‘Fast Eddie’ beats the camera guy

PSC golf from

Herbert Ishinaga

It was the last Tuesday of the year for the Three Sisters golf group. The weather was perfect as the wind was minimal and the temperature down. It was one of the best days that we have had this past year.

It suited “Fast Eddie” Kristianson as he flew past the rest of the players with an excellent score of 40 points. His drives were going pretty good and he made a couple of chips that even Tiger would have taken. I’m sure that he will not see that again for a long time but it looked good on his scorecard today.

A surprise in second was our photographer, Paul Donahue. Paul was as surprised as everyone else when he came in with 30 points to win second place. It wasn’t fair as he was the only one of the group not drinking the night before. It didn’t affect Eddie because he normally has a beer for breakfast so that didn’t count.

For the few that showed up, it was a good day with a few laughs. Hope to see you all next week.

“Fast Eddie” Kristianson and Paul Donahue at the Caddyshack 2.

Heat is on in battle for monthly award

40 win’s the day!

Nigel Canon

A Flight
1st Rick Evans (7) 40pts
2nd John Kirkwood (16) 38pts
3rd ‘Apple’ Jitchana (11) 37pts
4th Bill Thomson (12) 37pts

B Flight
1st Eirik Knudslin (28) 40pts
2nd Geoff Moodie (27) 36pts
3rd John Cogan (21) 35pts
4th Larry Willett (19) 33pts

Near Pins: Rick Evans, Doug Lynch

The last Friday of the year saw 34 early-bird golfers converge at 07:30 to the ever-improving Emerald Golf course to be met by the ever-smiling Dennis Willett, who was there with pen and sheet of cardboard to allocate slots and make-up the four balls.

It was good to see Herbie Ishinaga back on the course following his enforced ‘rest’! And also to welcome last week’s PSC winner Doug Lynch to his first outing with the Beaver Bar.

So on to the course we went at our appointed time, which looked green and played well - there were few delays and no ‘intruders’ on the 10th.

Back at the Beaver Bar it was time for food and drink and talk about what ‘may have been’ before the announcements of the results.

NB: We meet at The Emerald every Friday from 07:30 (arrive no later than 08:00). No need to book in advance just turn up - see Dennis - and you are on your way to a friendly and fun day. See you there!

Hodges in hot form

Theobald & Pearce find the right formula

Peter & Takeshi take Gold

A profitable week for Leach and son

Joel ‘floors’ Perry with last gasp win

Dragons make fitting winners of 2007 Jaidee Classic

Steve Butcher

The 4th annual Jaidee Classic, in aid of children born with Aid’s at the Camillian Social Center, Rayong, took place on Tuesday December 18 at several venues around town.

A total of 32 worthy contestants arrived at the Free Drop Bar, Pratumnak, Soi 4, ready to do battle in this triple-event competition with a difference!

The accent was on a light hearted day of taking part, whilst contributing to the much needed funds of the Camillian Center, although it can be hard to retain ones competitive nature, which was evident throughout the day in most teams.

The first event, golf, took place at the Asia Pattaya Hotel 9-hole par-3 course, and although short it still proved difficult for many of the first time golfers and old hands alike.

A tight finish was always on the cards but no one expected a tie for first place between the Barracuda Bar and the CSC’s very own team the Camillian Dragons, which included an extremely brave young lady whose handicap was the fact that she was blind! A count back then followed which gave the honors to the Camillian Dragons.

Technical prizes were also up for grabs and these included a nearest the pin won by Kevin Smith, a longest putt won by Tiger (could well be a false name but his playing ability somewhat resembled the namesake) and the much sought after, nearest the barrel, donated by the Sportsman’s Bar and won by Phil Lewis of the Barracuda Bar.

Next it was off to the new Shenanigans Irish Bar at the Avenue shopping mall for lunch and ample refreshments before the ten pin bowling event.

Again this was a tightly fought contest with yet another tie for first place between the Old Biddy’s and Aunties team. As each team member had played two games and selected their best score, it was decided to resolve this by counting both scores, culminating in Aunties team winning by a narrow margin of 3 points.

The last event, 8-ball pool, saw the Old Biddy’s narrowly beat the Last Chance Saloon in the finals. Had the Old Biddy’s not come last in the golf it could have been their day ... but that was not to be.

The 2007 Jaidee Classic overall winners by yet another small margin, as you can see from the results, were the Camillian Dragons - a very fitting result to great day.

The night was not over yet though, as our Master of Ceremonies Kevin Fisher was quick to point out; still to come was the raffle and the auction with some real bargains to be had under the hammer of our Auctioneer John Collingbourne.

An incredible 109,000 baht was raised during this tongue in cheek, often amusing auction with a further 14,600 baht worth of tickets sold in the raffle, all the prizes for which were donated items. The entrance fees came to 58,500 baht along with individual donations totaling 81,000 baht and 4,200 baht made it’s way into the collection box making the total money raised on the day to 267,300 baht. And this figure is still rising!

