The 6th ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament

Mike Franklin

The 6th ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament, sponsored by Chivas Regal & Eastern Star, will be held on Friday November 12 at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort.

Here is an early notice about this years’ tournament.

The tournament format will be singles Stroke play all groups teeing-off from the 10th Tee.

The course will be closed, so any delay will only be if the group in front is not keeping up, as the usual crossover delay between the nines has been eliminated.

Marshals will be evident on the course to give ‘assistance’, where necessary to ensure a smooth round for everyone.

Bookings can be made using the entry form, at the Diana Inn with John Cole, or with me.

As in the previous five years of the event, the key word is ‘Gold’ and there will be at least one ‘one-baht’ gold item to be won on every hole, and gold to be won in the lucky draw too.

All proceeds from the Tournament will go to the Diana Group Charity Foundation and be used in the support of under privileged and deserving children in and around the Pattaya area.

Details and Entry Forms will be available at the venues shortly, but here is an early opportunity to sign-up for Diana Gold and guarantee a preferred tee time.

PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday October 4, The Royal Lakeside Country Club Stroke

The Royal Lakeside Country Club was host to a Strokeplay Competition under sunny skies with a strong wind blowing. The course was in its normal fine condition, particularly as this is the rainy season when courses tend to recover.

Richard Kubicki being received ‘The Mug’ from Bjarne.

Clive Robinson took the first place with a net 68, ahead of a three way countback on net 70 that saw Serge Straeton in second, Thomas Johansson in third and Jeff Wylie in fourth.

Thursday October 7, Bangpra Stroke - The Monthly Mug

For the first time in memory the Monthly Mug was not played on the last Thursday of the month, and unusually not at Siam. The reason was the wet weather of last week, but as they say ‘It’s an ill wind’ and with the weather at Bangpra being pretty good, this turned the day into not just another enjoyable day at Bangpra, but a day of cut and thrust that was enjoyed by all.

Clive Robinson

Fortunately for some, the greens were not at their fastest, and this lead to most producing reasonable scores, however this being a fairly difficult course nobody destroyed the course and only three players beat their handicap, and then only just.

Later back at the Cafe Kronborg, this being the only regular competition to go back there, the scores on the doors were declared and the winners hailed. In the B Flight, 16 upwards, the winner was that always dangerous ex-pro hockey player, Philippe Berra with a net 71 ahead of Toy Theobald with a net 72 and in third was Brian Noguer on a countback ahead of James Thompson, both net 73.

The A Flight, 0 to 15, was won by Thomas Johansson with a net 70, ahead of a countback for second on net 74 won by Kevin Mackintosh with Tim Holt in third.

So to the big one and, all were reminded that the winner has the right to have ‘The Mug’ filled by the rest of the players during the rest of the month. So to the winner and one of the most consistent players of the month came through, and the probable pre-favourite Richard Kubicki, came through to win with a net 69, and well done. T.T.F.N.

Serge has narrow win at Sriracha

IPGC Golf from the Haven

Monday October 4 Burapha Medal

1st Chang Suh, 71 - c/b 34
2nd Al Rolnik, 71 - c/b 35
3rd Bob Lindborg, 73

The Burapha East course, was, as, usual in excellent condition considering the recent rains, and fully tested the die-hards from the Haven. The only two players to break par on the day were the “Hawaiian Hurricane” Chang Suh, and his fellow American “Big Al “ Rolnik with there 71s. The Hawaiian Hurricane beating Al with a better back nine countback. The best of the also rans with a 73 was Bob Lindborg.

Monday’s winner “The Hawaiian Hurricane”, Chang Suh

The two’s pool was shared between Big Al, Roar Berger and the greedy, Roy Thornton who had two, two’s.

Back at the Haven, resident PGA professional Richard Livingston, said a farewell to Steve Lockhart.

Wednesday October 6 Bangpra Stableford

1st Barry Traynor, 41 pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer, 34 pts -c/b 18
3rd B. J Smith, 34 pts - c/b 17
4th Bob Lindborg, 34 pts - c/b 16

Only one of the twenty or so players managed to break par, and that was Barry Traynor, and did he not. In horse racing terms, there should have been a “steward’s enquiry”. Twenty-three points on the front nine, and seemingly coasting, it was only when he was within sight of the winning post that he decided to miss two foot putts and also to three putt! It was a close call for the minor placing with “Mr. Consistent”, Trevor Schirmer beating fellow Australian B.J. Smith and Bob Lindborg on countback. The two’s were shared by Trevor Schirmer and our winter visitor from Norway, Ole Stamnes.

