Mountain bike tour

Khun Bancha at the Royal Garden Resort is organizing the 3rd Mountain Bike Tour to Tam-pra-tum Cave on Saturday, November 6th.

For all Royal Garden Fitness Club members, this great day out will be only 450 baht. For non-members and hotel guests it will only cost 550 baht. Mountain bike rental goes 200 baht for the whole day.

Itinerary:

9:00 a.m. - Meet Khun Bancha at the lobby of the Royal Garden Resort, Pattaya.
9:30 a.m. - Drive to Tam-pra-tum Cave (Pattaya City).
10:00 a.m. - Start the first scenic lap challenge.
12:00 - Rest and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
1:00 p.m. - Start the next challenge, even better than the first.
3:00 p.m. - A scenic ride back to Royal Garden Resort, Pattaya.

Please note: this route is not for beginners who have had no experience in riding a bike. Please bring for this exciting challenge a helmet, hand gloves and sport shoes. Please be aware that this route is exciting and a great challenge. The route is up and down hills, and a great workout.

Malaysia’s Mohd Zan Scoops ASEAN Sailing Crown

Peter Cummins reports from Pattaya

Malaysia’s 13-year-old Abdul Rahim b. Mohd Zan left no doubt who is the ASEAN region’s best Optimist sailor, winning convincingly the Eleventh ASEAN Optimist Championship, contested off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya during the past week.

The new champ, Malaysia’s 13-year-old Abdul Rahim b. Mohd Zan with Vice Admiral Sombat Chaiyasap. Photo Peter Cummins

With four first placings and a ninth in the five races counted out of the six sailed, this fine young sailor finished with a total of 13 penalty points, two points clear of a determined and very consistent Masahiro Nomura from Japan who finished 2-4-2-4-3, for 15 penalty points. Third, at the end of the day, was Thailand’s top performer, diminutive 12-year-old Ariya Hongtieng from the Phatra Yacht Club, who also sailed brilliantly for 3-5-8-5-5 placings and 26 penalty points.

Fourth was 14-year-old Xu Yuan Zhen from the Island Republic (12-3-3-7-2 = 27) and fifth was Burma’s Phone Kyaw Moe Myint, also 14, who improved with every race, as he adapted to the very different conditions sailing on open waters rather than the enclosed waterways of Burma where he usually sails.

Burma team (MYA) with coach Pablo Webber (center) - different waters to Burma.

The nine girls who mixed it with the 36 boys participating in the event also gave a good account of themselves, with first girl, tiny eleven-year-old Noor Hazarita bt. Aman from Malaysia, finishing twelfth in the overall standings on 64 points, just four ahead of second young lady, Thailand’s own 14-year-old Sasithorn Isawapa who finished 13th overall, and little lady #3, Singaporean Toh Yi Ling, also 14, who finished 18th overall, on 85 points.

It was a great week’s racing, and although the Malaysians won the two major individual events - the sponsors’ race and the six-race Junior Sailing Squadron of Thailand Trophy - Singapore trounced all-comers in the ASEAN Challenge Cup, the team racing event.

The Japanese team have some “hi-jinks” after it is all over.

It was indicative of the closeness of the competition that the first five places were filled by one sailor from each of the five competing countries and, among the girls, the first three were all from different countries.

Even the new champion could not rest easily, as Japan’s Masahiro Nomura relentlessly pursued him and was lying equal first with the Malaysian at the end of the penultimate race.

The Singapore team with coach Siew Shaw Her (left) - a world-renowned yachtsman.

Mohd Zan won the decider, with Japan third, but it was still not over. There was a protest against the erstwhile champion. He survived it and carried the permanent trophy back to Malaysia to await the contestants at next year’s Twelfth ASEAN Optimist Championship.

Sponsors

A number of individual sponsors came forward to assist the Thai teams with the expenses inevitably involved in such a competition - even one held on home waters. These were Al Chandler, Sue Chandler, Peter Feddersen, Dr Somphob Intaraprasong, Ryoichi Ishii, Christopher J. King, Charn Soponpanich, Ralph Tye and Harold Vickery, whose ongoing support for Thai junior sailing has been instrumental in staging this exciting event.

The Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the managing authority, through its affiliated Junior Sailing Squadron, placed 50 new Optimist dinghies at the disposal of the participants thus eliminating the major obstacle to staging such an event - the local availability of top-quality boats.

And, of course, there was a sponsors’ race early in the regatta. Yet, in spite of - or, maybe that should read because of - the appalling conditions prevailing in South Pattaya for the first three days of the five-day competition, the results of Tuesday’s sponsors’ race were an early indication of how close the competition was going to be. Four countries of the five participating filled the first four places, barely seconds between them where it counts - at the finish!

Malaysia’s Abdel Rahim b Mohd Zan scraped across the line a split second ahead of Singapore’s Xu Yuan Zhen who, in turn, was just ahead of Masahiro Nomura of Japan, with Thailand’s leading competitor Polthep Suk-udom in fourth place. (A third event of the regatta, the team racing on opening day, was won easily by Singapore and featured in the “Pattaya Mail” of 29 October, p. 31).

One can only speculate on the abilities of these tiny persons, in the fact that they could actually FIND the finish line when, at times, the principal race officer Lawnin Crawford could not even see his charges hidden behind blinding rain squalls.

The 45 children launched their tiny dinghies to start the “Sponsors Race” into a ferocious rain storm, with lightning bolts flashing, thunder growling on the horizon and rain, rain, rain...!

As the young sailors sailed west to their start line off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club that Tuesday morning, there was a strange light in the sky. It was ‘sunlight’ - which had not appeared since the previous Sunday. Or, as one of the many armchair sailors watching the little folks out on the sea remarked: “Look, someone has turned on the lights this morning!”

“The game must go on,” was the chorus from these fearless little girls and boys and, even though at times the fleet, the marks and the shore were invisible, there was a start and certainly a finish to the event.

Then the storms cleared as suddenly as they had started and the last two days of the championship were “Pattaya-perfect”.

The event was marked by superb management with Lawnin Crawford and Admiral Sunan organizing the racing out at sea, while Al Chandler, Poul Evers and Linden Phanpho looked after much of the land-based management.

The most impressive Awards and Closing Ceremonies were covered by Pattaya’s finest, the “Pattaya Mail”, in the print and audio-visual media. The children dressed in their national costumes were presented their trophies by Royal Thai Navy and Yacht Racing Association officials, Admiral Suwachai Kasemsoot, Vice Admiral Sombat Chaiyasap and Rear Admiral Sunan Monthardpalin, event organizer Albert T. Chandler and visiting Optimist trainer and international judge, Poul Evers from Denmark.

Mr. Chandler also took advantage of the presence of some of the region’s leading Optimist dinghy supporters, coaches and team leaders for discussions on future directions, especially with long-standing Optimist coach/trainer/manager, Poul Evers. Malaysia’s Jimmy Tan and Ahmad Yusoff b. Said, Siew Shaw Her (Singapore), U Htay Kyaw, Dr Ohmar Moe Myint and Pablo Weber (Burma), Yoshinari Kamiya (Japan) and host country’s Jaray Tipsook and Lt. Vinai Vongtim all joined the seminar.

Mr. Chandler looked at the concerns of “life after the Optimist”: the gap facing some of these remarkably good sailors after they turn 16 and must leave the Optimist dinghy and their Optimist sailing days behind them.

Yet, even as the Optis were being packed to return to the Royal Thai Navy base at Sattahip, a certain gentleman from UK’s Fireball International - Andrew Davies - was having intense discussions with Royal Varuna Flag Commodore Rut Subniran, Al Chandler and other luminaries. The outcome of these deliberations? Royal Varuna secured as the venue for the Fireball World Championships, 12 - 19 March, 2000. This represents a repeat for this prestigious event: the first time was November 1978.

Panthers Maul Hat Yai

The recent Hat Yai 7’s rugby tournament was taken totally unaware with the appearance of the Pattaya Panthers. Not actually getting an invitation did not stop your local rugby club from attending, fortunately the Bangkok Southerners were short in numbers (they only had 2 players and 2 from the British Club) so an invite was to Pattaya and we jumped at the chance.

