Wilson wows ‘em at Greenwood

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, April 21, Emerald - Stableford
1st Roger Privett (15) 38pts
2nd Paul Davies (23) 35pts
3rd Dave Keats (26) 35pts
Having been away for a while Roger Privett came back on to the scene with a bang, winning today’s stableford competition with 38 points at the Emerald, which is a pretty tricky course at the best of times.
Old rivals Paul Davies and Dave Keats fought it out for second place, Paul beating Dave on a count back to take second place and making it Dave’s shout at the bar!
Kevin Dunne did the business on the par 3’s, getting nearest the pin on three of them and only Bryan Rought stopped him from making a clean sweep by getting just inside him on the last!
Wednesday, April 23, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st JJ Harney (12) 34pts
2nd Mick Benton (20) 33pts
3rd Alan Sullivan (15) 33pts
JJ Harney’s holiday is coming to an end so he made the most of it by staying sober the night before to be in good shape for Mountain Shadow on the Wednesday. JJ won by just one point in a stableford competition where Mick Benton beat Alan Sullivan on a count back to take second place and Alan third.
Near pin prizes were shared between William Macey, Colin Stokes, JJ Harney and JJ’s great mate (also from Ireland) Eamon Fahey.
Friday, April 25, Greenwood - Medal
1st Tom Wilson (10) net 65
2nd Geoff Parker (15) net 69
3rd JJ Harney (12) net 69
4th Mashi Kaneta (11) net 70
Great conditions today made for some fine golf for most of the player’s, only the tail-enders getting a bit of a shower to interfere slightly with their scores.
Tom Wilson, visiting from Phuket, got in some practice before the upcoming “Ryder Cup” match between the PSC and Phuket’s PEGS ex-pat players, and won in style, shooting a fabulous seven-under par net 65.
Tom’s “pal” and fellow PEGS teammate Geoff Parker (traitor) came second with a fine three-under par net 69, beating JJ Harney into third place on a count back and Mashi Kaneta had to settle for fourth place with a two-under par net 70.
Only three par three greens were hit and Tom Wilson rounded off a great day by winning two of the near pin prizes and William Macey took the third.

The scribe takes the spoils again

Tuesday Golf at Phoenix from Toy’s Music Bar

Mike Gerrard
This week we had a fuller field and some notable names of good golfers. However it did not stop ‘yours truly’ taking the spoils again with 37 points from the Lakes & Ocean course. Coming in second place with 33 points was Roger Rush.
It was then off to Toy’s Music Bar where the tradition (seems to be set in now) is that the winner buys the first round of drinks. There was not much of the spoils left afterwards - just how it should be!
With good old fashioned 50’s and 60’s music playing in the background it seems an informal quiz has become the norm as well with everybody trying to guess the artistes of the songs being played. Great fun.
We meet every Tuesday at Phoenix at 11.00am for the tee draw at 11.30am. If you want to join in, just give me a call (08 709 17565) by the Monday night or at the latest early Tuesday morning and we will fit you in.
Note: Tuesday, May 6 will be a monthly medal and a pewter mug will be donated by the proprietor of Toy’s Bar.

City hammered in their final championship match

MBMG International League 2007/08

Paul Frain & Chris Sanderson
Pattaya City only needed a point from their match with the Londoner last weekend to secure the MBMG International League Championship. From the opening kick-off though it was apparent that The Londoner would not give City any room to play their normal free flowing, attacking football that they are known for.
The Londoner players tackled hard and strong and had the best of play in the opening minutes and it was no surprise when they went ahead in the 6th minute from a corner: one of their forwards was left unmarked and the ball was in the net before he could be tackled.
This goal shook City and they responded by creating a chance for Danny Stevens who put his shot wide with only the keeper to beat. City did equalize however in the 10th minute when good work by Stevens and Alistair Paterson saw the ball being fed to Mark Brittain who gave the Londoner keeper no chance with a hard low shot. This was the tonic City needed and two further shots rained on the Londoner goal, but flew just wide.
Londoner bounced back however, and retook the lead in the 13th minute when their defender picked up the ball on the half way line and just ran towards the City goal. With everybody backing off he got within range of goal to shoot wide of the keeper and make the score 2-1.
The goal shook City and it gave the Londoner the confidence to go forward and create havoc within the Pattaya defense. City’s game started to fall apart and the flowing football changed into wild, aimless hacks downfield. With all this pressure it was no surprise when the Londoners went 3-1 up after their right-winger crossed the ball and the left back gave the keeper no chance.
City were thereafter reduced to long shots which were high and wide or the keeper saved easily. The two City forwards ran themselves into the ground, chasing the long balls, but to no avail.
The second half started with the Londoner forcing a good save by the Pattaya keeper Amuruk who touched a curling cross shot that would have just sneaked in under the bar. City still played the kick and rush football and this led to Stevens hitting a rising shot on goal, but the opposing keeper finger tipped it onto his bar and the chance was lost.
Like the first half, the City defense was put under a lot of pressure and they were not able to get into the opponent’s half for long periods. The Londoner had good strength in the midfield, full of running and tackling hard but fair, and it was this strength that created their fourth goal.
The City defence was pressured by a Londoner forward this led to an own goal by Lerkeatjarus who, when trying to clear, inadvertently put the ball in his own net to make the score 4-1.
Pattaya hit back but the chances went begging and in the dying minutes a breakaway by a Londoner forward saw him shoot against City’s post with the keeper beaten. The final whistle went soon after to put the City out of their misery.
The result means that Londoner are now 9 points behind City with 3 games in hand and wins in the remaining matches will mean the title being decided on goal difference. Still 2 of the Don’s games that they have outstanding are against closest rivals Cosmos who will be looking to finish second and so with back to back matches in the coming two Saturdays there could still be a few twists in the tail yet and Pattaya will have to wait and see whether their 9 point lead can hold up.

