Pacquiao sets his sights on ‘The Hitman’

PM Reporters
Pattaya boxing fans will be tuning in to their TV sets early on Sunday morning for what promises to be one of the biggest fights of 2009 as England’s Ricky Hatton takes on Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the unofficial title of the world’s best junior welterweight fighter.
Despite his one sided loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the same venue last year, the Manchester fighter remains unbeaten at the 140lb limit and will fancy his chances of toppling the currently rated best ‘pound for pound’ fighter in the world, who has yet to step into the ring at this weight.
Certainly, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddy Roach knows this will be a much tougher contest than the Pac Man’s demolition of one time ‘Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya in December, and he will have prepared his fighter to be in top shape for what could turn out to be a real ‘dust up’.
In an interview with maxboxing.com Roach said, “I told him (Pacquiao) this is actually a tougher fight. This guy’s younger, more vibrant, he has more energy. He has a lot of heart, he’ll come to fight. I don’t think his ability is that great to be honest with you,” he said bluntly. “I’ve been studying tapes of him, I think he’s a creation of Frank Warren. But he has some good wins though, and he’s been champion at 140 for a long time. I know he’s never been beaten at 140, but Manny hasn’t either.”
Hatton meanwhile remains supremely confident that this fight could turn out to be his ‘finest hour’, this despite recent jibes from former promoter Frank Warren that Hatton’s easy going lifestyle had had a direct impact on the Mancunian’s boxing abilities.
Hatton bases his new found confidence following last year’s loss to Mayweather Jr. on the training of Mayweather’s father, Floyd Snr., who Hatton says is largely responsible for a remarkable ring renaissance.
“You’ve seen the difference since I went to work with him,” he says. “The first thing he said to me when I started training was, ‘what ******* weight are you?’ Mind you, after three weeks with me, he was on the KFC himself. But seriously, I’ve never been in such peak condition.
“This fight means everything to me,” he continued. “You can’t go higher than being the best P4P fighter of all the weight divisions. And no matter how many pints you have, no matter how many parties you go to, when you get your hand raised at the end of a fight, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.”
Hatton goes into the fight with a 45 1 0 record with his only loss being last year to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao meanwhile sports a 46 3 2 record with 36 KO’s to Hatton’s 32. Coverage of the fight card is scheduled to be on both True Sports channel 5 and South African Supersports from approx. 8 a.m. onwards on Sunday morning (Thai time). A full report of the contest will be included in next week’s Pattaya Mail.

Caddyshack rise to the top on St. George’s Day

The 4th St George’s Day Invitational Scramble from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar

Derek Brook
Thursday, April 23 - Burapha
Days like this do not just happen, they require planning and vision. The vision was given early in 2006 when Bert and Middy mulled the idea over, called in Gez to get his opinion and then finally they put the idea to me to see if it was feasible to put together and run.

Gez (left) receives a certificate of appreciation from the Blind School.
The rest as they say is history, and big sponsors like Alan Bolton were brought on board and the first tournament was held in 2006. It was an immediate success, not only as a golf competition but also as a day out that raised a large amount each year for charity. There really are no down turns. It is one of the best and friendliest golf days of the year and The Blind School benefit.
This day started some time earlier when we tried to formulate the teams. It is most important we know who is playing as early as possible as Bert has to place the order for the shirts and if you will pardon the expressions, we do not have too much fat to play with. We usually buy fairly closely the number we need, as the shirts are sponsored by Alan Bolton with a top up by Bert. It usually works and no one is allowed to put on weight once we know their size.

The piper ‘raises the roof’ at Bert’s.
The course is also booked and we usually book the A & B nines at Burapha, although this year when we turned up we were informed we were to play the A & D nines. This is really tough with a strong wind around, but I suppose it is the same for all. Well not quite as some groups with shorter hitters were going to struggle a little bit more. Well a lot actually.
This morning at Bert’s tends to be a little exciting, with all the groups milling around, shirts being collected and vast amounts of ‘Bert’s Golfers Breakfasts’ being consumed. In time all calms down and people start to leave for the course, all timing their arrival to cause the most confusion, or so it seems, and all thinking we were to play A & B nines
So it was a nice surprise when we finally teed off to be told of the change and feel the strength of the wind. One good thing was on the first we had the ‘Near the Case’ for a case of Heineken. It was supposed to be later but the only box I could find that was really visible was so big it only just fitted in the cart, so unloading it quickly and letting someone else carry it most of the way seemed quite attractive.

The winning team from the Caddyshack collect
their prizes from Emcee Derek Brook (far right).

The course was, as said, very windy and playing the scramble from the Blue Tees made it a long tiring day. The wind seems to swirl here and you always seem to play into the breeze. The fairways were not in bad condition, but when we went onto the B nine we found the greens cored and the day got difficult. It seemed to me as we went around that the scores would not be very low.
Sitting in the restaurant after the nice hot shower, it was interesting to see that the result cards came in at a steady dribble, and soon Colin, of my ‘volunteer’ last group, came in with the last card and the technical winners. That was when I looked around and found I was on my own. How to make friends and influence people!

