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11th TQ Masters -’Doomsday’ for sure!
Mike Franklin
One of the most eventful and satisfying moments in an
amateur golfer’s career is breaking one hundred gross. This milestone, in
the 11th TQ Masters Golf tournament at Eastern Star Country Club &
Resort on Friday October 22, was spectacularly achieved by a certain Randall
Blacett, otherwise known (‘hashwise’) as Dr. Doom. His rarely threatened
thirty-six handicap provided the basis for a blistering score of forty-five
Stableford points and a four point margin over Division III Winner, Sam
Philp, to win the coveted 2004 TQ Masters Green Jacket. A creditable
achievement by one of the stalwarts of the TQ clientele and no more
deserving than to a man that is always ready to support charitable causes.
 Randall
Blacett, aka Dr. Doom scored forty-five Stableford points to win the coveted
2004 TQ Masters Green Jacket.
However, the next tournament may not prove to be so
positive score-wise as the Champion’s Handicap Committee will no doubt sit
and briefly deliberate, in utter amazement, on Dr. Doom’s score off the
Medal tees, and cut shots accordingly.
 Lynn
Foote, Ladies winner with 37 points, graciously accepted the winner’s
trophy and the TQ Masters Pink Jacket on the catwalk.
Jason ‘I never win’ Payne took podium in Division I
with forty points. Jim Ryan was a shot behind with thirty-nine points, and,
Brian Yates, a visitor from Prestwick, Scotland, third with thirty-seven
points.
 Jason
‘I never win’ Payne took podium in Division I with forty points.
Brian Yates, playing off a four handicap, also returned
the lowest gross of the day with seventy-five off the stick, to win the
Men’s Low Gross trophy.
In Division II, Herbie Ishinaga topped the field with
thirty-eight Stableford points, Frank Pilkington was runner-up with
thirty-seven and Steve Wilkins third, with a modest thirty-four, chasing off
Stan Dismuke, Mark Guthrie and John Boon on count-back.
 Herbie
Ishinaga topped the Division II field with thirty-eight Stableford points
for his spot on the podium.
Division III produced the best winning score outside of
the Green Jacket with forty-one points from Sam Philp.
Kevin Mitch and Yves Philibert, each with 38 Stableford
points, won their count-backs
against Keith Avery, and took third place and runner-up
positions respectively.
 Sam
Philp, Division III produced the best winning score outside of the Green
Jacket with forty-one points.
Lynn Foote, Ladies winner with 37 points, graciously
accepted the Winner’s trophy and the TQ Masters Pink Jacket. Nora
Haugsjordet won the low gross with a gross eighty-three, and Tai Kennedy was
runner-up with thirty-five points.
The weather was great, with the course in excellent
condition but still drying out under- foot following much rain the previous
week. No criticism there, or indeed anywhere with the attentive management
at Eastern Star in the form of Khun Saradej, Khun Nattaporn and Khun Sririla
ensuring efficient service, all adding to a fun and relaxing day.
Former Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Anand Panyarachun,
was hosting a conference on the day so the management made suitable marquee
arrangements for TQ on the course by the tenth tee. This worked extremely
well for registration and as an outdoor restaurant area with excellent
service provided from the clubhouse.
The
traditional Caesars set the scene before tee-off, appropriately served by
the smiling TQ girls.
Joe Otter and Wild Bill Freeman kept re-fuelling players
on the course throughout the day with water and beer, while Wayne Ognoski
and Richard Livingston took care of registration and later the scoring. The
traditional Caesars set the scene before tee-off, appropriately served by a
quintet of girls from Tahitian Queen, namely Wee, Nok, Apple, Ja and Daisy.
Wee took the honors later by helping Woody present the trophies on the
catwalk.
There were technical prizes in abundance with near pin
trophies available in all four divisions. The ladies long drive was boomed
by Tai Kennedy on hole # 7, and the men had two shots at it on holes # 4 and
# 11. Mikael Andersson and Tony Oakes were longest in Division I, John Boon
and Vincent Smyth in Division II, and Dale Drader and Gerry Holt in Division
III. John Neil was last home in the Stableford points race and Mikko Liila
played more shots than anyone else.
The haunting of Larry Willett over the shortest drive
title was successfully ended by Peter Guasta, whose gentle tap off the tee
on hole # 10 took the shortest drive trophy.
All done, it was back to TQ Beach Road for the popular
and delicious Ox Barbecue provided by the Cafe Kronborg and served outside
where the Harleys are usually parked.
The bar was wall to wall with players and dancers and
everyone enjoyed the extended happy hour. I had my usual best seat in the
house emceeing from the DJ box, as the many trophies were presented and
winners photographed with Wee and Woody on the catwalk.
Woody, fresh back from the USA made sure the 11th TQ Masters was as
successful and enjoyable as usual, so not much more can be said. Except that
it was Randy’s day, and ‘Doomsday’ for sure.
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday October 18 Bangpakong
Riverside Stableford
The pristine Bangpakong Riverside course was host for a
stableford competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 16, and B Flight 17 and
above.
 Arthur
Bailey
On the day the course was in fine condition, with mild
and breezy conditions prevailing. The A Flight was won by Bill Plath with a
fine 41 points. This course with its wide-open fairways and long total yards
tends to be good for the long, straight, hitters. Thomas Johansson was
second with 38 points and Clive Robinson was third with 37 points.