Mam Morel returns to form with win at Phoenix

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

Monday, April 21, Phoenix – Stableford
With a mass exodus to Nakon Nayok due to Songkran, and with a last minute decision to extend five rounds of golf in the week, there were only 17 players out today divided into two divisions for a stableford event.
Back on form and playing some wonderful golf, Mam Morel won Div 2 with 40 points followed by Roger Ribbins in second with 36 points. Jack Hinchey’s 38 points was enough to win Div 1, with John McLoone three points behind on 35.
John McLoone picked up two rollovers in the 2’s after his birdie on the 5th hole on the Ocean course, and Mam took one rollover for her birdie on the 2nd on the Lakes.
Wednesday, April 23, Bangpra - 1-2-3-Stableford
Eleven teams of three out today in an individual stableford competition as well as the team event. With a lot of work going on around the course and the clubhouse closed until the end of June this will be our last visit for a couple of months.
In the 1-2-3 competition only 18 points separated the winners from last place, and with a back six count back of 37/36, Grenville Hill, Ted Morris and Dave Ross won the day over Colin Mearns, Paul Quodomine and Geoff Stubbs, both teams finishing with 77 points.
In the individual stableford scores, Kari Aarnio won Div 1 with 39 points and second was Ben Findon on 36 points after beating Dave Ross on a 12/11 back-six count back.
Miss Oam finished third in Div 2 with 35 points, Paul Quodomine was second on 36 and Cully Monks won the division with 39points.
Nearest the pins went to Andy Mills, Ted Morris, Paddy Wilson, Kari Aarnio, Jack Hinchey, Colin Mearns and Cully Monks.
Andy Mills, Paddy Wilson, Kari Aarnio and Colin Mearns all had a ‘2’ each.
Friday, April 25, Eastern Star – Stableford
With dark clouds looming in the background many of us thought we were in for a wet day, but despite a few spots of rain on around 4/5 holes we escaped the local deluge. Now playing off H/cap 11, Saranya Riley won Div 1 with 40 points (it keeps the old man happy), Dave Stockman was second with 38 points and in third place was Ted Morris with 37.
Alan Duckett beat Colin Mearns on a 22 /19 count back to win Div 2 after both finished with 35 points and Miss Oam took third place, beating Ben Findon on a 17/15 count back after they returned 32 points apiece.
Ted Gardner and Steve Ironside both recorded a ‘2’ each.

J.C. produces round of the day to take Monthly Mug

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Tuesday, April 22, Plutaluang N & W – Stableford
Plutaluang North & West were host to a select group of Songkran survivors playing stableford in one flight. The course on the day was in tidy condition with the green speed getting back to normal.
Neil Skilton took the flight with a very good score of 36 points ahead of Big Henk De Bock in second with 33 points. Graham Buckingham was in third with 32 points on count back over Bruce Lawrence.
Thursday, April 24, Phoenix – Stroke
Back at Phoenix today for the Monthly Mug and playing the Lakes and Ocean course, which on the day was in very fine condition and none of the players thought the switch from our usual venue at Pattaya County Club was a bad idea. Mind there was a strong wind and with this now becoming a much tougher course, it was expected the scores would be mediocre. Most were but as usual someone came out of the woodwork, and this player was a real surprise.

Bjarne (left) presents the Monthly Mug to J.C. Lhoste.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg all were waiting for the results and as expected the scores were fairly good if not spectacular.
In the one flight the winner was Neil Skilton, for the second time in the week, with a net 70. We then went into a series of count backs which saw Henk De Bock in second with a net 71 on count back over Kevin Dunne in third. In fourth we had a count back on net 73 won by Jean Morel in fourth with Bob Rasmusson in fifth and Marty Allred just losing out.
Now we come to the one really fine score of the day when J.C. Lhoste came in with a fine net 66, his best score for a long time and thus the winner of The Monthly Mug. Well done J.C.
Note: Just a reminder that the sign up list is up for the continuing tradition of Ray Rogers Memorial 4-Person Texas Scramble. The competition will be played at Burapha on May 8. Entry Fee is 500 Baht per player payable on entry, with all the festivities back at Ray’s House. This is near the Mabprachan Reservoir and starts about 16:30 hrs.

Too hot Tollitt scores a double

PSC golf from the Caddyshack

Bruce Tollitt (2nd left) picks up his prize after notching
his second win of the week at Green Valley.

Wednesday, April 23, Emerald – Stableford
Today was a visit to The Emerald golf course for a Stableford competition and in a very close battle for the top three places it came down to whose putter was hottest.
In third place with a very respectable 37 points was Roger Moore, while two shots ahead of him in second with a sterling performance was Jim McGovern with 39 points. The eventual winner with a superb round of 40 points was the oldest member of the group, Bruce Tollitt, who later remarked its “nice to give these younger golfers some inspiration from time to time.”
With some great golf played on the day it was a surprise to find out there were no birdie 2’s recorded, but The Emerald management have this uncanny knack to place their pins in really tough positions.
Friday, April 25, Green Valley - Stableford
Today was a trip to the Caddyshack’s favourite venue, Green Valley. This is truly a great course, well looked after and always run well.
In third place today, and recently back from Australia, was Arch Armstrong with a very neat round of golf scoring 35 points. Graham Dietrich shot a sub-par round of 37 points but this was only good enough for second place, and now becoming a habit with his second win of the week and with another great round of 38 points was Bruce Tollitt in first. Bruce, again very vocal after his win, said this game’s getting “too easy.”
After no 2’s scored on Wednesday all golfers had their eye in on the par 3’s today with Graham Dietrich, Graham Beaumont, Arch Armstrong and Mike Jackson all getting a share of the great rollover prize.

The Bear returns to form

IPGC golf from The Haven

Friday, April 11, Emerald - Stableford
1st Brian Kelly 40pts
2nd Al Keith 36pts
3rd Barry Traynor 36pts
4th Eamon Fahey 36pts
A much smaller field took to the road after a large number of “Lemmings” left town in search of dryer climes.
Brian Kelly at last sent his handicap in the opposite direction, as he warmed up for the post match celebrations just down the road, with a very nice 4-under at the always-popular Emerald in Ban Chang.
Al Keith and Barry Traynor secured the last two spots on the podium with Al getting the nod after count back, and Eamon Fahey losing out after his handicap was left unadjusted by the recalcitrant Doc prior to the start of the week.
There were no 2’s in the second division and Barry Traynor slotted in the only one in the first division.
Monday, April 21, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 35pts
2nd Barry Traynor 34pts
3rd Chris Knapp 33pts
After winning almost everything on the previous week’s road trip, Trevor Schirmer continued to reap the benefits of a well spent youth as he once again finished on top, albeit by the narrowest of margins ahead of Barry Traynor, with Chris Knapp a further shot back in third spot.
There were no 2’s in either division as the tricky greens once again took their toll.
Wednesday, April 23, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Dave Stockman 39pts
2nd Al Keith 38pts
3rd Tony Barritt 35pts
After a fairly long absence from competitions out of Soi 13, and having been dropped from the red-hot favourite Birdie Boys team for a local scramble competition in favour of the presumed in-form Russell Exley, Dave Stockman meant business with a chance to prove the selector(s) wrong. And do it he did, and in style too, with a gross 75, to finish three-under and a single shot ahead of Al Keith whose equal 75 was not enough after handicap allowance.
Tony Barritt rounded out a truncated podium with many of the usual faces still out, away or resting, with a steady one-over after seemingly weeks of toughening up and conditioning on the Steppes of Barnet and the difficult change in temperature of some 25 deg. Celsius.
There were no 2’s in either division once again.
Friday, April 25, Phoenix (Blue Tees) - Monthly Medals
Division 1
1st Barry Winton net 72
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki net73
3rd La Keith net75
Division 2
1st Chris Knapp net 72
2nd Tom Parks net 74
3rd Jimmy Kent net 81
(from Stephen Beard 81)
Although the scores did not attest to it, the locals were commenting that the Lakes and Mountain courses off the blue tees played as easy as at any time in the past. But with little roll on the wet fairways and greens unusually slow as the greens keepers could not get on to cut due to the recent heavy rains, scoring was at a premium for all but the top of the leader boards in both divisions.
Barry Winton made a welcome return to form with a solid par round that was two under the CSS of the day to edge the always-steady Takeshi Hakozaki into second place by a stroke. La Keith playing from the white tees coped with the extra length exceptionally well to take third place and record her first result after several attempts in the past to compete with the big boys in the medals.
Chris Knapp again showed local knowledge to be very useful as he took his second medal in succession by a clear two from Tom Parks, who’s score would have been a lot better without the 9 hidden deep in the card but unfortunately added to the total. Jimmy Kent easily got the better of the count back with Stephen Beard for the final place on the podium but at least the Doc was back in contention after 4 years in the medal wilderness.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but at last the triple rollover in the first division was taken and split between, Norman Isherwood, Tony Barritt (?), and Barry Winton.

