Lawrence of Asia wins the Medal

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, December 14, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Dave Stockman net 69
2nd Paul Shaw net 70
3rd Ernie Hill net 71
B Flight
1st Jim Munns net 69
2nd Nick Payne net 69
3rd Lee Adelly net 71
C Flight
1st Loz Shaw net 65 (Medal winner)
2nd Albert McEvoy net 66
3rd Pierre Bietry net 70
Near Pins: #2 Bob Patterson, #9 Roy Thornton, #12 Dave Driscoll, #16 Pierre Bietry
Baan Jing Jai hidden six: 1st Mark Wood, 2nd Kevin Hamilton, 3rd Bob Newell

December Medal winner: Lawrence “Loz” Shaw.
The strong winds of late eased a little on Sunday, and the greens had nearly recovered from their mauling, much to the delight of the competitors.
This medal was fought out and won in C Flight, although the scores in A & B Flight would normally have been sufficient. Loz Shaw carded a mammoth net 65 to win the Medal and advanced to the Gold by the skin of his teeth over than the in-form Co Dublin’s Albert McEvoy who carded a net 66. Pierre the Magician closed out the flight on a net 71. Meanwhile hot favourite Padrig Harrington failed to live up to his name, firing a net 79.
B Flight was not to be out done and was just as exiting; Jimmy “Captain Fog” Munns and Nicky “Two gloves” both carded magical net 69s with Jimmy winning the count back for the top B Flight honors and relegating Nick to the runners up spot. Lee Adelly and Colin “the Donkey” Davis tied for third as both fired net 71’s. Lee’s maths just edged it.
Dave Stockman won the senior flight with another magical net 69, Paul Shaw took second place with a net 70, and Ernie Hill shot the low gross of the day, net 71, off his zero handicap for the third and final place. The Sugar shack mob celebrated Loz’s victory long into the night.
Monday, December 15, Treasure Hill – Stableford
A Flight
1st Simon Kendall (9) 36pts
2nd Gord on Kerr (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st Sim Davis 38pts
2nd John Squitiero (20) 36pts
Sim Davis, wife of Colin, returned to her old caddying work place and walked away with the top spot in B Flight after carding a super 38 points. Hubby Colin meanwhile was at the other end of the pile. The second place was awarded to John Squitiero with an even par 36 points. John was compensated for his second place finish with a brace of 2’s.
Simon Kendal secured first place in A Flight with an even par 36 points. Gordon Kerr and Bob “The Guv” Newell both shot 35’s, with Gordon edging Bob on a count back. Bob did have the comfort though of a couple of ‘2’s.
Wednesday, December 17, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ben O’Connor (12) 33pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 31pts
B Flight
1st Mike Healey (16) 32pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (15) 33pts
Khao Kheow welcomed the Lewiinski’s group on Wednesday to play a stableford comp. The wind returned, the greens were slick and the course was in excellent condition, so the signs were there for a low scoring game.
County Cork’s Seamus Cotter V C amassed 32 points for second place and that left Co Kerry man Big Ben O’Connor with the task of needing 33 points, which he unbelievably managed to achieve, for the man of match title and senior flight glory.
The junior flight was just as exciting, as Mike Healey shot a blistering 32 points that relegated Peter El President to second spot, just one adrift on 31.
Friday, December 19, The Emerald – Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (12) 38pts
2nd Jack Spencer (5) 36pts
3rd Steve Mulberry (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st Joe Peters (20) 36 pts
2nd Ray Philips (23) 36pts
3rd Eddie Beilby (17) 34pts
The right Honorable Seamus Cotter VC showed all his mettle, waltzing away with the man of the match and the senior flight after carding a very impressive 38 points. Jack “Bilko” Spencer took second spot, two shots back on a good even par 36. Steve Mulberry rounded out the flight with 35 points.
B Flight resulted in a win for Joe Peters who shot an even par 36 after winning the dreaded count back over the unlucky Ray Philips. Eddie “Captain Fantastic” Beilby closed the flight with 34 points
Due to a clerical error one group teed off the junior tees and were awarded their own “mini flight” which was duly won by Seamus Cotter. However the tees were shorter than usual and not considered competitive for handicap purposes.
“One Ball” and his mates, keeping up the festive spirit, stopped off at the Elephant village to collect their Christmas boxes.
Lewiinski’s would like to take this opportunity to wish every one a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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 or call Bob on 080 096 8232. Transport is provided.

Boxing for school computers

Vimolrat Singnikorn
The 16th international Thai boxing tournament will be held on December 27 to raise money to buy computers for schools in Pattaya. At the Pattaya City Hall on December 19, Wattana Chantanawaranon, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, and Yodtong Senanan, owner of Sityodtong Boxing Camp, met to plan the tournament which will be staged at Pattaya City School.

Yodtong Senanan, owner of Sityodtong Boxing Camp (left) and Wattana Chantanawaranon, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City.

The boxing match will be between Baan Rai Look Changsarn and the PorLek teams. Yodtong said proceeds from past tournaments had bought boxing equipment for the Pattaya prison, donated many scholarships for schools and had also been used to support Tsunami victims and a library in Nontaburi Prison.
For this event, the revenue will be used to buy computers for schools located in the Pattaya city area as well as bulletproof vests and other equipment for Pattaya police he said.
Reservations for VIP tickets are 1,000 baht and general tickets are 800 baht. On the day of the event, VIP tickets will be sold at 1,300 baht and general tickets at 1,000 baht.

The little fella shoots high again

PSC golf from the Phoenix Tuesday Group

Tuesday’s winners back at Toy’s Music Bar.

Mike Gerrard
The previous week was not worth reporting about due to the airport opening at last and a mass exodus from town occurring. However, there was one notable incident - on the par-5 Mountain 2nd hole, yours truly recorded a birdie and only used the driver for all four shots.
The 1st shot was sliced into the trees on the right, the 2nd shot was an attempt at a slice around the trees and only scuttled 120 yards along the floor, the 3rd shot was 220 yards out against the wind and the driver again put the ball 4 feet from the pin, the 4th shot was a putt, but after getting there for 3 with only the driver I decided to throw caution to the wind and try the putt with the driver. In she dropped to the delight of the caddie, but not my opponents.
I feel this must be quite unique. If any other players have unique experiences like this let us know. It makes for interesting reading.
On to this weeks game and we had a respectable 5 groups out. The weather is perfect at this time of the year, with blue skies, fresh winds and temperatures that we only dreamed about in our youth back home.
Ocean and Mountain was our challenge today, and what a challenge. Now the fairways have dried a little and the greens are up to speed there are not many players can boast playing to their handicap at Phoenix.
Back at Toy’s Music Bar (Soi Chaiyapreuk) we all had our first drink free and then shared the balance of the spoils to the lucky winners for today.
The youthful looking Stuart Gordon was the only player to break par today and hence was our victor with 37 points. In second place with 35 points was the unpronounceable Richard Terezkiviche and in third place the Casanova of Chaiyapreuk, Neil McAllister on 34 points.
Technical prizes went to Mike Gerrard, Stuart Gordon,Graham Dietrich and the lovable Italian with the best pizza’s in town, Giorgio Baccioli. The Lucky Draw went to newcomer and very handsome young Dodd.
Note to all PSC members: If you wish to play in our Tuesday group you can now enjoy a reduced green fee by being a member of the PSC. If our group is 20 strong or more you only pay 900 baht green fee in the high season. If our group is less than 20 strong you still only pay 1,000 baht as a guest of us members. Sadly, and as is usually the case, the members fees remain the same. However, at this point in time both Perry McNeely (the PSC Golf Chairman) and myself are hoping to get even further reductions for PSC members in the future.
For further information and to register for our group call me (Mike Gerrard) on 087 091 7565. Please note SMS text and Email registration is not acceptable -verbal contact must be made.
You all have a nice Christmas and a Happy New Year!

