Thai teams and craft dominate the Evason Regatta

by Peter Cummins, Evason Resort, Phuket
Predictably, Phuket sailors and Phuket-designed and built craft dominated the just-finished Third Evason Phuket RaceWeek Regatta, which featured a record fleet of 31 craft, divided into seven classes.

Phuket-built Fireflies In hot contention. Chi Machine (888) took the regatta honours over erstwhile champ, “Moto Inzi”.
Star of the show was Scott Duncanson, helming his father’s designed Phuket Eight - appropriately named “Som Tam Express” - who won all six races in the Sports Boat Racing Class, while simultaneously winning the Quantum Naga Cup, incorporated into the RaceWeek.
Actually, it was in the Sports Boat Class that the only major controversy of the regatta arose, when a “crack Kiwi team” racing a new Beneteau First Class 7.5m, came up to take on the local lads. It was a matter of handicap, which regatta co-manager Andy Dowden aptly described as the “rumble in the jungle”, in an oblique reference to the Ali/Foreman contest years ago. But, all was peacefully sorted out, without the necessity of a boxing ring and the Kiwis eventually finished third, behind Jim Poulson’s “Lee Marine Vino”.
David Lindahl’s “La Samudra” was clear winner of the IRC One Class, whereas Mick Kealy (“Minx”) and Stuart Crow (“Cinders”) had a desperate struggle to finish equal on seven points, in IRC Two Class, with Mick winning on a count-back.
In the Multihull Racing Class, new-comer Marc Cuddenec, who had just launched his new Multihull Firefly, “Chi Machine”, built by Phuket boatyard Latitude Marine, narrowly beat the erstwhile reigning Firefly champion and 2005 Phuket King’s Cup winner, “Moto Inzi” (Swahili for ‘Firefly’), helmed by Roger Kingdon.

Driving hard to windward.
Elsewhere, Chris Runnegar (“Chameleon”), Gunther Nutt (“Kerida”) and Greg Plunkett (“Princess Isabella”) were the winners of the Multihull Performance Cruising, the Classic and the Club Classes, respectively.
The rains came, but the Third Evason Phuket Race Week finished in a blaze of glory - if not sunshine. The last day of the four-day regatta, held off Phuket’s south-eastern corner, on beautiful Laem Kha Bay, was a grand finale to four days of splendid sailing, first-class race management and a great social ambience.
One superb advantage of sailing over other outdoor sports is that, no matter how much the rain falls or storms strike, the “playing arena” is never any wetter.

“Switchblade” heels hard to port in the closely contested IRC ONE Division.
The major sponsors of this regatta have been the Evason Phuket and Six Senses Spa - the event base - Raimon Land, and the regatta managers Image Asia whose directors, Andy Dowden and Grenville Fordham have been major promoters of marine sports in and around Phuket.
Other sponsors (randomly listed): the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Lee Marine, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Royal Phuket Marina, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, Asia Marine, Swan 55 Big A and Sunsail whose manager, Simon James had the arduous task of principal race officer for the event - not a job for the faint-hearted!
Other supporters were the magnificent old cutter, S.Y. Seraph which was the scene for endless on-board parties, to celebrate the ‘lady’s’ 100 years at sea, Phuket Inter Wood, the Phuket Boat Lagoon, Simrad and Emergency Asia.
Special commendation must be accorded to the Phuket International Hospital, on duty at the race scene every day, ever ready to help when occasioned. It was just two years ago at the 18th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, when the hospital made an exemplary rescue at sea, transporting a badly injured lady crew member from her stricken yacht, to the hospital ECU in just 40 minutes. It saved the lady’s life.
As at the international festivities last month, to honour the 60th anniversary of HM the King’s accession to the Thai throne, the closing Awards Ceremonies and gala dinner at the Evason Phuket Resort and Six Senses Spa were awash in yellow shirts.
As the office of the Governor of Phuket aptly summed up RaceWeek during the event:
“Over the years, we have had the Phang Nga Bay Regatta at Chinese New Year, the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta for two decades, to celebrate the birthday of H.M. the King every December and, now, the Evason Phuket Race Week which adds another dimension to marine tourism in Phuket”.
“The Thai government has identified yachting and marine tourism”, the Governor’s office continued “as priority activities to encourage quality, environmentally-friendly, pursuits in sustainable tourism. Taxes on imported boats have been reduced to zero and regulations have been adjusted to make visiting our islands easier. We already have three fine marinas and another one due to open in 2007 with several others on the drawing board.”
“Very soon”, the office concluded, “Phuket will have facilities to rival any destination in the world.”
All at the Evason RaceWeek concurred.

