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Bob Turner crowend Bunker Golfer of the Month - August 2005
Nid
presents Bob Turner the Golfer of the Month award for August.
Bob Turner held off a late
charge by Mick Ramshaw to win his first Trophy. He started the month with a
22 handicap and finished the month with a handicap of 17. The final few
games with the lower handicap made it quite an interesting finish.
Congratulations Bob!
Chariya wins the 3rd racing
“RAAT Thailand Championships 2005”
Narisa Nitikarn
The Royal Automobile Association of Thailand staged the
RAAT Thailand Championship 2005 races on September 4. Part of the contest
for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Cup, the event was stage three
in a five-part series. The first race took place on May 7 and the last will
be on November 27.
The
Sport Racer winner Chariya Nuya in car No 15 on his way to victory in the
AIM Sports Concept class at Bira Circuit
The race was held at the Bira International Circuit and
was opened by Dr Prachin Srongpao, chairman of the RAAT.
Dr Prachin said the races should help lift flat racing to
a professional standard and presented an opportunity for Thai racing drivers
to develop their skills to attain Asian and world standards. The event also
helped promote Chonburi’s image as a tourist destination.
The results were as follows. The winner of the 3rd Sport
Prototype race was Narongchai Pawittayalap from the AIM Motorsport Team. The
Sport Racer winner was Chariya Nuya. The Subaru Club Race winner was Sunit
Srisaensuchat, with a finishing time of 10.19.31, in 2nd place was Chairat
Choosang, whose finishing time was 10.21.20, and in 3rd place was Ekarat
Ditcharoen, with a time of 10.34.11.
For Mitsubishi Evolution the winner was Phuwirat Makmoo, driving an EVO.3
with a time of 10.52. 55, in a neck-to-neck race with Winthorn Bunnak,
driving an EVO.2, and with a finishing time of 11.05.29. In 3rd place was
Sakol Nkkaew with a time of 11.22.27, and FF Club Race Division 1 winner was
Komkrit Pinthong (12.53.21). Division 2 winner was Natthakarn Prkorbkaew
(12.53.80) and Division 3 winner was Pongsak Weerachatwattana (13.34.56)
Stu scores a winner…
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday September 5
Royal Lakeside
Strokeplay
The pleasant and very quiet Royal Lakeside Golf Course
was host for a stroke play competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 17, and
B Flight 18 and above. The course on the day was in fine condition with fast
greens.
 2-Gene
Rooney
Aussie Stu Thompson won the A Flight with the best score
of the day, a net 69. Akitoshi Ito was second and Dan Shamir third, beating
out Ebrahim and Bill Plath, all four having Net 70’s.
Old steady Arthur Bailey took the B Flight, from Canuk
Gordon Everingham in second, on countback, both having net 70s. Rowley
Morris was third with a net 72.
Near Pins: #3 Bo Engstrom, #6 Hedrik Ojeland, #12 Jeff
Wylie, #15 Rick Evans
Thursday September 8
Khao Kheow
Stableford
 1-
Stu Thompson
This course is always a pleasure to play, and on this day
it was no exception, despite the occasional downpour. This is a course that
does not seem to drain too well, so constant rain makes the rough difficult
to play out of and the whole course sodden. Maybe why this is one of the few
courses that allows players with plugged balls through the green to take
relief.
Still if you like a real challenge come here, it will
test every shot, a handicap earned here would be a handicap to be feared. So
on the day it would be a winning score, I expected, if you shot your
handicap, and so it turned out to be.
The winner of the day was Gene Rooney with a fine 36 points, ahead of a
three way countback on 34 points, that saw Stu come in second, Wayne Koch
third and Ebrahim fourth. T.T.F.N.
Liam Shades Ian to win Tankard
PSC golf from the Grapevine
Thursday, September 8 saw the Grapevine Tankard
contested by 31 golfers at Mountain Shadow. Visitor from Phuket, Liam
Stewart (16) shot a solid 84 to win the ‘A’ Flight and The Tankard, just
edging out Ian Edwards (14), whose net 69 was the only other golfer to break
his handicap. In the ‘B’ Flight it was like Groundhog Day with Dick
Worden (34) and Barry Kerr (21) scoring 74 and 76 respectively to pick up
the prizes.
(l-r)
Dick Worden, Barry Kerr, Ian Edwards and Liam Stewart.
The course was in tip top condition and the generally not
so good results came from the generally not so good play from the golfers,
with some net scores well in excess of expectations. Still, there is always
next week to see redemption.
Technical prizes were spread around with Ian, Dick, Alex,
Keith, David, Barry, and John picking up some hard won booty to help make
the day even more enjoyable. Some lucky draw awards (aka mutually exclusive
awards) were also handed out with Alan deserving special mention due to him
having a ‘shocker’, this on top of England losing the previous night’s
football.
As always, Malcolm and Opal’s hospitality was much appreciated by all
golfers with the fine tucker being washed down by ice-cold beer - can’t
wait for next Thursday already. If you are looking for a game of golf
supported by The Grapevine, come on down to Soi ‘0’ Regent Marina and
sign up. Cheers and good golfing. JW
Wiley Jeff takes another feather…
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday September 6
Crystal Bay
It was nice to find after some weeks away, that very
little changes at Bert’s, we had the same fine free breakfast, Bob ran the
show as usual, we had some fine food on return to the bar, and of course we
had the same winner as normal. Life just goes on. We also had a fine day
out.
 Jeff
(right) with Colin and Bert’s staff.
Crystal Bay is always worth a visit, and on this day we
were to play the B & C Layouts, a pleasure indeed, not too tough, but
for the scribe, suffering from jet lag, a day to forget. I shall return!
Some good golf was played by many of the players, and
sitting in the fine clubhouse later and relaxing with friends, it did not
really matter whether you won or not, the game and the day out is the thing.
Back at Bert’s the food was ready, a fine meat salad,
and all the players tucked in heartily after a good walk unspoiled. We then
saluted the winner for the day, Jeff Wylie, and set to the important part,
talking about the ‘If Only’. T.T.F.N.
