Eighty-six and going strong

The 10th of May each year is a significant day on PSC’s Golfing Calendar, for it is on this day that one of the most keenly anticipated events takes place: ‘Papa Ray Rogers Birthday’. The event, always popular as a social event as much as a golfing tournament, continues to attract a strong field and this year was no exception. Papa Ray has hosted this event for many years and during that time his hospitality and generosity have become legend. Not only does he supply gifts (this year a sports bag) for all participating golfers, there is also a buffet to be enjoyed not only by the players but the many well wishers that drop by Siam C.C. Road to wish him happy birthday!

The winning team: (foreground L to R) Steve Mascari, Somsri Dokphikun, Papa Ray, Ray Matti and Papa Ray’s daughter Anita.

The golf tournament was held this year at the Pattaya Country Club course and 120 players participated in teams of four. The format was Texas Scramble. The weather remained fine and strong breezes kept the temperature at a comfortable level. The scramble format requires a number of strategies to ensure success and not all of these apply to the playing department. One of the most important is team structure to ensure that the most favorable handicap can be attained without weakening the playing strength of the team. This was shown to good effect by the IPGS team from Lewiinski’s, their gamble of including novice lady golfer Somsri Dokphikun paid off handsomely. The handicap margin gained by this move proved to be the deciding factor in a very closely contested event. So some good thinking off the course allied with good golf on the course saw them squeak home the narrowest of winners.

Second place by only .3 of a stroke was a strong team of Kronborg Stalwarts led by that dour Scot, Willie Mercer and his talented wife Nalinee. Could there have been a putt lipped out that could have made the difference? Who knows!

The loving family reunited - Papa Ray Rogers and his daughter Anita.

In third place was another team representing IPGS led by the Steve Ross and Stan Fry, also only .3 of stroke behind the second place getters. That the first three teams were separated by only .6 of a stroke highlights the closeness of the competition and the part luck plays in the game of golf. Just one small putt in or out and the leader board changes completely, but that’s what makes it the game it is.

The Dream Team of Kim Fletcher, Jack Levy, Kurt Farnham and Ernie Bakke also made their presence felt, using the golf course as a fashion runway to sport their wild shorts and team shirts. And as always, the Dream Team used admirable amounts of ample fluids to ward off the heat and add an extra bit of liveliness to their round. Kurt Farnham even managed to put the Dream Team “in the trophies” with his long putt prize on #18. Some joked that his putt was longer than any drive he had ever swung.

As is customary at such a competition there were novelty prizes for near pins and long putts and these winners appear in the results below. There were also a lot of lucky draw prizes, and add some cold beverages and lots of good food and you have the recipe for a fun day out, which is exactly what it was. These days don’t just happen. The success of this day was due to the work and planning of the Kronborg crew of Dave Richardson, George Bennison and Derek Brook, well done lads.

The cold drinks and food were prepared by ‘mine host’ of the Cafe Kronborg, Bjarne Nielsen and family and was up to their usual high standard.

Surrounded by the many friends and family that came to share this special day, Papa Ray received a special visit from his only daughter Anita. She had just flown in from California the night before, but still managed to wake up at 5:30 in the morning so as not to miss any of the day’s events or time with her beloved father. In her childhood, Rogers had nicknamed his daughter ‘Happy Face’, for the constant smile that she wore, but it seemed that Papa Ray himself wore the biggest smile with his daughter by his side.

Papa Ray in his closing address expressed the wish that everyone could be present to celebrate his 100th birthday. A wish that I’m sure we would all like to see fulfilled.

Happy Birthday Papasan.

Results

1st place: Ray Matti, Ric Sharpe, Steve Mascari, and Somsri Dokphikun, 58.7

2nd place: Willie Mercer, Nalinee Suriya, John McMullen, and C. Jeorgensson, 59.0

3rd place: Steve Ross, Stan Fry, Gez Tracey, and Steve Donovan, 59.3

Near pins: #5 Egon Nielsen, #7 Willie Mercer, #12 Stan Fry, # 16 Steve Ross

Long putts: #9 Ron Ogilive, #18 Kurt Farnham

The Pattaya begins preparing for marathon in July

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced that this year’s Pattaya Marathon will take place on Sunday, July 15.

Chonburi governor Sujarit Pachimnan met with representatives from TAT, Amateur Sports Association, Pattaya City and private sectors to discuss the budget for the Pattaya Marathon 2001. The marathon will be allocated 2.6 million baht from the government, and is looking for additional funds from the private sector.

The competition includes a full 42 k marathon, a 21 k half marathon and a 10 k mini-marathon. The marathon will start at 5 a.m., the half marathon at 5:30 a.m. and the mini-marathon at 6 a.m. Both men and women will compete in six different age groups, as well as an over-65 category for men.

