PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Tuesday winner Bob Pearce (left) with Dale Murphy.

December 11, the Three Sister’s group played their usual venue at Pattaya Country Club. The front-runner at the early stage was Dale Murphy who was in the clubhouse with 36 points. It looked good for Dale until Bob Pearce and his group arrived a little later. Bob had a good day as he came in with 38 points. He has been near the top on many occasions and finally broke through.
We are all waiting for the end of the month as it will close out our golf for this year. As it turns out, our last 2007 outing will be on Christmas Day, December 25. What better way to spend Christmas than with good friends and a solid round of golf! We will have to see if enough die-hards will agree to play.

Alan opens his ‘bag of tricks’

Golf news from the Bowling Green

Gareth Weeks
Monday, December 10, Plutaluang - White Tees, Stableford
Monday saw the Bowling Green visit Plutaluang, having just visited the course last month when our only complaint then was the inconsistency of the greens.

Monday’s winners: Brad Dodd, Gareth Weeks and Peter Brown with a Bowling Green staff member.

Having been given the North & West nines by the nice starter (our crew overjoyed), and with weather conditions on the day comfortable, we were soon into our rounds, but once again finding the greens inconsistent, similar to our previous visit. In some cases the greens were frighteningly quick, then others required a good, firm putting stroke to reach the hole. This left many players struggling and having great difficulty in finding the correct pace for their putts, as if golf isn’t hard enough without these additional tests.
Back at the Bowling Green the players waited with anticipation as the scores were revealed. We had only one flight on the day, all playing for the same honors, and newcomer Brad Dodd was declared the winner with 36pts, in second was yours truly (Gareth Weeks) with 34pts and in third came Peter Brown “Rolex.”
Friday, December 14, Emerald - White Tees, Stableford
Friday we were at the Emerald, and after a quick check-in by the excellent staff we were onto the first tee, with the course looking unusually quiet for a Friday morning.
The course was in excellent condition with its lush green fairways and well-kept greens, and was a real pleasure to play.
With several of our group having purchased new golfing items over the last week, such as putters, wedges and other game improving items, it was a fight for the top spots. Heading the hunt was Alan Griffiths with all the above (and more) in his bag of tricks, and keener than ever to stake a claim on the winner’s pedestal.
Back in the restaurant the scores were revealed and Alan Griffiths had indeed triumphed on the day with a fine 38pts, ahead of yours truly in second (once more) with 34pts and Mark Brenton in third with 33pts.

Yui’s net 69 is too good for the boys

IPGC golf from Lewinski’s

Sunday, December 9, Green Valley, Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (13) 70
2nd Jack Grinvold (6) 72
3rd Alan Beesley (5) 72
B Flight
1st Phi Utting (15) 70
2nd Roy Thornton (14) 71
3rd Andy Galvin (18) 72
C Flight
1st Gene Noble (19) 73
2nd Matt Andrews (26) 75
3rd Eddie Bielby (19) 75
Ladies
1st Yui Duangkaew (21) 69 (Medal Winner)
2nd Noi Pimmoen (27) 76
The last chance of the year to get into this year’s Gold Medal proved too much for the boys as Yui’s excellent 69 took the Christmas Medal on what proved to be a very trying day.
Yes, it was tough as course disorganization and tourist golfer liberties put paid to many of our more fragile player’s chances before we even got going. Certain members even failed to complete the 6-hour round. (See you in January Nick!).
So it was an Ireland, Sweden battle for top honours amongst the elite as Seamus’ fine 70 edged out Wacko. Rumour has it our favourite Scandi was heard muttering, “What’s a 13 handicap doing in the A flight?” Surely not! Alan put together a solid 73 off his 5 hcp to complete the podium. Now that’s an A flight handicap!
Phil Utting took no time to acclimatize as he took B flight from regular Roy who picked up useful eclectic points amidst his net 71. Andy Galvin played bogey golf to take 3rd.
Gene Noble topped a mediocre C flight ahead of Matt Andrews and the Man of Leisure.
Yui’s 69 swept all aside in the ladies flight with 2nd spot going to Noi with a net 76.
We cajoled our champion into ringing the bell, so she’s now welcome to join the boys for the Gold Medal early in the new year. What a popular winner!
Monday, December 11, Crystal Bay, Stableford
1st Pat Reagan (9) 39pts
2nd Chris Davison (12) 37pts
3rd Jack Grinvold (6) 36pts
Twenty players took on the splendid track that is Crystal Bay. Pat Reagan had the best of the day with a fine 39pts, ahead of Chris Davison and that man again Wacko Jacko on 36pts. The record shows that the Donkey swept the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, December 12, Bangpra, Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim Munns (9) 37pts
2nd Bob Newall (10) 36pts
B Flight
1st Mike Craighead (23) 40pts
2nd Ray Phillips (24) 39pts
One of our more cynical members claims this is the only course worth playing in the area. That’s probably going too far, but it is good and even tempts the ‘Clubmaker to the Stars’ to dust his own bats down every so often.
He wasn’t there today though, so Capt Fogg took full advantage of our resurgent leader’s absence to clean up with 37pts. Big Bob Newall aka “The Bounty Hunter” took the bounty for second place.
Wonderful to see Mikey back in form with a masterful 40pts, edging out Ray Phillips in B flight. It was also nice to see “One Ball” back in the bar, especially as he pressured Jimbo into a reluctant bell ring. Nice one George. The galloping golfer and the Naked Golfer split the 2s.
Friday, December 14, Green Valley, Stableford
A Flight
1st Colin Davis 34pts
2nd Pierre Bietry 34pts
3rd Ray Dell 34 pts
B Flight
1st Roman Barbolok(23) 37pts
2nd Yui Duangkaew(24) 32pts
3rd Geoff Kubas 32pts
Friday stableford at our home course rounded off the week as the Donkey triumphed in typical style, winning a 3-way 34pt count back from pals Pierre and Capt. Fogg.
Roman BarBollocks had a 5-point margin in the junior division from medal winner Yui and Geoff Kubas.
There were 2’s for farmer in the Dell, Raspie Matsie and … (He’s Back!) Brian Wireless Wilkinson.
Tip of the week
This week’s tip from the amateurs comes from Big Bob Newall (aka The Bounty Hunter, 10 handicapper from England). Here’s a swing thought that might help some of our quicker tempo golfers keep a bit of rhythm. On your backswing think “Severiano”, and on the downswing “Ballesteros.” Give it a go. It might work for you.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Merry Christmas, Stevie G

