“Sus” hammers the field yet again

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Tuesday, February 14, Pattaya CC
This was just another day when “Sus” Ige again hammered the field. He has had a hot streak going for about a month but like everything else, the ‘golf gods’ will catch up to him in the end. A few weeks ago Sus shot a stableford score of 43 and today managed a creditable 42 points to win the day. It looks like he will be on his way back down on his handicap.
Dale Murphy, Dave Miller, and a couple of others are still hovering near the top. These two are about the most consistent golfers week in week out. I would not be surprised if either were to win in the coming weeks.
Dick Kerr, Jim Tully and Herb Ishinaga scrambled for the cellar position as Paul Donahue booked out to Bangkok. Our other friends who normally help out in relief are now back in the USA. Marvin and Rollie will hopefully be back shortly.

Tony Barritt loses to “Hornet” at Bangpra

IPGC golf from The Haven

Mon 13 Feb
Treasure Hills, Stableford
1st Martin Grimoldby, 36
2nd Alan Howell, 34
3rd Serge Straeten, 33 c/b 17
4th Dave Spendley, 33 c/b 16
5th Dave Shaw, 31
A very long awaited return to Treasure Hills and 29 golfers made the drive up the 331 on the bank holiday. The course was in good condition, but it was windy and busy, which no doubt added to the poorish scores.
Alan Howell continued his run on the podium with a very creditable 34 points, but it was Martin Grimoldby who mastered the tough layout to comfortably take the days honors. In the “2”s competition, Martin Grimoldby, Mike Sanders, Tom Sathram & Alan Howell shared the spoils in division 1, whilst Serge Straeten scooped the pool in division 2. Amazingly, three of the “2”s carded were on the long 2nd par 3 and Mike Sanders actually hit the pin for an easy tap-in.
Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed back Fred Chadwick and John Murphy before bidding farewell to Doug & Wendy Hollingsworth.
Wed 15 Feb
Mountain Shadow, Stableford
Division 1 (0-18)
1st Doug Campbell, 33
2nd Martin Grimoldby, 32 c/b 19
3rd Brian Kelly, 32 c/b 15
4th Alan Howell, 32 c/b 14
Division 2 (19 plus)
1st John Murphy, 32 c/b 15 c/b6 12
2nd Ole Stamnes, 32 c/b 15 c/b6 9
3rd Evan Millar, 30
4th Dave Spendley, 29
The large turnout for the ever-popular Mountain Shadow found the course to be in excellent condition as usual, but the fast undulating greens with tough pin placements ensured that once again the course won on the day. In fact, the scores were so poor that the competition was non-counting for handicaps.
Doug secured his first win for some time with what turned out to be a very sound 33 points, with Brian splitting Martin & Alan on count back. In division 2, scores were just as poor with John just pipping Ole on count back. But perhaps Ole had the last laugh when carding the only “2” of the day to take the division 2 pot: a fine reward for the Norwegian who has been practicing every day at the golf range.
Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, welcomed Earl Visser, John Bateman, Brian Williams & Bill Hartwell before welcoming back Martin Hayes, Bryan Edwards and Kevin & Samantha Taylor.
Fri 17 Feb
Bangpra, Medal
1st Rick Holmes, 73 c/b 37
2nd Trevor Schirmer, 73 c/b 38
3rd Tom Sathram, 74
4th Martin Grimoldby, 75
5th Brian Bruce, 76
A slightly disappointing turnout for the popular Bangpra layout, perhaps due to the competition being medal or perhaps due to it being a Friday and the notorious slow rounds usually encountered at Bangpra. Today was no exception with a thunderstorm interrupted five and a half hour round that destroyed many a scorecard and made for a very slow drive back to Pattaya and very late presentation.
Poor Tony Barritt arrived back looking as though he had just been a few rounds with Mike Tyson after a “hornet” made a beeline for his nose on the 17th tee, missed and caught him on the eye. Still, the competition turned into a real battle with Rick just beating off Trevor on count back, with Tom & Martin close behind.
In the “2”s competition, Michael Dige & Rick Holmes shared the rollover prize in division 1, whilst no “2”s were carded in division 2. Prior to the delayed presentation, Richard Livingston, welcomed Steven Rich, John Rush, Colin Lawlor & Patrick Whelan and welcomed back Mark Wood & Paul Hartley

Britt-Marie takes the honours at Khao Kheow

PSC 56th Member’s Monthly, February 17 - Khao Kheow

The tournament was sold out days in advance and 115 of the 120 declared starters turned up to do battle on a fine course, which was in excellent condition throughout. The weather although a little mixed was kind to us and the only blot on the landscape was the starter who inserted three or four groups of Japanese golfers in our midst to ensure play was slower than required. The management afterwards offered apologies but as we all know, ‘this is Thailand’ and starters seem to have as much power to ruin your day as a tax inspector or even a bank manager!

