IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Jan. 3, Khao Kheow – Stableford
CSS 73
Div. 1
1st Martin Grimoldby (6) 38pts
2nd Dave Howden (13) 36pts
3rd Graham Johnson (6) 35pts
4th Stuart Thompson (9) 34pts
Div. 2
1st Mike Hill (23) 35pts
2nd Markku Tynell (26) 35pts
3rd Shuichi Kodaka (18) 32pts
4th Ian Hart (20) 30pts
Playing from the yellow tees is always a very good test of a golfer’s ability at Khao Kheow especially when the two nines in use are B and C now that the latter has been extended in length and the two nines play to a total yardage of 6700 yards. The scores on a day when the wind blew reflected that difficulty with only two of the field equaling par or better.
The better scores came naturally in the first division where Martin Grimoldby led them in with a very tidy two under handicap round to take top place by two from Dave Howden, who also played well to record a level handicap round.
Graham Johnson, another single figure handicapper, who recently returned to Thailand to escape the rigours of the European winter slipped into third place a further shot back, with Stuart Thompson rounding out the first division podium one more behind.
The second division struggled to get to terms with the course and it was a gritty finish by Mike Hill that claimed top spot with a better count back of 20 to 13 over Markku Tynell in second.
Markku must have thought the day was his after going out in four under handicap but lapsed badly over the last four holes as the pressure built.
Shuichi Kodaka took third place three shots behind the leading pair with a steady round.
Ian Hart won the count-back for fourth, with a better16 to 13 return, to deny Rob Hornsby his first podium position in The Haven.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Dave Thompson, Robert Webb, Brian Lewis, Graham Howard and Graham Johnson. There were also farewells to Markku Tynell and David Dines.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Barry Wellings, Nhwee Stockman and Martin Grimoldby with two shared the first division pool.
Friday, Jan. 7, Laem Chabang – Stableford
CSS72
1st Rob Hornsby (24) 36pts
2nd Bob Lamond (5) 35pts
3rd Alan Hanlon (12) 34pts
4th Paul Hartley (19) 31pts
5th Dave Howden (13) 31pts
6th Alex Sala (17) 31pts
After a very full field at the previous outing, it was a disappointing turnout for the month’s visit to Laem Chabang where the prospect of playing the Jack Nicklaus design was tempered by the cost which, even at preferential rates, still costs twice as much as most other courses played during the month.
Rob Hornsby made up for his disappointment of Monday’s competition with a solid round at even handicap from the blue tees that was just enough to deny Bob Lamond his first victory of the year. But it surely will not be too long before Bob takes that win, with his as usual immaculate play from tee to green.
Alan Hanlon made it a happy return to Thailand with his third place just a shot back from second after playing almost straight off the plane from freezing UK.
Paul Hartley led in a group on 31 points to take fourth with a better count-back of 15 as Dave Howden with 14 and Alex Sala with 12 slipped back over the inward nine.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Back at The Haven Eric Hornsby was welcomed as the third member of the family to join as a member and Alan Hanlon was welcomed back.
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.
