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The Erawan Challenge 2003
proves to be a major challenge
In what is acknowledged as Thailand’s toughest
Adventure Race, the Erawan Challenge 2003, sponsored by Inlingua, took place
on 1st June at the Erawan Waterfalls in Kanchanaburi Province. Organised by
Adventure Racing (Thailand), Pete Bond maintained his reputation for
organising tough races.
The
bamboo rafts caused many an unexpected swim.
With seasonal monsoon rains coming late, the course was a
completely different challenge for competitors who had competed in previous
years with many sections dry and void of shade or overhead cover. With two
courses, an Extreme course of around 17k and Adventure course of 12k, over
90 two-person teams assembled for the 8 a.m. start at for what was to be a
long day for many of the competitors.
Starting at one minute intervals the teams in male,
female, mixed and veterans categories set of on their respective courses.
With the Extreme course completing the first leg of a long jungle run in
around 50 minutes, they were back at the start to join leg two at the tail
end of the Adventure racers. Even after one hour, many of the Extreme
competitors were starting to find the terrain of thick jungle scrub and dry
rocky river gullies tough going.
A quick ‘partner carry’ over a slender bridge then
took competitors into a thick bamboo section, many parts of which reduced
competitors to crawling on hands and knees to complete. After exiting the
bamboo forest section competitors finally reached the bottom of the
magnificent falls to enter the ice cool water for the first time. Scrambling
over rocks, wading through waist deep pools whilst climbing all the time,
competitors were then confronted with the 5-meter high cargo net climb over
one of the many falls. Raging water made this a ‘head-down ascent’ with
competitors inching their way to the top.
Just a
little way to go to make it to the top.
Raging
water made the 5 meter high cargo net climb over one of the many falls a
‘head-down ascent’ with competitors inching their way to the top.
Once at the top, it was ‘more of the same’ with
competitors facing a new hazard, hungry fish. For some strange reason, the
fish in the higher levels were all finding that a new source of food had
been introduced into the water, adventure racers. Many competitors
experienced the unusual sensation of being nibbled by the numerous carp
although none suffered any ill effects. Fortunately, no carp suffered ill
effects from the racers.
Completing the lower levels, the competitors were taken
off the falls and back into the jungle for a long ridge run before
descending to the bottom of the hills for the second water stop. Early teams
were reaching this checkpoint in around two and a half hours but it would be
5 hours before this area was to see the final teams through.
Many teams took the opportunity to refuel and hydrate
before the long ascent to the top of the falls, a gruelling rocky climb
before hitting the falls again for the final assault to the top. With many
boulders, fallen trees and narrow, fast flowing gullies to navigate, all
teams found this the toughest section of the course.
In the extreme race, the all male Team Equinox 1 of
Duangton and Thappibal reached the top in an incredible time of 2 hours 33
minutes with the mixed team Topsy Turvy of Negree and Homsanti 24 minutes
behind. The first all female team reached the top in 4 hours 27 minutes, and
whilst only 4 teams managed to ascend in less than three hours, it would be
7 hours before the last team would reach the top.
And so to the descent, with team Equinox 1 bounding down
in an incredible 27 minutes. Incredible in the fact that the descent
included yet another return to the water and a floating bamboo raft river
crossing, that, before the end of the day was to be the cause of many
competitors taking their last ‘swim’ of the day.
In the extreme course, finishing in a time of 2.59.19,
team Equinox 1 were to be the only team to break the three-hour mark. Six
more teams were to break four hours, with the last extreme team crossing the
finish line in 8 hours and 5 minutes.
On the shorter Adventure course, the Holligan Brothers,
Daniel and Brian took the open men’s category with a time of 2.39.13, just
six minutes ahead of their parents, Christi and David who took the Masters
prize with a time of 2.45.40. A steady stream of teams continued to cross
the line for the next 6 hours but there was none more eagerly awaited by
race organiser Pete Bond than the final team to complete the challenge, in a
time of 8.19.39, the Masters team of June Bond and Hillary Winzar.
Running in conjunction of the main event was the Youth
Challenge which was won by Sean Devlin and Craig Zapatka in a time of 2
hours 37 minutes.
At the prize presentation, Poramin Wongsawut, the chief
of Erawan National Park, was delighted with the spirit in which the race was
conducted and sent out a warm invitation for all competitors to come back to
the falls to enjoy the environment in a more relaxed setting.
