SA Golf Trader Magazine Jan Feb 2023 edition

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Send us your letters, giving us your views, opinions or articles of interest (max 500 words). The most interesting letter will be published in the next edition of SA Golf Trader.

Dear Ed

Looking back on this past year, I am so very thankful that I have taken up the game of golf. This is how I would describe the game.

Imagine being on a golf course in the early morning. You are with three of your best friends and are dressed for the lovely weather that awaits you. Your group is the first out on the course so with each step, you disrupt the perfect layer of dew that covers the grass. As your golf ball rolls, its path is clearly defined by the track it cleared of dew.

For the next 4 hours your friends and you will have interesting conversations, maybe make the game more intense by placing side bets, and witness nature warming up for the day. You will also hit a round white ball roughly 65–140+ times (It’s a lot more fun when you’re closer to the 65!).

If you’re lucky a couple of these shots may be struck so perfectly that you immediately see your path to the Sunshine Tour flash before your eyes. As you approach your next shot you have already begun giving your friends swing tips and are walking with the swagger of Thriston Lawrence. Then…..Shank. That’s golf.

Patience, practice, good shots, good friends, bad shots, angry friends, shenanigans, peace, satisfaction. Once you cleanly strike a golf ball set in the fairway and place it within 5 feet of the pin, you will be hooked!

Regards Shane Smuts

Dear Shane

Thank you for your excellent letter. This so aptly describes the game and quite honestly makes one want to go out and have a round without delay.

All the best for 2023 and may your scores get nearer and nearer to 65.

Regards

Dress to impress in the new Island Resort range. A fresh, bold, and unique look that can be worn on and off the golf course. Shop it at your nearest pro-outlet today!

Improve your golf game

Want to drive for show…?

Are you standing on the tee box with your driver in hand, feeling the jitters sparkling all the way through your body? Let’s find the best driver allowing you not just to show off, but to get maximum results!

As technology improves, we see more and more different types of drivers with various specs such as head sizes, different lofts, weight adjustibility etc coming out, but which clubhead is best suited for your game and ability? Higher handicap golfers often struggle the most getting off the tee box, and what we see is that they use the wrong equipment relative to their ability and swing. Thus, for these players it is very important to select the right clubhead to control their tee shots better.

For the average golfer to hit more fairways the best suitable driver will be a driver

with 10.5 degrees their skill level, and abilities. driver with clubhead and more forgiveness. size of about Certain drivers, Srixon ZX5 for performance, feels great and golfer who higher, straighter more forgiveness. Golfers with and capability such players at have launch penetrating players with have

know which one is the best for your game!

Performance Tip brought to you by Michelle Steyn –BSI Golf Coach

game through better equipment choice

degrees loft, of course depending on level, swing speed abilities. Playing with a a slightly bigger and face will provide forgiveness. A clubhead about 460cc is best. drivers, such as the 9 (pictured) are built performance, looks and and is perfect for a wants to hit the ball straighter and allows forgiveness. with a higher skill level, swing speed capability will benefit more with a driver such as the Srixon ZX7. Elite players will look at a driver with loft around 8 to 9 degrees, as they have enough clubhead speed to launch the ball and to get a more penetrating ball flight. Most elite players will have drivers in the bag with less forgiveness, but will also have the option to adjust the loft,

face angle and weight. Currently tour pros Hideki Matsuyama and Brooks Koepka have the Srixon ZX7 driver in their bags.

It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new and latest equipment, and to purchase what the best on tour plays with, or buy any club that “looks nice”, is not justifiable. However, it is very important to understand and know what is needed to improve your game and suits your ability and goals. The average golfer cannot get the results he/ she wants playing with the equipment that a higher skilled golfer plays with. Get the right driver in your bag, tee it up and let it fly!

Images courtesy of Dunlop Srixon SA

KINGSTON WINS LEGENDS TOUR’S JOHN JACOBS TROPHY FOR ORDER OF MERIT

James Kingston secured the Legends Tour Order of Merit and scooped the John Jacob Trophy on the final day of the season despite an early wobble in Mauritius.

The South African had a tough opening day round of 74 at Constance Belle Mare Plage, but recovered to shoot 65 and 64 and finish second. Kingston’s mission at the season ending MCB Tour Championship was simple; he had to finish the tournament, or if Adilson Da Silva won he had to come better than a tie for fourth. The South African was relieved he finished the season on a high.

“I am quite relieved I must say, to think of a whole year’s play and to think all of this came down to the last tournament, the last round, the last few holes, unbelievable! I am just extremely proud of how consistent I have played this whole season, except for last week. I don’t know where it came from but I dug deep over the weekend, I am really proud of

myself I didn’t make a bogey the last 36 holes, I am delighted.”

Kingston played 17 tournaments on the Legends Tour this season, racking up 2,845 points. He won the Swiss Senior Masters; his second Legends Tour title, and had 10 top-10 finishes that saw him finish the season ahead of the rest of the field and secure a bonus of €25,000.

Thomas Bjorn was ice cool on the final round, blowing away the rest of the field as he won by seven shots.

The Dane went out with a four-shot advantage over the rest of the field and never relented; he didn’t make a single bogey from the seventh hole on the first day; he also carded a round of 61, the the lowest ever score at The Legends Course, on his way to victory. The former Ryder Cup Captain then signed for a final round of 67, cruising home with son Oliver on the bag for the first time.

NEWS CLIP

LIV Golf League players will be able to compete in this year’s Masters after Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said. The event will keep “current criteria” for 2023 entrants.

Without mentioning the Saudi-backed upstart series by name, Ridley expressed disappointment with golf’s ongoing divide caused by LIV luring away top PGA Tour talent with record prize money for 54-hole events.

“Regrettably, recent actions have divided men’s professional golf by diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who

built it,” Ridley said.

“Although we are disappointed in these developments, our focus is to honour the tradition of bringing together a preeminent field of golfers this coming April. Therefore, invitations sent, are for those eligible under our current criteria to compete in the 2023 Masters tournament.”

Of 78 players currently qualified for the 2023 Masters, 16 are LIV Golf members. Six former Masters champions playing on the LIV circuit are set for this year’s first

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major golf showdown at the historic venue. They include Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters winner and six-time major champion who was the first top player to push LIV Golf forward. Other past Masters winners in LIV Golf eligible to return in 2023 include fellow Americans Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson plus Spaniard Sergio Garcia and South African Charl Schwartzel.

World No 3 Cameron Smith of Australia, the reigning British Open champion, is also among other LIV players who have qualified under the current criteria. Americans Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka qualify based on major triumphs within the past five years and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann has also locked up a spot. “I believe they made the right decision,” DeChambeau told The Golf Channel. “This Masters will be one of the most exciting Masters in many years.”

The decision will bring the PGA-LIV split into sharp focus from April 6-9 at

Augusta National, where stars from the rival circuits could be paired with one another, some with hard feelings over the divide that has fractured the sport. World No 1 Rory McIlroy and 15-time major champion Tiger Woods have been among the most outspoken LIV critics.

LIV players in last year’s final world golf rankings top 50 will also qualify for the Masters. Other LIV Golf players can qualify by reaching the world golf rankings top 50 in the week before the Masters.

The PGA Tour has banned LIV Golf players from its events. LIV players have competed in DP World Tour and Asian Tour events where they can pick up ranking points. LIV Golf tournaments have not been granted Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. LIV is fighting the situation but its top players could slide down the rankings and miss qualifying criteria of future majors.

Ridley said any future changes to Masters entry criteria would be revealed in April.

KNOW YOUR RULES

The Game of Golf

Golf is played in a round of 18 (or fewer) holes on a course by striking a ball with a club. Each hole starts with a stroke from the teeing area and ends when the ball is holed on the putting green (or when the Rules otherwise say the hole is completed).

For each stroke, the player: Plays the course as he or she finds it, and Plays the ball as it lies.

But there are exceptions where the Rules allow the player to alter conditions on the course and require or allow the player to play the ball from a different place than where it lies.

KNOW YOUR GOLF CLUB’S GENERAL MANAGER

Lennox - General Manager - George Golf Club

1. It seems that you have been in the Golfing Industry forever, and at George GC for the last 22 years, what made you choose this career?

I first started at the Club as a Bookkeeper as at this stage this was my field of expertise. I had been working for the South African National Defense Force in the finance core, and my responsibilities there had been mainly debtors, creditors, and administrative work.

My position as Bookkeeper developed into that of an Admin Manager which included all financial aspects (day to day finances, budgets, financial statements etc.) as well as all administrative duties in respect of human resources, and maintenance etc.

In 2005 I was appointed Assistant Manager and when the General Manager, Lloyd Martindale, left in 2010 I was offered the position of General Manager. During my time at the golf club I completed a certificate in Contemporary Club Management from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association as well as my Club Manager Certification under the auspices of the Certification Committee of the Club Managers Association of America, George State University and the Club Management Association of South Africa. I further completed a certificate from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Turfgrass Management.

2. Have you always been interested in golf?

Not at all. My goal was to become a General Manager

at a club and in order to achieve this goal I believed that I to needed to understand all spheres of the business. Bearing this in mind I started playing in order to get to know the game, the rules etc. Now I love the game, not that I am a great golfer, but I do enjoy being out on the course. It also gives me the opportunity to socialise with members and visitors and to see the course from the players perspective (which in turn gives me a better understanding of their suggestions/ comments).

3. In 2017 you became the first women in South Africa to receive the Club Manager of the year award, did this change anything for you or for other women in the industry?

I would like to believe that it has encouraged other woman in the golfing industry to see that there are growth and reward possibilities in the industry for women.

4. As a woman was it difficult for you to make inroads in this industry?

It has had its challenges! Although I think in all industries you have to “prove yourself” before you are taken seriously. I have been very fortunate at the George Golf Club as the Council and Members embraced my appointment as GM and I know that I can always rely on them for support.

5. Can you describe your typical workday at George

Sandra

GC?

I enjoy getting to work early, and first check my emails before I meet with Pietie Botha, our course superintendent. Next, I meet with our accountant and golf-coordinator to discuss any matters on hand. After which I take care of the day as it happens, including correspondence, and reports etc.

I have an “open door” policy, which means I meet with members, suppliers, sponsors etc. on a daily basis. I try and attend most club events and all formal club prize giving’s. When time permits of course, some golf is played too. Every day brings something different with different challenges, and this is one of the reasons why I am still here, and love my job.

In your opinion had golf membership grown over the last 2 years?

Definitely it has, more golf is being played by members and visitors and we have experienced more couples joining the club and playing golf.

7. With consumers already being careful on how they spend their money these days, what is your plan to attract people to the club?

Our strategy at the golf club is as follows: Our reason for being here is our golf course. Therefore, the course must always be in the best condition possible. This will attract golfers to play, become members and remain as members. We engage with our members on a regular basis to ensure that we meet their expectations, so that they can be proud of their club. Our staff are motivated and encouraged to “buy” into our vision and mission, as “The best members club in South Africa, where visitors are treated like members”. To be affordable whilst keeping the club financially sound.

8. Slow play is one of the biggest problems in golf today, how do you manage slow play at George GC?

We have marshals on the course and we monitor time taken by players coming through Halfway House. We have also increased our spacing between tee times as well as including starter times on the timesheet, to assist.

Should it be necessary, I personally address those players not adhering to a marshal’s request to speed up play.

9. The members of a golf club always come first. Do you agree with the phrase “The member is always right”?

I agree that your customer, members and visitors, must come 1st and that you must always do everything in your power for them to only have good experiences at the club. This unfortunately does not always happen, due to human factors involved. Most often there is not a right and wrong. Acknowledge that the person is unhappy, determine why and find the best solution to remedy the situation.

