Len - again and again and again!

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, May 22,
Mountain Shadow,
Pairs Scramble
1st Norman Isherwood & Len Hardingham, 43 c/b 24
2nd Al Rolnik & Peter Aitcheson, 43 c/b 22
3rd Tony Barritt & Rod Crosswell, 43 c/b 21
Played from the blue tees, the Mountain Shadow course always proves to be a stern test, no matter what the format, and the day’s 2-man scramble did not deviate from the norm.
Norman Isherwood thought that having picked the man in form, Len Hardingham, as a partner they would be sure to be in the frame. He was correct in the outcome, but the method of arrival there drove him to distraction, as Len continually hit wayward drives, popped the second shot either into the hazard or into an unplayable lie. Len was even found to be copying Tony Barritt’s putting method, and was, therefore, not helpful in that department either.
Norman was heard to mention in the showers “that he could have played with Archie Andrews and Peter Brough, who had also featured in recent news reports, and scored more points”.
In the event the pairing did enough to win on count back from Al Rolnik and Peter Aitcheson, who combined well and confounded the pundits with their second place also by count back ahead of Tony Barritt and Rod Crosswell. The latter pairing could have gone a lot better, if one or two of the eighteen inchers had dropped in.
The team of Peter Johansson and Ole Stamnes were right in contention but left themselves having to take too many of Ole’s 7 tee shots on the last 4 holes and could only muster five points from them to miss out on at least a podium position by a single point, scoring 42 after an opening 24 on the front nine.
Due to the format the “twos” competition was suspended.
Wednesday, May 24,
Crystal Bay,
Stableford
1st Alan Griffiths, 43
2nd Len Hardingham, 40
3rd Russell Exley, 38
4th Don Everett, 37
5th Owen McSweeney, 36 c/b 21
6th Paul Hartley, 36 c/b 17
Alan Griffiths and Russell Exley made a long awaited return to Pattaya and took advantage of several months of private golf tuition to both appear on the podium. Alan was considerably the more effective of the two, as he cruised to a three shot victory over the now infamous, Len Hardingham. The latter has now found his handicap reduced by 4 strokes since his arrival four competitions ago.
Don Everett made his last appearance before his imminent return to The Gosnells Golf Club in Perth, a happy one as he secured a podium position for the first time, ahead of his club mate Owen McSweeney.
Friday, May 26,
Eastern Star,
Stableford
1st Takeshi Hakozaki, 38
2nd Paul Taylor, 35
3rd Len Hardingham, 34
4th Rod Crosswell, 33
5th Alan Griffiths, 31 c/b 17
6th Brian Vale, 31 c/b 16
Another returnee took full advantage over his bar-lagged fellow competitors to record the only under par round of the day and easily win over the tough Eastern Star layout at Ban Chang. The course is undergoing some renovation work at the moment not just in a few places but seemingly everywhere the ball lands. This is a pity as the course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, is a beauty and deserves a slightly better management of the greens keeper duties to ensure a pleasant round for the paying customers. Having said that, it is always a pleasure to play the course as the management and staff are always very friendly and courteous at all times.
Paul Taylor, after seemingly several months made an appearance on the podium, albeit by the slimmest of margins over the ever-present Len Hardingham, who still managed to get attention even though he is now playing over par.
Rod Crosswell led home the final placings by a couple from Alan Griffiths, now returned to normality as the lessons have worn off and the extra curricular activities have taken their place, and Brian Vale in last place.
During the round all four players in a group were seen to be playing from the red tees on the 13th and after much shouting and remonstrating from other competitors from the 14th tee “that they were playing from the wrong tee”, they managed to let everyone know they were “playing their second shots and could they please be left alone to get on with it”.
Micky Moore shared the “twos” pool with Alan Griffiths and Paul Taylor in the second division. In the continued absence of Barry the Bear no one seems to want the pot in the first division and the pool was therefore carried over.

