Encore!
Ok…we can handle a little encore from our “homeboy”!
Maybe it’s the fact that Fancourt Links played host to the President’s Cup – and we all remember how that ended! Maybe it was the Ernie – Retief “Shoot-Out” for the SA Open title on the same turf; maybe it’s the fact that I have had the pleasure of playing Fancourt Links on a number of occasions that makes me appreciate the great golf shots we witnessed and the difficult recovery shots that were required to survive. No one was going to play flawless golf there this past weekend – no one did. But, having said that, the tournament at Fancourt Links was filled with great shots and even better recoveries. Watching the Jo-Burg Open two weeks ago, left me tense. However, I had a different feeling watching the finish this week – last week Branden Grace was playing for his golfing future with only the golf course standing between him and his first European Tour victory.
Last Sunday, his closest rival was in the clubhouse one shot behind him with Branden still looking at nine holes to play. The others all fell away, one by one, as the nine progressed. Branden’s main rival for the last two hours was par itself. He managed his own game and the course, holing out on the last for par (nine pars). It was a bit hard to watch as he nailed shot after shot at the flag, only to see every putt for birdie slide away…never mind, history was made and he had his place in it.
This week, I had the opportunity to watch a day’s play at the Links, enjoyed talking to old friends and professionals, too. Now, you understand that this was an incredibly hard tournament to pick my favourite – Ernie and I go way, way back and I want him winning his way into the Masters. Retief needs the same results to get there as well. My first ‘junior’ champion, Louis, could make the welcoming of his second child even more pleasant with his second win of the year. Thomas Aiken came to Simola with his parents and some other juniors when he was about thirteen and has gone out of his way to greet me and Liezl ever since (nice haircut, T). Then, on Thursday morning, there was Branden sitting with my former head Professional, Peter Berman, who has been a friend and coach for 10 years. Branden was in a good place, mentally strong and ready to tee it up against 35 of the best players the European tour could put up. Ernie was teeing it up on a course he has played plenty of times, Retief and Branden too!
This week, I had the opportunity to watch a day’s play at the Links, enjoyed talking to old friends and professionals, too. Now, you understand that this was an incredibly hard tournament to pick my favourite – Ernie and I go way, way back and I want him winning his way into the Masters. Retief needs the same results to get there as well. My first ‘junior’ champion, Louis, could make the welcoming of his second child even more pleasant with his second win of the year. Thomas Aiken came to Simola with his parents and some other juniors when he was about thirteen and has gone out of his way to greet me and Liezl ever since (nice haircut, T). Then, on Thursday morning, there was Branden sitting with my former head Professional, Peter Berman, who has been a friend and coach for 10 years. Branden was in a good place, mentally strong and ready to tee it up against 35 of the best players the European tour could put up. Ernie was teeing it up on a course he has played plenty of times, Retief and Branden too!
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Who could’ve promoted a more storybook finish than to have those three standing on the 18th together, playing off for the title? What amazed me was that I, for a change, wasn’t nervous watching. All three would be worthy in my books. But what amazed me was how calm Branden appeared to be. He led off and ripped it right up the gut of the 18th – not an easy driving hole as the tee sits about fifty feet below the lading area. Well, if you didn’t see what happened after that, then you could only have been watching cricket. Branden’s win with his idols flanking him like bookends on the green, was one for the memory books. As my friend, Meyer and “Amazing Grace” fan Club lost a few more “brain cells” celebrating at Mo’s in Knysna, Branden was sipping a “cool-drink” thinking about this week’s tournament in Abu Dhabi! Can anyone say – 3 in a row! |
>From 172 to 161 to 92nd in the world…Hey, I may be seeing you in April, Pards!
Master’s Watch – Retief is back in the top 50 and Ernie jumped back from 71st to 57th; they’ll need to win in America or stay in the top 50 to drive down Magnolia Lane again.
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Charl and Trevor return as former Champions, Louis will return as an Open Champion in the last five years. Ernie, Retief, Rory (62nd), Thomas (79th), Georgie Coetzee (82nd), Jaco Van Zyl (83nd) and Branden (92nd) will all have to keep the magic in their swings to tee it up at Augusta in April.
EP Champs This Weekend And Next!