English polo team captures B. Grimm 130th Anniversary Cup

The victorious English polo team with Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (center) at the prize giving ceremony.

Saksiri Uraiworn
A team from England won the B. Grimm 130th Anniversary Cup polo tournament held at the Polo and Equestrian Club, Pattaya on December 13.
Dignitaries including Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Sultan of Pahans, Tengku Abdullah, Prince Abdullah of Pahans, and Harald Link, President of the Organizing Committee of the club were all in attendance and enjoyed the spectacle and a fine game of polo.

Action from the B. Grimm 130th Anniversary Cup polo tournament.
Wearing white, the English team comprising Andrew Hine, Jack Richardson, Eden Ormerod and Lanto Sheridan jousted with the Asian team in blue whose members included Muhammad Edham, Satinder Garcha, Ahmad Shzril Ezzani and Nat Pratumlee.
The Southeast Asian team quickly took a 1-0 lead but the English team caught up within 10 minutes then galloped ahead leaving their opponents on the wrong end of a 6-2 scoreline in the first chukka. The Asian team did their best to catch up but steady scoring from the English in the last two chukkas led to a final score of 10-6 at the end of the match.

Duthrie & Homes on fire at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, December 15, Plutaluang - Stableford
Almost another maximum field out today and with six cancellations overnight, and four additions early morning, it was yet again a nightmare for the organizers. On arrival we were given the South and East courses and standing on the elevated first tee on the South, and looking down the fairway, it was the best condition we had seen this course in for some time.

Division 2 and pairs-multiplier winner Tony Duthie celebrates with the girls at Siam Cats.

In the stableford competition, Neil Gamble easily won division 2 with 41 points, in second place was Joe Kubon on 37, and we then had three players competing for the last two places after they all scored 36 points: Roger Ribbins took third with the highest back nine count back of 17 whilst Tony Duthie and Tony Holehouse both had the same score on the back (6/3/2/1) so they were given equal fourth place.
There were two ‘2’s recorded on the South course in Division 1; Ted Morris on the 4th and Srithong Tann on the 7th shared the purse, while a rollover win in Division 2 kept Roger Ribbins smiling after he also got a ‘2’ on the 4th hole.
Wednesday, December 17, Phoenix – Stableford
An unusual cool breeze here made the playing conditions almost perfect today but with the speed of the greens and sodden patches on the aprons and fringes, we did not expect too many high scores. This proved the case in the two divisions with the same score of 36 points winning both.
With no mention of his name in many months Rick Newman took Division 2 with a level par round, Cully Monks came second with 35 and Ken Foster beat Russell Benson on a 12/11 back-6 count back for third after they finished with 33 points each - but Ken was not amused later as Miss Nom lost out on count back as well.
Bill Hewitt finishes fourth in Division 1 with 34 points, Peter Seward was one point better in third, and Ted Morris lost out on a 19/18 count back to Simon Kendall for first place after they both finished with 36 points.
Jean Morel recorded the only ‘2’ of the day on the Lakes 7th to take the Division 1 pot.
Friday, December 19, Eastern Star – The Xmas Extravaganza
Twenty six teams out today in a pairs-stableford multiplier as well as a 2-divisional individual competition for the 52 players in our annual Christmas tournament. Simple rules were in force, you needed one person from each division to make up your team.
The talk on the first tee was how many points normally win this pairs game, and the general consensus was around 72-74 points. Well the consensus was way off the mark as Tony Duthie and Chris Holmes came in with an amazing and unheard of score of 99 points to win the day - Well done lads! Jimmy Johnson and Kevin Walsh came is second way back on 74 points, while three back of them were Srithong and Billie Sampson in third, and Keith Hector and Roger Ribbins took fourth with 65 points.
In the 2-divisional individual stableford competition there were one or two remarkable scores filtering their way back to the clubhouse. In fourth place in Division 1 was Neville Scurrell who lost out to Kevin Walsh on a 19/18 back-nine count back after they both finished with 36 points, one point better in second place was Simon Kendall and the division winner with 38 points was Chris Holmes.
In the second division Miss Nom took fourth place after beating Roger Ribbins on a 21/14 count back when they both came in with 35 points, Martin Anderton’s 36 points gave him third place while the ever improving Billie Sampson remarkably finished second with 41 points after an unbelievable 45 points gave Tony Duthie the top podium position.
There were no ‘2’s in Division 1 but three in the second flight from Roger Ribbins on the 6th, and two from Russell Benson after his tee shot finished 1 foot from the pin, also on the 6th, and he then chipped in from the rough on the 17th.
After the presentation that evening, Russell Benson said a few words and presented the organizer with a very generous gift of a laptop after a collection from all at Jomtien Golf which was highly appreciated and will be a great help towards improving the society. Many thanks to everyone!
There was a free buffet back at Siam Cats for all the golfers and partners with live music to the early hours. Many thanks to Faa and Olaf for this.
Long Drives: Chris Holmes (Div 1); Don Head (Div 2); Billie Sampson (Ladies)
Near Pin (in 3 shots): Paul Bray; (in 4 shots): Tony Duthie
Near Pins (Div 1): Mam Morel, Tom Sathrum, Rudi Schafer and Paddy Wilson; (Div 2): Russell Benson, Joe Kubon and Page Thomas.
Long Putt: Kari Aarnio (Div 1); Josie Monks (Div 2).

Bob Lamond puts the lights out

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, December 15, Khao Kheow – Stableford
1st Norman Isherwood 38pts
2nd Jim Swander 37pts
3rd Mark Cooper 36pts
4th Derryck Smith 36pts
5th Fred Land 35pts
Khao Kheow must now currently be considered one of the top conditioned courses in the area, as they prepare for the upcoming Thai Junior Ladies Open, with the fairways immaculate and the rough tended and cropped correctly and of course not forgetting the first class greens. And with the course now much easier to get to, following the completion of the surrounding road system, it is now always well supported as was the case this day.
Norman Isherwood, following a short downward path with his handicap after it recently slipped out from 10 to 11, got back on track with a very nice two-under to take the top spot and ensure a drop back to a 10 handicap for the ensuing week.
Jim Swander took his first podium placing out of The Haven with a steady if unspectacular one-under handicap to claim second place. He was followed in by Mark Cooper in third who in turn just pipped Derryck Smith on count back with a 16 to Derryck’s 14. Fred Land was again in the prizes with a score one further back.
Not unusually at Khao Kheow there were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Michael Clifford, Bruce Kusyk and Mark Cooper.
Wednesday, December 17, Crystal Bay - Stableford
Division 1
1st Alan Pilkington 36pts
2nd Dave Howden 34pts
3rd Norman Isherwood 34pts
4th Bruce Kusyk 34pts
Division 2
1st George Pittam 37pts
2nd John Squitiero 35pts
3rd Fred Land 35pts
4th Chris Knapp 33pts
It is unsurprising in some ways to find that in the present world wide doom and gloom and with the all the currencies of the world suffering with the exception the US of A, and many countries advising against travel to Thailand, that the numbers continue to grow out at The Haven. Many people return year after year to enjoy the benefits of club style golf in a very friendly atmosphere. The day at Crystal Bay was another example of the growing surge, with two divisions required offering 4 prizes in each division.
Alan Pilkington at last showed some of the form that had propelled him to the IPGC net Club Champions position as he put in his best round since returning, and this on a day when scoring was at a premium with a wind that was blowing anywhere from hard to gale force throughout the round.
Dave Howden trailed back a couple of shots but finished just ahead of Norman Isherwood and Bruce Kusyk courtesy of the count back, with Dave having 17 and Norman beating Bruce with a 16 and 11 on the last six against Bruce’s 9.
George Pittam took the second division also by two shots to be the only player under par for the day. He was followed in by John Squitiero who just got the nod from Fred Land with a better inward half of 19 to Fred’s disappointing 14 after he had an outstanding front nine. Chris Knapp, never far from the podium, rounded out the second division in fourth place with a round that at least stayed in the buffer zone.
The double rollover in the first division 2’s was shared by Martin Grimoldby, Dave Howden and Norman Isherwood whilst in the second division the quintuple rollover went to Chris Knapp who very kindly added to the children’s box and brought the crowd a drink. John Squitiero was given a huge aaaaaaah by the assembled throng, having related his sad tale of his attempt at a ‘2’ that went twice round the cup for a double-lipper.
Friday, December 19, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Bob Lamond 39pts
2nd Dennis Scougall 33pts
3rd Danny Greer 33pts
It was a pity that so many of the regulars could not manage two days golf on the trot following the extremely successful scramble of the previous day held for the benefit of the Baan Jing Jai home for abandoned and orphaned children. But the small but exquisite group who turned out once again found this course in tip top condition with wide open fairways and deserted locker rooms.
Bob Lamond played an exceptional round to record a 74 gross that included 5 birdies and netted a handsome 39 points to easily run out the winner ahead of Dennis Scougall and Danny Greer, with Denis just getting the edge on count back by 19 points to 17. Bob’s effort was dented a little after standing on the 13th tee at 2 under gross as he then slipped in five bogies, but he recovered to record his 5th birdie on the 18th to round off a great days’ golf.
There were no ‘2’s in the first division but Chris Knapp continued his putting form and slid one in to take the second division pot.
Don’t forget Saturday December 27 at The Haven for the Children’s Christmas Party, for the less fortunate, which starts at around 1 pm.

