Koko and Sbu triumph at Halfway Toyota Margate Challenge
By general agreement, this year’s Halfway Toyota Margate Challenge was the best yet.
THERE was certainly a buzz at this year’s Halfway Toyota Margate Challenge.
The three-day tournament attracted numerous locals and visitors alike, and while the golf was good, the atmosphere was even better.
There were a few surprises that awaited.
For one, the rough has been allowed to grow somewhat, so wild tee shots were punished more than usual.
On day one, both scores had to count on all five par threes. On day two, both scores had to count on holes stroked 1 to 4.
As it turned out, these four holes (3rd, 6th, 14th and 17th) all played into what was a menacing north-easterly wind.
On day three it was a straight betterball, nothing fancy.
The greens were immaculate, with a wonderful Augusta-like green hue in the late afternoon sun.
Of course, the anticipation grew as the chance to win a Toyota Auris for a hole-in-one on the 16th approached on the final day.
The pin was predictably tucked away in the back corner, which, with the north wind blowing, made attacking it very difficult.
In the end, no one was able to ace the hole and claim the car. Riaan Croucamp got closest, but it certainly wasn’t a tap in.
The good news is that Brian Jones of Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach has agreed to sponsor the event again next year.
There’s no doubt it’s an event growing in stature and one which will play an important role in boosting golf and tourism on the coast.
One of the talking points was the attire a fourball from Johannesburg came kitted out in. It was certainly flamboyant to say the least.
Perhaps other teams could follow their lead next year?
Overall results:
1 Sbu Ntozakhe and Koko Zithumane 146 points.
2 Hennie Jordaan and Johann Engelbrecht 146 pts.
3 Helen Bownes and Una McLachlan 143 pts.
4 Riaan Croucamp and Rod Bouwer 143 pts.
5 Wimpie Jordaan and Carlos Pereira 142 pts.
6 Doug Johnston and Keith Duncalf 140 pts.
7 Piet Ludick and Barry Oehme 140 pts.
8 John Webster and Barbara Jackson 140 pts.
9 Graeme Massam and Maureen Ogilvie 139 pts.
10 Jack and Gina Venter 139 pts.
Southbroom plays for the pets
THE annual SPCA golf day took place at Southbroom Golf Club last Saturday.In the women’s section, first place went to Candida Amm, Jean Corfe, Eileen Neilson and Lorraine Cook on 85 points, one ahead of Janet Humphrey, Biffy Dunn, Shelly Myers and Irene Schanda, who counted out Lee Mutch, Liz Shaw, Della Kempthore and a ghost.
When it came to the men, Dudley Simmonds, Derick Zolyomi, Errol Rudman and Johan Wentzel cleaned up on 89 points, two ahead of Pete Leeming, John Whitnall, Colin Mckay and Malcolm Greenland, who counted out Alois Dufner, Bruce Matthew, Dave Neilson and Paul Cole.
The previous Wednesday’s comp was won by Pam Quarmby and Janet Humphrey on 44 points, with Sophie Peridon and Rene Matthew next on 42 points.
In the men’s comp, the winners were Rory O’Donnell and Rob Williams on 51 points, with Pete Leeming and John Whitnall in second place on 47 points.
Phiwa eyes breakthrough win at Sheppie
PORT Shepstone Country Club is gearing up for club champs this coming weekend, with Jarrod van Wyk and Graham Fabricius among the favourites to win.
However, they will have to get past Phiwa Mkhoma, who has rejoined the club.
Despite playing for both the country districts and U23 teams in the past, Phiwa has never won the club champs.
His brother Kwanele, who won last year, won’t be playing as he is currently in Johannesburg playing for KwaZulu-Natal at the South African U23 IPT.
Results:
April 8: 1 Gerald Koch and Kevin Loring 47 pts; 2 Rob Calder and Jacky van Heerden 43 pts.
April 10 (Windovert business day): 1 Windovert (Jaco and Juan Buitendag, Bernd Kankowski and Bevis Fairbrother 96 pts); 2: Team Reddy (Pete Govender, Ryan Keys, Keegan Reddy and ghost Leon Reeders 95 pts).
April 11: 1 Howard Crouch and Frans Venter 47 pts; 2 Abel Yeeranna and Keegan Reddy 47 pts, oco Benny Pillay and Ganes Munsami.
Peter cards 40 points at San Lameer
THE Wednesday competition at San Lameer was won Peter Middlewick on 40 points.
In second was Frikkie Geyser on 35 points, followed by Klippie de Kock on 34 points.
Nearest the pins were Thys de Beer (4th) and A Grobler (14th).
Longest drives on the 3rd were Lemmer Vermooten and Linda Miller.