C.C. revs up to win by seven

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Monday, April 21, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Colin Cronin (17) 43pts
2nd Barry Hooper (36) 36pts
3rd Ray Allison (14) 36pts
4th Brendan Abbott (24) 35pts
2’s: George Bishop
I have had many reasons to report on Colin Cronin over the past weeks, but on Monday April 21 at Green Valley, Colin surpassed himself with a clear seven-point win over his nearest challengers.
This scribe was second by way of a count back on thirty-six points, my best result by far and a back nine of twenty-one which took it over Ray Allison who was pushed into third with the same score. Brendan Abbott came fourth with thirty five.
Green Valley is improving little by little every time we visit and was in good condition this day and is what you can only describe as very good value for money.
Tuesday, April 22, Greenwood - Stableford
1st George Bishop (17) 43pts
2nd Brendan Abbott (24) 41pts
3rd Paul Challis (31) 38pts
4th Akitoshi Ito (8) 35pts
2’s: Brendan Abbott
Tuesday at Greenwood and a smaller than usual compliment of only fourteen players took part.
We played the C and B courses and George Bishop was the man who came out the victor on the day with a fine forty three point total. Not so far behind in second was Brendan Abbott with forty-one points and this was two places better than his Monday outing. Paul Challis found his form and was third with thirty-eight.
As usual this course was in fine fettle and a pleasure to play.
Thursday, April 24, Emerald - Stableford
1st Ray Trembath (9) 39pts
2nd Dave Wilson (26) 37pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 35pts
4th Roger Wilkinson (14) 34pts
2’s: Roger Wilkinson, Akitoshi Ito
This is always a fine test of golf and today was no different. It is not easy to get a high score here but Ray Trembath found his form and came home with thirty-nine points to win followed by Dave Wilson with thirty-seven and the organiser himself, Fergus Brennan, back in third spot with thirty-five. Roger Wilkinson made up the top four with thirty-four after winning a four-way count back over Ted Senior, George Bishop and Orowan Sodok.
Saturday, April 26, Bangpra - Stableford
1st John Pegrum (11) 36pts
2nd Mike Rushant (12) 34pts
3rd Daryl Wells (10) 34pts
4th Dave Wilson (26) 33pts
Saturday, and instead of our regular weekend visit to Eastern Star it was off to Bangpra on a rather sticky day with rain threatening at many times but actually not aspiring to anything.
John Pegrum was top man on the day with thirty-six points ahead of a two-way fight for second and third decided by count back thirty fours which went to Mike Rushant over Darryl Wells.
No 2’s recorded so the pot is carried over until May 3 at Eastern Star.

St. Georges Day Scramble goes from strength to strength

The winners, John Emerson, Mark Reid, Paul Greenaway and Jeff Calrow pose with main sponsor Alan Bolton and his team outside the Alan Bolton Office.

Derek Brook
Wednesday, April 23, Burapha C & D – Scramble
They say that ‘from little acorns are mighty oaks born’, that is how I started the inaugural St Georges Day competition write up in 2006. This being the third of these days, those initial comments are coming to fruition, and this is fast becoming not only ‘The Rose in Bert’s Crown’ but also one of the best, and most anticipated days of the year for all those who manage to obtain an invite to play.
The slots could be filled many times over and those who do play have a really fantastic day, and all contribute to the final tally which goes to the Blind School. From 50,000 Baht in the first year it continues to rise and a projected ‘minimum target’ will be mentioned later in this report. 
This tournament, the ‘brainchild’ of Bert, Middy, Gez, and Derek, continues to prosper, however it has to be said it could not be such a success without our excellent sponsors, and here I have to say that Alan Bolton, of Alan Bolton Property Consultants, opposite Bert’s, has been a staunch and leading main supporter, not just sponsor, since the very first day and as such gives the organisers a strong base to work from.

The runner-up team: Graham Beaumont, Jeff North,
Keith Johnson and Am North.