Birthday boy hung out to dry

PSC Golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, December 15, Burapha - Stableford
The last two holes on American Links are getting longer and longer, in fact the blue tees are playing more like par fives with the prevailing wind this time of the year. If those two alone are not enough to wear you out, then the first hole on British Wood finishes you off. On in two, huh!

Bob Pearce with his infamous washing line.
Probably as an experiment and to try to keep everybody happy, the Outback have said handicappers of about 20 upwards will play from the white tees on all four nines, except in a tournament that requires an overall winner. The remainder will stay on the blues for A & B and move back to the blues for C & D.
Fifty-seven Outbackers tackled A & B from the blues last Monday with a clear blue sky and a good stiff breeze resulting in lovely playing conditions. It was Joe Mooneyham’s & John Kittilsen’s day out with both of them scoring 40 points and winning their respective divisions. Pottsy also played well for his 39 points to come second in Div C, all three of them receiving immediate handicap adjustments; Joe from 12.7 to 11.8, John from 20.7 to 19.4 and Pottsy from 19.2 to 18.3.
Joe’s performance also earned him three ladder points propelling him to second place, halfway through the monthly competition.
Rick Higgins, Paul Greenaway, Paul Bourke & Steve Giles all won complimentary green fees for Burapha following the three given away last week. The random draw will become a regular item at presentation for the next few weeks.
Finally, there were eight ‘2’s from Paul Greenaway, Nick Payne, Glyn Davies, Des Scott, Pete Stonebridge & Paul Bourke had THREE!
Div A (0-12)
1st Paul Bourke (11) 37pts
2nd Michael Waltschek (6) 35pts
3rd Briany Christie (1) 35pts
4th Patrick Regan (9) 34pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Joe Mooneyham (13) 40pts
2nd Barry Tregurtha (14) 37pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (16) 35pts
4th Barry Copestake (13) 34pts
Div C (17-21)
1st John Kittilsen (21) 40pts
2nd Campbell Potts (19) 39pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (21) 36pts
4th Mark Kembrey (17) 32pts
Div D (22+)
1st Jesse Serna (36) 34pts
2nd Peter Gibson (29) 31pts
3rd David Davies (23) 30pts
4th Jum Karagit (33) 30pts
Wednesday, December 17, Phoenix - Stableford
When Bob Pearce goes to play golf he is quite set in his routine; quite possibly from his long army career. He always takes a cart and routinely attaches the latest GPS gismo to the front, then fixes a short elasticated line across the front two supports just above eye level, on which he pegs his golf gloves. These are then readily available to change throughout the round and of course tend to dry out nicely in the sun and wind. However, some of the boys at the Outback decided to add a couple of extra items to his line much to the amusement of the caddies and the 41 Outbackers that were at Phoenix today, to enjoy Bob Pearce’s Outbacker Birthday Cup.
It was a great day out with the Phoenix management once again excelling themselves in their new tee time system, making it an absolute pleasure to come here and play golf. A further drop in the green fee, as a result of the negotiations by Perry McNeely, the PSC Golf Chairman, only added to the delights.
Ocean and Mountain were the designated nines; and this rapidly maturing course is no longer the pushover of the past. Keeping the ball straight is now essential as the tree lined fairways have grown and thickened and when on the green, just watch out for some slippery putts with today, some evil pin placements.
Pat Regan got the nod on count back from Bruce Milner to win the overall top prize and have his name added to the honours board as an Outbacker Birthday cup winner, scoring an excellent 38 points. Jack, who three putted the last, had to settle for Div A winner with his 37, just a snip ahead of Joe Mooneyham on 36. Des Scott, the current ladder leader, came in third with 34.
Kathy Doody (34) took Div B from Bruce McAdam on the same score, one more than Alan Pearce who had 17 points after 7 holes and Pete Stonebridge.
Back at the ranch, liver and bacon or cottage pie was laid on, all courtesy of Bob together with the customary nearest the pin 500 Baht vouchers that went to Bruce Milner, Bruce McAdam, Alan Bishop and Pete Stonebridge.
Great day Bob and Happy Birthday mate!
Overall
1st Patrick Regan (9) 38pts
2nd Bruce Milner (14) 38pts
Div A (0-14)
1st Jack Moseley (10) 37pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (12) 36pts
3rd Desmond Scott (9) 34pts
4th Ken Westall (14) 34pts
Div B (15-20)
1st Kathy Doody (20) 34pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (20) 34pts
3rd Alan Pearce (18) 33pts
4th Peter Stonebridge (19) 33pts
Div C (21+)
1st John Kittilsen (21) 36pts
2nd John Spiller (21) 34pts
3rd Jum Karagit (33) 34pts
4th Norm Martin (27) 31pts
Thursday, December 18, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
There were a few Outbackers who were unable to join Bob Pearce’s Birthday bash yesterday at Phoenix, so Bob played with them today. He fared a little better, scoring 20 points on the front nine, but then let the back nine get away. Nevertheless, Bob managed to scrape in fourth. The winner was a young Thai fellow playing off 6 with an excellent 38 points, beating Bob Martin (nice to see you playing again) on 36.
There were two ‘2’s from Bob Martin & Bob Pearce.
1st Saksit (6) 38pts
2nd Bob Martin (16) 36pts
3rd Ae O’Neill (10) 33pts
4th Bob Pearce (10) 33pts
Friday, December 19, Siam Plantation - Stableford
It was a windy and cold Siam Plantation that greeted the 47 golfers at the earlier than usual 10.04 am start time. The girls meeting the arriving transport were all wearing jackets and gloves as the wind whistled through the entrance area. Down at the start, near the driving range even the awaiting Outbackers commented on the temperature.
Scheduled to play the favoured Sugarcane (A) and Pineapple (C) nines, once again from the full white tees, many knew that it was going be an exceptionally difficult round. It was further complicated by last minute changes and late shows which gave Capt’ Bob more than his fair share of headaches.
John Emmerson shot the round of the day, scoring a brilliant 36 points on this 6,796 yard course rated at 72.6 with a slope of 134, surely worthy of a substantial handicap cut. Trailing in his dust was Martin Grimbody (31) and the big hitting John McHugh, who could only manage 29.
Div B was won by Barry Tregurtha on 31 points, with Joe Mooneyham rounding off the podium with a mere 25 after a four way count back.
Div C fared even worse with the 29 from John Kittilsen taking the win, whilst Eddy Werner scored a creditable 34 off a 29 handicap to win Div D.
There were no ‘2’s today with the prize pot being added to the divisions’ payout.
NOTE: The Outback Golf Bar have to supply a full list of names and players to the Siam Plantation management on Thursday afternoon prior to playing the following day. Please make sure you sign up with your Full Name (not nickname) and handicap to make it easier when compiling the start sheet. Take note of your start time and get to the course at least 30 minutes beforehand.
If you cannot make it for some unavoidable reason please give Capt’ Bob as much notice as you can. Minor last minute changes are easily dealt with but alterations involving persons that are completely unknown to the Outback make re-organising the groups extremely tiresome.
Div A (0-11)
1st John Emmerson (11) 36pts
2nd Martin Grimoldby (6) 31pts
3rd John McHugh (8) 29pts
4th David Brannigan (11) 28pts
5th Bryan Seib (5) 28pts
Div B (12-15)
1st Barry Tregurtha (14) 31pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (12) 30pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (12) 29pts
4th Bruce Milner (14) 28pts
5th Joe Mooneyham (12) 25pts
Div C (16-19)
1st John Kittilsen (19) 29pts
2nd James Bryan (16) 27pts
3rd Peter Stonebridge (19) 26pts
4th George Pittam (16) 25pts
5th Jean Bruneau (18) 25pts
Div D (20+)
1st Eddy Werner (29) 34pts
2nd Fritz Schanzer (30) 30pts
3rd Dr. Dragon (24) 29pts
4th Lui Guiozan (22) 29pts
5th Bruce McAdam (20) 26pts
Friday, December 19, Eastern Star - Stableford
Just a small group of Outbackers made it to this course today, probably due to the early 8.55am start time. Connie Enz won the day with 34 points followed by David Davies with 32.
1st Connie Enz (28) 34pts
2nd David Davies (23) 32pts
Just remains for Capt’ Bob & Jack & all the staff at the Outback Golf Bar to wish everybody a very Happy New Year. 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.