The ‘cream’ rises

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, May 21,
Green Valley - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Phil Mitchell, 41 points
2nd Jim Wickstrom, 40 points
3rd Larry Watson, 40 points
B Flight
1st Jim Munns, 37 points
2nd Jan Eriksen, 37 points
3rd Eric O’Brien, 37 points
C Flight
1st John Hillier, 42 points
2nd Ian Rippey, 40 points
3rd Norm Robinson, 38 points
D Flight
1st Fred Theobald, 41 points
2nd Robbie Bennett, 36 points
3rd Sugar Ray Handford, 35 points - c/b Nat Meesuk
NP’s: #2 Lynn Foote; #9 Frank Pilkington; #12 Nick Strasshine, #16 Simon Philbrook
2’s: Phil Mitchell, Nick Strasshine (2), Simon Kendall, Gary Blackburne, John Foote, Mike Shrosbree, Ken Kutzing, Lynn Foote
When you read the title you probably backtracked to see if you had started reading Mott the Hoople’s column on the Cream Reunion album (When The Milk Curdles), kinda like When Hell Freezes Over. No, The Scribe, ever in search of the eye-catching title, chose to highlight the performance of the elite Society golfers on a week that their scoring received its proper due.
The premier flight Sunday started out with Flipper scoring a magnificent 41 points off a gross 73, followed by the day’s low gross medalist’s, Dudley Dooright Wickstrom’s, 40 points off 72. Jimmy held down the silver on the strength of a count back over Irish Larry Watson’s 40 points, his off a gross 76. Big Nicky Strasshine’s unheralded, and unpaid 38 points came as the result of a gross 77, which included a pair of ducks.
It should not be overlooked, in the vain effort to support the above title that the medalist point total of the day went to Rip Van Winkle Hillier who, if trips to the pay window were the barometer, has been asleep for one hundred years. He clearly awoke well rested, as his 42 points were two clear of that Scottish terror, The Shack’s Ian Rippey. Stormin Normin; tidied up the penultimate flight with 38 points
Speaking of wake-up calls (The Scribe was, wasn’t he?), Uncle Fred popped up in D Flight with a second best on the day tying 41 points to edge the Amiable Albertan (I pretty sure that is not the province he is from, but alliteration was essential, and all the provinces are equivalently frozen anyway). Sugar Ray, showing his support of the ERA, put a count back on The lovely Nat... the cad.
It was a day of arisings: Johnny Hillier from a hundred years, Uncle Fred from fifty and Capt. Fogg from his daily. His 37 points were a count back better than a pair of mates, with the Quiet One who had the better of The Big E in for second.
It should not go without illumination that The Foote Family each had a deuce!
Tuesday May 23,
Khao Kheow A & B - Yellow or White Tees,
Medal/Stroke
Yellow A Flight
1st Simon Philbrook, net 69
2nd Jeremy Masse, net 71
3rd Eric O’Brien, net 71
Yellow B Flight
1st Norm Adre, net 72
2nd Karl Diekman, net 75
3rd Colin Davis, net 77
White Flight
1st Mike Craighead, net 77
2’s: Simon Philbrook (2), Jay Burns, Norm Adre, Colin Davis, Emiel Van de Wiele, Johns Foote
Ok, now you see what ‘The Scribe’ was talking about, as Simon of Philbrook was MoM with a sparkling net 69, albeit off a bit of a wandering 7 handicap. It was two clear of an upward trending Jeremy “Pool Shot” Masse, who it should be noted had three adjustments to that already fine score. That would be reason enough to give A Flight’s Jeremy the count back victory over The Big E, but as luck would have it, conventional calculations ran the same course.
Norm Adre, took a dip into the financial pantry with a B Flight winning net 72, which was 3 clear of newcomer, and welcome addition, Karl Diekman. Egads, The Donkey came third.
Mike the Mechanic unabashedly took Mrs. Foote’s loot in the lightly-attended White Divison.
Wednesday May 24,
Eastern Star - White Tees,
Stableford
A Flight
1st Jeremy Masse, 42 points
2nd Jan Eriksen, 37 points
3rd John Emmerson, 37 points
B Flight
1st Norm Adre, 40 points
2nd Eddy Beilby, 35 points
3rd Bob Lindborg, 34 points - c/b Emiel
NP’s: #17 Lindsay Semple
2’s: Jay Burns, Jim Wickstrom, Stan Dismuke
Just yesterday, the fact that Jeremy was trending upward was evidenced, and, well, it was confirmed today, as his 42 points were Best on the Day. The Quiet One took the GM on count back for A Flight’s second spot. Is that wise?
Norm Adre notched back-to back “W’s” as he mastered B Flight by a whopping five points! (Maybe Norm should have had the title slot). Eddy Beilby, showing retirement suits him, came second with the Guru of Green Valley third, thanks to a count back over Emiel and the Night Visitors.
Friday, May 26,
St. Andrews 2000 - White Tees, 2-Person Better Ball - Stableford
1st Dave McFeely & Pat Regan, 46 points
2nd Ed Junger & Simon Philbrook, 45 points
3rd Mike Gaussa & Norm Adre, 42 points
2’s: Kevin Moraghan, Jay Burns
Green Valley - White Tees, Stableford
1st Jim Munns, 37 points
2nd Eddy Beilby, 36 points
The GM’s benevolence once again shone through as he gave those in the field who find their game unsuited to the day’s main event at St. Andrews 2000, a respite, at old friend Green Valley.
The day’s feature was won by the Irish Tandem of Dave McFeely and Pat Regan. It was their getaway day and they will be greatly missed until their scheduled October return, although no one will be surprised if the LoS beckons them sooner. Ed Junger stepped off the plane (hope it was a Boeing and not one of his Airbuses) and shrewdly tapped one of our title boys for a partner. The union was but one back in second at 45 points. Good mates, Mike Gaussa and Norm Adre edged the GM and Jay Burns on count back to take the last slot in the days Better Ball.
Across the road, at Peter Thomsen layout, it was Capt. Fogg edging the Man of Leisure by a single digit.

