Tim Clark tourney draws young golfers from across KZN
The women played medal as well in among the men and it was Sabiha Bacaus who snatched victory at the last minute to win on 72, putting Annette Gillett firmly in second spot with a 74.
By P Utter
HAPPY New Year to all Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) members, visitors and friends – may the year ahead be a great one for all.
Last Friday, UGC hosted 20-plus youngsters from as far north as Richards Bay to play in the Tim Clark sponsored day, an annual event especially geared for young golfers.
The tournament is run entirely by Shelagh Digby from the KZNGU junior foundation and her team. Although the weather on the day was a bit overcast and ‘drippy’ to start off with, the children enjoyed the cooler conditions since the A and B divisions played 36 holes and the C division 27 holes. A big thank you to club captain, Jimmy Spear, who was there to present the winners with their prizes. Most of all, congratulations to all the children who played – you are all winners.
Wednesday’s competition was a 4BBB stableford. The club welcomed visitors Gerrie van der Merwe, Dave Rickards, Mike Harvard and the Auret brothers, Neil, Roy and George to the competition. The unexpected winners were the Ruaros, Erika and Kurt. Apparently Kurt played his best game ever. Well done, Kurt. Their score of 49 points won them the first prize with Piet ‘Jorsie’ Vermaak and his pivot partner, Attie Stander very close behind in second spot with 48 points. In third place was Dudley Pringle with the help of his pivot partner (Attie Stander again) with 47 points. They, in turn, counted out Eric Morsner and Fred Welch into fourth place, also with 47 points.
Saturday was the first Toyota sponsored monthly medal for 2016. Fortunately it was a bit cloudy and not as hot as it has been recently, which made it far more pleasant for the ‘walking’ golfers. UGC welcomed Allan Eriksen, Mike Harvard and Nigel Jones to the medal competition . It was nice to see Dean Morsner and Michael van Rensburg supporting and playing, as neither have played at Umkomaas in quite a while.
The A division was won convincingly by Viv Naicker on an excellent 67 followed by visitor and runner-up Allan Eriksen on 70. The B division was won by Ganas Naicker with his 68, with Jimmy Spear the runner-up on 70. Jimmy counted out Tom Naicker and Wally Kent, both on 70. The C division results were just as good with Peter Toward winning on a 70, with Keith Vergottini the runner-up this time on 72.
The women played medal as well in among the men and it was Sabiha Bacaus who snatched victory at the last minute to win on 72, putting Annette Gillett firmly in second spot with a 74. Not to be out-done, Lesa Vergottini took home the least putts prize with her 27 putts for the day. That’s pretty good putting, well done. Both Sabiha and Annette got the regulation 10 points and so shared the jackpot but the hidden birdie (16th) is still out there. Three two-clubs were paid out – Deneys Williamson – 4th; Viv Naicker – 9th and Ganas Naicker – 13th. Dean Morsner’s name was pulled out of the bag for the attendance draw and Janet Griffiths took home the ‘birds’ this week with Ipswich Town FC.
The winner of the January monthly medal trophy is Viv Naicker. Congratulations Viv and well played.
This Saturday, 16 January, is the fourball alliance competition. This is not the start of the Alliance league but a practice round for the ‘real McCoy’ which starts up in February and will run until November. Choose your teams well – some of the teams need new ‘blood’, so make yourselves available. There will be social golf on Sunday, 17 January.
Any member interested in attending the finance meeting on Thursday, 14 January to have their ‘say’ must be at the club at 5pm. Friday, 15h January will be too late to voice your opinion.
KidzGolf starts up again on Saturday, 16 January and all children are most welcome to attend these lessons at 8am on the practice green. The Club will supply clubs if needed. Head coach, Devlyn Fraser and assistant coach, Lindani Mthiyane will be delighted to welcome them to join in the fun.
The Geriatrics still play early on Tuesdays and Fridays, with tee-off at 6.15am while it is still so hot. Call Keith on 083-305-5740 and Graham on 083-325-5705 for more information.
Six-pin is ongoing and is only on a Friday afternoon starting at 3pm when it’s a bit cooler. Contact Annette on 082-927-5013 – just in case the weather is a bit ‘iffy’ or if there is some other function on that afternoon. There is usually a braai afterwards, so come on down and enjoy a relaxing evening.
For more information, find UGC online at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za