10. Does your position require you to be available on weekends, evenings, and holidays, and if so, does this place demands on your personal life?

It is a given in the hospitality industry that you will be required to be available on weekends, evenings and holidays. It becomes a way of life and you plan your personal life according to your work schedule. With good planning you can have the best of both worlds.

11. What are your short- & long-term goals?

Short-term goal is to manage the club on a daily, monthly and annual basis profitably, taking into account our strategy of affordability to our members. Long-term goal is to manage our 3-to-5-year projects within the budgets allocated.

In my personal capacity, the short-term goal will be to manage my work and personal life in such a way that both environments remain a happy place. Long-term goal is to complete my Finance Degree.

12. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am addicted to trail running and hiking. Living in George we have our beautiful Outeniqua mountains to explore as well as fantastic hikes in Knysna, Plett and Mossel Bay.

13. Do you still get time to play?

I make time to play. Playing golf is part of my weekly planning of my work schedule e.g., I will play on our club competition days with the members (opportunity to liaise with members) and be there to attend the evening prizegiving.

Dainfern opened in 1991 on the site of the old Fourways golf course, Gary Player and Phil Jacobs took the Fourways layout and built the Dainfern golf course as we know it today.

The golfing challenge on the Par 72 course was developed around the meandering Jukskei River with its undulating terrain and is a truly spectacular layout. The river is in play on six holes with the rolling terrain providing a challenge to both amateurs and professionals and affords breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Dams, water features, natural rocky outcrops, weeping willows as well as abundant birdlife provide a tranquil country ambiance. All golfers are welcome to the Estate, come and play a round of golf with us.

LIFE-CHANGING ALFRED DUNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP WIN FOR STRYDOM

Ockie Strydom claimed a life-changing maiden victory on the DP World Tour when he won the Alfred Dunhill Championship by two shots at Leopard Creek in December.

Strydom closed with a 69 to win on 18 under par. Adrian Otaegui took second place on 16 under par with a final round of 68, while Laurie Canter finished third on 15 under par with a 64.

“To sink the winning putt on such a prestigious green as this 18th is amazing for me. Walking onto this island green is always special. It’s something I always wanted to achieve. My dad has also always wanted me to win one of these,” said a delighted Strydom, who before this had 19 runner-up finishes in his career.

“It feels good. I’ve finally done it. To do it on Leopard Creek as well is something special.”

This is by far the biggest victory of his career and significantly changes his plans for the coming season.

“This changes my life. It’s two years on the DP World Tour now. It will be tough with the wife at home and the kids, but in the long run it will be better for them as well.”

Strydom was tied for the lead with Scott Jamieson on 15 under going into the final round. The South African was locked in a battle for the lead on Sunday, and after a double bogey on the par-four ninth he dropped back into the chasing pack.

A number of other players were also making their presence felt at the top of the leaderboard. Canter came through the field and signed for a closing 64 including four straight birdies over the turn. Otaegui, MJ Daffue and Louis Oosthuizen were also all jostling into a threatening position.

But Strydom held his nerve and then produced a scoring burst of four birdies in his first five holes on the back nine that pulled him three shots clear of the field on 18 under par and walking down the last. Otaegui birdied the last while Strydom parred, but the final result was already beyond question.

“It was hard work and a lot of mental toughness that I needed to work on. Jaris my caddie kept me in the game out there. But I’ve also been in this situation quite a lot and I know how to manage it. The double on nine cost me and immediately I made those birdies thereafter. Then I knew I could just play my own game again. To have a three-shot lead playing the 18th calmed the nerves quite a bit.”

CLIP

ASHLEIGH BUHAI WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN TITLE

South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai held on to win the women’s Australian Open title by one shot in Melbourne last month.

British Open champion Buhai held off the fast-finishing Jiyai Shin to win the women’s tournament by one shot.

Buhai, the world No 28, led by four shots at one stage but had to withstand a big finish from the South Korean, who had an eight-foot putt on the final hole to force a playoff, only to narrowly miss. Australia’s Grace Kim was tied for the lead going to the 18th hole before a double-bogey seven dashed her late flurry.

Buhai carded four birdies and five bogeys to finish with one-over 73, but it was still enough to claim victory.

“It’s the cherry on the top,” Buhai said. “And to have my husband Dave on the bag, it’s very

special to be able to celebrate together.“He was good today. It was a bit easier for him being inside the ropes than outside the ropes. You’re a little bit more in control. “Got lots of friends and family here, it’s very cool.”

Emfuleni Golf Course Halfway Dishes

Beef Fillet with peppercorn sauce, fried egg and rosemary salted fries.

Rosemary

Salted French Fries

Slice the potatoes 1/2 inch thick.

Soak them cold in water for at least an hour or overnight.

(Longer = crispier fries)Rinse them twice with cold water and pat them completely dry

Heat oil to 300 degrees. Fry them in about 6 batches for 5-6 minutes.

Don't overcrowd them by placing too many in at a time, they won't be as crispy

Use a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel.

Beef Fillet

It really doesn't get any easier than this and you don't need much to make a lip-smacking good steak. We used a good fillet Steak. Keep in mind a thicker steak will take longer to cook through and a thinner steak will cook faster Well-marbled steaks will give you the juiciest results. Pat steak dry, season generously, preheat pan with ½ Tbsp oil, sear steak 3-4 min until brown, add butter and aromatics, coat steak with the melted butter, cook to desired doneness.

Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.

Brandy and peppercorn sauce

onion chopped, clo es garlic chopped, g dried th me , ba lea es

g co rse black pepper, mI oil, g green peppercorns, ml brand ml j s, litre cream, g be rre manie Method

Sa tee onion and garlic n l golden bro n. Add th me and ba lea es.

Add co rse black pepper and green peppercorns. Fr for abo t min tes

Flame ith brand . Add j s and cream boil for mins. Add be rre manie to thicken sa ce to desired consistenc

Increase heat to 400 degrees. Fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Place them on paper towels and sprinkle immediately with salt.

Rosemary salt

1 cup packed fresh rosemary leaves

1 cup coarse salt, such as sea salt 3 cups kosher salt

1. Put the rosemary leaves and coarse salt in a food processor

2. Pulse on and off about 8 to 10 times, or until the rosemary is blended into the salt. The texture should be similar to table salt; it will be damp and look almost like wet sand.

3. Pour the kosher salt into a medium bowl.

4. Stir in the mixture and combine rosemar -salt thoroughly

5. Spread out on a baking sheet to dry for a few hours.

6. Transfer to 4 (8-ounce) jars with tight-fitting lids. It keeps indefinitely for use in your favorite recipes.

1 egg fried in butter

Layer as follows: sauce, fillet, egg and garnish with parsley place chips on side. Enjoy!

NEWS CLIP

RECORD WIN FOR ROZNER IN AFRASIA BANK MAURITIUS OPEN

Frenchman Antoine Rozner claimed his third DP World Tour title with a record five-stroke victory in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Mont Choisy Le Golf on Sunday.

Rozner took a two-stroke lead into the final round and closed with a 67 on another windy day on the island to win on 19 under par and with the biggest margin of victory in the six editions of this Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour event.

“It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t dream of a better way to finish the year. It’s amazing. It felt like playing at home to be honest. The crowds here were amazing. It was an unbelievable week,” said Rozner, who in 2019 lost a playoff for this title.

Spain’s Alfredo Garcia-Heredia took second place on 14 under par with a final round of 67, while fellow Frenchman Julien Brun finished third on 12 under par

NEWS CLIP

following a closing 72.

Rozner withstood an early challenge from Garcia-Heredia who birdied three of his first five holes to close to within a shot of the Frenchman, who made only one birdie through the same stretch.

But when Rozner made eagle on the par-five seventh, and then birdied the eighth and ninth holes to earn himself a five-stroke lead at the turn, it was effectively over as a contest. He bogeyed the 17th but finished with a birdie on 18.

“I played solid all week. My first nine holes was one of my best nines ever. To

play that front nine, the harder nine, in five under made a massive difference. I didn’t know the scores and I just tried to stay focused in the moment. I started missing a few shots here and there coming but I had a big enough lead to get it done,” he said.

“Winning is very hard, so this is huge. It tests your mind and your game and I was very emotional at the end. We work so hard for this and to get it done is amazing.”

The 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has also drawn a glittering array of

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John Collier Survey SPORT ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH

The term environmental sustainability (ES) was defined by the authoritative United Nations Brundtland Report in 1987, as the safeguarding of the natural environment for current and future generations, and has become a significant part of academic research into what is called Sport-ES.

Among the many areas of Sport-ES research literature, there is the clear indication that the phenomenon of climate change is causing organisational uncertainty for some sports, for example golf. This uncertainty arises from addressing higher costs, as a result of the increasing complexity for managing water, energy resources and waste outputs.

Geophysical impacts, associated with climate change, include extreme heat or rain events.

In addition, managers of grass-based sports, such as golf, are seeing more pests, weeds, drought, extreme weather, and wind incidents.

For almost two decades, through the John Collier analysis and measurement tools, along with the certification process, the John Collier Annual Survey has been researching the issue of Sport-ES in respect of golf.

It is interesting to note that we are seeing signs of a trend, where clubs are gradually adapting to changes in climate, by introducing appropriate grasses, reducing closely mown areas, ensuring proper drainage, efficient water usage, and in accepting that grass should not be as lush as in the past, due to limiting the use of pesticides and fertilisers.

The results of the 2022 survey will be published in March 2023, however this is a call to action for all clubs in South Africa to embrace a culture of transparent measurement, and third-party reporting, and by their participation in the 2023 John Collier Survey, becoming an essential part of the continuing and vital research into Sport-ES.

With a variety of activities like: paintball (inflatable paintball fields), clay pigeon shooting, crazy games, mini survivor, quad biking, archery, soft arrow archery, mini amazing race, lawn games, obstacle courses, mind games, Lego builds, minute to win it, river rafting, river tubing, river board surfing, colour run and so much more.

Accommodation, catering and activities all in one place.

One and a half hour from JHB, on

banks of the Vaal river in the Dome world heritage site.

continued from page 30...

blue-chip sponsors including Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, Mont Choisy Group, Jaguar, Rogers, Heritage Resorts, IBL, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), 3G Mobile, Phoenix Beverages, Air Mauritius, Mautourco, Fenix XCell Apparel, Hertz, Jacobs, C-Care, Emtel, PRO CARTS, IT Solvz, Häagen-Dazs and Dragon Electronics.

NEWS CLIP

Find rest for your soul in one of our charming rooms. Each room has its own en-suite bathroom and is serviced with a fully equipped communal kitchen.

Fenced estate with Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala etc. Luscious green grass, large trees and braai facilities.

At KayanZee We Cherish Friends & Family!

We understand the importance of maintaining a relaxed atmosphere when you and your loved ones want to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For this reason, we take extra care not book the various rooms out to different groups of people over a weekend.

Our minimum booking is for 6 guests and /or 3 rooms and a minimum of 2 nights over a weekend and 3 nights over a long weekend. This means that you and your group will have complete privacy and you can enjoy your relaxation time, without outside interferences.

HISTORY-MAKER MAAS LIFTS FREDDIE TAIT CUP AT BLAIR ATHOLL

While former double SA Amateur Thriston Lawrence celebrated a wire-to-wire victory in the 112th Investec South African Open Championship, Christiaan Maas made his own bit of history when he joined an elite group of three as the leading amateur at Blair Atholl.

The 19-year-old Pretoria golfer emulated Neville Sundelson (1974) and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel (2002) to become only the third amateur to win the Brabazon Trophy and the Freddie Tait Cup in the same calendar year.

