They jokingly like to call it ‘golf, but for men’ and this year, Vryheid had its first turn to host the Natal Gong Series at Penbi Game Lodge. The three-day shoot ran from Thursday to Saturday and drew competitors from across South Africa, including teams who travelled from as far as Kathu.

How the series works

The series is held twice a year, with shooters competing in either the Open Class or Hunter Class, each with specific weight and equipment limits that keep the playing field fair and competitive.

Day 1: King of the Mile

Day 1 opens with the ‘King of the Mile’. Teams of two work under a tight 20-minute limit, swapping roles between shooter and spotter. Each shooter fires three scoring shots across four targets. A run ends for any shooter who misses three shots in a row, which puts pressure on the remaining team member to finish the stage alone. Each stage allows 12 rounds.

Open and Hunter Class explained

Open Class rifles weigh more than 7.75kg with a suppressor and can use FTR-style or folding bipods, a hard rear bag and additional front support. Hunter Class rifles weigh under 7.75kg and may only use a folding hunting bipod and a soft rear bag with no extra front support. Calibre limits remain the same for both classes.

Days 2 and 3: Gong Shoot challenges teams

Days 2 and 3 shift to the Gong Shoot. Teams move through five stages with three targets per stage. Each shooter fires three scoring shots before switching with the spotter. With only 15 minutes per stage and 45 rounds across the day, accuracy and teamwork matter more than anything.

Strong turnout and growing interest

Event organiser and committee member Nico Harris says this year’s turnout was encouraging.
“We were pleased to have 70 shooters participating,” he says. “We hope to grow it to at least 120 shooters, but the sport is growing.”

KO1M Open Class results

First – Peet Thuysma and Justin Brandt;
Second – Danie van Wyk and Werner Venter;
Third – Simon Steyn and Tara Steyn.

KO1M Hunter Class results

First – Nico Harris and Erhard Breet;
Second – Willie de Jager and Gert de Jager;
Third – Mariska Erasmus and Leroy Voster.

Open Class Team Championship results

First – Simon Steyn and Tara Steyn;
Second – Peet Thuysma and Justin Brandt;
Third – Danie van Wyk and Werner Venter.

Hunter Class Team Championship results

First – Nico Harris and Erhard Breet;
Second – Andrew Pickles and Tertius van Staden;
Third – Willie de Jager and Gert de Jager.

Sportsmanship anchors the event

The atmosphere throughout the weekend reflected strong sportsmanship, unity and mutual respect among the shooters – qualities that continue to drive the growth of the Natal Gong Series. The next event will take place in February next year at the same venue.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.