Caryl’s Corner
The Colourful Cape Floral Region.
In 2004 the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas was inscribed on the World Heritage List. In 2015 the extension of this area was approved. It is one of the world’s greatest centres of terrestrial biodiversity. It is also one of the most special places for plants in the world in terms of diversity, density and number of endemic species.
Of particular scientific interest are the adaptations of the plants to fire and other natural disturbances, seed dispersal by ants and termites, the very high level of plant pollination by insects (mainly beetles and flies) birds and mammals.
There are about 9000 plant species in the region and about half are threatened or of conservation concern. Invasive alien plants and too frequent fires are the greatest management challenges facing this area. Longer term threats include climate change and development pressures.
The Links falls within this amazing Cape Floral Kingdom. The smallest Floral Kingdom in the world yet the most diverse. We are unique with our own special plant species and wonderful splashes of colour throughout the year.
Spring colours are everywhere!
Caryl Logie has been with St Francis Links since the construction period and ably assists us with everything that grows (and eliminating those that shouldn’t be growing here)!
The Ladies went “around the world” in two rounds!
This year’s Pam Golding Ladies’ Open Weekend was another great success with everyone performing, from the weather to the staff at both Clubs. Dawn Spears and Heilie Uys led their team at the Bay and Thinus and Eugenie led the way. We turned the Club Veranda into a tribute to the world! Both Clubs were complimented for their food, service and outstanding condition of their respective courses from the ladies who traveled in from 20 Clubs – all over SA!
Everyone was a winner, yet the bragging rights, return golfing weekend and entry to next year’s event went to Sheila Howell and Louise Van Niekerk! Well done, Ladies! Thanks to all of our sponsors!
TOUR News – Two of the world’s best break their winning drought on the same day!
Lee Westwood and Matt Kuchar last won tour championships on the same day four years ago. His win at The Myakaba Golf Classic in Mexico with a local caddy. He was actually a late entry and his regular caddy was unavailable (and about $125 000 short).
Kuchar finished one shot clear of a battling Danny Lee on 22-under 262 to secure his eighth PGA Tour success but his first since the 2014 RBC Heritage, 1,667 days ago. Lee Westwood’s last win came at the Malaysian Open on the same day that Kooch won in America. His 64 at the Nedbank was simply awesome, passing Louis and Sergio on the back nine. Special!
The extra support came from Lee’s Partner, Helen Storey, who has been his caddy! It’s interesting that Kooch’s wife took the bag for Zach Johnson in Round One at the Myakaba when his caddy had a problem. Team Kooch.
Links Majors, Special Events and Results for 2018
Jan 2-3 The Pam Golding Annual (St Francis Bay wins – the overall is tied 6 games each)
Jan 5-6 Men’s Member/Member Partnership, Chris and Jandré Lessing, Champions
Jan 20 Windhoek Lager International Pairs (3rd Qualifying), Percy Owen and Norman Dyer
Jan 27-28 EP Champs (course closed) Altin VD Merwe, Strokeplay Medalist (74-68=142)
Feb 3-4 EP Champs (semi-finals and finals) Naldo Claassens, Champion; Hugo Maritz, Plate Winner
Feb 14 Couples/Mixed Golf – Valentine’s Dinner Ronnie and Sally Nienaber, best members
Mar 10 Greensomes over 18 holes Pete Maskew and John Wilson, Champions on 39pts
Apr 22-26 National Senior Inter-Provincials Central Gauteng, Senior Champions; Southern Cape, Super-Senior Champions
May 5-6 Club Championships, Lynn Slogrove and Brent Vos, Champions
May 13-16 Senior Women’s Nationals (SFL and SFBGC) , Free State wins the team title, Maggie Minnie (Boland), gross champion.
May 18-20 St Francis Bridge Invitational Everyone was a winner!
May 20 Nomads Monthly Game (11am Shotgun) 66 in the field
May 24-25 Woodland’s Golf Days 96 players on Thursday and 112 on Friday! HOSPICE wins
May 26 Foursomes over 18 holes Johann Spangenberg and Tom Grimsley; Lynn Slogrove and Margot McGregor
June 2 Ladies’ Invitational, Sandra Marais and Sonette Korff, Champions
June 16 Quarterly Couples/Mixed – US Open – re-scheduled
June 17 Father’s Day Golf and Lunch
June 21 EP Seniors
June 25-26 Nomads Coastal NOoM, Barend Botha over Aiden Senger, playoff 143 gross
July 7 The Inaugural Muirfield Day (foursomes and four balls) everyone was a winner!
July 20-22 Men’s Invitational, Hein Spangenberg and Eddie Nel, 98 points
Aug 20 to
Sept 4 Spring Programme (Club Closed)
Sep 23-29 Vodacom Origins of Golf (regional Finals) Alex Haindl – 12 Under Par
Oct 20-21 Links Cup South Africa wins 23-21
Nov 10-11 Pam Golding Ladies’ Open Weekend
Dec 1 Ladies’ Member- Member Partnership
Dec 8 Par-3 Championships
Dec 14-15 Pam Golding Annual (SFBGC host)
Dec 17 Kromme Trust Amazing Race
Dec 18 Food and Wine Festival
Dec 22 NSRI Golf Day and Pro Shop Pop a Balloon Sale
Jan 3-4 Men’s Member-Member Partnership
More to Come!
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