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Smooth sailing in
Pattaya Bay
The
rains came, and the wind went, but this year’s sailing of the Pattaya Mail
PC Classic Royal Cliff Beach Resort International Regatta was as fun as
ever, and successful, too, as lot’s of money was raised for charity.
(Photo by Brendan Richards)
For
a preliminary report and lots of pictures click here!
Korea and Israel take home boys and girls top titles in the
Amata Cup Thailand International Junior Tennis Championship
Suk Hyun-Joon from South Korea won the Amata Cup Thailand
International Junior Tennis Championship boys’ singles title last Sunday,
March 30. The weeklong event was played at the Siam Bayshore in Pattaya.
The
winners, organizers and sponsors of the Amata Cup Thailand International
Junior Tennis Championship held last week at the Siam Bayshore Resort.
In an all Korean final, Sun defeated Jun Woong Sun in
straight sets.
Jun Woong Sun won his own “personal championship” the
day before when he beat Britain’s upcoming tennis star Joshua Goodall 7-5,
6-1 to reach the final. However, the higher seeded Suk Hyun-Joon had little
trouble defeating his compatriot 6-3, 6-4 in the final to earn his first ITF
title.
Shahar Peer from Israel won the girls’ championship,
defeating Sun Sheng Nan from China in a hard fought final. Peer won the
first set 6-4, but after getting to a 3 all tie in the second set, she lost
the next 8 straight games to lose the second set and fall behind 5-0 in the
third, just one game away from losing the title. Peer then showed amazing
resilience, battling back to a 5 all tie in the third set, then winning the
final two games to win the set 7-5 and earn the championship, her first ITF
title.
Somdev Dev Varman teamed with Karan Rastogi, both from
India, to win the boys’ doubles championship. The Indian duo defeated
David North and Fritz Wommamrans from South Africa 6-4, 6-3 in the final.
Indonesian girls Septi Mende and Maya Rosa had a bit easier time of it
whilst winning the girls’ doubles championship, as they were awarded a
walkover victory over Zsuzsanna Babos and Nikola Frankova from the Czech
Republic.
Cafe Ole gains ground on first place leader
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Halfway through the 30-week Pattaya Sports Club Friday
Bowling League, Cafe Ole gained a couple points on first place House of the
Golden Coin after taking all four points from Three Sisters.
200
bowlers Mai, Jon, Tue, Sven and Jeed.
House of the Golden Coin split their series with third
place team VFW Post 9876.
Fourth place team Domicil took three points from last
place Winchester Club and gained one point on the third and first place
teams.
Shakey Pete’s moved up to sixth place after beating
Jack & Tar and taking four points.
Two hundred games were racked up by Tue, VFW Post 9876, 215, Mai, Shakey
Pete’s, 212, Jeed, Nice & Sleazy, 202, Sven, Winchester Club, 200, and
Jon, House of the Golden Coin, 200. Tue had the best series of the day
bowling games of 181, 215, 170, 566 total pins. Mai also had a good series
knocking down 557 pins. Suphan with Domicil, who tipped over 537 pins,
bowled the third best series of the day.
Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts
Week 17 of the Winter Season
Won Drawn Lost Points 180s Out
Pleasure Dome 14 2 1 30 Alex X2
Rob
Tippy’s 10 1 6 21 Pook X3 Tanya 87
Rudi 112
Bull’s Eye 9 0 8 18 Christer X2
Stefan 145
Londoner 8 0 9 16
Rising Sun 7 1 9 15
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg - The Monthly Mug
Thursday March 27
Siam C.C.
(Medal-The Monthly Mug)
The last Thursday of the month is always set aside for
this prime competition from the Kronborg, and we usually get a fine turnout.
This day was no different, but it is noticeable around and about that the
town is thinning out and many friends have left us until the next time, and
for most of them they will now be saving their pennies so they can return.
Pete
Galle won the Mug and was duly congratulated by Papasan Ray Rogers.
Those that remained, and a goodly crew it was, duly
convened for their monthly trip to Siam to battle for this magnificent mug,
which was to be presented back at the Kronborg, as is custom.
Siam is at present going through a course improvement
scheme, so it was with some trepidation that we travelled there, and indeed
the greens have been cored and the putting was not good, but it was better
than the last time we went and from now on it will continue to improve.
The rest of the course was in fine condition but as the
scores came in it became apparent that the condition of the greens had
caused all the players problems and the scores were generally quite high.
