Ilembe golfers ‘rain’ at Interzone event

IT WAS a case of ‘new name, same title’ for the golfers from the North Coast, now known at the Ilembe Golf Federation.

They dominated affairs at the annual KwaZulu-Natal Country Districts Interzone tournament, held at San Lameer last weekend, winning the shield that has eluded them for a few years now, but one which they have won on numerous occasions in the past.

Weather played a big part. It was windy on day one, then the heavens opened in spectacular fashion on day two, and the sun finally showed its face on Sunday.

The Friday strokeplay was split into morning and afternoon sessions.

The individual championship was won by Derek Scullard (KwaMbonambi GC) on a superb score of 67 and 71, nine shots ahead of Corné van Deventer (Vryheid GC) and Sean Baker (Margate CC) who had 78 and 70.

In the team event, Northern KZN made early inroads, with Ilembe second. In the afternoon Southern KZN found their bearings, with Ilembe again second.

This set things up nicely for the matchplay.

Ilembe trounced their arch-rivals Southern KZN 5½-2½. The victors had sent a strong team but the ease of the win was still a surprise.

They had a closer time of it against Northern KZN (played at the same time), but saw them off 5-3.

Ilembe had a tough battle against a much-improved Midlands team in the afternoon session played in pouring rain, scraping through 4½-3½.

Had it been a pro event, play would most likely been suspended, but the country districts players seem to enjoy playing in appalling weather.

The Sunday morning was nothing more than a victory lap for Ilembe as they cruised to 6½-1½ win over Southern KZN ‘B’ and an 8-0 whitewash of East Griqualand.

Captain Koenie Erasmus said the team spirit had been a vital component of overall success.

Tom Lovett felt that the Ilembe’s players’ ability to handle the tough conditions had been a key factor.

Their secret weapon may have been Shane Douglas, initially a reserve, but who came in at the last minute and produced a ‘Most Valuable Player’ performance for Ilembe as the only one not to lose a match.

Ilembe were represented, in playing order, by Tom Lovett (Prince’s Grant), Steve Phytides (Zimbali), Koenie Erasmus (Umhlali), Hannes van der Merwe (Prince’s Grant), Shane Douglas (Zimbali), Connor Stoyell (Umhlali), Greg Smith (Umhlali) and Mike Algie (Simbithi).

The KZN Country Districts team to play in the SACD tournament at San Lameer CC from May 15 to 19 is Corné van Deventer (Vryheid GC, captain), Sean Baker (Margate CC), Ryno Crous (Vryheid GC), Koenie Erasmus (Umhlali CC), Graham Fabricius (Port Shepstone CC), Jens Hillermann (Noodsberg CC), Tom Lovett (Prince’s Grant GC) and Derek Scullard (KwaMbonambi GC). Wynand de Swardt is the manager.

KZN Golf Union president Ivan Curlewis felt it was a strong team, and one capable of winning.

“Ten years ago we won the SACD at San Lameer, a year after winning the B division so some history could repeat itself,” he said.