Phil rides his ‘Ace’ to victory

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, August 6
Green Valley -White Tees,
Stableford
A Flight:
1st Kris Kritsanajootha, 38 points
2nd Jim Munns, 38 points
3rd Jim Wickstrom, 36 points
B Flight:
1st Phil Page, 42 points
2nd John Hillier, 39 points
3rd Don Lehmer, 37 points
C Flight:
1st Poo Supaporn, 41 points
2nd Steve Ellison, 38 points
3rd Norm Robinson, 36 points
Near Pins: #9 John Ginnane; #12 Phil Page; #16 Pierre Bietry
2’s: Phil Page (hole-in-one)
The big story of the day, and the week, was Phillip Page’s ace on the old 12th at Green Valley. While a lesser player might have become discombobulated, Phil still managed to amass a MoM 43 points. Of course, one might expect this from someone who had three previous dodos, if memory serves. Phil was followed in A Flight by a resurgent John Hillier and his 39 points. The Lady’s Man collected the bronze with a better than handicap 37 points.
The First Lady edged that red hot ‘Photographer to the Stars’ by a three pack in C flight, shooting a swell 41 points to continue to improve her handicap. Stormin’ Norman, Esq. swept up the third place loot.
A familiar name sat atop A Flight as Kris-Krits had 38 points off his gross 78. Capt Fogg, quiet of late, showed there is still life in them long bones as his 38 points relegated the day’s medalist, Dudley Dooright, to the last pay slot. That medalist round was a net 76, not Jim’s best, but dang good!
Tuesday, August 8, Khao Kheow C & A - Yellow or White Tees, Stableford
Yellow A Flight:
1st Joe Mooneyham, 38 points
2nd Jack Spencer, 35 points
Yellow B Flight:
1st Steve Ellison, 40 points
2nd John Hillier, 37 points
White Flight:
1st Brian Prudden, 38 points
2’s: Yellows: Jack Spencer - Whites: none
The scribe eluded to the fact that the PttS was a sizzlin’ and he showed it again on the Dye Design Khao Kheow layout with a MoM 40 points and a Yellow B Flight victory. Esteban was followed by Nice Guy John, of the resurgent order. The Groom held off Gen Black Jack Spencer in Yellow A Flight with a fine 38 points supporting a three point margin. Gen. Jack’s wounds were assuaged by the only 2 on the day. Brian Prudden had the best of the Magnificent Seven who played the Whites with a not-to-be-overlooked 38 points.
Wednesday, August 9
Sriracha - Blue or White Tees, Stableford
1st Norm Robinson, 34 points
2nd Kris Krisanajootha, 33 points
3rd Pierre Bietry, 31 points
While the majority of the field was away to the mountains of Soi Dao, the home guard took another look at Sriracha. The pleasant experience was won by Stormin’ Norman with Kris-Krits, but a point arrears. Monsieur Pierre bettered the trio of Barry Copestake, Bruce McAdam and Jeff McLaury on count back. This Scribe wishes to thank Bruce McA for handling the presentation.
Wednesday/Thursday, August 9/10, Soi Dao Highlands - White Tees, Stroke/Medal & 2-day Eclectic
Day One
1st Jack Spencer, net 67
2nd Mol Thongkiew, net 70
3rd Simon Philbrook, net 73
2’s: none
Day Two
1st Sonny Crawford, net 67
2nd John Emmerson, net 70
3rd Bill Broschart, net 73
2’s: John McHugh
Eclectic
1st Mol Thongkiew, net 61
2nd Sonny Crawford, net 65
3rd Simon Philbrook, net 65
4th Jack Spencer, net 65
5th Sugar Ray Handford, net 65
A score of golfers took to the road for a two-day, one night sojourn to everyone’s favorite golf retreat, Soi Dao Highlands. The experience was grand for all and the format kept everyone busy. The GM had the lot play Medal on each of the days and then sorted their scores out to support a 2-day Eclectic Competition. The rounds of the trip were supplied by Jack Spencer (Day One) and Sonny Crawford (Day Two) who both had net 67’s. Not to overshadow Jack’s effort, but Sonny-boy did shoot a gross 78, tying the GM for the trip’s Medalist honors.
And the Belle of the Eclectic Ball was none other than the divine Ms. Mol, a/k/a Ms. Robbie Bennett, who made her second significant impact on a Road Trip by winning the Eclectic competition, four shots clear of a gaggle of luminaries.
Friday, August 11,
Phoenix M & O - White Tees,
2-Person Better Ball - Stableford
1st Don Lehmer & Bill Broschart, 43 points
2nd John Hillier & Ray Dell, 42 points
3rd Iain Bennett & Steve Ellison, 42 points
2’s: John McHugh
With the field weary from a Road Trip and, for those who stayed home, weary from supporting the working public of Pattaya on their own, a day off of sorts was provided by scheduling a 2-Person Better Ball. This would allow one partner to take the day off and whist the other did the work. Any group that did that, however, probably didn’t appear in the podium lights. Buddies Billy Broschart and the Lady’s Man swept the comp with 43 points. Two teams were knotted at 42 points, thanks to a late rules decision. Nice Guy Johnny and the “Farmer In The” had the better, on count back, of Dublin’s Iain and the PttS.
Apologies: To Jez Lees and Poo Supaporn who were not identified in last week’s article as taking second and third, respectively in C Flight on Sunday, 30 July. Don’t blame the Scribe, blame the bartenders of Pattaya.

