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Sweet victory for team Cream Sugar Shack in Charity Classic 2005
Half million baht target for charity exceeded
Friday January 21
Phoenix Country Club
Stableford
Team Cream Sugar Shack proved all the experts wrong last
Friday to win this year’s Pattaya Sports Club Charity Classic with a team
score of 110 points. Albert Bruce, David Foulkes, Derek Bannerman and Dene
Airey stirred the pot as they drove long and straight, and putted sweetly to
take top honours on the day.
Albert
Bruce, David Foulkes, Derek Bannerman and Dene Airey from the winning team,
Cream Sugar Shack savoured the taste of sweet victory with a combined score
110 Stableford points, as Chris John (center), PSC golf chairman presents
them their trophies.
This annual tournament is one of the major fundraising
events of the year for the PSC. This year’s proceeds are going towards
helping people in the tsunami affected provinces in Thailand’s south, as
decided by the Pattaya Sports Club executive committee and guided by charity
chairman, Bernie Tuppin, who made an immediate, unanimous, decision to
donate 500,000 baht immediately to aid the south. A figure now exceeded, but
more about that later.
In
second was the Galway Hookers with Ted Morris, Clive Robinson, Don
Richardson and James Flanagan combining for 109 points.
So it was that, as dawn broke over Phoenix, the early tee
off golfers started to trickle in and were met by a very efficient booking
in system. Bernie Tuppin, still showing signs of his argument with a truck,
led the team of volunteers for registration for a full field of 143 golfers.
Team
Smedvig, consisting of Paul Kraft, Kenny Mau, Phil Taylor and a rejuvenated
Herbie Ishinaga ran third, with 107 points.
The two nines to be played were the Mountain and the
Ocean, and they were in pristine condition. What is more is that between the
two nines, Ken Crow had set up a barbecue stand, and free hotdogs were
available to all the golfers. Now golfers really do get hungry on a golf
course, so Ken was a busy man.
 Ted
Morris (right) earned the men’s high score trophy with 41 points.
The course on the day was in excellent condition, and the
many improvements taken over the years are beginning to show. This course
was always known as an easy, user-friendly course, but many players have had
to rethink this. On this day it was to prove it had fangs and could bite
back. Still, none of the ‘experts’ expected a team winning score of
under 120 total, and surely the winners would tame the course. This has long
been a Team Stableford Competition, based on the best 3 scores, with also a
best points, male and female. However, this year the long time tradition of
awarding 24 Mulligans was abandoned, catching many of the unaware golfers by
surprise.
 Anka
Crotea won the ladies division with 33 Stableford points at Phoenix.
For those there for the golf, all the holes were
sponsored, from near the pins, to near the lines, to long putts, to long
drives, and so on. Everyone had a chance to win.
In the Men’s Highest Stableford the winner was Ted
Morris with 41 points, beating Chris Platten on count back. The winning
Ladies score was by Anka Croteau with 33 points. These were way below the
scores anyone had expected, and put at risk the estimate of at least 120 for
the winning team, and so it proved.
In the team competition, the major competition, we had in
fourth the Danny Boy Team, made up of Frank Pilkington, Alec Hoare, Peter
Ring and Danny Dyke, earning the prize on count back over Dang Guesthouse,
both with 106 points.
 Anni
Anderson had a hole in one and was showered with glory and prizes for her
outstanding effort.
In third place was team Smedvig, with 107 points, with
Paul Kraft, Kenny Mau, Phil Taylor and a rejuvenated Herbie Ishinaga. In
second were the Galway Hookers with Ted Morris, Clive Robinson, Don
Richardson and James Flanagan managing 109 points.
The winners on the day were the Cream Sugar Shack team
with a score of 110 points.
The golfers showered and retired to the banquet room
upstairs to await the results, partake of the buffet washed down by a few
cold ones, and during the wait, Gerry Carpenter, PSC president came in and
asked for quiet. Gerry introduced Borphthai, Phoenix manager, and thanked
him for a sum of 200,000 baht to go towards the Charity Classic Appeal. This
addition to the coffers had exceeded the target of 500,000 pushing the total
closer to 700,000 baht.
 Khun
Borphtai, Phoenix Golf club manager presented Gerry Carpenter, PSC president
with a cheque for 200,000 baht to go towards the charity coffers for tsunami
victims.
The PSC golf chairman and his committee aimed to make
this the best Charity Classic ever, to ensure they could justify the
confidence in his money raising team. Chris John, ‘captain’ of the ship,
was an oasis of calm. If you believe that then believe the moon is made of
green cheese. Nonetheless all ran relatively smoothly.
As with any charity event the need for sponsors is
paramount and as the word went out, the sponsors flooded in, more lately, as
money raising events have proliferated. Many will have supported these and
many of you will have heard about them, for this the PSC thanks them.
 Doug
‘Poppins’ doing his nearest the pin jig...
At the presentation, emcee Alan Pearce led the
afternoon’s events with the minor and technical prizes, and when available
the sponsors were called up to present the prize alongside the golf
chairman.
Next up the major prizes with team trophies and prizes
handed out along with one other special presentation for Anni Anderson who
was declared to have had a hole in one. Well done Anni!
In his closing address, Chris John, PSC golf chairman,
not only thanked all who participated, all the sponsors, and all his
helpers, but also asked all to remember those lost in the tsunami and PSC
committee member, Gert Hansen, who passed away during the week.
 Ken
Crow set up a barbecue stand to hand out free hotdogs to hungry golfers ...
needless to say he was kept very busy.
The day over, all departed for home after a fine time and
a fine day for charity with up to 700,000 baht being raised, a valiant
effort by all.
The Pattaya Sports Club (PSC) is a registered non-profit
organization, established in 1979, for the purposes of promoting sports and
aiding local charities. PSC has grown from 31 charter members in 1979, to in
excess of 7,000 active members, and has records of over 20,000 members
worldwide. In the guise of its charity chairman, Bernie Tuppin, the PSC has
donated millions of baht over the years and donates over 1.5 million baht
per year to charity.
Singles Stableford on Wednesday February 9 at Eastern Star
‘JIGS’ at Jameson’s
Mike
Franklin
Jameson’s International Golf Society will hold its
second inaugural tournament on Wednesday February 9 at Eastern Star
Country Club & Resort, teeing of from 9.30 a.m. The format is Singles
Stableford.
