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‘Young guns’ set to star at Pattaya Women’s Open
The US$170,000 Pattaya Women’s Open professional women’s
tennis tournament, which is being staged at the Dusit Thani, Pattaya
from 2-10 February has attracted a strong field of entries, of which
over half represent the younger generation of tennis stars making their
way to the top of their profession.
 Indian
No. 1 Sania Mirza will be just one of a host of stars set to take part
in this year’s tournament.
Heading the field are the teenage Radwanska sisters from Poland. Both
girls enjoyed extremely good results last year. Agnieszka Radwanska, the
elder of the two girls finished the season ranked 26 in the world. A
former junior Wimbledon champion, she capped a memorable year by beating
Maria Sharapova in the U.S. Open adding to victories over Martina Hingis
and Daniella Hantuchova and a first Tour title in Stockholm.
At the time of going to press, Radwanska had already won through to the
quarter-finals of this year’s Australian Open where she was due to meet
Daniela Hatuchova on Wednesday.
Urzsula Radwanska, the younger of the two girls also had a fine season
finishing as No 1 ranked junior in the world and emulating her sister by
winning the junior Wimbledon title. She also appeared at the PTT Bangkok
Open and reached the quarter-finals beating No 4 seed Virginia Razzano
in the process.
The Radwanska sisters will face some stiff competition from a number of
other rising stars, notably Taiwan’s Ying-Jan Chan of Taiwan who
finished 2007 as runner-up in the PTT Bangkok Open, Vania King of the
USA, 2006 PTT Bangkok Open champion, Indian superstar Sania Mirza and
France’s Aravane Rezai.
As well as the young emerging players, the 2008 Pattaya Women’s Open
also has many established stars in the field, including former top 10
players Alicia Molik from Australia, Mara Santangelo and Roberta Vinci
from Italy.
Thailand’s challenge will once again be led by Tamarine Tanasugarn, who
reached the final here in 1996, she will be joined in the main draw by
wild card entry Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, who on her debut in Pattaya
last year stormed through the qualifying rounds before falling to
Japan’s Nakamura in three sets.
Mr. Sarun Rungkasiri Vice President Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand
under His Majesty’s patronage revealed that “this year’s Pattaya Women’s
Open will once again provide the springboard for one of the game’s stars
to leap to fame. In 2006 Shahar Peer won her maiden tournament in
Pattaya and has since risen to be an established top 20 player. Last
year Sybille Bammer earned her first title in Pattaya and she also has
gone onto climb into the top 20. This year any one of the main draw
players could take the crown, so the matches will be very competitive
and exciting throughout the week”.
The Qualifying rounds of the 2008 Pattaya Women’s Open will be held on
the 2-4 February with play commencing at 09.00. Main draw matches will
start from the 5 February with play starting from 15.00 daily, including
the finals on Sunday 10 February.
Tickets are on sale now at the following prices: 2-3 February: 200 baht;
4-7 February: 300 and 500 baht; 8-10 February: 300, 500, 800, 1,000
baht.
For further information and bookings, call 02-3823491-3, or contact
ThaiTicketMajor at 02-2623456 or www.thaiticketmajor.com
The official sponsors of the 2008 Pattaya Women’s Open are Pattaya City,
Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization, PTT Group, Sony
Ericsson, the Dusit Thani Pattaya and Today Express/Maya Channel
The ‘Takimoto Show’ at Plutaluang
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society
at the OK Corral
The Pattaya Golf Society’s Sunday roadshow continued at
Plutaluang on January 13, when a crowded South and East combination greeted
the group and the prompt start-time disguised what was to be a three-hour
front nine.
The course was quite well prepared but the uncut greens left them
inconsistent and very slow. Good scores were therefore at a premium and Alex
Sala, in his final round before returning to “Oz”, joined Jean and Mam Morel
on 32 points for a deserved share of the minor places.
The finest performance of the day was that of the genial Japanese giant
Kasuo Takimoto and his best gross of 75 gave him a score of 37 points for a
fine win. His card also included the day’s only birdie ‘2’, a prodigious
effort on E5.
The Booby Bevy went to Werner Lang, not because his score was only average,
not because he was soon to return to work in a freezing Europe, but because
he had successfully avoided the quizzical glare of the organiser during his
month in the Kingdom. All things come to those who wait, Werner!
The Lady survives the cut
Tuesday, Jan. 15, the Pattaya Golf Society forsook the solace of
the OK Corral in Soi Rungland for the bustle of Bangpra on another day when
the visiting Japanese were literally “on tour”, fleeing from one empty tee,
in search of another, to the anguish of marshalls and other more “correct”
golfers.
The tournament was stableford and playing the course the wrong way around
did not help either. The two flights were cut at nineteen and under and in
the first flight Werner Pausch pressed a claim for a place with a hard
earned 30 points, joining David Thomas as one of the joint runners-up. The
flight winner was Stuart Thompson, who put aside his genuine concerns about
the validity of clubs and other rulings, to focus on his game with a fine 35
points.
In the second flight scores were slightly better with Len Jones taking third
place with 32 points, a distant five points off the lead with winners Rob
Dolan and Helene Lindberg establishing their credentials with fine 37 point
cards. For Rob it was his first win in months and for Helene it was
significant because only a week earlier she had undergone an appendectomy.
The only ‘2’ of the day was scored by Ed Findlay, playing his first
competition round in Pattaya since the old Bunker days in Soi Chaiyapoon and
the Booby Bevy went to a returning Carl Lovatt for his paltry contribution
to the scorer’s lot. Nevertheless it is lovely to have this quality golfer
back in the fold after a few wearying months in UK.
As a footnote to the day’s events Mr. Denis was later heard muttering
something about an “operation” to improve his game. And we all thought he
had had it already!
Double top for Helene
Flu’ ridden organizers, Messrs Len and Denis, were shunned by
their golf mates on Thursday, Jan. 17, as David Thomas splendidly marshalled
the Pattaya Golf Society for their outing to Mountain Shadow to play a
stableford event.
The course was in fine condition but a strong breeze blew all day and,
coupled with some uncharacteristically slow and inconsistent greens, it made
the going tough for the two flights, cut at sixteen and under.
Conditions on the testing track suited none but the straightest hitters and
in the top flight there is no-one straighter than David Thomas, who took the
win with a moderate 32 points, from Erik Antonnen, 31, and Mikael Lindberg
on 30, making the frame for the first time this trip.
In the second flight, lady golfer Helene Lindberg made it a weekly double
with a fine 32 points, winking at her husband, Mikael, as she nudged Jorma
Liila and Chris Walsh, both on 30 points, into the minor placings. It had
been a good week for the reinvigorated Swedish lass, having won also on the
previous outing!
The day’s pair of 2’s went to Emiel van der Wiele and Erik Antonnen whose
efforts on the fifteenth gave them a share of the spoils and Chris Walsh
celebrated his swansong this trip with a well-earned Booby Bevy, after one
of his finest performances to date.
All being well there will be a full turnout next time as the antibiotics
take control and the Pattaya Golf Society will be at its competitive best.
Drumm at the double
PSC golf from P J Pool Bar
Neil Duncan
Tuesday, January 15,
Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
A Flight (0-18)
1st Bob Drumm (11) 36pts
2nd Vinai Jumparnit (6) 35pts
3rd Frank “Paco” Waterhouse (13) 33pts
B Flight (19 up)
1st Yves Philibert (25) 37pts
2nd Mike Brooke (24) 34pts
3rd Mick Heatley (31) 31pts
Nineteen of us made an early start and arrived at the course in a light rain
which soon cleared away to leave a sunny but humid morning in which to enjoy
our golf. The course was in its usual excellent condition and the plentiful
bird life is of great added value to those of us who are twitchers.
Many of us elected to walk because quite frankly the single-person-per-cart
stipulation not only needlessly puts up the cost of our sport but also takes
away hugely from the social aspects of the game. The overall average score
for the eighteen cards returned was 29 points.
Newcomer Peter Coombs, Scottie David Beltham, Newcastle supporter “Paco” and
“where the heck am I?” Mike Brooke got nearest to the pins on the short
holes, with the longest first putt on the 18th green being slotted by Bob
Drumm.
Thursday, January 17,
Plutaluang N & W (White Tees) - Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Bob Drumm (11) 32pts
2nd Allan Cassin (10) 32pts
3rd David Gardner (7) 30pts
4th Neil Duncan (14) 30pts
B Flight (21 up)
1st Mike Brooke (24) 35pts
2nd Keith Hodges (22) 29pts
3rd Jim Walton (22) 28pts
4th Paul Smylie (27) 28pts
Twenty-two of us took on the challenging North and West courses at our
fortnightly visit to this splendid venue. Having not so long ago emerged
from the very bowels of the Earth, our best-dressed groupie “Paco” turned
out in the most splendiferous togs to grace Navy for a long while. Barf!
Bob Drumm decked out in his recently won Paradise Bar shirt continued his
return to form and made it two wins in a row this week. The average score
for the 20 eligible cards returned was 25.
The mask Bruce Lawrence N3, “I’m a coming” Peter Coombs N6, in form Bob
Drumm W3 and “found the green at least” Mike Brooke W8 took the near pin
prizes whilst David Gardner tamed the 18th green with his longest first
putt.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know
about the format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi
Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.
