takeshi
Hakozaki posting net 74 to take third place. Harry Cowling was inspired
to score a one-under-par net 71 whilst the awesome power of Paul Butler
provided the highlight on somber day. His net 69 included only three
dropped shots on a tough first nine and his triple bogies on holes 12 and
18 were the only blots on an astounding card. The butler had now become
master of the fortress at Treasure Hill.
The Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by Keith
Smithson, Bob Giddings, Gary Wilborn and regular weekly winner Steve
Nowell for their birdie twos.
At the other end of the field Sander Ruthsip and Frank
Baker hid their eyes as Mr. Loy decided the recipient of the Bunker
Banana Booby but Gavin Bradley, whose 35 points took the divisional prize
three weeks ago at the same course, suffered a heavy rebuff in the form
of a net 90 and thus the bananas were his! Bad news for Treasure Hill -
Paul Butler has pledged to make it a hat-trick when the Bunker Boys
return next month!
Good “Finnish” at
Khao Kheow
The improving Khao Kheow complex drew another large
group of Bunker Boys on Thursday February 26 for their weekly stableford
competition on a fine and breezy day. The A and B courses were in good
condition with the yellow tees set well back and racing greens. These
were to test the golfers touch and patience. With the field cut at
seventeen and under, division two golfers struggled to overcome putting
and the runners-up place was shared by Kevin Sheppard and Achim
Mller, playing with the Bunker for the first time, and their
thirty points total. David Johnson is “Mr. Consistency” at present,
having won two days previously, and his good form continued, helping him
to take the day with a total of 37 points.
Division one, again, saw a tighter contest and Harry
Cowling and Wilf Latham, for whom the course is a devil’s distraction,
went head-to-head with 36 points to share the minor placings. Jovial
Finnish giant, Unto Kilvonen, had the final laugh however and ten points
on the final four holes boosted his score to a winning total of 39
points.
Mike Allidi and Wilf Latham shared the Bunker Super Sawng award with
their birdie two’s whilst Mr. Loy’s dreams came true when he checked
Steve Nowell’s card and found it was the poorest score in division one.
At last he could realise his ambition and present the fine golfer with
the Bunker Banana Booby. Poor Steve, one bad day and a place in Bunker
folklore!
3 Sisters Golf
On the last Monday of February a host of golfers arrived at Siam C.C.
to compete for the bragging rights and to get their name posted on the
Three Sisters Trophy that was donated by Andy Bettany.
 Kenny
Mau won the bragging rights and Dene Mundy was left holding the bag.
The competition was intense with many excellent scores
posted. Leading the pack this week was Bionic man Kenny Mau. Kenny shot
the best game in his life coming in with a net 82, and scoring 43 points.
Ever since Ken got both hips replaced, his handicap has been tumbling
down. Less than a year ago his handicap was up at 27 - it is now at 17
and going lower. Good going Kenny!
Following close behind were a number of golfers. Two
shots back of Kenny was John Gibson with 41 points. John played an
excellent game but it was just not enough for the day. Nipping at
John’s heels was Don Ratcliffe who shot one of his best games coming in
with 40 points. Again it was not enough to catch the front runner. One
shot back were two golfers - Chris John and Ian Edwards both came in with
39 points but again could not keep up with the leaders. Good games but
just not enough for the day.
Holding up the bottom with 23 points this week was
Paul Kinner. Paul deserted the scene before the pictures were taken. As
we worked up the line, two other Golfers claimed to have disappeared. We
finally arrived with Dene Mundy, our hero as he took on the load holding
up the rest of the field and had his picture taken with our winner for
the day. We all had a good day and hope to see you all next week.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Friday February 27
Phoenix C.C.
Stableford
A trip to phoenix these days is a pleasure as the course
has been well maintained of late and many changes made to improve the
course. It was an even better day when the Golf Chairman of PSC decided to
play and being a member of Phoenix invited all the players as his guests and
thus making it a better value day.
 Bob
presents to Cees Bosman, Alan Sullivan & Bob Noble.
The day had started well with all the players tucking
into breakfast and Bobby greeting me with his answer to no drink for him
until the first golfer arrives. It is supposed to be back from golf but as
Bobby said, with a drink in his hand, they had arrived and who am I to argue
with such brilliance.
After this the golf had to be an anticlimax, but it
wasn’t, and the Mountain and Lakes nines provided a fine test for the day
with all the players enjoying their day out.
The Winner of the A Flight was Bob Noble and the winner
of the B Flight on his home course was Gerry Carpenter.
