The Beautiful Game?: Technology in football - Good News?

Riz Taylor
Controversy in football is a good thing, particularly so when you write a weekly column on the subject. As I’ve said before, chatting about formations, tactics and goals each week would bore the living daylights out of us. Long live those moments in the game that keep us talking.
So far the talk of the season has centred around finances. Several clubs look to be on the brink of being taken over by wealthy foreign ‘businessmen’, the background of some being more than questionable. More clubs look like joining likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Hearts and Portsmouth as clubs owned by these mega-rich types we know very little about. On Tuesday it was West Ham’s turn as a consortium led by Icelandic billionaire Eggert Magnusson finally bought the club. Next up are Newcastle United, who could be in the hands of new owners within weeks. Is this what we want? And even if it isn’t, what can we do to stop it?
Very little, it seems. Perhaps the Premier League should step in and introduce a Thai-style form of ownership regulation that allows these super-rich foreign chaps (the farang, in this case) to own only 49% of the business. The remaining 51% must be owned by an under-educated barmaid from Grimsby with no experience of running a business whatsoever.
Well at least it would keep things interesting. But despite all this money talk, which frankly gets a bit boring after a while, it’s been on the pitch that the real action has unfolded, and rightly so. Chelsea are finally being given a run for their money this season as Manchester United set the pace. On Sunday we’ll see if the gap has really closed as the pair face each other at Old Trafford in the late kick off. It should be the clash of the season and well worth ninety minutes of your attention.
Let’s hope there are a few goals in it, but even if Chelsea manage to snuff out United you can be sure of a few talking points after the match. Whether it comes from Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho is anyone’s guess mind you, but controversy makes the game what it is.
In fact, moaning managers are now becoming the theme of this season. Last week Watford boss Andy Boothroyd criticised referee Chris Foy’s performance at Fratton Park on Saturday, and both managers involved in Blackburn’s 1-1 draw with Spurs were left seething by Phil Dowd’s interpretation of the rules at Ewood Park. Tottenham’s Martin Jol was banished to the sidelines by Dowd, and the usually mild-mannered Mark Hughes completely lost his marbles.
The reason for all these tantrums has been the introduction of television screens into the dugouts this season. Managers are now able to instantly view replays of controversial decisions, and with their jobs at stake it’s difficult to blame them for occasionally throwing their proverbial toys out of the pram.
As technology slowly creeps into the game it now seems that the only people denied the benefit of replays are the referees themselves, but do we really want referees stopping the game to check replays?
It’s a debate that seems set to run and run. Rent-a-quote Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, always a favourite in this column thanks to his inability to keep his mouth shut for more than ten minutes, gives his opinion:
“The media are so close to the bench now,” he said last week. “When the referee makes a decision, the bench checks the television - is the decision right or not? That has increased the frustration on the bench, because before you knew you could not have access to the television during the game and had to check it after the game. Every decision of the referee is on television and is analysed, but the only one in the whole game who has no access to the video and the right picture is the referee. What is even more surprising is that the referee does not want to use it.”
The Blackburn defender Michael Gray echoed Wenger’s thoughts. “It’s about time we relied on the extra eye in the stand,” he said. “Other sports like rugby and cricket have video refs - why not us? The problem is that football is so fast these days that you can’t always keep up with what’s going on with just the naked eye. Every Premiership match is televised, so let’s use the cameras to our advantage.”
On the basis of these opinions from both a manager and a player, it seems time to take technology a step further and allow referees to view replays and controversial incidents. But what about us, the fans? Do you really want to see a match continually stopped for this purpose?
Not me. In a recent match I leapt out of my seat and called the referee an extremely bad word that most certainly isn’t printable in a family newspaper such as the Pattaya Mail and quite frankly deserved a slap around the head from my mother, had she been in the same room. Abusing the officials is the part of football we can all enjoy. Surely they can’t take this away from us? The game just wouldn’t be the same.
And then what of those incidents that are still debatable even after viewing a slow-motion replay? What then? A vote between linesman and the referee? A fourth official in the stand with a casting vote? Phone votes from the viewers?
It’s too frightening to imagine. And how long before some clown catches onto the idea that we could squeeze an advert or two into the proceedings whilst the referee makes his mind up? It’ll be a case of “We’ll be right back with the all-important decision right after these messages”. Yuck. It would be like watching American Football, and surely nobody wants that.
The Premier League has announced this week that it will lobby for use of technology to determine whether the ball has crossed the goal-line, which is something I’m all in favour of. Think Pedro Mendes’ effort that wasn’t given against Manchester United, or even Chesterfield’s disallowed goal against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup a few years back.
This would be a smart move, but the report is also likely to suggest that penalty incidents and off-the-ball incidents should also be considered. I’m not so sure about this. A line needs to be drawn somewhere, otherwise we’ll end up stopping the game to contest throw-ins and offside rulings.
I don’t think we’ve heard the last of this one. I’ll leave you to make up your own mind, but finish with the thoughts of pompous schoolmaster and former “top referee” David Elleray, who for once has said something I agree with:
“There is a school of thought which says that human error is part of sport and constant holding up of the game to review decisions is difficult and would spoil the flow,” he said. “One of the greatest attractions of football over almost any other sport is that it’s almost non-stop action.”
Well said that man. Enjoy the weekend’s games and I’ll be back next week, after a few words from our sponsors.

