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Back to back wins for Ebrahim
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday February 17 Treasure Hills C.C. (Stableford)
Back to the land of the billions of ants, and this is sad because in the
bits between the bare soil this is a really fine course and a very friendly
golf club; still I have no doubt that the problem is being dealt with and in
the meantime we will play the course the best we can.
 Dave
(after the operation to remove the pipe)
So it was that the players descended on Treasure Hills to play a Stableford
competition in two flights, A flight (0 to 18) and B flight (19 upwards) and
despite the conditions there was some very good golf played, particularly by
some of the old stagers.
Back in form Ebrahim took the A flight with an excellent 40 points ahead of
Ted Morris, playing well at present, on 39 points with Finn Lindgren in
third on 35 points.
In the B flight tournament organiser Dave Richardson had a great 40 points
and beat Tyrone (London) Bridge, also 40 points, into second place on count
back, with Mick (I'm on a beer free diet) O'Connor, the Ex Humpty Dumpty,
close behind on 38 points.
Near pins: #2 Finn Lindgren, #6 Mike Wallblom, #13 Eric O'Brien and # 17
Ebrahim.
Long putts: #9 Mike Wallblom and #18 Koji Yamada
Thursday Feb 20 Khao Kheow (Stableford)
It seems like the weather's changing and with it the end to the high season
beckons, and we will shortly be saying goodbye to many friends who have to
work, until next time. However, it seems they will not be leaving without a
free shower or two as the weather has become very changeable at present.
 Ebrahim
So it was that a full house set off for this superb course to take it to
task and at the same time with one eye on the sky hoping they could complete
their round before the deluge. And so it turned out with hot, humid and damp
underfoot conditions from rain overnight and start times that would string
the players out for some time. Rain spots dogged the round of the early
starters and it was always a toss up whether we would finish or not before
the downpour came, but this did not deter from the splendour of the day nor
the quality of the course.
Suffice to say the pessimism of the caddies, 'Big storm come' was only a
little rain for us, and as I sat in the restaurant eating the special Khao
Kheow beef, splendid, one hardy soul asked if he could do another 9 holes
and was told yes if he could be back in 90 minutes. So brave!
 Rooney
As the scores started to come in, it slowly became apparent that the day had
been tough, and then the heavens opened and the last few groups were out in
howling winds and lashing rain. This running competitions and finishing
early does have some perks, and as I looked out of the window at the
downpour I wondered where our brave "Please can I play another nine" was.
As the dripping wet last few groups came in the scores could be worked out
and there were some good performances, mainly in the B flight.
In the A flight, 0 to 16, the winner was Gene Rooney with 37 points ahead of
Kristinn Helgasson with 36 points and a count back for third was won by
Karlotta Eidasson with 34 points ahead of in fourth David McGregor also 34
points.
 Celia
Bosman Second B flight
In the B flight 17 upwards we had a double winner for the week when Ebrahim
won with 39 points ahead of Celia Bosman on 38 points in second, Dave
Richardson in third with 37 points and Tom Breslin in fourth with 35 points.
And our brave soul got in 8 holes, but he was wearing an aqualung. One last
sad thing to report, the special Khao Kheow beef was finished before Pete
Galle could order, deep grief.
Near pins: #B3 Karlotta, #B8 Michael Winfield, #C3 Karlotta and #C8 Pete
Galle.
Long putts: #B9 Dave Richardson and #C9 Mike Devereau.
26 holes and a free
shower.
Paul Kraft whips the field
PSC Three Sisters Golf
After a long period of playing poor golf, Paul Kraft
finally got out of his stupor and woke up playing golf. Hitting his drives
well and putting like the old Paul we knew was there someplace, he whipped
the field coming in with 40 points.
Trying to catch Paul was Derek Brook who came second with 38 points. Derek
had a long absence with the Three Sisters but did well on his return.
Following close behind Derek with 36 points was Ian Edwards. Out of the
bunch, Ian is probably the steadiest golfer and will be at the top again
shortly.
Holding the bag again this week was good old Marvin Smith. Being over 80
years old and playing off a 37 handicap, Marvin is a marvel on the course.
