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Close encounters
on the Optimist water-lines
by Peter Cummins
It was “wall-to-wall Optimists” off the Royal Varuna
Yacht Club last weekend, when upwards of 70 of the little international
training dinghy for under-16-year-olds, took part in the 2005 “Admiral’s
Cup”, the ‘curtain raiser’ to the Optimist National Championships,
always hard-fought among the top sailors, with very close racing, and always
held in the previous week to the Nationals.
 Benjamas
Poonpat receives her overall first place trophy from Rear Adm. Sunan
Monthardpalin President, Junior Sailing Squadron of Thailand.
This year, the championships will be raced as an integral
section of the Ocean Marina Top-of-the-Gulf Regatta, to be sailed from April
30 to May 5 (three days only for the Optis). See story on the Gulf regatta,
on page 46.
The conditions were perfect, though Principal Race
Officer Dick van den Heuvel had problems with strong tides on Sunday,
whereby his committee boat, out in mid-stream, could not secure an anchor
line.
But our Dickie, never pessimistic, was even in better
form as his committee boat, finally secured was surrounded - and, from the
shore - obliterated - by 70 ‘Optimists’.
It was a tremendous competition with intense rivalry
between the Royal Thai Navy children and the host club Royal Varuna
youngsters.
It was
“wall-to-wall Optimists” off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club last weekend
for the Admiral’s Cup. (file photo/liquid-images.com)
Out of six races sailed, with one discard, it was a
little Thai lady who kept the boys in order, with Benjamas Poonpat,
finishing first overall and first girl, with 8 penalty points. Thanakan
Korkerd matched his little female compatriot, also with 8 points, but the
honours went to the: fairer sex” on a better high score count-back, with
three first placings to Thanakan’s two.
Then followed, in order of the open, Poonpet Sook-U-Dom
(15), Navee Thamsoontorn (22) and Nattawut Paenyaem (27), third to fifth,
respectively.
Then another young lady reared up, Angkana Poonsirikot,
sixth on 38 points and second girl to finish across the line.
First Varuna sailor, doing very well, indeed, was Matteo
De Vos, seventh on 40 points.
Other categories were: Narisara Yu-sawad, ninth overall
on 49 points and first in the under-12 group, with little Varuna lady,
Pasayaamay Narbonne, 18th overall on 94 points, first Varunian in the Girl
Group (9th) and first in the Beginner Girl Group. Varunian Naphat Tye, 20th
overall on 95 points, won the Beginner Boy Group.
It was an absolutely fearless bunch who went out on the
sea for the two-day regatta and are now preparing for their second clash,
this time a little further south, off the Ocean Marina.
This is the core of the next generation of national,
regional and, indeed, even Olympian champions.
See you at the beach (the Ocean Marina, this time around.)
Willett and Warwick take home Shenanigans Funhill Cup 2005
The Super Star team of Larry Willett and Ian Warwick
took out this year’s Shenanigans Funhill Cup after defeating the team of
Mikael Andersson and Chang Su on count-back.
This year, the annual fun but highly competitive event
was held at the very well prepared Burapha Golf Club and was played on
Thursday April 21, rather the usual Friday due to a small schedule
conflict.
 Gerry
Carpenter (left) congratulates Larry Willett (center) and Ian Warwick
(left) on winning the Shenanigan’s Funhill Cup 2005.
With warm weather but clear, all participants were
treated to a choice of Bloody Mary’s or Caesar’s as they were checked
in and collecting their Shenanigans Funhill Cup shirts and other
paraphernalia before proceeding to their starting holes for the shotgun
start. We were very pleased to welcome back Pat Ryan and pals having
traveled from Ireland to join us for the day after a pleasant week in
Phuket.
With everyone off exactly on time the earnest
competition for the pairs team scramble began with a few technical cum
novelty holes thrown for good measure. Not all the players would have a
chance to be in the winner’s circle but they did have an equal chance to
try their skills at the long drive, straight drive and the usual near pin
and longest putt made holes.
After a remarkably rapid round players returned to
Shenanigans to prepare for an evening of entertainment to be followed by
the awards presentation. First things first being the proper order, all
the players were treated to their choice a couple of pints of Heineken or
Tiger beer. Then on to the exceptional carvery buffet prepared especially
for the occasion by Sunny the head chef and his very capable staff.
The entertainment was a surprise to many, who would
have known that Elvis would visit Shenanigans during the evening?
Actually, not exactly the original Elvis, the fun impersonation being put
on by one of our local stars Mike Gerrard.
Down to the nitty gritty, Dennnis Willettt, being the
nominated MC for the event, went straight into a quick round of lucky draw
prizes before getting on with the technical/novelty awards. Those awards
completed, another burst of lucky draws ensued and then it was on to the
winners for the day. With the competition being extremely tight the
champions, runners up, third and fourth places were announced and trophies
and prizes presented. This years champions were none other than the Super
Star team of Larry Willett and Ian Warwick having pipped the team of
Mikael Andersson and Chang Su by count-back on the last six holes. Dennis,
now in full flow, distributed even more lucky draws to the point where
everyone went home a winner.
Special thanks are due to Dene Mundy and Mike Gerrard
handling check in while Trevor Carnahof was busy running all sorts of
chores and Ian Edwards executed signage for the day. The exceptional
organization of Burapha Golf Club was commented upon by all players and
our thanks go to Mike and Patrick for their invaluable and highly
professional assistance.
Results:
Champions, Larry Willett and Ian Warwick net 64.4.
Runners-up Mikael Andersson and Chang Su net 64.4. Third place, Nora
Haugsjordet and Mark Guthrie net 66.2. In fourth were Phil Taylor and
Lyndon Przyblski (a.k.a. Teflon) net 66.4
Near pins were won by Mikael Andersson, Charlie Davlin Chang Su, Gerry
Carpenter, Ann Maxwell, John McHugh, Graham Hiskett and Izzy Freedman..
