After months of being unable to return to their favourite fairways and greens, one might think that players would struggle to get their game up to par.

But, members of Mbombela Golf Club took to the course on Saturday and Sunday for the annual Winter Club Championships as if they had never left.

The event saw 76 participants battle it out in their respective divisions and enjoy the course following the safe return to golf after the initial nationwide lockdown. The 36-hole tournament, played under medal conditions, made for some spectacular golf with Saturday’s leaders, Anton Steenkamp, Nick Elliot and Jacques du Preez, posting one over par 72 scores.

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However, Sunday’s set-up would allow the course to bite back with difficult scoring and a true test of championship golf. After the 36 holes, there would be a three-way tie for the lead with overnight leaders, Du Preez and Elliot now being joined by Corné Olivier, who was attempting to claim “the double” after winning this year’s Summer Championships. Du Preez would hold his nerve against the other two, by making two pars on the play-off holes to secure the title.

In the other divisions Rob McLagan and Beon Stander, through some good golf and mental composure, were go from start to finish to claim the B and the C titles respectively. Bonita Henrico did the same in claiming the ladies’ title.

“It was truly great to see the members come out and support this event under the current regulations and environment. Golf clubs have been drastically affected by the Covid-19 crisis and will only survive with the support of their members and the community. The support the members showed towards the club and the staff this weekend, was unwavering and truly appreciated. As a close club and community, the loss of a member due to the virus would be devastating. We therefore appeal to all to be Covid-19-wise – safe, sanitised and spaced,” said Darren Plumb, CEO of Mbombela Golf Club.

Results

• A – gross winner: Jacques du Preez, 147 (72,75) play-off

• A – gross runner-up: Corné Olivier, 147 (73,74) on a count out

• A – nett winner: Nick Elliot, 139 (68,71)

• A – division Saturday nett: MJ Mentz, 70

• A – division Sunday nett: Basie Bergh, 73 on a count out

• B – gross winner: Rob McLagan, 164 (80,84)

• B – gross runner-up: Herman Potgieter, 168 (81,87)

• B – nett winner: Arthur Douglass, 141 (78,63)

• B – division Saturday nett: Denis Paiva, 67

• B – division Sunday nett: Allan Beeching, 71

• C – gross winner: Beon Stander, 172 (84,88)

• C – gross runner-up: Peter Charls, 181 (90,91)

• C – nett winner: Peet Rabie, 145 (66,79)

• C – division Saturday nett: John Luyt, 69 on a count out

• C – division Sunday nett: Ian Kirby, 78

• Ladies’ gross winner: Bonita Henrico, 168 (87,81)

• Ladies’ gross runner-up: Nidene Stapelberg, 192 (96,96)

• Ladies’ nett winner: Mari Jaquire, 137 (70,67)

• Pro gross winner: Ruan Groenewald, 141 (72,69).Ruan Groenewald.