SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

21st Phuket King’s Cup Regatta a huge success: Raimon Land pledges support through 2012

‘Fast Eddie’ beats the camera guy

Heat is on in battle for monthly award

40 win’s the day!

Hodges in hot form

Theobald & Pearce find the right formula

Peter & Takeshi take Gold

A profitable week for Leach and son

Joel ‘floors’ Perry with last gasp win

Dragons make fitting winners of 2007 Jaidee Classic

The Beautiful Game?

Chonburi disabled athletes re-take gold medal title

‘Millionaire’s golf’ at Treasure Hill

The Square Ring

Full house for Caddyshack scramble

Last ditch battle for ‘Golfer of the Month’

Birdies, Bears and Dazzlers shine at Eastern Star

Joel tastes a little Christmas Fayre

Caf้ Kronborg moves up to second

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

21st Phuket King’s Cup Regatta a huge success: Raimon Land pledges support through 2012

by Peter Cummins, Pattaya

Raimon Land, undoubtedly the most consistent and generous sponsor of yacht racing in the Kingdom, looks forward to more of the same in 2008. In fact, during a press conference recently at one of their newest development projects, “The River”, Nigel Cornick, CEO, Raimon Land, announced a continuation of sponsorship of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, through 2012.

Other great yachting events, spread around the Kingdom’s splendid coastlines, beaches and waterways are again being backed by Raimon Land during 2008. These include The Pang Nga Bay Regatta, the PC Classic, the Top of the Gulf Regatta, the Koh Samui event, the Evason Resort, Regatta Week and the Varuna Cup, just to mention the principal recipients of Raimon Land generosity.

Furthermore, the company also sponsors such other sporting highlights as various rugby competitions and Australian Rules football fests.

But, specifically aiming at yacht racing, which appropriately and aptly reflects the firm’s philosophy - “developing a better environment” – CEO Nigel pointed out: “Aside from the brand awareness, friendships and fun generated from our sponsorship of regattas, it is very satisfying to receive the additional benefits that the boating industry’s highly evolved standards can bring to our construction quality and developments”.

One scan of the broad reach of Raimon Land’s real estate ventures, emphasizes that the great majority of the company’s 12 projects are on, at or near the water. (The Lakes, Kata Gardens, Northshore, the Heights, The River, Northpoint, the Lofts Southshore and Amalfi, to mention most of the riveraine developments).

No wonder then that the Varuna Cup and the more recently held 21st Phuket King’s Cup Regatta dedicated to HM the King’s 80th birthday, have been so highly acclaimed in the world’s press and media.

Certainly, one of the most exciting events during 2007, was the Raimon Land Varuna Cup, raced in very strong north-easterlies, “more than 20-knots and all the waves in the world”, according to brilliant, diminutive Thai lady sailor Pookie Makinson (and crewmate Stefaan de Vos). Although considerably smaller (physically, that is!) they brought their Hobie Tiger in to second place, just behind the powerful Canadian/NZ team of Richard Eyre and Dave Littlejohn.

The year closed out with the highly successful Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, which featured a record fleet of 103 craft divided into 12 classes, which kept the international race management and the huge press corps extremely busy.

The overall winner was Hong Kong’s dedicated, supportive and most personable sailor, Frank Pong. Frank has lent his most generous assistance to the development of the burgeoning marine industry in China and is coaching the Chinese officials and sailors for another America’s Cup challenge and, of course, the management of the yachting personnel and competitors in the yachting section at the forthcoming Olympiad.

Elsewhere, at the King’s Cup, there was a fairly even divide-up of the winners. Great Britain topped the list with four classes, Australia, three, USA and Germany, two, Japan, one.

The highly-successful 21st Phuket King’s Cup, with more than 1,500 sailors coming from all parts of the globe, was officially closed at the Regatta ‘home’ after HM the King’s birthday, with the traditional splendid Royal Awards Ceremony, presided over by HM the King’s personal representative, Rear Admiral M.L. Usni Pramoj, held at the Kata Beach Resort.

This Regatta, recipient of the Christofle Awards in the last two years for an event of sporting excellence, features many participants who return year after year. For example, Henry Kaye, winner this year of the Firefly Class, was co-winner of the Second Regatta – the Keelboat Division – way back in 1988.

The same goes for the King’s personal representative, M.L. Usni, who has officiated over the Royal Awards Ceremony on 19 occasions out of the 21 - from the inaugural event in 1987 and then continuously from 1990 until this year.

The week had been outstanding which, according to Radab Kanjanavit, a perennial ‘Regatarian’ competing in the Multihull 1 Class, “had been like the earlier renditions, when there were good winds, clear skies and close, exciting racing.”

This was clearly reflected by President of the Organizing Committee, Santi Kanchanapundhu who added that, “not only was the competition brilliant, but also, thanks to a record level of sponsorship, the social ambience and parties were unsurpassed in the two decades of the regatta.”

It was probably the Governor of Phuket, H.E. Niran Kalayanamit, who best summed up this year’s spectacular, in his address to the packed crowd at the Royal Awards Ceremony: “As Governor of the Province of Phuket, I was most proud of the spectacular nautical tribute to His Majesty the King last Wednesday, to honour our Monarch’s 80th birthday. It was one of the most colourful sights ever to be seen off the Phuket coast, as more than one hundred of the regatta yachts sailed past the Royal Thai Navy vessel, to salute the Thai King, a Gold Medal sailor himself and the Royal Patron of this marvelous event.

Like any sporting event, there has been “wear and tear” on the craft, the crews and, particularly, the race management but, through the dedication of our own Royal Thai Navy personnel and the diligence of the race committee, safety and personal security won the day,” the Governor added.

“It has been yet another great week for our beautiful ‘Jewel of the Andaman Sea’, the attractions and appeal of which are reaching the far corners of the world, principally through the great media and press coverage of our Phuket Race Week,” Governor Niran concluded.

And now, sailors all over the Kingdom, welcome the New Year and look forward to further Raimon Land support. As one Royal Varuna Hobie Cat sailor remarked, noting that Varuna will host the Asian Hobie Cat Championships early in the New Year, “I wish you a very Hobie New Year, 2008.”

The mono-hulls jostle for position at the King’s Cup Regatta. (Photo: Alberto Cassio)

Octopussy leading the pack on day 2 of the Phuket King’s Cup 2007. (Photo: Guy Nowell)

The King’s Cup Regatta fleet conducts a sail past of a Thai Navy warship in honour of HM the King’s 80th birthday. (Photo: Alberto Cassio)

Property developer Raimon Land is one of the principal sponsors of yacht racing in the Kingdom. (Photo: Alberto Cassio)

Are we having fun yet? Yes! Phuket King’s Cup 2007 (Photo: Guy Nowell)


‘Fast Eddie’ beats the camera guy

PSC golf from

Herbert Ishinaga

It was the last Tuesday of the year for the Three Sisters golf group. The weather was perfect as the wind was minimal and the temperature down. It was one of the best days that we have had this past year.

It suited “Fast Eddie” Kristianson as he flew past the rest of the players with an excellent score of 40 points. His drives were going pretty good and he made a couple of chips that even Tiger would have taken. I’m sure that he will not see that again for a long time but it looked good on his scorecard today.

A surprise in second was our photographer, Paul Donahue. Paul was as surprised as everyone else when he came in with 30 points to win second place. It wasn’t fair as he was the only one of the group not drinking the night before. It didn’t affect Eddie because he normally has a beer for breakfast so that didn’t count.

For the few that showed up, it was a good day with a few laughs. Hope to see you all next week.

“Fast Eddie” Kristianson and Paul Donahue at the Caddyshack 2.


