‘Umkomaaster’ does UGC proud

UMKOMAAS Golf Club’s Tim Clark, aka the ‘Umkomaaster’, won the RBC Canadian Open.

It was played at Royal Montreal Golf Club, in Quebec, with rounds of 67, 67, 64 and a 65 in the final round. Tim had the most unbelievable final 9 holes, making 5 birdies, but on the 16th hole he put his 2nd shot down a slope, next to the green, his ball disappearing into the longest grass imaginable.

No problem with the punch shot out for a great ‘up and down’ for a par. Jim Furyk was leading for the best part of the tournament but had a few wobblies on the way, where Tim came back at the end with a magnificent birdie on the 17th to take the lead on his own. Tim played fantastic golf throughout and its many congratulations from all at UGC and his legion of fans around the country. Tim finished on -17 with Jim Furyk in 2nd place with -16. Tim now qualifies, as the winner of the Canadian Open, to play in the Bridgestone Invitational on 31 July and the PGA Open on 7 August. Good luck in both these tournaments, Tim, after all your injuries and so on over the past year or so, it’s now your turn to take on the golfing world and show them how the ‘Umkomaaster’ wins tournaments.

Other notable South Africans were Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, both finishing on -8 for the tournament.

Last Sunday, six of the women took to the fairways of Beachwood to play in the Durban Regional Championships (medal of medals) and although the girls didn’t feature all that well, the club was very well represented. Sabiha Bacaus and Michelle van der Merwe played 36 holes in the silver division whereas Michelle van der Westhuizen, Linda Toward, Leigh Beckerling and Denise Nell played 18 holes in the bronze division.

Congratulations to Michelle van der Merwe who was runner-up on her 75 nett she scored at the KZN Seniors Championships A division at Royal Durban Golf Club a couple of Mondays ago. Well done, girl.

Wednesday’s competition welcomed the Espachs, Mike and Magda and Claude Osborne to UGC. Being a typical winter’s day, sunshine with a slight breeze, the weather certainly couldn’t be blamed if any mediocre golf was played on the day. The winner on 41 was Wally Kent, followed by evergreen Ronny Thorold in 2nd place with 39. Andy Davidge, always in the prizes, came in with 36 in 3rd spot, counting out Jimmy Spear, Roddy McGibbon, Dave Kemp, Garth Wilyman and Chris Viljoen.

Saturday’s competition was a 4 BBB stableford – thanks to chairman, Devlyn Fraser for standing in at prizegiving, who welcomed visitors Bob Duncan, Mike Penfold (Randpark GC) and Bertus van Jaarsveld. Once again, the Thorolds, Ronny and Annette were in the prizes taking the top-spot on 48 with Derek Airey and Wally Kent in 2nd place, three shots off the pace with 45. Ken Harding took the jackpot with his 10 points and George Mzimela went home with the hidden birdie which was found on the 8th hole. Leven Chetty stayed long enough to collect his prize in the ‘non-skills dept” – the attendance draw. Well done to all the players and the winners.

The number of players was slightly diminished at Saturday’s competition due to the Vergottini wedding that afternoon – congratulations to Samantha and her new hubby, Matthew Alfonso – may you both have a long and very happy life together.

Unfortunately, the Hospice golf day has had to be postponed so watch this space for the new date, your support is just as important the second time around.

The club hosts its annual fundraising day on Saturday, 16 August. Put your names down early to ensure a suitable tee time. The time sheet is filling up rapidly and promises to be a great day for all. with plenty of prizes and nearest the pin prizes as well.

Next Saturday, 2 August is the Toyota Halfway Malanda monthly medal with social golf on Sunday. There is a group playing on Sunday – call the club for available tee times.

It is a bit early, but the Zimbo Trophy will be played again this year on Saturday, 20 September. This is really a fun competition taking the points scored to a whole new level. The time sheet is up on the notice board – any queries can be clarified by either Sue or Peter Boshoff.

Good luck to the guys playing Allerton League next Sunday up in Maritzburg at Victoria GC as they come up against Durban Central.

Go to the website at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za