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Queen Victoria Inn
repels Philippines Invasion
The Queen Victoria Inn on Soi Yodsak held the first
tournament from their venue on Monday the October 25. A tournament between
themselves and the visiting Golf Asia group from Angeles City was held at
the Bangpra Golf Course. The Golf Asia group last year found the Queen Vic
in their travels and used the pub as their home base while in Pattaya. They
enjoyed their time so much a tournament was organized for their return visit
this year.
 Andy
Nesbit (center), the Queen Vic’s winning captain receives the trophy as he
congratulated by Dick Umberger, Golf Asia group captain, from Angeles City,
Philippines.
A group of golfers from Pattaya was thrown together to
take on the visitors. Some of the local golfers are as much at home with a
pint of Kilkenny as a 9 iron in their hands. The format was a better ball
stableford competition with 3 points to be won for each match played. One
point for each nine holes and one for the match.
The Queen Vic managed to get together 13 golfers while
the visitors due to a few no shows had 10 players. The match was played in
great spirit and the score line of 12.5 to 5.5 in favour of the Queen Vic
was not a true indication of just how close some of the matches were.
 The
Queen Vic Tiger Girls celebrate victory.
On returning to the Queen Vic after the match there were
a few pints drank and a lot of lies told of what might have been. When all
had arrived the presentation began. Vic & Bert from the Queen Vic had
very generously provided vouchers for the nearest the pin prizes. These were
of more than enough value to enjoy one of their wonderful meals and to wash
it down with quite a few pints of whatever beverage you would wish.
The nearest the pins were won by Dick Umberger hole #2.
Dick is captain of the Golf Asia group, a visitor to Pattaya for many years
and is well known by a lot of local golfers thru his playing with the
different societies while here. Nearest the pin #8 & #17 were won by
Jerry Quinn; obviously the sabbatical Jerry is taking from work is helping
the golf game. Upon receiving his vouchers Jerry immediately brought a drink
for the appreciative golfers. Nearest pin #12 was taken by the great Cork
County amateur golfer Paul OMahony. Anybody who has had the pleasure of
playing golf with Paul knows it is an experience you soon don’t forget.
The captains were then called and the trophy presented to Andy Nesbit
captain of the Queen Vic side.
Andy was instrumental in setting up the tournament, as he
is well known to the Philippines community having spent many years living
there during his entrepreneurial days. T he captains thanked their
respective teams and their hosts for the day. Dick was gracious in defeat
and Andy modest in victory although the winning captain seemed to suffer
from the rare form of speech impediment called ‘Guinessgitas’ during
some parts.
The golfers would like to thank the management and staff
of the Queen Vic for their wonderful hospitality. The girls really got into
the post tournament celebrations. A delicious BBQ pig & buffet dinner
was served and Tiger beer had come to the fore and donated some cases of
Tiger beer, which was handed out on the golf course whenever one of the
players looked like dehydrating. Alan Parson & Bert were charged with
the responsibility of handing out the Tiger beer & even when Bert had to
head back to Pattaya, Parson managed to soldier on by himself.
A great day was had by all and a big thanks to all
competing, making it such a memorable day.
Results: Queen Vic 12 .5 def. Golf Asia Philippines 5.5
Bob Kay & Egon Nielson defeated Rusty Sibold & Joe Miller 3 -
nil; Lumpy Russell & Paul OMahony defeated Tom Brit & Dick Umberger
3 to nil; Andy Nesbit & Kim Payne drew with Bill Wilson &Jason
Lockwood; Dave Pittman & Gez Tracy defeated Justin Elde & Vince
Callaghan 3 - nil; Jerry Quinn & Dave Crawford lost to Chris Parry &
Jim Walton Nil - 3; Adrian Bassett & Gerry Hobbs defeated Adrian Bassett
& Andrew ‘Middlemiss’ 2 - 1.
Shark Bar party’s hard during the Pattaya 9 Ball League season end party
The Pattaya 9 Ball
League celebrated their end of season party Wednesday October 27. The
festivities were held at the winning team’s venue, Shark Pub
&Restaurant opposite Palladium Disco on the Pattaya 2nd Road.
Shark
Bar, 9 Ball League Champions hold their trophy high at the end of season
party.
A great night for the many people who attended. The
winning team laid out plenty of good food while the resident band played
great music through the night. There was also way too much alcohol consumed
by everyone during the festivities, which led to a fun night had by all.
The medal winners were celebrating hard and showing the
rest that if it were a drinking contest, they would have won the gold.
Some good work from emcee Jamie from the Harley Bar and
lots of fun on the pool tables.
A fun end to a sizzling season of 9-Ball.
RisingSunGolf -
October Results
Thurs 28 Green Valley: No
competition
Tues 26 Laem Chabang: 1-Matt; 2. BOF; 3. Bernard
Thurs 21 Phoenix LO: 1. Bill Knight; 2. Bernard; F2 3. Keith, 4.Gran
Tues 19 Khao Kheow AB: 1-Paul E 2-Gran 3-Jerry 4-George
Thurs 14 Eastern Star: 1. Roger; 2 Gerry
Tues 12: Green Valley: 1. Gareth; 2. Matt; F2 1. Dr Mike, 2.
Dedicated Dave
Thurs 7 Laem Chabang BC: 1. Roger; 2. George; 3 Paul E
Tues 5 Bangphra: 1 Gran, 2 BOF; 3. Roger
Rising Sun golfers. Soi Yamato 13/1 leave at 11 a.m. Call 038 710
610 for details.
One more week and league standings will be clear
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200
bowlers, Ooy and Teuvo
Next week new bowlers will get their handicap if they
complete three weeks of bowling and then team standings will be determined.
