George Meigh crowned Shenanigans Irish Open Champion 2001

George Meigh, playing off a 21 handicap, returned the best score of 40 Stableford points at Eastern Star on Friday October 5th, to win the second Shenanigans Irish Open. He also took the Low Gross trophy in Division 2 with a gross 89.

Overnight rain resulted in the course playing long and offering very little run for the shorter hitters. Heavy rain during the tournament also added to the difficulty and challenge of this fine Robert Trent Jones Jnr. golf course, which was very well presented and in fine condition. Improvements are noticeable at Eastern Star week by week, most important being the condition of the greens, which are almost fully back up to standard and with hardly any evidence of the earlier infestation problem.

Shenanigans “Dream Team” for the Irish Open 2001 (L to R) Steve Wilkins, Kim Fletcher, Jack Levy and Ellis Varnado.

All winners in Divisions 1 & 2 scored Stableford points equivalent to par or better, while the ladies scored just short of that. Beth Lill took the ladies runner-up spot with 33 points, losing on count-back to Oradee Kaesavane who also carded 33 points, and two points better on the back nine.

In Division 2, Chris John scored 36 points to take fourth place, Tyrone Renggli came third with 38 points, losing on count-back to runner-up Stefan Hoge, also with 38 points. Frank Polizzotto scored 39 points to take the Division 2 winner’s trophy.

Shenanigans Irish Open 2001 Champion George Meigh (left) accepts his trophy from landlord Kim Fletcher.

Similar scores were returned in Division 1. Ellis Varnado took fourth place with 37 points; Mark Campbell was third with 38 points and 15 points on the back nine, easily losing on count-back to runner-up Yasuo Suzuki, also with 38 points but an impressive 24 points on the back-nine. Mark was compensated, however, by winning the Division 1 Low Gross after returning a gross 79. Division 1 winner was Peter Stonebridge with 39 Stableford points.

George Meigh produced the best score of the day, 40 Stableford points, good enough to claim the Shenanigans Irish Open title for 2001 and the Championship Trophy.

On the technical holes, near pins were claimed by Khun Tira, Phil Groves, Ebrahim, and Ken Lill in Division 1. Ray Ryan had two near pins in Division 2 on holes 4 & 8, Toy Ryser and Frank Polizzotto claiming the other two.

Shenanigans Irish Open 2001 Ladies Champion Oradee Kaesavane accepts the spoils of victory from Kim Fletcher.

Longest first putts were sunk by Yasuo Suzuki on Hole 9, and by Martin Gill on Hole 18. Archie Armstrong launched a huge one on the 18th to take the Division 1 long drive; Tyrone Renggli also hit a good drive on the ninth to take Division 2, and Mam Trayling was longest on the third hole to win the ladies’ long drive.

Best dressed golfer of the day, surprisingly, turned out to be Jimmy Little. Failure on the course was duly rewarded and a bottle of wine presented to Martin Gill for returning the worst score of the day.

Russell White superbly under-drove Ed Trayling’s miserable 70 yard drive to the ladies tee on hole 13 to win the shortest drive and a Cuban cigar.

The star technical prize of 45 pints of Carlsberg for being closest to the keg, also on hole 13, went to Aree Arp, wife of thirsty Fabian from Thai-Ger Line Golf.

Stan Fry and Pete Stonebridge generously offered a special group prize from the Classroom for the ‘Best 3’ aggregate points score. The winning group comprised Chris John, Norman Brooks, Ruthsip Sander and Champion Goerge Meigh with a ‘Best 3’ Aggregate of 108 points, beating Stephen Beard’s group on count-back. Chris John, nominated as group ‘captain’, received a bottle of Moet to share with the group, and each of them was presented with a golf voucher, a sociable mystery prize and a 20% discount card for the Classroom.

