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Pattaya Bowlers double up at Lions Annual Challenge
The Lions Lawn Bowls International Tournament 2006
Report & Photos by
Barry Hooper
The Annual Lions Lawn Bowls challenge recently entered its fifth year of
competition, as teams from the Philippines and Bangkok descended once more
upon Pattaya to do battle. This traditional and friendly annual challenge
event was held over the weekend of July 29-30 at the “Bowling Green”
Pattaya; one of only two lawn bowling greens in Thailand. The tournament
involved three teams, namely: the Bowling Green Pattaya, the Royal Bangkok
Sports Club and the Angeles Sports and Country Club from the Philippines.
 One
of the tournament founders, Lowell Johnson from the Angeles Sports and
Country Club, left, presents an award to Tony Murphy, custodian of the
Pattaya Bowling Green
The format for the 2-day event was a triples competition comprising of seven
teams each from Pattaya and the Philippines and six teams from Bangkok.
This major event was the first to be played on the green since the start of
its refurbishment programme that began some three months ago and which is
still only fifty percent complete. This meant that all the bowlers had to
deal with some variable conditions and it proved to be a challenge to all
concerned. And whilst the conditions may have caused some consternation
amongst the bowlers taking part, it was still considered to be a fair
challenge for all and the local Pattaya players could garner no advantage
from playing at ‘home’, as the new section of the green was only tested some
two days before the event.
 The
three winners of the triples event: Peter Chaplin, Aussie John and Harvey
The play on Saturday provided some shock scores with one opening match
offering a thirty three to zero score line whilst others managed to take the
heavy going on the new section of green more favourably. Refreshments in the
form of a barbeque were provided by the Bowling Green for the players at the
completion of the day’s play.
With five rounds played on Saturday and the balance on Sunday with the early
start of 10.o’clock, this proved to be a bit of an awakening for those who
had partied a little too much the night before. But play started on time,
was steady throughout the day and kept to schedule.
With all the day’s play completed, all concerned had the opportunity to
shower and change and return to the clubhouse for the evening banquet and
presentations. It has to be said that the management and staff of the
Bowling Green all did a sterling job over the weekend, keeping everybody
provided with refreshments during play and some excellent food on both days
of the event.
The final outcome was a team win for Pattaya with 48 points; Philippines in
second place with 40 points and Bangkok third on 32 points. The individual
team award went to the Pattaya threesome of Peter Chaplin, Aussie John and
Harvey.
Well done everyone and a big thank you to all who made the event the
complete success that it was. We hope that all who enjoyed this wonderful
weekend will be back next year to do battle once more.
The 3 teams from Bangkok,
Angeles City in the Philippines and Pattaya Bowling Club gather for a group
photo prior to the competition.
Despite the tricky conditions,
the bowlers enjoyed a feast of exciting competition over the course of the 2
days.
Toy Back-to-Back, Clements is Best
& Tira is Top Senior
Mike Franklin
Perfect golf weather at Pattaya Country Club on Thursday, July 27 for the
monthly Diana Seniors & Ladies Open encouraged good scores; the best of the
day coming from John Clements. John, back for one of his regular visits
recorded 40 Stableford points to win the Super Seniors category, with Dave
Earthrowl runner-up with 35 points.
 July
Seniors winners: (L-R) John, Toy & Tira.
The Seniors battled it out with a three way count-back on 36 points. Geoff
Bowers was runner-up, beating Ray Spence on the back nine, and was in turn
beaten for the winning spot by Tira Charuvastra on the back six.
Toy Theobald won the Ladies category with 36 points, winning back to back
with her June Open score of 41 points. There was a count- back for
runner-up, Sririporn beating Mam Trayling on the back six.
Mam did however win the long putt on #9, Prakong Robinson being longest on
#18.
Bob Pearce took both near pins on the front nine, namely at # 5 and # 7.
Sririporn was nearest on #12 and Geoff Bowers on #16. Ning Morris was the
only newcomer to the monthly tournament and was duly welcomed. The course
was good and the staff, as always, very friendly and helpful.
The August Open is right at the end of the month on Thursday 31st. Sign-up
as usual at the Green Bottle or Diana Driving Range.
Council organizes amateur boxing referee course
More than 50 interested teachers and City
employees attended the course.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya City Council recently organized a training course for amateur boxing
referees at Pattaya School No 2, with more than 50 people attending.
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn opened the course, which was designed to
improve the quality of judging at regional and international competition
bouts.
Niran said the City Council is active in its support of all sporting
endevours and tries to help organize sporting competitions and events on a
regular basis.
In this case, City Hall assigned the Sports and Recreation Department to
organize the training course that was held between 19 and 21 July, with the
emphasis on trying to develop the interests of young people into the sport
of amateur boxing.
The famed Thai boxing trainer, Yodthong Sananan was a guest speaker at the
event and taught refereeing techniques to the participants who will
hopefully pass them on to their own students.
Thespians topple
VIP’s in charity soccer match
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The ‘Actors’ got the better of the VIP’s during a charity football match
held on July 21 at Banglamung School’s soccer pitch.
 Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn takes the attack to the opposition. The result of
the game was of minor importance compared to the friendships forged and the
funds raised for charity.
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn both presided over the kick-off and then took
part in the game, in which Kantana Suwanabume, (the Dramatic Team) played
Pattaya VIP’s. The Kantana team comprised actors led by the renowned
director Niratkay Kalayachatuk; although many of the stars who had promised
to turn up did not materialize, much to the disappointment of their fans.
