Holey Moly – the BCT Golf Day is nigh

The Benoni City Times Charity Golf Day is just around the corner (Thursday, September 4, to be exact) and the golfers who will be taking on the 18 holes at Ebotse Links are in for a truly unique links course experience.

After world number one Rory McIlroy stole the show at the British Open in July you may forgive club-swingers for feeling a little British lately.

With the course slowly awakening from its wintry slumber, golfers at the BCT Charity Golf Day can enjoy the Scottish-style course that only Ebotse Links can provide.

With the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind and Project Feed the Children already on board as the day’s beneficiaries, the City Times has welcomed another deserving local organisation, the Rynpark Frail Care facility, as a recipient of some of the funds raised on the day.

Ebotse Links’ course superintendent Hannes Maritz recently told the City Times that the club has been busy with a number of exciting projects, including the construction of a new nursery for greens, the levelling of tee-boxes and the cutting back of the rough.

“It [the rough] was a challenge in the past for golfers and we have had positive feedback since we cut back identified areas of rough and have made it more playable for the average golfer,” he said.

When asked which his favourite hole on the course is, Maritz said: “Definitely hole number 12, it’s risk and reward, and you have to think when you play it.”

To make things easier for our players we have selected four holes at Ebotse Links that we think are worth having a look at:

Hole Two

Hole Two is arguably on the highest point of the Ebotse golf course, with the elevated tee exposing you to the prevailing wind. While up there golfers can take a moment to appreciate the wonderful view of the Ebotse Estate, then focus on the job in hand. This hole is well bunkered and the size of the green and pin placement option make it the most challenging par three on the course. A mid to long iron will be the club of choice as you aim for the heart of the green.

Hole Four

Hole Four is the toughest on the course, confirmed by the fact that it is stroke one on the card. The change in elevation epitomises a links course and a long drive is required. The green has three separate tiers and is protected by the greenside swales and slopes on the green that will challenge the best of putters. Selecting the correct yardage and club is essential. A two putt is always satisfying and a par will always look great on your scorecard.

Hole 12

Possibly the best advice for this par five is to plan the hole backwards. Try to leave yourself with about 100m in for your third shot. In simple terms, two five irons will get you there comfortably and a wedge for your third takes much of the trouble out of play.

Hole 18

A par five which can enable a long hitter to finish in style with a birdie. The second shot is vitally important to get yourself into a position to attack the flag. You can expect a lot of tension on this green, under the keen observation of the spectators on the balcony of the clubhouse. Hole 18 ensures a picture perfect finish,which can be followed by an ice cold beverage at the clubhouse.

The BCT Charity Golf Day is a great opportunity for businesses that have not done charity work this year to help good causes.

If you are an individual player and cannot organise a full four-ball we will ensure that you are placed in one.

You don’t even need to be a golfer to offer support, as there are various opportunities for everyone, hole and prize sponsorships and other donations.

Book your spot today by contacting our event marketing partner, Heypenni Gold, on 011 894-3831, or email to Kerry Payne, at admin@heypennigold.co.za.