Robbie Bruce wins ‘Longest Hole’ competition with 16 shots

The Longest Hole competition, traditionally played on the afternoon of New Year’s Day at Umkomaas Golf Club, was postponed due to inclement weather, but 22 eager golfers arrived on Sunday (3rd) to try their luck at the annual cross-country event.

The competition, started back in the ’80s when members traditionally reconvened to clean up after the New Year’s Eve bash, begins on the 8th tee box, the furthest point from the clubhouse.

Golfers are then required to play their way ‘cross country’ to hole out on the 18th green.

The normal rules of golf apply but players are entitled to choose their own route across the roughly 1.5km distance, over hill and down dale, and even backwards down some holes, before crossing the road, with the aim of holing out in the least number of shots.

The competition record of just 11 shots has been achieved a few times, mostly by long hitters including the likes of tour pros Garth Mulroy and Tim Clark.

This year, the lush conditions caused by the weekend’s rain meant the going was a little tougher than usual and the growth in the trees around the back of the 8th green and between the 14th and 2nd holes means its perhaps not as easy as it has been in years gone by.

Coming out on top, in his first attempt of the competition, was new member and Widenham Villager, Robbie Bruce who holed out in 16 shots.

Several others managed 18 shots making it impossible to award a second place.

Photo 1 Caption (L to R): Club Captain Graham Coxell and winner, Robbie Bruce

Competition results

Thirty-eight players competed in the IPS competition held on December 23 and the relaxing holiday vibes seem to have contributed to excellent scores.

Coming out on top was Willie Boucher on 41 points followed closely by Fred Brandon on 40 points and Gregg Anderson on 39 points.

Boxing Day’s betterball competition was won by Willie and Sue Boucher on 45 points.

Riek Jansen van Rensburg and Jacques Hulley’s 44 points counted out Russel McKelvey and Willy Moller for second place.

The IPS competition held on December 30 was won by Keith Vergottini who counted out Graham Coxell on 38 points.

Third and fourth place were also decided by count-out on 36 points between Dave Kemp and Bruce Sutcliffe.

Saturday’s first competition for 2021 was a Waltzing Alliance in rather wet conditions but 34 brave golfers headed out to enjoy their first golf for the new year.

First place was won on 87 points by Harold Horsley, John Webster, Robbie and Pippa Bruce.

Second place on 83 points were Jacques and Sabiha Hulley, Mickey Eriksen and Riek Jansen van Rensburg.

Sincere condolences go to the family of George Dowie who sadly died last week after an illness, and to Ley, Kyle, Mignon and Denton Farla and families on the sudden death of Steve Farla.

Whilst George may have been a new member and the Farlas left us when they emigrated a few years ago, they remain part of the #thefriendliestclub and will be sorely missed.

The return to lockdown Level 3 means that unfortunately some of our clubhouse facilities, particularly the bar isn’t operating at present to ensure compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

However, the course is open, and we welcome members and visitors alike – please remember your mask.

All GolfRSA protocols are in place to ensure your safe and enjoyable round at our beautiful course.

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