Aspiring golfers take part in junior golf championships

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
More than 250 junior golfers from 18 countries recently descended on Pattana Golf Club to compete in the 7th True Visions International Junior Golf Championships held over the period April 1-4.

Tourism Authority Of Thailand’s Akarawit Tepasit (left) presented the trophies to the winners.
This competition saw the debut of the Thai Junior Golf Championship or TJGC, which was renamed to the Thai Junior Golf Federation or TJGF for the first time. Golfers competed in several individual categories divided into first and second divisions and there were also two team events that were played out over 72 holes and 4 days for the AB Class players and 54 holes and 3 days for the CD Class respectively.
Away from the course, the young golfers were also taken on an educational tour of Pattaya City and Chonburi Province. Four buses were organized to bring the foreign athletes and parents to witness the Ancient City, to join for dinner at Nuknarn Hall, and lastly to take in a show at the Alcazar Cabaret in Pattaya before finally returning to Pattana Golf Club.
The competition highlights are currently being aired on every True Vision Channel, a total of 10 channels, until April 19.

More than 250 junior golfers from 18 countries took part in the competition.

Lions & City hold table tennis tournament

The youngsters battled it out all day on the ping-pong tables.

PM: Saksiri Uraiworn
The Pattaya Taksin Lions Club and Pattaya City organized a table tennis competition on April 7 at the Muang Pattaya School 2 in Charoenrat-Utid to encourage youngsters to exercise and spend their free time usefully instead of turning to narcotics.
The tournament was split into several age and gender related categories with the winners in each being as follows: Male team 12 years of age and under category was won by the Pattaya Taksin Lions Club Butterfly A Team; Coed team 15 years of age and under category was won by Imperial Samrong Paknam Team A; Male team 18 years of age and under category was won by the Ubon Motorbike A team; winners in the Male team with restrictions category were the Imperial Samrong Paknam team - Port Authority Team A, and Imperial Samrong Paknam Team B; the winner in the Male category was Pakphum Sanguansin from the Pattaya-Taksin Lions Butterfly club; and the winner in the Single Male 10 years of age and under category was Sirawit Puangthip from the STIGA Club.

The trophy winners pose for a group photo.

Vagrants win all-Surrey final at Chiang Mai ‘Sixes’

The Surrey Vagrants emerged as champions of the San Miguel Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes on April 6 when they edged the Surrey Avos in a nail-biting Cup final that came down to the last ball of the match. It was a fitting end to an excellent 21st edition of the tournament held at the 108-year old Chiengmai Gymkhana Club ground over the period March 29-April 6.

A record 36 teams from a cross-section of the cricketing world-at-large and four ladies teams took part in the recently held 21st San Miguel Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes.

The Avos had put up a respectable score of 74-0 with both openers unbeaten, Graham Crawford on 25 and Stuart Tomilson 27. The innings accelerated at the end with 49 coming off the last two overs.
In reply the Vagrants struggled in the initial stages, losing two early wickets, but then Cameron Eve took over, hitting an excellent 30 (retired) ably supported by Steve Naylor (17 n.o). They eventually grabbed victory with a bye on the last ball.
The Vagrants were presented with the Cup trophy by H. E, the South African Ambassador, Douglas H.M. Gibson.
The Vagrants had reached the final with a close victory over the Mighty Spires while the Avos had done well to dispose of defending champions the Gloucestershire Gipsies.
The Moonshine Warathais lifted the prestigious Bromley Shield with a good all-round performance against the Lord’s Taverners. Former Australian star Trevor Chappell and Steve Christie got the Warathais off to a good start putting on 48 for the first wicket before Chappell was run out for 12. Christie followed soon after for 17 but Ian Liddell (12 n.o) and Warren Pugh (12 n.o) saw the Warathais reach 79-2.
Facing tight bowling from the Warathais, the Taverners struggled with the run rate and despite a spirited 28 not out from Hashan Tillekaratne, fell 10 runs short, finishing on.69-0.
‘’We’re very happy with that,’’ said a delighted Christie after the game. “We bowled and fielded well.’’
In the Bowl final the Silver Stars won a close game against the Tokyo Wombats. The Wombats compiled a challenging total of 82-1. However the Silver Stars scored quickly in reply and overhauled the Wombats score in the final over. Top scoring for the Silver Stars was Amal Silva with 22.
The Joe Carpenter Plate final saw another close finish with the South African side Almar defeating the Drifters on the last ball of the match. The Drifters struggled with the bat, making just 42-2. Almar also found it difficult to make quick runs, but a solid 18 by Ray Blatherwick set the foundations for a narrow win as Terry Eksteen hit the winning runs off the last ball.
The last match was the Spoon final which saw an entertaining battle between the Stuffed Beavers and the Udon Thani Richmond Steakies. Some fine batting from Leigh Whitten (22) and George Hamilton (26) gave the Steakies an impressive score of 76. The Beavers gnawed away bravely but fell short, reaching 61-2 and the title went to the Steakies.
Triumphing in the Ladies final were the Thai Angels who put on a great all-round performance to beat the Panthers from the Prem school. The Angels bowled particularly well and took a couple of great catches for a well-deserved victory. It is hoped these youngster will get continued support for their fine efforts.
The tournament, organised by Maurice Bromley, was once again a tremendous success played in an admirable spirit by all teams, both on and off the field.

HE The Ambassador of South Africa to Thailand, Douglas HM Gibson (far right) presented The Cup to the Surrey Vagrants.

