SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Pattaya Sports Club Annual General Meeting 2008

Tight finish at Eastern Star

Eight 2’s on Saturday

Local Thai lady wins a diamond for her archery skills

Simpson Marine Series leaves sailors smiling

MBMG Matchplay League

‘Hubby’ clocks up 60 but Mam takes the spoils

Pat, Paul & Pimusa prevail at tough Plantation

Pearce nails putt on the last to win by one

Paul goes clear by six

Walter takes monthly award after Laem Chabang win

Magic and amazement at St. Andrews

Trevor & Stephen’s long wait is over

The Square Ring

Walt puts a stop to Bob’s victory march

Denis menaces Eastern Star

Vanderwegan weighs in with 42 at Greenwood

Danny, Jan and Rungtip post ‘Best of the Day’

‘Drive for show – Putt for dough’

Arthur’s 80 - not out!

League of Legends July 4, 2008

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Pattaya Sports Club Annual General Meeting 2008

The elective members of the Pattaya Sports Club gathered at The Town in Town on June 21 to revue the past year, make decisions for the coming 12 months and to elect the Executive Committee for the coming year.

The new Executive Committee of the Pattaya Sports Club.

The President addressed the members and informed them that the past year had been a good one and that the P.S.C. was continuing to progress and contributing to the community. Total membership was up, all the various sports were doing well and we could look forward to a good year ahead.
All the outgoing Executive Committee members made their reports including the Charity Chairman who said we had helped many of the poor in the local community and intended to help more in the coming year, especially with a special interest in the aged.
The Golf Chairman informed all that golf was continuing to expand and that the outlook was still good for the golfers of Pattaya.
The Elective Members then voted in the office bearers for the coming year as follows: President Dennis Willet; Vice President Derek Brook; Secretary Paul Donoghue; Treasurer Ron Herbert; Founder Fred Hornung; Golf Chairman Perry McNeely; Charity Chairman Bernie Tuppin; Public Relations Tony Oakes; Registrar Bjarne Neilson; Social Mike Gerrard.
With the election of the officials over, James Montgomery and Len Banfield were voted in as Life Members for their many years of support for The Pattaya Sports Club.
A spirited discussion then took place over the proposal of the Executive Committee to raise the Membership Fees. After some debate a minor increase was agreed. The Meeting was then closed.


Tight finish at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, June 23, Plutaluang – Stableford
After postponing our matchplay fixture with the OK Corral until early August, a remarkable (for this time of the year) 24 players signed in to play the naval course today.
The North and West courses were selected by our caddies and the ever-improving Bryan Rought took division 2 with 40 points. Ken Foster came in second on 36 and in third was Jack Hinchey with 32.
Burnie Sinclair’s 33 points secured top spot in division 1, with Bruce Lawrence second on 31 points after beating Daz Martingdale on an 18/15 back nine count back.
There were no 2’s in division 1 so a rollover ensued to Crystal Bay on Wednesday and with no winners in division 2 for seven rounds, it was all to change as Ken Foster and Burnie Sinclair both birdied the lighthouse hole to share the large pot.
Nearest the pins went to Georges Faber, Keith Hector, Bill Hewitt, Bruce Lawrence, Miss Nit, Roger Ribbins, Bryan Rought and Jacqui Turner.
Wednesday, June 25, Crystal Bay - Stableford /Pairs multiplier
Our first visit here for over nine months due to the price structures, and the majority of the 13 teams said they enjoyed this course and would play again at this time of the year.
This is our fun game of the month with an individual two divisional stableford competition and an additional pairs multiplier to spice things up.
On the eve of his departure back to the UK, Geoff Stubbs came home with 39 points to win division 1 as he was closely followed in by Keith Hector on 38 and Chris Holmes was third with 35.
Les Hall took division 2 honours with 35 points while Jack Hinchey beat Tony Duthie on a back nine count back of 17/14 to finish second after they both finished with 32 points each.
After some mathematical errors in the multiplier game (no names mentioned TM), which had to be corrected after the presentation, Keith Hector and Bill Hewitt were pronounced the winners with 67 points after beating Chris Holmes and Dannie Larsen on a back nine count back of 36/31.
There were no 2’s in either division and the ‘near pins’ went to Mikael Andersson, George Faber, Geoff Stubbs (2), Alan Bissell, Tony Duthie, Les Hall and Jack Hinchey.
Friday, June 27, Eastern Star – Stableford
A big gap in division 1 today between first and second with Mikael Andersson coming in first with 37 points, followed by George Turner on 29 who beat Harry Riley on a 17/15 back nine count back for second.
Three players were tied on 37 points in the second division: Les Hall, Miss Nom and Bryan Rought and all three finished with a back nine count back of 19 points. We had to go down to the back six scores and Bryan and Les finished equal on 14 points while Miss Nom took third place with 13 points. The back 3 were all equal again but Les beat Bryan on the back 2 (4/3).
Glyn Evans had the only ’2’ of the day with a three-foot putt on the 6th hole for a birdie.
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.


Eight 2’s on Saturday

IPGC golf from Donovan’s

Thursday, June 23, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
Men’s Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (14) 39pts
2nd Phil Mitchell (6) 38pts
3rd Jim Munns (12) 35pts
Ladies Flight
1st Gib Jaroenpok (36) 41pts
2’s: Phil Mitchell, Steve Mascari
It was Monsieur Pierre by a single pop over Flipper while Capt Fogg just missed his handicap by a single point. Ms. Rykke continued here weekly dominance, this time with a staggering 41 points. Her handicap should start dropping now that we sorted out that she signed up under her full Thai name.
Saturday, June 28, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
Men’s Flight
1st Gareth Gill (10) 39pts
2nd Ray Dell (12) 38pts
3rd Steve Mascari (2) 35pts
Ladies Flight
1st Mol Thongkiew (17) 39pts
2’s: Gareth Gill, Steve Mascari, Mike Craighead, Klaus Schackt, Jim Brackett, Mark Wood, Kris Kritsanajootha (2)
Big Gareth and Ray Dell, who took second and third respectively last week, each moved up a spot this time out. The Pres battened down the third spot. Kris Krits led the field with two 2’s as 18 men racked up 8 of ‘em.
Madame Mol, who seemingly flip flops victories with Gib, had a superb 39 points.


Local Thai lady wins a diamond for her archery skills

…while another archer gets four in the back

Eric Hearn
Gunyawee Somrit has only been shooting archery for about four months after joining Pattaya Archery Club. Coincidentally another archer, Mervyn, joined the archery club at about the same time, so both are comparative novices at this sport.

Gunyawee’s diamond-winning six-gold-end.
Gunyawee’s husband promised her a diamond if she could score a six-gold-end with six consecutive arrows. His method of motivating her had the desired effect and she eventually put all six arrows in the gold. Naturally she was over-the-moon about her shooting and even more delighted to contemplate choosing a diamond as her reward.
All the club members were encouraging her, and even though it took her three weeks of shooting every other day, she eventually won her diamond … to everyone’s delight. Her score was 57 out of a possible 60.
It is reported that Gunyawee has gone shopping for her diamond, with a big grin, which cannot be said for her husband % that will teach him to keep his mouth shut!
Mervyn gets four
in the back
Recently quite a number of Pattaya Archery Club members have also been shooting six-gold-ends. The most consistent is Gilbert from France, who shot three consecutive six-gold-ends. Another archer, Mervyn, posed for a celebratory photo after shooting his six - and it would seem that the beer he was holding really does “refresh the parts other beers cannot reach.” Indeed he also scored 57 out of a possible 60.

