IT has been a good year for the PGA in KwaZulu-Natal, with more positive things to look forward to next year.
The awards and graduation ceremony took place at Durban Country Club recently.
Derek James, nicknamed DJ, of Southbroom Golf Club won both the Professional of the Year and Teaching Professional of the Year awards.
This has never happened before in the KZN region, but, after following due process, there was no doubt that Derek was the deserved winner in both categories.
He was pretty pleased to receive the awards. “It’s nice. It comes from the other pros, so that’s meaningful. To be honest my wife Sheena should get half, no three quarters, of the ‘club pro’ award,” he joked.
He now has a chance to win the national awards, something he has done before, in 2002 (club pro) and 2008 (teaching).
Regional chairman Wayne Krambeck said the KZN PGA was extremely proud to have a member who had contributed so much to golf.
“Awards like this are not won individually and, in many cases it takes a team of people to assist. We know the value you have in Sheena as a very supportive and knowledgeable wife and, as such, a big thank you to her for her support in your achievements within our professional ranks of the PGA. You are a true inspiration to everyone who comes across your path,” he said.
The PGA of Europe Teams Championships will take place in Portugal from December 10 to 13.
The team representing the PGA of SA is Wayne Krambeck, Thomas Raatgever and Derek James.
They’ll be up against 56 other countries so it should be a good challenge.
In regular news, Germs brothers Roel and Art won last Wednesday’s competition on 48 points.
They counted out Barry Amm and Olliver Ransome, Graham Volck and Nic Sistermann, as well as Geoff Skelton and Jim Cook. Olliver shot his age for the first time, a noteworthy 77.
The women’s competition was won by Jeanette Peyios and Candida Amm on 48 points, one ahead of Kate Clarence and Michelle van der Hoek, and Pam Quarmby and Eileen Neilson. On 44 points were Wendy Seymore and Maeve Mullane, and Mari Fielden and Jan Germs.
The Friday open day and Saturday competition were rained out.
Mixed ‘woolly’ but not wild
THE Kay Woolley Greensomes Mixed Trophy was played for at Margate Country Club last Sunday. The clear winners on 44 points were John Webster and Barbara Jackson.
There was a three-way tie on 39 points, shared by Elvis Khawula and Maureen Ogilvie, Patrick Mavundla and Shannon Gottlieb, and Doug and Sandi Johnston.
The Wednesday Wobblers’ game was won by Brian Jeffreys, John Gibson and Konnie Konrad on 87 points, by four from Freddie Boshoff, Frank Stephens and Nico van Vuuren, as well as Alan Davies, David Botha and Fred Harrison.
The Arthur Tomlinson Floater went to Roy Knight, Robert Hennin and Derek Young on 75 points.
Last Thursday’s pro shop competition was won by Chris Nel on 41 points, on a countout from Jim Finn.
On 39 points were Richard Plaskitt and Norman Bridger.
Nearest the pin, sponsored by Hibiscus Retirement Villages, was won by Johan Louw.
Saturday’s competitions were rained out.
The men’s team of Douglas Sima, Elvis Khawula and Patrick Mavundla reached the semi-finals of the KZN Interclub at Selborne Park two weekends ago.
They lost narrowly to eventual winners Mount Edgecombe.
Get lucky at Sheppie
THE Wednesday competition at Port Shepstone CC last week was won by John Pritchard and Leon Reeders on 48 points, by two from Tony Beech and Jacky van Heerden.
The monthly mug was rained out last Saturday. Don’t forget to enter the Luckys day on Saturday, November 23.
