Pattaya gears up for SEA Games

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Six events will be held in Pattaya during this year’s SEA Games, which will be hosted by Thailand between December 6 and 15 with the main stadium being based in Nakhorn Rachasima (Korat).

Voravutt Sumon, Deputy Sports Technical Chairman for the 24th SEA Games (middle) inspects the facilities at Horseshoe Point, Pattaya.

January 23 saw a visit to Pattaya by Voravutt Sumon, Deputy Sports Technical Chairman for the 24th SEA Games, along with members of the working committee to inspect the state of the training and competition grounds. The delegation was also preparing plans and budgets for the sports associations that will be hosting events in Pattaya.
The organizing committee has determined that Pattaya and nearby areas will host six sporting events, namely rowing, windsurfing, sailing, horse riding, polo, and the triathlon.
Rowing will be held at Mabprachan Reservoir, windsurfing at Jomtien Beach, sailing at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, horse riding at Horseshoe Point, polo at Siam Polo Park, and the triathlon around Ambassador City Hotel Jomtien.
After completing the inspections, Voravutt said the associations involved in organizing these events should compile progress reports in order that budgets can be provided.
He added that the reason private sector owned training grounds and locations are being used for the events is because there wasn’t enough time to invest in public facilities, which would also require an additional investment of at least 30 million baht.

Barry Traynor slips back to win

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, February 12,
Crystal Bay, Stableford
Division 1
1st Alan Howell 39pts
2nd Graham Hiskett 38pts
3rd Danny Miller 37pts
Division 2
1st Tony Quaid 37pts
2nd Brian Libbey 35pts c/b
3rd Dave Spendley 35pts
Alan Howell at last produced another good round after a slight hiatus that had seen his handicap rise from 9.8 to an 11, to take his first win for some time. Graham Hiskett was the unlucky golfer as he also produced a good round over the testing Crystal Bay A and B courses. Danny Miller got into top gear to take the last spot in the first division.
Tony Quaid took his first win of the week in division two with a very solid one-under, with Brian Libbey and Dave Spendley having to be separated by count back just two behind.
The 2’s were shared in the first division by Martin Grimoldby, Alan Howell and Andreas Grunenberg. There were none in the second division.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the resident PGA teaching professional, welcomed new members Alec Woods and Victor Reimer and also welcomed back Graham Johnson, Odvaar Ryyke, Andreas Grunenberg, Danny Miller, Andy Pedlar, John Hayes and Konrad Klama.
Wednesday, February 14,
Eastern Star, Stableford
Division 1
1st Peter Tucker 38pts
2nd Glynn Nicholas 37pts c/b
3rd Roy Thornton 37pts c/b
4th Dave Stockman 36pts
Division 2
1st Tony Quaid 34pts
2nd Brian Libbey 33pts c/b
3rd Vance Millar 33pts
4th Alan Griffiths 31pts
Once again a larger than normal turnout meant the formation of two divisions for the competition at Eastern Star.
Peter Tucker stepped up to the top rung following a very lean period of some two months that had seen his handicap rise by a shot. His two-under proved good enough to see off Glynn Nicholas and Roy Thornton by one, as the latter two had to be sorted out by count back. Dave Stockman took the last spot on the podium.
In the second division Tony Quaid took his second win of the week which set him up for the triple at the next outing, but the omens were not that good as he failed to break par. Still, it was good enough to end the challenge of Brian Libbey and Vance Miller by a shot and Alan Griffiths in fourth place by three.
There were no 2’s in the first division but John Clements and Tony Quaid shared the pot in the second.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new member Toshiaki Miyashita, a new traveler with Yuyuyu Tours, together with some of the seasoned veterans of Suzuki Sans driving, Yukio Kikuchi and Yusuke Watanabe and two who were not on the bus, Bill Hurd and Per Aschan.
Friday, February 16,
Phoenix,
Stableford
Division 1
1st Barry Traynor 38pts
2nd Norman Isherwood 37pts
3rd Kevin Taylor 35pts
4th Rick Holmes 34pts
Division 2
1st Chris Knapp 37pts
2nd Brian Libbey 35pts
3rd Frank Pilkington 34pts
4th Samantha Taylor 33pts
Barry Traynor returned to the Haven following a short break, making sure it was on a day when the maximum numbers were playing so that he could get the best return on his investment. It worked a treat as he took the top spot in the first division, albeit by the slimmest of margins from his old chum and playing partner Norman Isherwood. Kevin Taylor was a further two back in third, ahead of Rick Holmes by one.
Chris Knapp continues to improve under the tutelage of his various assistants, and is looking forward keenly to joining the ranks of the first division as the numbers of his wins spiral upwards. This one being another win at his home course.
Brian Libbey took his third podium position of the week, achieving the feat without managing to beat or even equal his handicap, but at least he stayed in the buffer zone each time and will not be going up.
Frank Pilkington and Samantha Taylor made up the rest of the second division winners with Frank doing the ungentlemanly thing by one.
Tony Quaid, who had been vying to join the elite Three in One Club, fell badly at the last hurdle and limped in a long way down the field, but ready to set up another try on his next visit.
Martin Rock, Trevor Schirmer and Danny Miller shared the 2’s in the first division whilst Samantha Taylor had the only one in the second division.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new members Alan Wand and Alec Woods and also welcomed back Barry Traynor, Martin Rock, Tom Parks and Peter Aitcheson.