Thanks to the generosity of Simon at Shenanigans who provided both lunch and evening buffet free of charge, along with golf, bowling and trophy costs covered by others, every satang raised will go towards the welfare of the children of the Camillian Social Center, Rayong.

We would also like to thank our sponsors, Sportsman’s Bar, Barracuda Bar, Biddi Mulligans Bar, ScanSeis Consulting AS, Fly Thailand and Shenanigans, along with all the people that donated and those that took part in the event.

For more information check the official Jaidee Appeal Team at www.bahtbus.net

Steve wins the two pool table tenders!

The Old Biddy’s, Bill, Richard, Paul and Keith win the pool.

The Last Chance Saloon team: Chewy, Jim, Paul and Tom.

Aunties team, Oy, Pui, Joom and Nick were the top bowlers.

The stars of the day, the Camillian Dragons: Tiger, Russel, Aoy and Barry won the golf and were crowned overall 2007 Jaidee Classic winners.

The Sportsman’s team: Dez, Dave, James and Steve.

The Barracuda team: Richard, Tony, Colin and Phil.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Action continues with FA Cup Third Round

Riz Taylor

Unless you’re a football manager jugging a weary and injury-ravaged squad through match after relentless match, you can’t really complain about any lack of decent football to get your teeth into at the moment. After the Premier League football feast over the last fourteen days it’s onto the FA Cup third round this weekend.

What a fortnight we’ve just seen. Before Christmas I’d been influenced by the media into wondering whether the festive fixture pile-up was good for football, but as ever the succession of games on the telly brought home exactly what the game is about, and that’s us, the, err, paying fans.

Stuff the players and their tired legs, the Christmas and New Year schedule is a great time for your average barstool supporter. We’ve seen some cracking matches over the past week or two, and frankly given the huge amounts of cash that players and football people in general are taking from the game, they owe us the entertainment. Or at least that’s how I see it.

And what entertainment it was. Will this season throw up any matches over the coming five months that compare with Chelsea and Aston Villa’s 4-4 draw (and three red cards) on Boxing Day, or Tottenham’s 6-4 victory over Reading last weekend? Both were absolute thrillers, and the sloppy defending will no doubt be blamed on the gruelling Christmas schedule.

Good. Who cares about 0-0 bore draws? If I wanted perfect defending and scoreless draws I’d move to Italy, with a return to 70’s-style football hooliganism thrown into the bargain. British sides have never been particularly fantastic in the art of defence, with a few notable exceptions of course, and the flurry of goals over Christmas has proved that whilst the football may not be technically perfect – alright, it’s quite some way off technically perfect - it can be sensationally entertaining.

The Premier League rests this weekend, but that doesn’t mean the teams do. Instead it’s the FA Cup third round this weekend, always a favourite of mine in the football calendar. My own personal preference is to watch small sides have a crack at the big boys, but even though there are no genuine David versus Goliath fixtures this weekend there is still potential for some unsettling afternoons for a few of the more illustrious sides.

Congratulations to non-league Chasetown, firstly, who have been granted permission to hold their fixture with Cardiff City at their home ground, which of course you are already aware is called Scholars Park. There had initially been safety concerns over the match and local police had tried to move the match to a bigger stadium elsewhere, but the ‘British Gas Midland Division’ side will play at home with their capacity boosted to 2,000 after the erection of temporary seating.

Isn’t it reassuring to see a side attempting to play at their own ground for the biggest fixture in its history, rather than shifting the tie elsewhere in a grab for more money? Too many clubs drag their long-suffering regular supporters along with them to a different stadium on these occasions, also forcing the players to perform in an unfamiliar stadium. So before the game is even played, hats off to Chasetown. They might end up chasing shadows against Cardiff, but at least they’ve given themselves every chance they can.

The other non-league side in action are Cambridge United, who travel to Wolves. At the other end of the spectrum Manchester United face a tricky trip to an ever-improving Aston Villa. Ironically the Birmingham side might prefer to move the tie to Old Trafford. This has nothing to do with financial gains and more to do with form - Villa have only been beaten once in their last fifteen away fixtures.

Tottenham play Reading again, and the Royals will want revenge for last week’s 6-4 humiliation. Other decent-looking ties are Watford at home to Crystal Palace, Southampton against Leicester City, West Ham against Manchester City, West Brom at Charlton, Bolton at home to Sheffield United and a revival of the West London derby as QPR visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Sunderland and Wigan Athletic also might be a bit tasty, if you’re into that kind of kinky stuff.

More action on Sunday sees Bristol Rovers at Fulham, Arsenal away at Burnley, Stoke host Newcastle United and Liverpool travel to Luton Town. Derby County will fancy their chances of a place in round four as they host Sheffield Wednesday.

