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Thailand A defeats Dubai to win Polo King’s Cup 2005
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Thailand A team held back a competitive Dubai to
retain their third King’s Cup trophy in the Thailand Polo competition. The
home team slammed in 10 points to the visitor’s 7 at the Siam Polo Park
last Sunday afternoon.
 Dubai
drew first blood in the first chukka making a quick 2 goals before the home
team of Adolfo Cambiaso, Gustavo Yanez, Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn and Nattapong
Prathumlee fought back the even the score 3 all at the end of the chukka.
Nattapong Prathumlee was forced to retire from the game after being injured
in the second chukka clash, with Vichai Raksriaksorn, Thai Polo Club
president replacing him.
In the third chukka, Vichai’s experience and
determination came to forefront taking the A team to victory at the end of
the international competition for their third straight year. The victory
drew cheers and applause from over 1,000 spectators.
During the prize giving, Dr. Thanong Pittaya, Thai
Airways International Plc. president handed over the King’s Cup to the
winners as he presided over the closing ceremonies.
Thailand
A team retain their third King’s Cup trophy in the Thailand Polo
competition. The home team defeated Dubai 10 to 7.
In third place was Argentina, who lost to Dubai in the
semis, but came back to beat Malaysia 12 to 8.
Hard
hitting action during the final match of the competition.
This year’s Thailand Polo King’s Cup 2005 saw a total
of seven teams from compete in the event - Thailand A & B, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and Argentina - which began on January 22.
During the day’s proceedings a special Polo Angel
pageant was held searching for the most attractive woman in the opening and
closing parade performed by the Darasamut School band, Duriyang.
The event was also broadcast throughout the region thanks to UBC.
Allidi Shoots Gross Par at Pattaya C.C.
On Tuesday
January 25, school was out at the OK Corral as a large class of chums took
to Pattaya Country Club to sit their weekly medal test, the two sets cut
at sixteen and under.
The course was in good condition but the pace of the
greens caught out one or two of the less attentive “pupils”. At the
back of the class Saranya Chaiyanont and Peter Fitton shared the same book
and came up with the same answer, net 73, to take third place, five behind
“Cleverclogs” Jan Eriksen whose net 68 was good enough only for second
place. New boy Ken “Smartypants” Graham had an excellent day and only
a large smudge at the end of his sheet spoiled his test. He still topped
the group with net 67. However, the “teacher’s pets” at the front of
the class all struggled, with the exception of Head Boy, Mike Allidi, as
first, new boy Ken Graham had one blot on his copybook and presented a net
73. Then class prefect Bob Pearce returned from playtime to take second
place with a level par net 72. It was left to Head Boy, Mike Allidi, to
come top of the class and receive a star from the teacher for his
magnificent performance shooting gross 72, net 69, with only three small
mistakes on his paper, ironically on three of the easiest questions.
Elsewhere, Headmaster Mr. Loy was on playground duty
and caught little Billy Hewitt with too many pencils in his bag and
punished him with four of he best whilst a special treat was in store for
Mike Allidi, Jan Eriksen and Ken Graham because their answers were so
accurate on the par threes. He also caught “milk monitor” Denis Smith
and the wee Scottish scholar Angus MacFarlane playing conkers behind the
bike-sheds, instead of working, and punished poor Angus with a detention
and a bunch of bananas. And all on his last day at school before returning
to Scotland for his holidays! Those who thought this test was easy will
find the next school trip to Treasure Hill more of an examination.
Treasure, not Hell, for Mr. Loy
On Thursday January 27, the OK Corral Bar was deserted
as a large group of its golfers trod the hallowed grounds at Treasure Hill
for the weekly stableford event off the white tees.
The course is tough, certainly, and only five golfers
from the Pattaya Golf Society have broken par there in the five years
since the club opened its doors to guests. On this occasion they were to
witness the appearance of the strange bird again!
The course was in excellent condition and with the cut
at sixteen and under division one golfers toiled towards respectability as
Steve Nowell and Uwe Schroder tied for second place with 33 points each.
John Healy, an excellent golfer, playing off a handicap of eleven, posted
a fine 36 points to take the honours. In division two Brian Bellis
shrugged off three scratched holes to come in with 32 points, for third
place, two behind Nile Sheehan.
The rare bird appeared in the shape of Roy Mitchell and
his one-under tally of 37 points proved to be the round of the week and
one he will remember for a while yet. It has to be said that the course is
one of his favourites, but, to coin a phrase, “they shoot horses don’t
they?” There were no birdie twos but Mark Joshua received the bananas
for the maltreatment of his three iron on the par-three second.
Overall, once again the course had won as the average
points haul of 27 was way below that posted at other courses but the
challenge at Treasure Hill is always met with relish.
‘JIGS’ off to a lively start at JAMESON’S
Mike Franklin
Jameson’s International Golf Society held its inaugural
tournament at Plutaluang on Wednesday January 26, playing the South and East
courses. In fine weather on the customary well-presented course, an
enthusiast mixed field of JIGS members played a Pairs Scramble and competed
for technical prizes of near pins and long putts. These were claimed by Sue
Spence and Joyce Jones on the South nine and Tony Stevens and Bob Munro on
the East.
 Winners
at the inaugural “JIGS” day out, Robert Munro(left) and Kurt Shovar
(right) with Mike back at the recently opened Jameson’s Irish Pub.
Bob Munro also claimed the long putt on South # 9, and
Clive Bruce was longest on East # 9. Only four pairs broke par in the
Scramble.
Nora Haugsjordet and Rob Harper carded a net 67.2 from a
gross 71 and team handicap of 3.8. There was a tie for the winner and
runner-up places, both pairs returning a net 65.4. The ensuing back-nine
count-back resulted in a win for Canadians Robert Munro and Kurt Shovar,
with Graham Rudd and Phil Taylor runners-up. The Navy clubhouse provided its
usual high standard of friendly service, always appreciated by the
organizer.
Back at newly opened Jameson’s Irish Pub, the long
table was set up in the Sports room and the long bar fully occupied too. It
was one of those party evenings that will no doubt set the scene for
evenings to come when JIGS has been out on the links.
There were too many faces to welcome each player
individually, so it was welcome to all on this inaugural occasion.
