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Star windsurfer Ake brings home silver medal from Poland
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Ake Boonsawat, one of Thailand’s most talented young windsurfers, has won a
silver medal at the Youth World Championships, held in Poland over the
period July 25 to August 5.
 Ake
Boonsawat is one of Thailand’s great windsurfing hopes for the future.
Returning to Thailand at the end of the games, Ake took part in a blessings
ceremony at the statue of King Taksin the Great, in front of Pattaya City
Hall, on August 8.
Secretary of the Windsurfing Association of Thailand, Pattana Boonsawat,
advised that the Youth World Championships were for windsurfers aged
under-21 years and were staged in Soport, Poland.
Ake, who is a member of the Thai national team for the 24th SEA Games that
will be held in Thailand in December, had entered 11 races. He was placed
second after having lost 31 points, the championship having been won by
Poland’s own Lucas Kroschicky, who had lost 25 points. Third place was taken
by Aurther Novickey, also from Poland, who lost 41 points.
Kreangkrai Sakulphang, one of the team of staff who attended the
championships, said the weather in the competition area had been mostly
strong winds, moderate currents and cold temperatures.
A week before arriving in Poland, Ake had taken part in the European
Championships in Germany and the World Championships in Portugal, and had
therefore had the opportunity to adjust to the weather conditions in Europe,
a fact which proved to be a great advantage to him in the Youth
Championships.
Pattana said the Windsurfing Association was encouraging and training the
next generation of Thai windsurfers, with the Beijing Olympics in mind for
next year.
Flying Farangs raise a little hell and
300,000 baht for charity
“Is it a 5 or a 6 iron?” asks
the team leader. “Don’t worry about that skipper, just make sure you hit the
ball this time,” comes the reply.
Big smiles all round on the
1st Tee, (l-r) Scott M. Bernat, Cris Vorapong, Stu Sutton and Bobby Brooks.
...And even bigger smiles at
the refreshment hut.
Putting for glory, even the
caddy feels the pressure.
Head down and shift the
weight, don’t forget to keep the left elbow straight: The golf swing in all
its wonderful variations.
John Casella
The 4th Annual Flying Farangs Open Charity Golf Tournament held at Phoenix
Golf & Country Club last Saturday, August 25, proved to be another
outstanding success. Co-hosted by Raimon Land, this year’s charity event
included 160 golfers playing in a 2-player scramble event on all 27 holes
with a smorgasbord of golf, beer, food and prizes.
The low gross winners of the tournament, Michael Moir and Barry Silver,
carded an impressive score of 60, while the Low Net winning team consisted
of Keith Johnston and Keith Neruda.
 The
Flying Farangs held a golf jamboree at Phoenix Golf & Country Club last
weekend and raised some money for good causes along the way.
The day was marked by excellent weather for golf and plenty of fun on the
course. Food sponsors Tequila Reef, Roadhouse BBQ, Woodstock and the Pelican
Inn, put on barbeque feasts at each of their respective 9-hole courses, and
an excessive amount of Chang Light beer was also available throughout the
day to make sure that the golfers didn’t get too thirsty.
A great day of golf was followed by a fantastic post-tournament party held
at Raimon Land’s stunning new Northpoint development on North Pattaya beach.
Spirits were high as the party went on well into the night.
This year’s charity event raised more than 300,000 baht for the Thai Fund
Foundation’s grass-roots programs and also helped to promote the sport of
ice hockey, the world’s coolest sport, in Thailand’s tropical oasis.
The fabulous post-tournament
bash at Raimon Land’s Northpoint development was the perfect way to end the
day.
Bernie back in the groove
PSC golf from The Peacock Place
Monday, August 20,
Burapha, Stableford
Burapha was the venue on Monday for a stableford comp in two divisions and
played over the C & D courses.
Barry Rothberg (22) won the B Division with a great 39 points. Coming a very
distant second was Frank O’Neill (17) with 33 points on a count back over
Roger Kohlar (21), also 33 points.
The top A Division honours went to Jack Spencer (9) with a fantastic 40
points and his new putter was certainly running hot. In second was Vincent
Smyth (12) with 34 points and third came Bob Philp (6) with 30 points.
There were four 2’s on the day coming from Tony McDonough (with almost a
hole-in-one), Bob Wighton, Johnathon Pratt and Vincent Smyth. We all assumed
that Jack must have taken the day off!
The Hat compliments of Paraidise City Properties went to Tony Mc’Donough for
his masterly score of 20 points; just as well for Tony that he also had a 2.
Wednesday, August 22,
Pattaya C.C., Stableford
Khao Kheow was to be the original choice but after they rang to
say the price was going up by 200 baht we changed to Pattaya Country Club.
The course was in great condition and some of the scores reflected that.
There were two divisions on the day and Frank O’Neill (17) won the B
Division with a mighty 41 points. In second place was Gordon Everingham (24)
with 32 points and in third was the lovely Mam Morel (26) with 30 points on
a count back from John Khan and John Morel: It was a close thing but beauty
won out in the end!
Bernie Segrave (was 13, now 11) won the A Division with a fabulous 43
points. In second was Dave Arrowsmith (5) with 36 points and coming in third
was Jack Spencer (8) with 33 points on a count back from Bob Philp.
There were three 2’s on the day; Dave Arrowsmith, Bob Philp and yep, the man
himself, Jack ‘the 2’s specialist’ Moseley.
Now we come to the Hat and today we had to give it to Don Squires for
playing with snakes outside the front entrance of the clubhouse - very brave
indeed but I’m not sure who was the most frightened.
Reminder: If you are looking for a game of golf with some friendly folks
just call into the Peacock or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
Hewitt makes it a double
Jomtien Golf with the I.P.G.C.
Monday, August 20,
Bangpra, Stableford
With an amazing five rollovers in division two and three in division one in
the 2’s competitions, our twenty players were all looking forward to a
lucrative day on the greens. Once again however there were no winners so the
kitty slowly enhances further for our first 36-hole club championship
scheduled for October 15 & 17.
Dave Richards and Grenville Hill won the prizes for nearest the pins in the
top division, while Alan Duckett and Bob Martin claimed the division 2
awards.
The A Flight winner on the day was Bill Hewitt, whose 39 points easily beat
Dave Richards into second on 30 points, with Mikael Andersson losing out on
the count back in third. In the B Flight, Les Hall and William Chang both
scored 34 points but Les took the honours on an 18/13 count back.