Back at the Kronborg as the results were declared all
were surprised at the high scores and indeed only two persons beat their
handicap. The winner of the A flight, 0 to 17, was Jeff Wylie with a net 70
ahead of a count back for second place on net 73 with Maurice Herberge
coming second ahead of Derek Brook in third.
In the B flight, 18 upwards, the winner with a net 72 for
the second Thursday on the trot was Tim Holt, getting stuck into this
retirement game. In a three-way count back for second and third, with net
73, John Swanson came second, Mick O’Connor came third and Jerry Lien just
lost out.
Tim
Holt
Jeff
Wylie
Then time for the big one, prize I mean, when with a net
68 Big Pete Galle won the Mug, and promptly rang the bell.
Near pins: #4 Jeff Wylie, #8 Derek Brook, #12 Kevin
Taylor and #16 Ian Ashenden.
Fitness Tips: Diet pill comes under fire
G’day readers, a new weight control pill launched by
Biotech Pharmaceuticals has come under fire by the Australian federal
opposition. Medislim Natural Advance Weight Control is being marketed
towards people who have a body mass index (BMI) of between 20 and 25, who
are happy with their weight and ‘want to keep in that way’.
The federal opposition has called on the federal
government to investigate marketing surrounding the product, with the
concern that young people and children were vulnerable to such schemes.
“Young people are highly susceptible to these kind of
schemes, which can add to the insecurities felt by many about their own
weight,” said opposition spokeswoman, Nicola Roxon.
The pill claims to suppress appetite, reduce dietary
carbohydrate conversion into fat and provides natural vitamins and minerals
and other substances including guarana, green tea and chromium.
The product’s official web site provided a link to the
Nutrition Australia site. Nutrition Australia announced that it had been
included without permission, did not know of the product and in no way
endorsed it.
Making false and misleading claims is a common thing for
products such as these and this particular one even insinuates that it has
had a green light from the Australian Nutrition website. Readers please keep
in mind that very few things such as these actually work at all and not
always for the people that really need them. Many actually put your health
at greater risk of heart, liver and kidney failure. Do you really want to go
down that road when there is a safe alternative?
The only thing that does work is a lifestyle change to
healthy eating and regular exercise. There is no magic pill!
Cycling and
prevention of
breast cancer
Just three indoor cycling classes a week may help reduce
the risk of developing breast cancer. That is according to a study conducted
by scientists at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, who found
three hours of moderately intensive cycling per week can reduce the risk of
breast cancer by 34%. Furthermore, they believe that the risk decreases as
cycling activity increases.
Scientists studied almost 400 pre-menopausal women under
the age of 45 who were already diagnosed with breast cancer and 880 healthy
volunteers. When asked about the kind of exercise they participated in as a
teenager and a young adult, researchers found that those who reported
cycling had a significantly decreased risk of developing breast cancer. The
study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
While the scientists agree that more research is needed
many experts remain skeptical. Clare Stevenson, a researcher from the
University of Bristol (UK) believes it is unlikely that cycling is more
beneficial than other forms of exercise, pointing out that the subjects’
responses may be more about how much they recall about exercise from these
times, such as cycling to school or work, than what they actually did.
“It is important not to read too much into this and
take away the message that cycling is particularly good for you,” said
Stevenson.
What is more to the point is that more active people are
likely to cycle to school or work and this tendency towards activity in
general will lower the risk factors of contracting certain types of cancers.
Further, cycling does not have all the repetitive impact
that you experience when jogging. Some schools of thought believe that the
risk of mammary tissue being damaged after exposure to this type of exercise
when not well supported is greatly increased. Sports bras will significantly
reduce these risk factors.
Girls, make up your own mind as to what type of regular
exercise best suits you, but make sure you enjoy it and that you have a
couple of options for variety so that you can enjoy the benefits of it over
the long term.
Carpe’ Diem
PH3 Run 994
Well another great turn out for the Monday hash, some 88
runners taken to a good a-site we haven’t been to for a long time. It was
hard to believe it was the same day when only an hour before the rain was
pouring down, now the sun was shining.
The circle was called, new shoes worn by some Norwegians
were dealt with and then it was off. We were led to paper by V.V. the hare.
Lots of water around as can be expected by the amount of rain we have had
the last few days, but the run was ok.
Back at the a-site the cracks were grazing and the beer
was going down nicely. The circle was called and the raffle started by Dr.
Pinky who spent 10 minutes telling us the raffle is not fixed! The second
ticket out belonged to his girlfriend. Teeny Weeny then made an announcement
that he had brought back a snakebite kit; he put this in the care of C Face.
So if you get bitten, go looking for Agent C.
