Go Gillian! 

So, you are Gillian Hammond and you decide to team up with Helen Bridges for a chance to compete in the Windhoek Lager African Jacket. You drive to George and enter in the betterball and individual competition. Helen doesn’t have her usual great day, but you do. Even with a mandatory handicap cut for the event, you come with your best golf. The next thing you know, this email arrives – 

Good Morning Gillian Hammond,
It is my pleasure to congratulate you on your excellent performance and winning your way through to the SA final of the African Jacket.
Clear your diary and pack your bags you are on your way!! You have done your club proud!
After 11 000 affiliated members have completed their qualifying events , 600 played in the Regional Finals.
Now there is only 12 people left in your Division who will be playing for the honor to represent South African in Namibia on 24 and 25 June against 11 other Africa nations.
The Windhoek Lager African Jacket SA Final will take place on Sunday 29 May 2016 at Serengeti Golf and Country Estate in Johannesburg.
The intention is to fly you to Oliver Tambo airport on Saturday 28 May. We will collect you at the airport and we will be staying at the Town Lodge hotel in Graceton Drive, Sandton.
On Sunday we will be playing at Serengeti over 18 holes, winner takes all.

It was only a few years ago that Gillian won her first Wednesday Comp. Then she got the nerve to play in Champs, then League and finally, Seniors. Set goals – achieve them – set new goals! You are raising your bar! Keep it up…every great shot starts with a smile! 

 
She’s got her game face on!

1st time in the Berg! Proper “chillaxing” 

So when Liezl asked if I wanted a party for the 20th Anniversary of my 40th, I said NO, just NO! Take me away to a place where phones don’t work. Last year, when our top photographer, Grant Leversha (the big book), was here doing a shoot for our files, advertising and media opportunities, he told us about his place in the Berg – about 30 minutes from Underberg. Once we saw pictures we were hooked and the planning for a little trip started. We later agreed that my birthday week would be perfect. And it was…

We arrived to a place that was surrounded by mountains – mountains that I had never seen before because I have never spent a night anywhere in the Drakensberg. Just as we pictured it, here was this little stone cabin in the centre of this 360 degree picture. It was clear and crisp when we arrived. For the next three days and nights, the world and its challenges disappeared – you know, the way it does for people who come here to visit! We braaied, we hiked, we played some great music and we shared stories with Grant and his fantastic wife, Lynda and my good friends Meyer Du Toit and his much better half, Vickey. 

I have always said that you have to go away sometimes to fully appreciate what you have right under your feet! When it comes to the coast and the dunes, no place touches what we have; when it comes to shutting off in the mountains, the Drakensberg was pretty special. Oh, by the way, the cabin can be found by googling Elands Rust – 

  
Ernie and Ben

Nice feature on St Francis Links in the Financial Mail (Travel special)

 UPCOMING EVENTS

Proudly Sponsored – ITEC SOLUTIONS and Harcourts will be our sponsors for OPEN Wednesday (2nd Wednesday) and Harcourt’s Wednesday (3rd Wednesday) with meat and added prizes. Invite your friends to enjoy SA’s best with special rates for golf, snacks after the game and great prizes – Hey, Curry Night follows – stay or take away!

March (every Tuesday) – 10am Coffee Break for our lady members
May 26-27: Woodland’s Dairy for HOSPICE
May 29: Interestate Challenge at Mossel Bay
June 4: Ladies’ Invitational (Golf and Lunch)
June 8: Els for Autism Charity Golf Day
June 10: Members’ Get-together (Par-3 and dinner)
June 15: ITEC OPEN Wednesday
June 19: Father’s Day
June 22: Harcourt’s Wednesday (+R1000 in prizes)
June 25-27: National Order of Merit (juniors)

ST FRANCIS LINKS “MAJORS” AND “SPECIAL EVENTS” FOR 2016

Note the NEW Dates for 2016:

April 9: 1st Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
April 23-24: Club Championships
May 29: Interestate Challenge at Mossel Bay
June 18: 2nd Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 9: Sanlam Cancer Challenge – SFL Qualifier
June 26: Inter- Estate Challenge at Oubaai
July 15-17: Men’s Invitational – Special NEW Friday event and Shoot-out

Proud Sponsors of the Ladies OPEN Weekend and the ANNUAL

July 17: 3rd Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 30: 4th Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 31: Inter-Estate Challenge at Goose Valley
August 6: Ladies’ Invitational
August 6: 5th Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
August 8-23: Spring Programme – Course and Clubhouse Closed
August 21: Sanlam Cancer Challenge FINALS
August 21: Inter-Estate Challenge Simola
September 24: Final Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions 
September 25: Inter-Estate Challenge at St Francis Links
September 30, October 1-2: Links Cup
October 30: Inter-Estate Challenge at Pezula
October 30-November 6: Vodacom Origins of Golf FINALS (Sunshine Tour – course Closed)
November 19-20: Pam Golding Ladies OPEN Weekend
November 25-27: Nicklaus Champion of Champions (Serengeti)
November 27: Inter-Estate Challenge FINALS at Pinnacle Point

December 9-11 – 10th Year Anniversary Activities (watch this space)

2016 International Events

US Masters – Augusta National, Georgia – April 7-10 – Danny Willett, Champion
US Open – Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pennsylvania – June 16-19
Open Championship – Royal Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland – July 14-17
US PGA – Baltusrol (Lower Course), Springfield, New Jersey – July 28-31
The Ryder Cup – Hazeltine, Minnesota – September 30 to October 2

Every Great shot starts with a SMILE