Kowie Bowling Club

The virus has not only occupied the air we breathe but has also dominated our thoughts.

Whatever adaptations we have been forced to make in our everyday living has been virus-induced.

At bowls we are obliged to play singles or pairs, which immediately eliminates those who by virtue of their physical limitations are unable to play four bowls.

It is not only the players who have to adapt. Spare a thought for the green keeper who could previously accommodate 48 – 58 players on one green and is now restricted to 24-28 players per green.

This means he now has to prepare two greens at every session to avoid having to turn players away.

While the virus is forcing us to prepare two greens, the drought is forcing us to work sparingly with the green space available.

We are indeed fortunate to have the well, which has been an asset over many years. The lingering drought has limited the amount of fresh water percolating through to the underground water supply where the build-up of salts has reached a level of salinity injurious to most sports turf grasses.

In this respect, we have one small ray of comfort. Whereas Greens “A”, “B” and about 30% of “C” were originally planted with grasses intolerant to saline conditions, 70% of “C” is Paspalum grass, which is partial to saline conditions and is thriving on our well water.

To reduce the salinity there are sodium-reducing agents which can be applied - but of course, they do not come cheap. So, how do we solve this conundrum?

To cover our “normal expenses we need 120 green fees per week, which means two greens every tabsin session, which requires more water every week.

“The only water available is sodic. To reduce the sodium will require funds which we do not have.

Having had to sit out last week when the greens were set aside for the Eastern Areas Singles, our players turned out in droves from Tuesday.

In the Penny Farthing Competition, Di Gruenberg playing with Colleen Davey, swept the board.

Then, in the Ocean Basket Competition, Peter Stegman and Dave Slater emerged as the winners.

On Saturday, we had 40 players vying for the Pam Golding Prizes so generously presented by Andrew Meyer.

Jackie Kriel and Linda Mey got the main prize, followed by Steve Minnaar and Ronnie Smith, with Dave Thomas and Ron Ruiters filling the third place.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Beaumont. He and Marion were regular players until Marion had to retire from bowls.

Mike carried on until he also was forced to give up on bowls but it did not stop them from visiting the club. Our thoughts are with Marion.