However, there were some absolutely new faces and they
did get a special welcome. Namely, John Hartigan, Donal O’Connor, Rob
Harper, and Nick and Janet Locker sadly leaving to return home the next day.
George Holroyd had put in his usual annual appearance in the Land of Smiles,
so he got a ‘welcome back’. The sound system was an announcer’s dream
with a roving ‘mike’ and crystal clear sound complimented throughout.
The next tournament, a Singles Stableford, is on
Wednesday February 9 at Eastern Star.
Sign-up for that on the notice board in Jameson’s on the back wall
behind the pool tables, or e-mail [email protected]. Membership
forms are also available there, or go to the web site at
www.jamesons-pattaya.com for a form and a complete run down about
Jameson’s, the Irish Pub and all it has to offer. A warm welcome waits
from the Landlord, Kim Fletcher.
Holm sweet Holm
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday Jan. 24
Green Valley
Stableford
Division 1
1st Roy Thornton, 37 pts
2nd Barry Traynor, 34 pts - c/b 22
3rd Paul Taylor, 34 pts - c/b 19
4th Bob Lindborg, 34 pts -c/b 18
Division 2
1st Dave Lee ,40 pts - c/b 21
2nd Trudie Chadbourn, 40 pts - c/b 19
3rd Barry Chadbourn, 35 pts
4th Gordon Langtry, 33 pts
A long awaited return to Green Valley and despite a late
tee-off and a lengthy round, the course was, as usual, in great condition.
Majoring under the burden of the stress in organising the golf, Roy shook
all his emotions aside and romped home to win Division 1 quite easily from a
whole gaggle of 34 pointers led by Barry Traynor. Those unlucky ones just
missing out were Karl Holm, Rainer Helling and Al Rolnick.
In Division 2, Dave Lee continued his fine form to
narrowly beat Trudie on countback. Dave won the division at the death with a
birdie 3 at his 18th (par 4 hole 11), which gave him five points! The par
3’s were certainly not giving much away and the sharp shooting Danes,
Rasmus Jensen and Phillip Larsen shared the 2s pool.
Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, resident
PGA professional, welcomed Ron Gosse and welcomed back Jens Nielsen, Birthe
Vestergaard, Barrie Sharman, Takeshi Hakozaki, Bryan Edwards, Justin Brennan
and Bill Moreau.
Wednesday Jan. 26
Burapha A & B
Stableford
Division 1
1st Norman Isherwood, 40 pts
2nd Guy Billings, 39 pts - c/b6 12
3rd Barry Winton, 39 pts - c/b6 11
Division 2
1st Dave Spendley, 38 pts
2nd Dave Lee, 35 pts -c/b3 7
3rd Barry Chadbourn, 35 pts - c/b3 6
Not deterred by the length of CD course off the blue tees
the previous week, Major Roy once more opted for the blue tees on AB and
again, true to the score card inaccuracy, the course measured some 400yds
longer than the card. The saving grace this time were the cross winds that
just about made holes 8, 9 & 10 reachable for the long hitters making it
a really close finish in Division 1, with Norman just holding off Guy and
Barry. In Division 2, Dave Spendley kept his good form to easily beat Dave
Lee and Barry Chadbourn.
Once again, the par 3’s were giving little away and the
2s pool was shared by Norman Isherwood and Wendy Hollingsworth. As has
become the norm, Wendy again trounced the ladies to win with a superb 39
points! Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, welcomed Glynn Thomas
and Kate Mason and welcomed back Guy Billings, Mike Herridge and Enrique
Garzoria.
Friday Jan. 28
Phoenix Lakes/Ocean
Monthly Medal
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Karl Holm, net 64
2nd Guy Billings, net 68
3rd Barry Traynor, net 69
4th Trevor Schirmer 71
Division 2 (16 +)
1st Peter Johansson, net 71
2nd Dave Spendley, net 75
3rd Roy Thornton, net 76
4th Peter Emslie, net 79
After a year’s absence, the monthly medal once again
reverted to Phoenix off the blue tees and as has come to be expected, the
course was in excellent condition with little or no wind.
From the scores it was apparent that the high
handicappers found the course all too tough and with the exception of Peter
Johansson, nobody could play to their handicap. What a different story with
the low handicappers, splendid performances by Barry and Trevor, superb golf
by Guy and Barry Winton, the two five handicappers played together and were
neck and neck until the 17th when Barry Winton lost his ball off the tee. At
that point, Barry was one under gross and Guy level par. Unfortunately
Barry’s challenge faded and he finished with a 77 gross, whereas Guy went
on to shoot 73 gross which would surely have won on any other day, but
unbeknown to them, Karl Holm was shooting the round of his life, smashing
through the 80 barrier for the first time with a magnificent 77 gross.
Congratulations Karl.
In the Ladies Division, Wendy Hollingsworth continued her
great form shooting a fantastic net 64 to easily take the honours and her
first monthly medal. On a lighter note it was the “odd couple” Dave and
Fred that enjoyed a hearty laugh when a friendly dog looking for a chicken
bone, ran off with Fred’s ball, never to be seen again! In the 2s
competition, the pool was shared between Karl Holm and Barry Winton, so some
consolation for Barry who can now afford some replacement balls!
Another record turn out for Diana Seniors & Ladies
Mike Franklin
The January turn out in the Diana Seniors & Ladies
Open set another attendance record following the previous record set in
December.
The field of Seniors and Super Seniors was fairly equally
split with Ladies well represented. Pattaya Country Club was its normal
hospitable self and the weather was good. Worries about possible delays on
the course were unfounded as early teeing off from 1st and 10th was
organized by starter Khun Ad, and that enabled the field to get away with
the final groups off even before the scheduled start time.
Alan
Hughes, Seniors’ winner, Pid Ovegren, Ladies winner and Basil Foley from
the Super Seniors class.
The majority of Stableford scores were over par, but the
best of the day came from Alan Hughes scoring 43 Stableford points to win
the Seniors’ trophy. Doug Chalkley was not too far behind with 41 points
and he took the runner-up spot. Basil Foley was best in the Super Seniors
division with 39 points and John Hurst, one of the most consistent players
in the group, was runner-up with 36 points. Pid Ovegren returned the best
score for the Ladies with an even 36 points, and newcomer Mari Kaarianen was
close behind with 34 points. The good start in the morning meant an earlier
prize-giving than anticipated, beginning with the technical prizes. Mike
Philips and Mam Trayling were closest on par 3s #5 and #7, Tony Oakes on
#16, and Chris John just failing to achieve a hole-in-one on #12. Peter Ring
and Mick O’Meara won the longest first putts on #9 and #18 respectively.
