IPGC Golf from The Haven
Monday, Sept. 28, Greenwood – Stableford
Having set off from The Haven in fine weather but with the outlook appearing gloomy, the group managed to play eight or nine holes before heavy rain set in and the players repaired to the clubhouse to outwait the storm. After an hour or more and a few beverages later and it still raining, it was agreed that the course would probably be unfit to allow for any continuation of play and the group returned to base. It was the first time in over two years that a competition with the group had not been completed due to the weather or course conditions.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, Pattana A & C – Stableford
CSS 73
1st Hal Hart (20) 35pts
2nd Jamie King (17) 31pts
3rd Benny Hansen (27) 30pts
4th Phil Cass (16) 27pts
5th John Sutcliff (17) 27pts
Phil Cass & Hal Hart.
The stormy weather continued through to Wednesday and once again the group set off in high hopes. Unfortunately the numbers were greatly depleted due to the course reasonably requiring carts to be kept to the paths and a fair number of the regulars deciding that their expertise was probably insufficient to get them near enough to the paths from the tee to avoid walking further than riding.
In the event the rain kept away until the last couple of holes for most of the three groups and so there was no repeat of the previous outing’s cancellation.
Hal Hart had the best of the day to take another win, utilising his new putter that had been generously donated by Bruce Hilde who considered it a loser but is now regretting the kindly gesture as it is now costing him dear. Hal’s one over score was good enough in the conditions to lead the chasing pack in by four clear shots.
Jamie King took second place after sticking to it having been in a good position up until the rain set in and then faded a little.
Benny Hansen slipped into third another shot back after he had started well but tired a little following a bit too much walking.
Phil Cass won a count back for fourth spot over John Sutcliff with a better 7 to 6 on the last six holes after they had tied the nine on 13 each.
There were no 2’s in either of the divisions.
Friday, Oct. 2, Crystal Bay – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Phil Cass (16) 36pts
2nd Hal Hart (20) 30pts
3rd Peter Skinner (11) 28pts
Another start from The Haven when the weather was looking ominous and again the field had been depleted, on this occasion even more so, as there were no carts available due to the lack of cart paths on the course. This meant that all of the players would be walkers, reducing the entries to the bare minimum.
Phil Cass made light work of the heavy going as the course was fairly waterlogged with casual water drops needed on many occasions throughout the day. His level handicap round easily took the win as the rest of the hopefuls struggled to keep up any momentum on a slow day with so many extra drops needed to complete each hole. Phil’s win was even more remarkable considering that his card included four zero-pointers and three four-pointers.
Hal Hart had another good result in second place even though his card also had four zeros on it but unfortunately no four-pointers.
Peter Skinner returned to conditions that he used to be well suited to, but a few years spent in balmy conditions has blunted his wet weather skills somewhat. He still did well enough however to secure third place on the day and the last place on a foreshortened podium.
Once again there were no 2’s in either division leaving the second division pool overflowing and awaiting to be cleared after several previous attempts.
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.
