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Gold, Gold and more Gold in Diana Gold 2002
by Mike Franklin
Over 200,000 baht value in Thai Gold was sponsored in the
4th Diana Gold Charity golf tournament on Friday November 15th at Plutaluang
Navy Golf Course, sponsored by Carlsberg and Chivas Regal.
Division
trophy winners and sponsors gather for a memorable photo on stage.
In fine weather, and on well prepared South and East
courses, 156 golfers set off with a shotgun start and took up the challenge,
with the option of playing for performance or, on some holes, strategically
playing for one of the 25 one baht gold items on offer. The technical holes
were designed to test accuracy, length and putting skills with specific
opportunities for the three Men’s Divisions, the Ladies Division and some
holes open to all. This was later reflected in the final list of technical
hole prizewinners.
Three performance prizes were awarded in each of the four
divisions with all of the net results, bar one, being below par.
Mam Trayling returned a net 68 to win the Ladies Division
trophy, Nora Haugsjordet and Noonit Tawapee taking runner-up and third
places respectively.
Herb Schwieterman had an impressive net 65 to win
Division III, Dave Earthrowl and Ken Ince each a shot behind with net 66 and
67.
Division II fared not quite so well, the winner being
Claus Ernlund with a net 69, San Nithimetee runner-up with net 70 and Andy
Spence’s net 71 third.
Division I saw George Jackson in third place with a net
70, and a count-back for the runner-up and winner places between Saman
Jitsakul and Suphan Phuriprom, both with net 65. Khun Saman’s net 33 on
the back nine lost to Khun Suphan’s net 32. Suphan Phuriprom also won the
low gross trophy with an impressive 73 off the stick.
Best net score of the day came from Manop Maneechan with
a net 64 earning the title of Diana Gold Champion 2002. Appropriately the
champion, Khun Manop, in addition to the champion’s trophy, also received
one baht gold sponsored by the Diana Group and presented by MD Sopin
Thappajug.
All winners, in addition to receiving a Diana Gold
trophy, were presented with a 1000 baht Green Bottle voucher.
However, all ears were waiting for the technical
prizewinners to be announced. Twenty-five baht in gold across 18 holes.
Representatives of many of the gold sponsors were present to award their
gold item to the individual winners.
All of this took place on a fine evening and with a
staged presentation at the Diana Lodge and Driving Range, close to the Bahn
Thai houses and new, soon to be completed, Diana Resort apartment block.
With the awarding of the performance and technical prizes
over, it was time for the Charity Lucky Draw and a final opportunity to buy
tickets and a chance to win one of the many valuable prizes on offer.
The prizes included flights to Singapore from Chaba Tour,
and to Koh Samui from Bangkok Airways; a ‘Free Carvery Every Week’ for a
Year from Shenanigans; three more baht in gold from UPS, Jam Long Seafood
and Koh Chang Travel; and much more including prizes from the T.A.T, Malibu
Travel, Nong Nooch, Sriricha Tiger Zoo, and Laem Chabang, Pattaya Country
Club, Century and Sriricha golf courses.
When all had been claimed it was time to present the
proceeds of Diana Gold 2002. Other donations had been gratefully received
from YWCA/ Rotary/ Lions of 47,000 baht; Pondsak 5,000 baht, and Len
Dingemans 3,000 baht.
Sanan Phawandee, on behalf of Banglamung Schools,
received a cheque for 30,000 baht to fund scholarships for twenty deserving
children, who were all up on stage for the presentation.
Finally, Judge Prathinya was presented with a cheque for
130,000 baht by Sopin Thappajug, on behalf of the Diana Group, towards the
care of children on remand at the Chonburi Juvenile & Family Court
Protection Center. A final address by Judge Prathinya ended the proceedings
and a final ‘thank you’ from the stage closed the evening and a
successful 4th Diana Gold Charity golf tournament.
A BIG thanks to all the sponsors of the Diana Gold 2002
The annual Diana Gold golf tournament was played at
Plutaluang last week (see story back page), then all golfers returned to the
Diana Driving Range for the after tournament prize giving party. Proceedings
were emceed by tournament director Mike Franklin, charmingly assisted with
Thai translation by Wannapaha Wannasri. Distinguished guests were welcomed,
with guest of honor Judge Prathinya Sootsuwan, chief judge of the Chonburi
Juvenile & Family Court.
Judge
Patinya was presented with a cheque for 137,660 baht by Sopin Thappajug, on
behalf of the Diana Group and sponsors, towards the care of children on
remand at the Chonburi Juvenile & Family Court Protection Center.
Peter
Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail presents the trophy to Saman
Jitsakul, runner-up in Division 1.
Carl
Engel, Pattaya Sports Club president presents the trophy to Herb
Schwieterman, Division 3 winner, who had a net 65.
Witthaya
Yoosabai, head of the MCOT radio station in Pattaya hands over the ladies
division runners-up trophy to Nora Haugsjordet.
Other distinguished guests included Sanan Phawandee,
director of Banglamung Schools; Niphon Narksompob, director of the Mass
Communication Organization of Thailand, accompanied by Wongvit; Somjit,
Thanachai and Jednarong Chupan; Sura Lichutipoom, head of Radio Or Sor Mor
Thor, Chiangmai & Wittia Jensabai, Pattaya; Peter Malhotra, managing
director of Pattaya Mail Press & Television; Wiwat Pattanasin, president
of Sattaya Golf Association; Manit Boonchim, director Tourist Authority of
Thailand Pattaya Region 3; Nawator Sontaya Sengjeaw, head of Radio Sor Tor
Ror 5 Pattaya and Ruator Amnad Mongonpan.
Thanks were extended to the tournament ‘team’ from
Diana Group management - Witoon, Komsan, Tanya & John Cole. To Nok and
the Diana Group staff for registration, nips of Chivas Regal for the players
to start the day off, and for running the Chivas Charity Hole at the South
Par 3 hole # 4, that raised 9,900 baht towards the charity total.
Manop
Maneechan, this year’s Diana Gold champion who had a net 64, receives his
trophy from Sopin Thappajug, managing director of the Diana Group.
Pongsak
Amnuayyonvari, managing director of Amnuayyon Motor Co., Ltd., adds more to
the charity coffers, presenting a cheque to Judge Patinya Sootsuwan.