The runners up were the Lakeside Thuggies, alias the Oman Team.

On arriving back at Bert’s it was nice to see the place was packed, with all the old faces showing. So it was that Bert uttered the famous word, “food ready” and we were crushed in the stampede, and soon queues formed.
The food was excellent, ideal for a golfer after a ‘hard?’ day on the course. Our thanks must go here to Asia West Fine Foods Co. for providing the tasty treats. Like burgers and chops and potato salad and so on. We had one big group of full to the limit players and guests.
Back inside it was time to go, and our Emcee (yours truly) got the presentation underway by welcoming all and then introducing Tropical Bert himself, Bert Elson, to say a few words.
Bert started with some sad news that our ‘major sponsor’ Alan Bolton was not there because one of our very good friends, Steve Carelton, had passed away a few days earlier. Bert, on behalf of all friends at Tropical Bert’s offered condolences and assured all that Steve will be not forgotten by the people at Tropical Bert’s. He will be missed.
Bert also thanked all the sponsors; Alan Bolton Property Consultants, Asia West Fine Food Company, Gez and The P.I.G.S., Middy, Bob and Tony, P.S.C., Reg, Dot, Tom and Bobby, Apple Honey Cider and Bert himself. Those not mentioned thanks also.
Bert then informed all how the money raised in past years had been spent, and to raise the roof this year he introduced his ‘pipe band’ that proceeded to blow out some good old English tunes in their kilts until at last we could regroup and start to hear again. But seriously thanks for the thoughts.
So onto the results and we first had the ‘technical’ prize winners, details of which can be found at the end of this article, but we must mention the most important when Homer got closest to ‘the cool box’ on the first and won a crate of Heineken.
We introduced another team prize this year as there is always one team that are favourites not to do well. So the ‘Strongest Team’ this year was the quartet of Stan Dare, Keith Phillips, Chris Youngman and Steve Compton with a net score somewhat higher than the rest, and not unexpected as these (less Steve) are the ‘cuddliest’. Thanks for playing gents and having a good time.
So to the winners and in fourth place was the team of Dick Warberg, Steve Hamstad, Mashi Kenata and Bill (could be a cuddly) Knight with a nice net 61.3. In third place and putting in a good showing on their first invitation was the Team Outback, with Bob Philp, Ian Heddle, Sugar Ray Handford and Steve Plant with a well played net 61.0. Coming in as runners up were the Lakeside Thuggies, alias the Oman Team, who with their ‘leader’ Graham Houston plus John McMullen, Ian Hutchinson and Alan Clark had a net 60.1.
So to the winners and sweeping the board was the fine team from The Caddy Shack, Bruce Tollit, Peter Henderson, Jeff North and Derek Wilkins. Well played.
Between the presentation and The Lucky Draw, Bert introduced the Blind School Children, who serenaded us for a while, and then made a presentation to both Bert and Gez for the help we have given them over the last few years.
The closing act of the night was the presentation of the St Georges Scramble Trophy to the winning team, The Caddy Shack, by Gez Tracy on behalf of all the organizers. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Mark Cooper, Kevin Dunne, Bob Philp, Derek Brook, Tom Cotton (2), Greg Ritchie
Long Putt: Bill Knight, Bill Marsden, Dave Richardson

Members of the Blind School sing a song for the golfers and guests.

Pattaya golf festival tees up

Organizers of the Chonburi-Pattaya Golf Festival 2009 meet at Bangpakong Riverside Golf Course to announce this year’s event.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya City, Chonburi Administration and the Golf Course Entrepreneurs of the Eastern Region Association are teeing up the second Chonburi-Pattaya Golf Festival 2009, offering a chance to win one million baht.
On April 22 at Bangpakong Riverside Golf Course, Wansadej Thawornsuk, Deputy Marketing Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mayor Itthipol Khunplome and Kullathorn Meesommon, President of Golf Course Entrepreneurs of the Eastern Region Association, held a Press conference to announce the Chonburi-Pattaya Golf Festival for 2009.
With co-operation from 17 golf courses in the Eastern Seaboard region, the competition will be held on the first Saturday of every month from May to October 2009.
Four golfers per course will be selected each month, two from their performance and two others from lucky draws, resulting in a total of 340 golfers to compete in the last rounds in October at Siam Country Club Pattaya and Phoenix Golf Course Pattaya.
The competition connects all golf courses in a network centered on one golfing destination which is a very popular concept in Asia and it is being promoted to Thais and foreigners in this country.
Mayor Itthipol said that for the golf festival the City and Chonburi Administration had received a budget of two million baht to market this event and to promote tourism that will be of benefit to golf courses, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues in the Chonburi area during this low season.