Our other ‘main sponsor’ this year was Gary of A.K.A. Fine Foods located in Soi Town in Town, who came on board and as he proved with his ‘buffet’, put on the best display of food any of us have seen at any golf competition. Excellent, and thanks from a most satisfied set of golfers.
Other sponsors who dipped into their pockets, and who we are most thankful to, were Diamond Dave, The Pigs, Gez, Middy, and Reg and Dot, all for the third year in a row.
‘Volunteered’ for the first time, but we hope not for the last, were The Two Bobs, Tony Shuttleworth, Tom, Derek and Bert. It is always important to find hole sponsors’ so thanks go to them.
Early morning, April 23 (St Georges Day), a very happy crew gathered at Bert’s to prepare for the day’s competition. There is something special about a bunch of ‘Brits’ girding their loins for the battle ahead, and just to prove how friendly they were they had also invited friends from many other nations, including the U.S.A., Iceland, Canada, and Uncle Tom Cobbly and all. Oh, we did also have some Scottish friends who had to be prized into their ‘English’ shirts.
Then off we went to Burapha, to be told we were playing the C & D Nines as that other bunch of golfers, the professionals, were playing the A & B. Nice to know we were in good company.
Of course, seeing as how the ‘Pro’s’ were there, all was in top order, and as we expected the layout was in fine condition. Mind, even with a scramble, playing off the Blue Tees with strong wind proved a real test for all the golfers, and truth to tell for some it was a little too much.
However, Middy and his group had their best round ever, and Arthur Bailey came in wind blown but with a big smile on his face. All the players who play here are well known to each other and we thus know the scores when they come in will be not only competitive but also realistic.
The scribe’s team, one of the pre-match favourites, started like a house on fire, and after missing a 9-foot putt on the first for a birdie, they then ran off 4 straight birdies to put them at the forefront, but 10 straight pars threw a spanner in the works. However the cheers from the group behind kept ringing in the air, especially at the short par 4 sixteenth when they ran in an eagle 2. Wow, this was going to be tough.
The round was quite slow as the groups ahead were backed up, but it is always daunting to arrive at D9, and look down the hill at a 498-yard par 4. A big drive and a superb second shot are needed to get anywhere near, and a par is a really fine result.
One of the ‘tests’ on the day was a ‘near the keg’ on D1 for a case of John Smiths beer. The keg was just in front of the water hazard and the target provided plenty of balls for the scavengers when they empty the lake.
Round over for the first group, it was noticeable that the rumblings had got louder and the rain had started falling. The first few groups got in, but many of the later groups were water logged, and as we sat in the restaurant, sinking a cold one or two, we really felt bad for them, so we had another cold one.
At the conclusion of the golf we all jumped into transport and ambled back to Bert’s. I say ambled as the food was to be at 17:30 hrs and we wanted to time it all correct. Of course the really hungry ones were waiting at Bert’s with knife and fork in hand, and as soon as Bert declared the food ready, the rush of the hungry got under way.
I have to say again that the food was superb, the best most of us have seen for many a year, and thanks must go the Gary of A.K.A. who provided it and Bert who planned it. Truly ‘super nosh’.
Food over it was time to get down to the results for the day, and the Emcee, your truly, started by introducing our host, Bert himself, who thanked all the sponsors, all the people who had helped him and wished all who played a fine night. He also urged all present to help with the collections and auction as the proceeds were to go to the Blind School.
Then the results were declared, and very close it was with the scores of the first seven within 2 shots of each other. A good tight fight.
First the ‘Near Pin’ and the ‘Long Putt’ winners were presented with a fine golf bag each and the ‘Near Keg’ champion received his own special prize. Then it was down to the competition winners.
In fourth place with a score of net 60.5 was the team of Mick O’Meara, Bob Pearce, Mashi Kenata and Pat Morrisey. Coming in third with a net 60.2 was the team of Dave Richardson, Neil Skilton, Graham Buckingham and Elias Magnusson. In second place with a net score of 59.9 was the team of Graham Baumont, Jeff North, Keith Johnson and Am North.
And so to the winners, and the team was presented with the champion’s trophy by Alan Bolton. The winners were ‘The Golf Club’ with a Net 59.7 and the players were John Emerson, Mark Reid, Paul Greenaway and Jeff Calrow. Well done the ‘The Golf Club’.
We then had a break, and went onto the Lucky Draw for the non winners, then the mike was handed over to Diamond Dave who ‘auctioned off’ two items, all towards the amount we would raise for the Blind School. In prime of place was a football autographed by the Manchester United team and a photo of the hand over of the ball from Manchester United. Thanks to them. Dave managed to get a goodly sum for these items. He is an excellent salesman.
The night was coming to an end, and Bert rang the bell and informed everyone that ‘at least’ 100,000 baht had been raised from this event for the Blind School. To sing us on our way a contingent arrived from the school and gave us a lovely melody, ending a fine day. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Dave Richardson, Brian Downey, Kevin Dwyer, Anders Pederson
Long Putt: Jeff North, Russell Exley
Near Keg: Barry Traynor

Students from the Blind School bring down the curtain with a song.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Still nothing sorted

Another weekend nearer the Premier League finishing line, and again it’s another weekend where Pattaya’s eighth favourite football column is unable bring you any conclusive news on who’s finishing where.
This week, just as a month ago, the only definitive facts are that Derby are still rubbish and that Tottenham have lost interest. The other teams seem intent on keeping us guessing right up until the lights go out on the 2007/08 season.
Can you remember a season that has gone into May with so little being resolved? I certainly can’t. Manchester United travelled to Stamford Bridge last Saturday with the opportunity to wrap things up once and for all, but Michael Ballack’s brace brings the affluent West Londoners back into the reckoning. With both outfits now on 81 points with two games to play it’ll mean a nervy afternoon come Sunday week.
Chelsea deserved the win. A full-strength side playing positive football, they showed more urgency in Saturday’s 90 minutes than bored viewers have been treated to throughout this year, and what a team they are when the going gets tough. United, meanwhile, played like a hungover pub team, and while they head into the final games with a commanding goal difference it’s Chelsea that look physically and mentally stronger.
West Ham have so often been United’s nemesis over the years, particularly when there’s something at stake, and they’ll arrive at Old Trafford for the weekend’s Premier League opener with little to lose. That would normally equal stroll in the park and a 4-0 defeat, but even though the Hammers are wallowing in the nothingness of eleventh place, who’s to say that they won’t play out of their cheeky cockney skins. The Hammers are capable of giving Fergie’s boys a very uncomfortable afternoon if they’re in the mood.
Chelsea fans will have to wait until the early hours of Tuesday morning (Pattaya time) to see their side visit Geordie FC.
Speaking of the North East, the mini-league among the self-proclaimed giants of world football is yet to be settled. Newcastle could only draw at West Ham, but most eyes were down the road at Sunderland as they hosted neighbours Middlesbrough.
What is it with Black Cats and late goals? For the fifth time this season - and the ninth time in the dying minutes – Roy Keane’s men scored after the fourth official’s board had gone up to signal injury time. A Grant Leadbitter corner headed home by Daryl Murphy sealed three points, taking the derby win and guaranteeing Sunderland’s future in the top division in the process. Not a bad afternoon’s work.
But there won’t be any time to discuss those three again this season because two other crucial battles have yet to be decided.
Last week I suggested that Everton at home to Aston Villa would be a great watch, and if you switched on after 83 minutes you’ll be in agreement. The last ten minutes brought three goals and Villa, who are starting to look like a decent side, came back twice from behind to seal a draw. Their scrap for the final remaining UEFA Cup place will also go right down to the wire. Villa host Wigan tomorrow and Everton won’t fancy visiting Arsenal on Sunday.
Finally we come to the relegation battle. Surely this should have been over weeks ago, but credit to Fulham who came from two down to sink a lacklustre Manchester City by three goals to two. They’re still down if you ask me, but they’re sure as hell putting up a fight and play Birmingham at Craven Cottage tomorrow. That is simply must-watch TV.
Not to be outdone, the title race in Scotland is simmering nicely after Celtic overcame Rangers again thanks to a penalty winner from Barry Robson that sealed it 3-2. Rangers are now five points behind, but have three games in hand.
More than enough football on the box this weekend, and perhaps you should be making the most of it whilst you still have the chance. Manchester United versus West Ham will start us off, and for a main course may I recommend a spicy dish of Fulham against Birmingham City. Sunderland visit a far-from-safe Bolton Wanderers for a dessert that may be a little much to digest for all but the most hungry for football action.
Arsenal and Everton is Sunday’s key fixture, and for the die-hard supporter who needs to get out more there’s the utterly meaningless Liverpool versus Manchester City encounter to finish off the weekend. Rather you than me, but who’d bet against it being a classic? Its been that kind of season.
You’re going home in an alpine
ambulance
Visiting Europe this summer? Then you should see a doctor. Anyone thinking of travelling to Switzerland and Austria in June for the European Championships needs to check whether they’ve been vaccinated against measles and get jabs if required, say the World Health Organisation.
The twin Alpine hosts of the Euro 2008 tournament, which runs from June 7 to 29, are both experiencing outbreaks and health experts fear the highly contagious disease could spread further if those watching the matches are not fully protected.
“There is a big worry in a stadium environment where you have 30,000 people very close to each other,” said Hayatee Hasan, a spokeswoman for the United Nations agency based in Geneva, one of eight host cities for the major sporting event.
The organizers UEFA expect 5 million people to come to the Euro 2008 events, including spotty Swiss and Austrian fans, and apparently some 2,250 people in Switzerland have been infected with measles since the current outbreak began in November 2006.
And yes, I realise the irony in warning English-speaking readers about the dangers of Euro 2008. But you could at least warn your continental friends!
There’s more
In other news from the wonderful world of football, 29 of the 34 teams in Poland’s top divisions are under investigation in a corruption probe. Several teams have already been relegated, but it begs the question of what will happen if they’re all found guilty.
And according to a report in The Guardian, an unnamed football club have approached a leading sports scientist in an effort to apply genetic research to their players. It is the first known instance of football exploring genetics in order to gain a sporting advantage.
According to Aberdeen University’s Dr Henning Wackerhage, someone with a name that makes you wonder what on earth he’s doing in Aberdeen, the club were seeking to gain “an edge” by attempting to discern through a genetic test their players’ suitability for sprinting. They hoped to discover whether the players had been born with the ACTN3 gene that is common to all top-class sprinters.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes wants to see European referees in the Premier League. He told BBC Radio Lancashire: “Maybe referees that ply their trade week-in, week-out become too familiar with certain players and certain teams. Inevitably it will cloud their judgement, so the option of European referees could possibly be looked at.”
Yes, right. Down to London where Tottenham have won the race to sign highly-rated Croatia midfielder Luka Modric for a fee believed to be 15.8million pounds. Spurs have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old, who was reportedly courted by many of Europe’s top sides, and he will leave Dinamo Zagreb for White Hart Lane this summer subject to his passing a medical.
Finally, Cardiff City have been granted permission to represent the English leagues in Europe next year, should they overcome Portsmouth and win the FA Cup. “The FA has given full approval for Cardiff City to participate in next season’s Uefa Cup as one of England’s representatives, should they win this season’s FA Cup,” they said, repeating what I’ve just said. “It was decided that the Welsh national anthem would also be played ahead of the game.”
No comment, boyos. See you next week then, is it?