There were too many new faces to acknowledge individually, so a general
welcome all round was in order. John Cole provided the customary efficient
administration and all said it was a good day all round for the Diana
Seniors & Ladies January Open. Thursday, February 24 is the next outing
and that will be, as usual, at Pattaya Country Club. We hope to see you
then.
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday Jan. 24
Eastern Star
Stableford
The Eastern Star Golf & Country Club was host for a
Stableford Competition in two flights, A Flight 0 to 18, and B Flight 19
and above. The course on the day was in fine condition and it has been for
many months.
 Bob
Benda (left) being presented with the Mug by Derek Brook, PSC vice
president.
Tony Scamber ‘scrambled’ to 39 points to take the A
Flight, Monte Sykes came in second with 38 points, Eberhard Stoll came in
third with 35 points and Brian Blackford came in fourth with 34 points.
In the B Flight Alan Lord took the honours with the best
score of the day, 41 points. Dan Heidebo came in second with 39 points with
Dave Richardson in third with 36 points and Harold Gruber in fourth with 35
points.
Near Pins: #3 Kenny Chung; #6 Don Richardson; #15 Alan
Murdoch; #17 Bill Plath.
Long Putts: #9 Ted Morris; #18 Monte Sykes
Thursday Jan. 27
Siam C.C.
Medal - Monthly Mug
This time of the year the ‘Mug’ is always difficult
to win, simply because their are more people playing. On this day the list
was full days before and as we assembled. At the start, the banter was well
up to its normal standard as Herbie and his fourball tried to get away.
 Alan
Lord
As usual, a long day ahead was promised and Herbie was
not going to be able to fly ahead, so the day developed slowly, as did the
heat. A cool morning slowly developed into a sticky walk round the course.
The course at the moment is dry and hard, put the ball
off the fairway and it is like concrete, on the fairway the sprinklers tend
to make the lies patchy, making second shots a problem. The day promised to
be difficult with good scores difficult to come by, and so it proved.
In the A Flight, 0 to 21, the scores were average and
close. The winner, as on Monday, proved to be Tony Scamber with a net 70.
Tony is on a fine run of form at present and a new handicap is a certainty.
In second was Herbie Ishinaga with a net 70, it is always good to see him
playing well as he has undergone much medical treatment of late. In third
was Barry Kerr with a net 72, Barry is making a rare visit to the A Flight
and he obviously likes it there. In fourth was Rick Evans beating Ebrahim
on countback, both on net 73.
 Tony
Scamber
In the B Flight, 22 upwards, we had some tight scores
with all four places being decided by 1 shot. Winning with a net 70 was
Harald Gruber with a net 70 on countback over Kenny Chung in second. In
third was Cilia Bosman with a net 71 over Nigel Perry on countback.
So to the major prize, and there was only one favourite,
Bob Benda, and he showed his metal to come home as the winner with a net
69. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: #4 Per Krause; #8 Ted Morris; #12 Eberhard
Stoll; #16 Cilia Bosman.
Long Putts: #9 Bob Rasmussen; #18 Paul Sharples.
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar
Tuesday Jan. 24
Noble Place
Stableford
We played Nobel Place a few weeks ago, it was in
such good condition that we went back and immediately booked it again.
This is one of the best value days out, and a cart,
caddy fee and green fee makes the long drive well worth it, so we all
set out with a good day in prospect.
Winners
Michael Dige, A Flight; Bob Benda, B Flight and the Andy Evans, C
Flight with one of the staff from Bert’s.
So onto the course, into the cart and down the
first fairway, and that is when it hit me. This was not the same
course as it had been a few weeks before. Amazing what a shortage of
rain will do, but even more, an over used course. We spent the next 18
hole trying to hit shots out of divots as there was not much grass
between them, and what there was, was brown and dry. Luck of the draw
I suppose.
The day had started fine, good breakfast at
Bert’s, fine drive up because we got a phone call telling us we had
to avoid Route 7, due to a blocked road, and first off. So even with a
dry course we had a calm start.
Round over, we sat in the restaurant, which while
basic, actually provides cold beer and food at a reasonable prices.
Then back to the ranch, where we were treated to some chicken and
vegetable soup before the presentation.
With so many now turning up to play, not only are
more tee times needed, but also more Flights. Winner of the A Flight
was Michael Dige, of the B Flight Bob Benda and of the C Flight Andy
Evans. So ended a long day. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Mike Anderson (2); Mike Dige; Cees
Bosman; Rod Besset; Max Matthews; Andy Evans Paul Sharples
Long Putts: Derek Brook and Nick Nicholas
GM Johnny and Pla Bill Go Deep Twice
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday Jan. 23
Green Valley
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Tom McManus, net 73
2nd Blue Flight: Nick Strasshine, net 74
3rd Blue Flight: Simon Philbrook, net 74
1st A Flight: Jim Munns, net 71
2nd A Flight: Peter Henshaw, net 73
3rd A Flight: Jonathan Duxbury, net 74
1st B Flight: An Kaesavne, net 66
2nd B Flight: Ray Dell, net 67
3rd B Flight: J.J. Wright, net 70
1st C Flight: Frank Pilkington, net 66
2nd C Flight: Nat Meesuk, net 68
3rd C Flight: Paul Shaw, net 70
Near Pins: #13 Simon Philbrook; #16 Wira Widness
On those instances when any of us are so brave as to take
on the back tees at a given course, it is an issue of moving back 10 or 20
yards on the tee box. When you take on the Blues at Green Valley you have to
find them first! For those of us who have played Green Valley many times we
have walked past these remote “burial grounds” many times, never being
aware that we were passing the Blue Tee boxes. Well Dublin’s Tommy McManus
not only found them but nearly tamed the wild ride they provide to shoot his
handicap. It is no surprise that big hitters and low handicappers Simon
Philbrook, Nick Strasshine and Phil Mitchell were but a notch back at net
74. Poor Flipper took the brunt of the three-way count back to leave
bahtless for his efforts.