Jerry on fire at The Phoenix

IPGC golf from The Caddy Shack

Tuesday, May 23, Phoenix - Medal
Tuesday’s outing saw us make a trip to the nearby Phoenix Golf Club for a medal competition over the Mountain & Lakes courses on a perfect overcast day.
Jerry Hough came up trumps on the day and took the top honours with a fine net 68. Basil Foley followed him home in second spot with a net 73 and Emmet White completed the podium places with a net 77. Jerry’s score was all the more respectable when you take into account the difficulty of some of the pin positions.
There were no “twos” recorded on the day and the lucky ‘bananas’ were awarded to Les Winch for his horrendous round, after which he was seen ripping his scorecard to shreds.
Thursday, May 25, Eastern Star - Stableford
Our second trip of the week took us to Eastern Star for a stableford competition and once again, the weather was kind and the cloudy skies kept the temperature down.
Bob Philp was out of the blocks like a greyhound as he started his round with 2 birdies and his final tally of 36 points was enough to take the top spot. Ben Findon gave Bob a run for his money but had to settle for second place with 34 points whilst Clark Alexander occupied the third tier with 30 points.
Bob also recorded the only “two” of the day and the ‘bananas’ went to Paul Davies for his rather uninspiring 21 points.
In the Ashes tournament Australia have now taken a 2-1 lead but we don’t want to elaborate on this.

