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Pattaya City Expats Club and Paintball Club hold beach Paintball challenge
Staff Reporters
The largest paintball tournament ever held in Asia
delighted Jomtien beach-goers and paintball enthusiasts last Sunday as some
16 teams came together to compete in a friendly International Charity
Paintball Competition which through generous sponsorship raised over 60,000
baht as a contribution to the Pattaya City Expat Club charity work for
Nernplubwan School.
 Lieutenant
Suthee Thipsuk was shooting paintball bullet, opening the challenge.
Jomtien Paintball World owners, Mike and Pan, who are
also active Pattaya City Expat Club members received much-appreciated
support from Chief District Officer of Banglamung, Surapol Tiensuwan and the
advisors to the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Sontaya Khunpluem.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Suthee Thipsuk, Deputy Chief of
Chonburi Police Station, opened the event promptly at 9 o’clock prior to
group photos being taken.
 The
participants were getting ready for the competition.
With some 56 games to be played before designating the
quarter-finalists there was plenty of action to entertain the large crowds
that gathered to watch - some for the first time - this very entertaining
and highly competitive sport, throughout the seven hours. It is not
surprising that this is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and
now the second leading amateur sport in America.
First, second and third place winning teams were awarded
huge, beautiful trophies. All the competing teams received several items
donated by the various sponsors. For the record: Team Infernal Extend were
the eventual winners with Cobra 1 second and Mike’s own Paintball World 1
came third.
Drew
Noyes, President of Pattaya City Expats Club, presented a trophy to Infernal
Extend.
Drew Noyes, Chairman of Pattaya City Expats Club received the cheque on
behalf of Nernplubwan School’s Principal, Decha Chomchan, prior to
presenting the trophies to the three winning teams.
‘On-Form’ Chaba Carney wins Ladies International Open title
Mike Franklin
An enthusiastic field of forty ladies signed up for the
3rd Shenanigans Ladies International Open held at Eastern Star Country Club
& Resort on Friday April 2. A fine day, with a strong testing breeze,
was in prospect as the ladies were greeted by Eastern Star staff with
flowers and a welcome drink.
 Chaba
Carney (left) won the Ladies International 2004 title. Mike Franklin (right)
presents the plaque to the winner.
The course continues to be presented to a high standard
providing a challenge for golfers of all standards. Further improvement to
the 18th fairway has begun with a weeding and re-sowing program that does
not interfere with the golf as a local rule, giving relief where necessary,
is in force. It was a truly international field with lady golfers from
eleven countries taking part.
On-form Chaba Carney returned the Stableford score of the
day with 47 points and a guaranteed handicap cut coming up. Her current IPGC
handicap of 29 gave way to a lower volunteered TGA handicap of 27. She took
the title for 2004, but not too far behind and winning Division II was
Samantha Burke with 43 points.
Up the
Margaritas!
Tai Champanak was a shot behind with 42 points and
Division II runner-up. Thea de Korte from Rayong Ladies won Division I with
36 Stableford points and Mam Trayling claimed runner-up spot with 35 points.
 Tai,
Santruey, Saranya, Lamun, Ann, Samantha and Jang take a break to enjoy the
champagne in the shadow of the trees.
Division III took care of players with no official
handicap and was awarded to the player with the lowest gross score. That
turned out to be Malee Jongfonhon carding a gross 92.
Plenty of technical prizes were on offer, near pins being
claimed by Fon Penninck, Kaye Forsyth, Usa Chaiyosit and Sue Hough. Mam
Trayling and Kim Harbeck sank the longest first putts and Usa Chaiyosit and
Mam Trayling had the straightest drives. The long drive for Division I was
boomed by Lamun Hanley and by Samantha Burke for Divisions II & III.
Golf became somewhat incidental at the half-way turn as
champagne and snacks were served by Landlord Kim, and sartorial Steve Ryser
wearing his elegant white tail suit giving a red rose to each of the ladies.
The hard work however, was down to Khun Moo and Khun Wanchai from
Shenanigans who made sure that everything ran smoothly from registration in
the morning right through to the final glass of bubbly and snack when the
ladies arrived back at the Clubhouse.
 (Ladies
L to R) Kaye, Tanya, Thea, Too enjoy a glass of champagne after being
presented with a red rose by the gentlemen Steve (2nd right) and Ed (2nd
left).
Emergency services of a somewhat unusual and amusing
nature were provided by Ed Trayling making his enjoyable presence felt
before returning to the UK for a few months.
Khun Saradej and Khun Chamnan efficiently provided
Eastern Star management back-up and the sort of friendly co-operation that
tournament organizers always hope for. From them it was nothing short of the
best.
Steve
and Ed enjoy a drink after a hard day’s of work on the golf course.
So it was then back to Shenanigans for a Thai/Western
Carvery followed by the prize-giving and lucky draw at 6.30 pm. Most of the
ladies were joined by their husbands and partners and the familiar
Shenanigans apr่s-golf party ensued. Jugs of blue Margaritas much in
evidence and, happily, eager signings for the forthcoming Shenanigans
Funhill Cup on Friday April 23 at Eastern Star. The field for the 11:30
Shotgun start is filling rather quickly, so early sign-ups are recommended.
The Ladies tournament are always fun and the 3rd
Shenanigans Ladies International Open was no exception.
Steve,
Nora, Toy, Mike, Chaba, Mam and Ed at the half-way turn.
Pattaya Pool League
Pattaya Lawn Bowling League
Sunday Quiz League
Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
Wednesday Quiz League
Brother D in first place alone
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Brother D took three points from Q Cars and are in
first place alone after week three of the new league. House of the Golden
Coin dropped into a tie for second after winning two points from Three
Sisters.
