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Powell, Carpenter, Davis and Russell win Papasan Ray’s 87th Birthday Scramble
Thursday May 9th - Pattaya Country Club
by Derek Brook
This is the ‘friendly’ day in the Pattaya Sports
Club golf calendar as once again the golfing community gathers to pay
homage to one of the icons and founders of the local Pattaya Sports Club
on his 87th birthday. PSC golfers and friends play a good natured 4 ball
scramble format, and then go back to Ray’s house where his staff and
Bjarne’s crew prepare a super buffet meal for the 148 competitors and,
it seems, half of Pattaya.
The
winning team of Doug Powell, Russell Finch, Gerry Carpenter, and George
Davis out on the course, ready to take home the top prize at Papasan Ray
Rogers’ 87th Birthday celebration PSC golf tournament.
Planning starts long before, as Ray sits down with
friends and decides what memento will be given, paid for by Ray, to each
competitor, and this varies from bags to shirts to umbrellas to beach
towels, etc., but all embossed with his circular design. Ray decided this
year he would give a medallion that could be attached to a golf bag, and
on handing in the scorecard each captain was given one for each member of
his team.
The day dawned brightly and with so many golfers due to
turn up it seemed a good idea to get to Pattaya C.C. and set up early,
only to be followed in by Ray who came for brekkers, and was presented
with a surprise birthday cake by the golf course staff - a very nice idea.
With so many golfers to get through it was nice to see
a day was chosen between the rains of recent days and all the teams got
around, with as far as could be seen, not a club thrown. Most players
enjoy a scramble and it’s usually a good opportunity to take the
pressure off as 4 attempts at each shot does have advantages. Teams
started on both the first tee and the tenth tee and most teams had a break
of 30 minutes half way when they could plan strategy, or increase the sale
of Heineken.
 The
benevolent Papasan Ray Rogers, shown here with tournament organisers Derek
Brook, Dave Richardson, George Bennison and Bernie Tuppin, has opened his
home to Pattaya Sports Clubs members and friends for eons.
The round finished it was back to the clubhouse, a hot
shower and a couple of cold beers before zooming back to Ray’s to
collect the cards, and have a couple of cold beers. Tough game this golf.
Despite this being a friendly competition there had to
be winners, but the scores are secondary to the whole event and the only
thing expected is for winners to be there to collect their prizes.
After the long queue at the buffet had died down,
master of ceremonies ‘Diamond’ Dave got down to business, firstly
giving the technical prizes, long putts and near pins, then 4th, 3rd &
2nd place winners, before he got down to the important part of the
evening, the lucky draw. It was noticeable that with the ‘no shows’ of
some winners there was probably a lucky draw prize for just about all
those who remained, even if minor. It really makes your day when you get
home and have a nice bag of pink plastic tees.
The presentation to the winners was last and the
delighted winners were last seen celebrating with a few cold beers as were
the organisers, and the general comments of all who remained to the end
was what a super full day.
No competition of this size can be put on without much
effort by many people, to them we say thank you, they know who they are,
and so do we. So thanks to them and thanks to the birthday boy for once
again opening his home to so many and feeding them. Roll on number 88.
Results:
Winners:
Doug Powell, Gerry Carpenter, George Davis and Russell Finch
Second: Steve Ross, Kevin Ward,
Stan Fry, and Peter Stonebridge
Third: Martin Hanfelt, Magnus
Johansson, Stefan Andersson, and Anders Pedersson
Fourth: Kevin Fortt, Keith Fortt,
Dave Hughes, and Granville Swanson
Long putts: #9 Eddie Henheffer
and #18 Pier Aschan
Near pins: #5 Ian Halfpenny, #7
Bob Davis, #12 Herbie Ishinaga and #16 Bruce Tollitt
Local players dominate 2nd
Tibhar Table Tennis Tournament
The
winners of the 2nd Tibhar Table Tennis Tournament held on May 11 and 12.
