The PSC 74th Monthly Members Open

Derek Brook
Friday, November 30, Khao Kheow
One of these days it will be a pleasure to go to this course - it is already a pleasure to play it - but that drive is getting so bad I am surprised that 130 players chose to come here. So, after what can only be called an uncomfortable drive up, it was indeed a pleasure to reach the course and see a large banner in front of the clubhouse welcoming the players - a very nice touch and one that was well appreciated.

Ramsay Smith (left) and Borg Bengt (right) receive the Uncle Sam and the Karl Lislevan trophies from Golf Chairman Tony Oakes.
Inside it was help yourself to your card as the main people were on the course and Tim had to go up country at the last minute. We soon found out how much he does. Still, a quick change and we were soon teeing it up on the A & B Nines, and in a howling gale at that.
We set off on the A Nine, certainly the hardest, and on this day into the wind it was mayhem. When we reached the first Par-3 there was a backup of 4 groups and waiting to play this dreaded hole was not fun, we even had a team giving marks for the quality of splash into the water. Well, we didn’t even get near the water, playing safe and hooking the ball left. Still, five wasn’t a bad score!

A & B Flight winners Ted Morris and Eddie Bielby.
The rest of the round went much the same and I think the franchise for balls at B8, the Island green, must have been worth a few Baht. Indeed, with 130 players a lot of balls must have ended up in one watery grave or another.
So this was a slow, hard, windswept round on a course that on the day was most unforgiving, but none-the-less was in pretty good condition. However, it was the thought of a nice warm shower and a ‘cold un’ that kept us going towards the end.
Round over we handed our cards into a very hard working team that having finished their round had then to buckle down to some real work. A volunteer is always a necessity here in PSC, and is usually in short supply. Thanks go to all the people who make things go so smoothly, while the rest wet their whistle.
With such skilled scorers it was not long before we had the results. On this day we had two special trophies as the Karl Lislavan and the Dr Sam Trophies were presented. These are trophies of long standing and the players who have been here for a long time remember them as characters of note.
So, on this occasion the winner of The Karl Lislevan Trophy (Lowest Gross) was Borg Bengt with a fine round of Gross 78. The winner of The Doctor Sam Trophy (Best Stableford) was Ramsay Smith with 38 points. Well done to both and their names will be on these long time trophies.
Nigel once again took over from Tony and did the Emcee job in his own inimitable style. In the Ladies Flight the winner was Duansuda Chaemram with 37 points ahead of Ampham North with 33 points. In the D Flight the scores were as expected and nobody broke their handicap. The winner was Charles Scott with 35 points ahead of Alan Hunter with 34 points in second with Leif Linner third with 33 points and in fourth was William Chang with 31 points.
In the C Flight the scores were a little better with one player actually beating his handicap, even if only by one shot. The winner with 37 points was Chris Platten, with John Cogan second with 36 points, in third was P. Singh Basi with 35 points and in fourth was Ronny Walfriddson with 34 points.
So to the B Flight and for the top two flights the format was Stroke. The winner was Eddie Bielby with what was the best score of the day, a net 67, in second was Mashi Kenata with a net 72 ahead of Eddie Little in third with a net 77 and Bill Johnson in fourth with a net 78.
Now the flight for those who are in effect the better players, or so they tell me. The winner with another round beating his handicap, was Ted Morris with a net 71, in second with a net 72 was Jack Spencer, Richard Kubicki took third with a net 73 and John Lloyd was in fourth with a net 75.
Results over, Nigel then got on with his ‘Lucky Draw’ - a much-anticipated event for those of us who played badly. Then it was into cars for the long haul back in the dark. T.T.F.N.
Long Drive: Eddy Bielby (2), Brian Rought, Duangsuda Chaemram
Near Pins: Len Rantleman, Bill Johnson, Vincent Smyth, Norman Best, Steffan Lyrestam, Anres Wimmerstedt, Ron Dalen, Mam Trayling, Mam Morel, Amphan North, Duangsuda Chaemram.

No separating Jack & Sugar Ray

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, November 26, Burapha, Medal
Div A (0-13)
1st Bob Pearce (10) net 68
2nd Jack Spencer (7) net 71
3rd Richard Whittington (5) net 72
Div B (14-19)
1st Sugar Ray (18) net 69
2nd Paul Little (19) net 69
3rd Barry McIntosh (16) net 70
Div C (20+)
1st Joachem (28) net 70
2nd Lindsay Joshua (20) net 72
3rd Nigel Cannon (22) net 73
2’s: Suzi Lawten, Bob Philp, Steve Nowell, Paul Lavender & Mick Jackson