The Pattaya VIP’s team consisted of local business people, politicians and
members of the press, and were led by Mayor Niran.
The match was organized to raise funds for the Khun Poom Jensen Foundation
and other charities, and was won 4-3 by Kantana, with a penalty kick
deciding the outcome. Swallowing the defeat gracefully, Mayor Niran was all
smiles as he presented the winning trophy to the actors.
‘Togo’ overcome ‘Brazil’
in alternative World Cup
‘Togo’ - the Pattaya Paradise
Futsal 2006 Champions.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Pattaya Paradise Futsal 2006 competition, organized by Box Assets
Company Limited in cooperation with Rab Sang Fan (Dream Creations), was
based on the FIFA World Cup competition using the same teams and format. The
company also televised all the World Cup matches live on a giant screen at
Bali Hai Pier.
The final of Futsal 2006, which was won by ‘Togo’, provided great
entertainment for both the local fans and foreign tourists who turned up to
watch the exciting match.
As previously mentioned, the Futsal 2006 was based on the FIFA World Cup
competition taking place between June 9 - July 9, and in Pattaya’s version
of the final, ‘Toga’ and ‘Brazil’ were to face off against each other after
overcoming 30 other teams between them.
Even though the team names sounded good, in reality the players were all
youths from around the Pattaya area. ‘Togo’ for instance traveled all the
way up from Sattahip.
‘Brazil’ had a numerical advantage in terms of supporters and got off to a
great start with an early goal. ‘Togo’ replied with an equalizer and had to
do so two more times before finally taking the lead at 4-3. It looked as if
the first half would end on that score but ‘Brazil’ managed to equalize at
4-4 before the whistle ended the half.
The second half was equally exciting and furious and after an exchange of
scores, a last minute equalizer from ‘Togo’ made the scoreline 6-6 and took
the game to penalties.
Here ‘Togo’ were to finally prevail, winning the shootout 9-8 and capturing
the replica World Cup trophy and 30,000 baht in prize money.
‘Brazil’ took home a consolation prize of 10,000 baht with third placed
‘Costa Rica’ pocketing 5,000 baht.
Mr Pisai Phanomwan Na Authaya, Member of Pattaya City Council and Chairman
of the Pattaya Tourism and Sports Sub-committee was on hand to present the
prizes.
Go-kart street races proposal accepted by City Hall
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Plans to stage a series of go-kart races in the streets of Pattaya were
agreed upon at a meeting held July 27 between members of Pattaya City
Council and Porntip Ubonrat, General Manager of E motion Management Co
Ltd.
 High
class go-karting could be on its way to Pattaya’s streets this October.
Porntip said that her company believed Pattaya would be an ideal
location for promoting go-kart street racing as it possesses the
necessary infrastructure and that the events would bring in more local
and foreign tourists. Her company plans on inviting famous names from
the world of competitive go-karting to compete.
She added that karting isn’t only about being the fastest; it is also
about having fun and is a high-profile way of attracting sponsors. The
company proposes that the races be held over 2 days, 28-29 October.
E motion Management has surveyed the route, which would be in the
Walking Street, South Pattaya area where they believe the roads to be
suitable
Pattaya City Council have given the provisional go ahead for the events
and plan to hold further meetings to iron out the details.
The Zinger Captures a Couple
IPGC golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday, July 23,
Green Valley - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Jim Wickstrom, 40 points
2nd Paul Shaw, 39 points
3rd Jack Grindvold, 38 points
B Flight:
1st Eddy Beilby, 39 points
2nd Joe Seabstian, 39 points
3rd Mike Shrosbree, 39 points
C Flight:
1st Ken Kutzing, 37 points
2nd Alec Hoare, 37 points
3rd Fred Theobald, 36 points
Near Pins: #2: Barry Copestake; #9: Jack Grindvold; #12: Jack Grindvold;
#16: Charles Sheppard
2’s: Paul Shaw, Jack Grindvold (2), Vic Hester, Woody Sherwood, Kris
Kritsajootha,
J.J Wright, Frank Pilkington, Don Lehmer, Trudy Chadbourn
It was always so with Nell, but now Dudley Do-Right was Man of the Match
of this Sunday fixture at Green Valley. Jim’s 40 points were the result
of a level-to-par gross 72. That gave Jim a one point advantage in the
Premier Flight over ever improving Paul Shaw. Smacko Jacko rounded out
the top dogs with a fine 38 points.
Richard Livingston has mentored Eddy Beilby well on his swing, but he
must have also taught him how to play the inward nine as the excelling
student had the best homeward nine in the B Flight trio of himself, NR
Joe and Mike Shrosbree, esq. Joe took second strictly on the strength of
turning in his scorecard.
Our title guy notched the first of his week’s successes with a count
back victory over Alec “The Ho” Hoare in the junior circuit. Uncle Fred
showed he might be putting some pressure on Auntie Toy with his even to
handicap 36 points, good for C Flight bronze
Tuesday, July 25,
Laem Chabang A & B - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Joe McArdle, 43 points
2nd Larry Watson, 42 points
3rd Barry Copestake, 41 points
B Flight:
1st Bill Broschart, 40 points
2nd John Low, 39 points
3rd Norm Robinson, 39 points
NP’s: #B8: Chaten Patel
2’s: Laurie Leech, John Low
Being low season, The Society sometimes pulls in the reigns on the
Blue/White tee option to ensure that there is a solid competitive field,
numerically. Well, such was the case this Tuesday as the entire field
took to the Laem Chabang Whites which, it should be said, were well
forward... and they took advantage of it.
