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Papa Ray’s 89th Birthday Scramble
Thursday May 6
Pattaya Country Club
Scramble
It seems like we have been playing this Tournament since
our youth, and that’s a long, long time. Probably we have, because our
yesterdays are yesterday, whilst Ray’s include the 1st World War. Humbling
really, but when you think of the alternatives being 89 is really much
better than not being 89.
 Winners
Nitty, Pecka, Kalle and Tussi with Dave Richards (right).
Ray says he is going to keep going and invite all of us
to his 100th Birthday and who am I to argue! So on the day over 100 players
made the journey to Pattaya Country Club to honour our ‘Elder Statesman’
and after a fine day playing ‘Papa Ray’s Birthday Scramble’ most made
their way back to the Cafe Kronborg to share a fine buffet and a few drinks
with Ray.
 2nd
place winners are congratulated by Dave Richards.
The day started as normal with an early arrival at the
course to be met by the booking in team, namely Bernie, and to efficiently
book in and make our way to the start tee, be it the 1st or the 10th.
The ‘Scramble’ format leads to a quick round for all
competitors and so it was on this day, with the course being in fine
condition and the weather, despite a strong wind, being kind to us all. The
course was in fine condition and the rain of late meant we had grass covered
fairways and quick true greens, all of which lead to some fine scores.
 3rd
place winners of Holden, Breen, Kohler and Yabsley with Dave Richards
(right) and landlord Bjarne (in the background, left).
Rounds completed we all sat and rested in the restaurant
before making our way back to the Cafe Kronborg for the Birthday festivities
and the buffet and presentation.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg, after a fine buffet, we were
pleased to see the management of Pattaya Country Club had also made the trip
and they presented Ray with a fine Birthday present.
Then Dave did the presentation to the first four teams
who all scored what can only be described as ‘Exceptional Scores’.
In first place were the tem of Nitty, Pecka, Kalle and
Tussi with a superb net 53.2 ahead of in second the Ladies team of Chadara,
Usa, Nitsa and Moon and a net 55.8. In third were the team of Holden, Breen,
Kohler and Yabsley with a net 55.9 and in fourth the team of Strashine,
Bruce, Lees and Jackson with 56.1 on countback over the team of Thornton,
Desmond, Lindburg and Isherwood.
Near Pins: #5 Juhani, #7 Brian Holden, #12 Lamud, #16
Pravit
Long Putts: #9 John Desmond, #18 Peter Myoxi
The Lobby wins the League and Cup Double
The end of season pool party was held at the Freeway club
on Monday April 26 where representatives of all 38 bars (over 150 people)
turned up for a great night out, and for the lucky few, presentations of
trophies and the new Pattaya Pool League medals.
 The
team from the Lobby Bar scooped both the League Cup trophy and Division One
title.
The evening and the new season were sponsored by Standard
Charted Bank, Chivas Regal and D.S.L scaffolding. The sponsorship received
goes towards up and coming events where a top team from the best of our
Pattaya players will take on teams from Bangkok and Koh Samui in both home
and away fixtures.
A big thanks to the Sportsman for supplying the food for the evening. All
participants enjoyed themselves thoroughly and hope this will be the first
of many great events to come.
Jimmy’s
Bar won Division Three.
Division
Four was captured by Hole In One Bar.
League Results
Div 1 Champions: The Lobby
Runners up: The Harley Bar
Div 2 Champions: The Britannia Bar
Runners up: The Fly Inn
Div 3 Champions: Jimmy’s Bar
Runners up: Bolaget Bar
Div 4 Champions: The Hole in One Bar
Runners up: The Elephant Bar
League Cup Winners: The Lobby Bar
Runners Up: Cheers Bar
Brother D increase their lead
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Brother D increased their first place lead behind
Ooy’s 511 series and took three points from last place Caf้
Kronborg. Q Cars got good bowling from Gert, 531-pin count, and Lenz who
rolled a 222 game and 558 series to take all four points from second place
Three Sisters.
 200
Bowlers: Dang, Lenz, Aun, Bill and Mai.
