The Tradition Continues

Though it’s not the Masters, nor is it one of PSC major golf events (in the golfing sense) Papa Ray’s Turkey Day certainly stands out as one of the social events of the year.

Initiated 20 years ago by popular local identity Ray (Papasan) Rogers, this event commemorates America’s Thanksgiving Day, and participation is keenly contested. Held this year at Pattaya Country Club, a maximum field of 144 players, representing more than 20 countries took part. As testimony to the popularity of this event the entry sheet was filled only days after posting.

As stated earlier the game is secondary to the social occasion. As well as the golfers many of Papasan’s contemporaries make the journey along Siam Country Club road to help him celebrate thanksgiving. It is not uncommon at this function for Ray to play host to 200 visitors during the course of the day.

Papa Ray Rogers

The feature of course is the famous turkey dinner complete with baked ham, sweet potatoes and all the trimmings.

Ray’s hospitality is legendary and so too is his support of PSC and local charities. His reward for these efforts he says is to see his friends enjoy the day.

Papasan’s generosity is matched only by his courage and determination. Only days before this year’s event Ray suffered a heart attack and was rushed into ICU at a local hospital. His recovery still not complete and against medical advice Ray insisted on release, claiming he was being held captive. The hospital, on the other hand, feared that those who arrived to take him home were abductors.

For the full story of the farce that ensued, a drink in the Kronborg with mine host Bjarne Nielsen will prove quite entertaining.

The outcome, though, was that stronger wills prevailed and Papasan was at home to welcome his many guests.

The format for this year’s Turkey Day was changed to a Texas Scramble to accommodate more players and to increase the fun aspect. Like, it’s hard to get down on yourself when your 3 partners also miss the 2-foot putt! The short knockers also get a buzz hitting their 2nd shot from where they often hit their 3rd. Consider the joy of the low handicap player who sees his 30+ handicap partner chip in after he has chunked the same shot - high fives all around! Just the right format to set the mood for afterwards.

Afterwards, of course, was at Papa Ray’s home where Bjarne and family had worked tirelessly to ensure that a large quantity of cold beverages was available to all competitors.

Not only responsible for liquid refreshments, Bjarne and co. managed to prepare a mountain of food, all of which was absolutely delicious.

While most were eating and drinking and exchanging tales of their golfing prowess (or lack of it), others were engaged in more serious duties. So busy was puffing Dave Richardson that he hardly had time to stoke up his pipe!

Dave’s efforts in organising the golfing side of this occasion were of the highest order. He in turn recognised the assistance of George Bennison, Gert Hansen and Bernie Tuppin in making the day a success. Doug Jeffries kept busy selling raffle tickets for a golf bag, which was won by Ian Halfpenny. Doug’s efforts raised 8000 baht to be donated to Papa Ray’s favorite charity.

A further sum was raised by the sale of PSC 2001 calendars flogged throughout the proceedings by golf chair Dennis Willett.

As is customary at Papasan’s parties a collection was taken for Ray’s loyal staff and 10739 baht was donated. No one owned up to giving the 9 baht (keeniao).

After each competitor received a very sturdy golf umbrella embossed with Ray’s famous turkey logo, the prize giving took place. The array of prizes was more than generous and consisted entirely of golf equipment, which was gratefully accepted by all the winners. Many lucky draw prizes were distributed so that only a few went home empty handed.

Surely the only ones with a legitimate complaint could be the turkeys, who, having survived from the 24th (Thanksgiving Day) until the 29th must have thought they were safe for another year. Life’s cruel!

The consensus another wonderful day (except for the turkey’s)

Thanks Papasan from everyone.

