School No 8 adds fun to sports day

Suchada Tupchai

The focus on sports in Pattaya’s education system has been a longstanding tradition, and leading city administrators attended the 16th annual sports day at Pattaya School No 5.

Time for a little warm up to the music.

The event saw over 1,000 children take part with sprinting and tug-o-war augmented by fun activities such as volleyball, football and sepak takraw from August 5 to 10.

Older children from grades 5-6 competed in a multitude of athletics events, each one playing for team colors. A total of four teams took part.

During the opening ceremonies, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and city officials joined in the events, along with teachers and parents.

The intense competition in the 7-9 year old football matches.

Serimsit Rungroogee, Pattaya School No 5 director said, “The aim of the competition is to promote sports and healthy living. These events also promote and develop skills and attention to what the children are doing along with good sportsmanship and honesty. All of these are what society needs.”

The school sports competition was also used to select qualifiers for inter-school competitions and finally on to represent Pattaya at future events.

Jan takes two

Golf with the Caddy Shack

Tuesday August 9 had two-dozen golfers travel to Green Valley for a medal competition. On A windy day, coupled with the daunting first tee carry over water, scores were very high.

Jan Eriksen, this week’s double winner out of The Caddy Shack.

In division two, Clark Alexander fired a net 79, to take third place, second place went to Tony Duthie, and in first place was Les Hall with a net 75. Division one had Glyn Evans and Mark Joshua sharing second place with a net 76, but the outright winner on the day was Jan Eriksen with a net 74. The two’s were also won by Jan all on his own. The Booby prize was an out right win for Keith Taylor who was so eager to play golf that he tripped over in the bar, demolishing the practice net, split his toe and then needed to have medical treatment, which was rendered by the highly trained and dedicated staff at the Caddy Shack, then to top his day he won the lucky draw for the free Sunday Lunch. Rumour has it that this is the first golfing prize he has won and his trophy cabinet at home is now full of bananas.

Thursday the August 11 had the Caddy Shack travel to Crystal Bay for a Stableford competition over the A & C courses. Twenty-seven golfers were welcomed by friendly staff and a very efficient starter. In division two with the cut being 17 and over, Peter White and Les Hall shared third place with 34 points, in second came Glyn Evans with 35 points, and first place was Jan Eriksen with 40 points, well played Jan.

In division one with the cut at sixteen and under had Terry Phur with 34 points, second place was Jack Spencer with 38 points, but the leader of the pack and winner of the day goes to John King with 40 points. The two’s were one outright by Jack Spencer. The Bananas were awarded to Eddie Beettie for his round of 2 points on the front nine, then he recovered and put together eleven points on the back nine. The lucky draw of a free Sunday lunch compliments of The Caddy Shack was won by Glyn Evans. After the presentation all golfers took advantage of the 50 baht beers and great food and enjoyed a great evening at the Caddy Shack.

The Caddy Shack plays golf on a Tuesday and Thursday leaving at 11 a.m. with tee off times at midday, everyone is welcome to play just come along as transport is provided. We are situated on soi 17 on the same road towards the Harley Bar. Please check the golf schedule for upcoming venues.

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar

 Tuesday August 9 Phoenix Stableford

With DB saying TTFN for a couple of weeks leaving the organizing in the safe hands of hands of ‘Noble Bob,’ the Tuesday crowd duly gathered at Bert’s for this weeks bash.

For yours truly this was a first, having not played out of Tropical Bert’s before, and a very enjoyable day it turned out to be starting not least with a hearty breakfast setting everyone up for the challenge to come.

Bob Noble (center) congratulates the winner Vincent Smyth (left).

The course itself was in its usual fine condition with excellent fairways and good greens although on this occasion a little slower than we have come to expect from this venue.

As we all know good putting is the key to better scores on any golf course and no more so than Phoenix where the large undulating greens with flags quite often located on the crown of the greens can try the competitors’ patience to the full.

A little sympathy is in order here for Steve Hamstad, who whilst putting together a fine round up to the sixteenth hole, had the unusual occurrence of losing his ball in a bunker. This was until just in the nick of time his sharp eyed caddy spotted a small patch of white barely visible in the sand and Steve was confronted with a totally unplayable plugged lie subsequently leading to a no score.

Now we know bunkers are hazards and you should not be in them in the first place but this penalty did seem a little harsh for merely coming up short on a hole when one feels you could at least reasonably expect some of the ball to be above ground.

Anyway Steve to his credit soldiered on with no complaint but was unable to make any impression on our winners this week as a steady nerve and fine ball striking by Vincent Smyth enables him to shoot a creditable 40 points points taking the honors from Bill Warburg in runners up spot up with 36 points.