Longest drives went to Chang Su, Mark Guthrie and Nora Haugsjordet.
Stright drives were won by Ian Edwards, John O’Connor and Ann Maxwell.
Longest first putts were won by Mikael Andersson, Paul Sabin and Pat Ryan.
Pattaya Panthers warm up for the big one!
A blisteringly hot Sunday afternoon at Horseshoe Point
had many players shaking their heads and asking themselves why on earth they
play rugby in this weather. However, the doubts were soon put aside as the
Bangkok Bangers veterans side, the Bangkok Japanese and the Pattaya Panthers
came together to play a triangular warm up tournament in preparation for the
Chris Kays Memorial Rugby 10s starting on Saturday April 30.
Jimmy
Howard Pattaya Panthers chairman and one of the ‘more experienced’
players, joins the ‘ruck’ in a game on the Horseshoe Point pitch.
(Pattaya Mail file photo)
The event got under way with the hosts taking on the
Bangers. This team of venerable rugby stalwarts contain players in their
30s, 40s and 50s. Paradoxically it was Pattaya who claimed the two oldest
players on the pitch in Mickey Price and Jimmy Howard, both in their 60s!
The game was played under veteran’s rules, which limit kicking and pushing
in scrums in order to “even” the playing field. A hard fought game of 12
aside was played out with some moments of real individual brilliance. The
final score was 5 - 5. A moral victory for the Bangers over their younger
opponents!
The second game saw the young (?) and fit (??) Panthers
turn straight around and play the fresh Bangkok Japanese. The Japanese used
all their advantages to full effect and soon scored two well worked tries.
The Panthers made some personnel changes in the second half and made a
stronger showing. However the game still finished with the Japanese on top
20 - 5.
The third game saw a refreshed Bangers side take on the
Japanese. It was an excellent game of end-to-end rugby and remarkably the
Bangers experience showed through and saw them finish the game on top.
The fourth and final game was a 15-aside game that saw a
mixed bag of players from each team play together. Each team comprised 5
Japanese, 5 bangers and 5 Panthers. It was a great 20 minutes of
barnstorming rugby that was enjoyed by all and in which the result was not
important!
As always, at The Horseshoe Point, the teams finished up
with a cooling down and re-hydration session in the pool. It was a great day
and saw each side putting together a coherent team for the upcoming Pattaya
10s in memory of Chris Kays.
If you are interested in the Pattaya 10s or in joining the Pattaya
Panthers please visit our website: www.pattayapanthers.com
No Competition at the Top
Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League, Thursday April 21 saw Simple
Simon host San Snack Bar. As predicted this was a long drawn out, close
affair with some nail biting play. The late interval came with the match all
square, was there more tension to follow? Indeed there was, but the hosts
took all of the doubles to run out 6 - 3 overall winners and go clear at the
top of the table with an unbeaten record thus far.
Players
from both Moonshine and Paweena’s showed that even newcomers to the league
can provide a gripping round on the table.
Hide-a-Way were visitors to lowly Lucky Bar, the name
proved appropriate as they took 5 games off their visitors to drop
Hide-a-Way to second place in the table while climbing several places
themselves.
Elsewhere, Moonshine Place (5th on the table) hosted new
kids on the block, Paweena’s, who were just one place lower. Bank shots
and astounding pots seemed to be the theme of the evening. Without a doubt
the finest pot of the night was by Moonshine’s Geoff (English). He drove
the cue ball, with the rest, to the end of the table to clear his
opponent’s colour (which was hiding the black from a direct shot) and sunk
the black in the top corner pocket. After the singles games it was 4 - 2 to
Moonshine, Paweena’s strongest players being Rob and Jimmy taking
Paweena’s two singles games.
After the break for Ted’s satisfying stew, the fray was
rejoined. In the first doubles, Paweena’s took the gift offered by
Geoff’s (USA) miss and Jimmy sank the black directly. The second doubles
went the way of the home team (Geoff and John) after a tight, tense game.
Moonshine’s pair of “old farts” won the final frame; surprisingly
beating the “young guns” from Paweena’s to end the night 6 - 3 in the
hosts favour.
Bolaget once again played below form and Twilight Zone
can consider themselves unfortunate to lose by the minimum margin of 4 - 5.
Rose & Thistle took their first win of this season to
sink S&N Palace 6 - 3, is this R & T raising their game or just a
flash in the pan? Next weeks visit by R&T to Hide-a-Way should give us
the answer!
Similarly, Country Club also took their first victory of
the season beating visitors Woaw’s Bar 5 - 4.
Next week’s fixtures sees Simple Simon away to S & N Palace, no
upset is predicted for that game which should see S.S. consolidate their
position as league leaders with an unbeaten record. Moonshine Place visits
Woaw’s Bar, this is an opportunity for them to continue their early form
and maintain a podium position in the table.
The Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League Table
The Grapevine tees off
Thursday, April 21 saw the first of The Grapevine
restaurant’s regular Thursday golf, with 24 participants heading off to
Phoenix. This followed a fine complimentary breakfast of bacon, sausages,
egg, toast & tea or coffee provided by the friendly staff.
(l-r)
Carl Engel, Bob Pearce, John Sinclair, Ian Covill and Joe Albright, (front row)
Grapevine girls Da and Nong.
To borrow some horse-racing parlance the track was good and
the weather fine, conditions conducive to a good days golf as it turned out.
Scores, although not outstanding, left plenty of room for “what could have
been” stories later at the bar. One such story was of Ian Covill who turned in
24 points only to fade to a solid but not spectacular 38. This was still good
enough for 2nd in the A division, which was won by Bob Pearce with another good
showing with 39. Bob is looking forward to being a single figure handicapper for
the first time in his career, and rightly proud he is too.
Division B saw a blanket finish with Joe Albright taking the
‘bikkies’ with 36 points, John Sinclair squeaked in to 2nd money with 35.
Each of these boys also collected a Near Pin so they were obviously playing
steady golf on the day.
