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Seaboard FC takes one
from the Bangkok Brits
Brendan Richards
Pattaya’s newest football club Seaboard FC played and
won their maiden game against Bangkok’s British Club on the Naklua pitch
last Saturday afternoon. The home side scored the game’s only goal in the
final three minutes of the second half to win 1 - nil in the pre-season
friendly.
Seaboard
FC played their inaugural game against the Bangkok British Club last
Saturday, August 28.
The afternoon sun saw Seaboard and Bangkok play an evenly
matched game, despite dodgy linesman and referee calls: a point of
contention on both sides.
 Seaboard
FC’s “Oggy” was named “Man of the Match” by the British Club
during the evening’s festivities at Kilkenny’s. “Oggy” scored the
game’s only goal that led the home side to victory.
The heat of the game saw numerous player changes as the
older and less fit players opted for shade time while the small crowd of
spectators and coaches encouraged the teams to score. A feat easier said
than done, as they used every square foot of the pitch in an attempt to
score the elusive goal, contending with the ball as it disappeared into the
long grass either side of the pitch, and those brave enough to fetch it, not
knowing what little ‘nasties’ lay in the undergrowth. All that said - in
spite of the rumors - there were no cobras or giant centipedes waiting to
attack.
Stars of the day were Tung, who set up Seaboard’s goal
along with Rich Wibrow - who left his golf clubs home for the day- and was
followed through by “Oggy”.
An
unidentified British Club player (right) tackled Robert from Seaboard during
the games last Saturday afternoon.
The British Club team players included Paul Dobbs and
Greg Heenan, both living here in Pattaya, playing well as the temperatures
soared.
The home side, Seaboard FC, has applied to enter the MBMG
International Soccer League, comprised mainly of Bangkok-based teams of
various nationalities. Saturday’s match saw a good turnout of players
eager to get game time prior to the league season.
Running the club is Foster Wheeler’s football club
coach (for a number of seasons), Rick Bryant, assisted by British Club and
former Racing Club Pattaya player, Peter Mewes. In a pre-match interview
Peter Mews co-organizer said, “We’re a new team and today’s game is
the big inaugural, all unimportant friendly. We’ve entered in to the MBMG
league which starts in about two months, so in the meantime we hope to
attract more players and play some more warm-up games.”
The British Club of Bangkok, on tour and away from the
desert of Bangkok, fuelled their Saturday game by visiting Walking Street
and many other areas of Pattaya on the previous night. The tour conveniently
coincided with the closing of the Bangkok bars this weekend due to the
gubernatorial elections. Chris Jolly on his farewell tour said, “We were
supposed to be in Shanghai this weekend but decided to come to Pattaya,
particularly since Bangkok is ‘dry’ due to the elections.”
Chris went on to say that his team has players who have
been playing for over 20 years, and that between them they have lot of
experience. “These are the Vets team, mostly over 35s. We’ve got plenty
of experience, maybe not a lot of talent, but plenty of experience.”
With the advent of the full time whistle the “fun”
began later that evening with a post-match and then a barbeque on the back
terrace of the Kilkenny pub, Walking Street. Not ready to give up the game,
players avidly watched live English premier league football before
presenting the day’s prizes and tour fines to all concerned before
spilling out onto Walking Street to enjoy the city’s entertainment
options.
Seaboard FC hopes to attract new players and those fancying a try-out in
pre-season friendlies or training are welcome, as with any sponsorship
support. If you’re interested, the Seaboard FC wants to hear from you.
Just email: to [email protected]
Asian Open 2004 Seniors Tennis Championships a hit with players
Suchada Tupchai
The Asian Open 2004 Seniors Tennis Championships, held
from August 16-22, drew interest from over 200 competitors from 20
countries. Held at the Siam Bayshore Resort, the 6-day tournament was
organized by the Asian Tennis Federation.
 Hard
hitting action on the Siam Bayshore courts as the seniors battled it out for
supremacy in friendly fashion.
The seniors’ event, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, saw players
from 35 to 83 compete, with majority of winners in each category from
Thailand. The star attraction was however, Eanok Duangudom, who, at 83
charmed spectators and fellow competitors on and off the courts. Trophies
and other prizes were handed out following the event along with the post
tournament party.
Ron and Jim win at Siam
PSC golf from the Bunker
Tuesday August 24 was a hot and sunny
day but it didn’t prevent a large contingency of Bunker Boys visit Siam
Country Club for their regular Medal competition. The golfers were split
into two divisions A and B.
In Division A Mike Allidi - a previous winner - could
only manage third place with a Net 73, second place went to Gerhard Schujtze
with a creditable net 71 but first prize was claimed by a visiting Aussie
going by the name of Ron Souter who shot a fine Net 69.
Mike Allidi capped a fairly successful day by capturing
three “Near Pins” prizes with the other “Near Pin” going to William
Macey.
In Division B the ever-improving Lez Hall claimed joint
third place along with John Preddy and Blair “Skinny” Newton all
returning Net 78. Neil Griffin came in second squeezing out Lez, John and
“Skinny” by one shot but the best round of the day was played by Jim
Payne who shot a fine Net 67 to win the first prize. On such a hot day but
with the course in great shape and a good time was had by all!
Century Bang Chang
A smaller than usual field went to Century Bang Chang on
Thursday August 26 as most of The Bunker Boys were playing in the Thai
Ger-Line tournament the next day and were conserving their energy! The dozen
players who went had a thoroughly enjoyable day playing their usual
stableford round of golf.
Mitch Malone came out on top with 43 stableford points
followed closely home by Ben Findon with 40 points and third again was Lez
Hall with 32 points. The near pins went to Jim Payne, Mitch Malone and Ben
Findon.
The Bunker’s Individual Championship will take place
during September with a two day Medal competition being held at Phoenix Golf
Course on Tuesday September 14 and Century Ban Chang Golf Course on Thursday
September16. All Pattaya Sports Club members with a valid PSC handicap are
welcome to play. Please call The Bunker Bar on 038 429 292 or visit us in
Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco) for further details. And don’t forget,
you can get the latest golf schedules for The Bunker Boys and information
about all other sporting activities at The Bunker Bar by visiting our
website @ www.bunkerboysgolf.com
PSC golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Tuesday August 24,
Green Valley
On a sunny Tuesday morning we again gathered at Bobby
Joe’s for another good golf day out. Bobby’s good breakfast and
coffee will help wake some of us who had too much liquid refreshment the
night before - we never learn... ah well back to the plot.