The navy took the top men’s prizes in the 2nd Tibhar
Table Tennis Tournament, held on May 11 and 12th on the fifth floor of
Mike Shopping Mall. The local boys from Mikes/Tibhar scooped the remaining
prizes in the Under 10s, Under 14s and Under 18s singles and double
matches.
Competition began at midday on Saturday May 11 with 129
players competing. An evenly matched group of boys and men from Sattahip,
Pattaya, Sriracha and Chonburi battled it out in the two day tournament;
noticeable was the absence of girls in this tournament.
The next tournament will be held on June 8th and 9th at
the same venue. These tournaments are open to everyone, and advance
applications are not necessary. The tournaments start at noon, and
registrations are accepted up until 11:30 a.m. on the day of competition.
The club will also hold an annual tournament in December and it is
expected that some of the world’s top players will attend.
Results:
U10s doubles:
1. Sorachat - Anuchot (Mike/Tibhar)
2. Jakrapan - Kanarong (Assumption College Sriracha)
U10s singles:
1. Kanarong Kangsdarn Mike/Tibhar
2. Anuchot Sasso Mike/Tibhar
3. Sorachat Kitsamret Mike/Tibhar
U14s doubles:
1. Apivit - Apichat (Mike/Tibhar)
2. Aikchai - Chirawat (Mike/Tibhar)
3. Pet - Prasertsak (Assumption College Sriracha)
U14s singles:
1. Apiwit Ruangsangtongkul (Mike/Tibhar)
2. Apichat Leowharatnaran (Mike/Tibhar)
3. Chirawat Tongpirat (Mike/Tibhar)
3. Aikchai Narongnu (Mike/Tibhar)
U18s doubles:
1. Patiparn - Suksawat (Chonburi)
2. Anuchot - Aikchai (Mike/Tibhar)
3. Chirawat - Sorasit (Mike/Tibhar)
U18s singles:
1. Chirawat Thongpirat (Mike/Tibhar)
2. Patiparn (Chonchy) (Chonburi)
3. Prasert (Asumchan) (Assumption College Sriracha)
3. Chirawat Thongpirat (Mike/Tibhar)
Men’s Open doubles:
1. Ruangsak - Chirawat (Mike/Tibhar)
2. Chrern - Sujin (Navy)
3. Pipat - Somsak (Navy)
3. Carlo - Jose (France)
Men’s Open singles:
1. Ruangsak Chuchert (Mike)
2. Bancha Monpolkrang (Marriott Resort & Spa)
3. Charern Kaparin (Navy)
3. Songpon (Ping Pong Pattaya)
Over 40 men’s doubles:
1. Charern - Sujin (Navy)
2. Pipat - Somsak (Navy)
3. Pongsathorn - Meta (Bangkok)
3. Carlo - Jose (France)
Over 40 men’s singles:
1. Sujin Ruangeudom (Navy)
2. Pitak Bumrong (Navy)
3. Somsak Knapibarn (Navy)
3. Charern Kaparin (Navy)
PSC opens new fishing season
Traditionally the winter months are slow for fishing
out of Pattaya. Usually because of the wind and water temperature. As a
rule fishing picks up starting sometime in April each year. And so it has
this year.
 Carl
Engel with the day’s catch.
Middy Campbell with the J&M Bar went out the first
week of May and came in with eleven cobia and several barracuda. Frank
Collins with Fish & Trips went out May 4th and came back with eleven
barracuda and nine jacks.
Wednesday May 8, Frank Collins and Carl Engel went out
looking for dolphin fish (also known as mai mai). After searching for four
hours with no luck, they went after the regular fish. In three hours they
had a nine-kilo cobia, a 10-kilo shovelhead ray, two very nice snapper, a
nice queen and a pompano. And topped it off with two small groupers.
To enjoy deep sea sport fishing out of Pattaya contact
the Pattaya Sports Club at phone 038 - 361 167, or e-mail: psca @loxinfo.co.th.
