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Smyth, not Smith, ‘Masters’ the TQ
The 13th Annual TQ Masters
Bob and Woody’s Annual Cocktail Party was held at the
well-manicured Eastern Star Resort again this year. Proximity and
conditioning made it a popular choice of venue, and the weather cooperated.
Thank you to Khun Jirapol and his capable staff for their presentation and
assistance.
 Vincent
Smyth, (right), the 2006 TQ Masters Champion accepts the coveted Green
Jacket from last year’s winner and close friend Keith Avery
Where were the bandits? Was it the imposing presence of the Jester’s,
Pattaya’s premier charity fund-raisers? Or was it the hard work on handicaps
by Stephen Beard of the IPGC and Tony Oakes of the PSC? Whatever, the
bandits simply didn’t show (of course, there were some Banditas). Four
golfers were tied for the Championship of the Masters, all with 38 points.
Each had a story, Joe Mooneyham with numerous, but uncharacteristic, three
putts, Simon Philbrook with a pick-up when an up-and- down was possible, and
Bob Lindborg with a gamble on the 18th leaving him in a greenside bunker.
The only guy without a story was left holding the Green Jacket and the
Permanent Trophy, and that was Vincent Smyth, amazingly, a close mate of
last year’s Champion and this year’s jacket presenter, Keith Avery.
 Mol
Thongkiew scored a fabulous 44 points to claim the Ladies’ first prize and
the rather fetching Pink Jacket.
The disappointment of coming so close was assuaged a bit by Flight awards to
all the 38-holders. Simon and Joe counted back to sort themselves out as
Winner and 1st Runner-Up respectively in Division 1. Irishman Mossy Quaid
took Second Runner-Up in the top group, but a stroke out of the mix. Bob
Lindborg sat atop Division 2, one ahead of the big-hittin’ Kiwi, Roscoe
Leabourn, and two in front of a surprised Barry Chadbourn.
In Division 3, former Champion Dale Drader almost became the first Masters
repeat winner but was a point shy. He bettered the Mad Aussie, Owen Walkley,
on count back and Oddvar Rykke by a slim one.
Now how about those Bandita’s? The Gals had their own Flight and were
playing for the Pink Jacket, a concession to Title IX. They spared no
punches as there were three scores starting with a “4”. The top effort was
turned in by new golfer, but quickly improving, Mol Thongkiew. It was the
only 44 in the place, unless of course you count Som. Panporn Packporn and
Maralyn Hayes-Dibben were the hard luck gals who followed Mol in, scoring 41
and 40 points, respectively. It must be said that Mol looked better on the
Stage, which was briefly commandeered for awards, than did Vincent.
The players and the bar’s support staff enjoyed a post-tournament fun-filled
evening of Happy Hour at the TQ and buttressed by Bjarne’s piece
d’resistance, the fabled BBQ’d Ox Leg and fixings.
 In
contention throughout the day, Simon Philbrook, claimed first place in the
Men’s Division 1.
A special thanks to Joe Banks, owner of the Whitehouse Condo and Hotel on
Soi 13, who generously supplemented all the technical prizes with two
sleeves of Nike golf balls.
Significant preparation and work on the day contributed to a tournament that
by all accounts was universally enjoyed. In that regard, thanks go to Bob
for sorting out the gals, administering cocktails on the course and
presenting the prizes; to Mike Franklin who graced the awards ceremony with
his eloquent and masterful job of “MC”ing; Joe and Tom for their work
throughout the previous weeks to sign up players and to Joe for marshalling
the cocktails from store to the players’ hand; Bernie for holding down the
fort for those un-afflicted by the golf bug; John Emmerson, Lewiinski’s top
golf man, for his administrative efforts, both during The Scribe’s
incapacity and thereafter; and Wild Bill and Big Phil for keeping the girls
company and getting the lads the much-needed Heinekens and the Tigers. And a
special thanks to all the gals who braved heat, long arms, catcalls and the
like to bring a little bit of Pattaya’s oldest and favorite Rock ‘n Roll Bar
to the golf course.
And most of all thanks to all of you that played! Hope to see ya all next
year!
13th Annual TQ Masters Results:
TQ Masters Champion: Vincent Smyth (38)
Ladies Champion: Mol Thongkiew (44)
Men’s Division 1:
Winner - Simon Philbrook (38)
1st R/U - Joe Mooneyham (38)
2nd R/U - Mossy Quaid (37)
Men’s Division 2:
Winner - Bob Lindborg (38)
1st R/U - Roscoe Leabourn (37)
2nd R/U - Barry Chadbourn (36)
Men Division 3:
Winner - Dale Drader (37)
1st R/U - Owen Walkley (37)
2nd R/U -: Oddvar Rykke (36)
Near Pins:
Ladies’: #6: Ann Drader.
Men’s: #3 - Simon Philbrook; #6 - Paul Baker, #13 - Jim
Wickstrom; #17 - Mike Shrosbree.
Long Drive:
Ladies’: Nat Meesuk
Men’s: Div. 1 - Steve Hovi; Div. 2 - Roscoe Leabourn; Div. 3
- Bobby “:Scar” Taylor. |
Pattaya youth jets off to compete in Taekwondo championships
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Police Lieutenant Colonel Dharathaep Tuuphanich, advisor to the Pattaya
Taekwondo Club accompanied Mr. Narongrit Abngoen, a Taekwondo practitioner
competing under the Hanuch Pattaya team banner and his trainer to get an
official send-off from Pattaya Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn on Oct 12,
before jetting off to compete in an international Taekwondo competition in
France where Narongrit will be representing both Pattaya and Thailand.
 Narongrit,
left, said he is confident of success in the Toulouse Taekwondo Open..
Narongrit, who is only 20 years old, is currently ranked number two in in
the country and will compete in the 62-67 kilogram weight class at the
International Open of Toulouse between 4-5 November, a tournament in which
athletes from 17 different nations will be taking part. He has received
150,000 baht in sponsorship money to help him to travel and compete in the
event.
Narongrit said that it will be his first competition on foreign soil and
will be a good learning experience. He said he hasn’t lost in 14 fights and
will be competing as a proud representative of Pattaya in this event. He
added that he is 100 % fit and has no injuries.
Mr. Jean Pierrf Berrie, his trainer said that they were very confident of
success in this tournament and that provided Narongrit could avoid meeting
the present champion and home town favourite in the early rounds, he is
hopeful of returning with a medal.
Mayor Niran said that he was pleased that a Pattaya youth had achieved this
level of expertise in a sporting field and wished Narongrit well in his
quest to bring some success and glory to Pattaya. He also added that Pattaya
City will in future provide financial backing to local sports stars
competing abroad.
Dale still sharper than the ‘Axe’
PSC golf from The 3 Sisters Bar
The first half of October is over - we have been lucky with the weather
playing golf at Pattaya CC on Tuesdays. The first winner on the 3rd of
October was Tommy Sato. He has now joined the Tuesday golf scene and managed
to win with 37 points. It wasn’t a runaway but enough to win the day.
On October 10, Dale Murphy again clobbered the other golfers with 41 points.
This was after being cut three strokes. The axe will be out again chopping
Dale another couple of shots. The ‘golf Gods’ will also be in the wings
watching. I believe his hot streak will be ending shortly as his handicap
catches up to his scoring.
This Tuesday, Oct. 17, Joe Albright back in from the USA jumped into the
fray. Joe got out early and shot a great round of 43 points. He and his
partner went round in about 3 hours leaving the rest of the field trailing.
Dale Murphy came in second with 36 points. This was great as he has now been
cut about 6 strokes in a month. Dale is not complaining but he knows that
his hot streak cannot last forever. He will enjoy his golf and winnings
until then.