Capt. Fogg was top man in A Flight (Wait a minute, Capt.
Fogg in A Flight? Well, OK some goods guys went to the Blues, but, I tell
you, he is a comfortable player at his ever decreasing handicap) with net
71. Peter Henshaw, starting to acclimate to Pattaya for this extended stay,
edged old friends Bob and Pat Duxbury’s progeny, Jonathan, by a single
swipe to take the A Flight silver. A third place count back left diminutive
Wira Widness off the podium, with only her Near Pin to show for a fine
day’s work.
An Kaesavane, as tough a player as there was in the
Society, returned with a vengeance from a several month hiatus from the pay
window, with a best on the day tying, net 66, good enough for B Flight’s
top rung. Ray “The Farmer in the” Dell was nearly as good as An with a
net 67 and was three strokes better than the B Flight bronze holder, J.J.
“Here’s Johnny” Wright. (No disrespect to the late great TV host
intended!)
Frankie the Pilk, no stranger to the pay window over the
same span that An has gone missing, continued his Green Valley mastery with
another net 66 on the day. Nat(ural) Meesuk popped up for a second in C
Flight, thanks to her fine net 68. Steady Paul Shaw came from across the
street for the last of C Flight’s loot.
Monday of Jan.24
Khao Kheow - A & B or B & C
Yellow or White Tees
Stableford
A & B Course:
1st Yellow Flight: John Emmerson, 33 pts
2nd Yellow Flight: Darren Smith, 32 pts
3rd Yellow Flight: Ken Kutzing, 30 pts
1st White Flight: Klaus Schackt, 41 pts
2nd White Flight; Jan Eriksen, 37 pts
3rd White Flight: Poo Supaporn, 37 pts
B & C Course:
1st Yellow A Flight: Bill Collis, 38 pts
2nd Yellow A Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 37 pts
3rd Yellow A Flight: Bobby Collis, 37 pts
1st Yellow B Flight: Harvey Samuel, 39 pts
2nd Yellow B Flight: Einar Widness, 34 pts
3rd Yellow B Flight: Graham Buckingham, 29 pts
1st Place White Flight: “Apple” Jitchana, 44 pts
Near Pins: # A3 Darren Smith; # B8 Stuart McNicol
The ol’ Golf Manager had a late night brain f*rt (well,
it sounded like it came from the top of his head) and devised that the way
to get the large gaggle of golfers in before dark was to send each half of
the day’s flagellants off on different course configurations. If we have
flights from different tees and/or different handicap, why not different
nines, especially when they are part of the same 27-hole layout.
If you are to dream up something like this, you better go
show it works and that is just what Col. John did as he won the Yellow Tees
Flight of the A & B gang with 33 points, one less than our man in Iraq,
Darren Smith. K4 (playing off the yellows?) rounded out the top flight.
In the White Tee Flight off the same two nines, the
Volkscomputer was four points better than the Quiet One, Jan Eriksen. Poo,
the GM’s SO, was third.
The second half of the gang played B and C, and the
majority of them chose the Yellow Men’s/White Ladies’ configuration,
thereby supporting two long hitting Flights. Billy Collis’ 38 points were
one clear, in A Flight, of the two-man knot at 37, in the persons of Eddie
Blackwell and Bill’s long, lost ancestor, Bobby Collis. Eddie Blackwell
split up the family affair by prevailing on count back.
Harvey Samuel had the best score of the day on the B/C
duo, as he took the B Flight off Yellow with 39 points.
Einar Widness, who we all know as “the guy with
Wira”, nabbed his first Lewiinski’s loot of this visit. Graham
Buckingham who could contest Jan for the Quiet One title, let his math speak
for him as he made enough of this 29 points on the back 9 to take a count
back from Tony “AD” Jones and Nick Griffiths.
A toast for a fantastic effort was about all that was in
it for Apple Jitchana as her 44 points was only rewarded by the small group
of contestants who chose the White/Red tees of the B/C pairing.
Wednesday Jan. 26
Pattana Sports Club
White or Yellow Tees
Stableford
1st White A Flight: John Emmerson, 38 pts
2nd White A Flight: Tom McManus, 36 pts
3rd White A Flight: Sonny Crawford, 36 pts
1st White B Flight: Bill Collis, 38 pts
2nd White B Flight: Peter Henshaw, 34 pts
3rd White B Flight: Roger Yabsley, 33 pts
1st White C Flight: Graham Buckingham, 33 pts
2nd White C Flight: Neal Barton, 31 pts
3rd White C Flight: Sugar Ray Handford, 30 pts
1st Yellow Flight: Klaus Schackt, 38 pts
2nd Yellow Flight: Peter Ring, 31 pts
3rd Yellow Flight: Mike Etheridge, 31 pts
For only the third time in Society history and the first
time in several months, the Society went to Pattana Sports Club what could
be done on a regular basis if they brought their discounted prices down to
reasonable levels, consistent with other area courses. The course is in good
nick, all the more so given its youthful status. It presents a tough tee
choice given some daunting par 4’s and extremely short par 5’s, along
with its par 73. Experience, such as it is, directed the largest portion of
the Society to the Men’s White tees (at 6,832 yards for A/B) over the
Men’s Yellow tees (at 6,465 yards for A/B). Remember it is Par 73!
Our title boys each came through with best on the day 38
points and their second victories of the week and both wins for both golfers
came while playing the longer tee setup. In Johnny’s case, kudos for
persevering through untold inane questions, and organizational challenges,
to play golf at such a high level. As to Pla Bill (f/k/a Dhaka Bill),
let’s not make fun of that funny upright, full wrist break swing anymore!
Of course two wins within three days, could he possibly have done so with
the same fourteen clubs? We will have to see if the Club Maker to the Stars
will divulge that information.
The GM’s effort left Ireland’s Tom McManus and
Evanston, IL’s Sonny Crawford locked in an even to handicap 36 point count
back. The Luck of the Irish prevailed. Pla Bill’s 38 points were four
clear of suddenly omnipresent Peter Henshaw and five clear of the always
tough, although seldom rewarded, Roger Yabsley.
In the last of the three White Flights, Graham
Buckingham’s modest 33 points left the almost immodest scores of Neal
Barton (31 points) and Sugar Ray (30 points) in second and third. But it
should not go unstated that this was Neal’s first taste of the fruits of
victory.
