The Bear shows his power

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday June 12,
Crystal Bay, Stableford
1st Alan Keith, 41
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki, 38
3rd Tony Barritt, 36
Crystal Bay is in excellent condition at the moment and all the IPGC members are looking forward to July and the first round of the Club Championship which is due to be played over the course on the 17th of that month.
Alan Keith stroked it round in level par and with a handicap of 5 that garnered him 41 points to claim his first solo win on this trip. This was three clear of Takeshi Hakozaki, who took advantage of a few members bounces and no little local knowledge of the greens to secure second. Tony Barritt, who needed the extra edge on the greens, unfortunately had the added disadvantage of a new caddy who seemed to know even less than Tony when the line was in question. But still level was a step in the right direction and things are looking up after the disappointing end to the English football season.
Whilst there were no “twos” in the second division, Alan Keith and Takeshi Hakozaki shared the pot in the first division.
Wednesday, June 14,
Mountain Shadow, Stableford
1st Barry Winton, 32
2nd Jean-Jacques Lombard, 30
3rd Trevor Schirmer, 27
Another trip to the ‘Course of Pain’ also known as Mountain Shadow again showed little return for much effort as no one could manage to get anywhere near their handicap. It would be interesting to speculate how the handicaps would be affected if all competitions were held at Mountain Shadow and it forebodes a very interesting last day in the IPGC Championships to be held here in July.
Barry Winton was a very surprised winner, so much so, he didn’t show for the triumphant raising of glasses back at The Haven for the winner, but with just 32 points he could be excused for thinking that would not figure in the prizes. Newcomer Jean-Jacques Lombard was also another surprised podium placing as he cruised into second place ahead of Trevor Schirmer.
The highlight of the day for many of the players was the extraordinary spectacle of Tony Barritt, having presumably missed another short putt, running in circles around the green tearing at his hair and shirt. It was later reported that he had in fact disturbed a wasp’s nest - whether he was putting at the time was unconfirmed.
Before presenting the prizes Richard welcomed new member Jean-Jacques Lombard and also welcomed back Tom McCarthy, Fred Land and Del Bailey.
This time out, there were no “twos” in the first division and only one in the second division, and that was achieved by Randy Haupt to sweep the pool which included the roll overs.
Friday, June 16,
Phoenix, Stableford
1st Barry Winton, 44
2nd Alan Keith, 38
3rd Russell Exley, 37
4th Ron Bridge, 36
5th Al Rolnik, 35
Barry Winton, known to his golfing pals as “The Bear”, had his best round for many months, taking unfair advantage of the rest of the day’s contenders with an outstanding gross 69 over the Mountain and Lakes courses, which are arguably the toughest combination of nines at Phoenix.
Indeed a card with no 6’s and only two 5’s and consisting of 15 pars and three birdies is one to be justly proud of, but typically Barry was a gentleman in success, praising his playing partner’s rounds, even though they netted a long way short of his winning total.
Alan Keith was one of these playing partners and he also carded a very creditable 38 points that included 13 pars and a birdie. In fact on the front nine they fired in 17 pars and a bogey between them which is some golf. That was good enough to ensure second place ahead of Russell Exley who continues to improve as his holiday progresses.
New member Ron Bridge, another low handicapper also figured with a solid round to take fourth slot with Al Rolnik a further shot back in fifth place.
Prior to the presentations, Richard welcomed new members Marcus Earp, Sid Ottaway, Ron Bridge and Daniel Lalande.
There were no “twos” in either division so the pots were carried forward to the next competition.

