Les Gaulois salvage French pride on World Cup weekend
Les Gaulois celebrate their
victory in the inaugural Pattaya Soccer 7’s tournament.
Report and photos courtesy Reperages-Thailand
The
first Pattaya International Soccer 7s was held at the Horseshoe Point Resort
and Country Club on the weekend 07-09 July.
Ten teams from five countries, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam,
Taiwan and Thailand participated in this first tournament. Great weather
allowed the tournament to be concluded in just one day (Saturday) instead of
the scheduled two and just like the weather, the action on the park was hot
with the rules that include no offside and rolling substitutions ensuring
there was no slacking by any team.
After the pool rounds, the teams were separated into two categories based on
their positions on the league table.
The Bowl category for first round losers was won by
Webworks from Bangkok who defeated Taiwan Mongrels 2-1 in the final.
The
Pattaya City team, (yellow) were unfortunate to lose a tight semi final game
to Tokyo International.
The Cup final itself was contested between Les Gaulois from Bangkok and the
Tokyo International team, and showing their compatriots in Berlin how it
should be done, the French team managed to overcome their Japanese opponents
1-0 in a tight game and thus become the first Pattaya International Soccer
7s champions.
Local team Pattaya City put up a good showing and were very unfortunate not
to make the final when they lost to a golden goal in extra time in their
semi final against Tokyo International.
This tournament will now become an annual event in Pattaya, similar to the
tournaments in Phuket and Bangkok.
The next Thai Soccer 7s tournament will be held in Phuket Island on the 25
and 26 November this year.
Cyclists on cross-nation
tour pause in Pattaya
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn
gave a warm welcome to the group of riders in front of Pattaya City Hall
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
A group of 250 cyclists passed through Pattaya on July 3, stopping to
pay respects at the King Taksin Monument where they were welcomed by Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn before continuing on their way; the objective being
to ride through all regions of the country, covering a distance of over
6,500 km in 79 days.
The idea for the bicycle ride, which is being made in honor of His Majesty
the King’s 60th anniversary, came from Net Sa-Nguansat and Captain Sompong
Srapcharoen.
Net, who is 63, said the ride began on May 21 and will continue through till
August 7. He said that it is also intended to promote the idea of cycling as
a form of exercise, and to this end flyers are being given out to the public
as the cyclists pass through towns and villages.
The riders started from Bangkok and first went north to Chiang Rai and Mae
Hong Son, then northeast to Loey, Nakhon Panom and Udon Thani before heading
east to Sa Kaew, Chantaburi, Rayong and Chonburi and eventually they will
return to the capital having covered a total distance of 6,529 km.
Pattaya Marathon ready
for the off on Sunday
The organising committee for the 2006 Pattaya
Marathon hold a final media conference July 4 in Bangkok. The race has
become one of the biggest events of its kind in the kingdom and is expected
to attract some world-class athletes.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Sunday July 16 will see the 2006 Pattaya Marathon take place, and a press
briefing at the Tourism Authority Thailand’s head office in Bangkok was held
on July 4 to further publicize the event.
Runners will start out from Beach Road at Soi 6, with the start of the
Marathon timed for 04:30 a.m., the Half Marathon at 05:00 a.m. and the
Quarter Marathon at 05:30 a.m.
Wattana Jantanawaranon, Pattaya deputy mayor said the city is ready to
welcome runners and athletes from around the globe.
“We are ready in terms of both safety on the road and emergencies. A booth
will be set up on Saturday, July 15 near Soi 6 for those runners who still
need to register before the race,” he said.
The booth and registration table will be open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on
Saturday.
Altogether some 10,000 athletes are expected to take part in the various
running events this weekend.
Ride to the finish
Up-country cycle event gains popularity
Bhumibol Dam in Tak province, 426km north-west of
Bangkok, will host the Fifth Bhumibol Dam Invitation International Mountain
Bike Championship between August 26 and 27.
The event is being organised by the Electricity Generating Authority of
Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Organising committee spokesperson, Mr Suwat Pawaputanond, said a
one-million-baht (US$25,000) budget had been set aside to organise this
year’s championship. From that amount, 400,000 baht will be spent on
trophies and prizes.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King Bhumibol
Adulyadej’s accession to the throne, Mr Suwat said the organising committee
was producing a gold replica of its annual trophy worth 80,000 baht to be
given to the winner of the international category.
The mountain bike races will feature three categories, professional, amateur
and family, and will be held over distances ranging from 24km to 60km. Each
category will be divided into sub-categories based on gender and age. There
will also be a “funny-bike” competition.
Mr Suwat said he expected the number of competitors to reach 700 this year -
a 29 per cent increase over last year. International participants have been
invited from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, New Zealand
and Australia and will be treated to free accommodation, meals and airport
transfers, but they will have to pay for the airfare and the 1,000 baht
competition fee.
Last year, the event attracted between 20,000 and 30,000 spectators. (TTG)
Team Pachoud wins Rotary Club of Pattaya Marina petanque competition
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Rotary Club of Pattaya Marina held their first petanque (aka betong in
Thai) tournament on June 24 with team Pachoud defeating 8 other teams to
claim victory. The competition held just off Soi 27, Siam Country Club road
saw a total of nine teams take part in the event.
Champions
Pachoud are presented with the winners’ trophies and a 25" TV.
Competition was not the only theme as proceeds from the tournament were put
towards the Rotary Club of Pattaya Marina’s scholarship program, which
provides scholarships for children in the Pattaya area and the poorer
northeastern province of Buriram.
The winners received a 25 inch TV for their efforts - just in time for the
World Cup finals. The Pachoud team was closely followed by team Maquet in
second spot with team Gauthier taking third.
Annual petanque competition - a hit in Pattaya
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya City’s annual petanque competition, (otherwise known as betong
in Thailand) has gathered momentum over the years. This year saw a large
number of participants at the Pattaya School No 2 pitch.
Competition
was tough through the two-day annual event.
The game, which was introduced into Thailand by HM the King’s mother,
has gained momentum around the nation.
This year, the Pattaya competition hosted 4 main categories for
competitors including the youth category for boys and girls under 12 and
15 and Seniors (over 50s) men’s and women’s classes as well as the open
category and division players. A total of 132 teams took part in the
two-day event.
Winners of each class received trophies and other prizes for their
efforts.
William Macey takes ‘Golfer of the Month’ title
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, July 3,
Khao Kheow - Medal
The Bunker Boy’s travelled to Khao Kheow on Monday for a Medal
competition to find the course in a very soggy condition, which played
havoc with the scorecards.
William
Macey: The Bunker Boy’s ‘Golfer of the Month’ for June”.