The technical prizes other than the aforementioned were
shared amongst Klaus Schiffer (2) Jeff Wylie (2) Ian Covill, Bob Lawrence &
Nooket Gummer. David Robinson was the recipient of the lucky draw.
All in all, this was a very successful first effort with a good turn out. The
players were unanimous in their support for The Grapevine venue, which provided
great food, a spacious, breezy open-air courtyard, and good service. Anyone
interested in joining the Grapevine golfing group on Thursdays can come on down
to Soi 0, Regent Marina. Sign up sheet is on the board. All are welcome. For
more information, call 038 361 736 or 06 022 6995. Cheers & Good Golfing. JW
International Leader Board
PSC golf from McAllister’s Bar and Grill
Friday April 22, 2005
The international character of the golfing community around
Pattaya was exemplified by the results of the regular Friday McAllister’s PSC
tournament at Century Ban Chang last week. The winner with 42 points was John
Gibson (Canadian), second was Mikael Andersson (Sweden) with 41 points, and
third was Chang Suh (Korean/American) on 40 points.
Winners John
Gibson (center right), Mikael Andersson (left) and Chang Suh (right) outside
McAllisters along the ‘street of dreams’.
All who play this course will know that these are exceptional
scores on a course that continually challenges golfers of all abilities. The
winner is no stranger to the winner’s circle, as was the runner-up who won
last week with the same 41 Stableford points. If Big Brother Handicapper is
properly informed of his exploits, there is little doubt that before long Mikael
will be called to the tee-box as a single-digit handicap golfer.
On a day with so many golfers wanting to shoot the lights
out, there are doubtless many stories that have not been reported. One that can
be recorded accurately is that of Larry “Grey Goose” Willett who hit booming
drives centre-fairway all day. Despite the always-encouraging banter of his
playing partner, Carl Baumann, he refused to demonstrate his signature
duck-hook, such refusal being perhaps the only disappointment of a great day.
Back to the winner, John Gibson, who was overheard recounting
his shot of the day - a real worm - burner that rolled right up and on to the
green. Still we all know that to shoot 42 points at Ban Chang would have
required our winner to have hit the sweet spot many times - all credit to him.
As we talk about sweet spots, there is none finer than
McAllisters Bar and Grill, our sponsor for this regular event. Located
strategically in the centre of the rapidly expanding Street of Dreams in Ban
Chang, our harried golfers are treated by jovial host Don Mc Allister to an
air-conditioned environment, a complimentary buffet, lovely bar staff, a very
good live band, and an opportunity to recount what could have been.
Although this is a relaxed event, there is always a starter at the first tee,
be it either Gerry Carpenter or Dennis Willett, and players will always get a
game provided that they show up ready for battle before 8 a.m. Players are also
reminded that Pattaya Sports Club rules still apply, in particular the
requirement for all players to putt out despite their playing partners offering
to concede the put. Failure to do so will require the player to record zero
Stableford points for that hole.
First Top-of-The-Gulf Regatta opens at Ocean Marina
Peter
Cummins, Pattaya
The inaugural Top of the Gulf Regatta opens tomorrow
(Saturday, April 30) at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club (OMYC) and will continue
through Thursday 5 May (Coronation Day in the Kingdom), with Tuesday, May 3, a
lay-day. This is usual in regattas of this magnitude, is also kept in reserve
should there be the necessity of re-sailing any possible cancelled races -
rather unlikely with the superb conditions currently prevailing in the Northern
Gulf.
Saturday will be given over to registration and a skippers’
briefing at 5.30 p.m., followed by the opening party at the splendid waterfront
lounge of the Ocean Marina.
Sunday, May 1, signals the start of racing at 10 a.m. and an
evening party at the same venue as Saturday.
Racing will continue on Monday, at 10 a.m., followed in the
evening by a cocktail party a little further north at the Royal Varuna Yacht
Club, one of the Regatta’s principal supporters.
Race Day Three will be held on Wednesday, May 4, again
starting off the Ocean Marina at 10 a.m., with a social gathering at the Ocean
Marina’s Sailors Bar where, no doubt, the stories and ‘discussions’ of the
three days’ racing, will flow as quickly as the Heineken beer.
The last day’s racing will be on Thursday May 5, which will
also incorporate the ‘Coronation Cup’, with a Royal Awards Ceremony for the
Platu Fleet racing in the Cup at 6.30 p.m. and the Regatta Prize Giving and
Closing Party, starting at 7 p.m. and finishing...?
This new Regatta pioneered by Bill Gasson who must be one of
the major catalysts for the incredible development of yachting, cruising and the
marine sector generally, is set to join some of the major events around the
Kingdom such as the Koh Samui Regatta, the Phuket Kings Cup Regatta, Phuket Race
Week and the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, to mention the main ones.
Coinciding with the Coronation Cup, this first Top of the
Gulf Regatta will consist of the programme noted above - a series of races
sailed around the beautiful Gulf of Thailand just off Jomtien beach. Hosted by
OMYC and sponsored by Raimon Land, the regatta is going to be a hugely
successful event, combining multiple racing classes. Social activities each
evening will no doubt add a festive spirit to the series, sailed in sunny
tropical weather conditions with flat seas and good west southwest winds at
around 12 - 15 knots.
The Pattaya Mail and the Pattaya Blatt newspapers have joined
the list of sponsors and supporters listed here, with additionally, the web site
prepared by Hydro Consulting (Thailand) and imagery offered by Liquid-Images.
Bill Gasson expects some 250 craft, with upwards of 400
participants coming form 15 countries and, apart from the annual Coronation Cup
for the Platu Keelboats, the TOG Regatta will also incorporate the 2005 Optimist
National Championships.