Heat is on in battle for monthly award

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, December 24, Bangpra, Medal

The Christmas Eve game took the Bunker Boys to Bangpra for a medal competition.

The cut was set at handicap 13 and William Macey put himself firmly in the driving seat for the golfer of the month title; William won the A Flight with a one-under par net 71. Second place went to Paul Smith with net 75 and Roger Privett took third spot with a net 76.

P.J.Redmond put in a fine round to win the B Flight with a two-under par net 70, the best score of the day. Dave Keats took second place with a net 75 and third place went to Geoff Hart with net 76, beating Brian Maddox on a count back.

Near pin prizes were shared between Graham Jamieson, John Hughes, Terry Gill and William Macey.

Wednesday, December 26, Khao Kheow, Stableford

After the Christmas festivities the Boxing Day stableford game was played at Khao Kheow where we saw Jack Robertson come into contention for the golfer of the month award, winning the single flight with a magnificent 42 points.

Nearest to Jack was Jerry Kurtz four points back on 38, William Macey kept up the pressure with 37 points to take third place and Gerry Cooney lost out on fourth place to Richard Baldotto on a count back, both scoring 33 points,

Friday, December 28, Mountain Shadow

Friday’s medal game was at Mountain Shadow and William Macey must have thought he’d sewn up the golfer of the month trophy by winning the A Flight with a net 75, but Jack Robertson moved closer to him by winning the B Flight with a superb four-under par net 68, which means all will be decided on Monday’s game at Greenwood!

Second place in the A Flight went to Tony Scambler on net 76, beating Mashi Kaneta on a count back. In second place in the B Flight was PJ Redmond who also won on a count back, beating Alan Sullivan after both carded net 78’s.

Near pins were spread around between Jack Jenkins, Alan Sullivan, Bernie Stevens and Paul Smith.


40 win’s the day!

Nigel Canon

A Flight
1
st Rick Evans (7) 40pts
2
nd John Kirkwood (16) 38pts
3
rd ‘Apple’ Jitchana (11) 37pts
4
th Bill Thomson (12) 37pts

B Flight
1
st Eirik Knudslin (28) 40pts
2
nd Geoff Moodie (27) 36pts
3
rd John Cogan (21) 35pts
4
th Larry Willett (19) 33pts

Near Pins: Rick Evans, Doug Lynch

The last Friday of the year saw 34 early-bird golfers converge at 07:30 to the ever-improving Emerald Golf course to be met by the ever-smiling Dennis Willett, who was there with pen and sheet of cardboard to allocate slots and make-up the four balls.

It was good to see Herbie Ishinaga back on the course following his enforced ‘rest’! And also to welcome last week’s PSC winner Doug Lynch to his first outing with the Beaver Bar.

So on to the course we went at our appointed time, which looked green and played well - there were few delays and no ‘intruders’ on the 10th.

Back at the Beaver Bar it was time for food and drink and talk about what ‘may have been’ before the announcements of the results.

NB: We meet at The Emerald every Friday from 07:30 (arrive no later than 08:00). No need to book in advance just turn up - see Dennis - and you are on your way to a friendly and fun day. See you there!


Hodges in hot form

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan

Monday, December 24, Green Valley, Stableford

A Flight
1st Jim Walton (23) 33pts
2nd Neil Duncan (14) 31pts
3
rd Bob Drumm (10) 31pts

B Flight
1
st Keith Hodges (25) 37pts
2
nd Ian Campbell (25) 33pts
3
rd Yves Philibert (25) 33pts

Nineteen golfers as guests of Yves Philibert took on the always-good Green Valley. We can only hope that the Green Valley’s new hotel complex doesn’t do for Green Valley that Great Lakes’ hotel thingy did for Great Lakes.

We understand that the man with the black and white, vinyl Century 2000 kit bag has been taking personal swing lessons from P J Pool Bar’s resident wonder coach and this may be why he continues to take the rest of us to the cleaners on a weekly basis.

Near pins were won by Dennis Gardner (2), Bob Drumm (9), Dennis Jaycock (12) and Neil Duncan (15).

The longest 1st putt on the 18th green was put away by Willie Nachbur whilst the average score on the day was 29 points.

Thursday, December 27, The Emerald, Monthly Medal

A Flight (14 & under)
1
st David Gardner (7) net 71
2
nd Jeff Wylie (6) net 72
3
rd Neil Duncan (14) net 75

B Flight (15-24)
1
st Joel Flor (21) net 70
2
nd Willie Nachbur (24) net 72
3
rd Trevor Thorley (18) net 75

C Flight (25 & up)
1
st Geoff Moodie (27) net 65
2
nd Paul Smylie (27) net 74
3
rd Mick Healey (31) net 78

Twenty-eight players, four more than our usual maximum number, took on the group’s monthly stroke play competition, mostly trembling with fear in the knowledge of what a bad hole (or two) will do to a stroke play score card. The Emerald was in tip-top condition.

Near pins for Jeff Wylie on 5 & 13, Willie Nachbur 7 and Paul Sabian 14, and the longest 1st putt on the 18th green was taken by Phil Robinson. Jim Fortune scored the Paradise Bar golf shirt whilst a good number of our holidaymaking participants later pondered their scorings in the Paradise Bar.

NB: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the group’s format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 0895110575.


Theobald & Pearce find the right formula

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column

Monday, December 24, Burapha, Stableford

Div A (0-10)
1
st Rick Evans (9) 38pts
2
nd Des Scott (10) 36pts c/b
3
rd Jack Moseley (10) 36pts

Div B (11-17)
1
st Bob Van Mol (13) 37pts
2
nd Chris Barnes (13) 37pts
3
rd Carl Luke (13) 36pts

Div C (18+)
1
st Frank O’Neill (18) 38pts
2
nd Ray Luttman (36) 37pts c/b
3
rd John Lawton (19) 37pts

Another wonderful day at the Burapha office, playing courses A & B off the blue tees. The course must be playing easy or the Outbackers are getting in form for next year’s MBMG Pattaya Golf Matchplay League, as the top three players from all three divisions, shot their handicap or better. Watch out Clive and Bob, we’ll be looking for a big win.

Nine groups today, welcome back to Brian Jacks, John Lawton, Dave Boran & Bob Van Mol amongst others, and nice to see Chris Barnes in the winners enclosure.

There were four 2’s today, coming from Mike Waltschek, Rick Evans, and two from Roger Kidd.

Wednesday, December 26, Pattaya Country Club, Pairs Stableford Multiplier

1st Fred Theobald & Bob Pearce 91pts
2
nd Bob Van Mol & Frank O’Neill 89pts
3
rd Gordon Everingham & Kevin Fitzgerald 85pts

‘O’ Level mathematics was needed today, trying to work out the score on each hole for this Boxing Day Buffoonery. It was a Pairs Rainbow multiplier with the pairings drawn randomly. There were a couple of Jokers available as well, worth double points and each player had to choose a Par hole, which was worth nothing if the player couldn’t score a gross par or better.

Apart from the main competition, there were many special prizes given away, including 2 bottles of wine for the pair with most points on one hole: that was 36 points, Gordon Everingham & Kevin Fitzgerald both playing their Joker on the same hole.

The remarkable thing was that there was only one ‘2’, and it didn’t come on a par-3; it was scored by Gordon after he drove the green from the red tee on the short par-4 sixth.

Friday, December 28, Plutaluang, Stableford

Div A (0–15)
1
st Ken Little (14) 35pts c/b
2
nd Bob Philp (8) 35pts c/b
3
rd Mike Waltschek (8) 35pts
4
th Dave Smith (11) 34pts c/b

Div B (16+)
1
st Brendon Dougal (20) 37pts
2
nd Dave Lunt (36) 31pts c/b
3
rd Sugar Ray (16) 31pts c/b

Haphazard over-watering of the first two holes of the North course spoiled this tricky layout. On a very busy day, it was soon apparent that it was going to be a long round, 5 balls all over the place plus the usual extra ones that manage to jump in at the turn.