But none took greater advantage than Father Joe who amassed a best on
the day 43 points. Joe just returned from Ireland, a visit necessitated
by the loss of his brother. The thoughts and sympathies of all the lads
and lasses are with him. As though one Mick on the podium was not
enough, who should attain the second step but the omnipresent Larry
Watson. The Queen finally had a representative on the A Flight podium as
Barry Copestake edged Eyad Subei on count back
Billy Broschart, who learned everything he knows from the Lady’s Man,
took B Flight with 40 points, one more than the duo of Hello Handsome
Man John Low and that noted barrister, Stormin’ Norman Robinson. The All
Black White had the better of the count back.
Wednesday, July 26,
Eastern Star White Tees,
2 - Person Scramble -
Stroke/Medal
1st Lindsay Semple & Phil Mitchell, net 61.6
2nd Mikael Anderson & Dave Stockman, net 62.1
3rd Trudy Chadbourn & Barry Chadbourn, net 62.3
The Society tried to whisper that the day’s fixture was a two-man
scramble, but someone, probably in the throes of pleasure, let the
secret slip in Ban Chang. That awoke Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
of the famed Scramble gang, none other than Dave Stockman and Mikael
Anderson, to the fact that there was a purse to be knocked off. However,
this time their efforts were, at least in part, thwarted as Lindsay
Semple and Flipper were a half a stroke better. Bringing a sense of
innocence to the day were the Charming Chadbourns who showed that there
was room in Pattaya for clean living as they took the third place
bounty.
Friday, July 28,
Burapha A & B - Blue or
White Tees, Stableford
Blue Flight:
1st Dave Porter, 42 points
2nd Nick Payne, 37 points
3rd Jack Spencer, 35 points - Larry Watson
White Flight:
1st Ken Kutzing, 42 points
2nd Mike Gaussa, 37 points - Joop Medze
2’s: Larry Watson, Mark Wood, Eddy Beilby, Emiel Van de Wiele, Bill
Broschart
The week wrapped up with a tee split event at Burapha. Surging David
Porter, showing no ill effects from last week’s dodo, put a five point
whopping on the Blue Flight field. Nick Payne was that somewhat distant
silver medalist, although his score should be credited with being better
than handicap. General Jack’s back side (Does that sound right? Well it
is Soi Pattayaland One!) was the only thing that kept Larry Watson from
yet another payday.
Our Title Guy had the best of a good-sized White Tee field as he put
together a fine 42 points for the second five point margin of the day,
this time over Mike Gaussa and Joop Medze. The field, while nice sized,
only supported two White Tee places, and given Mike’s inward effort,
Joop was left with zoop.
A testing time at Pattana
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Monday, July 24, Century Chonburi, Stableford
The most inexpensive course around, with a clubhouse that one cannot
forget, was host for a Stableford competition in two flights, with the
cut at handicap 18. The course on the day was in quite good condition
with the exception of the bunkers; where it looked like a bunker machine
was run through three or four weeks ago, and there was not one rake to
be found.
Ted Morris took the A Flight with 35 points, Marty Allred was in second
with 34 points and Ged Mason was in third with 32 points.
Tournament Director Dave Richardson was the winner in the B Flight with
39 points, Bob Rasmussen second with 32 points and Paul Tate third with
31 points.
Thursday, July 27, Pattana, Stableford
With a good road now this course is becoming much more
accessible, but it has been noticed during our visits that it is still
thinly used. This is quite surprising in one aspect as it has a
magnificent clubhouse and 3 ‘nines’ that are, to most people, a real
test of golf. The downside is that it is costly, many do not like the
sloping greens and it is nearly always blowing a gale.
On this day it was also windy, so the A & C nines were a real test.
However, most who played enjoyed their day out.
The winner was Dave Richardson with 39 points on count back from Doug
Maiko in second and Michael Todd-White in third. In fourth was Graham
Michael with 36 points.
TTFN.
Back to Cruising
IPGC golf from The Haven
Friday, July 21, Eastern Star, Stableford
1st Randy Haupt, 39 pts.
2nd Tatsumi Noguchi, 38 pts. c/b 9, 22
3rd Frank Kelly, 38 pts. c/b 9, 18
4th Tom McCarthy, 37 pts.
Following the strenuous Medal rounds in the Club Championship it was a
pleasure to get back to some serious but fun golf under the stableford
format and Randy Haupt continued with his run of success in the weekly
competitions as he cruised round in three under to claim top spot at the end
of a tough week.
Tatsumi Noguchi, who is also in good form slipped into second place by count
back over Frank Kelly, the almost famous great great grandson of that other
well known raider Ned. Tom McCarthy took the last slot on the winners’ list
as he prepared to leave for some well earned R and R back in the States.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the resident PGA teaching
professional, welcomed back Dave Shaw, Tony Quaid, Terry Spicer, Frank Kelly
and Barry McIntosh. It was also a fond farewell to Patrick Scullion, Tom
McCarthy, Markku Tynell and Yunoki Tours in the form of Yasuo Suzuki,
Tatsumi Noguchi and Yukio Kikuchi, which leaves the Japanese tourism numbers
under threat.
Monday, July 24,
Burapha, Stableford
1st Kris Kritsanajootha, 42 pts.
2nd Trevor Schirmer, 37 pts.
3rd Serge Straeten, 36 pts.
