Scots take it down to the wire

It’s not often that international football gets a mention in this column, but we’ll make an exception this time around. The qualification race for the European Championships is really hotting up and will be decided within two months, and a few remarkable results over the international spell means some unexpected tension for some of the bigger names.
Whilst not the best spell for Ireland and Northern Ireland, England finally started performing with good wins against Israel and Russia. Holland needed a last minute winner from Ruud van Nistelrooy to overcome Albania and a rampant Wales thumped Slovakia 5-2 in Bratislava thanks to a performance from the charming Craig Bellamy that had manager John Toshack foaming at the mouth.
“Normally, there are 22 football players on a field battling it out but tonight there was 21 and one player who gave an unbelievable individual performance,” said Toshack, Wales’s manager. “Bellamy was scintillating this evening. It’s a long time since I have seen an individual display and one player influence a result like he did.”
But even that performance was put firmly into the shadows by Scotland, who incredibly managed to beat France in Paris. Everton’s James McFadden notched the game’s only goal with a screamer from 30 yards that sent a nation into ‘McParty’ mode.
“The embarrassment that puts Le Blues in real danger,” said Le Parisien newspaper, while Liberation wrote: “In the footballing landscape of this decade, Scotland are a mystery that takes a little more substance every year.”
A mystery indeed. Hands up anyone that seriously believed that the Scots could escape their ‘Group of Death’ that contains Italy, the Ukraine and of course the French? There’s still a lot of work to be done yet but Scotland proudly sit at the top of their group with three fixtures remaining.
France, meanwhile, face a nervy run-in if they’re to reach Austria and Switzerland next year. “We couldn’t have created more chances for ourselves. We did everything we could, but sometimes it just doesn’t happen for you when you want it to,” said Raymond Domenech, who knows that France are now in a precarious position. “We’ve got three matches left and we have to take them if we want to qualify. It will go right down to the wire.”
Back to the Premier League then, and Tottenham’s collapse at home to Arsenal last Saturday was bad news for manager Martin Jol. The Dutchman’s position grows weaker with every defeat and Spurs now sit just above the relegation position with just four points from six games. More worrying is that Jol has yet to overcome Spurs’ North London neighbours in his time at the club. Defeat at Bolton this weekend could see the first managerial casualty of the season.
“People were saying I would be sacked in 2005 - that was in the papers,” Jol said defiantly. “Now I have been here for three years. I am sure that if we play with the same team every week we will improve. I know that we have created chances against Arsenal and the only thing we have done wrong was defending the free-kick for the first goal. We have to avoid those situations.”
Whether he gets the chance remains to be seen, with Tottenham’s board continuing to make eyes at Sevilla manager Juande Ramos.
Arsenal, meanwhile, find themselves at the top of the league. Chelsea could have joined them had what looked like a valid goal not been disallowed by a linesman’s flag at Stamford Bridge. Instead the Blues took just a point against Blackburn in a match they dominated.
Liverpool slipped off top spot with a 0-0 draw against Portsmouth, one of the dullest games it’s ever been my pleasure to witness, and down in the Championship it’s Watford who are on top after two late goals from Darius Henderson overcame Southampton 3-2.
We’re in for a pretty quiet Saturday thanks to the midweek European games making the players legs ‘tired’, so perhaps Middlesbrough versus Sunderland takes centre stage as the day’s most interesting match-up.
On Sunday it’s a different story as Newcastle and West Ham face each other in the early kick-off, whilst Aston Villa taken on Everton, Portsmouth visit Blackburn and Bolton host Spurs. But the best is saved for dessert as Chelsea, under instruction from Roman Abramovic to be more entertaining, visit Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. Let’s hope for a match to savour after a quiet week – unless you’re Scottish of course.
Megson joins Leicester
Leicester have confirmed former West Brom and Nottingham Forest boss Gary Megson as the club’s fourth manager since chairman Milan Mandaric took over in February.
“I am delighted to be back in management and doubly delighted it is with a football club of the stature of Leicester,” said Megson. “Leicester is a Premier League club in everything but its divisional status,” he lied. “The stadium and training ground are both of the highest standard whilst the support is both Premiership standard in its quality and quantity.”
Megson was named as successor to Martin Allen, who was sacked in August after a ‘disagreement’ with Mandaric. Megson said it was Leicester’s ambition that had attracted him to the job. “In coming to Leicester I am not just working at a Championship club that is happy to plod along. This club has got ambition to get back into the Premiership and that appeals to me greatly.”
Belgian faces
‘Monkey House’
A Belgian man angered by the bragging of French football fans during the 2006 World Cup slashed the tyres of dozens of French cars, it was reported last week.
The 30-year-old started to target cars with French licence plates in the border town of Tournai after the tournament in which France were beaten finalists. “That is when he started feeling this resentment,” said magistrate Jean-Bernard Cambier last Thursday. Belgium’s national team failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
Tests showed the man, who pleaded guilty, was not suffering from mental illness and he now faces a prison sentence that will be passed on September 25.

