The PSC 73rd Members Golf Tournament

The winning team - Richard Kubicki, Carole Kubicki, Peter Hammond and Marty Allred with Golf Chairman Tony Oakes (2nd left).

Derek Brook
Friday, November 2, and this promised to be a different type of day. First we were playing the October tournament in November, due to that other little competition down at Siam Old Course. Secondly we were playing a format we had not tried before, and the day was completely booked as it is now into the ‘High Season’.

Ed Trayling (center) received a surprise 79th Birthday presentation from the PSC President and the Golf Chairman.

We shall of course have another ‘Monthly Tournament’ this month so the players will not get withdrawal symptoms, however, after the success of this format the future is open to all sorts of new ideas. The competition was to be a ‘Florida Scramble’ and if you do not know what that is, it is too complicated to describe, suffice to say it was a scramble with a few twists thrown in, and as said it was enjoyed by all. Especially the 4 drives per player rule that sorted the men from the boys. Oh yes, and we also had a ‘Special Birthday’, but more later.
It is a long drive up to Greenwood, however a friendly face was there to greet us all, as sat at the desk was Tim, in fact maybe it was the superglue because he was still sat there when we all came in. It is a long day for the people who control the day and particular thanks, said the ‘Golf Chairman, should go to Tim. Thanks Tim.
The players were to play the A & B Nines, and were to tee off on both layouts. As is normal the course tried to slip a few groups in the middle but they were shunted off to the C course by an alert Tim who did actually get out into the fresh air a couple of times to burst into flames.
The course here was in excellent condition, and the Greenwood staff deserve praise for presenting it thus. The course has been steadily improving for the past couple of years and is now one of ‘the’ places to visit.
Needless to say we had high winds, and this seemed to blow off some of the more fancied groups, however as the scores started to come in it was obvious that there were some fine scores. It was also obvious that the winning scores were going to produce some quite tight results.
When we were finished the Golf Chairman once more saw his blood pressure rise as he saw we had been put outside in the Terrace Restaurant that quite frankly is pretty small, however the Club had put out many extra tables and somehow we all managed to squeeze in. Thanks go to someone who arranged for it not to rain but it did look dark at times and was quite bracing.
The changing rooms here are well appointed and have been renovated of late, so it is a good facility, and just outside is the Terrace where we all met. Before the competition results were read out a surprise presentation was given.
One of our members had his 79th birthday on this day, and the PSC President, Dennis Willet, came to the microphone, and along with the Golf Chairman, Tony Oakes, made a presentation to Ed Trayling. We managed to get the microphone away from Ed before he broke into song, however, as Ed said, he didn’t expect to make 79 but he’ll give us a song next year.
So to the winners, and the scores were tremendous, and the competition was really tight with all the winners within 1 shot.
In fourth place with a very creditable 56.95 off a handicap of 10.05 was the team of Harvey Samuel, Barry Rothberg, Bernie Seagrave and Mab Jiwa.
In third place and just edging out the fourth, with a score of 56.6 off a handicap of 8.4 was the team of Jack Mosely, Sugar Ray, Roger Koeler and Simon Philbrook.
In second, once again just a fraction ahead, with a score of 56.5 off a handicap of 10.5 was the team of Thomas Johannson, Brian McDonald, Lui Gui Lan and Alan Ewing.
So to the winners, and with a score of 56.25 off a handicap of 9.75 Richard Kubicki, Carole Kubicki, Peter Hammond and Marty Allred proved the best on the day, well done.
T.T.F.N.
Long Drive: (0-18) Simon Philbrook, (19-36) Travis Mitchell, (Ladies) Intira Goransson
Near Pin: Tony Oakes, Thomas Johannson, Jim Treen, Bernie Seagrave, Travis Mitchell, William Chang, Ken Ince, Mark Guthrie, Intira Goranson, Amphan North (2), Mod Churaska

Trowell finds the top again

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Ontario’s “Bunker Boys” (in white) and the team from the Pattaya Golf Society on the first tee at The Emerald before their match-play event on Wednesday.