The Golf Chairman presents the winner’s award to Britt-Marie Wimmerstedt

There were eight golfers who managed to break par on the day as opposed to two on our last visit, so I guess the course was playing relatively easy. The undoubted star of the day was Britt-Marie Wimmerstedt who really did the course and her handicap some severe damage coming in with 47 points off her handicap of 27 to take the Ladies flight, two near pins and two ‘2s’ and a long putt. The grim reaper a.k.a. Tony Oakes awaits her at the next review.
The deliciously fragrant Ploy Thongpen took the Ladies low gross with an 83 and in the men’s flights there were wins for John Lloyd with a net 71, Ray Spence with a net 68, Roy Pimblett with 40 points and Jay Perrin, who celebrated his return to golf with an outstanding 45 points. Gary Blackburne took the low gross with 78.
A big thank you to all our sponsors for the day, namely The Harley Bar, The TQ, Shenanigans, The Diana Group and the Blue Parrot.
Tournament Director Ian Edwards was away on the day owing to family commitments so missed the lightning and was, therefore, unable to perform his now legendry impression of a Formula 1 driver but a big thank you for all his efforts.
Golf Chairman, Chris John lost his bag and caddy before the start and almost lost his tee time. However, he did lose the plot completely on the front nine but was relieved as he left the clubhouse in the dark to find his hubcaps still attached to his pickup, so in the end it turned out nice again.
Next month is the club championship at Burapha on Friday and Monday, March 10 and 13 with the presentation ceremony back at the Town in Town hotel afterwards, so sign up early in the clubhouse to avoid disappointment.
CJ
Results
A flight:
Low Gross: Gary Blackburne, 78
Winner: John Lloyd, 71 net
Runner-up: Paul Walia, 72 net
B Flight:
Winner:Ray Spence, 68 net
Runner-up: Alan Hughes, 70 net
C Flight:
Winner: Roy Pimblett, 40 points
Runner-up: Rony Walfridsson, 39 points
Third: David Foulk, 36 points
D Flight:
Winner: Jay Perrin, 45 points
Runner-up: Nigel Cannon, 38 points
Third: Mike Wing, 34 points
Ladies Flight:
Low gross: Ploy Thongpen, 83
Winner: B-M Wimmerstedt, 47 points
Runner-up: Intira Goransson, 36 points
Long putts:
Gary Blackburne, Bjorn Chritiansen, Herb Schwieterman, B-M Wimmerstedt.
Near pins:
Hasaturi Matsumop, Fergus Brennan, Christan Poulson, Graham Dietrich, Geoff King, Sfefan Goransson, Simon Dutton, Roger Struastedt, Alan Hughes, Doug Chalkley, Roy Pimblett, Ronny Walfridsson, Brian Maddox, David Foulk, Chris John, Carl Blackburn, Alan Gummer, Nigel Cannon, Jay Perrin, Chant Schwulera, Intira Goronsson, Britt-Marie Wimmerstedt.

Pattaya MTB Challenge Open 2006 ready to roll

Pattaya MTB Challenge Open 2006 rolls off at Khao Phratamnak, 25 February between 08:00 - 17:00 hrs.

Mr. Verawat Khakhay, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, Mr. Saree Thampitakphong, President of the Bike Net Club and Mr. Anupong Udomrattanakulchai, President of the Running and Biking for Health Club of Pattaya presided over a news conference announcing the Pattaya MTB Challenge Open 2006 to be held 25 February between 8am - 5pm at Khao Phratamnak, Pattaya.
The MTB Challenge has been categorized as follows: Men Junior, Women Junior, (not over 18 years, but not less than 15); Men’s under 23, Elite Women’s, General; and Senior Men, (35 and over). The winner of each category will take 2,000 baht, second 1,500 baht and third 1,000 baht.
There is also an Elite Men’s category in which the winner will receive 5,000 baht, second, 3,000 baht and third 2,000 baht. The Team Relay comprises three team members with the winning team receiving 6,000 baht, second 4,500 baht and third 3,000 baht. In the amateur category, winners will be awarded medals and other prizes.
The prize money will be doubled for those who win podium places on Jamis, Bianchi, Airbourne, Ellsworth, Intense, Mosso and Turner bikes distributed by the TCA Group.
Any bikers interested in competing must register in advance by Fax on 02-367-3482 or deliver applications to TCA distributors. Application forms are available from TCA and further details can be obtained by calling TCA on 02-367-3470, 01-833-3050, 01-847-3944 and Racha Bikes 038-770-097. Application is free.