The newspapers would have you believe that the gulf in class between the divisions means that the big sides will be too strong for their less glamorous opposition, but surely we’re due an upset somewhere along the way, and let’s not forget that they’re all knackered. I’m plumping for Birmingham to come unstuck at Huddersfield Town, and Bristol City to get something from their tie against Middlesbrough. See you back here next week, I hope.

Ref pulls Red Card … then a Gun

A Malaysian referee took out his gun and fired warning shots in the air after a local soccer match turned unruly following the suspension of a player. The referee, who is also a policeman, ran to his patrol car to get his gun after players mobbed him for showing the red-card to one of them, Singapore’s New Straits Times said.

“We are investigating as to whether the policeman was justified in taking out his firearm and discharging it, and also why he had it with him during the match,” it quoted Hussin Ismail, police chief in the southern Johor state, as saying.

The policemen was taken into custody for suspected misuse of firearms.

Five players, aged between 23 and 40, were also being held for questioning and could be charged for rioting

European Draw

In case you missed this just before Christmas, here’s the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League: Celtic v Barcelona, Lyon v Manchester United, Schalke 04 v FC Porto, Liverpool v Internazionale, AS Roma v Real Madrid, Arsenal v AC Milan, Olympiakos v Chelsea, Fenerbah็e v Sevilla.

The eight first legs will be spread across February 19 and 20, with the second legs taking place on March 4 and 5, apart from Liverpool’s trip to Inter, which will be played on March 11.

In the UEFA Cup it’s Slavia Prague versus Spurs, Bolton face Atletico Madrid, Rangers versus Panathinaikos, Everton against SK of Norway and Aberdeen face German minnows Bayern Munich.

Motherwell captain O’Donnell dies

Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell has died after collapsing during his team’s match against Dundee United, club chairman Bill Dickie confirmed.

O’Donnell, who was 35, was taken off the pitch at Fir Park on a stretcher in the closing stages of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match. He was set to be replaced by substitute Marc Fitzpatrick in a match Motherwell won 5-3, but fell to the pitch as the change was taking place.

After been treated for around five minutes on the field, O’Donnell was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. O’Donnell’s nephew, David Clarkson, was also playing in the match, and was taken off after being alarmed by the incident.

O’Donnell, who won one Scotland cap, began his career with Motherwell and rejoined the club in 2004 following spells with Celtic, who he joined in a ฃ1.75million deal in 1994, and Sheffield Wednesday.

Chonburi disabled athletes re-take gold medal title

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

The Sports Association of Chonburi on December 19 held a celebration for those who had won medals during the 26th National Sports for the Disabled, held in Nakorn Srithamarat Province over the period October 20 to 24.

The Chonburi team of disabled athletes had turned in a brilliant performance and won more gold medals than any other grouping during the games, regaining their pole position from the Bangkok Sports Association, and making this the tenth year that Chonburi has taken the most gold medals.

Three organizations had played a key role in the Chonburi team’s performance, namely the Redemptorist School in Pattaya, the Chonburi School for the Deaf, and the Karunyawet Home for the Disabled.

Chonburi’s performance was impressive, the athletes receiving 87 gold medals, 73 silver medals, and 78 bronze medals, adding up to a total of 238 medals. The Bangkok Sports Association, the former champion team, was defeated by only one medal, and received 86 gold medals.

To celebrate the team’s success, the Sports Association of Chonburi held a presentation ceremony on December 19 at the Redemptorist School multi-purpose sports field. Chonburi Deputy Governor Chatpong Chatputi and Wittaya Khunplome, president of the Sports Association of Chonburi congratulated the athletes and presented plaques to coaches and sponsors. Money was awarded to the athletes who received medals.

The outstanding athletic achievement in this competition belonged to a 19-year-old girl named Miss Siriporn Prasertchart. Despite both of her arms being disabled, she was able to win nine medals in swimming and track and field events.

Wittaya said that much of the success had been due to the intense cooperation from every sector. The goal was set at 80 gold medals before the competition started, in order to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday. However, through the dedicated training of the athletes, there were even better achievements than had been anticipated.

Wittaya said that the training and dedication will continue, because Chonburi intends to be number one again in the 27th National Sports for the Disabled, which will be held in Pitsanulok Province in 2008.

Chatpong Chatputi (Deputy Governor of Chon Buri) presents a special achievement plaque to the outstanding athlete, Miss Siriporn Prasertchart .

The local disabled athletes turned in a superb performance and won more gold medals than any other team.

The team carries out a celebration parade at the Redemptorist School multi-purpose sports field.

‘Millionaire’s golf’ at Treasure Hill

Golf news from the Bowling Green

Gareth Weeks

Monday, December 24, Plutaluang, Stableford

Monday saw the Bowling Green playing a four-ball better ball format at Plutaluangs Navy. With 8 teams looking for honors, several new recruits in tow and the change in format, all were up for the challenge and very happy to being given the North & West nines for the test.