After an absence of two weeks when the group were preoccupied with rugby, the OK Corral’s PGS Sunday roadshow returned to Plutaluang on October 28 to play its usual single flight stableford event over the North and West Nines.
The large field assembled to welcome newcomer Janne Kekkonen and the returning Jesper Hansen to the round and both were to struggle in the excessively humid conditions. Not so the principals however, as David Thomas and Jorma Liila tied for third place with good scores of 34 points whilst another Finn, Pekka Markkanen held down second place with a fine 35 points off his five handicap.
Having been savaged only a day before by the Handicapper, Barry Trowell threw off the shackles of a three-shot cut to post yet another excellent return, this time 37 points, and take the win. His secret is that he hits straight and rarely finds trouble off the fairways, which at this course in particular offers a huge advantage. “Rule 19” hovers however!
Four golfers took shares of the 2’s pot with David Thomas, Peter Masters, John Wassall and Petri Takunnen benefiting from accurate tee-shots and assured putting.
Mike Ensor sponsored two “near-pins” and had the audacity to win one himself, the other going to Pekka Markkanen.
Jesper’s struggle in the conditions made him the recipient of the Booby Bevy but he always finds a welcome like this after his first round back. The Booby nearly went to organiser Len Jones, who had to miss the event after a “blowout” on Sukhumvit, his text message being later misread by Mr. Denis. Sundays are such fun!
Golf’s true meaning
Even in golf some things are hard to believe. Seven years ago when the Pattaya Golf Society went “public” as “The Bunker Boys” at www.thebunkerboys.com, they became aware of another group with the same soubriquet, half a world away in Ontario in Canada. The worst kept secret at the OK Corral for the last two months has been the imminent arrival of their Canadian cousins and on October 30 they arrived in Soi Rungland!
Six outstanding golfers from the group were staying in Pattaya for a few days and the obvious welcome was a match-play event hosted by The Emerald club the following day.
The Canadian Team, led by Fritz Krell consisted of low handicappers Fred Huxley, Rob MacMillan, Jeff Pettit, Scott Pym and Ken Lankshear and the PGS team was led by David Thomas with team-mates Mike Ensor, Craig Boyd, Erik Antonnen, Len Jones and Ray Underwood.
Unknown to the PGS was the fact that The Emerald reminded the Canadians so much of courses in Ontario that the visitors immediately felt at ease on the rolling links in Ban Chang. Such was the power of their game that only David Thomas of the host team posted a win, the others falling at the feet of their Canadian cousins who ran out 5 - 1 winners.
It had been a day of mixed emotions and the celebrations back at the OK Corral were long lasting afterwards. The following day saw the teams, augmented by another twenty regulars, play a “South African Pairs” stableford event at Bangpra which also had an individual event incorporated with two flights cut at seventeen and under.
The late night at the OK had left some of the visitors comatosed and the locals performed better with Niilo Olonen and partner Na Srionrod in impressive form recording 64 points for third place, twelve behind Ray Underwood and Ray Jackson and a further nine behind the 85 point score of the winners, Ken Lankshear and Ray Jackson, playing for two teams under this format.
Individual flight winners were Fritz Krell, Na Srionrod and Ray Jackson in the top flight and Ray Underwood and Paul Brett chasing Ken Lankshear in the lower flight.
The two competitions had united comrades across half a world and in an age of sporting ultra-competitiveness only the noble game of golf could do that, creating so many new friendships in the way it did. Its true spirit had surfaced again to remind us all what the game is about. Here’s to the next time lads!

Bob & Gordon a class apart

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, October 29, Pattaya C.C., 2-Man Scramble
1st Bob Philp & Gordon Everingham net 62
2nd Mick Abbott and Tony Glidden net 66.4
3rd Jack Moseley and Jack Spencer net 67.2
Once again the Outback descended on Pattaya Country Club on this autumn day on which one or two were still nursing sore heads after a great opening party on Saturday night.
It is amazing how the changes in seasons are seldom noticed out here, but the big tree on the right of the 9th fairway is almost bereft of leaves – wonderful thing nature.
The club house we were pleased to see was still standing but the men’s changing rooms were closed after the recent fire. We didn’t realise how pampered the ladies are. Talking of which, well done Laura in the Honda event just up the road which finished so dramatically the day before.
The format was a two man scramble with sixteen teams taking part. The course played pretty much as always with the ball skipping this way and that on fairways and greens alike, but the format suited it and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Bob Philp and Gordon Everingham took the honours with a ridiculous score of sixty-two and were so embarrassed they rang the bell. If they had not done so the Hat would have been theirs, as it was no Hat was awarded.
Wednesday, October 31, Burapha
A Flight
1st Bob Wighton 41pts
2nd Mick Leighton 40pts
3rd Jack Spencer 37pts
B Flight
1st Peter Harris 40pts
2nd Ken Little 37pts
3rd Paul Crosland 36pts
C Flight
1st Peter Allen 44pts
2nd Nigel Cannon 37pts
3rd John Lawton 36pts
2’s: Bob Wighton (2), Alan Bishop, Dave Arrowsmith, Frank O’Neill, Peter Allen
On a beautifully cool day a big field of thirty-seven Outbackers locked horns and buggied off amongst the hills and hummocks of loops A and B on this fine course. Keeping to the nature theme we noticed that the black swans have had some youngsters.
We welcomed Lindsy Joshua’s return from injury which he celebrated by scoring just one-over on the par threes, and that was about it. Talking of injuries I have to report one sustained by Frank O’Neill in the Outback car park when Paul Crossland attacked him with his bootlid after Frank had asked him if he’d like to drive. Happily Frank survived. The only other injuries were two buggies which failed to finish.
With the large number of players taking part there were three groups and some handsome scores were returned, and with the exception of Peter Allen who ran away with it in division C, scoring was fairly close.
Sugar Ray received the Hat for the shot of the day, a perfectly struck three wood off the fairway which perfectly struck a marker post dead centre and ended up behind him.
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. More information can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.
The November Monthly Bus Trip, on November 28, has been changed to Royal Lakeside as Kiartee Thani wanted an extortionate green fee!

