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Team Thepprasit wins city’s first Anti Drugs Swimming Competition for youths between 7 and 15 years old
Songklod Kaewvisit
The team from Thepprasit earned 79 gold medals, 29
silvers, and 22 bronzes and took home the 5,000 baht cash top prize and a
commemoration plate in Pattaya’s first Anti Drugs Swimming Competition for
youths between 7 and 15 years old.
Justin
wins the gold in the 13-year-old boys 100m butterfly.
Members
of the winning Thepprasit team proudly show off their medals and trophy.
The competition took place at Jomtien Condotel’s
swimming pool on January 25. Almost 300 kids showed up to participate in the
two-day event.
The competition was divided into 4 categories: free
style, back stroke, butterfly, and combination.
Team Ratpradit Withaya, with 31 gold medals, 58 silvers
and 32 bronzes, finished first runner-up and received 3,000 baht and a
plate.
The second runner-up, Wuthichote, with 18 gold medals, 12
silvers, and 8 bronzes, was presented with 2,000 baht and a plate.
Nutthapong Kraithong from the Wuthichote team won 10 gold
medals, 2 silvers, and 1 bronze and was crowned best male performer.
Rattakarn Testony from the Thepprasit team won 13 gold medals and was
crowned best female performer. Both received 1,000 baht in cash and a
trophy.
Tracy Henheffer also had a good showing, winning gold in
girls’ 100m combination, 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, and 50m
butterfly.
Thawatchai Rattanyu, director of education development
division, Pattaya City Hall education bureau, presided over the opening
ceremonies.
Thawatchai said this sports event received terrific support from many
helping hands, both from the government and private sector because they are
concerned with the future of the children and want to help them achieve
their goals in life.
Myanmar takes home top prize in canoe championship
4th South East Asian Canoe Championship & 2nd Junior South East Asian Canoe Championship 2003
The canoe team from Burma achieved the highest overall
score in the Male Open category and received the Minister of Tourism and
Sports, Sonthaya Khunpluem Trophy at the 4th South East Asian Canoe
Championship & the 2nd Junior South East Asian Canoe Championship 2003
held January 31 - February 2 at Mabprachan Reservoir, Pattaya.
Kayak
racers head to the finish during the 4th South East Asian Canoe Championship
& the 2nd Junior South East Asian Canoe Championship 2003 held January
31 - February 2 at Mabprachan Reservoir.
Competitors from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore,
Indonesia, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and Cambodia
participated in the 5-day canoe and kayak competition at Mabprachan
Reservoir.
Unfortunately, 2 Cambodian kayak rowers, Neang Sopharith
and Puth Chandara, and their trainers had to be sent home early for their
safety after the riot in Cambodia caused great damage to the Royal Thai
Embassy and Thai businesses in Phnom Penh.
The Thai team did not fare particularly well this year,
although they did win two gold medals in kayaking - one each in the mixed
(male & female) 4 rowers, 200-meter category, and the 4 male rower
200-meter category.
Vietnam won the overall mixed rower (male & female)
kayaking competition, and for their efforts took home the President of
Chonburi Sports Association Witthaya Khunpluem trophy.
The Burmese team also won the 5-rower category and took
home the President of the Rowing Association of Thailand Rear Admiral Wasit
Sarikaphum trophy.
The Thais did show well in the traditional long boat
competition, as the Yuthakarnnava team from the Royal Thai Navy
unsurprisingly reigned in the 55-rower competition and proudly carried back
the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Juthamas Siriwan trophy.
The traditional long boat competition attracted 4 teams
this year. The first runner-up was Sri Ayuthaya from the Army, the second
runner-up was Theppaithoon from the Air Force, and the third runner-up was
Nangphaya Tachin from National police bureau.
Sonthaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports,
presided over the opening ceremonies of the competition.
One of the aims of the tournament was to provide canoe
and kayak rowers opportunities to participate in international level
competition in hope of going to the Asian Games and Olympic Games in the
future.
On the final day, Rear Admiral Wasit Sarikaphum, president of the Rowing
Association of Thailand presided over the closing ceremony and presented the
prizes to the winners.
Pattaya Media Charity Golf 2003 tees off at Plutaluang
Suchada Tupchai
On January 24, Sombat Kruphan, deputy director of
Thailand’s sports activities development bureau presided over the opening
ceremony of the Pattaya Media Charity Golf 2003 organized by members of the
Pattaya Media Association at Plutaluang golf course. Thonglor Umphung, the
president, Manop Maneechan, event organization chairman, and Sanga Kitsamret,
organization advisor co-organized the tournament.
Sombat
Kruphan (left), deputy director of Thailand’s sports activities
development bureau presents the Sonthaya Khunpluem trophy to Suphakit Kesorn.
The Pattaya Media Charity Golf 2003 was aimed at raising
funds to help the community in many ways, including funding social and
sports activities and aiding the disadvantaged in Pattaya and Banglamung.
The tournament was divided into 5 categories: Fight A, B,
C, Elderly, and Ladies Only, and the first group of five teed off at 10.30
a.m. Honored competitors in the tournament were Niran Wattanasatsathorn,
Pattaya deputy mayor, Weerawat Khakhai, ex-Pattaya deputy mayor, Piak
Pattaya, a well-known press and radio broadcaster, and more administration
officers from Pattaya city hall.
