Morel victory at Bangpra

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

Monday, June 14, Khao Kheow – Stableford
With a slight increase in last week’s numbers there were still no winners in division two in the 2’s competition, so it would be five rollovers to play for at Bangpra on Wednesday. Keith Hector and Geoff Stubbs shared the single division one pot.
Keith also won the division one stableford comp with 33 points from Burnie Sinclair in second on 30 points. Miss Nom’s 28 points was good enough to win division two, with Bryan Rought second on 26 points.
Wednesday, June 16, Bangpra – Stableford
Still an enjoyable course to play, but probably our last visit for a couple of months until the renovations are completed.
Some of the tees were well forward today, but amazingly this did not reflect in the stableford scores that came in. Ted Morris took division one with 35 points and Ben Findon, now playing off 15, finished second on 32 points. Yet another ‘keep it in the family’ win with Mam Morel’s 36 points topping division two and John coming in second, 4 points behind.
Another rollover in division two in the 2’s while Ted Morris’s birdie over the water on the 12th was good enough for the only ‘2’ of the day.
Friday, June 18, Eastern Star – Stableford
Another increase in numbers and it was back to nearest the pins for two divisions today. Alan Duckett, Ted Morris and Harry Riley (2) won in division one, while three winners collected prizes in division two: Peter Grant, Miss Nom and George Richardson.
This sounds boring now, but another rollover in division two in the 2’s, while Ted Morris and George Turner split the division one purse.
Ted also won the stableford comp with 34 points with Jim Lane finishing second two points behind. Miss Nom’s 38 points topped division two with Bryan Rought second on 33.
Note: Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Siam Cats, Soi 5 Jomtien beach Rd. at around 8.30 for a 10.00am tee off. Please sign up in the bar or ring Glyn on 086 837 5464.

Arthur gives lesson to the ‘youngsters’

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, June 16, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Treasure Hill was host for a stableford competition in one flight on Monday. The course was in fair condition but there is extensive manual weeding going on at the present time.

Arthur Bailey (left) accepts the Monthly Mug from Bjarne.

Just back from the ‘Land of Midnight Golf’, Kris Helgasson took the win with 36 points ahead of Neil Skilton in second with 35 points. In third was Volker Buley with 34 points and in fourth was Kevin Dinan with 33 points.
Thursday, June 19, Phoenix - Monthly Mug
The phone rang early in the morning, 0615 hrs to precise, and Tim was on the line asking if we would be able to play golf as it had been chucking it down all night. Me, never heard a thing, but a look out of the window showed all the streets flooded and rain still coming down. The answer was easy, ‘Of course we will be able to play Tim, see you at the Kronborg’.
It takes a lot to stop a golfer. Now if the Kronborg had been washed out like last week with the road knee deep in water, well that would have been different.
So off we went to Phoenix and finally we arrived at a waterlogged golf course. What next? Well, we found out no carts allowed at all, this was going to be a problem for ‘the goldies’, and in fact we did have withdrawals. Surely this would only help the young ones in their fifties, and what about poor ‘Old Arthur Bailey’ at 80 years young?
So, changed, we set off on foot on soggy wet ground playing the Mountain and Lakes Nines. At least this 18 holes is fairly flat. It was a struggle, and Bob Benda, who has recently had a hip replacement soldiered bravely on to get around. We were all beat when we finished, and our scores showed it. The lowest ever score Dave or I can remember that won the Mug, being net 73, maybe this could be a first, but usually someone comes out of the woodwork.
Changed and back at the Cafe Kronborg it was noticeably that all the players thought they had no chance, but they did. The winner of the sole flight was P.S. Basi with, yes, a net 77 ahead of Joe Vanderwegan in second with a net 78 beating Walter Bachli in third on count back. In fourth was Tony Berry with a net 79 ahead of Koji on count back. Really ‘grate’ scores and yes the spelling is correct.
So to the winner, and beating the highest ever net score of 73 was 80-year old Arthur Bailey with a net score of 75, a new high. Arthur did all that was required and triumphed when all the young 40, 50 and 60 year olds failed in the conditions. Well done indeed Arthur. T.T.F.N.

Skilton wins by a street at Pattana

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, June 17, Pattana (Stableford)
This was one of those weird days when some of the players were involved in Matchplay and the rest played the competition. Both were played at Pattana with the competition going off first, as Matchplay does tend to be a little slower.
The course was in good condition and we played the B & C Nines, however there was a strong, unpredictable wind that blew many of the players all over the place. The greens were also difficult on the day, or at least that’s my excuse, and the wet conditions meant carts were not allowed on the fairways.
These factors obviously caused some difficulty for the golfers, as apart from one player, the scores were mediocre to say the least. So the winner with 36 points was Neil Skilton and Mark Brenton was a distant second with 28 points on a count back over Al Laurie. T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Neil Skilton (2), Bill Knight, Steve Hamstad

Gib wins a couple

IPGC golf from Donovan’s

Thursday, June 19, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
Men’s Flight
1st Jim Munns (12) 40pts
2nd Steve Mascari (2) 38pts
Ladies Flight
1st Gib Rykke (36) 39pts
2’s: Graham Dietrich
Capt Fogg racked up a nice 40 points to edge The Pres. Gib Rykke started her bid for the ‘Title Slot’ with a fine 39 points to top the Ladies.
Saturday, June 21, St. Andrews 2000 (White Tees) - Stableford
Men’s Flight
1st Dave Stockman (5) 39pts
2nd Gareth Gill (10) 38pts
Ray Dell (12) 35pts
Ladies Flight
1st Gib Rykke (36) 30pts
2’s: Gareth Gill, Steve Mascari, Mike Craighead, Klaus Schackt, Yui Duangkaew
Near Pin: Yui Duangkaew
In a break from form, the society took on Green Valley’s sister course, St. Andrews 2000. Dave Stockman showed that it is a low handicapper’s arena, as he accumulated 39 points off his 5 handicap. Big Gareth was but a point in arrears, with Ray Dell snagging the third step.
Gib Rykke had a modest 30 points but it was enough to take the strong Ladies field.

2M baht budget agreed on for Pattaya Marathon

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Pattaya Marathon, which will be staged on Sunday July 20, will be supported by a 2 million baht budget.

Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon holds up one of the medals on offer to runners taking part in this year’s Pattaya Marathon.

The event is being organized by Pattaya City in cooperation with Chonburi Province, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Athletic Association of Thailand.
A meeting of the organizing committee was held on June 6 at Pattaya City Hall, with Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon in the chair and Pattaya City permanent secretary Sittiparp Muangkhum amongst the senior government officials attending.
A budget of more than 2 million baht was agreed upon. The event is being divided into five categories, namely the International Marathon and the Wheelchair Marathon, with a distance of 42.195 kilometers; the Half Marathon, a distance of 21.100 kilometers; the Quarter Marathon, a distance of 10.550 kilometers; and the Student Category, a distance of 5 kilometers.
The race will begin from Soi 4 on Pattaya Beach Road. July 19 is the final registration date for athletes, and this day will also see on-stage entertainment from popular Thai artists. Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat will perform the opening ceremony on July 20 at 4:00 a.m.

Lee Marine service dept. provides experience and familiar faces

Meagan Kelly  (Ensign Media)
It is not always smooth-sailing for a boat owner, but thankfully there will always be two friendly faces at Thailand’s leading yacht brokerage ready to help you.
Antony Gates and Ian Taradonpipat are behind the service department of Lee Marine, Thailand’s leading yacht sales company based in Phuket. It is one of the only companies in the region with a dedicated service department. For the past four years, it has been running offices in the Boat Lagoon and Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket and the Ocean Marina in Pattaya.

Lee Marine’s Antony Gates (right) and Ian Taradonpipat provide a wealth of knowledge and first class service to the region’s boat owners.