The Beautiful Game?: Get ready - It’s almost here

Riz Taylor
I’ve recently become involved with a young lady. A pleasant little thing she is too, and although the relationship is still in its infancy I’ve got a strong feeling it may be a long lasting one. After all, we enjoy each other’s company immensely. We go to restaurants, giggle in the cinema and take romantic walks along the beach. I laugh at her jokes, and unbelievably she even laughs at a few of mine. You know how it is in the early days - that wonderful period before she turns into just another Nang Yak.
I’ll keep you posted on how it pans out, but at the moment there’s something that threatens our stolen moments of happiness. Is it an ex-flame threatening to throw a spanner in the works? The fact I’m down to my last 100 baht? An embarrassing problem that I’d rather not discuss in these pages? The answers to these questions are no, no and certainly not.
Instead the cloud forming over my newfound happiness is the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in Germany in just seven short days. Just seven days until the mouthwatering prospect of 64 games of football, spread out over a glorious month of manna from heaven.
It’s not looking too good for our relationship. “It’s the World Cup,” I told her the other day. “I just have to make it clear that I may not have much time to see you.’
How can I even begin to convince a woman that I MUST watch Mexico take on Iran this weekend? How can I start to explain that this is the World Cup, that I have to keep an eye on potential opposition and their stars, and that I’m scared of missing games in case they turn into classic encounters?
She nodded and smiled innocently. “No problem, I understand,” she replied. Not knowing the first thing about football she resembled an innocent lamb skipping merrily into an abattoir. She just hasn’t understood my warnings. She has no idea at all.
But that’s just the beauty of it - nor do any of us. This World Cup looks as open as any in recent memory, and as many as ten sides will be dreaming of victory in the German capital early next month. And there are always surprises - who could have predicted France and Argentina’s shambolic performances last time around, or a third-placed playoff between South Korea and Turkey?
So right from the dreary and no doubt highly politically correct opening ceremony next Friday full of strangely dressed children with painted faces until the final on Sunday 9th July, you’ll find me glued to the television surrounded by empty pizza boxes and Heinekens as I wallow in my own filth, occasionally muttering about Christmas tree formations and diving South Americans.
Will Wayne Rooney find fitness in time to make an impact, or will Fernando Torres of Spain show us why everyone’s talking about him? Do the USA really deserve a place in the world’s top-ten ranked sides? Who will be the tournament’s surprise package? Has Owen Hargreaves come into some compromising personal photos of Sven Goran Eriksson that guarantees his place in every England squad from now until eternity? And why aren’t Argentinians taught the basic moral values of human existence?
These questions and more are set to be answered soon, apart from the last two perhaps. Who do you fancy? I won’t offer advice because I spent all last week telling everyone that my dark horses were Egypt, only to then find out that Egypt aren’t actually in this year’s competition. So pick a few tips of your own, settle down on your barstools and get ready for more football than you can shake a stick at. There are worse places to be watching the action for the following month than Fun City, so enjoy.
I’m so excited that I’ll even be tuning in for the opening ceremony. By then I think the new girlfriend might just have an inkling of what she’s in for. Good luck to those plucky Egyptians, see you next week, and does anyone have the number of a good dating agency?
Airline to celebrate English misery?
In a week when news leaked that the English FA have booked a celebration parade in London for the victorious World Cup winners and afternoon tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace to follow, the devious Irish are threatening to put a spanner in the works.
In a bizarre publicity stunt, budget airline Ryanair has stirred the blood by celebrating the demise of the English football team in the World Cup. Chief executive Michael O’Leary (who you’ll excuse me of assuming is Irish, being called “O’Leary” and heading up an Irish airline) said last week that the company is considering handing out around 100,000 free tickets every time a ball hits the back of England’s net.
It almost makes me want England to lose one of their games 15-0 just to see how Mr. O’Leary’s Irish eyes will smile at THAT, but I won’t sink to his level. Instead starting from today I plan to boycott all Ryanair flights in Thailand, and I won’t give them any publicity by mentioning them here, either. That’ll show them.
A whole lot of Ballacks
If you think David Beckham or Ronaldinho are under the media spotlight, consider the host nation’s biggest talent Michael Ballack. The midfielder holds superhero status in Germany, and the pressure is on him to lift his mediocre team to the level required by an expectant public. If the media obsession of his every movement is any measure to go by it won’t be easy.
“Ballack signs for Chelsea,” began the headlines last week as the floppy-haired former Leverkusen man finally joined Jose Mourinho’s hired mercenaries at Stamford Bridge. “I want to end my career here,” he said the following day, perhaps a little prematurely having yet to experience the nightmare that is British daytime television.
All in a day’s work for the modern professional footballer, but Wednesday brought news that Ballack has teamed up with the United Nations as a health spokeseman. “AIDS is everyone’s business, he said. “Sport and especially football can help break social barriers and fight stigma and HIV,” he continued. And quite right he is too.
On to Thursday, and more worrying news for German fans as an injury crisis threatened: - yes you’ve guessed it - superstar Michael Ballack. The 29-year-old was forced off in the 26th minute with a knock to his left ankle in a friendly, but it’s not thought to be serious.
To end a busy week, German captain and new Chelsea signing Michael Ballack is fined 60,000 euros for failing to declare a handbag he bought in the duty-free shop at Dubai airport. The present, supposedly for his girlfriend, was found during a routine luggage search on his return to Munich.
It’s a wonder these modern footballers get a free moment for a kickaround.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

