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Old friends remembered at the inaugural Tri-Nations PSC tournament
Saturday August 21 Century Bang Chang 4
Ball Scramble
There but for The Grace Of God go I. It is the one
certainty of life that we all entered this world; in the same way we were
born. Along the path to the other certainty, death, much depends on how you
are remembered, in how you played the game in your passing, and that is the
‘game of life’. There are those who disagree with the third certainty
‘Taxes’ so who am I to argue. Play it, life, well, and you will be
remembered fondly, play it badly and all will want to forget you as soon as
they can.
 Santa
Kris John.
Here in Pattaya where most of our friends, including
ourselves, are ‘Mature’, it is a sad fact that we are constantly losing
those who we consider to be true friends and pillars of our little world
here, we all think we are immortal. Surprisingly it is not always those we
expect to lose we lose, some we know will pass on, some pass quickly,
however we in our small golfing community here do not intend to forget, and
so a group got together and decided to have a Tournament to our missing
friends. On this day, Bob Moburg, Bob Davis, Tim McMasters and George Davis,
all recent departures, are remembered. My own overriding memory of them all
was of the courage shown by Bob Moburg when he was diagnosed with a probably
terminal disease, to stand up at the Three Sisters and not only inform us
all of what was his problem, but advise us to go get the tests that, taken
earlier, would have saved his life. I certainly went.
 Winners
of the first annual trophy Thomas Johansson, Clive Robinson, Richard Worden
and Jeff Wylie on countback with a net 55.4.
So it was that the ‘golf organising committee’ got
together and decided to hold a tournament to honour the memory of all who
have left us, but in particular those afore mentioned, and to ensure the
teams were based on a friendship basis, each team of 4 had to come from at
least 3 different countries. To enter the spirit of the day it was decided
the course would be Century Bang Chang and ‘mine host’ Don McAlister at
McAlisters Bar & Grill volunteered his Bar and Sponsored the food.
Indeed the only other main sponsor was PSC.
 Runners
up in the inaugural Tri-Nations: Saen Jaroenwong, Allistair Kirkwood, Bill
Thompson and Dennis Willet, Net 55.4.
So to the day, and the morning dawned bright and breezy,
which was a good job as the first tee off time was at 0830 hrs and with the
trip down meant leaving at 7 a.m. Still, on arriving, the booking in was
underway in the normal capable hands and the golf chairman was carrying
sacks around like Santa Clause, the sacks were full of shirts.
 Chris
John, Pattaya Sports Club golf chairman gave thanks to all those who
supported the event.
Whilst the booking in went on, the teams of 4 balls, 24
in number girded their loins and went fourth onto this tough and hilly
course to do their best and build up their appetites for food, drink and
associated after golf pleasures. Some even took it seriously and played some
good golf, others stopped at the rest stops and toasted those missing. Any
way it was played, the golf went fine and passed the time till we could get
into the food and drink etc etc at McAllisters.
Never having been to McAllisters before, but having heard
of his excellent food and accessories, I was suitably surprised to note some
tents erected on the edge of the road and a fair size pig roasting on the
spit. Inside was a table loaded down with farang food, the whole lot! Roast
beef, roast pork, steaks, the whole works, undoubtedly it would soon be put
to the test, and it was!
We then had one of those totally unexpected events as Tim
Holt made his pitch to be included in next year’s memories, as he got some
food stuck in his throat and we were unable to dislodge it. He was rushed to
the local hospital, saved, and was able to return to eat some mashed
potatoes and gravy. Thanks are due to the local Thai’s who rushed him
there in a pickup.
Excitement over we returned to the important things in
life, such as food, drink and spin the bottle, whilst we tried to keep our
eyes open for those who disappeared. At last when all were fed and watered,
the golf chairman read out the results and said a few words about the
Tournament. He also thanked all the organisers and particularly McAlisters
who had sponsored the tournament along with PSC.
All said, the success of the day, I am sure, will ensure this becomes an
annual fixture on the PSC calendar, and why not, it is nice to have
something to look forward too, as long as you are not one of the names being
remembered. T.T.F.N.
Winners: Thomas Johansson, Clive Robinson, Richard Worden Jeff
Wylie, Net 55.4 on Countback
Second: Saen Jaroenwong, Allistair Kirkwood, Bill Thompson Dennis
Willet, Net 55.4
Third: John Biangazzo, Goran Pederson, Klaus Schiffer, Gerhard
Schulz, Net 57.8
Fourth: Rick Monaghan, Lyndon Przybski Saktar, Phil Taylor, Net
58.2
Technical:
Near Pins men’s: Alan Pearce, Ian Warwick, Bill Thompson,
Bob Benda; Ladies: Chant Schwulera, Usa Chaiyosit, Nattaporn Thongpen
Long Putts men’s: Jim Ryan, George Hempel, Phil Taylor;
Ladies: Usa Chaiyosit
Long Drive men’s: Sam from Hawaii, Jim Ryan; Ladies:
Lamun Hanley
PSC golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
On A fine day our merry band drove off after a fine
breakfast at Bobby Joe’s and up route 331 to Noble Place. This road is
slowly taking shape and the road surface is much improved though not
finished by any stroke of the imagination. We arrived at Noble Place in good
time and were told today we would be playing A and C courses, which brought
a smile to our faces because the B course is the toughest of the three
courses. We teed off on time but because several of out stalwarts didn’t
make it, we had to rearrange the last group to a five ball, which is not
generally acceptable but OK at Noble Place.