MacDonald takes the Mug for December

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, December 15, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Treasure Hill Golf was the host to a stableford competition in two flights on Monday with the cut at handicap 18. The course on the day was in fair shape with the greens being cored and sanded, but the ball was still rolling OK.

Brian MacDonald (right) receives the Monthly Mug from Dave Richardson.

Takeshi Hakozaki won the A Flight on a count back over Paul Huneker, both with 35 points. Einar Johannson was third on a count back from Don Richardson in fourth, both 34 points.
Kevin Dinan won the B Flight with 36 points ahead of Bjorn Kristian Johannson with 35 points in second. In third was Wayne Koch on a count back from Carol Kubicki, both with 31 points.
Near Pins: J.C. Lhoste, Eric Merlin, Locker
Thursday, December 18, Phoenix – Stroke/Monthly Mug
This Mug gets harder to win at this time of the year, quite simply because more people play. On this day we had 12 groups so one would think that you had to play really well and shoot a very good score to win, would one not? Well watch this space and find out the surprise truth.
At Phoenix it was a really great day, a little windy perhaps, but the course was in excellent condition and the greens were fast and tricky. So off we went on the Mountain and Lake Nines, certainly for me the toughest 18 holes here.
With no one ahead of us for the first nine we were able to zoom ahead and all looked fine, then we caught up with the blockage ahead and slowed down, however we still got around in just under 4 hours, not bad for December. They say it is an ill wind that blows no one any good, for us the downturn means quieter courses, enough said.
We had a late start on the day at Phoenix, so by the time we got back to the Cafe Kronborg it was dark, and the town was packed. Finally we got there and soon all was ready for the presentation.
In the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Mike Sanders with a net 75 on count back over Neil Allison in second, and we also had a count back for third on net 76 with Don Richardson in third and John Dean in fourth. Johan Reynisson was the unlucky one to just miss out.
In the B Flight the winner was Patrick Poussier with a net 74 ahead of Peter Hammond in second on count back. In third was Liu Giu Lin with a net 75 and in fourth was Carole Kubicki with a net 78.
So to the big one, and the winner of the Mug was Brian MacDonald with a net 73 which just goes to prove that you only have to do enough to win, and need a little luck because I have seen a net 62 lose on count back. Well done Brian and keep going to church. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Kevin Dinan, Johan Reynisson (2), Patrick Poussier
Long Putt: Bjorn Kristjohannson, Carole Kubicki

Birdies galore at Bangpakong

The “Boss” is back on form

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
It has to said that the organiser of the TRGG, Fergus Brennan, has not been on his best game for some time. Muttering has been heard in the bar about his form over past weeks and I know for a fact that he has made many visits to the driving range in an attempt to get his game back on track. Well the drought is over and he is back with a bang having taken two wins last week, one on Monday at Crystal Bay and again at Phoenix on Thursday with a very strong forty-pointer.

The man of the week: Fergus Brennan.

