Wet weather dampens some golfers’ spirits

By P Utter

SINCE every outdoor sport known to man was cancelled from Wednesday to Sunday, there isn’t much news to report on, on the golfing front at Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC).

But there were four intrepid golfers who went out on Wednesday, hoping they wouldn’t get wet. Well, wet they did get – it’s unsure if the four – Rob Finlay, Andy Davidge, Deneys Williamson and John Thompson – made the whole 18 holes but their urge to play golf was greater than the thought of getting rained on. Saturday was the same scenario, as only twelve members chanced it and went out to play, getting soaked for their trouble. You have the scribe’s undying admiration for your optimism under such awful weather conditions.

But let’s be honest, the rain has been tremendous, all the golf courses along the South Coast desperately needed it and as everyone knows – be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. And we did, by the bucket load.

Along with the rain came a seriously cold front and as all true Natalians know, if the temperature drops below 18 degrees we are freezing cold and unhappy. Roll on summer. Both the women’s South Coast regional champs at Port Shepstone and composite league at Umkomaas were cancelled due to the weather. Watch for the new dates which will be announced soon.

Tim Clark played in the Canadian Open as the defending champion last weekend in Ontario, Canada. Considering his injuries of late and the amount of time he’s been away from golf and only, in recent weeks, returned to active competition, he did very well. The RBC Canadian Open was won by Jason Day on -17, which is a great score in any tournament with Tim, first of all, making the cut and then finishing on -3 at T63.

There’s not much happening next weekend on the PGA or the European Tour front – there’s the Quicken Loans National (PGA) and then the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay on the European Tour. The big tournaments are yet to come and look forward to – on 6 August there’s the WGC Bridgestone Invitational and on the same weekend, the Barracuda Championships (both PGA tours) will be played. UGC is almost positive Tim will play in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, which he rather enjoys. As a matter of interest, Tim’s world ranking is 77 with Garth having to do a little catch-up at 518.

Saturday, 1 August will be the Toyota monthly medal with social golf on Sunday, 2 August. Good luck to all the women in both the Mkuhla and the Umdoni teams who will travel up the North Coast to play their final inter region match at Umhlali Golf Club. Bring the trophy / plate back to the South Coast, girls.

Once again a reminder of UGC’s fundraising day on Saturday, 29 August. Be generous with donated prizes and monetary contributions and let’s make this a great day for the club. All donations and prizes can be left at the office.

Six-pin, as always, is on a Friday afternoon, starting at around 2.30pm. This is great fun to de-stress with only six holes to play. At the moment, there isn’t a braai afterwards but as soon as the warmer weather arrives, the fires will be lit once again.

UGC’s ‘Gerry Hatricks’ group plays early-ish on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7am for 7.15am. The cost of a round is R70 plus a small competition fee as well. All are more than welcome to play with this group on these days.

Also a reminder of the R20 green fee for all U21-year-olds, Monday to Friday and after 11.30am on Sundays. Take along your ID if you are not obviously under 21.

KidzGolf will re-start when the school terms begins. Any youngster may join in to learn the rudiments of golf from head coach, Devlyn Fraser and his assistant Lindane Mthiyane on Saturday mornings between 8am and 9am. Breakfast is available for the parents from the restaurant.

Go to www.umkomaasgolf.co.za