Amari organize charity bowl - “Rolling for Nong”

The participants gather outside Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill for a group photo.

The Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya held a charity bowling tournament titled “5th Amari Bowling…Rolling for Nong” on April 16 at the P.S. Bowling complex above Top’s Supermarket in Central Pattaya.

Training Force 1 were they star bowling team on the night.

The tournament was held chiefly for two reasons: as a fun get-together to enhance relationships amongst management and staff, and perhaps more importantly to raise funds for the Amari Hotels and Resorts charity project, “Baht for a Better Life Foundation.”
A prize giving party was held afterwards at Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill on Beach Road where the Training Force 1 team were crowned as the winners with the Chi Cha Do and Sa-Pa-Ra-Ka teams coming a close second and third respectively.
The best male score on the evening was recorded by Sunday whilst Mareewan was the star amongst the ladies.

Thailand’s sailors setting their sights on Top of the Gulf Regatta 2008

The Platu fleet will once again battle it out for line honours in the Coronation Cup at next month’s Top of the Gulf Regatta 2008.

Kipsan Beck
Clear skies and light winds brought the 4-month Gulf Charter yacht racing series to an end at picturesque Ocean Marina, Jomtien with 3 final races held mid April followed by a formal prize giving. This final weekend of sailing prior to the Top of the Gulf Annual Regatta marked Thailand’s sailors’ last chance to gauge competition before the largest annual regatta in Thailand gets underway May 1 -5.

The 2008 Top of the Gulf Regatta, scheduled to take place at Ocean Marina in Jomtien from May 1-5, combines 2 days of dinghy and windsurf racing with the 4 day event for the larger fleet. Organisers are expecting significantly more entrants than in previous years and are preparing for over 300 boats to take part in Thailand’s largest regatta.
After 16 races featuring both storms and sunshine, the final weekend saw Pascal Leray’s powerful “Breakaway” win the keelboat class, with David Bell’s “Magic Roundabout” in second place overall and La Vent earning third.
Scott Duncanson once again guided The Lofts Southshore ahead in the Platus, winning the overall prize for the series, with Lee Marine second and the Beaver getting third. The scribe’s Shaw 650 “Pornstar” maintained an unassailable lead to win the Sportboat class against Big Blue and the Platu fleet.
David Wales continued his success, with “The Sting” winning all races and taking the multihull prize overall for the series. Weera Leksomoon’s “Fun” won the cruising class.
Following the prize giving party, conversation turned to Top of the Gulf Regatta 2008.
“Last year we broke a mast and still managed a second, so we are hoping for better luck this year against some stiff competition,” said Marco Barlonje, skipper of Platu “Lee Marine.”
One design Platu racing is one of the highlights of the TOG regatta as they compete for the Coronation Cup, a trophy marking the anniversary of His Majesty The King of Thailand’s accession to the Throne. Himself a keen sailor and former champion, The King’s own design The Super Moth is one of several Dinghy classes joining the regatta alongside Lasers, catamarans and Optimists.
With 9 classes, 2008 looks to be the biggest Top of the Gulf Regatta to date. 2008 marks the return of windsurf racing, while the big boat fleet will see several new local boats joining the multihulls, keelers, cruisers and sportboats classes.
“We expect a record number of regional visitors in the bigger boats including more than 30 Singaporean youth sailors, as Top Of The Gulf continues to build its profile as Thailand’s largest regatta,” said event organiser and former 4-time Kings Cup champion Bill Gasson. “With consistent 12-15 knot breezes, sunshine and more than 300 boats, the numbers are growing every year.”
Part of the attraction as the Gulf’s major multi class regatta is the chance to socialise with other sailors, and the parties every night after racing are enjoyed by crews and friends alike. This year’s highlights will include Ocean Marina unveiling their newly completed condominium Ocean Portofino for one evening, while co sponsor Raimon Land will host an evening spectacular celebrating the launch of their latest project The Lofts Southshore.
For racing competition, the hotly contested Platu division will see Thai team and SEA Games Gold medallists “Naiad” trying to defend their victory in 2007 against this year’s Platu Open winner “The Lofts South Shore” skippered by former world youth champion and 2007 Kings Cup Sportboat champion, Scott Duncanson. Australian team “The Beaver” has improved rapidly since joining the Platu fleet in 2008, and along with “Lee Marine” and former winning team Morten Jakobsen/Neil Semple, they will be expected to push the top seeds hard.
The high-speed sportboat division will see increased competition with another new competitor, One Design Beneteau 750, used in Asian Games racing joining “Big Blue” and “Pornstar.” With a new fleet of Corsair trimarans now in the marina, this will be a close fought fast race with a record size fleet.
The keelboat fleet is larger than ever, with well rating “High Jinx” featuring a Singaporean female crew expected to challenge “Breakaway” and “Magic Roundabout,” while “La Vent” and a number of new boats will join the start line for the first time in a Top of the Gulf Regatta.
Registration starts on May 1, with racing commencing May 2 – 5 for larger boats, and dinghies racing May 3 – 5, with a final prize giving on Monday May 5. Full information on the regatta is available at www.topofthe gulfregatta.com
Note: The Top Of the Gulf Regatta is an annual regatta featuring more than 300 boats in 9 classes. The Primary Sport Sponsor is Raimon Land, and Hosting Sponsor is Ocean Marina Yacht Club. Other sponsors include Singha Corporation, Gulf Charters, QBE Insurance, Thai Airway International, Art Asia Pacific, Coca Cola, Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital and Grampians Food.

