The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 28th April & 5th May 2008
Two for the price of one

Monday 28th April Green Wood Stableford
1st Barry Winton 39
2nd Roar Berger 37
3rd Phil Groves 36 cb 2 5
4th Russell Exley 36 cb 2 4

There were no 2’s in the second division but Barry Winton shot the lone one in the first division.

Wednesday 30th April Phoenix 2 Person Scramble Stableford
1st Russell Exley & La Keith 50
2nd Al Keith & Alan Griffiths 46
3rd Trevor Schirmer & B.J. Smith 44

The 2’s competition was suspended for the day.

Before the presentation David Kim was welcomed back.

Friday 2nd May Phoenix Stroke play
1st Tony Barritt 66
2nd Russell Exley 69
3rd La Keith 70
4th Ian Grout 72 cb6 23.3
5th Trevor Schirmer 72 cb6 24.3

Tony Barritt shot his best round in Thailand and played some of the best golf of his new life in shooting a gross 77 to take top spot on the day.

Tony Barritt had the only 2 in the first division and Cap’n Chris Knapp swept up the multi roll over in the second division alone.

In the continued absence of The Doc due to an unknown illness, Michael Contoni and Ian Grout were welcomed back by The Cap’n.

Monday 5th May Emerald Stableford And Day 1 Eclectic
1st Barry Winton 39
2nd Russell Exley 34
3rd Trevor Schirmer 32

There were no 2’s in either division.

Cap’n Chris welcomed back Peter Carroll, Bubbles Davies and Peter Sumner in the continued absence of The Doc now diagnosed with Dengue Fever and in hospital.

Wednesday 7th May Phoenix Stableford
1st Shane Heavey 36
2nd Glyn Nicholas 35 cb 18 cb6 12
3rd Martin Grimoldby 35 cb 18 cb6 11
4th Roar Berger 35 cb 18 cb6 10

There were no 2’s in the first division but Geoff Picken and Glyn Nicholas shared the pot in the second division.

At the same time as the stableford competition was being played, the inaugural match in the International Pattaya Matchplay League was being played against Lewiinski’s by a different group of players. The result of this was a 4 all tie with Russell Exley having to sink a 10 footer on the last to win his match and halve the overall result as the scores stood at 3 to 4 in Lewiinski’s favour. This was a sterling effort by the Rock and much appreciated by the rest of the team.

Friday 9th May Emerald Stableford And Day 2 Eclectic
1st Trevor Schirmer 39 cb 6 13
2nd Peter Sumner 39 cb 6 12
3rd Shane Heavey 36 cb 17
4th Orathai Winton 36 cb 16

2 Day Eclectic
1st Trevor Schirmer 44
2nd Russell Exley 43 cb 22
3rd Peter Sumner 43 cb 19

There were no 2’s in the second division but Peter Sumner slipped in the only one in the first division to sweep the pool.

Now back to something like normal health, The Doc presented the prizes after welcoming back Del Bailey. He also thanked all the members that stood in for him during his absence and congratulated the team on a fine effort in the Match Play League and looked forward to the next match against Jomtiem Golf on Monday 12th at Green Valley.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 21st April 2008
The Bear returns to form

Friday 11th April Emerald Stableford
1st Brian Kelly 40
2nd Al Keith 36 cb 18 cb6 15
3rd Barry Traynor 36 cb 18 cb6 11
4th Eamon Fahey 36 cb 17

A much smaller field took to the road after a large number of “Lemmings” left town in search of dryer climes.

Brian Kelly at last sent his handicap in the opposite direction as he warmed up for the post match celebrations just down the road with a very nice 4 under at the always popular Emerald in Ban Chang.

Al Keith and Barry Traynor secured the last two spots on the podium with Al getting the nod after count back and Eamon Fahey losing out after his handicap was left unadjusted by the recalcitrant Doc prior to the start of the week.

There were no 2’s in the second division and Barry Traynor slotted in the only one in the first division.

Before presenting the prizes Cap’n Chris, standing for the Doc who was in Oz getting soaked for Songkran, welcomed back Roar Berger.

Monday 21st April Bangpra Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer 35
2nd Barry Traynor 34
3rd Chris Knapp 33
After winning almost everything on the previous week’s road trip, Trevor Schirmer continued to reap the benefits of a well spent youth as he once again finished on top albeit by the narrowest of margins ahead of Barry Traynor with Chris Knapp a further shot back in third spot.

There were no 2’s in either division as the tricky greens once again took their toll.

In the continued absence of The Doc, and Cap’n Chris declining to Emcee, as he was one of the days winners and unable to face the embarrassment of somehow making a presentation and thanking himself, whilst passing the prize and shaking hands all at once, while at the same time holding the list of winners and a beer, Russell Exley stepped up to practice his moves and dialogue prior his duties in the upcoming International Pattaya Matchplay season and also welcomed back Tony Barritt, from snow shoveling duties in the UK and Ole Stamnes from across the road.

Wednesday 23rd April Green Valley Stableford
1st Dave Stockman 39
2nd Al Keith 38
3rd Tony Barritt 35

After a fairly long absence from competitions out of Soi 13 and having been dropped from the red hot favourite Birdie Boys team for a local scramble competition in favour of the presumed in form Russell Exley, Dave Stockman meant business with a chance to prove the selector(s) wrong. And do it he did in style, with a gross 75, to finish three under and a single shot ahead of Al Keith whose equal 75 was not enough after handicap allowance.

Tony Barritt rounded out a truncated podium with many of the usual faces still out, away or resting, with a steady one over after seemingly weeks of toughening up and conditioning on the Steppes of Barnet and the difficult change in temperature of some 25 deg. Celsius.

There were no 2’s in either division once again.

There being no welcomes or welcome backs it was an easy job for the Doc to present the prizes, which he muffed in the usual manner to show he had lost nothing of the old ways whilst hiding out in Oz for the wet season.

Friday 25th April Phoenix Blue Tees Monthly Medals
1st Division
1st Barry Winton 72
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki 73
3rd La Keith 75
2nd Division
1st Chris Knapp 72
2nd Tom Parks 74
3rd Jimmy Kent 81 cb 36.5
From Stephen Beard 81 cb 39

Although the scores did not attest to it, the locals were commenting that the Lakes and Mountain courses off the blue tees played as easy as at any time in the past, but with little roll on the wet fairways and greens unusually slow as the greens keepers could not get on to cut due to the recent heavy rains, scoring was at a premium for all but the top of the leader boards in both divisions.

Barry Winton made a welcome return to form with a solid par round that was two under the CSS of the day to edge out the always steady Takeshi Hakozaki into second place by a stroke. La Keith playing from the white tees coped with the extra length exceptionally well to record her first result after several attempts in the past to compete with the big boys in the Medals, to take third place.

Chris Knapp again showed local knowledge to be very useful as he took his second medal in succession by a clear two from Tom Parks, who would have been a lot better without the 9 hidden deep in the card but unfortunately added to the total. Jimmy Kent easily got the better of the count back with Stephen Beard for the final place on the podium but at least the Doc was back in contention after 4 years in the medal wilderness.

Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but at last the triple rollover in the first division was taken and split between, Norman Isherwood, Tony Barritt (?), and Barry Winton.

Back at the Haven before presenting the prizes, the Doc welcomed back Shane Heavey, Jimmy Kent and Brian Randall and Russell Exley from an unsuccessful outing with The Birdie Boys. Rumour is that it will be a cold day in April before……. To be continued.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 7th April 2008
All The Usual Suspects

Monday 7th April Emerald Stableford
1st Russell Exley 36
2nd Trevor Schirmer 34
3rd Alan Griffiths 32

It was all the usual suspects as a much reduced field, due to the Bank Holiday in honour of Chakri Memorial Day, traveled down to Ban Chang to find a fairly quiet course with very few players from elsewhere.

It did not take Russell Exley very long to get over the disappointment of not getting down to a ten handicap as he cruised round the Emerald in level par off of his lower than last weeks handicap. It surely will not be too far in the future when he will really be a single figure player, which is remarkable considering the short time that he has been playing and is a testament to his commitment to learning from as many sources as possible and then practicing to hone the new lessons.

Trevor Schirmer could only get within two of the winner but that was enough to secure second place ahead of Alan Griffiths also by two shots.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Alan Griffiths had the only one in the first division to add to his days haul.

Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed back Eamon Fahey and Michael Monahan.