Two players off as Pattaya City FC have to settle for a share of the points
MBMG Bangkok Football League 2006/07
The Pattaya City FC team line
up prior to taking on Les Gaulois in Bangkok
Pattaya City FC traveled to Bangkok last Saturday proudly
sitting on top of the MBMG Bangkok Football League to face Les Gaulois, who
are considered one of the main contenders for the league title this season.
Assistant Manager Terry Wilcox made two changes to the side that had won the
previous week, with the return of last season’s top scorer Mark Brittain up
front and central defender Lee Homer coming in to deal with the threat of
the French striker David Serene, who has already notched seven goals this
season.
This was always going to be a physical game and both teams set out their
stall early with strong challenges coming in from both sets of players. But
it was Pattaya that appeared to break the deadlock on 3mins when a shot from
Brittain was pushed onto the post by the French keeper and Danny Stevens
following up appeared to have guided the ball well over the line before the
French keeper dragged it back into his arms. The linesman who was well
placed flagged for a goal and the Pattaya players started to celebrate but
their joy was short lived as the referee inexplicably overruled his linesman
and waved play on.
Pattaya stuck to their task well following this early disappointment and on
10mins Brittain won a challenge for the ball and found Stevens, who glided
past three defenders before seeing his shot well saved by the keeper.
Les Gaulois mustered their first real effort of the game on 15mins when a
low shot bounced awkwardly in front of Torn in the Pattaya goal but he
managed to get his body behind the ball and guide it up over the bar for a
corner to the French.
Pattaya were enjoying the better of the possession in the middle of the park
and Craig Banks was unlucky to see his well-hit drive from 20 yards narrowly
clear the crossbar.
The game burst into life however on 26mins - but for all the wrong reasons.
Stevens, who had just dispossessed a French player was caught by a kick off
the ball and then appeared to be punched and head butted by the opposing
player. Both sets of players managed to keep control fully expecting the
referee to administer a red card for the offence. However, when only a
yellow was brandished many of the Pattaya players were incensed by the
referee’s decision and a large scuffle broke out. Fortunately calm was
restored very quickly and play was to continue with Pattaya still having the
better of the game.
Further controversy was to occur on 36mins when Brittain was given a
straight red card for an off-the-ball incident. Now down to ten men Pattaya
still managed to take the game to Les Gaulois and Keng was unlucky just
before the break to see his long drive go just wide of the upright.
Half Time - Les Gaulois 0 Pattaya City 0
Wilcox was quickly amongst his troops at the break needing to
regroup following Brittain’s dismissal.
Pattaya came out for the second period with Cliff West replacing Paul
Derbyshire up front. No changes were made to the defence where Homer had
dominated the dangerous Serene in the first half, and Daryl Mann had
performed well along side him following the early departure of Brian Wilkins
with a groin strain.
The second period started as the first had finished with Pattaya still
controlling the play and the French were to be reduced to 10 men themselves
six minutes into the half when a nasty two footed challenge resulted in the
second yellow of the afternoon for the French forward, and he was given his
marching orders.
With the number of players now level Pattaya began to become even more
dominant and the Les Gaulois keeper did well to punch clear under pressure
from a dangerous cross from Homer.
Halfway through the second period a tidy ball down the line from Dave Brown
found Stevens in space but he could only find the side netting from a tight
angle when he should have done better.
It was Dave Booton who was offered the next chance for Pattaya as the French
keeper spilled the ball but managed to reclaim just before Booton could make
contact.
Further efforts from Banks, Stevens and Brown all failed to find their
target and Derbyshire was ruled offside when well placed following a great
run from Keng six minutes from time.
As the clock ran down it was Derbyshire again who almost repeated his goal
scoring feat of the previous match but this time saw his effort curl
agonizingly wide of the upright. The final whistle came and it was yet
another clean sheet for Pattaya but they must have felt like it was two
points lost rather than a point gained, having dominated large periods of
the game.
Final Score - Les Gaulois 0 Pattaya City 0.
Assistant Manager Wilcox was quick to highlight the positives at
the end of the game with excellent performances by Stevens, Homer and Keng
but could not hide his disappointment that his side had not taken all three
points although they retain their top spot in the table.
Pattaya City FC’s next match is a home fixture against the Scandinavian
Vikings at Horseshoe Point on Saturday 28th October Kick Off 4:00pm.
Pattaya City FC have been fortunate enough to secure the sponsorship of AGS
Four Winds International Movers and Fire and Gas Pattaya Limited for this
season and would like to thank them for their continued support.
Anybody who could be interested in joining Pattaya City FC, whether there
stay in Thailand is for a long or short period is more than welcome to come
down to the football pitch in Naklua every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm or call
Terry on 01 701 1315.
Big Rugby for little people
A new format of rugby (80-80)
was witnessed at Horseshoe Point, October 12 as New South Wales took on Sri
Lanka
by Andrew Watson
Frankly, I invite anybody sceptical of the imperishable glory of Rugby Union
as a spectator sport to watch a game live - and I don’t mean on television.
There’s nothing quite like witnessing every sinew stretched, feeling the
force of every crunching tackle and smelling the sweat of thoroughbred
athletes immersed in physical but ethical battle, at first hand. Speed,
deftness of touch, power, strength and teamwork giving rise to moments of
individual brilliance, filling eighty minutes of distance run.
Even knowing and loving Horseshoe point as a venue of varied brilliance, so
much time had passed since I had been a spectator at a Rugby game that I was
gladly taken by surprise by the velocity and ferocity of an encounter
between New South Wales and Sri Lanka; I hadn’t expected it.
It took a few moments to realize that there was an obvious dearth of those
lumbering giants whom I remember with horror, breaking from the pack and
charging like a speak-easy in prohibition towards cowering full backs. They
never even had the decency to deviate from a direct path which, with hand
outstretched in front of them and knees moving like giant pistons, had only
one objective; to steamroller the little man in front of them. I know, I was
that little man.
Here was a game, fifteen-a-side, with all the pace and fluidity of a ‘tens’
or ‘sevens’ game. There was a reason for this; the ’80-80' tournament,
brainchild of International ‘Rugby 80’ President Dilip Kumar and Chairman
Bob Dwyer, has one precondition - the average weight of players in each
squad must not exceed 82kgs with the heaviest man weighing no more than
87kgs. Players weigh in before each match to ensure they are below the
limit. Tremendous; perhaps there’s a place for me now?
The competition provides Asian countries with the opportunity to be
competitive against traditional Rugby nations in a much fairer and safer
environment. “It’s important to offer these guys an alternative level of
representative Rugby” Dwyer said. It also brings top quality Rugby contests
to eager expat population groups, whilst encouraging indigenous people to
pick up the sport.
Back on the pitch, Sri Lanka were getting a bit of a mauling, as the lithe
sporting machine of New South Wales, ran in try after try. But true to the
spirit of the game, Sri Lanka continued to clatter their opponents at every
opportunity and touched down a few scores of their own. Ah, the spirit of
the game; in ’80-80' Rugby it’s still there on and off the pitch.
Whilst Dilip Kumar bemoaned the apparent absence of post-match bons viveurs
and a sense of mutual camaraderie which used to characterise the
post-contests of even top class International matches, he rejoiced that in
’80-80' Rugby, it was still in vogue. There wasn’t a hint of foul play on
the field, neither a word of dissent. As the game ended and the crowd
dissolved, the bar filled. What a great way to pass an afternoon.
SKÅL Delegates sample local golf at its best
The winning team celebrate their success at
the Hard Rock Hotel Farewell Party later in the evening.
by Mike Franklin
Delegates attending the 67th Skål World Congress in Pattaya were able to
experience local golf at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort playing a
relaxed four-ball team scramble on Thursday, October 19. The Robert
Trent Jones Jnr. Championship golf course and Resort facilities at
Eastern Star are truly representative of the many fine golf
establishments that are available to visitors to the Eastern Seaboard.
 The
SKAL Delegates enjoyed a great day’s golf at Eastern Star
It was a fine day, the best in recent weeks, with a cloudless blue sky
and a clear course in immaculate condition for the 10am shotgun start.