 Defending
champion VFW Post 9876, Captain Bill with new players Ow and Jon.
Golden Coin was bowling without Captain Mio who was in
the hospital having an operation. VFW Post 9876 moved into a tie for
second as they took three points from Alt Koelle.
Bill led VFW with a 508 series. Nam Tip was led by Nut
who rolled a 506 series to win all four points from Jack & Tar.
Captain Kran knocked down 549 pins to lead her team to a four-point sweep
over last place Caf้ Ole.
New handicaps for bowlers who have bowled for the first three weeks
will take effect next week and all but a few bowlers will see their
handicaps go up by a bunch.
Week 3 (Apr. 2):
Team Standings Points
Brother D. 10 - 2 3 - 1
House of the Golden Coin 9 - 3 2 - 2
VFW Post 9876 9 - 3 3 - 1
Jack & Tar 6 - 6 0 - 4
Three Sisters 6 - 6 2 - 2
Nam Tip 6 - 6 4 - 0
Alt Koelle 5 - 7 1 - 3
Q Cars 4 - 8 1 - 3
Caf้ Kronborg 4 - 8 4 - 0
Caf้ Ole 1 - 11 0 - 4
Egon Neilsen shoots red on Klaus’ B-day
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday March 28
Green Valley -
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Egon Nielsen, 41 points
2nd Place A Flight: Bob Patterson, 37 points
3rd Place A Flight: Troy Misiak, 33 points
1st Place B Flight: Paul Walia, 39 points
2nd Place B Flight: Jacl Grindvold, 38 points
3rd Place B Flight: Gary Emmett, 36 points
1st Place C Flight: Steve Mulberry, 43 points
2nd Place C Flight: Larry Nicholas, 38 points
3rd Place C Flight: Jez Lees, 38 points
1st Place Ladies Flight: Poo Supaporn, 34 points
Near Pins: #5 Gerry Power; #8 John Barrett; #13 George Jackson;
#16 Nui Meesuk
The day was sponsored by a Society member who is no stranger
to the winner’s circle, Klaus Schackt. Klaus generously sponsored four Near
Pins on the day and the significance of each of those prizes was enough to
encourage even Gerry Power to make a good swing and forget padding his handicap.
 The
birthday boy Klaus Schackt.
Regrettably Klaus was a bit under the weather with the
bronchitis that has swept through Pattaya recently and was forced to pull off
the course prior to the completion of his round. Nonetheless, thanks Klaus, hope
you are feeling better and Happy Birthday!
The major point outbreak of the day belonged to C Flight
winner. and a player who will soon add consistency to supplement his potential,
Steve Mulberry. Steve’s 43 points, which computes to a net 85, was two clear
of the large field and five clear of his nearest C Flight opponent, the count
back separated duo of Larry Nicholas and Jez Lees. (As an aside I would like to
highlight that this is Jez’s third consecutive sub par round of the last three
Sunday’s signaling that he may be ready to shuck his title as Worst chipper in
Pattaya.)
Anyway, back to our Flight winner Steve Mulberry, who would
have easily walked off with the worthless Man of the Match honors had it not
been for the exemplary round of Egon Neilsen, son of Danish chef/publican
Bjarne, who sizzled the course for 41 points. Now given Steve’s 43 points,
that doesn’t seem much of a story until one appreciates that Egon had 41 off a
3 handicap. That means he had to shoot two under 70, off the stick! Certainly
one of the finest rounds played in this Society’s history.
Bob Patterson felt little remorse taking second to that A
Flight winning score and Okinawa visitor, Troy Misiak, quickly acclimated to the
mainland with a count back victory over Jon Haugen and John Emmerson.
Paul Walia took B Flight covering handicaps 11 to 16, over
Jack Grinvold and Gary Emmett. The first lady of the Society, Poo Supaporn,
assuaged her other half’s grief over his count back loss, by winning the
Ladies Flight.
Monday March 29
Eastern Star -
White Tees
Satbleford
1st Place A Flight: Troy Misiak, 39 points
2nd Place A Flight: Jason Perry, 38 points
1st Place B Flight: Joe Mooneyham, 38 points
2nd Place B Flight: Chaba Carney, 37 points
The landing at Okinawa signaled one of the last great
amphibious assaults of World War II. It might be overshadowed by the landing of
Okinawans on Pattaya.
Troy Misiak, a frequent visitor, brought along a couple of
mates, Jason Perry, 3 hcp, and Trent Shealy, hcp 4. While Trent has been much
the more cordial visitor by courteously avoiding the victory podium, Troy and
Jason would show themselves to be quite the contrary.
Troy took his second podium position, this time a first, in
as many days, with Jason just a point back. It should not go unheralded that
Jason’s second was accomplished by shooting 73 off the stick.
Joe Mooneyham bettered the sh*nks once again and took a first
in B Flight, a practice that is becoming a weekly occurrence. Chaba Carney
continues to impress with her second place in B Flight
Wednesday March 31
Bangpra -
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Joe Mooneyham, 38 points
2nd Place A Flight: Bob Patterson, 37 points
3rd Place A Flight: Steve Mascari, 36 points
1st Place B Flight: Colin Davis, 37 points
2nd Place B Flight: Seamus Brennan, 35 points
3rd Place B Flight: Danny Dyke, 34 points
Near Pin: #8 Claus Birk Thomsen
Did I say that Joe’s winning was becoming a weekly
occurrence? How about daily occurrence? Joe took first in A Flight with another
38 point showing.
Bob Patterson continued his march toward a stated goal of a
five handicap, from the current seven, with a 37 point showing. Steve Mascari
relegated Capt. Fogg Munns to the welfare lines with a count back third place in
A Flight victory.