Pattaya City close in on league title after eight-goal thriller

MBMG International League 2007/08

Paul Frain
Pattaya City, still needing one victory to ensure winning the championship, played Woodstock last Saturday in Bangkok, a team they have so far failed to beat this season. Woodstock have already beaten and drawn with the City in their two previous encounters and had themselves an outside chance of winning the championship if they won all their remaining games
This was never going to be an easy fixture for either side, with both needing the victory, but little did anybody guess the twists and turns this match would produce. Four goals would be scored in the first 18 minutes, which proved what kind a game this was going to be.
Only two minutes after the start, a fantastic run by Alastair Paterson down the left wing saw him cut inside and unleash a tremendous shot from the edge of the area that thundered against the bar and rebounded to safety. City would make no mistake however three minutes later when a corner kick was swung in by Craig Banks and Paterson connected with a superb diving header to give Pattaya the lead.
Pattaya City were now making all the running and in the 11th minute they gained another corner. This time it was Craig Banks who headed into the Woodstock goal with a bullet header to score City’s second goal.
Woodstock did not take any of this lying down however, and just one minute later they pulled a goal back as a sloppy City defense failed to clear the ball and the Woodstock center forward was given a free header to make it 2-1.
Despite this setback City started passing the ball with slick movement, running the Woodstock defense ragged at times, but poor finishing let the Pattaya team down.
They finally managed to increase their lead in the 28th minute when a great five-man move ended with Mark Brittian connecting to make it 3-1 for the City.
Woodstock responded once more and applied pressure to the Pattaya goal and it came as no surprise when their center forward reduced the deficit to just one goal on the 39th minute mark. The half time whistle came with City holding a 3-2 advantage.
Into the second half and Woodstock started to get hold of the midfield, and only eight minutes into the second period they made it 3-3 when good work by the winger found the forward unmarked in the box to tap in.
Woodstock now realized that the game could be theirs and pressed the city goal. City held firm but could only clear the ball, long, downfield from where it would come straight back. The Pattaya team were really up against it and City’s player coach Alan Mulberry tried to get his side going with his cunning touches but to no avail.
Woodstock continued to lay siege to the City goalmouth and it was only a matter of time before a goal would come and it came in a fashionable way in football. A long ball from the Woodstock defense came to City’s Lee Homer and with two forwards bearing down on him he passed the ball back to his goalkeeper who completely missed the ball with his foot and with horror could only watch it hit the inside of the post and into the net for Woodstock to take the lead.
City now had to attack to get the equalizing goal and they slowly pushed the Woodstock defense back and won a corner. Woodstock brought everybody back, and everybody went up for City except for two defenders. Alan Mulberry sent the ball over, Woodstock tried to knock it out of the danger area but a leg, an arm or a body stopped it from being cleared and the ball spun to Lee Homer who prodded it home to make amends for Woodstock’s last goal.
With only five minutes left the City players seemed as if they had already won the league with smiles as big as Bangkok. The match finally finished all square at 4-4, a truly remarkable game and a joy to watch.
Next week is Pattaya City’s last league match when they take on The Londoner in Bangkok looking for a draw to seal the championship. Londoner themselves can still claim the title if they win their last four games and score enough goals. It should be some match.

‘Rose of the North’ to get first taste of Adventure Racing - The Chiang Mai Challenge 2008

4-8 hours of running, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking and more…

Adventure racing is great fun and seriously “addictive” says Serge Henkens,
 the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series Manager.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Active Management Asia Co., Ltd. have recently confirmed the staging of the inaugural Chiang Mai Challenge 2008.
Scheduled for Sunday, May 18, this four to eight hours wilderness adventure race, will take teams of two through a 35 to 50k course of running, mountain biking, swimming and paddling.
“After the tremendous success of the last River Kwai Trophy that attracted 120 teams from all over the world, the next event of the Amazing Adventure Race series promises to bring some fun and excitement to the ‘Rose of the North,’” says Serge Henkens, Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series Manager. “The playground though is definitely narrower than the other places we organize our Adventure Races.”
Davy Debryn, the logistics coordinator says, “Located between the 700 years stadium, the Doi Suthep Mountain and Mae Rim, the course will include a variety of short and fast sections. The race will be totally different of what we have seen in Nong Chok or Kanchanaburi. We always try to create something different, to surprise the competitors. What we can say is that it will be a lively and fast race. We can’t tell much more at this stage. The racers will find out on the race day!”
The race will start and finish at the 700 years stadium and a lot of activities will take place at the Huey Tung Tao reservoir says Henkens.
The race will be open to anyone 16 years of age or older and each team must consist of two athletes. For more information check the official website at www. event2 or www.active-asia.com or call Serge Henkens the race director on 0819227100

When Irish eyes are smiling: Peter has a ring to it

IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, April 13, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight (0-13)
1st Des Griffiths (5) net 69
2nd Ian Halfpenny (13) net70
3rd Jack Grindvald (6) net 71
B Flight (14+)
1st Peter Ring (22) net 66
2nd Alec Hoare (18) net 66
3rd Joe Mcardal (14) net69
Near Pins: #2 Alec Hoare; #9 Mossie Quaid; #12 Chris Davison; #16 Des Griffiths
2’s: Jack Grindvald, Chris Davison, Rick Holmes, Bruce Milner, Seamus Cotter, Andy Galvin, Jerry McCarthy, Terry Phur & John Deardon.
Fifty-one golfers made the Sunday trip to Green Valley for the monthly medal. The course is nearly back to its best; however the weather conditions were hot and humid.
The thought on most competitors’ minds was how to stop Simon, Tracey, Michael & Michelle, who dominated the previous week. And it came in the most unexpected form.
There were two divisions with the cut for B Flight made at 14 and above.
But let’s start with A Flight. Fourth place and one out of the money was the ‘Bounty Hunter’ Big Bob Newell with a net 72 off his 6 H/cp. In third place was ‘Whacko’ Jacko Grindvald with a net 71, also off a 6 H/cp. Taking second place was Ian Halfpenny with a net 70 off his13 H/cp, and to win A Flight with a superb net 69 off his 5 H/cp was Irish man Des Griffiths.
Into the B Flight and this is where the fireworks started. Fourth place and one off the money was Joe Tynan with a good net 71 off his 28 H/cp. Third place with an excellent net 69 off his 14 H/cp was Joe Mcardle. In Second place, losing on count back, was Alec Hoare with a superb net 66 off his18 Hcp. But the winner of the day and the Monthly Medal for April was Peter Ring, with again a superb net 66 off his 22 H/cp. Riding in Peter’s golf cart to witness the great event was his beautiful daughter.
Let me just add all four men mentioned in B Flight are Irish; including the winner of A Flight. “Luck of The Irish”, but what happened to the Aussies, and Larry?
Back at Lewinski’s it was party time, Peter rang the bell to celebrate his victory with his family, who are over here on holiday. After a few ‘sherbets’ the place was soon reverberating to the sounds of Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and numerous other well remembered Irish tunes. A great night was had by everyone, not least of all by our strong Irish contingent.

Café Kronborg move into a tie for first

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Kran, Su, Nok, Tue, Barry, Bill & Jan.

Café Kronborg continues to move up in the standings and are now tied for first place after winning all four points from Café Ole. Kran led Café Kronborg with a 521 series and Leo had a 519-pin total. Brother D is now in a tie for first after losing all four points to Montana.
Canada took three points from SaBai Friday and knocked them down to third place. Ooy bowled a 542 series and Teuvo a 510 for Canada. La bowled a 511 series to lead Balls Galore to a three and one halve point win over Diamond Shop.
VFW Post 9876 took three points from House of the Golden Coin and with bad lane conditions no one could bowl well in that match. Morn bowled a 555 series to lead Beaver Bar & Grill to a three-point win over Jack Tar. Barry rolled a 548 series for Jack Tar.

