Jacques Kirstein made his second hole in one last Saturday. His tee shot on the blind fourth hole at Umkomaas Golf Club was struck sweetly but with the green running perilously quick under winter conditions, it’s never a given that your ball will stop near the hole.
Many who can attest to the fact that even well struck shots can be unfairly punished with a run-off down the steep right-side bank.
When Jacques and his playing partners reached the green and couldn’t see his ball, he jokingly said ‘better check the hole’, and sure enough it was in.
Of course, few were surprised when his ace was announced at prize-giving as Jacques is a great golfer and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.
It was lovely to see the many hours of practice is bearing fruit as young Rory Bernardis claimed victory in the B-division with 40 points and was awarded the Monthly Mug for his five better than par, 65 nett.
Rory, his twin Jordan, and cousins Noah Clark and Damian O’Connell can be seen out on the course every day under the watchful eye of coach Oupa Willie O’Connell, and clearly their efforts are paying off. Great to see that the future of golf at Umkomaas is bright.
Fifty-two players battled it out across the four divisions on a gloriously warm winter’s day and judging by the scores, even the tougher winter course conditions couldn’t deter them from a perfect day for golf.
A Division was won by Patrick Ndlovu on 39 points, with Jacques Hulley finishing second on 36 and Dean Naicker on 31 points.
B Division runner-up Kuben Naidoo counted out Dave Kemp and Dave Mulroy who all finished with 37 points.
C Division was won by Anil Seepershad on 34 points, with Bing Opie counting out Nigel Hensen on 33 points.
The Ladies Division was won by Evija McKelvey, who continues to play consistently well, with 2 better than par 71 nett. Runner-up was Sabiha Hulley on 74 nett.
The jackpot was shared by three players who achieved the qualifying 10 points, Bruce Sutcliffe, Anil Seepershad and Neil de Villiers.
Reward for accuracy in the 2-club went to Willie O’Connell (13th), John Boyd (4th), Brian Stephen (13th), Russel McKelvey (4th and 13th), and Dave Mulroy (9th).
The midweek golf field continues to grow, and great scores are posted weekly.
Winning on an outstanding 40 points was Steve Oliver… me thinks the handicapper will be chop, chop, chopping.
Second place was Don Bradshaw on 37 points and remaining places were decided by count-out on 36 points. Third to Barrie Taylor, fourth to Harold Horsley, fifth to Dave Kemp, with Rex Clark narrowly missing out.
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