 Due
to the busy season bookings, the field is limited to 48 players.
Sign-up on the notice board at Jameson’s, or by
emailing to: [email protected]
A membership application form, for free life membership
of Jameson’s International Golf Society, can be printed from Jameson’s
website at www.jamesons-pattaya.com. Member Cards will be issued in due
course and membership entitles you to a 10% discount on the already
attractive food and drink prices.
Full information about JIGS organization, fixture dates
and sign-up sheets can be seen on the notice board on the back wall
between the Pool tables, and on the website together with everything else
you should know about Jameson’s, the new Irish pub
Jameson’s has a great atmosphere and you are assured
of a very warm welcome.
All the usual suspects quips Richard
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday Jan. 17
Burapha C & D
Stableford
Division 1
1st Norman Isherwood, 36 pts
2nd Jonathan Duxbury, 35 pts
3rd Barry Traynor, 34 pts
Division 2
1st Dave Spendley, 33 pts
2nd Brian Kelly, 32 pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn, 31 pts
“We are playing off the blues as it’s a stableford
competition,” announced golf organiser, “Major” Roy Thornton,
forgetting the blue tees are now sited on the original tips! Well, the
course now measures something like 6, 600yds instead of 6,128 as stated on
the scorecard and what a tough day it turned out to be, with only Norman
managing to play to his handicap and so taking Division 1 honours, though
pressed hard by inform Jonathan, who was again unlucky to lose out. Barry
showed a nice return to form to complete the division placings. In Division
2, Dave must have been more than a little surprised to win with 33 points as
were Brian and Barry to finish on the podium! Once again, Wendy
Hollingsworth dominated the ladies, winning with a super 36 points. However,
there was no shortage of 2s and the pool was shared by Norman Isherwood,
Barry Winton, Jonathan Duxbury and Ole Steen. Prior to the prize giving,
Richard Livingston, resident PGA professional welcomed Phillips Larsen,
Claus Neilson & Simon Irvine and welcomed back Al Rolnik
Wednesday Jan. 19
Century Bang Chang
Medal
Division 1
1st Phillip Larsen, net 72 - c/b 34
2nd Rasmus Jensen, net 72 - c/b 35
3rd Karl Holm, net 74
Division 2
1st B J Smith, net 67
2nd Gordon Langtree, net 75
3rd Peter Johansson, net 78
Another tough days golf, though the course was, as usual,
in very good condition and surprise, surprise, the new clubhouse is finally
open! A little more room but clearly built on a tight budget as half the 10
shower units did not have hot water and the old rickety lockers had been
re-installed! As for the golf, well it was a day to forget for most, but BJ
romped home with an incredible 67 net to take Division 2 honours and destroy
the rest of the field. In Division 1 it was the Danes who dominated, taking
all three podium positions, Karl just pipping Trevor Schirmer on countback
for 3rd place. In the 2’s competition, the pool was shared by B J Smith,
Nicolai Larsen & Roy Thornton. Prior to the prize giving, Richard
Livingston, welcomed back Harold Gruber and Eberhard Stoli.
Friday Jan. 21
Siam Country Club
Bogey
Division 1
1st Trevor Schirmer, 4up
2nd Mashi Kanetta, 1up - c/b 2up
3rd Norman Isherwood, 1up - c/b 1up
Division 2
1st Dave Lee, 4up
2nd Barry Chadbourn, 2up
3rd Mo Bertrand, 1down
Unfortunately, Siam had grossly overbooked the course
and, after a 30-minute delay in teeing off, golfers were in for a five and
half hour round, that killed off many players hopes. But as Richard
announced, the day was dominated by all the usual suspects! Trevor and Dave
easily took the honours in their respective divisions. Trevor started off
quietly enough but finished 5up over the last 8 holes to beat off any hopes
shared by Mashi and Norman.
In Division 2, Dave enjoyed a similar back 9 to see off
Barry and Mo and in the Ladies, Wendy Hollingsworth, fresh from her little
golf break at Soi Dao, once again dominated, though finishing 3 down. It was
jackpot time for Gordon Langtree in the 2s competition, as he made the only
2 of the day to leave the Haven with a huge smile of satisfaction on his
face!
Omaha Nebraska annual open
The first Annual Omaha, Nebraska Open golf outing was
held on Monday, January 17 at Siam Country Club golf course. With a foot
of snow, below freezing temperatures and high wind conditions back home,
this group cpuld not have asked for more favorable conditions than those
offered in Pattaya.
Having won the honors for having the largest breakfast,
Rick Sabbag was first off the tee. Although he hit an errant tee shot, his
follow on shots made it look better than it was. Rick’s performance at
the snack stands proved to be more in line with is capabilities.
(l-r)
Rick Sabbag, Kevin Worl and Craig “The General” Nelson from Omaha and
Nebraska, USA during their inaugural Omaha annual open at Siam Country
Club.
Kevin Worl hit long and straight but out where the deer
and rabbit hunters would be more comfortable. Kevin did however;
demonstrate that driving a golf cart with a beer in one hand and a three
wood in the other is possible. “The General” had the best lie of the
day when his caddie lent him a hand to get out of the bunker on the ninth
hole and they both ended up lying in the sand.
At the end of the day. There was no question that you can have more fun
in one round of golf in Pattaya than in six months of blizzard conditions
in Omaha!
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Straight down the middle Dave finally got to the top.
Dave Milller, who takes my money every week like clock work, came in with a
credible 39 points to win the day. Not far but straight down the middle,
Dave manages to stay on the fairway. With his short game coming together,
his game is improving by the week. It is time for the axe to strike and to
bring his handicap down a bit, so I can have a chance to win.
Following Dave were the following golfers. Bob Benda and
Terry Morris both came in with 38 points followed by Kenny Mau and Bill
Thompson with 37 points each. It was close at the top but Dave prevailed at
the end.
Again holding down the bottom spot was Rollie Weese. He
didn’t want any competition as he devastated the course coming in with 10
points and a lot of chunks. Just another stroke and it would have been a tie
for the cellar and a fight of who would be holding the bag for the week.
