Enderle: Fastest time in ’99 Royal Garden Classic

The annual Royal Garden Resort’s Koh Larn Classic, in its ninth edition last week, has now joined some of the world’s great combined sailing-running events, such as the Hong Kong Four Peaks race and the Tasmanian Three Peaks test of stamina and endurance. As this year’s event showed clearly, however, neither the fastest runner nor the fastest yacht wins; rather, it is the best land-sea aggregate time.

Peter Cummins reports

The Karl Schmid Memorial Trophy for the fastest runner in the Royal Garden Resort’s 1999 Koh Larn Classic, held last weekend at Pattaya, went to Joe Enderle. Although his time of 34 mins, 33 sec, was one minute 33 seconds outside Jay Cooley’s 1995 record-breaking run of 33 minutes, nevertheless Joe was five minutes ahead of second runner, John Quarmby who ran 39.06. Then followed K. Marshment, K. Uruphong and C. Schulz who finished in 39.28, 39.58 and 41.32, respectively, for third to fifth.

Meantime, the on-water performance of David Race (Hobie Cat 16) and Charlie Schulz, his crew/runner, with a first and seventh placing in the two yachting legs, was enough to elevate these two into the top place overall for the 1999 Royal Garden Classic.

The Baguley team driving hard. Photo by Peter Cummins.

Conversely, Steve Blackburn’s placings in the Nacra 5.5 were not able to match runner/crew Joe Enderle’s fastest time. A 13th and 16th placing in the two yachting legs brought the Nacra team down to 10th place.

Second overall were Gary Baguley (Nacra 5.0) and Uruphong, finishing second and ninth in the two sailing events. Third were Alexis Welsh, first lady helm, and her runner P. Loke, with a first and a sixth placing, but Loke’s 16th placing on the land brought down an otherwise top performance.

Second lady helm, Tim Wienands on the ‘wheel’ and K. Marshment on the ‘heel’, managed a fifth overall, just behind Murray Maunder/C. Moor and ahead of John Marten/T. Wilkie, all three places going to Hobie Cat 16s.

First organized in 1991, the 1999 Royal Garden Classic comprises two legs of a yacht-race and a cross-country north-south run over Koh Larn. The Bangkok Hash House Harriers and Harriets join the Royal Varuna sailors for the very popular event, sponsored by the Royal Garden Resorts since its inception.

At the awards ceremony, which preceded the evening party, Richard White, Grand Master of the Bangkok Hash House Harriers, paid tribute to Fred Sommer who is in a coma at a Bangkok hospital after suffering a massive heart attack. It was a moving moment and all thoughts were for Fred whose enthusiasm, support and great sense of humour were sadly missing this year.

The course comprised a start from Royal Varuna, north to round Koh Chun (Lighthouse Island) off Pattaya Bay to port, then west across the Gulf, leaving Koh Krok to port, to the runner’s drop-off point at the northern tip of Koh Larn. The runners - except one lady who was totally lost along the track - followed the traditional HHH trail-markers to the southern end of Koh Lan to rendezvous with their respective skippers - who sail single-handedly along the western coast of the island - leap aboard and race back to Royal Varuna.

Joe Enderle at Kho Larn:
no record but a great run.
Photo by Reto Derungs.

David Wales, Gilbert Leemann and race marshal/timer Helmut Schreyer did their work well to guarantee a fair, competitive and safe event. Light, shifting winds made the solo leg on the western shore of Koh Larn rather effortless; nevertheless the conditions were not conducive to exciting racing.

Back ashore, however, the famous Royal Garden catering assured the big group of the best in food and beverage. The traditional evening entertainment, again provided by the Royal Thai Navy, was as lively as any "hash bash", with the HHH’s favourite out-station singer, the "Star-Spangled Banger", wowing them for yet another year!

It is a most appropriate event for the Royal Garden Resorts sponsorship for, of all sports and related past-times, it would be impossible to find any human activity more environmentally-friendly than running and yacht- racing. Both rely entirely on human endeavour - the latter requiring the added assistance of Nature’s forces.