Mervyn’s six-gold-end - plus four arrows in his back
However, how did he come to have four arrows in his back? Answers on a postcard to …
Neither Mervyn nor Gunyawee had ever shot a bow before joining the club, so what a great advert for Pattaya Archery Club’s coaching and support.
Trying archery
in Pattaya
Pattaya Archery Club shoots on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 10.00 am and finishing at about noon or thereafter.
Anyone % Thai or farang, young or old, man or woman % is welcome to come along to the Pattaya Shooting Club in Hua Yai and find out what it is all about. Coaching and the use of the club’s bows, arrows and other equipment is free for beginners, and so it costs nothing to see if this challenging sport is for you.
For more details visit Pattaya Archery Club’s website at www.pattaya-archery-club. com, or telephone Eric, the coach, on 089 535 1193


Simpson Marine Series leaves sailors smiling

Kipsan Beck
Under unseasonally sunny skies and light onshore breezes, the 3-month yacht racing ‘Simpson Marine Series’ commenced at Ocean Marina Jomtien over the weekend of June 21-22.

Pascal Leray’s ‘Breakaway’ won all four races in the keelboat category.
After winning in Samui, the scribe’s Pornstar and David Wales’ The Sting were hoping to continue their run of good form, while Phuket based Scott Duncanson flew in to contest the Platu/Sportboat class having won almost every race this year with The Lofts Southshore.
Despite perfect sailing weather, boat numbers were down slightly, due to a few sailors being perhaps a little burned out from Samui and the Top of the Gulf Regatta within the last 6 weeks. The Sting and K. Weera’s Fun Wes competed uncontested both days, taking the multihull and cruising class categories respectively.
In keelboats, the light winds favoured Pascal Leray’s Breakaway both days, giving him a total of 4 wins including the long distance race. David Bell’s Magic Roundabout has been modified to do battle in stronger winds but still managed to get 2nd consistently, while Gary Bagueley’s crew on his new boat El Coyote are still mastering the enormous sail inventory and tuning required to get a 50-foot boat up to speed, but it is only a matter of time until they will start challenging the leaders.

The Platu winner ‘The Lofts Southshore’ and the sportboats meet at the start line.
Sportboats/Platus raced together, with The Lofts Southshore skippered by Duncanson almost unbeatable, taking almost every race in 1st place both on line and on handicap by significant margins. After applying the all-important handicaps, Ray Waldren’s Gulf Charters took 2nd and Emma Matilde finished in 3rd place.
With another two weekends to come in the three-month series, sailors have a 3-week break until the next regatta July 11-12. Points gained from racing this weekend will count towards overall placings for the series with the prize giving held in August.
In the low season, many boats have places for experienced and less experienced sailors to join, with more information at www. omycsailing.com. OMYC Sailing is a non-profit organization formed to promote keelboat sailing at Ocean Marina, Jomtien. Racing is supported through sponsorship from Raimon Land, Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Gulf Charters, Bluewave Water Sports and Simpson Marine.


MBMG Matchplay League

Tuesday, June 24 - Green Valley - Cafe Kronborg 2½ v The Golf Club 5½
It is regretted to report a rule infringement in this match. The Golf Club fielded a player that had previously represented another venue playing in this league.
It does not alter the overall outcome of the match, but the individual match between Koji & Phil is discounted and an individual win is added to the Cafe Kronborg tally.
The amended result is Cafe Kronborg 3½ to The Golf Club 4½; the Golf Club will also have one point deducted in the league table.
It is the player’s responsibility to ensure that errors like this do not happen. If a venue is not sure they can check on the website www.outbackgolfbar.com and click the MBMG tab. The ‘who’s played for who’ link is at the foot of the current table.
Individual Results (Kronborg players listed first): Dave Richardson halved with Mark Reid; Ebrahim lost 5&3 Simon Philbrook; Kristin Helgason won 3&2 John Emmerson; Graham Buckingham lost 4&3 Paul Greenaway; Henry O’ Brien won 4&3 Bobby Driggs; Koji Yamada lost 5&4 Phil Mitchell (amended later); Joe Vanderwegon lost 2&1 Keith Warboys; Peter Basi lost 1 down Klaus B Thomson.


‘Hubby’ clocks up 60 but Mam takes the spoils

Outback Golf Bar Summer International Trophy

Bintan, Indonesia - Mon 23rd to Thurs. 26th June
If you have not heard of this island and it’s golf courses the click on this link www.bintan-resorts.com/brcms and you can read all about it.

Bintan final group: Mam Morel, Kathy Doody, Des Scott & Harvey Samuel.

There are four fantastic courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Ian Baker Finch, Greg Norman and Gary Player. Probably the most spectacular of these is Ria Bintan, the Gary Player course.
It winds its way through lush tropical rain forests, in valleys which only accentuate the height and maturity of the magnificent tree lined fairways.
The first four holes, if your mind hasn’t been blown already, are made tougher by the ever-present lake. Stopping a ball on the short 4th onto a small green sloping towards the water all around and protected in front by a bunker just seems impossible.
It’s not until the end of the par five 7th that you first glance sight of the sea. So having played probably one of the best Par five’s in Asia, you then follow it up with dog-leg 8th up the hill and down onto a green surrounded by the sea and the signature hole Par three 9th, where you actually play across the sea. Mind blowing!
Leaving at 7.45am on the first Singapore Airlines flight out of Bangkok, fourteen Outbackers ventured to participate in the inaugural Outback Golf Bar Summer International Trophy. Although Singapore is an hour ahead of Bangkok time, the island of Bintan (Indonesia), only one hour away by high speed ferry, is actually on the same time as Bangkok. Confusing isn’t it!
Arriving at Bintan Lagoon Resort about 2.30pm, left only enough time for about 16 holes practice on the adjacent Jack Nicklaus sea view course; in itself needless to say, another spectacular layout.
Day 1 – Tuesday, June 24, Ria Bintan – Blue Tees
1st Mam Morel (19) 32pts
2nd Des Scott (9) 29pts
3rd Orawan Sodok (26) 29pts
The second round of this 54-hole competition was played on JN sea view course and the results were as follows:
1st Harvey Samuel (17) 35pts
2nd Kathy Doody (19) 33pts
3rd Des Scott (9) 33pts
The final round was back to Ria Bintan, but this time off the more forward white tees and the leaders going out last. Unfortunately, it was a storm shortened round of only 15 holes, since here, unlike many courses in Thailand, they have a storm siren and the caddies are not allowed to work, forcing all play to stop until the all clear. Quite sensible really!
Day 3 – Thursday, June 26, Ria Bintan – White Tees (15 holes)
1st Paul Avery (9) 31pts
2nd Mam Morel (19) 29pts
3rd Harvey Samuel (17) 27pts
There was hardly any time after showering before having to make the mad dash to the ferry terminal but the storm enabled time to enjoy a drink with Jean Morel, who was there not only to play golf, but also to celebrate his big 60th Birthday. Jean treated all the Outbackers to a celebratory beer and decided to stay some extra time on the island with the overall winner of the trophy, his lovely wife, Mam. Thanks Jean & Happy Birthday from everybody and well played Mam.
Overall
1st Mam Morel (19) 92pts
2nd Harvey Samuel (17) 90pts
3rd Paul Avery (9) 86pts
4th Kathy Doody (19) 85pts
5th Des Scott (9) 84pts
The remainder of the Outbackers, namely Chad, Barry Rothberg, Neil Hughes, Trudy Chadbourn, Orawan Sodok, Tony Cobb, Jack Moseley, Geoff Doody & birthday boy, Jean Morel; preferred their overall scores to be withheld.
There were three 2’s on the trip coming from Mam Morel, Jean Morel & Kathy Doody.
As a closing note, a big thank you to Singapore Immigration, the Changi T3 shuttle bus service and Singapore Airlines, without whose help we would have missed our flight. Thanks, great job!


