The Haven Weekly Report

Following very successful IPGC Monthly Medal, a report of which can be found on other pages, a very good turnout, especially from the lower handicappers, took on the always well presented Green Valley now being played from the new starting tee No.1, which has been previously No. 5 and in its original designed layout No.18.

But it is still keeping its stroke index of 1, making it a very tough hole to start any round be it in Stroke play, Stableford and especially Match play. It has though helped in reducing the log jam that used to be always found on the second hole in past times.

Many of the aspiring players on the day having taken seven of the nine places in the men’s divisions at Phoenix on Monday, were warming up for the big day on Friday for Roy Thornton’s 55 up 2 person scramble.

At the top of the pecking order was Mike Dabanovich, now well recovered from celebrating Canada Day and the recent Queen Elizabeth’s visit to his homeland to cheer up those that still speak the language and still hanker for the old country.

Mike’s win was his first for a little while and gave a lot of encouragement to his partner for the Friday outing although it was only be a slim margin of two shots ahead of Kazu Takimoto.

Russell Exley was also still in fine form after just missing out on Monday for a prize by a count back, as he took third spot with Tomas Nilsson at last showing some of the form that got him down to a single figure handicap in earlier days.

Rick Holmes, making a courageous comeback from a long term golf injury and several very difficult nights in Stringfellows and Pook’s Bar, just got into the honourable mentions list a little further back, but a long way in front of many others who did not have to contend with the same difficulties.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes Stephen Beard welcomed back Fred Land, Kenny Priddy, and Don Everett.     
There was also a special welcome back for Al Rolnik, who has been absent for almost three years whilst he has been working (sic) abroad and also one for Rick Holmes who has been on sick report for over eight months.

Friday 9th July

Eastern Star - 2 Person Scramble
Roy’s 55 Up Competition
Technical prizes
Mikael Andersson 3, Rick Holmes, Tomas Nilsson, Chris Knapp, Mike Dabanovich, Bob Maloney, Robert Webb
1st Division 0- 8.4
1st Chris Voller & Mikael Andersson (4.7) 61.3
2nd Rick Holmes & Roy Thornton (6.8) 64.2
3rd Russell Exley & Bubbles Davies (7.2) 65.8
2nd Division 8.5+
1st Fred Land & Kenny Priddy (10.9) 64.1
2nd Robert Webb & Lindsay Gailey (8.5) 64.5
3rd Mike Dabanovich & Stephen Beard (9.8) 66.2  

With Roy providing  a great days value at Eastern Star at 1300 baht which included green fee, caddy , top quality golf shirt and a choice of any meal off the menu back at The Haven prior to the prize giving, and the weather almost staying completely dry, apart from the a ten minute period at the start of the days play, Those that made the effort to turn up and celebrate Roy’s fifty fifth birthday were well satisfied at the end of an evening that continued late into the night leaving Roy not a little befuddled at the closing bell.

In the technical prizes that included nearest the pins, longest drive, and longest first putt in two divisions, Mikael Andersson threatened to ruin everyone else’s day with a determined display of concentration on the prizes to be won, taking three in the process and having to be knocked of the list on most of the other occasions in his division.

Mikael and his partner Chris took the first division by almost three clear shots, with the Birthday Boy, still managing incredibly to get both the ball and himself round the course, and Rick struggling to keep in touch over the closing holes. Russell Exley and Bubbles slipped into third place after a few disappointing holes over the inward half, had spoiled a very promising day.

The second division was very close thing with Fred Land and Kenny just getting the edge with a last hole birdie that closed out Robert Webb and Lindsay by the slimmest of margins.

Mike Dabanovich and Stephen although a couple of shots further back still took third spot by a two shots and were ruing the double bogey they suffered on the ninth hole.

After the days golf was completed the competitors repaired to Soi 13 for the prize giving, MCeed by Roy, who thanked the management of Eastern Star for providing the course, Golf Click for sponsoring all the Lucky draw balls, Russell Exley for his great assistance with the pre-tournament promotion, and The Haven for the food.

Following the prize distribution the luck draw ensured that every player went away with an additional prize to add to the day’s wonderful value.
If you would like to play with The Haven group you can contact Russell on mobile 084 782 4582 or call in to the 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 Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays 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