Pattaya’s young tennis stars set out on Pattaya - Roi Et marathon

Miss Khanitta Sritawan, Miss Patthamaphorn Khamchan and Miss Orathip Sritawan, three young tennis hopefuls from Pattaya, along with their father have set out on a 600 km bicycle/run marathon that will take them from Pattaya to Roi Et.

The Amari Orchid Resort, Pattaya Sports Club, Pattaya Mail and Pattaya City Officials are all supporting the efforts of Pattaya’s rising tennis stars.

Under their father’s guidance, they hope to raise enough money along the way to build two tennis courts at their father’s former school, the Lao Hok Kindergarten School in Roi Et.

Two of the three are fresh off recent success in the Thailand Junior Tennis Championships. Miss Khanidtha was victorious in the girls doubles championship (under 14 years), while Miss Patthamaphorn grabbed the runner-up position in the girls doubles (under 12 years).

The three young tennis enthusiasts have made a name for themselves since their historical Bangkok to Pattaya marathon in May 1997, raising funds to improve tennis for youngsters in Pattaya. All three have received great support from the Pattaya Sports Club, the Amari Orchid Resort, Pattaya Mail, and Administrators in Pattaya City.

The Amari Orchid Resort has been especially supportive by providing courts and coaching for the three girls. The girl’s father, Mr. Theva, also provides his full support and admiration.

Before the Thai Tennis Championships were over, Mr. Theva discussed his idea of doing the marathon with the Roi-Et Lawn Tennis Secretary, hoping to gain support and have him preside over the event on the morning of 5 May. He received good advice and an agreement was made to have seven teachers from the Lao Hok school form a planning committee for the construction of the tennis courts. The school’s administrator, Mr. Bounlom Phutha, would lead the committee and be the controller during the race, insuring various conveniences were provided for the athletes along the route. He was also designated as the procurer of donated funds. Everything appeared to be on course and driving in the right direction as of 1 April.

But on May 4th, the Lawn Tennis Secretary had a change of heart, saying that details of the project were unclear. The Lawn Tennis Association suspected that there might be something non-transparent with the whole affair and withdrew their support. The Association was also unsure whether the three girls would be able to complete the marathon from Bangkok to Roi-Et.

Mr. Theva and his three girls were not yet totally discouraged. Mr. Theva had already received 10,000 baht in donations from the National Athletic Teams and the Assistant Director of the Young Tennis Athletes had much faith in their intentions.

Returning to Pattaya, Mr. Theva contacted Pratheep Malhotra, Managing Director of Pattaya Mail, who has been supportive of the girls’ efforts from the beginning. Mr. Theva once again asked for help in making his dream become a reality.

The event was then changed from a running marathon to a combination of a running and bicycling. The location was also altered and would now be from Pattaya to Roi-Et, with three individuals cycling and one person running. The runner will alternate with the three cyclists throughout the marathon.

The Pattaya Mail gave its support to the marathon, combining with the Pattaya Sports Club, the Amari Orchid Resort, and Pattaya City administrators by presenting two bicycles for the event.

The presentation of the bikes, along with well wishes, took place at the Amari Orchid Resort tennis courts on the evening of May 6th.

On the morning of May 7th the marathon started as planned at the entranceway to Pattaya City Hall.

Thaworn Boonsawad, Pattaya Assistant Manager, Suphot Suphaphan, Pattaya Education Department Director, and Pratheep Malhotra, Managing Director of Pattaya Mail were present at the send off.

Mr. Theva started the marathon running, with his three daughters bicycling behind him along North Pattaya Road, then turning left onto Sukhumvit heading for Chonburi.

A vehicle from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation followed to provide conveniences required and as a safety precaution.

The first objective was Chonburi where they would rest.

Mr. Theva told reporters that they would be resting at designated provincial and district police stations along the route for safety reasons and to obtain police assistance in providing security along the roadways.

The marathon route will first take the athletes from Pattaya to Chonburi, then pass through Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Nakhorn Nayok, and Saraburi, then pass through various districts all the way to Nakhorn Ratchasima, heading north through more district towns to Mahasrakham and finally Roi-Et. Their final destination will be the Ban Lao Hok Kindergarten School in Nong Pheur Sub-District, Muang Sruang. A total distance of approximately 600 kilometers will be covered.

The three girls were confident, saying that they were sure to complete the marathon whether on the bikes or running. But if not enough funds were donated to build two tennis courts at the school, then the people in Muang Sruang District would have to come up with the rest. If asked to come back and do another marathon, they said they would decline, feeling that their endeavor wasn’t enough the first time.

Contractors have estimated the cost of constructing two courts would be at least 600,000 Baht.

Epic struggle

The Pattaya Pagans and the Sattahip Spartans waged a classic battle of gothic proportions at the weekly Pattaya Sports Club softball game on Sunday, May 9. When the saber rattling was completed, each team managed to crawl away with a win and split the doubleheader.