Paul Donohue gave Rollie a scare as he came in with 11 points to pip Rollie
at the finish line. It was close, but Rollie managed to grab a hold of the
bag at the last minute to win the bottom spot for the week.
Experience Wins the Day at Green Valley
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
Despite the absence of sixteen stalwarts, enjoying a
break at Soi Dao, a large field of Bunker Boys competed in the OK
Corral’s monthly two-day event at Green Valley on Monday and Tuesday,
January 17 and 18. The course was unfamiliar to the group with a start from
the twelfth tee, because of the pressures of the seasonally resident Korean
golfers and, as a result, the closing three holes were very tough. The
course itself was in good condition but the greens were surprisingly slow
to the regulars, a result, no doubt, of the unseasonal rains, which had
blighted the previous three days. The format was four-man teams with the
best two stableford scores on each hole counting and from the start it was
the old heads of Harry Riley, Bob van Mol, Wilf Latham and Doug Campbell
who set the standard for the day. Between them they could look back on more
than five hundred rounds played at the club and every blade of grass was to
be familiar to them. Their team score of 81 points was too good for the
chasing group of Tony Duthie, Ian Phillips, Daz Martindale and Austin
Langton, some six points adrift. It was not quite the foregone conclusion
on the second day as captain Nile Sheehan, especially, ably supported by
Owen Sullivan, George Young and Alvin Easton posted an excellent score of
80 points to win the day, and take runners-up place for the thirty six hole
event.
The first day runners-up held on to a share of third
place with the team of Bill Hewitt, Roy Mitchell, Keith Hector and Paul
Houlker but the plaudits went to Harry, Bob, Wilf and Doug, whose
experience had guaranteed them a high finish. Birdie twos were shared by
Nile Sheehan (2), Daz Martindale, Bob van Moll and Trevor Quince and the
Bananas went to the newbies group of Howard and Jill Stanley, Trevor Quince
and Denis Dixon for their valiant efforts over the two days.
Bill Nabs Victory at Siam
On Thursday, January 20, more than thirty golfers
followed Mr. Loy from the OK Corral to Siam C.C. to play the Pattaya Golf
Society’s weekly stableford event under fair skies. With the field cut at
sixteen and under, division two saw Bob Turner find the podium with his
score of 36 points, one behind a resurgent Pat Murphy whose recent lessons
are having a beneficial effect. The experience of Bill Hewitt held the day
in the flight and his three-under total of 39 points indicated a return to
form after a drab few outings. In division one Mike Allidi and John
Cunningham performed well to record 34 points and share second place,
whilst the ubiquitous Steve Nowell once again held sway at the top with a
performance of strength and accuracy. The returning pair of Bob Philp and
Harry Cowling shared the Super Sawng pot with Uwe Schroder and Bob Turner.
Angus MacFarlane was overlooked for the Bananas for once as Mr. Loy
admitted to a shank off a tee, which almost decapitated his caddy. But for
Bill Hewitt and Steve Nowell the week had ended on a high note.
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday January 17
Century Bang Chang
Stableford
The course was host for a Stableford Competition in two
Flights, A Flight 0 to 18 and B Flight 19 and upwards.
 Werner
Heufel
The course on the day was in good condition, with the
greens a little slow. There was a pleasant surprise when we arrived, as the
new clubhouse was opened. This is a vast improvement on the old one, but a
bit rustic compared to other new clubhouses. There are however plenty of hot
showers.
Einar Johansson took the A Flight with a fine 42 points,
Don Richardson was second with 38 points and in a countback on 35 points,
Ted Morris was third and Alan Sullivan was fourth.
 Rick
Evans
Werner Heuffle was the winner in the B Flight with 37
points, Barry Kerr was second with 36 points and in a countback for third on
33 points Dave Richardson was third and Elias Magnusson was fourth.
Near Pins: #5 Don Richardson, #7 Barry Kerr, #13 Einar
Johannson, #15 Leif Kirkgaard
Long Put #9 Werner Heuffle and #18 Patrick Brown
Thursday January 20
Bangpakong
Stableford
This is always a pleasure to visit, if you can stand the
long drive, as it is easily the longest, both in distance from Pattaya and
yards on the course, we play. Once there you are met with a fine clubhouse
and a course that is open but very long, and on this day well grassed. This
course probably suits the long hitter, and if you are long and reasonably
straight, you can have a great day. Be wayward and short and you will
struggle.
 Colin
Swan
Playing with a reasonably long hitter, who, on the day
was straight and what is more putted well, it was with pleasure, I saw Rick
Evans birdie four of the first eight hole to set up the basis for a winning
score. So it was that, with a gross 73 and 43 points, Rick Evans won the A
Flight, 0 to 16, and shot one of his best rounds. Well done! I always enjoy
it when a ‘Single Handicapper’ produces his best golf. In second, and
also having a fine day, Kevin Dunne came in with 40 points and must have had
dreams of glory. In third we had Tony Scamber with 38 points, Tony says the
‘S’ I keep slipping into his name is because of the way he plays his
golf, or was that me? In fourth was Don Richardson with 37 points, Don also
had a great front nine but did not play as well on the back nine.
In the B Flight, 17 up, we had one of those rounds that
pop up only every few months, and always in the B Flight. Suddenly the
struggling high handicapper hits a few good shots, sinks a few putts and low
and behold, he makes his handicap a thing of distant memory. On this day
Colin Swan broke 100 for the first time ever, and shot 47 points to walk
away with the Flight. In second place way back in the dust was ‘The
Admiral’ with a still good 39 points. Then we had a countback for third
and fourth on 37 points with Graham Buckingham in third and Barry Kerr in
fourth. T.T.F.N.
Long Putts: #9 Nil, #18 Alan Sullivan
Nearest Pins: #4 Stephen Lewis, #7 Ebrahim, #13 Kevin Dunne, #16 Chuck
Carriere
Brother D increase their lead and VFW moves up to fifth
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 bowlers - Mio,
Maliny, Tue, Dang, Ow, Rich and Jim.