 Bill
Plath
Old ‘Steady Eddie’ Arthur Bailey won the B Flight
with a days best 42 points, ahead of Harvey Samuel with 41 points in second
and Dave Richardson third with 39 points.
Thursday October 21 Laem
Chabang Stableford
What more can one say about this course, except I am
pleased I do not have to walk from tee to tee and that carts are compulsory.
Mind, I do know a few people who really would like to walk but they are few
and far between. It would be nice to walk down these fairways and hear the
silence, to walk on green grass and to hear the birds sing. What a well
manicured and user friendly course.
 Serge
Straeten
Of course that makes it a little easy off the white tees,
and when one considers its competitors, most of them are 500 yards, or so,
longer. However this course is really interesting off the Blue Tees. One of
these days we will play a competition off them and see how it affects the
scores.
On the day the course was in its usual fine condition,
the weather was fine and the birds were singing, in other words just another
day in ‘Paradise’.
 Wayne
Koch
Despite all this there were some good scores, next time
the Blues? The winner of the A Flight, 0 to 16, was Serge Straeten with 40
points ahead of Derek Brook with 38 points and in a countback for third,
with 37 points, Takeshi Hakozaki can smile again as he finally won a
countback, ahead of Henry Nutt.
In the B Flight, 17 up, Wayne Koch came back to form with
a fine 41 points, ahead of Philippe Berra in second with 40 points and
Richard Kubicki in third with 38 points. T.T.F.N.
NB: Up coming events at The Cafe Kronborg are Bjarne’s Birthday
Scramble on November 4 at Siam C.C. and Papa Ray Rogers Turkey Day Scramble
on November 25 at Pattaya C.C. Both events include Food and Prize Giving
back at The Cafe Kronborg
GOLF MAJORS - What’s Coming Up?
* Thursday November 4: Bjarne’s
Birthday Scramble at Pattaya Country Club.
* Can-Am is two days later, Saturday November 6 at
Phoenix & a single shotgun start at noon. Maximum 240 players, 3,500
baht Book at PSC Office
* Friday November 12 is Diana Gold at Eastern Star
Resort. Gold sponsored on every hole. Entry forms are out, or see Pattaya
Mail. Sponsored by Chivas Regal, Eastern Star Resort & Mittweida Beer
* On Friday November 19 Pattaya Sports Club has their
43rd Members Open, at Siam C.C.
* Thursday November 25th is Thanksgiving and Papa Ray
Rogers Scramble at Pattaya Country Club and buffet at the Caf้
Kronborg. Sign-up there or at the PSC office
* Friday November 26 is the Shenanigans Irish Open
Men’s & Ladies Championships. Postponed from October 1st due to
weather.
PSC golf with The Bunker
Siam Country Club
The lovely Siam Country Club was the venue for The Bunker
Boy’s Medal competition on Tuesday October 19. Playing off the white tees
on a fine day George May with his adjusted handicap of 20 lost his position
as top dog only managing to finish in seventh position with a score of net
80. Richard Feltham came top of the pile with a two under par score of net
70 to take first prize. In joint second place came Lez Hall and Ben Findon
both with scores of 74. The par 3 greens proved to be tricky to hit today as
Binny Jostensson was the only Bunker Boy to find them claiming two of the
four Near Pin prizes, the other two being carried over to next week.
 Lez
Hall, runner-up at Siam CC and winner at Bangpra taking a putt.
Bangpra
Country Club
Thursday saw a depleted group of golfer’s travel to
Bangpra for their Stableford competition due to The Bunker Boy’s tour
to Hua Hin but still a dozen golfer’s made the trip. On a hot sunny
day with very fast greens the same three player’s made it to the
leader board. Richard Feltham scored a very useful 37 Stableford points
to finish third, Ben Findon got three more points to return to the
clubhouse with high expectations but only found himself in second place
as Lez Hall took full advantage of his new handicap to score a
magnificent 41 points to claim the honours. Ben Findon grabbed one of
the Near Pin prizes but two different names claimed the other three with
Ron Souter claiming two Near Pins and Bob Lawrence the other.
Hua Hin
Last week saw some of The Bunker Boy’s visit Hua
Hin on the western seaboard to check out what the local golf courses had
to offer. John King, Mitch Malone, Jim Payne and Mick Ramshaw played
golf at Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, Majestic Creek Golf Club, Palm Hills
Country Club and Lake view Golf Club. All courses were found to be in
good condition and there wasn’t too many golfer’s on the courses,
probably due to the time of year, making for very enjoyable golf.
 The
Bunker Boy’s on Tour in Hua Hin
Prices for green fees, caddies etc. were slightly
more expensive on average compared to courses on the Eastern Seaboard
but everyone agreed they were great value for money.
Mitch Malone took all the honours playing four superb
rounds of golf on four courses that only John King had played before.
Night life was good and some fabulous eating places were found, enough
to make The Bunker Boy’s plan another visit in the not too distant
future, check out our website below for upcoming events.
By popular demand, The Bunker Boy’s will be playing their golf on
Monday’s and Wednesday’s starting on November 1 at the Royal Thai
Navy golf course in Sattahip. All golfer’s with official handicap’s
high or low are welcome to play, consult the Pattaya Mail every week for
our golf schedules and as usual you can get the latest information about
all other sporting activities at The Bunker Bar by visiting our website
@ www.bunkerboysgolf.com
The Wins Were Spread Out Over Big Crowd
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s!