The monthly ladder contenders prepare to tee-off at Royal Lakeside.
Today was Frank’s Birthday and his chosen format for the day – strokeplay! To cap it all his net score was exactly his age today: He shot a gross 92!
Frank O’Neill celebrated in style with his fellow golfers, treating them to special prizes for the overall winner, Bob Pearce, and near pins going to Barry McIntosh, Suzi Lawten, Steve Nowell & Jack Moseley. Afterwards, back at the Outback Golf Bar, there was a full spread of good food all courtesy of Frank.
Wednesday, November 28, Royal Lakeside, Stableford
Div A (0-10)
1st Jack Moseley (10) 40pts
2nd Barry James (6) 38pts
3rd Bob Rasmussen (9) 36pts
Div B (11–18)
1st Sugar Ray (18) 36pts
2nd Am North (15) 33pts
3rd Frank O’Neill (18) 32pts
Div C (19+)
1st Dave Wood (19) 38pts
2nd Patrick Browne (26) 35pts
3rd Harvey Samuel (19) 35pts
Another visit to this splendid course and once again it was in perfect condition. Today was a showdown for the November ladder, the top four going out last.
There were two matchplays, Jack Spencer & Sugar Ray level on 8 points, head to head for 1st place; and Paul Crosland & Jack Moseley both on 4 points battling for 3rd place.
At the end of the day, although Sugar scored more Stableford points than Jack, the unique ladder scoring system could not split them, both finishing on 9 points having played 9 games each. The other Jack got the better of Paul and took 3rd place.
Back at The Bar, Jack Spencer & Sugar Ray shared the monthly pot and promptly rang the bell for all to enjoy. Well played guys!
There were three 2’s today from Alan Lord, Barry James & Sugar Ray. The Hat went to Ian Philp (no relation to our captain but a very good friend) for his shot at the palm tree ending up behind him.
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]
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.

Eddie cans an Ace

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, November 26, Crystal Bay, Medal
In the last week of the month in the run in for the golfer of the month trophy, Tony Robbins kept ahead in the race on Monday by picking up points for finishing third in the A Flight with a one-under par net 71. William Macey was second with a two-under par net 70 but the best round of the day was played by John McDonald who carded a magnificent six-under par net 66 playing off handicap 6

Malcolm Mullineux was the winner of the 2007 John Preddy Memorial Trophy played in November at Eastern Star.
The B Flight was won by Lee Butler with a net 71 ahead of Laurence Harding net 73 and Jim Payne took third on a count back with net 76.
Near pin prizes went to Lee Butler, Roger Privett, Gordon Melia and Eddie Martin. Eddie’s was a bit special as it was a hole in one at hole # 6 on the B Course and with 40 golfers to buy a beer for it was an expensive but enjoyable achievement.
Wednesday, November 28,Bangpra, Stableford
Playing Stableford at Bangpra we saw Colin Greig claim first place in the A Flight on a count back ahead of Stuart Tinkler, both with 31 points. Third place went to Gerry Cooney also on a count back with 30 points.

Eddie Martin scored a hole in one at Crystal Bay.
Thirty-three points won the B Flight, scored by Jack Robertson, with Brian Maddox in second with 31 points and Alan Sullivan in third place with 30 points.
Stuart Tinkler took consolation for losing out on the first place prize on a count back by winning two near pins; the other two went to William Macey and Geoff Hart.
Friday, November 30, Green Valley, Medal
Another big field turned up to play Medal at Green Valley on the last day of the month on Friday November 30, and we had Alan Sullivan make a last desperate attempt to overhaul Tony Robbins for the golfer of the month title but despite winning the B Flight with a modest net 79 it wasn’t enough - so Tony Robbins wins November’s golfer of the month award.
Second place in the B Flight went to Bernie Stevens net 82 and a surprised Reg Smart came third with an ugly net 84.
The A Flight had some better scores where Stuart Tinkler again lost out on the first prize on a count back, this time to Peter Habgood after both finished with a level par net 72’s. Third place went to Kevin Dunne also on a count back with net 74, beating Keith Smithson and William Macey with a better back nine.
Keith Smithson won one of the near pin prizes along with Stuart Tinkler, Peter Habgood and John Graham.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