Results:
Winner - Extreme
* Male: Team Equinox 4 No. 028 at 2:59:19
1. Banluesak Duangton 2. Rattanapol Tabpibal
* Female: Team Twin Angles No. 005 at 5:09:36
1. Saowapa Tiamsri 2. Sarinya Saekuay
* Mixed Team: Team Topsy Turvy 1 No. 039 at 3:28:50
1. Puttaraksa Neegree
2. Montien Homsanit
* Masters: Team Equinox 1 No. 019 at 3:39:34
1. Kiettisak Prem-Anan
2. Prayoon Charoensri
Winner - Adventure
* Male: Team Holligan Brothers No. 203 at 2:39:13
1. Daniel Holligan 2. Brian Holligan
* Female: Team Erin & Dinah No.225 at 4:01:03
1. Erin Devlin 2. Dina Zapetka
* Mixed Team: Team AOG No. 226 at 2:58:15
1. Victoria Grant 2. Paul Grant
* Masters: Team Not Over the Hill Yet at 2:45:40
1. Christi Holligan 2. David Holligan
Winner - Youth Course
Team Sean & Craig No. 101 at 2:29:11
1. Sean Devlin 2. Craig Zapatka
Annual Betong Tournament opens in Pattaya
Thai version of lawn bowling now all the rage
Over 300 students and residents attended the official
opening of Pattaya City’s annual Betong competition at Pattaya School No.
9 on Friday morning, June 6. The opening ceremonies were presided over by
deputy mayor, Wattana Jantaworanont at 9 a.m.
Tense
under 12s competition.
The annual competition is aimed at boosting the level of
Betong in Pattaya City. Betong, a Thai version of lawn bowls, is becoming
increasingly popular. City administrators would like to see local residents
and students improve their skills so they can represent the city at a
national level. However, the important focus is on exercise to improve
health, concentration and prevent disease.
Hosted on the school grounds, the competition included
categories of students - Boys and Girls Under 12s, Boys and Girls Under 15s
- and the general public.
Winners of the first round of competition on Saturday
June 7 will move on to the next round scheduled for August 6 this year.
During the opening, city officials and council members donated sporting
equipment to schools in the Banglamung district to further promote sporting
activities for students in their daily life.
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Pleasure Dome remains at the top of the league with
maximum games and beers, while at the bottom of the league, Smugglers Rest
is still trying to find their first win. Tim from the Rising Sun scored 180,
then on his next throw scored a breathtaking 4. A close match played between
the Rising Sun and the Devonshire saw the Rising Sun take both game and beer
on the beer leg.
At the
end of season dart presentation party held at Palmer’s Bar May 23rd, Stan
(left) presents the league trophy to Pleasure Dome, last season’s
champions.
Palmers Bar would like to thank all the teams that attended the end of
Season presentation party on May 23, and all players that took part in the
“Lucky Draw Doubles Competition”, won by Alex & Jocky {P-Dome} who
beat Brian {Palmers} & Stan {Devonshire} in the finals.
Pattaya Lawn Bowls
Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts
Six weeks to go and almost any team still can win a trophy
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
With only six weeks to go in the current league the only
place that seems secure is first place with the House of the Golden Coin
just too strong for the rest of the field.
Suraphan
rolling the only 200 game of the day.
Second, third and fourth place trophies are still up for
grabs with only ten and one half points separating the second place team
from the ninth place team.
Winchester Club moved up one more position into seventh
after taking three and one half points from Domicil. Sven rolled an even 500
series for Winchester and Suraphan had a 205 game and 518-pin count for
Domicil.
House of the Golden Coin took three points from VFW Post
9876 behind Jon’s 547 series and Mio’s 522 pin total.
Cafe Ole took three points from Three Sisters in a close
match with only a few pins making the difference in several of the games.
Cafe Kronborg won three points from Nice & Sleazy but
is still holding down the bottom spot in the league.
Somrak led Jack & Tar to a three-point victory over Shakey Pete’s
with a 534 series and moving her team into a tie with Domicil for third
place.
Top football coach to run football clinics in Pattaya
Soccer is a sport that is beginning to boom throughout
Asia, even without David Beckham on the Castrol billboards! It is important
enough as a national sport to have a professional coach for the Thailand
national team. Our national coach is Peter Withe, but the coaching skills in
the Withe family do not stop with just Peter.
Jason
Withe - signing autographs after delivering professional coaching sessions
in conjunction with Leeds United Community Scheme and the British Council.
International
School of Bangkok ply metrics skills.
Peter’s son, Jason Withe, donned the football boots as
well, and is now the holder of the highest accolade in Football Coaching,
the UEFA “A” License. This is an elite qualification from the Football
Association in the UK. Jason is also an ex-professional player who played
for West Bromwich Albion, Stockport, and Burnley & Crewe Alexander.
These days he is now a professional coach employed as technical director of
the Bangkok Bank team in the Thai Premier League.