Soi Dao visit a success

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Saturday winners: Tony and Kay Molloy, Jimmy Wolfe and Lars Strom.

Barry Hooper
Over Songkran weekend over twenty of our members and friends escaped the madness of Pattaya and went to Soi Dao for a golfing weekend break. I have it reported that the visit was a great success. In the main all the comments I received were positive: excellent golf course, hotel OK, etc.
I had a couple of negative comments but as they say, you cannot please all the people all of the time. There was a little rain on the first day but this as usual was no deterrent for our hardened players. Two comps were held on the Saturday and the Sunday with the full results listed here.
Saturday, April 18, Soi Dao - Stableford
1st Tony Malloy (12) 32pts
2nd Fergus Brennan 10) 30pts
3rd Frank Kelly (13) 30pts
Sunday, April 19, Soi Dao – Stableford
1st Brendan Moore (12) 36pts
2nd Tony Malloy (12) 35pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (14) 34pts
4th Larry Simpson (9) 30pts
No 2’s on either day so a big bell ringing for all in attendance followed by a further bell ring by Brendan Moore.
Tuesday, April 21, Treasure Hill - Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 30pts
2nd Larry Bland (17) 30pts
3rd Ito Akitoshi (9) 29pts
4th John Dean (10) 26pts
Tuesday it was off to Treasure Hill - somewhere we have not been for some time. There was only a small group in attendance as I think most were still recovering from the weekend trip. Our dedicated organiser Fergus came out on top with thirty points, just taking it on the count back from Larry Bland. This left Ito Akitoshi to pick up third with twenty nine. There were no 2’s recorded.
Thursday, April 23, Phoenix Ocean & Mountain – Stableford
1st Mike Rushant (13) 40pts
2nd Mike Sanders (9) 37pts
3rd Tristan Gilbert (16) 36pts
Thursday was another of our regular outings to Phoenix (Ocean & Mountain). As ever the course was in excellent condition and we had a fair turnout with one division.
Mike Rushant found his form and came in with a quality forty pointer for first place. Mike Sanders found himself three back at thirty-seven for second and Tristan Gilbert a further one back in third at thirty-six after a count back over Patrick Brown.
No 2’s again so a bell ring was in order back at the Travellers Rest.
Unfortunately we had to impose a disqualification on the day for a player failing to sign his card and a wrong score returned. We at the TRGG operate to the general rules of golf so when are players ever going to learn?
Saturday, April 25, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Tony Molloy (12) 36pts
2nd Jimmy Wolfe (13) 36pts
3rd Patrick Browne (24) 34pts
4th Lars Strom (19) 33pts
5th Kay Molloy (28) 33pts
Saturday was another of our weekend visits to Green Valley. We had a good turnout, one division and places down to fifth. But the tee off was on the late side so a late finish and a long day for all.
The course as usual was excellent but the scores seemed to have been held back a little, so it must have played tough.
Tony Molloy decided to go out with a bang (he was returning to the Emerald Isle this week) and make it two wins on consecutive Saturdays following his win at Soi Dao. He came home with thirty-six and took it on count back over Jimmy Wolfe. Patrick Browne was third with thirty-four while Lars Strom’s thirty-three won the count back over Kay’s for fourth. Kay Molloy decided to keep it in the family and took fifth.
Again no 2’s so a bell ring for the few that returned for the presentation of awards.

Sus makes a winning return

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Not a threatening cloud in the sky and the sun was already shining at 6:15 am as the first group teed off at the Pattaya Country Club on April 21. The flies and gnats were out in force but usually waited until you were in your back swing or putt stroke before they flew into your nose or ear. Despite the occasional pesky bug, some nice scores came in at the finish.

Winner Sus Ige (left) with runner up Bob Benda (right).

Familiar names were at the top of the leader board: Sus Ige, recently returned from a short trip to his native Hawaii, finished with 38 points while Bob Benda and Bill Thompson came in tied with 34, but Bob took second place on the count back. Close behind were Paul Kinmund with a 33, then Paul Donahue and Russell Finch with 31 each.
Apres golf, Herbie Ishiniga provided some tender roast beef cooked in his new convection oven (now can we stop hearing about your convection oven Herbie?) Everyone enjoyed the sandwiches as well as the available liquid refreshment and tales of woe concerning lipped cups and hard bunkers.

Habgood strikes twice

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, April 20, Phoenix – Stableford
Still not a lot of golfers around due to Songkran hangovers so it was a small field for the stableford game at Phoenix. There was no hangover for P.J. today however as he romped home to win with 37 points, two ahead of Mashi, who himself was two points ahead of third placed John McDonald.

Double winner Peter Habgood.