Results: Winner Jeff Wylie
Near Pins: Steve Hamstad, Jeff Wylie, Frank Pilkington,
Colin Cronin, Keith Avery and Max Matthews.
Long Putts: Ray Glenwright, Dave Warburg and Bob Noble.
Shake up at Siam
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Monday September 5th - The grounds were soaked with rain
from the previous night so there were no carts at Siam C.C. Some golfers
that walked played at Siam and the rest of us that use carts went to
Pattaya C.C. It was a divided field but the scores did not change. For the
second week in a row 37 points won the day. I guess that the axe man has
done his job as golfers are playing closer to their handicaps.
 Winner
Kevin Mackintosh (right) and Doug Powell holding the bag.
This week in first place with 37 points was Kevin
MacKintosh. It’s been a while but Kevin finally made it to the top. For a
wet day, it was not a bad score. Following close at a stroke back was Bill
Gibson with 36 points. Just not quite enough to take the lead.
Back of the leaders were Kenny Mau, Dave Miller and Dale
Murphy. Kenny had 35 points while Dale and Dave had 34 points each.
Holding the bag this week was a surprise figure. Doug
Powell who is normally near the top came crashing down with 24 points. Doug
managed to slip past Nigel Cannon who had managed 25 points - just enough
to keep out of the cellar. We had other normally high rollers slip near the
bottom such as Bob Benda, Doug Chalkey, and Gordon McKnight. It must have
been a tough day at the course.
We also found out that Siam is raising their green fees from October 1.
Monday Golf from the Three Sisters will be moving to Pattaya C.C. as of the
19th of this month. Rates have been negotiated with Pattaya C.C. for our
group in very favorable terms. Anyone interested, please contact Herb
Ishinaga.
Sports Quiz
Last Week’s sports quiz answers are:
1. Who beat Arsenal in this year’s Community Shield Final?
Answer: Chelsea
2. Who won the Silver medal in the Men’s Javelin in the 1997 World
Athletic Championships?
Answer: Steve Backley
3. In which Irish county is the Fairyhouse race course?
Answer: Co. Meath
Remember, be the first to send in the correct answers and win a weekend
carvery for two at Jameson’s Irish Pub.
1. Who captained Liverpool in this year’s European Cup Final?
2. Which recent All Black has gone to play at fly-half for Northampton?
3. Which driver won the 2003 World Rally Car Championship?
Easy riders gather
for Malaysia races
Narisa Nitikarn
Bikers gathered at Hard Rock Hotel on September 4 to
discuss their travel plans for the September 23-25 Moto GP Malaysia 2005
world championship, to be held at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.
Chris K
Brander (left), managing director and Jackie Eintzen, designer of East Coast
Choppers (Thailand) Co Ltd. promoting their road trip to Malaysia for the
upcoming Moto GP event at the Sepang Circuit.
Among the gathering were Harley-Davidson riders from East
Coast Choppers (Thailand) Co Ltd, West Coast-Ride Thailand Co Ltd, Burapha
MC Pattaya, and the Taobin Group. Altogether 100 bikers assembled, led by
Chris Brander, managing director of East Coast Choppers (Thailand) Co.
Brander said this would be the second chopper excursion
to Malaysia. The first was in October last year, when over 100 Harley fans
turned up from points throughout Thailand.
Pattaya’s Harley riders will make their way to Had Yai
on September 22, when other bikers from Thailand will join them for a push
over the border. It is only a short ride of 60km from Had Yai to their
destination in Malaysia. At the Sepang Circuit they will have the chance to
meet the riders from around the world. Last year over 2,000 spectators from
Thailand attended the event and another bumper crowd is expected this year.
The event is organized by Ride Thailand Magazine, and
police will supervise the traffic from Had Yai to Malaysia.
All those interested in attending can hire a bike from East Coast
Choppers. The contact numbers are 01 723 8787 and 038 303 113, or you can
visit their websites www. eastcoastchoppers.ch or
www.customharleyrental.com.
The Caddy Shack, Bowling Green and Sweethearts lock horns
The Caddy Shack, Bowling Green and
Sweethearts Bars have locked horns and challenged each other in a 3 way
sporting event. The events include Golf, Lawn Bowls and Pool.
Are
they team captains up for the challenge? Find out soon!
The Caddy Shack is known for its golfers, The Bowling
Green is known for its bowlers and Sweethearts is known for its Pool
players. There are 8 players in each team and the competition is run over 3
weeks with the first round already been played on September 9.
The Caddy Shack currently holds a slim lead of 64.5
points with Sweethearts in 2nd on 60 and not far behind is the Bowling Green
with 55.5 points.
The golf was a 2-man Texas Scramble with team pairs with
The Caddy Shack banking on puting a few points between there 2 rivals as
this is their specialist event. Their were a few shock results with Charlie
Ayres and Danny Wiley winning the golf in fine style by the largest margin.
All points are added to the team totals and also split to try to find the
ultimate superstar champion.
The 1st round of the evening Pool competition,
Sweethearts were looking good to extend their lead as this is their
specialist event. However, things did not go their way as The Caddy Shack
amassed the most points with Keith Fortt and Roy Mitchell winning both their
matches. Anton from the Bowling Green sunk a great black to take some
welcome points for the Bowling Green, The Sweethearts pairing of Reg Rawding
and Glen Miller, who had won nothing to date tried to open their account on
the pool table but failed to win a game. Sweethearts held their heads in
disbelief.
The next event is on Friday the 16th from Sweethearts with another golf
round, a Pool evening with the final event being held at the Bowling Green
with Lawn Bowls and Pool evening.
Soi 6 Wedensday Quiz League
Wednesday Quiz League
Andy McTighe, singles winner at Eastern Star
Mike
Franklin
Jameson’s, ‘JIGS’, Singles Stableford competition at
Eastern Star on Wednesday September 7 escaped the heavy rain experienced
early morning in Pattaya and, after slight rain at tee-off, the day turned
out to be fine. That, together with the course in excellent condition,
ensured an enjoyable round with no delays. Eastern Star presented its usual
fair test of golf and that resulted in few scores being par or better.