Jim Wooler cards the best score of the week

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday February 13 - Great Lake
The Bunker Boy’s played a stableford competition at Great Lake golf course and on an overcast day some good golf was played on a lovely course but which seems lately to have been allowed to deteriorate somewhat.

Dutch couple Jan and Thea Von Spelling enjoying their golfing holiday with The Bunker Boys

The B division returned the best scores with Mike Withers finishing third with 35 points behind Mick Ramshaw on 38 points but Jim Wooler had the best score of the day to win with 41 points.
The A division was closer with a tie for second place between Tony Scambler and Canadian Roger Parenteau both with 34 points, only one shot behind winner Nile Sheehan with 35 points.
Roger Parenteau also claimed two near pin prizes with the other two going to Thea Von Spelling and Geordie Graham Wood.
Wednesday
February 15
- Treasure Hill
Treasure Hill proved to be as challenging as usual and the relatively low stableford points tally reflected this with the best scores of the day being returned by joint winners in the B division, David Johnson and Sunni Ruthsip tying for first place with 34 points each. Runner-up spot was also tied between Thea Von Spelling and Mike Withers with both players way behind on 28 points.
Again the A division was tight with Tony Scambler finishing third with 29 points, one shot behind Jerry Cooney who was only one further shot behind our eventual winner William Macey, who won with 31 points.
Near pin prizes were claimed by Cyril Wallwork, Jerry Cooney, Thea Von Spelling and Aussie Scott Eaton.
Friday February 17 - Pattaya Country Club
A downpour at Pattaya Country Club halfway through the competition meant some relatively poor scores were carded by the bedraggled golfers when they returned to The Bunker Bar after their Medal competition, with level par being the best score in both the A and B divisions.
The A division saw Barry Barnes win with net 72 ahead of a clutch of golfers sharing second place with net 75: they were Tony Scambler, Mitch Malone and John McDonald. The B division had a tie for first place on level par 72 between Jan Von Spelling and “Skinny” Newton, winning for the first time ever. Third place went to PJ Redmond one shot behind with a net 73.
Near pin prizes went to Tony Scambler and three “first time winners” Tony Geeland, Bernie Stevens and “Skinny” again!

Latham leaves rivals in shadows

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Tuesday, February 14, the golf lovers from the OK Corral called on one of their favourite courses, Mountain Shadow, to play a medal event. On a hot day there was only a slight breeze to cool their ardor but the lovely legacy “Lady” was having none of it. The course was to prove very long off the blue tees and the quality field, average handicap sixteen, found good scores hard to come by.
In the second flight scores were very mediocre and Rob Dolan captured third place with a round of net 85, hardly the stuff of dreams. Keith Hector fared better with his net 78 but soul mate Harry Cowling took the day with an accurate round of 76.
The top flight saw better scores and John Cunningham and Yasuo Suzuki shared third place with net 74, John achieving the best gross of the day with his 81. Harry Riley, using woods for seemingly every occasion, ground out a level par round to take second place but it was left to Wilf Latham to beat par with his net 71, and take a deserved victory.
Lee Fitzsimmons, son of Sam, murdered the back nine with a blistering gross 38 including the day’s only birdie two. As a callow youth he once played off scratch but has lost contact with golf completely over the recent years and it will be interesting to see where the handicapper places him in the CONGU list when he completes his third card.
The ‘Booby Bevy’ went to Dale Shier after his efforts on the first two tees saw him drive a ball via a tree onto the putting green and then leave his drive on the second firmly up a coconut tree. Such was the day at Mountain Shadow.
Green Valley acts tough
Thursday, February 16, Green Valley hosted the Pattaya Golf Society for its weekly stableford event in hot conditions and on a course which was showing signs of the annual wear and tear. The greens were hard and slick and the introduction of the “new” par three twelfth draw some gasps from the large field when they stood on the vast sloping green: - just where can you site the pin fairly and how do you get close?
Nevertheless, the group from the OK Corral are adaptable and resourceful as they day was to show. The two flights were cut at fifteen and under and for some it was their first taste of the second flight for a long time.
In division two Paul Quodomine and Len Jones were both afflicted with putting woes but managed to post scores of 26 points to share third place. Playing partner Andy Parkinson fared better as his 30 points was destined for a share of the lead and he joined the illustrious Harry Riley, demoted for the day by the accomplished top flight, as both shared the day’s victory.
In the top flight Harry’s illustrious rivals, Ciano Glavinia and “El Presidente” Dale Shier went head-to-head and shared third place with their 33 point totals whilst local members Jan Eriksen and Mike Allidi played golf at a higher level. Jan’s 35 points took second place behind Mike’s level par 36, his gross 74 being by far the best of the day. His joy, and the twos pot, was shared by Dale Shier, as they both birdied the new hole to the amazement of their groups.
Golfers will pity poor John Mason who is suffering from a severe shanking affliction at present but his humour and patience was relieved by the Booby Bevy, prescribed to wash away the thoughts of his single figure score. Green Valley had indeed been a tough nut to crack.
(Advanced notice: The PGS Annual Matchplay Championship will be held on Thursdays throughout March and qualification is full membership of IPGC taken out or renewed through the OK Corral since May 2005. Sign-up sheets are available now and full details are available at the OK Corral, Soi Rungland).

