Open Season

Phew! There I was worrying that the 2007/08 season would turn into nine months of Chelsea this and Chelsea that when, out of the blue, the mighty West London steamroller was halted by Aston Villa on Sunday.
It was a fantastic match at Villa Park and a reminder, were one needed, of what the Premier League is capable of. With all the talk about the predictability of the division in recent months it’s reassuring to know that some teams are still ready to stand up to the big boys when it comes to the crunch.
Chelsea are untouchable at Stamford Bridge - indeed they’re currently setting a new record for unbeaten league games in the top flight - but it’s going to be a different story away from home this season if Sunday’s showing is anything to go by. The Villains rode their luck at times but refused to roll over and were rewarded with all three points, courtesy of goals from Zat Knight and that Gabriel Whatshisface - you know, the quick lad.
Defeat for Chelsea then, but not for the last time this season you would hope. A number of the mid-table runners, buoyed by the staggering amounts of cash floating around, have spent big in the summer and the general consensus is that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United will be given a decent challenge by more than a few teams this year. Which is good news for all of us, because the competitive nature of the Premier League is what has put it where it is today as the world’s favoured football division.
I’m not sure about you but I’ve been quite taken with the quality of the some of the ‘nothing teams’ the year. I won’t win any friends by saying this but by that I mean the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Everton.
Before an angry rabble of football fans congregate outside the offices of the Pattaya Mail, I am well aware of the long and distinguished histories of each of the above institutions, but from a youngster’s perspective these clubs haven’t achieved much in recent years and as such don’t merit much attention from motorcycle taxi drivers in Thailand or armies of schoolkids glued to their screens across China.
And if you’re sat there thinking “who cares about them anyway?” you’re missing the point - these days, like it or not, it’s about the growing number of people across the globe willing to switch on their TV sets to watch the matches. And TV viewers equals money.
Don’t get me wrong, the cash floating around the modern game sickens me to the back teeth. I’ve no problem with the Steven Gerrards and Didier Drogbas of this world earning in a week what would last me ten years in Fun City because they’re the best in the business and deserve what the market will pay them, but it’s the second rate players or youngsters who have played one decent season at the top level driving around in Baby Bentleys and Range Rovers that gets my goat. Where will it end?
But that’s a rant for another day. For now, and despite the above, I’m changing my tune on the massive amounts of cash finding its way into the Premier League as it’s allowing the sides that have underachieved in recent seasons to acquire some real talent and perhaps, perhaps, give the big boys a run for their (pots of) money. And that is good. The Bentleys are a sad by-product that we can’t do much about, but if it means competitive football then at least that’s something.
Even Jose Mourinho can see what’s coming. I’m not going to make a habit of quoting everyone’s favourite manager this year as it’s all a bit tiresome, but the Chelsea coach gave an insight into how this season might progress.
“There are a lot of good teams in the league,” he said after Sunday’s defeat. “There’s a big improvement in the teams after the top so I think it can be more normal for the big teams to lose matches and points because the other teams have spent money, bought players and improved. Aston Villa is one example but you can find a lot of other examples so I think it is more difficult ... the league is open but it is the first weekend of September and we are only five matches into the season.”
The league may be open, but the question is whether any of the chasing pack has what it takes to mount a sustained challenge for the title. I think we all know the answer to that for the time being, but at least we can hope that Aston Villa’s three points gives impetus to the also rans of the modern Premiership and stirs up some decent entertainment this year. It’s looking good so far.
Gooner - TM
Arsenal have applied to trademark the word “Gooner” for use on club merchandise. The phrase, which of course is the colloquial term for an Arsenal fan, is the subject of an application filed to the UK Intellectual Property Office earlier this month.
Quite why Arsenal think anyone else would try and sell merchandise with “Gooner” plastered all over it remains a mystery.
F1 meets football
Despite protesting otherwise last week, Formula One bosses Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have taken over English Championship club Queen’s Park Rangers. Briatore, head of the Renault team and Ecclestone, Formula One’s president, have had an offer accepted by the London’s side directors last week.
Presumably this means they’ll hire Bertie Vogts as manager on a five year contract and ask him to play for draws, so that QPR’s future will be a number of year-long processions led by a dour German.
Insult to Mickey Mouse
David Beckham has angrily rejected claims that his Los Angeles Galaxy side is “a pub team” and that Major League Soccer was “a Mickey Mouse league”, in an interview published last week.
Beckham, who had just finished seven pints of lager after helping take the nets down, also dismissed suggestions that the burden of travelling between the United States and England’s international games would be too much for him. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star said he felt for the management of the Galaxy and “how much it hurt them when people who don’t know anything were turning round and calling the Galaxy a pub team and calling the MLS a Mickey Mouse league.”
“I don’t know whether it’s ignorance or snobbery or whether it’s that the people saying these things have never played the game or watched it being played here, but they should be sitting here now, watching us beat a team that’s won the Mexican league two years running,” he added with a straight face. “The standard is nowhere near as low as people have been saying it is.”
Which is much like this column.
Enjoy the international football and in the meantime, Newcastle’s Alan Smith is now playing for his third ‘United’ after spells at Leeds and Manchester. Can you think of any players who have appeared for more? There’s are a few, and whilst some you’ll never get you should know one very famous England international striker and the “King of United”, who featured at no less that five teams with that name and was also a reasonably well-known frontman with Sheffield Wednesday (and Sheffield United). Both played for Newcastle United.
Anyway, meet you back here with another scintillating soccer roundup and the answer to that question next week.