Players from Bangkok and Pattaya wanted for Thailand’s Gaelic Football team

12th Asian GAA Games, Singapore, June 2007

The Annual Asian Gaelic Games just keeps getting bigger and bigger! Last year’s tournament saw over 500 people of all nationalities and 37 teams travel to Shanghai from all corners of Asia and the Middle-east, with Hong Kong emerging victorious in both the men’s and women’s cups. Thailand was however not represented.
The Asian County Board is keen to raise the profile of the game throughout Asia and we are now looking for interested sportsmen and women to form the Thailand teams for the 2007 games in Singapore in June.
The competition is a 7-a-side format and is open to all levels of footballers, both male and female. No previous experience required. If you have never played the game before, don’t worry. It’s a simple game to pick up, is great fun, fast and great for keeping in shape. It’s an all round game of hand and foot skills with a round ball. Some describe it as a cross between soccer and rugby, with similarities to Australian Rules Football. Maybe so, but Gaelic football predates all these sports with the first record of the sport appearing in 1527.
If you are interested in having a chance of representing Thailand at this year’s championships in Singapore, please contact John Campbell at [email protected] or for more info check out the official Web Site www. asiangaelicgames.com

Larry and Herb share the honours at The Emerald

PSC golf from the Beaver Bar & Grill

A big turnout of more than 40 golfers made it possible to split the prize pool into two flights - “A” flight (0-20) and “B” flight (21-up).
The day started out hot and still, although a breeze sprang up later making it a most pleasant outing. Larry Willett (H/cap 20) came first in “A” flight with 37 points followed by Bob Benda (18) with 35 points and Doug Chalkley (19) with 34 points taking third prize on count back from Apple Jitchana and Eddie Blackwell.

Winners: Gerry Carpenter (standing in for Bob Benda), Herb, Trevor, and Larry.

Herb Schweiterman (24) won “B” flight with an impressive 40 points, followed by Trevor Whittle (34) with 38 points taking second prize on count back from Rick Bevington (22).
Near pins were won by Terry Curtis and Paul Kraft.
The Emerald is always a frustrating course with unpredictable lies and tricky greens. It took its toll on Mike Morris who played a lovely sand wedge some 70 yards into the middle of the pond on No. 13 - unfortunately the ball only moved 4 feet.
Trevor Whittle was in the money again and the overworked PSC Handicap Chairman will no doubt take the appropriate action. Trevor’s hole-by-hole recounting back at the Beaver became too much for brother Keith leading to a two-man off-the-stick match play challenge for the Whittle brothers to be played at Green Valley on Monday with more than just pride at stake. There will be some horrific grunting and colourful language when the two big boys go at it.
Bill Thompson did the honours for Dennis Willett who is back in the States for a short trip, managing the start and handing out the prize-money back at the Beaver Bar & Grill where the bar staff were kept hopping.
All golfers are welcome every Friday at The Emerald-show up with a recognized handicap before 7:45, pay a 200 Baht entrance fee and get set for an entertaining day.

Pattaya’s first-ever “Robin Hood”

Pattaya Archery Club has possibly made some “first-ever” history for Thailand, in that one of its archers, Rudolph Cigler, from Switzerland, shot “a Robin Hood” last Thursday.

Rudolph by his “Robin Hood.”

