|
| Eastern Province Amateur Championship |
| Flagship amateur golf event: What a performance from our local stars! |
| In a remarkable display of talent and determination, the Eastern Province Amateur Championship showcased the skills of local golfers, particularly highlighting the extraordinary achievement of our young member, the 14-year-old Shaun Viljoen. Competing against seasoned player Mike Bezuidenhout in a gruelling 36-hole match play format, Viljoen demonstrated resilience and skill. At one point during the match, he found himself four holes down but managed to stage an impressive comeback, ultimately winning the match 2 & 1. This victory not only marks a significant milestone in his young career but also makes him the youngest ever champion of an open age group amateur tournament.
Additionally, congratulations are due to Steve Dent for his commendable performance in the plate competition. He secured a convincing victory against Johan Coetzer with a score of 4 & 3 in his final match, showcasing his skill and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
It should be stated that Chris Van Rensburg captured the number one seed for the Matchplay by winning the Medal Qualifier. Unfortunately for Chris, he had to play Shaun in the second round of the Matchplay. |
 |
| Reasons for Kikuyu Eradication and why we are doing it at St Francis Links |
| Kikuyu grass is an invasive species that can dominate lawns and landscapes, particularly in regions with suitable climates (such as ours). Its aggressive growth habits allow it to spread rapidly making it difficult to control once established.
At St Francis Links, we want to control the spread of Kikuyu grass whilst promoting the growth of our cool season grasses and Cynodon. Selective herbicides are employed to target Kikuyu without harming desirable grasses or plants in adjacent areas. We do this process on an annual basis. Once Kikuyu has been controlled for the season replanting with desired species will restore our beautiful playing areas.
Whilst we are undergoing this process please take note of the following changes to our local rules:
You may take full relief from all closely mown areas that are affected (discoloured). For additional relief we have also introduced One Scorecard Length Placing on all closely mown areas.
|
| Overview of the Work on the 18th Hole |
| The ongoing work on the 18th hole is focused on restoring the natural contours and flow of the land rather than altering the design of the hole itself. This process involves careful attention to the existing landscape, ensuring that any modifications align with the original topography.
Specifically, areas in front of both the left and middle greenside bunkers will be designated as Ground Under Repair (GUR). This designation indicates that these areas are temporarily out of play, allowing for maintenance and restoration efforts without impacting gameplay. The GUR status helps maintain course integrity while improvements are made.
A TLB is utilised for levelling purposes. This is essential for achieving a smooth surface and ensuring proper drainage, which is critical for maintaining healthy turf conditions. Following this levelling process, sods will be packed into place to promote quick establishment and recovery of grass in these areas. |
 |
| How to Join Golf Societies and Groups at St Francis Links |
| At St Francis Links, there are various member-run groups and initiatives that cater to different interests and skill levels in golf. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how you can become part of these societies: |
| Book Club on Monday Afternoons |
| This group is designed for male members who enjoy a casual round of golf followed by socialising. The Book Club meets every Monday afternoon at around 14h30.
Participants typically play a quick nine holes and then enjoy some beers afterward.
The group was initiated by Ronnie Nienaber, the first Men’s Club Captain at St Francis Links.
If you are interested in joining this group, you should inform the Golf Shop team. They will facilitate your connection with Ronnie Nienaber to coordinate future bookings. |
| Ladies Mornings on Thursdays – and other growth initiatives for the game of golf at St Francis Links |
| This initiative is aimed at female golfers, whether they are experienced players or beginners looking to start playing the game.
The ladies’ group participates in fun clinics run by our professionals and allows beginner ladies with handicaps over 36 to play together in a supportive environment.
This setting encourages camaraderie as participants help each other improve their skills while enjoying the game.
If you wish to join this group, similar to the Book Club, you can express your interest at the shop, and we will put you in touch with our ladies club captain Sue Cogswell, who would be glad to have you join our very active group of ladies golfers. |
| Archie Bell has established a popular golf group that plays on Sunday mornings, once a month. This group has successfully attracted over 24 golfers for friendly competitions on a regular basis.
The format includes playing a fun competition followed by lunch where participants can relax, share laughs and win prizes.
To join this group, you need to reach out through the shop and will put you in touch with Archie.
Being part of these golf societies at St Francis Links involves expressing your interest at the Golf Shop for any of the mentioned groups—whether it be the Book Club on Mondays, Ladies Mornings on Thursdays, or Sunday Fundays. |
| February Bargains at the Bar |
| February is a month often associated with love, and it seems that Pieter, our hospitality manager, has taken this opportunity to offer some enticing deals at the bar area. Here are the current promotions available: |
| You can enjoy 2 x double shots of Brandy (options include Klipdrift or Olof Bergh) paired with a 300ml can of your choice for only R75. |
| Another fantastic option is the double shot of Gin (Pimville) served with Fitch & Leedes pink tonic and garnished with Strawberry, Blueberries and Lemon for R65. |
| Bring down the whole family! |
| To add to these amazing bar specials, we encourage families to visit! We offer a diverse menu from the Halfway Deli with a dedicated kids menu designed to cater to younger guests, ensuring that everyone in the family can find something enjoyable to eat.
This makes it an ideal outing for families looking to spend quality time together while enjoying good food and drinks.
The combination of these drink specials and family-friendly dining options creates an inviting atmosphere for both couples celebrating love and families seeking a fun outing. |
| 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.
PLEASE VOTE! |
|
|
|
|
| Two Scottie Scheffler statistics from the 2024 PGA Tour could be revealing for you. He leads the tour for the lowest number of putts per round (1.68 per hole). But he is way down the list (134th) for 3-putt avoidance. |
|
Most analysts believe that Scheffler has the lowest number of putts per round because he has the tightest dispersion on his approach shots. That means he hits it closer than anyone else.
Looked at from another angle, others are NOT as good as Scheffler, the #1 player on tour, because their approach shot misses are larger than his. |
| With your #5 iron (or 5-hybrid), #7 iron and #9 iron, what is the likely size of your misses? Ignore the complete mishits for now. Think about your last rounds. How many metres wide of where you were aiming would your worst shot be, and what do you think your average ‘miss’ might be? |
| WE WANT YOU TO |
| enjoy golf |
| What can you do to reduce the size of your larger misses? That will reduce frustration. It will also reduce the strokes you take in a round. |
|
|
|
Everything contributes to the amount of spin you can generate. Your technique matters. Your contact matters. Your wedge matters. Your grooves matter. And so does your golf ball.
The Srixon Z-STAR cover, as well as being thin, is a specialised urethane that increases the cover’s degree of friction created to increase your spin and your control. |
|
|
|
| You thought the limits of improvement on Cleveland wedges had been reached? |
| With the benefit of a new softer, more durable alloy, the design limits are removed. Even more feel. Increased spin control. Performs like new for much longer.
And most importantly, sole, grind, and leading-edge designs that make it easier to hit great wedge shots.
The NEW Cleveland RTZ Wedges
With design limitations removed, these are genuinely new and very high-performing wedges. |
| The most important question is: how good could your short-game be? From 70 metres and in, how many shots does it take you to get your golf ball within 2 metres of the hole? Technique and practice are important. So are your wedges. If you’re interested in finding the perfect wedges, let’s get started with a conversation about your short game. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1892.jpg)