The best amateur golfers in the Eastern Cape will tee it up here again on Saturday as we host the EP Championships. Starting at 6h10 on Saturday morning, 70 golfers will be trying to first, win the 36 hole Medal Play competition and then, qualify for the Match play event that follows. The low 32 from the medal play will make up the top bracket of the match play (which will begin on Sunday morning) and the next 16 top scorers will play in the Plate (which will pair them against the first losers from the morning 32). The eight winners from Sunday afternoon’s matches (from the main draw and the plate) will move on to the quarter-finals and semi-finals on Saturday, 4 February. The finals for the main draw and the plate will take place on Monday, the 5th. Come and watch if you can! If you would like to play at The Bay course, member rates will apply for the weekend (R110). Please let us know if we can be of assistance by clicking here.
| Be My Valentine! Join us at the Links for Golf with your special friends – Couples or Mixed. Click Here for details on this special day of golf. Pssst…We are having a special evening with great food, romantic atmosphere and live entertainment for listening and dancing – Click Here for details about our special evening at the Links. Hey, I have an even better idea – if you are travelling in for the day and night, why not stay in one of our member-owned properties on or off the estate – PERRRRRRFECT idea! Give us a call or click here. |
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The “Resident’s Club”!
We had a great turn-out in Jack’s Bar on Monday night to introduce new members, share ideas and get to know each other better. We did it the old-fashioned way by having everyone stand and introduce themselves, sharing a tidbit or two and a bit of history. It was nice to include the long-term renters as well. Everyone stayed on well after the happy hour, many carrying on to dinner that was once again, fully subscribed – this time with 110 in attendance. We discussed upcoming golfing and club events, estate and Leisure Centre rules, our good run of real estate sales, the holiday season and more. Thank you to all who participated. See you all again next month!
Upcoming Events…
January 28/29 EP Championships (course closed)
February 4/5 EP Championships (course open)
February 8 OPEN Wednesday – Special rates and prizes
February 10 Practice round for the Golf Digest Subscriber’s Challenge – special rates for golf and accommodation
February 11 Golf Digest Subscriber’s Challenge
February 14 Valentine’s Day Golf and Dinner functions
February 17 Wings and Wishes Golf Day (Private Day – fully booked)
Regards,
Jeff
We had a great turn-out in Jack’s Bar on Monday night to introduce new members, share ideas and get to know each other better. We did it the old-fashioned way by having everyone stand and introduce themselves, sharing a tidbit or two and a bit of history. It was nice to include the long-term renters as well. Everyone stayed on well after the happy hour, many carrying on to dinner that was once again, fully subscribed – this time with 110 in attendance. We discussed upcoming golfing and club events, estate and Leisure Centre rules, our good run of real estate sales, the holiday season and more. Thank you to all who participated. See you all again next month!
Upcoming Events…
January 28/29 EP Championships (course closed)
February 4/5 EP Championships (course open)
February 8 OPEN Wednesday – Special rates and prizes
February 10 Practice round for the Golf Digest Subscriber’s Challenge – special rates for golf and accommodation
February 11 Golf Digest Subscriber’s Challenge
February 14 Valentine’s Day Golf and Dinner functions
February 17 Wings and Wishes Golf Day (Private Day – fully booked)
Regards,
Jeff
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You BOIKI’s …or something like that!
Ok, I know that this little column is always centred on St Francis Links...this time we'll talk about friends of mine and fans of St Francis Links!
Two Young Men From The Southern Cape Fly The Flag For SA!
Louis played on two of my junior Interprovincial teams and Branden, well… I watched Branden split the fairways at Pezula when he was about 15. Both young South African golfers remember their roots in the Southern Cape. I sat with Vaughn Tucker here when Louis won the OPEN (thee OPEN) at St Andrews and Vaughn cried like a baby. On Sunday, my former Head Professional and close friend, Meyer Du Toit hopped on a flight with friends to JHB to follow Branden through his tense final 18. I know that I was more nervous than Branden watching on TV. When Meyer appeared behind the tee on 17 as Branden was about to pull the trigger on driver, it looked like Meyer was about to be sick with nerves (I hope B never saw him there!). Branden then creamed the drive that left him ‘nothing’ to the green. Par with two putts, a solid drive on 18 landing just to the right of the fairway, forced a near-perfect lay-up, a short wedge and two putts to victory...read on!
