|
Party the night away at Hide-a-Way
Jomtien Pool League end of season
The end of season party for the Jomtien Pool League took
place last Thursday evening.
The prize giving took place at the Hide-a-Way, Jomtien
Complex when Hide-a-Way ran-away with the major honours, winners of both the
season’s league championship and the Knockout Cup competition.
League
and Knockout Cup winners Hide-a-Way.
The Rose & Thistle were league runners up and Woaws
were the Cup runners up for the night.
Other prizes went to Bolaget, winners of the Knockout
Plate, Simple Simon, winners of the Consolation Plate and finally a Special
Plate to the Moonshine Place.
Tim Dixon’s Ace at Siam
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday, March 29, the Bunker Boys from the OK Corral
travelled the short route to Siam Country Club for their weekly medal
event, on a day when the sun shone hot on a dry, parched course with
faster than normal greens. The two flights were cut at eighteen and under
and the day was to be a memorable one for visitor Tim Dixon, Captain of
the Bangkok Wanderers golf club.
 Tim
Dixon is all smiles after ace number four!
In division two Bob Turner and Richard Wardell took
third place with net 76 each, whilst Ken Graham fired three better taking
second with a net 73. Ben Findon continued his fine recent form with net
72 to take the first place. In division one Mike Allidi again shot the
best gross for the day with his 73 giving him third place on net 71. Ahead
were Terry Phur and Sam Fitzsimmons who both played well to achieve a
score of net 70 and share the top flight award. They were all outdone by
Tim Dixon however, as his six-iron tee shot on the par three eighth hole
plummeted into the pot to give him his fourth career hole-in-one. It was a
fine introduction to golf from the OK Corral for him and he very
generously hosted the players by picking up the tab back at the OK later.
One has to pity Jan Eriksen whose sole birdie two would have won the Super
Sawng award, had it not been for Tim’s magnificent effort, but former
telephone engineer, Terry Phur, still has not understood the need for
switching off his cell phone on the course, and four interruptions while
Bob van Mol was attempting shots on one hole guaranteed Terry the Bananas.
It’s for you, Tel! Thanks for the memory of a fine day at Siam, Tim.
Rookie Win for Tony
Shepherd
Distant Noble Place was the venue for the Bunker Boys
from the OK Corral, and their weekly stableford competition on Thursday,
March 31. The course was in excellent condition and must represent the
best value-for-money golf package available in the province at present.
The group was depleted as a result of many staying up late the previous
evening to watch their nation’s heroes in football action, but those who
did make the trip had an enjoyable day, with Wilf Latham making third
place with 34 points and Suzuki San going five better to post an excellent
score of 39 points to take second place. Tony Shepherd has played
regularly with the group, without much success, since becoming a member
but today everything went right for him and his 40 points gave him his
first win, helped by a tally of twenty-two on the front nine. Jens
Gunnarsson fired the day’s only birdie two to take the Super Sawng pot
whilst Harry Riley stuttered to a dismal front nine total of nine points
and even his improved showing over the closing nine was not good enough to
deny him the Bananas. It was a milestone for Harry as the society’s
former Champion received his first booby win in three years. As Mr. Loy,
who was his only rival for the award, said later, “It gives me the
greatest pleasure...”!
The Third Pattaya Windsurfing Cup held this month
First round of national championships
The Thai Windsurfing and Pattaya Windsurfing Associations
announced that the first round of the National Windsurfing Championships
would be held in Pattaya. The competition, April 15-17, also coincides with
the Third Pattaya Windsurfing Cup and first Pattaya Sports Festival.
Two categories Mistral One and Formula Races in the
junior, open and master classes will race off the shore from the Surf
Kitchen, Jomtien Beach for the event. Winners of each class will advance to
the next round and be selected to compete in the South East Asian (SEA)
Games scheduled to take place in the Philippines later this year.
The final round of the national championships are set for
December this year with the winners and runners up taking home their share
of 100,000 baht in prizes.
Registration fees are 200 baht and includes lunch and
event shirt. Further details can be obtained by calling Khun Pattana on 01
429 9999.
The Beautiful Game?: Newcastle go down fighting
Riz Taylor
Results from last weekend’s fixtures were overshadowed
by some astonishing scenes in Newcastle last Saturday as United team-mates
Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer had a disagreement that might be more appropriate
in Howie Reed’s “Square Ring” column rather than this one. Nine
minutes from the end of an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa over
50,000 fans looked on in amazement as a confrontation between Bowyer and
Dyer resulted in a full-scale brawl. After the two were separated referee
Barry Knight was left with little alternative but to dismiss the pair for
violent conduct, and the Magpies finished their miserable afternoon with
just eight men on the pitch following the earlier dismissal of Steven Taylor
for a deliberate handball.
Both Bowyer and Dyer will now be suspended for
Newcastle’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United, making a
difficult task even more demanding. At a post-match press conference Bowyer,
who instigated the brawl and the only one of the two to actually throw
punches, said: “I would just like to apologise to the fans, the chairman,
the managing staff, all the players and everybody that is connected to
Newcastle, my family and everybody that witnessed what happened on the
football pitch. I am sincerely sorry.”
Dyer then added: “I will touch on the same as well. I
would like to apologise to my team-mates, the manager, the chairman and the
fans and everyone connected with the club as well.”
You’ll note that the pair didn’t apologise to each
other. The turbulent times at St. James’ Park seem to have no end in
sight, thanks to the twists and sub-plots of this continuing drama. It’s
not the first time Newcastle players have resorted to violence to vent their
feelings; Alan Shearer famously flooring Keith Gillespie a few years ago is
one such example. Further dirt-digging reveals a story about Craig Bellamy
hurling a chair at former assistant manager Steve Carver and other alleged
incidents involving various players after binge-drinking sessions.