The Outbackers were provided with some light relief by the monkeys on the par-5 fourth, as they tackled the slow grainy greens, struggling to get the ball to the hole. The scores were close in both divisions with only Dougie playing better than handicap with a phenomenal back 9 of 24pts.

It was hard work out there; I never did like the office on a Friday!

There were two 2’s today, coming from Bob Philp & Geoff Doody who later between them rang the bell back at the ranch. Thanks from all your fellow golfers.

That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]

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.

NOTE: The Bus Trip is back in January 2008, Ban Pakong on Wednesday 30th.


Peter & Takeshi take Gold

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, December 24, Khao Kheow, Pairs Scramble

1st Russell Exley & Bubbles Davies 49pts
2
nd Barry Winton & Orathai Winton 49pts
3
rd Paul Hartley & David Pattison 49pts
4
th Alan Pilkington & Alan Griffiths 48pts
5
th Barry Traynor & Tony Barritt 48pts
6
th Martin Grimoldby & Norman Isherwood 46pts
7
th John Teague & Rod Howett 46pts
8
th Stuart Thompson & Alex Sala 46pts

With seemingly a cast of thousands turning up for the Christmas Eve Scramble competition, where a 40% combined handicap and 7 tee shots to be taken by each player ensured that almost every team was in with a chance, the prize giving was a marathon. But the format was considered a great success again, with nearly 80% of the field within 4 shots of the winning score and all able to recount in the bar later, how they could have been the winners.

In the final count back Russell Exley and Bubbles Davies renewed their partnership to record the second win in succession, with neither able to claim the lion’s share of the results but both quoting the other as the shortest driver and the worst iron player and putter by virtue of them being the better.

Barry Winton and his wife Orathai were unlucky to finish second after the very close count back that went (appropriately enough) to the back six, only to lose by a shot. Barry, always the gentleman in putting the ladies in front, gallantly acceded, “that without Orathai he would have struggled to make it anywhere near the podium.”

Paul Hartley and his fellow pie runner David Pattison, were another team at the very front to be denied by the count back as they slumped a little following a tremendous 26 out, but they were both happy to be in the final shake up after several recent jet lagged performances.

Alan Pilkington and Alan Griffiths were one of the practice squad pairings preparing for the OK Scramble, to be held later in the week, and did well enough to promise that with the rest of the team in good form they would certainly be among the challengers come Friday. Their fourth place was due to the better count back that saw the retirees team of Barry Traynor and Tony Barritt pushed back to fifth from the heady position as pre-start favourites as they could only muster 22 points on the back after a scorching 26 on the front nine.

The minor Placings’ were headed by Martin Grimoldby and Norman Isherwood who finished strongly to consign John Teague and Rod Howett into seventh spot just in front of Stuart Thompson and Alex Sala.

Wednesday, December 26, Phoenix - Blue Tees, Monthly Medal & Gold and Silver Finals

Division 1
Gold Medal Takeshi Hakozaki
Silver Medal Barry Traynor
Division 2
Gold Medal Peter Aitcheson
Silver Medal Russell Exley
Monthly Medal
Division 1
1st John Chambers net 75
2
nd Tony Barritt net 76
3
rd Al Keith net 77
Division 2
1
st Peter Aitcheson net 76
2
nd Bubbles Davies net 82
3
rd Alan Griffiths net 82

In the first division final, Takeshi Hakozaki won his first Gold medal out of The Haven with a stalwart round against some of the old hands, notably Barry Traynor in second place, claiming appropriately the Silver Medal, and Norman Isherwood, who both chased him all the way to the last hole but couldn’t break back the early lead that he set up over the first four holes.

Leading the second division contenders Peter Aitcheson, kept his head after a poor start that saw him dropping five shots in the first three holes until he steadied his round and played just under his handicap to claim his first Gold Medal, but with Russell being particularly rocky on the day, he strolled into first place with hardly a care in the world.

Russell, having qualified as a second division contender, was fortunate in the end that he did not have to play with the big boys on the day and just managed to keep the rest of the second division hopefuls at bay to take his second Silver Medal in successive years.

The monthly Medals off the blue tees are never an easy proposition, but on this day the wind got up a bit to make it even more testing, especially so for the not so long hitters in the second division who spent most of the day with a wood in their hands no matter whatever the hole or shot. This, added to the previous day’s celebrations, contrived to make the day a little longer than most would have hoped.

In the first Division John Chambers took his first win out of Soi 13, with an extremely efficient round which transpired to be one over the CSS for the day, this was at the expense of the ever-improving Tony Barritt whose round contained only one three-putt and that was good enough to keep Al Keith back in third another shot back

Peter Aitcheson swept the second division medal contenders aside with the round described above, leaving Bubbles Davies to take second place on count back from Alan Griffiths.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Takeshi Hakozaki had the only one in the first to sweep the pot.


A profitable week for Leach and son

Sunday, December 23, Green Valley, Stableford

A Flight
1
st Andy Leach (6) 39pts
2
nd Mark Wood (6) 39pts
3
rd Jack Grinvold (6) 38pts

B Flight
1
st Bob Lindburg (17) 39pts
2
nd Paul Young (13) 38pts
3
rd Raspie Matsie (17) 36pts

C Flight
1
st Bruce McAdam (20) 37pts
2
nd Peter Ring (22) 37pts
3
rd Dan Leach (21) 36pts

Andy Leach has always been one of the more accomplished golfers in the society. It now looks like young Dan is likely to follow in Dad’s footsteps after a very successful Christmas for the father and son pairing.

Reports from those in the know who played with Dan this week reckon he’s likely to join Dad in single figures in the not too distant future. Seems he just needs to fill out a bit and learn all about course management. Meantime look out for some impressive scoring as the handicappers attempt to keep up with his progress.

Andy and Dan Leach teamed up with the pride of Aberdeen and Wacko Jacko in what proved to be a high quality 4-ball. Andy’s 39 was enough to take the honors on count back from Mark Wood with Jacko taking third, just one behind.

Dan’s 36 earned him third in C flight where last week’s headline guy Bruce McAdam continued his fine recent form with a 37 point win.

Peter Ring might be giving away an incredible 60 to Young Dan, but that didn’t stop him beating him to second off a broadly similar handicap. Great stuff Peter!

The guru of Green Valley secured yet another B flight victory as his 39 points kept him one ahead of Paul Young and three in front of Raspie Matsie in third.

Monday, December 24, Greenwood,
Stableford

A Flight
1
st Tom Marshall (8) 41pts
2
nd Peter Hynard (12) 39pts
3
rd Dan Leach (21) 38pts
2
nd Ben Nelson (17) 37pts

Greenwood proved to be a lovely place to spend Christmas Eve on what turned out to be an unusually hot day for this time of year.

Not hot enough to hinder Tom Marshall though, a first time visitor from the US. Tom blazed his way round the B and C courses to rack up 41 points take the top spot. Peter Hynard was steady for his 39 in second while Dan Leach continued where he left off Sunday with 38 points for third place. Ben Nelson’s 37 gave him for fourth.

Wednesday, December 26, Khao Kheow, Stableford

A Flight
1st Jeff Bueler (10) 40pts
2
nd Andy Leach (6) 36pts
3
rd Brian Lee (15) 35pts

B Flight
1
st Larry Nicolas (20) 35pts
2
nd Linda Lee (24) 34pts
3
rd Dan Leach (21) 34pts

The Leach family rounded off their merry Christmas on a Boxing Day trip to Khao Kheow. Leach senior was runner up in the senior flight whilst Leach junior took bronze in the ‘junior’ division.

