OPINION All systems go for Barney
IT’S ALL systems go at the Kimberley Golf Club, with golfing hopefuls from near and far set to tee off this morning when the 28th annual Barney Barnato Festival gets under way.
Despite fewer rounds than is tradition, there will be no shortage of action, entertainment and excitement during this latest instalment of the ever popular event, with all the action squeezed into only four days.
This compact version of the festival will leave no margin for error, as every putt will count, with this year’s overall order of merit winner to be determined over a mere 72 holes.
“This year’s Barney may be shorter but we are confident that the compressed format is going to prove to be a resounding success,” said the spokesperson for the KGC and event organiser,
Dave Wilson.
“The next few days are going to see roughly 300 players complete about 900 rounds of golf.
“As always, an individual stableford, starting with today’s first round, sponsored by Lunaka, will be on offer on a daily basis, with the combined scores calculated to determine the overall grand prix order of merit winner.”
“While everybody is eligible to walk away as the overall champion, there will also be a ladies order of merit on offer for the woman who returns the best score come Saturday.”
The tournament is played according to the individual stableford format and commemorates one of Kimberley’s most memorable mining legends. The Barney Barnato tournament was established in 1990 and has become the largest amateur golf tournament of its kind on the African continent.
“There are many players who make their way to Kimberley, year after year, to compete in the Barney,” said Wilson. “The event may not have attracted any professionals or celebrities this year, but we will be welcoming back visitors from as far afield as Zambia, Tanzania and even Australia.”
While the sporting side of this festival makes for plenty of action, for many participants it is the social aspect of the event that draws them to Kimberley with every day’s play concluding with a prize-giving before an assortment of live entertainment allows for the real festivities to begin at the 19th hole.
“We always enjoy the fantastic atmosphere that surrounds this tournament and the social side of the event plays a significant part in this.
“After the winners of the Lunaka-sponsored individual stableford have claimed their prizes, we will be treated to a performance by Open Ground Level, who are sure to keep the golfers thoroughly entertained.”
Tomorrow will see Datanio returning to the stage at the KGC, while X Factor will be performing on Friday and again on Saturday after the main prize-giving.
“The course is looking great and we are ready for another thrilling festival.”