1st P.J. Redmond (17) 37pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (10) 35pts
3rd John McDonald (10) 33pts
Near Pins: Mashi, John McDonald and Geoff Parker.
Wednesday, April 22, Green Valley - Medal
Playing medal at Green Valley can be tricky but Peter Habgood didn’t have a problem, winning with a one over par round. His old sparring partner Reg Smart ran a close second finishing only one shot behind and Dave Keats took third place with a net 77.
1st Peter Habgood (18) net 73
2nd Reg Smart (24) net 74
3rd Dave Keats (25) net 77
Near Pins: Rab McDonald and David Day.
Friday, April 24, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Mountain Shadow was as difficult as usual and this reflected in the scores as Peter Habgood ran out the winner for the second time this week with a lowly 33 points. There was a tie for second place with Tony Robbins and Takeshi both scoring 31, Takeshi winning on a count back to take the runner up spot.
1st Peter Habgood (18) 33pts
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki (11) 31pts
3rd Tony Robbins (13) 31pts
Near Pins: Takeshi, Tony Robbins, Gerry Cooney and John Graham.

Andersson makes hay at Green Valley

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, April 20, Crystal Bay – Stableford
There were around 10 cancellations overnight with many of our players delaying the return journey from the holiday last week for another couple of days, or even longer.

Andy Oz was the division 1 winner at Eastern Star with 31 points.

There were still 4 rollovers in the 2’s competition in division 2, plus today’s, but still no winner. Takeshi Hakozaki birdied the 7th on the C course to win the division 1 pot, meager as it was with only a small field out today, but he was still smiling.
Takeshi also won the one divisional stableford competition with 34 points ahead of Jack Hinchey one point behind in second and in third place was William Chang on 32 points.
Wednesday, April 22, Green Valley – Stableford
Back to reality almost with eight groups out on another very hot and humid day. Looking back into the weather records of last year at this time of the month, we are 2 to 3 degrees higher each day at the moment, so no wonder there is suffering from a few of the players.
Unusual for this course there were some very slow greens out there today, but this did not reflect in the scores with Mikael Andersson winning division 1 with 39 points, while in second place, 1 point behind, Mr. Kermit beat Reijo 20/19 on a back nine count back.
In division 2 Martin Atso’s 35 points was enough to win, with Evan Millan beating Bryan Rought on an amazing back one count back of 2/1 after they both scored 19 points on the back nine and 34 overall.
Yet again another rollover in the 2’s in division 2 while Bill Hewitt and Mr. Kermit shared the division 1 pot, both getting birdies on the 12th hole.
Near pins went to Mark Prytz, Harry Riley, Mr. Kermit, Martin Anderton, Martin Atso, Elja Maatta and Tony Sawers.
The ladies tipple would have been won by a certain person’s drive on the 4th hole that finished 1 foot behind the original teeing position, but he didn’t show his face at the presentation. Sorry you missed out on the bottle, Joe Kubon.
Friday, April 24, Eastern Star – Stableford
There was a totally deserted clubhouse and course as we arrived and with only seven groups out a three and a half hour round was enjoyed by most today.
The equal cut in the stableford cards today was 12-19 in division 1 and 20+ in division 2, so a big smile on the face of Andy Oz, playing off 19 as he beat Roy Thornton 11/10 on a back six count back after they both came in with 31 points. Reigo Hanninen finished third with 30 points.
Jim Lane won division 2 with 34 points ahead of Jouni Metsanen in second with 29 points and in third place with 27 points was Jaakko Sykko.
Mikael Anderssons birdie on the 6th was the only ‘2’ of the day.
Note: Just a reminder that the 13th annual ‘Golden Elephant Tour’ commences in Hua Hin on Monday, May 11 with a 72 hole competition over 6 days, with an individual stableford contest for two divisions on each day as well.

Rocky king of the ring; Lindsey simply the best

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Tuesday, April 21, Treasure Hills - Stable ford
A Flight
1st Lindsey Semple (13) 39pts
2nd Mark Wood (8) 39pts
B Flight
1st Sim Davis (32) 36pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (15) 35pts
What a quiet week as the Principal went hiking in Katmandu, Nepal, Wireless returned to Norway, the Captain spent most of the week shaking hands, and the Donkey and Sim were frolicking around Royal Hills. The rest went down with yellow fever, except Chairman Mao. Seems he was a whiter shade of pale.

Driving off Lewiinskis style.