Once again it was a very disappointing turnout at Burapha as the regulars
continue to boycott the course where it is compulsory to take a golf cart
when they are walkers. It was again the case that the course was the loser
as the usual riders rode and the rest went elsewhere, resulting in a drop by
half of the usual numbers competing and another loss of revenue in a time of
need.
New member Kris Kritsanajootha, the recently retired US Navy Chief was very
quick to get his feet under the table as he swept to a five shot win ahead
of Trevor Schirmer who had a very creditable one-under over the A and C
courses from the blue tees. Serge Straeten rounded out the podium with a
solid even round.
Once again there were no “twos” in either division.
Before presenting the prizes, Richard welcomed new members Kris
Kritsanajootha and Eyad Subei and also welcomed back Jay Nakagawa.
Wednesday, July 26,
Khao Kheow, Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st Phil Groves, 72 c/b 36
2nd Serge Straeten, 72 c/b 36.5
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki, 76
2nd Division
1st Terry Spicer, 72
2nd B.J. Smith, 82
3rd Gordon Millar, 84
With the pots augmented with all the uncollected prizes of the previous
month, there was a fair amount to play for apart from the Monthly Medal and
entry into the Gold and Silvers at the end of the year.
Phil Groves playing with Serge Straeten did just enough on the last hole to
ensure victory in division one by the slimmest of margins in the count back,
to claim his first medal of the year. Takeshi Hakozaki did not quite get
hold of the day but did enough to close out third, some four strokes adrift.
In the second division it was a one horse race as Terry Spicer flattened the
opposition with a level par round, with the chasing pack led by B.J. and
Gordon Millar a long way back. Many of the non-returns were left ruing their
early pick-ups when the final results were read out by Richard.
There were no “twos” in the first division but Terry Spicer cleaned up the
pot, including all the roll-overs with the only one in the second division.
Back at The Haven, Richard welcomed back Andrew Reid and Laurie Leech.
Friday, July 28,
Phoenix Lakes & Ocean, Stableford
1st Barry Traynor, 43 pts.
2nd Joe McArdle, 40 pts.
3rd Frank Kelly, 38 pts.
4th Takeshi Hakozaki, 37 pts.
At last the silver fox took first place after many seconds in the recent
past, as he stroked it round in seven under, ahead of the raiders in the
form of Joe McArdle, who had to be satisfied with second after a fine
four-under that he and many others thought would be good, and Frank Kelly
with another two-under to get on to the podium.
Takeshi also took his second placing of the week to ensure that he will not
be going up in the near future.
There were no “twos” in the second division as the pot starts to grow once
more. Even more surprisingly there was only one in the first division and
almost unbelievably that was achieved by Tony Barritt with a thirty five
footer right across the green, which he later revealed was helped by the use
of a local road map and the usual crossed fingers grip.
The Bill & Gordon show at Noble Place
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, July 25, Noble Place,
Stableford
I look upon Tropical Bert’s on a Tuesday as a bit of a sleep in. We do not
have to leave until about 9am and Tim likes getting up early and gets in
before the bacon is crisp, so I set the alarm and relax.
 Tuesday
winners, Bill (L) & Gordon (R)
This has been known to work, except every one knows my number, so, as per
this week at about 7:45am the phone usually rings and I get the, “I’m at
Tropical Bert’s and it’s gone.” (For those who do not know, Bert’s used to
be in Soi Marina Plaza, but the entire Plaza is now flat.) Now that I do not
mind, but usually I get the same phone call as the water starts to flow in
the shower, as I did this week. Bite your tongue.
Meanwhile back at Bert’s, Tim was his usual calm, placid self and sorted out
all the players with his normal skill. The hammer remained hot, especially
when players did not turn up, however, finally we were underway and Noble
Place beckoned.
It was an easy book in on the golf course, which was pretty quiet. The A & C
nines beckoned so off we went. The day was windy but the course was in
pretty good condition, all the players like this course, for price and
friendliness.
This being a post Rodney round, the day was peaceful, and some good golf was
played. However, back in the clubhouse they are in the midst of some major
re-constriction, so you have to shower around the workers. The restaurant is
still upstairs and offers a good refuge for shell-shocked golfers at
reasonable prices.
Back at Bert’s the winners were announced: In the A Div, Bill Knight won
whilst Gordon Everingham took the honours in B Div.
TTFN.
Near Pins: Derek Eastham, Dick Warberg (2), Paul Tate, Graham Buckingham,
David Wood
Long Putt: Derek Brook, Dennis Stepura
The one that got away
Catch of the Day at Tropical Bert’s
It has been pretty rough out on the sea of late and not
for the faint hearts. A couple of times the storm clouds have gathered and
we have had to make a dash for port, the last few miles being lashed by
winds and heavy rain. Mind with the sides down and all sat on the same side
of the boat it gets quite exciting. However, we have caught some fine fish.
Chris and Ting with the Cobia.
Saturday, July 29 it appeared from my balcony that the sea was reasonably
calm, so it was off down to Ban Sarae, kick Captain Ting out of bed and off
for the big adventure again.
Whilst not as rough as the previous few weeks, it was still pretty bouncy so
it was nice to get into a Cobia fairly early, and it was soon on board; our
single handicap fisherman Chris playing the fish well.
Then a long wait as the sea raced, and then bang, we were into a seriously
big fish; even Ting was excited. It ripped hundreds of yards of line off and
despite seemingly doing every thing correct, the new 50lb line went “bang”.
Never mind, there’s always next time!
We then moved location and pulled a couple of fine fish in; one a really
fine ray that fought and all but drained Chris as he turned puce and gasped
for breath. His shoulders will ache for months.