McLeish hits the ground running

“There are six games to go before the transfer window opens and it is a chance for these players to impress me. In my welcoming speech I said that to them,” said new Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish last week.
“It is up to them to keep making an impression on me. I said it is not just about doing it for the first couple of weeks. I said it is about making an impression day in and day out, year in and year out.”
And what an impression they made. After a Cameron Jerome equaliser that hauled Birmingham back into the match at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon, one of the goals of the season from ex-Arsenal trainee Sebastian Larsson then snatched all three points for the visitors. It ended quite a fortnight for McLeish, who had seen his Scotland side just miss out on European Championship qualification after a valiant effort.
It begs the question – does the manager of a football team really make that much difference to the players’ performance? Would the Blues still have managed to beat Spurs at White Hart Lane for the first time in the club’s history had Steve Bruce still been at the helm?
Bruce has moved to Wigan Athletic, of course. In his first game in charge of the Latics on Saturday he walked away with a point against high-flying Manchester City, a result few would have expected under former boss Chris Hutchings. Even Derby, under new arrival Paul Jewell, almost grabbed a point against Sunderland at the weekend - only losing to a stoppage time winner - and Bolton, under Gary Megson, took the scalp of Manchester United a fortnight ago.
It should be noted that Man City have yet to beat Wigan in the Premier League and that winning away at Spurs at the moment is probably easier than finding a date for the night in Pattaya, but still … would the same sets of players have managed such feats under their old bosses?
It’s not a question that anyone will be able to answer, but what these seemingly freakish results do suggest is that changing a manager mid-season clearly does, for a week or two at least, have an impact on players desperate to keep their cushy Premier League status. It stands to reason. Many of us do this in the working world, so why should footballers be any different?
And yet if us fans are noticing this phenomenon you can be sure that embattled club chairmen, desperate to cling onto the Premier League gravy train and looking for scapegoats when points are becoming difficult to come by, will also be taking notes. That’s bad news for football, and will ensure that the ‘managerial merry-go-round’ won’t come to a halt anytime soon.
That’s a shame, really. Will anyone ever again have the chance to do an Alex Ferguson? The Scot was apparently one defeat away from being shown the Old Trafford door back in the late eighties after a few fruitless seasons, yet managed to hold onto his job and become one of the most successful managers of all time. Would he even have got that far in today’s world? Guy Roux of Auxerre, Dario Gradi at Crewe Alexandra … the era of managers as permanent fixtures at their clubs is surely a thing of the past. Short term success is key.
Everton manager David Moyes thinks he’s the exception, but is still concerned for the future of his colleagues.
“What’s happening at Everton now maybe shows what can be done with a bit of stability at a football club but we’re in a business now where it’s just a revolving door for managers,” Moyes said. “Maybe I am different from other managers in that I think I have a solid chairman and board of directors. Maybe other managers are not as fortunate. It has to stop now.”
“It is an achievement now to be a Premier League manager for more than two years,” he continued. “That has to change; people need to be given a longer time to manage. It helps having people who know how it works and knowing a bit about the history and the set-up. The supporters also play their part.
“The expectation at clubs has risen, possibly because of the money coming into the game. The money from football keeps a lot of people in work. There is a lot of pressure on people to write more stories and on the people in commercial departments to get more income in. In the end it’s the managers who take the brunt of all of that. Ultimately it’s down to the results but results can’t go well for everybody. Not everybody can do well, so does that mean they have to get sacked?”
The short answer to that is “yes it does, David,” but it’s not necessarily the right one. And yet who can blame club chairmen when the results are so frequently turned upside down simply because of a new face in the dugout?
Birmingham’s board actually had the audacity to approach Italian legend Marcelo Lippi when they were recruiting for the new manager’s position. I almost laughed myself hoarse when I found that one out, purely at the thought of one of the game’s great leaders deciding that Birmingham was the place for him. They didn’t get him, surprise, surprise, but let’s wish Alex McLeish well on his journey towards Premiership glory. With the culture of firing managers setting new heights these days he, along with a several others, will need all the help he can get.
Trivia
Continuing on that note, who’s the longest serving manager in the Championship? Here’s a clue – he’s been in charge for less than three years, apparently. The answer to that next week, if I don’t get fired between now and then after the editor reads this column and decides on a new face behind The Beautiful Game?
Cup ‘minnows’ interbreeding
The two remaining non-league sides will play against each other in the FA Cup Third Round, potentially. Horsham will play Havant and Waterlooville in next month’s games, assuming that Hava … I’m not typing all that again, you know who I mean, can dispense with Swansea City. Meanwhile Aston Villa have drawn Manchester United for the fourth time in seven seasons. There are lots of other fixtures too, none of which I can be bothered to tell you about.
Nottingham
love-fest
Nottingham Forest and Notts County will be approached about the possibility of existing side-by-side at an all-new East Midlands “super stadium”, it says here. The report in The Guardian suggests that the stadium will be designed with the Football Association’s bid for the World Cup in 2018 in mind.
In June the newspaper revealed that Forest had decided to leave their current City Ground home for a new 50,000-capacity arena, but Nottingham City Council have stepped in to back a 100-million pound project that includes neighbours Notts County in the move.
In more exciting stadium news, Wembley is bidding to host the first European Champions League final to be played on a Saturday. The tournament’s climax will be moved to the weekend in an attempt to improve its popularity and Wembley is hoping to cash in.
With a potential weekend of 100,000 football fans looking to spend money and have a good time, wouldn’t Pattaya be a better choice?

Jackie takes November monthly award

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar

Derek Brook
Tuesday, November 27, Plutaluang Stableford
Ok, I admit it - I booked the course, mind it was under duress. All my ‘lot’ at Bert’s kind of like it, and I think I can understand why. It’s close, it’s good value, friendly staff, and I have to admit last time I played it (the S & E) the course management had put in a tremendous amount of work and all in all it was pretty good.