In the A Flight Paul Smith mastered the conditions to win with a fine net 73
with John King claiming runner-up spot with a net 77. In the B Flight PJ
Redmond found himself the surprise winner with a very modest net 81 followed
in second place by Jim Payne with net 84. Near pin prizes were dominated by
the lower handicap players - Paul Smith and John King claiming two a piece.
Wednesday, July 5, Phoenix - Stableford
The lovely Phoenix Country Club was the venue for Wednesday’s
competition and with the course in fine condition and the weather not too
hot the B Flight saw the best score of the day when Graeme Preston came into
the clubhouse with a great score of 43 points to win ahead of Arnold Van De
Graaf who shot a fine 38 points. Tony Geeland came in third with 34 points.
In the A Flight Roger Privett came out on top with 36 points, Mark Levy was
second with 34 points and Paul Edgar and Bernie Stafford tied for third
place finishing with 33 points each.
Near pin prizes were shared between Brian Walker, Graeme Preston and Brian
Bellis who won the other two.
Friday, July 7, Plutaluang - Medal
The Thai Royal Navy course was next on the fixture list on Friday
for another Medal competition. Playing the South and East courses Bruce
Lawrence used local knowledge to show the rest of the field his heels by
winning the A Flight with a net 69, ahead of Mikita Homma and Alan Campbell,
who finished with net 77 and net 78 respectively.
Duncan Lee playing with The Bunker Boy’s for the first time in a while won
the B Flight with a net 72; Tony Geeland got second place with net 75 and
Brian Walker finished third with net 81.
Near pins today went to Dave Lightfoot, Roger Privett, Mikita Homma and
Duncan Lee.
Big Rod takes his first
IPGC golf from The Haven
Wednesday, July 5,
Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Rodney Nabbe, 34 points
2nd Brian Henderson, 32 points
3rd Randy Haupt, 31 points c/b 17
4th Gordon Millar, 31 points c/b 16
5th Phil Groves, 31 points c/b 16
Big Rodney Nabbe won his first and indeed his only podium position of
this trip as his swan song before returning to Oz to play with his train
set between Woolagong and Sydney. Although it was not a classic win, it
was one rung out of an extremely tight course where the greens were fast
and true but one needed to be in the right segment to avoid the three
putt syndrome. Rod put his success down to a strict regime of low
alcohol intake coupled with at least 12 hours a night back in the pit.
Brian Henderson was the best of the rest, a couple of shots adrift with
the trio of Randy Haupt, Gordon Millar and Phil Groves, having to be
separated by count back for third place.
Brian Henderson had the only “two” in the first division and once again
there were none in the second division.
Before “The Doc” presented the prizes, in the absence of Richard, who
was still recovering from the previous night’s celebration, he welcomed
back Graham Davis, Gordon Millar and Tom Breslin and also said goodbye
to Rodney Nabbe and Terry Spicer.
Friday, July 7,
Eastern Star - 2 Person Scramble
1st Brian Wilkinson & Jeremy Masse, 46 points
2nd Trevor Schirmer & B.J. Smith, 45 points c/b 24
3rd Mark Wood & Dale Shier, 45 points c/b 23
Having just read in The Pattaya Mail, prior to departing for the course,
“that it was in fine condition”, it was rather disappointing to find
that the renovation work was still being undertaken and that, therefore,
the course is not yet ready to be called good. In due course things will
no doubt be much better, and the IPGC will continue to support the
course as it has done throughout the low season and the renovations.
Brian Wilkinson, for once being quiet and sedate, teamed up with Jeremy
Masse who has recently undergone corrective surgery for his hearing
difficulties, to slip past the old firm of Trevor Schirmer and B.J.
Smith on the last hole with a gross birdie which netted them 4 points
and the days spoils.
Mark Wood and Dale Shier showed why they were pre tee up favorites with
a very creditable nine under, but just allowing one or two missed putts
over the closing holes, meant that they had to settle for third on the
count back.
Once again the adjusted format and handicap allowance made sure that
every one was in contention, even the higher handicappers, and that a
very enjoyable day was had by all.
The “twos” competitions were suspended due to the format of the day.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed back Dale Shier and Mark Wood and
also said farewell to the group from England consisting of Michael
English, Brian Henderson, Mike Hill and John Wilson.
Great success for first golf outing
PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar
Nile Sheehan, Roy Pimblett & Nigel Cannon - The top
three from the Oohsa bar’s inaugural golf outing.
July 4 saw the first golfing day run out of the new location of the Oohsa
Bar and it turned out to be a great success.
Plutaluang Navy was chosen as the location for the inaugural outing but of
course we had to have breakfast first and so we arrived at 8am to see just
what had been put on for us. We were not disappointed. Malcolm and his staff
were there to greet us and a first class brekky was laid on and a little
while later, feeling fairly full we departed for Plutaluang.
Both the north and south courses were in great condition although a little
wet underfoot and the greens were in good shape, unlike one or two of our
members who did extremely well to show up after a 5am turn-in the previous
night/morning.
There were no world-beaters on display on this occasion but it turned out to
be a very close and hard fought affair with the eventual winner being Nile
Sheehan, closely followed by Roy Pimblett and Nigel Cannon on 32 and 30
points respectively.
‘Long putts’ were won by Colin Cronin and Makito Hommer and the ‘Near pin’
prizes were won by Rich Murphy, Nile Sheehan and Makito Hommer; but one
green proved just too much of a challenge with no one able to hit or stay on
the putting surface. What a great bunch of golfers we are,
On return to Oohsa’s we were once again impressed by the friendly staff and
the relaxed atmosphere. We were served with spaghetti bolognese which all
our members agreed was suburb, had a few beers and many of us chose to stay
on and enjoy the occasion with everyone that was available signing up
immediately for the next outing.
For more information please contact Keith Hodges on 07 916 7171.
The Sheppard in his Green Valley
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday July 2,
Green Valley White Tees - Stableford
A Flight
1st Roy Thornton, 41 points
2nd Simon Philbrook, 37 points
3rd Andy Moore, 36 points
B Flight
1st Andreas Grunenberg, 39 points
2nd Don Lehmer, 35 points
3rd Colin Davis, 34 points
C Flight
1st Chris Poggetti, 38 points
2nd John Ginnane, 36 points
3rd Jez Lees, 35 points
D Flight
1st Charles Sheppard, 42 points
2nd Kevin Moraghan, 39 points
3rd Sid Ottaway, 33 points
Near Pins: #2 Emiel Van de Wiele; #9 Gene Connor; #12 Gareth Gill; #16 Roy
Thornton
2’s: Roy Thornton, Jim Brackett, Don Lehmer, Dene Airey, Emiel Van de Wiele
Charlie Sheppard started a short Society week out with a big bang as he was
MoM and first in the junior Flight with 42 points. That was three clear of
soon-to-be resident Kevin Moraghan’s 39 points. There was then a big gap to
the bronze holder, Sid Ottaway, and his 33 points.
