2026 LEAGUE SEASON

And just like that we are nearing the end of the 2026 league season. The new league format has been a good change and I have received no negative feedback which is great.

I would like to remind you about a few items:

• Entering of teams into score capture. There has been players who have played out of order. I really encourage players to get familiar with Score Capture so that these mistakes can be avoided. Mistakes costs points and I for one don’t want leagues decided as a result of mistakes. I would also remind you that the use of score capture to live score matches which will be compulsory in 2027, with no manual scoresheets.
• Next year, where possible and practical, I will be trying to reduce leagues to 7 teams in each league. This may mean multiple demotions, but this is necessary for effective management of the leagues.
• Allerton 5-day handicap rule will remain in place.
• Failure to arrive will still incur a 2-match point deduction. Thankfully this year we have not had a problem here.

This week is the last week to practice using score capture before it is compulsory next season. I would encourage all teams to do the scoring so that any questions you have can be raised before next season.

The Premier League has been very competitive this year. Defending champions Zimbali lead the way. There are a few permutations of who could win the league. A win for Zimbali against Cotswold will guarantee the win. However, a loss will mean that if DCC beat hosts VCC, the league will be decided by game points between Cotswold and DCC. RDGC are already relegated and finish their season against Zululand. Kloof and Toti play in a mid-table battle for position. Looks like it is going to be an exciting end to the season and I will be watching on Score capture for the final outcome. There has a fair bit of banter on the premier league group in the lead up and I am looking forward to seeing how Zimbali go with the 3 wheel carts they are going to be supplied for the day.

In Central B league it is Kloof B that leads the way. After a disappointing 2025 KCC B have had a good season and need to beat Umkomaas to take home the honours. MECC, 2^nd, play eThekwini, 3^rd on the log. MECC are in position to take advantage of any slip up from Kloof B.  Hosts Kloof C will do battle with Maritzburg Golf Club in a battle to end mid-table. KZN Midlands will face already relegated RDGC B in the remaining fixture.  

In Central C league, already promoted Simbithi will host the final day of the season and will look to finish the year with 6 wins from 6 when they host newcomers Selborne who have had a respectable first year and sit mid-table. Camelot, who are 2nd, have a bye and will await the result of Umhlali vs Bluff to decide their final position. Costwold B play Toti B in the final game.

In the beginning of the year I posed the question, “Will Cotswold make it 3 in a row?” the answer is No. They have had a mediocre year and the hosts for the final round lie 5^th playing Simbithi in their final game to try and regain some pride. Simbithi have had an impressive first year in the Allerton A league and are currently 3^rd. Toti will play leaders eThekwini, who are looking to finish the year unbeaten and win the league. Kloof will be hoping that Toti do them a favour and beat eThekwini and that they beat last placed Athlone in the fight to be crowned league winners. RDGC and Umkomaas play in the remaining fixture.

Central Durban have all but won the Allerton B league. They have 6 wins from 6 this season and face second placed Maidstone in the last match of the season. Maidstone require a 11 – 1 win in order to win the league. Umhlali play bluff, Alliance play Greater Dbn and VCC play Camelot in the balance of the games.

Enjoy the final day of the season and I look forward to seeing all the results. If all scores can be done on score capture that would be great as well will all be updated of the results and league winners as they happen. Here’s to a great end of the 2026 season. Good luck to all.

Gary Welsh, League Convenor