In fact, the Royal Garden Resorts have taken their concept of "eco-tourism" to the stage where they have issued an "Eco code of conduct", some parts of which could almost have been extracted from the "Koh Larn Classic." For example: "Follow designated trails and paths. Don’t disturb animals, plants and natural habitats." Or, again: "Take only pictures; leave only footprints. No graffiti. Do not litter." The Hashers, certainly - except for the harriet noted above - only "followed designated trails and left only footprints," across Koh Larn.

At its inaugural event in 1991, the Koh Larn Classic joined the genre of two other such events: the Four Peaks Race, a 36-hour endurance test of sailing 76 nautical miles, 20 miles of overland running and scaling four peaks, first organized by Hong Kong’s Aberdeen Boat Club in 1985.

The other is the Australian Three Peaks Race, a most grueling test of man and machine around the island state of Tasmania which, for the slower yachts - and, runners - can be a four-day marathon. In the 1997 event, for example, one run took an incredible 18 hours, when a team was lost in the fog, cold and rain of one of Tasmania’s mountains.

Fortunately, the Koh Larn Classic is much more "user-friendly" than either of these, as the runners learned last week. Many spectators admired the sailing skills of the Varuna sailors and the athlete’s feats of the Bangkok runners. For most of the latter group, however, it was a case of going home to tend to a bad case of "athlete’s foot"!

Posse corrals Outlaws

David’s Posse and Alan’s Outlaws tangled on Sunday, February 28 at the weekly Pattaya Sports Club softball game. After a brief rain delay, the Posse had no trouble rounding up the Outlaws and sweeping the doubleheader.

The Outlaws broke out on top, putting up one run in each of the first three innings, with Maple Leaf Rick, Dick (The Stick) Cagg and Pittsburgh Al each collecting an RBI.

After being scoreless for two innings, the Posse put up three in the third thanks to timely hits by Esso Mike, M. J. (Coffee) Jim and Kiwi Rick. The Posse defense also clamped down, with Frank (Nitty) Gritty at second and Mark (The Natural) in center lassoing the Outlaws’ bats.

The big guns for the Posse came out in the fifth when G’day David smashed a tremendous blast to left, followed in the sixth by a two run homer off the stick of Mike (Mr. Ice) Berg.

The Outlaws rallied for three in the seventh but it was too little too late as the Posse captured the win ten to six.

The nightcap saw the Posse jump out to an early lead after putting up two in the first and three in the third with C. F. (Fowl Ball) Macallen and John (Baypoint) Bechtel providing the firepower.

The Outlaws scratched out one in the first and one in the third thanks to RBI from David (Mr.) Lewiinski and Hors d’oeuvre Niklas, playing in his first ever softball game.

Down nine to two in the bottom of the seventh, clutch hitting by Gordon Lightfoot and Vibrating Jay cut the Posse lead to three. But a nifty 4-6-3 double play ended the contest and the Posse rode off into sunset.

Special thanks to Ken Crow who handles the umpiring and Jimmy (One) Coke who takes care of the scoring and video cam. These gentlemen provide assistance and support week after week and their contribution is truly appreciated. Great job guys.

Games are every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Pattaya School #7 just past Greenway driving range and Caltex gas station on Sukhumvit Road. Equipment is provided and refreshments are available. All are welcome.

Errington & Minnighan take second straight title

PSC TAGGS... golf from the Hare House

Wednesday, February 24 - Natural Park Hill Resort Country Club (Two Man Scramble)

1st: Roger Errington & Terry Minnighan, 67.9 net
2nd: George Jackson & Bob Patterson, 68.6 net
3rd: Bob Heath & Vance Millar, 69.4 net

American Roger Errington teamed up with Irishman Terry Minnighan to win their second consecutive pairs competition out of the Hare House on Wednesday, February 24 at Natural Park Hill. Their even par 36 on the front nine was the best start of the day and gave them the cushion they needed to win another TAGGS Knotted Putter trophy. They finished the back with a three over par 39 to give them a gross score of 75 for the round and with their handicap allowance of 7.2 they finished with a net 67.8.