Brother D took three points from Q Cars to increase
their first place lead by one more point over second place. Three Sisters
and Cafe Ole split their series at two each and so did Cafe Kronborg and
VFW Post 9876. House of the Golden Coin was the only team to win four
points as they defeated Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Shenanigans were led by
Tue who rolled games of 182, 203 and 226, 611 series, to a three point
victory over Domicil. Friends grabbed three points from Jack & Tar and
are tied with Domicil for sixth place.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Tue, Shenanigans: games of 182, 203, 226 - 611 series
(league best)
Rich, Spare Bowler: 210 game - 556 series
Dangm Cafe Kronborg: 209 game - 544 series
Mio, House of the Golden Coin: 212 game - 544 series
Antero, Domicil: 527 series
Ooy, House of the Golden Coin: 519 series
Ow, VFW Post 9876: 202 game - 510 series
Teuvo, Friends: 506 series
Jim, VFW Post 9876: 200 game - 502 series
Maliny, Brother D: 210 game
Censored
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday Jan. 16
Green Valley Stableford
1st A Flight: Steve Mascari, 42 pts
2nd A Flight: Bob Patterson, 41 pts
3rd A Flight: Ian Ashenden, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Chris Fox, 42 pts
2nd B Flight: Joe Mooneyhan, 41 pts
3rd B Flight: Pete Stonebridge, 40 pts
1st C Flight: Steve Mulberry, 43 pts
2nd C Flight: Mike Frizzell, 40 pts
3rd C Flight: Terry Phur, 38 pts
1st D Flight: Alec Hoare, 39 pts
2nd D Flight: John Ginnane, 38 pts
3rd D Flight: Oddvar Rykke, 37 pts
Near Pins: #5 Jerry McCarthy; #8 Terry Phur; #13 Steve Mascari; #16 Jim
Wickstrom
Before the article reaches its usual pitched tempo, a
word about the title might be in order. The scribe couldn’t think of one.
And with readership ratings down I tried to throw out an eye-catcher.
Apologies for this callous show of commercialism!
So anyway...It is a well established fact that that there
are as many Steve’s in Pattaya as there are Lek’s and Noi’s on the
poles of local go-go’s. That overabundance was evident in this day’s
performance as Man-of-the-Match Steve Mulberry’s 43 points left The
Frizzeled One three strokes adrift in C Flight. Just one behind, C Flight
Steve in the overall count was A Flight Steve, a/k/a The President, who put
a 42 pointer on the board, a score every bit needed to edge Sen. Bob
Patterson’s 41 points. In an effort to keep some sort of structure to this
rambling diatribe, it should be noted that the Pro from Dover (or somewhere
in the UK) tallied 38 points for 3rd in A, and that means 70 off the stick,
given his zero handicap. In like manner, Terry Phur found his 38 points, off
his 15 handicap, good for third in C Flight, as he showed off to the gaggle
of fellow English golfers and friends that he hosted on the day. Terry has
now returned to England, for I trust a brief visit, because if he doesn’t
return soon we will drink his Near Pin winnings!
Commodore Chris “Steve” Fox (OK, OK, so his name
isn’t Steve but at least allows this Steve a little poetic license)
matched the Prez with 42 points and found it good for the top rung in B
Flight. His performance left “I’m in the” Mooneyham and the Headmaster
in second and third despite their respective sterling performances of 41 and
40 points.
Alec Hoare, who this scribe finds himself writing about
nearly every Sunday, did it again as his relatively modest 39 points set
atop the junior flight. Johnny Ginnane posted a silver winning 38 points,
followed by Oddvar “The Tent Maker’s” 37, which was weighted to the
back nine more favorably than Jan Eriksen’s.
Monday Jan. 17
Burapha A & B
Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue A Flight: Allen Hanlon, net 69
2nd Blue A Flight: John Hillier, net 69
3rd Blue A Flight: Gary Blackburne, net 70
1st Blue B Flight: Barry Rothberg, net 68
2nd Blue B Flight: P.J. Redmond, net 69
3rd Blue B Flight: Harvey Samuel, net 72
1st White A Flight: Rick Sharp, net 65
2nd White A Flight: Joe Mooneyham - net 69
3rd White A Flight: Pete Murray, net 72
1st White B Flight: Vincent “Red” Santas, net 69
2nd White B Flight: Brian Cooper, net 71
3rd White B Flight: Poo Supaporn, net 72
Near Pins: # A6 Brian Cooper; # B8 Julian Clarke
Another big field and another opportunity for the players
to choose their own tees as the society shared the course with the Haven on
the day. The Haven took C & D and the lads and lasses played A & B.
With nearly three-fifths of the field choosing the longer configuration, the
format was clearly validated and will continue to be a Lewiinksi’s high
season feature, certainly on courses such as Burapha where there is
passionate support for both sets of tees. If the Society statistician did
not know better, he might have suspected a conspiracy (Neil, anything on the
web about that) as he reviewed the cards on the day. Half the field chose
not to indicate which tees they were played off! And they wonder why it
sometimes takes so long to do the presentation!
Anyway, some three days later when the situation was
sorted it revealed the Baz Rothberg was Man of the Match on the Blues and
with the venerable ol’ Hermit leading the Whites. Barry’s net 68 edged
PJ Redmond by a single swing in the B Flight of Blues, the latter being
three clear of even to handicap Harvey Samuel. Rick’s led his fourball
across the finish line and onto the podium as playing mates Joe Mooneyham
and Shakey Pete Murray comprised the A Flight off the Whites photoshoot.
Old Red, with his scorecard appropriately completed took
the White B Flight with his net 69. “Red” Santas probably heard
footsteps behind him as he walked up the podium, but he needn’t have
feared because Brian Cooper was two shots back. Poo looked diminutive as she
stepped into the shadows and on to the third place step.
Saving the best of the B Flight Blasters to last, we find
Allen Hanlon and Johnny Hillier locked in a count back that the former was
to win. Third was tidied up by Gary Blackburne. A more polite and quiet
podium could not be found.