Third Evason Phuket Race Week Results: IRC ONE: 1. David Lindahl “La Samudra” (5 points); 2. John Vause “Ruby Tuesday” (9); 3. Keith Garry “Beaux Esprits” (15); 4. Craig Murphy “Switchblade” (20); 5. Horst Lakits “Big A” (22) IRC TWO: 1. Mick Kealy “Minx” (7); 2. Stuart Crow “Cinders” (7); 3. Jim Kane “Chetak” (15); 4. George Foose “Free Wind” (17) MULTIHULL RACING: 1. Marc Cuddenec “Chi Machine” (6); 2. Roger Kingdon “Moto Inzi” (9); 3. John Stall “Charro” (15); 4. Bob Brindley “X Catriot” (18); 5. Henry Kaye “The Sting” (24); 6.Chris Jongerius “The Horse” (30) MULTIULL PERFORMANCE CRUISING: 1. Chris Runnegar “Chameleon” (4); 2. Bob Mott “Kilo” (7); 3. Jerome Perignon “Aliocha” (11) SPORTS BOAT RACING: 1. Scott Duncanson “Som Tam Express” (5); 2. Jim Poulsen “Lee Marine Vino” (11); 3. Wade Lewis “Team Simpson Marine” (14); 4. Mark Horwood “Image Asia Attitude” (18) CLUB CLASS: 1.Greg Plunkett “Princess Isabella” (3); 2. Kevin Ashby “Lily” (6); 3. Richard Bell “Sun Flyer” (9) CLASSIC CLASS: 1. Gunther Nutt “Kerida” (5); 2. Julian Hill “Sanook” (7); 3. Graham Chuck “Anjuna (10); 4. Tom Howard “Seraph” (11); 5. Mark Myking “Idiom” (12); 6. Mark Cain “AumGaia” (18)

