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| The Links Cup 2024 – dominated by the South Africans! |
| The Links Cup has been a long-standing tournament with a great “gees” around it. Banter and chirping is always on order.
The South African team was represented by nonplaying captain: Jannie Olivier and the international team by: Dirk Groeneveld.
The South Africans took a resounding lead after the first day, dominating both formats of play – Betterball and Foursomes, taking a 16 to 4 lead on the conclusion of day one.
The South Africans wrapped up the Links Cup with the early matches taking victories.
We appreciate our amazing sponsors for this event – PW Harvey with Gavin Harvey and Metal Badge (1000km medals) with Colin Higgins!
We encourage the members to keep an eye out for this event next year and join! It is one of the most unique and fun weekends we host the entire year. |
| Presidents Cup 2024 Review |
| The 2024 Presidents Cup took place at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, showcasing a thrilling competition between the United States and the International Team. The event marked the continuation of the U.S. dominance in this biennial tournament, as they secured their 10th consecutive victory with a final score of 18½ to 11½. |
| Tournament Structure and Format |
| The Presidents Cup consists of various match-play formats including four-ball matches, foursomes, and singles matches. Over four days, a total of 30 matches were played. The competition began with five four-ball matches on Thursday, followed by five foursomes on Friday. Saturday featured both four-ball and foursomes sessions, culminating in singles matches on Sunday. |
- Thursday: The U.S. team started strong by sweeping all five four-ball matches, taking an early lead.
- Friday: The International Team responded effectively by sweeping the Friday foursomes, levelling the score.
- Saturday: The U.S. regained control by winning three out of four points in both sessions, leading into Sunday with an 11-7 advantage.
- Sunday: The final day saw intense competition where key players like Xander Schauffele and Keegan Bradley delivered crucial victories for the U.S., clinching the overall win.
Xander Schauffele set the tone for Sunday with a commanding victory over Jason Day (4&3), while Keegan Bradley secured the clinching point against Si Woo Kim (1 up). Other notable performances included Russell Henley defeating Sungjae Im (3&2) and Patrick Cantlay overcoming Taylor Pendrith (3&1). Despite some losses for top players like Scottie Scheffler against Hideki Matsuyama, the collective effort from Team USA was enough to secure their victory.
The International Team showed resilience throughout the competition. Players like Corey Conners achieved significant wins, but ultimately, they could not overcome the depth and strength of the American side. Tom Kim expressed optimism about future competitions despite this year’s defeat.
The 2024 Presidents Cup reinforced Team USA’s dominance in this event, having won 13 out of 15 editions since its inception. With Keegan Bradley being named captain for the upcoming Ryder Cup in 2025, he aims to carry forward lessons learned from this successful campaign. |
| From Andrew Schlebusch |
| Dear St Francis Links Family, |
| As I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my career, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had over the past 11 months at St Francis Links. It is with a mix of excitement and sadness that I announce my departure to head up the golf operation at Mont Choisy Le Golf in Mauritius.
From the moment I arrived, I have been welcomed with open arms by both the members and staff. Each day has been filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments that will forever hold a special place in my heart. The camaraderie and spirit of this club are truly remarkable, and I am grateful to have been part of such a vibrant community.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the members who have made my time here so enjoyable. Your support and enthusiasm have inspired me every day, and it has been an honour to serve you. A special mention must go to Jeff Clause and Norman Riley; your guidance and friendship have not only helped me grow as a professional but also as a person. Thank you for your wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support.
As I move forward into this exciting opportunity in Mauritius, I carry with me all the wonderful memories we’ve created together. I wish nothing but the best for St Francis Links and its members in the future. Please know that you are always welcome to visit me in Mauritius; it would be a pleasure to share this beautiful experience with you.