There are times in life when one has to take a step backwards before one can move forward. With that in mind last week there was such a plethora of information that the report on the Danny Green-Anthony Mundine Aussie “Mega Match” was delayed: - so here it is:
While the rest of the civilized world was getting ready for the Arsenal-Barcelona ‘footie’ game in Paris, the city of Sydney, ‘down-under’ was witnessing the biggest boxing event in ‘Aussie-land’ since Kostya Tszyu beat Jessie James Leija at the Telstra Superdome in 2003, as Anthony Mundine (26-3) squared off against Danny Green (21-3).
The promoters had hoped for a crowd of 40,000 thousand, announced a figure of 30,000, so the actual figure was probably nearer 25,000 tops. Not seeing the fight on the telly or in person I relied on news reports, which is always a dangerous thing:
“Green started the fight in fine style outworking his opponent in round one. Referee Terry O’Connor warned both boxers that they must box within the rules after punches they were landing in illegal areas. In the following rounds it was the accurate left hand of the aboriginal that controlled the contest. Green concentrated on a body attack but it did not slow Mundine down as he peppered with sharp combinations to the head.
Mundine was staggered in round four when Green connected with a solid right hand. Round eight had both boxers standing toe-to-toe, exchanging bombs and in round eleven solid body shots from Green had Mundine wincing. Mundine was on his bike in round twelve jabbing Green’s head on the backward move.”
Reading the above report, I was sure Green had won. Wrong bucko! It was a unanimous decision for Mundine. Roy Jones Sr. trained Mundine for this contest. He had this to say post fight: “Anthony Mundine is right up there with my son and Sugar Ray Leonard.”
Mr. Jones Sr. is also right ‘up there’ with those who think the world is flat.
On the undercard of Barrera-Juarez, Hungarian super hero Janos Nagy suffered his first loss in 25 fights. Nagy (pronounced Naag) was in difficulties against WBO super-feather champ Jorge Barios (46-2) and for the first time fighting away from the friendly confines of Hungary.
The result was not pretty as Nagy hit the deck 38 seconds into the fight from a right to the liver and was counted out. Back home Nagy said he was disturbed because he had to have his hands wrapped several times:
“However, in the ring it was me who fought. I missed the punch. My defence was poor; therefore, I lost the contest. In the beginning of the match, I tried to attack but Barrios could hit under my arms and he hit me exactly on my liver. I immediately knew that something was wrong. I wanted to continue but I couldn’t breathe. The place of the punch is still aching. It was a very good shot. Now I’m going to rest, but I hope I will get another opportunity to fight against a good opponent.”
He’s got to be kidding. There was only one punch thrown and landed. The next boxer he fights that leaves a mist on a mirror will whip him.
Let’s give a tip of the hat to Pattaya boxing guru, Pal O.R. It was his opinion that after De La Hoya-Mayorga, boxing might be on its way back. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has been at the forefront for a number of years in enforcement. The Commission lowered the boom on boxer Zab Judah, his father Yoel and Loenard Ellerbe from the Mayweather jr. camp. The action resulted from events that took place during the April 8 fight between Mahyweather jr. and Judah. Zab Judah had his boxing license revoked for one year and was fined $250,000. As the ban is absolute, Judah will be out of the ring everywhere until April 8, 2007.
Yoel Judah got fined $100,000 and Ellerbe $50,000. As their actual suspensions are considered “administrative” they are only barred from working in Nevada. Ellerbe will not be in Hashim Rahman’s corner when he defends against Oleg Maskaev on August 12 in Las Vegas. How about them apples?
The next super star from the Philippines may have been spotted and identified by our Pal O.R. The boxer in question is Rey “Boom Boom” Bautusta who has a record of 20 and nil with 15 KO’s. As reported in the Square Ring, he’s being trained by Freddie Roach: “I will not rush him into fighting for the world title,” said Roach. “The kid’s just 19 years old and maybe after one year, he’ll be ready. He wants to kill you with every punch that he throws.”
