Boland Ladies Amateur Golf Championships

Boland Ladies Amateur Golf Championships at Hermanus Golf Club from 7 to 10 October 2012.

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Hermanus Golf Club was presented in a wonderful condition and playing of the course seemed fair. The first round of the A Div Stroke play was played on Sunday 7^th and all proceeded smoothly. The second 36 holes were played on Monday with the B and C Divisions playing their 36 holes. For the first year the C Division format was stable ford scoring. There was some rain, but the wind did not make conditions difficult.

Tuesday, the first round of the match play was a different story! Rain began to fall heavily overnight and continued until the following afternoon, over 40mm of it! Lift, clean and replace was bought in and all the players were advised about casual water. We had to get the holes re-positioned on the 1^st, 10^th and 18^th greens. Play began on time, but had to be suspended about two hours later as most of the greens holes 10-18 were flooded. Bunkers throughout were fine. At that point quite a few players conceded their games, this was particularly disappointing from the A Div players as they need to learn to play in difficult weather conditions if they are to be successful abroad. We continued to monitor the course, but now our concern was not only the greens but also the fairways, in particular the 16^th and 17^th, at one point there were no areas where you could take relief from casual water, if a river and ‘swimming pools’ can be so described! However, by 13.30 the course had remarkably drained enough, and the rain had stopped, to allow us to send the players out again. The slight breeze also helped to dry the course. The remaining A Div first rounds were completed and we were also able to complete their second round and the B & C first round matches. This was the hardest day I have ever worked on a golf course! But feeling of achievement and elation felt by my whole team and the players was fantastic. As a final note, if this had been stroke play we would have probably postponed play for much longer, but as it was match play we could monitor each game and their position on the course.

The semi-finals and finals of the match play were a doddle for all concerned as the weather cleared up and the course had drained overnight. However, the players were notably exhausted!

Some steep learning curves were made during this event, especially from players from inland who have never experienced conditions like this! However, the standard of play remained impressive.

Lol Jones, President BLG

For further info: http://www.wgsa.co.za/   or secretary@bolandladiesgolf.co.za