The good news for Pattaya is that Jason and his team of coaches is coming
to Pattaya, and will be delivering professional football clinics at
international schools in this region. These clinics will be held in Pattaya
from Monday 21 July - Friday 25 July 2003. For further details please
contact Sharon Withe 02 253 7621 / 06 0177747, or visit their website
www.jwfd.net
Little Jimmee and Large Al dominate the week
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
With one win and two podium places each, Jimmy Little and
Al Rolnik swept all before them as they played their best golf for some
considerable time and took the major slice of the week’s cake with only
Trevor Schirmer, fighting a rearguard action to retain his golf equipment
and dignity, able to stop them taking all three wins in the week between
them.
Monday 2nd June
St Andrews 2000
Stableford
1st: Jimmy Little, 37
2nd: Steve Mathews, 34 cb9 19
3rd: Al Rolnik, 34 cb9 15
4th: Richard Garland, 33 cb9 17, cb6 13, cb3 6
5th: Pete Murray, 33 cb9 17, cb6 13, cb3 5
6th: Darrell Paull, 33 cb9 16
Even dropping three shots over the last three holes could
not stop “Little Jimmee” beating the field by three clear shots and
again give the lie to the warning that St Andrews is not for players with
handicaps higher than 18. Steve Mathews just edged out “Big Al” on count
back as the latter failed to take advantage of a good front nine that could
have put him into contention for first place. Richard Garland, Pete Murray
and Darrell Paull were left to squabble over the minor placings.
To assuage some of his disappointment at finishing in
sixth place Darrell Paull swept the twos pool, with the only one of the day.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Geoffrey Braimbridge.
Wednesday 4th June
Natural Park Resort
Stableford
1st: Al Rolnik, 41
2nd: Jimmy Little, 39
3rd: Stephen Beard, 36
4th: Duncan Lee, 34 cb9 18, cb6 14
5th: Phil Groves, 34 cb9 18, cb6 11
6th: Dave Lacey, 34 cb9 17
This time out “Big Al” did not falter as he swept to
the front on the first nine with twenty points and kept the pressure on his
playing partner “Little Jimmee” with an inward half of twenty one
leaving Jimmy with too much to do following an outward half of nineteen
points. “The Doc” just about played to his new handicap to secure third
place ahead of the chasing pack led by Duncan Lee.
The twos were shared between Barry Traynor, Barrie
Sherman, Bob Lindborg and Phil Groves, the latter scoring his on the same
hole as he practised “Pom Chucking” during the last outing, where
incidentally the course has now erected a “No Swimming” sign and golfers
can now purchase packets of fish food at the drink stop to make it up to the
fish.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Yves
Philibert and Barrie Sherman and welcomed back Ed & Mam Trayling and
Terry Phur.
Friday 6th June
Khao Kheow
Country Club
Stroke Play
1st: Trevor Schirmer, 69
2nd: Al Rolnik, 71
3rd: Darrell Paull, 72
4th: Jimmy Little, 73
5th: Trevor Edge, 74 cb9 37.5
6th: Terry Phur, 74 cb9 38
Smarting under the pressure of the impending auction of
his golf clubs and the worries of what to do with the spare time that he
would have if he had to renounce his thrice a week sporting activities, the
“Sheepshagger” ground out a solid performance, as the Aussies are
renowned for doing, to take the day’s honours and a reduction in handicap
and fallstall the dreadful thoughts and B.J.’s tittering. “Big Al” was
again in close attendance but this time was unable to capitalise on a good
start and faded over the closing holes. Once again Jimmee was in close
contact with the leaders but was also unable to find the last extra effort
required to press the leader. Trevor Edge and Terry Phur rounded out the
podium with steady rounds that never quite came up to expectations.
The twos were shared between Callum Mackie, playing his
last game before returning to Australia, and Trevor Schirmer.
Before the prize giving Richard welcomed new members Paul
Baxter and Neil Sandilands, both of whom got lost on the way back to the
prize ceremony, no doubt due to their playing partners inability to be able
to pass a bar that is open, whilst welcoming back Anders Karlsson for one of
his short holidays.
And the winners are Ian
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday 1st of June
Green Valley
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight - Ian Ashenden - 40 points
2nd Place A Flight - Owen McSweeney - 38 points
3rd Place A Flight - John Emmerson - 37 points
1st Place B Flight - Ian Halfpenny - 42 points
2nd Place B Flight - John Anderson - 36 points
3rd Place B Flight - Pete Stonebridge - 36 points
It was a great day to be named Ian. If you were you would
have one a flight. Ian Halfpenny set the standard on the day by capping B
Flight and the field with a marvelous 42-point effort, which translates to a
gross 82.
One week after showing his mettle with the pros at the
Singha Pattaya Tournament, local teaching pro Ian Ashenden gave the whole
field a lesson, save his namesake, by shooting a dazzling 40 points, which,
given his scratch handicap, meant he shot 68 off the stick!
