WONDERFUL news this week is that four of Umkomaas Golf Club’s (UGC) women members have been chosen to play in both the inter region teams this year.
This is a great honour to be chosen to represent the South Coast and the club is enormously proud of Sabiha Bacaus, Michelle van der Merwe and Annette Gillett representing the Mkuhla team and Natalie Singer who will be representing the Umdoni team. Congratulations once again – bring back the trophy to the South Coast.
UGC congratulates the bronze girls, Bryony, Annette and Leigh who, apart from one player from Toti Golf Club, were the only players from any of the South Coast clubs who played in the KZN Bronze Championships at Beachwood last Friday, 13 March. Unfortunately Leigh didn’t make it into the matchplay. Congratulations to both Bryony and Annette on their brilliant golf on Friday. They will be contesting the matchplay on Monday, 23 March so watch this space for the results of that competition.
The silver division girls, Sabiha, Michelle and Natalie (who flew down from Johannesburg to play in the KZN Silver Champs, are also the only players from the South Coast to enter the champs, playing 36 holes on Sunday, 22 March also at Beachwood and continuing on Monday, 23 March if they make the cut. Good luck and play well all of you. More results next week.
At Wednesday’s individual stableford competition, visitors Alan Hawkins, Keith Brooking and Bob Fowler were warmly welcomed to the club. The club bade farewell to John and Penny Smith and regular visiting player, Dave Rickards who all returned home to the UK last week. There was a surprise winner last week in the form of Tony Power, one of UGC’s ‘Gerry Hatrick’s’ who played on Wednesday and won the competition with 42 points. Well done, Tony and welcome to the competition. In second place was Johan Hugo on 40 points followed by Hans Beuthe in third slot with 38 points. Rob Finlay took fourth place, counting out Barrie Taylor and Richard Andersson, all on 37 points.
The competition on Saturday was changed to an individual stableford which was won on a count out by Nelson Moonsamy, from Jacques Hulley in second place and Bruce Sutcliffe in third spot, all on 38 points. Devlyn Fraser took the last prize in fourth place with 37 points. The competition couldn’t have been closer if it tried. The jackpot was shared between Tom Naicker and Barrie Taylor, both with 10 points and the hidden birdie was won by none other than Eric Morsner on the long par five 6th hole. Val Hazell took home the attendance draw and Peter Williamson, once again, won the football sweep with Blackpool FC. Well done to all the winners on Saturday. Thanks to Jim Spear for starting the ball rolling for monetary donations for the drainage ditches and distance markers on the course. Members are asked to give as generously as they can as it is for their benefit. To those who have donated already, many thanks. All donations can go to Jimmy Spear, who will pass it on for you.
It has come to the notice of the management of ‘slow play’ during competitions, especially on Saturdays and all who are guilty of ‘slow play’ are asked to speed up and putt out on the greens. One of the local rules is: Keep up with the players in front and not in front of the players behind. If every player stuck to that rule, there would be no problem at all. It just makes it so unpleasant for your playing partners and the players behind you who have to wait on every hole.
Saturday, 21 March is the third round of the Alliance league so get your teams together for this great competition. There are a couple of teams in need of ‘fill-in’ players so if you’re looking for a game, give the office a call on 039-973-1042 and they will try their best to find a slot for you. Sunday, 22 March has a group playing quite early in the morning but there will be social golf either before or after the group.
Looking ahead to Friday, 27 March, it’s another bingo evening at the club and all are most welcome to play. There is a choice of two meals on offer .Call the office for more details or Annette on 082-927-5013.
Saturday, 28 March is the three ball waltzing alliance, which has been played before and was great fun. Choose your partners well and enjoy the competition.
On Easter Sunday, the club hosts a ‘four Jacks and a Jill’ competition. All are welcome to join in on that fun day. For more details and to book, call the club on 039-973-1042.
Don’t forget club champs in May and the Sardine Run in June. More on these two tournaments in the months to come.
Spare a thought for Neil Thompson and keep him in your prayers as he battles his illness. Neil has been a member of UGC for many, many years and everyone wishes him the very best in the months ahead and a speedy recovery. Any member who is feeling poorly at the moment is sent get well wishes.
Find UGC online at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za