The 10th ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament

The Diana Group is pleased to announce that the 10th Diana Gold Charity Golf tournament will take place on Friday 14th November at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort, sponsored by Beer Chang, E. C. Biotech and Eastern Star Golf Club.
Diana Gold will continue its unique concept of featuring a Gold technical prize on every hole, thanks to the support of past and new sponsors of this major charity event, now in its 10th year.
There will be plenty of gold to be won on the course in Diana Gold 2008 in addition to performance trophies and lucky draw prizes.
There is Gold too, for the Diana Gold 2008 Champion, and the winner of the Ladies Division.
However, Diana Gold is first and foremost a charity tournament so the 10,000 baht Technical Hole sponsorships will fund a 50 Satang Gold prize for the winner on every hole with the balance going to the charities and projects that the Diana Group will support through the Diana Group Foundation. They are:
The Pattaya City Education Dept.(One School, one Hotel); Scholarships for Children at Banglamung Schools; Tawanyim (Sunshine Radio project); The Street Kids of Pattaya; and other projects through the Diana Group Charitable Foundation.
Support underprivileged chilren by supporting Diana Gold

Golf trip hopes to boost tourism

The golfing tourists from Hong Kong pose for a team photo.

Ariyawat Nuamsawas
The success of the “TAT Cup Challenge 2008” golf tournament in Pattaya in attracting golfers from Hong Kong is encouraging to the Thailand Tourism Authority to consider holding this tournament every year in rotation with Bangkok, Phuket and Chiangmai.
The Pattaya golf tournament teed off from October 5-10 using two golf courses at the St. Andrews Country Club and the Burapha Golf Club.
A large delegation of Hong Kong golfers and tourists came, also bringing with them some 40 members of the Hong Kong mass media.
TAT finished the tournament off on a high note with a thank-you party at the Mercure Hotel for the visitors before they flew home.
Jannapong Saranak, Director of TAT’s Hong Kong office, said previously Hong Kong tourists feared for their safety when planning to visit Thailand because of the political problems, especially when they were warned by their government to beware when coming here.
He said that it was beneficial to attract Hong Kong visitors who have larger disposal income and there were many keen golfers among them.
Niti Kongrut, Director of the TAT’s Pattaya Office, said Pattaya was a very suitable location to bring the party from Hong Kong because there are 18 golf courses of international standard within the local area and all of them welcome golfers from overseas. The challenge now, he said, is to keep these golfers coming all year round.

Sports center for disabled on the cards

Pattaya prepares to improve sports facilities for the physically challenge

Vimolrat Singnikorn
Preparation has begun to set up a national sports center for the disabled with land being allocated for its construction near the Pattaya Youth Sports Center.

Suporntham Mongkolsawat.

The Redemptorist Vocational School in Pattaya is following the example of the US National Sports Center for disabled people in its proposal recently submitted to Pattaya City.
Teachers from the school, Suporntham Mongkolsawat and Samrit Chapirom, discussed their proposal with City Mayor Itthipol Khunplume and councilors at Pattaya City Hall on October 6.
Suporntham said the center will be the first to provide sporting facilities for the disabled in Chonburi, with accommodation provided for both athletes and trainers. The center will support general disabled athletes and disabled students from schools.
It will emphasize training and facilities aimed at an international standard for all sports including chairball, basketball, swimming and wheelchair racing.
With the tally of medals by Thai disabled athletes from the last Paralympic Games in China decreasing, the center will help strengthen Thailand’s next effort at the international games, the teacher said.
The center will not only be for the athletes’ benefit but also a place to generate income for Pattaya by providing visiting disabled people with facilities for educational visits and sports training, Suporntham said.

Mr. Denis rises from the ashes at Phoenix

IPGC golf from the OK Corral

Mr. Denis triumphed with 42 points at Phoenix.

Thursday, October 9, Phoenix – Stableford
A hardy group set out from the OK Corral to brave the rain at Phoenix in a stableford competition. The Governor, Mr. Denis, was inspired by his loyal friends to record his best ever round of golf, scoring an impressive 42 points (see the handicap come down after that) to take the honours on the day. In second place with 36 points was the holidaying Aussie Frank Dunstan, closely followed on 35 points by his good mate Roddy Hayes.
Afterwards back at the OK Corral an extremely happy Mr. Denis celebrated by giving drinks on the house to all the golfers. The OK Corral continues to host golf on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. For more information contact Mr. Denis on 084 779 4050.

The Beautiful Game?: by Riz Taylor

Chelsea face Boro Test

Back to Premier League action on our screens this weekend following the international capers of the last seven days, starting with Middlesbrough at home to Chelsea as the weekend’s opener Saturday evening. I’ve all but given up watching the ‘Big Four’ at home these days, unless Hull City are involved, of course, and so a trip up to the beautiful market town of Middlesbrough is just the kind of fixture the superstars of Stamford Bridge will need to prove themselves in. Boro seem to rise above themselves in fixtures like this one, but Chelsea have looked so strong so far that it’s difficult to look past them. A narrow 1-2 victory for the Blues awaits us.
Nothing much to get excited about in the traditional 3pm kick offs unless you’re a hardcore fan of one of the sides involved, though perhaps you fancy a derby atmosphere as Blackburn visit Bolton, which looks the most appealing aside from perhaps Aston Villa at home to Portsmouth. Liverpool and Arsenal should be too strong at home for Wigan and Everton respectively, and Sunderland travel to Fulham in the glamour tie. Manchester United are at home to West Brom in the late one.
Sunday and Monday are where it’s really at, not that the league planned it that way at the beginning of the season. West Ham will be looking to avoid becoming Hull City’s third London scalp in as many matches as they travel north, whilst it’s the battle of the bottom feeders as Stoke host desperate, clueless Tottenham. On Monday – well, early Tuesday Pattaya time - its Abu Dhabi FC away at Newcastle Comedy Club, London Branch.

English Premier League - Saturday, 18 October Middlesbrough v Chelsea, 18:45 Arsenal v Everton, 21:00 Aston Villa v Portsmouth, 21:00 Bolton v Blackburn, 21:00 Fulham v Sunderland, 21:00 Liverpool v Wigan, 21:00 Manchester Utd v West Brom, 23:30 Sunday, 19 October Stoke v Tottenham Hotspur, 20:00 Hull v West Ham, 21:00 Tuesday 21 October (Monday Night UK Time) Newcastle v Manchester City 02:00

Taking my ball and I’m going home
Kris Boyd has confirmed that he won’t play for Scotland again while George Burley is manager. The Rangers striker was an unused substitute in last Saturday’s goalless World Cup qualifier against Norway at Hampden Park, and has now informed the Scottish Football Association that he no longer wants be considered for selection.
Boyd has scored seven goals in fifteen appearances for Scotland but has only featured for 28 minutes in total during the six games of Burley’s reign. He insists, however, that he has not closed the door on his Scotland career completely. “I will not be playing for George Burley again, but I hope to be back in a Scotland jersey again one day,” he said.
Burley revealed his disappointment at Boyd’s decision. “I’ve spoken with Kris and he told me that he was disappointed not to play on Saturday or in the last couple of matches,” Burley said. “He said that he did not want to be considered for future Scotland squads so that he can concentrate on his club career. It is disappointing that he has chosen to do this at a crucial time in our World Cup campaign, but it is his decision to make and I will, of course, respect it.”
SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said that although he respected the 25-year-old’s decision he remained hopeful that he would have a change of heart. “We must always respect a player when he makes that decision,” said Smith.
“It’s a shame that Kris is not going to be available for us in the future. But it’s his decision and we have to go along with it. Lee McCulloch said it was because of his personal circumstances. If Kris Boyd is saying it’s because of George Burley then that’s unfortunate. He may change his mind and hopefully he will because he would certainly be a very important player to have in the squad.”
Smith also revealed that if any olive branch was to be offered to Boyd it would have to come from Burley himself. “I don’t think it’s really my position to make him change his mind,” he said. “If any of us were to speak to him, it would have to be the manager.”
FA criticises fans
The English Football Association this week took the unusual step of strongly condemning significant numbers of England supporters following the booing of Ashley Cole during England’s 5-1 win against Kazakhstan at Wembley.
Cole was singled out for vocal criticism by sections of the crowd after a mistake gifted Kazakhstan their goal.
“We have had several players from different clubs who have been booed at different times in recent years,” said the FA’s director of communications Adrian Bevington. “It’s crazy and it’s just bang out of order really. No player really should have to put up with that from his own fans. It’s futile to try and motivate the team. It’s not going to make the team do better. It was not necessarily a small minority – there were a lot of people booing.”
Player dies during ritual
A Zimbabwean soccer player drowned in a crocodile infested river during a ritual to cleanse his team of bad spirits before a match, a state newspaper said on Tuesday. The Chronicle quoted unnamed sources as saying about 16 players from second division side Midland Portland Cement were told to swim in the Zambezi river in the resort town of Victoria Falls ahead of a soccer match on Sunday.
“The technical team told every player to get into the river so that they could be cleansed of bad spirits,” it said. The paper also quoted local police commander Peter Rodzi as saying that the other players had noticed that one of the team was missing after the swim.
“The area where the team was swimming is prohibited as the current is strong. The river is also infested with crocodiles and hippos,” said Rodzi.
No action at Bramall Lane
Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan insists the club’s players haven’t discussed the possibility of launching individual compensation claims against West Ham.
An independent arbitration panel last week ruled in favour of Sheffield United in their claim for compensation from West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair.
The panel have yet to determine the size of the payout, but the Blades are claiming in excess of 30 million pounds from the London club for being relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the 2006-7 season, when a Tevez-inspired Hammers side beat Manchester United to clinch top-flight safety.
It has since been reported that the Blades’ players are considering their own additional legal action against the Londoners, which could amount to further millions of pounds, for lost bonuses and reduced wages, but after Sheffield United’s 2-1 Coca-Cola Championship win over Watford yesterday, Morgan said: “Where it’s come from I’ve no idea. There’s been no meeting that I’m aware of that’s taken place with any players this week. We’ve been thinking about the Watford game, not what’s going on.”
“We’ve always said as players we can’t get involved in what goes on at that side, that’s down to the chairman and chief executive and people like that. That’s their job. We’re employed by this football club to play football, not to set meetings up talking about money and things like that.
“I think if there is anything there the chairman will pull the players and say, ‘Listen, this is what’s happening’, but no, as far as I’m aware there’s been nothing. We’ve not even thought about it. It’s something that has never cropped up. It’s never been thrown about.”
West Ham have confirmed they will appeal against the tribunal’s ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Bachli & Basi the shining stars at Greenwood