Also contact Fish & Trips at phone 01-987-5116 or e-mail fish_trips @yahoo.com
or J&M Bar at phone 038-425-133, both located on Soi Six (Yodsak).
Banglamung Sports Club holds annual general meeting
Banglamung Sports Club called its annual general
meeting to report on the year’s results and to push ahead with the
formation of committees for its two new sports, petong and rowing.
Chanyut Hengtrakul, in his capacity as president,
called the meeting and said that the club was formed three years ago with
the purpose of supporting sport in the district in the hope of encouraging
teenagers and the community to make good use of their free time. The club
also selects talented individuals and gives them an opportunity to build a
reputation for themselves by competing at district and national levels.
The club was originally formed with an operating budget
of more than 10 million baht but costs have exceeded the budget
considerably due to the necessity of hosting the national sport festival.
However, the club has still been able to continue its activities enabling
some of its members to achieve status as athletes. For example in the
Queens Cup National Championships Kasimon Ratanasombut won two gold medals
in women’s cycling, one each in women’s individual pursuit and
women’s individual 5000 meters. Kasimon was also named as the 18th Youth
Sportsperson of the Year.
The club also sponsored training for 15 people to
organize competitions and act as judges in 4 different sports. Having
successfully completed the courses they can now perform at the national
level.
The meeting also examined ideas on ways of developing
the club’s sports for the long term. With this view in mind the club
announced the formation of a subcommittee charged with the duty of
encouraging competition at district level. The club also announced the
inclusion of 2 new sports, petong and rowing, adding to the 15 sports
already played at the club.
Phisay Phanomwan was appointed president of the petong
subcommittee and May Chayanit president of the rowing subcommittee. Both
will be tasked with supervising training to raise standards to competition
level and beyond.
PH3 Run 948
Mrs. Head and myself decided to take a short sojourn
up-country last week and missed the usual Monday run. Did I say usual?
After reading last week’s hash sheet for he fourth time, we decided that
last week’s run was anything but usual.
Missing Personality must have seen the writing on the
wall when he bailed out of being a co-hare with AH during the early
planning stages for the run. The bus arrived at the picturesque, warm and
muggy A-site, on time this week, after a relatively short trip from town.
As the runner’s emerged from the coach they were greeted by hordes of
gnats and fly’s due to the high humidity. Not only were they bothered by
the bugs, but Charlie Manson started pestering them with dumb slips of
paper for them to select which day the 1000th anniversary run should be on
next year. Any true Pattaya hasher knows that the correct day for the
properly numbered hash run is on Monday, so why should it be any different
in the year 2003!
At the completion of the on-site signups, by Dr. Pinky
and Blowfly, GM Fini called a circle. In true Pattaya tradition, new shoes
were properly christened. The hares, V.V. and Two Time, explained the
day’s run and the racing pack were on their way past the grazing cow
onto blacktop, dirt roads, and tapioca fields. The front runners led by F
The Truth, Fini, “False Trail” Tampax, “Short Cutter” Manson,
Yao-Yao and Queen Stella led the rest of the stragglers over a well-laid,
35 minute trail back to the beer truck. Surprisingly, there were no lost
runners this week! The Kiss method (Keep It Simple Stupid) will always
keep the hares out of trouble.
The long social time before the circle enabled everyone
to enjoy his or her favorite beverage, some fruit and chips, or a freshly
made sandwich from “Lek’s traveling Sandwich Shop”. Remember, all
proceeds from the sandwich sales go to the “Computers for Thai Kids
Charity Project”. Spunk Bubble with his carnivorous crew of Evil Cow,
Evil Baby Face, Evil Godzilla, Hom Huan, Zombie, and an unknown virgin
were enjoying their sandwich feast. C Face and Rottweiler were busy
selling their assorted amble supply of rags and other hash haberdashery.
Uncle Pervy was supplying Boy George, Blowfly, Yao-Yao, General Kidney
Wiper, A Marine Called Mary, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and others with
his famous “home brew”. And yes, the Scandi’s were off in a corner
still listening to Charlie explain his request for the 1000th.
