|
| Highlights from our Scratch League’s matches |
| The St Francis Links Scratch League had a remarkable performance on home ground, showcasing the skills and determination of the team members.
The team consisted of:
Ernest Bendeman
Shaun Viljoen
Boetie Zietsman
Fouche Swart
Steve Dent
Jacques van der Walt |
Shaun and Ernest’s Comeback:
The duo faced a challenging situation being 3 down against PE and 2 down against Humewood. They managed to level their match against PE to all square and took a lead of 1 up against Humewood. A pivotal moment occurred when Shaun hit a 4-iron shot that landed stiff, allowing them to tie their match against PE and maintain momentum.
Steve Dent’s Resilience:
Steve was down by 3 holes but demonstrated exceptional skill by winning his match with a score of 3 and 1. His performance was crucial in keeping the team’s spirits high.
Fouche Swart’s Critical Play:
Fouche found himself dormie 1, meaning he needed to at least halve his match to keep the team’s chances alive. He executed an impressive provisional shot from 170 metres, landing it just 3 inches from the hole, which allowed him to win the hole.
Shaun’s Final Hole Heroics:
In a tense finish, Shaun managed to get an impressive up and down on the 18th hole, securing his match victory by 1 up.
The collective effort of the St Francis Links Scratch League team not only highlighted individual talents but also showcased teamwork and resilience under pressure. Their ability to come back from difficult situations shows the true mental fortitude to be crowned champions! |
| We shook the house with an awesome St. Patrick’s Day celebration! |
| St. Patrick’s Day Party Recap |
| What a fantastic day we had at our St. Patrick’s Day party! The atmosphere was electric, and the vibes were off the charts with laughter and camaraderie. Our unique mystery alliance format kept everyone on their toes and added an extra layer of fun to the day’s festivities. |
| We introduced a playful twist to our golf game with a mystery alliance format, where players teamed up in unexpected ways. Each hole had its own quirky set of rules that made for some hilarious moments and strategic thinking. Below are some of our favourite formats from the day: |
| Hole 1: The first person to walk on the green gets to have their score count – only one person! Talk about putting pressure on those early risers!
Hole 2: Players C & D’s scores counted, but there was a bonus point for every golfer (all four) wearing a green cap in the team. We saw some serious headgear fashion statements!
Hole 4: Your score only counts if you missed the green with your tee shot. A true test of skill – or lack thereof!
Hole 6: All four scores counted unless you found yourself in a bunker; then your score didn’t count for this hole. Bunkers: nature’s way of saying “not today!”
Hole 9: Players A & B’s scores counted, plus a bonus point for every golfer wearing a green shirt. We had more green than a leprechaun’s wardrobe!
Hole 11: Your score only counts if you teed off with your driver. No sneaky shortcuts here!
Hole 12: All four scores counted, but if you missed the fairway with your tee shot, your score was disqualified. Fairways are for winners!
Hole 16: No scores counted on this hole! It was like a mini vacation from competition – everyone got to relax and enjoy.
Hole 18: The first person to walk on the green had their score not count, while the other three scores were added together. A classic twist to keep things interesting until the very end! |
 |
| After the excitement of our St. Patrick’s Day party, we kept the good times rolling with a thrilling format shootout! This unique challenge had golfers drawing clubs at random, adding an element of surprise and hilarity to the competition.
Participants had four entertaining options to choose from for their shot towards a flag approximately 75 metres away:
A Junior Club: Perfect for those who wanted to channel their inner child or simply enjoy a lighter swing. Who knew nostalgia could be so effective on the course?
A Driver (520cc): For those feeling bold and ready to unleash some serious power! This club is typically used for long-distance shots, but could it handle the precision needed for this challenge?
A Left-Hand Wedge: A fun twist for right-handed golfers who had to adapt quickly! It was all about creativity and skill as they navigated this unexpected challenge.
Throwing the Ball: Yes, you read that right! Golfers could opt to throw the ball instead of using a club. This option brought out some impressive arm strength and comedic moments as players tried to get their throws just right. |
 |
| As each golfer drew their club at random, laughter filled the air. The unpredictability of which club they would end up with added an extra layer of excitement. Would they hit a perfect shot or send the ball flying in an unexpected direction?
The distance of 75 metres provided just enough challenge without being overwhelming, allowing everyone to participate regardless of skill level. The camaraderie among participants was palpable as they cheered each other on, sharing tips and tricks while enjoying the light-hearted competition.
MC Botha – with a driver in hand – hit a low stinger, hitting the bottom of the flag, nestling about 3 inches away from the hole – eish, when you have luck on your side! Things can work out in the strangest ways!
The fun format shootout was a fantastic way to cap off our St. Patrick’s Day festivities!
We can’t wait for more events like this in the future; who knows what creative formats we’ll come up with next? Until then, keep swinging those clubs (or throwing those balls) and remember: it’s all about having fun! |
| An engaging evening at the Kouga Business Forum |
| The St Francis Links Head of Departments recently had the opportunity to engage with Kouga business leaders at the annual Kouga Business Forum gala dinner. |
| Insightful Presentation by Dr Frans Cronje |
| One of the highlights of the evening was an extremely informative talk delivered by the guest speaker, Dr Frans Cronje. His presentation focused on analysing scenarios for South Africa’s long-term economic and political prospects under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Our congratulations to all the winners in the various categories that evening. It was indeed wonderful to network and celebrate with them all. |
| World Golf Awards nomination! |
| We have been nominated in the 12th annual World Golf Awards for:
South Africa’s Best Golf Course 2025: St Francis Links
Voting is now open and members of the golf community – consumers and industry executives alike – can vote for the brands they consider the very best in golf tourism.
The full list of World Golf Awards 2025 nominees can be viewed on the website where votes can also be cast.
Voting runs until midnight 1 October 2025. The winners will then be notified and the 12th annual World Golf Awards will take place in beautiful Madeira, 12-13 November. |
| St. Patrick’s Day winners! |
|
|
|
|
| MAKE TIME |
| Don’t be TRAPPED |
| Don’t let the dark nights trap you. Even if you can’t get out for 18-holes, get out for 9. If you can’t ‘make time for 9’, then spend some time practising. And if you’re practising, practise with purpose. Even without purpose, you’re keeping joints and muscles mobile. |
If you’re short of playing partners, then combine it all. A 9-hole playing lesson allows us to:
• Help you with your technique on virtually every golf shot from tee shot to chipping and putting.
• Provide you with game management winners that will lower your scorecard.
• Offer you advice on the quickest way to improve your scorecard or to improve the shot that frustrates you most.
• Spend two hours talking about your golf game and your golf swing.
• Leave you with some key drills that will allow you to practise with purpose. |
| Want to play 9 holes with us? |
| If you’d like to ‘make time for 9’ as a playing lesson, then reach out now. |
|
|
|
|
| Your golf swing may, or may not, be a thing of beauty. It may, or it may not, be full of explosive power. But at the end of the day, it’s the club path, face angle, angle of attack, and contact quality that matters.
It can be more difficult to get those things right. Or it can be less
difficult with less frustration and more elation.
How do we make it less difficult? |
|
| Make the game less difficult |
| There are things that are easy to control in golf. And there are the things that are less easy. Making sure your equipment fits your golf swing is an easy thing to control. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1892.jpg)
600.jpg)