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

Results & Standings Sept. 9 (week 21)

Barry Hooper
Mai’s Thai Restaurant retained top position in the league despite only managing a draw against VFW Post 9876. Wade’s first game of 208 and a 589 series did most of the work for Mai’s Thai. VFW were carrying a blind score so getting two points must be looked on as a bonus.
Brother D have now moved into second place having taken all four points from Montana, who themselves slipped down to sixth place. Ooy produced a fine display of bowling for Brother D with 204 and 200 games and a 571 series. Konrad was also on form with a 541. However, is has to be said that they had an easy job because Maliny was bowling alone for Montana as partners Barry (injured) and Jon were unable to play. So she had to carry two blind scores.
Café Kronberg slipped to third spot after losing 0–4; they also had to carry a blind score for Rich 2 and found the opposition Three Sisters in great form for the second week in a row. La fired a 203 game and a 575 series and was ably backed by Teuvo and Lek.
Jack & Tar scored three over Café Ole and have moved two places to fourth after Montana’s demise last week. Café Ole were also short of a player and Jack & Tar found Mai playing alone but with a pacer Bill and a blind score for Sven. So Jack & Tar it can be said were very fortunate to come out on the right side of things.
Fifth place is now the spot for Beaver Bar & Grill after their 3-1 win over Diamond shop. Bill K was on fire and put in three 200 plus games for a 628 series. Tukata backed this up with a third game 203 of her own.
VFW Post 9876, with their two point draw with Mai’s Thai, have subsequently moved above Diamond shop by just one point into seventh place.
Three Sisters in 10th spot are closing fast on Café Ole (9th) after two four nil wins in two weeks and now stand only one point behind them.

League Table & Results
Pos. Team Points Standings
1 Mai’s Thai Restaurant 2 – 2 50 - 34
2 Brother D 4 – 0 48.5 – 35.5
3 Café Kronberg 0 – 4 46 - 38
4 Jack & Tar 3 – 1 43 - 41
5 Beaver Bar & Grill 3 – 1 41 - 42
6 Montana 0 – 4 40.5 – 43.5
7 VFW Post 9876 2 – 2 39 - 45
8 Diamond Shop 1 – 3 38 - 46
9 Café Ole 1 – 3 37 - 47
10 Three Sisters 4 – 0 36 - 48

Bill makes a winning return

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, September 11, Crystal Bay, Stableford
It is quite nice to go to a course like this when someone else is driving, and with Bill Knight back I could actually relax both ways. Well one and a half ways.

Tuesday’s winners back at Bert’s.
The course was pretty empty so we were able to get around nice and fast. The layout was not in bad condition, but it was noticeable several greens are looking like patchwork quilts, but they were still fast and tricky. The fairways were in good condition though, so an enjoyable round was had by all.
Back at Bert’s the players tucked into the food while the scores were worked out. The winner, and just back from Oz, was Bill Knight with 38 points ahead of Robin Lennon with 35 points in second and Steve Hamstad in third with 34 points.
Despite not being what it once was, Crystal Bay is still well worth a visit, the staff are friendly, the course a good challenge and most people in Pattaya are also in need of a cold shower once in a while.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Perry McNeely (2), Mick O’Meara
Long Putt: Bill Knight