House of the Golden Coin is currently in first place with eight points,
second is Friends with seven points and third is Brother D with six points.
Only two 200 games bowled this week and many bowlers bowled poorly as the PS
Bowl is having a lot of trouble in maintaining their lanes to a proper
standard with too much oil on the lanes. In addition the pin setting
equipment is not being kept up to a good working condition with pins
dropping or not being set up properly.
Some bowlers did manage to bowl well:
Teuvo – Friends – 202 game, 559 series
Bill Key – VFW Post 9876 – 550 series
Gert – Q Cars – 553 series
Ooy – House of the Golden Coin – 207 game, 550 series
Hamilton scores big at Siam
PSC golf from the Three Sisters
Another beautiful day and another day of terrific scores at Siam Monday
Golf. It was holiday rates but we had a very good turn out with about thirty
golfers showing up. With the course in the best shape that I have seen it in
years, and good weather conditions, seven golfers shot scores of 39 or
better.
 Last
week’s winner Hamilton Wilson (right) and Kevin Mackintosh left holding
the bag.
The winning score for the day was shot by Hamilton
Wilson. I believe that he won just a few weeks ago, but he out did himself
by coming in with 44 big points. Following Hamilton was our golf chairman,
Chris John, with a brilliant 42 points. We thought that it would be the
winning score but it was not enough for the day. I’m sure that Chris will
be getting out the axe to chop a few people down.
Two points back of the leaders were three golfers with 40
points each. Terry Morris, Stuart Thompson and Bob Benda all gave it a good
shot but fell well shot of the leader. Just a shot back of these three were
Bill Gibson and Andy Bettany with 39 points. It was a good day for golf and
the scores reflected it.
As good as it was for most, we had a couple of golfers that did not quite
make it. Finding the cellar for the first time was Kevin Mackintosh. Kevin,
hitting a long ball, did not find the fairways and did not have his game
together today. He beat out Bill Key for the bottom spot by a shot coming in
with 24 points. I’m sure that Kevin will not be there next week. He will
make sure that someone else will be holding the bag in the cellar at the end
of the month.
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday October 25
Plutaluang Stableford
The Royal Thai Navy Course at Plutaluang, was host to a
Stableford competition on the South and East layouts.
 Bill
Plath receives the Monthly Mug from Papa Ray Rogers back at the Caf้
Kronborg.
The course on the day was in good condition and all the
water hazards and the reservoir have filled up in the last four weeks.
Kevin Dinan, just having returned from a mid year break,
was in fine form, and took first place with an amazing 44 points. Bill
Plath took second with a very good 39 points and in a countback on 38
points, Kris Helgason came third and Dave Richardson came fourth.
Thursday October 28
Siam C.C.
Kronborg Mug - Stroke
How many shopping days to Christmas? It seems hard to
believe that this is the ‘Tenth Kronborg Mug’ of the year. We shall
soon have the influx that will see the numbers increase dramatically.
This day looked like it was going to be a low turnout on
the Wednesday, but all of a sudden the numbers increased dramatically, and
on the day we had an excellent turnout. All players are requested to put
their name down for all PSC tournaments as soon as possible, the courses
‘rightly’ get upset when we book tee times and do not use them. If we
know 24 hrs early we do not need them all, we can phone up the course and
reduce the number.
So to the day, and the course was in pretty good
condition, if a little dry. The ball was flying and running miles and all
were predicting good scores. Indeed it looked like some of the players were
going to kill the course, but this is golf, and the course always seems to
bite back. Since playing the Mug at Siam we have only once had a very low
winning score, mostly it tends to hover just below net 70.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg as the results were declared,
once again if you shot under your handicap you were in with a chance. The
winner of the A Flight, 0 to 17, was Bob Benda with a net 69, the second
best score of the day. Second place was decided by countback, both on net
70, with Clive Robinson coming second and Brian Noguer third.
In the B Flight, 18 up, the winner was Kris Helgerson
with a net 70. In second on net 71 was Claus Schiffer and in third on net
72 was James Flanagan.
So to the winner, and for his first ever Mug, Bill Plath
came in with a fine net 67 to take the honors.
PSC golf from McAllisters Bar and Grill
Friday October 29 Century
Bangchang
So, now we all know, get into your car and drive down to
Century Bangchang. At 8.30 a.m. tee off and play with the ‘Lads’ and you
can be sure of a good party in the afternoon.
Stars
of the day, (l-r) Ray Spurling, Bob Noble and Kevin MacIntosh enjoyed the
spoils of victory back at McAllisters Bar and Grill, Bangchang.
Whilst this is a proven format, I do not think it has
been taken to the heights of this new ‘Day Out’. I say day out because
for most players that is exactly what it is.
On this day the tee was full, and the turnout is
building. The course as is usual was in its normal defiant mood, however,
one or two did manage to play well, and the weather was fine if a little
hot.
This is a real tough course for some people with its
elevated tees and undulating fairways; you never seem to get a decent lie. I
know some players who will not play the course if they can avoid it, and
others who love the course.
Back at McAllisters the fun was in full flow, with the
normal fine buffet put on by them. For those who have not been, there are
many choices, including all the favorites of the West. Roast beef/pork, pies
of various types, potatoes in all guises, and so on. My favorite always has
to be the fruit pies, served with custard, I am partial to a bit of
‘Western Stodge’, and what is more, play in the competition, and it is
free. It does not get much better. Incidentally the company is fine.
So to the golf, and the winner is Bob Noble with 40
points, on countback over Kevin MacIntosh in second. In third was Ray
Spurling with 37 points, on countback over Larry Willet.