Finishing in second place for the second consecutive pairs competition were American Bob Patterson and Englishman George Jackson. They lost out to Roger and Terry by only seven tenths of a stroke, finishing with a net 68.6. Last week in a pairs medal they missed out on first place at Bangpra by a single stroke.

In third place were Englishman Bob Heath and Canadian Vance Millar who finished the day at net 69.4.

Friday, February 26 - Siam Country Club (Stableford)

1st: Bruce Horne, 34 points
2nd: Vic Cross, 33 points
3rd: Bill Doherty, 32 points

With over thirty golfers participating in the TAGGS Stableford competition at Siam on Friday, it would be expected that at least one miserable sod would break par. There was not much wind and the heat was bearable. But no one did. Maybe the fault can be laid on the greens, which after playing Natural Park Hill two days before, seemed to need a sledge hammer to get the ball going. Bruce Horne had the best gross of the day, an 84, and with his ten handicap managed to pull in 34 points to win the Red Eyed Rabbit, his first trophy out of the Hare House.

In second place with 33 points was Vic "The Old Rugged" Cross. The West Hollywood native has struggled lately and has threatened to start "cross dressing" and play off the ladies tees. Maybe with this second place finish he can hold off on the skirts until his golf guru Ray Caron can straighten him out.

Finishing in third place was Bill Doherty who also had 33 points.

Latham’s long game and Jones’ short game take scramble honors

PSC Pattaya Golf Society from The Bunker

Tuesday, February 23 - Sattahip (Two man scramble)

Two players in total harmony with the strengths of their particular styles of play dovetailed into a lethal partnership on the day. Wilf Latham’s constantly hitting his long "T" shots straight down the fairways and constantly hitting the greens in regulation was the perfect ploy for his partner Bill Jones’ excellent putting game, repeatedly hitting the back of the cups for three birdies and ten pars.

After Bill had holed the 16th for their third birdie, Wilf, with one of his jocular outbursts, was heard far and near to exclaim, "Gees, I’ve only had three putts all day." Such was the excellent form of Bill Jones and partner.

Latham and Jones returned a net 67 to win the honors, just one stroke from second pairings Paul Butler and Scandinavian Bo Ahlgen. Paul’s all round first class play paved the way for his partner Bo to compliment when required. Another case of two players knitted together and making a very effective twosome on the day.

Playing alongside the winners, "Remy" Burt Guy and vet. Colin Morgan finished last with a net 75, finding their problems on the putting greens and in complete contrast to Remy’s win the previous week at the Century Club.

Nearest the pins on the par threes had the unusual feature of Paul Butler hitting the green comfortably, followed by his partner Bo getting his ball inside Paul’s, followed then by Billy Shepherd getting inside of Bo’s ball, and then the ultimate shot from newcomer and Bristolian Paul Drake taking the prize by getting even nearer still to win this mini-contesting foursome.

PGS congratulations go to Society regular Joe Sparey for his outstanding performance in winning the recent Classroom Classic with 40 Stableford points.

It has also been noted that the Bunker’s Tiger Mitchell’s appearance at the naval course was self-inflicted and nothing to do with the back of a bus or any auditioning for the role of "Olivers" Fagin.

PSC Golf welcomes Lewiinski’s for weekend tournaments

Lewiinski’s Hotel, Bar & Restaurant in Pattayaland Soi 1 has joined the Pattaya Sports Club Golf as an affiliated group. Competitions from Lewiinski’s will be organized every Sunday and Tuesday meeting at 9:30 a.m. to leave at 10:00 a.m., and full details will be on PSC Golf monthly schedules, in Pattaya Mail and on the web site at www.pattayasports.org.