The computer data suggested, that, given the
Volkscomputer’s victory Monday off the forward Whites at Khao Kheow, the
best odds were off the forward Yellows at Pattana. The ol’ number cruncher
didn’t lie and Klaus enjoyed a seven point victory over count back locked
Peter Ring and Mike Etheridge. I talked about Luck of the Irish earlier,
well BOHICA! (Bend Over Here It Comes Again!)
Friday Jan. 28
Pattaya C.C.
White Tees
4-Person Scramble
Stroke/Medal
1st- Bob Patterson, Peter Ring, John McHugh & Chris
Fox, net 55.2
2nd-Steve Mascari, Rick Sharp, Eddy Beilby & Darren
Smith, net 57.3
3rd- Fred Theobald, Toy Theobald, Mark Wood and Brian
Ewen, net 57.6
One tough thing about putting together a daily 4-Person
scramble is putting together teams. The admin staff needn’t have worried
as 18 groups, 68 players signed up! (Actually a 19th group didn’t show up!
Hans from Zog are you out there?)
This is not in anyway suggesting foul play, but rather a
bit of cleverness. If you have Bob Patterson, Johnny McHugely and Chris
“Like A” Fox, the only thing you are missing is handicap. And if you get
a player with a number, who also possesses a bit of course cleverness and
experience borne from years of play, all the better. Enter Peter Ring. So
this well fashioned version of the Dream Team strode off to a well
maintained Pattaya Country Club and put one on the pack with a 55.2 tanning.
Their 4.8 handicap, well below the “Mascari Line”, meant that they had
12 birdies on the 18-hole spin. Not bad!
In second place was “The Line’s” name provider, The
Hermit, Eddy Beilby and the Big Darren Smith. Pretty good blend of power and
handicap as well. Their 2.1 stoke adrift second place score was a razor thin
0.3 above the bronze
Speaking of the “Mascari Line”, the third place group
felt its effects, but clearly not fatally. The Mascari Line states that no
team can have a handicap greater than that of the lowest handicapper in
their group. So what would have been a 6.9 handicap was reduced to the
actual handicap of Mark Wood, to-wit, 6.4. But Uncle Fred’s guile, Toy’s
red tees and stick-to-itiveness and Sparky’s knowledge of the game were
enough to overcome that administrative governor.
Reminder: The 2004 Golf Medal competition between all of
2004’s Medal Winners and Qualifiers will be contested on this Sunday,
February 6at Green Valley.
10th Annual Classroom Charity Classic
February 16
The 10th edition of the Classroom Charity
Classic is set for Wednesday February16. Classroom Owner Pete Stonebridge
has worked hard to overcome some scheduling snafus, but persistence has paid
off, and Pete is pleased that he will be able to offer his patrons and area
golfers an always popular shotgun start, as he did last year. In addition,
the tournament will be held on the unique St. Andrews 2000 layout, with one
important modification. The somewhat awkward par 6, 4th hole will be
modified. It will be converted to a par 5, and the tee box will be placed
about 150 yards to the right of the original Blue, Yellow and White tee box.
This will eliminate the double water crossing that has been known to disrupt
the tempo of the round and the golfer.
Entry fees will include green fee, caddy fee, 1/2
cart/buggy fee, presentation buffet, golf cap, trophies and lucky draw
prizes. All profits from the tournament and lucky draw will be handed over
to Woody Underwood and The Jester’s Care for Kids Program at the
evening’s awards presentation, which Peter has graciously guaranteed to be
a minimum of 100,000 baht! As many in Pattaya know, the Care for Kids
Program has consistently assisted Eastern Seaboard children, and more
recently, the children impacted by the tsunami in southern Thailand. Flyers
with particulars are posted at many of the area golf venues.
Cafe Kronborg and Cafe Ole move up
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 bowlers
- Tue, Konrad, Ooy, Leo, La and Teuvo.
Cafe Kronborg and Cafe Ole played to a two-two split, but
both teams moved up in the standings as Three Sisters slipped from second to
a tie for third after losing three points to Jack & Tar. First place
Brother D continued their fine bowling as they took three points from
Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Friends stayed in the running taking three points
from VFW Post 9876. Domicil beat Q Cars taking three points in the match.
Shenanigans had the only four point sweep of the day taking all the points
from House of the Golden Coin.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Leo, Brother D: games of 183, 203, 205 - 591 series
Tue, Shenanigans: games of 205, 182, 191 - 578 series
Ooy, House of the Golden Coin: games of 192, 205, 167 -
562 series
Teuvo, Friends: games of 204, 191, 160 - 555 series
Konrad, Brother D: 203 game - 534 series
Bill Key, VFW Post 9876: 528 series
Lenz, Q Cars: 527 series
Sven, Cafe Kronborg: 518 series
Dang, Cafe Kronborg: 514 series
Lada, Jack & Tar: 506 series
PSC golf from Three Sisters Bar
As we approach the end of the month, Bob Benda is warming up his game.
Bob won the day with 40 points followed closely by Jerry Lien who was one
shot back. According to Jerry’s group, he three putted and hit many trees
but he took only six as his highest score as he posted 39 points to come in
alone in second place. He gave Bob Benda a scare but could not make it to
the top.
 Drinks
all round at the Caddy Shack 2 with (l-r) Bob Benda, winner of day, Marvin
Smith celebrating his 81st Birthday Bash and Rollie Weese, this week bag
holder.
Two strokes back of the leaders were Wendy Hollingsworth,
John Gibson and Doug Powell. All three golfers came in with 37 points each.
Good scores but not good enough to catch the leaders.
Fighting it out for the bottom spot were the geriatrics.
It was a hard tussle but Marvin Smith managed to evade the cellar as Rollie
hit the bottom. After all, it was Marvin’s birthday that we were
celebrating on this day. Marvin made it to 82 years old on Monday and beat
his buddy Rollie Weese. Rollie hit the bottom with 18 points as Marvin
bettered this score by three.
It was a great day as we all celebrated Marvin’s birthday at Caddy
Shack Two. Thanks to the generosity of Rollie, a good time was had by all.
Rollie paid for the extra food and drinks which were considerable. T hanks
Rollie - Hope to see you all next week.