Dennis tops the 40- pointers at Greenwood

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, April 22, Greenwood B & C (White Tees) - Stableford
1st Dennis Jaycock (20) 43pts
2nd Jim Fortune (28) 40pts
3rd Ulrich Nachbur (21) 38pts
4th Andy Makara (34) 37pts
Allocated B and C courses for the day fifteen of us including newcomer Paul Barker enjoyed another splendid day of golf at Greenwood, which is easy to get to now that the road has been made up.
Near pins went in course order to Willy Nachbur, Tiger Jumparnit and Bob Drumm whilst Peter Mills yet again boringly sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average points score on the day was a very high 35.71, reflecting the short course in excellent playing condition.
Thursday April 24, The Emerald (White Tees) – Stroke Play
1st Bob Drumm (10) net 75
2nd Neil Duncan (14) net 75
3rd David Gardner (8) net 77
4th Ken Hole (13) net 78
Fourteen of us turned out for our monthly stroke play (aka medal) competition to find The Emerald as lovely as its name implies. The rain held off until we were in the clubhouse where Good Ol’ David, now safely returned to us from England, quickly dished out the dividends.

Friday’s prize winners (from L-R): Neil Duncan, Owen Walkley & Bob Drumm

Near pins in course order were claimed by Neil Duncan, Paul Smylie in a momentary lapse of concentration on his caddy, Leon Proud and Ian Campbell whilst Jim Fortune sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green.
The Paradise Bar golf shirt for the most golf of the day is not a bad piece of kit but the lengths some will go to own one is extraordinary. Harley Burley Owen Walkley carded 107 net off his handy handicap of 22 just to make sure he would scamper off with his prize!
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group who wish to know about the format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Pimusa bags a brace at Burapha

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, April 21, Burapha - Stableford
After the recent spate of holidays, it was nice to get back to the normal green fee rate, even though there are four more to come in May, including two Mondays, the fifth and nineteenth.
Thirty-seven Outbackers played off the Blue Tees of the C & D course, which proved to play long and difficult. However, the golf was not only about the best score in the division but also it was a triple rollover 2’s day, with an estimated 6K in the pot. One golfer, who would probably prefer not to be mentioned, had a ‘2’ but decided not to pay the additional premium required to enter the rollover.
Capt’ Bob said, “ Look at this card, no name or handicap!” Then Terry, his marker told him, “That’s your card Bob.” “Didn’t you fill it in for me,” Bob replied, “What kind of marker are you?”
Back to the golf, Bernie had a steady round to take the Div A crown and Norm put in yet another good days work to take Div C honours. However, it was the girls in Div B that stole the day; May with 38 pts beating Don Pavlovic on count back, from regular outbacker Neil, with a fine 37pts and Pimusa in 4th on 36.
Why the girls? You may ask, yes, you’ve guessed it, there were only 2 two’s today and they both came from the lovely Pimusa, who promptly rang the bell for all to enjoy her jackpot win. Well played you girls!
Div A (0-14)
13 Players
1st Bernie Segrave (9) 35pts
2nd Bob Philp (6) 32pts
3rd Terry Larose (12) 32pts
4th Roger Ison (9) 31pts
Div B (15-20)
14 players
1st May Larose (18) 38pts
2nd Don Pavlovic (15) 38pts
3rd Neil Hughes (15) 37pts
4th Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (20) 36pts
Div C (21+)
10 Players
1st Norm Martin (26) 36pts
2nd John Spiller (22) 30pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (23) 29pts
4th Trudy Chadbourn (24) 28pts
2’s: Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (2)
Tuesday, April 22, Phoenix - Stableford
Not many Outbackers braved the early 8am start at this beautifully presented Phoenix course. Lakes and Ocean were the nines of the day, and the players that turned up were treated to a comfortable 4-hour walk round in a very tolerable temperature. It just goes to show you can beat the system - PLAY EARLY!
There is no doubt, this is the best time of the day to play! This is a regular Outback Golf Bar slot for the next six weeks, get up and give it a try.
Barry Chadbourn had a slow start, scratching the first two holes, before a local beer put him into a different gear as he played the other sixteen holes in level twos, to win the day with 32 points. The remaining golfers claimed they had lost their cards as they preferred not to declare their scores, albeit that John Spiller was second and Nick Falconer, who missed the first two holes, was third. See if you can get up next time Nick!.
Wednesday, April 23, Khao Kheow - Stableford
B & C nines today on this great Pete Dye course and sadly most of the Outbackers couldn’t beat it! Has the handicapper at long last caught up with everybody?
The weather was generally overcast like most of the golf, but May Larose was the bright spot of the day with her 38 points off handicap 17 (soon to be 16). Well played May!
Div A (0-16)
12 Players
1st Chaten (16) 36pts
2nd Terry Larose (12) 31pts
3rd Desmond Scott (9) 30pts
Div B (17+)
11 players
1st May Larose (17) 38pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (20) 34pts
3rd Dave Headington (18) 31pts
2’s: May Larose, Des Scott, Norm Martin & Bruce Milner
Friday, April 25, Emerald - Stableford
A comfortable 35 minutes from the Outback Golf Bar in their kangaroo logo’d air conditioned minibus, is the wonderful Emerald course. No one else there today, except for the Beaver Bar.
The Outbackers teed off on time but generally the course was the winner with only Don & David playing to handicap or better. This may be a short course but that doesn’t make it easy.
The weather behaved itself until later in the day, when there were some serious storms not only around the course, but also all the way back up the highway.
Div A (0-12)
16 Players
1st Donald Frances (12) 36pts
2nd Jack Moseley (8) 34pts
3rd Don Pavlovic (15) 34pts
4th Ian Heddle (2) 34pts
Div B (13+)
15 players
1st David Headington (18) 37pts
2nd Trudy Chadbourn (24) 30pts
3rd Barry Rothberg (19) 27pts
4th John Spiller (22) 27pts
2’s: Mark Kembrey & Jack Spencer
Note: 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 (Sport 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 can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected] 

