This year’s IPGC Championships – the 14th edition – were played at the testing Khao Kheow Country Club on Wednesday 10 and Friday 12 February. The event, designed to uncover the club’s best-performing golfers over two days of medal play, recognises best gross, best net, best net by division, and best woman golfer. Golfers whose first-round score saw them out of contention, were given an opportunity to compete in a stableford event on the second day.
After agreeing the course layout with Khao Kheow management, we used what essentially are the yellow blocks of the A & B nines, the exceptions being A1 and A7 (blues), and A3 (white). Thus the composite course measured slightly longer than the stated 6,360 yards from the yellow tee markers.
Club Gross Champion with a score of 154, Paul Smith (right) receives his trophy from David Thomas.
Day one dawned bright and calm as a large field of 137 golfers got under way. It soon became evident that Khao Kheow management and staff had gone the extra mile in terms of effort spent on our behalf. In many years of playing this course, I struggle to recall seeing it in better condition. The highlight, in terms of presentation, was the superb quality of the putting surfaces where a well stroked putt rolled true and fast, on all 18 greens.
IPGC Chairman David Thomas (right) presents to Club Net Champion Al Griffiths (left), who shot a total of 143.
On complimenting marketing manager Khun Nin on the standard of the course, the greens in particular, she replied, “I am happy you said that. We have had many meetings about your tournament, and two days ago we knew that three greens were still running under 10.2. We wanted all at 10.5, so we worked hard to have them the same for your first day.”
Take a bow Khao Kheow – you delivered.
The conclusion of the first round revealed that some of the more favoured golfers had struggled, and they weren’t the only ones. Despite the fact we played in ideal conditions, on a superbly presented course, Khao Kheow still presented a genuine challenge. There are many holes with danger either side – sufficient that “blow-outs” will occur, as Round One scores did indeed attest: best gross – 77, best net – 70.
Ladies two-day stableford winner with 74 points, Theresa Connolly (left).
By design, only half the field made the cut for day two. The cut lines, based on net scores by division, were:
Div 1, handicap (0–12): 78
Div 2, handicap (13–18): 81
Div 3, handicap (19+): 85
Friday 12 February dawned the same as it was Wednesday – sunny and calm – although the wind did get up to a reasonable breeze by late-morning. Round Two saw an improvement with best gross coming in three shots better at 74, whilst best net improved by two – 68.
Khao Kheow CC signature hole – the par-3 B8.
This year we had the pleasure of hosting six women golfers, one of whom played from the men’s tees. Unfortunately, we were not aware of their intentions to play until close to the event, and after we had received the engraved trophies from our supplier. Thus we did not have a satisfactory trophy for our lady champion. To the ladies who competed, please accept our apologies for this omission.
Winner 36-hole stroke net, 2nd division: Kevin McConnell (right) – 147.
The presentation took place at the Links Hotel and Bar in Soi Buakhao, on the Friday evening, where an excellent turnout enjoyed the well-presented buffet spread from 5:30 pm.
At the completion of the buffet, IPGC Chairman David Thomas welcomed all before thanking Tournament Chairman, Martin Grimoldby, for his sterling efforts over many months. Martin’s untiring enthusiasm and attention to detail was certainly evident in the manner the tournament was run over the two days.
Winner 36-hole stroke net, 3rd division: Jim Ferris (right) – 148.
After thanking his team of helpers, including Khao Kheow CC, Martin, with assistance from David Thomas, then announced the winners and winning scores from each division.
Having been fortified courtesy of an excellent buffet, it was now time for golfers to recount what really could have been. The “if only” stories will last for some time, no doubt; at least until next year.
This was a wonderful two days of keenly contested golf and we look forward to coming together again for the next IPGC tournament, later in the year.
Winner 36-hole stroke net, 1st division: Andrew Purdie (right) – 144.
The splendid post-tournament buffet laid on by the Links Bar.