2008 Chonburi Governor Charity Golf Tournament

Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa is delighted to announce that the first Annual Chonburi Governor Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, May 16, 2008.
The Governor of Chonburi Province, Khun Pracha Therat, is leading this prestigious charity event and we thank him for honouring all participants and sponsors through his participation.
The tournament will take place a Burapa Golf Course in Pattaya, “Shotgun” (tee off) time is twelve noon, and 18 holes will be played. After the tournament, at 7 p.m., all participants and sponsors will gather at More Bar & Grill at Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa for a celebratory dinner.
All proceeds of this event will go to the construction of a house for a family near Chonburi that has lived in very harsh conditions for the past 30 years. The father of this family is 72 years old and has been out of work for a long time. The mother is 57 years old and they have 2 children, of which one is disabled.
The Chonburi Governor Charity Golf Tournament will provide the funds to help these people.
We would like to invite all players to participate in this charitable event. For more information on entry and sponsorships see the details listed left or contact ‘Kris’, More Bar & Grill Business Development Manager and Tournament Organizer, on 089 185 3689.

Simon & Tracey take it in turns

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, April 6, Green Valley -Stableford
A flight (0-13)
1st Roy Thornton (13) 41pts
2nd Peter Lenoury (9) 40pts
3rd Nick Strasshine (5) 40pts
B Flight (14-up)
1st Gavin Knox (14) 40pts
2nd Mark Bonner (17) 35pts
3rd Paul Henshaw (14) 35pts
Forty-one golfers made the Sunday trip to Green Valley for the warm up to next week’s monthly medal. It must be said that after the recent heavy rain, which caused an hour’s break, the course was nearly back to its best.
There were two divisions; the cut being made at 13 much to Nick’s delight I might add.
B flight had a runaway winner in Captain Gavin Knox with a super round of 40pts.
Then it went to count back to separate the next four players with Mark muscles Bonner taking second on 35pts and Paul Henshaw 3rd rounding off the flight. The unlucky two count back victims were Mick Shrosbree and fast Eddie Beilby.
A flight was a real tussle and 38pts got nothing - zilch. Bad luck Ian.
In third place was the flying Scotsman Nick Strasshine with 40pts, second on count back over Nick was Peter Lenoury on 40pts, and the winner with a great 41pts was Roy the boy Thornton.
Tuesday, April 8, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Simon Spaulding (3) 40pts
2nd Jim Culletton (8) 39pts 
B Flight
1st Michael Fell (18) 36pts
2nd Trevor Chappell (13) pts 
Twenty-two golfers made the trip to Greenwood to battle it out. The course was in excellent condition as always. Once again there were two divisions with the cut being made at 13.
Wining B Flight with a creditable 36pts was Michael Fell, on count back from Trevor Chappell 36pts.
A Flight was again a close affair with Simon Spaulding taking top spot with a great 40pts off a 3 handicap followed by Jim Culletton with 39pts. A good day was had by all as always with Lewinski’s Golf Society.
Wednesday, April 9, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tracey Spaulding (8) 40pts
2nd Simon Spaulding (3) 40pts
B Flight
1st Michael fell (18) 33pts
2nd Charles Sheppard (18) 33pts
Twenty-four golfers made this trip this day to the ever-popular Khao Kheow where the course was found to be in fine shape. There were two divisions once again, and the cut was made at 17 and up for B Flight
I know this might sound a bit familiar, but here goes: Wining B Flight on count back was, you guessed it, Michael Fell on 33pts. Taking second place also on 33pts was Charles Sheppard. Just out of the money and in third place was Michael’s wife Michele. Now that would have been something hey.
But hold on, guess who won A Flight: Simon? Wrong, it was his wife Tracey Spaulding amassing 40 pts to win on count back, yes from you got it, husband Simon Spaulding on 40pts. Brilliant golf.
When every body was finished and the bus was heading back home, you could hear the singing a mile away “Tie me kangaroo down sport”.
There is a rumor going round that Simon is going to play left handed next time out, to give the others a sporting chance. Good on yer mate!
Friday, April 11, Phoenix - Stableford
A Flight
1st Tracey Spaulding (8) 38pts
2nd Gavin Knox (14) 38pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (16) 38pts
2nd Michael fell (17) 35pts
Twenty-one players made the short trip to Phoenix and the course was, as always, in good condition, not too much sand in the bunkers. The rest is about the same as Tuesday and Wednesday: Simon kept to his word and played left handed.
In B flight there was a bit of loss of concentration with Michael Fell slipping into second spot with a fair 35pts. Peter Henshaw spoilt the winning run for Michael with 38pts.
Wining A Flight with 38pts, no guesses, Tracey Spaulding on count back from Gavin Knox.
The moral from this week’s golf seems to be finding yourself a partner.
Can you imagine the bounty hunter, the principle, one-ball and the crustacean, holding hands waking down the fairway? Perhaps not!
Please note no 2’s rollover after the Holiday.

Songkran ‘friendly’ at Phoenix

Phoenix Tuesday Golf from Toy’s Music Bar

Mike Gerrard
Today was just good old fashioned friendly (or not so friendly) private matchplay for two groups, with a small donation from each player going into the pot at Toy’s Music Bar. Just as well we only held a knock-around today because we had a large group of players in front who slowed us down quite considerably.
With the Mountain course closed for renovation work it puts more pressure on fitting everyone onto the two remaining layouts. Still, the course has been full for some time now and the work is greatly needed.
With Songkran upon us it is now a very quiet time of the year, with a lot of people disappearing for the next week or so. I wonder why? For me, I have done the shopping and have plenty of new videos to watch and crosswords to complete.
Don’t forget if you wish to join us on a Tuesday (Green Fees 700 Baht during low season) give me a call on 08 709 17565 and we will fit you in.