The opener saw the Pagans put up two in the first thanks to hits by Craig (The Hitman) Lewis and Esso Mike.

The Spartans responded with two of their own when (On The) Ball and Gordon Lightfoot produced shots to center.

In the bottom of the second the Spartans’ lances pierced the Pagans’ armor and nine runs scored. Thai Nai, John (C.F. Fowl Ball) Macallen and (Two Vowel) Ian had the key hits in the inning.

The Pagans fought back valiantly with four in the fifth, two in the sixth and five in the seventh but fell just short, losing 19 to 15.

The nightcap started slowly with both teams jousting for one in the first and two in the second.

The Spartans then took the lead in the third on a massive solo shot to right by G’day David.

But in the bottom of the inning the Pagans erupted for five when Kiwi Rick, Bouncing Boy and Billy Blooper strung hits together.

However, after scoring one in the fourth, the Spartans tied the game with three in the fifth when Copasetic Curt, M. J. (Coffee) Jim and Serve and Folly Peter each had RBI.

The Pagans had seen enough and put the game away with nine runs in their half of the inning behind hits by Mike (Mr. Ice) Berg and Mahalo Ken. Final score Pagans 17 - Spartans 11.

Mahalo Ken, playing in his first game, went nine for eleven at the plate and toughed it out on defense to earn MVP honors on the day.

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

PSC big game fishing tournament May 16th

The Pattaya Sports Club will present its next fishing tournament on Sunday, May 16th. All are welcome to attend, Pattaya Sports Club members and non-members alike can participate. To join in the tournament, an entrance fee of 600 baht must have been paid to the Pattaya Sports Club prior to Sunday May 9th. As always, along with the fee include the name of the team captain, the name of each fisherman on board and the name of the boat captain. Each team hires their own boat or finds a sponsor.

Rules for this tournament are as follows: there is no limit to the amount of people or tackle on board. Boats leave shore no earlier than 5:00 a.m. and must return by 5:30 p.m. for weigh-ins. Weigh-ins close at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Boats will depart from the Municipal Pier (South Pattaya).

The Pattaya Sports Club Fishing Section will award certificates to first and second place by weight for big game fish. Sharks and rays being caught will not be recognized for awards, but will still apply for "fish of the month" in the Pattaya Mail newspaper. Only one certificate will be awarded per individual.

To register for the tournament, please contact Carl Engel, Pattaya Sports Club Fishing Chairman at tel: 410-228 or fax: 426-121, email at [email protected]. Or Frank Collins at 723-511. Other outlets to sign up include the Poteen Still Restaurant & Bar and the SGP Bar.

Blondie and son take two sailfish

Blondie Robinson and his son, Justin, age nine, take the honors for "Fish of the Month". On Sunday, May 2nd, they managed to land two sailfish. One weighing in at 30 kilograms, measuring 230 centimeters, and the second was 25 kilograms at 202 centimeters.

Captain Jong positioned them correctly off Koh Phi Island at 10:30 in the morning to take the first strike. While still battling the first sailfish, the second one hit. Blondie’s comments, "I think we made a lifetime fisherman out of Justin today".

Roy Mitchell strings back to back wins

PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

Roy Mitchell made it two wins in a row at Sattahip on Tuesday 4 May.

After early morning showers, the Bunker boys teed off in nice weather for a change. But the wet course made the long, testing Sattahip layout play even longer than normal.

Roy held his game together, playing off his new, lower handicap of 19 to shoot 36 Stableford points for a par round. He was closely followed by Bill Jones who carded 35 points. In joint 3rd place were Hanno and Ger on 33 Stableford points.

Only one green out of the 4 was hit, the 171 yard 4E, and nearest to the pin was Bill Jones who needed his driver to land his ball two feet from the pin. Nice one Bill.

Roy is on his hat trick when the Bunker play at Eastern Star next Tuesday. Come on you guys - don’t let it happen!

Andy Wellington takes Diana Monthly Medal

PSC Splinter Golf Group from the Green Bottle

Rayong Green Valley - Friday 7 May - (Medal)

High scoring was common for the day, which was at least back to Pattaya’s sunny best.

Only one person from a good entry (for this time of year) of 24 beat his handicap. Andy Wellington (The Candy Man) returned to form with a vengeance and scored a net 68 (gross 77) to win both A flight and his third Diana tankard.

Andy was seen celebrating his win with fellow B flight winner Arthur Bailey (net 72, gross 94) and other Splinter regulars at the Green Bottle.

However, according to Steve Ross (Chairman on Splinter Group), Andy was saving some of his winnings to buy a supply of candy bars before visiting other Pattaya "night spots".