Want a good day out? Well now you know where and when,
but at present not on PSC Monthly Competition Day. T.T.F.N.
Can-Am in town this weekend - Slots available for Pattaya players
The 24th Can-Am Invitational rolls into
town this weekend with an estimated 240 players arriving from across
Thailand, around the region, and around the world for the event that has
become one of the longest-running and most popular on the expat golfing
calendar.
With major sponsors Pathway Systems, Raimon Land, AMJ
Campbell-HK Transpack and Air Canada stepping up to the plate, this promises
to be one of the very best Can-Ams ever.
The price is 3,500 baht, which includes parties at the
Dusit Resort both Friday and Saturday nights, green fees, caddy fees,
on-course food and beverage, prizes, gifts and fun galore. The Pattaya Mail
has learned that a few slots held open for Pattaya area players are still
available and anyone interested should contact Les Walsh on 01 802 9606 or
email: [email protected].
The 6th ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament
Mike Franklin
The 6th ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament,
sponsored by Chivas Regal, Eastern Star & Mittweida Beer, is on Friday
November 12 at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort.
The tournament format will be singles Stroke play, all
groups teeing-off from the 10th Tee with the course closed.
There are still some places left in the early ‘7.30 -
9.30’ period, and a few in the ’12.00 - 12.30' period.
As in the previous five years of the event, the key word
is ‘Gold’ and there will be a 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 to be used in the support of under privileged and
deserving children in and around the Pattaya area.
Details and Entry Forms are available at local golf
venues, or sign-up at the Diana Inn, 2nd Road.
A Long Day at Laem Chabang
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
There had been consistent rumours that men in white
coats had been seen in Rungland over the last week and they were
apparently confirmed when Mr. Loy led his men from the OK Corral to
Laem Chabang on Tuesday, October 26, for a modified stableford
tournament over the three courses.
Yes, twenty-seven holes of unbridled passion and
endless energy! The bleary-eyed group of two-dozen
“ne’er-do-wells” met at the OK for a 7:45 departure no less. The
course was impeccably presented, as usual, and the greens were
consistent and well paced, under a clear sky, with a fresh breeze. The
‘C’ course was to be a huge test with its legendary length,
Bermuda grass, hypnotic bunkers and copious expanses of water, and all
seemingly into the wind. With the cut at 15, the two flights set out
on the monstrous challenge, beginning with the benign ‘B’ nine.
In division two, Norm Robinson acquitted himself
well scoring 44 points to take third place, whilst Brian Bellis went
two better with 46. Neil Hughes took the main prize with 49 points and
his victory marked a fine return for the popular golfer who spends
most of his time these days working on the new airport at Bang Na,
with little time for golf. Division one saw better scores with Keith
Hector approaching par with his 51 points, but this was not quite
enough as David Smith and Stuart Thompson were ahead by one point to
take a share of the top flight honours.
David Palmer and Tony Shepherd took a share of the
Super Sawng pot with their birdie twos and justice was finally done as
Mr. Loy’s last act of the day was to present himself with the
Bananas for his poor 31 point haul.
The real reason, of course, was his decision to
subject his friends to a dawn raid with 27 holes on a challenging
course, under a hot sun, to celebrate the end of the low season.
Testing Times at
Siam
Siam Country Club is a course golfers either love
or hate with its slow greens, inescapable trees and fluffy sand but
its advantages include ease of access and a very friendly caddy shack!
Such was the appeal that the Bunker Boys from the OK Corral chose it
as the venue for their weekly stableford event on Thursday, October
28.
Some regulars were missing as the fixture competed
for “customers” with the Diana Seniors event at Pattaya C.C. but
those who did play were unanimous in their distaste for the slow
greens and rock hard fairways. It seems to be club policy at this time
of the year to let the greens grow and take on a furry complexion in
order to protect them against the thousands of feet, which will
descend for the high season. It may be good for the greens but it is
unnerving for the golfer as ‘thumping’ a putt goes against all we
are encouraged to do when putting, preferring to tease, cajole and
caress the ball into the hole. However, “Basher” Brian Bellis
found the secret early to post a score of 35 points to trail the
runner-up, Dave “Smacker” Smith, by one point. The same margin
separated him from the eventual winner, Steve “Nobbler” Nowell,
whose 37 points bore testimony to the manner in which he smashed and
thwacked his way around the greens. Dave Smith, putting with a
paver’s mallet, secured the day’s only birdie two, on the par
three fourth hole, and Len Jones, absent from the presentation,
conceded the Banana Booby to Aussie Bob Philp for his paltry 27 point
haul. The lesson for Siam at this time of year is simple - forget
finesse, be brutal on the greens.
News of his condition and visiting times at the clinic will be
posted at http://www. thebunkerboys.com
High five for the Irish
Mike Franklin
No problem for the Irish in the Shenanigans ‘Five Clubs
Pairs Scramble’ at Eastern Star on Wednesday October27.
This was the first of Shenanigans Wednesday outings and
the pairing of Jimmy Ryan and Tom Noonan produced the only below par score
of the day. With a team handicap of 6.6 and a gross 74, the result was a
creditable net 67.4. Nearest to take runner-up spot was the formidable pair
of Philippe Berra and Tai Kennedy, but their best was a gross 81 producing a
net 73.2 from their 7.8 handicap.
 Tom
Noonan (left) and Jimmy Ryan (right) with Mike Franklin back at Shenanigans
after a fine day out at Eastern Star.
Near pins were claimed by Philippe Berra, Mike
Franklin and Larry Willett. No-one claimed on #13.
Newcomer Daniel Poole had the longest putt on #18
and Carl Baumann on #9.
The weather was fine and sunny; the Eastern Star
golf course was in excellent shape as is the norm these days, and it
was just another friendly day out on the links.
