Mokela is the top gun at golf shoot-out
George Mokela, who works for the SA Defence Force, showed why soldiers are held in such high regard when he resisted the 'come from behind trot' of Frans Molepo and Jack Khunou.
The inaugural golfing shoot-out at Ebuhleni produced a dramatic finish as George Mokela left all and sundry in limbo with solid golf strikes that epitomised the soldier that he is.
Mokela, who works for the SA Defence Force, showed why soldiers are held in such high regard when he resisted the ‘come from behind trot’ of Frans Molepo and Jack Khunou.
While Khunou started the day only slightly behind Mokela, Molepo was indeed the darkest horse as he blasted his way to third place, overtaking the likes of Tinashe Nyika and Oupa Maswekameng.
But the ‘armyboy’, as Mokela is affectionately known, was hitting almost every green and sinking those crucial putts, so it was no surprise when he ended four shorts clear of the field to scoop first prize and the accolades that go with it.
Other players that impressed were Bethuel Motsamai, Amos Shabangu and Fanie Marais.
Marais was indeed a gem, holding on for a top 15 finish despite being rattled by Benny Makume’s almost hole in one at the fifth.
Makume finished in the top 10 thanks to the strong pair of arms that he possesses.
Like his son Lebo, Makume hits the golf ball hard and long, and it will surely not be long before his time comes at the big events.
He made a tap-in 2 at the tough fourth hole to shred three shots from his four-ball opponents, but it was still not enough for him to lift the title.
Sam Bhiya, another of the hard hitters, continued to struggle but was grateful for the event and glad to finish in the top 15.
Another surprise package was Ebuhleni stalwart James Mdidimba, who took time off from his administrative and caretaking duties to finish in a creditable seventh place, while his counterpart Willie Lesufi can be rightly proud of his 16th placing.
Matome ‘Mfana wa Ndi’ Maenetja, who was expected to feature highly in the event, chickened out and joined the spectators, leaving the Tembisa Golf Club secretary-general himself, Benjy Monyanyedi, as the only golfer representing Endayeni section.
Monyanyedi failed to produce his most recent form of shooting loops of 31s, but there was a lot of pressure to contend with and his two solid rounds of 74 each still earned him a top 10 cheque.
Colin Masela also came to the event as a spectator to root for the guys from Umfuyaneni, who by their standards were a huge disappointment. Only Pat Maponya and super-veteran Reuben Motsomotso managed a top 20 finish, making sure that the crumbs were cleared off the table.
Mohera Boshomane, chairperson of Tembisa Golf Club, found the daunting Ebuhleni course a completely different proposition from Kempton Park Country Club, so he was happy merely to have added to the numbers.
“Overall the inaugural Ebuhleni shoot-out was a huge success,” Monyanyedi said afterwards. “Great many thanks to Kempton Park Country Club for the worthy prizes as well as the braai that came on offer, and to Thabo Monyanyedi who not only graced the final day prize-giving but also contributed cash toward the half-way refreshments for the golfers over the two days and also toward the braai. Our greatest thanks also goes to Caroline Phoolo, who ensured the pap and the gravy was well prepared and in time for the golfers to finish off a great and memorable event.”
Top 10 scores with ties: George Mokela (137), Jack Khunou (141), Frans Molepo (142), Oupa Maswekameng (142), Tinashe Nyika (144), Amos Shabangu (145), Jacob Moatshe (145), Benjamin Monyanyedi (146), Benny Makume (146), Pepsy Thipe (147), Whiety Rathokoana, Fanie Marais (148), and Sam Bhiya (149).