Dick Kerr takes January ‘Mug’
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Derek Brook
Monday, January 14, Plutaluang S & E - Stableford
The Plutaluang Navy Golf Course was the host for a stableford
competition in two flights with the cut at handicap 19.
 Bjarne
(left) presents the Monthly Mug to Dick Kerr.
The conditions on the day were very hot and humid. One player went for an
accidental swim on South 6 after playing his shot onto the green from a
precarious stance. Indeed he lost his club in the water and had to go back
in after it. Good job it was hot.
Bruce Lawrence took the A Flight with 39 points, Keith Kelso was second with
36 points, Greg King was third with 35 points and in fourth was Koji Yamada
with 34 points, continuing his winning ways but on count back over Will
Bean.
In the B Flight the winner was Brian Noguer with 38 points even though he
was soaking wet and this shows something! In second was Hugh O’Donnell with
37 points on count back over Jasper Rasmussen in third. In fourth was Graham
Buckingham with 36 points.
Near Pin: Niels Lyngaa (2), John Swanson, Jan Jensen
Long Putt: Bruce Lawrence, Brendan Byrne
Thursday, January 17, Pattaya Country Club –
Stroke/Monthly Mug
This is the prime competition at The Cafe Kronborg and is taken
very seriously by all the players. It is also the only tournament where we
return to the Cafe Kronborg for the presentation.
On this morning we had a big field of players, all eager and all raring to
go. So with a Dave’s ‘Lets go then’ they all piled into the transport and
departed for the golf course, where it was found to be very windy. I say
that because it usually means that the scores will be that much worse, and
of course they were.
The course at Pattaya Country Club was as it normally is at this time of the
year, very dry. It is the course we always book these days for the Mug,
however it has to be said it is not the most scenic one around.
It also has the squarest holes on the greens and that is sad because the
greens are hard, fast and very good to putt on. It has to be said that at
present the green on the 16th hole is ridiculously unfair. The number of 4,
5 and even 6 putts on this green spoilt many a round. When you putt uphill
and the ball finishes behind you - that is unfair.
So all in all the course was going to win, and it did, with many golfers
simply returning a card for disqualification, including the scribe. Never
mind, as always someone would put in a good score, or would they?
Back at the Cafe Kronborg as the results were awaited, it was noted that
many did not think they had a chance, but in reality they were all close.
In the A Flight, 0 to 19, the winner was Bob Benda with a net 72 ahead of a
count back for second on net 73 that saw Erik Hansen in second and Dave
Richardson in third.
In the B Flight 20 up, the scores were even ‘less good’, with the winner
Arthur Bailey having a net 75 ahead of a count back for second on net 77
that saw Norm Martin in second and Graham Buckingham in third.
So to the Mug, and in fact the player with the lowest net did not win as he
unfortunately put the wrong handicap, one shot higher, on his score card. It
always seems a little silly that a player can play really well and mess it
all up by a silly mistake, it is really sad, I know I have done it myself in
a really big competition.
The winner then with a net 70 was Dick Kerr, and I am rather pleased because
all the losing players are supposed to fill the Mug in the next month, and
being the gentleman he is, Dick bought me a beer. Well done. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Marcos Simmons, Alain Taddie, Lief Kirkegaarde, Mark
Brenton
Long Putt: Patrick Poussier, Dick Kerr
A Grandmaster-class for
Ooi’s TaeKwonDo students
Mike Franklin
Sunday, January 13, TaeKwonDo Grandmaster Hock (Hong)-Lye Ooi
(8th Dan Master) took time out during a brief three-day visit to
Thailand to give Ooi’s TaeKwonDo students at the Sriracha branch an
exacting and enjoyable Master-class.
 Master
Ooi (left) with Senior Instructor Mike Gillies and young student Sam
Franklin.
A group of students, representing both Pattaya and Sriracha schools,
attended with belt ranks from Orange to Black (1st Dan). The Master-class
was aimed at refining and polishing their basic martial art techniques and
putting fitness and stamina to the test. Master Ooi certainly achieved that
and the tough, but equally entertaining session emphasized the dedication,
hard work and courage required to achieve the Black Belt Dan ranks in
TaeKwonDo and in all other forms of Martial Arts.
Grandmaster Ooi is from Korea, but lives in Canada with two Ooi’s TaeKwonDo
– Tang Soo Do schools in Mississauga, Ontario, and a third school in
Toronto. Other schools are in England, Cayman Islands, Trinidad, and most
recently in Thailand.
Ooi’s TaeKwonDo Thailand Division has branches in Bangkok, Sriracha and
Pattaya, run by Canadian Senior Instructor Mr. Mike Gillies (3rd Dan), and
Instructor Kru May (1st Dan) and is affiliated to the South East Asia
International School of Martial Arts (Thailand).
The Chief Instructor of the S.E Asia ISMA Thailand is Grandmaster Sifu
Robert McInnes (8th Dan Master) who, as President of the World Kumite
Organization and in conjunction with the WKO, is staging the first World
Kumite Championships, July 25-27, 2008 at the Ambassador City Hotel,
Pattaya. The Championships are being sponsored by the McInnes Corporation
Co. Ltd. (Thailand)
The event will be a traditional Kumite to present the charisma of
traditional Martial Arts. It is a full contact - knockdown Martial Arts
tournament (bare-fist with no protective gear) and aims to bring back the
full glamour and esteem of traditional Martial Arts. Entry is strictly by
invitation only, with 40 countries represented and a total of up to 100
Martial Artists competing.
Grandmaster Ooi was invited to join the World Kumite Organization in 2007
and Ooi’s TaeKwonDo Canada will be represented at the July, World Kumite
Championships by two martial artists - John Curic (4th Dan Master) and Josh
Pitts (Black 1st Dan) - both from Mississauga, Ontario.
Grandmaster Ooi’s visit to Thailand on this occasion was primarily to attend
the World Kumite Organization press conference at Cozy Beach Hotel on
January 10, so the Master-class for the Sriracha and Pattaya TaeKwonDo
students was a welcome surprise and a real experience for them.
Best wishes to Canadians Master John Curic and Joss Pitts in the forthcoming
World Kumite Championships.
For more information go to: www.world-kumite.org and www.ooistaekwondo.com
Harrop & Land sweep the field
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, January 14, Mountain Shadow -
Pairs Scramble
Division 1 (0-12)
1st Alan Pilkington & Alan Griffiths 50
2nd Russell Exley & La Keith 48
3rd Paul West & Geoff Kubas 47
Division 2 (13 up)
1st Mark Harrop & Fred Land 53
2nd Mike Dabanovich & Stephen Beard 50
3rd Sampo Sadeharju & Harri Bergstrom 49
c/b Vance Millar & Tony Charlwood 49
For the first time ever in a Haven pairs competition there were so many
competitors that two divisions were required. With the handicaps being
allotted by taking 40% of the combined total and requiring seven tee
shots from each partner, the divisions were split at 12 and below in the
first and above that in the second.
The increase in numbers caused some confusion prior to the start as
there were five more groups than were originally booked, which meant a
slight problem with carts until some returned from earlier rounds. This
hiccup was neatly resolved by the ever helpful staff and almost everyone
got away at their allotted tee time.
Alan Pilkington and Alan Griffiths combined to amass a formidable
14-under in the first division, which left the pre-tournament favourites
Russell Exley and La Keith struggling two shots adrift after La was
almost unable to get a tee shot away on the front nine. She did a lot
better on the back nine following some terse advice from Russell, with
three solo gross birdies as her partner looked on in wonder, and they
proved enough to keep Paul West and Geoff Kubas in third spot, with
another good score of 11-under.
The second division was dominated by Mark Harrop and Fred Land who
fitted together almost perfectly to deny the returning “Doc Nobbler” and
Mike Dabanovich a long awaited chance, certainly for the Doc, to buy a
drink for the thirsty. Even though they were a surprising 14-under it
was not enough to challenge the 17-under of Mark and Fred.
Sampo Sadeharju and Harri Bergstrom worked well together to take third
place to consign Vance Millar and Tony Charlwood, a last minute pairing,
to also-rans.
Wednesday, January 16, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Division 1
1st Brian Libbey 39pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 38pts
3rd Norman Isherwood 37pts
Division 2
1st Harri Bergstrom 42pts
2nd John Ward 36pts
3rd Vance Millar 34pts
The other half of Legacy Golf in Pattaya, Crystal Bay, was also heavily
subscribed with golfers but as with its sister course Mountain Shadow
earlier in the week, things went smoothly as soon as everyone was away
from the tee, and with good marshalling the rounds progressed at a good
pace.
Brian Libbey took the first division with a very good three-under ahead
of the still very efficient Alan Griffiths, even though his handicap is
a couple lower than in the previous weeks, a shot back with Norman
Isherwood, also getting it round in under handicap, in third.
The second division was led in by Harri Bergstrom with a sparkling
six-under from John Ward on level par and Vance Millar getting on to the
bottom step this time after just missing out in the previous outing.
In the first division the 2’s were shared by Russell Exley and Brian
Hagge and in the second division Sampo Sadeharju, Lynn Ward, John Ward
and Ole Svenningsen had one each.