Earlier this season the club sacked manager and former
crowd favourite Bobby Robson after a disappointing start to their campaign
amid rumours he’d “lost the dressing room”. After a short search
Graeme Souness was appointed as his successor. A man known for his tough
tackling as a player, the board clearly hoped that the no-nonsense Scotsman
would be the man to iron-out Newcastle’s considerable problems with its
Armani-loving millionaire playing staff.
It was never going to be easy. On the club’s books are
a number of known troublemakers sometimes referred to as the “Brat
Pack”. Lee Bowyer in particular has a long history of giving headaches to
his employers, having incidents on his CV such as testing positive for
marijuana, barely escaping jail for smashing up a McDonald’s restaurant
and refusing to pay a club fine at whilst at Leeds United after breaking
drinking regulations. Kieron Dyer also has a past which he might regret when
he’s a grown-up.
Yet it was Bellamy that would be first to clash with
Souness. After being asked to play on the right during pre-match
preparations the Welsh striker refused, and was excluded from the Newcastle
squad. When Souness informed the press of the reasoning behind his decision
Bellamy branded him a “liar”, and was subsequently packed off to Celtic
without a return ticket. With a key troublemaker gone things looked
positive, but Saturday’s setback will have the manager going back to his
drawing board once again.
Although Dyer had upset fans earlier in the season by
refusing to play wide-right (it seems nobody wants to play in that position)
and thus contributing to Bobby Robson’s downfall, my Geordie friends tell
me that his form has been impressive in recent months. Or at least I think
that’s what they said - I can’t understand their accents half the time.
Lee Bowyer, however, has never managed to recapture the form of his glory
years at Leeds and looks a more likely candidate to be shown the door at the
end of this campaign.
If Souness doesn’t have enough problems there is also
the small matter of pleasing Newcastle supporters by somehow taking them
into a position befitting one of England’s biggest and wealthiest football
clubs. At the time of writing Newcastle lay rooted in the lower half of the
Premiership and this won’t be accepted by the expectant ‘Toon Army’
next year.
And finally, just when it can’t seem to get any worse
for glum Newcastle fans, there is the likely promotion of bitter rivals
Sunderland to contend with. They’re currently sitting five points clear at
the top of The Coca-Cola Nationwide Rumbelows Championship, or whatever
they’re calling it this year.
Buy your Newcastle-supporting friend a drink this week. He needs it more
than you.
Asian University takes
2 from Thammasat University
Asian University was invited to visit
Thammasat University on the March 26 of to compete in a variety of sports
and activities. This tournament, now a yearly fixture on the sports calendar
for both universities, brings the two student bodies together in a true
spirit of friendship and competition.
Asian
University’s Asira keeping his eye on the ball in the match against
Thammasat University.
In what proved to be an excellent day of sports,
activities and team spirit on both sides and despite heavy rain during the
final ten minutes of the football match was exciting, with Asian University
winning 2-1 over their Thammasat counterparts.
The games reinforced the close relationship between the
two universities. Other games included badminton, table tennis and
volleyball.
Asian U proved that big is not always better as they
proudly took the winning spot in all twelve games and matches except the
female and mixed doubles Badminton.
The Royal Thai Navy at Sattahip will host Asian
University students for a week’s instruction in sailing from May 7-14.
This being the first step in the plan to prepare our students for the
International Sailing Regatta in 2008
The Asian University is happy to invite local companies, schools and
sports teams to the university for sporting events and activities in order
to build a stronger relationship in the area. Contact James Saville,
Corporate Services and Sports director via email: jamesk @asianust.ac.th
Suzuki eyeing cut in handicap
IPGC Golf from The Haven
Monday March 28
Phoenix Lakes/Ocean
Monthly Medal Blue Tees
Division 1 (0-15)
"1st Yasuo Suzuki, net 70
2nd Phillip Larsen, net 73 - c/b 35
3rd Barry Winton, net 73 - c/b 38
Division 2 (16+)
1st Jimmy Little, net 74 - c/b 37
2nd Brian Kelly, net 74 - c/b 38
3rd Glyn Nicholas, net 78
As usual, a large turnout for the ever popular Phoenix
and as usual, the course didn’t disappoint. With Mountain 9 closed for a
month, Lakes and Ocean was a little busy but not too slow. Yasuo Suzuki was
the only golfer to beat his handicap on the day and fully deserved his
first monthly medal win for a very long time.
In division 2, Brian just missed out on back to back
medal wins, being ousted out on countback by the little big man, Jimmee
Little, in what turned out to be a two horse race! In the 2s competition,
Chris Davisson and Martin Hayes shared the spoils in division 1, whilst
those serial sharpshooters, Barry Chadbourn and Peter Johansson made off
with the division 2 pot. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA professional, welcomed back Delafield Kribben before wishing
Randall Penrod “bon voyage”. Randall is off to Taiwan before heading to
Las Vegas for a piece of action in the big game!
Wednesday March 30
Eastern Star
Stableford
1st Delafield Kribben, 36 pts
2nd Trudie Chadbourn, 35 pts
3rd Al Rolnik, 34 pts
Well, for once, the lights of Ban Chang offered no allure, as
many shunned the hard dry fairways of Eastern Star. “Duffy” led home the
small intrepid band, shooting an excellent 80 gross off his 8 handicap with
Trudie and Al rounding out the podium places. Barry Traynor just missed out on
countback and everybody missed out on the 2s, so rollover time in both
divisions! Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston welcomed back John Murphy and
bade farewell to Brian Stewart.