Back at the ranch, Bobby was in fine fettle, bright eyed
and bushy tailed as he did the presentations, after all had eaten his sweet
and sour pork, a la Bobby. Then we got down to some serious discussions on
the one that was missed.
Winner A Flight: Bob Noble
Second A Flight: Rick Evans
Winner B Flight: Gerry Carpenter
Second B Flight: Cees Bosman
Secret Double: Bob Noble & Alan Sullivan
Near Pins: Bob Benda, Bob Noble, Mike Gerrard, Doug
Calkin, John Sinclair, Chris Harell, Chris Davidson
Long Putts: Herb Schwieterman, Bob Lawrence, Derek Brook, Andy Evans.
Gibson by far in the February Diana Seniors & Ladies Open
Mike
Franklin
John Gibson always saves his ‘career best’
performances for the monthly Diana Seniors & Ladies Open tournaments,
and February at Pattaya Country Club was no exception. Returning a gross 85
off a 22 handicap, he carded 45 Stableford points fuelled by a blistering
front nine gross of 39 and 26 points. Apparently hot putting was the key to
success with only one three-putt in the round on the par 3 16th. The cry of
anguish could be heard back on the 16th tee as the putter went airborne back
to the golf bag.
 John
Gibson won the February Diana Seniors Open with an impressive 45 points.
In second place for the Seniors with a modest 38 points
was newcomer John Sourk. The Super Seniors best of the day came from Mike
Franklin with a humble 37 points, vigorously chased by Cecil Williams who
had 36 points. The two ladies playing were both rewarded. Banjob Franklin
was runner- up and Mam Trayling did it again with a winning score of 37
points.
Near Pins were claimed by Einar Anderssen, Mick Leighton,
John Hurst and Dave Earthrowl. Mick Leighton also had the Long Putt on the
9th, and Arthur Bailey was longest on the 18th.
Newcomers were duly welcomed at the prize-giving, namely
John Sourk, Neil Shaw, Nils Lago, Fred Nyman and Hans Jacobssen.
It was a fine and breezy day; the greens were slick and
the course generally okay.
John Cole did all the administrative stuff with his usual efficiency and
will be on parade again with Mike at the next Diana Seniors & Ladies
Open on Thursday March 25 at Pattaya Country Club. Sign-up at the Green
Bottle Pub, or Diana Driving Range North Pattaya.
Robbo Rants, Scans Smirk
MBMG International Casuals League - Week 13
It was a good weekend for the Scandinavian Vikings in the
MBMG International League as they placed two firm hands upon the title. Up
against rivals the Bullshead the game was locked at one all, with a draw
seeming a fair and likely result, when Scandinavian superstar Anders Schmitt
won the game with a sublime twenty yarder that left keeper Torrance with no
chance.
At full time, it was 2 - 1 to the Scans, leaving them
with a seemingly unassailable seven point lead.
Meanwhile current champions, the Mighty Dubliner, lost
further ground in the championship race, to a rejuvenated SCI team who
belied their league position and recent results with a superb performance.
Indeed, orchestrated by the brilliant Paul Scholes, SCI were unlucky not to
take all the points in an anything but dull 0-0 draw. There was controversy
after the game when the clearly bitter Mighty Dubliner manager Robbo ranted
angrily: “With that talent and ability they should be challenging for the
title. They were outstanding. But they only seem to play well against the
Bullshead and us. A team as good as they are should be playing at 100% all
the time, not just when they feel like it.”
As FA officials dragged the frothing manager away he
screamed: “Before Christmas, the Scans crushed them like slugs. And, no
doubt, will do again. Prove me wrong SCI, prove me wrong!”
Khun Kwai, the league owner and chairman promised action
against the outspoken Mighty Dubliner manager, and a lengthy suspension
seems likely.
Bangkok United with a weakened team defeated Patana 3-2,
to halt a slide of successive defeats and the French turned on the style
with the 4-1 demolition of the British Club. Elsewhere Bangkok Blitz
continued their regeneration from league laughing stock to a team to be
feared with a 5-1 hammering of slumping Shrewsbury with the recently signed
Norwegian super star Ole putting in 3.
The German All Stars got their first win of a maturing season with a 4-0
whipping of Bangkok Patana. In a peculiar irony, Patana, didn’t turn up
last week and only lost 3-0. Football eh? It’s a funny old game.