After a long but fun competition, 5 outstanding golfers
took home trophies from the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sonthaya
Khunpluem.
The winners of fight A, B, C, Elderly, and Ladies were Suphakit Kesorn,
Dusit Kitisarakulchai, Witthaya Sirinpornchai, Kiat Tantayanurak, and
Anchalee Attisornsri respectively.
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Muay Thai Boxing to explode in the ring at Thepprasit Stadium
UBC to provide live broadcast of the event
Ariwat Nuamsawad
A press conference held at the Diana Inn announced the
‘Victory Day’ Muay Thai Boxing event will take place at Thepprasit
Stadium on Friday February 7.
Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat (center) presided over a press conference to
announce the ‘Victory Day’ Muay Thai Boxing event will take place at
Thepprasit Stadium on Friday February 7, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The Muay Thai boxing event will be broadcast live via
satellite from the Thepprasit Stadium from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. under the
title ‘Victory Day’. The event is the first of its kind in Pattaya and
UBC will provide coverage.
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat presided over the
conference, with Somchai Manothaworn, president of the Chonburi Amateur Muay
Thai Boxing Association, Mai Chaiyanit, head of the Nongprue District
Administration Organization, Sopin Thappajug, managing director of the Diana
Group and Rattanachai Suthidechanai, and Pattaya City council members in
attendance.
Muay Thai Boxing is recognized around the world as an
important part of Thai history and culture. The event is being organized by
one of the country’s most prominent boxing promoters, Songchai
‘Bigsong’ Rattansoobun, and will feature famous Thai and foreign
contestants in order to draw fight fans to the event.
Saensuk Mayor Somchai Khunpluem will honor the opening ceremonies on
Friday the 7th. Another boxing event is planned for Valentines Day, February
14th when more big-name Muay Thai boxers will meet in the square ring.
Windmills on your mind
Pattaya Lawn Bowls Division One
The deadly duo of Big Frank and the Dark Destroyer Dennis
had no wind left in their sails, as the all-girl team Ying Yangs, Tong and
Jeang, who had flu, gave the boys a lesson in bowls. The boys had their
heads down coming of the green and it looked like they went 10 rounds with
Mike Tyson.
Chaplin Spam Heads Vodka Willy and the forgotten man
Peter ran riot over the Dream Team BsB and Fat Boy Slim, as Kevin was left
saying to himself the dream is over for this year’s title.
Team Somtams, captained by Ned the Ted, with the last
bowl of the night drew the shot winning the match by one over the Cobblers
team. Likely Lads Steve the Streak and Newcastle John carried on their
winning ways beating The Tartan Bar boys Willy and Dennis.
Results: Chaplin Spam H 27 v 9 Dream Team, Team Somtams
13 v 12 The Cobblers, Ying Yangs 23 v 11 Windmills, Tartan Bar 7 v 20 Likely
Lads.
Pattaya Lawn Bowls Division Two
Lucky Chaplins Jeff, who found the club this week on
time, beat the unlucky team Coral Reef (Jeff well done for using the map).
Winchester team with Man Utd Bob back in town beat Jan
Bar keeping them in the run for a division one spot.
Results: Thepprasit Ten Thistle 11 v 12 New Guys, Coral
Reef 9 v 14 Lucky Chaplins, Winchester 15 v 9 Jan Bar, Musketeers 9 v 21
Desert Rats.
Match of the Week: Ying Yangs v Windmills.
Player of the Week: Jeang from the Ying Yangs.
Team of the Week: Chaplin Spam Heads.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
There are secrets in this box fight writing business that
are to be kept under lock and key. Should those secrets ever see the light
of day a lot of typing hacks would be in serious trouble. Serious trouble in
that they would have to find a sport to write about where they actually had
some knowledge. In short, most boxing writers don’t know squat about
boxing. They wouldn’t know a good fighter from an average one unless
someone tells them. That definition of course excludes “Moi”. In short
they are clueless. If any better example is needed than the much heralded,
with no foundation, rating of the “Best Fighter Pound-For-Pound.” This
is nothing more than an excuse to attempt to convince someone that the
writer actually knows something. Can you imagine two punters sitting down
for a cold one and discussing the “Pound for Pound” best dancer at one
of the many Oases that dot the landscape? Bad example but you get the idea.
First we, that would be the boxing fans we, were told
that Felix Trinidad (40-1) was the greatest fighter in the world. Then on
September 22, 2001 he got KO’d by Bernard Hopkins (41-2). Then it was
Bernard this and Bernard that. Problem was that Bernard was and is a jerk.
On his own he has been sued and lost in courts to his trainer and his
promoter. In the latter case the court proved that Bernard is a 100% lying
idiot. Since being named the “Primero Boxeo” he’s had one fight
against warhorse Carl Daniels. He’s booked a fight in his hometown of
Philadelphia against Morrade Hakkar (29-3). After that it’s WBO Super
Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe (35-0) for a title. Hopkins owns the WBC/WBA/IBF
Middle Crowns. The fight will be in Calzaghe’s home country of England.