Finally it was time for the run-in, and for the first time in a while, no
storm.
T.T.F.N.
Marty and Tewin enjoy
the test at Khao Kheow
Report and photo supplied by Barry Hooper
Thursday, July 27, Khao Kheow, Stableford
This week, thirty-two golfers (incl. one lady) turned up to play at Khao
Kheow Golf Club. The course was in first class condition, and the weather
was not too hot with a lovely breeze which kept things nice and cool.
 Khao Kheow winners - Tewin Lamthong and Marty Allred.
Some of the scores reflected the difficulty of this excellent golf course
but Marty Allred had no problems, taking the A flight with 39 points off his
1 handicap. It was good to see Bupay (Tewin Lamthong) back on form, winning
the B flight with 39 points off a 31 handicap.
A very good day was enjoyed by all and the shepherds pie after the golf back
at the Bowling Green was excellent. Thanks to Tony and the staff
Results:
A Flight:
1st Marty Allred (1), 39 Pts
2nd Richard Keegan (16), 38 Pts
3rd Kevin Callaghan (10), 35 Pts / back 6
4th Derek Eastham (18), 35 Pts
B Flight:
1st Tewin Lamthong (31), 39 Pts
2nd Dick Warburg (19), 38 Pts
3rd Petter Anderson (36), 37 Pts
4th Colin Cronin (21), 36 Pts
Nearest the Pin: Chaten Patel, Gene Rooney, Marty Allred, Colin Cronin
Two’s Club: Marty Allred, Petter Anderson, Terry Hopkins
The next event of the society will take place on the August 3 at Pheonix GC
Bob and Jeff the ‘Greensome’ masters
PSC golf from Peacock Place
Monday, July 24, Khao Kheow, Stableford
Monday saw us take the trip up to Khao Kheow, for a Stableford round. We
played the A & B courses and as usual the whole layout was in magnificent
condition, with the exception of the greens on course B, which were a little
slow but still enjoyable.
The winners on the day were; starting with the ladies, the lovely Wendy Khan
and runner up Toy Theobald. The men’s winners were off the yellow tee’s tied
for 1st, Jeff McLaury and Donald Hendry. Off the white marker’s we also had
a tie between Brendon Dougal and Ken Little.
There were no “twos” on this day so there was a roll over to Eastern Star on
Monday, and the free beer was won by Ed Trayling.
Back at the Peacock we were treated to a buffet put on by Mine Hosts Dao and
Michael. Many thanks from all who enjoyed it.
Thursday, July 27, Century Chonburi, Greensome
After a hearty breakfast we set off for Century Chonburi, to play
a Greensome as it’s know in England; in Aussie we call it a Canadian
foursome. Anyway to say we had some fun and laughter would be putting in
mildly.
The scores were something else again: winners on the day were Bob Philp &
Jeff McLaury with a fine 79 net, closely followed by Phil Mitchell & Simon
‘the Magistrate’ Jenkins with net 80. I might add that every time Simon
played a bad shot Phil either put in on probation or at one time he gave 3
years hard labour. It certainly makes for a fun day when you are trying to
hit a golf ball and laughing like hell at the same time. However, we all
enjoyed ourselves and once again back at the Peacock Place we sat down to a
beautiful buffet. Thank you Mike and Dao.
Dog fight for the podium but Tony scorches home
PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar
Tony, Vincent, Frank and Jeff - winners at Bangpra.
On a very hot day the group met at Oohsa’s anticipating a good breakfast and
a good game of golf at the Bangpra course - we got both.
The course itself was in excellent condition although the greens were very
firm and playing fairly quick. Mastering the conditions was Tony Oakes who
blitzed home 4 points clear with a very creditable 38 points. Fighting it
out for second, third and forth were Vincent Smyth, Frank Kelly and Jeff
Wylie respectively who all finished with 34 points - a good battle that.
Near Pins were won by Ray Spence, Barry Quirk and Tony Oakes (2). Longest
Putt winners were Alex Backlund and Ray Spence.
Back at Oohsa’s there was the usual good hearted banter as we tucked in to a
very good chicken and chips dinner.
If you are interested in playing with the Oohsa Bar please phone Keith on 07
916 7171. Everyone is welcome.
The Grape Vine keeps
to winning ways
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers - Kran, Tue and
Wade.
Grape Vine took three points from Brother D and
continue their hold on 1st place. House of the Golden Coin keep pace as
they take three from Café Olé. Montana takes three points from France
but fall back to 4th place as Café Kronborg takes four points from Jack
& Tar and moves back to 3rd place. Domicil sweeps Three Sisters four -
zero. Shenanigans gets 3 points from Friends and VFW Post 9876 bombs
Mai’s Thai Restaurant winning all four points.
The Caddy Shack moves location
IPGC golf with the Caddy Shack
As from August 1, The Caddy Shack will be relocated
in Soi 17 on the opposite corner of the street to the Harley Bar. Golf
will be played on Tuesdays and Fridays, leaving at 10:00am. Pool will
still be played and a dartboard installed. It is an air-conditioned bar
and the famous Caddy Shack food will still be served. All golfers old
and new are welcome and customers will be given a warm reception.
Andersson wins at home
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
On a hot, breezy day, Tuesday, July 25, the Pattaya
Golf Society took the short trip to the popular course at Eastern Star
to play a medal competition. The course has long been a favourite for
many of the field and was in good condition for the event. The greens
however were surprisingly slow in comparison with other courses played
recently and many golfers found that putting was to be the key to their
rounds.