Lindberg flying high

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

A warm welcome at Eastern Star on Sunday, April 13, was the prelude to a wonderfully relaxed stableford golf tournament for the Pattaya Golf Society.
The day was hot and sultry and the course was in fine condition. Good scores were in prospect and to emphasize the point Eamonn Fahey posted 34 points in his first PGS outing for fourth place. Scoring 38 points was Chris Voller and his good score was sufficient only for third. Masaaki Sugaya’s previous outing at ESR a week ago had brought him the paltry score of twelve points but this week a resurgent Japanese golfer amassed forty points for nothing better than second place.
Meanwhile an outstanding round was being played by Swedish lady golfer, Helene Lindberg, and her 46 points represented her best ever round. Every shot was true, every hazard avoided, serious putts were nailed and she enjoyed the course so much, posting her second successive weekly win there. The added irony was that husband Mikael recorded the day’s worst score and he was left to prop up the field with a total of 28 points less than his wife. Truly a tasty Swedish smorgasbord!
Paul Quodomine and Stan Everingham made sure that the majority of the rolled-over 2’s pot went trans-Atlantic, leaving Chris Voller to sweep up the crumbs, sweet as they were, whilst the aforementioned Mikael Lindberg took the Booby Bevy for his sins. But, secretly, he had enjoyed seeing his wife enjoy the best golf day of her life.
And Greenwood makes five!
Tuesday, April 15, and Greenwood was the venue for the Pattaya Golf Society and their weekly stableford event, which was played over the A and B nines. The latter track has been closed for many months and has seen no water in all that time, it seems, and the overall impression was of playing on two separate courses.
Masashi Iizumi and Peter MacKay shared third place with 34 points each, one behind David Thomas, his steady 35 points marking his return to form.
For the fifth consecutive event Helene Lindberg found the top three and, whilst eyebrows may be raised elsewhere, those at the OK Corral who have played with her regularly know that the Swedish lady has history. Forty competitive rounds or more in the last six months have seen her form culminate in such success recently that she is starting to regret returning to Sweden in a week or so time. This time her winning score was forty points.
There were no 2’s on a day that saw John Mason very generously sponsor near-pin prizes on the par threes and these were won by Tim Williams, Len Jones and Stuart Thompson.
The Booby Bevy went to Pat Clarke for his shabby score but his smile had “winner” written all over it. As did Helene Lindberg’s.

Drumm scores a double

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, April 15, Greenwood A & B (White Tees) - Stableford
Ably organized by Brian Hardwidge, nine players took on Greenwood’s A & B nines which were in excellent condition.
Playing in just one division Bob Drumm (H/C 11) took top spot, putting Paco Waterhouse (H/C 13) into runner up position on count back with 38 points. Jim Walton (H/C 21) came in third with 35 points.
Bob Drumm had one near pin, Tiger Jumparnit two. Willie Nachbur sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green and the average points scored on the day was at 31.4.
Thursday, April 17, Treasure Hill (White Tees) - Stableford
Eleven likely lads turned out to play Treasure Hill where the starter most considerately did not put a six-ball in front of us (only a five ball instead). Thunder rumbled but rain held off until we were safely in the clubhouse.
Bob Drumm (H/C 11) continued his good form by again taking top spot, this time with 36 points. The scribe Neil Duncan (H/C 14) was runner up with 33 points with welcome returnee Ed Horrocks (H/C 30) filling third place after putting Owen Walkley (H/C 23) into fourth spot on count back, both with 32 points.
Only two near pins were claimed by Willy Nachbur and Bob Drumm whilst Owen Walkley sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green. Ian Campbell easily won the Paradise Bar shirt for the most golf on the day whilst an honorary Paradise Bar shirt was awarded to Paco on his departure to UK after five months with us because he is far too good and steady a golfer ever to be able to win a shirt fair and square.
The average points scored on the day was at 28.8.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

The Executive Committee of the Pattaya Sports Club is pleased to announce that

The Annual General Meeting of the Pattaya Sports Club will be held
at
The Town –In –Town Hotel, Pattaya Central Road
at 10 a.m. on Saturday the 21st of June 2008

Elective Members are encouraged to attend if possible.
[Please note that only Elective Members can attend this meeting]
For those Elective Members unable to attend the meeting, Forms of Proxy will be available from the P.S.C. Office from the 1st of May, 2008 and must be collected and signed for by the ‘appointee’ or requested by letter to the PSC Secretary.
To be valid they must be returned by Saturday June 16

