Pleasure Dome increases points lead

Mickey Mouse Darts League

The Pleasure Dome increased their led at the top by taking the game and beer at home over Helicopter, whilst second place Smugglers could only manage to take the beer against the Bunker.

Windsor Tavern and Palmers could take the game at home whereas Rising Sun and PSI, respectively, came back from the brink to quench their thirst with the beers.

Devonshire won the game at Cheers where Stan pulled the plug on the beer (to be played at a later date).

Outstanding result Windsor Tavern vs. Palmers (25-6-04, Wk22), Windsor Tavern (beer), Palmers (game). U10s (5/4), league now rectified.

High handicapper pips pro

Bunker Boy’s golf with the PSC

Tuesday July 6, The Bunker Boy’s went to the beautiful Bang Pakong Riverside Country Club for their regular Medal competition. As usual the course was in excellent condition with the greens playing true and fast.

In third place was professional golfer and regular player Keith Smithson with 71 net, second place went to steady George Redgewell with net 69, but first place was claimed by Jim Payne who found this course suited his game nicely and was victorious with a net 67! Jim doesn’t win very often but when he does, it is very well deserved and sometimes, like today, truly spectacular. Well played Jim!

Nearest the Pin prizes were won by Vic Simmons, Sonny Ruthsip and Mitch Malone and The Bunker Banana Booby prize went to the unlucky Lez Hall.

The morning after the night before

On Wednesday evening the July 7, The Pattaya Sports Club held it’s Summer Party which was well attended by The Bunker Boy’s. Special thanks go out to the organiser’s for a splendid night out and for the superb food, drink and entertainment provided. Considering the good time that was had by all at the party Thursday’s Stableford competition threw up some unusual scores!

Playing the Mountain and Lakes courses on the July 8, Mitch Malone, who had consumed copious amounts of free food and drink at the party scored a very impressive 40 Stableford points to take first prize. In second place came another drunk Mick Ramshaw and in third place yet another golfer with bleary eyes and a hangover Jim Payne with 37 and 36 Stableford points respectively.

The unluckiest player of the day must have been George Redgewell who had amassed a huge 21 points on the front nine holes, pulled a muscle and had to return to the clubhouse as he could continue no more. Four other drunks returned no score and the Nearest the Pin prizes were won by the only two player’s capable of hitting the greens, Ben Findon and George Redgewell (a consolation prize for not being able to complete 18 holes) and The Bunker Banana’s were won by Lez Hall completing a miserable week for him.

For Pete’s Sake, Take it Easy On Green Valley

IPGC Golf From Lewiinksi’s

Sunday July 4
Green Valley White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: John McHugh, 45 points
2nd Place A Flight: Jack Grindvold, 43 points
1st Place B Flight: Colin Davis, 44 points
2nd Place B Flight: Joe Mooneyham, 42 points
1st Place C Flight: Ken Kutzing, 39 points
2nd Place C Flight: Nat Meesuk, 37 points
Near Pins: #13 Nick Strasshine; #16 Jack Grindvold

Peter Thompson, the designer of Green Valley Country Club, was the winner of five (5) Open Championships, or as this scribe’s country of citizenship is want to refer to them as, British Opens. Now in Peter’s defense, the course has experienced significant Thai re-design intervention, that it is emasculated by tee positions set forward to facilitate quicker play on busy Sundays and that the lads and lasses have a high degree of familiarity with it. But suffice it to say that the course’s head was handed to Peter on a silver platter by Sunday’s field. Enough said that the six podium holders had their way, but it should further be noted that Steve Mascari had gross 74, good for 40 points, Rick Sharp and Ian Halfpenny had 39 points, and Nick Strasshine, John Emmerson, Pete Stonebridge, John Hillier, Kurt Teeter had 38 points 38 and that Jan Eriksen had 37 points. That doesn’t even include Mike Allidi’s gross 76 effort! And all they received was an ‘attaboy’!

