Behind the scenes of our clubhouse renovation

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Friday, February 28, 2025 Facebook Twitter Website URL Club Website Reply Address Phone Number
Behind the scenes of our clubhouse renovation
Great progress has been made inside the clubhouse over the past few weeks, with extensive work taking place behind the scenes. While from the outside, it may have seemed like little had changed, especially with the majority of the thatched roof still intact, inside, a well-coordinated effort has been underway to prepare for the next phase of renovations.

A fascinating moment was the lifting of the decking, revealing glimpses of past celebrations. Many members fondly recalled events held on the large deck, including those hosted under the iconic tent years ago, adorned with dazzling decorations. These nostalgic remnants, as well as many knives and forks, hidden for so long, have now resurfaced during the refurbishment process.

The decision to focus on interior groundwork first has been a strategic one. By completing much of the disruptive work indoors, the team ensures minimal disruption when it comes time to replace the thatched roof over the hospitality areas. Safety remains a top priority, with all necessary health and safety protocols for working at heights, meticulously followed.

The removal of the thatch has been carefully scheduled to align with the arrival of the new roof sheets. This approach prevents large sections of the interior from being left exposed to the elements while awaiting installation. The contractors are working efficiently to minimize risks and ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of this exciting transformation.

Meanwhile, members and guests alike are still delighting in our temporary bar facilities, complimented by a buzzing Halfway Deli!

Stay tuned for further updates as we watch the clubhouse evolve!

Its not only the building that’s improving!  We have undertaken the cleanup and enhancement of the visual appeal of the area surrounding our clubhouse, by clearing and tidying the landscape to its west. Now, when you enjoy a wonderful pre-dinner drink or meal, the breathtaking views will speak for themselves!

Christiaan Schoeman, our grounds manager, has been instrumental in spearheading this project. His previous experience with successful landscaping projects, particularly inside the main entrance circle, showcases his capability and vision for transforming outdoor spaces.

Improvements Made to the 2nd Hole Bunker Playability
The fairway bunker on our second hole has been a significant challenge for golfers due to its design and the environmental conditions affecting it. This bunker has been viewed as one of the most penalising we have on the course.  This could be largely contributed to the winds that have caused erosion of the bunker over time. This phenomenon, known as “blowout,” occurs when wind removes sand from the bunker, leading to a less forgiving playing surface.

Charl and his team have undertaken significant improvements to restore and enhance the playability of this bunker. Their efforts are focused on revitalizing its appearance, reshaping it to follow the natural contours of the land while ensuring that it remains a challenging feature of the course.

They are nearing completion of their work on this bunker, ensuring that it retains its character as a challenging obstacle but is also fairer in terms of shot recovery options.

Try this at home!
Roosterkoek Recipe
Roosterkoek, literally translated as “grill cake”, represents a classic bread to supplement a braai or barbeque. They consist of grilled balls of bread dough and are usually served hot, traditionally with apricot jam and cheese!

You will follow the exact same process and technique for when you are preparing a basic bread dough.

Try it, it’s really as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Ingredients:
1kg cake flour
1 packet instant yeast
Pinch of salt
10ml white sugar
Lukewarm water

Let’s start the process:

  • In a bowl, add the flour, yeast, salt and sugar. Mix through.
  • Add lukewarm water to the mixture until you have a dough. Remove from bowl.
  • Dust a surface with flour, start kneading the dough until soft and elastic.
  • Place it back into a bowl drizzled with some oil. Leave to rise until double in size.
  • In the meantime, make a fire…wood or charcoal…your choice.
  • Roll out your dough and cut into the desired size. Place in on a tray dusted with flour (this will prevent the dough from sticking).
  • When your coals are ready (it should not be too hot), place it on the braai grid and grill it slowly, turning it around to ensure even cooking.
  • You know it is cooked if you knock on it and you hear a hollow sound.
  • Remove from the heat and have it the way you like it!

Any filling will work:
Cream cheese, Chopped Bacon and Jalapeno
Pulled Pork
Butter and Preserve
Spicy Chicken

Try it at our next Halfway Deli Grab ‘n Go!

World Golf Awards nomination!
We have been nominated in the 12th annual World Golf Awards for:

South Africa’s Best Golf Course 2025: St Francis Links

Voting is now open and members of the golf community – consumers and industry executives alike – can vote for the brands they consider the very best in golf tourism.

The full list of World Golf Awards 2025 nominees can be viewed on our website where votes can also be cast.

Voting runs until midnight 1 October 2025. The winners will then be notified and the 12th annual World Golf Awards will take place in beautiful Madeira, 12-13 November.

Vote here
The latest golf results
Save these dates!
Be smarter
THE 70-METRE MISS
Great tee shots with the driver are memorable. How many can you recall right now? How many shots, where you missed the fairway, can you actually remember in vivid detail? They don’t linger, do they? Fortunately.
Yet for most golfers reading this now, the scorecard on their round will probably NOT be improved with two more memorable tee shots. But it will be improved by removing two of the very forgettable misses.

If your search is for memories, please come out as often as possible. Because the more you play, the more memories you will create.
However, if you’re interested in lowering your scores, then stand on each tee box with your chosen club and consider that your first goal is to reduce the size of your worst miss.
Be realistic. Did you know that research shows that many good golfers have a width dispersion approaching 70 metres across 15 tee shots with the driver?

However, if you’re interested in lowering your scores, then stand on each tee-box with your chosen club and consider that your first goal is to reduce the size of your worst miss.

Be realistic. Did you know that research shows that many good golfers have a width dispersion approaching 70 metres across 15 tee shots with the driver?

Where you set up on the tee box and where you’re going to aim down the fairway should all take into account where you miss.
NOW MAKE memories
Having reduced the impact of any miss, it’s time to have fun. It’s time to make a memory.
Play more golf. Only smarter
It is always good to add our congratulations to those of Srixon for another South African victory. Jacques Kruyswijk closed out with a 67 to secure victory in the Magical Kenya Open and claimed his first DP World Tour title.

This was also another victory for the new Srixon Z-STAR XV Golf Ball. A premium golf ball designed to maximise distance while retaining the performance needed greenside.

The new RTZ Wedges from Cleveland have been designed and built with an entirely new steel alloy created by Cleveland themselves.

Softer. More durable. Designed to make it easier to control short-game shots with the consistency that creates confidence.

What would improve your short game? How many shots could you drop? How many frustrations could you lose? A really good starting point with wedge play is your dispersion on 60, 40, and 20-metre pitch shots. Especially on the 20-metre and 40-metre shots, how many finish within 2 metres of the hole?

The Tour Satin finish has 20 loft, sole, and grind options to choose from. There are another 14 options with the Black Satin finish. And finally, another 16 options with the Tour Rack Raw. There will be a set of wedges that allow you to be your best.

Learn more
How quickly can you?
From any distance within 70 metres of the hole, how quickly COULD you get your ball to within 2 metres, with a better technique, some practise, and the perfect wedges? If you’re interested in getting closer to the hole quicker, then let’s get started with a conversation about your short game.
I’d like to start a conversation

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