Back at Shenanigans it was ‘Steak Night’ for
the hungry, and due welcome was given to newcomers Daniel Poole, Paul
Cremin and winner Jimmy Ryan. Tom Noonan was welcomed back and was
obviously glad he made it.
Next outing is on Wednesday November 10 to
Plutaluang playing South & East in a Pairs Better Ball. Sign-up
for that at Shenanigans in pairs please.
Don’t forget the re-scheduled Shenanigans Men’s & Ladies
Irish Open Championships on Friday November 26 at Eastern Star. Entry
forms on the notice board. Existing sign-ups for the original October
1 date remain on the start sheet as published.
Large Turnouts herald the start of High Season
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday Oct 25
Pattana Yellow Tees
Stableford
1st Randal Penrod, 39
2nd Peter Johanson, 36 - c/b 19
3rd Fred Ewins, 36 - c/b 17
4th Martin Hayes, 36 - c/b 16
5th Takeshi Hakozaki, 34
Thanks to an impromptu visit and some bright negotiation
by Trevor Edge, we managed to obtain the current special offer for the bank
holiday and a large contingent left the Haven to try out this new course.
What an investment! A huge clubhouse in process of completion, with hotel and
housing complex well into construction and 18 holes complete with a further 9
in progress.
 Barry
Traynor survived the hot and humid weather at Phoenix to return 38 stableford
points to win last Friday’s outing from The Haven.
Tee Off was B1 and a tougher opening hole has yet
to be found, a narrow fairway with water both sides and an elevated
green with water protecting the front. How many balls were lost, one
can only surmise! Generally the course was in superb condition but
more growth on the Bermuda greens and a year’s maturing will make a
world of difference. The greens are difficult, medium pace but all
with huge slopes... better be below the hole here, and if A1 green
gets any faster it will be unplayable. Generally a strange layout with
a mixture of tough holes, easy holes, blind greens, doglegs and even a
Thai favourite par 6.
Few managed their handicap on the day and only the
‘in form’ Randal managed to beat the course and complete two
successive wins out of the Haven. In the 2’s competition, the
rollover pool was shared by Takeshi, Trevor Edge & Dave Lee. Prior
to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
Professional, welcomed back Dave Shaw, Alan Griffiths & Lim
Walker. A word of warning for those visiting Pattana, the yardage on
the scorecard does not always match that marked on the tees. It is
probably nearer 6,600yds off yellow and 7,000yds off white!
Wednesday Oct 27
Siam Country Club
Monthly Medal
1st Division (0-15)
1st Terry Phur, 69 - c/b 32
2nd Doug Campbell, 69 - c/b 33
3rd Barry Traynor, 70 - c/b 35
2nd Division (15+)
1st Dave Spendley, 66
2nd Bob Lindborg, 70 - c/b 36
3rd Fred Ewins, 70 - c/b 37
A beautiful sunny day with a fresh breeze greeted the
large turnout and some excellent scores were recorded on the day. Terry, on
one of his infrequent visits to the Haven, had a real fight with Doug &
Barry to take 1st division honours whilst Dave Spendley, produced the round
of the day to easily beat off the higher handicappers and looks forward to a
nice reduction in his handicap! The 2’s pool was shared by Brian Kelly,
Takeshi Hakozaki & Malcolm Clare. Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston,
welcomed back Don Frances, Tor Elguin & Gerhard Schulze.
Friday Oct 29
Phoenix Lakes/Ocean
Stableford
1st Barry Traynor, 38
2nd Chris Davisson, 37 c/b18
3rd Doug Campbell, 37 c/b17, c/b6 10
4th Randal Penrod, 37 c/b 17, c/b6 9
5th Trevor Schirmer, 35
Another large turnout which surely heralds the start of high season,
though the hot and humid weather seemed as if it were March and the end of
the high season. Many wilted under the intense heat but those in form
players, Randal Penrod, Barry Traynor & Doug Campbell again led the way
and battled it out to a very tight finish that had Richard gasping on the
countbacks. Also, a highly commendable performance from Chris Davisson,
coming back from illness and playing his first round for some time to score
37 points off his 8 handicap. In the 2’s competition, the pool was shared
by Dave Shaw (2), Barry Winton & Takeshi Hakozaki (perhaps we should say
Twokeshi after his hat-trick of 2’s in the week). Back at the Haven,
Richard Livingston welcomed back Chris Davisson, Gordon Fraser & Chie Wei
Ling.
A clean sweep for Mitch
PSC golf with The Bunker
Pattaya Country Club
The Boy’s from The Bunker went to Pattaya Country Club
for their weekly Medal competition and played off the white tees. The day
was unusually windy and the greens extremely fast. With the return of some
Bunker Boy’s from their tour of Hua Hin the field was large and so was the
split into two Divisions.
 Clean
sweep for Mitch Malone, demonstrating his putting skills.
In Division A, George Redgewell and Mitch Malone
tied for first place with Mikael Andersson filling third place with
net scores of 74, 74, and 75 respectively.
In Division B, Lez Hall once again walked away with
first prize with net 74 followed home in second place by Neil Griffin
with net 76 and Richard Feltham a further shot behind with net 77.
Nearest the pins for the day were taken by Peter Hoyle, Mick Ramshaw
and George Redgewell.
Century Chonburi G.C.
Century Chonburi was the venue for The Bunker’s weekly
Stableford competition.