The past seven days have been interesting to say the least, and with all that we need to cover you’ll be pleased to read that there’s no time for the usual preamble this week.
Where do we begin? Perhaps with Liverpool, and a mixed week for captain Steven Gerrard. On Tuesday of last week he was opening the scoring in a thrilling victory in Marseille that sent his side through to the last sixteen of the Champions League, and then on Sunday it was the bitter pill of a defeat at home to Manchester United. In between, Gerrard returned home from France to find his house had been burgled.
Now I’m not going to start a sympathy campaign for hard-up Premier League footballers here, particularly as farang residents of Pattaya enjoy their fair share of unwanted guests in the home, but having your house ransacked by masked men when your wife and two children are in the house is no fun for anybody, millionaire or otherwise.
Luckily nobody was hurt in the raid, but the trend for Liverpool players having their homes broken into whilst away on European or international duty is becoming a little hard to ignore on Merseyside. Gerrard joins Daniel Agger, Pepe Reina, Jerzy Dudek, Peter Crouch and, more recently, Dirk Kuyt on the list of victims.
Are these players becoming victims of their own success? To put things into perspective only last week Gerrard’s wife Alex Curran told a magazine how she’d bought a Cartier watch for her husband as a gift to celebrate their first Christmas as a married couple. It doesn’t make the burglary right in any way, don’t get me wrong, but the last thing a Liverpool player needs right now is the wife bragging about expensive items she’s bought in trashy magazines. That and perhaps another extended run in European competition, which ironically Gerrard aided with his performance against Marseilles.
I feel for the Gerrards. I suppose the next logical move is into one of those gated communities with Area 51-like security around them. Just when footballers need a touch of reality in their lives and to be closer to the fans it seems instead they’re likely to withdraw from normal society even further. Bobby Charlton or Franz Beckenbauer might never have earned the fortunes playing the game that their talents so richly deserved, but I’ll bet they never had to worry about the security of their families in the same way Steven Gerrard now will be.
Anyway…
No more miserable talk - let’s instead move onto more festive matters, and there’s a feast of Christmas football in store for you over the coming fortnight. If you’re a soccer saddo like me you’ll already be salivating at the prospect of almost non-stop action that’s about to hit the small screen. And if you’re on holiday and are struggling to remember exactly what day it is you can forget using the football as a guideline, as I always do, as every day is about to seem like a Saturday.
Have a look at our TV schedule on this page and pick out a few matches worthy of your attention. There is probably more Premier League football available in Pattaya than anywhere else on this planet, so you’re in the right place.
Capello for England
A new manager has taken over at England FC, a part-time side that play in West London. Word on the street is that they’re looking for a centre forward as the current two keep getting injured, a left winger and a goalkeeper. If you fancy a game, please contact a Mr. F. Capello, or just turn up at training with your boots and shinpads.
Seriously though, what earth was Signor Capello thinking when he agreed to take charge of struggling England? And before you say around 4.8 million reasons every season, let it be known that Capello already has a ten million pound (70-odd million baht) art collection in his home. And his own fragrance. It’s not like he’s scrabbling around the back of the sofa to pay the gas bill, is it?
What kind of man has a ten million pound art collection hanging on his wall? One that’s daft enough to accept the England job, that’s who. Capello has won trophies at every single club he’s been employed at, including two stints at Real Madrid when he won the Spanish championship in his first season – but this is something else. I wish him all the luck there is.
And I wasn’t joking about that goalkeeper either. If any Englishman reading this can do a job between the posts and have their own gloves, please do your duty.
“Don’t argue,
let us play”
Fistfights among spectators, pitch invasions, insults hurled at the referee, hatred between rival camps: it’s all in a day’s work for Italian football - even when the players on the pitch are only eight years old.
But it’s not the players that are at fault here - it’s the parents. Their behaviour at matches has become so awful that teams near Empoli are refusing to play, organising a one-day strike in protest at the disgraceful behaviour of the elders.
“We have had terrible language used against refs in front of the kids for penalties not awarded, we have had pitch invasions, and even a punch-up between a father and a referee after a game,” said club director Michele Mango. “The mothers don’t joke around either,” added Gino Chiorazzo, a second official at the Unione Sportiva Ponte a Elsa.
So scared had the boys become before kick-off they demanded action, and Mango announced the strike at last week’s Christmas dinner for parents. In the stunned silence that followed, the boys filed on to a stage, holding aloft banners they had prepared bearing messages such as “No to bad language, Yes to kids having fun” and “Parents: don’t argue, let us play”.
Mango placed some of the blame for the behaviour on Italian television’s culture of endlessly replaying mistakes made by referees after Serie A games. “Fans think they have a licence to attack the ref,” he said.
There’s only one Sisu Capital
After my whine about the future of Coventry City last week Mr. Ray Ranson, a regular reader of this column, has stepped in at the last minute to save the former top-flight side.
Well, it was him and a leading hedge fund called Sisu Capital. “I am sure that Ray Ranson and Sisu Capital will help drive Coventry City forward into a brand new era for the club,” said someone or other last week. The financial institution dedicated to the art of making very rich people even richer is based in London.
And that’s it for another week. Tottenham away at Arsenal is your opener for the weekend, and after that there’s a whole heap of matches on at some very odd times of the evenings, so don’t forget to check that schedule. Until next week, then, it’s a very Merry Christmas to you.