Still moving well with a twinkle in his eye, let the caddies beware age is
no barrier for this man.
Paul Kraft (right) did it again with 40 points
and Marvin Smith (left) did a repeat performance at the Siam Country Club on
Monday 17 Feb 03.
Mikael Andersson scores a hat trick
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday February 17
Century Ban Chan
Stroke play
1st: Mikael Andersson, 68
2nd: Pid Ovegren, 70
3rd: Doug Campbell, 71 cb9 36
4th: Michael Dige, 71 cb9 36.5, cb6 24.3
5th: Anders Farstadt, 71 cb9 36.5, cb6 25.7
6th: Mark Gorda, 71 cb9 37
Mikael Andersson started an eventful week with what was to be the worst
round for him in competitions with the IPGC, shooting a net 68 on the always
testing Century Ban Chan layout with its undulating fairways and miniscule
greens. Pid Ovegren took second place to claim her first podium position at
The Haven. A gaggle of the usual suspects fought it out via count back for
the minor placings, with Doug Campbell just taking third with a solid 36 on
the back nine.
The twos were shared between Bill Kirkpatrick, Mark Gorda and newcomer Niall
Waters.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional,
welcomed new members Niall Waters and John Wheldon, both from Eire, via
Vancouver and also welcomed back Mark Grygel and Christoph Vielle both on
holiday from Bangkok.
Wednesday February 19
Plutaluang
Stableford
1st Division
1st: Mikael Andersson, 43 points
2nd: Anders Karlsson, 39
3rd: Jeff McLaury, 37
2nd Division
1st: Peter Emslie, 36
2nd: Bob Lindborg, 35 cb9 24
3rd: Serge Straeten, 35 cb9 16
Mikael Andersson took his third win in consecutive tournaments, having won
the previous day with The Bunker Boys, also with a net 62, and he very
sportingly declared a three shot cut in his handicap. This proved to be well
under his ability as he once again knocked it round in gross 81 for the
second day running and easily swept the rest of the field into the also ran
positions. Not a bad run of scores off the 19 handicap that he started the
week with. Next week he will find that, following a six shot reduction,
things might not be so straightforward.
Anders Karlsson had to be satisfied with second, after a round that would
normally have taken first at Plutaluang, with Jeff McLaury claiming the last
available spot in the division.
Peter Emslie took the second division with another steady round from Bob
Linborg and Serge Straeten.
The twos were shared between Mikael Andersson, Peter Emslie, Samantha Burke,
Reg Warner and Derek Reaper.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Unto Kilvonen and David
Ashman whilst welcoming back Derek Reaper, Dale Drader and Kenny Cooke.
Friday February 21
Phoenix
Bogey
1st Division
1st: Brian Wilkinson, 7 up
2nd: Mark Gorda, 5 up
3rd: Frank Hughes, 3 up cb9 3 up
4th: Moe Deverdenne, 3 up cb9 2 up
5th: Brian Kelly, 2 up cb9 3 up
6th: Graham Johnson, 2 up cb9 2 up
7th: Doug Campbell, 2 up cb9 all square
2nd Division
1st: Anders Farstadt, 5 up
2nd: David Emslie, 2 up
3rd: Jean Utting, 1 up cb9 all square
4th: Fred Ewing, 1 up cb9 1 down, cb6 a/s, cb3 1 down, cb2 a/s
5th: Michael Billingham, 1 up cb9 1 down, cb6 a/s, cb3 1 down, cb2 2 down
6th: Tor Elgvin, 1 up cb9 2 down
A very large entry and the benevolence of Phoenix Golf Club, who added 4
reduced cost green fees to the prizes, ensured at least six prizes in two
divisions.
Brian Wilkinson took the first division from Mark Gorda, who scored well
enough to take the honours on most other days. A whole bunch of players
squabbled over the minor placings through the inevitable count back, in
which newcomer Frank Hughes prevailed for third place.
Anders Farstadt ended the week at last winning after being in contention
every time that he finished the course.
David Emslie was the next best of the rest with Jean Utting finally taking
home a prize on her last outing from the Haven for the next few months.