 Andy
McTighe (left) - Winner Sept 7 - ‘A moments silence please.’
Andy McTighe returned the best score of the day with 39
Stableford points, with Jason (nearly) Payne taking second place with 38
points. Joe McArdle was third with 36 points and Terry O’Connor was fourth,
winning on count-back with Ed Trayling, both scoring 35 points. Near pins
were claimed by Joe McArdle, Keith Avery, Alex Woods and Mam Trayling. Ed
Trayling, not to be outdone, sank the longest putt on the ninth and Jason
Payne was longest on the eighteenth.
Back at Jameson’s, newcomers Dave Quick, Roger Baker,
Terry O’Connor, Nut Avery and Alex Woods were duly welcomed and it was a
warm welcome back to Simon & Debbie Philbrook.
The next ‘JIGS’ tournament on Wednesday 21st September is rather
special , as Paul ‘Scud’ Cremin will be celebrating his 40th Birthday and
that warrants a visit to Burapha West course for another Singles Stableford
format. There will be a special trophy and many consumable prizes to mark the
occasion. Sign-up for that at Jameson’s or just send me an e-mail:
jigs@jame sons-pattaya. com.
Mai’s Thai Restaurant wins four and moves into first
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200
Bowlers – Teuvo, Mai & Ken.
First place belongs to Mai’s Thai Restaurant after they
took all four points from House of the Golden Coin and Shenanigan’s only
managed to win three from Domicil and they dropped to second place. Three
Sisters moved into third taking all four points from Caf? Ole. Grape Vine
continued their move up the ladder as they beat Brother D three points to
one. VFW Post 9876 got three points from Caf? Kronborg to move into a tie
for fourth. Jack & Tar knocked off Friends taking three points in that
match with three bowlers rolling two hundred games in the final game of the
match.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Nok, Jack & Tar: 556 series
Tue, VFW Post 9876: 537 series
Teuvo, Friends : 204 game - 529 series
Mai, Jack & Tar: 202 game – 516 series
Udom, Spare Bowler: 506 series
Ken, Jack & Tar: 200 game
Talk about a long week
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday August 28
Green Valley
White Tees, Stableford
1st A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, 40 pts
2nd A Flight:Bob Philp, 40 pts
3rd A Flight: Julian Clarke, 40 pts
1st B Flight: Jim Munns, 45 pts
2nd B Flight: An Kaesavane, 39 pts
3rd B Flight: Peter Emslie, 39 pts
1st C Flight: Toy Theobald, 41 pts
2nd C Flight: Poo Supaporn, 38 pts
3rd C Flight: Roger Koehler, 38 pts
Near Pins: #5 Julian Clarke; #8 Glen Perkinson
2’s: Bob Philp (2); Dave Tanner; Glen Perkinson; “Loz” Shaw
Capt. Fogg, whose accomplishments have been lauded in
this column numerous times, made another marked move on his handicap with a
scintillating 45 points and first place in the middle Flight. His effort
overshadowed the fine showings of the Beauty, An Kaesavane, and The Beast,
Peter Emslie, who were only separated by a count back, and Klaus.
Roger Koehler was all that stood between the ladies
having another C Flight sweep, but since it is their realm they relegated
him to third on count back. Auntie Toy took the top rung with Ms. Emmerson
taking the silver.
The guys who actually know how to play this game, the A
Flighters, put three players on the podium who had 40 points. The happiest
of the trio was Canada’s Jim Wickstorm and the saddest the Englishman from
Houston/Bangkok (huh?), Julian Clarke. Amidst it all was the man from
Downunder, Bob Philp, who was neither happy nor sad, but simply had another
Fosters.
Tuesday August 30
Laem Chabang, A & B
Blue or White Tees, Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Jim Brackett, net 66
2nd Blue Flight: Mark Wood, net 70
1st White Flight: Sid Ottaway, net 64
2s: Jim Brackett; Phil Groves; Rick Sharp
A tidy, yet passionate, group took on Jack Nicklaus’
masterpiece and the scores were superb. Mark Woods had to be happy with his
gross 76, net 70, that is, until the rest of the Blue Bombers came in and
revealed that Jimmy Brackett had a net 75, gross 66 (This scribe couldn’t
believe Jim had gone out to nine either!)
In the White teed Flight, Sid Ottaway’s brilliant 64
led a host of fine scores such as Rick Sharp’s net 67 and Joe McArdle’s
net 69.
Wednesday August 31
Burapha, A & B
Blue and White Tees, Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Serge Straeten, 37 pts
2nd Blue Flight: Paul Young, 37 pts
3rd Blue Flight: Nick Payne, 36 pts
1st White Flight: Rick Sharp, 43 pts
2nd White Flight: Roger Koehler, 41 pts
3rd White Flight: Max Arlen, 41 pts
2’s: Rick Sharp; Max Arlen (2); Sugar Ray Handford (2)
Viva la France, as Monsieur Serge edged his Norman
neighbor, Paul Young, on count back to take the Blue Flight. Hard workin’
Nick Payne rounded out the flight with a one point adrift 36 points. The
Hermit lurked in the shadows of the White Flight and walked off with 43
points and the top spot. Roger Koehler had the better of Mad Max Arlen on
the count back of their 41 points. Max softened that blow with two 2’s, as
feat duplicated by Sugar Ray.
Friday September 2
Eastern Star, Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Simon Philbrook, 35 pts
1st White Flight: Richard Garland, 39 pts
2nd White Flight: Jan Eriksen, 36 pts
3rd White Flight: Ken Kutzing, 36 pts
2’s: Simon Philbrook; Paul Young; Jan Eriksen
A comp was thrown together for the souls who were too
lame to submit their Jackalope entries in time. Simon of Philbrook led the
Bombers home with a contrite 35 points. Richard “El Supremo” Garland’s
39 points in the White Flight outdistanced a trio of 36’s. With only two
steps left on the White podium, one of those 36’s would lose out, and
that, alas, was the venerable ol’ Hermit.
