2019 MASTERS WINNER? TOO CLOSE TO CALL
IT is a great time of year for golf. The US Masters tees of this Thursday (Wednesday if the Par 3 competition interests you) and it usually coincides with a cooling of the weather in South Africa.
The trick is to be able to stay awake for the whole thing!
Last year’s winner Patrick Reed was, with all due respect, not an easy guy to support. The year before was gripping, when Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose slugged it out, especially as Glen Murray of Kloof was on Garcia’s bag. Hopefully it’ll be the proverbial bun-fight come Sunday. The more in the mix the better.
Will broadcasters have a channel dedicated to Tiger Woods? It’s going to be absolutely frenzied if he’s in contention when he reaches Amen Corner in round four. At the other end of the media attention scale is Brooks Koepka, who has now won three majors, including the last two.
His powerful game would seem suited to Augusta. Rory McIlroy, showing a resurgence in form, will be hoping to overcome his puttingunder-pressure demons and finally complete the Slam. Louis Oosthuizen is my pick as a dark horse. If not affected by his hip hassles, he could contend and win.
■ CLUB champs this year so far has been a mish-mash of play, rain, postponements and yet to tee it up.
The KZN Golf Union provides a recommended date, but for various reasons, these are not always adhered to. Some played last weekend, others a bit before. A few were rained out.
Cotswold Downs, Margate and Southbroom called it off, as did Royal Durban due to a flooded course.Here’s a look at some of the results of selected clubs played so far.
Empangeni Country Club: Jarred Good finally shed the bridesmaid tag (he’s come second three times) to win on 77 and 76. He finished the last five four under par to beat Richard Allan by two.
Kloof: Malcolm Mitchell finished on -10 to win by three from Byron Coetzee. Mitchell had rounds of 67 and 63 on the par 70 course. He reeled in Coetzee who had rounds of 62 and 71. That’s some serious golf.
Mount Edgecombe CC: Greg McKay won on one over par in some pretty miserable weather, with Derek Scullard in second spot.
Selborne Park: In the battle of the twins, Jack Cubitt carded 75 and 76 to see off his brother Luke who had 79 and 75.
Simbithi: Steve Phytides scored 63 and 61 to win by four from Trevor Daws.
Umhlali: Kyle Kistensamy won on level par 142. Four players tied for second on 153, including Thabo Magwaza, Greg Smith, Neil Erasmus.
Zimbali: Shane Douglas had 74 and 71 to win by six in windy conditions.
Still to play: Bluff, Cotswold Downs, Durban CC, Royal Durban, Toti and Victoria, among others.
■ NEXT league games take place this Sunday, April 14. In the blue pool Umhlali play Durban CC and Royal Durban are at home to Zululand. Red pool games see DCC’2’ take on Kloof CC and Maritzburg GC host Mount Edgecombe CC. In the A league blue pool, Bluff host Durban CC ‘A’. Southern KZN have a bye as Maidstone have not fielded a team this year, unfortunately. In the red pool, Mount Edgecombe CC ‘A’ are at home to Midlands and Victoria host Zimbali.
■ THE seniors and super seniors play in the SA Seniors Interprovincial at Wingate CC this week. Representing KZN are Basil Naidoo, Kevin Curren, Morgan Phillips, Lynton Beckett, Mike Matthews, Guy O’Connor, Eric Mhlongo and Murray Gilson. Super seniors are Max Magnussen, Richard Nel, Noel Parsonage and Steve Cullen.