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

“Good to be back in the saddle again,” with apologies to the old Gene Autry song, and my thanks to the ever-loyal Jeeves for sitting in these past three weeks.
In the aftermath of Calzaghe-Hopkins, as usual, most of the boxing writers haven’t a clue. One wrote that, “Calzaghe wasn’t at his best.” Poppycock. He may well have fought the toughest fight of his life if for no other reason that Bernard Hopkins may be the smartest fighter still lacing them up. Calzaghe had to change his basic style, adapt and be more effective. He, in the words of Larry the Cable Guy, “got her done.”
The crowd was announced as 14,213, which was noted as capacity. Bolognie. For a major fight with some local (Las Vegas) interest, 18,000 plus would fill the Thomas & Mack. Of those 14,213 one could bet that 90% came from across the big pond to root for Calzaghe. If you watched the TV, the front 15 rows of spectators looked like they were attending the Pope’s mass at Yankee Stadium rather than a prize fight.
Hopkins is a difficult person to like. Especially when he says, “I got beat tonight but not by Joe Calzaghe. But I’m not mad at Joe. He ain’t the judges and the referee. He got a decision in the U.S. after a knockdown - I would never have gotten that in Wales.”
Hopkins, like all those with great egos, doesn’t mention that he probably lost the last 8 rounds. “He ain’t the judges and the referee” is really out of line. The only official in line for the Ray Charles Award would be the one that had him winning!
Referee Joe Cortez did an outstanding job as he resisted, for the most part, becoming “chatty Cathy”. He still lays hands on the fighters way too much and in fact scored a knockdown when he tossed Calzaghe to the canvas. Age probably beat Hopkins and you can’t fight that.
De La Hoya- Forbes… Yawner? …Maybe
For the first time in “eons,” Oscar De La Hoya will be fighting outdoors on ‘almost’ free TV Sunday morning. “Eons” in this case would be 1998 when he faced over-matched ‘Frog’ Patrick Charpentier in the Sun Bowl in El Paso Texas.
It was a crowed of over 45,000 thousand where many young females waved signs to the then unmarried De La Hoya stating, “I’ll have your baby.” At the time De La Hoya probably would have accommodated most if not all, given enough time.
The venue this time will be the Home Depot Center near Los Angeles. Like Oscar’s opponent in 1998, Stevie Forbes (33-5) has three chances to win: slim, none and a China man’s. The third isn’t really an option in the Hispanic state of upper Mexico, which was formally called Southern California and will be celebrating ‘Cinco de Mayo’ on Quatro de Mayo. Go figure.
“I know I’m a huge underdog against Oscar De La Hoya,” said Forbes. “Once the bell rings, you’re going to see a live dog. I’m way above any level I’ve ever been at before.” Looks like “slim” and “none” just left town.
Big sports day in the USA with the Kentucky Derby and Oscar all in one day. Be still my baby heart.
Time Out …fights delayed
The sign of a real champion is one that will go on the road to the other guy’s turf.
Undefeated Joan (pronounced JOE AUN) Guzman was going to defend his WBO super-bantam title against Alex Arthur in Edinburgh, Scotland, where “haggis” is considered a delicacy, men wear skirts and sheep are nervous. No problem. No fight. Guzman (El Pequeno Tyson) had trouble securing a visa for Scotland from his New York base so a rescheduling is called for.
“I was angry when I was I told that he couldn’t get here on time because of a visa problem,” said Arthur. “My training schedule is very precise and I plan everything with my training team to the minute, so to have my plans thrown up in the air was a big blow.”
Also on hold is the title eliminator between former WBC bantam champ Veeraphol Nakonluang (61-3) and Vusi Malinga (17-2) who were scheduled to “lace’em up” in Bangkok on May 1. Of course regular readers will know that because an email from referee cousin Bruce appeared in last week’s column.
The reason for the postponement is that Veeraphol injured his hand in training. South African Malinga started his career 1-2 but since has run off 16 wins on the trot. It’s a dangerous fight for the legendary Thai.
One fight that isn’t postponed and probably should be is the “comeback” fight of former great Johnny Tapia (56-5-2) on Sunday in El Paso Texas. His opponent will be Jose Alonso of Mexico (32-13-2).
Tapia won a court case last week by receiving 14 months probation for cocaine drug charges from last year rather than a trip to the “Gray Bar Inn”. While it is never proper to keep a person from earning a living, Tapia is clearly a danger to himself and those around him. His motto of “Mi vida loco” (My wild life) really means that “I’m a whack job and somebody should step in and save me.”
The Texas State regulators should hang their heads in shame but we know that Mr. Cole, their Major Domo, has none. When Tapia goes off the deep end for the final time it will be too late.
Thailand 2 - World …zip, nada, zero
Good past week for Thai fighters as they went 2-0 on the world stage.
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia WBC light-fly lady’s champion, Samson Sor Siriporn, defended her title for the third time. Both Siripoen and her vanquished opponent Kayooko Ebata were drained after 10 energy-sapping rounds in the humidity laden air of the capital city. Siriporn got the nod with a 97-95 call from two judges while one had it 95 all.
It’s nice that world-rated feather Fahsai Sakkreerin (27-1) got a win last Wednesday at Mae Hong Son over 12 “hard fought rounds.” The other side of the record is that he beat Edgar Gabejan who is 5-11-2 overall and 3-9-2 lately. Both lost points in the 10th, just as the promoters should have done for putting the fight together.
The score of 116-110 all around might be encouraging except for the talent level of the opponent. A plus is that the fight was held 600 miles from Bangkok and all wins look the same in the record book.
‘Pocket Rocket’… now ‘Super Wayne’
Former champion Wayne McCullough donned his superman attire recently on a flight from Montreal to his home in Las Vegas. A lady on the crowded flight had stopped breathing while her companion was “forcefully pushing her back and forward” in her seat.
McCullough, former WBC bantamweight champ, leapt into action, avoiding tall buildings, moving with the strength of a speeding train and the speed of a bullet.
Knowing CPR, Wayne checked to see if she was breathing and, confirming that she wasn’t, pushed her chest hoping to get a reaction. But there was nothing. The flight attendant called for the medical cart. She decided the lady needed to be removed from her seat. They began to lift her from her seat but just at that moment the lady gasped for air and looked around, shocked to see everyone paying her so much attention. She said she was OK and was shocked to know she had lost consciousness.
Happy ending - lady OK and ‘Super Wayne’ a hero.
I once had a similar experience. Saw a lady in the same condition, eyes closed and seemingly not breathing. Like Wayne I leapt into action, hurdling a number of beach chairs and spilling not a drop of my MGD. I pushed on her chest using both hands with alacrity and enthusiasm. I got a reaction … she woke up and slapped me silly. So much for trying to be a Good Samaritan.
Moments with Jeeves
Joe Calzaghe coming off maybe his most important worldwide win should have known to “button his lip.” Speaking to London’s Daily Mail he spoke about a little inside boxing that would have been best kept “inside.” He admitted that he hit Hopkins low in the second round saying, “When I hit him there in the second round, that was proper deliberate. He’d knocked me down in the first so I had to give him a dig, didn’t I?”
Maybe Joe, but best keep it a secret instead of yapping like a washerwomen. He confirmed what the ‘Lord of the Manor’ had written about the 10th round “low blow.”
“What a crap actor,” said Calzaghe. “He looked like he’d been shot in the b***s, not hit. The tenth — that was a lie, that one … he’s a cheat. He took three minutes off when I didn’t touch him and he needed a rest. Joe Cortez should have been firmer. Hopkins is just a spoilt little girl, isn’t he?”
Nice move Joe. The referee does a good job and you act like a typical soccer hooligan. When you win don’t whine. Shut your yapper and let your fists do the talking.
OR Cross didn’t think much of Calzaghe-Hopkins: “Hopkins did his usual run and hold, which made it mediocre. Sore loser that he is, Hopkins babbled on about how he took care of Joe. I’m getting bored. With some of the ‘big boxing’ I may switch back to my first love - Ice Dancing.”
Funny that, I didn’t know they had Ice Dancing at the TQ.
…And finally
“Your Lordship I must comment on your actions in regard to the lady that appeared to be not breathing. I consider your laying on of hands quite inappropriate
“I understand your concern Your Lordship, but in last week’s Pattaya Mail there was an article that in cases such as these, using hands instead of “mouth–to-mouth” is OK. This subject arose recently when my friend ‘Chicken’ Dick McGinnis was visiting home base. He’d had a couple of heart attacks and was breathing hard. ‘Dick,’ I said, ‘if you have a heart attack in this house I don’t like your chances. I can’t pick you up and mouth-to-mouth is out of the question.’ Now I can just whap the heck out of him.”
Jeeves, as you serve ‘The Master’ his lager, cigar and chosen music, remember this sent to me by my old school pal ‘Space’ - “Time flies like the wind, but fruit flies like bananas.”