Friday, January 18, Plutaluang - Stableford
1st Norman Isherwood 38pts
2nd Peter Sumner 33pts
3rd Kelvin Crouch 32pts
4th Brian Libbey 32pts
After two large turnouts previously in the week, it was a much smaller
contingent that traveled to the Navy Course and it was obvious that many
knew what the day’s organiser didn’t. Teeing off later presented a few
problems in the form of, no caddies and more importantly for some of the
more elderly and infirm, no carts and no possibility of any. This caused
some confusion at the start with many withdrawing and returning to
Pattaya for some rest and relaxation following the strenuous drive there
and back.
The day was in stark contrast to the two previous outings in the week
where similar problems had been experienced, but the difference in
problem solving as shown by the earlier courses’ willingness to please
the customer made a huge difference to everyone’s enjoyment of the day’s
golf.
Norman Isherwood continued with his good singles form to take the win by
a clear five shots from the returning and refreshed Peter Sumner. Kelvin
Crouch continued to astound the pundits by managing to burn the candle
in the middle, as well as both ends, and still score well enough to get
on to the podium in third place ahead of Brian Libbey on count back.
Tony Charlwood slotted in the only 2 in the second division whilst Alan
Griffiths had one and Norman Isherwood had two in the first division.
Cooney still in the groove
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Monday, January 14, Emerald - Stableford
Gerry Cooney carried on with his good form from last week by
winning the A Flight at Emerald golf course on Monday. Playing a stableford
competition with the cut at handicap 16, he won with 40 points beating Ron
Cosgrave into second place, who himself scored a very nice 38 points. Tony
Scambler came third with 37 points after beating Dougy Crowe on a count
back.
The B Flight was won by Bryan Rought with 38 points, ahead of “Skinny”
Newton 34 points and third placed Brian Maddox one shot further behind with
33 points.
Near pin prizes were shared between Jim Treen, Tony Scambler, Glen
Cunningham and Paul Smith.
Wednesday, January 16, Pattaya Country Club - Medal
Playing a medal comp on the Wednesday, Tony Scambler got in the
frame again winning the A Flight with a one-under par net 71. Dougy Crowe
came in second with a level par net 72 and Gordon Melia was a surprised
third with net 77.
With the cut being handicap 14 today Ron Cosgrave found himself in the B
Flight, which he duly won with a net 77 after beating John Thornber into
second place on a count back. Tom Jones was another surprised third place
recipient with a very modest net 80.
The par three near pin prizes were shared around again today, they went to
John Graham, Ken Kelsey, Mark Prytz and Geoff Parker.
Friday, January 18, Eastern Star - Stableford
Friday was another Stableford competition at Eastern Star and
again Gerry Cooney, who didn’t play on Wednesday because of a Matchplay
League game (he was the only one in The Bunker team to lose!) carried on
winning by scoring the most points on the day to win the A Flight with 38
points.
There were three players trailing Gerry all with 36 points but it was Ron
Cosgrave finding himself in the A Flight today who kept up his good form, he
took second place by beating Tony Scambler on a count back who himself
pushed Cyrill Wallwork into fourth place and out of the prizes.
The winner of the B Flight was also decided on a count back, Alan Sullivan
having a better back nine than Ken Kelsey after both returned 32 points.
Duncan Lee came third with a pretty embarrassing 28 points.
Yet again the near pin prizes were spread around today, they went to Duncan
Lee, George May, John Graham and Alan Sullivan.
Tough times at Khao Kheow
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Derek Brook
Wednesday, January 16, Khao Kheow, Stableford
There are some courses that stand at the top of the tree out
here, and one of them is Khao Kheow. It may not be in the best of
condition at the present time, and it may have sand in the bunkers that
would be better on the beach, but this is a really fine test of golf.
 Tuesday’s
first and second: Richard Line and Perry McNeely with one of Bert’s fine
staff.
On the day it was too much of a test for me, as I played my worst round
of the year, after winning last week. In fact several of the top scorers
last week had bad rounds. That is golf.
One of the reasons for many of the bad scores was a five and a half hour
round and a strong wind. The long round was the result of a matchplay
competition ahead of us, and as we all know, matchplay can be very slow.
Serious thought must go into this form or else it will disrupt the free
flow of golf on the course. It is like following a six-ball.
The course was as is normal, very difficult, and the A & B Nines played
very tough, so apart from one player, who in fact played the B Nine
excellently, all the other players fell short of handicap and the course
won – easily!
Back at Bert’s, very late back there in fact, the winner was declared.
The victor today was Richard Line with a fine 38 points, and 23 points
on the back nine. In second was Perry McNeely with 34 points ahead of
Bill Knight in third with 32 points. In fourth was Will Bean with 31
points on coun tback over Tom Cotton in fifth. T.T.F.N.
Singaporean raiders steal the show
PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s Column
Monday, January 14, Burapha, Medal
Div A (0-11)
1st Mike Sng (11) net 67
2nd Steve Moreton (4) net 70
3rd Bernie Segrave (10) net 71
4th Mike Waltschek (7) net 72
Div B (12-20)
1st Don Frances (13) net 71
2nd Steve Plant (14) net 74
3rd Barry Chadbourn (18) net 74
4th Ken Little (12) net 76
Div C (21+)
1st Joyce Lam (23) net 68
2nd Joachim (27) net 71
3rd Peter Allen (27) net 72
4th Dave Mawford (23) net 73
Busy golf course today as 40 outbackers descended on their regular Monday venue.
Strange sights of Pattaya Country Club caddies all over the place, it wasn’t
quite clear why they were there. The starter moved us to C & D courses and we
moved up to the white tees for a change.
There were a couple of visitors from Singapore today, (friends of Bob’s), well
they must play tough courses there ‘cos they spread-eagled the field here. Mike
won Div A by 3 clear shots and Joyce Div C by the same margin. Steve Moreton
playing off 4 shot a gross 74. Well played Steve!
There were only two 2’s today, from Peter Allen and Don Frances
Wednesday, January 16, Khao Kheow,
Stableford
Div A (0–13)
1st Steve Nowell (9) 33pts
2nd Mike Waltschek (7) 30pts
3rd Don Frances (12) 30pts
Div B (14+)
1st Lek Mawford (25) 38pts
2nd Trudy Chadbourn (27) 32pts
3rd Kathy Doody (18) 31pts
Golf is supposed to be a gentleman’s game, apologies to ladies, but it’s a pity
not all organisers remember that. There was some very unnecessary attitude being
shown by some people today, including a lady, which resulted in The Outback’s
tee time being stolen! Yes, you know who you are!
Fortunately, the Khao Kheow management is well known to the Outback and we were
accommodated on the A & B nines. However, the shenanigans at the start got the
better of the golfers and generally, with the exception of Lek (38pts), the
scoring was poor. Well played Lek! Strangely enough, the ladies also took second
and third in Div B.
There were two 2’s today coming from Kathy Doody and Jack Moseley
Friday, January 18, Treasure Hill,
Team-Stableford
1st Don Frances, Lindsay Joshua, Steve Nowell
& Mike Waltschek 80pts
2nd Barry & Trudy Chadbourn, Chris Barnes & Geoff Doody 79pts
Just a fun day out today, as it was the start of the two-day PSC competition
down at The Emerald. The best 2 scores from 4 counted.
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 next week, Bangpakong on Weds. 30th.followed by
Bob’s Birthday party at the bar.
Prakong plays a pearler!
Phoenix Golf Club Members Group
Ron Bridge
Wednesday, January 16, Stableford
Wednesday saw an excellent turnout of 33 players split into two
mixed groups at a cut-off point of 18 handicap.
Phoenix fairways remain the best around Pattaya, plenty of grass, not
over-watered and delightfully green. The breeze blew stiffly at times,
making shot-making skills an essential element of a competitive game.
B Flight was closely contended, Terry Turner came in third with 34 points
(his new swing under control) and in second was Pia Loquist, also with 34
points but beating Terry on count-back. First was Pia’s husband Lennart with
35 points who had no chance of having his dinner cooked for him that evening
as a result.
In A Flight excellent scores were posted and Doug-Wilson Santee returned 37
points for third. Peter Harris, a new and very welcome member, was second on
38 points but the winner was that walking fashion statement and accomplished
golfer Terry O’Connor with a superb gross 83 for 42 points.
Friday, January 18, Stableford
Friday was our “Back Tee” competition and 19 players lined up to
battle it out over Mountain and Lakes. Again the breeze complicated
shot-making and all of us were partially blown away - but one player
dominated the day.
Third was Ada Tse with 30 points off 36 handicap, Dave Smith came in second
with a creditable 34 points off 10 handicap, but the winner today was
Prakong Robinson with a truly great round of golf - hitting fairways and
holing putts for 43 points off 17 handicap. Her round equated to a gross 83
including one ‘9’ which spoilt what should have been the round of our season
so far.
Sunday, January 20, Members Stableford
The Phoenix Members Group played Lakes and Ocean on Sunday and 31
players battled with fast greens, a pleasing breeze off the sea and the
effects of the night before.
Play was reasonably quick thanks to the Phoenix management who look after us
very well. We were pleased to see some old faces back with us and to welcome
our guests who are very much part of what we try to create - good mixed
golf, friendship and a few laughs.
Battle was done and when the smoke settled we found many members had beaten
their respective Sunday handicaps (It’s a long story, don’t ask).