Following our round we all proceeded to the clubhouse restaurant where the winners were announced. Taking the day’s honors with a combined total of 42pts were Phil “Badger” Barnsley (12 H/c) and Mark Brenton (29 H/c); Phil scoring 38pts off his handicap can expect a new one for Christmas.

In second on count back with 41pts were Alan Griffiths and Des Sharkey, and in third, also with 41pts, was the pairing of Billy Bryne and Onn. Both these players new recruits to our group.

Near pins went to Gareth Weeks and Billy Bryne, whilst Alan Griffiths slotted the longest putt.

Wednesday, December 26, Treasure Hill, Stableford

Wednesday we decided to play an extra fixture at Treasure Hill. On our arrival we were very surprised to see the car park empty, and while checking-in informed there was only one other group with three players out on the course. Playing golf in these conditions, in and around the Pattaya area on an empty golf course is rare, and it was left to us to enjoy a round of millionaire’s golf.

With the course looking in the best condition many of us had ever seen it, and greens that were lightening quick, by far the quickest we had encountered in a long time, the day was one that will certainly be remembered.

With many players taking three or more strokes on the putting surface scoring was tough, but coming through with a strong finish, and winning the day with a very good score under these tricky conditions was “Pinky” Farrell with 39pts, in second was Frank Sharkey on 36pts and third was Mike O’Brien with 34pts

Yours truly (Gareth Weeks) claimed the only 2 Near Pins.

Friday, December 28, Pattaya Country Club, Stableford

Pattaya Country Club was the venue for Friday’s stableford competition. On our arrival we could see that the first tee had 10+ groups of golfers waiting to tee off. With the guarantee of a slow round ahead we set off and soon found that the reports on the courses condition not being too good weren’t to far off the mark, but saying this, it’s a big confidence booster to see your drives going 300+ yards down the hard running fairways and gives you some idea how Mr. Woods feels, “OK just a little.”

I myself had not played this course in 4 years or more, and I must say I enjoyed the change of venue along with several other members in our group.

Winning the day with 37pts was (yours truly) Gareth Weeks, in second was Mike O’Brien with 34pts and third was Alan Griffiths on 33pts.

Near pins went to Gareth Weeks and Mike O’Brien.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

We’re past the Christmas season but the Cancun Boxing Commission (Mexico) is the gift that keeps giving to The Square Ring: this time in the form of an open letter from the defeated Rudy Lopez to Naoki Matsuda.

One web site quotes Lopez: “In a contrite open letter published under the letterhead of the Cancun Boxing Commission, my boxing commission has suspended me for a while and I was also fined an amount of money.”

“Contrite” might be a bit kind Rudy, how about a ‘load of cow droppings’? Lets see, you attack a fighter from behind after the fight is over so get suspended for awhile and fined some money. Boo Hoo!

“I felt that the fight was mine,” continued Lopez. If that’s the case, besides the two Mexican judges he’s the only one that thought so. Other eyewitness accounts have Lopez getting his “butt kicked.”

One of my favorite TV shows, except for the final hour show that lost me after 10 minutes, is “The Extras” starring Ricky Gervais as an actor trying to find good parts to play. He finally gets a low-brow comedy gig on the BBC called “When the Whistle Blows.” For the part Gervais dons a stupid curly wig and large horn-rimmed glasses. The signature line in the show is always, “Are you having a laugh?”

With the help of Jeeves I’ve now donned the curly wig and have my once fashionable glasses in place.

Word is that the WBC heavyweight title match between champion Oleg Maskaev (34-5) and Samuel Peter (29-1) has been rescheduled to March 8 and that the fight will be held outdoors in Cancun, “we take care of our countrymen” flipping Mexico.

“Are you having a laugh?” One wonders how oblivious the sanctioning body has to be before someone yells enough in their protection of Maskaev. He won the title by beating Hasim Rahman in August of 2006 with a 12th round TKO. Thailand’s Anek Hongtongkam had it 106-103 for Rahman so that’s the way it was.

Next Maskaev got a payday against something called Peter Okhello (18-5) in ‘Mother Russia.’ Meantime poor old Sam Peter won two WBC title eliminator bouts and then the WBC interim title. During that time Maskaev was either hurt or getting ready to fight Vitali Klitschko (35-2) who retired in December 2004. Then he un-retired and under WBC rule 237.453, sub section 43, paragraph 17, line 84 it clearly stated that “any champion that retires and then wants to come back within 4 years may do so, becoming the mandatory challenger for anyone that the WBC deems necessary.”

Samual Peter better watch out. If Maskaev has applied for Mexican citizenship the “Nigerian Nightmare” will probably have to win three fights on the trot for a victory.

“Are you having a laugh?”

With the noise makers put back away for another year it’s time to get back to the business of boxing: and it is a business - of that there’s no dispute. What will occur in the next 12 months is anybody’s guess. Expect the unexpected, which should put you ahead of the game except that like gambling, you never get ahead of boxing.

