IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Nov. 8, Treasure Hill – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Yukio Kikuchi (22) 38pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer (14) 35pts
3rd Roar Berger (27) 33pts
4th Yasuo Suzuki (10) 32pts
5th Wayne Challis (14) 32pts
6th Hisahiko Makino (11) 30pts
Playing from the yellow tees the scores were well below average and therefore it was no surprise to find that the CSS had gone out to 72 after all the scores were returned. Having not played the course for some while, it took the field some time to work out that the forward tees were not an easy ride, as quite a few of them had been set back where the whites were normally to be found. The scoring for the whole competition reflected that as the scores on the front nine were around 25% worse than the inward half.
Joe Niisato.
But it was all too easy for Yukio Kikuchi who played very tidily to take the day’s top honour by three clear from Trevor Schirmer in second place.
Roar Berger slipped into third after missing an easy two-footer for birdie and then pudding bowling the ensuing efforts for nil points and leaving the green sadder but wiser.
Yasuo Suzuki just got the better of Wayne Challis in a count-back for fourth with a better 19 to 18 after going out well over handicap but then getting the odd hint from playing partner Masami Takagi and finishing well.
Hisahiko Makino rounded off a good day for the tour with a sixth place finish and a big smile.
In line with the general difficulty of the course there were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new members Gene Kleinfelt and Wayne Challis and also welcomed back Dick Heaney.
Wednesday, Nov. 10, Greenwood – Stableford
CSS71
1st Joe Niisato (18) 44pts
2nd Wayne Challis (14) 39pts
3rd Paul Stanton (14) 38pts
4th Trevor Schirmer (14) 35pts
5th Mike Lowe (18) 33pts
6th Andy Winn (17) 32pts
After the hard day’s play during the previous outing it was to be a much kinder course found just a bit further up the 331as the B and C layouts were in great condition and the weather continued to stay fine and dry with a cooling breeze.
Yukio Kikuchi.
Joe Niisato came out firing on all cylinders and blasted apart the competition with an equal 22 points on the front and back to claim his first win out of Soi 13 by five clear from an equally determined but slightly less successful Wayne Challis, who was playing the course for the first time and suffered a little in the consequence.
Paul Stanton took third place with a well controlled round that was extremely steady without any major errors.
Trevor Schirmer again went round in just one over handicap to claim a second podium placing in the week with his fourth place result.
Mike Lowe and Andy Winn, both making a final showing on this trip will return to Oz with some good memories which might include fifth and sixth places in this competition.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Peter Skinner and Wayne Challis shared the first division pool.
Prior to the prize giving Ross Donald and Toni Lonnquist were welcomed as new members and Peter Skinner, Andy Szarbo and Danny Greer were welcomed back.
Friday, Nov. 12, Phoenix – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Yukio Kikuchi (22) 44pts
2nd Chris Knapp (18) 39pts
3rd Peter Skinner (11) 39pts
4th Rod Howett (25) 37pts
5th Grant Cadell (15) 36pts
6th Ole Stamnes (29) 36pts
For the second time in succession the hopefuls from The Haven were swept away with an outstanding score, this time returned by Yukio Kikuchi, of eight under par over the Lakes and Ocean courses at the immaculate Phoenix layout. Yukio’s round include a run on the first four holes over the Lakes which garnered 11 points and the first five on the Ocean nine that collected 14 points and for the rest of the round he just played very well.
So, job done, first place, leader by five and a second win in the week, a three shot drop in handicap in readiness for his next visit and a very happy camper into the bargain.
Chris Knapp as usual put in another solid performance on what is virtually his home course with his best round for three months and combined with a better back nine of 20 it was enough to ensure second place as Pater Skinner could only amass 17 on the inward half with the same score and therefore had to settle for third.
Rod Howett put in another sub-handicap round and hoped that it would be sufficient to drop his handicap down another shot.
Grant Cadell and Ole Stamnes headed a group comprising, Barry Wellings Paul Stanton and Danny Greer who were all on level par, all of whom received honourable mentions. It was only the size of the field and the few over 20 handicappers making the mark that prevented the CSS going down.
With the prize fund bursting at the seams there was still no winners in the second division 2’s but Paul Stanton, Trevor Schirmer and once again Peter Skinner shared the first division pot.
Back at The Haven there were welcomes to new members Alan Kirkley and John Coetzee and a farewell to the tour comprised of Hisahiko Makino, Masami Takagi and Yukio Kikuchi while their guide Yasuo remains to work on a few swing tips picked up from Yukio during his trip.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group you can contact mobile 084 782 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 8.30 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and 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.
