The Dave Conidaris Memorial Cup

19 March - 23 March 2003

Day 1

The first day of the 2003 event started with Louis Barclay and Jason O'Connell phoning us at about 3:15 am. Most of us were flying to Durban International at 6am. Louis and Jason had driven to Selborne the previous day and upon their arrival they decided to see how much Captain Morgan they could finish - at 3:15am they were obviously still thirsty!!

We left Johannesburg on a fine and typical late summer's morning and arrived in Durban only to be faced with the heaviest rains they had seen all season.

By the time we arrived at Beachwood, we were told that parts of the course were under water due to the fact that the river mouth was blocked.

Parts of Beachwood under water

Nevertheless, the stakes were too high and the game would go on. Unlike the previous two years, our opening game was betterball matchplay rather than foursomes. We had chosen to do this as we were playing in the middle of an afternoon field and foursomes would have been painfully slow.

By the time we were ready to tee-off the clouds had started lifting and things were looking positive - that all changed 7 holes into the game.

3 of the 6 matches were abandoned at, or before the turn resulting in each being tied. The other 3 matches went ahead as no one was prepared to abandon the match due to the standings at the turn.

The Gud Gize won all three matches giving them a healthy 3 point lead by the end of the first game.

Most of us then boarded a bus stocked with ample beverage for the trip to Selborne. That evening we had our first and only meal in the main dining room where the sponsors handed out Golf Shirts and Rain Vests (appropriately) after which we ensured the ongoing financial viability of the Selborne Estate by making use of the pub.

Day 2

The second day brought more rain and we were to face these conditions over 36 holes at Umdoni Golf Course. Unlike the previous years we did not battle to get anyone out of bed as we we able to get up at a more civilised hour and enjoy a wonderful breakfast before leaving for Umdoni.

The second day also brought with it speculation and apprehension. Never before had the team with fewer points after the first day been able to overcome its position. After a number of very tight games and unexpected upsets, the day ended with the Bokkoms taking 8 points to the 4 of the Gud Gize. Suddenly things had turned around for the first time with the points standing at 6.5 to 5.5 in the Bokkoms favour.

That evening we enjoyed a great dinner and the first of the fines being issued by Richard Hoeksma. Some of us went on to play dominoes and the rest went to bed after a few pints in the pub.

Day 3

Finally the weather Gods were being kind to us. Slightly overcast but warm and dry. We were again to play foursomes in the morning and betterball in the afternoon.

Patrick Barta took it upon himself to provide a drinks cart for the DC Cup participants. Expecting the bill to be moderate by the end of the day due to the competitive nature, a final total of approximately R1500.00 had been consumed by 24 people playing competitive golf was somewhat unexpected. At least we were able to further support Selborne.

Yet again the golf was great and the outcome unexpected and went against all previous years. The Gud Gize came back at the Bokkoms in both the morning and afternoon field by winning 7 of the 12 points available. At the close of play the Gud Gize lead the Bokkoms 15.5 - 14.5.

And so again the all important singles final would determine the winner.

We enjoyed a very relaxed and casual braai at the Selborne Club. We got to watch some Rugby and suffer for our golfing indiscretions at the hands Richard our fines master - and this night was particularly ugly.

One of the tools of the trade as plied by Richard

Day 4

The final was played in the afternoon. Most of us were up and about mulling around the breakfast area trying to pass the time before the final tee-off.

The level of anxiety and 'Preissure' was unbelievable. People were nervously trying to make jokes, but deep down inside most of us were as nervous as all hell.

It was loosely determined that at the 9 hole turn the Gud Gize were approximately 8 to 4 up on the Bokkoms. The Bokkoms had to win a minimum of 6.5 points to retain the trophy. The Gud Gize needed only 6 points to take the trophy back.

As the guys were finishing they began running around the course trying to establish the status of games still being played. For those of us still playing, this only helped increase the pressure or elation - depending on which team you played for. It soon became evident to us out on the course that the Bokkoms had performed particularly well on the back nine and appeared to be within striking range of the magical 6.5 points. Unlike the previous years, though, the final match coming in had very little bearing the result - only the final points tally.

The Bokkoms had managed a 9-3 Victory over the Gud Gize to retain the trophy!

To wrap things up after the speeches by the respective Captains were were entertained by Richard who recalled how Keith MacMillan and Michael England halved a par three on nines!!

Keith and Michael celebrate their Nine shot Halve