Steve Carleton of Alan Bolton Property Consultants, left, presents the ‘Golfer of the Month’ award to Jackie MacPherson

So early at Bert’s and a full house of golfers were sat waiting to go, and they were all smiling and cries were going up that they wanted to play the N & E (over my dead body), this is a tough 18 holes even when the livestock is moved, and is used to test the pro golfers. It is one tough course and we only play to have fun.
Down the road, book in and, “Mr. starter can we please play S & E …what? N & W?” That really brought smiles to most of my players. I, as usual, knew I was in for a miserable day. Unfortunately I was correct and the comments from the rest about how much they enjoyed it didn’t help.
This 18 holes is at best rural and dry with too many trees where they should not be, usually just where my ball is. Yes it is a real test of golf, not a bit like the manicured courses we all like. It would be nice if for once someone could shoot their handicap here, but on this day with a strong wind, I think not.
Back at Bert’s, with the plaudits from the players ringing in my ears for finally realising the benefits of the course, I gritted my teeth and read out the results, and as usual no one equaled their handicap.
The winner in the A Flight, 0 to 18, was Anders Pederson with 35 points ahead of Tom Herrington with 34 points, and in third was Richard Kubicki with 33 points.
In the B Flight, 19 up, the winner was Mark Brenton with 34 points ahead on count back over Colin Cronin in second whilst in third was Jackie MacPherson with 31 points.
This was also the last Tuesday of the month and thus ‘The Alan Bolton Golfer Of The Month’ award, and this month there was only ever going to be one winner as Jackie MacPherson triumphed on the first two days out and won by a street. Well done Jackie.
Near Pin: Les Burns, Tom Cotton, Anders Pederson (2)
Long Putt: Perry McNeely, Dick Kerr

Kraft’s hot form continues

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Beautiful weather prevailed throughout most of today’s golf with some strong winds playing havoc with anyone who tended to hit the ball high. Once again the field was short. I suspect that many of our regulars were off doing Christmas shopping. Herbie is still recuperating from his operation but should be on his feet soon.
The heavy hitters were quiet today: Bob Benda. Dale Murphy and Sus Ige normally at the top of the board, fell by the wayside. Paul Kraft came out on top with a 41pts. This score, along with a previous week’s 40pts, will likely see his handicap take a dive. Of all people, Paul Donahue came in second with 36pts, playing to his handicap. This being the last game of the month, Paul Kraft’s name will be engraved on the “Cup”.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