Results

Winning Team (58.4): Sture Brisholm, Lenart Belander, Thomas Bergwall and Magnus Johansson

2nd: (59.3) Pedr C Jelstrop, Michael Dige, Dick Caggiano and Graham Ramsey

3rd: (59.8) Edith Villasden, Niels, Gary Palm and Phil Elliot

Nearest 2nd Shot: hole 6 Andy Leach, and hole 15 Paul Shortino

Nearest pins: #5 Gary Palm, #7 Dennis Willett, #12 Cec Williams and #16 Nalinee Suriya

Longest putts: #9 Wayne Koch and #18 Keith Hector

Red Bull Formula Windsurfing World Championship 2000 underway at Jomtien

Racing got underway on Sunday, December 3 off Jomtien Beach in the Red Bull Formula Windsurfing World Championships. For most of the morning the colorful race site was quiet and subdued; the sponsor’s flags hung limp beneath a hot sun. But as the afternoon progressed the wind picked up and the beach began to stir. Then at 2.30 p.m. it was all action and energy as the event sprang to life. There are 140 competitors here from 37 countries and the sight of all these athletes heading out to sea on their windsurfers was inspiring.

Defending Formula Windsurfing World Champion Wojtek Brzozowski from Poland flies across the scenery on his “POL 10” windsurfer

This is the largest windsurfing event in the world this year and there is a very strong field of competitors. Both the new men’s number one (Kevin Pritchard - USA) and the new women’s number one (Daida Moreno - Spain) are competing and they will have a lot to do if they are to win here. Windsurfing is a classic lifestyle sport and this, too is reflected by the presence of the top amateur windsurfers. Completing the picture are the youth sailors who will be racing alongside their ‘older’ brethren. This is a unique event where the top professionals race against the top amateurs and the top youth. When the winner is announced this Saturday, they will truly have earned the title World Champion.

There are 124 men and 15 women competing in the event with men and women racing separately. It would not be possible to race all 124 men on this course at one time so they are being divided into two “divisions” - a Gold Division and a Silver Division. The eventual winner of the Gold Division will be the World Champion. The first seven races of the event are designed to decide who will qualify for the Gold Division and who will be left in the Silver Division.

The defending Formula Windsurfing World Champion is Wojtek Brzozowski from Poland. A big man, standing almost two meters and weighing 92 kilos, he has been windsurfing since he was 9 years old and he still remembers very clearly the day he first stood on a windsurf board. Now 24 years old Wojtek is still passionate about the sport and describes it as a way of life - a life style.

The thrill of competition is one thing but Wojtek also describes the sensation of windsurfing as “a feeling that you are in contact with nature”. In summary, Wojtek simply says, “It’s a cool life!” When asked what it will take to keep his title Wojtek says that in the relatively light winds that are expected in Pattaya, race tactics, an appreciation of currents and local conditions will be important - “strength and technique is one thing but the winner will also have to use his head”.

Racing will continue this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The World Champion will be crowned at the awards banquet, fashion show and party at Pattaya Park beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 9.

Jetrin edges Skelton for Jet Sports King’s Cup Thailand Open

Thailand’s Jetrin (Je) Wantanasin edged out New Zealand’s Kelly Skelton on points to win the main event of the Jet Sports King’s Cup Thailand Open 2000.

Putting the trophies on display - this is what was being competed for

The annual Jet Sports King’s Cup Thailand Open was held November 25-26 in front of the Pattaya Park Beach Resort.

In the main event, the 785 Runabout Pro-Am Super Stock class, competitors thrilled spectators as Jetrin and 19-year-old New Zealand champion Kelly Skelton, the last female world champ, waged a fierce but friendly battle. Thailand’s Phiched Sedthura was also a factor, finishing a close third.

Thailand’s Jetrin (Je) Wantanasin won the main event of the Jet Sports King’s Cup Thailand Open 2000.

In the final race, Phiched and Kelly Skelton’s battle for second allowed Jetrin to pull a length ahead after the last turn, a lead he never relinquished.

The annual event attracted professional Jet Ski champions, including David Fragapan from Australia, Alia Jones from the U.S.A., Kelly Skelton from New Zealand, and Thailand’s Jetrin (Je) Wantanasin, Chawalit Kyacharoen, Chokuthid Molee and Phiched Sedthura, all of whom competed for trophies in the name of the King of Thailand.

New Zealand’s Kelly Skelton - a champion wherever she goes

As expected, USA’s Alia Jones won the 785 Super Stock Expert Ski class. His quick start put him at the head of the pack, a lead he held throughout the race.