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Thursday, October 9, Greenwood A & B – Stableford
We seem to go a lot to this course, and essentially it is because not only is it good for the pocket, it is also good for the ego, and after Tuesday it was really needed. After a round when only one player beat 30 points, and only just, this day was like a trip to “The Trickcyclist’’.

Walter Bachli, A Flight winner with 40 points.

The trip up there was a bit ‘bitty’, as was the trip back, weird is it not that some days no matter how often you have driven a route it gets really awkward, this was such a day. It could have had something to do with sitting up half the night and wondering just how poor most of the ‘Farangs’ in Pattaya were going to be (me included). I suspect it will impact our usual number of golfers over the ‘High Season’ especially as some of them are from Iceland. Good friends, good people, but a tough world.
So on arriving it was quickly away, and as the course was quiet we got around nice and fast. The fairways were well cut and the greens were still fast and tricky, and this was surprising as the course had limited carts to the paths. I suppose the fairways were a bit wet though. Better safe than sorry.
Back in the changing room it was soon obvious that some good scores had come in, and the scribe and Monte Sykes, both with 38 points were hopeful, especially as I beat him on count back. Up in the restaurant the results were read out, and how the mighty had fallen, as the A Flight, 0 to 19, generally out performed the B Flight.
The winner of the A Flight with 40 points was Walter Bachli on count back over Per Olaf Baarli in second, and in third with 39 points was ‘Limp Along’ Bill Plath who is obviously getting better fast from a hip job, and nice to see.
In the B Flight we had the best score of the day when P.S. Basi came in with a fine 42 points. Second with 38 points was Don Carmody and third was Alan Ewing with 36 points.
One innovation of late has been the implementation of a system to reduce the handicaps of people who score well, 39 points+, until the handicap review. Unfortunately I was able to inform all of their new handicap, I felt really sad. ‘There is always a way’. T.T.F.N.

Chris Davisson destroys Green Valley

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, October 5, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1stChris Davisson (10) 45pts
2nd Bob Didden (10) 37pts
3rd Colin Davis (15) 37pts
B Flight
1st Bob Lindburg (16) 36pts
2nd Kirstuik David (15) 35pts
3rd Bruce Mcadam (21) 34pts
Near Pins: #2 mark Bonner, # 9 Bruce Milner, #12 Roy Thornton, #16 Kathy Doody
2’s: Chris Davisson (3), Bruce Milner and Roy Thornton
Chris Davison shared the headlines last week with Paul Henshaw, his match winning 43 points last Sunday contributing. A trip to the handicap secretary for a short back and sides followed, resulting in his 12 handicap decreasing by two shots.
This week he takes the headlines by himself after firing a mammoth 45 points, a gross 73. His three 2’s included an eagle on the seventh hole. Asked what he owed his new found golfing ability to, Chris shrugged his shoulders and simply smiled. Chris has never been one to give anything away, but a trip back to the handicap sectary for a crew cut is on the cards.
By the way this was not customer friendly golf, the tees were back in their week day position, ask Eddie the Eagle. Second in a flight was Bob Dibben on count back over Colin” the donkey” Davis, both carding 37 points.
B Flight was won by Bob” the guru “of Green Valley himself with 36 points. Second place was filled by David Kirstuik on 35 points and Bruce Skippy Mcadam slotted into third place by way of count back over Peter Emslie with 34 points.
Back at Lewiinski’s for a few sherbets; guess what the topic of the night was about?
Tuesday, October 7, Laem Chabang - Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Newell (7) 40pts
2nd Natt Welchart (12) 38pts
B Flight
1st Serge Straeten (17) 36pts
2nd Gerry Hughes (20) 35pts
Laem Chabang was host to the Lewiinski’s Golf Society on Tuesday. The weather was hot and humid but not as hot as the governor who came out of his recent slump, to fire a match winning superb 40 points, and pole position in A flight. Second place saw Natt Welchart win on count back with 38 points, the unlucky participant being Bob Dibben.
B Flight saw our old friend Serge Straeten take the honours with a even par 36 points and Gerry Hughes rounded out the flight by carding 35.
Serge Straeten, Gerry Hughes and Tom Sullivan shared the 2’s
Wednesday, October 8, Bangpra – Stableford
1st Yui Bietry (17) 34 pts
2nd Kris K (6) 33 pts
3rd Bob Dibben (10) 32 pts
A trip to the vastly improved Bangpra for the boys and girls, the course is in great condition, and ho! those Japanese toilets are a must try for any visitor.
In a low scoring game no player broke par, it needed a bit of magic to win, and it came in the form of the Magician’s lovely wife Yui with 34 points, cheered on by the resident monkeys. Kris K took second place on 33 points and Bob Didden rounded out the flight with 32 after a count back; the victim of the count back was the ladies club throwing champion Sim “solly I didn’t mean it” Davis.
No 2’s were recorded so a carry over to Friday.
Friday, October 10, Phoenix – Stableford
A Flight
1st Joe Mcardle (13) 38pts
2nd Paul Henshaw (12) 37pts
B Flight
1st Sid Crawley (16) 42pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (15) 35pts
The storm clouds gathered, and all hell was let loose, lightning and thunder as never before seen; only about half the competitors finished the game.
A Flight turned out to be an Irish affair: winning was Co Monahan’s Joe” hot pants” Mcardle himself, with a very good 38 points. Runner-up was the steady Paul Henshaw from Co Dublin one shot adrift.
Swimming his way to the man of the match, and B Flight glory was Sid Crawley who fired a great 42 points. The Magician, Pierre Bietry, waved his wand to conjure up35 points to finish the game while Paul Henshaw and Claude Schumacher shared the 2’s pot.
Back in Lewiinski’s you would have thought you had walked into a morgue, but all good things must come to an end, and normality was restored.
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 to the list otherwise give Bob a ring on 080 096 8232. Transport is provided.

Bomber Harris bang on target

PSC golf with Phoenix (members & guests) Tuesday Group

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, October 7, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes
It was our monthly trophy stroke play today and we assembled at the course on a fine clear day, albeit quite hot. It seems the mornings are quite still this time of the year with the afternoons bringing a cooling breeze, and unfortunately some heavy showers as well, but not today though. The threat was there, but it held off until we had finished.

Peter Harris celebrates with runner up Matt Anderson and a lovely helper from Toy’s Music Bar.