The players, bussed in from their several hotels, were prompt in arrival
in true Skål tradition.
However, as the international airlines no longer concede free baggage
for golf clubs, there had been a request for 33 golf club rental sets.
Not a problem for the Eastern Star management as, together with their
own available sets, the Royal Thai Navy at Plutaluang and local Korean
resident Mr. Lee, kindly made up the difference.
The Skål delegates received a warm welcome from the friendly staff and a
fresh coconut to drink ‘Thai style’ on arrival. Khun Jirapol, Operations
& Marketing Manager, with the rest of the staff, ensured smooth running
from start to finish.
One rather nice initiative was the special ’67th Skål World Congress’
flag on the greens. A one-off production that was put to good use as
each of the trophy winners received a flag as a souvenir, and for the
technical winners the flag from their successful hole. Nice touch!
It was not a big field, but whatever the size of the group the service
and attention to detail is the same at Eastern Star. Players were back
in the Clubhouse by 2.30pm, lunch and cold beer followed, and then it
was back to their respective hotels to get ready for the Skål World
Congress Farewell Party at the Hard Rock Hotel. This was a spectacular
event, staged poolside, with the tournament trophies presentation made
between the formal SKÅL proceedings.
The winning team returned a Gross 64 and Net 63 from a 1 handicap.
Scored under the ’36 System’ that effectively removes any anomalies
arising with handicaps coming from players visiting from many different
countries. The winning team featured Rolfe Schwartje, Mike Paralovos and
Wolfgang Stichnothe from Ontario, with Manfred Pieper. All round it was
a very good day with the participating players seeing another side of
the many attractions and activities that Pattaya and the Eastern
Seaboard has to offer - on this occasion it was ‘Golf at its Best’.
67th SKÅL World Congress Golf Tournament Results
Champion Team:
Rolfe Schwartje, Mike Paralovos, Wolfgang Stichnothe,
Manfred Pieper
Gross: 64 (H’Cap 1), Net: 63
Runner-up Team:
Kevin O’Hagan, Lindsay Watson, Mark Alexander, (Only 3 players)
Gross: 70 (H’Cap 3), Net: 67
2nd Runner-up Team:
Ron Seddon, Brent St. Hill, SBS Lidder, Barney Morrisey
Gross: 71 (H’Cap 3), NET: 68
Near Pins:
#3 David Fisher
#6 Mark Alexander
#13 David Fisher
#17 Paul Colleran
Straight Drives:
#5 Mark Alexander
#11 Ron Waterhouse
Long Putt:
#9 Gary Schultz
#18 Not claimed
Long Drive
Men: #4 Kevin O’Hagan
Ladies: #7 Vivian Waterhouse |
Yasuo comes back to a triple
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, October 16, Bangpra,
Stableford
1st Phil Groves, 40pts
2nd Al Rolnik, 35pts
3rd Tony Thorne, 34pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki, 33pts
A nasty surprise welcomed the hopefuls that traveled to Bangpra when
they arrived and learnt that there would be no golf carts allowed due to
the waterlogged condition of the course. This meant that some could not
start and others, who couldn’t remember when they last walked eighteen
holes, were unable to finish.
With the course playing every inch and centimeter, it was surprising
that anyone managed to equal, let alone better par, but Phil Groves was
up to the challenge as he stroked his way round to a four-under return
and a win by five. This was another outstanding round by a very
accomplished player and will surely mean another reduction at the
weekend.
Al Rolnik led home the chasing pack, with a steady round, ahead of Tony
Thorne and Yasuo Suzuki.
Brian Kelly had the only “two” in the second division, but the first
division gave up a more meager return, as Keith Emerson, Alan Keith,
Phil Groves and Mike Dabanovich got one each and Yasuo Suzuki pouched
two.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
teaching professional, welcomed back Tony Thorne, Ron Matthews, John
Dawson, John Hurst and Yasuo Suzuki.
Wednesday, October 18, Mountain Shadow, Pairs
Scramble/Stroke
1st Alan Keith & Mike Dabanovich, Net 64.6
2nd Yasuo Suzuki & Al Rolnik, Net 65.0
3rd Ron Matthews & John Dawson, Net 65.2
Another slight adjustment to the formula for calculating the team
handicap, which on the day was 40% of the combined with seven tee shots
required from each player. This ensured a very close result with the
whole field coming within three shots of each other from a spread of ten
shots on handicap at the outset.
The Canadian team of Alan Keith and Mike Dabanovich, with Al chipping
and putting like a plus player just squeezed in ahead of the in form
Yasuo Suzuki and the out of form Al Rolnik, who themselves combined well
enough to push Ron Matthews and John Dawson into third by the slimmest
of margins.
After the presentations and a thorough discussion on the day’s play,
everyone agreed that although the course was very wet and conditions
were not ideal, the format and the new allocation of handicaps had
contributed to an excellent days entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere
instead of what is usually a days hard grind at Mountain Shadow.
Due to the format the “twos” competition was suspended for the day.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new member Brian Libbey and
also welcomed back after a gap of six years Kevin Townsend.
Friday, October 2, Green Valley, Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer, 36pts - c/b 21
2nd Yasuo Suzuki, 36pts - c/b 19, c/b6 13
3rd Martin Hayes, 36pts - c/b 19, c/b6 11
4th Alan Griffiths, 34pts
5th Karl Holm, 33pts
After a very wet time at the week’s two earlier venues it was hoped that
Green Valley with its reputation for fast drainage would prove to be a
slightly easier outing. It was not to be however, as the rain came down
during the round and hampered the field both on the fairways and the
greens.
At the end of a very quiet week for him, Trevor Schirmer rose to the
occasion at Green Valley to take the honours in a very large field that
was only one player off being a two-division affair. His level par
round, with a very good back nine that proved to be the clincher in the
count back, was enough to keep the very much inform Yasuo Suzuki in
second place and not allow him to round off the week’s triple podium
placing with a top step result.
Martin Hayes had to settle for third as Yasuo still stayed strong over
the last six. Alan Griffiths did enough on the front nine to allow for a
few slips on the inward half and still take fourth spot in front of Karl
Holm.
Back at “The Haven”, “The Doc”, standing in for Richard, welcomed new
members Geoffrey Picken and Bernard Dawson and also welcomed back
Takeshi Hakozaki, Tony Barritt, Karl Holm and Martin Hayes.
Rolling Mossy rocks at Khao Kheow
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, October 15, Green Valley - White Tees,
Stableford
A Flight:
1st Jim Brackett, 40 points
2nd Mossy Quaid, 39 points
3rd Gary Blackburne, 38 points
B Flight:
1st Jim Munns, 42 points
2nd Jack Spencer, 36 points
3rd Ian Grout, 36 points
C Flight:
1st Bob Lindborg, 39 points
2nd Frank Pilkington, 37 points
3rd An Kaesavane, 36 points
D Flight:
1st Mol Thongkiew, 40 points
2nd Roger Koehler, 39 points
3rd Dave Schelling, 36 points
NP’s: #2 Jim Brackett; #9 Mol Thongkiew; #12 Jack Grindvold; #16
Jack Grindvold
2’s: Jim Brackett, Gary Blackburne (2), Jim Wickstrom, Jack
Grindvold (2), Steve Newlan, Jeff Buehler, Dene Airey, Mol Thongkiew
Who is that masked Man of the Match? None other than Capt. Fogg! He was
6 points clear in B Flight of Gen. Black Jack and Ian “The Tile” Grout.
And he was two ahead of D Flight winner and the A Flight winner, the
Beauty and the Beast. Ms. Bennett edged the Good Roger by a single digit
and Dave Schelling by a trio more. Jimbo edged Our Title Guy, Mossy (not
as in mosquito or as in the forest-found byrophyte of the class Musci),
by a slim one, and yet another ahead of our good, returning friend, Nice
Guy Gary.