More than records are broken at The Haven

IPGC golf from The Haven

A double header this week due to the prior absence of the Doc, who managed to trip down the stairs and sustain a dislocated ankle and a compound fracture. Following the insertion of a plate, 4 screws and 2 pins he is now well on the mend and back in harness.
Monday, September 3, Crystal Bay, Stableford
1st Al Keith 39pts c/b
2nd Russell Exley 39pts
3rd Roar Berger 38pts
With both players in the same group, Al Keith won a nail-biter by birdying the last hole while Russell could only manage a bogey. Roar Berger had his best round for some time to secure third spot.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Wednesday, September 5, Greenwood, Stableford
1st Russell Exley 41pts
2nd La Keith 35pts c/b
3rd Peter Sumner 35pts
Russell Exley went one better today as he managed to keep going to the end and in the process had a lifetime best gross score that ensures that he will drop to a couple off a single figure handicap. La Keith was unable to emulate her husband’s efforts of two days previous but still took a creditable second, while Peter Sumner took his first podium of this trip in third place.
Barry Traynor and Al Keith shared the 2’s in the first division and La Keith had the only one in the second division to claim the rollover pot.
Friday, September 7, Phoenix Ocean/Lakes, Stableford
1st La Keith 40pts
2nd Al Keith 39pts
3rd Roar Berger 36pts
4th Paul Hartley 34pts
La Keith wound up the week with a well-deserved win as husband Al took second by just a shot to complete a good week’s golf. Roar Berger slipped on to the podium for the second time in the week with Paul Hartley getting a mention for the first time in a while.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Brian Libbey, Alec Woods and John Bickle.
Monday, September 10, Bangpra, Better-Ball Stableford
1st Barry Traynor & Tony Barritt 41pts c/b
2nd Al Keith & Brian Libbey 41pts
3rd Mikael Andersson & Dave Richards 39pts
Tony cast around for a partner that could sink a putt and found pay dirt in Barry as they combined well to edge out Al Keith and Brian Libbey. This was after Al had dropped his wife from the team following her reduction in handicap. Russell Exley thought that he and she would make a good combination, even though they had both come down heavily in handicap level, but sadly for Russell, Al was the wiser of the two.
Mikael Andersson and Dave Richards did well enough under the tough conditions to secure third place ahead of the very experienced campaigners of Roy Thornton and Rick Holmes.
The 2’s competition was suspended due to the pairs format.
Prior to the prize giving The Doc welcomed Benn Nelson and also welcomed back Jens Gunnarsson, Dave Richards, Lee Buil and Chris Holmes.
Wednesday, September 12, Treasure Hill, Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 37pts
2nd Russell Exley 35pts
3rd Peter Sumner 34pts c/b
4th Brian Libbey 34pts
Trevor Schirmer, having done the driving and then organised the start as usual, still had enough concentration to get back on to the top of the podium with a well-constructed round over a long and arduous track. He was helped in part by the very good condition of the course in all respects.
Russell Exley has quickly come to terms with his new handicap and is now looking forward to further reductions in the near future as he slipped into second spot, ahead of Peter Sumner and Brian Libbey.
Trevor Schirmer and Phil Groves shared the 2’s pool in the first division whilst John Bickle cleaned up in the second division.
Friday, September 14, The Emerald, Stableford
1st Tony Barritt 38pts
2nd Mikael Andersson 37pts
3rd Alec Woods 35pts c/b
4th Trevor Schirmer 35pts c/b
5th Al Keith 35pts
Tony Barritt won a very tightly contested competition over the tricky layout at Ban Chang by a single point from Mikael Andersson after a bit of a scare in the clubhouse when he thought he had lost the win by count back.
Alec Woods proved the better in the count back over Trevor Schirmer and Al Keith.
Completing a good day’s work, Tony Barritt shared the first division 2’s with Barry Winton, and Brian Kelly took the lot in the second division.
Back at The Haven, ‘Doc hop-along’ welcomed back Mike Dabanovich, Ron Platt, Geoff Picken, Norman Isherwood, Peter Biggs and John Harris.

P. Singh Bari tops the field at Burapha

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, September 10, Burapha A&B, Stableford
The course today was the ever-beautiful Burapha and the format was stableford in one flight.
P Singh Basi won the day with an amazing 41 points in front of Icelander Elias Magnusson in second on count back over Graham Buckingham in third, both on 40 points. The ‘Man from the Old Sod’ Kevin Dinan was in fourth with 38 points.
Thursday,
September 13, Treasure Hill, Stableford
This is probably one of the most under-estimated courses in the area: a relatively small, but ‘warm,’ clubhouse leads out onto a really tough 18 holes of golf. When it is not too dry it is as good a layout as most around, and on this day it was overcast and rainy which meant the ground was not too hard.
One must also say that it is good value, with a well-priced green fee, caddie and cart fee. Mind on this day it poured down for at least 1 hour, and as is normal it was not surprising to see the sprinklers left on and going at full tilt throughout the downpour.
Round over we gathered in the modest restaurant which provides good food at fine prices. The winner on the day with a fine 42 points was Graham Buckingham, in second place was P. Singh Basi with 34 points, Bill Plath was third with 33 points and Trevor Loersch fourth with 32 points.
T.T.F.N. 