We tackled the Mountain & Lake course today and at last the greens are getting back to good quality. With the Ocean course undergoing it’s final spruce up for the high season, it will be about 3 weeks before all the greens are in perfect condition. But beware after that, once theses greens are up to top notch, 3 and 4 putting will be encountered, especially if the green keeper gets out the wrong side of the bed (if he’s got one). He’s a wicked bugger sometimes.
Good time was made this week with the course not too busy, so it was about 4 hours for our groups to get round - very acceptable.
The start was nearly marred by the slight panic of Matt Anderson feeling a little unwell after the first hole. However, with very little sympathy from the rest of us he battled on and after a couple of lucky chip-ins and long putts he felt on top of the world. So much so that he finished as runner up today with a fine net 70. Never seen him smile so much.
In first position with a good round of golf was the ever happy Peter (Bomber) Harris, who managed to notch up a superb net 69 (good number that).
So it was back to Toy’s Music Bar (Soi Chaiyapreuk) where Peter received the first prize plus the special trophy (umbrella) supplied by our sponsors at the bar.
Only two technical prizes today and both went to Graham Dietrich.
The Lucky Draw winner today was Roger Ison, who received another sponsored prize from Singha Beer.
It was then on to serious merriment, except that on medal/stroke play everybody pays for their own drinks, unlike other weeks when we have a stableford competition. The winner has to buy all players who return to the bar a free first drink. It hardly breaks the bank when you consider the happy hour prices at Toy’s Bar.
Next couple of weeks will be straight stableford and then we will have another monthly trophy stroke play on the first Tuesday of November (4th).
Our day is open to anyone, members and non-members of Phoenix Golf Club: Non-members are signed in as a guest of the members group and in the low season they enjoy the Sports Day price of 700 Baht green fee. After November 1, guests can enjoy the privileged price of only 1,000 Baht green fee as a signed in guest of the members group.
Call 087 091 7565 for further information, but bear in mind players should be a member of the PSC and hold a current valid handicap. All players play from the same tees.

A steady win for City

MBMG International League 2008/09

Paul Frain
Pattaya City played one of the new boys, Turkish Team Anatolia who were last seasons Division 2 champions. The only match they have played this season was against Woodstock on the first day of the season. Anatolia, who only played with 10 men, lost 4-3 with Woodstock scoring in the last minute.
Pattaya City started strongly to get an early goal and an excellent run by Emmanuel Tshuma down the right wing saw him cross into the penalty area with the ball hitting the hand of a defender. The referee pointed to the spot and Alastair Paterson stepped up to take it, but his shot was saved by the keeper and the ball rebounded to Matheus Knorr who shot high and wide.
Anatolia replied straight away with their forward shooting wide when he should have done better. Both teams were plying for the control of the midfield with Anatolia moving the ball with short, sharp passing and making the City defence run around chasing shadows. City’s midfield, with their taller and stronger players, were spraying the ball around and Emmanuel Tshuma had a snap shot that was pushed for a corner which was subsequently cleared easily. Both sides had shots at goal, but both keepers dealt with them easily or they were off target.
City went behind with a well-taken goal from Anatolia when Pattaya’s center-half’s got in each others way and the ball ran to an Anatolia forward who collected it and slotted it into the goal.
City soon made it 1-1 however, with tricky Emmanuel Tshuma having another good run down the right and passing the ball to Craig Banks who’s first time cross found Alastair Paterson who headed home.
Both teams reached a stalemate and the half time whistle came with both teams on equal terms.
The seconded half was only two minutes old when Kai Heckmann received a poor clearance and shot the ball just inside the Anatolia goal post to make it 2-1. Two minutes later the same player hit his second, and a third for City, slotting home a loose ball to make it 3-1.
City were now on top and looked for more goals as the Anatolia team were tiring and soon after Christopher Robertson hit goal number four. Pattaya seemed to be coasting but the Turkish side tried to get back into the match but the crosses were poor. Another jinxing run by Emmanuel Tshuma finished with him scoring the fifth goal with a beautiful lob over the keeper, and the same player also hit the post before the end.
City winning by 5-1 was just the boost they needed to give them the confidence for next week’s match against Bullshead.

Alan Griffiths keeps up the pressure

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, October 6, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Russell Exley 36pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer 35pts
3rd Rick Holmes 34pts
4th Tony Barritt 34pts
5th Alan Griffiths 32pts
It was a pleasant surprise to find that the course management had taken some note of previous observations regarding the positioning of the tees on a weekday and had set them actually on the correct blocks, thus affording the day’s hopefuls a course that bore a striking resemblance to the distances noted on the card. The result was a far more challenging round and no outrageous scoring, with the best being level par by Russell Exley.
Trevor Schirmer got back into some sort of form with a one over handicap, which promised much for his upcoming match with B.J. Smith, who himself could only manage a meager 24 points.
Rick Holmes just got the better of Tony Barritt by virtue of a better 20 on the back against Rick’s 17, with Alan Griffiths some way back in fifth and looking an easy target for Russell in Wednesday’s matchplay.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Wednesday, October 8, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Alan Griffiths 39pts
2nd B.J. Smith 37pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 35pts
4th Ole Stamnes 35pts
5th Norman Isherwood 35pts
Crystal Bay is beginning to show the lack of maintenance in the grass cutting department and somewhat furry greens, which hopefully is just a result of the recent poor weather conditions and inability to get equipment onto the course and not a long term policy to save money. It would be a shame if this one time top course was to be allowed to degenerate into an also ran amongst other courses that are mostly spending more and more to get their tracks into tip top condition, both in appearance as well as playing condition.
With the course playing tricks on some balls that just left the fairway, finishing in extremely deep rough where it was almost impossible to get a club onto it, the players needed to keep it down the middle to have any chance of success. Alan Griffiths did it extremely well, building a score of three under to take the day’s top spot by two from B.J. Smith who was a totally different player from the one seen during the previous competition.
Trevor Schirmer had some consolation on the day by taking third place on count back from Ole Stamnes and Norman Isherwood by a single point on the inward half.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Norman Isherwood had one in the first division to sweep the pool.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc had a farewell to Peter Sumner who had been recalled to Blighty to help add up whatever is now left in the kitty, and tick off a few people, following the recent turmoil in the financial markets.
The day was also the second round in the Monthly Haven Knockout Matchplay which provided a few surprises to some of the contenders.
B.J. Smith followed up a weak performance during Monday’s outing, having started the underdog to Trevor Schirmer by taking the match 4 & 3, even after Trevor managed to keep the difference to a couple of shots.
Next up was Alan Griffiths playing an out of sorts Russell Exley, the latter only playing out of cussedness having been advised to stay in bed, and Alan ran out the winner 3 & 2 as Russell struggled all day against an in-form Alan, and would probably had a very tough time whatever his state of health on the day.
Norman Isherwood was drawn against the returning and still not at full steam Rick Holmes and finished strongly to take it 4 & 3, after jumping out to three up after four holes.
The last match was between Bubbles Davies and erstwhile team member Stephen Beard were Stephen never held the lead after being 3 down twice, until the 17th which he won and together with the 18th finished 2 up.
The draw for the semi finals is B.J. Smith v. Alan Griffiths and Norman Isherwood v. Stephen Beard at Mountain Shadow.
Friday, October 10, Phoenix (White Tees) - Stableford
1st Al Keith 37pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer 37pts
3rd Mike Dabanovich 37pts
4th Norman Isherwood 35pts
5th Alan Griffiths 34pts
With the weather holding off until almost the last group finished a good day’s golf was enjoyed by almost everyone, with the scoring all very reasonable following several damp rounds.
Al Keith took full advantage of local knowledge to sweep away the challengers over the back nine with a fine gross 34 that netted him 21 points against the efforts of Trevor Schirmer and Mike Dabanovich, who could both only garner 19 points with Trevor taking second spot with seven points on the back three to Mike’s six.
Norman Isherwood slipped into 4th place ahead of Alan Griffiths, who got his third mention of the week with a steady two over handicap.
For the third time in the week there were no 2’s in the second division but Tony Barritt and Al Keith had one each in the first division.
Back at The Haven, The Doc welcomed back Brian Kelly, Chris Braiden, Rodney Hayes and Frank Dunstan and had a farewell for Tony Barritt who is returning to the UK to try and do some winkling and count what is left.

“Hole in One” for J.D.

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Reporter Barry Hooper
The headline this week is easy and has to go to J.D. Mr. John Dennis. Some months ago as a regular visitor to TRGG, John Dennis kindly presented the group with two trophies: one for the Golfer of the Month, which we are reintroducing next month and one as a memorial for “Hole in One” golfers at the TRGG.

(Main photo) Tuesday’s winners: Matt Gibbons, John Dennis, Ted Senior, Hugh Byrne, Brendan Abbott and Jim Sykes. (Inset) John Dennis, right, with Fergus Brennan and the “Hole in One” shield.