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Pompey outshadow the ‘Big Boys’

What a weekend. Setting the results aside for just a moment, some of the individual goals scored in the Premier League this week could quite easily make up the year’s ‘Goal of the Season’ competition all by themselves. Lee Carsley of Everton and Simon Davies of Fulham deserve honorary mentions, but did anyone catch Noe Paramot’s screamer for Portsmouth against Newcastle? It’ll take something pretty special to beat that.
What’s more, perhaps the most entertaining rivalry of the last ten years has been rekindled. Arsenal and Manchester United have seen their domestic dominance challenged in recent seasons by Chelsea and to some extent Liverpool, but Saturday’s game at the Emirates Stadium brought back memories of the classic matches involving the likes of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
I always loved those matches. You could be certain that at some stage during the 90 minutes the tackling would get fiercer and that, eventually, it would all kick off.
No sign of any argy-bargy at the weekend, but the league’s two best sides squared up and played out a battle of different sorts. Arsene Wenger’s men equalised in the dying moments to salvage a 2-2 draw, but it was no less than the London side deserved and the result leaves the two still locked at the top of the table with the same points and goal difference, even though the Gunners have a game in hand.
A good job it was entertaining, as apparently over a billion viewers across the globe tuned in for the fixture. A billion! Proof, if ever it was needed, of the vastness of the division’s ever-increasing popularity in the world today.
I’d be surprised if Newcastle and Portsmouth’s clash at St. James’ Park drew in quite that many armchair fans, but even so it’s time to appreciate the fine results that Harry Redknapp has been gathering. Playing against a side unbeaten at home this season Portsmouth found themselves 3-0 up inside the first eleven minutes, thanks largely to the African contingent now establishing itself at the club. Benjani, the league’s top scorer, once again got his name onto the scoresheet as the South Coast side eventually ran out 4-1 winners.
The result, the club’s fifth straight victory and their first win at St. James Park in 58 years, will cause a few sides to sit up and take notice of the pace and power of Redknapp’s side; something that worries the manager. “I only hope this result doesn’t mean people are taking notice of us now. I just want us to keep picking up points away from home like we have been doing,” he told reporters after the game.
But just as the Fratton Park garden is looking rosy, the prospect of the upcoming African Nations Cup looks set to hand Pompey a body blow come January. The side had four African players in their starting line-up and two more on the bench on Saturday, and the prospect of losing the likes of Ghana’s Sulley Muntari, Senegal’s Papa Bouba Diop and Nigeria’s John Utaka fills Redknapp with concern.
“We’re a big, strong, imposing team with ability and a bit of pace but we’ll lose four or five players for the Nations Cup and that will leave us short”, said Redknapp.
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce - who revealed that absent goalkeeper Shay Given is out for up to three weeks with a groin problem - pulled few punches after a first home defeat of the season. “I’m devastated and completely gutted because the team I put out on the field is an extension of me,” he said. “We had a lot of Premier League experience out there but we were our own worst enemy.
“All the hard work we put in during the week was destroyed by basic errors gifting Portsmouth early goals. We can’t carry on defending like that but I can’t cut out players making basic errors.”
Tottenham pulled out of the bottom three with a draw at Middlesbrough, the club’s first league game under the stewardship of Juande Ramos. The Spaniard’s move to Spurs has been one of the manager transfers this season that have caused FIFA president Sepp Blatter to call for an end to mid-season manager trading. “We’ll try to extend the rule that is valid for players to coaches,” Blatter told La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about Ramos’ switch and Ronald Koeman’s departure from PSV Eindhoven to Valencia.
Anyway onto this weekend, and we kick off with what could be a tasty encounter between Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. And if that particular derby doesn’t get your football juices flowing, perhaps you might like to try Birmingham against Aston Villa on Sunday. There’s something for everyone – even a billion of us – and with the quality of goals, sexy football from traditionally un-sexy sides such as Portsmouth and a healthy rivalry at the top, sometimes it’s hard to find anything to complain about. But then there’s always next week.
Redknapp for England
Talking of Harry Redknapp, how about the cockney wide-boy for England manager once Steve McClown finally gets the boot? I’ve heard worse ideas. McClown is treading on thin ice, and the dowdy ex-Middlesbrough boss had further cause for worry last week after German legend Franz Beckenbauer offered his less than scintillating impression of the England team.
“A European Championship without England wouldn’t be the same,” said Der Kaiser when asked about England’s plight in the European Championship qualifiers. “That would be a big loss.”
The German spoke of his amazement at England’s lack of commitment during Germany’s 2-1 win at Wembley in August. “It was like a school team, they were not talking and not supporting,” he said. “That was the biggest surprise. There is no life in this team. The first time I played against England in 1965 and then during the World Cup in 1966 there was always a certain spirit.”
Skipper gets boozing
South Korea captain Lee Woon-jae delivered a tearful apology after admitting to a late-night drinking session with team mates during the Asian Cup in Jakarta, said a Reuters report last Thursday.
Goalkeeper Lee, Lee Dong-Guk, Kim Sang-Sik and Woo Sung-Yong left the team base to go drinking after Korea’s shock 2-1 loss to Bahrain on July 15, the Korea Football Association (KFA) said. “There is no room for excuses,” said a tearful Lee at the KFA headquarters on Tuesday. “I was captain at the time and I will accept any punishment the association hands me.” The KFA issued a public apology on its Web site.