Terry takes the ‘Mug’

Phoenix Golf Members Group

Mike Gerrard
Wednesday, August 29,
Monthly Mug
It was ‘Monthly Mug Day’ (stroke play) playing from the blue tees for the Men and yellow tees for the Ladies. It was suggested we make the ladies play from the whites but after due consideration we let them go off the yellows.
So off we set with a good field of 22 including two ladies and with the weather being quite humid it was obvious that the scoring could be low today. This proved to be the case, especially with our new handicap system in place.
Our winner today of the beautiful pewter was Terry O’Conner with a net 73. He has being playing very well for a week or so now and has featured in every event we have played.
In second spot, at 70 years young and walking the course, was Uli Leuenberger with a net 74. In joint third place came the dynamic duo of Brian Jacks and Phil Smith, also on net 74 but losing out to Uli on count back.
Our Ladies winner meanwhile was Mayo Deane with a net 83.
Near pins went to Doug Campbell, Joe Miller, Mike Gerrard, Uli Leuenberger and the Long Putt on 18 went to Stefan Hoge.
Sunday, September 2, Stableford
The Ocean course is now open after much work has been carried out. We have had great co-operation from the greens staff at Phoenix, who have listened to advice from some of our committee members and cut back trees that have grown huge over the years. One notable distinction is the view from the 9th hole - you can now see all of the fairway. Also the sand in the bunkers is now much better.
Out of a field of 15 players today the winner was Jeff Cargill with Terry Turner in second spot and Neil McAllister a close third.
Technical awards went to Terry O’Conner, Ron Bridge and Mike Gerrard (2).
Note: There will be a pairs competition on Wednesday, September 12. Sign up early for this one.

Hapgood comes good to claim a brace

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, August 27, Khao Kheow, Stableford
Monday saw the Bunker Boys play a Stableford competition at Khao Kheow and Lee Butler got back to winning ways, taking first prize with his score of 36 points. In second place came Mashi Kaneta with 35 points and one point further behind was Gerry Cooney with 34 points.
Geoff Parker won two of the near pin prizes; Eddie Martin and Mashi Kaneta won the other two.
Wednesday, August 29, Treasure Hill, Medal
Playing a medal competition at Treasure Hill on Wednesday, Peter Habgood came out on top to win with a two-over par net 74. Meanwhile three players were tied on net 76; Roger Privett got second and Mark Packer claimed third place after a count back.
Only three par-three greens were hit, William Macey and Alan Campbell (2) were the accurate golfers on the day.
Friday, August 31,
Green Valley, Medal
The second medal comp of the week was a popular choice for the last game of the month and there were two flights with the cut at handicap 16 and under.
Peter Habgood came out on top again to win the B Flight with 31 points, second place went to Geoff Parker 29 points and third spot went to Granville Swanton 27 points.
In the A Flight Roger Privet edged out Jim Treen on a count back to win with 37 points whilst third place went to Eddie Martin who beat Gerry Cooney and Mashi Kaneta also on a count back.
Eddie’s third place wasn’t enough to close the gap on William Macey, however, so William won the ‘golfer of the month’ trophy even though he had a winless week!
Eddie and Mashi won a near pin prize each along with Reg Smart and Alan Campbell.