I am absolutely certain that nothing was further from his mind when he offered up the trophies than that his own name was going to be added to one of them. When you bear in mind that John currently plays off a handicap of twenty-nine, it only goes to prove that we can all achieve greatness in this sport.
John scored his “Hole in One” at the eighth hole, par three with a six iron at Phoenix on Thursday. I was in the group just behind him and I personally saw this large man leap into the air like a butterfly at the tee box and give off a shout that could have been heard in Pattaya.
Congratulations John from all of us at the TRGG on your achievement.
Monday, October 6, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Tony Burnett (21) 36pts
2nd Frank Kelly (15) 36pts
3rd Billy Fitzgerald (15) 35pts
4th Ted Senior (17) 34pts
2’s: Nigel Jones
First outing this week was to Bangpra on Monday where the numbers were a little down so just the one flight and prizes down to fourth.
This was a tight pointed affair as well with only three points covering the first five places. Tony Burnett took the win with thirty-six having a count back tussle with second placed Frank Kelly. Third alone was Billy Fitzgerald, who has obviously found a little of his lost whiz, scoring thirty-five. Ted Senior grabbed fourth after a count back with Alan Evans, both at thirty-four.
Only the one ‘2’ and that went to Nigel Jones.
Tuesday, October 7, Siam Old Course – Stableford
Div. 1 (0-16)
1st Hugh Byrne (13) 34pts
2nd Matt Gibbons (11) 33pts
3rd Jim Sykes (9) 32pts
4th Ray Trembath (9) 32pts
Div. 2 (17-up)
1st Ted Senior (17) 36pts
2nd John Dennis (29) 35pts
3rd Brendan Abbott (20) 34pts
4th Eamon Murtagh (18) 32pts
On Tuesday, Siam Country Club Old Course was the venue of the day. This is a great course and a good turnout on the day so two divisions were played. Everyone was remarking how good the course played: tough but fair and this reflected in the scores submitted.
Ted Senior made Division 2 his own with thirty-six points followed by John Dennis at thirty-five and Brendan Abbott at thirty-four. Division 1 belonged to Hugh Byrne at thirty-four points, Matt Gibbons was second at thirty-three and Jim Sykes third after count back with Ray Trembath at thirty-two.
There were no 2’s on the day.
Thursday, October 9, Phoenix (Mountain & Lakes) – Stableford
Div. 1 (0-17)
1st Robert Lamond (5) 34pts
2nd Jim Sykes (9) 32pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (6) 31pts
Div. 2 (18-up)
1st Steve Gould (19) 38pts
2nd Nijole Murtagh (28) 38pts
3rd Garry Hall (22) 36pts
2’s: John Dennis (Hole in One) and Jim Sykes
Thursday, and it was again back for our regular visit to Phoenix (Mountain and Lake) and again we had a very large turnout and two divisions, 0-17 and 18 up.
This visit belonged to one person who was not at the top of the main lists but all to no avail as he scored a Hole in One at the eighth and made the 2’s pot all his own. I am of course referring to John Dennis.
Steve Gould took Division 2 with a count back thirty-eight points over Nijole Murtagh. Third was Garry Hall on a three-way count back over Lars Strom and Gunner Vangsnes, all on thirty-six.
Division 1 went to a very surprised Robert Lamond at thirty-four with Jim Sykes second at thirty-two and Fergus Brennan third on thirty-one after beating Ted Senior, Matt Gibbons and Billy Fitzgerald on count back.
Jim Sykes recorded a ‘2’ on the day but of course this was upstaged by John Dennis’s hole in one. John, as is tradition, rang the bell back at the Travellers Rest to celebrate his good fortune.
Saturday, October 11, Eastern Star - Stableford
Div. 1 (0-17)
1st Frank Kelly (15) 38pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 37pts
3rd Ray Trembath (9) 35pts
4th Jim Sykes (9) 33pts
Div. 2 (18-up)
1st Eddie Towsend (18) 40pts
2nd Lars Strom (20) 39pts
3rd Nijole Murtagh (27) 37pts
4th Alan Evans (25) 36pts
Saturday, we went for our regular weekend visit to Eastern Star. The numbers back up again from the previous weeks and two flights. The weather was very hot to start and the tail-enders got caught in a big downpour but they still managed to play to a finish.
The course was, I am told, in much better shape this week, particularly some of the reintroduced and reworked greens as nature has done its work and the new grasses are coming through. This obviously had a big affect on the scores posted as some big scores came in. Particularly from Eddie Townsend who had only returned back to Thailand the previous night and promptly posted a forty-pointer to take Division 2. Just the one back was Lars Strom at thirty-nine and that lady again, Nijole Murtagh, was third at thirty-seven.
Division 1 went to steady Eddie himself Frank Kelly with a thirty-eight, while again just the one back was Fergus Brennan wondering what he has to do these days to get a win. Ray Trembath had third spot with thirty-five.
There were no 2’s so the bell was rung by the organiser Fergus, and this was followed by two further bell rings from the division winners Eddie and Frank. So a lively time ensued for all who had returned.

Haven emerge as matchplay champs

International Pattaya Matchplay League 2008 Season

The champion Haven team.

The league, played over 4 months during the middle of the low season, culminated in September with the final matches between Jomtiem Golf and The OK Corral over the Eastern Star course, which The OK Corral won 6.5 to 1.5 and Lewiinskis versus The Haven at Green Valley, which ended in a 4-4 draw.