Anthony and Ian are a tag-team providing Lee Marine customers with everything from boat commissioning services and engine maintenance to warranty services. Together they bring a wealth of boating experience and the kind of hospitality only Thais can provide.
You could say the sea runs through Anthony’s veins. His great grandfather worked with sailboats and sailed across the South Pacific, one of his uncles is a fisherman, and many of his family members are boat owners. With the ocean just a few steps from his bedroom, it did not take long for Anthony to test the waters.
“Looking at the water out the front door you’ve got to use it. I got into kayaking first, then windsurfing, then sailing and then racing, and then cruising, teaching and everything from there,” he says.
With over 50,000 nautical miles under his belt, he has sailed the Southern and South Pacific Oceans to South East Asia.
Now Anthony passes on the knowledge that only comes from sailing so many miles to new boat owners. Recently, he helped to launch a new service department initiative that gives buyers the opportunity to spend an afternoon with him learning about their new engine.
“I have had some really good mentors in my life that have taught me these things. I am not a qualified mechanic but I know my way around an engine because I have done so many sea miles myself. In the Pacific, if something goes wrong, I can fix it,” says Anthony. “But someone who walks into the brokerage office who has never boated before and buys a boat, they might not.”
Lee Marine’s General Manager Martin Holmes says Anthony has been a welcome addition to the team.
“He has a broad range of experience in both the mechanical and electrical side and can troubleshoot with care and attention,” says Holmes. “Yachting and boating is all about experience on the water and it is always a pleasure to have someone with that experience to work through any problems that you may be having.”
Ian, meanwhile, may not have the same experience as Gates, but having been born and raised in Phuket, she brings a knowledge of the region and the friendly service of a Thai national.
She studied hotels and tourism in University, before she became the after-sales manager in Lee Marine’s Service Department.
“Being Thai, I was surprised to see how popular such large boats are, but I have fallen in love with them,”she says. “I learn something new everyday.”
Ian is responsible for warranty issues, collecting data, and coordinating delivery and eventual handover.
“She is very personable and genuinely cares for the boats and customers that she is responsible for. She has taught herself about the boats we sell and now has an excellent working knowledge of parts, service intervals and routine maintenance.” say Holmes.
The service department also provides other services such as emergency call out and towing, cleaning services, scheduled servicing and preventative maintenance, handling non-warranty issues and more. They keep impeccable records so the customer is always aware when their boat is due for a checkup.
Anthony and Ian say there is one thing they enjoy most about their job: the people.
“Sailing and boating is almost a community in itself,” says Anthony. “It’s one of those things that brings everyone together.”
About Lee Marine
Lee Marine is a leading international yacht dealership and brokerage based in Phuket and Pattaya, Thailand. The company represents Riviera, Ferretti, Pershing, Jeanneau and Crownline for new yacht sales and service. Lee Marine’s international brokerage arm has the largest selection of second-hand yachts for sale in Asia. Founded in 1997, the company has six experienced brokers in four sales offices. Please visit www. leemarine.com for more information.

Champions defeated at Koh Larn Mountain Bike challenge

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Koh Larn Downhill Mountain Bike 2008 competition on June 15 saw some unexpected defeats and triumphs, as a couple of clear favorites lost out to younger and less experienced competitors.

Thanapon Jarupeng was the surprise winner of the Men’s Downhill competition.

Seven-times champion of Thailand Sitthichai “Max” Katekaewmanee trailed younger rider Thanapon Jarupeng, who romped home as winner in the Male Downhill category, and the 24th SEA Games silver medalist female rider Usanee Pradapyad lost against Taksaporn Kaosuwan, coming in second.
The competition was held over the two-day period June 14-15, with participants vying for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy.

Keerati Sukprasart was the champion in the Cross Country category.

The event, which was opened by Mayor Itthipol Khunplome who also presented the prizes, was divided into two categories, namely Downhill and Cross Country.
Both categories started from Samae Beach, the trails leading up into hilly and then mountainous terrain.
Usanee, who had won her silver in the Downhill category at the 24th SEA Games, and Max, who was a bronze medalist in the Male Downhill at the SEA Games as well as having won the Thai championship seven times, were marked out as clear favorites.
In the event, Max was beaten by half a wheel length in the Male Downhill category by Thanapon, who recorded a time of 1.38.79 minutes and who collected the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy. Max came in second at 1.39.52 minutes, and in third place was Tinnapob Riyapan from the Kona Factory Team with a time of 1.40.95 minutes.

The competitors found a real challenge on the hilly topography of Koh Larn.

In the Female Downhill Category, Usanee, who was riding with the Pattaya Bike Club Team, was beaten by Taksaporn from the Kona Factory Team, who had a time of 1.53.57 minutes. Usanee’s time was 1.54.82 minutes, and Miss Muenfan Pinyo from the Chainat Provincial Administrative Organization came in third with a time of 2.10.02 minutes.
In the Cross Country Category, Keerati Sukprasart of the Navy Team came in an easy winner, and received the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn T’rophy. Thongchai Biednok was in second place, and Worawut Neelakup was third.

Record breaking Bob just keeps on winning

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

It was another good day for golf - the only trouble was that we had the same winner: Bob Benda. Bob has been on a hot streak of late and has not let up, even after been cut a couple of times. I believe he has won about 4 weeks in a row now which is a record. Bob shot 39 points on this day to post yet another win.
It was a close race for second spot as Paul Kraft and Sus Ige fought it out. Paul had a tremendous front nine scoring 23 points but crashed on the second half. Paul finally came in with 37 points to take second though as Sus faltered on the 16th and 17th to come in third with 36 points.

Smith fires 72 off the stick: still finishes second

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, June 16, Siam Plantation - Stableford
1st PJ Redmond (19) 37pts
2nd Reg Smart (25) 34pts
3rd John McDonald (6) 30pts
The Bunker Boy’s were playing the new Siam Plantation course for the first time since it opened, well most of them were anyway.
Playing a stableford competition the fast sloping greens caught a lot of players out but PJ Redmond didn’t have too much trouble as he came into the clubhouse a winner with a very credible 37 points. Reg Smart, who has made a good recovery from some recent surgery, took second spot and John McDonald finished third with 30 points.
All the others had pretty poor scores going all the way down to a miserable 15 points but we won’t embarrass the poor soul who managed that.
Only 3 par three greens were hit so the prizes were shared between Takeshi Hakozaki, Arnold Van De Graaf and John McDonald.
Wednesday, June 18, Greenwood – Stableford
1st Mick Benton (20) net 67
2nd Paul Smith (3) net 69
3rd Richard Baldotto (27) net 70
Some good rounds were played in the Medal competition at Greenwood where Mick Benton took the honours with a superb five-under par net 67, beating the disappointed Paul Smith who shot a level par gross 72 (net 69) to only finish second. Richard Baldotto finally got his game together during this brief visit to card a two-under par net 70 to finish third.
Paul Smith rounded off a good day by taking two near pin prizes and the only other one went to John McDonald.
Friday, June 20, Green Valley - Stableford
1st John Graham (11) 40pts
2nd PJ Redmond (19) 37pts
3rd Damian Trant (10) 35pts
Playing another Stableford comp today at Green Valley PJ Redmond had another good round scoring 37 points again, but today it only got him second place because John Graham had the best round of the day to win with 40 points. Damian Trant finished third with 35 points.
Near pin prizes went to Tony Berry, John McDonald and two went to Koji Yamada.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Farewell to another season