Colin shoots best of the day at Crystal Bay

PSC 61st Members’ Monthly Tournament

Friday, August 11, Crystal Bay
(A & B Nines)
Well here we are again, and a month on our esteemed Golf Chairman is learning that this position is not all sweetness and roses, (and/or pictures in the paper); but hard work, many hours put in and much elbow grease needed. Indeed Mike and his new team are now firmly at the helm and starting to put their stamp on the proceedings.

Colin Cronin shot the best round of the day for 44 points in C Flight.
On this day they were in early to ensure that things went well, with Bernie controlling the booking in, with Mike, as he does so well, whilst out on the course we had that incredible ‘Double Act’ of Benda & Holt. With Tim on the A and Bob on the B, as Marshal ‘Dillons’, they ensured they got the players off on time and also went around to stamp down on slow play. When the day was over they also collected the pins in. Their one fun thing was to bet on how many times I three putted; me being in the last group, so of course I obliged frequently. Mind I ensured they bought the beers. The only problem they had was when Bob lost his walking stick and they had to zoom around the course to find it, which they did with the help of a friendly pickup driver. Tim was pleased they found it as Bob has promised to lend it to him, soon.

Jeff Wylie was the toast of A Flight as he took the top honours.
The course itself was in excellent condition, with really fast, tricky greens and well-defined fairways with good grass on them; well at least the few I saw had. It was apparent that anyone who shot a good round, in the strong winds would deserve their success.
So off on time, into a head wind, we all enjoyed a nice walk around, except those in carts, and despite the constant pressure of the Marshals, we still had a 5-hour round. Mind with decent playing partners, 120 of them, it was a snip.
Round over, we returned to the Clubhouse to hand our cards in, and it seemed that no sooner had we entered the changing room than we were told that the presentation was imminent. One of the good things about doing this bit, photographs and scribe, is that they cannot start without you ... want to bet? Mike does like getting on with it.

Eddie Bielby shot a fine net 68 to take the B Flight.
After a quick shower, it was into the restaurant to see Mike had done the ‘Lucky Draw’ and was into the ‘Thanks’ to the management of Crystal Bay, the sponsors, mainly, McAllisters, Shennanigans, Tropical Bert’s, Diana Group, Tahitian Queen, Harley Bar, Bowling Green and Pattaya Sports Club; once again I think I got them all, but if you are missed let me know. Mike also reminded all players that this tournament is heavily subsidised and to count their blessings. In this I heartily concur.
On to the winners, and in the Ladies Flight, with so few players, we had only two prizes, but it was exciting in that it went to a count back. Winner with 39 points was Mam Trayling with Tewin Lamthong in second place.
In the Men’s D Flight playing Stableford, we had a clear winner when Paul Quodomine won with 37 points, ahead of Kevin Dinan in second with 33 points and Brian Ellis in third with 32 points. It was noticeable that the trophies were very nice, and would look good on the sideboard.
To the C Flight, also Stableford, and here we had the best round of the day. On the previous day Colin Cronin had had a good round at The Emerald, so the ‘Committee’ had cut him 2 shots for this tournament. Despite this, a jubilant Colin still shot a very fine 44 points, and after falling off his motorbike (twice), it is nice to see him bounce back to form. Mind he bounces well. In second was Masashi with 39 points and in third Per Olan Baarli with 36 points.
So to the ‘golfers’, i.e. those who play Stroke, which Colin will be in next month and where I will hopefully hang on to. The winner was Eddie Bielby with a net 68 ahead of Ray Spence in second with a net 71, on count back from Bob Lindborg, also net 71.
Now to those players who after hours and hours of practice, can be called the best we have, or the A Flight. The winner was Jeff Wylie, net 67 on count back from Kunhiro Wakabayashi, with Takeshi Hakozaki in third on net 68.
Day over we all jumped into cars to crawl back to Pattaya. Have you noticed how they work on Route 7 at the same time as Sukhumwit to cause maximum hold up, or does it just seem that way. Not that it will make much difference to our esteemed Golf Chairman, who will be back with his nose to the grindstone wondering how on earth he got into this. Usually he can get out of it with a song and joke, but not now.
T.T.F.N.
Long Put: Mam Trayling, Kevin Dinan (2), Neville Jackson
Long Drive: (A) Jeff Wylie, (B) Geoff King, (D) Alan Pearce, (L) Nora
Near Pins: Steve Hamsted, Harvey Samuel, Rolf Ahlstrom, Mikael Anderson, Terry Phur, Ian Covill, Paul Quodomine, Toy Theobald, Perry McNeely, Frank Kelly, Chris John, Ed Trayling, Mam Trayling, Rick Evans, Eddie Bielby, Dave Strang, Kevin Dinan, Nora