The twos were shared between Moe Deverdenne, Les Utting, Doug Campbell, Owen
McSweeney and Rick Bevington.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new members Michael Clifford,
Frank Hughes, John Draper and Larry Deverdenne. He also welcomed back Bob
Heath, Lars Schakt, Oradee Kaesavane, Duff Kribben Larry Ball and Roy Oakes.
It was also a sad farewell to Les and Jean Utting, who are returning to the
UK until next year.
Lewiinski's-Orchid Defeats U.S. Embassy in two day Ryder Cup
The U.S. Embassy Golf Association has contested the
President's Cup for the sixth year and has fallen victim to the competition
hardened golf rats of Pattaya each time. The first of those defeats came at
the hands of the Pattaya Sports Club, with the last five being defended by
the Lewiinski's Orchid Golf Club. The competition alternates each year
between being played on the courses of Bangkok and then Pattaya. This year
Lewiinski's-Orchid was the host and the venues were Phoenix for the two-man
team better ball competition on the first day and Green Valley for the
singles competition on the second day.
The Saturday Embassy side featuring 20 males and 2 females broke from the
gate confidentially winning the first day 6 matches to 5. The match of the
day saw Linda "Noi" Jenvuthida against Lewiinski's sole lady, An Kaesavane.
Their male partners Rick Cassidy and Stan Fry felt like bystanders as the
gals matched birdies throughout. The victory on Day One went to Noi and
Rick, 3 and 2, but revenge came for An just 24 hours later in the singles
with a 1 up victory.
On Day Two, if Lewiinski's-Orchid was to retain it needed 12 1/2 points of
Day Two's 24 available points, as both sides added two more players. The
Pattaya side, undefeated to-date despite challenges from Phuket, Hua Hin,
etc., was up to the task as they won 16 of the 24, and drew two others to
provide the final margin of victory, 22 to 13.
To paraphrase the eloquent words of Master of Ceremony Steve Mascari, "It
was the competition which brought us to gather but the true essence lay in
the camaraderie and friendships that were made." The success of that was
evident as opposing players enjoyed a Happy Hour buffet at Lewiinski's on
Saturday evening and a pleasant post-Cup repast at Green Valley's clubhouse
on Sunday.
Plans abounded for future contacts between "opponents" both on the golf
course and socially. It was an unbridled success. The Cup, a beautiful jade
chalice donated by Jay Nakagawa, will take up its accustomed residence above
the Lewiinski's bar.
Sunday - February 16
Green Valley - White Tees
Stroke
1st A Flight - Kevin Taylor - 41 points
2nd A Flight - Jack Grinvold - 36 points
3rd A Flight - Gavin Knox - 36 points
1st B Flight - John Ginnane - 40 points
2nd B Flight - Martin Zimmerman - 37 points
3rd B Flight - Frank Sinclair - 34 points
I have promised the Sugar Shack boys that I wouldn't slag them this week for
coming across the street just to win all our money. And I wouldn't have, if
they hadn't won both flights with John Ginnane being three points clear and
Kevin Taylor being 5! Jack Grinvold upheld what was left of the homeboys'
honor as he used a blistering back nine of 21 points to win a three-way
count back for A Flight silver. The award of third place in A Flight was in
doubt as the committee seemed intent on giving it to Frank Trinkle, but a
recount finally found the loot settling in the palm of Gavin Knox. Or was it
Peter O'Toole's? Visitor Martin Zimmerman took B Flight second just ahead of
steady ol' Frank Sinclair.
Tuesday - February 18
Green Valley - White Tees
1st A Flight - Gavin Knox - 39 points
2nd A Flight - Stan Fry - 36 points
3rd A Flight - Stan Goodwin - 34 points
1st B Flight - Mike Seely - 32 points
2nd B Flight - Tor Elgvin- 31 points
3rd B Flight - Brian Wilkenson - 29 points
Gavin Knox, who only two days before was heralding his third place finish as
his first trip to the pay station in his many efforts at Lewiinski's-Orchid,
showed that it could become a habit as he bettered the field with 39 points.
Just my luck, I had a game with him that day. Stan Fry's handicap equaling
36 points was the second best on the day and worthy of A Flight second. Stan
Goodwin (yeah, another one from across the street) rounded out the flight.