Meanwhile our title guy Rocky Ring planted a corker on a local pugilist’s nose, landing himself in the local nick, but normality returned when Rocky’s opponent failed a drugs test. Rocky returned home and sat in his favourite blue corner wondering what all the fuss was about. Whatever, the boys agreed it was the oldest comeback victory since big George Foreman!
Larry, owner of the bar across the road is showing the FA Cup three weeks before it takes place! Now that’s Irish technology at its best.
On with the show; the Lewiinski’s mob found the Treasure Hills greens had not long been cored and sanded, but ex local caddie Sim Davis took it in her stride, using her in depth knowledge of the course to dominate B Flight with an even par round. Sandwiched in between her and the Donkey was the President a shot adrift. I could think of worse places to be, in between Eddie and Gordon perhaps.
Linsey Semple took A Flight with the aid of the dreaded count back over Aberdeen’s new singing sensation, Happy Shoes Woods, both knotted on 39 super points.
Peter Henshaw and Terry Mangan split the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, April 22, Pattana - Stableford
A Flight
1st Lindsey Semple (13) 42pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (12) 41pts
B Flight
1st Mick Mcmahon (15) 34pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (14) 33pts
The never ending story Linsey Semple carried on where he left off the day before, carding a superb 42 points. Hot on Linsey‘s heels was the VC Seamus himself, one shot adrift.
B Flight found it a little tougher with Mick McMahon needing a mere 34 points for the top spot. One shot back, Tore Eliassen took second on a count back over the Donkey.
Seamus Cotter, Gavin Knox, Jon Haugen and Mo Lamki shared the 2’s pot.
Friday, April 24, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Lenoury (8) 37pts
2nd Jack Spencer (8) 37pts
B Flight
1st Lindsey Semple (13) 38pts
2nd Colin Davis (14) 37pts
Elias sports has been tasked with reviewing the full and rich history of the Lewiinski’s Golf Society to see if anyone has accomplished the amazing feat of winning four consecutive golf tournaments before. Aussie Lindsey Semple as you might have guessed accomplished this feat at Greenwood, posting a fine 38 point haul for man of the match, week, month and year. The Donkey took second spot a shot a drift after a count back over the former Aussie test star Trevor Chappell. The donkey makes a habit of nicking it off Trevor.
A Flight was a right scrap with Peter Lenoury esquire winning a three-way battle on 37 points over Jack “Bilko” Spencer, and the unlucky Terry Mangan. Peter Lenoury, Jack Spencer and Seamus Cotter shared the 2’s pot.
I heard it on the wireless
The Wireless entered the club house after a poor round of golf, surprisingly putting no blame on his caddie. Wireless did however state that he had three putted five times and four putted twice. He ended by saying it had to be the ball.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Any one 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.

Alan Pilkington cleans up

Baarli beats Morris by one

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Tuesday, April 21, Pattana – Stableford
Pattana Sports Club A & B layouts were the host to a stableford competition in one flight. The overall condition of the course was fine but the greens have been undergoing some heavy maintenance lately. The weather was fine but with a full gale blowing most of the day.
Per Olaf Baarli was the winner with 35 points, Ted Morris was in second with 34 points, Bill Plath was in third with 31 points and Jan Slooten was in fourth with 30 points.
We have just one weeks till the Ray Rogers Memorial Four Persons Texas Scramble at Plutaluang Navy Golf Course South and North nines on Thursday, May 7. Entry fee is 500 Baht with prizes and food and beverages about 16:30 hrs back at Ray’s house near the Reservoir. T.T.F.N.

Drumm beats a path to Plutaluang triumph

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Thursday’s top four (left to right): Jim Fortune,
Jim Walton, Bob Drumm and Peter Fitton.

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, April 21, Pattana A & B (White tees) - Stableford
A goodly group of 23 turned out to take on the imposing Pattana which was in excellent condition. A brisk wind kept us cool but of course wind is the natural enemy of golfers. In the A Flight (0-15) the winner was Tiger Jumparnit with 36 points ahead of Bob Rasmussen (35pts) in second, Peter Fitton (33pts) in third, and Mike Jackson and Mick Benton who came in fourth and fifth respectively after both finished on 30 points each.
Brendon Dougal was a clear winner in the B Flight with 37 points, some 5 points clear of Mike Todd-White who himself was 4 ahead of third placed Dennis Jaycock. Ray Bridgemen and Jim Walton filled the last of the minor places on 26 and 25 points respectively.
Indicating how difficult the par three holes were playing today, only two near pin bonuses were won out of such a big field; these going to Eddie Martin and Mike Jackson. Mike King meanwhile slammed home the longest first putt on the 18th green. The average score for the day was 31.8 points.
Thursday, April 23, Plutaluang S & E (White tees) – Stableford
Another good turn out on Thursday with 21 players and 18 cards returned. We were pleased to be allocated South and East because we haven’t played this combination for quite some time.
Bob Drumm had the best score of the day and of the A Division (17 and under) with 39 points. Peter Fitton, yours truly and Ian Wheeldon came in second, third and fourth with 38, 35 and 33 points respectively.
In the B Division (18 and over) Jim Walton came in first with 38 points while Jim Fortune, Ian Campbell and Rob Gandley came in second, third and fourth with 36, 35 and 34 points respectively.
Cliff Saveall, Rob Gandley (x2) and yours truly sloped off with the near pin dividends whilst Jim Walton sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green.
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.

The ‘Captain’ marches on

PSC Golf from Tropical Bert’s

Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, April 21, Crystal Bay - Stableford
On Tuesday morning those really serious golfers who hadn’t bailed-out of Pattaya for Songkran week assembled at Bert’s for an attack at Crystal Bay. We were glad that the Songkran mayhem (in this case aprilhem) had died down and the traffic out to the course was thin.