Jack & Tar took three points from VFW Post 9876 and
they are both tied for fourth place. Mai led Jack & Tar with a 205
game, 546 series and Aun added a 203 game, 500 series. Bill Key bowled a
202 game and 538 series for VFW Post 9876.
Captain Mio returned from her operation to get her House
of the Golden Coin team back on track and they managed a two-point split
with Nam Tip. Caf้ Ole took three points from Alt Koelle behind
Jim’s 529 series.
Some good bowling was seen from spare bowlers with Tue rolling a 564
series, Nok had a 511 pin count and Jay tipped over 507 pins.
Pattaya Pool League
Lawn Bowling League
PSC Fishing from Bobby Joe’s 60s bar
Sunday May 2
A call from Frank Collins of ‘Fish and Trips’, as we
sat having a cold beer at Bobby Joe’s on Saturday night, meant a hastily
rearranged trip out for ‘The Dolphin’ early next morning and a change of
boat for a regular fisherman, Tony Penkethman, who was taking a day off from
his very arduous work with Foster Wheeler, just down the road. So Tony went
out with two captains as captain Pong was assisted by Frank’s captain,
Ting. Actually this is good as not only are they both expert fishermen but
are closely related.
 Bill
Knight with his cobia.
Maybe because of this overkill of expertise the day went
superbly and pretty soon the reels were screaming and Cobia were filling the
freezer on the boat, and Cobias are one of the best tasting fish in the
business. Tony’s arms must have been aching and he will have some great
stories to tell his friends at Foster Wheeler.
By the time an early relaxed cruise back was decided on,
the total was 8 Cobia and 2 Black Barracuda, a day well spent and one to
remember.
Tuesday May 4
Early in the morning the boys left to try and do the same
as Tony on Sunday, but it was never to be. Days like that come when least
expected. However it was a fine day, superb weather, rainy, and pretty soon
Bill Knight was into a fish, and once on board it was once again a fine
Cobia. Then another line zoomed out with the reel screaming and a fight was
on, but it was soon realised that it was a very big Ray, in fact so big that
after fighting it for over 1 hour it was realised to get it to the boat it
would need most of the day so the line was detached and the Ray swam away.
For those who have never caught a Ray, fighting one is like trying to drag a
bag of wet cement through the water. Catch one and you do not want to catch
another big one.
Of course then the day went quiet but we were entertained
by the Dolphins playing in the water by the side of the boat. Fine day and
nice to see the Cobia back.
Tight Lines and T.T.F.N.
Peacock Place Indoor Bowling and Snooker League
As expected Love Nest had their day when completing their
catch up games by beating both the top sides - Yellowbirds 10 - 8 and Gin 9 -
6, which left the league as it was with the Yellowbirds taking the title and
Gin as runners up. In the final game Peacock defeated Love Nest 12 - 4 to
snatch the third spot.
In the snooker George and Terry shared a match each against
each other and with three matches still left to play gives George the title and
a scramble for the runners up spot between five players.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Friday May 7
Burapha Golf Club
Stableford
Long time no see, and it was nice to play this fine course
again, especially as we played the A & B Nines or as it is better known the
East. This is also the older of the two courses and for the majority of golfers
the best.
 Max
with the winner Tim Holt and runner-up Bob Noble.
As we went to tee off we found we followed one of the more
senior events in Thailand, ATAGC, and so we found as we went around the course
was in superb condition, but get in the rough and you would suffer. Tough rough
combined with really nice fairways and quick tricky greens equal a great day
out, despite the thunder and lightning in the area. However on such a fine day
it had no right to pour down, and so it only lightly rained and cooled the area
down.
 Bill
Poppins shelters from the rain.
After the round, sat in the fine Restaurant and sampling the
fine fish and chips with Sarsons Vinegar, it was apparent some good scores were
coming in. In the end it came down to a countback between Bob Noble and Tim Holt
that was won by Tim. Playing with Tim I can say after an indifferent start he
played some really fine golf.
The trip back was fine until we got past Banglamung, then the
traffic stopped and the last few lights were a nightmare. This is one of the
reasons why from June the 60’s Bar will move to Wednesday.