That leaves only C Flight unexplained and nothing could require less
such explanation than a victory by The Guru of Green Valley. He had it
by two over Frankie the Pilk and yet another over the enchanting Ms. An.
Wacko Jacko had two Near Pins on the day and canned both putts for
“ducks”. Despite those fine efforts he did not manage to place, so there
must have been some fireworks elsewhere.
Tuesday October 17, Khao Kheow C & A - Yellow Tees,
Stableford
A Flight:
1st Mossy Quaid, 39 points
2nd Steve Newlan, 33 points
3rd Jim Brackett, 33 points
B Flight:
1st Eddy Beilby, 32 points
2nd Maralyn Hayes-Dibben, 32 points
3rd Fergus O’Brien, 30 points - c/b Adam, Colin
2’s: Mossy Quaid, Steve Newlan, Max Scott, Stan Gorman, Sugar Ray
Handford, Roger Koehler
While a second and a first might garner one the Title Slot, any doubt
was erased by Mossy Quaid, who was Man of the Match this day by a
whopping 6 points and the only guy to break Standard Scratch off the
Yellows on the day, and he by 3 points! The humble followers to Mossy in
A Flight were newcomer Steve Newlan and old-timer, but with a young and
good heart, Jimbo, each with a count back separated 33 points.
The Man of Leisure showed that 33 is nothing to be ashamed of as his 32
counted back Maralyn “Don’t you wish you knew her before the hyphen”
Hayes-Dibben for the top spot in B Flight. Well the word got out that
things were going cheap and like a gang of balloon chasers here came
Paddy Oblivious, New York Slim, and, yes, you guessed it, The Donkey,
each singing the praises of their respective 30 point efforts. While
those with a clue were locked in mortal combat, Paddy Oblivious slipped
through.
Wednesday, October 18, Crystal Bay - Blue or White
Tees, Stableford
Blue Flight:
1st Colin Davis, 30 points
2nd Adam Schoefeld, 30 points
White Flight:
1st Jim Brackett, 38 points
2nd Gary Blackburne, 37 points
3rd Dave Schelling, 36 points - c/b Eddy, Good Roger
2’s: Jeff Buehler, Steve Newlan
Once they get the taste of it, you have a problem. The Donkey and New
York Slim were so enamored by the concept that they might win third
yesterday with 30 points, they thought, “Why not go for the whole
enchilada?” Well they did, with The Donkey having the better of the
computations. At least the effort was explainable as their journey was
off the Blues.
In the short Division, it was Jimbo for his third stop at the pay window
on the week. Should he have been the Title Guy? Mossy and The Scribe
don’t think so. And the latter counts. Capt. Goodheart was one ahead of
Good Guy Gary, who I will now make a season’s worth of apologies to, for
juxtaposing the “l” and “a” in his surname with monotonous consistency.
As he did in the week’s initial outing, Dave Schelling came third but
not without the help of some mathematics to edge The Man of Leisure and
Good Roger.
Roy fires a 2-year best at Pattaya C.C.
IPGC golf with the Caddy Shack
The ‘Scramble’ teams celebrate a great day’s golf
at Treasure Hills
Tuesday, October 17, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
Tuesday saw a visit to the ever-popular Pattaya Country Club for a
Stableford tournament on a virtually empty course. Conditions were perfect
for golf and the competition was intense.
Keith Fortt and Scott Chisholm battled it out all day and finished within 2
pints of each other - Keith with 35 points and Scott with 37 for third and
second place respectively. Way out on his own up front though, and firing
his best round for 2 years was Roy Mitchell who came home with 42 points.
Near Pin prizes were collected by Emmet White and Dave Edwards.
Friday, October 20, Treasure Hills, 3M Scramble/Stroke
A large field traveled to Treasure Hills for a 3-Man scramble over what must
be the toughest course in the region. Whilst enjoying a hearty breakfast,
teams were planning their tactics and with great anticipation we all set off
up the 331.
All the teams managed to break par with Don Francis, Paul Lavender and Bob
Philp netting 66.70 in third, Phil Mitchell and Mark & Lindsay Joshua in
second on 64.70 and the winning team of Brian Jacks, Phil Smith and Paul
Smith coming home with 60.80 off their combined 5.20 handicap after firing
12 pars and 6 birdies. Fantastic golf on a course like Treasure Hills.
Near Pins went to Paul Smith on holes 2 & 6, Dave Edwards on hole 13, and
Mark Joshua on the 17th.
Today’s competition proved yet again that everyone loves a Scramble.
Lovatt and Kidd - top pairing again
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Tuesday, October 24, the PGS went to Eastern Star and
abandoned its usual Tuesday Medal round in favour of an experiment with a
modified pairs Stableford format called “South African” Stableford.
This can best be described as a Stableford pairs “worst ball” event where
the two Stableford totals for each hole are multiplied together to give a
team score for the hole. This certainly means readjusting one’s approach to
the game in that the dreaded zero must be avoided! From the outset it proved
to be a different challenge and one which was well received by the ten
teams. After the first hole it was clear that there were some surprises in
store, especially when the five handicap pairing of Jason Cole and “Mr.
Mystery”, looking uncannily like Arthur Hancock’s impression of Dave
Stockman, skipped off the green bearing a score of twelve points for the
first hole!
As the round progressed Eastern Star rang with apologies as players
struggled to support their partners, sometimes failing spectacularly. At the
end of the day three teams remained in touch at the top with Len Jones and
Mikael Andersson playing an excellent back nine of three-under-par to take
third place with a total of 57 points. In second place was the steady
pairing of John Cunningham and Rob Dolan with 60 points, their card marred
only by a single “blob”, whilst on what was to be a high handicappers’ day,
the winners turned out to be the victors from two week’s ago, i.e. Carl
Lovatt and Ian Kidd. Their score of 61 points sets the standard for the
future when the format will doubtless be given another run-out.
Jason Cole secured the day’s only birdie “two”, this on his first round in
the Kingdom, whilst Fimpen Gustafson and Denis Smith took the honours for
the most numbers of “blobs” on a card. Despite this, the Booby Bevy actually
went to Ben Findon who addressed his putt on the last green and watched in
horror as his spectacles fell off his nose and onto his ball. Immediately
“Mr. Honesty” declared a penalty stroke thereby pushing his pairing off the
podium. A ruling is still being awaited. What is not in doubt however is
that it had been another highly enjoyable day’s golf with the Pattaya Golf
Society.
Jan’s the ‘Man’ at Green Valley
For our second outing of the week, the Pattaya Golf Society
visited Green Valley on Thursday for an individual Stableford event under
clear skies and on a course well-turned out, with greens slightly slower
than usual.
The round began late due to the intrusion of a five-ball, which delayed the
start by fifteen minutes and led to another five-hour ordeal in the heat.
But who are we to complain? The two divisions were cut at nineteen and
under, and in a generally poor second flight scores were low: Les Hall
posted 29 points for third, Tony Duthie gained second with a sound 31 points
and Tony Kitchen again came good with an excellent 37 points to take the
flight.
In the top flight, John “Mr. Consistency” Cunningham, shared runners-up
place with Mikael Andersson on 37 points, Mikael’s gross of 76 being the
best of the day. The best points score of the day however was returned by
local member Jan Eriksen whose three-under par 39 points was his best return
for a while with the PGS. It gave him a deserved, if long overdue, victory.
Juhanni Pulkannen, and Graham Johnson recorded birdie “twos” to share the
pot with Mikael Andersson, whose brace of birdies guaranteed him a wealth of
Order off Merit bonuses and placed him comfortably at the head of the
current month’s table.
The Booby Bevy went to frustrated event organiser Len Jones, whose
head-to-head with the starter earlier remained with him throughout this, his
worse round in the Kingdom. The ‘Land of Smiles’ can certainly be
exasperating sometimes, but it should not be allowed to detract from the
enjoyment of a day on the golf course.
