GAVIN Sole won the San Lameer Open for the seventh time in succession last Saturday.
It was almost embarrassing. In the past he’s had some tough battles, but this recent win was something of a cakewalk, as he lapped the field to win by 11 shots.
And it was his first outing in the month of December, with work commitments at Southbroom Golf Club keeping him off the course and in the clubhouse.
The ‘Big Fish’ returned scores of 70 and 69 in conditions which were far from ideal, with rain and wind having an influence.
He was thrilled to prevail again, especially against some younger players who are considering life as a professional in the not too distant future.
In the past he has won the odd golf bag or two. This year he won a putter. Perhaps he can switch to the new blade and eliminate the three three-putts he had last Saturday.
Overall, he enjoyed the day, and playing in the wind. “What wind? I can’t play without wind anymore,” he joked.
Despite his three-putts he said the new greens were impressive. “I can’t believe the difference, the greens are great,” he said.
In second place was Martin Rohwer, who had two rounds of 75. He was followed by Phil le Roux (76 and 76) and Shaun Stapleton (74 and 78), who were two shots further adrift.
Sipho Sibiya won the B division on 41 points, followed by Leon Moonsamy on 38 points, Gerrie Swart on 37 points and Louis van Wyk on 36 points.
C division honours went to Johan Coleman on 36 points, edging out Schalk Oosthuizen, Corné Kruger and John Loudon, who all had 35 points.
The women’s section was won by Kim Ebner on 39 points, from Maritha de Beer on 34 points and Lee Ebner on 33 points.
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Golfers go green, but not with envy
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THE Douglas Green Bellingham Betterball Stableford, now in its 22nd year at the club, was won by Gerald Myers and Karl Mosburger on 48 points at Southbroom Golf Club last Saturday.
It was played in a fresh south-westerly wind which brought just enough rain to make things a bit uncomfortable but not enough to have golfers racing for the clubhouse.
In second place were Erwin Schanda and Wilfrid Bessel on 47 points.
There was a tie for third on 46 points, shared by Roel and Art Germs, and Gavin Edwards and Cliff Peterson.
George and John Haswell had 45 points, as did Barclay Shearer and Chris Cook.
Nearest the pins were won by Barclay Shearer (8th) and Doug Watson (14th).
In the women’s section, Liz Shaw and Margi Bonini carded 46 points to win by two from Irene Schanda and Shelley Myers, Glynis Nisbet and Nickie Nisbet, and Meryl Chambers and Bev Reimer.
Nearest the pins were won by Biffy Dunn (4th) and Geraldine Treherne (11th).
The JD Spooner Rose Bowl Mixed Greensomes medal is not for the faint-hearted.
The format sees both players tee off, then the best drive is chosen, and from there alternate shots are played.
Usually it’s great fun, but it can be somewhat testing, especially as you have to keep going until the ball is in the hole!
Helen Strong and Joe Hartman dominated the day, winning on nett 62,2, by a handsome margin from Derrik and Rene Matthew on 68,4. In third place were Gerald and Shelley Myers on 68,6 followed by Rob and Glynis Nisbet on 68,8.
The handicap is 40 percent of the combined handicaps, hence the decimal places.
The Christmas Eve Alliance was won by Joy Crutchfield, Eileen Neilson, Dave Neilson and Graham Volck on 97 points, one ahead of Edward Castro, Barclay Shearer, Chris Cook and Malcolm Moorley.
The Neilsons were back at it during the Boxing Day Alliance, teaming up with Hugh and Jean Purtell to win on 99 points. In second place were Dudley and Anne Simmonds, Gus and Margi Bonini on 90 points.
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Heber sparkles at Margate
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THE pro shop day at Margate Country Club last Thursday was won by Guy Yeadon on 41 points, with Heber de Beer and Chris Nel next on 36 points.
Nearest the pin on the 16th, sponsored by Hibiscus Retirement Villages, was won by Heber.
Saturday’s competition saw Pops Harrison and Jane Davies clean up on 48 points, with Riaan Croucamp and Johan Wentzel next on 46 points.
In third place were Neil Townsend and John Webster on 44 points.
