The Dave Conidaris Memorial Cup

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The 'Spirit of the DC Cup' and what it means!

 

About the DC Cup

The Dave Conidaris Memorial Trophy is a Ryder Cup style Golf tour that takes place annually in South Africa. The participatents are a group of old and new 'mates' that ensure fierce competition - both on the golf course and in the pub.

How it all started

During August 2000, Peter Bergh and Wayne England started discussing a 'boys only' golf trip. Many of the initial conversations were held at the Country Club Johannesburg after the regular Saturday morning game, where initial planning became aided by the intake of a few beverages - 'pink gins', Springboks, Draughts and Rouble Dum and Coke.

In order to make it competitive, whilst keeping it good spirited we decided to arrange the event along the exact lines of the Ryder Cup. Our initial plan was to arrange a well priced event with 6 games of golf, accommodation at a suitable resort within a reasonable proximity, and a form of transport that would ensure that no had to drive. We set about looking for a suitable venue and a means of transportation.

By late 2000 we had 24 potential players, we had decided to go to the White River area of Mpumalaga and stay at the Karula Hotel from the 21st to the 25th of March 2001.

All that was left to do was to give the trophy a name, decide who the two Captains would be and then sort the players into two teams. We selected Dave Conidaris and Arthur Brook as our two Captains based upon their ability to be Captains who would capture and foster the type of spirit we were looking for.

Dave Conidaris

Tragically Dave passed before he had a chance to lead the Gud-Gize against the Bokkoms.

Those who knew Dave Conidaris remember him as fun loving, enthusiastic, generous, creative and competitive. Because of Dave, the trips to Swaziland to participate in the inter-computer golf challenge were always looked forward to with anticipation and a little trepidation. The participants in those events all have stories to tell, far-fetched but true. There was always something memorable to take back.

Dave’s approach to golf trips was infectious. Incidents and injuries were taken in our stride and were part of the fun. There was no whining or complaining about twisted ankles, misplaced possessions or hangovers. Snoring companions were part of the deal. Nobody arrived on the tee without a hangover and stoicism was expected. A wry smile was all that gave away that we were not at our physical or mental best. We played golf regardless of our condition.

The golf tournament was an important part of the trip, the reason we were going away. It was truly wonderful to crow on the Sunday “So, who else won?” Our team was not always on the leader board, but that was not significant. Participating in the tournament and giving your best is all that counted. Nobody gave up. Dave was a “good sport” and we did not accuse the winners of being “ringers” or cheats.

In memory of Dave Conidaris, we, the DC Cup participants should

Be good company

Play the ball as it lies

Know the rules - yet apply them in the 'Spirit' of the DC Cup

Play as well as you can

 

Format and Rules

The format of the competition is based very closely on the Ryder Cup.

Day 1:

AM - Foursomes and travel,

or alternatively, travel and

PM - Betterball Matchplay

 

Day 2:

AM - Foursomes Matchplay

 

PM - Betterball Matchplay

 

Day 3:

AM - Foursomes Matchplay

 

PM - Betterball Matchplay

 

Day 4:

PM - Singles Matchplay Final

 

 

Day 5:

Travel

Unlike the Ryder Cup all 24 Golfer compete in every game thus making a total of 42 points available.