The ever improving Roy MBE took the Premier Flight with 41, as his name also
appeared in the Near Pins and the 2’s competitions. Roy was four clear of
Simon of Philbrook, who was yet again one clear of the quartet of Florida’s
Andy Moore and locals Jack Spencer, Jim Brackett and Jeremy Masse.
Apparently it paid to be from out of town as Andy had the better of the
locals on count back.
In B Flight, Andreas the Dusenberg showed his class to the B Flight Field
with a four point clear 39 points. The Lady’s Man edged The Donkey by a
Stableford point to claim second.
Chris Pogetti renewed his membership and won the penultimate Flight with 38
points. That nice re-start, left Johnny Ginnane two arrears backing second
with the Principal yet another adrift.
Wednesday, July 5,
Sriracha White Tees - Stableford
1st Kyle Moore, 38 points
2nd Phil Mitchell, 36 points
3rd Emiel Van de Wiele, 35 points, c/b Jules Lang, Johnny Hillier
2’s: Kyle Moore, Phil Mitchell, Emiel Van de Wiele
The Society returned, for the first time in a long time, to Gary Player’s
contribution to the Eastern Seaboard golfscape, Srirarcha. The most
challenging moment of the day came right off the bat as no one could
remember how to get there. Once navigation was determined and the driving
done, the golfers were greeted by a course that was in good condition and
provided a pleasant day. The current special provides golfers with both on
course vouchers and clubhouse restaurant vouchers, so the good golf was
coupled with great affordability.
Since no one had the upper hand of experience, it provided a nice
opportunity for a visitor to jump to the fore and one did so in the person
of young man Kyle Moore, Andy’s son. Kyle who had enjoyed considerable
success in the previous day’s tourney at The Haven took the single flight
day with an even to Standard Scratch 38 points. The older generation had
their representatives in the persons of Flipper and Emiel the Night Visitor.
It should be noted that Emiel needed a count back to edge Jules “Verne” Lang
and Johnny Hillier.
Friday, July 7,
Khao Kheow A & B,
Yellow or White Tees - Stableford
Yellow A Flight:
1st Simon Philbrook, 35 points
2nd Liam Horgan, 34 points
3rd Larry Watson, 34 points
Yellow B Flight:
1st Andreas Gruneberg, 35 points
2nd John Hillier, 34 points
3rd Bruce Milner, 33 points
White Flight:
1st Ken Kutzing, 40 points
2’s: Phil Mitchell
A good sized field took on Pete Dye’s yellow tees at Khao Kheow, and, it
must be said, lost the battle. No one matched their handicap as both flights
were mastered with 35 points. The Lord of Philbrook edging two Irishmen,
Chef Liam Horgan and Larry Watson. The culinary expert sliced and diced
Larry in the count back to sort out the silver and the bronze.
The Dusenberg set atop a one point cascade with Johnny Hillier having the 34
and Oz’s Bruce Milner the 33.
The Geritol Division was a two (old) dogfight with K4 out-dueling The
Mechanic.
A testing time at Burapha
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, July 4, Burapha - Stableford
We book his course every month; usually during the first week because all
the players like to play it, and of course it is only a chip and a put away
from Pattaya. Usually we try to play the A & B ‘nines’ because most players
seem to prefer it, but on this day we were directed to the C & D layout. And
why not, I thought; it will be nice to play the other 18 holes for a change.
It seemed A & B were being prepared for a competition.
Mike
Gerrard (L) and Gordon (R) with Max, unsettle Pu’s Staff
I do not think I have ever seen nines holes in worse condition on any course
than the C ‘nine’ and the D ‘nine’ was only a little better. C was
diabolical - so bad that we had to make a special ruling as the whole layout
was G.U.R.
Sat in the restaurant and taking the cards in, I was surprised to find the
players were very philosophical about it all. The feeling was that yes it
was bad, but we have so many good days on this course that one that was not
up to standard could be endured. People sometimes amaze me.
So back at Bert’s, food over, the winners were declared with our new Golf
Chairman, Mike Gerrard winning the A Div, with Fergus Brennan in second, and
Gordon Everingham winning the B Div with Bob Sutterfield in second.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Fred Theobald, Fergus Brennan, Bill Knight, Ian Covill, Dave
Swain, Rodney Clarke, Bob4U, Gordon Everingham
Long Put: Derek Eastham, Fergus Brennan, Mark Brenton, Tim Holt
Ray “Papasan” Rogers: May 9, 1915 - June 28, 2006
A legend? No, just a good man
A message from the family
“Papasan” was born Raymond Charles Rogers in Los
Angeles, on May 9, 1915 on the “Rocking Rogers Ranch.” The second son of
Charles and Carrie, with three brothers, Forrest “Bus”, Hal and Art, and the
little sister Carolyn.
In
July of 1941 Ray joined the Army-Air Corps and received his honorable
discharge in July, 1945. He held a multi-engine, fixed wing pilots license
and flew B24’s and B29’s during these times. He was commissioned to First
Lieutenant in 1946 retroactive to his discharge in ’45.
Two years later he became a California Highway Patrolman following his
father and older brother “Bus” (My Dad) into law enforcement. Their father
rode a horse for the LAPD in 1909 and was one of the “First Thirteen” motor
officers for the LAPD, riding an Indian motorcycle in 1913. His picture
stands today on the top floor of the Los Angeles City Hall. My Dad “Bus”,
followed as an LAPD Detective for thirty years. I guess I was the ‘Black
Sheep’.
Ray’s tenure as a CHP officer came to an abrupt halt when he was involved in
a motorcycle accident and broke his neck. But that didn’t stop him! He
became a California licensed Private Investigator and formed a company he
named ARCO (Accident Reenactment Co.) and had contracts with larger
insurance companies to “recreate” accidents to determine what the cause was,
i.e. brakes, drive train, faulty parts, driver error etc. The company did so
well, (now with 8 investigators) that he sold it to a venture company for
US$90 thousand in late 1953.
During
that period he married Vera, a widow with three young sons, Joe, Roy and
Larry. Together they had Anita Lu, who is his only child. Anita is 58 now
and resides in Camarillo, California and suffers from a degree of MS. She
has two daughters and is also a grandmother.
Ray was always in security. A leader of men, he held many contracts with the
U.S. government which took him all over the world and many were covert
operations, and true to his word, he kept them that way. He also contracted
to private firms (mostly U.S.) including American Machine and Foundry, (AMF)
and led security in the building of the Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam) near
Las Vegas. These events took place between 1953 and 1976.