Dave masters the conditions to take ‘Monthly Mug’
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Monday, October 16, Burapha C & D,
Stableford
The tough Burapha C & D layouts were hosts for a Stableford competition in
two flights, A Flight 0 to 17 and B Flight 17 up. Despite wet conditions the
course on the day was in very good condition, even the rough was playable!
 Bjarne,
left, presents the ‘Monthly Mug’ to Dave Richardson
Big Thomas Johannson powered his way to win the A Flight with 40 points,
ahead of Richard Kubici in second with 39 points and Brian Noguer in third
with 38 points.
Jim Lucente won the B Flight with 38 points on count back from Norm Martin
in second, with Elias Magnusson in third with 37 points.
Thursday, October 19, Pattaya Country Club, Stroke
A large group of golfers gathered at the Cafe Kronborg ready to leave for
the big ‘Monthly Mug’ test of Stroke-play at Pattaya Country Club.
It was expected that with the constant rain of recent days the course would
be saturated and we knew the bunkers would be in bad condition, so Winter
Rules were declared. After all, the other courses we played of late have
been like quagmires.
Once into the round it became obvious that this is a course that can handle
the rain well. Despite the wet conditions the fairways were fine with only
the odd ball picking up mud, we could use carts on the fairways and the
greens were in excellent shape. Of course the bunkers were pretty washed
out, so the precautions in hand were required.
With the wet rough it was still expected that the scores would not be unduly
low, and so it proved. Seated in the restaurant as the results came it was
soon obvious that any good round would win the day. And so back at the Cafe
Kronborg the results were quickly tabulated and the winner of the A Flight,
0 to 16, was deemed to be Ted Morris with a net 69, ahead of Thomas
Johannson, net 70 and Bill Plath with a net 71.
In the B Flight the winner was Norman Martin with a net 72 on count back
over Bernie Cairns in second and Dick Kerr in third on net 73 also on count
back over Kevin Dinan. Bernie would have had a better day if he had not
finished with an 8 and a 10.
And finally to the winner of The Kronborg Mug, and with typical application
in trying conditions, the man of the month was none other than Dave
Richardson with a net 68. Well done Dave.
Upcoming special events at The Café Kronborg in November are ‘Bjarnes
Birthday Scramble’ on Monday, November 6th and the ‘Thanksgiving Day
Scramble’ on Thursday, November. 23rd. Both events are at Pattaya Country
Club with the feast and prize presentation back at the Cafe Kronborg.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Dave Richardson, Dick Kerr, Thomas Johannson, Ebrahim
Long Put: Jim Nielsen, Wolfgang Bade
Gerry prevails to make it two in a row
PSC golf from The Bunker
Gerry Cooney - The Bunker’s Annual Champion for the
second year running The Bunker began their
two-day Annual Championship at Crystal Bay Golf Club on Monday October 16
with the second round being held at Mountain Shadow two days later. The
scores from both rounds were added together and the golfer with the lowest
net score would be this year’s champion.
The usual Medal competition was contested on the Monday with the Stableford
format in use on the Wednesday.
Day 1 - Crystal Bay
There was a big field competing for The Bunker’s 2006 Annual
Championship Trophy and some great golf would be played over the two days.
The cut today was 13 and under and last year’s champion Gerry Cooney played
some excellent golf again, winning the A Flight with a marvellous six-under
par net 66. This was three shots ahead of joint runners-up John McDonald and
Roger Privett, who kept themselves in touch with fine rounds of net 69.
Also keeping himself in touch was Charlie Gooch, who won the B Flight
competition with a net 69 ahead of Clarke Alexander and Mick Ramshaw, who
both took the runners-up spot with net 71’s.
Near Pin prizes went to William Macey, Bob St Aubin and Takeshi Hakozaki
(2).
Day 2 - Mountain Shadow
With the weather being kind, (very little rain) and the leaders
playing together and teeing off last, there was a great reception from the
assembled gallery as the last groups came up the 18th fairway. None of the
leaders were too confident as they all felt they had “blown it” by having at
least one nightmare hole each! This was the case with all of the players as
nobody managed to break par, leaving Gerry Cooney the champion for the
second year running after finishing with a net 77. In second place in the
order of merit came Charlie Gooch who finished the day with a net 78 and
third place went to Mick Ramshaw who also shot a net 77.
In the Stableford competition Takeshi Hakozaki won the A Flight with 35
points ahead of three joint runners up: John King, Mashi Kaneta and Glen
Cunningham who all had 34 points. In the B Flight Bryan Rought won with 32
points, second place went to Mick Ramshaw with 31 points and Nile Sheehan
finished third with 29 points.
Only three near pin prizes were won today and they went to Terry Sayers,
John McDonald and Gordon Melia.
2-Day Championship Results
1st Gerry Cooney, Net 66 + Net 77 (143)
2nd Charlie Gooch, Net 69 + Net 78 (147)
3rd Mick Ramshaw, Net 71 + Net 77 (148)
Friday, October 20, Khao Kheow,
2-Man-Scramble
After the excitement of the annual championship, The Bunker Boy’s returned
to Khao Kheow to have a more relaxed fun game of golf playing a 2 man
scramble competition.
There were some interesting pairings when the draw was made and after a
great, fun game of golf it was John McDonald and Brian Maddox who took the
honours, winning with a top 43 points ahead of Terry Sayers and Bryan Rought
in second (40 points) and William Macey and Geoff Parker in third place
after falling away at the last two holes.
Near Pin prizes went to John King, Geoff Parker and Mick Ramshaw.
League play resumes after a wet week at the Bowling Green
Report & photo by Barry Hooper
League play on Thursday and Friday was back on track this week after the
rain cancelled much of last week’s play.
 Frank
in full action in Division One
In Division 1, the ‘Dream Team’ retained their position at the top with a
good 23-10 win over HMP Slade. Meanwhile, second placed Sweethearts went
down to a 17 -8 loss to the Pot Hunters
With the withdrawal of Irish Eyes from the league and adjustments made to
the league points as a result, the Cunning Stunts had no match this week but
still retain their third placing. Chaplin’s and The Eagles also had no
matches this week.
In Division 2 the top placed team ‘West Eagles’ had no match either but
still retained first place on 14 points. The ‘Ying Yangs’ with their 17-14
win over Thanidas have closed the gap to one point however and also
consolidated their hold of second place. ‘The Golfers’, despite a drawn
match with 4th placed ‘Georges Boys’ at 15 across have managed to hang on to
third spot by shot difference.
The Cyclones also had no match this week
Results & Standings October 20
Division 1:
1st Dream Team 20 (99)
2nd Sweethearts 15 (72)
3rd Cunning Stunts 14 (68)
4th Pot Hunters 13 (34)
Results: Pot Hunters 17 v 8 Sweethearts, Dream Team 23 v 10 HMP Slade,
Cunning Stunts, Chaplin’s & Eagles DNP
Division 2:
1st West Eagles 14 (65)
2nd Ying Yangs 13 (52)
3rd Golfers 11 (26)
4th Georges Boys 11 (-15)
Results: Golfers 15 v 15 Georges Boys, Thanidas 14 v 17 Ying Yangs 17,
Celtic Warriors 30 v 9 Pace Setters 9, West Eagles, Cyclones DNP
Montana moves into second place and Three Sisters up to fourth
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers - Franz, Nok, Ooy & Sven
Ooy rolled a 525 series for VFW Post 9876 and that was enough to get them a
two-two split with House of the Golden Coin and they remain in first place.
Montana took three points from Domicil and moved into second place and
Domicil dropped from fourth to fifth. Franz, bowling as a pacer, bowled a
great 573 series in the match.
