IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Dec. 2, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Allen Raaen (9) 39pts
2nd Garry Barling (9) 34pts
3rd Jens Gunnarsson (14) 32pts
4th Rodney Nabbe (10) 31pts
5th John Dahlseng (19) 30pts
Mountain Shadow as always was in good condition and as usual it played pretty tough, but at least on this occasion one player bettered par and won the day by a clear five shots.
Rodney Nabbe.
This golfer was Allen Raaen, who has been consistently playing well even after taking the added responsibilities normally shouldered by Trevor Schirmer who is still away in Oz, no doubt delighting in the renaissance of Australian cricket and unlikely to return while the iron is still hot and being applied to the Old Enemies’ rear. Allen’s three under handicap ensured that he returned to his previous 8 just in time for the Club Championships which took place on Dec. 9 & 11.
Garry Barling continued his good run of form that has seen him appear on the podium several times during this trip, but he unfortunately returned home just as the Championships were beginning.
Jens Gunnarsson was another Championships non-starter as he also was returning to sea but he claimed a place on the podium today as a going away present. Rodney Nabbe took fourth with John Dahlseng in fifth as the rest of the field spluttered to the end with many sad stories to relate in the bar.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Jens Gunnarsson sank the lone one to take the first division pot.
Before the presentations were made there was a welcome back for Stephen Lewis.
Friday, Dec. 6, Khao Kheow – Stableford
CSS 73
Division 1(0–14)
1st Rodney Nabbe (10) 36pts
2nd Garry Barling (9) 34pts
3rd Peter Skinner (11) 34pts
4th Keith Evans (7) 33pts
Division 2 (15+)
1st Phillip Cass (21) 38pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (18) 33pts
3rd Don Everett (19) 32pts
4th Hal Hart (20) 31pts
5th Russell Gilroy (16) 30pts
Allen Raaen.
Even following the full turnout from Soi 13 for Wednesday’s Santa Scramble, there were still plenty of players available to take on the always difficult Pete Dye designed Khao Kheow A and B courses, which were found to be in tip top condition with the A course being especially good following its recent renovation. As usual the going was tough and resulted in the CSS for the day moving out to 73, even though the quality of the field was particularly high.
Rodney Nabbe made his final outing with the group one to remember with a solid level handicap round that was good enough by two to take the top spot in division one, ahead of a count back between Garry Barling and Peter Skinner which the former won with a better 19 to 16 to claim second spot. Keith Evans slipped into fourth just a further shot back.
The second division was led in by Phillip Cass whose two under handicap was not only the best of the day but was good by five to win his first competition for some time.
Shuichi Kodaka is still looking for the form that saw his handicap reduce to 15 some months previously but did enough on the day to take second place ahead of Don Everett in third, Hal Hart in fourth and Russell Gilroy fifth.
Phillip Cass.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Allen Raaen and Garry Barry added to their day’s winnings by sharing the first division pool.
Prior to the presentations there were welcome backs for Paul Gill, Dick Heaney, and John Squitiero together with ones for Riitta and Pekka Palmu. There was also a farewell for Rodney Nabbe heading back to the south of Sydney to settle back and watch some locals skinning a few rabbits.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 094 567 5726 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 8.15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the days that you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