For further information, visit the web-site: www. topofthegulfregatta.com or
email to: info@topofthe gulfregatta.com
Songkran proves
a real water hazard
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday April 17
Green Valley
Stableford
1st A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, 37 pts
2nd A Flight: Chris Stewart, 35 pts
1st B Flight: Fred Theobald, 41 pts
2nd B Flight: Mark Bonner, 38 pts
With some 27 players seeking the relative dryness of Royal
Hills and Khao Yai and another half dozen seeking running tap water in
Kanchanaburi, the Society’s numbers for the week were greatly impacted. You
can talk about the Water Hazard on the #A3 at Khao Kheow, or the water in
front of #14, the signature hole at Green Valley, or anything on the right
side of any hole at Eastern Star, but as anyone who stayed in Pattaya this
past week nothing is quite as hazardous as the eight days of cultural lust
that is the Extreme City during Songkran.
For any of our readers it is a rare Sunday when there are
only two flights and only two places, but that doesn’t diminish the fine
efforts of A Flight winner Jim Wickstrom who shot gross 76, for 37 points,
and Cool Papa Fred Theobald who almost slipped into the 80s while amassing 41
points. Aussie Chris Stewart, who will rejoin the lads in a month or two,
continued his fine play with a second place 35 points in A Flight and the
2005 Gold Medal Winner made good on his last Society outing of this holiday
with 38 points in B Flight.
Wednesday April 20
Burapha - Crystal & Dunes
Blue Tees
Stableford
1st Place: Roger Koehler, 39 pts
2nd Place: Peter Barathy, 36 pts
3rd Place: Don Lehmer, 35 pts
Experienced Pattaya golfers are probably wondering what
the Crystal and Dunes courses at Burapha are. Well it is code for the old C
& D, or the old West Course. Now what are the names for the new A & B
courses? My vote is for Ann and Bee, two of my favorite dancers at the TQ,
but I’m prejudice.
In any event, the well conditioned course was set upon by
Mr. Koehler and his 39 points, a round that evidenced a new found confidence
he found in his game. It was generaly felt that this confidence was a direct
result of his wife, Betty, taking the day off. Peter Barathy made it in time
for the bus and in time to take the second slot, with “Lady’s Man”
Lehmer in third.
Friday April 22
Phoenix -
Mountain & Ocean
Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue A Flight: Simon Philbrook, net 71
2nd Blue A Flight: John Emmerson, net 74
3rd Blue A Flight: Gary Blackburne, net 74
1st Blue B Flight: Mark Joshua, net 69
2nd Blue B Flight: Chris Davisson, net 70
3rd Blue B Flight: Steve Hamstad, net 74
1st Place White Flight - Larry Nicholas, net 75
Near Pins: #M4 Yasou Suzuki; #O7 Jim “Darkness”
Moreton
The Boys are back in town! The Boys are back in town! That
wasn’t the girls of Soi 6, of either category, talking. No, they had their
hands, and other things full, with Cobra Gold. No it was the Society, happy
to have its numbers bolstered by the return of the Songkran refugees.
Emboldened by the refreshing hiatus from Pattaya, the gang, almost en masse,
stepped back to the Blue Tees at Phoenix’ Mountain and Ocean, enough, that
is, to support two flights and three positions each. Mark Joshua was Man of
the Match with a sparkling net 69 and top spot in the B Flight of the
Bombers. He was just clear of Chris Davisson’s net 70. Relative newcomer,
and a quick friend of all, Steve Hamstad, rounded out the Blue B. Simon
Philbrook, himself in hiding in Pattaya for the duration of The Water Fight,
led Blue’s A Flight with 71. The Road Trip leader, Golf Manager John
Emmerson, unburdened after five days of being driver, organizer and
concierge, came second with a more favorable net 74 then Gary Blackburne’s.
The Irish Crustacean, sensing an opening, as only he can, played the forward
flight with the ladies, children and invalids and took the sole prize in the
Whites.
Yasou Suzuki, with his pockets bulging with The Haven’s
money, had a quiet day, but the consummate nice guy managed a Near Pin.
“Darkness”, of whom little can be said that is nice, garnered the second
Near Pin.
Songkran Road Trip
Six days, April 15 to 20
Royal Hills, 2 days: Stableford & Medal/Stroke
Khao Cha-ngok: Medal/Stroke
Mission Hills Khoa Yai: Bogie
Voyager Panorama: 2-person Better Ball
Forest Hills: 2-person Scramble
As is evident from the above, the lads and lasses had a full competitive
schedule for the six-day journey and fun was had by all. As the Golf Manager
noted, “Beware the Injured Golfer” and Robbie Bennett made it a reality.
A few days prior to departure, Robbie was “up country” and forgot to read
the birthdate on his Driver’s license. Maybe he didn’t realize how long
ago the 2480’s were. In any event he was running down a mountain side and
twisted his knee which a post Road Trip MRI revealed to be a torn Medial
Collateral Ligament in his knee. Despite the continual pain, he is thinking
of leaving it, as is, because it seems to have cured what ailed his golf game
as he was the leading winner of baht on the Trip. Other high points of the
trip were Noy Pommoen’s 31 points on 9 holes of the two-person better ball
at Forest Hills. The rest of the her scores didn’t come anywhere near
threatening her handicap, but she either experienced an epiphany of sorts or
her partner, Graham Johnson, is coach of the year. We don’t know what he
told Noy, but we are sure he never stopped speaking. Then there is the Irish
Crustacean and The Piano Man with the new 88s. Was it a mis-steak? Will we
ever know? Do we care?
Julie Yang - Thirty yards on
Mike Franklin
At the age of nine years old, adding thirty yards to an
average drive of one-ninety yards within an eight month period is some
achievement.
However, not a problem for dedicated Korean Junior
golfer, Julie Yang. Having recorded her twenty second championship title at
the Pepsi Little Peoples Golf Championships in June 2004, Julie took time
out from competitive golf to spend six months, from August 2004 to January
2005, on serious weight training through swimming, yoga and cycling and with
good result. She gained five centimeters increase in height to one-forty,
and five kilos in weight to forty kilos, enabling a more powerful swing and
an increase of thirty yards off the tee.