The ladies tipple was awarded to a certain person who had been back in the
UK for 5 weeks and had arrived back at the presentation that evening to find
out that his other half, the sand lady, Miss Nom, was now playing to a lower
handicap than himself. Welcome back Ken Foster.
Wednesday, August 22,
Plutaluang, Stableford
A one divisional game today as there were only 16 players and we
opted for the South and East courses for a change.
In-form Bill Hewitt returned another sub-par stableford score of 38 points,
just beating the ever-improving Joe Kubon into second by one point. Ben
Findon scored 34 points for third and Bob Martin was in fourth place on 31
points.
Friday, August 24,
Eastern Star, Stableford
Our normal Friday to Eastern Star and we found another slight
improvement to the greens.
It was another no frills day with the newly returned Ken Foster finishing
third on 29 points after winning a 17/16 count back over Bev Ewens. Miss
Nom, now playing off 23, came in second with 31 points and Jim Lane won the
day with 35 points.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Paweenas, Soi 5,
Jomtien Beach Rd. at around 8.30am for a 10.00am tee off time. Please sign
up in the bar or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464.
Keith bids farewell on winning note
PSC golf from P J Pool Bar
Tuesday, August 21,
Bangpra, Stableford
1st Leroy Huntington (25) 41pts
2nd Martin Haynes (15) 37pts
3rd Ian Campbell (26) 35pts
Near Pins: Leroy Huntington, Jeff Wylie, Ian Campbell and Geoff
Moodie.
A compact group of 11 golfers arrived safely at Bangpra and were started on
the course at the booked time. Bangpra, in its usual excellent condition,
also played its usual demanding self and the average score of 32 was high
considering.
Leroy Huntington won the day by four clear points over Martin Hayes in
second, with Ian Campbell rounding out the podium in third.
Thursday, August 23,
The Emerald, Stableford
1st Keith Hodges (15) 35pts
2nd Jim Fortune (29) 34pts
3rd David Gardner (9) 33pts
Near Pins: David Gardner, Martin Haynes
Emerald is a good course; it is not the longest out there but the small,
plateau, undulating greens can challenge the approach shots of any player.
If the green is missed normally the player will be faced with an extremely
complex chip shot and if the green is found the player will often face an
extremely challenging first putt and second ... third ... fourth and so on.
Once again we only had a small turnout of 9 golfers who scored an average of
29 stableford points. Keith Hodges did slightly better than average as he
took the top spot on 35 points with Jim Fortune just one behind in second
and David Garner a further shot back in third.
Our winner today, Keith Hodges, has now resigned as P J Pool Bar golf
organizer to relocate north of Bangkok. Keith did a magnificent job and
organizing a bunch of grumpy old golfers is as thankless a task as any that
can be named. Good luck Keith and thank you for your efforts on behalf of us
all.
Reminder: If any golfers would like to play with our group, please visit P J
Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089
511 0575.
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Results & Standings August 24 (week 18)
Barry Hooper
Café Kronborg moved into first spot this week after their battle of
the cafés with Café Ole and secured a convincing 4-0 win. Café Ole
had to carry a blind score and Kran put up a 501 series to help
Kronborg’s cause.
 Last
week’s 200 Bowlers: Rich, Dang and Nual.
This has resigned Brother D to second spot after only securing one point
this week. They faltered against Diamond Shop who showed great form with
Nuai putting in a 547 series and a 218 game, and Dang a 551 series and a
203 game to take three points.
Mai’s Thai Restaurant remain in third place after a 3-1 win over Jack &
Tar, both teams only able to produce two players. Jack & Tar were
unlucky not to win the second game, loosing it by only three pins but
they secured the third by eleven. The result means Jack & Tar have
slipped one place to seventh.
VFW Post 9876 helped their cause with a good 4-0 win over Beaver Bar &
Grill, pushing their opponents down to sixth place while they take over
fourth spot, a big move up from their eighth place last week. This was
in the main due to the 606 series and games of 214, 200 and 192 from
Rich and despite carrying a blind score.
Montana remain in fifth place after only managing a one-pointer against
Three Sisters. La for the Sisters produced a 535 series and Barry for
Montana a 510, but Jon in the Montana team found himself off-form and
they lost the first game by three pins, which was demoralizing, but they
did fight back to take the third game.
Pattaya going Petanque crazy in September
As the city readies itself to host the Petanque World Championships next month,
we take a look back to the origins of the sport
Story by Papaloy
Photo by PM Reporters.
With the 43rd Petanque World Championship being held in Pattaya, September
18-23, this seems a good opportunity to provide a little background for
those who are not familiar with this wonderful sport.
 The
sport was introduced into Thailand by the Princess Mother, HRH Princess
Srinagarindra and is more commonly known in the kingdom as the “Princess
Mother’s Game.”
The game of boules, in some shape or form, has been played in countries
around the Mediterranean for over 26 centuries. A genteel form of boules was
practiced in the Spanish Royal Court and of course, history records what Sir
Francis Drake was up to, just prior to defeating the Spanish Armada. In the
middle ages, Edward V banned the game, saying that it kept his soldiers from
archery practice; and in 1697, the Paris Synod even banned the clergy from
playing!
Up until the end of the 19th century, Southern France, in particular
Provence, was the stronghold of the game of boules, where it was known as
Jeu Provencale. This form of the sport required the players to take one or
two steps before throwing the boule, trying to get close to the cochonnet, a
small wooden ball about 25-35 mm in diameter.
However, this all changed in 1910, when in a small town called La Ciotat,
located between Marseilles and Toulon, the local townspeople re-wrote the
rule book.
What prompted this momentous change was their sympathy and concern for a
local man who had become disabled and confined to a wheelchair. This man,
Jules Lenoir, was known locally as a long-time, great exponent of Jeu
Provencale and held in high esteem for his prowess in the game. The
townspeople were mortified that Jules, now unable to take the required few
steps that the rules of the game demanded, would be banned from playing
boules.
Calling a meeting with other townsfolk around the area they voted for a rule
change, requiring players to stand in a circle with their feet close
together whilst throwing the boule. Called “pieds tanques”, meaning feet
together in the local Provencale dialect, the new game became known as
Petanque, pronounced “pay-tonk”.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, “bouleurs”, as the French players of that
era were known, played with boules carved from olive wood, which they
studded with nails to give them durability and to add weight.
Today’s boules are made from steel, in a range of weights and sizes to suit
the different requirements of the players. They range from 705mm to 800mm in
diameter and weigh between 650 and 800 grams.
The game is played on a court known as a “terrain”, 3-4 metres wide and
roughly 12-14 metres long; preferably (but not necessarily) on a flat
surface, which can consist of a variety of materials, including sand,
gravel, soil or even snow!