Alan Griffiths’ week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, December 10, The Emerald, Stableford
1st Dave Howden 37pts
2ndAlan Griffiths 37pts
3rd Fred Land 36pts
4th Roar Berger 35pts
5th Bubbles Davies 35pts
6th Barry Winton 35pts
It was very appropriate that Dave Howden won his penultimate competition before having to return to the daily grind of measuring golf courses and producing yardage books for courses throughout the UK. Dave has been an avid supporter for the last six weeks with not too many memorable rounds to his credit. Even on this day he did not really set the course alight but was just good enough to edge out the in-form Alan Griffiths by a narrow margin on the count back.
Fred Land took great delight in placing on the podium and will no doubt be sending his partner Kenny Priddy an email to remind him of what he is missing for the next few weeks. Roar Berger led in the minor positions with a very good count back leaving Bubbles Davies and Barry Winton to take the final spots.
Roar Berger had the only ‘2’ in the second division whilst Trevor Schirmer and Rainer Helling had one each in the first division.
The day was also day two in the holiday eclectic competition and this was cleaned up by the first day leader Alan Griffiths, with a steady eleven under to edge out Rainer Helling and Fred Land for the top prize.
Prior to the prize giving Matt Dibden and Reed Welch were welcomed as new members and Rod Howett, Vance Millar, Kenny Moss, Mark Cooper, Steven Howard and Bubbles Davies were welcomed back.
Wednesday, December 12, Khao Kheow, Stableford
1st Alan Griffiths 37pts
2nd Tony Barritt 35pts
3rd Yasuo Suzuki 34pts
4th Paul Taylor 34pts
5th Chris Knapp 34pts
6th Serge Straeten 34pts
7th Martin Grimoldby 34pts
Alan Griffiths was again in the forefront, but this time in top spot by virtue of shooting the only round under handicap over the very tough Khao Kheow layout. It was made even harder as the wind blew and gusted, making club selection almost a gamble if the wind dropped at the wrong moment.
Tony Barritt, still playing without the benefit of the large selection of new clubs on offer locally, was able to keep the chasing pack at bay by a shot as they scrambled to get into a profitable position. Yasuo Suzuki helped his ‘return-to-Japan-fund’ with a close finish against Paul Taylor which went all the way to a count back over the back three.
Cap’n Chris Knapp was again to be found among the podium jostlers ahead of Serge Straeten and Martin Grimoldby also on count back.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Yasuo Suzuki, Barry Traynor, Trevor Schirmer and Matt Dibden all had one each in the first division.
Back at The Haven John Chambers and Jim Ferris were welcomed as new members and Benn Nelson and, the two pudding runners, Paul Hartley and David Pattison were welcomed back.
Friday, December 14, Green Valley, Stableford
1st Barry Winton 37pts
2nd Russell Exley 35pts
3rd La Keith 34pts
4th Al Keith 33pts
5th Alan Griffiths 32pts
Barry Winton at last returned a score that befitted his ability, as he rediscovered that the game can be rewarding after all. Following a prolonged period in the golfing wilderness, a gross 76 was enough to see off the challenge of his playing partner, Russell Exley who also returned his best result for the week, which was good for second place ahead of La Keith by a single shot.
Al Keith also had a reasonable round as he went a few better than his recent scores and just edged Alan Griffiths, who took his third placing of the week in normal competition to add to his eclectic win. It made it a very enjoyable week all round for Alan and worth a couple of celebratory ones back at the bar.
Paul Hartley had the only ‘2’ in the second division and Russell F. Rock, Martin Grimoldby and Phil Groves had one each in the first division, all off the white tees.
Before presenting the prizes “Doc Jogalong” welcomed new member Brian Burt and also welcomed back John Squitiero, John Teague and Fred Chadwick.

Ted Morris takes Monthly Medal

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, December 10, Century
Chonburi, Stableford
With the arduous journey in many people’s minds and the thought of arriving to find a congregation of locals waiting to tee off, there were numerous cancellations over the two days preceding. However, on arrival at 9.30am we were greeted with, “Jomtien Golf - you can tee off when ready.” Now there’s a first!