Afterwards, it was all back to Shenanigans for the superb Carvery and Happy Hour, and the prize giving ceremony emceed by Shenanigans tournament director Mike Franklin. Thanks were duly given to the staff at Eastern Star Resort for their usual high standard of support and co-operation with the course and clubhouse facilities, through Tom Cole, Bill Hurd, Khun Jirawat and Khun Sririla. Thanks also to the very friendly Shenanigans staff at reception and on the course, namely Khun Moo, Khun Bua, and Khun Wanchai. To Tony Stevens and Bill Hurd at reception and finally, to the sweepers who efficiently carried out the scoring and e-mailed the results back to Shenanigans to ensure the prize giving took place on schedule, Wayne Ogonoski and Harry Riley.

After the prize giving the traditional lucky draw took place, star prize being an ‘all-inclusive’ holiday at Eastern Star Resort for four, suitably won by Harry Riley.

Landlord Kim Fletcher finally closed the proceedings with the shortest ‘few words’ on record, leaving the emcee, just for a moment, speechless.

It was a good day. A wet day, and just another Shenanigans Irish Open.

Suradech, Sakchai and Chaiyong heading to Spain

Suradech Akrarach, Sakchai Wirachanon and Chaiyong Traitanon won the finals of the Volvo Klassik 2001 played at Laem Chabang International Country Club on September 27.

(L to R) A flight winner Suradech Akrarach, Volvo’s Thailand director Karl Johan Sandesjo, B flight winner Sakchai Wirachanon, C flight winner Chaiyong Traitanon, and Krydsada Ratanasaeng from KLM Airways, who presented round trip airline tickets to the winners.

The three golfers will represent Thailand at the Volvo Klassik World Cup in Spain, and as a bonus for winning here in Thailand, all three will be invited to attend as spectators the Volvo Masters 2001.

Suradech won the A flight with a score of 47 Stableford points. Sakchai Wirachanon won the B flight with 41 Stableford points, and Chaiyong Traitanon won the C flight with his score of 41 Stableford points.

The “Volvo Klassik World Cup” takes place November 8-11 at the Dehosa Montenmedio Golf Course in Jerez Spain.

A mixed bag for the Panties in their first game of the season

1 win 1 loss

The Pattaya Panties (the ladies wing of the Panthers) played their first round of touch rugby for the season against the Bangkok Corsettes and the Southerners Soul Sisters, also from Bangkok, in the grounds of the ISR.

Women’s touch rugby is on the move in Pattaya!

The first game of the day against the Corsettes was fast and furious with the Bangkok team succumbing 3 points to 1 against the enthusiastic Panties.

The enthusiasm didn’t wear off in the second game, but the better ball handling skills and firm strategy of the Southerners proved too much for fatigued Panties as they valiantly tried to hold off the Soul Sisters. The final score at the end was 6 points to 3 Soul Sisters.

Playing captain Sue cited that a lack of fitness and many new players might have had something to do with the loss in the second match. She added that the Southerners played a much better game.

The mixed bag was welcome start to the season, with many new players of the home team playing their first game. With such enthusiasm and support from the Panthers, the Panties are bound to improve as the season goes on.

Havana Resort proves too strong for the British Club

The Bangkok Casual League, established in the 90’s, is a friendly league for weekend footballers who enjoy the game of soccer. The league currently has 10 teams and is the largest expat league in Thailand. The season runs through to April with each team playing 10 matches at various venues in Bangkok, Pattaya and Rayong. Those interested can visit the official website www.somtam.com

DNA wins, gum chewing takes twos

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 1st October - Phoenix Mountain/Ocean (Monthly Medal)

1st Division

1st: Yazuo Suzuki, 69

2nd: Mike Dabanovich, 70

3rd: Klaus Schackt, 71

2nd Division

1st: Harald Cranz, 75

2nd: Stephen Beard, 76 (cb 9 37.5)

3rd: Stefan Hoge, 76 (cb 9 39)

The TAGGS monthly medal, played off the blue tees, was once again held at Phoenix and proved a green too far for the contenders from the second division, who were led home by the “Herr Doktor”, Harald Cranz once again proving the main man and squeezing out the “Doc” and Stefan Hoge who just lost out to the former on count back.

The first division showed that the course was indeed playable, with Yazuo Suzuki tuning up for the major Shenanigans tournament on the following Friday and leading Dabber Dabanovich and Klaus Schackt on the podium.

