By P Utter
HAPPY New Year to all members and friends of Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) – may 2017 be even better than 2016.
On Friday, 6 January, UGC had the pleasure of hosting the annual Tim Clark junior championships which, in association with the KZNGU Junior Foundation, is organised entirely by Shelagh Digby.
All thanks to Shelagh who, together with Joseph Kunene, completely runs this very successful tournament. Huge thanks go to Tim for managing to get all the magnificent prizes which were presented to the winners by club captain, Barrie Taylor. Mention must be made of Umkomaas’ four young ‘stars’ who played in this tournament for the first time, playing their 27 holes like pros. Well done to Damian (35 points) twins, Rory (30 points) and Jordan (46 points) and Noah (25 points) for actually completing the course. They didn’t win any of the main prizes, but nonetheless made UGC so proud. One of the youngsters playing in the A division is a +5 handicap – something UGC’s ‘littlies’ can aspire to in the future.
Wednesday’s competition was the individual stableford and just by way of a change, it was won by one of the woman members, Michelle van der Merwe with 38 points. She defeated Wally Kent and another member into second and third spot respectively, both with 37 points.
Saturday, 7 January saw the first Halfway Toyota monthly medal competition of 2017 played. Club captain, Barrie Taylor welcomed visitors Carools Hattingh, Jacques Hattingh, Pete Barraclough and Zee Mdadone. Although the rain looked rather threatening for a while, most players made it back to the clubhouse relatively dry.
Winner of the A division was once again Mike Cromhout on 69 with visitor, Jacques Hattingh taking the runner-up prize on a count out from Saga Reddy and Lindani Mthiyane, all on 70. In the B division it was Nelson Moonsamy’s fantastic 66 that won him first prize with another visitor, Zee Mdadone taking the runner-up prize on a count out from Derek Airey, both on 71. The popular C division was won convincingly by Bing Opie with a 72 with Peter Toward counting out Vesa Suhonen into second and third places respectively, both with 76.
The women also played medal and it was Erika Ruaro who scooped the first prize with her 72, just one shot better than Susi Suhonen’s score of 73, putting her in second spot. Susi also won the least putts compo with 29 putts. Sabiha Bacaus was the only recorded two-club on the fourth hole.
Barrie Taylor took home the jackpot, Derek Airey and Lindani Mthiyane shared the hidden birdie which was on the 8th hole. The attendance draw will be carried over to next weekend.
Golfer of the month for January was Nelson Moonsamy on his magnificent score of 66.
This Saturday, 14 January, the competition is a fourball betterball with social golf on Sunday. Call the office on 039-973-1042 to book a time, bearing in mind that the club is now closed on Mondays until further notice.
The Geriatrics are still active on Tuesdays and Fridays, starting their golf at the ‘sparrow-tickle’ hour of about 6.30am. All visitors are welcome to join them at a much reduced green fee for 18 holes. Call Graham on 083-325-5705 or Keith on 083-305-5740 for more information.
KidzGolf starts on Saturday, 14 January, where Devlyn, Lindani and Mike welcome all children at the course between 8am and 9am. Parents are welcome to go along too. For more details, call the club on 039-973-1042.
The BMW SA Open starts next Thursday, 12 January at Glendower Golf Club. Great news is that Garth Mulroy will be playing in this tournament, along with quite a few big names in golf. Tim Clark won this tournament twice already – wouldn’t it be great if another of Umkomaas’ PGA members won it as well? All the very best of luck go to Garth for this tournament and for the rest of the year.
It was a great shock to hear of Wayne Westner’s death last week. UGC sends sincere condolences to his wife and family at this very sad time. A tremendous loss to South African Golf.
As always, anyone can visit UGC’s website at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za
