| Returning to St Francis Links |
| The 2nd oldest tournament in South Africa |
| The PGA Championship was established in 1923, initiated by the South African PGA, which was founded to promote the game throughout the nation. The championship has undergone various formats and changes over the years, adapting to the evolving landscape of professional golf. |
The Early Years: The inaugural tournament in 1923 was held at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club. The early championships were predominantly won by local talent with a strong foundational presence of golfers who would help establish South Africa as a golfing nation.
The Locke Era: Bobby Locke’s dominance in the late 1930s solidified the tournament’s prestige. His four victories were crucial in elevating the tournament’s status during a time when golf was gaining popularity worldwide.
Post-War Years: The championship experienced growth in the post-war era, with significant contributions from international players who began to participate, further enhancing the competition level.
The Rise of South African Golf: The late 20th century saw a remarkable era for South African golfers, particularly with the emergence of stars like Gary Player and Ernie Els, who not only won the PGA Championship but also made their marks globally, significantly boosting interest in the sport at home. |
Bobby Locke: 1935, 1936, 1937, 1940
Gary Player: 1956, 1960
Ernie Els: 1991, 1997
Trevor Immelman: A rising star who notably won the 2008 Masters and has participated in the PGA Championship.
George Coetzee: Former champion and regular contender, Coetzee has consistently performed well in national and international events. |
| In recent years, the tournament has continued to attract top talent from the Sunshine Tour and international players. The championship serves as an important event on the South African golfing calendar, contributing to the development of golf in the region while celebrating the legacy of its esteemed past.
This year, the PGA Championship at St Francis Links is particularly special as it showcases established stars like Christiaan Bezuidenhout, a rising talent with notable international performances as well as past champions Rupert Kaminski and George Coetzee, who brings experience and local fandom to the event. |
Past Winner:
George Coetzee |
Defending Champion:
Rupert Kaminski |
| With a rich history, significant past champions, and an exciting present, the PGA Championship remains a highlight for golf enthusiasts, golfers and fans in South Africa and beyond. This year’s event promises thrilling competition, excellent sportsmanship, and a celebration of golf’s legacy in the nation. |
| The best players in South Africa and some of those playing abroad will be here next week to challenge each other for the one of the most prestigious prizes in South African golf.
Join us for FREE from Thursday to Sunday, 21-24 November as we see who will raise the trophy! Watch the coverage live on SuperSport Saturday and Sunday. |
| Networking with others in our industry |
| The value of staying connected and learning from others in our industry cannot be overstated. Beyond the annual conference, the Association of Residential Communities (ARC), to which our HOA belongs, also organizes quarterly chapter meetings across various provinces. With nearly 400 HOAs and Body Corporates participating as ARC members, these gatherings offer invaluable opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Last week, Liezl Clause represented our community at the latest chapter meeting held at Oubaai, followed by an insightful Estate Living information session at Pezula. Each event provided takeaways that we can apply to enhance our services, improve compliance, and bring valuable insights back to our owners. Engaging in these sessions not only keeps us informed about industry best practices but also empowers us to serve our community more effectively, fostering a well-connected, compliant, and vibrant residential experience. |
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| Networking with other HOA leaders at the ARC chapter meeting |
| Over the past 30 days, St Francis Links and the surrounding areas have been fortunate to receive much-needed rainfall, with an impressive 279mm recorded on the estate. This rain has rejuvenated our grounds and gardens, bringing new life and vibrant spring blooms. Take this opportunity to explore nature at its finest and enjoy the beauty of our blossoming landscapes! |
| Amazing Sight from David Micklem |
| A Testament to St Francis Bay’s Natural Beauty |
| David Micklem, a member of ours, recently captured stunning photographs showcasing the diverse avian life in St Francis Bay. His images feature spoonbills, Goliath herons, various other species of herons, and ibises. These birds are not only visually striking but also play significant roles in the local ecosystem. |
| Spoonbills are wading birds known for their distinctive spoon-shaped bills. They primarily feed on small fish and invertebrates found in shallow waters. Their presence indicates healthy wetland ecosystems, as they rely on clean water sources for feeding and breeding. |