The last Beautiful Game? of the season is upon us, and surely there’s no more fitting end to a seemingly never-ending season than Sunday evening’s European Championship Final. Writing this before the semi finals I’m unable to tell you which two sides have made it to Sunday’s showpiece, but what I am sure of is that I’ll be supporting the winner of Spain against Russia against either Turkey or, more likely, Germany.
Some thought from the Euros first up. Firstly, whatever happened to booking players for diving? I’ve seen it only once this time around, David Villa of Spain the recipient against Italy, but the game is setting a dangerous precedent by allowing players to fall over left, right and centre whenever the mood takes them. Enough is enough, surely.
Taking of Italy I could barely be more delighted that the Azzuri are no longer with us. Let’s put their brand of football to bed forever in the interests of football fans everywhere. Not so the Russians, who have been the team of the tournament after their initial group stage spanking at the hands of Spain.
No England, no problem. This chance to embrace a competition without England to worry about has been a breath of fresh air as far as I’m concerned. No tub-thumping tabloids telling us that “we can win it” after a group match against a weaker group stage only to turn against the team after the inevitable quarterfinal exit on penalties. Watching some of the football in this competition I can’t see the English living with the likes of Holland, Russia or Spain if their lives depended on it. Next up is a World Cup qualifying campaign that contains the desperately unlucky Croatia. Be afraid, England fans.
More complaints. Why are any side that start the tournament well immediately accused of ‘peaking too soon’. It’s complete nonsense! You’re either playing well or you aren’t, as Italy and more notably France showed us. Les Blues, in particular, were appalling and demonstrated why Scotland could and should have made it to Austria and Switzerland at their expense. Talking of the host nations, the two Alpine nations offered no surprises to anybody this time. Poland, hosts next time around with the Ukraine, were equally rubbish.
Two final thoughts: First of all I’m sick of hearing about Ronaldo. The Premier League’s leading scorer and player of the year obviously adores reading about himself in the newspapers, has become a bit of a Billy Big Boots and if Manchester United can get a fortune for him they should let their young star toddle off to Real Madrid to put us out of our misery. Ten baht says he changes back into a stepover show-pony with little end product.
Finally, why do people who notice themselves on the big screen at football matches immediately start waving at the screen rather than the camera that’s catching their nine seconds of fame? It’s surely a mystery that will continue for some time to come.
Alas we come to the end of the current season. I’m off for a barely-deserved summer break and will catch you all again in August. Thanks for hanging around and see you in a month or so.
Lampard to Inter?
Internazionale made their long-mooted interest in Chelsea’s Frank Lampard public last week after the Serie A champions’ president, Massimo Moratti, confirmed the midfielder is their “No1 priority” in the transfer market this summer.
New manager Jose Mourinho is keen on adding the midfielder, who turns 30 next week, to his ranks at the Nerazzurri for a fee of about eight million pounds. “Everybody considers Lampard a great player, but this doesn’t mean that signing him will be easy,” said Moratti. “We like him, though, and he’s our No1 priority. Mourinho likes Lampard a lot. We all know that he can be a great player with us.”
Meanwhile Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o moved a step closer to leaving Barcelona and potential transfers to the Premier League after the new coach, Pep Guardiola, revealed the trio are not part of his plans for next season.
And Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has paid tribute to former team mate John Arne Riise following the Norwegian’s £4m transfer to Italian club AS Roma.
The 27-year-old defender completed his transfer on Wednesday having made 371 appearances for the Reds and scored 31 goals in a seven-year Anfield career. “John Arne has been a great player for Liverpool for six or seven seasons now,” said Carragher. “He can be very proud of what he’s achieved with Liverpool.”
Poland loves Webb
Infuriated soccer fans in Poland have offered Polish citizenship to Premier League referee Howard Webb in order to stop him from officiating over any match involving the country again. The invitation comes in line with Webb’s decision to award a last-minute penalty to Austria in their Euro 2008 showdown with Poland, for which he also faces death threats.
According to reports from Ananova.com, fans claim that offering him a passport will be the only way to avoid him refereeing their national team, as he would not be able to preside over any match involving his own country.
“It would stop him from hurting us again,” News. com.au quoted a fan, as saying on a website where the campaign began. However Webb remains defiant, saying: “We don’t want to be popular - we want to be respected.”
Manager moves
Portugal coach Phil Scolari will take over at Chelsea in the coming weeks, Mark Hughes is now at Manchester City for anyone that’s been asleep for the last fortnight, and Paul Ince has been installed as Hughes’ successor at Blackburn Rovers on a three-year deal, becoming the first black English manager in the Premier League.
In his first season with MK Dons, Ince, 40, got the Buckinghamshire club to the League Two title and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Frenchman Jean Tigana with Fulham and Ruud Gullit with Chelsea and Newcastle are the only other two black managers to have managed in the Premier League.
Meanwhile former England supremo Steve McClaren has been named as the new coach of Dutch Eredivisie side FC Twente. McClaren, who has been out of work since he left the national job in November following the failure to qualify for Euro 2008, has agreed a two-year deal at the Enschede club. He takes over from Fred Rutten, who has joined Bundesliga side Schalke.

Neil shoots ‘lifetime best’

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, June 16, Burapha - Stableford
Any number over 40 is generally enough to warrant an overall winner for the day. Today was no exception and with 45 Outbackers playing on their favorite home course, there was a second place prize as well.
A & B from the blues did not deter Neil Hughes shooting the round of his life, with a brilliant 76 off the stick. His playing partner, Jeff North, who was full of admiration about his game, said,” he played like a real single handicapper, fairway, green and two putts.”
Later, back at the ranch, Neil, who couldn’t hide his joy at beating his previous best of 80 by four clear shots, punched the air when the result was announced and rang the bell to enjoy a good drink with many of his fellow Outbackers. Well played Neil!
There were plenty of other good rounds, as the three-month long summer eclectic hots up, and they came from Campbell Potts, aka Pottsy, (39), Dave Porter (38), Bernie Segrave (38), Kevin Moraghan (38), and two 36s from Barry Chadbourn & Rosco; all pretty good stuff!
Overall
1st Neil Hughes (11) 43pts
2nd Dave Porter (13) 39pts
Div A (0-12)
1st Bernie Segrave (8) 38pts
2nd Jon Pratt (7) 33pts
3rd Steve Nowell (9) 33pts
Div B (13-19)
1st Kevin Moraghan (18) 38pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (19) 36pts
3rd Rosco (16) 36pts
Div C (20+)
1st Pottsy (20) 39pts
2nd Paul Quodomine (24) 35pts
3rd Bill Mooney (20) 35pts
2’s: Jack Moseley, Pottsy, Ken Little, Bruce Milner, Neil Hughes and Junior
Tuesday, June 17, Phoenix - Stableford
Five of the usual ‘early risers’ were joined by five new faces (including Ampan North - proving that ladies can also rise early). Meanwhile some of the regulars were away on ‘match play duty’.
So Phoenix Mountain and Lake on a perfect day for golf and a round that took just four hours! Then into the clubhouse for a beer (at a sensible price!) and the presentation and off by 1 pm to wherever...?
Bob Pearce was once again in the frame but this time losing on count-back to Nigel Cannon. They were followed by Ray Dell in third.
So ‘early risers’, join us on a Tuesday at Phoenix at 8 am (max 20) sign-up at the Outback Golf Bar or call Bob, enjoy the game and have a free afternoon!
1st Nigel Cannon (24) 33pts
2nd Bob Pearce (11) 33pts
3rd Ray Dell (12) 31pts
Wednesday, June 18, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Although it was a relatively small field of 18 Outbackers that braved this tough track, there were two outstanding results. The first came from Geoff Doody with a score of 38 points, as he flexed his muscles ahead of the Outback Golf Bar’s first overseas tournament, taking place in Bintan, Indonesia. The second was from Ken Little, with a mediocre 10 pts on the front only to return an amazing 25pts on the back (2-under gross for the back nine). Well played you guys, particularly round this course!
Div A (0–17)
1st Ken Little (10) 35pts
2nd Bruce Milner (12) 32pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (15) 29pts
Div B (18+)
1st Geoff Doody (22) 38pts
2nd Murray Hart (18) 28pts
3rd Barry Rothberg (20) 26pts
2’s: Ken Little.
Friday, June 20, Siam Plantation - Stableford
Although it does not help the confusion at the start of a competition when the management advise us that there is only a one tee start, instead of the two tees planned the day before, please be assured they did extend their utmost apologies. So it was a bit of a mess as Bob & Jack juggled things around to make it all work, which of course it did!
Fifty-six Outbackers here today, and Dave Arrowsmith stood head & shoulders above the rest with an excellent gross 76. Afterwards he said, “Last week was my first round here, I knew where I was going this time.”
Anything in the low 30s is good on this course, so there was some good golf out there also from Jon Pratt, Noel Pittard, Simon Kendall and Graham Faithfull. Capt’ Bob managed his best round here to date in spite of all the kafuffle.
Course facts:- Sugarcane (A) 5 white & 4 yellow tees - 3273yds & Pineapple (C) 7 white & 2 yellow tees – 3293yds, giving a total length of 6566yds.
For those of you who maybe wondering when cards will be submitted for handicap purposes for this course, it is hoped to be able to give a temporary rating and slope early in July.
Overall
1st David Arrowsmith (4) 36pts
2nd Jon Pratt (8) 34pts
Div A (0-9)
1st Noel Pittard (4) 34pts
2nd Simon Kendall (9) 33pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 32pts
Div B (10-16)
1st Graham Faithful (14) 33pts
2nd Keith Worboys (16) 32pts
3rd Nick Payne (14) 31pts
Div C (17+)
1st Kevin Moraghan (19) 35pts
2nd John Mordacz (21) 32pts
3rd Murray Hart (18) 31pts
2’s: Bob Philp and Rick Evans
Friday, June 20, Green Valley - Stableford
The Outback Golf Bar recognises that not everybody wants to play a course like Siam Plantation every week and is providing an alternate course on most Fridays. It will usually be one of four: Emerald, Navy, Eastern Star or Green Valley, if you’re interested just ring Bob.
The ever-popular Green Valley was the alternative venue choice this week, and 17 Outbackers made the trip. Bernie Segrave took the Div A prize with his 37 points, from Dave Evans & Roy Thornton, who had been quickly diverted here from Plantation, as they were not allowing blue flags today.
Pimusa & Jan rejoined us today, much to the demise of a fine round of 39 pts by Barry Rothberg, who was beaten on count-back by an equally fine round by Pimusa, to take Div B.
A big thank you goes out today from the Outback to our organizer for the day, Barry Chadbourn, thanks Chad!
Div A (0–18)
1st Bernie Segrave (8) 37pts
2nd Dave Evans (13) 35pts
3rd Roy Thornton (12) 35pts
Div B (19+)
1st Pimusa (20) 39pts
2nd Barry Rothberg (20) 39pts
3rd Kathy Doody (19) 34pts
2’s: Kathy Doody, Roy Thornton & Pimusa.