Lars Strom is ‘golfer of the month’

PSC golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Another busy week for the Travellers Rest with the now four days of outings. After the Monday visit to Green Valley and Tuesday to Crystal Bay and the checking of the months records, Lars Strom was announced as “Golfer of the Month” for October. Congratulations goes out to him from all his fellow golfers.
Monday, October 29, Green Valley, Stableford
1st David Boran (14) 39pts c/b
2nd Seamus Farrell (36) 39pts c/b

Saturday winners: Fergus Brennan, Mike Ensor, Ann Hiranya, Mab Jiwa,Mod Chaviraksa,Geoff Beckett; Inset Left – Golfer of the Month – Lars Strom; Inset Right – Monday winners: Seamus Farrell, David Boran,Akitoshi Ito and John Dahlseng.

3rd Akitoshi Ito (7) 39pts
4th John Dahlseng (18) 36pts
Near pins: Fergus Brennan, Brian MacDonald, Mashi Kaneta, Akitoshi Ito
2’s: Mashi Kaneta, Liu Gui Lan and Akitoshi Ito
Monday at Green Valley and one flight saw David Boran take top place in a three-way count back from Seamus Farerell, and Akitoshi Ito, all with thirty-nine points, with John Dalseng in fourth spot on thirty-six.
Tuesday, October 30, Crystal Bay C & A, Stableford
1st Lars Strom (24) 41pts
2nd John Dahlseng (18) 40pts c/b
3rd Noel Jackson (20) 40pts c/b
4th Tony Geeland (21) 40
5th Paul Challis (36) 36pts
Near Pins: Noel Jackson (2) John Dahlseng, Terry Smith
2’s: Noel Jackson, Rose Jackson, Dave Askew
Tuesday at Crystal Bay had Lars Strom compound his position in the golfer of the month competition with a win again on count back from John Dahlseng and Tony Geeland, all on forty points, with Paul Challis in fourth spot on thirty-six.
Thursday, November 1, Greenwood
A Flight (0-15) Medal
1st Fergus Brennan (9) net 72 c/b
2nd Tony Molloy (11) net 72
3rd Mab Jiwa (14) net 74
B Flight (19 up) Stableford
1st Steve Gould (20) 38pts
2nd Peter Marsh (23) 37pts
3rd Tony Burnett (21) 35pts
Near Pins: Terry Smith, John Merritt, Peter Marsh, Brian Macdonald
2’s: Fergus Brennan Brian MacDonald
Thursday at Greenwood saw our organiser Fergus Brennan back on form with a win in the medal event for the A flight again on count back from Tony Molloy, both with net 72. Mab Jina was in third spot with a net 74.
In the stableford B flight it was a win for Steve Gould with 38 points over Peter Marsh in second with 37 and Tony Burnett third on 35.
Saturday, November 3, Eastern Star - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight (0-16) Medal
1st Mike Ensor (12) net 75
2nd Mab Jiwa (14) net 76 c/b
3rd Fergus Brennan (9) net 76
4th Akitoshi Ito (8) net 77c/b
5th David Thomas net 77
B Flight (17up) Stableford
1st Mod Chaviraksa (20) 34pts c/b
2nd Geoff Beckett (27) 34pts c/b
3rd Ann Hiranya (30) 33pts
4th Alan Evans (28) 32pts
Near Pins: Chaten Patel (2), Mike Ensor, Ann Hiranya
2’s: Chaten Patel, Andy Galvin
Saturday and our now regular visit to Eastern Star saw a large turn out and the A flight held as a medal comp. The victor was Mike Ensor with a net 75, second place was Mab Jiwa on count back from Fergus Brennan, both on net 76.
The B flight as a stableford saw the ladies back in the frame with a win for Mod Chaviraksa on count back from Geoff Beckett on 34 points each and Ann Hiranya in third with 33.
Reminder: If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at7:45am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