In third place after count-back calculations was our scorer (never trust a
figures man) Mike Poustie. Second, featuring in the prizes to his delight,
was the softly spoken Patrick Browne – that’s with an “e”, don’t get that
wrong.
In first place - much to his relief so that he can move away from a handicap
that he wants to shed - was Goran Backstrom and he is cut seven shots for
his trouble. (He tells us “thank god” since now he feels more like a
competitive golfer).
The play was done, beer was drunk and another fun Sunday enjoyed. Phoenix
Members? Here we are, come and join us!
Technical prizes went to Alastair Aitken, Fleming Jensen, Hugh Byrne and the
ever laid back Doug Wilson -Santee.
So, congratulations to all our winners, The Phoenix Members Group is now
well into its stride but new members are always welcome - meet in the coffee
shop at 11.00 a.m. for a noon tee-off time. Mad dogs and Englishmen...
The Beautiful Game?:
Riz Taylor
Return of a Hero
What a week. No sooner had the ink dried on last week’s
column than Newcastle were announcing the return of Kevin Keegan as manager,
an appointment that stirred the blood a lot further than the confines of a
packed St. James Park.
It’s a throwback to the good old days. Remember them? Pure fantasy football
– Andy Cole, Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, David Ginola …
even Philippe Albert chipped in with the occasional moment of brilliance. If
that’s a taste of what we’re in for, bring it on.
The surprise of the appointment was another throwback to the old days. Do
you remember a few years ago receiving text messages from fellow fans of
your club saying “We’ve signed so-and-so!” Those days are largely gone
thanks to the wonderful transfer window that limits that fun to twice a year
only, but Newcastle’s capture of their messiah, even if it was a manager and
not a star player, was surely one of those moments. I certainly did a double
take of my mobile when I read the news.
But after the fuss of King Kev’s return dies down, which in this case could
be as far away as 2010 given the reception he’s experienced in the past week
or so, what kind of Premier League will he face this time around?
He did fantastically the first time around even if the experience did age
him by around 70 years, leading the club back from the obscurity of the
Championship back into the really big time. They were everybody’s second
side (well it seemed that way at the time) as they produced some
scintillating football that laid down a marker for entertainment that has
rarely been seen since. A five-nil spanking of Manchester United and those
two 4-3 matches against Liverpool are about as classic as football can ever
get. More of that? Where do I sign up?
And yet there are suggestions that Keegan won’t find things quite so simple
this time around, a point that’s hard to argue against. In his first match
in charge the former England manager oversaw his side struggle to get a
point from their match against Bolton Wanderers, proving that there is more
than a little work to be done.
Whilst breaking into the top four looks a million miles away at present,
Keegan will first discover that the clubs he must outperform if the
homecoming is to be a success have now made themselves extremely hard to
beat. Everton, Spurs, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Portsmouth, Manchester City
and co have all strengthened immeasurably since the glory days of the
mid-nineties, and it’s these clubs that Keegan must first set his sights on
before the Toon can even begin to contemplate bigger things.
Another minor issue is the lack of flair players currently employed by
Newcastle. A Beardsley, Ginola or a new Paul Gascoigne would certainly come
in handy. On paper there’s a decent side in the making - Damien Duff and
James Milner on the flanks, Michael Owen up front with Obafemi Martins,
Stephen Taylor and Capaca patrolling the defence and an able Shay Given
between the posts. It’s hardly the stuff of nightmares and whilst there is
much to be done, perhaps the club are just a few clever signings away from
something special.
Frankly I don’t care about all the negatives and the naysayers, such as
those who point to Keegan’s lack of tactical knowledge and so on. I’m just
looking forward to seeing Keegan injecting some life into a Premier League
that is in danger of becoming the Predictable League. Only time – and a lot
of it – will decide if bringing King Kev ‘home’ once again is complete
madness or the stuff of dreams for Newcastle followers, but, whatever
happens, it’s going to be a lot of fun finding out.
Africa Cup of what?
The Africa Cup of Nations is underway. Bizarrely it’s no longer
called the ‘African’ Cup of Nations anymore, but frankly I couldn’t be
bothered to find out why and I highly doubt whether anyone reading this
could care less.
However here’s some facts for anyone in the dark over this tournament: It’s
an event staged every two years and is the continent’s version of the
European Championships or the Copa America. Sixteen teams take part, the
final is on February 20 and the favourites must be five-time winners and
current holders Egypt. Host nation Ghana look a bit useful too, and don’t
rule out the Ivory Coast. No fewer than 40 Premiership players will feature,
the majority of whom seem to be on Portsmouth’s books.
Also keep an eye out for my favourite-named player, South Africa and
Nottingham Forest forward “Junior Agogo”. I hope he gets a goal, takes his
shirt off and gyrates around a corner flag. Perhaps he’ll even be offering
draught Heineken for only 45 baht.
Good news, Bad news for the Welsh
European soccer’s governing body UEFA is to consider a report
from its national associations into the possible expansion of the European
Championship finals at its congress in Croatia on Thursday.
UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said various models had been considered up
to a maximum of 24 teams. “They have looked at different numbers and the
overall effect of making such changes, including the possible effect on the
qualifying round,” he droned. “By expanding the number of teams in the final
competition you could actually make the qualifying tournament less
interesting so all these factors have to be taken into account.”
This is fantastic news for football, particular for British clubs who are
too rubbish to qualify for the finals in its current format. The downside?
UEFA have already said that any changes to the tournament’s format will not
be made until the 2016 competition “at the earliest.”
Meanwhile in other exciting UEFA news, the governing body has expressed
scepticism over Welsh Champions League plans. Welsh officials confirmed
earlier this week that they were considering allowing Cardiff, Swansea and
Wrexham to field teams in the Welsh league, while also maintaining their
current positions in the English leagues.
“From what I hear the idea is not very popular with the other Welsh clubs
and it’s certainly not ripe enough for us to consider,” said
man-of-the-moment Gaillard.
Cup returns
FA Cup action this weekend, and surely the tie of the round will
be Liverpool playing out a solid 0-0 draw against the dangerous Havant and
Waterlooville at Anfield on Saturday. Arsenal host Newcastle, there’s a
naval battle as Plymouth visit Portsmouth, and the late game is Wigan
Athletic at home to Chelsea.
I’m going for a surprise Wigan win, which I reserve the right to completely
deny if asked about later.
Manchester United versus Spurs could be a cracker on Sunday evening our time
assuming Tottenham are in the mood to put up at least something of a fight,
and that follows Hereford United at home to Cardiff. The day finishes with
Manchester City’s visit to Sheffield United.
A special thankyou to Chris Coleman this week, who, after I reported that
he’d decided to stay at Real Sociedad, resigned as manager just as the
Pattaya Mail was going to press. Cheers Chris. And finally, in this
breathless week, don’t forget the conclusion of the transfer window at 7am
Friday morning, Pattaya time. It never stops, does it?
Gulf Charter Series launches 2008 sailing in Pattaya
Kipsan Beck
Sailors welcomed the 2008 season with the Gulf Charter Series for
more than 50 sailors on keelboats, multihulls, Sportboats and Platus on
12-13 January, with 4 races spread over 2 days. This is part of a 4-month
series, where Pattaya locals will see colorful sails and high speed racing
each month based out of picturesque Ocean Marina in Jomtien, Thailand’s
largest marina.
 “Raimon
Land South Shore” gets caught up in a gust on Day 2 of the racing.
On the first day, balmy warm 8-10 knot conditions tested sailors with 3 buoy
courses keeping racing tight set by Race Officer Ouy-chai from the Thai
Navy. In the larger keelboat division, Pascal Leray’s Breakaway was able to
record 3 handicap wins against Jeanneau 35 Magic Roundabout skippered by
David Bell. Brand new boat Le Vent managed a credible third place in all 3
races.
Sportboats and Platus now race combined with a separate ‘race within a race’
for the Platu fleet, Asia’s largest one-design fleet designed by world
renowned yacht builder New Zealander Bruce Farr for Thai waters.
Close racing left Raimon Land South Shore, The Beaver and Lee Marine Express
almost neck in neck on points in both classes for day one. “It was a tough
day on the water, the level of competition has increased compared to 2007,”
said Thai Open Platu Champion Kevin Scott, from Raimon Land South Shore.
Day 2 saw softening conditions, with less than 8 knots as the entire fleet
set sail together for Koh Krok and northern Pattaya on a longer island
course. Despite high speed starts out to the Varuna turning mark, Breakaway
and Pornstar both faded in the tricky, shifty conditions around Koh Krok,
opening the way for Ray Waldren’s Beaver to win both the Platu and Sportboat
classes against Raimon Land South Shore with Kipsan Beck’s Shaw 650 Pornstar
managing third place on handicap in the Sportboat division.
Magic Roundabout used smart light wind skills to win the keelboat division
while The Sting finished first on line overall beating all monohulls back to
the Marina. Weera’s Fun Wes raced alone in the cruising division both days
showing good light wind speed.
With import duties on boats now eliminated, yachting in Thailand is growing
rapidly. Ocean Marina has welcomed more than 10 new sailing boats over the
last 12 months including 5 Corsair trimarans, which will start racing on
February 16-17 in the 2nd event of the series, the Annual Gulf Charters Koh
Sri Chang overnight race.