 At
nine years of age old Julie Yang is a rising golf star already winning
twenty-four Championships since 2002.
The change to a Taylor Made r5 dual N 10.5 deg. loft
driver, with sponsor MFS 58+ shaft, also helped to benefit from the
improvement in Julie’s physique.
In fact, it was ‘all change’ again in the bag to
Miura MC 101 Head irons, Miura 52, 56 & 60 loft wedges, a Taylor Made V
steel 18 deg. loft 5 Wood, Mizuno Zephyr NX 26 deg. loft 7 wood, all with
MFS sponsor 58+ shafts. An Odyssey 2-ball putter and Volvic Bismuth balls
complete the bag.
The result? Two more titles in 2005 by winning the Grohe
NGC Junior Tournament in February and the Thailand Eastern Junior
Championship in March. A total of twenty-four Championship titles since
winning the UBC Junior World Golf Tour in December 2002.
In March/April this year, Julie spent five weeks in Korea
and enjoyed tuition from a leading Korean professional, himself taught by
Butch Harmon. Golf magazines took the opportunity to interview her and
Korean broadcast companies KBS, SBS and JTV featured programs about
Julie’s outstanding success in Junior golf.
KBS is currently filming a human documentary on Julie to
run over two hours in length. Part of that will include footage from the
third interview for Pattaya Mail Television that I did with Julie at Diana
Garden Resort. Hopefully, Pattaya Mail Television will have the opportunity
to screen the KBS documentary at some time in the future.
For me, doing the third interview with Julie Yang (and it
certainly won’t be the last), I continue to be impressed with the quiet
self assurance of this young lady.
Her unassuming confidence and modesty in responding to
questions about her success, and the underlying dedication to working on her
golf game, physical fitness and mental attitude almost makes one forget she
will still only be ten years old in June 2005.
Golf, it is said, is a ‘Mind Game’ and Julie’s
maturity and attitude to golf for her young age will stand her in good stead
as she goes to the USA from May to July to compete in eleven Junior
Championships through Arizona, Illinois, California, Florida and Virginia.
They include Pepsi Little Peoples again, Peoria Junior Masters, the Callaway
Junior World Golf Championship and the US Kids Golf World Championship. Her
Father is with her on the USA tour and is her caddy when allowed to be on
the bag. Julie then returns to Thailand in August with hopefully some more
titles, golf highlights from the tour to talk about, and an opportunity for
me to interview her again for Pattaya Mail Television.
Finally, in an IT world it is not surprising that Julie has a sponsors
and fan club established. So, if you want to keep up with Julie Yang’s
career in golf just go to her home page at www. julieyang.net. That is what
I will be doing until she comes back to Thailand in August.
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday April 18
Eastern Star
Stableford
1st Kuni Wakabashi, 37 pts
2nd Roy Thornton, 34 pts
3rd Chris Davisson, 32 pts - cb9 16
4th Yazuo Suzuki, 32pts - cb9 15
5th Takeshi Hakozaki, 32 pts - cb9 14
Eastern Star was in particularly good shape after the
recent rains with good growth being shown on the fairways and reasonable
greens that were consistent in roll and pace.
Kuni Wakabashi took his first win at The Haven by a clear
three strokes over the chasing group headed by Roy and closely followed by
Chris, Yazuo, and Takeshi.
Nobody managed a two in the second division so the pot
was carried forward but Rich Wibrow made one in the second division to sweep
the pool.
Wednesday April 20
Green Valley
Stableford
1st Barry Chadbourn, 37 pts - cb9 18, cb6 13
2nd Roy Thornton, 37 pts - cb9 18, cb6 12
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki, 36 pts - cb9 23
4th Trudy Chadbourn, 36 pts - cb9 18
Barry Chadbourn continued his recent run of good form to
consign Roy to second place for the second event running but this time by
virtue of a shot better on the back six. Takeshi again showed strongly,
taking third with a magnificent back nine of 5 under to pip the best efforts
of Trudy.
In a reversal of fortune there were no winners in the
second division of the twos but the first division including the carry over
was shared between Chang Suh and Al Rolnik.
Friday April 22
Siam
Stroke Play
1st Fred Theobald, net 70
2nd Trudy Chadbourn, net 74
3rd Bob Lindborg, net 75
Fred Theobald took a rare win away from the regulars at
The Haven in a resounding result that left him four shots clear of the
field. Trudy Chadbourn continued her good streak of form to take second from
Bob Lindborg in third place.
There were no twos in either of the divisions so the
pools were carried forward.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Tom Maude and also welcomed
back Mike Allidi. Tom made his mark on the first tee when responding to Bob
Lindborg s enquiry of “What part of Australia do you come from” with
“New Zealand”. Obviously when you come from the North East of England,
everyone not from your village all sound the same.
McKnight in shining armour...
PSC Golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Monday, April 18, was a nice overcast day with no rain and
a slight breeze. For April, it was a nice change and a perfect day for golf
as the scores showed. The shining knight was again on top - Gordon McKnight
scorched the field coming in with 44 points. With his game on track, there
was no way anyone was going to catch Gordon for the day. John Gibson tried
but was relegated to second with 42 points. It was the best game that John
has shot in a long time but not enough to win the day. It was a disappointed
John who walked into the Caddy-Shack Two.
 Gordon
McKnight shone brightly at Siam with a scorching 44 points.
Coming in a few strokes back at 39 points were Alan Pearce
and Jacques Thibault. Both golfers scored well but not enough for the day.
Tony Oakes was next with 38 points. All great scores which have won before
but the leaders were too hot to touch.
The score for the bottom spot was tied at 25 points each. As I stated last
week, Mee Sinpru, like other Thai girls would improve her game. She improved
her game by 12 shots from last week and tied Dick Caggiano. Dick was granted
the cellar position as Miss Sinpru had left the scene. Giving Mee and Dick a
scare was Paul Kinner. Paul came sliding in at 26 points and almost hit the
cellar. Right on his shoulders were Don Ratcliffe and Paul Donahue holding
the rest down in place. By next week I’m sure that a new golfer will be
ready to take up the bag and drop into the cellar for a visit.
