A few words of tennis advice for Thailand

Bill Gilmour, the globe trotting Grand Slam Supervisor from Sydney, Australia, has just finished his stint as Davis Cup referee in Thailand. This tennis enthusiast has been on the "circuit" for 20 years already and is now packing his bags to go and officiate at the U.S. Open next month in New York. For the rest of the year, when not supervising in one form or another, Bill runs a tennis coaching business in Sydney. What better man to give Thailand’s young tennis hopefuls some advice?

Mr. Bill Gilmour.

With Thailand defeating Taipei 3-2, the Land of Smiles has good reason to be smiling. However, we must continue to foster tennis talent if we are going to bring on our young stars.

Bill was most complimentary of Thailand’s number 1, nineteen year old Paradorn Srichaphant. "This kid has enormous potential," he said. "I believe his talent and power are unique in Asia".

Bill expressed the opinion that Paradorn could make it to the top 50 in international tennis, to join a star studded group at that level.

Bill felt that Thailand’s tennis programmes are perfectly adequate to get our other young stars of tomorrow up to Paradorn’s level (provided they have the talent). This is good news for the scene locally.

However, as in all sports, it will be necessary for our national champions to look at moving out of the Asian circuit and into the international arena. This is really quite a leap, and Paradorn’s mentors and sponsors should be looking at ways to give him that top class guidance now. This will probably require financial assistance to hire that international experience and expertise for the young Thai player. Perhaps this is another area where Thais help Thais?

Grand Slam Supervisor, Bill Gilmour, says Paradorn has the talent. Let’s help him develop it. It can do nothing but good for Thailand in the long run.

TAT and ESGCA Golf Tournament

Rayong Green Valley Country Club was the chosen venue for the 1998 Eastern Seaboard Golf Courses Association’s annual golf tournament on July 17. The Tourist Authority of Thailand in conjunction with the Association sponsored the event as part of their Amazing Thailand’s promotion of Golf in Thailand.

The management and ground staff of Green Valley had obviously excelled themselves in preparing the course for the competition, with greens and fairways manicured to a "Tee". Rains of recent days enhanced the condition and look of this beautiful yet technically demanding course set amidst natural rolling hills and spectacular scenery.

An expected field of 140 golfers swelled to 190 as the sun gave its blessing to the day. Participants were to be complimented as good humor and patience was evident as the assembled gathering prepared to ‘par’ take in the shotgun start. Handicaps determined the level of entry in both individual and team categories of Senior (0-9), Junior (10-18) and New Golfer (19-24).

Highly competitive match play was witnessed in all categories. At the end of play the large field of competitors adjourned to the clubhouse to await results. Buffet, drinks and karaoke provided well-earned recuperation following an arduous but enjoyable day’s golf. The combined efforts of staff from Rayong Green Valley, the Eastern Seaboard Golf Courses Association and the Tourist Authority of Thailand are to be congratulated on an event well organised and effectively and efficiently run. It was a credit to all concerned. The organisers thank all competitors and helpers for their support and efforts during a great day of golfing action.

An analysis of the results would indicate that team work is very much the order of the day at Rayong Green Valley. The management were delighted with the clubs excellent showing in the day’s events. Brian Park commented that it is amazing what one can achieve with co-operation and good will. The people who got the results for Green Valley today were the very people who prepared the golf course. The ground staff and their manager Nirand Phimwong. Well done.

Individual Results: Senior
Gross: Komdech Rattanapornvareeskul, 35/37 Rayong Green Valley; Net: Pichitpol Dechsupha, 36/38 Natural Park Resort

Junior: Gross: Drasert Suwan, 42/35 Rayong Green Valley; Net: Bunjerd Trakulputharaksa, 40/41 Tourist Authority of Thailand

New Golfer: Gross: Chadehom Koolrat, 41/41 Rayong Green Valley; Net: Luechai Anujitanan, 46/38 Rayong Green Valley

Team Event Results: Senior; 1st: Sattahip Association
2nd: Rayong Green Valley

Junior: 1st: Rayong Green Valley; 2nd: Rayong Green Valley; New Golfer; 1st: Rayong Green Valley; 2nd: Khao Kheow

Roy “Tiger” Mitchell mauls Society

PSC Pattaya Golf Society from Big John’s Bar

Roy "Tiger" Mitchell will forever remember the day’s events, not by winning the day with his 38 Stableford points, but by the clinical way he tore apart his playing partner with their personal "skins" contest.

Roy “Tiger” Mitchell mauls the Society.

Roy’s recent return after minor back surgery and little practice made his day’s achievements all the more spectacular. The overall skins he made totaled 17. His partner is no mean golfer and his recent form of late left him devastated. Consolation came later a Big John’s Bar, where a good night ensued and everyone left with a smile on their faces. Of course, the biggest was on "Tiger’s".