Wednesday’s runaway winner, Barry Traynor.

At the Haven Richard welcomed back Ole Stamnes.

Friday October 8 Sriracha C.C Bogey

1st Serge Straeten, plus1 c/b, a/s
2nd Bob Turner, plus 1 c/b, -1
3rd Doug Williams, plus 1, c/b -2
4th Trevor Schirmer, all square

On a rain free day in Sriracha, Pattaya resident Serge Straeten led the field by virtue of his better back nine countback, from Bob Turner and newcomer Doug Williams, with Mr. Consistent Trevor Schirmer filling the final podium position.

The Sriracha course has an attractive layout, and the condition of the course in particular, the bunkers, have improved since I last played there. This was borne out by the fact that there was no two’s recorded, and there was a carry over to Monday.

Back at the Haven, Richard congratulated the winners and welcomed new members Len Teasdale and Doug Williams, and welcomed back long-term member Doug Campbell.

Clean Sweep for George & Dragon

The Original Pattaya Pool League

Group B: George & Dragon vs. H’s Bar

One thing about the English is that we always moan about the weather! But of course the rain back home is cold as well as wet! That’s why some of us don’t smile that much over there. The “mai pen rai” philosophy, although difficult for us to understand sometimes, is a lesson well learnt for the ex-pat if he wants to keep smiling here in Pattaya. But rules are rules, and they have to be obeyed.

George and Dragon team and Mick washed up from H’s Bar.

And so the heavens opened up the night before and continued on and off late into the afternoon of Monday as time drew near to the second match of the season for Tony and Huddersfield John’s team at the newly opened George & Dragon on Soi Bowling Green near the X-zyte Disco, South Pattaya against H’s bar from Soi Bua Khao near Sutus Court.

And then the fateful call came from Captain Dave at 8.15 p.m.; “Sorry, our team has been washed away”. It’s a shame but sometimes, especially at this time of year, even a short downpour can turn a small Soi into river in an hour or two. Just ask some bar owners in Soi Chaiyapoon around the corner!

The “Ice Queen” winneth!

So rain stopped play but it didn’t stop the drinking or subdue the party atmosphere in the George & Dragon for the team as well as Mick, the solitary player who ‘washed up’ on the their shore from H’s Bar. Unfortunately the game had to be conceded because they failed to inform the Home Team Bar within the statutory time period of 24 hours and so had to pay the fine.

Nice with Ice at Nadia’s - Group C: Nadia’s v Smugglers’ Rest

Situated on the corner of Soi Chaiyapoon and Soi Bua Khao is Nadia’s Bar, who was playing against Eric’s Team from Smugglers’ Rest on Naklua Road. Right from the start Captain Anthony placed the “Ice Queen” (or merely “Ice” to her close friends) a stunning Thai lass who played even better than she looked! Opponent John knew that everyone was watching this match for obvious reasons and maybe the pressure got to him... She played a cold and calculating match to defeat him in less than 5 minutes. Next up was Anthony against Brian. Minutes later the second game also went to Nadia’s.

But the third match saw “Branston” Don from Smugglers’ secure their only victory of the evening. Rico never really stood a chance against him as he skilfully played his game leaving his final black ball near a corner pocket. Rico tried an interesting shot at this point but left Don with a clear shot to finish. But the next 3 games soon came to an abrupt end as Gus soon cleared up against Roy, (Rumour has it that Gus used to play snooker in a previous life!) then “GNT” aka Kristian eventually defeated Boss Eric. Finally veteran Pool Hall owner and player, Barry quietly polished off his single’s match making it a convincing 5 - 1 victory for Nadia’s.

But it wasn’t until the second doubles game between Anthony and Ice against John and Barry that there some controversy arose. Barry (Smugglers’) was taking no prisoners as he slammed 2 balls straight down off the break. The balls flew around the table so quickly that no one noticed at first that one of the balls pocketed was actually the black! In some countries that would mean “end of game” and a few players at that point thought it was! But under the Original Pattaya Pool League Rules that means a re-rack! When it came to the Ice Queen’s turn she potted 3 spots quickly in succession. Barry returned the compliment with 3 stripes followed by a safety shot. This forced Anthony to foul and give away 2 shots. When Ice missed her shot it began to look as if it would all be over soon, especially as Barry was down to the black ball. Sadly he failed to pot it leaving Anthony with the chance he needed.

A trick shot on the yellow followed by the green into the corner left Anthony with only the black on the table. Both he and John tried and failed to pot so it was down to Ice to sink the black. And that she did effortlessly!

