4th Annual Charity Open - 2006

Misty’s raises 100k for The Camillian Social Center

A grand field of 120 golfers signed on to enjoy Andy James’ annual fun day of golf, the great aprés-golf feast and party at Misty’s and to answer the call for charity. With proceeds from the tourney and the subsequent raffle and a kick-in of his own, Andy proudly handed over a check to the Camillian Social Center, The Relief Center for HIV-Aids, in the amount of 100,000 baht. The format on the day was the ever-popular 4-man Scramble (or Texas Scramble, as those outside of Texas call it). It relieves some of the pressure of the daily comps that the avid Pattaya golfer is usually up against, allows the casual golfer a chance to put some swings on the ball to help his team and generally creates a fine aire of camaraderie amongst the teams and the field. The gang made it around Burapha’s American Wood and British Link course in a brisk four hours. The shotgun start meant that everyone was off the course at the same time, and could shower and change into their tourney-provided golf jersey, considered by all as one of the tops shirts annually, before making their way to Misty’s on Soi Pattayaland 2 for a grand spread courtesy of Palmer’s Restaurant and The Sportsman Restaurant. A special thanks to General Manager Michael Mesommont and his capable top man, Egon Nielsen, son of the Kronborg’s Bjarne Nielsen, for the extraordinary presentation of course and assistance in set-up. Michael’s organization, from caddies to cart boys, to green-keepers, to clubhouse staff, etc. all deserved top honors for making the day so enjoyable for all who participated. The players were treated to the standard faire of sponsored technical prize distractions such as Near Pins (The Classroom) and Long Drives (Shenanigan’s), and nearest the Keg (Misty’s) which were embellished by the overt generousness of their respective sponsors’ prizes. In what has become a Misty’s signature, two motorbikes were offered as hole-in-one prizes on two separate par threes, courtesy of Suzy Wong A-Go-Go - BKK and Playskool A-Go-Go - BKK. While this is the second year that the prizes have gone unclaimed, one can count on the odds catching-up eventually. Handicaps notwithstanding, the seasoned competitors held up better in the crucible of battle. The three top teams were all made up of golfers who compete locally 3-4 times a week. The “Four of a Kind” shot a fine 58.3 total for Second Runner-up and were comprised of Adam “New York Slim” Schoenfeld, Ian “Hay-penny” Halfpenny, Kenny “K4” Kutzing and Jim “I sometimes play like I have” Puleo. “The Blobs” put together an exemplary 56.0 total, good enough to win last year but, regrettably, only good for 1st Runner-up this year. Their big horse was Simon of Philbrook, but he was helped in no small part by The Good Roger Koehler, Sugar Ray “I have a Handle” Handford and Irish Colm Mullen. “The Birdie Boys”, last years 2nd Runners-up lost the services of Glyn Nicholas, so team captain Roy Thornton MBE sought out an able replacement. He must have found the right free agent as the addition of Lewiinski’s Golf Manager, John Emmerson, catapulted the already strong core, comprised additionally of Richard Holmes and Barry Traynor, to an incredible 55.1 to end the two-year reign of “Mike and the Mechanics” (who were not far off the podium at 59.9). It should be noted that the “Birdie Boys” had the lowest aggregate handicap in the field at 3.9 and sported the only “team jerseys”. Will we see more of those next year? Andy would like to acknowledge the participation of teams and supporters from Solar Golf (two teams), The Full Moon Bar (two teams), Shenanigan’s, The Classrooom, The Lookout Bar, The Jack Tar Bar, The Pinnacle Resort, The Sugar Shack and The Traveller’s Rest Golf Society, Baltex and the gang at Lewiinski’s. To make this tournament a success for the Camillian Social Center required funds over and above those generated by the tournament entry cost alone. Therefore, special thanks to the contributions of Alan Bolton Property Consultants, The Pattaya Real Estate Company, Morning Cloud, Suzie Wong’s A-Go-Go - BKK, Sheba’s A-Go-Go - BKK, Playskool A-Go-Go - BKK, Bruno’s, The Penthouse Hotel, The Classroom, Shenanigan’s and The Shamrock Bar. While there are many thanks to go around, the event could not have come off without the home support of Misty’s Manager Tim, the organizational efforts of John Emmerson, the photography of Steve Ellison and the generosity of the events host, Andy James. While thanks are being handed out, let’s not forget the lovely ladies of Misty’s who made a hot day hotter by helping out at registration, team photos, and post tourney frivolity.

Misty’s Charity Open 2006 Results: