We’ve heard whispers from both sides – tales of secret practice sessions, new lucky charms, and even a few (unconfirmed) reports of early morning putting drills under the cover of darkness!

A massive shout-out and a hearty round of applause go to Investec, who are generously on board this year as a sponsor!

For those unfamiliar with the hallowed traditions of Muirfield, prepare yourselves for a truly classic golfing experience. The day will unfold over 36 holes of challenging Foursomes golf. That’s right, two rounds of alternate shot, testing not only your individual skill but also your partnership’s synergy and, perhaps, your patience! Remember the golden rule – NO APOLOGIES.

This format, a cornerstone of traditional links golf.

But fear not, for even the most intense competition is punctuated by moments of refined indulgence. After the first 18 holes, we will pause for a traditional Muirfield lunch, complete with fine wine. This is where the true spirit of the event shines – a chance to relax, recount your morning’s triumphs (and tribulations), and enjoy excellent company. And yes, gentlemen, in keeping with Muirfield’s esteemed customs, suits and ties are required – unless you want the fines master to have his eyes fixated on you! 

Think of it as a brief, stylish interlude before you return to the links to conquer the remaining 18 holes.

Once the final putt has dropped and the scores are tallied, we’ll gather for a relaxed prize-giving and drinks afterwards.

So, save the date and keep a keen eye on our upcoming communications. 

It all began with the annual hollowtining and spring treatment – a delicate dance between machinery and turf that often leaves members wringing their hands in anticipation. This year, however, it was a resounding success! The greens, post-treatment, were smoother than a freshly polished putter – a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by our dedicated grounds crew.

Now, let’s talk weather. August, typically a blustery beast at St Francis Links, decided to play a rather unusual hand. For starters, it was one of the lowest rainfall months on record for August, with only 14mm recorded. This stark reality served as a gentle, yet firm, reminder to our esteemed members: work with our water sparingly. Every drop, as they say, counts. The wind, that notorious character of the Cape coast, also had a story to tell.

Barring the 2nd of August, which seemed to be an anomaly, the entire month consisted of a relentless, unwavering westerly wind! It was as if the wind gods had decided to stick to a single, predictable script.

And yet, despite this consistent direction, the average wind speeds were remarkably reasonable for a month known for its high winds – a mere 11.3 km/h. This was a welcome surprise: a gentle breeze rather than the usual gale. However, the 10th of August proved to be the exception that proved the rule. On that fateful day, the wind clocked in at a staggering 57 km/h! It was a day when golf balls were more likely to become airborne projectiles than follow a graceful trajectory. And yet, amidst this tempest, one brave soul, a true golfing pioneer, dared to brave those conditions. We’re still not sure if it was sheer determination or a misplaced sense of adventure, but they certainly earned their bragging rights.

Finally, to add to the month’s eccentricities, August was a slightly colder month, with the average temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius. This meant layers were the order of the day, and the clubhouse fireplace saw more action than usual.

The sun was shining, the course was pristine, and our team delivered an absolutely dominant display, securing a resounding 14-2 victory! It was a spectacle, a celebration of golf, and a testament to the incredible talent we have here at St Francis Links. We extend a huge thank you to the Humewood management team – Brendon Timm, Dylan Reid, Wiele Rademeyer, and Hugo Maritz (Humewood captain) – for their sportsmanship and for making the initial event such a success.

Now, mark your calendars for October 31st, because we’re heading to Humewood for the return fixture, and let’s just say they’ll be looking for revenge!

While we might have suggested they’d need a “Miracle at Medinah” type comeback, we know they’ll be bringing their A-game on their home turf. This is more than just a golf match; it’s a chance to renew friendly rivalries, enjoy another fantastic day on a links course, and show them that our victory wasn’t a fluke! Let’s rally our support and cheer on our St Francis Links team as they aim to continue their winning streak. Get ready for another thrilling chapter in the “Battle of Links Courses”!

Please email golf@stfrancislinks.com if you are interested in joining us!
If you would be interested in being a partner/sponsor for this day – please email Norman at pro@stfrancislinks.com.

Join us on Friday 24 October 2025 at St Francis Links
Fostering greater community collaboration, we can continue to create positive change and  together build a brighter future for us all.

THE EVENT INCLUDES:
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT – Playing for a Cause.
Tee off with friends, enjoy a day of interactive sponsor activations with our special beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed through Rotary’s efforts.

ELEGANT DINNER – A Night of Giving and Celebration
A refined affair at the newly renovated St Francis Links Clubhouse featuring gourmet food, live entertainment, auctions, incredible prizes and inspiring stories and moments that reflect the spirit of Rotary’s impact of lives changed and hope restored.

WE ARE CALLING FOR SPONSORSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
We invite you, our loyal St Francis Links supporter, local businesses and changemakers to partner with us. Sponsor a hole, add your brand to gift bags, and enjoy meaningful exposure, social media promotion and connection to a community of likeminded values-driven audience.  Let’s come together to celebrate, inspire and create lasting impact.

We will be running a series of 9-hole competitions from October and an order of merit based on your performances in these – you will stand a chance at progressing to the regional competitions and winning this amazing prize.

For those new to the term, “eclectic” isn’t just a fancy word for “a bit of everything” – it means you get to pick your best score on each hole over the entire competition period. In short – golf’s greatest hits! This isn’t a one-and-done deal, however, you need to be consistent!

To truly conquer the eclectic, you need to be out there, rain or shine. Every individual Strokeplay/Stableford round counts! That seemingly insignificant tap in on a blustery Wednesday could be the difference between bragging rights … or some banter being sent around in “The Bunker” (that’s the new lower section in Jack’s Bar!)

Overcoming these “obstacles” is what separates the contenders from the “I’d rather join the knitting club” crowd. To keep you on the edge of your golf carts, we’ve got real-time leaderboards set up on ScoreCapture.

Check them out regularly to see where you stand and who you need to beat.