The Donkey picked up his weekly stipend by netting the top
rung in B Flight, with Seamus Brennan and Danny Dyke filling out the B Flight
podium.
Friday April 2
Royal Lakeside - White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Bob Patterson, 43 points
2nd Place A Flight: Dave Lacey, 40 points
1st Place B Flight: Eddy Beilby, 39 points
2nd Place B Flight: John Squitiero, 39 points
Near Pin: #15 Dave Lacey
Bob Patterson showed no ill effects of the drive to Bang Na
to play the well manicured layout of Royal Lakeside. He vaulted from the minivan
into the most ill-designed golf cart any of the field had ever experienced, and
proceeded to throw an even par, off the stick 72, at the course, good for 43
points.
That left second place in A Flight to Haven visitor Dave
Lacey and his 40 points (and Near Pin). That left five A Flight players out in
the fiscal cold who had shot 38 or 39 points, with nobody more harmed then Jason
Perry who matched Bob’s level gross 72. That is hard luck indeed!
On the junior circuit 39 points proved plenty good enough as
Eddy Beilby was given the hometown bounce in a count back victory over new
friend John Squitiero.
The Carney combination wins
at Pattaya Country Club
Mike Franklin
Joe and Chaba Carney played well together to return a
combined Stableford score of 79 points to win the March 30 Shenanigans
Pairs competition at Pattaya Country Club.
Next best was a solid 75 points scored by the
irrepressible Mikael Andersson and Michael Dige who contributed 40 points
tallied from a gross 71. Most of the other scores were in the 60s with a
strong wind being the most likely factor.
 Runners-up
Michael Dige and Mikael Andersson with Mike Franklin (left).
The technicals were well spread. Near pins being claimed
by Chaba Carney, Terry Phur, Nora Haugsjordet, and Mark Guthrie who also
sank the longest putt on the ninth. Usa Chaiyosit was longest on the 18th.
Business as usual back at Shenanigans with Pork Fillet
served with saut้ potato, spinach and mushroom sauce featuring on the
100 baht Tuesday Special menu.
 Winners
Joe & Chaba Carney with Mike Franklin (left)
Newcomers were welcomed in the form of Joe & Chaba
Carney, Glen Tyler, Andy McTeigh and (at last) ‘Mosquito’ Bill
Johnstone.
More Shenanigans very friendly golf ahead with the 2004
Funhill Cup on April 23, also at Eastern Star as the Navy course has a
clashing tournament that day. The Tuesday fixture for April 13 at
Plutaluang is cancelled due to the Songkran holiday and was played on April
8 playing the Navy South & East courses. Back on schedule then at the
end of the month with a booking at Century Banchang for Tuesday April 27.
Entry forms for the Funhill Cup are available at Shenanigans and early
sign-up is recommended. (See also page 46 for more details and entry form).
The Iceman leaves on a high note
IPGC TAGGS golf from The Haven
Monday March 29
Eastern Star
Stableford
1st: Jens Gunnarsson, 39 cb9 20
2nd: Trevor Schirmer, 39 cb9 17
3rd: Roy Thornton, 38
4th: Fred Chadwick, 37
5th: Trevor Edge, 36
As he normally does Jens Gunnarsson came back into form
just before leaving Pattaya, to search for gainful employment to finance his
high life, and just managed to squeak past the inform Trevor Schirmer on
count back to secure the win. Major Roy took third just ahead of Fred
Chadwick, who is also leaving the Kingdom for a short while. Trevor Edge,
although finishing in the last podium position, was ecstatic as none of his
regular beneficiaries could match his score, which allowed him the chance to
have a couple of cool ones after the event.
Trevor Schirmer scored the only two of the day to sweep
the pool.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member John Ferguson.
Wednesday March 31
Century Ban Chang
Bogey
1st: Mike Morris, 3 up
2nd: Trevor Schirmer, 2 up cb9 4 up
3rd: Dave Lacey, 2 up cb9 all square
4th: Bob Lindborg, All square cb9 1 down
5th: Bob Van Mol, All square cb9 2 down
Returnee Mike Morris held on to take first place ahead of
the charging Trevor Schirmer and scored his first win for some time. It was
a win against all odds as one of his playing partners was Brian Wilkinson
and the effort to continue to concentrate nearly did for him over the
closing holes.
Dave Lacey had to be content with third place after a
good opening nine which saw him two up as Trevor swept him aside with an
incredible four up on the back nine.
The two Bobs had to be separated by countback for the
remaining podium positions.
There were no twos in the competition and the pot was
therefore carried forward to the next event.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed back Brian Wilkinson,
Bob Van Mol and Mike Morris.
Friday April 2
Green Valley
Stableford
1st: Tony Barritt, 41
2nd: Martin Hayes, 40
3rd: Volke Esser, 35 cb9 19
4th: Barry Traynor, 35 cb9 18
5th: Harry Riley, 33 cb9 18
6th: Kevin Taylor, 33 cb9 17
7th: Tom Parks, 33 cb9 16
Tony Barritt kissed goodbye to his comfortable handicap
on the way to a one point victory over the unlucky Martin Hayes, who surely
must have thought that he had done enough to gain his first win for several
months. Fortunately Tony was assisted by sanded greens that allowed him to
knobble the ball into the hole on the greens with an average of just two
putts a hole. A major advance on his normal statistics on the greens.
Volke Esser just kept Barry Traynor at bay by count back
to take third but Barry was more than happy to be able to augment his
wardrobe for the third time in as many weeks after months of fruitless
endeavor.
Kevin Taylor, playing his last round before returning to
Blighty, lost out to Harry on countback but just beat Tom Parks into last
place.