The rules are quite simple. After tossing a coin to decide which team starts
the end, a player from that team scribes a circle in the terrain and
standing in the circle with his or her feet close together, throws the
cochonnet or jack between 7-10 metres down the terrain. The same player then
follows this by throwing their first boule, endeavouring to get it to stop
as close as possible to the jack. A player from the opposing team then steps
into the circle and throws their boule, attempting to land it closer to the
jack than their opponent. The team with their boule closest to the jack is
said to be “holding”.
The holding team then steps back and allows the opposing team to try to get
their boule closer to the jack or alternatively, to knock the holding boule
away from the jack, leaving their own boule closer; continuing to throw
until one of their boules is holding or until they have thrown all their
boules. Their opponents do likewise until all boules are thrown, at which
time the end is completed.
Points are then scored, but only for the team whose boule or boules are
closest to the jack. In an informal game, the decision of which team’s
boules score is usually agreed by consensus, but in a competition a referee
is appointed to make these decisions, using a variety of measuring
instruments to accurately ascertain the distance between the boules and the
jack.
Once the points have been decided, the game continues with the jack and
boules being thrown in the opposite direction. The game is over when one
team achieves a total of 13 points.
Petanque was first introduced into Thailand in 1979 by the Princess Mother,
HRH Princess Srinagarindra, who fell in love with the game whilst staying in
Switzerland. Thais took readily to the new game and swiftly learned the
general principles of the sport, rapidly becoming proficient players. The
Asian Petanque & Sports Boules Confederation (APSBC) was formed in 1997, to
promote the sport throughout the Asian region.
The late Princess Mother is the Patron of the sport in Thailand and was the
driving force behind the popularity and development of petanque throughout
the Kingdom. She recommended the sport to people of all ages and walks of
life, believing it to promote good health and unity amongst groups of
people.
The Princess Mother played well into her eighties and she and her daughter,
HRH Princess Galyani, were highly admired for their excellence of play.
Through their drive and example they encouraged Thai men and women to take
up the sport; and with practice and dedication, to become a force majeure in
the world of boules. Hence, in Thailand, petanque is known as the Princess
Mother’s Game.
In 2005, the Thai team showed that they were a force to be reckoned with by
reaching the semi-finals of the World Championships. Next month in Pattaya,
I should not be at all surprised if they go the whole way.
The Beautiful Game?:
by Riz Taylor
‘Big’ Martin walks on thin ice
Not much to discuss in the international friendlies
last week, surprise surprise, but Ireland deserve a mention for their
4-0 away win over Denmark, and whilst we’re up in that neck of the
woods, congratulations to Norway for overcoming Argentina 2-0 thanks to
a brace from Aston Villa’s John Carew.
Elsewhere Wales had a decent win in Bulgaria, Hungary gave world
champions Italy a 3-1 lesson in Budapest and Germany’s second eleven
beat England by two goals to one at ‘fortress’ Wembley.
And that’s just about all the attention international friendlies
deserve, don’t you agree? I can’t see the point in them anymore, and I’m
not alone in that opinion.
Upon hearing my complaints Reading manager Steve Coppell immediately
held a press conference in my support. His left back Nicky Shorey was
forced to play through an injury after England manager Steve McClown had
used all his substitutions, leaving Coppell fuming. “It means he was
unavailable for us,” he said. “I suggest international matches should be
meaningful.”
Quite. Anyway onto the Premiersh...sorry ‘Barclays Premier League’, and
whilst there were a few decent matches last weekend it’s been difficult
to avoid the stories emanating from White Hart Lane over the past ten
days or so.
I’m sure you’ll have heard the whole sorry tale by now. A supposedly
clandestine visit by the Tottenham vice-chairman to meet Sevilla’s
manager Juande Ramos was instead exposed in the media, and since then a
whole basketload of dirty Tottenham linen has been aired in public. Bets
on Martin Jol becoming the first managerial casualty of the season were
suspended at the back end of last week amid speculation that the
Dutchman was about to be pushed out of White Hart Lane.
The club ‘suits’ now proclaim to be in full support of their first team
coach, but for Tottenham it seems that the damage has already been done.
Stories of boardroom meddling in team selection and the manager having
unwanted players forced upon him by the club’s technical director have
left Spurs fans shaking their heads in complete disbelief.
The odd one or two idiots get onto radio phone-ins and say that Jol has
“taken the club as far as he can,” but the vast majority cannot
understand why Jol, arguably the most liked manager in the Premier
League, was ever up for the chop in the first place.
Not that being a nice guy ever helped in the cut-throat world of top
level football of course - as Claudio Ranieri will attest - but even so
let’s have quick look at some of the facts.
Tottenham’s top-flight finishes in the past ten seasons have been as
follows: fourteenth, eleventh, tenth, twelfth, ninth, tenth, fourteenth
and ninth, and in the past two seasons under Martin Jol the club have
finished fifth on both occasions. Is this not enormous progress? What
exactly are the Spurs board hoping to achieve by replacing the most
popular manager since Keith Burkinshaw?
Juande Ramos may have an impressive track record in Spain, but before
firing the incumbent manager you at least need a half-decent reason to
do so.
Or do you? Does it actually matter what the fans think anymore? Does it
matter that Spurs gave Manchester United a serious run for their money
at Old Trafford on Sunday and were more than unfortunate to come away
with nothing? I don’t have any answer to any of those questions, but
what is true is that should Jol be sacked it will be a new low for the
easy come, easy go management solution culture in the Premier League.
Tottenham’s bungling board make even the English FA’s managerial
selection policy look professional, a sentence I never imagined I’d ever
be typing.
Onto the actual football, and a couple of decent matches this weekend
that include Roy Keane’s return to Old Trafford with Sunderland on
Saturday, whilst on Sunday Aston Villa host ominously good looking
Chelsea and Manchester City visit Blackburn Rovers, who have seriously
impressed me in this early part of the season and could be the side to
shake up the big boys this year.
Tottenham were the side most tipped to do that, but with all that’s
going on that prospect looks more and more laughable as each week
passes. It’s a Fulham away day for Martin Jol this week. I hope it’s not
his last - for football’s sake.
Football Shorts
Everton fans have taken to the skies in their attempts to
keep the club at Goodison Park, but the club still seems set to leave
Liverpool for Kirkby after the protesters were outvoted when 59% of the
39,000 eligible Evertonians gave the go-ahead for the move.