Sunday September 4
Green Valley
Rain washed out competition.
September 6
St. Andrews 2000, White Tees
2-Person Better Ball
Stableford
1st Steve Mulberry & Paul Shaw, 44 pts
2nd– Harry Riley & Saranya Chaiyanont, 42 pts
2’s: Steve Mulberry; Harry Riley; Brian Holden; Kevin Moraghan
Desmond Muirhead’s monster seems to either be loved or
despised by golfers, with few left ambivalent. To soften that disparity of
response, the Golf Manager called for a 2-person Better Ball. An
enthusiastic group of duets took up the challenge. Messrs. Mulberry and Shaw
(Paul) sorted their ham and eggs the best and garnered 44 points. Harry
“Potter” Riley and his charming other half, Ya, but the count back on
the Flipper and the Demon Deacon to hold on to second.
Wednesday September 7
Khao Kheow, A & B
Yellow Tees
Stableford
1st John Emmerson, 41 pts
2nd Don Peterson, 38 pts
3rd Chicka Smith, 36 pts
2’s: John Emmerson; Eddy Beilby
The ol’ Golf Manager was at it again on Wednesday,
cajoling and bull-dogging the field on to the Yellow Tees at Pete Dye’s
designed Khao Kheow. And that was the nicest thing he did to them all day as
he came home with five birdies on the second nine and the top spot of the
day. Don Peterson started to warm to the week with his second place 38
points, two better than the irrepressible, old Aussie rugger, Chicka Smith.
Friday September 9
Eastern Star
Blue or White Tees
Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Simon Philbrook, 41 pts
1st White A Flight: Don Peterson, 38 pts
2nd White A Flight: Nick Payne, 37 pts
3rd White A Flight: Arthur Hancock, 36 pts
1st White B Flight: Chaten Patel, 38 pts
2nd White B Flight: Ken Graham, 38 pts
3rd White B Flight: Sid Ottaway, 34 pts
2’s: Phil Mitchell; John Emmerson; Arthur Hancock; Chaten Patel; Jan
Eriksen
Eastern Star which has somewhat maligned in this column
over the years proved itself so inviting that a large field showed up to
play it for the second time in eight days. Simon Philbrook was obviously
happy with the choice as he made it two Blue Flight victories on the week
with a best on the day 41 points.
Don Peterson, a bridesmaid on Wednesday, took the whole A
Flight enchilada with 38 points, edging Nick Payne by one and Arthur Hancock
by two. Art, owed that final step to fine play and a favorable count back
over the good Capt. Fogg. Chaten used the same 15th club, the count back, to
better Kenny Graham, as did the Tin Man from Oz vis-?-vis Kevin Moraghan.
The Tailor of Pattaya cuts a dash
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday September 5
Green Valley, Stableford
1st Takeshi Hakozaki, 40 pts
2nd Alan Hanlon, 37 pts
3rd Danny Miller, 36 pts
4th Alec Hoare, 35 pts
Green Valley on a Monday morning is always a tough
proposition as the white tees get moved back to something sensible and
allied to the basic weekend recovery mode that most golfers bodies
experience good scores are hard to come by. No so for The Haven’s own
“bloodhound”, Takeshi Hakozaki, who slipped in a very creditable four
under to claim the first trophy of the week from the scarlet pimple, Alan
Hanlon, on a short break from a secret life somewhere else. (What is all
this about now? Ed) Who knows? Perhaps just more of the scribe’s
ramblings.
Danny Miller just managed to edge Alec Hoare into fourth
place with a well taken birdie on the last hole, to keep up his record of
appearances in the winners circle.
In division one the two’s were won by Barry Traynor
with the only success and similarly in the second division by Roy Thornton.
Wednesday 7
Crystal Bay, Stableford
1st Glynn Nicholas, 35 pts
2nd Roy Thornton, 34 pts
3rd Danny Miller, 33 pts
At least Magellan found something this week and it turned
out to be a little of the old form that took him from a middling handicap to
the dizzy heights of the first division contenders. With Crystal Bay proving
to be as stern a test as has been encountered recently he did well to
accumulate 35 points to head a field of some quality although surprisingly a
little short on numbers considering the great deal being offered by the
course management.
Roy Thornton showed a bit of his old style as he cruised
round in an uneventful round which demonstrated that, without the
distractions of the long club throwing event, he could be a contender again
in the future.
Danny Miller, as usual was to be found plugging away with
his 10 handicap and just captured third place ahead of a gaggle of nearly
could haves.
There were no twos in the second division, whilst in the
first, Barry Traynor, Takeshi Hakozaki, and Glyn Nicholas shared the pool
with one each.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Barry Winton from a four week
hibernation in the UK summer. With the subsequent loss of body fat consumed
during his hibernation, Barry found it extremely difficult to acclimatize to
an increase in temperature of around 30 degrees Fahrenheit as he wilted
badly after nine holes and had to retire to the clubhouse for a couple of
gallons of liquid refreshment.
Friday September 9
Phoenix, Strokeplay
1st Mashi Kaneta, net 71
2nd Glynn Nicholas, net 72
3rd Martin Hayes, net 73 - cb9 33
4th Barry Winton, net 73 - cb9 35
Mashi Kaneta took his first win for some considerable
time when he slipped past Magellan on the last hole, taking a 5 against
Glynns’ 7 when playing in the same group together. Some thought it was the
pressure of concentrating too much over the direction each shot needed to be
dispatched, that was the deciding factor in the end. In any event it was an
additional reward for the tailor after spending many careful and loving
hours letting out “The Docs” trousers, following the latter’s recent
increase in lumpiness, not helped by hours spent in mindless torpidity as a
couch potato.
Martin Hayes fired in a fantastic back nine to steal
third place from the now almost recovered Barry Winton. Martin’s effort
was the culmination of many hours spent at the driving range, which bears
out the old adage my mum used to quote of “practice makes third, whilst
sitting crossed legged and sewing makes first”.
There were no winners of the twos pool in the first
division and Peter Johansson sank the only one in the second division to
sweep the pot which include a carry over.