Irishmen Owen McSweeny led the parade of mere mortals by
edging the Old Silverback, John Emmerson, for the second step on the A
Flight podium. John wasn’t complaining, however, given that he had
persevered through a five-way count back with Julian Clarke, Jack Grinvold,
Klaus Schackt and Rick Sharp for the third place A Fight step. John
Anderson, who teaches in Taipei, had to go to count back to edge the
headmaster of the Classroom, Pete Stonebridge, for second in B.
Tuesday 3rd of June
St. Andrews 2000 White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight - John Emmerson - 39 points
2nd Place A Flight - Klaus Schackt - 34 points
1st Place B Flight - Jeff McLaury - 42 points
2nd Place B Flight - Steve Ellison - 40 points
I have said it before that we don’t get a chance to see
Jeff McLaury often enough, but perhaps that is good for the field. Jeff, who
plays mostly out of the Haven, raided the Lewiinski’s coffers for first
prize in B Flight with a tidy 42 points on the par 74 Desmond Muirhead
design. Steve Ellison, a professional photographer who, along with three
colleagues, has made several recent visits to Thailand with an eye to
promoting tourism from the UK and Ireland, garnered his first Lewiinski’s
paycheck with a second best in B Flight 40 points. John Emmerson was pleased
to see the flight split above Jeff’s and Steve’s handicaps as he took
first in A Flight despite having only the third best point total on the day.
Klaus was as shocked as anyone to have his account credited despite only 34
points. Interestingly, Klaus’ score was the fourth best score overall on
the day.
Wednesday
4th of June
Bangpra
White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place - Don Lehmer - net 69
2nd Place - Lee Leeper - net 71
3rd Place - Wayne Challis - net 73
Phuket resident Don Lehmer plucked his first fistful of
the big bucks at Lewiinski’s with a gross 81, net 69. Lee Leeper, who is
seeking employment in Bangkok as a teacher, shot gross 79, net 71, and found
himself comfortably in second spot. We should be seeing Lee on a consistent
weekend basis if his job search proves successful. Wayne Challis edged Rick
Sharp and Joe “I’m Not in the Money” Mooneyham on count back for the
bronze. Wayne had to go to the final six holes to top The Hermit.
Friday 6th of June
Sriracha White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place - Joe Mooneyham - net 68
2nd Place - Kyle Moore - net 70
3rd Place - Wayne Challis - net 73
In light of recent good reports of the course’s
condition, Lewiinski’s returned to Gary Player’s Sriracha International
Golf Club after a two year hiatus. The lads (and lass) were duly impressed
and are looking forward to a return engagement. None more so than Joe “Now
I’m in the Money” Mooneyham who went low with a gross 80, net 69. Close
on his heals was 14 year old Kyle Moore, who is visiting Pattaya with his
father, Andy. Kyle has sworn that he will tell his mother that there is
nothing more to Pattaya then golf courses. Kyle is currently a 17 handicap
but look for that to come down as his maturing strength compliments his
already fluid swing. He certainly has good bloodlines given his father’s
low single digit handicap. Wayne Challis showed that he quite fancies the
color bronze as he made in two third places finishes in a row, edging Rick
Harris on count back.
Binni Shoots net 61 at Siam
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society
at the Bunker
On Tuesday, 3rd June, the Bunker Boys travelled to nearby
Siam Country Club for their weekly medal competition. They arrived to find
changes in the buggy rules and, more importantly, very lush and uncut
greens, which made them slower than usual - not an exciting thought! The day
was to be memorable for the number of good scores under the circumstances.
Division one produced good golf with a tie at the top
between Terry Phur and Norman Brooks, both firing net 69, and Hakan
Widestedt holding down third place with his net 71.
Division two saw the senior member of the Icelandic
Josteinsson contingent, Kristjan, shoot a creditable net 70, one shot behind
a resurgent John Preddy who fired a pulsating net 69.
The hero of the day, however, was Kristjan’s brother,
Binni, who shook off three months of inactivity on the golf course to
produce a round when everything went right. His drives were true, his putts
direct and even his approach play carried the luck he needed, as when he
rebounded off a tree to within a foot of the hole on number three! His
incredible net 61 was one of the Bunker’s remarkable rounds and his
professional looking score of gross 40 for the back nine, off his handicap
of 31, was inexplicable. Needless to say he also picked up a share of the
Bunker Super Sawng award, birdying the par-three twelfth, as did Mark
Strawbridge, Hakan Widestedt and Mike Allidi.