 Max
Matthews had a fine putting streak to win the day out from Bobby Joe’s 60s
Bar.
The day was slightly overcast but the rain held off and
some good golf scores were returned. The golf course was in good condition
and the welcome by the staff was great. The fees here as usual were very low
and I’m always surprised why many don’t frequent this course more often.
Back at Bobby Joe’s for his usual good food with his
daily special; homemade Italian sausages in a special Italian sauce with
crusty sandwich rolls and homemade baked beans with ham, enjoyed by all.
Some of
the group (right to left), Carle Engel, past PSC president; Derek Brook,
current PSC VP and Max Mathews, PSC Secretary.
The winner, Max Matthews who hit a fine putting streak
taking only 13 putts on the front 9 and 12 putts on the back 9 to beat Jeff
Wylie who had played a good round off a low handicap.
The technical prizes were shared between Jeff Wylie, Max
and Adrian Ayres. Jeff taking the lion’s share. Prizes awarded we settled
in for a few more beers and went home happy.
Ben wins again!
PSC golf with The Bunker
Tuesday August 17 saw The Boys from
The Bunker visit Phoenix Country Club for a Medal competition.
 Ben
Findon, winner of first prize at Phoenix G.C. with The Bunker Boys.
Playing the Mountain and Lakes courses off the white tees
on a bright and sunny day and, with the course in good condition, Ben Findon
continued his run of fine form winning the competition with a net 69. In
second place came the ever improving Neil Griffin with a net 72, followed in
third place by Lez Hall, who is finding a bit of form lately, just in time
for The Bunker Championship next month, with a net 75.
Lez also took away one of the Near Pins prizes to make it
a very enjoyable day for him, the other two Near Pins prizes were claimed by
Ben Findon, making it an even more successful day for Ben!
Two days later on Thursday August 19 - The Bunker Boys
went to the Royal Thai Navy golf course in Sattahip to play their regular
and very popular stableford competition.
For a change the South and East courses were played and
playing off the white tees with the course in great shape some excellent
scores were recorded.
The field was split into two flights again A and B. Mike
Allidi, playing off a 5 handicap returned a superb score of 40 stableford
points to claim top spot in the A division and to disappoint several hopeful
golfers coming into the clubhouse behind him!
Mikael Andersson playing off a 9 handicap could only
manage the runners up spot with 37 points; Peter Jackson closely followed
him home with 36 points.
In division B there was a tie for first place between
David Johnson and “Skinny” Blair Newton both with 38 Stableford points
with Lez Hall getting on to the leader board again claiming third place with
36 points.
The Near Pins prizes were shared around on the day with
one each being won by John Preddy, Lez Hall, Peter Jackson and Mike Allidi
rounding off a good day’s golf for Mike.
The Bunker’s Individual Championship will take place
during September with a two day Medal competition being held at Phoenix Golf
Course on Tuesday September 14 and Century Ban Chang Golf Course on Thursday
September 16. All Pattaya Sports Club members with a valid PSC handicap are
welcome to play, please call The Bunker Bar on 038 429 292 or visit us in
Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco) for further details.
The latest golf schedules for The Bunker Boys and information about all
other sporting activities at The Bunker Bar by visiting our website @
www.bunkerboysgolf.com
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday August 16:
Noble Place Stroke
The Noble Place and Country Club was host to a
strokeplay competition, on the A & B Layouts, in two Flights, A
Flight 0 to 20 and B Flight 21 and upwards. If you can put aside the
long difficult drive up there, the quality of the course and the cheap
rates in the restaurant make this course second to none for value.
Aussie Jeff Wylie took the A Flight with a net 71 on a countback from
Ebrahim in second place. In third was Ged Mason with a net 73. Aussie
Peter King took the B Flight with a net 70 off his new reduced handicap,
Aussie Evan Trotman was second with a net 74 and big Pete Galle was in
third place with a net 75.
Peter
King
Jeff
Wylie
Thursday August 19 Kheo Kheow
Stableford
Seems like Kheo Kheow is in favour at present with
the organisers of golf at PSC, and why not, the drive up there is
pleasant along the motorway, the booking in is easy, there is a choice
of 3 nines, and the nines are all tough and testing. After, in the
restaurant, the food and drink is excellent, especially the special,
Kheo Kheow Beef, and the prices all the way through are reasonable.
 Rick
Evans
On the day, the course was in fine condition, but we
spent much of the time watching the sky and the approach of rain clouds,
they finally came with a few holes to go and we got a downpour, but not
too heavy, and then the sky cleared and the humidity came rolling along.
Playing the B & C Courses, the day, and the
course, played tough, this has to be one of the toughest courses in the
area. On the day only one golfer shot his handicap and that was in the A
Flight, 0 to 16, when Rick Evans came in with 36 points to win. Second
place was decided on countback with 34 points and this was won by Clive
Robinson with Derek Brook in third place.
 Alex
Backlund
The B Flight was dominated by the difficulty of the
course and high handicappers do have a lot of difficulty with the
course. A bad shot is severely punished. The B Flight was won by Alex
Backlund with 33 points, the second place was won on countback on 32
point, with Alan Sullivan in second and Soija Oya in third.
In the restaurant the players tucked into the food and enjoyed the
fine fare and fine food. T.T.F.N.
Big Bill Key triumphs at last
PSC golf from the Three Sisters
Big Bill Key arrived on Monday ready to play golf. A few months ago he
was ready to throw his clubs away as he was having his start up problems as
we all did when we started golfing. Bill came in with a blazing 43 points on
Monday to blitz the field by two. He is now thinking of retiring on his
laurels - he only needs a hole in one to make his game complete. His nearest
competitor was Joe Albright who was at the top last week. Joe came in with
41 points, only to come in second. It would have been a winner last week but
not good enough this week.