Top man on the day however was undoubtedly Jeff Bueler with a very impressive 40 points on what is always a difficult track. Brian Lee grabbed third place in A flight, while Larry returned to form to take the honours in B flight where he had one shot in hand over runner up Linda Lee.


Joel ‘floors’ Perry with last gasp win

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook

Tuesday, December 25, Khao Kheow, Stableford

The question was, “Play golf on Xmas Day?” and the answer was, “Why Not!” Another poser was how many would want to miss their Xmas dinner? And the answer was nearly everyone. After all most of the players are ‘goldie oldies’ and have done their duty over the last 50/60 years and can now put away the Father Xmas suit.

So off we went to the tough test at Khao Kheow, not known as an easy course and on this day with a wind blowing it would not be any easier. We also had to decide the outcome of the ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’ award, and this was still up in the air, with the favourite Perry McNeely only needing a second place to win.

The day was tough, and as is usual here the course would win with only two of the players beating their handicap, and the rest not coming close. One thing to notice on the course was that the bunkers had new soft sand in, and as is usual many balls had ‘fried egg’ lies. Seems the hole in the beach is getting deeper.

In the A Flight (0-13) the winner was Hans Collet with 37 points with Paul Sharples in second with 32 points and Steve Hamstad in third with 30 points. In the B Flight the winner was Joel Flor with 39 points ahead of Jack Robertson with 33 points in second and in third was Bill Knight with 30 points on count back over Colin Cronin.

So to the ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’, and with his win on the day Joel Flor slipped into first. T.T.F.N

Near Pin: Colin Cronin (2), Mike Gosden, Hans Collet

Long Putt: Derek Brook, Anders Pederson

Derek Brook (left) presents the December ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’ award to Joel Flor.


Dragons make fitting winners of 2007 Jaidee Classic

Steve Butcher

The 4th annual Jaidee Classic, in aid of children born with Aid’s at the Camillian Social Center, Rayong, took place on Tuesday December 18 at several venues around town.

A total of 32 worthy contestants arrived at the Free Drop Bar, Pratumnak, Soi 4, ready to do battle in this triple-event competition with a difference!

The accent was on a light hearted day of taking part, whilst contributing to the much needed funds of the Camillian Center, although it can be hard to retain ones competitive nature, which was evident throughout the day in most teams.

The first event, golf, took place at the Asia Pattaya Hotel 9-hole par-3 course, and although short it still proved difficult for many of the first time golfers and old hands alike.

A tight finish was always on the cards but no one expected a tie for first place between the Barracuda Bar and the CSC’s very own team the Camillian Dragons, which included an extremely brave young lady whose handicap was the fact that she was blind! A count back then followed which gave the honors to the Camillian Dragons.

Technical prizes were also up for grabs and these included a nearest the pin won by Kevin Smith, a longest putt won by Tiger (could well be a false name but his playing ability somewhat resembled the namesake) and the much sought after, nearest the barrel, donated by the Sportsman’s Bar and won by Phil Lewis of the Barracuda Bar.

Next it was off to the new Shenanigans Irish Bar at the Avenue shopping mall for lunch and ample refreshments before the ten pin bowling event.

Again this was a tightly fought contest with yet another tie for first place between the Old Biddy’s and Aunties team. As each team member had played two games and selected their best score, it was decided to resolve this by counting both scores, culminating in Aunties team winning by a narrow margin of 3 points.

The last event, 8-ball pool, saw the Old Biddy’s narrowly beat the Last Chance Saloon in the finals. Had the Old Biddy’s not come last in the golf it could have been their day ... but that was not to be.

The 2007 Jaidee Classic overall winners by yet another small margin, as you can see from the results, were the Camillian Dragons - a very fitting result to great day.

The night was not over yet though, as our Master of Ceremonies Kevin Fisher was quick to point out; still to come was the raffle and the auction with some real bargains to be had under the hammer of our Auctioneer John Collingbourne.

An incredible 109,000 baht was raised during this tongue in cheek, often amusing auction with a further 14,600 baht worth of tickets sold in the raffle, all the prizes for which were donated items. The entrance fees came to 58,500 baht along with individual donations totaling 81,000 baht and 4,200 baht made it’s way into the collection box making the total money raised on the day to 267,300 baht. And this figure is still rising!

Thanks to the generosity of Simon at Shenanigans who provided both lunch and evening buffet free of charge, along with golf, bowling and trophy costs covered by others, every satang raised will go towards the welfare of the children of the Camillian Social Center, Rayong.

We would also like to thank our sponsors, Sportsman’s Bar, Barracuda Bar, Biddi Mulligans Bar, ScanSeis Consulting AS, Fly Thailand and Shenanigans, along with all the people that donated and those that took part in the event.

For more information check the official Jaidee Appeal Team at www.bahtbus.net

Steve wins the two pool table tenders!

The Old Biddy’s, Bill, Richard, Paul and Keith win the pool.

The Last Chance Saloon team: Chewy, Jim, Paul and Tom.

Aunties team, Oy, Pui, Joom and Nick were the top bowlers.

The stars of the day, the Camillian Dragons: Tiger, Russel, Aoy and Barry won the golf and were crowned overall 2007 Jaidee Classic winners.

The Sportsman’s team: Dez, Dave, James and Steve.

The Barracuda team: Richard, Tony, Colin and Phil.


The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Action continues with FA Cup Third Round

Riz Taylor

Unless you’re a football manager jugging a weary and injury-ravaged squad through match after relentless match, you can’t really complain about any lack of decent football to get your teeth into at the moment. After the Premier League football feast over the last fourteen days it’s onto the FA Cup third round this weekend.

What a fortnight we’ve just seen. Before Christmas I’d been influenced by the media into wondering whether the festive fixture pile-up was good for football, but as ever the succession of games on the telly brought home exactly what the game is about, and that’s us, the, err, paying fans.

Stuff the players and their tired legs, the Christmas and New Year schedule is a great time for your average barstool supporter. We’ve seen some cracking matches over the past week or two, and frankly given the huge amounts of cash that players and football people in general are taking from the game, they owe us the entertainment. Or at least that’s how I see it.

And what entertainment it was. Will this season throw up any matches over the coming five months that compare with Chelsea and Aston Villa’s 4-4 draw (and three red cards) on Boxing Day, or Tottenham’s 6-4 victory over Reading last weekend? Both were absolute thrillers, and the sloppy defending will no doubt be blamed on the gruelling Christmas schedule.

Good. Who cares about 0-0 bore draws? If I wanted perfect defending and scoreless draws I’d move to Italy, with a return to 70’s-style football hooliganism thrown into the bargain. British sides have never been particularly fantastic in the art of defence, with a few notable exceptions of course, and the flurry of goals over Christmas has proved that whilst the football may not be technically perfect – alright, it’s quite some way off technically perfect - it can be sensationally entertaining.

The Premier League rests this weekend, but that doesn’t mean the teams do. Instead it’s the FA Cup third round this weekend, always a favourite of mine in the football calendar. My own personal preference is to watch small sides have a crack at the big boys, but even though there are no genuine David versus Goliath fixtures this weekend there is still potential for some unsettling afternoons for a few of the more illustrious sides.

Congratulations to non-league Chasetown, firstly, who have been granted permission to hold their fixture with Cardiff City at their home ground, which of course you are already aware is called Scholars Park. There had initially been safety concerns over the match and local police had tried to move the match to a bigger stadium elsewhere, but the ‘British Gas Midland Division’ side will play at home with their capacity boosted to 2,000 after the erection of temporary seating.