MBMG Matchplay League 2008

Tuesday, June 17, Pattana
Tropical Berts 3 v The Outback Golf Bar 4
Individual Results: Derek Brook (won 4 & 2) v Jack Spencer; Mick O’Meara (lost 1 down) v Jack Moseley; Colin Cronin (lost 2 & 1) v Bernie Segrave; Dick Warberg (won 4 & 3) v Neil Hughes; Phil Barnsley (lost 2 & 1) v Don Pavlovic; Frank Pilkington (lost 4 & 2) v Harvey Samuel; Daryl Evans (won 2 up) v Geoff Doody
Tuesday, June 17, Phoenix
Angkana House 2 v Tony’s Tigers 8
Individual Results: Barry James (lost 6 & 5) v John Lang; Ken McCarthy (lost 7 & 6) v Gerard Hutchinson; Dave Evans (lost 6 & 5) v Ron Bridge; Trevor Loersch (lost 5 & 3) v Neil McAllistair; Bob Rasmussen (lost 5 & 3) v Chris Holmes; Peter Harris (lost 7 & 6) v Dave Smith; Dennis Bailey (halved) v Brian Jacks; Paul Hart (won 4 & 3) v Sam Fitzsimmons; David Maynor (halved) v Stuart Gordon; Herb Pastor (lost 7 & 6) Jeff Cargill
Wednesday, June 18, Greenwood
Caddyshack 6 v Cafe Kronborg 4
Individual Results: Jeff North (lost 3 & 2) v Nick Skilton; Archie Armstrong (won 3 & 1) Peter Blackburn; Vince Smyth (lost 1 down) v Koji Yamada; Damien Trant (won 5 & 4) v Ebrahim; Peter Henderson (won 4 & 3) v Graham Buckingham; Roger Moore (won 2 & 1) v Henry O’Brien; Geoff King (halved) v Nigel Perry; Ian Colvil (won 3 & 2) v Dave Richardson; Chris Platten (lost 1 down) v Kevin Dinan; Ramsay Smith (halved) v Joe Vanderwegon

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Sometimes, as one gets a little age on them the old motor seems to go a little ‘wiggly.’ That may well be the case with H. Reed. Why? I may be wrong here but the best heavyweight fight I’ve seen on television in years was between two guys named Rocco and Tiger.
This guy Tiger was the undisputed champion having won and defended his titles in America, Europe and the Middle East. His Mom was from Thailand and his a dad a black Army Sgt. Tough? Bet on it buckwheat.
Tiger was the type of fighter that may have been down but never counted out. Coming off the canvass he was one mean “sonabitch.” Tiger would land a big punch and as his opponent was taking his last breath Tiger would place his foot on the throat to ensure a permanent and quick ending. He ducked no one, never engaged in trash talk and never backed away from a challenge.
Rocco was no slouch in the tough department either. His record belied his toughness with many more losses than wins. “No problem as any day above ground beats the alternative.”
Rocco only had a couple of significant wins and that was a long time ago. Nevertheless he had the ability to rise to this occasion. He had two problems in that he was always smiling like he actually liked what he was doing and he lacked a knockout punch. Rocco was like the “Chinese water torture” in that he would just peck away until the opponent finally gave up, yelling “uncle”.
He took everything Tiger tossed his way. He was down and should have been counted out by the magnitude of the situation. That he didn’t give up is a tribute to courage and the nobility of sport. In the end, when Rocco’s tank was empty and he needed a KO to win, it just wasn’t there.
Tiger prevailed as he had before, winning his 14th major title. This win may have come at a high cost as he re-injured his knee and that will place him on the sidelines, maybe even out of the sport. He had a torn ACL and three minor fractures.
This was a fight where the noble performances on both sides will be long remembered and spoken of in hushed tones wherever men get together to speak of the important things in life.
Tiger and Rocco: Two gentleman who gave it all they had while asking no quarter and giving non in return. A knock down drag’em out fight to the finish with bare knuckles. A fight worthy of going down in the annals of the heavyweight division. Was it for the WBC, WBA or IBF title? Nope. It was the US Open Golf Tournament.
Pacquiao-David Diaz …The real deal?
Some in the boxing world look at this match as just another pay-day for the poster boy of Filipino boxing, Manny Pacquiao (34-1-1). That would be called the “conventional wisdom” which many times is conventional but more often than not lacks wisdom.
Some out there, Judge Jerry Roth and TSR, thought that Pacquiao lost his last outing against Juan Manuel Marquez in March. TSR thought that Pacquiao’s power wasn’t what it used to be plus he seemed to take a lot of shots that he should have avoided.
The move up to 138lbs, from 130, should not be dismissed as a non-factor. David Diaz (34-1-1) is a legitimate 138-pounder who has acquitted himself well at that weight. Diaz’s only loss came to Kendall Holt (23-2) who fights for the WBO light-welter on July 5 against Ricardo Torres.
In big title fights, this for the WBC lightweight, it’s sometimes helpful to look for common opponents. Eric Morales is 1-2 against Pacquiao and 0-1 against Diaz with all those fights being at 130lbs. If in fact Pacquiao has lost a step, whether due to lifestyle, age or training patterns, Diaz could be in this one from the opening bell. If Pacquiao’s lost a tad bit of power it will be a long unrewarding night for the “Pac Man”.
One the other side of the page, Diaz fought on the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez in March. He looked absolutely horrible against “showcase” opponent Ramon Montano. Was this by design of the Diaz folks or a true picture of their fighter? “No Eye Deer.” Diaz’s backers cited “ring rust” for the poor showing as he had only had two fights since August of ’06. His ’07 win came against Eric Morales who retired after the fight. Some though Morales retired before the fight!
Three of the four officials named by the Nevada State Athletic Commission have ties to TSR. If that fact had been known their appointment may have been jeopardized. Regardless, the match is in the capable hands of referee Vic Drakulich and judges Paul Smith, C.J. Ross and Gary Merritt. Three of the four are guilty by association.
The Jeeves journal
In the Tapanhin District of Phuket, WBC straw-weight champion Oleydong Sithsamerchai (28-0) successfully defended his title for the second time. He got a 9th round KO after a furious and merciless body attack destroyed Junichi Ebisouka. All judges, including The Lord of the Manor’s pal, Tony Castellano, had the winner taking all 8 rounds.
Patomchoke Patompothong (13-0) is a Nakhon Pathorn prison inmate but that didn’t stop him from winning the IBF Pan-Pacific jr. feather title last Friday. The fight, which was televised on Channel 7, lasted only 2 stanzas as “southpaw Patompothong trapped the importation in the neutral corner and dropped him with a barrage of left and right hand bombs to the head and referee Somsak Sirianant counted out the visitor.”
The “importation” in question was Indonesia’s William Reyk (6-3).
Patompothong was jailed in 2006 for 6 years as a “drug carrier” and is scheduled for release next month. Could the IBF mean “I Be Felon?” Is up to you.
Last week in boxing
A jam packed crowed at the National Indoor Stadium in Birmingham, England was stunned when UK superstar in waiting, Amir Khan, was knocked to the canvas in round 2 of his fight against Michael Gomez by a jolting left hook. Gomez was down in round 1 and also down for the final time in round 5 when referee John Keane stopped the fight.
The BBC said “the brutal encounter was by far the toughest of Khan’s 18 professional fights.”
Khan has all the makings of a superstar in the mold of the now forgettable Prince Naseem Hamed, aka ‘The Lop Eared Camel Jockey.’ When Gomez missed the final press conference Khan proclaimed, “He’s scared. I was looking forward to seeing him and he’s not turned up but his stupid games don’t bother me. You know what an idiot Michael Gomez can be. I’ll let my fists do the talking on Saturday night.”
Gomez wasn’t scared as he fought bravely and did show that Khan may have issues with his chin. Watch out.
Sir Frog’s pal Mikkel Kessler (40-1) made his return to the boxing ring a successful one last Saturday night at the Brondby Hall in Copenhagen. Dimitri Sartison came in at 22-0 but against questionable opposition.
No one would ever call Kessler “questionable opposition,” though. He successfully broke down the over-matched but brave Sartison, putting him down in the 11th before getting the KO in the 12th. With the win Kessler removes the word “vacant” for the phrase “vacant WBA super-middleweight title.”
Prior to the fight Sartison had said, “I want to bring the WBA title to Germany.” Big difference between “want to” and “do.” Next up for Kessler is Danilo Haussler in his first defense.
The rematch between IBF middleweight champion, “King” Arthur Abraham (27-0) and Edison Miranda (30-3) was almost two years in the making. The first match held in Wetzlar was an old fashion “Pier 9 Brawl.” Miranda had five points deducted for head butts, low blows and other “nefarious acts.” Abraham got his jaw broken in round 4 but fought on. To the surprise of anyone that knows anything about boxing Abraham got a UD. This time fighting in Hollywood, Florida there would be no doubt about who won the fight.
Miranda would win the first three rounds, appearing to be in complete control. Between rounds 3 and 4 Abraham’s corner told him, “Quit playing around and get down to business.” It was said in German so that’s a rough translation.
Early in the 4th Abraham connected with a straight right squarely on Miranda’s chin. Knockdown number 1. Beating the count Miranda was sent sprawling a short time later by a “hellacious” left hook. Miranda beat the count again only to run into a final left hook, forcing referee Tellis Assmenios to stop the fight at the 1:13 mark of the 4th.
“I tired him out then knocked him down,” said Abraham afterwards. “I want to thank America for this big chance. Thank you, America. I wish for a chance to fight Oscar De La Hoya and a chance to fight Kelly Pavlik. I like America. The American people are very nice people and I’ll come again.”
Pavlik-Abraham would be a good fight. No make that a great fight. Bring’em on.
“Pocket Rocket” calls it quits
Wayne “The Pocket Rocket” McCullough decided after six rounds against Juan Ruiz that it was time to retire from boxing. He got up from his stool, took the microphone saying, “I think this is my last fight and I want to thank you all for coming. I am disappointed with the way things went but I just felt I could not go on.”
Many in and outside of boxing said that McCullough should have hung’em up after his two losses to Oscar Larios: the second one coming three years ago in Las Vegas. TSR wasn’t in that camp mainly because the decision had to be Wayne’s, not someone that didn’t know him or how he felt. Now the time was right and TSR wishes him well knowing that he will always be a part of boxing.
Monkey House Fred’s thought for the day
OPEC sells oil at $136.00 a barrel
OPEC nations buy U.S. grain for $7.00 a bushel
Solution: Sell grain to OPEC nations at $136.00 a bushel
Can’t afford to buy it? Tough! Eat your oil. Ought to go well with a nice thick grilled filet of camel rump!!
Jeeves Jive
His Lordship, who it appears has a slight drink problem, didn’t provide enough information on the late Eddie Futch who was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame and, as is usually the case, I’m left with the task of saving his ample sitting place.
Eddie, who died at age 90 in 1991, had a list of accomplishments that transcends the sport. He was the steadying influence in the corner of champions Don Jordan, Alexis Arguello, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks to name but a few.
“Your Lordship, I’ve laid out your refreshments and entertainment materials. I’m off for a date with Em.”
“Jeeves, isn’t that your fifth date with Em this week?”
“Yes sir, I don’t know what it is but ever since I came back from 5 days at Bourbon Street visiting Doug and the oyster buffet I’ve felt a new energy.”