This is an exceedingly difficult thing to do and is a very rare feat indeed. It would be much rarer than a hole-in-one in golf, and is similar to a bullet hitting another bullet.
The archery club’s president and coach, Eric Hearn, has over 15 years experience of archery and has shot in hundreds of archery competitions, but has only ever seen “a Robin Hood” once before. The odds of shooting “a Robin Hood” must be several millions to one, maybe it would be more likely to win the first-prize in the national lottery!
So what is “a Robin Hood”? This expression describes the joining-up of two arrows, where a second arrow pierces the end of a first arrow that has already been shot into the target. This collision of arrows opens up the end of the first arrow like a peeled banana.
This was one of the alleged feats of the legendary Robin Hood of English folklore, but he, of course would have been shooting the old-fashioned English longbow. As this has no sights to aim with, such a feat would have been truly amazing. But then, of course, it is only a legend.
Pattaya Archery Club shoots on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 10.00 am and finishing at about noon or thereafter. Anyone is welcome to come along and find out what it is all about. Coaching and the use of the club’s bows, arrows and other equipment is free for beginners, and so it costs nothing to see if this challenging sport is for you.
For more details visit the club’s website at www.pattaya-archery-club.com, or telephone Eric, the coach, on 089 535 1193

VFW Post 9876 back in first place

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers - Barry, Lance, Nok, Konrad, Leen, Wade & Nual

VFW Post 9876 won three points from Three Sisters and moved back into first place again ahead of Montana who dropped into second after losing all four points to Jack & Tar. Café Kronborg moved up to third place as they beat Café Ole and took three points.
Diamond Shop lost three points to Brother D and dropped from third to fourth. House of the Golden Coin also lost three points at the hands of Mai’s Thai Restaurant but still remain in fifth place and Domicil took three points from Shenanigans.
The lanes were tough to bowl again but some bowlers bowled above their handicap. Mai (Jack & Tar) led all bowlers with a 556 series, Nok had a 547, Konrad a 532, P.K. a 527 series and Udom rolled a 524.

Jimmy takes February’s ‘Monthly Mug’

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Monday, February 12, The Emerald, Stableford
The Emerald was host to a Stableford competition in two flights; A Flight (0-18) and B Flight (19-up). The course on the day was ok, but as usual these days was overbooked and was swamped with over two hundred golfers.

Dave, right, presents the ‘Monthly Mug’ to Jimmy.
Mick O’Meara took the A Flight with an amazing 40 points ahead of Bill Plath in second with 37 points. Marty Allred came third on a count back from Elias Magnusson in fourth, both with 36 points, whilst Rob Brown picked up fifth with 34 points.
Agnes Gardner, en-route to retirement, took the B Flight with 35 points on count back over John Swanson, with Jesper Rasmusson in third on 32 points and Jannie Jaspers and Arthur Bailey in fourth and fifth respectively after both finished with 30 points.
Near Pins: Rob Brown (2), Agnes Gardner, Dave Neal
Long Put: Bill Plath, Arthur Bailey
Thursday, February 15, Pattaya Country Club, Stroke - Monthly Mug
Off we went at the first Tee at Pattaya Country Club into a light, cooling wind, and the pace of play was pretty good. Despite some course maintenance problems we got around pretty quick and were soon back at the clubhouse having a shower.
Later at the Cafe Kronborg the players waited with baited breath as the results were announced. In the A Div, (0-19), the winner was Mike Winfield with a Net 70 on count back over David Gardner in second. In third was Aussie Larry Simpson with Net 71, with a three-way count back for fourth being won by Jen Nissen over Rob Brown and Derek Brook.
In the B Flight the winner was Wayne Koch with a Net 66 with Jan Lovgren in second with Net 67 on count back over Arthur Bailey in third. In fourth was Toy Theobald with a Net 69 on count back over Peter Hammond.
And so to the ‘Star of the Day’ and the winner of the Kronborg ‘Mug’ for February was Jimmy Flanagan with a Net 65. Well done indeed Jimmy.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Ursula Lehner, Agnes Gardner (2), Mike Winfield
Long Put: Jen Nissen, Wayne Kock

Jeff wins by a whisker at Century

PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar

Tuesday, February 13, Century Chonburi, Stableford
1st Jeff Wylie (H/cap7) 38pts
2nd Su Murphy (33) 37pts c/b
3rd Roy Pimblett (22) 37 pts
4th David Gardner (12) 36 pts
Eighteen players turned up this week for our trip to Century Chonburi. Lower than our usual complement but very competitive nonetheless.
Century often receives negative reports but for all that, it is a good test of golf for all standards, great value for money and the greens run as well as any I could mention. Keep it in play off the tee and you stand a fair chance.
Some heavy watering around the greens made it easier to handle than on our last visit in January. I don’t recall any stories this week about four-putting, although one group were clearly feeling the strain as the ‘amber’ nectar was in full flow during the back nine.
The short holes proved difficult as usual with nobody hitting the 7th. Playing to handicap here is not easy so Jeff Wylie’s 38 points and the other winning scores were most creditable. Su Murphy was on the rostrum again maintaining the winning habit, narrowly taking 2nd place from Roy Pimblett with 22pts on the back nine.
With the final putt holed it was back to Oohsa Bar for the first beer of the day (for some) and the presentation.
Near Pins: Roger Yabsley, Rich Murphy, Jeff Wylie
Long Putt: Geoff Moodie