Tough times at Eastern Star

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Sunday, April 6, the Pattaya Golf Society swapped the crowded fairways of Plutaluang for the solitude and fine welcome at Eastern Star as they played their first Sunday stableford event in Ban Chang.
The atmosphere was very humid throughout the day but thankfully the thunder, which was roaring all about, did not pose significant problems and the competition took place on greens which were relatively slow and fairways which were a little softened by the previous day’s rain.
Twenty golfers made up the usual single flight and Paul Quodomine eclipsed his front nine efforts with a sparkling back nine of 22 to post a score of 34 points for third place. Three golfers shared the win with Helene Lindberg joining David Thomas and Stan Everingham at the top of the list with 35 points.
There were no birdie 2’s for the second successive Sunday and Paul McNally is ruing his decision to return to the UK next week, missing a second chance to take the big ‘un!
The Booby Bevy went to Masaaki Sugaya, an eighteen handicapper, whose round was so inconsistent that he described his irons as “mai sabai”. He has booked them in for radical surgery before his next round with the Pattaya Golf Society.
Australia Day at The Emerald
The Emerald at Ban Chang was the venue for the Pattaya Golf Society on Tuesday, April 8 as they played a pre-Songkhran stableford event over the ever-challenging course.
The only disappointing aspect was the slow speed of the greens and the large field, swollen by the inclusion of many Aussies - friends of friends, etc - was cut into two flights at nineteen and under.
In the top flight Chris Hardy struck a blow for the old country by posting 34 points for third place whilst Australia went one and two: Steve March hit a level par 36 points for second and the flight winner was Ray Jackson, his 38 points bearing testimony to his exceptional long game.
In the second flight Len Jones and Helene Lindberg tied for third with 36 points whilst Paul Quodomine made it a trio of second place finishes with a well constructed 37 points, his back nine being an excellent 21 points. The day’s best score was posted by Aussie Ian Hogg with 39 points for the divisional win.
Ray Underwood and Chris Hardy took shares of the 2’s pot for their efforts on the par-three fifteenth and the Booby Bevy was rolled over because of the lack of suitable candidates on the golf course.
Ms Lindberg caps a fine week
Thursday, April 10, was a very hot and humid day and was the day that the Pattaya Golf Society chose to play its monthly stableford merit event at Phoenix. The Lakes and Ocean nines were well turned out and the greens were quicker than those faced earlier in the week at Emerald and Eastern Star.
The course was relatively under-occupied but an unconditioned group in advance of our first group delayed their game so as to make the round last an incredible five and a half hours, in that heat!
The single flight found that those willing to suffer the constant breaks in concentration and rhythm found some consistency and Len Jones, Peter Ditz and David Thomas all posted scores of 34 points to share third place. Ahead of them with 35 points was the in-form Swedish lady, Helene Lindberg, and she posted a second place finish to complete a full set of honours for the week. The day’s winner was Tim Williams and the American’s level par contribution of 36 points represented a round of fine concentration.
Len Jones and Peter Masters both managed birdie 2’s for a share of the substantial pot and a very much “under-par” Masashi Iizumi took the Booby Bevy for a card containing nine ones and three “blobs”.
Phoenix was a treat as always, shame about the golfing “snails”.

Lane wins at Eastern Star – but not by a street

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

Wednesday, April 9, The Emerald – Stableford
An almost deserted clubhouse and course greeted us on arrival today, and with a few of our impetuous players teeing-off 20 minutes ahead of schedule the organiser’s starting blocks were thrown into disarray, causing mayhem with the groups behind.
In the stableford competition in division 1, Ben Findon’s 38 points gave him the top prize with Harry Riley finishing second on 34 and Mark Prytz third with 32 points. Three players in division 2 came in with 38 points so the dreaded count back ensued that saw Joe Kubon in first and Mam Morel beat her other half Jean Morel into second place with a back six score of 11 to Jean’s 10.
Playing off a five handicap, Mark Prytz won three of the near pin prizes in division 1, whilst Bev Ewens, Les Hall, Jack Hinchey and Roger Ribbins were the ones smiling in division 2.
In the 2’s competition it was a rollover in division 1 yet again and Bev Ewens and Jack Hinchey shared the purse from Eastern Star and today.
Friday, April 11, Eastern Star – Stableford
Keith Hector’s 35 points secured first place in division 1 at Eastern Star on Friday, with Andy Mills coming in second on 34 and Paddy Wilson third with 32. Some higher scores were seen in division 2 with Jim Lane winning with 42 points, not far behind in second place was the ever-improving Miss Oam with 41 points and a further nine points back in third place was Les Hall.
There were no 2’s in either division so the rollovers will be carried forward to our next game at Phoenix on April 21.
Note: Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Siam Cats, Soi 5 Jomtien beach Rd. at around 8.30am for a 10.00am tee off. Please sign up in the bar or call Glyn on 086 837 5464.

Millionaire’s golf at Burapha

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Monday April 7, Treasure Hills - Stablefod
With this Monday being a holiday it was a somewhat depleted crew that journeyed up from the Café Kronborg to Treasure Hills for this week’s stableford competition.
Although this is an excellent layout it has to be said that in the past the general condition of this venue has not always been up to scratch, but I am happy to report that on this occasion the recent improvement was there for all to see providing excellent fairways and good true greens.

Clive Robinson took the ‘A’ flight honours at Treasure Hills on Monday.