Why? Well, if one believes Frank Warren, English promoter (and why should
we?), “I think Hopkins will have to come here and fight Joe; he doesn’t
draw two dead ants in America.”
Writers struggling for someone to write about then found
Sugar Shane Mosley (38-0). “He has everything. He beat Oscar DeLaHoya”.
Along comes Vernon Forrest (33-0). Two losses later Shane Mosley is fighting
in an arena that seats 5,000 at a fading casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Though, to be accurate, the drums will beat with Mosley’s win so the
September fight with Oscar will seem like something special. It ain’t and
won’t be.
Now Vernon Forrest at 38-0 becomes Vernon “The Viper”
Forrest. The new “Pound-for-Pound” best fighter in the world. He’s got
it all. A new six-year contract with cable TV giant HBO, the unified title
and a spotless record. Whoops. Two Saturday nights ago he dances into a ring
in California, singing and happy to fight Nicaraguaian Ricardo Mayorga
(24-3-1). Mayorga’s claim to fame had been that he won a minor title by
knocking out Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis, a fighter headed downhill faster
than Hermann Maier, aka the Hermanater. Three rounds later the Pound for
Pound Champion is out colder than a punter without baht to his name. Bye Bye
Vernon. Bye Bye 6 year contract and bye bye titles. Pound for pound this!
One reporter actually asked Shane Mosley if he would like to fight Mayorga.
“You could fight the guy that beat you.” With a straight face his paid
liar said, “We’ve had no thought of that.” I would hope not. You
can’t beat the guy so you damn sure can’t beat the guy that beat the
guy.
If there was ever a time for a couple of Thai fighters at
130 to step up to the plate and take their hacks, this is that time. If
timing is everything, then WBC Champ S. Singmanassuk (42-1) and WBA #1
Yodsanan Nanthachai 3K (39-2) have got to make their move on the
international stage now. This advice comes after Joel Casamayor (29-1) got a
second life when he was clearly taken to the woodshed by Nate Campbell.
Casamayor did a Houdini and got a 98-92, 97-93, 96-94 win that should have
the judges doing hard time with no parole. Casamayor’s there to be had.
3K-Battery didn’t hurt his cause with a 2 round KO of Tirso Albia last
Thursday on Channel 7. During the same telecast ex-WBA Champ Yoddamrong (Sithyodthong)
Singwangcha (32-1-1) took Dondon Lapuz out in 4.
Former world champion Paul Pender (40-6-2) passed away
early this year. That’s a name that most of you “whipper snappers” in
Pattaya and Chang Mai probably don’t remember. Of course if you’re a
young “whipper snapper” you probably aren’t reading this column.
You’re out snapping your whipper. Pender was a throwback to days gone
past. He retired when he wanted to and lived the quiet life in his native
New England. His last five fights were against Sugar Ray Robinson
(173-19-6), Carmen Basillio (56-16-7) who retired after the fight and three
against Englishman Terry Downs (35-9-0). His trio of fights against Downs
were classic. Pender took the first in Boston (15 round split decision),
lost in London (10th round TKO) and won the rubber match in Boston via a 15
round decision. He retired after that fight. Terry Downs? He had a great
career beating Don Fulmer, Phil Moyer and Sugar Ray Robinson. Want to know
more about Downs? Ask Thailand’s premier swim coach and former fighter,
Canadian Tony; he’s Downs’ cousin. How about them apples?
“Doctor Tom” comes good
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday January 27
Treasure Hill
Stableford
1st: Bob Lindborg, 33 points, cb9 19, cb6 13, cb3 7
2nd: Paul Taylor, 33, cb9 19, cb6 13, cb3 5
3rd: Delafield Kribben, 33, cb9 16
4th: Trevor Edge, 32, cb9 17, cb6 13
5th: Mike Morris, 32, cb9 17, cb6 11
6th: Doug Campbell, 32, cb9 15
Super Bowl Thirty Seven was the alternative attraction of
the day, but still a fair number of contestants headed up 331 to play the
testing, Peter Thompson designed Treasure Hill Course. Testing it proved to
be, with none of the field managing to get anywhere near par.
Bob Linborg headed the bedraggled field by virtue of a
very capable back nine, to take the honours over the count back for the last
three holes, carding two bogies and a par, from Paul Taylor and Delafield
Kribben.
Trevor Edge led the next group on 32 points, just getting
the nod over Mike Morris and Doug Campbell on the last six.
With the course playing so difficult, it was no surprise
that there were few twos on the day, but new member, Delafield Kribben
playing it for the first time, obviously did not realise how hard the task
was and serenely put away two of them to sweep the pot.
Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
Professional, welcomed new members Jim Morrison from England together with
Delafield Kribben and Bruce Mizel both from Hawaii.
Wednesday
January29
Century Ban Chan
Stroke play
1st: Arthur Hancock, 69
2nd: Paul Taylor, 70
3rd: Michael Dige, 73, cb9 34
4th: Kenny Chung, 73, cb9 37.5
5th: Barry Winton, 5, 74
Arthur Hancock, playing what must be considered his home
course, just took the day’s spoils from Paul Taylor to continue his good
run of form playing with the TAGGS out of The Haven. The achievement of the
day went to Michael Dige, who fired a solid level par on the back nine to
edge out Kenny Chung for third. Barry Winton filled out the podium with a
creditable 79 net 74.