Colin burns up the front-nine at Eastern Star

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

Monday, September 10, Plutaluang, Stableford
With a couple of late cancellations and an unexpected arrival at the clubhouse, we still had 7 four-balls out on the unusual combination of the North and South courses. It was amazing afterwards to find out that the majority of our members had never played these two together in an eighteen-hole competition.
The 2’s today were back on the first level after the wins at Treasure Hills the previous Wednesday, and with no winners it was a case of ‘here we go again’.
The division 1 nearest the pin winners were Bruce Lawrence, Grenville Hill, Dave Ross and Russell Benson, while in division 2 William Chang, Miss Nom and Rick Newman picked up the prizes.
Steady scores were seen in both divisions with 37 points securing first place in division 2 for Colin Mearns, Tom Novak in second with 34 points and Jack Hinchey in third on 33.
In the first division the same winning score of 37 saw Ben Findon beating Bob Martin into second place on a 21/19 count back, and John McLoone finishing third with 35 points.
Wednesday, September 12, Burapha, Stableford
Everybody’s favourite combination today; the A and B courses and a popular venue for our members but with the high season approaching and the cost of the green fee, caddie fee and the compulsory buggy, which the majority of our players dislike using, it will be our last visit for a while.
The nearest the pin competition in division 1 was dominated by Mikael Andersson, playing some great golf and winning three out of the four. Dave Richards got the other and as always donated it to the girls behind the bar at Paweenas. Les hall won two in the lower division and Miss Nom kept the old man smiling with her win as well - the cocktail cabinet must be nearly full now.
Mikael and Dave shared the 2’s pot with a rollover from Monday and Les Hall in division 2 was the only winner there.
With only 22 players out today, Les Hall’s 35 points earned him third place, one point ahead was Colin Mearns in second, but with 37 points Burnie Sinclair won division 2. John McLoones’ 39 points in division 1 were enough to secure top spot over Mikael Andersson by 4.
Friday, September 14, Eastern Star, Stableford
With the greens improving each week and the fairways in very good condition, why is the rough on three or four holes still at least a foot high, especially near the bunkers? Who knows.
Our no-frills day with only one division and four podium places up for grabs. With a remarkable 24 points on the front nine and 15 on the back, Colin Mearns easily won with a total of 39 points; his best ever score so I am told. Basil Foley finished second with 34 points, Martin Anderton’s came in third with 33 points (his first stableford prize) and in fourth place, beating Les Hall and John McLoone on count back, was Ken Foster with 31 points.
Note: 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. Please sign up in the bar or call Glyn on 086 837 5464.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Tickets went on sale worldwide last Monday at 10:00am for the Hatton-Mayweather jr. fight. By 10:10am they were gone quicker than a Teelock’s love when the Baht runs out. The public sale was a sham but that makes little or no difference now. Priced from US$150 to $1,000 the two-ticket per person limit made even less difference as there were damn few available. Within minutes tickets were on sale via e-Bay with prices tripled the “official price”.
One e-mailer wrote: “You were right. Looks like a lot of our friends are stuck with airfares from the UK to Las Vegas with nothing to do when they arrive.”
Yep, pay US$50 to sit in a meeting room and drink $8 beers with a bunch of other folks that thought they had fight tickets also.
Over the years boxing and all sports have changes that occur everyday. Within boxing there was only one constant and that was Ring Magazine. HBO still uses the publication for its’ rankings and to crown world champions. Why? Cause HBO is run by arrogant self-centered jerks, but that’s another story.
Many can remember when Ring Magazine was the bible for the sport of boxing. Since its’ heyday and somewhat resurgence under Bert Sugar, Ring Magazine has since become somewhat irrelevant along with other sport covers. That may be about to change though as Ring Magazine has been bought by Golden Boy Enterprises, which of course is Oscar De La Hoya - the company that will continue to shake up the boxing establishment.
“The magazines will be held in an editorial trust where they will be operating totally independent of any influence from me or any others from the Golden Boy Companies,” promised the ‘Golden Boy.’ Kind of has the ring of the famous Thai saying, “I love you all my heart.”
Thailand’s Fushang 3K Battery (58-8-1) gets a chance at a world title on October 27 against undefeated Canadian Steve Molitor (24-0). 3K’s last attempt to get to a title shot lasted only 4 rounds when he was destroyed in a title eliminator by Manny Pacquiao in December of 2004. Since then (with batteries fully recharged) he’s been the ‘Energizer Bunny,’ running off 15 straight wins. In 1995 he lost his bid for a WBF (We Be Frauds) super-bantam title to Tony Wehbee on points. A closer look at 3K’s recent 15 wins indicates that only 4 have come against boxers with winning records.
Not much is known of Molitor, who KO’d Michael Hunter (26-0) at the Borough Hall in Hartlepool, England to win the crown. Molitor’s first defense against Takalani Ndlovu lasted 9 rounds ending in a TKO.
“This is just awesome to have the opportunity to defend this title once again in front of my hometown fans. I cannot wait for the night to get here and I will not disappoint,” said the Canadian champ.
Non-competitive fights are the not the private purview of the ‘Land of Smiles’. Recently at an Injun casino in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, there was a card for the ages. Say one thing for David Tua, if nothing else he is keeping busy.
Just a few weeks after he disposed of Saul Montana in one, Tua got in the ring with Cerrone Fox 8-5. As one that always looks for a writer that can turn a phrase, the flac on this fight had a good line. He or she wrote, “David Tua continues his comeback by fighting tough Cerrone Fox.”