Seaboard FC extinguishes Fire and Gas in local derby

MBMG International League

Seaboard FC took the honors winning 6-1 in the second Pattaya derby match of the MBMG International League season last Saturday at a very wet Horseshoe Point. Their opponents F & G Pattaya are one of only two sides to have defeated Seaboard this season and were looking to do the double over their local rivals, coming into the game on the back of a six match winning streak. Seaboard were however, determined to keep their own unbeaten record going and collect another three valuable points to continue with their push up the league table.
Torrential rain prior to kick off had put the fixture in doubt with sections of the pitch severely waterlogged and Seaboard manager Rick Bryant was not alone in questioning the referee’s decision to play the game.
The opening few minutes did in fact prove difficult for both sets of players and with the ball holding up in the water and with the rain continuing to fall, both teams were unable to create any clear cut chances.
This was all to change however, on 12 minutes when a ball out to the right found the nimble footed Ernest Romario and he cut inside, past two F & G defenders before dispatching a low drive across the face of the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Seaboard now had their tails up and two minutes later it was Romario again, out on the right who managed to get to the bye-line before crossing for Paul Derbyshire to gratefully side foot home.
Seaboard continued to press but with little end result and F & G could consider themselves unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty when their forward Lee appeared to be tripped in the box. Seaboard rode their luck however, and went further ahead on 39 minutes when the impressive Mark Brittain turned on the edge of the box to drive home from 18 yards out. The half time whistle was soon to follow with Seaboard leading their local rivals 3-0.
Manager Bryant must have been pleased with his team’s first half performance, in particular the central defensive partnership of Gary Munro and Brian Wilkins who had looked very solid during the opening period.
The second half was to start in much the same way as the first had finished with Seaboard continuing to press and nearly going further ahead when John Campbell tried his luck from a free kick fully 35 yards out. He could only look on despairingly as his effort came crashing back into play off the crossbar.
Seaboard did finally get the all important fourth goal to kill off an chance of an F & G revival 10 minutes into the second period, when Peter Ngalamo found Craig Banks and his through ball left Brittain with only the keeper to beat, which he did with ease.
F & G were to get their only goal of the afternoon midway through the second half when the ball ran loose in the Seaboard box and the F & G forward made no mistake from close range. Rather than defend their lead, Seaboard continued to take the game to F & G and 9 minutes later they were to go even further ahead when a long ball found the unmarked Brittain, and he cleverly lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper for 5-1.
Two minutes later Seaboard completed their scoring for the afternoon when Derbyshire used his strength to latch onto a through ball and drive an unstoppable shot past the F & G keeper into the top corner of the net. Emmanuel Tshuma, Jake Baker and Utane were all introduced for the final 10 minutes with young Baker in particular looking dangerous.
Final score Seaboard FC 6, F & G Pattaya 1.
Manager Bryant was pleased with his team’s workmanlike performance in difficult conditions and had particular praise for Ngalamo and Francis Taku who both shone on a dull and damp afternoon in Pattaya.
Seaboard’s season continues next Saturday (February 25) with a home game at Horseshoe Point against the Robin Hood from Bangkok, kick off 4:00pm.
Seaboard FC have been fortunate enough to secure the sponsorship of AGS Four Winds International Movers and Cranes and Equipment Ltd. Europe-Middle East-Asia for this season and would like to thank them for their continued support.
Anybody who could be interested in joining Seaboard FC, whether their stay in Thailand is for a long or short period is more than welcome to come down to the football pitch in Naklua every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, contact us at seaboardfc @hotmail.com or call Peter on 01 810 1470.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