In the 1200 Runabout Expert Super Stock class, Australia’s David Fragapan out-raced Jetrin Wantanasin in a close, exciting neck and neck race all the way to the finish.

Thailand’s current champion, Chawalit Kyacharoen, pulled out ahead of everyone in the 785 Super Stock Sport class and kept the pace all the way to the finish, taking the King’s Cup and the title.

Fast and furious action

The international Jet Ski competition was organized by the Thai National Jet Ski Association in conjunction with the Pattaya City administration and the Tourist Authority of Thailand.

Deputy Minister of Interior Sonthaya Khunpleum presided over the opening ceremony. Also participating in the opening ceremony were Chonburi governor Sujarit Pachimnan and Pattaya mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat.

Another large sailfish landed fishing out of Pattaya with the PSC

Jim Millburn from Manchester in England landed a fine 35 kilogram Pacific sailfish while fishing in the waters outside Pattaya Bay. The fish was landed Friday, November 24 while fishing from Captain Ting’s boat off Sattahip. In July this year Jim landed a 39 pound shovel nosed ray while fishing in the PSC July monthly tournament.

Jim Millburn landed 35 kilogram sailfish just outside Pattaya Bay.

Pattaya is fast becoming known around the world as a world class fishing destination. The Pattaya Sports Club fishing section promotes a monthly tournament featuring a month long competition starting the first day of each month lasting through the last day of each month. By registering in advance, fishermen are able to choose the day in which they want to participate in the PSC promoted monthly tournament.

Forms are available by fax or e-mail, or can be picked up, or register in person, at the “Local Fish & Trips Bar” on Soi Yodsak, or the “Fish & Tackle Shop” located on South Pattaya Road.

For further information please contact Carl Engel PSC fishing chairman at telephone 038-410-228, fax 038-426-121, or e-mail [email protected] 

Big shake-up in PSC Bowling standings

Dome on top

Through 5 weeks of the Mickey Mouse Darts League, Pleasure Dome remains as the only undefeated team and is thus atop the table. Pleasure Dome defeated Cheers to keep their unbeaten streak alive, but in the process lost the beer leg.

Yorkie swept match and beer from Devonshire to keep pace with Pleasure Dome, just one game back in second place.

In other week 5 action, Mick’s Place swept match and beer from Palmer’s, and Rising Sun won match and beer over Smugglers Rest.

Ian from Yorkie has the league’s highest out to date, a 180, followed by Tim from Rising Sun with 140.

This week (Friday, Dec. 8) sees Mick’s Place v Devonshire, Pleasure Dome v Palmer’s, Rising Sun v Cheers, and Smugglers Rest v Yorkie.

Note: Dec. 15 will be the last game before Christmas, and the league will start up again on January 5.

League Table

	Won	Lost	B/L	U10s
Pleasure Dome Yorkie Mick’s Place Cheers Rising Sun Palmer’s Devonshire Smugglers Rest	5 4 3 2 2 2 2 0	0 1 2 3 3 3 3 5	3 4 2 3 3 2 2 1	36 17 35 26 34 33 38 39

Fitness Tips: General Tips

Green gyms

Leotards and sports shoes are being swapped for warm clothing and Wellington boots, as ‘green gyms’ continue to sprout up around England. Dreamed up by a GP and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, the green gym is a unique scheme that encourages people to get fitter and healthier by taking part in conservation activities, such as tree planting, building stone walls, or creating wildflower gardens.

Organisers market the program as an alternative for people who want to get fit but hate the idea of treadmills and exercise bikes. A regular green gym participant was recently tested using a heart rate monitor and it was discovered that she burnt 392 calories during a session of tree felling, compared with 306 calories in a step aerobics session.

Green gym group leaders are trained to teach participants how to warm up before starting work; how to cool down afterwards and to encourage regular switching between tasks to minimise the risk of injury. Organisers claim their 70% retention rate is due to the satisfaction the participants get from seeing the positive results from their work, the friendships they make in their groups and because they get fitter without it feeling like exercise. That should start a bit of thought, especially considering the SCUBA divers in the local area annually get out to clean the sea floor in the Pattaya area.