Mike Seely, not wanting to be the only guy in the Shack who had not won at
Lewiinski's, saw his 32 points hold up for the top spot in B Flight.
Congrats to Tor Elgvin for his first podium spot. Tor was followed in B
Flight by his traveling mate, Brian Wilkenson.
Wednesday - February 19
Khao Kheow - Yellow Tees
Medal/Stroke
1st A Flight - Graham Johnson- 34 points
2nd A Flight - Rick Sharp - 33 points
3rd A Flight - Jim Brackett - 33 points
1st B Flight - Phil Utting - 33 points
2nd B Flight - Emil Itin - 32 points
3rd B Flight - Frank Sinclair - 32 points
The yellow tees and the tough layout of Khao Kheow combined to keep the
Stableford totals modest on the day. Seven-handicapper Graham Johnson was
the man of the day with but 34 points. Rick Sharp edged Jim Brackett for
second on count back. Phil Utting in his last round before returning to
England struck B Flight Gold. Emil Itin scored his first Lewiinski's-Orchid
medal by edging Frank Sinclair and Pete Stonebridge on count back.
Rising Sun Golf
On Tuesday 18/2/03, Green Valley provided two not so often
winners. Conditions were very tricky, as tees were moved back and it was
breezy. The recently married Dr Bob Wells (24 hcp) came 1st with 34pts,
followed by Bernard Bailey (18 hcp) in 2nd with 32pts.
On Thursday 20/2/03 at Plutaluang, very poor scores were turned in, as even
though the conditions were favourable, the fairways were unpredictable.
Allan Hayward & Matthew Anders both had a 2 at the par 3, 15th, but Brian
Walker (19 hcp) won with 31pts. Trevor Sharman (21 hcp), that well-known
horse breeder, chased him in with 29pts but fell at the last.
Cafe Kronborg Bowling
200+ bowlers, from left:
Somrak 204, Porn 202, Kran 214.
To: The sport editor
Fm: Gert Hansen, Cafe Kronborg Bowling league.
The Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League
Monday 17th. Feb. We had a good turnout of 25 players. Both top teams, got
whipped.
Suraphans team was beaten by Tue's team 3-1, with Tue bowling 550, backed by
Toy bowling Her best of the season, 573.
Kran's team put some pressure on the leaders, by beating Bill's team 4-0,
Kran bowling 214 and a total 569, helped by Suphan's 510. On Bill's team
Porn had 202 and 549, and Somrak showing that she is getting back on form,
with 204 and 522, but this was not enough to secure them just one point.
In the last match La's team moved out of last position, by beating Mio's
team by 3-1.
Some very good scores on the day, and good to see that there are more
contenders for the lead.
Golden Coin remains on top
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League results
This week's over 200 club included Kran 210 &
227, Crow 224, Jon 213, Otto 202 and Pin 200.
House of the Golden Coin retained first place this week after winning 3-1
over Shakey Pete's. Domicil stayed close with a 3-1 win over Jack Tar. Kran
with Cafe Kronborg had two games over the 200 mark but still lost 3-1 to
Cafe Ole who had good team bowling. VFW also beat Three Sisters 3-1. The
Winchester Club, with the help of Ken Crow's 224 game, jumped out of the
cellar being the only team going 4-0 this week and left Nice & Sleazy in the
last spot.
The pins seemed to be falling well this week with 7 games going over 200.
Mikael Andersson is the Eastern Star
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
Eastern Star put on a brave face for the visiting Bunker
Boys on Tuesday, 18th February, when they arrived for their weekly medal
event. The club was as welcoming as ever but the once beautiful course has
now assumed a very sickly pallor, with its parched fairways and desperately
sad greens. In addition the wind was a constant distraction as it blew
strongly across the course.
All these things, however, made for a challenging day's golf and the star of
the day was to be the keen Swedish golfer, Mikael Andersson. Mikael plays
five rounds a week and is disappointed when he shoots more than two over
par! His powerful striking had made an impact with all the groups with whom
he plays and only the previous day the Scandinavian southpaw headed the
field with the Haven, firing net 68 at Ban Chang.