Work on the stadium could begin as soon as early next year, though
planning permission has still to be approved. And despite the election
result, the ‘Keep Everton in Our City Campaign’ - who chartered a
private plane to fly a protest banner above Goodison Park on the opening
day of the season - have vowed not to give up their fight to keep the
club in Liverpool.
Elsewhere, an interesting development on the future of European football
could be on the cards. UEFA boss Michel Platini will unveil plans for
rewarding the FA Cup winners with a Champions League place this week.
Platini has made no secret of his desire to reform Europe’s most
glamorous competition, and earlier in the year suggested reducing the
amount of clubs from the bigger European leagues from four to three.
Currently the top two in the Premier League receive automatic
qualification whilst the sides finishing third and fourth gain entry to
the qualifying stages. The Frenchman’s initial plans to cull entrants
from the bigger countries were met with horror from the top clubs, but
this more subtle move could gain more support.
This is surely a fantastic idea and will breathe much needed life into
the domestic cups. The only downside is that, if England is anything to
go by, the cup is continually won by one of the ‘big four’ anyway and if
the FA Cup winner has already qualified for the Champions League through
their league position the fourth placed team will then qualify. But
still ... it’s a step in the right direction.
Moving on, is anyone else getting sick of denial press releases making
the news? Here’s one such example from last week - Formula One team boss
Flavio Briatore has played down talk of buying English Championship side
Queen’s Park Rangers. “We started talking by chance, but there are a lot
of people in England talking with QPR now. We have not put in any
offer,” said the Italian, which I’m sure will have you sleeping soundly
in your beds tonight.
Celtic hammered Hearts 5-0 at the weekend, prompting manager Gordon
Strachan to publicly praise his players. The side have notched 12 goals
in their opening three matches and a gleeful Strachan told reporters:
“At the start of the season I told the players I would let them know
when they were a good team. After watching them against Hearts I told
them they were a great team.”
Keano Corner
Roy Keane is going to become a friend of this column this season for his
inability to keep his mouth shut. This week the Irishman, known for his
venomous verbal assaults on referees throughout his playing career, has
told his players to tone down the abuse on officials.
“I know I was guilty of pressuring referees as a player - and I’m sure
there’s going to be a picture of me chasing one in the paper now - but I
now know I was wrong,” he said. “I certainly made mistakes and there was
that famous occasion against Middlesbrough (when Keane chased and
berated Andy D’Urso) when I was 100% wrong.”
“We regularly remind players they have to behave properly on the pitch.
There are fines if they don’t,” he explained. “It might sound rich
coming from me but I believe there’s a way to appeal a decision and a
way not to. Suspensions resulting from cards for dissent take their toll
- that’s something I didn’t learn quickly enough.”
Ain’t that the truth. Anyway, enjoy the football and see you next week!
Golfer gets two Birdies?
PSC golf from the Travellers Rest
Report & Photo
by Barry Hooper
Well its week three at our new home at “The Travellers Rest” in Soi LK Metro
and the regular three outings all went off successfully.
One golfer professed to me this week that he had two birdies on his Saturday
visit to the “Emerald” - read the report for more information.
Tuesday, August 21,
Phoenix M & L – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st David Thomas (8) 42pts
2nd Ito Akitoshi (10) 41pts
3rd Peter Harris (21) 30pts c/b
B Flight
1st Les Burns (33) 37pts
2nd Alan Evans (27) 33pts
3rd Mod Chiraksa (24) 32pts
Near Pins: Davis Thomas (2), Amphan North, Alan Taddie
2’s: David Thomas
 Saturday’s
winners: Fergus Brennan, Ray Trembath, Ann Hiranya and Donald Pearson
Tuesday saw us visit Phoenix for a stableford comp over the Mountain and
Lakes courses using the white tees.
The A Flight saw David Thomas rise to the top to win by one point from Ito
Akitoshi, with Peter Harris in third spot back thanks to a count back over
Bernis Seagrave. The “B” flight saw Les Burns, after last weeks near pin
success, take a four-point win over Alan Evans with Mod Chiraksa in third
spot.
Thursday, August 23, Greenwood C & B - White Tees,
Stableford
A Flight
1st Ray Trembath (12) 38pts
2nd Ito Akitoshi (8) 36pts c/b
3rd Mashi Kaneta (13) 36
B Flight
1st Jay Perrin (21) 42pts
2nd Patrick Poussier (25) 36pts
3rd Peter King (30) 35pts
Near Pins: Ian McKissock, Jay Perrin, Joe Kubon, Ray Trembath
2’s: Ito Akitoshi
Ray Trembath took the A Flight with 38 points from Ito Akitoshi, who secured
his second runner-up spot of the week just 2 points adrift, but only after a
count back over Mashi Kaneta.
B Flight had Jay Perrin win by six clear points (42) from Patrick Poussier
(36) and Peter King came in third on 35 points.
Ito also secured the 2’s pot and back at the “Travellers Rest” rang the bell
and not only bought drinks for everyone but also paid the food tab for all
the returning golfers. A great gesture … thanks Ito.
Fergus in his report made mention that he was becoming a lost/ found advisor
for his golfers with many things being lost or just left laying around and
wondered if it was because a large number of his participants these days are
“pensioners”?
Saturday, August 25,
Emerald - White Tees,
Stableford
A Flight
1st Ray Trembath (12) 35pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (11) 34pts
B Flight
1st Donald Pearson (33) 39pts
2nd Ann Hiranya (30) 38pts
Near Pins: Mod Chiraksa, Amphan North and Dr. Michael
2’s: Davis Thomas,
Saturday and our regular visit to the Emerald saw two flights off the white
tees. As I mentioned at the start of this report one player achieved what
for him was rare: A birdie on the second par five on the front nine and then
found himself in the company of another delightful birdie on his return to
the Travellers Rest. They say a picture is better than a thousand words.
A Flight went to Ray Trembath with Fergus Brennan in second and the B Flight
was won by Donald Pearson over Ann Hiranya.
Davis Thomas secured the 2’s pot whilst the near pins were a three-way
affair shared by Amphan North, Mod Chiraksa and Dr. David, with one not
being claimed.
Donald rang the bell on his return. Thanks Donald from all present.
Reminder: If anyone is interested in golfing with the “Travellers Rest” we
play every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at7:45 am for breakfast
and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Just
call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information
Terry makes the podium his own
Phoenix Golf Club Members Group.
Mike Gerrard
Wednesday, August 22, Stableford
A good field of 28 players turned up (some very late as usual)
and we set off over the Mountain and Lakes courses. We had two flights
today, 0-18 and 19-28 and play on the whole was pretty quick and it wasn’t
long before everyone had turned their card in and the beverages were flowing
nicely.