Louis had already won before, so when he played solid golf to claim the African OPEN two weeks ago, it was on the heals of a very strong finish to the 2011 tournament year, finishing with 4 international top-8’s including a 3rd place finish in the SA Open. Louis shot 11-under in the second round of the African Open (62) to pave the way to a strong repeat victory.
Branden, on the other hand, nearly saw his golfing career, short as it was, almost leave him as his strong standing on the European Challenge Tour faded away in the season-ending finals where he finished 24th on the Order of Merit after being in the top-15 all year. He then regrouped and attacked the Q-school gaining his European Tour in an event that most consider their hardest walk. Branden entered the African Open, ready and confident. Those who played with him in Knysna the week before said he was ready. Then, somehow in near-perfect coastal conditions, he started the African Open with 77 – 13 shots behind Thomas Aiken! Louis Martin, the ISM representative who formerly looked after the Sunshine and Asian Tours, and now makes sure the Louis’, Charl’s, Branden’s, Lee and Darren’s off course needs are anticipated and met, took Branden aside. He told me that his words to Branden were simple saying that all of the bad stuff was put behind him in one round and that he could simply go out and play…and Branden did – going 10 under on Friday, 4 under on Saturday and 6 under on Sunday to go from nowhere to tied 14th (-20) in the last three rounds.
With the African Open win, Louis can return home after the Volvo Championship this week, regardless of his outcome, to welcome his second child. He’ll take four weeks off and return to the US Tour for more victories.
 Louis (now King Louis) Oosthuizen wins the African OPEN Again! Story to follow… |
 Branden (amazing) Grace shows patience in taking his first European Championship! Story To Follow… |
Two Young Men From The Southern Cape Fly The Flag For SA!
Louis played on two of my junior Interprovincial teams and Branden, well… I watched Branden split the fairways at Pezula when he was about 15. Both young South African golfers remember their roots in the Southern Cape. I sat with Vaughn Tucker here when Louis won the OPEN (thee OPEN) at St Andrews and Vaughn cried like a baby. On Sunday, my former Head Professional and close friend, Meyer Du Toit hopped on a flight with friends to JHB to follow Branden through his tense final 18. I know that I was more nervous than Branden watching on TV. When Meyer appeared behind the tee on 17 as Branden was about to pull the trigger on driver, it looked like Meyer was about to be sick with nerves (I hope B never saw him there!). Branden then creamed the drive that left him ‘nothing’ to the green. Par with two putts, a solid drive on 18 landing just to the right of the fairway, forced a near-perfect lay-up, a short wedge and two putts to victory...read on!
Louis had already won before, so when he played solid golf to claim the African OPEN two weeks ago, it was on the heals of a very strong finish to the 2011 tournament year, finishing with 4 international top-8’s including a 3rd place finish in the SA Open. Louis shot 11-under in the second round of the African Open (62) to pave the way to a strong repeat victory.
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Branden, on the other hand, nearly saw his golfing career, short as it was, almost leave him as his strong standing on the European Challenge Tour faded away in the season-ending finals where he finished 24th on the Order of Merit after being in the top-15 all year. He then regrouped and attacked the Q-school gaining his European Tour in an event that most consider their hardest walk. Branden entered the African Open, ready and confident. Those who played with him in Knysna the week before said he was ready. Then, somehow in near-perfect coastal conditions, he started the African Open with 77 – 13 shots behind Thomas Aiken! Louis Martin, the ISM representative who formerly looked after the Sunshine and Asian Tours, and now makes sure the Louis’, Charl’s, Branden’s, Lee and Darren’s off course needs are anticipated and met, took Branden aside. He told me that his words to Branden were simple saying that all of the bad stuff was put behind him in one round and that he could simply go out and play…and Branden did – going 10 under on Friday, 4 under on Saturday and 6 under on Sunday to go from nowhere to tied 14th (-20) in the last three rounds.
With the African Open win, Louis can return home after the Volvo Championship this week, regardless of his outcome, to welcome his second child. He’ll take four weeks off and return to the US Tour for more victories.
| Branden’s golfing career has now taken a huge turn! His awesome tee -to-green play on the back nine, led to his first win - Number One on the SA Order of Merit, now heading into the Volvo at the Links as Euro’s newest Champion, playing a course he knows less than an hour from home…with R2,3m in his pocket and a two year pass to play! Yesterday, I met Branden before his first round play - he was relaxed and ready for more. That attitude carried through as he opened with a very solid 68 - five under par! Today, he'll be in the last pairing - from Branden who...to Branden, may I have your autograph! 17 South Africans will carry tour cards onto the European Tour this year – the most ever! |
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Watch the boys from the Southern Cape…on both sides of the big pond…there is more to come.