Dick was
granted the cellar position after Mee made a quick exit.
PSC golf from
the Cafe Kronborg
Eastern Star,
Monday April 11
Eastern Star was this week’s venue for the motley crew
from the Kronborg, all with high expectations no doubt following the
weekend’s live coverage of the Masters from Augusta, showing us all how it
should be done.
 Marty
Allred (left) and TJ Stockinger won their respective divisions at Easter
Star.
However, dreams of holing 35ft putts and birdies galore,
never quite materialised for the majority of our heroes, as the reality of
this difficult golf course combined with a stiff breeze and searing heat,
took its toll.
Two players however did demonstrate that at least they
had being paying attention to the weekends exploits of Tiger and Co. as they
turned in excellent scores to win their respective flights.
In the B flight, first place went to TJ Stockinger with
39pts, a remarkable performance from a man who has had to overcome more than
his fair share of medical problems and is an example to us all on how to
“just get on with it”. Runner up in B flight was Barry Kerr (35 pts)
with Gunchi Nobou (33pts) in third.
 Ebrahim
and Dave Richardson relaxing at the Khao Kheow Clubhouse after winning their
respective divisions.
In the A flight, a very notable performance from Marty
Allred scoring 35pts off his 4 handicap took the honours with Clive Robinson
(34pts) taking second place on count back from Kuni Wakabayashi.
A good time was had by most and even the spirits of the
downhearted were cheered in the knowledge that the Admiral is returning from
lands afar to lead them to the challenge next time.
Thursday April 21, Khao Kheow Stableford
Well here we are again, water logged or not it is back to
the Golf. This was a really nice week, as noted by the previous day of
competition above, when The Admiral and The K.S.M. took advantage and
deserted for a week whilst the water flew. The Admiral went back home to see
his elderly parents, both well, whilst the K.S.M. visited ‘The Village’
as we are all known to do, usually at this time of year, if it is not Soi
Dao.
So to the day and a good turnout assembled to go to this
tough course, perhaps memories had been dimmed by water as all were
optimistic of a good score, well they were wrong, as usual.
Out on the course the weather seemed fine, a little
breezy but surely if we could not score well in this situation with a good
course in fine condition we never would. Of course, then it rained. Try to
get a ball out of the K.K. rough when it is wet, a nightmare.
So day over, all gathered in the restaurant to see how
well we had done, and of course we did not do well, still a win is a win. So
in the A Flight, 0 to 16, the winner was Ebrahim with 32 points, ahead of
Ted Morris in second with 31 points and Takeshi Hakozaki third with 30
points.
In the B Flight, 17 up, the scores were not much better, with the winner
Dave Richardson, back from his holiday, scoring a day high 33 points. In
second was Barry Kerr with 31 points ahead of a countback on 28 points, for
third, won by Kevin Dinan over John Swanson. I used to keep a record of PSC
Vs. The Course, but it got so depressing I gave up. T.T.F.N.
Sun, sand and water!
PSC golf with The Bunker
(l-r) David
Johnson, Jim Payne, John Hughes, Mitch Malone, John King and Mick Ramshaw on
the 5 day golf trip to Kanchanaburi during Songkran.
Burapha Country Club
On Monday, April 18 the Bunker Boys visited Burapha
Country Club for a medal competition. A very hot day, which did not agree
with George Redgewell. He was forced to call it a day after just 6 holes.
George is in his 70s now and the sun was just too much for him, but he has
recovered just fine. In division “A” Mark Thomas won with a net 68.
Second was Granville Swanton with 75 and third place went to Mitch Malone
with a score of 76. Division “B” saw Pat Murphy winning for the first
time, Pat scored 69 net. A tie for second place between David Johnson and
Peter Rink both with a net 73. Near the pins were won by Willy Turnbull,
Mark Thomas, Peter Ring and Pat Murphy.
Eastern Star Golf Club
On Wednesday at Eastern Star the boys from the Bunker
went for a stableford competition. There was another player casualty, but it
was not the sun this time. Brian Bellis trying to drive the green on a par 4
pulled a muscle in his back and was helped off the course after only 6
holes. In division “A” a tie between John King and Geoff Parker both
with 35 stableford points shared first place. Third came Eddie Martin with
34 points. In division “B” David Johnson was victor with 35 points,
joint second were Joe Pacchainelli and Mark Thomas both with 34 points. Near
the pins were won by Geoff Parker (2), Brian Bellis (before the injury), and
Bill Hewitt.
Green Valley
Country Club
Because of the high season, it had been several months
since the last visit to Green Valley. The weather was good and the course
was beautiful. Geoff Parker won division “A” with net 71. Second was
John Hughes with 72 and third place went to Bill Hewitt with 73. In division
“B” Mark Thomas brought in his fourth win of the month with a net 70.
Runner-up was David Johnson with 73 and third was Mick Ramshaw with 77. Near
the pins were won by John Hughes, David Johnson, Granville Swanton and Eddie
Martin.
Songkran Getaway Competition
Six regular Bunker Boys departed Pattaya on April 12 for
a 5-day golf competition. They visited Kanchanaburi Nichigo Resort, Blue
Sapphire, Mission Hills and the Grand Garden. The winners on the tour were
Jim Payne and Mitch Malone at Blue Sapphire, Mitch Malone at Mission Hills
and at Nichigo Resort. Jim winning again at Grand Garden. The overall winner
was Mitch Malone. The other 4 may not have been on a golfing trip.
The Bunker Boys are located on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco and
across the street from Tony’s Disco II). Monthly golf schedules are
available or consult the Pattaya Mail every week.
The Beautiful Game?: Lights! Camera! Tears!