Ted Senior also achieved back to back wins in the first and second divisions: at Phoenix Thursday in the second division and then topping that with a first division win on Saturday at Plutaluang. Well done Ted.
On a very different note we at the TRGG would like to thank all the management of the courses that we visit for their having recognised a downturn in participating players in this the high season for various reasons: the current economic climate around the world, the bad exchange rates and a downturn in tourism in general being just some of them. They have now subsequently reduced their prices to us and are thus encouraging more players to turn out - a very refreshing move in these very difficult times.
Monday, December 15, Crystal Bay B & A - Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 36pts
2nd Terry Worth (14) 35pts
3rd David Walter (12) 34pts
4th Chuck Carriere (12) 33pts
5th Eamon Murtagh (18) 33pts
We had a fair turnout on our visit to this great golf course. Just the one division but prizes were given to fifth spot, and as headlined, Fergus was back with a win and thirty-six points. One back from Fergus in second was Terry Worth and in third was David Walter on thirty-four. Fourth and fifth places were fought out between Chuck Carriere and Eamonn Murtagh with Chuck just edging it.
There were two 2’s on the day, one each for Ray Trembath (good to see him back) and Fergus.
Tuesday, December 16, Bangpra - Stableford
Division 1
1st Stuart Rogers (11) 37pts
2nd George Robinson (12) 35pts
3rd Tony Perry (14) 33pts
Division 2
1st Donald Pearson (33) 37pts
2nd Jack McNamara (21) 36pts
3rd J.J.Clarke (22) 34pts
At Bangpra on Tuesday we had a very large group participating, so two full divisions. The course was in excellent condition and the greens were some of the fastest encountered in a while, which showed in the scoring.
Division two (16 up) saw J.J Clarke take third spot at thirty-four, Jack McNamara was second at thirty six and the win went to Donald Pearson with thirty seven.
In Division one (0-15) it was Tony Perry coming third after a three-way count back over Fergus and Danny Wheelan, all on thirty-three. Second place went to George Robinson with thirty-five points, but bettering him by two at thirty-seven was Stuart Rogers in first.
Four twos were recorded by Brendan Moore, Jack Merrick, Donald Pearson and Andy Turner.
Thursday, December 18, Phoenix Mountain & Ocean - Stableford
Division 1
1st Fergus Brennan (11) 40pts
2nd Brendan Moore (14) 37pts
3rd Danny Wheelan (14) 35pts
4th Ray Trembath (9) 34pts
Division 2
1st Ted Senior (16) 37pts
2nd Mike Lockwood (32) 36pts
3rd Monique Bunce (21) 35pts
4th Michael Healy (16) 34pts
A regular weekly visit to Phoenix on Thursday and the entry list was again very high. This course is very popular and why shouldn’t it be as it is always in excellent condition. The greens this week in particular were lightning quick and a real test.
Ted Senior took the second division (16 up) with a thirty-seven-pointer, in second was Mike Lockwood just one back and Monique Bunce came third on thirty-five. Fergus was back again at the top for his second win of the week in Division 1 (0-15) with a great forty points and three clear of second spot Brendan Moore. Danny Whelan came third a further two points back.
No ‘2’s recorded on the day (the green speed must have had something to do with it I am sure).
Saturday, December 20, Plutaluang S & E – Stableford
Division 1
1st Ted Senior (15) 40pts
2nd George Robinson (12) 39pts
3rd Brendan Moore (13) 49pts
Division 2
1st Nijole Murtagh (26) 36pts
2nd Alan Evans (26) 36pts
3rd Michael Healy (16) 33pts
Saturday we went to Plutaluang with very good participation and the course was as ever in excellent condition. However, it was a long day of golf with rounds taking up to six hours, so it was a very late finish.
In the second division (16 up) Michael Healy came in third on thirty-three and first and second places were decided on count back thirty-sixes, with Nijole Murtagh just edging out Alan Evans.
In the top division Brendan Moore was in third place after loosing on count back to George Robinson, both on thirty-nine, and Ted Senior made it a second win for the week just the one ahead at forty.
Four ‘2’s went to Michael Wilson, Brendan Moore, Peter Morris and Michael Healy.

PSC Christmas Party serves up lots of fun, food and festive cheer

Derek Brook
The Christmas Party of Pattaya Sports Club was held at the Asia Pattaya Hotel on Wednesday, December 17 and about 450 happy PSC members and friends attended. Indeed, so keen to attend were some members that they arrived way early and the doors, which were supposed to be opened at 7 p.m., had to be opened at least 30 minutes earlier.

P.S.C. President Dennis Willett addresses the party goers.
This is the ‘prime’ party of the year for the PSC and our Social Chairman had been beavering away for many weeks to make it a success - so well done Mike!
Asia Pattaya is indeed an impressive hotel, and the parking outside was well organised by the staff and each driver was ushered into his slot. Inside the entrance is imposing and the banquet hall is large and impressive. Then The PSC President Dennis Willett did his speech and said the magic words, “Food is served.”
It has to be said that the only real weakness in the past has been a shortage of space to lay out all the food and last year this was a major problem. This time around the Social Chairman’, Mike Gerrard, decided to send the people to the buffet by table rotation. This worked well, except I suppose for the last tables, however there was plenty of food and the quality was excellent so all were able to enjoy the atmosphere and the big spread.
There was just about all one could wish for, from Thai food to roasts, beef, pork, ham, turkey, seafood, salmon, prawns etc. - really good and well prepared.

A lucky winner picks up 1 Baht of gold in the prize draw.
As the guests were tucking in to their food, a few comments were made by the Social Chairman. He wished to thank the ‘girls’ in the PSC office for their efficiency in the way they handled the tickets and also Perry McNeely, Tony Oakes, Max Mathews and the two Xmas girls for controlling the entrance (this was probably the best dressed group of PSC members at a party for many a year).
Thanks also went to the sponsors, P.S.C., Shenanigans, Apex Beauty Parlour, various Pattaya media outlets, PJ Golf Simulator at St Andrews, and The San Miguel Company who donated a large amount of San Miguel Light beer and gave us a couple of pretty girls to distribute it.

The Golf Chairman Perry McNeely with his helpers ensured the dress code was strictly adhered to.
So the night went on, and after the food we had the ‘Lucky Draw’ where the star prize was to be a 1 Baht gold chain but also in excess of 70,000 baht worth of prizes. Mike as usual was the Emcee, however, he did get the last Social Chairman and girls to volunteer to help with the prize draw. Well done Doug and well done Mike who restrained himself from giving us a song. Probably because he was too interested in watching the cabaret, yes, dancing girls!
Prize draw over it was back to the dancing to the accompaniment of the excellent band and the dance floor was full.
Great food, super hotel, free drink and lots of beautiful women, what more can a pensioner want at Xmas? Yes I know, Santa to come and fill my Xmas stocking. I suspect many members Xmas stockings are full. This time of year for many is about people having a good time so I concentrated on taking photos of the couples, with a few ‘Goldies’ thrown in.
A very Merry Xmas and prosperous 2009 goes from all at the Pattaya Sports Club to our members and all the readers of the Pattaya Mail. T.T.F.N.

The fabulous dance troupe have the Social Chairman wishing
he was just a few years younger.

Beautiful Game? by Riz Taylor

The real Champions League

No sooner had the balls been drawn from the fishbowl in last week’s Champions League draw than the cries from the English media began about the draw being too tough for the Premier League clubs.
Spare me. What on earth do people expect when the competition is weighted towards the same old big sides having multiple cracks at making it to the knockout phase of this famous competition? The result of the obsolete and at times downright ridiculous group stage is that all the old cronies made it through, but for the football purist it means some cracking ties ahead of us. With three Premier League sides making it to the last four of the competition for the last two years, this second round draw has thrown up a genuine test for each of them.
Clear your diary for mid-February because there are some wonderful ties on offer. Rafa Benitez leading Liverpool to the club where he made his name as a coach looks like an enthralling tie, and with the benefit of the home crowd on the second leg the scousers have little to be afraid of. How about Chelsea and Juventus and a first leg at Stamford Bridge to welcome the popular Claudio Ranieri back to West London?
Arsenal have a tricky draw against Roma, particularly as they head to the Stadio Olimpico for the second leg, and in another Anglo-Italian encounter holders Manchester United visit Jose Mourinho’s Inter. Perhaps this is the opportunity for their Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to finally live up to the hype on the European stage. And yet despite all this, Barcelona and Lyon might be the tie of the round.
More on these matches nearer the time, but here’s the draw to whet the appetite: the matches to be played 24-25 February & 10-11 March.
Champions League Draw
Chelsea            v Juventus
Villarreal           v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid  v Porto
Lyon                v Barcelona
Real Madrid      v Liverpool
Arsenal            v Roma
Inter                 v Manchester United