A slow moving Ringworm tried to explain to me about
feeling bad drinking until 4 a.m. It seems he watched football on the
“boob tube”, until this early hour. Spanish football no less! The GM
finally called the circle to order and tried to explain about the T-shirt
design contest presently underway. Spunk Bubble was able to explain the
contest to all Thais “from the ice” as he was unable to keep himself
and his crew quiet during the GM’s presentation.
Dr. Pinky then proceeded to conduct one of the largest
raffles witnessed on the hash in many months. Chicken F won the first
prize, after buying his first raffle ticket ever! He passed up a bottle of
Scotch for a T-shirt bringing a loud moan of dismay from the village
people! Can you imagine, Chicken F selecting a T-shirt when he owns over
300 of them! I guess he has to continue to clothe the long departed family
and relatives up-country!
The GM, Bad RA -Sir Airhead, and Good RA - Chicken F,
iced numerous individuals. Among these were Spunk Bubble, V.V., Two Time,
AH2, AH, Mobile, T-4, KBB, SBS, Charlie Manson, King Yao-Yao, Flying
Sheep, Mr. Sheen, and Uncle Fester. HJ was called in in recognition of her
200th run. Well Done! Last but not least was the Choir directed by
Festering Squid Jazzer and led this week by SS. Their song this week was
well presented and well received by the remaining hashers. Good job guys!
It seems that one of the selected choir members was
missing during the song presentation as he was still trying to break into
his car. GKW is still blaming his lovely wife for misplacing the keys
inside. The maid came to the rescue again just before the bus departed for
town. The hares, assisted by Festering Squid Jazzer and Fini, had a good
song presented in French and English. The Hash Hymn was sung, by the few
remaining hashers and the bus departed for Classroom 2.
Finally a word of thanks to this week’s truck
security - Baby’s Arm and John Smith the Elephant Sr. See you next week.
On-On Spaghetti Head
PGF 2002 bowling tournament scheduled for May 26 at PS Bowl
The Pattaya Gay Festival 2002 Bowling Tournament will
take place on Sunday May 26th at the PS Bowl, above Tops Supermarket on
Central and 2nd Road, from 3:30 pm. All are welcome to participate.
Entry forms are available at the Icon Hotel on
Thappraya Road, the Ambiance Hotel on Pattayaland 3 and Tui’s Place at
Jomtien Beach.
Entry fee for a team of three bowlers is 1,500 baht.
There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place,
as well as the highest scorer.
The usual suspects take the honours
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday
6th May - Century Ban Chan (Stroke play)
1st: Mike Dabanovich, 69
2nd: Trevor Schirmer, 70
3rd: Mike Davies, 71
4th: Harry Riley, 72
Four players reached the podium twice and the day at
Century started the run with the two Mikes and Wee Harry filling three out
of the four spots.
The course at Ban Chan continues to improve with the
greens playing very true although the weather has not allowed the greens
to be cut as frequently as is needed. This, however, is a problem that all
the courses are suffering from during the current rainy spell.
Once again Dabber lead the field with a round that
would further reduce his handicap at the end of the week, closely trailed
by Trevor, Mike and Harry.
Mark Adair, who knocked it to within 3 feet on the 13th
and sunk the putt to claim the day’s spoils, which included two
carry-overs, won the twos, and made it a very worthwhile day out.
Prior to the prize giving back at The Haven, Richard
Livingston the resident PGA professional welcomed new members Daryl Harris
and Keith Huxtable from the Gosnells Club in Perth Australia. At the same
time he welcomed back Fred Streeter and Darrell Paul from the same club.
Wednesday 8th May - Khao
Kheow (Stableford)
1st: Bob Van Mol, 38 points
2nd: Mick Spear, 36 cb9 19
3rd: Mike Davies, 36 cb9 15
4th: Jimmy Little, 34 cb9 17, cb6 12
5th: Jay Nakagawa, 34 cb9 17, cb6 11
It is always a pleasure to hold a competition at Khao
Kheow and the day’s play over the A and C courses proved to be no
exception, even though the greens were rather slower than would normally
be experienced. “Back Door” Bob showed real class to fire a gross 76
in the wet and windy conditions that resulted in the course having zero
run and therefore playing every inch of the yardage off the yellow tees.