Three Sisters took over fourth place after taking three points from Brother
D. Nok rolled a 224 game and 581 series in that match and she also was
bowling as a pacer. Mai’s Thai Restaurant got a 551 series from Barry and a
530 series from Wade but it was only good enough to get two points from Café
Ole. Pin, another pacer, knocked down 517 pins. Diamond Shop knocked Café
Kronborg out of second place as they took three points in that match.
Jack & Tar was led by Mai’s 543 series as they took three points from
Shenanigans. Somrak rolled a 514 series for Shenanigans. The captain of
Shenanigans, Tien, was not bowling as she is with her husband at a hospital
in Bangkok. Jerry Carpenter, President of the Pattaya Sports Club and the
Shenanigans sponsor has a serious brain tumor and we are all thinking about
him and hoping for his full recovery.
|
League Table (week 7) |
|
Team
|
Points
|
Standings |
|
VFW Post 9876
|
2 - 2
|
21 - 7 |
|
Montana
|
3 - 1
|
18 - 10 |
|
Café Kronborg
|
1 - 3
|
17 - 11 |
|
Three Sisters
|
3 - 1
|
16 - 12 |
|
Domicil
|
1 - 3
|
15.5 - 12.5 |
|
Mai’s Thai Restaurant
|
2 - 2
|
15 - 13 |
|
House of the Golden Coin
|
2 - 2
|
15 -13 |
|
Jack & Tar
|
3 - 1
|
14 - 14 |
|
Diamond Shop
|
3 - 1
|
11 - 17 |
|
Café Ole
|
2 - 2
|
10 - 18 |
|
Brother D
|
1 - 3
|
8.5 - 19.5 |
|
Shenanigans
|
1 - 3
|
7 - 21 |
No place for the faint-hearted
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, October 17, Bangpra, Stableford
This is a story of bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Now you
have to understand that some of the brave men who venture forth from the
various outlets in Pattaya to play golf are not, how can I put it, well,
not in their first flush of youth.
Some of the players have old ‘war wounds’ and some are just plain hung
over. So on arriving at Bangpra it was with some horror that those
horrible words, ‘Definitely no Carts’ sent shivers down many a backbone.
 Tuesday’s
winners - Perry McNeely, Anders Pederson and Chris Youngman relax back
at Tropical Bert’s
Despite this, all the players set forth on foot and ventured onto a
course that had been saturated with rain for days on end. Indeed, as we
went round we saw the ban on carts was well founded as the fairways were
a quagmire and criss-crossed with deep ruts made by the carts.
Amazingly the greens turned out to be not too bad, so tip toe through
the fairway morass and it was ok, until it started to pour down that is,
and umbrellas were then to the fore, bags soaked and the ground became a
swamp.
All in all it was a great day, despite the fact we lost a lot of the
‘Goldie Oldies’ on the way round, mostly after the first few holes, as
naked ambition was not backed up by ability. Nevertheless, we still all
gathered in the fine restaurant afterwards and after a soak in the hot
tub, the atmosphere was good, even amongst those who did not finish.
Back at Tropical Bert’s as the players tucked into something hot, the
results were read out and that handy duo of Perry McNeely and Anders
Pederson came to the fore; Perry winning with a score of 40 points ahead
of Anders on 37 points and Chris Youngman on 36 points. All was not lost
however as Perry and Anders rang the bell, and as such they are now
allowed to win as often as they like.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Richard Kubicki, Perry McNeely, Anders Pederson (2)
Long Put: Derek Brook, Dick Kerr
The Beautiful Game?: Disappointing Reds have it all to do
by Riz Taylor
Premiership fixtures don’t come a lot bigger than Manchester United
versus Liverpool, and so it was with an element of excitement that I sat
down with a cold beer or two on Sunday anticipating another thriller
between the two giants at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“Bring it on!” I said to myself, but my optimism was soon to end in
disappointment. The problem was that only one side turned up. Whilst
United looked edgy, fresh and eager, Liverpool seemed jaded and
off-colour and surely now it’s time for Rafa Benitez to seriously
consider investing in a drawing board, so that he can go back to it.
A bit harsh maybe, but let’s face it Liverpool are rubbish right now. A
big-spending summer was supposed to edge Rafa’s men closer to the likes
of United and Chelsea and onto a genuine claim for the Premiership
title. Instead, already a quarter of the way into the season, the Reds
sit in the bottom half of the table behind the likes of Reading and
Fulham. Disappointing isn’t the word.
It all looked so promising after Rafa’s summer spending spree. Craig
Bellamy made the switch to Anfield to add pace to the forward line,
wingers Mark Gonzalez and Jermaine Pennant brought width and Gabriel
Palletta stiffened an already impressive back line. And then shortly
before the transfer deadline came the icing on the cake - Dirk Kuyt, the
freescoring Dutch striker with a reputation to match his 10 million
pound price tag.
Yet for all the acquisitions and early promise Liverpool seem to be
going backwards this time around. It’s still early days and a few wins
could see the Reds slide into the European spots, but the minor problem
is that the side just don’t look capable of scoring the goals to get
them out of their sticky situation. Already eleven points behind the
leaders, there seems no way back and any chance of silverware looks like
coming through a cup run.
None of the new arrivals could be considered a failure, not just yet
anyway. Instead the problem surely lies at the foot of Rafa Benitez’s
door, most notably his habit of forever shuffling his players around. If
he keeps this rotation policy for just another week he’ll name a changed
line-up for the 100th consecutive game. It’s all very well keeping
players fresh, but surely rotating your side this regularly is taking
things too far. What about stability?
Then there’s the midfield. Despite an embarrassment of riches Benitez
seems unable to find a winning combination across the centre of the
park. On Sunday it was Sissoko, Alonso and Gerrard that were shuffled
around by the manager, but once again the lack of goalscoring
opportunities created for the forwards meant Liverpool were barely at
the races.
It doesn’t get any easier this weekend, as they host a revitalised Aston
Villa tomorrow.
In just three months Martin O’Neill has transformed the club. Villa now
sit in sixth place in the Premiership and are the only undefeated side
in England’s top four divisions.
Unfortunately Villa’s unbeaten run and Liverpool’s inability to find the
net throughout this campaign means that everything points to a scoreless
draw tomorrow at Anfield. I know it’s highly unlikely, but as a neutral
let’s hope I’m spectacularly wrong!
Title race taking shape
Sunday was also the day that Chelsea’s expensive foreign
imports - actually make that the LATEST expensive foreign imports -
finally came good. The Blues ran out 2-1 winners over Portsmouth thanks
to goals from Ukrainian international Andriy Shevchenko and German
midfielder Michael Ballack. Pompey’s reply came by way of a well taken
goal from Benjani “ten bonus points for anyone that can pronounce my
surname” Mwaruwari.
Chelsea remain tied for the lead with Manchester United, whilst Bolton
stay third after Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two Blackburn penalties in the
space of five minutes to earn his side the three points. Arsenal moved
above Portsmouth with a 4-0 win away at Reading on Sunday.
Curbs piles on the pressure
The already increasing pressure on struggling Premiership
managers looks set to intensify in the coming weeks after Alan
Curbishley announced that he’s had his fill of lie-ins and daytime
television.
Under the terms of his departure from Charlton Athletic in May,
Curbishley was barred from returning to management before November 1
without the Addicks receiving a hefty compensation from his new
employers. With that deadline set to pass on Wednesday, more clouds
gather over the futures of strugglers such as Manchester City’s Stuart
Pearce and West Ham’s Alan Pardew.
The Hammers, for whom Curbishley is a former player, haven’t managed a
goal in seven outings, whilst City chairman John Wardle told reporters
that Saturday’s 4-0 hammering at the hands of Wigan was “embarrassing”
for the club.
“When I left Charlton I said I needed a break from football and I feel I
have had that now. Now I am just waiting to see what happens,” said
Curbishley.
Meanwhile by the time you read this Dennis Wise should have taken over
the vacant position at Leeds United, and former boss Eddie Gray has
urged the Yorkshire club’s fans to help ease the pint-sized former
England and Chelsea midfielder into the role.