Someone with a similar mentality is Diego Corrales (40-3) who Pattaya will get to watch Sunday morning live from Las Vegas, Nevada USA. Corrales will be involved in the final leg of his three-fight trilogy with Jose Luis Castillo (54-7-1). The first fight in May of last year was a classic with the 10th round being maybe the best of the year. Corrales was down a couple of times and some thought finished. He rallied however, to score a dramatic KO at 2:06.
The rematch in October was not pretty. Castillo has always had trouble making the 135lb lightweight limit. For the October fight he never tried. At ‘weigh-in’ the day before the fight, Castillo scaled 136lbs. Two hours later, he weighed in at 138lbs. At this point Corrales was ill served by his management and not for the first time. They accepted a cash payment to allow the fight to go forward.
At fight time, Castillo probably weighed 154 or 155lbs to Corrales’ 143. In addition, many insiders were of the opinion that Corrales had not recovered from the first fight. It was a total blow out for Castillo as he got a KO at 47 seconds of round 4. Will this time be different? Yep, Castillo has had his weight monitored during training. He’s met all the guidelines.
One has to think that Castillo “fighting” to make the weight plus a “mega” match against Miguel Angel Cotto at light-welter in November will ensure a Corrales win. If I’m wrong, venture down to the TQ after you watch the fight and hear O.R. disavow this prediction.
Also next Sunday (Pattaya time) WBA Heavyweight Champ Nikolav Valuev (43-0) will defend against Owen “What the Heck” Beck (25-2) in Hanover, Germany. Only the ‘krauts’ care about this one.
Lots of local guys have been in action since last week. Two-time WBA feather title challenger Saohin Srithai Condo (51-12, 34 KOs) got a TD over Filipino, Ariel Delgado (2-1) to retain his PABA feather title at Queen Sirikit Garden in Ladkrabang, Bangkok. A clash of heads in the 5th stopped it with Sirthai Condo comfortably ahead (79-74, 78-74 twice).
World rated jr featherweight, Fahsung 3K Battery (52-8-1) got an 8th round KO over Mario Deasis (14-6) of the Philippines at the Watrachaorot School in Bangkok. Promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang says: “3K Battery is fighting in his top form at this time - we are ready to meet the best featherweight boxers in the world.” Not fighting chumps like this he isn’t.
Got a note from the ‘Flying Frog’ in regard to the “other” 3K Battery, this one Yodsanan. The Square Ring took his management to task for matching him with a (6-3) fighter when he’s actually world class.
The Flying Frog replied: “Yodsanan 3K Battery is for me a good friend and one of Thailand’s best boxers and most hard hitting punchers, (I know, I sparred with him a few times), but why in Buddha’s name does his manager Chaiyapak Siriwat not give him any fights? I thought he had a 5-fight deal in the States after his loss against Panama’s Vicente Mosquera? Now he is over 30 years old, still in very good shape and still very strong. Giving him journeymen doesn’t help his career. Or is it all just for the money Mr. Chaiyapak? If not, stand up for your boxer and come out of your lazy chair.” The Square Ring concurs.
One of the better boxers at 140lbs in the world is Lovemore Ndou (42-8-1). Not only is he a good boxer but a great person. One you’d like to see move forward and get a world title. He fell just short losing a “highly disputed” decision to Sharmba Mitchell in 2004. Well, he may be on the right track now as he lured Thailand’s Decha Bankluagym (21-6-1) out of Thailand and into his lair at the Wyong Rugby League Club, NSW, Australia last Friday. He knocked him colder than a foot wedge from a sand trap in one. Way to go.
Jeeves: “Mr. Major called to say that you made a mistake last week. You called the promoter/manager from Southern California Jimmy Montana. His name is Jimmy Montoya.”
His Lordship: “Mr. Major is right. Please inform Mr. Cross of my egregious error.”
Jeeves: “I’m afraid sir that he’s gone to the TQ for an attitude adjustment period. Might I suggest that you also end your arduous task by having a few celebration beverages at another job well done?”
His Lordship: “Jeeves, you are a treasure.”