Before presenting the prizes Richard said a sad farewell
to Danny Miller after a short visit which saw him appear on the winners’
podium three times without a noticeable change to his handicap which showed
a remarkable consistency considering the terrible rigours to which he
subjected his body during his evening wanderings around town.
Wet, wet, wet!
PSC golf with The Bunker
Khao Kheow Country Club -
Monday September 5
Every golf event this week was hindered by the threat of
rain, but for those who played the enjoyed pleasant overcast weather and
wide-open golf courses. Monday’s play was a medal competition for the
Bunker Boys and Geoff Parker scored a net 76 to take first place. Second
place was John King with a score of 78 and David Johnson returned in third
place with net 80. Near the pins were won by Eddie Martin, John Cook and
Anthony Collins.
Noble Place –
Wednesday September 7
No one seems to worry about the long travel when it’s
a game of golf at Noble Place. Two divisions playing a stableford
competition. Paul Smith, just returning from England had lost no form as he
scored 38 points to win division “A”. Geoff Parker and John Hughes tied
for second with 36 points. In division “B” a nice surprise to see
Dickie Barbe return with 38 points. B ryan Rought came second with 37.
Duncan Lee finished third with 31 points. Near the pins were won by Roger
Privett, Geoff Parker, Bryan Rought and Sonny Ruthsip.
Siam Country Club –
Friday September 9
Because of the heavy rains the night before, only a
handful showed for golf at Siam Country Club. The course is under
maintenance for the month so the scores were quiet high except for Bryan
Rought scoring a net 68, while the next best finish was a 77 scored by
Geoff Parker and David Johnson. No problems for the small group to find the
greens, the near the pins were won by Bryan Rought, Geoff Parker, John King
and David Johnson.
Golfer of The Month -
August 2005
Bob Turner held off a late charge by Mick Ramshaw to win
his first Trophy. He started the month with a 22 handicap and finished the
month with a handicap of 17. The final few games with the lower handicap
made it quiet an interesting finish. Congratulations Bob!
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.
Pethig continues
hot streak
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
The Pattaya Golf Society ignored advice from other quarters
regarding the condition of Khao Kheow and played their weekly medal event there
on Tuesday, September 6, under brooding skies.
The recent heavy rains had breathed new life into the “A”
and “B” nines and the previously dry and hard fairways were now very
receptive, with little run, and greens were slick. The two flights were decided
by age, the young bucks, shoulders back and chests out, taking the challenge
from the longer yellow tees whilst the more senior, perhaps saner, heads took
off from the white tees. With the course playing long off the rear tees scores
were not impressive. Indeed Chaten Patel took the day in the yellow flight with
a net 79, followed not too closely by Len Jones and Paul Scully.
In the white flight older heads lent their experience to the
competition and Barry Pethig, currently running hot, fired a fine net 76 to take
the win, ahead of other “seniors” Denis Smith and Jim Wilson. It was his
second successive victory and followed some fine performances recently. Birdie
two’s were extinct on the racing greens and “Beethoven” Ken Graham even
postponed his return to the Emerald Isle in order to contest the rollover at
Crystal Bay two days later. The Booby Bevy ended up as a four-pack as one
playing group began on the yellow tees but ended up playing off white and were
sent to bed without any supper. Those who were allowed to stay up unanimously
agreed that golf is always fun with the OK Corral and, as the day’s winner
showed, age is no barrier with the PGS or on the golf course.
IPGC Golf at the OK Corral
On Thursday, September 8 the PGS from the OK Corral travelled
to the exquisite Crystal Bay golf course to play their weekly stableford event
under overcast skies. The “B” and “C” nines were well prepared and the
greens were fast, ranking at a scale of 9.
Having returned only two days previously canny Scot John
Cunningham showed that the long trip was no hindrance to his game as he posted a
fine 33 points to take third place. Having started badly with only five points
on the opening five holes Texan Jim Wilson found his pitching and putting form
had reached another level as he took the back nine by the throat and wrenched a
total of 36 points from the course for second place. The leader throughout was
Bill Hewitt and birdying the hardest hole on the course, the “B” 7th, helped
his card immensely as he posted an excellent total of 38 points to take a
deserved victory. Bill’s birdie was one of seven on the day but, as none were
achieved on par threes, the twos pot was kept under wraps for another day.
At the presentation Len Jones welcomed newbies Colin Watson and Ian Howe to
golf in Pattaya and warmly congratulated Ian on his first round for twenty five
years, and presented him with the Booby Bevy as a fitting memento for his
laborious round. Crystal Bay had shone but Bill Hewitt had sparkled on a dull
day.
An assorted week on the greens
Golf with The Caddy Shack
Tuesday September 6 of the golfers from The Caddy Shack
travelled to Green Valley golf course to play a medal competition, the
weather was very hot with not much wind. The course proved difficult due to
earlier rainfall which left the approach and around the greens with watery
patches. The group was divided into two divisions with the cut being set at
16 and under. In division two Nile Sheehan on net 80, Paul Smith and Rob
Heath shared 1st place with a net 79 a piece.
Mike
Allidi and Rob Heath with some of the The Caddy Shack staff.
Division one was a closer game with a three way tie for
third shooting a net 75 was Mark Joshua, Jan Eriksen and Japanese golfer
Mashi Kaneta. The winner was Mike Allidi with a net 74, The two,s was won on
his own by another Japanese golfer Koji Yamada who could not
contain his delight and bought everyone a beer. Ex-superstars champion,
Brian Jacks was a little late back to the Shack with one thing on his mind,
knowing he had a chance of winning the Booby prize for spitting his dummy
out on the 13th. His timing was perfect as he walked through the door Mr.
Loy presented the dreaded bananas to him. The Lucky golfer to win the free
Sunday lunch was Keith Taylor
Thursday September 8, the venue was Crystal Bay and the
format was Stableford, the weather was a little breezy, the courses of B
& C were selected, with the cut being 18 and under for tow divisions.