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

I off my phone, I stay alone

Know any Birmingham City fans? Now might be a time to offer a friendly arm around their shoulder, a cold beer with a respectful nod or simply the business card of a decent counsellor. It’s not been the worst of seasons at St. Andrews until this point, it seems, but suddenly, after arguably the most miserable week in the club’s history, everything looks like unravelling at the final hurdle.
And that’s not sensationalist gutter journalism either. Oh no. First the owner and managing director are arrested, relating to “an inquiry into payments to a football agent and two players” the club said last week. The pair were later bailed pending an investigation, and although “there is absolutely no allegation that any director of the company or the club itself have benefited financially from any of this activity” it’s clearly not the ideal preparation for a crunch derby match with your most bitter rivals.
Sunday’s game with Aston Villa was made even more important after Bolton Wanderers, pretty much everybody’s favourite to join Derby and Fulham in next year’s Championship, managed to scoop a desperate away win at Middlesbrough on Saturday to propel themselves out of the bottom three. Their replacements were of course Birmingham, who then suffered the indignation of a 5-1 spanking by Villa on Sunday. Awful. It’s Liverpool at home on Sunday, and although manager Alex McLeish checked his Reader’s Digest Book of Football Manager Quotes to blab “We have made ourselves difficult to beat at St Andrews and that is what we need to do now against Liverpool,” survival is certainly going to be anything but simple.
Fulham still aren’t down but must beat Manchester City on Saturday, whilst Reading, in arguably the worst run of form of all the relegation candidates, travel to Wigan. Bolton go to Tottenham and will probably pick up another three points as nobody gives two hoots anymore, whilst on Sunday afternoon Everton face Aston Villa in an enormous game for both sides as they battle for a UEFA Cup spot. Everton against Villa is traditionally a televised fixture I’d rather miss in favour of nailing myself to a sinking ship, but this one will definitely be worth a watch.
Meanwhile there’s the small matter of the Premier League title, now a straight fight between Manchester United and Chelsea. They face each other at Stamford Bridge in the weekend’s opener on Saturday evening, 6:45pm our time. If I need to sell that one to you, you’re reading the wrong column.
With the Champions League semi final second legs midweek, this really is the week to make excuses to your significant other to free up some time. Something along the lines of “I need time to think about our relationship” might be an idea, or if you’re less brave perhaps you can get away with falsifying a visa run to Penang. I also heard there’s a bout of the ‘flu going around. You know the variant, it’s the one that gives you aches and pains all over but doesn’t show up in a cold.
‘Massive club’ coming to Thailand
The plans to take the Premier League itself to foreign shores may have been put on the shelf for the time being, but it looks very much like Manchester City fans are in for a rare treat. The mid-table heroes will jet off to Thailand - a medium-sized nation in South East Asia - for a tour at the end of the English season.
“We want to take the Premier League out there, first in Thailand, then Hong Kong,” executive director Taweesuk Jack Srisumrid told Reuters last week in a slight manipulation of the truth. He then added that “we will play local teams, and perhaps the national teams also.”
Staying briefly in this part of the world, the much-hyped Indian Premier Cricket League began last week but the billions of dollars being generated by the concept will not enable the teams to make a profit, it says here. Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar owner of my new favourite team the Calcutta Knight Riders has been angered by stadium taxes, among other things. “To tell you the truth we are probably the only team that may be able to break even,” he told the Times of India.
Rumours of the Knight Riders’ team bus solving mysteries, talking fluent English in an annoying whiney accent and driving itself to and from the team’s matches are yet to be confirmed.
Premier League is rubbish, says Torres
Well not quite, but Liverpool’s Fernando Torres does insist that Spain’s top flight is stronger than the Premier League despite the presence of three English teams in the Champions League semi-finals.
“In England the top four are better than the ones in Spain, above all when it comes to consistency,” he told Spanish sports station Radio Marca. “Apart from that, the rest of the teams in Spain are stronger as they have more quality.”
The former Atlético Madrid player, who has scored 30 goals this season, said he was enjoying the patience afforded by English fans - “They give you time, they get behind you but don’t suffocate you” - and added that he would like to meet Barcelona in the Champions League final, if Liverpool get past Chelsea in the last four: “The people here would prefer to face Manchester United but I think it would be great to take on Barcelona.”
Around Europe
Bayern Munich overcame Borussia Dortmund last Saturday to take their 14th German Cup thanks to goals from Italian striker Luca Toni. Valencia may have won the Spanish equivalent a fortnight ago but an embarrassing 5-1 drubbing at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday puts more pressure on Dutch manager Ronald Koeman as his side sit just two points above the relegation zone.
Back in Koeman’s homeland, PSV Eindhoven are celebrating their fourth straight Eredivisie title after a Danko Lazoviæ strike against his former team earned them an all-important 1-0 victory at Vitesse.
The race is back on in Scotland after Celtic beat rivals Rangers last week to make the title race an awful lot closer. Determined not to be outdone, Hearts chairman Roman claimed that the Scottish Premier League is slightly less than fair. “It is news to you that this is a fixed league?” he asked reporters last week. “Rangers and Celtic win titles by 30 points. How many times this season have we been screwed by referees? We ask you to help us to fight this system that doesn’t allow a smaller club to grow. If a club starts to grow, they use all mechanisms to pull it down.”
It’s my ball and
I’m going home!
Finally we bring you Chelsea manager Avram Grant’s scintillating press conference after his side’s win at Goodison Park last week. See you next week.

Reporter: A deserved win, Avram? Grant: “Yes.” What particularly pleased you about the performance? Grant: “I’m pleased.” What in particular pleased you? Grant: “I don’t know.” Is it a relief to win here? Grant: “Yes.” You seem lost for words. Are you more satisfied with the performance or the win? Grant: “Both.” You seem distracted. Do you have a problem? Grant: “No problem.” Is there an issue? Grant: “No. I’m ok. I have nothing to say.” Do you have a message for the Chelsea fans? Grant: “You represent the Chelsea fans?” They must believe you are still in the title race, do you have a message for them? Grant: “No message.” Does this result mean you are back in it now? Grant: “I don’t know.” You seem less voluble than usual. Is it because of Sky TV moving the game to a Thursday? Grant: “Maybe it’s because of you. I don’t know. I am OK.” You are saying that you don’t know if you are still in the title race? Grant: “No.” Is it easier to say nothing, Avram? Grant: “I don’t what to answer. It is a good question. I don’t know what to answer.” Is this because of Sky? Grant: “No. Sky is OK. I enjoy watching them.” Is it a protest against newspapers? Grant: “No. Why?” Why else would you come in and refuse to answer our questions? Grant: “I answer every question.” You are two points behind Manchester United and you don’t know if you are still in the title race? Grant: “No.” Have you told the players that you don’t know if you are back in the title race? Grant: “What I tell the players is something else. You want me to tell you what I say to the players?” We just want you to answer the question. Are you in the title race? Grant: “I don’t know.” Would you not like to gain some positive publicity for the result rather than this bizarre silence? Grant: “I’m sorry. You can write whatever you want and I can answer what I want.” Have you ever played the yes/no game, Avram? Grant: No answer.

Jack Mooney should read “Jack Money”

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Saturday’s winners: Larry Simpson, Tewin Lamthong,
 Fergus Brennan and Mark Prycz.