Jacko whack’s Greenwood

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, April 20, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Simon Philbrook (7) 36pts
2nd Chaten Patel (16) 36pts
3rd Eddie Esan (15) 35pts
As most of Lewinski’s golfers were away “celebrating” Sonkran, a depleted group of twenty-one braved the trip to Green Valley.
In third place with a creditable 35pts was Eddie Esan, second losing out on count back was Chaten Patel, and winning the day was Simon the Philbrook with 36pts.
Tuesday, April 22, Laem Chabang - Stableford
A Flight
1st Stuart Brown (10) 36 pts
2nd Paul Shaw (8) 33pts
3rd Peter Hynard (12) 33pts
B Flight
1st Joe Mcardle (14) 37pts
2nd Michael Mcmahon (14) 37pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (16) 32pts
Thirty-two golfers traveled to the beautiful Jack Nicklaus designed Laem Chabang and all but two of the gentlemen played off the blue tees.
A Flight was led home by Stuart Brown, three clear of Paul Shaw who was second on count back over Peter Henshaw. The B Flight winner and man of the match was Joe Mcardle, on count back over Michael Mcmahon. Taking the final podium place in B Flight was Peter Henshaw.
Wednesday, April 23, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Jack Grinvald (6) 41pts
2nd Gavin KnoX (13) 40pts
3rd Colin Davis (13) 39pts
A smaller field made the long trek to Greenwood, but the trip was worth it as the scores show.
Leading the gang home was Wacko Jacko Grinvald, who amassed forty-one points, edging, Gavin the fort Knox by a single point, while in third place a point behind Gavin was the G M himself Colin Davis
Jacko’s round at one over gross was certainly impressive, but could have been even better as he was lying three-under par with just four holes to play.
Colin played in the same four-ball, with the famous Australian cricketer, Trevor Chappell. At close of play, Colin had him LBW for37.
Friday, April 25, Eastern Star - Stableford
A Flight
1st Mossy Quaid (7) 35pts
2nd John Haugen (9) 34 pts
3rd Roy Thornton (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (16) 38pts
2nd Colin Davis (14) 35 pts
3rd Peter Ring (22) 35pts
Thirty golfers braved the tough Eastern Star layout where Peter Henshaw starred with an excellent 38 pts to claim first position in B Flight. Taking second spot on count back was the G M himself, with Peter Ring rounding out the podium.
A Flight was a much closer affair with Mossy Quaid hanging on to take top spot with a creditable 35 pts. It was a three-way count back for second and third with John Haugen 34pts acquiring second over Roy the boy Thornton, and Seamus Cotter losing out. Bad luck Seamus.
Then it was back to Lewiinski’s for the presentation, after some of the lads had a short stop over in Ban Chang for the usual refreshments.

‘Crocked’ Herb has that winning feeling

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

For two weeks in a row we had just a small contingent out for the day. Songkran (Thai New Year) week and not surprisingly some of the golfers did not show up.

Winners from the last two outings: Dale Murphy (left) and Herbert Ishinaga (right).

The day ended up with Dale Murphy taking the honours with 36 points and Bob Benda coming in second with 34 points.
Last week there was a slight change at the top as Herb Ishinaga got his putter going and sunk 3 long putts in a row to win the day with 38 points. It seems that every time he hurts from leg or back problems he shoots a better game. Bob Benda is hoping Herb feels better next week.
Dale Murphy slipped to second place with 36 points. He has been shooting steady golf to stay near the top.
Hopefully we’ll have a few more players next time out to end the month.