I am proud to call Branden and Louis my friends – the way they carry themselves on and off the course…they’ll have friends (and fans) worldwide!
The EP Amateur!
By the way, we will be hosting the EP Amateur next weekend, the 28th and 29th of January. Come and watch the 36-hole stroke play on Saturday (course closed) and the Matchplay starting on Sunday. We have secured space and special rates at SFBGC if you need you golfing fix on Saturday. Thanks, in advance for your support.
Cheers for now! I am off for a day at the Volvo!
PS: SF Links Resident’s – Join us on Monday in Jack’s Bar for our first “Resident’s Club” evening, starting at 5pm!
I am proud to call Branden and Louis my friends – the way they carry themselves on and off the course…they’ll have friends (and fans) worldwide!
The EP Amateur!
By the way, we will be hosting the EP Amateur next weekend, the 28th and 29th of January. Come and watch the 36-hole stroke play on Saturday (course closed) and the Matchplay starting on Sunday. We have secured space and special rates at SFBGC if you need you golfing fix on Saturday. Thanks, in advance for your support.
Cheers for now! I am off for a day at the Volvo!
PS: SF Links Resident’s – Join us on Monday in Jack’s Bar for our first “Resident’s Club” evening, starting at 5pm!
Regards,
Jeff
Jeff
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The 5-Year Anniversary Tournament...
This past Saturday we saluted five years as the best Jack Nicklaus Signature course in the world!
When the ‘great man’ was here in December 2006, he treated the members and friends to an amazing clinic and day of golf. While it is traditional for him to play the course or at least a few holes on opening, I felt that our Opening Day was made even more special by the fact that he was in such a good place. He loves the land here and really does consider this one of the ‘best courses he has ever seen’ (better than saying it was one of the best he has ever designed). On the day, he took out a vintage set of MacGregor irons and played like he was possessed! Three weeks shy of his 67th birthday and he drove the ball like he was a kid! What a treat it was to have him out there describing everything that was involved in the design of each hole. From the back tees, he nearly got up for two on the third; a short pitch and a putt and he made the first official birdie at the Links. He also had some fun on the greens by never having a single three putt. He made a point of telling everyone that, since his final competitive round was played at the OLD COURSE in the 2005 Open Championship, he had never had another three putt – because he had never putted the second putt if the first putt failed to go in! Ben Hogan would have liked golf to be played that way as his putting let him down in his later years.
To honour Mr. Nicklaus and to celebrate the great five years that we have had here at the Links, we played our Anniversary tournament as he did on the Opening Day – medal play, with many of the guys playing the Championship tees (and getting an adjustment to their handicap) and others were playing from the tees that suited their games. Scott Keevy counted out Club Champ, Martin King with a 78 gross (70 nett) from the Gold markers; Dave Mills was the best from the Club Tees with 80 gross (72 nett) and Helen Bridges had 84 gross (71 nett). What made the event more fun was the fact that we played the way Jack did – putting the first and if it was holed out, counting 2 putts and carrying on! Wouldn’t you know that as one who is usually good for hitting 10 -14 greens in regulation, I found it extremely difficult finding the ‘surface for the flat stick’ when automatic two-putts would apply! Everyone who played loved the format – I think we have another tournament for the ‘annual’ calendar!
To top it all off, the estate, Clubhouse and course are all looking great!
Thanks Jack… and thanks Members, Directors and the TEAM!
UPCOMING GOLFING EVENTS!
