Strand Strikers take UGC stableford golf by storm
The jackpot was won by Eric Morsner, on his own, with 11 points but the hidden birdie (16th hole) will be carried over to next weekend.
By P Utter
WITH all the marvellous rain KZN has been experiencing over the past few weeks, Umkomaas Golf Club’s (UGC) course is looking particularly lush.
There are a few spots which are a tad soggy but these will dry out in next to no time – well before the upcountry visitors are due to arrive.
That being said, the course is very playable and all visitors, upcountry or local, are more than welcome to play a round, making full use of the December specials the club has on offer.
Wednesday dawned dry, no rain but there was a bit of a wind in the afternoon. The club welcomed visitors Jason Moriarty from Toti GC and Vic Reitz from Reading GC in Gauteng.
Also welcomed was new member, Peter Bond – may he have a long association with UGC. The individual stableford competition winner was young Strand Striker, Gregg Andersson with 45 good points, followed by Derek Airey in second place with 39 points. In third spot was another Strand Striker, Garth Wilyman on 37 points.
Last Saturday, 25 November, it was the Alliance league game and although not all the teams played, they will get another chance to play the final round of this league on Saturday, 16 December. It was nice to see Dave Rickards back at the club, taking full advantage of the South African summer months. Welcome back and also a warm welcome to Stefan Wiid and Michelle van der Merwe, who were in the prizes this week. In first place were the ‘Italians plus Two’ – Liv Mazzaro, Gianni Ioppo, James Reynolds and Stefan Wiid on a count out from second placed winners, the ‘Bar Flies’ – Jimmy Spear, Wally Kent, Dave Kemp and Michelle van der Merwe, both teams with 90 points.
The jackpot was won by Eric Morsner, on his own, with 11 points but the hidden birdie (16th hole) will be carried over to next weekend. There was only one two-club, and that was Kuben Naidoo (again) and the attendance draw was scooped up by Denise Nell (again).
This Saturday, 2 December will be the last monthly medal and mug competition. All previous winners of their divisions during 2017 qualify for the ‘golfer of the year’ trophy, as will the women on the same day. Good luck to all the players. On Sunday, 3 December there will be social golf and the guys who play in the Sunday ‘bash’ will enjoy their Christmas braai after their game. The ‘bash’ meets at around 9.30am for 10am for registration, under the lapa on the first tee.
Diarise Saturday, 16 December, it will be the absolute final of the Alliance league for 2017, which will be sponsored by Bruce Sutcliffe. This competition will not limited to the teams which have played during the year but is open to all fourballs wishing to play in the competition. Call the club on 039-973-1042 to book your tee time – a great way to kick off the holiday season with friends.
The ‘early birds’ are also running a special on Tuesdays and Fridays only, at 7am or earlier. Green fees on these two days is only R75 per player and is open to all local and visiting golfers. Contact Graham on 083-325-5705.
Sincere condolences to Andrew Brunner on the death of his wife, Cheryl last Thursday in Gauteng. He is in the club’s thoughts at this sad time.
KidzGolf will have its Christmas party on Saturday, 2 December for all the children at 8am. Take along mom and dad to enjoy the fun too. Logon to www.umkomaasgolf.co.za for the specials in December.