Back at Bobby Joe’s the food was bubbling gently and hungry
golfers tucked in before the results were read and we could get down to some
serious tale telling, at least Tim and Bob did.
Winner: Tim Holt; Second: Bob Noble
Near Pins: Perry McNeely, Jim McGovern (2), John Sinclair,
Joe Albright, Max Matthews
Long Putts: Noel Ryan, Gerhard Schultz
Mick comes under pressure
On Tuesday May 4 the Boys from The Bunker
made a welcome return to Phoenix Country Club for a Medal Competition.
In form Mick Ramshaw who for the last month has carried
all before him continued his fine run of performances with a one over par 73
to tie with old age pensioner John Preddy, also with a net 73.
On a stormy day with thunder and lightning in the air The
Bunker Boys were forced to call a halt for 30 minutes after the completion of
The Lakes course.
At that point John Preddy was leading by four strokes but
after the rain delay Mick Ramshaw fought back and the pair finished level
after 18 holes.
Third place went to original Bunker Boy Danny Greer making
an appearance after a year’s absence with a net 74.
The Bunker Bonanza Bonus was not won but The Bunker Banana
Booby prize was awarded to Jim Payne who came last with a net 87.
Thursday May 5
Royal Thai Navy Course
Stableford
The Bunker went to the Royal Thai Navy Course at Sattahip
playing on the North and West courses on a day free of rain for a Stableford
Competition.
Just recently flown in from England Gary Austin took first
place with a very respectable 32 Stableford points.
Joint second were Jim Payne and the ever present Mick
Ramshaw both scoring 31 Stableford points.
The Bunker Bonanza Bonus was again not won today.
In last place came Tuesday’s winner John Preddy who was
duly awarded The Bunker Banana Booby prize ... how the mighty have fallen!
3 Sisters Golf
The beginning of May and the raining season
arrived with a vengeance at Siam. As many of us were still trying to complete
our rounds, the storm front came through. With lightning and thunder all around
the golf course and rain pouring down, golfers took shelter at the drink stands
if they could. At hole #16 the shelter was crowded as one bolt of lightning
struck within 50 yards. Needless to say we were all pleased to be under shelter.
The few lucky golfers that had completed their rounds were sitting happily at
Caddy Shack one soaking up the suds.
 Winner
Mike Grundy (right) and Jim Tully (left), holding the bag.
It seems that the leaders for the day had completed their
rounds before the storm hit and others had to play winter rules to complete
their rounds as the course was soaked.
Leading the day with 39 points each were Don Ratcliffe and
Mike Grundy. Mike, a newcomer to the group, managed to edge out Don for the top
slot on countback. Don who has been near the top the past few months and also
won could not muster up as Mike came charging through the back nine.
Coming in close on their heels were Alan Pearce and Bill
Collis. Both golfers came in with 38 points. The course, covered with water, was
not playing as well and may have accounted for Alan and Bill to slip down a
notch into a losing position.
The cellar position was again taken up by Jim Tully. Although
Jim got a scare from Gerry Carpenter who came in with 29 points, Jim managed to
slip down with 23 points to take the bottom position. As it is, it must be age
combined with the fact that Jim can’t hear or see too good. With an air shot
or two plus getting stuck in the bunkers and trees, Jim does alright. He still
hits the ball well at times and enjoys his round of golf. Good going Jim!
The Bowling Green visits the Philippines
Determined to get away from all the water during the
Songkran festivities, the Bowling Green Boys decided to make their second
visit to the Hidden Vale Sports Club in Angeles City, two hours north of
Manila. There they played in an international lawn bowls tournament against
two lawn bowls clubs from the Philippines and players from the Hong Kong
Bowls club. Apart from the players who had been before, more players and
quite a few supporters joined the group of 30 who travelled for the weeklong
visit. 
The
Pattaya Bowling Green Boys in Angeles City, Philippines, during their second
annual visit to the Hidden Vale Sports Club.
A practice doubles tournament was held on the Wednesday
where Steve Lake and Reggie ‘The Legend’ Hurst were voted the best
players from Pattaya.