Entry fees are 500 baht for the marathon, 300 baht for the half marathon and 100 baht for the mini-marathon (if applications are received before July 1).

The top prize for the men’s international category is 150,000 baht, while the top prize for the women’s category is 100,000 baht. The winners in each age group will receive trophies and all finishers will receive medals.

To register by post, send an application with a money order by July 4 to: Director of the Finance Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Le Concorde Building, 202 Ratchaphisek Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand. Include a self addressed envelope.

Application in person can be made at the Finance Division of the TAT Head Office, tel. (66-2) 694-1222, ext. 1180, 1182, 1007-8, or at the TAT Pattaya office, tel. (66-38) 427667, 428750, and at your nearest TAT office or at the Amateur Athletic Association of Thailand, tel. (66-2) 564-3322.

Former Thai National Team star takes 2 Thai Airways Tennis Open titles at Siam Bayshore Resort

Veerachai Somchart

Thai Airways International held their all-interlines tennis tournament, “1 Tennis TG Open 2001” at the Siam Bayshore Resort in Pattaya from May 5-7.

Nikhom Rawiyan (center), Thai Airways food director, presents the mixed doubles winning trophy to Suwimol Duangchant (2nd left) and Phichai Pantrakul (right) and runners-up trophy to Rakphol Laemphet (left) and Phimporn Lertwithayawiwa (2nd right) at the Thai Airways Tennis Open.

The tournament was divided up into age and ability groups for both men and women and included mixed doubles. The tournament also included a VIP women’s singles match on May 6 with Suwimol Duangchant, former player from the Thai National Team, beating Phimporn Lertwithayawiwat.

Suwimol also won the mixed doubles on the following day teaming up with Phichai Pantrakul playing against Phimporn Lertwithayawiwa and Rakphol Laemphet.

Coulthard wins in Austria

Barichello finds he really is number 2 at Ferrari

Despite qualifying in 7th position, Scotland’s David Coulthard in the McLaren Mercedes won an action packed race at the A1 Ring in Austria, finishing one second ahead of the Ferrari duo of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barichello.

The dramas began at the start with the Traction Control on some cars turning into Sticktion Control. Mika Hakkinen (McLaren Mercedes), both Jordans of Frentzen and Trulli and the Sauber of Nick Heidfeld all sat firmly glued to the tarmac as the field sped off into the first corner, where both Montoya and Ralf Schumacher in the BMW Williams pulled hole shots on the Ferrari’s to lead the pack.

The start of the race in Austria- Courtesy of Planet-F1 and Bothwell Photographics

After a period behind the safety car while the stalled cars were unglued, the race settled down with Michael Schumacher hounding Montoya after little brother Ralf Schumacher’s rear suspension collapsed in his BMW on lap 10.

By lap 15 Schumacher the elder was all over Montoya like a rash and made a brilliant pass around the outside, only to be taken off by Montoya who attempted a Last of the Late Brakers manoeuvre; they rejoined in 6th and 7th positions after visiting the shrubbery.

The race became exciting when Schumacher began storming through the field to take 3rd position behind Barichello and Coulthard as the pit stops came up. The lads from Woking managed to get Coulthard in and out quicker than the Ferrari pit crew and Coulthard emerged in the lead, one he was not to lose, despite the Ferrari’s of Barichello and Schumacher being right behind him.

The trio maintained this position almost to the flag, but Barichello was given the order to let Schumacher through, which he did begrudgingly on the run up to the finish. 4th was held down by rookie Kimi Raikkonen in the Sauber after a very fine drive, with Olivier Panis in the BAR 5th and Jos Verstappen in the Arrows picking up the final point.

On the podium Barichello was obviously very upset to find that he really is number 2 at Ferrari and looked as if he wanted to take his football and go home. Unfortunately for Rubinho, Mr. Ferrari owns the football too.

With Schumacher on 36 points before the race and Barichello only on 14, why did he expect otherwise? Ferrari are in the business of winning championships, not pandering to driver ego. In the early days of F1 drivers would be brought in to surrender their car to the number 1 if he had a problem. Perhaps Barichello should have spoken to Schumacher’s previous running mate Eddie Irvine and got the real story!

The Drivers Championship now stands at M. Schumacher 42, Coulthard 38, Barichello 18, and R. Schumacher 12. The next round is at Monaco on the 27th of May.

Shakey Pete’s remains on top

Camel Charity Classic Golf Tournament

On May 26, Camel Pub and Restaurant, Ban Chang will host a fund raising golf tournament, with the proceeds to go to the Ban Chang School’s Christmas Fund.

The tournament will be played at Century Golf Club, Ban Chang using a four person scramble format. Players can tee off between 10:00 a.m. and noon. Cost is 500 baht per person and the players pay their own green fees and caddy fees.