‘Your Lordship, before you go off on a tangent here are some e-mails sent in to you. Your pal Mr. Brook from the Island Lager Bar in Phuket got married to “She Who Will Be Listened To.” Your other pal Bobby Joe e-mailed: “He may have rushed into it after only nine years. Another indication of impetuous youth.”
‘K’Ora Jack from New Zealand was asking about his pal cruiserweight Mohamed Assaoui. He also sent in an email: “I heard through the grapevine that Mohamed Assaoui got TKO’d in a cruiserweight title bout by a Welshmen in Cardiff with an Italian surname. Do you have any information? Does he still have a boxing future? Signed Jack.”
‘Your Lordship I answered for you that he had indeed been KO’d by Enzo Maccarineli in Cardiff at 1:08 of round 4. Assaouri does have a future because there are not a lot of good cruiserweights around and he lost to maybe the second best in the world.’
Jeeves, you’ve done a yeoman’s job steering The Square Ring ship while I was otherwise engaged. Also got to take my hat off to the boxers from the UK. In the States most of the trash talk is hardly worth mentioning - it’s old and boring. Maybe it’s the influence of Winston Churchill who was the master of “trash talk.”
Two classics from Winston are: “He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire” and “A modest little person, with much to be modest about.”
Joe Calzaghe, unhappy at the remarks of a Bernard Hopkins trainer, said: “I’d have more respect for him [Hopkins] if he just came out and said, ‘Joe, look, if I fight you I’m going to get my a— seriously beat. I accept that you are the best so why don’t you just let me be and allow me to fight the winner of these old guys (Jones-Trinidad) so I can just have an easy pay day.’ …If he is the legend that he says he is then fight me, or otherwise be known as ‘the guy who twice chickened out of fighting Joe Calzaghe.’”
Not exactly like a Mark Twain, “I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it,” but still a cut above the ordinary.
Sunday in Thailand boxing fans won’t have to look under a tree for their Christmas present -it’ll be on the telly. That present will arrive in the form of the long awaited boxing match between Floyd Mayweather jr. (38-0) and Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (43-3) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
There is some legitimacy in calling it the “Big One.” The live gate will reach $10 million, local close circuit has sold 18,000 tickets at $54 each and when 1.5 million homes toss in another $80 Million USD … well that’s “The Big One.”
In a little tease leading up to “The Big One” there were some good fights last week which covered the boxing universe. One that didn’t go was Wayne McCullough (27-6) against Kiko Martinez (17-0) from Spain. The fight scheduled for Kings Hall in Belfast got torpedoed when Martinez couldn’t make the weight at 124lbs. McCullough, being the wise veteran he is and with counsel from wife Cheryl told the Sa Habla’s what they could do with their offer of fighting at a “catch weight”. Good for Wayne. Last time Martinez fought in Ireland he was 66-1 for a round one KO against Bernard Dunne. He and his camp jumped on the wager to win 60,000 pounds.
At the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT, USA, there were three title fights, but none of any lasting consequence.
IBO Champion light heavy Antonio Tarver (26-4) did defend his title with a quick 4-round stoppage against over-matched Danny Santigo (29-4); former champ Vernon Forrest dropped Michele Piccirillo (48-5) in round 6, 9 and 11, which allowed referee Arthur Merchante jr. to stop it at the 2:21 mark; and fly champ Nonito Donaire (19-1) defended his title for the first time by stopping Luis Maldonado (37-2-1) in 8.
Eagle Den Junlaphan (18-1), aka Eagle Kyowa, hadn’t fought in his native Thailand in almost 7 years. Since he left he’s become the WBC minimum-weight champ and happy living in the land of the “Rising Sun and Falling Yen.” He returned to defend his title against undefeated Oleydong Sithsanerchai (24-0) a week last Thursday. The fight was part of the celebration for the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Rama IX.
Well the Eagle may have landed back home but his take off back to Japan will be lighter as still undefeated Oleydong Sithsanerchai lifted his WBC belt. The fight card held at the Bangkhen #11 Infantry Campus drew up to 50,000 for the 8th world title fight between Thailanders. Good guy, but hair challenged, USA’s Gary Ritter was one of the judges who called it for the “real Thai” (115-113) - so that’s the way it was.
Eagle’s promoter and great boxing journalist Joe Kozumi said he plans to bring Eagle to Thailand to give him another fight against Oledong. Eagle said: “I’ll regain the belt. I believed I was winning in the process, so I got shocked to hear the scores after the eighth that I was losing. After twelve rounds completed I felt I won, because I was attacking and throwing more punches all the way.”
Every boxer always thinks he wins. Little disappointed in journalist Koizumi writing that Kyowa was, “Dethroned by an upset hairline decision.” As a promoter, 115-114, 115-113, 117-112 may look close, but not for a boxing professional like Kozumi.
Back to the “Big One.” Hatton’s pre fight trash talk was been limited to, “I hope American sports fans who saw me on the first episode of HBO’s 24/7 got a chance to see that I’m a regular bloke and a peoples’ champion who will become theirs and the world’s champion when I beat Mayweather.” The best line was, “He’ll slap and run and I’ll stay and hit.”
The rest of the card make great stocking stuffers for the holiday season with Daniel Ponce de Leon (33-1) vs. Eduardo Escobedo (20-2) for the WBO feather title and the comeback fight of Jeff Lacy (22-1) against Contender star Peter Manfredo (28-4).
This early Christmas also includes some companion fights around the world on Saturday/Sunday depending on your time zone.
In St. Jakob Halle, Basel, Switzerland, Arthur Abraham puts his 24-0 record on the line by defending his IBF middle title against Wayne Elcock (18-2). In Belfast, Irish hope John Duddy should get to 23-0 as he takes on record-builder and warhorse Howard Eastman (42-5). At The Bolton Arena in England the great Brit hope Amir Khan (14-0) gets Graham Earl (25-2). Earl lost last out when he tried to annex the WBO interim lightweight title against Michael Katsidis (23-0).
Most of these fights will serve as a warm up to Mayweather jr.-Hatton with each venue then showing a close circuit telecast of “The Big One.”
The Square Ring spoke with a well-respected boxing person who has an interesting take on Sunday’s fight between Mayweather jr. and Hatton. “I think it’s going to be a good fight because Mayweather is going to have to fight this time, not like when he faced Oscar. Hatton will make him fight.”
If that’s the case then Hatton will have the venue rocking with the 10,000 or so fans that have traveled across the pond, which includes darts legend John Lowe. With that many Hatton fans in Las Vegas the odds at the sportsbook would probably favor a bet on Mayweather as he was at -300 (which means you bet $3 to win $1) but should probably be around -350 or -400. A bet of $1 on Hatton would return $1.90. You can be assured that Brits will be plunking down their rapidly falling and dwindling US dollars on Hatton.
The danger here is underestimating Ricky Hatton. The Square Ring did that prior to Hatton’s dismantling of Kostya Tszyu back in ‘05. Sure Hatton was a big underdog that morning and had the home field advantage, but that doesn’t explain his domination of a great fighter.
In his career Mayweather jr. has never accomplished that. Mayweather jr. is Pernell Whitaker circa 2000. Whitaker’s best effort was against Julio Caesar Chavez in 1993 when the Yanks again got screwed at The Alamo. The referee that night was Joe Cortez who will be the only guy in the ring this Sunday with a shirt and tie when the bell rings for round 1. Strangely enough, Hatton provided some insight into Mayweather just days be before the fight.
“I think he’s an insecure person,” said Hatton. “I think that’s why he surrounds himself with five or six bodyguards, and they always seem to be ‘yes men.’ You know? And he always needs people whispering in his ear ‘you’re the man, you’re number one, you’re going to do this, you’re going to do that.’ That’s all a sign of insecurity. You don’t need anybody whispering in your ear to tell you you’re the best, if you believe that. If you believe you’re the best then you don’t need anybody reminding you or reassuring you, and that’s the way I feel. I think he’s an insecure person. He really does not bother me when he insults me. I don’t care what he throws at me. I could not care less, from the bottom of me heart, I couldn’t care less.”
Message to Monkey House Fred - bet the pineapple farm on ‘The Hitman’. The Square Ring will be rooting for Hatton whilst sipping many beverages at the Blind Guys House – “Go on son!” Oh, and Jeeves, it’s lager and cigar time if you would be so kind. Life is good.

