Waterlogged fairways a thing of the past at UGC
Sean's knowledge, time and expertise on underground drainage and so on has certainly helped the club with what had been a problem area for a number of years

RECENT rains along the KZN coast have left Umkomaas Golf Course (UGC) in superb condition at the moment.
The water problem on the bottom of the 14th fairway has been rectified, thanks to the members involved who gave of their time and knowledge to resolve the drainage problems.
A huge thank you to two members, namely Sean Crookes and Neil Auret. Sean brought both machinery and labour to sort out what will now be named “The Centenary Byrne”, a rather large drainage problem on the 14th fairway. Sean’s knowledge, time and expertise on underground drainage and so on has certainly helped the club with what had been a problem area for a number of years. Neil Auret, having been both a longstanding member and the green keeper of UGC before his retirement, has a vast knowledge of the golf course and is still an active consultant to the club. Many thanks to both Sean and Neil for their all their hard work on “The Centenary Byrne”, it is really appreciated.
Tim Clark once again held his own at the PGA Championships played at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York this week. Tim is the only South African to have survived the “cut”, leaving behind the likes of Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel and Brandon Grace in the race for championship glory. Tim finished on +10, T68 with Vijay Singh, 20 shots behind winner, Jason Dufner, who won the tournament on -10. Tim scored a hole-in-one on the 11th hole on the last day of play, probably the only hole-in-one of the tournament. Well done Tim.
Wednesday’s individual stableford competition was played in stunning weather, much to the delight of the players. Taking the first prize home this week was Piet “Jorsie” Vermaak on 39 points, counting out Serf Botha into second place, also on 39 points. In third slot was Peter Boshoff on 38 points.
Club captain, Peter Toward welcomed visitors Bob Duncan, Allen Hawkins, Keith Brooking, Brian Hawkins and Gerry Hattingh to the 4BBB stableford competition on Saturday. Kuben Naidoo had an incredible round, shooting a personal best of 79 to take the first prize, together with partner Tom Naicker on a fantastic 49 points. In second spot was Keith Vergottini and Dave Mulroy on 47 points, followed very closely by Barrie Taylor and Wally Kent on 46 points.
The jackpot was shared this week by Kuben Naidoo and Wally Kent on 11 points. The hidden birdie stays hidden once again, on the 18th hole. There were only two 2-Clubs this weekend – Lesa Vergottini on the ninth and Brian Daventry-Bull on the 13th. Well done to everyone who played. Linda Toward managed the attendance draw by just being at the club for prizegiving.
Congratulations to Andy Davidge who won a huge trophy for the best overall gross score in the A division of the Sages championships played at Selborne on 29 and 30 July. Well done to Dave Kemp who was a runner-up.
Next Saturday, 17 August is the Seeff sponsored alliance day. There are still times available so call the office on 039-973-1042 to book a time slot.
The club’s fundraising day on 24 August is all but fully booked. A huge thank you to all who have put their names down to play. This is the one day in the year where the club goes all out to make it a great day for all to enjoy. The club thanks you for your support.
Last Thursday night, UGC’s women hosted the Damon Beard evening at Umkomaas Primary School and what a great success that was. From reports, the whole show was outstanding, with everyone having a wonderful time. Well done to the girls who organised it – maybe there will be another evening in the not too distant future.
On Saturday, 14 September, Sue and Peter Boshoff are hosting the “Zimbo Trophy”, a magnificent floating trophy for the winners. The proceeds of this golf day will go to the club, so support this competition. It promises to be completely different to the normal Saturday competition. The time sheet will go up shortly, so choose your time and partners well.
As always the website is updated regularly. Logon to www.umkomaasgolf.co.za