By P Utter
IT’S that time of the year, maybe a little earlier than usual this year, but it’s when club champs are upon Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) once again.
Thanks to all the members who have put their names down to play – you are all wished the very best of luck next weekend.
Let’s hope the weather plays along as well, conditions similar to last Sunday would be rather pleasant.
The Umkomaas guys played the Danie Hollenbach composite league challenge final last Sunday at Royal Durban Golf Club. Captain Bing Opie is proud of his players since they finished second overall with 399 points behind the winners, the Royal Raptors who had 408 points. There are 11 teams competing in this league, so congratulations to all the UGC boys, many of whom have never played composite league before. Well done to them all.
Garth Mulroy spent last weekend at Royal Johannesburg Golf Club competing in the rain-soaked, storm hit Jo’burg Open. The lightning storms over Johannesburg can be pretty fierce so consequently the tournament was reduced to 54 holes. One has to wonder if Garth had played the full 72 holes, would he have had a better result since his daily scores were 70, 69 and a 68 – the fourth day could have been a 67?? We will never know but he did finish with a flourish at T38 at -8. All the very best for the next tournament Garth, the Tshwane Open on 2 March.
Unfortunately, last Wednesday’s UGC competition was completely rained out. We need the rain desperately but not on a competition day. Nonetheless the course is looking pretty good at the moment, mainly thanks to the rain and the hard work of the greenkeeping staff. There were quite a few great compliments after the groups on Saturday – thank you all. The club looks forward to seeing all the Wednesday players and others, next week.
Last Saturday, 18 February was the fourball betterball stableford and winners were Dave Kemp and Mike Cromhout on 46 points, counting out Graham Coxell and Peter Toward into second place, also with 46. Third was Jimmy Spear and Susi Suhonen on 44 points. Mike Cromhout took home the jackpot with his 11 points but both the hidden birdie and the attendance draw will be carried over to next weekend. There were only two two-clubs – Derek Airey on the fourth and Mike Cromhout on the 13th. Well done, everyone.
This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 4 and 5 March it’s the big one – club champs. All the trophies have been returned and polished, awaiting the new champions to claim them. If there are any members not playing the club champs but would still like to have a round of golf, the course will be open on both days (with no comp on Saturday), at around 11am. Call Sonny for confirmation. The office should receive the time sheet for both club champ days by Wednesday – it will also be up on the website for your convenience.
A big ‘thank you’ to Nelson and Lindani for taking KidzGolf last Saturday morning while Devlyn was away on business. The children are really enjoying their short time they spend at the club on Saturday mornings. It is great to see their enthusiasm out on the practice green and down the 18th fairway. Parents are asked to note that, due to club champs next weekend, there will be no KidzGolf on Saturday morning but Devlyn will be back on 11 March.
Once again, an appeal goes out to all members to assist with prizes and/or donations for Sonny’s fundraising day in April. Again, the club thanks all the members who have come forward with prizes, donations or something to raffle for the fundraiser. Every little bit helps and UGC thanks you for the contributions.
Last, but by no means least, good luck to all our members playing in the club champs this year, win or not, you are all champions.
The time sheet and all club information can be found at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za