The twos were shared between Dave Nance and Dan MacLean.
Dan achieved his at the short par four second following a 300-yard drive and
chip in for a net albatross.
Prior to the prize giving, Richard welcomed back Kenny
Chung, Dave Nance, Bob Van Mol and Kevin Taylor.
Friday January 31
Khao Kheow
Bogey
1st: Barry Winton, 3 up
2nd: Arthur Hancock, 2 up, cb9 2 up, cb6 3 up
3rd: Brian Kelly, 2 up, cb9 2 up, cb6 2 up
4th: Al Rolnik, 1 down, cb9 2 down, cb6 1 up
5th: Chris Davisson, 1 down, cb9 2 down, cb6 2 down
6th: Tom Gingerich, 2 down, cb9 1 up
7th: Bob Van Mol, 2 down, cb9 2 down
The Pete Dye designed Khao Kheow must be considered one
of the top, if not the best, courses in the area with three nines featuring
some of the best par fours to be found in the world. Playing the “B” and
“C” courses in a high wind and little help from the fairways that gave
almost zero run after carry it was important to strike the ball from the tee
with authority.
Barry Winton showing all his old flair that was once the
scourge of Essex, shooting a gross 74 during which he did not miss one
fairway on his way to edging out Arthur Hancock and Brian Kelly into second
and third place respectively.
Al Rolnik, who is still performing steadily, took fourth
from Chris Davisson by count back.
The surprising “Doctor Tom”, beat off “Back Door
Bob” to take his first podium position during this trip to Pattaya, not an
inconsiderable feat, after spending several of the wee hours carousing with
the local press barons.
There are always a number of twos to be had at Khao Kheow
and this time was no exception with Trevor Edge, Brian Kelly, Russell Finch,
Vance Millar, and Al Rolnik all getting one each and Barry Winton stroking
in two whilst lipping out on two more.
Trayling, Healey
& Earthrowl take
the January honours
Mike Franklin
A busy field of 64 players teed-off at Pattaya Country
Club in the January Diana Seniors & Ladies Open, in perfect weather and
on a friendly course.
Mam Trayling assumed a familiar position on the podium,
winning the Ladies Division with 37 Stableford points. Ann Drader and Noonit
Tawapee were runner-up and third place respectively, both with 36 points and
Ann winning the count-back.
John Healey topped the Seniors Division with 40 points,
winning a four-way count-back with runner-up Gordon McKnight, Harvey Samuel
(third), and Klaus Schiffer.
Regular winner, Dave Earthrowl, was first past the post
in the Super Seniors Division, also with 40 points. Arthur Bailey’s 39
points took runner-up spot and Bernie Tuppin’s 35 points won the
count-back for third place against Peter Ring.
Near pins were claimed by Harvey Samuel, Mam Trayling,
Eddie Biggs and Dr. Raimond Cerny. George Meigh and debonair Ed Trayling
sank fairly long putts, Ed sporting a neat moustache that could best be
described as a ‘little Adolf’.
PGA Pro Richard Livingston and John Cole had a busy day
with such a large field and ensured smooth running for all.
Back at the Green Bottle Richard presented the trophies
and prizes, and an array of new and returning faces were recognized,
including Dr. Raimond Cerny (here writing a report about golf in the region
for a German golf magazine); John Watt, Kevin Dinan, Meg Oke, Birte &
Mogens Webster, Peter Ring, Danny Dyke, Archie Archibald, Bernie Tuppin, Tom
Breslin, Maria Hasila & Mauno Pollari, Eddie Biggs, Eero Kallinen and
Seamus Brennan.
Patrick Murphy was especially commended for his 38 points
after sixteen holes. He then scored a 10 on each of the last two and
qualified for the January ‘Bo Derek’ award.
It was another good Diana Golf day, the next being on
Thursday February 27th at Pattaya Country Club. Sign-up sheets at the Green
Bottle and Diana Driving Range. See you then.
Pinkerton is looking for Pilkington
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s - Orchid
Sunday January 26
Green Valley -
White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Stan Fry - 39 points
2nd A Flight - Mike Lanty - 37 points
3rd A Flight - Kevin Taylor - 36 points
4th A Flight - Arch Armstrong - 35 points
1st B Flight - Frank Pilkington - 46 points
2nd B Flight - Seamus Brennan - 38 points
3rd B Flight - Pete Henshaw - 37 points
4th B Flight - Bob Lindborg
Well the APB (all points bulletin) is out for our title
boy this week. To say that Frank Pilkington lapped the field would be a
gross understatement. For many well-wishers there was unrestrained glee as
Frank’s dedication to the driving range made him a winner for the first
time in memory. That didn’t mean there weren’t rumblings, but they were
to remain subdued, at least for 24 hours (see next article). Frank’s
avalanche of points dwarfed the second place offering of Seamus Brennan, who
himself ended a significant loss skein. Pete Henshaw, a fourteen with a lot
of game, made it three Irishmen in a row in B Flight. Bob Lindborg was the
sole representative of the Queen to grace the B Flight podium.