Nittaya
Patimasongkroh gives ‘one baht’ of gold Amphiew Rimngram, just one the
25 technical prizes on offer.
Judge
Pracha Chainukul presents Claus Ernlund, division 2 winner, with his
well-earned trophy.
Not least, also thanks to Malcolm Clare, PGA Professional
Richard Livingston, and John Cole for the efficient scoring and general
assistance throughout the day. To the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for having
the Ambulance Unit on station all day to deal with any mishap or ailment.
Finally, thanks to Rear Admiral Tara Boonaak, and
especially to Lt. Aree Yearkyen R.T.N. for the excellent co-operation and
service afforded by the Plutaluang Navy Golf Course, together with the
presentation of the course itself. Lt. Aree asked that due thanks be given
to the Diana Gold players for the generous contribution of golf balls
deposited in the lakes during the day.
RTN
Commander Sonthaya Sengjeaw presents a trophy to Mam Trayling, winner of the
ladies division with a net 68.
Noonit
Tawapee is presented her trophy by Wiwat Pattanasin, president of Sattaya
Golf Association.
Pornpimol
Amarapal, general manger of KN Travel hands over a return ticket
Bangkok-Singapore to the lucky winner.
Nittaya
Patimasongkroh (2nd left) hands over a cheque to Judge Patinya Sootsuwan to
support the care of children on remand at the Chonburi Juvenile & Family
Court Protection Center.
Division
1 and low gross winner, Suphan Phuriprom (right) receives a trophy from
Wisit Ekak, secretary of the Sattaya Golf Association.
Make a note in the diary, Friday November 14th 2003 is the scheduled date
for the 5th ‘Diana Gold’, and early sign-ups at the Diana Inn or with
me, Mike Franklin, are recommended and welcome.
Forty-nine from Pearce and Taylor wins the day
By Mike Franklin
Alan Pearce and Phil Taylor made a significant impression
on the South and East Navy Course by scoring forty-nine Stableford points in
Shenanigans November 12th Pairs Better Ball competition.
The
winners, Alan Pearce (center) and a stand-in for Phil Taylor (left), namely
Trevor Carnahoff, are presented their winnings by Mike Franklin (right).
(Photo by Aum)
However, just a single point behind were newly arrived
Graham Buckingham and Mab Jiwa with forty-eight points to take the
runners-up spot. Philippe Berra and Dennis Edmonds claimed third place with
forty-six points.
A sign-up field of fifty-four players, including a number
of new faces joining the Shenanigans fortnightly competition, indicated that
the high season is imminent and there are busy times ahead.
The technical prizes were won by Steve Ryser, nearest pin
on S. 4, Amphiew S.7, Phil Groves very close on E. 2, and Philippe Berra
even closer on E. 5. Bill Hurd made the longest first putt on S. 9 and
newcomer Wongwan Penning sank her putt on E. 9.
It was an overcast and humid day with thunder in the
distance, but it stayed dry. The course always looks inviting as you drive
along the approach road and is always well presented.
The usual prize giving and Tuesday ‘Chef’s Special’
followed back at Shenanigans. Newcomers and visitors were welcomed in the
shape of Dennis Edmonds, Chris Feltham, Don Frances, Jack Gayer, Dave
Stockton, Bee Matti, Walter Hofer, Phil Taylor, Nick Strasshine,Tatsumi
Naguchi, Graham Buckingham, Mab Jiwa and Wongwan Penning.
Out again in two weeks on November 26th for a Pairs Combined Stableford.
Sign-up, in pairs please, at Shenanigans.
Over 200 riders compete in the first Volvo Cannondale International Mountain Bike Open
Suchada Tupchai
At 8 a.m. on Sunday, November 10, over 200 local and
international enthusiastic mountain bike riders eagerly lined up at the
starting line to partake in the Volvo Cannondale International Mountain Bike
Open from the Dusit Resort in Pattaya. Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat
joined the senior management of Volvo Cars (Thailand) Ltd. to fire the
starter’s pistol at the entrance to the hotel.
The gun
has sounded and the cyclists are underway for the first Volvo Cannondale
International Mountain Bike Open through the streets of Pattaya.
Karl-Johan Sandesjo, president of Volvo Cars (Thailand)
said, “I am happy for the opportunity to hold the Mountain Bike Race here
in Pattaya on a course that has been appropriately set for mountain biking
through this tourist resort. The race will provide added interest in
preserving and promoting the environment and is also good PR for Pattaya
City.”
The race began at the Dusit Resort, ran along Beach Road
through Walking Street, over Pratamnak Hill, with the course crossing over
Sukhumvit Road. Providing a degree of difficulty for riders, the course led
them alongside the railway tracks where the groups of riders then split into
the respective category distances, tour riders on the 24-kilometer course
and the more serious competitors taking the 40-kilometer course.
Both sections of riders ended up on Pattaya Naklua Road
back to the finish line at the Dusit Hotel Pattaya.
The Volvo Cannondale International Mountain Bike Open is
one of the activities organized by the Swedish car company to promote sports
and a healthy lifestyle in Thailand.
The winner from each of the categories received prize
money for winning their division. The total purse was over 400,000 baht.
Results:
Category A
Boy’s U18s
1. Mohd Zamri Saleh
2. Chalimchon Kongchai
3. Phitak Chompanya
Men’s Open
1. Surajit Jirotwong
2. Shahrom Abdullah
3. Azizue Azli Shaari
Girl’s U18s
1. Worawan Petchokam
Women’s Open
1. Jindarat Pornbunjerdakul
2. Jindarmnee Pornbunjerdakul
3. Pimnorar Chaipetch
Category B
Boy’s U18s
1. Thansak Tharachai
2. Thanatpon Ponngern
3. Suksit Manasuvor
Men’s Open
1. Viriya Thani
2. Thanawat Marnatikanont
3. Anupong Tienjaem
Girl’s U18s
1. Pornpen Seesengeam
Women’s Open
1. Rachanee Theruwat
2. Vassamon Rattansombat
3. Saiyon Raohara
Burapha University/One-2-Call table tennis tournament this weekend
Songklod Kaewvisit
Burapha University, together with One-2-Call is holding a
table tennis tournament under the supervision of Sonthaya Khunpluem,
Minister for Tourism and Sports at Burapha University on November 23-24,
starting at 9 a.m.