After red-hot opening rounds of 65 and 67, Maas had pulled well clear of his four GolfRSA National Squad team-mates, but a rocky start on moving day threatened to derail his campaign. “I was four-over through the turn, but I managed to rally with a trio of birdies over the last five holes to get myself back to level-par,” said the Pretoria Country Club golfer.

Maas entered the final round as one of two favourites.

Yurav Premlall was looking to make it back-to-back wins after his success at last year’s event at the iconic Gary Player Country Club and Maas knew a solid closing round was required to stay clear of the GolfRSA No 1.

By his own admission, he made it a lot harder on himself and his mental resolve was pushed to limits by balky putter on the signature big, firm greens.

However, a closing round of 77 gave Maas a 72-hole total of five-under-par, good enough for a share of 35th, and good enough to edge Premlall by two shots for the leading amateur honour. “I am happy to be the Freddie Tait Cup winner, and I’m really proud to have won both such prestigious titles in the same year. To join Charl on such an exclusive list is a tremendous honour,” said Maas.

AMATEUR RESULT

283 - Christiaan Maas 69 65 72 77

285 - Yurav Premlall 72 67 71 75

288 - Aldrich Potgieter 71 71 71 75 292 - Kyle de Beer 69 72 77 74

296 - Jonathan Broomhead 71 70 77 78

TEAMS NAMED FOR 2023 AFRICAN AMATEUR

GolfRSA National Squad members Yurav Premlall, Jack Buchanan and Amilkar Bhana, as well as Keagan Crosbie will wear the green and gold for the first time when they debut for South Africa in the African Amateur Stroke Play Championship at the magnificent Leopard Creek in 2023.

The quintet has been named to the GolfRSA Senior and Junior Protea teams that will represent the country in the 54-hole team competition that is played concurrently with the first three rounds of the 72-hole international stroke play championship from 6 – 9 February.

“Our GolfRSA Senior Protea Team will feature our top four ranked amateurs, namely Yurav, our reigning SA Amateur and SA Stroke Play champions Kyle de Beer and Jono Broomhead and Aldrich Potgieter,” said South African Golf Association (SAGA) President Henk Smith.

“Keagan, Jack and Amilkar debut on the GolfRSA Junior Protea Team alongside Dan Bennett, a member of our 2021 junior team. All eight golfers have performed consistently well this season and we excited to see them in action at Leopard Creek.

“The championship annually draws a large number of top-ranked international amateurs and we have witnessed some fantastic battles in the team competition since the first event in 2016. We are confident that have selected two strong teams to lead the South African challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity to give these rising talents the chance to compete against the top competitors from abroad.”

Premlall reached the No 1 position on the GolfRSA Open Rankings in a season where he never finished outside the top 10. Not only did he win three times on home soil, but he enjoyed his first international success in the MCB Indian Ocean Open in Mauritius in October.

Potgieter made his South African debut in the World Amateur Team Championship in France this year. In addition to his record-setting victories on the GolfRSA Junior circuit and a pair of wins on the Open Amateur circuit, Potgieter became only the third South African to lift The Amateur Championship title, joining Jovan

Rebula (2018) and Bobby Cole (1966).

The pair also did the country proud serving on the International Team in the Junior Presidents Cup, contributing 4.5 of the team’s 11 points.

De Beer is the only member of the victorious 2022 Senior Protea side to return for duty, while Broomhead will make his third appearance for South Africa. The pair shared in the GolfRSA Protea Team’s record 24th victory in the Africa Region 5 Golf Tournament in Angola in May, while Broomhead won the Individual Competition in the 2022 All Africa Golf Team Championship in Egypt, where Team South Africa placed second.

GolfRSA Senior Protea Team

Yurav Premlall (Glendower Golf Club | Open Amateur Ranking: 1)

Kyle de Beer (Port Elizabeth Golf Club | Open Amateur Ranking: 2)

Jono Broomhead (Durban Country Club | Open Amateur Ranking: 3)

Aldrich Potgieter (Pinnacle Point Estate | Open Amateur Ranking: 4)

GolfRSA Junior Protea Team

Kieron Crosbie (Centurion Country Club | Under-19 Ranking: 2)

Jack Buchanan (Milnerton Golf Club | Under-19 Ranking: 3)

Amilkar Bhana (Country Club Johannesburg | Under-19 Ranking: 4)

Daniel Bennett (Royal Durban Golf Club | Under-19 Ranking: 11)

NEWS CLIP

MOMENTUM TO KEEP SUNSHINE TOUR GOLFERS IN GOOD HEALTH

The Sunshine Tour and Momentum Health Solutions have partnered to provide the leading top 50 golfers with medical aid coverage and a range of other wellness benefits suited to professional athletes.

The initial two-year sponsorship deal will see those professionals who ended in the top 50 on the final Order of Merit in May 2022 receiving cover for the 2023 calendar year. Those players who finish in the top 50 by the end of May 2023 will then receive the same for the 2024 calendar year.

Beyond the traditional private medical aid offering, the additional benefits for the leading Sunshine Tour professionals will be access to Momentum’s Multiply wellness programme and HealthSaver account which provides for the opportunity to save for additional day-to-day medical expenses.

“This partnership with Momentum Medical Scheme and Momentum Health Solutions is critical in light

of the consistent pressure our players are under to protect their health,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

“Not only is it important for them to look after their physical health but also to ensure that their wider wellness is being taken care of by removing the cost of medical aid cover and providing them access to a range of health support services unique to their individual needs.”

Commenting on the sponsorship, Damian McHugh, CMO at Momentum Health Solutions, said, “We are aware that for sports men and women their health is their most valuable asset, and as such we are happy to provide support to them where it matters most. As a company we have demonstrated our commitment to a variety of sports in South Africa, creating opportunities for players to place their health and wellness first.”

LAWRENCE JOINS THE GREATS AS SA OPEN CHAMPION

It had everything the final round of the 112th South African Open deserved. It took everything from Thriston Lawrence to do what the greats of South African golf have done before him to add his name to one of the most sought-after trophies in the game.

With a drama-filled one-stroke victory on 16 under par at Blair Atholl Golf and Country Estate in December, Lawrence turned his boyhood dreams into reality and claimed his third DP World Tour victory in what has been an incredible past 13 months for him.

“Unbelievable. It’s a dream come true for me. This is the one you want to win – your national Open. It was so special to have Gary Player watching as well. He’s won 13 of these, and now I’ve got one as well. It’s what you dream of. This means everything to me. This is by far my best victory ever,” said a relieved Lawrence.

He started the final round with a two-stroke lead and at one point was as much as five shots ahead. But then came a stretch of five dropped shots in five holes on a back nine of 41 for a closing 74 where he was pulled into an almost match play battle with Clément Sordet who tied him for the lead before his bogey on 17.

“During the middle of the round, it felt

like it was going to be an easy victory for me and then golf happens. You get ups and downs during your round. You get ups and downs during life. And it happened to me today. It felt like everything was falling apart, but I just hung in there. It felt like match play for me. Even with those stumbles, I was still ahead and then, after 16, I told myself I was all square. I just tried to stick to my own game and stay calm,” said Lawrence.

“To be standing here with the trophy is an unbelievable accomplishment for me. I’m just so grateful. It wasn’t the prettiest finish, but a win is a win. I’ll probably wake up tomorrow and still not believe it. This is what you work for. It’s the toughest thing in the world to win, and it’s been an unbelievable start to the new season for me.”

Scores:

EXPERIENCE TRUE LINKS GOLF IN SOUTH AFRICA

Why travel to the UK, when you can experience true links golf in your own back yard. Ranked number 7 in SA, Humewood is guaranteed to give you the true Scottish feel.

It is an escape from the mundane with our 18 hole championship course steeped in history and tradition. Having hosted 5 SA Opens and numerous Sunshine Tour events, Humewood’s unfiltered beauty captivates your attention and renders you tranquilized as you gaze into the distance. Located only 10 minutes from the airport and with numerous beachfront accommodation options, make Humewood Golf Club your next bucket list adventure.

The Sunshine Tour and St Francis Links

The Sunshine Tour has strengthened its global partnership with the DP World Tour with the announcement of two new DP World Tour events on the schedule in 2023, with increased prize money and live coverage on SuperSport.

The two new DP World Tour events will begin with the $1.5 million SDC Championship to be played at St Francis Links in the Eastern Cape from 16-19 March.

Since opening in 2006, St Francis Links has hosted tournaments at every level of play, gender and age. They have hosted the Sunshine Tour - Vodacom Origins of Golf nine times, the PGA Championship twicewith three more years to come, the Standard Bank Ladies’ Series and many SAGA/Golf RSA order of merit championships. The Senior Women’s Nationals were played

there, as well as the Senior Men’s Interprovincial. St Francis Links has also hosted to the EP Champs for many years. All of this has contributed to building their reputation as a great venue, not only for tournaments but all that comes with them.

SDC has grown its commitment to the Sunshine Tour following its debut as a sponsor of a Challenge Tour co-sanctioned event in 2022 and will now be a title partner of events on both the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour schedules in South Africa in 2023.

This SDC Championship will be followed by the $1.5 million Jonsson Workwear Open, which will be played at Steyn City in Johannesburg from 23-26 March. Jonsson Workwear has also grown its commitment to the Sunshine Tour from a Challenge Tour

DP World Tour meet at Links in March

event in 2022 to a major DP World Tour event in 2023. This also marks the second year that Steyn City will host a DP World Tour event.

Both these tournaments will take on even greater significance on the global stage as they offer Ryder Cup points to the European professionals competing in a Ryder Cup year. They join the Joburg Open, the Investec South African Open Championship, the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open to make it six co-sanctioned events between the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour on the latter’s 2023 Race to Dubai presented by Rolex.

“We are delighted to further strengthen our longstanding relationship with the Sunshine Tour by adding these two new co-sanctioned tournaments that significantly enhance

what has always been a popular destination for our members. We have worked very hard with the Sunshine Tour to develop the global pathway that we now offer and we’re seeing the fruits of this with the exciting new talent emerging from the Sunshine Tour and earning a place on the DP World Tour,” said Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour.

Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, said, “We are incredibly excited about what will be another very strong start to the New Year for the Sunshine Tour as we continue to develop and strengthen our relationships with the DP World Tour. These relationships play a key role in allowing us to give our members the best possible opportunity to take their careers to the next level as we bring more world-class international golf to our fairways.”