Over the 2 day period of the competition the absolute cream of South East Asia’s 7’s Rugby talent was on show in Thailand’s upcoming Olympic bid stadium, well they had an Olympic size torch above the stands anyway.

Pattaya Panthers sent their best balance of international talent including Rob Oldfield, the Welsh Wizard Winger, Fergal O’Neil our crowd pleasing Irish Prop, Charlie Nord-Champ, the French connection in the centers, Mike ‘Bone Crusher’ Creedon the American enforcer, Adrian Sparrow the British Bulldog Fullback and David “Run Forrest Run” Garred - our Australian Wallaby Wannabe Winger.

The tour started under worrying circumstances with Rob and Adrian falling asleep during peak time at Delaney’s Bangkok and the Belgian member of the touring party, Thomas Paemeleir, yet again missing the flight.

The 3 Qualifying matches on the Saturday saw the Panthers have mixed results with 2 wins and a loss to qualify for second division in the knockout competition.

Good, strong and flowing rugby saw a 24-12 well deserved victory in the first game. A great tournament opener with all members of the squad putting in a big effort to ensure victory. One possible exception to that would be David Garred, injuring himself in the warm-up before the game thus ensuring a firm inclusion in the line at the beer tent for the rest of the competition.

The second game saw the coining of a new nickname for Rob Oldfield, scoring a hat trick of tries due to his individual brilliance for the first and fantastic set up play from the rest of the team for the following 2. PSU Pattani, an up and coming university team from the south of Thailand were the opposition, going down 29 points to nil. Pattaya’s forwards totally dominated in the scrums, line-outs and the defensive work ensuring Pattani did not even have the opportunity to cross the half way line. The second half saw some frustration creep into the game from PSU with one of their forwards saying “ohh mister you too big”. Very rarely would you hear someone asking for mercy on the rugby pitch in such fashion.

Game number 3 saw Pattaya come up against their most challenging competition, as the Cobras from Malaysia played true to their name, striking hard, fast and often. The Cobras are an international standard 7’s touring team of both ammeter and professional rugby players with a long successful history. The Panthers were happy to hold the Cobras to a 28-0 score line.

Defensive Fergal O’Neill took rugby to a new level during the course of the match, tackling everything that moved, including one fantastic hit on the Cobra’s winger, which brought the entire crowd to their feet. The crowd were most displeased with this particular tackle, if you have seen a professional ice hockey body check against the boards then you get some of the idea, add to that the fact that the winger was not in possession of the ball at the time and you get the idea. True sportsmanship prevailed with Fergal’s heartfelt apology to the player and the crowd.

In the Second division Quarter Final on the Sunday morning, Pattaya Panthers had their back to the wall again going into yet another game against another semi professional Malaysian touring team. Two extremely high profile Fijian 7’s players bolstered this time the Malay team’s numbers.

The Panthers were a tad nervous, but tough talking before the game saw Pattaya come out hitting hard and playing to their strength - 15’s rugby. The textbook for 7’s rugby was re-written during this game with Pattaya using maul techniques on two separate occasions to gain ground. Not just a little ground but 20 meters on the first and 15 on the second. Stunned silence came from the crowd during both these moves as Pattaya’s efforts made the entire trip more than worthwhile.

Pattaya Panthers are looking forward to the upcoming Bangkok 7’s for yet another opportunity for handing out a mauling.

New players and supporters are always welcome, contact David Garred (038) 425611 ext. Fitness club or Kim Fletcher (038) 710641-43.

Bob Westendorf wins big at Siam

PSC TAGGS... golf from the Hare House

Wednesday, October 25 - Great Lake Country Club (Two Man Scramble)

1st: Peter Christiansen & Peder Gjelstop, 68.8 net
2nd: Glen Dragland & George Jackson, 70.6
3rd: John Kendall & Terry Summers, 71.2

Peter Christianssen and Peder Gjelstop are now back in Denmark. The party is over; the golf clubs are put away until their next visit. At least that explains why they didn’t let the unbelievably wet conditions deter them from playing on Wednesday, October 25, in the Two Man Scramble that the Hare House gang held at Great Lake. With only days left in their vacation, they were determined to get in as much golf as possible. Their determination was doubly rewarded.