Russell scores three times a week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, June 16, Bangpra - 2 Person Scramble
1st Russell Exley & La Keith 49pts
2nd Tony Barritt & Barry Traynor 47pts
3rd Yasuo Suzuki & Kazuhiko Asada 47pts
4th Al Keith & Mike Dabanovich 45pts
5th Glyn Nicholas & Mark Ward 44pts
6th Trevor Schirmer & Stephen Beard 40pts
Although Bangpra is undergoing very extensive renovations to both the clubhouse and golf course, it is still a very pleasant day’s golf with hardly any interference to the round. The only caveat being, that due to tee alterations, some holes are quite short although that does not detract too much from the overall play.
Russell Exley was very fortunate to be able to get La Keith as his partner once again, with husband Al tied into a French/Scottish/Canadian partnership. With La’s length off the tee, allied to her razor sharp strikes to the greens and pin point accuracy in putting, and Russell’s all round consistency, it was no surprise to find them at the head of the leader board, although the winning total was far short of the record for this format, but that owed much to the severity of the course, it was a fine team effort.
Tony Barritt reveled in the team leader role with Barry Traynor but had to accede that Barry’s putting was a world apart as they narrowly beat the dynamic duo of Yasuo Suzuki and Kazuhiko Asada by count back and the slimmest of margins of one shot. Although disappointed to be third Kazuhiko was still very happy to take his first podium placing out of The Haven.
Glyn Nicholas and Mark Ward, a last minute pairing, did well enough to see off Trevor Schirmer and Stephen Beard for fifth spot with a very creditable eight under.
There were no 2’s competitions due to the day’s format.
Wednesday, June 18,Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Paul Hartley 44pts
2nd Tony Barritt 38pts
3rd Russell Exley 36pts
4th Geoff Picken 36pts
Whenever Paul Hartley returns from being away he normally takes at least three weeks to return to some type of form and just before leaving manages to get somewhere near his handicap. Not so on this day. Paul staggered the field, and maybe even himself a little, as he returned a card eight shots under to take the day’s honours at the top by six clear strokes.
It is a long time since Paul played under his handicap, 17 months to be exact and the time before that was another 16 months, so no one was muttering in the background during the prize giving, just applauding a very nice round for a very nice guy.
Tony Barritt went a long way to maintaining his almost single figure handicap with a solid two-under that easily claimed second place ahead of the inevitable Russell Exley in third, who was in turn ahead of Geoff Picken by a fair margin on the inward half on count back.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Tony Barritt had two (2) in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Paul Hartley - obviously from a 6 months holiday at a serious golf academy.
Friday, June 20, Emerald - Stableford
1st Russell Exley 40pts
2nd Al Keith 37pts
3rd Yasuo Suzuki 36pts
4th Tony Barritt 35pts
5th Paul Hartley 35pts
With a strong field out, many of whom were trying to improve on their previous scores in the “Wander of the Month” competition that runs side by side with the weekly ones, it was no surprise to find Russell Exley once again at the top of the pile and winning for the second time in the week, and also add to his third place in the previous outing. Even so he “left a few out there” and just missed his lifetime best, but still proved good enough to beat off one of his ‘golf gurus’ and long time hero, Al Keith, by three shots. The day’s greens were not quite to Al’s liking, as he had sixteen tap-ins for par, failing to make even one birdie all day.
Yasuo Suzuki just missed out for second after missing a tiddler on the 18th and had to be content with third ahead of Tony Barritt, who is experiencing a resurgence of form with his third mention in the week and Paul Hartley also showing well for the second time.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Yasuo Suzuki was relieved to find that this time he had the only one in the first division, and when added to his third place pot it could mean a possible extension to his stay.
Prior to the prize giving, Tony Quaid and Paul Simpson were welcomed back.

Loersch takes it by three

Alan steps up to the Tee

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Many of my readers will not recognise the name of Alan Evans. Alan was a regular player with TRGG and a member of the organising committee but had a freak accident some four months ago when preparing for his day of golf at his home. The sink in his bathroom came away from the wall and landed on his feet causing a great deal of damage which required major treatment at a local hospital.

Saturday’s winner and ‘title guy’ - Alan Evans.