Camel Pub and Restaurant will host a pig roast with trimmings during the prize giving presentation starting at 6:00 p.m. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to members of the winning teams, and there will be several lucky draw prizes.

Pattaya players can sign up by e-mail to: [email protected] or see a member of the P.S.C. golf committee.

Sign up your team or as an individual; come take part in a day of fun golf with the benefits helping the school kids in Ban Chang.

Has the old dog learned new tricks?

IPGC TAGGS, golf from The Haven

Monday 7th May - Century Ban Chan (Stableford)

1st: Oradee Kaesavane, 44 pts.
2nd: David Johnson, 36 pts. (Cb9 - 20)
3rd: Mark Gorda, 36 pts. (Cb9 - 17)

Oradee Kaesavane won at last, having shown big improvements during the recent weeks. Oradee put together a massive 44 Stableford points to win the TAGGS outing at Century Ban Chang.

Newcomer David Johnson placed well, scoring 36 points to edge out the always-steady Mark Gorda on count back.

TAGGS say goodbye to Dabber who retuned to work on time for a change.

Wednesday 9th May - Siam (Bogey)

1st: Derek Reaper, 5 up
2nd: Harry Riley, 1 up
3rd: Stefan Hoge, 1 down

Derek Reaper took the course at Siam apart this day, scoring 5 up when the top 3 all played in the same group. It obviously helps to play with others playing well, as Stephen can tell you after he finished 10 down. Ouch.

Richard Livingston welcomed Robert Morrison to the day’s events.

Friday 11th May - Phoenix (Medal)

1st: Harry Riley, 68
2nd: Jimmy Little, 69
3rd: Wilf Latham, 70

Harry Riley continued his fine play from the previous round and went on to win this TAGGS medal competition at Phoenix with a fine 4 under his handicap.

Jimmy Little continues to show great promise and it will not be long before he is once again on the top of the podium.

Neither Harry nor Wilf could work out how they lost their match against Jimmy and Stephen, having beaten both of them easily in the main competition. Maybe the old dog (Stephen) knows some new tricks.

Dick Caggiano earns bragging rights this week

PSC Three Sisters Golf

On the 8th of May the Three Sisters Golfers assembled at Siam for their weekly golfing outing. The weather was hot and muggy and so was the golf.

The bionic man with knees of steel and a mean left handed swing almost pipped the field. Alan Pearce was leading the count until the last minute when Dick Caggiano pulled up with his late entry to win by one point. Dick came in with a respectable 38 points to beat out Alan by one point. Dick says that his drives and putts were on line to put him in the bragging rights seat.

Other golfers got to the mid-thirties in points but never really challenged the leaders. The mudder from last week got left in the middle of the pack due to a lack of rainy weather and Mike Mackay was left holding the bottom with 22 points.

The Bunker 4 Man Scramble

The Bunker, in association with the International Pattaya Golf Club (I.P.G.C.), will be presenting the venue’s first “major”, The Bunker 4 Man Scramble on Friday 25th May 2001 at Green Valley Golf & Country Club. Please note the change in venue.)

The format will be 4 person teams, with a 105 total handicap allowance. Maximum handicap for both men and ladies is 28.

The entry fee of 1000 baht per player includes trophies for winning, 2nd & 3rd place teams, 4 near pins, long drives in 1st, 2nd, 3rd & ladies divisions, green fee, caddy fee, buffet and prize-giving at the Bunker at 6 p.m. Sign up by entry form available from The Bunker, The Haven, Lewiinski’s, Shenanigans, Scandic Hotel, and the Diana Driving Range.

Entry forms with entry fee should be given to Roy Mitchell at The Bunker. Registration at Green Valley from 8.30 - 9.30 a.m. on the day. The first tee time will be at 10 a.m.

R&A and USGA Rules will apply, plus the Competition Local Rules. Handicaps will be accepted from IPGC, PSC, Bangkok Golf Groups affiliated with the USGA or R&A, or any official USGA or R&A handicap. All non-IPGC golfers will be required to show proof of current handicap with entry or at registration.

Please note: Book golf carts direct with Green Valley.

For more info, please visit http://www.thebunkerboys.com

Pleasure for Bill at Treasure Hill

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

On Tuesday, 8th May the Bunker Boys travelled the arduous journey to the always tough Treasure Hill course for a Stableford competition.

On a perfect day for golf Bill Jones was the division one victor with 37 points, followed by Norman Brooks with 35 points and Rob Lybert with 31.

In division two the Sunshine Boys, John Preddy and Len Jones shared third place with a commendable 33 points apiece, pipped by Dave Murray with 36 points and fast improving David Johnson with 37 points.