Herbie rides again

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

May 23 - It must have rained the night before as we found the course wet with no run on the ball. The weather turned out to be perfect for the golf, however with a slight breeze and cool temperature for this time of year. It suited Herb Ishinaga as he made it around with no three putts and took the top spot with 38 points.
Tied at 37 points were Joe Albright and Kenny Mau. Both golfers had a good game but fell short. Joe had 22 points on the back nine but only 15 on the front. Kenny had a more even game as he shot 18 on the front and 19 on the back.
Marvin Smith, Rollie Weese and Tully played together and made it around in less than 4 hours. Their combined total age is around 235 years. It is incredible as these guys are still out there pounding around the course having a great time. I take my hat off to these guys and I hope that they show us the way for a long time to come.

Aussie Rules at Noble Place

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Tuesday, May 23, the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to be best “vfm” course in the province, Noble Place, to play their weekly medal event and found an empty course, peaceful surroundings and a heavily burdened sky. The fairways were very damp and soft after a deluge prior to the day’s play and thus there was very little run but the greens were as good as any, anywhere.
With the “A” and “C” nines set to play very long Aussie Stuart Thompson was immediately installed as favourite and even he stuttered to produce anything of merit on the first nine, dropping six shots on the first half dozen holes. His back nine however was a different “kettle of fish” and an excellent in-round of 37 shots helped him to a total gross 79, net 71, easily eclipsing the otherwise sound rounds of Micky Moore (77) and Tony Kitchen (78).
Carl Lovatt had the day’s only birdie “two”, his debut birdie with the PGS, and he enjoyed his first taste of success at the OK Corral later. Not so “newbie” Davy Wallace who had inexplicably picked up a set of left-handed clubs and only found out his error on the first tee. He hastily hired his second set of the day and found the Booby Bevy was there to console him later!
Wood wins close contest
Thursday, May 25 dawned very hot as the Pattaya Golf Society left the shade of Soi Rungland to exercise themselves in a stableford event at the beautifully testing Mountain Shadow course, near Bangpra. The track was well presented and the monstrous, undulating greens lay in wait for the less than intrepid golfer.
The day began badly as the starter allowed an un-booked five-ball to intercede, including an off-duty policeman clad in jeans! But who are we mere mortals to protest at the five-hour round that ensued!
Newcomer Brian Vale patiently followed the offending group, taking lengthy breaks at the same time in the absence of invitations to play through, and yet survived to record 30 points and earn a well-deserved third place. Micky Moore made it two second places in a row, recording a score of 31 points, but the day’s best performance saw Mark Wood return a gross of 82 to give him victory with 32 points. This was helped by birdies on the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth holes and as two of these were “twos” he took the pot in style.
The Booby Bevy was not awarded as being escorted to jail by an improperly dressed golfer would have been a bad way to end a good day!

