Kevin wins Mor Aghan

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, October 22, Green Valley - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Darren Smith, 41 points
2nd Mark Wood, 36 points
3rd Graham Johnson, 36 points
B Flight:
1st Ed Melott, 37 points
2nd Don Lehmer, 35 points
3rd Mike Shrosbree, 34 points
C Flight:
1st Kevin Moraghan, 42 points
2nd Peter Barathy, 39 points
3rd Bob Lindborg, 39 points
D Flight:
1st Barry Chadbourn, 40 points
2nd Mike Loewen, 38 points
3rd Ken Kutzing, 38 points
NP’s: #2 Jack Grindvold; #9 Graham Johnson; #12 Mark Wood; #16 Barry Chadbourn
2’s: Mark Wood (2), John Emmerson, Gary Blackburne, Colin Davis, Stephen Byrne, Barry Chadbourn (2)
Non-2’s: Joe Mooneyham
Well you didn’t have to wait long for the Title Guy’s story to emerge. Col. Kevin Moraghan (ya see, Mor Aghan) was MoM with 42 points at the Society’s home course. He did it without a Near Pin or a “2”. The trailing pair to Kevin, Peter Barathy and The Guru of GV, both with 39 points, were happy when they walked off the course, but sad when the results for C Flight were announced. And it just got rougher for Bob, as he lost the count back to the man from OZ.
Big “Double D” Smith, put the ol’ Iowa Hawkeye rush on the even-to-handicap duo of Mark Wood and G-r-a-h-a-m J-o-h-n-s-o-n, with his 41 points in the Premier Flight to their 36’s. The Pride of Aberdeen slipped away with the second place pot as Graham was describing his round.
Barry Chadbourn riding the crest of a Near Pin and two “2’s” brought home the D Flight bacon with a fine 40 point effort, two clear of yet another tandem, the Shack’s Mike Loewen and K4. Although sartorially resplendent, Kenny dropped the count back to Mike.
B Flight was the quiet Flight of the day, but Hawaii’s Ed Melott wasn’t complaining as he knocked off a first in the maiden effort of this visit to the Land of Chuckles. His 37 points were two clear of the Lady’s Man and the knotted pair of Mike Shrosbree, Esq. and Irishman Peter Henshaw. Irish eyes weren’t smiling when the count back was announced and Peter was left out in the bog.
Just an aside from the Ying and Yang file, The Groom had a non-counting “2” and The GM had a “2”, thanks to an eagle on a par four.
Tuesday, October 24, Treasure Hill - Yellow Tees, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Claus Birk Thomsen, 41 points
2nd Brent Merron, 41 points
3rd Joe Mooneyham, 36 points
B Flight:
1st Kevin Moraghan, 34 points
2nd Adam Schoenfeld, 34 points
3rd Colin Davis, 32 points
Near Pin: # 10 - Jeff Buehler
2’s: Jeff Buehler, Simon Philbrook, Steve Smith, Eddie Beilby, Barry Copestake
He enjoys the initial paragraph because he is the Title Guy, even though his B Flight winning 34 points paled in comparison to the A Flight’s fine efforts. But with a count back over New York Slim, Kevin gave this Scribe a solid reason to place the Klieg light on him. The Donkey, innocuous as ever, slid in for the B Flight third with a count back over Jason Carter and Sugar Ray.
The vaunted play of A Flight ended with a tie between CBT and “He sent” Brent. CBT had the better of the inward nine. The Groom was third with a fine level 36 points, but still needed a count back, and presumably a getaway car as he prevailed on count back over Big Jeff B.
Wednesday, October 18, Burapha C & D - Blue or White Tees, Stableford
Blue A Flight:
1st Bill Gneiting, 37 points
2nd Hugh Byrne, 37 points
2nd Jeff Buehler, 36 points - c/b Steve Smith
Blue B Flight:
1st Bob Lindborg, 36 points
2nd Terry Wagner, 35 points
3rd Roy Thornton, 35 points - c/b Brian Dunbar, Schelling
White Flight:
1st Maralyn Hayes-Dibben, 38 points
2’s: Blues: Hugh Byrne, Jeff Buehler (2), Steve Smith, Graham Johnson, Claus Birk Thomsen, Roy Thornton, Ed Melott, Colm Mullen, Roger Koehler. Whites: None
The day’s MoM honors were shared by Hawaiian Bill Gneiting and Irishman Hugh Byrne each in the Blue Division A Flight and each with 37 points. The sharing came to an end, however, when the count back handed the bigger bag of loot to Billy and bid “Aloha” to second place Hugh. Big Jeff Buehler used a height and weight advantage to convince Steve Smith that no count back was necessary and that the money was truly his.
The Guru of GV briefly became the Baron of Burapha as he nipped four Blue Division, A Flight buddies by a single counter. That knotted quartet was divided into the Have’s (Hawaiian Terry Wagner and Roy Thornton, MBE) and the Have-Not’s (Brian Dunbar and Dave Schelling)
Maralyn Hayes-Dibben, whose departure since was bemoaned by This Scribe, handled the White Flight with 38 points.
Friday, October 27, St. Andrews 2000 - White Tees, 4-Person Scramble Stroke/Medal
1st Liam Horgan, Jim Puleo, Peter Hynard, Pat Carroll - Net 56.7
2nd Graham Johnson, Paul Hibberd, Adam Schoenfled, Robbie Bennett - Net 59.2
3rd Ken Kutzing, Jeff Buehler, Jack S[encer, Norm Robinson - Net 59.5
Every golfer had heard the maxim, “Drive for Show, Putt for Dough”. Well on this 4-person Scramble Friday, the concluding phrase might be “Sign-up for Dough”. A seemingly disparate group was united by the vagaries of the sign-up sheet and the results were an amazing 2.5 stroke victory. Irish Chef Liam Horgan, U.S. swimming coach Jim Puleo, Englishman Peter Hynard and Irish ner’-do-well Pat Carroll made up the winning, albeit eclectic, team.
G-r-a-h-a-m and his mate Paul teamed with a pair of North Americans, NY Slim and Nice Guy Robbie, to edge the all Yank contingent of K4, Big Jeff, Black Jack and Normshore for the second of three pay slots.

