Pradeep wins inaugural golf tourney for seniors

WHEN Pradeep Ramowtar, pictured, heard of the inaugural KZN Seniors Tournament for over 50s he decided to give it a try.

At the end of a gruelling 36 holes played over two days at Cotswold Downs Golf Course he came up trumps, beating his nearest rival in the B Division by a huge margin.

The B Division is for golfers playing off handicaps between 10 and 24.

At the end of the first day’s play last Sunday he carded 36 points and was lying in second position.

“After the first 18 holes I realised I was in with a chance. The second day’s play was a seeded game which meant the top four players played together. I started off with a par on the first hole and by playing consistent golf I carded 21 points after the front nine holes,” said Ramowtar, 52.

He said he realised at this stage that he was well positioned to win the tournament if he kept his cool.

“One of the hallmarks of my game is my calm temperament. I knew that I just had to remain focussed over the back nine holes. Although there were some lose shots I managed to achieve my goal and carded 17 points over the last nine holes.”

At this stage Ramowtar knew he had beaten the other top contenders in his fourball but was not sure of his win as other golfers could have played blinders to sneak in.

“I knew that a total of 74 points after 36 holes was a very good score, I did not let myself get away with excitement and eagerly waited for the presentation,” said Ramowtar.

In the end there was no need to stress as his score beat second-placed Andre Boje by nine points. “Winning this event has now given me the confidence to play in other open tournaments. I also play league golf so I’m not fazed by pressure situations.”

PRO of Central Durban Golf Club Sunny Singh said: “Pradeep is passionate and committed tothe game. This is what that has carried him this far. We are excited about his achievements and many of our younger players look up to him as a source of inspiration.” A festive atmosphere prevailed at the Road 1016 ground in Chatsworth on Saturday when Safa Chatsworth youth teams contested the Laboratory Supplies Junior tournament in various age categories. In the U15 final Summerfield Dynamos beat Moorton FC 1-0. Pictured in a tussle for the ball are Moorton’s Kabelo Makela and Summerfield’s Tristan Naidoo.

Picture: NINEY RUTHNAM