30 years in South Africa, by choice!
1 September, 1991, Larry Gould picked me up at Cape Town Airport to begin a three-year contract as the Director of Golf at Fancourt. He said on arrival he was expecting to meet a cowboy-hat wearing Texan (he probably thought I’d be toting a gun and boots as well). 30 years later, I’m still here, still speaking American and still learning about and loving SA. The journey that started at Fancourt lasted seven years before being head-hunted to start Simola. 14 months followed at Simola (that unfortunately flooded and stopped for 9 years), then 8 years at Pezula where Liezl and I hired the staff and set up the structures, and finally here in Paradise!
Over the years, I have been very active with the PGA of South Africa, dedicated to raising the profile of the PGA member in his/her respective Club or establishment. I am extremely proud of where our PGA is today – more that 500 active members, educated to internationally approved standards, and now benefiting from continued programmes available online.
There have always been great professionals in SA leading the way. But today, with more educational opportunities, Professionals are securing positions where they play a vital role in decision making at their facility.
Think about it, who is the face of the facility? Who works daily with the Superintendent? The Food and Beverage Manager? The Member? The Guest?
I am still learning every day and never would begin to think I have all the answers. But I’ll make every effort to find the answer. I am also at a place in my life where I can share my knowledge. This week I played host to the Club Manager, Golf Manager and SUP from Rondebosch where we discussed every aspect of the Club operation. Guess what? I came away more knowledgeable as well. TK was involved, Charl was involved and Andrew played his part, too.
Now, I have been asked to share some of my “story” with members and apprentices in the PGA through interviews with fellow Master Professional, Dave Usendorff on You Tube. The first one appeared this week. Another will follow.
Hey, everyone knows where I am -ST FRANCIS LINKS!
| PGA Master Professionals Dave Usendorff and I will over the next few months deliver short messages on the importance of the PGA member taking on the role as the golf expert at your facility. In episode one Dave and I chat about the importance of mentoring and driving each other to achieve the goals of the facilities and your personal goals. Listen and enjoy |
It’s only about 10 minutes!
Handicaps for Competitions
By now most of you would be aware of the implementation of Rule 6.2a / Appendix C (competition allowance) as the final phase of the World Handicap System – Rules of Handicapping. The rule will be implemented from 1 March in all competitions where applicable.
Scott Keevy and Deon Marais win the Greensomes!
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Thank you all for caring about your course – #leading the way
Meet Jannie Munnick
Jannie is a superstar in the services and maintenance department of St Francis Links. We have had the pleasure of his employment for the past 4 years and hope that he will be here for a long time to come. Jannie joined us from the Kouga Municipality where he worked for 33 years!
Jannie says “ I enjoy everything about my work as every day brings changes. I am a hard worker and love to help people. I am an introvert and also a devoted Christian. I was born in Humansdorp but stay in Sea Vista with my lovely wife, Shamilla. I love traveling with my family. I believe with God all things are possible.”
Jannie’s favourite scripture from the Bible is Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
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, Scott Keevy and Deon Marais, 41 pts
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)