December 14th OPEN Wednesday (R170 green fees for visitors)
December 15/16th The Pam Golding ANNUAL (Click Here)
December 20th NSRI Golf Day (special rates for all of the right reasons) (Click Here)
January 2nd and 3rd The Annual Member/Member Partnership
Plus all of the other events over the Holiday period – (Click Here)
Regards,
Jeff
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 The Clinic |
When the ‘great man’ was here in December 2006, he treated the members and friends to an amazing clinic and day of golf. While it is traditional for him to play the course or at least a few holes on opening, I felt that our Opening Day was made even more special by the fact that he was in such a good place. He loves the land here and really does consider this one of the ‘best courses he has ever seen’ (better than saying it was one of the best he has ever designed). On the day, he took out a vintage set of MacGregor irons and played like he was possessed! Three weeks shy of his 67th birthday and he drove the ball like he was a kid! What a treat it was to have him out there describing everything that was involved in the design of each hole. From the back tees, he nearly got up for two on the third; a short pitch and a putt and he made the first official birdie at the Links. He also had some fun on the greens by never having a single three putt. He made a point of telling everyone that, since his final competitive round was played at the OLD COURSE in the 2005 Open Championship, he had never had another three putt – because he had never putted the second putt if the first putt failed to go in! Ben Hogan would have liked golf to be played that way as his putting let him down in his later years.
To honour Mr. Nicklaus and to celebrate the great five years that we have had here at the Links, we played our Anniversary tournament as he did on the Opening Day – medal play, with many of the guys playing the Championship tees (and getting an adjustment to their handicap) and others were playing from the tees that suited their games. Scott Keevy counted out Club Champ, Martin King with a 78 gross (70 nett) from the Gold markers; Dave Mills was the best from the Club Tees with 80 gross (72 nett) and Helen Bridges had 84 gross (71 nett). What made the event more fun was the fact that we played the way Jack did – putting the first and if it was holed out, counting 2 putts and carrying on! Wouldn’t you know that as one who is usually good for hitting 10 -14 greens in regulation, I found it extremely difficult finding the ‘surface for the flat stick’ when automatic two-putts would apply! Everyone who played loved the format – I think we have another tournament for the ‘annual’ calendar!
 The Opening |
 The 1st shot |
 On the 1st tee |
| In the past five years, we have received numerous awards and recognition! • Best New Course in South Africa Golf Digest 2007 • Top 10 Course in South Africa Golf Digest • Number 7 in course conditioning Golf Digest • 5-Star Golf Experience Award Compleat Golfer (every year since opening) • Bride’s Choice Award for Best Club Reception in South Africa – 2010, 2011 Despite the difficult economic times, nationally and internationally, we have an estate that is financially stable with the Club running an annual profit and nearly R4million in estate reserves. With our new Property Owner’s Leisure Centre now open, we offer our members the lifestyle options they seek and the security they expect! |
 The Press Conference |
To top it all off, the estate, Clubhouse and course are all looking great!
Thanks Jack… and thanks Members, Directors and the TEAM!
UPCOMING GOLFING EVENTS!
December 14th OPEN Wednesday (R170 green fees for visitors)
December 15/16th The Pam Golding ANNUAL (Click Here)
December 20th NSRI Golf Day (special rates for all of the right reasons) (Click Here)
January 2nd and 3rd The Annual Member/Member Partnership
Plus all of the other events over the Holiday period – (Click Here)
Regards,
Jeff
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A golfing Master-class
Consider the course, consider the cash, consider the field, consider the number of times you can slip and fall (almost every hole) and tell me you have seen a better round of golf than Lee Westwood’s 62 (-10) at the Gary Player course at Sun City! I watched what I could live and then I watched everything I could again so that I didn’t miss a thing.
Lee hit all four par-5’s in two – has anybody ever done that before. He set the course record. He drove it longer and straighter than I have ever seen AND he simply left the others behind. Imagine being Graeme McDowell – he started the day one shot ahead of Lee and finished seven shots behind while shooting 70 with a double bogey on 17 – probably after looking at the scoreboard and going into shock. As a matter of fact, when he blazed the back nine in 30, everyone behind him seemed to simply collapse. Listen folks, this was some little pitch and putt course where the 59’s were shot, this was the Gary Player Country Club, where you can go off line and never be found again. Wow, it was amazing…Go Lee, Go!
…oh, ‘Tigger’ found form and beat the rest of the top players in the world (except Rory, who, for some reason, was missing from both events and was winning in the East) by making birdies on 17 and 18 to win his “Member-Guest” tournament at Sherwood Oaks in California.
Speaking of form…
St Francis Links wins the Champion of Champions!