Tuesday’s winners (left-right): Thomas Cotton, Kevin Dunne and Derek Brook.

The sun was glaring down on us and it promised to be a scorcher. Our captain was in remarkably good trim as he ambled about barking out orders and directions. Walter was in attendance with a deep crimson red shirt and matching knee-socks. The remainder of the field was sartorially dull.
The day was rather uneventful, except that our captain had a blistering round and was only held in check by the wide gap in strokes enjoyed by our correspondent, whose own game improved as the day progressed. In spite of his glittering plumage, Walter’s play was merely pedestrian.
Our ride back to Pattaya was tediously slow as we got caught up in the traffic lights along Sukhumvit Road but our captain was in a good mood, rejoicing in his accomplishment, having had one of his best rounds in many a moon, marred only by his withering swing on the last few holes.
In the photo of the winners, our captain may be viewed wearing the commemorative shirt from last year’s “Saint George’s Day”. April 23rd, we celebrated Saint George’s with a tournament at Burapha Golf Course (see page 54). For those incognizant, Saint George is the patron saint of the Ethiopians and the English, with whom they became acquainted while crusading through Anatolia on their way to Jerusalem. Saint George is famous for slaying dragons, although the fossil record is remarkably bare with regards to dragons in fourth century Anatolia (now Turkey). In fact, Saint George is so popular that a country is named after him, together with half the males of Greece, several British monarchs and the infamous Duchess of Devonshire.
1st Derek Brook 40 pts
2nd Thomas Cotton 35 pts
3rd Kevin Dunne 35 pts
Near Pins: DB, TC, Kevin Dunne (2)

Greenaway on form at Burapha

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, April 20, Burapha - Stableford
With many Outbackers recovering from four days golf in Royal Hills or from other exploits over the Songkran weekend, a small field of just sixteen summoned the energy to tackle the C & D nines from the blue tees.
Unbelievably, Paul Greenaway, playing his fifth round in five days, put a great round of golf together, scoring 41 points to finish ahead of Bernie Stafford (37pts) and Micky Moore (36pts).
There was a ‘2’s jackpot scooped also by Paul Greenaway.
1st Paul Greenaway (13) 41pts
2nd Bernie Stafford (13) 37pts
3rd Mick Moore (25) 36pts
4th Bruce Milner (13) 35pts
Tuesday, April 21, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Just 12 Outbackers took the short journey to Pattaya Country Club – those twelve found an almost deserted course and we were off as soon as we were ready.
The course had benefited from the recent rain and there was evidence of some work on the tee boxes.
It was a story of ups and downs for some, however, it was 36 points by 5 players that gave Colour Sergeant Chadbourn, today’s organizer, some work to calculate the count backs.
In first place it was regular Outbacker, Frank O’Neill winning on count back on the last 6 holes from our good friend ‘our Arthur’, Arthur Bailey, who was playing his sixth round in six days! Not bad for a man who will be 81 in June!
The count back for third and fourth went to the last 3 holes with ‘The Colonel’, Bob Pearce, winning by 1 point from the lady Suzi Lawton. Incidentally, the fifth player with 36 points was Suzi’s other half, John, who as usual said he was “stunning”!
Only one ‘2’ today by Frank O’Neill – he must have some inside knowledge of PCC.
Outback Golf Bar play at Pattaya Country Club (PCC) every Tuesday at about 10 AM.
1st Frank O’Neill (18) 36pts
2nd Arthur Bailey (21) 36pts
3rd Bob Pearce (13) 36pts
Wednesday, April 22, Phoenix - Stableford
Mountain was closed for green coring, leaving the Lakes & Ocean for 16 Outbackers to tackle. Sweltering in apparently the hottest day of the year so far (38 deg), most of them did a pretty good job with the average score reaching 30.6 which is unusually high. Bruce Milner topped the pile with 41 points from a newcomer to the Outback, Peter Davies with 39, and Patrick Browne, four points further back with 35.
There was just one ‘2’ today from Barry Chadbourn.
1st Bruce Milner (13) 41pts
2nd Peter Davies (14) 39pts
3rd Patrick Browne (23) 35pts
4th Ivan Plunkett (18) 34pts
Thursday, April 23, Green Valley - Stableford
St. George’s Day at Green Valley for the eleven Outbackers that played was another extremely hot and humid day, made worse by a slow round of some five hours. As a result, only Kevin Watson (37pts) bettered his handicap to win by four from the star of Royal Hills last week, Jum (33pts), who is now off her lowest handicap ever and continuing to improve. Chad bounced back from his poor round at Phoenix on Wednesday, scoring 31 points, enough to earn him third place.
The ‘2’s, of which there were two, were a family affair from the Doodys.
1st Kevin Watson (22) 37pts
2nd Jum Karagit (23) 33pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (19) 31pts
Friday, April 24, Greenwood - Stableford
Once again the Greenwood management have managed to screw up a round of golf for their customers, but this time with virtually no customers in the first place. The 12 Outbackers teed off on the A nine, well ahead of the scheduled tee time; not far behind and also teeing off early were Lewiinski’s with their twenty or so players; other than that, the course was just about empty. The front nine was as fast as you like, taking just over an hour and a half; however, at the turn the starter was insistent that a four ball and a three ball should start in the middle of our group. Why?
The Outback led group skipped a hole to go round them, the second group had already teed off and were told to stand aside to let the four ball and three ball play in front, thoroughly succeeding in messing up many peoples golf; resulting in what was left of three groups on the tenth tee!
As for the golf, Peter Gibson put in another good round scoring 42 points to comfortably win the day, and declaring his ambition to get his handicap down below twenty; keep this up Peter and you will! There was a good ‘ding dong’ battle between Alan (38pts) and Harvey (36pts) for second, both having excellent front nines but stumbling a little on the way in; whilst Bruce Milner, who had the solitary ‘2’, took the last podium place with 35.
Finally, why would a course that has three nines at its disposal, core and sand two nines at the same time? Surely the logical way is one nine at a time.
Sorry Greenwood, there are many other courses available right now that are better managed and without the ridiculous ‘one cart one golfer disease’, the Outback won’t be back for some time!
1st Peter Gibson (25) 42pts
2nd Alan Bishop (17) 38pts
3rd Harvey Samuel (15) 36pts
4th Bruce Milner (12) 35pts