Barry Traynor’s ‘best-ever’ loses

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, August 27, Emerald, Stableford
1st Michael Andersson 39pts
2nd Brian Kelly 36pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer 33pts
Mikael Andersson made good use of vast quantities of local knowledge, together with a fair amount of skill, to shoot a gross 74 and easily take the first competition of the week played over the testing Emerald course.
Brian Kelly again proved to be as steady as a rock as he strolled round playing exactly to his handicap to keep Trevor Schirmer back in third place three shots adrift.
There were no 2’s in either division so the pool was carried over.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Steve Steele and also welcomed back Ticky Donovan and Chris Davisson.
Wednesday, August 29, Century Chonburi, Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 35pts
2nd Roar Berger 34pts c/b
3rd Tony Barritt 34pts
It is quite a long run up to Century Chonburi but once there the price of the golf package cannot be beaten, although it must be said that the condition of the bunkers leaves a lot to be desired. That aside the general condition and layout of the rest of the course is very good and worth the effort and the travel.
Trevor Schirmer continued from where he left off on Monday and even improved somewhat to snatch victory from Roar Berger’s grasp with a very patient round without any blobs on the card.
Roar had his best round for a considerable time with an even one-over handicap front and back which was good enough to take second spot by count back from Tony Barritt.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Tony Barritt managed one in the first division to sweep the triple carry over.
Back at The Haven, The Doc welcomed back Peter Bye together with Captain Calamity and 50% of his team.
Friday, August 31, Green Valley, Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 42pts c/b
2nd Barry Traynor 42pts
3rd Simon Kendall 37pts
4th Mike Dinsdale 34pts c/b 18
5th Stephen Beard 34pts c/b 16
6th Phil Groves 34
Following a third and a win previously in the week, Trevor Schirmer shot a lifetime equal best score of 79 with an incredible one-over gross on the back nine that ensured that he won the count back from Barry Traynor.
Barry also shot a personal best of 77, which featured a one-over gross on the front even though he dropped two shots on 8 and 9. Unfortunately Barry was unable to maintain the momentum on the homeward half to secure the win on the day but still finished elated after a great day’s golf.
Simon Kendall stayed the course pretty well as he finished a way behind in third but still three shots better than the contenders for 4th place.
These were headed by Mike Dinsdale, getting on the podium for the first time in a while and The Doc, who appeared among the single competition prize winners for the first time in several years, but only by a smidgen on count back from Phil Groves.
Again there were no 2’s in the second division but Trevor Schirmer had the only one in the first division.
Prior to presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member and very Good Samaritan Edgar Irrazarry, who stopped to pick up three contestants after their transport broke down several miles short of Pattaya without even knowing their names or asking for payment. This is possibly a first occurrence in the local records, which are being checked as we go to press.

Mick takes title after his rivals draw a blank

PSC golf from Tropical Berts

Derek Brook
Tuesday, August 28,
Phoenix, Stableford
This was the last golfing day out from Bert’s for the month, so of course on top of the winner for the day we also were looking for the ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of the Month’ - in fact the first one of the new golfing year.

Jacqueline Wright of Alan Bolton Property Consultants makes the ‘Golfer of the Month’ presentation to Mick O’Meara.

The strong front-runner was Mick O’Meara, having won the first two competitions of the month, but Frank Pilkington and Pete King could still sneak in if they won and Mike failed to place.
It was not long before we reached Phoenix, booked in and got to the first tee. The test on the day was to be the Lakes and Ocean nines: this course can now hold it’s own with practically any other in the area, and is a pleasure to play.
We managed to get off a little early and were soon into our stride. Phoenix was in excellent condition; the fairways were good, the rough tough, and the greens very fast and tricky. Put this with a strong wind and I expected some mediocre scores.
Later however, back at Bert’s, we saw that the scores were in fact really good. We also saw that Mick had had a bad day. But how would the other two come out?
Several players, including the scribe, were left out with 37 points, as Steve Hamsted won with 39 points. Close behind we had a three-way tie on 38 points won by Gareth Weeks in second, Nora Haugsjordet in third and Ian Covill in fourth.
So with all the main contenders falling by the wayside, the winner of ‘The Alan Bolton Golfer of The Month’ was indeed Mick O’Meara for his first ever win in this competition.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Ian Covill, Rick Evans, Vincent Smyth, Dick Warberg
Long Put: Gareth Weeks, Paul Clarke

