IPGC Golf from The Haven
Monday, May 11, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Jens Gunnarsson (13) 33pts
2nd Darryl Kellett (15) 33pts
3rd Philip Cass (15) 33pts
4th Markku Tynell (4) 32pts
5th Benny Hansen (25) 31pts
6th John Carlin (19) 31pts
The group’s second visit to this newly renovated course was a slight improvement to the previous one, even though the scores were not so good generally. The newly renovated back nine still needs more time to grow and the greens require more attention to assist in their development, but most were agreed that the course offers very good value for money at the special terms currently on offer, and the new showers and changing areas are very good indeed.
Darryl Kellett was top points scorer at Crystal Bay.
With the course playing both good and bad in parts it was no surprise to find that the CSS for the day went out to 75 and became non-counting for upward review of handicaps.
Jens Gunnarsson took his first win in what was to be a very successful week after he won a three-way count back over Darryl Kellett and Philip Cass; Jens amassing 21 points on the back nine against Darryl’s 16 and Philip’s 14.
Markku Tynell claimed fourth place just a shot behind after he too failed to get to terms with the back nine.
Benny Hansen won another count back for fifth, beating John Carlin’s 14 with a very good 19 points.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Wednesday, May 13, Pattana A & C (White Tees) – Stableford
CSS 73
1st Jens Gunnarsson (13) 36pts
2nd Peter Skinner (12) 34pts
3rd Lyle Blaw (10) 33pts
4th Benny Hansen (25) 28pts
5th Darryl Kellett (15) 27pts
In marked contrast to the previous outing the two nines played at Pattana were found to be in excellent condition as usual but a very hot and humid day made for a tough round on the immaculately sculptured fairways and very flat and true greens.
But for those unlucky enough not to have found the fairway, it was not quite such a joyful day as the rough was quite heavy and difficult following the recent spate of wet weather in the area.
Jim Underwood (right) receives his IPGC hole in one prize golf bag from Stephen Beard.
Jens Gunnarsson improved his score as he took his second win of the week, finishing with a level handicap round that had promised to be even better following a one under front nine, but three zero-pointers in the first four holes on the back nine saw that promise fall well short although he did put in a five 3-pointer burst to finish the day off in some style.
Peter Skinner tried his utmost to catch Jens, being one of his playing partners, and knocked in a couple of ‘2’s for seven points to fall short by just two points.
Lyle Blaw ran them both very close over the inward half but, by his standards, a poor opening nine spoiled his chances for the day.
Benny Hansen showed well once again in fourth but failed to keep up the momentum following a bright start to his day, however he did just enough to finish ahead of the in-form Darryl Kellett in fifth place.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Jens Gunnarsson added to his days haul with one in the first division but received only a third of the pot as Peter Skinner signed off on his way to Vancouver with two beauties.
Friday, May 15, Crystal Bay A & C – Stableford
CSS 7
1st Darryl Kellett (15) 39pts
2nd Lyle Blaw (10) 37pts
3rd Philip Cass (15) 36pts
4th Takeshi Hakozaki (10) 35pts
5th David Ross (9) 35pts
6th Jens Gunnarsson (13) 35pts
After the rigours of the first two competitions in the week a big sigh of relief appeared to go through the changing rooms as the players prepared to take on the A and C courses at the always very friendly and playable Crystal Bay course. They were not disappointed as the scores attested at the end of a day that saw the CSS go down to 71 with many in the field making the standard of “within two over handicap”.
Darryl Kellett topped off his week as the winner with his best round of his current visit at three under handicap to push Lyle Blaw down into second place after the latter also had a very tidy return.
Philip Cass took his second podium with another steady round at level handicap ahead of a three-way count back for fourth spot. That was won by Takeshi Hakozaki with a 21 total as David Ross took fifth with 19 and Jens Gunnarsson, strangely subdued on this occasion, could muster only 14 for sixth place.
There were three 2’s in the first division, one each from Darryl Kellett, Lyle Blaw and Takeshi Hakozaki but all to no avail as Jim Underwood added a special highlight to his first visit to Thailand with a hole in one on the 194-yard 5th on the A course with his five wood, to sweep both division’s pools. Jim also claimed his IPGC Hole-in-One golf bag, which is on offer for anyone achieving the feat whilst playing in an IPGC competition.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact 038 710 988 or call in to The Haven Hotel, 185 Soi 13, situated 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 8.15 on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the days that you wish to play. If you would like to leave your golf clubs at The Haven, there are usually lockers available at a nominal charge. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
