IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, May 18, Greenwood B & C – Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st John Wood (26) 39pts
2nd Markku Tynell (24) 34pts
3rd Darryl Kellett (14) 31pts
4th Hal Hart (20) 31pts
5th Jens Gunnarsson (13) 31pts
Greenwood is one of the most popular courses that the group plays as it is always in very good condition and they are amongst the most competitively priced. This venue offers great value for money as the management constantly strives to attract the regular local golfers as well as the one-off tourist green fee. At 1,400 baht including caddy and cart it is a cost that is being well received by many of the local golf groups and one that keeps them rolling in the front gate.
John Wood & Walter Creese.
The day was very hot and humid and the recent heavy rains ensured that there was little run to be had on the fairways, which saw the CSS for the day move out to 75 and become non-counting for upward review of handicaps.
John Wood last won in May two years ago and has since ran out second four times, losing on a count back on each occasion, so he was delighted to win again and this time by a wide margin as he followed up a level handicap front nine with a three under for the closing nine to see off the best of the rest by five clear shots. It was not all plain sailing however, as having started very well with eight points from the first three holes he then slipped in a squat box, not passing the red tees with his drive to then have to buy a round for his playing partners and in the process having the dubious record of winning and losing at the same time.
Markku Tynell, having beaten John twice in two of his previous near misses, was unable this time to keep up with him but did enough to ensure second place ahead of a three-way count back for third. This was led by Darryl Kellett with 13 on the back six as Hal Hart took fourth with 11 after they had tied the nine on 17 each, which left Jens Gunnarsson in fifth with just 15 on the back nine.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Davis Ross cleaned out the first division pot with his solo effort.
Wednesday, May 20, Khao Kheow B & C – Stableford
CSS 73
1st Jens Gunnarsson (13) 35pts
2nd Darryl Kellett (14) 32pts
3rd Philip Cass (16) 32pts
4th Paul Taylor (19) 28pts
5th Markku Tynell (24) 26pts
Another tough day was in prospect as the group headed out to the always popular Khao Kheow where the conditions are always tough but fair and scoring is usually at a premium, even for the most able of golfers.
The day was made even harder when the first three-ball was forced to follow two five-balls, some of whom appeared to be playing two balls each. The net result of which was the last group took five and a half hours to complete their rounds, which is fairly unreasonable during the low season.
Jens Gunnarsson added to his recent successes, taking another win with a score over handicap as the heat and slowness of play affected everyone and saw the CSS go out one to 73.
The in-form Darryl Kellett took second place after winning a count back over Philip Cass with a better 16 to 14 as Philip failed to cash in on a good starting half.
Paul Taylor found the going a little harder that his last outing with the group, when he won at a canter, but hung on to claim fourth two in front of Markku Tynell in fifth.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Friday, May 22, Pattavia – Stableford
CSS 71
1st Walter Creese (24) 40pts
2nd Darryl Kellett (14) 36pts
3rd John Carlin (19) 35pts
4th Paul Ruhl (19) 34pts
5th Markku Tynell (24) 34pts
6th Don Everett (20) 34pts
The last competition of the week was scheduled for Pattavia where the group have recently found the course a bit too much to handle, with the CSS going out to 75 on the last two occasions and otherwise usually going out to 73 or 74, but on this occasion the players appeared to have the measure of it and with the scoring generally good the CSS for the day went down to 71.
This could be attributed to the condition of the course where the greens were not as hard as usual and the fairways presented an attractive looking ball when they were hit.
Walter Creese came to play in Pattaya for the first time and hit exactly the right note and most of the fairways to take the win by four clear ahead of a very competitive pack bunched close together, but not quite able to get on terms. Walter followed a steady one over handicap opening nine with a five under back nine that included a run of 15 points from the last five holes.
Darryl Kellett was the closest in second place, one ahead of John Carlin in third, and who found the whole affair almost unbelievable.
Paul Ruhl led a three-way count back for fourth with a sizzling 21, with Markku Tynell, taking his third podium of the week, in fifth with 20 and Don Everett sixth with 16.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Darryl Kellett added to his days pile with the sole one in the first division.
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.