 Triumphant
Bill Key (left) and Trevor Carnahoff (right left) was left holding the bag
last week.
Following up with good scores were Paul Kinner with 40
points, Larry Willett with 39 and Kevin Mitch and Ray Spurling with 38
points each. It was a great day with beautiful weather - more like November
than August.
Holding up the bottom this week was a new comer to the position. Trevor
Carnahoff who normally gets near the top played a round with the gout in his
big toe. Needless to say it didn’t go well. If you’ve ever had a gout
attack you’d know. It hurts if you breathe on the area of the attack. I
think Trevor made more than ten points - not much more. He did not have much
competition as the next nearest were up in the twenties. Better luck next
week - no gout!!
Johnny McHugely’s handicap goes to 007
IPGC Golf From Lewiinksi’s
Sunday August 15 Green
Valley White Tees Stableford
1st A Flight: Jack Grindvold, 39 pts
2nd A Flight: John McHugh, 38 pts
3rd A Flight: Rick Sharp, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Robbie Bennett, 37 pts
2nd B Flight: Larry Nicholas, 35 pts
3rd B Flight: Oddvar Rykke, 34 pts
Near Pins: #5 John Emmerson; #8 Nat Meesuk
We’ll never know if hard-working Wacko Jacko Grindvold
could have been the title boy of this week’s article given the intrusion
that drinking coffee at Starbuck’s (read work) has on his golf game.
While he didn’t have opportunity to play often this week he made it count
on Sunday as he ruled the day with 39 points off his single digit 9
handicap. The guy who did put his name in lights, John McHugh, had to
invoke count back to send the venerable monk-like Rick Sharp to third in A
Flight, and, yes, the old Razor Back, to financial anonymity. Speaking of
old men, and we weren’t, but now we are, Robbie Bennett guided his walker
across the street from the Sugar Shack and amassed 37 points to edge fellow
south side of the road tippler Larry Nicholas by a couple of points. Oddvar
Rykke wielding a mean countback stick banished near-resident Roger Koehler
and sent the alphabet twins, S(pot)T(he)D(og) and J(ohn)T(he)B(*st*rd),
a’ packing in B Flight.
Tuesday August 17 Laem
Chabang B & C Blue or White Stableford
1st Blue Flight: John McHugh, 41 pts
2nd Blue Flight: Nico Coulouras, 40 pts
1st White Flight: Chicka Smith, 44 pts
2nd White Flight; Serge Straeten, 40 pts
Lucky Draws: Jim Munns, John Emmerson
With sufficient bombers in town to warrant it, the field
was once again split on the basis of Blue Tees and White Tees. Moving back
didn’t faze our title boy a bit, as he edged Steve Mascari’s stateside
mate, Nico “The Gleek” Coulouras (as the Thai’s would say), by a
single point in the premier flight. Chicka Smith calling on the power of
the Haka, despite the fact that he is from Western Oz, and not Kiwiville,
swamped man-of-the-match honors, and assumed top man in B Flight, with 44
points. The more refined Serge Straeten exhibited the French staple of je
ne sais quoi in posting a more modest 40 points for second place. Capt.
Fogg and the golf manager garnered the lucky draws on the day, necessitated
after some putz picked up the Near Pins on the day, prematurely.
Wednesday August 18
Burapa C & D Blue Tees Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight: John McHugh, net 70
2nd A Flight: Joe Mooneyham, net 73
1st B Flight: Neil Cameron, net 73
2nd B Flight: Colin Davis, net 73
Near Pin: #D8 Sugar Ray Handford
Some things are revisited more than once in a week and
the mantra of this week was McHugh first and Emmerson loses count back. Joe
“I’m in the” Mooneyham was the man in the middle as he grabbed the
second place spot in A Flight. Back to our title boy again, John’s
handicap continues to go down faster than an employee on Soi Six as he saw
7 for the first time.
The story of the day (and few will say the week, several
will say the month, and many will say the year) is that Neil Cameron,
“Club Maker to the Stars” scorched the back nine in gross 39, net 31 to
emasculate The Donkey into second by six count back strokes. For a couple
of hours that afternoon it was like being back in Aberdeen, oh those many
years ago. “Should Auld acquaintance be forgot...” Is this enough to
erase Neil’s other sobriquet of “Those that can’t swing them, make
them”?
Friday August 20 Century
Banchang White Tees2-person Betterball
1st Rick Sharp/Eddie Blackwell, net 67
2nd Steve Mascari/Nico Coulouras, net 69
The race was only ever for second place. I don’t care
that the owner/proprietor had brought in the best-left foot in Sacramento
to order to take the day’s Better Ball comp. Once it was surmised that
Rich ‘The Hermit’ and Eddie ‘The Beau Brummel’ no longer had
winnings on account and were on the brink of having to dig in their pockets
for entry fee, the dye was cast and that was not going to change regardless
of the number of corner kicks Nico could make out of the rough. The outcome
proved a formality as the two Jomtien residents edged the two lads with
Northern California ties by two strokes on the day.
Julie Yang - The success continues
Mike Franklin
I first talked to young Korean Julie Yang when she was
just eight years old and had won yet another junior tournament, this time
the Sarawak Junior World Masters at Damai Golf & GC, Malaysia. That was
in April and next on her busy golf schedule was the 2004 Pepsi ‘Little
Peoples’ Golf Championships at Quincy, Illinois in June, just after
Father’s day.