LINKS , HAZARDS & FAIRWAYS

Our Nov/Dec edition winner was... Vincent Raepsaet

ACROSS 1. Golf clothing, slang (4) 3. Winner of the 2008 Masters, surname (8) 9. He represented Great Britain & Ireland in the 1997 Walker Cup and has caddied for Garrett Willis, surname (5) 10. Fanatically determined (3, 4) 11. Alex Smith & Willie Anderson won multiple U.S. Opens; both were club pros at the beautiful golf club with French flair (2, 5) 12. Average (2, 2) 14. A memorial golf estate just outside of Kimberley, close to where Freddie Tait was killed in battle (13) 17. The River Thames flows through Oxford to a top 9-hole golf course in Queensland, Australia (4) 19. A pure swing when Al puts on a turn (7) 22. Moving (7) 23. Phil Mickelson’s caddie for 25 years, nickname (5) 24. Second half (4, 4) 25. Brings into play (4)

DOWN

1. He died in an aircraft accident two years after winning the 1964 Open (4, 4)

A caddie’s burden (4, 3)

This golf club on the East Rand of Gauteng, opened by Bobby Locke, had explosive beginnings (13)

Joint runner up at the 2006 British Masters, surname (7)

Intends to find names (5)

Stripped Nicklaus, Uihlein, Day & English initially (4)

Bajrang Mane, pioneer of “Slum Golf” on the streets of Mumbai, first name (4)

Experts such as Morgan Pressel, Paige Mackenzie & Tom Abbott (8) 15. Maria Verchenova is the first player of this nationality to become a full-time member of the Ladies European Tour (7)

Philosophically calm (5)

Evergreen English golfer, tied 64 at the 2022 Joburg Open, first name (4)

He built Whistling Straits, adding flavour to Lake Michigan, first name (4)

RESULTS

SUNSHINE

INVESTEC SOUTH AFRICAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, BLAIR ATHOLL GOLF & EQUESTRIAN ESTATE ,01ST – 04TH DECEMBER 2022

1 LAWRENCE THRISTON RSA 64-67-67-74-272 (-16) 335

2 SORDET CLÉMENT FRA 68-66-66-73-273 (-15) 222

3 FAHRBRING JENS SWE 65-70-69-70-274 (-14) 125

4 SCHMID MATTI GER 66-73-69-69-277 (-11) 100

T5 BROWN DANIEL ENG 71-70-69-68-278 (-10) 66

BURMESTER DEAN RSA 70-71-66-71-278 (-10) 66

HANNA CHASE USA 69-73-69-67-278 (-10) 66

SIEM MARCEL GER 69-68-70-71-278 (-10) 66

T9 DU PLESSIS HENNIE RSA 70-72-67-70-279 (-9) 36.36

MOLINARI EDOARDO ITA 67-70-70-72-279 (-9) 36.36

PRINSLOO JACO RSA 70-71-68-70-279 (-9) 36.36

SCHAPER JAYDEN RSA 68-72-70-69-279 (-9) 36.36

SCHWARTZEL CHARL RSA 68-74-69-68-279 (-9) -

WU ASHUN CHN 71-67-67-74-279 (-9) 36.36

T15 DAFFUE MJ RSA 71-64-73-72-280 (-8) 25.65

JAMIESON SCOTT SCO 66-71-72-71-280 (-8) 25.65

MCKIBBIN TOM NIR 67-71-73-69-280 (-8) 25.65

NIENABER WILCO RSA 67-69-70-74-280 (-8) 25.65

PARATORE RENATO ITA 70-70-69-71-280 (-8) 25.65

SIMONSEN MARTIN DEN 73-68-65-74-280 (-8) 25.65

ALFRED DUNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP, LEOPARD CREEK CC, MALELANE, 08TH – 11TH DECEMBER 2022

1 STRYDOM OCKIE RSA 68-70-63-69-270 (-18) 335

2 OTAEGUI ADRIAN ESP 70-69-65-68-272 (-16) 222

3 CANTER LAURIE ENG 68-69-72-64-273 (-15) 125

T4 BEKKER OLIVER RSA 69-66-68-71-274 (-14) 84.66 COCKERILL AARON CAN 70-65-70-69-274 (-14) 84.66

GRACE BRANDEN RSA 67-70-67-70-274 (-14) -

T7 BURMESTER DEAN RSA 65-70-68-72-275 (-13) 55 OOSTHUIZEN LOUIS RSA 70-66-71-68-275 (-13) -

T9 DAFFUE MJ RSA 69-66-72-69-276 (-12) 42.2

RAVETTO DAVID FRA 67-67-73-69-276 (-12) 42.2

T11 JAMIESON SCOTT SCO 68-63-70-76-277 (-11) 35.5

KIMSEY NATHAN ENG 70-64-74-69-277 (-11) 35.5

T13 COETZEE GEORGE RSA 73-68-67-70-278 (-10) 30.1

FRITTELLI DYLAN RSA 70-66-68-74-278 (-10) -

LUITEN JOOST NED 69-70-69-70-278 (-10) 30.1

MCKIBBIN TOM NIR 68-73-71-66-278 (-10) 30.1

T17 FISHER ROSS ENG 71-65-71-72-279 (-9) 25.35

LEE JOSHUA USA 71-69-69-70-279 (-9) 25.35

MAAS CHRISTIAN (AM) RSA 71-70-70-68-279 (-9) -

PEPPERELL EDDIE ENG 69-65-73-72-279 (-9) 25.35 RITCHIE JC RSA 72-66-72-69-279 (-9) 25.35

PGA TOUR

1 KEEGAN BRADLEY USA 3 $ 2,380,224.00 2 SEAMUS POWER IRE 6 $ 1,892,737.00 3 RORY MCILROY NIR 1 $ 1,890,000.00 4 TOM KIM KOR 3 $ 1,777,085.00 5 BRIAN HARMAN USA 4 $ 1,725,005.00 6 MACKENZIE HUGHES CAN 5 $ 1,708,533.00

7 ADAM SVENSSON CAN 7 $ 1,691,356.00

8 MAX HOMA USA 3 $ 1,609,805.00

9 TONY FINAU USA 2 $ 1,512,000.00

10 RUSSELL HENLEY USA 4 $ 1,505,085.00

OTHER SOUTH AFRICANS

40 GARRICK HIGGO RSA 7 $ 586,754.00 53 DEAN BURMESTER RSA 5 $ 487,970.00 97 DYLAN FRITTELLI RSA 7 $ 225,705.00

198,716.00

29,683.00

7 MJ DAFFUE RSA 3 501.400 9 DEAN BURMESTER RSA 3 398.000

CHAMPIONS TOUR

LPGA

Sunshine Tour

DATE EVENT VENUE

JANUARY 2022/23

17 - 18

Vusi Ngubeni Qualifier

Observatory Golf Club 31 Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open Qualifier Rondebosch Golf Club

FEBRUARY 2022/23

2- 5

Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open

Royal Cape Golf Club

7

Dimension Data Pro-Am Qualifier

Montagu Golf Course, Fancourt 9 - 12

14

Dimension Data Pro-Am Fancourt

SDC Open Qualifier

Benoni Country Club Rounds

16 - 19 SDC Open Zebula Country Club

21 Nelson Mandela Bay Championship Qualifier Benoni Country Club 23 - 26 Nelson Mandela Bay Championship Humewood Golf Club

MARCH 2022/23

9 - 12

New Event Venue TBC TBC

14 SDC Championship Qualifier TBC 16 - 19 SDC Championship St Francis Links 21 Jonsson Workwear Open Qualifier TBC 23 - 26 Jonsson Workwear Open THE CLUB at Steyn City 28 Limpopo Championship Qualifier TBC 30 March - 2 April Limpopo Championship Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate

Amateur events - Men

DATE EVENT VENUE

JANUARY 2023

4 – 6

NOMADS SA U15 Championship

Robertson Golf Club 5 – 6

NOMADS Coastal NOoM 1 Selborne Country Club 9 – 10

14 – 15

15

NOMADS Inland NOoM 1 ERPM Golf Club

Free State Senior Open Championship

Parys Golf Club

Cobra/Puma CGGU Mid-Amateur Open Bryanston Country Club

20 – 22

27 – 29

28 – 29

FEBRUARY 2023

6 – 9

11 – 12

12

Free State Alec Levin Open

Gauteng North Senior Open Woodhill Country Club

Heron Banks Golf Club 21 – 22

Gauteng North Open Wingate Park Country Club

Central Gauteng Senior Open

African Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Modderfontein Golf Club

Leopard Creek

Senior Players Championship Wedgewood Golf Club

Ekurhuleni Mid-Amateur Open

State Mines Country Club

South African Stroke Play Championship Mount Edgecombe CC 16 – 17 WP Senior Open Durbanville Golf Club 19

13 – 16

Gauteng North Mid-Amateur Open Centurion Country Club 19 – 20

Boland Senior Open Hermanus Golf Club 19 – 20 SA Amateur Championship Qualification Mount Edgecombe CC

EVENTS CALENDAR

JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2023

DATE EVENT VENUE

21 – 24

SA

Cape Province Open TBA 2 – 3

1 – 3

KZN Senior Classic Kloof Country Club 4 – 5

Border/EP Mid-Amateur Open TBA 5 – 6

KZN Senior Open Victoria CC 6 – 8

Harry Oppenheimer Trophy Maccauvlei Golf Club 12 – 14

Northern Amateur Open MP Country Club Johannesburg

Northern Amateur Open Qualification Country Club Johannesburg 15 – 17

16

19

19–

27

Amateur

DATE EVENT VENUE JANUARY 2023 4 – 6 NOMADS SA U15 Championship Robertson Golf Club 30 – 31 Eastern Province & Border Championship TBA FEBRUARY 2023 12 Gauteng North Junior Girls 2023 Silver Lakes Country Club 12 Gauteng North Mid-Am and Silver Lakes Country Club Senior Women’s Open 2023 19 – 21 SA Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Mount Edgecombe CC Championship 2023 22 – 24 SA Women’s Amateur MP Championship Mount Edgecombe CC 25 – 26 North West Women’s Open Championship 2023 TBA MARCH 2023 6 – 9 Nomads South African Junior International Girls TBA 18 – 19 Free State Open, Closed, Junior & Mid-Amateur TBA Championship 2023 20 – 21 Nomads SA Girls Rose Bowl Championship Lost City Golf Club 26 WP Women’s Amateur Championship Champs / Somerset West Golf Club Silver Division

Boland Golf Union (021) 873 6828

Border Golf Union (043) 740 3899

Central Gauteng Golf Union (011) 485 4251 Eastern Gauteng Golf Union (011) 425 5316

KZN Golf Union (031) 202 7636

Mpumalanga Golf Union (013) 692 3002

Limpopo Golf Union (015) 295 4118

North-West Province Golf Union (044) 533 3507

Freestate and Northern Cape Golf Union (057) 899 1724

Gauteng North Golf Union (012) 667 1087

Southern Cape Golf Union (044) 873 5823

Eastern Cape Golf Union (043) 735 4443

Western Province Golf Union (021) 686 1668

Sunshine Tour (Joanne) (021) 850 6500

NEWS CLIP

SUNSHINE TOUR PROS AND FANS WELCOME MEDICLINIC’S EVENT EXPERTISE

Mediclinic, an international private healthcare services group, has been appointed as an official medical services partner to the Sunshine Tour to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Tour professionals, staff and spectators during the season.

“We are very proud to welcome Mediclinic as our partner. Mediclinic is a diversified international private healthcare services group that was founded in South Africa. At the

Sunshine Tour we believe that GreatnessBeginsHere, and the global success of Mediclinic from its South African roots is testament to its own greatness in its field,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

The partnership, which is effective until October 2023, will see Mediclinic provide medical services such as on and off-site medical doctors and emergency medical services to all Sunshine Tour

NEWS CLIP

continued from page 56..

events and Challenge Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned events played in South Africa.

Mediclinic provides a wide range of clinical services across its divisions, with recent expansion across care platforms including outpatient consultation services and pre-hospital emergency services, acute care inpatient services, and highly specialised on-site services. In addition, the team is widely recognised for their extensive experience in supporting world class sports events, and for this reason are an obvious selection for this role.

“The

and fans is of paramount importance to the pleasurable experience at Sunshine Tour events and we’re delighted to have such a professional partner as Mediclinic ensure that it remains this way,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour

Mediclinic’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dr Biren Valodia, added that the event partnership with a premium brand such as the Sunshine Tour fits within Mediclinic’s continuum of care journey with sports medicine forming a part of their on-site expertise. “We are extremely proud to be considered the Sunshine Tour’s preferred sports medicine partner. This partnership is testament to the expertise we have built over the years,” said Valodia.

health and wellbeing of our players

Pinnacle Point Estate the best golf course in Africa..

The golfing community not only declared Pinnacle Point Estate the best golf course in South Africa, but also the best course in Africa at the annual World Golf Awards 2022 announced on the 15th of November! Present at the prestigious gala event hosted in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Pinnacle Point’s Michelle Parsons accepted the coveted awards on behalf of our award-winning estate.

