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Thailand’s Pongsiri wins Pattaya Tennis Open 2008
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk & Vimolrat Singnikorn
A Thai tennis player won the Pattaya Tennis Open 2008, when
Pongsiri Nirot beat his French opponent in straight sets (6:0, 6:3) in
the final held at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort on January 22.
 Pongsiri,
left, receives the winner’s trophy from Itthipol Khunplume (Chief
Advisor to the Mayor of Pattaya City).
The tournament was staged over 3 days, January 19-22, and was being held
for the fifth consecutive year, the event being organized by the Pattaya
Tennis Association.
The competing players were divided into 16 categories with 431 Thai and
foreign tennis players taking part. Of these, 295 were in the youth
category and 136 in the no-age limit category. The winners all received
20,000 baht and a trophy, whilst the runners-up received trophies and
scholarships.
The final of the men’s singles was between Pongsiri Nirot, who is ranked
fifth in the country and number 1,512 in the world, and Pierre Sequier
from France. In the first Set Pongsiri used his skill from the back of
the court and broke Sequier’s serve three times to take the Set 6:0. In
the second Set Pongsiri was able to maintain his top form and broke
Sequier’s serve once more to win the Set 6:3 and take the match with a
2-0 scoreline.
 Pongsiri
Nirot fires a return to Pierre Sequier in the final.
The finals of the women’s singles was between Weena Duangkaew from Roi
Et, who had earlier won the 14 years of age category, and Natthawadee
Kotcha from Chonburi. They were equally matched during the course of the
game but Weena used better tactics throughout to finally run out a
winner by 2-0 in Sets (6:3, 6:4).
The men’s doubles final featured singles winner Pongsiri Niroj and his
partner Chatchai Chaiyarin who defeated Isarachon Iam-laor and Sarawut
Maneewong by a score of 6:3 and 6:3.
The winners from the other categories were as follows: Female 10-years
of age and under - Sakidavona Angelina from Russia; Male 10-years of age
and under - Pawat Sonlaksrap; Female 12-years of age and under - Kliyewa
Akitherina from Russia; Male 12-years of age and under - Theeradon
Tortrakul; Female 14-years of age and under - Weena Duangkaew; Male
14-years of age and under - Natthan Benchasupawan; Female 16-years of
age and under - Nathawadee Kotcha; Male 16-years of age and under -
Nathhorn Tanchaiyanan.
Weena Duangkaew from Roi
Et was one of the stars of the tournament, winning both the female
14-years and under category and later the senior women’s final.
Steve has his day - but Perry
is the man of the month
PSC gold from Tropical Bert’s
Derek Brook
Tuesday January 29, Treasure Hill – Stableford
A great day on a course that is in good condition, however as we
sat in Bert’s afterwards we were stumped for a headline for this write up –
“Steve ruled the day and destroyed the other players” was the obvious answer
according to Steve. The rest said that they were more impressed with the
fact that Steve ‘nearly’ thought about ringing the bell - Nearly but not
quite!
 Perry
McNeely, right, receives the ‘The Golfer of the Month’ award from Craig
Turner of Alan Bolton Property Consultants.
So the day at Treasure Hill went off as planned despite the fact we started
on the 10th tee. There were no hold ups and we got around as fast as we were
able to play. What a pleasure.
The winner, as you might have gathered from above, was Steve Hamstad with a
fine 39 points. In second was Colin Cronin with 38 points and then we have a
ride back to the real players. In third was Tom Herrington with 34 points
while in fourth was Dick Warberg with 33 points and fifth was Daryl Evans
with 32 points.
So Steve won but today also marked the Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month award
and the winner for January was Perry McNeely who had a bad day at Treasure
Hill but had already accumulated enough points to win. Well-done Perry.
Once again, just in case you missed it, Steve Hamstad was the winner on the
day. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Richard Line, Daryl Evans (3)
Long Putt: Mick O’Meara, Dick Kerr
Dietrich and Beaumont
remain unbeaten
PSC golf from The Caddyshack
Monday January 28, Greenwood, 2-Ball
Scramble
Today we put on a 2-Ball Texas Scramble at Greenwood with a full
field and some very strong pairings. The unbeaten team of Graham Beaumont
and Graham Dietrich were defending their title - to date they have won the
last four scrambles from here.
 Graham
Dietrich, left, and his playing partner Graham Beaumont were victorious once
more at Greenwood.
Dave Hester and Mark Williams put up a gallant effort with 66.8 only to
finish in third place behind Rick Montana and Richard Steadman who thought
they had done enough to take the victory with a net 66, but the
aforementioned Graham Dietrich and Graham Beaumont kept their unbeaten
record going with less than on shot to spare with a net 65.2. There must be
a pairing out their somewhere to take these two on!
Wednesday January 30, Green Valley
Today was the day of the inter-bar matchplay league with The
Caddyshack taking on The Driving Range Bar. The Caddyshack, unbeaten to
date, put out a very strong team and kept their unblemished record with a 7
wins to 3 victory.
The other golfers who were not in the matchplay had a Stableford competition
with Dave Strang coming in first with a meagre 30 points - the rest were not
worth mentioning.
A complimentary buffet was put on by The Caddyshack and many celebrated
through to the early hours.
Friday February 1, Century, Stableford
Friday was a rare visit to Century Chonburi golf course for a
stableford competition.
In the second fight, Peter Henderson scored 33 points for third place, Joey
Clines went one better with 34 points for second but the winner and well
ahead of the field was David Zlatarich with a very nice of 38 points.
In the top division the sharp shooters scored high with John Locke hitting
36 points for third place, Roger Moore put a very nice round together and
made 39 points for second, but the day’s winner with a massive 40 points was
Jeff North.
Jeff also managed a birdie ‘2’ and shared the prize with Noel Ryan.
Paul Challis makes 44 at Crystal Bay
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Barry Hooper
Monday January 28, Emerald - Stableford
1st Mod Chaviraksa (18) 40pts
2nd Brendan Moore (14) 36pts
3rd Lars Strom (20) 35pts
4th Peter Basi (20) 33pts
Near Pins: Fergus Brennan, Zeo Becoglavec
Monday was a visit to the Emerald -an excellent course and a real test of
golf. Thus it proved to be on the day but the ladies rose to the top with
Mod Chaviraksa making a 40-pointer for first place. Four back was Brendan
Moore 36pts for second spot and that man again Lars Strom (who has now sadly
returned home) was third on 35pts. It was a three-way count back for fourth
with Peter Basi getting the better of Tony Perry and Bob Short, all on
33pts.
Tuesday January 29, Pheonix - Stableford
A Flight (0-12)
1st Patrick Regan (9) 39pts
2nd Phil Knight (12) 37pts
3rd Paul Metcalfe (10) 36pts
4th Stuart Rogers (12) 36pts
B Flight (13-18)
1st Keith Marsden (17) 38pts
2nd Davis McFeely (18) 37pts
3rd Ray Allison (15) 36pts
4th Eamon Murtagh (17) 36pts
C Flight (19 up)
1st Greg Mason (26) 36pts
2nd Lars Strom (20) 35pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (20) 35pts
Near Pins: Stuart Rogers, Tony Burnett, Richard Dearnsley, John
Merritt
2’s: Con Clancy, Phil Knight, John Merritt, Stuart Rogers, Brendan
Moore.
Tuesday was a visit to Phoenix and a big turnout with three flights.
C Flight was a close affair with Greg Mason taking it by one point with
36pts. A count back for second saw Lars Strom take it from Tewin Lamthong
who has managed to return to play after what seems a large lay off. Nice to
see her back with us.
B Flight saw a new name at the top, Keith Marsden with 38pts, second was
Irishman David Mc Feely on 37pts and third was Ray Allison on a count back
36pts over Eamonn Murtagh.