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Friendly advice

At last they’re going to do something about international friendly matches. Whichever international team you choose to follow, these matches are an utter waste of everyone’s time. Can anyone give me a decent reason what the Republic of Ireland were gaining when they lined up against the Faroe Islands a fortnight ago?
There again, it’s not like we really have a choice in the matter. At least with club football you have the option of ditching your struggling team in favour of somebody else, or even have a sneaky second side at the top of the table who you keep your eyes on. No, with internationals you’re stuck supporting the same old bunch of losers until your dying day.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve felt like ditching England. Having been born after 1966 I’ve had to put up with replays of Sir Geoff Hurst and his friends over and over and over again, which would be fine if there were eleven players that even gave even the slightest impression of being able to live up to them. If you’re not English and the constant harking back 40 years to when England were champions of the world annoys you, spare a thought for the miserable life of the England football fan of today.
Out here, most England fans show their support by putting up flags in bars or on balconies and shouting “In-Ger-Lund” a few times during important matches. They cry into their beer for a day or two after the inevitable quarter final loss on penalties and then shake themselves out of it a few days later before going back to their miserable life of lounging around on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.
At the risk of offending just about everyone reading, they’ve got it easy. They don’t have to trek up and down the motorway on a winter’s evening to watch their team play in a friendly, only to see the entire team substituted at half time and the game become even more of a joke than it already was.
Thankfully we’ve moved on from Sven Goran Eriksson’s era in charge when the Swede would have subbed the ball boys given half a chance, but it doesn’t mean that the fans have stopped being fleeced by their Football Association.
Picture the scene. Your young son is pestering you to take him to an England match, and after some thought you finally give in, figuring that it’ll be a chance for the lad to capture a glimpse of his heroes at first hand, and perhaps an opportunity for you to do the same. You pay a small fortune for the tickets and look forward to the big day.
But what have we here? In the week leading up to the game it’s announced that Wayne Rooney has picked up a knock at the weekend and won’t be available for big friendly against Iceland. Funny, you think, because he seemed lively enough when he was carving it up in the Premiership for Manchester United two days earlier. John Terry follows suit, as does Steven Gerrard. Suddenly you realize that you’ve taken an afternoon off work to trek across the country to see Peter Crouch and Phillip Neville do their respective thing. Oh, and it’s cost you over a hundred quid.
I’ve had little sympathy in the past for fans daft enough to turn up for international friendlies and always wonder where they find 40,000 mugs from each time they come around, but the FA, who screw up just about everything they get involved with, are too shrewd to miss out on a few baht. As a member of England’s official supporter’s club you’re given priority for England’s big games, but in the small print it states that you’re supposed to demonstrate your support by attending a number of England’s friendly games. Hook, line and stinker.
It might even be bearable if the games were put to good use. You’d expect friendlies to be the chance for manager’s to try out new players and new formations, but such is the media pressure on England’s manager that there’s no time for that. Instead he’s expected to win, and the fans are treated to balls being lumped up to a six foot eight frontman that can’t head the ball.
But wait! It’s all about to change. England’s appalling display against Spain, in which the home side managed only two shots all game, prompted an outcry. Fans booed the team off the pitch, much to the annoyance of whining right-back Gary Neville. Newspapers started wondering what on earth the point was, and who exactly benefits from these games.
England assistant manager Terry Venables joined in. “If an international manager is not going to have his best players available he would be better off getting the squad together for four days, without such heavy pressure at the end of it,” he told the News of the World.
“As much as we needed to prepare for our qualifier against Israel we had to ensure we did not leave ourselves too open to a beating by Spain. You end up concentrating on a match that is not important rather than one that is.”
Then it was McLaren’s turn. “I want the flexibility to be able to control when we have friendlies,” he said. “The key thing for me is getting more time with the players. If more time means get-togethers with no end result and we achieve something, yes, I would like that.”
The FA’s game was up. If the manager was saying that he didn’t want these ridiculous friendlies clogging up his big ideas, something had to be done. A gesture, perhaps, to demonstrate that the game’s controlling organisation has listened to the voices of both its employees and its paying customers.
“We are all one organisation and priority has to be the success of the England team,” FA director of communications Adrian Bevington waffled, before the startling news that England will cut their friendlies over the four years following Euro 2008 down from twenty to just eighteen.
It’s a pathetic effort on the face of it, but perhaps it’s the start of something big in the modern game. If it saves me a couple of late nights hurling abuse at the television and, more importantly, saves decent football fans the chance to waste their hard-earned cash in overpriced tickets and travelling expenses to watch Phil Neville, I’m all for it.

