IPGC Golf from The Haven
Monday, July 4, Bangpra – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Graham Davis (8) 37pts
2nd John Tallett (24) 33pts
3rd Shuichi Kodaka (18) 26pts
4th Larry Gibb (21) 26pts
5th Phil Groves (8) 25pts
6th Mike Dabanovich (11) 25pts
Following the recent rainy period the grass has grown extremely quickly but the greens-keepers have generally been unable to keep up with the rate of growth, leaving the greens a lot slower than normal. Bangpra’s greens were a particular example on this day compared with their usual speeds, but they still provided a stern challenge with the grain playing its part in making a two-putt the main objective.
Graham Davis used all his knowledge, hard earned on the testing links greens in his home area of Edinburgh, to good effect as took the win by three clear shots after returning a very tidy card with just the single blemish on the now difficult tenth hole, belying its stroke index 18 following the redesign and lengthening.
John Tallett was by far the best of the rest in second place, as he finished seven ahead of third placed Shuichi Kodaka, underlining the difficulty of the day. Shuichi had to win a count back over Larry Gibb by 14 to 13 to earn his top three podium place, leaving Larry in fourth.
They were followed by another count back for fifth and sixth places between Phil Groves and Mike Dabanovich, which Phil won with a better 15 to 14.
There were no 2s in the second division but Graham Davis added to his bell ringing fund with his solo effort in the first division.
Wednesday, July 6, Khao Kheow A & B (yellow tees) – Stableford
CSS 71
1st Larry Gibb (21) 40pts
2nd Neil Skilton (5) 39pts
3rd Mike Dabanovich (11) 36pts
4th Jon Batty (8) 36pts
5th Shuichi Kodaka (18) 36pts
6th Phil Groves (8) 35pts
Anther time where the scores were affected by the greens were the A and B courses at Khao Kheow, but on this occasion it appeared to make them a lot easier to deal with as the very good scoring for the day underlined and with the CSS for the day reducing to 71.
Larry Gibb had his best day with the group, returning a four under handicap card which was surprisingly only just good enough to win as Neil Skilton had another good day on what is fast becoming his favourite course. But Larry held on to win as he finished in fine style, scoring ten points from the last four holes as Neil could muster only a good nine points and so settling for a well-played second place.
Mike Dabanovich won a count back for third place ahead of Jon Batty, scoring 19 to 16, and but for a couple of zero pointers, one in each half, he could even have pressed for a higher spot on the podium.
Also reckoning in the count back Shuichi Kodaka scored 15 leaving him in fifth to Jon’s fourth place.
Phil Groves rounded out the podium placements another point back in sixth position.
The day’s enjoyment for all was slightly marred by a group ahead of the competition that were extremely slow in playing (sic), but as is the case many times in Thailand, a resigned shrug, a “mai pen rai” or two, and a few extra minutes in the rest stops makes for a better outcome.
Surprisingly with the scores as good as they were on the day there were no 2s in either of the divisions.
Friday, July 8, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
CSS 72
1st Tom McCarthy (21) 35pts
2nd Neil Skilton (5) 35pts
3rd Jon Batty (8) 33pts
4th John Tallett (24) 32pts
5th Graham Davis (8) 31pts
6th Phil Cass (15) 31pts
The day’s test was possibly the hardest of the week with the greens on the back nine still giving most of the player’s difficulties, but if they turn out as well as the front nine have after their growing in period, everyone can look forward to getting a lot of pleasure from playing this redesigned layout. In the meantime it is still very well worth the green fee and now also quite a challenging course.
Tom McCarthy was the best of the hopefuls, winning with the lowest points total of the week at one over handicap, but that should be seen in comparison with the field’s overall results with five over being good enough for a podium placement.
Neil Skilton took second place after losing a count back, returning a 17 to 18 as Tom just held on after taking a double on the last for a single point.
Jon Batty clung on to third place as he almost collapsed through the last three holes, scoring just three from them, but luckily those behind had left themselves a bit too much to do to catch him.
John Tallett was the closest, just one back in fourth place and with Graham Davis winning the count back for fifth over Phil Cass after scoring a better 18 to 16.
Once again there were no 2s in ether of the divisions.
Prior to the presentations there was a welcome back for Mike Hill.
Note: The Haven golf group has now relocated to Soi Lengkee, on the corner of the road leading to the Vogue Hotel, where there are good parking facilities but sadly no room for club storage at present. Whilst the kitchen in being renovated, there is a limited range of food available, but the supply of beverages continues, at ice cold temperatures and the hotel section is in full swing.
If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact 094 465 5002 or call in to The Haven, 315/13 Soi Lengkee, situated between Third Road and Soi Buakhao. 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. A schedule of courses to be played throughout the year can be found on the web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