Pat, Paul & Pimusa prevail at tough Plantation

PSC Golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, June 23, Burapha - Stableford
With 14 of the Outbacker “crack shooters” (ha ha) enjoying golf at Ria Bintan, just off Singapore, a field of 34 was left to contest the regular home course venue.
Kevin Moraghan, demolished the A Division winning by a clear 6 shots, with Dennis Persson heading the rest of the pack with 34. Div B was won by Bruce McAdam with a rather ordinary 33 points on count back from John Winsor and Mick Moore, still showing a bit of form, had 32. Welcome to Warren Galbraith today who squeezed into fourth place on his first go as an Outbacker.
Propping up the entire field were two stalwart Outbackers, Peter Allen & Kevin Fitzgerald who both received Outbacker hats for their efforts!
Div A (0-17)
1st Kevin Moraghan (17) 40pts
2nd Dennis Persson (17) 34pts
3rd David Headington (17) 33pts
4th Suzi Lawton (16) 32pts
5th Frank O’Neill (17) 31pts
Div B (18+)
1st Bruce McAdam (22) 33pts
2nd John Winsor (18) 33pts
3rd Mick Moore (23) 32pts
4th Warren Galbraith (25) 31pts
5th Murray Hart (18) 29pts
2’s: Bruce McAdam & Dave Headington
Tuesday, June 24, Phoenix - Stableford
The Outbackers enjoyed the Lake and Ocean nines of this great golf course on a fine Tuesday morning, with Graham Faithfull, Pat Regan and Jum joining us for the first time.
Nigel’s 37 points was the best of the day with a count-back for second place between Ampan North and Graham Faithfull, both on 32, with Graham having the better back 9.
There were no 2’s today making it a triple for next week!
Outback ‘Early Risers’ meet at Phoenix at 07:30 for an 8 am tee time and a quick round with the presentation in the clubhouse. We are usually on our way back to wherever by 1 pm. Sign-up at Outback or give Bob a call
1st Nigel Cannon (24) 37pts
2nd Graham Faithfull (14) 32pts
3rd Ampan North (11) 32pts
Wednesday, June 25, Green Valley - Stableford
B1 and B2 dominated the two divisions today with Bruce Milner winning Div A by one point from Capt’ Bob and Bruce McAdam recording his second win of the week (in as many starts), taking Div B with 39 points, the best score of the day.
It was good to see Paul Crosland, who has been absent for a while, back to a little bit of form with 29 points and Mick Moore also in the frame again with 32.
Div A (0-18)
1st Bruce Milner (13) 34pts
2nd Bob Philp (7) 33pts
3rd Ken Little (10) 32pts
Div B (19+)
1st Bruce McAdam (22) 39pts
2nd Mick Moore (23) 32pts
3rd Paul Crosland (19) 29pts
2’s: Bob Philp & Dave Arrowsmith
Friday, June 27,  Siam Plantation - Stableford
By arrangement with the management this week, there was a limited field of only 40 players, due to a shotgun start at 12.30. It was an early start for some, first tee at 8:44 a.m., but there was a surprise benefit for all using shared carts, everybody was given a reduced green fee for the day.
Tapioca & Pineapple today provided another tough test but Pimusa, who was cut at the start by Capt’ Bob from 20 to 18, rose to the task scoring a magnificent 37 points; four ahead of her rivals in Div C. Paul Greenaway matched her score in Div B, taking that by three. Brilliant stuff!
Div A scores indicate just how tough this course can be when you don’t have many shots to give away. The best of the day from these guys was Pat Regan with 32 points and apart from Gareth Gill (30pts), nobody else broke 30.
Course facts: Tapioca – 4 white & 5 yellow tees; 3211yds. & Pineapple – all 9 white tees; 3371yds, giving a total length of 6582yds.
Div A (0–11)
1st Pat Regan (9) 32pts
2nd Gareth Gill (10) 30pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 29pts
4th Emmet White (11) 29pts
Div B (12 – 17)
1st Paul Greenaway (13) 37pts
2nd Graham Faithfull (14) 34pts
3rd Jeff McLaury (17) 32pts
4th Barry Tragertha (12) 31pts
Div C (18+)
1st Pimusa (18) 37pts
2nd Glen Elsworth (21) 33pts
3rd Paul Sibley (19) 32pts
4th Sid Ottaway (24) 31pts
2’s: Paul Sibley, Bruce Milner, John Excel & Jeff McLaury
Friday, June 27, Plutaluang - Stableford
The alternative Friday venue this week was the ever-popular Navy course. Small groups is just what some golfers like and that’s exactly what this is intended to provide.
Amazingly, three of the Outbackers that had returned late last night from a three-day extravaganza of golf in Bintan found the energy to play at one of their favorite Friday venues.
Mark Brenton made the most of it, scoring a very average 30 points but it was enough to beat Chad on count back, with Dougie taking third in a 3-way count back on 29.
1st Mark Brenton (27) 30pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (19) 30pts
3rd Brendon Dougal (19) 29pts
2’s: Geoff Doody & Mark Brenton
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]. This months Bus Trip is to Kiarti Thanee on Wednesday, 23rd July.
The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474. More information can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.


Pearce nails putt on the last to win by one

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Ian Campbell
Tuesday, June 24, Bangpra (White Tees) – Stableford
A (very) small select band of players journeyed up the road to this lovely venue. It is still undergoing some tee reconstruction, which reduced the length by a couple of hundred yards, but despite that it was in otherwise fine condition.
Leading the way today was Willi Nachbur with a steady 37 points off his handicap of 23, with second place going to Jeff Wylie (H/C 6), who despite picking up all 4 near pin awards, returned a disappointing 31 points.
The prize for the longest first putt on the last hole went to Neil Duncan.
Thursday, June 26, Plutaluang N & W (White Tees) - Stableford
With the South course out of commission and the East course, although in use, undergoing some repair, our prospective Monthly Medallists were directed to the testing North and West courses. As a result it was decided to revert to the stableford format for this, the inaugural P J Pool Bar sponsor’s Monthly Award day.
A respectable turnout (in the numbers sense, if not totally in the sartorial sense) produced a very tight finish with Bob Pearce (H/C 11) taking the honours with 37 points. A log jam of players on 36 points followed him: Paul Smylie (27), Ed Horrocks (28) and Neil Duncan (14), separated by count back, in second, third and fourth respectively. Completing the prize list in fifth place with 34 points was Bob Drumm (12).
Near pin winners today were Bob Drumm, Joel Flor, Mike Jackson and Ian Campbell and the long putt prize (not particularly long, but missable) on the final hole went to Bob Pearce. Of course, had he missed, the ensuing count back for the first four places would, I think, have been a pretty unusual outcome.
Mike Jackson, despite winning a near pin prize, was the (proud?) recipient of the Paradise Bar shirt for ‘least successful’ round of the day.
Note: Information on the group’s venues can be obtained by visiting P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Boonsampan (Soi Khao Noi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.