On a fine day and on a super golf course with some new
showers fitted in the small, but cosy locker room, Century only costs 100
baht for green fees, which means terrific value for money. We feel sure this
golf course will become much more popular when roadwork’s on the 331
eventually get finished as the travelling time will be much less. There was
a three-way tie for third spot with John Preddy, Lez Hall and Mikael
Andersson all finishing with 34 stableford points but Lez took the prize
beating John and Mikael on count back. Steady George Redgewell finished with
two points more to finish in second place but no-one could stop Mitch
Malone’s hot streak as he claimed a weekly double taking first prize with
37 points. Near pins were won by, who else but Mitch with only Mikael
Andersson winning the other.
Don’t forget, The Bunker Boy’s have changed to playing on Monday’s
and Wednesday’s now so call into The Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon (near
Exzite disco) to pick up a golf schedule or you can always consult The
Pattaya Mail every week 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
Richardson, Wilson and Bailey again!
Mike Franklin
The weather was great; the greens were fast and the
course generally okay. That set the scene for the October Diana Seniors
& Ladies Open at Pattaya Country Club on the final week of the golf
course ‘low season’.
 Hamilton
Wilson, Elizabeth Richardson & Arthur Bailey winners at the Diana
Seniors and Ladies October tournament.
A good field of forty-five golfers returned a
variety of scores, some reflecting the speed of the greens and a high
putting stroke count. Just three ladies were out and all having a low
Stableford points score. Elizabeth Richardson took winning place with
24 points and Mam Trayling was runner-up with 22 points. For the
Seniors, Hamilton Wilson not only won but also had the best score of
the day with 43 Stableford points. Alan Hughes was runner-up with 39
points. For the Super Seniors, the inevitable Arthur Bailey was first
past the post with 40 points and Keith Avery just a shot behind with
39 points.
The usual technicals were on offer, near pins being
claimed by John Hughes on # 5 and # 16; Roger Rush on # 7 and Alan
Pearce # 12. The longest first putts were sunk by Hamilton Wilson and
Chris John on # 9 and # 18 respectively.
John Cole was his usual efficient administrative
self and presented the winners with the trophies and prizes. Newcomers
and returnees were duly recognized in the form of Keith Hector,
Hamilton Wilson, Harry Lindblom, Alan Hughes, David Johnson, John
Hughes, Bernard Bailey, Brian Walker, Roger Privett, Tony Cobb and
Tony Stevens.
The next scheduled Diana Seniors and Ladies Open on
November 25 has given way to Papa Ray Rogers Thanksgiving tournament,
so the next outing will be on Thursday December 2 combining the
November & December tournaments.
Meanwhile, the Diana Gold Charity tournament takes place on Friday
November 12th at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort. Sign-up for
that at the Diana Inn.
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Standings October 29 - week 3
The Pleasure Dome has started where they left off last
season. In just 3 weeks of competition they stand alone at the top of the
ladder.
In other games Joe from Stars in your Eyes threw an 86
checkout but that doesn’t top the 108 of John from Smugglers. There were
no reported 180’s last week.
The Bunker almost had a perfect night in not throwing any
under 10’s until Mick threw one during the beerleg.
The OK Coral, leading the Beerlegs, reported that everyone was very drunk
after consuming their fair share of the winnings.
12th annual Bangkok International Softball Tournament
The Bangkok International Softball League (BISL) is
pleased to announce that the 12th Annual Bangkok International Softball
Tournament will be held November 19 to 21.
The tournament will feature 20 teams, including the
defending champions, Guzzlers from Korea, with over 250 athletes from
Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, The Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Saudi
Arabia, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, California, and Thailand. Additionally,
hundreds of spectators will be attending the event. The 2004 tournament will
be held at the Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Stadium, the main venue for
the 1998 Asian Games softball events. Two trophies to be awarded the
winners: the Grand Championship trophy and the Governor’s Cup. It is based
on a triple elimination format, which will give everyone plenty of
opportunity to go home with a trophy.
Games begin Friday, November 19 at 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Championship games to be
held on Sunday at 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Tournament T-shirts, food, soft drinks and beer will be
available. The BBQ will be hosted by Darrell and his Tequila Reef crew from
Pattaya cooking burgers, ribs, tacos and chili at the Klong 6 venue! What
more could you ask for? Margaritas just might do the trick!
The Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Stadium is located
next to the Rajmangkala Institute at Klong 6, about 13kms east of Future
Park, on the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, Hwy 305
All fans are welcome free of charge.
The tournament is organised by the Bangkok International
Softball League (BISL), a registered non-profit community group. Its sole
purpose is to organize softball tournaments and leagues in Bangkok. For
further details view the website with map at: http://www.bangkoksoft
ball.com
Pattaya announces plans for
this year’s Pattaya Open 2004
More stars, more events, tennis tournament promises to be better than ever
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
On October 20 at city hall Wirawat Khakhai, Pattaya
deputy mayor called at meeting with tournament organizers to discuss plans
for the Pattaya Open 2004, especially concerning a public relations
campaign. The tennis tournament has a budget of over 3 million baht and
organizers and sponsors joined in the brainstorming session.
Following the success of the 2003 tournament, which was
well received by the tennis community, the event has now been firmly etched
in the city’s sporting calendar. The meeting aimed to develop further
strategy in announcing the event to the public.
The Pattaya Tennis Association welcomed the decision by
the city to hold the event for the second time as the sport gains popularity
in Thailand across a wide range of age groups in the wake of the nation’s
number one tennis star, Paradorn Srichaphan who is currently ranked at 25 in
the world.
This year’s tournament, scheduled to be held from
December 10-13 at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort will include juniors - boys -
under 10, 12, 14 and 18s - and girls under 10, 12, 14s. Additionally there
will be an open class as well as the seniors’, ages 80, 90 and 100 as well
as mixed doubles, open doubles and senior’s doubles categories.