In the past year one of the positive things that boxing did was the TV show ‘The Contenders”, which developed a cult following from those that enjoy the sport. Peter Manfredo (24-3) reached the final only to loose to Sergio Mora (16-0) on a unanimous decision over 7 rounds. Many in the Manfredo camp felt that 7 rounds was like a “catch” distance that was neither “fish, fowl nor good red herring”.
When “The Contenders” moved to ESPN, the network staged a re-match over 8 stanzas. That rematch last October saw Mora again emerge victorious, this time via a split ruling (77-75, 77-75, 75-77). Most fans booed the decision even though the fight was in Mora’s hometown of Los Angeles. This year, Mandredo got the TV spotlight to open 2006 with a fight against Scott Pemberton (29-4-1), who in broadcast interviews appeared to be a shot fighter.
After a one day delay because of snow, (no it was snowing outside), the two faced off at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Manfredo’s home town of Providence, RI. Pemberton was coming off a 2 round KO at the hands of Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy. After that fight Pemberton almost announced his retirement to spend time with his family. The lure of a really good payday postponed the “almost” to “not now”.
Unfortunately the tough roads finally caught up with him, as he was TKO’d by Peter Manfredo in a fight that wasn’t competitive. After a slow first round, Manfredo scored with punches that went unanswered. The end came at 2:06 of the third. Next will be a third meeting with Sergio Mora (16-0), the champion of “The Contenders” series. This July’s “Contenders” series will be a competition in the welterweight division. Yep, true fact.
With Manny Pacquiano’s new management team in place, Manny won’t be falling into any traps set by Eric Morales or his team. The “conventional wisdom”, which is usually neither, says that Morales like Scott Pemberton is about at the end of what has been a hard and difficult road. Many are very surprised that his camp opted to activate the rematch clause with Pacquiao.
Rumors are swirling around that the fight might be at either 132 or 134. Those rumors started when the Morales’ camp insisted that the rubber match be made at 132lbs and according to some parties, it is a done deal for Sept. 16 at the Sam Boyd Football Stadium in Las Vegas. Not so according to the Manila Times. Pacquiao said to the Times, “You can write this down. I won’t fight at 132lbs. There’s going to be a fight if they agree at 130lbs.” End of rumor!
Both Fernando Vargas (26-2) and Shane Mosley (41-4) were good fighters in their day. The key phrase here is “in their day”. Fernando Vargas was one of the most devastating punchers in the division. Fighting as a light middleweight he was 20-0 with 18 KO’s before he ran into Felix Trinidad and got TKO’d in 12.
After a couple of warm up KO’s he then took on Oscar de la Hoya. He came in a little heavy and got KO’d in 11. After that fight he tested positive for steroids, of which he said, “I don’t know how I got them”. That’s the boxing version of “The dog ate my homework.” After being forced to take 2004 off, he won two fights in 2005 but no KO’s. He’s not the fighter he once was.
Shane Mosley was 36-0, including a win over de la Hoya, when he lost back-to-back fights against Vernon Forest. Another win followed over Oscar, then a couple of “L’s” to Winky Wright. Even when undefeated, Mosley never was able to draw large crowds. He was a good fighter that went almost unnoticed. The two meet Saturday Feb 26 in a match that should be filed under “who cares?”
As predicted last week in these hollow spaces, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (60-2) had little trouble when he defended his WBC flyweight title for the 14th time last Thursday against Gilberto Keb Baas (26-12-1) in Bangkok. Two judges had it as a “donut job” at (120-108, 120-109), while one actually gave the Mexican a round. Although the Square Ring didn’t see the contest, it’s crack reporter “O.R.” Cross did.
“Just watched the Thai/Mexican bout here in Thailand and have my usual bitch about watching Thai boxing live here: The gas bags in the ring pontificate forever before the fight. I timed it from the fighters entering the ring until the bell for the first round and it was a little under 30 minutes. The Mexican looked like he was either going to fall asleep or faint from the heat and his manager held an ice bag on his head while the babbling was going on. He put up a good effort when it finally got going but was a little out gunned. Not a bad fight.”
The only guy in the ring in a shirt and tie when the bell rang was Cousin Bruce McTavish who, according to boxing records, was working his 5th Wonjongkam title defense. Next up should be a mandatory defense against either Rosendo Alvarez or Jorge Arce. Neither bout is likely to take place in LOS.
One fight that definitely won’t be in the LOS is the one against Jorge Arce. In fact that fight probably will never happen. Boxing scribe Victor Perea interviewed Arce recently.
“The Thai (Pongsaklek) doesn’t want me; he doesn’t want to fight anybody. If he really wanted to earn his belt he would have taken the fight with me before. I don’t need to beat him, who is he? Who has he beat? I go for the biggest fights and he is not the biggest fight by his own doing.”
Arce seems to be echoing the sentiments of this space in regard not only to Pongtsklek but also to most Thai boxers in general.
Jr. featherweight Fahasung 3K Battery, (50-8-1) did AOK last week with a workmanlike performance (116-112, 116-112, 115-113) over Edgardo Gabejan (11-8) of the Philippines. Besides keeping his IBF (a.k.a. “I Be Fixin”) jr. featherweight title, 3K got his 6th victory since being hammered out in four by Manny Pacquiao in 2004. Oh yes, the fight was held in Ayutthaya last Friday.
The King of the Second Road, Dave Stewart (18-0), and his pal Lee Meager (19-1-1) had little trouble obtaining wins last Saturday at York Hall in London. Both boxers tossed shut outs, winning on points over four by the same score of 40-36.
As is the custom in England only the referee scores the match. That’s the up side. The downside is that with the win the two friends may be facing each other before too long in a regional title match. Meager handled the 6-12 Ben Hudson while The Dapper one added another loss to the 5-59 Jason Nesbitt.
None of my business but I would respectfully suggest that maybe Mr. Nesbitt should give up hopes of a championship and maybe try another line of work: hard to sell a 5-60 boxer. What line of work? Well how about bringing a nice cold beverage to ‘the Great One’ when he types, “This would lead a man to drink.” And it did. “Why thank you Jason.”