Sunday October 17 Green Valley - White
Tees Stableford
1st A Flight: Gary Blackburne, 38 pts
2nd A Flight: Clive Bruce, 36 pts
3rd A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 35 pts
1st B Flight: Jim Munns, 41 pts
2nd B Flight: Pete Stonebridge, 36 pts
3rd B Flight: Pete Barathy, 34 pts
1st C Flight: Paul Breen, 40 pts
2nd C Flight: Bruce McAdam, 39 pts
3rd B Flight: Nat Meesuk, 36 pts
Near Pins: # 5 Leo Spratt, # 8 Alex Whelan
Green Valley member Capt. Fogg showed why his handicap
is, and must be, coming down as he humbled the society’s home course with
41 points. That total put Jim one point clear of the entire large field and
five points clear of his nearest B Flight pursuer Pete “same, same as the
tires, not same” Stonebridge. The B bronze was snatched by newly arrived
Peter Barathy who prevailed in a count back over count back hard luck Robbie
Bennett.
Paul Breen, himself an applicant for Planet Zogg
citizenship, was that man who was but one stroke off the good Capt.’s
pace, and one ahead of Bruce McAdam. That gave the yellow and green the top
two slots in C Flight. The Nat(ural) carried the red, white and blue of
Thailand up to the C Flight third place step, thus upholding the honor of
the homeland.
Continuing on the national bent that this article has
unexpectedly taken, the UK held all three spots on the premier Flight
podium, with Gary Blackburne shooting an excellent 38 points off his 7
handicap, followed by the strong duo of Clive Bruce and Phil “Flipper”
Mitchell.
The luck of the Irish prevailed on the near pins as Cork
publican Leo Spratt and Dun-Laogharie’s Alex Whelan found the Near Pins.
Tuesday October 19 Laem
Chabang A & B
White tees Stableford
1st A Flight: Rick Sharp, 42 pts
2nd A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 40 pts
3rd A Flight: Bill Collis, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Colin Davis, 42 pts
2nd B Flight: Ged Higgins, 38 pts
3rd B Flight: Pete Murray, 38 pts
1st C Flight: Seamus Brennan, 43 pts
2nd C Flight: Ken Kutzing, 39 pts
3rd B Flight: Peter Ring, 38 pts
B Flight had the bragging rights on Sunday but C Flight
stole them on this day and the man they sent to do it was Shameless Shamus
Brennan. He was indeed “Shameless, as he nailed yet another 40+ point
round that are routinely surrounded by a brace of over handicap disasters.
If he (or any of us, for that matter) ever adds “consistency” to his bag
of tricks his handicap will quickly plummet. Seamus was followed by the fine
39 of Kolour-Koordinated Kenny Kutzing and 38 points of the venerable
Irishman, Peter Ring.
Rick “The Hermit” Sharp made it two weeks running at
Laem Chabang with his A Flight victory. I often joke that this scribe writes
approximately 208 articles a year, many of them about the core 25-30 full
time resident golfers in the Society and that he is hard-pressed to find
superlatives about yet another of their achievements. While that seldom
invokes much sympathy from the listener, at least the words are well applied
when talking about the golf of Rick Sharp. Phil Mitchell, the day’s second
place finisher and a winner of, it seems, an event every week, despite his
stingy six handicap, is now a resident and has an excellent chance of
duplicating Rick’s legacy and continuing success. Bill Collis, the day’s
A Flight third place winner, thanks to a count back over Jim Brackett, is
fresh from a tour downunder with long time residents Jim Boyd and Arch
Armstrong, and showed that he was able to sneak in some golf while away as
he jumped right onto the podium shortly after his return.
There was The Donkey, who even the paymaster, through
familiarity, refers to him by that moniker, standing atop B Flight. It
should be remembered that a year ago Colin would not even play Laem Chabang
because it gave him such fits. His 42 points suggest that has changed. The
balance of B Flight was shored up by new arrival Ged Higgins and count back
loser Shaky Pete Murray. It is not often you find ol’ Pete in B Flight but
the quality of handicaps on the day nudged him down a podium.
Wednesday October 20
Burapha - A & B -
Blue or White Tees Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Gary Blackburne, 34 pts
2nd Blue Flight: Robbie Bennett, 32 pts
1st White Flight: Roger Koehler, 43 pts
2nd White Flight: Paul Breen, 41 pts
3rd White Flight: Tor Elgvin, 37 pts
Burapha A and B is a tough course to set the tees on. It
is routinely thought a bit short from the whites and then unbearably long,
at least in the case of four or five holes, off the blues. To solve that
dilemma the players were allowed to choose the tees they preferred and the
scores re-enforced the challenge of the choice. The scores in the Blue
Flight were all over par, as Gary Blackburne took the top with 34 points and
Good Guy Robbie Bennett took the second spot with 32, thanks, finally, to a
count back victory, albeit much to Robbie’s chagrin, over mate Henry Nutt.
At least a think that sly laugh was chagrin.
And as equally predictable, the high White Tees were beat
up a bit as Roger Koehler knocked down 43 points to take the junior circuit.
The Toast of Oz, Paul Breen, found his way to the pay line for the second
time on the week with second place in White, while fast improving Tor Elgvin
took the final spot in the slightly more popular and forgiving Flight.
Friday October 22 St.