In 1976, he contracted with Fluor Corporation (under contract for ARAMCO) to
work on their G.O.S.P. (gas oil separation process) and spent most of his
time between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. In the early eighties, he fell in
love with “Chawee”, a wonderful Thai lady who had three children, Tim, Toy
and Ned. They were married in California when he brought her there and we
had the reception at the Rogers family home in Los Angeles. We are a close
family!
“Papasan”
retired completely to Thailand in 1984 where he and Chawee became
entrepreneurs in their own right before Chawee was killed on a motorbike a
few years after he retired. He was devastated! He had called my Dad that
night and he felt like his life was over and not worth living without his
beloved Chawee. But he was wrong!
Many people were never aware how much he loved children and that he and his
wife, and himself thereafter, gave generously to blind and crippled Thai
children across the country. I have the receipts of large amounts given to
homes and schools I’ve never heard of. If anything, I believe that is the
legacy for which he should be remembered by, although he was very proud of
being a “founder” of the non-profit, Pattaya Sports Club (PSC) with some of
his best friends.
My uncle was a brash, sometimes overbearing, but unbelievably caring person
who loved his fellow man (and of course the ladies ... that runs in the
family!). He would “pull out all the stops” to help a person in need. Maybe
hard on the outside was more the case because I know of no one with a softer
heart! And if he “blew his cork” and “went off” in a fit of rage, the anger
was completely gone in five minutes. He was that way all his life as were
all his brothers. None of them “pushovers”, but maybe a little bit
“marsh-mellow” on the inside.
After the depression, at our family home, when anyone came to the door
hungry or tired, stranger or not, they were invited in to eat and to rest.
In the family house where they (and I) were raised, still sits a book titled
“101 Famous Poems”. In that book is a poem titled, “The house by the side of
the road” written by Samuel Walter Foss (1858 - 1911). It was my Dad’s and
his little brother Ray’s favorite. In short, it said “Let me live in a house
by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” My Dad and “Papasan” lived
by that rule, and that is why my uncle always said, “My house is your
house!” That tradition will continue on Siam Country Club Road!
The Rogers family all believe we need to mourn the dead, but we believe more
in celebrating the “life”. We also believe we will all see each other when
it is all said and done, and I’ll bet my uncle is “upstairs” playing poker,
or cribbage and has Chawee by the hand! I’ll catch up with them when it is
my time.
“Papasan” is survived by his daughter Anita, a brother Art, and I’ll include
Roy and myself because he was Roy’s Dad and in many ways, like a father to
me.
The family wishes to thank the U.S. Embassy, The VFW of Pattaya, The PSC and
all of the many friends who cared for and supported him through all these
years. He loved you all! As for me, I’ll just say, “Catch ya later Uncle
Ray!”
Sincerely, Gary M. Rogers (nephew)
Jeff books a date with
the ‘handicap’ man
PSC golf from the Jomtien Golf Society
Monday, July 3, Pattaya CC - Stableford
A good turnout at this time of the season as 18 players took part in the
weekly Stableford competition. It was an overcast day and perfect for golf.
In third place with a creditable 35 points was Les Hall. Colin Mearns came
in with 39 points and on most occasions would have expected the winners
rostrum, but had to settle for second place after Jeff North’s astonishing
and incredible gross 72 off a ten handicap to earn him 46 points. Congrats
to Jeff and welcome to single figures.
Wednesday July 5, Eastern Star - Medal.
The first Wednesday of the month, so it’s our monthly medal at
the ever-improving Eastern Star course: A difficult choice for our inaugural
medal meeting with plenty of water and OB’s (that’s obscenities from what I
heard).
In third place with a net 74 was Rob Heath. One ahead in second was Am with
a net 73 (the old man’s back in the UK for a couple of weeks so the golf
came first ). After vowing never to play golf again (week in week out) Les
Hall came in with a respectable net 72 to take first prize. It looks like
the laser eye op worked.
The Jomtien Golf Society has been running for three months now, and is
affiliated to the P.S.C. and we can be found at Paweenas bar on Soi 5,
Jomtien Beach Road (This is the same soi as the Pattaya immigration office)
We play a Stableford every Monday, the first Wednesday of the month is a
medal, and the following three Wednesdays there are various competitions.
Everyone is welcome. You can sign up at the bar or ring Rob on 070873810 or
Glyn 068375464. We normally leave the bar around 9.15am, transport and club
hire are also available.
It’s the Derek and Rodney show at Phoenix
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Monday, July 3, Bangpra - Stableford
The beautiful Bangpra layout was host for a Stableford competition in one
flight.
Marty Allred won with 40 points, Wayne Koch was second with 36 points, Ted
Morris was third with 33 points and Ebrahim was fourth with 29 points on
count back from John Swanson and Gene Rooney.
Thursday, July 6, Phoenix - Stableford
This course gets more difficult by the year, as the local trees
grow, and it is now a real test. Mind, there is still room for the big boys
who blast it onto the next fairway. The tests for this day were the Lake and
Ocean nines - not the toughest but they will do to be getting on with.
Winners,
Derek (L) & Rodney
This is really a very scenic course, with fine views from the clubhouse,
however I always take a dislike to the cart rules, you have to walk for
miles, and there is sometimes the feeling that the course management do not
do all they can for the golfers.
On this day we only had one problem; despite putting out a ‘Rodney Warning’
we allowed him to win. What is the world coming to? I just had to grin and
bear it. I think he only did it to annoy me.
So in the B Flight, 18 up, the winner was, alas, Rodney Clarke, with 40
points. Here I must say well done, as being a winner he bought me a beer
later but only after I told his wife and ‘she’ said he had to. In second
place was Koji Yamada with 36 points and in third was ‘The Admiral’ Dave
Richardson with 33 points.
In the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Derek Brook with 39 points, and yes
before you ask, I did buy Rodney a beer. In second was Kevin Callaghan with
37 points and in third was Don Richardson with 36 points.
T.T.F.N.
ANZACS storm Phoenix
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
On the eve of the annual Independence Day/Richard’s
Birthday event at Phoenix the Pattaya Golf Society held a hastily
rearranged fixture at the same course, where ten teams turned out for a
pairs combined medal event. It was the first time the format had been
tried and it proved to be pleasantly successful.
The chosen track was the Lakes and Ocean combination and forward tees
made the course extremely forgiving. In defiance of public opinion the
low handicappers did not have things all their own way as half the top
six teams had a team handicap of thirty or more. Battle was now set.
