IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, Dec. 3, Khao Kheow – Stableford
CSS 75
1st Shuichi Kodaka (15) 34pts
2nd Don Everett (22) 32pts
3rd Hal Hart (24) 31pts
4th Al Rolnik (18) 30pts
5th Phil Groves (7) 28pts
Continuing wet courses, although there were no stops for rain this week, meant another week of fairly static handicaps with nobody moving in or out even a shot as the day’s CSS climbed to 75. And it was hardly surprising to find the usual suspects at the top of the list, headed by Shuichi Kodaka whose recent cut in handicap has not stopped him continuing to win as his very careful approach and sensible course management carries him through. This day it was a two over handicap return that was enough to win by two from fellow regular podium visitor Don Everett, who started with an excellent two under front nine but faded a little on the way back.
Mike Hill.
Hal Hart took third after a very quiet outward half but started the back nine with ten points from the first three holes but then tired, gleaning a meager four points from the last three holes and had to settle for third when a win was in his sights after twelve holes.
Al Rolnik did not win a prize but slipped onto the podium a couple ahead of Phil Groves after a slow start meant that he would not be among the front runners for the day, while Phil had a very quiet day apart from a birdies on a par three and a par five – the latter for four points which brightened his day up considerably.
Considering how difficult the course was it was surprising that there were so many 2’s with Hal Hart getting one in the second division to sweep the pool and Shuichi Kodaka, Phil Groves and Rainer Helling sharing the first division.
Before the presentations were made there were welcome backs for Rainer Helling, Rodney Nabbe, Dan MacCarthy, Rick Schramm, Khun Arai, Wilf Wellman and Alan Pilkington.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, Eastern Star – Stableford
CSS 74
1st Mike Hill (23) 34pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (15) 33pts
3rd Rodney Hayes (15) 29pts
4th Hal Hart (24) 28pts
Another wet course saw the CSS move up two strokes to 74 and it was another day with the regular faces to be found at the top of the results sheet, this time headed by Mike hill winning with a two over return which was just sufficient to stop Shuichi Kodaka taking his second win of the week by a single point.
Rodney Hayes has been struggling of late to return to his old form but was happy enough to a least be figuring in the podium names, even with a score that he would not be talking about for too long at the bar. Once again Hal Hart was among the contenders but once again slipped badly nearing the end and so let another chance to top the list slip away.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Prior to the presentations there were welcome backs for Garry Warren and Oili Helling.
Friday saw everyone involved in the Santa Scramble in aid of the Baan Jing Jai children’s Christmas presents, a report of which can be found on other pages.
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 8.15 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.