Back to Bert’s for chicken and chips a few beers and an entertaining presentation from the capable Bob and needless to say a good time was had by all. Roll on next week.

Results: Winner: Vincent Smyth; Second: Dick Warburg
Near Pins: Bob Benda, Clive Robinson(2),Vincent Smyth, Rod Perrin, Peter King.
Long Putts: #18 Rod Perrin and Vincent Smyth.

A Great Double for our very own "Golden Bear"

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday August 8
Khao Kheow
Stableford

1st Barry Winton, 36 pts -c/b 19
2nd Mike Dabanovich, 36 pts - c/b 14
3rd Serge Straeten, 35 pts

With “C” course still closed for renovations, it was a great disappointment to find the greens on “B” course heavily sanded and the general verdict was that it is time to give Khao Kheow a miss for a while, perhaps a long while! For those who do not know, Barry Winton, is affectionately known by all and sundry at his home course, Phoenix, as Khun Mee... the bear! Well, despite his continuing back problems, the bear is maintaining his fine form and started the day, birdie, birdie, birdie, unfortunately followed with triple, double but he managed to do enough to finish with a gross 76 that included four birdies altogether and a shank! His 36 points was sufficient to take the honours on countback from Mike with Serge, who completed the podium positions. In the 2’s competition, Ed Trayling finally scooped the division 2 quadruple rollover with the only 2 of the day in the 15 plus category, whilst Barry Winton (2) and Glyn Nicholas shared the division 1 prize. Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed Mike’s father, Don Dabanovich.

Wednesday August 10
Crystal Bay C/A
Medal

1st Barry Winton, net 68 - c/b 32
2nd Mike Dabanovich, net 68 - c/b 33
3rd Gordon Millar, net 76

A slightly disappointing turnout for our second visit of the month to this fine course, perhaps due to the “electric” fast greens that destroyed many a card previously and the decision to play a medal round! However, it was again a pleasure for all to see Stephen Beard makes his second comeback appearance and once again an opportunity for him to join forces with Barry Winton and accept the gauntlet thrown down by Mike Dabanovich and Brian Kelly! This time it was sweet revenge for Mike & Brian as they swept the board, front 9, back 9 to win the match play contest 2up, thus inflicting a first ever defeat for the Doc and the Bear. All this despite Barry’s two 2s and another from Stephen. As can be seen from the scores, Barry & Mike once again dominated the competition with the same result as Monday, Barry shooting a magnificent 72 gross to win on countback. At this rate, Barry is getting closer and closer to a 3 handicap and Dabber will be eyeing a single handicap! Gordon continued his fine form to slide onto the podium in his final competition on this trip. In the 2s competition, the division 1 pool was shared by Barry Winton (2), Trevor Schirmer and Mam Trayling, whilst Stephen Beard enjoyed his chip-in to take the pot in division 2.

Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston bade farewell to Graham Davis, back to a life of leisure in Edinburgh, Gordon Millar, back to his teaching, which will no doubt now include some golf lessons and to Barry Winton on a little vacation in Dubai and on to England for a brief spell. Friday being a public holiday means the next golf competition will be on Monday at Burapha and we hear that Mike Dabanovich has extended his stay to take full advantage of the Bear’s absence!

New faces take the helm

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

On Tuesday, August 9, it was the turn of Eastern Star Golf Resort to welcome a large group of golfers representing the Pattaya Golf Society from the OK Corral, for their weekly medal event. The day was fine with clear skies, a fresh wind and well prepared fairways with fast greens. Favourites in the field included the recently returned Harry Riley, double winner from the previous week, Ken Graham and current Pattaya pacesetter Mikael Andersson, but it was to be a day when new faces were to appear at the top of he leader board, always a welcome sight. Another recent returnee, Peter Fitton, played some fine golf in his round of net 74 to take third place, whilst founding PGS member, George Meigh played his first official competition with the group for more than two years and showed he had not lost any of his guile in producing an excellent round of net 73 for second place.

Paul Scully, playing in only his second official competition, led the field with net 72, his only blemish being on the eleventh hole where a triple bogey cost him a sub-par round. It was a fine victory. The pace of the greens caught most people out and the opportunities for the illustrious birdie twos were alluring but elusive. Such was the appeal of the well placed bunkers that Rob Dolan found their charms so hypnotic, and he spent seemingly as much time in them as he did on the rest of the course, assuring himself of the refreshing Booby Bevy at the presentation later. It had been another good day at the friendly Eastern Star Golf Resort.