The star of the day was to Mikael Andersson, a local member of the
course, and he brought all his course management skills to bear in a
round of supreme touch, where he struck seventeen greens in regulation
or better, only missing the par-three third by a whisker. On this form
he is almost invincible and his round of gross 77 gave him net 71 for a
fine victory.
Eating his ‘dust’ a long way back were John Cunningham who tutted, not
putted, to a score of net 76 and Barry McIntosh and Ben Findon who
turned in cards bearing net 78’s for a share of third place.
Elsewhere the field toiled manfully throughout the day and only Bill
Hewitt found a modicum of success when he chipped in for a birdie two on
the seventeenth. Carl Lovatt left a new ProV1 up a tree on the first and
his hopes nose-dived from that point onwards.
Jan Eriksen joined the ranks of the disbelievers when he lost eleven
balls in his round, whilst the usual favourites, Dave Thomas and Stuart
Thompson, also found the day a chore. Indeed Stuart’s card was his
poorest for a while and he accepted the Booby Bevy in his usual stoic
fashion. But such things only drive one to do better and all golfers
know better days lie ahead. They do, don’t they?
Special K’s food for thought
Thursday, July 27, one of the remaining few “breakfast-free”
golf groups, the Pattaya Golf Society, set course from the OK Corral for
the beautiful Bangpra International Golf Club to play their weekly
Stableford event.
The course did not disappoint with its well maintained fairways and
consistently quick greens and the large field was divided into two
flights with the cut at fifteen and under, an indication of yet another
quality field.
In the second flight Ray Underwood posted his second podium place in
three weeks with his 32 point score and announced that better things are
to come. Aussie Ian Kidd is now achieving a measure of consistency with
his second placed 34 points but the flight was led home by Keith Barr
and his 35 point score gave no indication of the haste with which he had
entered the event.
The top flight saw some excellent performances with Stuart Thompson
forgetting his Booby Bevy from his previous outing and recording a
consistent 36 points to share third place with the returning John
Hughes, whilst Paul Smith fired another fine round with his 37 points
giving him second place. The day’s winner, for the third successive
round, was Kris Kritsnajootha and his 39 points will see his handicap
reduced yet again very soon. He put his victory down to the nourishing
fried rice breakfast he had consumed at the OK before venturing out.
The “twos” pot was shared by Paul Smith, Steve Nowell, Mike Allidi and
Keith Barr whilst a hungry monkey deprived Ben Findon of a beef sandwich
on the fourth hole and led to Ben receiving the “Booby Butty” by way of
consolation. The same monkey had also relieved himself on Len Jones’
ball from the safety of a tree and mugged a caddy, running off with a
bag containing her motorbike keys. It had been another eventful round
with the PGS.
Duncan continues his
‘purple patch’ at Pattaya C.C.
PSC golf from The Bunker
Monday, July 24, Burapha,
Stableford
Stableford was the format for the first game of the week on Monday and
Burapha Golf Course was the venue for The Bunker Boys.
Playing the difficult C and D courses and with the cut at 17 and under
Paul Smith won the A Flight by two points ahead of runner-up Dave
Lightfoot; scoring 36 and 34 points respectively.
In the B Flight the low scoring reflected the difficulty of the course,
Brian Walker winning with a modest 31 points and Paul Davies claiming
runner-up place with 28 points.
Near pin prizes went to Dave Keats, Brian Bellis and two to Dave
Lightfoot.
Wednesday, July 26, Bang Pakong, Medal
Fewer players made the relatively long journey to Bang Pakong
for a Medal competition on Wednesday and we saw Tony Geeland come out on
top, shooting a one under par net 71 ahead of Geoff Parker, net 73 and
PJ Redmond third with net 74.
Only three greens were hit so Dave Lightfoot, Rob Herald and Adam Beer
shared the pot between them.
Friday, July 28, Pattaya Country Club, Stableford
The second Stableford competition of the week took place at
Pattaya Country Club on Friday and with a big field, and the cut at 22
and under, scores were close in both the A and B Flights.
Clarke Alexander took the honours in the A Flight winning with 38
points, one point ahead of Gavin Perfect who was one shot further ahead
of Brian Walker, who finished third with 36 points.
In the B Flight Duncan Lee continued his purple patch by winning with 37
points. Second was Tony Geeland with 36 points and third was Dave Keats
who scored 35 points.
Two near pin prizes went to Pete Challis and Granville Swanton and Bryan
Rought claimed the other two.
Is it the Scissors or
should it be the Axe
I.P.G.C. golf from the Jomtien Golf Society.
Monday, July 24, Bangpra,
Stableford
With an ever-increasing number each week, twenty of us left Paweenas for
the Bangpra course. Still in good condition for this time of the year,
it was a pleasure to stand on the first tee and witness a superb green
fairway.
Am, Kaew and the sand lady Nom at Bangpra.
We also welcomed a new member, Miss Kaew into our weekly outings. It was
a tough day for our ladies, with Nom finding ten bunkers on her round.
In third place with 34 points was Chris Holmes who also hit the only two
of the day on the 151yard 8th hole. He was well in the money as it was a
rollover as well. The ever-improving Ricky Smith came in second with 36
points off a 14 handicap, but the man to watch now is Derek Eastham.
After playing off three 21 years ago and resuming his game again with a
handicap of 18, Derek came in with 40 points to take first place. It’s
all downhill from here Derek, watch this space.