Miss A and Mr. A headline again

I.P.G.C golf from the Jomtien Golf Society

Monday, July 31, Green Valley, Stableford
We welcomed Miss Noy, a new signing into our regular Monday Stableford competition, and the twenty-three competitors left Paweenas for the short journey to Green Valley.
It was a two division challenge today, but after three holes, which had taken an hour to play because of a five and six ball in front, there were rumblings behind that a few of our members had had enough already. They were persuaded to stay the course and after a five and a quarter hour round, the results came in.
In Division 2, Dannie Larsen and Miss Kaew contested third place with 32 points, but our lady won on a superior count back on the back nine. We had another tie for first place with 34 points; Miss Amphan and Jack Hinchey, with the ladies striking again with a better score on the back nine.
In Division 1, Jeff Stubbs, who is back for ten days before returning again in mid August, and Alan Bissell both tied on 32 points for second place; but with a count back of 17 on the back nine, Jeff had the smirk on his face. Winning today with 35 points was the ever-improving Andy Mills, playing off nine. His first few weeks’ scores since his arrival have been a bit erratic, but that’s down to Chang beers we think.
The only “two” of the day went to Alan Bissell; and after the ladies in Paweenas had explained what the small rope with a metal casting hanging above the cashier’s head was ... he rang it. Cheers Alan. With an abysmal score on the day of 18, Les Hall secured the ladies tipple.
Wednesday 2nd August, Royal Lakeside, Monthly Medal
After setting off from Paweenas at 8.30am in a small convoy for our 10:30am tee off time at Royal Lakeside, the leading car, with our so-called organiser (no names mentioned) got somehow miss-routed after leaving the motorway. Luckily we arrived in time to an empty clubhouse and then to a deserted course for our monthly medal.
There were no “twos” today in the reckoning, as it is a difficult format, so the lads and lasses were playing for a few bottles for nearest the pin.
Chris Holmes won the Gin and Vodka on the 3rd and the 6th, Alan Bissell collected the Scotch on the 12th as did Andy Mills on the 15th. After a few discussions back at Paweenas, we will now be running a two division, nearest the pin competition for the alcoholic delights.
Rob Heath, who has not been in the winning enclosure for some time came in third with a net 71, but still in winning form and with her handicap decreasing each week, Miss Amphan tied for first with a net 70, only to lose on count back to Andy Mills with an incredible gross 37 on the back nine, playing off a nine handicap.
There were a few horrendous scores in for the day, but the ladies’ drink goes to Jeff Cargill, playing off 15 now; his nightmare started on the first with a 13 on the card.
Jomtien Golf Society meets every Monday and Wednesday at Paweenas, Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Rd. and departs at around 9.15am for a 10.30 tee off time. Transport and club hire are available at the bar. Please sign up in the bar or contact Glyn on 06 837 5464.

Ken & Su in unbeatable form

PSC golf from The Peacock Place

Tuesday, August 1, Eastern Star, Stableford
We left after breakfast for Eastern Star Golf course for a Stableford round with 27 starters. Eastern Star as always was in great condition and the day was fine and sunny, even hot at times, as was the golf, (well from some anyway).
The winner of the ladies’ match was Su Muangmatcha with a fantastic score of 40 points; runner up was Toy Theobald on 38 points - well done girls.
The men’s Division B was won by Dave Childs with a great 39 points; runner up was the intrepid old gentleman Ken Little with 36 points. A Division had a joint 1st with Phil Mitchell and Bob Philp sharing the spoils - both recording 35 points.
Now to the rollover “twos” and there were only 2, with Rich Murphy and Graham Hiskett sharing the huge pool well in excess of 2,000 baht. The free beer went to Bob Wighton with a fine effort of 23 points.
We all adjourned back to the Peacock Place for a lovely buffet Dinner. Many thanks Dao and Mike.
Thursday, August 3, The Emerald, Medal
Off we went to the Emerald for a medal round. I think Capt Bob was slightly mad as it was windy and promising rain. Even so, what a day we had; some magnificent scores and some absolute shockers, with even a few NCR’s. But there were some that could handle the conditions.
Starting with the ladies, the winner was Su Muangmatcha again with a fine 73 net; runner up was Wendy Khan on 78. Believe me that was good scoring in the wind and on that course.
The men’s Division A was won by Bob Van Mol with 77 net; runner up was Bob Philp. The B Division was won by that nice old gentleman, yes you guessed it Ken Little again, and I’m not sure whether he played off the same tees as everyone else but he assures me he did. Sixty six net was a magnificent effort Ken. The runner up to Ken was Peter Allen with a mighty 73.
There were 4 “twos” on the day: scored by Bob Van Mol, Phil Mitchell, Roy the Guru Pimblett and Jack Mosely. Ian McCallister got the free beer.
The meal we had when we got back was absolutely great - many thanks once again to Dao and Mike.
Everybody is welcome call into the Peacock on Siam Country Road opposite Mabprachan Lake or give Bob a call on 07 941 2474

Bowling Green golf extended to three days a week

Report and photo by Barry Hooper
The Bowling Green Golf venue has now become so popular that Fergus Brennan has been persuaded to organise it for three days a week: Saturday and Tuesday as well as the regular Thursday. Full details are available on the notice board at The Bowling Green or just give Fergus a ring on 06 056 7019
Thursday August 3, Phoenix, Stableford
Most of the scores were good from the thirty players in two flights including this week two ladies.