Andrews 2000 or
Green Valley - White Tees Stableford
1st St. Andrews Flight: Steve Mascari, 35 pts
2nd St. Andrews Flight: Betty Koehler, 34 pts
1st Green Valley A Flight: Gary Emmett, 40 pts
2nd Green Valley A Flight: Klaus Schackt, 40 pts
1st Green Valley B Flight: Ken Kutzing, 38 pts
2nd Green Valley B Flight: Ian Jones, 38 pts
In the most radical of outings that the Society
undertakes, the Society entered the same clubhouse but left by different
courses. There is both great affection for the unique challenges of St.
Andrews 2000 and disdain by those that simply do not enjoy the schooling it
can administrate. While you can’t please all the people all the time,
efforts are continually made to do so. The popularity of this decision was
supported by the excellent turn out on a day when many of the lads and
lasses chose to play in the conflicting 11th Annual TQ Masters. Steve
Mascari, who had just returned from a US junket with his 91 year young
father, Charlie, in tow, did his Ol’ Man proud with a victory in the St.
Andy’s Flight. He was followed by Roger Koehler wife, Betty, who was
playing competitively for the first time in a Lewiinski’s event, although
she had practiced with the Society numerous times. There could be a change
of who is wearing the golf pants in the Koehler household!
Gary Emmett went to a count back to edge Klaus in the A Flight of the
Green Valley Flights, both having exemplary 40 points on the weekday version
of Green Valley, which is routinely incrementally more difficult, the
weekend version which is often in a configuration that allows quicker play.
K4 (yes Kolour-Koordinated Kenny Kutzing) used the same scout back method as
his A Flight brethren to wrench the Green Valley B crown from new-comer Ian
Jones.
Steve Nowell Returns, Normal Service Resumes
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
After the exertions of the club championship two days
previously a small group of the original Bunker Boys travelled to Khao
Kheow on Thursday, October 21 for a stableford event. The courses, B and C,
were well presented and the weather stayed fine for the tournament, the sun
shining for Steve Nowell in particular. He had missed the big event earlier
in the week choosing instead to tackle a visa run to Trat, which was
obviously less hectic. His score of 34 points was good enough to see off
the challenge of Alan McGrory’s 33, whilst fellow passenger Dave Smith
secured third place with 32.
All the prizes were taken home in the same car because
both Steve and Dave had a share of the birdie two pot, Dave in particular
being very unlucky on the “Island” hole, which came within a matter of
centimetres of giving him his first hole-in-one. David Lightfoot missed the
“big one” at Green Valley but was brought down to earth with a low
total of 21 points and took the Bananas with a smile. Ultimately it was a
refreshing end to a hectic week.
We’ll play off the White Tees
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday Oct 18
Century Bang Chang Stableford
1st: Mikael Anderson, 41 pts
2nd: Randal Penrod, 35 pts
3rd: Peter Johanson, 34 pts
4th: Trevor Edge, 32 pts
The recent heavy rains have left the course in great
condition, good fairways and fast greens greeted the large turnout, but only
Mikael was able to beat the tricky layout and he did it in style, destroying
the field in the process and cleaning up on the rollover 2’s pool. Well
done Mikael, a super round of golf! Randal led the rest of the field home on
a hot, humid day. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Brian Kelly, Yasuo Suzuki &
Tony Gallagher.
Wednesday Oct 20 Treasure
Hills Stableford
1st: Randal Penrod, 34 pts
2nd: Fred Ewins, 32 pts
3rd: Dave Lee, 30 pts
The new dual carriageway made it difficult to find the
course and just about all the drivers made a U turn at Noble Place before
finding the entrance to the course. Perhaps they wished they hadn’t as
after a discussion on tee selection, Barry Winton, the lowest handicap
player present on the day, spoke out “ We’ll play off the white tees”,
so he did, teeing off first and discovering that many of the tees were well
back and close to the black tee boxes! So in gusting wind the always tough
layout played nearer to 7,000 yards and had everybody struggling, as seen by
the scores. Randal, maintaining his good recent form led the field home with
“the odd couple” Fred & Dave his nearest rivals. As for Big Barry,
he just lost out to Dave on countback and laughingly, Bob Lindborg lost his
usual beer side bet with Trevor the ATM by 20-22 points! Not surprisingly
there were no 2’s carded so rollover time again next Monday. Due to the
annual TQ Masters there is no competition on Friday. Back at the Haven,
Richard Livingston, welcomed new members Michael Raybold & Michael
Shield.
Las Vegas host’s their inaugural golf day
Wednesday October 20, The Las Vegas Bar
& Restaurant started their weekly golf day. The turnout was small, as
expected for the first event.
There were 3 excellent golfers that turned out for the
first event and a few others with less talent but expecting an enjoyable
day.
Viva Las
Vegas golf
The weather at Burapha cooperated for the group with a
fine day and a pleasant breeze to help cool the sun drenched hackers.
The low score of the day was Brent Merron with a gross of
79 and the low net of 69. The runner up was Cory Neurohr with a gross of 78
and a net of 70.
All the participants returned to Las Vegas bar and
enjoyed a few games of darts with more than a few cold ones to wash down
some of the unpleasant shots.
Next Wednesday we’ll do it all again at Century Bangchang.
‘Ace’ is Champion, OK!