Plutaluang bares it’s teeth

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, November 26, Eastern Star, Stableford
The course on the day was in fine condition with the exception of the tee boxes, most of which had no grass at the markers due to not being changed for a long time. The competition was stableford in two flights, with the cut being at handicap 18.

Philip Berra was Monday’s A Flight winner at Eastern Star.

Switzerland’s Philippe Berra took the A Flight with 34 points ahead of Ted Morris in second, both on 34 points. In third was Dave Richardson with 33 points and in fourth was Richard Kubicki with 32 points.
Dane Jan Lovgren took the B Flight with 35 points, the best score of the day, ahead of ‘The man from the Old Sod County, County Cork’, Kevin Dinan with 34 points in second. Carole Kubicki was third on a count back, after 24 points on the back nine, over Dougie Douglas in third, both with 33 points.
Near Pin: Richard Kubicki (2), Philippe Berra, Ebrahim
Long Putt: Tom Cotton, Don Richardson
Thursday, November 29, Plutaluang, Stableford
We had a full house for this day, that is ten full groups, and as usual this time of the year sees many old faces returning (even older) and we also have to say that this year has seen many new faces as well.
Dave always likes the S & E Nines here, and on this I agree, this is the much more manicured 18 holes of the two and is in fact quite pleasant to play, even for me, sometimes. Suffice to say this 18 holes were in quite good condition, however it was blowing quite strongly, the ground was hard, making shots very difficult, and the greens were also rock hard, which made holding the ball on them even more difficult. I wondered if anyone would take this 18 holes apart, as we had played the other 18 holes on Tuesday and nobody equaled their handicap.
As the scores came in it was obvious that all the players had found it tough out there. In the A Flight, 0 to 17, we had a three way count back on 34 points that saw Rich Montana as the winner, Richard Kubicki in second and Kris Helgasson in third.
In the B Flight we also had a count back as Doug Douglas won with 35 points ahead of Philip Berra in second whilst in third was Hugh O’Donnell with 34 points on count back over Dave Richardson.
Yes the course won again and no one shot their handicap. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Bruce Lawrence, Dave Richardson, Bob Pearce, Dick Kerr
Long Putt: Hugh O’Donnell, Peter Hammond

Brian wins by a shot at Greenwood

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, November 26,Greenwood, Medal
Monday we travelled north to the very challenging course of Greenwood for a Medal round. With near perfect golfing conditions some good scores were expected and sure enough there was with a very close finish.
Mike Jackson and Andy Braley finished on net 70 each but just one stroke ahead was the luck of the Irish Brian Orr with a net 69 to win the the number one spot. Joe Clines recorded the only two of the day which he commented that he chipped it in from just off the green,
Wednesday, November 28,Green Valley,Stableford
Today was our regular trip to Green Valley for a stableford competition.

Brian Orr, right, triumphed in Monday’s medal competition whilst Joe Clines, left, was the winner of the 2’s pot.
Division Two saw the very in-form Roger Moore score a staggering 41 points to win by 5 from Mike Wing in second place, who had a very respectable 36 points, and a very distant third was Doug Carysforth with 29 points.
The higher division struggled a little with no golfer able to break par - high winds and tricky pin positions were to blame according to reports back from the top boys. Coming in third place was Sam Fitzsimmons with 32 points, just one ahead was Graham Dietrich with 33 points and just the single shot ahead again was David Hester with 34 points to take the 1st prize.
Sam Fitzsimmons was the only player to record a precious ‘2’ to take the prize, which he celebrated back at the Caddyshack by buying a round for the golfers.
Friday, November 30, Emerald, Stableford
Today we travelled south to Bang Chang and play the very beautiful course of The Emerald.
With 16 golfers making the trip there was only one division and it turned out to be a very close affair. Three golfers battled it out for the minor places and could only be separated by count back after they all scored 33 points each; Bruce Tollitt was pushed out of the places with the worst back nine, Doug Carysforth crept into third place whilst Graham Beaumont edged ahead into second. But the winner and recording his first singles win at the Caddyshack was Alastair Templeton with 36 points.
Surprisingly there were no 2’s recorded on the day which left a nice roll over for the next outing.

New 10-Pin Bowling season gets underway

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

Barry Hooper
At the start of this new league the twelve participating teams have been made from a fresh free draw of the entered players.