Wednesday Jan. 19
Eastern Star
Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Mike Ryall, net 74
2nd Blue Flight: John O’Neill, net 76
3rd Blue Flight: Brian Cooper, net 77
1st White A Flight: Mark Wood, net 73
2nd White A Flight: Gary Blackburne, net 73
3rd White A Flight: Bob Patterson, net 73
1st White B Flight: Chas Li, net 72
2nd White B Flight: Poo Supaporn, net 73
3rd White B Flight: Ray Dell, net 73
Near Pins: #3 Roger Yablsey; #7 Pete Chadwick; #13 Mark Wood
OK, Blue and White decision at Burapha is understandable,
but not Blue/White on OB left, water right ESR! Ah, but the diabolical Golf
Manager made the call and eighteen masochists answered. And who should take
it but the Toy Cannon himself, Mike Ryall. Michael’s superb net 74 led
Dubliner John O’Neill by a pair, with the Slightly Larger Cannon, Brian
Cooper, third. The Blue Flight victors led credence to the theory that when
you head to the back tees, the higher handicaps are a force to be reckoned
with.
The premier flight of the sane White Tee Players was
dominated by single digit handicaps, as Aberdeen’s Mark Wood needed a
count back to edge England’s Gary Blackburne. Bob Patterson threw the
colony’s hat in the ring as took the bronze. Chas Li unchivalrously edged
Poo for first in the B version of the White tee Flights. But Poo showed it
isn’t necessarily a Man’s World as she put the count back hex on Ray
Dell.
Friday Jan.21
Phoenix Lakes & Ocean
White Tees
2-Man Better Ball
Stableford
1st Place: Simon Philbrook & Gordon Kerr, 43 pts
2nd Place: John O’Neill & Tom McManus, 42 pts
3rd Place: Sonny Crawford & Greg Caldwell, 42 pts
4th Place: John Emmerson & Bob Patterson, 40 pts
After individual stoke/medal outings, the gang was ready
for a breather and what better than a 2-person (is that PC or what?) Better
Ball. If you gag off a hole, who cares, your partner will always pick you
up. Not my “*%$#^@” partner someone just yelled! So accenting the
positive as always, we will focus on those partnerships that worked and
there is no better place than the top team, Simon of Philbrook fame and
Gordon “The Galloping Gourmet” Kerr who hammed and egged it for 43
points. The pair of Englishmen edged the contestants from this scribes two
alma maters, namely Ireland’s John O’Neill and Tom McManus, and the
Yank’s Sonny Crawford and Greg Caldwell. The lads from the olde sod
prevailed on count back to take second with more favorably distributed 42
points. The Golf Manager and the Cheese Head first toasted the Society’s
statistician as he squeezed enough money out of the pot to support a fourth
place award, and then hoisted yet another as the guy with the green visor
told them they won the count back over The Frizzell and The Fox.
Pattaya Sports Club 20,000 Strong
When Bill Gilmore sat down with a beer and a few friends
back in 1979 he could hardly imagine what he was about to start. Soon after
that initial meeting the Pattaya Sports Club with 31 founding members was
born.
 Rolf
Frii (right) received his gold card from the delightful Khun Orr, Khun Oi
and Max Mathews (left) PSC secretary on Thursday January 20.
The club at first was social with golf the only sport
played in fact some serious debate was conducted as to the naming of the
club with Sports Club winning out over Golf Club as the intent was to
encompass other sports if the opportunity arose. This was a wise decision as
darts and ten pin bowling were soon added to the sports. In the fullness of
time, racket sports, fishing, computers and lawn bowling were added to the
list of activities available to members. As the club grew it was found
necessary to formalize the running of the club so after many years of work
by a few dedicated members PSC in 1996 was granted foundation status, this
enabled it to operate on a more formal basis and conduct their affairs more
professionally.
As membership grew the club was able to negotiate
discounts with the growing number of golf courses and businesses in the
area, which in turn led to more members from countries all over the world.
As a result of this, the club turned its attention to the
needy in the community. Since that time around 8 million baht has been
passed on to local schools institutions and other local charities. All this
has been possible because of a succession of dedicated members who offer
their time and knowledge to oversee the running of the various activities of
the club on a voluntary basis.
Could Bill Gilmore and his supporters have imagined that
all this cold be possible when they cracked a beer over 25 years ago?
Possibly not, but one person who is happy about that meeting is a Swedish
gentleman by the name of Rolf Frii. When he visited the clubhouse on
Thursday January 20 to join the PSC he became the 20,000th member to be
registered .
To mark this milestone in the clubs history he was
presented with a free Gold card membership, which entitles him to club
privileges for the next six years. As an added bonus Rolf was photographed
receiving his gold card from the delightful Khun Orr with the attractive Kun
Oi and the club secretary Max Mathews in attendance (Max is the one with the
least hair.)
Perhaps you may not be as lucky as Rolf should you join the Pattaya
Sports Club but you can be assured that membership is worthwhile and that as
well as the benefits you gain you are supporting local charity. Well done
PSC, roll on 30,000!
PSC golf with
The Bunker
Royal Thai Navy Golf Course - Plutaluang
The rains at the weekend did wonders for the Thai Royal
Navy course where the Boys from The Bunker played their Medal competition on
Monday January 17, the fairways were in good condition and the greens a
little slower than usual. Playing the South and West nines the field, as
usual, was split into two divisions.
Winner
at Khao Kheow P.J. Redmond in pensive mood at The Bunker Bar.
In Division A, Rodger Privett returned a magnificent
Medal round of net 69 playing off 14 handicap to take first prize followed
by John Hughes one shot behind net 70 with Mike Alidi a distant third with
net 75. Division B was tied for first place between Jim Payne and David
Johnson again both shooting a net 71, there was also a tie for third place
John Preddy and Richard Nicks both coming home with net 73. Peter Hoyle and
John Preddy won two near pin prizes with John Hughes claiming the other two.
Khao Kheow
Country Club
The Bunker Boys played a Stableford competition at the
lovely but always tough Khao Kheow Country Club on Wednesday January 19.
Playing courses A and C (both in excellent condition) the field was split
into two Divisions. In Division A, Don Francis came into the clubhouse to
find himself in third spot sharing it with John King both with 28 stableford
points but trailing the winner P.J. Redmond who fought his way to a very
creditable 32 Stableford points to take first prize.
In Division B the scores were better with Mick Ramshaw
and John Truman sharing the honours both shooting a fine 35 points followed
by Granville Swanson making a rare appearance on the leader board with 34
points! Near Pins prizes were won by P.J. Redmond, Don Francis, Brian Maddox
and Duncan McGee.
