PJ has taken a liking to Emerald

PSC Golf from the Bunker

Friday 26 Sept, Emerald - Stableford
A large field for the ever popular Emerald golf course so there were two flights for the Stableford competition with the cut being made at handicap 16.

PJ is shown celebrating his victory.

The scores were very close in both flights, “PJ” winning the B flight by one point ahead of Reg Smart who beat Colin Stokes on a count back.
In the A flight John Graham won with the same number of points beating Ron Ryan by one point and one point further back in third place was Mashi Kaneta.
One of the near pin prizes was won by Mick Maloney but the star of the show was PJ who shot nearest the pin on the other three. This is on the same course PJ had a hole-in-one earlier this year, so clearly he likes this course!
A Flight
1st John Graham (10) 38 pts
2nd Ron Ryan (15) 37 pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (12) 36 pts
B Flight
1st PJ Redmond 20) 38 pts
2nd Reg Smart 24) 37 pts
3rd Colin Stokes 21) 37 pts
Wednesday 24 Sept, Burapha - Stableford
Another Stableford competition today but not so many golfers, partly because of the compulsory cart rule which puts a lot of players off as walking around a lovely golf course is the only exercise some folks get out here!
Anyway, “Aussie” Scott Eaton won with a decent score of 37 points beating his mate Glen Cunningham by one shot. Third place went to Gerry Cooney who finished wit 34 points.
1st Scott Eaton (6) 37 pts
2ndGlen Cunningham (3) 36 pts
3rd Gerry Cooney (12) 34 pts
Tuesday 23 Sept, St. Andrews -
Playing on a Tuesday to take advantage of the sports day prices at St Andrews the Bunker Boy’s had a great day on a course that is always in pristine condition, but again the compulsory cart thing put off a few (I think the organiser needs a kick up the whats’name!).
Geoff Cox had the best round scoring a pretty good 33 points on a course that has two par 6s - that’s not bad going. Pld Reg Smart had another good day taking second place ahead of Gerry Cooney on a count back. Believe it or not Reg was the only one to hit a green on the par threes so he took the kitty all on his own!
1st Geoff Cox (13) 33 pts
2nd Reg Smart (24) 30 pts
3rd Gerry Cooney (10) 30 pts

Lewiinski’s and Haven play to a draw

International Pattaya Match Play League

The final match in the league for both sides saw a very tightly fought battle over the beautifully prepared Green Valley course with Lewiinski’s just being the favourites as it was their home fixture.
With The Haven’s number one player, Barry Winton, away it was left to Al Keith to lead off what promised to be a very closely contested affair. Facing Clint Hazlett was a daunting prospect which did not take long to turn into reality as he went down fairly easily to Clint’s huge drives and accurate iron play 6 & 4. In the same four ball Russell Exley kept the match even with a display of controlled play that left Kris Kritsanjootha little chance as Russell led the match throughout the round to finish 2 & 1.
Lewiinski’s 1 The Haven 1
Bob Newell and Peter Sumner were next on the tee and Peter found Bob to be in an uncompromising mood as he took the match fairly easily 3 & 2. Barry Traynor went the same way and the same score, to some very steady play from the always dependable Seamus Cotter and things were slipping away from the boys from Soi 13.
Lewiinski’s 3 The Haven 1
It was now up to Tony Barritt, who has been suffering a bit lately and Mark Campbell to try and right the ship as it seemed to be foundering, against Paul Henshaw and Nick Payne. This they both did, notably Tony who nearly won 6 & 5 but for an errant caddy’s mistake in picking up a “gimmee” without permission, forcing a loss of hole and leaving the match dormie 5. Tony put it away the next hole. Almost as equally impressive Mark disposed of Nick 4 & 2 with some very, very long hitting and delicate iron shots from quite close to the greens.
Lewiinski’s 3 The Haven 3
So it all hung on the last fourball out on the course which saw the in form match play player Stephen Beard secure the draw on the 13th against an out of form Peter Ring. So once again for the second week running, the result rested with Alan Griffiths who was playing Eddie Beilby in the same group. But after being three up after three Alan found the wiles of Eddie just a little too much going down 3 & 2 to draw the match at 4 all.
In the event it was a well earnt and equitable result with neither side deserving to lose. Back at the prize giving and presentations at Lewiinski’s both captains thanked the two venues for a great season of match play events.
Individual Match Results
(Lew) Clint Hazlett (5) won 6 & 4 (Hav) Al Keith (5); (Lew) Kris Kritsanjootha (5) lost 2 & 1 (Hav) Russell Exley (8); (Lew) Bob Newell (6) won 3 & 2 (Hav) Peter Sumner (9); (Lew) Seamus Cotter (11) won 3 & 2 (Hav) Barry Traynor (9); (Lew) Paul Henshaw (13) lost 5 & 4 (Hav) Tony Barritt (12); (Lew) Nick Payne (14) lost 4 & 2 (Hav) Mark Campbell (12); (Lew) Eddie Beilby (15) won 3 & 2 (Hav) Alan Griffiths (14); (Lew) Peter Ring (19) lost 6 & 5 (Hav) Stephen Beard (20)

Mark Campbell makes “Them Boys” squeal

IPGC Golf from The Haven

Monday 22 Sept, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Russell Exley 36
2nd Geoff Picken 33
3rd Alan Griffiths 32
4th Martin Rock 31
5th Roar Berger 29
Back to what is arguably one of the toughest courses on the schedule off the yellow tees. But after some entreaties to the course management, the rough has been reduced to something like playable and the fairways widened a little which now makes it difficult but not impossible.
This was born out by the scores which saw Russell Exley, the man in form over most courses, be the only player to equal par with a very tidy and carefully planned and executed round that had to take into consideration some quite difficult pin positions that had been set to sucker the unwary golfer, of which there were a few on the day.
Russell finished three ahead of his nearest chaser, Geoff Picken, whose game plan on the day was short but straight, taking the rough and most of the trouble out of play.
Alan Griffiths is making a fair start with his new career lowest handicap as he continues to get amongst the prizes with steady, thoughtful play. On this day he was third place ahead of Martin Rock and Roar Berger in fourth and fifth respectively.
There were no 2s in the first division but Geoff Picken added to his day’s pile with the only one in the second division to sweep the pot.
Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed back Mark Campbell, Steve Kerwin and Scott Chatburn before presenting the prizes.
Friday 26 Sept, Phoenix Blue tees - Monthly Medals
1st Division
1st Mark Campbell 67
2nd Alan Griffiths 73
3rd Peter Sumner 74
4th Russell Exley 74
2nd Division
1st Chris Knapp 73
2nd Suichi Kodaka 77
3rd Rod Howett 79
Following a couple of weeks where match play was the main topic of conversation and attention, it was back to some very serious stroke play off the blue tees and with the courses set as Mountain and Ocean the length was a prodigious 6700 yards plus, and with the recent weather it was a very strenuous test with length off the tee at a premium.
In the first division Mark Campbell made it all look so easy, as he cruised round in 79 gross even with two three putts, one each on the 17th and 18th greens. This proved to be far and away the best of the day with the rest of the division at least six shots behind. They were led by Alan Griffiths, who added another podium place to his week’s haul with a very good one under, to lead Peter Sumner and Russell Exley by a shot, with Peter just getting the nod by count back for third place.
The second division was also a one man affair with Chris Knapp taking his fourth Medal of the year with a solid one under to lead in the division by four from Suichi Kodaka and Rod Howett another two back in third.
There were no 2s in the second division but Peter Sumner swept the pool together with the roll over in the first division.

