Proudfoot does Graaff-Reinet proud

GOLF NEWS - The 25th Proudfoot Golf Tournament this past weekend was once again a resounding success with over 246 rounds of golf played over three days by visiting players from Somerset West, George, Loxton, St Francis Bay, Middleburg, Somerset East and Victoria West as well as a good turnout of local Graaff Reinet players.

The weather over the three days was perfect for golf and the Graaff-Reinet Golf Club an excellent host.

The course was in a magnificent condition due to the tremendous efforts of Johnny Ludick and his team. The greens were superbly prepared and the course rewarded accurate and aggressive play.

The rough however punished wayward shots but it was fair for all players.

The great conditions encouraged good golf and great fun was had by all. The competition was played on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as an individual stableford competition but the overall scoring over all three days determined the eventual winner.

Daily winners

Thursday winners were Ricco Bester (40), Stephan Els (39) and Archie Welman (38). The best fourball score on Thursday counted for the Solomon Trophy which was won by the team of Johnny Ludick, Archie Welman, Patrick Ludick and Chris Koeberg.

Friday dawned a beautiful day and the field moved along well. The golfers who played best on day two were Gerald Anderson, Dassie Greeff and Archie Welman.

The Saturday final day saw a bigger field playing and players either peaked or plummeted. The bonus excitement was the Hole-in-One achieved by local Graaff-Reinet golfer, Danovan Arries, who hit a majestic 7 iron that pitched and dropped into the short 6th hole cup for his first perfect fluke.

Day 3 winners were Patrick Ludick, Renee Roos and Chris Anderson.

Overall winner

The overall champion of Proudfoot after three rounds of golf was Gerald Anderson from Dolphin Creek Golf Club, in George (116), followed by Patrick Ludick of GRT Golf (113) and Archie Welman of GRT Golf on (113). The TOPS @ Spar liquor hamper was won by a visitor from Somerset West, Ingrid Cloete.

Grateful thanks to the sponsors without whom the club could not host the event. Graaff-Reinet and Spandau SPAR & TOPS, OCTOFIN and ENGEN Riverside were the Proudfoot host sponsors, with additional contributions from Nommerpas, Montego, Karoo Guns and Merino Pharmacy.

Most of the sponsors have already pledged their interest in supporting this popular tournament again next year. Each evening the players and their spouses enjoyed delicious Karoo meals and were entertained by Anton and Octofin. The committee would like to thank the club staff who put in long hours as well as the many volunteers whose contribution resulted in a successful tournament.

From left are Johnny Ludick, Ricco Bester, Johndre Ludick and Vlam Pretorius.