200 Bowlers from the Monday & Friday Leagues: Antero, Bill, Konrad, La, Barry & Leo

Only one team managed a straight four-point win, House of the Golden Coin. Top scorer was Mio with a 532 series. However, it has to be said that the opposition Café Kronberg only had one player bowling Jon, with two blind scores.
VFW Post 9876 won three and a half points after the second game was a drawn scoreline of 589 against Sabai Friday. High scorers were Max with 532 for VFW and Tiger 518 for Sabai.
The matches between Café Ole v Balls Galore, Brother D v Beaver Bar and Jack and Tar v Montana were all 3-1 wins for the former. Top players were Rich M. 577 and 200 high game, La 576 and 204 high game, Konrad 476 and 174 high game, Morn 510 and 187 high game, Antero 520 and 213 high game and Barry 587 and 203 high game.
Diamond Shop v Canada was a two across draw. Top Players Bill Key 506 series and Ooy with 548

Consecutive Eagle 2’s at Eastern Star

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Monday, November 26, Treasure Hill, Stableford
A Flight (0-16)
1st Peter Seward (16) 38pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (11) 30pts
3rd Lee Bunclift (8) 30pts
B Flight (17-up)
1st John O’Leary (17) 37pts
2nd Peter Ingham (25) 31pts
3rd Jack Robertson (23) 28pts
2’s: John O’Leary

Saturday winners: (Main photo) Andy Galvin, John O’Leary, Jackie MacPherson, Jim Dundon, Mod Chaviraska, Alun Webber. (Inset) Frank Kelly, left, Golfer of the Month and Fergus Brennan

Near Pins: Don MacPherson, John O”Leary, Phil Knight, Eddie Townsend
Monday, and off to Treasure Hill we went. Two flights played off the white tees.
The winner in the A flight was Peter Seward with 38 points and an eight-point lead over second placed Fergus Brennan and Lee Bunclift third, both on 30 points.
In the B Flight, John O’Leary on 37 points won by six over Peter Ingham (31), with Jack Robertson (28) in third.
Tuesday, November 27, Phoenix, Stableford
A Flight (0-15)
1st Barry Barnes (14) 36pts
2nd John Merritt (15) 34pts
3rd Pat Regan (9) 33pts
B Flight (16-18)
1st John O’Leary (17) 34pts
2nd Keith Marsdan (16) 31pts
3rd Chaten Patel (16) 31pts
4th Mod Chaviraska (18) 31pts
C Flight (19-up)
1st Lawrence Harding (22) 38pts
2nd Patrick Browne (26) 33pts
3rd Graham Buckingham (20) 31pts
2’s: Peter Hammond
Near Pins: Mike Wardman, Keith Marsden, Pat Regan, Mod Chaviraksa
Tuesday saw a visit to Phoenix golf course, which we found to be in very good condition, however the greens proved difficult.
There was a big turn-out and three flights: Barry Barnes won the A Flight, John O’Leary made it his second win in two days to take the B Flight and Lawrence Harding was the victor in the C Flight.
Thursday, November 22, Bangpra, Stableford
A Flight (0-17)
1st Dave Askew (13) 41pts
2nd Bob Richardson (15) 40pts
3rd Peter Seward (16) 39pts
4th Robert Avery (17) 38pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Les Burns (33) 48pts
2nd Lars Strom (22) 37pts
3rd Alun Webber (23) 35pts
4th Andy Galvin (21) 34pts
2’s: 5 winners
Near Pins: John Pegrum, Les Burns, Pat Regan, Robert Avery
Thursday was a long trip up to visit Greenwood. Flight A saw Dave Askew take the win with a big score of 41pts from Bob Richardson on 40pts. Les Burns had another one of his golden days in the B Flight and a win with 43pts from Lars Strom on 37pts.
A presentation was made to our regular player Tony Geeland for his participation and fund raising in the recent Charity Bay Swim on our return to Pattaya. Well done Tony.
Saturday, November 17, Eastern Star, Stableford
A Flight (0-18)
1st John O’Leary (16) 38pts
2nd Jim Dundon (13) 37pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (18) 34pts
4th Mashi Kaneta (14) 33pts
B Flight (18-up)
1st Jackie MacPherson (22) 38pts
2nd Andy Galvin (21) 38pts
3rd Alun Webber (23) 37pts
4th Nijole Murtagh (26) 34pts
2’s: John O’Leary (2), Fergus Brennan (2), Martin Cooke, Jim Dundan (par4), Jackie MacPherson (Par4), J. Gallagher
Near Pins: Alan Evans, Mashie Kaneta, Brendan Moore, Brian Gabe
Our now regular visit to Eastern Star on Saturday was to prove an eventful day.
The weather was like a nice warm summers day back in England, the course was in excellent condition but some players still had a rough time of things whilst others were revelling in it.
This was the case for two particular players Jim Dundon and Jackie MacPherson who both scored “Eagles” on the par four ninth, one group after the other. A rare event that I have never seen reported locally before.
Jackie went on to win the B Flight with 38 points on count back from Andy Galvin, and Jim was second in the A Flight with 37 points, the flight being won by John O’Leary on 38.
At the presentation back at the Travellers Rest the regular Golfer of the Month award for November was made to Frank Kelly. Congratulations Frank
Reminder - If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at7:45 am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