Dr. Pinky got his 250th run mug along with Baa Baa who
got her 50th run mug. Well done! Visitors next who nowadays have to sit on
ice, who’s idea is that? Fat Boy was called in with Fish ‘n T followed
by the Chiang Mai GM Dyke Converter. The circle was disrupted for a few
moments while FTT roared off in his big red truck.
The hares were iced and the run declared ok. Sir Airhead
called in the hash heroes of the mis-management, C Face, Sir Chicken F,
Banjo, Tampax, Dr Pinky, and Blowfly to try and arrange to have the numbers
on the raffle tickets made larger so we can see them more clearly. SS called
in next to give his account of The Great Escape, good to see him back. 1/4
Pounder With Cheese was called in for a name change but the circle decided
to let him keep his original name. Sweetballs was called in for his 75th
birthday, he still looks young and keeps on hashing, Well done! Great stuff.
Virgins called in, too many to remember.
The circle was given to Sir Chicken to mess with, which
included 1/4 Pounder With Cheese giving us some great laughs. By this time I
had lost the plot and my pen was giving up, so it was back to Patrick’s
for some more beer and great food, thanks to Flying Frog, Tadpole and staff.
Another great Monday.
On-On T4
Unlucky Granville
Rising Sun Golf Society
Tuesday 25/3/03 Green Valley
Played with the 1st & 2nd, there was a very good
battle all the way round, as the lead bounced back and forth. It finally
came down to the putting on the 18th when Allan Hayward (36 pts) edged out
Granville Swanton (35 pts) by a point. Granville was consoled by getting a
two at the 9th. Good to watch - TV should have been there.
Thursday 27/3/03 Noble Place
It’s a long way to Noble Place, but good value. Again
Mr Swanton (The Navigator) was in contention, but he was edged out again
after an unlucky finish on the 18th. Bernard Bailey finished 1st with 39 pts
and played like a 14 hcp, which he will be on Tuesday. Granville finished
2nd again, this time with 38 pts. Two’s for Allan Hayward, who chipped in
from the bunker at the 11th. Donald Garden missed the 14th green by a long
way, but putted through the fringe and it fell in the hole, lucky jock.
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday March 24
Royal Thai Naval
Course Plutaluang
(Stableford)
The Royal Thai Navy’s South & East layouts were
host for a Stableford competition in two flights, A flight 0 to 19 and B
flight 20 and above. The course and its services continue to improve every
month, the greens in particular are receiving lots of ‘T.L.C.’ of late
and this leads to better scores.
Kris
Helgasson
Icelander Kris Helgasson came back to form winning the A
flight with the best score of the day, 40 points. Second and third places
were decided on count back on 37 points with Ashley (The Poochai) Williams
coming second and Ebrahim third.
In the B flight the scores were not as good as in the A
flight, and this in itself is unusual, with the winner big Finn Pekka
Kuhanen winning with 34 points ahead of Denver’s Stormin Norman Robinson
on 33 points ahead of a three way count back for third. Third with 32 points
was Mick O’Connor beating out Seamus Brennan and Laurina Brinn.
Near pins: S4 Seamus Brennan and E5 Ashley Archibald.
Shenanigans Funhill Cup is go for Friday 25th April
By Mike Franklin
Fabian Arp and Mike Franklin are paired again to defend
their 2002 Shenanigans Funhill Cup title at Plutaluang on Friday 25th April.
Mike is hoping that Fabian will repeat his spectacular Eagle on the East
course, Par 5 ninth hole.
It will be a shotgun start again, this year at the later
time of 11.30 a.m., playing the South and East courses with the field
limited to 120 players.
The pairs scramble format guarantees an enjoyable day of
golf, especially with a Bloody Mary and a slice of Chef Sunny’s Breakfast
Pie to start you off. Encouragement, too, with a Heineken on the course, and
the famous Shenanigans Carvery back at Shenanigans to precede the prize
presentation and lucky draw.
The entry fee of 1500 baht also includes green &
caddy fee, the Funhill Cup 2003 shirt, a sleeve of Shenanigans Dunlop
Advance Ti balls, and an extended Happy Hour to 8.30 p.m. Dunlop Maxfli will
also be doing something special at the South course, Par 3 fourth hole.
Early sign-up is recommended at Shenanigans. There are
entry forms with full details on the golf notice board and behind the bar,
or contact Mike Franklin direct for more information on 01 861 8036, or
e-mail to [email protected]
Moon shines over McKnight and Tuppin
By Mike Franklin
Moon Schwulera scored forty-four Stableford points, best
of the day, in the March Diana Seniors and Ladies Open at Pattaya Country
Club.