The Beautiful Game?: United’s priorities reassessed

Riz Taylor
If you think Sunday’s Rumbelows Sherpa Van League Cup final is meaningless to a club of Manchester United’s stature, think again. After their disappointing defeat at Anfield on Saturday, which I was staggered to discover was their first FA Cup defeat to Liverpool in 85 years, Sunday’s tie against this year’s surprise outfit Wigan Athletic will take on a significance that will be unfamiliar to United fans.
To add to the club’s woes, Alan Smith’s dislocated ankle and horrific leg-break rules out any chance of filling both the position and the enormous boots of former captain Roy Keane. He joins a lengthy injury list and looks likely to miss out on this summer’s World Cup in Germany. And here’s yet more bad news - it was announced last week that United are no longer the ‘richest’ club in the world.
According to accountants Deloitte in their annual Money League report, the Old Trafford club has slipped from its lofty perch for the first time since Deloitte began counting eight years ago. They’ve fallen behind Real Madrid, whose huge investments in ‘galacticos’ seems to be finally paying off. Ironically the Spanish side’s rise to the top is in no small part thanks to a former United hero.
It’s David Beckham who has turned the tables, of course. Love him or loathe him, you cannot escape Beckham’s huge impact on world football. The 22 million pound acquisition of the England skipper has seen a huge rise in income for the Spaniards. In his first year at Real shirt sales rocketed some 66 per cent, and grew by another six in the second. However, Madrid’s huge 96m pound wage bill is not taken into account in the figures.
Nor are spending, profitability or amount of cash sitting in the bank, which answers the question of why Chelsea don’t top the league. The Deloitte findings look only at commercial income from marketing, sponsorship and such, and Chelsea trail Madrid by 46 million pounds in these departments. All this will mean little to a club that seemed unconcerned in announcing a 140 million pound loss last year.
There are few surprises in the top ten, but in seventeenth position are Manchester City (yes, really) and behind them are Everton, a new entry in eighteenth. In fact there are eight Premiership teams in the top 20, which proves that the ‘Prem’ is the best league in the world. Or, at least, the most expensive to watch.
United remain confident of a quick return to the top, particularly as their stadium expansion will soon see the Old Trafford capacity raised to 76,000. But this resurgence won’t come next year, after Alex Ferguson’s men failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the lucrative Champions League. The Glazer family, the new owners of the club that funded their purchase through enormous borrowing, tried to sound upbeat about the news:
“The family would remind everyone that Manchester United are still the most profitable club in the world,” said a spokesperson. “Good luck to Real Madrid; let them enjoy the limelight. But we’re quite bullish about the future ourselves.”
Far more indicative of the truth than these brash words is the fact that this Sunday’s League Cup final, a competition that Manchester United have belittled in the last few years by fielding reserve sides, becomes their only shot at silverware this year. Times certainly are changing for United, both on and off the pitch.
Anyone know a goalkeeper?
During my illustrious Sunday League playing days there were always problems recruiting goalkeepers. Whilst it’s hardly surprising to struggle finding someone daft enough to stand between two posts on a freezing Sunday morning in January with a hangover, it appears that it’s the same at any level of football. Even for the world’s eighteenth richest club.
Everton fans should expect an unfamiliar face between the posts for the Toffees’ encounter with Newcastle tomorrow night. David Moyes has been forced to ask the Premier League for permission to sign a goalkeeper on temporary loan, as three of his club’s goalkeepers are either injured or banned. With Nigel Martyn unavailable and Richard Wright injured after twisting his ankle warming up on Chelsea’s cabbage patch of a pitch, stand-in Iain Turner was recalled from loan at Wycombe Wanderers only to be sent off just nine minutes into his Premiership debut against Blackburn. It leaves 19-year-old John Ruddy as the only recognised keeper at the club. Not that anyone will actually recognize him.
World Cup
Here’s one team that won’t be short on staff members when the World Cup arrives in June. They’re taking a squad of more than 200 to the biggest tournament in football and will have not one but TWO bases, in Munich and in Berlin. And yet they won’t even kick a ball.
Who are they? It’s the British Broadcasting Corporation, of course. “We know there is a huge appetite for the World Cup among our audience, which guarantees there will be healthy viewing figures,” said a BBC spokesperson desperately trying to justify the month-long jolly at licence payers’ expense.
Meanwhile, FIFA have come under fire after the website catering for World Cup tickets crashed moments after opening its virtual doors to hungry customers eager to purchase tickets to matches for this summer’s event. The site was down most of the day, and then by the afternoon was only available in German, by which point all tickets had been sold. Apparently you can’t even get hold of tickets for Togo versus South Korea. Not that you’d want one, surely?
“Zat voz never ein penalty”
For anyone lucky enough to actually be going to the World Cup, even if it’s only to see Togo versus South Korea, how about brushing up on your essential German before heading there? A website teaching English football fans phrases such as “I puked my guts up” and “sack the manager” in German has been set up for the World Cup.
It also includes translations for “sick as a parrot”, “the ref doesn’t know what he’s doing” and “the goal scorer looked suspiciously offside”, and has been set up by the British Embassy in Berlin.
Their football attaché, Andy Battson, said: “We share a love of good beer as well as football and the friendly historic rivalry between our two teams will add extra interest.”
Here’s a taster for you. “Seine gefährliche Flanke zwang den Torwart zu einer Faustabwehr”, which of course means: “His dangerous cross forced the goalkeeper to make a punched clearance.” See? It’s simple.