 Max
Matthews (left), PSC Secretary and scribe with Alan Sullivan.
We arrived at Green Valley and received our customary
warm welcome. At the first tee some of our intrepid golfers who have not
played here were looking in terror at the ‘carry’ required to get
over the lake and on to the first fairway. Most of this is in the mind
but it is still a daunting start hole.
After this we all enjoyed the course, which is in
good condition with the greens quite fast. Back at the clubhouse we
sampled a beer, at a reasonable price compared with some other clubs,
and waited for the later layers to come in with their scorecards.
 Two
near pins winner John Alleston.
Having tabulated the results and collected the pins
from the nearest the pin and longest putt contests we saddled up and
headed back to Bobby Joe’s where, surprise, surprise, Bobby had
conjured up a delicious beef Stroganoff for us. We all tucked in and
enjoyed it with, of course, several beers to wash it down and then on to
the serious business of announcing this week’s winners and a batch of
new prizes.
Allan Sullivan, who played with me, had an
outstanding front 9 and faded slightly on the back 9 but still won the A
flight easily. The B flight was won by one of our regular guys, Ray
Spurling. This was his first win so he promptly bought us a round to
celebrate.
Nearest the pins were won by Peter Dessaix, Peter O’Donnell and
John Alletson (Twice). Long putts were won by Andy Evans and Alan
Sullivan. We settled for a few more beers and went home happy.
PSC golf from the Cafe Konborg
Monday August 23 Century Chonburi
Stableford
The Century Golf Course was host for a stableford
competition in two Flights, A Flight, 0 to 19 and B Flight 20 and above. The
course on the day was in very good condition, considering that the green fee
is only 150 baht on weekdays.
 Clive
Robinson won the A Flight with 34 stableford points at Century Chonburi.
Clive Robinson took the A Flight with 34 points, Dave
Richardson was second with 29 points and Jeff Wylie was third with 26
points. In the B Flight, ‘Slammin’ John Swanson took the win with 37
points, Big Jim Flanagan was second with 35 points, and Richard Kubicki was
third with 33 points.
Thursday August 26 Siam
C.C. Stroke Monthly Mug
Are the months getting shorter, or are we getting older?
It seems only yesterday since I was sitting here and reporting on last
months Competition. Not only that, it is August already, seems like I only
just bought last years Christmas presents.
 Monthly
Mug B Flight winner Jerry Lien with net 71.
Still, a goodly bunch of ‘aspirants’ gathered at the
Cafe Kronborg to try for this most sought after trophy, and shortly after
travelling up Siam Road, and what a sad mess it is in as usual, we arrived
at the course. If I write this report 5 years from now I will probably be
saying what a mess the road is, I certainly would have been 5 years ago.
Talking of what a mess the road is I see they are digging up Beach Road
again!
Back to the golf, for whom are we to care. So bright and
breezy on the first tee, ‘The Chief Shepherd’ took care of his flock and
sent them off, to partake of a walk in the park, or for many a walk in the
shaded tree covered borders of the course. The course, as is usual at this
time of the year, was in fine condition, awaiting the onslaught of the
winter refugees from outlying areas of the known World, for what we may
receive make the courses be truly thankful.
John
Sinclair (right) receives the monthly mug from organiser Tim Holt (left).
With the course in decent condition and the weather hot,
humid and pretty windy, we would surely break the recent run of bad scores.
Sat in the Siam Restaurant and collecting the scores in
it soon became apparent the trend of mediocrity would continue and only one
person shot less than net 70.
Back in the Cafe Kronborg as the results were declared,
it was noted we had a fair few playing around their handicap. In the A
Flight, 0 to 16, the winner was Clive Robinson, for the second time this
week, with a net 70 on countback over Bill Plath in second, and Mike Alidi
in third with a net 71.
In the B Flight, 17 upwards, The winner was Jerry Lien
with a net 71, ahead of a countback for second won by Doug Powel, with
Richard Kubicki in third, both net 72.
So to the Winner of The Mug, and it is always nice to
have a first time winner, and this month the winner was John Sinclair with a
net 69.
Near Pins: Peter King, Mike Alidi and Clive Robinson.
Long Putts: John Sinclair and Tyrone Bridge
Tim takes another round
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
At Siam C.C., Doug Powell was looking like a winner until
the last golfer walked in. With 38 points in hand and one stroke in the
lead, it looked as if no one would be able
Tim
Holt won the round after a good day out at Siam.
to beat him. As it was, Tim Holt
again took the honors as he came in with 41 big points. Tim has been riding
a high for almost 6 months. He has been at or near the top and has played
consistent golf. Tim is getting to be his young self again and is playing
as though he was ten years younger. Good shooting Tim!
Following just back of the leaders were Alan Pearce and
Dick Worden with 37 points each. After being near the bottom last week,
Alan got his game together and nearly won the day.
Bill
Gibson was this week’s cellar dweller.
Holding up the bottom this week was an unlikely
contender. Bill Gibson normally stays in the middle of the pack or near the
top. For some reason his swing deserted him as he tumbled into the cellar
for the week. Bill came in with 25 points. As it was, this would have
normally have been enough to stay out of the cellar, but today it wasn’t
good enough. Giving Bill a scare were Bob Benda and Scott Cosban. Scott was
down there last week but it was surprising to see Bob scratching as the
cellar door.
Nothing to do with golf - or maybe it has. Beware near hole number 16
and going to the tee box on the 17th. Just riding in his cart and minding
his own business, Herb Ishinaga got stung on his ear by a wasp. Cookie, who
was his caddy for the day, said that she also got stung by a wasp the other
day. Herb has now got a big ear to go along with his sore stomach.
Tai and Arthur again, but Barry is best
Mike Franklin
Tai Kennedy and Arthur Bailey made it a double by winning
the August Diana Seniors & Ladies Open in the Ladies and Super Seniors
divisions respectively, having done the same in the July Open. Tai scored 37
Stableford points and Arthur 39 points.