Ploy Thongpen took the runner-up spot with thirty-seven
points, equaling the best scores returned by the Seniors. Gordon
McKnight’s thirty-seven points won the Seniors category, beating partner
Chris John on count-back.
Bernie Tuppin took the Super Seniors top spot with a
creditable thirty-six points after a two-month lay-off. Super Seniors
runner-up, Dave Earthrowl, was just a shot behind with thirty-four points.
Some compensation for him though, by being nearest the
pin on the par three fifth. Koravit Kwok (Yupa) was nearest on hole seven,
and Eddie Biggs on sixteen. George Meigh made it a double with the near pin
on twelve and the longest first putt on hole nine. Banjob Franklin claimed
the long putt on eighteen.
There was more than enough food for a rather sparse
turnout back at the Green Bottle for the presentation of the prizes.
Newcomers Igor Saktur, Frank Baker, Jim Tully and Kuravit Kwok were welcomed
and the efficient admin. team of John Cole and PGA Pro Richard Livingston
duly thanked.
Thursday April 24th is the next date for the Seniors and
Ladies at Pattaya Country Club.
Lawyer Bill at last wins something
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 24th March
Treasure Hill
Bogey
1st: Malcolm Clare, 1 up
2nd: B.J. Smith, 3 down
3rd: Doug Campbell, 4 down cb9 all square
4th: Peter Hall, 4 down cb9 1 down
5th: Richard Garland, 4 down cb9 2 down, cb6 1 down, cb3
a/s
6th: Dave Lee, 4 down cb9 2 down, cb6 1 down, cb3 1 down
Malcolm Clare survived the trek up the 331 better than
most to record his first win for a little while. A resounding one it was, as
he beat the rest of the field by 4 clear shots to claim the day’s honours.
A small reward for taking over the organisers job on the day as he was away
enjoying himself for a change.
B.J., after a very long layoff caused by a difference of
opinion with his last motor insurers, and not being able to face the bus
ride down from Bangkok three times a week, returned to claim second place by
one shot from the chasing pack.
Doug Campbell led these with a slightly better
performance over the back nine following the usual count back.
Peter Hall, Richard Garland and the ever-improving Dave
Lee filled out the remaining places on the podium.
Doug Campbell was the only contestant to get a two on the
day and therefore took the pool alone.
Wednesday 26th March
Siam Country Club
Stroke play
1st: Bill Kirkpatrick, 70
2nd: Mark Gorda, 72
3rd: Terry Phur, 73 cb9 35
4th: Serge Straeten, 73 cb9 37
5th: Mike Dabanovich, 74
Lawyer Bill at last made it, not only made it onto the
podium after months of trying, but he actually won, which was as huge a
surprise to him as it was to the other contestants who normally just write
him off and take his money.
Mark Gorda took second by a shot from Terry Phur and
Serge Straeten, with Dabber another shot behind.
Once again there was only one contender in the twos, this
time it was Terry Phur, which made it a good day for him for collecting
prizes.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Joe Carignan and also
welcomed back Igor Saktor, Brett Hillas and Toi Theobald. He also welcomed
her husband Fred, who was unable to play on the day due to a recent back
operation, which he hopes to recover from in the near future. There were
also farewells to Fred Ewing and Peter Emslie both returning to the UK for a
short rest.
Friday 28th March
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st: Mike Dabanovich, 36
2nd: Stephen Beard, 35
3rd: Peter Hall, 34
4th: Phil Groves, 33
5th: Trevor Edge, 32 cb9 18
6th: Doug Campbell, 32 cb9 17
Mike Dabanovich crowned a good week of golf and ensured
that his handicap continued to go south with a close run victory that edged
out the returning “Doc”, the latter finishing strongly with two blobs on
the last two holes.
Peter Hall took third place from Phil Groves by a shot
with “Birthday Boy”, RSM Trevor Edge just getting the nod over, the
always thereabouts, Doug Campbell on count back.
Malcolm Clare failed to continue with his good run of
form, following a negative diagnosis by Lawyer Bill, who has become the
local font of knowledge for those who did not think they were suffering from
diabetes. But he promises to be back to form as soon as the prescribed
tablets take their effect.
The twos were shared between Jeff McLaury, Phil Groves,
David Lacey, Per Aschan, and Peter Hall with two, and after a recount, Mark
Gorda whose maker had recorded his score in the wrong column.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed back Neville Steward
and gave sad farewells to Peter Hall and Vance Millar both who are returning
home to recover from their holidays in the Land of Smiles.