Olaf and Faa, the new owners of Siam Cats in Soi 5 pictured with some of the kittens.

In the stableford competition in Division 1, John Cunningham’s 38 points easily beat John Smiffs 33 into second, with Sassa finishing third on 31 points.
Jack Hinchey beat the in-form Tarja Kankainen on a 21/18 count back to claim top spot in Division 2, both finishing with 38 points. Les Hall’s 33 points took third.
There was only one ‘2’ in the first division going to Sassa, and none in the second tier so the purse carried over to Green Valley.
Nearest the pins on the day went to John Cunningham, Andy Mills, Sassa, Miss Nom, Risto and Tarja (2).
Wednesday, December 12, Green Valley, Monthly Medal
Our last visit here until early March as the earliest tee time we have been quoted over the next three months is 12.30pm, and with nine groups going out this is just not feasible.
So yet again it was the dreaded monthly medal and in Division 1, which saw three non-returns, an incredible 8 pars on the first eight holes gave Ted Morris a net 70 score off his nine handicap. In second place was Dave Richards with net 79 and in third came Jim Connelly with a net 82.
Dannie Larsen’s net 75 won Division 2 with Jean Morel and Dave Ross both coming in with net 76’s, Jean having the better of the count back for second place.
There were no 2’s in Division 1 but Joe Kubon took the rollover in Division 2 after his birdie on the twelfth hole to go home smiling.
Nearest the pins went to Mikael Andersson (2), John Smith, Paddy Wilson, Ken Foster, Joe Kubon (2) and Dave Ross.
Friday, December 14, Eastern Star, Stableford
Our basic stableford day but this could change in the New Year. John Cunningham’s 36 points took Division 1 with Jim Connelly one point behind and in third place on 33 points was John Smith.
Don Head tied with Tarja Kankienen in Division 2, both finishing with 35 points, but Don edged the count back by 17/14. Bev Ewens came in third with 34 points.
Note: Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Siam Cats, Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road at around 8.30am for a 10.00 am tee off, please sign up in the bar or call Glyn on 086 837 5464