Herb’s hot putter steals the show

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

October 23 and the weather started to turn around. It looks like the winds out of the north are starting to roll in. It will dry out the course and scores should start dropping. As it turned out, the day’s score did not prove out.

Herb Ishinaga (left) and Paul Kraft after the final October outing to Pattaya Country Club.

Dale Murphy came in with a high of 37 points to take top honors and Bob Benda shot only 34 to come in second. At first we thought it was the end of the month but Tuesday, October 30, would be the last day and it was for October’s winner.
Well the 30th rolled in, and with a good field, the scores improved over the previous week.
Two of the old-timer’s, Herb Ishinaga and Paul Kraft, stole the show. Herb’s putter was hot as he rolled in putt after putt to take the top spot with 41 points. It was the first time in a while that he even made his handicap. Paul could have easily been the winner but his game fell apart around the golden triangle.
Coming in at their handicaps were Rich Murphy and Larry Emerson. Both shot 36 points - not enough to reach the top. By next week, with the weather changing for the better, scores should start to improve dramatically.
Hope to see you out there.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

I hate to be the guy to rain on someone’s parade but I didn’t think Calzaghe-Kessler lived up to advance billing. The Yank feed had one brainless commentator (that would be Max Kellermen) saying, “This is a great fight. It brings back memories of Leonard-Hearns and Grazziano-Zale.”
That is pure, unadulterated hog doodle.
Calzaghe-Kessler resembled Graziano-Zale in the same way that the chorus line at Tiffany’s resembles the Radio City Music Hall chorus. They use music, they dance, have great costumes and think their ladies, but there the resemblance ends.
Please let’s get serious. For the record Graziano-Zale fought three times over the course of two years. Zale won the bookend bouts, that’s 1 and 3 for those of you that attended public school, while Graziano got a 6th round KO in the second fight. Graziano was floored for no-count in the third round. In the sixth round Zale took a barrage of over thirty punches while on the ropes, and the referee stopped the fight.
H’mmmm, doesn’t sound like Calzaghe-Kessler to me.
In the first fight, held in Yankee Stadium, Zale got a 6 round KO but looked the worse for wear. The Associated Press reported: “Zale had to be propped up and led around the ring carefully as he waved to the crowd after his left-hook KO’d Graziano. He looked like a man who had been in hand-to-hand combat with a buzz saw. Graziano was down for a 5-count in the first round, Zale was on the floor at the bell for round two with the count reaching three. A right to the mid-section followed by a left ended the fight.”
The bout was voted fight of the year in 1946. Not a lot of Calzaghe-Kessler there. The third fight had Zale ahead from the opening bell until the 3rd round KO.
So please you mindless twit, if you don’t have something factual, intelligent or knowledgeable to say, “Put a board in your pie hole.” One of the other announcers, Jim ‘I am God’ Lamply, imparted this gem: “Kessler’s mom is English and his father’s Danish. So he’s half English and half British.”
The win for Calzaghe (44-0) hopefully will stop critics that claim “he hasn’t fought anybody.” That’s wrong - he’s fought them all and won. He’s got belts from the WBC, WBA, and WBO to prove it.
He took on Jeff Lacy and gave him a lesson, which is what he did to Kessler (39-1). It was a pretty darn good showing by Calzaghe. Kessler just flat didn’t do enough except in rounds 10 and 12 when he actually seemed to fight with some emotion. Some will claim that the lack of emotion is a “Nordic” temperament thing. If true, it didn’t help Kessler when he came against the relentless attacking style of Calzaghe.
Calzaghe fought like a man that was the big favorite before his home country crowd of over 50,000 at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. It should be noted that the 50,000 in attendance, who were well fortified with the local lager, never let out a “resounding roar” during the fight. They cheered but never “roared” as one would expect from a great fight. Calzaghe was confident and never in any trouble regardless of a couple of solid uppercuts that should have slowed him down but didn’t.
It’s probably true that Kessler couldn’t perform in his usual style because Calzaghe just wouldn’t let him. “A good offense is a good defense”, would certainly fit the description of the fight. There probably would have been at least one knockdown but for referee Mike Ortega. In the 9th round Calzaghe landed his best power punch of the night. As he went to follow up, Ortega separated the boxers and stopped the action to warn Calzaghe about holding. Nice job Mike “Not Ready for prime Time “ Ortega.
It would be nice if sanctioning bodies would stop playing politics and get a referee that actually had great ability for a fight of this magnitude. The best referee in the world is the one that you never know is in the ring.
One last comment on the “Babbling Boobs” on TV. Lamps opined: “Kessler probably thinks it will be hard for him to win a decision here in Calzaghe’s country.”
Ok Jimmy, and that would be why? The Italian judge Massimo Barrovecchio had it 116-112, as did Yank John Stewart, while Yank Raul Caiz had it 117-111. Again Jimmy could you explain again why Kessler might think the judges would be biased?