Friday April 1
Green Valley
Stableford
1st John Desmond, 38 pts - c/b 20
2nd Yasuo Suzuki, 38 pts - c/b 19
3rd Claus Nilsson, 38 pts - c/b 16
4th Peter Johansson, 37 pts
5th Toy Theobold, 36 pts
A welcome return for the Haven and what a change in the
course after the heavy high season “traffic”. Fairways getting rough around
the edges with many poor lies and unfortunately, the greens have not yet
recovered from sanding and coring. Still, the course is in far better condition
than several others around and scores were generally good. John just held off
the challenge from Yasuo and Claus, whilst Peter and Toy also produced good
rounds. Despite the difficult putting conditions, there were no shortage of
2’s and the “rollover” pot was shared by Barry Winton, Terry Morris and
Trevor Schirmer in division 1 and Fred Theobold and Peter Johansson in division
2. Prior to the presentation, Richard bade farewell to Peter Tucker.
Footnote: This is also farewell from Brian, your Haven
“reporter” for the past six months who is escaping Songkran and heading off
for Spring in UK.
PSC Golf Chairman’s ‘Forty-Two’, best of the day
Mike Franklin
PSC Golf Chairman, Chris John, recorded forty-two Stableford
points to win the Seniors trophy in the March Diana Group Seniors & Ladies
Open at Pattaya Country Club on Thursday March 31.
Winners in the
Diana Seniors and Ladies March competition (l-r) Arthur Bailey, Pid Ovegren and
PSC golf chairman Chris John.
Newcomer Wolfgang Bade was next best for the seniors with
forty points. The inevitable Arthur Bailey led the Super Seniors with forty
points, closely followed by runner-up John Hurst with thirty-nine points.
Pid Ovegren produced the best for the Ladies scoring
thirty-eight points and Jenny O’Donnell runner-up with an even par thirty-six
points.
The usual technical prizes were on offer, near pins being
claimed by Chris John # 5, Jenny O’Donnell # 7, Les Charles # 12 and Pid
Ovegren # 16. Peter O’Donnell made it a family win by sinking the longest putt
on # 9, and George Meigh made the longest putt on # 18.
Thirty-nine players teed off on a very hot and windy day. The
course, showing some improvement, had the customary fast greens that are always
a challenge on the course.
Newcomers to Diana Seniors & Ladies were duly welcomed at
the prize giving, namely Maurice Kelly, Alan and Nooket Gummer, Frank Pilkington
& Ada Tse, Helmut Waas, John Hinricks, Wolfgang Bade, Roy Pimblett and Steve
Wilkins.
John Cole carried out his usual efficient administration to complete a very
pleasant day out. The April Diana Seniors & Ladies Open is on Thursday April
28 at Pattaya Country Club.
Stonebridge and Henshaw have their days
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Monday March 21,
Khao Kheaw - A/C, Stableford
Sunday March 28
Green Valley
Stableford
1st A Flight: Charles Li, 42 pts
2nd A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, 41 pts
3rd A Flight: Klaus Schackt, 40 pts
1st B Flight: Pete Stonebridge, 46 pts
2nd B Flight: Brian Orr, 41 pts
3rd B Flight: Larry Nicholas, 37 pts
1st C Flight: Betty Koehler, 37 pts
2nd C Flight: Ken Kutzing, 36 pts
3rd C Flight: Roger Koehler, 33 pts
Near Pins: #5 Rick Sharp; #8 Joe Carney
Pete Stonebridge had one of those days you remember for a
long time as he went ten under his handicap and eight under the course rating,
an event for a mid-handicapper calculated to happen 1 in every 1,138 rounds.
Pete does not have 1,138 rounds on record with the Society but it is certainly
in excess of 750, and that made it easy for the lads to tip their hat to the
article’s co-title holder of the week. As evidenced in B Flight, by the 41
second place points of Brian Orr, the Sunday set-up of Green Valley is perhaps
still rated a bit high at Standard Scratch/Course Rating of 70/38 points. The 37
points of The Irish Crustacean were bunched on the back side more favorably to
the those of the chagrined count back losers, the Sugar Shack’s J.J. Wright
and Mike Seely.
A Flight provided little evidence to change one’s mind as
Charles Li did a supposed a 1in 121-rounds-effort when he shot 42 points to take
the premier Flight. His score was hardly out of line with the field as he was
followed across the line by Jim Wickstrom’s 41 points and Klaus Schackt’s 40
points. Poor ol’ Joe “I’m not in the” Mooneyham received little, but
applause, for his 39 points.
It is not difficult to see who wears the “plus-fours” in
the Koehler household, as Betty ruled C Flight with 37 points and hubby Roger
could fare no better than third with 33 points. Interjected into this Koehler
m?nage a trios was K4 (or K5, if you want to add “kinky”) and his second
place 36 points.
Monday March 29
Khao Kheow - Yellow or White Tees
Stableford
1st Yellow Flight: Julian Clarke. 37 pts
2nd Yellow Flight: John Emmerson, 36 pts
3rd Yellow Flight: Bill Collis, 34 pts
4th Yellow Flight: Serge Straeten, 34 pts
1st Blue B Flight: Colin Davis, 40 pts
2nd Blue B Flight: John White, 35 pts
Near Pins: #A3 John Hillier; # B8 Peter Henshaw
The society lads and lasses girded their loins as two-thirds
of them took on the manly proportioned Yellow Tees of Khao Kheow. Julian Clarke
gave indication that the demons that have been haunting his game had been
excised as his led the brave hearts with 37 points. The Golf Manager stuck his
nose in there, as he does, for second. Brookings, Oregon’s favorite son, Bill
Collis, made his 34 points look better than Le Monsieur, as they lined up third
and fourth, respectively.