The twos pool was shared by Klaus and Yazuo. Richard Livingston, the resident professional, welcomed back Tatsumi Noguchi from Japan, who was back at The Haven to savor the special yakitori chicken just like his mum made.

Wednesday 3rd October - Eastern Star (Stableford)

1st: Russell Finch, 36 pts.

2nd: Klaus Schackt, 35 pts. (cb 9 17 pts)

3rd: Derek Reaper, 35 pts. (cb 9 16 pts)

4th: Moe Deverdenne, 35 pts. (cb 9 15 pts)

Russell Finch, having just missed out on becoming a father after an exhausting series of DNA and blood tests, at last got it into “the slot”, and as a consolation prize, deservedly headed the field with a solid game to match his handicap.

Back at The Haven at the post match party, Russell attributed his win to at last getting his hands in the right position after hours of practice spent at Tim’s Bar.

Klaus Schackt again showed that he continues to be competitive off his ever-decreasing handicap, just pipping Derek “The Grim Reaper” and Moe Deverdenne on count back.

The “Doc” came back to form in the twos pool, getting one in an otherwise poor return of 29 points. He later complained that the wretched golf he played was the result of too much gum chewing.

Friday 5th October found all the members participating in Shenanigans’ 2nd Irish Open, and achieving considerable success. A report and results of which can be found on the back page of the Pattaya Mail and on our web page.

PSC Golf from Cafe Kronborg

Monday October 1st - Green Valley (Stableford)

A Flight

1st: Robert Lamond, 33 points
2nd: Ebrahim, 32 (count back)
3rd: Bob Morrison, 32

B Flight

1st: Bob Lindberg, 40 points
2nd: Joe Sebastian, 35 (count back)
3rd: Lamud Chiaradara, 35

Thursday 4th October - Bangphra (Stableford)

A Flight (0-15 handicap)

1st: Ebrahim, 34 points (count back)
2nd: John Pratt, 34
3rd Rob Lamond, 33

B Flight

1st: Joe Sebastian, 37 points
2nd: Jim Boyd, 33
3rd: Frank Sinclair, 32

Successful Japanese raid on the Bunker

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

On Tuesday, 2nd October, the Bunker Boys travelled the long journey to the beautiful and homely Century Golf Club, near Chonburi, for their weekly medal competition. The field of eighteen golfers was split into the usual two divisions and, although there was no rain, the still and humid conditions and the course still damp from heavy overnight rain, made the course play very long.

In division two Chris John, the Bunker Banker, again showed how to play the course, winning for the fourth time in as many trips, carding a score of net 75. He really is in excellent form right now but he knows only too well the prospects for the high handicapper! Joint second were Sunny Ruthsip and Big Ian Phillips, both with net 77.

In division one the Japanese invaders, Yuzo Nishikawa and Yasuo Suzuki motored to the top with net 70 and net 72 respectively, both proving to be the masters on the difficult course.

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Yasuo Suzuki (two) and American new boy Denis Curtin.

Line up your putt at http://www.thebunkerboys.com to find out more about Bunker golf.

Jim Brackett Shoots career best at Green Valley

I.P.G.C. Golf from Lewiinski’s / Orchid Golf Group

At Green Valley on Sunday the 30th of September, Jim Brackett shot a career best gross 71. The affable American was clearly over the moon, and showed it by putting his hand in his pocket all night. Well done Jim, keep up the good play, although things will be a little harder now you will not be off seven handicap!

Other results:

Sunday 30th September - Green Valley

A flight

1st: Jim Brackett, net 64
2nd: Bill Collis, net 69
3rd: Steve Mascari, net 70

B flight

1st: Jack Grinvold, net 66
2nd: Peter Stonebridge, net 69
3rd: Larry Nicholas, net 72

Near pins: #2 Jack Grinvold, #9 Denis Curtin, #12 Terry Summers, and #16 Larry Nicholas.

Monday 1st October - Khao Kheow (2 man scramble)

1st: Steve Mascari & Steve Ross, net 65.4
2nd: Larry Nicholas & Bruce Tollitt, net 67.8

The Don wins at Siam

PSC - Three Sisters Golf

On Monday, slick Don Antonio rose to the top of the pile as he garnered the bragging rights with 44 points. Last week he challenged the leaders at the top of the board and this week he ensured his win with 44 points.