Pattaya Country Club
Friday January 21 saw the Boys from The Bunker visit
Pattaya Country Club for a Medal Competition and although several of The
Bunker Boys were playing in the PSC Charity Classic there was still a good
turnout with two Divisions as usual.
In Division A John Truman returned a two under par net 70
to claim top spot, runner up was consistent John Hughes (making a late
charge for the “Golfer of the Month Trophy) with net 71 and Granville
Swanson (again) with a net 73. Division B again had the best scores with Jim
Payne leading the way with a fantastic six under par 66 net, Jim’s
handicap is steadily coming down, runner up Curtis Hessler shot a three
under par net 69 followed in third place by Kenny Chung with a two under par
net 70. Near Pin prizes were won by John Hughes, Granville Swanson, husband
and wife Jan and Thea Von Spellen.
The Bunker Boys are playing three times a week during the high season
(Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s) so if you would like a round of
golf call into The Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco) to pick
up a golf schedule or consult the Pattaya Mail every week and, as usual, you
can get the latest information about all other sporting activities at The
Bunker Bar (which includes Quiz games, Pool nights and Darts nights) by
visiting our website @ www.bunkerboysgolf.com
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar
Tuesday Jan. 18
Plutaluang
Stableford
This day’s grip on the ‘Golfing Community’
increases week by week, and this week the organizers had to increase the
number of tees to 8 to encompass this greater interest. So get your name
down early.
 A
relaxing afternoon back at Tropical Bert’s following a day out at
Plutaluang with Bob Noble and Bert (standing l-r) and Michael Dige and Bob
Benda (sitting l-r).
So Why? Well, the day starts with a gentle beginning, a
fine free breakfast and this in peaceful surrounds. Then without fuss, all
are accommodated on transport, before a peaceful ride to a course that is
usually of moderate to low cost. On this day the wide and open fairways of
The Royal Thai Navy Course at Plutaluang. A course in fine condition but the
greens on the north were a little slow. The test for the day the more
difficult North and West layouts. A tough test, but a friendly welcome from
the staff. Of note here is the exceptional value in the restaurant with
prices that are more than realistic.
The competition is played in a friendly atmosphere, and
then after the visit for food and drink at the Restaurant, back to Tropical
Bert’s for some of his fine free food and excellent hospitality. What more
can one want? Especially for those on a limited budget. Oh Yes, he sells
Tetley’s.
So to the competition on the day and in the Low Division
that exceptional golfer Michael Dige shot a fine Gross 74 to win the day. In
the High Division that old campaigner Bob Benda came back to life. Bob has
been having a hard time with his golf of late and has drifted upwards in the
handicap, with his performance on this day he will soon come down. Not only
did he win but also inadvertently grounded his club in a hazard and lost a
hole. Still Bob had a good win. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Kevin Dunne, Michael Anderson, Bill Knight,
Michael Dige, Nigel Cannon, John Allcock and Bob Benda.
Long Putts: Michael Anderson, Andy Evans, Bob Benda
PSC golf From McAllister’s Bar and Grill
Friday Jan. 21 Century Bang Chang Stableford
What can one say? With 144 people playing in the Charity
Classic this alternative venue still managed to turn out 20 golfers intent on
eating Don McAllister out of house and home.
Don McAllister
(right) with three top players of the day out at Century Bang Chang.
A fine morning on this course, that gets busier by the week,
saw many of the players having to walk around, as carts were not available.
Still, some fine scores were produced as players refused to lower their
standards, despite many having sore feet on the hard ground.
Back at McAllisters Bar as all tucked into some fine food,
the winners were declared, and we had a three way countback on 37 points. In
first place was Michael Gillas, with Rick Evans in Second and Colin Bavington in
Third.
Presentation over the players concentrated on some fine
music, cold beer and hospital staff. So until next week when the crowd will be
much larger, T.T.F.N.
Wednesday Quiz League
Sunday Quiz League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Hey guys and gals and those that decline to state, “How
about this? Pattaya is getting a big time box fight on February 18th .”
Tis’ true, ’tis true. IBF #3 Featherwright Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (46-3)
will get it on with Bobby Pacquaio. Couple of things to keep in mind here.
Bobby is not the fighter that his brother Manny is. That’s a minus for the
fans but a plus for Rakkiatgym. October 26, 2002 Khun Rakkiatgym, I trust he
will allow me to call him Khun, took on Manny Pacqiao for the IBF Super
Bantam Title. “Rakkiatgym, the mandatory challenger, was knocked down four
times and rushed to the hospital in stretcher after spending more than 20
minutes on the canvas.” The referee for that one was cousin Bruce
McTavish. A big plus for the fans is that Rakkiatgym should be a favorite
over Pacquaio who’s record of 21-10 is less than it seems. “How so, oh
wise one?” they cry. In his last 7 he’s 5-1-1. Still Ok. Except he’s
3-1-1 against the same fighter Baby Lorona Jr. (34-20).
Lots of big fights in the offing tonight. Of primary
local interest would be the “tune up” for WBC Flyweight Champ Pongsaklek
Wonjongkam (53-2) as he takes on. Noriyuki Komatsu (19-1-5) in the Land of
the Rising Sun and falling Yen. This defense might be considered dangerous
as the champ has a March 19th date in Las Vegas with Jorge Arce (38-3) on
the under card of Manny Pacquiao - Erik “No” Morales. Probably the only
danger would be a cut that didn’t or wouldn’t heal properly. Komatsu is
coming off his first loss a majority decision (114-114, 113-115,113-114) to
Trash Nakanuma. Last January, Wonjongkam handled Nakanuma with ease, winning
116-112,116-113,115-113. The referee for that one was? Yep, cousin Bruce
McTavish from the Philippines but a many times visitor to the Land of
Smiles. By-the-by with that mention cousin Bruce ties Monkey House Fred with
the most non-boxing mentions. Monkey House Fred is now ensconced in the
Twilight Zone Entertainment Saloon in Jomtien. Who would have though it,
Monkey House Fred in the Twilight Zone. The fight? Looks like a paid work
out to me.