Back to the podium. John McHugely continues his assault on his handicap that graced single digits only recently and looks to dive further. He along with Kenny Kutzing and Joe Mooneyham upheld the Yanks honor on this, their Independence Day. Of similar generational ilk and physical prowess to Johnny, Wacko Jacko now joins the single digit gang. The Donkey? Well forgot any similarities to John’s and Jack’s generation or physical prowess. Maybe he is similar to their dad’s or grandfather’s. It maybe the newfound power is resultant from fatherhood or it could be the glut of steroids on the market, given the testing for the upcoming Olympics. Or he may have stopped marshalling his handicap (the popular choice). In any event he continues to impress every week.

Tuesday July 6
Laem Chabang B
& C,- White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: Steve Mascari, 40 points
2nd Place A Flight: Brian Holden, 37 points
1st Place B Flight: Mike Craighead, 37 points
2nd Place B Flight: John Rehm, 37 points

For the second day in a row, ‘The Mammasun of Golf’, Steve Mascari had gross 74, good for 40 points. He is working his way back to the handicap level of 4-5 where he was strong as any golfer in Pattaya. Brian Holden, that Ramblin’ wreck from Georgia Tech and a hell of a managerial consultant, prevailed on count back over Jack Grindvold and Golf Manager John Emmerson. Golfer emeritus, Mike Craighead used the guile that comes with age to take a count back from John Rehm.

Wednesday July 7
Treasure Hill
Yellow Tees
Bogie

1st Place A Flight: Mike Morris, plus 4
2nd Place A Flight: John Hillier, plus 4
1st Place B Flight: Mo Lamki, plus 1
2nd Place B Flight: Mike Craighead, all square

“Treasure Hill or Bust” was the cry of the field as they braved the improving Highway 331 to play the wonderfully designed and solidly conditioned toast of the three most remote courses within the scope of what is referred to as the Eastern Seaboard golf courses. They were not disappointed. Using the match play Bogie format, which is falling into some disfavor because “it doesn’t’ reward me for making a birdie putt”, saw Mike Morris edge Johnny Hillier on count back. (should this scribe have such concerns) Hard luck Joe “I’m just out of the” Mooneyham went unrewarded despite being three under his handicap. Mo Lamki was the only B Flight player to sneak below his handicap and in so doing edged Mike Craighead by a single hole.

Friday July 9
Phoenix Mountain & Lakes - White Tees
Stroke/Medal

1st Place A Flight: Steve Nowell, net 64
2nd Place A Flight: Derek Reading, net 69
3rd Place A Flight: John McHugh, net 70
1st Place B Flight: Seamus Brennan, net 66
2nd Place B Flight: Norm Robinson, net 67
3rd Place B Flight: Vic Hester net 68
Near Pins: #L8 Vic Hester; Lucky Draw: David Smith

The refreshments and food is rumored as being a bit over the top, but no one has any complaints about the green fees or the course’s condition as the society conceded to Friday traffic and played close by Phoenix. Frequent visitor from the OK Corral, Steve Nowell, thrashed the course and A Flight with a net 64. This left Derek Reading and John McHugely looking quite human at net 69 and net 70, respectively. Seamus Brennan, returning off the inactive roster, edged Stormin’ Norman by a single swipe to take the B Flight top step. Vic ‘The Inflictor’ Hestor showed no mercy as he unchivalrously stooped to count back to deprive Apple Jitchana a piece of the purse. Vic was lucky the fellas didn’t vote for the winner, otherwise beauty would have willed out over age!

Old Hands Take Control at Eastern Star

IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral

At this time of year Eastern Star Golf Resort can be a peaceful place with very few golfers and a pleasant breeze coming off the sea, not too far away. So it was on Tuesday, July 6, when many Bunker Boys left the OK Corral to try their hands at the weekly medal tournament. The course disappointed many as remedial work had been done on the greens leaving them sandy and occasionally bare and the expected lush fairways showing signs of distress from the thousands of feet which have pounded them for the past few months. The cut was set at seventeen and under and the strong, ever-present breeze kept the golfers on their toes. Such is the lure of Bunker Boys golf that Dale Shier and Wilf Latham turned out still jet-lagged from their journey from England and Brian Bellis, a victim of some drunken locals on a motorcycle, played with three broken ribs. Heroes all!