Wednesday 9th April Crystal Bay Stableford
1st Norman Isherwood 36 cb19
2nd Russell Exley 36 cb 18
3rd Paul Hartley 35
4th Michael Monahan 34 cb 17
5th Phil Groves 34 cb 16, cb6 10, cb3 6, cb2 5, cb1 3
6th Al Keith 34 cb 16, cb6 10, cb3 6, cb2 5, cb1 2

A bigger throng met at Soi 13 to travel over to Crystal Bay to play the C & A courses and were a little disappointed to find the course suffering from too little maintenance especially on the greens where the encroachment of fairway grasses will surely mean a serious programme of renovation unless steps are taken quickly to redress the balance and ways are found to stop further ingresses. Having said that the course was in all other respects very playable as the scores on the day attested.

Norman Isherwood, having been absent for a while establishing the basis of his future estates in Pattaya, showed all his old prowess as he took on the in form Russell Exley, one of his playing partners, and saw him off on the count back in a match between them that swung from end to end, but Norman putting all his experience to good use prevailed on the last two holes to snatch victory. A great result, as Russell put in his third gross 83 on the trot to continue his good form.

Paul Hartley took control of third spot alone ahead of the scrambling threesome consisting of Michael Monahan, Phil Groves and Al Keith who all had to be separated by the count back.

Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Al Keith had the only one in the first division to make up for his disappointment in the main competition.

Prior to the prize giving The Doc welcomed back Paul Hartley from another successful food running trip from darkest Kazakhstan to ensure the Haven’s menus continue to offer the best from around the world.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 31st March 2008
A great pair of 42’s in the week

Monday 31st March Greenwood B & C Stableford
1st Russell Exley 42
2nd Lyle Blaw 39
3rd Richard Lyne 37 cb 17
4th Robert Morrissey 37 cb 16
5th Barry Traynor 37 cb 15

Russell Exley took full advantage of an excellently prepared Greenwood over the B and C courses with the greens again in tip top condition, scores were always going to be good, but six under par from a three times a week golfer indicates an exceptional round and fittingly it was Russell’s life time best at gross 77 and also fittingly played with Barry Traynor, his playing partner, who also had a lifetime best of 77 when playing with Russell earlier in the year.

Lyle Blaw also had the best round of his many times in Thailand, with a gross 80 that secured him second spot ahead of the resurgent Richard Lyne who seems to have at last worked out how to play golf following a night on the town with The RSM, Andy Pedlar.

Robert Morrissey took his first placing for some time at the expense of Barry Traynor whose one under was not quite good enough after an outstanding four under on the outward half.

Phil Groves had the only 2 in the first division and after 5 outings without a winner Dave Thompson finally took home the amassed loot in the second division.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Peter Biggs and Peter Brown.

Wednesday 2nd April Khao Kheow B & C Stableford
1st Roy Thornton 42
2nd Barry Traynor 38
3rd Richard Lyne 37
4th Glyn Nicholas 36
5th Rick Holmes 35

If one sees Roy Thornton in the distance and at close quarters and observes the difficulty he experiences in just walking, it is almost inconceivable that he could put together a round of six under his already low handicap. But this he achieved over the fairly difficult B & C courses off the yellow tees to claim the day’s honours by four clear strokes. This was an outstanding achievement that shows a serious dedication to the job in hand, and fully worthy of the very loud and warm round of applause he received at the prize giving.

Barry Traynor may well have thought that two under might well be good enough on the day with the course playing fairly tough, with the wind picking up as the round progressed, but it was not to be and second was his lot ahead of Richard Lyne, who picked up his second placing of the week.

Glyn Nicholas showed some sort of return to form with a solid level par round that was just enough to deny the recently returned Rick Holmes fourth place.

Having timed his return badly, almost inevitably Glyn Nicholas had the only 2 in the second division; missing out by a single competition, the return was a little less than planned.

In the first division, Barry Traynor, Rick Holmes and Phil Groves shared a meager pool.

Back at The Haven Larry Simpson was welcomed back and farewells were made to Andy Pedlar and the in form Richard Lyne, one returning to tend to his horses and the other the nag.

Friday 4th April Phoenix Lakes & Ocean Stableford
1st Barry Traynor 39 cb 21
2nd Glyn Nicholas 39 cb 19
3rd Alan Griffiths 37 cb 18
4th Barry Winton 37 cb 17
5th Russell Exley 36 cb 19
6th Al (?) Keith 36 cb 18

After seeing the two previous competitions won with a very unusual 42 points, Barry Traynor was not over confident as he handed in his card for the day, but in the event it was Glyn Nicholas that was to be disappointed as after his best round for a couple of years it was Barry Traynor who prevailed in the count back by two and Glyn was left ruing the missed chances over the closing holes. It was though, a fair result for Barry who capped off a fine weeks golf with a win and a drop in handicap to 10 having been robbed of a return to 9 point something by virtue of the three CSS’s that were calculated at 71 in the week.

Alan Griffiths just got the better of Barry Winton as the latter squandered a great round up to the 17th with a blob on the last following a mighty drive down the left of the 9th Ocean and capped it off with a tree iron, shank, knobble, chip, putt, putt.

Russell Exley just headed one of his teachers, with a slightly better back nine for 5th place. Russell also missed dropping to a 10 handicap due to the lower CSS’s.

Even with Barry Traynor and Glyn Nicholas in such good form, there were no 2’s in either division, and with no one to welcome or welcome back the prize giving was a quick fire affair for once.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 24th March 2008
Phil Groves Back at The top

Monday 24th March Khao Kheow Stableford
1st Alan Howell 38
2nd Phil Groves 35
3rd Barry Traynor 34 cb 18
4th Lyle Blaw 34 cb 16 cb6 13
5th Yasuo Suzuki 34 cb 16 cb6 9

Khao Kheow from the yellow tees is always a fair test of golf, and when playing the re-designed C course with something like an additional 200 yards to the distances shown on the score cards, it is rare to find many contenders at par or better. The Days competition was another of those with only the winner, Alan Howell, able to best the course and he finished a clear three shots ahead of his nearest challenger Phil Groves, who followed up his recent resurgence with another placing.

Barry Traynor is always to be found in the frame when the going gets tough, and he chalked up another for third spot ahead of Lyle Blaw and Yasuo Suzuki who both had to be separated by the count back for fourth and fifth places.
For the third time there were no 2’s in the second division but Serge Straeten and Phil Groves had one each in the first division.

Before presenting the Prizes the Doc gave a welcome to Dave Thompson and also welcomed back Lenard Commons, Lyle Blaw and Fred Chadwick. There were also farewells to Peter Skinner and Yasuo Suzuki.

Wednesday 26th March Eastern Star 2 Person Scramble
1st Al Keith & Alan Griffiths 46 cb 25
2nd Mikael Andersson & Dave Thompson 46 cb 24
3rd Alan Howell & Fred Chadwick 46 cb 22
4th Rick Holmes & Roy Thornton 45
5th Barry Winton & Stephen Beard 44 cb 22
6th Lenard Commons & Dave Spendley 44 cb 19

A change form the usual venue of the monthly 2 person scramble from Mountain Shadow, drew a larger than normal entry list, which made for a very competitive days fun golf without the strain of the handicappers pencil in the background. With the wind blowing at a reasonable rate, club selection was at a premium and it was no surprise to find that the more experienced teams were to be found at the top of the leader board.

They were led by Al and Alan with an excellent back nine after a steady opening half which secured first place ahead of Mikael and Dave on count back. Also in the hunt but unable to capitalize on a very good outward half were Alan and Fred, the latter who left and returned especially to take part in this competition, but they had to be content with third on count back as the night-before activities started to take their toll and the pins started to look further and further away from the tees.

Rick and Roy, befitting as the premier Army Team in the field, took sole command of fourth spot, with the former returning to golf after a long layoff suffering from pleurisy and Roy very graciously agreeing to partner a less than 100% team mate for the first time and they very nearly made it, but unfortunately faded a little on the inward nine as the birdies refused to drop.
Barry and Stephen’s pairing nearly came good but after a frustrating first half when the puts would not go in, the back nine also proved equally as disappointing and fifth by count back from Len and Dave was the best they could achieve.
Due to the format the 2’s competitions were suspended.

Back at The Haven Dave Spendley was welcomed back.

Friday 28th March Phoenix Blue Tees Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st Phil Groves 73
2nd Chris Davisson 78 cb 36.5
3rd Trevor Schirmer 78 cb 37
4th Alan Griffiths 78 cb 39.5
2nd Division
1st Chris Knapp 75
2nd Brian Kelly 76
3rd John Dahlseng 77

After a long time in the wilderness, but with some recent signs of a return to the old days, Phil Groves took his first win for a while although the difficult conditions meant that he would have to be satisfied with a first place over par, although the standard scratch was set at 74 from the blue tees meant reduction in handicap would be sure to follow. Chris Davisson led in the first divisions chasing group with a better count back from Trevor Schirmer and Alan Griffiths.

The second division was headed by the re competition favourites Chris Knapp and Brian Kelly, with the Cap’n just getting the better, and first place, with a determined finish that saw off Brian into second and John Dahlseng into third.