Results Week 13:
Scandinavian Vikings 2 - 1 Bulls Head Brazilians
Racing Club Pattaya 2 - 3 Bangkok United
The Dubliner 0 - 0 SCI Gecko FC
Les Gaulois de Bangkok 4 - 1 British Club Casuals
Bangkok Blitz 5 - 1 AFC Shrewsbury
German All Stars 4 - 0 Patana
Pattaya Dollhouse puts one more point on the board after a split with Larry’s Dive
Bangkok Softball League
by Dirk Brijs, captain of the
Pattaya Dollhouse softball team
Larry’s Dive was today’s contestant. It wouldn’t have
showed to be another easy task for Dollhouse to get them down, as Larry’s was
a .500 game winner team.
Dollhouse though came on the field without any complexes and
for the first time pretty relaxed about the outcome of the game. This showed in
two almost perfect games of offense. We kept Larry’s bats to just one run the
first game and our bats didn’t do that bad themselves scoring 7 runs.
End score of the first game 7-1 for Dollhouse.
The second game we kept on driving our near perfect defense
and it looked as if we were going to put the second game away too until finally
our defense showed they were only human after all. Up to the 6th inning
everything looked like it would be going our way with a score of 6-4 in our
favor until faith struck and Larry’s dive scored 6 runs that same inning.
Putting Dollhouse with their backs against the walls and very
little time to respond everything started off well though the top of the seventh
with 2 quick runs scored no outs. Some more base hits followed and some outs
too. Last out was made with 2nd and 3rd base loaded. So there we fell short.
Final score: 10-8 in favor of Larry’s Dive.
Pity of this last inning as we had basically the game in our
hands. Today’s games will be noted as one of our best games played so far,
especially from a defensive point of view with until that faithful 6th inning no
errors made whatsoever.
Today’s offensive note should go out to myself going 5 for
6 with one triple 3 RBI’s and 4 Runs scored and 1 walk.
Finally I must have come out of my slumps. Lets hope we can keep our game
going against the mighty Nike who find themselves in a little slump themselves.
Standings:
W L W%
1. Tilac 10 0 1.000
2. Studex 11 3 .786
3. RBSC 7 5 .583
4. Larry’s Dive 8 8 .500
6. Bourbon 6 8 .429
5. Nike 4 8 .333
7. Dollhouse 3 9 .250
8. Faculty 3 11 .214
9. Varsity 0 0 .000
The Square Ring
Howie Reed
We interrupt this column to bring you late breaking
news.
Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman (21-0, 17 KOs) easily
retained his WBO Jr. Featherweight title with a lopsided 7th round
stoppage over former champion Agapito “El Ciclon” Sanchez (33-8-2, 19
KOs).
Sanchez is one of the dirtiest fighters in boxing.
“I knew he couldn’t last and I let the fight go as far as it did
because I really wanted to punish him for all trash talking”.
In Dresden, Germany WBC Supermiddle titlist Markus
Beyer (29-1) won a UD (119-109, 117-111, 117-112) over South African
Andre Thysse (14-3). Next for Beyer is Aussie Danny Green.
Last Sunday in Las Vegas now former WBC Jr.
Lightweight champ Jesus Chavez (40-3) fought the last 10 rounds using
only his left against Erik Morales (45-1). It was not nearly enough.
Morales scored two knockdowns in round 2, for a 10-7 round, on the way to
a UD (18-108, 117-109, 115-112) and the WBC Title. “When my shoulder
heals I want a rematch. Two handed it’s a different fight”.
And now back to The Square Ring.
Japan’s Manabu Fukushima (25-6-2, 17 KOs), was very
impressive when he defeated ex-WBA champ Yokthai Sith-Oar (29-4-3, 18
KOs). He won the UD (97-96 twice and 97-94) over what were described as
“ten grueling rounds.” Yokthai had the power but lacked the
“punches in bunches” to win the fight. Fukushima was jubilant to get
a win over the ex-champ. “I will go down to the bantam division to look
forward to another world title shot.” He lost his first shot at the
title against Oscar Larios.
Now the rest of the story. Referee Nobuaki Uratani may
have taken the best punch of the fight when he failed to duck at the end
of the 3rd. For his lack of effort he caught a “vicious left hook”
from Yokthai. Though his face became swollen he made it to the finish.
Way to go Ref!
Last Friday at the Noina school in Bangkok IBF #11
Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (35-3) defeated Jackson Asiku (11-3) unanimously
(115-113, 116-112, 116-113) in a back and forth fight that went the
distance. The win kept the IBF Pan Pacific Feather title in Thailand.