The beautiful Crystal Bay course provided a challenge to all the golfers

Graham cleans up the “twos”

PSC golf from The Peacock Place

Monday, August 7, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
Pattaya Country Club was the venue for the Peacock Place golf team on Monday for a Stableford competition. There were 24 players and the course was in beautiful condition.
The winners on the day were; starting with the ladies Toy Theobald with 35 points, closely followed by Wendy Khan on 34. The men’s A Division was won by Victor Pang, a visitor from Bangkok with 37 points; in second was Graham Hiskett on 36.
The B Division was won by Nile Sheehan on 39 points followed by his good friend, out from the old dart for a few weeks holiday, Mike Wither’s with 37. They were a bit lucky as they arrived for the buffet just as the presentation was about to begin and they had their cards in their pockets. There was only one “two” on the day; Graham Hiskett picked up the large pot - well done mate. The free beer was won by Peter Allen.
Thursday, August 10, Noble Place, Stableford
Noble Place was the venue for Thursday’s match and once again the course was in great condition, although still too hard for the captain.
The Ladies Division was won by a new visitor to our club, Noi Pootilda with 34 points and the runner up was Wendy Khan with 32 points.
In the men’s A Division we had a clear winner, my good friend Bob Van Mol with 37 points; runners up were Marty Allred and Mark Joshua, both with 35 points. B Division was won by another first timer to our little gathering, John Hillier with a great 37 points , second was Alan Pearce with 36 points.
Jack Mosely had the only “two” on the day and helped himself to another large pot. It was clear that nobody could beat the hell out of this course as the scores will attest.
Thank you all for coming and be assured you will be made welcome anytime. The free beer went to Captain Bob and Peter Allen as we both had a magnificent 23 points. Thanks must also go to Dao and Mike for the lovely buffet dinner.

The Simple Simon Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League

Knockout Cup - 2006 Season

This week the Jomtien Pool League took a break from the regular competition to play the first round of this season’s Knockout Cup. The winners will go through to the Knockout Cup second round and the losers will go into the Knockout Cup Plate competition - these matches are scheduled for September 14.
Round 1 Results: Hide-A-Way 6 v 3 Good Time Bar, Woaw’s Pub (1) 8 v 1 Blue Room, Tiger Tiger Bar 5 v 4 Ricci Pub, Take Care Bar 3 v 6 San Snack Bar, Woaw’s Pub (2) 4 v 5 Lucky Bar, Flying Dolphins 5 v 4 Rose & Thistle, Golden Inn 1 v 8 Simple Simon, Scooby’s 2 v 7 De Windmolen, Man in the Moon 5 v 4 Cosy Bar

Khao Kheow roughs up Oohsa Bar golfers

PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar

Oosha Bar golfers relax after a fine day out at Khao Kheow.

Tuesday, August 8 saw twenty intrepid souls embark on a trip to Khao Kheow, the scourge of amateur golfers in the Pattaya area.
With the rough taking it’s toll of most players, Colin Cronin, a.k.a. ‘The Lummox’ and the recently returned Jeff Wylie were separated by count back for the top podium place; Jeff just edging Colin. Close behind was Rich Murphy, while the final money spot was picked up by Dave Arrowsmith. Dave was hitting the ball well, as was evidenced by him also picking up 2 NTP’s: Jeff also grabbed an NTP while the other was won by Mike Gerrard, who missed a very short putt for his 2. Long-putts were picked up by Gus & Mike W, while on the day Colin was the only golfer to relieve Malcolm (bar owner) of a beer for his birdie 2. This is a great offer by Malcolm & appreciated by all: an ample recognition for that elusive 2 on the scorecard.
After the day of golf, we all returned for some fine fare, courtesy of Malcolm & his charming staff. It would be remiss of me not to mention Malcolm winning the Killer Pool game on the day: Remiss, because he might not feed me next time I play.
To those of you looking for a game on a Tuesday, come along & give the Oohsa Bar a try. With all money in the prize pool, brekky & eats provided, a cold beer in a relaxing venue, what have you got to lose? Soi Khao Talo, 8.00am departure, call Malcolm on 09 208 5780 to register.