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

This will not be your usual Christmas column where we search under the Christmas Tree for the presents that await boxing fans in the coming year. It’s not an angry column either as maybe it should be, but there will be a twinge of anger. I received the following letter, edited for space, after press time for last week’s effort.
“I have a major ‘beef’ with the ****** Brits and their hooligans, this time at the Mayweather - Hatton fight! I’m not a big fight fan and I usually take things pretty well but after watching and then hearing these hooligans boo the American anthem, it set me off. Somewhat later I happened to be in a bar in Jomtien and several of this British ‘Breed’ started mouthing off! Not wanting to get the **** kicked out of me, I approached it in a gentlemanly fashion and asked them how they would feel if we booed the salute to ‘the queen’? Their response was that was a different thing altogether.”
The writer continues: “After several verbal exchanges, I insinuated that if you’re going to have a figurehead at the head of your government, you’d be better off with a bulldog as they are cheaper to maintain and better looking.”
The gentleman has said it all and I could not agree more. Way to go Monkey House.
Writing about trash, WBA super middleweight champ, Aussie Anthony Mundine (30-3) retained his title by KO over Jose Alberto Clavero (27-6-1). Clavero has fought three other times in Aussie - losing on all occasions. And in boxing a loser is a loser - not the first runner up.
One that isn’t a loser, although some of his fans are, is Ricky Hatton. “I would rather die than retire from boxing after this defeat,” said The Hitman. “I will be back. Floyd may have dropped me on my pants and stopped me but Ricky Hatton does not give up. I will not end my career on a defeat. That is for sure.”
Hatton continued: “I could have stayed in Manchester and defended my jr. welterweight crowns for many a year but I am in the sport for the glory and the challenge Floyd Mayweather provided was just what Ricky Hatton is all about. I will not be giving up the sport and will take some time out, but one thing is for sure - Ricky Hatton will return to the ring.”
Not really crazy about athletes that speak of themselves in the third person.
‘Your Lordship, Hatton may be a common bloke but he’s a class act. Another class act is your “fav” Lady d’Eva. She e-mails: “Jeeves, my Lord, I am so sorry Hatton lost to Foulweather!!”
‘Meanwhile Scotty in Canada wrote, “Good call, I always liked Joe Cortez but he has been a little suspect in his last few but this fight was the worst. One of the biggest fights in a while and he acts like he had never been in the ring before. I agree, take a seat Joe.”
‘Mr. Lowe, of the Derbyshire Lowe’s penned: “Enjoyed the fight night, read your column and you are right the referee did not control the early stages at all well, not sure the outcome would have been any different.”’
Thanks Jeeves.
The holiday season must be in full swing as The Square Ring got a lot of e-mail’s that didn’t start with, “You officious know-nothing ignorant jerk.”
Dom Ward from Pattaya wrote: “I was wondering if you could answer a couple of questions for me, please? Just who is Colonel Bob Sheridan, and what is he a colonel of? The only colonels I know of are in the Army or Marine Corps. … or just plain old Kentucky colonels. If he is not an authentic service colonel, I wish he would refrain from using that ‘sound important’ title. He also never shuts up - annoying! I also find it sort of an ‘action/live’ oxymoron to see tuxedos where people are bashing each other and very sweaty. Also, what on earth are those ‘trollops’ in swim suits and 4" spikes doing there anyway … looks terrible! (rather whorey). I am a long time fight fan, so I am only picking on what I see as ridiculous, OK. Thanks.”
Whew, lots of ground to cover. Bob Sheridan was named an honorary Kentucky Colonel which allows him to use the title. Those that have the honor would take exception with the term “plain old.” I agree with you that the Colonel talks WAY too much and can be irritating at times. Some imply that “Moi” has the same characteristic, especially when fuelled with various liquids. Yet there are those, like frequent Square Ring contributor Pattaya’s O.R. Cross, that think Sheridan is the Rolls Royce of boxing announcers.
I guess different strokes for different folks. If that were not the case Baskin-Robins would only have one flavor.
Sheridan has had a career that spans the ages so he must be doing more right than he’s doing wrong. Tuxedos and sport seem to go together. You see it when viewing dog shows, horse shows, billiards, boxing, darts or the finals of Ms. Tiffany contest.
Dog and horse shows don’t qualify as sport but are tuxedo shows none-the-less. For myself, when announcing boxing or darts, I always wore a tuxedo cause I liked playing dress up. I once announced a professional rodeo in a tux. One cowboy said, “That’s like putting chocolate on a cow pie and calling it a chocolate éclair.”
Some claim that a tuxedo gives class to a sport that has none. They do have a point.
Dom you proved my point when you asked, “What on earth are those ‘trollops’ in swim-suits and 4" spikes doing there.” Next time the “ladies” strut their stuff in the ring, move your eyes up and you will see they are holding a card with a number on it that indicates what round is next. True fact. Not many men and some women know that fact.
There was a bunch of happy boxing types when the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its’ 2007 inductees. With a home in Canastota, New York the ‘Hall’ is the most prestigious of places honoring the boxing family.
Only two boxers make the ‘Hall’ this year; former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes (64-6-1) makes it even though his last fight was in 2002 against Eric Esch, a.k.a. Butterbean. Hard to believe that anyone fighting Butterbean would make the ‘Hall’ but then stranger things have happened. That aside Holmes controlled the heavyweight division from 1978 to 1985 until he lost to Michael Spinks twice and then Mike Tyson. Holmes alienated many boxing fans when he said of idol Rocky Marciano, “He couldn’t hold my jockstrap.”
Also in there is Boxer Eddie Perkins (75-20). The name probably isn’t familiar with today’s boxing fans but from 1956-1975 he fought them all - beating most. He makes it into the ‘Hall’ based on, as they say, “His body of work.”
He was the world light-welter champion from 1963 when he beat Duilio Loi in 15. He would lose the title back to Loi three months later. Perkins got the title back in 1963 with a 15-round decision over Roberto Cruz. He would only defend twice before losing the title for good against Carlos Hernandez in Caracas, Venezuela on a split decision. The scoring was interesting (an understatement) with referee/ring great Henry Armstrong scoring it 160-139 for Perkins while Dima Fernandez (142-143) and Santos Arizmendi (142-146) had it for Hernandez. Fix in? Could be.
The Boxing Hall does lose some creditability with the induction of two promoters, which is like fighting Butterbean. One is Frankie Warren and the other Mogens Palle from the boxing hotbed of Denmark.
Journalist Dave Anderson makes it for reasons that escape scrutiny except that he works in New York and won a Pulitzer. One who deserves the honor and finally gets it is Joe Koizumi - the final word for Asia Boxing. Way to go Joe “The Asian” Zoizumi - Now that I’ll drink to!
Writing of Frankie Warren, he has said that he will get the deal signed for a fight between Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins soon. “Both fighters want the fight,” he said.
Calzaghe was honored recently as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year by a national phone vote. The BBC press release stated: “This was an indication of the growing stature of boxing in the UK as he beat off motor racing’s Lewis Hamilton for the award with Ricky Hatton in third place.”
It’s kind of surprising but Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquis have signed for a rematch on March 15, 2008. Surprising because Pacquiao had been heard to say he was going to move up in weight but alas was not true.
Some may have forgotten their first tussle on May 8 of 2004, which is Cinco de Mayo Day plus 3, which we all know is a big Mexican holiday when they celebrate whipping the French. Marquez was down three times in the first but escaped with a draw when good guy Nevada judge Bert Clements only scored that round for Pacquiao 10-7. It should have been scored 10-6 as almost everyone agrees, including Clements.
The blind judge from Canada, Guy Judres, had it for Marquez at 116-110, which defies logic and is a disgrace to boxing - as he is.
It ought to be a great fight. The other surprising thing is that co-promoter Buffalo Bob Arum gave credit to Richard Schaffer from Golden Boy Promotions for making it happen. Arum giving credit to someone else? Must be a Blue Moon outside.
Got a note from William Sergeant wishing The Square Ring a Merry Christmas and some general comments: “Vargas and Mayorga was a surprisingly good match. I enjoyed it and the decision. I never liked the big mouth Vargas anyway. Larry Hazzard, I seem to remember him being a very good ref back in the 80’s. Felt bad when he left to become the ‘Commish’ in Jersey. Over the years he has really aggravated me with his ‘bling bling’ and jumping into the ring to stop fights and taking the referee’s job away. The guy acts like he’s the ***** Gestapo of boxing with the ultimate power! Mark Ratner (former Nevada Commissioner) did a great job but wasn’t in your face.”
Well Jeeves this is the time of year that we wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Included are the wishes of The Square Ring that 2008 be the best year ever.
‘Your Lordship, before I take off to spend Christmas Eve with Doug at Bourbon Street in Bangkok to partake in the bountiful special menu, I have something on my own menu. There’s a big day coming up on Sunday when the people of Thailand go to the polls in the general election. I heard that one candidate is giving away one Viagra pill for one vote. I checked the story with Monkey House Fred who said it’s true. He’s going to vote 365 times. Now that’s a Merry Christmas sir.’
Yes Jeeves, and Monkey House will have a really Happy New Year too. Life is good.