Tony Duthie was dreading the trip to the clubhouse with his meagre 20
points to win the booby prize but Eddie Behr pipped him at the
eighteenth and came in with 14 points to stand the ladies tipple.
Wednesday, July 26, Burapha
Another strong turnout made the trip to the ever-popular
Burapha course. However, having played the front nine on the ‘A’ course
we then progressed to the Crystal nine, where after a few holes there
were a few derogatory murmurings over the condition of this layout.
A welcome newcomer to our society, Joop Medze scored 36 points for third
place, but sharing first place were Dannie (Munchen ) Larsen and Larry
Slattery with 38 points. As we now use the count back system, both
scored 19 points on the back nine but Dannie had 14, compared to Larrys
13 points on the back six, to take first place.
Mr. Kevin sampled the ladies drink back at the bar with an historic 10
points, and the ever improving Amphan (now playing off 31 as you read
this) had the only “two” on the third hole to scoop the winnings, and
she bought a round back at the bar. Cheers Am.
Jomtien Golf Society meets every Monday and Wednesday at Paweenas, Soi
5, Jomtien beach Rd. and departs around 9.15am for a 10.30 tee off time.
Transport and club hire available, please contact Glyn 068375464. Our
next fixtures are: Monday, August 7, Century Chonburi and Wednesday,
August 9 at Khao Kheow
Pete Murray conquers the ‘wobbles’ and shoots his age
There are a number of goals to be attained in the
game of golf. July 24, Pete Murray accomplished a golf milestone that is
arguably the most difficult to complete. He shot his age. Pete is 73
years old and at Burapha, playing the A and C nines, he shot a 73 off
the stick.
Peter and Pay celebrate their outstanding achievement.
“This has been my greatest thrill in golf,” said Pete. “Nothing else has
given me quite this much satisfaction.” That is saying a lot coming from
a former PGA professional who played on the American PGA Tour back in
the 50’s and 60’s. It is also saying a lot coming from a man who has
shot ten under par ten times, has had two double eagles, and thirteen
holes in one.
For a former professional golfer in his sixties, shooting his age might
not be such a big deal. Pete came within a stroke of doing it five
times. But the problem with shooting your age is that while the goal
gets easier as you get older, the skill level drops pretty quickly. What
makes Pete’s accomplishment so remarkable is that it came long after he
had given up hope of ever again playing really well. The man has
Parkinson’s disease and anyone who has watched him putt, knows where he
got the moniker “Shaky Pete”.
He could still bang the driver out there 250 yards. It was the touch
game around the greens that would give Pete fits, or in his case the
shakes. No putt was a gimme when one was playing Pete Murray for money.
His best friend, Richard Garland, was worried that Pete might give up
the game. Richard knew how much frustration Pete felt, but he also knew
that this was Pete’s entire life. Pete needed a miracle.
The miracle came in the unlikely form of Canadian Doug Campbell who was
aware of a new medication for Parkinson’s disease. Pete was willing to
try anything but was skeptical that it would make a difference. His
first glimmer of hope came about two weeks later when he shouted that he
could read his scorecard. Before the new medicine, even Pete couldn’t
read his own chicken scratching. But now he was looking at a very neat
set of numbers. The real proof came when he started making those nasty
three footers.
At Burapha, Pete was even par on the front nine, but with bogeys on
eleven and fourteen the hope of shooting his age was dwindling. With
four holes to go he turned to his regular caddy Pay and said, “Baby, get
me home in one under and I’ll give you two thousand baht.” Pay may not
have understood the significance of Pete shooting a 73, but she
certainly understood two thousand baht. Pete birdied the next hole and
made par on fifteen and sixteen.
“But I was scrambling my ass off,” says Pete. “I was choking like a dog
and Pay was choking worse than me.” He hit a great drive on eighteen
(number 9 on Burapha’s C course). He then hit a wedge onto the elevated
green that he couldn’t see but thought was near the hole. No such luck.
The shot was long and sitting on a piece of hardpan with a yard wide
swatch of rough between the ball and the green. The pin was straight
downhill and Pete was looking at one scary shot. He putted through the
rough, but he was still left with a fifteen footer for par. “Two holes
right, Papa,” said Pay with a lot more certainty than she was feeling.
The next putt went straight into the hole and Pete and Pay were dancing
on the green, celebrating a miracle.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
“Your Lordship I have a communication from your
acquaintance Paul in Africa. He e-mails, ‘I know you hang around with
the blokes a lot but please, even as a San Jose State College graduate,
refrain from using the English “whilst” instead of the proper “while”.
“Whilst” coming from you is like Patty’s Pig whistling Dixie. Correct me
if I’m wrong. While I was never what you might call a boxing fan, I
frequently watched boxing on the black & white TV. It seemed to me that
most fights were among, more or less, equals and, in a cliché, the
“better man won”. Most fights I see today appear very one-sided or
mismatched, if you will. What does Jeeves have to say about this? Your
Pal in darkest Africa.’”
“His Lordship, is this the gentleman you told me was married to a Thai
lady who was in line to be your next ex wife? Just as I thought, a
jealous husband. I can answer him your Lordship. He’s 100% spot on.
Whilst there are some competitive boxing matches today, too often a
match is made for the purpose of making one fighter look good to enhance
his stature. I say he could probably make a lot of money if he had a pig
named Patty that could whistle anything. If he had one that could
whistle a recognizable “God Save the Queen”, he’d really have
something.”
“His Lordship there’s good news in the Kingdom. First off jr.
featherweight Fahsung 3K Battery (53-8-1) got a four round KO over a
Filipino chap named Edmond Develleres (12-9-3) at Nakhon last week.
