The 7th edition of Earl’s Cup was played this past weekend between Greytown and St Cathryns.
We woke to drizzle on Saturday morning 15 February 2025 but by the time the first match tee’d off at 9am at Greytown GC the weather was fantastic.
Greytown won the morning nine holes of Betterball, 3.5 points to 2.5. The afternoon format changed this year with eighteen holes played, nine holes of Foresomes and then nine holes of Scramble with the same partner. It was considered as one match. St Cathryns held on bravely to go down 4 points to 2. Greytown led by 7.5 points to 4.5 after day one.
Sunday 16 February 2025 dawned with a few of the competitors from both teams feeling the after effects of a festive night at St Cathryns. Some of the singles matches were completed quickly, while others went down to the wire. St Cathryns needed 8 points from the singles matches to win outright and 7.5 points to retain the trophy and Greytown needed 5 points to win back the trophy. It came down to the last two matches in the Singles to determine the winner. St Cathryns won the singles matches 7 points to 5. Greytown therefore managed to get the 5 points needed and won the Earl’s Cup by the narrowest of margins 12.5 points to 11.5 points.
4 players received the Albatross award for scoring 3 points each over the weekend. Piet Nel, Hannes du Plessis (St Cathryn’s rookie, with Piet and Johnny Bravo in the Bomb squad), from GCC – Andy Mason and Vernon Hohls.
There were also 4 recipients of the Triple Bogey award, no points for the weekend. Dieter Meyer, Paul du Preez, Josh Gifford and Nico Schneider.
Vijay Roopai, Greytown’s Rookie started well with a win, lost his second match and held on bravely in his Singles match to take it to the last hole against Mark Scott but unfortunately lost out to Mark’s par on the 18th.
The St Cathryn’s rookie, Hannes du Plessis was a great addition to the team winning all three of his matches over the weekend securing his place in the side for next year.
A fantastic weekend of golf, camaraderie and banter was had by all the players from both clubs.
A very big thank you to both Greytown Country Club and St Cathryns for hosting us.
The St Cathryn’s members congratulate their neighbours at Greytown GC with their 10th position ranking of the Top 40 Nine Hole Courses in South Africa. Alongside Noodsburg GC in Sixth Position and Mooi River in Twenty-sixth place.
Next fixture at St Cathryns will be the Farmers Agri-care Monthly Mug to be held on Saturday 8 March 2025. Visitors are Welcome contact us on 0825552661.