Mr. Loy licks the Lakeside
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
The Bunker Boys chose to visit the Royal Lakeside Golf
Resort at Bang Na on Tuesday, 25th March, for their weekly medal event. The
day was to throw up some excellent golf, none more so than in division one
where Roy Mitchell played one of his finest rounds to score net 66 which
included nine pars, and very little above. He was two shots ahead of Yasuo
Suzuki, net 68, with Remy Guy and Mikael Andersson taking third place with
net 70.
Division two also saw good rounds and Brian Maddox
overcame his disappointing start to fire a fine net 68, with Norm Robinson
only one shot back on 69. David Johnson and steady “senior” Frank
Sinclair shot 73’s to share third place.
The ladies competition was won, once again, by Margaret
Wilkinson with net 81.
Bill Hewitt made it ten birdie two’s in his annual stay
to share the Bunker Super Sawng award with Remy Guy, whilst Len Jones had
the Bunker Banana Booby forced upon him, adding indignity to the woeful form
he is currently suffering.
Bill Hewitt takes Green Valley ... again!
The Bunker Boys’ love affair with Green Valley
continued on Thursday, 27th March, when they visited their favourite course
for their weekly Stableford competition. As usual the course and other
facilities were in impeccable condition and it was with some relief that the
players found reliable and pacey greens again after the problems at Royal
Lakeside two days before.
The day was hot and stayed dry throughout. Also “hot”
was the form of Bill Hewitt, perhaps the most consistent of the Bunker Boys
at present, and he took the division one title with the day’s only sub par
round of 37 points. Wilf Latham set off like a train to catch him but a
lacklustre back nine restricted him to 36 points and second place. Terry
Phur emerged from the doldrums to take third place with 35 points.
Division two scores were just as tight with David Johnson
and Billy Seaforth sharing top spot with 32 points, one shot ahead of Frank
Sinclair, who fired 31.
Keith Smithson fired the day’s only birdie two to win
the Bunker Super Sawng award. Now ... what do you say to a man who shoots
the best score in his division and declares that he is not in the
competition? Answers, please, on a postcard, to John Preddy, c/o the Bunker
Bar! His preference for casual rather than competitive golf left him
speechless and covered with embarrassment but he did not have to suffer the
ignominy of the Bunker Banana Booby prize, as that was reserved for Mike
Lloyd whose paltry 15 points drew the curtain on his short stay in Pattaya.
Regular readers occasionally find that the schedule
changes and does not always match that published in the local press, and for
this we apologise. Schedules are published a month or so in advance, and
often subsequent changes are caused by course conditions, as at Eastern
Star, or other changes forced upon us by the courses concerned, for example,
conflicts with non-IPGC groups. The Bunker’s website, http://www.thebunkerboys.com
is updated at least twice a week and it is here that readers can find the
up-to-date information and breaking news.
Pattaya Sports Club goes fishing (Part 2)
When I was a kid I was absolutely sports mad, every spare
minute was spent either on the sports field, or, particularly at night and
Sunday, fishing. All my spare cash used to be spent on rods, reels, hooks
floats weights, etc., I even had a creel to keep this lot in and most
important, an umbrella to keep the relentless rain off. I must have spent
thousands of hours slogging over fields in my ‘wellies’ and sitting at
the side of rivers and lakes, and this was all good fun, I thought. Indeed
the only edible fish I caught were the trout I caught by hand down the local
becks, and I did catch a lot as I was a country boy.
Derek
is next to catch a Mahi Mahi.
Carl is
up to his ankles in fish.
Bjarne
catches a second Mahi Mahi.
Carl
catches a Mahi Mahi.
Now, sat on a boat in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand,
with the sea alive all around with the flashing colours of this shoal of
magnificent Mahi Mahi breaking the water as they strove to eat, and jumping
through the air as they strove to fight this strange piece of metal in their
mouth, it reminded me once again of those hours, gone but not wasted.
With the sea alive with these fish, which I am assured
are the tastiest of all sea fish, we all took it in turns to land one, and
were all thrilled with the fight this predator of the sea put up. It is
interesting to note the difference between the males and the females and
both can be immediately recognised, males as is usual have the big head.
Carl, who has been fishing for many years, confessed it was the first time
he had caught one of the Mahi Mahi and it was a fine experience, whilst
‘The Old Man Of The Sea’ Frank Collins told us of the day he caught 125,
that was the time he bought a barrel of potatoes and opened a ‘Chip’
shop.