Claudio Ranieri on facing Chelsea: “I can’t say that I’m happy, but it’s a beautiful tie, a fascinating one and we will have to be in top form. Chelsea is a team that is constructed to win the Champions League and for Abramovich not to win it, it would be a disaster. For our part, we will try to stop Chelsea from reaching the top of the world which is where Abramovich has programmed them to arrive to.
“It’s a difficult but a stimulating tie for us but I don’t think they will be happy to be facing us. You cannot forget four years at a club. I don’t think Chelsea forget either.”
Jose Mourinho on facing Manchester United: “This is fantastic for us because it means we will be playing against the best, they [United] are the best, they are the champions and I think they will win World Club Cup too.
“We lost motivation during the group stage, because we thought it was going to be easy, but it was not. This job against Manchester United is an easy job for me because I know the players will be full of desire to play, it will not be difficult for me to get them focused.”
Let the games begin
The festive season is already well underway, and that can only mean that once you’ve finished playing with your presents and eaten too much it must be time to get yourself lost in a footballing frenzy from now until New Year and beyond, as everything really begins to hot up.
If you’re attentively reading the Pattaya Mail today, which would be Friday, you’re rewarded for your commitment with a full list of tonight’s Premier League fixtures below. I’ll leave it to you to work out which game looks the most enticing, but here’s a clue – it’s Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa.
Hull City away at Manchester City is also worth a mention, and if you’re into youngsters with no experience doing anything for money why not check out Tony Adams’ Portsmouth at home to Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham. Sunderland against Sam Allardyce’s new Blackburn might be worth your time if you’re feeling kinky.
And then on Sunday we do it all over again. Newcastle and Liverpool open things up for us in what could be a belter of a match at St.James’ Park, and then a resurgent Bolton against the impressive Wigan Athletic will be worth a watch in the main round of fixtures at 9 p.m. our time, or you might like to see Tony Adams return to the Emirates, where he never played of course.
Blackburn face Manchester City in the late one, and on Tuesday Middlesbrough travel to newly-crowned World Champions Manchester United. If you can stay up long enough you’ve got to like the prospect of Hull at home to Aston Villa very late on Tuesday.
These are the last Premier League fixtures until January 10, so make the most of them.
GB for 2012?
FIFA is expected to sanction a Great Britain football team for the London 2012 Olympics. Fabulous news for Britain then, unless you’re from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all of whom oppose the idea.
The issue is to be discussed by Fifa’s executive committee in Tokyo and the game’s governing body is thought to be in favour of a British team taking part. Madcap FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, has already expressed his desire to have the hosts represented at the London Games and is happy for all the players to be English if the other home nations do not want to take part. “The executive committee are certain to rule in favour of a Great Britain team - but only for London 2012, not beyond,” said a ‘source’.
By 2012, it will be 52 years since a British football team has participated in the Olympics and the issue since 1964 is the same objection currently shared by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - the concern that taking part in 2012 would threaten their future as separate entities. But FIFA’s support for a British team has seen the general secretary Jérome Valcke meet Jim Murphy, the secretary of state for Scotland, to assure him that a British team would not threaten the separate associations.

Friday, 26 December 19:45 Stoke                   v     Manchester United 20:00 Chelsea                v     West Bromwich Albion 20:00 Tottenham             v     Fulham 20:00 Portsmouth           v     West Ham 22:00 Liverpool               v     Bolton Wanderers 22:00 Manchester City    v     Hull City 22:00 Middlesbrough       v     Everton 22:00 Sunderland            v     Blackburn 22:00 Wigan Athletic       v     Newcastle 00:15 Aston Villa            v     Arsenal

 

Sunday, 28 December
19:00 Newcastle       v     Liverpool
21:00 Arsenal           v     Portsmouth
21:00 Bolton Wanderers   v  Wigan Athletic
21:00 Everton           v     Sunderland
21:00 Fulham            v     Chelsea
21:00 West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham
21:00 West Ham      v     Stoke
23:15 Blackburn       v     Manchester City
Monday, 29 December (early Tuesday)
03:00 Manchester United v Middlesbrough
Tuesday, 30 December (early Wednesday)
03:00 Hull City v Aston Villa