What is a “tough” Cerrone Fox? That would be the guy who shows up to lose 5 of his last 6 in Switzerland, USA twice and Germany on two occasions. Have gloves, trunks, shoes and lots of frequent flyer miles! This time “tough” meant getting knocked down three times before getting stopped at 1:41 of the second stanza.
The headliner, such as he was, Hasim Rahman (43-6-2) KO’d Dicky Ryan (55-10) in 2. It must be remembered here that 50 of Ryan’s wins came against guys with toe tags attached.
Sometimes it’s up to an outsider to tell a boxer it’s time to hang-up the gloves and learn a new trade. That’s probably the case with Oscar Larios. Last week The Square Ring reported that he was going to retire. As unusual as it may be, The Square Ring on this occasion was wrong.
When KO’d by Jorge Linares in his last fight he developed a minimal subdural hematoma (brain bleed). When that occurred Larios was given an indefinite suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission. According to manager Jose Reynoso, Larios now wants to fight again but he’ll have trouble getting his license back. It’s not an impossible, but still an improbable.
If you were waiting breathlessly for Sunday and the comeback fight of Vitali Klitschko in Munich Germany, “forget-about-it.” Fight off! Klitschko, while training, suffered what has been called a “serious” back injury, canceling his fight with Jameel McCline. Shortly after the injury Dr. Klaus Twerdy of the University Clinic in Innsbruck performed arthroscopic back surgery on Klitschko for a herniated disc.
If this seems to some to be a case of “same dance different tune” in regard to Klitschko and injury you’d be spot on. This is the fifth consecutive fight that’s been postponed due to injuries to the Ukrainian. Twice it was a thigh injury, then a back injury and finally a knee that derailed a mandatory title against Hasim Rahman. Then came the Klitschko retirement followed by the much-ballyhooed return which has yet to occur. Could Vitali Klitschko be today’s “Tin Man”? Steroids? How dare you!
Shed no tears for McCline as he gets an October 6 date at the MSG against ‘Touch of Sleep’ Davarryl Williamson, who is a really good guy and a really boring fighter.
Williamson at 24-4 had a title shot against Chris Byrd in ’05 when both fighters should have been labeled “sleep inducing”. Avoid this one at all costs. “Oatmeal is better than no meal. Brace yourself,” said Williamson. Even Jeeves has no idea what this means.
There is something new in the heavyweight division. The IBF (I Be Fixin) has decreed that the heavyweight division will engage in a “kinda” tournament to determine a champ. The first fight takes place on October 27 when Chris Byrd (40-3-1) takes on Alexander Povetkin (13-0). The winner would then face the winner of the Calvin Brock (31-1)-Eddie Chambers (29-0) for the right to face IBF Champ Wladimir Klitschko.
Word of caution here in that any fight, or proposed fight with a Klitschko involved has to be taken with a pinch of salt, a lime and a good shot of tequila.
Credit should be given to the IBF for finding a ‘maybe’ credible challenger in a division that is mostly moribund. Povetkin might be in over his head due to the lack of experience but then Chris Byrd can’t even see the hill he’s over.
Povetkin was the 2004 Olympic gold medal winner and has plenty of confidence: “I am just two wins shy of my dream to fight for the world title. I have been working hard in practice and will defeat Byrd no matter what. I will not allow him or anyone else to stand in my way, “ said Povetkin.
How to beat Byrd? Easy, just throw punches. He won’t.
The good folks of Sweden led by Mr. Lord, who as we all know is the Lord of Pattaya, may wonder why the hell they invited the return of professional boxing to the land of blonds, booze and winter boredom. It was advertised as the “main event of tonight’s big show in Karlstad, Sweden.” The official title was “Night of Champions” with former WBO champion and Olympic gold medallist Ray Mercer (35-6-1) taking on local heavyweight hero Mikael Lindblad (24-6).
Just for the record, Mercer won the WBO (We Be Ordinary) heavyweight title on January 1, 1991 when he broke the nose of Francesco Damiani, who then dropped to the canvas like a punter’s broken heart and allowed referee Rudy Battle to count to 10. The same year Mercer defended once against Tommy “R U sure it’s Aids” Morrison and then gave up the title. Why? Don’t know.
Mercer was the Olympic champion in 1988. So how did the “big show” in Karlstad go? It was Mercer by KO in 48 seconds of round one. Thank you and drive home safely as many of you have been drinking. This is Sweden!
There are darn few “when pigs fly” moments in boxing. In fact the only thing close was after Greg Haugen said prior to fighting Julio Cesar Chavez: “Half of his wins came against Tijuana taxi drivers that my mother could beat.”
After Haugen got KO’d in 5 before 132,247 fans at the Azteca Stadium in Cuidad de Mexico, he was asked about his remark. “Well my mother is pretty tough,” he replied.
Prior to his fight with Cristian Mijares, Jorge Arce said some downright disgusting things about his opponent and his family. Arce would lose a one-sided UD. In preparations for Tomas Rojas last Monday, Arce said: “I deserved the beating I got in my last fight because of all the talk I did before fighting Cristian Mijares. It was a long time since my last loss. I didn’t like it. That’s why my fight on Monday night is very important for me.”
That previous loss came against the great Michael Carbajal via an 11th round TKO in the last century (1999 to be exact). Maybe the new, “kinder” Arce is working as he used a relentless attack to break down Tomas Rojas with referee Joe Cortez stopping things at the one minute mark of round 6.
Jeeves, as you have arrived with the required ingredients for a column ending party I’ll tell you I got an email from Mr. T Wilkinson. It read: “As an avid reader I would like to offer my assistance to Jeeves and accompany him to the dance parlors of Pattaya.”
“Your Lordship, I would love to have him come along on the next tour. It will be held sometime next April and will include dance palaces not only in Pattaya but also Bangkok and Phuket.
“Could you tell me your Lordship, who said the following? ‘Great people talk about ideas; Average people talk about things; small people talk about other people; and legends, like us, never talk - we just drink.’”
Jeeves, that would have to be either Aristotle or WC Fields.
“Wrong again your Lordship ... it was Monkey House Fred, the ‘Sage of Jomtien.’”