Suffice to say this period of time while the shoal
surrounded us was a time of exhilaration, whilst we each fought to land our
fish, as we watched the bait disappear below the water as it was snapped up
and the subsequent fight as this powerful fish put up a great fight, none of
us wanting to be the first to lose a fish through inexperience, and none
did. All good things must come to an end, however, and after a couple of
hours the shoal moved on to leave a satisfied bunch sat around sampling the
cold cans of nectar, and Frank and the captain continuing to catch small
fish for the overnight fishing.
The bait for the night secured it was time to up anchor
and head for the next spot which would be on the way back. Some hours later,
just as dusk was falling, we anchored over the spot and could see the
horizon littered with the lights of boats, as all sorts of various boats
went into the night plying their trades.
Throughout the night all the fishermen continued to pull
in fish or occasionally catch up on some snooze time. Once again we were
lucky enough to catch many snapper, mostly red which seem to go down
particularly well locally, jack fish, grouper, and a broad spectrum of the
fish in the sea, even a camorra, until as the light started to filter
through, most were sleeping and shortly after breakfasting and thinking of
the trip back.
The trip back of several hours was a time to sit at the
back of the boat, enjoy a few beers and enjoy the banter. We didn’t even
trawl as it was just fine to sit there and watch the world go by and
contemplate a trip well spent and new things experienced. Amazing how a few
beers and a calm sea can make the World a better place.
All too soon we started seeing landmarks that told us we would soon be
back, and then at last we spotted the harbour of Samae San and prepared to
disembark. Of course it takes a fair bit of preparation to off load some 300
kilos or so of fish. Andre scooted off to bring his pickup to the boat,
where we half filled it with fish and covered it with ice for the trip back
to the Kronborg. Once there Bjarne put the pickup out the back and the last
seen was the cook preparing the fish meal for the evening and the happy
fishermen enjoying a well earned beer. Wish you good fishing with P.S.C.
P.S.C. Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar
Friday March 28
Pattaya Country Club
(Stableford)
The last Friday of the month is the members’
competition at Pattaya Country Club so it was to their credit that they left
us a window to get our group onto the course - and the 60’s Bar members
are very flexible. So, after one of Bobby’s filling breakfasts, our
assorted group made their way to Pattaya C.C. and got onto the course to
show their assorted skills.
Bobby
presents to Bob Pearce (left) and Igor Saktor.
Bobby
presents to Brian (right) and Ray (left).
Jim
waits it out.
It’s
a dogs life on the golf course.
Bobby slotted a good 4 ball together for our group and
some fine golf was played on what turned out to be a very wet day. Brian
Holden scored a fine gross 76, and Jim Russell, having an average day, had
only three birdies.
The course was in fine condition and as we bimbled
around, the weather was always wet and rainy so my bag cover went on and as
we played the short 12th and teed off, the heavens opened and by the time we
reached the green it was flooded. We took refuge in the rest stop between
the 12th and 13th and for the best part of an hour the course flooded out,
fairways ran like rivers and ponds formed.
Suddenly the storm had passed and we continued the last
few holes sloshing up the fairways, but it is amazing how quickly courses
here drain so the players all managed to finish the round in a good mood, if
wet.
As the scores came in we saw a three way count back for
the winner and Brian’s fine gross 76 and his ability to keep it all
together on the back nine in atrocious weather saw him come through to win.
Back at the ranch Bobby Joe had provided a fine split
green pea soup, more a stew, and this over, Bobby presented the prizes.
Winner: Brian Holden
Last: Ray Spurling
Near pins: #5 Igor Saktor, #7 Maurice Herberge, #12 Bob
Benda and #18 Bob Pearce.
Long putts: #9 Bob Pearce and #18 Tim Holt.
PSC Golf from the Three Sisters
Monday the 24th brought the Three Sisters Golfers
together at Siam for their usual outing. Although the field was limited, the
competition was tough.
Jim
Tully (left) was left holding the bag, while Herbie (right) took the
bragging rights for the week.
The turning point came at the 15th through the 18th holes
as Jacques Thibault stumbled with double bogeys and bogeys and Herb Ishinaga
made two pars and two bogeys to pull ahead. The final outcome was Herb at 39
and Jacques at 38 points.
Up until that time Jacques had the game sewed up but his
game came apart at the seams. As his game unraveled, Herb took advantage of
it and pulled ahead on the 18th with a par on the final hole.
Holding the bag this week was old Jim Tully. Playing along with Ben
Pennell, bringing up the rear of the group, Jim managed to scoop up the bag
along the way. Ben has just started to play the game a short while ago but
has made tremendous progress and managed to bypass the bag.