There will be separate teams for men and women and the
1st place winners will get 3000 baht prize money. 2nd and 3rd place will
receive 2000 baht.
The prizes will be distributed by Sonthaya Khunpluem and
Wittaya Khunpluem, Deputy of Sports for the Chonburi area.
Interested persons may apply at the Burapha University,
Moo 169, on the road that leads towards the beach in Bang Saen. The entrance
fee per team is 500 baht and should be paid in cash when applying.
For more information please telephone 038-745-900
extension 3388 or 01-3856856.
Shakey Pete’s clinches first place - second and third still up for grabs
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
With only two weeks remaining in the league and eight
points up for grabs, Shakey Pete’s is assured of a first place finish
after taking four points from Cafe Ole behind good bowling by Jon with a 222
game and 560 series and Tukata’s 220 game and 496 series (607 with
handicap).
Three teams are fighting for second and third place after
VFW Post 9876 won three points from Winchester Club and moved into a tie
with them for second place. Nice & Sleazy took all four points from the
strong House of the Golden Coin team and moved into fourth place behind
Tue’s 548 series, which included a 202 game, and Porn’s 535 pin count.
Golden Coin’s Captain Mio bowled below form but still knocked down 507
pins.
Cafe Kronborg won three points from Three Sisters with
Suraphan leading the way with a 521 series.
New league starts
December 6
Bowlers are invited to join the next league, which will start in three
weeks. Two more weeks remain in this league followed by a fun bowling Friday
at which time new team members are selected by a blind draw. All PSC members
are invited to bowl in the new league and we are hoping to have ten teams
participating. Teams are formed of four players. If you want to sponsor a
team you can select the captain of your team but the other members will be
selected by a blind draw. Come and enjoy with us for the next 30-week
league.
Rose Garnito and Rommy Lamsen capture AFT-ERC bowling victory
The Association of Filipinos in Thailand, Eastern Region
Chapter (AFT-ERC), held a Fun Bowling Tournament on Nov. 10 at P.S. Bowl.
In the men’s division Rommy Lamsen rolled a 469 (in 3
rounds), finishing ahead of June Arboleda’s 456 pins and Romeo
Santiago’s 445.
Rose
Garnito (center), winner of the women’s division, flanked by runner ups
Nora Haugsjordet (left) and Maedin Veldhoen (right).
In the women’s division Rose Garnito took victory with
423 total pin falls, ahead of Nora Haugsjordet’s 408 pins, who put aside
her golf ambitions for this event. 3rd place was captured by Maedin Veldhoen
with 326 pins.
In the team games Unithai Shipyard’s score of 1679 won
over Thai Scandic with 1587.
Diligent event organizer and president of the AFT-ERC, Virginia Sorensen,
jumped in for a missing (probably injured) player. Virginia did not win a
trophy for her bowling skills, but was rewarded with a successful and fun
tournament, which was enjoyed by all 60 participants.
Pattaya Squash Club loses to
Bangkok’s British Club
On Saturday November 9th, 12 members of the Pattaya
Squash Club travelled to Bangkok to take on the best of the British Club in
a friendly team match.
Squash
“racketeers” gather for a group photo.
Unfortunately for Pattaya, this year’s event was a
whitewash as the British Club’s notoriously hot courts, nicknamed the
oven, proved too much for the boys from the cooler coast and they were
thrashed 10 matches to 2.
Pattaya’s poor performance can mainly be attributed to
the absence of many key players and a recent lack of competitive matches.
The pairing that drew the greatest interest was between
the corresponding number 1 players: Pattaya’s ex English County player
Stuart and British Club’s top Ozzie Glen Mills.
In a high quality match Stuart won the first game, but
still recovering from a recent illness was unable to capitalise on his
advantage and was found struggling as Glen came back to win 3-1.
Pattaya’s younger players were put to shame as the two
victories came, surprisingly, from it’s two eldest players, former
semi-professional and team coach John Nutkins, 60+ and William Love, 55+ who
both won their matches 3-1.
However, the best performance by a Pattaya player came
from Dutch beginner Steven. Having taken up squash only a few months
previously he played a spirited and competitive game and narrowly lost to
British Club’s vastly more experienced Thai player Rit 3-2.
Pattaya’s other competitors were Rik, Bruce, Mike,
Jurgen, Bruno, Matthew, Tony, and Paul. The rest of the scores and the final
results are largely irrelevant, though, as the main purpose of the event was
social and to that end it was a resounding success.
The British Club were great hosts and many new
friendships were formed as the post match conversation and banter flowed
easily.
Over a delicious curry buffet washed down with jugs of
very welcome cold beer, Rik Oudshoorn, Pattaya’s captain, spoke a few
words of thanks to the British Club players and commiserations to his own
players and presented British Club’s David Eastgate with an engraved
silver plate to mark the event.
The return match is due to take place at the Ambassador
Hotel, Jomtien in February 2003.
The Pattaya Squash Club plays every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5
p.m. at the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel. All new players are welcome. For
more information phone: Stuart Lyonton 018646672, or Bruce Madge 060515725.
The Mighty Warbler wins first two
MBMG International League Weeks 1 and 2
As some old hippie once wrote, “The times they are a
changing” (Bob Dylan). This can indeed be applied to the all new MGMB
League. With the old casual league expanding to fourteen teams, the club
chairmen, conscious of the potential television and marketing revenue,
decided to split the teams into a two conference format. The top three of
each conference playing off in the post season to find an overall champion.
To support this the league was given a snazzy new media friendly name, The
International League.
With the new demands placed upon teams in the
increasingly competitive modern game many have been flexing their financial
muscle. The Mighty Warbler plundered Pattana’s team with the acquisition
of Sean Jamieson. Jamieson, in an exclusive interview with the Mail, gave
his reasons for joining the champions, “Who could resist playing for The
Mighty Warbler? When they came calling, I had just one thought. Where do I
sign?”
Former champions, the Bulls Head have tempted a number of
stars from rival team SCI with promises of fat pay checks, beefy bonuses and
the opportunity to actually win a game.
After last season’s disappointment, Pattaya have sacked
their failing manager and backroom staff and have replaced them with the
charismatic Adrian Sparrow who, they hope, will galvanize their talented yet
underachieving team.