The final game saw Smugglers Eric and Brian play safe all the way through but it just wasn’t safe enough as Adam and “GNT” copied their style. Even though it was one of the longer games in the match, ending in an overall victory of 8 - 1 to Nadia’s, it showed that the Smugglers team never gave up and played their best right through to the end despite the result.

With not a single mouthful of stew left in the pot from the half time refreshments (and it was a big pot!) and a mountain of empty beer bottles behind the counter there was no doubt that everyone enjoyed the evening. And that’s how Monday nights should be, every time! Watch this space next week to see what happens to “Pool around Pattaya” when we make our way towards Jomtien!

Form goes out the window

MBMG Bangkok Casuals League - Week 1

Bewilderment, confusion and dismay struck Bangkok and a few Pattaya bars on Friday night. After scores of young, lithe, athletic men flooded into various bars ordering ‘chicken and beans’ in thick Geordie accents. Had the custodians of alcohol consulted their almanacs they would have known to expect lower takings, as Saturday was opening day for the MBMG International Casuals League.

Determined to recoup their losses, form guides were studied, histories were examined and match stats compiled. Dubliner, never lost in Pattaya, check away win, Scans, never lost to the Japanese, check home win.

As any football fan knows, bugger form.

A solid Pattaya team outplayed the Mighty Dubliner without Paul ‘everything through me’ Crouch. The Dubliner after scoring in the opening minute couldn’t withstand constant Pattaya pressure applied by the tireless running of Drake, Chubby and Spence. 2-1 down by the start of the second half any chance for a share of the spoils were dashed by the head of Chai, 3-1 at the final whistle.

The Scandinavian Vikings also lost on opening day to a fast pace Japanese side going down 2-0. The league’s first female manager getting it right straight from the off.

In other fixtures the Bullshead raced to the top of the league with a 6-1 hammering of Pattana. Are the Bullies back we ask? The newly named Robin Hood still couldn’t do any better than previously against the Germans All Stars drawing 1-1, the GAS equalizing with 10 minutes to go. AFC Shrewsbury held out for a 1-0 win against Bangkok Blitz and Seaboard not travelling well, lost 1-0 in a reversal of their friendly game, to British Club Casuals.

Results (Week 1): Robin Hood FC 1 vs. German All Stars 1; Bulls Head Brazilians 6 vs. Patana 1; Racing Club Pattaya 3 vs. The Dubliner 1; British Club Casuals 1 vs. Seaboard FC 0; Blitz FC 1 vs. AFC Shrewsbury 3; Bangkok United 2 vs. Scandinavian Vikings 0

YWCA charity bowling tournament to benefit underprivileged children

Winners to receive the HRH Princess Sirindhorn Trophy

Suchada Tupchai

The YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Chapter is organizing a charity bowling tournament to raise funds in support of scholarships programs for underprivileged children as part of their ongoing ‘Happy Family Project’.

Organisers and YWCA members of this weekend’s YWCA charity bowling tournament for the underprivileged at the press conference in front of the many trophies up for grabs.

These funds will enable them to carry on with the ‘Lunch for the school children’ scheme, which is one of the many worthwhile projects the club does for the benefit of the underprivileged in our community. The winning team will have the honor of receiving the ‘HRH Princess Sirindhorn Cup’.

In a press conference last week, competition guidelines were laid out with teams of 3 competing for the highest score over 3 games. The event will be held at the P.S. Bowling from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 16.

Entries in the individual and team categories are welcome. For more information, please contact the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Chapter, telephone number, 038-716 316 and 038-367 5293.

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya winds up in-house sports competition

Suchada Tupchai

The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya wound up its in -house sports competition last week with a spectacular finish. The highlight of the day was the cheerleading contest between the four color teams around the hotel’s pool area.

The incredible ‘Banana boat tug of war’ was a sight to behold.

The four teams, blue, red, orange and green comprising of hotel staff members battled it out over 10 days of vigorous sports fest in true Hard Rock Style. Andrew Khoo, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya general manager closed the games as the winner of the cheerleading contest was announced. The blue team took home 2,000 in cash and prizes for their colorful effort.

The afternoon switched to the water where guests and staff took part in more fun activities including a banana boat tug-of-war, ‘water passing’ and ‘the mummy returns’.

The hotel also thanked the women’s volleyball team for their victory at the recent Thai Hotel Association-Eastern Chapter games. The event was followed by a staff party with food and drink laid on for all in attendance.

Jester’s Sponsored Bike Ride was on in 2004 & it was Indoors!

By David Garred,
Dusit Resort Sports Club manager

Words like Spinning & RPM will mean something to regular gym users but the other 95% of the population might need a bit of an explanation before we go on.