Saturday’s winner Steve Hamstead with Mashi Kaneta (2 near pins and 2 “twos”) and Peter Harris
It was a great day for Fergus at the ever popular Phoenix Golf Club, winning the A flight (0-16) with 42 points. Mike Wing took the B flight with 38 points.
The course was in excellent condition, with just a little rain, and as usual a lovely meal after at the Bowling Green clubhouse. Thanks yet again are offered to Tony, Jean and the staff
Results:
A Flight:
1st Fergus Brennan (13), 42 pts
2nd Steve Hamstad (14), 38pts c/back
3rd Ted Morris (10), 38pts
4th Tim Douglas (8), 37 pts
B Flight:
1st Mike Wing (22), 38pts
2nd Dick Warburg (19), 37pts c/back
3rd Terry Hopkins ((22), 37pts
4th Tewin Lamthong (31), 36pts
Nearest Pins: Alain Taddi, Bob Sutterfield, Tewin Lamthong, Ted Morris.
“Twos” Club: Chaten Patel, Alain Taddi
Saturday, August 5, Sriracha, Stableford
Siracha is becoming the permanent location on the extended Bowling Green Golf Society calendar for Saturday golf. Fergus Brennan the golf organiser has acquired a very good deal with the Sriracha club, which will remain in place and at the same price even during the “high season”.
This is truly a wonderful golf course, difficult enough without being too challenging, very scenic and with some lovely water features. When Gary Player designed it he made good use of the natural features and the management has maintained it to a very high standard with always a warm welcome and the caddies really know their craft
Mashi Kaneta certainly took to the course and found no problems with the par three’s, getting two near pins and two of the “twos” - Well Done Mashi. Steve Hamstead also played some lovely golf to win on the day with 41 points.
The course played very well - rewarding good shots and punishing the bad ones. The society now looks forward to the same again next week, August 12.
Results:
1st Steve Hamstead (14), 41 points
2nd Peter Harris (21), 39 points
3rd Ged Mason (18), 38 points c/back
4th Derek Eastham (16), 38 points
Near Pins: Mashi Kaneta (2), Phil Dwyer, Chaten Patel
“Twos” Club: Mashi Kaneta (2)

Hong Kong fishermen claim their personal bests

Catch of the Day with Tropical Bert’s

I do like a day on the sea. I do like fishing, and I do like catching big fish. My wife on the other hand is not too keen on any of the above, but she does like eating fish. Surprisingly so does her family and her friends and Uncle Tom Cobly and all. So of course when we have a good day, I am in favour.

The feisty fisher folk with their prize catches
On this day a group from Polycom in Hong Kong, consisting of Chris Taylor, (The Boss), Rick Sample, (Canadian now living in Aussie), Kazuo Seta (Japanese) and Alan Ma (Chinese) decided to go out and try to catch the biggest ‘one’ they had ever caught.
The weather has not been good of late, as all who live here will have noticed, the sea has been a little bouncy and taking your tablets before departing would be advisable. What is not advisable is stopping out for a late night and then going fishing. However, it seems that not being well brings the fish on to feed.
So ‘The Dolphin’ left a very busy Bang Sarae at about 08:15 and went out into a choppy swell. The lines went out and soon many small fish were taking a nibble whilst Captain Ting made valiant efforts to hook the big one. Me? I went to the upper deck and tested the deck chairs for a few hours; I am very good at this part of fishing.
Chris told me that the two youngest members had to be back at the hotel by 18:00hrs, so we had to set back at 16:00hrs. At 15:30 we still had not even had a bite on the big rods, and we thought it was not to be our day, so we tried one final place for the last half hour. After all, this is fishing, and one never knows.
Out went the big lines, and all Hell let loose. First the line on the left zoomed out, and after a good fight Kazuo pulled in a fine Pompano of 8kg, or so. Fine eating indeed.
Immediately after, the reel on the right screamed out and Chris was into the fight of his fishing life for a full 45 minutes. Ten minutes into the battle and the big line at the front also shot out and Rick, an experienced fisherman was into one of the biggest fish of his fishing career, and finally landed a fine Barracuda of about 5 feet.
Chris meanwhile was still fighting his fish, and long after Rick landed his, he finally got it to the boat, and we finally landed it. It was an Eagle Ray of about 40kg, a fine fish.
Catch on board and we dashed for harbor to meet an appointment with a plane, when really we all wanted to stay out in this fine fishing world
A great trip, really enjoyed by all, and all four fishermen got the biggest fish they had ever landed as Alan Ma had never fished before.
TTFN