A Flight
1st: Andy Wellington, gross 77, net 68
2nd: Steve Mascari, gross 75, net 72
3rd: Stan Fry, gross 83, net 73

B Flight
1st: Arthur Bailey, gross 94, net 72
2nd: Al Crowder, gross 97, net 73
3rd: Mike Franklin, gross 98, net 75

PSC Golf for May

May continues on Sunday the 16th with Lewiinski’s playing stroke at Great Lake, then on Monday the 17th there is a choice of Stableford at either Phoenix, playing with PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg, or Khao Kheow with the PSC Splinter Group from the Green Bottle.

On Tuesday the 18th, PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker, the Smokers from Lewiinski’s and Scandic Hotel all go to Pattaya Country Club for the third round of the President’s Bowl Eclectic Competition.

On Wednesday the 19th there is a visit to Century Chonburi from the Green Bottle playing a better ball, or a bogey competition at Green Valley from Hare House.

On Thursday the 20th of May PSC Golf Café Kronborg goes to Natural Park Resort for a two man scramble.

The week ends on Friday the 21st with the final round of the President’s Bowl Eclectic and prize giving at Pattaya Country Club within the competitions run from Hare House, Scandic Hotel and the Green Bottle on that day.

The full May schedule can be seen at the PSC Golf Venues, in Pattaya Mail and at our Web Site at www.pattayasports.org.

Pattaya Sports Club Golf President’s Bowl ‘Eclectic’ 1999

Pattaya Country Club

Format : This competition will be played in May over four rounds of stroke play at Pattaya Country Club, with each round being played as a normal competition day from each of the PSC Golf venues.

Sign-up for the dates below in the normal way at the venue, but indicate on the sign-up sheet with an ‘E’ if you wish to take part in the eclectic competition.

The entry fee will be the usual fee for each PSC Golf venue, plus Baht 50 for each round you are taking part in the eclectic competition, to be paid on the day.

To enter the eclectic competition you do not have to play all four rounds, but obviously your chances of returning a winning eclectic score are much greater the more rounds you play.

Dates:
Monday 10th May: Cafe Kronborg leaving 08:15 a.m.
Wednesday 12th May: Hare House leaving 08:30 a.m.
Tuesday 18th May: The Bunker leaving 10:00 a.m., Scandic Hotel leaving 08:00 a.m., Lewiinski’s leaving 10:00 a.m.
Friday 21st May: Green Bottle Leaving 09:45 a.m.

Scoring: On the first day you take part in the eclectic competition hand in an additional scorecard with your gross and net score, signed by a playing partner. Full current handicap will apply, but please note that handicaps will be reviewed routinely so check the list for handicap changes.

On the second day you enter the eclectic competition, again complete a separate card with gross and net scores. Scores on any holes which are lower than your first round will be entered on the original card; and so on for other rounds. Only lower scores will be added to your eclectic card.

Prizes:
President’s Bowl 1999 - Best overall net eclectic score.
‘A’ Flight - Best net eclectic scores, winner, 2nd, 3rd.
‘B’ Flight - Best net eclectic scores, winner, 2nd, 3rd.
Low Gross - Best gross eclectic.
Most Birdies - Gross.
Ladies Prize - Best net eclectic score.

Prize giving at Pattaya Country Club on Friday 21st May with free buffet, plus a free sleeve of balls for any PSC member entering at least two of the eclectic rounds.

* This competition is sponsored by Pattaya Sports Club Executive Council *

Golf handicaps with the Pattaya Sports Club

PSC Golf Committee, 1st May 1999

After a lengthy and detailed review it has been decided to change from the USGA Handicap System, as the handicaps issued using this method do not comply strictly with the USGA Rules on two counts.

First, is the requirement for all courses to be rated, and here they are not, although there is a formula which can be applied to cover this point.

Second, and more important, is the USGA requirement for a player to submit All Acceptable Scorecards. Evidence shows that the majority of players do not comply with this rule, thus making the handicaps issued invalid and inequitable.

The Confederation of National Golf Unions (CONGU) Handicap System is long established, R&A approved, and based on scores returned from qualifying competitions of which there are, on average, 35 run monthly through the PSC Golf venues. This provides an ample base for maintaining handicaps on a fair and controlled basis.

However, recognizing that there are PSC members who would wish to continue with the USGA system, and who are prepared to submit ALL acceptable scores, the USGA system will continue to be available, but with a revised procedure relating to returning of scorecards.

Full details are available at the PSC office and at all PSC Golf venues.

Handicaps will be reviewed weekly under the CONGU system, and fortnightly, as before, for USGA.

A. The CONGU (R&A) Handicap System

The procedure for setting and maintaining a handicap for a Pattaya Sports Club member will, in future, be based only on returns from qualifying PSC competitions and tournaments using the R&A approved, Confederation of National Golf Unions, (CONGU) Handicap System.