In division two Paul Quodomine played his annual swansong round and performed reasonably well shooting net 77 to take third place behind the joint winners and old hands, Roy Mitchell, for whom the putting ‘yips’ have returned and Len Jones, for whom his confidence is surging once again. Both shot brave net 75s to share the honours.

In division one long-hitting local, Paul Butler, fired a fine net 76 to secure third place behind William Macey’s steady 75. It was left to another old hand, Bill Hewitt, to mark his return to Thai golf with a winning round of level par 72. Mr Loy took the day’s biggest pot with his birdie two on the sixth hole, putting from off the green and this contrasted with three attempts on an earlier hole from less than eighteen inches! It should have been the Bunker Banana Booby as well, if only for that, but ‘El Presidente’ Dale Shier has returned and it was a foregone conclusion that he would get it, especially after idly boasting, but not fulfilling, on the risky water fringed ninth hole. At the end of the day it was an enjoyable golf experience and the smiles were still there hours later at the OK Corral.

Len Jones
Completes a Double

Another large group of Bunker Boys travelled to Century Bang Chang on Thursday July 8, for their weekly stableford competition and found the course in good condition with greens which were faster than usual, catching out more than a few. The day was incredibly hot and humid and many of the golfers found the round a challenge in uncomfortable conditions. In both divisions, with the cut at fifteen, the contest was extremely close and in division one there was a three-way tie for third place with William Macey, Dale Shier and Mark Joshua all scoring 34 points. One shot ahead were the joint winners Yasu Suzuki and John Cunningham inseparable on 35 points.

Division two was equally tight and Bill Hewitt and PJ Redmond won nothing more than a share of third place for their hard fought level par 35s. The best scores of the day were shared by Len Jones and David Johnson and their 37s won the day in the second flight. It was the second successive victory, albeit shared, for Len Jones, the man who a month ago was in the depths of depression with his game. William Macey and an effervescent Dale Shier shared the Bunker Boys’ Super Sawng award with their birdie twos and the Banana Booby was presented to Mr. Loy after he had his worst day on the golf course for a long time. He had awoken with a hangover, and vague memories of a wager. He had performed badly and was later reminded of his promise to buy drinks for all the ladies in the OK Corral should he lose to Dale Shier. And he did! Ain ‘t golf fun at the OK.

King and Andersson scramble best

Suzuki & Suh shine

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday July 5
Noble Place B & C
Stableford

1st Yasuo Suzuki, 42
2nd Fred Ewins, 37
3rd Al Rolnik, 35 c/b 20
4th Chang Suh, 35 c/b 17

The long drive up the 331 was a bit tiresome as usual even though there are now only two bad areas of road works. This time the trip was not really worthwhile as the C course was in very poor condition with slow bumpy greens and uncut fairways that destroyed many a card.

However, the conditions did not deter the Japanese duo as Yasuo finally shot his best round for a long time and Kaneo Wattanabe cleaned up with the day’s only 2 which with a rollover from the previous week meant a very nice payday!

The always steady trio of Fred Ewins, Al Rolnik & Chang Suh rounded out the podium positions. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional welcomed back Kaneo Wattanabe and to much applause, Kaneo generously rang the bell to celebrate his super sawng.

Wednesday July 7
Century Bang Chang
Medal

1st Al Rolnik, 71
2nd Bob Lindborg, 73 c/b 35
3rd Roy Thornton, 73 c/b 36
4th Chang Suh, 73 c/b 38.5

It seemed a long time since the previous visit to Century though a few had made the trip recently for the Camel Scramble. The course was again in excellent condition which suited big Al who made very few mistakes to record the only under par round of the day.