Richardson stays on the podium

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, August 27,
Pattana Sports Club, Stableford
The Pattana Sports Club was host to a Stableford competition in one flight. The course on the day was in fine shape and being the first group out for the day we had a clear run for all 18 holes.
Dave Richardson won for the second event in a row with 37 points, Bill Plath came in second with 33 points and Marty Allred was in third with 31 points.
Thursday, August 30,
Plutaluang, Stableford
‘The Admiral’ really looks forward to this day. I, however, really do not look forward to this day. So we have a difference of opinion, and seeing as Dave books the course, I as usual have to grumble and get on with it. Mind - I did once play well here!
I think I know why people like to come here; the locals are friendly and the beer cheap. In fact, all in all, this is one of the cheapest days out at any golf course in the area.
So what did we do on this day? Well we played South and East, probably not very well, and finally got back to the changing rooms all hot and bothered.
In the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Kris Helgasson with 36 points ahead of Dave ‘The Admiral’ Richardson on a count back, with Roger Strine in third with 33 points. In the B Flight the winner was Jay Perrin with 38 points on count back ahead of Henry O’Brien in second and Hugh O’Donnell was in third with 34 points on count back over Graham Buckingham.
T.T.F.N.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Hot off the press are the results from last Friday’s big-fight card on the grounds of Pak Hai Districk office in Ayutthaya Province. As expected WBC#3 featherweight Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo (21-0, 11 KOs) kept his ABC title by stopping Vinvin Rufion in 5 rounds. Try those on for size! It was Chonlatarn’s 15th title defense from 21 fights. H’mmmm.
The “really” big news was that Thai lady Winyu Paradorngym (4-1, 1KO) became the second Thai female fighter to win a world title. She did it with a unanimous decision over Momo Koseki (3-1). Winyu is now the WBC world atomweight champion. Last week Jeeves made some rather disparaging remarks about the term “atomweight”, as he is wont to do. The fact is that the “atom” division was created by the WBC only for female boxers as there are many women under 105lbs, which is the lightest weight for male boxers and would place the “lighter ladies” at a disadvantage.
“Your Lordship, I got a note from your pal Wayne ‘The Pocket Rocket’ McCullough about his new position. He’s joined the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) as a press person that can hopefully educate the UK and Ireland fans about the UFC. He’ll also be doing radio and TV interviews as well as writing a column for www.uk.ufc.com.
“The press release announcing his appointment says, ‘He was hired because of his clean image, credibility and knowledge in the sport of boxing.’ He’s there to ballyhoo the Sunday fight between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (27-6) against Dan “Dangerous” Henderson (22-5) at the O2 London Arena. Those that get SPIKE TV can watch the event live. Those that don’t get SPIKE TV can’t.”
Thank you Jeeves.
A loyal fan sent in the following example of the mouth sometimes overloading what the body can do. Irish boxer Bernard Dunne (24-0) was really confident going into his fight with Kiko Martinez (16-0).
“He has never experienced anything he is going to experience tonight,” proclaimed Dunne. “He has 16 fights, 16 wins with 13 knockouts. But has he boxed anyone of my caliber or experience? I don’t think so ... He has a good pedigree and he won’t want to lose the unbeaten record but I’m afraid that is what is going to happen.”
The fight lasted 86 seconds with Martinez knocking Dunne down three times. The third time referee Terry O’Connor stopped the fight. Martinez was a longshot at the local betting shops.
“All the people around me backed me to win it in the first round at 66:1,” Martinez explained. They bet a reported US$5,000 for a first round KO. And at 66:1 that’s a cool US$330,000. Way to go! Viva Espana!
“Your Lordship, you mused a few weeks ago about the return of Aussie and former IBF flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan (28-1, 22 KOs). Well muse no longer M’lord, as Darchinyan will step up to the super-flyweight division to challenge Federico Catubay (20-13-3). They fight for the vacant IBO (I Be Ordinary) flyweight title on October 20 at the Auburn RSL club in Sydney, NSW Australia.
“Commenting on the fight Darchinyan said, ‘I will win the world super-flyweight championship and then go after a rematch with Nonito Donaire. I trained hard for our fight but did not focus 100% and lost the title. I am very confident I will win the rematch.’ Not at flyweight he won’t your Lordship.”
You’re right there Jeeves. Donaire didn’t believe the stories of Darchinyan’s power. Other fighters have been known to be sailing along, get KO’d and never come back to their former self. One the other hand, if you want to get back on the winning track and you’re 28-1, the best way is fighting someone that’s 20-13 and 6-5 in his last 11. Oh yes, one of his wins came against Roy Doliquez, who’s 2-8-2 last 12.
Chalk up a win for Darchinyan, Jeeves. One of the judges for that one will be Cousin Bruce McTavish. Glad I could tell him the winner - it should make his job easier.
One thing about boxing is that when someone in the sport is talking, only one thing is certain. That certainty is that whatever’s said has the shelf life of an open can of tuna on Beach Road at high noon. Sometimes when someone is talking we take it with a pinch of salt. In boxing however, whatever is said must be taken with all the salt in the ocean, a box of limes and a bottle of Patron.
Case in point - in October of 2006 former WBC super middle champ Markus Beyer retired after losing to Mikkel Kessler. Now? Of course he’s back! “I will not go to the back of the line,” commented Beyer on his announced return. “However, I won’t exclude the possibility of a world championship fight in a voluntary title defense. In any case, I owe my fans a good-bye fight.” Not to mention a payday for himself.
There’s one guy who when he talks, about the only provable fact is that his mouth is open. That would be Fernando Vargas. Any resemblance between fact and his useless blather is pure coincidence. Right after the Oscar De La Hoya fight, which he lost, Vargas vehemently denied that he ever took steroids. The tests proved that he was wrong as he got a six-month suspension from the Nevada Commission. He then fired his training staff - who are probably now back in camp.
With the announcement that his fight against Mayorga had been postponed the first statement said: “Vargas took an aspirin for a sore tooth and as everyone knows that can cause an iron deficiency.” Well that didn’t fly. Then came the whopper, “What everyone doesn’t know is that Vargas’ iron deficiency is due to a loss of blood from the sores in his stomach,” wrote a mouthpiece in an email to Fightnews.com. “This diagnosis is per the stomach specialist (physician) ... anemia is not an overnight phenomenon unless something odd happens. Well, that something odd is internal bleeding and when you lose blood you can face many health challenges.”
Former world champion Dave Hilton jr. is back behind bars in his native Canada. Hilton was just recently released after serving 2/3 of his 7 year 8 month sentence for sexually assaulting his two teenage daughters. This time he’s behind bars charged with “alleged” assault and making death threats against his girlfriend. “Usually judges take those threats seriously, especially when it involves conjugal violence,” Laval Constable Nathalie Lorrain said.
“Your Lordship, I got a call from my dear friend Elmo ‘The Great’ Adolph. He called me from the Washington D.C. airport where he was on his way to Azerbaijan as manager of the USA jr. world championship boxing team. You wrote some time ago that amateur and Olympic judging rules had been changed - not so your Lordship ... it appears nothing changed. Also, as you notice, I have my bags backed and my new duds on as I’m off to Phuket for the Grand Opening of the “new and improved” Island Lager Bar in Sukhumvit Plaza, Patong this coming Monday.”
Ok Jeeves, but before you leave please make sure that I have an adequate supply of lager and cigars ... and don’t forget to leave some CD’s out for the music machine. Now let the party begin!