Changing times at Noble Place

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday, November 14, Noble Place, Stableford
One day the drive to this golf course will be straightforward and we will all know the best way to get there. At present both the 331 and route 7 are undergoing major repair and it now reminds me of Beach Road a bit.

Tuesday’s winners with Pu

Upon reaching Noble Place, now renamed to Green something or other, we found a grand sale of everything Noble Place is underway. I thought the old name was quite impressive, very Noble in fact. As my dad used to say, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Still the course is the same and was in good condition the day we played it, fairways fine if a bit dry and greens as usual, even if they could have done with a cut. A strong breeze also helped to keep us cool.
Round finished we returned to Bert’s where all were tucking into fish and chips, and with the scribes voice still under pressure, we had a ‘volunteer’ presenter in Richard Kubicki to do the honours. I do like a volunteer. Richard did a fine job and declared Vincent Smyth winner in the A Division with Thomas Johannson runner up on count back over Rick Holmes. In the B Division the winner was Dick Warberg in front of Tom Herrington in second. With a thank you to Bert and Pu, Richard closed and allowed throats to be soothed.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Thomas Johannson (2), Bill Knight, Brian Gabe, Rod Sutherland, Tom Herrington
Long Put: Dave Robertson, Tom Herrington

Double success for Ken

PSC golf from The Peacock Place

Monday, November 13, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
Monday saw the Peacock golfers head to Pattaya Country Club for a Stableford competition. We had 23 players and a few new faces in the group which always makes for a good time. The A Division was won by one of said new faces, namely Roger Rush with a fine 36 points. He was closely followed home by his good mate Jack Mosely and Chris Barne, both players finishing on 35 points.
B Division was won by my old mate Ken Little with a magnificent 40 points. The runner up was another first timer to the Peacock, Andrew Bliss with 35 points. All in all a good day was had by all. There were five 2’s on the day and apart from Apple the others, Jack Mosely, Roger Rush, Chris Barne’s and of course Ken Little were all in the money as winners or runners up. We all adjourned back to the Peacock for a great buffet and a few frosty one’s.
Wednesday, November 15, Green Valley, Bogie
After breakfast we headed to the ever-popular Green Valley with a field of 19 players. Unfortunately the day was marred by a reshuffle of our previously booked and confirmed tee time. This resulted in almost an hour wait and some very disgruntled golfers, but as the saying goes, ‘This is Thailand’ and anything can and probably will happen.
The stand in Captain took a bit of flak for playing the old game of Bogie/Par. Never the less, those who hadn’t played this format before and most of the one’s that had still enjoyed their day.
The winner of A Division was Roy Thornton with even par and Eddie Blackwell runner up with -1. In the B Division the winner, whom the Capt on the day had the pleasure to play with was my old mate again Ken Little. Ken had a great score of +1 whilst Paul Webb took the runner up spot with -4.
There were two 2’s on the day shared by Jim Walton on the 16th and that man again Ken Little on the 12th. Well done fellas!. Now to the free beer which was taken by Jeff McLaury who had a little more knee trouble than he bargained for we think.
Thank you to all for taking the morning set back and the stand in Captain in your stride. The Peacock Place Golf Society welcomes everyone so give Bob a call on 087 941 2474, or call into the Peacock and put your name up on the sheet.

