The annual Newtons Club Championships at the Bloemfontein Golf Club took place this past weekend in an exceptionally trying weekend of golf.
The conditions during the course of the championships provided for a low scoring affair with strong winds on Saturday and a course which played very long on the Sunday.
After narrowly missing out on his Sunshine Tour card this year, former Proteas and Chevrolet Knights all-rounder, Johan van der Wath, finally had something to smile about after winning the club championship for the first time.
On Saturday the former international cricketer fired a round of two over par 74 and a three under par 69 on the Sunday for a total of 143 over the two rounds to win by two strokes. Van der Wath held off a strong challenge by the seven-time champion, Des van Viegen, who came in second with consistent rounds of 73 and 72 in the Division A competition.
Professional golfer, Terence Salo, fired one over par 73 in both his rounds to finish in third overall on 146. In the Division B competition or 10 to 15 handicappers, Werner Scheepers was crowned champion with rounds of 91 and 84 for a total of 174. Ian Loubser was hot on his heels with two consistent rounds of 87 and 89 respectively.
Danie Cronjé took the honours in Division C for the 16 to 24 handicappers with an 86 and 95 for a tournament total of 181. With a 89 and 105, Hannes Engelbrecht came in second with a total of 194 for the two rounds.
Simeon Snyman, who plays off a 9 handicap, won the closest to the pin challenge, while Michael Vroomen, who finished 12th overall, played the next closest shot to the pin.