Grape Vine stumbles but does not fall

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers - Kran, Doug, Morn, Teuvo, & La

Grape Vine dropped three points to Three Sisters, yet hold a five-point lead as we head into the last two weeks. Second placed House of the Golden Coin squeeze out a split with Morn’s 233 to Kran’s 208 for the extra point. Montana moves back to fourth place, loosing 3 to 1 to Domicil. France dropped 3 points to VFW Post 9876. Friends take three from Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Brother D and Shenanigans sweep all points from Café Olé and Jack & Tar

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed
Jeeves has returned home from his night time tour of Pattaya with O.R. and Monkey House Fred. He appears none the worse for wear, a little chagrined by his Yank like deportment and searching for his umbrella, which he says, “Must have been stolen.”
There’s something about the ‘dog days’ of summer that brings out almost nothing good in boxing. It’s the time of year when old timers make “comebacks” and “wannabes” issue challenges in the form of “I call him out.” It’s just something that’s there because it’s there.
Out in the land of Kiwi and nervous sheep there’s a young heavyweight named Shane Cameron who at 16-0 is probably ready to step it up a notch. Upon further review, it appears I miss wrote. His 16-0 record is built on boxers that are not even opponents. That aside, Cameron wanted to, so he did, call out fellow New Zealander David Tua. It would be a slaughter. Tua would knock him “cattywampus”.
Meanwhile Roy Jones was fighting something called Prince Badi Ajamu in the major fight town of Boise Idaho USA. Jones, back from a three year absence that no one seemed to notice, won 119-106 on all official cards: “I wanted to see if my reflexes were still there. I wanted to see if I could do the things I used to do like catch him off balance. After tonight, I realized that I can still do the things that I’m not supposed to be able to do any more!” Note to Roy, “No one cares. You are so yesterday.”
Many in boxing think that Ike Quartey may have been one of the best in the sport in the last 15 years. He fought them all, beat most while actually acting like a professional athlete.
Vernon Forrest for a much shorter time was held in the same regard. Forrest’s mistake after beating Shane Mosley was running into the wild, mad Ricardo Mayorga. The latter is out of boxing as he was handed a suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for testing positive for an “illegal substance” after his fight with DeLaHoya. Appearing before the Commission Mayorga admitted taking the substance but said, “I didn’t know it was illegal.” Yeah right.
Quartey and Forrest met in a crossroads fight last Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
Our Thai stringer saw the fight a little different than I did: “Forrest had a point deducted for a low blow and Dave Bontempo agreed with your Thailand stringer that Quartey won the contest. He has lost a couple of “iffy” close decisions in the past and I think even Forrest was a little surprised at the outcome even though he gave it the ‘I knew I beat him’ interview.”
The HBO announcers also had Quartey winning the fight but ‘His Lordship’ and the Judges saw it differently. The official scores were 95-94 twice and 96-93. ‘His Lordship’ had it 96-94. Quartey tossed a lot of “show punches” that looked better than they actually were.
What thinketh you when New York fans, of all people, come unglued at a decision that favors an American over a foreigner?
That’s what happened when the decision went to Forrest. The fans screamed, “Bull****, Bull****, Bull****”, long after the fight was over. I’m guessing there were more foreigners in the crowd than Yanks. It was New York
Thailand’s attention was focused on the “interim” WBO 126 pound match between Juan Manual Marquez at 44-3-1 and Tersak Jandaeg at 24-1.
No use wasting time and space going into the pre-fight build up as that was covered brilliantly last week in these spaces. The winner is supposed to get WBO Champ Scott Harrison, who currently is either in “rehab” or doing a stint with the “Old Bill.”