Unfortunately the bunkers still tend to ‘swallow’ the ball but I am sure they will get around to resolving this in the fullness of time and after all is said and done they are supposed to be hazards.
On to the competition then and much like last week the course once again came out the winner with Kevin Dinan (33pts) taking the B flight, just edging out Herb Pastor (32pts) into second and Henk de Bock winning a count back to come third with 27 points.
In the ‘A’ flight Clive Robinson (37 pts) took the honours over an in-form Trevor Lourch who, in spite of being cut three shots at the weekend, carded 34 points to take second place from a surprised Derek Young sneaking third with 30points.
Back to normal next week with the Admiral returning and you can be sure his inspirational leadership will result in a general improvement in the scores.
Thursday, April 10, Burapha – Stableford
The morning in the Cafe Kronborg was remarkably quiet as the faithful gathered for the day out at Burapha. I say quiet as it was obvious that the Songkran exodus was well under way and very few of the regulars had decided to stay here. Indeed after this day all golf organised days out were cancelled until the 22nd, although social golf would take place.
Suffice to say all the players were in one mini bus, except those with cars, and it made for a very social group as it was a quick book in and we were at the tee off at least one hour early.
The A & B Nines were the test as the other two were the 18 holes that the ‘professionals’ were playing on and could be watched on the telly.
Our chosen 18 holes were in tremendous condition, with green, grassed fairways, tricky fast greens and reasonable rough. In all, not only tremendous value but practicably empty.
Round over we all sat in the Restaurant at an extremely early time and when the presentation was over all were left wondering what to do half way through the afternoon. Talking of the winners the scores were nothing to write home about, however the winner Larry Simpson shot his handicap with 36 points ahead of a three-way count back on 33 points that saw Kris Helgasson in second, Mike Rushant in third and Kevin Dunne just losing out. T.T.F.N.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Back to the drawing board

Last week’s Premier League fixtures told us little we didn’t know already: Derby County are still an embarrassment to the top flight and should be forced down two divisions as punishment, Manchester City are unpredictable, and if West Ham and Tottenham were animals they’d have been put out of their end-of-season misery long before now.
I was expecting to be sounding out the death throes of Fulham Football Club this week as they headed into the Championship to a miserable future of crowd noise, low prices and competitive football, but the second biggest side in their little corner of London have gone and shocked everyone by winning their first away game of the season. It was a 2-0 victory at Reading, who themselves have had a very poor year, but, you know, in footballer-speak three points are three points at the end of the day and if all the lads give a hundred per cent that’s all you can ask for at the end of the day. It’s in their own hands, to be fair. You know?
But who wants to read about Fulham? Not even the Fulham fans I’ll bet, so in the interests of holding your interest we’ll settle for the easy option of slagging off someone from the ‘Big Four’. Now let me see, we’ve done Chelsea, we’ve continuously made fun of Liverpool’s dullness throughout their Premier League campaign, and Manchester United are just a bit too good this time around. Which leaves us with Arsenal.
First thing’s first though. Liverpool against Arsenal in the Champions League was something special, a game to make a whole season of late-night football worth watching. It was truly a wonderful advert for the beautiful game and would have made for a fantastic final. Why can’t Liverpool play like that more frequently? And is this the same club that lined up with a conservative 4-5-1 at home to Wigan Athletic earlier in the season?
Arsenal were right to complain about the penalty decision on the night, but their complaints – mostly from manager Arsene Wenger – were over the top. It looked like a cast iron penalty at full speed, but arguments about that aside you can’t go to Anfield, concede four goals and expect to progress to the next round, however many decisions you believe have gone against you.
Gooners have been bombarding the letters pages and radio phone-ins castigating the decisions of Wenger, but seriously, who are they – or any of us - to doubt the wisdom of Wenger? Time and again he has built and re-built sides in his image, often spending next to nothing in the process, and it seems he gets his kicks bringing youngsters through rather than shelling out millions for overpriced talent. More power to him, I say, otherwise Arsenal would just be yet another side spending their way towards success.
It is clear, though, that all is not well at the Emirates. Emmanuel Adebayor is too up-and-down and can’t score since his haircut, Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner is rubbish and the goalkeeping situation has descended into a farce. And if French defender William Gallas is a good role model for younger players as captain then Pattaya is a shining example of modern town planning.
What’s more, Arsenal lack an English backbone. Is it any coincidence that when push comes to shove Arsenal have been found wanting when things haven’t gone their way? You can’t imagine the same things happening in the days of Adams, Seaman and Keown. Perhaps it’s time for Arsene Wenger to finally dust off his chequebook and bring in some experienced English internationals with the ability to add that final something to a talented Arsenal side. That can’t be too hard, can it?
Wenger is still untouchable at the club, but as the club now complete three years without a trophy the French headmaster has much to think about during the summer. Otherwise they could face the embarrassment of being relegated to FOURTH in the Premier League, a fate almost unthinkable for a club of Arsenal’s stature. What a cruel world we live in.
Ron’s for the taking
In amongst your dull reports of Premier League matches in the national press this week you may have missed the nominations for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. It’s arguably the most coveted award for a player in English football as, like the name says, the award is voted for by the players themselves.
No prizes for guessing the names for the nominations in the senior category. Liverpool’s Fernando Torres will fancy his chances, and the young Spaniard is joined by team mate Steven Gerrard, Arsenal pair Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas, and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James. And then of course there’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Three years ago Ronaldo resembled something of a show-pony. There were fancy flicks that didn’t amount to much, more dives than Gary Neville and more pointless stepovers than his brother Phil after a night at the Dog and Duck. I couldn’t bear him.
Well, I’m big enough to admit I misjudged the man. Last season he showed flashes of what might be around the corner, but this year will be remembered as Ronaldo’s coming of age.
I can’t be bothered to bore either you or me with statistics, but with about 112 league goals and almost as many in the cups this term something amazing will have to happen to keep Ronaldo from scooping every award the English game can throw at him by the time the Premier League ends in May. And if Manchester United can see their way past shaky Barcelona and the winner of Chelsea and Liverpool game of chess in the Champions League, all bets are off for European Player of Year as well.
He’s even shaking off his reputation of a big game bottler with goals against Roma and Arsenal in the key matches of the last fortnight. And yet his finest moment of the season was leaving that free kick for Owen Hargreaves on Sunday. Something tells me that the Ronaldo of old may have insisted on having that one for himself, but knowing when to use your ability for the benefit of the team is the mark of a truly great player.
Bets are off, says Bentley
What is it with Liverpool and buying mentally-challenged English right wingers? Not satisfied with having the monumentally brainless Jermaine Pennant warming the Anfield bench, the club are now apparently fluttering their eyelashes at Blackburn’s David Bentley.
This is despite the midfielder revealing last week that he has recently been battling a gambling addiction that saw him place up to 100 bets a day. “I was 14 when I first started going to a betting shop. I got carried away with it,” said the 23-year-old, who began his career at Arsenal. “As I started earning more money I really started getting heavily into it. You just get addicted. I was on everything, the horses, the dogs, online with poker, betting on bingo, all sorts ... I’d wake up in the morning and the first thing I thought was to have a bet.”
Bentley said he placed “anything from 50 to 100 bets a day” but told Setanta Sports he “got over” the problem in 2005 after his girlfriend intervened. Chelsea are also interested, it says here, but don’t bet on it.
This weekend
Only two games of Saturday’s fixture list have any meaning, those being Liverpool’s visit to desperate Fulham and Manchester United’s short trip to Blackburn. Sunday’s where it’s at though, as Birmingham visit Aston Villa on Sunday for a derby match I definitely fancy a slice of, followed by a Newcastle and Sunderland showdown at St.James’ Park. Manchester City and Portsmouth round the day off.
Tuesday brings the opener of the Champions League semi finals first legs when Chelsea visit Anfield, where they’ll be defeated by a goal to nil, whilst on Wednesday Manchester United travel to Barcelona to get beaten 2-1. Sorry if I’ve spoiled anything for you.