Following the Gulf Charter series, Ocean Marina will host the Top of the
Gulf Regatta in May featuring more than 300 yachts in the premier Gulf of
Thailand yachting event with sailors coming from around the globe to
compete.
OMYC Sailing is a non-profit organization formed to promote keelboat sailing
at Ocean Marina, Jomtien. Racing is held usually on the second weekend each
month, and is supported through sponsorship from Raimon Land, Ocean Marina
Yacht Club, Gulf Charters, Bluewave Water Sports and Simpson Marine.
Beginners and experienced sailors are welcome to join racing, training and
cruising, with places usually available. For more information visit
www.omycsailing.com
The Platu skippers jostle for
position.
Magic Roundabout leads at the
start on Day 2.
Close racing in the Sportboats
as “Pornstar” follows “the Beaver.”
Slow greens make
life tough at Plutaluang
Golf from the Bowling Green
Friday’s winners pictured with
the new Bowling Green owner Evelyn: (L-R)
Dave Askew, Scott Dobbins & Richard Line.
Gareth Weeks
Monday, January 14, Pattaya C.C.
(White Tees) - Stableford
For the first of this week’s stableford competitions we visited
Pattaya Country Club and on arrival at the course we could see 15+ groups
waiting to tee off. With our tee time booked for 10am and the time then
being 9.30am a long delay looked imminent. It was apparent that the
course/starter in their wisdom had been letting groups tee off without them
having made prearranged bookings, but need I say this soon came to an abrupt
halt and we were on our way heading up the first fairway.
The course itself is still looking dry and burnt in many places, and on the
hard fairways, some drives reached 300 yards+ but you can see they are at
last trying to supply the course with the much needed water.
The overall scoring on the day was mediocre with players putting it down to
the course conditions being inconsistent, many of them unsure whether to try
and pitch shots on the greens or play lay-up shots. Added to this was the
various pace on the greens.
With only one flight the day’s winner, who kept his point tally slowly
ticking over and accumulated a fine 38pts, was Mike O’Brien (H/c21). In
second was yours truly Gareth Weeks (H/c7) on 34pts, third was a newcomer to
the Bowling Green golf, Jacques Brabant (H/c21) with 33pts, and in fourth
was the “old grizzlier” himself Mark Brenton.
Friday, January 18, Plutaluang
(White Tees) -
Stableford
Friday at the Navy, a well liked outing by many of our group, with nearly
all our regulars taking part and a few new additions in the mix. Having been
given the North and West nines we soon got our rounds underway.
The course was a little busy, but I guess normal for this time of year, the
fairways looked in good condition and with only a slight breeze and near
perfect weather the players only grumble was about the slow greens, which
were without doubt the slowest we have encountered on our travels. So the
outcome of the day’s competition would be down to the player who could
overcome the conditions as many putts hit were falling well short of their
targets, and many players were taking three or more strokes on the greens.
Enjoying the air-con and a cool beer in the clubhouse afterwards, the
scorecards slowly came in and it was apparent that a level par round off a
handicap would be in the running. Just managing to hold off our scratch
golfer Scott Dobbins on count back, and topping the winner’s platform was
newcomer to the Bowling Green Dave Askew (H/c11) with a 35-point total.
Richard Line (H/c10) was in third with 33pts. Yours truly Gareth Weeks
managed to snaffle the only near pin prize.
The Square Ring: by Howie Reed
Most old timers (who some rude people call “geezers”)
still long for the good old days of boxing in America when each summer
they would be treated to big-time fights held outdoors. Heavyweight
championship fights from Yankee Stadium or the Polo Grounds in New York
were a regular staple of the boxing scene.
Growing up in the San Francisco bay area, I had the opportunity to watch
Rocky Marciano fight Don Cockell outdoors at Kezar Stadium in San
Francisco in 1955. In 1962, Dick Tiger fought Gene Fullmer outside at
San Francisco’s Candlestick Park - where the San Francisco Giants used
to play baseball while people froze.
And for a short time it appeared that boxing was actually going to do
something smart with a trip back to the future.
There is no doubt that WBC/WBA/WBO super-middleweight champion Joe
Calzaghe is going to fight Bernard Hopkins sometime this summer. First
it was thought the fight might land at Wembley Stadium where 90,000
could attend to cheer on ‘Joltin Joe.’ When that fell through Yankee
Stadium in New York moved to the front of the line. A big time fight in
Yankee Stadium would give boxing a shot in the arm.
Now the promoters have taken the easy road by probably holding the fight
in Las Vegas on April 12. They get a big advance fee up front, do damn
little and allow the fans of ‘Joltin Joe’ from the UK to again get
“mugged” by the swell folks that run Las Vegas casinos.
Those that will travel to Vegas from the UK ought to hook up with Hatton
fans to find out what “Vegas Hospitality” really means. “Bring lots of
money, suckers.”
Also a warning to both our readers in the UK: beware of any website that
is advertising package tours for the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight. Wait until
the official announcement and then get ripped off by your own
countrymen.
Another blow to British fans is that Ricky Hatton is not going to get
another shot at Floyd Mayweather jr. There was some talk of Hatton-De La
Hoya this May in the 100,000-seat Rose Bowl near Los Angeles. That would
be a ‘gang-busters’ event. Especially if it were held on ‘Cinco de
Mayo,’ which is the day that Mexicans celebrate winning their only war
against France. One year there was a soccer game between the USA and
Mexico near that date in the Rose Bowl. Over 90,000 fans came across the
border for the fight. Some even went home.
With Hatton out of the frame it means that Oscar will fight ‘TBA’
sometime in May - probably on the ‘Tres’, which is close enough to
‘Cinco’ - either at the Home Depot pitch in Carson, California or maybe
Estadio Azteca in Cuidad de Mexico. The last time a big fight was held
there was 1993 when Julio Cesar Chavez and Greg Haugen fought before
132,247.
The 132,247 would have fought afterwards had Haugen won, but he got KO’d
in 5. At the time Chavez was 84 and nothing, which promoted Haugen to
say prior to the fight: “50 of his wins came against Tijuana taxi
drivers that my Mom could beat.” After the fight when asked Haugen said,
“Well my Mom is pretty tough!”
De La Hoya’s second fight will probably be in September in a re-match of
the split decision affair he lost to Mayweather jr. last May. Makes
sense as their last fight was the largest grossing fight of all time,
which included the live gate and PPV. Then in December De La Hoya will
have his final career fight, yet again against ‘TBA.’
Ever notice that when Thai fighters travel to Japan they get robbed,
jobbed and taken to the cleaners with nary a “no ticky - no laundry”? A
rational person (which excludes most boxing fans) would question why the
heck do they go?
The answer is of course money, or the promise of same. Just last week
Peesajdang Kiettisaktanee (17-6) and Cheng Phetchjinda (11-8) made the
trip. Phetchjinda got hammered over 6, winning nary a round.
Kiettisaktanee was a different story as he lost a split decision with
one judge having enough guts to vote for him 78-75. The other judges had
it 77-75 and 78-75 for the local lad. Forget home cooking - give me that
home judging anytime.
The preceding paragraph might be a warning to ex-champ Pongsaklek
Wonjongkam Kratingdaeg-gym (67-3) who gets a chance to face WBC
flyweight champ Daisuke Naito (32-2-) for the 4th time. The first two
meetings went to Pongsaklek in somewhat easy fashion.
Their first fight saw the Thai register the fastest KO in flyweight
history at 34 seconds of the opening stanza. The scene then moved to
Japan where the Thai got a 7th round TKO while leading on all cards and
tossing a shutout. The third meeting in Japan was a different story
however, as the Thai champ came in out-of-shape, had trouble making the
weight and lost. Cousin Bruce called it 116-113 for Naito so that’s the
way it was. Monkey House Fred’s pal Toby Gibson from Nevada was the
third man in the ring that July night. This fourth meeting is scheduled
for March 8.
There is no doubt that Don King is a throwback to promoters in the same
league as P.T. Barnum who once said, “there’s a sucker born every
minute”. Last week there was an ad on satellite TV in Thailand that put
the Jones jr.-Trinidad fight in the same bracket as Ali-Frazier. The
e-mailer remembers that the ad called the fight, “A fight to define the
decade.” The Square Ring was asked, “What’s that all about?”
Well that would be Don King being what Don King is. It would be like
comparing the writings found in ‘The Square Ring’ with Hemingway or
Shakespeare. Did it work? Probably, as there’s “a sucker born every
minute.”
And here’s Jeeves with something on his mind.
“Your Lordship, speaking of Hemingway are you aware that there was a
fight last week in his adopted home town of Key West, Florida? Well of
course you would be aware of that as you are ‘Mr. Boxing’ for the world.
“Randall Bailey, who had been a two-time world champion, is making 2008
his comeback year. He got it started early when he KO’d Anthony Mora
(15-2) in 5. The knockout punch was preceded by a little niggardly jab,
followed by a whopping, looping overhand right that sent Mora on the
back of his lap. Bailey’s in a tough division at super-lightweight but
with 33 KO’s from 36 wins he’s exciting. Watch him in 08.