Mills thrills at Laem Chabang

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Tuesday, August 8, the Pattaya Golf Society gave itself a real treat by visiting the exquisite Laem Chabang International Golf Club for its weekly Medal test and found the A and B courses in their usual magnificent condition. The large field struck fifty tee shots off the first; some almost professional, some certainly provisional, and they all heralded a day of fine competitive golf.
The two flights were cut at 19 and under and the second flight saw Ian Kidd retain his current consistency by posting a net 74 for third place. One shot ahead was Brian Tully, whilst Dannie Larsen fulfilled his pre-round boast of a cut in handicap by taking the flight in style with an immodest net 69. It was an excellent round by any standards.
The top flight was awash with quality and Ben Findon rediscovered his touch with net 71 to take third place. Harry Riley was second with a splendid net 70, which could have been better if his putting touch had been more accurate. The round of the day was that posted by Andy Mills. His net 66, gross 74, was a class act and his 37 - 37 split showed his consistency on the tough course. He also shared the obscenely large rolled-over “twos” pot with Harry Riley and Chang Suh, the latter birdied both the par threes on the back nine.
The Booby Bevy was awarded to Austin Langton, one of two nil-returns, winning it by virtue of his lower handicap. What a day it had been at Laem Chabang and a return next month is certainly a mouth watering prospect.
Tully tops at
Sri Racha
The popular Pattaya Golf Society once again took a large group from the OK Corral for a day’s competitive golf at Sri Racha on Thursday August 10. The course is now becoming dry again and there was plenty of run on the hard fairways to help the golfers, but the track is still much better than a year ago when golfers shunned the course in droves.
The two Stableford flights were cut at 20 and under and by the end of the day a third of the field had posted scores of par or better.
In a friendly yet competitive second flight, Ray Underwood played his first par round since joining the group a month or so ago; his 36 points giving him third place and no doubt it will inspire him to better things. There were joint winners of the flight with soulmates Paul Quodomine and Len Jones playing their best rounds for a long while, recording 37 points each to share a popular victory.
In division one, Harry Riley, Bill Hewitt and Kris Kritsnajootha all recorded level par scores of 36 points to share third place whilst Stuart Thompson pulled out another plum with a ‘sugar-sweet’ 39 points for second place. The day however belonged to Brian Tully and his 42 points was a haul almost as tall as the man himself!
Paul Quodomine chipped in from the rough on the third for a “two” to join Alan Freeman, who had ricocheted his tee shot off the crocodile enclosure on the twelfth to within eight feet and sunk the putt. Brian Tully took a more orthodox approach on the same hole and the three golfers shared the ‘twos’ pot.
John Cunningham was less lucky as he stood on his bag trolley for a better view of his tee shot on the ninth, thus shearing off the wheel and incurring the wrath of the Caddy Master. The Booby Bevy went some way to reimburse the Scotsman for his 300 baht fine! It was his first booby experience and served as a reminder that what goes around comes around. Except, of course, the wheel on a particular golf trolley!

Anderson has a fairytale day at Plutaluang

Report and photo by Barry Hooper
Tuesday, August 8, Bangpra, Stableford
Bangpra Golf Club was as tough as ever on Tuesday, with only one player playing to handicap - well done Gordon Everingham. The course was superb, the greens were true and the weather fine; no excuses, just a very tough golf course.

Petter Anderson, Colin Cronin and a lovely girl from the Bowling Green

Results
1st Gordon Everingham (27) 36pts
2nd Peter Harris (22) 35pts
3rd Phil Dwyer (18) 34pts
Near Pins: Terry Hopkins, Fergus Brennan, Steve Hamstead
Thursday, August 10, Plutaluang S & E, Stableford
It’s always a pleasure to come to this very inexpensive and beautiful golf course: 19 golfers including two ladies played.
Colin Cronin shot a very respectable 42 points but was beaten by Petter Anderson who scored an amazing 44 points. A most enjoyable day rounded off back at the Bowling Green with Tony’s delicious cottage pie, Wow.
Results
1st Petter Anderson (33) 44pts
2nd Colin Cronin (22) 42pts
3rd Ian Covill (19) 39pts
4th Peter King (32) 37pts
Near Pins: Mike Gazza (2), Frank Kelly, Phil Dwyer
Twos Club: Petter Anderson, Mike Gazza

The Beautiful Game?: Football is “Back”

