Lyle Rowe wins in Zim; Marc inspires and Gracie tastes victory in America!
EP Professional, Lyle Rowe, uses St Francis Links to hone his game whenever he is near. We have always known he has the game for Tour titles and this week, he put it all on display in Zimbabwe.
Starting the day six shots back of the leader, he fashioned a great round of 67 to win the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe OPEN. I think Lyle prefers the courses north of the border as his first Tour win came in Zambia two years ago – a year when local favorites, Titch Moore and Wallie Coetsee also won on Tour. Lyle returns to Lusaka this week where, with his confidence high, a “two-fer” may be on the cards. Pardsie, you are welcome to keep practicing here at St Francis Links!
Lyle played flawless golf
On a personal note – a number of us who have had the pleasure of meeting or knowing what Marc Cayeux has been through, shed a tear when he played his way to 4-under par on the opening day of the Zim Open at Royal Harare. Marc was involved in a death-defying head-on after winning 8 times on tour. He was never expected to walk let alone play again. Determination and commitment with the support of loved ones and friends helped put Marc on the green grass fairways at home. Well done, you inspirational man!
Marc endoured 27 surgeries
Branden Grace continues his pursuit of excellence by capturing his first title on American soil – victory at the Heritage Classic played at the legendary, Harbor Town Links. His participation in the event was encouraged by his close friend and mentor, Ernie. Ernie knew the course would suit his eye – playing in many ways, like the courses he plays here. Gracie IS THE REAL DEAL and winning in America will help him win more in America! I have picked Gracie for the Open Championship because you have all seen how he plays on long and fast tracks. Maybe the US Open or The Players will get in his victory path first!
Branden with his fiancee, Nieke and after the victory, with The Big Easy!
Dawn Patrol – for all ages!
Dawn Patrol started a few years ago as a meeting between the SUP and me; it was scheduled as a game (somewhat competitive) with the emphasis on looking at the course, the condition, the play-ability and the shot-making. Generally, if I was playing well, the course looked as good as it always did. However, if the match was slipping, I managed to find fault at every turn. Let’s call it a win-win for everyone. Today, the course is more playable that ever. When I missed left, we eventually widened it there; if I missed right, a little “adjustment” in mowing would follow! You see, everyone wins! Maybe I should hit a couple more on the head at one and 10…
Anyway, “Dawn Patrol” has become a Friday morning game for all who can make it. We play “ready golf” with the unmaintained (for now) areas played as a lateral with a drop, and order of play out the window. In other words, the game moves! Last week, 1hr and 40min later, eggs were on the table. The SUP and I still give the course a good look and the day gets off to a proper start.
Coffee is served at 6:30 with first swings as the sun rises. We welcome all ages and ready golfers!
We play the “Rabbit” for the coffee, give right-of-way to the course staff and encourage Granddad and Grandson participation
Mila Elle is our lastest new member!
Reynier and Elmarie welcomed Mila Elle into their home on the estate a few weeks ago. We paid a quick visit to share best wishes and see our newest member. A golf lesson series is on the books for 2019!
Golf Digest Editor, Stuart McLean returns; Esme steals the Rabbit!
It’s always great welcoming Stuart McLean back to St Francis Links. The GD editor who has played well over 400 courses world-wide has high regard for our little championship course in the dunes. He rather likes the Ultimate Par-3 as well. In addition to his love for sharing the news, he has also taken the helm as Captain at the newly formed Mowbray-King David Club in Cape Town. Obviously, the position suits his as he coordinated their first combined Club Championships and won the Overall Nett Trophy in the process! The Man has game –Now, Stuart, do us all a favour and write a book – sharing your memories of this great game and those who play it!
Joining us for golf on the day were Esme and Willem VD Merwe. Willem is the Vice Captain at Erinvale and flies for SA Airlink. He is a panelist for Golf Digest. Because I CAN, I introduced the game of ‘Rabbit” to the fourball – a form of a skins game. In the history of the Rabbit, there have been very few who have been able to win four legs (the equivalent of scaling Mt Everest ot running a 4-minute mile). No woman on earth has ever done it – until Esme parred three holes in a row including he 16th to make history. Unlike the legendary Houston CC member who won the Rabbit on the 16th and dropped stone dead on the 17th green, Esme survived and accepted our cash!
Esme takes the cash and Stuart praises our links!
JOIN US!!! (Note to players, the forecast for Saturday is looking a bit dire – 27 on Sunday may be the plan;
we will make the call prior to play and let you all know – come Friday night for the welcome as scheduled)
The 10th Annual St Francis Links
Club Championships
22 – 24 April 2016
As we celebrate 10 years as St Francis Links, the 10th Annual Club Championships represent your first major event of the year! Let’s make this one to remember!
Enter now and join your fellow members for a special few days of golf, great food, friendship and fun as this important tournament will decide our Champion of Champions and Divisional Champions on your Championship Course!
Format of Play & Divisions
Both the Men’s and Ladies Champs will have two divisions in which to participate:
The “Open” Division:
Members in good standing may enter the Open division, regardless of handicap. Nominated
members must be handicapped at St Francis Links in order to enter. The winner will be decided
over 36 holes (18 per day), playing an Individual Medal format, off scratch. Men in this division will
play from the “MODIFIED” Gold Championship tees and ladies from the Red Ladies tees.
There will be prizes for the gross winner (the ultimate Club Champ) and for the net winner.
Ties will be broken by playing to a sudden-death-victory over hole 18,
then 18 again and again and again!
The “B” Division:
Current, full handicaps will apply to participants in these divisions. The format
will be Individual Stableford. Men will play from the Club tees (blue) and
ladies from the Ladies tees (Red). Ties will be broken by a count-out.
Entries and Further Information:
Enter by completing the ATTACHED ENTRY FORM and returning it to
St Francis Links by e-mail (golf@stfrancislinks.com).
All entries to reach us by no later than 19 April 2016.
For further information, contact the pro shop on tel 042 – 200 4500.
R325.00 PER PARTICIPANT to include
Entry into Event & Prizes (if you play well!)
Friday evening welcome snacks
Welcome Gift
Sunday’s Prize Giving Lunch
(Non-participating spouses for Friday evening welcome
Snacks and Sunday lunch: R135)
Rotary Festival and the Nautical Festival – another reason to be HERE!
What a perfect weekend to be in the Bay – the non-golfers will find activities throughout the Port and Village – golfers will play TWO Top-100 golf courses – all for the price of one game!
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
April 20: HARCOUTS Wednesday (ADDITIONAL PRIZES)
April 22-24: Club Championships
April 30 – May 1: Rotary/makro golfing weekend
May 7: Ladies Invitational
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
June 18: 2nd Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 9: Sanlam Cancer Challenge – SFL Qualifier
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
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
September 24: Final Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
September 30, October 1-2: Links Cup
November 19-20: Pam Golding Ladies OPEN Weekend
November 25-27: Nicklaus Champion of Champions (Serengeti)
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 
The St Francis Links Team