Rough finds the right formula at uncompromising Khao Kheow

PSC 77th Member’s Monthly Golf Open

Derek Brook
Friday, April 11, Khao Kheow
This was planned to be a fairly normal monthly tournament, with the first two Men’s flights playing ‘medal’ and the remainder playing ‘stableford.’ In the long run it was close to torture as only one person on the day broke his or her handicap. This cannot be put down to the condition of the course as it was in excellent shape, however, with only one player from a total of 117 able to beat the course it meant the final score was Khao Keow 116 v PSC 1. In other words a real clobbering.

The winners from Khao Kheow pictured with the PSC Golf Chairman, Tony Oakes (center).
This was not totally unexpected as this is a course that you have to hit consistently good shots on to get any kind of result. One bad shot and it can destroy your round. The number of 8’s and above on a hole, from what are good players, during their rounds was most instructive. If players had not had this single big score many more would have played closer to their handicap.
The scribe is no different to the rest, scoring an 8 from pin high in two. This is an unforgiving place to play, but it is nice to know I am not alone.
Back to the start, and why not, where the inscrutable Tim was sat signing all in. Then a quick change and onto the first tee: for some that meant C1, and for others B1. You will have now realised that we were to play the B & C Nines, but just consider how bad the scores might have been if we had played the ‘A’ Nine. That Nine is really tough.
We actually got around pretty quick, and as previously said the course was in fine condition. This has to be one of the top venues around, but it is really tough. Like most mortals if I want someone to beat me up I could find a gentler place.
Round and shower over we met in the banquet room where all were looked after extremely well by the staff. With the results in the Golf Chairman said his normal thanks and handed over to Derek, the ‘Volunteer’ Emcee for the day, to do the presentation.
In the A Flight the winner was Clive Robinson with a net 74 ahead of Mashi Kenata with a net 76 and a count back on net 77 saw Clive Bruce in third and Ian Bell in fourth.
You will realise from the above that the scores in the A Flight were far from outstanding, and the B Flight shadowed this. Brian Orr took the second tier flight with a net 74 ahead of Ian Edwards with a net 75 and a count back on net 77 that saw Thomas Gingerich in third and Michael Seely in fourth.
The C Flight played stableford but the scores were very similar, with Phil McGough winning with 35 points ahead of Bruce Tollit in second with 34 points and Norman Best in third with 33 points on count back over Steffan Lyrestam in fourth.
Now the D Flight was a bit different with the winner Brian Rough winning by a street with the only good score of the day 39 points. Left in the dust were Leif Linner in second with 32 points, Glen Riding in third with 31 points and Nils Svensson in fourth with 30 points.
We only had one Ladies prize, and the winner was May Morel with 30 points.
We then had the reason most of us were there, the raffle, and then home to a cup of cocoa and an early bed. And if you believe that you will believe anything. T.T.F.N.
Long Drive: Kris Kritsanan, Gordon Everingham, Mam Morel
Near Pin: Steffan Lyrestam, Danny Dyke, Orowan Sodpk, Bob Rasmusson, Brian Ellis, David Foulk, Nils Svennson, Ian Edwards, Bill Cameron

Colin conquers the Valley

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, April 8, Green Valley – Stableford
This is one of the better courses around here, and saying that makes this place something a bit special. At present with most of all the other courses fairly dry, Green Valley remains in fine condition with grassy fairways and usually greens with grass on them, and on this day maybe a little too much. Mind they were not particularly slow, I suppose just in recovery.

Tuesday’s winners gather back at Bert’s.

Green Valley is usually quite difficult and with a strong wind today the situation was no different. One thing that caught us out was that between last playing the round two weeks ago, and now, the green fees have gone up. Now this is the first time in all the years I have been running golf I can remember the prices rising after the ‘High Season, and before the ‘Low Season’. Weird, I suppose the theory is that with less golfers they need to charge more to get the same money in. Still it is really weird, innit?
Back at Bert’s we read the results out, and the winner with 41 (big) points was Colin Cronin ahead of Kevin Dunne with a very good (and also big) 38 points. We then had a count back on 36 points that saw Mick O’Meara in third and yours truly Derek Brook in fourth. In fifth place was Dan Boardman with 31 points.
The golf for the next two Tuesdays is cancelled and the next big day at Tropical Bert’s is Wednesday, April 23 when we have the St George’s Day Invitational Scramble. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Elias Magnuson, Kevin Dunne, Dan Boardman (2)
Long Putt: Kevin Dunne, Derek Brook