IPGC Bunker Boys OK Corral Individual Strokeplay Championship
Two days of medal play at Green Valley can be a daunting
task but when it is the prestigious annual Championship it takes on another
meaning. It was such on Monday and Tuesday, October 18 and 19 when the
Bunker Boys from the OK Corral travelled there for their annual
championship.
 Mr.
Loy Presents Alan “Ace” McGrory with the annual Strokeplay Championship
Trophy after two days of golf at Green Valley.
Generally the course was well presented but the greens
were as bad as anyone could remember, being rock hard, very dry and fast and
starting to crust. Play was off the white tees for the 25 competitors and
they were set well back, just to add some spice to the challenge. On the
first day many players had already lost the opportunity of success by the
turn but three players were setting the tournament up well for the second
day. Bill Hewitt produced a fine round of 69 to be the overnight leader,
closely followed by Green Valley regular Bob Lindborg and Alan McGrory both
on 72. There were also a clutch of players just two shots further back on
74.
The second day dawned with no perceptible change to the
conditions and after nine holes there was a hint that things would be tense
as Bill Hewitt’s three shot lead had already disappeared, the lead now
being shared by Alan “Ace” McGrory. Bob Lindborg had blown his
opportunity with a five over first nine and was not going to improve so it
was down to the wire for the two leaders. The consistency of the IPGC
Champion began to show and the three shot lead he had established by the
fourteenth hole held until the end when his net 71 took the day against
Bill’s net 76. Over the two days, the championship saw Alan at the top of
the leader board with a total of 143, with Bill Hewitt in second place on
145 and Welshman John James taking third place with 149.
At the presentation buffet at the OK Corral later the technical prizes
were awarded to Near Pin winners David Palmer, Keith Hector, Bill Hewitt,
Richard Wardell, Dave Smith, Roy Mitchell, Bob Pearce and Peter Emslie
whilst the accuracy of their putting rewarded Bob Lindborg, Peter Emslie,
Jack Spencer, Richard Wardell, John James, Len Jones, Roy Mitchell and Bob
Pearce with shares of the Super Sawng award. Of the many candidates for the
Banana Booby, Len Jones’ almost record breaking catalogue of errors on the
first hole guaranteed him the fruit but for Alan McGrory it was another day
of glory with the Bunker Boys. In five months he has won the annual IPGC
Championship, recorded a hole-in-one at Pattaya Country Club and now
achieved the ultimate prize, the Championship of his “home” society.
Well done “Ace”!
Jerry Lien snatches victory off Herb at Siam
PSC golf from the Three Sisters
Monday October 18 was a great day for Monday Golfers. It seems
that the weather has changed as the winds blew in from the north drying our the
wet fairways. With the fairways cut and greens in halfway decent shape, it was
bound to happen that good scores would be shot.
 Winner
Jerry Lien (right) with Gordon McKnight holding the bag in the weekly 3 Sisters
day out at Siam.
The winner for the day was not established until the
scorecards were double checked. At first it seemed that Ray Spurling had the
edge on the field by one but a slight miss count put Ray in third position with
a great score of 40 points. It was then between Herb Ishinaga and Jerry Lien who
both had cards in at 41 points. After rechecking the cards, Jerry came in with a
score of 42 points to edge out Herb for the winning position. Herb lost out when
he three putted the 18th to take a bogey instead of parring the hole.
It was a great race but Jerry Lien managed to hold on for the
win.
With the geriatrics not playing this week, a new comer to the cellar was
established. Holding the bag this week was none other than the shining knight.
Gordon McKnight lost his game as he blew his shots all over the course and did
not putt too well. Coming in with 22 points, he would have been hard pressed to
beat the Oldsters if they were playing. Paul Kinner was afraid that he would be
holding the bag but he was well ahead of Gordon by 4 points. All in all it was a
great day for all of the golfers.
PSC golf from McAllister’s Bar and Grill, Bangchang
Friday October 22: Century
Bangchang Stableford
So to the day, and 22 brave and hardy players turned up
early at Century Bangchang, and enjoyed a fine day out at reasonable prices
on this fine course. This is a course that is a real toughie, but it does
tend to aid a golfer who can hit high shots onto greens, as we tend to have
a lot of high plateau greens. Still if they get their the greens are slick
and fast.
 Winners
Stuart Thompson (left), Dan Sell (center) and Bob Philp (right) after a day
out at Century Bangchang.
Once the day was over all the golfers returned to
McAllister’s, where Don has said that all the golfers who play on Friday can
eat free at his Buffet. Here you get treated really well. This is really fine
food, and the roast beef in particular was excellent on this day, along with
some of the best apple pie and custard you are ever likely to taste.
Seems mundane to talk about golf after fine food and
congenial companionship, however, the winner was Bob Philp with a fine 41
points, ahead of Dan Sell with 38 points and in third was Stuart Thompson,
losing on countback, also with 38 points.
This is an interesting new outlet for those who like Friday golf, like a
friendly competition, like really excellent food, and like to eat in a
‘Friendly Location’. Gerry Carpenter and Bob Bender tell me they intend to
continue this Competition every Friday except when we have a PSC. Monthly
Competition. So it will be at this course, first tee off about 8.30 a.m. Details
may be obtained from Gerry or Bob. T.T.F.N.
Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the Wales!