The conditions on the day resulted in the CSS rising to 73 and will result
in “Back Door’s” handicap being further reduced.
Mick just edged out the other Mick on count back, with
Jimmee holding out Jay via another count back, although that one had to go
to the last six.
Dave Lee cleaned up on his own in the twos pool by
hitting a birdie on hole number five on the A course. Before the prize
giving Richard welcomed new members John Rewell and Phaeng Van Mol, whilst
welcoming back Jay Nakagawa, Malcolm Clare and Mick Spear.
Friday 10th May - Siam
Country Club (Bogey)
1st: Harry Riley, 4 up
2nd: Mike Dabanovich, 2 up
3rd: Saranya Chaiyanont, 1 up cb9 A/S
4th: Jay Nakagawa, 1 up cb9 2 down
Going off early was the key to success as the weather
worsened towards the end of the round, resulting in the later tee off
times seeing the scores spiralling upwards in the heavy rain that marred
the final holes.
The usual suspects, Wee Harry and Dabber led the charge
having teed off first, with Harry shooting an excellent 2 up over the two
nines. Dabber, who faded over the back nine and had to settle for a
creditable second, closely followed him.
Saranya managed to just get the nod over Jay with a
very steady round that secured her first prize out of The Haven.
Jay won the twos pool on his own to make it a double
prize day and round off a good week with the TAGGS.
Richard welcomed back Jeff McLaury and Herr Doktor
Harald Cranz before presenting the prizes.
McKnight wins bragging rights
 Man-about-town Gordon
McKnight, most recently famed for “allowing” his playing partner to
win a long putt competition in the Shenanigans Funhill Cup, won the
bragging rights for the week at the Pattaya Sports Club Three Sisters Golf
Tuesday outing, May 7. Details were unavailable at press time, but no
doubt Gordon reveled in his victory.
Pete Galle sinks the fleet at Sattahip
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday 4th May -
Sattahip North & West Courses
The Admiral likes going to the Royal Thai Navy Course
at Sattahip. It is said it is because he feels at home there, but we
reckon that now he’s been promoted to Admiral (and civilian) he’s
allowed to go in the front door at last, and its amazing how different
life is when you don’t have to use the tradesman’s entrance.
 The
winner on the day with 36 points, Pete Galle (right) eats his scorecard as
it was so tasty. He’s sat with Doug Powell.
A tremendous amount of hard work has been carried out
there to bring them into the 21st century. A new very impressive
clubhouse, and a major reorganisation of the course have made this course
probably the best value in this area. If you are visiting it is here well
worth the effort to go down and play all 36 holes, each 9 holes of which
offers a different challenge, and is one of the reasons P.S.C. held their
championship there this year.
So the Admiral set off down to Sattahip full of the
joys of Spring, with a goodly crew of competitors all knowing they were
going to rip the course to pieces and win by a street. But as usual
Sattahip won, despite the fact the course was at its easiest. Only one
golfer shot his handicap.
The winner on the day was Pete Galle who shot 36 points
and is at present playing very well in all the competitions he enters.
Nice to see as he has of late been going through a bit of a bad spell.
Second on 35 points was J.C. Lhost and third on 34
points was the perennial competitor Ebrahim.
Saunders saunters to victory at Sattahip
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Tuesday, 7th May, the Navy course at Sattahip proved
to be the perfect host once again for the Bunker Boys when they played
their weekly medal competition. The large field was split into the usual
two divisions, with the cut at nineteen and under.
The day was warm and sultry and the unseasonable rain
which punctuated the round failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the golfers.
