GOLF REPORT

 During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Victoria Park High School was certainly a force to be reckoned with in schools golf. Players like Ross Bland ford, Titch Moore, Richard Bulbring. Greg Blandford, Matthew Beach and Gavin Blom represented Victoria Park and brought a great deal of credit to the school. Sadly, interest in golf began to wane to the point where golf was no longer being offered as a school sport.

 I am however very happy to report that golf was once again introduced as a school sport in 2010. No sooner had the year started and our boys were playing league golf. Two teams were entered into the schools B League. It is very pleasing to report that the schools A team only lost one of their league matches, that being against EP Development who have a number of EP players in their ranks. Notable victories were achieved against Pearson, Alexander Road, Despatch and Daniel Pienaar. The Victoria Park A team was represented by Ryan Hawkins, Ruan Jacobs, Jonathan Lewis and Chritopher Cloete. Both Jonathan and Chris will be back next year which bodes well for golf at the school. The Victoria Park B team acquitted themselves well and a number of these boys will be that much more experienced when they face the pressures of league golf next year.

GOLF COACHING PROGRAMME

 What has been very beneficial to our golfers this year has been the introduction of golf coaching, for both beginners as well as the more advanced players. We were very privileged to have Gary Packer (PGA professional at Walmer Country Club) as our golf coach this year. He has had a tremendous impact on our golfers, some who have made tremendous progess during the course of the year. What has been very pleasing is that three young girls also joined the programme this year and have benefited tremendously. We look forward to more girls joining the programme next year. Gary also accompanied the boys on the tour to Bushman Sands and the Fish River which showed his commitment to VP golf. Thank you very much Gary, we appreciate your time and the interest you show in the school. 

 MR A. JANSEN

GOLF TOUR – BUSHMAN SANDS AND THE FISH RIVER

 It was an early morning for most of us, as we prepared to leave on our eagerly anticipated golf tour to Bushman Sands and the Fish River.We all met at school on Wednesday 9 June and packed the bus and trailor. It could not have been a more miserable day as the rain was pelting down.

 The journey to Bushman Sands is relatively short but was made long and frustrating by the fact that a huge truck had overturned and was blocking the road fairly close to Alicedale. It was still raining extremely hard and we were thus confined to our vehicle for almost two hours as attempts were made to clear the road. We finally arrived at Bushmans Sands and played our first round of golf in very challenging conditions. Most of the golfers managed to complete their rounds of golf on Wednesday. That evening we enjoyed a great meal at one of the residences on the course. Many interesting stories were told around the fire.  

 The prospects for golf looked much better on Thursday. After an appetizing breakfast we made our way to the Fish River Sun. On arrival we were informed that over two hundred mm had fallen overnight and that the chances of playing golf were very slim. After lunch the sun thankfully made its appearance and we were given the green light to play. No sooner had we started and the heavens opened. That unfortunately was the end of our golf for the day. What rotten luck! The lads were disappointed but spirits were still high. Fortunately the course manager was very sympathetic towards us and informed us that we could play the round the next day, weather permitting. We booked into the Fish River where we were to spend the night.That evening we went into Port Alfred for a pizza and then returned to the Fish River to watch the  opening concert which preceded the World Cup.

 Friday turned out to be a perfect day. We enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the Fish and then we all played a full round of golf on the magnificent fish layout. Unfortunately the round at Royal Port Alfred had to be cancelled due to the intervention of the weather as well as time constraints. Our time on golf tour had come to an end and it was time to head back to Port Elizabeth. We  made it home to watch South Africa play against Mexico in the opening fixture of the 2010 World Cup. Thanks to all who made it a pleasant tour. It was indeed one to remember.

 Brett Cox