I expect to see some of the older fellows, like today’s
second place finisher, John White, push away the bravado of yore and, instead,
chose a course configuration that will give them an enjoyable day. However, what
is The Donkey doing there? His handicap has been dropping consistently but he
continues to be a bottom feeder. Will he ever evolve? Not as long as there is a
baht involved. OK, OK, I will relent to the wishes of the ASPCA and the RSPCA...
so congrats to The Donkey for winning the White Flight.
Wednesday March 30
Phoenix - Lake & Ocean
Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Per Aschan, net 68
2nd Blue Flight: Julian Clarke, net 72
1st White Flight: Peter Henshaw, net 61
2nd White Flight: Marlene Prudden, net 68
3rd White Flight: Billy Borta, net 69
Near Pins: # L7 Nat Meesuk; #O7 Julian Clarke
You give ‘em an inch they’ll take a mile. That describes
what happened in the White Flight. As Peter Henshaw inched up to the White Tees
on the forgiving couplet of Phoenix’s Lake and Ocean, and took a mile of baht
with a remarkable net 61 off his, to this point, continually rising 15 handicap.
Attesting to the forgiving nature of the course, Marlene Prudden beat the
Standard Scratch/Course Rating by two and Billy Borta did it by three.
Overshadowed on the day, but in reality, only barely, was Per
Aschan’s very creditable gross 77/net 68 off the difficult Blue Tees of
Phoenix L & O. Julian Clarke gave further proof that he has righted the
ship, as he matched the rating of the Blue Course with his gross 79/net 72
effort. 2-handicapper Mike Allidi was Low Gross on the day with 75 off the
Blues.
Friday April 1
Mountain Shadow - Blue Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight: John Emmerson, 37 pts
2nd A Flight: Brian Wilkinson, 36 pts
1st B Flight: Brent Dalby, 36 pts
2nd B Flight: Brian Prudden, 34 pts
Near Pin: #13 Brian Wilkinson
It was back to an old friend today, as the Society visited
Mountain Shadow (fka Natural Park Hill). Taking his SO back to the site of her
former employment, and to the site of the current employment of her sister and
mom, the ol’ Silverback showed he was up to the family reunion as he took the
top spot in the A Flight with 37 points. Just one point adrift, was Brian
Wilkinson and when last heard, “it was that *&@# caddy’s fault!”
Aussie Brent Dalby continued his fine play as he shot a level
36 points, leaving second to the count back locked Brian Prudden and Mick
O’Connor. There were no Irish eyes smilin’, as Brian joined his wife and
Wednesday placeholder Marlene as a second winning couple on the week.
PSC golf from McAllister’s Bar & Grill
Friday April 1
Century Ban Chang Stableford
Great day out this is, if you can get your back off the
bed in the middle of the night. I suppose you can, as many do, get to the
tee early and have breakfast at McAllister’s about midday.
So to get back to the plot, out of bed early, quick
breakfast and then down to Ban Chang to tee off. For the ‘good’ ones
about 7 a.m., for the rest later, for me once a month.
Bill Thompson,
Dennis Willett, Don & Staff and Dave Millar.
This time of the ‘night’ is fine, the course is
clear, the weather cool and the greens have dew on and are not as fast as
later. The really good thing about an early start is that you can get back
to McAllister’s first, more later.
So onto the course and on this day it was in fine
condition and a pleasure to play, probably why so many played so well. Back
at McAllister’s it appears the early bird did indeed catch the worm as
most of the early starters were in the frame.
However, first we must say something about one of the
best deals around. Don provides a full meal for all the golfers in the
competition. This is not a snack, but the whole works, a full Sunday Lunch
type meal, with say Apple Pie and Custard for a finish, with a proper
starter. Don’s food is the best.
So who won, well everybody did with a day like this. As
far as the golf, Dave Millar won with 42 points, Bob Benda second with 41
points, Bill Thompson third with 40 points and Dennis Willett fourth with 37
points. T.T.F.N.
Some good Bowling at TOPS this week
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Cafe Kronborg beat Jack Tar 3 to 1 while Three Sisters
were losing to VFW 3 to 1. VFW is now in 4th place 3 games behind third
place. Brother D seems unstoppable as they again went 4 to 0 against Cafe
Ole.
200 bowlers -
Kran, Mio, Lance, Malina, Tue and Antero.
Shenanigans beat Friends 3 to 1 and Domicil were 3 to 1over Mai’s Thai.
House of the Golden Coin jumped out of the cellar by beating Q Cars 3 to 1.
Seven Bowlers passed the 200 mark for the day, they were Kran, Mio, Lance,
Malina, Tue and Antero.
Mick rams home ‘golfer
of the month’ trophy
PSC golf with The Bunker
Bangpakong Country Club
A very hot day for the Bunker Boys visit to Bangpakong,
but the longer journey is worth the trip to play such a great golf course.
In division “A” Bill Hewitt was the winner with a net score of 71.
Second came John Hughes with 72 and third was Wilf Latham with a score of
73. By far the best scores were in division “B” with Mick Ramshaw
returning a card of net 65 to take first prize. Mick’s first place win
secured his victory as the Golfer of the Month for March. Runner up was
Geoff Parker with a 67 and third place was Jim Wooler with a net 71. Near
the pins were won by Dave Nattrass, Bill Hewitt, Mark Thomas and Jim Shand.
 Pu
Sudawan (left) and Tae Sangurn (right) present Mick Ramshaw with the
‘Golfer of the Month’ award for March 2005.
Royal Thai Navy Course
The South and East courses at the Royal Thai Navy course
were the venue for Wednesday. The course was in good condition and so were
the scores. John Hughes won division “A” with 36 stableford points.