Paul goes clear by six

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Paul Challis is one of the players with a fairly large handicap (30) that keeps on playing and trying to make that improvement we all strive for. He has the odd flash of brilliance and rises to the top only to fall away at his next outing. His consistency is always illusive. However, on Thursday at Phoenix he left nobody in doubt of his ability when he cleared the field by six clear points leaving the second placed player Fergus Brennan in his wake. Well done Paul a great win.

Thursday & Saturday winners: Paul Challis and Mod Chaviraksa.

Another golfer who is improving with leaps and bounds is Mod Chaviraksa who is always there or there abouts. She has I know been working hard on her game of late and the results are coming. She took the event last Monday at Green Valley with a thirty-three-point win and then again on Saturday at Emerald on count back from David Snell. Well done Mod, keep those wins coming.
Monday, June 23 at Green Valley – results not available due to a technical error.
Tuesday, June 24,
Khao Kheow B&C - Stableford
1st Chatel Patel (15) 36pts
2nd Gunnar Vangenes (25) 36pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (9) 32pts
4th Phil Knight (11) 32pts
2’s: Chaten Patel, Fergus Brennan and Phil Knight
Tuesday and off to Khao Kheow to play the B & C layouts: A great course in good condition.
Chaten Patel took the day on count back from Gunnar Vangenes, both with thirty-six, and Fergus took third from Phil Knight, again on count back, both with thirty-two.
Thursday, June 26,
Phoenix Lakes & Ocean - Stableford
1st Paul Challis (30) 40pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (9) 34pts
3rd Robert Dearnley (13) 33pts
4th George Bishop (17) 32pts
2’s: Tom McCarthy
Thursday was a visit to Phoenix Lakes and Ocean where we had another large turn out. This course is very popular with the members it was again in great condition. As I reported in my headline Paul Challis left everybody standing with a fine winning score of forty points. Fergus was second and Robert Dearnley third.
Saturday, June 28, The Emerald – Stableford
1st Mod Chaviraksa (13) 39pts
2nd David Snell (13) 39pts
3rd Donald Pearson (36) 37pts
4th Phil Knight (11) 37pts
5th Erik Auttonen (9) 37pts
2’s: Erik Auttonen
Saturday and off we went to Emerald. The day’s honours went to the only lady in the field, Mod Chaviraksa, with a count back thirty nine win over David Snell. Donald Pearson was third over Phil Knight, both on thirty-seven, and awards were given to fifth place with Eric Auttonen taking that honour with yet another thirty-seven points. He crowned that by getting the only ‘2’ on the day.
Mod rang the bell back at the Travellers Rest and was advised that her handicap was now twelve. She seemed very happy I must say.


Walter takes monthly award after Laem Chabang win

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, June 24, Laem Chabang – Stableford
We had not played this course for a long time, but it was about time we went and had another look. The last time we played it, and it has to be said it was last year, we were most disappointed with the condition. So how would it stand up this time?

Walter Bachli (right) is presented with the ‘golfer of the month’ award by Craig Turner and Nid of Alan Bolton Property Consultants.

Arriving we soon booked in, and the transition from the entrance to the first Tee was quite painless, it really is a fine system here. The test for the day was to be C & A Nines in that order, and as most who play this course know, C can be really tough with plenty of water on these nine holes.
As you stand on the Tee here you know you are in for a treat, with great sweeping fairways, bunkers placed in awkward places, great water hazards and tricky fast greens. It’s always a pleasure to play when in fine condition like it was on this day. It was however windy and this made it a bit tricky, especially on A1, all know how difficult this hole can be, and it was.
Round over we sat in the fine restaurant and looked out over the magnificent view. Worth the extra cost on it’s own. Then it was back to Bert’s as this was not only the normal day’s competition but also the presentation of the ‘Alan Bolton golfer of the month’ award.
Back at Bert’s the ‘boys’, yes I really have to be joking, gathered to hear the results. The winner of the day was Walter Bachli with 36 points, a good score on a difficult day. Second was Daryl Evans with 35 points and in third place was Bernie Seagrave with 33 points.
So to ‘golfer of the month’ prize and with his win on the day the champion for the month was Walter Bachli. Well done Walter.
Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Bill Knight, Joel Flor (2)
Long Putt: Bill Knight, Ron Gale


Magic and amazement at St. Andrews

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, June 22, St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st David Power (13) 39pts
2nd Joe Mcardle (13) 38pts
3rd Nick Payne (14) 37pts
B Flight
1st Peter Ring (21) 40pts
2nd Chas Sheppard (16) 36pts
3rd Bruce Mcadam (21) 36pts
Near Pins: Roy Thornton, Ian Halfpenny, Colin Davis and Peter Ring.
2’s: Doody Kath, Terry Phur, Mick Goggin, Ian Halfpenny Peter Henshaw and Peter Ring.
Forty-eight golfers turned out to play this week’s Sunday stableford comp, and they were treated to the St Andrews layout for a much reduced green fee: Green Valley was booked by the Thai golf association for the day. The course here was in super condition.
David Power, the Tipperary man, won the senior flight with an excellent 39pts. In second place was Joe Mcardle with a fine 38pts and third spot was filled by Nick Payne on 37pts.
Monsieur Pierre Bietry kicked off on the first tee with a pink ball, which worked fine until the fourteenth hole, Pierre hit his second shot into a water hazard. He entered the hazard, seemingly found his ball and played a great shot on to the green; the caddies gasped and applauded as the ball had turned to white. Arriving on the green Pierre marked the ball, and was then asked by his fellow competitors if it was indeed his ball. Pierre carefully scrutinized the ball, and admitted he had made a mistake, as he was playing a Nike and this ball was a Top Flight. Not to mention it was also white!
That was the magic show, now for the unbelievable.
The junior flight was won by Mr. Peter Ring seventy eighty years young. Somehow he managed to scrape together a massive 40pts. Only last week he was asking the GM if he could play off the red tees on this course as it was far too long – amazing! In second was Chas Sheppard with 36ptson a count back over the unlucky Bruce Mcadam.
Back at Lewiinski’s the miracle man sat in a corner counting his winnings, which included B Flight winner, a nearest the pin, man of the match and a ‘2’ to boot.
Tuesday, June 24, Laem Chabang - Stableford
A Flight
1st Mark Wood (7) 37pts
2nd David Power (13) 37pts
3rd Nick Payne 37pts
A fair sized field turned out for this Tuesday’s stableford comp at the ever-popular Laem Chabang. Fourteen golfers played off the white tees, and one four-ball played from the blues.
Mark “happy shoes” Wood waltzed off with the first place in the A Flight on 37pts, but only after a three-way count back. David Power scraped second place and Nick Payne was third. But Nick did have the consolation of a brace of 2’s along with Pierre “the magician” who had the only other one on the day
The Blue flight winner was Ben O’Connor with 32pts. Where was Peter Ring?
Wednesday, June 25, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Peter Hynard (12) 39pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (22) 39pts
A smaller field turned out to play Bangpra but they were all determined as ever to win the day. It was left to Peter Hynard and Ivan Plunkett, both with 39pts, to battle it out for the winning spot. Ivan was as always cheered on by the resident monkeys, but to no avail, Peter’s nineteen points on the back nine just managed to pip Ivan’s eighteen.
Friday, June 27, Eastern Star - Stableford
A Flight
1st Justin Fowlis (17) 35pts
2nd Peter Hynard (12) 34pts
The Lewiinski’s boys renewed their monthly interest in Eastern Star today when they called in to play a stableford event.
The game finished very close with only one point separating the top three places. Taking top spot was Justin Fowlis with 35pts, one point in front of the inform Peter Hynard who had the better of a count back over Joe Mcardle.
Back at Lewiinski’s the lads enjoyed a few sherbets’ prior to the prize giving.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in, and add your name on the list, or give Colin a call on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.