Racers chase HRH the Crown Prince Trophy

Chalermpol Polamai from the Yamaha Team
receives HRH the Crown Prince’s trophy.

Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
Motorcycle Mag Road Racing Championship 2008 roared to a successful finish at the Bira International Circuit in Pattaya on September 20.

And they’re off!

The highlight of the event was the 1000 Super Bike Pro A race which saw “Beer” Chalermpol Polamai leading the Yamaha team to win HRH the Crown Prince Trophy ahead of the Honda team.
Chalermpol’s time for the 12 lap race was 13.09 minutes. Surakit Likhipongpipat came second and Naruechit Kiatmaneesorn, former champion for 3 consecutive years, came third on his Honda.
Jitti Pakjitti had to withdraw because of an accident in the warm-up laps.
Racers handled the course well but there was one particularly sharp bend en route which tested the motorcyclists’ skills to the limit.
Race results
New General Rider Automatic: Natthapol Sinchai (9.32 min.), Warit Worathananon and Thidarat Yaemraksa.

What’s an Asian race without the race queens?

Honda Icon Superstar: Khemin Khubo (10.55.min.), Athis Sukmak and Komsan Sukmak.
Automatic Grade C: Jakrit Sangsawat (9.16 min.), Kitsipat Pasarapot and Chaiwichit Nitsakul.
Family C: Apiwat Wongtananon (13.10 min.), Tanet Sukcharoen and Chanon Chumchai.
Yamaha Nuvo Elegance Race: Weerachai Ruangsaen (11.04 min.), Tanapat Niyom and Prasit Thongsan.
Honda Click Race Superstar: Kaemin Kubo (10.40 min.), Supalak Saensiew and Kiatisak Chauywiset.
Super bike 1000 Am race: Pratheep Khumpaen (14.13 min.), Dominic Haha and Seito Achusi.
Kawasaki KSR race: Pana Pansai (9.46 min.), Wirot Wirotrangsan and Uthai Tungkasiri.

The Beautiful Game?: Spurs for Sale

If, like me, you endured watching Tottenham Hotspur toil fruitlessly against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Sunday, not only do my deepest sympathies go out to you after a mind-numbing ninety minutes, but one positive is that you’ll now be aware of exactly why Spurs, who started the season with ambitions of breaking into the top for, now find themselves propping up Premier League table and are suffering their worst start to a season since 1955.
It is crisis time at White Hart Lane. This was a truly inept showing by Spurs, who despite the big signings look like serious contenders for relegation. In the battle of last season’s domestic cup winners it was Portsmouth, humbled 6-0 by Manchester City recently, who dominated the match from start to finish and were barely troubled by a Tottenham attack that looked like they have never met one another. Hull City visit White Hart Lane at the weekend, and after the Tigers’ magnificent victory over Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, Tottenham’s first victory of the season is anything but guaranteed.
On the pitch it may be one disaster after another, and the future off it seems just as uncertain. A ‘super-rich’ investor from south-east Asia is involved in talks that could make Tottenham the latest member of the Premier League’s billionaires club, said The Guardian this week. The news comes from Singapore, where the “super-agent” Pini Zahavi and the wealthy mystery Asian have been discussing a possible deal. Zahavi, who flew out this way last week, brokered the deal that saw Roman Abramovich take over Chelsea in 2003.
‘The discussions are at a preliminary stage,’ a source in Singapore told The Observer last night, ‘but the investor is a billionaire and views Spurs as perfect because of the profile of the club and the fact that they are in London. This last point is very important.’
Like a UFO
‘I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like a UFO landing, a mistake like that. I’ve been to see the referee and in fairness he’s only going on what the linesman says. He’s working in a team and if someone comes in his ear telling him it’s a goal then I suppose he’s got to give it.” - Watford’s Aidy Boothroyd reacts to ‘the goal that never was’ when linesman Nigel Bannister flagged for a goal instead of a corner during Watford’s match against Reading. The ball crossed the goal-line wide of the goal after a challenge between John Eustace and Royals striker Noel Hunt, and despite no Reading player appealing, 25-year-old referee Stuart Attwell awarded the goal to the astonishment of all at Vicarage Road.
Boothroyd managed to remain philosophical about the decision after the game but admitted he was expecting a phone call from the national group manager of the Professional Game Match Officials.
Boothroyd has struck up a good relationship with Dave Allison after querying a number of poor decisions over the last 12 months but admits none of them have been as bad as Bannister’s error. “I do think referees have a difficult job and I’m the first to get on the phone to Keith Hackett and Dave Allison when I think that things aren’t right,” said the Watford boss. “I know they appreciate the feedback but it could be censored this time. I get an assessment form to fill in after every game and I will fill it in extra carefully this week. It has been a major decision in the past then I have got a call on the Monday from Dave Allison and I have a good relationship with him. But I seem to be talking to him more than anyone at the minute. I’ll have to get him on my Friends and Family list on the phone to save a few quid.”
Cut and Paste
Sheffield United will tell West Ham there is no chance they will agree to go before the Court of Arbitration for Sport as the London club fights to avoid paying a potentially crippling compensation bill of 30 million pounds over the Carlos Tevez affair. Despite one board member calling the FA tribunal’s decision ‘ludicrous’ and West Ham being contacted by other Premier League clubs who are concerned at the ‘chaos’ caused by the verdict, it has emerged there is little prospect of overturning the judgment even at the High Court.
The Uefa Cup is to be known as the Uefa Europa League from next season. The new name is to reflect the new format of the competition which will see a 48-team group stage, featuring full home and away fixtures. The competition will also have centralised marketing of broadcast rights, a presenting sponsor, an official match ball, and a new logo in attempt to bring it more in-line with the Champions League.
“These changes will improve this historic competition, which is very important for Uefa and for European football as it gives more fans, players and clubs the thrill of European club football,” said the Uefa president Michel Platini. “I am convinced the new format will give the Uefa Europa League a successful new impetus.”
This Weekend
I’m going to be honest here, this is one of those weekends without a Premier League tie to really salivate over. West Brom against Fulham might be tempting, whilst Manchester United’s visit to Blackburn for Saturday’s late one might tickle your fancy, as Paul Ince coming up against his former boss in the shape of Sir Alex Ferguson. Onto Sunday, which starts with West Ham against Bolton and ends with Everton against Newcastle United. Kick-off times below are in Pattaya time.
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Wigan v Middlesbrough, 21:00
Sunderland v Arsenal, 21:00
West Brom v Fulham, 21:00
Blackburn v Man Utd, 23:30
Sunday, 5 October 2008
West Ham v Bolton, 19:30
Chelsea v Aston Villa, 21:00
Man City v Liverpool, 21:00
Portsmouth v Stoke, 21:00
Tottenham v Hull, 21:00
Everton v Newcastle, 22:00