Stan Fry racked up the first victory of what was to be a
week of steady income with a second best on the day 39 points. Mike Lanty
making his first appearance with the Lewiinski’s-Orchid group, but last of
his current holiday, broke through quickly to score an impressive second
place. Kevin Taylor provided the SS (Sugar Shack) troops with a
representative in the medals. Arch Armstrong, who along with Jim Boyd, is,
as of this writing, off to a tour of OZ and Kiwiland, rounded out A flight.
Monday January 27
St. Andrews 2000
- White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Paul Coutoumas - 38 points
2nd A Flight - Stan Fry - 37 points
3rd A Flight - John Biangazzo - 35 points
1st B Flight - Frank Pilkington - 39 points
2nd B Flight - Sean Murphy - 37 points
3rd B Flight - Pete Stonebridge- 36 points
In the span of 24 hours Frank Pilkington went from a hard
working guy who deserved anything the comes his way ... to a no-good,
sandbagging, @%&#%^, son of a $@#$&, etc. Ah, God bless Pattaya. The
important thing is Frank showed he is trending to better play. Well, he
better be because that new handicap will require it. To Frank’s credit he
cut himself four strokes. Cheers, Frank. Shawn Murphy, who is starting to be
around the lead consistently, and a resurgent Pete Stonebridge pocketed the
balance of B Flight loot. A Flight’s Paul Coutoumas playing off a stingy 7
handicap, shot a five over 79 on the demanding St. Andrews 2000 par 74
layout. No one minds losing to a performance like that! Omnipresent Stan Fry
made it two trips to the pay window in as many days with John Biangazzo
winning a count back over Rick Sharp for third.
Wednesday/
Thursday January
29 & 30
Great Lake
- White Tees
Barry’s Annual
Two Day Tournament
Stroke
1st Place - Stan Fry
Joint 2nd Place - Klaus Schackt and Bob Patterson
Barry Tregurtha held his annual two-day at Great Lake.
The accommodating management made it a pleasant outing and the course played
very reasonably. There were some indications that the greens could be cut a
bit more to bring them in line with other courses in Pattaya. The event was
stroke play over the two days and Stan Fry broke from the gate quickly with
a gross 78, net 68 performance. That was good for a four-stroke lead over
Klaus Schackt and the trio of Peter Henshaw, Phil Utting and the host
himself at 73. The Darwin Award went to Joe Smiley who in a fit of pique
batted his ball off the green on the front side and took a DQ on the day,
when, assuming he had gone ahead and finished the hole with his tap-in,
would have shot net 73. On Day Two Stan showed he was not about to beat
himself when he shot gross 80, net 70. All challenges fell short, but not
without a superb effort by Bob Patterson who shot gross 73, net 66! In so
doing Bob came from joint 13th on Day One to being joint second with Klaus.
Friday January 31
Century Ban Chang
Stableford
1st A Flight - Rick Sharp - 36 points
2nd A Flight - Bob Patterson - 35 points
3rd A Flight - Stan Fry- 34 points
1st B Flight - The Donkey - 37 points
2nd B Flight - Steve Donovan - 36 points
3rd B Flight - Tarja Kankainen - 34 points
Every story should have an angle to it. The final fixture
of the week provided a collision between two of this scribe’s favorite
angles, the first: the exploits of Colin “The Donkey” Davis and the
second: complaining about the unfair treatment that the fates have dealt the
golf manager. Which angle do you pursue when it is the Donkey doing in the
golf manager? Anyway, enough of that. No wait, did I tell you that Rick
Sharp’s 36 points was plenty good for first in A Flight but my 36 points
was only good for second in B Flight. Is that fair? I know, you don’t want
to hear it! Anyway, Bob Patterson was close behind Rick at 35 and Stan
completed is fine week with the bronze in A Flight. Tarja Kankainen’s
third place in B was her second consecutive third place in a Friday comp.
Note: The 8th Classroom Classic is romantically scheduled
for Valentine’s Day, 14th of February. It will be an individual Stableford
competition at Green Valley, with an additional award to the four ball with
the best three scores. The entry fee (1400 baht [900 baht for Green Valley
C.C. members]) will cover green fee, caddy fee, commemorative golf shirt,
sumptuous buffet, trophies, prizes and a lucky draw ticket. The lovely
Classroom attendants will be, as always, on the course and at the
presentation. There will be a lucky draw and auction afterwards with the
proceeds going to the Banglamung Boys’ Orphanage. Country star Jerry Hill
will be featured in a live performance subsequent to the auction/lucky draw.
Sign up at Lewiinski’s, Orchid Trading, The Haven or The Bunker.
Kenny wins with “Kung Hei Fat Choi”
P.S.C. Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar
Friday January 31
Khao Kheow
Country Club
(Stableford)
As I came out of a deep sleep at 0400hrs in the morning
with crackers blasting me awake, I realised I had missed something and
perhaps as it was a 60’s day we were going to have a cracker of a day.
Kenny
wins!
Some 4 hours later as I stumbled bleary eyed and
sleepless into the bar, the smell of hot coffee and breakfast brought me
back to life and I wondered whether we could break a record and get to the
course without someone getting lost and lo and behold as we reached Khao
Kheow both busses turned up, a minor miracle, surely it would be plain
sailing now?