“Also, if I may, I’d like to complain that your Lordship gave short
shift to heavyweight Andrew Golota (41-6) who beat the 19-1 Mike Mollo
last Sunday in Madison Square Garden in what one writer called a ‘brutal
fight’. Despite a closed left eye mid way through the bout, Golota got
a118-109, 116-112, 116-110 win. Golota’s two fights in 1996 against
Riddick Bowe may have been the most exciting heavyweight fights of the
90’s. On both occasions he was leading when he got disqualified for low
blows while giving Bowe a thorough thrashing.”
Spot on Jeeves, Golota does have some side issues. In fact if it were 30
years ago you’d see him in the movies with bolts sticking out of his
neck being chased by villagers with torches and pitchforks. He’s a
specimen that Dr. Frankenstein would be proud of.
At the last press conference before the fight, Mollo was asked about
Golota: “He’s an old fighter. He’s been great. He’s fought in some
tremendous fights that have slipped away from him for whatever reason. I
feel like I’m younger. I’ve been to the Garden before for a basketball
game but this will be my first fight there.”
Well Mike, if this had been a basketball game it would have been a near
blow out.
Meanwhile Roy Jones jr. (52-4) dropped Felix Trinidad in rounds 7 and 10
on the way to a lopsided 117-109, 116-110 twice UD win last Sunday. It
wasn’t Ali-Frazer but still a cut above the usual boxing fare. For two
old guys well past their prime they put on a pretty good show. In the
end Jones was just too strong for Trinidad.
In Dusseldorf, WBA heavy champ Ruslan Chagaev (24-0-1) either showed the
effects of being off for nine months or England’s Matt Skelton (21-2) is
really tough. As it was, Chagaev struggled to win a UD with the champ
taking 9 of 12 rounds on all cards. A “sell out crowd’ of 4,500 watched
the fight. Heck, ‘women of the second category’ in a cat fight draw
bigger crowds on Beach Road.
“Your Lordship, I’ll be taking next weekend off as I’m going to Bangkok
to watch the Super Bowl at Bourbon Street. Going up on Saturday so I can
sample Doug’s new Oyster Bar then going out Saturday night to see if
they work.
“Whilst perusing your e-mails I found two of particular interest. The
first comes from a gentleman in Las Vegas. He writes of your column last
week: ‘Thanks for nothing!’ Then there’s a tugboat captain who plies his
trade on the mighty Mississippi river in America. He writes: ‘Another
outstanding article by his Lordship.’ Your thoughts?”
Well Jeeves one out of two isn’t bad. Now bring on the lager, cigars and
some good old country music.
Pierre goes cuckoo - Paul Wallier takes Yui’s Medal
IPGC golf from Lewinski’s
Sunday, January 13, Green Valley -
Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Jim Munns (11) net 70
2nd Robert McCarthy (+2) net 70
3rd Jack Grinvold (5) net 71
B Flight
1st Paul Wallier (15) net 69 (Monthly Medal Winner)
2nd Jez Lees (15) net 73
3rd Bob Lindburg (16) net 74
C Flight
1st Joe Tynan (28) net 71
2nd Joe Whelan (20) net 72
3rd Robby Bennet (19) net 74
Ladies
1st Yui Duankeaw (20) net 69 (Ladies Monthly Medal Winner)
2nd Kathy Doddy (17) net 74
It was one of those Sunday’s when the action at the 19th hole was more
memorable than the 18 that went before. When the drinking lasts far
longer than the Sunday round you know it’s been a good one.
The monthly medal always attracts a big field and always ends in ‘what
might have been, could have been and should have been’ for all bar one -
the winner. And the winner today was ‘Larry’s mate’ Paul Wallier with a
net 69. Or was he? The record shows that last month’s medal winner came
in with the same score, so repeating her 69 in December.
Back then, both would have earned spots in the Gold medal with
count-back left to decide the winner of the silverware. As of this year,
however, after much debate about ladies playing with the men, it had
already been decided that anytime 6 or more ladies played they would do
so in their own flight. And that is that! Nothing sexist- just fair!
Unfortunately Yui’s partner Pierre was blissfully unaware of the new
rules - hence the fun on Sunday night as he perceived a conspiracy going
on. I know the ‘conspiracy king’ Neil is on the committee, but I can
assure all readers that the decision had been made well before Sunday
night.
So it’s congratulations to Paul who will be the first name up on the
2008 Medal board if his mate Larry ever gets round to putting it up.
Well done to Yui too who with back-to-back 69’s became our first ladies
winner.
A few players in A flight could have avoided us much controversy had
they sunk a putt or two more. Best of them was Capt. Fogg with a net 70,
beating our proper golfer, Robert McCarthy by virtue of the count-back
system. Jacko took his regular spot one shot behind in third.
Nobody really challenged our champion Paul in B flight. Best of the rest
was ‘the Principal’ 4 adrift with a net 73. Third place also went to
another regular placer, the ‘Guru of Green Valley’ himself.
C flight saw two Joes going toe to toe with Tynan’s 71 pipping Whelan’s
72. Robbie Bennet squeezed out Stan Dismuck for the final men’s place on
count back.
And finally second in the ladies division was Kathy Doddy with a net 74.
Let’s move on.
Monday, January 14, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Colin Davis (14) 41pts
2nd Andy Leach (6) 38pts
3rd Jack Grinvold (5) 34pts
The donkey is resilient if nothing else. Sunday night’s drama and
revelry would have left most of us floundering. Not the donkey. He got
up, shook it all off and charged around his adopted second course in 81
shots for 41 points and a clear first place.
Two quality golfers were left in the Donkey’s wake as Andy Leach and
Wacko took the minor placings.
Wednesday,
January 16,
Khao Kheow -
Stableford
A Flight
1st Pat Hanafin (10) 32pts
2nd Andy Redmond (15) 32pts
3rd Chuck Carriere (11) 31pts
B Flight
1st Linda Lee (26) 38pts
2nd Larry Nicholas (20) 36pts
3rd Eddie Beilby (19) 34pts
Only two ladies today so they re-joined the boys and one of them won it!
(Now I am confused). Yes Linda Lee finished atop of the mixed B flight
as her 38 points left her 3 clear of her nearest male rival. That was
the crustacean, who is in fine form of late. His ‘hands are good right
now’ he informs me.
Third place went to the man of Leisure, Steady Eddie Bielby who is also
playing consistently well at the moment.
Surprisingly, given that this was Khao Keow, A flight found it tougher
than B flight and 32 points proved enough for Pat Hanafin as he edged
out Andy Redmond on count back, with Canadian Chuck a point behind in
third.
Friday, January 18, Phutaluang -
Stableford
1st Paul West (8) 38pts
2nd Colm Mullen (14) 33pts
3rd Andy Redmond (15) 33pts
A rare trip to the navy course rounded off the week. Just one flight and
nobody got near the winner, Paul West who eased home with 5 to spare.
I better mention Colm in second, as I got in trouble last time when I
neglected to mention his near pin and 2’s. Well done Mr. Colm. Accept my
apologies.
Andy Redmond secured his second podium spot of the week, but the story
of the day as often happens belongs to Brian ‘Wireless’ Wilkinson.
Rumour has it that when asked to let top Thai professional Thaworn
Wirachat and three other Thai pros play through, he point blank refused.
It seems Brian felt that Thaworn might learn something from watching
Brian’s short game.
Bob pips Herb by one
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
Tuesday, January 15, started like it was going to be a miserable day. It
was dark and dreary with a slight rain falling as we drove to the
course. By the time we got there, the rain had stopped but the skies
stayed gray and overcast. It actually turned out to be a really ideal
day for golf as the overcast skies kept the weather cool.
 Tuesday’s
winner Bob Pearce (left) with Herb Ishinaga.
Bob Pearce was again at the top as he came in first with 36 points. For
the past few months Bob has been steady at the mid or high thirties.
Let’s hope that his game stays on track for the end of the month.
Following Bob home and trying to snatch the top position was Herb
Ishinaga who came in with 35 points to take second place. Herb, still
recovering from his operations and health problems, almost made it - the
16th and 17th holes cost him the game as he scored only one point from
both.
Paul Kraft and Bob Benda both had 33-point totals to come in tied for
third.
Bunker dominate against
newcomers The Driving Range
MBMG Pattaya Golf Matchplay League 2008
Tuesday, January 15, Khao Kheow,
The Driving Range (Home) v Bunker (Away)
Home (1)
v Away (9)
Craig Boyd won 2up v Gerry
Cooney
Chris Hardy lost 2 & 1 v Paul Smith
Ian Hart lost 6 & 4
v Mashi
Reg Carlisle lost 6 & 4 v Charlie Gooch
Keith Seddon lost 6 & 4 v P J Redmond
Reg Rawdling lost 3 & 1 v Jack Robertson
Gordon Swann lost 5 & 3 v Tony Robbins
J J Harvey lost 2 & 1 v Glen
Cunningham
Note: The Driving Range conceded the remaining 2 matches
One of the newest venues for golf in Pattaya is The Driving Range in Soi
Town in Town. Their first match was against the might and strength of
the long established Bunker and the result was a resounding win for The
Bunker.
We hear The Driving Range is looking for additional players, so if you
fancy matchplay, why not pop in and see Keith or Gordon.
The MBMG Matchplay league comprises of teams from nine golfing venues in
Pattaya who want to play individual matchplay golf against each other.