The “Don” Antonio will soon be shooting his age. George Davis will have to live to 110 to shoot his!

Running a close second was none other than big George Davis. George came in with 41 points hoping to win top honors, but got beat by the old Don.

Following close behind the leaders with 39 points were Kenny Mau, Paul Kraft and Dick Caggiano.

On the bottom this week was good old Izzy Freedman. Izzy came in with a blazing 26 points to take over holding the bag at the bottom until next week.

Berra and Wilkins strike the better ball

Philippe Berra has returned on form and, suitably partnered with fast improving Steve Wilkins, produced the winning better ball score of 45 Stableford points.

Close behind were the Theobalds, Toy and Fred, with a very creditable 43 points.

Near pins were claimed by Im Woodruffe, Lamun Hanley, Ken Lill and Steve Ryser. Longest first putts were sunk by Steve Wilkins and Steve Ryser.

A rainstorm threatened but fortunately blew away; however, the recent heavy rain resulted in a very green, but rather wet course with very little run for the shorter drivers of the ball.

The tournament enjoyed a good turnout of Shenanigans regulars, plus some new faces and the welcome return of Philippe Berra to Pattaya.

The next outing is on Tuesday October 16th for a pairs scramble, followed on Tuesday October 30th with another pairs scramble, when thirty very friendly guest players from Ireland will be joining the tournament. Sign-up at Shenanigans, The Irish Pub.

PSC holds preliminary meeting for Charity Classic

On Tuesday, October 2, Dennis Willett, the former Pattaya Sports Club golf chairman and chairman of last year’s PSC Charity Classic, kicked off organizing this year’s charity event by passing on to PSC chairman Carl Engel and the 2002 committee the organizational template that he and his committee successfully used in raising over B300,000 for the Girls Home for Street Kids last year.

Herbie Ishinaga, Les Collins, Carl Engel, Bernie Tuppin, Dene Mundy, Dennis Willett, Steve Donovan (2002 chairman), Frank Collins and Dave Richardson begin to work out the details for the 2002 PSC Charity Classic.

In the first five Charity Classics, the PSC designated a specific project for the tournament proceeds. This year, with the ever-increasing charitable profile of the PSC, it was apparent to charity chairman Bernie Tuppin that many small charities in the Eastern Seaboard were in need of varied and important, albeit somewhat less expensive, assistance. His suggestion, adopted by the executive council, was to rename this year’s tournament the “PSC’s 6th Charity Classic for the Benefit of Underprivileged Kids” and to place the proceeds into a fund which would be administered and distributed throughout the community during the subsequent twelve months.

The 2002 Charity Classic committee will be soliciting fellow PSC members, friends and area businesses for contributions of two general types: (1) goods and services, and (2) cash pledges. The goods and services will be used, in part, as prizes to enhance the attractiveness of the tournament itself, which has routinely provided participants with an array of valuable prizes, and to serve as the nucleus of a raffle, the tickets for which will be on sale in the community in the several weeks preceding the tournament.

This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, February 18th, at Pattaya Country Club. It will again feature the fun and unique 24 mulligan per player format and four man teams. The team score will be the aggregate of the best three Stableford scores of the four. In addition, there will be a host of technical prizes and lucky draws. The entry fee will be the same as last year: B2500.

PSC holds second meeting in new clubhouse

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

The main points of discussion at the Pattaya Sports Club executive committee meeting on October 2, at which 15 people attended, centered around which charities to nominate for the next fund raising events. In particular, the P.S.C. Charity Golf Tournament, which this coming year will be billed as, “For the benefit of Pattaya’s Underprivileged”.

(L to R) New PR chairman Middy Campbell, Len Banfield, Frank Collins, Carl Engel, Papa Ray Rogers, George Bennison and Bjarne Neilson.

The other notable event was the appointment of new PR chairman Middy Campbell, whose role is to improve the P.S.C. media output.

Letters of appreciation were received from a number of charities who the PSC has recently given support to through various activities.

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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Updated by Chinnaporn Sungwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
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