Bob, Roy & Chang fought out the minor placings that had poor Richard in a tiz. If the Haven had a banana booby prize it would certainly have gone to Singing John Kendall, who playing in his final competition before returning to Costa Rica, hit three tee shots OB on the par 4 third before putting his fourth ball into the base of a tree to card a 14 and effectively end his day’s round. The 2’s pool was shared by Al Rolnik, Graham Davis, Trevor Edge & Roland Piechocki. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, welcomed back Graham Davis, Gordon Miller & Roland Piechocki and bade farewell to John Kendall & Steve Budrys

Friday July 9
Burapha B & D
Course
Bogey Blue Tees

1st Chang Suh, 5Up
2nd Kaneo Wattanabe, 2Up
3rd Brian Kelly, A/S
4th Roy Thornton, 1down c/b 2up
5th Yasuo Suzuki, 1down c/b A/S

A large contingent were well rewarded to play the unusual combination of B & D courses (the two back 9s) which had been beautifully prepared for the forthcoming Thai PGA competition. On such superb conditions it was perhaps fitting that Chang should continue his great vein of form to easily beat the rest of the field, shooting a gross 80 in the process. Brian, playing with Chang managed to hang-in until a couple of errant shots on 13 & 14 ended his challenge, but his consistency off the tee (hitting 41 of 42 fairways in the week), clearly influenced his playing partners as he played in the same 4 ball as all the week’s winners.

Kaneo, in his last competition before returning to Japan, took silver spot with Roy & Yasuo heading off a host of other 1 down scores. The 2’s pool was shared between Mike Morris & Philip Cass. Prior to the prize giving, Richard welcomed new members John Armstrong & Kim Muller and welcomed back Mike Morris, Philip Cass, Danny Dyke, Dale Shier & Wilf Latham. Goodbyes also went to Kaneo Wattanabe & John Armstrong.

Three Sisters loses three points and teams are closing the gap

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

Three Sisters lost three points to Q Cars but are still in first place by a narrow one half point. Both teams bowled well but Q Cars were better with Lenz rolling 207 and 202 games for a 549 series and high handicapper Ken adding a 545 series. P.K. led Three Sisters with games of 191, 179, 212, for a 582-pin count and La knocked over 530 pins.

200 bowlers, Rich, Lenz, Kran, Jim and P.K.

Second place Brother D took three points from Cafe Kronborg as Bill tipped over 510 pins and Ooy added an even 500. VFW Post 9876 took three points from Jack & Tar behind Bill’s 548 series and Jon’s 510 pins total. Mai was best for Jack & Tar knocking down 541 pins. Caf? Ole won three points from Alt Koelle and knocked Alt Koelle down to last place. Jim led Cafe Ole with a 205 game and 533 series and Somrak knocked down 516 pins. Tukata had a great day as she rolled games of 171, 224, 173, 568 series off of a 32 handicap for Alt Koelle. Jeed knocked down 551 pins and Nut added an even 500 to lead Nam Tip to a three point win over House of the Golden Coin.

Rich bowling as a spare in the match had the best game and series of the current league as he rolled games of 177, 257, and 195 for a 629 series.

Pattaya Pool League

Wednesday Quiz League

Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League

Sunday Quiz League

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Sometime when you read the papers the story’s can be misleading. Like what? Well found this the other day. “Lennox Lewis, retired heavyweight champion, is celebrating the birth of his first child-a baby boy- after a secret pregnancy. “ My first thoughts were of course he would keep it secret. How would it look for a former heavyweight champion to give birth to a baby. On a positive note that condition, working while pregnant, would explain his sorry showing against Klitschko last June. Ones mind does get occupied during those difficult times. Although I probably shouldn’t write to the subject as I’ve never been pregnant. Been sick in the morning on occasions. Usually after a big occasion. Wonder if there’s a correlation? Naw.

Mark Twain is one that all typers in America love to quote. Once commenting on the report that he had died Twain wrote, “The report of my death is greatly exaggerated.” That was Mark Twain in May 1897. On July 16, 2004 I wrote about the World Boxing Council, “The report of their death is greatly exaggerated.”

Although for many months that statement would have had as much validity as a maidens “I love you with all my heart.” It was announced that the WBC and Graciano Rocchigiani had reached a settlement in the latter 31 million dollar judgement against the WBC. ‘Rocky,’ took the WBC to the edge of Chapter 7 liquidation before finally agreeing to a settlement of a $31 million court judgement.” Rocchigiani had reportedly turned down 1 million now with a million a year for 29 years. Wonder what kind of settlement he got? You can bet your bottom baht that he figured out that ‘something of something’ is better than ‘all of nothing.’