 Wednesday’s
winners, Phil Smith and Oddvar Rykke celebrate with one of the charming
Phoenix girls.
Playing off a 15 handicap our winner of the A Flight with a superb 43 points
was Phil Smith, in second place was Terry O’Conner (16) with 36 points and
in third place was Ron Bridge (10) also with 36 points.
In B Flight the winner was Oddvar Rykke (21) with 38 points, Uli Leuenberger
(21) claimed second place with 37 points, and Paul Lavender (19) took third
place with 35 points.
Technical prizes went to Kevin Joyce, Geoff Bowers, Philip Jacks and Phil
Smith.
Friday, August 24, Stableford
Twelve brave players set out today to tackle the Mountain and
Lake course off the tiger tees. The players were happy to make four
three-ball games rather than three four-ball games? Strange folk these
golfers!
The winner on the day with a good knock of 38 points was Jeff Cargill, in
second place came Bob Deane with 36 points, and Terry O’Conner was third
with 32 points.
Jeff Cargill had the only ‘2’ of the day on L7 to claim the pot.
Sunday, August 26, Stableford
Once again it was another twelve-player turnout on a hot day that
forced nearly everyone to use their umbrellas as sun shields.
The winner today was Terry (Dell Boy) O’Conner, who, as you can see from
this report finished in all three positions for the three days we played
this week. We’ll get you next week Dell Boy. Second behind Terry was Joe
Miller and in third was ‘yours truly’ Mike Gerrard.
Technical awards went to Bob Deane, Joe Miller and Uli Leuenberger.
The Admiral’s ship comes
in at Crystal Bay
PSC Golf from The Café Kronborg
Derek Brook
Monday, August 20, Green Valley, Stableford
The Rayong Green Valley Country Club hosted a stableford
competition in one flight. The course on the day was in reasonable shape but
the fairways needed to be cut - in fact it was more like playing out of the
rough than on a fairway.
 Dave
Richardson was the shining star at Crystal Bay on Thursday.
Marty Allred beat everybody with 37 points ahead of the ever-steady Ebrahim
in second with 36 points. John Swanson was third with 35 points on count
back over Walter Bachli in fourth.
Thursday, August 23, Crystal Bay, Stableford
On arriving at the course it looked browner than I can ever
remember, and on the finish of the second hole we had to radio back to get
the cart changed as it was ‘proper poorly’. Still the greens were really
fast, and probably the trickiest of any course in recent memory. This is
certainly not the course I remember from my last time here, but it is still
well worth a visit.
Later, sat in the restaurant we awaited the results and found that ‘The
Admiral’ had come through to take the spoils. So the winner with 40 points
was Dave Richardson, but only just ahead of Jonathan Pratt in second with 39
points. In third place was Takeshi Hakozaki with 36 points and in fourth was
Kris Helgasson with 34 points.
T.T.F.N.
Father and son ride in
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, August 20, Treasure Hill,
Stableford
1st Serge Straeten 38pts
2nd B.J. Smith 37pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 33pts
After a long drive to the course, it was also a long way round the course
even playing from the yellow tees, due to the recent wet weather which left
the fairways with little or no run. But when it is a holiday, and the price
is just 600 baht there was much to be thankful for.
Serge Straeten, following weeks of careful preparation, finally came good
with a very well constructed round that left nothing to chance. Even so, it
was a touch and go affair as he only just beat off the late challenge of
B.J. Smith, who confounded the local knowledge with a steady one-under to
sign for his best solo round for several weeks and claim second spot.
Trevor Schirmer is not usually very far away for the top places but on this
day he found the course not quite suited to his game as the shots slipped
away over the back nine.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Trevor Schirmer swept the pool
in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Joe Miller.
Wednesday, August 22, Mountain Shadow, 2-Person Scramble
1st Gilles Akoum & Jeremy Akoum 49pts
2nd Al Keith & La Keith 46pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer & B.J. Smith 43pts
4th Tony Barritt & Russell Exley 42pts
5th Brian Wilkinson & Paul Hartley 38pts c/b
6th Tony Hurst & Bill Hurd 38pts
7th Dave Spendley & Tony Quaid 37pts
Gilles and Jeremy rode in to the Haven in the morning, hitched their horses
to the rail, adjusted their masks and proceeded to take the tar out of the
regulars. Even after having been provided with a lift to the course by one
of the unsuspecting marks, they showed no mercy, leaving the reliable Al &
La Keith floundering three shots adrift.
Such was the difficulty of the course even perennial winners, Trevor
Schirmer & B.J. Smith, were left way back in third place.
The experimental pairing of Tony Barritt and Russell Exley performed
reasonably well in the circumstances with the added benefit for the future
that they were still talking to each other at the end of the round, albeit
via go- betweens. Brian Wilkinson and Paul Hartley, who were Brian’s
pre-start favourites, failed to impress as Paul was a little slow in taking
the well meant but too often provided advice on how best to proceed, but in
the end did well enough to edge out Tony Hurst and Bill Hurd on count back.
Dave Spendley & Tony Quaid rounded out the last place on the extended podium
after seemingly hours of presentations.
The best tip of the day was given out by Russell who advised his partner “to
leave the putter in the car in future scrambles and instead bring any club
that may in fact be useful to the team effort”, a cruel but fair comment.
Due to the format the 2’s competitions were suspended.
Back at the Haven, “The Doc” welcomed new members the father and son pairing
of Gilles and Jeremy Akoum and also welcomed back Bill Hurd.
Friday, August 24, Phoenix (Blue), Monthly Medals
Division 1
1st Ian Grout net 71
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki net 77
3rd Trevor Schirmer net 84
Division 2
1st Jeremy Akoum net 68
2nd Brian Kelly net 78
3rd Gilles Akoum net 79
Ian Grout put together a very impressive round that easily saw off the
challenge of three-time medal winner Takeshi Hakozaki, who found the length
off the blue tees just a little too far following overnight rain that left
the fairways and green surrounds completely saturated.
To play under one’s handicap in the monthly medals off the back tees is not
a feat often completed, even under ideal conditions, and to slip in
one-under on such a day as this was an outstanding achievement and a
testament to his application
Although missing out by six shots for first place, Takeshi held on to second
very comfortably as Trevor Schirmer struggled but just managed to maintain
his 100% record of podium finishes in the week.