 Arthur
Bailey (left), Tai Kennedy and Barry Rothberg (right) played a great round
in the August Diana Seniors & Ladies Open.
However, best score of the day came from Barry Rothberg
with 40 points to win the seniors division. Understandably, he was ecstatic
on returning to the locker room, about the course, the greens, fairways,
weather and life in general. Well done Barry!
Runners-up on the day were Lamun Hanley (ladies) 36
points, John Hurst (seniors) 39 points, and Danny Dyke (rather super) with
37 points.
Near pins were claimed by Bob Pearce, Nigel Cannon, John
Clements and John Hurst. Nigel Cannon also had the longest putt on # 9 and
Tai was longest on # 18.
The weather was fine and the course, fairways and greens,
good.
Newcomers Mashi Kaneta, Nigel Cannon and Dennis Flowers
were duly welcomed at the prize-giving, with the trophies and prizes
presented by admin. Chief John Cole.
Thursday September 30 is the next Diana Seniors & Ladies Open.
Sign-up sheets at the Green Bottle Pub and at the Diana Driving Range.
‘Elvis’ scores a winner
Mike Gerrard’s birthday classic with PSC
Friday August 27 Phoenix 2 Ball Scramble
It really is sad when one of the big figures in life
rolls into view. Most of us try to ignore it and hope it will go away, but
when you have spent most of your life as a professional entertainer, what a
good excuse for a party.
 Gerry
Carpenter (left), PSC president presented prizes to the winners, Dennis
Edmunds (center) and birthday boy Mike Gerrard (right).
Mike Gerrard is no shrinking violet, so why not get 40 of
his closest friends around, chase them around the golf course, and make them
listen to you sing when they are too tired to get away. No fool our Mike, he
realised that to most of them he is just a young boy.
 Not
enough candles for Mike!
The idea of the competition was put forward by Mike, who
effectively sponsored it, but became reality when Gerry Carpenter offered
the use of his facilities for the after golf function, and the rest of the
‘golf committee’s offered their considerable organisational skills to
ensure the day went smoothly.
So to the day and 40 ‘young in spirit’ players teed
off in a four ball of two ball scramble teams, and all in all the day went
pretty well, if a little hot.
Golf over we went on down to ‘Gerry’s Place’ where
the tables were laid out and we could sit and have a beer in peace whilst we
waited for mine host, Mike. As it happened we could also sit and watch as
the ‘Master Chef’ alias Gerry dash back and forth with trays of food,
and then laid out one of the best and tastiest buffets that any of us can
remember.
 Players
relaxed after a day out on the course.
So far I have not said anything about the music, but the
group laid on, played good old songs we all knew and could sing along to.
Buffet consumed and whistles wetted, we sat back whilst Gerry had his moment
of fame and then Mike presented the prizes to the winners, suffice to say
they are listed below, but look at the winning team.
Presentation over we could get down to listening to our
‘Birthday Boy’ exercising his tonsils and then get on with some serious
efforts to make it a bar with no beer.
Near Pins: Mike Gerrard, Max Matthews, Kevin McIntosh and
Alan Pearce.
Winners: Dennis Edmunds & Mike Gerrard, net 67.2
Second’: Ian Edwards and Jeff Wylie, net 69.2
Third: Kevin McIntosh & Doug Powell, net 70.0
Mike
Gerrard thanked everyone for good day out.
Major Roy Has The Round of His Life
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday August 23 Khao Kheow Stableford
1st Brian Kelly 36pts
2nd Jimmy Little 33pts
On a day when there was a depleted field, Brian Kelly in
his penultimate round before his departure back to the UK, easily beat the
field with his 36 points. The Little Big Man with his 33 points beating
Trevor Schirmer and Richard Lyne on countback. No two’s were recorded on
the day and there was a carryover to Wednesday. Back at the Haven, prior to
the prize giving Richard Livingston the resident PGA professional bade a
fond farewell to Andy Pedler and Richard Lyne.
Wednesday August 25 Siam
C.C. Monthly Medal
First Division (0-14)
1st Trevor Schirmer, 71
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki, 75
Second Division (15+)
1st Roy Thornton, 62
2nd Dave Lee, 76 c/b 36.5
 Monthly
medal winners, Trevor Schirmer (left), and Major Roy (right), with Richard
Livingston back at The Haven after a successful day out.
It was Roy of The Rovers stuff, as Major Roy Thornton
showed a brand of golf never seen before to win the division two monthly
medal by a staggering fourteen strokes, beating the reliable course and
distance winner Dave Lee. The Major carded a gross 35 off his 18 handicap
for a net 26 on the back nine which included seven birdies. A feat that
Ladbrokes would lay astounding odds that he will never repeat.
In division one, the ‘Sheep shagger’ won the medal by
four shots from the Land of The Rising Sun’s Takeshi Hakozaki. The two’s
rollover was shared by John Desmond, Richard Garland, and Dave Lee.
Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston welcomed back Al Rolnick,
Ciano Glavinia, Richard Garland and Takeshi Hakozaki and said a farewell to
Brian Kelly. It was good to see The Doc showing an improvement in his health
and making a visit back to The Haven
Johnny Hillier Takes, Then Gives, Lessons
IPGC Golf From Lewiinksi’s
Sunday August 22 Green Valley White
TeesStableford
1st A Flight: John Hillier, 40 pts
2nd A Flight: Jack Grindvold, 38 pts
3rd A Flight: Gareth Gill, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Simon Kendall, 42 pts
2nd B Flight: J.J. Wright, 39 pts
3rd B Flight: An Kaesavane, 34 pts
Near Pins: #5 Nick Strasshine; #8 Chris Strain
John Hillier, never a slouch at 13 handicap, but always
willing to learn, hooked up with local area teaching pro, Richard
Livingston, to fine tune his game, and the dividends were quick to evidence
themselves. Richard, whose golf credentials include four Open Championship
appearances, and who is well known to be adept at fine-tuning a player’s
existing game, had a pleasant and adept canvas to work with in the affable
John Hillier. The gears meshed and the result was a very productive week for
Mr. Hillier as he started with the first of three paydays on the week. Wacko
Jacko who play earned plaudits in this column last week continued his fine
play with a level to SSS 38 points and a countback win over Gareth Gill.