Dave holds the keys to the Medal

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, June 11, Green Valley - White Tees, Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Joe Mooneyham, net 68 - Monthly Medal Qualifier
2nd Phil Mitchell, net 69
3rd Larry Watson, net 71
B Flight
1st Dave Porter, net 68 - Monthly Medal Winner
2nd Rose Jackson, net 69
3rd Terry Phur, net 70
C Flight
1st Fred Theobald, net 68 - Monthly Medal Qualifier
2nd Jez Lees, net 69
3rd Kevin Moraghan, net 69
NP’s: #2 Jack Grindvold; #9 Tony Molloy; #12 Gareth Gill, #16 Joe Sebastian
2’s: Dave Tanner, Gareth Gill, Barry Chadbourn
There was a three-way knot of Society luminaries atop the leader board at the conclusion of Sunday’s play. All three would win their flights and qualify for the year-end Gold Medal competition, but who would carry home the almost-Waterford vase. Would it be The Groom, Uncle Fred or the Valet’s Best Friend? Ah, shucks, the title gave it away.
Dave Porter, showing great consistency now that he is luxuriating in the glow of retirement, had the better of the calculations. Dave also led B Flight with a one-stroke victory over first time visitor Rose Jackson and yet another over Terry Phur and The Donkey. The Equis Asinus (boy, if that isn’t a gift to The Scribe) has had harder luck with the math lately than he did when he dropped out of private school in second grade. Alas, another count back loss, much to the joy of Terry.
As mentioned above, The Groom sat above A Flight, one clear of Flipper, and two more ahead of the trio of Irish Larry, Scottish Marc and English Roy, MBE. Irish eyes were smilin’ as:Larry, a consistent performer this visit, took the A Flight bronze.
Uncle Fred, who won’t let Auntie Toy play ‘til he lowers his handicap below her’s, was two clear of the duet of The Principal and F2 in C Flight. Because of the sensitive nature of Kevin’s new moniker it can not be revealed herein, but suffice to say he uttered the first half of it when he found out Jez won the C Flight count back.
Tuesday, June 13, Laem Chabang - Blue or White Tees, 18/27-hole Stableford
18-Hole Competition - A & B
Blue A Flight
1st John Emmerson, 35 points
2nd Larry Watson, 34 points
3rd Marc Simants, 33 points Simon Philbrook
Blue B Flight
1st Colin Davis, 40 points
2nd Emiel Van de Wiele, 36 points
3rd Lek Gramatke, 34 points
White Flight
1st Joe Mooneyham, 41 points
27-Hole Competition - A & B & C
Blue A Flight
1st John Emmerson, 50 points
2nd Larry Watson, 49 points
Blue B Flight
1st Colin Davis, 54 points
2nd Ger Lodge, 46 points
1st Poo Supaporn, 43 points
The Golf Manager staged two comps on one day for the Society faithful, the standard 18 hole comp, and for the hearty, a 27 hole comp, the latter to avail a view of all three of the Nicklaus-designed nines. An amazing number of golfers chose to play both comps, but, of course, choosing between an additional nine and walking home from Hwy 7, made the decision easier.
The two transportation moguls, the GM and the E. Asinus, served notice why they were willing to transport everybody to the course, and keep them incarcerated, as they took the 18-hole comp and the 27-hole comp in their respective Blue flights. Larry Watson was a carry-over as well, as he took A Flight second off the Blue tees in both fixtures.
Ger Lodge bolted past the 18-hole Blue Flight title holder Emile The Night Visitor on the difficult Valley Course (“C”) to take the 27 Blues, although he needed a count back over Eddy Beilby to complete the charge.
Third places in the two Flights, unique to the 18-Hole Blues, were held down by Marc Simants in the A bracket and Stan Dismuke in the B’s. It should be noted that Marc’s victory was solidified when some count back math held off Simon of Philbrook.
The Groom took the 18-hole Whites, and when he called it a day after playing the Mountain and the Lake, the First Lady waltzed in for the White Flight 27-hole title.
Wednesday, June 14, Burapha C & D - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Jeremy Masse, 37 points
2nd Joe Mooneyham, 36 points
B Flight
1st Ger Lodge, 42 points
2nd Kevin Moraghan, 37 points
2’s: Charles Sheppherd, Terry Schofield
Irishman Ger Lodge made a late run on this last competition of his extended stay in Pattaya by garnering MoM honors and top spot in B Flight with 42 points. It was five clear of the quintuplet of F2, mate Stan, The Man of Leisure, “‘i’ before ‘e’”, and Charlie. Well, the Scribe be F1ed, F2 won the battle of the calculator.
In A Flight, “Hell bent to be a single figure handicapper” Jeremy Masse topped the list. His 37 total was one clear of the trio of The Groom, the Donkey and Smitty. The Groom took the silver for his third pay day of the week, having two firsts and a second. Last week’s headliner would have repeated were it not Monthly Medal Week. Just another lost count back for The Donkey.
Friday, June 16, Crystal Bay B & C - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Jeremy Masse, 39 points
2nd Mark Wood, 37 points
3rd Jon Pratt, 37 points
B Flight
1st Colin Davis, 43 points
2nd Kevin Moraghan, 41 points
3rd Jim Munns, 40 points
Near Pin: #C7 - Bob Lindborg
2’s: Mark Wood (2). Colin Davis, Kevin Moraghan, Jim Munns, Andy Redmond, Bob Lindborg, Stan Dismuke, Peter Emslie
This Scribe can’t be rude to The Donkey one more time. He is just playing too well. He had two firsts on Tuesday and another, in B flight today, with a superb 43 points. He could have been the Title Guy. It can now be revealed that The Scribe was worried that he would not be able to fit Kevin Moraghan’s new nickname into this week’s missive. But, behold, he has had plenty of opportunities when F2 had two seconds and a third this week. Jim Munns, who it can be revealed anointed F2, did so 24 hours after his 40 points was found to be only good for third place. Could this have been a building block?
Jeremy Masse, he of two firsts on the week, edged two single digiters, Mark Wook and Jon Pratt by two points in A Flight. Mark did in Jon once the pencil was sharpened.