The participating bars are: Outback Golf Bar, The Golf Club, Caddyshack,
Kronborg, Tropical Bert’s, Angkana House, Storm, The Driving Range and
The Bunker. For further information or if you would like to play, please
contact Jack at the Outback Golf Bar or email [email protected].
Des shows he
knows a thing or 2
IPGC golf from Donovan’s
Sunday, January 13, Pattaya
C.C(White Tees) -Stableford
1st Gary Blackburne (6) 36pts
2’s: Gary Blackburne
Nice Guy Gary swept up anything with the beloved King’s portrait on it
as he topped out the flight and the 2’s.
Monday, January 14, The Emerald
(White Tees) - Stableford
1st Steve Mascari (4) 38pts
2nd Des Griffith (8) 36pts
3rd Gary Blackburne (6) 35pts
2’s: Des Griffith
The Pres got his pound of flesh from a slightly wounded Des Griffith
with a two-point victory. Nice Guy Gary notched his second consecutive
podium on the young week. Des assuaged any disappointment in coming
second by sweeping the valuable 2’s.
Wednesday, January 16, Greenwood A & C (White Tees) -
Stableford
1st Roger Moore (15) 37pts
2nd Dave McFeely (17) 31pts
2’s: None
It was time for the mid-handicappers to rule the day as Roger Moore
topped out the field. Dave “McTouchy-McFeely” edged fellow Irishman, The
Wee Leprechaun, on count back.
Friday, January 18, Khao Kheow A & B (Yellow Tees) -
Stableford
1st Steve Mascari (4) 36pts
2nd Des Griffith (8) 35pts
2’s: Des Griffith
It was nearly a replay of Monday as the Pres nipped Des, but Des swept
the 2’s.
Homes & Morel sail home at Lakeside
Jomtien Golf with the I.P.G.C.
Monday, January 14, Royal Lakeside –
Stableford
With 43 seats full in the coach and with quite a few players
who had not played this course for some time, if at all, there was a
good atmosphere on the journey up. We found the course to be in very
good condition and it received many positive comments from the players -
except from the old man himself.
Thirty-eight points was the winning score for Chris Holmes in Division1
followed by Bill Hewitt second with 36pts and Ted Morris in third on
34pts, beating Jim Connelly into fourth on count back. John Smith missed
the podium with 15 points on the back nine with the same score.
There was some higher scoring in Division 2 with Gordon Everingham yet
again losing on the count back system for a podium place after recording
39pts with two others - Harry Cowling and Mam Morel – who took fourth
and third respectively.
Peter Elder’s 41pts gave him second place and the winner was Jean Morel
with a very steady round of 43pts.
Near Pins: (Div 1) Mike Fitzgerald, Bill Hewitt, Ted Morris and
John Smith; (Div 2) William Chang, Harry Cowling,Jean Morel and Page
Thomas.
2’s: Alan Bissell, William Chang, Tony Holehouse, Jean Morel and
Page Thomas.
Wednesday, January 16, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Chaos in the starters office as our normal 10am tee off here
had been misrouted to 11.30am and with a few choice words, hectic
re-organisational plans were drawn up. In the end we were given a
10.10am start that kept everyone happy, at least for a short time
anyway. This was soon dispersed however as we arrived on the third hole
on the A course, the par three, to find seven groups waiting!!
In the stableford competition Srithong won a Jomtien golf polo shirt
donated by the bar for her 29 points, beating Chris Holmes on a 14/13
count back and in third place was John Smith with 28points. William
Chang also won a shirt with 35 points, beating Jack Hinchey with 34 who
got the better of a count back over Geoff Stubbs for second.
For the next 6 weeks at the presentation, the highly knowledgeable Mike
Fitzgerald will explain a new 2008 R and A rule after each game. Today’s
update was moving and identifying a ball in a hazard, which is now
permissible. Many thanks Mike.
Near Pins: (Div 1) Chris Holmes, Srithong and Les Utting; (Div 2)
Kari Aarnio, Fred Duffy and Miss Nom (2)
2’s: None
Friday, January 18, Eastern Star – Stableford
After last weeks abysmally slow round there was still a full
house for today’s competition.
In form Mam Morel’s handicap will be reduced again after her Division 2
winning score of 39pts: she was followed home by Ken Foster in second
place on 35pts and Kari Aarnio came in third with 32pts. In Division 1,
with plenty of smiles, John Smith beat Andy Mills for first place on a
count back after thy both finish with 35pts. Raivo Velsberg came in
third with 34pts.
So with Mam winning a Jomtien Golf shirt last week, second placed Ken
and John Smith collected one each from Olaf and Faa.
Near Pins: (Div 1) Rudi Schafer (2) and Geoff Stubbs; (Div 2) Tony
Duthie, Les Hall and Richard Kings.
2’s: None
Note: Jomtien Golf meets every Monday , Wednesday and Friday at
around 8.30am at Siam Cats , Soi 5 Jomtien beach Rd for a 10.00am tee
off. Please sign up in the bar or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464.
Steve Gould’s 42-pointer is best of the week
Golf from the Travellers Rest
by Barry Hooper
Steve Gould on our Saturday outing to Eastern Star was the
highest scorer of the week with forty-two points.
Two other forties were posted - one from Dean Rice on Thursday at Khao
Kheow and Fergus Brennan on Tuesday at Eastern Star. Monday’s highest
scorer at Bankpakong was Peter Seward on thirty-seven.
 Saturday
flight winners at Eastern Star: Steve Gould, Danny Whelan, Orowan Sodok,
Barry Hooper, John Merritt and David Thomas.
Last week Amphan North, one of our most prolific players, posted a
forty-six at Royal Lakeside for what I believe is her highest score
ever. Mod Chaviraksa also did the same thing when she posted a forty-two
pointer at the same course. These achievements truly warrant and deserve
recording. My apologies go out to both of them for this oversight.
Monday, January 14, Bangpakong - Stableford
1st Peter Seward (14) 40pts
2nd Peter Basi (20) 34pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 33pts
4th Paul Taylor (18) 33pts
5th Michael Brett (16) 33pts
6th Neil Allison (19) 33pts
This week the TRGG ventured out to Bangpakong on Monday. Numbers were
down mainly due I think to the distance involved for travelling. This
means that many golfers missed the opportunity to play an excellent
course and have a complete change of scenery from the regular local
venues that we play.
Peter Seward was top man on the day with a full six-point lead on forty.
Peter Basi came second with thirty-four points and Fergus Brennan was
third at the head of a four-player count back on thirty-three points.
The were no 2’s on the day so the pot was carried forward to Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 15, Eastern Star - Stableford
A Flight (0-18)
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 37pts
2nd Danny Whelan (13) 36pts
3rd Tony Perry (16) 34pts
4th Phil Knight (12) 32pts
5th Dean Rice (16) 32pts
B Flight (19 up)
1st Brian Blackford (20) 33pts
2nd Lars Strom (22) 32pts
3rd Alan Evans (25) 31pts
4th Sergio Volpi (23) 30pts
5th Alun Webber (23) 28pts
Near Pins: John Merritt, Danny Whelan and Derek Lucas
On Tuesday we went back to Eastern Star at the last minute after having
to curtail what was a planned visit to Pheonix. The course as always was
in excellent condition and now offers some of the best golf in the area.
A good turnout resulted in two big flights, 0-18 and 18 up. The B Flight
winner was Brian Blackford with 33 points, just the one up on Lars Strom
on 32 who was also one up on third placed man Alan Evans.
The A Flight had Fergus Brennan leading the field with 37 points, Danny
Whelan in second again only one point back on 36 and Tony Perry third on
34.
The 2’s went to just one player Derek Lucas, who picked up the double
pot after the carry over from Monday.
Thursday, January 17, Khao Kheow A & B (Yellow Tees) -
Stableford
A Flight (0-15)
1st Ray Allison (15) 37pts
2nd John Merritt (14) 33pts
3rd Danny Whelan (13) 33pts
4th Stuart Rogers (12) 32pts
B Flight (16-21)
1st Dean Rice (16) 40pts
2nd Colin Cronin (20) 37pts
3rd Michael Brett (16) 31pts
4th Tony Burnett (21) 31pts
C Flight (22 up)
1st Lars Strom (22) 37pts
2nd Maureen Coy (30) 35pts
3rd Greg Mason (28) 35pts
4th Peter Morris (26) 30pts
Near Pins: Brendan Moore, Matt Gibbons, Donald Pearson and Danny
Whelan
2’s: Donald Pearson, Matt Gibbons, Sean O’Reilly and Alun Webber
Thursday and off to Khao Kheow we went for a stableford game on the A &
B courses off the yellow tees. We had a good turnout and thus three
flights were arranged. The course was in excellent condition and as
always the service was unsurpassed.
They say that you cannot keep a good man down and this was the case with
Lars Strom, who since his eye surgery is always popping up in my
reports. He was first in the C Flight with a 37-pointer - two above
Maureen Coy who took second on a count over Greg Mason.
B Flight saw Dean Rice as the top man with a great 40-pointer over one
of our regular players, Colin Cronin on 37 pointers. Michael Brett took
third on a count back 31 from Tony Burnett.
The A Flight was headed by Ray Allison with 37 points, again a full four
points clear of second man John Merritt on 33. A count back was needed
to decide second between Danny Whelan and John.