Not happy with the WBC maybe surviving is reader Ryan, “I have a feeling the claim that the WBC and Ricky G have come to an agreement is bogus. The WBC may be trying to get a few last sanction fees before their demise. At least, that’s what I hope.”

I could not disagree more. Anything that that hurts the sport of boxing is bad. Ryan is promoting his own sanctioning organization. Good for him I wish him well. That written, he will never be successful by wishing his opposition ill. Picking the bones of a dead carcass is for vultures. We have enough of them in boxing. A narrow road of thought never became a super highway of success.

The Irish press, specifically the Belfast Telegram, has been giving it to Brian Magee after his loss to Robin Reed a couple of weeks ago. The interesting thing is that this is being done by a writer that doesn’t have to sign his name. The anonymous hitman. “ He was only a shadow of the Robin Reid of old, yet too good for a champion who boxed in nervous, jerky spasms. Anybody who fights for a living is constantly reminded of his faults, so where did a much lionised Brian Magee go so painfully wrong? How come he lost a title contest he could, and should, have won? Magee, his wallet heavier but world in tatters, was surprised he didn’t get this King’s Hall decision. And so were Jim Watt and Steve Collins, plus a couple of other TV pundits. But Barry McGuigan - no! He called it a draw after 12 weary rounds of what was “a horrible fight to watch”. The writer continues, “His best punch? Beyond a ponderous prod rejoicing in the name of a southpaw jab, he didn’t have one. Or much else, no game-plan, no body attack, no real polish or drive.”

Had occasion while covering the Professional Darts Council Desert Classic (won by Phil Taylor 6-4 over Wayne Marble in a cracker of a final) to ask McGee promoter Barry Hearn about the fight, “How did I know that Magee didn’t have a chin or a punch?” Watch him?

Is there a more popular family of Boxing than TBA? You see them mentioned on almost every boxing card anywhere in the world. Thailand has joined the rest of the world in inviting TBA to fight on a “really” big boxing card on September 11 in Chainart Province. The main event will feature WBC bantam king (even though we’ve been told that the WBC is deader than Kelsey’s reproductive organ. How dead is that? Even the ‘magic blue pill’ will not revive. Press lies. WBC alive and well Veerapol Sahaprom’s (44-1) against a Mexican TBA (?-?). Veerapol is trying to break the bantamweight record of 16th title defenses set by the great Orlando Canizales (50-5-1). Veerapol needs 2 to tie and 3 to break. On the undercard: WBC #2 Napapol Kiatisakchokchai (26-2) vs. TBA. Napapol put up a spirited battle against the best super bantam in the world Oscar Larios (49-3) last November at the Olympic in Los Angeles losing via a TKO in 10. The other attraction is David Nakornluang vs. TBA. I don’t know who David Nakornluang is, the record books don’t know so this one could be TBA vs. TBA. The Ultimate TBA Family gathering.

While in Las Vegas Barry Hearn had occasion to talk with now injury free Wayne ‘The Pocket Rocket’ McCullough. His last fight scheduled for London was postponed due to a hand injury that is now ‘good to go.’ The plan is for Wayne to sign with Hearn to end his career fighting in Britain. “That would be the ideal scenario for me. Jess Harding has also been speaking to Cheryl about the possibility of me fighting Esham Pickering for the European title. Barry and Cheryl have talked and the chance to finish my career at home would be just what I want.” Who is Cheryl? That would be wife/manager of Wayne. When she speaks he listens. Or else!

You might want to check out the telly today before going for your afternoon repast. It’s just possible that the Thai Channel will have Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (51-2) vs. Luis Angel Martinez (12-3) for the WBC 112 title. The odds are that it won’t be much of a contest but it will be a chance to see a really good fighter, Pongsaklek, against a tough Mexican. If the champ has slowed down even a tad, there could be trouble. This is for our pal in Pattaya, O.R. Cross. His favorite boxing announcer Colonel Bob Sheridan will be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame. He’ll join three-time world champion Jeff Fenech, Ernie Terrell, Jimmy Ellis and former WBA Champ Betulio Gonzalez

Thailand Bodybuilding Association president appointed as president of South East Asian Bodybuilding Federation

Datuk Paul Chua, Secretary-General of the Asian Bodybuilding Federation has announced the appointment of Pakpong Kriangsak as president of the South East Asian Bodybuilding Federation. Pakpong was elected unanimously by the 11 country members of the Federation.