All smiles for Paul at Plutaluang

PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar

Another great day saw a large group of golfers leave the Oohsa Bar in a very good frame of mind and having had another excellent breakfast we were all looking forward to another good day’s golf at Plutaluang.
The Plutaluang golf course was in good condition and we all assumed it would take a good score to win and this turned out to be the case. One man however was to excell. Paul Smyle put aside his complaints of too much drink the night before to romp home with a very creditable 40 points playing off a 27 h/cap. Su Murphy, continuing her good run of form secured 2nd place with 37 points off 37 h/cap and in 3rd place was Neil Duncan (35 off 15) on a count back over Keith Hodges.
‘Near Pins’ were won by Dave Childs (2) and Ed Horrocks. Ed also won the killer pool so it’s fair to say he also enjoyed the day.
Our next trip will be to Noble Place on Tuesday, November 28, and the meeting point will be the Oohsa Bar in Soi Kao Talo at 8 o’clock for another free breakfast & coffee etc. If you wish to join with us please call Keith Hodges on 087 916 7171 or simply turn up on the day. You will be made most welcome.

New month, new winner

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

After a long absence from the Three Sisters scene, Dene Mundy came out to take the top spot with 40 points on the first Tuesday of November. Still hitting a long ball, Dene showed the youngsters how to play. His caddy shuddered every time he had a short putt but that was understandable. Most of us look in another direction hoping that the putting stroke is non-transferable.
In second place was Tommy Sato. He had a good round of 38 points. When Tommy hits a good ball it goes straight and far but sometimes it kind of goes in the wrong direction. With a little more control he could drop his handicap another few strokes.
In the second week, the 14th of November, Dale Murphy again took center stage. His drives were good and his putting was better. Big difference from last week - Dale scored 26 points last week and 40 points this week.
Coming in second with 39 points was Kenny Mau. His game was good but not enough to beat the front runner. Following one stroke back at 38 was Tommy Sato again. Both of these guys were hitting the ball well but could not make it to the top.

Low scores abound at Plutaluang

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

Monday, November 13, Plutaluang, Stableford
Almost another full turnout for our first game of the week, and all the ‘nearest the pin’ bottles were won, which makes a first for some time. Alan Bissell on the lighthouse green and Tony Barrett’s shot on the third on the west course secured the Div. 1 prizes while in Div. 2, Tony Duthie and Bev Ewens were also rewarded for their efforts.
An astonishing 31 points won the 1st division for Tony Barrett, John McLoone, now playing off 12, scored 30 points for second and Glynn Nicholas’s 29 points earned him the third prize.
There was a count back for first place in the 2nd division between Miss Nom and Mark Brenton, both finishing with 32 points, but the ‘sand lady’ pipped him on the back nine 20/16. Much to his amazement, Tony Duthie secured third place with his meager 29 points.
Miss Nom’s shot that landed pin high and about 20ft away on the third hole on the north course was duly holed out. It was her first ‘2’ with us and the only one of the day. She went home a happy lady.
Wednesday, November 15, Green Valley, Stableford
Our second outing of the week was another visit to the ever-popular but busy Green Valley course. The two divisions were split at eighteen, and for a change Division 2 had the first and third for the nearest the pin prizes. Surprisingly there were no winners on the front nine, Ken Foster’s shot on the 12th earned him a bottle, and on the sixteenth Ted Morris in Div 1 got closest to win. He also had the only ‘2’ of the day.
The scoring was a little higher today, with a great round from Miss Nom securing first place with 40pts and Les Hall finishing second on 34. In Division 1 both prizewinners tied with 35 points but Ted Morris’s greater count back beat the challenge of John McLoone.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday and Wednesday at Paweenas, Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Road at 9am for a 10.30 tee off. Transport and club hire are available at the bar. Please sign up or contact Glyn on 086 837 5464