The Square Ring: by Wilford James John “Jeeves” Waterford III

His lordship is currently residing in Phuket at the Yorkshire Inn but he did send in some (almost) coherent comments for this week’s effort. He actually likes the prospects for a good fight between Bernard Hopkins (48-4-1) and Joe Calzaghe (44-0) this coming Sunday from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
His lordship opines: “There are fights that would seem to make themselves. Then there are fights made for money that actually prove interesting as the date gets closer. That’s the case with Hopkins-Calzaghe as it becomes apparent that maybe Hopkins will not be able to impose his will on the likable Welshman. ‘Joe is just an ordinary Joe and never left Europe because he was afraid of getting his a** whupped,’ said Hopkins. He’s not entirely accurate but does have a point.
“The list of Calzaghe’s victims is uninspiring. At one time one could have argued that Calzaghe’s win over Jeff Lacy was something special. It was proved later that Lacy has fatal flaws. Calzaghe’s last win against an undefeated Mikkel Kessler meant even less, as Kessler has no power.
“In all fairness Hopkins has picked his spots almost as good as Roy Jones jr. Hopkins loves to fight guys coming up in weight, guys that have fired their best shots long ago or guys whose records are as authentic as the Oyster Rolex that I bought for 200 Baht on Beach Road, which I’m not suppose to talk about.
“Hopkins beat Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright in his last two fights. Tarver has a history of folding under pressure and Wright looked even worse than usual at 170lbs. Hopkins two losses to a ‘real’ super-middleweight, Jermain Taylor, are more indicative of his talent today. Most knowledgeable boxing fans today know that Hopkins ‘hype’ is much better than the actual boxer.
“On the other hand Hopkins is as smart as any boxer has ever been. He fights the right opponents and gets the money. In the ring he forces his mental will and style on most boxers, which often leads to a Hopkins win.
“The question that must be asked and answered is will Hopkins be able to do that to Joe Calzaghe? No Eye Deer. If Hopkins can’t exert his will then Calzaghe will give Hopkins a thorough trashing. And even if he should lose, Calzaghe will still be the WBA/WBC/WBO super-middleweight champion.
“Why no fight for those belts? After Bernard Hopkins beat Oscar De La Hoya, Oscar signed Hopkins for Golden Boy Productions. Some time later Golden Boy Productions bought Ring Magazine so Hopkins and Calzaghe will fight for the Ring Magazine title. By doing that, all sanctioning organizations are cut out of a sanctioning fee and they still fight for a title. But under rule 1.22 of the WBC the event must pay one-half of the WBC sanctioning fee as this is classified as a ‘WBC Special Event.’
“The winner? Oscar De La Hoya in the money fight and Calzaghe by a close decision - I think.”
Donaire-Hussein tonight in UAE
Does anyone remember when Vic Darchinyan was the scourge of the flyweight division? That was way back in July of last year. He went through the division like “corn through a seagull.” Then along came Nonito Donaire (19-1), a transplanted Filipino now living in San Leandro, California. Darchinyan had previously KO’d Donaire’s brother Glen in 6 so the pride of OZ was thinking “no problem.” Wrong - Big problem, as Nonito beat him to a pulp in 5 rounds - 1:16 of the fifth to be exact. Now Donaire defends his IBF flyweight belt for the second time against a very good Hussein Hussein (31-4) whose mother liked his first name so much she used it twice. Whatever promoter put the fight together should get a big “well done” because they’re fighting in the oil and cash rich UAE.
Hussein should be yet one more test for the fast rising Donaire as he comes with some world-class credentials. Two of his 4 losses came against Jorge Arce, who is world-class. “Hussy” did get a win against Thai boxer Kompayak Porpramook but he hit the deck in that one. “Hussey’s” chin is suspect so Donaire will go on the attack from the opening bell, probably getting the KO in round 5 or 6. It will be a good fight that only the really rich will see. Too bad!
Last week in the Boxing World
As his lordship is sometimes wont to do, I will ‘borrow’ a news clip from fightnews.com.
“In one of his most impressive performances ever, WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm (29-2-1) scored a seventh round knockout of previously unbeaten Jamie Pittman (16-1) in Düsseldorf, Germany,” says the article. In this case it’s not so much the result, but more importantly who the opponent was. Jamie Pittman is surely a fine person from the ‘Land of Oz’ but not a world class boxer. He was unbeaten but untested. Now he’s been tested, dropped on the deck three times, had his eye closed and got TKO’d. Maybe it’s time for Mr. Pittman to take that course in welding because being tough isn’t enough at the professional level.
Should Mr. Sturm decide to shed the title as just another “So what” champion, how about stepping up to fight someone of quality? Well there’s Kelly Pavlik (33-0), Winky Wright (51-4), King Arthur Abraham (26-0), Jermain Taylor (27-2) or Sebastian Sylvester (28-2). Abraham, Sylvester and Sturm all fight out of Germany.
At the lightweight ‘double dipper’ in Tampa, Florida last weekend, Clinton Woods (42-4-1) again had a bad showing in the USA. The Sheffield Lad laid a bomb when he fought Roy Jones jr. in Portland, Oregon last time out in the States. He vowed it wouldn’t happen again but it did. Antonio Tarver (27-4) won a very easy UD. The Tarver win sets up a match with Chad Dawson (26-0) who had an equally pedestrian win over Glenn Johnson (47-12-2) on the same card.
As predicted in these spaces, Miguel Cotto (32-0) had no trouble disposing of “Contender Guy” Alfonso Gomez last Sunday. Fighting on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, he simply over powered the undermanned Gomez, stopping him after 5.
That sets up a July 26 match at Madison Square Garden with Antonio Margarito (36-5) who disposed of Kermit Clinton in 6 on the same card. Cotto-Margarito sounds interesting as a big test for Cotto and the fact that both work the body with relentless determination. Before his lordship “hightailed” it out of Pattaya to avoid Songkran, he filed portions of a conversation with Sir Frog.
Relaxing with
a frog - a Sir Frog
“Jeeves my good man I trust you have space for a conversation I had with Sir Frog at his Belgium Restaurant recently. After a few liquid brain enhancers Sir Frog posed the question that a really good fight would be Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto. ‘Pacquiao’s hands are so fast he would give Cotto problems,’ said my Gallic pal. I, my good man, pointed out that it would be a bad move for Pacquiao as he would have to move from 130 or 135lbs up to 145. Bad idea.
Secondly, while Pacquiao is fast he can still be hit, as almost all his opponents have proved. Cotto is maybe the best body puncher in boxing since Roy Jones jr. was in his prime. Then the final nail in the coffin of a Pacquiao-Cotto fight is that both are associated with promoter “BS” Bob Arum. He would never allow his two cash machines to fight each other.”
Klitschko’s and other boring
heavyweights
Well those fun loving Klitschko brothers are back in the news. Vitali Klitschko is going to run for mayor of his hometown of Kiev for the second time. In 2005 he lost to local businessman Leonid Chernovetskiy. Klitschko now may have a better chance of election as the same opponent has been accused of corruption.
Regardless of winning or losing the election, Klitschko, being the WBC “Champion Emeritus”, will fight for the title. “Vitali will definitely fight for the title, win or lose,” Klitscho’s manager Bernd Bönte told Fightnews.com. “WBC president Jose Sulaiman has already been notified and agreed,” he added.
In a news release that was here one day and gone the next, Wlad “No hit me in face” Klitchko announced he was going to defend against Tony Thompson. Next day story gone. Waa happen? No Eye Deer.
Also entering the political arena is “Baby” Joe Mesi, whose real ring career was cut short with head injuries. He’s running for the state senate in New York.
“I never, ever planned on having a teary-eyed press conference announcing my retirement. As far as boxing, I’ll never say never, but I’m full time into this campaign right now. If I’m going to run, I’m going to be the hardest-working candidate and if elected, the hardest-working senator. I’m a loyal Democrat and always have been.”
The term “loyal democrat” could indicate that maybe he had some brain damage before his boxing career even started.
Jeeves Jives - and other thing that go bump in the night
His lordship is a big fan of boxing ring announcers, having grown up watching Jimmy Lennon sr., Chuck Hull and others. Unquestionably, Michael Buffer and his “Lets get ready to rumble” call is more well known than 99.9% of all current boxers. His lordship is not a big fan of Buffer’s but will gratuitously admit that he’s the tops along with Jimmy Lennon jr.
Buffer’s announcing career is now in doubt though as he recovers from the removal of cancerous tumors from the throat and neck. “I am looking forward to being back in the ring Sunday as Bernard Hopkins faces Joe Calzaghe from Las Vegas,” said Buffer. TSR wishes him a speedy recovery.
His lordship was spotted last Saturday sitting outside The Silver Dollar on Washington Square enjoying a cooling beverage prior to attending the Muay Thai fights in Bangkok. He subsequently reported in: “Jeeves, I ran into a lot of old friends. One in particular was Mr. Robert Kennedy. He bought a round for the ever-expanding table of admirers and a lady came by selling roses. ‘No thank you,’ said Kennedy, ‘You can’t drink roses.’ Yes, Robert Kennedy’s wife Hash name is Siran Siran.”
Meanwhile the lord of the manor got the following e-mail from a reader in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA: “I was driving when I saw a billboard that read, ‘Need Help, Call Jesus 1-800-005-3787.’ Out of curiosity I did … a Mexican showed up with a tow truck.”
Noi dear, the pressure has gotten to me. A strong spirit, a nice cigar and a little Rod Stewart live at the Royal Albert Hall if you please, yes the DVD one. The life of his lordship is so very hard.