Dale prevails in the rain at Pattaya CC

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Monday, June 12, Bangpra - Stableford
The Bangpra Golf Resort was host for a Stableford competition in two flights with the cut at 15.
The course was in the best condition it has ever been in, and the ‘Price was Right’, with 700 baht green and caddy fee judged to be great value for money.

Mug winner Dale Murphy, left, with ‘mine host’ Bjarne
The man from Dublin, Andy Redmond, took the A Flight, with 41 points; Ted Morris was in second with 39 points on a count back over Walter Bachli in third.
Bob Rasmusson took the B Flight from Kevin Dinan in second and Graham Mitchell in third, all on count backs with 34 points.
Thursday, June 15, Pattaya Country Club, Monthly Mug - Stroke
Well here we are again, and another month passes us by in three weeks, or so it seems. Never mind, after a slow start the usual suspects turned up to contest this top day out of the month at the Cafe Kronborg.
So there we were , all on the first tee early, and they let us go. Marvellous is it not, and with a hot day and humid conditions, what could we expect? Correct, rain. Mind it had the good manners to wait until the first couple of groups had finished and were sat in the restaurant hoping for a downpour to give them a chance.
Well it rained, but obviously not enough, as it became obvious as the scores came in that the winners would be from the later groups. Of course the winner came from Herbie’s group, and that is not all bad as when his group wins they buy the organisers a beer. Good group obviously.
Back to The Cafe Kronborg, and the winners were declared. In the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was ‘Mr Handicap Man’ Tony Oakes, with a net 67 ahead of Philippe Berra in second with a net 69 and Vincent Smyth, just back from a broken hand, yes on the fridge!!, with a net 70.
In the B Flight the winner was Ian Covill, having a really good week, with a net 67 ahead of a three-way count back on net 70. In second was Kevin Dinan with Dave Richardson in third and Aaron New just missing out.
So to the winner, and from good old Herbie’s group, the winner of the Mug was Dale Murphy with a net 65, and thanks for the beer.
T.T.F.N.

Just another day at Tropical Bert’s

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday June 13, Noble Place - Stableford
One of the problems about doing many write ups every week is that I have just about said every thing that has been said, and am always looking for a new angle.
After all, everyone knows that all the players get a fine free ‘brekkers’ at Bert’s before we leave. We know it’s a long drive up to Noble Place but it’s getting better with the improvement of the roads. We know this is a fine course at a great rate with friendly staff, probably the best value around taking the year as a whole. We know we go back to Bert’s for more free food and leave slightly the worst for wear. There must be something else?
Well I won’t go into the normal twaddle, so how about a bit of community news? Bert’s new bar is a treat, air conditioned and enjoyed by all; Vincent is playing again with his broken hand nearly mended; the fridge is still sick; Tim still takes more pills than anyone else, he counts them by the hand full and rattles when he walks - He and Bob Benda have entered the three legged race as they have to have different hips replaced, and the biggest surprise of all, Rick declared he didn’t practice for three days as he was a little bit fed up with golf!! Max is busy and Steve bought a beer.
For all our readers who have not been here lately, and the Rodney warning is out, Soi Regent Marina where Bert’s Bar used to be is now nearly flattened -let us hope it is not more bars!
Back to the golf: The A Div was won by Mike Gaussa with Derek Eastham in second and Donald Hendry in third. In the B Div the winner was Ian Covill with Dick Warberg in second and Gordon Everingham in third.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Derek Eastham, Stan Kure, Andy Redmond, Gordon Everingham, Michael Lefebre, Tewin Lamthong
Long Put: Dick Warburg, Derek Eastham, Max Matthews, Tim Holt