House of the Golden Coin and Café Kronborg eyeing first place

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Somrak, Nok, Leo, Nual, Barry, Mio, Bill & Mai

Café Kronborg made the biggest move on first place as they took all four points from Domicil. P.K. rolled a 535 series and Kran had a 512 pin total for Kronborg. House of the Golden Coin held on to a tie for second as they were led by Mio’s 535 series and took three points from Diamond Shop. Nok rolled a 549 series and Bill Key had a 513 series bowling as pacers.
Montana remains in fourth place as they split their match at two points each with first place VFW Post 9876. No bowler in this match could figure out lanes five and six and pin counts were low. Shenanigans saw good bowling by Somrak who had a 210 game, 526 series, as they took all four points from Three Sisters.
Café Ole and Jack & Tar split their match with each team getting two points. Mai bowled a 554 series and Jim a 525 for Jack & Tar. Pin knocked down 510 pins for Café Ole. Leo bowled a 223 game, 524 series to lead Brother D to a three point win over Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Barry was best for Mai’s Thai Restaurant with a 211 game and 525 pins total.

Rab has a field day at the Phoenix

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, November 13, Phoenix, Stableford
The Bunker Boy’s travelled the short distance to Phoenix for a Stableford competition on Monday. The cut was made at 14 and under and in the B Flight we had a tie for runner-up place between Jim Payne and Mick Ramshaw, both scoring 35 points but two behind the eventual winner Geoff Parker.
In the A Flight Gordon Melia got third place scoring 35 points and second place went to Charlie Gooch, but neither player was anywhere near the flight winner Rab McDonald, who scored a best of the day massive 41 points. Rab also got one of the near pin prizes along with PJ Redmond, Dewey Augustsson and Tom Jones.
Wednesday, November 15, Bang Pakong, Medal
Bang Pakong was the venue for a Medal comp on Wednesday with the cut made at 14 and under. The best score of the day was in the B Flight where Jim Payne shot a three under par net 69 to take the spoils, whilst in joint second place were Geoff Parker and David Johnson, both shooting level par net 72.
In the A Flight Steve Bush was third with net 77, Jim Treen came second with a net 76 and two shots further ahead was the winner Neil Jones who finished with a two over par net 74.
Near pin prizes went to Geoff Hart, Dave Keats, Steve Bush and Neil Jones.
Friday, November 17, Treasure Hill, Stableford
The second Stableford comp of the week was played at Treasure Hill. The cut was at handicap 16 and under and we saw Geoff Parker win the B Flight with 35 points ahead of joint runners up Brian Maddox and Arnold Van De Graaf, both with 32 points. In the A Flight Steve Bush was third with 32 points, Tony Scambler came second with 34 points and John Reid took the honours with 36 points.
Tony Scambler, Enda Naughton, Gordon Melia and Ray Bloom shared the near pin prizes.

Rolf captures November ‘Monthly Mug’

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Monday, November 13, The Emerald, Stableford
We always get a good turnout for this golf course. On this day we found that a strong wind was blowing at The Emerald and that this would be a case of hanging on and trying to score the best you could. The course itself is not in too bad a condition and is always a good test of golf. With so many elevated greens this tends to suit the player who throws a high ball in, but in strong winds this is sometimes difficult.