From the start he took division two by the throat and dominated the day. His
net 62 was his best ever round and was more than enough to blow the nearest
challengers, Len Jones and David Johnson with net 70, out of sight.
In division one the golf was of a more sober nature with Steve Nowell
keeping his head down to win with net 75, followed by Bob Lindborg and Terry
Phur, who both shot net 76's.
There were five candidates for the Bunker Super Sawng award, scoring birdie
twos, but two had declined the invitation to compete in the challenge, thus
leaving the award to be shared by Len Jones, Enda Naughton and John Draper.
The other two reluctant candidates, John Preddy and John Hughes were left
sharing a banana split for their indiscretion. All that was left at the end
of the day was the memory of a wonderful round of golf and the Bunker Boys
returned home wishing Eastern Star a speedy recovery.
Old hands take control at Ban Chang
The small and friendly club at Century Ban Chang gave its usual warm welcome
to a small and friendly group of Bunker Boys on Friday, 21st February, on
the occasion of their weekly Stableford event.
The course was well turned out and, with the cut at 18, in the first flight
one of the Bunkers "senior" golfers, Norman Brooks, led the way with a
thoughtful 37 points. Soul mate Bill Hewitt was close enough to worry Norman
on 36 whilst a more youthful Steve Nowell ran in third with his 35 points.
There were similar scores in division two with the ever-smiling Des Pearson
heading the lists on 36 points. Novice Jim Payne featured on the podium for
the first time, shooting his best score of 33 points and Neil Griffin ran
him close with a score of 32.
Not for the first time Bill Hewitt fired the only birdie two of the day to
take sole possession of the Bunker Super Sawng award whilst past hero Pat
Murphy suffered his worst round for a while and sheepishly accepted the
Bunker Banana Booby, promising to be a good boy in the future.
Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts
Mickey Mouse Darts League
You've been somtamed
Lawn Bowls Division One
You've been somtamed Fat Boy Slim and Mad Dog Bill. Peter Dancer put the
muzzle on Mad Dog, as Ned the Ted made Fat Boy Slim's toes curl in Sir
Tony's shoes.
Steve the Streak and Mackem John were red hot on the night and carried on
their winning ways by beating the Cobblers putting the Cobblers rock bottom
of Division One.
The all girl team Yingyangs, Jeang and Tong, put to sleep Vodka Willy and
his partner Ken of the Chaplin Spam Heads. All you could hear from the crowd
was the Yingyangs' manager Tim saying how fantastic the girls were beating
the Chaplin Spam Heads.
Tartan Bar Willy and Diver Daz beat the powerful Carlsberg kids on a match
to remember, going down to the last end.
Results: Yingyangs 20 v 5 Chaplin Spam Heads, Tartan Bar 18 v 14 Carlsberg
Kids, Team Somtam 31 v 7 Dream Team, The Cobblers 12 v 17 Likely Lads.
Lawn Bowls Division Two
New guys are back in town as they beat the big boys Bob and Kev, putting
them back on top were they belong. Asylum 2's wheels have fallen off, as
they lost their second game on the trot by getting beat by Thepprasit Ten
Thistle. Lucky Chaplins bounced back by beating Brendan and Phil of the
Desert Rats (Brendan there must be some desertion in the camp). Coral Reef's
Jez and long lost Mark, who came back after one year's rest, beat Jan Bar
(come back Howard all is forgiven Chris was herd saying).
Player of the Week: Peter Dancer of Team Somtam.
Match of the Week: Yingyangs v Dream Team.
Team of the Week: Team Somtam.
Results: Winchester 13 v 19 New guys, Asylum 2 12 v 15 T. Ten Thistle,
Desert Rats 12 v 17 Lucky Chaplins, Jan Bar 13 v 22 Coral Reef.
Paul Kraft top scorer at PSC Members' Open
Friday Feb 21, Si Racha, (Stableford)
C Flight winner and best score
of the day, Paul Kraft (left).
Back to Si Racha for the Monthly Tournament, a place we
haven't run a tournament at for a long time, so the thought was let's see
how it goes.
The morning started well for the players with the usual efficient book-in in
the fine clubhouse at Si Racha, which is spacious and allows good access.