Dave Thomas wins at a canter

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Tuesday, June 13, the Pattaya Golf Society forsook the bustle of Pattaya “on holiday” and took to the popular course at Green Valley for their weekly medal event on yet another steamy hot day. The welcome return of three old golfing friends helped make the occasion more enjoyable.
As the day developed it soon became clear that the early starting group of Harry Riley, Mark Campbell and Ya Chaiyanont would have the advantage of the cooler conditions and less worn greens and their scores were to merit this, with Ya posting net 76 for a share of third place with the previous week’s “Wizard of Oz”, Stuart Thompson, whose card was marred only by two double bogeys. Ahead of them was the consistent Scot John Cunningham, back in the Kingdom with a vengeance, and his card of net 75 bore an uncharacteristic triple bogey on the thirteenth. Maybe he is superstitious!
Heading the pack was Kiwi David Thomas whose golf held together well and his back nine return of 37 gross helped him set a splendid target of net 71. His win is more than merited for his performances are always “there or thereabouts”.
Harry Riley and Mark Campbell both birdied the ninth from at least twenty feet to share the rolled over “twos” pot but one three-ball was less fortunate, recording a total of 350 shots for the round and as the majority were taken by Ray Underwood he was duly awarded the Booby Bevy back at the OK Corral.
Tough times at Mountain Shadow
On Thursday the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to the very testing course at Mountain Shadow to play a Stableford event.
On this occasion the course was to be tougher than many could remember with the greens running very fast and some of the pin placements, in true Thai style, being almost impossible to reach. Three and even four-putting became the norm and it could easily have spoilt the day. After all, Winged Foot it aint!
Nevertheless the field stuck to its task and things became very tight for the minor placings with Brian Wilkinson, Stuart Thompson and David Thomas all sharing third place with 29 points. Two points ahead, and winning in fine style, was Denmark’s Jan Eriksen, and his 31 points took the day’s major honour.
Strangely there were no “twos” and everyone was looking forward to the rollover at Eastern Star the next time for some putting relief. The Booby Bevy was awarded to Sam Fitzsimmons, who put two balls in the water on the par-three fifteenth, the second one going in as he was walking off the green having made four putts! Times were certainly tough at Mountain Shadow.