Beethoven strikes a winning note at Crystal Bay

On Thursday, August 11, the Pattaya Golf Society left the OK Corral and travelled to Crystal Bay for their weekly stableford tournament and found the “C” and “A” nines in breathtaking condition with some of the fastest greens in the province. It was a grand occasion and the stage was set for some good golf. After the first nine it was clear the winner would be either Denis Smith or Ken Graham, both of whom had composed fine overtures to their rounds, whilst other favourites including Bill Hewitt and Harry Riley, were striking dull notes on the speedy greens. Newcomer Bo Engstrom tuned up with a fine 20 points on the back nine in his first Pattaya competition and, indeed, it was good enough to give him second place, one point ahead of Rob Dolan for whom a level par back nine was some compensation for earlier errors. It was left to Ken Graham to take the podium with 36 points and his reputation as “Beethoven” was confirmed as he also took the rolled-over two’s pot for the third time in succession, this time with a monstrous thirty foot downhill putt on C7.

Elsewhere Denis Smith’s fortunes had slipped as his game went from “Eroica” to “Pathetique” on the back nine and his reward was the Booby Bevy back at his home base in Soi Rungland. In the opinion of all the golfers Crystal Bay in this shape is a treat to play and will feature prominently in the Pattaya Golf Society’s golfing calendar.

The Lads and Lasses spread the wins Around

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday August 7
Green Valley, White Tees
Stableford

1st A Flight: Rick Sharp, 39 pts
2nd A Flight: Joe Mooneyham, 38 pts
3rd A Flight: John Hillier, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Bruce Tollitt, 39 pts
2nd B Flight: Peter Emslie, 39 pts
3rd B Flight: Vic Hester, 38 pts
1st C Flight: Noy Pimmoen, 43 pts
2nd C Flight: Ken Kutzing, 41 pts
3rd C Flight: Poo Supaporn, 37 pts
Near Pins: #5 Bill Broschart; #16 Mike Seely

There was no Man of the Match this day but it was not due to lack of performance. It was because the best player was a gal, Noy Pimmoen. Noy’s 43 points took C Flight as Kenny Kutzing, himself shooting a fine 41 points, felt like a thorn between two roses, as Ms. Silver Back took third. Bruce McAdam tried to break into the dance but Poo thwarted him on count back. A couple of weekend marauders in the person of Mulligan’s Bruce Tollitt and The Haven’s Peter Emslie locked up in count back for the top rung in B Flight. Bruce had the better of it, as his 39 points had the advantageous distribution. Both scores overshadowed the fine 38 point effort of Victor “The Inflictor” Hester. In the top Flight it was the The Hermit getting the better of his mate Joe “I’m in the” Mooneyham and Johnny Hillier by a single digit. Joe than nipped John on the ensuing count back.

Tuesday August 9
Khao Kheow, A & B
Yellow Tees, Stableford

1st A Flight: John Emmerson, 39 pts
2nd A Flight: Joe Mooneyham, 38 pts
3rd A Flight: John Hue, 34 pts
1st B Flight: Mike Gaussa, 40 pts
2nd B Flight: Chaten Patel, 35 pts
3rd B Flight: Ray Dell, 34 pts

The entire field attacked Pete Dye’s Khao Kheow from the longer yellow tees. Col. John bettered Col. Joe by a single point in the premier Flight, with John Hue a distant, but still profitable, third. Mike Gaussa, admittedly playing some of the best golf of his like, was Man of the Match with his 40 points, five clear of Chaten Patel and yet another clear of Ray “Farmer in the” Dell.

Wednesday August 10
Burapha, A & B, Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal

1st Blue Flight: Vic Hester, net 71
2nd Blue Flight: Nick Payne, net 72
3rd Blue Flight: Chaten Patel, net 73
1st White Flight: John Hillier, net 67
2nd White Flight: Mike Craighead, net 68
3rd White Flight: Jan Eriksen, net 71

Johnny Hillier, everybody’s nice guy, dazzled most of the field and the White Flight with a net 67. The only guy close to him was wily Mike the Mechanic who was but a stroke adrift. Jan Eriksen, who is winning everything from golf to pools this week, finished up the short Flight.

The Blue Bombers were led in by Victor “The Inflictor” Hester who was trailed in one stroke increments by Nick Payne and Chaten Patel. Chatel Patel, it should be noted, needed a three-way count back victory over Monsieur Serge and the GM.

