Yvette wins inagrural SPAR Mid Amateur by nine strokes
+1 Handicapped Yvette du Plessis teed up with a the benefit of a seven shot cushion in the final of the inaugural Spar SA Ladies Mid Amateur played at Kingswood Golf Estate this week and won the event by nine shots on 222 (73, 75, 73).
Sandra Winter did her best to reduce the margin but unfortunately the gap was too large and she had to settle for the runner-up slot on 231 (80, 75, 76). Rose Powell, from Vryheid, KZN was third on 237 (80, 76, 81) and she also won the best nett in the top division.
All three players currently represented their provinces at the recent SA Women’s Inter-Provincial played at Irene Country Club.
Veterans Gilly Tebbutt (237) and Millie Zim (238) finished in fourth and fifth positions respectively, with Traci van der Dussen next on 246 and Sonja Bland following on 247.
Three days of traditional Southern Cape weather with some occasional showers on the second day, and fresh winds throughout the event ensured that players would have to exercise good course management.
The B Division players, with handicaps 13 to 20, did not find the course easy and the many bunkers came into play on most holes. This division was won by Mossel Bay’s Christa Venter, playing off a 15 handicap on 265 (91, 88, 85). Runner-up Anna Haering from Fancourt was nine strokes back on 274 (96, 88, 90) with Shelley-Rae Colananni on 277.
The event brought back many old memories and renewal of friendships. Past Southern Cape provincial player, Esmé Orr was heard saying to her playing partners Gill Norgarb and Carina Theron as they teed off in the final round, ‘This brings back wonderful old memories but I wish Liz was here.’ The three, together with the late Liz Webster, made up the Southern Cape team at many Inter-Provincials.
The 7am tee off on the final day ensured that the prize-giving and lunch was completed by 2pm enabling competitors from as far a field at Rustenburg, Vryheid and Dordrech to be home by evening. Most players indicated that they will return in 2011 and the success of the event and the great tournament spirit will ensure that the field will include at least 120 players next year.
There were many humorous moments – as when Ilze Brits found she had driven her golf cart over the edge of a bunker and was photographed with it hanging precariously on the edge. See photograph below.
Spar, Planet Golf and Kingswood Golf Estate have all committed to sponsorship of the 2011 event.