The Square Ring had it 117-114, as it was close because of too many rounds that were a “toss of the coin” from a decision. Having made some same day equine investments that didn’t turn out well, the Square Ring was without coin.
There has always been a connection between show business and the sport of boxing. Heavyweight championship fights, in the day, usually held in New York City would draw the elite from the entertainment and political world. Many argue, with some substance, that politicians are just second rate actors that no one wants to kiss. Is up to you. Today actors like Sly Stallone and Adam Sandler still can be seen ringside at big fights.
The one modern day fighter that was a merging of the fields was Muhammad Ali. He was a boxer, a politician and above all an entertainer. Recently singer/actor Robert Goulet died in a Los Angeles while awaiting a lung transplant. Old geezers may remember that for boxing fans Goulet’s name will always be linked with Ali and boxing.
On February 25, 1964 Cassius Marcellus Clay shocked the sports world by stopping the ‘Big Bad Bear’ Sonny Liston in 7. Liston quit sitting on his corner stool with a shoulder injury that was caused by getting his butt kicked. Many don’t realize that at the time he quit all three judges had the fight scored even. True fact.
After the fight Clay would change his name first to Muhammad X and then Muhammad Ali. The rematch took place in the most unlikely place of Lewiston, Maine before a crowd of 2,434 and a nation wide TV audience. In addition to the strange venue the referee was former heavyweight champion Jersey Joe Walcott and one judge former heavyweight Coley Wallace (20-7). Wallace’s boxing career wasn’t much but he did play Joe Louis in ‘The Joe Louis Story’ on the big screen.
Robert Goulet shot to stardom in the early 1960’s when he stared in Camelot on Broadway. A Canadian by birth, Goulet would later move to Las Vegas and become a part of the Vegas scene. In the reams and reams written upon his death, not one word was written about his involvement in the Ali-Liston rematch.
Goulet was hired to sing the American national anthem, which with his big voice suited him to a “T”. One minor problem was that halfway through his performance he forgot the words. Just flat forgot the words. That should have sounded the alarm bell for what was to follow when Ali KO’d Liston at 2:12 with a punch that no one saw expect those that believe that Elvis will return and “I love you all my heart” is a valid contract. Ok, the late Howard Cosell claims he saw it but them Howard saw lots of things.
One has to wonder if maybe there’s something in the water in the ‘Land of Aussie.’ Light heavyweights are dying to get into the ring with one of the better-known Yanks like Roy Jones jr. or Antonio Tarver. A trip to the USA means a darn good payday. Well Danny Green yelled long and loud to finally nail a fight against Antonio Tarver in the USA on national TV. The December 1 bout would have been the national exposure Green wanted but now the fights off. Instead Green has decided to stay home and fight WBA (We Be Average) light heavyweight champ Stipe Drews (32-1).
Stipe Drews? What does the Square Ring know about Drews? He’s a 6’5" southpaw from Croatia who’s only loss came to Aussie Paul Briggs in a WBC (We Be Champions) title eliminator.
“This fight will be a tough job,” said Drews. “With Danny Green, I have a hard nut to crack. I am doing very well in training camp, my trainer is very happy and we will be ready to take on this tough Australian. By the way, in Australia I have something to make up for so I will put this man in his place and win clearly!”
Some think that Drews has more tomato cans in his cupboard than an Italian chef.
Interesting title fight last Sunday in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun.’ Thailand’s Denkaosan Kaowichit (40-1) travelled for his long awaited shot at the WBA flyweight title against Takefumi Sakata (31-4-1). Joe Koizumi wrote that Sakata barely kept his belt on a split draw over twelve see-saw rounds. The champion climbed off the canvas in the first round, withstood the solid punches of Kaowichit and dominated the game from the eighth round on to overcome the early deficits on points.
Could this have been a case of a hometown decision by hometown judges? Probably not as none of the judges were from Japan. Gustavo Padilla had 113-113, Mikael Hook 114-112 for the challenger and judge Francisco Martinez 112-115 for Sakata.
Kaowichit is an interesting fighter. He was a Muay Thai star who turned to conventional boxing by winning his first fight and a PABA regional title. He defended that title 35 times. His only loss prior to last Sunday was against Eric Morel in 2002. The fight held in Southern California was fairly one sided with Morel getting an 11-round KO after dropping Kaowichit twice in that round. The referee was Raul Cauz, the judge from the Calgazhe fight. See how The Square Ring tries to tie things up?
“Your Lordship?”
Yes Jeeves
“Your Lordship, it looks like you’ve had a little help from your friends and finished another 1,800 words of wisdom. One of your writing colleagues Mr. Tom Hauser got himself in a tight spot with a recent column when he wrote about manager Scott Hirsch.
“Mr. Hirsch penned a response: ‘First I want to make the declaration that Tom is a heck of a boxing writer, and that I respect his work. That being said, in his article he implied that I am insane, an insincere phony, and that I was crooked and might bribe officials. He even inferred that I was a lawyer. I’ll let the first four things go, but get this right: I am not a lawyer and how dare you insinuate that I am.’”
Jeeves, we’ll drink to that.