First, the golf course was in excellent shape. When Nick Faldo designed this layout, he must have done a helluva job with the drainage plans. The roads to Great Lake were flooded, but the course itself was dry and in perfect condition. Amazing!

Secondly, Peter and Peder were rewarded by winning their first TAGGS competition. They shot a net 68.8 in the scramble, and took a couple of Knotted Putter trophies back to Denmark. Congratulations!

George Jackson telephoned the Hare House on the morning of the competition to let the guys know that Great Lake was in beautiful shape. George lives out in the boonies not far from there and he wanted to make sure his partner “Lassie” Dragland was out of bed and raring to go. The Dynamic Duo took second place with a net 70.6 and kept George’s streak alive at fifteen.

John Kendall and Terry Summers came in third with a score of net 71.2. John had played the previous day with the group from the Bunker when there were more golfers in Lotus than there were on all the courses on the Eastern Seaboard.

Friday, October 29 - Siam Country Club (Stableford)

1st: Bob Westendorf, 42 points
2nd: Bob Jess, 39 points
3rd: Keith Fortt, 39 points

A large field turned out to welcome back the sun as TAGGS played their weekly Stableford competition at Siam on Friday, October 29. This is the time of the year when Siam is at its best. The fairways were almost lush and the sound of rushing water coursing over the spillways seemed to bring out the best in the players.

It certainly brought out the best in Bob Westendorf and he can kiss his 23 handicap goodbye. Bob shot a six under par 89 and took home the Red Eyed Rabbit with 42 Stableford points. Bob was playing in the same group with fellow Canadian Murray Kerr, and there is a strong suspicion that he had already won big before he got back to the Hare House. That might explain why “Muffy” was muttering to himself all afternoon.

Tied for second place with 39 points apiece were a couple of Englishmen. Bob Jess took the penultimate spot in a count back over Keith Fortt on a day when seven prizes were given out.

PSC Golf with the Splinter Group

Mon. 18th October

Sixteen golfers took on Green Valley with the white tee’s placed as far back as they could be, and the heat at 11 a.m. a warning of what was to come. Jim “The hair from Ayr “ Mills was the first to falter. After the par 5 third he just managed to make the ‘ hong nam ‘ where he proceeded to shout down the porcelain telephone. He soldiered on until after the 9th but was last seen heading for the clubhouse muttering that famous old Pattaya saying, “Never again”.

Stan Fry announced his return to the Splinter Group after a long lay-off, due to illness, by winning ‘A’ flight with 36 points off his 12 handicap. He also picked up the two nearest the pins just for good measure. Welcome back Stan.

Svend “Laughing Boy” Berthelson finished second with 29 points, which seemed to please him as he never moaned once. Usually the grass is to green, the sky to blue, the pace to slow, etc., etc. (only joking Svend, Ha, Ha Haaaaa, Ha Ha ).

Mike “The Donkey” Phillips took ‘B’ flight with 37 points off his 16 handicap. Nice to see him back on the podium after so long. Arthur Daley, sorry I mean Bailey, made ‘a nice little ‘earner’ by taking second place with 36 points; well done Arthur. Steve Ross, the Splinter Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Starter and general dogs body welcomed back returning Splinters Jim Boyd and Tony Stevens.

Wed. 20th October

Khao Kheow of the white tee’s? Now throw in a strong wind and cut and roll the greens until they are faster than Bangpra, then play stroke and you see why only two golfers shot under handicap. Andy “Candyman” Wellington was going along well after eight holes, but on the 9th he managed to hit tree’s, golf bags, everything except the green, which took him out of contention and into figures he’s not seen for a few years.

Mick “Shagnasty” O’Meara fared even worse and couldn’t wait to get back to the warm ‘Welcome’ of Pattaya. Unfortunately for Mick he took longer getting back than he takes lining up a putt. He was cheesed by the Chairman, and ended up with 2 no-returns in one day. Tony “My Girl” Stevens made his first top three finish since his return, with a net 73 off his 12 handicap. I’m sure it wont be his last.