Reports of the fight say that the Filipino won the first round but once
3K got his battery charged he thumped his noggin. Fact is that 3K
dropped the visitor three times in the 4th which proved to be the final
round.”
“I’ve read there’s a hot prospect out there named Fahsai Sakkrweerin; he
got a 3 round KO. His promoter said as promoters will, ‘I am looking for
Fahasai to fight in the USA and Australia so he will get international
exposure. He is a future champion.’”
“There’s more: Pungluang Sor Singyu (11-0, 8 KOs) won the WBC Youth
Bantamweight crown with a first round KO over Filipino Bryan Vicera. The
referee was your friend Anek Hongtongkam, who is a jolly good referee.”
“And there’s still more. Your Lordship you remember former WBC flyweight
champ Chatchai Sasakul (55-3)? He’s that chap that lost his title to
Manny Pacquiao back in December of 1998. Funny that but Chatchai had
lured Pacquiao to the Tonsuk College Ground in Phuttatonthon only to get
knocked cattywampus in 8. Well Chatchai got a third round TKO win at the
Saraburi City Hall over Katsumi Makiyama. That’s all the news your
Lordship.”
“Jeeves you seem absolutely giddy, have you been to Happy Hour at the TQ
with O.R.? Just as I thought. And then of course to Tim’s for a little
chin wag and a libation on the way home. Well you’re home now. It could
have been worse. You could have run into Monkey House Fred? WHERE are
you going? Oh, you did run in to Monkey House Fred. Well take your
umbrella and look both ways crossing the street. Guess I’ll have to
finish this on my own.”
Former title challenger David Tua finally got back on Yank TV last week.
Under new trainer Roger Bloodworth, Tua announced that he was working on
some things that he needed to get back to the top. One must suppose
that’s opposed to winning. For someone like Tua, it’s fairly
straightforward to get back to the top of the heavyweight division, no
great task there, but to get to the top and be effective? Now that’s a
different matter.
His opponent last week was Ed Gutierrez, a 40 year old looking for a
place to fall without getting hurt. Tua did move a little better than in
the past, looked fit at 227 and maintained his devastating left hook.
The 4th round KO proves very little but Tua did look like he’s actually
serious about moving in a new direction. “Go Tuaman!”
The first Sunday of the month usually brings out some name fighters in
bouts that sometimes mean something. This Sunday there is a nice mix.
Most boxing fans remember the names of Ike Quartey (37-2-1) and Vernon
Forrest (37-2). Whilst there records are “mirror like” the image is
different.
Quartey won the WBC welterweight title in 1994. He held it until 1999
when he lost a split decision to an undefeated Oscar DeLaHoya. Next up
was Fernando Vargas at light middleweight which was a bad idea. After
the loss he retired. Five years later Quartey is back and boxing about
as good as he ever did.
Forest made his bones by beating Shane Mosley twice after Mosley had
been declared the “next best thing” by beating DeLaHoya. Forest then ran
into the “wild man” Ricardo Mayorga, lost twice then took two years off.
I suspect that Quartey may just have a little more in the tank then good
guy Forrest.
Of particular interest to Thai boxing fans should be the Terdsak
Jandaeng (24-1) match for the WBC featherweight title against Juan
Manuel Marquez (44-3-1). They’ll mix it up Sunday morning from the
Montblue Resort almost on the shore of Beautiful Lake Tahoe Nevada.
Both have a great deal to prove. Marquez lost in March when he went to
Indonesia only to lose a UD (116-110, 117-111, 116-112) to maybe the
best featherweight in the world Chris Johns. Marquez promoter, “Gas Bag”
Gary Shaw, opines, “I have seen the tape of his last fight against Chris
John. He did not lose that fight. He got a bad decision.”
Mr. Shaw’s nickname says it all but in this case could he right?
Remember it was Indonesia. Well maybe but the fact that Marquez was
penalized a point twice for low blows would not have changed the
outcome. Also there were two Latin officials and they had it for John.
Terdsak Jandaeng is a different kettle of fish. He got his 24 wins
mostly against guys that might be able to leave a mist on a mirror. When
asked to step it up to world-class competition against Joan Guzman last
year in White Plains, New York, he bombed big time. He was blown out in
a fight he was never in. Since then Jandaeng has gone 4 and 0. The real
upside to Jandaeng is that he fights a lot. In 2005 he went 10-1. Hell
most fighters today don’t go 10-1 in three years.
“I got a lot of experience (from it). Guzman was a strong fighter. I
believe that Marquez is not as strong as Guzman. I watched some of the
Marquez tape, including the Indonesia fight. I still feel that I am
stronger and faster than Marquez.”
Jandaeng may be correct but it’s “iffy”. If boxing Marquez wasn’t
difficult enough take into consideration that Lake Tahoe is at 6,000
feet above sea level. The air is rarefied as is the world-class
competition. Jandaeng is in serious trouble.
Two-time world champion Veerapol Nakornluang (52-3-2) gets back in the
ring on August 18 at Poonsub Market in Patumthani Province facing
Anthony Mathias (14-6-1) from Tanzania. Veerapol, according to his
promoter, is itching to get back in the ring to avenge his loss of the
title against Hozumi Hasegawa. Guess this is the way to do it. Fight
someone that’s lost his last 4. Silly stuff this boxing!
And with Jeeves out carousing and helping the local economy it’s been
left to the ‘boss’ to fetch his own tall, cold one and fine cigar.
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