Prior to the presentations Richard welcomed new members
Milton Kirk, David Childs, Spencer Strutton and Terry Morris and also
welcomed back Yves Philibert and Werner Kuhr.
Once again nobody managed to drop in a two and so the
even larger pot was carried forward to the outing at Khao Kheow the
following Monday.
Important note:
Monday April 12 sees the return of Phoenix to the
schedule, after a hiatus of over a year, following a successful outcome to a
series of meetings between the course management and the IPGC.
Bob Pearson takes fine win
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
Two dozen Bunker Boys left the spacious OK Corral bar for
Pattaya Country Club on Tuesday, March 30, for their weekly medal event
and found the course in dry conditions, allowing plenty of run on the
fairways and a fast set of greens on the back nine.
It was good to welcome older Bunker Boys Les Winch and
George Meigh into the fold again after a significant absence and their
presence made the day for their friends. The cut was at sixteen and under
and in division two Jon Wood emphasized his current form with a
consistent net 73 to take third place. Pat Murphy, whose second home is
the Diana Driving Range these days, emphasized his improvement with a
level par net 72 to take second place, just one behind winner Gerhard
Schulze and his net 71.
Division one saw some fine golf as, first, Bill Hewitt
returned a score of 72, only to be pipped by the best gross of the day,
Mike Allidi’s 75, giving the latter second place with net 71. The
day’s best score was the net 68 of Bob Pearce, the product of some
characteristic Cumbrian grit on the pacy greens on the back nine.
Doug Campbell’s accuracy was rewarded with the
day’s only birdie two and Mr. Loy’s prediction that the course was a
“piece of cake” almost stuck in his throat when he recorded fifteen
shots on the final two holes. He was able to recover himself enough,
however, to present the Bunker Boys Banana Booby award to Ciano Glavina
after his first round on his latest visit because... well, he is Ciano!
All in all it was a fine, enjoyable day for the Bunker Boys at Pattaya
Country Club.
Wilf Latham wins Riverside
rumble
The Riverside course at Bangpakong is one of the most
beautiful and well-manicured courses one can imagine. Its greens are splendidly
consistent, its fairways are deliciously lush and even the short cut rough
sustains good shots as the ball usually sits up nicely.
Thus the scene was set on Thursday, April 1, for a feast of
fine golf as the Bunker Boys sped up Route 7 for their weekly stableford event.
The day was hot and all the eventual winners were to fire par or better scores.
In division two Gerhard Schulze’s 36 points was considered
merely average as Len Jones surprised himself again by sitting on the podium
after an excellent round of 39 points which included a zero return on the easy
first hole. Practice makes perfect and the three hours each day hitting practice
shots certainly paid off for Pat Murphy, his 42 points being his personal best
and the winning round of the day in his flight.
In division one Kevin Taylor’s low handicap of eight was no
obstacle to his game and his accuracy was reflected in a fine score of 39 points
to take third place. “Mr Consistency”, Steve Nowell showed his talent with a
fine round of 40 points but even this was not good enough as the gentle
Lancashire giant Wilf Latham took the course by the scruff and thrashed 43
points out of its grasp.
His eleven pars and one birdie left his playing partners agog
and the smile on the face of the handicap secretary will be as broad as the
river around which the course is designed.
Wilf shared the Super Sawng award with Lancashire neighbour
Harry Riley whose fate was later written to include the Banana Booby for his low
score of 28 points, but when the head of your favourite club flies off the shaft
on the seventh hole what chance do you have! It was one of those days at
Bangpakong which will be long remembered.
In April 2002 Bangkok restaurateur Nozaki Zaki fired net 63
to set the Bunker Boys’ medal record at the course and on April Fools’ Day
2004 Wilf Latham made his mark with a Bunker Boys’ stableford record at the
Riverside on the eve of his departure for England.
First timer grabs the medal
On Tuesday March 30 The Bunker held a Medal Competition at Siam Country
Club.
The course was very dry and the greens were heavily
sanded making putting tricky to say the least.
This did not stop David Harvey, here on holiday and
first time at The Bunker, from shooting a one under par net 71 to take
top spot.
Joint second was mine host Mick Ramshaw and stalwart
John Preddy both with net 73.
The Bunker Bonanza Bonus was shared by Jim Payne and
Richard Feltham and the Banana Booby Prize was awarded to Jim Bailey.
Josteinsson wins at Century
On Thursday April 1 The Bunker visited Century Bang Chang for
a Stableford Competition.
The course and especially the greens were in very good
condition and it was noticed that the new Clubhouse is coming along nicely.
The weather was very hot but some good scores were returned
with Icelander “Binny” Josteinsson coming first with 43 Stapleford points, 3
points clear of joint second placed players John Preddy and Mick Ramshaw (always
the Bridesmaid, never the Bride!) both with 40 points.
“Binny” also scooped The Bunker Bonanza Bonus so making
it a very good day for him.
For the second game in a row The Bunker Banana Booby Prize
was awarded to Jim Bailey, Jim is here on holiday so he has a good excuse for
not playing to his potential! We all hope his game is restored when he returns
to the UK next week!
Rising Sun Bar Golf Society
Tuesday, March 30, Green Valley
1st Matt Anderson
Thursday March 25, Khao Kheow
1st Granville
2nd Allan Hayword, who also had a Hole in One at the
B8 (127 yds.) using a 7 iron. The hole is similar to the hole no. 17 at
TPC Sawgrass, another Pete Dye course. This is the second HIO in the past
5 months, the other one being Tom Dudley at Khao Kheow (hole no. 5) last
November.
