Ganas gains from World Golfers’ Champs

A COUPLE of months ago it was reported that Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) member,Ganas Naicker, had qualified for the World Golfer’s Championship.

The championship was played between 24 countries from around the world with 25 teams from these countries.

For amateur golfers, this is the absolute ‘cherry on top’ to be chosen to take part in such an auspicious event. Ganas did extremely well, playing in the second team and placed third, to win a beautiful trophy.

He was sixth in his category with South Africa’s first team winning the overall championship.

Congratulations to all the golfers who played outstanding golf with team spirit, camaraderie and a bit of friendly rivalry as well. Well done.

UGC was to have hosted the KZN seniors tournament at Umkomaas last Tuesday, 29 October, but thanks to the 200-odd millilitres of rain for days prior to this event, it has been postponed to Thursday, 12 December.

All golfers taking part in this tournament will be getting notification of the new date in due course from KZNGU.

Wednesday was the usual individual stableford but for the wind, it would have been a glorious day.

The winner on 42 points was Strand Striker, Fred Brandow, six shots ahead of Sierd Lamminga who ended his day in second spot on 36 points. Rob Mathias, a name not often seen in the prizes, won the count out from Garth Wilyman for third and fourth places respectively, on 35 points.

Being the first Saturday of the month, with the wind blowing up a storm, the players in the monthly medal competition are to be congratulated for their tenacity while playing in the down-graded mini ‘tornado’ which blew through on Saturday afternoon. The scores told another story, quite a few no-returns were recorded, but the winners were brilliant.

Once again, Saga Reddy took home the A division monthly mug on a score of 70 with Andy Davidge, three shots off in second place with 73. The B division was only just won by Mike Cromhout on 70 with Sean Prendergast counting out Jeff Govender for second place, both on 71. Then there was the match of the day, in the C division with Wally Kent picking up the spoils for first spot on a tremendous 66 (wondering on which course and day he played?), with Leven Chetty four shots off the pace on a 70. The women played equally well with Val Hazell running away with the first prize on 71 with Lesa Vergottini in second spot with 78.

Denise Nell took the least putts prize with 34 putts, counting out Sabiha Bacaus.

Wally Kent took home both the jackpot (on 10 points) and the hidden birdie which was on the short 13th hole. There were four 2-clubs on Saturday, one each from Wally Kent, Bruce Sutcliffe, Saga Reddy and Greg Thiel.

Val Hazell took home the attendance draw with Derek Crookes taking the meat prize in the non-skilled department on ticket number 40.

The “Gerry Hatricks” will be starting their golf on Tuesdays and Fridays a little earlier than usual at 6.45am. It is getting a tad hot now, seeing as summer is on its way at last, so if you wish to play with them, be at the club at 6.45am.

UGC apologises to all who have been trying to get through to the club via phone and email, the recent rain has played havoc on its lines and it has been down (but not out) for a week.

Hopefully Telkom can sort out the problems soon. If you need to contact the club, call Sonny on 083-356-0639 or Pam on 084-616-3155 until the lines are back up and all returns to normal.

All the relevant phone numbers can be found at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za