Future ace bags title at CMR winter champs
The weeks preceding the two-day tournament gave golfers hope of a sunny walk through the dry but immaculately maintained course.
Wide open fairways and perfectly trimmed greens are a perfect place to remove oneself from the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic.
Throw in some competitive golf, and one could almost imagine a time before the lockdown when CMR Golf Club hosted their 2020 winter championships on 8 and 9 August. The weeks preceding the two-day tournament gave golfers hope of a sunny walk through the dry but immaculately maintained course. It was not to be as a sweeping wind made both days a struggle, with Merrick van As dealing with conditions best to go into the clubhouse as the overnight leader.
Close behind was 17-year-old Kayle Wykes but day two would see Van As extend his lead, finishing six shots ahead of Wykes to earn the title of 2020 CMR winter champion. Club captain, Jeff Delpeche, reflected on the successful return to competition, saying, “Despite all the above challenges, the tournament went well. Congratulations to all the division winners and runners-up, well played all. Regardless of the cold weather over this past weekend, and let’s not forget Covid-19, it was great to see so many of our members supporting the 2020 CMR Winter Club Championships. Thank you to all who participated.”
In the ladies division, Nasima Byhat was just edged out by eventual winner Jenifer Looi, and in the men’s B and C divisions, Raahil Bhika and Ray Leppan topped their respective scorecards. Special mention must be made of the oldest gentleman to finish his 18 holes, 93-year-old Goolam Richards who has been a member for over 40 years. Sadly, no physical celebrations were allowed, meaning a virtual prize-giving was held on Sunday evening.
The proud club captain added, “Special thank you goes out to the organising committee of Natasha Pretorius, Farah Solomon-Peck, Marc van As and Jerry Lekoto. To Pearce Penberthy and the Penquip team for the great course condition under these trying circumstances and to the Halfway staff and all the caddies, we appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into making this another successful championships.”