Second place went to Brian Kelly (29 handicap) who also carded 38 points but lost on count back. His first nine total was 21 points and was an indication that many more wins will be forthcoming.

The day prior, Brian played Siam and scored another 38 Stableford points. His cards have been submitted to the handicapping dept. at the Kronborg H.Q.

Three welcome additions from Sweden: Danny, Jonas and Ken Larson were well represented by Ken taking third place with 37 points. Ken also had the distinction of winning 14 skins against his two pals Jonas and Danny, and later was seen departing for the 19th Birdie hole...

The Society now plays every Tuesday and Friday. The Friday meetings will be played at the Pattaya Country Club. The decision to play this venue is that the best deal on the Eastern Seaboard for all golfers can be obtained at the Pattaya Golf and Country Club. For a one off payment of 5,500 baht you can have a year’s golf for free during the days of Tuesday to Friday, inc. Only further payment is the Caddy’s fees. Monday the course is closed.

The near proximity of the course to Pattaya is an added attraction, also the much improved locker rooms and accommodation. The restaurant, according to culinary expert George Meigh, serves the finest "Cow Pat" in Thailand. The course is in excellent condition and what a challenge to finish a grueling day the last three holes is, to contemplate.

Player of the Month will re-commence in August and it is suggested that the best four cards out of a possible eight games during the month be eligible to take the honors.

Visitors, residents and particularly ex-members are particularly welcome to play with the Society, leaving Big John’s Bar at Soi Chaiyapoon at 10:00 a.m. Transport is provided. Any problems finding the bar you can telephone Big John at 720 168 for directions.

To all members back home availing the Internet, Club wishes you a Big Hello and look forward to your return to Pattaya.

Cochrane and Cahill, Ishinaga and Mundey compile most points

PCS Golf from the Café Kronborg

Monday, 20 July - Eastern Star (Stableford)

A Flight
1st: Father Jim Cochrane
2nd: Noddy Moyle
3rd: Evan Trotman

B Flight
1st: John Cahill, 37 pts.
2nd: Roland Piechoky, 34 pts.
3rd: Pete Galle, 33 pts.

Always a pleasure to play this pleasant course and enjoy its friendly atmosphere, albeit the greens were a little on the slow side.

Father Jim Cochrane proved a very popular winner of A flight, putting Noddy Moyle into second from fellow Aussie Evan Trotman.

Again hugging the news in the local press, John Cahill once more used his compass to find his way into first place in B flight on 37 points. He was followed by Roland Piechoky in second on 34 points and the eminent Pete Galle in third on 33 points.

Never out of the limelight, popular Ebrahim won long drive. Sven the Viking and Alec won near pins on the front nine and Father Ziggy won both on the back nine.

Alec welcomed Eric Stephens and Russ Finch, one from either side of the Atlantic.

Thursday, 23 July - Khao Kheow (Better Ball)

1st: Herbie Ishinaga and Dene Mundey, 47 pts.
2nd: Evan Trotman and George Stelmark, 44 pts. (won on count back)
3rd: Gez Tracy and John Cahill, 44 pts.

This format is always popular with all golfers, particularly if you have a buddy you like to play with on a regular basis, for it is a team spirit game.

This course is ever improving and appeals to the majority. The new clubhouse is beginning to look superb both in design and its commanding position. The management hope to throw open its doors in October. Hopefully they will retain the current entry fee of 800 baht including green fee, caddy fee, buggy and 100 baht vouchers for refreshments.

This week scoring was good with Gez Tracy and John Cahill coming third on 44 points, winning on count back from Sven Vistung and Rolf Roness (sorry, no 4th prize).

Also with 44 points came Evan Trotman and George Stelmark who took second, largely due to George’s eagle 3 on hole #8 on the A course, which ensured their win on count back.

However, pride of place went to winners with 47 points, Messrs. Herbie Ishinaga and Dene Mundey. As Alec said, not entirely due to Dene’s putter.

2nd Annual Las Vegas Open

The much-anticipated 2nd Annual Las Vegas Open is set to return, bringing with it all the same fun as was had last year.

Organizers are still taking entries for the all-round fun event planned for Friday, August 7 at Pattaya Country Club. Sign-ups can be made at Las Vegas on Soi Post Office, at the Hare House on Soi Post Office, or at any participating Pattaya Sports Club group.

Once again there will be a ton of special prizes, with prize giving to follow the tournament back at Las Vegas on Soi Post Office.

Early sign-up is encouraged, as this is one event that is too fun to miss.

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sungwanlek.