With no one at par or better in either division it was unsurprising that the CSS went out to 75 from the days SS of 74.
Mark Cooper had the only 2 in the first division and once again there were none in the second division.

Prior to the prize giving Robert Morrissey was welcomed back.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 17th March 2008
Max 5 Proves a Winner

Monday 17th March Greenwood Max 5 Scramble
1st Jesper Hansen, Jim Ferris, Evan Millar, Pat Murphy 53
2nd Kazuo Takimoto, Brian Libbey, Fred Chadwick, Brian Kelly 52 cb 26
3rd Mikael Andersson, Barry Traynor, Peter Duncan, Roy Thornton 52 cb 23
4th Jim Slattery, Bob Heath, Peter Skinner, Gerald Decio 50 cb 25
5th Phil Groves, Trevor Schirmer, B.J. Smith, Johnny Clements 50 cb 23
6th = Alan Howell, Norman Isherwood, Mark Cooper, Alan Griffiths 49
6th = Danny Poole, John Dahlseng, Kenny Priddy, Chris Walsh 49
6th = Colin Taylor, George Oakley, Mike Sanders, Luigi Bragoli 49
6th = Paul Larkin, Graham Hiskett, Paul Taylor, Doug Campbell 49
10th Vic Barton, George Pittam, Gary Crutchfield, Steven Howard 48

A blistering hot start to the day made way for exceptionally strong winds that brought some relief to the early starters but created havoc for those drawn at the back of the field, all except the winning combination of Jesper, Jim, Evan and Pat who combined extremely well to amass a seventeen under 53 points. With the handicaps set at 12.5% of the teams combined total and each player having to have no more than 5 tee shots, it made for some interesting and tough decisions after the tee shots as it left only two combinations with one player having to have at least 3 and the other three 5 or 5,5,4 and 4. This certainly added another dimension to an already widely appreciated scramble event.

It also turned out to be a very competitive day as the top ten teams finished within 5 shots of each other and the whole events field within eight shots, so that everyone went away from the day feeling that they all had a chance of getting into the prizes.

At the prize giving buffet at The Haven, The Doc thanked Russell Exley for ably assisting in the organisation and promotion and also Len Jones for his help in adding to the starting lineup.

There was also a warm round of applause for Lumyai and the staff for preparing yet another first class buffet that seemed to go on forever and was still being replenished well after the prize giving was over with all the usual goodies consisting of, roasts, ribs, seafood, curries and cold cut salads together with the usual bolognaise, chili con carne, and chickens and burgers fresh fruits and sweets and home baked breads and of course, Thai favourites and vegetables. As usual the celebrations went on long into the night with all agreeing to be at the next MAX 5.

Wednesday 19th March Mountain Shadow Stableford
1st Brian Libbey 36
2nd Barry Traynor 34
3rd Mark Cooper 30

With many of the group away at Soi Dao for a couple of days, the field for the first Stableford at Mountain Shadow for several months, was much reduced from the recent numbers but still enough to have a competitive day over what is arguably the most difficult course in the area off of the blue tees.

Brian Libbey slipped in to claim a rare win and then slipped out after the prize giving before many of the days competitors could get back to claim their “drink with the winner” as they stopped for a quick drink on the way.

The Silver Fox was once again to be found near the top of the podium with another steady round with Mark Cooper a further 4 shots back in third.

There were no 2’s in the second division but inevitably once again Barry Traynor had one, together with Fred Chadwick and Barry Winton.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc had a sad farewell to Tony Barritt, as he readies the family for a quick holiday (surely a mistake) to storm torn UK that will entail a bit of tenant winkling in between snow shoveling to get to the local Tesco Store seven times a week.

Friday 21st March Green Valley Stableford
1st Kenny Priddy 38
2nd Barry Traynor 37
3rd Paul Taylor 36 cb 19
4th Phil Groves 36 cb 15
5th Trevor Schirmer 34 cb 20

Kenny Priddy took his first win out of The Haven since falling foul of the very attractive croupier at The Grosvenor in Pompey that caused his belated arrival and the chance to win many more tournaments to add to the several that he has won in the past, although there was some dispute at the prize giving as to exactly, how many there were and how much had been lost whilst the handicap continues to rise, defying all the laws of nature.

Barry Traynor took his third podium placing of the week without a win, which surely cannot be too far away in the future. Paul Taylor just got the better of a revitalized Phil Groves on the count back, as Phil tired badly over the closing holes after being in pole position for most of the round.

Trevor Schirmer led a group consisting of John Dahlseng, Yasuo Suzuki, Chris Davisson, George Oakley and Peter Skinner, all who had 34, but worse count backs, for the last spot on the prize list.

For the third time in succession there were no 2’s in the second division, but Yasuo Suzuki was extremely sad to learn that Paul Larkin and of course Barry Traynor had also had one each, to add to his which he had hoped had been the lone one in the first division.

Prior to the presentations Peter Hall, Steven Barclay, Richard Lyne and Andy Pedlar were welcomed back and also there were farewells to Mike Sanders, Kenny Priddy, Fred Chadwick, Bob Heath and George Oakley.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 10th March 2008
Captain Bob Heath Triumphs at Last

Monday 10th March Emerald Stableford
1st Division
1st Bob Heath 43
2nd Russell Exley 37
3rd Jim Slattery 36 cb 19
2nd Division
1st Reed Welch 37 cb 22
2nd Yukio Kikuchi 37 cb 19
3rd Paul Taylor 36

After fourteen years of playing with The Taggs group out of the IPGC, from their various homes, Bob Heath was finally victorious, in the first division, and not in a shy way, as he swept away the field by six clear shots to claim his first top spot and a standing ovation at the crowded prize giving. Many of the appreciative audience previously just knew him as Captain Bob from South Herts, who plays along with us for a couple of months every year. They now regard him in a totally different light and some were even seen to approach him to see if he could be available for some future team events as the main man. Needless to say the celebrations from the South Herts crew went on late into the night as the round was revisited time and again until the bars closed in the early hours.

Russell Exley, who would have been the headline man but for Captain Bob’s feat, took his first of three podium positions during the week, in second place ahead of his playing partner Jim Slattery in third, to set up a keen re-match in the matchplay match to be held later in the week.

Reed Welch was another first time winner in the second division by a very close count back over Yukio Kikuchi with Paul Taylor another shot back in third spot.

Wilf Wellman had the only 2 in the second division whilst Bob Heath shared the first division quadruple roll-over 2’s with Alan Griffiths.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Colin Taylor, Mike Cutmore and Kenny Priddy.

Wednesday 12th March Crystal Bay Stableford
1st Mark Cooper 40
2nd Geoff Picken 37
3rd Russell Exley 36 cb 17
4th Brian Libbey 36 cb 15
5th B.J. Smith 35 cb 18
6th Rodney Hayes 35 cb 15

Mark Cooper took the top placing for the day with an excellent four under, over the very well prepared and conditioned A and B courses at Crystal Bay to deny Geoff Picken his first solo division win.

It was a well deserved return for the effort Mark has put in over the past weeks to improve his play, with hours spent honing his game plan at the local wineries deep into the night with the assistance of many and varied willing helpers.

Russell Exley was again to be found among the prize winners as his good form continues during his quest to become a single figure handicapper, although he had to stay tough over the closing nine to claim the count back from Brian Libbey by a couple.

B.J. Smith also showed a return to form with his first prize for a little while to consign fellow Aussie, Rodney Hayes, to the last step.

Once again Wilf Wellman had the only 2 in the second division; while Barry Winton and Russell Exley shared the much reduced 1st Division pool.

Back at The Haven John Clements, and Peter Skinner were welcomed back and it was noted that Peter had won the long drive by a mile traveling from South Africa and BKK and straight out to Crystal Bay without a rest all in the last 16 hours.

Friday 14th March Phoenix Stableford
1st Russell Exley 39
2nd Phil Groves 37 cb 20
3rd Alan Griffiths 37 cb 19
4th Geoff Picken 37 cb 15
5th Vic Barton 36 cb 22
6th Yasuo Suzuki 36 cb 19

After three good results in the week, including the 7 & 6 win in the Matchplay, Russell Exley finally made it to the top spot on the winners list, with an outstanding three under and after having started with an out of bounds on the first hole on the Mountain he managed to complete the front nine in just 38 strokes. It was due only to dropping five shots over the last three holes that he only equaled his previous lifetime best and did not set himself a new landmark. The week’s efforts still produced a full shot drop in handicap to help him on his way to the magic target.

Phil Groves was another to find himself in the prizes for the first time in a while, with a good effort that saw off the challenge of Alan Griffiths on the last three holes and claimed the count back from Alan in third and Geoff Picken in fourth place.