The Bunker Banana Booby was presented to Mr Loy’s
Australian friend, John Stewart, whose “fun round” of 128 was punctuated
with comments such as “I played better than the score suggests”! But
Binni Josteinsson certainly will remember the day, if only to wave goodbye
to his handicap of 31.
Schulze shoots 40 at Plutaluang
On Thursday, 5th June, the Bunker Boys sought the solace
and perfection of golf at Plutaluang for their weekly Stableford
competition. Sadly they found neither with extensive and noisy course
maintenance taking place on the North and West nines. The West nine in
particular was particularly disappointing with rock hard, bare fairways,
mechanical diggers and slow, uncut and sanded greens.
Sticking to their task manfully, in division one Terry
Phur was one of the few to finish the round with any credibility, shooting
35 points, two ahead of Harry Riley, with Neil Hughes and Hakan Widestedt
sharing third place on 31 points.
Division two saw the long hitting of Gerhardt Schulze
work the oracle with a fine 40 point haul. A long way behind came the
equally long Kevin Sheppard with 34 points and in third place the gentle
Icelandic giant, Brynjolfur “Binni” Josteinsson, with 31 points.
Unsurprisingly there were no birdie twos recorded but
Sander “Sunny” Ruthsip’s abysmal total of 19 points bore fruit in the
shape of the Bunker Banana Booby, and not for the first time! Maybe, just
maybe, the next time the Royal Navy course at Plutaluang pipes aboard the
Bunker Boys the course will be better presented.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar
Friday June 6
Burapha
(Stableford)
This was a day when I played in the oldest 4 ball I have
ever played in, with an average age of 66, and not only did this aged 4 ball
lead but finished the best part of an hour in front of the group behind.
These young 50 year olds can’t take it.
Winner’s
perks.
Of course the lead may have been due to the fine golf
played by the group with an average of 36 points, or the desire to get back
to the bar for a cold drink, but the golf played was at times excellent and
helped by a course in the peak of condition and empty to boot.
Playing the A & B courses our group was pleased to
see all the rest play the C & D courses in the day’s big competition,
but for a change the peace and quiet of the course was tremendous; we
couldn’t even see the group behind.
At the end, with the scores in, we were left with that
new ‘Star In The Firmament’ Tim Holt coming through to win again,
despite a one shot ‘chop’ for winning last week.
You will note I have made no mention of the fine free
breakfast we all ate before we left, nor of the excellent meal Bobby
prepared for us on our return, ‘gourmet young beef’ in as fine a sauce
as can be remembered. Nor has Bobby been allowed to present to the winners
for some time. He has been found out and has allowed ‘Cookie’ to do the
presentation whilst he slaves away in the kitchen to provide the food.
Of course for those in the know, word has come from the
family back home that they think his customers should get more press, but
they love him really and the clamour will soon return for more photos of
‘Our Bobby’ and why not.
Presentations over, Bobby as usual rang the bell and the
night continued as it usually does on a Friday. TTFN
Winner: Tim Holt
Near pins: #3 Stan Axon, #6 Derek Brook, #12 Peter
Vanderworp and #17 Rod Perrin.
Long putts: #9 Bob Benda and #18 Andy Evans.
Pruned by R Privett
Rising Sun Golf Society
Tuesday 03/6/03
Green Valley GC
It was a bad day at the office, as everyone got a good
pruning by Roger Privett (15) with 42 points. No one else on the lawn. There
are some changes going on at GV, not sure for the better. For instance they
are shortening the 4th par 5; will wait and see the outcome.
Thursday 05/6/03
Sriracha GC
There was a reasonable turn out and some very good
scores. Gerry Cooney (9) 42pts, Bill Campbell (21) 40pts, Granville (18)
39pts, and Mattie bringing up the rear with 37pts. There were also three
twos, one each by Roger, Gerry and Bill. Overall a good, cheap day out, and
although the course needs some attention here and there, it is still good
value.
PSC Three Sisters Golf
Opening up the first week of June on a good note was
“Sus” Ige from Hawaii. A mate of Kenny Mau’s from Johnson Island’s
workforce, Sus is now getting ready to settle in Pattaya. Normally staying
at the Dynasty Hotel in Bangkok, he is now venturing down to Pattaya on a
more regular basis and playing golf with PSC. Holding a current handicap of
13, Sus shot 40 on the front and 40 on the back nine at Siam to take the
bragging rights with 41 points.
Following just behind Sus with 40 points was none other
than Fast Eddie Kristianson. Eddie was on a local handicap of 40 plus just a
few weeks ago but now plays off of 36. Playing with a 36 handicap did not
slow Eddie down too much and it looks like the axe is likely to fall again,
chopping his handicap further.
Following Fast Eddie was Tim Holt having a good day with
38 points. Again near the top were Carl Baumann and big hitting Paul Kraft.