Then, as I got there early, I thought I would try the breakfast, first
mistake of the day, enough said.
After breakfast, into the spacious changing rooms and then onto the first
tee. The 126 competitors were split into start times on the first and 10th
tees and it was a little surprising to find groups teeing off in front of
us, as they had to hit the block after 9 holes, and so it proved as we flew
through the first nine only to be met by a four group block at half way.
Still, I suppose the courses have to make a living.
On the golf course, the course proved to be in reasonable shape but some
trepidation was felt as a cart flew past us with a 50 foot hose pipe
trailing behind, and it soon became obvious why, as almost all of the
bunkers were filled with water and crews were on the course pumping them
out.
Still the play was enjoyable and as said we flew around the front nine in
good conditions, but as we waited to tee off on the back nine the winds
started to rise until as we stood on the tenth it developed into a full time
gale which persisted for a few holes before slowly dying down.
This is an enjoyable golf course to play and despite the problems the early
groups managed to complete the course in a most enjoyable manner. After a
cold shower, all went up to the function room to await the completion of the
round.
Once again looking out of the clubhouse we could see the storm clouds
gathering and teeing off early proved once again to be a good thing as the
heavens opened and the wind howled, totally blasting the last groups and
soaking them to the skin. Suffice to say, the course workers that were
draining the water from bunkers admitted defeat.
Snug as a bug in a rug with rain streaming down the windows, as the scores
came in, it was obvious that the competitors would have to play well to win,
as the point scores continued to be high.
The presentation started with the most important prize of the day, the last
in each group. Each was given a prize as befitted their performance, to
enable them to improve, then on to the technical prizes and the flight
prizes.
In the A flight the scores were good. Anders Pederson won with 41 points
ahead of Ted Morris, in good form of late, with 40 points and Gary Blackburn
third with 39 points.
The B flight seemed a 'Shoe In' for Ebrahim to win his third competition of
the week, as he came in early with 42 points and was rehearsing his winning
speech, until David Smith came in with 43 points and beat him into second
place. In third with 40 points was Derek Brook.
In the C flight the scores were the best of the day with Paul Kraft scoring
a competition day high of 45 points to win first place. Second and third
places were decided on count back, on 42 points, with 'Steady' Arthur Bailey
coming second and Alan McGrory third.
The scores in the D flight were surprisingly not the highest of the day but
the winner Mick (still improving) O'Connor still had a good 41 points - it
must be the weight loss that did it. In second place was Chris John with 39
points and third our intrepid starter Dene Mundy with 37 points.
The last flight may not have scored the most points but were certainly the
most attractive group as the winner of the ladies was Nattaporn Thorapen
with 31 points on count back over Karlotta Einerdottir, also 31 points in
second, and in third Linda Cerny with 28 points.
Then came the most important part of the presentation, the raffle, but not
before thanks were expressed by Alan to all the helpers and to all the
sponsors, amongst whom were Cafe Kronborg, Tequila Reef, Bruce Prescott,
Papa Ray, The P.S.C themselves, and Green Bottle. Special thanks were given
to new sponsors The 60's Bar, The Harley Bar and McAllisters.
Presentation over the players left to rejoin a storm ravaged but fresh new
world.
A flight
Winner: Anders Pederson
Second: Ted Morris
Third Gary Blackburn
Lucky 8th: Alan Spetch
Last: Eddie Millar
B flight
Winner: David Smith
Second: Ebrahim
Third: Derek Brook
Lucky 8th: Herbie Ishinaga
Last: John Gibson
C flight
Winner: Paul Kraft
Second: Arthur Bailey
Third: Alan McGrory
Lucky 8th: Kevin Dunne
Last: Malcolm McKenzie
D flight
Winner: Mick O'Connor
Second: Chris John
Third: Dene Munday
Lucky 8th: Gordon McKnight
Last: Ray Spurling
Ladies
Winner: Nattaporn Thorapen
Second: Karlotta Einarsdottir
Third: Linda Cerny
Last: Khantung Kristianson
Near pin A & B Flight: #3 Graham Rudd, #7 Aku Ahu, #12 Graham Rudd, and #17
Ted Morris.