The Original Pattaya Pool League - Monday, October 18
Group C: Prince of Wales 4
- 5 Britannia Bar
How do you get to the Prince of Wales Pub and Restaurant
in Soi Khao Noi? Where is Soi Khao Noi? Is it in fact a road or is it
actually a construction site? What will it be like when you get there? These
were the questions on everyone’s lips as “The Guv’nor” Ray and his
Boys from Britannia Bar (Soi Lengkee 3rd road end) traversed No Man’s Land,
namely Sukhumvit Road, to battle it out with “Flyin’ S/S” Richard and
his ground crew at their bar 200m on the left after the 7-11. As the local
residents have painfully known for some time, Soi Khao Noi’s road is being
re-surfaced. At present the left side of the “concrete runway strip”
leading to Prince of Wales is now perfectly flat (just like owner Richard’s
pool table) but the right side... well let’s just say everyone hopes it is
completed before Bangkok’s new airport is next summer! And we are told
everything is “on schedule” there too!
 Flyin’
S/S is philosophical about his defeat.
Britannia touched down after only a slight delay at 8.40
p.m. following their long haul journey from Soi Lengkee. Spirits were up on
both sides even before the first game began as Geordie Gaza (Britannia) aka
“Strip” (because his shirt had come off already) came up against John who
was making his debut appearance this night. Sadly it seems jetlag took its
toll on the topless Gaza as he “nearly” won with a spectacular final
shot. Indeed he really did display some entertaining trick shots throughout
the game that included potting the final black ball and then the white as
well. So newbie John won his first League game here in Pattaya.
 Special
K plays makes life difficult for Gaza as partner Joe looks on.
Next was Flyin-S/S who calmly taxied over to the table to
play Scooby-Do aka Ashley. But what Richard didn’t realise is, Ashley has
been around the pool scene in Pattaya for quite some time. He even
“skydived” in soi 6 for a while gaining experience along the way having
trained under the watchful eye of a Legendary Master (read-Hustler!) of Pool
in Pattaya, “Timeshare” Dave (last seen in Samui or Chiang Mai?) as well
long time friends and supporters Dodgy Dave and Duncan (formerly Red Rose
Bar) who made a special guest appearance here tonight. Ashley set down to
work and got right onto the black within a few shots. For a moment it looked
like Richard was going to be “7-balled”. But it was not to be.
Unfortunately, having potted his first (and only ball as it turned out to be)
Richard snookered himself. Ashley circled in for the kill on the black ball.
And so it was one game all.
It was even-stevens as “The Mountie” Bruce came up
against Nooney, but we can’t say a lot about him. What we can say, is that
both players seemed well matched in skill and positioning but it was Nooney
who was eventually victorious on his second attempt at potting the black,
making it 2 - 1 to Britannia.
“IKEA” Rory, the furniture King of Koh Samui got off
to a slow start giving 2 shots away to “The Boss” Captain Rusty who
potted the first stripe and then played safe. Rory then potted 2 spots but
missed an easy red into the corner. Rusty returned with a double bank shot on
the 9 ball but narrowly missed the centre pocket. This half-size snooker
table was proving to be a bit different from the US style table that the
Britannia Boys are used to playing on. The pockets are a lot tighter and the
table is a bit bigger. But the balls are even smaller! It was already
becoming to be a real test of adaptability for Rusty and he knew it! Rory was
not giving in as he potted and snookered Rusty again gaining 2 more shots
from a foul. It was looking like Rusty was in trouble but he didn’t lose
his head and when Rory missed his last orange Rusty moved in, sank his last
stripe and rolled the black down to win. So much for the table being too
difficult! 3 - 1 to Britannia.
Another Geordie, this time John Mag, was up against The
Guv’nor (Ray, originally from south of the Watford border). The pace of the
game slowed right down as each shot was carefully calculated. There seemed to
be a battle of minds going on between the two players as everyone looked on
in anticipation. Pot/safety/foul... 2 shots... then pot/safety/foul... was
seen again and again until Ray finally just missed his last coloured ball
sending the white up and down the table leaving John Mag with a difficult
long pot on the black. But he eased it in to victory seizing the second point
for the home team.
The last singles game saw Captain Joe “Skint” up
against “Rooney” (Wayne in real life who doesn’t look a bit like Wayne
Rooney despite the name!). Unfortunately for Joe, Wayne’s ball skills on
the pool table matched those of his namesake on the football pitch and Wayne
went on to win the game making it 4 - 2 to Britannia at half time.
One special feature that makes the Prince of Wales Bar
different from other bars in the League is that each week a guest chef
(normally one of the regular customers) is invited to prepare the food for
the teams and supporters. Tonight it was the turn of “Auntie” Anne who
served up a traditional Lancashire Hotpot to the hungry lads, as only a true
Geordie can really make. The repeat visits to the pot said it all about the
taste. Complimented by door-wedges of fresh crusty bread to mop up the gravy
she made this a meal to remember. After all, how often is it that you get a
“real farang” Lady to cook your dinner for you here in Pattaya? No one
even missed the lack of suet dumplings, except maybe Anne herself (but then
she is a perfectionist when it comes to her cooking anyway).
It was now time to crack on with the remaining doubles
games... Joe was playing with the team’s secret weapon “Special K” (Kay
to her Thai friends) against the now fully attired Gaza and Scooby-Do. There
was no doubt Britannia had a strong “pair” in their doubles team as well!
