The legendary Big Five Easter Tournament was once again five days of riveting golf with more than 600 rounds played, and perfect conditions of sunny skies and a pristine course. Both members and visitors to the Lowveld commented that this tournament remains a highlight on the golfing calendar because they can also contribute to alleviate the plight of wildlife. This year the buffalo was in the spotlight.
Numbi Auto would like to thank everyone who took part in the tournament. Sadly nobody got a hole-in-one on the 9th, even though there were many hopefuls and some really close shots. Should it have happened, the successful player would have driven home in a brand-new Ford Fiesta. Golf carts were also up for grabs, but again these were not won.
This tournament has been running for 28 years. It adopted the name The Big Five Easter Tournament five years ago and each year a different member of the Big Five is highlighted.
Next year it will be the rhino and hopefully this will ensure the golfers and public remain aware of the critical situation these animals are in.
Even though, as always, the day was well supported, the number of players was down from last year. The organisers believe this was due to the financial pressure the majority of the people are facing together with the increasing cost of travelling. Nevertheless, the big Five is still the club’s major fund-raising event of the year and billed as “A Festival of Golfing Fun”. There is no doubt that this tournament has become an important part of the Lowveld golfing calendar, attracts visitors to the Lowveld and contributes to the local economy.
The game was played in four-ball alliance format on the first and last day and betterball Stableford on the other three days.
The winners were:
Day 1 (Betterball Stableford): Alan Urmson, Simon Burns, Reni Rounciveil and Alan South with a score of 89.
Day 2 (Fourball alliance): Lourence Volschenk and Gerhard Smit with 45.
Day 3 (Fourball alliance): Gerhard van der Westerhuizen and Anton Thornhill with 49.
Day 4 (Fourball alliance): Erhard Spies and Mauritz Mahne with 47.
Day 5 (Betterball Stableford): Hendry du Preez, Piet Rademeyer, Johnny Denny and Dylan Denny with 103.