Having defeated the Philippines on three occasions (twice
in Pattaya), the home team played their trump card in the main event, which
was the triples tournament over the weekend. They cut the grass extremely
short and did not water it for two days, leaving the surface like grease
lightning. The playing surface combined with the late night holiday spirits
of the Bowling Green Boys left them at the mercy of the home team and were
duly trounced in an embarrassing defeat. The return leg will be at the
Bowling Green in Pattaya where the players have vowed to have early nights
in, and seek their revenge.
 Steve
Lake and Reggie “The Legend” Hurst, winners of the best bowlers from
Pattaya.
One member of the Bowling Green has vowed to be holiday
liaison for the Hidden Vale Sports Club and take them down Soi 8 and Walking
Street every night on their return.
One upbeat note, Pattaya won the golf doubles with Phil
‘The Shirt’ and Terry “what was that, you’ll have to shout” Phur
coming up trumps.
A thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all and a big thanks must go to the
guys at the Hidden Vale sports club for once again looking after the Boys
from Pattaya.
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday May 3
Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy Course
Stableford
 Bill
Plath, A flight winner on Monday
The Plutaluang South and East Layouts were host to a
Stableford Competition in two flights, A Flight 0 to 18 and B Flight 19 and
up. The day was advertised as a National Holiday but weekday prices were
charged and everything moved along quite smoothly considering the number of
golfers on the course.
Bill Plath took the A Flight with Philippe Berra in
second and Kris Helgasson in third. All the positions were decided on
countback as all three had 38 points.
Dave
Richardson, B flight winner on Monday
In the B Flight ‘Tournament Director’ Dave Richardson alias ‘The
Admiral’ proved he was the master as he found his sea legs first and
stormed in with a super 43 points. Left way behind, the rest were all at sea
and a countback on 35 points gave second place to Seije Oya with J C Lhoste
in third.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed.
The headline read, “Harrison wins Ugly.” The Harrison in
this case was the reigning Olympic super heavyweight champion and struggling pro
Audley Harrison. Last Sunday he got to 17-0 with a sleep inducing unanimous
decision (119-109 twice, 119-108) over Julius Francis who stretched his losing
streak to 7.
If Harrison’s win was ugly the draw between Manny Pacquiao
(38-2-2) and Juan Manuel Marquez 42-3 for Marquez IBF/WBA 126lb title was
befuddling.
Two judges had the fight 115-113. One for Pacquiao the other
for Marquez. Judge Bert Clements of New Jersey, who doesn’t understand
scoring, has it 113-113. Here’s why Clements should never be allowed to work
another fight.
In round one Pacquiao dumped Marquez on the canvas three
times. In scoring a fight if a round is a draw each fighter gets 10 points.
“The 10 point must rule.” If a fighter scores a knockdown the other fighter
gets a one point deduction. Pacquiao won the round for 10-9. He scores three
knockdowns so it’s a 10-6 round. Right? Not in the mind of Judge Bert
Clements. He had it 10-7. Clements had it 113-113 while “ready for the old
folks home and where’s my seeing eye dog” Guy Jutras has is 115-110 for
Marqueez. The Square Ring had it correctly 115-113 for Manny Pacquiao. Don’t
ever tell me that there isn’t someone upstairs pulling strings.
If Anthony “The Bum” Mundine’s (20-2) losing was the
work of Buddha then my hats off to you. Well done. Probably more the work of
Manny Siaca (18-4) who knocked “The Bum’ down twice on the way to a
(115-113, 115-113, 113-114) majority decision. After trips to the canvas in the
2nd and 6th Mundine said, “I thought I won the fight.” Maroon. For Siaca
forget “third times the charm”. This was his fourth attempt at the WBA
crown. He previously came up short against Bruno Girard and twice against Byron
Mitchell.
Mundine had a built in excuse as he had injured his ankle
which hampered his last days of training. Tough bananas. Lots of Thai lads had
important fights since last time the Square Ring graced the pages of the ever
lovin Pattaya Mail, the number #1 on the Eastern Seaboard. Also new since last
meeting and probably headed to number one is the “New” Las Vegas Drinks
Distributing Establishment in the Jomtien Complex. Initial reports are that
they’re a little short on “pole hangers” right now but ply Governor Monkey
House Fred with a little “rhythm fluid” and he’ll be a dancing. He loves
the sound that Baht makes when it hits his hands.