PSC golf with The Bunker
Phoenix Country Club
The Mountain and Lakes courses at Phoenix Country Club were
in perfect condition on Monday January 24 when The Boys from The Bunker went
there for a Medal competition.
John King, won
the day at Siam Country Club with a net 70.
The field was split into two Divisions and Division A, saw
Brian Bellis and Geoff Parker tie for second place both with net 75. However,
there was no stopping Granville Swanson, who is on a roll, from winning with net
74, Granville is making a late charge for The Golfer of the Month trophy.
Division B saw the only under par round scored by Curtis
Hessler coming in with a net 71 to take first prize, Curtis was followed by
Dutchman Jan Von Spellen who scored a very respectable net 81 with third place
going to in-form David Johnson who is now looking favourite for The Golfer of
the Month award with net 83.
Near pins were won by Peter Hoyle, Roy Fewster and Geoff
Parker.
Treasure Hills
Wednesday January 26, Treasure Hills was the venue for a
Stableford round playing off the white tees placed well back, making the course
play long and hard.
Division A was won by John Truman with the best score of the
day with 35 stableford points, Rodger Privett came in second with 31 points and
Mark Gooch and Jan Von Spellen (again) both came in third with 30 points.
In Division B David Johnson re-enforced his claim for Golfer
of the Month by winning with 30 Stableford points, Neil Griffin returning after
surgery claimed second spot with 29 points three points ahead of third placed
Frank Baker.
Near pins were won by Granville Swanson, Neil Griffin and two
were snapped up by John Truman.
Siam Country Club
Friday the 28th saw The Bunker Boys make the short trip to
Siam Country Club for the second Medal competition of the week.
Hakken finished third in Division A with a level par net 72
and there was a tie between John King and Frank Pilkington for first prize who
both ended the day with a two under par net 70.
It was a very close thing in Division B where four players
finished up sharing the spoils, Brian Maddox, Brian Wilkins, David Johnson and
Rod Stevens with his first ever win with The Bunker Boys, all sharing the
spoils, coming into the clubhouse with Net 73.
Near pins prizes were claimed by Brian Bellis, John King,
Frank Pilkington and John Hughes.
The Bunker Boys are playing three times a week during the high season
(Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s); so if you would like a round of golf
call into The Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte Disco) to pick up a golf
schedule or consult The Pattaya Mail every week and, as usual, you can get the
latest information about all other sporting activities at The Bunker Bar (which
includes Quiz games, Pool nights and Darts nights and new players are always
welcome) by visiting our website @ www.bunkerboysgolf.com
“Dusit Dave” celebrates 9 years!
Wednesday, 26th January marked a special day at the Dusit
Resort. Not only was it Australia Day, but one of Pattaya’s best known
Australians, fitness guru David Garred, was busy celebrating his 9th anniversary
as manager of the Dusit Resort Sports Club.
David Garred
celebrates his 9th anniversary at the helm of the Dusit Resort Sports Club.
Cheers David!
The champagne flowed as “Dusit Dave” was presented with a
luscious chocolate cake by participants in his regular ‘pump class’ - many
of whom are long time members of the club and have been submitting themselves to
Dave’s vigorous workouts for the entire 9 years!
A rare sight indeed, to see the Sports Club Manager (wearing a funny hat)
tucking into chocolate cake and champagne with such enthusiastic abandon! Happy
9th Anniversary David and best wishes for many more fabulous years at the gym!
Local girl Tammarine makes an early exit
If Tamarine Tanasugarn never had to play Evgenia
Linetskaya again, the Thai might say it would still be too soon.
They met in Tashkent last year, and the Russian won 6-0
in the third. When they met on Monday in the first round of the Volvo Open,
Linetskaya won again, and this time it was an even bigger humiliation for
Tammy. In fact, it was arguably one of the most embarrassing results of her
entire career.
She lost 2-6 7-5 6-2, but the embarrassing aspect was
that she led by a set and 5-1, had a match point and served for the match
twice.
How did this happen? Well, Linetskaya is a pretty good
up-and-coming player, but she didn’t show it for a set and a half. She
certainly didn’t look much like the player who in her last tournament
reached the fourth round of the Australian Open before losing to Amelie
Mauresmo.
She hurried her shots and her powerful groundstrokes
usually found the net. In fact, she didn’t hold serve at all in the first
set, and all Tammy had to do was stay a little more persistent in the
rallies. She did hit two or three spectacular winners, but it was mostly
routine hit-the-ball and wait for the inevitable error.
What changed, though, is that Linetskaya stopped being so
generous and increasingly kept the ball in play. She also hit it harder and
cleaner than Tanasugarn.
Although Tammy broke to lead 3-1 in the second set on
Linetskaya’s seventh double-fault, and then broke again to lead 5-1, she
couldn’t quite resist her opponent’s fightback.
Recovering from 0-40, Tammy held a match point but failed
to convert it. Then she fell behind 0-40 again at 5-3 before being broken.
Reduced to screaming in frustration, Tammy fought off two more break points
at 5-5 before dropping serve and allowing her more consistent opponent to
serve out for the set.
Despite a 10-minute break after the second set, the rest
did nothing to halt Linetskaya’s momentum, and she moved on to an
ultimately comfortable victory.
“After 5-1 I was losing concentration and was expecting
too much to win the match, so I didn’t really play my game and concentrate
on my game,” said Tanasugarn.
“And then after I made some unforced errors she got
confidence and came back and hit very well. You really have to concentrate
on what you’re doing or it can change. You have to be focused until it’s
‘Game, set, match’.”
Second seed Marion Bartoli from France enjoyed an easy
opening round victory, but it would have been surprising if she didn’t.
Facing a wild card from Indonesia named Ayu Fanti Damayanti and ranked 660
in the world, Bartoli eased through 6-3 6-1.
The other wild card used to be number one in the world
and comes from Switzerland, and she is called Martina Hingis.
She hasn’t played since October 2002, but she’s in
Pattaya testing the water for a comeback. Her first challenge comes on
Tuesday when she faces Marlene Weingartner of Germany, ranked 74 in the
world.
Jelena Dokic came to Pattaya trying to re-start a career
that had stalled badly. Having once been four in the world, she finished
2004 at 125 after losing nine straight matches. In fact, she hadn’t won a
match since April, eventually taking time off for ‘rest and recovery’
(getting her head back together), and then a right elbow injury.