In third place, posting an excellent two-over net 146, was the team of
Tom McCarthy and Ben Findon; Tom shooting three-under par for the team’s
cause. In second place, on net 144, came the redoubtable pairing of
Mikael Andersson and Yasuo Suzuki; Mikael’s gross 74 being the highlight
of the team’s day. Predictably, way out in front was the invincible
ANZAC pair of Stuart Thompson and David Thomas - the “Two Tommies” - and
both fired sub-par rounds for a fine total of 137, representing seven
under par.
The best round of the day was that posted by Paul Scully whose net 64
was the best of his short PGS career. There were two birdie “twos” and
David Thomas and Masashi Iizumi had the pleasure of sharing a large
rolled-over pot for their accuracy on Ocean 5. The Booby Bevy went,
amazingly, to Paul Scully as his score was the best of the day but it
won for him nothing! It was some consolation for the quiet Scottish
golfer at least. Everyone had shared a fine day at Phoenix with the
Pattaya Golf Society.
Ladies’ dominate
at Green Valley
The absence of England from the World Cup semi finals in the
early hours of the morning of Thursday, July 6 encouraged the Pattaya
Golf Society’s largest field for three months to enjoy the luxury of a
good night’s sleep before turning out at Green Valley for a Stableford
tourney. The day dawned hot and the course was in its usual good
condition, except for green maintenance work on the final two holes. The
cut for the two divisions was at an amazingly low thirteen and with some
ladies in the field it was to be a challenge throughout.
In Division Two, local member Bob Lindborg strutted his stuff to record
32 points and take third place whilst Tony Kitchen took advantage of a
lift to the course to boost his fortunes and his 33 points drew to an
end a dismal run. His score was enough to share the top place with lady
member Trudi Chadbourn, whose regular faultless play left her in no
danger at all on the course.
In Division One, current ‘Player of the Month’ David Thomas once again
thrust himself towards the top with a third placed 33 points, one behind
Barry Traynor’s creditable 34 point scorecard. The best score by a long
way was that returned by Pattaya’s “soon-to-be” leading lady golfer,
Saranya Chaiyanont and once again she dazzled her peers with an
incredible 41 points off her ever decreasing handicap. Excuses could be
made for playing off the red tees but there is nothing to be said when
witnessing golf of that quality and her gross 78 represents her best
ever round.
The day’s substantial “twos” pot was shared by Paul Smith, Harry Riley,
Gary Bingham and Liam Horgan and the Booby Bevy went to an absent golfer
who had almost thrown the day into chaos before it had started. Some
advice for those gentlemen hoping to defeat the ladies at Green Valley -
pop along and see Doctor Snippit in Soi Yodsak and a few minor
alterations will have you playing off the red tees in no time!
Sus wins but still falls foul of the dreaded 17th
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
June 27, the last Monday of the month, Herb Ishinaga
took top honors with a credible 38 points. It did not compare with this
week’s winner, Sus Ige, who shot 42 points, which even included a
whitewash on the 17th at Pattaya CC. Sus had a great round going but for
the 17th which is possibly the hardest hole on the course for amateurs.
It is rated third but for us it is the number 1 handicap hole on the
course.
Coming in a distant second was Paul Kraft with 37 points. He was
followed by Kenny Mau who was in the cellar last week. Kenny made a
great come back from last week’s disaster.
This week the Hawaiians took on the Haoles in a freindly match: (three
on three). It was the Hawaiians on top at the end of the day with the
Haoles looking for revenge next week.
The Beautiful Game?: Four more years
By Riz Taylor
That’s it, then. The World Cup is over. Another four long years until
the next tournament, another four years to wait until that buzz that
only the World Cup can create comes along again. Other sports can try
and compete for the attentions in the meantime, but let’s face it who
amongst us counts down to Rugby’s equivalent or the Olympic Games up to
six months in advance?
Not me, that’s for sure. I’m sure there’ll be a plethora of memorable
sporting events between now and 2010, but nothing comes remotely close
to the World Cup.
There are those who would happily allow both Argentina and Brazil
temporary visas into the crusty world of European football every four
years to participate in the European Championships, and yes perhaps it
would be a better way to determine who really are the kings of the world
game, but those people would miss the point. What makes the World Cup
what it is, what lifts the profile of the tournament above every other
event of its kind are the very nations that were unwelcome and unwanted
until the 32-team format was introduced in 2002.
In 1990 FIFA allowed the African football federation an extra place in
the World Cup Finals, meaning two teams from the continent were
represented in Italy. Egypt finished bottom of their group despite
hard-fought draws with Ireland and the Netherlands, but it was Cameroon
who are remembered for their amazing run that saw victories over
Romania, Columbia and even Argentina on their way to an unlucky quarter
final exit at the hands of England.
By 2006 the African representation had doubled to four, and though there
was no Roger Milla to steal the show with sublime finishing and
corner-flag shuffles, the quartet of Togo, Tunisia, Ghana and the Ivory
Coast gave a more than reasonable account of themselves. Ghana
particularly impressed with a unique and powerful brand of football that
completely bemused the Czech Republic (supposedly the world’s second
best team according to FIFA’s rankings), and for a spell even unsettled
the number-one Brazilians.
Asian sides were largely disappointing this time around, and for Japan
and South Korea it’s back to the drawing board after being out-muscled
by their opponents once again. But you can’t help imagining that
somewhere, not too far down the tracks, a nation from this continent
will produce a golden generation of players talented enough to really
frighten the superpowers of the game in the way South Korea managed 4
years ago, albeit on home soil. Let’s hope so.
Surely the gutsy performance of the “Socceroos” was the story of this
World Cup. Australia edged through a tough group ahead of Croatia and
Japan to reach the second round, a huge achievement for a nation taking
part in only its second finals. It could have been a real fairy story as
well were it not for a disastrous moment in the encounter with eventual
champions Italy when Fabio Grosso meekly fell over the desperate
challenge of Blackburn’s Lucas Neill, “earning” his side a somewhat
fortunate penalty.
It’s this kind of diversity through teams such as Ghana and Australia
that that makes the tournament what it is: simply the most eagerly
awaited event of its kind.
In the end, though, there were few surprises in the competition, at
least at the business end. European teams dominated in their own back
garden, and once again the South Americans failed to impress on European
soil. Brazil were shocking at times, and whilst Argentina gave a taster
of what they were capable of in the group stages with some seriously
tasty football, they too succumbed to European opposition as they
crashed out to hosts Germany in the quarter finals.
It was at this stage that the World Cup balloon began to deflate, at
least through these eyes. Discounting the ridiculous third-place
playoff, the final three rounds of seven matches produced a pathetic
eleven goals. Defensive football won the day, but given the importance
of the matches this is hardly surprising. But although the tactical
struggles between the world’s best can produce interesting matches it
doesn’t make for the most exciting football.