Fighting at the Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium it was a good
bet that Chana Por Paoln, a 2 time nothing weight champ in the WBA, would
reverse what seemed like a ‘horsediddle unanimous decision” against Juan
“Baby” Landaeta last January 31. Controversial in that it was fought in the
champs homeland. Guess what?
Happened again and this time on home turf. Reading the
round-by-rounds accounts one would think that Chana would have been the easy
winner with comments like, “Chana landed a big right” or “The Thailander
dominated” In closing it was written, “Chana looked dominate in crown eyes,
but the official scorecards were read: 116-112 for Chana, 114-115 for Landaeta,
and 114-114 to draw. Therefore, Juan “Baby” Landaeta kept his WBA Interim
title by controversial decision again in the challenger’s hometown.
Bummer that. The problem seems to be that the judges were
from Singapore, England and Japan. What is really needed is some good honest
Thai judges. The ‘good honest’ type of judges that will mark their
scorecards in the hotel before the fight then watch to see if the fight matches
the scorecards. Don’t match? No problem.
One guy that didn’t have any trouble closing the deal was
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (56-8, 38 KOs) now the WBO bantamweight champion after a
lopsided near shut out of Cruz Carbajal (24-12). The fight, held on the grounds
of the Phor Koon Technology College, was one-sided as the scores of 116-111,
116-110 and 118-109 indicate. Vorapin has been a professional boxer for 12 years
but this is his first world title. He’s failed in three other attempts. With
his win he joins fellow Thai and long-time WBC Champ Veeraphol Sahaprom (43-1)
as King of the Bantams.
The tide turned in Vorapin’s favor in the fifth when he
repelled a “toe-to-toe” attack crossing the “T’s” with a left that
dropped the soon to be ex-champ. Ratanachai suffered an “accidental” head
butt, anytime a Mexican fighter inflects a head butt on another fighter the word
accidental has to be in quotes, in the 6th. Allowed to continue by the ring
Doctor the cut pump life into Carbajal’s assault. The Mexican made one last
stand in the 9th when he floored Ratanachai with a plethora of old fashioned
uppercuts. By the 10th round Ratanachai had regained control and dominated till
the end. Good show.
Probably should get out of here with the note that Roy Jones
(49-1) defends his light heavyweight titles (WBC/IBO) next Sunday (Pattaya Time)
against Antonio Tarver (21-2) in Las Vegas the place not the bar in Jontiem.
This is a rematch of their encounter in November of last year that some claimed
was “controversial”. The judges had it 114-114 then 117-111, 116-112 for
Jones, which on the surface doesn’t seem like a big deal. It really wasn’t.
Fans are just getting tired of Jones “horsefeathers” approach to the ring,
the sport and the fans. He’s a jerk.
That aside Tarver won’t remind anyone of Harold Johnson (76-10). Four of
Johnson’s loses came at the hands of Archie Moore. Now there’s a rivalry.
The flacks are trying to make Tarver-Jones a rivalry. Could be but only if you
think that a hammer and a nail have a rivalry. Jones is the hammer. Former WBO
light heavyweight champion Dariusz Michalczewski has written a new 352-page
autobiography titled “Stronger Than Fear” and Dumber than” ... won’t go
there. Attitude adjustment time.
Scans slump, Mighty Dubliner burgle four
MBMG International Casuals League - Week 21
What a week of irony, inspiration and intrigue in the MBMG
International League! The Scandinavian Vikings, long time leaders of the
league, were facing a crisis in the days leading up to a very tricky
fixture against Bangkok Blitz.
After last week’s performance as cheerleaders,
ironically supporting Blitz, the Vikings star players, Anders and the
Andettes have been flooded with recording deals and the self penned tune:
‘We Fell in Love Over a Scarlet Pom-Pom’ has been surging up the
charts, challenging Tata Young for the number one spot around the region.