First place trophy, under the auspices of the Tourism and
Sports minister and cash prizes are on offer for the field of local and
international amateur players.
Looking for a new weekend getaway?
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya is inviting
interested Thais and expatriates to visit its impressive new clubhouse,
urging potential members to sign up before membership fees go up.
The
Royal Varuna Yacht Club’s new clubhouse.
Knowing how to sail is not a prerequisite. The club
has coaches, rental boats and regular classes for beginning adults and
children alike. For those not sure about sailing yet, other facilities
include a swimming pool, private beach, international restaurant,
meeting rooms, simple accommodation, and, most importantly to some,
fresh air and an incredible view of the bay.
“It is only 90 minutes from Bangkok but it is
like entering a ‘Garden of Eden’ compared to the stress, pollution
and noise of the metropolis,” says Marcel Dubbelman, Bangkok
resident and RVYC membership secretary.
“There’s nothing like getting down there on a
Friday evening, pulling up a seat at the clubhouse or seaside bar, and
enjoying the evening spectacle of the sun setting behind Koh Larn.”
As long-time member and sportswriter Peter Cummins
says, “Having been a member for more than 30 years, the phrase I
have heard most from new and potential members is ‘Why didn’t we
find this earlier?’”
“The RVYC is Pattaya’s best kept secret, a
truly special place,” says Nima Chandler, another long-time member.
The club features dinghy and catamaran sailing,
with frequent regattas, special events, national, regional and world
championships. There is a range of craft available to charter by the
hour, day or week and skilled instructors are on site, for youngsters,
novices and even the more experienced wishing to hone up their skills
and the international yacht racing rules.
On many weekends, the RVYC also organizes special
evening activities for members and their children, such as Halloween
last weekend.
The new clubhouse officially opens November 13th.
For more information, visit www.royal-varuna-yacht-club.com, or to
arrange a visit, contact the club at 038-306-290 or by email [email protected].
Sunday Quiz League
Wednesday Quiz League
Standings October 27
Where the Fun started!
The Original Pattaya Pool League - October 25
Group A: OK Corral 5 - 4
The Bunker
It’s an interesting thing. It often follows that a good
golf player makes a good pool player. For many people in both fraternities,
their games will always amount to merely hitting some balls into a hole
sometimes. Of course, it’s a lot easier to get a “hole in one” on the
pool table than it is in golf. It’s just as easy as well to play a
“round” (of golf) anywhere in Thailand as it is to play “around” in
Pattaya on or off the pool table (you all know what I’m talking about!)
But there’s a lot more skill involved than that, as was seen on this
night. So it was that “Loy’s Boys”, were playing in their very own
19th Hole at Dennis’s Bar, OK Corral in Soi Rungland against The Bunker
from Soi Chaiyapoon (3rd Road end).
 US
Navy Larry not sunk yet, in his match against Bob ‘Grinder’ Pierce.
Colonel Grinder won the game in the end taking the OK Corral to a 1 - nil
lead in the opening round.
Retired British Army Colonel Bob Pierce
(“Grinder” to his new Regiment at OK Corral) stood to attention in
the first showdown of the evening against US Navy veteran Larry. To
date, it is classified information whether Larry was a Navy Seal (and
when emailed, George Bush would not comment!). A deathly silence
filled the air. It was as if No Man’s Land was the pool table with
OK Corral grouped in formation inside and the Bunker flanking the
roadside.
Play commenced with both sides advancing slowly.
Grinder picked off 2 balls and Larry played a couple of bank shots up
and down the table. It soon became apparent to him that it’s not so
easy to play on a UK table as it is on the tables back home! Grinder
returned fire by potting 3 more balls then snookering Larry. But
slowly Larry gained ground until both players were down to 1 ball. But
all along the way Grinder had been strategically ambushing pockets
with his balls. When it came to his final attack he sank his last ball
and then the black for victory... 1 - 0.
“Kangaroo” Bob - aptly named by his style of
play of bouncing his white balls off cushions on most shots, often
potting them as well - faced Tony next. Bob won the toss, broke and
fouled! The atmosphere suddenly livened up as Bob then proceeded to
give a running commentary of his own game to the audience. Soon Tony
was left with all 7 balls on the table while Bob was already down to
his last stripe before the black. But he quietly started to pick off
his balls always leaving Bob snookered on his shot. But he always
seemed to escape! But soon Tony was down to 3 balls. Only then did the
commentary stop! Tony was all set to win but fouled. Now Bob had 2
chances to sink the black. Oops! He wasted both. They must have been
too easy! Tony then calmly ended the game. One game all.
Brian was up next against Benny. Brian immediately
sank several of his balls, leaving Benny struggling with a difficult
shot to play next. Benny retaliated with a trick shot around the
table, which went in. But Brian had left a ball “safe” over a
pocket, so when it was time to finish he potted it and quickly
followed with the black. “OK” 2 - 1.
It was now time for Pete aka “Red” (a snooker
and mean 9-Ball player!) to play “Ice-G” (from Iceland) Grummy.
“Pete” waited patiently as Ice-G immediately sank 3 balls and then
another on his next shot. Pete then picked off a couple of easy balls
and ruthlessly played a snooker. Grummy did well to escape the many
traps that were laid for him throughout the frame but when it was time
to end it all, Pete showed no mercy. “OK” 3 - 1.
Crocodile Bob was next against Prosteur (also from
Iceland). Bob sank 2 stripes first forcing Prosteur to use a rest on a
“long” shot (which is not often seen on 6 x 3 English tables here
in Pattaya!). Whilst Bob potted 4 balls in quick succession he then
fouled and soon Prosteur was down to his last coloured ball as well
before the black. “Musical cushions” followed with the black and
white balls ricocheting around the table. Both players had 3 chances
each to win before Prosteur (Bunker) was finally victorious 3 - 2.