Three runners-up were David Nattrass, David Harvey and Jim Shand all with 35
points. Division “B” had Mark Thomas on top of the leader board with a
fine score of 41 points. Runner-up with 40 points was Bryan Rought and equal
third were Geoff Parker and Jim Wooler both with 37 points. Near the pins
were won by David Nattrass (2), Mark Thomas, and Roger Privett.
Century Ban Chang Golf Course
Friday morning started with a few good April Fool’s
jokes, but then it was off to a medal competition. In Division “A” Paul
Smith shot a net 73 to take first prize, three runners-up were Dave
Nattrass, Brian Bellis, and John Hughes all with a score of 78. Division
“B” had the best scores with Bryan Rought winning with a net 70.
Runners-up were Mick Ramshaw and Jim Payne both with a net 71. Nearest the
pins were Paul Smith (2), Brian Bellis and David Nattrass.
The final event of the week was the presentation of the
Golfer of the Month. Pu Sudawan and Tae Sangurn presented Mick Ramshaw the
trophy and certificate. Mick proudly rang the bell and the celebrations
began.
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 and
across the street from Tony’s Disco II) to pick up a golf schedule or
consult the Pattaya Mail every week.
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar
Tuesday March 29 Burapha
Stableford
Funny time of year this is, this is when it seems to shower
all the time, then it gets really hot and humid. It also seems to rain on the
courses you go to, whilst those who go to the course at the other end, I can
guarantee when you hit Sukhumvit the other way is dry, it will not rain.
Winners with Staff
(Spot the Golfer).
So of course after a normal fine ‘Bert’s Breakfast Nosh
Up’, we hit Sukhumvit and headed into the wet. Burapha looked fine but
overcast as we set off to play the C & D Layout, not my favourite but still
good, and we bumbled along playing some indifferent golf, until the downpour
came. That’s when you can see who has been playing well.
Most of us stand under an umbrella or in a rest stop watching
the rainfall and wondering if it is the time to go home. Play well till then,
and you can see them prowling around and cursing the sky. Every little break in
the weather and they are off, only to return a few minutes later when, down it
comes again.
Now, the fairways are no go areas, a good shot hits and
stops, but get into the rough and try and get out of the wet grass. Yes I was
that man, whilst one in our group had played really well. I did feel sorry for
him, he got just as wet as me.
Back in the clubhouse it was hot showers and then into the
Restaurant and a cold beer, then the long trip back on wet roads, to be told
‘The other way’ was dry.
Back at Bert’s Bob did the scores on the doors bit and we
found we had a countback for winner, when Bob Pearce won from Rick Evans in
second. We then dug in to Bert’s hot food and cold beer. T.T.F.N.
Winner: Bob Pearce; Runner Up Rick Evans
Near Pins: Jeff Wylie (2), Bob Lawrence, Ray Spurling, Ray
Pemberton, Andy Evans.
Long Putts: Rick Evans, Nooket Gummer, Bob Noble.
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Monday, March 28th, was a good day for the Hawaiian Mafia
as Kenny Mau and Sus Ige came in with excellent scores. Herb Ishinaga tried
to keep up but faded on the back nine. Kenny won the day with 41 points
beating the field by two shots. His drives were going straight and his
putting was on as he beat the rest of the field handily to win the end of
the month competition. Kenny left before his picture could be taken for the
day’s event.
Running in second place with 39 points was John Sinclair.
John has been near the top the last couple of weeks and should break out on
top one of these days. Following just a stroke back at 38 points were Ray
Spence and Sus Ige. Coming in at 37 were Jerry Lien and Dennis Willett to
round out the top players for the day.
This week we had a change of scene at the bottom as Paul Donahue could
not make it to Monday Golf. For sure Paul Kinner has been there before but
fighting it out with Paul for the cellar position were Tony Oakes and Alan
Pearce. These two are normally vying for the top position. I wonder if booze
was involved the night before? As it was, Paul Kinner beat these two by a
couple of strokes to take the cellar position for the week. Hard luck Paul,
maybe next week you will find your game again.
Inaugural Pattaya Sports Festival hits the beach this month
“Footvolley” - a new dimension in beach sport
Narisa Nitikarn
The inaugural Pattaya Sports Festival will take place on
the beaches of Pattaya from April 12-17. Already popular competitions beach
football and volleyball are slated to draw huge competition as will the
windsurfing but the new sport of “Footvolley” will be seen for the first
time in region.
City officials made the announcement during a press
conference at city hall on March 29. Representatives of the Chonburi Sports
Association and Channel 5 sports broadcaster, Thorayuth Nopjinda, joined
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn for the announcement.
Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn (center), Pisai Panomwan Na Ayuthaya (left), city
councillor and president of the Pattaya sports and tourism committee, Natee
Sirithammawat (right), Miss Sport Bikini pageant manager with some of the
contestants during the press conference.
“The first Pattaya Sports Festival is aimed at boosting
tourism numbers in the sports category, said Niran. He added that the event
was being held in cooperation with the Chonburi Sports Association, the
Sports Intermedia Company, government and private sectors.
“It is an opportunity for everyone to participate in
specific events such as footvolley, windsurfing, beach football and volley.
We have also arranged a Miss Bikini Pageant during the festival,” said the
mayor.
The sporting events are being held in the Under 12, 15
and 18 youth classes as well as open and international classes. Winners will
receive a trophy and cash prizes.
“Residents and tourists will have the opportunity to
learn about footvolley, which was specifically created to attract a
different type of athlete and increase interest in the new sport,” said
the mayor.
Niran went on to say that the festival comes under the
sports and tourism banner in Pattaya and that activities such as this are
aimed at boosting visitors to the city for land based and water sporting
events.