A Flight had Patrick Regan heading the list with 39pts, two back was Phil
Knight on 37pts for second and a two-way count back for third saw Paul
Metcalfe just heading off Stuart Rogers, both on 36pts
Thursday January 31, Crystal Bay A & B - Stableford
A Flight (0-13)
1st Stuart Rogers (12) 40pts
2nd Mike Wardman (13) 37pts
3rd Phil Knight (12) 36pts
4th High Byrne (13) 36pts
B Flight (14-17)
1st Bob Richardson (15) 39pts
2nd John Merritt (14) 34pts
3rd Tony Perry (16) 34pts
C Flight (18-23)
1st Jack Robertson (23) 36pts
2nd David McFeely (18) 36pts
3rd Neil Morris (18) 32pts
D Flight (24-up)
1st Paul Challis (31) 44pts
2nd Patrick Brown (24) 43pts
3rd Greg Mason (26) 37pts
Near Pins: Richard Dearnsley, David Mc Feely, Mod Chaviraksa
2’s: Mod Chaviraksa, Fergus Brennan, Stuart Rogers (2), Derek Lucas.
Thursday and off to Crystal Bay we headed with once again a very good
turnout making the trip.
However it was not all to be plain sailing as the management at the course
initially refused or were unwilling to recognise our previous booking and
then tried to overcharge us 200 Bht on the agreed green fee. Despite all of
this play eventually got under way and four flights battled it out for the
day.
The problems at the start did not seem to have affected Paul Challis who
revelled in the conditions and came out top of the D Flight with the high
score of the day, 44pts, for first place. Patrick Brown was only the one
back on 43pts for second and Greg Mason came third with 37pts.
C Flight saw our regular player Jack Robertson put it together for a win
with 36pts, but only after a count back against David Mc Feely. Neil Morris
was third with 32.
B Flight and Bob Richardson made this his own by five with a 39-point tally.
Again there was a count back for second and third spots between John Merritt
and Tony Perry on 34pts.
Stuart Rogers headed the A Flight with a good 40-pointer and was three in
front of Mike Wardman on 37 in second place. Count back again for third
between Phil Knight and Hugh Byrne to whom I must offer a sincere apology
for calling him “Brendan Moore” in last weeks photo. Grovel - grovel -
grovel.
Saturday February 2, Eastern Star (White Tees) -
Stableford
A Flight (0-13)
1st Tom McManus (10) 37pts
2nd Liam Keegan (13) 37pts
3rd Amphan North (13) 36pts
B Flight (14-17)
1st John Merritt (14) 37pts
2nd Brendan Moore (15) 32pts
3rd David McFeely (17) 31pts
C Flight (18-up)
1st Tewin Lamthong (20) 34pts
2nd Alan Evans (25) 32pts
3rd Barry Hooper (36) 29pts
Near Pins: Georgio Baccioli, John O’Leary, P. Ennis, Tom McManus
2’s: David Thomas, Georgio Baccioli.
Saturday and another one of our regular weekend outings to Eastern Star. The
course was generally very good but busy and again the greens played a little
slower than on previous weeks and the windy conditions played many tricks
and kept the scoring really quite low on the day for all the players
We had very good participation and three flights on the day.
C Flight had yours truly, Barry Hooper, take third spot and one better that
the previous two weeks with 29pts. Second was Alan Evans on 32pts and top
spot went to Tewin Lamthong and her second honour of the week with 34pts.
The B Flight saw David Mc Feely take third with 31pts, second went to
Brendan Moore with 32pts and first place to John Merritt with 37pts.
The two A Flight top places were both matched on 37pts but Liam Keegan lost
out to Tom McManus on the count back. Amphan North (the recent PSC ladies
champion) took third place with 36pts. Congratulations from all our members
go to Amphan on her recent achievement.
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.
Jimmy Wickstrom
‘Eagles’ for his 2
IPGC golf from Donovan’s
Monday January 28,The Emerald – Stableford
1st Steve Mascari (4) 38pts
2nd Jeff Johnson (14) 37pts
2’s: Jim Wickstrom (Eagle)
It was the ‘Pres’ over old friend Jeff Johnson by a single digit. The
shot of the day belonged to ol’ Dudley Dooright as he took the 2’s pot
with an eagle.
Wednesday January 30, Greenwood C & A – Stableford
1st Pierre Bietry (16) 39pts
2nd Doug Hollingworth (10) 36pts
3rd Mark Wood (6) 36pts
2’s: Mark Wood
Monsieur Pierre took the day at Greenwood putting a three-point margin
between Wendy’s lesser half and The Pride of Aberdeen. Doug shook off
his new moniker to take the count back over Mark. Mark, in an effort to
salve the wound, threw a chip in to walk off with the 2’s lucre.
Friday February 1, Khao Kheow C & A – Stableford
1st Steve Mascari (4) 39pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 36pts
3rd Bob Duxbury (14) 36pts
4th Bob Lindborg (17) 34pts
2’s: None
In another good-sized field, the President supplemented his income for
the second time on the week with a 3-point margin over nearest
competitors Seamus Cotter and ‘Bullett’ Bob Duxbury. The Luck of the
Irish prevailed over the Luck of the Rose, as Seamus took the silver on
count back.
The Society welcomed old friend, the Guru of Green Valley, and he showed
his versatility by taking fourth at the Dye-design layout. There were no
histrionics on this day as the 2’s pot carried over.
Blackford the best
at Treasure Hill
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Derek Brook
Monday January 28, Khao Kheow A & C –
Stableford
The course on the day was in good condition with the greens
in the finest shape they have been in over a year.
 Brian
Blackford was the top scorer at Treasure Hill.
The ever-steady Ebrahim took the A Flight on count back from Chuck
Carriere in second and Thomas Buch in third, all on 35 points. In the B
Flight the winner was Jack Piercefield on count back over Graham
Buckingham in second, both with 33 points whilst in third came Colin
Swann with 31 points on yet another count back from Brian Noguer.
Near Pin: Henry O’Brien, Mike Winfield, Graham Buckingham, Chuck
Carriere
Long Putt: Jan Lovgreen (2)
Thursday January 31, Treasure Hill – Stableford
We usually get a good turnout for this course, and this day
was no exception. Arriving at the first tee and we found nobody ahead
and we were able to zoom around. Mind the wind did blow strongly at
times. Ever notice how the wind is much stronger when you play into it
than when it is behind?
The course here at present is in very good condition, everything
considered, however they have not marked the hazards as yet, and this
always leads to the, “is it, isn’t it?” syndrome. It is also noticeable
that the caddies do not rake the bunkers, so be warned.
This is a difficult place to play so it was not surprising that, with
the exception of one score, all the players were beaten by the course.
In the A Flight (0-18) all places were decided on count back with all
the winners scoring 34 points. The winner was Bob Morrison with Dave
Richardson in second and Johann Reynisson in third.
In the B Flight (19 up) we had the one really good score of the day when
Brian Blackford came in with 37 points. We then had a count back on 34
points that saw Art Bailey in second and Hugh O’Donnel in third.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Ebrahim, Anders Solbrekke, Bob Morrison, Hugh O’Donnel
Long Putt: Johann Reynisson (2)
Siam Bayshore tennis players win 2007 Hotel Cup
The winning Siam Bayshore team
(pictured clockwise from top left): Hoffman Beat, Sylvester Alamdar, Peter
Lerch, Faik Onder and CJ Colburn (organizer).
CJ Colburn
For December the International Tennis Academy hosted a tennis event
that was comprised of 5 competing hotels from Pattaya. Each hotel put
forward 5 players that faced each other in a round robin format. The Siam
Bayshore, Marriot Hotel, Jomtien Condo Hotel, Royal Cliff Resort and Fairtex
Sports Resort were the participating resorts.
The format was 1 singles and 1 doubles match that were played once a week at
both the Fairtex and Royal Cliff’s tennis courts.
This was the first Hotel Cup to be held and the proud winners were the
players from the Siam Bayshore. In second place came the Royal Cliff Resort
followed by Jomtien Condo Hotel in third, The Marriot Hotel in fourth and
Fairtex Sports Resort in fifth.