Rolf is presented with the Monthly Mug by Egon

Round over and sat in the outside restaurant with the score cards and papers blowing around, it soon became obvious that the results would not show too many high scores.
In the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Ebrahim with 37 points ahead of Einar Johannson in second on 36 points and Marty Allred, beaten into third on count back. Ted Morris completed the premier flight podium places in fourth on 35 points.
The B Flight, 18 up, has not been performing as well as the A Flight of late, but on this day the winner, Alan Ewing, had the best score of the day with 38 points. Mind the rest were a fair bit behind, with Jim Lucente in second on34 points, John Swanson third with 33 points and Joe Vanderwegan fourth on 32 points.
Near Pin: Richard Kubicki, Brian Gabe, Marty Allred (2)
Long Put: Ted Morris, Jan Lovgren
Thursday, November 16, Pattaya Country Club, Monthly Mug - Stroke
It is nearing the end of November, so only one more Mug to go until the end of the year. Where has the last 12 months gone? In fact it seems like only yesterday I watched the Millennium fireworks. Time really does fly.
Talking of time flying, it did not take long for all to book in at the Cafe Kronborg and zoom up to Pattaya Country Club and get onto the first tee. That is when time slowed dramatically as we realised there were some 5-balls out in front of us.
Whilst the course was in fine condition, some of the bunkers needed maintenance, the holes were still square and the greens were in need of a cut. That having been said, the bit in between was not too bad. Normally we would not have had time to notice these things, but when there are six groups on two holes, at times, it is amazing what you notice.
Back at the Kronborg the presentations got underway and in the A Flight, 0 to 21, the winner was Brian Blackford with a net 68, ahead of Peter Hammond on a net 69 and in a count back for third place Dave Richardson got the nod over Norman Martin, both players recording net 73’s.
In the B Flight the winner was Dick Kerr with a net 67 (just losing the Mug on count back), ahead of Art Bailey in second with a net 71, and Wayne Koch on net 72 taking third on count back over John Swanson. And so last but not least to the Monthly Mug, and the winner was Rolf Hofman with a net 67. Well done.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Laurina Brinn, John Swanson, Dave Richardson, Brian Blackford
Long Put: Dorsey Richardson (2)

