Gregg tames Kokstad fairways to claim East Griqualand Champs B division
Tim is still not playing, resting his elbow being his main priority right now.
UMKOMAAS Golf Club (UGC) reports that Garth Mulroy, playing in the Omega Dubai Dessert Classic this weekend, made the cut after the close of play on Friday, holding his own after a lengthy lay-off last year.
His golfing ‘mojo’ seems to have returned and he is really playing well at the moment.
Garth shot a 70 in the final round to end his tournament on -7 at T35. The winner, Rory McIlroy was on top form again this week, finishing on -22. Next week is the Maybank Malaysian Open, so keep your eyes peeled for Garth.
Tim is still not playing, resting his elbow being his main priority right now. Hopefully his injury isn’t as bad as first thought and he’ll be back on the fairways once again.
Two UGC members, Gregg Andersson and Greg Thiel, with best mate, Matt Hamer entered the East Griqualand Championships in Kokstad this past weekend and played in freezing, wet and pretty miserable conditions. Not to be deterred, with many layers of clothing for warmth (these Durban boys really don’t like the cold), these three guys did their very best to tame the fairways and greens. Gregg Andersson won the B division by shooting an 83 on Saturday and a 74 (it was very cold) on Sunday. Congratulations to our local ‘stars’ for representing the club in such fine fashion. Congrats go to Greg Thiel as well for taking fourth place in the B division. Well done guys, the club is extremely proud of you both. Matt Hamer didn’t shape as well in the A division but the experience was amazing.
In local club news, Wednesday was the usual individual stableford where a warm welcome was bid to Colin Schwegmann as a new member to Umkomaas and to visitors Denys Williams and ‘Serfie’ Serfontein. Taking first prize was Barrie Taylor on 39 points followed by Rob Finlay in second spot with 37 points. Jimmy Pickavance slipped into third slot, counting out Garth Wilyman and Dave ‘George’ Smit into fourth and fifth places respectively, all on 36 points.
Saturday was the first round of the alliance league which was very well supported by both members and visitors alike with 56 players in the competition. Club captain, Peter Toward welcomed Denys Williamson, Selwyn and Annabelle Hesom, Dave Rickarts, Clyde Leisegang and Ian Hankinson at prize-giving. The winning team in first place were ‘The Naickers’ – Tom, Viv, Dean and Tash, three shots clear of their nearest rivals with 91 points from second placed team ‘The Naidoos’ – Bruce Sutcliffe, Dylan Sutcliffe, Kuben Naidoo and Christopher Pillay on 88 hard-earned points. In third slot were ‘The Scrounging Paddy’s’ – Jimmy Pickavance, Rob Small, Clyde Leisegang and Graham Coxell on 87 points. Douglas Green sponsored the wine on the nearest the pin holes – on the fourth James Reynolds; ninth Wally Kent; 13th Franco Scarpa and Graham Coxell on the 17th.
Jacques Hulley was the only two club of the day on the 13th hole. The hidden birdie, found on the long par five eighth hole, was shared between Robbie Small, Kuben Naidoo and Saga Reddy. The Football Sweep run every week, was won by Peter Williamson. His winning team was Sheffield Wednesday.
The mixed doubles competition was played on Sunday, 1 February where most players feared the rain which didn’t happen. The winners on this occasion were Val Hazell and John Thompson with 44 points. In second place were Annette Gillett and Alf Hopf, counting out Michelle van der Merwe and Derek Airey into third place, all on 43 points. Nearest the pins were Val Hazell on the fourth and Annette Gillett on the 13th. Well done.
Saturday, 7 February is monthly medal – treat it as a run-up to club champs in April, with social golf on Sunday, 8 February. Good luck to the girls playing in the South Coast meet on 8 February at Scottburgh. Bring it home.
A gentle reminder of the car treasure hunt on 15 February which should be an absolute ‘hoot’ and great fun as well. There is going to be another quiz evening at the end of the month, watch this space for more details.
A reminder of UGC’s mid-week special green fees. Contact the club for details on 039-973-1042.
Spare a thought for Roddy McGibbon and his wife Barbara at this very trying time. Members’ thoughts and prayers are with you both and we are ever hopeful of a good outcome.
Finally in more ways than one, congratulations go to Kelly Govender, daughter of manager, Sonny and Veni Govender whose engagement was announced to Keegan Kisten last Friday night. There was great excitement in the families and among all the members. Congratulations to you both.
UGC’s information can be accessed at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za