In the days prior to the fight, the promoters issued the following about Jandaeg: “Despite going down once and dropping a 12-round decision by 117-110 and 119-108 twice, the Thai boxer showed his class, grit and determination when he battled Guzman for 36 minutes.” Imagine the scores if Jandaeg hadn’t been able to “baffle” Guzman?
“Marquez is not as good (as me) and would lose to Guzman,” Jandaeng said. “Guzman has quicker hand speed. He dominated me only because he hit and ran away. Marquez is there to be hit. I will have no problem knocking him out. I saw a tape of his last fight. He looked old and sloppy in his punches.’’
The classy Marquez played it closer to the vest at the final press conference: “It is going to be a great fight. Thailand is full of terrific fighters and Terdsak is one of the best.”
Marquez may have been right about Thailand being full of terrific fighters but unfortunately they don’t match up to “terrific fighters” from Mexico. It was a really tough contest with heavy-handed punches dropping like quarters in the casino’s slot machines. After an even first round, Terdsak hit the deck in the second towards the end of the round but was able to survive. In the 3rd, Terdsak was penalized a point for repeated low blows, was down in the 6th and suffered a TKO at 1:12 of the 7th.
Terdsak had no defense for anything that Marquez did. About the only chance Terdak had was to switch to the right side of the plate, which he’s capable of doing, and force a stoppage because of the swelling of Marquez’s right eye. It appeared that the very tough Thai didn’t have a working Plan “A” and there was no Plan “B”. To beat Marquez it’s necessary to box, which Chris Jones did, and Terdak didn’t. The Square Ring had the fight 59-53 at “Fight Over Time.”
“What is it Jeeves?”
“As a matter of fact Your Lordship I am going to comment on Sunday’s WBC heavyweight fight between Hasim Rahman and Oleg Maskaev in Las Vegas. The local promoter is trying to bill this fight as ‘America’s last Chance’. The ‘Last Chance’ in this case is not some tawdry saloon, although Las Vegas probably needs a couple of those, but the last chance for an American heavyweight champion. The problem is that both fighters are citizens of the USA, live here and most of America couldn’t give a rat’s posterior.”
“Thank you Jeeves.”
It could though be a pretty good contest, especially in light of the fact that Maskaev seems to be one of the only fighters in history to “re-invent” himself. His 5 losses from 32 wins is a little misleading. Two of his losses came against Oliver McCall (1996 KO in 1) and David Tua (1997 in 11) when both Tua and McCall were really good boxers.
Maskaev then put together some wins before a match with undefeated Kirk Johnson who at that time was the ‘real deal’. Maskaev won every round, Johnson landed a ‘lucky punch’ and the fight was over.
Then came two more losses to Lance Whittaker and Corey Sanders. Most considered Maskaev ‘through’. Whoops, the pundits were wrong. Maskaev has put together 10 wins in a row including traveling to Germany to defeat Sinan Samil Sam decisively.
Rahman (41-5) had his moment of glory when he KO’d Lennox Lewis in 5 back in 2001. I listened to that one in the old computer room of Tim’s Bar Beer and Dance Palace. Since then Rahman has done squat including getting KO’d by Lewis in 4 in the rematch.
Prediction? Take Maskaev in what will be a surprisingly good fight. Well maybe?
O.R., our Thailand correspondent/stringer ended his fight report with, “Just another day in the ring, so I’m off to the TQ to darken some Thai lady’s Sunday. Should have gone to church.”
His Lordship: “Jeeves, oh Jeeves. Confound it, where has that Jeeves gotten too? It’s time for a few tall cold ones and no Jeeves. Wait here’s a note. ‘My Lord have popped out for a new umbrella. Should return later this evening. Beer in the fridge - Jeeves’.
“No O.R., you made the right choice. At least at the TQ you might run into Jeeves shopping for an umbrella. Church? Not a chance.”