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Twas the day after Christmas and so readers take heed
All is not well at the Casa’ de Reed
Santa has come and gone in a flash
Leaving not a hair for the pate or a bundle of cash
Jeeves has gone AWOL maybe caught up in sin
But probably in Bangkok playing to win
His Lordship is stuck composing his prose
He’s in a hell of a spot after “A Rose is a Rose”
This is the time when the strong will emerge
Alas it’s a mental breakdown he’s on the verge
Never the less he’s typing away
With hope in his heart that this is the day
Genius will come while the words are a flow
How could he have allowed Jeeevs just to go?
Then the door flies open and what should appear
By gosh it’s Jeeves with a fresh load of beer
“Sorry I’m late but you know how it goes
“Don’t tell me you started with a ‘Rose is A Rose’?”
Can The Square Ring survive, will the deadlines be met?
Now that Jeeves has arrived it’s a darn good bet.
Box fights in Thailand
No “Eye Dear” where this fight card is but do know that it’s next Friday (maybe) somewhere in Thailand.  Chonlatarn “The Dangerous River” Piriyapinyo (27-0) will defend his ABCO featherweight title against Jack Asis, whose record of 12-10 is actually not that good.  He’s 1-4-1 over his last 6.
These two met last April with Piriyapinyo getting a UD 115-113 all around.  One boxing service has Piriyapinyo as the best featherweight in the world.  That’s what it do say.  Then what the heck is he fighting a tomato can for?
On the same card is former ladies’ no-weight WBC champ, Winyu Paradorngym (5-2).  The promoter claims that she “will get to stretch her legs before reclaiming her title back.”  Yes my dear, just throw that leg over.
Paragorngym became the WBC champ when she beat Japan’s Momo Koseki via UD in only her third fight.  The rematch was a year later.  In that one Momo got a quick second round KO at the 48 second mark.  Who will Paragornguym be fighting?  Is up to you.
Big things that go bump…
Heavyweight James Toney (71-6-3) got an early Christmas present when he won a “tactical” twelve round split decision over Fres Oquendo (29-4).  The description “tactical” didn’t come from the TSR computer.  When “tactical” is used in boxing it’s another word for boring.  The only tactic that Toney used was finding 2 judges that were lousy.  Both TV commentators, Barry Tomkins and Wally Mathews, had it for the out of luck Oquendo, as did TSR.  Toney was terrible.
Tommy Gun
Nowhere do athletes reinvent themselves more than in boxing.  If you’re a heavyweight there’s always a place for you.  Using my best Rodney Dangerfield impersonation, “Take Tommy Morrisson … please!”  He went from heavyweight contender to pretender, then to oblivion.  Now he’s back, as Aussie Promoter Peter Maniatis brings Morrison in for a ‘black tie’ HIV-AIDS benefit on April 17.  Morrison’s career was derailed by substance abuse and testing positive for AIDS.  “Tommy Gun” will fight TBA.
Next for V. Klitschko?
That would depend on who you talk to, who you believe and where the money trail leads.  Eliminate the first two and you’ll be able to answer the $64 dollar question.
David Haye claims that he has a “verbal deal” for a fight against V. Klitschko next June in London.  Fact is that some newspapers are announcing the fight as a done deal.  Beware, with a “verbal deal” and the price of a bar fine you can find love on a temporary basis.  The late movie mogul Harry Cohen once said, “His verbal word isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.”  Yes he ended a sentence with a preposition but millionaires can do that.
“We sat down and talked numbers that made sense for both sides, and it’s done and dusted,” stated Haye to the BBC.  “We agreed terms and just need to dot the I’s and cross the T’s.  Plain and simple, this is how boxing should be.”
It’s that dotting and crossing that causes the problems.  The WBC has mandated that Klitschko next face Juan Carlos Gomez.  If the fight happens it will be in Germany and not on TV.  No one cares although one does have to like some of Gomez comments.
Talking about David Haye, Gomez said, “In fact, we have a lot in common.  We both used to be the best cruiserweights in the world, now we both want to become world heavyweight champions and get rid of those annoying Ukrainians.  But David, I got one advice for you, keep your hands off Vitali.  He’s mine.  You can go after Wladimir if you want.  He will be easier to handle for you anyways.  If you desperately want to fight Vitali you will have to wait until I stripped his belt from him.  After we dethrone both Klitschko sisters we can go on and find out one on one who is the best heavyweight fighter in the world if you want.  It will be my honor and pleasure to beat you up to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
He called the Klitschkos sisters?
Hatton - Pacquiao?
There are facts of life and then there are facts of boxing life.  One fact of boxing life is that when Promoter Bob Arum has an in-demand “name” boxer, he calls the shots.  With that as a “given” it is funny to hear Ricky Hatton’s lawyer Gareth Williams say, “Hatton is interested in a showdown with Manny Pacquiao but only under the Hatton camp’s terms.”  Translated to “real talk” that means they will not meet.  Manny will fight under Bob Arums terms or not fight at all.
After digging a hole and climbing in, Williams then pulled dirt on top of himself: “We want to make the fight; our preference is Manny Pacquiao because we think that is a great fight.  Ricky has made no secret of the fact he wants to take on the best and Pacquiao is regarded as the best... but it has to be on our terms.  We won’t be bullied or forced into any decision that is not on our terms.”  Have to wonder if anyone asked Mr. Williams, “What’s this ‘we’ stuff, lawyer person?”
Then along came Golden Boy (Oscar De La Hoya) Promotions.  Their CEO Richard Schaefer says that a Hatton-Pacquiao May 2 date in Las Vegas is “nearly done.”  Talking to the AP, Schaefer said, “I’m encouraged by the way it’s going, and I’m talking to Hatton again.” 
Have a funny feeling that Hatton’s lawyer Williams isn’t calling the shots - in fact he’s unarmed.
Most think that Pacquiao would “do the business” on Hatton.  Not so says Australian legend Jeff Fenech.  While having a night out with WBC Muay Thai guy Pat Cusick, Fenech said, “Ricky Hatton will beat Pacquiao.”  Fenech feels that Hatton has “yet to peak and has what it takes to beat the Philippine champ.”
Sugar Shane in deep stuff?
The saga of ‘Sugar” Shane Mosley, such as it is, continues.  The fallout remains from his Grand Jury testimony admitting that he injected himself with the performance enhancing substance EPO before his second fight with Oscar in 2003.  When that testimony became public, his January 24 fight with Antonio Margarito was moved from strict testing Las Vegas, Nevada to the rather lax Los Angeles, California.
All sides deny that the fight was moved because of drug testing.  But then an American president once said, “I did not have sex with that women (long pause) ….Miss Lewinsky.”  Some think at the time he was talking to Ms. Lewinski.
The New York Daily News is reporting that the WBC may take some action as Mosley is still the WBC interim welter champion.  “It was a real surprise to read that Mosley has confessed that he did take those medicines, those drugs that are totally prohibited by the WBC,” WBC president Jose Sulaiman told the NY Daily News.  “The WBC rules state that we must have a hearing.  This is a matter of serious concern to us.”
The WBC legal counsel is currently gathering evidence on Mosley to present to the WBC Board of Governors.  A WBC ban or action would send a message to other fighters.
Results from Ratchadamnurn Boxing Stadium, Thailand
Of the ten bouts held a week last Thursday there was nary a KO - all the fights were decided by points although what the scoring was is a mystery, to be kept secret one may assume, for further generations of scholars to discover. As the results were communicated to TSR with no records and only names, none of which rings a bell, the winners and losers, like the scoring, will remain locked away in a vault.
Hoylfield-Valuev
in Zurich
Nikolay Valuev won a majority decision (114-114, 115-114, 116-112) over Evander Holyfield in a match described as “unspectacular” by most of the media.  Well what the heck did they expect?  Holyfield is 46 years old and Valuev is called the Russian Giant with moves that make Dr. Frankenstein’s creation look like Fred Astair.
When the decision was announced, the Zurich crowd booed Valuev and cheered Holyfield.  There is talk of a rematch.  That begs the question, “Why?”
As part of the undercard, former IBO (I Be Ordinary) champ Mads Larsen got a 7th round KO over Robert Cocco.  What that means in the big picture of the super-middleweight division is up in the air.  Larsen had a shot at the IBF/WBA titles but lost a majority decision to Sven Ottke back in ’03.  With Mikkel Kessler back in action that probably makes Larsen the second best Danish super-middleweight.
The end for Cocco last weekend came after a “huge left” had him pinned to the ropes, which prompted his corner to toss in the towel.
Jeeves Time
“Jeeves, what in the heck are you doing with those two suitcases?”
“Your Lordship, I have decided to tender my resignation to you as of today.  I’m finished, I quit, I’m gone like a flash.”
“That’s good timing Jeeves.  While you were playing in Bangkok I received notice that The Square Ring would no longer be appearing in the Pattaya Mail.  This is our last column.”
“Your Lordship what will we do?”
“Well Jeeves, as the late radio icon Don Sherwood used to say, ‘Out of the mud grows the lotus.’”
“Meaning what your Lordship?”
“No ‘Eye Dear’ my good man.  But with a goodly supply of lager, some fine tobacco sticks, the world of sport and some sounds we will muddle through.  Because my man, as they say in Thailand ‘Cheewit dee krap’ (Life is good).  Oh, and Jeeves, as you’ll be the last out the gym door, please turn out the lights on The Square Ring.”

Geoff Hart has a round to remember

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, December 15, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Colin Stokes (26) 37pts
2nd PJ Redmond (21) 36pts
3rd Jack Robertson (23) 34pts
4th Gerry Cooney (10) 33pts
Near Pins: Ken Ellemore, William Macey, Frank Nellison, Tony Robbins.
The higher handicap players like to play stableford as it gives them a better chance to win and today proved the point with the first three places going to golfers with handicaps in the 20’s.
Colin Stokes took the honours with 37 points with PJ a close second, Jack Robertson was a couple of points further back in third place and Gerry Cooney, playing off handicap 10, came in fourth with 33 points.
Wednesday, December 17, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Geoff Hart (20) 41pts
2nd Colin Greig (13) 36pts
3rd Gordon Melia (14) 35pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Ken Ellemore, Koji Yamada, William Macey.
Not sure what went on at Khao Kheow today. Playing stableford the scores are usually pretty average, but today Geoff Hart tore the course up winning with 41 points giving the reason that his putter was red hot - “They were going in from everywhere” he said.
Trailing five points behind Geoff came Colin Greig to finish runner up and one point further back was Gordon Melia in third place.
Friday, December 19, Green Valley - Medal
A Flight
1st Alan Sullivan (13) net 69
2nd Koji Yamada (16) net 70
3rd Mashi Kaneta (11) net 72
B Flight
1st Steve Durey (21) net 67
2nd Hugh O’Donnell (24) net 69
3rd PJ Redmond (21) net 74
Near Pins: Roy Hughes, Colin Greig, Jack Robertson, Koji Yamada.
Playing a Medal round at Green Valley is always a pleasure but it is even better when the green fees are as inexpensive as the price the Pattaya Sports Club has negotiated.

Father Larry (centre right) accepts a donation of 34,000 Baht from the Bunker’s Mick Ramshaw (centre left). These proceeds from the John Preddy Memorial Golf Tournament will go to the Streetkids Drop In Centre Charity.

The cut was set at handicap 17 and Hugh O’Donnell thought he had done enough to win the B Flight when he came into the clubhouse with a three-under par net 69, but it wasn’t good enough as Steve Durey came in with a fantastic five-under par to take the kitty. PJ Redmond came third a distant five shots behind Hugh.
Alan Sullivan got back to winning ways after his recent slump in form to win the A Flight with a three-under the card score ahead of Koji in second place and Mashi in third, and yet again Gerry Cooney missed out on the prizes by losing to Mashi on a count back!
Children’s Charity
The proceeds from the John Preddy Memorial Tournament were presented last week to the children’s charity that has been adopted by The Bunker Boy’s. Last Thursday the street kids from the Drop In Centre visited The Bunker to receive a cash donation and the golfer’s were treated to Christmas carols sang in very good English by the children who turned up in force.
Father Larry received the cash on behalf of the charity and expressed his gratitude to all the golfers who participated in the annual tournament. Anyone wishing to get involved in helping these unfortunate children can visit their website www.fr-ray.org (Drop In Centre) and make a donation or call Derek on +66 (0) 852869673.