Hewitt doubles up for the week

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

Bill Hewitt celebrates his second win of the week with the ladies at Paweenas Bar.

Monday, August 27,
Mountain Shadow, Stableford
With a small field of only 18 players there were only two prize positions in each division to be won in the stableford competition.
In the second division Bob Martin finished second on 32 points but still three adrift of the day’s winner Tony Sawyer. In the premier flight, and playing some great golf lately with a reduced handicap of 11, Bill Hewitt’s 37 points took the top podium position ahead of Grenvill Hill in second, an amazing 10 points behind.
Remarkably in the 2’s competition there are 3 rollovers in division 1, and 5 in division 2, but with no winners today so the purse gets bigger still. Grenvill Hill, Dave Ross and Tony Sawyer won the nearest the pin prizes.
Wednesday, August 29,
Greenwood, Stableford
With two large rollovers in the 2’s competition, it was all to play for at this popular course. And it was all smiles back at Paweenas later for Mikael Andersson and Grenvill Hill who shared the first division booty after both scored birdies on the 5th on the B course. A greater pot still grows in division two with no winners over the past 6 rounds.
Yet again in the headlines, Bill Hewitt’s 38 points won division one after beating Grenvill Hill on a 20/18 count back, whilst in third place came Mikael Andersson with 37 points.
The very forward white tees today were reflected with some unusual high scoring in the lower division. In third place with 42 points came Alain Postec, one better was Burnie Snclair in second, and with 44 points the winner was Gilles Akoum.
Nearest the pins went to Mikael Andersson, Bill Hewitt, Joe Kubon and Burnie Sinclair.
Friday, August 31,
Eastern Star, Stableford
With a growing Friday field it was two divisions today for our no frills day.
In division one, after his four week break in Angola, John Mc’Loones 36 points took first place after beating Mikael Andersson by just one point, whilst in third came Geoff Stubbs on 31 points.
Division two scores were slightly lower with Rick Newman finishing third with 30 points, Adrian Shelley in second on 31 points and Glyn Evans first with 34 points.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Paweenas in Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Rd. for a 10am tee off time. Please sign up in the bar or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464.