Granville takes the top award for July

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, July 31, Mountain
Shadow - Medal
The first Medal competition of the week was held at Mountain Shadow, and on a beautiful day for golf with a slight breeze the field was split into two flights with the cut at 17 and under.

Granville Swanton - The Bunker Boy’s ‘Golfer of the Month’ for July.
With the greens quick and tricky as usual, the B Flight players struggled to put their game together with the exception of Granville Swanton who won with a fine one over par net 73; this win gave Granville points toward the ‘Golfer of the Month’ trophy. At the time he didn’t know if it was enough to win the much coveted award until the other scores came in, as there were four other players in the hunt; namely Duncan Lee, Geoff Parker, Roger Privett and Japanese golfer Mashi Kaneta.
Runner up in the B Flight was Tony Geeland with net 76 and third place went to Graham Willoughby who finished way back on net 85.
In the A Flight there was a tie for first place between Paul Smith and Roger Privett who both carded a net 73, and Roger fancied his chances of claiming the monthly trophy. There was a tie for third place too between Dave Lightfoot and Alan Campbell who both finished the day with net 78’s.
Two near pin prizes were won by Paul Smith with Paul Davies and Dave Lightfoot claiming the other two.
Back in The Bunker Bar there was plenty of light hearted banter going on between the challengers for the ‘Golfer of the Month’ while the scores came in and the fun continued when a tie was announced, meaning a count back was necessary. This resulted in Granville winning by just one point ahead of Roger Privett who conceded defeat gracefully and proceeded to drown his sorrows!
Wednesday, August 2, Century Chon Buri - Stableford
For the first game of the month, The Bunker Boy’s made the relatively long journey to Century Chon Buri for a Stableford competition. With two flights again, the cut was made at 18 and under and in the B Flight Duncan Lee continued to dominate whenever he plays; today he scored 37 points to win the Flight. Runner up was Tony Geeland who scored 35 points and Dave Keats finished third with 29 points.
In the A Flight we saw Dave Lightfoot and Mashi Kaneta tie for runner up spot, both scoring 34 points, which was one point behind Roger Privett, still smarting over not winning the Golfer of the Month trophy, but winning today with 35 points.
Only three greens were hit on the par three holes so Geoff Parker, Roger Privett and PJ Redmond shared the pot between them.
Friday, August 4, Crystal Bay - Medal
The beautiful Crystal Bay was the setting for the second Medal competition of the week on Friday.
The field was split into two flights with the cut again at 18 and under, in the B Flight Mick Ramshaw came runner up with a one over par net 73, two shots behind winner Jim Payne who shot a one under par net 71.
PJ Redmond won the A Flight with a modest three over par net 75 ahead of two Japanese golfers, Mashi Kaneta and Takeshi Hakozaki, who tied for the runner up spot with net 78’s.
Only three greens were hit on the par three’s so Takeshi, Mick Ramshaw and PJ Redmond shared the kitty between them.

Dave arrows home at Century

PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar

The winners celebrate back at the Oohsa bar.