Trevor & Stephen’s long wait is over

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, June 23, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Derek Holt 38pts
2nd John Harris 37pts
3rd Stephen Beard 37pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki 35pts
5th Tony Barritt 34pts
6th La Keith 34pts
Having been forcibly absent due to illness for some time, Derek Holt made a stunning return to Haven Golf with his first ever win out of Soi 13. He returned with a very creditable two-under to take the top spot from runner-up John Harris, who was also returning after an extended absence and who just slid in on count back for second.
Stephen Beard must have thought he had his first win in the bag, as the course was playing at it’s most difficult with the wind blowing half a gale and most of the quality field was unable to score very well at all, but third place was his lot for the day with a weaker count back on the inward half.
Yasuo Suzuki took the fourth place ahead of Tony Barritt and La Keith in fifth and sixth respectively.
There were no 2’s in the first division but Tony Quaid had the only in the second division to sweep the pot.
Before the presentation of the prizes John Harris, Derek Holt, Martin Hartley, Mike English, Mike Hill, John Wilson and Brian Henderson were all welcomed back.
Wednesday, June 25, Phoenix Blue Tees - Monthly Medals
Division 1
1st Trevor Schirmer net 71
2nd Tony Thorne net 71
3rd Tony Barritt net 73
Division 2
1st Stephen Beard net 74
2nd B.J. Smith net 78
3rd Derek Holt net 79
Trevor Schirmer had not won a Monthly Medal since 2003 and was not feeling over confident as he started out on his round over the Lakes and Ocean courses. However, he soon got into the swing of medal golf as he carved out a very steady front nine and followed that up with a one-under back nine to snatch the day’s honours in the first division by the slimmest of margins from the ever-hopeful Tony Thorne.
Tony’s level halves proved not to be quite enough to get him into the end of year Gold and Silver competitions which are open only to each month’s winners in each division.
Tony Barritt, sporting a brand new and fearsome looking putter with 4 or 5 balls in a row and near the maximum in width, has become a totally rejuvenated man as he slots them in from all distances or leaves the tap-ins to confound playing partners that all used to count on at least a half a dozen misses and sackfuls of cash every round. The rumour is, “that he is now sleeping with it, much to the annoyance of his wife, who has not only been consigned to the couch, but has to polish it every morning, even on non-golf days.”
Stephen Beard was another to claim his first Medal since he last won twice in the first division, also in 2003, but his hiatus was due to the very extensive recovery period from his various ailments over the last four years but the success was equally savoured by the day’s two winners, as they shared the beer round for the rest of the players.
B. J. Smith was nearly as equally surprised as the two winners to be standing on the podium as his form of late has been a bit disappointing but on the day he was good enough to push the in-form Derek Holt into third place.
Geoff Picken slipped in the only ‘2’ in the second division and Al Keith picked up the first division including the roll over with the only one.
Back at The Haven, Shuichi Kodaka and B.J. Smith were welcomed back.
Friday, June 27, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Peter Aitcheson 41pts
2nd Brian Libbey 40pts
3rd Tony Barritt 37pts
4th Mike Hill 36pts
5th Tony Thorne 35pts
6th Derek Holt 35pts
Having been away from golf for a little while it was a very different Peter Aitcheson that turned up on this day, and his efforts resulted in a reduction of two from his handicap that may prove to be an added problem as he prepares to tee it up in the up coming Monthly Knockout Matchplay starting in July.
Brian Libbey also came back from work and had obviously been hard at it after his day’s tasks were completed, honing his game, as he also went well under his handicap and would, under normal conditions, have expected to take the top spot.
Tony Barritt took his third podium of the week with a steady one-under that will ensure that he keeps heading towards that single figure handicap and he now reckons that the new putter is almost in the credit column of his meticulously kept account book.
Mike Hill was another of the week’s winners that had not seen the podium for a considerable period but on the day his level par round was good enough to secure that and consign Tony Thorne and Derek Holt to also-rans.
Tony Barritt and Trevor Schirmer shared the 2’s in the first division whilst Mike Hill, Paul Hartley and Derek Holt did the same in the second division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Robin Peach and also welcomed back Peter Aitcheson and Brian Libbey who had kept up the run of successful returnees for the week with at least one being on the podium every time out.