“The fans want a bit of success - regardless of who it is,” Gray told
BBC Five Live Sport. “I think they will just be happy to see the team
start winning again.”
“Dennis is a colourful character, a bit like the chairman Ken Bates -
he’s no shrinking violet,” he added. “He played for Chelsea and there is
a bit of history between Chelsea and Leeds but if he comes here now, the
supporters will look at it differently. He will do the job his way and
hopefully he will succeed if he comes in.”
(Northern) ‘Irish Eyes’ are smiling
Northern Ireland fans rejoice - your football team is now
better than that of your southern counterparts, and it’s official!
Or at least that’s the case according to the FIFA World Rankings system
which sees Northern Ireland break into the world’s top 50 nations for
the first time in over ten years. Lawrie Sanchez’s men are now four
places above the Republic of Ireland in the rankings, who have slipped
to 49th place after four defeats in six games under Steve Staunton,
including the 5-2 loss in Cyprus three weeks ago.
Brazil still lead the rankings with World Cup winners Italy in second
place and beaten finalists France third. Argentina have dropped one
place to fourth and England to fifth, whilst Germany are sixth.
Scotland are 25th and ahead of the likes of Russia, whilst Wales sit in
a disappointing 177th place just behind Panama.
Hats off to Northern Ireland though, particularly manager Lawrie
Sanchez, who has overseen the side’s rise from 124th place in the
rankings.
Don’t make a clock-up
Due to the clocks going back in the UK, Sunday’s match will
start an hour later here in Pattaya, which means you could end up
missing the first hour of West Ham versus Blackburn Rovers - though that
may be a good thing. Until next week, soccer fans, it’s goodbye.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
“Jeeves, JEEVES get in here now! Did you get into the
computer and alter last week’s column?”
“No your Lordship. Although I did make some minor changes which Toy and
I think improved the product.”
“Improved the product? Improved the product!! Did you call my good
friend from Phuket, ‘little folk’?”
“I may have your Lordship.”
“May have? I got the following e-mail from Mr. Brook: ‘Must say I have
never been called “little folk” before!’ Guess you would call that ‘may
have’, Jeeves? Then you called the Secretary of the ABCO Ranking
Committee ‘nefarious’. What is the matter with you?”
“Sir I was just trying to help. You did say that the way into history
was to use “nefarious” in a boxing column.”
“Jeeves you are on notice and as for Toy, we’ll discuss her later.”
A slight detour now into a little “whack-#$%#*”, which is a very popular
sport around the world. I mentioned in answer to Mr. Brook’s gloating
about the Euros winning the Ryder Cup, (named after the old radio show
for kids, Red Ryder), that it was a good thing the whiners won or they’d
change the rules. He fired back: “Guess the answer is for USA to refocus
and perhaps become the Americas, thereby including Canada, South America
and Fiji. You could then have Cabrera, Vijay and Mike Wier to assist
your under-performers.”
Yes they would be helpful but we wouldn’t have to refocus as the golfers
mentioned all live in Florida USA. Oh yes, refocus means change the
rules so you can cheat. Take that!
Mr. Damring Simakajornboon, who was unfairly besmirched by Jeeves,
contacted The Square Ring in regard to Wandee Singwangcha’s inability to
make weight and therefore lose his 108lb title. Here’s what he had to
say:
“At the 30 days weigh-in Wandee weighed 118lbs which is not overweight.
I reported that to the WBC office. The 7-day weigh-in was conducted on
October 2. Because of a huge flood at Wandee’s gym, I heard that he
reduced his weight by using the Sauna. His weight was read as 113lb (not
overweight), I also reported it to WBC office the next day.
“When he (Wandee) arrived Tokyo on Oct 3, I was informed that his weight
was back to 116lbs, 8lbs over. He fully tried to reduce his weight, but
unfortunately, there was a big storm reaching Tokyo at that time. He
could not exercise outside the hotel, so he reduced his weight many
times by Sauna, but without success.
“In my opinion, Wandee has a big problem controlling his weight in the
light-flyweight class. If there is a little abnormal situation, he will
hardly control his weight. So, it is a very good decision that he and
his manager have now decided to move up to flyweight class.”
There it is; all the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted.
If you’re laying around the old homestead tomorrow between the hours of
2-4 you might want to turn on the TV to Channel 11 to watch the
“Millions Baht Mitsubishi Triton Muaythai Tournament” from the new The
Bangkok Boxing Stadium. The stadium is located at 100 Tiamruammitr Road,
Huaykwang, Bangkok. Of course you may also want to just argue with the
Teelock, have another beverage and hope that night will fall soon. “Is
up to you.”
It’s planned that in the weeks, months and years to come, the Bangkok
Boxing Stadium will become the home of not only Muaythaui boxing but
also international style fights. Beginning in November, their Saturday
afternoon schedule will be covered by UBC cable TV and will include a
women’s bout on each card. Oh boy, Chick fights on the tube. If your
Teelock wants to fight on TV she can. Send her profile, photos and
contact number to Onesongchai Co. Ltd., 71/25 Sethsiri Road Samsanenai
Phayathai Bangkok 10400.
For those of you that like to role-play with your Teelock, if she wears
her school uniform you can get into the stadium free of charge (after
making arrangements). Heck of a deal. “Jeeves get back here.”
Many feel that a ‘super’ fight in the super-middleweight division would
be Joe Calzaghe against Mikkel Kessler. It would be the “bees knees”.
Count ‘The Square Ring’ and Mikkel Kessler as two of those who concur.
“I don’t know why Joe continues to call out Roy Jones, Hopkins and these
other guys,” said Mikkel Kessler. “He should want what the fans want
which is that he and I get it on. Joe knows in his heart that he cannot
beat me ... let’s settle it where it should be settled, in the boxing
ring.”
Kessler’s promoter states: “This could be the super-middleweight version
of Ali vs. Frazier. Let there be no mistake about it, Kessler wants this
fight.”
It’s said about boxing that there’s nothing new under the sun. Not
always true. A promoter in Australia has come up with the idea for a
‘Superfighter’ heavyweight tournament in Melbourne with $5 million USD
for the first prize and a total purse of $6.5 million USD. The boxers
will use 12-ounce gloves over 4 four 3 minute rounds, with scoring
announced after every round and instant replay to resolve controversies.
Those originally named to compete were former heavyweight champ Chris
Byrd, Samuel Peter, Calvin Brock, Oliver “He Hears Things” McCall,
Jameel McCline, O’Neal “Ring My” Bell, Juan Carlos Gomez and “Railroad”
Tye Fields. As promoters sometimes have want to do however, a couple of
fighters have already said, “Thanks but no thanks.”
The first to bail out was heavyweight Calvin Brock who will get KO’d by
Wladimir Klitschko and not win the IBF/IBO heavyweight title on November
11. On the other hand maybe he gets KO’d quick and can still make it to
the Land Down Under. Also out and probably never in the tournament is
Samuel Peter who is waiting for a WBC ordered rematch with James Toney.
“We have read recent media reports that the ‘Superfighter’ Tournament
representatives have announced Samuel Peter’s participation in December.
We regret that the Superfighter representatives have erroneously
mentioned Samuel’s participation. It is not happening”, said promoter
Dino Duva of Duva Boxing.
A press release said they were “late withdrawals”. Let’s see, the
tournament is announced on Monday and they pull out, (if they were ever
in it), on Tuesday and Wednesday. Don’t seem too late to me. One
superstar that will be there is Hall of Fame announcer Colonel Bob
Sheridan, which will ensure that The Square Ring’s Pattaya Guy, that
would be O.R. Cross, will be glued to the telly.