Well I am happy to report that Alan is back and in his winning ways again. On Saturday he took on the field at Eastern Star and came home as the winner with a count back win (eighteen on the back nine and this despite much aggravation being caused by the antics of a fellow player) over Mod Chaviraksa with only fifteen on the count back. Nice to see you back on form Alan.
Monday, June 16, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Mod Chaviraksa (13) 35pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (15) 33pts
3rd Ray Allison (12) 32pts
2’s: Steven Gould
Monday was an outing to Green Valley and it was a ‘Ladies Day’ with a win for Mod Chaviraksa who is proving that practise and training pays off with a thirty-five-point haul. Roger Wilkinson was second on thirty-three points and Ray Allison third with thirty-two. Steve Gould claimed the 2’s at the sixteenth hole.
Tuesday, June 17, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes - Stableford
1st Orowan Sodok (26) 38pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (9) 38pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (13) 36pts
2’s: Paul Challis
Tuesday and off to Phoenix we went. This again was another day for the ladies with two in the top three.
The win this time went to Orowan Sodok on a count back thirty-eight points (22 on the back nine) over Fergus Brennan (19 back nine) in second. In third was another lady, this time Mod Chaviraksa with thirty-six points. Paul Challis cleaned out the 2’s pot all on his own.
Thursday, June 19, Plutaluang N & S – Stableford
1st David Snell (13) 36pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (9) 33pts
3rd Paul Challis (30) 32pts
4th George Bishop (16) 32pts
5th Donald Pearson (36) 31pts
2’s: Bob Short
Thursday was a visit to Plutaluang and again we had a large turn out. This course is very popular with the members and I have it reported that it was in great condition.
Dave Snell rose to the top of the pile with an even par thirty-six-point total. Fergus was second again - this time with thirty-three points and Paul Challis came third on thirty-two after a count back over George Bishop. Donald Pearson was fourth. The 2’s went to Bob Short.
Saturday, June 21, Eastern Star – Stableford
1st Alan Evans (24) 31pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (13) 31pts
3rd Paul Challis (30) 30pts
4th Harold Roequist (19) 30pts
Saturday and off we went to Eastern Star where, as I mentioned at the start of this report, Alan Evans found form to win with 31 points. This was despite much distress caused by the antics of a fellow player who was reprimanded after the event.
Alan beat Mod Chaviraksa on a count back with 18 points to Mod’s 15 on the back nine. Paul Challis who was a playing partner of Alan’s came third with 30, again on count back over Harold Roenquist.
There were no 2’s so the bell was rung back at the bar.

Wylie tops out at Greenwood

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Ian Campbell
Tuesday, June 17, Greenwood C & A (White Tees) – Stableford
1st Jeff Wylie (6) 39pts
2nd Bob Drumm (12) 36pts
3rd Neil Duncan (14) 34pts
Near Pins: Jeff Wylie, David Gardner, Rodney Beckett.
Long Putt (18th): Jeff Wylie.

Thursday’s winners (L-R): Bob Drumm, Mike Jackson, Yves Philibert and Paul Smylie.

Off up the road and the miles to ‘Heaven on Earth’ as the owners describe it. I personally have no disagreement with that description because for me this is the most enjoyable course in the area, with each of the 3 nines a real pleasure to play. It’s unfortunate that the distance seems to discourage a number of people from playing here and so it proved today with only 9 competitors.
Thursday, June 19, The Emerald (White Tees) - Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Drumm (12) 38pts
2nd Mike Jackson (15) 36pts
3rd David Gardner (8) 36pts
B Flight
1st Yves Philibert (25) 32pts
2nd Paul Smylie (26) 32pts
3rd Jim Fortune (25) 29pts
Near Pins: Bob Drumm (2), Willi Nachbur, Don Pavlovic.
Long Putt (18th): Ian Campbell
Paradise Bar Shirt: Bob Pearce
Heavy overnight rain for the second Thursday in succession left the course very wet, with lots of casual water and many bunkers transformed into water hazards. However, despite the threatening sky a healthy turnout of participants showed up to tackle this challenging course.
Note: Information on the group’s venues can be obtained by visiting P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Boonsampan (Soi Khao Noi) or phone Neil on 0895110575.

Roy’s “Hidden Six”

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, June 15, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jack Grindvold (5) 38pts
2nd Bruce Milner (14) 38pts
3rd Roy Thornton (13) 37pts
B Flight
1st Joe Tynan (26) 39pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (15) 37pts
3rd Doug Campbell (18) 37pts
Near pins: Ian Halfpenny, Roy Thornton, Don Lehmer and Mick Shrosbree.
2’s: Joe Tynan, Roy Thornton, Bob Newell and Don Lehmer
A much bigger crowd of forty-five golfers turned out to play this week’s Sunday stableford comp. The greens were a tad slow, but the rest of the course was in good condition.
The senior flight was a close affair but winning was the man on form, Jacko, with 38pts, on count back over Bruce Milner. Roy Thornton MBE took third place with37pts, again on count back over big Bob Newell and Ben O’Connor. Roy very nearly had an ace his ball landing two inches past the hole, spinning back and actually hitting the pin. He did manage to sink the put for a birdie.
The junior flight was also a tight affair; Doug Campbell took third place on 37pts, losing a count back decision to Peter Henshaw who took a costly six on the last hole. But the man with the biggest smile in the clubhouse and with the day’s highest score of 39pts was the man from County Wicklow, Joe Tynan.
Starting on Sunday, June 29, Roy Thornton will be running a competition in conjunction with the Lewiinski’s regular comp, called the “Hidden Six.” Let me explain - a sign up sheet will be on the first tee, for any one wishing to participate. The cost is 100 baht andf this will be collected in the clubhouse after the game. An envelope will be drawn with six numbers in it, and the winner will be the one who has the most stableford points on those holes drawn. The prize or prizes will be given out at the normal presentation in Lewiinski’s that night. The benefactor of the “Hidden Six” game is the “Baan Jing Jai” Orphanage, so lets help Roy to help the kids.
Tuesday, June 17, St. Andrews - Stableford
A Flight
1st Peter Henshaw (15) 39pts
2nd Ben O’Connor (12) 36pts
3rd Peter Ring (21) 35pts
It was an Irish invasion, as Peter Henshaw from Dublin won the day with a super 39pts. Second place went to the man from County Kerry, Ben O’Connor, on 36pts and rounding out the flight was Peter Ring, another Dubliner with 35pts.
Peter Ring begged the G M before the game to be allowed to play off the ladies tees as the course was two long for a man who was seventy eight years old. Well Peter had an argument, and a lot of sympathy, but not from the G M. Colin’s answer was short and brief, Peter played off the men’s tees and back at Lewiinski’s he collected the third prize.
Wednesday, June 18, Greenwood - Stableford
1st Jim Bracket (5) 37pts
The size of the field shows that we are well and truly into the low season. Recently returned ‘Big’ Jim Bracket won the only prize with a steady 37pts. Colin Davis, Eddie “the Peewit” Beilby, Geoff Kubas and Ivan Plunkett made up the field.
Friday, June 20, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Bruce Milner (14) 35pts
2nd Martin Solberg (19) 33pts
3rd Bruce Mcadam (21) 30pts
The Emerald welcomed the Lewiinski’s group to play our usual Friday stableford comp. Winning the day with a steady 35pts was Bruce Milner. Two points adrift was Martin Solberg and in third place, after a six way count back, was Bruce Mcadam on 30pts.
Bruce and Eddie “the Peewit” both had a ‘2’ each. No one got “lost” on the way back and the week was finished in true Lewiinski’s fashion.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3, near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or give Colin a call on 089 826 0764 (Transport is provided.)

Family Fortunes at Eastern Star

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

A hasty reassignment Sunday, June 15, saw the Pattaya Golf Society re-route from The Emerald after it was discovered the club had contrived to replace our booking with that of a huge Thai group who occupied the tee for most of the day, and the welcome we received at ESR more than made up for the disappointment.
The impact of the temporary greens was more than offset with the placing of the white tees immediately in front of the blues on those four holes and the course was as long as it ever had been. The heavy early day rain had abated and the scene was set for some good golf.
Returning friends Tony Thorne and Simon Kendall had their say with two fine 33 point scores which shared third place with Ya Riley, whilst husband Harry kept up the family celebration by going neck-and-neck with the current in-form golfer at the OK Corral, Chris Voller, to share the victory on 34 points.
There were no birdie 2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Len Jones for the second successive event after submitting a card only “Mr. Blobby” could emulate! It may have been a disappointing start to the day but it ended in fine style with some excellent golf.
Thomas & Jones call the shots
Tuesday, June 17, the Pattaya Golf Society visited Khao Kheow to play a stableford round over the C and B nines on a course finely prepared for the purpose. The fairways are lush with the seasonal rains and the greens have good pace and are consistent. Playing from the yellow tees the course was to play long.
Leading a small Japanese group of players was Kazuhiko Asada whose 33 points was good enough to take third place but the day’s honours went to David Thomas and Len Jones who shared the victory with 35 points each. For both it was a good comeback after ineffective rounds the previous time out.
Len also had a close call for an ace on B3, his tee shot finishing within a foot of the hole on the 170 yard par-three but he had to be content with a share of the 2’s pot as Yusuke Watanabe’s effort on C3 also merited a “2”.
Simon Kendall had performed well on his previous outing, his first this trip, but he showed that we all have the capacity to go from “hero” to “zero” in this fascinating game and he picked up the Booby Bevy for his indifferent round. The day had been thoroughly enjoyed by the group at Khao Kheow.
Bill buzzes at Lakeside
Highway reconstruction is almost complete now and a trip to Royal Lakeside is even more of a treat for Pattaya’s golfers and so it was that on Thursday, June 19, the Pattaya Golf Society left the OK Corral for the course to play their monthly strokeplay Order of Merit event.
The course is always immaculately prepared with splendidly consistent greens and usually offers the opportunity for good scores with the flat riverside layout. The only drawback on a day when it had rained heavily a few hours before were the myriads of mosquitoes but the caddies were well prepared with creams and lotions. Elsewhere it was not just the mosquitoes who were buzzing.
As usual the scores were good with “Leftie” Mr. Denis, host of the OK just missing out on the prizes with another fine level par score on the course which basically favours orthodox players. In third place were Mikael Andersson and Harry Riley with net 71 but they were a good way behind the joint winners, Ban Chang’s “Kermit” and Bill Hewitt who both recorded the day’s best score of net 68, the former posting the day’s best gross figures of 73.
Bill also had the honour of taking a share of the 2’s pot with Mikael Andersson and Martin Solberg also being successful. The Booby Bevy was reserved for Bill Pickersgill, recently returned from the UK, and it reflected the welcome he was to receive from his colleagues and the paltry score he managed on his first round back. Once again it had been a pleasure to play on such a fine course.