And with SCI retaining the managerial services of Big
John McGuigan, after his proposed move to Spain fell through for reasons as
yet to be revealed, the league is shaping up for a mouthwatering season.
In Conference A The Mighty Warbler, buoyed by the return
of their legendary skipper, Robbo have started off with two wins out of two,
overcoming some stern opposition from The Scandinavian Vikings and French
outfit SOHO.
Former champions, the Bulls Head sent a warning shot to
the league with a 5-1 demolition of new team Bangkok Blitz, the speedy
Chatree netting a brace.
In Conference B, SCI have got off to a woeful start with
two heavy defeats against an impressive German side and the conference
favorites, Pattaya.
Soi Kor Phai community turn to sports, not drugs
On November 9th, Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat presided
over an aerobic dance activity opening at the Soi Kor Phai community public
grounds, which was attended by the many community members.
Community leader, Jira Lawanakorn, said most of the
community members were kids and low-paid workers from upcountry provinces,
poorly educated and are a high-risk group for drug addiction.
For this reason, the promotion of sports such as aerobic
dance on weekends is a practical and tangible concept that the city should
not only support but expand.
Aerobic dance for health will be held regularly on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The fee is only 5 baht
and it is open for everyone who would like to join the fun at the Soi Kor
Phai community public grounds.
Mio and Tue separated by only half a point
The Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League
Monday Nov. 11, the Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League
had a very exciting day of bowling. With only one week to go, and only a 1/2
point between the two top teams, the winners could have been decided, but as
it turned out, both teams lost all of their matches.
Mio’s team got beaten by Jeed’s team 4-0, with Tui
and Udom both bowling very steady for Jeed’s team. Mio’s 200 game was
not enough to win a point.
Tue’s team also received a 4-0 beating from Kran’s
team. Lada did the main damage for Kran’s team, helped by Suraphan’s 216
game and 562 total in a very tight match.
Bill’s team earned a 4-0 win against La’s team.
Without any special high scores, Bill was the only one here that came close
to the 200 mark with a 199.
Another good turnout this week, as 25 keglers showed up to knock pins
down, with a few new visitors playing.
Pattaya Sports Club Christmas Party
The Pattaya Sports Club will be having
their annual Christmas Party on the 18th of December 2002, at the Town In
Town Hotel (near Foodland). Tickets will be on sale at the PSC office
starting 20th of November. Current members: 300 baht. Member’s guest: 600
baht. This price includes a fabulous international buffet, beer, wine, other
alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and live entertainment. Raffle prizes include
four baht of gold and many other great gifts. Hope to see you there!
PH3 Run 975
Another Rain drenched Monday afternoon here in Thailand
and off we all go down the Siam Country Club Road towards the A site on the
faithful hash bus. Great A-site, barely off the main road, and now the sun
shinning out. Quiet and scenic area looking over the lake, with plenty of
space.
The usual meeting of all the hashers together with late
sign ups, seems more hashers at the A-site than the sign up bar, good old
Dr. Pinky, congratulations putting up with queue of hashers with no change,
he’s always there.
The circle was called by Fini to start the run. New shoes
were toasted with the amber liquid followed by the hares Flying Sheep S
& Baa Baa to tell us about today’s run. We then followed the hares to
the start of the run and off we go On On. The front pack hits the first
check which allows the rear runners to catch up. The right way was found and
the hoards followed the front runners, hashers were now getting spaced out
as usual as the run took its course over the fields and into the jungle.
We all hear the On On and hashers dash off to that
familiar sound. Another check, a few buffalos. More calls of On On and we
follow, the run takes us through beautiful scenic woods and fields. The
front runners so intent on beating each other miss the white paper trail on
the turning left, as they continued running into the distance shouting on
on! The other clever hashers including myself turned on paper to the last
single trail where the ON IN was found and back to the A site.
Whatever happened to those so called front runners?
Probably still chasing each other on the jungle trails. Guess they will
catch up with us next week as they hear On On by the new front running
hashers. A good speedy run with no dogs.
Now at the A site the Chang beer and snacks were
consumed. Lek, as usual with the BLT’S & hot dogs, all proceeds go to
charity. C. Face with the rags, doing well. I noticed a few hashers with
chairs sipping the amber nectar, with on-looking jealous hashers thinking I
wish I had one.
As the sun went down and the last hasher came in and as
darkness fell the circle was called by the GM, Fini. Straight away C. Face
was iced - seems he’s been watching Fini’s naked pole dancing a little
too often.
Next up Ewok with the hash raffle, returnees and leavers
in for some amber stuff. It was the hares, hash horror’s birthday Nuggets
Nightmare 5 yrs today, complete with birthday cake for all the other hash
horror’s. A good idea, no noise while they all scoffed it. The circle over
to Sir Airhead, hares on ice, besides the smell of the nearby dead buffalo a
good site and run was given. Also the hash s@#t was removed from the hare
Flying Sheep S, his spotted dog is now in its rightful place at home away
from us! Dog lovers note that we hate dogs on the run.
Circle over to GM and the awards for hashers 50th run mug
to Svengali, Really Sadistic Bastard & Free Willy. Anal Breadfruit 200th
run. Ewok 250th Run and Glasshopper and Rambo WW2 100th run T-shirts.
Congratulations.
Next up on ice Mint Sauce, Mrs Head, Ewok and a couple
more to sit with the Texas cowgirl. All during the circle these un-savory
noises were heard, after some good detective work by King Yao Yao the
sinners were brought on ice, Terminal 4, UTB, Glasshopper, Spaghetti Head.
On ice next was Festering Streaker and Poodle Juice
wrongly accused for sitting on the hash box of tricks after the run. A
mistake by Sir Chicken F as it was MC who was sitting and damaging the hash
box, we should be hash heroes for getting him off. More hashers on ice for
various sins. The Hares did not have a song so on ice whilst again Sir
Chicken F came to their aid and sang.
Now it was time for the Hash Hymn and with everyone
running to leave and get a beer, the circle was down to 30 hashers to sing
the hymn. A good day by all.
