Golfers drive through the rough

Adding cross country to the game of golf.

The Libalele Golf Challenge took place on September 24 and 25, and saw many Northern KwaZulu-Natal golfers teeing off to raise funds for the South African Guide Dogs for the Blind.

A total of R1 000 was raised through the competition.

While the basic idea was to play from Newcastle Golf Club hole one, to hole 18 at Utrecht Golf Club, organisers added the unique twist – forcing golfers to play across about 40 kilometres of rough!

As always, the golfer with the least shots would be the victor.

The challenge was initiated by the self-proclaimed mad lot of Utrecht GC, and the Newcastle golfers could simply not ignore their challenge.

“The idea was to do something more unique than just the routine round of golf, and if successful, raise funds for charity. Also to promote the NKZN area on a national level, and perhaps make history,” organisers elaborated.

For golfers, the rules were straightforward.

A permitted 10-metre radius on a peg or natural substance, no disturbing of Mother Nature and a one-shot penalty for balls out of bounds, lost or unplayable.

Thus, the event came to life through both golf clubs.

With great teamwork, the matchplay began from 7.15am at the Newcastle Golf Club, with carry-forward areas including the N11 ArcelorMittal road and certain portions near the Buffalo River.

The day ended at the old drive-in on the R34 Utrecht Road.

There, golfers contributed to the festivities of Braai Day and Heritage Day, with thanks to Chris Fourie and Gus Louw.

9am saw the challenge continue.

Eventually, the balls were holed on the 18th green, and Utrecht Golf Club the winner by a narrow five-shot margin, on 185 shots in total.

Newcastle Golf Club has already vowed to wrest the crown next time.

The challenge was enjoyed by all involved, and organisers thank everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

“It was our pleasure to donate R1 000 to the SA Guide Dogs Association,” they concluded.