In 2016, 2017, and 2020, Pinnacle Point Estate celebrated receiving the same award of South Africa’s Best Golf Course and in 2020 Africa’s Best Golf Course. The World Golf Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golfing destinations. Now in its ninth year, the World Golf Awards is considered the most prestigious awards programme in the golf tourism industry. Thousands of votes were casted online by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry - senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents, media professionals, as well as golf enthusiasts - the public. The voting worked on a first-past-thepost system to ensure impartiality and independence. Over and above celebrating excellence, the awards programme strives to stimulate the international golf tourism market and raise the golf tourist customer experience. The 2022 World Golf Awards focused on the leading nations that are shaping the future of this dynamic industry.

“To win the best course in South Africa for the fourth time and awarded the first-choice destination on the African continent is an immense honour for us. We have a very unique golf experience that needs special care year-round. Our professional staff, from our cleaning crew to our General Manager, every team member plays an integral part in ensuring our success. I believe our strategic advantage is that everyone working at Pinnacle Point passionately carries out their duties, and that takes us one step beyond. Thank you to everyone that voted for us and a special thanks to all our Members.” says Pinnacle Point Estate’s Golf Director, Quintin Byleveldt.

Credit must be given to Quintin, the golfing staff, the Golf Committee, as well as the Pinnacle Point Estate Team for ensuring players enjoy a first-class experience that’s on par with the best golfing destinations around the world.

“What a privilege to once again receive the accolades from the World Golf Awards for the Best Golf Course in South Africa as well as Africa. This is proof of the passion and dedication of our Team to ensure that every Golfer experience at Pinnacle Point is a memorable one. Pinnacle Point will remain one of the bucket list golf courses in the world, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to come and experience our magnificent golf course.” Pinnacle Point Estate General Manager, Carl van der Linde stated.

SUNSHINE LADIES TOUR CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH AN ACTION-PACKED SEASON IN 2023

Reigning AIG Women’s Open champion Ashleigh Buhai will headline the 30th Investec South African Women’s Open when the Sunshine Ladies Tour celebrates its 10th anniversary with an action-packed season in 2023.

Buhai, who became the country’s second women’s Major champion with her Muirfield triumph in August last year, finished her international season in style with a gritty one-stroke victory in the Women’s Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club.

It is entirely fitting that the pride of South African women’s golf will return to the fairways she forged her career upon as the Sunshine Ladies Tour celebrates a decade as Africa’s principal platform for professional women golfers and development conduit for amateurs coming through the ranks.

Buhai, the only amateur winner of the Sunshine Ladies Tour’s flagship event, will be targeting a fourth victory in March.

The world number 28 won her first SA Women’s Open title at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington in 2004 and was still an amateur when she repeated the feat at Durban Country Club three years later.

In 2018, the year Investec became the title sponsor of the national open, Buhai made it a hat-trick of wins with her first professional victory in the event and her third on Ladies European Tour.

The new season will tee off from 1 – 3 February at Sun City, South Africa’s unrivalled number one holiday resort. The homegrown talent will go head-to-head with the first international campaigners to hit South African shores in

the SuperSport Ladies Challenge presented by Sun International, and the R1.3-million season-opener will be contested at the world-renowned Gary Player Country Club.

Next, the circuit heads to South Africa’s premier lifestyle resort, Fancourt, nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route for the Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am.

The 10th edition from 10 – 12 February will be another milestone worthy of celebration, and to mark the occasion, the purse has been bumped from R600 000 in 2021 to a staggering R2.5-million. In addition, the leading 10 teams on the final day will fight it out for the lion’s share of the R100 000 prize pot in the Betterball Pro-Am Competition.

In previous editions of the popular Sunshine Ladies Tour stop, which is played concurrent with the Sunshine and Challenge Tour’s co-sanctioned Dimension Data Pro-Am, the first two rounds were played at the nearby George Golf Club and the final round at Fancourt. This year all three rounds will be contested at the Outeniqua and Montagu courses.

Atlantic Beach Links in the Cape will host its first Sunshine Ladies Tour event with the R400 000 Cape Town Ladies Open from 15 – 17 February. The City of Cape Town, who has hosted the Investec South African Women’s Open since 2018, has supported the event since 2015.

The former home of the Investec South African Open, Glendower Golf Club in Edenvale, will welcome back the fifth edition of the Jabra

AFFORDABLE GOLF - THE GARDEN ROUTE

Ladies Classic from 22 – 24 March. The winner of the Jabra Ladies Classic receives an invitation to compete in the Jabra Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour. The Joburg Ladies Open, returns to Modderfontein Golf Club from 1 – 4 March.

The first Ladies European Tour stop in South Africa boasts a significant bump in prize money – from €250 000 to €300 000 – making this event a hugely attractive drawcard for local golfers with aspirations to play in the Europe and the international contenders targeting an early advantage on the season-long Race to Costa del Sol.

The Investec South African Women’s Open will draw the curtain on the 2023 season from 8 –11 March.

This 72-hole showdown will be played at the picturesque Steenberg Golf Club for a second successive year, and the field will be competing for an increased purse of €320 000 (over R5.9-million), thanks to the investment by Investec and the City of Cape Town.

“We are extremely excited for this 10th season of the Sunshine Ladies Tour,” said Thomas Abt, Sunshine Tour Commissioner. “The Sunshine Ladies Tour has grown into an attractive product and together with our partners, we will continue to grow this circuit for the benefit of our members.

“We are delighted to have committed sponsors who have gone the distance with us, and partners such as the Ladies European Tour with whom our flagship events, the Joburg Ladies Open and the Investec South African Women’s Open, are co-sanctioned.

NEWS CLIP

continued from page 64..

“The success of the Sunshine Ladies Tour has been unfathomable. Participation has increased tenfold, especially with international participation and the prize money has more than quadrupled from what was on offer in our first season. And the knock-on effect for our rising amateurs has been fantastic, with many of our young golfers now flourishing on the international stage and US collegiate circuit.”

The pathway the Sunshine Ladies Tour provides for young golfers to the bigger global platforms is best illustrated by 2022 Investec Order of Merit champion, Linn Grant.

The 23-year-old began her 2022 season in South Africa. She racked up victories in the Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am, the Jabra Ladies Classic and the Joburg Ladies Open

and won the season-long points race. Building on this incredible start on the Ladies European Tour, Linn became the first female golfer to win on the DP World Tour in June, won the LET Rookie of the Year title and capped her season as the winner of the LET Race to Costa del Sol.

Throughout the 2023 season, the Sunshine Ladies Tour campaigners will vie for glory in the points-based ranking system.

on page

Enjoy

a relaxing golfing retreat at Newstead Farm in the KZN Midlands!

Limited 3-day midweek special (Monday to Thursday)

Newstead Farm is your retreat to the country. Close to two top golf courses. 3km from the N3 taking the Balgowan off-ramp. Experience peace and tranquility looking out over a small dam to the green valley views. Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and fishing all available close by. Shops and restaurants abound in Nottingham Road, Howick and Hilton.

Includes:

• 3 nights’ accommodation in a luxury cottage

• 2 rounds of golf (9 holes) at award winning local courses

Bosch Hoek Golf Club (www.boschhoek.co.za)

Gowrie Farm Golf Course (www.gowrie.co.za)

•·3 free breakfast vouchers at top local restaurants www.terbodore.com www.midlandsfable.co.za

Price: R2,900 per person sharing

continued from page 65..

Award, worth R 100 000.

NEWS CLIP

Peta Dixon, Investec’s head of sponsorships, said: “We are proud to continue to give our talented women in sport a platform to showcase their talent through our partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour, and to ensure that these golfers are recognised for their dedication and given opportunities to excel.

“It has been very exciting to witness the growth of the local women’s professional circuit over the last decade and to empower women through sport. We are delighted to be part of the journey to grow Africa’s premier women’s professional golf circuit and through our investment in four of South Africa’s rising talents in Nicole Garcia, Stacy Bregman, Lejan Lewthwaite and Zethu Myeki.”

said the LET is delighted to once again feature two premier events in South Africa on their 2023 schedule.

“We welcome the opportunity for international competition for our members, and we are very proud of our strong, longstanding relationship with the Sunshine Ladies Tour. Two co-sanctioned events on our global schedule strengthens our goal of providing competitive opportunities for our members on all the continents.

“Our sincere thanks to the Cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town and Investec for their incredible commitment. These events not only benefit our members, but undoubtedly also positively impact on participation and interest in the women’s game in Africa.”

www.sagolftrader.co.za

Newstead Farm | Curry’s Post Road, Balgowan, KZN | Email: tracy@newsteadfarm.co.za | www.newsteadfarm.co.za | Tel: 083 675 6031

Alexandra Armas, Chief Executive Officer of the Ladies European Tour,

Women’s PGA of South Africa chairperson, Margie Whitehouse, said: “We would also like to express our gratitude to the Sunshine Tour, and all our partners and sponsors who have ensured that the Sunshine Ladies Tour has gone from strength to strength in the last 10 years. Thanks to their tremendous support, our rising talent will once again have the opportunity to compete for fantastic incentives and competitive purses, and we look forward to watching the future stars showcase their talent on the 2023 Sunshine Ladies Tour.”

Bosch Hoek GOLF & LODGE

Nothing says retirement like the ability to pack your bags and go on holiday at the drop of a hat so why not take advantage of our Senior Citizen Stay & Play Special and treat yourself to a night at our luxurious lodge and enjoy a round of golf on our championship golf course.

St Ives Lodge and Venue is nestled in the iconic midlands meander in Kwazulu-Natal. Perfect base when exploring this par t of the countr y, or the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding. The lodge boasts several rooms, sparkling swimming pool and hiking trails, guests also have access to fishing dams, hiking trails among the wildlife and so much more.

The BOMA food bar is on the St Ives proper ty, overlooking the main dam. The BOMA has fast become known for the best ribs and pizzas in the midlands, both of which are prepared in a wood fired oven.

State of the ar t jungle gyms and kids play area in full view of the dining area, where parents can keep a watchful eye over their loved ones while enjoying their meals.

NEWS CLIP

PLAYER OVERWHELMED AS MILLIONS RAISED FOR BLAIR ATHOLL SCHOOL

At the foot of the great elephant Shawu in The Palace of the Lost City stood a great South African. Gary Player held back the tears as he thanked a gathering of Sunshine Tour professionals, sports stars, business leaders and friends for the role they have played in the inaugural Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational and for the over R3 million raised for charity.

The longstanding tournament entered a new era under the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation and its drive to raise funds to ensure the financial sustainability of the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School that the Players started on their farm over three decades ago. It is a journey of golf and giving that Player

and his wife Vivienne began together many years ago, and one he now continues on his own with a dedicated team following her passing from cancer.

At the age of 87, Player remains as committed as ever to ensure that his legacy is more than just his greatness in golf.

“I was blessed to hold my wife in my arms when she passed. Some of her last words to me were, ‘Gary, don’t forget those kids at Blair Atholl’. I had so many wonderful years with Vivienne and I left the table having had a feast. My own life has been an epic journey. All of us will have adversity in our lives, and

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if you can overcome it with courage, patience and love you will prosper in the end. When people ask me, ‘What is your legacy?’, they all think it’s golf. My legacy is not golf. It’s that through golf and through our foundation, we’ve raised over $100 million for underprivileged people. That is my legacy,” said Player.

The 36-hole tournament came to a close at the Lost City Golf Course and was won on a count-out by the team of Sunshine Tour professional Brooklin Bailey, former Bafana Bafana star Mark Fish and businessmen Anthony Phillips and Ashok Pundit on a total of 187 points.