Water sport event coming in April
On April 26 and 27, the Blue Lagoon Watersports Club will
host its ‘2nd Annual Windsurfing Championship’ counting for the national
championship and ‘1st Kiteboarding Jump Contest’.
All levels will be represented and everybody is welcome
to participate or just visit - pro / amateur, male / female, beginners and
youth!
During this event, many other activities will also be
offered: Wakeboard, Airchair, Donut, kayak, Laser, Children’s Fun Day and
Beach Party on Saturday night.
A water sports used equipment market will be set up for
all those interested in buying or selling secondhand equipment.
Come and enjoy an unforgettable weekend at the Blue
Lagoon Watersports Club, 10 km south of Pattaya, just before the Ambassador
Hotel.
Sponsors are welcome. Stands will also be available for rent for any
shops or companies interested in promoting or selling their products. For
more information check out www.blue lagoon.biz or phone (038) 255 115-6,
mobile 01 8456759.
Ian Ashenden: the most recent addition to Pattaya’s professional golfing circles
The most recent addition to Pattaya’s professional
golfing circles, Ian Ashenden is now firmly established as the resident
teaching professional at the Pattaya Golf Academy Driving Range (formerly
Tommy’s) on Thepprasit Road. After arriving in Pattaya in September 2002,
Ian has rapidly developed a reputation within the Pattaya golfing community
for his high level of professionalism and enthusiasm which are integral
parts of his golf tuition and is helping to unlock much hidden potential in
the amateur golfing ranks.
Ian
Ashenden (right) uses a Digital Video Camera and colour TV for his lessons.
Apart from Ian’s skill and energy, which are trademarks
of his tuition, the most beneficial and talked-about aspect of his lessons
is the constant use of a Digital Video Camera and colour TV. “The use of
video and seeing your own swing from different angles and speeds is easily
the most effective way of improving your golf, providing it is accompanied
by skilled tuition,” comments Ian. “My philosophy is not only to give
every single person the best lesson I can, but also to give them a real
understanding of their swing and a mental image that they can take away with
them.”
All Ian’s lessons include the following:
45-minute lessons with 15-minute gap between each one
Digital Video Camera and colour TV included as standard
Quality practice golf balls
Discounts for courses of lessons
Available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day by appointment, all
weather conditions
All lessons transferred to VHS and kept in a video
library for future reference
Free follow-up refresher if required
“One final point that I would like to make is that I
don’t sell any golf equipment at the moment. Therefore I am happy to give
anyone totally unbiased advice on anything they may be considering buying,
particularly if you are a beginner or fairly new golfer.”
In the following weeks, Ian will be providing Pattaya Mail readers
with some great golf tips. In the meantime, anyone wishing to find out more
information can telephone Ian on 060327918 or visit him at Bays 46 and 47,
Pattaya Golf Academy, Thepprasit Road.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Straight away the Square Ring would like to wish Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn a belated birthday greeting
on the auspicious occasion of her birthday last Wednesday. We belatedly join
the Kingdom of Thailand in wishing Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn a Happy Birthday.
Anyone that tells you that Houdini is dead tell them
“Nay Nay”. The Thunder from Down Under, David Tua (43-2-1) was a modern
Magic Man when he escaped with a draw Sunday morning against Former World
Champion Hashim Rahman (35-4-1) in Philadelphia USA. One judge had it
116-112 for Tua, one the same for Rahman and one had it dead even. The Mail
had it 115-114 for Rahman. There were no knockdowns in a fight dominated
early by Rahman’s stinging jab which kept Tua from being effective.
One the same card Bernard Hopkins (42-2-1), WBC/WBA/IBF
middleweight champ, looked old (38) in winning over WBC #1 ranked Morrade
Hakkar (29-4-1). The Frenchman who was greeted with steady booing, of course
Philly Sports Fans once booed Santa Clause, deserved every bit of it. He ran
in the first and then tried to get the fight stopped but referee Frank “My
Way” Cappuccino would have none of it. His corner stopped the fight after
the 8th.
As predicted here last week WBO light heavyweight Dariusz
Michalczewski (48-0, 41 KOs) had little trouble with Yank Derrick Harmon. He
kissed canvas at 1:08 of the 9th round before 15,000+ at Color Line Arena in
Hamburg, Germany. Harmon started off very well and gave Michalczewski a
beating for the first four rounds; however, starting in round five the
champion turned up the pressure and began to score with hard combinations.
This was the first time Harmon had been knocked down let alone down for the
count. I told you so.
