40 caddies gather to enjoy 18 holes

On Monday morning, 40 caddies gathered to enjoy 18 holes at the picturesque Malelane Golf Club course.

This was during the first Caddy’s Golf Tournament, where caddies from all over Ehlanzeni converged.

A total of five clubs attended, namely the Barberton, Nelspruit, White River and Sabie as well as the hosts, Malelane. With all clubs being fairly represented, the caddies teed off at 09:30 and played well throughout the day. The nine-hole course was circulated twice by participants to make up the 18 holes. According to some of the visitors the course was challenging but still very fun.

“At first sight it looks like a pretty straightforward course, but it is very challenging because you have to manoeuvre your way around all the trees. It was still fun and interesting,” said Mduduzi Ngwenya of the Barberton Golf Club.

Samwell Lukhele, tournament organiser and Malelane Golf Club caddy, said things went much better than he had planned. “Considering that this was the first of its kind, things went better than anyone had planned. We are truly happy with the turnout.

“All the participants are very happy about the tournament, despite a few of them mentioning that the course was a bit tricky,” said Lukhele.

Having also participated in the tourney, he said a medal meant little when compared to the success of the tourney. Lukhele added that they hoped a pro golfer would emerge in future.

“Our dream is to develop and improve our skills, and hopefully one day have one of us play at professional level.”

He furthermore appreciated all the participants and sponsors who made the tourney possible.

“Thank you very much to Leopard Creek Country Club, Buscor, TSB, Elephants and Friends Pub and Malelane Golf Club for sponsoring us and making the tournament possible.”

Top-10 players:

• Dion Sandason, Sabie – 73

• Speedo Makola, Barberton – 75

• Elvis Sihlangu, White River – 79

• Themba Khoza, White River – 81

• Fana Msibi, Barberton – 83

• Duma Mahlalela, Malelane – 85

• Jabu Shongwe, Malelane – 85

• Douglas Shabangu, White River – 86

• Winnias Zwane, Malelane – 88

• Mduduzi Nkosi, Malelane – 90

• Jack Tshobolo, Malelane – 90.