In division one steady George Meigh topped the list
with his level par 72 on a course where he always seems to do well. In
second place came the predictable Mr Loy, Roy Mitchell, and Norman Brooks,
both firing net 76.
The round of the day was played in division two where
Keith Saunders shot a net 68, easily keeping the consistent Neil Griffin
at bay on 73. In third place came lady golfer Lamun Hanley, who shot net
77.
No one managed to shoot a two and so Bunker Super Sawng
award was not awarded. The same could not be said of the Banana Booby and
the net 93’s of “Sunny” Sander Ruthsip and John Preddy more than
merited the fruity consolation.
Ed leaves them Trayling
On Friday, 10th May, the Bunker Boys braved the
unseasonable monsoon weather to play their weekly Stableford competition
at Phoenix. By noon the heavens had opened and created almost farcical
conditions which drove all except the hardy Bunker group off the course.
Upon the restart more than an hour later, the sombre
and saturated conditions witnessed some excellent golf from the higher
handicappers with the veteran Ed Trayling heading division two with level
par 36 points. In second place came a soggy but resurgent Len Jones who
fired 35 points. Only one point behind came a dripping Keith Saunders.
In division one the lower scores were headed by John
King on 33 points, George Meigh on 32 and Roy Mitchell on a meagre 28
points.
Obviously the greens did not allow for any two’s but
the opportunities for the Bunker Banana Booby were many. In the end they
were awarded to Mr Loy for his futile challenge against the ladies, Mam
Trayling and Lamun Hanley, in a subplot which saw the ladies successful on
all the par threes.
In the view of many the storm which struck was the
heaviest they had witnessed on the golf course but it made the day very
interesting nevertheless.
Catch up with the Bunker Boys regularly at
www.thebunkerboys.com
Dr Six Pack wins at Laem Chabang
PSC Golf from the Rising Sun
The Rising Sun took advantage of Laem Chabang’s
special green fee on Tuesday and played the difficult C and A nines on a
wet and waterlogged course.
Scoring was relatively low, apart from Dr Six Pack
Wells who came in with 39 points and 6 empty cans of Chang beer.
Runner-up was Keith Fortt, who gained 2nd place by
virtue of a count back with 34 points.
One nearest to the pin went to Mick (Trapper Tours)
Benton, and two nearest the pins went to the laughing Bernard Bailey from
Blackpool, who said they were his only two good shots of the day.
Ban Chang Sports and Social Club hands over a School Workshop at Chumchon Wat Suwan Rungsan School
Ban Chang, Rayong - The ceremonial handing over of
the keys by Ban Chang Sports Club chairman Terry Tansley to the principal
of Chumchon Wat Suwan Rungsan School, Ban Chang, Rayong represented the
completion of their Workshop Project Ph. 1 and other considerable charity
works over the last two years.
Terry
Tansley, chairman of Ban Chang Sports Club hands over the keys for the
workshop to the principal of Chumchon Wat Suwan Rungsan School, while
members of the Ban Chang Sports Club look on.
Ban Chang Sports Club has over the last two very
successful years raised almost 500,000 baht for local schools and the
children’s ward of the Ban Chang Hospital.
Monies have been raised through sporting events such as
cricket matches, volleyball weekends, pub nights, the Eastern Star
Saturday Golfers, and of course the many golf tournaments organized by
local PGA professional, Glyn Jenkins, ably supported and many times pushed
by outgoing non-golfing chairman Terry Tansley.
Ban Chang Sports and Social Club would like to thank
all committee members, club members, local residents, friends in Pattaya
and overseas who have all generously supported Ban Chang Sports Club
achieve its goal of transforming a small group of expats, who originally
participated in sport and had a few to many drinks afterwards, into a club
that has attained a great amount of fulfillment in helping needy causes,
particularly Ban Chang children.
Are you ready to play golf? Part 2
By Mike Franklin
There are many makes and types of golf balls to choose
from, and so many places to buy new or used from a one-piece ‘rock’ to
a new Titleist Pro-V1.