Gez (with a G) Tracey managed a net 71 off a 14 handicap, but leading the field with a net 68 of his 16 handicap was Mike “Donkey” Phillips. We asked Mike what sort of strategy he had implemented to manoeuvre around this tricky Pete Dye course, to which he replied “Do wot”. Well done Mike.

Fri. 22nd October

Treasure Hills must be the best kept secret in Pattaya, and if you play it Tuesday or Thursday not only will you play one of the best courses in the area, but it will only cost you 350 baht to do so, including caddy. It is a little way out, just before Noble Place on the left, but well worth the trip.

Two man better-ball was the format, and just as well judging by the scorecards. But the cream always rises to the top and steady young Arthur Bailey with the help of Mick “Shagnasty” O’Meara managed a net 63 just edging out Steve Ross and Jim “The hair from Ayr” Mills on count back.

The closest challenge came a distant 6 shots behind, but the main talking point at the post game drink in ‘La Pappilon’ (apart from Ged “The howl” Mason’s golfing sandals) was the course, which really is a joy to play.

PSC Golf busy in November

On Sunday 7th November, Lewiinski’s go to Green Valley for a Stableford competition, leaving at 11.00 a.m. On Monday 8th November, PSC Golf from the Caf้ Kronborg goes to Great Lake at 8.15 a.m., and the Splinter Golf Group from the Green Bottle leaving at 09.45 am, go to Laem Chabang, both groups playing Stableford.

On Tuesday the 9th, Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker plays a medal at Siam Country Club, while Lewiinski’s go to Laem Chabang to play Stableford.

On Wednesday 10th November, the Green Bottle group goes to Khao Kheow to play stroke, while Hare House play a medal at Natural Park Resort.

On Thursday the 11th the Kronborg go to Eastern Star and Lewiinski’s, leaving later at 10.15 go to Bangpra, both playing stroke.

On Friday the 12th the Splinter Group play a scramble at Century Chonburi, while Hare House go to Great Lake for a Stableford competition. Scandic Hotel, now back on the schedule, go to Natural Park Resort to play stroke.

Next in November are two major tournaments. Diana Gold at Phoenix, a shotgun start, charity event on Friday November 19th (full details in this issue of Pattaya Mail), and Papasan Ray Rogers Thanksgiving ‘Turkey Day’ Tournament at Pattaya Country Club on Thursday November 25th. Sign-up early for both of these.

The November Schedule is up and can be seen at all PSC Golf venues, at Delaney’s, in Pattaya Mail and on the PSC Web Site at www.pattayasports.org.

Graham Faithful to form to take Kronborg Monthly Mug

Pattaya Sports Club Golf from the Café Kronborg

Green Valley - Thursday 28th October (stroke)

Following the public holiday Monday washout with the heavy rain, Thursday at Green Valley was fine and the course in excellent playing condition. However, the scores did not reflect this and only the winner of the Monthly Kronborg Mug was able to better par.

Winner: Graham Faithful, net 71
2nd: Banjob Franklin, net 74
3rd: Leon Brown, net 76 C/B
4th: Arthur Hancock, net 76
5th: Chris Olsson, net 77 C/B Mark Calwell
Near pins: #4 John Evans, #7 Graham Webber, #11 Ulli Kollak, #15 Rudi Huber.

Khao Kheow - Monday 18th October (Stableford)

In the windiest conditions ever seen at Khao Kheow, but thankfully dry, Ebrahim returned the best of the day with just 34 points. However, it was a good shape-up for Ebrahim in anticipation of the TQ Masters.

Winner: Ebrahim, 34 points
2nd: Peter Gelstrup, 33 points C/B
3rd: Peter Engwall, 33 points
4th: Arthur Hancock, 30 points

Phoenix - Thursday 21st October (Stroke)

Unfortunately the course condition did not match the fine weather and signs that the rainy season is probably over. The punishing rough from the edge of the fairways continues in spite of many requests for it to be cut back. The sun will no doubt burn it off in due course. Having said that, Philippe Berra managed to return a net 67 with reliable Ebrahim close behind with net 68 and two near pins to prove how consistent he is. Philippe also had a near pin.

