Humewood's Festival of Links Golf offers interesting clashes

HUMEWOOD Golf Club are gearing up for their annual Festival of Links Golf, which gets under way next week and culminates with the final day of competition on September 15.

This event is a major fundraiser for the club, assisting it with maintenance of the clubhouse, while giving the links course an opportunity to present itself to players other than its regular members.

The course, one of the few true links layouts in the country, is in particularly good nick at the moment, although many of those involved next week will be praying for a little less wind than has been the case in recent weeks. Golf manager Justin Smith said yesterday they were about 70% full for the week, but there were still a few openings.

"The festival is really an opportunity to just create some awareness about the club, and the funds raised go to the upkeep of the clubhouse, which gets quite a battering here on the coastline," Smith said.

One of the highlights of the week will be a clash next Friday between former students from Rhodes, NMMU and a combined Stellenbosch-UCT team.

Initiated two years ago, the emphasis is on camaraderie, although it is no secret that Alan Lones's Old Rhodians are fired up to retain their bragging rights.

This year, a fourth team named the Barbarians, under the wise guidance of well-known PE sportsman Gavin Hogg, will add a further dimension, and the competition is likely to become a little more chaotic than usual.

Smith said they had several other competitions which had become an important part of the festival.

"Next Thursday we have a Corporate Challenge where businesses put in four-balls and have a bit of fun, and on Sunday we have a mixed competition, so that is quite a nice finish to the festival," he said.

"Generally, there are still places open in the morning fields from 7.30am to 8am, so anyone keen is welcome to phone us to make a booking."

Humewood have kept the green fees at an attractive level, with some really good options for those keen to get out early.

The early bird special before 8am is just R80 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while morning green fees are R120 and afternoon fees R160.