Last but not least, out of the shadows came Mad Dog
Englishman Mr. Loy (aka Roy) (not easy to spot nowadays because of his
tan from all those hours playing golf in the midday sun!) to play
against long time friend Dave “The Destroyer”. Dave swiftly potted
4 balls then Roy potted 2 and then forced Dave to foul. Roy sank 3
more and snookered Dave but he played a bank shot potting his ball in
the centre! The Destroyer was on the warpath!
But while trying to snooker Roy with a soft shot
Dave fouled leaving Roy his chance for victory. But then Roy, to
everyone’s amazement, missed a tricky black into the centre leaving
Dave an easy shot to finish. 3 games all at half time!
With the massaman curry all finished it was time
for Kangaroo and Red to play Dave and Tony. It was close as both teams
played their best but soon it was 4 - 3 to “OK”.
Grummy and Prosteur hit back and snatched the next game off
Crocodile Bob and Brian. So it was all down to the last game. Grinder
and Roy, with their combined years of experience on and off the
battlefield took OK Corral to victory against Larry and Benny. It was
a true gentlemen’s evening with a fine display of sportsmanship all
round. And not a single “fore!” from wayward balls was shouted all
night!
Brazilians open up a gap and show their class
MGMG Bangkok Casuals League - Week 4
‘While the cats are away, the mice will play...’, so
the saying goes. And whilst the cool cats of the teachers’ teams of Patana
and Shrewsbury took a well-earned rest following two or three tiring weeks
in front of their whiteboards, none played more than those battling
Brazilian boys. They opened up a two point gap at the top with a comfortable
3 -1 victory over the inscrutable Bangkok United. With a strong squad,
combining youth and experience, and a lovely kit, combining blue and yellow,
the beefy Bulls Head braves have gone a long way to justifying their
position as (Soi) 33/1 favorites.
You would expect a team of farang men from Pattaya to be
used to playing away from home, and the boys from the Racing Club certainly
shook their Londoner hosts by taking a 2 - 0 lead. The Londoners proved to
be no Southern softies though and fought back gamely to grab a 2 - 2 draw.
This result sees Racing Club Pattaya move up to 2nd place, proving that
there’s more to the social life in their neck of the woods than seedy
joints, of one type or another
The (relatively) mighty Dubliner’s recent improvement
in form continued with a 4 - 1 thumping of those well paid but under
performing Bangkok Blitz boys, who seem to be finding life in this year’s
Casual’s League harder to direct than one of their music videos
The only true ‘casual’ team left in the league may
well be the stalwarts of the British Club Casuals, who play in that most
British of styles - consistently losing. This weeks lucky winners were the
new look German All Stars (all of whose new look stars are not, in fact,
German) whose 3 - 1 victory means that they have now accumulated more points
than their total for the whole of last season. Schnell or what?
Finally, The Winking Frog gave a much improved
performance against the Scandinavian Vikings, recording a record high of two
goals and conceding a record low of four. As another saying goes, and thanks
to Yazz for this one; ‘The Only Way is Up.’
Week 4 Results: The Winking Frog FC 2 vs. 4 Scandinavian
Vikings, Londoner FC 2 vs. 2 Racing Club Pattaya, The Dubliner 4 vs. 1 Blitz
FC, Bulls Head Brazilians 3 vs. 1 Bangkok United British Club Casuals 1 vs.
3 German All Stars.
Sriracha run to honor
HM Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday - November 14
The Ratchatewi Hospital Sriracha and Pan Asia Footwear
Plc have joined forces in organizing the 18th annual Sriracha Race. This
year’s event will be held in honor of HM Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday
celebrations.
The 10 kilometer run, scheduled to begin at 6.30 a.m. in
front of Sriracha’s Koh Loy roundabout on Sunday November 14.
Runners will make their way up to and south along
Sukhumvit Road before returning to the finish line before the roundabout.
Runners from all ages and nationalities are invited to
join in one of the 5 categories: Boys/Girls under 15, Men/Women’s Open
class, Men’s Women’s 31-40 age group, Women’s 41 and above class and
Men’s 51 and above group. Winners of Men’s and Women’s classes will
receive the Princess Sirindhorn Trophy as well as 2,000 baht worth of Pan
products. Runners-up and third and fourth places will also receive
sponsors’ gifts with the first 100 runners receiving an event Pan T-shirt.
Proceeds from the event will be handed over a Royal
Charity under the patronage of HRH Princess Sirindhorn as part of a building
fund to construct the ‘Chalermprakiat 100 year’ building at the
Ratchatewi Hospital in Sriracha.
Further details and entry forms are available from Pan Asia Footwear Plc,
038-480713-4; Ratchatewi Hospital Sriracha, 038-322157 ext. 1117-1174; Tuk
Com Sriracha, 038-322870-2; Robinson Department Store Sriracha,
038-771111-20 ext. 3063; Sport Dome (Laem Thong Branch, Rayong), 038-62
288-9, or Tesco Lotus North Pattaya 038-370916-43.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
If you’re a fan of really good fighters from the Land
of Smiles you got to love Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (40-1-1). Of course if you
are, please realize that he’s been fed a diet of guys that you never heard
of and never will. Fact is, he just might be “really “over rated not to
be confused with just regular over rated. The one real quality opponent was
Lad of the Rising Sun Osamu (21-1) in May of 2002. He lost by KO. That
aside, he gets a shot at maybe the best darn Super Bantam in the world when
he takes on Mahyar Monshipour (25-2-2) in Paris on November 8th. Mahyar has
had most all of his fights in France and appears on the assent. Could be a
short night for the visitor from Thailand. Suppose to be shown on Channel 7
in South East Asia. Yes Paris, that’s the home of the wine drinking,
cheese eating surrender monkeys where a draw is victory.