Stephen Beard, left, presents the winner’s trophy to Haven captain Russell Exley.
The final point earnt by The Haven meant that they won the 2008 Title by virtue of a better record of individual games won in the matches played, with Lewiinski’s having to settle for second place with the same number of points but a lesser number of wins in the season, even though they finished without a loss.
The OK Corral in fact had the most individual wins but fewer points and Jomtiem Golf although not winning a match played an important part in the end result by securing two drawn matches against Lewiinski’s.
The presentation of the of the trophy, donated by The IPGC, was made following the final game at Lewiinski’s by Stephen Beard, the Club Chairman, to the winning team captain Russell Exley.
Russell thanked the IPGC for sponsoring the league and congratulated all the competing teams and players for making the year’s competition a very enjoyable event that enhanced all of the players knowledge of the other venues and started new friendships even though the competition was played in a very competitive manner.
The end result was a victory for golf and fair play.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Pavlik-Hopkins
Should anyone get all excited about Sunday’s Kelly Pavlik (34-0) fight with Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1) on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey? Sure, some people should be excited. Both fighters, the promoters and HBO, which will televise the card on PPV, should be over the moon. They’ll take home a pile of money in a time when “foldin’ green” is hard to come by.
The argument can be made that Kelly Pavlik is the best professional boxer in the world. Carrying this a step further, it can also be argued that he has yet to reach his potential as a boxer. Many see this fight as a step backward and not forward for Pavlik.
Bernard Hopkins is…well he’s Bernard Hopkins. In his 54-fight career he’s always done things his way. He’s always ready with a good story or a quotable line. Many felt that Hopkins was ‘toast’ many years ago. He was fighting small guys, Trinidad and de La Hoya being two, who really didn’t test him. Then he teamed up with Golden Boy promotions which jumped-started another career. Even two losses to Jermaine Taylor didn’t sink the “Good Ship Hopkins”. He then put together two nice wins against Antonio Tarver and Ronald Wright and moved up to 173lbs from 160 before losing to Joe Calzaghe. No problem. He’s now back down at 160 where he’s very comfortable.
This is the classic match-up between the young fighter on the way up and the older boxer on the way sideways. How good or bad the fight may be could be gleamed from Hopkins’ most recent encounter against Calzaghe, which I viewed at the bar of the Yorkshire Inn on Patong Beach, Phuket. Using that as a guide, Hopkins will hold and try to stifle Pavlik’s more powerful punches. He’ll be successful in those tactics but in the end youth will be served. Pavlik by decision in a fight that can only be called ugly.
Results…
Very seldom do the Las Vegas odds-makers get it wrong. Unlike His Lordship they analyses the two boxers, take a cold calculated look at the situation and then set the odds. On the other hand there’s His Lordship who bumbles around and becomes enamored of any big slow heavyweight that isn’t named Klitschko, Chagaev (24-0), Povetkin (16-0), Dimitrenko (28-0) or Valuev (49-1).
The “wise guys” were spot on last week as they had pegged both Vitali Klitschko and Chad Dawson to come through with flying colours.
Dawson-Tarver
Chad Dawson gave up the WBC title for this fight against IBF champion Antonio Tarver for one reason - money. While the TV commentators spoke of “this highly anticipated meeting” they were using a little hype. That’s silly because most fight fans look upon the light-heavy division as a catch-all for super middles that can punch a little or small heavyweights that can’t punch a lick.
There are exceptions and Chad Dawson is one of those. At 26 he’s on his way up, not like other light-heavies on there way out or sidewise. It’s too bad that David Haye has abandoned the division or a Dawson-Haye match-up would be special. Haye would probably get the nod because he has more power. Of course that’s why he’s campaigning as a heavyweight.
From Shenanigans in Pattaya, Sir Frog observed: “Tarver-Dawson a great fight and a good performance by both boxers. Dawson had better combinations than Tarver with age being the difference. The commentators kept saying that Tarver and his 39-year old legs wouldn’t hold but they did - even in round 12 when he went down. Tarver called it a slip but referee Jay Nady thought differently and did an 8-count.”
Would point out that referees are never wrong so if Mr. Nady called the trip to the canvas a knockdown, it was a knockdown and a 10-8 for scoring. The scoring itself was one-sided at 118-109, 117-110, 117-110 from a band of illustrative judges including CJ Ross who had it 117-110, so that’s the way it was.
Sir Frog and his pal Simon did an exceptional job of covering this fight via television, bringing into focus a nuance that might have been missed.
“The best moment though for Simon and me was Tarver’s wife showing her b***ies before the camera all the time. I think they were just made?” Well yes there is that…
Klitschko-Peter
As fight commentator Al Bernstien said during the telecast, “Where is the fire and anger that Peter showed in all the pre-fight build up?”
Good question because it wasn’t on display at the 02 Arena in Berlin. Any boxing skills that Peter had developed since his first fight as a pro just disappeared. In Berlin on Saturday night he was David Tua against Lennox Lewis, except he had less of a chance.
Quitting at the end of round 8 on his stool Peter (30-2) went out relinquishing his title with nary a whimper. Sir Frog croaks in, having viewed the action at Shenanigans, “A great performance for an European boxer (Americans call it boring). I didn’t see any ring rust after 4 years. He (Klitschko, 36-2) still has that big right jab, not giving Peter a chance to reach him. After 8 rounds of getting beaten his head was calling no no no. A champion gives up?”
Sir Frog was aided and abetted in this arduous reporting task by Simon. “Another good moment was when Klitschko’s wife showed up on the screen. Simon said she should contact Tarver’s wife and get her b***ies done.”
The Lord of the Manor is relying on Sir Frog’s reporting because he fell asleep. Useless Yank. Loutish bunch they are.
Title fight for Holyfield
Whilst (I like to use “whilst” as it sends pal Untall Paul up the wall), there’s no argument that Evander Holyfield was a great champion, also not open for argument is that most believe Evander’s best days in the ring are history … ancient history.
Throughout Holyfield’s life he has always kept his own council and the public be dammed. Holyfield’s mantra for the last 9 years has been, “I want to be heavyweight world champion again.”
The last times he held a “legitimate” title were the years 1998 and 1999. He beat Vaughn Bean for the IBF title in 1998 but lost that 5 months later to Lennox Lewis. He then got the vacant WBA title from John Ruiz in 1999 who he lost it back to in a return match. Since 2001 he lost title shots against Chris Byrd, John Ruiz and Sultan Ibragimov in 2007.
Between fights in the ring he’s had his fights outside with medical boards, bankruptcy courts and Father Time. If anyone ever wondered about Holyfield being “one tough dude” there should be no doubt as he’s still going strong. Last week “someone” announced that he would fight Ruskie WBA heavyweight champion, 7-foot Nikolai Valuev (49-1) on December 20, either in Germany or Switzerland.
“I know nothing and this is the first I’ve heard about it,” the Ruskie giant says. “In general there is an arrangement to fight against Kali Meehan and this fight will take place on December 6.”
Jeeves Jives
POM’s that thought they had seen the last of Anthony Mundine-Danny Green might be wrong. Mundine has a date to fight in Perth and he’s trying to entice Danny Green out of retirement for a rematch of their May 17, 2006 scrap. In that one, fought at super-middleweight, Mundine had no trouble coming away with a not even close unanimous decision. Green retired in 2007 after winning the WBA light-heavyweight title when he tossed an ‘almost’ shut out against Stipe Drews.
The chances? Well they look good as Green has said recently, “I don’t like the guy and he doesn’t like me, and my desire to get back in the ring and beat him is burning hard inside me every day.”
You can guess that Green’s “burning hard” isn’t the Elvis kind, which was a “hunk-a-burning-love.”
Thai boxers
a traveling
In what has become an all too familiar story, a couple of Thai boxers traveled to Japan to suffer quick knockouts. Hopefully they collected good pay checks as well.
Although rather late to the party Asia has finally recognized female boxers and they have some good ones now in the professional ranks. One of those is “no weight” Etsuko Tada (3-0) of Japan. As a 6-time amateur champ she was 46-4 with a win over WBC 102 pound champ Momo Koseki. Thailander Nidnoi Poh Ah didn’t prove much of a challenge as she was KO’d at 1:56 of the first. Her countryman Daochai Sishsoei didn’t fare much better. He fell at 2:33 of the third to Takashi Miura (15-1-1).
He said what ???
As mentioned last week, hand and foot speed is something you either have or no have. Roy Jones jr. by many is considered to have the best hand speed in modern times and maybe all time. In an interview on the BBC’s radio 5 Live he said, “God has gifted me with incredible hand speed as a tool to be used. What else am I supposed to do but fight? There ain’t no hand-racing competition.”
Point taken and made.
Kelly Pavlik remarked recently on Bernard Hopkins: “He’s never been stopped. How good of a chin does he have? What happens when he does get hit flush? It’s definitely not out of the question for a late round stoppage or a quick knockout.”
Hopkins’ retort? “Kelly Pavlik is the perfect opponent for me because he come forward, he comes to fight and he wants to knock Bernard Hopkins out. At least that’s what he says … if Kelly Pavlik thinks he’s gonna beat Bernard Hopkins because he has a right hand, he’s a damn fool.”
Huh Bernard, I do believe that it should be “he comes forward” not “he come forward”. Little transposed dangling objective modifying alternator there but one can excuse that from a man that once complimented His Lordship on his sports coat.
Raul Marquez, who was supposed to meet Arthur Abraham for the IBF middleweight championship, has a different take on the cancellation. Abraham came down with the flu the day prior to the fight.
“The fight would have been a great fight but I will now have to wait until November 8 to win the title. Abraham had trouble with weight but made the weight. He probably became ill because his immunity system was down from making the weight,” said Marquez. Moral of the story? Stay fat and healthy.
and finally…
Now that the Lord of the Manor has written on the chalk board 500 times, “I love the Klitschko’s” and removed the Dunce hat, he can partake in his after-column refreshments - a little golden liquid, a tobacco stick and some sounds.
“I say Jeeves, I have a little quiz for you. What do you call a cobra without venom? A belt. Cheewit dee khrup”

Morris prevails in Kanchanaburi challenge

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

The golfers on tour in Kanchanburi assemble for a group photo.

Monday, October 6, Blue Sapphire – Stableford
This was our bi-annual trip to Kanchanaburi with 34 players taking part in a 72-hole tournament to establish the grand master and with individual two divisional competitions on each day on the four different courses, as well as nearest the pins. An order of merit score was to count over the next four rounds and the person with the lowest score would win the grand master title.
A very hot day greeted the players at Blue Sapphire on Monday and it was also a very sodden course. Playing off the blue tees the conditions were reflected in the scores with nobody breaking their handicap.
Bill Hewitt’s 33 points won Division 1, beating Ted Morris on count back and Brian Blackford took third with 32 points. Division 2 saw similar scores with Jack Hinchey winning with 33 points, in second place was Cully Monks one point back and in third with 31 points was Miss Nom.
Tuesday, October 7, Nichigo – Stableford
Another very hot and humid day with a temperature recording after nine holes of 38 degrees Celsius, but there were good reviews over the condition of this course back in the clubhouse later. There was also much praise for the professionalism of the caddies here today.
Yet again no one broke their handicap in either division on this fantastic course, Mikael Andersson won Division 1 with 31 points and Bill Hewitt was second with 30 after beating Paddy Wilson on count back. In Division 2, Don Head’s 34 points gave him first place with Jean Morel second on 29, just edging Cully Monks on the same score.
Taking the next day off we went on a cruise up the river and then it was all down to a karaoke bar for a fun evening out with a few bevies. After a few hours of Andy Mills, Ted Morris and Miss Oam on the microphone there were a lot of sore ears.
Thursday, October 9, Evergreen - Stableford
After many moans and whinges regarding the toughness of this course after we played here last year (mainly from the older generation), a vote was taken to satisfy everyone regarding which tees we should use today. The forward white tees were chosen and this turned out to be a totally wrong decision as six players came in with more than 38 points: Division 1 Brian Blackford 41pts, Paddy Wilson 40 and Ted Morris 38 and in Division 2 Joe Kubon 43pts, Andy Oz 43 and Miss Nom 38.
With one day to go the Order of Merit saw Ted Morris leading the top division from Bill Hewitt in second and Cully Monks and Andy Oz were tied for first in Division 2.
Friday October 10, Mission Hills – Medal
The last round of the competition and a brilliant layout of a course but a disappointment with the general condition: their seemingly being no difference between fairways and semi rough.
After receiving locker key no.69 and jokingly telling some of the lads, this might be his lucky day later, Kari Aarnio got his first hole in one on the 139yd par three 11th. Congratulations Kari from us all at Jomtien Golf. Miss Oam’s face told the story at the presentation as Kari collected all of the nearest the pin prizes.
In Division 1 in the medal competition, Ted Morris came first with net 72 on count back over Paddy Wilson, with Kari in third on net 73. In Division 2, Cully Monks recorded a sensational net 63 for first place, Russell Benson was second on net 70 and Miss Nom came third on net 72.
So the order of merit after four rounds: In Division 1, Paddy Wilson came first, Andy Mills was runner up and in third was Brian Blackford. In Division 2 Cully Monks came out on top, Miss Nom was second and in third was Jean Morel. The overall winner, the Grand Master, was Ted Morris. Well done Ted.
A great time was had by all and many thanks go to Jeng and Russell Benson for their local knowledge of the area and the accommodation bookings and also many thanks to Paddy Wilson for organizing all the golf.

