Ganas does UGC proud

By P Utter

NOT only does Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) have Tim Clark and Garth Mulroy to boast about but we are also very proud of our 'new star golfer' in the form of Ganas Naicker.

Ganas has been playing his way through all the qualifying rounds to reach his goal of playing and representing South Africa for Team SA in the World Amateur Golfers Championships to be played in October and November.

Ganas gets the opportunity of playing against 25 or possibly more countries and UGC is enormously proud of him, since this is a remarkable achievement for any club golfer. Ganas finished second in the 16-20 handicap category played last Tuesday, 10 September at Cotswold Downs and Durban Country Club on Wednesday, 11 September, securing him a place in Team SA.

Many congratulations to Ganas from all at UGC, we all wish you much success in this great tournament.

Congratulations also go to our women, Sabiha Bacaus, Lesa Vergottini, Michelle van der Merwe and Leigh Beckerling, who played in the Lewis Reynolds competition last Sunday, 15 September at Scottburgh Golf Club and won. It was a better ball competition and our girls won with a combined score of 83 points. Well done girls, including Annette Gillett, Michelle van der Westhuizen, Linda Toward and Jacqui Scarpa who, but for Annette, are all first timers in the Lewis Reynolds competition.

Wednesday started off cloudy, threatening rain which put a few of the golfers off but not so the 'hardier' players who aren't afraid of getting a little water and getting slightly wet. Nonetheless, there were a few who did brave the elements for 18 holes and the winner of the day and taking the first prize, was once again a Strand Striker in the form of Fred Brandow with 39 points, followed very closely on a count out by Michelle van der Merwe, also on 39 points. Peter Boshoff managed to slip into third spot on 38 points.

Last Saturday was the Zimbo trophy tournament, which proved to be very popular indeed. Even the 'old grumpies' enjoyed the format which was different from the norm. The club had numerous visitors and thanks everyone for joining. The weather played along for a while but the wind was a big factor in the final results. The winners of the Zimbo Trophy, combining exceptionally well were Jimmy Spear and Derek Airey on 83 points, followed by Andy Davidge and Dave Kemp in second place, 13 shots behind on 70 points. In third place on 69 points were husband and wife team of Ronny and Annette Thorold with Saga Reddy and Kuben Naidoo hot on their heels in fourth place with 66 points. They counted out Jimmy Pickavance and Rob Small into fifth place, also with 66 points. The woman with the best individual score was Annette Thorold with 40 points and the man with the best individual score was Derek Airey with 43 points. There was also the nearest the pin prizes on the short holes which was taken by fourth Norman Msomi, ninth John Gillett, 13th Moonsamy Nelson and 17th Chris Coetzee. Congratulations to all winners and to all who supported and participated.

Next Saturday, 21 September is the better ball competition with social golf on Sunday. Call the club for a tee time on 039-973-1042 or the golf shop on 039-973-1330.

There is a 'tombstone' competition on the holiday, 24 September which is entirely different to the normal medal day but played in a similar way. Sounds pretty scary but great fun will be had by all. Call for more details and an explanation of the competition and its rules. As it's a holiday, the whole family can go on down to UGC and join their golfing partner for a braai afterwards. Braai packs will be available with salads, rolls, 'pap 'n sous' and so on. It will be a lovely day for the family to be together. Go to www.umkomaasgolf.co.za for club info.