If Scott Harrison (23-2) is looking for a “paid”
workout when he fights Victor Polo (34-4) tonight at the Braehead Arena in
Glasgow he’s in deep trouble. Harrison for some reason sometimes takes
fights with less interest than he should. In ’03 he was booked to fight
almost over the hill, abeit still a dam good fighter, in Manuel Medina
(62-13). Harrison got taken to the woodshed losing 113-118,112-116, 115-113.
The 115-113 for Harrison was “shill” Larry Hazzard jr. who’s Dad was a
great boxing referee and now rules the New Jersey (USA) Boxing scene with
all the care and finesse of a Dictator from a Banana Republic. Grated a
rematch Harrison got a 11 stanza TKO but still... watch out for Mr. Polo.
Three of Polo’s “L’s” come in title fights. He lost a split decision
to Julio Pablo Chacon (42-2), a UD to Derrick Gainer (36-5) and was Ko’d
in 2 by Manuel Medina back in 1999. Harrison be ware or be gone.
One fight that won’t go on is the rematch between
former WBA 168 pound champions Anthony Mundine and Manny Siaca. The February
2 battle is scheduled in Newcastle NSW, Australia, has been postponed due to
an injury suffered by Siaca in training. Siaca won the crown from Mundine
via a SD on ’04 then lost to Mikkel Kessler via 8 round TKO. How about
that!
The Irish Warrior, Wayne McCullough (27-4), gets a title
shot on February 10 at one of those Injun Gaming Palace’s in California.
Since “The Pocket Rocket” lost to the above mentioned Scott Harrision
he’s been beset by promoters’ problems. Finally lined up with James
Toney’s promoter Dan Goossen which has gotten his career back on track.
For most fighters inactivity would be a major problem but not with
McCullough. He’s always in shape, doesn’t dissipate his body and gives
all he has. He’s the Irish Kostya Tzysu. One fight last year which was
more of a “Yep I’m back” effort against “opponent” Mike Juarez
(23-4). McCullough gets the title shot not off that fight but on his body of
work what stands alone with the words, “Class.”
McCullough isn’t stepping into the shallow end of the
pool as he tackles the best Super Bantamweights in Oscar Larios (54-3).
McCullough’s losses have come against what were considered the “best”
at the time he fought them. There’s Scott Harrison, Erik Morales (1999),
Naseem “The Lop Eared Camel Jockey” Hamed in 1998 and a 10 round loss to
Daniel Zaragoza. Not a clinker in the bunch. He’s never been KO’d and in
every fight till the end. The one exception was the Harrison tussle when
some suggested that maybe Harrison had some added help with a “magic
elixir”. Could be. One thing is for sure that it will take a top effort to
stay with Larios considered the very best.
Guess I could mentioned that closer to home two-time WBC
Bantam and Super Feather Champ Sirimongkol Singwancha (46-2) has a warm up
scheduled, aka paid workout, on February 4 against a former “alphabet
regional champion” Indonesian Untung Ortega. The problem is that I have no
idea what the hell it’s a warm up for. According to Naris Singhawanhcha,
his promoter, Singwancha wants a fight for the WBC Lightweight title against
Champ Jose Luis Castillo. “Want” and “get” are spelled differently.
Fact is that wanting to move up and challenge for the lightweight title is a
joke. He lost his WBC Super feather crown on ’03 on a blow out to Jesus’
Chavez (39-0) 111-117,111-117, 110-118. Since then Chavez himself gets blown
out by Eric “Not Many” Morales.
WBC Lightweight Champ Jose Luis Castillo was in
negotiations to fight Diego Corrales , the WBO champ, on March 5 in Las
Vegas. No deal! Castillo turned down $500,000 USD saying “ I have always
wanted and have searched for these type of fights, interesting combats, big
and without a doubt a battle with “Chico” Corrales would be an explosive
fight. Everyone knows that a unified title fight is worth much more than
what is being offered to me by Showtime (American Cable TV outfit) and I
have to value myself.” Not going to happen. With Castillo out the logical
next step for Corrales is either Julio Diaz the IBF Champ or Juan Diaz the
WBA Champ. Last Friday when Juan Diaz destroyed Canadian Billy Irwin,
Corrales was in “studio” on ESPN. While not picking who he would rather
fight he did leave the impression that Julio would be the better test. Billy
Irwin was stopped by Juan Diaz for the first and last time in his long
career. He retired before the fight. How about them apples? Yes thank you I
will but just one. Meanwhile Singwancha warms up for?
PH - Run 1089
Another good run through gullies, crawling under branches
and even using ropes to pass a steep trench. The FT’s though were just too
damn far down the track. We even had a go at swampland. Bird F’r went flat
on his face in the mud and was rescued by Miserable Person.
GM Flying Frog shouted his lungs out to get the noisy
crowd to form a circle. Hares; Festering Streaker and Spaghetti Head, were
iced. Sun Flower screamed away 8 T-shirts in the raffle. Harry Potter was
iced because of raffle ticket problems. Eric the Belgian was iced and had to
drink from his ladies high heeled ballroom shoes. One visitor went into the
ice bucket for not wearing a hash T-shirt. His sorry explanation was that it
was too wet.
The Hares were iced a second time. All outstation runners
were called out to look at the ice. There were too damn many to get a seat.
Peter Puker was iced for puking on an outstation run. Monster and brother
were iced for doing everything but eating and gaining some weight since the
last run. Maybe Monster should start thinking about steroids. Bob and Eric
were ordered schnell on the ice to get hash names. Bob was named Kloster
F’k and Eric got French Katoy.
I also noticed Bottomless Pit paying Odd Job 2,000 baht
up front for another run at the end of the month. His reason being that he
did not think he would have the money then. That’s a man to know his own
character. Arseholeo was iced for not noticing that a lock of his hair was
cut off on the bus on the outstation run. He was obviously too drunk to
notice. The GM iced T4 for leaving half his drink behind when visiting
Patrick’s restaurant. He was presented with the remaining drink in a
plastic bag. Sun Flower was appointed Hash Hero of the day. She sold 2,000
Baht worth of raffle tickets!
The GM allowed Sun Flower and Seaman Swallow to ice
whoever they wanted. Ten guys went on the ice. Chicken F’r got up and told
stories from the outstation run: toilet stories, bus stories and Chicken
Nugget stories. By this time my brain was getting a bit blurred from too
much Fosters beer, so this is all you get from this hash run. Pronto! Have a
nice run next Monday. I am in Singapore but will soon be back as a returnee
On, On
Jogi bear.
