UGC’s frogs take inter club by storm

By P Utter

THE weekend before was the women’s turn to play in their inter club tournament in Empangeni and this past weekend it was the men’s turn to show their mettle.

All three of Umkomaas Golf Club’s (UGC) B division team, the frogs and senior frogs had, after the day’s play on Saturday at either Umkomaas, Selborne or Umdoni, all made it into the matchplay on Sunday.

This is a fantastic achievement by any club and to have UGC right up there among the top four teams on the last day was outstanding. All the guys played extremely good golf considering the almost gale-force winds which blew on the first two days. UGC B division team – Viv Naicker, Dean Naicker and Saga Reddy – lost to Kloof’s premier side in the first round of the play-offs, the senior frogs came second overall with Jimmy Spear halving his match but unfortunately both Mike Cromhout and Derek Airey lost their matches on the very last hole. But the frog team really did UGC proud this year. Nelson Moonsamy, Tom Naicker and Joe Mhkungo played unbelievably good golf, despite the windy conditions, winning the frog division at the men’s inter club at Umdoni for 2015. Congratulations to all three teams for once again flying the Umkomaas flag so high. Well done to Mike, the green keeper and his team for getting the course ready. The course was stunning for inter club despite the slow greens. Well done, everyone.

The women’s inter club results weren’t as great as the men but they all played well as the results showed. UGC silver girls acquitted themselves very well, with Natalie Singer and Michelle van der Merwe coming sixth in the silver division overall. Bryony Rogers and Annette Gillett tied in 27th place in the bronze division. Lesa Vergottini and Linda Toward were a bit further down the list but guaranteed they all had a great time up north. Well done to UGC’s two neighbouring golf clubs – the Toti girls taking first and second in the silver division and to the Scottburgh bronze teams who took the fourth and fifth places in Empangeni. Congratulations to all.

It would seem that every pro golfer and his putter will be playing at the World Golf Championships, HSBC Champions in Shanghai, China next weekend. It’s the only tournament to watch since there isn’t much else on the golfing front at the moment.

Last week was ‘Blue Wednesday’ which was partially sponsored by Eagle Canyon Spur Galleria with meal vouchers. The competition was the individual stableford which was finally cracked and won by Deneys Williamson on 40 points (Deneys scooped second spot last week), with Michelle van der Merwe taking second prize this week, counting out both Dave Kemp (third) and Barrie Taylor (fourth), all on 36 points.

There was no competition last Saturday due to the inter club matches being played, so all the side competitions will be carried over to next weekend. Next Saturday, 7 November is the Toyota monthly medal for both the women and men. Check your handicaps, as some have gone up (or down in some cases). Sunday, 8 November will be social golf for all.

A reminder that there will be a quiz night, back by popular demand, on Friday ,13 November. This is a fun evening where your grey matter will be severely tested. Later in the month, on Friday, 27 November, a bingo evening has been arranged. These evenings are always tremendous fun for the whole family. The contact on both of these fun evenings is John Thompson on 082-322-4920.

Get well wishes to all who are feeling poorly at the moment, especially ‘Auntie’ Val Hazell who is having a short ‘holiday’ at Kingsway Hospital. Get well soon Val, you are missed.

All UGC’s news and rates can be found at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za