Wighton and Wardell scramble to victory

IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral

The latest Bunker Boys’ two day event, out of the OK Corral, was held at the immaculate Green Valley course on Monday and Tuesday, September 20 and 21, under heavy skies and in very humid conditions on both days.

The successful pairing of Bob Wighton and Richard Wardell won the latest Bunker Boys’ two day event, out of the OK Corral, at the immaculate Green Valley course on Monday and Tuesday, September 20 and 21.

Ten teams had entered the event, a pairs scramble, and the stage was set for a feast of golf under the rules of this popular format. The players were not to be disappointed as, at the end of the first day, things were very tight at the top of the table with only four shots covering the top three teams.

Bill Hewitt and Keith Hector held third place with a score of net 68, the long hitting pair of Bob Wighton and Richard Wardell sat on net 65 and the halfway leaders Terry Phur and William Macey enjoyed the honours with a score of 63.8.

The first day’s presentation buffet was sponsored by “birthday boy” Neil Hughes and a superb evening followed, for which the lads are extremely grateful and our thanks and best wishes are extended to Neil.

The second day dawned with greens uncut, therefore slower, and the usually fastidious green staff were a little tardy because they decided to reposition the pins after the first playing group had passed through, thereby making approach shots more difficult for some of the following teams. Only in Thailand!

Amazingly, the average of shots per team was to remain exactly the same, 70.74, on both the two days but those making moves included the senior pairing of Bob Pearce and John Healy, who took the second day honours with a fine net 67.6.

In the leading group, the long hitting of Bob and Richard was put to good effect as they overhauled the leaders, who nose-dived out of the frame with five bogies for a disappointing second day total of 71.8.

The final results showed that Bob and Richard (135) held the narrowest of leads, 0.6 of a shot, over Terry and William (135.6), whilst the Yorkshire duo of Bill Hewitt and Keith Hector (137) won the head-to-head battle with Neil Hughes and Len Jones for third place.

There were eight birdie twos with the winners and third placed teams bagging birdies on both days and the Bananas went to the slow-coaches of the week, Jim Wilson and John Sutherland, playing here for the first time, for their high score of 153, nine over par.

Once again Green Valley and a two-day format had given much enjoyment to all those who took part and many are anticipating the event next month, which will feature the society’s annual individual championship.

All “Chang” at Laem Chabang

The Bunker Boys from the OK Corral made a welcome return to Jack Nicklaus’ masterpiece at Laem Chabang after an absence of almost a year and found the “C” and “A” nines in pristine condition for their weekly Stableford competition.

The large field was cut at 14 and under and, beginning on the testing “C” nine, they proceeded to play their shots under a hot and humid sky.

The back nine was a deal easier because the Mountain course white tees were positioned very near the ladies’ tees and consequently the scores for the back nine were much better than could otherwise have been expected.

In division two Richard Wardell and Harry Cowling managed 34 points each to give them a share of third place, whilst Brian Bellis went one shot better to take second place.

Bob Lindborg, Pattaya’s most frequent golfer, performed to par again and his 37 points took the divisional honours.

In division one the scores were much better with Keith Hector and Simon Spaulding each scoring 38 points to share the second spot, Simon scoring the day’s best gross of 75. Newcomer Chang Suh amazingly followed up his net 66 the day before at neighbouring Burapha with a scorching score of 42 points to win the day. The handicapper is already sharpening his pencil!

The thrice rolled-over Super Sawng award went to Sam Hill for his birdie two on “C” 5, whilst the new Thai-Ger Line champion, Ciano Glavinia, was awarded the Banana Booby for his low score of 25 points on his first return since his “tigerish” feat in August. It was inevitable really, knowing how Mr. Loy loves to rub it in!

Elephant Man tames Burapha

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday September 20
Khao Kheow
Stableford

1st Richard Garland 38pts
2nd Frank Boyd 35pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 34pts

Bogeyman Trevor Schirmer relaxes at The Haven.

The Pizza Man, Richard Garland posted the best score from the Haven at Khao Kheow for over two months with his 38 points in the Stableford off the yellow tees. Most of the tees were well back, indeed very close to the blue tees. He beat the long hitting visitor from the U.S.A., Frank Boyd who in turn was one shot better off than Trevor Schirmer. Not content with winning the overall competition, Richard Garland had to help himself to the twos’ pot, having had the only two of the day.

Back at the Haven Richard Livingston welcomed back Frank Boyd, Simon Spalding, Bill Hird and Paul Simpson.

Wednesday September 22
Burapha
Medal

1st Chang Suh 66
2nd Serge Straeten 70 c/b 33
3rd Simon Spalding 70 c/b 35
4th Roy Thornton 70 c/b 37

It has not taken much acclimatisation for Chang Suh, our frequent visitor from Hawaii to get on to the podium. His 66 on Monday at Burapha outclassed the rest of the field led by Serge, Simon and Major Roy. Serge taking second spot by virtue of a better count back. To cap his day he was also to take a share of the twos with Simon Spalding and Frank Boyd.