I see some golfers now, including low handicap players,
using low 80 compression ‘lady’ golf balls. They have good feel, with
apparently no loss in distance. Important though, to choose a ball you
feel comfortable with, especially when standing over it with the putter.
Don’t forget to mark your ball for identification, and a line on the
ball to line up putts is a good idea. Quite legal, and in televised
tournaments you will see that many of the pros do this.
Keep a reference file of scorecards, and stroke savers
if available, of the courses you have played. If you are visiting a course
you have not been to for a while, it is helpful to get the scorecard out,
refresh your memory, and maybe recall the holes you played well and those
you had a problem with. Recall, I find, is usually good and it does help
you to have an idea about what you want to achieve - repeating the good
holes and correcting the faults on others.
Neither Fabian nor I will have a problem remembering
his Eagle at the Ninth on Plutaluang East course in this years’
Shenanigans Funhill Cup. There’s a challenge for a repeat performance!
At most courses, just striking the ball is not enough.
Course management and hole strategy is the key to a better score and more
enjoyment. Just being aware of where the hazards are (visible and hidden),
pin positions, and so on, can make a real difference.
What about a ‘warm-up’ before you play? Establish
rhythm and tempo by starting with the putter and short irons, working
through the bag to the driver and finishing with a wedge and the putter.
This routine is preferable to killing a bucket of balls
with the driver in record time. If you have the time and opportunity for a
warm-up, do it and remember quality, rather than quantity, is the way to
practice. As an organizer, I rarely have time for more the a few swishes
with the driver on the first tee. Against my own advice, and definitely
not a good idea!
If you find a good caddy at a course, and temperament
is often just as important as technical knowledge, use her (or him)
regularly. It can be a good partnership, probably makes you more relaxed
and adds enjoyment to the game. It is also one of the luxuries about
playing golf in Thailand.
Above all, remember that when you hit a bad shot it is
usually not the caddy’s fault, so don’t blame her. She is probably
just as upset as you are and wants you to play well.
There are some personal precautions you should take,
wherever you are playing in the world. Carry only the cash you need, and
keep it on you. Lock valuables in the car if you have transport, or in a
safe deposit box, which some courses, like Bangpra, do offer. At worst,
put things like wallets (but not cash) in a secure part of your golf bag.
Never leave valuables on view in the golf cart or other exposed places
such as drink stops. Obvious advice you may think, but one hears so many
cases of misfortune happening to responsible golfers that could easily
have been avoided. This applies in whichever country you are playing in.
If you are playing a full day’s golf in Europe with
lunch in the middle, don’t leave your golf bag standing outside the
clubhouse. A car may draw up and easily take them away, which rather
complicates the afternoon round and is very costly if you are not insured,
although unless locked in the car it is unlikely you can claim anyway.
Finally, if it is the morning after the night before
and you have the mother and father of a hangover, don’t despair. The
‘Hair of the Dog’ is not the answer, but a nice bowl of khao tom soup
(rice soup) and a glass of watermelon juice probably is. Tomato juice is
also good, and plenty of water.
A mammoth fry-up and a couple of beers might seem like
a good idea but is unlikely to help your game.
Those are a few thoughts, some perhaps blatantly
obvious, about playing the challenging game of golf. The most important
thing? Enjoy the game and have fun. Here in Thailand you are in the best
place in the world to do it.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Know you’re probably dying to hear the latest
“trash” out of the Lewis-Tyson training camps. Can’t disappoint.
Tyson has everyone up in arms due to some “inappropriate remarks” to a
female reporter. One New York writer, Pal Wallace Mathews, has called it
“sexual harassment” which to the politically correct is like saying
“Check Bin” then hauling “A” at Tim or the TQ. Of substances Tyson
did say, “I don’t think Lennox Lewis is afraid of me. I’ll kill him.