The first bus load got changed quickly and went to the B
course and waited, and waited. I took a cart and went to A & C start, no
second bus golfers, so back to B course. Still no other golfers, so as a
recheck of A & C starts saw them also missing I returned to the
clubhouse, and there they still were. This being Chinese New Year, no
caddies and no clubs! One of these days, but at the 60’s Bar its only an
extension of a great day.
Winners
and Ms Noi.
We belatedly got started on a quiet course and once
started had a free run to the end of 18 holes. I have said it repeatedly
this Pete Dye course is a tough quality course and is on every golfer’s
group of top choices, so a clear run on a well maintained quality course
such as this equals a super day and that is what all the players had.
With a big field it was still, however, a long round and
the reason this course takes longer to play than most is the distance
between many of the tees, but its so scenic you don’t really notice until
you wonder where the time has gone.
Back in the clubhouse all were in a good mood after
playing a great course, and spirits were revived by plenty of liquid and the
speciality of the house, Khao Kheow beef, this alone is worth the visit.
Back at the 60’s Bar Bobby Joe had been cooking again
and plates were soon filled with beef, potatoes and the trimmings, to keep
the punters happy until it came time for the presentations, and as usual
there were a lot, especially with Bobby Joe having received a new batch of
shirts. It was decided to present two by two, like the Ark, and this speeded
things up, especially as Mrs Noi, Bobby’s assistant, did the
presentations.
Minor prizes out of the way the winner for the day was
announced, Kenny Chung, and as Kenny said, he had to win on Chinese New
Year, and asked me to say, ‘Kung Hei Fat Choi’.
I then caught Kenny as he rang the bell to celebrate his
win and the Chinese New Year.
Near pins, Goodies: No B3 Jerry Kurt, No B8 Derek Brook,
No C3 Bill Thompson, and C8 Joop Jasperre.
Long putts: No B9 Derek Brook, No C9, Kenny Chung
Near pins, Nearly as Good: No B3 Cees Bosman, No B8 Mick
O’Connor, No C3 Kenny Chung and No C8 Jannie Jasperre.
Long putts: No B9 Cees Bosman and No C9 Dick Kerr.
Yamada and Itin sail to victory at Plutaluang
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday
The 27 Jan 27
Plutaluang Royal
Thai Navy Course
(Stableford)
As regular as clockwork ‘The Admiral’ takes his
followers to his favourite golf course for his monthly fix of nostalgia, and
this month he took a full house plus one to play the South and East courses
in a Stableford competition in two flights, A flight (0 to 20) and B flight
(21 upwards).
Norrie
Whiter - 4th A flight and near pin - fighting back from 2 new knees.
With a new clubhouse and the greens and overall course
conditions improving every month, this is now becoming a very good 36-hole
layout and well worth a visit.
Koji Yamada took the A flight with 40 points on count
back from Valur Sigursson also 40 points. In third place was Kris Helgason
with 36 points beating Norie Whiter on count back, also 36 points.
Emil Itin took the B flight with 39 points, on count back
over Tarja Kankainen, 39 points. In third place was Dave Richardson with 38
points and fourth was Kenny Chung on 35 points.
Koji
Yamada
Near pins: S4 Cilia Bosman, S7 Norie Whiter, E2 Johan
Reynisson, and E5 Prostur Jonsson.
Long putts: S9 Valur Sigursson and E9 Prostur Jonsson.
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg The Monthly Mug
Thursday January 30
Phoenix
(Stroke)
This is one of the most looked forward to days on the
Cafe Kronborg schedule, as all vie to take possession of the Kronborg Mug
and so be entitled to a free drink from all the other competitors. This is
also the only competition of the month where the presentation is back at the
Kronborg, and as you have to attend to win your prize, it is not unknown for
surprises to come up.
Papa
Ray presents the Kronborg Monthly Mug to winner Kevin Dunne.
So it was that 48 competitors piled into an array of mini
busses for the short trip to Phoenix, to arrive refreshed shortly after and
ready for the fight ahead. The Mountain and Lakes provided the test for the
day and the course was in fine condition, with the greens at their fastest
and trickiest. The only drawback was the wind which was strong and gusty and
as it turned out was to raise the scores considerably.
After a fine walk spoilt, and showered, it was relaxing
to sit in the clubhouse and watch the other golfers turn in their cards with
various emotions on their faces, from downright despair to excitement as
they came close.
This competition is usually won by a very low score so it
was pleasing to see as the scores came in that the scores for the first time
for months were mediocre, so someone had a nice surprise coming.
Back at the ‘Ranch’ I got the Mug from ‘Mine Host
Bjarne’ and prepared to declare the winners. We have two flights, A (0 to
20) and B (21 up), we also have an overall winner who has the best score in
the two flights.
The winner of the A flight was Jack Cunningham with a net
69 who beat Kris Helgasson, also 69 into second place on count back. Third
was Ted Morris with net 70 who beat Elias Magnusson, also net 70, into 4th
place on count back.