David plays double ‘bridesmaid’

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Tuesday, October 30, Plutaluang N & W - White Tees, Stableford
1st Mike Brooke (35) 36pts
2nd David Gardner (8) 35pts
3rd Bruce Lawrence (10) 32pts c/b
4th Bob Drumm (10) 32pts
5th Neil Duncan (15) 32pts
Near Pin: W3 & N3 Jeff Wylie, N6 Willy Nachbur, W8 Neil Duncan.
Long 1st Putt (18th): Bob Drumm

Tuesday’s winners: (L-R) Neil Duncan, Bob Drumm, Mike Brooke, David Gardner, Bruce Lawrence.

A goodly group of 18 including 3 new participants Bob, Daryl and Jim had a split start and, with the notable exception of one group, got round the course in double quick time.
Navy North & West are a tough test of golfing skill which was reflected by the average score of 26 points excluding one no-return. Stalwart supporters of the group, Messrs. Hacker, Shanker and Slash duly invigorated by the Honda LPGA at Siam Country Club tried desperately to emulate the professional golf swing but to no avail of course.
Thursday, November 1,
The Emerald - White Tees, Stableford
1st Ian Campbell (26) 36pts
2nd David Gardner (8) 35pts c/b
3rd Neil Duncan (15) 35pts
4th Jeff Wylie (6) 35pts
5th Bob Drumm (10) 33pts c/b
6th Roy Pimblett (20) 33pts
A formidable field of 16 enjoyed pleasant weather on this very pleasant golf course although the round took over 5 hours. High season cometh!
Roy Pimblett really put his hand deep into the goody jar grabbing two near pins and longest putt on the 18th green, whilst Willy Nachbur and Mike Brooke enjoyed the other two near pin biscuits.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Gordon breaks his duck in monthly comp

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, October 29, Bangpra, Medal
On Monday the Bunker Boys travelled to Bangpra for a medal competition with only two games left in the month to find out who would become golfer of the month.

Gordon Melia, October’s golfer of the month with wife Marion.