Tuesday March 23, Eastern Star
1st Jerry Cooney
Thursday March 18, Navy Golf Course
1st Roger Privett
2nd Granville Swanton
Tuesday March 16, Bangpra
1st Bernard Bailey
2nd Matt Anderson
3rd Granville
Thursday March 11, Pattaya CC
1st Jerry Cooney
2nd Robin Wilkin
Tuesday March 9, Green Valley
1st Matt Anderson
2nd Brian Walker
Thursday March 4, Noble Place
1st Allan Hayword
2nd Geordie Hudson
Tuesday March 2, Khao Kheow
1st Roger Privett
2nd Allan Hayword
Contact organiser Matt Anderson at tel. 038 251 804, mobile 09 247 6673.
3 Sisters Golf
Monday,
March 29
Siam Country Club
With the weather still holding and conditions of fairways not
too bad, scores were not bad for the day. The greens were in terrible shape, and
if you two putted, you did well. The quarterly trophy was awarded to the winner
of the day along with the bragging rights.
Marine pilot Don Ratcliffe maneuvered his way through the
field shooting out the lights. Don has been near the top the last few weeks and
finally managed to blast his way to the top coming in with 40 points. His game
has finally come together and we expect to see his handicap dropping like a bomb
from his aircraft.
Just a shot back from Don was last week’s winner, Carl
Baumann. Carl is still riding his hot streak shooting 39 points for the day. He
has always been a good golfer and his smooth swing shows it. I’m sure Carl
will be right up near the top for a long time.
A number of other golfers tried to catch the winners but they
just didn’t cut the mustard. Mike Gerrard and Bill Key both came in with 38
points while Danny Dyke and Clive Harris came in with 37 points each. Close but
not enough.
The fight for the cellar position this week was not too much
of a challenge. Although Rollie Weese and Jim Tully normally has a firm grip on
the cellar position, a newcomer pushed them aside to take their place. Mark
Bridges who joined the group managed to get 21 points - 3 better than his
nearest competitor. Having practiced this week, Mark will be ready next week to
drop the bag and get out of the cellar position.
Royal Varuna Yacht Club: The 10th PC Classic
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club was founded in July 1957 by
two Swiss nationals - Walter Meyer and Rachiman Gintzburger.
There was something prophetic about these two gentlemen
from the Swiss mountains, founding what was to become one of Asia’s best
yacht clubs. Who could have forecast then, that 46 years later,
land-locked Switzerland would become number one in the
fiercely-competitive world of yacht racing. The Swiss “Alinghi” team
took home to Matterhorn country, yacht-racing’s most coveted - and the
sporting world’s longest-standing (152 years) - trophy: the America’s
Cup.
Commodores
ALL, L. to R.: Adolph Knees (1984-1986, 1988, 1989); Peter Cummins (1979,
1980); Christopher King (1986-1988); Club founder Walter Meyer
(1957-1964); Dr Rachot Kanjanavanit (1967-1970); Peter Hudde (1991-1993);
and Nigel Hardy (1982-1984).
But to return to Varuna history. Walter and Rachiman
were joined on that fateful day in July 1957 by Thai yachting enthusiast
HSH Bhisatej Rajani and Italian Roberto Maestrini. Thus, the Varuna Marine
Club - as it was then called - “set sail”, nautically speaking, to
develop into one of Asia’s most prolific yacht clubs, promoting not only
yacht racing, sailing and cruising in the Kingdom and abroad but, by
extension, Thailand itself.
Founding
members, L. to R.: Walter Meyer, Sid Watkins, HSH Bhisatej Rajani and
Rachiman Gintzburger photographed recently at Varuna.
His Majesty the King, a Gold-Medallist helmsman in
regional Games in 1967, honoured the Club on April 26, 1965, by bestowing
Royal Patronage and the Marine Club, established to promote ALL
marine-related sports, became the Royal Varuna Yacht Club with the same
mandate.
Consequently, since then, the Royal Varuna Club has
organized, hosted and managed countless world championships, regional and
national events, as well as local and inter-regional regattas, bringing
much good press and publicity to Pattaya, the environs of the Eastern
Seaboard and beyond.
A world
championship off Varuna: Enterprise dinghies 1989
Royal Varuna founded and manages the annual Phuket
King’s Cup Regatta.
Inaugurated to celebrate the sixtieth birthday of the
Monarch in 1987, it has been sailed every year since then, over the week
of the King’s birthday on December 5.
 Sunset
at Kata Beach: Royal Varuna manages the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
Other international events include the Koh Samui
Regatta in May and, in Pattaya, the Varuna Cup, every December.
Now, it is time again for the “Pattaya Mail PC
Classic 2004 Royal Cliff Beach Resort International Regatta.” The event
was inaugurated in 1995, to celebrate the “retirement” and birthday of
the PC in the title (Peter Cummins), a Royal Varuna Commodore (1979-1980),
an honorary life member and one of the region’s best-known yachting
scribes/photographers.
In 2001, the “Pattaya Mail” newspaper and the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort joined forces to promote the regatta of which this
year’s 10th sailing will be held on Saturday, May 8.
Varuna
veteran, Reg Chambers off the Royal Cliff Beach Resort: still racing after
30 years at Varuna.
Thus, for the past three years, this combination has
proved to be an apt ‘marriage of convenience”, both partners intent on
promoting the protection and preservation of Pattaya’s fragile
infrastructure, especially the marine eco-system and environment. What
better way than sponsoring sailing and yacht racing which, certainly, are
among the most environmentally-friendly pursuits of mankind.
HSH Bhisatej
Rajani, a Varuna founding member (L), and incumbent Commodore Robert
England (2nd left) lay the foundation stone for the new Club-house late
last year.
Both the “Pattaya Mail” and its related
publications and the Royal Cliff have received numerous awards and
citations for their efforts to raise Pattaya to the highest standards as a
tourism venue and a family-oriented holiday location.