Cross Bay Swim to host after swim party

The Cross Bay Swim event date of October 12 is rapidly approaching and the organising team has closed their deadline for swimmers’ registration. An unprecedented number of swimmers will participate in the 3.5 km swim from Bali Hai Sea Rescue and this year even more swimming champions and tri-athletes will be competing for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize. Mayor Ittiphol Khunplome and the Pattaya City Hall have pledged their full support to ensure the safety of the swimmers during the lengthy crossing.
The swimmers and those who would like to witness the start should be there well before the start of the race, which will be at 1 p.m. The first swimmers are expected to arrive at Chaba Beach at the Dusit Resort within 45 - 50 minutes.
But also the 1.1 km short swim promises to be an exciting happening. Some 50 junior and senior swimmers will assemble at 11 a.m. outside the Hard Rock Cafe, where they will be presented with complementary welcome drinks. They embark from the beach in front of the Hard Rock Hotel at 12 noon and it will be possible to follow and cheer them along Beach Road all the way to the Dusit Thani.
In the afternoon, trophies will be awarded to the winners and medals will be presented to all swimmers. They will be rewarded for their tremendous efforts with a meal provided by the Dusit Thani Pattaya at their pool on Chaba Beach. Supporters, spectators, family members and friends will be able to purchase snacks, soft drinks and beer, all at very reasonable prices. The proceeds from sales will also go to the charitable cause.
In previous years the many sponsors and supporters were honoured as well in the afternoon, but with the rising number of participants, it was felt that a separate event should be held in the evening.
Therefore the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya has organized an After (Cross Bay) Swim Party and Cocktail Reception for Rotarians, friends, dignitaries, sponsors and guests in the evening of Sunday October 12 at the Point of the Dusit Thani Resort, which has magnificent views across the bay (those who wish to watch the sunset should arrive before 6.30 p.m.). The party will also be to honour Rotary District 3340 Governor Pratheep Malhotra, who by then will have completed his official visits to all the Rotary Clubs on the Eastern Seaboard.
Tickets for the After Swim Party (at 1000 baht) can be purchased at the Dusit Thani Pattaya on the evening itself. But you may also make a reservation by sending an e-mail to the chairman of the Cross Bay Swim committee: [email protected]

Indonesian cyclist wins BMX title

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
An Indonesian cyclist raced away as the winner of the men’s title with in this year’s BMX Thailand Championship held at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on September 20.

Taksaporn Khaosuwan flies across the course en route to winning the open women’s category.

Tony Syarifudin grabbed the open men’s category while Taksaporn Khaosuwan, of the Deep Intense Team, was the national winner in the open women’s category.
They received the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophies at the end of the day when only muscle power got you anywhere.
For all who contributed youthful sweat and energy, this competition was an important event leading to possible selection for further training in Europe and the 3rd Asian BMX Championship to be held in Surabaya, Indonesia November 14-16.

The high-flying Tony Syarifudin from Indonesia leads the way.

Admiral Chanin Chantarubeksa, chairman of Thai Cycling Association, said the ACC Congress in Nara, Japan had announced that BMX cycling has been included as a sport in the 2010 Youth Olympics to be held in Singapore.
In preparation for that the cycling association will select Thai cyclists under 16 years of age who rode in this Khao Kheow competition to be trained in the International Cycling Training School of the UCI in Switzerland.

Ath Chaimayo just misses out.

Therefore every BMX cyclist is advised to practice hard to be at their best for future selection by the cycling association which will look for Thai competitors to send to the Surabaya championship as well, Chanin said.
The runner-ups in the men’s open section were:
Atthara Chaimayo (Deep Intense team) with a total score of 20 points.
Corporal Sitthichai Ketkaewmanee (Haro Asiabike) with 12 points.
Vissawachit Maneephan (Ratanabandit University), 10 points.

It was a good day for all the contenders, officials, sponsors and spectators.

League leaders stay in control

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 bowlers (L to R) Lance, Nok, Maliny, La, Antero & Tue.

There were no changes in the top five teams in week 11. Captain Maliny bowled a 213 game and 561 series to lead her first place Montana team to a four point sweep over House of the Golden Coin.
Second place VFW Post 9876 took three points from Sala Thai Restaurant with very difficult lane conditions and no one bowled well.
Third place Cafe Kronborg enjoyed a 523 series from Teuvo and 518 from Kran to win three points from Canada. Ooy was best for Canada with a 523 series.
Nok bowled a 217 game and 563 series to lead her Sabai Sabai Friday team to a four point sweep over Jack Tar and keep their fourth place position. Mai bowled a 545 series for Jack Tar.
Bavaria received really good bowling from Tue who bowled games of 179, 233, 208, for a 620 series, and Leo added a 516 pin total as they split their match with Cafe Ole with each team getting two points.
La bowled a 212 game, 550 series and Lance had a 203 game and 540 series to lead Montgomery to a three point win over Brother D. Antero had a 204 game and 550 series for Brother D.

Results and Standings Sept 26 (Week 11)
Team                                        Points           Standings
Montana                                     4 - 0                 30.5 - 13.5
VFW Post 9876                          3 - 1                 29 - 15
Cafe Kronborg                             3 - 1                 27 - 17
Sabai Sabai Friday                      4 - 0                 25.5 - 18.5
Bavaria                                       2 - 2                 22 - 22
Montgomery                                3 - 1                 22 - 22
House of the Golden Coin             0 - 4                 20 - 24
Brother D                                    1 - 3                 20.5 - 23.5
Cafe Ole                                      2 - 2                 20 - 24
Canada                                       1 - 3                 18 - 26
Jack Tar                                      0 - 4                 15 - 29
Sala Thai Restaurant                    1 - 3                 14.5 - 29.5

Stratton’s late surge earns him victory

Keith Fortt
Saturday September 27 was the latest round in the Super Motard championships, with several riders from Pattaya making their way to Bangkok for the monthly event held at Seacon Square Raceway.

Shane Stratton (left) and Ben Fortt (right), shown here with Ben’s new Suzuki 450cc, had a great racing weekend in Bangkok.

Shane Stratton from Australia and now a long term resident of Pattaya was favored to win the international open event. Shane has rode motorbikes at a professional level for most of his life with many wins under his belt from many different countries. He rides a 550cc Aprillia.
However, the race did not go all his way as there was some very stiff opposition, but he made a late surge on the last lap to take the victory.
One other rider who is taking advantage of Shane giving him some tuition has been Ben Fortt, who has moved up in class from his previous 250cc class. He is now riding in the 450cc class on his new Suzuki 450 RMZ, and with only two practice events at Bira circuit and some great training from Shane, Ben finished in 3rd place. With this being his 1st start at this level and him also being the youngest competitor at the event, at 14yrs old, this was a great achievement.