Vic Barton denied Yasuo Suzuki for the last meaningful prize on a crowded podium.

With fairly good scoring, it was a surprise that there were no 2’s in either division but that no doubt was reflection on the conditions which made club selection on the par threes a bit of a lottery.

Before the presentations, Gary Crutchfield was welcomed back.

Thailand Claret Jug Matchplay Challenge Thursday 13th March Green Valley Matchplay v South Herts Elect

Michael Cutmore (0) lost v Al Keith (5) 5 & 3
Colin Taylor (8) won v Tony Barritt (10) 3 & 2
Jim Slattery (10) lost v Russell Exley (12) 7 & 6
Peter Skinner (11) lost v Trevor Schirmer (13) 5 & 3
Bob Heath (13) lost v Alan Griffiths (15) 3 & 2
Gerald Decio (13) lost v Brian Kelly (18) 4 & 3
George Oakley (14) won v Chris Knapp (20) 7 & 6
Luigi Bragoli (19) won v Stephen Beard (20) 2 & 1

The inaugural match between The Haven and South Herts Golf Club was played over the heavily sanded Green Valley course, that left the favourites bemoaning the state of the greens although the rest of the track played exceptionally well with good conditions from tee to green.

Having to give shots in every match and fighting various degrees of hangovers and other stresses from physical strains, occasioned by a surfeit of good living in Happy Town, it was always going to be a hard fought match with the locals from the Haven well rested but extremely short of matchplay practice with three of the team never having played in a true match previously and up against a well seasoned and experienced team from South Herts. In the final count The Haven made up for their lack of experience with outstanding playing efforts as they took the lead and the match with great contributions from all the team, to secure the result before the last two matches went the way of the visitors and added a little respectability and balance to the final score of 5 to 3 in favour of The Haven.

At the celebratory presentation Stephen Beard congratulated the winning team whilst sympathising with the losers and looked forward to the next meeting either in Thailand or London and adding that, in any event it was a good experience for the home team as the start of the Pattaya IPGC Matchplay League is due to start in May and much knowledge on tactics was learnt and assimilated.

Monday 3rd March Khao Kheow AM-AM Stableford
1st Norman Isherwood,
Alan Griffiths,
Mark Cooper,
Brian Kelly 81
2nd Roy Thornton,
Mikael Andersson,
Jeremy Masse,
Robbie Bennett 78
3rd Trevor Schirmer,
Barry Traynor,
Brian Libbey,
Roar Berger 76 cb 41
4th Barry Winton,
Yasuo Suzuki,
Bubbles Davies,
Stephen Beard 76 cb 34

The 13th Pattaya AM-AM was a fairly subdued event this year, as the inability of the organiser to get more than ten tee times during the busy season at any reasonably priced quality course, saw the usually large field much reduced. In spite of the lower numbers of players, the tournament was still very competitive over the B and C courses, as the wind blew very hard, making club selection extremely difficult for the whole day. This was reflected in the scores, which pre-tournament day had been estimated to require around 12 to 15 under for the winning team (84 – 87 points). AM-AM scoring is the best two scores per hole on each hole with an allowance of 75% of handicap with a maximum of 18 shots per player.

In the event the scores returned were very good as the wind and very fast greens made the golf difficult throughout the day.

The day’s winners were Norman, Alan, Mark and Brian who fitted together well to deny the always dangerous Birdies Boys team, made up of Roy, Mikael, Jeremy and Robbie, by three.

Third spot was grabbed by the newly formed team consisting of Trevor, Barry, Brian and Roar who snatched the last podium position from the weak and failing grasp of Barry, Yasuo, Bubbles and Stephen after the latter had led the field on the front nine by a fair margin but were unable to last the pace, dropping seven shots over the last three holes and finishing 2,2,1 points, against a par of 12.

Back at The Haven the usual buffet was dispensed with but the exhausted golfers were enlivened when Lumyai blew the horn, as is customary on her birthday, to start the evenings celebrations off in some style.

To make up for the enforced small competition an extra team event has been organised for the 17th March on St Patrick’s Day as a team scramble at Greenwood which will include a prize giving buffet as usual at The Haven.

Wednesday 5th March Eastern Star Stableford
1st Cliff Hornsby 38 cb 20
2nd Barry Traynor 38 cb 18
3rd Brian Libbey 33
4th Trevor Schirmer 31

In his last competition before returning to The Canary Islands to scratch together a little more cash to continue with his life’s work of building a dream home for the family in Ban Chang, where work is going a little slower than originally envisaged, and it must be said, a tad more expensive, Cliff Hornsby returned his best round since getting back to Thailand five months previously.

His just got the better of Barry Traynor over the back nine as the latter faded after a good start.

Brian Libbey took third place with a so-so round that was good enough on the day to consign Trevor Schirmer to last place on the podium as the course condition took its toll of the field.

Surprisingly there were no 2’s in the first division, which meant another carry over to add to the first one on offer, but Cliff Hornsby made it a clean sweep of the day with the only one in the second division.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Stephen Howard, Mark Cooper and Brian Libbey to the normal day’s events after they had played in the AM-AM on the previous outing without a mention.

Friday 7th March Green Valley Stableford
1st Division
1st Kenny Moss 68 cb 35
2nd Tony Barritt 68 cb 35
3rd Barry Winton 69
2nd Division
1st Chris Knapp 71
2nd George Pittam 73
3rd Geoff Picken 74

Chris Knapp continues to dominate the second division whilst just playing above or below his handicap and with the rest of the division never quite able to get into contention on a regular basis, it is reaping a fair number or results. This days event was not an exception, as he slipped into first place ahead of George Pittam, who took his first placing out of Soi 13, by a couple of shots, with George just edging out Geoff Picken into third spot.

Kenny Moss Had his first win for some time after a very closely run contest with Tony Barritt which had to go to the back nine, after they both had excellent front halves. Indeed it was Tony’s best round in Thailand as he broke 80 here for the first time since setting up residence. Kenny’s effort was no less commendable but the win was tempered with a little dampness after finding his clubs were nowhere to be found after returning to Pattaya, having been assured that they were “all in the boot”. Fortunately they were found the following day, and another lesson learnt.

Barry Winton rounded out the first division winners after a very fine 74 gross that was a great step forward over his recent performances and is hopefully a harbinger for better things to come as the IPGC Match Play Season approaches.

Vic Barton, Martin Solberg and George Pittam shared the 2’s in the second division whilst incredibly once again there were none in the first division, making it an unprecedented third time roll over in that division to be carried forward to the following week.

Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed back a small group on the first YuYuYu Tour of the year led as usual by their intrepid guide and mentor Yasuo Suzuki, in the form of Yusuke Watanabe and Yukio Kikuchi.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 25th February 2008
Brian Kelly and Gerald Decio Pick up the Medals

Monday 25th February Greenwood Stableford
1st Division 0-15
1st Tony Barritt 39
2nd Norman Isherwood 38 cb 21
3rd Barry Traynor 38 cb 15
2nd Division 16+
1st Chris Knapp 38 cb 19
2nd Fred Land 38 cb 16
3rd Mike Flynn 36

With the tees set forward towards the usual yellows placements, the scores were fairly good by all competitors and the CSS went down to 71 on the day.

Tony Barritt put in a great effort that, whilst winning the days competition, still left him too far behind in the race for top honours in the month, but with his putting game showing distinct signs of improvement following the hours spent chopping it, axing it, chiseling it, sanding it and finally hacking it, into some sort of stroke that can be repeated at least three or four times a round, it surely will not be too long before the old single figure handicap will be back in operation.

Norman Isherwood just got the better of Barry Traynor after the former had started out of the gate like a greyhound but faded badly over the closing holes.

Chris Knapp once again showed good form in closing out the second division with a solid two under that featured two equal halves and that was just enough to edge Fred Land into second place ahead of Mike Flynn.

Russell Exley fired in the only 2 in the first division and Chris Knapp took the roll over in the second division.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new members Luigi Bragoli, Shin Omoto and Alastair McArthur and welcomed back Frank Dunstan, Victor Reimer, John Murphy, Bob Heath, Jim Slattery, George Oakley and Gerald Decio.

Wednesday 27th February The Emerald Stableford
1st Division 0-15
1st Bruce Milner 41
2nd Norman Isherwood 38
3rd Bob Heath 35 cb 17 cb6 12
4th Tony Barritt 35 cb 17 cb6 10
2nd Division 16+
1st Brian Kelly 37
2nd Roar Berger 34 cb 22
3rd Luigi Bragoli 34 cb 19
4th Vance Millar 34 cb 15

Once again a good turnout demanded the formation of two divisions at the popular Emerald layout.