The Pattaya Sports Festival opens on April 12 and runs until April 17 on
the Jomtien beachfront. Anyone interested in taking part can contact he City
Hall PR department on 038 410 200 Ext. 190.
Mike Franklin cards a 70!
Age is no handicap says the Golf Guru
Mike Franklin, well known as the Golf Guru of the Eastern
Seaboard, was surprised at the presentation of trophies for the Golf Pairs
Scramble competition that had been held at Eastern Star.
 “Its
official,” Mike is now the Pattaya Mail’s golf correspondent.
The full field of 108 golfers enjoyed a full day out with
a familiar faces showing to join Mike on his day and back at Jameson’s.
The party was in full swing during the prize giving as
the birthday boy handed out the long list of prizes and technical prizes to
a happy bunch golfing friends.
“Grateful thanks to Khun Joe and Khun Chamnan for the
arrangements on Friday. The day was perfect in every respect and I had many
complimentary comments about the presentation of the golf course, the food
in the Clubhouse and the staff. There were newcomers to Eastern Star and
others returning after a long absence, and all went away impressed with what
Eastern Star & Country Club offers now. Your teams did well, and
‘Drive for Show’ were just one shot off the winners list,” said Mike
when thanking Saradej, Eastern Star general manager.
 Ed
Trayling (right), always looking for ‘his best side’ recites a ditty for
Mike on his 70th.
The winners of the golfing event were the Wyld Oakes -
the team of Jeff Wylie and Tony Oakes who mustered a net 61 to claim the
special 70th trophies.
Gay and Geoff Horan, who returned from the “land of
Oz” to play in Mike’s tournament found themselves taking home the best
mixed pairs trophy. Even the Dream Team’s Kim Fletcher and Jack Levy were
found on the list of technical winners.
 More
flowers from Jameson’s staff Molly (left), the manager and Moo (right).
Mike thanked Kim, Jameson’s landlord: “I cannot
remember ever having such a fantastic day, start to finish, as yesterday.
All really quite overwhelming and on such a grand scale too. I keep trying
to remember all that happened at the party, and the warmth I felt with so
many friends and acquaintances that were there’s day I will always
remember and cherish,” said Mike.
Mike became the receiver, rather than the giver of
trophies. With rousing cheers from over a hundred of golfers present at
Jameson’s Irish Pub, Mike was toasted as he had just turned 70 years old,
and then accorded his place in history, being officially recognized as the
Pattaya Mail’s golf correspondent, complete with Press Pass and badge,
presented by the Pattaya Mail MD, Peter Malhotra. “Will it get me into any
exclusive bars?” said Mike hopefully, only to be told there are no
exclusive bars in this city!
 Mike
and Banjob receive flowers and words of praise from Peter Malhotra.
“I’ve had so many good wishes from friends and
acquaintances that is was all quite overwhelming. Not least was the thanks
and recognition you gave me by making me an ‘official’ Special
Correspondent for Pattaya Mail and a member of the Pattaya Mail family,”
he said to Peter Malhotra.
It is difficult to believe that Mike Franklin is really
70 years old, being a man who really has not let age deter him in any way.
His lovely wife Banjob and his young daughter being testimonial to the fact
that there is more to Mike Franklin than flogging his small white balls
around the countryside.
The Wyld Oakes
team of Tony Oakes (left) and Jeff Wylie (right) receive their trophies from
‘birthday boy’ Mike Franklin and daughter Samm who is never far away
from her dad.
Those who believe in auspicious days also noted that
Mike’s birthday falls each year on April Fool’s Day, but he claims that
his parents assured him several decades ago that this was just a
coincidence, and no significance should be read into it.
Mike is a
little overcome by all the attention from the golfing ladies.
With arms full of flowers from some of the lovely golfing
ladies, Mike seemed a little overcome, but quickly suggested that a few red
wines would be in order for the rest of the evening!
Gay and Geoff
Horan were back from ‘downunder’ for a round and won the best mixed
pairs on the day.
Results:
Pairs Scramble Winners: Wyld Oaks with Jeff Wylie and
Tony Oaks, Team H/C 3 - Net 61
Runners-Up: Super Team of Mikael Andersson and Michael Dige, Team H/C 2.8 -
net 63.2
3rd Place: Two Drivers, Moon Schwelera and Nora Haugsjordet, Team H/C 4.4 -
Net 65.
Technical Prizes:
Best Ladies Pair: Court Jewels, Thea de Korte and Julie
Irvine - net 67.6
Best Men’s Pair: Lappjavlar, Tony Hedman and Kale Kerleberg - Net 66
Best Mixed Pair: Rowmans, Gay Horan and Geoff Horan - Net 66
Near Pins: #3 Ollie Bartlett; #6 - Ray Woodruffe; #13 Too Kewalin; #17 Geoff
Horan.
Long Putts: #2 Peter Renggli; #9 Kim Fletcher; #14 Tony Hedman; #18 Jack
Levy.
Long Drives: Mens: #4 Mikael Andersson; Ladies: #18 Kim Harbeck; Mixed: #7 -
Geoff Horan
Highest Net Score: Scuds Away, Paul Cremin and Peter Hill - Net 85.8
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
The pride of the Second Road “Dapper” Dave Stewart
(17-0) was suppose to be hooking them up against 17-1 Danny Hunt later in
the month. For some reason Hunt did a runner and now Stewart gets a German
import at the Brentwood International Centre in England. Bummer.
Hunt-Stewart would have been a great match up of up and coming young
fighters.
Heard from Pattaya pal, that would be O.R., that the TV
show the Contender has many fans in the Land of Smiles, Laughs and Giggles.