Weeks has a month
to remember
Golf from the Bowling Green
Gareth Weeks
Monday January 28, Emerald - Stableford
1st Alan Griffiths (22) 37pts
2nd Harvey Samuel (18) 35pts
3rd Gareth Weeks (7) 33pts
Near Pins: Gareth Weeks, Harvey Samuel
Emerald was the venue for Monday’s stableford, and along with the usual
competition we also had the “golfer of the month” title up for grabs
with only three players still in contention for the final fixture.
 Gareth
Weeks, left, receives the Juice Restaurant ‘Golfer of the Month’ award
from Pat, the restaurant proprietor, pictured right.
This course is always a tough test, but in our previous visits we’ve
always found it to be in excellent condition. On this day it was quite
busy but we still managed to tee off on our allocated tee time, all
credit to the staff there.
In our 4-ball we saw Alan Griffiths playing some of his best golf in
several weeks and he seemed to be back in control of his game, hitting
numerous quality shots into the tricky Emerald greens and finding
himself with several birdie opportunities. He just managed to hold off
the strong inward charge from Harvey Samuel for the win, with ‘yours
truly’ (Gareth) taking third place which was enough to secure the
monthly title for January. The Bowling Green golf society would like to
give a big thank you to Pat and all the staff at Juice Restaurant
Pattaya for sponsoring this month’s prize
Friday February 1, Greenwood - Stableford
One of our favorite venues at the moment, this course has
been in top condition over the past several months and Friday was no
exception.
With a stiff breeze and quick greens scoring was tricky, but just
managing to hold off the rest of the field was ‘yours truly’ again with
a winning 35-point total. Mike O’Brien (20h/c) was in second with 34
points, third was Alan Griffiths (22h/c) with 33 points, and in fourth
came Peter Brown “Rolex” (33h/c) on 31 points.
The Shrewsbury
Tiler ‘summits’ Green Valley
IPGC golf from Lewinski’s
Sunday January 27, Green
Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ian Grout (11) 40 pts
2nd Andy Leach (5) 36 pts
3rd Jack Grinvold (6) 35 pts
B Flight
1st Ian Halfpenny (16) 36 pts
2nd Vic Hestor (13) 35 pts
3rd Jim Munns (12) 35 pts
C Flight
1st Ken Kutzing (22) 36 pts
2nd Bob Lindburg (17) 36 pts
3rd John Hartington (17) 35 pts
Ladies
1st Suzie Lawton (14) 37 pts
2nd Mol Thongjiew (16) 35 pts
Whatever you call him (The Tiler, the Glazier or just plain Grouty), Ian Grout
is undoubtedly the Paul Scholes of Pattaya golf. Whilst regular playing partner,
Mark (the Crawley Cabbie) Bonner places a premium on style and tees it up
thinking he’s Ian Poulter, Grouty knows style is nothing without substance.
He drives a bottom of the range Toyota, only appears to have 2 golf shirts and
positively cringes at the sight of a mobile phone. His Summit golf clubs are a
throwback to the 80’s, yet he remains faithful to them, only recently turning
down a very attractive offer to convert to Mizuno.
It must be working though, as Ian is certainly a contender for the title of the
society’s most improved golfer. A reliable source informed the scribe that just
18 months ago, Ian was hitting fresh air shots as he wrestled with a ‘lady’s’
handicap up over 20. Today’s 40 points could well take him into single figures.
He deserves it! Only Vijay (and perhaps Jacko) work harder at their game.
The man himself took yet another third, just a point behind Andy Leach who found
his even par round enough for second on a tougher than usual Green Valley
Sunday.
Even par proved enough for Ian Halfpenny to take B flight, one point ahead of a
chasing pack of 4. Vic Vestor and Capt. Fogg squeezed in whilst Terry Phur and
Jez Lees were the countback victims.
Perennial placers Kenny and Bob took first and second in C division with John
Hartington in third. Well played Suzie Lawton, who won the ladies flight with 37
pts, just ahead of Mol on 36.
Monday January 28, Treasure Hill -
Stableford
1st Paul Shaw (10) 36 pts
2nd Chas Li (8) 33 pts
3rd Sim Davis (33) 31 pts
4th Colm Mullen (14) 31 pts
Just the one flight at Treasure Hill and as is often the case off the whites
here, level par proved more than enough to win it. Blackpool’s Paul Shaw was
that man, finishing 3 ahead of 8 handicapper Chas Li. The Donkey’s better half
played well for third, so edging out Colm Mullen on count back.
Wednesday January 30,Khao Kheow -
Stableford
A Flight
1st Chuck Carrier (11) 35 pts
2nd Pueschl Ayako (12) 34 pts
3rd Colin Davis (13) 33 pts
B Flight
1st Bob Lindburg (17) 36 pts
2nd Christy Knight (20) 36 pts
3rd Syd Harrison (17) 34 pts
Khao Kheow is another tough track where anything close to your handicap usually
gives you a shout. Today Canada’s Chuck Carrier found 35 pts enough for gold.
Pueschl Ayaoko took silver, one ahead of the Donkey.
Count back was also needed to sort out the B fight where the Guru of Green
Valley got the better of Christy Knight with Syd Harrison getting home in third.
Friday February 1, Eastern Star -
Stableford
1st Colin Davis (13) 36 pts
2nd Barry Copestake (14) 32 pts
3rd Jim Munns (12) 32 pts
1st Joe Tynan (28) 31 pts
2nd Joe Whelan (20) 31 pts
3rd Geoff Kubas (18) 30 pts
It was a tough week. Treasure Hill, Khao Kheow and finally Eastern Star. Credit
to the Donkey who was the only one to get the better of the course as he romped
home 4 clear of the field on 36 pts. Money to money! ‘Loud’ Barry Copestake was
next best with ‘slow’Capt Fogg in third.
Just 31 points was enough to win B flight where Joe Tynan, Joe Whelan and Geoff
KubasColm were the 1-2-3.
There were no 2’s all week so it’s a mighty rollover for Monday.
Reminder: It’s time to really test yourself in the only opportunity in Pattaya
to ‘play like the pros’ with 4 days of stroke-play in the 2008 Leweinski’s Open:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 18-19 February - 21-22 of February. Green
Valley.
Entry Fee of 5,000 baht per player includes: Four (4) Green Fees, Four (4) Caddy
Fees, Two (2) buffets and trophies. (Note - 1100 baht Entry Fee for Green Valley
C. C. Members). Sign up early, don’t be disappointed! Full details and sign up
sheets are in Lewinski’s.
Mike holds on for monthly ladder award
PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Joey’s Column
Monday January 28, Burapha, Stableford
Div A (0-14)
1st Mark Bamber (8) 41pts
2nd Mick Leighton (12) 37pts
3rd Steve Plant (14) 36pts
4th Chris Davisson (11) 34pts
Div B (15+)
1st Harry Cowling (37) 37pts
2nd Alan Bishop (18) 35pts
3rd Frank O’Neill (16) 32pts
4th Linda Martin (26) 32pts
2’s: Paul Crosland, Steve Morton, Bob Martin, Gerry Morton, Mark
Bamber, Marty Allred, Lindsay Joshua & Dick Mace.
Fifty-two Outbackers joined the regular venue today and apologies to those
who couldn’t play, it just wasn’t possible to squeeze in and more tee times.
Burapha is a very popular course, if you want to play, please call Bob early
to avoid disappointment. There was a big welcome for the 10 players from The
Angkana House team as 10 of the Outbackers contested their first Matchplay
league home game, and you can read more about that in the league write up.
The remaining 32 players also enjoyed the American & British course from the
blues, all 13 groups (including the 5 matchplay groups) getting round in a
little over 4 hours per group. There were a couple of Norfolk raiders
visiting today and one of them stole the show, Mark Bamber with an excellent
41pts.