Barry Hooper
I have made mention of this golfer before in previous reports, however this time I had difficulty to find the right words to report. I am referring to Jack Mooney, or perhaps it should now be “Jack Money” seeing as he took another great first place on Monday, April 14 at Plutaluang. Jack has been knocking at the door for some time, both on his last visit with us before having to return to the States and also this time around. It was just a matter of when. This is his second win in two weeks. A win well deserved Jack - keep it up!
Monday, April 14, Plutaluang (N & W) - Stableford
1st Jack Mooney (12) 40pts
2nd Peter Morris (27) 39pts
3rd Mike Pinshant (12) 36pts
4th Ray Allison (14) 35pts
On Monday we all travelled out to Plutaluang and played the North and West courses. We may have been small in numbers but not in quality. It was to be a hot affair with many who walked wishing they had taken a buggy.
Our headliner this week Jack Mooney won the day with a great forty-pointer, but only the one back was Peter Morris on thirty-nine while Larry Pinshant was third with thirty-six.
The 2’s were cleaned up by Larry Simpson who had a pair and took the pot.
Tuesday, April 15, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Andy Galvin (19) 37pts
2nd John Pegrun (11) 35pts
3rd Paul Challis (31) 34pts
4th Ian Bell (6) 30pts
Tuesday at Khao Kheow saw a compliment of seventeen players take part. We have had a few of our regulars return in the past week and this day belonged to Andy Galvin with a fine thirty-seven points. Two back in second was John Pegrum with thirty-five and Paul Challis took third with thirty-four.
I have to say that Paul has been working on his game and it seems to be occasionally paying off. Keep it up Paul.
No 2’s on the day so a roll over to Thursday’s outing.
Thursday, April 17, Phoenix (Ocean & Lakes) – Stableford
1st Ito Akitoshi (8) 41pts
2nd Mike Rushant (12) 36pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (13) 35pts
4th Ray Allison (14) 35pts
5th Roger Wilkinson (14) 34pts
Thursday’s outing was at Phoenix with a round over the Lakes & Ocean course.
A great score of forty-one points from Ito Akitoshi deservedly won the day whilst the nearest to him were Mike Rushant and Tewin Lamthong in second and third spots on thirty six and thirty five points respectively. Roger Wilkinson was a further point back in fourth on thirty four. He is another player who has had some good results of late.
The 2’s were won by John Pegrum and Keith Marsden.
Saturday, April 19, Eastern Star (White Tees) - Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (9) 35pts
2nd Larry Simpson (10) 34pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (13) 32pts
4th Mark Prycz (5) 32pts
Saturday was our regular weekend visit to Eastern Star. Just sixteen players decided to escape the rigours of Songkran and judging by the chaos in Pattaya it was a wise move. However getting back after play to the bar proved a somewhat arduous affair.
Fergus Brennan our organiser told me that he has been swapping clubs over the past weeks and was somewhat undecided which set of irons to use. Well apparently he chose correctly as he won the day with thirty-five points. Larry Simpson was just the one back in second with thirty four, and that lady Tewin Lamthong is back on form as she took her second podium spot in three days with a thirty-two pointer this time. Mark Prycz took fourth spot, also with thirty-two, but was beaten on count back.
Ray Trembath meanwhile kept the 2’s all to himself.
Reminder - If anyone is interested in golfing with the “Travellers Rest” we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at 7:45 a.m. for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. Just call Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

Same faces in reverse at Greenwood

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, April 14, Khao Kheow – Medal
1st Tony Robbins (12) net 73
2nd Geoff Parker (14) net 75
3rd Paul Smith (3) net 76
Because of the Songkran “festivities” a lot of golfer’s headed for the hills leaving just a few diehards to suffer the madness.
Well it was off to Khao Kheow for the first game of the week and it was Tony Robbins who took the honours on a hot and humid day, winning with a net 73 ahead of Geoff Parker, net 75, and Paul Smith came third with net 76
The near pin prizes were spread around between Geoff Parker, Paul Smith, Bryan Rought and Colin Stokes.
Wednesday, April 16, Phoenix - Stableford
1st JJ Harney (12) 44 points
2nd Eddie Martin (16) 36 points
3rd Kevin Dunne (11) 35 points
With another small field and just a single flight again, JJ Harney turned on the style with a fantastic round, racking up 44 Stableford points to win by a mile. Trailing in his wake came Eddie Martin 8 points behind to take second place and Brian Downey lost out on a count back to Kevin Dunne for third place, both finishing with 35 points.
Brian Downey, Kevin Dunne and Eddie Martin also won a near pin prize each with the fourth going to Geoff Parker.
Friday, April 18, Greenwood - Medal
1st Kevin Dunne (11) net 70
2nd Eddie Martin (16) net 74
3rd JJ Harney (12) net 77
As it’s the silly season, The Bunker Boy’s decided to play a team game as well as an individual Medal round on a hot and breezy Friday at the Greenwood course.
Kevin Dunne’s team, comprising of Kevin, Eddie Martin and JJ Harney, easily won the team game beating Geoff Parker, Paul Smith and Eamon Fahey and, unbelievable as it seems the same three players who won on Wednesday at Phoenix also won the individual prizes today as well! This time it was in reverse order with Kevin shooting a two-under par net 70, Eddie second with net 74 and JJ third with net 77.
The three superstars didn’t have as much luck with the technical prizes however as they went to Geoff Parker (2), Eamon Fahey and only Kevin Dunne from the winning team getting the last one.