The last golf meeting at Oohsa Bar saw twenty one golfing warriors munching on an excellent breakfast before heading off for the Century Chonburi course, which most people know to be one of the least expensive courses to play and one that represents excellent value for money. Where else can you play for 100 baht? Ok, it’s not world class but all the same, well worth the money.
Despite the fact that we were rained on most of the round it was a very enjoyable day and it did slow the greens up a little which most people welcomed.
Dave Arrowsmith led the way home, showing good precision and placement to finish with a 37 point tally, closely followed by Roy (just take my picture) Pimblett on 34, Jeff Wylie 32 and Steve Hamstad with 31 points.
‘Near Pins’ were won by Gus Dickie, Dave Arrowsmith, Bob Philp and Roy Pimblett while the long putt awards went to Lorne Dickie and Barry Quirk. A special award for scoring a “two” saw Graham Parry and Daved Childs receive a complimentary beer from the establishment. This of course encouraged the rest of us to partake of the ice-cold amber fluid while tucking in to a very good chicken curry. All in all a great day.
Our next trip will be to The Emerald Ban Chang and once again the invitation is there for anyone who wishes to join in the fun to contact Keith Hodges on 07- 9167171

Cunningham & Hewitt - Top Pairing at Noble Place

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Tuesday, August 1, the Pattaya Golf Society left the OK Corral for the long trip to Noble Place for a pairs better ball event at the very friendly course.

Mikael (left) receives his coveted ‘Player of the Month’ award from Mr. Denis.
The skies were heavy all day and the “C” course was played in heavy rain, leaving the “A” course sodden underfoot for the back nine. It was a tough day and the ten teams performed well in the conditions with only five shots covering the whole field.
Paul Scully and Keith Barr joined Ray Underwood and Tony Kitchen in third place with creditable scores of net 70 and these were only one behind the score of second-placed Ian Kidd and Carl Lovatt. These three teams were composed of high handicappers which lends lie to the rumour that team events only benefit the “better” golfers, but the top team was indeed one of quality. John Cunningham, partnered by Bill Hewitt, proceeded to post a score of four-under, net 68, to take the day’s main award. Surprisingly it was one of the first occasions when the pairing had been successful and more is now anticipated from them.
There were no birdie “twos” on the saturated greens and Alan Freeman and Mike Benton took the ‘Booby Bevy’, after a tense count back over two other teams, for their otherwise good score of 73.
The next PGS team golf experience will be at Green Valley on August 22 when Mr. Len celebrates a major milestone on his birthday with a four-man team scramble. Entry forms and full details are available at the OK Corral and all IPGC venues.
Page Takes Centre Stage
Mountain Shadow Golf Club is always a fine challenge for golfers, with its many trees, water hazards and large, rolling and racing greens and this was the stage for the Pattaya Golf Society’s weekly stableford event on Thursday.
The skies remained overcast throughout but thankfully they gave nothing more than a refreshing breeze to the field, which was cut at nineteen and under.
In a taut Division Two, scores were low as Tony Kitchen took third place with 28 stableford points and Keith Barr established himself in second with 32 points. Ian Kidd had the flight in his pocket with an excellent 35 points and all three are to be congratulated for making the podium for the second successive event.
Division One golfers fared better with Joop Medze, playing with the group for only the second time, posting a splendid 34 points for a share of second place; his round owing much to his accuracy off the tee. Joining him was the astute Aussie, Stuart Thompson, who rose from his sickbed to record 34 points as well and banish all thoughts of the food poisoning which had laid him low earlier in the week. So much for 99 baht buffets!
Lording it over the flight was Phil Page who used the occasion to post the day’s only level-par round, 36 points, on his first round with the Pattaya Golf Society. Well done, Phil, and welcome.
There were no birdie “twos” for the second successive round meaning a large field would be eagerly anticipating Laem Chabang the next time out. The ‘Booby Bevy’ went to Len Jones for his attempt to steal the honour on the seventh, claiming that his decision to “scratch” the sixth before his playing partners also did so, gave him the right.
The presentation at the OK Corral gave Mr. Denis the opportunity to award Mikael Andersson with the PGS “Player of the Month” trophy for July and his month’s Order of Merit efforts were suitably rewarded. Congratulations Mikael, it is thoroughly deserved. Full results and a whole lot more can be found at www.thebunkerboys.com