Chant takes the plaudits at Plutaluang

Eastern Thailand Ladies Golf Club

Thursday, December 13, Plutaluang, Stroke Play
Thirty-two players turned out on another beautiful day to take on the North & West layouts at Plutaluang.
Coming in first on the day was Chant Sehwulera with a fine gross 84 (net 72) playing off a 12 Handicap to finish just one shot ahead of Malee Jungjoho in second place with a gross 86 (net 73).
The day’s best gross score meanwhile came from Puttida Tongpen with a fine gross 82.
Near Pin prizes were awarded to Khun Nanta, Khun Payom, Khun Puttida and Khun Lex whilst the longest putt went to Khun Wongwan. The Booby prize was reserved for Khun Wanida.

The Eastern Seaboard lady golfers and guests gather after their
December outing at Plutaluang.

Typhoon Taki at Plutaluang

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Sunday, December 9, the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Plutaluang to play the latest in their Sunday stableford events, this time over the South and East nines.
Their arrival at the course was greeted with a “no golf carts” warning as seemingly half the course was full with Koreans but the chosen nines were still accessible on time.

PGS November “Player of the Month,” Paul Quodomine (right) receives his award from Mr. Denis.

Coming in fourth place with 36 points was Chris Voller, finding his form after a couple of weeks acclimatization after his move from UK. One point ahead was the skillful John Chambers and his 37 points marked his best round so far this trip. There were two excellent scores to share the victory, with Jean Morel’s 39 being another fine Plutaluang performance by the amiable Frenchman.
However, it was the four-under par front nine by Kasuo Takimoto which stole all the headlines. He bullied and blustered the South to complete a front nine gross of just 32 shots giving him 24 points at the turn. His eagle on the first gave notice of a man in form. Unsurprisingly he faltered on the back nine but still put together 39 points for a share of the winner’s purse with Jean.
There were no birdie 2’s, making for a nice bonus the next week at the venue, by which time “Typhoon Taki” may have subsided!
Easy wins
at Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay was the perfect host for the Pattaya Golf Society on Tuesday when the group called to play a stableford event over the B and C Nines, which were beautifully presented, as usual. As so often recently, the wind was up all day and this made the course a fine challenge.
The field was divided into two flights at 17 and under and two competitive flights left the tee on time. In the top flight there were few surprises as first Sam Fitzsimmons returned a score of 34 points on one of his limited outings to take third place, this was two behind Roy Thornton who recorded a level par 36 point score. The flight winner was “JC” John Chambers whose 38 point score reflected his consistency on the day, with the best gross honours also going to him, a return of 78.
In the second flight the in-form man, Jean Morel, posted 33 points for third place, one behind Canadian Gordon Everingham whose 34 points gave him his first podium place with the PGS. The winner was Bill Pickersgill who makes a habit of recording big wins, his previous being a net 65 at Eastern Star three weeks ago and his 39 points on the day was a measure of his progress.
There were six birdie 2’s with the still substantial awards going to Rainer Helling, Takeshi Hakozaki, Jean Morel, Les Winch and Freddy Braun who received two shares for his efforts on B6 and C4.
Paul Quodomine, having just received his current “Player of the Month” trophy, took the Booby Bevy in style for his 20-12 split and the largest difference between the two nines. Golf certainly brings one down to earth.
When the going
gets tough
Almost exactly a year ago The Emerald was playing extremely tough as it hosted a major Asian Tour event, and maybe it was just coincidence but when the Pattaya Golf Society visited there last Thursday to play a stableford event the conditions were equally trying: Greens were difficult to read and the fairways restrictive in the strong breeze.
The two flights were cut at twenty and under and with a quarter of the field playing off single figures the competition was going to be fierce.
In the second flight Len Jones’ meagre 24 points drew gasps from the golfers until it was learned that it was good enough for third place! Jim Ferris made his mark with his first top three-finish this trip with a concentrated 30 points for second and the flight was won by a returning Bruce Dreon, who has managed to keep his form during his long US exile. His 31 points came somewhere close to approaching “normality”.
In the top flight new member Paul McNally, playing off one, posted the day’s best gross of 77 and a score of 32 points in his first competition in the Kingdom to record third place, one behind the assiduous Chris Voller whose 33 points maintained his current consistency. The winner was none other than the gentle Japanese giant Kasuo Takimoto whose strength and accuracy was rewarded with a fine 34 points.
Taki also shared the 2’s pot with Paul McNally for their efforts on the fifteenth.
The Booby Bevy predictably went to Mark Underwood for returning a score that would have embarrassed his absent Dad, Ray, on a day when the tough certainly got going.

