By P Utter
The province has had more than its fair share of rain over the last few weeks – seasoned golfers always say it never rains on a golf course. Well, the latest news – it does and rain it did.
However, the promised draw for the R10,000 pot was on the cards for the evening which was enjoyed by all. Winner of the main prize was Berenice Rose (Michelle’s mom) with Mike dos Santos being drawn for the second prize of R2,000. Marnus Hoffman scooped the third prize of R1,000. Congratulations to all the winners, a big thank you to all members and non-members who sold tickets over the past few months for the support and dedication to the success of this annual event.
Although the Christmas alliance was postponed, many players still played on Saturday afternoon, rain or no rain. Decked out in rain suits of many colours (nice, Bryony), they went forth to play in the individual stableford which was a last-minute arrangement. Thanks to all members and visitors who were welcomed to UGC by Barrie Taylor at prize-giving – Allan Eriksen, Derek Cowden, Erich van Rooyen, Dave van der Merwe, Josh Rossouw and Dave Rickards – for coming down or across from Scottburgh to play in the re-organised competition.
Well done to the winners who played in the rain – first Barrie Taylor on 42 points, followed by Jacques Hulley in second place with 41 points, Saga Reddy in third spot with 40 points, fourth was Dave van der Merwe with 39 points, fifth was Chris Pillay with 38 points and last but not least, Lindani Mthiyane with 37 points. Well done, Although everyone got a tad wet, UGC appreciates the support.
All the side competitions will be carried over to next weekend.
The mid-week golf on Wednesday was a slightly dryer affair than it was on Saturday but windy in the extreme. The challenge on Wednesday was not to lose a ball anywhere and the most successful of all was Sierd Lamminga in first place with 38 points followed by Chris Viljoen in second spot on a count out from Dave Kemp in third place, both with 37 points.
A reminder to all members and their guests of the turkey trot pairs on the Friday, 16 December public holiday. All the prizes will be turkeys so don’t buy one yet. First play in this ‘different’ competition. It’s being organised by Chris Viljoen, all the rules and details are on the noticeboard. For instance, of the pair playing, one will be nominated to tee off on every hole, then it will be alternate shots to the last putt. It’s advisable that a man and a woman play together so that the man can tee off – big advantage. Points to remember will be clipped to the score card for easy reference. Do put your names down and support Chris – there’s every chance that you could win a turkey.
On Saturday, 17 December will be the last of the official alliance games for this year. As mentioned above, the Christmas alliance will be played this Sunday, 18 December, so call the office and re-book your time. Times start from 9am onwards. The women’s captain Linda Toward has organised loads of fabulous prizes – for nearest the pins on all short holes and longest/straightest drives for both the men and the women.
The craft market will also be at the club on Sunday – maybe pick up a Christmas present or two while you’re there. There’s no getting away from the fact that last Saturday’s weather was rubbish – let’s hope the golfers get a break and Sunday will be fantastic. UGC looks forward to seeing everyone once again. The club will be open on Mondays for the whole of December for business as usual. UGC has some special offers for golfers – such as R1,000 gets you a four-ball, two carts and a six-pack of Castle Lite or a R50 cash-back on the 2nd game you play at Umkomaas on your green fees. Call the club for more details on 039-973-1042.
Details of the specials are on www.umkomaasgolf.co.za.