One might have thought that the second division’s medal was played from
different tees or even possibly a different course as Wednesdays winner,
Jeremy Akoum, continued with his silver lined streak of form to take the top
slot by a massive ten strokes ahead of Brian Kelly, who was almost as
dumbstruck as one of Wednesday’s fifth place finishers when told of the
winning margin.
Following a stewards’ enquiry as to the number of holes played, the total
was agreed and Jeremy declared the winner once again. It was of little
surprise, to those with their fingers pressed to their noses, to find Dad in
third place.
In view of the severity of the conditions, it was no surprise to find nobody
had managed a ‘2’ in either division.
Prior to the prize giving Ian Grout was welcomed back together with Mike
Dinsdale and Roar Berger and of course Stephen Beard, who whilst not having
been away was making his first medal appearance for over three years,
unfortunately only to be found amongst the no-returns, even playing with the
benefit of a red flag.
Vive La France!
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Sunday, August 19, saw the Pattaya Golf Society return to their Sunday
favourite Bangpra to play a stableford event under hot skies and on a course
which is rapidly regaining its jealously kept reputation as one of the
province’s best.
The small field was treated to a fine day’s golf and for the Akoum family -
Gilles and son Jeremy - the day was to end on a high as Gilles took the win
with a fine 39 points score, beating runner-up Jeremy by four points and
third placed David Thomas a point further back.
The day’s only birdie ‘2’ went to an elated Paul Quodomine who freely
chipped in from a greenside bunker on the seventeenth, and his shout of
delight must have awoken the dozing monkeys on the nearby hill.
The ‘Booby Bevy’ had special significance for Len Jones, recently returned
from the UK to pick up the reins again at the OK Corral, as his return was
marked with a cooling draught. It should be said that his performance
probably merited the award anyway!
Peter Masters
St Andrew’s
August always sees the Pattaya Golf Society make its annual visit to St.
Andrew’s Hill for a stableford event. Such was the case on Tuesday, August
21, when an elite group took on the tough track with vigour renewed when
they saw the hideously contrived par-six fourth hole “normalised” with the
unsubtle removal of the first water hazard!
In response to some of its clientele, the club has also amended its local
rules, declaring the impenetrable rough to be a “lateral” hazard. The best
features of this course are the greens, which on this day were superbly
prepared and running at a good pace.
Jonathan Pratt, playing off nine, tied with Len Jones for runner-up place
with a score of 31 points, leaving Peter Masters to savour the win with 38
points, a fine return for his first stab at the course. Shame really that it
was his last weekday appearance for a few months as school’s back!
Peter also had the honour of the day’s only birdie ‘2’, on the fifth hole.
The ‘Booby Bevy’ was enjoyed by Tom Hunsicker after an amazing effort on the
steeply sloping seventeenth green saw his putt disappear from the back of
the green into a steep greenside bunker.
It’s a pity that this venue is so under-used, as a change of policy
regarding single occupancy of the compulsory buggies would certainly attract
more to the course.
Safe Haven
at Green Valley
Green Valley hosted the Pattaya Golf Society’s monthly four-ball
scramble on Thursday, August 23, as many golf friends turned out to
celebrate Mr. Len and his wife Mary’s joint birthdays in style. The course
was in fine condition and the weather held warm and dry throughout making
for some excellent golf.
Characteristically in this format, the ladies featured well in the results
shakedown and in third place the hastily cobbled team of Denis Smith, Barry
Trowell, Ian Covill and lady golfer Nora Haugsjordet performed well to
register a gross 72, net 54. Only zero point two of a shot ahead in second
was the fancied team of David Thomas, Gary Bellchambers, Phil Taylor and Mod
Churaiska, firing net 53.8. The day’s best gross of 61 was achieved by the
Haven regulars team of Al Keith, partner La, Russell Exley and Tony Barritt
and the allowance of their handicap gave them a net score of 51.2 to take
the win in good style.
The par threes were sponsored by Mr. Len and the near pin winners receiving
golf vouchers were Phil Taylor, Mikael Andersson, Tony Barritt and Bill
Hewitt. The day’s sole individual birdie ‘2’ was won by Mod Churaiska for
her effort on the ninth hole.
The ‘Booby Bevy’ was sponsored by Mary Jones and the blushing recipients
were Bill Hewitt, John Cunningham, Ben Findon and Les Hall for their final
place score of net 59.8. Everyone thanked Mr. Denis and wife Malee for the
generous hospitality at the post game buffet and the day ended with thoughts
of a specially enjoyable birthday celebration.
The Square Ring: by Howie Reed
It’s advertised as a “Big Boxing Event” this Friday at
the Pakhai City Hall in Ayutthaya Province. Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo
(20-0) will defend his WBC-ABC feather title against Vinvin Ryfino
(13-6) of the Philippines, which would lead one to believe that the
Philippine ban on their boxers fighting in Thailand is over - but maybe
not.
This is a re-match of a December 2006 fight where Piriyapinyo won by KO
in 7 to win the title. This will probably be a swift welcome back to
Thailand for Ryfino, “8-9-10 and you’re out!”
Former WBA title-holder Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (45-6) heads up an
under-card that includes Thai female boxer Winyu Paradorngym against
Japanese Momo Koseki for the vacant WBC female atomweight title.
Sithyodthing has lost his last 4 including the last 2 when facing
Piriyapinyo. This time he gets the 4-1 Tor Silachai. Might be a case of
“win or you’re done” for the ex-champ.
No idea what the heck a “WBC atomweight” is. That’s just what boxing
needs - more weight divisions, but the guess is that it’s an “almost no
weight.” Got a note from a pal who said he saw a couple of ladies in
that weight class duke it out last week.
“Howie, saw one of those atomweight lady fights in Soi 6 the other night
- although one of the combatants may have been a ladyboy.” (Ed. Note:
that would be ‘lady of the second category’ for the politically
correct). “Guaranteed there was no way I was going to offer to referee
it though - way too rough. Even your (Cousin) Bruce may have steered
clear.”
Not a chance, Cousin Bruce is fearless. He’ll be coming in from the
Philippines to do the third man honors for the Paradorngym- Koseki
fight. After that he’ll beat a path to Pattaya for a little R&R. Cousin
Bruce is one tough hombre’.
“Stop the press, this a Square Ring news alert.” What the? Lo and behold
it’s an almost out of breath Jeeves, and he’s charging into the room
like the gov’nor from your local hangout when you forget to say “check
bin” before checking-out.
What is it Jeeves?
“Your Lordship, I have received exclusive news about tickets in the UK
for the Mayweather-Hatton fight on December 8. Tickets will be released
for sale on September 4 in the homeland. No prices have yet been fixed
but ringside will be around US$1500. Internet spaces are quoting
US$10,000 for the same tickets.”