Sunday so good, we played a ‘Triple-Header’

Game 1 winner’s Perry’s Rally Kids: From left to right (front row): Jimmy, Rocky, Tom, Diego (back row): Jim Bob, Mike, John CF, Perry, Sam, Peter, Ernie.

Diego Wells
Another lovely Sunday afternoon brought about the first ever ‘Triple Header’ at the newly named Jimmy field of dreams. There was a larger than normal crowd out, most with beers in hand, ready to play some ball!
We had both young and old fans there, ready to be amazed by the skill level of our softballers, and I can convincingly say that they all walked away only slightly disappointed. With the field adequately manicured by our hot-headed diamond dictator Jimmy, Alan and Perry picked teams, and the call of “Play Ball” went out.
Perry’s team was aptly named by Ernie as the Rally Kids, as in game one they came back from a 5-1 deficit to win the game 9 -5, with four run rallies in the sixth and seventh (final) innings. The Rally Kids had homeruns from Diego and Peter, while Alan’s team of Mo Fo’s (hey, that’s the name he wanted) countered with blasts from Dirk and Jason.
The game saw some excellent pitching by both Alan and Perry, and some excellent infield defense by both 2nd baseman (Jim Bob and Rick). It was a great start to a long and enjoyable day.
Game 2 saw the overconfident Rally Kids underestimate the Mo Fo’s. With a one run lead in the second inning, the Mo Fo’s bats woke up. Back to back to back doubles by Dirk, Jason and Ben, followed by many infielding errors by the Rally Kids, turned into an 8-run fiasco.
Each player on the Mo Fo’s batted twice that inning, and at the end of 2 innings the score was 9-0. Give some credit to the Rally Kids though, as they never gave up and by the fifth inning, had chopped down the deficit to just one run (9-8). But in the end, the Mo Fo’s had more pep in their bats, and more gas (or beer) in their tanks. They scored 3 runs in the sixth and added 2 more insurance runs in the final inning to win the game 13 – 8.
Seeing that both games had been both played quickly and quietly, most players didn’t want to go home just yet. Happily, there was a group of 5 crazy farangs drinking beer and willing to try out the game of softball. The newbie’s were mostly from England, and had very little clue about the nuances of softball. However, they were told that the beers were cold, and were offering their support to fellow hashers/ballplayers.
In the true spirit of the game, we asked them to play and enjoyed their unique softball styles. Most of the newbie’s played in bare feet, and one bare handed (this aint cricket dude!), and all had a great time. We ended up playing 4 fun innings, with the final score still being a mystery to all.
It was just another example of how much fun Sunday softball can be. So if you find yourself bored of the beer bars in Pattaya on a Sunday afternoon, why not come on down and join us for a bit of exercise and a hell of a lot of FUN!
See you on the Diamond!
Note: The Jimmy Field of Dreams is located about 5km southeast of Pattaya at the ultra-light airport. Turn first left after Greenway Driving Range on Sukhumvit and go about 5 km until you see a old water tower on the right side of the road, then turn left at the road across from it and the airport is about 1km on the left. We start at 1pm every Sunday and usually play 2 games.

Clash of Titans - Elite Thais cannot tame the Panthers

Pattaya’s Horseshoe Point was positively gleaming last Saturday as the sports field was transformed into a rugby arena complete with covered viewing accommodation, VIP area and catering facilities to satisfy even the hungriest spectator.

The team captains exchange pennants prior to kick-off.
And what was all the hullabaloo about that had compelled organisers Jimmy Butler and Peter Thorand (Taksin Pattaya Rotary Club) to spend weeks putting things together?
Well about 12 months before, TPRC had been asked to help specific projects in the troubled south of Thailand. Money was raised for the refurbishment of several dilapidated schools in the area and at the turn of the year a party of adventurous Rotarians had travelled to the south in support of the people and to inspect the projects.
Upon arrival a party of about eight were picked up from the airport by heavily armed marines. “I was shocked,” said Jimmy. “There were 69 of them! I wondered what we had let our selves in for.”
The marines protected the group for two days and inevitably friendships developed. It was clear that the area’s needs are enormous but club members quickly realised these particular projects were different to those usually undertaken.
The use of terror in all its brutal forms produces something far more complicated than a simple disaster situation. Just throwing money at the situation does not work. On the contrary, after approval money must be fed into communities through the marines who then enlist local help to execute the work. It effectively helps the marines who thereby build relationships and demonstrates to locals that there are those prepared to assist in the long battle against insurgents and their reign of terror.
“It is a huge responsibility,” says Peter Thorand. “Once you are in you are in. You must ensure the funds are correctly utilised and our aim is to guarantee that every sum we raise reaches those who need it.”

The marines go on the offensive.
Interest in the project and issues has grown to such an extent that it is now known as the ‘Southern Initiative’ complete with its own logo.
Quite fortuitously, the visit revealed a penchant for Rugby Union on the part of the fighting men and a seed was sown for a charity fundraiser between the Royal Thai Marines and the Pattaya Panthers.
That was six months or so ago and after securing the Panthers agreement and dealing with other aspects of bureaucracy, the match day was finally upon us.
Prior to kick off, a very healthy crowd of Thais and expats grew, brandishing supporting flags and a real family atmosphere developed. The newly elected Mayor of Pattaya, Ittipol Khunplome was in attendance and gave his support to the match and the ‘Southern Initiative’ project in general.
Nai Amphur Mongkol Thamkittikhun addressed the crowd, expressing his support and thanked the Panthers for their participation. He was duly introduced to the players.
The Panthers arrived at the game on the back of some recent creditable performances but were lacking their normal forward power. Meanwhile, it quickly became apparent the jungle drums had been sounding and the marines had dug deep to call up several players who had professional and international experience.
The game stated at a frenetic pace and sure enough the Thais sought the expanses of the flanks - using silky and well-honed handling skills – and the ball sped from scrum half to wing with alarming alacrity. There appeared no answer to the Thai right wing who seemed able to secure the ball at full speed, no matter what angle it was received. Two converted tries saw the marines quickly 12-0 up. The Panthers feared the worst.
Girding their loins, the Panthers refused to lie down and a series of crunching tackles in the centre of the park let the Thais know they were in a game. An interception and unconverted try reduced the deficit and there was still all to play for.
This was turning into a very entertaining and absorbing game, played in a good sprit and controlled admirably by the seasoned referee.
You had to feel for the 56-year old “silver backed” panther jumping at no 4 in the line out against what was effectively an international machine. Ball was hard to come by at this set piece yet the panthers were holding their own in the scrums.
Time after time the marines threatened the Panthers line only to be thwarted by desperate tackles.
As the game developed the Panthers uncovered their own “Phil Bennet” in the form of Adrian Lewis, who goose-stepped, side stepped and powered his way over the marine’s line on four occasions.
Scores were regularly exchanged but to be fair the marines maintained most of the possession and eventually emerged as 34-22 winners.
The Aide de Camp to the Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Forces, Capt. Somchai Chiaranaipanit presented the winning skipper with a beautiful leaded glass Rose bowl, suitably engraved.
Each team’s man of the match (Khun Banana, marines and David Brent, Panthers) received a leaded glass paperweight as a memento of their achievements.
Post match festivities lead to the Horseshoe pool and bar and then off to the Panther’s unofficial club house, Jamesons Irish Bar where the landlord, the ebullient Kim Fletcher, donated free meals to the Thai players. Singing started about 10 o’clock and we gather went on well into the small hours.
Many companies big and small have already sought to support the ‘Southern Initiative’ and are keen to become actively involved. An up market glossy commemorative magazine is being produced which is an excellent means of advertising.
Similarly a web site is also being launched.
There are many packages available for support/participation including use of the official logo. There may also be an opportunity for sponsors to visit the area later in the year.
Should anybody require more information please contact Jimmy Butler on 087 918 1202 or Peter Thorand on 081 909 9098

Pattaya’s finest – The Panther rugby team.