As a result, Anders and the Andettes have sold out
concerts across the eastern seaboard and were unable to make Saturday’s
fixture.
The loss of their most influential players was to
prove catastrophic for the Vikings who were overrun by the brilliance of
Blitz and their outstanding striker Ole Krieg who hammered a hat-trick in
the comprehensive 3-0 victory. A clearly angry Vikings manager, when
asked his opinion of Anders and the Andettes, growled: ‘Vikings drink
ale and kill people, singing about Scarlet Pom-Poms is no way to reach
Valhalla’.
Meanwhile, The Mighty Dubliner took full advantage of
the Vikings defeat with a 4-1 victory over a determined Shrewsbury side.
The teams were locked at one all until inspiration Iranian import Maz
Amirahnadi broke the deadlock with just five minutes remaining.
Shrewsbury then suffered a late collapse conceding another two goals in
injury time, giving the score line a somewhat unfair final reading.
In the intriguing battle for third place and winning
the final European spot the Bullshead took on the French, both teams
knowing that a defeat may well mean that heads will roll in the close
season.
Unfortunately for the Bullshead, The French were at
their imperious best in a relatively comfortable 3-1 victory.
Interestingly, with The French playing the Vikings next week and The
Mighty Dubliner facing a difficult away trip to Pattaya The French still
hold outside hopes of the title.
In the final game of the weekend, SCI were beaten by
bottom club the British Club, 4-1.
Results (Week 21):
Les Gaulois de Bangkok 3 - 1 Bulls Head Brazilians
Bangkok Blitz 3 - 0 Scandinavian Vikings
Patana 0 - 3 Bangkok United
AFC Shrewsbury 1 - 4 The Dubliner
British Club Casuals 4 - 1 SCI Gecko FC
She’s a Newy, but Not a Nui, but she’s a Nat(ural)
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday May 2
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford
1 st Place A
Flight: John Emerson, 41 points
2nd Place A
Flight: Walter Baechli, 40 points
3rd Place A
Flight: Mike Allidi, 38 points
1st Place B
Flight: Roger Koehler, 39 points
2nd Place B
Flight: Bob Lindborg, 39 points
3rd Place B
Flight: Jeremy Masse, 39 points
The ol’ Silver Back shrugged off the effect of
organizing the day and went out and led A Flight, and the field, with 41
points and naturally the pole position for the simultaneously run two-day
eclectic competition.
Walter Baechli, always resplendent on the course, was but
a point astern. Swiss national Mike Allidi continues his fine play with the
bronze in the accomplished Flight. Roger Koehler, whose handicap is bound to
change some day, shot well on the course but was even stronger in the count
back as the 3-place B Flight podium all had 39 points.
Bob Lindborg, unaccustomed to taking backseat to anyone
on his home course, had to settle for second, with Jeremy Masse getting the
short stick for third.
Monday May 3
Green Valley – White Tees
Stableford
1 st Place A
Flight: Terry Phur, 40 points
2nd Place A
Flight: Rick Sharp, 38 points
3rd Place A
Flight: Silvio Bizzotto, 38 points
1st Place B
Flight: Lampoey “Nat” Meesuk, 42 points
2nd Place B
Flight: Paul Breen, 42 points
3rd Place B
Flight: Roger Koehler, 38 points
Lampoey “Nat”, f/k/a “Nui”, Meesuk continues her
rapid improvement by matching Paul Breen’s best in B Flight and best on
the day 42 points, and then went on to prevail in the count back to claim
the top spot in B Flight. It is a long story how ‘Nui” became “Nat”
but get used to it because her name will appear again in this column and, I
dare say, in many golf achievement columns to come.
“Nat” who shares the common affinity to golf that has
been evidenced in many of her sister Thai golfers also brings a acute
athleticism and bulldogged determination that could see her potential as
being unlimited.
Roger Koehler who shot a fine 38 points became but a
third place footnote on the day. Terry Phur, a Green Valley member, utilized
the home course knowledge to take the gold in A Flight edging wily fellow GV
member Rick Sharp for second. Rick was there to benefit of a count back over
the prince of pasta preparation, Silvio Bizzotto.