In Division two Andy Li scored a good 39 points, but way
out in front to take 1st place was Peter White with a handicap cutting 42
points, well played Peter.
In Division one PJ scored 35 points but Roger Altham,
playing off a four handicap, shot 37 points to take the win. He also managed
to birdie two of the par three’s to make a clean sweep of the day. Very
well played to Roger as this round is all most could only dream of.
The booby prize was awarded to David Lightfoot for his
meagre 19 points and this is the other dream better known as a nightmare, so
commiserations to David as we have all been there. To end David’s
nightmare he was pulled out of the lucky draw to win the complimentary
Sunday Lunch at the Caddy Shack.
The Caddy Shack is situated on the second part of Soi 17 on the same road
to the Harley Bar. All players are welcomed to play so just turn up on a
Tuesday or Thursday before 11a.m. for a midday tee off.
The Beautiful Game?: Straight A’s for England
Riz Taylor
Appalling. Abysmal. Awful. There are probably other words
beginning with ‘A’ that describe England’s performance against Northern
Ireland, but the three above are more than sufficient to get the job done.
It’s always easy to overreact, to start lampooning the
manager and his choice of tactics or to blame lazy and overpaid players, but the
fact is that sometimes David does take on Goliath and win. It’s why we love
football, and also why the game is possibly the world’s most watched sport.
Would Italy ever have a hope of beating New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup, for
example?
The knives are being sharpened for the England manager Sven
Goran Eriksson in the British press, though whether Sven has lost the support of
his senior players or if he really does pander to every whim of David Beckham,
congratulations are in order for Northern Ireland after their first home win
over England since before World War Two. Their achievement ensures a nervy time
for England if they’re to qualify for the World Cup, and the unexpected defeat
means home wins in the remaining games over Austria and Poland are crucial.
If a week is a long time in politics, in football it can
often constitute an eternity. England seemed on cruise control in the quest to
reach Germany until Wednesday and now find themselves in deep and desperate
trouble. It was also a week that will live long in the memory of Leeds United
and Northern Ireland striker David Healy. Already his country’s record goal
scorer, his winner at Windsor Park has assured his place in Ulster folklore.
Back on his return to Leeds on Saturday he also netted two goals in a 3-3 draw
with Brighton to cap an amazing four days.
“It was unbelievable,” said the elated striker after
Northern Ireland’s win. “I got back to the hotel after the game and it
hadn’t sunk in. “We haven’t beaten England here for 78 years and it’s an
amazing feeling. There was so much that happened in the game last night and it
was a dream come true for me.
“It’s the sort of thing you dream about when you are
growing up. I’m a Northern Ireland lad and a Northern Ireland supporter, and I
used to go to the international matches with my dad when I was a boy. There were
people and kids at that game and it meant so much to them. It’s the dream of a
lifetime.”
Scotland kept their slim hopes alive with a deserved 2-1
victory over Norway in Oslo thanks to two goals from Kenny Miller, whilst
Thierry Henry’s superb winner for France in Dublin sees them leapfrog the
Irish in Group 4. Sweden’s 1-0 win over Hungary raised them to the top of
Group 8 after Croatia could only draw with Malta.
Silence Please
Moments before last Saturday’s Manchester United’s derby
match with Manchester City, which ended in a 1-1 draw, a minute’s silence was
held to honour the passing of Noel Cantwell. The Irishman was a former United
full-back, scout for the Football Association and manager of his country, and
passed away earlier last week.
It was unfortunate that, thanks to a lone voice from the City
supporters, the United fans became agitated and the minute’s silence was
sensibly cut short by the referee.
But I ask, is the one minute before a hotly-anticipated derby
the smartest time to ask 67,800 people, many of which might have had a drink or
two, to stand in contemplative silent thought for a man that more than 67,700
didn’t see play, let alone met or even knew?
Surely not. If crowds cannot be trusted to stay quiet it
would far better to organise a moment’s thought and reflection well before the
game or even afterwards in another area of the stadium.
As much as Cantwell’s achievements merited remembrance, the
policy of mourning just about everybody connected with the game via this process
seems a little out of date. And if one moron can ruin the moment for all
concerned then perhaps it’s time a new method of remembering the dead was
found.
Clash of the Big C’s
This weekend sees Manchester United take on Liverpool
(Sunday, 6 p.m. Pattaya) in one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the
season. Liverpool will desperate to assert themselves on the road after
attaining the league’s fourth worst away record last season, and must improve
on last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham.
As important as that match is, the biggest tie in terms of
Premiership position comes tomorrow evening when the league champions Chelsea
take on second placed Charlton Athletic. Alan Curbishley celebrated his 600th
game in charge of the Addicks with a win over Birmingham City last week. The
winner was scored by Darren Bent – his fifth goal in four matches.
With 600 games comes a wealth of experience, and having seen
his Charlton side falter over the final stages of recent seasons, Curbishley was
mindful over over-confidence ahead of tomorrow’s match.
“It is a long season, as we have found out on many
occasions. We will enjoy this and there will be a bit of atmosphere next
week,” he said. “”In the last three games we’ve been given lots of
praise and plaudits about the way we played. Birmingham have obviously seen
that. They worked ever so hard against us today, stopped it a bit and got on top
of us.”
Bent’s goal and some resolute defending of the lead meant Charlton
maintained their 100% Premiership record. The game at The Valley kicks off at
9pm Pattaya time on Saturday evening.
Looking ahead to Motegi
Grand Prix of Japan
MotoGP – On Sunday September 18, the MotoGP season
starts its flyaway tour out of Europe when the event is staged at Motegi,
Japan weeks). Live TV broadcasts will be at the unusual time of 12 noon on
the day, both UBC and the Thai Society Channel (TSC Channel 11 on Sophon)
are expected to carry the event.
The Japanese Grand Prix circuit was built by Honda, as
one of two test tracks, in 1997 and modified further in 1999. The track is
15 metres wide as normal and 4.801 km in length with the longest straight
being 762 metres. There are six left and eight right hand corners, expect to
see lots of overtaking.
