Strategic partnerships win the day at Madibaz golf event

It was another gusty day at Humewood but that did not frazzle the participants who turned up for Mandela University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Golf Day earlier this month.

Despite the links course baring its teeth in the prevailing conditions, Madibaz Sport golf manager Theresa le Roux said it was a “hugely successful day” that provided “keen competition”.

The golf day in Gqeberha debuted last year after introductory golf lessons to university staff and students proved particularly successful.

Such was the enthusiasm generated by the event that it was decided to grow it into an annual Vice-Chancellor’s golf day in which university stakeholders and corporates could take part, Le Roux explained.

“The aim was to create interaction between ourselves and the strategic partners of the varsity, as well as the business sector in Nelson Mandela Bay, and I believe we achieved those goals.”

The field of 80 players competed in a four-ball alliance competition, with the two best scores to count.

Le Roux said that although the emphasis had been on networking and blowing off some steam, it did not take much for the competitive juices to flow.

While some birdies were captured through a combination of skill and teamwork, others flew the coop as some four-balls faltered in the heat of battle.

But the scoreboard does not lie. After tallying and checking the scorecards, one team emerged as clear winners: Leon Drury, Johan van Vuuren, Wayne Sherman and Chris Wansink.

Van Vuuren, an employee at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality who plays out of Walmer Golf Club, explained that they were “simply four individuals” who had joined up for the day.

The format worked to their advantage, he acknowledged.

“By having a scrambled drive, we were able to really gel well together because we had two single-figure handicappers in Wayne and Chris, and two higher handicaps in myself and Leon.

“With our partners hitting long drives, we were able to capitalise on the situation and managed to score 99 points.”

Having participated in both editions of the golf day, he was full of praise for the organisers.

“It was really well set up. Madibaz Golf and the university went out of their way to make it a day to remember for all the golfers.”

Le Roux confirmed that the event, which was generously supported by Standard Bank, would henceforth be a permanent fixture on the calendar.

“The feedback from the players was very good and positive, so we are looking forward to hosting it again next year if our collaboration with our loyal sponsors continues.”