Just what the Doctor ordered

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Saturday’s winners Steve Gould, Dean Rice, Frank Kelly,
 Dr. Mike Moreton and John Dennis with Moo and Kat.

Reporter Barry Hooper
Amongst our regular players over the past nine months has been a gentleman that we all refer to as the Doctor. I am referring to Dr. Mike Moreton. I am very happy to report that he at last produced his first win ever with the TRGG on Saturday Sept. 27 at Eastern Star. Albeit a count back tussle with Steve Gould.
The other good news is that Alun Webber who was on one of his regular visits from Wales and is returning home this week decided to get two wins under his belt before departing. One on the 23rd at Pattana and again at Phoenix on the 25th.
Congratulations to both Mike and Alun.
Tuesday 23 Sept, Pattana A & B
Division 1 (0-16)
Richard Wakeling (13) 40 pts
Fred Brent (08) 35 pts
Matt Gibbons (13) 33 pts
Fergus Brennan (10) 32 pts
Division 2 (17 up)
Alun Webber (23) 38 pts
Ted Senior (17) 37 pts
Alan Evans (26) 37 pts
Gunnar Vangsnes (22) 34 pts
2s - Jim Ledwidge, Richard Wakeling, John Dennis and Matt Gibbons.
Near pins - Paula Byrne, Jim Ledwidge, William Chadwick and Ross Schiffke.
First outing this week was to Pattana on Tuesday the 23rd. Another great turnout of players; the numbers are really on the increase. Two divisions 0 to 16 and 17 up. The course as always was in prime condition and a pleasure to play as the scores display.
Richard Wakeling made the first division his own with a clear five point lead at forty points over his nearest rival Fred Brent at thirty five. Third was Matt Gibbons at thirty three and Fergus Brennan fourth (who by the way has still not recovered from his wasp episode of last week).
Second division went to Alun Webber and his first win of the week with thirty eight just piping Ted Senior and Alan Evans both on thirty seven.
Thursday 25 Sept, Phoenix (Mountain and Lakes)
Division 1 (0-14)
Robert Lamond (06) 42 pts
Matt Gibbons (13) 42 pts
Mod Chaviraksa (12) 38 pts
Amphan North (11) 35 pts
Fred Brent (08) 35 pts
Tewin Lamthong (13) 35 pts
Division 2 (15 up)
Alun Webber (22) 36 pts
Billy Fitzgerald (15) 35 pts
Paul Mades (18) 34 pts
Frank Kelly (16) 33 pts
John Dennis (29) 33 pts
2s - Tewin Lamthong, Brendan Abbott, Tony Cunningham, Mod Chaviraksa, Rungratree Chotkasems, John Dennis, Alan Evans, Alun Webber
On Thursday the 25th it was again back to one of our regular visits to Phoenix (Mountain and Lake) and again we had a very good turnout and two divisions 0-14 and 15 up.
Division one saw Robert Lamond take the win with forty-two points on count back over Matt Gibbons. Mod Chaviraksa was a clear third on her own with thirty eight.
Division two gave Alun Webber his back to back wins after Tuesday with thirty six. He was just the one clear of Billy Fitzgerald (who obviously has got some of his “Whiz” back) at thirty five and Paul Mades third at thirty four.
There were seven twos - yes seven - the most that I have ever recorded.
Saturday 27 Sept, Eastern Star
Mike Moreton (25) 34 pts
Steve Gould (19) 34 pts
John Dennis (29) 33 pts
Dean Rice (15) 33 pts
Frank Kelly (16) 33 pts
2s - Dean Rice
On Saturday the 27th we went for our regular weekend visit to Eastern Star. The numbers were a little lower than previous weeks and I personally managed to venture out after a large break from the game. The weather was very hot and heavy and this made it very hard work. I also found and heard remarks from many of the players that they had also found the course was not in very good shape particularly some of the reintroduced reworked greens. This had an effect on the scores posted with only four points covering the top ten places.
But despite this Dr. Mike Moreton produced his first win with us at the TRGG at thirty four points taking it on count back over Steve Gould. Third was John Dennis at the top of three way count back thirty three’s over Dean Rice and Frank Kelly.

City win the battle of the giants

MBMG international League

Division One
Last season’s champions Pattaya City beat runners-up Cosmos in an entertaining match last Saturday. It was a game of two halves with no quarter given.
Both teams started casually and City had their first attack with a clever close passing down the right wing and the resulting cross came from Paul Derbyshire, but a Cosmos defender just stopped Alastair Paterson before he could hit it home.
City upped the pressure with Craig Banks spraying the ball around and put a great through ball right through the heart of the Cosmos defence which found Paul Derbyshire. With his back to the goal, a shot on the turn in which the ball hit the inside of the post, then went across the goal, but there was nobody to put it into the net. It was a wonderful piece of skill that deserved a better result.
City were causing havoc as shots rained in on the Cosmos goal, but were saved by the opposing keeper. Cosmos were reduced to breakaways but nothing became of them.
Paul Derbyshire received another through ball from Craig Banks who resisted the challenge of three defenders and rolled the ball across the goal for Alastair Paterson to hit home from ten yards for the first goal of the match. Cosmos hit a free kick straight to the keeper, their first real attack at City’s goal, the only save he had to make in the half. With half time arriving City had 80% of the play and Cosmos could not let the match carry on as it was going.
Cosmos started the second half as if they meant business and straight away put pressure on City’s goal but their shots were high and wide. City had trouble getting out of their half, as Cosmos now turned up the tempo.
City’s keeper Anuruk made a brilliant save, diving full length to push the ball away after a shot by the Cosmos forward. It was City’s turn to be under siege and they were limited to rare breakaways. On one of these Emmanuel Tshuma went on one of his tricky runs, but his shot was weak and straight at the Cosmos keeper. That would have given City a breathing space if he had scored, but back came Cosmos applying the pressure.
Another breakaway by City produced a great save on a long hard shot from David Brown. Cosmos was still putting pressure on the City’s defence and a snap shot from their centre forward hit the post and was scrambled away.
City were tiring in the hot weather and the match was still on a knife edge, with Cosmos gaining a free kick. The shot was dropped by City’s keeper, when trying to hold the ball and was prodded into the goal by their centre forward. While Cosmos celebrated, a lone linesman had his flag in the air, indicating that two Cosmos players were offside, much to the relief of the City’s players.
Tempers started to flare as Cosmos became frustrated and city players became desperate as shots rained in on City’s goal. There was huge relief when the referee blew his whistle for full time. Cosmos had 85% of the game in the second half, and the match was played at a very competitive pace and at a very high standard. It was three hard earned points and that is what was needed for the opening match of the season.
City do not have a league game next week, but the week after, on the 11th October they are at home to the newly promoted Turkish side Anatolia.