On On Poodle Juice
Mickey Sheerer becomes first ever winner from new PSC venue
P.S.C. Golf from The 60’s Bar
Tuesday
November 12
Eastern Star
(Stableford)
The morning was cool with a breeze off the sea, as the
players began to drift into Bobby-Joes 60’s Bar for the inaugural
competition, to be greeted by the sight of both mine host, Bobby-Joe and
Carl Engel P.S.C. president sitting there to say good morning and ushering
the players inside. Inside was tea/coffee and a table laid out with the free
breakfast, as it will be on all competition days. Nothing like scrambled
eggs on toast and hash browns and a big pot of coffee when you’re trying
to fight off a hangover. It was going to be a fine day.
Mickey
presented by Carl Engel.
Suitably replete the players clambered onto the transport
for a pleasant drive to a very quiet Eastern Star where the only hiccup was
that some of the clubs had been put in the back of Bobby-Joe’s car, and he
didn’t seem to be there. After a hurried phone call he was located at one
of the local military barracks and finally took the correct U turn and made
it.
The course was in its usual fine quiet condition, but as
usual let down by sub standard greens, enough said. However, this is to be a
fun competition and all the players rose to the occasion with smiles on all
the faces and plenty of banter. The results will not matter in this
completion; it’s for the fun.
As we went round I noted that many of the players were
playing their first competition, many did not have handicaps, but after some
early nerves, with the light friendly atmosphere they settled down and had a
fine day. Indeed, the only actual ‘winner for a score’ was won by one of
the ‘L’ players. The only trouble we had on the course, apart from some
greens, was from that camera mad Bobby-Joe who insisted on following us
around and taking photos at the most embarrassing times, and there were a
lot.
Now
that’s concentration...
The facilities in the restaurant and the casual area at
Eastern Star are second to none, and as the players finished and showered
all made it to the “casual’ area where liquid was put back into the
body, and many new friends were made, before they were poured back onto the
bus for the trip back to The 60’s Bar.
The lamb stew laid on by the host was first class, he
really can cook, and snacks such as this will be standard and free, as will
the breakfast. Most went back for seconds, and passed the time until we
could give the ‘fun prizes’.
The first ever winner was Mickey Sheerer, playing for the
first time with a group and he was congratulated by P.S.C. President Carl
Engel. All the rest were near the pins and long putt prizes, all 60’s
shirts presented by Bobby-Joe. Mickey won two, Bob Benda won one, Thomas won
one, as did Neal Hughes and Derek Brook.
The star of the day though has to be Ray (name withheld)
as he will be presented with the trophy for nearest the tee, with a
magnificent drive of 1/4 of an inch. He may pass it on at the next
competition which will be on Friday the 22nd, hopefully to Burapha. The
schedule same as this day’s. To check, phone Bobby-Joe on 06 0044344.
End of a fine day and thoroughly enjoyed by all, but particularly by
those playing with a group for the first time. It was a fine day.
Brave golfers continue to flock in
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday November 11
Green Valley
(Stroke)
One thing you learn about golfers, they are so intense
about their sport very little puts them off, so it is not surprising that
whilst general tourism may be suffering, those brave golfers continue to
flock in at this time of the year.
Kris
Helgason
The number of players at this time of year always rises
so it was not surprising that when a trip was made to the prime course of
Green Valley, 38 players turned out to compete on a Monday. After 43 at
Bangpra last week it shows a return of the faithful.
Amidst sunny skies and balmy breezes ten groups of
‘Duffers’ set out from the Cafe Kronborg, led by the ‘Admiral’, for
a stroke play competition at the magnificent Rayong Green Valley, in two
Flights, A (0 to 19) and B (20 upwards). It was to turn into a tough day for
the players and only one man was to break par and two equal their handicap
so we can exempt them from the ‘Duffer Tag’.
Cees
Bosman
In the A flight Kris Helgason won with a net 71, just
ahead of Dave Richardson on a net 72 with Bob Morrison in third place on a
net 73.
In the B flight Old Frank Sinclair (The old’ns are the
best) won with net 72 ahead of Werner Strub in second with net 74 on count
back over in third Kurt Persson, also net 74.
Near pins: no 2 Bjorn Kristjohansson, no 4 Norman
Robinson, no’s 12 & 16 John Biangazzo.
Long putts: no 9 Kris Helgason, and no 18 Andy Bettany.
Thursday
November 14
Eastern Star
(Stableford)
Normally this course is not on the schedule of golf from
the Cafe Kronborg - it is a really fine golf course which unfortunately has
bad greens. So it was with some trepidation that we decided to try it this
time, and as usual the course was a real challenge, good fairways, but on
some greens a bucket and spade would have been of more use than a putter.
The turnout was not bad in the circumstances and 30 golfers joined us to
travel to this course, for what was a fine day if you didn’t get
frustrated on the greens.
Frank
Sinclair
Eastern Star complex really is a superb facility and for
many years I used to visit it, not only for the golf but the friendliness of
its staff and the quality of its restaurant and food. In my humble opinion
the best at any course.
The golfers set out in ideal conditions and we were
allowed to start on both the first and tenth tees, this speeds up the day
considerably and is always a plus to the organisers. It was no surprise
therefore that the golfers got around quickly and posted some very
creditable scores, with the B flight as usual posting the best scores.
In the A flight the winner with 37 points was the same as
at Green Valley, with Kris Helgason completing a double for the week. Second
was our ever present Ebrahim with 36 points and third was John Desmond with
34 points.
In the B flight the winner with 41 points, and just back
for his Winter 3 month break, was Cees Bosman. Second with a fine 40 points
was Dick Worden and third with 39 points was James Flanagan.
The argument still rages on about Eastern Star, does the
sheer quality of its clubhouse and general course overcome the poor quality
of its greens when we book to take a large group there? The jury is still
out.
To conclude I must tell you about the long putts at the
9th and the 18th, they were both the length of the green, on such bad greens
impossible. Jim Boyd reckons that two such miss hits that just happened to
go in the hole shouldn’t count, but Philippe and I accepted with thanks.
Near pins: no 3 & 6 Kris Helgasson, no 13 Bob
O’Dowd, and no 17 Cees Bosman.
Long putts: no 9 Philippe Berra and no 18 Derek Brook.
John Gibson makes it two in a row
PSC Three Sisters Golf
For two weeks in a row “Little” John Gibson showed
the rest of the field that it’s not how big you are but how you hit the
ball that counts. John shot 19 points on the front and 20 on the back nine
to take the bragging rights for two weeks in a row. Although John did not
hit a lot of the greens, his chips put him in close enough to one putt many
of the holes.