With her confidence as shaky as a politician’s promise,
she faced 2000 Volvo Open champion Anne Kremer of Luxembourg, and despite 12
double-faults and a match that featured an ugly 102 unforced errors from the
pair, Dokic came through 7-6 (7-3) 6-3
The last four places in the draw were filled today when
Shika Uberoi from India, Shahar Peer from Israel, Uzbekistans’s Akgul
Amanmuradova and Angelika Bachmann of Germany successfully came through
their final qualifying matches.
Uberoi faces the toughest task among the qualifiers; as
her first round opponent will be former Wimbledon champion and world number
two Conchita Martinez. Peer will play the number eight seed, Marta
Domachowska of Poland, Amanmuradova faces Antonella Serra Zanetti from Italy
and Bachmann plays Silvija Talaja of Croatia.
Tickets for the weekend’s semis and finals are on sale at the Dusit,
Prices for Friday 4 February 300 baht; Saturday February 5: 300 baht, 500
baht, 1,000 baht and for Sunday February 6: 300 baht, 500 baht, 1,000 baht.
Irresistible Dubliner Force Meets Immovable Londoner Object
MBMG Casuals League - Week 15
Sunday saw crowds assembled to watch the two in form
teams of the MBMG International league. First placed Mighty Dubliner taking
on second placed debutantes the Londoner.
After a respectful five minutes of probing, the game
exploded into life when the leagues leading scorer Bookhammer got in behind
the Stamp brothers, his shot deflecting off a defender into Torrances’s
grateful arms. Dubliner smelling blood in the water pressed the attack, but
were held at bay by a well organized defense. Against the run of play,
Downer surged out of his own half and blazed a trail towards the Dubliner
goal. A clumsy tackle looked a certain penalty but the referee indicated
just outside. The Dubliner’s sighs of relief turned to groans when Andy
Wild curled a breathtaking, dipping free kick into the top right corner.
The second half saw a pattern of sustained Dubliner
pressure with Londoner content to defend and counter attack. A penalty
awarded to Dubliner after Bookhammer was upended by Ball looked to provide
the equalizer, but after sending Torrance the wrong way Bookhammer saw his
strike end up just the wrong side of the post. It finally took another
impressive shot to even matters. Beck latching onto a loose Londoner pass,
his first time drive flashing past the diving keeper from twenty-five yards.
1-1 at the full time whistle.
Elsewhere it was goals galore, Seaboard on the losing end
of a seven goal fiesta, the Bullshead hitting four to their three, down in
Pattaya. A nine goal thriller between the Robin Hood and AFC Shrewsbury left
the teachers with their sixth defeat in a row, the boys from the hood
literally robbing from the rich, winning 5 - 4.
The German All Stars in the role of favourites for the
first time in a match versus the Scandinavian Vikings lived up to their
billing, whipping in four goals to the Vikings one.
Joerg Kuehn scoring again the GAS at fifth turned up the
heat under the fourth placed French.
The weekend’s other results had RC Pattaya held at home
1 - 1 by Bangkok United and Patana inflicted an unlucky thirteenth defeat on
the Blitz with two unanswered goals.
Results (Week 15):
Seaboard FC 3 VS 4 Bulls Head Brazilians; Racing Club Pattaya
1 VS 1 Bangkok United; German All Stars 4 VS 1 Scandinavian Vikings; Robin Hood
FC 5 VS 4 AFC Shrewsbury; The Dubliner 1 VS 1 Londoner FC; Blitz FC 0 VS 2
Patana.
PH3 - Run 1090
The day started out with a cancelled bus due to the death
of a monk, would this, in combination with the full moon, be a bad omen? It
turns out not! The situation was easily solved and transportation to the
lovely A-site was done with baht buses.
We are going to have an option of a long and a short run
today VV announces together with short explanation of the run: we set out in
a dry and hot terrain. The first few checks are clever and hold the pack
together up to the optional separation for runners and walkers.
Being a FRB, I go left together with P*ss Uphill, Cabbage
Head and virgin Max. Not long after we pass under highway 7 and as the
surroundings change to a more pleasant shaded one, knowing the hares, I
think we were all were just waiting for water, mud, cattle or other hash
spices. Correctly so, half way into the run at the turn-around point we are
led through a knee deep creek and you can look forward to a even heavier
return with soaked shoes.
The checks in the second part were far from complicated
but the run itself very enjoyable in shade and with changing scenery.
Back at the circle Sun Flower opened up with the raffle
and No Trucking Idea drawls down his chin muttering something about bathing
house fantasies... Arseholeo and Retard W*nker were iced for talking in the
circle but do not learn from the experience as they keep on talking as much
inside the circle. Perhaps, a more efficient punishment should be called for
to treat these less prone to learn individuals?
GM asked for run comments and Bird F’r expressed his
inability to find his way back from the walkers arrow (along the paved road)
this coming from a man advertising boat trips, one may wonder if the boat
trips returns in the right port in the afternoon?
The lovely Eva Braun was promoted to “Nurse D*ck”,
yet another example of what can happen to a lovely girl in the wrong
company. It is also shockingly revealed that Miserable C stole Chicken
Nugget’s cookies on another outing together, when confronted on this
matter, the man explains that the cookies had fallen into the dirt he
thought it was a “free-for-all” and dived in, perhaps a name change to
Miserable Dog would be suitable?
On On
Rusty Ringhole
Patriots (Man) vs. Eagles (Bird)...SUPER BOWL XXXIX
Howie Reed
Thank goodness and the calendar that they are almost
ready to tee it up for Super Bowl XXXIX (39 for those that aren’t into the
XXXIX Deal). That actual kickoff should be at 6:28 a.m. on Monday morning.
If you thought that the longest two weeks of your life was that visit with
your in-laws you’re not even close. The two week hype and hoopla leading
up to the Super Bowl is enough to drive a sane person to drink. That comes
under the heading of “Any Port in the Storm”. The Patriots say little,
leaving no room for “bulletin board ammunition” of the opposition. The
Eagles over the past two weeks have been paying tribute to the late comedian
Rodney Dangerfield. “We don’t get no respect.” They don’t and maybe
that’s the mistake. I’m sure their whining doesn’t help a great deal
but probably makes the Eagles feel good about themselves for what ever
that’s worth.