One thing you won’t see this year is a rematch between Floyd Mayweather jr. and Ricky Hatton. One possibility for Hatton would be a fight against Oscar De La Hoya at Wembley Stadium sometime in the summer, but even that’s in the “really iffy” column. That indeed would be a “mega fight” with interest throughout the world.

The London Telegraph is reporting that Hatton will be defending his IBO title against “TBA,” which is always good for a laugh - and a payday. For the record “TBA” has yet to win a fight.

Next up for Hatton would be Pail Malignaggo for the IBF title in Madison Square Garden later in the year. That assumes that Malignaggo gets past Herman Ngoudjo this Sunday afternoon - which is not a sure thing.

Not on the radar screen for Hatton is Junior Whitter, the WBC light welter champ, who when asked about Hatton said, “He (Hatton) wants to reclaim the mantle as the best light-welterweight in the world and to do that he has to beat me.” Whitter’s a stealth opponent right now. His big mouth keeps him on the outside looking in.

Hatton, in a ‘holiday’ letter to his fans published in the Manchester Guardian, thanked them all for their support. Too bad he didn’t mention that they acted like “soccer hooligans” by booing the national anthem of the USA. One writer described them as, “people you would invite into your house who would then drink all your beer, spit on the rug and try to have sex with your dog.”

Amir “The Wonder Boy” Khan (15-0) has an opponent for his February 2 fight at the Excel Arena in London. He’ll face the light hitting (which means he couldn’t break an egg) Martin Kristiansen (19-1-3) who’s never fought outside his native Denmark. With only 5 KO’s from 19 wins he would appear to pose “no problemo” to Khan or any real fighter. The Dane is ranked number 2 by the WBO, which speaks volumes about the WBO.

After Khan destroyed Graham Earl in 72 seconds on December 2 there was some thought of a Khan - Jon Thaxton match.

“In the past Jon has always been saying that he’ll be the first to beat me, but I’ve heard nothing since I destroyed Earl, who’s a much better fighter than Thaxton,” commented Khan. “I said I’d retire Earl, and I’ll do the same to Thaxton,” he continued, “Jon’s a good fighter but he’s not in my league. Sadly I think there’s more chance of Thaxton turning up on the side of a pint of milk than getting in the ring with me.”

English humor is sometimes an oxymoron.

Aussie Danny Green is currently celebrating three big events in his life: He won the WBA lightweight title, he has a new son named Archie Malcolm Green, and his wife was in labor for 12 hours. The latter fact he’s celebrating because it wasn’t him!

Greens is “supposed” to fight a mandatory defense against Argentina’s Hugo Garay but that won’t happen. Word is there’s a rematch with WBA super-middleweight Anthony “The Jerk” Mundine in the works. Their first clash in May of 2006 had Mundine winning an easy UD getting 118’s from all three judges. Green got the loss along with point totals of 111, 112 and 113, which is not good. The fight did draw 30,000 to Aussie Stadium in Sydney though.

You might like to mark February 17 on your boxing calendar as there might be a couple of good bouts going on. One of the brightest stars in boxing Kelly Pavlik (32-0) gives Jermaine Taylor ((27-1-1) a chance at redemption with a rematch. Taylor was whining that he couldn’t make 160lbs so the Pavlik camp said, “No problem pal, we’ll fight at 166lbs.” Got to love it when a champ calls a loser’s bluff.

“166 lbs is probably going to be the first time in four years that we don’t have to go into the sauna and work the day before the weigh-in,” said a Pavlik spokesman. “Kelly’s in great spirits and we’re ready to go.”

Ever notice that it’s “we” with these spokespersons? Like the little boy bragging, “Me and Paw killed a bear.”

In their first meeting Pavlik was down early in the second round but somehow weathered the storm. One theory is that Taylor punched himself out, but those that saw the fight know his problem was that he had no answer for the Palvik’s right hand.

There is the theory out there in space that Taylor lost some air when he couldn’t put a wobbly Pavlik away. Taylor’s problem is that he likes to back up and fight off the ropes. Pavlik likes to come forward, tossing punches from all angles. Last time Palvik caught Taylor on the ropes and it was “fight over.” The “official scoring” had Pavlik trailing badly before the 7th round KO. This one will be a barnburner.

The same day former heavyweight champ, Nikolai Valuev (47-1), gets an “official title eliminator” against Sergei Liakhovich (23-2) for the right to fight WBA champ Ruslam Chagaev. Valuev held the belt before losing a majority decision to Chagaev last April. One judge, South Africa’s Stanley Christodoulus who had it 114-114, was probably being kind as the other two had Chagaev an easy winner.

After the loss the seven-foot Valuev fired his longtime trainer who has changed his style. “We’ve worked to change Nikolai’s style completely, with faster, harder and more punches than before.” Wonder why no one thought of that before?

Liakhovich hasn’t seen any ring action since November of 2006 when he was well ahead of Shannon Briggs before he got KO’d in the final stanza.

And finally here’s Jeeves

“Your Lordship, for Thailand’s boxers the year ended the way it started. On Christmas Eve in Japan, Thailand’s Petchek Sithkornpolkanpim got KO’d in 8 rounds by Junichi Yamaguchi (7-2). Just for the record Sithkornpolkanpim is 0-9, being KO’d 8 times, which might indicate a change of professions may be in order.

“Any New Year’s resolutions Your Lordship?”

Yes Jeeves - in the coming year I am going to be more positive while not picking on boxing judges and referees. I will admit that they know more about boxing than I do.

Furthermore I will quote accurately all comments from boxers, their managers and promoters leading up to a fight without any snide comments.

I will recognize that Lennox Lewis was probably the greatest heavyweight champion of all time and will fight to throw rose petals in his path should we ever meet up.

I will take everything that Promoter Bob Arum says as the gospel while hanging on to every word uttered by Don King.

I will concede that HBO’s Jim Lamply, along with Max Kellerman, are the best in the broadcasting business.

I also resolve to continue to share a pint of lager, a cigar and some recorded music with you my dear Jeeves after every column. And as we’ve reached that point once more Jeeves, please bring on the lager, the cigar and the music.

“Are You Having a Laugh?”

Full house for Caddyshack scramble

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

The winning scramble team of Graham Dietrich Joey Clines and Jeff & Am North.

Monday, December 24, Greenwood, Medal

Monday the golfers traveled to Greenwood to play a medal round, the course was in great shape and a nice, steady round of golf was had by all.

In third place was Joey Clines with a par 72, going one better and one-under was Mark Williams with a net 71, but well ahead of his opposition with a net 66 was Graham Dietrich to take first place.

Graham also made a birdie ‘2’ to share the pot with Joey Clines.

Wednesday, December 26, Green Valley, 4-Man Texas Scramble

A full house on Wednesday with over 60 golfers participating in the Caddyshack’s annual 4-man Texas scramble. Teams were swapped and changed and eventually all were happy they had the winning combination.

The golf was played to a very high standard with the near pin winners inches (not feet) away. Near pins, all winners and technical prizes were sponsored by the Caddyshack with some very nice prizes on offer.

Nearest the pin 2nd shot on the par 4 tenth was sponsored by Harry Riley and the winner was Dave Richards with a very accurate shot. Other near pin winners were Graham Dietrich, Grazi Dimodeo, Damien Trant (who said it was the closest he had been to an ace) and Mickael Anderson.

The main competition was a very hot battle. Coming in fourth place was the team of Clive Bruce, Phonsie and father and son Les and Phil Utting with net 59.7. In third place was the team of John Cunningham, Bill Hewitt, Harry Cowling and Keith Hector with a team score of 58.8. In second place was the team of Tony Oakes, Mike Wing, Roger Moore and Vince Smyth with a combined score of 58.2.

The winners however were a very good team in-form golfers in the shape of Graham Dietrich, Joey Clines and Jeff and Am North. They had a very good round of golf recording a score of net 57.3.

With a complementary buffet put on back at the Caddyshack, many golfers brought their wives and friend to end a very successful and enjoyable day with most of the celebrations going on well into the morning,

Friday, December 28, The Emerald, Stableford

Emerald was the venue on Friday for a stableford competition with 32 golfers taking part.

The cut was made at 16 and under and in Division 2 Bruce Tollitt notched up another first place with 37 points. A very close second was Mike Wing with 36 points and third went to Aussie Dave Strang with 35 points.

In Division 1 Vince Smyth scored 39 points to take first place with Phonsie in second on 35 points after a count back over Mark Williams who had to settle for third.

Four golfers managed a ‘2’ and shared the prize. They were Phonsie, Joey Clines, Graham Beaumont and Dave Richards.

Last ditch battle for ‘Golfer of the Month’

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper

Monday, December 24, Burapra, Stableford

A Flight
1st Ray Trembath (12) 42pts
2nd Mike Gosden (5) 38pts
3rd Paul Jones (6) 36pts

B Flight
1st Koji Yomada (19) 38pts
2nd Brendan Moore (13) 36pts
3rd Peter Seward (14) 35pts

C Flight
1st Andy Turner (25) 38pts
2nd Paul Challis (31) 34pts
3rd Jim Cadigan (22) 34pts
Near Pins: Neil Allison, Matt Gibbons, Mal McKay, Magnus Larsson
2’s: Mal McKay, Roger Wilkinson, Mat Gibbons

Christmas Eve and off to Burapra went our festive and merry golfers. Ray Trembath was seen practising recently at one of the local Pattaya ranges and it obviously paid off as he came home with 42pts to win the A flight by a clear four shots from Mike Gosden, with Paul Jones two points further back in third.

The B flight saw Koji Yomada take top honours with 38pts, two clear of Brendan Moore, whilst Andy Turner 38pts took C Flight ahead of Paul Challis on 34pts.