The Beautiful Game?: World Cup gets into gear

Riz Taylor
With no disrespect to the group stages of the World Cup, tomorrow’s arrival of the second round moves us into the business end of the tournament. It’s not quite a different ball game, but it might as well be.
Now we come to the knockout stages, and not a moment too soon. Whilst the media coverage of this World Cup has been almost overwhelming with weird and wacky stories aplenty, the lacklustre performances of some of football’s biggest names have continued to dominate the headlines.
We’re still in the early days of tournament but already the pressure is building fast. Germany and England have come under fire in particular, and yet both managed to secure six points out of six in their opening two games and thus qualify with a game to spare. Hardly the end of the world, when you look at it objectively, but believe some and you’ll believe that both sides are in crisis.
Everyone’s got an opinion on this World Cup. One decent performance and you’re hailed as one of the favourites, as the Czech Republic found out after spanking the United States by three goals. A few days later the same Czech side crashed to a 2-0 defeat against Ghana, and suddenly the world had caved in.
A dodgy display, but they weren’t alone. Italy were in deep trouble against the USA and could easily have lost, France were hopeless in their opening games and Brazil made a meal of beating Australia, but by and large the big boys have done their job and secured qualification to the second phase. Right now that is all that matters, and although several sides have failed to get into gear the knockout stages are where things change - and change big time.
Germany and England have been castigated as much as anyone else, but let’s get things into some perspective. Despite some lazy-looking performances from England and the current German side’s uphill battle to reach the lofty heights of their predecessors, let’s say it again - both sides took six points from their opening six. Where’s the problem?
Alright, alright, calling some of England’s performances “lazy” is perhaps a slight understatement, I’ll grant you. If huffing and puffing to an unconvincing 1-0 win over Paraguay in the famous heat of - ahem - Frankfurt came as a shock to everyone, the total failure to show up against Trinidad and Tobago caused the most cause for concern. The players have looked lazy and unprepared, but there is still time to come good.
After all, a look at recent World Cup history shows that a number of successful teams began tournaments sluggishly. France were slow off the marks in 1998, Germany and Belgium did the same in 1986 and both were to reach the semi-finals, and even England reached the final four in 1990 after a poor opening, scoring only two goals in their first three matches. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all saw Italy take the trophy in 1982 after draws against Poland, Peru and Cameroon in their group, before then beating then champions Argentina, Brazil and West Germany to emerge victorious.
So if your particular favourites have failed to impress, don’t despair. The knockout rounds are a totally different prospect, and having no room for error brings out the best in some teams. That said, some of the biggest names in the sport have failed to deliver thus far, and more than a few reputations are at stake. Even current world champions and favourites Brazil are yet to reach the heights we have come to expect of them.
The group stage can provide a useful form guide but little more. The next couple of weeks will see the real performers come to the fore. It’s where the fun really begins, so try and enjoy it.
Argies still
looking good
It’s all very well dismissing the group matches as irrelevant for the under-performers, but there are several sides who have really looked the business. Last week I suggested that Argentina would be the team to beat. Admittedly I was largely guessing, but the spanking of Serbia and Montenegro certainly set tongues wagging as Argentina, watched by Maradona in the stands, carved open the S&M defence to score one of the great all-time World Cup goals to add to the other ‘Five’ that they managed to stick away on the night.
Frightening I’m sure you’ll agree, but there are signs they won’t have things they’re own way. Spain have looked useful throughout, but their unrivalled ability to fall to pieces at the drop of a hat surely weighs heavily against them.
Portugal are through to the second round for the first time since 1966 (a fact I was amazed by) and will look to sneak through without much fuss. Another wily old campaigner in his last World Cup, Luis Figo, will be the key to any hopes the Portuguese may have.
Sven Goran Eriksson’s “pick the best players regardless of whether they can play together” approach may harm England’s chances of success. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are both world-class midfielders, but need to somehow gel together if England are to progress. Aaron Lennon must play. He’s been a revelation this season and looked the only player with any hunger against Trinidad and Tobago.
Brazil, meanwhile, have been efficient if not spectacular and will surely find form. Ronaldo has been spectacularly useless and Ronaldinho quiet. This can’t last forever.
And what of Holland? After numerous injuries Arjen Robben is finally showing the world-beating form that earned him a move to Chelsea two seasons ago, and looks destined to torment a few more right-backs before the tournament is over.
All have their strengths, but nothing has caused me to change my mind on Argentina. It’s going to take something special to stop them marching to the final and I’m not sure any side has what it takes, but we can hope. And possibly pray. Until next week.

Team ‘All In’ get rivered on the last

IPGC golf from The Caddy Shack

Tuesday June 13, Buraph, Medal
Our first outing of the week and the golfers from the Caddy Shack travelled to Burapha golf course and played the A & B nines. The weather was just about perfect and the course was as ever in great shape. The format chosen was stroke play, which brought in some good scores. In joint 3rd place were Phil Smith and Joop Medze with a net 71 each, in 2nd was Ben Findon with a very nice net 69, but way ahead all on his own was Jack Moseley with a superb net 67. This was his 1st win at the Caddy Shack, he also managed to take the “twos” pot all on his own. The Bananas were won by David Keats with the worst score of net 81.
Thursday 15 June, The Emerald
Thursday the Caddy Shack held a special event: it was a 3 ball Texas Scramble and was played at The Emerald golf club. The tournament was sponsored by Nick the Pizza, who provided prizes in the form of some delicious complimentary pizzas; The Bowling Green, who kindly presented four players with an afternoon of free bowling with tuition if required and The Caddy Shack, who stuck up some golf bags and a complimentary Sunday roast.

