Taking on Sun City … and catching up with Branden Grace
There was something of a local connection at this year's Nedbank Golf Challenge.
MEYER du Toit, the golf director at San Lameer, was at Sun City for the Nedbank Golf Challenge, walking alongside long-time friend Branden Grace.
He reckoned Grace may have been the best player from tee to green, but that his putting let him down, and he ended up in fourth place.
Despite his 72nd hole three-putt – which probably cost him quite a few bucks – he was in good cheer after the tournament.
“You would have expected him to be a bit grumpy, but he came out of the change room with a signed bib which he gave to a child. He also gave the kid a putter and said have a ‘lekka’ day,” said Du Toit.
Grace has now moved to number 14 in the world and is the top-ranked South African at the moment.
Meyer also explained just how tough the course was. “It’s a magnificent golf course, but the fairways were extremely tight. Some of the players weren’t that used to kikuyu grass. Marc Leishman (eventual winner) made the comment that his calves were getting an extra working over,” he said.
Meyer also said that it was a bit sad that the tournament as we know it had come to an end, explaining that it would now form part of the European Tour leg in South Africa.
He spoke about Branden, who he has known from his days in the Southern Cape. “He’s an unbelievable player and has the potential to become the next Ernie Els. He’s popular among the players and the crowds love him,” he said.
Meanwhile, past Nomads national chairman Simon Lee, who is part of Southern Natal Nomads, was among the many Nomads led by national chairman Gary Rodwell who assisted with the scoring at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Many golf fans watched from the comfort of their lounges but these Nomads braved the heat to get the job done. “You have NO idea how hot it was,” said Simon afterwards.
However, he enjoyed being in the mix and doing stats for TV. “It’s always great to be right with the players though,” he said.
He also said it was good seeing Jaco van Zyl, formerly of Port Shepstone, playing so nicely … well, until the last nine holes.
“He’ll be fresh for next year, so expect big things,” said Lee.
Speaking of brave… San Lameer Country Club is hosting the ‘Big Boys Back Tees Bonanza’ this Saturday, December 12 with tee off times from 11am.
The maximum handicap is eight, and the competition will see amateurs play a medal round off the pro tees.
The entry fee is R400, including green fees, competition fee, cart (sharing) and a pizza afterwards. Medal and nett prizes will be presented.
A south-westerly wind has been predicted, which may encourage those not keen on tackling the 18th into the wind to play.
IN OTHER GOLF NEWS… Cool Kim claims another trophy
KIM Strauss surprised herself by winning the South Coast Regional Champs at her home course, Port Shepstone Country Club, recently.
Although she is a talented sportswoman, having played interprovincial hockey, golf is still quite new to her.
Playing off her current 11 handicap, she had rounds of 78 and 79 to win by two from Chloe Royston (Cotswold Downs), who had rounds of 82 and 77.
Lizzie Currie (Port Shepstone) was third on scores of 83 and 78.
Scores weren’t great and the conditions were challenging in a strong breeze, but Kim kept her calm and produced the goods.
It perhaps helped that she didn’t really even know she was in contention!
Earlier in the year, Kim won the Port Shepstone club champs, also seeing off a fast-finishing Currie, so she certainly appears to have the temperament to go on to bigger things if she applies her mind.
Southbroom’s Geraldine Treherne tied for third place in the silver division on 89 and 90 with Port Shepstone’s Ann Baldrey.
Beryl Olden (Port Shepstone) won the bronze division on 91.
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