How did you get that information Jeeves?
“Your Lordship, my good friend and great darts player John Lowe told
me.”
Well Jeeves, I see you’ve got a photo of Mr. Lowe and Mr. Hatton. Is
that you also in the photo?
“No your Lordship, that’s Mrs. Karen Lowe, as you well know.”
Well it could be you Jeeves. You’ve become very suspect since you
started listening to those Barry Manilow CD’s and wearing a sarong.
“That’s not a sarong your Lordship, it’s a sadao or Thai fisherman’s
pants.”
Worn up under your armpits Jeeves?
“I’m very high-wasted, your Lordship.”
Jeeves, you don’t know Mr. Lowe do you?
“I do now your Lordship, I do now.”
The Square Ring got a phone call recently about the item on New Jersey
Commissioner Larry Hazzard, a boxing Czar who is on the other end of the
spectrum from the Nevada Major Domo.
“I lived in the east. The rumor was that he was a crook.” Of course in
boxing circles being a crook is never a disqualifying character trait.
Here’s two more Hazzard stories from the past.
Hazzard has a record of acting like the El Commande’ that he is. Many
years ago a referee named Joe O’Neil, a big tough Irishman as his name
implies, was working a fight in New Jersey. Hazzard jumped up onto the
ring apron to interfere. No one messes with Joe O’Neil. “Get the ****
out of my ring,” screamed O’Neil. Hazard did but O’Neil has never since
worked another fight in Jersey.
Many years ago there was a televised fight from Jersey. If memory serves
correctly Marlon Starling was involved. The bell rang to end the round,
a punch was thrown, Starling got whacked and was out colder than a
baht-less punter. The referee called it a KO. When shown the video tape
on TV he said, “Yes, I see. The bell did ring and the round was over
before the punch.” Hazzard on camera was shown the same tape and said,
“I didn’t hear any bell.”
‘After the bell’ punches can be very dangerous as a boxer usually
relaxes when the sound is heard. In November of 2004 James Butler
‘sucker punched’ Richard Grant, breaking his jaw in the process. Butler
was DQ’d then convicted of assault with a 4-month jail sentence. Butler
would come out of jail and fight 4 times, going 2-2. Last year Butler
killed the brother of HBO boxing commentator Max Kellerman with a
hammer. Consequently he is now doing life in the slammer for his work
with the hammer.
Two guys that would gladly use a hammer on each other are Fernando
Vargas (26-4) and Ricardo Mayorga (28-6-1). They were due to ‘get it on’
a week from Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which everyone
knows is now part of Mexico.
The pre-fight buildup for the pay-per-view has been boxing’s version of
“Dumb and Dumber”. With each moronic utterance the fact is made that
“stupid, not-a-clue, low life” is not yet on the endangered species’
list.
Mayorga said, “I’m going to knock out that fat guy from Mexico. I’m just
going to fight a bum who’s only going to get knocked out ... I really
don’t like the guy, when I hit him he’s not even going to recognize his
mother. Him and his family, when he loses they’re going to remember me
forever. I’m going to beat Vargas easily.”
Vargas’ riposte? “He didn’t even look at me in New York (during a second
press conference). I’m going to knock him out!”
Still don’t understand why senor Vargas would think that anyone cares
that he doesn’t like Mayorga? Mayorga was a “one trick pony” with his
couple of fights in the limelight.
“He’s a jackass”, said Vargas, “I’m going to knock him out, then make
him apologize to my mother.” Boy that’s powerful stuff. Long way from
the “Your mother wears the army shoes of my miss-spent youth.” For the
record Mayorga is 2-3 since December 2003 and Vargas is 0-2.
“Your Lordship, why are you wasting time on these two when the fight has
been postponed due to Fernando Vargas suffering from a severe iron
deficiency after a routine blood test?”
Slow news week Jeeves, slow news week.
The WBA’s (We Be Anything) #2 bantam, Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (30-1),
got another win when he took apart someone named Jack Aisi last
Wednesday at the Laksi Plaza in Bangkok. It was reported that Aisi is
16-8, but a trip to the “official record web” shows him 11-8. No big
deal. It was reported the first 3 rounds were close with Poonsawat
closing the deal in the 4th with a right uppercut.
One other ranked Thai also added to his record. WBC/IBF #6 flyweight,
Wandee Singwancha (53-8-1), got an easy 6-round win over Filipino
Phillip Parcon (7-14). Wandee is 14-1 since his dreadful run in 2003
where he lost 4 on the trot to really good fighters. He lost to Hussein
Hussein (21-0), Peter Culshaw (23-1) and twice to Vic Darchinyan, whose
own light is not as bright since he got KO’d in 5 by Nonito Donaire last
month.
Undefeated WBO straw-weight champion Ivan Calderon decided to move up to
108lbs (mini-fly) to challenge Hugo Cazares (25-4-1) for his title.
Calderon, fighting on home turf in Puerto Rico, eked out a split
decision where it was not all that difficult to guess where the judges
came from. Even though down in the 8th, Calderon had two judges on his
side (115-112 twice). The other judge favored the now former champion
Hugo Cazares 116-111. Guess which judges were from Puerto Rico?
Miguel Planas reporting in “Fight News” said: “for the first seven
rounds hometown favorite Calderon put on a boxing clinic, landing clean
shots while avoiding Cazares’ punches. Cazares finally got to Calderon
and dropped him in round eight. Calderon spent round nine holding and
running, but frustrated the attacks of Cazares over the last 3 rounds.”
Boxing’s life lesson #1: Fight at home and bring your own judges.
One that should have learned that lesson about staying at home is
Thailand’s Yodchainoi Sor Samakkee. Last Sunday he lost at the Sunshine
Coast Resort in Queensland to local lad Israel “The Cobra” Kani (7-1).
It was a good fight so we’re told but for Yodchanoi it’s his 6th loss in
a row in the land of ‘Lasses and Lager’.
The Thai’s claim to fame seems to be that he once knocked down Aussie
super-middleweight champ Les Sherrington in the first round. Sherrington
then got up and KO’d the Thai in the second. Yodchanai reportedly is
11-7. Bad report. He’s 0-6. “Go home young man.”
Yes Jeeves what is it?
“Your Lordship, I saw this bumper sticker the other day that said, ‘I am
not a bitch, I am THE bitch.’”
Jeeves, was that by chance on a Tesco broom being flown by an older
women in a pointed hat?
“No your Lordship - why do you ask?”