Pearl Valley played host to the six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses and their top four players from four separate qualifying events played in conjunction with golf’s four Major Championships. Vlam Michau, James Bredenkamp, André Pretorius and Brian Cunningham represented the Links in the tournament played over the past weekend. With the best three of the four individual Stableford scores counting on each day, our boys came from a shot behind on Saturday to capture the Golden Bear Trophy (and it is a Bear of a Bear!). Vlam was solid both days; James led us with 33 points on day 1 and André came through in a big way with 33 on Sunday! Their combined score of 182 was good enough to tip the charging boys from Houghton Golf Club. Ryan accompanied the guys and kept them motivated! Well Done! Click here to see the final score sheet.
UPCOMING GOLFING EVENTS!
December 9th Nico Malan Golf Day
December 10th The 5th Anniversary Tournament
November 14th OPEN Wednesday (R170 green fees for visitors)
December 15/16th The Pam Golding ANNUAL (Click Here)
December 20th NSRI Golf Day (special rates for all of the right reasons)
January 2nd and 3rd The Annual Member/Member Partnership
Plus all of the other events over the Holiday period – Click Here.
Lee hit all four par-5’s in two – has anybody ever done that before. He set the course record. He drove it longer and straighter than I have ever seen AND he simply left the others behind. Imagine being Graeme McDowell – he started the day one shot ahead of Lee and finished seven shots behind while shooting 70 with a double bogey on 17 – probably after looking at the scoreboard and going into shock. As a matter of fact, when he blazed the back nine in 30, everyone behind him seemed to simply collapse. Listen folks, this was some little pitch and putt course where the 59’s were shot, this was the Gary Player Country Club, where you can go off line and never be found again. Wow, it was amazing…Go Lee, Go!
 Flawless! |
 Giving praise…or giving a lesson! |
…oh, ‘Tigger’ found form and beat the rest of the top players in the world (except Rory, who, for some reason, was missing from both events and was winning in the East) by making birdies on 17 and 18 to win his “Member-Guest” tournament at Sherwood Oaks in California.
Speaking of form…
St Francis Links wins the Champion of Champions!
Pearl Valley played host to the six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses and their top four players from four separate qualifying events played in conjunction with golf’s four Major Championships. Vlam Michau, James Bredenkamp, André Pretorius and Brian Cunningham represented the Links in the tournament played over the past weekend. With the best three of the four individual Stableford scores counting on each day, our boys came from a shot behind on Saturday to capture the Golden Bear Trophy (and it is a Bear of a Bear!). Vlam was solid both days; James led us with 33 points on day 1 and André came through in a big way with 33 on Sunday! Their combined score of 182 was good enough to tip the charging boys from Houghton Golf Club. Ryan accompanied the guys and kept them motivated! Well Done! Click here to see the final score sheet.
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| NSRI Trains the links staff.. and then themselves! Representatives from our local NSRI came to the Links to assist in basic pool safety with the staff. Following a discussion with Jeff Clause, the NSRI will also be using the pool on occasion for their own training. While the new Leisure Centre is for the use and benefit of the property owners only, this is another example of community support from St Francis Links. SF Links newest investment draw card The New Leisure Centre opened for business on Wednesday morning, the 7th of December, after a well-attended Property-owner’s function on Tuesday night. |
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WBHO, the majority owners of the Links, funded the project to more than R3 million.
The new Leisure Centre features a state-of-art gym, larger entertainment areas and a heated 20x6m pool with retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment. More than 70 attended the opening with the first to use the pool on opening day, Mr. and Mrs. Wylie themselves! The newest addition to the Links has already attracted new interest for investment in property and homebuilding. St Francis Links celebrates five years in operation on Saturday, the 10th of December. The estate has played host to a number of major golf tournaments and events ranging from the PGA tour Origins of Golf finals to more than 110 weddings. St. Francis Links is ranked in the top 10 golf course in South Africa and is the recipient of two consecutive awards for Best Club Reception is SA from the Bridal Choice Awards.
The new Leisure Centre features a state-of-art gym, larger entertainment areas and a heated 20x6m pool with retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment. More than 70 attended the opening with the first to use the pool on opening day, Mr. and Mrs. Wylie themselves! The newest addition to the Links has already attracted new interest for investment in property and homebuilding. St Francis Links celebrates five years in operation on Saturday, the 10th of December. The estate has played host to a number of major golf tournaments and events ranging from the PGA tour Origins of Golf finals to more than 110 weddings. St. Francis Links is ranked in the top 10 golf course in South Africa and is the recipient of two consecutive awards for Best Club Reception is SA from the Bridal Choice Awards.