The man-of-the-match was Simon Kendall as he put a 42
point pasting on the Green Valley set-up. J.J. Wright, who each week seems
to be finding form, as left to second with an excellent 39 points. An
Kaesasane, a favorite who has been missing from this column as of late, may
be showing signs of stepping back onto the improvement curve, as she
garnered the bronze, albeit with but 34 points.
It should be noted that Nick Strasshine and Chris Strain
nicked the Near Pins as the latter a stateside friend of Steve Mascari,
enjoyed his last round out of Pattaya on this his initial visit. All look
forward to his, Nico’s and Mark’s return.
Tuesday August 24 Khao
Kheow A & C Yellow or White Stableford
1st Yellow Flight: John Hillier, 38 pts
2nd Yellow Flight: Jack Grindvold, 35 pts
1st White Flight: Norm Robinson, 37 pts
The field size for the balance of the week was impacted
by the pilgrimage of eleven core players to the magical land of Soi Dao, but
this in no way should detract from the accomplishments of our title boy. It
was d?j? vu all over again as the top bracket one and two players were
Hillier and Grindvold, the former being the only player to match the course
rating on the day and doing so from the demanding yellow tees. Stormin’
Norman was the man in the more forgiving, although only slightly so, white
tee division.
Wednesday August 25
Bangpra White Tees Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight, Rick Sharp, net 69
2nd A Flight, Jim Munns, net 71
1st B Flight, Jan Eriksen, net 68
2nd B Flight, Norm Robinson, net 76
Near Pin: #8 John Emmerson
Jan Eriksen brought the gang home thorough the marauding
monkeys of Bangpra. He cleared second place B Flight compatriot Stormin’
Norman by eight strokes! But Norm liked the look of the baht signs
nonetheless. In the “Players from the Land of Zogg” Division, The Hermit
edged Captain Fogg by a couple.
Friday August 27 Siam C.C.
White Tees Stableford
1st A Flight: Terry Summers, 38 pts
2nd A Flight: John Hillier, 36 pts
1st B Flight: Phanon “Apple” Jitchana, 46 pts
2nd B Flight: Phillip Cass, 41 pts
Near pin: NP #16 - Phanon “Apple” Jitchana
Beauty transcended age as Apple amassed 46 points, which
should drive her 24 handicap down even further. She further served notice
that she was in “The Zone” by picking up the day’s only Near Pin. It
spelled hard luck for Phil Cass who was left with second place despite 41
points. Old friend Terry Summers, noting that the schedule reflected a day
out on his home pitch of Siam C.C., accepted the advantage and made the A
Flight field pay as his 38 points edged the man in this week’s lights,
John Hillier.
Glavina & Wellington top in Thai-Ger Line Tourney
Mike Franklin
Luciano Glavina, having not played golf for four months,
drew on experience rather than form to return the best Stableford score of
42 points to win the 2004 Thai-Ger Line 6th Anniversary tournament
Championship. Conversely, Andy Wellington clearly in good form and playing
regularly, decimated his 6 handicap by shooting a splendid 74 off the stick
to take the Low Gross trophy.
 Fabian
and Janine Tillmans took care of party registration at the Moon River Pub.
These fine performances were backed up by good scores by
the division winners. They were Perry McNeely, 40 points in Division I; P.J.
Redmond 40 points in division II and Robin Overman 41 points in Division
III.
The Ladies fared not quite so well with 34 points being
the best score in the division from Usa Chaiyosit.
Technical prizes were in abundance, 21 in all, and each
being a 5 liter can of German (what else) lager beer. On Mountain # 4 it was
Mark Thomas, Luciano Glavina and Robin Overman who were nearest - the ladies
giving that one a miss. On Mountain # 8 it was Goran Petterson, Steve
Blisset, John Dearden and Khun Ron Ron. Ocean # 5 was good for Bob Wighton,
Blair Newton, Mayo Deane and that Luciano man again. The final near pins on
Ocean # 7 went to Dan Lundberg, David Lightfoot, Fritz Schanzer and Khun
Tip.
Luciano
Glavina (left) was surprised to win the Thai-Ger Line 6th Anniversary
tournament having not played golf for four months.
Ken Ince eased in the longest first putt on Mountain # 9
and finally, on Ocean # 9, the long drives went to Peter Emslie, Thomas
Gippert, and Usa Chaiyosit and, longest of all for Division 1, was Paul
Phillips.
Phoenix, as one would expect was in great shape, and the
greens running at 8.5 - 8.8 on the Stimpmeter proved as frustrating as ever
with so many near misses at the cup. Maybe the white plastic inserts in the
hole have something to do with that!
The weather could not have been better - a good
combination of sun and wind and a clear sky to give spectacular views from
the course.
Back at the Moon River Pub, the Thai/Western buffet was
up to its usual excellent standard with a wide range of dishes and plenty of
it. The pub always has a good atmosphere and the Thai-Ger Line party was no
exception with plenty of free drinks, courtesy of Thai-Ger Line host,
Fabian.
Andy
Wellington shot 74 off the stick to take the Low Gross trophy.
Thanks were duly given to Roy Mitchell for his help at
registration and later the scoring. To Avis Hewitt, to personal assistant
Khun Kik, and to Janine who charmingly handled the party registration at the
Moon River Pub. Roy was presented with a very nice Ogio golf bag and I was
lucky enough to get one too. An Ogio prototype with so many pockets and zips
that I might get confused on the course and start worrying about slow play!
Seriously though, a very nice bag and one that Fabian will have in stock in
Soi Chaiyapum soon. Check it out.
Another good Thai-Ger Line tournament and another good day on the links.
Rich Rewards at Burapa
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday, August 24, the Bunker Boys
were tempted from the OK Corral by the thought of a tasty medal competition
at the beautiful course at Burapa, inspirationally designed by David Graham.
