IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, April 30, Green Valley – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Phil Groves (8) 39pts
2nd Mike Hill (24) 38pts
3rd Brian Randall (36) 36pts
4th Joe Niisato (13) 34pts
5th Serge Straeten (17) 33pts
With a few players having gone missing there were only enough left for one division when they assembled at the usually very popular Green Valley. Possibly the lack of attendees was due the fact that it is now one of the most expensive courses to play on the circuit, with most of the other courses accepting that in the low season even a few golfers is better than none. The management here seems to think differently.
Having said that the course is in very good condition, as the scores returned on the day reflect, with the greens being fast and flat which no doubt assisted Phil Groves, who revels in such conditions to return his best score since the back end of February.
Phil Groves.
Even so, it was only just good enough as Mike Hill followed up a nice front nine of 19 points with a repeat performance that just failed to match Phil’s twenty points on the inward half and settled for a very good second place.
Brian Randall took another podium placing with a solid level handicap round ahead of Joe Niisato in fourth, who in turn just edged out Serge Straeten by a single point, having dropped a few over the closing holes and recorded three blobs during the last five.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Tony O’Neill and Terry Hodgkiss.
Friday, May 4, Rayong Country Club – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Phil Groves (8) 34pts
2nd Alwyne Burley (18) 34pts
3rd Brian Randall (36) 33pts
4th Mike Hill (24) 31pts
5th Shuichi Kodaka (18) 30pts
Once again Phil Groves was to be found at the top of the leader board but this time had to rely on a better count back, which he won by a margin of 19 to 17 as Alwyne Burley cracked on the last two holes. Alwyne managed just a single point on each when he looked a certain winner ahead of playing partner Phil, who took five points over the same two holes to level the scores and set up the winning count back for his second win of the week.
Alwyne Burley.
Brian Randall was also a second time podium winner in the week as he took his second 3rd place with another solid round but his challenge also ended on the last two holes as he could muster just one point over what could be the two toughest fishing holes in the area.
Mike Hill also featured again in the list of winners although this time down in fourth place having slumped badly on the inward half following an outstanding outward nine that produced 21 points with just one single pointer in the nine.
Shuichi Kodaka made it into the last honourable mention slot as he played his last round before a quick trip back to Japan to get some R and R in away from the hectic night life of Pattaya.
One again there were no 2’s in either division.
Prior to the presentations there were welcome backs for Don Everett and Seppo Sadeharju and farewells for Brian Randall and Shuichi Kodaka.
Note. If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 082 219 0965 or call in to The Haven 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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 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.