Green terror at Old Siam

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, October 7, Siam Old Course – Stableford
Most of the players at the two outlets had not played ‘The Old Course at Siam’ and as Tuesday was a special rate it was decided to both go there and have a combined competition, and why not?

Mikito Homma
The large group meant an early tee-off, so at 8:50am off we went and the tough day started. This has been made into a very scenic, yet difficult course and there is no doubt that the greens here are at times not just difficult, but more than that. Some of the shots are just not possible and if they do not land on a green correctly you can run off and be at the bottom of a deep bank. I saw one low single handicapper with a 30-yard chip that finished at his feet twice and also one 20+ handicapper who chipped up a bank 3 times and the ball finished at his feet. Indeed so incensed was he that he then chipped it all the way across the green. On this day, despite all this, the greens were quite slow - at times they can be monsters.

P.S. Basi
The course itself is well manicured, and from the clubhouse looks as good as any course around. The players had a great day out and despite many being battered by the layout, all said it was a venue they would like to play regularly. However the high season is at hand so I think they will have to wait until next year. Well most will.
All the players went back to Bert’s and it was seen that the scores were very low, even the ‘Members of Siam’ had had a bad day. Of the 8 ‘near pins’ put out only 4 were claimed and of the 30+ players not one got on the 16th par 3.
The winner in the A Flight was Mikito Homma with 31 points on a count back over John Roberts in second and in third was Monte Sykes with 29 points whilst Walter Bachli on 28 points took fourth on count back over Peter Hammond and Derek Brook.
The B Flight winner was P.S. Basi with 34 points ahead of Les Charles with 33 points and in third was Bent Moeller with 32 points. We then had a 3-way count back on 31 points that saw Dave Richardson in fourth with Don Carmody and Henk De Bock losing out.
The combined players of the day then proceeded to have a few cold one’s. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Monte Sykes, John Roberts, Les Charles, Dick Kerr
Long Putt: John Roberts, Peter Hammond.

Bishop has a blast at Burapha

PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, October 6, Burapha - Stableford
It was the Outbacker invasion of Burapha, as some 82 Outbackers, including a good number from John Emmerson’s, The Golf Club in Soi LK Metro, took over two tees on the Crystal & Dunes course.
Teeing off about 10 minutes early from the white tees, in spite of having a partially handwritten start sheet due a power outage back at the bar that morning, everybody was away swiftly and back in the clubhouse in most cases in 4 hours or less. What a great course and how well they look after the Outbackers, thanks Burapha management, great job!
It was George Bishop’s time to have his day out, 43 points is some going round C & D and that is a great score, which earns him a new handicap of 14.9, as well as the prize for the overall winner. He was followed in by Eric Curly who beat Robert Lamond on count back, both with 39. They also earned handicap adjustments, Eric from 15.1 to 14.4 and Robert from 4.5 to 4.2.
Mr. Consistent, Frank O’Neill, was there again taking second in Div B with 37 and Barry Rothberg was denied the stage for his third place 37 points in Div C, due to Jack misreading his score as 27. Jack said afterwards, “ I wasn’t really expecting Barry to score 37 points, the 3 just looked like a 2.” Well played Baz! Just getting into form for Chiang Mai, next week?
Other scores of note came from Jeff Buehler, winner of Div A on 38, from a whole bunch of guys on 36 points led by Des Scott on count back and Bernie Segrave just missing out. Kerry Beck and Bruce McAdam also had 38’s, to take Div B & Div C respectively. Paul Challis’s 36 was enough to earn him the top spot in Div D.
An incredible 19 prizes were paid out today as well as another eleven in ‘2’s. They came from: Rick Evans, Capt’ Bob, Bunny Forde, Phil Knight, Jeff Buehler, Alan Campbell, Joe Mooneyham and both Frank O’Neill & Mike O’ Brien had two each.
Finally, a special mention for George & Marian Strachan, who reside in South Africa and are here to attend the wedding of family member Paul who works for the PMTV. They also happen to be former members of Jack’s old course back at Harleyford Golf Club in Marlow, UK, and got a bit of a surprise when they saw him on the Tee, as did Jack! Small world isn’t it!
Overall
1st George Bishop (17) 43pts
2nd Eric Curly (15) 39pts
3rd Robert Lamond (5) 39pts
Div A (0-11)
1st Jeff Buehler (9) 38pts
2nd Desmond Scott (11) 36pts
3rd Eddie Smith (8) 36pts
4th Allan Campbell (6) 36pts
Div B (12-15)
1st Kerry Beck (12) 38pts
2nd Frank O’Neill (14) 37pts
3rd Dave Porter (13) 36pts
4th Terry Wagner (14) 36pts
Div C (16-21)
1st Bruce McAdam (18) 38pts
2nd Tom Sullivan (20) 37pts
3rd Barry Rothberg (20) 37pts
4th Mike O’Brien (20) 34pts
Div D (22+)
1st Paul Challis (24) 36pts
2nd Brendon Abbott (22) 35pts
3rd Jim Payne (24) 33pts
4th Mark Watkins (28) 33pts
Wednesday, October 8, Treasure Hill - Stableford
It was 15 August 2007, when Peacock Place (before the Outback Golf Bar existed), last visited this course, and it is just as difficult now as it was then. The only difference is, the 331 highway is almost complete, meaning the course is only about 30 minutes from the bar. It’s still pretty dangerous though, particularly round the Amata City area, with traffic just pulling out onto the highway, with no control whatsoever, so stay wary!
Twenty-nine Outbackers made the trip, but none of them were able to break their handicap round this testing track. Played in a little more than four hours, which is good for this course, the best of the day was Marlene, from the ladies tee of course, with 33 points, enough to win Div C. The best of the men were Ken Little and Bruce McAdam, each with 32, and winners of their respective divisions. Capt’ Bob took third in Div A on 29 points which was 4 points clear of his nearest rival.
Bruce’s win in Div B, was 6 points clear of Dale Autin in second. Div C were a little better, but not a lot, with Nigel Cannon taking second only two behind Marlene.
There were a couple of ‘2’s from Dale Autin, (great 6 iron on the 17th, leaving about a 12 inch putt) and Rosco.
Div A (0-12)
1st Ken Little (12) 32pts
2nd Kerry Beck (12) 30pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 29pts
Div B (13-19)
1st Bruce McAdam (18) 32pts
2nd Dale Autin (19) 26pts
3rd Sugar Ray Hanford (19) 25pts
Div C (20+)
1st Marlene Prudden (22) 33pts
2nd Nigel Cannon (25) 31pts
3rd Paul Kelly (24) 28pts
Friday, October 10, Siam Plantation - Stableford
There were actually 88 golfers playing with the Outback Golf Bar today, the numbers swelled by a tour group from Hong Kong, who were able to take advantage of the bar’s preferential rates. In the tournament proper were 41 split into three divisions playing Tapioca & Pineapple.
The best score of the day came from Bob Lindborg with 35 points to win Div C. and that score is underlined as to just how good it is, since all the players had to come off the course for about 25 minutes as a storm blew through.
Good to hear that the automatic storm sirens are working to close the course for the players safety and sounding the all clear when safe to resume play. A number of players, whose cards were probably already ruined for whatever reason, chose not to go back out.
John Emmerson battled on at the back of the field to make 33 points, enough to win Div A from the big hitting Erik Antonnen, whilst the Herzogs split third & fourth places between them, both playing off 8 with 30 points each. Dene Airey got the better of Joe Mooneyham on count back, both on 34, to take Div B; and all four players on the podium in that division played off a handicap of 14.
There were only two ‘2’s, and they came from Mark Reid & Lawrence Immethun.
Div A (0-11)
1st John Emmerson (9) 33pts
2nd Erik Antonnen (9) 32pts
3rd Phil Hertzog (8) 30pts
4th Wi Hertzog (8) 30pts
Div B (11-15)
1st Dene Airey (14) 34pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (14) 34pts
3rd James Little (14) 33pts
4th Ian Covill (14) 25pts
Div C (16+)
1st Bob Lindborg (16) 35pts
2nd Lawrence Shaw (22) 34pts
3rd John Cogan (20) 32pts
4th Alan Pearce (20) 31pts
Friday, October 10, The Emerald - Stableford
Bruce McAdam produced yet another handicap shattering round, scoring 42 points round this excellent test of golf at the Emerald. Bruce, who is off to Chiang Mai with 46 other Outbackers on Sunday 12 Oct., appears to be the man to beat for this three-day challenge. However, of the 30 Outbackers that played today, Mike O’Brien (40pts), Barry Rothberg (38pts), Kathy Doody (34pts), Rosco (32pts) and Kerry Ford (32pts) are all on the Chiang Mai trip and may have other ideas about his chances. Kerry was having his first round since arriving from Australia the previous day and might be a bit of an unknown quantity.
Pimusa played well again, earning herself another handicap cut to take second in Div A with 39, just one point ahead of Harvey Samuel, who is currently playing his best golf in a long time.
There were two ‘2’s, coming from Des Scott & Bruce McAdam.
Div A (0-18)
1st Bruce McAdam (18) 42pts
2nd Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (16) 39pts
3rd Harvey Samuel (16) 38pts
4th Kathy Doody (18) 34pts
Div B (19+)
1st Mike O’Brien (20) 40pts
2nd Bill Curell (22) 38pts
3rd Barry Rothberg (20) 38pts
4th Marlene Prudden (22) 36pts
That’s all for now, if you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected].
The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474. More information can be found on our website www. outbackgolfbar.com.

