IPGC golf from The Haven
Sunday, May 15, Green Valley – Stableford
CSS 71
1st Alec Hoare (18) 38
2nd Keith Emerson (12) 36
3rd Russell Goldsworthy (2) 35
Following a win in the same competition the previous week Alec Hoar once again came out on top but this time with a score that was one worse than the previous one at two under handicap to ensure a long awaited drop in handicap much to the relief of his regular playing partners.
Al Rolnik.
Keith Emerson, taking a quick break from his ship duties as it lay in Laem Chabang, made it well worthwhile as he claimed second spot two back and one in front of Russell Goldsworthy whose 75 gross was only good enough for third place this week.
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 16, Khao Kheow – Stableford
CSS72
1st Al Rolnik (20) 34pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (16) 29pts
3rd Darryll Kellett (16) 27pts
4th Barry Winton (4) 27pts
Following an extraordinary amount of rain over the weekend it was surprising that the competition got away at all but although carts were being allowed, many parts of the course were under water and most of the fairways afforded zero run which made the day a rather long slog.
Shuichi Kodaka.
The condition of the course was quite good with the greens in particularly good shape, there are however signs that the fairways are being invaded with a rouge grass that will need to be attended to before it gets out of control. The management advised us that they are looking into the situation and will take the appropriate action in due course (sic).
Al Rolnik made light of his recent 2 shot drop in handicap as he swept to the top of the list by five clear shots, although not quite able to equal par it was a round that was a study in application as he knocked it down the middle time after time having honed his game from the tee with hours of practice every week at the range.
Shuichi Kodaka was still struggling to come to terms with his dramatic drop in handicap that saw it at its lowest ever level of 15, but on the day he did well enough in the conditions to take charge of second spot ahead of Darryll Kellett and Barry Winton by a single stroke.
Barry eventually lost the count-back for third place after losing to Darryll by a margin of 16 to 13.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed new member Stephen Walker, and welcomed back Barry Winton after a very long layoff following back surgery, Trevor Schirmer and Rod Howett both of whom had been travelling to Hua Hin on a golfing busman’s holiday.
Friday, May 20, Crystal Bay – Stableford
CSS 71
1st Shuichi Kodaka (16) 39pts
2nd Darryll Kellett (16) 36pts
3rd Thomas Wilson (14) 34pts
4th Trevor Schirmer (14) 31pts
After many, many months of neglect in both the clubhouse and golf course there seems at last to be some definite improvement in all areas, with the changing rooms especially getting a sprucing up and the shower cubicles having a spring cleaning.
The courses for the day’s competition were the A & C layouts and they also appeared to have benefitted from an increase in green keeping activity with the greens playing particularly well. The overall scoring of the day bore out the improvement as the CSS went down to 71 with many of the participants getting within the buffer zone.
Shuichi Kodaka, no doubt having taken heart from his earlier outing the week, at last got on terms, and indeed better, with his handicap, playing under it by three and in the process picking up another win to add to this year’s haul.
Darryll Kellett was also in good form with a level handicap round that for the second time in the week put him amongst the prizes and into second place ahead of Thomas (a.k.a. Jimmy) Wilson by two, with Trevor Schirmer holding down fourth with an unspectacular return no doubt affected by receiving the shocking, but at same time thrilling news that his great pal and long time drinking partner, B.J. Smith, was preparing to tread the bridal path with his young lady.
Unfortunately the wedding is due to be held in Khon Kaen, thus making it difficult for many to attend, and so the celebrations for those left in Pattaya will have to await the happy couples return to the south to join in the congratulations with the odd one or two celebratory drinks.
Once again there were no 2’s in either division as both the pools continue to grow, and with the second division getting particularly heavy.
Before the presentations there was a welcome back for Takeshi Hakozaki.
Note: As from the 1st of May the Haven group will depart Soi 13 at the earlier time of 8.30am 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.