Jones wins on merit

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Len takes Khao Kheow in fine style
The Pattaya Golf Society decided to test themselves on the excellent Khao Kheow B and C track on Tuesday, December 16 for the final PGS Order of Merit event of the year, this on a course which currently must rank amongst the best in the province. The brutal Bermuda rough has been trimmed but the fairways are still tight and the greens tricky.
There were two flights for the stableford event, cut at eighteen and under and in the top flight the scores were surprisingly low with thirty points being good enough for third place as Don Nellis and Alex Sala showed. The flight’s winners were David Thomas and Ray Banks who tied at the top with 31 points each.
Similarly in the second flight Ray Underwood and Ann Silawong shared third place with 29 points each, whilst newest member, Aussie octogenarian Rowley Morris went one better for second with his 30 points. The flight winner with the best score of the day was “Mr PGS”, Len Jones and his 34-point haul suggests he may have now exited the golfing wilderness he has made his home for many months: The length was there, as was the accuracy, and, whisper it quietly, the chipping “yips” had taken flight!
Erik Anttonen, Don Nellis and Carl Lovatt took shares of the 2’s pot and Carl had also sponsored near-pins in celebration of his birthday, the winners being Matti Lindholm, Peter Briggs, Evan Millar and Tony Kitchen.
Unable to hide any longer, Michael Lindberg took the Booby Bevy as losing captain in a Sweden - England sub plot and failing to pass the red tees on one hole. All good things come to those who wait as Len and Michael can readily testify. Khao Kheow had been a splendid host for the day.
Morris dances at Bangpra
The PGS travelled to Bangpra on Thursday, December 18 for a stableford competition. The field, bereft of some senior members who were playing in a charity event at Eastern Star, was divided into two flights at twenty and under and they found the course in excellent shape. The greens in particular were lightning fast and scores were destined to be unremarkable.
In the top flight Evan Millar joined Alex Sala in third place with 31 points whilst Simon Kendall took the win with 32. In the second flight Bill Pickersgill took third with 30 points whilst Jim Ferris again found some consistency with a good second place finish on 31.
The best score of the day was that of senior golfer Rowley Morris - no relation to “Old” and “Young Tom”, but almost a contemporary! Rowley’s 38 points defied the course conditions for a fine win.
The only birdie ‘2’ came from a David Thomas “special”, a chip-in on hole 8 and Ray Banks’ “hot and cold” round received the Booby Bevy after a card bearing an 18 - 3 split.
Thanks must go to Stuart Thompson for his successful on course management debut in place of Mr Len whilst the latter was unwinding at Eastern Star in the build-up to the PGS’s Annual Scramble which is to be held at the course on December 29.
Ray Banks his
first big win
The Pattaya Golf Society left Soi Buakhao on Saturday, December 20 for the relative peace of a day’s competition golf at The Emerald course in Ban Chang where they found the course in reasonably good condition but with tight lies on the fairways. The day was set for a close stableford event with the two flights cut at seventeen and under.
In the second flight it was “colonials” nearly all the way as Canadian Jack Robertson and Ann Silawong tied for third place with 27 points, a long way behind runner-up Rowley Morris whose 33 points showed that seniority comes with consistency. Aussie Alex Sala took the flight honours with 35 points for a long overdue win.
The top flight saw much better golf as Peter Biggs and Wichai Tananusorn tied for second with level par 36s. The day’s best gross was 76 but the eleven handicap of Ray Banks gave him 43 points for his best ever round in the Kingdom. It was an astonishing performance from a golfer who had carded 18 - 3 for the Booby Bevy only two days previously.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Ray, Stuart Thompson, Peter Biggs and Rowley Morris and the Booby Bevy went to Dave Cadwallader who was so excited at a return to PGS golf that he left Rabbi’s Elephant Bar without his sports bag at the start of the day.
It had also been a debut in on-course management by Chris Voller and all the players thanked him for his efficiency. The Emerald had thrown up another fine golf day.

Montana take outright lead once more

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Rich Montana, Kran Nielsen, Franz, Mio Aamlid,
Antero Ronkainen, Nok Kennedy & Leen Schaap.

Montana won three points from Canada and took over sole possession of first place once again. Bowling was not very good in lanes 15-16 and only Joe Ferral managed a decent 517 series for Canada.
Antero Ronkainen bowled a 225 game and a very good 580 series to lead Brother D to a three point win over second place VFW Post 9876. Meanwhile Nok Kennedy bowled a 219 game and 550 series to lead her third place Sabai Sabai Friday team to a three point win over Montgomery.
Café Kronborg won three points from House of the Golden Coin with Kran Nielsen leading the way with games of 187, 215, and 178 for a 578 series. Mio Aamlid led House of the Golden Coin with a 221 game and 535 series. Café Ole and Jack Tar split their match with each team getting two points. Sala Thai Restaurant took three points from Bavaria with scores being not very impressive in lanes 5-6.
Bowling as Pacers, Franz bowled a 203 game, 530 series, Rich Montana bowled a 233 game, 561 series and Leen rolled a 203 game, 538 series.

Ken covers himself - but not in glory

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, December 16, Plutaluang N & W (White tees) - Stableford
A Flight (0-14)
1st David Gardner (9) 39pts
2nd John Roddis (11) 35pts
3rd Peter Fitton (14) 34pts
4th Ian Wheeldon (11) 32pts
B Flight (15-up)
1st Neil Duncan (16) 36pts
2nd Rob Gandley (21) 33pts
3rd Dennis Jaycock (17) 32pts
4th Willy Nachbur (24) 32pts
Reverting to the preferred combination of North and West a goodly group of twenty three turned out to play.

The top three from Treasure Hill: (Left to right) David Gardner, “Paco” and the Scribe.

David Gardner shot three-under par to record 39 points and first place in the A Flight, some 4 points clear of John Roddis in second. The scribe was three clear at the top of the B Flight after going round in a level par 36 points.
Near pin dividend payouts in course order went to Rob Gandley, David Smith, Peter Fitton and David Gardner with Willy Nachbur knocking in the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average score for the day was 29.2 points.
Thursday, December 18, Treasure Hill (White tees) - Stableford
1st Neil Duncan (16) 32pts
2nd David Gardner (9) 31pts
3rd Frank “Paco” Waterhouse (12) 30pts
4th Willy Nachbur (24) 29pts
5th John Roddis (11) 29pts
Treasure Hill was benefitting from the recent spell of dry weather and was as usual in its top manicured condition. We played off the white tees but in retrospect the yellows would probably have been more suitable considering the high average age of the players that reflected in the low average score of just 24.6 points.
Ken Hole literally covered himself with swamp mud trying to hack out of a water hazard much to the delight of Aka O’Reilly. Scrim’s swing is in such a bad state that he refused to get out of bed to play golf although we expect that most likely he eventually got up to play something else.
Near pins in course order went to Dennis Jaycock, Mike Brooke, Neil Duncan and “Paco” with Mike Brooke only just remembering to put his name on the longest putt card on the 18th green.
I must compliment PSC management for organizing the Xmas party at the Asia Hotel. The food was really very good with the seafood thermidor and yule log standing out as being truly delicious. Yum yum!