Isn’t it reassuring to see a side attempting to play at their own ground for the biggest fixture in its history, rather than shifting the tie elsewhere in a grab for more money? Too many clubs drag their long-suffering regular supporters along with them to a different stadium on these occasions, also forcing the players to perform in an unfamiliar stadium. So before the game is even played, hats off to Chasetown. They might end up chasing shadows against Cardiff, but at least they’ve given themselves every chance they can.

The other non-league side in action are Cambridge United, who travel to Wolves. At the other end of the spectrum Manchester United face a tricky trip to an ever-improving Aston Villa. Ironically the Birmingham side might prefer to move the tie to Old Trafford. This has nothing to do with financial gains and more to do with form - Villa have only been beaten once in their last fifteen away fixtures.

Tottenham play Reading again, and the Royals will want revenge for last week’s 6-4 humiliation. Other decent-looking ties are Watford at home to Crystal Palace, Southampton against Leicester City, West Ham against Manchester City, West Brom at Charlton, Bolton at home to Sheffield United and a revival of the West London derby as QPR visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Sunderland and Wigan Athletic also might be a bit tasty, if you’re into that kind of kinky stuff.

More action on Sunday sees Bristol Rovers at Fulham, Arsenal away at Burnley, Stoke host Newcastle United and Liverpool travel to Luton Town. Derby County will fancy their chances of a place in round four as they host Sheffield Wednesday.

The newspapers would have you believe that the gulf in class between the divisions means that the big sides will be too strong for their less glamorous opposition, but surely we’re due an upset somewhere along the way, and let’s not forget that they’re all knackered. I’m plumping for Birmingham to come unstuck at Huddersfield Town, and Bristol City to get something from their tie against Middlesbrough. See you back here next week, I hope.

Ref pulls Red Card … then a Gun

A Malaysian referee took out his gun and fired warning shots in the air after a local soccer match turned unruly following the suspension of a player. The referee, who is also a policeman, ran to his patrol car to get his gun after players mobbed him for showing the red-card to one of them, Singapore’s New Straits Times said.

“We are investigating as to whether the policeman was justified in taking out his firearm and discharging it, and also why he had it with him during the match,” it quoted Hussin Ismail, police chief in the southern Johor state, as saying.

The policemen was taken into custody for suspected misuse of firearms.

Five players, aged between 23 and 40, were also being held for questioning and could be charged for rioting

European Draw

In case you missed this just before Christmas, here’s the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League: Celtic v Barcelona, Lyon v Manchester United, Schalke 04 v FC Porto, Liverpool v Internazionale, AS Roma v Real Madrid, Arsenal v AC Milan, Olympiakos v Chelsea, Fenerbah็e v Sevilla.

The eight first legs will be spread across February 19 and 20, with the second legs taking place on March 4 and 5, apart from Liverpool’s trip to Inter, which will be played on March 11.

In the UEFA Cup it’s Slavia Prague versus Spurs, Bolton face Atletico Madrid, Rangers versus Panathinaikos, Everton against SK of Norway and Aberdeen face German minnows Bayern Munich.

Motherwell captain O’Donnell dies

Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell has died after collapsing during his team’s match against Dundee United, club chairman Bill Dickie confirmed.

O’Donnell, who was 35, was taken off the pitch at Fir Park on a stretcher in the closing stages of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match. He was set to be replaced by substitute Marc Fitzpatrick in a match Motherwell won 5-3, but fell to the pitch as the change was taking place.

After been treated for around five minutes on the field, O’Donnell was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. O’Donnell’s nephew, David Clarkson, was also playing in the match, and was taken off after being alarmed by the incident.

O’Donnell, who won one Scotland cap, began his career with Motherwell and rejoined the club in 2004 following spells with Celtic, who he joined in a ฃ1.75million deal in 1994, and Sheffield Wednesday.


Chonburi disabled athletes re-take gold medal title

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

The Sports Association of Chonburi on December 19 held a celebration for those who had won medals during the 26th National Sports for the Disabled, held in Nakorn Srithamarat Province over the period October 20 to 24.

The Chonburi team of disabled athletes had turned in a brilliant performance and won more gold medals than any other grouping during the games, regaining their pole position from the Bangkok Sports Association, and making this the tenth year that Chonburi has taken the most gold medals.

Three organizations had played a key role in the Chonburi team’s performance, namely the Redemptorist School in Pattaya, the Chonburi School for the Deaf, and the Karunyawet Home for the Disabled.

Chonburi’s performance was impressive, the athletes receiving 87 gold medals, 73 silver medals, and 78 bronze medals, adding up to a total of 238 medals. The Bangkok Sports Association, the former champion team, was defeated by only one medal, and received 86 gold medals.

To celebrate the team’s success, the Sports Association of Chonburi held a presentation ceremony on December 19 at the Redemptorist School multi-purpose sports field. Chonburi Deputy Governor Chatpong Chatputi and Wittaya Khunplome, president of the Sports Association of Chonburi congratulated the athletes and presented plaques to coaches and sponsors. Money was awarded to the athletes who received medals.

The outstanding athletic achievement in this competition belonged to a 19-year-old girl named Miss Siriporn Prasertchart. Despite both of her arms being disabled, she was able to win nine medals in swimming and track and field events.

Wittaya said that much of the success had been due to the intense cooperation from every sector. The goal was set at 80 gold medals before the competition started, in order to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday. However, through the dedicated training of the athletes, there were even better achievements than had been anticipated.

Wittaya said that the training and dedication will continue, because Chonburi intends to be number one again in the 27th National Sports for the Disabled, which will be held in Pitsanulok Province in 2008.

Chatpong Chatputi (Deputy Governor of Chon Buri) presents a special achievement plaque to the outstanding athlete, Miss Siriporn Prasertchart .

The local disabled athletes turned in a superb performance and won more gold medals than any other team.

The team carries out a celebration parade at the Redemptorist School multi-purpose sports field.


‘Millionaire’s golf’ at Treasure Hill

Golf news from the Bowling Green

Gareth Weeks

Monday, December 24, Plutaluang, Stableford

Monday saw the Bowling Green playing a four-ball better ball format at Plutaluangs Navy. With 8 teams looking for honors, several new recruits in tow and the change in format, all were up for the challenge and very happy to being given the North & West nines for the test.

Following our round we all proceeded to the clubhouse restaurant where the winners were announced. Taking the day’s honors with a combined total of 42pts were Phil “Badger” Barnsley (12 H/c) and Mark Brenton (29 H/c); Phil scoring 38pts off his handicap can expect a new one for Christmas.

In second on count back with 41pts were Alan Griffiths and Des Sharkey, and in third, also with 41pts, was the pairing of Billy Bryne and Onn. Both these players new recruits to our group.

Near pins went to Gareth Weeks and Billy Bryne, whilst Alan Griffiths slotted the longest putt.

Wednesday, December 26, Treasure Hill, Stableford

Wednesday we decided to play an extra fixture at Treasure Hill. On our arrival we were very surprised to see the car park empty, and while checking-in informed there was only one other group with three players out on the course. Playing golf in these conditions, in and around the Pattaya area on an empty golf course is rare, and it was left to us to enjoy a round of millionaire’s golf.

With the course looking in the best condition many of us had ever seen it, and greens that were lightening quick, by far the quickest we had encountered in a long time, the day was one that will certainly be remembered.

With many players taking three or more strokes on the putting surface scoring was tough, but coming through with a strong finish, and winning the day with a very good score under these tricky conditions was “Pinky” Farrell with 39pts, in second was Frank Sharkey on 36pts and third was Mike O’Brien with 34pts

Yours truly (Gareth Weeks) claimed the only 2 Near Pins.