“Here’s a question for you and a comment from me. The question is, how
is The Contender doing in America as far as a viewing audience is
concerned?” The ratings for the Contender have not been the best but then
it’s home network, NBC, is not doing well in general, which could be a
factor. Their time slot has been shuffled in an attempt to find the “magic
time”. How the ratings were effected by the suicide of boxer Najai Turpin
is unknown. The Sunday nighttime slot (once called “family time”) is not
the best in my opinion. More from O.R. “My comment is that I and a good
number of my friends over here in the boondocks are quite taken with it.
Taken with it is an old English expression that my late grandmother used a
lot. None of us watch any of the other reality crap that comes this way, but
I think that program is exceptionally well done, directed and should, in my
most humble opinion, bring some interest back to boxing.”
There is always that chance that The Contender will
infuse some new interest in boxing. The world is now awash with reality
shows and like O.R. I watch few although most are unwatchable. The Paris
Hilton “reality video show” did rekindle my interest in her activity so
maybe The Contender can do the same for boxing. “I am sure you can tell me
if most aficionados think it sucks and that maybe I’ve been in Thailand so
long that I’m getting “Asiatic”. It’s always good to remember that
what the “aficionados” think or like about the show is of little
importance. There are not enough of them to keep boxing in the mainstream of
sport let alone decide the popularity of a given television program. That
aside, there are probably two distinct views from inside the sport. There
are those that will recognize The Contender as a program that loosely uses
what actually happens in boxing, adds a touch of “dramatic license”,
tosses in a couple of famous Hollywood face’s, takes a perceived view of
boxing as fact, is well produced, with flashy editing, now music and watch
for the entertainment value. Then there is the other view which is “No es
importante’” I come down on the side of the former.
Got to keep the locals happy so will, “under some
duress”, report that up and coming 122lb prospect Saenghiran Lookbanyai
(11-0, 8 KOs) got a 4th round stoppage of Rodel (Kid) Orais (now 13-13).
This win was described as “impressive” which might be pushing the
performance a bit far. Lookbanyai did show some power with 3 knockdowns in
the first three rounds before the fourth round ending. Using the fact that
Orais was a WBF International Champ just justifies a “good” win is
silly. That title means nothing. The fight was held at Rachaphat University
in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Also included in O.R.’s e-mail was the oft-repeated
statement in regard to the heavyweight division and it’s decline as the
force that moves and shakes boxing. One of the players missing from that
division for some time has been New Zealand’s David Tua. Well he’s back
with his first fight since a “gift” draw against Hashim Rahman back on
March 29 of ’03. Which for anyone that cares is 732 days between fights.
When asked why he was fighting now Tua replied, “My wife was standing over
me with a frying pan.” His opponent at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland was
22-5 Talmadge Griffis. Reporting live from Kiwi Land, where the fruits are
green and sheep make it to the Senior Prom, is old pal “Kia ora” Jack.
“After an absence of two years David Tua has returned
to the ring by knocking out Talmadge Griffis at 2:45 of the tenth and final
round. Talmadge, the light-hitting heavyweight from Colorado Springs USA
used his reach advantage to pepper the diminutive Tua with a constant series
of jabs effectively keeping out of range for most of the fight. The Tuaman
was never threatened and fought frustration as he stalked the crafty
Talmadge for most of the fight. The referee stopped the fight with only 15
seconds remaining as Tua had Talmadge on the ropes setting up for the coup
de grace. The TKO seemed to make everyone on both sides happy. Journeyman
Talmadge keeps his career alive. His showing will insure another good
payday, not bad for a guy who’s 22 - 6 - 3 and has lost five of his last
six fights. The Tuaman will live to see another fight, a real payday. His
new promoter, Cedric Kushner, formerly of Fleetwood Mac, can book a suite in
Vegas. The fans finally had a chance to see their champion win at
home...finally an audience that could truly appreciate a good blow on the
conch shell. And former Tua business partners, Kevin Barry and Martin Pugh,
will get a nice chunk of the action no matter what their role.”
More from Kia ora Jack: “Tua is starting to look a lot
like George Foreman both in the ring and off. He’s been working on his
image while a nightmare legal battle with his ex’s continues in Auckland.
He has a new manager, a new promoter and a new wardrobe. Tell me, how many
things does a boxer wear in the ring? Right, shoes, socks and trunks. Well
David, listen here, very short skirts and big butts are a hard match. What
works well for the Williams sisters and fat men who sing in the opera in
Milan, doesn’t necessarily go over well cigar-smoking, beer-swilling
punters in Waitakere City.” I want to go back to the “good blow on the
conch shell” deal. Oh what the heck. No surprise, I’ll drink to that.
Thai Triumphs in Bahrain
Round 2 Formula BMW Asia 2-3
April 2-3, Bahrain
Sakhir, Bahrain - Thailand’s Robert Boughey (Team
Meritus), 22, raced his way to a superb maiden win in Round 2 of Formula BMW
Asia at the Bahrain International Circuit today. Boughey stole the march on
pole-man and local hero Salman Al Khalifa (BAH/Team E-Rain), 23, off the
start and never looked back. The BMW Junior didn’t put a wheel wrong
throughout the 10-lap race, and took the chequered flag with a 1.344 second
margin. Al Khalifa crossed the line in second having dramatically taken
fellow Bahraini Mohammed Al Baharna (Minardi Team Asia) on the final lap.
The start of
round two of Formula BMW Asia series at Sakhir, Bahrain last weekend.
Boughey, now embarking on his second Formula BMW Asia
season, finished Round 1 in sixth position and his win today was the
culmination of skill, determination and sheer hard work. For Al Khalifa,
winner of the opening round, and Al Baharna, it was a proud moment to see
the Bahrain flag flying on the podium at their country’s Formula 1 Grand
Prix.