But Joe, arguably the home team’s most experienced player, was not going to
be intimidated by anybody as he tactically played his shots. Special K did
the same and forced Gaza to foul. It was back to Joe who then forced
Scooby-Do to foul. And so it went on throughout the game as each player
picked off one ball at a time right up to the black. Gaza missed his chance
to finish granting the wily Joe his moment of glory. It was now 4 - 3 to
Britannia.
Newbie John and Flyin’ S/S were next against Wayne and
Dusty. There were gasps of amazement as Flyin’ S/S played some extreme but
effective shots and many people were wondering what was going through his
mind at the time. Maybe some concrete dust from the Soi Khao Noi unfinished
road surface outside got into his eye or maybe he was just too distracted by
his female opponent’s dress... only Richard will ever know. It certainly
was an entertaining game but they were no match as Britannia snatched the
winning game.
In the last game of the evening John proved to be a worthy
doubles partner (earning himself a regular place in the team) by setting up
the black for partner IKEA-Rory who sank it convincingly following a foul
thus stealing the last game and much needed point from Nooney and Ray, making
the final score 5 - 4 to Britannia Bar.
Next week it’s time to see if some golf veterans can
play as well on a pool table as they can on a golf course. Soi Rungland here
we come and then it’s off to the Bar “where everybody knows your name”.
Cheers!
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Wednesday Quiz League
Sunday Quiz League
House of the Golden Coin and Jack & Tar win four points
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
The new league is under way and the House of the Golden
Coin and Jack & Tar are first out of the box being the only teams to
sweep all four points on the day. With some players not yet having a
handicap the overall standings are still in doubt and will only be known in
the next three weeks. Some good games were bowled on week one:
200
bowlers, Morn, Otto, Ooy, Mio and Bill Key
Mio, House of the Golden Coin: High game 223 and 561
series.
Teuvo , Friends: High game 224 and 547 series
Otto, Friends: High game 219 and 519 series
Ooy, House of the Golden Coin: High game 206 and 521
series
Bill Key, VFW Post 9876: High game 201 and 522 series
Morn, Three Sisters: High game 200 and 510 series
The Square Ring
As a regular reader of the Pattaya Mail, I viewed with
interest last week the story that the powers that be held a meeting to
discuss the traffic problems. Among the problems were “people not wearing
their helmets on motorcycles, big motorcycles and drivers without either
licenses or insurance.” I would have though that maybe the problem was too
much traffic but what the heck do I know? I do know one thing; WBO super
middleweight Joe Calzaghe (38-0) had a lot of problems in gaining a
unanimous decision (118.107,117-109,116-109) over Kabary “The Egyptian
Magician “Salem (23-4). Prior to the fight Salem had said the he believed
“I have no choice but to win by a knockout”. He was right and darned if
he didn’t give it the out two-time Egyptian Olympian who now lives in
Brooklyn, New York try. “Yes moving from Egypt to Brooklyn does sound like
a lateral move.” Salem tried a little “roughhouse’ with the champ and
it almost worked. In the 4th after referee Paul Thomas warned Salem for
“punching with his shoulder”, the challenger dumped Calzaghe on the back
of his lap. This was only the second time in his career that Calzaghe had
kissed canvas. The Champ would return the honor in the 12th. I’m
disappointed with my performance. I’m glad I won but Salem came to spoil,
he succeeded in making me look bad but I’m going to get better.” He’d
better or keep facing “opponents”.
One option for Calzaghe is moving up to light
heavyweight. Making weight at super middle has taken its toll. “I’ve
been making this weight for so long, now it is a struggle,” he said. “I
believe I will be a better fighter at 175lbs. I am looking to move up and
become a two-weight champion.” He wants Glencoffe Johnson. It should be
noted that as Pappy use to say, “People in hell want ice water.” Another
quality fighter in the almost same situation as Calzaghe is Scott Harrison
who defends his WBO 126 lb title tomorrow morning in Braehead Arena in
Glasgow. He fights Samuel Kebede who is a payday but not going to help
Harrison in world rankings or stature
The local lads who ply their trade had an up and down
week. WBO #1 featherweight Sod Looknongyangtoy (20-0) was to have had his
introduction to American TV audiences facing Johnny Tapia on the under card
of the November 6 Tszyu-Mitchell. Would have been a feather in the cap of
the up and coming Thai. No deal. American cable giant, who will televise the
fight, rejected him as a worthy opponent for Tapia. Bummer... Card at The
Shopping Mall in Bangkok had ABCO featherweight champion Chonlatarn
Piriyapinyo (7-0) retaining his title with a 12 round TKO of Filipino Joen
Honno. Were there other fights that day? Yep! Southeast Asian Games 1999
gold medallist Somchay Nakbalee (2-0) “displayed his superior skills
before he impressively stopped Filipino Renate Morono at 1:24 of round
six.”
The Welsh Mail is reporting that British Olympic star
Amir Khan has turned down offers to turn professional and will stay in the
amateur until after next year’s world championships. His deal with the
Amateur Boxing Association is reported to have presented him with 70,000
British pounds or 5,273,383 Baht. That being an amateur pays pretty good as
many Thai women married to farangs can a test. Khan is quoted as saying,
“The main competition I’m looking to is the world championship next
year. We are talking to promoters, but at the moment I’m still amateur and
I’m going to concentrate on my boxing. Next year are the World
Championships. I will do them and then see what happens. Now amateur boxing
is on a good high, I want to keep it on a high and keep it going in a good
direction.” And it pays well.