Plutaluang sees tight contest

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Even in high season it is still possible to find some solace on a golf course and on Sunday, November 25, such relative peace was found at Plutaluang on the North and West nines.
The large field turned out to find a combination little occupied and the day began on time. Throughout it was pleasantly warm and the strong breeze made conditions comfortable on the well prepared course.
As usual the single Sunday flight contested the welcome purse and in fourth place was new member Terry Burgess whose 34 points was testimony to his seven handicap and no mean achievement on this, only his third, run-out with the group. Masashi Iizumi found his putting easier than normal and this helped him gain 38 points for third place.
The runner-up was Sunday “specialist” Jean Morel and again he found he could squeeze Plutaluang until the pips squeaked, wringing 39 points out of the course, twenty-three on the front nine giving him the perfect start. The day’s winner was Fiz Kamruddhin and he surprised the group with forty points.
The three birdie 2’s were achieved on the par three “Lighthouse” hole; the marksmen being Chris Voller, Glyn Jenkins and Bruce Ogilvie, the latter making a welcome return after many months away.
The Booby Bevy was awarded to Len Jones who managed to “top” a ball so severely that he embedded a weighting screw from his utility club in the ball (playing with a screw loose?). Upon reaching the green he replaced the ball and proceeded to line up his putt with a putter that had seen better days ... as no doubt have we all ... and the putter head fell off the shaft!
Fill-in organizer Paul Quodomine hoped Mr. Len would purchase a better set of golf clubs with the money saved on a beer. Perhaps if it was a similar set he could get some change!
Emiel back to form
Tuesday, November 27, the Pattaya Golf Society visited the Emerald course at Ban Chang to play a stableford event. The course was full with a large visiting group but the large field was able to use two tees, a rare event during high season.
The course was in good condition and the weather continued fine throughout. The field was divided into two flights and in the second flight Barry Trowell fired 31 points for third place, two behind Ian Hart. The flight winner was “form man” Paul Quodomine whose 34 points was the result of some good thoughtful golf.
In the top flight Barry McIntosh’s 32 points took third place whilst Mick Jackson joined Emiel van der Wiele at the top of the leaderboard on 37 points, the only sub-par rounds of the windy day.
Two of the three 2’s were achieved on the seventh hole and Chris Voller and Ian Hart joined Paul Quodomine, whose birdie on the thirteenth had given him similar pleasure.
The Booby Bevy went to the grossly underachieving Roy Mann whose learning curve was heading the right way until the wheels came off the wagon after the third hole. All this in the final week of his annual golfing holiday.
Hall’s big haul
A gloriously warm day saw the Pattaya Golf Society travel to Crystal Bay golf club on Thursday, November 29, to play a stableford competition over the testing B and C nines.
The course was well set up as always and the greens were something else, running at more than ten with some very awkward pin placements. The greenkeeper had obviously got out of bed on the wrong side that morning.
The field was divided into two flights as normal and the cut was at twenty and under.
In the second flight it was wonderful to see Tony Duthie on the course again after his recent health problems and he showed us the sparkle of his spirit with a fine 30 point return to share second place with Ray Underwood, whose level par first nine held out hopes for a better finish. The flight winner was Bill Pickersgill and his 35 points was a measure of his progress since taking up the game only recently.
In the top flight the Melbourne Master, Barry McIntosh showed he still had the skills a-plenty to muster a level par round, his 36 points being just shaded by Keith Hector’s 37 points on his return to the OK Corral. The day’s winner was Les Hall and his 38 points revived memories of good rounds earlier in the year with the group.
The day’s only birdie ‘2’ was achieved by Keith Hector on C7 whilst the best hole of the day was that accomplished by Kasuo Takimoto, an eagle three on the eighteenth hole (C9). It helped him to record the day’s best gross figures of 83. It also enabled him to enjoy the Booby Bevy for the hole which otherwise would have gone un-rewarded.
It had been a joyful day at Crystal Bay.

Taylor and Kraft star at the Emerald

PSC Golf from the Beaver Bar & Grill

Another Friday and 31 golfers turned out again last week for the regular Beaver Bar outing at the Emerald Banchang. Despite difficult pin placements and lightning fast greens the winning scores were recorded at three shots under handicap.
“A” Flight winner Paul Taylor (Hcp 17) came in with 39 points followed by Apple Jitchana (Hcp 12) with 36 points and Bill Knight (Hcp 15) taking third prize with 35 points. This was Bill’s third consecutive week in the winners circle while Apple continued her good form from Soi Dao where she won it all with 40 and 37 points on consecutive days.
“B” Flight saw Paul Kraft (Hcp 26) take first prize yet again with 39 points, followed by Geoff Moodie (Hcp 28) with 33 points and Trevor Carnahoff (Hcp 23) bringing in third place with 31 points. Even if Trevor had not missed 5 putts from less than 2 feet he would still not have been good enough to beat Paul whose handicap is sure to be history.
Near pins were won by Tom Elsey and Apple Jitchana.
We were pleased to welcome back Dr. Tom Buckley from Geraldton, West Australia - the Centre of the Universe - who was kept busy back at the Beaver Bar & Grill listening intently to the various ailments of the Beaverettes.
Beaver Bar & Grill hosts golf at the Emerald every Friday between 7:45 and 8:45 and now at Eastern Star or Green Valley every Monday. Sign in at the Emerald for Friday Golf and check tee times at the Beaver Bar for Monday golf.