They, along with other presenters, Nick Binedell, who spoke about SA’s current business climate and political needs, Stafford Maisie who explained everything from Facebook to Twitter and the YouTubes in between, Marcus Jooste, who shared the international success story of Steinhoff and Mike Solomon who told real stories about BEE’s, entertained and educated the more than 75 top business people who escaped the rat race to the tranquility of St Francis Links. Everyone was housed and pampered at member-owned rental pool accommodation on the estate and the entire estate team participated to see the event through. Literally everyone here played their part – as usual, Liezl and her team led the way with every detail attended to -from special starters to pillow sweets, from the Arnant Singh ‘theatre’ to the Penguin tour and from the luggage drop-off to the Sand River walk and the canal cruise for two on the Cunningham canal yacht.

St Francis Links was awarded the conference after Moneyweb’s Alec Hogg and Barbara’s Mazaris toured here months ago. We overcame the perception that a hotel was needed by showing off the onsight accommodation available inside the security of the estate. As so many top executives were on the guest list, security and anonymity were key in securing the event. We fit the bill, and showed off the estate, the course and the services to some of the best in their business! Many of the guests had never even been to St Francis Bay – all will make the easy effort to be back!

As the weekend came to a close, and the delegates and guests made their way out of the estate, it was a perfect day full of sunshine and calm breezes (a light puff). Chef Brad received his best compliment to date when he was personally thanked by Patricia Glyn, the Adventure journalist turned Vegan – for reasons she clearly, yet subtly, explained in her presentation by saying that he was the first person in five years to not only meet her dietary requirements, but to literally embrace them with passion. Cool, Brad… but you can keep the Santa burger on the menu for now!

The next 10 days will test this little team. Rinus and Gareth can trade in their short-term valet and tour guide skills and return to Security and Water Management; Candice and Chris-Mari can go back to Accounting and Golf Coordination after bedding down the 75 guests and serving them with the regulars. Jarrad will ‘gladly’ go back to keeping the golf course perfect instead of chauffeuring providing room service. Fortunately for the rest of the Food and Beverage team, the beat goes on with a calm 10 days ahead – from tonight, 80 for dinner, then Curry Night, a wedding, Good Friday, another wedding, Easter Sunday lunch, a wedding, Monday dinner on Tuesday, Curry Night, another two wedding and some sleep! And my friends in Knysna ask if we are OK in this sleepy village…quite so, thank you!

The Ernie Els Show – Act TWO!

Ernie Els received a little gift from the heaven’s when they “opened up” after he made double bogey-bogey on the two precious holes. I think the golf Gods wanted him to have a little time to refocus on the great golf that enabled him to establish a five shot lead earlier. So, play was stopped and tournament resumed on Monday with 4 holes to play. Short Game won it for Ernie – a couple of great ‘up and downs’ from off the green; up and in from a plugged lie on the 17th and some fantastic clutch putting made the difference. PS. A guy that looks like Chris Couch cannot be allowed to beat Ernie, no NA, nor Curtis.

Next week…The Els Show – ACT THREE (Houston Open)