Bruce Milner took his first win with a sparkling five under round that left Norman Isherwood having to be content with his second runners up spot in a row. Bob Heath just got the better of the contest between himself and old South Herts member Tony Barritt by the slimmest of margins on a count back that had to go to the last six.

Brian Kelly always does well in Ban Chang and the day’s effort was another in a long line of successes as he saw off the challenge of Roar Berger by three clear. Roar, in his turn, led the chasers with a very good count back after a somewhat poor starting nine to claim second, with Luigi Bragoli savouring his first feel of the podium steps with a clear four shot margin in the count back over Vance Millar.

Alan Griffiths slotted the only two in the first division 2’s whilst Brian Kelly and B.J. Smith shared the pot in the second division.

Back at The Haven prior to the prize giving, Rodney Hayes and Max Arlen were welcomed back.

Friday 29th February Phoenix Blues Monthly Medal
1st Division 0-15
1st Gerald Decio 69
2nd Chris Davisson 72
3rd Phil Groves 74
2nd Division 16+
1st Brian Kelly 75
2nd Roar Berger 79
3rd Fred Land 82

The wind blew but the weather held good for the monthly challenge over the Ocean and Mountain courses from the blue tees but in the end once again the course was generally the winner although the three top contenders in the first division all equaled or bettered the CSS of 74 on the day. The second division hopefuls found the length allied to the wind a little too difficult to master with only Brian Kelly, taking his second win on the trot, able to get anywhere near the par for the day with a commendable one over handicap which was good enough by four to consign Roar Berger to his second 2nd place in a row. Fred Land took his second podium placing of the week with a distant third.

The first division was led home by Gerald Decio who claimed his first win out of Soi 13 with a very good three under handicap and five under the days CSS to keep the in-form Chris Davisson back in second by three shots with Phil Groves another couple adrift in third spot.

With the conditions harder than usual it was no surprise to find that there were no 2’s in either division.

With all the days prizes presented it came to the final awards for the Haven Player of the Month and Russell Exley walked off with the top prize together with both of the best rounds prize after finishing three ahead of Norman Isherwood, whose final flourish at Emerald proved decisive in settling second place.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 18th February 2008
The Week belongs to Martin Grimoldby

Monday 18th February Khao Kheow Stableford
1st Martin Grimoldby 40
2nd Brian Beaupre 34 cb 15
3rd Ian Bakewell 34 cb 14
4th Trevor Schirmer 32
5th Glyn Nicholas 31 cb 16
6th Alan Griffiths 31 cb 14

Off the yellow tees, which are now playing over 200 yards more than shown on the official card, and even though three counting players played within the buffer zone, the conditions were so difficult, with very little run and the greens a little wooly, and an extraordinarily high quality field of single handicappers, the CSS on the day moved out to 73. This made Martin Grimoldby’ s four under handicap even more remarkable and was further underscored by the six shot margin of victory over two of the 5 handicappers in the field who trailed him into the clubhouse. The first of these was Brian Beaupre, who can always be relied upon to be there or there abouts, just getting the better of Ian Bakewell on the very tight count back after both had bettered handicap on the outward half.

Trevor Schirmer led the best of the rest by a shot from Glyn Nicholas who in turn just pipped Alan Griffiths for the last place on the podium.

Martin Grimoldby and Russell Exley shared the 2’s in the first division and as usual when he plays Glyn Nicholas, who had only played because he thought it was a triple roll over, had the only one in the second division.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Alan Heywood and Ayako Pueschl.

Wednesday 20th February Mountain Shadow Pairs Scramble
1st Alan Griffiths & Fred Land 48
2nd Russell Exley & La Keith 46 cb 26
3rd Barry Traynor & Tony Barritt 46 cb 24
4th Phil Groves & Yasuo Suzuki 44
5th Alan Howell & Frank Hughes 43
6th Paul Taylor & Doug Campbell 42 cb 22
7th Roar Berger & Ole Stamnes 42 cb 21
8th Barry Winton & Stephen Beard 40
9th Trevor Schirmer & B.J. Smith 39
10th Alan Duffy & Mike Flynn 38

Off the blue tees the monthly 2 person scramble is always a hotly contested affair and this month’s competition was no exception with Alan and Fred starting as hot favourites and finishing as predicted. They were closely chased by Russell and La, a couple of shots behind, as they in turn just edged out Barry and Tony for third with a stunning count back, even though they had to endure a round with Barry and Stephen when every shot was a test of concentration with the continuous chatter in the background. But to be fair The Doc had not been out for a few weeks and there was a lot of catching up to be done.

Phil and Yasuo, playing their first pairs together melded fairly well as they took 4th place by a shot from Alan and Frank. It was also good to see Paul and Doug near the top and they could have been so much better with a quicker start, but they were still good enough to keep Roar and Ole behind with a better inward half.

Barry and Stephen fitted more like a hand and a shoe than the traditional pairing but still managed to get it round in under par ahead of Trevor and B.J. who were just a shadow of their former selves as the perennial pairs favourites. Alan and Mike got the last mention in a long list of do-wells.

Due to the format the 2’s competitions were postponed.

Back at The Haven Adi and Tik Meyer were welcomed back prior to the prize giving.

Friday 22nd February Green Valley Stableford
1st Division 0-13
1st Martin Grimoldby 44
2nd Phil Groves 35 cb 19
3rd Brian Beaupre 35 cb 16
2nd Division 14+
1st Vance Millar 34 cb 20
2nd Chris Knapp 34 cb 18 cb6 11
3rd Alan Griffiths 34 cb 18 cb6 9
4th Brian Kelly 34 cb 13

Once again it was Martin Grimoldby with an exhilarating gross 72 off his 8 handicap that took the first division by storm, with a round that included a treble and five birdies, it promised much more after a birdie, birdie, birdie start, but as is very normal in those circumstances, Martin suddenly realised that he was heading for a very low round and as the pressure began to mount the shots just seemed to get harder and harder, and in the event 44 was a very, very good result and certainly no less than he deserved, to cap an outstanding farewell to Pattaya week.

Phil Groves with a steady one over lagged a bit adrift but was still hot enough over the last few holes to easily take the count back from Brian Beaupre in third.

The second division was a very closely contested with Vance Millar taking his first win out of Soi 13 for some considerable time. He had to rely on very good back nine after a slow start which saw a nil return for the first three holes until he got his bearings and buckled down to snatch it away from Cap’n Chris Knapp who also just managed to pip Alan Griffiths, now a stranger to the second division, on the last 6 as Alan tired badly. Brian Kelly was another to slow down on the inward nine after a promising beginning.

With Glyn Nicholas not playing it was of little surprise that there were no 2’s in the second division but Alan Griffiths, with one and Martin Grimoldby with two shared the first division.

Before the presentation Magne Gunnarson was welcomed back and there was a big farewell to the man of the week, Martin Grimoldby, who has to return to his weekday job in the UK for a couple of weeks or so much to the relief of the rest of the first division contenders.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 11th February 2008
Tony Barritt celebrates

Monday 11th February Bangpra Stableford
1st Tony Barritt 37
2nd Barry Traynor 36
3rd Ole Stamnes 35
4th Martin Grimoldby 34 cb 19
5th Brian Kelly 34 cb 17

The greens were back to quite quick, following a very recent cut, and several players were left ruing that they were above the hole for the first putt. Surprisingly Tony Barritt was not among those as he played very well from tee to green and kept his nerve as he played mostly uphill putts to record a very good one under and grasp the winners spot on the top of the podium.

He was followed by Barry Traynor, who can always be relied upon to do well on difficult greens, with what is arguably the best putting stroke and technique in the Haven, with a level round and just one in front of Ole Stamnes who was pleased to once again find himself in the prizes.

Martin Grimoldby, who has been winning at other venues but has been unsuccessful this trip with The Haven, took fourth by count back from Brian Kelly.

There were no 2’s in the second division but, not unusually, Barry Traynor had the one and only in the first division.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Rick Roberts and also welcomed back Wilf Wellman and Kinya Akiyama. There was also a farewell for another year to Oili and Rainer Helling.

Wednesday 13th February Eastern Star Stableford
1st Rick Schramm 37
2nd Jan Andersen 36 cb 22
3rd Al Keith 36 cb 18
4th Tony Barritt 36 cb 17
5th Brian Beaupre 35 cb 19
6th Russell Exley 35 cb 15

The standard of the competitors on the day was extremely high with 6 of them at 5 handicap or under and the class told over a non too easy course, with the greens playing fast and loose with uneven rolls and length it made for a very tight contest with all the prize winners at 12 handicap or better.

Top of the list was Rick Schramm who followed his previous week’s successes and a cut in handicap with another good round at one under which just kept the chasing group at bay.