Friday, December 28, Pattaya Country Club, Stableford

Pattaya Country Club was the venue for Friday’s stableford competition. On our arrival we could see that the first tee had 10+ groups of golfers waiting to tee off. With the guarantee of a slow round ahead we set off and soon found that the reports on the courses condition not being too good weren’t to far off the mark, but saying this, it’s a big confidence booster to see your drives going 300+ yards down the hard running fairways and gives you some idea how Mr. Woods feels, “OK just a little.”

I myself had not played this course in 4 years or more, and I must say I enjoyed the change of venue along with several other members in our group.

Winning the day with 37pts was (yours truly) Gareth Weeks, in second was Mike O’Brien with 34pts and third was Alan Griffiths on 33pts.

Near pins went to Gareth Weeks and Mike O’Brien.


The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

We’re past the Christmas season but the Cancun Boxing Commission (Mexico) is the gift that keeps giving to The Square Ring: this time in the form of an open letter from the defeated Rudy Lopez to Naoki Matsuda.

One web site quotes Lopez: “In a contrite open letter published under the letterhead of the Cancun Boxing Commission, my boxing commission has suspended me for a while and I was also fined an amount of money.”

“Contrite” might be a bit kind Rudy, how about a ‘load of cow droppings’? Lets see, you attack a fighter from behind after the fight is over so get suspended for awhile and fined some money. Boo Hoo!

“I felt that the fight was mine,” continued Lopez. If that’s the case, besides the two Mexican judges he’s the only one that thought so. Other eyewitness accounts have Lopez getting his “butt kicked.”

One of my favorite TV shows, except for the final hour show that lost me after 10 minutes, is “The Extras” starring Ricky Gervais as an actor trying to find good parts to play. He finally gets a low-brow comedy gig on the BBC called “When the Whistle Blows.” For the part Gervais dons a stupid curly wig and large horn-rimmed glasses. The signature line in the show is always, “Are you having a laugh?”

With the help of Jeeves I’ve now donned the curly wig and have my once fashionable glasses in place.

Word is that the WBC heavyweight title match between champion Oleg Maskaev (34-5) and Samuel Peter (29-1) has been rescheduled to March 8 and that the fight will be held outdoors in Cancun, “we take care of our countrymen” flipping Mexico.

“Are you having a laugh?” One wonders how oblivious the sanctioning body has to be before someone yells enough in their protection of Maskaev. He won the title by beating Hasim Rahman in August of 2006 with a 12th round TKO. Thailand’s Anek Hongtongkam had it 106-103 for Rahman so that’s the way it was.

Next Maskaev got a payday against something called Peter Okhello (18-5) in ‘Mother Russia.’ Meantime poor old Sam Peter won two WBC title eliminator bouts and then the WBC interim title. During that time Maskaev was either hurt or getting ready to fight Vitali Klitschko (35-2) who retired in December 2004. Then he un-retired and under WBC rule 237.453, sub section 43, paragraph 17, line 84 it clearly stated that “any champion that retires and then wants to come back within 4 years may do so, becoming the mandatory challenger for anyone that the WBC deems necessary.”

Samual Peter better watch out. If Maskaev has applied for Mexican citizenship the “Nigerian Nightmare” will probably have to win three fights on the trot for a victory.

“Are you having a laugh?”

With the noise makers put back away for another year it’s time to get back to the business of boxing: and it is a business - of that there’s no dispute. What will occur in the next 12 months is anybody’s guess. Expect the unexpected, which should put you ahead of the game except that like gambling, you never get ahead of boxing.

One thing you won’t see this year is a rematch between Floyd Mayweather jr. and Ricky Hatton. One possibility for Hatton would be a fight against Oscar De La Hoya at Wembley Stadium sometime in the summer, but even that’s in the “really iffy” column. That indeed would be a “mega fight” with interest throughout the world.

The London Telegraph is reporting that Hatton will be defending his IBO title against “TBA,” which is always good for a laugh - and a payday. For the record “TBA” has yet to win a fight.

Next up for Hatton would be Pail Malignaggo for the IBF title in Madison Square Garden later in the year. That assumes that Malignaggo gets past Herman Ngoudjo this Sunday afternoon - which is not a sure thing.

Not on the radar screen for Hatton is Junior Whitter, the WBC light welter champ, who when asked about Hatton said, “He (Hatton) wants to reclaim the mantle as the best light-welterweight in the world and to do that he has to beat me.” Whitter’s a stealth opponent right now. His big mouth keeps him on the outside looking in.

Hatton, in a ‘holiday’ letter to his fans published in the Manchester Guardian, thanked them all for their support. Too bad he didn’t mention that they acted like “soccer hooligans” by booing the national anthem of the USA. One writer described them as, “people you would invite into your house who would then drink all your beer, spit on the rug and try to have sex with your dog.”

Amir “The Wonder Boy” Khan (15-0) has an opponent for his February 2 fight at the Excel Arena in London. He’ll face the light hitting (which means he couldn’t break an egg) Martin Kristiansen (19-1-3) who’s never fought outside his native Denmark. With only 5 KO’s from 19 wins he would appear to pose “no problemo” to Khan or any real fighter. The Dane is ranked number 2 by the WBO, which speaks volumes about the WBO.

After Khan destroyed Graham Earl in 72 seconds on December 2 there was some thought of a Khan - Jon Thaxton match.

“In the past Jon has always been saying that he’ll be the first to beat me, but I’ve heard nothing since I destroyed Earl, who’s a much better fighter than Thaxton,” commented Khan. “I said I’d retire Earl, and I’ll do the same to Thaxton,” he continued, “Jon’s a good fighter but he’s not in my league. Sadly I think there’s more chance of Thaxton turning up on the side of a pint of milk than getting in the ring with me.”

English humor is sometimes an oxymoron.

Aussie Danny Green is currently celebrating three big events in his life: He won the WBA lightweight title, he has a new son named Archie Malcolm Green, and his wife was in labor for 12 hours. The latter fact he’s celebrating because it wasn’t him!

Greens is “supposed” to fight a mandatory defense against Argentina’s Hugo Garay but that won’t happen. Word is there’s a rematch with WBA super-middleweight Anthony “The Jerk” Mundine in the works. Their first clash in May of 2006 had Mundine winning an easy UD getting 118’s from all three judges. Green got the loss along with point totals of 111, 112 and 113, which is not good. The fight did draw 30,000 to Aussie Stadium in Sydney though.

You might like to mark February 17 on your boxing calendar as there might be a couple of good bouts going on. One of the brightest stars in boxing Kelly Pavlik (32-0) gives Jermaine Taylor ((27-1-1) a chance at redemption with a rematch. Taylor was whining that he couldn’t make 160lbs so the Pavlik camp said, “No problem pal, we’ll fight at 166lbs.” Got to love it when a champ calls a loser’s bluff.

“166 lbs is probably going to be the first time in four years that we don’t have to go into the sauna and work the day before the weigh-in,” said a Pavlik spokesman. “Kelly’s in great spirits and we’re ready to go.”

Ever notice that it’s “we” with these spokespersons? Like the little boy bragging, “Me and Paw killed a bear.”

In their first meeting Pavlik was down early in the second round but somehow weathered the storm. One theory is that Taylor punched himself out, but those that saw the fight know his problem was that he had no answer for the Palvik’s right hand.

There is the theory out there in space that Taylor lost some air when he couldn’t put a wobbly Pavlik away. Taylor’s problem is that he likes to back up and fight off the ropes. Pavlik likes to come forward, tossing punches from all angles. Last time Palvik caught Taylor on the ropes and it was “fight over.” The “official scoring” had Pavlik trailing badly before the 7th round KO. This one will be a barnburner.

