North Coast golfers teamed up to raise funds for The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund at the Ballito Open golf day at Umhlali Country Club on December 29.

The event is held every year after Christmas.

Eighteen four-balls entered the charity golf day on a scorching day and raised R8 400.

Brendan Hood, Peter Kilian, Colin Hood and Gary Wentzel claimed the top spot, scoring 89 points in the four-ball Alliance format.

Mark Mitchley, Barry Preston, Richard van der Merwe and Alec van der Merwe finished second, while third place went to Roy Tremearne, Ant Church, Jenny Church and Frances Tremearne.

It was also the end of an era for Malcolm Mann, the Ballito Open event organiser. He has organised the event for 21 years, but is stepping down to enjoy “more golf and less responsibility.”

“I got involved with the Orphan Fund in 2003. Bruce Stephenson (co-founder of the Courier and Orphan Fund) and I have played together for about 30 years now,” said Mann.

“The Orphan Fund is a special charity to raise funds for. In the beginning, we started off playing for fun. We made a bit of money and decided to donate the entrance fees and raffles to a charity, so the Orphan Fund became the charity of choice.”

Mann is not, however, hanging up his clubs. He intends to continue playing in the charity golf day.

“A lot of work goes into organising it,” said Mann. “I will continue to play every year.”

The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund extends our deepest gratitude to Malcolm Mann, his lovely wife Michelle and their family for their incredible dedication and unwavering support over the past 21 years.

“Your commitment to this event has not only raised essential funds for NCCOF but has also fostered a spirit of community and goodwill that has impacted countless lives,” said Orphan Fund co-ordinator Charmaine Premlal.

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