70 years young: a great day & night with John O

PSC golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Birthday Boy John & winner Martin celebrate with the singers.

Tuesday, April 21, Greenwood - Stableford
Firstly on Tuesday we made our way north to Greenwood where we played the A & B layouts off the short tees. The A course had been sanded, but a good job had been done by the maintenance crew, so putts still ran fast & true. The B course was its usual high standard, which together with some hot temperatures, a light breeze and the shorter tees, made it an easier test than normal. This was reflected in the scoring with 50% of our group besting their handicap, led by Dave Edwards (15) on 39 points beating Jeff Wylie (8) on count back 24 to 20.
Only the 2 near pins were claimed, by Dave & Terry.
Thursday, April 23, Green Valley - Stableford
Now to Thursday when a large crew (for us) gathered to help long time visitor John Ottaway celebrate his 70th birthday at Green Valley. The weather was fine with a light breeze and the course was in good condition, ideal conditions for all to display their abilities.
With the Birthday Boy graciously providing the prizes in the open competition, we saw Martin Hayes (13) top the podium with a superb 41 points, followed by Jeff Wylie (8) with 39, while 3rd & 4th were split on a count back after Brian Blackford (18) & Yves Philbert (25) both recorded 33 points; Brian edging Yves 20 to 18 on the back 9.
The near pins were won by Ken Hole #2, Mike King #9, Graham Mitchell #12, and Jeff Wylie #16, Graham & Jeff converting to record the only 2’s of the day. The long putt on #18 was picked up by John Morgan while the long drives #11 were won by Darren Ottaway in the “A” flight with Bob Carlile securing the “B” flight.
With the golf all done, John, the golfers & all guests got down to celebrating in style at Mulligans Lakeside. Ray and Kheow put on a great buffet and the entertainment was fantastic, with some extra musical interludes from golfers and guests. Congratulations to all participants, thank you & many happy returns John.
Note: Golf at Mulligans Lakeside is held on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Partnered with the P.S.C., we will be accessing the various vouchers available to affiliates. These savings will be passed on in full to our golfers, with NO administration charges being levied and ALL competition fees being returned in prizes. Give Jeff 089 094 1841 or Ray 081 935 8088 a call for details on courses & tee off times. Cheers & Good Golfing.

Triple tie at Greenwood

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Now that Greenwood has adopted a more familiar “vfm” attitude to its obvious charms, it was with pleasure that the Pattaya Golf Society revisited there on Thursday, April 23, to play a monthly merit stableford event over the A and B nines and whilst the A greens could have been better after remedial work, the B course was in fine fettle.
The day was set for some excellent golf as the first group left the tee on time. Surprisingly only four golfers broke par on the day, perhaps the stiffness after five recent consecutive tour rounds was still in the minds and bones of the others.
Tony Thorne only the previous day had turned in a fine forty point haul at the course and he almost repeated the feat with a well crafted 37 points which gave him third place, one behind the trio of winners; Stu Thompson, Joop Medze and Pierre Bietry, the latter returning to the PGS for the first time in many months.
Peter Ditz joined Tony Thorne with a birdie ‘2’ on A6 whilst Joop Medze completed an excellent day with a birdie ‘2’ on B5.
The Booby Bevy had been kept on ice throughout Songkran but saw the light of day again when a returning Kazu Agune carded a poor score to receive the ice-cool draught on his first round back. It had been a fitting reunion with Greenwood after so many months of absence.
Mam bursts Thorne’s bubble
The Pattaya Golf Society ended the post Songkran week with a visit to Green Valley on Saturday, April 25, to play a stableford competition on the well prepared course. The field had quality written all through it as results were to show that a third of the players recorded scores of par or better.
Masanori Takano emphasised his ten handicap status with a fine level par performance for fourth place, losing out by one shot to Don Nellis’s third placed 37 points. Aussie golfer Tony Thorne ended the week with a remarkable 42 point card which gave him eleven under for his three competition rounds but it was not enough on this occasion as Mam Morel trumped him with forty-three points. The highlight was her back nine of only 39 shots on never an easy track.
Peter Biggs took the 2’s pot for his accuracy on the twelfth and Peter Masters received the Booby Bevy after practicing his Thai before the round with a Thai breakfast order only to receive a Coke. Obviously a long way to go to fluency! Mam Morel’s golf was certainly fluent on the day and was enough to burst Tony Thorne’s bubble.