 Our New Pool |
 The Opening! |
UPCOMING GOLFING EVENTS!
December 9th Nico Malan Golf Day
December 10th The 5th Anniversary Tournament
November 14th OPEN Wednesday (R170 green fees for visitors)
December 15/16th The Pam Golding ANNUAL (Click Here)
December 20th NSRI Golf Day (special rates for all of the right reasons)
January 2nd and 3rd The Annual Member/Member Partnership
Plus all of the other events over the Holiday period – Click Here.
Cheers for Now!
Jeff
Jeff
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Prez Cup - USA outplayed “our” boys!
The World ‘hammers’ South Africa! - Links CUP!
While Greg Norman was trying to figure out a way to overcome 6 different cultures and languages, I was trying to find a way to out-fox Peter McHugh, the Captain of the “World” side in the Links Cup.
Local favorites and home country boys, Robert Allenby and Jason Day couldn’t find a game that would help their captain; my ‘horses’ were outplayed at almost every turn. Even when I called upon the weather to interfere with the world’s plans for an all-out whoopin’ by cancelling the singles on Sunday (I then proposed a ‘draw’ as play was halted in the 80km blast), we agreed to do the noble thing and play the matches yesterday.
All we needed to do was win 13 of the 16 matches…I even replaced the guys who couldn’t play on Wednesday with some really fine replacements – Vlam, MJ, Stormin’ Norman and Danie Cronjé.
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I even played two South Africans against each other in Danie and James Jnr to ensure a point. Then, even with ‘fresh horses” and Sandra Marais turning 8 up…well, say no more! In the end, we split the 14 singles matches, "World" Captain. Peter was very polite to me and the SA Team as he accepted the golf medals...everyone had a great time!
We will continue to play the Links CUP in conjunction with the Ryder and President’s Cups. The events lead to a great spirit! While a number of our regular players were away playing in another event with a similar format, I was extremely pleased to see so many members make the effort to be here and play. The 32 who joined us this year represented more countries than ever before!
We gathered on Friday night for “Opening Ceremonies” with the traditional singing of the anthems. Q did a great job having all of the anthems ready and the Golf team provided everyone with the lyrics to all. We sang the anthems from Wales, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Estonia (you go, Alan), Greece, The Netherlands, Norway, the USA (for the non-playing Captain), Brazil (for André P) and of course, South Africa! The best thing about playing the Links CUP and the Prez Cup for that matter is the match play format – it’s a great change from normal Stableford Competitions we play. It was so well received (again) that we will be adding more to next year’s calendar of events. The spirit was great – Peter McHugh loved his role, tough he would have rather been playing; Alison Bosch, also on injured reserve, became my Assistant. The lopsided score which will never actually be published was not reflective of the closely-fought individual matches, most going to the last holes. Next year, you all must play…no conflicts, no excuses as it is a must-play for all members. Thanks again, Colin Higgins for donating the medals!
The World’s best TEAM!
The St Francis Links staff all celebrated 5 years as a Club and Estate this week with the annual staff party – hosted again at Christy’s Catch. In honour of their five years of outstanding service and commitment, 25 staff members were given certificates and a cash bonus at the lunch. Sixteen employees also received vouchers through lucky draws. Our DJ for the day was none other than our very able Fire Chief, Keith Donaldson. Great food, dancing and good fun by all made it a day to remember! Thanks TEAM St Francis Links.
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Special Thanks to Christy’s Catch for giving us a great venue and lunch! |
UPCOMING GOLFING EVENTS!
November 27th 1st Qualifying for the “Hundred Dollar”
November 27th St Francis Links/Pam Golding MTB Challenge (start and finish at SFB)
December 4th 2nd Qualifying for the “Hundred Dollar”
December 9th Nico Malan Golf Day
December 10th FINALS - The “Hundred Dollar” Challenge (in conjunction with the Nedbank Challenge)
November 14th OPEN Wednesday (R170 green fees for visitors)
December 15/16th The Pam Golding ANNUAL (Click Here)
December 20th NSRI Golf Day (special rates for all of the right reasons)
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Kouga Business Awards
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