They were not disappointed and found the Crystal and Dune nines exquisitely
prepared with lush fairways and consistent and racy greens. The stage was
set for some fine golf and even Len Jones found some decent form at last to
post a net 75 to take third place. Ahead of him on the podium was Alan
McGrory whose net 74 was a measure of his consistency. Elsewhere in the
field Richard Wardell was playing outstanding golf off his handicap of
thirty and his back nine of six under par went a long went to put “Rule
19” into Mr. Loy’s mind! His net 64 was a superb performance and he
fully deserved the day’s top honour.  Richard
Wardell shot a superb net 64 at Burapa.
Bob Pearce did his personal finances no harm by shooting
the day’s only birdie two, whilst a fretful incident on the first led to
Brian Bellis not putting out and the Bananas were guaranteed his. It is a
joy to play golf on a course as fine as Burapa and a big field is assured
for our next visit.
Winners All Beat Par at
Plutaluang
On Thursday, August 26, a small group of Bunker Boys set
out for Plutaluang for their weekly stableford event. Other possible
combatants were either in prayer meetings, or at the driving range or
resting in darkened rooms in preparation for the following day’s major
event, the Thai-Ger Line Anniversary tournament. The course at Plutaluang is
currently in excellent condition and so it was that the top four players all
managed sub-par rounds.
PJ Redmond and the returning Ian Phillips scored 37 points to take a
share of third place, whilst a shot ahead was the in-form Brian Bellis with
his 38 point card. Smiling at the top of the list was Mark Joshua and his 39
points was his best round out of the OK Corral for a while. William Macey
shot the day’s only birdie two and Alan McGrory amazingly fired 23 points
on the South nine, only to let a young lady upset his concentration by her
constant phone calls. Nothing is more important on a golf course than golf
and there is no place for cellphones! “Som nom na!” Al, and enjoy the
bananas.
Adolescent Girls Beginners’ Sailing Course - Laser 4.7
Royal Varuna Yacht Club
A beginners’ sailing course for
adolescent girls is being offered at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) in
Pattaya on September 11-12, 2004.
During the course, students will learn basics about
sailing, such as safety on the water, how to rig the boat, names of boat
parts, basic knots, capsizing, steering, wind direction, current, tacking,
jibing and how to stop the boat. At the end of the course, all students
should be confident enough to sail a course on the water and return to the
beach safely.
General information
This course is for new girl sailors and for those
interested in improving their sailing skills, aged 14 or older. Participants
do not need to have any sailing experience. However, students need to pass a
swim test.
The course includes 2 full days, starting at 9:00 a.m.
and finishing at 4:00 p.m. Students who complete the full course will be
awarded a certificate. To qualify for a participant’s certificate,
attendance at all sessions is required. Due to the number of available
boats, the course is limited to 14 students.
Parents must sign a consent and release form, and be
responsible for transportation, accommodation and costs of meals.
Conditions for Entry
1. Students must be aged 14 or older, or be proposed by
RVYC members.
2. The course fee is Baht 3,400, payable on Saturday, 11
September 2004. This fee includes boat rental, 2 coaches and two boat boys,
rental of rescue boat and course materials. The fee may be paid in cash or
cheque payable to “Royal Varuna Yacht Club”.
3. If a student provides her own boat, Baht 1,500 will be
deducted from the course fee. The boat must be fully rigged and, meet
safety- and class-requirements. Students with inadequate equipment will not
be accepted.
4. Students using RVYC boats will be responsible for care
of the boat and all damages occurred during the course.
Contact
If you have any questions about the course, please
contact Peter Johnson, email: [email protected]
School ph. 02 963 5800 ext. 610 or 02 583 5888
Application Form
Applications are subject to approval of the RVYC Sailing
Committee.
Forms are available from Peter Johnson, Middle School PE
Office and online from the RVYC website
For more information and a map on how to get to RVYC,
please refer to the RVYC Web site: www.royal-varuna-yacht-club.com
C:\Documents and Settings \Brendan\My Documents
\SPORTS\579\To edit\ISB Laser 0904 - Notice.doc
VFW Post 9876 moves
into third place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Bill Key rolled a 208 game and 563 series to
lead his VFW Post 9876 team to a three point win over House of the Golden Coin
and VFW moved ahead of Cafe Kronborg into third place. Captain La bowled a 511
series as Three Sisters took three from Caf้ Kronborg. Cafe Kronborg
captain Kran had a 201 game and 569 series but it was only enough to come away
with one point. Second Place Q Cars split their series with Alt Koelle at two
points apiece. Captain Gert was best in this match as he led Q Cars with a 218
game, 549 pin count and Tukata knocked down 206 pins in the first game for Alt
Koelle. Jack & Tar took all four points from Brother D with Mai leading the
way with a 515 series. All three bowlers for Cafe Ole had 500 plus series and
they took four points from Nam Tip. Somrak had a 523 series, Dang a 519 series
with a 202 game and Jim knocked down 505 pins. Jeed tipped over 532 pins for Nam
Tip.
200 bowlers - Kran, Bill, Tukata,
Gert and Dang.
Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League
Wednesday Quiz League
Sunday Quiz League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Ireland’s most popular export since Guinness is Wayne
“The Pocket Rocket” McCullough. He gets off an 18 month ‘vacation’
when he steps back in the ring September 23 at an Injun reservation near San
Diego California. At press time, Wayne is scheduled to duke it out with one
of the lighter weights from the TBA Family. This will be the first step in
what McCullough hopes will culminate in one last title shot 12 months down
the road, “I’ve never felt like this before because I’m coming off a
bad defeat and I do still think about that. This is going to be a massive
fight for me. I just need to get through this one and then I’ll have my
confidence right back. The plan is to have another fight in November and I
would like to have four fights altogether before getting a world title shot
next summer, ten years on from when I won the WBC title in Japan.”
If McCullough gets his title fight who would it be
against? Glad you asked.
“I’m looking to get a world title at
super-bantamweight. I’ll start off at featherweight and work my way down.
A fight with Oscar Larios for the WBC title is a real possibility or maybe a
fight with the Frenchman Mahyar Monshipour who has the WBA belt or the IBF
champion Israel Vasquez. I have always wanted to win one of the big titles
again.” Welcome back.