Scambler goes low at the Emerald

Derek & Brian share the spoils

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday, February 13, The Emerald, Stableford
It is getting near the end of the ‘high season’, I hope, and this most used of courses is showing signs of wear. On this day it seemed that there were more divots than fairways, but apart from that The Emerald has improved over the past year.

Derek (R) & Brian - Tuesday’s winners at The Emerald.
Stood on the first Tee it was nice to see the high winds of late had subsided and we had a gentle breeze all the way around. One of the things that was noticeable however was that most of the greens were uncut and were slow.
So off we went, and although this is a tough and demanding course, it is one that’s enjoyed by all the players but at the moment it just needs a rest. The players had a relatively free run and all were soon through the cold shower and sitting in the outside restaurant.
Back at Bert’s, much earlier than we thought, we were able to do a prompt presentation and get an early night in. The winner of the A Div (0-19), and showing good form of late, was Derek Brook with 38 points ahead of Pat Hanafin with 36 points in second and Stan Everingham in third with 34 points.
In the B Div (20-up), the winner was Brian Gabe with 39 points ahead of an also in form Bill Knight with 38 points and in third came Gordon Everingham with 36 points.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Terry Brown, Stan Everingham, Rob Brown, Kevin Dunne
Long Put: Gordon Everingham, Kevin Dunne.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