The winner of the B flight, and going through a purple
patch at the moment thanks to a lot of practice, was Kenny Chung on Net 69
beating another golfer who is improving fast, Cees Bosman, on count back
also net 69. For third and fourth we had another count back on net 71 with
Bjorn Kristjansson beating Robbie Bennet.
Meanwhile, in a dim corner of the room a hand was waving,
had he made a mistake as he was sure he had had a lower score than his
flight winner. After a little suspense I was able to inform a very surprised
Kevin Dunne that he was in fact the winner of the competition and the
Monthly Mug with a net 67. Papa Ray did the honours and presented it.
Near pins: M4 Phil Battah, M8 Mick O’Connor, L2 Phil
Battah, and L7 Ted Morris.
Long putts: M9 Phil Battah and L9 Poul Eric Johanson
Mam knows best
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
A seasonably busy Siam Country Club found enough space on
the first tee for forty Bunker Boys and girls when she hosted their weekly
medal play competition on Tuesday, 28th January. The course was very dry and
the hard fairways allowed for a lot of “run” whilst the greens were
their usual “receptive” best.
An oversight had left the seven ladies to play in the
men’s divisions, thus initiating Murphy’s Law which dictated that the
best score of the day was recorded in division two by Mam Trayling, who
carded a very creditable net 71, one shot ahead of the returning Ian
Phillips, deprived of golf by a three month winter in England. In third
place came Noonit Tawapee who shot 73.
In division one Lancashire’s favourite, Wilf Latham,
shot an excellent level par 72 to head the group, with Max Bussinger only
one shot behind and Mr. Loy taking the third place on the podium with his
net 74.
The Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by Tom Breslin,
Keith Saunders, Steve Nowell and Colin Wilkes, whilst PJ Redmond’s
lacklustre net 87 just held off the challenge from an absent Chris Davisson
for the Bunker Banana Booby.
But it was a day for the ladies to remember, especially
Mam Trayling, who proved the old adage that “Mam certainly knows best”.
Wilf savours a double at Plutaluang
The ever attractive Royal Thai Navy course at Plutaluang
piped aboard the Bunker Boys for their weekly Stableford competition on
Friday, 31st January. It was also the occasion of the Chinese New Year and
the Year of the Goat began in fine style when Wilf Latham shook it by the
beard recording the day’s best score over the North and West nines. For
the second time in four days he was to top the lists and his 39 points all
but eclipsed the chasing pack headed by Irishman Tom Breslin, on 37, and
Remy Guy sharing third place with Steve Nowell, both carding 34 points.
Division two was a tighter affair altogether with Keith
Saunders and Richard Wardell heading the field with 36 points, one ahead of
Len Jones who saw victory snatched from his grasp with a wayward pitch on
the final hole.
Steve Nowell recorded the day’s only two on the
picturesque par-three Lighthouse hole and was a deserved winner of the
Bunker Super Sawng award whilst John Preddy was an early contender for the
fruit when he played his second shot on the West number two from the
adjacent blue tee box on the North seventh after a vicious ricochet! In the
end he had to concede the Bunker Banana Booby to Keith Hector, the previous
week’s star player, for his abysmal tally of 23 points.
Once again it was a pleasure to be out on the Plutaluang
course and the peace and serenity found there is a refreshing change from
the stifle and bustle of Pattaya.
Domicil takes over first place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Domicil took all four points from Cafe Ole and took over
first place, and while doing so knocked Cafe Ole down to third. Suraphan led
Domicil with a 534 series and Jack, playing as a spare, rolled a 204 game.
Last
week’s 200 bowlers (L to R): Mio, Bill, Jeed and Pin.
Ken
Crow checks with La Montgomery to see if he really bowled a 107 game.
House of the Golden Coin moved into third place after
taking all four points from Jack & Tar. Golden Coin Captain Mio led her
team with games of 181, 186, 201 for a day’s best 568 series and Pin,
bowling for Jon, rolled a 218 game and 541-pin count. Captain Porn knocked
down 514 pins for Jack & Tar.
Jeed led Nice & Sleazy to a three-point victory over
VFW Post 9876 with a 204 game and 533 series. Tue was best for VFW with a
501 pin total with Bill coming in with a 203 final game to help win one
point for his team.
Cafe Kronborg continues to move up the ladder, winning
another four points and putting Three Sisters into last place. Nual rolled a
510 series and Captain Kran added a 503 pin count for Cafe Kronborg and Ooy
had a 515 series for Three Sisters.
Captain La led her Shakey Pete’s team to victory with a
502 series taking three points from Winchester Club. Shakey Pete’s is now
in fifth place.
Pattaya Softball Team looking for a few good men
Oil up your glove and dust off your bat, the Pattaya
Softball Team needs YOU. No, this isn’t necessarily a call to arms, but
the PSC Softball squad is looking for players who would be interested in
forming a team to compete in the Bangkok Softball League.
Pattaya
Sports Club softball team had a respectable showing in Bangkok last month,
and would like you to come on out, have some fun and maybe even help the
club do ever better.
After last month’s respectable showing in the
nation’s capital, local ball players were left feeling that they could do
better, and hence are calling on Pattaya’s best to come on out and have
some fun.
If you’re interested, please contact Dirk at 015754528 as soon as
possible as time is running out.