Knight goes one better at Emerald

PSC golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Three more outings this week from The Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro but as from October 1 we will be having four trips a week with the addition of a Monday competition.
Tuesday, September 11, Bangpra – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Paul Whitnall (12) 35pts
2nd Philip Knight (12) 34pts c/b
3rd Ray Trembath (10) 34pts c/b
4th Fergus Brennan (10) 33pts c/b
B Flight
1st Bob Short (24) 34pts
2nd Alun Webber (23) 33pts
3rd Ray Baran (22) 30pts c/b
4th Graham Buckingham (24) 30pts
Near Pins: Paul Whitnall, Ebrahim, and Fergus Brennan (2)
2’s: Ebrahim and Eddie Cochrane

Main Picture (Saturday winners): Philip Knight, David Thomas, Amphan North, Eddie Cochrane, Alun Webber and Lars Strom; Inset (Tuesday winners): Ray Baran, Bob Short, Paul Whitnall, Ray Trembath, Alun Webber, Philip Knight.

Paul Whitnall put in a final A Flight win with thirty-five points before his return to England. He rang the bell at the club as a final gesture before his departure. Philip Knight was second with thirty-four points on count back over Ray Trembath.
Bob Short took the B Flight win with thirty-four points, whilst Alun Webber came second with thirty-three points on count back over Ray Baran in third.
It was party time on return to the Travellers Rest in Pattaya as Ann Hiranya celebrated her birthday with a full spread of food for everyone and Fergus presented her with a cake.
Thursday, September 13, Greenwood - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Akitoshi Ito (8) 39pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (10) 37pts
3rd Ebrahim (17) 36pts c/b
4th Sunny Khanna (13) 36pts
B Flight
1st Brian Blackford (19) 39pts
2nd Joe Kubon (29) 37pts
3rd Alun Webber (22) 36pts c/b
4th Peter Marsh (23) 36pts
Near Pins: Del Croft, Jay Perrin, Takeshi Hakozaki, Alun Webber
2’s: Alun Webber, Fergus Brennan, Peter Marsh, Mike Wardman, Del Croft
An excellent turnout saw some strong competitive golf played. Akitoshi Ito was the man who came out on top in the A Flight with thirty-nine points, just a couple ahead of Fergus Brennan in second whilst third spot was decided on count back with Ebrahim taking it from Sunny Khanna.
The B Flight saw Brian Blackford out in front with thirty nine points, two points back in second was Joe Kubon, and Alun Webber took third on a count back from Peter Marsh, both with thirty six points.
Saturday, September 15, Emerald – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Philip Knight (12) 40pts
2nd David Thomas (7) 37pts
3rd Amphan North (14) 34pts
4th Brian Blackford (19) 32pts c/b
B Flight
1st Eddie Cochrane (30) 36pts
2nd Alun Webber (23) 35pts c/b
3rd Lars Strom (25) 35pts
4th Graham Buckingham (24) 31pts c/b
Near Pins: Mod Chauraksa, Philip Knight, Brian Blackford, Frank Kelly
2’s: Philip Knight, Amphan North
We had a great turnout today with two flights. Eddie Cochrane won the B Flight with thirty six points ahead of Alun Webber in second and Lars Strom in third, both on thirty five points. It was a last opportunity for Alun to play before returning to Wales but he has vowed to be back soon.
The A Flight had a lady in the top three in the shape of Amphan North who came third with thirty-four points. David Thomas, seemingly back in form, took second place with thirty seven points, but the man of the day and winner of the flight was Philip Knight with forty points, making it one place better that his second spot on Tuesday.
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.

Lavender smelling of roses after great round

IPGC golf from The Caddyshack

Tuesday’s team winners gather at the Caddyshack.

Tuesday, September 11, Bangpra, Texas-scramble
The Caddyshack put on a two-ball Texas scramble at the lovely Bangpra course, and with 36 golfers signing up and a empty course ahead it was always going to bring out some good scores.
Coming in third place was the team of P.J. Redmond and Trevor Sharmen with a net 67.8, but the battle for first place was a very close run thing with Damien Trante and Keith Fortt coming in with a gross 71 (net 64.8), only to be pipped at the post by Brian Jacks and Phil Smith with a very solid round of gross 69 (net 63.4).
Dean Rae bagged two of the near pin prizes kindly donated by the Caddyshack and Phil Cawse and Geoff Hope got one apiece
Friday, September 14, Sattahip S & E, Stableford
The venue for today was the navy course at Sattahip, and with a large number of golfers signing up we split the players into two groups with the cut being made at 15 and under.
The conditions were far from perfect with most fairways sodden wet and it was decided to employ a ‘pick and place’ ruling on the fairways.
The Division 2 winner with a runaway victory was the in-form Paul Lavender after a great round of 43 points off his 16 Handicap. Second place went to Paul Quadimine on count back over Ramsay Smith, both players scoring 34 points.
Division 1 saw Clive Bruce with net 77 (39 points) in first place ahead of Graham Dietrich in second on a count back over Don Francis.
Near pin prizes went to Dave Smith, Paul Lavender, Graeme Beaumont and Don Francis and there were five 2’s recorded on the day by Barry Reid Taki, Dave Smith, Graeme Beaumont and Don Francis. All the players decided to do a lucky draw with the winner taking the lot and Mr. Takimoto came up as the sole winner to take the pot.
Reminder: Anyone wishing to play golf with The Caddyshack just pop down to the bar on Soi 17, SukSabai and you will be made most welcome.