So this is what was left after the last class, big smiles and good feelings from a job well done!

Basically, a Spin Class is a mountain or road bike ride done, with the help and motivation of music and a specially trained instructor, on a custom fitted exercise bike for about 45 minutes.

With the very recent completion of the extensions to Dusit Resort Sports Club and the inclusion of a purpose built Indoor Cycling or Spinning Studio, a unique opportunity presented itself to continue the grand tradition, started by Darren Rose, Paul Baker and more recently Kim Fletcher, of the Jester’s Bike Ride.

During the class lunacy

The massive popularity of this bike ride, last year with over 400 riders participating and raising approximately 360,000 baht was its own downfall, as none of us would wish to see any of the kind hearted people injured while raising charity funds and enjoying a Sunday morning bike ride. Too many people, too many opportunities for accidents proved too much of a risk, so, the outdoor ride was canned.

However, the passion for the sport/exercise and charity/good will connection still runs strong with many fine individuals in our community. It was these people who braved the new exercise concept of Spinning or Indoor Cycling - at very short notice to try out one of the five classes held throughout the day on October 2.

David teaching the first class of the day on the Jesters Indoor Sponsored Bike Ride. he said “Yes, I was trying to look silly and I won the bet!”

All the sensible people, most of those that had not done a Spin class before joined me at 8 a.m. for the “silly hat” class. We were able to keep with the fun theme, as I knew it would be more of an instructional class with jokes thrown in to break up the education and big effort sections.

The 4 classes to follow were completely different, and I must thank our star instructors who donated their time and massive enthusiasm to letting all of the rest of the more seasoned riders know what can be achieved on an indoor bike. There were Mexican waves, Air Guitar, Air Bongos, A big base drum and even an “air world’s smallest violin” played by class members as a part of the fun. We heard all types of singing, saw head purist AC/DC fans head banging and sweat dripping to the floor surrounding the bikes as we progressed from song to song. Riders were hanging out for the rest periods between songs and those, most welcome, during song rests we earned due to maximal effort being given by all - air conditioning never tasted so sweet!

Come the end of the day we lost track of the calories burned in the name of charity and the sides were aching from a dose of laughter but amongst a few willing, and still happy at the post event stage, participants we managed to follow in the tradition of the Jester’s Bike Ride and raised 22,000 baht for disadvantaged kids in our local area.

The day flowed well from class to class, we saw several campers kitted out in costume - to varying degrees and the 3 basic tenets of group exercise were easily achieved - Safe, Fun & Effective. As a result, the future of the Jester’s Bike ride for the masses has been secured and it will be on again inside the Spinning Studio at Dust Resort Sports Club, again, next year.

My thanks go to my GM, K. Chatchawal and most of the entire staff of Dusit Resort, Pattaya for allowing my to attempt this “outside the box” concept. Thanks to Woody and the Jester’s committee for all the support and of course to Emma from Sportathalon Bangkok and the other hard working instructors; Woody, Nong and Boy for putting their heart and soul into each and every class.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all next year at the Jester’s fair & Pub night then the final event for 2005, the Jester’s Indoor Sponsored Bike Ride.

The Square Ring

I admit that I am not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, the strongest oar in the boat or a bubble that’s level. That aside I just can’t get this darn “Split Decision”- “Majority Decision” deal sorted out in my muddled mind. At least I’m not driving a tour bus while “fully loaded”. Yep did it again. Last week in reporting the results of the Klitschko contest I wrote, “As an “accidental head butt” they went to the judges cards with Klitschko getting a majority decision (49-46,49-46, 47-48). The Square Ring had it 48-47 for the winner.” Ever loyal reader and teacher writes, “Just a note... it is apparent that I am not a very good teacher... 49-46, 49-46 for Klitschko and 48-47 for the other guy is a “Split”...(If his opponent was 48-48 then it would have been a majority). I know, and you’re right, who cares?” Me! No wonder I drink.

Stop the press! Interrupt cable television! Cut in on Radio 1! Here’s a flash from last week’s WBC convention in Phuket. “Dr. Jose Sulaiman has reconsidered and will serve another term as President of the WBC.” Who would have thunk it? Well me for one, as the good Dr. does the same thing every year. No doubt he was persuaded to stay on as president for life after hearing the words of encouragement from all those boxing officials he appoints or assign’s to paying jobs around the world. Leading the way with the verbal accolades was Eddy Thangarajah of Thailand, Asian Boxing Council secretary and an “unbiased” boxing writer for a paper in the big town with the really bad traffic problem. Eddy did say, “On behalf of the Asian Boxing Council, and my good friends gathered here, I propose Dr. Jose Sulaiman to be elected president of the World Boxing Council for all that he has done and achieved for the great sport of boxing. No leader, no politician has done so much, achieved so much for the dear sport, which we love so much. He has created a new world for the sport of boxing.” Here, Here! Not to mention that speech will probably get Eddy a couple of trips as a WBC supervisor to some fights around the world. Boxing, ain’t it great?

