Keeping the Links a “running” course
This year we attacked the Poa-annua on the greens more aggressively; every summer, we employ a team to eradicate the Kikuyu on the fairways, with seeding and sanding that followed. Both programmes were successful and will continue going forward. I feel strongly that golf and golf satisfaction is based on quality surfaces, the greens, then the tees and then the fairways and rough. Conditions here at the coast are not always favourable. So to maintain the quality that we have achieved over the past thirteen years, the process is ongoing.
Remember that this masterpiece, designed by the legend, Jack Nicklaus, was built on sand, everything we play on was created and shaped on the sand, with a layer of topsoil over. The primary tees have been replaced with bentgrass to provide a consistently flat and firm surface. Charl’s no.2, Fasie, leads a team that keeps these projects on the go, improving the course every year.
Over the past two weeks, we applied the necessary products to the primary rough in an effort to further curb the spread of Kikuyu into the closely mown areas. To put it mildly, we hammered it. Now Charl has embarked on a scarifying and reseeding programme with rye to improve the surface. The Cynodon (kweek) is still being encouraged throughout the course.
Our latest effort to keep the course “linksy” with running fairways, will affect playability for a month or so until the rye is established. Please do not drive in the newly seeded areas. To give the young turf its best-growing conditions, we will treat all the areas as GUR, dropping at the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, with no penalty. Enjoy the wider fairways.
The Par-5, 3rd hole
Wellness Festival draws a good crowd
Thanks, Le for the pics!
Our newest Ambassadors
The GWAT’s (Girls with Attitude Tour)…right!
Coming soon – put these in the MUST DO column
The St Francis Links HOTEL by Mantis – SHOW UNIT starting NOW!
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
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