The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Happy 4th of July to all the American expats that have played a part in making the Pattaya Mail and The Square Ring a huge success. To think that it all started with tossing some tea in the Boston harbor while old loud mouth Paul Revere yelled, “The British are coming, The British are coming.” Boggles the mind.
It has been fairly smooth sailing for the USA in terms of boxing since then. It’s generally agreed (incorrectly) that “as the heavyweight division goes - so goes boxing” and for years that division was ruled by one Yank after another. That’s no longer the case though as Eastern European heavyweights have emerged triumphant. Check the names of current heavyweight champions and you come up with Chagaev and Klitschko along with a transplanted Nigerian (now living in Las Vegas) called Samuel Peter.
WBA champ Ruslan Chagaev was set to defend against 7-foot Nikolai Valuev in Germany on Saturday but that’s now off. Chagaev has “suffered a complete tear of the Achilles tendon in his left ankle” in his last sparing session.
Gee, a Ruskie heavyweight hurt in training? What a surprise.
Jeeves jabbers
Veerapol Nakhonluang had a record of 62-4-1 with 43 KO’S in a career that spanned 13 plus years and 15 defenses of his WBC bantamweight title. His two losses to Hozumi Hasagawa, the loss to Vusi Mailinga and his 39 years of age have sent him a message. “Message received loud and clear.” Nakhonlung has retired after a career that marked him as one of the all time greats. His 15 title defenses ranks second only to the great Manuel Ortiz who had 16. A great champion.
Meanwhile in Pattaya, Yodsanan “3 K Battery” Nanthachai (55-3-1), who lost his WBA super-featherweight title 3 years ago to Vicente Mosquera (24-2-1), is now ready maybe for another title shot. His 6-round KO over Jimrex Jaca makes it 12 wins in a row and 9 of 12 by KO. Rumor has 3K off to the USA for a fight on ESPN. Title fight? How about 3K and Humberto Soto, who got “robbed” in Las Vegas last Sunday. Be a hell of a fight.
Meanwhile WBA #1 super-bantam Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (35-1) stopped Jason Butar Butar (2-3) last Tuesday at Rachavinit School in Bangkao, Samutprakarn. Since his last quest for a title he’s 10-0 with 9 KO’s
Who do you
believe?
Alexander Abraham is a professional boxer with a record of 21-0. Alexander also happens to be the brother of Arthur Abraham, who last week defeated Edison Miranda. Alexander may we add is a “total psycho whack job.”
Those that saw the first Miranda-Abraham fight on the telly will remember Alex as the jerk in the ring after the fight causing trouble. Fightnews.com reports the following about the most recent incident.
“It was marred (his brother’s fight) in the end by the cowardly actions of Alexander Abraham. According to a number of witnesses, Abraham kicked Miranda as he was being attended to by ringside physicians following his fourth round stoppage. Abraham also kicked the ringside doctor in his effort to get at Miranda. Abraham, who had been abusive towards patrons, as well as casino and security personnel before, during, and after the bout, was later arrested.”
In a companion story ESPN reporters Tim Smith and Dan Rafael agreed. Both reported on Abraham’s thuggish act. World Lightweight champion Nate Campbell said, “It was low-class of him to run in the ring like that and say anything to Miranda while he was down. I saw Alex kick at him. I don’t know where the kick landed, but he did kick at him. What Alex did to Miranda, he should go to jail for that.”
Sauerland Events who promotes the two Abraham’s issued a CYA statement: “Alexander Abraham did not violently attack Edison Miranda or any member of his team following the knockout victory of King Arthur Abraham. The brother of the IBF middleweight champion was detained in a casino nearby to the arena after the fight.”
Then Alexander spoke, “I did not violently attack Miranda or any of his team. It was completely the other way around – our team was attacked by Miranda’s people with chairs.”
The Seminole Boxing Executive Director, who promoted the fight, had the last word. “It is a shame that Arthur’s brilliant performance and first fight in the United States was marred by the disgraceful and cowardice acts of his brother Alexander. Arthur is a great person and champion who needs to be careful and not have people around him who will hurt his reputation.”
Who do you believe?
P.S. Abraham’s IBF title belt was stolen when he left it in the car at Miami Airport along with his IBF ring, video camera, mobile phone, laptop and various trinkets for the folks back home. Welcome to Miami!
Pacquiao-Diaz …the prelude
Have you ever had anyone say, “When I get around to it”? That was the policy of TSR in regard to promoter Bob Arum and writing something nice. It would be done in heaven and earth when TSR got “around to it.”
Amid ruffles and flourishes with trumpets blaring fit for royalty, that day has arrived on a flowing red carpet accompanied by the flutter of rose petals from above with a hint of cherry blossoms in the air. Boxing promotions have become mundane with nothing new until Bob Arum pulled a brilliant coup in the days leading up to the Pacquiao-Diaz fight.
David Diaz is from Chicago, Illinois, USA, which is also the home of the Chicago Cubs major league baseball team. The Cubbies, as their fans call them, are perennial losers but not because of their inability to hit, pitch or run, but because they’re jinxed.
Maybe the most famous jinx is “Curse of the Billy Goat” which dates back to 1945. William Sianis, the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, tried to bring his mascot into the home of the Cubs, Wrigley Field. The goat was denied entrance and Sianis supposedly put a hex on the Cubs, claiming they would never again win the World Series. So far, 53 years later, the jinx seems to be working. TSR wishes in the interest of full disclosure to admit that this column roots for the Cubs because a longtime pal is an executive with the team.
At the almost last press conference, promoter Bob Arum trotted out Billy the Goat, or a reasonable facsimile, wearing a Cubs hat to support David Diaz against Manny Pacquiao. Billy the Goat, standing on a pier in Santa Monica overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was told by Arum “The curse will be lifted when Diaz beats Manny Pacquiao.”
Diaz reacted like he had just walked under a ladder on Friday the 13th and stepped on a crack while avoiding a black cat that walked in front of him.
“Listen, man, when I saw that goat, that scared me,” Diaz said. “I started shaking. Imagine if the Cubs start losing. I’m not having that on my ticket. No way am I going to be responsible for the Cubs losing.”
Pacquiao? “I liked the goat. Goat is my favorite food.”
Kudos to Bob Arum for a promotional stunt that probably has the late PT Barnum and Tex Ricard cheering loudest from heaven while TSR gives him an “attaboy.”
The Fight
The jerk that writes this column is an idiot. “Has Pacquiao lost a step?” Dolt.
The move to lightweight by Manny Pacquiao made him faster and stronger as he stopped the previously unstoppable David Diaz at 2:24 of the 9th round. “I can handle his punches but he’s fast,” said Diaz between rounds 6 and 7. He was wrong as he couldn’t handle his punches. It was a masterful display by a master of the boxing art. Diaz was double tough but he had no offensive answer for the “Pac Man.”
Diaz did shine in the post fight interview. “He was ******* fast. The referee must have been hitting me.” Diaz face, with a bad cut on the right eyelid, on the bridge of the nose and a black lump under his left eye asked, “Did he have a knife in the ring. Shoot he was fast.”
Next for Pacquiao maybe Ricky Hatton next year. He will destroy Hatton in 8.
How the mighty have fallen
The fight leading up to Pacquiao-Diaz was Francisco Lorenzo (33-4) - Humberto Soto (43-7-2) for the “interim” WBC 130lb belt vacated by Pacquiao. As the fighters were being introduced ‘His Lordship’ was asked about referee Joe Cortez.
“He can be good but lately he gets caught up in the action and loses control. He lost control in Mayweather-Hatton.”
For three plus rounds Humberto Soto beat the “beetle juice” out of Lorenzo. In the 4th, with Lorenzo on his way down after a second knockdown, Soto “grazed” the back of Lorenzo’s head with a “pity-pat punch”. As Lorenzo lay on the canvas with blood streaming from places that usually don’t pour red stuff referee Joe Cortez finally stopped the fight. But why and who won?
As Lorenzo lay prostrate, a meeting took place involving Joe Cortez and Nevada Executive Director, Keith Kizer, and just about anyone else that happened to wander into the ring. After upwards of 5 minutes it was announced that, “due to disqualification the winner and WBC interim champion was Franciscooo LorennnnnnzO.”
The official party line was that Soto intentionally hit Lorenzo while down. The instant replays show that if a punch was landed it wouldn’t have knocked a fly off an ice cube. The replay also showed that there was no “intentional” punch. Director Kizer then came on TV to say the Doctor stopped the fight because the blow to the head caused a “concussion.” What a load of balderdash.
Jeeves relieved of duties
While doing the preceding story Jeeves has become distraught with emotion, relieved of his duties for the day and sent out with his new Teelock Em to gather himself.
Moving right along. At one time the Nevada State Athletic Commission was the very best. Since the departure of Marc Ratner and now under the reign of Keith Kizer it has become “a baht bus driver doing brain surgery.” The Doctor did NOT stop the fight. Referee Joe Cortez did. Why was he meeting with “others” to find out why? Was he not sure?
The fact is Joe Cortez, a really nice guy, has lost the zip off his fastball. Translation? He panics when a referee shouldn’t. Solution? No more major fights. Fact.
Executive Director Keith Kizer doesn’t have any idea what the hell he’s doing when it comes to boxing. His statement while watching the replay “there’s the blow that caused the concussion” asks the viewer to “not believe their lying eyes but believe my lying lawyer’s tongue.”
No wonder sports fans have turned their backs on boxing. Like a Zimbabwean election, the entire world knows who won the fight. But that’s not important. For years many have said that Joe Cortez was the best referee in the world. Of course he wasn’t and isn’t but that begs the question. As Emanual Stewart said, “I don’t care what’s come before or what comes after. This was the worst decision I’ve ever seen in boxing.”
If boxing isn’t about the winner winning then what’s it about? In Nevada and other third world boxing environments it’s about political hacks being totally incompetent while running a sport that needs honesty and rewards for the excellence of the boxer but gets grandstanding ego driven buffoons.
With no Jeeves I’ll serve myself thank you. Now how about a double.