“Jeeves get in here. I want you to hear this. WBO featherweight champion
Scott Harrison got in lots of trouble in his native Scotland. Then he
went to Ireland and got in even more trouble. Now it appears that his
December 9 title fight with Nicky Cook at the Excel Arena in London’s
Docklands is down the drain. He went to the haven of all EU louts,
Malaga, Spain. There he was arrested for “allegedly” stealing a car and
assaulting a police officer.”
“And you wanted me to hear that why, your Lordship?”
“So you’d know that another column has been completed and it’s time for
a beverage. I had to apologize to Mr. Brook and Mr. Simakajornboon for
your comments. I noticed that Toy’s not around.”
“Toy has decided to find other means of revenue Your Lordship. Might I
get you a few cool lagers, a fine cigar and a couple of phone numbers I
have recently acquired”
“Jeeves, I do believe you’re going to make it.”
Ben’s Day
Jomtien Golf with the I.P.G.C.
Monday, October 16,
Green Valley, Stableford
Our maximum field of 24 players made their way towards the very darkened
skies above Green Valley. A few times on the front nine we were
threatened with some cloudbursts, but it came to nothing.
Ben Findon took both the Div 1 beverage prizes for nearest the pin on
the 2nd and the 12th holes and Tony Duthie won the only Div 2 prize on
the 9th. A large rollover of prizes was therefore carried over to Noble
Place.
In Division 2 the three leading scores all tied on 34 points. George
Meigh was in third place on count back but the pole position was secured
by Les Hall on a back six count of 13/12 over Tony Duthie.
The inform Ben Findon scooped the Div 1 first prize with his impressive
38 points, closely followed by Ted Morris on 37 and Bill Hewitt on 36.
Two 2’s on the day; and guess who’s in the frame again? Yes, Ben and
Ted, well done lads. The Rich Man Poor Man free pizza draw was won by
Rob Heath.
Wednesday, October 18,
Majestic Creek & Thursday,
October 19, Royal Springfield
Two new courses for the majority of players and a 36-hole
Stableford competition - everybody was looking forward to this.
At Majestic on day 1 David Smith came in third with 36pts, Alan Bissell
was second with 40 and Jack Spencer first with 41pts. At the delightful
Springfield the following day, Mark Brenton took third place on 37pts,
Jack Spencer on 38 took second and David Smith first with 39.
So our overall winner was Jack Spencer who scored 79 pts over the two
days and in second place was David Smith on 75 and Alan Bissell third
with 70.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday and Wednesday at Paweenas on Soi 5,
Jomtien Beach Road at around 9.00am for a 10.30 tee off time. Transport
and club hire is available, please sign up in the bar or give Glyn a
ring on 068375464.
Eastham wins & Kelly collects at Burapha
PSC golf from the Bowling Green
Main Picture (Tues) - Wanna,
Frank, Derek, Tom; Bottom Right (Saturday) - Thomas, Marcus, Stefan,
Stewart, Steve, Peter, Joy; Bottom Left (Thurs) - Derek, Steve, Phil, Am
(Birthday girl), Petter; Insert Top - JohnDennis
Saturday, October 14, Sri Racha
A Flight:
1st Stewart Thompson (8) 39 pts
2nd Thomas Johansson (5) 37 pts
3rd Steve Hamstead (13) 35 pts
B Flight
Peter Harris (23) 42 pts
Stefan Noroback (31) 39 pts
Marcus Mattsson (18) 35 pts
Nearest Pins: Martin Perfect, Terry Hopkins, Stefan Noroback, Marcos
Mattsson
2’s: Bill Plath, Stewart Thompson, Donald Hendry, Martyn Perfect, Earl
Lovatt
An overcast day with big rain clouds tried to rule the day but Stewart
and Peter were unfazed by the thunder and lightning and posted some good
scores. Thankfully most of us managed to finish before the rain caused
any problems.
The only blemish on the day was Peter’s bee sting on the face which
caused some bad swelling but the jury is out on whether it was an
improvement on his looks or not, and his better half Joy declined to
comment. We all enjoyed the day at Sri Racha, the course was in good
nick and it must have brought out the best in us as 5 “twos” were made
in total. Well done all.
The infamous yellow hat was passed onto Allan Currie - hope he wears it
with pride.
The group said Bon Voyage this week to John Dennis who went home to
celebrate his kid’s birthdays in Britain before he returns to work in
Iraq. Be Careful John, we all look forward to your return soon.
Tuesday, October 17, Burapha
1st Derek Eastham (13) 38 pts
2nd Frank Kelly (19) 34 pts
3rd Tom Herrington (18) 34 pts
4th Fergus Brennan (13) 34 pts
Nearest Pins: Tom Herrington, Fergus Brennan & Frank Kelly (2)
2’s: Frank Kelly
Even though Derek won the day on points, Frank managed to out match him
in the technical prizes contest. Frank seemed to have his way on the day
and with the overall scheme of events even managed a 2nd place finish
behind the Hot Derek Eastham. Frank secured 2nd place after a count back
over Tom Herrington & Fergus Brennan. The course was a little wet after
all the rainfall but played well for all. We always look forward to our
next game at Burapha as it is always in good shape and a real challenge
to play.
The yellow hat found a new home in the form of newcomer to Bowling Green
golf, Ray Thirtle
Thursday, October 19, Bangpra
A Flight:
Steve Hamstead (13) 38 pts
Derek Eastham (13) 36 pts
Dave Asken (11) 33 pts
B Flight:
Petter Anderson (30) 35 pts
Phil Dwyer (19) 32pts - c/b
Tony Burnett (21) 32 pts
Nearest Pins: Frank Kelly, Tony Burnett, Dave Asken, Tewin (Poopay)
Lamthong
2’s: None
After a few days of constant rain the course was still in good shape
with just a few spots of standing water.
Steve and Petter did not seem to mind the conditions as they posted the
best scores of the day. It was nice to see Petter on the podium for the
first time. He had only just returned from the States last week to
rejoin us for our day’s golf. Steve is a stalwart player and is always
in the hunt. Well done to both of you.
Gordon Everingham was the proud recipient of the yellow hat today. He
was heard to mention, “who ever said a bad day at golf is better than a
good day at work?”
We would all like to thank Reg and the staff for their great service and
food. We really look forward to our breakfasts and dinners on our return
from golf.
If any one is interested in golfing with the Bowling Green we play every
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at Bowling Green at 7:45am for
breakfast and transportation, and new players are always made to feel
welcome. You can phone Reg on 087-136-5681. Give us a call and join us
for a great day of golf, food and beverage.
“Hammer” Hamstead nails ‘em at Plutaluang
PSC golf from the Oohsa Bar
The weekly golf winners’
gathering at the Oohsa Bar.
Tuesday, October 17, Plutaluang,
Stableford
Tuesday saw 25 golfers leave Oohsa Bar, all looking forward to a good
day’s golf. Lucky for us we got it!
The course at Plutaluang was in excellent condition despite the recent
heavy rains and the greens were good. We had a brief shower halfway
round but this did not detract from the good time and camaraderie that
we shared.
Playing for the first time with an A and B flight section, we all
wondered who would triumph on the day and back at the bar we found out.
Steve Hamstead (16) was our winner with a score of 39 points with Barry
Quirk (16), who was going for his hat-trick win, in second with 38
points, Keith Hodges (29) in third with 37 points and Jeff Wylie (6)
picking up fourth spot, also on 37 points.
The ‘Longest Put’ went to Roger Yardsley and ‘Near Pins’ were shared
between Barry and Jeff (2 each), Paul Smylie, Steve Black and Pramorn
Tongmand.
There were four 2’s scored today, three of them in one group - it’s
amazing how the prospect of a free beer makes some people play better.
Killer pool was played as usual but this time we had our first lady
winner in the form of Pim - A very good player who prevailed over all us
Farangs. Most upset we were!
A delicious, cold roast pork salad and a few ice-cold beers rounded off
a great day. See you for our next trip to Noble Place on Oct 31st. For
more information please call Keith Hodges on 087-916-7171. Everyone is
welcome.
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