They were led in by Jan Andersen with a magnificent count back which amounted to 34 gross and netted 22 points to easily head Al Keith as the next best. Al in turn beat off the challenge of Tony Barritt, who took another prize prior to his departure on holiday to Florida on Friday, where he is sure to find the life a little tougher and lot harder to win anything.

Brian Beaupre made a nice return to Pattaya, with a result in his first game, by edging Russell Exley on count back after Russell had threatened to burn up the field after the front nine.

The first divisions 2’s were shared between Jan Andersen, Vibeke Poulsen and Rick Schramm and the second division including the roll over was swept by Glyn Nicholas who promises to be back next time the pot is big enough.

Back at The Haven, The Doc welcomed new member Athumi Tagaki and also welcomed back Ian Bakewell, Brian Beaupre, Paul Hartley and Frank Hughes.

Friday 15th February Phoenix Mountain Ocean Stableford
1st Division 0-14
1st Russell Exley 38
2nd Yasuo Suzuki 36
3rd Martin Rock 35
2nd Division 15+
1st George Pittam 39
2nd Roar Berger 37
3rd Syd Harrison 36

As usual another large turn out for the ever popular Phoenix courses where everything went smoothly from the get go, as the competition even managed to get away from the first tee prior to the designated start time and the front groups played at an even and fairly brisk pace allowing the last group to be far ahead of the next and a carefree round, which is a very welcome change during the busy season.

Russell Exley went a few better than the last outing to ensure that it was not a bean feast of a celebration for Yasuo, after sending home another successful tour to spread the word far and wide of the delights of drinking Japanese beer in Pattaya, he could only manage a steady par round to trail by two but still enough to see off Martin Rock in third.

George Pittam took his first win out of The Haven with the best score of the day at three under to finish two ahead of Roar Berger who was in turn one up on Syd Harrison.

Al Keith, Russell Exley and Ian Bakewell shared the pool in the first division 2’s, whilst Syd Harrison had the only one in the second division.

Prior to the prize giving, The Doc welcomed new member Yasu Ueda and welcomed back Alan Duffy, Jim Brown, and Terry Sumner and gave a farewell to Peter Sumner.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 4th February 2008

A pair of 40’s for Russell Monday 4th February Khao Kheow Stableford
1st Rick Schramm 38
2nd Alan Howell 37
3rd Phil Groves 35 cb 19
4th Roar Berger 35 cb 18
5th Syd Harrison 35 cb 17

Rick Schramm returned from South Africa well refreshed from his holidays and it showed as he slipped round the B and C courses as if he had never been away a moment and took the days top spot by a shot from Alan Howell.

They were followed in by Phil Groves, who at last put in some semblance of a decent round , and took third by count back from Roar Berger, who also had a good day off of the yellow tees. Syd Harrison just crept onto the podium in fifth another shot behind on the back nine.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Alan Griffiths and Serge Straeten had one each in the first division.

Before presenting the prizes, The Doc welcomed George Pittam, Barrie Howarth, Pekka Harkki, Rabbe Jansson and Matti Kaariainen as new members and also welcomed back Michael Herridge, Martin Grimoldby and Rick Schramm.

Wednesday 6th February Crystal Bay Stableford
1st Division 0-14
1st Al Keith 40 cb 22
2nd Russell Exley 40 cb 19
3rd Rick Schramm 38
2nd Division 15 +
1st B.J. Smith 38
2nd Alan Griffiths 37
3rd Vance Millar 36

Al Keith put in a sparkling round of 73 gross over the A and B courses and topped it off with a 2 under gross on the back to secure the win and deny Russell Exley, who also recorded a four under handicap, by three in the count back. Rick Schramm went one worse than the previous outing but that still got on to the bottom tier of the first division podium and ensured a full shot cut in handicap for the next weeks activities.

B.J. Smith has been wallowing in the depths over the recent months but came back to life and the winners circle with a steady round of two under handicap to edge out Alan Griffiths who was surprised to find himself in the second division, as he had thought that those days were far behind him, but on the day the pace was a little easier in the lower groupings which allowed Vance Millar to take third spot with a level handicap par round.

Alan Howell, Alan Griffiths, Barrie Howarth and Tony Barritt all slotted a 2 in the first division and Glyn Nicholas celebrated big style, after getting the only one in the second division which included several roll overs, by staying a little later before popping round to the shops.

Before presenting the prizes Michael Flynn and Yoshihiro Tokuyama were welcomed as new members and Harry Vincenzi, Jan Andersen, Vibeke Poulsen and Konrad Klama were welcomed back.

Friday 8th February The Emerald Stableford
1st Division 0-14
1st Russell Exley 40 cb 19
2nd Trevor Schirmer 40 cb 17
3rd La Keith 37
2nd Division 15 +
1st Geoff Picken 39
2nd Paul Davies 36 cb 18
3rd George Pittam 36 cb 17

Once again two divisions and again split at 14 and below and once again Russell Exley was to be found at the head of the field with, once again, a four under handicap 40 pointer but this time the count back of just one under was just good enough to take the top prize as it was Trevor Schirmer’s turn to be disappointed with his back half after an excellent front nine. Outstanding golf indeed, by both players, and over what was on the day, none too easy a course, with Russell starting to look more like “The Rock” again.

La Keith was also under handicap as she secured third place three shots back.

In the second division Geoff Picken followed up his previous weeks win, with another of even better quality, which all augers well for a cut in handicap in the near future. Paul Davies, known to his friends as Bubbles, no doubt due to his personality and not his penchant during his leisure time spent in flesh pots of the Big Mango, claimed second spot ahead of George Pittam, who was grateful to the eagle eyed scorers for spotting an addition error in his favour, that settled third place for him.

Syd Harrison got his 2 in the second division a couple of days late but was happy to be the only one to sweep the pool, whilst Trevor Schirmer, Chris Davisson and Tatsu Noguchi shared the first division.

Back at The Haven, The Doc welcomed new member Kazu Asada who was part of the Katakaka Tours Group some of the rest of the tour bus was also welcomed back and they were Kaneo Watanabe and Tatsu Noguchi.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 28th January 2008
Geoff Picken takes his first win

Monday 28th January Eastern Star Stableford
1st Geoff Picken 36
2nd Barry Traynor 35
3rd Russell Exley 34
4th Chris Knapp 33

With only two counting competitors in the buffer zone, the CSS went out to 73 as most of the days hopefuls struggled to get to grips with the conditions and a very slow round into the bargain.

Geoff Picken seemed to get every putt that he lined up to claim his first win out of The Haven and just pipped Barry Traynor who can always be relied on to get it round in somewhere near creditable if not better.

Russell Exley also managed to edge out the ever-present, that is recently, Cap’n Chris Knapp, for third place.

The first divisions 2’s were won by Mike Sanders and the second division by Geoff Picken.

Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Larry Gilliam and Yasuo Suzuki.

Wednesday 30th January The Emerald Stableford
1st Paul Taylor 38
2nd Peter Sumner 37
3rd Alan Griffiths 34 cb 19
4th Alan Hanlon 34 cb 18
Paul Taylor put in one of his better rounds to keep Peter Sumner back in second spot by a single stroke.

Alan Griffiths just got the better of Alan Hanlon on the count back to secure third.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Russell Exley and Serge Straeten shared the pot in the first division.

Prior to the prize giving, Harald Gruber was welcomed back.

Friday 1st February Phoenix, Ocean Mountain Stableford
1st La Keith 37 cb 19
2nd Alan Hanlon 37 cb 18
3rd Chris Knapp 37 cb 17
4th Phil Groves 37 cb 16
5th Trevor Schirmer 36
6th Fred Land 35

With the course giving up too much to the players, it was almost inevitable that the CSS would be down by the maximum one to 71, which is the other side of the equation when dealing with courses that play either too easy or too difficult under the CONGU system as evinced by more than 50% playing within the buffer zone.

La Keith was the best of the bunch, the top four who had to be separated by count back, by a single shot from Alan Hanlon. Chris Knapp took his second placing in the week also by a shot on the back nine from Phil Groves, with Trevor Schirmer and Fred Land filling out the remaining places.

Despite the ease with which most of the course played there were, surprisingly, no 2’s in either division.

Back at The Haven The Doc welcomed new members Simon Spinks and Ralph McCarthy and also welcomed back Vic Barton, whose dad Dick, the Doc, as a lad, knew very well. It’s even difficult to write.