It is always “dodgy” when reporting on boxing to make any assumption based on either the spoken word or press reports. It’s like working the high wire without a net, but it does provide the “I told you so” crowd a chance to take a cheap shot when you’re wrong. The chances of being wrong? The same as a Pattaya Go-Go dancer having no rhythm. With Jeeves still M.I.A. from his late Valentine date with the latest ‘Miss Right,’ The Square Ring will plow ahead.
As suggested in these spaces last week, Ricky Hatton has given up his IBF Junior Welter title. Within nana-seconds the IBF crowned Lovemore “Not Less” N’Dou as its’ champion. “Had we known on February 4, 2007 that Hatton was not going to defend his title, the Ndou vs. Ben Rabah fight would have been for the vacant title,” said IBF championships Chairman Lindsey Tucker. I can understand Mr. Tucker’s problem. Had I known that my uncle’s one desire was to dance at Tiffanys, I would have had one and one-half aunts at the Christmas dinner table.
With tongue firmly placed in cheek it was reported that Luis Collazo had hurt and possibly broken his hand in the early rounds against Shane Mosley. Whoops. After the fight an x-ray proved Collazo had broken his left hand possibly early in the fight. To blame that for his loss to Mosley won’t fly though as he was out-quickened, out-talented and outscored.
The saga that is the heavyweight division continues. Forget everything that’s been written about Vitali Klitschko, Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peter and the WBC heavyweight championship. Probably by the time you read this, the story will have taken a couple more turns. As of press time the following is the best ‘maybe’ intelligent guess of what the hell’s going on. It appears that the WBC has stood up for their rules by rejecting a request by the Maskaev-Klitschko camps to invent a new rule to allow the two to meet for the title.
Reportedly Shelly Finkel, an “advisor” to Klitschko, offered Samuel $2.5 million to “step aside” and allow the Maskaedv-Klitschko title fight. As an additional inducement Peter would be “promised” a title fight worth $3 million dollars if Klitschko won. “That’s life-changing type of money,” Finkel said.
It’s hard to understand why Peter or his camp would again take a bite of the poisoned apple of “trust us”.
“This is a business and you never say never,” Peter’s promoter Dino Duva said. “But Samuel’s focus is on getting the title shot and winning the belt. Realistically, we’ll consider all options, but for us to consider (stepping aside), it would have to be very, very lucrative and there would have to be strict time deadlines when Maskaev-Klitschko would occur and then when the fight between Sam and the winner would occur.”
Then again nothing is surprising in boxing.
Justine Fortune is the trainer that will get Manny Pacquiao ready for his April fight (if a court order doesn’t intercede), as Freddie Roach is now with Oscar de La Hoya.
Who is Justine Fortune? Well he’s a former Aussie heavyweight boxer who built a 15-8-2 professional record while training under Aussie legendary trainer Johnny Lewis. His career came to an end with a KO at the hands of Kali Meehan in September of 2001. Back in 1995 he got the call to face a 26-1 Lennox Lewis at The Point in Dublin, Ireland. Before and after this bout he had a number of fights in the USA and that’s when he became friendly with Freddie Roach.
Where Roach is usually very quiet and stays away from any statement that might be considered controversial, the same can’t be said for Fortune. His take on the heavyweight division?
“The current heavyweight division is one of the saddest in boxing history. And honestly, I’ve stopped paying attention to it. The fighters aren’t exciting! They come in fat and outta shape, and they just lumber along. I fought as a heavyweight in the 90’s - when every single freakin’ heavyweight was a f***in’ killer! Now I’m thinking: ‘Jesus! I picked the wrong time to fight as a heavyweight!’ (laughs) Valuev? He’s a side show. But I think Sam Peter can beat the s**t outta him. Wladimir Klitschko is one of the hardest punching heavyweights out there. He cracks like Tyson cracks. But it took him 12 rounds to wobble Sam. So if Sam can hang in there with Wladimir, he can definitely beat Valuev.”
Ok Justine.
Next Friday in Tenggarong, Indonesia, WBA Featherweight champ Chris John (38-0-1) gives a re-match to Jose Rojas (23-5-1). They first fought in December of 2003 with a decision that is listed by at least one record book as a draw. Upon further review it probably should be listed as a “technical draw” as the bout ended with a head butt in the 4th round. With three completed rounds scored John led on one card while trailing on two (28-29).
John has beaten every major featherweight with the exception of Injin Chi. His biggest win came over Juan Manuel Marquez in March of last year. In that one John got a unanimous decision (116-110, 116-112, 117-112), which had the Marquez camp whining. Tiz a fact that the two best things that Mexican boxers do is fight like hell and whine.
With Jeeves M.I.A. for the time being, there’s some big news from Wembley Arena in the “Motha Country”, where last Sunday there was a big time triple-header.
The card was topped by Aussie lightweight Michael Katsidis (23-0) who did the home folks proud. From the opening bell Katsidis and opponent Graham Earl (25-2) went at each other like bar girls fighting for a bar fine. Earl went down twice in the first and once in the second. Katsidis kissed canvas in the second but bounced up to continue his relentless assault. By the end of the 4th Earl’s corner had seen enough and tossed in the towel. In an “oh by the way” moment Katsidis wins the WBO interim world lightweight title and all the ‘honor’ that goes with it.
Sydney 2000 Olympic Super Heavyweight gold medallist Audley Harrison (21-3) could always talk a good fight. The fact was that he talked a lot better then he ever fought. Some even took to calling him “Fraudley”. Michael Sprott (30-10) came into Sunday’s fight with little to lose and really not a heck of a lot to gain. Sprott got decked in round one which indicated that Harrison, coming off the Danny Williams win, probably had his career on track.
The BBC then reports: “but Sprott came back in round three and took the fight to Harrison, finally, dramatically pole-axing Audley with a massive left hook.” For Harrison it was fight and probably career over. That’s what happens when you move to live in Las Vegas.
Britain’s brightest boxing star is Amir Khan (11-0) who burns brightly in the boxing galaxy. He was scheduled to meet TBA at Wembley but instead Mohammed Medjadji (17-4) showed up. Bad idea Mohammed.
In just 55 seconds Kahn connected with an overhand right which sent Mohammed to 10 count paradise - one would think without the benefit of the 70 plus promised virgins. Sorry about that Mo but stuff does happen. Khan thinks he’s ready for a title fight which is not on the cards at present according to promoter Frank Warren.
“Amir’s not going to fight for a world title this year, so everyone can get that out of their heads,” said Warren. “He’s 21 in December, we’ll see how he goes for a year after that and then it will be great to fight for a world title. He’s only had 11 fights, but by the time he’s had 20 he’ll be ready.”
Well as I live and breath, here’s Jeeves and he’s not looking too much the worse for wear. So how was the big Valentines dinner and other activities Jeeves?
“It was just fine you Lordship. I’m late because we decided to also celebrate Chinese New Year, Gung Hei Fat Choi, which as you know your Lordship is the Year of the Golden Pig.”
I know that Jeeves.
“Your Lordship, those born in pig years tend to have excellent manners and make and keep friends.”
Why Jeeves you’ve become somewhat of a philosopher. When will I be meeting Moi?
“I fear never Your Lordship, we’ve come to an impasse. She just can’t understand normal thinking. Your friend Mr. Hughes suggested that you listen to Ms. Washington singing September in the Rain. I’ve cued that up on the music machine, here’s your lager and cigar. And now I believe I’ll take a nap.”