John
Gibson (left) won the bragging rights again with 39 points on Monday at SCC.
Charlie Creed (right) was left holding the bag.
Following close behind John again was Jerry Lien in
second position. Jerry shot 19/19 for a total score of 38. Behind Jerry was
Trevor Carnahoff with 37 points but both Jerry and Trevor could not overtake
John for the lead.
The bottom spot this week was taken over by RJ Creed. With a whopping 20
points accumulated, no one could get close enough to get a hold of the bag.
By next week another golfer will surely be there to take over the load.
November’s Medal taken by the scourge of Sapporo
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s - Orchid
Sunday November 10
Green Valley - White Tees
Monthly Medal
Stroke
1st A Flight - John Emmerson - net 69
2nd A Flight - Ray Matti - net 70
3rd A Flight - Phil Mitchell - net 70
4th A Flight - Nick Strasshine - net 72
1st B Flight - Jay Nakagawa - net 68 - Monthly Medal
Winner
2nd B Flight - Moe Deverdene - net 70
3rd B Flight - Jim Boyd -net 72
4th B flight - David Knight - net 72
Near pins: No. 2 & 9: Moe Deverdenne, No. 12: Jim
Brackett, and No. 16: Stan Fry.
John Emmerson was the first group in and anxiously waited
an hour plus in the clubhouse at Green Valley Rayong Country Club to see if
his excellent gross 80, net 69 would hold up.
One by one players who were known to be on form fell by
the wayside. But alas, lurking in the second to the last group was Jay
Nakagawa who stole the medal right out of John’s grasp.
Jay’s net 68 made him the 11th Monthly Medal winner of
the year and gave him a ticket to the Gold Medal competition that will be
held after the December winner is determined.
John Emmerson was left with the top spot in A Flight. Ray
Matti edged Phil Mitchell on count back for second in A flight as both
carded net 70’s, excellent scores off their respective handicaps of 10 and
7. Nick Strasshine’s gross 77, net 72, round rounded out A Flight.
Moe Deverdenne, who left directly from the course to go
back to work in Yemen was second in B Flight with net 70. Moe also copped
two near pins. Jim Boyd edged Australian visitor David Knight for third on
count back.
Monday November 11
Treasure Hill - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Shaun Stewart - 36 points
2nd A Flight - Joe Mooneyham - 35 points
3rd A Flight - Pete Stonebridge - 34 points
1st B Flight - Keith Meehan - 40 points
2nd B Flight - Nigel Cannon - 35 points
3rd B Flight - Colin Davis - 33 points
Treasure Hills playing over 6700 yards from the White
Tees is always a good test. The always-superb greens were slightly off do to
necessary sanding and the fairways were a bit thinner then usual.
None of that seemed to deter Keith Meehan as the
consistent Pattaya visitor had the long irons and fairway woods working as
he stormed past B Flight, and the entire field for that matter, with a
fantastic 40 points. It was the second time in Keith’s recollection that
he has broken 90 despite numerous attempts.
Colin “The Donkey” Davis was relegated to third in B
Flight by his friend, Nigel Cannon.
A good story to come out of A Flight is that Shaun
Stewart had a lovely round going until a downpour forced him off the course
with one hole yet to play. In a fitting outcome, given his fine play,
Shaun’s 36 points, garnered on only 17 holes, still held up for A Flight
victory. John Mooneyham came second with 35, followed by Pete Stonebridge.
Wednesday
November 13
Natural Park Resort - C & A - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Phil Mitchell - 42 points
2nd A Flight - Graham Johnson - 41 points
3rd A Flight - John Emmerson - 39 points
1st B Flight - Serge Straeten - 39 points
2nd B Flight - Jay Nakagawa - 39 points
3rd B Flight - Steve Donovan - Jim Boyd - 38 points
It if were not the week of the Monthly Medal the
headlines would have addressed the battle between Phil Mitchell, playing off
6, and Graham Johnson, playing off 9, for A Flight supremacy. Phil’s
magnificent level round of gross 72, 42 points, appropriately won the top
rung. Graham had nothing to be ashamed of with his gross 76, 41-point
effort. The fact that the field performed superbly on the more forgiving
Resort Course was reflected by the fact that John Emmerson could only manage
third despite 39 points.
B Flight was not to be left behind as Serge Straeten
edged his friend and this month’s Monthly Medal Winner, Jay Nakagawa,
needing count back due to their joint 39-point efforts. Jim Boyd, showing
repeated good form quietly took the bronze with 38 points.
Friday November 15
Burapha - East (Old) - Blue tees
Stroke
1st A Flight - John Emmerson - net 69
2nd A Flight - Rusty Boysen - net 72
3rd A Flight - Stan Fry - net 72
4th A Flight - John Horton - net 72
1st B Flight - John Dilstein - net 70
2nd B Flight - Dr. Raimund Cerney - net 71
3rd B Flight - Jim Boyd - net 74
4th B Flight - Joe Sebastian - net 76
The original course at Burapha always poses a dilemma in
that the 6000+ yard White Tees are too short for the low handicappers and
the 6500+ yard Blue Tees can be a bit rough on the high handicappers. Erring
to the side of the better test of golf, the lads and An Kaesavane took on
the Blues.
Any fears for the high handicappers were erased by the
fine play of John Dilstein’s net 70 off a 22 handicap, and Dr. Raimund
Cerny’s 71, off a 23. John is on tour from England with Barry
Tregurtha’s Geriatric Hooligans and although John is of a more recent
vintage then most of his mates, he showed he was up to the challenge of
playing effectively in Pattaya, something few visitors find easy.
Following John and the good doctor in B Flight were
two-time place winner on the week Jim Boyd and a surprised Joe Sebastian.
The A Flighters were led for the second time on the week by John Emmerson
who had net 69. Rusty Boysen won a three-way count back with net 35 on the
back, beating out Stan Fry’s net 36 and John Horton’s net 37.
The tablets are working ... just
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
Mr Loy’s compulsion for Treasure Hill continues and
there has been some doubt as to whether the tablets prescribed by his
psychiatrist are working, but the good news is that they may be, for, even
though he once again chose the tough Treasure Hill as the venue for the
Bunker Boys on Tuesday, 12th November, this time the competition was the
played under the much more amenable Stableford format.