It was also announced that after the successful appeal for Richard Livingston’s Repatriation Fund, he would be returning to the UK on the 18th of February and is expected back in Pattaya hopefully before the end of the year, following his rehabilitation.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 21st January 2008
Kelvin Crouch makes it look easy

Monday 21st January Khao Kheow Stableford
1st Division
1st Kelvin Crouch 40
2nd Serge Straeten 38
3rd Sami Taavitsainen 34 cb 18
4th Richard Bannister 34 cb 17
5th Brian Libbey 34 cb 15
2nd Division
1st John Teague 35
2nd Stephen Lewis 34
3rd Chris Knapp 33
4th Paula Virolainen 31
5th Kjell Christiansen 29

Playing from the yellows can sometimes be a bit of a problem in the wind. Today was one of those times, but Rip Van Winkle, aka Kelvin Crouch, again astounded the pundits with a scorching 4 under handicap, on a day when most others wilted badly in the conditions, and again benefiting from just seemingly just a couple of minutes in the shower, it was a stupendous performance. Serge Straeten was the only player to get near with the only other score under par on the day. Sami Taavitsainen did exceptionally well to get it round in 74 gross off his scratch handicap but only managed to lead in the minor places by count back from Richard Bannister and Brian Libbey.

The second division was not quite up to the first, as the conditions and length played a large part, but John Teague came in with just one over his handicap to ensure that his last outing with The Haven would be one to remember until his return and gave him a final chance to buy the throng a beer before departure.

Stephen Lewis, aka Rip Van Winkles drinking pacer, also did well following a hard night, to take second spot with the ever-present Cap’n Chris in third ahead of Paula Virolainen and Kjell Christiansen.

Sampo Sadeharju had the only 2 in the second division while Phil Groves, Alan Hanlon, Brian Libbey and Frank Boyd had one each in the first Division. Frank’s fine effort, was on the first hole on “A” course after a three hundred and twenty yard drive to the green.

Before the presentation Ken Chambers, Sami Taavitsainen, Kari Nyman, Marth Kujava and Mika Engberg were welcomed as new members and Richard Bannister, Alan Hanlon and Sam Hill were welcomed back.

Wednesday 23rd January Green Valley Stableford
1st Brian Libbey 36
2nd Serge Straeten 35
3rd Barry Traynor 33 cb 16 cb6 12
4th Al Keith 33 cb 16 cb6 11
5th Kelvin Crouch 33 cb 15

A strangely smaller field at the usually very popular Green Valley could be explained by the late tee time and also that several of the usual contenders were away up in the River Kwai area sampling the delights of courses not completely filled with golfers.

Brian Libbey took full advantage of the depleted field to sneak in a rare level par win ahead of Serge Straeten, who again figured strongly with his recent return to form. Barry Traynor slipped into third place, just getting past Al Keith on a better back six with Kelvin Crouch again in the shake up but not quite able to keep it going over the last three holes as his Pattaya life style finally caught up to him.

There were no 2’s in the second division but Al Keith and Rainer Helling shared the pot in the first division with one each.
Back at The Haven Shuichi Kodaka, Syd Harrison, Walter Towler and Lloyd Lewis were welcomed back prior to the prize giving. There were also farewells to John Teague and Frank Boyd.

Friday 25th January Phoenix Blue Monthly Medals
1st Division
1st Rainer Helling 75
2nd Phil Groves 76 cb 35.5
3rd Craig Boyd 76 cb 40
2nd Division
1st Doug Campbell 79
2nd Chris Knapp 80
3rd Harri Bergstrom 81

Once again it was pain day from the tips at Phoenix with a three club wind that defied the best efforts of both divisions to break par, and although that is a common result in the monthly medals, the day was to prove to be even more arduous than normally, with little or no respite, even when playing with the wind as it shifted and swirled in all directions.

Rainer Helling, just edged out Phil Groves and Craig Boyd by the almost inevitable count back, on his way to being the only player under the days CSS which came out at 76 off the SS of 74, which was considered by all who played, to be an exceptional round in the circumstances and the win was roundly and loudly applauded at the prize giving. Phil Groves was unfortunate, in that he almost went over his handicap of 7 after the first 4 holes, but rallied strongly, especially over the back nine, to keep Craig Boyd back in third after the latter had started strongly.

The second division was a drag out gutsy affair, where only the most determined survived and it was almost perfectly fitting that Doug Campbell should prevail after a disastrous start that saw him struggling after only the fourth hole by which time he had already dropped ten shots. But ever the tryer, Doug came back to take his first win for some time with a show of real application to the job in hand and a great example to the rest of the community of golfers.

Cap’n Chris Knapp, with a little local knowledge and a lot of members bounces, just kept ahead of Harri Bergstrom to secure second place.

Unsurprisingly with the course playing so long and the windy conditions, there were no 2’s in the second division but Alan Hanlon had the only one in the first division to sweep the pool.

Before presenting the prizes “Doc Racealong” welcomed back Werner Pausch, George Dolwick, Martin Rock and Craig Boyd and said farewells to Stephen Lewis and Kelvin Crouch, the latter who is returning to Blighty to get some shut-eye after nearly 3 weeks of constant alertness.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 14th January 2008
Mark Harrop & Fred Land sweep the field

Monday 14th January Mountain Shadow Pairs Scramble
1st Division 0-12
1st Alan Pilkington & Alan Griffiths 50
2nd Russell Exley & La Keith 48
3rd Paul West & Geoff Kubas 47
2nd Division 13 +
1st Mark Harrop & Fred Land 53
2nd Mike Dabanovich & Stephen Beard 50
3rd Sampo Sadeharju & Harri Bergstrom 49 cb 28
4th Vance Millar & Tony Charlwood 49 cb 27

For the first time ever in a pair’s competition out of The Haven there were so many competitors that two divisions were required. With the handicaps being allotted by taking 40% of the combined total and requiring seven tee shots from each partner, the divisions were split at 12 and below in the first and above that in the second. The increase in numbers caused some confusion prior to the start as there were five more groups than were originally booked, which meant a slight problem with carts until some returned from earlier rounds. This hiccup was neatly resolved by the ever helpful staff and almost everyone got away at their allotted tee time.

Alan Pilkington and Alan Griffiths combined to amass a formidable 14 under in the first division, which left the pre-tournament favourites Russell Exley and La Keith struggling two shots adrift after La was almost unable to get a tee shot away on the front nine. She did a lot better on the back, following some terse advice from Russell, with three solo gross birdies as her partner looked on in wonder and they proved enough to keep Paul West and Geoff Kubas in third spot, with another good score of 11 under.

The second division was dominated by Mark Harrop and Fred Land who fitted together almost perfectly to deny the returning “Doc Nobbler” and Mike Dabanovich a long awaited chance, certainly for the Doc, to buy a drink for the thirsty, even though they were a surprising 14 under it was not enough to challenge the 17 under of Mark and Fred. Sampo Sadeharju and Harri Bergstrom worked well together to take third place to consign Vance Millar and Tony Charlwood, a last minute pairing after the small hiatus at the start, to also-rans.

Back at The Haven before presenting the prizes, The Doc welcomed new members Paul West and Geoff Kubas together with almost half of Finland in the form of Jari Eskelinen, Jouni Varjonen, Sampo Sadeharju, Seppo Sadeharju, Henrik Personen, Markku Ignatius, Tom Hillner, Harri Bergstrom and Timo Tarvainen and he did it with hardly a missed syllable.

Wednesday 16th January Crystal Bay Stableford
1st Division
1st Brian Libbey 39
2nd Alan Griffiths 38
3rd Norman Isherwood 37
2nd Division
1st Harri Bergstrom 42
2nd John Ward 36
3rd Vance Millar 34

The other half of Legacy Golf in Pattaya, Crystal Bay, was also heavily subscribed with golfers but as with its sister course Mountain Shadow earlier in the week, things went smoothly as soon as everyone was away from the tee, and with good marshalling the rounds progressed at a good pace.

Brian Libbey took the first division with a very good three under ahead of the still very efficient Alan Griffiths, even though his handicap is a couple lower than in the previous weeks, a shot back with Norman Isherwood, also getting it round in under handicap, in third.

The second division was led in by Harri Bergstrom with a sparkling six under from John Ward on level par and Vance Millar getting on to the bottom step this time after just missing out in the previous outing.

In the first division the 2’s were shared by Russell Exley and Brian Hagge and in the second division Sampo Sadeharju, Lynn Ward, John Ward and Ole Svenningsen had one each.

Prior to the prize giving Raivo Velsberg was welcomed back and farewells were made to Lynn and John Ward.

Friday 18th January Plutaluang Stableford
1st Norman Isherwood 38
2nd Peter Sumner 33
3rd Kelvin Crouch 32 cb 15
4th Brian Libbey 32 cb 14

After two large turnouts previously in the week, it was a much smaller contingent that traveled to the Navy Course and it was obvious that many knew what the day’s organiser didn’t. Teeing off later presented a few problems in the form of, no caddies and more importantly for some of the more elderly and infirm, no carts and no possibility of any. This caused some confusion at the start with many withdrawing and returning to Pattaya for some rest and relaxation following the strenuous drive there and back. The day was in stark contrast to the two previous outings in the week where similar problems had been experienced, but the difference in problem solving as shown by the earlier courses better management and willingness to please the customer made a huge difference to everyone’s enjoyment of the days golf.

