Meteoric rise for new strokeplay champion
The A division final played between Kalvin and previous winner Sadeak Khader, was decided by a play-off over four holes, namely 10, 16, 17 and 18.
ON Sunday, Kalvin van Rensburg was crowned Amanzimtoti Golf Club’s strokeplay champion for 2014.
To explain the enormity of his win, let us go back a few years. In July 2011, Kalvin submitted his fifth scorecard and received a temporary handicap of 12. Three years on, he has successfully challenged the club’s best players and won. A wonderful result from a very talented young golfer.
The A division final played between Kalvin and previous winner Sadeak Khader, was decided by a play-off over four holes, namely 10, 16, 17 and 18. Kalvin showed his intent on the 10th hole, when he boxed a long range eagle putt to trump Sadeak’s birdie. On the next hole, things went awry for Sadeak when he put his drive into the bushes. Result was a three over for Sadeak and bogey for Kalvin. Sadeak made par on the 16th while Kalvin made another bogey, and so they went into the final hole with Kalvin two shots clear of Sadeak. Both were on the green putting for birdie, Kalvin held his nerve to sink his putt and Sadeak conceded the match.
This was a fitting end to the weekend’s competition and it was good to see the fairways lined with supporters to witness the play-off.
In the B division, Ronnie Nair showed his class by shrugging off the pressure of being the bookies’ favourite, which has been known to reduce many golfers to nervous wrecks. Ronnie took the title on 141 nett, one shot clear of Grant Harris.
The C division honours went to Perry Gengan with 69 points, who claimed the win by one point from the unshakeable Servaas van Niekerk.
For the record, the A division best gross on Saturday was Bruce Whiting on 74, with Mike Igesund best nett on 70. Best gross on Sunday was Mervyn Naidoo with Faraan Khader best nett with 71. The B division best gross on Saturday went to Patrick Cruikshank, while Clive Fryer had best nett on 71. The best gross on Sunday was Johnny Svendsen on 79 and best nett on the day was Billy Williamson with 68.
The women struggled on the weekend, with several scores reminiscent of a wonderful knock by Sachin Tendulkar but not suited to golfing scores. Notwithstanding the bad play, the championships were played in good spirits and the winners did justice to their titles.
The silver division honours went to Charmain Stone, 171 gross, who didn’t have an easy time contending with both flu and a tetchy course. Mention must be made of the incredible driver that enabled Charmain to claim the honours. In second spot was Jacqui Porrill on 173 gross. Best nett was Brenda Morgan on 151. The bronze division winner was Sue Boucher with 197, a full seven shots clear of second-placed Estelle Binnekade. Best nett and senior division winner was Wladzia Olivier with 155 nett and 31 IPS points for the senior comp.
Worth mentioning was the amazing sighting of a family of fish eagles soaring above the course and river, which definitely reduced the physical and mental and physical pain inflicted on this scribe and several other players.
So that is the club strokeplay champs done and dusted for 2014, but the excitement isn’t over yet as the men’s matchplay championships will be played this coming weekend. Good luck to all the contestants – may the best players win.
Earlier in the week, the Wednesday IPS competition attracted a very good field of 49 players, with Mike Tait taking the win with 41 points, from Donovan Ridley 40 and Bryant Newton 39 points. The Friday nine hole sundowner competition was also well supported with a field of 46, and captain Tommy McNaughton won on a count-out from Willem van Deventer, both on 22 points.
In closing, remember that Amanzimtoti welcomes all visitors to come and play a round on the beautiful course. Phone the pro shop on 031-9021166 to book a time.