Songkranian invasion fails to stop Sunday Softball

Diego Wells
Despite the constant onslaught of water and powder pelted at them, a dozen brave farangs fought their way to the field on Songkran Sunday to continue the softball tradition.
Pattaya Softball president John C.F. was the first to arrive, and was skeptical on whether a game would ensue. Next up, was yours truly, with full face shield motorcycle helmet and wet suit, looking like a Martian in a low budget 80’s sci-fi flick. The brave lads continued to trickle in, all showing battle scars of powder and coloured liquid stains from the locals. But like it or not, Songkran could not stop the boys desire to swing a bat, and snag a few balls, and so Pattaya Softball pushed on.
The sides were evenly drawn up, with our fly boys Terry and Beck given the role of captains due to their triumphant return from the friendly skies. Beck’s team batted first, and proceeded to score two runs on hits from Rhys, Scotty, Steve and John Stockton. Terry’s team countered with 1 run in the bottom of the inning off of hits from Terry, Rick and Diego and Mark.
Beck’s team continued its hitting onslaught, scoring another 2 in the second with back to back doubles from Beck, John S. and Rhys. They also turned up their defence and held Terry’s boys to just 1 run.
After a few scoreless innings, the game was broken open in the 6th, when with 2 outs, Beck’s team went wild. They blasted the ball to left field, found gaps between the bases, and nearly tore the cover off of the softball. Consecutive hits by the entire team, including Odvar who is happily back from captaining the not so steady seas, earned Beck’s team 5 runs.
Team Beck held tight in the last inning, and allowed only one more run, to come out victorious by the final score of 9-4.
After the tight match in the scorching sun, the boys made a wise choice. Instead of risking insult and injury by playing another six a side match, the boys decided to sit down and share some suds. It proved to be the most prudent decision as all had a fabulous time spinning yarns and much laughter and merriment was made.
The Pattaya Softball boys wish to extend an invitation to all battered and bruised former athletes, who enjoy being on a ball diamond on a Sunday afternoon. Next week we will return to our regular double header action, with brews and barbeque being served on the sidelines, as the boys continue to live the dream of Softball, Pattaya style. Hope to see you all out there soon,

The Songkran surviving softballers are (left to right standing): John Stockton, John C.F., Odvar, Rhys, Scotty, Terry, Steve, Mark, Rick, Shawn, Diego, with Beck kneeling in center.

Bavaria remains in first as Green Chilli moves up

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Kran, Noodle, Dave, Nok and Antero.

Antero Ronkainen bowled a 213 game, 573 series, to lead first place Bavaria to a three point win over VFW Post 9876. Noodle Russell returned from Australia to lead her Green Chilli team to a four point sweep of Swethai. Noodle had a 207 game, 552 series and Aht Johansson bowled a 534 series for Swethai.
Indiana dropped from second place to fourth after they lost three points to Canada. Jon Tellefsen was best in this match with a 515 pin total. Brother D took three points from Sala Thai Restaurant and Café Ole won three from Jack Tar.
Kran Nielsen bowled a 224 game, 539 series, to lead Café Kronborg to a three point win over Sabai Sabai Friday. Nok Kennedy had a 571 series for Sabai.

Results & Standings April 24 (week 9)

Pos.    Team                                    Score        Standings

1         Bavaria                                   3 - 1           22.5-13.5

2         Green Chilli                            4 - 0             22 - 14

3         Brother D                               3 - 1             21 - 15

4         Indiana                                   1 - 3             20 - 16

5         Sala Thai Restaurant                1 - 3            19 - 17

6         Canada                                   3 - 1             19 - 17

7         Café Ole                                 3 - 1             18 - 18

8         Swethai                                  0 - 4          17.5 - 18.5

9         Jack Tar                                 1 - 3             17 - 19

10       Café Kronborg                        3 – 1               15 - 21

11       VFW Post 9876                     1 - 3             13 - 23

12       Sabai Sabai Friday              1 - 3         12 - 24