Both of these individuals came in with a credible 37 points.
Holding the bottom all by himself with no competition was
Bob Greenfield. Bob, who has been doing the handicaps for Pattaya Sports
Club for the past year, was not on his game as it came apart at the seams.
Coming in with 24 points, Bob had no one near him.
The geriatrics did well this week and finally climbed out
of the cellar leaving Bob to carry the bag for the week. As Bob shed his
responsibilities as the handicap secretary, his game should be improving
dramatically.
British Chamber Bangkok v Pattaya Golf Challenge
Over 100 golfers to take to the links at Plutaluang
More than 100 golfers are expected to take to the links
as the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand runs its Annual Bangkok v
Pattaya Challenge on Saturday, 21st June at Plutaluang Navy Golf Course.
A System 36 scoring method will be used, with the best 30
scores counting for each side, as Pattaya attempts to wrest control of the
trophy from a Bangkok side that won by only a narrow margin last year,
despite having significant numerical superiority.
Greg Watkins, the Chamber’s executive director, is
hoping to increase the numbers on the Pattaya side to allow for a 50/50
balance in player representation at an event that has become known as a
great day out and a superb networking opportunity. However, the tournament
is open to all players who would like to take part in a Saturday tournament.
The event will begin with a shotgun start at 12:30,
followed by dinner and prize-giving in the clubhouse. Entry is 1700 baht per
player (pay on the day) and registration is now open to the first 100
players to sign up. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For further information, please contact tel. 02 651 5350,
fax: 02 651 5354, e-mail [email protected]
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday June 2
Green Valley
(Stroke)
Twenty-four golfers ventured to Rayong Green Valley for a
stroke play competition in two flights, A flight 0 to 15 and B flight 16 and
up.
Bob
Benda
Frank
Sinclair
Barry
Kerr
Adam Dunnet took the A flight with a net 66, ahead of a
count back for second place on net 68 which was won by John Emerson in
second with Philippe Berra in third.
In the B flight we had a return to form of the Aussie kid
himself, Barry Kerr on net 69, ahead of Claus Thompson on net 71 in second
and John James in third with a net 72.
Thursday June 5
Bangpra
(Stableford)
Mornings at the golf are usually pretty similar. I go in
and take the nice list off the board, that has been there a week, so I can
find out the people who are really keen and want to play. Then I cross all
the people out who couldn’t really work out that putting your name down
means you should actually turn up, of course we don’t really know who they
are as they don’t tell you they aren’t turning up!
Then we get to the really exciting part as people pour
through the door wanting to play and explaining the list was only on the
board for a week and in Pattaya you are not expected to think, including
people who visit the bar every day, and people who have handicaps but ‘its
about 15’ and people who just want looking after.
Of course Dave when he runs the day is really a ‘Happy
Chappie’ and his ‘annual’ visit to the charm school has nothing to do
with controlling his charming smile but anger management. As I leave,
strapped down, on my way to the ‘Funny Farm’, I think that if only I was
paid for the job I could ask for a raise, then I remember Dave has been
doing this for over 12 years, enough said. I thank Mick O’Connor for
providing some light relief.
Booking in over, I got to the first tee at Bangpra, teed
up my ball, lined up the shot, set my game face on and prepared to go.
“Hey you have missed me off the list,” floated gently on the air as I
proceeded to hit the ball off the toe, 50 yards to the right. We got by,
however, and proceeded to get onto a great course and play good golf with
winners.
The day was remarkable for the number of people who had
the same score, 38 points, leading to a number of count backs. Now 38 points
is a good score so it was nice to see so many people play well.
In the A flight, 0 to 18, I was privileged to play with
Bob Benda, the “Ex Most Photographed Man’ who is making a comeback and
intends to take over his previous spot, and he made a fine comeback with a
day leading 40 points. Second was Mick O’Meara who scored 38 points and
beat Bob Morrison on count back with 38 points.
In the B flight we had a lotta players with 38 points,
but they were all beaten by that grand old man of golf Frank Sinclair with a
fine 39 points, well played Frank.
Close behind we had a plethora, good word what, of fine
golfers on 38 points. Second went to Dave Richardson on count back, before
John Swanson in third and Tim Holt just missing out in fourth. Nice to see
Dave smile, but Tim’s turn would come the next day. You can’t keep a
good man down, unless it’s Mick O’Connor who coughed all through the day
and has not been seen since. We expect a ripple effect, cough, cough, need
to lose weight.
The one good thing to happen during the day was Mick said
he had been so ill the few days before that he had lost a lot of weight, so
I assume that means the job of Santa at Xmas, and sitting on the wall, is
now open. All mail to Mick at the Kronborg. TTFN
Near pins: #2 Tyrone Bridge, #8 Ebrahim, #12 Ebrahim and
#17 Philippe Berra.