The same day former heavyweight champ, Nikolai Valuev (47-1), gets an “official title eliminator” against Sergei Liakhovich (23-2) for the right to fight WBA champ Ruslam Chagaev. Valuev held the belt before losing a majority decision to Chagaev last April. One judge, South Africa’s Stanley Christodoulus who had it 114-114, was probably being kind as the other two had Chagaev an easy winner.

After the loss the seven-foot Valuev fired his longtime trainer who has changed his style. “We’ve worked to change Nikolai’s style completely, with faster, harder and more punches than before.” Wonder why no one thought of that before?

Liakhovich hasn’t seen any ring action since November of 2006 when he was well ahead of Shannon Briggs before he got KO’d in the final stanza.

And finally here’s Jeeves

“Your Lordship, for Thailand’s boxers the year ended the way it started. On Christmas Eve in Japan, Thailand’s Petchek Sithkornpolkanpim got KO’d in 8 rounds by Junichi Yamaguchi (7-2). Just for the record Sithkornpolkanpim is 0-9, being KO’d 8 times, which might indicate a change of professions may be in order.

“Any New Year’s resolutions Your Lordship?”

Yes Jeeves - in the coming year I am going to be more positive while not picking on boxing judges and referees. I will admit that they know more about boxing than I do.

Furthermore I will quote accurately all comments from boxers, their managers and promoters leading up to a fight without any snide comments.

I will recognize that Lennox Lewis was probably the greatest heavyweight champion of all time and will fight to throw rose petals in his path should we ever meet up.

I will take everything that Promoter Bob Arum says as the gospel while hanging on to every word uttered by Don King.

I will concede that HBO’s Jim Lamply, along with Max Kellerman, are the best in the broadcasting business.

I also resolve to continue to share a pint of lager, a cigar and some recorded music with you my dear Jeeves after every column. And as we’ve reached that point once more Jeeves, please bring on the lager, the cigar and the music.

“Are You Having a Laugh?”


Full house for Caddyshack scramble

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

The winning scramble team of Graham Dietrich Joey Clines and Jeff & Am North.

Monday, December 24, Greenwood, Medal

Monday the golfers traveled to Greenwood to play a medal round, the course was in great shape and a nice, steady round of golf was had by all.

In third place was Joey Clines with a par 72, going one better and one-under was Mark Williams with a net 71, but well ahead of his opposition with a net 66 was Graham Dietrich to take first place.

Graham also made a birdie ‘2’ to share the pot with Joey Clines.

Wednesday, December 26, Green Valley, 4-Man Texas Scramble

A full house on Wednesday with over 60 golfers participating in the Caddyshack’s annual 4-man Texas scramble. Teams were swapped and changed and eventually all were happy they had the winning combination.

The golf was played to a very high standard with the near pin winners inches (not feet) away. Near pins, all winners and technical prizes were sponsored by the Caddyshack with some very nice prizes on offer.

Nearest the pin 2nd shot on the par 4 tenth was sponsored by Harry Riley and the winner was Dave Richards with a very accurate shot. Other near pin winners were Graham Dietrich, Grazi Dimodeo, Damien Trant (who said it was the closest he had been to an ace) and Mickael Anderson.

The main competition was a very hot battle. Coming in fourth place was the team of Clive Bruce, Phonsie and father and son Les and Phil Utting with net 59.7. In third place was the team of John Cunningham, Bill Hewitt, Harry Cowling and Keith Hector with a team score of 58.8. In second place was the team of Tony Oakes, Mike Wing, Roger Moore and Vince Smyth with a combined score of 58.2.

The winners however were a very good team in-form golfers in the shape of Graham Dietrich, Joey Clines and Jeff and Am North. They had a very good round of golf recording a score of net 57.3.

With a complementary buffet put on back at the Caddyshack, many golfers brought their wives and friend to end a very successful and enjoyable day with most of the celebrations going on well into the morning,

Friday, December 28, The Emerald, Stableford

Emerald was the venue on Friday for a stableford competition with 32 golfers taking part.

The cut was made at 16 and under and in Division 2 Bruce Tollitt notched up another first place with 37 points. A very close second was Mike Wing with 36 points and third went to Aussie Dave Strang with 35 points.

In Division 1 Vince Smyth scored 39 points to take first place with Phonsie in second on 35 points after a count back over Mark Williams who had to settle for third.

Four golfers managed a ‘2’ and shared the prize. They were Phonsie, Joey Clines, Graham Beaumont and Dave Richards.



Last ditch battle for ‘Golfer of the Month’

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper

Monday, December 24, Burapra, Stableford

A Flight
1
st Ray Trembath (12) 42pts
2
nd Mike Gosden (5) 38pts
3
rd Paul Jones (6) 36pts

B Flight
1
st Koji Yomada (19) 38pts
2
nd Brendan Moore (13) 36pts
3
rd Peter Seward (14) 35pts

C Flight
1
st Andy Turner (25) 38pts
2
nd Paul Challis (31) 34pts
3
rd Jim Cadigan (22) 34pts
Near Pins: Neil Allison, Matt Gibbons, Mal McKay, Magnus Larsson
2’s: Mal McKay, Roger Wilkinson, Mat Gibbons

Christmas Eve and off to Burapra went our festive and merry golfers. Ray Trembath was seen practising recently at one of the local Pattaya ranges and it obviously paid off as he came home with 42pts to win the A flight by a clear four shots from Mike Gosden, with Paul Jones two points further back in third.

The B flight saw Koji Yomada take top honours with 38pts, two clear of Brendan Moore, whilst Andy Turner 38pts took C Flight ahead of Paul Challis on 34pts.

Tuesday, December 25, Plutaluang, Stableford

1st John Merritt (14) 38pts
2
nd Danny Whelan (13) 35pts
3
rd Roy Holmes (8) 35pts
4
th David Askew (12) 34pts
Near Pins: David Boran, Paul Challis, Roy Holmes, Kemjila Pawapho.
2’s: Roy Holmes, John Merritt, David Boran, Danny Whelan

Christmas Day and off to Plutaluang: just the one flight and a very exciting and happy day was had by all. John Merritt took top spot with 38pts from Danny Whelan, who won second spot on count back over Roy Holmes.

Thursday, December 27, Treasure Hill, Stableford

A Flight (0-14)
1
st Frank Kelly (14) 36pts
2
nd Phil Knight (12) 31pts
3
rd Ray Trembath (10) 28pts

B Flight (15 -23)
1
st Lars Strom (23) 31pts
2
nd Mod Chaviraksa (18) 30pts
3
rd Alun Webber (22) 30pts

C Flight (24-up)
1
st Ann Hiranya (30) 31pts
2
nd Jack Robertson (25) 31pts
3
rd Peter Morris (25) 30pts
Near Pins: Mod Chaviraksa, Amphan North, Mike Wardman, Maureen Coy
2’s: Alun Webber

Thursday saw all of our regular golfers, who had now recovered from Xmas, travel to Treasure Hill.

Frank Kelly found his form again and took the A Flight with 36pts from Phil Knight in second with 31pts. Ray Trembath took third on a count back 28pts - the surprise could be seen at this announcement.

Lars Strom won the B Flight and Ann Hiranya the C Flight.

Saturday, December 29, Eastern Star, Stableford

A Flight (0-13)
1
st Fergus Brennan (9) 36pts
2
nd David Thomas (6) 35pts
3
rd Danny Whelan (13) 34pts

B Flight (14 -22)
1
st Mod Chaviraksa (20) 39pts
2
nd Tom Breslin (21) 33pts
3
rd John Merritt (14) 33pts

C Flight (23-up)
1
st Lars Strom (23) 34pts
2
nd Alan Evans (26) 34pts
3
rd Jack Robertson (25) 32pts
Near Pins: Peter Morris, Danny Whelan, Andy Turner, David Thomas
2’s: Danny Whelan, Paul Jones

Saturday and our regular visit to Eastern Star where three flights were the order of the day.