Wednesday January 30, Bangpakong, Stableford
Div A (0–11)
1st Dave Smith (10) 39pts
2nd Mike Waltschek (7) 38ptss
3rd Capt’ Bob (8) 38pts
4th Dave Hewson (6) 37pts
Div B (12-18)
1st Carl Lovatt (18) 35pts
2nd Paul Lavender (15) 34pts
3rd Alan Bishop (18) 34pts
4th Don Pavlovic (16) 33pts
Div C (19+)
1st Suzi Lawton (20) 39pts
2nd Doug Chalkley (19) 35ptss
3rd Toy Theobald (28) 35pts
4th Nigel Cannon (24) 34pts
2’s: Fred Theobald, Capt’ Bob, Henry Enz & Roger Kidd.
The monthly bus trip coincidentally was Capt’ Bob’s Birthday, and a very
special number too! Forty-four outbackers enjoyed this splendid course, once
again everybody playing at a very comfortable pace.
It was the last day of the January ladder, and the runaway leader increased
his lead with another stunning round of 38pts to scoop the first prize pot.
Second place went to Don Frances, who had kept up with Mike most of the
month, but towards the end found the pace a little too hot, and third place
went to Capt’ Bob. Great form throughout the month Mike, well played!
As an extra today for Capt’ Bob’s birthday bash, there were near pin prizes
for Fred Theobald, Capt’ Bob, Henry Enz & Don Pavlovic.
Bob Martin was awarded the Outback Golf Bar shirt just because they had one
his size!
Friday February 1, Plutaluang, Stableford
1st Bob Philp (8) 35pts
2nd Brendon Dougal (19) 33ptss
3rd Geoff Doody (23) 31pts
4th Don Frances (11) 30pts
5th Bob Martin (17) 30pts
Phew, what a busy week! A relatively quiet day at the tranquil ‘Navy’
course, playing South & East. Teed off on time and not a six-ball in sight,
not even the usual ‘bun-fight’ on the 10th, everybody getting round at a
very good pace. No slow rounds this week, that makes for great golf.
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.
This month’s bus trip is to Royal Lakeside on Wednesday 20th Feb.
The Beautiful Game?:
Riz Taylor
Window is smashing, for a change
February is here, which means that, as well as laughing
at the folks back in Europe and their exceptionally cold weather which I’ve
all but forgotten, the time has come around to moan about transfer windows.
This job is too easy sometimes. In fact now I think about it, I may just
write about a dozen columns and wheel them out one after another on a
three-month cycle and see how long it takes anyone to notice. If betting
were legal in Thailand, which it plainly isn’t, I’d stick a few hundred baht
on nobody realising for at least six months while I laugh all the way to
bank with my enormous fee.
“Newcastle sack manager” could be one to have in the Pattaya Mail
vault waiting for a rainy day, and “Too much money in the game, it’ll end
in tears you know” is another certainty. “Leeds plummet to new
depths” could be a nice one to keep you weird lower-league types with
your knitted jumpers and programme collections happy, and then of course
there’s the obligatory “England are crap”, which is a no-brainer.
You can add “I hate transfer windows” to that list as well. I won’t
spend more than this paragraph berating the system this time around as I can
sense you already reaching to turn the page and end the suspense of who won
the mixed four-balls at Chon Buri golf club last week, but I will reaffirm
that I can’t really see how the transfer window, the twice-yearly period
that clubs are allowed to purchase new playing staff for anyone new to all
this, benefits us fans.
Complaining about it in this newspaper isn’t going to help either. Most of
the big names in football buy this newspaper every Friday of course -
admittedly because they’re trying to find out whether Lars from Finland
managed to retain the Stableford off the red tees at Pattaya Country Club -
but even my old mates Pele and Bobby Charlton aren’t in much of a position
to stop the steamroller of nonsense that continues to engulf today’s
beautiful game. I guess we’re stuck with it, but then, given last week’s
shenanigans, there’s just a slim chance that the whole thing might start to
grow on me.
It was a busy one, after all. Nicolas Anelka moved to Chelsea, Middlesbrough
signed the useful-looking Alfonso Alves from Dutch side Heerenveen in a club
record 12 million pound deal (beating the 8 million capture of club legend
Massimo Maccarone), Derby picked up Everton defender Alan Stubbs and
Sunderland were rewarded for their efforts by picking up chubby Irish winger
Andy Reid.
Fulham were also busy, seeing the arrival of Jari Litmanen, Pau Stalteri
from Tottenham and some geezer called Kallio whose first name I can’t be
bothered to look up, but it was Spurs who were once again kings of the
annual winter panic buying as the Londoners raided the defender shop, taking
Jonathan Woodgate, Gilberto and much fancied Rangers and Scotland full-back
Alan Hutton to White Hart Lane.
All very exciting I’m sure you’ll agree, but it was another move involving
Spurs that hit the headlines. At the very tick of midnight and the end of
the transfer period it was announced that Jermaine Defoe had left White Hart
Lane to sign for Portsmouth, who in turn had flogged off top scorer Benjani
to free-spending Manchester City. Except it didn’t quite work that way.
Thanks to last minute comedy capers it seems that Benjani failed to sign a
required form, and as such didn’t become a ‘Citeh’ player after all. Defoe,
it turns out, is merely on loan at Fratton Park, but the move is likely to
become permanent in the near future.
It makes you wonder why the clubs leave things until the very last minute,
but then as long as there’s some entertainment I’m not complaining. Not for
six months anyway. Join us next week for “England are Crap” - unless
Newcastle sack their manager!
Different face, same results
A pat on the back for Chelsea manager Avram Grant this week. The
Israeli boss may not be the most exciting addition to the managerial
merry-go-round of the Premier League, but since when was that a condition of
entry anyway?
Jose Mourinho, by contrast, had the media of Europe eating out of his
well-manicured hands during his successful spell at the West London club.
But though he’s ahead of Grant in the headline stakes there’s nothing to
choose between them on the pitch. In his first 28 games in charge at
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea under Avram Grant have a record of 21 victories,
five draws and two defeats. Under Mourinho? Exactly the same.
Maradona – “I’m a dirty cheating git”
Well he didn’t go quite that far, but Diego Maradona has finally
apologised for his infamous “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup
quarter-finals that cost England a place in the tournament. In an interview
with The Sun, the coke-snorting superstar said that if he could go back in
time and “change history’’, he would.
Speaking through a translator, he said: “If I could apologise and go back
and change history I would. But the goal is still a goal. Argentina became
world champions and I was the best player in the world. I cannot change
history. All I can do now is move on.’’
Moving onto his pharmaceutical habits, the modest Argentinean recluse said:
“If I had never touched cocaine, I would have been three times as good a
player.”
He also criticised former England national team captain David Beckham, who
he described as “just a good player, nothing more ... he’s not a great
player - he doesn’t belong to the superior group of players. There are
hundreds of Beckhams playing football all over the world.’’
Ronaldo loves Bingo
The Manchester United winger is himself making a fair attempt at
claiming the title of the world’s best player, but despite the adulation of
both sexes the Portuguese winger has told The Star that he loves nothing
more than a nice game of Bingo.
“It can be very exciting because you can be there waiting for a long time
for just the one number to make the game complete,” he told a sports paper
back in Portugal. “Then you see one of your friends you are playing against
get his lucky number before you.”
This weekend
A full Premier League calendar this weekend. There’s a Manchester
derby early on Sunday, which is always worth a watch, and then there’s
Chelsea versus Liverpool later if that kind of weird stuff turns you on. Oh,
and the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday too. Not bad eh? See you next
week.
Vongtims dominate at Allied Pickfords/Raimon Land Championships
The lineup at the start of
race 3 with the winning Hobie-16
(sail number 110300) pictured front right.
Despite moderate wind
conditions the racing was still hard fought.