Tuesday, December 25, Plutaluang, Stableford

1st John Merritt (14) 38pts
2nd Danny Whelan (13) 35pts
3rd Roy Holmes (8) 35pts
4th David Askew (12) 34pts
Near Pins: David Boran, Paul Challis, Roy Holmes, Kemjila Pawapho.
2’s: Roy Holmes, John Merritt, David Boran, Danny Whelan

Christmas Day and off to Plutaluang: just the one flight and a very exciting and happy day was had by all. John Merritt took top spot with 38pts from Danny Whelan, who won second spot on count back over Roy Holmes.

Thursday, December 27, Treasure Hill, Stableford

A Flight (0-14)
1st Frank Kelly (14) 36pts
2nd Phil Knight (12) 31pts
3rd Ray Trembath (10) 28pts

B Flight (15 -23)
1st Lars Strom (23) 31pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (18) 30pts
3rd Alun Webber (22) 30pts

C Flight (24-up)
1st Ann Hiranya (30) 31pts
2nd Jack Robertson (25) 31pts
3rd Peter Morris (25) 30pts
Near Pins: Mod Chaviraksa, Amphan North, Mike Wardman, Maureen Coy
2’s: Alun Webber

Thursday saw all of our regular golfers, who had now recovered from Xmas, travel to Treasure Hill.

Frank Kelly found his form again and took the A Flight with 36pts from Phil Knight in second with 31pts. Ray Trembath took third on a count back 28pts - the surprise could be seen at this announcement.

Lars Strom won the B Flight and Ann Hiranya the C Flight.

Saturday, December 29, Eastern Star, Stableford

A Flight (0-13)
1st Fergus Brennan (9) 36pts
2nd David Thomas (6) 35pts
3rd Danny Whelan (13) 34pts

B Flight (14 -22)
1st Mod Chaviraksa (20) 39pts
2nd Tom Breslin (21) 33pts
3rd John Merritt (14) 33pts

C Flight (23-up)
1st Lars Strom (23) 34pts
2nd Alan Evans (26) 34pts
3rd Jack Robertson (25) 32pts
Near Pins: Peter Morris, Danny Whelan, Andy Turner, David Thomas
2’s: Danny Whelan, Paul Jones

Saturday and our regular visit to Eastern Star where three flights were the order of the day.

C Flight saw Lars Strom come out on top from Alan Evans, B Flight had one of our regular ladies Mod Chaviraksa take the honours from Tom Breslin, and the A flight saw organiser Fergus Brennan in top form with 36pts and a win, just one point more than David Thomas 35pts with Danny Whelan third on 34pts.

It was noted that after Saturday’s play, and with just the one match day left for December, that two golfers were tied on points for the golfer of the month. So it will be a battle royal on Monday 31st at Crystal Bay to see who comes out the winner.

NB: As announced in last weeks report the “Travellers Rest” is now a fully independent organisation for its golfing activities. Under the title of the T.R.G.G. (The Travellers Rest Golf Group) this is in operation as from the 1st January 2008. Membership registration is Baht 200 and membership for two years Baht 300.

Entry forms and fuller details are available from Fergus Brennan at the Travellers Rest. Membership entitles you access to one of the best-organised golfing organisations in Pattaya and some of the best course price deals available anywhere. Many golfers will attest to the quality and care that you receive at the T.R.G.G.

If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at 7:45 am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Just call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

Birdies, Bears and Dazzlers shine at Eastern Star

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

The winning “Birdie Boys” team of Barry Traynor, Umalai Chaysa, Roy Thornton and Mikael Andersson, with Mr. Denis (background) and tournament organiser Len Jones (far left).

Pattaya’s final golfing “major” of the year is traditionally the IPGC Pattaya Golf Society’s Annual Team Scramble, organized out of the OK Corral in Soi Rungland, and always an occasion to spend a few golfing hours with friends in what must rank as the most popular of golf formats.

So it was on Friday, December 28, when for the second successive year, a packed field of 136 golfers descended on Eastern Star Golf Resort for this year’s event.

The course was as well presented as anyone could remember and indeed even the greens had some measure of consistency and the extended white tees made the day an excellent challenge for the serious as well as the fun golfer.

The introduction of the more equitable “Canadian” system of handicapping for this event initially produced some scepticism but captains chose their teams wisely, and, as always, the better golfers were to be found at the top of the listings.

With only 1.4 of a shot separating the top four teams the unlucky combination of Stefan and Inina Goransson, Roland Soderberg and Leif Linner lost a count back for third place by a mere shot to the “Daz’s Dazzlers” outfit, ably led by Daz Martindale and assisted by Tony Duthie, Ronnie Hall and Chris Holmes. Their total of net 53.4 was a frustrating 0.2 of a shot behind runners-up “Dancing With Bears”, heading a strong Haven contingent. Captained by Barry Winton, partners Bubbles Davies, Brian Kelly and Orn Winton all found their game to produce a fine result.