Manus Boonjumnong won a Gold medal for Thailand when he
out smarted Yudel Johnson of Cuban scoring a 17-11 win in a bout he never
trailed. It was close, scoring is by punches landed, in only rounds 2 and 3.
The Cuban had a 4-3 edge in 3 while Boonjumnong took the 4th 5-4. Prior to
the contest American Boxing experts explained why Thai fighters were doing
better in International competition. They were tough but they needed to
develop an identity. Their Cuban coaches brought that. They now box smarter.
“If you’re smart and tough...you’re twice as tough as the boxers that
are just tough.”
Boonjumong gained the favorite status after he defeated
reigning world champion Willy Blain 20-8 in the quarters. Blain’s from
France. How sweet it as another frog bites the dust. Not as fortunate was
Worapoj Petchkoom. He lost to Cuban Ortiz 22-13 but did capture the Silver.
I’ll drink to that.
Got a tip from The Lord of Stockholm and Pattaya. That
would Mr. S. Lord “Hi Mr Reed, I just want to tell you that, 17 year old
Amir Khan is the new Ali! Only so you now that I told you first.”
“There is a chance,” said the 17-year-old scrap metal
dealer’s son when asked whether he could beat Cuban Mario Kindelan,
arguably the world’s finest pound-for-pound amateur boxer. Didn’t happen
as Amir lost on points 30-22.
The family TBA has a couple of members on the fight card
from Chumporn Province today. Headlining is Wande Chor Charoen (40-7) vs.
Celso Danggod (31-17-3). Charoen has had his troubles lately going 2-4.
Celso may be just what the doctor ordered. He’s 3-5-1. Both Wethya
Sakmuangklang (56-4) and Sirimongkol Singmanassak (44-2) gets TBA’s.
Former WBC Super Feather Champ Singmanassak is making his
third start since he lost the title on a UD (110-118,111-117,111-117) to
Jessus Chavez in August of last year. Sakmuangklang is one of the best-kept
secrets in Thailand. Consider that of his four losses, one came at the hands
of Manny Pacquiao and one against Guty Espadas. Just to let you know what
you may have missed.
Sunday morning’s “big time TV” card from Las Vegas,
Nevada dots that “I” and crosses the “T” on the dull and sorry state
of boxing.
Lamon Brewster (30-2) makes his first defense of the WBO
Heavy title he won from Wladimir Klitschko (42-2) back in April. He fights
Kali Meehan (29-1). Now it’s OK for you to axe, “Who the hell is Kali
Meehan?” He was born in New Zealand but now lives in Australia. Should he
win, he then becomes the first Aussie World Heavyweight Champion since
“Ruby” Bob Fitzsimmons (55-8-11). Whoops did I mention that
Meehan-Brewster were sparring partners? No? True fact! They sparred over 75
rounds. These two are not to be confused with Holmes-Ali who met after
Holmes served as Ali’s workmate.
More interesting is the story of “Ruby Bob”
Fitzsimmons. He first won the title in 1896 in Coahuila, Mexico with a 10
round KO of Peter Mahar.
“This bout was billed for the world heavyweight title.
Held near Langtry, TX in Mexico. Judge Roy Bean was responsible for bringing
Maher and Fitzsimmons together. Bean thumbed his nose at the Texas Rangers
and Mexican authorities by holding the bout on a sandbar in the Rio Grande
river. This was done to thwart the authority of the Rangers and made it
impossible for the Mexicans to gain access to his location. Spectators were
brought in on a special train and a footbridge was constructed to allow
easier access to the sandbar. Alcohol flowed and the wagers were made.”
Next Ruby Bob would fight Tom Sharkey in San Francisco.
In the 10th round Fitz knocked Sharkey flattered than a “women of the
second category” before. “Nay Nay ,” said referee Famous
lawman/Referee Wyatt Earp . He ruled that Fitzsimmons had fouled. That led
to the fight with James J. Corbett in 1897. The fight was held in Carson
City Nevada. Fitz won with a 14 round KO.
From the New York Times: “Nevada passed a law to
legalize boxing in order to permit this bout. A Saint Patrick’s Day
program. Wyatt Earp and four other men with six-shooters were in Corbett’s
corner; an equal number of gunmen were in Fitzsimmons’s corner to ensure
“fair play.” This fight was marred by a “long count” when
Fitzsimmons, weakened by body blows, wrapped his arms around Corbett and
slid to the floor, resting on his right knee and keeping his balance by
clinging to the champion’s leg. Corbett dared not break the grip of his
rival for fear of fouling in the eyes of Fitzsimmons’s seconds. So he
called for Referee Siler to break Fitzsimmons from his knee. Siler politely
asked Fitzsimmons to let go, which the boxer finally did after a few more
seconds. Then Siler started the count. It was estimated this all took 15
seconds or longer.”
Can Meehan beat Brewster? Who cares? If the bout were not
insignificant enough it’s a warm up for Cory Spinks (33-2) vs. Miguel
Angel Gonzalez (50-3-1) for the WBC/WBA/IBF Welter title.
All you sportsman in Pattaya are familiar with the “Wee One” Harry
Riley. A golfer par excellent, renown raconteur and all around good guy. In
all the talk about the Olympics he came up with the definitive description,
“Athletes staying at the Olympic village have been told to dispose of
their syringes more carefully after two cleaners suffered needle stick
injuries... On the bright side, the cleaners grew to 6’8" and 320
pounds.” I’ll drink to that.
4th annual Futsal competition bursts onto the courts at Mike Shopping Mall
Come watch the action
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The fourth annual Mike Shopping Mall Futsal Tournament
exploded in a flurry of activity last Saturday afternoon. This year’s
tournament has well over 100 teams competing in the month and half long
event.
A
special exhibition match between Celebrity All Stars (left) and Mike
Shopping VIP drew cheers from the spectators.
Futsal or 5-a-side indoor football, has quickly gained
popularity in Thailand due to its fast pace and short game time. Players are
constantly on the move in a race against the clock as well as the opposing
team.
The first match of the day saw the Mike VIP team face
Celebrity All Stars made up of well-known Thai musicians and actors. The
exhibition match drew cheers from spectators and players alike.