Riz Taylor
It’s reaching that stage of the season when eyes are
cast towards the wrong end of the Premiership table. Those teams that
largely go unnoticed from August to April suddenly become the focus of
everybody’s attention.
This year looks like being no different, as things really
hot up in the battle for Premiership safety. Freefalling Southampton find
themselves bottom of the league with only a handful of chances to save their
twenty-seven year run in the top flight. Can West Bromwich Albion build on
their steady improvement? Will Crystal Palace eclipse the pair of them? And
can Delia Smith cook up a miracle at Norwich?
We won’t know the outcome for a week or two, thanks to
recent results keeping things on a knife-edge. One thing is for certain
though, and that’s the guarantee of a few tears, as fans’ dreams of
another year’s Premiership football are dashed upon the rocks of
relegation.
It’s the same old story every season. With these final
few games come tearful fans sat in stadiums, weeping uncontrollably after
their side has gone down. I can never get my head around this. Haven’t
they had the best part of six months to come to terms with the possibility?
And is football really THAT important to justify making
yourself a laughing stock with people that know you? If you ask me these cry
babies are simply looking for their fifteen minutes of fame, but surely
there are smarter ways to embarrass yourself than to sit around blubbering
in an empty football stadium. Why not go the whole way and experience total
humiliation? I hear ‘Big Brother’ is starting again soon and they’re
looking for contestants.
This year could be the turn of Southampton fans to loiter
around their St. Mary’s stadium dabbing teary eyes come the May 15. The
Saints, appalling of late and comprehensively thrashed by neighbours and
arch-rivals Portsmouth last Sunday, now find themselves bottom of the
Premiership after being dragged into a relegation battle they seem
ill-equipped to deal with. The unlikely duo of chairman Rupert Lowe and
manager Harry Redknapp may be about to get their comeuppance. The irony of
last week’s mauling will not be lost on Redknapp, who left Portsmouth in
rude health earlier in the season to ‘spend more time with his family’
before reappearing down the road at St. Mary’s two weeks later.
Aside from listening to the home fans chant “Judas,
give us a wave,” the po-faced Redknapp had further salt rubbed into his
wounds as the striker whose career he revived, Lomana LuaLua, played a
pivotal role in sealing Southampton’s fate by scoring two superb goals at
Fratton Park. Tomorrow sees Saints face Norwich City at home in their
biggest game in years, perhaps even more so than the FA Cup final a couple
of years ago. This is followed by a difficult trip to Crystal Palace next
week, and then a final day’s visit from minnows Manchester United, of all
people. Three points in that game may be crucial, and perhaps we’ll see
the legendary Matt Le Tissier wheeled out of retirement.
If poor form, a defeat in the FA Youth Cup Final last
week (with two minutes left of extra time) and then that derby massacre
aren’t enough for Saints fans, Norwich have been playing like Real Madrid
lately, or at least as close as it gets to ‘galactico’ football at
Carrow Road. A memorable scalp of Manchester United in early April began a
run that has seen them take ten points from a possible twelve and move up to
a heady eighteenth position at the time of writing. Nose bleeds all-round.
Thanks to some great performances from England Under-21 striker Dean Ashton,
who is attracting interest from the big boys, Norwich now find themselves in
with a real shout of avoiding the drop. It may be too little, too late for
the Canaries, who may also have to face their beloved Ipswich Town
neighbours replacing them in the division. Both Southampton and Norwich will
be desperate for points, and that makes for a great game in prospect.
With both Palace and West Brom also picking up points
here and there, the race for seventeenth place looks like eclipsing all
others for excitement. But it makes you wonder - why haven’t these
improving sides shown this form throughout the season?
One thing that’s pleasing to see is that, although
difficult, staying in the Premiership after being promoted isn’t quite the
impossible feat that many commentators will have you believe it might be.
Perhaps the days of a Newcastle or a Blackburn coming up and influencing the
title race are gone, but it won’t have gone unnoticed by fans of
Sunderland, Ipswich and Wigan that with shrewd investment, good coaching and
above all belief, Premiership safety is achievable.
But somebody has to go down of course, so tune in over the next few weeks
to see these sides fight the big ‘R’. And if you’re a supporter of the
sides battling the drop to the ever-glamorous ‘Championship’, don’t
cry. Unless there are TV cameras nearby of course, in which case let it all
out.
Three Sisters edge out Cafe Kronborg
PSC Friday Bowling League
Three Sisters edge out Cafe Kronborg to take second place
on the ladder. Brother D won 4 - 0 from Mai Thai extending their lead over
second place and dropping Mai Thai into last place, Three Sisters were 4 - 0
with Jack Tar moving them a half game ahead of Cafe Kronborg who lost 3 - 1
to Cafe Ole.
Domicil managed to beat Q Cars 3 - 1 while VFW split 2 - 2 with Friends,
and House of Golden Coin won 3 - 1 over Shenanigans. there were no games
over 200 and only three 500 series.
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Soi 6 Quiz League
DSL Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
PSC Thursday Darts
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
If you’re around to read this week’s edition of The
Square Ring then you should be congratulated as having survived another
Songkran. There are many things that I miss when away from the Land of
Smiles but Songkran isn’t one of them. I’m guessing that many of you
stayed indoors. Why would I come to that conclusion? Got an email from Pal
“O.R.” in which he mentions watching an interview by Geraldo Rivera of
actor/boxer Mickey Rourke. “I have a question for you: Did the actor
Mickey Rourke ever fight as a professional? I saw him interviewed by Geraldo
last week and Geraldo made the comment that Rourke fought professionally and
was 20 and 0. I find that hard to believe especially after they showed
Rourke sparring. He looked about as adept as your buddy Monkey House trying
to find another beer in the icebox. Could he have been some type of club
fighter when his acting career took a dive? This question will give you
something to do besides daydream about ****** in her see-through nightie.”
Nothing will stop me from dreaming about ****** in her see-though nightie.
That aside, I did some research on Rourke.