Mike Franklin, Chairman PSC Golf commented, "The addition of Lewiinski’s to our group structure is a major step forward, as we can now offer a Sunday competition every week and a second option on Tuesdays. With the increasing number of golfers joining Pattaya Sports Club to take advantage of our discount program at golf courses, and many other outlets in Pattaya, it is important that we offer our members the widest possible choice of golf course venues, playing formats and starting times.

"With five PSC Golf groups now operating we have an annual program of over 500 weekly competitions and 17 major tournaments. Possibly the largest and most comprehensive organized golf program anywhere!"

Steve Mascari, already a member of the PSC Golf Committee and owner of Lewiinski’s, commented, "We feel that coming under the PSC Golf umbrella is a great idea, particularly when tournament golf over the weekends is limited. We are now into our fourth week of Sunday golf and the response has been very good. Members should sign-up at Lewiinski’s and, for those that do, transport will be organized. As a group we will be known as the PSC ‘Smokers out of Lewiinski’s’"

For more details contact Steve Mascari at Lewiinski’s, tel. (038) 429444, 427822; Fax (038) 427823 or e-mail [email protected].

Vistung tames Sattahip, Tuppin to drink free

Sattahip - Monday 22nd February (Stableford)

Fifty-two players set out amidst sprinklers and ground wet from an overnight downpour, to play the North (C) and West (D) Courses at Sattahip. The new West Course presents a challenge to those playing it for the first time, but overall this is a fine 36 hole layout now and should not be underrated. Scores on the whole were good in favorable weather conditions. Svein Vistung had the round of the day with 44 points to win the A Flight. Dave Richardson played steady to score 38 points and take the B Flight.

A Flight

Winner: Svein Vistung, 44 points
2nd: Peter Collins, 36 points C/B
3rd: Jeff North, 36 points C/B Ebrahim

B Flight

Winner: Dave Richardson, 38 points
2nd: Ron Gould, 37 points
3rd: Pete Galle, 36 points C/B Chris Olsson, Lenart Belander

Near-Pins: N 4 Mats Levin, N 7 Lenart Belander, W 3 Svend Berthelsen, W 8 Lenart Belander.

Long Putts: C.9 Len Jones, D.9 Audunn Einarsson.
Long Drive: Audunn Einarsson.

Pattaya Country Club - Thursday 25TH February (Kronborg Mug - Medal)

Bernie Tuppin came in four shots clear of the field to win the February Kronborg Mug and the possibility of fifty two ‘fills’ from the players that took part. In fine weather, and with rock hard greens, chipping and putting were the required skills of the day. Runners-up were Mike Franklin and Michael O’Meara carding net 70, with Brad Doyle fourth with net 71.

Winner: Bernie Tuppin, Net 66
2nd: Mike Franklin, Net 70 C/B
3rd: Michael O’Meara, Net 70
4th: Brad Doyle, Net 71
Near-Pins: #5 Rick Sharp, # 7 Ray Woodruffe, #12 Larry Nicholas, #16 Mike Franklin.

Long Putts: #9 Bob Davis, #18 Egon Astrom.
Long Drive: Bob Greenfield.

PSC Charity Classic 1999

Venue: Phoenix, Friday 26th March 1999. Registration 08.30 - 09.30 a.m. Shotgun start 10.00 a.m.

Format: Team Stableford - the best final total scores of three out of the four man team counting. Winning Teams will be those with the highest aggregate Stableford points. Players not entering as part of a team, or without playing partners, will be placed in a Team by the organizers. Tournament limited to 32 teams (128 players).

Rules: With the exception of the use of ‘Charity Mulligans’ - R&A and USGA Rules will apply. Plus, Phoenix Local Rules on scorecard, and special PSC Mulligan Rules. Mulligans double as Lucky Draw Tickets and are not transferable between players.

Handicaps: Handicaps will be accepted from PSC Golf, Bangkok Golf Groups affiliated with the USGA or R&A, or any official USGA or R&A Handicap. All Non-PSC golfers must present a handicap certificate at Registration. Maximum Handicap Men 36, Ladies 40.