A smaller than usual group attended this time, many
obviously not wishing to be “tarred with the same brush” as the
aforementioned Mr Loy, and only the returning Gary Austin managed to salvage
some of his reputation by shooting par in division two, and his 36 points
was way ahead of second place Dickie Barbe (28) and Kevin Wilson (27).
In division one chirpy Ciano Glavinia strolled to the
front with his 34 points, and this was far too much for Norman Brooks’ 28
and Bill Hewitt’s 25.
Ciano and Gary Austin shared the Bunker Super Sawng award
with Kevin Wilson but the latter had the honour of being the first Bunker
Boy to achieve the feat of two two’s in a round.
At the other end of the table there were many candidates
for the Bunker Banana Booby prize but ultimately it went to Peter Cerny who
had foolishly boasted to Mr Loy of a previous par round and proceeded to
shoot only 13 points. He has been invited to attend Mr Loy’s next
counselling session.
Sheppard wins on pastures new
A beautifully maintained and presented Green Valley
played the perfect host to the Bunker Boys on Friday, 15th November - a
steamingly hot and sultry day. The occasion was the weekly Stableford
competition and golf was to be difficult in such still and oppressive
conditions, but nevertheless some very good scores were recorded.
In division one Gentleman John King played another round
of sumptuous golf to head the list with his 38 points, edging out Bert
“Remy” Guy with par 36 and Roy Mitchell with 33 points.
In division two, playing the course for the first time,
Kevin Sheppard found the new pastures to his liking and fired the day’s
best round of 39 points, which included an excellent 22 points haul from the
difficult front nine. Chasing him hard was Des Pearson with 37 points and
steady Bob Lindborg with 35.
Harry Riley shook off his recent run of poor results to
fire a birdie on the teasing par-three second hole and the consolation of
the Bunker Super Sawng award more than made up for his disappointing round.
At the other end of the scale Roy Mann, another newcomer
to Green Valley, suffered with the heat and the hazards to record a low of
14 points and consigned his card to the bin at the clubhouse, thereby taking
the Bunker Banana Booby for the third time in four rounds as his two-week
holiday drew to an memorable close. Recently voted the Bunker Boys’
favourite course, Green Valley once again proved to be a real treat for the
visitors, both old and new.
Jeff McLaury wins at Plutaluang
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 11th
November
Burapha East Blue Tees
Bogey
1st Division
1st: Arthur Hancock, 3 up cb9 1 up
2nd: Tatsumi Noguchi, 3 up cb9 1 down
3rd: Mark Penfold, 2 up cb9 1 up
4th: Yazuo Suzuki, 2 up cb9 1 down
2nd Division
1st: Serge Straeten, 2 up
2nd: Dale Drader, 28 all square cb9 A/S, cb6 A/S, cb3 1
up
3rd: Paul Taylor, 20 all square cb9 A/S, cb6 A/S, cb3 1
down
The twos were shared between Barry Winton, with two, Dave
Knight and Yazuo Suzuki. Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident
PGA professional, welcomed new members Mark Penfold, Max Trafford and Martha
Gee from Australia, whilst welcoming back David Knight also from Australia
Wednesday 13th
November
Plutaluang South & East
Stableford
1st: Jeff McLaury, 39 points
2nd: Al Rolnik, 38
3rd: Barry Winton, 37 cb9 18
4th: Mark Gorda, 37 cb9 15
5th: Brian Kelly, 36
The day’s competition was also a counting event in the
Haven Order of Merit and the scores in this were: Jeff McLaury - 12, Barry
Winton - 10, Mark Gorda - 8, Brian Kelly - 7, B.J. Smith - 6, Mo Bertrand -
5, Jimmy Little - 4, Stephen Beard - 3.
Roar Berger, recording his first ever win in the twos,
swept the twos pool on his own. Prior to the prize giving, Richard welcomed
new member Dave Howden from England and Ron Mathews from Australia, and
welcomed back Tony Thorne also from Australia.
Friday 15th
November
Phoenix Mountain Ocean Blue Tees
Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st: Barry Winton, 71
2nd: Jay Nakagawa, 72
3rd: Dave Stockman, 73
4th: Yazuo Suzuki, 75
2nd Division
1st: B.J. Smith, 74
2nd: Serge Straeten, 78 cb9 38.5
3rd: Ken Leadstone, 78 cb9 40.5
4th: Al Rolnik, 80
Ladies Division
1st: Srinuan Feaungoi, 70
2nd: Martha Gee, 75
Unbelievably with such a large field, there were no
winners in the twos and therefore a huge pot will be carried forward to the
next competition. Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new members
Stephen Howard, Mark Williamson and Mark Cooper all from England, whilst
welcoming back Brian Lewis and Graham Howard from England, Mark Adair from
Australia and Jens Gunnarsson from Iceland.
Fishing from The 60’s Bar with Frank Collins
Pattaya 4th to 7th November 2002 (The First Two Days)
Standing on the shoreline in a complete daze with the
waves crashing at my feet and the wind whipping through my hair, I really
could not believe I had volunteered to spend 4 days in the company of four
fine fisherman on a 62 foot Thai fishing boat in the middle of the Gulf of
Thailand.
Another
fine mess you got me into Bobby Joe.
Blondie
Tackling Up.
A rowing boat on a pond makes me seasick and horrific
memories tumbled through my mind of my last fishing trip, off the coast of
South Africa, in 1983 near Durban. I really that day understood what wanting
to die is all about, and now I pay to do it all again!
Of course my ‘friends’ know that catching me when I
am ‘Happy’, I am game for anything, but 4 days on a boat! I clutched the
Dramamine tightly in my hand and decided to put a brave face on it. I think
if I had known that the storm warning was out and the fishing boats had been
warned not to go out, I would have turned face and run. We were due to go to
the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. Still surely they have brown bags on a
boat.
At 0800 we had convened at Bobby Joe’s 60’s Bar on
Soi ‘O’ for brekkers and final checks, beer, wine, etc., under that
expert, Frank Collins, who in another life is also P.S.C. Fishing Chairman.
Also going was ‘Farmer’ John, Bobby Joe himself, Blondie Robinson (a
real fisherman) and Derek Brook, the unbrave. Four experts and me.
Two
fish from the second day’s fishing.
