Golfers head to Zululand for Interzone battle

Jean-Marc Bouic (Southbroom GC) will lead the Southern KwaZulu-Natal golf team in their defence of the annual KZN Country Districts Interzone trophy at Eshowe Hills this weekend.

Along with Bouic, the team comprises a mix of players from the clubs in the region, namely Gavin and Graham Sole (Southbroom), Jack Cubitt, Matt Sutherland, Jan McDermott and Graham Fabricius (all Umdoni Park GC) and James Coull (Port Shepstone).

Some players were unavailable for various reasons, Jason Gilliver (Umdoni Park), Chris Zietsman (Selborne Park) plus David Rush and Kai Hielckert (both Southbroom).

Still, it’s a strong team and the absence of some of the regulars has given new players a chance to show their worth, notably Graham Sole, who is starting to walk in his father’s rather large footsteps.

Fish junior has started to produce some scores in the mid 70s in tournaments, usually when he leaves his driver untouched.

Around most of the KZN courses he really doesn’t need to try and hit it too far, not when you can caress a 2-iron where most hit their 3-wood or driver.

This year’s Interzone is also a first for flame-topped youngster Coull, who also doesn’t struggle to hit the ball far – this is a guy who once drove it next to the 16th green at Southbroom GC.

Captain Bouic, meanwhile, will be more interested in seeing his charges hit it on the fairway and keeping it away from the trees and homes that line this Zululand estate.

Sole senior has ‘been there, done that’ so often you have to wonder why he keeps returning.

Aside from simply enjoying the game and this tournament in particular, he can now keep a paternal eye on his son.

As long as neither offer each other advice, both should be fine!

Sutherland has been a model of consistency so far this season and will be very difficult to beat around Eshowe’s deceptively tight layout.

While some may argue that Eshowe is a course which suits those who draw the ball, Sutherland will look to refute that with his new controlled fade working very well.

Making their returns to Interzone are McDermott a player who has also seen many matchplay battles over the years and Fabricius, who is renown for his gritty determination.

Cubitt may be given the opportunity to spearhead the attack as he looks to keep on taking his game to the next level and perhaps head off to the States for college golf later in the year.

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