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed
The Square Ring received a communique in regard to Jeeves’ report last week. The report was that Scott Harrison, the ‘maybe’ still WBO Champion, was languishing in the “Old Nick” in Malaga cause the judge took the day off. The note began: “Jeeves is full of it. Harrison walked out of jail three days before Jeeves’ report and the next day was on his way to Glasgow. Even though in jail since October 6, Harrison’s camp says he’s kept in shape behind bars. If he passes the BBBC physical the fight with Nicky Cook may still be on. Tell Jeeves to get it right.”
In defense of Jeeves, with tight deadlines he was reporting the facts as they were. The Square Ring backs Jeeves 100%. The Square Ring also has a question, “Harrison stayed in shape behind bars”? He must have been running from a guy named Bubba. Now Jeeves proceed please.
“Thank you your Lordship. Two interesting fights in Japan last week. The WBC Champ Hozumi Hasegawa had almost no trouble when he disposed of Mexican Genaro Garcia by a wide margin on all three judges cards. Your friend from Reno, Nevada, Vic Drakulich was the referee, one of the judges was from Las Vegas with another judge being the dean of Thailand boxing officials, Anek Hongtongkam.
“The second fight was between Thai born and Japan based 105lb champion Eagle Kyowa and Lorenzo Tejo. It came right down to the final bell your Lordship as Kyowa squeezed out a 1 point win on all three judges cards. Trejo was down in round 3 and Kyowa down twice in the 6th. What made this unusual was that after the 4th and 8th round the judges scores were announced to the crowd.
“There were a few problems with this though, your Lordship. First the scores were only announced in Japanese by the ring announcer and the large screen in the arena wasn’t clear. The Kyowa fight was very close and officials had no idea what the ring announcer said. After the 4th round Kyowa led 39 to 36 but after being down twice in the 6th he led only by one. The crowd loved it and I think it’s a great idea. There was talk that the Morales-Pacquiao fight might use the system but the Nevada Commission didn’t like the idea.
“Did you know that your friend Cousin Bruce MacTavish was in Bangkok last week on his way to Korat to referee the Pongsaklek Wonjongkam title defense against Monelisi Myekeni? You did? Oh, I see he contacted you while visiting with Doug Harrison the boss man at the Bourbon Street on Washington Square which has great food. I know that your Lordship cause you and Doug have broken bread for years and you always rave about the food service. Who won the fight? Well they used the system of announcing the scoring after the 4th and 8th rounds. With a first round knockdown Pongsaklek was well ahead at each guide post. After four rounds it was 40-35 on all cards and after 8 it was 79-72 twice and 80-71, this on the way to a unanimous decision.
“After the fight Wonjongkam’s manager said: ‘We were worried about Monelisi Myekeni but this was just a one-sided fight, so much so that those who came to witness an exciting bout had to go home disappointed. The South African did not impress at all.’”
That’s it Jeeves? Ok, but you should have mentioned that Bourbon Street had a Thanksgiving Feast yesterday. Yes Jeeves it was ‘a be there or be square’ moment.
As we looked forward with baited breath for the big heavyweight ‘Super Fighter’ tournament scheduled for December 1 in Australia, many including The Square Ring were willing to bet that it wouldn’t come to fruition. Correct again. It was a commendable effort but had about as much chance of success as a one-legged food waitress. The exception to a “one legged food waitress” being successful would of course be one named Eileen working at IHOP.
The promoter has officially announced the cancellation. The reason? “The withdrawal of Calvin Brock and Samuel Peter, and visa/entry issues.”
Nice try but neither Brock nor Peter were ever in the tournament. Both said within hours of the original announcement of the event to “count us out”. Also stating “Visa/entry issues” is the same as your Teelock saying she has to visit a sick Mother twice a week.
Correspondent O.R. Cross viewed Sunday’s showdown between Manny Pacquiao (43-3-2) and Erik Morales (48-5). He wrote: “The typhoon from the Philippines swept through Las Vegas and probably put Erik Morales on the list of those fighters who have seen their best days and walked away. Morales went out on his shield in one of the best three-rounders you could hope to see. The combination of Filipino and Mexican fight fans was awesome. Hard to believe there are two other countries who show as much enthusiasm for the boxing.
“Pacquaio looked very buffed and able to go 12 rounds at full throttle. From time to time Morales looked like he might actually last longer than he did. The knockdown in round two gave a hint of what was to come however. In the third, after two more trips to the deck for Morales, Vic Drakulich stopped it at 2:57 of the round. Morales was game but totally outgunned by the Pac-man, who should be given the nod as the best fighter today.”
O.R. asks, “Do you think that Marco Antonio Barrera would go for another mix-up with Pacquaio? He did last longer than Morales and it would again be Mexico vs. The Philippines. It would pack the house with the same aficionados.”
Might be a tough call for a number of reasons O.R. One is that after last weekend’s fight, promoter Bob Arum announced that he had signed Pacquiao to a four-fight deal. This after Pacquiao had just previously signed with De La Hoya. If he did sign with two promoters (who don’t exactly care for each other), Pacquiao’s next fight might be a long time coming.
Mark your boxing calendar for Sunday May 6 next year. That’s May 5 in the USA, a date that’s very important as ‘Cinco de Mayo’. On that day Mexicans drink too much cerveza and tequila while whacking each others’ piata. The real holiday is to celebrate the Mexican army beating the French back in 1862. Most countries no longer celebrate beating the French as it’s become too commonplace. May 6 will mark the first “mega fight” since Tyson dined on the “Ear de buffet of Holyfield.”
Like a Teelock that won’t leave knowing there’s still some Baht in the old boy, the heavyweights just refuse to go away. John Ruiz (41-7-1) lost in Germany to “The White Tyson” Ruslan Chagaev (22-0). John you got the bucks, you’ve had your moment in the sun now please go away. Nothing is sadder either than Evander Holyfield hanging around. One of the commentators that did his win over Fres Oquendo said: “It’s a case of the mind knowing what to do but the body not responding.”
On the back of these two, we now have many German newspapers reporting that Vitali Klitschko is planning a comeback. His old trainer Fritz Sdunek claims that: “Vitali only needs one fight to be ready for a world title challenge.” That probably speaks more about the heavyweight division than it does about Vitali. To jog the memory, when he was “active” (a relative term), he had neck, back and heart problems. Two out of three can probably be cured.
Well Jeeves we’ve done it again. Another great effort in sports journalism. Kind of sad to see Eric Morales lose as he had one of the better lines I’ve heard in years. He was asked about Floyd Mayweather jr: “When I want to put my young son to sleep I put on a Floyd Mayweather jr. fight on TV.”
O.R. in his communique said: “Regards to Jeeves and tell him that the dancers at the TQ keep asking me when is he coming back? He seems to be a large buyer of ‘lady drinks’ which he puts on your tab. Woody would like to have you settle up.”
Jeeves, once you’ve served me a libation, brought me a nice cigar and put a little Gretchen Wilson on the music machine, I think you got some “splainin” to do.