Sunny days are here again

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Sunday, October 5, the Pattaya Golf Society played its first weekend fixture out of its new “clubhouse”, Rabbi’s Elephant Bar on Soi Buakhao. The largest field in about three months enjoyed a good day at The Emerald under overcast skies and on a track which played long as a result of recent heavy rain.

September’s “Player of the Month” Chris Voller, right, is congratulated by Jeff “Rabbi” Cohen.

Always challenging, the course held almost everyone at bay with only two golfers breaking par. In fourth place was the consistent Swiss golfer John Rehm with 32 points, three behind the ebullient Bob Martin who enjoyed a good round despite the naggings of a sore back.
In second place was the current PGS “Player of the Month”, Chris Voller with a fine 37 points, his back nine making up for some uncharacteristic blemishes on the front nine. The day’s best score was recorded by Sunny Khanna, his 38 points confirmed his position as bookies’ favourite to win on his first round back this visit, as is always the case with the amiable golfer.
Sunny also had a birdie ‘2’ on the tough fifth hole to share the ‘2’s honours with Chris Voller and Bob Martin who celebrated a similar feat on the fifteenth.
The Booby Bevy was awarded to mine host, Jeff “Rabbi” Cohen, after three long uphill putting efforts on the fourth green were but a prelude for three more! Having thus joined the Booby Bevy club Rabbi can feel he has really “arrived” with the group on his first round out of his Soi Buakhao bar. For more information see www. thebunkerboys.com
Double up for Khanna
A peacefully quiet and empty Royal Lakeside course welcomed the Pattaya Golf Society on Tuesday, October 7 to play its monthly Medal Order of Merit event.
The large single flight had left its sumptuous new “clubhouse” at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar on Soi Buakhao anticipating a fine day’s competition and they were not to be disappointed. Royal Lakeside has been described as bland and forgiving but it still is a fair test of golf with its subtly placed fairway bunkers and copious amounts of water.
Two players shared third place, both Tony Thorne and Andy Bardill recording net 73’s. In second place, for the second successive time, was the consistent Chris Voller, currently in the best form of his Thai career, and his net 71 was a fine result for some excellent short play. The winner was Sunny Khanna, again showing that a summer’s golf in England has its advantages in terms of maintaining form. His net 68 was his second sub-par victory this week.
The only ‘2’ of the day went to John Rehm for his effort on the third hole and new member Dave Robinson enjoyed the Booby Bevy for his low score of the day, on his first visit to the course. Bland? Certainly not at Royal Lakeside.
The Khanna Chronicles - Part Three
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Crystal Bay for the second time in as many weeks on Thursday, October 9, to play a stableford competition over the B and A nines, on a heavily humid day. The course was in good condition except for the very uneven rough and the slower than normal greens, a result of recent heavy rains.
For the first time in a month or so the field was divided into two flights with the cut at sixteen and under.
In the second flight Scottish oil man Ronnie Ramsay gave himself something to remember before his imminent return to Papua New Guinea with a third place 33 points which included a birdie two on A8. In second was Evan Millar on 34 whilst John Rehm again took the high ground with an excellent 42 points. Swiss teacher John is certainly a master on a well prepared and level course.
In the top flight Ken Deringer scored 35 points for third place and full marks to David Thomas whose gross 75 was the best of the day, giving him 39 points for second place. It was a fine performance from the resolute New Zealander who is preoccupied with many other golfing thoughts at present. The winner was Sunny Khanna again, for the third time in the week, and his 43 points beggared belief. His driving was consistent and long, his touch around the greens was subtle and his putting ranked on the “special”. He thus ended the week with the PGS on a staggering thirteen under and Rule 19 was immediately invoked.
Sunny also recorded a birdie ‘2’ on the difficult B6 green whilst a third share also went to David Thomas for his chip-in on A8. The day ended with a packed reception at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar on Soi Buakhao, to congratulate the three times winner of the “Player of the Month” award, Chris Voller, together with good company, refreshing beers and the inevitable calls of “Taxi for Mr. Sunny!”

Three Sisters in heat

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

The first Three Sisters group off at the Pattaya Country Club found the going a bit wet. No, it wasn’t rain, the fairways had been heavily watered and the greens put rooster-tails on putts. Of course the sun was out early and the humidity took its toll. With the full effects of the sun on both the players and the course, shirts became soaked but the field dried out and putting became more reasonable.
A smaller group turned out today as several of the regulars were back at work (what a terrible word) while a few others had more pressing commitments. As the sweat soaked players gratefully accepted some cold beers at the famous Caddy Shack II, the scorecards were checked. Coming in first with a respectable 38 points was Bob Benda, with John Christie second on 36 points whilst Sus Ige took third with 33.

Mashi goes sub-70 at Bangpra

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, October 6, Crystal Bay – Stableford
A Flight
1st Takeshi Hakozaki (13) 34pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (12) 32pts
3rd Tony Berry (9) 31pts
B Flight
1st Dave Booten (22) 39pts
2nd Reg Smart (24) 31pts
3rd Mikito Homma (15) 30pts
Playing stableford at Crystal Bay usually produces some high scores but strangely enough not today. The cut was set at handicap 14 and only Dave Booten posted a respectable scorecard winning the B Flight with 39 points. The windy conditions were the excuse of the day!
Way behind Dave came Reg Smart and Japanese golfer Mikito who finished one point further back in third place.
The A Flight was closer with the Japanese dominating as first and second places went to Takeshi and Mashi respectively with two points separating them and one point further back came Tony Berry.
Mashi and Tony in the A Flight and Homma in the B Flight won a near pin prize too with the fourth one going to William Macey
Wednesday, October 8, Bangpra – Medal
A Flight
1st Mashi Kaneta (12) net 69
2nd William Macey (12) net 70
3rd Sunni Khanna (13) net 75
B Flight
1st Dave Booten (21) net 76
2nd PJ Redmond (20) net 77
3rd Colin Stokes (21) net 77
Playing Medal today and with a good turnout despite the compulsory cart rule the cut was set at handicap 14.
Mashi had another good round winning the A Flight with a fine three under par net 69 but unfortunately having to take a handicap cut under the new PSC (Pattaya Sports Club) rules. William also had another good day, shooting a two under par net 70 to take second place and Sunni Khanna made a rare appearance to claim a distant third.
Despite his handicap cut on Monday, Dave Booten still held off challenges from PJ and Colin Stokes to win the B Flight by one stroke; PJ beating Colin on a count back to finish runner-up.
Near pin prizes were shared around between Tony Robbins, Gordon Melia, William and Sunni.
Friday, October 10, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st William Macey (12) 35pts
2nd Geoff Cox (13) 34pts
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki (11) 33pts
B Flight
1st Gordon Melia (15) 39pts
2nd Reg Smart (24) 38pts
3rd Dave Booten (21) 37pts
A large field turned up again for Greenwood golf course so there were two flights for the stableford competition with the cut being made at handicap 15.
As Greenwood staff have been messing around with the tee boxes, it was decided that the A Flight low handicap players would play off the blue tees at the back and the B Flight would play off the white tees.
As the round progressed it became obvious that the white tees were actually in their correct positions for the first time in months so we need not have split the groups but there you go - this is Thailand!
The scores were close again in both flights and there were some very good scores in the B Flight where Gordon Melia came out on top ahead of Reg Smart, with Dave Booten having to settle for third place.
William Macey won the A Flight by one point ahead of Geoff Cox who was also one point ahead of Takeshi who, playing on his “home” course, could only finish in third place.
Only three par three greens were hit and oddly enough none of the winners in either flight won any of them. Instead they were won by Ken Young, Tony Robbins and Ron Ryan.

Oakes top of the tree at Emerald

PSC golf from The Beaver Bar

Friday, October 10 saw thirty golfers arrive at the Emerald Golf Club for the weekly golf outing from the Beaver Bar, Ban Chang. Competition was fierce for the top spot as five players all came in with 36 points and Dennis Willett, Beaver’s Golf Director, had to count back several times to determine the top positions. The final standings saw Tony Oakes in first place, Roger Coe in second place closely followed by Dene Mundy in third (all pictured here).

Taylor shows “The Power” at Sky Poker World Grand Prix

by Houston Hartwell
Throughout the ages international sport has been dominated by individuals who, if they were appearing on the strip in Las Vegas, would have but a single name on the marquee: Schumacher, Beckham and Ali come readily to mind. The names are synonymous with their chosen sport. Toss in the name Taylor and 99.99% of the sports fans in the world would be scratching their collective heads. Who?