| The Goliath heron is one of the largest heron species in the world. Standing up to 1.5 meters tall, these majestic birds are skilled hunters that primarily feed on fish. Their size and hunting prowess make them a key predator in their habitat, contributing to the ecological balance. |
| Various species of herons inhabit St Francis Bay, each adapted to different niches within the ecosystem. Common herons include the Grey Heron and Black-headed Heron, both of which are proficient at catching fish and amphibians. The diversity of heron species reflects the richness of the local environment. |
| Ibises are characterized by their long curved bills, which they use to probe mud for food such as insects and crustaceans. They often forage in groups and can be seen wading through wetlands or marshes. Their social behavior and adaptability make them an important part of the avian community. |
| The Pam Golding Annual Golf Tournament |
| The Pam Golding Annual is a prestigious golf tournament that showcases the competitive spirit between two prominent golfing venues in South Africa: St Francis Bay and St Francis Links. This event, organised by Pam Golding Properties, has become a highlight in the local sporting calendar, attracting golfers and enthusiasts from various regions. The tournament not only emphasises competition but also fosters community engagement and promotes the sport of golf within the picturesque setting of St Francis Bay. |
| Scheduled for 25 and 26 January, this year’s tournament promises to deliver excitement and camaraderie among participants. The format involves teams representing each club competing, culminating in an overall club champion being crowned at the end of the event.
The inclusion of innovative activations, such as shootouts and other engaging activities, adds an extra layer of enjoyment for both players and spectators alike. |
| Pam Golding Properties has been instrumental in elevating the profile of this annual event. Their commitment to thinking outside the box is evident through unique activations that enhance participant experience. For instance, previous tournaments have featured exciting shootouts that engage both players and onlookers, creating memorable moments that resonate long after the event concludes.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Pam Golding Annual Golf Tournament, both competitors from St Francis Bay and St Francis Links are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and community spirit. With Richard Arderne and Pam Golding’s continued support and innovative approach to event management, this tournament is set to be another successful chapter in its storied history. |
| Get Ready for Our Festive Season! |
| Numerous exciting, can’t-miss events are featured this festive season. Please see the calendar below for more details. |
| Come Play with Santa on 24 December! Little ones are invited for a magical afternoon with Santa! Fun activities, laughter and of course, a chance to meet Santa himself. It’s an event the whole family will enjoy! |
| Play more golf |
| Accomplishment is REWARDING |
| It’s amazing the impact smart-watches and the well-being apps have had on human behavior. They do it through the ‘encouragement’ of notifications! |
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| There’s a little dopamine kick you get from the notification. How much of a ‘kick’ do you get when your driver makes contact out of the middle? What do you ‘feel’ when an approach shot launches high, right on target? And the putt you hoped to sink but didn’t expect to? What a feeling! |
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| Fun with friends and social connections are a very important reason to play golf. But while you’re at it, hitting more good shots along the way makes everything so much better. |
What improvement would MATTER MOST TO YOU?
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| What improvement would add the most enjoyment to your golf game? We’ve listed five different thoughts of our own, but we’d be interested in you telling us your thoughts: |
| A great way to start this journey to better is to book a 9-hole playing lesson. Share the joy of those special moments of perfection while making a connection with someone who wants to help you reach new heights. |
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AVOID THE HALLELUJAH.
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GET IT ROLLING.
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| Want to break 85? Leave the risky flop shots for others. Get boring. Once you’re around the green, get it rolling quicker. For most, that’s not only a safer option, it also means a greater chance of thrilling chip-ins. |
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| Once you’re greenside you want the control of a lower lofted club, from a PW to even an 8 or 7 iron. Minimise the risk of a thinned or chunked mishit. In fact, don’t be proud. Opt to putt from off the green when the situation demands it. Remember, a bad putt will generally always end up closer than a bad chip. |
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| For most golfers, breaking 85 means embracing simplicity and removing lost shots. Learning to chip effectively is a very important skill. Join us for our Break 85 Coaching Program. |
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