The sponsors team, ‘All In’: Nick Lawrence, Reg Rawding and Keith Fortt enjoy their consolation prize.

The weather was very hot with no wind but this did not prevent some great team scores.
Keith Fortt, Reg Rawding, and Nick Lawrence with the team name of ‘All In’ came in with a very impressive 60.1 net. On most occasions this would have been enough to win but this time they had to settle for 2nd place as the team of Paul Smith, Clark Alexander and Brian Bellis stormed in with a super 57.8 to take the honours.
All in all the scores were very good but someone of course has to come last and this time it was the team of Roy Mitchell, Emmet White and another player who fled the scene without leaving his name. This would normally take the booby prize but on this occasion team ‘All In’ were caught with their pants down: Keith Fortt picked his ball up on the 18th and ripped a gaping hole in the worst possible place in his shorts so he and his compatriots had to take the ‘Bananas’ gracefully.
Near Pins: Andy Bettany # 5 & # 15, Reg Rawding # 7, Paul Smith # 13

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed
Like me, the rest of the boxing world was a little slow in sending congratulations to His Majesty the King of Thailand on the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne. As Pappy use to say, “Better late than never.”
From the World Boxing Council comes the following: “The 161 countries represented by the 10 Continental Federations affiliated with the World Boxing Council join the WBC in declaring the year 2006 as The Year of His Majesty the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his coronation.”
“His Royal Majesty King Bhumidol Adulyadej has been in love with boxing all of his life, and thus has given substantial support to this sport in Thailand. He is also a monarch who is deeply loved by his people and someone who should be an example to all world leaders, not only for his respect to his people, but also for his concern and efforts in the benefit of boxers. I want to convey my heartfelt and respectful congratulations to His Majesty who has given, on several occasions, relevant advice to me, always seeking safety in boxing and protection of fighters.”
That lets the WBC off the hook. Me? Probably still in the deep stuff.
If you heard a loud “Kerr Plop” coming from the shores of America it would be the Federal lawsuit filed by boxer Diego Corrales and his promoter Gary Shaw. Corrales is looking for $1.2 Million (USD) while promoter Shaw wants a measly $750,000 (USD).
Named in the lawsuit are Top Rank’s (Bob Arum), boxer Jose Luis Castillo and Castillo’s “manager”, Senior Fernando Beltran. The suit was filed in New York Federal Court where Attorney Judd Burstein has had some success. If memory serves me correctly that’s the same venue Burstein used in Graciano Rocchigiani’s successful lawsuit against the WBC.
Rocchigiani was awarded $30 Million (USD). To date we have no idea how much has been collected. Oh yes, both Shaw and Corrales are asking for $10 million each in punitive damages.
As you’ve had time to digest the above I have a question. Why does a promoter gets $750,000 while his boxer gets $1.2 million? I know it’s “like the dog doing his thing”, cause he can. On the other side boxer Castillo was to be paid $900,000 while his promoter Bob Arum was to “earn” more than $1 million. Light bulb go off in anyone’s head? Well it darn well should.
The reason is that in a letter to the Nevada Boxing Commission, Attorney Burstein is asking them to “to investigate whether Top Rank committed income tax fraud by funnelling some of Castillo’s purse money through Fernando Beltran in Mexico.”
Why would Top Rank do that? Cause it would allow Castillo to evade United States income taxes. What is confusing is that if you file a suit in Federal Court why not include income tax evasion? Instead a letter is sent to the Nevada Commission who have “No” power to investigate “federal income tax evasion.”
The answer is that while the suing parties may win, they’ll never collect, nor are they about to kill the fatted calf that brings in Mexican fighters “doing work American’s won’t do.” It’s a show about dough.
Fight this day on the Nonthaburi Pier, Thailand was supposed to be between Veeraphol Sahaprom (52-3-2) and Hidenobu Honda (26-4). At 37 Veeraphol is getting a little long in the tooth to mount another serious challenge for a bantam title. He’s lost twice to WBC champ Hozumi Hasegawa, once when he had the WBC crown. Hard to believe that he’ll rehabilitate against a guy that’s lost 3 of his last four. But maybe not. Just before The Square Ring went to bed we were notified that ABCO super-fly champ, David Nakornluang would defend for the 8th time against Yuki Murai (11-7-4). Guess we’ll wait and see.
Wasn’t a great week for travelling Thai boxers. Former WBA 122-pound champ, Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (45-4-1), continued his slip down the slope. He got TKO’d by Ryu Miyagi in 6.
“The Thai isn’t what he used to be, having dropped a unanimous decision to Shoji Kimura in a lousy bout this April and lost to Miyagi in succession in Japan. The WBA had better eliminate Yoddamrong out of the top fifteen, otherwise he may lose again here to produce another world contender from Japan.”
If you looked up ‘honest boxing journalist’ in the dictionary there would be a picture of Joe Koizumi. The preceding quote came from his computer.
I Guess marriage is out in Sweden. What? Yep, the Swedish parliament voted last week for a new law that more or less makes it impossible to ever stage professional boxing (or any other combat sport that contains blows or kicks to the head). The vote came about in an effort to overturn the ban on boxing that has been in effect sine January 1, 1970. Ban marriage? Anyone that’s been there knows that marriage is a contact sport with many blows and kicks to the head. Funny folk them Swedes.
So the good people of Pattaya got to see Jermain Taylor (25-0) against Winky Wright (50-3) live from Memphis, Tennessee on a Sunday morning. The guys on the telly talked about what a great fight it was. Funny but I saw it differently. I wouldn’t walk across the street for it. It ended in a draw with two quality judges seeing it 115-113 for each boxer and then Malvina Lathan had it 114-114. She can’t be called terrible cause she isn’t that good. The Square Ring had it a runaway for Taylor 117-112. Why? Cause Wright could never work in a buffet breakfast line cause he couldn’t even break an egg to make omelettes.
Himself: “I say Jeeves were you able to answer the sport quiz in last weeks Mail?”
Jeeves: “Not the silly questions but I knew that the five boxers to professionally defeat Ali were Trevor Berbick, Larry Holmes, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton and Joe Frazer. Ali avenged the losses to Spinks, Norton and of course beat Frazer twice. Here’s your beverage sir.”
Himself: “Smart as a whip and great timing Jeeves. I’ll drink to that.”