PH3 Run #1004 - The Betty Boop Run
Good idea Pinky. Volunteer to do the scribe then get
demented drunk down Pattaya Tai (albeit with some lovely ladies and The
Buzz), lose my notes and then get home and have a huge bust-up with the
local population over something I can’t remember. Not like me at all!
Still here goes.
Sir
Airhead (right) does his best “Aunty Em” impersonation.
King
Yao Yao (left) and Sir CF (right) live for this day, but unfortunately
neither made it to the finals.
223 runners, I think, on The Betty Boop run. Dresses and
mini-skirts everywhere. T4 looking well and Tina Turner from the Malibu has
finally made a run (what’s that C. Face, it’s Fester? Oh bugger, I must
be pissed). Airhead has turned into Nosferatu in a dress and SS looks like
the tart from hell. Good to see some old faces back (CM, ND and K amongst
them) and also the local fly community which has turned out severely.
Acting GM Red A calls the circle and hares (ha, ha,) on
in to tell us about the run. If anyone understood Finger Picking’s
instructions, please e-mail me at imanidiot.com to explain them. Runners,
walkers and cripples off from a lovely viewing a-site. It isn’t often you
can see Phoenix golf club and Bang Saray from behind the beer truck.
I solved all the checks and with a great burst of speed
came in first beating that well known front runner quarter pounder on the
line. Boy, were we tired! Last in on a beautiful reverse Paddy’s Day run
were the guys from Okinawa, Bunny obviously having been helping them. Chill
out time but hold on, we’ve lost two people, where are last week’s
hares, Mobile and Lord Lucan? Can’t be lost so they must have wimped out.
Up to you guys but everyone noticed.
Some
like it hot - “Care to dance, sailor?”
The
women’s finalists vie for “best dressed”.
The
men’s finalists vie for “best dressed”.
People drinking hash beer and Pervy’s lovely home brew
and also changing their clothing. Wait a minute - free run but you have to
keep your dress on. We are looking at T4 and Streaker, you muppets. Baht 500
for you next week. Circle called and group photos taken. Raffle and Free
Willy and Fester won again plus Hammer got the TQ1 prize. Unfortunately, I
couldn’t help him use it due to an event that occurred later. More on that
shortly.
There was then a farce of prize giving for the cross
dressers and sexy ladies. No one is complaining that Tina Fester won the
katoy competition but out of the last 5 sexy ladies, 4 had changed from
their sign up gear (only one who didn’t was The Buzz). No surprise that no
pants Bunny won but as Sir Airhead was giving her a lift on his chopper back
to Pattaya, that was always going to happen. Keep it clean Sir - Big Brother
is watching you.
Highlights of the circle were Poncho falling into the mud
and SS bringing his bike into the circle. His reason for that was quote,
“It was getting lonely” unquote. Nothing to do with the gang of locals
surrounding it then. Big highlight, certainly for me, were the Chicklets.
Well done girls, I’ll see you soon. Other things did happen but as I’ve
lost my notes... I do remember the hare’s song with Banjo and his dancing
girls. Then the bombshell. More than one person told me that the bus was
broke down. The old expression ‘rather you than me’ seeped through so
with so many other commitments, I baled out. Sorry Phil - usually great
scoff, lovely girls and good company but rather 3 beers than 3 hours in the
jungle. I hope you all got back safely and were entertained at The Classroom
2. I certainly do not advocate leaving the circle early but if the needs
come, the needs must. Great day again - have the right money next week or
else!
On-On Dr Pinky
The Square Ring
Howie Reed
Having been cleared of being a “Dark Influence”, The
Square Ring rolls on. The charges of bad journalism linger. As predicted in
these pages, WBC flyweight king Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (47-2, 26 KOs) last
Friday won an easy 12 round UD (118-109, 118-109, 119-110) over WBC #10
Randy Mangubat (31-18-11, 14 KOs). The results were predicable as the champ
had already beaten Mangubat twice.
Audley Harrison may prove to be a pretty good profit.
Just prior to his last fight at Bernal Greens York Hall he said, “It will
be a good fight whilst it lasts - Mathew Ellis was a top amateur and just
missed a place on the 1996 Olympics and has shown promise in the
professional ranks. He needs to walk the talk and I am sure he will put up a
brave performance but I am extremely confident Audley Harrison (Don’t you
just love people that talk about themselves in the third person? Howie
neither) will still be unbeaten and 11-0 Saturday night (London Time).”
Harrison was spot on.