Let’s be honest about it, Italy deserved their win. As usual they
brought along a solid looking defence, but this time around coach
Marcello Lippi also allowed his attacking players more freedom than his
predecessors had done, and whilst the side were always difficult to
score against they were also entertaining. Yes that’s right - Italian
football was entertaining. Who’d have imagined it?
Some facts. The Italians managed to score a dozen times in the
competition, more than any of the other participants, and of these
twelve goals ten were scored by different players. No need for a Toto
Schillaci or even a Paulo Rossi this time around - the whole team did
its job and more, and though France gave them more than a few scares in
Sunday’s final the trophy went to the strongest team in the competition.
And what of France? Well, here’s an example of a side that began poorly
before finding form in the later rounds when it was required. Take note,
England. The French, who were woeful against Switzerland in their
opening game, took care of Spain, Brazil and Portugal en route to
Berlin, and will consider themselves unlucky not to have gone all the
way.
Despite the Italian’s fourth victory the final will always be remembered
for the genius that is and was Zinedine Zidane. The ultimate playmaker
bowed out of football at the ultimate level on Sunday, and began the
match with a cheeky penalty that opened the scoring before Materrazi’s
header gave Italy an equaliser. From then on it was France who dominated
the match but found themselves unable to find a way through.
Then, ten minutes from the end of extra time came the game’s defining
moment as Zidane reacted to banter from Materazzi and head butted the
defender in the chest. Unbelievable. It was at that point that France’s
dream fell flat, Italy going on to win via a penalty shootout. Not the
best end to the tournament, but perhaps a fitting one.
Other than Zidane’s moment of madness, this year’s World Cup will also
be remembered for theatrical diving and conning of referees, as once
again the tournament was littered with players throwing themselves to
the ground at every available opportunity. It leaves a bitter taste in
the mouth and taints what could have been a wonderful competition. But
that’s life, unfortunately, and we’ll wait another four years to see if
things improve. In the meantime it’s a return to good old-fashioned
domestic football, and despite its lack of defensive genius and
playacting, the return of the Premiership next month will be a most
welcome one.
The Tournament In Quotes
“You’re ****, but your chicks are hot!” Australian fans
taunt their Croatian counterparts to the tune of ‘Go West’ by the
Village People, after the two sides’ Group F crunch match in Stuttgart.
“We didn’t deserve to lose that game. We didn’t lose but we lost on
penalties. It was the biggest delusion because I was convinced we could
play in the semi-final, maybe the final. Big, big delusion. I am sorry.
I am sorry for you, for the players, for the fans. They deserve
something better. I tried to do the best I could.” Departing England
coach Sven-Goran Eriksson admits to deluding himself - if not the fans.
“I think I should get out of Manchester. The circumstances are not right
to keep playing there. In two or three days I will decide where to go. I
always said I wanted to play in Spain. Nobody stood up for me at
Manchester, although I did not do anybody any harm.” Portugal’s
diving little g...I mean tricky winger Cristiano Ronaldo responds to
rumours of a post-World Cup move to Real Madrid.
“You are a virtuoso, a genius of world football, you are also a man of
heart, of commitment and of conviction. That is why France admires you
and loves you. You have given us some unforgettable moments; you have
given us huge joy and immense pride.” French Prime Minister Jacques
Chirac tells Zidane how it is after the squad’s return to Paris.
“I held his shirt for a few seconds only, then he turned to me and
talked to me, jeering. He looked at me with a huge arrogance and said,
`If you really want my shirt I’ll give it to you afterwards’. I replied
with an insult, that’s true.”
Italian defender Marco Materazzi, talking to Italian newspaper
Gazetta dello Sport on the ‘Zidane’ incident. Materazzi has not
elaborated on what he did say, but one report suggested he responded
with: `I’d rather take the shirt off your wife’.
He has denied, however, some of the more vile insults referring to
his wife or sister or calling him a terrorist.
“It was one of those insults you’re told dozens of times and that you
often let fall on a pitch,” Materazzi said.
“I did not call him a terrorist. I am not a cultured person and I don’t
even know what a terrorist is.”
An alternative and more plausible theory, when taking into account
Zidane’s violent response, is that Materazzi said: “Jermaine Jenas is a
better midfielder that you.”
Make your own mind up - until next time!
Grape Vine returns to first place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers - Barry, Tue,
Kaew & Konrad
Grape Vine moved back into first place after winning
all four points from House of the Golden Coin. Golden Coin was playing
without their best bowler, Captain Mio, who is in Norway on vacation.
Café Kronborg only managed to win two points from France but remain in
third place. Friends made a big jump up to fourth place as they took
three points from VFW Post 9876. Brother D took all four points from
Montana, Mai’s Thai Restaurant won four from Domicil, Café Ole beat
Three Sisters taking all four points and Shenanigans took three from
Jack & Tar.
League Table July 7 (week
24) |
Team |
Points |
Standings |
Grape Vine |
4 - 0 |
58 - 38 |
House of the Golden Coin
|
0 - 4 |
56 - 40 |
Café Kronborg
|
2 - 2 |
56 - 40 |
Friends |
3 - 1 |
52 - 44 |
Montana |
0 - 4 |
51.5 - 44.5 |
France |
2 - 2 |
51 - 45 |
Domicil |
0 - 4 |
49 - 47 |
Shenanigans |
3 - 1 |
47.5 - 48.5 |
Brother D. |
4 - 0 |
46.5 - 49.5 |
Three Sisters
|
0 - 4 |
45 - 51 |
Mai’s Thai Restaurant
|
4 - 0 |
43.5 - 52.5 |
Jack & Tar |
1 - 3 |
41.5 - 54.5 |
Café Ole |
4 - 0 |
38.5 - 57.5 |
VFW Post 9876
|
1 - 3 |
36 - 60 |
|
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
The upcoming week would be a good seven days for Thai boxers to make
a statement on the International stage. There’s super bantam Sod
Looknongyangtoy (27-1, 10 KO’s) in action in Las Vegas against Daniel
Ponce De Leon (28-2, 26 KO’s) while regular bantam Poonsawat Krating
Daeng Gym (24-0) tries to take the WBA crown from Wladimir Sidorenko
(18-0-1). If I took the time to type “Both will have a steep hill to
climb”, I would be “guffawed at” for stating the obvious. Both guys have
about as much chance as a punter at closing time at the TQ. But like the
punter at last call, with boxers hope always springs eternal.
For Looknongyangtoy it’s a case of “been there, done that and it didn’t
work”. October 29, last year he had a chance at De Leon only to come out
on the short end of a UD (118-109, 115-112, 115-112). Kind of hard to
take anything positive away from that experience except for the fact
that Looknongyangtoy wasn’t KO’d which 26 of De Leon’s previous
opponents were. Yes the loss was a negative but the fact that
Looknongyangtoy survived is a “big plus”. OK, lighten up it’s a “plus”.
