Selection poser for league team
The league games will be played on February 10, March 3, April 14 and June 2, with semi-finals on June 23 and a final on July 7.
With the start of the KZN Golf Union central league around the corner, selecting the team this year could be a bit more difficult than in the past.
That’s because there are a number of new, younger players on the scene, starting to break through, eager to make their ability known.
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They’ll have a chance to show what they’re made of at the Southern KZN Closed at San Lameer CC this Sunday.
League games this season will be played on February 10, March 3, April 14 and June 2, with semi-finals on June 23 and a final on July 7.
Last year the team failed to win the promotion final against Zululand, playing the match without veterans Gavin Sole and Sean Baker.
It exposed the team’s lack of depth and reliance on Sole to provide fire-power at the top.
The Big Fish has been around seemingly forever, but he would love it if the next wave of talent emerged to pick up the mantle.
The good news is that there are some young players showing promise.
Most of them are members at Umdoni Park, including Jason Gilliver, Mitch Hampson, Mikhail van Brakel and now Cubitt twins ,Jack and Luke.
Mitch and the twins are still at school (Westville Boys’ High), so it will be interesting to see how they progress in the next few years.
James Coull is following in his grandfather Gerald Koch’s footsteps and showing some decent form. He’s at Port Shepstone High.
Graham Sole is another still at school (Southcity) but he still has to get to single figures, so probably needs another year or two before he can push for a place in the league team.
However, matchplay can be a mind-game of note, so that’s where the experienced veterans can add value.
One of these ‘old boys’ experiencing a return to some rich form is Elvis Khawula, who has been shooting some red numbers of late.
Robert Mavundla have been very steady, as has Gary Purtell.
‘Wild cards’ have included players who have filled in when needed, like Jarrod van Wyk, David Rush and Thamsana Xolo.
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Newcomers include the likes of Koos Jacobs, who has previous SA Country Districts golf experience, and having recently moved to the area, is making a comeback of sorts.
Another returnee is Leorin Pillay, who has decided pro golf is not the best option for him right now.
Once he regains his amateur status in March, he could add real value if eager and available.
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