I wish he were dead.” Lewis, with clever repartee, answered, “He’s
ignorant, arrogant and an imbecile.” As you can tell no new ground
broken there. Kinda sounds like the closing minutes of Happy Hour at the
Sharmock. Not a lot of substance from either camp during the week. Tyson
seems confident and Lewis seems... well like Lewis. The $54.95 USD
pay-per-view will be the highest in history of sports. With a sell of over
a million that’s a lot of bar fines.
Just in case you’ve wondered what happened to
Pattaya’s favorite Belgian fighter Patrick, I have the answer. Received
e-mail from him last week: “I am almost ready for the big fight in
Belgium on 1 June, now at 68 kg (down 35 kg) will fight Freddy De
Meulenaere (87-38-39-10) 2 x Belgian Champion and Benelux Champion, fought
for the European Titel once (did all his rounds). He will not be easy to
handle, but with my shape and technique I have a chance to win this one.
If I win I gonna have the title fight on 1 November this year, so cross
fingers my friends. I still believe in myself and being blessed by the
oldest monk in Wat Huay Yai, what can happen to me? See ya, Patrick. PS:
Big Hello to all my supporters and friends in Pattaya.”
Next fight in the Kingdom? Of course I have the answer.
“I’d like to defend my Thepprasit Title on the next Charity Dinner
Gala in July.” While no venue is set the Marriott Resort is certainly a
possibility. One of the problems to be faced is that, “we cannot use
that ring from before, Thai boxing rules!” Sounds like another make-work
project to me. Sponsors can contact Patrick through his restaurant or via
e-mail at “[email protected]” - the profits will again go to
the AIDS Center in Rayong.
Couple of international fights this weekend. In Las
Vegas Kostya Tszyu (28-1-1) gets back in action. When last seen he was
putting the hammer down on “big mouth” Zab Judah. That was back in
late November. The Judah camp protested the stoppage at the WBC Convention
held in Pattaya. As they say in American Football, “upon further
review,” if referee Jay Nady hadn’t stopped that fight Judah would
probably be in a hospital today. This trip Tszyu defends his Jr. Welter
Crown against Ben Tackie (24-2). The popular Tszyu might be in deep water
if Tackie actually shows up in shape and ready to fight. That’s always a
problem with the “Wonder Boy”.
Meanwhile in London, everybody’s favorite son of a
newsagent gets back in the ring. Naseem Hamed (35-1) should have little
trouble. For the astute out there “Yes” the Prince has been removed
from his press releases. Probably trying to change the “little twirps”
image. Manuel Calvo (33-4-1), a native of Spain, is the opponent. He’s
built a record that is misleading. Like the “lady at Tiffany - look good
but something not right.” After Naseem’s win he’ll have a real fight
against boxing’s answer to the “energizer bunny” Johnny Tapia
(52-2). Tapia, while a little long in the tooth, might still be a hill too
steep for Naseem. He’s held titles since 1994 with only two losses, both
to Paulie Ayala. The other problem facing Naseem is where to stage the
fight. Thanks to he and his brother’s anti-Semitic remarks, the welcome
mat in either New York or Las Vegas would only be covering quicksand. How
you like them apples?
Green Valley team wins Rotary Charity Golf
The Green Valley team won the Rotary Club of
Pattaya’s Charity Golf tournament at Siam Country Club on May 3. Bhichai
Rattakul, Rotary International President for 2002-2003, who is the first
Thai to hold this position, presented the winning trophy.
Winning
teams from the Rotary Club of Pattaya’s Charity Golf tournament played
at Siam Country Club on May 3.
The winners of the best team net score were the Ban Mai
Roo Roi, who received a trophy from Chonburi’s governor.
Attended by distinguished guests and club members, the
Rotary Club of Pattaya’s Charity Golf tournament was officially opened
by Chonburi Governor Chadej Insawang.
The competition was held to celebrate the 30th
anniversary of the Rotary Club of Pattaya.
The tournament was also planned to raise funds to
support charitable institutions and community service. This year the event
was generously sponsored by Sataya Golf Club, the Eastern Ban Mai Roo Roi
Golf Club, and many prominent members of the community.
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