Report by Peter Cummins, photos by Joseph Hoppen
The northern gulf over the weekend Jan 26-27 was replete with movers
and shakers, to coin an old ‘60s cliché. The ‘movers’, in this case, were
Allied Pickfords, the careful movers, whose business philosophy is “Relax;
we carry the load”. The ‘shakers’, in this context, were members of the
dreaded (sailing-wise, that is), Vongtim family.
Joining the fray, to under-write the Hobie Asian Championships 2008 as
co-sponsors, was Raimon Land, perennial supporters of yacht racing and
marine sports in the kingdom. It represented the first time that this
prestigious event has been held in Thailand, being usually sailed in Hong
Kong.
 Hobie
Tigers on the outward-leg.
Raced off the host venue, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya, 34
competitors from 11 Asian-Pacific countries, including some of the world’s
best, participated. The only notable absentee (on occasion) was the vaunted
north-easterly wind, which blew strongly and steadily up to the
championships and then again immediately after it was all over.
Nevertheless, there was enough wind to complete eight races and allow the
Vongtim family, sailing up from the Sattahip Naval Base, to take command of
the championships.
Damrongsak and crew, kid sister Sakda (Vongtim Nattawat), easily won the
Hobie 16 event, finishing with 11 penalty points, six points ahead of – you
guessed it – Kithada Vongtim and crew Payem (NOT a Vongtim).
Damrongsak, ‘heir apparent” from the ‘grand old master’, P.O. Vinai Vongtim
his dad, has won almost as many national titles as Vongtim senior. He’s also
represented Thailand at the Olympiad and, late last year, finished eighth in
the Hobie Cat World Championships held in Fiji.
The Hobie Tiger Division was totally dominated by Hong Kong’s veteran Hobie
sailor, Mike Scantlebury, crewed by David Harris, who finished on seven
points, from hard-challenging Royal Varuna helm, Antony Chapman, with Nigel
Harris (24). Royal Thai Navy team Aroon Ruengcharungphong/Narongrid, took
third place (27) with Royal Varuna’s finest, Mateo and his dad, Stefaan de
Vos, fourth (29), and another tough team, Canada’s Richard Eyre and Kiwi
Dave Littlejohn, also sailing out of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, were
sixth, on 31 points, just behind fifth-placed Jerome Collins/Antoine
Binoechon (31).
A top entry of 29 Hobie Cat 16s from many Asian-Pacific countries, added to
the fleet of eight powerful Hobie Tigers, indeed, made a spectacular – and
exciting - scene in the South Pattaya waters, in spite of the light,
shifting winds.
In third placing in the Hobie 16 Division, was Australian team of Barnaby
Houk/Astrid Wehof (32), followed, in fourth place on 41 points, by former
Thailand Hobie Cat national champ, Stuart Scott, up in the kingdom from New
Zealand for the event, with the petite 10-year-old Canadian. Melisande
Norton as crew. Big sister Kendra Norton, crewing for another Kiwi, Paul
Renall, was sixth on 47 points, just three points behind Fiji’s Graham
Southwick/Kaveni Natadra (44).
One of the H-16 teams, who must remain anonymous, would readily reflect the
sponsor’s goal: “Relax; we carry the load,” racking up a total of 138 years
between them which number, fortunately, did not appear on the kg scales when
they weighed-in. Longevity is something most of us would like to ‘un-load’.
(The aforementioned Norton siblings were not too worried about this).
The medium winds (8-12 knots), slight seas and only minor wind shifts made
for equitable, pleasant racing. But as the record fleet prepared for the
last day’s sailing off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, one competitor was heard
to mutter sotto voce: “Thank goodness there are no more Vongtim siblings on
the horizon!”
But, he need not have worried. The wind died and racing was called off,
while the competitors wolfed down the victuals supplied by Ramon Land,
attended the Awards ceremony and then, for many, it was to the airport for
home with fond memories of the kingdom.
Ribbins rips it up at Greenwood
Jomtien golf with the I.P.G.C.
Monday January 28, Plutaluang – Stableford
With 8 and 9 four-balls out now on a regular basis and the 5-hour
round diminishing slightly, it was a pleasant surprise to play the North and
West courses today in around four an a half hours. On the front nine we
encountered some of the slowest greens for a long time, and this took a few
holes for the players to adjust to this.
In the stableford competition 39 points secured first place for Andy Mills
in the top flight, with Les Utting taking second on 36 points and Bruce
Lawrence in third on count back over Paddy Wilson, both with 32 points.
In the second tier, Kari Aarnio beat Jack Hinchey to top spot on count back
after both recorded 37 points each. Tony Holehouse was in third with 36
points and Tarja fourth with 35.
Andy Mills and Les Utting scooped the rolled over 2’s pot in the first
division and Tarja Kankainen and Dan Martin recorded one each in the second
for a double rollover win. The balance will go into the kitty for a pairs
Canadian scramble at Eastern Star on Feb. 22 with the free buffet afterwards
back at Siam Cats.
Near pins went to Bruce Lawrence (2), Andy Mills, Les Utting, Tarja, Dan
Martin, Andy Oz and Burnie Sinclair.
Wednesday January 30, Greenwood – Stableford
After a three-month break in the UK, Roger Ribbins returned today
with a winning 43 points to take the second division. He was followed home
by Ken Foster with 38 points who took a count back win over Gordon
Everingham on the same score.
Ben Findon’s 36 points was enough for the first division win, with Paddy
Wilson beating Ted Morris on count back for second after they both finished
on 33 points.
With no rollover in either division in the 2’s, an amazing five people
shared the pot in division 2, each sharing a meager payout, sympathy for
Gordon Everingham after an eagle on the par-4 fifth hole and then a birdie
on the par-3 sixth. Russell Benson, Les Hall and Page Thomas also share the
pot. There were no winners in division 1.
Near pins were won by Fred Duffy, Srithong, Barry Stirling, Les Utting,
Russell Benson and Page Thomas.
Friday February 1, Eastern Star – Stableford
Unexpectedly low scores came in today with 35 points enough for
Miss Oam to win the second division, followed by Bev Ewens on 33 and Andy Oz
on 32.
Four players in the top division fought for the three prize places after
they all scored 32 points; Andy Mills had the best count back to secure
first place, Herma Fitzgerald pipped Ted Morris for second and Jim Connelly
lost out totally after a back nine of 14.
There were no two’s in either division so a rollover ensues.
Near pins went to Jim Connelly, Herma Fitzgerald, Srithong, Bev Ewens, Ken
Foster and Miss Nom.
Found farwells were said to Jean and Les Utting and Page Thomas.
Jomtien golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Siam Cats, Soi 5,
Jomtien Beach Rd. at around 8.30pm for a 10.00am tee off. Please sign up in
the bar or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464.
The Square Ring: by Howie Reed
“Your Lordship - I’m home.”
Well, yes Jeeves, it is nice to see you again. It was very difficult
surviving here while you were sowing your wild oats (such as they are)
in Bangkok.
The telecast of the Alaexander Povetkin-Eddie Chambers heavyweight fight
a couple of weeks ago drew 5 million viewers in Germany on their TV
network ARD. Not really sure if that’s good or bad but just reporting
dutifully the boxing news.
The Cable Giant HBO is promoting Povetkin as the next great heavyweight
so anything said on their air time with regard to the big Ruskie has to
be taken with a pinch of salt, a lime and a good shot of Patrón Silver.
As with all heavyweights today conditioning seems to be a problem with
Povetkin, which of course can be cured somewhat by actually doing some
roadwork. Novel as the idea may seem.
Sven Ottke retied in 2004 after defending his IBF super-middleweight
title 21 times. His overall record was 34-0 but a little suspect. He
only fought once outside his native Germany and he had only 6 KO’s from
34 fights, which meant that in retirement working an omelet buffet
wasn’t an option. “You no break eggs, you no make omelet.”
The one fight outside Germany was in Austria, which of course the little
house painter with the bad gas once declared part of Germany.
