I sat with a friend from overseas and asked him if they were coming to Valentine’s Dinner. He said, “Oh, we don’t do those things anymore!”
Hey, just as we are on a mission to be positive and those around us positive, we can’t let ROMANCE be taken for granted! Great everyone today and say Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to follow with “Be Mine” but it would be OK!
Yesterday’s golf played produced the most players we have ever teed off on 1 tee – 138, with 50 members in the field and the rest from all over the world. We saw returning guests and new ones, most of the new ones were here on someone else’s recommendation. The full field meant there was some slow play, but it certainly went smoothly for most who played. The weather was great, the conditions were perfect and I even had the pleasure of playing with overseas friends, two from Glasgow and Prestwick, where they are members, and another from England and Walton Heath. I played the white markers, John played the blue markers and the ladies played from the red. We had a great day. Better yet, the Young’s and the Blok’s, who have been here many times before are huge fans and ambassadors. With the weather we had yesterday, I am sure we have many more.
Prestwick was home to the 1st Open Championship and Walton Heath is annually in the World Top 100.
MJ and Juanita make the course look easy!
Thinus’ ears were burning as his assistance paid off!
I once had a member come to me and say, “I really want to take some lessons, but, I want to work it all out first.” What?
While my time teaching has been reduced significantly, I am proud to have the team of PGA Professionals we have here at St Francis Links. Led by the man of few words (none wasted), Thinus Keller to Mr Patience, Christo, who focuses on the ladies, juniors and seniors to the master of modern techniques, Brenden, there is someone here who will communicate the fundamentals to you. Jo (Juanita Gobby) turned in her best performance to date with a fantastic nett 65. TK played doctor as he provided some medicine for MJ DuBruyn. The result was a nett 64 and top prize in the competition. Even better, MJ and his partner, Stormin’ Norman Pretorius, fired off 51 points, certainly a record! They took home the meat in ITEC Wednesday. There were too many four pointers to mention, though they are attached. Three 5-pointers came on the day and 15-2-clubs! Not much to share there!
Great scores come on great courses, with great tees, fairways and greens!
Geoffrey finds the cup!
Geoff Garratt shared a big smile after acing the 7th hole last week! It was his 5th perrrrrfect shot!
Els for Autism – We need a few more players!
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!
Santa and the Links TEAM