By P Utter
THIS week, Umkomaas Golf Club’s (UGC) course is getting its annual spring treatment, where everything to do with the course gets ‘the treatment’ – from verti-cutting to bush cutting and everything in between, so that for the next year or so, the golf course will look its absolute best.
By the time the weekend rolls around, the tee boxes, greens and fairways will be manicured and ready for play on Friday, all thanks to Mike and his dedicated team for their hard work over the four days.
Roll on summer.
Last week, information was made known to the scribe about four youngsters, ranging between the ages of seven and 11 who are junior members of UGC. They have been playing golf in junior tournaments over the last few months at Mt Edgecombe, Beachwood and Royal Durban with great success. Damien O’Connell, Noah Rudwick and twins, Rory and Jordan Bernardis have been upsetting all the record books after playing last weekend in a ‘Big 3 Series’ tournament whrre they won their sections brilliantly. Damien (11) won the B division with 40 points, with little Noah (8) coming second on a count-out with 40 points, also in the B division. Twins, Rory and Jordan (7) played in the “pee wee” division and scooped the first and second places with 50 and 40 points respectively. This is a wonderful result from the juniors – all thanks to Grandpa O’Connell, aka Willie, for all the time he spends with the boys on a daily basis. The twins even practise their putting before they go to school in the mornings. How’s that for dedication? Congratulations to these four very young boys, who are playing golf with such commitment and enjoying themselves at the same time. If there are any youngsters who wish to play in these specially organised tournaments, call the club for more details.
As always, the competition last Wednesday was the individual stableford and the winner was one of the women, Michelle van der Merwe who shot 38 points to take the first prize, with Rob Mathias and Mike Harvard right behind her, in second and third places respectively on a count out, both with 37 points.
Saturday’s Toyota monthly medal was played, even though the field was quite small. It was good to see Sean Prendergast at the club since his move down south. The rain threatened all day, but the players weren’t deterred at all. Winners in the A division were Mike Cromhout with a good 67 followed by runner-up, Saga Reddy on 71. The B division was snatched up by Wally Kent on a brilliant 65 with Bruce Sutcliffe hot on his heels in second place with a 66. The always well supported C division was once again won by John Thompson on an excellent 67 with Tom Naicker right behind him and runner-up with a 68.
The women played their monthly medal competition and it was Sabiha Bacaus on a 75 from Denise Nell, the runner-up with a 78. Denise also took home the least putts prize with only 32 putts. Petros Langa won both the jackpot with 10 points and the hidden birdie. There were no two clubs (must have been the wind) and Saga Reddy won the attendance draw. Well done to all the players especially the winners.
The .onthly mug winner for October was Wally Kent – well played, Wally.
This Saturday, 8 October is the alliance league – get your teams together as time is running out for your team to catch-up in the points department. There will be social golf on Sunday, 9 October – call to book a time on 039-973-1042.
Since it is school holidays, there is no KidzGolf until the school term starts again, when Devlyn, Lindani and Mike will be back to welcome all the youngsters the following Saturday between 8am and 9am on the practise putting green.
For any information regarding tee times and club activities, call the office on 039-973-1042.
