WHAT a welcome relief that rain was last Sunday night – just enough to get the Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) fairways back and the rough a little more treacherous.
It has been so dry of late and although UGC has a sprinkler system, the rain was most welcome.
What hasn’t been welcome is the wind – yes, we know it’s August and yes, we know it’s that time of the year but it is getting a tad much. Roll on September and spring.
The club welcome the Klip Gnomads, a roving group of players from upcountry last Friday who were all very complimentary about the condition of the course. Kudos to Mike Powell, green keeper and his staff.
Unfortunately, Tim missed the cut this week at the US PGA championships played at Valhalla but it must be quite difficult to perform every week with a decent result. Next week is the Wyndham Championships but it’s doubtful whether Tim will play. It’s time for family and a re-group for his next encounter. All the best for your next tournament, Tim.
Wednesday was the usual individual stableford where Bertie van Jaarsveld, Jan Moran and Warwick Head from Randpark were warmly welcomed. This week it was Mike Cromhout’s turn at the top of the prize giving sheet, taking the first prize on 44 great points, followed by Piet ‘Jorsie’ Vermaak in second place with 39 points. Peter Boshoff slipped into third slot with 38 points, edging out Chris Viljoen into fourth place with 37 points, counting out Dave Smit, also on 37 points.
Saturday’s competition welcomed visitors Selwyn and Annabelle Hesom to the club. It was very nice to see Natalie Singer and her family down in Umkomaas on a bit of a break.
The competition itself was a little different this week. Sonny Govender, the club manager, decided the club has so many beautiful ‘old’ trophies, why not play for them? With that in mind, the Widenham trophy individual stableford competition was reborn. Considering that UGC celebrated its centenary last year, the Widenham trophy is almost as old, first presented in 1921, so the history behind it goes way back. The grand winner of the Widenham trophy IPS competition was none other than Wednesday’s winner, Mike Cromhout on 46 stupendous points. Mike scored an eagle on the second hole, a rare ‘bird’ at Umkomaas as well as several birdies along the way and another two club on the 17th hole, hence his unbelievable score.
Congratulations, Michael, and well played. Taking second place was Graham Coxell on 41 points followed by Lindani Mthiyane in third place with 40 points, counting out John Thompson into fourth spot, also with 40 points. The jackpot was won by Lindani Mthiyane with 12 points, and Wally Kent took the hidden birdie prize on the short ninth hole. The attendance draw went begging since Natalie had left the building but she did manage a two club on the 13th hole. Well done to all the winners.
The fundraising day is almost upon us, this important annual event on the club’s calendar is Saturday, 16 August. If you haven’t put your name down, do so soon since the tee times are getting scarce. The green fees are R160 per player with prizes aplenty including nearest the pins on all the short holes. Contact the club on 039-973-1042 to book your time.
Visit UGC’s website at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za for all our information on green fees, news and so on.
