One-sided games in 2018 premier league golf opener
The KwaZulu-Natal premier league has started for 2018.
LEAGUE action got going for the year and there were no real surprises in the opening games of the premier league.
In the Blue Pool, Durban Country Club beat Maritzburg Golf Club 11-1, with only Darryl Trodd and Ruben van den Berg’s win over Sean Fenger and Ashwin Krishen in the morning seeing the visitors avoid a whitewash.
Durban CC won all eight singles, with the wins coming from Ian King, Grant Lister-James, Keith Forde, Krishen, Murray Gilson, James Buzzard, Fenger and Jono Broomhead.
Kloof were at home to Toti and after coming close to relegation last year, got moving like a hungry fellow spotting a buffet.
They trounced Toti 11,5-0,5 with Toti skipper Kalvin van Rensburg earning a hard-fought half against Darryn Myers.
“Terrible result, the rain got us,” lamented the captain.
The return fixture will be interesting as Toti have a more than decent team, on paper at least.
Defending champions Mount Edgecombe CC had a bye.
ALSO READ: Mount Edgecombe CC win 2017 premier league
In the Red Pool, Cotswold Downs saw off Umhlali Country Club’s challenge with relative ease, winning 8-4.
Foursomes were taken 3-1 and while the singles were a little closer, Cotswold were never in trouble.
Singles wins for Cotswold came from Paul Baldocchi, Dean le Vieux, Brad Trevethan and Grant Olivier – playing 8 to 5 respectively.
By then the match was done, but Umhlali’s Tony Matkovich, Koenie Erasmus and Kevin Ullyett added some respectability to the scoreboard.
Cotswolds’ other singles win came from Brendan Adlam.
Royal Durban would have played Northern KZN but they’ve pulled out of the league due to financial constraints and lack of players of sufficient skill.
Durban CC ‘2’ had a bye.
Gavin Sole of Southbroom GC.
* Gavin Sole (Southbroom) won the Southern KZN Closed at Southbroom Golf Club last Saturday, shooting 66 and 67.
Sean Baker (Kokstad) was runner-up on 74 and 74, followed by Jason Gilliver (Selborne Park) who had rounds of 69 and 80.
* The East Griqualand Open takes place at Kokstad Golf Club this Sunday (4th).
To enter, contact Bruce Eaglestone at 082 7713149 or Bryce Tarr at 073 9257928 or Sean Baker at 083 6277347.
The KZN Interzone tournament will be held there in March so it represents a good opportunity to get gain some local knowledge.
ALSO READ: Early season catch for Big Fish at Kokstad
* Mid-amateur golfers in the province (those over the age of 30 with an official handicap) who want to be placed on the KwaZulu-Natal Golf Union ranking system for selection purposes to the interprovincial team are requested to notify the union, email, of their availability (kzngu@kzngolf.co.za).
It is essential that the selectors are made aware of the golfers who wish to be considered for selection purposes and only players registered on the ranking system will meet the necessary criteria.
* On the national front, Kyle McClatchie (Ekurhuleni) won the Gauteng North Open at Waterkloof Golf Club on 25-under par last weekend.
Best of the KwaZulu-Natal players was Matt Saulez (Durban CC) in a tie for sixth on -12.
Gregory McKay (Mount Edgecombe CC) was tied for 13th on -8. Malcolm Mitchell (Kloof CC) and Clayton Mansfield (Durban CC) were tied for 15th on -7.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
