2016 Selborne Classic
Local team takes the 2016 Selborne Classic title in hotly contested tournament
The fifth annual Selborne Classic was a massive success with some 160 golfers battling it out at the stunning South Coast venue from 5 to 7 August.
The much-anticipated golfing event has grown each successive year with the 2016 edition seeing the largest number of entries. Selborne Golf Estate has undergone a number of renovations these past few years with golfers praising current course conditions as the best ever. Selborne also recently received international commendation when rated as one of the Top 100 South African golf courses by British-based website, Top 100 Golf Courses, ranking eighth in KwaZulu-Natal and 64th overall.
All competitions played during the Selborne Classic were in teams of four with Friday and Saturday following a betterball format and Sunday a fourball alliance. The majority of players were from KwaZulu-Natal with some from out of province, all with a broad spectrum of handicaps.
The toughly contested tournament witnessed golfers bringing out their best, however, it was Pennington residents, Brendan McIntosh, Ryan Johnson, Devin Hartley and Scott Mitchell of team ‘Grip It and Sip It’ that eventually took the Selborne Classic trophy for 2016 with 269 points.
“It was a really fantastic three days of golf, we couldn’t have asked for better conditions,” said Ryan Johnson, a winning team member. “The course was set up differently on each day which meant a different tee box each time and this really added to the overall experience.”
Johnson’s team was followed in second place by team ‘Never Jami’ from Johannesburg consisting of Veronica Greyvenstein, Janey King, Neil Shearer and Mike King with 263 points. Third place went to team ‘Milkwood’ from the South Coast made up of Joan and Peter Thomson as well as Helene and Eugene van Zuydam.
“The three-day Tournament was a roaring success,” said Selborne Golf Estate Golf Director, John Ridl. “The course condition was superb and a huge thanks goes out to Green Keeper Hein Labuschagne, and his team.”
Ridl said the overall feedback from players was overwhelmingly positive with many competitors signing up for the 2017 edition which is almost at capacity.
“We were really treated to some great weather with clear blue skies and very little wind providing the golfers with ideal playing conditions.”
MC for the event, Michael Scholz, assisted by Eric Proudfoot, kept everyone entertained with light-hearted commentary and quirky jokes throughout. Scholz’s famous trick shot demonstration was also very well received.
“We would like to thank all our sponsors, particularly Halfway Toyota and Golf Resorts Club.
The 2017 Selborne Classic will be held from 4 to 6 August and anyone wanting to get involved is encouraged to book early by contacting the Proshop on 087 135 0559.
Overall tournament winners:
1st place: Team ‘Grip It and Sip It’ (269 points)
Brendan McIntosh
Ryan Johnson
Devin Hartley
Scott Mitchell
2nd place: Team ‘Never Jami’ (263 points)
Veronica Greyvenstein
Janey King
Neil Shearer
Mike King
3rd place: Team ‘Milkwood’ (258 points)
Joan Thomson
Peter Thomson
Helene van Zuydam
Eugene van Zuydam
4th place: Team ‘P12B’ (257 points)
Brian Pomroy
Jenny Pomroy
Peter Anderson
Jeannie Anderson
5th place: Team ‘County Ford’ (255 points)
Hartwieg du Rand
Tim McGregor
Stuart McGregor
Craig Pitt