AS mentioned last week, the Natal Nomads played their bi-annual tournament at Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) last Thursday, which was an enormous success.
Although there was a bit of a breeze that day, it didn’t seem to worry the players.
The club took great pleasure in hosting the Natal Nomads, thanks to Eric Morsner, Nomad captain who organised the day from the starting on both tees to the scoring afterwards.
The best fourball on the day was, of course, members from Umkomaas, Eric Morsner, Jimmy Spear, Richard Andersson and Umkomaas club captain, Peter Toward. Jimmy Spear won the B division individual stableford off a 13 handicap with 36 points. Congrats to the home team and Jimmy – a most enjoyable day was had by all.
Congratulations to the women who at the recent AGM re-elected Bryony Rogers to steer the committee as woman captain for another year. Other committee members elected are Linda Toward, vice captain, Lesa Vergottini, secretary/treasurer as well as long-standing former woman captain, Annette Gillett. Welcomed onto the new committee were Denise Nell and Julie Hattingh – may their endeavours for the year ahead be as successful as in the past year and the club wishes them everything of the best in their fundraisers and planned events.
It was so good to see Tim Clark at the club last Wednesday, looking very relaxed after a rather grueling few weeks in China, especially his last tournament at the WCG in Shanghai. Hopefully UGC will see more of him as he spends quality time with his folks, Dave and Trish Clark down in Pennington.
Wednesday’s individual stableford was a very windy affair. At least most of the players can play the 18th with two fairway shots into the green and putt, albeit wind assisted on this occasion. Despite the wind, which golfers seem to be getting used to, some good scores came in at the end of the day’s play. Johan Hugo took the honours this week on a winning score of 39 points with big Garth Wilyman, always around in the prizes, in second spot with 37 points. Visitor A Clayton took the third prize on 35 points.
Saturday was the ever-popular fourball alliance. Although played in a wind of epic proportions, it was very well supported by members and visitors. Visitors, brothers Peter and Mark Kroeger, Mike Harvard, Pat Fowler, Chris Coetzee and Renzo Avellini were all welcomed at prize giving by Peter Toward. The winners with 91 points were Bruce Sutcliffe, Dylan Sutcliffe, Kuben Naidoo and Lindani Mthiyane with Barrie and Warren Taylor, Mike Cromhout and Peter Williamson right behind them in 2nd place on 90 points. Taking third prize was team Gillett, Annette and John, together with Andy Davidge and Rob Finlay with 89 points. It certainly doesn’t get much closer than that in the points department.
The jackpot was split three-ways this week between Bruna Scarpa, Sue Boshoff and Mike Harvard, all with 10 points but both the hidden birdie (15th hole) and the attendance draw (Pat Fowler) will be carried over to next weekend. Kuben Naidoo was the only player with a two-club on the fourth hole, quite a remarkable feat in the howling wind on a raised green. Well done, Kuben. Derek Crookes won the chickens in the ‘non skills department’ of the football sweep.
Next Saturday, 22 November will be a bonus bogey with social golf on Sunday, 23 November.
For those who don’t get Annette’s email, there are a few events coming up in the next few weeks –
Saturday, 29 November will be the thre ball ‘waltzing alliance’ with mixed foursomes on Sunday, 30 November. Call the office to book your time on 039-973-1042.
On Friday, 5 December, the club will host a quiz evening. Teams will consist of four players so go down for a fun evening. For your money, light snacks will be included in the price.
Saturday, 13 December is the annual fourball Christmas alliance where the R10,000 draw will take place as well. Tee-off times from 10am with nearest the pins, straightest drives on the 18th hole and loads of exciting prizes to be won.
On Tuesday,16 December the club hosts the ‘Turkey trot’, which is a holiday and the time sheet will fill up quickly so get in early for your time.
A reminder to all mid-week golfers – the two-for-one special currently running during the week will come to an end on Sunday, 30 November. From Monday, 1 December normal green fee rates will apply. These rates can be found on the website www.umkomaasgolf.co.za or call the office for more information.