Near pin B & C Flight: #3 Gerry Carpenter, #7 Mervyn Walker, #12 Peder
Gerstrup, and #17 Pete Galle.
Long Putt A & B Flight: #9 Derek Brook and #18 Ted Morris.
Long Putt B & C Flight: #9 Paul Kraft and #18 Joe St Laurent.
Long Drive A & B Flight: Ian Halfpenny.
Long Drive B & C Flight: Dan Sell.
North & East no problem for the Hanleys
Mike Franklin presents the
spoils of victory to the winning Hanleys, Lamun left & John right. "So John,
you just played along then?"
By Mike Franklin
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society returned to Plutaluang Navy Golf
Course for the February 18th Pairs Scramble, playing the North & East nines.
John and Lamun Hanley carded an excellent gross 71 and a net score of 64.4,
three shots clear of runners-up Phil Taylor and Alan Bishop with gross 78
and a net 67.4. In third place came Jason Payne and Rich Wibrow returning a
net 67.8 from a gross 74, the second best gross score of the day.
The usual technical prizes were on offer, with near pins claimed by Dale
Drader on N.3, 'Owen' Sweeney on E.2 and John Kennedy on E.5. Only two names
were on the N.6 near pin card, the second being an unidentified Sukanawa
Tawanaka - obviously not part of the tournament, which was fortunate for the
first name, namely Mike Franklin. Jason Payne sank the longest putt on N.9
and Ian Edwards on E.9.
The weather was surprisingly good as it was reported that everywhere else
had more of the untimely rain. Many improvements and changes seem to be
taking place at Plutaluang, none of which interfered with an enjoyable day’s
golf.
That was the spur for the now traditional 'shenanigans' back at the bar,
beefed up by an excellent 100 baht Tuesday Special of marinated steak, sauté
potatoes and vegetables. Margaritas kept the long table active, with three
varieties consisting of the familiar blue and white and a new pink
innovation that finished off the evening and several of the lady players.
Some new faces were welcomed, including Dr. Raimond and Linda Cerny visiting
from Germany to write a feature article for a golf magazine; Alan Spetch,
Steve Suttie, 'Owen' Sweeney and Vance Miller.
Back to Plutaluang in two weeks on March 4th for another popular Pairs
Scramble. Sign-up at Shenanigans, in pairs please.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Covering boxing is a lot like playing a golf course using
a one iron. Eventually you're going to run into trouble. (When asked what
he'd do the next time he was playing and lightening hit Lee Trevino said,
"I'd hold a one iron over my head. Even God can't hit a one iron." Don't be
silly, of course Tiger Woods could hit a one-iron. We're talking Tiger Woods
here.) The sport of boxing took three hits recently, all will have a lasting
effect. Unlike a walk along the Pattaya Beach at night, you don't need a
program to identify the players. That's why I get the big bucks. I identify
the players.
As reported last week the Mike Tyson-Cliff Ettiene fight scheduled for last
Sunday almost went in the dumper. For those that didn't follow the
day-by-day soap serial drama we'll do a little recap. Tyson shows up for
training two weeks before the fight. Works two rounds, gets sick and leaves.
Next day "No Show". Third day shows up. Jumps rope for six minutes, throws
up and leaves. Fourth day no Tyson but reported that he's gotten a full left
side of face tattoo. Jeff Fenich goes back to Australia while trainer
Freddie Roach says about the tattoo, "It's some type of tribal thing." Fight
called off. "I feel sorry for my fans," says Tyson. Fight called on. Tyson
wakes up from the "flu" (as in "One Flu Over"). Now Etienne doesn't want to
fight. "I knew he had no talent, now I know he has no brains," says
heavyweight Shannon Biggs. "I'll fight him now."
It took Tyson less than a minute to knock Clifford "Black Rhino" Etienne out
colder than a demimondaine's heart just before payday. The fight was 40
seconds old when Tyson landed a picture perfect overhand right hook that
send Etienne over backwards into the Land of Morpheus. "I've got to get my
s**t together. My life's a mess," Tyson said after the fight. When asked if
he'd been sick he replied, "No I broke my back." What about a fight against
Lennox Lewis on June 22? "I need at least three more fights before I'm ready
for Lewis. If I fought him now I'd get beat up. I don't want to get beat
up." The famous tattoo that caused all the trouble wasn't a factor except to
give bum writers something to write about. Next for Tyson? Probably another
tattoo and another opponent to KO. Watch out Lennox.