 Julie
with her ‘Little Peoples’ Trophy.
Julie, still eight years old but with her ninth birthday
coming up in July, played in the Girls 8-9 years ‘3G’ category.
Appropriately, just after Father’s day, Daddy was her caddy and that
proved to be a successful partnership as Julie not only won her category,
but broke the course record with an outstanding 67 at Indian Trails Golf
Club, nine shots better than anyone else in her age group.
The tournament, played over five Quincy County courses,
hosted 856 entries representing 36 US States and 16 countries. Little
Peoples golf tournaments have been running for many years. Indeed, the 2004
British Open winner, Todd Hamilton from Bigsville Illinois, started playing
in Little Peoples at the age of ten.
 Daddy
Caddy Pepsi Little People winner, Julie.
That success was followed by a special Little Peoples
Junior Scramble played over nine holes at Westview Golf Course on the
Thursday morning, replacing a cancelled event. It was an 8-9 years age group
and turned out to be a tight finish with a two hole play-off won by
Julie’s team. Her partners came from Switzerland, South Africa, and Texas,
and the opponents from Canada, Mexico and Barbados. Just about as
international a mix as you can get. Needless to say, Julie’s team won on
the second play-off hole.
It was then off to Wellsburg, West Virginia to play in
the US Kids Junior World Championship in the Girls 9 yrs. category, as she
had just had her ninth birthday. It is inevitably tougher as you get older
and as Julie was only just nine years old and the winner was almost ten, it
was just a 2nd place trophy on this occasion.
One thing that impresses about this very young golfer is her positive and
mature attitude to the game. Strong support from her parents and family has
a lot to do with this, as does the encouragement she receives from David
Lauder the Principal of St. Andrews, Rayong Green Valley where Julie goes to
school to do the normal things that the other students do. Finally, in a
television interview for Pattaya Mail Plus, I asked her about her clubs and
whether she had made any changes since we last spoke in May. Apparently it
is all change in the bag from driver right through to putter. The switch to
a new Titleist driver has given her a further 10 yards off the tee and an
average drive now of 190 yards. Like many of the older Korean lady golfers
Julie is short but stockily built, now weighing-in at 35 kilos, but only 135
cms tall. She is pleasantly self-confident, speaks for herself, and is a
pleasure to interview. The success, I am sure, will continue for Julie Yang.
Old Soldiers Come Good
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday Aug 16 Phoenix Mountain/Lakes Medal
1st Barry Traynor, 67
2nd Richard Lyne, 68
3rd Bob Lindborg, 70
Though quite windy, the course was once again in
excellent condition and scores were generally low. Gaining his first win for
a long time, Barry shot a super 36 off the stick on Mountain and managed to
hold his round together on Lakes, despite a jittery 7 & 6 finish.
Richard, back on form following a recent lesson with Richard Livingston, had
a good 4 over gross on the front and also held his round together on the
back, whilst Bob was rock solid on both 9s. The rollover 2s pool was won by
Jimmee Little, who was delighted with his ‘jackpot’. Prior to the prize
giving, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed John
King from Australia.
Wednesday Aug 18 Bangpra
Stableford
1st Richard Lyne, 41
2nd Trevor Edge, 38 c/b 24
3rd Andy Pedlar, 38 c/b 18
Another day for low scores, despite the still rather poor
condition of fairways and greens. Richard, playing with great confidence,
excelled with a solid performance, scoring 21 points on the front and 20 on
the back, to easily take the honours. The other two ‘old soldiers’
Trevor & Andy followed their captain home to round out the podium
positions. Trevor, managing to shoot a career best 9 on the back after a
horrible start on the front, scoring just 4points on the first 5 holes. BJ
Smith & Trevor Schirmer led the chasing group with 37 & 36 points
respectively.
 Barry
Traynor
Rather surprisingly, there were four 2s on the day and
the pool was shared by Andy Pedlar (2), Richard Lyne and Phillip Cass. The
monkeys were about in abundance and guards were posted on buggies. For once,
Trevor Schirmer, did not lose his lunch, but one grisly old brute was
spotted munching on a Footjoy golf shoe, wonder who lost that?
Friday Aug 20 Burapa A
& B Medal
1st Trevor Edge, 68 c/b 31
2nd John Desmond, 68 c/b 35
3rd Bob Lindborg, 68 c/b 36
Although playing off the short white tees, heavy
overnight rain had made the course very wet, with little or no ‘run’ so
it was somewhat surprising that scores were generally low, especially with
the slow sanded and cored greens.
 Trevor
Edge
Trevor, well and truly shut the ATM for the week with another superb back
9 after an ordinary front. His 41 gross easily beat off John & Bob in
the resultant countback. John’s 78 gross was the best of the day but still
only good enough for him to finish the ‘bridesmaid’ once again! Bob’s
second under par achievement in the week will surely see him back down to 16
handicap. Serge Straeton led the chasing pack with a net 70 and would
certainly have caused an upset had he not finished with a 9 on the 18th! No
great surprise to see several 2s and the pool was shared by Barry Traynor
(2), Richard Lyne, Andy Pedlar & Bob Lindborg
Sixty-Eight from Usa and Mikael was good enough
Shenangians Very Friendly Golf Society
Mike Franklin
Tuesday August 17 was a near perfect day for golf at
Plutaluang, with an overcast sky, a strong breeze and the course, although
dry, in good shape. A smaller than usual field played the South and East
courses and, with little other traffic on the course, had an enjoyable
round. Usa Chaiyosit and Mikael Andersson, both 10 handicap, were the
successful partners in this pairs scramble and, with a gross 72, returned a
net 68 to narrowly win. Close behind were Larry Willett and Ian Warwick with
a net 68.4 and close behind them were Scott Cosban and Rich Wibrow with net
68.6.