Teams in 6 categories are competing in this year’s
competition and include Under 10s, Under 13s, Under 16s, Eastern region
hotels, open class and over 35s.
All matches are open to spectators and will be held Monday to Friday from
4.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 9 p.m. The
courts are located on the fifth floor of Mike Shopping Mall.
First annual North Pattaya Cup kicks off
Promoting anti-drug message
Suchada Tupchai
Twenty-six teams turned out at the Pattaya Naklua
football pitch on Sunday to kick off the first annual North Pattaya Football
Cup. The competition, which runs from August 29 to September 26, promotes
sports in favor of drug use.
 Players
began their battle for supremacy on the pitch during the opening day of the
inaugural North Pattaya Football Cup.
The Somsri Pata team defeated the Formgate team, 2-0
prior to the opening ceremonies as cheerleaders and spectators barracked
their favorites.
Pol. Lt. Col. Sumet Harnwillai, Pattaya police inspector,
who presided over the formalities, said in his opening speech, “This
football competition adds a new dimension to drug abuse prevention. It is
the culmination of residents joining hands to say no to drugs, specifically
in the youth community and sporting activities such as this is an effective
way to support the message.”
Competition will run until September 26 with the winning side taking home
a trophy and 8,000 baht in cash.
Muang Kaew Launches the
Singha Corporate Challenge 2004 Amateur Golf Tournament
Highest possible standards to make it
the Best Amateur Tournament in Thailand
Bangkok - Muang Kaew Golf Course, announced its Singha
Corporate Challenge 2004 amateur golf tournament. This tournament is
heralded the best amateur tournament in Thailand, owing to a combination of
professional management, top participants and challenging and exciting game
play of the tournament’s host, Muang Kaew, Thailand’s top-rated golf
course.
The Singha Corporate Challenge 2004 represents a new
level of professional golf tournament management. Muang Kaew Golf Course
will be presented as a full professional tournament, with standard 6 easy, 6
medium and 6 difficult hole splits. Pin position sheets will be given to
each competitor and a European Tour style yardage book will be made
available.
Sixty-four qualifying teams will go to the final to
compete for the grand prize of a trip to watch Tiger Woods and Ernie Els do
battle for the Dubai Desert Classic Trophy at the Emirates Golf Club in
Dubai. The top score after any count out will be the winners of the trip.
The prize ceremony will be held at the Muang Kaew Hogan Function Room as
part of the grand final gala dinner.
“We’re presenting this tournament with the highest
professional standards of play, but that doesn’t mean people can’t join
to simply have fun. Most of all, this tournament will respect the spirit of
the game of golf - a friendly, enjoyable and competitive game. Competitors
can decide at what level they would like to compete - a friendly day out to
play with clients, or competing as a ‘company representative team’ for
fun or in a serious effort to qualify for the grand final and to win the
trip to Dubai,” said Mike Varney, Muang Kaew Golf Course general manager.
“Entry is by corporate team and not individuals, but
the competition is still open to any amateur golfers in teams of two. The
handicaps and scores will be allocated by a modified System 36 method. Each
round is limited to 60 teams of two, or 120 golfers, as this is the maximum
number of teams that can be handled while maintaining these high standards.
This system, on par with an international pro tournament, will provide the
most exciting game play for everyone involved,” said Robert Gould, acting
general manager of Sriracha Golf Club and Tournament Controller of the
Singha Corporate Challenge 2004.
“We’re excited to be the title sponsor for this
event, since Muang Kaew, now the number one course in Thailand, plans on
hosting Thailand’s best amateur tournament. Singha strives to support all
sports activities, and feels golf is an exciting and challenging game for
people all over the world. We also will be entering our own players, and I
personally hope we mount a strong challenge to the other corporations
involved,” said Supphaphorn Maphungphong, Singha sport promotion manager.
“This is a timely event for us, since we have recently
opened a new route to Dubai. We expect this tournament to be as exciting as
the tournament we’ll fly the winners to see in Dubai. We will also be
entering our own players and I hope that they do well,” said Kanin
Phuvastien, Phuket Airlines’ senior vice chairman.
The Nation will be the tournament’s official media
partner, assuring timely news of the tournaments progress to players and
spectators throughout Thailand. Thaigolfer.com will also be acting the
event’s official website, offering updates for starting holes and
pairings, results from each round, and qualifiers for the final.
The four qualifying rounds, spread from October through
to January 2005 will produce 16 qualified teams each - the top 16 scores
(after count back) will go forward to the final in February. If a team does
not qualify they may try again to qualify if there is space left in the next
qualifying round. Each qualifying round will have its own prizes, a prize
presentation and a celebration at the Muang Kaew Golf Course clubhouse.
Players may book on-line through the Muang Kaew website
www.muangkaewgolf.com or through the official website www.thaigolfer.com.
Final results will be posted on both websites.
Tournament Schedule
Qualifying 1 1st October 2004 12.30 pm Shotgun
Qualifying 2 5th November 2004 12.30 pm Shotgun
Qualifying 3 1st December 2004 12.30 pm Shotgun
Qualifying 4 14th January 2005 12.30 pm Shotgun
Final 11th February 2005 12.30pm Shotgun
Thailand’s jumbo titans
meet the All Blacks
2004 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament
The royal seaside resort of Hua Hin will play host to the
4th King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament. The tournament will feature some
of the world’s top horse polo players as well as three of New Zealand’s
former All Blacks rugby players making their debut on the elephant polo
scene.
Anyone
fancy a game of elephant polo?
Organised by the Anantara Resort and Spa Hua Hin in
association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year’s
tournament, held from September 6 to 12, promises to be the biggest event
ever, gathering a record breaking 14 teams from around the world.
The three All Blacks former star players will take part
in the rugby supremos’ first foray into the world of elephant polo, an
invitation which came about through ESPN presenter and former Wallabies test
player, Justin “Sambo” Sampson.
Commenting on their team entry Sampson said: “We jumped
at the chance to participate in such a unique charity event. I think rugby
fans will also see this as a rare opportunity to hear, see and meet three of
the All Blacks great all-time players.”