Ottke is now thinking of un-retiring for a “Big Money’ fight against
Dariusz Michalczewski (48-2). Michalczewski ruled as the light
heavyweight champ from 1997-2003. That’s about the same time frame when
Roy Jones jr. was doing the same in the USA. They never met in the ring
mainly because Mr. Jones didn’t find it in his interest to challenge
anyone that could actually fight.
Originally the match-up was supposed to be Michalczewski against
Graciano Rocchigiani but the latter couldn’t agree on terms.
There has never been a bigger “air head” in boxing (including Andrew
“The Foul Pole” Golota) than Graciano Rocchigiani. He was the
million-dollar airport with the 2 baht control tower. He sued the WBC
for 30 million USD and won. How much he collected is another story. Then
he was back in jail for being stupid. Then he opened a gym for ‘troubled
youths’ and went back to jail.
Surely here is a guy that needs help. Then along comes a big money match
and he can’t reach an agreement. In the words of Mr. B. Bunny, “What a
maroon.”
Michalczewsk against Ottke might be interesting much in the same vein as
old guys Jones-Trinidad was interesting. Michalczewsk ‘s two losses came
in the last two fights of his career to Julio Cesar Gonzalez and Fabrice
Tiozzo, one in 2003 and one in 2005. He’s been out of the ring since
then.
There’s an old saying that “you had better watch out what you wish for
because you just might get it.” That’s the case with British IBF
light-heavyweight champ Clinton Woods. He’s been running his “yapper”
for some time about wanting IBO champ Antonio Tarver and now the deal is
done. They’ll meet April 12 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa
Florida.
“It’s a fight I have been longing for,” said Woods. “He told me he would
beat me years ago, well now he has got the chance. He can’t run any
longer because the deal has been made. It is smell the coffee time and
he is going to find out the hard way what a thorough beating is all
about. He lost to old man Bernard Hopkins on points but I am going to
knock him out and then my status as the best light-heavyweight in the
world will be confirmed. If Joe Calzaghe gets past grandad Hopkins the
week after I make mincemeat of Tarver, he can come looking for me. I’m
ready for Calzaghe anytime and any place and he knows it.”
The problem with all the brave talk is that when Woods has stepped up in
class he’s failed to produce. Against Roy Jones jr. in 2002 in the Rose
Palace in Portland, Oregon he got TKO’d in 6. Woods was never in the
fight. Fighting at home in Sheffield, Yorkshire, he got a draw with
Glenn Johnson that was so bad that an immediate rematch was demanded.
The second fight used non-white cane judges so Johnson got the UD.
Seems to be a ‘Brit thing’ raging on Bernard Hopkins. Problem is that
none of them have beaten him yet. He’s a clever Yank.
Thailand’s Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (72-9) was all set for a rematch
against WBO bantam champ Gerry Penalosa (52-6) on March 2. Not going to
happen. It’s the old “couldn’t agree on money” ploy, which means that at
least one of the boxers wanted to actually get paid. The money dispute
was between Golden Boy promotions and Philippine TV network ABS-CBN.
One of the problems may have been that Marquez-Pacquiao comes up later
in the month. Another problem is that the two met in November of 2000
with Penalosa stopping Vorapin in 6.
“Your Lordship, do you know how many big time international fights there
were last weekend? Didn’t think you did. Good thing I’m here.
“First off at the ExCel Arena in London, wunderkind Amir Khan (16-0) had
no trouble disposing of former champion Gairy St. Clair (39-6-1) after
tossing a ‘donut hole’ at him 120-108 on all cards. Your lordship
mentioned that St. Clair was blowing smoke and as usual you were spot
on.
“Another ‘has-been’ is heavyweight Corrie Sanders who got back in the
ring against Osborne Machimana (15-5) at the Emperors Palace Casino in
South Africa. A lot was made of the fact that Mike Tyson was there to
promote the fight. Sanders as you mentioned was spending a lot of time
on the local golf courses. He got KO’d at 2:14 of round one. Yes, he
must have had an early tee time. What a disgrace. He’s the type of boxer
that gives the sport a bad name.
“Also your Lordship there was a heck of a battle at the Waterford Hotel
in Cebu, Philippines. Vic Darchinyan (29-1-1), making his second start
since losing his flyweight titles to California’s Nonito Donaire, got a
lot more than he wanted with Z Gorres (27-2-2). Reading between the
lines of the wire story, as we professionals do, it appears that
Darchinyan got credit for a knockdown where Gorres simply lost his
balance for a 10-8 round. Coins and bottles belted the ring when the
referee ruled a knockdown. The referee was named Lance so consider the
source.
“In the 6th round Darchinyan used the head butt, as he does whenever
possible, which opened a gash on Gorres’ forehead which bled profusely
for the remaining 6 rounds. Gorres did go down in the 9th but still
ringsiders thought the local lad had won the bout. But alas it was a
‘controversial’ draw.
“In Sydney, NSW, old warhorse Emanuel Augustus (36-29-6, 19 KO’s) scored
a second round KO over David Wiremu (14-16-2). I love it your Lordship
when the writer says Augustus was taking a ‘tune-up fight’ to prepare
for a possible showdown on April 4 in Sydney against IBO welterweight
champion and WBC #6 ranked Isaac Hlatswayo. If you’ve been in the ring
72 times you don’t need a tune-up, you need a pay day. Anyway he got it.
“Finally Andy Lee, the pride of Limerick, Ireland, got a KO in the 5th
before the home town fans at the University Sports Arena. Lee dominated
the fight, dropping Alejandro Falliga (14-40) in the 2nd and three times
in the 5th. Good night at 1:49.”
Jeeves, that was a fine report. I think that maybe the USA has figured a
way to get even with the oil rich sheiks. We’ll send over worn out
heavyweights to some place like the Sheikh Rashid Hall in the Dubai
World Trade Center.
Got to provide this press release as it was written by some flak:
“Promoter Jessie Robinson says the addition of Ghana’s Kamoko (23-0, 13
KOs) brings even more prestige to this groundbreaking night of boxing in
the United Arab Emirates that already features former heavyweight and
light heavyweight champion of the world “Double M” Michael Moorer.
Kamoko will face Lawrence Chapman (19-4-2, 13 KO’s). ‘We’ve got Braimah
in a tough fight and we think the fans in Dubai are going to love
watching these two world-class light heavyweights rumble,’ stated
Robinson.”
These must have been the same guys that bought the London Bridge.
Well Jeeves you’ve done an outstanding job this week. Oh Emm, would you
bring myself and my good man Jeeves a few lagers, a couple of fine
cigars and crank up the volume on the music machine.
“Your Lordship how long is this Emm person going to be with us?”
Only until the money runs out Jeeves.
Old hands take control
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Sunday, January 27, the Pattaya Golf Society found
to their delight that the North and West nines at Plutaluang were
sparsely populated when they called to play their regular Sunday
stableford event. The greens however could have been more consistent
but, as they say, “it’s the same for everyone.”
Two players shared fourth place with scores of 31 points and for
both Trevor Robins and Shuichi Kodaka it was their first taste of
success at the OK Corral. Ahead in third place was Tony Kitchen, no
stranger to being on the podium here and his 34 points came on the
back of some strong and accurate hitting. There were joint winners
and as the PGS does not operate a count back system both David
Thomas and Jean Morel shared the prize for their solid 35 point
cards.
There were a brace of birdie 2’s on the day, the lucky golfers being
Werner Pausch on W3 and Andre Fortis on the Lighthouse hole, N3.
Paul McNally is an accomplished two-handicapper but he struggled all
day with the wind - internal not external - and the organiser
presented the Booby Bevy to him “in absentia”, as his condition had
restricted him to twenty-nine very brave points and it one of those
days when no relief was to be given. You can’t hide at the OK!
Tough times are back
The Pattaya Golf Society revisited Treasure Hill on
Tuesday, January 29, to play a stableford round with the “B” flight
going off the usual white tees and the “B” flight going off the more
relenting yellow tees. The course was in fine condition and of the
large field included some who had never played the course before.