Three-man battle at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from The Caddy Shack

Tuesday, February 13, Green Valley, Medal
A surprisingly deserted Green Valley was the venue for a Medal competition on Monday. The weather was hot and humid but Mike Allidi kept his cool to fire a gross 74 (net 73) for third place. One shot ahead of Mike were Paul Smith and Peter Le Noury who both returned net 72’s; with Peter taking the top slot by virtue of a more favourable count back.
The greens proved to by too fast and tricky for the remainder of the field and there were no 2’s recorded on the day.
Friday, February 16, Treasure Hill,
3-Man Scramble
An immaculate Treasure Hill welcomed the golfers on Friday for a competition featuring the ever-popular 3-Man scramble format. As always the competition was intense with only 0.6 of a shot separating the top three teams.
Steve Nowell, Don Frances and Michael Waltchek came in third place with a net score of 63.8. One place above them in the winner’s enclosure was the team of Mark Joshua, Brian Jacks and Phil Smith who carded a net 63.6, but just edging them out of first place by a whisker was the winning trio of Phil Mitchell, Paul Hibbard and Stuart Hibbard who carded a fine net 63.2.
Near pins were claimed by Bill Hewitt, Mark Joshua, Gary Bellchambers and Gary Brotherton.
As always, someone has to come last but with a score of 71.7, Danny, Bev and PJ still managed to break par on another great day’s golf out of the Caddy Shack.

Double whammy for the Cap’n

PSC golf from the Peacock Place

Monday, February 12,
The Emerald, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Jack Mosely (9) 37pts
2nd Andy Mills (7) 34pts
3rd Mike Waltsherk (8) 33pts
B Flight:
1st Jeff McLaury (18) 38pts
2nd Kari Arnio (22) 37pts
3rd Peter Harris (20) 36pts
Thirty players arrived at the Emerald for a single stableford game but due to some double booking, a delayed start and a lack of golf carts, some of the group decided to try their luck elsewhere. For the remainder it was a long and tough day but some good scores were still returned with Jack Mosely and Jeff McLaury winning their respective divisions.
On our return to The Peacock it was a bit worrying to see Captain Bob consulting the rule book, but he kept it very close to his chest, so we must assume it all worked out ok.
There were two ‘2s’ scored on the day by Dave Arrowsmith and Jack Mosely. Poor Jack only managed one ‘2’ this time. He must be losing his touch.
Wednesday, February 14,
Bangpakong, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Ray Dell, 40pts
2nd Marty Allred, 37pts
3rd John Cunningham, 36pts
B Flight:
1st Keith Hector, 38pts
2nd Matt Anderson, 36pts
3rd Phil Smith, 35pts
C Flight:
1st Tony Duthie, 39pts
2nd Les Hall 37pts
3rd Wendy Khan, 36pts
When our coach with 44 players arrived at the Bangkapong course near Bangkok there was not a soul to be seen apart from 44 friendly, helpful and cheerful caddies. The only queue on the first tee for this Stableford round was from our own players, it was fantastic. In fact it was a pretty marvellous day all round, the course was in excellent condition and even the weather was kind to us, not too hot and not too cold.
Even the golf was good, well for most of us at least. John Khan ended his love affair with his new 2 iron as it seemed determined to put every ball he hit into the water - even when there wasn’t any around for miles.
As there were so many players Captain Bob divided the group into three divisions: A Flight (0-13), B Flight (14-20) and C Flight (21-up). Our valiant Captain was not a ‘happy bunny’ this week. First, on Monday, he was convincingly beaten by his arch-rival Jeff McLaury and then, to add insult to injury, he was beaten on count-back for third place in A division by John Cunningham. I think he’s concentrating too much on having his sun cream rubbed in, and not enough on his golf.
Phil Mamara earned the plaudits for scoring the only 2 of the day and usurping 2’s specialist Jack Mosely.
This will be the Ice Maiden’s last report on golf from The Peacock Place as the permanent secretary has now returned from the UK. But don’t forget, Captain Bob runs a very welcoming and friendly Golf Society from the Peacock Place. Everyone is made to feel very welcome: male or female, old or young, low handicappers to beginners, so, if you are looking for a game with a group of really great people, come and join us anytime at The Peacock or call Bob on 087 941 2474