All the ‘Usual Suspects’

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, April 7,The Emerald -Stableford
1st Russell Exley 36pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer 34pts
3rd Alan Griffiths 32pts
It was all the usual suspects as a much-reduced field, due to the Bank Holiday in honour of Chakri Memorial Day, traveled down to Ban Chang to find a fairly quiet course with very few players from elsewhere.
It did not take Russell Exley very long to get over the disappointment of not getting down to a ten handicap, as he cruised round the Emerald in level-par off of his lower than last week’s handicap. It surely will not be too far in the future when he will really be a single figure player, which is remarkable considering the short time that he has been playing and is a testament to his commitment to learning from as many sources as possible and then practicing to hone the new lessons.
Trevor Schirmer could only get within two of the winner but that was enough to secure second place ahead of Alan Griffiths, also by two shots.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Alan Griffiths had the only one in the first division to add to his days haul.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed back Eamon Fahey and Michael Monahan.
Wednesday, April 9, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Norman Isherwood 36pts
2nd Russell Exley 36pts
3rd Paul Hartley 35pts
4th Michael Monahan 34pts
5th Phil Groves 34pts
6th Al Keith 34pts
A bigger throng met at Soi 13 to travel over to Crystal Bay to play the C & A courses and were a little disappointed to find the course suffering from too little maintenance, specially on the greens where the encroachment of fairway grass will surely mean a serious programme of renovation. Having said that the course was in all other respects very playable as the scores on the day attested,
Norman Isherwood, having been absent for a while establishing the basis of his future estates in Pattaya, showed all his old prowess as he took on the in-form Russell Exley, one of his playing partners, and saw him off on the count back in a match between them that swung from end to end. Norman finally put all his experience to good use and prevailed on the last two holes to snatch victory. It was a great result, as Russell put in his third gross 83 on the trot to continue his good form.
Paul Hartley took control of third spot alone ahead of the scrambling threesome consisting of Michael Monahan, Phil Groves and Al Keith, who all had to be separated by the count back.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Al Keith had the only one in the first division to make up for his disappointment in the main competition.
Prior to the prize giving The Doc welcomed back Paul Hartley from another successful food running trip from darkest Kazakhstan to ensure the Haven’s menus continue to offer the best from around the world.

