Ganas breaks golf drought with second place in SKZN Open B division

TIM Clark took second place at the WCG HSBC Championships played at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China last weekend.

Tim was leading for a while at the end of his final round until Bubba Watson holed his bunker shot for an eagle on the last hole to make them both -11. Then the play-off was on and off the two players went to the 18th tee box, a long par five over water to play their first play-off hole. Now Tim, not known for hitting a long ball, tees off with Bubba quite a way ahead of him. Tim reaches the green in 3 and Bubba’s second shot is in the bunker, next to the green. It all came down to about 30 cm – Tim was short with his putt and Bubba holed his putt to win the tournament. The Club sends heartiest congratulations and admiration to Tim for fighting his way back into contention and just for a short while was the winner. Other notable South Africans were George Coetzee on -5, Louis Oosthuizen -4 and even great golfers have bad weekends – Charl Schwartzel was +12 for the tournament.

The men of Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) played in both the inter club tournament down south and composite league at Selborne Golf Club over the weekend. The inter club teams didn’t fare too well except the team of Tom Naicker, Ganas Naicker and Dean Naicker who were leading on the first day but ended up in 6th place overall. The alliance team of Viv Naicker, Nelson Moonsamy and Saga Reddy were placed very well on the last day but were counted out into second place on Sunday. Well done, guys.

Ganas Naicker played in the Southern KZN open at Port Shepstone earlier this month, finishing second in the B division, scoring 40 and 41 points over 36 holes. Ganas says he played very well after a bit of a drought in the golf department. He missed coming in first place by a mere two points. Well done and congratulations Ganas and for flying the Umkomaas flag so high.

The composite league team had a bit of a rough day at Selborne Golf Club on Sunday morning. They lost their matches and huge thanks to the guys who filled in and made the team complete.

Wednesday was the normal individual stableford and visitor Julian de Pont was welcomed. The winner, just for a change, was Rob Mathias on 39 points with Warren Taylor taking second spot right behind Rob, on 38 points. Jimmy Spear counted out both Dave Kemp and Roddy McGibbon to take third place, all on 36 points.

Quite a few men were at inter club last weekend but despite this, the competition was well supported. Club captain, Peter Toward welcomed visitors Derek Cowden, Alan Eriksen, Trevor Wilkes, Mike Harvard, Barry and Marlene Delport and Willie and Rachel Aucamp to the competition. The betterball competition winners were Val Hazell and John Thompson on 43 points, followed very closely by Lesa Vergottini and Bing Opie in second slot on 42 points. Snatching third place on a count out was Dave Kemp and Rob Mathias from Peter Toward and Dave Mulroy and Michelle van der Merwe and Jacques Hulley, all on 41 points. All the little ‘side competitions’ such as the jackpot, hidden birdie (second hole) and the attendance draw (Vesa) will all be carried over to next week.

Next Saturday, 15 November is the fourball alliance, so gather the troops and put your names down.

There is social golf on Sunday, 16 November.

The mid-week two-for-one special currently running at the moment will cease at the end of November. Make a note of this green fee change and direct queries to the office on 039-973-1042 or the golf shop on 039-973-1330. Normal green fees will apply from Monday, 1 December.

The “Gerry Hatricks” start their golf quite early on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.30am. Any pensioner playing with this group will get member pensioner rates.

The club will welcome Natal Nomads on Thursday, 13 November. Let’s hope the weather plays along and everyone has a great day.

There are still a few Saturdays left before the schools close for the holidays. Why not take your youngsters down to the club for KidzGolf, maybe they will learn something new before the holiday season starts.

Find UGC online at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za