Friday August 12
Century Ban Chang, White Tees
2-Person Better Ball, Stableford

1st Place Team: Roy Thornton & Rick Holmes, 44 pts
2nd Place Team: Peter Henshaw & John Emmerson, 44 pts

The Society rolled the holiday bones on The Queen’s Birthday and almost came up the loser. It was a chaotic start as the course was inundated by golfing friends from McAllister’s and Mulligan’s, not to mention a hoard of holidaying Thais. There were no carts, but GM Johnny, with riding crop in hand, marshaled the lads and lasses out on the course and ultimately a fine day was had. A count back sorted out the podium as Roy Thornton and Rick Holmes had the better of newly arrived Irish visitor and old friend Peter Henshaw, who wisely teamed up with ol’ Silver Back. The twin 44 point efforts left the fine 43 of Bob Lindborg and Terry Phur and the 42 of Joe Mooneyham and Dave Porter unrequited.

Ball rises to the top at Century Ban Chang

PSC golf from McAllister Bar & Grill

With a holiday on offer a number of the Ban Chang denizens were able to take a break from the office to join the usual suspects for golf on a day when the weather can only be described as perfect. Cool and breezy was just the right touch to make all players very comfortable and thoroughly enjoy their round.

Larry Ball, Paul Kraft, one of Don’s lovelies and Aaron New.

While some notables struggled quite a few players were able to better handicap. Once all the rounds were complete the results were announced at McAllister’s and compliments passed out on the day’s winners. No rare visitor to the podium was once again Larry Ball topping the field with 43 points, this after being a cellar dweller earlier in the week with a mere 20 points at the Three Sisters Monday outing. Tied at 42 points each were Paul Kraft and Arron New, “Dougie’s mate” for those who maybe fail to recognize the name, a count-back put Paul in front and left Aaron in 3rd spot. Another tie was resolved for 4th place with Graham Hiskett outdoing Mike Gerrard with each posting 38 points.

With the winners busy treating the less fortunate to rounds of amber fluid to enjoy with the top notch luncheon provided by the genial Don McAllister a bit of entertaining music was on hand to keep the party in a good mood.

To the chagrin of some, all the scorecards were input to the PSC handicap Secretary the following morning well in time to be calculated into the update scheduled for the weekend. Hands were rubbed with glee at the prospect of adjusting handicaps of certain gentlemen but all in proper order under the watchful eye of the PSC Golf Chairman. Check to see who has been awarded an M.

Country Club stumbles

Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League

Week 19 saw a clean sweep for the home teams for only the second time this season. San Snack Bar sent Woaw’s Pub home from Soi Welcome with their fourth loss in a row. SSB had it wrapped up before supper but conceded a couple of doubles to make the final score 6-3. With three matches still to play, San Snack Bar confirmed themselves as League champions for the 2005 season.

The Lucky Bar v Moonshine lineup - Lucky Bar won 6-3.

In Soi 5, Simple Simon upset Bolaget’s comeback and extended their winning streak to four with an easy 7-2 win. The seven games in the ‘won’ column helps Simple Simon’s game difference and that could become an important factor in the final reckoning.

Country Club couldn’t handle the Rose & Thistle table, going down 7-2. The loss makes CC’s job to secure second spot that much more difficult, but the win gives R&T an outside chance to steal the runners-up trophy with some ‘easy’ matches to come.

Hide-A-Way scored their first win since week 13 when they saw off visitors Twilight Zone 6-3. The last time that they won Hide-A-Way held second rung on the ladder, but that run of four losses and the bye makes them only the remotest of possibilities for a trophy.

Also at home in Soi Welcome, Lucky Bar bounced back after a couple of losses to end Moonshine’s good run of form. The home team led 4-2 at the break and took the points with the first doubles. The remaining games were shared to make the final score 6-3.

Paweena’s had the bye.

Next week could see second place decided when Country Club hosts Simple Simon. On recent form, Simple Simon would be favourites but with the home advantage CC haven’t given it away just yet.

Sunday Quiz League

Wednesday Quiz League

Soi 6 Quiz League

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers - Lenz and Udom

Mai’s Thai Restaurant won all four points from Jack & Tar and moved into first place all alone. Brother D took three points from House of the Golden Coin and Shenanigans got four points from Grape Vine and both teams are now tied for second with Friends. Cafe Kronborg beat Friends to take three points in their match. Domicil moved up the standings after taking all four points from Three Sisters and Cafe Ole, trying to get out of last place, won four from VFW Post 9876.

Best bowlers of the day were:

Nok, Jack & Tar: 557 series

Lenz, Mai’s Thai Restaurant: 235 game - 555 series

Udom, Mai’s Thai Restaurant: 206 game - 544 series

Rich, Spare Bowler: 543 series

Bill Gibson, Cafe Kronborg: 531 series (three 177 games)

Kran, Cafe Kronborg: 520 series

Ooy, Cafe Ole: 518 series

Truevo, House of the Golden Coin: 501 series