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Have you Noticed?

Work of the course and the Estate is always on the go. Charl, Thinus and I meet regularly to discuss the condition of the course – that is a given. But we also look at the entire course aesthetically and from the stance of playability. This extends to the Range and the Estate.

As we grow and mature, play more rounds and see more traffic, the overall condition of our tees, greens and fairways are challenged. Add warm, humid (like Durban) days and the course comes under stress. Many who play this great course take it for granted, not always appreciating what goes on behind the scenes to ensure a pleasant day on our links.

But most of you do and now, many have raised their hands to help keep our great course great! More on that later.

Monday was our 1st quarter review and second Board Meeting of the year. Our focus this year remains conservative, as they is going to be fewer revenue producing opportunities due to Covid. Yet, even with reduced budgets, we are working hard to keep everything in good working order and top condition. People like Johan in the workshop and the guys who do daily maintenance are so important for us all. Charl always provides me with a report for the Board outlining the projects completed and those on the go.

The Course (Charl’s Report)

Projects completed:

–           Pop up sprinklers added to the left of the range tee because to protect the homes from getting irrigation water (unexpectedly).

–           Signage was updated and added throughout estate

–           New steps added on all the trails. We replaced the old steps with sleepers.

–           Continued irrigation fixes as the old fittings rust and deterioration

–           Extension of the 12th path onto the fairway with additional landscaping

–           Built some owl boxes and nests for smaller birds for the environmental side of the estate.

–           Adding drainage to roads where water dams up in St Georges road

Planned projects:

–           Extending the 10th club tee to the left to help the golfers aim right towards the fairway and away from the houses.

–           Hollow-tining of tees

–           Continued solid tining of greens

–           Cutting back the bush on all verges

–           Re-levelling of 18th club tee

–           Remove reeds from dams

–           Fixing poles on the fence (Alien team)

–           Adding wood chips to the road around the fence as we use the chipper.

Our course and estate look great because the work never stops!

 

All hands on deck! (greens and fairways)

Where I grew up in IOWA, we had a campaign called “Adopt a Highway” where the Boy Scouts, Lion’s Club, Rotary, churches and other groups would adopt a mile of highway and keep it clean. Our members, led in part by, Norman (the) Rock, have come together to “Adopt a Hole” AAH!

More than 40 members have signed up to keep our great playing surfaces great!

Charl opened some eyes when explained how to properly repair a divot and fix a ball mark. I have always worked on the preface that if I fix my mark and at least one other, I’ll make more putts – That’s why I’m a great putter! Charl showed everyone how to use their divot tool to work the fresh turf in from the side, closing the mark, then tapping it down.

See the video –

Bins with sand have been placed on the course for the members to use. The maintenance team will continue to look after the tees with seed mix and green dyed sand.

Thank you all for caring about your course – #leading the way

Meet Bongani Bevile.

Bongani is our Irrigation technician and has been working at St Francis Links for 3 years. He is a big asset to the Links team as irrigation on our golf course (derived from boreholes and treated effluent water) is vital to keep the course in great condition.

Bongani says “ Before I moved to St Francis Bay, I lived in Knysna and worked at Pezula golf course for 9 years. I love working on a golf course because you learn something new every day. I work outside every day surrounded by nature, and it feels good to know that my role contributes to the number 5 best ranked course in the country.

I am married and have two children, a boy and a girl who I love to spend time with.  I teach them to be hardworking and never give up on your dreams.  I love working for St Francis Links, my second family away from home. I want to retire at St Francis Links and hopefully my son can follow my footsteps. I quote Petros 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him; for He cared for you”

Thank you Bongani!  You are accomplished and we are so happy you are part of our valuable team!

Golf Stars

Yan Coesens and Hein Spangenberg marched to victory again in a large field who supported ITEC Wednesday. Their 47pts were enough to beat our host, Scott Keevy and Paul Spencer. Scott rang the bell after acing the 17th (note: in his next game, he hit it inside a foot!).

Robert Simpson, Russ Norman, Keith Simpson and Ashley Parker eased past Danie Cronjé, James Bredenkamp, Percy Owen and Norman Pretorius to win the Alliance on Saturday, 89pts to 87pts.

 

We look forward to our sponsored days with ITEC and Selective Lighting/The Fire Works and Pam Golding Properties and Village Square SuperSpar events.

New events – Ladies’ and Men’s Medal will be played on the 1st Wednesday of every month

7-8        Jan          Men’s Member-Member Partnership, Mark Ward and Richard Sharwood, Champions

13         Jan            ITEC Open Wednesday, Hein Spangenberg and Yan Coesens, 51pts 

27         Jan           Pam Golding/ Village Square SuperSpar Alliance, Hein Spangenberg, Yan Coesens, Daryl vd Vyver and David vd Vyver, 92 Points

3           Feb           Monthly MEDAL, Shaun Viljoen and Lynn Slogrove

10         Feb           ITEC Wednesday, Yan Coesens and Hein Spangenberg, 47pts

14         Feb           Valentine’s Day Dress-up Golf; Gavin and Jaunita Gobby, 41pts

20         Feb           Greensomes

24         Feb           Pam Golding/ Village Square SuperSpar Alliance,

3           Mar          Monthly MEDAL

6-7       Mar          Pam Golding Annual – SFL vs SFB

10         Mar          ITEC Wednesday,

20        Mar          Foursomes

31         Mar          Pam Golding/Village Square SuperSpar Alliance,

2          Apr           Selective Lighting / The Fireworks – 15h00 shotgun

7          Apr           Monthly MEDAL

16-18  Apr           Easter Weekend

28       Apr           Pam Golding/Village Square SuperSpar Alliance,

1-2      May          Stableford Club Championships (Men and Ladies)

7          May         Selective Lighting / The Fireworks – 15h00 shotgun

12        May         ITEC Wednesday

26       May         Pam Golding/Village Square SuperSpar Alliance

20-21  May         Woodlands Dairy Days for HOSPICE

29-30 May         Pam Golding Ladies’ OPEN Weekend

2          Jun          Monthly MEDAL

4          Jun           Selective Lighting / The Fireworks – 14h00 shotgun

9          Jun           ITEC Wednesday

23        Jun           Pam Golding/Village Square SuperSpar Alliance

30-3    Jul            Nomads National Order of Merit (International Points)

7          Jul            Monthly MEDAL

16-18   Jul            Men’s 15th Invitational Member/Guest

18-21   Jul            30th Road Trip (PGA Invitational)

28        Jul            Pam Golding/Village Square SuperSpar Alliance,

6          Aug           Selective Lighting / The Fireworks – 14h00 shotgun (postponed)

11        Aug           ITEC Wednesday –

14        Aug           Greensomes   –

26       Aug           Pam Golding/Village Square SuperSpar Alliance,

1          Sep           Monthly MEDAL

3         Sep            Selective Lighting / The Fireworks – 14h00 shotgun

8         Sep            ITEC Open Wednesday

12       Sep            Foursomes

25-26 Sep           Links Cup (Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits)

27-11  Oct           Hollow-tining Spring Programme (Course Closed – Provisional)