Since KTM withdrew their engine support from Proton;
Kenny Robert’s team have now announced their non-attendance at all of the
“away” MotoGPs and will only contest the last one of the season, in
November at Valencia, Spain.
Motegi, in Honda’s backyard as it were, will be flooded
with one-off wild card entries by Honda. Will there be a “Kamikaze”
pilot dedicated to taking out Rossi before he seals the world championship
for Yamaha again? More than likely!
For the younger readers who only know of Honda’s recent
domination in the premier series here are a few facts regarding Yamaha’s
history in this event. The Yamaha factory was founded on July 1 1955, two
weeks after this their 125 two-strokes won their first race. Their GP debut
was at Clemont Ferrand, France in May 1961 in the smaller capacity classes
where they enjoyed many successes after 1963 with Japanese riders before the
redoubtable Phil Read joined them for 1964 to ride a 250. Read won both the
125 and 250 titles in 1968 when Yamaha withdrew from the GP scene due to
spiralling costs with the outrageous technical innovation taking place in
the late 60s.
Yamaha’s glorious record in the premier class began
with Jarno Saarinen and Giacomo Aogstini and in 1975, just two years after
entering biking’s toughest arena, Yamaha became the first Japanese marque
to win the 500 World Championship. Tragically, after winning some early
races in 1973 Saarinen was killed in a multiple pile-up in the 350GP in
Italy in May 1973. Agostini joined Yamaha in 1974 and won two races that
year and the the 500GP title in 1975 on the OW26.
Kenny Roberts won the 1978, ‘79 and ‘80 world title
in the premier class for Yamaha and went on to win a further ten GPs over
the next three seasons, when he only narrowly missed winning more world
titles. King Kenny raced the factory’s first 500 V4 in 1982, the
forerunner of the YZRs that would take Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey to six
500 titles.
Eddie Lawson inherited King Kenny Roberts’ mantle for
spearheading Yamaha’s 500 World Championship squad. He was a quick
learner, winning the title in only his second 500 season, in 1984, and again
in 1986 and 1988. His prime rival at that time was Honda’s Freddie Spencer
– the cool Californian versus the God-fearing boy from Louisiana.
During his first five seasons in GPs Lawson won 26 GP
victories, all the while there were important technological improvements to
Yamaha’s YZR500. These included the introduction of reed-valve induction
(used for the first time on a Yamaha V4) and the Deltabox twin beam
aluminium chassis required to handle the rapidly spiralling power outputs.
Wayne Rainey and Yamaha ruled bike racing’s premier
class during one of its most intensely competitive eras star and his YZR500
won the 1990, 1991 and 1992 500 World Championships against white-hot
competition, defeating legends like Mick Doohan, Kevin Schwantz, Eddie
Lawson, Wayne Gardner and John Kocinski.
At the same time Rainey ushered in GP racing’s modern
era, taking commitment, professionalism and riding technique to new levels.
The YZR was at the cutting edge of racing technology – a 170 horsepower,
130kg two-stroke V4 with Deltabox aluminium chassis that could nudge
321kmh/200mph. Team Roberts Yamaha had a relentless enthusiasm for
introducing new technology, so Rainey’s outfit was the first to make
serious use of data-logging, carbon brakes and so-called ‘upside-down’
front forks. Rainey raced his entire GP career with Yamaha, winning 24 500
GPs between 1988 and late 1993, when an accident left him paralysed from the
chest down.
So, Rossi has taken up the Yamaha banner and Honda have girded their
loins to challenge, thusfar without significant success. While the fat lady
has yet to sing on Rossi as 2005 champion there are sure to be some exciting
races left even after the championship is won. Look out for those wild-cards
at Motegi Valentino, one at least will be gunning for you!
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Those reading this effort in the pages of the Pattaya Mail
know that they live in a “different” type of place. They know it’s not the
Siam of Yul Brenner but still mysterious, intriguing and most of all
interesting. As the Pattaya Mail turned 12 years old it has become a part of a
culture that has drawn people from all over the world and beyond. From the pages
of last weeks Mail: “A woman who allegedly died six months ago and was
cremated has returned to her home, causing panic amongst her neighbors who
thought she must be a ghost.” Well I guess. I rest my case.
It’s difficult at times covering the international manly
art of boxing in the ‘Land of Pole hangers’ and Baht Bus drivers because one
must remember at all times that “This It Thailand.” A major part of the Siam
Charm is that fact. “There is the rest of the world and then there’s
Thailand.” “There’s a right way, a wrong way and the Thai way.” Thailand
has some very good international boxers who never get the recognition or
financial respect they deserve. For the most part they will never reach their
true potential because “This Is Thailand.” Case in point is 1 WBA ranked
lightweight Prawet Singwancha. (26-2). His two losses came early in his career
when young fighters are going to school. He learned! Singwancha was to have been
in the ring today against Ebo Elder (22-1) in a WBA Lightweight title
eliminator. Instead Lakva Sim (20-4) got the call. Why? The short answer is This
It Thailand. The winner would fight Juan Diaz for the title. “Representatives
of #1 WBA ranked lightweight Prawet Singwancha have alleged that the Thai boxer
was wrongfully denied a spot in a WBA lightweight title-elimination bout against
#5 WBA contender Ebo Elder on a card that will be promoted by Guilty Boxing on
September 16th. “Unfortunately these “representatives” give no reason that
they and their boxer have been wrong.
Guilty boxing stepped in with a lot of straight talk. “Of
course, Guilty Boxing wanted and intended to have Prawet fight in the
title-elimination bout. But what was unfortunate was his representatives’
demand that Prawet’s camp be granted six visas to come to the United States.
Guilty Boxing told them repeatedly that six was probably too many visas to
expect to be issued in time for the September 16th bout, and that four would be
a more realistic a doable number. Regretfully, Prawet’s representatives would
not budge off six visas, and we know what the result of that was; all six visas
were denied, thus,” Not my fault. This Is Thailand.