“It’s been a dream of mine to get trophies handed to me from the greats in the game. It’s just so special to be handed a trophy from one of the greats such as Gary Player. He’s an absolute legend and he’s done so much for golf and through his philanthropy.

It was a truly special experience,” said Bailey.

Photo(fromlefttoright):MarkFish,Brooklin Bailey,GaryPlayer,AnthonyPhillipsandAshok PunditcelebratetheirvictoryintheGaryand ViviennePlayerInvitational.

NEWS CLIP

Johannesburg, and provides quality education to the learners of this marginalised community.

About the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation

• With the desire to support, uplift and develop underprivileged and vulnerable children, the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation was established to nurture and educate a handful of children near their estate outside of Johannesburg in South Africa.

• Building on their legacy, Gary and Vivienne Player have devoted their life’s work to making a difference in communities and to individuals. They remain committed to protecting and enriching the lives of our precious youth and will continue to do so in every way possible.

About the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School

• The Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School is situated in the Lanseria area, northwest of

• The school has been in operation since 1990 and is dependent on private funding. It caters for 125 learners from the ages of 3 to 6. As there are very few other pre-schools in the area, it performs the vital task in ensuring the children from the surrounding impoverished communities receive stimulation and education in preparation for their entry into formal schooling.

• The Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School offers a unique educational opportunity, which goes beyond the four walls of the classroom, providing the children with a stimulating and diversified programme that incorporates sports (namely dance and tennis), cultural activities, and a small computer centre.

• The school manages a feeding scheme where they work diligently throughout the year to purchase food, form-balanced menus, and prepare healthy meals for the children.

Whatever happened

Next up in our series on golfing legends from the past is Phil Simmons, who played on the Sunshine Tour and the European Tour in the 70’s and 80’s. Phil was known primarily for being the longest left hander on tour but was also infamous for his on-course temper. We chatted to Phil about some of the ups and downs of his career and what he is currently doing.

Phil Simmons was born in Australia and came to SA in 1960, he started playing at the age of 8 in the veld in Nigel (on the East Rand). In those days, he built 3 holes in the veld and used to practice on a man-made so-called airstrip.

At the age of 11 he joined Nigel Golf Club then known as Goldfields East; he then also joined the Junior Foundation which he would play in the school holidays.

Phil would have to ride 5 miles pulling a caddie cart behind his bicycle, most afternoons. The club would not allow him to play in any competitions as a junior, even though he was playing off a 4 handicap at the age of 13.

Phil was not into the academic scene and left school at the age of 16 and started his apprenticeship at Pretoria Country Club under Graham Roebert where he did his time learning the retail side of the golf business.

Graham allowed him to play at least 3 times a week and reckoned that if Phil could sort out his temperament, he could have a future on the tour.

He entered his first event, the PGA championship in 1971 at Huddle Park where his temper got in the way and he missed the cut by miles. He managed to make the cut at State Mines where John Fourie won the event and Phil pocketed just over R26.

His next event was at Wingate Park, where he picked up his first fine of R50 for throwing clubs (he was only earning R75 a month as an apprentice).

Phil was then employed as head professional at Germiston Golf Club in September 1971 with the proviso that he cut his hair, he had grown his hair

for over two years and was should we say Phil continued battling with his “attitude” must have cost him “zillions”, the other and they knew he could not get his game

Phil won his first Sunshine Tour event at Hobday had an 8 shot lead with 11 holes on the last 11 holes to beat him by 1 shot, of Merit” said Phil.

“I won all the was labelled me on tour. In the World Championship Athletic Club next day. You the stands around locker room Fuzzy Zoeller, other names

“All the finalists they spin a barrel will be used barrel which spin another Guess what? use, however 18th hole was fade the ball right-handed

“I struggled to hit 5 out of 5 yards which I was really peed I had won, I would card and $5000 week.

“Denis Hutchinson tried to get me to settle time the shot was not perfect. I believed which is impossible, even a machine can

say rather untidy at the time.

“attitude” on the course and reckons that it pros just waited for him to explode game back for a few holes after that.

at Victoria falls in 1979 where Simon holes to go. “I somehow made 8 birdies shot, that year I finished 8th in the order

the long driving competitions in SA, so I the Germiston Giant which stuck with In 1981 I was sponsored to compete in Championship in America at the Atlanta Club where the U.S. PGA was starting the You have no idea how many people filled around the 18th Green, I went into the and the tour players were chatting, Zoeller, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, plenty names l can go on forever.

finalists gather round the 18th green and barrel to get the choice of ball which , Wilson Pro Staff ball came out the we had to use, the next thing they another barrel with the 20 finalist names in. I was first out. I was given 5 balls to however there was one huge problem, the was a dog leg left which meant I had to around the corner which gave the right-handed player a huge advantage.

to control the nerves and eventually 5 on the fairway the best being 299 put me in 8th spot losing by 19 yards. peed off, earning a cheque for $200. If would have received a European Tour $5000 to give an exhibition every

Phil Simmons

Phil started having back problems in 1987 and ended up having six lower back ops and eventually a spinal fusion.

In 1991 he was bitten by ticks while walking in the bush, the tick was carrying a virus which put him into a coma for 5 days. When he came out of the coma he could not walk or talk and was advised never to try to play again. “Well, I told the neurologist to take a hike in the worst way” quipped Phil.

He did try the following year but no matter how hard he worked at golf, he never regained the standard that he used to play.

In 2001 he was appointed as golf director at Mount Edgecombe, where he spent 15 years before moving on to Randpark in a coaching capacity.

1970 happened to?...

settle down and not blow a fuse every believed you had to hit a perfect every time can break down”.

Phil is now the GM and Director of Golf at Gowrie Farm (which is in the process of extending to an 18-holer). He is doing a fantastic job and the course is becoming very popular; the temper might have mellowed but the desire for perfection is still clearly there. Phil ended off by saying “Gowrie is Heaven and I love every minute I spend here”.

We specialize in the best of what the North Coast has to offer for your golf tour. Our services are here to make your tour more enjoyable and convenient, make use of our shopping and catering services to take the hassle out of selfcatering and your prize giving dinner.

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Prince’s Grant Coastal Estate, Dolphin Coast, KZN

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Prince's Grant Golf and Country Estate is an undiscovered jewel, nestled amongst coastal forests and hugged by the breathtaking shoreline of the East Coast of South Africa. This part of the North Coast also known as the Dolphin Coast has everything to offer for the curious traveller.

The Zulu Kingdom awaits you to come and experience a championship links/parkland layout golf course, golden beaches and natural coastal forests, that will allow your soul to take flight.

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Located on the North Coast of K aZ l -Natal, Simbithi Co ntr Cl b is not onl the heart of Simbithi Eco-Estate, b t of the greater comm nit . Anchored b the a ard- inning hole e ec e golf co rse, designed b the reno ned Peter Matko ich, the Cl b offers an e cep onal game of golf and… ith the famil -oriented Fig Tree Resta rant and trend Drop Zone Bar, there is tr l something for e er one.

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CIB JOINS SUNSHINE TOUR AS OFFICIAL INSURANCE PARTNER

The Sunshine Tour has announced that CIB (Pty) Ltd (“CIB”), a leader in the provision of specialised insurance solutions in the South African market, is the new official insurance partner for the Tour.

The partnership will see CIB provide specialist commercial insurance for all Sunshine Tour business assets, as well as the TaylorMade golf clubs of the historically disadvantaged professionals who are part of the Papwa Sewgolum Class.

CIB will also cover the hole-in-one insurance on the Sunshine Tour at all DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournaments and has further extended its commitment to professional golf as an event sponsor of the Investec South African Open Championship.

“We are delighted to partner with the Sunshine Tour in providing high quality insurance cover for the organisation and giving them the peace of mind that our products offer,” said Jon-Jon Smit, Executive Head of Sales and Marketing.

“Professional sport is an environment reliant upon its competitors being able to perform freely at the highest level and to their fullest potential. As a business we are passionate about creating personalised, bespoke solutions that allow our clients to pursue their passion and realise their goals. We specialise in the SME market and have a wide network of trusted brokers that we know have our clients’ best interests at heart.”

Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, said, “It is a great pleasure to welcome CIB into the Sunshine Tour family. A high-quality insurance partner who understands our business and is well-placed to manage this is vital in terms of allowing us to focus on our golfers and their journey to greatness. I also want to thank CIB for extending their cover to the historically disadvantaged professionals in our Papwa Sewgolum Class, who are often the most vulnerable and at-risk individuals. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with CIB.”.

WITH JARRYD PETERSEN Q A

1. When did you realise that turf management was the industry you want to take further?

From a very young age I used to love mowing the lawn and looking after my parents’ garden. When I finished school, I wasn’t sure what to do and ended up working in a surf shop. Golf has always been a family sport and being a keen golfer, my dad approached me one day and asked what I thought about green keeping. My response to him was what is that? He explained what it is and my response to him was “is that actually a job”. Little did I know it’s one of the best jobs in the world. I obviously said yes and he put me in contact with a company, through a friend of his that is a head golf course superintendent. I started in the industry in 2006 and haven’t looked back. I’ve been with Mark Wiltshire Golf since 2017 and this industry just keeps getting better and better.

White

River CC?

Machinery and the irrigation system. Machinery is very old and break downs occur regularly. The irrigation system is outdated and has lots of issues that prevent nighttime cycles which is not ideal as a lot of manual watering needs to be done during the day.

4. What is your focus currently at Mark Wiltshire Golf?

Our focus is to always present world class facilities for our clients and their members and to assist in making their clubs successful, profitable and self-substantiable in the long term. New business and projects are always a focus for us as a company.

5. What are the differences in grasses (fairway, rough, greens) at White River CC to other parts of the country?

The only difference I would say are our greens. White River CC has Bermuda greens which is normal for this part of the country but if you look at other parts of the country most of the courses have bent and POA greens. Other than that, I think the grasses on the course is standard throughout the country unless you have wall to wall cool season grasses throughout your course. We do struggle with a lot of foreign grasses on the course which we are constantly trying to eradicate. White River CC does have one cool season tee box that we did as a trial and it seems to be doing well.

2. What is the best and worst part of being a golf course superintendent?

There are many “best” parts of being a golf course superintendent so it’s hard to choose but one of the things I enjoy the most are the early mornings on the course when no one is around, watching the sun come up, hearing the machines cutting and that freshly cut grass smell, knowing that you are creating an environment for people to come enjoy. I think there is nothing better than people enjoying your golf course. Worst would have to be machine break downs and the stress around getting that machine back up and running especially when you don’t have back up machines which is normally the case because having back up machinery is a luxury.

3. What was your biggest challenge maintaining

6. Does one need different machinery on course for different types of grasses around the country?

From my experience no. Whether you have warm season grasses or cool season grasses or both, the fleet of machinery you have on your course would

Turf division manager at Mark Wiltshire Golf

pretty much be the same as most golf courses in the country.

7. How big a difference does climate and location play in golf course maintenance?

Think they both play a substantial roll, climate especially. All grass has a climate they thrive in so you want to ensure you have grasses on your course that are compatible and will thrive in the climate you are working in otherwise you going to be fighting a losing battle most of the time. You do have your grasses that can tolerate moderate changes in temperature but there aren’t many.

8. To what extent does course setup affect slow play, and how do you deal with it?

It definitely has an affect, to what extent it would depend on the difficulty of the course and the conditions you are playing in. I always take weather conditions into play. If the wind is going to be up, I would push the tees up slightly for the holes that are playing into the wind and I would either keep the tees neutral or push them slightly back for the holes that play with the wind. I would also keep my green speeds in mind when it comes to pin placements. With the handicap system and the way its set up, I do think golfers should pick the tees that suit their game and ability.