Fired-up Rob shoots personal best

Jomtien golf with the I.P.G.C.

Monday October 23, Plutaluang, Stableford
Twenty-six players left Paweenas for a Stableford competition on the West and North courses on a very hot and sticky day. There was mayhem at the marshals’ hut just outside the clubhouse, and on the first tee on the West course regarding a missing set of clubs. After a delayed start, and also a team re-organisation we finally got away. Jomtien Golf wishes to apologize to the officials and the two caddies concerned over this matter as we later discovered it was our error.
Division 2 saw Leroy Huntingdon and Bev Ewens tie for second place on 33 points, with Leroy taking the count back 17 /14. The ever-improving Mark Brenton won the flight with a 36-point tally. Rob Heath, stressed out with all the problems before the start, shot a best ever 41 points to take pole position in Div 1. Daz Martindale came in second on 37 points with Chris Holmes two points further back in third.
After the turmoil at the start, the nearest the pin flags went out with the fifth group and despite everything, a great day was had by all. Back at the bar the ladies tipple was won by, you guessed it, Rob Heath ... say no more!
Wednesday October 25, Noble Place, Stableford
It was a rollover day at Noble Place with Div 1 & 2 ‘Nearest the pin’ beverages to be won on each par three. We played the A and C courses today which are in really good condition.
So to Div 1 where Dannie Larsen, Ben Findon, Joop Medze and Chris Holmes all looked pleased with their bottles at the presentation, as did the two winners in Div 2, Ken foster and Glyn Evans.
Ben Findon’s ‘2’ on the sixth on the A course and Chris Holmes’ on the sixth on the C course took the 2’s pot for the day.
In the Stableford competition Joop Medze won Div 1 with 38 points with David Smith and Ben tied for second place. Ken Foster took Div 2 with 32 points, one ahead of second placed Dougie Carysforth.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday an Wednesday at Paweenas , Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Road at around 9.00pm, for a 10.30 tee off time. Transport and club hire are available, please sign up in the bar or contact Glyn on 086 837 5464.

Khao Kheow - a real rough job

PSC golf from the Oohsa Bar

Many golfers are aware of the trials of Khao Kheow, both in playing there and of late, getting there. Our trip on Tuesday, October 24 was no exception although the getting there part was no problem.

Tuesday’s winner Malcolm, left, and runner-up Barry relax after a tough day at Khao Kheow
Fortified by an excellent breakfast at Oohsa Bar we set off and luckily for us we had a good and quick trip to the course. This is where the trials began.
Many golfers who hit decent shots off the tee were not rewarded with good lies on the fairways and for those who ventured off the straight and narrow it was hold on to the club tight and try to get out of it this time. The greens were heavily sanded and had been worked on fairly recently so they were a bit slow and changeable. One bonus however, no rain which made a nice change.
Our winner was to be “the boss” Malcolm Smith, the owner of the bar who ignoring the conditions scored 33 points playing off 36. He said afterwards that the way he played it didn’t matter anyway as he just hit and hoped the same as every week. He was closely followed by Barry Quirk coming second with 32 points off his 16 Handicap and Jeff Wylie third, also on 32 points off 6.
‘Near Pins’ were shared around with Dave Arrowsmith, Ed Horrocks, Jeff Wylie and Barry Quirk all getting one each and the ‘Long Putt’ award went to Paul Smylie.
The trip home was long and quite honestly one that we would not want to make again until the road works are completed.
Back at the bar it was chicken massaman, killer pool, cold beers and quite a bit of fun as we laughed about the events of the day.
Our next trip will be to Sri Racha International on Nov the 7th. For more information please call Keith Hodges on 087 916 7171.