Geraldo is partially correct. Rourke fought from 1991 to
1994 under the training of Freddie Roach. Mickey’s record was not 20-0 but
6-0-2, which is OK except he fought guys that couldn’t fight. Who were
these stiffs? Steve Powell (0-3), Francisco Harris (0-2), Darrell Miller
(11-37-4), Terry Jesmer (15-29-2), Tom Bentley (0-3), Bubba Stoots (1-4),
Thomas McCoy (0-0) and Sean Gibbons (11-3-2) with whom he got a draw. For
the record Rourke’s opponents had a combined record of 38-81-8. But
let’s give Rourke credit for at least getting in the ring. Here, here.
Guys that do this typing thing have certain fellow
writers that they enjoy reading. For me it’s Joe Koizumi who uses the
English language like the Italians use pasta. Many a time as the deadline
approaches I search the www.com for a Joe Koizumi column that will provide
some entertainment for my readers. Writing of a fight recently held in
Japan, Joe penned the following, “WBA#4/WBC#9 ranked flyweight Takefumi
Sakata (23-2-1, 10 KOs), 111.75, made a fine return to the ring warfare
after a ten-month hiatus as he embalmed Thailander Kongtranee Gogumanon
(reportedly 5-3, 3 KO’s), 112, with a single body shot at 1:51 of the
opening session in a scheduled ten on Monday in Tokyo, Japan.” What the
heck else do you have to know? Not a darn thing. For the record Kongtranee
Gogumanon had no official record prior to the fight. Now we know he’s 0-1.
I know I ragged on The Imperial One, Lennox Lewis, when
he was champ. I felt lost when he retired. Then I found out that
“ragging” on the Brothers Klitschko was almost as much fun. It’s
actually more fun because they take themselves so flipping serious. We have
further adventures of Vitali Klitschko. You all remember that he hurt his
leg jogging (Snicker, snicker, wink, wink) so his title defense against
Hashim Rahman had to be postponed from April 30 to July 23. Now thats off as
Klitschko had 20 minute back surgery. He probably hurt it patting himself on
the back. Baby Brother Wladimir entered the ring Sunday morning in Dortmund
like a “Rock Star”. His fight against Eliceo Castillo, a Cuban who
paddled to freedom and was 18-0-1. If this bout was any indication, I think
that maybe Castillo ran from Cuba cause that’s all he did against
Klitschko for the 11:51 that the fight lasted. The Judges, The Square Ring
and Stevie Wonder had the fight 30-27 for Klitschko when Wlad finally landed
a punch and Castillo took a dive. He was assisted by a hometown referee who
stopped the fight. One wire service wrote, “Klitchko dominated”. Easy to
dominate someone that won’t fight. “I want to be world champion again.
The chances now stand very good,” said Klitschko. Only if you fight a guy
that won’t fight.
Filling in on Channel 7 really early on Sunday morning
(May 1) for Klitchko-Rahman will be WBA Champ John “The Quiet Man” Ruiz
(41-5-1) against James “Lights Out” Toney 68-4-2. John Ruiz may be
called the “Quiet Man” but I can flat guarantee he’s never been in an
exciting fight on purpose. The Ruiz strategy is to toss a punch, hold, knee,
elbow and butt with his head like Billy Goat. Toney is perpetual motion and
makes most every opponent fight. This one could be interesting. Some think
Ruiz is to big for Toney. They’d be right except that Toney is too smart
for Ruiz. It will be a lousy fight but one worth watching just to hear what
Toney has to say after he wins.
That heavyweight tussle has most of the worlds attention
but for fans from the Land of Smiles it’s Yodsanan 3K Nanthachai (44-2-1)
defending his WBA 130Lb title against Vincente Mosquera (20-1-1). With now
Ex WBC bantamweight champ Veeraphol Nakhornluang-Promotion loosing to Hozumi
Hasegawa, 3K becomes the standard bearer for Thai Boxing. There is no
argument but that 3K should be favored. He’s had more experience and has
more power with 36 KO’s to just 10 for Mosquera. 3K has two losses both of
them came back in 1994 which for him was a bad year. He had 8 fights going
6-2. Mosquera has never fought outside his native Panama or against a
world-class opponent. This should be 3K’s night to shine in the Big Apple.
There are very few things worse in life then a gloating
boxing writer. So I won’t but I will remind both readers that I suggested
that former WBC lightfly king Saman Sorjaturong was on the slippery slope
down. His management thought a move up in weight would stop the slide.
“Nay, Nay.” Filipino Demmy Bracuso handed him his second loss in a row
after being on the bench for three years. Having better luck was IBF#3
featherweight Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (47-4) who got a third session KO of
Filipino Ronaldo Mahinay (12-5) in Bangkok. The delayed bout between WBA
featherweight champion Chris John (35-0-1) and Derrick Gainer (39-7-1) is
finally in the books. This fight has had more jerks and jumps than a pole
hanger at the TQ.
The fight itself was somewhat anti-climatic as Johns
retained his title over 12 with an easy UD (118-11-, 118-111, 118-109).
It’s nice that Johns kept his undefeated record in tack but maybe for real
creditability Johns should fight somewhere other than the Britama Arena
Sport Hall in Jakarta.
U gotta love this! As Kostya Tszyu is preparing for his June 5 match with
Ricky Hatten, he has expressed concern “about the possibility of there
being ‘many, many drunk people’ at the 22,000-seat venue”. Then
Kostya’s manager adds his 2 cents, “Our meeting with the security people
indicated there will be very significant numbers [of drunks], more than
we’ve seen in America. There will be three police squads of 20 per squad
and there will be 80 security staff inside the venue.” Now why would there
be so many drunken people at the fight. How about this? The doors open at 8
p.m. with the championship fight at 3 a.m. OK by my reckoning that’s 7
hours. When you get 2 Englishman together for an hour what are they going to
do? Share a Pint. Now you got 22,000 of them together for 7 hours. What
would you think they might? Yes, share many, many pints. Me too! It’s that
time.
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