Bob triumphs on first time out

IPGC Jomtien Golf

Monday, February 12,
Plutaluang,
2-Man Scramble
With a few discussions and suggestions from fellow members it was decided that a 40% combined handicap allowance would be used for today’s competition in the 2-man scramble with 7 drives apportioned to each player. With only a 9-point differential between the top and bottom teams, it was certainly a closely fought affair.
There were three teams in the race for second place, all with 46 points; Joe Kubon and Tony H, Don Head and Dave Street and Ben Findon and Les Hall. With a superior back nine count back of 25, Les and Ben took the second spot but it was down to the last one hole count back that Dave and Don pipped Joe and Tony for third.
Nearest the pin awards went to Bob Martin and Dave Hamilton, Glyn and Gary Nicholas, Don Head and Dave Street and Joop Medze and Bruce Lawrence.
Wednesday, February 14,
Pattaya Country Club,
Stableford
A smaller field than normal gathered today due to the diversion of Paddy Wilson and Miss Oam’s tying of the knot (it was Valentines Day after all).
The divisional split was made at 19 and under and Bob Pearce, on his first appearance with us, took the top spot in the premier flight with 38 points: He was closely followed home by Joop Medzes in second, just one point adrift.
The ‘sand lady’ Miss Nom won top prize in the second tier with her impressive 37-point haul whilst Bob Lathwell took the runner up spot some way back on 30 points.
Nearest the pins prizes went to Russell Benson, Alan Duckett, Bob Martin and Dave Street. There were two ‘2s’ recorded in the second division by Russell Benson and Ben Findon but none in the first so a rollover for Eastern Star.
Friday, February 16,
Eastern Star,
Stableford
With only six allocated tee off times we had to turn numerous players away during the week, but this will be adjusted before the next high season commences. No frills day today, so a straight 1-2-3 in each division.
Thirty points was good enough to win Arthur Hancock third place, just beating Mikael Andersson on count back; one point was better Ken Lill in second, but shooting 36 points today Tom Sathrum took the premier honours.
The ever improving Rick Newman’s 37 points scooped the div 2 prize with Miss Nom second with 33 and Glyn Evans third with the same score losing on the count back system.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Paweenas on Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Rd at around 9am for a 10.30 tee off time. Please sign up in the bar, and if you require transport please tick the relevant box on starting sheet or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464

Hans & Prakong team up for Valentine victory

Phoenix Members Golf Society

Wednesday,
February 14,
Valentine’s Day 2-Ball Better Ball
As usual confusion reigns when you try to organise a pairs competition. It all seemed so simple the day before when I had all the entrants cards made up and a full field of 32 players. Think again McDuff.
Some of the players did not turn up and then others turned up without warning. However a quick re-organisation made everybody up to four-balls and we managed to get everybody away for another great day.
When everyone came in, showered and changed, it turned out to have been a successful competition.
Scores for the day were in third place the lovely couple of Mike and Angela Poustie with a net 69. In second place were regular guests Eddie Blackwell and Apple, also with a net 69, and the winners were Hans Collet and Prakong Robinson with a superb net 64. Well played to the winners.
Friday, February 16, Stableford.
Twelve men and three ladies braved the dreaded tiger tees yet again, and once we had managed to find a caddy each we set off for the Ocean and Mountain course.
Being off back tees, as well as playing in a fair breeze and with some sadistic pin placements on lightening fast greens, it was little wonder that most of the scores were not too impressive.
Our best guest’s score came from the reliable and very steady player, Gary Blackburn with 32 points playing off a 7 handicap. A nice Phoenix towel (not one from the shower room) was his prize for the day.
For the members, in third place came Uli Leuenberger with 33 points playing off 24; in second place was Ron Bridge (9) with 33 points on count back over Uli, and the best score of the day went to Mike Gerrard with 38 points playing off 17.
In line with consistent actions from the past, Mike has now been cut 2 shots to 15 until the next handicap revision by the PSC.
Technical prizes went to, Ron Bridge, Jens Nielson, Mike Poustie and Gary Blackburn.
Sunday, February 18, Stableford
Sunday is our special (Mike Poustie) handicap day, and it is slowly becoming an institution day. Twenty-four members and guests turned out and at last we were able to get a caddy each.
Winners today were in third place with 37 points our Sunday captain Ben Hogstrom, in second place was Vibeke Poulsen with 38 points, and the winner for the day was Lennart Loquist with 42 points, (He will be cut 7 shots for next week).
Technical prizes went to David Smith, Jorn Lillelund, Vibeke Poulsen and Tim Wirenhott.
March 4th will be the first Club Championship. This tournament will be based on official handicaps and main prizes will be for members only. Guests, as usual are welcome to play for other prizes and technical prizes and there will be a buffet and entertainment after at Phoenix Golf Club.
Early sign up for the golf is important as the tournament will be limited to 40 players. For more information please call Ben Hogstrom on 086 1575 310 or Ron Bridge on 081 452 5995.