Boxing lost a treasure with the passing of Kid Gavalin. In a career that
spanned 15 years (1943-1958) the Camaguay Cane Cutter had 143 fights with a
record of 107-30-6. In the six year span from 1946 to 1951 he averaged 11
fights per year with a combined record of 62-10-4. When there was no one
left in either the welter or lightweight division he moved up to fight for
the middleweight title. In 1954 he fought Carl "Bobo" Olsen and lost a 15
round majority decision. After that the years took their toll as he was
"just" another good fighter, although he continued to fight but now losing
to the likes of Johnny Saxton (55-9), Tony DeMarco (58-12), Chico Vigar
(93-20), Gasper Ortega (130-39) twice, Del Flanagan (105-22) and Ralph
"Tiger" Jones (51-32). His losses prior to this came at the hands of Sugar
Ray Robinson (173-19-6) twice on points, Ike Williams (125-24-5) and usually
some guy that was just a paid workout. His final fight was June of 58
against Yama Bahama who was not nearly as good as his name. RIP Kid.
The third hit the sport took since last we met was the idiot decision of
Shane Mosley NOT to take 4.25 million USD to fight Oscar DeLaHoya next
September. His problem, besides being taken deep with the stupid stick, was
that Oscar would make 11 million USD. His manager/trainer father Jack said,
""Believe me, Shane might not be as popular as Oscar, but it's very close.
The Mexican fans love Shane, the black fans love him, the whites love him.
He's very popular in Australia. Shane is a very popular fighter who also
happens to be one of the world's elite fighters. He should be paid that
way." Enter Mr. Buggs Bunny, "Mr Mosley you are a maroon."
Big time fight in the USA this Sunday (Thai Time) when John Ruiz (38-4-1)
takes on Roy Jones (47-1). The promotional drums are beating selling the
"Heavyweight Champion vs. Former Middleweight Champion." As "This Is Boxing"
will ignore the fact that Jones hasn't been a middleweight champ since bar
fines were 100 baht at the better establishments in the Kingdom. Truth be
told (dispensation allowed for boxing) it is a match up between a pretty
good big heavyweight and a lazy light-heavy who has wasted his God given
talent. This is not Billy Conn (63-11-1) against Joe Louis twice, Bob Foster
(56-8) against Muhammad Ali or Joe Frazier and it damn sure isn't Archie
Moore (182-24-8) against Floyd Paterson, Rocky Marciano or in a non-title
scrape with Ali. Not even close. Jones is a big favorite and for the life of
all my put togethers I can't figure out why. Ruiz will out weigh Jones by 30
to 35 pounds. Anyone that can beat Evander Holyfield twice, as Ruiz did, can
handle Jones. Ruiz will win by mauling the heck out of Jones. Of the
previous "Heavy-Light Heavy" tilts, they all ended in KO's. Take Ruiz in 8
by TKO.
Fights in Bangkok last Wednesday. Now even though this report was done prior
to that date I can reveal the results. Former world champion and IBF #5
Fahlan Sakkreerin (50-3-2) is looking for a fight with IBF junior flyweight
champion Jose Victor Burgos (35-13-2). Sakkreerin defended his IBF Pan
Pacific title against Bong Costelo (15-8-2) of the Philippines. He won.
Terapong "Distar" Kaewnongsamed (5-0-0), a former Thai amateur boxing
champion, got a win against Ben Concepcion (9-8-5, 4KO) while Numchai
Ratanachaigym (14-4-0) got the best of Carlos Besares (6-5-1, 3KO). TIME
OUT. The Square Ring was written before the fights took place, yet I can
give you results. How I do that? Easy - the three "projected losers" are
from the Philippines. Does anyone seriously think that a Thai promoter is
going to bring in three fighters from the Philippines and allow them to win?
How about them apples?
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