Chris Langford brings the ladies!
Chris Langford is an Advanced Fellow Golf Professional from the UK who thinks outside the box. Aside from all the work she does in her summer season with golf, she also takes people on golf tours in the winter months. Last year, after enjoying a great break here in St Francis, she came back with the idea of bringing golfers to the Bay. Ably aided by her friend, Renee Botha, who lives here, she put together an itinerary, accommodation that allowed all of the ladies to walk to where they wanted to meet, eat and enjoy. From our side, we assisted with her golfing plans and some extra bits and pieces. Renee and ladies from the Bay, welcomed the ladies, 40 in all, on a rainy Sunday. Thanks for bringing the rain! On Monday, they played here in some formidable weather, as well. Then the ladies from the Bay organized 40 Saffers to take on the ladies from over the pond. 80 played The Bay with the locals standing proud, and the trip was “A” for away. On their off days, some traveled as far as Addo, others shopped, hit the beach, cruised and supported our local businesses. Chris, you did us and yourself proud getting them here! From what I am told, many will queue to come back again.
Thanks for coming!
Chris turned professional in 1976 to pursue a career as a tournament player, she was one of the first players to qualify to play on the US LPGA Tour she is a founder member of the Ladies European Tour where she won 5 tournaments.
Chris became the first woman professional to be appointed as a Head Pro at a committee run members club in the UK when she was selected by Clevedon Golf Club near Bristol her other posts include Director of Golf at Castle Combe in Wiltshire, Director of Golf at the Desert Springs Golf Academy in Spain and Director of Golf at Abbotsley Golf Hotel in Cambridge.
Chris is now the head Professional at Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel where she runs her ever successful coaching business and whilst she still hosts events in far away (usually sunny) places she is always happy to return home to Suffolk, she can usually be found coaching at the foot of the House in the Clouds, which overlooks the practice area at Thorpeness, with her ever faithful “spaniel” Joe Cocker supervising the coaching!
With over 40 years working in her sport, Chris has been recognised by the PGA twice, once by being awarded Advanced Fellow status and earlier this year she was made an Honorary Life Member of the Association!
Els for Autism – The field is looking good!
I am pleased to say that our numbers are growing and we will have a great field on the day!
I sent out a letter to all the members here and the response from some was outstanding, while the majority are still a bit quiet. Members all receive a special rate that includes everything listed below. But more important is the gift of giving – 1 in 68 boys are affected and the number is increasing. Please get together with friends for a special day!
Els for Autism is very close to my heart having watched Ernie and Liezl come to terms with it in their own lives. Their efforts worldwide have changed the perception of Autism everywhere. I hosted two Autism days here and then stood back for a year because I felt I was calling on the same people over and over. This year we are bringing it back on the 28th of February. I am sure you know someone who has someone in their life who has a form of Autism, like Ernie and Liezl’s Ben. Their centre and structures in SA are reliant on local funding. Golf events generate proper financial support.
The entry fee for the event is R5000 per four-ball with special pricing for members. This includes golf fees, 1/2way, Prizegiving Dinner, Welcome gifts (great stuff) and prizes. The winners on the day are invited to make their way to Lost City where every expense there will be included and the finals will be held.
I do want you to play in the event and encourage others to join in! Contact golf@stfrancislinks.com
The St Francis Links HOTEL by Mantis
The proposed St Francis Links Hotel by Mantis is being sold as a sectional title scheme. Commencement is based on the sale of the units.
The Hotel will consist of 60 1 and 2-bedroom suites, modelled after the successful hotel development at Pearl Valley, where the 2nd phase was launched recently. The Clubhouse will be home to reception manned 24/7, the Food and Beverage services, AquaSpa and of course, the home of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course! Pam Golding Properties are handling the sales for the Hotel. Neil Fox is the lead person. Neil Fox neil.fox@pamgolding.co.za Saria Blaauw is assisting and they are dividing their time at The Links
ITEC are our sponsors for OPEN Wednesday (2nd 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, sometimes Curry Night follows – stay or take away!
Monday Roll-up! Pitch up and play (9 holes or 18 Par-3 from 2pm) let’s add you to the What’s app group
All day Saturdays: Morning and afternoon fields – the afternoon field will be booked from 12 noon backwards with emphasis on “ready golf”
Monday Men’s Book Club – 5pm in Jack’s Bar (no reading required)
Ladies’ Tea (and Coffee) – Every Tuesday at 10am on the Veranda
Every Great shot starts with a SMILE!
Shhhhh! was the National side here? Better ask our juniors who found them!
Santa and the Links TEAM