Frank picks up where he left off

PSC golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
The main story last week was Frank Kelly and his ‘Hole in One’. This week he carried on in the same vein with a win on Monday at Eastern Star, a second place on Saturday also at Eastern Star and a third place on Thursday at Phoenix.
Fergus Brennan carried off a win at Phoenix and a third at Eastern Star on Monday.
Monday, December 10, Eastern Star, Stableford
A Flight (0-17)
1st Frank Kelly (14) 42pts
2nd German Odermatt (12) 38pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (11) 36pts
4th Stuart Thompson (12) 35pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Don MacPherson (22) 38pts

Saturday’s flight winners: David McFeely, Ann Hiranya and Mashi Kaneta.
2nd Steven Gould (18) 34pts
3rd Jackie MacPherson (19) 34pts
4th Mod Chaviraksa (18) 30pts
2’s: Stuart Thompson, Danny Wheelan
Near Pins: Rob Herald, Frank Kelly, Danny Wheelan, John Pegrun
Play for the week started on Monday the 10th at Eastern Star off the white tees. We had two flights with Frank Kelly taking the A Flight and Don Macpherson the B Flight, both with 38-point returns.
Tuesday, December 11,Plutaluang,Stableford
A Flight (0-13)
1st Phil Knight (12) 38pts
2nd Ray Allison (13) 36pts
3rd Danny Wheelann (13) 35pts
B Flight (14-22)
1st Jim Cadigan (22) 36pts
2nd John Merritt (14) 35pts
3rd Tony Burnett (21) 29pts
C Flight (23 up)
1st Seamus Farrell (34) 28pts
2nd Alan Evans (25) 27pts
3rd Ann Hiranya (30) 27pts
Near Pins: Peter Seward, Stuart Rogers, Tim Jones, Dave Askew
2’s: Fergus Brennan
Tuesday was a game at Plutaluang on the N& W courses where we saw an A flight win for Phil Knight with 38 points over Ray Allison in second. B Flight honours went to Jim Cadigan after a level-par round 36 points, and the C Flight was claimed by Seamus Farrell with 28 points.
Thursday, December 13, Phoenix Ocean & Lakes, Stableford
A Flight (0-14)
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 39pts
2nd Brian Downey (14) 38pts
3rd Frank Kelly (12) 38pts
B flight (15-20)
1st Amphan North (15) 37pts
2nd David Mc Feely (17) 34pts
3rd Tony Geeland (19) 30pts
C Flight (21-up)
1st Alun Webber (22) 38pts
2nd Lars Strom (22) 38pts
3rd Jim Cadigan (22) 34pts
Near Pins: Pat Regan, Mick Harper, Lars Strom, Fergus Brennan
2’s: Four Way share
Thursday at Phoenix saw an A Flight win for Fergus Brennan by one point over Brian Downey; in form Amphan North took the B Flight with 37 points, and Alun Webber edged Lars Strom on count back for the C Flight honours.
Saturday, December 15,Eastern Star,Stableford
A Flight (0-14)
1st Mashi Kaneta (12) 34pts
2nd Frank Kelly (12) 33pts
3rd Phil Knight (12) 33pts
4th David Thomas (12) 33pts
B Flight (15-20)
1st David McFeely (17) 34pts
2nd Steve Gould (18) 33pts
3rd Eamon Murtagh (16) 32pts
C Flight (21-up)
1st Ann Hiranya (30) 38pts
2nd Andy Galvin (21) 35pts
3rd Jim Cadigan (22) 31pts
Near Pins: Frank Kelly, David Thomas, Harvey Samuel, Rodney Becket
2’s: Frank Kelly, Ann Hiranya, Andy Galvin, Thomas Johannson, Steve McGrath.
Mashi Kaneta took the A Flight win on Saturday at Eastern Star. He was followed home by Frank Kelly who won a 3-way count back over Phil Knight and David Thomas. David McFeely was victorious in the B Flight and Ann Hiranya won one for the ladies in the lower tiered C Flight.
Reminder: If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at7:45 am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

New faces on ‘the ladder’