The Eagles played in the NFC, which was considered and
was a weaker conference than the AFC. The Eagles’ running attack wasn’t
all that great until they started to utilize the many talents of Brian
Westbrook who toted the pigskin for 812 yards in 177 attempts. Not Hall of
Fame numbers but still good. Westbrook, a native of Philadelphia and so the
hometown hero, also caught 73 passes for 703 yards. He was the leading
rusher and the second leading receiver behind Terrell Owens. QB Donovan
McNabb had a good year mainly by not making mistakes as he had done in the
past. One thing McNabb did was not run as much. Against the Falcons he ran
more and it worked. Maybe that’s the key? Back to the future.
When receiver Terrell Owens went down two games out
(against Dallas) McNabb and Westbrook carried the offensive. One of the
truly legitimate story’s of Super Bowl XXXIX prior to kick-off is “will
Terrell Owens play?” Owens was replaced by Freddie Mitchell who some call
“loquacious”. Others call him the “other receiver” known more for
his big mouth than making big plays. He is that! Mitchell provided the only
bulletin board material when he said, “I don’t know the names of the
Patriots DB but they know mine.” Pat LB Willie McGinest replied,
“Freddie Mitchell is a guy who is getting time now because Terrell is
hurt, we don’t worry about what he’s saying. He will have to deal with
that on the field. All I can say is he (Mitchell) is not humble. He hasn’t
done enough in this league to be on TV talking about that. Philly has a lot
more class than that. It’s just one guy.’’
Old-timers will remember Super Bowl 1 (which was called
the World Championship Game) between the Packers and the Chiefs. In the days
leading up to the game Chiefs DB Freddy “The Hammer” Williams was very
public what he was going to do to the Packer receivers and running backs.
The game was a different story. Max McGee, who had the world’s greatest
hangover and was playing only because receiver Boyd Dowler went down, had 3
TD’s catches. The Packers running backs ran around Williams except for one
play. Hit Williams head on and was carried off the field. Freddy Mitchell
maybe “De ja vu”?
It may be difficult for the Pat’s to “make their
mark” on Mitchell as Terrell Owens may play. Operated on four weeks ago
the usual rehab takes 10 weeks. The doctor that did the cutting “did not
clear Owens to play.” The latest from Eagles Coach Reid is, “`We’re
never going to put Terrell at risk. If all symptoms come down to where we
feel he’s fine to play and he feels he’s fine to play, then we’ll go
that direction.’’ Owens says he’ll play unless something happens. The
translation? “He’ll play... probably.”
If the Eagles were playing any team but the New England
Patriots the “Owens YES or NO” might be important. It would mean that
without a definite answer the team would have twice as much prep work on
defensive. The Eagles are two different teams, depending on Owens being
present. With the Patriots it’s no big deal. Their defense doesn’t rely
on “special schemes” or “tricks”. They have great players on defense
who win the one-on-one duels more times then they lose. Against Atlanta, TE
Chad Lewis caught both TD pass’s from McNabb. He also broke his foot on
the way to the end zone so is out of the Super Bowl. He’ll be replaced by
former Eagle Jeff Thomason - no big deal. Maybe not enough has been written
about the Eagles defense. They were horrible against the run until Jeremiah
Trotter was moved to middle line backer after the debacle against
Pittsburgh. The Steel guys ran at will toting the pork hide 56 times for 168
yards. The Eagles would lose 27-3 but find a “new” old defense. The
conventional wisdom, such as it is, places Eagles hopes on Brian Westbrook
being in the spotlight and McNabb playing the perfect game. Owens’
presence would only be a plus.
The problem with pre-game hype in regard to the Patriots
is that they are almost impossible to write about. If the Pats were a flavor
at Baskin-Robbins on Beach Road they would be ‘Special Vanilla.” They
would taste like vanilla but unique. “Striking in a difference” which
you couldn’t put a finger on. Here’s a team that makes it’s third trip
to the Super Bowl in four years. They’ve never lost during that run. Only
failing to cover last year when favored over Carolina. This year the Pat’s
are favored anywhere from 7 to 8 points. That should give the Eagles’
faithful some glimmer of hope. The other hope is that with two top assistant
coaches saying adios after the game maybe the Pat’s pre-game preparation
will be sub par. Not going to happen!
A year ago the Patriots were a team built on QB Tom Brady
not making any mistakes, a bevy of good (not great) receivers, the best
kicker in football, a defense that plays as a unit better than any and a
below average running game. In the off season the Pat’s went out and
signed Corry Dillon who picked up 1,635 yards for the year. That’s better
than 109 yard per game. All of a sudden the Patriots had a running game. The
rich got richer. If ever a team was an example of there is no “I” in
Team it’s the Pats. On offense, 10 players caught at least 10 or more
passes. Their top two receivers, David Givens and David Patten, each had 800
plus yards receiving. 6 Players caught 26 or more passes during the season.
The Patriots defense may not be the best but they’re
darn close. They did this with two of their best on the shelf. Defense end
Richard Seymour and Corner Back, Ty Law have been out most of the year and
will miss Monday’s game.
The media tried to make QB Tom Brady the next or current
Joe Montana. Brady would have none of it. “I am no Joe Montana.” Tom
Brady typifies the mood and temperament of the New England Patriots. Last
year Brady was the Most Valuable Player in the Super Bowl. As part of that
honor he was given a new Cadillac Escalade. He donated the car to his high
school, Serra near San Francisco, to be raffled off by the school. Brady and
the Pat’s are class, good and probably unbeatable.
In every game but one this year the Pat’s have scored first. Many times
they’ve also scored second. It’s very hard to concoct a scenario where
the Patriots lose. Not impossible but difficult. Maybe if the Pat’s
defense falls “to part” while being unable to stop either a QB Donovan
McNabb or Mr. Everything Brian Westbrook and Terrell Owens are able to get
behind the smaller Pat’s DB’s to catch some long bombs, there is hope.
With Owens in the game the Eagles running game is better because unlike most
loudmouth receivers Owens will actually block. It’s man against bird. The
Bird can drop his bomb from above and score points. The man with a gun has a
great answer. One hit and game’s over. Take the man but don’t lose hope,
where there’s a will there’s a way.” Well, that’s what they do say.
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