UGC’s inter region women golfers do club proud
The Mkuhla team, with Sabiha and Natalie as part of the team, completely whitewashed their opponents, the Durban Invitational team.
By P Utter
IT is with much pride that three women from Umkomaas Golf Club – Sabiha Bacaus, Michelle van der Merwe and Natalie Singer – were chosen to play in the inter regional matches this year, which kicked off at Kloof Country Club last Sunday.
They have been teamed up with women from Toti, Scottburgh and Southbroom, with Sabiha and Natalie in the Mkuhla team and Michelle in the Umdoni team, playing 36 holes in a betterball matchplay and foursomes matchplay.
The Mkuhla team, with Sabiha and Natalie as part of the team, completely whitewashed their opponents, the Durban Invitational team. Natalie chipped in for an ‘eagle’ from 100m out which certainly helped the Mkuhla team win. The Umdoni team also had a fantastic win, considering they were two down with three holes to play. Defeating the Northern region soundly, they join the Mkuhla team to go forward into the second round knock-out, which will be played at Prince’s Grant in June. Many congratulations to both the Mkuhla and Umdoni teams on their magnificent win.
Four of UGC’s junior members are also making waves in junior tournaments – the club’s ‘littlies’, twins Jordan and Rory Bernadis, Damien O’Connell and Noah Rudwick played at Victoria Golf Club on Sunday, 2 April with Jordan winning the C division with 35 points and brother, Rory taking second place with 34 points. Damien was fifth in line and Noah was in seventh place. Results like these certainly augur very well for the juniors – all thanks to Oupa Willie and in some respect dad, Marc Bernadis as well. May they all go from strength to strength in their future tournaments.
As per usual, Wednesday’s competition was the individual stableford and it was, once again, one of UGC’s women taking the honours. Well done to first placed Michelle van der Merwe on 43 points, only just defeating second placed Rob Mathias by one shot, who had 42 points. In third slot was Eric Morsner on 39 points with Jimmy Pickavance in fourth place on 36 points.
Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB which was a very close contest between the top three teams. The weather was absolutely perfect with very little wind so the scores reflected on the score cards were excellent. Club captain, Barrie Taylor welcomed Robert Ueckermann to the club and competition at prizegiving. The three teams, with the same scores, were on a count out, Keith Vergottini and Bing Opie in first place, Mike Cromhout and Derek Airey in second spot with Dave Mulroy and Peter Toward in third place – all on 45 points. Derek Airey was the sole winner of the jackpot with his 10 points but the hidden birdie – on the 10th hole – will be carried over to next weekend. Surprisingly, there were only two two-clubs – Jacques Hulley on the fourth and Derek Airey on the 13th.
Nelson’s Sunday bash last weekend is gathering momentum. This week, the winners were Saga Reddy in first place, Lindani Mthiyane came in second and tied for third were James Dlamini, Nelson Moonsamy and Derek Xaba – well done to the winners. The next meeting for the Bash will be Sunday, 23 April.
This weekend is Easter weekend – welcome to all visitors and a very happy Easter to you all. The competition next Saturday, 15 April is the alliance league so get your teams together for the third round. On Easter Sunday, 16 April there will be social golf. The craft market is in the car park on that day too, so go on down and enjoy the morning. On Easter Monday, 17 April (Family Day) the club is hosting a ‘Super Easter Monday fun day’ with tee-off times between 10am and 11am, playing only 10 holes in all. The green fees on the day will be R50 plus R20 for the competition fee. All 10 holes are going to be fun holes, in other words on the 18th hole (aka the ‘puttnooker’ for the day) no putters are allowed but once you’re on the green, choose any club in your bag and use the grip like you would a snooker cue. The ‘fun rules’ for all the holes will be handed out to the players on arrival and it promises to be a fabulously fun day for everyone. After the golf it will be bring and braai time so take the family as well and enjoy the day. To book a tee-off time, call Linda on 083-787-7766.
Remember that it’s Sonny’s fundraising day on Saturday, 29 April. That’s only two weeks away, so give Sonny a call and book your tee time on 039-973-1042. Prizes and sponsorship are still needed, if you can assist in any way, call Sonny as he would love to hear from you.
Looking slightly ahead, on Friday, 28 April after six-pin, the club hosts frog racing (no – not with real frogs). This is also fun for everyone, food will be on offer and your contact is John Thompson on 082-322-4920.
It is with much sympathy that the scribe reports the death of Mike Hope a few weeks ago. Mike was one of the original Strand Strikers – a group of guys who are all ex-rugby or cricket players but now find golf a little more forgiving on the joints, all of 35 years ago. The Strand Strikers still play every Saturday at Umkomaas Golf Club and Mike will be fondly remembered, not only by all the Strikers but by all the members of the golf club as well. Deepest condolences go to his family at this sad time.
All UGC’s news and competitions can be found at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za
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