Sunday & Monday, May 2-3
Green Valley – White Tees
Eclectic: Stableford
1 st Place:
“Nat” Meesuk, 50 points
2nd Place:
Roger Koehler, 47 points
3rd Place:
Jeremy Masse, 46 points
4th Place:
Rick Sharp, 44 points
Ha! I told you that name would come up again. Overlaid
atop the two single day competitions was a 2-day eclectic competition at
Green Valley. As those who read this column are aware, a 2-day eclectic is
comprised of your best score over the two rounds on each hole. Each of the
four place holders had podium success on one or the other of the two days,
but the queen of the hill was “Nat” Meesuk and her eclectic 50 points.
Roger Koehler, the only two-time podium holder over the
two days, parlayed that into the silver, while Jeremy Masse’s quiet first
day bronze was matched in the eclectic. Rick Sharp quietly slipped in for
the last paycheck.
First day eclectic leader, Golf Manager John Emmerson,
birdied the same holes and bogied the same holes on day Two as he had on Day
One, and slipped into anonymity.
Wednesday May 5
Century Banchang - White Tees
Bogie
1 st Place A
Flight: Robert Sellick, +6
2nd Place A
Flight: Steve Mascari, all square
1st Place B
Flight: Nick Monganaro, all square
2nd Place B
Flight: Sugar Ray Hanford, -1
Some may “march” to a different drummer, but Robert
Sellick “played” to a different drummer as he cleared the field by six
shots in Bogie competition! Again, Bogie competition is match play against
the course, which always has a par on the hole. You go +1 or -1 or
“halve” on each hole just like the Ryder Cup guys. You add ‘em up and
that is your score.
Robert did the course, and as it turned out, the field,
by 6 holes! Steve Mascari sheepishly took the second spot in A Flight,
thanks to a count back victory over visiting Bangkok educator Lee Lepper.
B Flight started off just where Steve and Lee left off,
that is with an all square match (0) with the course, giving top spot to
Japan visitor Nick Monganaro. Up and coming Sugar Ray Hanford was but a hole
back with -1 and a count back victory over Roger Koehler.
Friday May 7
Eastern Star –White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1 st Place A
Flight: John Emmerson, net 71
2nd Place A
Flight: Jack Grindvold, net 73
3rd Place A
Flight: Brian Holden, net 73
1st Place B
Flight: Claus Birk Thomsen, net 73
2nd Place B
Flight: Sugar Ray Hanford, net 77
3rd Place B
Flight: Paul Breen, net 78
Near Pins: #3 Claus Birk Thomsen; #17 Phil Mitchell
A busy week was concluded with a straight-forward medal
comp at resurgent Eastern Star and, as the week ended as it started, with
ol’ Silverback bringing home the best score, and the only subpar net
score, on the day for first place in A Flight. Expectant father Wacko Jacko
was a couple behind John but a count back ahead of Chiang Mai resident,
Brian Holden.
Claus Birk Thomsen grabbed the net 73 baton from Brian
but wielded it effectively to grab top spot in B Flight. His podium
compatriots, Sugar Ray Handford and Paul Breen, were comfortably, and
modestly, behind at net 77 and net 78, respectively.
“Mr Consistency” does it again
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
Tuesday, the fourth of May, dawned very overcast and
humid, but this did not deter the Bunker Boys from travelling to Century Ban
Chang for their weekly medal tournament. They found the course in the finest
condition they have ever seen, with properly manicured fairways offering
good lies through the green. Gone, hopefully for ever, are the scattered
clumps of clinging long grass that were a frustrating feature of the
undulating fairways for so long and the only blemish were the
slower-than-usual greens, a result of rain delays affecting course
maintenance. Mikael Andersson shot a fine first nine gross of 38, only to
stutter on holes 13 and 14, but this did not prevent him recording a fine
net 70 to take third place. Ban Chang resident, Paul Butler, used all his
power and local knowledge to post a score of net 69, prompting dreams of
success, but how was he to know that elsewhere on the course the almost
imperceptive skill of Steve Nowell, was producing a round of such quality
that he finished with twelve straight pars. His round of net 67 easily beat
the Bunker Boys’ average winning score for the course, by four shots.