Get a load of that Marlin
The
Pattaya International Game Fishing Friends from the Atlantis Club Cafe on
Soi 15 had a good start to the year when, on January 17, 2003, they landed
this 2.45-meter (7-foot) 38 kg (84 lb) sailfish, amongst other fish caught
on the day. The fishermen were (L to R) Marco Ales, Steffen Ess, Ralf
Bernard, and Holger Ess, with Tomas Bauer in front.
PH3 Run 986 - The AGM
After hurtling down Sukhumvit for a short hop, I soon
find myself at a familiar scenic A-site overlooking a big lake just over the
hill from Wat Yan. I then get talking with one of the hares who immediately
tries to sell me a dummy! You all know what I mean. “Yes, the run goes
that way and then it goes to the mountains you see, over there; ... I am
only telling you as I’m a bit worried about the papering we did down that
way a bit!” Am I supposed to believe this guy or what? Well anyway, it
gets worse cos soon our glorious leader shows up and makes a beeline for me.
What does he want now? “Ah, you scribe us the run today,” he says in his
familiar accent. Well, he is the boss, so what the heck can I do but search
for paper and pen?
The next surprise is after patiently queuing up for the
A-site sign up, I am told to bugger off as I have done more than 50 runs and
can run for free this week. Well I liked that bit a lot so no argument
there! Ok, the new shoes are dealt with and we are all sent on our way. That
is to say at least some of the 140 sign ups!
First part of the run was a bit of a scramble as we make
our way through a ploughed up field under the shade of coconut trees. After
about 10 minutes of ankle twisting trail, we found the first check,
deposited on a sandy track. Well that crafty hare told me to go right and of
course his being a trustworthy musician, I fell for it! So, after
backtracking through lots of soft sand that always seemed to be going
uphill, I managed to get back on the right trail.
It’s more interesting now as we run along narrow
winding trails through the forest and eventually get back to the A-site from
the opposite direction. The front-runners arrive back in around 35 minutes
after working 4 checks. The rest of the pack was not far behind. Not a bad
AGM run this, although a bit fast.
Eating potato chips, drinking a cold beer and making a
nuisance of myself was foremost on my mind until a battered little blue car
arrived at the scene and reversed straight into a concrete post. The driver
didn’t even seem bothered and was actually pleased as he had managed to
find the A-site!? Who is this, Scottish Ex GM you may wonder?
Time is now getting on, beer truck police are in place,
raffle prizes are ready but what about the lights? Well it seems John Smith
The Elephant Sh***er is afraid to adjust them as he might get electrocuted.
Don’t worry Martin, it’s only 12 volts and there is always someone near
the beer truck to catch you on the way down! Dr Pinky started the raffle
with a draw for the 65,000th Hasher. The honour went to ‘Lady Rose’.
Ewok then went on to do her raffle and did a great job in organising lots of
nice prizes.
Dr Pinky back in again to re-introduce the ‘Mystery
Photo’ after a gap of nearly six weeks. The last time, we had an old photo
of Dr Pinky with hair! This week it was an old photo of C Face attired in a
Royal Navy uniform ... Yes, it was very old but Hammer amazingly did not
hesitate to identify the face so, a free run ticket to him.
Mr Fini called in the hares as a gesture but they were
away quickly with Spag Head leading the sinners and getting a mobile phone
so he can call for help in case of any future fender problems! Visitors from
Australia, Subic Bay, and Helsinki were next on the ice. After that it was
the turn of the bad RA Sir Airhead to call in Dainty Shoe Cheap Foreign Ba***rd
and rename him ‘Cheap Foreign Ba***rd’. With Spag Head still on the ice,
returnees did their stuff before Banjo came along and released old Spag
before icing BHC for arriving at the A-site and showering various parked
cars (including my own) with dust and small stones as he executed a hand
brake turn ... not nice at all really!
Sir Chicken Fellow did a bit too and re-named BHC, ‘Dr
Thrush’. Now what was that all about? Virgins then dealt with before the
anniversary’s are taken care of: Bow Wow (50 runs), Big Nosed Ba***rd
(100th run mug), Spag Head & Steamy Lump (200runs) and Dr Thrush (300
runs).
The Good RA Steamy Lump brought in poor old Spag yet
again and gave him a Prisoner No. (for last week’s true life experience!)
and a rubber band for being the aircraft mechanic in charge of the plane
that crashed during parachute operations the week before! Germans and the
Americans iced (and Spag) with the latter group accompanied by a song from
Steamy Lump and Dr Thrush. Something about bombing Iraq I think?
Paddington Bear in for breaking his wrist on someone (I
think?) and then, GM Fini took over the circle and introduced the old and
new mismanagement for year 2003. Things are definitely a bit fuzzy now as I
lost my pen when taking a break. Or was it when I fell over? Well anyway, I
remember some smiling girls on the ice (and Spag) before the hares did their
song. Some more people on the ice with smiling faces (and Spag I think?) and
then Hash Hymn followed by the trip back into town for some delicious food
back at Patrick’s Belgium Restaurant. Thus, an end to a great day and the
start to another year on the Pattaya Hash. Hope you get better soon Spag!
On On TP
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