Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
This was our annual trip to Khao Yai to escape the Songkran festivities in Pattaya & Jomtien and we had a group of 18 travelling up on the Sunday. The journey up was horrendous with intermittent traffic jams all the way to Saraburi and we reached Pak Chong in five and a half hours, and that was without stopping once!
Monday, April 13, Panorama – Stableford
This was a three-day competition and we started off at the Panorama course where Tim Hake, playing off 18, beat Bob Poole 20/18 on the back nine to take first after they both came in with 35 points, and Iain Walsh was left in third place with 33.
Tim Hake, Tony Bless & Bob Poole.
Tony Bless and Chris Voller (2) cleared up the near pin awards in division 1 and Bob Poole (2) and Iain Walsh did likewise in the second division.
Bob Poole birdied the second for the only ‘2’ of the day.
The course today was not in tip-top condition, with some very hard and patchy fairways.
Wednesday, April 15, Rancho Charnvee – Stableford
Our first ever visit here and what a delight, a stunning course in beautiful condition but with the greens a touch on the slow side, although it was the same for everyone.
On the podium again today was Tim Hake won on another count back, this time 20/19 over Tony Bless after they both returned scores of 39. Colin James was third, beating Bob Poole 21/19 after both were tied on 37 points.
Near pin winners were Sandy Lundie (3) in division 1 and Rod Howett (2) and Colin James in the second flight.
Yet again no ‘2’s in division 1 but Philip Mitchell managed to get one in division 2.
Friday, April 17, Khao Yai G.C. – Stableford
Everybody’s favourite choice to finish on was Khao Yai Golf Club, with fantastic scenery all the way around. Added to that, the greens today were brilliant and the rest of the course was immaculate.
There were two divisions on the final day and the best score returned was 39 points by Tony Bless to win division 1 ahead of Bob Poole in second, who beat Tim Hake and Chris Voller on a 19/18/18 back-nine count back. Tim pipped Chris 12/10 on the back six for third spot.
Iain Walsh was the winner in division 2 on 37 points and Philip Mitchell beat Glyn Evans on a 20/17 count back for second after they were both locked on 36 points.
Playing off the gold tees today at 6659 yards there were some tough par threes and this was reflected in the near pins, with just one in division 2 from Philip Mitchell and three in division 1 from Tim Hake, Sandy Lundie and Chris Voller.
Chris Voller also birdied the 11th to scoop the three -day rollover ‘2’s pot and nobody won the division 2 loot today.
In the overall competition over three days, Tony Bless came in third with 107 points, Bob Poole was second on 108 and the in-form player this week was Tim Hake with 110 points, well done Tim!
It was a brilliant golf trip and many thanks go to Tim, Uan and Lyn plus the rest of the guys for helping to organize this week’s break.