The pitfalls of a food diary

A food diary can be a great way to monitor your eating habits, but be warned that many people are selective when they report their food intake. A recent study at Maastricht University, Netherlands, found that obese men selectively under-report their fat intake by an average of 37%. Whether you fit into this demographic or not has nothing to do with the fact that you have a big chance of under reporting your intake. Be honest and give yourself a chance of success, rather than cheating yourselves (you are not cheating your gym trainer or anyone else). If you are serious about achieving that fat loss goal give yourself the best fighting chance.

High Grains Lower Cancer Risk

There is mounting evidence that a diet high in unprocessed grains can help protect against various cancers and heart disease, according to the CSIRO. The outer layers of grains from which brans are made, besides being the richest source of insoluble dietary fibres, also contain a wide range of substances likely to be active against cancers: phytates, lignans, flavonoids, phytosterols, vitamin E and B and certain trace elements, such as selenium. These substances work in a number of ways: the antioxidants help to suppress the activity of the estrogens that may promote breast cancer; and the phytates bind up iron and other substances that can otherwise promote oxygen damage in the large bowel.

The bad news is that the average Australian consumes only about 75% of the relevant dietary fibres considered necessary to protect them properly (that is in their home country where diet control is better achievable). Another reason why we should be encouraging ourselves and our families to eat high-fibre, wholemeal foods daily.

What’s in a portion?

Do you really know what is meant by a standard portion size? For example, if you base your energy requirements on eating 2-3 serves of dairy products or 5-7 serves of fruit and vegetables a day, would you overestimate what is meant by a portion size? To help you understand standard portion sizes, here are some visual aids for you.

Starch:

* One serve of breakfast cereal is about the size of a latte glass

* One serve of rice, pasta, or noodles is about a coffee cup full, so the standard rice in a cup we get in any restaurant/canteen in Thailand is a bit over a standard serve

* One serve of potato, pumpkin, sweet potato (starch) is about the size of a child’s fist

Fruit and vegetables:

* 1/2 cup cooked vegetables is about the size of a tennis ball

* One serve of fruit is about 1/2 standard banana, or a medium apple, or 4 apricots, or a small fist sized bunch of grapes

Lean meat and substitutes:

* One serve of meat (thinly sliced) is about the size of the palm of your hand

* One ounce of hard cheese is about the size of a standard matchbox

* 1/2 cup of beans/pulses is about the size of a tennis ball

Fat:

* 1 tspn of butter/margarine is about the size of a grape

* 1 tspn oil is about the size of a 20-cent coin

I hope that helps, especially next time I put a nutrition-dedicated column in our favorite newspaper.

Carpe’ Diem

Gay Horan and ‘Catfish’ Bob win Mystery Pairs

Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society

Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society closed out November on Tuesday the 28th with a Mystery Pairs Stableford competition at ‘Home Course’ Eastern Star. Twenty-six Shenanigans players set out on a hot breezy day playing singles Stableford, but not knowing who their pairs partner would be until after the round.

Guess who this is trying to hide at Eastern Star.

On a dry course offering plenty of run for the shorter hitters, there were some excellent scores. The winning pair drawn were Gay Horan and visitor Bob ‘Catfish’ Vandersteeg with a combined points total of 71. They beat Tony Stevens and Banjob Franklin, also with 71 points, on count-back.

Best individual score of the day came from Banjob Franklin with 40 points, significant for her as with a gross 98 she broke 100 for the first time.

Philippe Berra continued on form, taking two of the near pins. The others went to Ken Humberstone and Ken Lill. Gerry Carpenter sank a very long putt and Catfish Bob sank the other one.

The next outing of Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society is on December 12 for a relaxed Pairs Scramble. Sign-up, in advance please, at Shenanigans.

And another reminder for golfers playing regularly at Eastern Star, that there are special benefits available by joining the Eastern Star Resort Frequent Golfer Club. The club card is free on request at the pro-shop reception and every time you play you earn points for golf, accessories, meals and lodging. 10 points for every paid round you play. Pick up a leaflet at Eastern Star or in Shenanigans.

