UGC women dominate regional golf champs

By P Utter

WITH the wind last Friday, winter has definitely arrived with much force.

But one has to admit, last Friday aside, the weather conditions of late have been stunning. The little nip in the air in the early mornings is surely enough to get out there and enjoy the cooler mornings.

Three Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) women, Annette Gillett, Michelle van der Merwe and Sabiha Bacaus represented the club at the Durban regional championships at Royal Durban Golf Club last Sunday in a 36-hole event. The great news is that the Umkomaas women won the overall team event and Michelle van der Merwe won the best nett in the morning session.

Congratulations to all three women – these girls are absolute stars. Well done on a fine effort in Durban, the UGC flag is once again flying ever so high. Good luck to Natalie Singer, Annette Gillett, Sabiha Bacaus and Michelle van der Merwe who are playing in either the Umdoni or Mkuhla teams, way up in Richard’s Bay in the inter region tournament next weekend. UGC wishes both teams all the very best for this tournament – travel safely and bring the trophies back to the South Coast.

Wednesday was the usual individual stableford and just for a change, there was a new winner. Wll done to Keith Vergottini who took the first prize with 42 points with Simon van den Bosch right behind him in second spot with 40 points. Piet Vermaak seems to be in the prizes regularly lately and this week he slipped into third place with 38 points, counting out Sierd Lamminga into fourth slot. Michelle van der Merwe took fifth place, counting out ‘Big’ Garth Wilyman and Lesa Vergottini, all with 35 points.

Saturday’s competition was the Toyota monthly medal for both women and men. Vice captain, Jimmy Spear welcomed visitors Murray Lloyd, Willie Ashton and Mike Harvard to the competition, and Patricia Thompson, Cathi Fraser and daughter Catherine to the club. The A division was won by Saga Reddy on 70 with runner-up Deneys Williamson on 72. The B division was won by Wally Kent on a stupendous score of 65 followed by runner-up Derek Airey also on a very good 68. The C division was scooped up by Simon van den Bosch on 72 followed by runner-up Keith Vergottini on a 74.

Among the UGC women, although there were but a few, it was Annette Gillett who took home the winners prize with a score of 71 with Lesa Vergottini capturing the runner-up’s prize with a 72. Lesa also won the least putts compo with 26 putts for the round – some of the men would love to ‘buy’ a few putts from her – or take lessons. Well done to all the winners.

The jackpot was a three-way tie between Annette Gillett, Wally Kent and Deneys Williamson, all on 11 points and the hidden birdie won by Saga Reddy (15th). There were a few 2-Clubs as well – Ganas Naicker fourth; Deneys Williamson ninth and both Dean Naicker and Wally Kent on the 13th. The attendance draw will be carried over since Kuben Naidoo left early. The football sweep is gaining momentum every week and this week it was won, once again, by Eddie the barman from a ticket chosen by one of the members – the winning team was Bognor Regis.

A huge welcome to all visiting teams as well as the local teams to the annual Sardine Run which starts next Saturday, 13 June and runs for three days until Monday, 15 June. The course will be closed during these three days and Umkomaas has reciprocity with both Amanzimtoti and Umdoni Golf Clubs for the duration of the ‘Run’. Call these clubs if you wish to play and produce your Umkomaas swipe card as proof of membership.

An early reminder of UGC’s Father’s Day golf day on Sunday, 21 June. Cost is R170 which includes green fees and lunch, a roast with veg and dessert, afterwards. Wives, lovers, significant others, spouses as well as the children can join the golfers and enjoy a lovely lunch at the club for R60 per person – call the club on 039-973-1042 to book numbers for catering purposes. Do support this club function on Father’s Day.

On Friday, 26 June the club hosts a ‘darts and domino’ evening. This is certainly something different so go on down and enjoy a raucous evening with people who know how to party.

To all members and friends of the club who are not well, especially Neil Thompson who is battling a bit at the moment, the club’s thoughts and prayers are with you and it wishes everyone a speedy recovery from whatever ails you.

UGC’s website can be found at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za