It was a close call between Paul Smith and Gordon Melia and both of them had a great round here, sharing first place along with Tony Robbins and Tony Scambler all four carding a one-under par net 71 to share the A Flight first prize.
In the B Flight John Truman had a rare win by the same score, net 71, ahead of Jim Wooler net 72 and third placed Brian Maddox, net 75.
Alan Sullivan, PJ Redmond, Tony Scambler and Bryan Rought shared the near pin prizes.
Wednesday,October 31,Pattana, Stableford
Playing stableford at the lovely Pattana Golf and Sports Resort on Wednesday, William Macey came back to form to win the A Flight with an impressive 39 points, six points ahead of John McDonald 33 points in second with Alan Campbell 32 points in third placed.
Neither Gordon Melia nor Paul Smith got in the points which left Gordon the winner of the golfer of the month trophy for the first time ever due to his narrow advantage going into the day’s game. So well done Gordon!
Geoff Hart had a rare win in the B Flight winning with 34 points on a count back ahead of the unlucky Granville Swanton and third place went to David Johnson also on a count back ahead of Peter Habgood.
Friday, November 2, Plutaluang, Medal
The Royal Thai Navy Course was the venue for the first medal comp of the month.
Some great scores were posted, the best of them coming in the B Flight where Alan Sullivan came into the clubhouse with a fantastic 7-under par net 65, disappointing second placed Gary Austin who was sure he would win with a four-under par net 68 but he had to settle for the runner up prize. Eddie Martin was third with a modest two-over net 74.
In the A Flight Gordon Melia continued with his good form to win with a net 68, one shot ahead of Tony Robbins net 69 and Gerry Cooney claimed third place after a count back.
The John Preddy Memorial Tournament will be played on November 23 at the Eastern Star Golf Course – call into The Bunker Bar to make your booking early to avoid disappointment!

A family affair at Phoenix

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

Wednesday, October 31, Phoenix, Stableford
After some memorable golf at the Black Mountain and Springfield courses in Hua Hin we returned back to our normal format of Monday, Wednesday and Fridays here in Pattaya. There were an amazing 40 names on the board to play our last game at Phoenix before the price is hiked up for the high season.
Keep it in the family came to mind when in the stableford competition in Division 2, Mam Morel’s 41 points took pole position, while in second place Jean Morel pipped poor Burnie Sinclair, yet again losing on a count back of 22/20 after both finished with 37 points.
In Division 1 Ted Morris came in first with 37 points, with Sassa beating Tom Sathrum 17/16 on the count back for second, both finishing with 34 points.
In the 2’s competition in Division 1 there was a high rollover from Emerald and a moderate one from Treasure Hill and for the first time since we started this society, two people scored two birdies each on the par threes to split the pot, well done Anita Davies and Ravio Velsberg. Page Thomas was the only winner in Division 2.
Nearest the pins today had a very cosmopolitan listing with Anita, Arvo, Sassa and Trond winning in Division 1 and Glyn, Jean, Per and Roger in the second division.
November 2, Eastern Star – Stableford
With 31 out today at our no frills normal Friday round there were two divisions with four prizes in each division. A warm welcome was given to Fred Duffy after his return from the UK after a six month absence. It was also Tarja and Risto’s first game for some time and she won with 40 points beating Jim Lane with 37, Ken Leadstone on 35 and Riso finishing fourth on 31.
There was some close scoring in the first division with Geoff Stubbs beating Chris Holmes on a 19/18 count back after both recorded 33 points. The third and fourth placing was similar with Sassa beating Tom Sathrum on a 15/14 back nine count back after they both finished on 32 points.
The new owners Faa and Olaf of Paweenas greeted us that evening and told us of their plans to refurbish all the rooms and bar in the next four weeks and to introduce food and drinks for the golfers and non-golfers. We all wish them every success.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at Paweenas, Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Rd. at around 8.30am for a 10.00am tee off. Our full monthly schedule is printed in the bar, please sign up or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464.

Montana climb up to fourth

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Suphan, Su, Barry, Mio & Aht.

Montana won three points from Café Kronborg and moved into fourth place as Barry bowled a 206 game, 518 series and Maliny added a 508 for Montana.
First place team Mai’s Thai Restaurant lost three points to second place Brother D. Wade was bowling short handed as two of his bowlers could not bowl but he bowled a 511 series and managed to get one point. Konrad bowled a 553 series for Brother D and they closed to with in one and a half point of first place with 2 weeks to go in this league. Bowling as Pacers, Tue bowled a 528 series and Tiger a 521.
Mai bowled a 511 series and Somrak had a 522 to lead Jack & Tar to a three point win over Beaver Bar & Grill. Bill Key had a 519 series for Beaver and Antero, bowling as a Pacer had a 511. VFW Post 9876 and Café Ole split their match with each team getting two points. Suphan led VFW with a 210 game and 544 series. Lada and Lance both had 511 series for Café Ole.
La rolled a 556 and Teuvo a 535 series to lead Three Sisters to a three point win over Diamond Shop. Mio bowled a 562 series as a Pacer.