IN PHOTOS | Hat-trick up for the 2025 Lowvelder Golf Challenge

The third Lowvelder Golf Challenge of the year was held on May 28, bringing with it a hat-trick of events for the 2025 series thus far.

As was the case in 2024, the series is proving to be a hit with local golfers. The third edition welcomed roughly 100 golfers onto the greens and tee boxes at Mbombela Golf Club, under bright blue skies. This was in stark contrast to the weather for the second edition in April, when morning rains threatened to wash out play.

With Octopi Smart Solutions and Du Toit-Smuts & Partners Attorneys on board as sponsors, no bad weather can keep the series down, and it was ultimately a perfect day for great golf last Wednesday. The players made use of the fine conditions to enjoy a great day out.

Most successful, though, was Mary-Ann Braithwaite who carded a cool 43 points to win the third edition of 2025. Margie Wood was close behind on 42 points while Christo Smith rounded out the podium on 41 points in third. Overall leader Rian Joubert scored 37 points to maintain his lead atop the standings.

On each day the competition is played in an individual Stableford format. To contend for the title, the players must compete in at least five out of the nine competition days, as their five best scores will count towards the overall standings after the grand final, which will be hosted on November 20.

The next 2025 Lowvelder Golf Challenge will be held on June 25. Players are responsible for booking their own rounds and carts by contacting the club on 013 744 0952.

Eligibility for prizes requires attending the prize-giving ceremony. Participants must be affiliated with a club and hold an official handicap.

The overall leaders after round three are:

1. Rian Joubert – 109 points
2. Sakkie de Lange – 108
3. Pieter Viljoen Jr – 107
4. Attie van Wyk -105
5. Johan Ferreira – 102
6. Corrie van Niekerk – 102
7. Franchoa Giliomee – 100
8. Beon Stander – 98
9. Cor Viljoen – 97
10. Piet Roux – 95
11. JJ van Rensburg – 95.