The Royal Thai marines line-up.

A Panther runs the ball downfield as the less mobile look on

Fleet of foot – the marine wingers were hard to catch.

The Panthers’ extra weight proved helpful in the scrums.

Brother D crowned champions

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

The champion Brother D team: Konrad, Dang & Ken.

Brother D won three points from Café Kronborg to win the first place trophy after 30 weeks of bowling. All three Brother D bowlers bowled over 500 as did the two bowlers for Café Kronborg in a hard fought match but Kronborg had to settle for second place
Third place this season went to SaBai Friday who split their match with Diamond Shop. There were four 200 plus games rolled in this contest as Nok led SaBai Friday with games of 204, 205 & 180 for a 589 series.
Montana moved up one spot to take fourth place after winning three points from Balls Galore, Diamond Shop dropped down to fifth place, and in other matches Beaver Bar & Grill took three points from Canada, House of the Golden Coin won three from Café Ole and VFW Post 9876 won all four points from Jack Tar. Tue rolled a day’s best 257 game and 589 series for Café Ole.
The next league will start on July 4 and all PSC bowlers are welcome to join us for the next 30-week season.

The final week’s 200 Bowlers: Tue, Leo, Su, Nok, Ooy, Jan & Nual.

Lawn Bowls “Pattaya Challenge”– Round 2

Barry Hooper
This is a follow up report for the second round of the challenge between the Bowling Green, Pattaya and the Retreat Bowls Club.

Main picture shows the Ladies weekend winning team with Alec and (inset) the team captains, Alec and Dave with Albert handing over the Challenge Trophy.

This return fixture was played at the Retreat over the weekend of June 21 & 22. The Retreat had won the previous round by a score of fourteen points to ten.
On Saturday the Bowling Green lost four matches to two and on Sunday the result was three and a half to the Retreat and two and a half to the Bowling Green. When all this was converted into points it meant that the Retreat had a fourteen and a half points to nine and a half points win, which was not unlike the first round result.
So the overall result of the full event was Retreat 28.5 to the Bowling Green’s 19.5.
The top team of the weekend were three Thai ladies: Naree Seanarid, Orowan Sodok and Thong Oomen. They were awarded a trophy at the presentation which took place after a fabulous buffet supplied by the Retreat management. Thank you to all involved in putting the event together.
I am very happy to report that the involvement of players in the sport is continuing in its revival and it is hoped that many such matches can be arranged in the future.

League of Legends – Round 2

by Howie Reed
& “The Bizz”
Dave Whitcombe, the quiet man of darts, lets his darts do the talking last Friday night when the League of Legends toed the oche’ at the King George Hall in Blackburn.
Still he had to share the spotlight with Big Cliff Lazeranko who came back from an opening week loss to Keith Deller to lay a “tungsten thumbing” on Eric Bristow. The win moves the “Big Man” into contention.

The ‘Cowboy’ Bob Anderson guns down John Lowe.

Peter Evison’s first week was frustrating as he couldn’t close the deal against Bob Anderson. That frustration disappeared as he had no trouble doing the “bizz” in week 2 and Bob Anderson, the betfred choice to win it all, showed that his comeback against Evison wasn’t a fluke, but more a warning of things to come.
The night provided a little bit of everything. Good darts, bad darts, winning, losing and a pint or three. Sounds like a winner.
Dave Whitcombe (7) v Bobby George (4)
Dave Whitcombe made it two in a row with a convincing 7-4 win over Bobby George. Whitcombe had built a 3-0 lead on the strength of a 150 set-up in leg 1, which led to a 32 one-dart finish: “Double 16 - good idea that!”
In leg 2 Whitcombe set up the win with a 140 leading to 95 and the double. With a commanding 5-1 lead “King” George did close the gap to 5-3 but Whitcombe tossed a second 180 for 6-3. The 10th leg was all knotted at 51 when Whitcombe used a “fluent 51 check out” for the win. What’s a “fluent” check out? “No Eye Dear” but this time it was 11, tops. It worked.
‘The Bizz’, London cabbie and friend of the stars, reckons his bet on Whitcombe looks better now as he tops the table with 14 legs won and 4 points. Nice scoring average for this match at 28.42 which included 2-180’s, 6-101+ and 20 tons. As they say in wine country, “Not too Chablis.”
“It’s been a great start to the event for me,” said Whitcombe. “Now I’m looking forward to playing Eric on my birthday next Friday.”
Cliff Lazarenko (7) v Eric Bristow (3)
There is an old saying in all sport, “it’s not how you win - but if you win.” That goes right alongside with “There are no style points in darts.” The latter comes from ‘The Coach.’
‘The Bizz’ reports: “Bristow started like he was going to do the biz (fun) but fell apart as Cliff won 7-3. This game could have been a lot closer if Eric had hit his doubles.”
Big Cliff Lazarenko couldn’t give a fig about style or method as he upset Eric Bristow in a match that was all about winning. He proved as “agile” as a ballet dancer as he bounced back from a 5-7 defeat to Keith Deller in week 1.
After his first week triumph’s Bristow had said, “I prepared for the tournament by practicing my finishing, I’ve always said it’s the finishing that counts. We can all score 140s and 100s.”
That’s true but Bristow’s 22.98 scoring average was the worst of the night. With the match tied at 3-all Lazarenko kicked it into gear, hitting doubles and putting the match to bed.
Lazenanko is one of the most honest players n the world: “It wasn’t the most fantastic game,” he admitted later. “The first half was a bit ugly and Eric commanded it a bit, but I’m chuffed to get the win.”
Peter Evison (7) v Keith Deller (5)
This was “the game of the night with some old memories”, reported ‘The Bizz’. The history of Keith Deller is that he became a world champion when Eric Bristow passed up a bull finish in the 1983 world championships. With Evison up 4-3 he had a bull finish after two darts but played it safe. Deller played and left a double. So much for de ja vue.
Deller probably played well enough to win with a 26.80 average and a 105 check in leg 11 but he didn’t. Evison’s scoring average of 27.03 included a pair of 180’s and check outs of 97 and 69.
“That was a great relief. I’ve had to play two really tough players in the first two weeks of the event,” said Evison.
Bob Anderson (7) v John Lowe (2)
“Mr. Lowe was below par on this golf course with his old playing partner,” writes ‘The Bizz’. The match didn’t start that way when ‘The Chairman of the Boards’, Mr. Lowe, went 100, 125, 100, 136 and out. From then on Mr. Lowe was ‘shanking his drives’ and ‘missing putts’. With an average of 28.60 Anderson was finishing on his number plate (car number plate). Down 6-1 Lowe did take out 92 but at that point his fate was sealed.
“John let me in and I took my chances,” said Anderson who is allowed to call Mr. Lowe, John. At the bottom of the table Mr. Lowe has to whip up his horses or he’s going to out to pasture before too long.
“I’m not playing bad darts but I’m letting people bully me. I’ve not said who I am so far and I’m being too nice. I just need something to get me going.”
Ok John, how about “you’re last in the table with the worst scoring average and about to be retired.”
With action this Friday at the Metropole Hilton Hotel in Birmingham, it’s do or fall by the wayside for those at the bottom of the table and that after only three weeks. Misters Lowe, George and Bristow are all in tough and a win by any or all of them will be considered an upset.
Bristow (12-10) gets the leader of the pack Dave Whitcombe (14-7), Bobby George (9-14) gets the recharged Peter Evison (13-11) while Mr. Lowe (4-14) matches arrows with Keith Deller (12-12). The featured match of the evening pits ‘Cowboy’ Bob Anderson (13-8) against a resurgent ‘Big’ Cliff Lazeranko (12-10).