The press and media exposure of the regatta, over the
years, too, has also reflected a very positive image of Pattaya
particularly and Thailand in general.
This year’s regatta takes on a slightly different
format, inasmuch as the racing scene will be held off the Royal Varuna
Club and the evening’s social event will be pool-side at the Royal Cliff
Beach Resort.
The action
off Varuna: 12 months a year for 47 years.
Furthermore, in celebration of Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit’s 72nd birthday on August 12, all proceeds raised from both
events will be donated to needy charities, guided by recommendations of
the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya. Projects such as the Bang Laemung Old
People’s Home and the Redemptorist School for the Blind will be among
the recipients.
Royal Varuna - or, at least the present club-house -
has become a ‘victim’ of the “Mid-life Crisis”. The erstwhile
structure, designed and built in 1967 by Royal Varuna fourth commodore, Dr
Rachot Kanchana-Vanit, on the bay adjacent to the Royal Cliff at Pattaya
Point, is showing its age.
With a new 30-year lease on this splendid property -
undoubtedly the best on the Eastern Seaboard - the Royal Varuna
membership, under the lead of incumbent Flag Commodore Robert England, is
undertaking a multi-million baht re-building programme, guaranteed to make
Royal Varuna a show-place for Pattaya’s marine activities, as well as a
worthy neighbour for the illustrious Royal Cliff, the Five Star Resort
Hotel - voted the region’s best in a number of categories.
It is fortuitous, too, that the new Varuna will be opened during the
Royal Patron’s 76th birthday year.
Shenanigans Funhill Cup is up for grabs on Friday April 23
By Mike Franklin
Pat Ryan and Chris Humphries are flying in from Ireland
to defend their 2003 Shenanigans Funhill Cup title, this year at Eastern
Star Country Club & Resort on Friday April 23.
It will be a shotgun start again at 11.30 am and, to
ensure an enjoyable round, the field will be limited to around 120 players.
The Pairs Scramble format guarantees a relaxed and fun
day of golf, especially with a Bloody Mary to start you off. Then further
encouragement with a Heineken on the course, and the famous Shenanigans
Carvery back at Shenanigans, prior to the prize presentation and lucky draw.
The entry fee of 1,500 baht also includes Green &
Caddy fee, the Funhill Cup 2004 shirt, trophies prizes, lucky draw and an
extended Happy Hour to 8.30 pm. The maximum individual handicap allowance,
as before, will be 28 men and 36 ladies. The Pairs Team handicap will be 20%
of combined, but with a new rule that the team handicap may not be greater
the handicap of the lowest handicapped player in the pair.
Early sign-up is recommended at Shenanigans as this
tournament usually sells out quickly. There are entry forms, with full
details, on the golf notice board behind the bar and in Pattaya Mail, or
contact Mike Franklin direct for more information on 01 861 8036, or e-mail
[email protected]
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday March 29
Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy Course
Stableford
The Royal Thai Navy Course South and East Layouts were
host for a Stableford Competition in two flights, A 0 to 18, and B 19 and
up. The course was in a dry state due to the extended drought that has set
in with no relief in sight, but the greens putted well and true.
 Herb
Schweiterman, winner B flight on Tuesday
Brian Noguer took the A flight with 40 points, Rob Brown
was second with 39 points and steady Ebrahim was third with 38 points. In
the B flight Herb Schweiterman was the winner with 39 points ahead of Mick
O’Connor in second with 38 points and John Swanson in third with 36
points.
Near Pins: #S4 Alan Currie; #S7 Barry Kerr; #E2 Jamie
Strang; #E5 Allan Cassin
Thursday April 1
Bangpra
Stableford
After playing the week before at Siam with its soggy
sanded greens, Bangpra was a trip to Paradise with it’s quick slick
greens, and this the oldest course in the area was a pleasure to play, apart
from the occasional dry patches that at present are on all the courses.
 Brian
Noguer, winner A flight on Tuesday
On the day it was hot and oppressive and those with carts
were the lucky ones, maybe because of this the scores were not outstanding.
The A flight was won by Kevin Callaghan with 35 points ahead of a countback
for second with 34 points won by Bob Benda with Jim Boyd in third. In the B
flight we had the only round of the day sub handicap when Richard Kubicki
won with 38 points ahead of a countback for second on 36 points won by Mick
O’Connor with Barry Kerr in third place.
Back in the clubhouse after a hot day on the course most
loosened up in the hot pool before a cold beer settled them down.
Near Pins: #2 Takeshi Hakozaki; #8 Mike Gerrard; #12 Kevin Callaghan; #17
Ted Morris
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Richard
Kubicki, winner B flight on Thursday
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 Kevin
Callaghan, winner A flight on Thursday
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PSC golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Friday April 2
Phoenix
Stableford
This was set up as a special day with a competition close
to home at Phoenix and then a slow amble back to the 60’s Bar where a
‘guest’ would turn up and give us a some songs. Afterwards the plan was
for a special ‘Curry Night’ provided by Big Joe’s English Food Co.
Ltd.
 Doing
the tango with the man himself.
To start the day off the players met at the 60’s Bar
for ‘brekkers’ then a slow amble down to Phoenix for a 10 o’clock tee
off time, and sure enough at smack on 10 o’clock the first group got
underway.
The course was fine with good fairways and fast and
tricky greens and the day went well, so that the first fourball finished in
4 hours. Sitting having a cold beer at the clubhouse and watching the rest
come in hot and bothered the only complaint was from experienced golfers who
said they were hassled by ‘Course Marshals’ despite having nowhere to go
and finishing in 4 hours. It is indeed a problem here, as is the ridiculous
distance following the cart path takes you at times from your ball. Pity,
because there has been a lot of significant improvements at the club.