The next step is to survive and win. That’s going to be a problem.
Is there an upside for the Thai? Yes kinda. This will be his second
fight in the USA so he should be better able to handle all the outside
distraction including the “bright lights” of Las Vegas. It’s a positive
that Looknongyangtoy has had two fights since his loss to De Leon and
both of those were wins. The negative is that both wins were against
opponents with a combined record of 23-32-5. Looknongyangtoy probably
has a better chance of hitting the mega bucks jackpot in Vegas for
millions than winning this fight. Bummer!
De Leon and Looknongyangtoy will be part of the support card for Shane
Mosley - Fernando Vargas II. If you liked Mosley - Vargas I then you’ll
probably be over the moon about his one, and in addition part of a small
minority.
The first Mosley-Vargas meeting was interesting only because it was
better than most boxing fans though it would be. In hindsight, which is
always 20-25 after LASIK surgery, it was only average, a status which
this one will probably not achieve. They both “Talk to Much”.
On the same evening at the Color Lone Arena in Germany, WBA middleweight
champ Felix Strum (25-1) will be defending against Javier Castillejo
(60-6).
Many, like me, think that Felix Strum may be as good a middleweight as
there is in the world. His lone loss came against Oscar De La Hoya back
in June of 2004. While overmatched, Strum only lost 115-113 on all the
officials cards. When Castillejo faced De La Hoya in June of 2001 he
looked lousy getting blown out 119-108 all around. Castillejo’s 10
rounder against Fernando Vargas in ’05 was a terrible performance by a
boxer who was “there for the money”. Strum will win over the 12 rounds
with a large margin of victory on all official cards if a KO isn’t in
the crystal ball.
The Square Ring probably wouldn’t even be writing of Strum - Castillejo
except that the lead-up bout features a fight for the WBA bantam title
between Wladimir Sidorenko (18-0-1) and Poonsawat Krating Daeng Gym
(24-0).
This is an interesting match up for any number of reasons. Sidorenko is
18-0 but has almost no power with only 6 KO’s, which indicates that
Krating Daeng Gym will be there at the finish. (Yeah I know it doesn’t
take rocket science to figure that out but that’s why I get the big
bucks.) Krating Daeng Gym has a little more pop in his punches but like
Sidorenko hasn’t displayed it lately.
They have a common opponent, which in this case means that they both
fought Leo Gamez. Mr. Gamez is ordinary. Last December Krating Daeng Gym
handled Leo Gamez over 12 rounds (120-109, 119-110, 119-110). Back in
2005 Sidorenko did the same with a similar result. As they say in ‘Land
of Smiles’, “Same, Same”.
There really isn’t a lot to choose between the two. Hard to believe
though that Sidorenko is going to lose a decision on his “adopted” home
turf of Germany. Krating Daeng Gym probably needs a KO or close to it
for a draw.
In boxing there is always a difference of opinion about most boxers. The
Square Ring thinks (it’s writer doesn’t have a mind after years of
“amber liquid abuse”) that Manny Pacquiao is one of the most exciting
boxers in the sport. Taken a step further, The Square Ring also thinks
that Pacquiao’s win over Larios was less than was expected. It was not a
great performance. Seems the Square Ring may have some critics. (Perish
the thought.)
One opined, “He did not get the widely anticipated stoppage win but
otherwise Manny Pacquiao did all that could have been asked of him in
pounding out a unanimous, one-sided, two-knockdown 12-round decision
over a game but beaten-up and outgunned Oscar Larios.”
Not so... we (The Square Ring), ask Manny Pacquiao to get in there and
knock the stuffing out of his opponents. While the packed house of
Filipinos may have thought Pacquiao was great, that was not the case.
How does The Square Ring know? Cause it got an email from our expert on
all things boxing from the Philippines.
He opined, “You tell it like it is.” Case closed. Pacquaio will need to
whip up his horse against Morales in November.
In a couple of weeks at Madison Square Garden, David Tua takes another
step on the come back trail. He fights 40-year old Ed “Iron Man”
Gutierrez who is now 15-2. He was 15-0 until he ran into JD Chapman and
lost twice. This Chapman guy is kind of interesting with a record of
23-0 with 20 KO’s. Not only that but next weekend he’s scheduled to
fight twice on back to back nights in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Fort Smith
Arkansas. Forget Tua - Gutierrez and keep your eye on Chapman. Tua has a
chance of losing this one.
Rumor has it that Tommy “The Duke” Morrison is back in training and
ready for a comeback. “Surely, you jest?” Nope and don’t call me
Shirley.
Ten years ago Morrison signed a three fight US$38.5 million dollar
contract with Don King. Then he tested positive for HIV. Bye-bye
contract. Now Morrison says it was a “false-positive”. Morrison also
said about Don King, “It’s like being in a room with rattlesnakes. If
the lights are on what can happen?” Great to have the Aristotle of the
Ring back. Of course Morrison will be a shadow of his old self but
probably as an “American White Guy”, he’ll find a niche’ market.
Maybe one of the better heavyweight fights on the horizon comes up on
September 3 when James “Lights Out’ Toney returns to take on Samuel “The
Nigerian Nightmare” Peter. Hard to make any guarantees in boxing but
this fight will be a “humdinger” and you can’t hardly finds them
“humdingers” any more.
His Lordship: “Jeeves, what is it that you’re on about now?”
Jeeves: “It’s the football My Lord. England went out of the World
Cup without firing a shot. Beckham hurt himself, Rooney is a ‘thug’,
Sven-Goran Eriksson is a ‘wally’ and the lads were too tired to take
penalty kicks. When will this end?”
His Lordship: “Right now Jeeves. It’s time for my afternoon
refreshment and do stop that sniveling. Look on the bright side. In 2010
you won’t have the pressure of being defending champions.”
Jeeves: “Quite so sir.”
Larry Ball wins it all at Emerald
PSC McAllister’s Golf
Friday July 7,
The Emerald
(handicaps in
parentheses)
A good turnout of golfers enjoyed a nice cool day at Emerald and shot
some very hot scores. Being the first Friday of the month the ‘Champion
of the Month’ Tankard was up for grabs, and Larry Ball smoked it with 46
points off his handicap of 24. What a day it was for Larry, finding out
that he was a grandfather in the morning and then going out to shoot the
best score of his life with 86 off the stick. The A flight golfers were
also on fire, Tony Oakes (10) taking first prize with 41 points followed
by Larry Willett (20) with 39 points, and Alex Backlund (19) beating
Bill Thompson out of the money to take third place with 38 points.