‘Irish Eyes’ smile for Fergus at Noble Place

PSC golf from The Grapevine

(From L to R) Fergus Brennan, Lek, Dick Warberg, and Da.

Thursday, Feb 16 - Noble Place
This was an unusual week for our golfers as Jeff Wylie is home in Australia. Our new organizer, Keith Hodges, endured some teething problems, ‘stood tall’, and did an admirable job. Thanks must also go to Dick Worden, Nile Sheehan, and Nigel Cannon for their assistance in making the day its usual success.
The Noble Place course was in very good condition, with consistent scoring by all the leaders in both A and B Flights.
Fergus Brennan (AKA Lumux II) won A Flight with 40 points, holding off Peter Harris who came in second with 39 points. Mashi Kaneta came third with 39 points and Kuni Wakabayashi fourth, also with 39 points on count back.
Dick Worberg won the day in the B Flight with 45 points. Second was Nigel Cannon with 43 points, and Serge Loiselle and Patrick Browne took third and fourth spots respectively.
The technical prizes were gladly accepted by Paddy and Fergus (2) with nearest to pins in the A flight, and Nigel (2), Colin, and Keith Avery won NTP prizes in the B flight. Long putts were won by Frank Pilkington and Tony Oakes from the A flight, and Tom McDowell and Gordon Everingham from the B flight.
A host of lucky draw prizes ensured that those who won them could sit back, relax, and enjoy the cool evening with some cold drinks, discussing all the ‘what could have been’ shots. Mention must be made of the “absolutely beautiful” beef stew that was served up, to quote Colin Cronin (AKA Lumux I, or the original Lumux).
If you are looking for a good day’s golf with an easy-going group of friendly people, please come by The Grapevine and sign up. Numbers are strictly limited at this time of year, so please sign up as early as possible to avoid any disappointments. You can also ring The Grapevine at 038-361-736. Cheers and good golfing.