Surprisingly there was only one birdie two and that
honour went to Len Jones for his successful curling downhill putt across
twelve feet of viciously sloping green on the fifteenth. There were the
usual suspects for the Bunker Boys’ Banana Booby but a returning David
Johnson’s claim that he had played good golf in his sad round of net 89
was sufficient to keep him in bananas for a week! It was good to find the
course at Ban Chang in such fine condition and it is well worth a visit,
certainly being one of the best value-for-money golf experiences in the
province.
King for a day at Eastern
Star
Eastern Star is a course that always attracts a good
turnout of golfers when the Bunker Boys play and Thursday, May 6 was no
exception as the group played their weekly Stableford there. The day was
fine with a steady breeze and the course was showing signs of a little wear
and tear after the long, busy high season. Fairways are in need of more
widespread watering and the greens showed very little sign of turn,
surprisingly. However, an empty course more than made up for this small
disappointment.
Bob Pearce plodded along in his own steady way to record
a score of 33 points, to take third place whilst Len Jones turned in his
second good round of the week to take runner-up place with a score of 34
points. John King deserted his regular Shenanigan’s partner, Mikael
Andersson, for the company of the Bunker Boys and his consistent accurate
play held all the aces with a score of 36 points taking the day.
There were no birdie twos on the slowish greens but the
bananas were out for new Bunker Boy, Tony Mullins, whose dismal 14 points
made an immediate impact in his first tournament. Things can only get better
from now on!
Heavy Weather for the ATM
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday May 3
Pattaya Country Club
Stroke Play
1st: Chang Suh, 71
2nd: John Desmond, 75
3rd: Norman Isherwood, 76
An eleventh hour hike in the price by Century Ban Chang
meant a change to the schedule out of The Haven and a saving to the players
of 350 baht each and a loss of several thousand by the course. In the event
the competitors were the real gainers as Pattaya Country Club’s management
welcomed both them, with a special group rate even though it was a holiday,
and the attendant windfall of income. A mathematical lesson that some
management do not seem to be able to grasp is, 1,000 times nothing is
nothing and 650 times 18 is cash in the bank.
The day was not all good news as the weather continued to
dash cold water on many of the aspirants both actually and metaphorically,
with heavy thunderstorms which caused more than one to abandon their rounds
for the warmth and safety of the clubhouse.
Chang Suh battled through the elements to at last win a
competition, with a very creditable score of one under, after many times
missing out by a shot or two. John Desmond slipped into second place ahead
of Norman Isherwood with both of them being more than a little surprised
considering their scores.
After a short hiatus, The Mobile ATM was well and truly
back in business for anyone who cared to subscribe.
There were no twos and the pot was carried forward.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new members Colman Manning, Jonathan
Tsao, Patrick Lin, Nicholas Manganaro and Matt Pomeroy and also welcomed
back Dave Spendley.
Friday May 7
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st: Norman Isherwood, 35
2nd: Tony Barritt, 34
3rd: Barry Traynor, 33 cb9 19
4th: Trevor Schirmer, 33 cb9 18
5th: Richard Garland, 32
Having crept into third place in his previous outing,
Norman Isherwood went one better albeit with another score that would not
have usually been expected to win, but again the weather proved to be a
major factor in the final results with more rain and thunder overshadowing
the day’s play.
Tony Barritt took second just ahead of Barry Traynor and
Trevor Schirmer, who had to be separated by count back, in third and fourth
respectively. No one was more surprised than Richard Garland to find himself
in the last podium position with a score that, although good enough to clean
out his playing partners, was not one of his best.
Once again The Mobile ATM was in full swing, as it paid
out everyone that punched in for the day, with an even worse score than on
the previous outing.
The twos pool, including the carry over, was shared
between Chang Suh and Trevor Edge helping the latter to almost recover his
days outgoings. Much chuntering and promises of trips to the range and
lessons were to be heard in the bar after the presentations were completed.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new member
Peter Jackson and welcomed back Al Rolnik, Scott Chatburn, Mark Gorda and
Malcolm Clare.
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