Other newcomers this year include DBS Bank Singapore
fielding Singapore Polo Club’s captain Rikard Hogberg. A British Airway
Calvary team who will be flying in from the UK to test there elephant polo
mettle.
The tournament’s stalwarts are back again this year:
FROM Germany Oliver Winter’s Mercedes Benz Thailand team, back to defend
their back to back King’s Cup trophy; from Scotland, Chivas Regal, this
year fielding the Duke of Argylel; from Australia, Sandalford Winery, third
place finalist in 2003, this year entering two strong teams; an
international line-up from Mullis Capital including two international horse
polo captains; from Thailand two teams of the top Thai horse polo players;
and also from the home country, the 2003 tournament’s media sweethearts
The Screwless Tuskers, who, out of last year’s 12 teams finished a
magnificent 12th.
Tournamnet organizer and Anantar vice president, Christopher Stafford,
said: “The interest in this year’s tournament has been unprecedented.
When we started in 2001 we had just 6 teams and it was more of a weekend
knock-around than a tournament. Now, three years later, we have 14 teams
plus a waiting list, a 7-day event that is broadcast around the world and
tournament is ranked as the 6th largest event on the Thai tourism calendar.
Next stop, the Asian Games!”
New circuit, new challenges as Lee hopes to clinch title
Formula BMW Asia heads to Japan’s Autopolis Circuit for
Rounds 9 and 10 of the 2004 season on September 4 and 5, where series leader
Marchy Lee (Team Meritus) of Hong Kong hopes to clinch the drivers’ title,
but much will depend on the performance of 24-year-old South Korean, You
Kyong-Ouk (BMW Korea E-Rain).
“It would be great to win the series in Japan as I
would be the new Formula BMW Asia champion when we arrive in Shanghai,”
Lee said recently, speaking about China’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix for
which the series will be a support event. Going in to the next rounds, Lee
is on 150 points with You on 93.
So far Lee has won all but one of the eight rounds of the
series, and is completely focussed on winning the championship. “I set out
at the start of the year to really make my mark in Formula BMW Asia and I am
determined to take the title,” he said.
However, You will be going all out to keep his
championship aspirations alive and given his strong showing so far this
year, which has seen him on the podium six times in eight races, Japan could
well be the scene of an epic showdown between the two.
Currently lying third in the drivers’ championship,
Mehdi Benani of Morocco (Team Meritus), who also tops the Rookie Cup
classification, is having a phenomenal debut Asian season and is itching for
his first win.
An exciting new addition to the field for Japan is Hong
Kong driver Michael Ting Chi-Hwa (Team E-Rain). Based in Shanghai, this will
be the first ever race for the 24-year-old who has competed in karts in the
US since the age of 19. A new signing for Team E-Rain, Ting has confirmed he
will be racing in Japan and Shanghai, with a view to contesting a whole
season next year.
The upcoming rounds will represent a steep learning curve
for Ting as he gets to grips with the car for the first time and takes the
measure of his fellow Formula BMW Asia competitors before the high-profile
races in Shanghai later in September.
“I’m as fit as I can be and I’ve been working hard
on the physical side of my training for the last three months,” said Ting.
The 4.6km Autopolis Circuit will present new challenges
to the drivers, particularly coming from two short and narrow tracks in
Thailand and Beijing, China. “I’ve heard it’s a very fast circuit, so
I’ll study all the data with the team to get the best set up,” said Lee.
Hanss Lin Po Heng (Belgravia Motorsport) is on a high
going to Japan, buoyed by his win in Beijing. “I’m confident about
racing there. I have a lot of family in Japan and their support helps. The
circuit is the most technical in Formula BMW Asia so a good set up is
important,” he said, echoing the sentiments of Lee.
Aside from set up, physical fitness is key to driver
performance and Formula BMW Asia Fitness Instructor, Roman Engel, is already
working hard with the BMW Junior drivers.
“Some of the drivers are still suffering from neck
strain from Bira (Thailand), so the workout training in preparation for
Autopolis is definitely focussed on the neck muscles,” said Engel, who
studied sports science and teaching at Munich University and has worked with
Formula BMW since 1999. “I am also working with the drivers to prepare
their minds for the higher speeds of the circuit with mental training.”
Many “armchair enthusiasts” will be pleased to hear that these mental
preparations also include playing video games to increase reaction times,
but this is only in addition to a comprehensive and demanding physical
programme.
Autopolis is certainly one of the most picturesque of all
the circuits the series visits, and is located 800 metres above sea level
amongst beautiful woodlands in the Aso volcanic mountains.
Engel believes the high altitude will not be a factor for
drivers who have achieved high endurance levels. “My goal is to bring the
drivers to a very high endurance level so that they are able to race more
laps than they are required to do in Formula BMW. Some are already at that
level, others who are not will become tired faster and will lose
concentration earlier than in a race held at sea level,” he said.
Rounds 9 and 10 of Formula BMW Asia will be held on
Sunday, September 5 over 10 laps each.
The ultra-modern Formula BMW which allows 15-year-olds to
enter the world of motor racing has been lining up on the grid since the
2002 season. It sets standards above all on the safety technology front. The
single-seater, driven by a 140 bhp BMW motorcycle engine that takes it up to
230 km/h, features a carbon-fibre chassis, fulfils the safety requirements
of the much higher-performance Formula 3 cars, and even matches certain
Formula One standards.
Formula BMW Asia, now in its second season, runs as part
of the Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) organised by Motorsport Asia Limited.
This year the series is run over 14 rounds at seven venues, including
Bahrain, where it was a support race to the Formula One Grand Prix,
Malaysia, Thailand, China and Japan, with a second Formula One Grand Prix
support race in Shanghai in September.
In 2005, Formula BMW will be staged in four different
series held in Germany, the UK, Asia and the USA. Formula BMW events will be
part of the Formula One support programme on five occasions around the
world. All the series go hand-in-hand with a comprehensive education and
coaching programme, as well as substantial financial backing for promising
young talent. The most distinguished graduate of this “talent hothouse”
is Ralf Schumacher. The star of the BMW Williams F1 Team made his racing
debut in the junior class in 1992.
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