Ison gets the ice-on the cake

PSC Phoenix Golf Tuesday Group (members & guests)

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday 23 Sept
Could this have been the lull before the storm? Nothing to do with the weather I might add. Although I have to say the weather does seem to have subsided a little. The storms that is.
No the lull I am talking about is the lack of players. Not only in our group today, but generally. Once again we had the course to ourselves for the most part.
Just over three and a half hours to complete for our two groups. Just as well I was on a cart today. Walking at that pace would have killed me. (Stop wishing. I ain’t ready yet.)
Yes, getting back to the weather. Could it be that the stormy season has blown itself out a little early this year. As I write this some days later we have had no rain. Just what the course needs now.
The Lakes course is now open for the high season, but it will be a couple of weeks before anyone will enjoy this nine holes. It seems that after much needed work for the coming season the management of Phoenix have opened the course too early. The main problem being the greens. Compared to the other courses they are by far, too immature to be of a standard that the courses here in Thailand boast.
Most of our groups scores reflected this. After some reasonable scores on the front nine, it was noticeable that the scores on the back nine were seriously worse. Except for one, that is.
Roger Ison had been playing quite badly of late and so his handicap had jumped some 20% from the last week. Don’t worry he is still a low handicapper. 10 now.
However, those two extra shots gave him the opportunity to return the winning score this week with 38 points. (Is there a moral here?) Just to show how well he played, the nearest rival was myself with a mere 33 points. So he would have won anyway without the help of a couple of shots.
However, it doesn’t matter in our group. After giving the winner 50% of the pot, and giving a lucky draw prize to Neil McAllister, the remaining funds were duly swallowed up in the way of the amber nectar back at Toy’s Music Bar.
Every body who plays in our group has one free drink back at Toy’s Bar, which is paid for from the pool of entrance fees (100 baht). The balance is paid out to winners, etc.
Most Tuesday’s are Stapleford competitions and the first Tuesday of the month is played under stroke/medal play for a nice trophy donated by Toy’s Music Bar.
Next trophy day is Tuesday 7th October. Strict PSC and USGA rules apply.
Don’t forget that until the end of October any guests can enjoy sports day rates at 700 baht green fee on Tuesdays and Thursdays. From the 1st November 2008 through till 31st March 2009 anyone playing in our group can enjoy the privileged rate of only 1,000 baht green fee as a guest of us members on any week day except holidays.
For more information call me, Mike Gerrard on 087 091 7565.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