C Flight saw Lars Strom come out on top from Alan Evans, B Flight had one of our regular ladies Mod Chaviraksa take the honours from Tom Breslin, and the A flight saw organiser Fergus Brennan in top form with 36pts and a win, just one point more than David Thomas 35pts with Danny Whelan third on 34pts.

It was noted that after Saturday’s play, and with just the one match day left for December, that two golfers were tied on points for the golfer of the month. So it will be a battle royal on Monday 31st at Crystal Bay to see who comes out the winner.

NB: As announced in last weeks report the “Travellers Rest” is now a fully independent organisation for its golfing activities. Under the title of the T.R.G.G. (The Travellers Rest Golf Group) this is in operation as from the 1st January 2008. Membership registration is Baht 200 and membership for two years Baht 300.

Entry forms and fuller details are available from Fergus Brennan at the Travellers Rest. Membership entitles you access to one of the best-organised golfing organisations in Pattaya and some of the best course price deals available anywhere. Many golfers will attest to the quality and care that you receive at the T.R.G.G.

If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at 7:45 am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Just call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.


Birdies, Bears and Dazzlers shine at Eastern Star

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

The winning “Birdie Boys” team of Barry Traynor, Umalai Chaysa, Roy Thornton and Mikael Andersson, with Mr. Denis (background) and tournament organiser Len Jones (far left).

Pattaya’s final golfing “major” of the year is traditionally the IPGC Pattaya Golf Society’s Annual Team Scramble, organized out of the OK Corral in Soi Rungland, and always an occasion to spend a few golfing hours with friends in what must rank as the most popular of golf formats.

So it was on Friday, December 28, when for the second successive year, a packed field of 136 golfers descended on Eastern Star Golf Resort for this year’s event.

The course was as well presented as anyone could remember and indeed even the greens had some measure of consistency and the extended white tees made the day an excellent challenge for the serious as well as the fun golfer.

The introduction of the more equitable “Canadian” system of handicapping for this event initially produced some scepticism but captains chose their teams wisely, and, as always, the better golfers were to be found at the top of the listings.

With only 1.4 of a shot separating the top four teams the unlucky combination of Stefan and Inina Goransson, Roland Soderberg and Leif Linner lost a count back for third place by a mere shot to the “Daz’s Dazzlers” outfit, ably led by Daz Martindale and assisted by Tony Duthie, Ronnie Hall and Chris Holmes. Their total of net 53.4 was a frustrating 0.2 of a shot behind runners-up “Dancing With Bears”, heading a strong Haven contingent. Captained by Barry Winton, partners Bubbles Davies, Brian Kelly and Orn Winton all found their game to produce a fine result.

The winners, at last in a PGS scramble, were the “Birdie Boys”, augmented by Umalai Chaysa, one of the OK Corral’s leading lady golfers. It was a moment to savour for Captain Roy Thornton and team-mates Barry Traynor and Mikael Andersson as their net 52 was arguably their best ever performance in a scramble and it proves the argument that “good guys sometimes win.”

Near-Pin trophies went to John Cunningham (hole 3), Tony Kitchen (hole 6), Darren Smith (hole 13) and Niall Higgins (hole 17) and the Long Drive awards went to Helene Lindberg in the Ladies’ flight, Kari Aarnio in the Third flight, Tony O’Neill in the Second flight and the prodigious Jimmy Dee in the top flight, his drive on hole four travelling farther than many people go on their holidays.

At the other end of the scale the “Flying Finns” team of Paula and Mauri Virolainen, Rainer and Olli Helling had the honour of sharing the Booby Bevy prize with the local team of “Vodka & Tonic”, a heady cocktail of duffers, Paul Quodomine, Mikael and Helene Lindberg and organizer Len Jones.

The day ended with the presentation buffet roundly congratulating Stephen Beard and John Emmerson for their invaluable support, Mary Jones, Khun Phen and Khun Taen for their indispensable efforts at registration, and the work of Khun Malee and the OK ladies for the splendid buffet and boss Mr. Denis for his usual efficiency, support and good humour.

It had indeed been one of the best and most enjoyable of all the eight Scramble events so far and here’s to the next one. Happy New Year to all!


Joel tastes a little Christmas Fayre

PSC golf from The Caf้ Kronborg

Joel Flor with The Alec Chilcott Cup.

Derek Brook

Monday, December 24, Plutaluang S & E, Stableford - Christmas Fayre

Alex Chilcott was the P.S.C. Golf Chairman for many years and started the Christmas Fayre concept in 1994, where the entrance fee is a gift-wrapped present and at the end of the round all are placed on a table and the best score has the pick of the lot and so on down to the worst score. All get something.

When Alec passed away in mid 1999, The Alec Chilcott Cup was inaugurated by Mike Franklin for the best Stableford score.

The best Stableford score of this day was achieved by Joel Flor with 41 points to take the Cup. Mike Winfield came in second with 37 points and third and fourth was decided on count back on 36 points with Henry O’Brien in third and Peter Sorenson in fourth.

Near Pins: Barry James, Henry O’Brien, John Maycock, Bob Rasmusson

Long Putt: Graham Buckingham, John Swanson 

Thursday, December 27, Khao Kheow, Stableford

Back to Khao Kheow again, and I must say that the drive there early in the morning is now much quicker. Mind the drive back is not as easy.

So KK it was - difficult as ever and with every shot important. This day the test was the A & C nines, starting on the C. I think this nine has been out of use, because it was not very well manicured and sometimes it was difficult to separate the rough from the fairway. The A nine was in much better condition, although it has to be said that the bunkers here on all holes are as bad as I have ever seen them. Bunkers that are this bad need a lot of inaction to get in this state.

So to the competition, and with exactly the same number of 0-18 and 20 up players, the 19 handicappers were in limbo, but on a toss of the coin they went into the A Flight. This was unfortunate for the players in the flight as the best two scores of the day were from 19 handicappers.

In the A Flight, the winner was Koji Yamada with a very fine 42 points ahead of Mike Winfield in second with 40 points. In third was Rick Evans with 35 points - Rick would have won if the 19 handicappers had been in the B Flight. Such is life.

In the B Flight the winner was Jan Lovgren with 37 points ahead of Einar Utoft in second with 36 points and Bernie Cairns in third with 34 points. Then we had the dodgy drive back home. T.T.F.N.

Long Putt: Lewis Boyd, Kevin Dinan

Near Pin: Mike Winfield, Kevin Dinan, Paul Sharples, Koji Yamada


Caf้ Kronborg moves up to second

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling Leagu

200 Bowlers: La, Lek & Kran (Morn not shown).

Caf้ Kronborg moved up from sixth place to second as they were celebrating their Captain Kran’s birthday. Kronborg were led by Kran’s 205 game, 553 series and Lek’s 237 game and 5l5 series off a 33 handicap. La had a 212 game, 545 series and Somrak added a 526 series for Balls Galore but their low handicap prevented them from winning a point.

House of the Golden Coin remains in first place after taking three points from Jack & Tar behind Aht’s 520 series. Canada won three points from Brother D and moved into third place. Teuvo led Canada with a 535 pin count.

Four teams are tied for fourth place including SaBai Friday who took three points from Diamond Shop. Beaver Bar & Grill won three from VFW Post 9876 with Morn leading the way with a 204 game and 538 series. Montana won three points from Caf้ Ole. Rich Montana bowled games of 191, 189 and 187 for a 567 series for Caf้ Ole but they only managed to win one point.