Beauty & the Beast at Khao Kheow

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

After an absence of a few months the Pattaya Golf Society left the OK Corral and travelled to Pete Dye’s beautiful course at Khao Kheow to play its weekly medal event over the B and C nines off the yellow tees, many of which were pushed back to their furthest extent.
The Fairways were very hard and the greens showed evidence of recent spiking and sanding in preparation for the impending High Season but the moderate field teed off in anticipation of another fine day’s golf.
The course and the very hot conditions all contrived to make the day a real challenge and yet only two shots covered the top four places, with Bill Hewitt taking third with a net 78 whilst ahead of him John Cunningham and Len Jones shared the win with net 77’s. John’s gross of 85 was also the best of the day.
Masashi Iizumi, playing his first round since his recent return to the Kingdom, took the “twos” pot with a magnificent eagle on the 384 yard C5 hole, his five iron speeding unerringly into the back of the hole, unnoticed by both golfer and caddy alike. Meanwhile, nine-handicapper Kris Kritsnajootha’s abysmal net 89 was more than enough to merit the Booby Bevy on his return to the province’s golf scene.
The most brutal part of the day came with the drive back to Pattaya as the major road construction made a five mile stretch from Khao Kheow towards Pattaya take an awesome fifty minutes in choking, stifling conditions. Little wonder then that the course is not a priority on golf schedules at the moment. The course is beautiful but the drive is a beast, far worse than the fading memories of the old 331.
Double Scotch at Phoenix
Another large multinational field represented the Pattaya Golf Society at Phoenix on Thursday, October 26, on the occasion of its weekly Stableford event, this time played over the Mountain and Lakes nines. The day was one of the hottest for months and the course was full with a large tournament teeing off just before our group, thus holding us up immensely, the final PGS group coming off the course after 5:30pm.
The course was in reasonable condition but there was much damage on the fairways, evidence of the recent rains and a lot of it was unmarked which caused a problem for one or two players.
That being said the large field, cut at 18 and under enjoyed an exciting competition. In an improved Division 2, Tony Duthie held his game together sufficiently well to post 33 points for third place, two behind Tony Kitchen, who played on manfully despite an earlier motorcycle accident on Soi 7. Ian Kidd came good again after his Tuesday nightmare and his score of 36 points took the flight in style.
In the premier flight it was very tight at the top with Yasuo Suzuki firing 35 points for a share of the runner-up place with Trevor “Sam” Fitzsimmons who arrived only at the last minute. Sam unwittingly had the honour of starting the 2000th round of the year with the PGS. He certainly knows how to make an entrance!
For the second consecutive round however it was the canny Scot, John Cunningham, who stole the show and his 36 points was almost scant reward for the fine Caledonian golfer, once again posting the day’s best gross score.
There were 2 birdie “twos” and Chris Holmes and Tony Duthie went home smiling later after their efforts on Lakes 7. The candidates for the Booby Bevy included the Sunderland fan sporting Newcastle United socks and recently returned Liam Horgan whose score nose-dived after his opening birdie. But the nosedive of the day was that of Tony Kitchen in Soi 7 on his way to the course and he was consoled with the soothing beer.
That was Phoenix, but for many the prospect of the High Season prices and a crowded course may deter them from another round here until next April.

Suzuki scoops the pool

IPGC golf with the Caddy Shack

Tuesday, October 24, Eastern Star, Medal
Eastern Star was the venue on Tuesday for a Medal competition on a very hot day and on a course in excellent condition. This is a difficult track with water and ‘out of bounds’ coming into play on most of the holes and many of the golfers found the going tough.

(L-R) Emmet White and the 2 Phil’s (Mitchell & Smith) enjoyed a successful day at The Emerald

However, Mr. Suzuki seemed to relish the conditions as he rose to the top of the pack with a level par net 72 to take the day’s honours. Dave Smith was in second with a net 74 with his playing partner Steve Nowell, having just returned from England, taking third spot on the podium with a net 75.
Near Pins today were donated with the compliments of the Caddy Shack management and were won by Mr. Suzuki # 17, Mark Joshua # 13 and Steve Tappenden # 6. Nobody could hit the par-3 third hole but to round off a memorable day, Mr. Suzuki did manage to score the only “two”.
Friday, October 27, The Emerald, Stableford
Friday was another trip to Ban Chang, this time to The Emerald golf course for a Stableford competition on another hot and humid day. The course is in the process of being transformed for the upcoming Asian qualifying tour, with tight, narrow fairways and long rough and it proved to be a real test for the Caddy Shack golfers.
In joint third place were the trio of Andy Spence, Jim Elsey and Phil Smith, all on 32 points but with Phil shading the count back on the last 3 holes. Emmet White was a point further in front in second place but the day’s winner with a score of 35 points was Phil Mitchell whose total included a terrific gross 34 on the back nine.
Steve Nowell recorded the only “two” of the day to make up for his less than stellar 23 points.