Quality from Quon

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

A warm welcome awaited the Pattaya Golf Society at Eastern Star on Sunday, April 20, when they called to play a post-Songkhran stableford event. The course was relatively empty and a three-and-a-half hour round awaited the multi-national field. In fact the first nine players represented nine different nations as they got to grips with the inconsistent greens and the strong breeze.
The straight hitters would benefit from the conditions and Len Jones, whose driving continues to become longer and straighter with age, posted 33 points, scratching the last in an unraked greenside bunker, for third place.
Runner-up was oilman Ronnie Ramsay who began this, his latest “break”, in fine style with a 35-point card.
The winner was Bill Quon, whose back nine of twenty points belied some fine golf to give him a sub-par 37 points for the win.
There were no birdie 2’s on the slowish greens and Masaaki Sugaya ended his stay in the Kingdom with a well-earned Booby Bevy after yet another round patiently trying to overcome a sickly set of irons.
At the end of the day the plaudits were reserved for Canadian Bill Quon and his gesture of celebrating his fine win with golfers’ drinks all round back at the OK Corral. Cheers Bill and well done!
Kazu - king for a day
Tuesday, April 22, the Pattaya Golf Society took to the popular course at Green Valley for a stableford event and found the course improving after the tough routines of the high season, with better fairways and much truer greens, if a little slow.
This time of year always sees a transition as the seasonal long stay visitors return to their homes and fresher faces return. Thus it was that the group welcomed back many old faces for this event. One of these, Paul Brett, joined Erik Antonnen in third place on 32 points whilst Peter Biggs took second with a steady 33 points.
The winner was Kazu Agune who has spent the last month in the golfing doldrums but on this occasion his game picked up to return 34 points for the best of the day.
Thai lady golfer Na Srionrod took the rolled over 2’s prize with a fine birdie on the picturesque short par-three twelfth hole and duly celebrated by ringing the bell back at the OK Corral later in the evening.
Chris Voller volunteered for the Booby Bevy award with the lowest nine hole score, the greatest difference in the two nines totals and the overall mediocrity of his card. How can an organiser resist such a request!
Regulars may wish to note that Greenwood on May 8 will be the venue for OK Corral’s host Mr. Denis’ annual “Birthday Bash” which will again be in the form of a four-person scramble. Entry forms are available from the bar and the day will end with a free buffet party back in Soi Rungland after the event.
Finnish with a flourish
Thursday, April 24, saw the Pattaya Golf Society take to Eastern Star Resort to play its most important round of the month, the strokeplay order of merit event, under warm skies and on a course which is slowly improving.
Underfoot the fairways are fine and the bunkers are tolerable, and even the greens on this day were more consistent. This course is always a challenge with the expanses of water and extensive OB areas, and accuracy rather than distance is the order of the day.
Stuart Thompson, Finnish golfer Niilo Olonen and Thai partner Na Srionrod performed well to take a share of third place with fine scores of net 73, with Stuart once again emphasizing his accuracy.
The winner was another Finn, Erik Antonnen who forsook his heavy artillery on the tees to craft his round and his mid-round burst of 3-3-5-3 helped give him a back nine of 39 gross. His winning total was a level par net 72 and reflected the thought he had put into course management. In-so-doing he joined Niilo and Stuart with the best gross of the day, eighty-one.
The only birdie ‘2’ was secured by Chris Voller on the twelfth.
Amongst those with strong claims for the Booby Bevy were Mikael Andersson and Ian Hart but eventually its destination was decided by an errant cell phone, some quite awful approach play on the middle six holes and a stuttering presentation by Len Jones. All in a day’s work, of course, at the OK Corral.

Its Jez and Bob on the Songkran Road

IPGC golf from Donovan’s

The Pres put together a fine five-day Songkran avoidance road trip which saw 32 golfers play Royal Ratchiburi twice and Dragon Hills, Mission Hills Kanchantaburi and Evergreen, each once. The format was two-person team better balls, with the winners continuing in the top bracket and competing for the big prize and the losers dropping into the Cup and Bowl comps.
The final four teams in the top bracket were Jez Lees and Bob Newell, Rick Sharp and Dave Porter, Steve Mascari and Billy Thompson and Ian Grout with Jack Spencer. All the matches were nail biters to the end with the final being no exception as Bob Newell of the Lees/Newell tandem canned a rolling, breaking thirty footer to take the 18th hole at Royal Ratchiburi for a 1 up victory over the Grout/Spencer team.
Jim Munns and Gavin Knox topped the Bowl comp and Apple Jitchana and Eddie Blackwell carried home the Plate lucre.
Tuesday, April 22, Greenwood B & C (White Tees) - Stableford
1st Steve Mascari (3) 37pts
Steve Mascari edged Kevin Hamilton by a single point on a field size curtailed by the Songkran Road Trip hangover.
Thursday, April 24, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
1st May Larose (15) 40pts
2nd Kevin Hamilton (19) 38pts
3rd Jim Munns (12) 34pts
2’s: Kevin Hamilton, Steve Mascari
May came good seven days early as the better half of the Larose household topped out the field with 38 points. Kevin Hamilton showed well for the second comp running as he netted 38 points. Capt. Fogg found his way to third place.
Saturday, April 26,
Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Mulberry (11) 41pts
2nd Steve Mascari (3) 38pts
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (17) 44pts
2nd John “JTB” Dearden (22) 38pts
Ladies Flight
1st Yui Duangkaew (21) 36pts
2nd Somporn Hester (30) 36pts
2’s: Steve Mulberry, Ray Dell, John Dearden
The Man of Leisure was the Man of the Match with his 44-point outburst that put him six points clear of JTB. Eddy’s handicap will continue its meteoric plummet.
Steve Mulberry made a fine showing of 41 points which should stem the upward turn in his handicap. The Pres, steady as always, threw a net 73 at the home course layout.
Yui Duangkaew made it two weeks in a row in the Ladies Division as she out-pointed Somporn on the second level of count back, the last six.

Café Kronborg & Brother D remain at the top

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Nok, Ooy, Somrak, La, Bill & Morn.

Café Kronborg and Brother D both won three points and are still tied for first place. Brother D took three from VFW Post 9876 and Café Kronborg won three from Canada behind Kran’s 516 series.
Captain Nok bowled games of 179, 243 & 218, 640 series and Tiger rolled a 550 series for SaBai Friday as they won all four points from Jack Tar. Barry bowled a 551 series for Jack Tar but he did not get much help from his team mates.
La bowled a 558 series for Balls Galore and Somrak a 523 to get a come from behind two-two draw with Montana. Diamond Shop made a move up the standings after winning all four points from House of the Golden Coin. Bill Key had a 535 series, Su a 529 and Nual a 502 for Diamond Shop.
P.K. who has been ill and only recently returned to bowling looks back in form as he rolled a 556 series to lead Café Ole to a three point win over Beaver Bar & Grill.