Haggles over the Haggis at Emerald Banchang

PSC McAllister’s golf

The popularity of golf in the Pattaya area was in evidence last Friday, Feb 17 when the PSC Monthly Members Open at Khao Keow was booked solid, and yet another 42 golfers turned out for the regular Friday McAllister’s tournament at Emerald Banchang.
The McAllister’s event is becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the relaxed and friendly manner in which everyone is accommodated at the first tee by the starter and then later where the prizes are awarded in quick order back at McAllister’s. This follows a fast and furious review of the scorecards with the inevitable count-backs and division of the prize pool.
Many of us take it for granted that the event will happen and that all we need to do is to turn up, although those of us close to the action know that our starter Dennis Willett has to arrive at the course at around 7:00 am, sort out the groups, and then tee off with the last group some time after 9:00. After the last group comes in, Gerry Carpenter then goes to work to get the scoring done and award the prizes.
The success of the event is a tribute to the efforts of these two individuals. Of course in the meantime Don McAllister and his staff have been busy back at the Bar putting on their make-up and preparing the complimentary buffet to welcome the parched golfers in great style. Those of us who enjoy an early pre-game breakfast at McAllister’s know how Don looks without the make-up.
To inject a little more fun into the golfing event, Don has instigated a “Closest to the Haggis” prize, won this week by Mike Withers, and following some enlightened exchanges back at McAllister’s we are sure that the difference between being nearest the the Haggis and nearest the Pin will be fully explained next week.
In warm, still weather to start and cooler weather with a breeze later in the day, the playing conditions should have been ideal except that the course still appears to be over-watered, producing many soggy lies on the fairways. A plea goes out to course management at Emerald to sort out this unfortunate watering problem.
There were enough players to award 4 prizes in each of two flights, with results as follows (handicaps in parentheses):
A Flight (handicaps 0-18)
1st Nile Sheehan (16), 39 points
2nd Dave Arrowsmith (11), 35 points
3rd Mike Withers (17), 35 points
4th Doug Campbell (13), 35 points
B Flight (handicaps 19-36)
1st Herbie Ishinaga (20), 39 points
2nd Andy Evans (32), 37 points
3rd Dene Mundy (28), 35 points
4th Aaron New (32), 34 points

Cees and Harald scoop the ‘loot’ at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

ITuesday Feb 14, Treasure Hill, Stableford
Been pretty busy at Bert’s of late. Bert must be cooking half a pig every Tuesday morning for the hungry golfers, and the intake of caffeine is prodigious. Still after a fine free ‘brekkers’, a trip up to Treasure Hill gives those who go on the bus time to sleep it off.

Bert (center) with the day’s winners
On this day, as usual of late, the list was full and a lot of golfers teed off on the first. The course was in its usual fine condition, though the fairways were a bit dry and the bunkers like a beach. Sometimes when I am in the bunkers there I wish I had a bucket and spade. Still the greens are excellent and that is most important part of a course. This day it was also blowing hard.
Back at Bert’s the players were getting stuck into Bert’s food and it was with great bravery I took them away from the trough to call out the results. The winner of the A Div was Cees Bosman, some nine points ahead of the three runners up, Joe O’Driscoll, Frank Kelly and Frank Pilkington.
Winner of B Div was Harald Gruber with runners up Henry Cignac, John Jack Robertson, and Colin Cronin. So with no ‘stars’ on this night, the boys got down to replaying their rounds and downing some cold ‘uns.
T.T.F.N.

Gene hits the ‘round of a lifetime’

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Thursday Feb 16, Pattaya Country Club, Stroke - (Monthly Mug)
We seem to have settled nicely into thÿs venue for ourÿprime monthly competition, and as usual we had a full house of players wanting to win this prestigious prize. Thus, a flood of Cafe Kronborg golfers descended on Pattaya CC to test themselves against the course and themselves.

Bjarne (right) presents the ‘Monthly Mug’ to Gene Rooney

The course was in pretty good condition despite being on the dry side. The fairways were good, greens hard and tricky, but once in the rough it was dry and hard.
One player reveled in the conditions, and had a day he will never forget. 4 Birdies and the round of a lifetime and he was back in the clubhouse, and as I took in the cards, it was obvious nobody would come close.
Back in the Cafe Kronborg most of the golfers awaited the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 16, the winner with a fine round was Mike Rushant with a net 68 ahead of Jack Cunningham in second with a net 70. In third was Juha Savalampki ahead of Kevin Callaghan in fourth, both on net 71.
In the B Flight, 17 up, the winner was Herbie Ishinaga with a net 70. Herbie has recently been reassessed and this helped him slide in. In second was his playing partner Kenny Mau with a net 71 and in third was ‘Steady’ Arthur Bailey with a net 72 ahead of Cees Bosman in fourth with net 73 on count back over Barry Kerr and Wayne Koch.
So to the winner of the Monthly Mug, and with the best round he has ever played, the winner, on a day he could do no wrong, was Gene Rooney with a gross 77 (net 63) - Well played Gene!
T.T.F.N.