The Square Ring: by Wilford James John “Jeeves” Waterford III

In what is beginning to be a very sad story, The Lord of the Manor has again been led down the ‘primrose path’ by evil-doers: this time while calling at the Yorkshire Inn on the island of Phuket. His Lordship blames the “unofficial retired mayor on Phuket,” Mr. David Brook, and the pressure of doing some radio chat show. He did though manage to view Bernard Hopkins against Joe Calzaghe whilst standing at the bar of said ‘five star hostelry’ with the Lord of Pattaya and a pair of UK soccer hooligans.
B-Hop gets C popped
‘Joltin’ Joe Calzaghe (44-0) survived a first round flash knockdown to win a spilt-decision over Bernard Hopkins (48-4-2) in a fight that it was impossible to “drink pretty” while viewed at the Yorkshire Inn on Patong Beach. Yes drink is supposed to do everything but it was “erection day” and all the bars were closed. Oh yes, a little champagne in coffee cups may have sneaked by as the locals toasted or celebrated the departure of “moi.”
For the first couple of rounds Hopkins was able to dictate the pace and rhythm. Midway through the third Calgazhe got things sorted out and took control.
For veteran Hopkins watchers it was the “same ole-same ole.” Throw a punch, hold, hit behind the head, elbow and head butt. When all else fails, fall like the Yankee Dollar when a ‘pity pat punch’ lands on the ‘old onion sack.’ Hopkins whined with an acting job that deserved an Oscar nomination, but referee Joe Cortez wasn’t buying the act. Way to go Joe.
In the end Calzaghe was able to “out-Hopkins,” Hopkins - winning the fight easy as judge Chuck Giampa scored it at 116-111. TSR had it 115-112, which was the score from judge Ted Ginza. The other judge, name withheld to protect the guilty, had it for Hopkins 114-113.
Sir Frog also saw the same fight with about the same reactions: “Started with a BIG warning for Calzaghe in round one, down he was, with a straight right hand from Hopkins. From then on he was very careful and started to throw combinations of punches, not really hurting Hopkins but scoring on the cards for the rest of the fight.
“A lot of hanging around, clinches, a few low blows from Calzaghe which Hopkins happily used to catch his breath again. ‘Yeah I taught him some old school, I was never hurt in any round, the fans are the judges, they saw I won the fight.’ The Hopkins judge has to go back to Judge School.”
Prior to Sunday’s fight Jeeves wrote, “Bernard Hopkins is a good guy according to His Lordship. Rumor is that he once complimented him on one of his god-awful sports jackets like the one he wore on Channel 11 during the Muay Thai fights two week’s ago. Hopkins problem is that sometimes his opinion of himself is not supported by facts (he claims he won the fight Sunday). He “let’s his mouth run while his brain is in sleep mode.”
Just days before his encounter with ‘Joltin’ Joe Calzaghe, Hopkins told Joe, “I would never let a white boy beat me.” (Wrong there). Forgot the fact that the statement is pure “crap” but his explanation of it is more of the same, which you’d expect to hear from a politician: “You can’t define what I said. It ain’t a shame to lose to a white man, but it ain’t supposed to happen from where I come from,” stated Hopkins. One wonders where Hopkins came from?
Did Hopkins’ last minute comments have anything to do with Calzaghe being a -260 favorite (You bet 260 to win 100) while Hopkins was +220? “No Eye Deer.”
The final press conference brought no fireworks: “Beating him won’t be good enough,” said Calzaghe. “I want to knock him out.” “I don’t care what the critics are saying,” said Hopkins. “I thrive on being the underdog.
Even worse predications came from Hopkins’ trainer Freddie Roach: “Hopkins will knock him out.” Entering the final round Roach said, “You’re winning the fight.” Fat chance of that. The Calzaghe corner with ‘Poppa’ Enzo calling the shots wasn’t a hell of a lot better. Toss out the “flying F word” and it wasn’t even entertaining.
The crowd at the Yorkshire Inn was a mixed bag. Throughout the fight the two soccer hooligans kept yelling “Knock the poof out.” I suggested that if they were referring to Hopkins in that manner, and should they like to voice their opinion to him in person, they should do so from a secret location. The pair were also sure that it wouldn’t be close. “Yes it will.” “American judges are rubbish.” So much for the British school system.
Good to see that Michael Buffer was back after an operation for cancer. “The Gov” of the Yorkshire Inn is soon to be married to a Thai lady named Po. When she saw Buffer she swooned, “I like him” and gave me the thumbs up. I then took a short time to council “The Gov” on his impending marriage, as there may be an underlying problem that has just surfaced. Following the fight (internationally) Max Kellerman got in the ring for the post-fight interview, Po volunteered, “I no like him” followed by the thumbs down. Re-counseled “The Gov” that maybe things would be AOK after all.
TSR scoring may have been a bit off as part of the first round was missed as the fight came on early. There was a pounding at the door followed by, “Mr. Reed the fight is on.” I rushed from the room to the bar without any mishap, unlike the day before when covering the same path I tripped and fell like a 270 sack of old person. As I lay there writhing in pain, I looked across the street to a Welsh bar where four singlet-wearing, tattooed, beer-swilling, 28 tooth sharing yahoos were having a laugh at my mishap. I stately arose and using hand signals indicated they were Number 1 in this Yank’s book.
Margaritoville packs a punch: Cotto rules
Here is the report that ‘His Nibs’ failed to forward last week from Sir Frog.
“It was a body shot evening; first welterweight Antonio Margarito (36-5) scored a 6th round KO over defending IBF champion Kermit Cintron (29-2, 27 KOs). For Cintron it was a flashback to his first ever career loss, a fifth round KO in April 2005 from the same guy, just 30 seconds difference. Cintron didn’t use his reach advantage and played into Margarito’s game plan. Margarito was never hurt in any round. I was left wondering where Cintron got his 27 KOs in 29 fights? He was finally dropped for the count with a brutal body shot.”
Cintron is one of those boxers that had the advantage of a promoter that picked his spots.
It was an easy fight for WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (32-0) as scored a five-round destruction of Alphonso Gomez (18-4-2). It was a kind of sparring session for Cotto.
Miguel is well known for his strong body shots, which he used in round 2, flooring Gomez for an 8 count. Cotto was simply toying with the outclassed Gomez in round five, flooring him with a jab. The ring doctor stopped the fight after that round.
Cotto vs Manny Pacquio - that would make history! Except His Lordship says they won’t fight.
Johnson Robbed Again
The Lord of the Manor had pegged Glenn Johnson to use wile, guile and knowledge to defeat Chad Johnson for the WBC light-heavyweight title. Johnson lost a decision that the scoring indicated was “blow out.” Maybe not. Just moments after the fight, Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Boxing which promoted the fight, said, “The scoring of this fight was a disgrace. Eight rounds to four on all three scorecards?? Tell me what eight rounds Dawson won. Glen hurt Dawson on a number of occasions, pressed the action from bell to bell for 12 rounds, and yet the judges give him (Dawson) the decision based on those ‘pitty-pat’ punches he landed on Glen’s gloves. In rounds 3 and 10 Johnson almost stopped Dawson.”
All fights shown on ‘Showtime’ allow fans at home to vote for the winner by “text.” While the fans in attendance were booing their baby hearts out, the home viewers voted for Johnson 80%-20%.
“I’ve been in this business a lot of years, and I’ve never been this disappointed,” said Margules. “Glen Johnson is a gentleman and someone who should be celebrated for his class, work ethic, and talent, yet this game continues to turn its back on him. I hope the networks and the sanctioning bodies give the light-heavyweight people’s champion another shot immediately.”
Johnson’s history of being on the wrong side of dodgy decisions is well documented. He got the “sausage” (pronounced Saw-SEEEE-ga) against Sven Ottke, Omar Sheika, Julio Gonzales and Clinton Woods (twice).
Just for the sake of argument, assume that the three judges in the Johnson-Dawson fight were correct in their scoring. Assume that Dawson did win 8 rounds while further assuming that 80% of the TV viewers and a majority of the live crowd were blind, dumb and stupid. Then remember that those blind, dumb and stupid people are the ones that pay the money to support the sport of boxing.
On FM One radio in Phuket last week, host Paul Norris asked his Nibs, “Is boxing on the up and up?” His Lordship’s reply, “99.9% of the time it is. The other 0.1% is probably less than any other sport. The problem is that in boxing it’s perception that counts. In Bangkok last week after attending a Muay Thai fight card a friend said, ‘Don King has ruined boxing.’ No I said, it’s the perception that Don King has ruined boxing that hurts.”
So even if the judges in Johnson-Dawson were correct it’s the perception that something was “a bit off” that hurts. It doesn’t help that if these three judges continue to work fights of importance, it will just add fuel to the flames as far as perceptions go.
Jeeves jives
If you read this entire column looking for the results of Hussien-Donaire from the UAE and didn’t find it, you might wonder why? No, His Lordship did not misbehave this time. Cousin Bruce from Philippines informs TSR that, “Hussien-Donaire is canceled. I will referee WBC bantam eliminator between Veerapol vs. Malinga May 1 in Bangkok.”
His Lordship bummed out. He’ll be back at the ‘main castle’ in prestigious Las Vegas for that one.
Next week His Lordship will be back in all his arrogant glory, “so until then my dear Noi - a bottle of the bubbly, a fine cigar and His Nibs’ new Fleetwood Mac DVD ‘The Dance’ will do me fine.”