Datuk Paul Chua (left), Secretary-General of the Asian Bodybuilding Federation announced Pakpong Kriangsak (right) as president of the South East Asian Bodybuilding Federation by unanimous vote.

Pakpong is also President of the Thailand Bodybuilding Association and has been a keen supporter of the sport for more than 25 years.

In announcing the appointment, Datuk Paul Chua said, “Khun Pakpong is a man who speaks less and works more. He is a good listener and a good leader for the Federation. He is a man who builds bridges of friendship and harmony amongst the ASEAN member countries. These are his sterling qualities in progressing the Federation further.”

“I am delighted with my appointment and honoured by the support of ASEAN countries’ members to be the new president of South East Asian Bodybuilding Federation. I’m very pleased that all members give their trust to me to continue to develop and promote the sport of bodybuilding to a wider audience both in Thailand and internationally. I am also committed to organise more international competitions to show Thailand’s capabilities and get more acceptance for the sport,” Pakpong said.

“This year the Thailand Body Building Association has been selected for the first time by the Asian Body Building Federation to host the Asian BodyBuilding Championships in Thailand. More than 200 athletes from over 39 countries around the Asian region will participate,” Pakpong added.

For further information contact: Pakpong Kriangsak Tel. 0 2254 5950 or Garagade Oonkhanond on 0 2231 6158-9 or 0 1620 3823

The Pattaya Market ready to Rumble this Friday

After some delays the official grand opening Thailand Wrestling Federation (TWF) is set to rumble ringside at The Market Pattaya this Friday with the first of three shows starting from 7 p.m.

Just some of action you’ll catch ringside at the Market Pattaya.

Wrestlers will be competing in different types of matches from standard, single and tag contests to American Rumble events, ladder matches and hardcore events. With non-stop action guaranteed all the way and with the special lighting effects, sound system etc. Refreshments will also be available at the venue.

There will be three shows nightly at 7 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. Ringside tickets are 600 baht including a souvenir with tiered seating tickets for 400 baht at the Market Complex Box Office Tel. 038 488 196 or visit www.thaiwf.com for more details.

Chen makes a comeback but Ka Fai holds on for win

Asian Touring Car Series rounds 5 & 6, Bira

Round 6 of the Asian Touring Car Series saw a second dramatic 20-lap race at Thailand’s 2.4km Bira Circuit, which saw 778 Autosport’s Lo Ka Fai hold on to the lead to take the win from pole, despite the best efforts of Taiwan’s Chen Jun San in his new Honda Integra DC5.

Third was Lo Ka Chun in a Honda DC2, followed by the top Thai driver, S. Kajohnsak.

Lo Kai Fai in his Honda Integra led the pack in round 6 to chock up another strong win of the Asian Touring Car series held at Bira last Sunday.

Ka Fai was evidently thrilled with his win saying, “It was a truly exciting race and I’m so pleased to take this win, especially as Chen is such a good driver!”

Chen had mixed emotions as he was glad to have put the bad luck he suffered in Round 5 behind him, but the highly competitive Taiwanese is never happy to settle for second best.

“It was my mistake,” he admitted. “I shouldn’t have given Ka Fai the opportunity to overtake me and should have held my line. But I had a good fight with Ka Fai.”

Ka Fai made a good start off the grid to hold his lead in the opening laps. On lap 4, Chen made contact with Ka Fai when he overtook the Hong Kong driver. Chen led the pack until lap 9, when Ka Fai regained the lead at the hairpin. Chen stayed right on his tail until lap 12 when Ka Fai managed to pull away and increase the gap between the two.

“I had contact with Ka Fai when I overtook which I felt bad about,” said Chen. “I mistakenly thought I’d have more chances to retake the lead, but I was suffering understeer and just couldn’t get back in the lead.”

The series now heads to Beijing’s 3.3km Goldenport Circuit, for Rounds 7 & 8 of the 12-round season. (Motorsport Asia Limited)