Back at the Haven Richard welcomed back Sam Hill and Dave Spendley.

Friday September 24
Phoenix, Bogey

1st Trevor Schirmer +2
2nd Frank Boyd +1 c/b +2
3rd Roy Thornton +1 c/b a/s
4th Phil Groves +1 c/b -2

In a week that had seen the Brits jubilant over the Ryder Cup win over the USA, and the thrashing of the Aussie’s in the one day cricket international, it is sad to report that the top of the podium positions this week have been filled by Americans earlier in the week, and today by Trevor Schirmer an Australian. Trevor played an excellent back nine, having reached the turn two down, but turning it around so that he finished two up. Frank Boyd (another American) pipped Roy Thornton, the only Brit to have appeared on the podium this week, into second place, with Aussie Phil Groves in fourth. Phil also took the twos pool.

Richard welcomed Tom Hillary and welcomed back John Clement and Roar Berger.

Ray Dell around it all week

IPGC Golf from Lewiinksi’s

Sunday, September 19
Green Valley,
White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight, Steve Mascari, 42 points
2nd Place A Flight, Pete Stonebridge, 42 points
3rd Place A Flight, Joe Mooneyham, 40 points
1st Place B Flight, Stephen Mulberry, 42 points
2nd Place B Flight, Paul Breen, 40 points
3rd Place B Flight, Jim Munns, 37 points
Near Pins: # 5, Steve Mascari; #13, Ray Dell

Steve Mascari was preparing to leave town on a high note. Steve, making his annual sojourn to the States, gave the gang something to remember him by with a sizzling 42 point, gross 71 effort and a near pin. Nobody will be happier to see him leave then Pete Stonebridge who suffered a count back loss for first place in A flight despite being six under his handicap, albeit on the weekend shortened Green Valley setup. Joe Mooneyham added an impressive 40 points to the last step of the podium.

Stephen Mulberry upheld the honor of B flight with his own 42 points which placed him 2 clear of Aussie Paul Breen. Jim Munns served notice that he might be finding his form with a count back victory over Ray Dell. Ray assuaged his loss by grabbing the remaining near pin.

Tuesday, September 21
Khao Kheow, A & B,
White or Yellow tees
Stableford

1st Place Yellow Flight, Ray Dell, 37 points
2nd Place Yellow Flight, Steve Mascari, 35 points
1st Place White Flight, Ron Gale, 40 points
2nd Place White Flight, Jeremy Masse, 38 points
3rd Place White Flight, Eric O’Brien, 36 points

As the Society does on several occasions, the field was split by choice of tees rather than by handicap. Ray Dell continued his fine play on the very demanding Khao Kheow course when played off the yellow tees. Ray, who has won sporadically during his extended stay, put the exclamation point on a week that would see a first, second, count back loss of third and a near pin. Steve Mascari earned his airport tax with a second place in the long hitting flight.

Ron Gale came riding into town for a single round and stole the show with a best on the day 40 points, albeit on the shorter, but still tricky, white teed course. Jeremy Masse took the first of two seconds on the week with his 38 points. Eric “The Big E” knocked it around to his handicap and third place in the second tier.

Wednesday,
September 22
Bangpra, White Tees
Stroke Medal

1st Place A Flight, Jim Boyd, net 73
2nd Place A Flight, Bill Collis, net 74
3rd Place A Flight, Eddie Blackwell, net 74
1st Place B Flight, Norm Robinson, net 72
2nd Place B Flight, Ray Dell, net 73
3rd Place B Flight, Paul Breen, net 74

Who is that guy? That isn’t the head of the Pattaya/Bali Hai Chamber of Commerce is it? It certainly is! Ol’ Jim Boyd, now sporting a lower than anyone can remember 15 handicap, took A flight (Yes A!) top spot. Billy Collis, back in Pattaya after a number of years hiatus in Dhaka, started to show acclimation as his net 74 took second, benefiting from a three-way count back victory. Eddie Blackwell stayed on the podium in that three-fete, while The Hermit was left holding the bag.

Stormin’ Norman seems to pop up once a week and that he did on this, as his best on the day net 72 took the junior circuit. Ray Dell captured his aforementioned silver and Paul Breen cashed his second check on the week.

Friday, September 24
St. Andrews or
Green Valley
White Tees
Stableford

1st Place St. Andrews Flight, Phil Corbin, 39 points
2nd Place St. Andrews Flight, Seamus Brennan, 36 points
3rd Place St. Andrews Flight, Rick Sharp, 35 points
1st Place Green Valley Flight, Jim Munns, 38 points
2nd Place Green Valley Flight, Jeremy Masse, 38 points

In a continuing effort to accommodate the varied tastes of the Society’s players, Friday’s comp utilized the collocation of St. Andrews 2000 and Green Valley to appease those members who wished to play the green monster and those players who wished to play the tough weekday setup of the Society’s home course.

