127 126 Golf After losing several Matrics at the end of 2022, the season would be a rebuilding one. The boys indeed rose to the occasion and played some excellent golf. Our Durban & Districts A league was incomplete after some fixture complications. With no games played against Westville due to some transport setbacks from their side, no winner was declared, although our boys were undoubtedly confident. After a slow start, the 1st team grew in their new roles and produced great results on our home course, Cotswold Downs. The 2nd team also had a poor start to the season with several early losses. Almost the entire team consisted of new players, and it took some time for them to find their stride. The 3rd team was the opposite, and they did not lose a game, resulting in them finishing tied 2nd in the league. This bodes well for 2024, as they lose no players next year. Our annual 1st Team tour to Affies proved a highlight for the boys fortunate enough to attend. One of our ex-parents, Andy Bean, got permission for our players to experience a round at River Club as a warm-up. The boys loved the experience and played some incredible golf. The Affies festival had some new teams attend this year, and the field was powerful. The team played well to get into a play-off for 5th overall, which the boys won comfortably. The highlight was being the top KZN team at the event, even though many did not give us a chance. In August, we attended the Grey PE Links Festival, a fantastic event that promotes junior golf. Different from last year, we had some good weather, but the young team found it challenging to compete at the level we have come to expect. The grade 8 boys are already planning for 2024 and are excited to return and play some excellent golf. Our KZN Southern Coastal trials in Term 1 saw five players make the top 15, with our captain, Reece Brown, ranked number 1. This certainly placed us in a good position for the KZN Championships Back row: Aaron Blackburn, Adam Gray, Olly Hind, Sandro Ancillotti, Troy Taylor Front row: Tyron Keylock, Reece Brown, Mr Bruce Thompson, Matthew Gouws, Luc Jonker GOLF 1ST TEAM to be played in Term 3. The KZN Schools Championship was played at Kloof CC during the first week after the July holidays. Although the team produced some of the best scores in recent years, we could not outplay Westville Boys and came second overall. Reece Brown came 4th overall, with Tyron Keylock finishing in 9th place. After a beautiful KZN Championship, many of our players were in a solid position to make the KZN Schools teams. The final round of trials was held at Victoria CC, a happy hunting ground for us last year. Reece performed well and confirmed his position in the KZN U19A team, and Matthew Gouws finished just outside the A-Team and represented the KZN U19B side, with Tyron Keylock just missing out. These young men played well but could have played better golf at the SA Schools tournament held at Irene Country Club. It was a tricky course to get birdies, and home-ground advantage made it easier for the Gauteng Noord side. Mr Marsden is a wonderful manager of the 2nd Team and has been incredible at finding players for his team and encouraging them after a difficult start. 2024 looks promising. Hopefully, the experience gained this year will pay dividends. Mr Bruce Thompson MIC Golf Matthew Gouws Reece Brown
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