Richard Nel presents Keith Forde with his prize.

The 2025 KZN Senior Classic was held at Selborne Park GC over 6th and 7th March 2025 in tough conditions as evidenced in the scores returned in both A and B Divisions over the two days of competition. Firstly, a great deal of credit must be given to the Selborne Park greenkeeping and course maintenance staff who managed to get the course playable after the unbelievable amount of rain experienced at the KZN coast over the past few weeks.

Colin Weinstein, B div winner, hails from Modderfontein and plays in our tournaments every year.

On day one of the tournament, all players were faced with a hot, humid day with gusty windy conditions as well as areas of wet and muddy patches making for tough going on the day. The greens were also quite slick with some tricky pin placements which didn’t make things any easier and frustrating for some.

The A Division overnight leaders at the end of round one were Keith Forde (Durban Country Club) tied with Mike Matthews (Umhlali) both with three over par 75. Close behind were Eugene Maree (Dainfern) on 76, Gerry Coetzee (Mill Ride CC) and Kenneth Commins (Amanzimtoti) on 77 and Ashwin Krishen (Royal Durban GC) on 78. 

The B Division players also seemed to struggle in the trying conditions with 31 individual stableford points by SS Mzimela (Kloof CC) and Ashwin Ramchand (Umdoni) being the best in with Anthony Outram (Selborne) and Babs Govender (Durban Golf Club) one point back with 30 points respectively.

Day two started off with a misty, light drizzle and was initially slightly cooler than the day before but that didn’t last long. The day turned out to be hot, humid and energy sapping to say the least. However the pin positions seemed to be a little friendlier and more accessible than the previous day and scores were expected to improve. In the main however, this was not the case as players continued to battle with the punishing heat and humidity.

In the A Division, Keith Forde (DCC) managed to tame the conditions and return a two under par gross 70 to finish in first place and win the gold medal with a total score of 145. Keith is pictured being congratulated by Richard Nel, KZN Senior Chairman. Mike Matthews (Umhlali) managed a second round 78 to finish in second place with a total of 153 and earn the silver medal. Third place went to Ashwin Krishen (RDGC) who shot 76 for a total of 154  and fourth was Kevin Ullyett (Zimbali) who shot 76 for a total 156 who counted out Gerry Coetzee (Mill Ride CC) also with a total of 156 in the process. The Super Senior first place position went to Lynton Beckett (RDGC) who managed to return a second round score of 73 for a total of 157. The Best Nett prize in the A Division went to Kenneth Commins (Amanzimtoti) playing off a 5 handicap with nett scores of 72 and 76 for a total of 148 nett.

The B Division players continued to struggle in the conditions on day two with Colin Weinstein (Modderfontein) coming through to take first place with scores of 29 and 27 for a total of 56 individual stableford points. Counted out into second place was Babs Govender (Durban Golf Club) with scores of 30 and 26 for a total of 56 as well. Third place went to Myles Poole (Selborne) with 23 and 32 for a total of 55 stableford points. The Super Senior winner of the B Division was SS Mzimela (Kloof CC) with scores of 31 and 23 for a total of 54 stableford points.

Congratulations to all winners. Thanks also to our sponsor, the Golfers Club for their continued support as well as all those players who travelled from afar to participate in this tournament.

Lynton Beckett from Royal was our Super Senior A div winner.