UGC’s woman captain sips from Sutcliffe Glass

AFTER the adrenaline rush of last week’s win at the Canadian open, it was a bit much to expect that Tim Clark would do outrageously well at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational played at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio this week.

But play he did, not doing too badly finishing at T50th place with a score of +6.

This might look like an horrendous score but if one considers that the guy who came in last place at 72nd, Tano Goya had a score of +22, Tim’s score was really not that bad at all. Congrats to Rory McIlroy on his second win in as many weeks on -15 but one has to feel for Sergio Garcia, who lead the Bridgestone for most of the time but lost it to Rory in the end. The best South African was Charl Schwartzel on -9, Brandon Grace -3 and Ernie Els on -2. Other South Africans were Richard Sterne +9 and Louis Oosthuizen on +10. The next big tournament to look forward to next week is the PGA Championships. Best wishes go to Tim, UGC will be watching, so no pressure there.

UGC’s men played Allerton league at Victoria Golf Club in Maritzburg last Sunday and although they lost 7/5, the guys played well. Their next game will be at Windsor Park Golf Club at the end of August. Better luck next time.

Wednesday’s competition was the usual individual stableford, where Devlyn Fraser welcomed Mike and Magda Espach. The competition was won by none other than Fred Welch on 40 points, counting out Peter Boshoff into second place. In third spot was Johan Hugo with 37 points and taking fourth slot was Jimmy Spear on 36 points, counting out Sierd Lamminga and Rob Mathias into fifth and sixth places respectively.

Being the first Saturday of the month, the Toyota Halfway Malanda monthly medal was played. Two semi-permanent visitors, ‘evergreen’ Bob Duncan and Bertus van Jaarsveld were welcomed. In the A division Saga Reddy once again took home the first prize on a well earned 67 with Mike Cromhout in second place on 70.

The B division was won by Johan Hugo on 69 with Nelson Moonsamy on 70, counting out Derek Airey also with 70. The ever popular C division was won by Graham Coxell on an excellent 65, counting out John Thompson into second place, also on a 65. Well done John.

The women’s section also played medal for the Sutcliffe Glass and the winner on this occasion was woman captain, Bryony Rogers on a stunning 69 followed by Lesa Vergottini, quite a way back, on 82. Bryony also swept in for the least putts prize with 31 putts. The jackpot was shared between Ken Harding and Derek Airey with 10 points and Saga Reddy found the hidden birdie on the fifth hole. The attendance draw will be carried over to next week.

UGC’s fundraising day is on Saturday, 16 August. This is the club’s biggest day to raise funds and all are invited to play. Call 039-973-1042 to book your tee time. There will be plenty of prizes on offer with nearest the pin prizes as well.

KidzGolf is still on a Saturday morning (during school terms only) between 8am and 9am for any youngster who wishes to try out this fascinating game of golf. There are various golf clubs, so you won’t need to buy any just yet. Devlyn will be only too happy to welcome you all, so come on down and enjoy the fresh air.

Six-pin on a Friday afternoon is always a great way to unwind after a stressful day or week at the office. As soon as the warmer weather arrives, braai evenings will start again. Watch for Annette’s announcement when this will start up again or contact the club. Visit www.umkomaasgolf.co.za