9. In your opinion does course machinery or golfers spread more seeds like POA or diseases? Course machinery.

10. Do you think it should be mandatory for each golf courses to close one day per week for maintenance?

I think it should be based on whether the club can afford to be closed for one day a week. Maintenance Mondays, which in my experience is normally the day chosen as a maintenance day, is a luxury these days. Losing 4-5 days of revenue a month is a lot of money lost. As a golf course superintendent, having a Monday to do any culturals or any other course maintenance that would warrant a full day of no golf without any pressure makes your life a lot easier but again if the club can afford it then great do it, if they can’t perhaps consider only an afternoon field or a one tee start at a time that allows the course staff to get ahead of the field before the first tee time and will not interfere with golfers.

11. Do maintenance staff ever come into conflict with golfers and how do you deal with this?

It happens from time to time. Human conflict is inevitable and sometimes on a golf course, when a golfer isn’t having a great round, or they play a bad shot, they lash out at course staff as they can be easier targets. I’ve always told my staff if they weren’t in the wrong to just smile and walk away and don’t engage but if they were in the wrong, they should apologise but if it escalates, they need to walk away and come report it to me straight away. You need to protect your staff; you never want it to get to a point were staff and golfers are having an altercation on the course whether physical or verbal.

12. How important is it for golfers to repair their divots and pitch marks immediately vs only a couple of days or week later?

Its incredibly important. Golfers should always repair their divots and pitch marks. Using the correct technique is also important. Pitch marks and divots would take forever to heal and your playing surfaces would be horrible if pitch marks were only repaired a couple days or a week later.

13. People always complain about inconsistent bunkers, how difficult is it to maintain consistent bunkers and do you implement general checks and how?

Bunker consistency is probably one of the hardest parts of course maintenance, it can be quite a contentious issue because you do sometimes get contradicting feedback as some golfers will say they terrible and unplayable and some will say they fine. Best way to combat that is to do regular checks. Also ensure you turning over or rotavating your bunkers regularly or at least checking the depth every two weeks. I’ve had probes made for courses, one at 100mm for green side bunkers and 75mm for fairway bunkers. A small team of staff go around checking the depths with the probes and either move the sand around to ensure that the consistency throughout the bunker is correct or new sand is thrown in if needed. I also think its good practice to throw a couple of balls in the bunkers and check the playability yourself while driving around your course. It might not be practical to do them all but select a few a while you are going around.

SOUTH AFRICAN DISABLED GOLF ASSOCIATION 2022-YEAR REVIEW

2022 was a fruitful year for the South African Disabled Golf Association. Characterised by growth and the unearthing of some exciting talent, let’s reflect on the year that was.

From a competitive golf standpoint, 2022 was a year for the books. Through the tremendous support of golf clubs and sponsors we were able to stage an astonishing six SADGA Opens - the Ebotse, Irene, Metropolitan, Kwazulu-Natal, Tshwane and Cape Town Disabled Opens respectively.

Each SADGA Open was well supported by our members, many of whom were fortunate to receive support from their home unions. Boland Golf Union, Central Gauteng Golf Union, Gauteng North, Kwazulu-Natal Golf Union, Southern Cape Golf Union and Western Province Golf were integral to the staging of these events through financial

support as well as the donation of apparel among other tournament essentials.

Some exciting new prospects graced these tournament fields and announced themselves as players to watch for years to come. David Watts was the undisputed standout performer - sweeping to Physically-Disabled Medal victories at every Open he contested, namely: Ebotse, Irene, Kwazulu-Natal, Tshwane and the Cape Town Disabled Opens respectively.

These results helped David enjoy a meteoric rise up the World Rankings For Golfers With A Disability which afforded him the opportunity to fly the South African flag in three G4D Tour events, doing so with pride and distinction. I’d like to wish David luck for the upcoming G4D Hero Cup tournament, taking

Umkomaas golf course was first constructed, as a 9-hole layout, in 1913 but was expanded to 18 holes in 1926. In 1932 reknown course designer Robert "Bob" Grimsdell re-designed the course, capitalising on the natural contours of the land and taking advantage of the glorious sea views - in fact, most holes offer great views of the warm Indian ocean. The course layout has remained largely unchanged and as a result, one of Umkomaas' unique features are the raised greens, thanks to over 100 years of top-dressings and treatments.

Although not overly long, the course offers a great challenge for low handicappers, especially when the coastal winds blow. It is however forgiving for even an occasional golfer making it the perfect option for families and groups. Well placed bunkers and undulating fairways mean that those seeking to card a low round need to think their way around the course whilst those looking to simply have fun will enjoy themselves too.

Umkomaas is a great choice for those wanting to get the whole family out into the fresh air. We offer exceptional family membership packages and the opportunity to learn to play via our KidzGolf programme

Living up to our reputation as the Friendliest Club, Umkomaas offers a warm welcome to visitors both on and off the course. Competitions are held weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays and visitors are always welcome. We look forward to welcoming you soon! Email:

NO HIDDEN COSTS

GOLF IN STYLE & COMFORT AT OUR BEAUTIFUL HOTEL

This golfer’s jewel is located on the exquisite Lower South Coast and is in close proximity to 7 pristine golf courses including the Wild Coast and San Lameer. Tailor made golf packages cater to individual and group retreats. Offering luxury accommodation, Spa treatments, a shuttle service, delicious meals and most importantly, and efficient barman!

Retreat to paradise unaffected by the current water crisis.

The Margate Country Club hosts one of the finest golf courses on the East Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Situated in Margate we are right at the heart of the Hibiscus Coast and are just over an hour ’s drive from the city of Durban.

The Margate Country Club is dedicated to ensuring all members (and visitors) of a venue that offers friendship and social interaction in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Some of the features of the Country Club include:

- Scenic 18 hole Golf Course - Halfway House with freshly prepared food

- The Friendliest Bar in town - Restaurant facilities - Function and Conference facilities

- Line Dancing - Jukskei - 2 New “A” rated Snooker Rooms

Our golf course is really a delightful course to play.

It is spread out over a large area with water features and lovely inland views adding to the golfing experience.

Let’sworktogethertomakeourgolf coursesafantasticexperience

By: Sue de Zwart

I love the passion & enthusiasm we have as golfers & maintenance teams in South Africa & around the world.

One of the best things I introduced as superintendent at Leopard Creek was “member course orientation” – honestly, it took now more than 5 minutes from my side & invariably the member had numerous questions.

Prior to this I would meet a new member when asking them to please not drive their golf cart up tee banks, green surrounds, or bunker edges. Cart traffic/compaction is a killer. You will notice all your goose grass infestation is typically in highly compact areas.

Let us work together – if golfers stay on the cart path & enter the turf opposite their ball this already saves turf significantly.

No go zones – which are thankfully managed by the cart GPS system at many clubs – tee banks, bunker edges – no need to park closer than ten metres to a bunker – 5 if you really have poor mobility.

As members & golf course maintenance staff let us set the example of where to drive. Drive where the turf is happy – avoid compact, wet, undulated areas.

Summer is a fantastic time for the club – great to see the pro shop, bar & restaurant buzzing. We all want to produce your ultimate playing surface at your club, but it certainly takes two to tango.

The best time to do the course maintenance is nice & early while the plant is happy, stomata (breathing holes) are open to receive water, nutrition & fungicide applications. An early morning moisture & disease check on greens is imperative. I love having an assistant or supervisor on each nine doing the course set up, walking the greens & taking responsibility for the teams’ productivity.

Summer check points:

1. Moisture – water early morning or behind the last play in the afternoon – a weather station linked

to your irrigation system is a vital tool. This will give you your daily ET which will typically vary between 4mm – 9mm depending on the heat & wind.

We would typically replace 75 % of ET on fairways. Your irrigation will determine your playing surface quality.

2. Drainage – ensure your day lights are draining – I often come across a day light under water – if your green cannot drain you will develop algae, disease, turf thinning & a slippery slope to an extremely poor playing surface over a period.

3. Dusting – I love a light dusting every 21 days –this not only protects the crown of the plant but produces a nice firm playing surface.

4. PLAN (annual soil testing, spring & autumn treatment, staff training)

DO (follow a sound nutrition, IPM & wetting agent programme)

REVIEW (we zero base programmes on an annual basis)

RECORD (soil temp records & pest scouting maps)

5. DETAIL – this is what set’s the good apart from the great.

We look forward to collaborating with your club to produce your ultimate playing surface!

#TalkingTurf #WhateveritTakes #www.talkingturf.co.za

TURNING BACK THE CLOCK WHO is the Golfer from the past?

• This English professional golfer was born on the 11th of October 1907 and died on the 30th of January 1974.

• He is chiefly remembered for winning the Open Championship in 1939.

• He has the record of holding the Open title for the longest time – from 1939 till after World War II.

• A few weeks after his Open triumph, he was serving in the RAF and never really had the opportunity to capitalise on his success. The fairways at the Old Course at St Andrews ended up being used by the RAF as runways. When asked, later in life, if he regretted not being able capitalise on the Open Championship win, he replied “I was lucky enough…a lot of those who watched me at St Andrews also went off to war and they never came back.

• He played for Great Britain in the Ryder Cup in 1935, 1937, and 1949, and won two of his five matches.

• He published a golf instruction book named Length with Discretion

• Answer on page 110

Photo by Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images

Photo by Sunshine Tour

Ockie Strydom

Photo by Sunshine Tour

NEWS CLIP

from page 88..

place in Abu Dhabi from 13-15 January.

Not to be outdone, our Deaf golfers left their mark on the calendar year with Jay-Jay Botha, Cedric Touzard and Charles Williams representing South Africa at the Deaflymics in Brazil. It is deeply gratifying to have our elite Physically-Disabled and Deaf players represent the SADGA on the international stage, a testament to the depth of talent we have within the association.

Integral to many of our golfers elevating their games has been the newly-formed partnership with Callaway Golf South Africa. Callaway’s Brand Manager Riaan Spangenberg and his team have pulled out all the stops to provide some amazing equipment and apparel prizes at our events. They were kind enough to sponsor David and Charles with new sets of clubs which will go a long way to helping the pair realise their full potential.

This groundbreaking partnership was the brainchild of Connor Lourens who joined as SADGA

Development Manager in 2022. On behalf of the Board of Directors I’d like to thank Connor for the fantastic work he has done to date, we are thrilled to have him be a part of the SADGA team.

Wonderful as this new partnership is, I’d be remiss not to pay homage to our longtime supporters. The Provincial homes of the SADGA - King David Mowbray Golf Club (Western Cape), Mount Edgecombe Country Club (Kwazulu-Natal) and Zwartkop Country Club (Gauteng) have once again been fantastic in their support of our golfers by offering preferential membership rates and green fees as well as cultivating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Thank you to every golf club which hosted a Provincial Day or SADGA Open this year, we appreciate your support of disabled golf.

I’d also like to reserve special thanks for the King David Sports Trust who have provided considerable financial support to the SADGA not just in 2022 but

WRCC is a Par 71, Gary Player designed Course set along the banks of the White River (with easy access to the Kruger National Park) and was officially opened in April 1973. A true Country Club layout that challenges the lower Handicap golfer, whilst offering fair playability for the higher Handicap golfer. Cateringforsmallergroupsisour speciality.Contact us for the various options for on-site accommodation.

Mark Wiltshire Golf

for a number of years. For this we are all incredibly grateful as KDST have been crucial to the upliftment of our members both on and off the course in the Western Province.

Nomads FOG have too have been incredibly generous in their support of the First Swing Program in 2023 and had a hand in the modified golf environment unveiled at Mary Kihn. Nomads have been ardent supporters of the FSP over a number of years and have contributed to each one of the SADGA’s modified golf environments.