Orr strikes gold in Pak Chong

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

During Songkran week in Pattaya it was decided to hold a special trip away with four days golf. So it was that twelve golfers signed up, packed their bags and headed north to the Pak Chong area and found four different courses to play. This tournament is now known as the Songkran Cup.

Brian Orr was the 4-day individual winner with 133 stableford points.

The format for every day was Stableford and the best 4-ball combined score won the day, with the exception of choosing the best three of four scores. There would also be an individual winner emerge on the final day.
Wednesday, April 16, Muang Ake Wang G.C. – Stableford
Today’s venue was a course called Muang Ake Wang Golf Course. This venue offered an excellent layout with plenty of water hazards but the greens were very slow.
The eventual team winners on the day were Peter Henderson, Bruce Tollitt, Geoff North and Clive Bruce with a combined score of 113 points. Hardly worth a mention in last place with a very poor performance was Graham Beaumont.
Thursday, April 17, Voyage Panorama G.C. - Stableford
Today we played Voyage Panorama golf course which has to go down as the best on this tour, it was extremely challenging with some very exciting holes. The course was in excellent condition and some great golf was played on the day with the team of Greig Ritchie, Brian Orr, Keith Johnson and Clive Bruce prevailing and once again the combined winning score was 113 points.
Friday, April 18, Bonanza G.C. - Stableford
Friday and the venue was Bonanza golf course which was reported to be very nice, it’s as simple as that. Most of the golfers scored very high with the winning team on the day being Bruce Tollitt, Brian Orr, Greig Ritchie and Jeff North. Their combined team score was a whopping 123 points. Damien Trante claimed last place and said he will never play as bad as that again.
Saturday, April 19, Rooks G.C. - Stableford
The venue for the final day of the tour was Rooks golf course at Korat. This was probably the poorest course of them all with not a good word to be said. It was a great layout but in desperate need of some tender loving care.
However, it was the final day and the ultimate individual prize was very close with Greig Ritchie leading Brian Orr by a slim margin.
The team of Brian Orr, Keith Johnson, Bruce Tollitt and Peter Henderson won the collective day with 106 combined points. Then, after all the cards were in, the calculators were put to use working out the individual tour winner. It was so close with just two points separating the top three. In third place was Jim McGovern with 131 points, second was Grieg Ritchie with 132 points, and the winner and most consistent golfer over the four days was Brian Orr with 133 points.
Unfortunately, after a superb four days, we sadly have to mention the worst golfer on the trip who happens to be someone who is never usually out of the frame in Pattaya. Today he recorded another dismal round of 17 points. Well done Damien Trante.

Perry’s politicians win softball challenge

Perry’s Politically Naïve team (L-R): Terry, Diego, Ron (Mr. Baseball),
 John CF, Perry, Jimmy, Rhys, Rick, and Nick, with Rhys’ daughter Jesse,
the team mascot holding the ball.

Alan’s Anarchists (front row L-R): Mike, Alan, Phil, Beck, Josh,
(back row L-R): Ron, Sammy, Tom, Jimmy, George and Billy.

Darryl ‘Diego’ Wells
On a sunny Sunday afternoon soon after Songkran, our weekly softball double header continued from Jomtien “Field of Dreams” Stadium.

A swing and miss from Rhys, with the throw back from Mr. Baseball.

Our two elder statesmen, pitchers and team captains deliberated for a long time, to finally come up with the respective line-ups and Alan did the naming for both teams; calling his bunch of rag tag ball players, the Anarchists versus Perry’s Politically Naïve, following a lovely pre-game political debate.
The Politically Naïve went up first, but were unable to score, leaving the bases loaded. The Anarchists also found scoring tough, and after 2 innings it was still 0-0 and very much a pitcher’s duel. The strong wind soaring in from right field, combined with the exaggerated lofted pitches by these two sneaky veteran hurlers, made runs a scarce commodity.

The loyal fans enjoy the day out.

Finally in the third the Naïve were able to break through for 3 runs on RBI’s from Rhys, Diego and Nick. The Anarchists got one back, on an error by Jimmy at second base that scored Tom.
Another scoreless inning made it look like the Politically Naïve would win the match, but it all turned ugly for them in the bottom of the fifth. The Anarchists got singles from the entire line up and scored 5, with 2 of them coming off of a Mike Berg homerun shot to right field.
The Naïve responded with 2 run homer by Terry in the sixth to close the gap to 6-5, but that was as close as they got. Phil, George and Tom all scored in the sixth, due to a barrage of fielding errors by the Naïve crew.
Final score, Anarchists 9, Politically Naïve 5, however in the error department the Naïve won hands down, by a 6 to 2 count.
Game 2 saw a reversal of fortunes, as the Naïve strengthened their defence, and finally started hitting to open spaces with their bats. The Anarchists batted first, and could only manage to score runs in the third inning, due to a 2-run Mike Berg homer, and an Alan Texas league blooper to center field. But, that clearly was not enough, as the Politically Naïve scored 1 in the first, 4 in the third, 1 in the fourth and 4 more in the fifth to win the game handily 10 to 3.
RBI’s for the Politically Naïve went to: Rick, Perry, Nick, John CF, Perry, Terry (2) and Diego (2). As a consolation, the Anarchists did win the error count game by a score of 4 to 2.
All in all, an enjoyable Sunday of Softball, hope to see more of you out there soon!

Neil storms through to take Kanchanaburi challenge

PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, April 14, Burapha - Stableford
Two days after the pros finished the Pattaya Singha Open, the Outbackers took to the same C & D course. They were warned by the starter that the rough was quite severe and played from the shorter white tees. Capt’ Bob, who won Division A with a fine 40pts, said afterwards: “the greens were as good as anything in the area.”

Alan Pearce celebrates his hole in one on the 180-yard 17th at River Kwai Country Club.