Phil Corbin picked the right day to play the demanding par 74 layout as he shot gross 79 for 39 points. Seamus Brennan showed the course can be tamed by high handicappers as he shot level 36 points. Rick Sharp, using the course management tools that have garnered him every golf honor in Pattaya, steered it around for 35 points and third place in the newer course flight. Jimmy Munns invoked the privileges of course membership as he took a count back victory over Jeremy Masse in the original course flight.

Morris wins Three Sisters

Americans win Ryder Cup

The Coral Reef boys head for the hills

coral reef golf tournament Sept. 19 & 20

September was here again and time once more for The Coral Reef Monsoon Mug. This year the intrepid golfers headed for the beautiful Royal Hills Golf Club. As usual, the Monsoon Mug lived up to its name and the rains came down on the 2nd hole! Unfortunately, it had been raining most of the weekend during which time the course had been inundated with the hordes from Bangkok who, true to form, attacked the course in an armada of buggies which left it looking as though the Lombard RAC rally had just passed through!

Still, preferred lies were the order of the day and golfers headed out into the quagmire. The rain stopped and the sun shone through and a good day was had by all.

Stableford was the format and Mark “Fluff” Bonner hit form to become the eventual winner with 36 points, which was a commendable score considering the swamp like conditions. For a change, Clive “Juicy” Bruce had to be content with second place with 34 points.

The wooden spoon award went to Dave “Killer” Kyle who had the round of his life and clocked up a total of 3 (three) points!

Special prize for the closest brush with death went to Jez Lees after almost being swallowed up by quicksand in a very wet greenside bunker on the 18th!

Then it was back to the clubhouse for cheese and wine and the now traditional cabaret act from Jez “Tommy Cooper” Lees (complete with his authentic Egyptian fez). A few beers while watching the Ryder Cup on the TV and saw how it was supposed to be done and then off to bed.

Monday morning dawned sunny and dry and after trying various cures in the attempt to shake off the hangovers, the crew gave up and headed to the first tee for the team competition.

Again, the format was Stableford in teams of three, the eventual winners being the formidable “double agents” team of Tommy Cooper Jez, Juicy Clive and Coral Reef Phil with a team score of 63 points beating the “shy lads” team of Steve “bigun” Grey, Fluff Bonner, and George “Robert” Jackson into second place with a score of 62 points.

Lunch in the clubhouse and back to the bright lights of Pattaya for a night on the town.

An excellent couple of days and thanks to all who attended.

2004 TQ Masters Golf Tournament

Friday October 22 is the date for the 11th annual TQ Masters Golf Tournament, returning this year to Eastern Star Country Club & Resort.

The coveted green jacket will be up for the best Stableford score from the men and, acknowledging the lady golfers who like to participate in this major tournament, a Masters pink jacket will again be awarded for the best ladies Stableford score.

Early sign-ups are recommended and entry forms, with full details, are available at the golf venues, Shenanigans, and Tahitian Queen, Beach Road.

Completed entry forms, with 1500 baht entry fee, should be given to Woody or Joe Otter or Steve Donovan at TQ Beach Road, or to Mike Franklin.

Entries are only confirmed with payment, and the usual sell-out of this popular tournament is anticipated. The field will close at 128, so sign-up early please.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Memphis Tennessee (USA) is known as the home of the blues, ribs and Elvis. Most believe that Elvis is dead so that leaves BBQ ribs and blues. Last Sunday morning no one was singing the blues more than Roy Jones jr. Glencoffe Johnson (41-9-2) used a swarming attack and a never say die approach to completely dominate Roy Jones Jr. (49-3) before knocking him colder than a Teelock’s look the morning after.

A debilitating right hand sent Jones to the canvas with the count of 10 ending at 48 seconds of round 9. Jones lay on the canvas for minutes after the fight, unable to focus. His trip to hospital for a medical checkup showed that all vital signs were normal. Well, maybe except his over inflated ego, which probably got the air let out of it. “About time”.

Johnson was recognized as the “guy that went into the other guy’s hometown and lost a close decision.” Not this time. “I’ll fight any man,” said Johnson afterward. “I’m not the best in the world; I’m just the man who is willing to fight the best.”

The next Songkran when you bomb the heck out of the “red towel or blue towels” as they return to their hotel after the regulated 35 minutes at the beach having fun, please remember that “paybacks” are a son-of-a-gun. Former Japanese 135-pound and 140-pound champ Tadashi Yuba used a devastating left hook that exploded on the jaw of undermanned Thai Chainarayana Eau Samphandh. Twice the lad from Thailand kissed canvas before being counted out at 0:36 of the 2nd.