The procedure is as follows:

1. A PSC member with no prior handicap with PSC, or any other recognised club or society, must have returned 5 completed scorecards, playing along in a PSC Golf competition or tournament, for a handicap to be set.

2. A PSC member who has not had a handicap with PSC before, but has a handicap from a home club, will play off his lowest current handicap from that home club. The current handicap will be entered in the PSC computer. The member will play off that handicap and subsequent PSC competition or tournament scorecards entered will adjust that handicap accordingly. A handicap certificate is required from the member’s home club.

3. A PSC member who has previously had a PSC handicap, but arrives with a more recent (lower or higher) handicap from his home club, will have that handicap entered into the computer. The member will play off that handicap and subsequent PSC competition or tournament scorecards entered will adjust that handicap accordingly. A handicap certificate is required from the member’s home club.

4. All PSC member handicaps that are in the computer will remain in place. No annual qualification is required to maintain that handicap.

5. Handicap adjustments under general play. Handicaps may be adjusted at the discretion of the handicap committee, or the competition/tournament organiser of the day in consultation with the handicap committee, under the provision of the Rules of General Play. It is then the responsibility of the player to declare his new handicap whenever he plays thereafter.

Note:

i) Non-compliance with any of the Handicap Procedure Rules may result in adjustment or loss of handicap.

ii) Handicaps will only be maintained for paid-up members of Pattaya Sports Club. The players handicap reference number will be the PSC membership number as shown on the current paid-up list.

iii) New members joining PSC are required to complete a handicap declaration form.

B. USGA Handicap - Revised Procedure

The decision to base PSC Golf handicaps on competition and tournament scores only, arises from the situation that, under USGA Rules, a player is required to submit all acceptable scorecards for a valid handicap to be maintained. This does not happen to a great extent, thus making the handicaps issued to members not following that rule, invalid, and the USGA handicaps inequitable overall.

However, after review, it is clear that some members still wish to have a USGA handicap and are prepared to submit all acceptable cards so that handicap may be valid. Therefore the USGA handicap procedure will, in future, be applied as follows:

Any member wishing to maintain a USGA handicap strictly under USGA rules may submit all acceptable scorecards for entry into the PSC Golf computer. Cards should only be placed in the scorecard collection box in the PSC office, Soi Diana.

Members wishing to follow this procedure are required to sign a USGA handicap application form in the PSC office to that effect. This application form makes it clear that failure to submit ALL acceptable scores will result in handicap adjustment or handicap withdrawal. This procedure is to be implemented by Bill Thompson and Jim Montgomery who will enter scorecards in the computer and issue USGA handicaps on this controlled basis.

Note:

1. All other PSC members not applying for the USGA option above, will only have scores entered from the return sheets in official PSC competitions and tournaments. Their handicap will be maintained using the R&A approved CONGU handicap system.

2. PSC members wanting a start-up handicap, assuming they have no other handicap, are required to play in, and return scorecards from, five official PSC competitions for a PSC handicap to be granted.

3. Once a handicap for a PSC member is established and in the computer (USGA or CONGU) it will remain as such, and only alter when scores are entered. No annual qualification is required for a handicap to be maintained.

4. Handicaps will only be maintained for paid-up members of Pattaya Sports Club.

Pattaya Panthers maul the British Club 17-0

In last month’s Super 10s Tournament in Bangkok, the Pattaya Panthers entered their first major tournament. In the first round of the competition, they came up against the mighty British Club, winners of the Super 10s International competition in Manila. (The British Club have current international players on their squad.)

In a thrilling encounter, the Panthers from the kick off threw themselves at the unsuspecting British Club. Mick Turner in particular steam rolled his way forward with the ball. Alan Owen Quick was omnipresent all over the pitch, scoring two of the tries. Steve Ritchie became the rock on which victory was anchored, whilst Steve Fraser became the first rugby player to be officially powered by Heineken and judging by the smile that remained on his face throughout the game, he’d taken on a fair bit of power.

But the man of the match and the inspiration of the team must be laid at the feet of former Krypton factor winner Chris Uluatt. Not only did he score the final try, putting the nail firmly into the British Club coffin, but many of his thunderous tackles sent some of the British Club players off early, leaving the field clear for the Victorious Panthers.

The Pattaya Panthers meet for training drinks at Delaney’s Pattaya on Tuesday evenings and Saturday evenings. Anybody interested in a game of rugby should contact Kim Fletcher (for non-playing supporters) or Steve Fraser or Chris Uluatt for playing members, or contact Steve on 01-8359126. There is also a touch rugby team for the ladies.

The next games are on the 15th of May - a round robin, 15 a side competition between the Pattaya Panthers, the Bangkok Japanese, and a British Club team out looking for revenge, with the party after at Delaney’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.