Winners
Usa and Mikale (center left and right) with the very friendly Shenanigans
crowd.
The technical holes were kindly sponsored by Guinness and
that clearly encouraged extra effort and concentration from some of the
players. Usa Chaiyosit, never short of coming forward, led the way by
claiming the Near Pin prize on both S. 4 and S. 7. Her partner Mikael
Andersson, not to be outdone, did exactly the same on E2 and E5, and Ian
Warwick, having a less than miserable day with the driver, made up for it
with the putter and sank both the Long Putts on S9 and E9. Guinness caps
were the dress for the day with more Guinness prize items coming up on
future outings.
Back at Shenanigans, it was as friendly as usual and
there was just one welcome back to Andrew Branigan from Canada, and
fortunately here long enough to play in the Canadian Jack-a-Lope Open on
September 3rd at Burapha.
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society is next out on Tuesday August 31,
this time to Eastern Star for a ‘Four Clubs’ Pairs Scramble. The sign-up
sheet is on the notice board as usual.
Two Longs Make it Right at Green Valley
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
Seven teams took on the challenge of a thirty-six hole
pairs scramble at Green Valley on Monday and Tuesday, 16-17th August. They
found the course in its customary fine condition.
 All
smiles from Brian Bellis(right) and Steve Nowell (left) back at the OK
Corral.
The greens on Monday, however, were uncut and slow but
back to their slick best the following day, which made for an exciting
conclusion to the competition. The first day threw up few surprises with
Terry Phur and Richard Wardell setting a good third place finish with net
70.2, two whole shots behind Bob Wighton and William Macey and a further
three shots behind the half way leaders, long hitting Steve Nowell and long
handicapper Brian Bellis, proving that two ‘longs’ can make a right.
On the second day all teams improved their scores, a
tribute to the improved putting conditions, and the team of Harry Riley and
Saranya Chaiyanont improved by four shots to take the day’s second place
behind the consistency of the first day leaders. In the absence of the usual
recorder, Len Jones, a shoeless Mr. Loy had the task of doing the
mathematics and accurately announced that Steve Nowell and Brian Bellis had
held their lead with a 36 hole total of 130.8, incredibly almost fourteen
shots below par. Five shots adrift were Aussies Bob Wighton and William
Macey on 135.4, whilst Harry and Saranya had forced their way into third
place with a total of 136.8. There were five birdie twos, the winners being
Steve and Brian (two), PJ Redmond and David Lightfoot (two), and Terry and
Richard. Mr. Loy declined the opportunity to award himself the Banana Booby
for forgetting his golf shoes and instead presented them to Bob Wighton for
the constant ringing of his cellphone, an irritating feature on many golf
courses these days. Essentially, winning a team event is all about playing
the course according to the strengths of the individual team players and the
combination of a long hitter and high handicapper is perfect for a scramble
format. Full marks to Steve and Brian for getting it right.
Blackwell Best at Bangpra
On a heavily overcast day, Thursday 19th August, the
Bunker Boys travelled to Bangpra to play their weekly stableford event and
found the course in good condition with the ever-present threat of rain.
Disregarding the forecast they set about their task and it proved to be a
close thing as Bob Pearce and Alan McGrory carded 37 points each and held
hopes of better things. Brian Bellis, in superb form currently, upstaged
them with a fine score of 38 points but this was not enough as Eddie
Blackwell’s twenty point haul on the front nine set him up for a total of
39 points, to take the top prize. Bob Pearce had the consolation of a share
of the Super Sawng award by birdying the second hole, as did PJ Redmond,
whose birdie on the twelfth was his third in succession.
At the other end of the field Denis Smith, mine host at the OK Corral,
struggled with his game and delighted his staff by accepting the Banana
Booby, with a broad smile. Golf at Bangpra always leaves a smile.
Third Bhumibol Dam Invitation International
Mountain Bike Championship 2004
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organized
Bhumibol Dam International Mountain Bike 2004 at Bhumibol Dam, Sam-ngao
District on August 28-29, 2004.
The objective of this race to promote mountain bike sport
series and present tourist places in Thailand’s regions internationally.
The Main Races:
40 km Men’s (Under 18s; 30-39 yrs; 40-49 yrs; 50
yrs; Opend age category); 40 km Women’s (open age category)
Family (2 persons/24 km):
Dad-Son: (not over 12-year-old son); Dad-Daughter: (not
over 12-year-old daughter); Mom-Son or Daughter: (not over-12 year-old
son/daughter).
Location: Bhumibol Dam, Sam Ngao District, Tak
Province, Thailand (Start/Finish at the dam)
Start times: Family: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m (Sunday)
40 km: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Sunday)
Registration is at the Official Race Resort at
Bhumibol Dam (Entry Fee @ 300 baht/person or team).
Accommodation: Official Race Resort at Bhumibol
Dam: Standard Twin 600 baht/night; Standard Triple 1,000 baht/night; Deluxe
Twin 1,000.-baht/night (close to lobby); Deluxe Triple 1,250 baht/night
(close to lobby); House (2 rooms for 6 pax) 2,000 baht/night; 2-storey House
(for 6 pax) 3,000 baht/night (close to lobby). NB: There is a 20%
discount on race date and bike Rental is available at 20 baht/hour.