Gold on Every Hole at Eastern Star

As if Eastern Star isn’t good enough, there will be a ‘One Baht Weight’ item of gold on every hole to be won in the Diana Gold Charity Golf tournament on Friday 10th November. The Gold on the course is worth over 200,000 baht, and there is more gold to be won later in the Lucky Draw.
The Entry Form in this issue has full details. At time of going to press there are still some places available, so don’t delay, sign-up at the Diana Inn or Diana Garden Resort Driving Range. You won’t find gold to be won on a golf course anywhere else, except at Eastern Star on Friday November 10th. All proceeds go to support local children in need.

The mystery of The Emerald

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday, October 24, The Emerald, Stableford
Whenever we book the Emerald for some reason we always get a good turnout. Mind, when the game is over it usually takes a long time to get some of the players back to Tropical Bert’s. Various reasons have been put forward, from “losing my way”, to a “breakdown”, to an “unforced diversion”. I suppose all of these excuses are legitimate but it does seem that many people’s games are affected when they play here. I wonder if that is why the players of higher handicap always seem to perform quite badly at the Emerald. Or so it seems!
On this day we all got there on time and were soon off onto the course. This is a tough layout to walk with rolling fairways and raised greens, and on this day it was hot and humid, still we all soldiered on. The Emerald is in quite good condition at present and the greens are particularly fast. The fairways were a little soggy but we were still able to use carts.
Back at Bert’s, (eventually), the winners were called out. In the A Group the winner was Dick Warberg with Paul Sharples in second and Derek Brook in third. In the B Group, the winner was that fine golfer, (he made me say it, honest), Bill Knight with Joel Flor in second and Norman Martin in third.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Paul Sharples (2), Dick Kerr, Jim Lucente
Long Put: Ted Morris, Thomas Johannson

Derek Eastman takes inaugural Medal event

PSC golf from Bowling Green

Report by Barry Hooper
Saturday, October 21,
Sriracha, Medal
A Flight
1st Derek Eastham (13) 68 net
2nd Thomas Johansson (4) 72 net
3rd Bob Rasmussen (16) 73 net
B Flight
1st Graham Ramsey (20) 37pts
2nd Petter Anderson (30) 36 pts
3rd Darren Martindale (20) 32 pts
Near Pins: Graham Ramsey, Joel Flor, John Morel, Mike Wardman
2’s: None
Derek ruled the day with a fine net 68 off his 13 Handicap to win the Medal play for the day. The course played fair and Derek played well to post a victory by 4-strokes. In the B Flight, Graham Ramsey took the day with a nice 37pts, just nudging out Petter Anderson by one.
Even with some under par games nobody was able to post a “2” so the competition will be carried over to next Saturday. The now infamous yellow hat was this week passed onto Terry Hopkins, may he wear with pride.
Tuesday, October 24, Century Chonburi, Stableford
A Flight
Dave Askew (11) 41pts
Steve Hamstead (13) 37pts
Fergus Brennan (13) 35pts
B Flight
Petter Anderson (30) 35 pts
Mam Morel (40) 35 pts
Bob Short (22) 26 pts
Near Pins: Thanawat Chanya, Tom Herrington, Stan Everingham.
2’s: Stan Everingham.
The Century played hard but fair for most of us. This has to be one of the best value courses in the area and it’s always a pleasure to play here and see how one can fare on it. This week it seemed that the course won, let’s hope that next time we can get a bit of revenge and have a few more sub par scores.
With no 2’s made today we had a lucky draw for the prize which was won by Seamus Farrell. It was nice to see some new players on board and also good to see Mam Morel take second place in the B Flight. Always good to have a lady on the podium.
Thursday, October 26, Khao Kheow, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Frank Kelly (18) 35 pts
2nd Tom Herrington (19) 34 pts
3rd Joe O’Driscoll
B Flight
1st Tewin Lamthong (27) 39 pts
2nd Tony Burnett (21) 37 pts
3rd John Morel (36) 31 pts
Near Pins: Derek Eastham, Tony Burnett (2)
2’s: Tony Burnett
Even though Frank and Tewin won the day, the course did rule the rest of us. It played long and fair, it was in great condition and is always a pleasure to play. We think the local golf ball hunters did quiet well out of us as we all lost a few each. Maybe next time playing there we can buy our balls back.
Tony Burnett had a good day, winning two ‘near pins’ and being the sole recipient of the “twos” pot. Well-done Tony!
The yellow hat was passed onto Ray Thirtle who will hopefully wear it with a yellow shirt also. Gordon has set a precedent by wearing a matching yellow shirt, just in case no one knew he had the hat.
Once again all the golfers would like to thank Reg and his staff for all the great breakfasts and dinners we enjoyed this past week. We always look forward to our return for our food and a few brews of some sort.
If any one is interested in golfing with the Bowling Green we play every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at Bowling Green at 7:45am for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always made to feel welcome. Call Reg on 087-136-5681 for more details.