Les ‘Burns’ the Emerald for first time win

PSC golf from Bowling Green

Thursday winners Patrick, Jim, Les & Stan.

Barry Hooper
Thursday,
November 9,
The Emerald, Stableford
A Flight
Stan Everingham (19) 37pts
Jimmy Chawke (12) 36pts
Dick Warberg (17) 35pts - c/b John Dahlseng
B Flight
Les Burns (36) 34 pts
Patrick Browne (27) 33pts
Tewin Lamthong (27) 33pts
Near Pins: John Dahlseng, Peter Mills, Petter Andersson, Stan Everingham.
2’s: Joel Flor, Stan Everingham.
The Emerald played tough and only one golfer broke par for the day. Late in the round we did get a 20-minute downpour but other than the rain the course played well and was in fine shape.
Les Burns had the round of his short golf career and managed to wrestle the course and the rain and record a very respectable 34 pts to take the B Flight. We are always happy when we have some first-time winners. Meanwhile Stan Everingham achieved his second victory in 3 outings in the A Flight, showing his form is now starting to come back.
The infamous yellow was presented to Mick Heatley. Lets hope for his sake he can pass it on next week
Sunday, November 12, Eastern Star, Stableford
A Flight
Tony Oates (12) 38pts
Fergus Brennan (13) 37 pts
Joe O’Driscoll (17) 36 pts
B Flight
Andy Galvin (20) 36 pts
Tewin Lamthong (27) 35 pts
Frank Kelly (18) 35 pts
Near Pins: Stewart Rogers, Peter Harris and Andy Galvin (2)
2’s: Lars Strom, Stewart Rogers
This week we changed our Saturday golf outing to Sunday as Eastern Star had a previous commitment. This change did not seem to bother Andy Galvin as he managed his first win and at the same time had 2 nearest the pins. Well done Andy and I know well deserved after all the practice at the driving range.
Meanwhile Tony Oats is showing his ‘oats’ and managed his 2nd straight weekend win. Guess whose handicaps will be going down.
The course was in great condition but as you can see by the results it played tough and course management is the key to succeed here.
Tuesday,
November 14,
Eastern Star,
Stableford
A Flight
Fergus Brennan (12) 44 pts
Joe O’Driscoll (17) 39 pts
Andy Galvin (20) 35 pts
B Flight
John Morel (34) 33 pts
Joel Flor (24) 32 pts
Mam Morel (39) 31 pts
Near Pins: Joel Flor, Andy Galvin, Tony Oats, Frank Kelly
2’s: None
This week has seen a lot of first-time winners and now John Morel has joined the group. Well-done John! Eastern Star was in its usual fantastic shape but it does not take prisoners if your game is off. Fergus Brennan however showed what course management and some great chipping can do by recording a remarkable 44 pts on the day. Great effort Fergus!
The golfers at the Bowling Green would like to welcome back previous proprietors Tony & Jean. We wish them the best of luck and we know they will carry on our golf tradition. We would also like to thank all the staff for the great breakfasts and dinners we enjoyed before and after the golf.
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 Fergus on 086 056 7019 or the Bowling Green 038-720742 or send an email to [email protected]

Roy, John & Emmet prove to be ‘scrambling’ kings

IPGC golf with The Caddy Shack

Tuesday,
November 14,
Green Valley, Medal
The immaculate Green Valley was the venue for a Medal competition on Tuesday in what turned out to be a sweltering day. Unfortunately only one person per cart is the rule here and many players who decided to walk found it tough in the heat.

Damien Trante and Keith Fortt took 1st and 2nd places at Green Valley.