Prize Money:
For Men’s (<18 yrs./30-39 yrs./40-49 yrs./50
yrs.)
1st Place: 5,000 baht; 2nd Place: 3,000 baht; 3rd Place:
2,000 baht; 4th Place: 1,000 baht; 5th Place: 500 baht.
For Men’s / Women’s (open age category): 1st
Place: 30,000 baht; 2nd Place: 10,000 baht; 3rd Place: 5,000 baht; 4th
Place: 3,000 baht; 5th Place: 1,000 baht. The race is open to local and
international competitors.
How to Get There:
Car: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin)
and Highway No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai
Nat, then turn into Highway No. 1 again and proceed to Tak via Kamphaeng
Phet, a total distance of 426 kilometres.
Bus: Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s
Morchit Bus Terminal 2 to Tak daily between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The journey
takes 6 hours. Call 0-2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more
information. Private bus companies which operate daily bus services to Tak
are Thanchit Tour, Tel: 0 2551 1307; Choet Chai Tour, Tel: 0 2551 1054.
Train: There are no trains going directly to
Sukhothai. One may travel by train to Phitsanuloke and then take a local bus
to Tak. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 1690, 0223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or
visit www.srt.or.th for more information.
Air: Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok to Mae
Sot, 86 kilometres from Tak. For more information, call 0 2229 3456-63 or 0
5564 7225-6 or visit: www.bangkokair.com. Air Andaman provides daily flight
services from Bangkok to Mae Sot and several flights Chiang Mai to Mae Sot.
For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2996 9119 or
view their website at: www. airandaman.com.
Local Transportation: After you reach TAT Tak
office: 193 Taksin Rd., Amphoe Muang, Tak 63000 Tel. 055 514341-3. There are
free transfers (join bus) on Saturday - from TAT Tak Office to the race at 9
a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Return bus service from the race - TAT Tak Office
at 6 p.m.
Cafe Kronborg moves into third place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Cafe Kronborg continued their move up the
standings and is now in third place. Scott rolled a 522 series and Kran
added a 518 pin total to lead Caf? Kronborg to a three-point win over last
place Alt Koelle. First Place Three Sisters took all four points from Caf?
Ole as La bowled games of 200, 201, 180, 581 series and Tien knocked down
507 pins including a 214 game.
 200
bowlers; Darren, Mai, Jon, La, Tien and Bill.
Second place Q Cars took three points from VFW Post 9876 behind Lenz 559
series and Gert’s 523 series. Bill Key led VFW with a 214 game, 549
series, Jon had a 215 game and Darren rolled a final game of 213. Mai bowled
a 225 game and 560 series to lead Jack & Tar to a four-point sweep over
House of the Golden Coin. Captain Mio just back from Norway was best for
Golden Coin with a 531 pin total. Nam Tip bested Brother D taken three and
one half points led by Jeed’s 525 series and Ooy knocked down 517 pins for
Brother D. A new special offer has been made by the Raj restaurant to give a
free meal to any bowler who can put together three 200 games in a weekly
Friday league game.
Winners take all
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Stunning results in the league with teams
wining not only their games but also taking home the beer as well. PSI won
the beer leg away against Helicopter as did Cheers at the Windsor Tavern.
The Pleasure Dome, Bunker and Smugglers took both the game and beer at home
against the visitors.
Wednesday Quiz League
Sunday Quiz League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
In boxing as in life the more that changes the more
remains the same. While new names come flying in and out of the sport the
old familiar names hold the most allure. You’re always more comfortable
with what you know. Although some are very comfortable and know nothing but
that’s another story. Case in point. Prince Naseem Hamad (36-1) was the
“Cats Pajama’s” in the late 90s and in early 2000 when he sets British
hearts a flutter.”
“He was showman” Phooey. Then Hamad suffered his only
loss to Marco Antonio Barrera (2002) in Las Vegas when he got a lesson in
real fighting. “The Mexican fought him like a black. Every time Hamad
tried his ‘games’ Barrera gave it back to him in spades.” This fight
was somewhat overshadowed by some despicable remarks anti-semitic from
Hamad’s brother. The Crownless Prince had only one fight in ’01 then did
a Houdini. Well he’s kinda back maybe. Rumor is, that he’s now in
training for a fight late this year or early next. “A couple of weeks ago
‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed received an offer from Hungarian promoter Felix
Racz in order to come back from his unofficial retirement and fight WBA and
WBO International champ Janos Nagy in Hungary. According to Racz, Team Hamed
finally came back to him and opted not to take the fight claiming the need
to take a couple of warm-up fights before heading back into title
contention.” Never though I’d miss the “Lop Earned Camel Jockey” but
alas I have. “Come back Prince”, an adoring public cries while a
critical press need a another punching bag with the “Imperial One”,
Lennox Lewis, out of the news.
Another old timer on the comeback trail is former
heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe (40-1). Here was a guy that like men
everywhere might have been done by repeated punches to the “privates”.
He first came to International attention when he fought Evandler Holyfield.
He performed well losing a majority decision in the fight that became known
as ‘FlyMan.’ “Fight was suspended for 21 minutes during the 7th round
when a parachutist with a large fan strapped to his back crashed onto the
ring apron. The man was beaten by spectators and Bowe’s cornermen before
being taken away.”