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, December 10, Burapha, Stableford
Div A (0-17)
1st Bernie Segrave (12) 39pts
2nd Sugar Ray (17) 37pts
3rd Bob Philp (8) 35pts
4th Don Francis (13) 35pts
Div B (17+)
1st Dennis Persson (22) 40pts
2nd Joachim (28) 37pts
3rd Paul Crosland (18) 36pts
4th Frank O’Neill (18) 35pts
Usually on a Thai Holiday and for the sake of a few hundred baht, we all disappear to the cheaper courses, only to find five and six-ball groups enjoying their well earned day off. We end up thoroughly frustrated having had a slow round and played rubbish golf, vowing that we would never play our beloved game on a Thai Holiday again, but we do!
It cost us 400Baht more to remain at our regular Monday course and it was worth every baht, as they continue to treat us well. We played A & B and the course was in excellent condition.
There was only one ‘2’ today, coming from Suzi Lawten who later rang the bell back at the bar to the delight of all the golfers.
Wednesday, December 12, Greenwood, Stableford
1st Jack Spencer (7) 37pts
2nd Tom Breslin (21) 35pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (20) 33pts
4th Alan Bishop (16) 32pts
5th Steve Moreton (4) 32pts
6th Sugar Ray (17) 32pts
Last months ladder winners are nowhere to be seen at the top of December’s ladder, as Barry Chadbourn (33pts today) and Dennis Persson (32pts) continue to set the pace together with Don Francis, who did not play today.
The only move came from Jack Spencer, scoring 37pts to take the honours for the day, and move out of the bottom three. Sugar Ray did not improve, only managing a mediocre 32pts.
Only one division today and there were no 2’s.
Friday, December 14, Pattaya Country Club, Stableford
Div A (0–13)
1st Jack Spencer (7) 39pts
2nd Don Francis (13) 37pts
3rd Bob Philp (8) 36pts
Div B (14-20)
1st David Wilkinson (14) 38pts
2nd Harry Cowling (19) 37pts
3rd Gary Strickleton (18) 36pts
Div C (21+)
1st Tom Breslin (22) 41pts
2nd Patrick Browne (27) 36pts
3rd Geoff Doody (22) 33pts
2’s: Bob Philp, Frank O’Neill, Chris Barnes, Jack Spencer and Bob Martin
To be quite candidly honest, I’ve gotta tell you there was a bit of a pile up on the first tee as 9 groups of Outbackers confronted 7 groups of Finns. Bob Philp was besieged with the questions, “When am I off?” and “What group am I in?” They got his usual reply, “At the moment you’re in the 1st group and you’re in the 3rd group, but it could change at any time.”
He does a marvellous juggling job with some thirty players or more at every venue, and how does he do that with only nine fingers? Keep it up Bob!
The course was still rock hard and the greens had a little more grass on them but that did not prevent the likes of Tom Breslin, Jack Spencer, David Wilkinson and five other players; playing to, or bettering their handicap.
The day also produced five 2’s, which was a rollover pot.
Two different handicaps this week Tom, what’s going on? Not that it would have made any difference to the overall results on either day.
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]
Reminder: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474. More information can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.

Newcomer storms home with net 65

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, December 10, Emerald, Medal
Monday and the venue was the Emerald golf course, playing a Medal round with the cut at handicap 14 and under.
Eddy Graham won the A Flight with a level par net 72, one shot better off than Geoff Parker net 73 and Tony Robins, November’s golfer of the month, coming in third with a net 75.
The B Flight was won by Bryan Rought, beating Brian Maddox on a count back after both came in with one-under par net 71’s. Jack Robertson came third with a net 72.
Near pin prizes were won by Bryan Rought, Alan Freeman, Tony Robins and Gary Austin.
Wednesday, December 12, Treasure Hill, Stableford
Playing Treasure Hill on Wednesday, Peter Habgood was the surprise victor in the A Flight, winning with 33 points ahead of Mashi Kaneta 32 points and John Graham taking third after beating Gerry Cooney on a count back with 31 points.
First prize in the B Flight went to Jim Payne with 39 points, the best score of the day. Second place went to Fred Griffin with 37 points and Jack Robertson was third with 33 points.
Near pins went to Neil Griffin, his namesake Fred Griffin, Geoff Hart and newcomer Jack Jenkins took the last one.
Friday, December 14, Phoenix, Medal
Friday was a Medal competition at Phoenix and we saw the return to form of Paul Smith who won the A Flight with a fine three-under par net 69 (72 gross). Gary Austin beat William Macey into second place on a count back after both finished with one-under par net 71’s.
The B Flight was won by newcomer James Rawles with the best score of the day, a seven-under par net 65, beating a very disappointed John Hughes who had high hopes when he came into the clubhouse with a four-under par net 68. Brian Maddox took third place with a one-under par net 71.
Paul Smith rounded off a fine day by winning two of the near pin prizes, the other two going to John Harvey and PJ Redmond.

Three to one wins the order of the day

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

Barry Hooper
This week all the matches produced three to one score lines.
House of the Golden Coin maintained their first spot for a further week by adding three more points from the win over SaBai Friday. Mio for the Coin scored a 521 series and Sabai were only able to put out two players and carried a blind score. They dropped to sixth in the league.

200 Bowlers: Barry, Rich M, Max, Konrad & Tue.

Jack & Tar have now moved into second place after their third week of three points, this time over Diamond Shop. Barry for J & T scored a 210 game and high series, however Bill for Diamond was off form (for him) and could only produce a 177 high game. Diamond Shop have now dropped to fourth spot.
VFW Post 9876 are now back in third after they went down to a three to one defeat against Café Ole who had Rich M at the top of his game with a 233 high game and 635 series. This result moved them up to ninth. Only Max for VFW produced a 201 and saved them one point in the second game.
Balls Galore had a three to one win over Canada and moved up one place to fifth. La for BG produced a 557 series and a high game of 195 to help their cause. Canada’s top player was Ooy with a 525 series and 190 high game.
Montana had a fine three to win over Beaver Bar & Grill moving them to seventh. Beaver BG had to carry a blind score for Wade, which did not help their cause and they are now in eighth spot.
Brother D moved up to tenth, helped by their three to one win over Café Kronberg. Konrad for Brother D had a 221 high game and 537 series. They only lost out in the second game by four pins. Kran had the high game of 170 for the Kronberg but they have now dropped down three places to eleventh.