IPGC golf from The Haven
Sunday, May 1, Green Valley – Stableford
CSS 71
1st Lyle Blaw (12) 40pts
2nd Joe McArdle (12) 40pts
3rd Russell Goldsworthy (2) 38pts
4th Ger Lodge (20) 36pts
5th Joe Peters (17) 35pts
No, it is not a re-print from last week, but the first two past the post were the same with Lyle Blaw scoring exactly the same as the previous Sunday at Green Valley, and Joe McArdle coming second having improved three shots over last week’s result. Lyle, having dropped a shot on Sunday, then ran up four scores over the buffer zone to take him back out to 12 but the fractions will ensure that it will not re-occur this time.
Lyle just ran out the winner on the day with a better count-back of 21 to 20 over the back nine.
The May Day weather was extremely hot and humid making the scores of the top players even more commendable with Russell Goldsworthy slipping in yet another level par round, and one is left wondering what sort of scores he would be returning if he played more than once a week.
Lyle Blaw.
Ger Lodge also had a good day at level par on handicap to pip friend and playing partner Joe Peters for fourth place.
There were no 2’s on the day.
As usual the presentations were conducted and overseen by Russell Exley at the Golf Centre Bar on the course, with amiable hosts John and Geoff assisted by their lovely staff, taking excellent care of the golfers.
Monday, May 2, Century Chonburi – Stableford
CSS72
1st Al Keith (5) 36pts
2nd Bill Bertram (9) 32pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer (14) 29pts
4th Lyle Blaw (12) 28pts
After a hiatus of several months the Soi 13 group took on the sometimes previously less than inviting Century Chonburi layout but this time the course was discovered to be in a very acceptable condition and although it was found to be a bit untidy in places, the cost of the day at 750 baht for green fee, caddy and half a cart, was outstanding value considering that it was a national holiday and most of the other courses were charging more than double that rate.
Al Keith.
Al Keith picked up another win as he stroked it round in level handicap without seeming to ruffle a hair and as usual no sign of panic, even after the odd wayward shot. It was just a solid workmanlike round with that silky unhurried swing. Playing partner Bill Bertram struggled to keep pace with the scoring but did just enough to claim second place on his first outing with The Haven group.
Trevor Schirmer got the better on in-form Lyle Blair by a single shot, compliments of the last hole where he slipped in a birdie putt.
Whilst there were no 2’ in the second division, Al Keith and Bill Bertram shared the pool in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Bill Bertram who, if reports can be relied upon, will soon be heading back down from his present handicap to two or below although the day’s results did not quite reflect that scenario.
Friday, May 6, The Emerald – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Trevor Schirmer (14) 40pts
2nd Mathew Reynolds (24) 33pts
3rd Barry Winton (4) 33pts
4th Bill Bertram (9) 32pts
After missing out on Wednesday when all the players were competing in the IPGC Monthly Medals it was back to a normal competition at Emerald where due to popular demand the local rule for the day was ‘lift and place’ in the fairways to compensate for the condition of the lies and the hardness of the ground beneath. In the event, the conditions were quite good in most areas although this did not show in the scores returned for the day.
Trevor Schirmer.
Once again the weather was extremely hot and humid with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees centigrade and the humidity akin to four hours in the sauna room.
Trevor Schirmer was the exception to the field as he went round in his lowest score for two years, easily winning by seven clear. In spite of having a pretty ordinary day from the tee, his round was highlighted by exceptional chipping and putting when after missing a short one from two feet on the first for a bogey, the rest on the round was a master class in recovery golf.
Mathew Reynolds took a podium position on his first outing with the group by winning the count-back over Barry Winton with a better 18 to 16 as Barry tired badly following his herculean effort two days previously when he had won the first division in the IPGC Medals.
Back at The Haven there was a welcome for new member Mathew Reynolds and a welcome back for Barry Winton, who was back after back surgery and having made it a full set by losing on the back nine on his comeback.
Although the greens were in near perfect condition nobody in either division could manage a 2.
Note: As from the 1st of May the Haven group will depart Soi 13 at the earlier time of 8.30 a.m. until further notice. If you would like to play with The Haven group you can contact mobile 084782 4582 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi 13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you should be there by 8.00 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and 9.00am on Sundays on the days you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
