Author: Mark Upfold

The 98th running of the Comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzurg to Durban.

A great day of supporting the runners from our vantage point down Cowies Hill. 16 kms left to run out of a 98km journey. Well done to all the runners that completed this Ultra Marathon.

Westville boys celebrating its 70th year since opening in 1955, hosted their Old Boys in a yearly rugby function against Kearsney College.

Westville first team, unbeaten in 11 wins this year, continued the winning streak with a 33-15 win against Kearsney. A very large crowd were in attendance with the game being broadcast on TV as well.

The past long weekend had Golfari members travel to KZN’s famous game reserve 210 kms from Durban.

With abundance of rain in Kwa-Natal over the past 4 months of the year, the park is lush green. The traditional hides with water holes were very scare of animals as water is everywhere.

Overall a great 4 days in the park. The rain had brought 4×4 driving skills to the fore, as parts of the dirt roads were very rutted. On departure back to Durban, we drove through 4 heavy down pours, with much of it heading towards the park.

This past weekend, the Badgers golfers took on the challenging Maritzburg golf course. With conditions still wet in parts, despite 2 weeks of partial sunshine, the greens were sublime, fast and true.

All in all, a fun day out, enjoyed by most.

Days 2-4

Friday early start to complete round one, and then an early close as a result of poor light.

Saturday- the best day, sunshine with wind. I moved around the 15th green and 16th tee box early morning, and then back to the 10th tee box until after lunch. Final position for the day, under the trees at the 16th green.

Sunday- Rain predicted for the afternoon. My goodness, the weather man got that one wrong. I decided to go out early with Charl Swartzel and Aaron Cockerill from Canada. The plan was to marshall them for the 18 holes and then pick up the later tee off groups, and finish another 18 holes. Well we got to the 6th, and the heavens opened, and the rest is history. Play abandoned. A huge effort by the course staff to get the 18th hole playable for the play off between Laurie Canter from England and South Africa’s own, Dylan Naidoo who won the tournament, becoming the first South African of colour to win this prestegious tournament.

Thursday 27th February 2025- Durban Country Club

The 18th time the S A Open is being held at this prestige Durban venue. And guess who is a marshall for the next 4 days.

More to follow over the next few days. Unfortunately some more rain is predicted.

Wimpy and Badger golf groups.

Day1- Thursday. Windsor golf course, Durban

Day2 – Port Shepstone

Port Shepstone- True to its tradition, the back nine was windy.

Day3- Southbroom

Paradise Holiday chalets- Our accommodation on Friday and Saturday.

Day4- Scottburgh

All in all, a very enjoyable 4 days of golf, fun, food , drink and friendships.

Mosta festa- Assumption of Mary, a National holiday last Thursday in all Catholic countries world wide. It used to be a National holiday in South Africa, but abolished in 1994.

Much pomp and ceremony, religious symbols, marching band, flags and fireworks.

Golfari highlight of the tour- St ANDREWS OLD COURSE.

As Golfari is primary a golf site incorporating travel, what better way to celebrate golf but at the home of golf- St Andrews Old course. Golf has been played on the hallowed turf for over 600 years. It is a Links course with double fairways, double greens and challenging deep pot bunkers.

The Links at St Andrews area, is also home to seven(7) other courses, New Course, Jubilee, Eden to name a few. Cost for South Africans is 320 pounds or R7381pp. Getting a game is via a ballot eg place your name in before 2pm on Monday and if lucky you get a tee off time for play on Wednesday.

An absolute pleasure walking where the current and past heroes have tread. A bucket list moment to cherish a lifetime.

SCOTLAND – Day 3-5

I had visited the Falkirk Wheel in 2013, was amazed at the technology and took photos. Now in 2024, booked a ride in the canal boat and experienced the thrill of the ride relating to Archimedes theory of water displacement.

Kelpies- the largest equine sculptures in the world. Scottish meaning of heifer or colt. Kelpies are said to haunt rivers and streams, usually in the shape of a horse(too much White Horse whiskey I think)

Our B&B at Meigle in the Scottish midlands.