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Mr. Loy, Bill Jones and two for the Pathfinder, Chris John.

The ever popular Bunker Banana Booby was awarded for the persistence of Clive Harris, after his consistent round of eight points on both nines.

Houdini turns up with no clubs!

On Friday, 11th May the Bunker Boys travelled to the naval course at Plutaluang, Sattahip, for a medal competition on the North and East courses. This has to be one of the most challenging, not to say difficult, courses in the province, combining old and new fairway turf and its own natural hilly environment, with the very new layout and the combination holes that now exist.

However, Mr. Loy, Norman Brookes and the recently returned Yuzo Nishikawa all tied for first place with very good rounds of one-over par 73.

Nearest the pins went to Chris John, Mr. Loy and Paul “Houdini” Butler. Now whisper it gently...Paul turned up at the clubhouse, opened his boot, and discovered his clubs were missing! After returning home he later arrived at the course to join the patiently waiting last group. Does anyone know when Becker last turned up at Wimbledon without his rackets? Needless to say he was awarded the Bunker Banana Booby despite the claims of Clive Harris and John Preddy, who, between them, managed to lose thirty balls on the day! Another fun day with the Bunker Boys.

Catch up with this and other news at http://www.thebunkerboys.com

PH3 Run 895

What happened with the Norwegians, can’t they write? The GM presented you with the honor of being the scribe of the week, and you refused? Please think back to the time of the Vikings; they would cut off both your hands for refusing such a honor. But what can I do? I am only a Belgian, a Frog, useless for some people (USA’ers) and for 2 weeks the Hash Editor while C. Face goes partying in the UK. But I have to fill the space for the scribe, so here we go:

After the regular sign up at the Scandi, there was a 35-minute bus ride to a nice A-site hidden in a horse stable, after a long dirt road ride. Then GM Boy George made a frightening military scream to call the circle together (where’s the @#&?).

The Hares Ringworm and B Nose B, 2 nice guys which I did many runs with the last few weeks, explained about the run, talking about International Rules, of course the famous Bangkok Hash Check backs and 360 Degrees checks. What has that do with our world famous Pattaya Hash? We have our own rules! But any way, we had to do the run and so On On.

I saw the mountain and remembered that we’d run here before, but this time we went around the other side, up and down the hills, with long and tricky check backs. The pack stayed together until Spaghetti Head and his mate Homo Cyclist decided to short cut again. What happened with my favorite runner, getting older or lazier?

On In, back to the beer truck for some refreshments. I jumped immediately in my military chair to cool down from the heat. By the way, where was Sweetball’s chair again? The poor guy had to use mine instead!

The others were storming to the coolers like there was not enough booze for every one. Some familiar faces came back, like Obewan, King Yao Yao, Homocyclist, and Compost Heap. Welcome back guys! The cracks as usual were grazing their spicy items until we heard another horrible scream from the GM to form a circle. First on the ice were the Hares, a few boos, ye ye’s and good run shouting. Returners, virgins, leavers and visitors in for their down downs.

First the Ugly RA in, icing Sir Airhead and GM Boy George - something to do with an ugly picture. Then it was time for the Bad RA; Hares on ice, lucky after all those boos, they didn’t get Hash s#$@ because they were PH3 Virgin Hares. Although, I found it a good run, now that I’ve gotten back into the grip of running after losing 22 kilos. I feel much lighter, believe me!

Then time for my friend Marc (we served together in the 80s Regiment Para-Commando) to get a real Hash name: Frog The 13th. Wasn’t he lucky that the RA was in a good mood? “Time for some spinning” said the RA and in came the Okinawa Hashers, but theirs was not much of a performance. Then the best part came in, the Norwegian spinning team with leader F Dog and lead spinner Prince Of Spin, no performance at all until our hero the real Viking Karamba came in and spun P.O. Spin almost 3 feet into the earth with the speed of a tornado. “I feel high as the wind,” was P.O. Spin’s comment. Then F. The Truth on ice for showing the cracks how to pedicure, this while they were eating?

Hares back on the ice called in by the GM to sing their song, good song, a little naughty, but good, even with his own children present, what an education the youngsters got this day.

On In the drunken Hashers for our Hash Hymn and “Swing low...” Here we go, on the bus and back to the Classroom 1 for some good food, thanks Scotty! That’s all I remember without taking notes, not bad for a Belgian brain, is it? So guys if you’re pointed out by the GM to be the Scribe, please don’t refuse, I’ve heard rumors that Karamba volunteered to do the old Viking fashion way if there are any more refusals, did I here somebody refuse?

On On Flying Frog

PS: Don’t forget the 21st of May, the Adventure Run Part 5, it’s gonna be fun believe me, if not believe Karamba!

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  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 Chinnaporn Sungwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]