Norman Isherwood continued with his good singles form to take the win by a clear five shots from the returning and refreshed Peter Sumner. Kelvin Crouch continued to astound the pundits by managing to burn the candle in the middle as well as both ends and still score well enough to get on to the podium in third place ahead of Brian Libbey on count back.

Tony Charlwood slotted in the only 2 in the second division whilst Alan Griffiths had one and Norman Isherwood had two in the first division.

Before the presentations “Doc Speedster” welcomed new member George Langley even though he was one of the competitors that had to retire before the start due to lack of transport. He also welcomed back Ed Findlay, Frank Boyd, Peter Sumner and Geoff Picken. There was also a farewell to Alan Pilkington returning to Yeovil, still a single man, with everything he arrived with for which he was truly thankful.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c. 7th January 2008
King Berger the best of the week

Monday 7th January Bangpra Stableford
1st Division
1st Alan Griffiths 34 cb 19
2nd Brian Libbey 34 cb 15
3rd Trevor Schirmer 32 cb 15
4th Kenny Moss 32 cb 14
2nd Division
1st Chris Knapp 32
2nd Brian Kelly 30 cb 19
3rd Derek Holt 30 cb 15
4th Fred Land 30 cb 13

The exceptionally fast greens returned to Bangpra to thwart the best efforts of the hopefuls and resulted in a day when only two managed to get within the buffer zone and an increase in the CSS of two strokes to 74.

Alan Griffiths was one of the two and he took the top step in the first division ahead of the other, Brian Libbey, by count back. Trevor Schirmer and Kenny Moss just did enough to stop an increase in handicap with Trevor just getting the edge, also on count back, for third.

In the second division, Chris Knapp was as surprised as any with his two shot win in front of Brian Kelly and Derek Holt with Fred Land just losing out on the back nine.

In line with the overall difficulty of the course there were no 2’s in either division.

Prior to presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed new member Kelvin Crouch and welcomed back Del Bailey, Stephen Lewis, Derek Holt, Paula & Mauro Virolainen, Mike Sanders and Lynn & John Ward.

There was also a sad farewell to Martin Grimoldby who is returning to Blighty to assist in making the UK and its inhabitants greener.

Wednesday 9th January Khao Kheow Stableford
1st Division
1st Barry Traynor 37 cb 18 cb6 14
2nd Trevor Schirmer 37 cb 18 cb6 12
3rd Kelvin Crouch 37 cb 17
2nd Division
1st Roar Berger 42
2nd John Teague 35
3rd Lynn Ward 34

A much easier day for the second outing of the week resulted from a false start off the newly positioned white tees, which are now in the old yellow positions, after waiting for a previous group of golfers playing from the short tees. Even with the eagle eyed “Doc Whitestick” on the tee for at least 15 minutes prior to the start, the first group teed off from the whites and the day’s competition was set for a slightly gentler pace.

Barry Traynor led in a gaggle on one under by count back with Trevor Schirmer going one better than the last round in second ahead of Kelvin Crouch who still amazingly manages to play any kind of golf after getting to bed at 5.30 am and rising an hour later on golf days.

Roar Berger reveled in the shortness of the course, as he returned his best score of the year, which sealed a two shot drop in handicap for the next week’s competitions. He was followed in by John Teague and Lynn Ward several shots back.

Russell Exley and Phil Groves had one each in the first division 2’s whilst Lynn Ward had one and Hakan Hedlund had two in the second division.

Back at the Haven Brian Hagge, Grant Newdick and Brendan Dunne were welcomed as new members and Ole Svenningsen, Glynn Nicholas and Stephen Beard were welcomed back.

Friday 11th January Emerald Stableford
1st Division
1st Mike Dabanovich 38
2nd Roy Thornton 36
3rd Tony Barritt 35
4th Brian Libbey 32
2nd Division
1st Fred Land 36
2nd Lynn Ward 35
3rd Roar Berger 33
4th Dave Spendley 31 cb 19

For the third time in the week the numbers required a two division split at 15 +, and allied to being booked to follow two other competitions, it was a miracle almost equal to Lazarus walking, that all the competitors finished before dark.

In the second division Fred Land completed a good week with a long awaited win, following the disappointments of his life as a landlord and his recent foot problems, albeit by a single shot from Lynn Ward with Roar Berger who was finding it a little harder from further back on the teeing ground, in third and Dave Spendley rounding out the podium in fourth.

Mike Dabanovich managed to get himself involved in one of the previous days competitions at the same course and by getting away in front and being able to play at a reasonable pace, won them both and although the Soi 13 win was worth double he did not have the benefit of the pile of wagers that he had arranged in the first of the two. His only regret was that he did not have the phone number of the third competition organiser to try and make it a unique treble day.

Roy Thornton led in the rest of the first division by a shot from Tony Barrit and Brian Libbey.

Overall it was quite a tough day, as the CSS went out to 74, which will result in a few exceptional handicap reductions for the next week’s golf.

In the second division 2’s John Ward had one and Ole Svenningsen had two and in the first division Mike Dabanovich, Barry Traynor and Kelvin Crouch had one each.

Before presenting the prizes “Doc Scootalong” welcomed back Jeff McLaury, Mark Gorda, Sakari Finne, Paul Taylor and Steve Bugden.

The Haven Weekly Report w.c.31st December 2007
Alan Griffiths has a golden week

Monday 31st December Emerald Stableford
1st Alan Griffiths 43
2nd Graham Hiskett 41
3rd Barry Winton 38
4th Fred Land 36

Alan Griffiths took his first win of two in the week, with an outstanding round which will see his handicap reduced another two strokes in the New Year, and left Graham Hiskett a little bemused as he was sure that his five under total would be enough on the testing Emerald layout after the hectic holiday celebrations. But second was his lot ahead of the resurgent Barry Winton who is now planning for a scratch handicap with the help of another new club wardrobe. Fred Land rounded out the podium having recently recovered from his broken foot and has even challenged the rest of The Haven hobblers to a foot race on Soi 13, unfortunately with no takers as yet.

There were no twos again in the second division but almost inevitably Barry Traynor had one in the first division which he shared with Barry Winton.

Before presenting the prizes the Doc welcomed new member Samuel Norris and also welcomed back Tony Charlwood and Chili Gonzales, the latter having recently returned from a sombrero buying spree in Mexico.

Wednesday 2nd January Greenwood Stableford
1st Division
1st Tony Barritt 40
2nd Norman Isherwood 34
3rd Phil Groves 33
2nd Division
1st Alan Griffiths 38
2nd John Teague 36
3rd Dave Spendley 33

Division one was led in by Tony Barritt, one of the hobblers but still able to smite a few good ones following a sanatogen shot, with an excellent four under that included several almost reasonable putts. It was a score that swept the rest of the division away by six shots and left Norman Isherwood and Phil Groves struggling over the minor places.

Alan Griffiths added to his previous outings win with another almost as good to see off the challenge of John Teague and Dave Spendley in the second division.

Tony Barritt slipped in the only two in the first division whilst John Teague made a killing by sweeping the second division with its accumulated quintuple roll over.

Back at The Haven, the Doc welcomed new member Mark Harrop and also welcomed back Keith Emerson, Mike Maw, Roar Berger, Peter Hall, Mike Dabanovich and lastly but certainly not least Richard Livingston who was making his first trip out of doors for several months, but still not quite up to the rigours of the prize giving.

Friday 4th January Phoenix Stableford
1st Division
1st Al Keith 41
2nd Ian Grout 38
3rd Barry Traynor 37 cb 21
4th Norman Isherwood 37 cb 19 cb2 5
5th Marcus Inuzuka 37 cb 19 cb2 4
2nd Division
1st Dave Spendley 37
2nd Steven Howard 36 cb 19
3rd Alan Griffiths 36 cb 18
4th Fred Land 35
5th Brian Kelly 34

Al Keith put together an outstanding round of one over gross that easily took the first division honours ahead of Ian Grout’s very fine effort three back. Barry Traynor, whilst unable to slot in a two for once, still took third by count back from the strong challenges of Norman Isherwood and Mark Inuzuka.

Dave Spendley continued with his weeks good form, as he took the second division from Steven Howard, who took his first podium at The Haven with a very steady round. Alan Griffiths took his third placing of the week with a level par round that made him nine under in competitions for the week and looking forward to progressing even further in the coming weeks. Fred Land again showed strongly to take fourth at the expense of Brian Kelly in fifth place.

To add to his days takings Dave Spendley also took the only two in the