Sometimes even when I’m kind of wrong it turns out
I’m kind of right. Last week I wrote, “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 $400,000 American dollars 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.
Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton would love a shot but knowing Hatton’s
management Harris will say, “Thanks but no thanks. The Harris in this case
of course was Vivian Harris the 140lb king. Mr. M. John read and reacted.
“Are you kidding when you say Hatton would love a shot
at Harris? Hatton recently vacated his WBA number 1 spot rather than face
Harris. Hatton is the biggest joke in boxing and has been carefully avoiding
every big name at 140lbs for the past year and a half!” I would disagree
as I don’t think it’s Hatton as much as it is his manager Frank Warren.
I have never known a fighter that didn’t think he could whip the other
guy. That’s why they do what they do. Instead of a real fight Hatton has
opted out for a December 11 date at the Docklands in London against Ray
Oliveira (47-9). The promoters seem to be hanging their hats on the fact
that Oliveira had a victory over Harris four years ago. Oliveira’s last
few are suspect. All wins over Hicklet Lau (19-11), Jerry Smith (14-58) and
Bryon Mackie (21-8). Not exactly household names.
Another boxer from the UK who is probably out of luck is
Joe Calzaghe. He said he wanted to fight at light heavy and wanted Glencoffe
Johnson. Also in line for Johnson is Clinton Woods who recently got a
“w”. To win what was billed as an “IBF title eliminator.” Woods had
to climb off the canvas from a first round knockdown to KO Aussie Jason
DeLisle in the 12th. A flurry of lefts and rights caused the bout to be
stopped with less than a minute left.
“I haven’t felt like this for two or three years,”
said a jubilant Woods. At the time it was reported, “The victory keeps the
Englishman on course for a third meeting with IBF 175lbs champion Glen
Johnson.” Not going to happen. Why? Because Glencoffe Johnson and Antonio
Tarver will meet on December 11 (December 12, Thailand Time although same
year) in Los Angeles. Yes, it will match the two conquerors of Roy Jones jr.
It should be one hell of a scrap. If Traver wins, both Calgaze and Woods are
left out in the cold. Rumor has them telling their respective ranking
organization to take a hike before the fight. Then no sanctioning fee’s
and no titles. Do they care? Nope. “Show them the money.”
Then we have the continuing saga of WBO Featherweight
champion Scott Harrison (22-2-1). Harrison is a training partner and pal of
“Dapper” Dave Stewart a frequent visitor to Pattaya. On Friday last
(Limey Time) he made the third defense of his title against previously
unbeaten Ethiopian Samuel Kebede (24-0) at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow.
Last week I wrote, “He fights Samuel Kebede who is a payday but not going
to help Harrison in world rankings or stature.” Late Friday night the BBC
wrote, “Harrison defended his title for the fifth time in farcical
circumstances with opponent Samuel Kebede lasting 59 seconds before the
fight was stopped.” Prior to the fight Harrision said, “After defeating
Kebede I will look at the prospect of fighting WBC Champion Injin Chi.” At
the same time the Sports Network said, “that the Chi match-up is 80%
done”. There goes promoter Frank Warren again telling “Porky’s”.
Kusung Lee of Poongsan Promotions of Korea has definitively denied that WBC
featherweight champ Injin Chi would fight WBO ruler Scott Harrison in a
unification bout. Lee continued, “ Nothing involving a Chi-Harrison
match-up was done and Chi would never go and fight Harrison in Great
Britain. Chi’s priorities are his December 18 defense in Korea.”
Nice big time fight for Thailand’s Fahsan 3-K as he
seems to have the inside track on a December 4 tune up fight with Manny
Pacquiao. Gary St. Clair was the original boxer slated to face Pacquiao in
Manila as a tune up for Pacquiao’s February 26 rematch in Las Vegas
against Juan Manuel Marquis. The word is that someone in the PacMan’s camp
“preferred to pit Manny against another banger, as opposed to a slick
boxer like St. Clair.”
St. Clair’s management was quick to issue a statement
claiming Pacquiao is scared to fight St. Clair.” There may some truth to
that feeling. Both 3-K and St. Clair have about the same ratio of knockouts
to wins. St.Clair 15 from 35 and 3-K 23 from 44. One would suspect that the
PacMan’s folks see 3-K as the easier test. Someone might be in for a
surprise.
Former WBC fly champ Medgoen Singsurat (38-3,25 KOs) was
impressive as he retained his ABCO superfly title last Friday at Central
Stadium in Pitsanuloke. He got an 8th round TKO over Lad from the Rising Sun
Katsumi Makiyama (9-3,2 KOs). Medgoen ended the fight with a plethoric
flashing fury of prodigious punches at 2:12. On the same card WBC Youth fly
title holder Fahpetchnoi Sor Chitpattana knocked out Robert Rubillar in
three. How about that?
On Sunday morning (Pattaya Time) Kostya Tszyu (30-1) and Sharmba Mitchell
(55-3) will finally get it on in a match the IBF 140lb title. The first time
was some three years ago. It was a barnburner as long as it lasted. Mitchell
“retired” after the 7th with an injured knee. What was really injured
was Mitchell’s ego when Tszyu took everything and laughed in the face of
danger. Some in attendance that night though that Mitchell quit like a dog.
That would have been me. The only question here is “will Kostya Zszyu be
able to shake off the ring rust after being inaction for over a year?” Me
thinks he will. Let’s have a toddy.
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