The Beautiful Game?: ‘Old Boy’ saves Pardew’s pub team

by Riz Taylor
Supporting a football club can be a testing business, as West Ham fans can attest to in recent years. Relegation? Check. The thrill of promotion through a nerve-wracking playoff final? Check. FA Cup Final? Check. Losing that final in a penalty shootout? Yes, been there and done that too. In fact West Ham are rapidly becoming the club to watch, and not just on the pitch either.
Just when the waters seemed to be calming as the Hammers entered the season looking strong bets for a decent finish in the Premiership, it all kicks off once again, if you’ll pardon the pun.
First came the arrival of Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, the bizarre transfer deadline move heralded as a major coup for the East London side. It was hard for the fans not to get over-excited by the arrival of a pairing compared favourably with that of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa at Tottenham all those years ago, and hardly surprising that those same fans began to picture their side challenging for a European spot come the end of the season.
What a difference a couple of months make. A disastrous run had seen the “happy” Hammers slump to eight straight defeats, leaving manager Alan Pardew scratching his head in disbelief. Worse still was that the side had managed to score only one goal during those matches. Whispers around the club suggested that Pardew’s days at the club might once again be numbered.
Crikey, let’s not go there again. Pardew has already survived a torrid time at Upton Park, notably as his side struggled to get their Championship campaign underway during 2004/05. Those voices chanting for his head were quietened by promotion, and then silenced completely after last year’s excellent display.
And yet despite all the success, whispers, be they from the media or from a section of the fans, suggested that Sunday’s encounter with Blackburn could be Pardew’s last as manager, particularly after being dumped from the League Cup by lowly Chesterfield during last week. The newspapers had a field day: “Unacceptable” said the Daily Mail, whilst the Daily Express spelt things out with the headline: “Pardew Pub Team Get A Hammering”. The Daily Star stuck the boot in with “Worst Ham”.
It could only get better. An opening day victory against Blackburn last season began a run that would see the side finish in the top ten, and surely it was no coincidence that Pardew started the match with a line up more reminiscent of a year ago. Desperate for points, the manager turned his back on his various new additions, even wheeling out Teddy Sheringham from the sidelines.
The plan worked beautifully as Sheringham nodded the Hammers into an early lead with a precise header. Hayden Mullins doubled the lead during the second half after a disputed corner, and despite a Rovers fightback via a goal from David Bentley the Londoners hung on to claim three points.
As well as the crucial opening goal, Sheringham’s presence was stamped across the win. Since the arrival of Tevez, which you suspect wasn’t the manager’s idea in the first place, Pardew has had more strikers on the books than the National Union of Mineworkers, but for all their endeavour and eagerness to prove themselves it was left to a 40-year-old to save the day.
Although the pressure is off for the moment, controversy never seems far away from this club right now. They look set to announce that a 75 million pound bid by Iranian born Kia Joorabchian and his Israeli backer Eli Papouchado looks likely to be accepted, perhaps as early as this week.
Pardew says he cannot wait for some stability. “The uncertainty of the takeover means my position is under question and every player’s position is too. The sooner it ends, the better it will be for everybody,” he said on Sunday. “I have seen first hand the damage that the uncertainty can do.”
“Until the takeover happens or if we have the same board or whatever decision is made - and I’m sure it will be the right one for West Ham - there will be uncertainty. I’m hoping we make the right decision on that front and take the club forward, because we have progressed very, very quickly - and in some ways got beyond ourselves. Maybe this is a re-correction of our abilities and our goals need to be reset to make them more realistic.”
Realism? Since when was that a part of the West Ham story? The saga continues with a visit from Arsenal on Sunday, and even if the Hammers lose in spectacular fashion Pardew’s job should remain safe, for the time being at least. In these days of hiring and firing managers at a whim, you can’t help thinking that sacking Alan Pardew would be a huge step backwards for West Ham United.
Beckham to Glasgow?
Celtic and Totttenham are linked with signing David Beckham, who is struggling to get a game at Real Madrid under new boss Fabio Capello.
“It would be wonderful if it happened, us signing Beckham, and you never say never,” said Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. “But you have a chat in the tunnel with someone tongue-in-cheek and you never think that it is going to end up being reported seriously.”
He also suggested that Beckham’s wife Victoria could do with a spell in Scotland. “She’s had enough of the sun and there’s nothing wrong with some decent rain for 10 months a year,” he said. More on Beckham next week. Still in Scotland, Craig Levein has been handed the role of Dundee United manager, whilst John Collins takes over at Hibernian. Hooray.
Televised matches this weekend include two London derbies on Sunday. First up is that West Ham versus Arsenal encounter, followed later by Chelsea’s visit to Tottenham. Things start off with Fulham at home to Everton in tomorrow’s early kick-off, and I fancy a few goals in that one, with Everton on fire and Fulham keen to redress their disappointing defeat by Wigan. See you next week then, with a full report on Fulham 0-0 Everton.