It becomes redundant, predicable and always boring when boozing writers, whoops, make that boxing writers (same-same) try to identify the state of today’s heavyweights. There are four or five sanctioning organizations with some creditability; there are at least five “world” champions, numerous regional champions, at least five number #1 contenders. To that list add a lot of guys, as Dad use to say, that couldn’t box groceries.
Don’t know writer David P. Greisman but he hit it out of the old ballpark, scored the golden goal while romancing the prettiest girl in the world. Though not talking specifically about the heavyweight division per say he wrote, “The symptoms: Lost sense of self. Swollen pride. Delusions of grandeur. Strange lapses in logic. Outbursts that make little sense. The victims: Men weighing more than 200 pounds who exist on the fringe…” He was talking about something he called Haye Fever when in fact he had nailed the heavyweight division in toto. Yep.
Go West Young Man
Brit wunderkind lightweight Amir Khan (18-0) lost some of his golden luster when he got KO’d by Columbian Breidis Prescott in 54 seconds on September 6. Khan learned that the road of life is always the M1. It’s how these wunderkind’s in waiting face and deal with their first major adversity. The loss is the loss is the loss. How it’s dealt with is important for future results.
Khan’s first major move was to fire his trainer Cuban Jorge Rubio. It was Rubio who selected Columbian Prescott, which was a major mistake. Something that TSR pointed out before the fight. It wasn’t rocket science to know that anyone that had 17 KOs from 19 fights was dangerous. Rubio got the job after Khan sacked longtime trainer Oliver Harrison. American Freddie Roach, trainer de jour, has said that he’ll train Khan in his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood California. Many think that Teddy Atlas would be a better fit. Those that are of that opinion don’t make the decisions.
Go South Older Man
Oscar de La Hoya has gone south of the USA border to find a trainer for his December 6th “mega fight” with Manny Pacquiao. He found Ignacio “Nacho’ Beristain who over the course of his career has trained 16 Mexican world champions. De La Hoya didn’t really have a lot of options. With brothers Mayweather out of the picture and Freddie Roach working with Pacquiao the short list of trainers was really short. The job required someone that was knowledgeable, had experience in big fights and knew Manny Pacquiao.
Beristain has plenty of knowledge of Pacquiao. In fact maybe way too much. Senior Beristain, “Nacho” trained Juan Manuel Marquez in his two attempts to defeat Pacquiao. Both efforts failed. There is one other requirement that “Nacho” has on his résumé. “Nacho” has a very deep dislike for promoter “Buffalo’ Bob Arum who is not on the short list of the de La Hoya’s for their next sit down dinner party. Some, no talent boxing writers among them, think that “Nacho” took the job as a way of gaining revenge for Marquez against Pacquiao. “No we don’t need Oscar to do that revenge or anything. We beat Pacquiao twice and Pacquiao was only lucky he had Bob Arum as his promoter.”
Little too much cheese with that nacho for TSR. In the first Marquyez-Pacquiao fight Marquez hit the deck three times in the first round. Judge Burt Clements admitted he “miss scored” the first round. He scored it 10-8 for Pacquiao when it should have been 10-7. Deduct a point for each knockdown. Three knockdowns, three points and 3 from 10 is 7. Scored correctly and Pacquiao wins majority decision. Canadian Judge Guy “I Love My seeing Eye Dog” Jutras had it for Marquez 115-110 which defies logic. Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder working in concert would have scored it better.
TSR agrees that Marquez might have won the second fight but it could have gone either way. One thing about de La Hoya appointing “Nacho” is the promotional opportunities. December 6th, Las Vegas, Nevada a packed venue awaiting the “mega fight”. As the de La Hoya camp starts its entrance, in the center of the ring appear as if by magic The Village People singing “Nacho Nacho Man.”
Jiving with Jeeves
David Haye finally makes his heavyweight debut at the 02 Arena in London against Monte “Pop Guns” Barrett (34-6) on November 15th. Barrett is ranked #6 by the WBO (We Be Ordinary) so qualifies as an opponent under the terms of Haye’s contract with the UK’s Setanta TV. Barrett is 3-3 his last 6 having KOs over Cliff Couser, Damon Reed and “Railroad” Tye Fields. Three KOs over 5 rounds. Not to Chablis but not Dom Perignon either.
Weekend box fights
Bamberg: Anyone that saw “King” Arthur Abraham (27-0) dispatch Edison Miranda June 21 in 10 minutes and 12 seconds, figure that out, had to be impressed. Arthur’s first USA appearance was “gangster busters.” The only downside for the transplanted German was that his IBF championship belt was stolen at the Miami Airport.
On that same card Raul Marquez (41-3) was gaining a UD over a 26-0 Giovanni Lorenzo. If Marquez were a racehorse a look at the record would force one to note, “he has back class.” In Marquez case that’s “way back”. Last century he lost to the “young and undefeated” Fernando Vargus. This century, 2004 to be exact, he lost to Jermain Taylor getting TKO’d in 9.
This should be a walk in the park for the ‘double tough” Arthur but probably won’t be. Raul Marquez may have some age but he also has the “Mexican Machesemo” thing going. For those not aware “Mexican Machesemo” is made up of heart, heart and more heart. Ricky Hatton though he’d set up an easy fight against Juan Lazcano and found himself in a brawl. Lot of similarities here.
Guyana, Philly & Temecula: At one time Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis (23-3-2) was a world champion. That was back in 2001 after he defeated James Page. Since then things haven’t gone well for “Six Heads”. He got the nickname after hitting an opponent who looked up and said, “he looked like he had Six Heads.” He lost his title to Richard Mayorga. Howard Eastman (43-6) has, as they say, fought the very best and lost. Hopkins, Arthur and Miranda to name just three. Lewis-Eastman mix it up in Guyana on Sunday. The same day, different time zone, former champ Kassin “The Dream” Ouma gets a win against Martinus Clay (13-18-4). “The Dream” has been living a nightmare as he’s lost three in a row. Clay? He’s past the nightmare stage having gone 1-6-3 over the last 10.
Temecuta, California? That’s where there’s a Injun Casino and the fight between Yuriorkis Gamboa (11-0) and Marcos Ramirez (25-0). While this fight may not get a lot of attention it’s important because it involves two unbeaten boxers, both on the way up. They also share records that have been well protected. Gamboa, a refugee from the people’s paradise of Cuba, will be taking a big step. Ramirez has built his record against guys from the Midwestern part of the USA who probably will never quit their day jobs. The winner here has a bright future.
Box Fighting results
At the Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, CA: WBO welter champ Paul Williams (34-1) spent the first 30 fights of his career fighting in the boxing hinterlands against guys with more hope than ability. Then Antonio Margarito needed an “opponent” to defend his WBO welter title. The opponent in this case was Paul Williams. Williams surprised Margarito, the boxing world and maybe even himself with a convincing 116-112 (all around) UD win for the title.
Williams first defense was disaster. He got whipped by Carlos Quintana. Williams spouted the usual loser’s refrain after the fight. “I wasn’t ready, yatta, yatta, yatta and blah, blah, blah”. Williams was right as he KO’d Quintana in less than 1. Given the change to gain a payday and not work too hard Williams, fighting as a middle weight, took less than one round, 97 seconds to be exact, to KO Andy Kolle.
At the Home Deport Center, Carson CA: No secret in boxing that Ricard Mayorga (29-7-1) is ‘goofy”. Before his fight with Oscar De La Hoya he made “improper” remarks about Oscar’s wife. A mad Oscar is not a fun Oscar as Mayorga found out. He was knocked down three times and stopped in 6.
This time preparing to meet Shane Mosley (45-5), Mayorga tempered his remarks. “I think it’s going to be a two or three round knockout. I’m definitely going to retire him because he deserves to be home washing dishes. His wife is the one that’s in charge. He needs to go home and listen to her!” After taking the early rounds Mayorga faded and had little for Mosley. Late in the 12th round Mosley dropped Mayorga for an 8 count. When Mayorga got up, Mosley dropped him for good leaving Mayorga flat on his back as the referee stopped it with 1 second to go in the fight.
Andre Berto (23-0) got his first real test when he defended his WBC welterweight title against Steve Forbes (33-7). He passed with flying colors winning a hard fought but easy UD (118-1-9 twice and 116-111). It was hard fought because Bert was stepping up in competition and easy because of the score.
Hamburg: Heck of a contest in the WBA Cruiserweight title fight in Hamburg. After winning the title against Virgil Hill, Firat Arskan (29-5) was making his second title defense against Guillermo “The Incredible Expanding Man” Jones (36-3-2). Jones fought for the welterweight title twice in 1998 at 153 lbs. while against Arskan he topped the Toledos at 199.9. It was “a high tempo contest in which both fighters connected with good shots early on. The much taller Jones progressively busted up the face of Arslan with razor sharp punching while the superbly conditioned Arslan returned many hard connects on his end. Jones continued to attack viciously and got the best of it until (referee) Pabon finally stopped the bout in round ten. Time was 2:33.” Or so is was according to fightnews.com
Jeeves Time
Your Lordship’s favorite boxing writer Joe Koizumi has stuck again. Last week he wrote, “Nobuhiro Ishida (20-5-2), an elongated Japanese jabber, 154, barely survived a bad knockdown in the fifth, and earned a controversial split decision (115-114, 115-113 and 113-115) over Marco Avendano (26-6-1).” Now that’s writing. Translation? “A big tall Japanese that never shuts up got knocked on his backside but still got a decision that stunk.”
“Your Lordship as I present your attitude adjustment liquid, a nice cigar and a selection of the finest music I bring greetings from a couple of fans at Jameson’s Irish Pub. I was there to take part in the Jesters Party Night auction. Tried to buy the Arsenal Jersey for you, for your birthday, but Kim out bid me at 28,000 baht. The entire night raised almost 1 million bath for the kids. I was informed that as soon as their checks clear both your fans will be escorted out of Jameson’s with prejudice. How about that?”
“Cheewit dee khrup”

German-Swiss to play Outback Golf Bar in Thai Garden Resort Cup

Helmut Wolf
On the occasion of the re-opening of the Thai Garden Resort on the North Pattaya Road, the German-Swiss-Golf Club was requested to jointly organize a golf tournament. It didn’t take long before the program was put into action, primarily because of the charity aspect of the tournament, whereby part of the collected fees will be used to assist children in need in the Naklua area.
The tournament is now finalized with details as follows:
Tee off is on Friday 31st October 2008 at 11:00 am at the Siam Country Plantation Course, probably one of the most challenging courses around Pattaya at the moment, but also one of the most difficult courses to play.
Entrance fees are 2500 baht which includes green fees, caddy fees, golf cart and of course the presentation evening at the Moon River Pub.
The tournament will be played as a 2 ball scramble.
A team of the German-Swiss-Golf Club will compete against a team of the Outback Golf Bar. Every team has 24 players and it will be a great competition to determine who will be the winning team that will take the trophy home. In addition to the trophy and the honor of wining there are additional high-quality prices for the 3 best net scores and prizes for nearest to the pin on all par 3 holes. Furthermore, there will be a little surprise for every member of the winning team.
The presentation ceremony will take place at the ever popular Moon River Pub on the same evening from 7 p.m. onwards. Those who are familiar with the Moon River Pub in front of the Thai Garden Resort are aware that a great evening with live music from the popular Power Jam Show Band is guaranteed. There will be a nice buffet spread and the choice of drinks is also first class to ensure that all participants of the tournament will have an action packed evening.
We’re looking forward to having a great golf tournament and of course a wonderful evening with our friends from the Outback Golf Bar. This is a great chance to make new friends.
We would like to thank the management of the Thai Garden Resort for giving us the opportunity to organize this tournament and at the same time being able to contribute to a charitable cause.
For more information please contact Helmut Wolf of the German-Swiss Golf Club at telephone number 0811604056.

