No rain, no gain at 43rd Knysna Open

KNYSNA NEWS - Rain and poor weather failed to put a hold on some fine golf at this year's PSG Wealth Knysna Open, held on Saturday 10 December at Knysna Golf Club. Mark Stockdale was crowned the A Division champion, while Omar Essa took the crown in the B Division.

This year marked the 43rd edition of the Knysna Open, which was once more the final event on the Southern Cape Golf Union's Order of Merit calendar - the competition has become a gem of the calendar at the tail-end of the year.

It was also once again sponsored by PSG Wealth Knysna, that has become synonymous with the prestigious tournament in recent years.

On Saturday, a total of 108 golfers tucked in their shirts, laced their golf shoes and teed up at Knysna Golf Club with the hope of finishing off the year on a high note.

Knysna Golf Club Captain Cameron Boccaleone (left) hands Omar Essa his B Division trophy. Photo: Supplied

Inconsistent morning weather

The first players teed off on the 1st and 10th holes as early as 06:45, in overcast and very humid conditions. The skies cleared for a short while thereafter before the clouds converged once more with the heavens opening around midday, just as the first players were finishing their first round of 18 holes.

James Murray was leading the way in the A Division courtesy of a three-under-par round of 69, with Mark Stockdale one shot behind. Omar Essa was in control in the B Division though, carding a first round 81.

Simon Jantjies watches his ball closely after playing a shot out of the rough. Photos: Blake Linder

A Division outcome

There was intermittent rain as the day went on with some wind added to the mix, making conditions tough for the golfers. A determined Damian Osner however played the round of the day, shooting a six-under 66 in his second 18 as he made a late charge. But a cool, calm and collected Stockdale managed to card a 68 himself while Murray could only manage a 71 this time around.

This meant Stockdale finished on six-under-par at the end of the day to take the title, two shots ahead of Murray, with Osner a further two shots adrift. Grant November had the best nett score in the A Division, with 139, one ahead of Eugen Kok in second place with a nett of 140.

Chad Walker, who finished fourth in the A Division, tees off on the first hole.

B Division outcome

In the B Division, Andy Duncan carded the best second-round score, with an 84 to his name as he made a bid for top prize. Essa remained headstrong however, scoring 86 to record a total gross of 167 and remain four shots ahead of second-placed Liam Bell (171) and five ahead of Duncan (172), who finished third.

Essa was also the winner of best nett on the day in the B Division, with 141.

Selvyn Hannie was close behind with a nett of 145.

Jannie Cremer tees off on the first hole.