Title race hotting up with only three weeks to go

League action from the Pattaya Bowling Green

Keith Fortt sets one away as things hot up in the Thursday and Friday bowling leagues

Reports & photo form Barry Hooper
League play on Thursdays and Fridays has only three weeks to go for most teams in this league season with all still very much to play for.
In Division One the previously unbeaten Dream Team were toppled by The Pot Hunters, who are making a late run up the league and a concerted bid for second place. The Cunnings Stunts despite playing well were beaten by Chaplins who were the better team on the day.
In Division 2, Yingyangs have retaken first position with a win over Celtic Warriors. Second placed West Eagles have a game in hand so things can still change at the top with a three horse race between West Eagles, Yingyangs and the Golfers.
Thanidas and Georges Boys have a very slim chance of improving their positions if any of the top teams should falter over the closing weeks of this current season.
Two new leagues are being scheduled with 10 teams in each so keep looking at the club notice board and these reports for further information

Results and Standings October 28:
(Top 4 positions shown only)
Division 1
1st Dream Team 20 (85)
2nd Sweethearts 15 (72)
3rd Pot Hunters 15 (48)
4th Cunning Stunts 14 (59)
Match Results: Dream Team 5 v 19 Pot Hunters, Chaplins 18 v 9 Cunning Stunts 9
Division 2
1st Ying Yangss 15 (61)
2nd West Eagles 14 (65)
3rd Thanidas 11 (36)
4th Golfers 11 (26)
Match Results: Pacesetters 10 v 21 Thanidas, Celtic Warriors 10 v 19 Yingyangs

The lead cut as VFW go down to Domicil

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers - Mai, P.K., Ooy, Jim, Somrak, Jon & Kran

VFW Post 9876 only managed to win one point from Domicil and their first place lead is cut to a point as Ooy rolled a 518 series for VFW and Teuvo knocked down 518 for Domicil. Second placed Montana, led by Dang’s 544 series, took three points from Diamond Shop and are now just one point behind the leaders.
Third place Café Kronborg also edged closer to the top spot after taking three points from House of the Golden Coin. P.K. led Café Kronborg with a 227 game and 523 series.
Jack & Tar continued to move up the standings as they beat Three Sisters taking three points and move into a tie for fifth. Mai had a 541 series and Jim a 528 pin total for Jack & Tar. Somrak rolled a 219 game and 540 series which was enough to give Shenanigans a four point sweep over Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Café Ole also had a four point win with Udom bowling a 528 series as they beat Brother D. Konrad knocked down 522 pins for Brother D.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