Captain Bob pulls a ringer out of the hat

Peacock Place Golf Society

Monday June 12,
Bangpra - 2 Man Scramble
Monday saw the new Peacock Place Golf Society meet at their restaurant as usual and after a hearty breakfast, 20 golfers moved out to Bangpra golf club. It was a slightly later start than usual as Bangpra had been booked by a number of societies that day and the earliest start we could get was 11.38am. Never mind, we thought, what else is there to do after a game of golf in the hot mid-afternoon in Thailand? Really.
Captain Bob had a bee in his bonnet that morning, I could tell and after logging the runners and riders, he promptly announced we would be having a 2-man Texas scramble. He beavered away and tore up slips of paper and wrote names on them and got our secretary to pull out two slips at a time to decide who would be partners. With this information at hand we made for the course.
We arrived at Bangpra GC in about 40 minutes; it might even have been quicker. Everywhere is so accessible from Mabprachan and no morning snarl-ups to contend with. The course was on the face of it quite busy as the car park lay testimony to but we were soon checked in, the 750 baht green fee and caddy fee a snip.
The starter was on the ball and organizing our group to start at the 10th was a smart move. We finished in good time and after showering, waited patiently for the results to be announced. The winners turned out to be none other than Captain Bob and a ringer off 30. They amassed 39 points. Their handicap allowance was 4 and everybody had to drive at least 6 times but although our Captain’s partner was no great shakes from tee to green, once on the green he could give Tiger Woods a run for his money. 20 and 30 foot putts were almost ‘gimmies’. Talking of Tiger Woods, the runners up were Brian Bartlett and his Thai friend Tiger who managed 37 points.
Thursday June 15,
Sriracha - Stableford
Thursday saw the group at Sriracha GC and again 22 golfers met at The Peacock. One or two were not sure of the quickest way to the course but Captain Bob said follow me. We did and some rued the day.
We played a Stableford competition off the white tees and found the course in great condition. The fairways are excellent and the greens very good, save for a few that have sand dressing around their edges.
Phil Mitchell, who knocks the ball a country mile, took the A flight with 38 points and Ken McKarthy came second with 37 points. B flight was won by Paul Lavender with 40 points and second Jeff McLaurey with 38 points.
The catering staff at The Peacock, as usual welcomed our return with some tasty morsels and a few draught Heinekens were sank while discussing the finer points of the game. A good day was had by all.

