Strand Striker, Fred bags top spot in individual stableford

AS mentioned in last week’s edition in the Umkomaas Golf Club report, the result of Tim Clark in the Hyundai tournament of champions in Hawaii, improved considerably at the end of play on Monday morning. He finished at T22 at -7.

Not a bad finish considering his second to last placing on the second day. This week, however, Tim was still in Hawaii, in Honolulu this time, playing in the Sony Open which he usually does well in. Not being the longest hitter in the world, as we all know, Tim chooses his tournaments to suit his game and the Sony open is no exception.

If anyone had watched him in the Open, you would have seen just how accurate he is with his irons but unfortunately, after playing so well and within reach of leaders, he let it slip, just a tad, by finishing his final round on a 74 at T30, ending up on -8. That being said, Tim’s Fedex Cup points improved and he’s ninth on that list. Not a bad start to 2015. Not sure if he will play next week (it’s really hard work playing golf in Hawaii!) but next week its the Humana Challenge but will probably hold out for the Phoenix open which is nearer to home base. Hopefully, Garth Mulroy will be playing on the European Tour next week, starting on 22 January, at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Good luck to both our ‘boys’- our support and positive thoughts are with you both.

Wednesday’s competition was the usual individual stableford and the club welcomed David Rickarts and former member Arthur Loader to the competition. The winner on this occasion was Strand Striker, Fred Brandow in first place with 42 points followed by Michelle van der Merwe in second spot with 40 points. Right behind Michelle was Chris Viljoen in third slot with 39 points and big Garth Wilyman in fourth place on 36 points.

The 4 BBB Stableford was played on Saturday and the club welcomed former member Fred Wallace as well and visiting members from Maritzburg Golf Club, Darryl Trodd, son Nathan plus Jonathan Ackerman and his son, Robert, not forgetting Mike Harvard who is a regular visitor to Umkomaas. The winning team on the day was Johan Hugo and Jimmy Spear, counting out John Thompson and Erika Ruaro into second place, both teams on 45 points. In third slot was mom and son combo, Annette Gillett and Damian Gillett, counting out Lesa Vergottini and Linda Toward and visitors Jonathan and Robert Ackerman, all on 43 points. How’s that for close competition?

The jackpot was shared between the women this week with both Annette Gillett and Lesa Vergottini on 11 points apiece. The hidden birdie will be carried over from the sixth hole to next week. There were four players with two clubs, all on the fourth hole but only young Robert Ackerman collected his winnings. Bruce Sutcliffe’s name was drawn in the ‘non-skills department’ but he wasn’t around to collect so that will be carried over as well.

There are a few dates to remember: Next Saturday, 24 January is the Widenham Trophy – the format is individual stableford with social golf on Sunday.

The alliance league, which is being resurrected by Jim Spear this year, will have it’s first game on 31 January. Get your teams together and enter your “team” on the notice board. Should see some great competition during the year.

On Sunday, 1 February is the mixed doubles – do contact the club on 039-973-1042 to book a time.

Here is a first for the club – A car treasure hunt on Sunday, 15 February. This is being organized by John Thompson and should be loads of fun with quite a few giggles along the way. For more details, call the club.

As always, KidzGolf starts again on Saturday, 24 January – any youngsters wishing to learn about the game of golf, do come on down to the Club on Saturday between 8am and 9am – Devlyn would love to meet you all. Even the ‘not-so-young’ may come on down for a chat with the coach.

The normal weekly competitions on Tuesdays and Fridays with the “Gerry Hatricks” – “golf balls in the hat” by 6.15am tee off at 6.30am. Call Graham on 083-325-5705 or Keith on 083-305-5740.

Umkomaas Golf Club has re-instated their “Mid-week Specials” on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. These specials do not apply on Competition days (ie: Wednesdays or Saturdays) Sundays or public holidays. Contact the office on 039-973-1042 for more information.

All this information is on our website at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za