Al Khalifa tops the championship leader board after two
rounds with 35 points, followed by Boughey on 26, and Charlie-Ro Charlez
(MAS/Team Meritus) just one point adrift.
Al Khalifa said of his final lap dash: “I was gunning
for first all week - pole positions and two wins - so I wasn’t going to
settle for anything less than second!” Second he got, setting the fastest
lap of the race in the process. “I’m grateful to my team, Patrick
(Roberts), my engineer who is so experienced, and my sponsor and long-time
supporter, local Motorsport outfit, the Unstoppabulls.”
For Boughey, it was a race to remember, but his start was
key: “I had the revs right, and just kept looking ahead. When I could see
there was a gap, I eased off slightly, and just concentrated on holding
on.”
At the start, Boughey roared off the line, flanked by Al
Khalifa and Al Baharna only inches behind, but held his line into Turn 1 and
from that point on was away and clear to the chequered flag. However, it was
non-stop action behind him with the two Bahraini drivers dicing with fellow
countryman Hamed Al Fardan (BAH/Team Meritus) and producing some thrilling
on-track action.
Fifteen-year-old Indian driver, Armaan Ebrahim (Team
E-Rain), greatly impressed, just missing out on a podium finish to come in
fourth, and topping the Rookie Cup finishers. The talented youngster, son of
India’s first ever Formula 3 driver, started from sixth on the grid but a
mistake put him back several places. However, he had worked his way back up
through the field by the chequered flag.
Second Rookie Cup finisher was Charlie-Ro Charlez, 19,
who had scored a phenomenal second place in Round 1 and leads the Rookie Cup
standings from Ebrahim after two rounds, with BMW Junior driver An Suk-Won
(KOR/Team E-Rain), 18, in third.
Newcomers to the series, Ao’s Racing Team, learned much
from their first weekend of Formula BMW Asia, and the development of the
three China drivers, particularly BMW Junior Wang Jian-Wei, 20 and Chia On,
just 15, will be fascinating to follow through the season.
Rounds 3 and 4 of Formula BMW Asia will be held at
Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit on May 14 and 15. (Motosports Asia
Ltd.)
Fastest Lap: Salman Rashid Al Khalifa (BAH/Team E-Rain)
2:09.405/150.559kph
Pole Position: Salman Rashid Al Khalifa (BAH/Team E-Rain)
2:09.807/150.093kph
Formula BMW Asia Points Standings after Round 2: 1.Salman
Al Khalifa (BAH/Team E-Rain) 35 points, 2. Robert Boughey (THA/Team Meritus)
26 points, 3. Charlie-Ro Charlez (MAS/Team Meritus) 25 points, 4. Armaan
Ebrahim (IND/Team E-Rain) 20 points, 5. Michael Patrizi (AUS/Team Meritus)
18 points, 6. An Suk-Won (KOR/Team E-Rain) 12 points, 7. Hamed Al Fardan
(BAH/Team Meritus) 11 points, 8.Wang Jian-Wei (CHN/Ao’s Racing Team) 5
points, 9. Mitsunobu Endo (JPN/Team Meritus) 5 points, 10. Dejan de Zoysa
(SRI/Minardi Team Asia) 5 points.
Rookie Cup Standings after Round 2: 1.Charlie-Ro Charlez 35 points, 2.
Armaan Ebrahim 32 points, 3. Michael Patrizi 25 points, 4. An Suk-Won 22
points, 5. Wang Jian-Wei 14 points, 6. Dejan de Zoysa 14 points.
Moto GP - The season starts here
The season starts at Jerez, Spain on Sunday April 10. The
UBC presentation is likely to start at 5 p.m. with MotoGP starting at 7
p.m., but please check your UBC or other TV guide for correct times.
All of the entrants are listed below, as is the schedule
for the 2005 season.
Race Calendar
The 2005 MotoGP World Championship calendar is as follows:
10th April - Jerez, Spain
17th April - Jacarepagua, Brazil***
1st May - Shanghai, China
15th May - Le Mans, France
5th June - Mugello, Italy
12th June - Catalunya, Spain
25th June - Assen, Netherlands **
10th July - Laguna Seca, United States *
24th July - Donington Park, Great Britain
31st July - Sachsenring, Germany
28th August - Brno, Czech Republic
18th September - Motegi, Japan
25th September - Sepang, Malaysia
1st October - Doha, Qatar**
16th October - Phillip Island, Australia
30th October - Estoril, Portugal
6th November - Valencia, Spain
NB: *: Only MotoGP class
**: Saturday
***: subject to contract
Rule Changes
The controversial rule that previously allowed the
leading riders to call for a red flag to stop the race when it commenced
raining has gone. In its place is an undertaking to declare the race
conditions wet or dry at the start of a race. Subsequently, the rules allow
a rider to enter the pits during the course of the race and change to a
machine fitted with alternative tyres.
Official Tests at Catalunya
Honda have increased their efforts in MotoGP development
and testing in a bid to give Sete Gibernau a bike to win back the World
title back from Yamaha, last year’s winners with Valentino Rossi. The
results of official tests at Catalunya must give Honda hope since Sete was
in fact fastest and went home with a new BMW 1 Series for his work.
Some of the younger guns, notably Suzuki’s John Hopkins
were exceptionally quick at Jerez two weeks ago, albeit on qualifying tyres.
For followers of Rossi, don’t give up on him yet, it is
expected to be a close fought championship with Biaggi, Gibernau and Rossi
at the front of the pack most of the time with Tamada there on occasions.
Look out also for Nakano’s Kawasaki with the new ‘big-bang’ engine and
Capirossi’s Bridgestone shod Ducati as two of the darker horses.
|