Will someone tell Kevin it’s Tuesday!

Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

On Tuesday, November 28 the Bunker Boys travelled to the testing links-type course at Century Ban Chang for a Stableford competition in two divisions.

A short, sharp shower caught nearly everyone out but not the regular Friday man, Kevin Wilson. Kevin has made a habit of winning only on Fridays but this was a Tuesday! His 40 points in division two was more than enough to keep Fireman Danny Greer (37) and Icelander Kerry Jonsson (34) at bay.

Division one saw Rick Schramm in third place with 32 points, Bill Hewitt second with 34 and Paul “Houdini” Butler winning with 35 points.

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Keith Hector, Bill Hewitt, Norman Brooks and the recently returned Guru himself, Mick Jones.

The previous Friday saw a three-man scramble on the monthly fun day at Phoenix. Good fun was had by all and in the end the team of long-hitting Ken Lill, the ever accurate Viv Lill and toon army supporter Len Jones came out on top with a score of 58.9, well ahead of the runners-up, Paul Butler, Fireman Danny and Chris “Pathfinder” John.

Dene Mundy gets groped, brags this week

Three Sisters Golf

On Monday November 27, Dene Mundy earned Three Sisters Golf bragging rights with a brilliant 40 points. Dene won on count back from Bill Thompson who also had 40 points - it was an accomplishment for Bill with his low handicap.

Dene made some astonishing putts with his jab that left others in his group wondering if that’s the way to putt. I believe that Dene was just on cloud nine and didn’t know what he was actually doing since his caddy dropped a golf ball in his crotch and groped him. Whatever it was, Dene shot a wonderful game but I’m sure he’ll be back on earth next week.

Two new comers to the group were Dick Caggiano and Bob Deane. Bob had a normal round, but Dick showed off his skills by chipping in on hole #6, the number 1 handicap hole, for a par from between the green and the drink stand (well done Dick).

Herb I. tried golfing left handed and was a dismal failure. He is hoping that Fast Eddie stays on the rig much longer this hitch so he can practice before their match.

Others in the group golfed well with scores of 38 and a few 36s. It seems that a new braggart is born every week. As new golfers turn up and old timers crank up their games, competition is getting stiff to earn the bragging rights. As usual, a few beers were consumed after the match as the bragging continued off the course.

Big week for Svend Berthelson

Kronborg Golf

On Monday November 27, thirty-eight players from the Cafe Kronborg took part in a stroke play competition at Noble Place.

Svend Berthelson took the A flight with a net 70, Tore Eliason was 2nd with a net 71, Rick Evans 3rd with a net 72 and Philippe Berra 4th with a net 73.

Vengt Vinterskog took B flight with a net 74, beating Kenneth Eriksson on count back. Helmut Schmidt finished 3rd with a net 75 and Kris Helgason came4th with a net 76.

Near pins: A2 Thomas Bergwell, A6 Tore Eliassen, B2 Mike May, and B5 Rick Evans.

Long Putts: A9 Rick Evans and B9 Svend Berthelson.

On Wednesday the 29th, thirty-three players left the Kronborg at 10 a.m. to head for Burapha for a Stableford competition.

Dave Richardson took the overall prize with 39 points.

A flight was taken by Ebrahim with 37 points, followed by Derek Brook 2nd on 36 and Rick Evans 3rd, also on 36. Les Philips scored 34 to finish 4th.

B flight was taken by Andre Barril on 35, Eddie Biggs came 2nd on 34, Werner Strubb 3rd with 32 and wild Harry Baumann 4th with 30 points!

Near Pins: No. 5 Svend Berthelson, No. 8 Andre Barril, No. 8 Eero Kallinen, and No. 17 George Bennison.

Longest Putts: No. 9 George Bennison and No. 18 Harry Baumann.

By popular demand friendly competition golf leaves Kronborg at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. Saturdays. Mondays and Thursdays are the regular tournament days leaving at 08.15 and all other days leave at 09.30.

Copyright 2000  Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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