John revels in the conditions at Green Valley

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Monday, May 22, Green Valley, Stableford
The Green Valley Country Club was host to a stableford competition with the cut at 18 handicap and under. The course was in stupendous condition, considering the amount of rain we had over the weekend

Monday’s winner - John Christie

Norm Adre won the A Flight with 38 points, Jay Burns was in second with 37 points and ‘Steady’ Ted Morris was in third with 35 points.
John Christie took the B Flight with 41 points, Kevin Dinan was in second with 35 points and Mark Brenton was in third with 33 points from John Swanson and Fred Theobald, on count backs.
Thursday, May 25, Eastern Star, Stableford
This is another of those courses that once you start playing badly, it is difficult to stop the rot. Mind you, around the greens at Eastern Star it looks like the rot has set in, and we had to extend the G.U.R. quite a bit. It looks quite nasty in places. Takes you back to the old days when a lot of players would not play there because of the condition of the greens.
Still, the rest of the course is pretty good, so lush fairways and full water hazards go a long way to making up for the areas of repair.
Round over we sat in the fine restaurant, sampling the wares, until all the players came in and we could get on with the results. There was only one Flight, and the easy winner with 42 points was Tewin Lamthong, despite us cutting her handicap before we started by 2 shots. Sometimes a new golfer improves faster than the handicapper can deal with, but it all evens out in the end. In second place was Mark Brenton with 38 points and in third was Henk De Bock with 35 points ahead of Fergus Brennan in fourth on count back. Marty Allred came fifth was with 34 points.
T.T.F.N.

Donald scoots clear at Burapha

PSC golf from The Grapevine

After recent heavy rains, Grapevine golfers were pleased to find the Burapha golf course was still maintained in excellent condition, thus upholding its deserved reputation as being one of the premier courses in the province. Glowing reports were given to both fairways and greens, but also to course management for the friendly, obliging, professional way in which they cater for their patrons.
With Jeff, Keith and Nigel absent this week, Keith Avery and Dick Worden stepped up and ensured that the day was an enjoyable outing for all present. Much appreciation and gratitude is extended to them for their efforts.
Donald Pendry won the day with 41 points, followed by Rod Sutherland who’s continued good form netted 39 points, and Dave Swaine on 38 points.
As only one flight was contested, the competition for nearest pins and long putts was interesting, to say the least. Long putt winners were Keith Avery (A-9) and the returning Pete King (B-9). The nearest pins were spread between the Everinghams - Gordon and Stan, then Mashi Kaneeta, and Frank Pilkington. For those who take interest in such matters, Frank’s cigar was present.
In summary, a good day’s golf was enjoyed by those present, and the usual fine fare after capped off the day nicely. Thanks to Thae, Lek, and Kob for their efforts once again. Cheers and good golfing.

Colin and Tewin clean up at Noble Place

PSC golf from Tropical Berts

Tuesday May 23, Noble Place, Stableford
I must have done something right in a previous lifetime: I get an hour extra in bed, a cup of coffee on the balcony overlooking the sea, then a slow drive around to Bert’s, where Tim is slaving away organising the day, whilst I get stuck into free egg and bacon. All comes to he who waits.

Winners Colin and Tewin with Tim
Mind, I have to drive to the course, and this used to be, probably, the worst drive to any in the area, though it has improved of late. That is except for the traffic coming towards you on your side of the one-way dual carriageway. Such is life.
On this particular day it was wet at Noble Place, hardly surprising considering the recent weather but still, we could take carts on the paths, and later as it dried, onto the rough as well. The course is at present in great condition, so with the rates, this makes it a real pleasure to play here
Back at Bert’s it was fish and chips all around, then Tim got the presentation under way. The winner of the A Div was Colin Cronin with Donald Henry in second and Mike Gerrard in third. In the B Div the winner was Tewin Lamthong with Stan Everingham in second and Rod Sutherland in third.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Dave Arrowsmith (2), Donald Henry, Derek Brook, Rod Sutherland, Tim Holt
Long Put: Bill Knight, Zed Beloglavic, Gordon Everingham, Rich Murphy, Pete King