What a treat lay in store for them!
In the top flight, cut at eighteen and under, only two golfers
managed to post scores of thirty-plus. In third place was Chris
Voller, making his first podium appearance since Christmas and he
could be forgiven for feeling a little embarrassed returning a score
of 29 points. Tony Kitchen, a virtual stranger to the course,
allowed nothing to faze him and his thirty points took second, three
behind the winner, Andre Fortis, whose skill helped him score 33
points for a deserved victory
In the second flight Kazu Agune and Ray Underwood fired 33 points
each for a share of third place whilst Emiel van der Wiele continued
his current fine form with 35 points for second. It was left to Ian
Hart to post the best score of the day, 36 points, and he joined the
ranks of the Pattaya Golf Society in winning but not breaking par.
The recently returned John Mason was heard to say,” If this was in
England I would have had 37 or 38 points by now” as he studied his
meagre ten-over card and the Booby Bevy had found its rightful
owner, as it so often does at Treasure Hill.
Andy caps a fine month
Green Valley is a wonderful respite from bustling Pattaya
and so it was on Thursday when the Pattaya Golf Society took a large
party to play its final stableford competition of the month.
The course was in fine condition and the stiff breeze which held up
all day offered some relief to the golfers in the heat. Of course,
it also added another dimension to the day’s proceedings.
The two flights were cut at eighteen and under and in the second
flight Len Jones and John Mason posted scores of 34 points for a
share of third place, one behind the sole lady golfer Yui Duangkaew,
whose 35 points showed evidence of yet another skilful Thai lady
golfer. The flight was won by the ever popular Finn Jorma Liila who
capped a good week with his 37 point winning score.
In a competitive top flight Stuart Thompson, Erik Antonnen and
Richard “Banjo” Bannister stood in third with 33 points each, three
behind runner-up David Thomas and yet another par round.
The star of the day, as he was throughout the same month last year,
was Andy Parkinson. Playing off thirteen his back nine of 40 “off
the sticks” went a long way to establish his winning score of 39
points. It also saw him snatch the Society’s “Player of the Month”
title from David Thomas who needed only to par the final two holes
to take the award. In the end he stuttered with two bogeys. Well
done Andy!
The biggest winner on the day was Len Jones who recorded the only
birdie ‘2’ of the week to reap a handsome pot, and of course the
dour old gaffer did the correct thing and set the bells ringing back
at the OK Corral.
Paul McNally received the Booby Bevy at last for cocking a snook at
the truest saying in golf - “It’s not how, it’s how many”. On the
short par-five fourteenth he launched a prodigious drive and put the
subsequent wedge through the green and ended the hole with a par,
losing the hole and a side bet to a conventional birdie from David
Thomas. Both had the honour of the best gross of the day, 78, so in
a sense things stayed all square at gorgeous Green Valley.
Gerry is the January man
PSC golf from the Bunker Bar
Monday January 28, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Monday, and with the January ‘golfer of the month’ race coming to it’s
climax Gerry Cooney and Tony Scambler were way ahead of the rest so the
next two games would be crucial.
 Gerry
Cooney was the Bunker Bar golfer of the month for January.
Playing Stableford and with the cut at handicap 15, Tony won the A
Flight with 36 points to keep right on Gerry’s tail with only one game
to go. Paul Smith came second with 35 points and Gordon Melia was third
with 34 points.
Ron Cosgrave won the B Flight with 38 points, ahead of Alan Sullivan 34
points and Paula Byrne was third with 33 points.
Near pin prizes were shared between Jack Robertson, Mick O’Connor,
Gordon Melia and Glen Cunningham.
Wednesday January 30, Crystal Bay – Medal
Wednesday was the last game of the month and we played Khaow Kheow to see
who would became golfer of the month.
Glen Cunningham won the A Flight playing off his 3 handicap, he scored a
fine one-under par nett 71. Cyril Wallwork had the same score but had to
settle for second place losing on a count back and third place went to
John Graham with a net 72.
Gerry Cooney’s fourth place was enough to take the monthly trophy as
Tony Scambler had a disastrous day and finished well down the field, so
well done Gerry!
Jerry Kurtz had a good day again, winning the B Flight with a two-under
par net 70 ahead of second placed Jack Robertson a long way behind on
net 79 and third placed Alan Sullivan net 80.
Only three near pins were won and they went to Gerry Cooney, Paul Smith
and Takeshi Hakozaki.
Friday February 1, Plutaluang - Medal
Friday, and the start of the month saw the Bunker Boy’s play the Royal Thai
Navy course at Plutaluang where we saw some new names come to the fore
in both the A and B Flights.
In the A Flight Jim Treen won with the best score of the day, a net 69
playing off handicap 13. Jerry Kurtz came second with net 73 after
beating Tony Scambler into third place on a count back.
John Hughes won the B Flight with a slightly embarrassing net 77 ahead
of Colin Cronin’s net 82 and third placed Bryan Rought’s net 84. The
strong wind was the excuse for the poor scores in the B Flight where,
playing North and West courses the signature lighthouse hole took it’s
toll with several tee shots going into the drink and ruining a lot of
cards.
Gerry Cooney continued with his steady form taking a near pin prize but
Tony Scambler wouldn’t be outdone as he won two near pins and the fourth
went to Jack Robertson.
Sus Ige and Paul Kraft hammer the Emerald
PSC golf from the Beaver Bar & Grill
Trevor Carnahoff
A great turnout of 38 golfers played the Emerald last Friday for
the regular Beaver Bar outing, and if you were not playing to your
handicap you were simply not in the hunt. The course was running hard
and fast on a very pleasant day and the winning scores belied the
difficulty of the Emerald.
Coming first in A Flight was Sus Ige (Hcp 15) with 40 points, showing no
signs of a recent shoulder injury and playing an obviously solid round
sprinkled with a slew of long putts that found centre cup.
It seems that the handicap officials at PSC cannot keep up with Apple
Jitchana (Hcp 10) who came in second with 39 points, followed by the
perennial Eddie Blackwell (Hcp 11) with 37 points and Doug Campbell (Hcp
18) taking out fourth prize with 36 points on count back from Ciano
Glavina and Dennis Willett.
The scores in B Flight were nothing short of outrageous, with Paul Kraft
(Hcp 24) yet again taking out first prize with 42 points. Daryl Evans
(Hcp 21) followed him in with 41 points, while Kevin Mitch (Hcp 28) and
Bobby Clark (Hcp 29) fought it out for third and fourth places
respectively.
Near pins were won by Herb Schweiterman and Roger Kidd.
Beaver Bar & Grill hosts golf at Emerald every Friday between 7:45 and
8:45 and now until further notice at Emerald on Tuesdays. Sign in at the
Emerald for Friday golf and check tee times at the Beaver Bar for
Tuesday golf.
Outback Golf Bar set the early pace
MBMG Pattaya Golf Matchplay League 2008
Monday January 28 - Burapha
Even though the Caddyshack were still to play later this
week, the Outback Golf Bar knew that 7 wins or more would put them top
of the MBMG Matchplay league. Playing at a brisk pace in front of the
regular Outbackers on their resident course, the Outback Golf Bar team
soon stamped their intention on this match against the Angkana House
team, led by Clive Robinson & Bob Rasmussen.