Poussier applies French polish

IPGC golf from The OK Corral

The Pattaya Golf Society’s Sunday Stableford event was again held at beautiful Bangpra on Sunday, August 26, with a good turnout making up the standard single flight. The day was hot and the course in fine fettle with the greens getting back to their racing best.
In third place was Peter Masters, shaking off the effects of a week back at work, and his level par 36 point score was beaten by one point for the third time in as many weeks by that of David Thomas, who seemingly enjoys this Kiwi-Aussie subplot. David therefore took a well-earned second -place.
The winner was making his OK Corral debut and didn’t Frenchman Patrick Poussier do well. His score of 39 points showed that his golf can be consistent and successful, taking points on every hole except the relatively easy fourteenth.
The day’s only birdie ‘2’ was scored on the seventeenth by the old master Bill Chadwick, who continued to entertain everyone in his playing group up the final fairway. Maybe they were lucky he had not accomplished the deed on the second!
The Booby Bevy went to the returning Ian Wilson who had the temerity to play the course with pink balls and this indiscretion went down a treat back at the OK Corral. The headline writers were having a swell time! And so indeed were the winners.
First win for Bazza
The Pattaya Golf Society’s first Order of Merit event for August was held at Crystal Bay on Tuesday, 28th, with a Medal format. The course was extremely well prepared for the competition with quick consistent greens and fairways giving a lot of run. The day was further enhanced by the warm skies and cooling breeze.
Making his mark in fourth place was Simon Kendall whose long-hitting game held up to provide him with a creditable net 74, just one shot back from third placed Takeshi Hakozaki on net 73.
Joop Medze’s fine form continued and rewarded him with a level par finish on 72 for the runner-up slot whilst the day’s honours went to rookie Barry Trowell who recorded his first win at the OK Corral with an accomplished and accurate net 71. Not the longest of hitters he more than makes up for this with the accuracy of his shots and on a course such a Crystal Bay finding the fairways is an absolute advantage.
Surprisingly there were no 2’s on the day and the candidates for the Booby Bevy were a-plenty. Adrian Bullock found the green twice off the par five B6th tee, but sadly the green was the 7th, and OB, and Tom Hunsicker’s centurion swansong also came close, but Paul Quodomine proceeded to rack up the most expensive Booby Bevy when he reversed his cart into a tree, incurring the wrath of the marshall and the delight of the cashier.
It had been yet another event to remember.
Thomas & Kendall go head-to-head
Thursday, August 30, and the Pattaya Golf Society took to an empty course at the Emerald to play a stableford event under brooding skies, which thankfully stayed dry. The course continues to be in fine condition and the field was anxious to do well on this, one of their favourite venues.
It was to be a day of fine performances with Joop Medze, currently showing good form, posting 37 points for third place. Twelve handicapper Simon Kendall produced his best round for a while to take second place with 40 points, but even he was eclipsed by a sparkling round from David Thomas. The New Zealander showed superb control in carding a 41 point score which was a gross 74 off the long tees. His gross 35 for the front nine was helped in part by a birdie ‘2’ on the 5th and his effort was later matched by Mikael Andersson’s birdie on the seventh and they both shared a large rolled-over pot.
Bill Chadwick had the distinction of losing his boxer shorts in an empty locker room and later covered his embarrassment with the Booby Bevy.
All in a day’s work at the OK Corral.

Oakes & Samuel create the biggest splash at Kiarti Thanee

PSC golf from The Peacock Place

Monday, August 27, Kiarti Thanee, Stableford
Monday saw us board the coach for our trip to Kiarti Thanee, and after doing a few u-turns here and there we were finally on the way. Alas the smooth ride couldn’t last and about 2km from the course we ran into some water (about 3-feet deep) that blocked the road.

The Peacock golfers finally arrive in their improvised taxi.

At this point thanks must go to Toy Theobald who used her negotiating skills to arrange parking for the bus in a housing development until the club sent out a few pickups to get us to the course.
So, after a late start there were 2 divisions and in the A Flight Tony Oakes won with a fine 41 points off his new handicap of 10 (another new one is on the way Tony). Coming in second was Bob Wighton (12) with 38 points on a count back over Jack Spencer (9), also with 38 points.
B Flight was won by Harvey Samuel (19) with great a 40 points, in second was his lovely lady Orowon Sodot (38) with 38 points and third came Betty Kohlar (33) with 34 points.
There were three 2’s scored by Jack Spencer, Bob Philp, and Mr. 2’s Moseley. Meanwhile ‘The Hat’ had to be given to Fred Theobald for a magnificent 17 points; we think he forgot there are 18 holes on a golf course - not 9.
Anyway, we all had a great day even though it was a bit longer than normal.
Wednesday, August 29, Burapha, Stableford
Wednesday was a trip to Burapha where it’s always a pleasure to play.
Once again there were 2 divisions and the A Flight was won by none other than Jack Spencer (9) with another display of precision golf and putting. In second was Ian Covill (17) with 39 points and coming in third was Vincent Smyth (12) with 36 points.
Top B Flight honours went to Barry Chadbourne (20) with a magnificent 41 points, everybody’s friend Jochem (29) was second with 38 points and coming in third was ‘Mr. Consistency’ Paul Crosland (20) with 37 points.
There were four 2’s recorded by Barry Chadbourne, Bernie Segrave, Jack Spencer and Vince Smyth (obviously Jack Moseley wasn’t having his usual day out.)
‘The Hat,’ compliments of Paradise City Properties, went to John Stafford for a great 26 points and his first game with the Peacock Place. There was another score that was even worse but after looking on the back seat of his car, he saw that he already had enough hats to keep his head warm forever.
If you are looking for a game come see us at the Peacock Place or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.

