Brooks Koepka silenced Rory McIlroy on Sunday with his third “W” this season. With a month still to go he has already wrapped up the Player of the Year. His major record this year alone stands out from every other player. Koepka finished second at The Masters and US Open, won the PGA Championship and finished fourth at The Open. He added to his CJ Cup victory earlier in the season the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. Sunday promised to be a showdown between McIlroy and Koepka, after McIlroy fired a third round 62. Unfortunately for everyone Rory could not find the magic again in the fourth round. After playing the front 9 level par he returned with a 1-over back nine. Brooks on the other hand went 3-under on the front 9 and returned with a 2-under par on the last 9 holes. His 65 was good enough for a three shot victory without anyone putting pressure on him.
Brooks is dominating the World Golf Rankings. According to Paul Casey: ” Brooks is the closest thing to Tiger, since Tiger” If he only played in the Majors this year he would still have been number 1 in the world. Dominant and only getting better.
Last week we also had the opportunity to watch The Senior Open played at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. One of our regions top PGA Professionals, Robert Wiederkehr from Kingswood secured his spot in the tournament by winning the qualifying event at St. Annes Old Links with a magnificent round of 68. This was his first Major Championship, WOW. The emotions! He played and practiced with the best Seniors in the world… he had a special lunch with Mr. Watson. Speaking to him over the phone now I could hear how amazing this experience had been, to me it sounded like a dream come true. He has just arrived back in South Africa, a changed man I am sure. Congratulations Robert, you inspired me and many others. “Next Shot”
Robert Wiederkehr Senior Open Championship
Tom Watson played in his last Open Championship. Turning 70 in five weeks, the mere fact that he made the cut is a testament to the great golfer he still is. I am sure he had an emotional week, Robert we will talk more about that lunch you had with him.
With rounds of 71-67-70-66 for a total of 274, 6-under par, Bernhard Langer is the 2019 Senior Open Champion. Langer made 4 birdies on the front nine to turn in 4-under 30 and take his first solo lead of the day. He birdied the 13th and 14th to take a four shot lead. Despite making bogey on 15 and 17 he held on for a two shot win over Paul Broadhurst. South African Retief Goosen had a brilliant last round to finish 3rd. Retief is having a great season keep your eye on him. Bernhard is the second player in PGA TOUR Champions history with at least 40 wins. Langer is the Champions Tour’s all time money leader, current total: $27,969,082 and has won the money title 10 of the last 11 years. He has won the most senior major titles in the history, cruising with 11 victories. Can Tiger play that long? Bernhard turned pro in 1972, 47 years ago, that’s quiet something. One of the most underrated golfers of all time.
Thinus Keller
Head PGA Professional
The St Francis Links HOTEL by Mantis – SHOW UNITS are under construction
The proposed St Francis Links Hotel by Mantis is being sold as a sectional title scheme. Now, three units are being built as show units to promote sales.
The show unit, comprised of one, two bedroom unit and two, one-bedroom units will be complete for the season.
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
Our events
Ernie and Linda Müller and their Team from Selective Lighting are making Fridays extra special at St Francis Links. Once a month, they host the Selective Lighting/The Fireworks Friday Competition. We shotgun start the players for 9 holes. Starting times are based on the season, 14h30 in the “Cool Season” and 15h30 in the summer months. Be a part of growing the Club and join us for nine and some good times after golf! Please enter in advance for numbers.
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 (and ends) with a SMILE!
Santa and the Links TEAM