It wasn’t a good week for Thai fighters wherever they engaged the enemy. In the Philippines former WBC superflyweight champion Gerry Pe๑alosa had his way with outgunned Thai Samingkao Chautipol. As I wasn’t there the account provided by Dennis Principe is a classic: “Former WBC superflyweight champion Gerry Pe๑alosa is back in his old, explosive form, so fearsome that the mere aim of throwing a punch made his Thai foe fall down in defeat. The end came at 2:35 of the second round as the southpaw Pe๑alosa methodically demolished Thai youngster Samingkao Chautipol with vicious body shots and combinations. Before the stoppage, Pe๑alosa dropped Chautipol with a hard right to the body just a few seconds into the fateful round. Moments later, Pe๑alosa again dropped the hapless visitor after throwing a flurry of powerful combinations. The 19-year-old Chautipol was able to beat the count, albeit being terror-stricken. But just as Pe๑alosa was about to release a right hook aimed at Chautipol’s body, the teener covered his face and simultaneously fell down willfully, forcing the Thai’s corner to throw in the towel.”

Ireland’s favorite export, Wayne McCullough (27-4) got back in the ring with a bang. He got a 2 round KO of out manned Mike Juarez (23-15-2) in a featherweight bout. The headliner for that card was James “Lights Out” Toney (68-4-2) who has been on the shelf for 11 months. He copped a one sided 12 round unanimous decision (117-110, 118-108, 120-107) over previously unbeaten Rydell Booker. Toney claimed to have hurt his shoulder in the first as an excuse for not scoring a KO over an opponent who was out of shape and provided little competition. Always one to run his mouth, Toney claimed after the fight that he was the best heavyweight out there. IBF Champ Chris Byrd answered, “He’s a joke.”

One other fight of some note was European middleweight champion Howard Eastman (43-1-0) getting a “tough paid workout” against Jerry Elliott (37-4-1) in their non-title 10 rounder in Nottingham. Elliott was a last minute sub for Espana’s Jorge Sendra who could not prove medical evidence he was fit to box. Elliot lost 99-91 to provide physical evidence that he probably wasn’t fit either. Eastman seems ready to step up in class with future hopes of fighting Jermine Taylor with the winner getting Bernard Hopkins “We’ll take care of Taylor without any question.”

Mick Hennessy, Eastman’s promoter said, “The only slight doubt I have about this fight happening lies with Taylor as he and his team have yet to take up my offer. Either way we have the situation covered because the WBC has informed us that if Taylor pulls out Howard will automatically get to challenge Hopkins. Kids remember this, “Hopkins does what Hopkins wants.”

Next Saturday morning as the sun rises over the soon to be pristine view along Beach Road, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (36-0) will be stepping in the ring in the M.E.N. Arena, Manchester to face Michael Stewart (36-3-3). This should be a somewhat easy fight as Hatten is among the top three at his weight. The problem is that the top two are really good. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Miguel มngel Cotto (21-0, 17 KO’s) with Cotto probably the best of the bunch.

That as a given, Hatten will have to face one of them to take the next step. Of course he could just stay in the Motha Country, make money and fight “opponents.” As the lady said, “Is up to you.”

Two kinda big cards in America on Sunday. The “really” big match is the comeback of Felix Trinidad (41-1) against Ricardo Mayorga (27-4) at 160 pounds. Trinidad is a big favorite even though he hasn’t been in the ring since May of 2002. “That’s when he lost to Bernard Hopkins, right?” “Nay, Nay,” I say to thee. In May of 2002 Trinidad KO’d Hassine Cherifi (32-6) in 4. It was September of “ought 1” when Trinidad got clocked by Hopkins.

Mayorga, The Mad Man from Managua, has a good shot here of stopping Trinidad’s comeback before it starts. If Mayorga gets Trinidad in a brawl type fight, he wins. If not Trinidad is on track to a rematch with Oscar.

The other fight of some note is the return of Wladimir Klitschko (42-3). When last seen he was running out of gas and giving up against Lemon Brewster. He gets the perfect set up in DaVarryl Williamson (20-2) who tends to be OK if he can get out of the first couple of rounds. Wlad has too much power for good guy Williamson.

If boxing is the international sport as most claim then the war on terror should be the glue that holds free countries together. Jack Hensley was beheaded by a bunch of cowards hiding behind masks and a perverted view of religion. Jack Hensley was a Yank who married a cook from one of my favorite haunts in Bangkok, The Silver Dollar. He was the guy on the next bar stool who you shared a brew. Maybe chatted about football or boxing or Thailand his adopted home. The next Jack Hensley may be the guy sitting next to you as when you read this column. Getting rid of the terrorist coward bums is everybody’s business. Jack never had a chance. Our condolences to Jack’s family and his friends here in the Thailand.