Dennis Persson excelled on the back nine with a fantastic one-over gross, to rack up 25pts and take his total to 39, enough to win Div. B, but John Spiller, who was cut immediately from 24 to 22, had the score of the day with an amazing 42pts.
Suzi, who got left behind on the Par-three 8th by the other 3 members of her four-ball, totally missed the green and the ball rattled around inside Capt’ Bob’s cart. I wonder whether that was deliberate??
Thanks Burapha for a beautifully presented course reminding me of one of my favorite Jack Nicholson movies, this is “As good as it gets.”
Div A (0-12) - 9 Players
1st Capt’ Bob (6) 40pts
2nd Desmond Scott (9) 36pts
3rd Donald Frances (11) 35pts
Div B (13-19) - 9 players
1st Dennis Persson (16) 39pts
2nd Neil Hughes (15) 35pts
3rd Frank O’Neill (16) 33pts
Div C (20+) 13 Players
1st John Spiller (24) 42pts
2nd Peter Gibson (28) 35pts
3rd John Cogan (20) 33pts
There were four 2’s from: Rick Evans, Neil Hughes, Peter Gibson & Don Frances
Thursday, April 17, Phoenix - Stableford
This is a great course in superb condition but why does every round have to be so slow? Perhaps, like the m25, it’s a victim of it’s own success! Ben Findon easily took Div A by a three shot margin, whilst the Div B honours were shared by the “Mawfords”. That man John Spiller was in the frame again, this time off his new handicap of 22. Well played you Outbackers!
Div A (0–19) 10 Players
1st Ben Findon (18) 38pts
2nd Desmond Scott (9) 35pts
3rd Rick Evans (3) 33pts
Div B (20+) 10 Players
1st Dave Mawford (22) 39pts
2nd Lek Mawford (23) 39pts
3rd John Spiller (22) 36pts
There were two 2’s from: Ted Pease & Dave Mawford
Friday, April 18, Plutaluang - Stableford
A quiet but pleasant day today, with many regular golfers away. However, it was welcome back to Barry & Geoff who returned late last night from a three week trip ‘Down Under’. The south and east course was in good condition and the pace of play was excellent.
Jack produced the best score of the day, after a blob on the index 2 hole at the top of the hill. This could have been forgiven following a lengthy beer stop and some Songkran celebrations with the caddies, to allow a menacing storm to pass. He then birdied the par 3 down the hill for the only ‘2’, and chipped in for a birdie on the next. He finished with yet another birdie on the last after his nine-iron to 4 feet.
1st Jack Moseley (8) 36pts
2nd John Spiller (22) 32pts
3rd Bob Martin (16) 30pts
There was only one ‘2’ today, coming from Jack Moseley
Wed. 16 – Sat. 19 April - Kanchanaburi
Sixteen Outbackers plus a couple of non-playing partners left behind the ‘fun’ of Songkran in Pattaya and headed for Kanchanaburi for 4 days of golf. They were led by Capt’ Bob, who left partner Jack to take care of things at the bar.
After a quick check-in, we were off to the first tee for what turned out to be a very challenging course, the River Kwai Country Club - although not in great condition and with no management or beer around.
This was to be a practice round before the main 3 days of serious golf. However it will be memorable for Alan Pearce who on the 180 yard 17th had a hole in one - his first!
Alan has had much to celebrate recently - he won his first Diana Seniors in March, completed playing in 100 consecutive major PSC golf tournaments in Pattaya, and now an ‘Ace’. Congratulations Alan!
Thursday, April 17, Nichigo - Round 1
We were allocated the Lake and Mountain nines on this fine course, which was very quiet, and we all got round in less than 4 hours.
It was Norman’s day with a great 41 points. Badger played well (36pts) but lost his ball after a fine drive to the middle of fairway on the 18th. It was almost ‘Ladies Day’ with our two ladies, Pimusa and May, coming 2nd and 3rd respectively.
On our way back the Outback Bus made a short detour to visit ‘The Bridge’ then back to our hotel through the last day of Kanchanaburi’s Songkran. The difference we saw here was that only the Thai’s were involved and mainly with just water guns. Some of out party did venture out on to the streets to be welcomed by the locals with utter respect, thank’s Kanchanaburi! We will come again!
1st Norm Martin (26) 41pts
2nd Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (21) 38pts
3rd May Larose (14) 37pts
Friday, April 18, Blue Sapphire - Round 2
This course is always worth a visit, but it was so empty, the management made us an offer - 1000 baht for Green and Caddy fee AND cart! One per player! It was a very hot day reaching 40 deg and Pimusa was still hot from the previous day, scoring an excellent 37 points, with Big Baz also playing well for his 36.
1st Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (21) 37pts
2nd Barry Rothberg (19) 36pts
3rd May Larose (14) 33pts
Saturday, April 19, Royal Rachaburi - Round 3
Our last day so it was up early to travel to this truly wonderful golf course. It being a Saturday we thought it would be expensive - to our surprise it was just 1,300 baht including sharing a buggy. It was interesting to find upon our arrival many friends from Donavan’s - great minds etc...
Not only was it a competition today but also the final of the 3 days cumulative scores, with the top three separated by just 4 points with fourth place a further 3 points adrift. However, on the day it was that fourth place (Neil Hughes) who came through playing with Capt Bob to score a magnificent 43 points off handicap 15 (80 off the stick) to take the day’s honours and the overall. Well done to Neil - who later said it was the best round of his life - so far!
1st Neil Hughes (15) 43pts
2nd Terry Larose (7) 37pts
3rd Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (21) 31pts
Overall 3-day results
1st Neil Hughes (15) 110pts
2nd Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (21) 106pts
3rd Norm Martin (26) 97pts
Returning to the Outback Bar late on Saturday, which had been closed all day for the staff to enjoy Songkhran in Pattaya, Bob didn’t take much persuading to open up the bar and Neil kicked off the night in style by ringing the bell to celebrate the success of the trip and his fantastic round of golf! This was the first of the Outback Golf Bar’s away competitions and we all look forward to more to come. Thanks Bob! (and Lot xx)
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
Now we have our own minibus and have started regular Pattaya pickups on our golf days. Please watch out for our new Tuesday (Sport Day 950 Baht incl Caddie) early bird slot at Phoenix, approx 8am tee off for the next six weeks. Limited to 20 players only, known as the TOOs (Twenty Outbackers Only). Everybody welcome but please get your name down early, this list will be cut off at 20.
More information can be found on our website www. outbackgolfbar.com. Our Bus Trip this month is to Royal Lakeside on Weds. April 30 & don’t forget the complimentary food back at the bar afterwards.
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]