Peter garners Burpha’s brass ring

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, August 26, Green Valley - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Mascari (5) 43pts
2nd Seamus Cotter (3) 43pts
3rd Ian Grout (10) 39pts
B Flight
1st Adam Schoenfeld (17) 39pts
2nd Tony Cotter (15) 38pts
3rd Nick Payne (15) 37pts
C Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (20) 36pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (20) 35pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (24) 31pts
Near Pins: Paul Young, Seamus Cotter, Bruce McAdam, Steve Mascari
2’s: Steve Mascari, Kris Kritsanajootha, Jack Grindvold, Klaus Schackt, Jim Munns, Ray Dell, Barry Coopestake, Peter Emslie, Bruce McAdam
A Flight played like the premier players they are as they led the Day’s way with two 43-point outputs. It was hard luck to Irishman Seamus Cotter as his two score and three only provided him with second place lucre thanks to a count back loss to The President. The Tile was left but third place scraps despite a fine 39-point tally.
New York Slim took B Flight with 39 points, one more than brother of the A Flight bridesmaid, Tony Cotter. Nick The Stick and Gary Emmett locked it up for B Flight silver at 37 points. When the counting was done Nick had loot in his pocket, while Gary’s were empty.
C Flight’s Geoff Kubas only equaled his handicap, but that was enough on this day to take the junior circuit’s gold. Geoff was one clear of Chad Chadbourn, and five clear of the trio of Bruce McAdam, Noy Pimmoen and Sim Davis. Bruce, ever chivalrous, tried vainly to split the third place spoils between the two fare damsels, but alas, when it proved impossible to do so it he decided to just keep it for himself.
Tuesday, August 28, Phoenix Lake & Ocean - White Tees, Stableford
1st Oddvar Rykke (20) 37pts
2nd Rick Zanoni (10) 37pts
3rd Don Lehmer (12) 36pts
2’s: Oddvar Rykke, Rick Zanoni, Bill Broschart, John Feehan, John Heman, Barry Copestake
With a portion of the Society heading east for another notorious Soi Dao outing, the small but spirited leftovers joined up at nearby Phoenix for a good day. The Tentmaker and the Zamboni knotted it up for first, with the former enjoying the counted back pay day. The Lady’s Man and the Leprechaun did likewise for third and for the second time on the short week no Irish Eye’s were Smilin’.
Wednesday, August 29, Burapha C & D - White Tees,
Stableford
1st Peter Ring (23) 40pts
2nd John Heman (21) 36pts
2’s: Gene Noble
Our title guy has been on form as of late and certainly was on this day as he put four points between himself and the second place Mr. John.
Friday, August 31, The Emerald -
White Tees, 2-
Person Scramble - Stroke/Medal
1st Barry Copestake & Tony Hill (11.25) Net 60.75
2nd Colin Davis & Paddy Fitzgerald (12.4) Net 63.6
While team events are often viewed as “days off” there is nothing easy, or particularly relaxing, about the demanding two-person scramble format. One bad shot by the lead off man and the weight of making a golf shot, and “not letting the team down,” falls directly into the second player’s lap.
Although the format is considered American it appeared to suit the Brits as Barry Copestake and Tony Hill took first and The Donkey and Paddy Fitzgerald were second.

Rich spoils Rollie’s day with 40-point haul

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

The competition was tough on the 21st of August as the Three Sisters group gathered at Pattaya Country Club.
Leading the field this week was Sus Ige with a great score of 41 points. It was close though as Larry Emerson was right up there and blew the lead in the last few holes. Larry ended up with 40 points but could have easily been at 42. He three-putted from about 10 feet to give the day to Sus.
Bill Gibson was also up there with 40 points and had a shot at the title. Following close on their heels were Rich Murphy and Paul Kraft with 38 points each.
On August 28th, our end of the month competition went to Rich Murphy as he slid in with 40 points to win the day. It was a great day for Rich as his name goes on the Three Sisters Trophy as the monthly winner.
It was a sad day for Rollie Weese, however, as he had already begun celebrating what he thought was a 37-point winning score. Everyone else also thought that Rollie had won until in walked Rich with 40 points. It was one of the best scores that Rollie has shot in a while and it was disappointing for him to lose the day.
Following the leaders in was Bob Benda. He is always near the top and looking for a way to squeeze a few baht off his friends. Bob rolled in with 36 points to round off the top golfers for the day.

Gandley and Cooke win ‘count back’ thriller

Pattaya Sports Club 71st Monthly Golf Tournament

Derek Brook
Friday, August 31, Phoenix
Whenever we play one of the monthly tournaments close to Pattaya it is always well received, and the fact that Phoenix is a fine course these days was also on the plus side.

Robert Gandley and Brian Cooke were the winners on the day with 47 points.
The day promised much, and the organisers decided to try a new format; 2-Ball Better Ball stableford, or something close, i.e. the partner with the most stableford points on the hole. I think that’s correct.
For me this was a new format as after all these years I had never played it, and it must have appealed to many because at this time of the year, normally quiet, the competition was fully subscribed with 124 players. Well played the organisers.
So, after a slow bimble down to Phoenix, the players arrived at the clubhouse where they were met by the experienced booking in duo of Bernie and Nigel, while their third person Tim dashed around sorting out problems. I say dashed around, as if someone had greased his walking stick. Now there’s an idea!