Walt puts a stop to Bob’s victory march

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

It didn’t seem like it but it was the last of the month for us and some of us thought that Bob Benda had done it to us again. Bob had won four weeks in a row and was on his way once again this week. We were lucky however as Walt Straub managed a creditable round of 39 points to claim first place. It was Walt’s first win with the Three Sisters and as a result he gets his name on the trophy for winning at the end of the month.
Tied in second were Paul Kraft and you guessed it - Bob Benda. Both scored 34 points with Paul winning the count back with a back nine of 18 points. That left Bob in third as the rest of the field faded.


Denis menaces Eastern Star

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Eastern Star may not currently be the choice of a great many golf groups with its temporary greens and back tees, but it has always been a favourite of the Pattaya Golf Society and they visited there on Sunday, June 22 to play a stableford competition on the empty course under a bright warm sky.
A glance at recent scores from Pattaya’s golf groups show that the course is not easy at present and winning scores are generally average and no more, so it was good to see one of the group coming good at last.
Tony Thorne and Bill Pickersgill managed only 32 points each for a share of third place whilst Mod Churaiska went one better taking second with 33 points. It was Denis Smith who was the hero of the day, firing 37 points to take his first solo win in nearly four years of trying. And what a good performance it was, with nine net birdies and only one scratched hole. He has finally come to grips with his game, using the clubs he is comfortable with to good effect and hopefully the rhythm will continue.
Ya Riley and Ian Hart took the rolled over 2’s pot with birdies on thirteen and seventeen respectively and everyone had enjoyed the day immensely.
Local boys
come good
Tuesday and Thursday, June 24/26, the Pattaya Golf Society held a rare two-day stableford eclectic event at The Emerald in Ban Chang.
The first day took place under cloudy skies but the rain stayed away allowing the field to make good progress on the empty course. Sadly the fairways are currently a little jaded with some bare patches developing and the greens are still showing signs of the very heavy coring of three weeks ago.
At the end of the first day Len Jones’s seventeen points(!) off the first five holes had been whittled back to an overall level-par 36 points for third place but the target on the second day would be to eliminate the excessive three and four putts he endured on four of the back nine holes.
Ahead of the field were the redoubtable Ban Chang duo of Harry Riley and “Kermit” sharing the first day lead on 37 points, the latter’s gross of 76 being the highlight of the day.
Chris Voller took the 2’s pot with a fine birdie on the par three fifteenth whilst David Thomas failed in his two brave efforts to prove that Pro V1’s can float and received the Booby Bevy for his efforts.
There were high hopes at the start of the second round as four players were in contention and the final grouping was to be a taut affair with Harry Riley and “Kermit” going all out to establish bragging rights. It went to the very last hole as the latter took the extra point with a fine par to Harry’s bogey.
Elsewhere in the field movers and shapers included little fancied Bill Pickergill and Paul Quodomine who both held their game together well. Paul and Harry ended the day in second and third place respectively with Bill joining Harry on 34 points whilst “Kermit’s” second sub-par round, an excellent gross 75, gave him absolute control of the destiny of both prizes at stake. He won the day and also the eclectic prize with his 45 points, one ahead of Paul Quodomine and Harry Riley, both on 44.
At the other end of the leaderboard David Thomas took back-to-back Booby Bevies for his second failed attempt to defy nature on the same hole he had failed at previously. In his defence it must be said that he is currently reinventing his swing and such accidents will always happen. The Emerald may not have been at its best but the golf with the Pattaya Golf Society certainly was.


Vanderwegan weighs in with 42 at Greenwood

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, June 16,
Treasure Hill - Stableford
Treasure Hill was the host for a stableford competition in one flight. The course on the day was in fair condition but there is extensive manual weeding going on at the present time.
Just back from the ‘Land of Midnight Golf’, Kris Helgasson took the win with 36 points ahead of Neil Skilton in second with 35 points. In third was Volker Buley with 34 points and in fourth was Kevin Dinan with 33 points.
Thursday, June 26,
Greenwood - Stableford
Well we went to play golf and it was a good day. We go to Greenwood pretty often these days and I even think we are going next week, so I have extolled the virtues of this course often. On this day it was nearly empty, it does not get much better. So, A & C off we went for a quick 4 hours.
The winner with 42 points was Joe Vanderwegan with Dave Richardson in second on 40 points and Mike Winfield in third with 38 points. In fourth was Colin Swann with 36 points on count back over Kris Helgasson in fifth. T.T.F.N.


Danny, Jan and Rungtip post ‘Best of the Day’

Mike Franklin
It was a fine day for the Diana Seniors & Ladies Open at Pattaya Country Club on Thursday, June 26. Traditionally on the last Thursday of the month, the July Open falls on the last day July 31, so please makea note of that.

June’s Open winners: Danny, Rungtip and Jan.

Danny Dyke, with an ailing shoulder, returned the best score of 39 Stableford points to win the Super Seniors with a tie for runner-up between Terry Phur and Frank O’Neill. Terry’s 17 points on the back nine was enough. (Keep ailing with the shoulder Danny – it works for you!)
In the Seniors division Jan Slotten’s 37 points was good enough, and Chris John’s modest 33 points took the ruinner-up spot.
Rungtip Fronsdal played to par on handicap with 36 points in the Ladies, and the three-way tie for runner up was won by Sireeporn. She had 20 points on the back nine to Sue Murphy’s 17 and Pimusa Tonghoksoon’s 13 points.
New faces Graham Hiskett, Graham Briggs, Rungtip Fronsdal and Mod Chaviraksa were duly welcomed, and it was a welcome back to Joyce and David Jones.
Sign-up sheets at the Green Bottle and Diana Driving Range for next month’s Open on Thursday, July 31.


‘Drive for show – Putt for dough’

Phoenix Tuesday Golf Group (Members & Guests)

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, June 24, Phoenix Lakes & Ocean
A blistering hot day (possibly the hottest this year) greeted our group to tackle the Lakes and Ocean course. With the weather being so hot the course (although still lush and green) has increased in speed. With more run on the fairways and good holding conditions on the greens, scores were slightly better on the day. That is for the players who could cope with the speed of the greens.
We also had, what we call, millionaires golf. Hardly any one on the course at all, albeit at the hottest part of the day (mid afternoon). Hence most players hired a cart at the half way stage.
It has to be said that the saying “drive for show and putt for dough” must be one of the truest statements ever. Yours truly returned the best score of the day with 39 points. But you should have seen some of the putts that dropped, or came near. Without them the round was quite ordinary.
Closest in second place was Neil McAllister with 33 points, with the rest of the field very close to Neil’s score.
Still, as they say, every dog has his day and I am sure I will be off a lower handicap next week.
If you would like to join our group on Tuesday’s just give me a call on 087 091 7565 by the evening before our game and we will surely fit you in.


Arthur’s 80 - not out!

