IPGC Golf from The Haven
Monday, Sept. 21, Phoenix – Monthly Medal/Stroke
CSS 75 NC
1st Terry Hodgkiss (23) net 74
2nd Mark Armstrong (25) net 75
3rd Shuichi Kodaka (16) net 75
4th Stephen Beard (24) net 78
5th Mike Hill (19) net 82
The low season reached a new nadir for the group as for the first time in over twenty years of organised golf there were no entries for the first division medal held at Phoenix. It could hardly be the pricing as the day’s golf had been arranged at a very special rate of 1,400 baht, including green fee, caddy and golf cart, playing the newly redesigned Ocean and Mountain nines.
(L-R) Terry Hodgkiss, Neil Skilton and Mike Hill.
The new design incorporated extensive alterations and additions to the bunkering which have made the golf a lot more difficult, especially as the hazards are now overfilled with sand to a depth of several inches in many instances, making the probability of a “poached egg lie” far greater, and plugged lies in the face a regular occurrence.
The difficulties of the course were underlined by the CSS for the day going out to three strokes and not counting for upward review of handicaps, it having being assessed to be too difficult on the day.
Terry Hodgkiss returned a very good two over handicap card that was just good enough for him to take his first medal of the year in the second division to ensure his appearance in the end of year Gold and Silver competitions.
Mark Armstrong took second place after he won a count back over Shuichi Kodaka, shooting a stunning lifetime best nine holes of gross 45 over the Ocean course.
Stephen Beard took fourth place after he had looked like a winner until he dropped eight shots on the 13th and 14th holes sandwiched between a couple of pars.
Mike Hill rounded out the podium in fifth a few more behind.
There were no ‘2’s, adding to the already overflowing pot to be claimed.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Khao Kheow B & C – Stableford
CSS 74
1st Neil Skilton (5) 36pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (16) 31pts
3rd Mark Armstrong (25) 29pts
4th Phil Cass (16) 28pts
5th Markku Tynell (20) 28pts
Another tough day on the always popular Pete Dye designed course where the B and C courses were the test. With the rain all but disappeared there was some run on the fairways and the general condition was excellent, although as usual the greens were quite difficult to play.
Neil Skilton returned to play with the group and showed his normal form, once again taking the top step of the podium following a level handicap return that was good enough by five clear shots to take the win.
Shuichi Kodaka continued his good from with a second place even though he would have preferred to have played a little better in the process.
Mark Armstrong could not quite keep up his momentum from his previous outing but still did well enough for third spot, one ahead of a count back between Phil Cass and Markku Tynell with Phil getting the nod for fourth place after a 16 to 14 better back nine.
Once again there were no 2s in the second division but Neil Skilton added to his day’s haul with the sole one in the first division.
Friday, Sept. 25, Mt. Shadow (white tees) – Stableford
CSS 71
1st Mike Hill (19) 38pts
2nd Benny Hansen (27) 33pts
3rd Markku Tynell (20) 30pts
4th Jamie King (17) 30pts
5th Bruce Hilde (16) 30pts
Due to an administrative oversight the first group teed off from the white tees, which were set back at the normal blue tee position and so determined that the day would be somewhat easier than the two previous events in the week, although only the winner managed to better par as the difficulty of the greens took their toll on an otherwise very well presented course.
Mike Hill had a very steady round to take his first win for a little while by a clear five points after returning a card that showed an exceptional back nine of four under handicap, and five over gross to spread-eagle the field.
Benny Hansen got the closest to Mike but a poor opening nine left him with far too much to do, especially following the latter’s great finish.
There was then a three-way count back for third which Markku Tynell won with a better 10 over the last six holes to leave Jamie King in fourth after he had 9 over the six and Bruce Hilde in fifth with just 8 after the three had tied over the back nine with 14 apiece.
There were no 2s in either of the divisions after a couple of near ones almost grabbed the brimming pot in the second 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.