One of the “tasks” at any convention is deciding who is going to fight who. “I’m shocked at your attitude.” Live with it. Of course these decisions are always played out in the light of day.”

WBC lightweight champ Antonio Tarver is “suppose to meet Australian Paul Briggs” in the “near” future. Don King will do the honors one would think in the USA. WBC Lightweight Jose Luis Castillo (Mexico) doesn’t have to face either #1 Michael Clark (USA) or #2 Sirimanassuk, he gets a “voluntary stiff” while #1 and #2 fight each other. Now that you’ve memorized all this valuable information a word of caution. It don’t mean anything.

Sometimes athletics, especially boxers, take themselves too seriously. The key is usually when they speak of themselves in the “third person.” The latest to fall prey to the “I am really an important person syndrome” is Ricky “The Hit Man” Hatton. Doing a one-on-one telly interview, Hatton ejaculated the following: “The big fights will happen for Ricky Hatton because Ricky Hatton wants them” It’s not only a British disease. Felix Trinidad after his win over Ricardo Mayorga said, “Bring on Hopkins. Tito is back.” Well, yes all well and good, except before you left Senior Tito Hopkins knocked you ‘cattywampus’ and will probably do so again. Mayorga, who has lost 2 out of his last 3 said, “I’m retiring. I’ve been fighting since I was 11. 20 years is enough.” Gee Felix maybe the win wasn’t that big?

Sometimes we get emails that pose questions, silly folk. Got an email that asked about some Thai fighters. For more insight I went to promoter Mr. Songchai Jr. “Hope this message will reach you. I’m an American who has always liked Thai fighters. I have a question about the following fighters. “Chatchai Sasakul. Does he have enough left to challenge for the 115 pound title, which I would imagine he is actually shooting for, though he has been fighting at 118.” Answer: “ He is probably going for the 115 pound title which I would imagine he is actually shooting for, though he ahs been fighting at 118. 115 lbs is his best weight.” “How good is Poonsawat Kratingdaengym at 118 pounds, does he have potential to be a world champ?” “He is good but has problems with his weight. “Is Denkoasan Kaovitch the 112-pounder getting better and will he be a legitimate threat to any of the other champs at 112? “Yes he has the opportunity. “Is Medgoen Singsurat too chinny to ever compete at a high level in the 115 division.” No, 115 is his best weight. And finally, “Are there any other up and coming Thais who have legitimate chances to compete for title? Such as Seanghin Lookbanyi or Somsak Singwatchal?” Any news on any Thai fighters would be appreciated. “Seanghin Lookbanyi will fight this month. Somsak Singwatchal? He will stop for a while. He did not show good skills. “ There you have it Thai boxing in a nutshell thanks t Mr. Sonchai Jr. and your humble correspondent. I have a question? What the hell does chinny mean?

When fellows of good spirit gather round to discuss the merits of boxing today, one issue is never in doubt. ‘We need more good fighters that fight.” Manny Pacquiao should be the poster boy for “good fighters”. He is one of the few that though he holds no “official title” is the creme’ de la creme’. He holds no official title because a Frog judge (aka “Surrender Monkey”) saw his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez (42-2) as 110-115 for the Mexican. That score is even more outrageous when Pacquaio scored three knockdowns in the first round. Three knockdowns dictates a 10-6 round for the winner. Monsieur Jutras then gave 9 of the next 11 to Marquez? Horsediddle! That’s not the only bad luck that’s dogged The Pac Man. As mentioned his promoter, Murad Muhammad, is an empty pinch back suit with a bow tie and a hatred of “white devils”, has done nothing to do what he’s suppose to do. Get fights for Pacquiao. After a month of training in California The Pac Man has returned to the Philippines. He’s also terminated his promotional deal with Murad. “This is my decision. He’s made more money from my previous fights. That’s why I will now terminate my contract with him.” Next up for now free agent Pacquiao is Aussie Gary St. Clair (35-3). St. Clair’s three losses came at the hands of world-class fighters Diego Corralas, Vivian Harris and Leonard Dorin. Add to the mix that he’s never been KO’d and you have the makings of one hell of a November treat. I’ll drink to that.