“Ah yes, I remember it well. Sitting in the front room
of my spacious home on the shore of Lake Tahoe screaming, “Stomp the
b****rd and lay the boots to him”. What isn’t part of history was that
Bowe was ahead at the time ‘Fly Guy’ appeared with a good chance of
getting the win. Bowe got a rematch with Holyfield in 1995. Bowe was
impressive stopping Holyfield at 58 seconds of round 8. After the fight
medical reports circulated that Holyfield had a ‘hole” in his heart
which accounted for his sluggish performance.
Holyfield retired, went to a revival meeting where the
‘hole’ in his heart was healed by religion. He married the healer. Some
might claim that the marriage was either a reward or payback for deeds
performed. True fact. But back to Bowe. He then fought Andrew ‘The Foul
Pole’ Golota. Bowe was clearly losing the fight from the opening bell but
Golota just couldn’t resist his ‘Bobbit Jeans’ to land low blow after
low blow. Finally in the 12th Referee Wayne Kelly called a halt to the
action giving Bowe the DQ win. Five month later they met again same results
DQ. In the second fight Bowe went down in rounds 2 and 5 with Golota kissing
canvas in the 4th. In short it was “one hell of a fight”. But Golota
ignored referee Eddie Cotton’s warning to “keep’em up.” Since then
Bowe has had ‘some issues’. That is after his ‘Chimes heeled’ and he
stopped hiding each time the Avon Lady rang the door bell.
Bowe joined the United States Marines only to leave after
a few days. ‘Get up at what time?” He spent 18 months as a guest of the
state for kidnapping his ex-wife and 5 children. Oh yes, and he sued his
boxer sister for assault and battery after she laid a whipping on him. Well
he’s back. During his stay with the state a judge prohibited him from
boxing. Once out of the clutches of ‘the man’ he was free to start
boxing again. He got a license in the Virgin Island (There are Islands
there) and will fight on an Indian Reservation in Oklahoma. By fighting on
the Injun reservation he does not come under the supervision of
‘legitimate’ boxing officials. Maybe calling boxing officials
‘legitimate’ is probably a slight stretch. Fights a gentleman named Jeff
Lally (23-23). Lally’s 23-23 record is actually worse than it looks. In
his last 17 he’s 2-14-1. The two guys Lally beat? They would be 12-81.
Welcome back Riddock. Join the fun loving group in the heavyweight division.
WBC bantam king Veerapol Sahaprom was scheduled to meet
Ricardo ‘Chapo’ Vargas for his 14th title defense on September 11. Not
going to be. ‘Chapo’ lost to Heriberto Ruiz in an IBF title eliminator
on April 24. “You fight IBF you no fight WBC”. It is written. In steps
Cecilio Santos (15-3), maybe. The Square Ring leaving no stone unturned to
bring you the latest has discovered that Santos is scheduled to fight Eiji
Kojima (10-3) in Osaka on September 20. Who will be across the ring from
Veerapol at Chaophraya Dam’s Ground, Chainart Province on September 11?
Darned if I know. I do know that WBA #11 Pongsith Wiengwiset completely out
boxed (119-109,119-109,118-111) Rud 4K Kevkatche to retain his PABA 130lb
title. Pongsith was the Gold Meadalist in Asian Games 1998 and an Olympian
twice. At the Atlanta Games in 1996, he advanced to the quarterfinal in the
lightweight division before being defeated by Terrence Cauthen on points
The only Scandinavian boxer to enter the Olympic Tournament in Athens,
Greece, went out in his opening fight. 22-year old Swede Patrick Bogere lost
43-35 to Romeo Brin of the Philippines. Four years ago England had one boxer
in the Olympics. Audley Harrison represented the “Motha County” well by
taking the Gold in the Super Heavyweight division. This time around England
is represented by a lone boxer at light weight. Young 17 year old Amir Khan
got to the round of 16 at press time by defeating European champion Dimitar
Stilianov of Bulgaria 37-21. The young Brit was behind after round one but
came back for the “W”. At press time Thailand’s team is doing OK but
will have to beat an always tough Cuba Team that holds all the aces. At
press time the best chances for Thailand medals are Bantam Worapoj Petchkoon
and Light welter Manus Boonjumnong who are both in the round of 16. How
about them Apples? Drink to that? In a heartbeat!
Play Misty’s....Again
Misty’s Second Annual Open
The above title was on every
participant’s lips as they left the friendly confines of owner Andy
James’ Misty’s A-Go-Go following the Second Annual Misty’s Open. This
relatively new entrant to the feast of “majors” in Pattaya continued to
make strides towards etching itself in as a staple in the annual local golf
itinerary. The tournament, a four-man scramble, was held last Friday on the
North and West Course of the Plutaluang Navy Golf Course, a venue superior
in conditioning and architecture to its South and East brethren. The field
found the staff to be most helpful, the new “lighthouse” green to be
most challenging and the beer to be just the right price. The course which
measures 6,727 yards off the men’s whites presents as difficult a
challenge as any of the layouts on the Eastern Seaboard.
 Winners
of Misty’s Second Annual Open, Mike’s Maniacs: Mike Craighead, John McHugh,
Oddvar Rykke and Tony Curran.
The participants were greeted at registration with a
tasty brunch treat of sausage sandwiches with a nearly elegant Bloody Mary
accompaniment to ease its digestion.