 “Surprise,
surprise”.
Back at the ranch Bobby was ‘resting’ so our
‘guest’ entertained us for some time and a really fine job he did. Where
we dug him up from I have no idea. In the interval the results were read and
all the players tucked into two spicy curries, Beef Vindaloo and Chicken
Korma, courtesy of Big Joe’s, that went down well.
As can be expected after such a fine day, the players
then sat around in groups and had a fine night.
Winner A Flight: Bob Noble; Second: Matt Kirkland
Winner B Flight: Mick O’Connor; Second: Herb
Schweiterman
Long Putts: #9 & #18 Bob Benda
Near Pins: Kim Fellandes; Bill Knight (2); Ray Spurling; Bob Rasmussen;
Max Matthews
The
star performer entertains the golfers.
Big Joe’s
Food prepared excellent curries for the starving golfers.
Winners and
Runner-ups with the ‘guest’.
The
‘guest’ announcing the technical winners.
PH3 Run #1047
Lets get the boring stuff out of the way first before we
get to the interesting stuff. 101 turned up. New shoes (SKK, aka Kaiser,
will still do anything for a free beer.)
Run site, old and tested. Lubric. in after 15 minutes but
with a badly gashed knee. Offers of taking him to hospital met with a reply
of ‘F... off, I am a commando’. Yeah mate, even commandos need help
sometimes but as nurse Bunny helped you later, good decision!
Not too many cracks grazing this week. Either the GM has
laid down the law or the porky cracks are trying to get fit. Even my Missus
ran, albeit in the wrong direction. Runners were in after 25 minutes. Icy
Davidson in after having lost 2 kg on the run. Unfortunately, that
represents 5% of his body weight.
Twilight Zone begins, raffle still produced idiots trying
to claim prizes with wrong numbers and rewarded with cold bums, yours truly
was iced for being a Liverpool supporter again. Get a life SCF, you muppet.
Some guy from Angeles called Jack Meoff (real name - honestly) given a hash
name ‘Jerkmeoff’. SCF on ice for not leaving beer truck keys with anyone
so Lubric. couldn’t get the use of the First Aid box.
Bunny on ice for being nurse and shows skin. Someone
named Red Hot Star - noisy - then circle handed over to Deep Throat. This is
when the interesting stuff begins.
Why can’t the PH3 Monday hash come up with stuff that
he and his mate B.B. came up with? A simple plank (not you Retard W.) with
three beer glasses attached. The trick was that Free Willy and ANFI were at
the ends of the plank and the smallest male named Matt was in the middle.
When the plank was tipped over guess who got soaked, it wasn’t the guys on
the ends. Stupid but original and had the circle in laughter.
Two more people named: ‘KY Ken’ and Jelly Bum’,
why? No story given. The aforementioned S. Matt in for a name, this guy is
short and Scottish but the names put forward were pathetic. Step forward
Needle D. who came up with the name ‘McDwarf’. Good choice. DT and BB
plus plank in again with McDwarf. A variation on the plank theme and McDwarf
still got soaked.
Anniversaries dealt with then my medication kicked in so
I needed to go for a lie down. One point before we finish, the entertainment
on the bus back to town was provided by four maow Thai cracks and was
appreciated by most of the Farangs. Back to TQ 2 for the normal fare and
good to see lots of hashers staying later than usual.
On On
Dr. Pinky
Peacock Indoor Bowling and Snooker League
This week saw a few surprises. In the Ladies singles Lek
was in top form to give Peacock Sue her first defeat 17 - 4. Lek then went
on to beat Nut 7 - 3 but was held to a 6 all draw by Tukta.
Nid came back with a 9 - 3 win over Nut and a 9 - 6 win
over Danny Sue, all of which opens up the table to some interesting matches
to come.
In the mixed doubles Love Nest held on to beat Double
Trouble 6 - 4 despite 3 replayed ends and Spotty Dog continued their good
form with a 12 - 4 win over Peacock.
The snooker is also opening up with a surprise loss for
an out of sorts George going down 63 - 32 to Derek and Belgian Patrick
winning a couple to leave Thai-Ad at the head of the table on points
difference with George, Danny and Terry all breathing down his neck with
games in hand.
Mixed Doubles
Yellowbirds 5 4 0 1 56 31 8
Spotty Dog 6 3 0 3 50 46 6
Love Nest 3 2 0 1 12 28 4
Gin 1 1 0 0 13 5 2
Peacock 5 1 0 4 40 49 2
Double Trouble 4 1 0 3 24 36 2
Ladies Singles
Peacock Sue 6 5 0 1 60 35 10
Lek 7 4 1 2 72 30 9
Nut 9 4 1 4 60 64 9
Nid 5 3 1 1 37 33 7
Tukta 6 1 1 4 24 55 3
Danny Sue 5 0 0 5 21 57 0
Snooker
Ad 10 6 0 4 567 417 12
George 7 6 0 1 415 283 12
Danny 7 5 0 2 444 333 10
Terry 8 5 0 3 435 432 10
Patrick 10 5 0 5 470 552 10
Derek 11 4 0 7 527 593 8
Ian 8 3 0 5 392 476 6
Danny Sue 5 2 0 3 217 262 4
Peter 1 0 0 1 43 85 0
Brian 5 0 0 5 241 318 0
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
It didn’t take long for Don King to dip into his stable
of “willing stallions” to set up a mating (heavyweight tournament) to
breed a successor to Mr. Lewis.
One name absent from the “pay for play” is Audley
Harrison, the likeable POM with the minor WBF heavyweight title.
Harrison’s latest fight was shown in America with his style dissected by
former heavyweight contender Scott LeDoux (33-13).