Monday, June 16 was a special day at Pattaya Country Club for Arthur Bailey - that well known Pattaya golfer.

Arthur Bailey (right) presents a bottle of the good stuff to the day’s winner, Bob Benda.

Arthur was playing with the usual group of friends known as ‘The Monday Club’ when following the game (in which he won a near pin) he was presented with a specially engraved plaque marking his 80th birthday the previous day, together with a cake. The winner on the day - Bob Benda - was presented with a ‘bottle’ by Arthur.
Arthur is no stranger to Pattaya Country Club where he has won the Diana Super Senior competitions on a number of occasions - including last month! Surely a fine example to us all ‘younger ones’


League of Legends July 4, 2008

Howie Reed
Thanks to the men playing in the ‘League of Legends’, along with some others now gone to the great dart tournament in the sky, the sport of darts transcends national borders. Thailand has a vibrant darting community thanks in large part to the late Nicky Viraschkul who left his hometown of Lampang for college in the USA, and a bunch of “farangs” who chipped in. Nicky learned the game in the USA, going on to become a major player on the world stage.

Bobby George (left) stirs up the crown on his way to a 7-3 win over Peter Evison. (Photo/Betfred.com)
Today celebrates the founding of the USA where ties to the British were and are strong. One 4th of July, at a dart tournament, ‘The Coach’ thought he’d have a go at the late international ambassador of darts, Barry Twomlow.
“So do they celebrate the 4th of July in England? You know the day that we told you Brits to ‘hit the road Jack and don’t come back no more’?”
“Actually we do celebrate it”, answered Twomlow. “We celebrate because we got rid of the likes of you.” Touche Mr. Ambassador.
How the game of darts has grown. Today in Las Vegas play will begin in the round of 8 in the $250,000 PDC Las Vegas Desert Classic. It’s only fitting, from a Yanks viewpoint, to celebrate those that founded an independent America and also those that were the forefathers of modern darts. All dart players should celebrate John Lowe, Bob Anderson, Keith Deller, Cliff Lazeranko and Eric Bristow, who galloped off to form the PDC that next year will play for in excess of 5 million pounds in prize money. So when you fire up the “barbie” on this day, wherever you are, tip a paper cup filled with your favorite beverage to those that got us where we are.
Viewing the matches on TV last week was probably a lot better than being there at the Metropole Hotel in Birmingham. Why? The crowd became “well lubricated,” loud and very rude as the night wore on. It does seem to be an “English thing” to consume pints of beverage, sing off key while waving ones arms and swaying.
The stars of the night were Bobby George and Dave Whitcombe. Bobby George’s entrance with cape and candelabra to the sounds of Queen’s “We Are the Champions” with lip-syncing by George was what “walk ins” should be like. George should probably talk to his dresser though as the mood was broken somewhat by the ring of keys hanging from a belt loop like the your local dustman.
Dave Whitcombe meanwhile went into his match with Eric Bristow trailing in their rivalry 12-2. He got his win.
Keith Deller 7 v John Lowe 4
“I seem to be rooted at the bottom of the table”, said John Lowe after he received a 7-4 lacing at the hands of Keith Deller. As it was for the first two nights of play, Lowe had plenty of darts at doubles to win but “wallied around” like a C League pub player - or some clown that writes about darts. Going into the break Deller led 3-2 thanks to missed doubles by Lowe in legs 3 and 4.

Dave Whitcombe celebrates a rare victory over his nemesis Eric Bristow. (Photo/Betfred.com)
Coming back after the break Deller took the next 3 legs on the trot. The 8th leg was so ugly even a telephone sex line would hang up on it. With both players at double digits, Lowe at 62 and Deller at 85, the fun began. All told 20 darts were missed at various and assorted doubles. Deller won the leg to go up 6-2.
Lowe won legs 9 and 10 with great darts as the “fat lady was licking her lips preparing to sing.” Lowe’s 10th leg was particularly good as it comprised of 60-T40-T-165 to leave 36 and out. Still Deller got the win to stay in the top four of the standings.
Bob Anderson 7 v Cliff Lazarenko 2
With the 7-2 win Bob Anderson moved into second place behind leader Dave Whitcombe. But the score is not indicative of how close the match actually was. In 5 legs Cliff had a shot to finish. Anderson missed only 2 doubles with only the one in leg 1 counting.
Match referee “Little” Richie Ashdown did a particularly sorry job of keeping order in the hall. As mentioned the fans were well lubricated and showed no courtesy to either player during the match. At one point Lazarenko stepped away from the “oche” to ask “Little” Richie to take control. A half-hearted effort was made with little discernable effect. Not only was the problem maybe too much “aiming fluid,” but Setanta TV insisted on showing stupid signs being held by fans and bringing them into the telecast as if they were the story. Bad “Eye Dear.”
Lazarenko was clearly bothered, his game effected and he deserved better. Anderson missed no opportunity and he marches on.
Bobby George 7 v Peter Evison 3
Bobby George was coming off two previous losses and was not happy. Evison meanwhile was coming in on a high: he had a win against Deller from the last outing after previously collapsing against Anderson, where he escaped with a draw.
George had been scoring well but not closing out. Maybe next year this will be called the “Missed Doubles Tour.”
With George throwing first the pre break legs went 3-2 for George, with all being well played: lots of scoring, a 15-darter by Evison along with a 116 check in Leg 2. After trading legs 6 and 7 for a 4-3 lead George took over. When Evison had scoring problems in leg 8 George used T40-85-125-115 to set up 36, which he took out with 2-4’s. Figure that out.
In leg 9 George put on a clinic T40-83-T40-98 to leave 40, which he made go away in one. 13 darts thank you very much.
In the 10th George started T40-T80 to Evison’s 60-45. Whoops. At 40 George needed only two darts for the win. He used the exhibition out …double 1 and double 19.
Afterwards Evison said, “No mugs here. He was lucky.” As the golfing great Jack Nicklaus said, “The more I practice the luckier I get.” King George ruled.
Dave Whitcombe 7 v Eric Bristow 3
For many years it was written that anyone playing Eric Bristow always gave him three extra darts. While many disagree, time after time Eric would be on the precipice of defeat only to make a mercurial escape. Eric was able to do this because of great ability and his very presence, which changed the scenery.
When it came to Dave Whitcombe that was especially true as Eric held a 12-2 advantage in important matches. Birthday boy Whitcombe had heard for a week how he was going to ‘do the business’ against Bristow. “I felt the pressure all week,” said Whitcombe.
As seems to be the scenario, the player throwing first to open the match would go up 2-1. Whitcombe did. He also took legs 4-5 to go up 4-1 at the break. When play resumed, with the crowd yelling wildly for Bristow, Whitecombe played the two best games of the night, back-to-back magic 13-darters.
The 8th leg should have turned the lights out on Bristow but the “mystique” of Bristow returned. Whitcombe got to 50 with one dart left while Bristow was in another zip code at 170. Whitcombe fell into the Bristow trap after taking 5 straight legs. He turned to Bristow asking, “Bull?” Of course Bristow answered in the affirmative. Whitcombe missed, then missed again and missed again. Bristow whittled away at his score to get the double.
As has happened so often in the past, Bristow won the next leg without a fight aided by a T80. But Whitcombe then composed himself to win with a 17-darter. The Bristow monkey was off Whitcombe’s back.