It was then off to a shotgun start on a totally reserved
course that saw participants finishing in four hours, and under. Given a
relaxing margin between conclusion of the round and the start of the evening
festivities, some competitors had a cool libation at the beautiful two-plus
year old clubhouse, some fell prey to some of the entertainment pitfalls
that dot the short trip from Sattahip to Pattaya or stopped by their house
“to freshen up”. Whatever their route, they arrived at Misty’s on Soi
Pattayaland 2 and were ushered in by smiling hostesses to a sumptuous buffet
accompanied by the traditional roast pork. As advertised, the prize-giving
commenced promptly at 7:15, as scheduled, and with managers Simon and Tim
trying to prompt owner Andy on the vagaries of golf, the trophies, that
Pattaya Sports Supply’s Alan Ross made as substantial and regal as any
seen in these parts, and the cavalcade of attendant prizes were announced
and presented. Also as billed, the night was sprinkled in 30 minute
intervals with raffle calls that saw vouchers, DVD’s and many other
prizes, many of which were graciously provided by generous friends of
Andy’s and Misty’s.
 Runners-up,
The Boswell Group with Doug White, Gary Chatfield, Trevor Satwell, Patrick
Young.
Oh yeah, back to the golf. The competition was stiff as
over one-third of the field was spaced by less than 1.5 strokes! It was left
to Mike Craighead, a virtual citizen of the world given his nomadic and
varied business career, to mesh the guile that comes with age to the
athleticism that comes with youth in putting together the winning team. He
had long hitting, as evidenced by the long drive recognition, of Johnny
McHugh, the steadiness of John’s Guam buddy, Tony Curran, and the handicap
and effervescence of Oddvar Rykke, not to mention the old gnome himself.
While Mike’s Maniacs took the biggest trophy home, there is no question
that the best golfers in the field on this day, and probably many other
days, were The Boswell Group, and one need look no further than their gross
28, yes gross 28, on the West 9. They were only bridled by the local
Scramble Rule that restricts a team to no higher than the handicap of its
lowest player. The boys from Bangkok, therefore, had to manage at scratch!
As was to be the story at every rung of the victory ladder, their impressive
numbers still required a count back to determine the silver over
Lewiiski’s Prime Cut. Even 3rd Runner-up was a countback between the
victorious Mulligan’s based Par Busters and PSC’s G Toys R Us comprised
of treasurer Alan Pearce, assistant to golf manager Ian Edwards, John Hall
and Phil Taylor. The victory stand alone spoke to the broad based appeal of
the Misty’s Open.
 Lewiinski’s
Prime Cut: John Emmerson, Joe Mooneyham, Roger Koehler and Julian Clarke in
third place with a score of 61.0.
While the field was eager to thank Andy, his managers
Simon and Tim and the staff who helped on the course and at the evening’s
festivities, Andy, in turn was quick to thank his friends at The Boswell
Group, The Classroom, Bruno’s Restaurant, Club Electric Blue, The Blind
Beggar, The Dollhouse, The FLB Bar, The Harley Bar, Lewiinski’s,
Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant, Nelson’s Autohaus and The Shamrock Bar for
their significant role in making the day a great success.
So with arms often laden with trophies and prizes, the
day’s golfers and the night’s revelers made their way home thinking
about next year when they will... Play Misty’s...Again.
Championship Team: Mike’s Maniacs - Mike Craighead, John McHugh, Oddvar
Rykke and Tony Curran - 60.6. 1st Runner-up: Boswell Group - Doug White,
Gary Chatfield, Trevor Satwell, Patrick Young - 61.0. 2nd Runner-up:
Lewiinski’s Prime Cut - John Emmerson, Joe Mooneyham, Roger Koehler and
Julian Clarke - 61.0. 3rd Runner-up: Par Busters - Ken Avery, Ken McCarthy,
Vince Smyth and Gerry Power - 61-1. Technical
Prizes:
Near Pins (sponsored by The Classroom): #3 North:
Christopher “Curly” Platten; #6 North:Randi “Dr. Doom” Blacet; #3
West: Richie Heaton; #8 West: Doug White.
Long Drives: Ladies: Poo Supraporn; Men’s Hcp 0-18: John McHugh;
Men’s Hcp 19-28: Steve “LAX” Wilkens. Nearest the Keg: Ian Edwards
A new football club is born - Seaboard FC
New local football club is about to be born with their
first game this coming Saturday, August 28 and scheduled to start at 3 p.m.
on the Naklua pitch. The game will be played against the British Club of
Bangkok, who will be touring Walking Street and possibly other areas of
Pattaya. Their tour strangely coincides with the closing of the Bangkok bars
this weekend due to local elections.
The new club is called Seaboard FC who has applied to
enter the MBMG International Soccer League, comprising mainly Bangkok-based
teams of various nationalities.
Running the club will be Foster Wheeler’s football club
coach for a number of seasons, Rick Bryant, assisted by British Club and
former Racing Club Pattaya player, Peter Mewes, who is quoted as saying:
“We aim to win every game but whatever the result the idea is to have fun.
We want a good sociable bunch of guys with no prima donnas, Maradonnas,
control freaks, whingers, weekend-shoppers, away game car-sickness
sufferers, rugby players or those afraid of tropical storms - that just
about covers it”.
The “fun” encompasses offering post-match hospitality
to away sides. This starts on Saturday with a BBQ in the back garden of the
Kilkenny Pub, Walking Street, from about 7.30 p.m. onwards. Live football
will also be screened for those that just can’t get enough of it.
The competitive MBMG League starts in about 2 months but
in the meantime Seaboard FC hopes to attract some sponsorship, support and
any new players fancying a try-out in pre-season friendlies or training - so
if any of the above interests you then please let Seaboard FC have your
comments by email to: seaboardfc @hotmail.com. Watch this space for future
match reports and events.
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