Outback Golf Bar (Home) 91/2
v 1/2 Angkana House (Away)
Barry Chadbourn (won 8 & 7)
v Rob Gandley
Bob Martin (won 4 & 3)
v Norm Martin
Jack Moseley (halved)
v Peter Harris
Brendon Dougal (won 1-up)
v Alan Lord
Steve Morton (won 2-up)
v Marty Allred
Gary Blackburne (won 4 & 3)
v Clive Robinson
Mike Waltschek (won 7 & 6)
v Dennis Bailey
Don Frances (won 1-up)
v Arthur Barrett
Jack Spencer (won 4 & 3)
v Bob Rasmussen
Bernie Segrave (won 2 & 1)
v David Wood |
Barry Chadbourn thrashed Rob Gandley 8 & 7 (sorry
Rob) and Mike Waltschek handed out a ‘dog licence’ to Dennis Bailey. The
‘star’ of the show was Steve Morton (gross 71) versus Marty Allred
(gross 70) - a match I would have loved to have seen. Marty birdied the
16th to get back in the match, but Steve hit to 4ft on the par-three
17th and sank the putt for a birdie and then hit driver and driver to
birdie the par-five 18th to win the match 2-up.
A nice compliment from Marty afterwards about Steve being the ‘best 4
handicapper he’d seen in a long time!’
The rest of the team all went on to register wins with the exception of
Jack Moseley, who although 1-up going down the last, applauded Peter
Harris’s birdie to halve the match. Afterwards, he thanked the Angkana
House team for their tremendous support they’ve shown for the Matchplay
League and the spirit in which the whole match was played. Great fun!
Wednesday January 30 - Green Valley
The Driving Range are still searching for their first win,
but today was not to be as the Caddyshack maintained their unbeaten
record. Convincing wins from Stuart Thompson against Vince Smythe (won 5
& 3) and Grail Boyd against Graham Beaumont (won 7 & 5) were not enough
to stop the Caddyshack.
Caddyshack (Home) 7
v 3 The Driving Range (Away)
Vincent Smythe (lost 5 & 3) v
Stuart Thompson
Graham Beaumont (lost 7 & 5) v Grail Boyd
Damian Trant (won 2 & 1)
v Al Sadhi
Paul Walia (walkover)
v Jim Proctor
Peter Walker (won 8 & 7)
v Gordon Swan
Roger Moore (halved)
v Paul Davies
Ian Covill (won 7 & 6)
v Reg Carlisle
Bruce Tollit (won 1 up)
v Ian Hart
Peter Henderson (won 4 & 3) v Keith Seddon
Mike Wing (halved)
v Paul Challis |
All the January matches have now been completed and
the current league table is shown below. Like any new venture there have
been a few areas of discussion, particularly about handicaps. Although
perhaps not perfect, the banding system enables The Matchplay League to
set itself apart from either IPGC or PSC, therefore enabling teams from
both stables to participate in what is the purest form of golf.
There are some minor adjustments to the bands effective from 1st Feb, in
the meantime thank you to all the venues for the enthusiasm you are all
showing to date and good luck for your next round of matches.
For further information or if you would like to play, please contact
Jack at the Outback Golf Bar or email [email protected]
Barry makes a winning return
PSC golf from P J Pool Bar
Thursday’s winners (L-R):
David, Barry, Roy and Paul.
Neil Duncan
Tuesday January 29 Khao Kheow C & A -
Stableford
A full house of twenty made the journey to Khao Kheow where
we were allocated the C and A courses for the day. We were reminded what
an excellent lay out Khao Kheow is and with the road now nearing
completion we intend to return soon to this venue.
In the lower handicap (0-16) division Vinai Jumparnit (H/C 7) took the
day with 35 points with Jeff Wylie (H/C 7) being runner up with 32
points and Neil Duncan (H/C 14) coming in third with 31 points.
In the higher handicap (17 & up) division, Ulrich “Willie” Nachbur (H/C
24) beat Jim Walton (H/C 21) into second place on count back, each with
32 points while third spot went to Graziano Anodeo (H/C 17) with 31
points.
Near pins in on C3 and C8 were won by Jeff Wylie and pleasingly, because
he doesn’t bag one very often, on A5 by Brian Hardwidge. The longest
first putt on the 18th green was slotted by David Gardner. The average
score for the day was 28 points.
Thursday January 31, Plutaluang S & E - Medal
Eighteen of us made the trip to Navy where we checked in with
ease and started at our booked tee time.
In the lower handicaps (0-14) division, and newly returned to the group,
Barry Quirk claimed top spot with a net 73 off his 14 handicap being
closely chased by David Gardner with 74 off his 7 handicap. Bruce
Lawrence aka “The Mask” took third spot off his 10 handicap.
In the higher handicaps division (15 & up) Roy Pimblett off his 20
handicap put Paul Smylie (handicap 27) into second spot on a count back,
each with net 73. Third place went to our ever-steady man with a black
and white, vinyl, Century 2000 kit bag Jim Walton with 75 net off his 21
handicap.
Near pins were won by Paul Smylie S4 & E2, Peter Coombs S7 and Alan
Pattenden E5 who also tagged the Paradise Bar golf shirt for most golf
on the day. “The Mask” went bananas and slotted a monster longest first
putt on the 18th green.
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 089 511 0575.
Geoff Picken takes his first win
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, January 28, Eastern Star -
Stableford
1st Geoff Picken 36pts
2nd Barry Traynor 35pts
3rd Russell Exley 34pts
4th Chris Knapp 33pts
With only two counting competitors in the buffer zone, the CSS went out
to 73 as most of the day’s hopefuls struggled to get to grips with the
conditions and a very slow round into the bargain.
Geoff Picken seemed to get every putt that he lined up to claim his
first win out of The Haven and just pipped Barry Traynor who can always
be relied on to get it round in somewhere near creditable if not better.
Russell Exley also managed to edge out the ever-present, that is
recently, Cap’n Chris Knapp, for third place.
The first division’s 2’s were won by Mike Sanders and the second
division’s by Geoff Picken.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Larry Gilliam and
Yasuo Suzuki.
Wednesday January 30, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Paul Taylor 38pts
2nd Peter Sumner 37pts
3rd Alan Griffiths 34pts
4th Alan Hanlon 34pts
Paul Taylor put in one of his better rounds to keep Peter Sumner back in
second spot by a single stroke.
Alan Griffiths just got the better of Alan Hanlon on the count back to
secure third.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Russell Exley and Serge
Straeten shared the pot in the first division.
Prior to the prize giving, Harald Gruber was welcomed back.
Friday, February 1, Phoenix Ocean & Mountain -
Stableford
1st La Keith 37pts
2nd Alan Hanlon 37pts
3rd Chris Knapp 37pts
4th Phil Groves 37pts
5th Trevor Schirmer 36pts
6th Fred Land 35pts
With the course giving up too much to the players, it was almost
inevitable that the CSS would be down by the maximum one to 71, which is
the other side of the equation when dealing with courses that play
either too easy or too difficult under the CONGU system, as evidenced by
more than 50% playing within the buffer zone.
La Keith was the best of the bunch, the top four who had to be separated
by count back, by a single shot from Alan Hanlon. Chris Knapp took his
second placing in the week, also by a shot on the back nine, from Phil
Groves, with Trevor Schirmer and Fred Land filling out the remaining
places.
Despite the ease with which most of the course played there were
surprisingly no 2’s in either division.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed new members Simon Spinks and Ralph
McCarthy and also welcomed back Vic Barton, whose dad Dick, the Doc, as
a lad, knew very well. It’s even difficult to write.
It was also announced that after the successful appeal for Richard
Livingston’s Repatriation Fund, he would be returning to the UK on
February 18 and is expected back in Pattaya hopefully before the end of
the year, following his rehabilitation.
All in a day’s work for Dale
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
As usual our day started early as the first group teed off before 7am.
The day was overcast with a slight wind blowing. Again we beat the
weather as the rains began falling after we completed our round.
 Tuesday’s
winner Dale Murphy (left) with Herb Ishinaga.
Dale Murphy was again at the top. No one shot their handicap for the day
as Dale came in with 34 points to get his name inscribed on the Three
Sisters Trophy to start the year.
Coming a close second were Herb Ishinaga and Bob Benda: both had 33
points but Herb beat out Bob on count back. Bob had 21 points on the
front nine but faltered on the back with a dismal 12 points. I’m sure
that he is regretting a few shots that ruined his round.
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