With Scotty Harrison’s win over Wayne McCullough the
Scottish press is “over the moon” which accounts for the euphoria that
surrounds its coverage. Some leeway should be allowed as the list of
Scottish international sporting heroes has been rather short of late.
Actually, rather short of early also. Maybe a nice shot of single malt
medicine would bring them back to some semblance of reality. “Scott
Harrison will turn his back on America’s TV millions to defend his world
crown at Hampden in June,” blared the Glasgow Daily Record. Plays well to
the locals at the local but the “America’s TV Millions” is a myth.
Taint so. There are American TV Millions out there but only for a very few
fighters in the world today and none that are not North American based. One
could argue that Lennox Lewis isn’t American based. OK, all but one.
There can be no argument but that Scott Harrison’s
performance was outstanding. Some would write that it was over powering.
They won’t find an argument here. There is “big money”, a relative
term, but to cash in young Harrison will have to fight either in North
America or maybe Mexico. About the only big money available at some point
for Harrison would be Marco Antonio Barerra. Even without a title (WBC Head
Honcho the good Dr. Jose’ has said about Barerra, “Don’t ever mention
his name”) Barerra is considered the best at the weight and maybe best
pound for pound in the world. U can bet your bottom baht that if they did
fight it would be in Scotland. A fight between the two would “pack’em”
in at most any venue in Las Vegas or Los Angeles. If the fight were held in
either of those locations it would be gigantic. Harrison would walk away
with at the very least 1 million USD.
“It’s something special to be named alongside men
such as Buchanan and Watt because they were my idols,” said Harrison.
Except that at this point in his career it’s a little premature. It would
be like comparing the “Chorus Line at the TQ” to the Royal Ballet”.
The names of Ken Buchanan (61-8) and Jim Watt (38-8) are legend not only in
Scotland but throughout the world of boxing. For all those “Young
Whippersnappers” out there, Watt, a lightweight, fought professionally
from 1968-1981. He never left his UK homeland, winning the Lightweight title
with a TKO over Alfredo Pitalua with a 12 round TKO. Either the record book
is wrong or Watt had two title defenses in three days. On November 1 he
inflicted Sean O’Grady with his second loss in 73 fights with a 12 round
TKO. Two days later he took out Robert Vasquez in 9. Both fights were in
Glasgow so travel wouldn’t have been a problem. Watt hung em up after his
loss on points to Alexis Arguello (71-5) in June of 1981.
Kenny Buchanan was a different plate of Haggis. He was
active the same time as Watt, meeting his fellow Scott once (Jan. 71) when
he won a 15 round unanimous decision and the British Lightweight title.
Buchanan may have stayed a little too long at the fair, losing 5 of his last
7 when he was not clearly at his prime. Take away those “paydays” and
Buchanan’s record becomes 54 and 3 with loses only to Guts Suzuki for the
WBC lightweight title, Roberto Duran (28-0) for the WBA Lightweight and a
bid for the European Title to Miguel Velasquez (38-1-1). Those three
“L’s” in title bouts aside Buchanan never lost to an average fighter
in his prime. He won the title from Ismael Laguna (63-6-1-) in Laguna’s
home country of Puerto Rico and defended in America. He lost the WBA title
to Roberto Duran (28-0) in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1972.
Comparing the two would be difficult but that’s why I get the big bucks.
I’ve got to go with Buchanan because of his win over Watt plus the fact
that he was able to win outside the friendly confines of the UK.
Yodsanan 3K-Battery, WBA super featherweight champ took a
trip to the USA in late March to visit with Don King and his people. Many
would liken a fighter’s visit to King’s office like a trip to one of the
Dance Emporiums in Pattaya. Actually the punter at a “DE” has a better
chance than a fighter with Don King. Yodsanan 3-K Battery (Yes this is also
your weekly 3-K update) didn’t sign with King for what is reportedly a
three year deal and a minimum of two fights each year.
King, and he is not alone, sometimes signs fighters to
protect his own fighters. He’ll sign a prospect then bury him to protect a
house fighter. This doesn’t seem to be the case here as King is not a big
player at lower weights.
There are two big money fights out there for 3-K, Acelino
Freitas and Joel Casamayor. As neither is promoted by King rival Bob Arum at
Top Rank that’s a big plus. The minus? Don King. Anybody remember Tommy
“Machine Gun” Morrison? The one time heavyweight contender said upon
signing with King, “It’s not a problem for me. If I’m in a room with
rattle snakes and the lights on there is nothing to fear.” Morrison it
must be added was never approached by Mensa as a potential member. How about
them apples?
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