Riz Taylor
Here I am back after a fortnight’s post-season holiday, ready once again to keep you updated with all things football as ‘The Beautiful Game?’ returns to the hallowed pages of the Pattaya Mail. I’d love to say I’m feeling refreshed and raring to go, but it seems that these days there’s no obvious break between one season and the next.
Was it really only six weeks ago that David Beckham was vomiting his way through the World Cup and Real Madrid team-mate Zinedine Zidane was undoing a career of majestic football by head-butting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the chest moments before the climax of the final match in Berlin?
The 2005/06 season may have officially come to rest on Sunday July 9, but before you could say “promotional campaign” the friendly matches had begun. No sooner were the players unlacing their boots after a hard season’s slog than they were shuttled off to the United States, China and who knows where else as their respective employers attempted to stretch their tentacles into lucrative world markets.
If that’s how clubs want to spend their summer holidays then that’s up to them, but it raises two important points. Firstly, are there really any untapped markets left in world football? Nothing against Manchester City, but is a pre-season visit to Shanghai going to turn a billion Chinese into die-hard fans ready to burst into ‘Blue Moon’ at a moment’s notice?
Of course not. ‘Citeh’ are undoubtedly popular in this neck of the woods thanks to defender Sun Jihai’s presence over recent years, but what’s really for sale is the Premiership brand itself - the league that is marketed as the world’s most popular and most watched football division. More fans equals more viewers equals more advertising, which of course equals more money. Good luck to them, but I can’t see how bringing even more cash into a Premiership awash with the stuff is going to make the division any more entertaining that it already is.
And here’s another thought. The very same clubs that have spent their summer touring the globe for a spate of meaningless match-ups are the very same clubs that, come February, are those that will be demanding winter breaks and complaining of fixture pile-ups and tired players.
Excuse my suspicious nature, but rather than sitting around warm fires in freezing February resting tired limbs I imagine we’d see British clubs jetting of for promotional tours to play Tokyo Town, Manila Villa or whoever else fancies a kickaround in an attempt to make even more cash. For this reason there won’t be much sympathy at this end when Arsene Wenger and co. start bleating about tired players who have played too many games come Christmas. And mark my words, they will.
It’s not just English clubs that are dolling themselves up in high heels and plastering on the make-up in an attempt to look attractive either. Take Celtic’s pre-season preparations: tours of America and Poland preceded friendlies against Everton and Manchester United, and then, between their first and second Scottish Premier league fixtures, the Bhoys found time to pop over to Japan for a midweek game against Yokohama Marinos. If that’s not just plain greedy then can someone please tell me what is?
But enough of the moaning, there’s plenty of time for that in the months ahead. August is a time for optimism; a time to carelessly forget the fact that your team were crap last year and to pretend, even if it’s just for a few weeks, that promotions and championships are a real possibility. It’s what keeps us all hooked.
Sheffield United have been rewarded for last season’s heroics with the Premiership’s opening fixture as they take on Liverpool at Bramall Lane tomorrow. There might be the chance of an upset, but in reality United will just be hoping to stay in the division, whilst Liverpool are eyeing bigger rewards after a busy summer in the transfer market.
The Reds managed to overcome Chelsea in the Community Shield last weekend but they’ll have to raise their game throughout the whole season if they’re to seriously challenge the Blues who, on paper at least, look even stronger than last year. 30 million-pound striker Andriy Shevchenko needs no introduction from me, whilst providing the ammunition behind him (and no doubt pinching a few for himself) will be Germany skipper Michael Ballack, who has arrived from Bayern Munich to make his mark on the Premiership stage.
If anyone is to wrestle the title from Jose Mourinho - which will take some doing - it’s hard to look past the trio of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. The strength in depth is what makes the difference, but Tottenham and others will have designs on breaking into the top four should one of them slip up as Arsenal so nearly managed last time around.
But is it really possible to beat Chelsea? Well, I reckon that there may be a chance this season. I’ve got a sneaky hunch that billionaire owner Roman Abramovic will instruct Mourinho to deliver the Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge this season at any cost, and that could see Chelsea take their foot off the pedal in their domestic campaign. Maybe.
At the bottom it looks like newcomers Reading, Sheffield United and Watford will all struggle to stay in the division. That’s the easy prediction, of course, but the escapades of Wigan Athletic and West Ham last season gave us all a timely reminder that, whilst perhaps predictable, the Premiership is far from a foregone conclusion. And that’s why I’ll be sat, beer in hand, enjoying the return of football to our screens from tomorrow.
Just don’t let me hear anyone moaning about being tired.
O’Neill accepts Randy advances
More billionaire news now as it was announced earlier this week that incoming Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill will be offered a six year contract by new owner Randy Lerner, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph. The wealthy American, who also owns NFL side the Cleveland Browns, successfully managed to buy a controlling stake in the club from former owner and fans’ favourite Doug Ellis last week, and O’Neill looks set accept the extended deal. He had originally signed on a one-year rolling contract.
Warnock to smarten his act
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock will be forced to watch tomorrow’s Premiership opener from the Bramall Lane stands tomorrow as he continues an ongoing touchline ban, but the Yorkshireman has a plan to avoid further controversy this season.
Warnock was banned from the dugout for six games after an altercation with the fourth official during his side’s game at Leeds United in April, but has said that smartening up his act by wearing a suit will help keep his temper in check.
“It might just slow me down a little bit when I’m going a bit doolally on the bench,” he said. “I don’t think I will ever lose my passion; I wouldn’t want to do that, but you are aware at the higher level that certain people are looking out for you.”
If Warnock is in the market for a suit I know a couple of places on Second Road that would be delighted to help out. Anyway that’s it for this week, here’s a few of the Premier League games you can catch live on UBC or JSAT this weekend: Enjoy the new season!
Saturday, August 19
Sheffield Utd. v Liverpool - 6:45pm
Arsenal v Aston Villa - 9pm
Newcastle v Wigan - 9pm
Tottenham v Bolton - 11:15pm
Sunday, August 20
Man Utd. v Fulham - 7:30pm
Chelsea v Man City - 10pm