The winners, at last in a PGS scramble, were the “Birdie Boys”, augmented by Umalai Chaysa, one of the OK Corral’s leading lady golfers. It was a moment to savour for Captain Roy Thornton and team-mates Barry Traynor and Mikael Andersson as their net 52 was arguably their best ever performance in a scramble and it proves the argument that “good guys sometimes win.”

Near-Pin trophies went to John Cunningham (hole 3), Tony Kitchen (hole 6), Darren Smith (hole 13) and Niall Higgins (hole 17) and the Long Drive awards went to Helene Lindberg in the Ladies’ flight, Kari Aarnio in the Third flight, Tony O’Neill in the Second flight and the prodigious Jimmy Dee in the top flight, his drive on hole four travelling farther than many people go on their holidays.

At the other end of the scale the “Flying Finns” team of Paula and Mauri Virolainen, Rainer and Olli Helling had the honour of sharing the Booby Bevy prize with the local team of “Vodka & Tonic”, a heady cocktail of duffers, Paul Quodomine, Mikael and Helene Lindberg and organizer Len Jones.

The day ended with the presentation buffet roundly congratulating Stephen Beard and John Emmerson for their invaluable support, Mary Jones, Khun Phen and Khun Taen for their indispensable efforts at registration, and the work of Khun Malee and the OK ladies for the splendid buffet and boss Mr. Denis for his usual efficiency, support and good humour.

It had indeed been one of the best and most enjoyable of all the eight Scramble events so far and here’s to the next one. Happy New Year to all!

Joel tastes a little Christmas Fayre

PSC golf from The Caf้ Kronborg

Joel Flor with The Alec Chilcott Cup.

Derek Brook

Monday, December 24, Plutaluang S & E, Stableford - Christmas Fayre

Alex Chilcott was the P.S.C. Golf Chairman for many years and started the Christmas Fayre concept in 1994, where the entrance fee is a gift-wrapped present and at the end of the round all are placed on a table and the best score has the pick of the lot and so on down to the worst score. All get something.

When Alec passed away in mid 1999, The Alec Chilcott Cup was inaugurated by Mike Franklin for the best Stableford score.

The best Stableford score of this day was achieved by Joel Flor with 41 points to take the Cup. Mike Winfield came in second with 37 points and third and fourth was decided on count back on 36 points with Henry O’Brien in third and Peter Sorenson in fourth.

Near Pins: Barry James, Henry O’Brien, John Maycock, Bob Rasmusson

Long Putt: Graham Buckingham, John Swanson 

Thursday, December 27, Khao Kheow, Stableford

Back to Khao Kheow again, and I must say that the drive there early in the morning is now much quicker. Mind the drive back is not as easy.

So KK it was - difficult as ever and with every shot important. This day the test was the A & C nines, starting on the C. I think this nine has been out of use, because it was not very well manicured and sometimes it was difficult to separate the rough from the fairway. The A nine was in much better condition, although it has to be said that the bunkers here on all holes are as bad as I have ever seen them. Bunkers that are this bad need a lot of inaction to get in this state.

So to the competition, and with exactly the same number of 0-18 and 20 up players, the 19 handicappers were in limbo, but on a toss of the coin they went into the A Flight. This was unfortunate for the players in the flight as the best two scores of the day were from 19 handicappers.

In the A Flight, the winner was Koji Yamada with a very fine 42 points ahead of Mike Winfield in second with 40 points. In third was Rick Evans with 35 points - Rick would have won if the 19 handicappers had been in the B Flight. Such is life.

In the B Flight the winner was Jan Lovgren with 37 points ahead of Einar Utoft in second with 36 points and Bernie Cairns in third with 34 points. Then we had the dodgy drive back home. T.T.F.N.

Long Putt: Lewis Boyd, Kevin Dinan

Near Pin: Mike Winfield, Kevin Dinan, Paul Sharples, Koji Yamada

Caf้ Kronborg moves up to second

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling Leagu

200 Bowlers: La, Lek & Kran (Morn not shown).

Caf้ Kronborg moved up from sixth place to second as they were celebrating their Captain Kran’s birthday. Kronborg were led by Kran’s 205 game, 553 series and Lek’s 237 game and 5l5 series off a 33 handicap. La had a 212 game, 545 series and Somrak added a 526 series for Balls Galore but their low handicap prevented them from winning a point.

House of the Golden Coin remains in first place after taking three points from Jack & Tar behind Aht’s 520 series. Canada won three points from Brother D and moved into third place. Teuvo led Canada with a 535 pin count.

Four teams are tied for fourth place including SaBai Friday who took three points from Diamond Shop. Beaver Bar & Grill won three from VFW Post 9876 with Morn leading the way with a 204 game and 538 series. Montana won three points from Caf้ Ole. Rich Montana bowled games of 191, 189 and 187 for a 567 series for Caf้ Ole but they only managed to win one point.