Freeman shoots 71 off the stick

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, September 10, Mountain Shadow, Stableford
Playing at Mountain Shadow on Monday, Gerry Cooney took over from where he left off the previous week by winning the A Flight with 35 points. John Graham came in second with 34 points and David Day was third with 33 points.
In the B Flight Mick Benton had a rare win, hitting good form and returning a best of the day 38 points, while Geoff Parker claimed the runner-up spot with 35 points to head the early running for the golfer of the month competition. Jim Wooler was in third place, also with 35 points but lost out to Geoff on a count back.
Near pin prizes were spread around between Alain Cipolat, Mick Benton, Jim Wooler and Gerry Cooney.
Wednesday, September 12, Treasure Hill, Stableford
Playing stableford again on Wednesday, John Graham had the best score of the day and won the A Flight with 38 points. John was three ahead of the in-form Gerry Cooney whose second place took him to the top of the standings in the golfer of the month competition. Third place went to Paul Smith with 33 points.
With the cut at handicap 14 and under, Roger Privett again found himself in the B Flight where he won with 35 points after beating Peter Habgood on a count back. Geoff Hart claimed third place with 33 points.
Only three par three greens were hit so Geoff Parker, Gerry Cooney and Paul Smith shared the pot.
Friday, September 14, Phoenix, Medal
The third game of the week was a medal comp held at Phoenix on Friday where Alan Freeman, playing off scratch, had an exceptional round as he beat Paul Smith on a count back to finish first with a one-under par net 71. Third place went to Gary Austin, who also won on a count back, pushing Gerry Cooney into fourth place after both finished with net 73.
Peter Habgood had another fine round, winning the B Flight also with a one-under par net 71. Eddie Martin came second with net 73 and Geoff Parker lost out on a count back to Geoff Hart who claimed third spot with net 76.
Geoff Parker had some consolation by winning one of the near pin prizes along with John Graham, William Macey and Alan Freeman.

Robinson makes his mark at Bangpra

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, September 10, Bangpra, Stableford
The first golf outing from the Outback Golf Bar was played at Bangpra and what a great time was had by all 29 players.
Playing a single stableford event the winners on the day were in A Division; Clive Robinson (7) with a magnificent 41 points, second was Mick Leighton (15) with 35 points, and coming in third was Harvey Samuel (18) with 33 points.
The B Division was won by Brendon Dougle (21) with 37 points on a count back from John Morel (25), and in third was John Khan (25) with 35 points.
There were three 2’s recorded by Mick Leighton Clive Robinson and Bob Philp.
Wednesday, September 12, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
Wednesday’s outing was played at Pattaya Country Club on a course in great condition.
There were two divisions and the premier flight was won by Jack Moseley (12) with 38 points, and second was Geoff Doody (19) with 32 points on a count back from Chris Davisson (13) in third.
Toy Theobald (29) won the B Division with 38 points, second was Peter Allen (29) with 36 points, and coming third was Jochem (28), also on 36 points.
There was only one ‘2’ today and it went to John Khan on the 16th. The hat meanwhile went to Dennis Persson for his fine effort of 20 points.
Friday, September 14, Plutaluang, Stableford
Our first, regular Friday golf trip was to Plutaluang for a stableford comp.
The winner on this day was Sugar Ray Handford (19) with 38 points, second was Jack Moseley (12) with 35 points and third was Neil Hughes (16) with 33 points.
There were three 2’s recorded by Barry Chadbourn, Jack Moseley and Bob Philp whilst the hat went to Trudy Chadbourn, just because she needed something to keep the sun out of her eyes.
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.

Two in a row for Trowell

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

The Thai Navy course at Plutaluang is the Pattaya Golf Society’s current choice of venue for its Sunday stableford events. On September 9 the South and East courses were remarkably less crowded than normal, making for a relaxed competition. The greens were very inconsistent however, as a result of the recent overnight storms which had made regular cutting a problem.