Winner: Philippe Berra, Net 67
2nd: Ebrahim, Net 68
3rd: Stefan Andersson, Net 72 C/B John Kendall
Near pins: M 4 Ebrahim, M 8 Jens Gunnersson, L 2 Philippe Berra, L 7 Ebrahim.

The Magnificent Seven

PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

Roy “Tiger” Mitchell, Gary Hamill, Jens Gunnersson, Anders Karlson, Paul Butler, Wilf Latham and John Kendall - all seven players braved the extreme elements to compete on the final day of the month for the “Bunker Bonus” and “Player of the Month” recognition.

After several frenzied phone calls and amid torrential rain, all set off in Big Wilf Latham’s motor roller, after all his amphibious components had been checked, leaving the Bunker, now known affectionately as the “Three Virgins Bar”, not knowing what was in store for them during the journey to Green Valley and on the course.

Congratulations Norman Brooks

This was the last competition of the month for the qualifying winners of the “Bunker Bonus”. Having already played three of the qualifying rounds to be considered for the honour, Norman Brooks took the honours with a three round total of just plus 2, minus 4 and plus 6, giving him a plus four shots for the Bunker Bonus. Well done Norman, you’ve set a very high standard.

It is going to be a difficult job to shift Norman from his perch and the standards he’s so capable of, and off a handicap of 17. Norman, a West Walian, has PGS’s condolences on the demise of the Welsh Rugby XV... along with England, Scotland and Ireland.

Second position went to Roy “Tiger” Mitchell with a net 3-game qualifier of plus 10, including Green Valley and the dreadful weather conditions. Another commendable performance.

Third place went to Anders Karlsson with just one shot more the “The Tiger” with plus 11 shots. Tough luck Anders and better luck next month.

The winner of the day’s play at Green Valley was Jens Gunnersson with 36 Stableford points. An excellent result in such conditions. Second place went to John Kendall just 3 points behind with a 33 total. Third place, you can’t keep his name out of this report, was “Tiger” Mitchell just one point behind John.

The Society has noted the Hare House Golf Society’s problems and our faithful Big Wilf Latham was drafted into their competitions early in October to check the form of the Notorious “One Ball Jackson” we read so much about in the Pattaya Mail. It appears scribe Jimmy Little wants to abandon “One Ball” elsewhere; sorry Jim, we’ve enough of our own “One Ballers”. Besides the “Three Virgins” wouldn’t be interested, anyway, our own Remo will take care of any of our own domestic issues.

With the anticipated return of Society members, the ranks are expected to swell to the 30 mark. Visiting golfers are all welcome with transport provided at 50 baht per person. Competing in two flights with 1st, 2nd and 3rd awards and nearest the pins on par 3s.

The Society passes on its best wishes to John Hopkins, our ex-scribe, and that he’ll soon be on the greens competing again.

Venues for November are: 2nd Stableford at Sattahip; 9th medal at Siam C.C.; 16th Stableford at Pattaya C.C.; 23rd Stableford at Natural Park Resort; 30th medal at Green Valley.

To qualify for the Bunker Bonus, players must play 4 of the 5 competitions of the month.

‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament

Phoenix, Friday 19th November 1999 - Sponsored by Carlsberg and Chivas Regal

The ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament is organised by the Diana Group in association with Pattaya Sports Club Golf, and features a one baht gold prize on every hole.

Entry fee: B.1,500 includes green fee, caddy fee, ‘Diana Gold” shirt, three lucky draw tickets, a ‘nip’ at the Chivas Regal Charity Hole; buffet, live band, extended Happy Hour around the Diana Inn Pool, and Lucky Charity Draw. Many prizes, including flights to Singapore.

Prizes: ‘Diana Gold’ championship trophy & prize; trophy & prize for winner, 2nd & 3rd places Divisions I, II & III; Ladies Division; Low Gross.

Technical prizes: Every hole will feature a technical prize of One Baht Gold.

All proceeds from the tournament and lucky draw will go to the Chonburi Observation and Protection Centre, which provides for over 900 children that have passed through the Chonburi Juvenile and Family Court.

Get full details with entry form at Diana Inn, Green Bottle, PSC golf venues, and Delaney’s.

Copyright 1999 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]
Updated by Boonsiri Suansuk