Dinan keeps on smiling

PSC Golf from Cafe Kronborg

Monday Sept 22, Treasure Hill (Stableford)
The Treasure Hill Golf and Country Club was host to a Stableford competition in two flights with the cut at handicap 19. The course on the day was wet due to rains over the weekend and some of the greens have been top dressed.

Kevin Dinan.
Henry O’Brien took the A Flight with 37 points ahead of Kris Kritsanjooth in second and Per Olaf Baarli in third, ahead of Ebrahim and Monte Sykes, all with 31 points. In the B Flight the winner was Daryl Evans with 34 points ahead of John Swanson in second on a count-back from Henk De Bock, both 32 points.
We will be having a combined event with Tropical Bert’s on the 7th October at Siam Old Course with a Sports Day price of 1990 baht for green fee, cart and caddie.

Thursday Sept 25, Plutaluang (Stableford)
The play for the day was to be the South and the North nines, in that order. This means that in effect the course has been returned to the original 18 holes, and probably this is for the best.

Henry O’Brien.
This is probably the best value 18 holes of golf around due to its price on green fees, caddie fees, cart for one, and excellent price of its food and drink. So it has a lot going for it including its proximity to Pattaya and a good clubhouse. The only problem for me is that it is not the best 18 holes around, not even close, but if you are on a budget you could get quite used to playing here.
So ‘over my dead body’, off we went for a day’s golf, and playing S & N brought back some old memories, so of course I had a rotten round. Those playing with me, Mr Dinan to name a few, played really well and showed us all how to play the course. Obviously playing with your eyes closed is a good thing.

Monte Sykes.
At least Kevin had a great day and his score was 5 shots better than anyone else. He even got 5 points on one hole, now that is a bit different!
So to the results and the winner in the A Flight, 0 to 19, was Monte Sykes with 34 points ahead of Walter Bachli in second with 31 points and Bill Plath in third with 29 points. Says a lot for the rest of the ‘Better Golfers?’ or maybe it was a tough day.
On to the B Flight and the one ‘Star’ of the day. Kevin Dinan shot 39 points all on his own, and if you know Kevin you will realise he had the biggest smile around. Back in the dust in second place was Alan Ewing with 33 points and in third was Daryl Evans with 31 points.

Carmody shoots his handicap, wins the day

PSC Golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar

Tuesday Sept 23, Phoenix - Stableford
So off we went to Phoenix to play the Mountain and Lakes nines. The Mountain was in its usual fine condition and players scored well on what is normally the hardest of the three nines, but once we started the Lakes nine it became apparent why it had been closed the previous week, when we found the greens were ‘bouncy, bouncy’. It happens but I think a few days more would have seen it in better condition.

First three with one of Bert’s Finest. Fourth was behind the camera.

Rick Evans who was playing in my four-ball, after a level par first nine, like me, found the irregular lines on the greens frustrating, and we started to leach shots. Still it is the same for every person but in these circumstances the higher handicappers have more shots to waste, so I expected the higher handicappers to come in.
Back at Bert’s as the results were called we had three players on 38 points. Don Carmody won the count-back from Colin Cronin in second and Norm Martin in third. In fourth place was Derek Brook with 35 points. Off a handicap of 35, this is the first time Don has ever shot his handicap, and we expect great things of him now.
Near pins: Peter Whitehead, Peter King, Colin Cronin
Long putt: Badger and Peter Whitehead

Jones and Gardner are toast of the week

Golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Greenwood, Tuesday 23 Sept (white tees) Stableford
Two chummy four-balls this day with Greenwood presenting itself in excellent order throughout. David Gardner (10) continued with his return to form taking top spot with 38 points. Bob Drumm (11) had a very good day out coming in second also with 38 points but scooping into his swag bag two near-pin dividends and the longest first putt on the 18th green besides. Ken Hole (13) also had 38 points but had to be content with third place on the three way count-back.

Bill Jones raising his glass and David Gardner with P J Pool Bar staff.

Khun Jim Walton (yes the geezer with the black and white, vinyl, Century 2000 kit bag) who has just joyfully returned to us on release from his grim sentence of visiting relatives in the U.K. also won a near-pin dividend.
Emerald, Thursday 25 Sept (white tees) Stroke Play
A number of our regular in-season players rejoined us for our monthly medal swelling the field to seventeen players. As usual the Emerald was in sparkling condition and placing a huge emphasis on short-game ability of which scribe is well known to possess little if not s.b.a.
Lower handicaps division (0 – 20)
1st David Gardner (10) 74 net
2nd Jeff Wylie (6) 74 net
3rd Bob Drumm (11) 75 net
Average score 78.7 net
Higher handicaps division (21 and up)
1st Bill Jones (30) 72 net
2nd Jim Fortune (25) 74 net
3rd Yves Philibert (21) 76 net
Average score 80 net
Near-pin dividends were paid to Jeff Wylie, Georgio Baccioli and Ken Hole (x2) who also had the longest first putt on the 18th green. The proprietors of the Tratoria Restaurant kindly sponsored a 1,000 baht dinner voucher so we are all being extra nice to Bill Jones who picked this up along with the P J Pool Bar wine glass for having the lowest net score on the day. Jim Walton was awarded the Paradise Bar golf shirt for hacking it better than the rest.
Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the group’s format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 0895110575.

Rivetting action to celebrate the Ryder Cup

IPGC Haven vs PGS OK Corral

Day One
In order to give golfers a feel of the tension and challenge of top flight golf the IPGC celebrated Ryder Cup week with a match play tournament over two days on Thursday and Friday, 18th and 19th September. The chosen venue was the Emerald and teams representing the Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral Bar and IPGC The Haven went head-to-head over two days, replicating the actual Ryder Cup format with morning foursomes and afternoon fourballs format on the first day, followed by singles on the final day.