Ellis (18-3) put up such a good effort in the first round
that he won on the judges’ scorecards. But round 2 would prove to be
Ellis’s Waterloo. The place, not the train station. At the 30 second mark
“a crisp uppercut and left hook” dropped Ellis to the canvas for the
first time. After a partial standing 8, Harrison landed an “excellent left
hook “to drop Ellis once again. Ellis kept getting up but the 30 pound in
weight, height and a reach advantage was too much to overcome with heart and
try. Referee Terry O’Connor waved the fight to an end after another left
hook put Ellis down once more.
After the fight things really got interesting. Harrison
(11-0) took the mike to ask, “Who do you want me to fight next? Bruno or
Hide?” Bruno, long a favorite of British boxing fans, won the ringside
straw pool with the fans who chanted Bruno’s name. When Hide’s name was
mentioned the crowd responded with a loud chorus of boos. Hide was ringside.
One source wrote, “ugly scenes ensued when former WBO Champion Herbie Hide
became involved in a heated discussion at ringside. During the scuffle a
female fan was knocked to the ground. Hide was rushed by supporters of
Harrison. No one was seriously injured but the British Boxing Board of
Control promised to carry out a full inquiry to the fight’s post-match
events and the fracas that ensued.”
To get another view, The Square Ring went to UK TV
personality and boxing guru Phil Jones of the Welsh Joneses. No, I will not
mention that the USA beat the Welsh in a full international game of “footie”.
Here’s Phil’s take on the “event” at the old York Hall. “I did
hear about the Fraudley Harrison, Herbie Hide thingy ... handbags at 10
paces ... probably a publicity stunt to try and get more than 10 people who
really care about the fight ever taking place for real ... Word on the
grapevine is that Fraudley’s management team are lining up the following
fights for him ... Herbie Hide, Frank Bruno, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney with
Fraudly admitting he would eventually like a crack at Jack Johnson’s world
title ... cos the world don’t need a darkie as a world champ.” How about
them apples?
Anyone still remember the name Corrie Sanders? Sure you
do, he’s the chap that dotted the “I” on Klitschko and won the WBO
heavyweight title. The WBO, showing the fighter who’s boss, then
mandated/ordered that Sanders fight something named Lemon Brewster. The
first name says it all. Well boys and girls the WBO Champ has told the WBO
to “go far away and multiply”. Yep that’s the word on the Internet. In
the place of Brewster the maybe by then ex champ (Sanders) will fight the
“Thunder from Down Under” David Tua this fall in Las Vegas. First
they’ll fight on separate cards August 21 & 22 at Carnival City Resort
in South Africa. What if the WBO strips Sanders of the title? Sanders
promoter says, “So be it. HBO is backing Sanders-Tua even if Sanders is
stripped of the title.”
One of the better known promoters that comes out of the
Land Down Under is Vlad Warton. His major client is Kostya Tszyu, one of the
few superstars in boxing. After the 2000 Olympics Vlad picked up Mohamad
Abdulaev, a gold metal winner, who many predicted would be the next Kostya.
So far, as of last Tuesday, Abdulaev was 11-0 with 9 KOs. The script seemed
to be in place especially when Tszyu announced he was moving up in weight.
Vlad Warton had to be dancing, sipping a Fosters while singing “Waltzing
Matilda”. Now seems like trouble in paradise. Abdulaev was reported to
have left Warton and signed with Lou DiBella. (Didn’t happen but more on
that later.)
Abdulaev was to get a reported $250,000 signing bonus and
a minimum $50,000 per fight. Prior to non-signing with DiBella, Abdulaev
replaced the discarded, by DiBella, USA Olympian Ricardo Williams on an ESPN
Tuesday night fight. He was cruising along for 9 rounds beating the heck out
of Emmanuel Clottey (20-5). With less than a minute left in the last stanza,
Clottey landed a couple of good punches which opened a small cut in the
eyelid and caused Abdulaev to stumble into the ropes. The referee came in as
Abdulaev looked to his corner. Told to take a knee he did. Problem was while
not hurt he was confused. Not speaking English the numbers “8-9-10”
probably didn’t ring a bell. Counted out for his first loss.
Now comes the rest of the story. After the signing had
been agreed on Abdulaev’s manager disappeared. Gone. Did a runner. Pulled
a Houdini. When DiBella couldn’t find anyone to sign the contract, he
explained the situation to Abduaev (who probably said, “Money” which
seems to be the extent of his use of English after 2 years in Las Vegas).
DiBella cut the purse and left. The other version of the story is that
DiBella felt he was being “trapped”, whatever that means, so backed out.
Regardless there were two losses in one night.
Now rumor has it that Warton’s meal ticket Kostya Tszya
is also ready to do a runner on the tight fisted promoter. Although that may
just be smoke as Warton announced that Tszyu will fight in Mother Russia
against Shambra Mitchell on September 27. How about them apples?
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