David, Goliath tussle in C division goes the way of teen golfer

WHAT a welcome sight and sound the rain made in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Every piece of lawn within a hundred kilometres of the club is now lush, green and looking absolutely stunning.

Tim Clark played in the CIMP Classic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this past weekend, making the cut and finishing on a score of +2 at T56. Quite a change to watch any of the American PGA tournaments early in the morning as opposed to the middle of the night. It was good to see Tim playing the full four days and boy, aren’t those golf courses in Malaysia, Japan and China beautiful? Other South Africans to finish in the CIMP Classic were Rory Sabbatini -10; Charl Schwartzel -8; Retief Goosen -5 and Trevor Immelman on even par. The winner was Ryan Moore on -17.

Wednesday’s individual stableford competition saw visitors Mike and Magda Espach, Dennis Trotter and Johan Keet welcomed to the club. The winner on the day was Dave Kemp on 40 with Strand Striker, Fred Brandow two shots off the pace in second place with 38 points. Peter Boshoff took third slot with 37 with Rob Mathias in fourth spot, counting out big Garth Wilyman into 5th, both on 36.

As it was the first Saturday of the month, the competition was the monthly medal for both the women and men. With superb weather conditions (the prediction was rain the whole weekend) with no wind or rain to speak of, it turned out to be a magnificent day. The winner of the A division was Vic de Klerk on an excellent 66, with runner-up Saga Reddy with 69. The B division was scooped by Jimmy Spear on a very good 68 with Eric Morsner the runner-up with 71, counting out Derek Airey. Once again, the C division was a real challenge for all the players with a real ‘David and Goliath’ scenario playing out on the fairways and greens. Thirteen-year-old Tash Naicker shot an unbelievable 66, taking the winners mug from runner-up Ken Koster who shot a very respectable 70.

The women also had a tussle of their own between Michelle van der Merwe and Lesa Vergottini, with Michelle taking the Sutcliffe glass on a count out. Both finished on 76 with Michelle also snatching the least putts prize with 31 putts for her round. Congratulations to all the winners, especially young Tash who held his nerve to win in the end.

The jackpot was shared between Dave Kemp and Derek Airey, both with 10 points. Vic de Klerk took home the hidden birdie prize with a birdie on the 12th hole. Unfortunately Micky Eriksen had left the club when his name was drawn for the attendance draw which was worth R150 this week.

The competition next Saturday, 8 November is a fourball betterball with social golf on Sunday, 9 November.

Coming up on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is the men’s inter club down south and UGC wishes all the guys playing the very best of luck. Travel safely and enjoy the golf.

UGC’s composite league team plays at Selborne Golf Club on Sunday, 9 November. Play well. Since the women had a busy weekend recently, it’s the men’s turn to show their mettle.

UGC looks forward to something a little different on Friday, 5 December. John Thompson has arranged a quiz evening which will be a first for the club. See details on the notice board. All members, friends and visitors are invited to join in the fun, get a team of four together and enjoy an evening of merriment, fun and good company. Call the club on 039-973-1042.

An early reminder of the mixed foursomes to be played at Umkomaas on Sunday, 30 November. There’s plenty of time to get your teams together and put your names down. Convener is Derek Airey, and he can be contacted on 071-766-1525.

To all members who are not well or have been poorly recently, UGC wishes them all a speedy recovery. UGC wishes Johnny Coetzee all the best in his new abode.

Six pin takes place, as always, every Friday afternoon, unless it’s pouring with rain, from 2.30pm. Registration and the score cards are in the pub, the barman will assist where necessary.

All UGC news and new green fee rates can be found at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za