At Tempodrom Arena in Berlin last Sunday Vivian Harris
gave Oktay Urkal the rematch he wanted with the WBA 140 lb. Crown on the
line. In there first meeting last April Harris eked out a majority decision.
There might have been no “eke” but for a questionable point deduction by
the referee. Leading up to the contest Harris was asked what Urkal’s
strengths were? “His strength is that he has the referee to protect him.
He has no strengths, he has only a lot of weaknesses.” It’s always a
danger to underestimate an opponent. Harris fell into the trap. Urkal (now
34-2) brought his “A” game of guts and skill pushing Harris to the limit
before falling to an 11th round right hook that ended the fight. Harris
keeps his title and moves on.
Maybe up next for Harris is a fight with the undefeated
Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (37-0). Reports out of Britain had Harris
turning down U.S. $400,000 to fight Hatton on Hatton’s home ground. With
Hatton promoter Frank Warren doing the talking, there is a better than 50-50
shot that he’s telling “porky’s”. Even though unbeaten, Hatton at
some point is going to have to fight someone. His WBU title means nothing
outside of Britain. Another possibility for Harris would be the winner of
the November 7 WBC/IBF fight between Kostya Tszuy against Sharmba Mitchell.
That’s not an option for Hatton as Warren is the major stumbling block.
Neither Harris or the November 7 winner need Hatton.
One of the quality fighters in the world is calling it a
day. Phillip Ndou (31-3) collapsed in his dressing room following a split
decision loss to Isaac Hlatshwayo recently in Carnival Coty South Africa. At
the time is was rumored that the ‘Time Bomb” had a brain scan that
showed serous problems. Nadou was scheduled to fight Jason Cook in Wales for
the IBO belt in November. A medical convinced Ndou to call it a career at
27. Ndou’s best performance by far was when he gave Floyd Mayweather Jr.,
all he wanted last November. At the time Mayweather Jr. said, “You’ll be
champion some day.” Now he won’t. Better quit one fight before rather
than not having the chance one fight after.
On top of my many misdeeds last week I somehow forgot to mention that
Chulalongkorn Day was celebrated on October 23. I should have remembered
because if it had not been for His Majesty King Chulalongkorn the Great, who
passed away on that day in 1910, Thailand would not be the advanced country
that it is today. Where then would farangs that desire a little intellectual
stimulation, or even some horizontal folk dancing go?
Yoddamrong confident in bringing home
WBA Super Bantamweight title
Suchada Tupchai
Local Sityodthong boxer Yoddamrong Singhwangcha will vie
for the WBA 122 lb. Super Bantamweight title fight against Mahya Monshipour
in Paris, France this November 8. Yoddamrong flew to France on October 24,
15 days prior to the bout to prepare for the fight.
 Yoddamrong
Singhwangcha (right) spars with his training partner and close friend
Yodsanan ‘3K Battery’ in preparation for his title match.
“I am confident in bringing home the championship belt
once again for the Thai people,” said Yoddamrong in an interview with the
Pattaya Mail.
“My physical condition is at its peak and I intend to
give this bout my very best. I’m flying to France early to acclimatize
myself to the cool French weather. I’ve been studying tapes of Monshipour
in great detail as part of my preparation and feel that I can regain the
world title,” he added.
Yoddamrong Singhwangcha, 27, is a native of Uthaithani
Province and is currently studying at the Sityodhtong training camp under
the watchful eye of ‘Kru Tui’ Yodthong Sriwaraluk.
Yoddamrong gained the world WBA title in 2002 by
defeating Venezuela’s Yober Ortega in a long 12-round bout only to lose
the belt to Osamu Sato of Japan later that year.
Mahya Monshipour later defeated the Japanese boxer and is
now the current title holder.
Local boxing fans and politicians made a visit to the Sityodthong
training camp on October 18 to wish him the best of luck and hand over food
supplements to assist Yoddamrong in maintaining his health prior to the bout
in France.
‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament
Charity fundraiser celebrates 6th consecutive year
The 6th ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament,
sponsored by Chivas Regal, Eastern Star and Mittweida Beer, will be held on
Friday, November 12 at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort.
Those
present for the press conference included (l-r) Niti Kongrut, Tourism
Authority of Thailand Central Region 3 director; Witaya Yensabai, MCOT
Pattaya radio station director; RTN. Capt. Paisarn Kongwilahon, Sor Tor Ror
5 Pattaya Radio station director; Mike Franklin, Diana Group advisor and
tournament director; Tony Malhotra, Pattaya Mail sales and marketing
director and Bernie Tuppin, Pattaya Sport Club charity chairman.
To formally announce the event, a press conference was
held at the Diana Garden Resort and Driving Range on Thursday October 21.
Sophin Thappajug, Diana Group managing director said,
“As with the last five years, all proceeds from the tournament will be
used in the support of underprivileged and deserving children in and around
the Pattaya area under the auspices of the Diana Group Charity
Foundation.”
The tournament format will be singles Stroke play; all
groups teeing-off from the 10th Tee with the course closed. Bookings can be
made using the entry form at the Diana Inn with John Cole, or with Mike
Franklin. Please state which tee-time period is preferred. Registration and
further details are on page 49.
As in the previous five years of the event, the key word is ‘Gold’
and there will be a gold item to be won on every hole, and gold to be won in
the lucky draw, too.
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