Ryder Cup and Links Cup!
It’s that time again! It’s CUP Matches time and as usual, we will host the Links Cup in conjunction with the Ryder Cup. This year, Davis Love III and Darren Clarke are the Captains for the Ryder Cup. Way back in 1970, I watched my first professional championship, The US OPEN, at Hazeltine where the Ryder Cup will be played. Ironically. it was Tony Jacklin who led from start to finish in winning his first major. He is best known for being the captain of two winning European sides, ending the US dominance. It proved to be the start of a new era where the Europeans have controlled the show.
Will this year be different? The Europeans will be starting a number of first-timers backed by the likes of Captain’s picks, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer. The Americans, on paper, have the stronger and more experienced side (again). But when it comes to the Ryder Cup, nothing is a given – what is certain is the fact that it will be a great event with the players firing on all cylinders. We will be showing the matches on the big screen – join us after you play in the Links Cup!
The Order of Merit winners from 2016 will lead the teams this year. Sandy Cunningham has represented our ladies at every event played. She also attends the regional meetings and keeps the enthusiasm up. Norman Pretorius participated in all of our events last year and always will when when available. He capped a good year representing and helping St Francis Links to victory in the Jack Nicklaus Champion of Champions! Sandy will captain the Internationals and Norman, the South African side.
In an effort to attract a really big field, we will play the Cup Matches in one day, Saturday, the 1st of October. We will play betterball, foursomes and singles of nine holes each. Opening ceremonies will take place on Friday Night with a customary singing of the anthems, introduction of the players and announcement of the morning draw. Following play, we will share the stories, watch the Ryder Cup and enjoy a great meal!
The Links Cup is FREE as our winner’s and runner-up medals were sponsored again by member, Colin Higgins. Only the Food and Beverage functions carry a cost. The Golf Shop team will be making phone calls to encourage your participation – why not beat them to the punch by entering today!
Join us as we play the Links Cup and watch the Ryder Cup!
Our 6th (and Final) Nicklaus Champion of Champions Qualifier!
Saturday, September 24 (The TOUR Championships)
ORDER OF MERIT- BEST THREE SCORES FROM SIX (PLAY A MINIMUM OF THREE EVENTS)
The Top FOUR point-getters from their best THREE qualifiers will represent St Francis Links at Serengeti!
The top qualifiers to date are:
Entry Fee: R75 per event
National Women’s SENIORS is coming to town!
The 25th SA National Women’s Seniors Championship will played at St Francis Links and St Francis Bay in 2018 and we are over the moon about it!
Back in 2012, Renee Botha told me that the Seniors would be coming to the Eastern Province in 2018 and gave me the name of the lady I should write to,
August 1, 2012
Janet Wilson
Seniors National Secretary
Dear Janet,
I was given your name by Renee Botha, my member at St Francis Links, following her Senior Nationals trip to Cape Town. She went to the tournament knowing how interested I am in hosting major events here. I am seeking information from you as to what the procedure is for applying to host your national championship. Renee informed me that it would be returning to the Eastern Cape in about 5 years. It’s never too soon to start planning!
I would have the full support of the St Francis Bay Golf Club as they have indicated they would partner such an event with me. We have the necessary accommodation needed; we have the ability to host and cater the food functions and we would embrace the event with attention to detail. Our great courses and facilities combined with our professional team will make the ladies proud.
After a presentation with Willie Uys and Janine VD Merwe to the Ladies’ Committee last week, we received the following:
Dear Janine and Jeff ,
We are pleased to advise you that your proposal was successful and St Francis Links and St Francis Bay Golf Clubs have been awarded the hosting of
EPSWG Nationals 13th to 16th May 2018 .
Many thanks for hosting us on Monday .It was lovely to meet you all and lunch was delicious.
We look forward to working with you in the near future .
Kind regards
Catherine Harvey
What does this mean for our golf clubs – plenty! The opportunity to host another National Championship is a great honour. To bring upwards of 400 participants and partners to St Francis – epic for busines and the entire community. This partnership with St Francis Bay GC proves, once again, that teamwork pays off in a big way! Here’s to teaming up more and more for the success of the clubsm the sport and the community!
Another Feather in our CAP!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Proudly Sponsored – ITEC SOLUTIONS will be 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, Curry Night follows – stay or take away!
(every Tuesday) – 10am Coffee Break for our lady members
September 21: Members and Family Get-together – 18h30 for 19h00 (New Date)
September 22: EP Sages
September 22-24: St Francis Bay Golf Club – annual Calamari Classic
September 30-October 1: The Links CUP!
October 30-November 6: Sunshine Tour returns with the Vodacom Origin’s of Golf FINALS
ST FRANCIS LINKS “MAJORS” AND “SPECIAL EVENTS” FOR 2016
Note the Date Changes for 2016:
April 9: 1st Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
April 23-24: Club Championships, Sean Botha and Janine VD Merwe, repeat Champions
May 29: Interestate Challenge at Mossel Bay (4th from 7)
June 4: Ladies 10th Annual Invitational – Helen Bridges and Jean Fynn, Champions
June 18: 2nd Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 9: Sanlam Cancer Challenge – SFL Qualifier
June 26: Inter- Estate Challenge at Oubaai
July 15-17: Men’s Invitational – Leslie Krause and Hermanus Potgieter, Champions

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
July 31: Inter-Estate Challenge at St Francis Links
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
August 21: Inter-Estate Challenge Simola (to be resheduled after rainout)
September 24: Final Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
September 30, October 1-2: Links Cup
October 2: Inter-Estate Challenge at Pezula NEW DATE
October 30: Inter-Estate Challenge at Goose Valley NEW DATE
October 30-November 6: Vodacom Origins of Golf FINALS (Sunshine Tour – course Closed)
November 19-20: Pam Golding Ladies OPEN Weekend
November 25-27: Nicklaus Champion of Champions (Serengeti)
November 27: Inter-Estate Challenge FINALS at Pinnacle Point
December 9-11 – 10th Year Anniversary Activities (watch this space)
2016 International Events
US Masters – Augusta National, Georgia – April 7-10 – Danny Willett, Champion
US Open – Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pennsylvania – June 16-19 – Dustin Johnson, Champion
Open Championship – Royal Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland – July 14-17 – Henrik Stenson, Champion
US PGA – Baltusrol (Lower Course), Springfield, New Jersey – July 28-31 – Jimmy Walker, Champion
The Ryder Cup – Hazeltine, Minnesota – September 30 to October 2
I think this will be an awesome read!
Dale Hayes says he has ticked another “Bucket List” wish off!
He wrote…
On Sale in the Golf Shop – get yours today!
Every Great shot starts with a SMILE 
The St Francis Links Team