Saturday, January 19, Eastern Star (White Tees) -
Stableford
A Flight (0-18)
1st David Thomas (6) 36pts
2nd Danny Whelan (13) 35pts
3rd Hugh Byrne (13) 34pts
4th John Merritt (14) 33pts
c/b (33pts) Michael Brett, Roger Wilkinson, Phil Knight
B Flight (19 up)
1st Steve Gould (19) 42pts
2nd Orowan Sodok (29) 37pts
3rd Andy Galvin (20) 36pts
4th Barry Hooper (36) 35pts
c/b (35pts) Greg Mason
Near Pins: Steven Gould, Andy Galvin, Michael Brett (2)
2’s: Marie Daly, Steve Gould, Michael Brett, David Thomas, Danny
Whelan.
Saturday and a good turnout for our second visit of the week to Eastern
Star.
Steve Gould’s 42 points was top score on the day and he took the B
Flight by a full five point margin from Orowan Sodok 37. It was nice to
see Orowan could take time out from her lawn bowls activities (she
recently won a silver medal for Thailand at the SEA games). These scores
resulted in handicap adjustments for both players - Steve who was cut
two and Orowan one. Third spot went to Andy Galvin with 36 and for the
first time ever yours truly Barry Hooper squeezed into the frame for
fourth with a 35 count back from Greg Mason, a fellow player in our
three-man group.
On a personal note I would like to thank Harvey Samuel for the set of
clubs I recently acquired from him. They are working very well as you
can see.
Reminder - If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest
we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at 7:45am
for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel
welcome. Call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information
The Road to Superbowl XLII - Part 3
by Howie Reed
With the Super Bowl XLII teams now set in stone let the fun
begin. It’ll be Manning vs. Brady on Monday Morning February 4 at 6:18AM
from Glendale, Arizona. The fact that it’s Eli Manning and not Peyton
may surprise some but that’s why they play the games.
The story lines for the game itself will more than fill the two weeks
time lapse from the conclusion of the league championships games and the
Super Bowl. Anybody with even a passing knowledge of the NFL knew that
the New England Patriots were the team to beat after just a few weeks of
the season. All hail the AFC Champions New England Patriots who
scratched their way to Super Bowl XLII with grit, determinations and
some dodgy decisions by the San Diego Chargers coaching staff.
The Patriots won 21-12 on a windy afternoon in a game that was
forgettable and a bit boring, except for the fact that The Pat’s are now
18-0, which makes their fans happy.
Whiles statistics usually tell the story, what is seldom measured is how
the coaching staff can make a difference. The New England coaching
staff, led by head coach Bill Belichick, laid a good old fashion “butt
kicking” on the San Diego Chargers and their head Coach Norv Turner.
Going into the game if you had written that Pat’s QB Tom Brady would
throw 3 interceptions, make numerous terrible throws in the windy
condition and that receiver Randy Moss would be shut out while the Pat’s
would only score 21 points you would have bet the house on the Chargers.
The Chargers though, as my pal from Louisiana would say, “out dumbed
them.” Trailing 14-9 at half time the Chargers stayed with one–legged QB
Philip Rivers. It was plain he couldn’t move to avoid the pass rush and
had nothing on the ball. It was also plain that the Chargers had to do
something as four trips inside the red zone, 20-yard line, yielded only
12 points. New England all year had forced teams to settle for 3 rather
than the TD and they were doing it again.
The first coaching gaff showed up when San Diego narrowed the score to
21-12. They had a first down on the New England 13. A pass got them to
the 7 when Michael Turner picked up 3 to the NE 4. Here the Charges
called a ‘time out’ to set up their 3rd and 4 play. Two mistakes: They
tried to run wide which was stupid and their guard missed a blocking
assignment which allowed Jr. Seau to throw Turner for a 2-yard loss. The
FG got the Bolts 3 but they needed touchdowns. Bad coaching decision.
Trailing 21-12 the Chargers, even with a gimp legged Rivers, had a nice
drive going to start the 4th quarter. They would drive from their own 16
to the New England 36 where they had a first and 10. Three passes fell
incomplete to bring on a 4th and 10. The Chargers need two scores to
win. With 9:21 left they punted to New England, rather than going for
it, and never saw the ball again.
San Diego was playing not to lose while New England was playing to win.
They did.
The Green Bay Packers-New York Giants football game played on the frozen
tundra of Lambeau field was a classic. The wind chill reached 124 by
game’s end. There are not enough superlatives nor time to cover all the
drama and excitement of the Giants 23-20 overtime win.
Giants QB Eli Manning was 21 for 40 and 254 yards with receiver Plexico
Burress snagging 11 of those for 154 yards. The Giants two headed
running game of Jacobs and Bradshaw accounted for another 130 yards.
Green Bay’s sure ‘Hall of Famer’ Brett Favre didn’t have his finest day,
going 10 for 35 and 236 yards with 2 touchdowns but 2 interceptions.
Ninety of those passing yards came early in the game on a pass to Donald
Driver on the Packers’ second possession.
As sometimes is the case, NY kicker Lawrence Tynes went from goat to
hero with a 47-yard field goal in overtime for the win. He had
previously missed one from 36 as regulation time ended.
If there was sadness in the game it was that Packers’ QB Brett Favre
couldn’t pull out the win in OT and he seemed to regress back to the bad
years - throwing interceptions. In overtime his interception picked off
by Corey Webster set up the winning field goal.
This was a game that had some savage hitting on both sides, some sloppy
play, some stupid penalties on both teams, some clutch performances, a
lot of trash talking and some individual battles that were classic. In
short it was a hell of a game where both teams came to win.
Just a few weeks ago the New York fans were ready to run Eli Manning and
coach Tom Coughlan out of town on a rail. Now they’re the toast of the
town, king of the hill, A number 1. There is the feeling out there that
the Giants are this year’s team of destiny. When the Giants line up on
February 4 at the Phoenix University Stadium the team across from them
will have a real destiny tag on them as the only 18-0 team in NFL
history.
Next week the head to head matched up’s and predictions.
Montana & Steadman – the perfect double act
PSC golf from The Caddyshack
Monday, January 14, Bangpra, 2-Ball
Texas Scramble
Monday, the Caddyshack held a two ball Texas scramble at Bangpra golf
club and with a full field it looked as though this was going to be a
very tight contest between a few teams.
 Clive
Bruce celebrates his good 1st day form in the Pattaya Sports Club
Championship with a couple of the lovely waitresses at The Caddyshack.
Graham Beaumont took full advantage of Phonsie McGowan’s good form of
late and teamed up with him to make a very strong pairing. But even with
a good round put together, they only managed third place with a net
69.8.
By the narrowest margins, Geoff Stubbs and Jeff Sanderson scored a
combined effort of 69.6 for second place and the winners, less than 2
shots ahead, were Richard Steadman and Rich Montana with a very nice
round of 67.8.
Wednesday, January 16, Green Valley
Today as usual we played our weekly stableford event at Green
Valley, and with another full house of golfers we had two flights with
the cut made at 16 and up.
Scores on the day were of a very good standard. In division two, Jack
Piercefield scored 36 points for third place, and also with 36 points
but with a great back-nine of 20 points was Doug Carysforth in second.
Going one shot better with 37 points was Jim Boyd who took a deserved
first place.
In division one a few golfers broke par with Archie Armstrong scoring 37
points for third place. Meanwhile there seems to be no stopping Koji
Yamada from breaking par, recently cut 4 shots he scored 39 points for
second. The winner on the day was Vincent Smyth who put together a very
tidy round of 40 points.
The prestigious 2’s pot is getting very popular with 4 golfers this time
having to share the prize; namely Peter Henderson, Doug Carysforth,
Jerry Kurtz and Peter Walker.
Friday’s golf was cancelled from The Caddy shack as most of the golfers
from here were participating in the Pattaya Sports Club Championship and
after the first round a representative from the Caddyshack, Clive Bruce,
was joint leader with a net 72. Well done Clive!
Jack Tar and Brother D move up
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers: Bill, Leen,
Nok, Barry, Hakan, Mio & Rich.
Jim Montgomery
There was no change in the standings among the top three but
changes were taking place among the next three places. Jack Tar moved up
to fourth after taking three points from Café Kronborg with Barry
leading Jack Tar with a 225 game and 584 series.
Brother D moved into fifth place after splitting their match with second
place Diamond Shop. Bill Key was best in this match with a 206 game and
566 series. SaBai Friday advanced to sixth after winning three points
from Beaver Bar & Grill. Nok bowled a 223 game, 589 series and Tiger
added a 512-pin total for SaBai Friday.
Montana took all four points from VFW Post 9876 and Café Ole won four
from Canada. Café Ole were led by Rich Montana’s 186, 214 and 201 games
for a 601 series and Bill Gibson’s 562 series.
Balls Galore beat first place House of the Golden Coin taking three
points in that match. Mio bowled a 245 game and 557 series for Golden
Coin but that was only good enough to win one point.
La had a 532 and Somrak a 511 for Balls Galore. Leen bowling as a pacer,
having just returned from Holland, had games of 217, 171 and 208 for a
596 series. Hakan also bowling as a pacer had games of 217, 211 and 160
for a 588 series.
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