A modified environment was also installed at Westrand School made possible by the Central Gauteng Golf Union. We are indebted to each and every organisation which contributed to the First Swing Program in 2023.

The City of Cape Town ensured that National Disability Awareness was a fantastic celebration of the talent we have with South African Disabled Golf through their title sponsorship of the Cape Town

Disabled Open for a second consecutive year. It was a great thrill for the assembled competitors and First Swing Program golfers to have Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on hand at the prizegiving during which he offered some very kind words about the platform the SADGA provides its golfers to showcase their talent. We thank the Executive Mayor for being so generous with his time and for his willingness to take a number of photos with the excited golfers.

With a memorable 2022 in the rearview mirror, an incredibly exciting 2023 is on the horizon. 2023 will see alterations to the Race To Challenge Cup ranking system with players only able to earn points through participation in SADGA Opens and Provincial Days respectively. The Race To Challenge Cup rankings will also be split into four categories: Physically-Disabled Medal and IPS as well as Deaf Medal and IPS.

Thank you to our Board Of Directors, members of staff, coaches, loyal sponsors and supporters - we appreciate the immense impact you have had on disabled golf in South Africa.

Enver Hassen SADGA Chairman

GAUTENG

Golf Clubs

Akasia GC (012) 542-1309

Avion Park GC (011) 970-7000

Benoni CC (011) 849-5211

Bronkhorstspruit GC (013) 932-3940

Bryanston CC (011) 706-1361

CMR GC (011) 472-8060

Copper Leaf GE (012) 668-8900

Dainfern GC (011) 875-0400

Eagle Canyon GC (011) 801-6611

Ebotse GC (087)2853555/7

ERPM GC (011) 826-2466

Eye of Africa (071) 401 3127

Germiston GC (011) 827-7818

Glendower GC (011) 453-1013

Glenvista GC (011) 432-3150

Hillside GC (012) 546-1764

Irene CC (012) 667-1081

Jackal Creek GE (011) 251-6721

Johannesburg CC (011) 202-1620

Kempton Park CC (011) 970-1075

Killarney GC (011) 442-3880

Krugersdorp GC (011) 660-4365

Kyalami GC (010) 594-0034

Leeuwkop GC (011) 466-2888

Maccauvlei GC (016) 422-1263

Meyerton GC (016) 362-0809

Modderfontein GC (011) 608-2033

Observatory GC (011) 648-9574

Parkview GC (011) 646-5400

Pebble Rock GC (012) 808-0883

Pollak Park GC (011) 362-6757

Pretoria CC (012) 460-3372

Pretoria GC (012) 386-6836

Randpark GC (011) 215-8600

Randfontein GC (011) 693-5414

Reading GC (011) 907-8906

Riviera on Vaal CC (016) 430-1380

Royal Jhb & (011) 640-3021

Kensington GC

Royal Oak CC (011) 740-0016

Services GC (012) 651-4411

Silver Lakes CC (012) 809-2110

Southdowns CC (011) 943-4448

Springs CC (011) 362-5031

State Mines CC (011) 740-9962

Wanderers GC (011) 447-3311

SA GOLF TRADER DIRECTORY

Waterkloof GC (012) 460-2542

Wingate CC (012) 997-1298 Woodhill CC (012) 998-0011

Zwartkops CC (012) 654-2111

Driving Ranges

Colbyn D/R (012) 342-3882

Grasslands D/R (082) 777-8912

Greenhills D/R (011) 828-9555

Jim and Jerrys’ D/R (011) 662-1603

Kimiad D/R & (012) 997-2240

Mashie Course

Observatory D/R (011) 487-3898

Panorama D/R (012) 661-0533

Sandy Bunker D/R (073) 109-4239

Six Fountains D/R (012) 809-0430

Verwey D/R (082) 371 7323

Wits D/R (011) 717-9416

Zwartkops D/R (012) 654-4830

Golf Shops

Second Chance (011) 440-0558

The Golfers Club (011) 453-6352

Edenvale

The Golfers Club (011) 465-9985

Fourways

The Golfers Club (011) 475-7519

West Rand

The Pro Shop (011) 602-8888

Woodmead

FREESTATE

Golf Clubs

Bethlehem GC (058) 303-0940

Bloemfontein GC (051) 447-0906

Clarens GE (058) 256-1270

Clocolan GC (051) 943-1933

Ficksburg GC (051) 933-3711

Heron Banks Golf Estate (078) 052-4083

Kimberly GC (053) 841-0179

Kroonstad GC (056) 212-5169

Ladybrand GC (051) 924-3146

Oppenheimer Park (057) 353-2131

Parys GE (056) 818-1567

Schoeman Park GC (051) 408-3811

Tempe GC (051) 402-1489

Vaal de Grace (056) 811-2013

Golf Shops

The Pro Shop

Bloemfontein (051) 430-7313

WESTERN CAPE

Golf Clubs

Arabella GC (028) 284-0000

Atlantic Beach GC (021) 553-2223

Bellville GC (021) 913-3100

Bredasdorp GC (028) 424-1855

Clovelly CC (021) 784-2111

Devonvale GE (021) 865-2080

De Zalze GC (021) 880-7300

Erinvale GC (021) 847-1144

King David Mowbray GC (021) 685-3018

Kleinmond GC (028) 271-3525

Langebaan GC (022) 772-2112

Paarl GC (021) 863-1140

Parow GC (021) 930-2160

Pearl Valley GC (021) 867-8000

Rondebosch GC (021) 689-4176

Royal Cape GC (021) 761-6551

Shelley point CC (022) 742-1394

Simonstown CC (021) 786-1233

Somerset West GC (021) 852-2925

Steenberg GC (021) 715-0227

Stellenbosch GC (021) 880-0103

Strand GC (021) 853-6268

Westlake GC (021) 788-2020

Driving Ranges

Riverclub (021) 447-3757

Golf Shops

The Golfers Club

Century City (021) 555-3540

THE GARDEN ROUTE

Golf Clubs

Fancourt - Montagu (044) 804-0183

/ Outeniqua

Fancourt - The Links (044) 804-0785

Fynbos GCE (042) 285-0321

George GC (044) 873-6116

Goose Valley GE (044) 533-5082

Kingswood GE (0861) 727-170

Knysna GC (044) 384-1150

Mossel Bay GC (044) 691-2379

Oubaai GE (044) 851-1234

Pezula GC (044) 302-5300

Pinnacle Point GR (044) 606-5300

Plettenburg Bay GC (044) 533-2132

Simola GE (044) 302-9677

Golf Shops

The Pro Shop (044) 871-0620

Bells Academy

EASTERN CAPE

Golf Clubs

Bushman Sands GC (042) 231-8000

East London GC (043) 735-1356

Fish River Sun GC (040) 676-1101

Gonubie GC (043) 740-5645

Hankey GC (042) 284-0335

Humewood Links GC (041) 583-2137

Jeffreys Bay GC (042) 293-2532

Katberg GC (040) 864-1010

Port Elizabeth GC (041) 374-3140

Royal Port Alfred GC (046) 624-4796

Shark River GC (041) 581-6188

St Francis Bay GC (042) 294-0467

St Francis Links (042) 200-4500

Uitenhage GC (041) 966-1868

Walmer Park GC (074) 259-1788

Walmer CC (041) 581-1877

West Bank GC (043) 731-1523

Zwartenbosch GC (042) 291-0569

Driving Ranges

Harbour View D/R (084) 622-7259

Londt Park D/R (041) 360-8707

Walmer Woods D/R (082) 372-8252

Golf Shops

The Pro Shop - PE (041) 363-0470

KZN

Prince’s Grant GC (032) 482-0041

Royal Durban GC (031) 309-2581

Sakabula GC (033) 330-6751

San Lameer GC (039) 313-5141

Scottburgh GC (039) 976-0041

Selborne Park GE 087 135 05589

Southbroom GC (039) 316-6051

Simbithi GC (032) 946 8360

St Cathryns GC (033) 444-1945

Umdoni Park GC (039) 975-1320

Umhlali CC (032) 947-1181

Umkomaas GC (039) 973-1330

Victoria CC (033) 347-1394

Wild Coast CC (039) 305-2799

Windsor park GC (031) 303-1728

Zimbali CC (032) 538-1041

Driving Ranges

Lynton Hall (039) 975-1502

Golf Academy

Mt Edgecombe D/R (031) 502-3480

University Dbn D/R (031) 261-8062

Westville D/R (031) 265-0148

Golf Shops

The Golfers Club (031) 566-5292

Umhlanga

The Pro Shop (031) 263 0034

Durban

LIMPOPO

Golf Clubs

Elements (010) 591 2951

Private Golf Reserve

Euphoria GC (014) 743-5000

Hans Merensky GC (015) 781-3931

Kameeldoring CC (015) 491-5563

Koro Creek GC (014) 495-0026

Legend GE (012) 443-6700

Naboomspruit GC (014) 743-1963

Polokwane GC (015) 295-4118

Swartklip GC (014) 786-0186

Univ. of Limpopo GC (015) 268-2183

Zebula CC (014) 734 7700

MPUMALANGA

Golf Clubs

Barberton CC (013) 712-2923

Belfast GC (013) 253-0981

Bethal GC (017) 647-3265

Delmas GC (013) 665-5077

Drakenzicht (083) 708-1994

Mountain Links

Graceland GC (017) 620-1188

Kinross GC (017) 687-0122

Komatipoort GC (082) 888-0188

Kriel GC (017) 617-1145

Kruger Park Lodge (013) 737-5000

Leopard Creek GC (013) 791-2406

Lydenburg GC (013) 235-3391

Nelspruit GC (013) 744-0958

Middelburg CC (013) 282-6176

Morgenzon GC (017) 793-3074

Sabie Country Club (013) 764-2282

Sabi River Sun GC (013) 737-7311

Standerton GC (017) 719-1123

Tweefontein GC (013) 686-9660

Walker Park GC (074) 259-1788

Whiteriver GC (013) 751-3781

Witbank CC (013) 656-3109

Driving Ranges

Broham D/R (013) 755-6156

Riverside Golf Park (013) 757-0960

Golf Shops

The Pro Shop (013) 757-1264 Nelspruit

SWAZILAND

Nkonyeni GE (+268) 254 00023

Royal Swazi Spa CC (+268) 2416 5000

ASSOCIATIONS

Golf Clubs

Amorello Game Lodge (035) 562-3182

Beachwood CC (031) 564-4257

Bluff National GC (031) 467-7448

Boschoek GC (033) 234-4232

Cathedral Peak GC (036) 488-1888

Cotswold Downs GC (031) 714-4432

Durban CC (031) 313-1777

Glengarry GC (033) 701-1355

Greytown CC (033) 417-2441

Kloof CC (031) 764-0555

Ladysmith CC (036) 637-3521

Margate CC (039) 317-2340

Maritzburg GC (033) 396-5755

Mt. Edgecombe CC (031) 539-5330

Port Shepstone GC (039) 695-0141

NORTH WEST

Golf Clubs

Klerksdorp GC (018) 462-6696

Leopard Park GC (018) 386-3086

Magaliespark GC (012) 207-9102

Mooinooi GC (014) 574-4111

Orkney GC (018) 473-2899

Pecanwood CC (012) 244-8000

Potchefstroom GC (018) 293-0210

Rustenburg GC (014) 597-1814

Sandy Lane GC (012) 244-3000

Seasons Eco (082) 804-2780

Golf Estate

Driving Ranges

Jim & Jerrys (012) 205-1485

THE P.G.A. of (011) 485-1370

South Africa

Moment