Large numbers take to greens in sponsored competition

UMKOMAAS Golf Club hosted a successful sponsored day last Saturday, all thanks go to Gregg Andersson of MegaMaster for supplying all the magnificent prizes on the day.

The format was a better ball and the response was tremendous by both members and visitors with 55 players playing in the competition alone. Even the weather did its duty with only mildly gusty wind and thankfully no rain on the day. Many thanks to members and the numerous visitors – too many to mention individually – for their continued support on the club.

The winners on the day, taking home the first prize was Ken Koster and Mike Cromhout on a great score of 48 points followed by John Thompson and Deneys Williamson in second place, counting out Annette Gillett and her partner, Andy Davidge into third spot, both teams on 47 points.

In fourth slot was Lesa Vergottini and Derek Airey, counting out Mike Harvard and Bing Opie into fifth place and right behind them in sixth spot was Tom Naicker and Kuben Naidoo, all six of them with 46 points. Dave Kemp was nearest the pin on the fourth hole – Annette Gillett was nearest the pin on the 17th hole. Slightly different was ‘closest the the pin in two shots’ on the fifth and 16th holes – these were won by Dudley Palmer on the fifth and new member, Matt Hamer on the 16th.

The Football Sweep ‘birds’ were won by our winner on the day, Ken Koster with Colchester FC. Congratulations to the winners and to all who played and supported the club.

The day before on Friday, 9 October, the club hosted the Kutch Denby Tournament for youngsters, run entirely by Shelagh Digby of the KZNGU Junior Foundation. This is an annual tournament whereby any youngster with an official handicap may play and Umkomaas Golf Club had over 25 children playing 36 holes (some only played 27 holes). Club captain, Jimmy Spear was on hand to present the prizes to the winners and a good day was had by all, narrowly missing the storm which broke as the last players were coming in. Good timing all-round.

After a week’s break for the Spring treatment for the mid-week Wednesday players, it was back to the business of golf last week with the Individual Stableford, with vouchers sponsored by Eagle Canyon Spur at the Galleria.

The club welcomed Neels Nel, regular Mike Harvard and Peter Williamson’s granddaughter, Jenna Anthoney to the competition. On this occasion, it was Simon van den Bosch taking home the first prize, counting out Strand Striker, Roddy McGibbon into second place, both with 40 points. In third spot was Michelle van der Merwe with 38 points and in fourth slot was Peter Toward, counting out both Wally Kent and Rob Mathias into fifth and sixth places respectively, all on 37 points. An early reminder that it will be the monthly blue Wednesday on 21 October – fore-warned is fore-armed, people.

On Saturday, 17 October is the 10th round of the Alliance League – gather the troops early, making sure you have a full team on Saturday. The points are getting interesting at this stage with the scores changing each month. Next Sunday, there is a group playing in the earlier time slots. Call the club on 039-973-1042 for a tee time. Also happening on Sunday, 18 October is the car treasure hunt, run by John Thompson – this is great fun and the whole family can be involved – it’s not a race to see who can finish first but who can work out the clues better. Your contact is either the club or John Thompson on 082-322-4920.

Both the women’s and men’s teams played in various leagues at the weekend – the women played their last South Coast Regional league matches at Southbroom GC on Sunday with, unfortunately, only the one win. Sabiha Bacaus and Lesa Vergottini won their match but lady captain, Bryony Rogers, her partner, Denise Nell with Annette Gillett and Michelle van der Merwe lost their matches. No sweat, girls, there’s always next year. The guys played their composite league at Umkomaas on Sunday – they, on the other hand, won on home territory with Selborne in second place and Royal Durban taking third (or last) place. Well done to the girls on their win and to the guys – well played.

There’s not much happening on the PGA Tour this week but the European Tour is at the Portugal Masters at Vilamoura, Portugal. This is also in our time zone so no early morning golf like last week with the President’s Cup.

As many of our members are aware, Umkomaas Golf Club is one of the three clubs involved with men’s inter-club on Friday, 30 October and Saturday, 31 October. We have requested reciprocity at both Scottburgh and Amanzimtoti Golf Clubs where you may play golf on both these days. Remember to book a time with the clubs early and present your SAGA swipe cards at the golf shop.

Weekly news and information can be found at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za.