The first weekend of the month has arrived and the world over that means only one thing - “Big time” fight cards. The Square Ring would be remiss at this stage if it didn’t mention that since we last met there were a number of boxing contests around the world. Here’s Jeeves with the boxing news:
“Thank you your Lordship. At the Brandberge Arena in Germany, Denis Inkin kept his record unblemished at 29 and 0 when he knocked out Mario Veit in 7. Inkin can now claim the WBC international super middleweight title.
“Did you mention M’Lord that Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions has signed Diego Corrales to a contract? Well nice I could clue you in then. Oscar had a big fight card in Texas recently. WBO jr. feather champ, Daniel Ponce De Leon at 29-1 beat the heck out of Al Seeper, stopping him in the 8th stanza. Seeper tried to use his long reach but Brawler De Leon walked the effort. One writer calls De Leon’s style ‘wild aggressiveness’ but I call him mostly a crude brawler, which borders on being a dirty fighter.
“Old veteran Filipino war horse Gerry Penalosa upset the WBO’s #1 bantamweight Mauricio Martinez. How can I call Penelosa an old war horse? Penalosa’s had 58 fights with 51 wins and 34 KO’s.
“In Columbia where robbery is a way of life, it appears that previously undefeated Leon Moore got mugged by former champ Irene Pacheco for the WBO “interim” title. Moore said after the bout: ‘It was highway robbery.’ Mr. Moore may have a point as the two judges with the last name Mercado scored the fight in favor of Pacheco while the third judge scored it for Moore. My Lordship there seems to be some Skullduggery at work here.”
“Good observation and a fine report Jeeves.”
It looks like the WBC’s crackdown on pre-fight weigh-ins is starting to work and the press taking notice, as they should. On November 19 Manny Pacquiao will fight Eric Morales for the third time. Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach recently was quoted as saying: “Pacquiao won’t get into the ring with Erik Morales if the Mexican weighs more than 132 lbs. We will take the money and fight him if his weight is not more than 132.”
What money? According to the contract Morales will have to pay $500,000 for every pound in excess of 130 lbs. Morales comes in at 132lbs and that’s a cool $1 million USD. At the 30-day mark Pacquiao weighed in at 138.75 in shoes and trunks. Morales? Well there was no “official” announcement but sources have said that the WBC reported Morales’ weight at 142, which is 1 pound under the 143 mandated limit.
Tomorrow night David Tua, aka “The Tuaman”, gets another soft touch for his most recent comeback. It was originally going to be light heavyweight Kelvin Davis but that fell through. In stepped Ross “No” Puritty with a 30-13 record and no chance of winning. The event is only mentioned cause The Square Ring likes the nickname “The Tuaman” which was coined by super PR guy Fabulous Freddy Sternberg. In fact sometimes after a hard day covering boxing during the “readjustment period” (where the liquid flows), The Square Ring can be heard singing “The Tuaman Can” to the tune of The Candyman. You don’t think that’s singing? Well it is if you consider the local damsels walking to music to be dancing.
As this is the first weekend of the month some good box fighting is on tape with the two marquee’ events coming from the US of A. The Square Ring was brought up in the era of outdoor ballpark fights. In days of old they would be held at Yankee Stadium or the Polo Grounds. For reasons of economy the ballpark fight has gone the way of the 50 Baht beer.
The argument can be made that maybe Sergei Liakhovich (23-1) the WBO heavyweight champ is the best of a below average bunch. Liakhovich did beat Lemon Brewster for the title and Brewster beat Wladimir Klitschko. Maurice Harris however beat Liakhovich, which might indicate that The Square Ring is full of hot air. Liakhovich faces Shannon Briggs (47-4-1) at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona the home of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Biggs probably peaked in 1999 when he got a majority decision over George Foreman and got KO’d in 5 against Lennox Lewis, who was then at the top of his game.
The really big fight of a ‘Big fight Sunday’ in the world of boxing is for the WBC welter title between Floyd Mayweather jr (36-0) and Carlos Baldomir (43-9-6) in Las Vegas.
Most believe that Mayweather jr. is the best boxer in the world. Idiots that play the “pound-for-pound” game call him the best “pound-for-pound”. That’s a position that’s easy to take as Mayweather is 36 and “Naught” which would mean that nobody’s beat him.
The rap on Mayweather has always been that he hasn’t always fought the best and he has brittle hands. Early in his career, as a WBC super feather champ, he took out Genaro Hernandez (38-1-1), Angel Manfredy (25-2-1), Carlos Hernandez (33-2-1) and Diego Corrales (33-0), all of whom were at the top of their game. As Mayweather moved up in weight his “real power” diminished and the opposition became somewhat suspect. Still, when you go 36-0 you’re something special.
The real question is whether Carlos Baldomir can test Mayweather jr. at 147lbs. For most of Baldomir’s career he fought in places like his native Argentina, Denmark, South Africa, Germany and Southern California. Baldomir flew under the radar like a Columbian drug plane. He held the WBC international welter title, which is not a biggie. However, his defeat of Zab Judah and Arturo Gatto made the boxing world sit up and say “H’mmmm.”
Baldomir is one tough dude and very confident of victory: “Basically it will come down to me, my willingness to be able to push him throughout the whole fight,” says Baldomir. “And coming forward, throwing punches throughout the whole fight without giving him a chance ... I do think he is the best fighter out there - as far as talent - but I think once we get together I’m going to come out with the victory. I will be able to knock him out.”
What about Mayweather jr.s speed? “You guys forget that he’s fighting at a heavier weight now. He’s not going to be as fast as people think. He will find that out during the fight and that’s what it’s going to boil down to - me putting the pressure on throughout the whole fight and I am going to win the fight!”
Why should Baldomir fare any better than the 36 others that tried against Mayweaher jr.? “The only thing different that I am going to bring here is more heart and more b***s.” More? Like three or four?
“Your Lordship?”
“Yes Jeeves what is it?”
“Do you know why the IBF cancelled the purse bid for a bantam title eliminator scheduled for yesterday between Ratanachai Vorapin at 53-3 and Veerapol Sahaprom with a record of 68-9?”
“Maybe Jeeves because Vorapin is scheduled to fight Michael Boyoma a week from Saturday at The Mall Bang Khae in Bangkok. Also you might like to know that Mr. Bayoma has no official professional boxing record. And now ...”
“I know Your Lordship, another column on it’s way to the time capsule which means it’s ‘attitude adjustment time’. A lager, a cigar and some nice lady walking to music.”
EDITORS NOTE: In a late breaking story Judges Martin and Leonel Mercado have been suspended for life by the Colombian Boxing Federation as a result of their highly controversial scoring that favored local boxer Irene “Mambeco” Pacheco in Baranquilla, Colombia. Both judges (who are brothers) voted 115-113 in favor of the touted local idol Pacheco.