Hope your memory cap’s in place so you’ll remember that
it wasn’t too long ago when all the world was breathlessly talking about Ricky
Hatton vs. Floyd Mayweather jr. That I wrote, “Not so fast my friend.” Well
the first shoe has dropped which may prevent that fight anytime soon. Seems
Hatton and long time promoter Frank Warren are having a slight disagreement.
Warren claims that Sports Network, which he owns, has Hatton under contract for
three more fights. Hatton’s dad, Ray, say’s “Bullstuff. Ricky is a free
agent and I challenge Warren to produce a signed contract.” Rumor has Hatton
signing on the dotted line with promoter Dennis Hobson. Hmm.
Lots of box fighting last week so fasten your seats belts and
let’s go around the boxing world in 500 words of less. Last Friday night in
Sheffield Arena Clinton Woods (37-3) defended the IBF Light Heavy title against
Julio Gonzalez (38-2) with the easiest type of unanimous decision. Easy?
118-112, 117-112, 116-112 is easy for a title defense. Now let’s see if Joe
Calzaghe, who fought the following evening at the National Ice Arena in Cardiff,
would have his stroll in the park against unknown and over matched Evans Ashira
now 24-2. It was easy as Calzaghe won every round on every card. That’s a shut
out. Prior to Calzaghe’s defense he said that he wasn’t even thinking about
the upcoming “Super” fight with Jeff Lacy. That’s good because he injured
his hand so the November showdown is out. According to Warren, “Calgazhe is
never going to be ready for that so we’ll try to rearrange it for next year...
It is a great shame. We’ll do the fight early next year, maybe February.”
Lacy’s promoter Gary Shaw says if Calgazhe wants the fight now it’ll be in
the USA. We will see.
As I wrote that we’d go round the boxing world I guess I
have to mention that former WBA super middleweight world champion Anthony
Mundine (24-3) “scored a sixth round TKO over blown up junior middleweight
Rashid “Snake Boy “Matumla (30-8-1)” in Canberra. The carnage was stopped
by referee Charlie Lucas 36 seconds into the 6th stanza. Yes he did. Some yank
reporter wrote that when Robbie Peden won the IBF Feather title in February of
this year he, “is the first Aboriginal world champion since lightweight and
bantamweight champ Lionel Ross in the 1960s and 1970s”. Wrong Bucko. Anthony
Mundine, who is a full Aboriginal as opposed to Peden’s half, won a world
crown in June of 2004. Which on most calendar’s is before February of 2005.
Peden fights Marco Antonio Barerra on Sunday in Las Vegas. The Bomber will needs
lots of help against the “Baby Faced Assin.” Peden only half Aboriginal?
What is the other half? His Dad was Scottish. Must have been a social climber.
The Cr่eme de la Cr่eme for the weekend was going to be from the
Staples Center in Los Angeles. It was Manny Pacquiao (now 40-3-2) opened the TV
portion of the show with a 6 round TKO of gritty Hector Velazquez (42-11-2).
Fighting at 130 is was apparent that maybe “The Pac Man” should consider
going back to 126 where his power and speed can dominate. That was even more
apparent when Erik Morales, who beat Pacquaio last out, got out hustled, out
boxed and out fought by former US Olympian slickster Zahir Raheem. Morales had
said after he beat Pacquaio that he needed a challenge feeling that fighting at
135 would provide that opportunity. Bad idea! Not only did Morales suffer only
his third loss from 51 fights but a rematch with Pacquaio is probably not in the
cards. As a tune up for Pacquiao this was not a good plan. As HBO’s Larry
Merchant remarked on the showing of Raheem, “Sometimes the meat jumps off the
counter and attacks the butcher.” Good guy Wayne “The Pocket Rocket”
McCullough is finally getting the recognition that he so richly deserves. The
World Boxing Council has named Wayne “World Ambassador for Peace and Good will
in Sports.” Part of the proclamation reads, “In view that Wayne McCullough
has been not only one of the most courageous fighters and honoring his Irish
blood - but also an extraordinary example in his private life.” That ladies
and gentleman, boys and girls about says it all. In a statement released by his
wife Cheryl (who does the reading and writing for the family) Wayne said,
“”For the first time in my life, I was knocked off my feet when I received
the news from the WBC. I always wanted to be remembered not only for my boxing
ability but also for my clean living, honesty, integrity and dedication to the
sport.” Drink to that? In a heartbeat bucko. Set’em up Joe…
Bandit Bob Benda busted for Ban Chang brilliance
PSC McAllister’s Golf
September 9 - Hot off the press is news that the PSC
handicap police in the Golf Section have finally caught up with the exploits
of Bob Benda, whacking him with a sharp adjustment after another sizzling
round at Century Ban Chang last Friday. Coming in with 42 stableford points
he beat out three players all of whom had 40 points. Second on countback was
Bob Lawrence, with Terry Curtis and Ian Warwick taking out third and fourth
places.
Winner Bob
Benda, place winners Bob Lawrence, Terry Curtis and Ian Warwick back at
McAllisters joined by one of Don’s attentive staff.
A total of 22 golfers turned out for this regular Friday
event held always at Century Ban Chang, a good number considering that there
were other events taking place on that day in the Ban Chang area. We are
told that the golfers proceeded in an orderly manner back to McAllister Bar
& Grill where they were welcomed by host Don McAllister, availed
themselves of the complimentary buffet and Don’s attentive staff, and
listened to a short and snappy prize-giving presentation by organizer Dennis
Willett.
Then all hell broke loose as a busload of 27 parched
golfers from the Coral Beach Tournament playing at Eastern Star descended on
McAllister’s. By the time that your reporter arrived on the chaotic scene,
he found Coral Beach organizer Mike Hudson on his mobile frantically trying
to get his entourage back on the bus with limited success. In the end there
were no casualties, except perhaps for Tony Shackel who was left slightly
disfigured (some would say enhanced) by an altercation later in the night
with a door in Gerry Carpenter’s house in which he was billeted.
Another great day. All are welcome to turn up at Century Banchang between
7:30 and 8:00 on Fridays and you are sure of a game with a very friendly
group of golfers, and the after-game festivities.
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