...And then there were two
The Road to the Super Bowl
Howie Reed
Anyone that has read or knows anything about American
history is familiar with the Battle of Gettysburg. Some may know that the
battle was fought in the state of Pennsylvania. If you are not familiar with
the battle itself, then perhaps with the Gettysburg Address which was given
by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
It starts “four score and seven years ago,” which is
almost as long as it’s been (actually 24) since the Eagles were in the
Super Bowl.
The Battle itself lasted only three days, July 1, 2 and
3. There were 7,000 troops killed, 32, 000 wounded and in that process a
nations was healed. The general’s were Robert E. Lee for the South and
George Mead for the North. On January 23, 2005 the modern battle of
Pennsylvania was fought under the directions of generals Bill Cower
(Steelers) and Andy Reid (Eagles). They would send their troops to battle in
adverse weather conditions that would keep sane people indoors. Football
fans have never been considered sane. The two battle grounds of this modern
Pennsylvania war would take place only 304 miles apart.
The first shots of this war were fired in Philadelphia as
the Eagles got a first down by penalty and a second chance. It took just 4
plays to cover the 65 yards into the Atlanta end zone. Brian Westbrook
carried the ball twice for 4 and 36, then a 21 yard pass to L.J.Smith.
Dorsey Levens then bulled his way the final 4 yards for the 7 to nil lead.
The Falcons with an 18 play drive that consumed over 8 minutes came up short
of the 7 point answer. The wasted effort got to the Phillies 2 with a first
down, wasted three plays and settled for 3. As the second quarter ground
down both teams put together nice drives which came up with 7, so the score
was 14-10 at half time
In the second half, the Eagles controlled the ball
(almost 20 out of 30 minutes), they stopped Falcon’s QB Mike Vick and in
scoring 13 points punched their ticket to the Super Bowl in Jacksonville,
Florida in two weeks with a 27-10 win. Going in the Eagles had a game plan
to stop Mike Vick. They did. The Eagles also wanted to shut down the Falcon
running game that amassed over 300 yards against the Rams the previous week.
The trio of Vick, Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett gained a paltry 99 yards in 26
attempts. In contrast the much-abused Eagles’ running attack got 146 yards
in 33 carries. After the game Vick said, “I didn’t get outside the
pocket. I think that was their first priority.” Not only was it their
first priority but second and third also.
Derrick Burgess was able to sack Vick twice as Jevon
Kearse kept up the pressure that stopped the Atlanta offensive from hitting
on all cylinders. As the final seconds were counted down and the gun poised
for the final shot you could hear the Philly faithful in the sub zero
weather singing, “Fly Eagles Fly, On The Road To Victory ...Fight Eagles
Fight, Score A Touchdown 1, 2, 3 ...Hit ‘Em Low, Hit ‘Em High, And Watch
Our Eagles Fly...ly Eagles Fly, On The Road To Victory...E, A, G, L, E, S...
Eagles” It was their day. After three losses in title games, the fourth
was a charm.
Meanwhile in Pittsburgh as the Eagles fans were busy
destroying what few brain cells they have, the Steelers fans were whooping
it up as the Steelers got ready to take on the Super Bowl Champion New
England Patriots. They had reason to whoop it up. When the two teams met on
Halloween evening the Steelers hung up 21 points in the first quarter after
the Pat’s Adam Vinatieri started the scoring off with a 43 yard FG. The
Steelers took the opening kick off and ran two plans for negligible gains.
Then ‘Whoops” Steeler QB tosses an interception. New England drives down
for an Adam Vinatieri field goal. Could this be ‘de ja vu’ all over
again?
The Steelers drive to the New England 39 where they have
4th and 1. “Bettis up the middle.” Fumble. First play Pat’s QB Brady
hits Dion Branch with a 60 yard TD pass and it’s 10-0. The Steelers got to
10-3 with a Jeff Reed 43 yard FG midway in the second quarter but the
Patriots scored twice in the last 8 minutes to put the game out of reach.
First they had a nice drive, which culminated with a Brady pass to David
Givens. The Steelers came back and were inside the red zone of New England
when Rookie QB Roethlisberger got picked like a farang on Beach Road on
Saturday night by Rodney Harrison who then returned it 87 yards and a 24-3
lead.
As the second half started there was still hope for the
Steelers as the defense stopped New England on the first series. The
Steelers then drove 56 yards in five plays with a big Roethlisberger to
Randel pass eating up 34 yards. Bettis then took it in from the 5.
At 24-10, the Steelers were back in the game but not for
long. With the Patriots starting on their own 31, the Steelers’ defense
gave up, one first down then got tough. There was a run for no gain. Then a
sack of Brady for a 7 yard loss. On 3rd and 17 Brady tried a screen pass
that fell incomplete. “There is a flag on the play. Holding Pittsburgh
five yards and first down.” Given new life, Brady hit Givens for 18. It
appeared that Givens fumbled and the Steelers recovered. That was the call
on the field. “Upon further review. There was no fumble; the player was
down. 15 yards of unnecessary roughness against the Steelers.” Next play
Cory Dillon scooted 25 yards and 24-10 was now 31-10. It ended 41-27 but the
game was never that close. The Patriots are able to do what it takes to win.
Against the Colts last week they lived and died by the short pass and good
defense. This week they took advantage of a rookie QB to dominate a team
that had beaten them early in the year. The Patriots were out gained 388
yards to 322. It was the three turnovers that New England turned into 17
points that made the difference.
It would be easy to write about Jermone Bettis having a
bad day, with two fumbles when he had fumbled only once in 300 plus carries
during the season. It would be easy to use the bad luck of some calls that
were made on the field that affected the game. It would be easy to write,
“Well, Ben Roethlisberger had an off day.” Easy but inaccurate! On this
day, the Pittsburgh Steelers were a painting what your five year old brings
home from school. The Patriots? The Mona Lisa. Cold, calculating, efficient,
effective and hypnotizing. They’ve got a date two weeks hence with the
Philadelphia Eagles. They start out being favored by 61/2 or 7. The Eagles
are the team of destiny. Is there anyone out there that thinks the Pats
care?
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