The inaugural “Earl’s Cup” was played over the past weekend between St Cathryns and Greytown golf clubs and both courses were used to play. St Cathryn’s took an early lead of three points to Greytown’s one point after the 9 holes of better ball, but the spoils were shared 2 all, after 9 holes in the foursomes which left the score five points to three in St Cathryn’s favour after day one, which was played at St Cathryn’s in cool and wet weather. Around the braai that evening, the two teams relived and chatted about shots going “hay wire” in the kikuyu rough.
Sunday morning the eight players per team, were matched according to their handicaps, with the lowest handicapped going off first at the Greytown leg, to contest 18 holes of singles match play.
Dieter Meyer was drawn against Gareth Larken, Barkhuizen vs Hardy, Muller now playing for St Cathryn’s vs Sneyd, Nel vs Tubby, Harrison vs Bruss, club captain Fanie van Wyk vs Colin Corbishley and the two newcomers in the St Cathryn’s squad Fritz Volker played Lappies and Andre Liddemore vs Earl Browning’s son in law – Richard Cyrus.
Many of the matches were closely contested with Greytown coming out on top with 4.5 points, making full use of their home ground advantage. Mike Harrison was playing the best golf of his life, when Mike won all three of his matches, the only player to do so over the weekend. The Manchester united supporter said in an interview afterwards that his soccer team has inspired him and he put his nose to the ground and knowing his way around St Cathryn’s on Saturday helped him and that being not “long” off the tee, safe play and excellent putting was his advantage. Sven Bruss his opponent on Sunday, commented that such an elderly golfer was a pleasant opponent and definitely no walk over.
At the prize giving function afterwards Dieter and Gareth thanked both teams for the fantastic weekend of golf and thanked both green keepers and their staff for the conditioning of the courses played. All 16 players from either side of the Umvozana river agreed that this is going to be a fantastic rivalry between these clubs, and the aim is to draw more golfers to the clubs.
This coming weekend- 26th January 2019, we play the January Farmers Agri-care Monthly Mug and all members and golfers are welcome to play. Tee off will be from 9:00 and carts may be used. Golfers can play Medal or Stableford or both for the competition. To book please phone Piet 083 269 1661.