Phil Taylor celebrates with the champion’s trophy after winning the 2008 Sky Poker World Grand Prix in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo courtesy Lawrence Lustig/PDC)
Despite that fact that he’s almost unknown outside the darting community, Philip Douglas Taylor dominates the sport of darts with as much success as any of the “one name” champions. Now 47 years old, an age when most champions are thinking about sitting in the rocking chair enjoying a pint or two, Taylor just keeps mowing them down. Like a fine wine, that would be one not sold with a twist off cap or consumed from a brown paper bag, he gets better. He proved it yet again last week.
At last week’s Sky Poker World Grand Prix at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin Ireland, Taylor warmed up (like he needs a warm up), by winning Saturday’s Irish Players Championship two days before the big event started. Dennis Priestly annexed the Sunday edition of the Irish Players event by beating former champ Raymond van Barneveld 3 sets to 1 and earning £5,000. The main draw contained 32 players playing first round matches, best of 3 sets with best of 5 legs per set.
Last year Taylor went out in the first round to qualifier Adrian Grey in straight sets. That wouldn’t happen this year as he mashed an unlucky Ronnie Baxter 2-0. Baxter also lost to Taylor in the finals of the Irish Players Championships. Baxter couldn’t draw around Taylor and he missed doubles.
The round of 16 had Taylor taking apart Colin Osborne 3 sets to nil with a three-dart average of 100.2. If that’s not impressive enough consider that Taylor never lost a leg.
‘You want to get the job done as quickly as possible and though it’s not nice to beat a fellow pro 3-0, 3-0, 3-0 but I’m pleased to win,’ said Taylor afterwards.

Beaten finalist Raymond van Barneveld. (Photo courtesy Lawrence Lustig/PDC)
This round also saw the exit of the last Irishman, Jacko Barry, who was taken out by World Champion Canadian John Part 3-0. Barry probably felt the pressure of playing in front of the home crowd as he led in the second set 2-0, missed a double and lost the set.
Last year runner up Terry Jenkins booked a place in the semi’s when he took out Part 4-2. This probably was the match of the tournament. Part won the first two legs but couldn’t close the deal and lost set 1. He then lost set 2 before winning the 3rd. Jenkins went up 3-1 by winning the 4th which was a barnburner. Part was up 2-1, missing double 16 for the set. The double 16 came after two dead bulls set up 32 from 132. Jenkins didn’t miss.
Part won the 5th set 3-0. In the 6th Part used a 126 check to level the set at 1 all. They then shared legs to move level again, Jenkins with an 87 check and Part using 157. Part’s slow start in the deciding leg sealed his fate as Jenkins triumphed to book a spot against Taylor in the semi finals.
Also advancing was Raymond van Barneveld who after dropping the opening set to Colin Lloyd took the next four and the win. Mervyn King took the two opening sets then survived a Dennis Priestly rally in the middle two sets to win 4-2.
Then there’s Phil Taylor’s match against Andy Hamilton - “Smashing”. Taylor won 4-1 losing only 4 of 17 legs. Thus far in the tournament Taylor had won 24 legs of the 30 he played.
“Taylor produced some of the most dominant darts in the tournament’s ten-year history to win the first ten legs of the match and lead 3-0,” a commentator said.
The deciding leg was classic Taylor: a 12-darter that included a 180 and 141 check out.
Semi-Finals
As if written by some Hollywood scriptwriter, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld would meet in the final of the Sky Poker World Grand Prix. This was to be the first televised meeting between the two champions since January 2007. On that night van Barneveld had to go to “sudden death” for the win and the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
Both players advanced with 5-0 wins: Raymond dropped 7 legs in eliminating Mervyn King who came up empty after his dramatic win in the quarters over Dennis Priestly.
In his own match Taylor took the first three sets, losing but 2 legs. In the fourth set Taylor was down 0-2 when “The Power” kicked in. Playing the final six legs Taylor had finishes of 167, 136 and 121. During that run Jenkins never got to a double while Taylor finished in 12 darts twice, 13 darts twice and a pair of 14-darters. Not too Chablis.
The Final
It was billed as a classic and in some of the best of 11 sets it was. When it wasn’t the best it was pretty darn good.
Raymond van Barneveld, the world # 2, had to be pretty pleased with himself when after winning the first set 3-2 he went up quickly 2-0 in set two. That’s when Phil Taylor turned “The Power” on, wining the next three legs including a 145, 12-dart finish in the last. When “Mo” is on your side stay with it, as Taylor did taking the third set 3-0. Up 2-1, Taylor then lost serve when he missed double 16 allowing van Barneveld to take the leg and level the match at 2.
Set five was all Taylor as he won it 3-0. van Barneveld had a chance for at least one leg but missed the dead bull. In the 6th set Taylor used an 11-darter and a 141 check to go up 2-1. “Barney” would level it at 2 with a 160 finish. Taylor then had three ton plus scores and a double 12 for a two-set lead.
Entering the 8th and what would be the final leg, van Barneveld let it all hang out, racing ahead to a 2 nil lead. The first leg was a classic 12-darter with a couple of 180’s setting up the double 8. At 2-0 down Taylor used a combination of T80’s and van Barneveld’s inability to check out. With the set level at 2, “Barney” had 2 darts at 8 which didn’t connect. When Taylor made 97 go away it was game, set, match and championship to Phil “The Power” Taylor by the score of 6-2.
For the week Taylor took home to Stoke £55,000 or Baht 3,228,364.67. During the finals he averaged 97.81 and tossed in 13-180’s.
“It’s a really good feeling and caps a great week for me,” said Taylor. “It’s amazing what a difference it is from last year. I was in tears for an hour and considering quitting after I lost to Adrian Gray, and now I’ve won the tournament against the world number two.”
Phil, we could do without the crying like a baby part.

Nachbur wins by five at Green Valley

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, October 7, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes (White tees) - Stableford
Our chum Aka O’Reilly points out that ‘most people who play golf shouldn’t’. Undeterred fifteen of us turned out to test the charms of the lovely Phoenix.

(Left to right): Jim Walton (note infamous kit bag), Willie Nachbur and Dennis Jaycock.

Bob Rasmussen (11) and Colin Cronin (17) made the most of playing on their home course coming in 1st and 2nd with 37 and 34 points respectively. David Gardner (10) 32 points, Les Burns (30) 31 points and Peter Mills (25) 31 points took the other three places.
David Gardner, David Smith and the scribe had near pin bonuses with Peter Mills sinking the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average score for the day was 27.6 points.
Thursday, October 9, Rayong Green Valley (White tees) - Stableford
1st Willie Nachbur (22) 38pts
2nd Jim Walton (22) 33pts
3rd Dennis Jaycock (17) 31pts
4th Bob Drumm (11) 31pts
The management of this favourite venue of ours honoured the rain cheques given to us the last time we played here (thank you), but as the thunder rolled about us in the later part of our round Aka O’Reilly was heard pondering whether management were up to issuing rain cheques on a rain cheque green fees! Gladly the question needed not to be asked because the rain held off until we were in the clubhouse.
David Gardner (x2), Colin Cronin and Yves Philibert won near pin dividends and Ken Hole sunk the longest 1st putt on the 18th green. Our sometimes fragile fraternity of fourteen had an average score of 28.6 points this day.
NOTE: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

VFW Post 9876 moves up to second place

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Nok, Mio, Sven, La, Antero, Tukata & Mai.

VFW Post 9876 took all four points from Canada and moved from third to second place. Café Kronborg lost four to Sabai Sabai Friday and dropped from second to third. Nok led Sabai with a 562 series.
Mio bowled a 238 game, 608 series and Barry a 523 to lead House of the Golden Coin to a four point win over Bavaria: Leo rolled a 547 series for Bavaria. Jack Tar won three points from Montgomery with Mai bowling a 223 game, 535 series, and Dang a 527. La was best for Montgomery with a 209 game and 548 series.
Tukata bowled a 215 game, 533 series to lead Montana to a three-point win over Café Ole. Sala Thai Restaurant crept out of last place after taking all four points from Brother D. Antero bowled a 206 game and 564 series for Brother D.

Results & Standings
October 10 (week 13)
Team                                          Points          Standings
Montana                                       3 – 1            37.5 - 14.5
VFW Post 9876                            4 - 0                34 - 18
Café Kronborg                               0 - 4                31 - 21
Sabai Sabai Friday                        4 – 0               30 - 22
Montgomery                                 1 – 3            26.5 - 25.5
House of the Golden Coin              4 – 0               24 - 28
Bavaria                                         0 - 4             23.5 - 28.5
Brother D                                     3 - 1             23.5 - 24.5
Café Ole                                       1 – 3               22 - 30
Jack Tar                                       3 – 1               21 - 31
Sala Thai Restaurant                     4 - 0             18.5 - 29.5
Canada                                        0 - 4             18 - 34