Golfers celebrate 35th Lalapalm tournament

Between 90 and 120 players filled the field at the Malalane Toyota Lalapalm Tournament each day between Wednesday, April 17, and Saturday, April 20, with golfers coming from as far as Cullinan near Pretoria, to camp out with family and friends.

Johnie Jacobz was the overall winner of the tournament, with a total of 155 points, followed by Corné Sutherland at 135 and Frans Lubbe at 124.

Rina Marais was awarded a hamper for being on the field the longest (longest tournament).

Players ranged from youngsters still in primary school to seasoned veterans over 70, and they could participate in four daily competitions. Families supported them on the greens or at the prize-giving ceremonies each night for dinner and entertainment.

On Friday and Saturday golfers also stood a chance to win R100 000 in a hole-in-one competition, but the challenge proved too tricky.

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Various sponsors ensured that the golfers had a great time on the field with a variety of drinks and snacks.

Golfers celebrated a successful tournament with a final prize-giving, musical entertainment and a dinner and treats by Hooked on Malalane at the clubhouse on Saturday.

PHOTOS: Malalane Toyota Lalapalm Golf Tournament celebrates 35 years of spirited golfing

Club captain, Bob Thornley thanked everyone at the club for their hard work and said the course is the best it has ever been and will only get better.

He also thanked the sponsors and golfers for their support, as it is due to them that the club can still operate despite the tough economic climate.

Special mention was made of David and Ina Moore (both in their 70s), who had been attending the Lalapalm tournament every year since its founding. “We come for the great atmosphere and love camping out here. “This year we brought several golfers with who also wanted to see why we’ve been attending for 35 years,” Ina said.

Daily results

April 17

• First: Johnie Jacobz

• Second: Frans Lubbe

• Third: Corné Sutherland

• Top lady: Ina Moore

• Longest drive: Brett Thornley (men) and Joanne Shields (ladies)

• Nearest to pin: Johnie Jacobz and David Moore

April 18:

• First: Georg Muller

• Second: Arno Hoffman

• Third: Francois Koen

• Top lady: Jean-Marie Wilken

• Longest drive: Gideon Visser (men) and Adri Fourie (ladies)

• Nearest to pin: Steve Botha and Anel Beetge

April 19

• First: David Moore and Adri Fourie

• Second: Reghard Neethling and Ina Moore

• Third: Ray Farrel and Gideon Visser

• Longest drive: Jan Combrink (men) and Annie Balcomb (ladies)

• Nearest to pin: Fanie Meyer and Lukas Ferreira

April 20:

• First: Johnie Jacobz

• Second: Corné Sutherland

• Third: Joshua Smith

• Top lady: Hanelie Saaiman

• Longest drive: Gideon Visser (men) and Joanne Shields (ladies)

• Nearest to pin: David Moore, Gerrie Kemp and Alfred Mabaso.