Asiku landed the best punch in the 9th, a right cross, that had
Rakkiatgym reeling. He took the last two rounds. As part of the Friday
card IBF #10 Fahsung 3K Battery (35-6) outscored Jamie Acerda (19-12) and
“fighting school teacher Terapong Distar” got to (13-0) by out
outboxing Daniel Diolan (17-10). His students were in the crowd cheering
him on. They had to be or else!
Writing of WBC Jr. Feather champ Oscar Larios (51-3-1)
he defends on Saturday against Shigeru Nakazato (24-6) in the Land of the
Rising Sun and Falling Yen. This will be Larios’ sixth defense of the
title he won in ’02. Second time he’s faced Nakazato in Japan. First
time? An easy UD (116-110 twice, 114-111) over 12 stanzas. Will this
defense be different? Nope. Last time out Larios scored a TKO in 10 over
Thailand’s Napapol Kiatisakchokchai (22-1) at the historic Olympic
Auditorium in Las Angeles.
On the same card Veeraphol Sahaprom (41-1-2) gives
Toshiaki Nishioka (23-3-3) a rematch for the WBC Bantamweight title. They
fought the first time last October with the fight ending in a “very
questionable draw”. How questionable? The scoring was 116-112
Veeraphol, 114-113 Nishioka and 115 all. Unless there was one Thai judge,
one from Japan and one from Mars the decision was questionable. Veeraphol
probably wins big time this out in Japan.
Scott Harrison (20-2-1) was supposed to defend his WBO
feather belt against William Abeylan (23-4-1) in Glasgow. Not going to
happen. The reason? Abeylan got hit by the flu (money flu?) or a
“mysterious illness”; so he pulled out. No fight.
New opponent is Walter Estrada (26-2; 18 KOs) of
Columbia. Flu also KO’d IBO Lightweight champ Jason Cook’s title
defense against Kevin Bennett last Saturday in Bridgend, Wales.
Meanwhile a continent away at The Foxwoods Casino in
Mashantucket, CT USA, Joel Casamayor (30-1) and Diego Corrales (37-2)
lace’em up again in a non title scrap that could best fight of the
year. Their first fight in October was a “slam bang wang bang
humdinger” for the 6 rounds it lasted. Corrales was down twice and
Casamayor ate canvas once. The end came when the “ring doc” (Margaret
Goodman) stopped the fight “due to a cut inside Corrales mouth.”
Corrales is a guy that loses his cool and Casamayor knows how to push his
buttons. Corrales left trainer Kenny “My Way or the Highway” Adams
for Joe Goossen who used to train Casamayor. Last time as they played
stare down across the ring Casamayor stuck out his tongue while adjusting
his “cup”. Corrales lost it. When Corrales loses it he gets beat.
That aside there will be lots of action.
The Pride of Wales Joe Calzaghe (37-0) may have made
his last defense of the WBO Super Middleweight title he’s owned since
1997. Calzaghe stopped WBO #1 ranked Mger Mkrtchyan (18-2) in 7 stanzas
at the Cardiff Ice Rink. That was no surprise as this column predicted an
easy fight and the “books” in the Mother Country had Calzaghe a 30-1
favorite. The popular Welshman has bought a home in Florida (USA) and
will be campaigning for the IBF 175 Lb title just won by Glencoffe
Johnson. Like Tom Jones, Engledink Hunklebunk and Sean Connery he’s
headed for the New World for fame, fortune and sun.
Now from the real world we enter the world of the
surreal, which some call the heavyweight division. Sometimes Pattaya
visitor Bruce McTavish was the third man in the ring when OPBF
heavyweight champ Peter Okell (14-3) stopped Auckland Auimatagi (4-6) at
1:07 of the 7th. Auckland, from Australia, beat the count but Mr.
McTavish stopped the fight. Well done Cousin Bruce.
WBA Champ John “The Boring Man” Ruiz will defend his title on
April 17, Fres Oquendo (24-2). Now some may have read, here, that the
opponent was to be Jameel McCline (20-3-3). Well it was but it isn’t.
On that same card IBF Champ Chris Byrd (37-2) will defend against Derrick
Jefferson (26-3). I know you’re saying, “how in the name of all
that’s holy can Derrick Jefferson fight for a title? He’s not even in
the top 50 in the USA let alone the world. He hasn’t fought since
September of 02. Here is a guy that in 2000 was fighting Oleg Maskaev got
hit in the jaw and broke his ankle. What’s the deal Mr. Boxing
expert?” Two words. Don King. He controls two-thirds of the heavyweight
titles. He’s got all four here as well as whoever wins the following
week (WBC) between Vitali Klitschko (33-2) and Corrie Sanders (39-2). Ice
up the beer. The party begins.
|