Slow going at Century

PSC golf from The Peacock Place

Monday, October 23, Century Chonburi, Medal
October 23rd is the date Thailand commemorates the death of the great King Chulalongkorn and for many years has been set aside as a national holiday. This year it fell on a Monday, which is one of our golfing days. In an attempt to reduce our costs on a public holiday we scheduled our meeting to be held at Century GC at Chonburi and a successful day it turned out to be. Our original booking of six groups had to be quickly adjusted to eight as people telephoned Captain Bob at The Peacock to ask if they could join us.

(L-R) Captain Bob Philp with Dao the owner of The Peacock and Thursday’s B Flight winner, Brian Jacks

We arrived at Century in good time for our slot, commencing at 10.30am and in-spite of the many other people milling around on the first tee, good to their word, we were asked to start our competition right on time.
Captain Bob, knowing that it was going to be a slow round on a holiday, suggested we play a stroke competition. The low handicap golfers in our group showed delight, this being the only true test of golf but in the event only one in that category matched up to the course. Out of 28 players who started, 24 returned cards and the average net score recorded was 83, which was 11 over handicap.
The course was in reasonable condition and the greens lightening fast. The bunkers however were in desperate need of attention with rakes never to be seen.
The A and B split was set at 14 and the winner of A Flight was David Palmer returning a 72 off HC 6 with Apple Jitchana carding a 75 off her adjusted HC of 12. The winners of B Flight were Brendan (Dougie) Dougal and Ken Little both recording 77’s. Well done everybody!
Nobody managed to record a ‘2’ so there will be a roll over on Thursday. The only downside of the day was that it took our group 5 1/2 hours to complete their rounds and we were never out of contact with the people in front. Such is the delight of golfing on National holidays.
Thursday October 26, Eastern Star, Stableford
For our second outing of the week on Thursday, we set out for Eastern Star which is now back to its former glory. Greens were fast but fair, the fairways nicely cut and the bunkers firm. The pin placements were cleverly positioned.
Our group consisted of golfers with handicaps ranging from 4 to 28 and not one person played to their handicap. Our lowest handicap golfer Jim Wichtram off 4 scored 24 points followed by David Evans off 12 scoring 32 points. In B flight, Brian Jacks off 13 scored 33 points and Judy Chadbourne off 24 recorded 31 points. Three 2’s were recorded in total, scored by Mark Joshua, Steve Newell and Joop.
Most of our party returned to The Peacock Place for our prize giving and a delicious complimentary chicken curry and rice prepared by the chef.
Come and join us if you would like a game of golf with a friendly society. As from November our meetings will be held on Mondays and Wednesday to allow people a days break should they wish to play on Fridays. Our schedule appears in The Pattaya Mail but if you would like further information telephone David on 087928 7859 or Bob on 087941 2474.

Terry Morris has his ‘Purple Day’ at Pattaya Country Club

Diana Seniors & Ladies Open - October

Mike Franklin
Every golfer has a ‘purple day’ in the bag and at the Diana Seniors & Ladies Open on October 26th at Pattaya Country Club, Terry Morris had his. Weather indications, with a clear blue sky and light breeze, were that the dry season is here, and rightly so as the Loy Kratong festival approaches.

(L-R) October Diana Seniors and Ladies winners Harvey, Toy & Terry
A score of 45 Stableford points off Terry’s 15 handicap was a remarkable effort to win the Seniors trophy and a round of golf to remember for sometime to come. Geoff Bowers was runner-up with 39 points, winning on count-back over Mick O’Meara and Gordon McKnight. Harvey Samuel continued on his game by winning the Super Seniors with 38 points, shadowed by Nigel Cannon’s 37 points, who won a tie with Ken Kutzing. The Ladies did not fare so well with Toy Theobald winning with 34 points and Khun Orowan runner-up with 32 Stableford points.
‘Near pins’ were claimed by Alan Pearce, Mick O’Meara, Terry Smith and Ray Pearson. The long putt prizes went to Roy Pimblett and Dave Earthrowl.
The customary welcome was extended to newcomers Ian and Jim Speirs, Terry Smith, Dick Rose, Ken Kutzing and Ray Pearson.
Thursday November 30th is the last Diana Seniors & Ladies Open at Pattaya Country Club for 2006, combining November & December to avoid a clash with the Christmas and New Year holiday. Sign-up at the Green Bottle or Diana Garden Resort Driving Range. Or, just give me a call.