John scores an ‘Ace’ at Burapha

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, June 12, Burapha - Stableford
On Monday The Bunker Boy’s travelled to Burapha Golf Course for a Stableford competition. With the cut at 12 and under we had a close contest in both the A Flight and the B Flight.

John Mac kept his great form going with a hole in one at Burapha Golf Course
Roger Privett came out on top in the B Flight winning with 35 points, just pipping Mick Ramshaw who scored 34 points, himself only two further points ahead of Granville Swanton who finished with 32 points to take third place.
In the A Flight it was an even closer tussle between last month’s golfer of the month John McDonald, who continued his winning streak by tying for first prize, and old adversary Paul Smith, both coming into the clubhouse with 36 points. William Macey claimed third place with 34 points.
The near pin prizes would have gone to Brian Bellis and two to Paul Smith but they generously forfeited their prizes and gave them to John McDonald who shot a hole in one at the first par three on the A Course. This rounded off a memorable golfing holiday for John who rang the bell back in the bar to celebrate with The Bunker Boy’s before his return to Australia next week.
Wednesday June 14, Bangpra - Medal
Bangpra was the venue on Wednesday for a Medal competition and with the cut at 16 and under we saw Paul Smith come out on top with the best score of the day, firing a three under par net 69 to win the A Flight. This was one shot ahead of William Macey net 70 with John McDonald and Dave Lightfoot sharing third place with net 73.
In the B Flight Mick Ramshaw snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by four putting on the 18th hole to finish third with a one over par net 73. First prize was shared between Bryan Rought and Trevor Sharman who both made level par net 72’s.
Near Pin prizes were shared between Paul Smith, William Macey, Donald Hendry and Granville Swanton.
Friday, June 16, Pattaya Country Club - Stableford
A Stableford format and with no John McDonald or Paul Smith to dominate proceedings we saw William Macey and Matty Anderson win the A Flight with 36 points each, ahead of Mashi Kaneta and Donald Hendry who shared third place with 33 points.
With the cut again at 16 and under, B Flight’s PJ Redmond claimed third place with a modest 32 points, Mick Ramshaw took second place finishing with 36 points but this was nowhere near Tony Geeland who shot the best score of the day to finish with a magnificent 43 points, (24 of those coming on the front nine!)
Near pin prizes went to Donald Hendry, Gavin Perfect and two to William Macey.

Montana moves up as top 5 teams lose

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers - Tui, Ooy, Mio, Somrak & Aht.

None of the top teams could come up with a winning week and Montana made a move up the standings as they took all four points from first place House of the Golden Coin. Mai’s Thai Restaurant won three from second place Grape Vine. Last place Café Ole took two and one half points from third place Café Kronborg. France dropped from fourth to sixth place after losing all four points to Shenanigans. Three Sisters took three points from Friends and Brother D won three from VFW Post 9876. Domicil bowled well enough to take three points from Jack & Tar and they are only seven points behind first place. Aht from Three Sisters bowled the best series with handicap in the current league as she knocked down 550 pins, 664 with handicap.

League Table June 16 (week 21) Team Points Standings House of the Golden Coin  0 - 4 50 - 34 Grape Vine 1 - 3 49 -35 Café Kronborg 1.5 - 2.5 48 - 36 Montana 4 - 0 47.5 - 36.5 Friends 1 - 3 45 - 39 France 0 - 4 45 - 39 Domicil 3 - 1 43 - 41 Shenanigans 4 - 0 42.5 - 41.5 Three Sisters 3 - 1 41 - 43 Jack & Tar 1 - 3 39.5 - 44.5 Mai’s Thai Restaurant 3 - 1 38.5 - 45.5 Brother D. 3 - 1 34.5 - 49.5 VFW Post 9876 1 - 3 33 - 51 Café Ole 2.5 - 1.5 31.5 - 52.5