Team captains, The Haven’s Russell Exley (left) and David Thomas from PGS with the trophy.
The course was well set up and the only downside was the heavily overcast setting on both days, but thankfully the weather did nothing to spoil the tournament.
Both venues put out quality teams and the first day began with the foursomes event. Representing the PGS as the top pairing were captain David Thomas and a “chum from Ban Chang” and they found that their Haven opponents, Tony Barritt and Alan Griffiths were no pushover as the latter took the lead match by two up.
There followed two astonishing wins for the Haven with, firstly, Haven captain Russell Exley and Barry Traynor wiping out Tony Thorne and Wichai Tananusorn by 6 and 4, and Barry “The Bear” Winton and sidekick Stephen Beard following with a 6 and 5 demolition of Chris Voller and Harry Riley.
It was left to wily Erik Antonnen and partner Ray Allison in the final match to save some of the PGS blushes with a comfortable 3 and 2 win over Al Keith and Pete Sumner. The foursomes had gone 3 - 1 to The Haven.
In the afternoon the fourballs were played and some balance was restored as Mikael Andersson and Roy Thornton representing the PGS defeated Al Keith and Jens Gunnarsson 4 and 3 with Harry Riley and Len Jones defeating the morning’s heroes Barry Traynor and Tony Barritt 4 and 2 to tie the overall score at three wins each.
The first day ended with one more win for both teams as David Thomas and Ray Allison were taken to the final green before defeating Mark Campbell and Mike Dabanovich by one hole and Russel Exley and Alan Griffith tied up the result at 4 - 4 with a 5 and 4 victory over Tony Thorne and Chris Voller.
At four ties each the scene was set for the final day’s twelve singles.
Day Two
With the match finely balanced at four points each both captains were keen to get a head start on the leader board and it was no surprise to find the first pairing for the OK was Dave Stockman and Dave Thomas the two lowest handicappers in the side. They were matched against Barry Winton giving and Peter Sumner.
Barry finally won his match on the 18th one up against Dave Stockman to keep in tact his 100% win record in the match but Peter could only manage a tie at all square with Dave Thomas after having been 3 up at the turn, he was unable to match David’s back nine. That put the match at 5.5 to 4.5
The second group was also expected to do great things on both sides of the board with Russell Exley taking on Chris Voller once again and Barry Traynor against Eric Antonnen. Once again the Haven players were both up at the turn, 1 up in both games, and once again the OK boys came back with Chris securing a half and Eric just edging Barry out by 1 up on the last. So 6 to 6 and once again the match was balanced on a knife edge.
Next up were Trevor Schirmer and Tony Barritt both giving lots of shots, Trevor giving Len Jones 14 and Tony giving Evan Millar 13. It turned out to be a titanic struggle in both matches with Trevor just finishing ahead of Len at 2 up, winning the last hole, and Tony succumbing 5 & 3 as Evans game got better and better as the round progressed. So the match scored moved to 7-7.
Mark Campbell and Mike Dabanovich both vowed to do better than their loss in the previous day’s fourballs against Roy Thornton and Mikael Andersson, and both did with Mark running out the winner at 3 & 2 over Mikael and Mike getting a share of the glory at all square against Roy. Now things were getting tighter with the score at Haven 8.5 to OK’s 7.5 with four matches still out on the course.
The next group on the course had Alan Griffiths playing Tony Thorne and Jens Gunnarsson play Wichai Tananusorn followed by Stephen Beard against Ray Allison and Al Keith playing Harry Riley.
In the event the group behind finished first with Stephen wrapping it up on the 15th winning 5 & 3 to match his day one playing partners 100% win record as Al Keith went down to a totally revitalised Harry Riley 4 & 2, which left the match at 9.5 to 8.5 and The Haven just needing a point from the last unfinished pair of matches.
Playing the last two holes Jens was all square with Wichai and Alan was two down so things did not look so good for The Haven but when Alan won the 17th and Jens halved, things took on a better appearance. But then Wichai struck on the 18th to put Jens away 1 up and leave the match poised level at 9.5 to 9.5 and with both Alan and Tony on the green in regulation and no shots given it looked all over for the boys from Soi 13. But then it all changed again as Alan to putt first put it to three feet and Tony followed with a nervy one that he left four feet short and then missed the next for a bogey. With all the teams now crowding round the eighteenth Alan stepped up for what must have been one of the hardest putts of his life. He calmly horseshoed it in for the win on the hole and a half in the game. All this excitement was almost too much but finding the end result 10 each everyone agreed it was in the circumstances a great result and a great end to two days of unforgettable golf played as golf was meant to be played.
The presentations and speeches back at The Haven by both captains reiterated that and they both thanked all the players for taking part in such good spirit whist looking forward to the next one. It was decided, following a coin toss, that the Cup should be held by the Pattaya Golf Society for the first period and then thereafter by The Haven with neither being considered the holders but as joint holders.
The captains also thanked Len Jones and Stephen Beard for all their assistance in the build up and to Khun Lumyai and her staff for the fantastic free buffet they produced for everyone who attended the prize giving.

Alan Pearce ‘Super Senior’

Diana Seniors and Ladies Open

Thursday Sept 25, Pattaya Country Club
32 players arrived at Pattaya Country Club for the monthly Diana Seniors and Ladies Open on what was going to be another ideal day for golf with fine weather and just a little breeze and rounds of just about 4 hours.
The course after the recent rain was in reasonable condition. Most players with most exceeded 30 points.

Diana Seniors and Ladies Open winners Orjan Lussvik, Pimusa Tonkhoksoong and Alan Pearce show off their spoils of victory.

Only 3 ladies teed up today, with Mam Trayling missing out this time.
Nigel Cannon - standing in for Mike Franklin then announced the winners.
Leading lady was Pimusa Tonkhoksoong with a fine 39 points off her 17 HC. Runner-up was Su Murphy with 36 off 27 HC.
The Seniors winner was ‘Birthday Boy’ Orjan Lussvik with 39 off 16 and runner up was John Roberts with 38 off 14.
However, the score of the day came from Super Senior (just!) Alan Pearce with a fine 42 points off his 22 HC. Runner-up was Jan Johansson with 38 off 20 HC.
NB All scores are passed PSC and scores of 39 and above will have an immediate cut as per the new PSC handicap rules.
Near Pins: Werner Schwarz, Su Murphy, Roger Stromstedt, and Kenneth Johnson.
Long Putts: Roger Stromstedt and Werner Schwarz
The next Diana Seniors for Men 50+ and Ladies any age will be on Thursday October 30th at Pattaya Country Club. Sign-up at Diana Driving Range or Green Bottle 2nd Road.

Sus Ige leads Three Sisters home

Three Sisters Golf

The dawn was beautiful as the first group of Three Sisters players teed off at Pattaya Country Club on Tuesday, 23 September. Initially the morning dew kept the fairway rolls short and the putting greens a bit tough. But it didn’t take long for Father Sun to do his work. The fairways rolled and the greens played fast. A nice breeze turned up around 8 am and high shots were influenced, sometimes to the good and sometimes, not so good.

Sus Ige on the left, Bill Key on the right.

The regulars drifted in to Caddy Shack II for some of Herbie Ishinaga’s great ham sandwiches and some SML (San Miguel lite). A review of the cards showed Sus Ige with 40 points followed closely by Bill Key with 39. Bill missed some key (no pun intended) putts or he could easily have reached 42 or 43 points ... or not.
Sus and Bill had their photo taken but as Bill Key was leaving, John Christe came drifting in with a 39 also. As it turned out Bill beat John on the count back so no new photo had to be taken.
One of our long time players, James Tully, frequently seen in the papers as a “bag dragger”, having recently reached the ripe age of 80 is leaving us to return to his home in Hawaii. We hope to see Tully again in our group some morning in the near future.