One week to go and trophies up for grabs

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 bowlers - Su, Kran, Wade, Ooy, Tuevo and Tian.

Grape Vine could have pretty much been guaranteed first place but they did not manage to win one point this week as they lost all four points to Café Kronborg. Captain Kran led her Kronborg team with games of 207, 216 and 199 for a 622 series. House of the Golden Coin also won all four points beating Friends, with Su leading Golden Coin with a 244 game and 562 series. Next week Grape Vine and House of the Golden Coin will play each other to determine who gets the first place trophy.
Montana is still in the trophy race as they split their match with Mai’s Thai Restaurant with each team winning two points. Café Kronborg and Montana will play each other for third place with Kronborg still having a chance to win second place. Three Sisters took all four points from France and Shenanigans won all four from VFW Post 9876. Domicil won three points from Brother D and Café Ole got three from Jack & Tar.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

In answer to the many e-mails I’ve received, Jeeves has returned from searching for an umbrella in more or less good condition. There was a redness of the eyes which has cleared up but he does seem to be scratching himself a great deal. As a wise man once wrote, “That too will pass with time ... and the correct medicine.”
For some reason the first Sunday of the month has been unofficially made “championship or big-time fight time.” In September from Germany there’s Arthur Abraham (21-0) vs. Edison Miranda (26-0) for the IBF Middleweight title; Clinton Woods (39-3-1) against Glenncoffe Woods (44-10-2) for the IBF Light Heavyweight title - this one from the home of Bolton Wanders with a supporting cast of Souleymane M’baye (34-1) v Raul Balbi (54-7-1) for the WBA jr. welter title and not to mention the “next British super star”, Amir Khan (8-0) against a member of the ‘To Be Announced’ family. Funny but the biggest fight of the weekend may be a non-title affair between James Toney (69-4-2) and Samuel “The Real” Peter (26-1).
Any fight that involves Toney is always news worthy for the simple reason that Toney is a total jerk and really doesn’t care who knows it. He takes great delight in poking his verbal finger in the eye of who ever is in front of him at the time, “I no lie you,” a term that Jeeves has started to use. Here’s a recent interview released by Toney’s PR guy:
Q: How is your weight, James?
A: “I am a (bleeping) heavyweight. No one questioned Ali and Foreman, so don’t question me.”
Q: How is your conditioning?
A: “Same as above. (Bleep) Off!”
Q: What about your cigar smoking?
A: “Yeah what about it? Smoke this.”
Q: What is different with this camp as to your camp for the Hasim Rahman fight?
A: “I am not talking about camp. I’m putting the Nightmare to sleep.”
Q: Who are you sparring with and how is it going?
A: “Keep asking stupid questions, it’ll be you. Now (Bleep) Off!”
A really funny thing happened to former WBC jr. fly champion Brian Viloria (19-1) on his way to a super match with Japanese super star Koki Kameda. That funny thing, although not to Viloria, would be Omar Nino Romero who is now the “new” WBC jr fly champ.
Fighting last week in Las Vegas the “hard hitting” Viloria was never in the fight, losing on all three judges cards by wide margins of 117-111, 117-111, 118-110. That ladies and gents is a “no contest”.
Nino was a warm up fight that proved to be a dead end for the likeable Hawaiian. It’s not as though Nino’s win was a huge upset. He did have a win, albeit at 108lbs over Jorge Arce who may be the best at 115 in the world. Of course that was 10 years ago. Forget Nino-Kameda but maybe in the works would be a fight with Wandee Singwangcha (49-7-1). The Thai held the much-valued interim WBC jr. fly title once.
