Small’s golf ball soars like an eagle

By P Utter

THERE are five very good reasons for congratulations at Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) this past weekend, as the club played its club champs and is proud to announce its five new champions.

Although numbers of players were slightly down on last year, the whole competition was fiercely fought by all.

UGC’s men champions of 2015 are: Viv Naicker A division; Derek Airey B division and long-time member Simon van den Bosch C division. This means that Simon has won, over the many years as a member, all the divisions the club has to offer. Congratulations to these three players on their well-earned trophies.

Not to be out done, the women also played their championships this past weekend and the winner of the silver division was Natalie Singer and winner of the bronze division was Lesa Vergottini. Natalie flew down from Johannesburg to play in the champs. Thank you Nats for making the trip down to join the girls this weekend.

There was an unbelievable incident on Saturday. Robbie Small, who, to all who know him, just oozes personality and not being the biggest guy around, somehow managed to get an eagle on the 18th. This means, to all the non-golfers, that Rob’s ball went into the hole from tee to green, in two shots. This particular hole is a par five for the women, which just goes to show that timing is everything, despite the fact that he plays off scratch. Never, in the 102-year history of the club, has an eagle ever been recorded on the 18th. Well done Robbie.

Congratulations to the trophy winners and all the players, despite the imminent threat of rain on Sunday, all played great golf.

Back to Wednesday’s competition, the club welcomed visitors Allan Hawkins, Bob Fowler, Graham Radloff, Derek Lotter, Keith Brooking together with Mike and Magda Espach to the ‘blue tee’ competition. This competition is played on one Wednesday during the month and for a small fee, players will received a boerie roll at prize-giving. These blue tee days are proving to be quite popular and all visitors are welcome to play. This week it was ‘Big Garth’ Wilyman taking home the first prize with a great 44 points, followed by Warren Taylor in second place with 40 points. Sue Boshoff was also in the prizes, scooping the third prize on a count out from Hans Beuthe, John Thompson, Peter Williamson and Craig Redfern, all on 38 points.

Next Saturday, 23 May is the Sanlam Cancer Challenge. Support this competition even though the green fees are a little more than usual, as all the proceeds go towards research, which hopefully will develop a cure for this horrible disease. The time sheet is on the notice board or call the office on 039-973-1042 to book a time.

The women are playing their first SCR league match on Sunday, 24 May at Margate Country Club and the menfolk are playing Allerton League as well, at Windsor Golf Club. The best of luck and play well to all.

Also on Sunday, 24 May, the club hosts the Strand Strikers. Call the club for available tee times.

Saturday, 30 May is the fifth round of the alliance league – gather your teams together for a fun day on the course.

Time is near for your entries into the Sardine Run next month. To enter, logon to www.sardinegolf.co.za, fill out the relevant form and enjoy three days on three great golf courses in June. The weather is guaranteed to be beautiful and at the end of the competition, there’s a public holiday to recuperate. What could be better than that?

The club’s website can be found on www.umkomaasgolf.co.za where there is a link to the Sardine Run.