B Flight was won by Larry Ball, with Bob Lawrence (32) again having his
photograph taken for his 45 points to take second place, and Skip
Sparkman (22) coming in third with 38 points. Larry’s handicap by the
way has been whacked by four strokes as a result of his exploits.
Back at McAllister Bar & Grill, the joint was jumping as usual with
great complimentary food, good company and drinks aplenty under the
steady hand of Larry Willett who seems to be enjoying his tenure as the
bar manager, while Don McAllister made a most welcome appearance to show
everyone that he continues to recover.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next Friday— tee off before
8:30 if possible at The Emerald and be assured of a great day of golf
and good clean fun.
Winners: Tony, Bob, Alex,
Skip, Larry and ‘Champion of the Month’ Larry Ball
The Khan’s take charge
PSC golf from Peacock Place
Monday, our first outing of the week and after a
hearty breakfast we set off for the Pattaya Country Club for a
Stableford round. The day was fine and the course was fantastic.
The winners on the day were starting with the ladies, Wendy Khan with a
fine 36 points, runner up was Toy Theobald with 32 point’s. Wendy got
her own back on Captain Bob and made mention of the fact that her score
was a hell of a lot better than mine and that last week she was only
practicing.
The Men’s A Division was won by Brian Jacks with a fine 36 points
closely followed by Ken McCarthy on 35points. B Division was won by John
Khan with a great 38 points with Phil Smith taking out the second spot
with 36 points.
The “twos” winners were Toy Theobald, Dave Child’s, Dave Palmer, and the
man of the day John Khan.
Noble Place wins again
Thursday we took off for Noble Place for a Medal round. The
course was in great condition but it was tough, as the scores will
attest, with only one man under par on the day. The winner was John
McKeon with a fine net 71 with Bob Philp second on count back with a net
74 over Dave Palmer.
The B Division was won with a net 74 by Dave Mawford whilst the runner
up was his playing partner Dave Collier on 75. The Ladies’ winner was
the lovely Wendy Khan who I might add put her winnings on the bar for
some drinks for everybody.
The “twos” pot of 1,100 baht was won by Dave Michaud, which he also put
on the bar for more free drinks.
All in all it was a great day. Next week we are at Treasure Hill on
Monday 10.30 tee off and Thursday at Sri Racha. Either give Bob a call
on 079412474 or call into the Peacock Place on Siam Country Road Opp
Mabprachan lake and put your name down. All are welcome.
The Bear takes the Crown on Independence Day
11th Independence Day Golf Tournament
Tuesday July 4, Phoenix Lakes &
Ocean, Stableford
The 11th Independence Day and Richard Livingston’s 63rd Birthday
Tournament was played as usual at the Phoenix Golf Club over the Lakes
and Ocean courses. The conditions were found to be fairly wet and
required the implementation of a local lift, clean and place rule to
facilitate pleasant golf as well as a special local rule of placing in
the bunkers due to the overabundance of sand and the thousands (surely
an exaggeration. Ed.) of dogs’ paw tracks.
Jack
Moseley, left, receives the 1st Division prize from ‘Birthday Boy’
Richard Livingston
The course is starting to play a lot harder than in the past now that
the tree planting is beginning to get some height and width, and it is
now no longer possible to stand on the tee and hit it anywhere and still
score well. This was noticeable in the winning scores which, apart from
two or three unusual ones including best gross, were all worse than last
year’s.
The Ladies Division was swept away by Phanom “Apple” Jitchana with an
almost unbelievable 50 points, leaving the rest of the entries lagging
far behind. Indeed Nora Haugsjordet was in second place some seventeen
strokes adrift, but due to the low entries, there being only three,
there was only 1 prize.
Phanom
“Apple” Jitchana scored an incredible 50 points to take the Ladies’
title.
Les Winch, although unable to reproduce his phenomenal form of a few
weeks ago, was still good enough to be the only Third Division
contestant under par and his 38 points was good enough to see off the
challenge of Yves Philibert, three shots behind in second place, with
the rest of the division trailing a further two shots back.
The Second Division also saw an unusual result as Kyle Moore amassed 45
points to hold out Charles Sheppard, whose play of late has brought him
into sharp focus with the handicappers, by three points.
The method of deciding of the Tournament Champion was altered from last
year, which saw the best point’s winner in all the gentlemen’s divisions
taking the crown, to truly reflect the lowest scorer of the day and
enable the Champion to unequivocally claim to be the best of the day.
For the second year running Jack Moseley and Barry Winton struggled for
supremacy in the First Division and the Champions Prize, with the result
this year being reversed as Jack took the top prize in the division by
count back following a terrific run over the last few holes and Barry
claimed the Champions trophy with an excellent one over gross as he
continues his preparations towards the IPGC Club Championships to be
held in just under two weeks time.
So once again it was an Englishman taking the prize for the eleventh
time and continuing the 100% run in Pattaya’ s Americas Independence Day
Golf celebration, which some will say is in some respects fitting as it
is also local PGA golf professional, Richard Livingston’s birthday as
well and he is the epitome of “The English Gentleman at leisure”
Before presenting the prizes Richard thanked, Len Jones, Steve Donovan
and Roy Mitchell for their assistance with promotion, and Stephen Beard,
for the registration, scoring Emceeing and once again overseeing most
things and now operating on a lot more than the two watts power of the
recent past.
He also thanked Lumyai and her staff for once again producing what must
surely be one of the best buffets in town, which seemed to go on forever
with a continuing stream of refills from the kitchen. A new addition to
the menu, fresh bread and rolls from the Haven Bakery, were a tasty
accompaniment to the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs together with
the nut brownies for those that were not sated with the usual array on
the Thai/Mexican/Seafood/Salad/ Fresh Fruit buffet.
Following a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Richard, the
celebrations went on deep into the night reliving a great day golfing
with their friends and a celebration of two very important birthdays.
Champion Best Gross: Barry Winton, 73
1st Division:
Winner Jack Mosely, 39 c/b9 20
Runner-up Barry Winton, 39 c/b9 19
2nd Division:
Winner Kyle Moore, 45
Runner-up Yves Philibert, 35
3rd Division:
Winner Les Winch, 38
Runner-up Charles Sheppard, 42
Ladies:
Winner Phanom Jitchana, 50
Near Pin Lakes #2: Jason Payne, John Hillier, Eric Moore
Near Pin Lakes #7: Mikael Andersson, Tom Breslin, Randy Blacet
Near Pin Ocean #5: Simon Philbrook, David Knight, Keith Fortt
Near Pin Ocean #7: Roy Thornton, Peter Emslie, Yves Philibert.
|