Mike the Mechanic brings his tools

Joachim gets the “bird”

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, April 7, Burapha – Stableford
Alongside the pros on C & D who were practising for their upcoming tournament, the Outbackers teed off on the American Wood & British Links course, however not from the tips like their peers, not even the blues, but from the white tees for a change.
They were not deterred from their favourite Monday course in spite of the holiday premium. The first visit since the ‘one-person one-cart’ rule was unfortunately a little slow due to the sheer volume of players and the late arrivals for tee times that left two five-balls at the back. Having teed off as five-balls they then had to be split into 2 threes and a four-ball as fives are not allowed on holidays and at weekends.
Nonetheless, there was some excellent golf not only from Bruce Milner winning “A” division by a clear 4 points, but also from Murray Hart who took “B” by three. Joe Spinley pipped four players tied on 37pts in Div “C”, to take the honours with a fine 38 pts.
Div A (0-13)
12 Players
1st Bruce Milner (13) 40pts
2nd Desmond Scott (9) 36pts
3rd Keith Smithson (0) 35pts
4th Pat Regan (9) 34pts
Div B (14-18)
11 Players
1st Murray Hart (17) 39
2nd Barry McIntosh (16) 36
3rd Don Pavlovic (15) 35
4th Steve Plant (14) 31
Div C (19+)
13 Players
1st Joe Spinley (22) 38pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (19) 37pts
3rd John Stafford (20) 37pts
4th Potts Campbell (20) 37pts
2’s: Murray Hart, Pottsy, Joe Spinley & Pat Regan
Tuesday, April 8, Phoenix - Stableford
This was an extra day this week for two reasons; 1) there are a number of national holidays this time of the year and not everybody wants to pay the premium rate, and 2) to take advantage of the Sports Day offered at Phoenix.
Although the Outbackers teed off on time behind an all cart farang 5-ball, the front nine (Lakes) took an acceptable (for Phoenix) 2 hours fifteen minutes. Regrettably the back nine (Ocean) was a different story taking nearly 3 hours, this being due to the usual influx of groups being squeezed onto the course at the halfway stage. This is not acceptable course management and ruined many a round.
The story of the day was the second of Joachim’s two birdies. After a splendid tee shot down the centre of the fairway on the 11th, he hit a 7 iron straight at the flag. He watched in amazement thinking it was going to go close, only to see in an explosion of feathers, the ball drop like a stone after taking out a birdie in mid flight.
It was a welcome back to Bob Martin, who took “A” Div. with 34 pts and well played to Mark Kembrey, thanks for the cheese, taking “B” Div also with 34.
After a month in Thailand the “Pruddens” played their last game here before returning to Western Australia where they were welcomed home to a freezer full of rotten meat after the pool pump tripped off the electrics. Brian took the minor place honours here on count back but Marlene won the money with a ‘2’. See you in October!
Div A (0–16)
10 Players
1st Bob Martin (16) 34pts
2nd Bernie Segrave (9) 33pts
3rd Jack Spencer (6) 32pts
4th Brian Jacks (10) 30pts
Div B (17+)
11 Players
1st Mark Kembrey (20) 34pts
2nd John Cogan (20) 33pts
3rd Brian Prudden (19) 31pts
4th Marlene Prudden (23) 31pts
2’s: Marlene Prudden & Bob Martin
Wednesday, April 9, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
The first visit to the beautiful but difficult course for a long time, but with the main highway hold-ups nearly over, it will not be so long before the Outbackers return.
Thirty-four points was the best of the day, ground out by Outbacker newbie, Dave Ball; and regular Des Scott played well for a very steady 33 pts off a 9 handicap. Tommy & Joe (no surnames supplied) joined us from Finland, both playing off five and returning 31 & 30pts respectively.
1 Division (17 Players)
1st Dave Ball (19) 34pts
2nd Des Scott (9) 33pts
3rd Tommy (5) 31pts
4th Joe (5) 30pts
5th Don Pavlovic (15) 30pts
2’s: None
Friday, April 11, Eastern Star
Another incredibly hot day in an incredibly hot week and I wonder if the heat was a major contributor to the below average scoring.
We teed off about fifteen minutes early and the course was in great nick and the pace of play was good. Norm Martin produced the round of the day with a handicap equaling 36 points, three better than the other Bruce.
Phil Barnsley, aka Badger, took “A” division with 32 from Outbacker stalwarts Neil & Dennis and the other Bruce in fourth.
Div A (0–17)
10 Players
1st Phil Barnsley (12) 32pts
2nd Neil Hughes (15) 31pts
3rd Dennis Persson (16) 30pts
4th Bruce Milner (13) 30pts
Div B (18+)
11 Players
1st Norm Martin (26) 36pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (20) 33pts
3rd Mark Kembrey (20) 33pts
4th Nigel Cannon (24) 31pts
2’s: None
Reminder: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
Now we have our own minibus and have started regular Pattaya pickups on our golf days. Please watch out for our new Tuesday (Sports Day 950 baht incl. caddie) early bird slot at Phoenix, approx 8am tee off for the next six weeks. Limited to 20 players only, known as the TOOS (Twenty Outbackers Only). Everybody welcome but please get your name down early, this list will be cut off at 20. More information and the full results can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.
Our Bus Trip this month is to Royal Lakeside on Weds. April 30 & don’t forget the complimentary food back at the bar afterwards.
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]

Walkley canters home - O’Grady provides some inspiration