Saga’s Sun City-bound after Cancer Challenge win

By P Utter

AFTER the ‘Indian summer’ days in July, most locals were jolted back to reality last week with icy cold weather and rain in some parts of the province.

The cold, miserable conditions last Thursday and Friday certainly had everyone sitting up and taking notice that winter was still around and that the wait for summer is a while off.

This week Umkomaas Golf Club (UGC) send major congratulations to Saga Reddy on winning the A division of the Cancer Challenge last Sunday at Umdoni Golf Club. After taking on the cream of of the players of the Southern region, Saga rose to the top and won the title. This all means he will be flown up to Sun City to play in the finals, all expenses paid, representing UGC. This is such a feather in UGC’s cap and a tremendous honour. UGC may be smaller than many clubs but it certainly holds its own on the golf course. This is not the first time one of its players has reached the final – Sabiha Bacaus did the same a few years ago in the women’s division. Congratulations again, Saga and all the very best of luck at Sun City.

Two UGC girls, Denise Nell and Michelle van der Merwe didn’t fare that well at Kloof Golf Club in their Cancer Challenge. Being used to the coastal-type of golf course, which is far slower than inland, the mirror-like greens didn’t do them any favours, so they really battled. But both Denise and Michelle did Umkomaas proud by representing the club at such a prestigious tournament.

Last Wednesday’s individual stableford competition saw Ken Koster take the first prize, on a count out from Chris Viljoen in second spot, both on 39 points. Big Garth Wilyman took third place with his 34 points.

The ever-popular alliance league was played last Saturday, 19 August and although there was a howling wind and clouds about, the scores were really quite good. In first place were ‘The Naidoos’ – Bruce Sutcliffe, Kuben Naidoo, Dylan Sutcliffe and Sean Prendergast with their 96 points followed by the ‘The Bar Flies’ – Wally Kent, Michelle van der Merwe, Jimmy Spear and Dave Mulroy in second spot with their 93 points. The jackpot was shared between Nelson Moonsamy and Kuben Naidoo, both with 11 points with Derek Airey and Dylan Sutcliffe sharing the hidden birdie kitty – each with birdies on the 15th hole. After the weekend before with no two-clubs, this weekend had three – Wally Kent – fourth; Kuben Naidoo – ninth and Nelson Moonsamy – 17th. Well done to all the players.

On Sunday, 20 August the club again hosted the Sunday bash. It was not as good a turn-out as usual, since some of the guys were playing elsewhere or had family commitments. But nonetheless, those who did play had a reasonably sunny day with little wind. The winner was Maxwell Mthembu with 35 points and second was Nelson Moonsamy with 33 points. Although the field was slightly smaller than usual, the cash prizes were still quite substantial, so go on down on Sunday, 27 August between 9.30am and 10am and join in the competition.

Next Saturday, 26 August, the competition will be a 4BBB stableford with social golf on Sunday, 27 August along with the Sunday Bash.

A gentle reminder of UGC’s women’s Spring open alliance day on Saturday, 2 September. All the players are asked to wear their brightest outfits, the brighter the better. So get out your neon-coloured shirts and so on and wear them with pride. There will be a prize for the best outfit as well as other great competition prizes. Call Sonny on 039-973-1042 to book a tee time.

Another reminder that club fees are due on 1 September – the fees have gone up slightly so bear this in mind. The club cannot operate without the financial injection that fees bring in every year. Although UGC is 104-years-old this year, the maintenance of the course still needs to be done. The fee structure can be viewed on the notice board at the club or on the website at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za