OK Corral ‘Player of the Month’ for August, David Thomas (right) being congratulated by Mr. Denis.
Scores were affected by multi-putt frustrations but a tight tournament still held some excitement. In third place was Len Jones with 32 points, one behind Simon Kendall’s 33, but the winner was Barry Trowell, taking his second consecutive victory, with 34 points.
Simon Kendall also took the day’s 2’s pot for the second successive week with an outstanding 40-foot putt on South 4.
On the other hand old friend Masashi Iizumi had suffered the frustrations of two months back in Japan, golf free, dreaming of his next round in Thailand, and promptly put his first two tee-shots OB! Welcome back Masashi, have a beer on the boss.
Hat-trick for Barry
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Phoenix on Tuesday, 9/11 to play its monthly Order of Merit strokeplay event over the Lakes and Ocean nines. We found the course to be in excellent condition but sadly some of the pins had been positioned on slopes, in particular on the notorious Lakes #3 where some six years ago with the same flag position the average number of putts for the group was a staggering 4+. This day it was no different with many a card ruined after this hole.
Of those who managed to survive, Sunny Khanna announced his return with an excellent net 73 to take third place, one shot behind the perpetual “bridesmaid” Joop Medze, whose form continues to be very consistent. The day’s winner however was Barry Trowell who continues to make an impact and made this his third event win in a row, this time with net 70.
The day’s best gross of 83 was achieved by Kiwi David Thomas who had forsaken the solace of the “Jack Tar Bar” in Soi 6 and put all thoughts of a certain World Cup event to the back of his mind for a few hours.
The day’s sole birdie ‘2’ went to Bill Hewitt for his tap-in on Ocean 7 and the near-pins, very generously sponsored by Ian Wilson and Simon Kendall, were won by Keith Hewitt (2) and Bill Hewitt. The fourth prize was held over until Green Valley two days later.
As usual the Booby Bevy was reserved for the least impressive card of the day and on this occasion it was fitting that “new” man Richard Newman should receive it for his forgettable debut round at the course. Things will get better Richard!
Joop, Joop Hurray!
Thursday, September 13, saw the Pattaya Golf Society return to Green Valley to play a stableford event and we found the course in its usual fine condition.
Hampered by a strong breeze throughout, white tees set well back and slick greens, the large group found scoring tricky but Mikael Anderson, firing the day’s best gross of 81, managed to garner 32 points for a share of third place with Ban Chang soulmate Arthur Hancock.
Barry Trowell and Joop Medze found their roles reversed from Tuesday as Barry posted a level par return of 36 points, only to be usurped by Joop’s fine score of 38 points. After weeks of jousting the Dutchman had finally dropped his “bridesmaid” tag in favour of the major honour.
The day’s only birdie ‘2’ meant the pot went to Mikael Andersson for his effort on the seventeenth and he found it was supplemented by sponsorship from Ian Wilson and Simon Kendall, as their proposed near-pin on the second found no takers. Many found the green but failed to stop their shots on the slick surface.
Old friend Kazu Agune returned with trepidation, in fear of the Booby Bevy, but it went instead to Keith Hector whose customary arrival three days before had been eclipsed by his two near-pin prizes at Phoenix. Inevitably 24 points gives you nowhere to run!

Tough pin positions play havoc at Phoenix

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, September 11, Phoenix Lakes & Ocean, Stableford
1st Jeff Wylie (4) 36pts
2nd Neil Ormsby (18) 34pts
3rd Neil Duncan (14) 33pts
One of the many joys of playing Phoenix is the superb condition of the course’s fairways. If only all fairways could be as good.
One could believe on this day that the green keepers had a sense of mischief about them when they sighted the perpendicular pin positions on Lakes 2 & 3. I know I racked up seven putts on the two greens and I don’t think any of the other three in my group did any better.
All three of the podium finishers had a near pin and Jeff slotted a ‘2.’ Meanwhile Georgio bagged the longest first putt on 18.
Thursday, September 13, Plutaluang North and West, Stableford
1st Jeff Wylie (4) 34pts
2nd Bruce Lawrence (11) 33pts
3rd Neil Duncan (14) 30pts c/b
4th Ray Bridgeman (18) 30pts
A dozen of us pegged it up on Thursday to Plutaluang Navy. After North #3 had swallowed the usual one ball per player ‘tax’ it was on to take on ‘The Cobra” (West) which swallowed up a whole lot more. Navy is the scribe’s favorite venue but some players find the ‘trees in the fairway’ feature a tough test of their skill and patience.
Jeff, Bruce and Neil each had a near pin and Paul Smylie bagged the longest first putt on #18. Paul was so delighted that it was beers all round on him at the ultra cool Paradise Bar afterwards.

The Moonshine Place Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League

Knockout Cup 2nd Round

The second round of the Jomtien Pool League’s Knockout (League) Cup and the first round of the Plate competition were played on Thursday, 13th September. The winners in both sections go through to the respective semi-finals. The draw for these matches will be made next week and they are scheduled to be played on 18th October.
Knockout Cup 2nd Round Results: Baan Jomtien 3 v 10 Flying Dolphins, San Snack Bar 13 v 2 De Pijp, Man in the Moon 10 v 3 Moonshine Place, DK Bar 7 v 6 Simple Simon
Plate 1st Round Results: Cosy Bar 2 v 11 Caddy Shack, Woaw’s Pub 6 v 7 Blue Room, Good Time Bar 9 v 4 Golden Inn, The Windmill 7 v 6 Party Times