The cut was made at 17 and under and Division 2 once again saw Keith Fortt take the runner-up spot, this time with a net 77. The winner of the division was Damian Trante who fired an impressive net 71 to record his first ever victory at the Caddy Shack. Division 1 saw Roy Mitchell in second place with a level par net 72 but he was pipped at the post by Steve Nowell who took one shot less over the 18 holes.
There were no 2’s recorded but ‘Near Pin’ prizes of 2 Sunday Specials and 2 Breakfasts were won by Steve Nowell, Bill Hewitt, Ken Joyce and Les Winch.
Friday,
November 17, Treasure Hills,
3-Man Scramble
Treasure Hills was the choice for a 3-man scramble over this tough and well-presented course. This formula is always popular with the players and ensured a good turnout with some fierce competition ensuing.
In third place came the team of Phil Mitchell, Graham Johnson and Andreas Gronenberg with a net 62.25 score. Second place was secured by Lindsay Joshua, Don Francis and Steve Nowell on 61.80, but the winning team of Emmet White, John McLoone and Roy Mitchell, (playing of 6 H/cap), had a great round and left their rivals lagging with a net 58. This included 10 pars and 8 birdies.
Near Pins were won by Jens Gunnersen, Emmet White (2) and Alan Duffus. Once again the scramble format proved a huge success.

Same, Same but Different

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

After an absence of many months the Pattaya Golf Society took the decision to play their weekly medal event at Treasure Hill on Tuesday, November 14th. Many of the large field had not played the course before and in order to appease the golfing gods those in the second flight played from the yellow tees whilst those in the top flight gritted their teeth and proceeded from the usual white tees.
The course was a treat, with racing greens and firm fairways and the day remained hot throughout, something which Aussie “senior” Vince Hatton regretted, choosing to forsake his usual buggy and walk a course he had not played before!
In the yellow flight scores were tight and there was a smile on the face of ‘newbie’ Ian Hart as he returned a score of 76 for third place, only one shot behind Freddy Braun’s 75. It was also the Swiss banker’s first run-out at the course and it proves that one should always play the course not its reputation. The flight winner was the long-hitting Carl Lovatt and his net 74 was an excellent reward for some fine golf.
In the white flight life was tough and even seasoned hands found that some of the longer than usual tees were a chore. John Cunningham struggled on the back nine and posted a score of net 79 which gave him third place whilst Jan Eriksen almost got to grips with the challenge, finishing with net 75 for second place. The winner was Erik Anttonen and his net 73 followed the pattern of all winning scores at the course, rarely under par.
There were no “twos” on the day and among the many candidates for the ‘Booby Bevy’ the claim of Mark Phoenix’s net 96 won hands down. It had been good to return to the excellent course at Treasure Hill but the yellow flight probably enjoyed the day more than those in the top flight.
Favourites take control
The OK Corral golfers chose the rapidly improving Emerald course at Ban Chang for its monthly pairs scramble on Thursday, and found the course in fine condition. The large field comprised of sixteen teams of varying quality and the day was set fair for an interesting and exciting competition.
At present the PGS has decided to continue with the tried and tested team handicap system for a Texas Scramble acknowledging that it certainly favours teams with a low handicap base but we are reviewing other systems which may or may not be more equitable in the future.
On this day it was evident that low handicapped teams would be successful and with only one team in the top five having a team handicap of more than 5, the day was made for long and accurate hitters. The exception turned out to be the pairing of Alan Freeman and Mike Benton and their third-placed return of net 67.4 was a fine reward for some focused golf.
In second place was the team of old hands, John Cunningham and Bill Hewitt and with John rediscovering his putting touch their score of 65.2 was nearly enough to overturn the bandwagon of Mikael Andersson and friend “Kermit” who stretched their run of successes in the format to an amazing level. Their net 65 included only one bogey and the six birdies they acquired were just enough to take the tight win.
There were eight “twos” on the day and the large rolled-over pot was shared by the top two teams in addition to Paul Quodomine and Bob Martin, Harry Riley and partner Saranya, Ray Underwood and Masashi Iizumi, and finally the refreshing ladies’ pairing of Sharon Burton and Margaret Wilkinson.
From the outset the golfing gods had decided to target the team of Mr. Denis and Roy Mann and with the former achieving a “running flush” of broken iron clubheads during the last two weeks, five through to eight, and the latter playing his final round before saying his annual ‘adieu’, there was only ever one winner of the ‘Booby Bevy’. Handicap systems apart the day had been another memorable fun experience for the Pattaya Golf Society and the prospects of more in the new year broadened the beams on most of the faces.