Final checks, coffee and egg then off we went. Well not,
exactly, Thai time being as it is, at 1100 hrs we finally got on the long
boat off Soi 6 and went out to our home for the next three nights and
boarded. I selected first class upstairs; it looked peaceful and quiet, and
the plastic cover on the bed was clean. Frank and Blondie went Thai and
slept on the deck inches from the sea, very brave but I was to learn wise as
the higher you were the more the boat rocked, and going up and down the
stairs in a high sea was pretty dodgy.
Frank
& Blondie loading up.
Captain
Frank & Farmer John at Samae San.
Those intrepid seagoers, Frank and Bobby Joe had
provisioned well and spent a fortune on food, steaks, sausages, chops, eggs,
the whole nine yards, pity the sea was so rough. Being wise they had also
filled up with wine, beers and booze, pity the sea was so rough. Being an
unreal Jack Tar I had a couple of bottles of rum and a bucketful of cokes.
Who cared if the sea was rough?
Underway I was told we were going to Samae San to pick up
ice and the deep sea captain, but on the way there the boat stopped and I
was told we were to fish for red snapper for live bait. The crew got the
hand lines out and started to catch. I soon became quite proficient at
pulling them in and in what seemed like no time we were under way again for
Samae San.
Samae San smells just like you would expect a Thai
Fishing Town to smell, but as we pulled into our tight berth the sights and
sounds of this unique place started to delight our senses and it’s one
part of the trip that should not be missed. Ships to the right of us, ships
to the left of us, and in fact all around us, all filled to overflowing with
their crews, most of whom seemed to be getting ready to spend a night on the
town. Girl in every port?
Several tons of ice later and a new captain we set sail
for the fishing grounds. What I didn’t know was it would take the best
part of 24 hours in heavy rough seas and being tossed and turned in my bunk
for hours on end. We’ll leave the majority of these 24 hours as a
nightmare only, but one spell of this run, for a few hours, was worth a lot
of the pounding, when we went Squid hunting. Very rarely seen by the
tripper, at least now if I need squid and can buy a boat I can catch the dam
slippy things. Suffice to say we were soon squids in.
24 hours later, bumped bruised and battered, with the
seas pounding we anchored over the wreck, and finally got down to some
serious fishing as the boat lifted and dropped and smashed onto the sea.
Suffice to say as Farmer John got his hook into the first fish, a pretty
tasty Cobia, the sea quieted for a while and barracuda and pompano and red
snapper and a shark followed them into the boat.
Huddled in my corner clasping my Dramamine, my night was
made complete as one of the super sailors (Frank said to say, ‘Not him’)
dashed past to pebble dash the sea, the world at last became a better place
and I retired to be thrown around on my bunk with a smile on my face and
supper still in place. Who’s a wimp?
Half way there and fish and chips assured when we get
back, who knows what the next two days will bring? Please let it be better
weather.
(To be continued...)
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
The New Year is going to start off with a bang for newly
crowned WBC 130-pound champ Sirimongkol Singwancha (39-1). He’ll be off to
the “Land of the Rising Sun and Falling Yen” to take on former WBA Champ
Yongsoo Choi (29-3) in Tokyo. It was last August when the lad from Thailand
went to Japan for a fight with champ Kengo Nagashima. He eliminated him
“with prejudice” in just two rounds. I will admit that I know nothing of
his January opponent Yongsoo Choi. “No problem.” Joe Koizumi covers the
boxing scene in Japan better than most. He knows it all. “Choi, 30,
previously held the WBC 130-pound throne for three years and kept it seven
times prior to his forfeiture of the title to Takanori Hatakeyama on points
in 1997. Once retired, the Korean was traded to a Japanese Cheyenne Hasegawa
Gym, which dared to decide to promote Choi’s ambitious shot at the WBC
belt.” Way to go Joe. There’s no mention if the trade involved
“future” draft choices or other considerations.
POM’s can maybe breath a sigh of relief as rumors have
Prince Naseem returning to the ring next year against British feather
Michael Brodie (34-1). That’s the word after Brodie got the best of
Mexican champ Luis Fuentes (22-2-1) in Manchester. Naseem was “spotted in
the audience”. Good spot for Naseem to see if he can compete against the
average in the featherweight division. Since he’s had his egg cracked (by
Barerra) he’s below the best of Barerra, Ayala and Morales.
Fight managers “Monkey See-Monkey Do.” They’ve
decided that the way to get the big fight is via e-mail. The latest? Manager
of “Good Old 3 K Battery” who fights in Bangkok on December 5th. He
wrote, “Casamayor, make up your mind! I have made a great offer to you to
fight me. I am willing to go to the US to fight you. First you want Frietas
only. Then me. Then N’dou now maybe Barrios. Make up your mind. Respect
our sport. Let’s fight to see who wins so maybe the winner can fight
Freitas. If you don’t want to fight me, OK. I will inform the WBA and look
to fight Frietas direct. So what are you going to do? Do you dare fight me?
Respectfully, Yodsanan 3K-Battery, WBA Super Featherweight Champion.”
Nice try but probably “Ring Up NO SALE”. As a public
service I will answer the e-mail on behalf of the Mr. C. “Dear 3 K
Battery. You seem all charged up. I would love to fight you, Frietas,
N’dou and even Barrios but all you people want to get paid for the honor
of losing to me. No es possible. Joel.” Calling Cassamayor and those
around him difficult to deal with is understatement. For his proposed fight
on January 25th with Phillip N’Dou he wants a 65/35 purse split.
Tomorrow night Her Majesty’s Subjects “next great
heavyweight champion”, Audley Harrison, makes his American debut against
Shawn Robinson (15-4, 13 KOs) who got the assignment when his breath left
mist on a mirror. Harrison will set the table for the rematch between Mickey
Ward (38-11) vs. Arturo Gatti (34-6) on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. The
first Ward-Gatti fight was a total war. There is no reasons to believe that
this will be any different. Also tomorrow night Johnny Nelson (42-12) puts
his WBO Cruiserweight title on the line against Guillermo Jones (29-2) in
Manchester. With Carnival Under Way In Germany Vitali Klitschko (31-1) tunes
up for a fight next year with Lennox Lewis when he will look “OK”
against Yank Larry Donald (39-2), the worst heavyweight that someone though
was good, in Dortman. How about them apples?
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