Oh, just thought maybe it was my ex-wife going out to do her weekly
shopping. Lager and cigars if you would be so kind Jeeves ... and let
the frivolity begin.
Roger Moore has the secret
IPGC golf from The Caddy Shack
Tuesday, August 21,
Laem Chabang, Medal
Laem Chabang on a Sports Day is always a treat and today was no
exception. The reception, starters, locker rooms, playing conditions,
caddies - in fact everything is so well organized it is no wonder this
club is regarded as the finest in the area.
Playing the B & C courses, and the format being medal, the large field
was cut at 16 & under.
Division two had Chris Platen fishing third with net 79, Ramsay Smith
second on net 77 and Brian Kelly taking the honours with a net 76.
Division one had Phil Smith losing out to Roy Mitchell on count back for
second place, both with net 76’s, and Roger Moore firing level par net
72 to take the winners podium.
Emmet White celebrated his birthday by sponsoring a separate stableford
comp on the front & back nines and the winners were Carl Blackburn and
Roger Moore.
There was only one ‘2’ achieved and the large pot was won by that man
again, Roger Moore.
Friday, August 24,
Bangpakong, Medal
Friday was a trip to Bangpakong for a medal competition on an
immaculate golf course. The journey up there was reasonable but
returning was a nightmare.
Roy Mitchell came third with net 78 while Phil Mitchell & Damian Trante
came joint first on net 75, Phil winning by virtue of a count back.
The only ‘2’ of the day was recorded by Damian Trante.
The venues played by The Caddy Shack golfers this week proved what
excellent golf courses are available around the region - and great value
for money.
Two days and no 2’s
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday August 19, Green Valley –
White Tees,Stableford
A Flight
1st Brian Wilkinson (12) 38pts
2nd Phil Mitchell (5) 37pts
3rd Dave Mascari (5) 37pts
B Flight
1st Pierre Bietry (18) 40pts
2nd Mark Reid (19) 39pts
3rd Nick Payne (16) 38pts
C Flight
1st Gary Billingham (27) 39pts
2nd John Dearden (24) 36pts
3rd Mike Craighead (22) 34pts
Near Pins: Joe McArdle, Brian Wilkinson, John Dearden, Mike
Craighead
2’s: Brian Wilkinson, Gareth Gill, John Nightingale, Mike
Craighead, Fred Theobald
Monsieur Pierre, a player of Swiss origins previously misidentified by
this scribe as a Frog, was MoM and winner of B Flight with a sparkling
40 points. Mark Reid was one point behind with 39, with Nick the Stick
standing on the third step.
Aussie visitor, Gary Billingham, topped out C Flight with 39 points,
three ahead of the soon to depart for work, John the B*****d. The
Mechanic, still nursing a quad injury, played through the pain to take C
Flight third.
Wireless topped out the Premier Flight with 38 points, one ahead of
Flipper and the President’s Brother. Phil left David high and dry after
the count back.
Tuesday, August 21, Laem Chabang B & C – White Tees,
Stableford
A Flight
1st Dave Porter (15) 36pts
2nd Rick Zanoni (10) 36pts
B Flight
1st Oddvar Rykke (22) 40pts
2nd Nick Payne (16) 33pts
2’s: None
Well if you can say something nice about ‘The Field’, accept something
negative about them, hence, this week’s title. It started on the B & C
course of Jack Nicklaus’s layout. While The Valet’s Friend and The
Zamboni shot their handicaps, they were more reflective of steadiness
than the perturbations needed to have a couple of 2’s on the card. It
should be noted that Dave had the better of the count back with Rick.
In B Flight, Oddvar the Tentmaker was MoM with a fine 40 points, which
gave him a whopping seven point margin on Nick the Stick.
Wednesday, August 22, Greenwood B & C – White Tees,
Stableford
A Flight
1st Gareth Gill (10) 36pts
2nd Colin Davis (13) 36pts
B Flight
1st Sugar Ray Handford (15) 37pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (23) 33pts
2’s: None
It was Gareth over The Donkey, via count back in A Flight, and Sugar
over Monsieur Pierre in B Flight. Again no 2’s!! The GM will need an
accountant come Sunday.
Friday –No fixture (Misty’s 5th Annual Charity Open): Full report next
week.
King rules the roost at Bangpra
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday’s winners
celebrate with two of Pu’s finest.
Derek Brook
Tuesday, August 21, Bangpra, Stableford
It was a nice slow bimble down to Bangpra for our 10.12am tee-off -
mind it always pays to be early, as for some reason, at the moment,
there never seems to be anybody else at the start.
On this day we had to wait for a two-ball to tee off before us, but as
they played enough shots for a six-ball, and as the round went on, the
two ball slowly, no pun intended, slipped to the back of the
competition. Meanwhile at the front we came up behind a four-ball who
were slightly slower than us, but after every par three they skipped
ahead until we caught them up. If this is the worst that can happen I
will take it.
Of course we got the monkey attack, and this time it happened at the
first green. As we putted out we saw one delving into items on one of
the carts, as we went across the monkey went up the tree with the lunch
bag of one of the caddies. Food gone, it abandoned the bag and we got it
back.
The course is starting to dry up, however it is still well grassed on
the fairways, and also it seems on the greens: on this day the greens
were as slow as I have ever known them here.
Round over I sat in the restaurant and collected the cards, hoping that
despite the hard ground and slow greens someone would have put a good
round in.
Back at Bert’s we all gathered around to hear the results. The winner
with 39 points was Pete King ahead of Robin Lennon in second with 38
points on count back over Dick Warberg in third. In fourth was Steve
Hamstad with 35 points.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Daryl Evans, Gareth Weeks (2), Robin Lennon
Long Put: Gareth Weeks, Daryl Evans
The Stags Head crowned
Pizza Pool champs
Nick the Pizza (left)
presents the winners’ trophy to the
The Stags Head pool team.
The Presentation Night for the Nick the Pizza Pool
League took place on Monday August 20, at The Caddyshack.
Thanks were given by Mr. Roy (Caddyshack) to Willie (Chaplins Bar) for
all the administration work put in this season and also to Nick the
Pizza who sponsored the season once again.
In third place in the season standings came The Classroom Beer Bar with
20 points. The Caddyshack received the runners-up trophy with 22 Points
and the winners’ trophy went to The Stags Head with 24 points.
Chaplins Bar got a mighty cheer for taking the Wooden Spoon for coming
bottom.
Nick the Pizza supplied a sumptuous buffet for the many players that
attended.
The new pool season was due to start this week on August 27.
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