One interim title that may become a real title is the WBO “Interim” feather crown won by Juan Manual Marquis two weeks ago. When he laid a whipping on Terdsak Jandaeng it was with the understanding that the winner would fight Scott Harrison for the title. Jeeves forced me to make the remark, “That fight will happen when Harrison either gets out of rehab or a stretch in the company of the Old Bill.” Stop for a moment and consider. Here’s Scott Harrison who has a problem with drink. He completes rehab then moves from Scotland to Belfast, Northern Ireland to train. For what? More rehab?
Sunday’s WBC heavy scrap in Las Vegas between Hashim Rahman (41-5-2) and Oleg Maskaev (32-5) had a Thai flavor to it. Referee Jay Nady once slept through the show at Alcazar while one of the judges was Thailand’s Anek Hongtongkram. Nady at times was the busiest as he warned both fighters to “Stop the holding.”
Trailing early and appearing to be on the verge of losing, Maskaev staged a late rally to score a 12th round KO. One wire service reported the following:
“Although the 37-year old Maskaev seemed like he might be wilting after round nine, he came out throwing in the tenth, outworking “The Rock” for much of that round and also in the eleventh. Maskaev dropped Rahman with a right hand in the twelfth, then dropped him again to win by KO at 2:17.”
The bout was billed as “America’s Last Line of Defense”, and with the win Maskaev completed a clean sweep of the major heavyweight titles by fighters born in the former Soviet Union. So?
Old heavyweights never seem to go away. They hang on and on and on. Case in point, next Friday Evandler Holyfield (38-8-2) will get back in the ring against Jeremy “Motel” Bates (21-11-1). Bates is 5-5 over his last 10, losing to the likes of Ray Austin, Zack Page, Jason Waller, Brian Minto and Leo Nolan. How the mighty have fallen.
Anyone remember Chuck “The Bayonne Bleeder” Wepner (35-14)? He’s one who could be said to have “lost to some of the best”. Who? How about Sonny Liston, George Foreman and Joe Bugner?
As most know, Sylvester Stallone came up with the Rocky idea after watching Wepner fight Ali on March 24, 1975. Wepner was supposed to be toast within a couple of rounds. At it happened, he lasted to within 19 seconds of the finish and dumped Ali on his butt in the 9th, a performance which confounded the “experts”. Not the most difficult of tasks.
Wepner recently sued Stallone for $15 Million. The case was settled out of court. A happy ending all around except there will be a Rocky VI out this fall. Bummer!
Friday night fights in Patumthani, Veeraphol Sahaprom (52-3-2) gets back in the ring for the first time since he was KO’d by Hozumi Hasegawa in March, loosing his WBC bantamweight title in the process. Patumthani, better known for being the home of the Thai Amarit Brewery, will now be the setting to see if some life can be pumped into Sahaprom’s career. His opponent, Anthony Mathias (14-6-1) has been brought in from Tanzania to make the hometown lad look good. Shouldn’t be too difficult as he’s lost four on the trot. For my pal Paul in darkest Africa that means four in a row.
His Lordship: “Well Jeeves my good man, we’ve completed another text that will be placed in the time capsule to be studied by further generations. You got an e-mail from a G. Hughes? What would that e-mail have said?”
Jeeves: “Read in USA Today that audio tapes of conversations with Jeeves will be made into a movie. My Lord do you know anything about that?”
His Lordship: “I know that Mr. Hughes is an executive with a major American Sport ... Very important man.”
Jeeves: “I see George Clooney in my role. I must share the good news with my friends. There’s a few cold ones in the fridge. I’m off for Happy Hour.”
His Lordship: “But Jeeves, it’s only 9am! And I would see Rosemary Clooney playing you.”
Jeeves: “As Monkey House says: ‘It’s never too early to start having fun.’”

It’s ‘that man’ again

Jomtien golf with the I.P.G.C.

Monday, August 7, Century Chonburi, Stableford
Our inaugural trip from Paweenas to this venue had the majority of the 26 competitors looking forward to playing a new course for the first time. We welcomed newcomers Chris, Dominic and Nick into the fold before we set off from the bar.

Andy Mills and the ladies from Paweenas.