Entry Fee: B.1500 per player (B.6000 Team), includes: Green Fee, Caddy Fee, ‘Classic’ Golf Shirt, Barbeque & Thai Buffet Lunch (drinks excluded). Plus, free Carlsberg on the course.

Mulligans: Mulligan/Lucky Draw tickets on sale before Tee-Off on the day and at drink stops will cost B.100 each. Discounted Mulligans can be bought in advance. See ‘Entry Fee Offers’.

Entry Fee OFFERS: B.2000 with 6 Mulligan Lucky Draw tickets (B.500 to Charity), B.2500 with 12 Mulligan/Lucky Draw Tickets (B.1000 to Charity) B.3000 with 20 Mulligans/Lucky Draw Tickets (B.1500 to Charity), Or ‘The Full Monty’ @ B.4000 with 36 Mulligan/Lucky Draw tickets (B.2500 direct to Charity). Teams buying the ‘Full Monty’ receive a limited edition 1999 PSC Charity Classic Hat inscribed ‘I did the Full Monty’. Plus all Teams buying the ‘Full Monty’ qualify for a special ‘Full Monty Team Draw’.

Charities: All Charity Mulligan proceeds will go to nominated Charity Projects, including a New Kindergarten Unit at Mabrachan School, Banglamung.

Prizes: Trophies for Champion Team, Runners Up Team, 3rd and 4th Place Teams; plus Best Individual Stableford Score (Men), and Ladies Individual Winner.

Technical Prizes on every hole - minimum value B.5,000. Total value over B.100,000.

Lucky Draw Prizes: Over 100 Lucky Draw Prizes. Total value over B.100,000.

Closing Date: Closing Date for entries is Wednesday 24th March, midday.

Entry Forms: At Café Kronborg, Diana Inn, Hare House, The Bunker, Lewinski’s, and Shakey Pete’s. Also in Pattaya Mail.

* Sign up early for this event and help support local charities *

PSC ‘March Majors’

St. Patrick’s Day Team Scramble, sponsored by Delaney’s, and the 1999 PSC Charity Classic

On Wednesday March 17th, the Pattaya Sports Club and Delaney’s come together for the second year to run the popular St. Patrick’s Day Scramble at Rayong Green Valley. Sign-up for this at any of the PSC Golf venues: Café Kronborg, Diana Inn, Hare House, The Bunker, or Lewiinski’s. The format is a four-man team Texas scramble with prizes from PSC and Delaney’s for the winning team and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th team places. Prize-giving will be at Rayong Green Valley. Be sure to wear something green on the day and compete for the ‘mystery prize’!

The other highlight of the month is the PSC Charity Classic on Friday March 26th at Phoenix, when PSC aims to raise over B.300,000 for Charity through the sale of ‘Charity Mulligan/Lucky Draw’ Tickets.

This is the one chance in the year to play when ‘Mulligans’ are official in order to generate money for local charity projects. The popular ‘Full Monty’ Mulligan/Lucky Draw offer will again be available, with all proceeds going towards the charity target. Every Mulligan you buy doubles as a Lucky Draw Ticket, and with well over 100 prizes to be drawn, the value of the draw will exceed B.100,000. Technical Prizes on every hole will also have a total value of over B.100,000.

Hole Sponsors and contributors to the Lucky Mulligan Draw from last year wishing to repeat their participation, and new sponsors, should contact Mike Franklin at phone/fax 731144 or e-mail [email protected]; Steve Ross at phone/fax 720550 or e-mail [email protected]; Stephen Beard at phone/fax 426200 or e-mail [email protected]; or Harry Riley at phone/fax 720536 or e-mail [email protected].

More details in future issues of Pattaya Mail and at PSC Golf Venues: Café Kronborg, Diana Inn, Hare House, The Bunker and Lewiinski’s.

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 Sangwanlek.