Alan and La Keith came a close second, only losing out on a count back.
So onto the first tee, and it was a split start with half on the Lakes and half on the Ocean. Not a bad 18 holes. With 123 persons behind him, the first man teed off and the competition was underway in fine weather but with strong winds.
I have to say at this juncture that this is a fine course with fine views, but it is probably the one that most players feel least at home on, there is always something that puts you off. On this day one would have assumed with 124 players, and a big competition, they would at least have cut the greens and cut new holes. But of course did not. Sometimes it is the little things that make the difference. Sad when it is such a fine course.
So around we went, and it has to be said that the fairways were fine, the rough punishing and all in all we got around pretty quick.

Dick Warberg and Steve Hamstad lost out in the count back but still gained a nice consolation.
The Banquet room had been made available for the players and it had plenty of space for the 120 players. One of the things that was done this month was to have this tournament marked on the scorecard as a tribute to one of our past Chairmen, and thus it was known as ‘Gerry Carpenter Day.’ The President, Dennis Willett, started the presentation by talking about Gerry and the other people we have lost lately. This is an ageing community so I suppose these things are to be expected, however we have been particularly heavily hit of late. He also thanked the people who put in so much effort to put this day on.
The Golf Chairman, Tony Oakes, then said his thanks before handing the microphone to our Emcee for the day Nigel, who got on with the presentation, and as it was with the golf, so it was with the presentation, i.e. nice and quick.
With this being a pairs competition there were only 5 winning teams, and in fact only one shot covered the lot, so count backs were in order.
The winners were announced as Robert Gandley and Brian Cooke with 47 points on count back over Alan and La Keith in second and Dick Warberg and Steve Hamstad in third. We then had another count back on 46 points that saw Brian Jacks and Phil Smith in fourth and Chris Platten and Lee Adams in fifth.
It was then time for the ‘Nigel Spectacular’, as he presented the lucky draw. We then didn’t have to pay the bill so went home.
T.T.F.N.
Long Drive: (0-18) Dave Arrowsmith; (19-36) William Chang; (Ladies) La Kieth
Near Pin: (0-18) Mike Gray, Tony Barrett, Bob Linberg, Steve Hamstad; (19-36) Larry Willett, John Cogan, Dale Drader, Peter Ring; (Ladies) La Keith (2), Darunee Galbraith.

Back-to-back Baccioli with Poottida & Morten on the podium

Mike Franklin
Giorgio Baccioli shook off a two-stoke handicap cut and returned 36 Stableford points, enough to win the Super Seniors in a count-back over runner-up, Danny Dyke.

August winners: Giorgio, Poottida & Morten.

The best score of the day came from Morten Gauslaa with 43 points, winning the Seniors from Gordon McKnight who had an almost as good score with 40 points. Making her debut with the Ladies was Poottida Phanchai (Noi) and 38 points from her was good enough to win, with Siriporn on 36 points a close runner-up.
Near pins went to Khun Siriporn, Basil Foley, Arne Stagnes and Gordon McKnight and the long putts were claimed by Dale Murphy and Tira Charuvastra.
It was a fine day at Pattaya Country Club, Thursday, August 23, until the rains came at lunch time that freshened up the majority of the 29 players who were out on the course.
New faces were welcomed - specifically Poottida Phanchai, and Sergio Volpi visiting from Milan in Italy. Thursday, September 20, is the date of the next visit to Pattaya Country Club for the monthly Diana Seniors & Ladies Open: sign-up at the Green Bottle or at the Diana Garden Resort Driving Range.

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

Results & Standings August 31 (week 19)

Last week’s 200 bowlers: Leo, Barry, Mai, Wade and Bill.

Report by Barry Hooper
Mai’s Thai Restaurant have taken over top position in the league helped by their four to nil win over Brother D. Leo’s 544 series and Wade’s 570 series made all the difference whilst only Ooy for Brother D was able to break the five hundred barrier for her team.
Caf้ Kronberg are now down into second spot, they have the same points as Mai’s Thai but a lower overall pin count. The Caf้ lost to Montana by 3-1 with Barry for Montana posting two 200 plus games and a 576 series. As a side note Montana were given incorrect points last week and scored three not one. This revision, along with three points this week, now places them in fourth spot.
Beaver Bar & Grill are in fifth place after a 3-1 win over Jack & Tar. Bill K put in great 233 and 225 games for a 601 series. Mai 592 for Jack & Tar was top in her team and they had to carry a blind score which did not help their cause.
VFW Post 9876 (6th), Jack & Tar (7th) and Caf้ Ole (8th) all have the same league points 36 and are only separated by total pin count.
Caf้ Ole took all four points off VFW. Both teams only put up two players but Morn’s 509 series and Lada’s 508 series for Caf้ Ole did the business.
Both the of bottom end league teams, Diamond Shop and Three Sisters, came up against each other this week with the Sisters taking the honours and three points. La (Three Sisters) produced a 560 series and Nuai for Diamond Shop a 503 series but their relative positions remain unchanged