There were two divisions running today for the prizes which included ‘nearest the pin’ on all the four par threes. Another cock-up from the organizer, (no names mentioned again) had the two most difficult par threes allocated to Div 2 players and the easier holes to the Div 1 boys. Andy Mills and Ben Findon chose the Gin and the red wine bottles as their prizes for the 4th and 13th holes.
In Div 2 there was no nearest the pin on the seventh, but Miss Noy on the 160yd 17th was the only person to reach the green; she had a smile on her face when she collected the Vodka later.
In the stableford points, Jack Hinchey and Miss Noy tied for third position on 31 points in the Div 2 ratings, but Jack’s 18 secured the prize on count back. Noy was happy anyway as she was drinking her winnings by now.
Miss Nom (the sand lady) came in with 32 points, but yet again with a decreasing handicap each week, Miss Am secured the winners purse with 39 points.
Division 1 saw Andy Mills on 1 over par after six holes; not bad for an eight handicapper at this stage, but he slightly fell away towards the end, finishing with 34points. Ben Findon recorded the same score but had a greater count back on the back nine, 21 to Andy’s 16.
Way out in front, wearing no disguise and now moving away from the Mexican border after a cut last week, Rob Heath’s 21 points on the back nine and a total of 39 won the division.
The ladies’ tipple was awarded to our new member Chris Wake for his impressive 14 points on the day.
Mr. Alan B. said his goodbyes to us all before his return in early October for our 36-hole stableford competition at the Majestic and Springfield courses in Hua Hin.
Wednesday, August 9, Khao Kheow, Stableford
The normal slow procession, with all the road works in progress at the moment, and we arrived to a deserted clubhouse yet again after an hours drive. We were allocated the C and A courses for this two-division competition.
We changed the nearest the pin prizes this week to Nike golf balls instead of the usual alcoholic delights. In Div1, Glyn Evans and Andy Mills were the two nearest and in Div 2, Jason Mullins won on the 8th and Rick Newman won his first prize with us on the 5th on the A course.
After a few complaints back in the clubhouse regarding the condition of the A course, the winners were declared. Runner up in Div 2 was Ken Foster on 33 points after a count back with Miss Am. She had scored the same amount but with a 16/15 advantage on the back nine.
Eddie Behr’s 34 points in Div 1 could not beat an in form and with an ever decreasing handicap of seven, Andy Mills’ 37 points. The bell was ringing, back at Paweenas - Thank you Andy.
Jomtien golf meets every Monday and Wednesday at Paweenas on Soi 5 Jomtien
Beach Rd. and departs at around 9.15 for a 10.30 tee off time. Transport and club hire available in the bar, please sign in or ring Glyn on 068375464.

Grand opening of the ‘New’ Caddy Shack

The Caddy Shack will be officially opening its doors August 18 at the new location on Soi 17, opposite the corner to the Harley Bar. The premises are air-conditioned, with a restaurant, games room and accommodation upstairs. There will be organized golf trips from the bar every Tuesday and Friday, leaving at 10am to various golf courses in the area. A quiz night will be held at 8:30pm every Thursday and live sport broadcast at weekends.
Everyone, both old patrons and new faces are invited to come along and enjoy the opening night party on August 18, which kicks off at 7pm. For details about the golf tours, contact Mr. ‘Loy’ on 07 141 4702

Mike Withers hits form at the Phoenix

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, August 7,
Royal Lakeside, Stableford
On a breezy day at Royal Lakeside Golf Club John Hughes mastered the conditions to win The Bunker Boy’s first Stableford competition of the week with a great score of 41 points. This wiped the smile off Granville Swanton’s face as he was sure his 40 points would be enough to claim first prize, but he had to settle for the runner up spot ahead of PJ Redmond and Colin Greig, who tied for third place scoring 37 points apiece.

Brian Wilkins enjoying success at the Thai Royal Navy Course

Roger Privett was the most accurate in the wind on the par three’s to win two near pin prizes; PJ Redmond and Richard Griffin claimed the other two.
Wednesday, August 9, Phoenix Golf and Country Club, Medal
Phoenix Golf and Country Club was our midweek venue for a Medal competition and on a beautiful day with overcast skies and a light breeze, the conditions were perfect for golf.
With two flights and the cut at 17 and under, David Johnson and Granville Swanton tied for third place in the B Flight with net 76; Mick Ramshaw was second with level par net 72, but Paul Davies took the honours with a great four under par net 68.
In the A Flight Mike Withers stole the show with a fabulous eight under par net 64; Geoff Parker came second with net 69, one shot ahead of Mashi Kaneta who finished with net 70 to take third place.
Near pin prizes were shared between Mike Withers, Mick Ramshaw, Frank Pilkington and Jerry Cooney.
Friday, August 11, Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy, Stableford
Playing the South and East courses with two flights and the cut again at 17 and under, PJ Redmond and Brian Wilkins won the B Flight, both scoring 38 points, one more than Jim Payne who took third spot.
It was the same story in the A Flight where Geoff Parker and Gerry Cooney shared the spoils, both scoring 36 points ahead of third placed Colin Greig who scored 35 points.
The near pin prizes were shared around between Roger Privett, Geoff Parker, Brian Wilkins and Alan Campbell.