He fought and lost to some of the bigger names in the
heavyweight division. Among those that claim a “W” over LeDoux are Duane
Bobick, Ron Lyle, Mike Weaver, Gerrie Coetzee, Larry Holmes, a young Frank
Bruno and George Foremen. LaDoux’s most impressive win was a draw with
undefeated Leon Spinks.
“Harrison is off balance when he throws his jab. By
leaning to throw the jab he takes his power left out of the equation. He’s
got to learn to sit down on his punches. In his last fight he got hit with
too many punches without making his opponent pay for coming inside. You’ve
got to punish an opponent that comes in. Make them pay the price.” That
‘s what he did say.
Back to the drama play of the heavyweight division. Act
One, of what will be a April trilogy, takes place Sunday morning (Pattaya
Time) with Wladimir Klitschko (42-2) and Lamon (pronounced “LAY Mon”)
Brewster (29-2) going fist city for the vacant WBO heavyweight title.
The fight from Fabulous Las Vegas, if one goes by the
books, should be a blow out in favor of Wladimir over a suspect opponent.
Brewster’s main claim to fame is that he’s promoted by Don King.
Klitschko held the WBO title once before only to get
whacked out by Corrie Sanders in 2. Asked about his workout schedule
Brewster said, “Pray, pray, pray, train, train, train.” If he’s to
have any chance, the words slim and none come to mind, Brewster had better
jump Klitschko right after the referees says, “Touch’em up.” Then
Brewster should punch, punch, punch or it’s going to be 8...9... 10. Bye
now, see ya later.
Another fight on the Vegas card on Sunday has WBC/WBA/IBF
Champ Cory Spinks at 32-2 (yes he’s the son of) giving Zab “The Mouth”
Judah (30-1) another title shot. Judah’s other chance came against Kostya
Tszyu. He got hit so hard he ended up in another postal code. Spinks
doesn’t have kind of power but nonetheless should win on points.
Also on tap tomorrow is the WBC featherweight rematch
between champ Michael Brodie (35-1-1) and Injin Chi (27-2-1). This fight
from Manchester’s M.E.N. Arena was fought the first time in October of
2003. When first announced it was a majority decision for Chi 114-112,
114-113, 113-113). Then upon further review, 30 minutes later, by WBC
President Dr. Jose’ Sulaiman it was discovered that there was an “error
in the scoring of one of the cards.” Yep someone didn’t get the message
so Chi and Brodie will do it again. “Remember gentleman hometown guys
always wins.”
With the retirement of Svenn Ottke after 21 defenses of
his middleweight title new vistas are on the horizon for Aussie Danny Green.
The plan was for Green to face WBC super middle Champ Markus Beyer in the
fall is on hold. The West Australian Press is reporting that according to
manager/trainer Jeff Fenech Beyer’s “prople” want to control Greens
first two defenses if he wins. It’s also been reported that the WBC will
go along with that plan. Well with Ottke gone IBF champ Anthony Mundine is
now available. The IBF would welcome Green with open arms as long as he has
an open checkbook. Boxing... ya gotta love it.
Thai Sintung Kietbusaba (reportedly 1-1) went to Korea to
fight PABA welter Champ Hwan-Young Hwanyung Park (17-4,). Well “Lordie,
Lordie Ms Claudy” the visitor launched a surprise attack, although it
started after the bell rang so it couldn’t have been too much of a
surprise, to score an unexpected 3 round KO. A “vicious” left hook got
the job done. On the other hand if the Thai was 0-1 and fighting someone
with 20 fights “surprise” would be a word to use. Score one for the good
guys. And another Olympian (1996) WBA#12 Pongsith Wiengwiset (9-1, 3 KOs)
successfully retained his PABA 130 lb title as he won a twelve round
unanimous decision (116-110, 117-110, 117-109)
“Whoops” a couple of times from last week. If you
read “The reason for three fights is that he was concentrating on kick
boxing at which he was world champion”; then wondered “what the hell is
that Yank on about” let me explain. The sentence kinda got messed up in
the translation from American English to Thai English. Here’s how it was
written. “Also on the Aussie front got a note from Referee/Judge Cousin
Bruce McTavish. He’d just returned to the Philippines from
“Vegamiteland” after doing the Briggs fight on March 7 and the Green
contest. I had contacted him in regard to Paul Briggs absence from the ring
from mid 1994 to January 1997. Ask and yea shall receive. The reason is that
he was concentrating on kick boxing at which he was world champion. Good on
ya. Fair dunk’em.”
What’s a little hick between cup and lip. By-the-by
Briggs gets another “final-final” eliminator when he fights Stipe Drews
(25-0). The winner is the official WBC Challenger for the winner of
Jones-Tarver.
Also touted the Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (34-0)
fight against Kelson Pinot (20) last Sunday. Bad deal. Didn’t happen.
Pinot came up with a “mysterious illness”, did a runner so former IBF
Champion Dennis Pedersen (44-2) from Denmark stepped in. His only other
appearance on the world stage was when he lost to titleholder Paul Spadafora
on points back in 2002. Pinot then took 16 months off before returning on
March 4. Fighting Hatten was not a good idea. “Ricky Hatton ended Dennis
Holbaek Pedersen’s brave resistance after six rounds of his 12th WBU
light-welterweight title defense.” On the same card, “Sharmba Mitchell
was in superb form as he defended his IBF light welterweight interim title
against Michael Stewart.” The 118-110 came from the referee who is the
only scoring official in the Motha Country. That sets up Hatten-Mitchell in
the summer.
The United States Senate passed a “boxing bill” last week to place
the sport under government control. What effect will it have on the sport?
About the same as closing hours in the Kingdom. Much to do about nothing.
Let’s have a beverage.
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