Thank you once again for everything. |
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| The PGA Championship is around the corner |
| 21st November to 24th November |
| The South African PGA Championship is a significant event in the golfing calendar, particularly on the Sunshine Tour. The inaugural PGA Championship was played at the Royal Cape Golf Club in 1923. This is the second oldest golf tournament in South Africa, only after the SA Open.
The PGA Championship will remain part of the Sunshine Tour’s annual tournament calendar as one of its “Triple Crown” of tournaments and including the South African Open and South African Masters.
St Francis Links is seen as the home of the PGA Championship. Our golf course offers a unique golf experience characterised by its coastal scenery and challenging layout. The course’s inclusion as the host for the South African PGA Championship signifies its importance within both local and international golf contexts.
With great champions over the past years such as Dean Burmester, George Coetzee and Rupert Kaminski, we are sure to draw a world class field to our lush fairways and smooth greens!
There is no fee for spectators to come and view these pros at work, so plan a weekend in St Francis Bay! |
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| Join Us for Our First Ever Bullseye Shootout! |
| We’re excited to host our inaugural Bullseye Shootout, and we want YOU to be part of the fun on Saturday 12 October at 15h00!
Event Details:
Tee Off: From the top terrace at the clubhouse, aiming towards the putting green.
How It Works: Targets will be set up on the green. Hit within the target to advance to the next round. Miss the target, and you’re out!
Cost: Free for all members!
Enjoy complimentary snacks and a refreshing Gin Station (while stocks last). And remember, chirping and banter are highly encouraged – so bring your best A-Game!
We’d love to see all our members come out for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition. |
| St Francis Stars of the Week |
MiNet Gross Winner – Shaun Viljoen
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| Benefits of Playing Medal Golf |
| One of the primary benefits of playing medal golf, also known as stroke play, is that it provides a comprehensive assessment of a golfer’s skills. In this format, every stroke counts, which means that players must demonstrate consistency across all aspects of their game — driving, iron play, short game, and putting. This holistic evaluation allows golfers to identify strengths and weaknesses in their performance. |
| 2. Competitive Environment |
| Medal golf fosters a highly competitive environment. Since the objective is to achieve the lowest score possible over the course of the round or tournament, players are motivated to perform at their best. The pressure of knowing that every shot impacts their overall score can lead to improved focus and mental toughness, which are essential qualities for success in golf. |
| 3. Fair Comparison Among Players |
| In medal play, golfers compete on an equal footing since everyone plays under the same conditions without any modifications like “gimmies” or point systems that might favour certain styles of play. This fairness allows for direct comparisons between players’ abilities and performances, making it easier to determine who truly has the best score. |
| 4. Development of Course Management Skills |
| Playing medal golf encourages golfers to develop better course management skills. Players must think strategically about each shot they take, considering factors such as distance, hazards, and pin placements. This strategic thinking not only enhances their current game but also contributes to long-term improvement in their overall golfing ability. |
| 5. Recognition and Prestige |
| Medal golf is often associated with prestigious tournaments and events such as the PGA Tour and major championships (e.g. The Masters and the U.S. Open). Competing in this format can enhance a golfer’s reputation within the sport and provide opportunities for recognition among peers and fans alike. |
| 6. Handicap System Integration |
| For amateur golfers, medal play integrates seamlessly with the handicap system used in many clubs and tournaments. This allows players of varying skill levels to compete fairly against one another by adjusting scores based on established handicaps |
| Playing medal golf offers numerous benefits including comprehensive skill assessment, a competitive environment that fosters improvement, fair comparisons among players, enhanced course management skills, recognition within the sport, and integration with handicap systems. |
| The Importance of Entering Your Scores into the Handicap System! |
| Understanding the Handicap System |
| The golf handicap system is designed to level the playing field among golfers of varying skill levels. It allows players to compete fairly against one another by adjusting their scores based on their abilities. The system calculates a player’s potential ability, which is reflected in their handicap index. This index is essential for ensuring that all players can enjoy competitive play, regardless of their experience or skill. |
| Why Entering Scores Matters |
1. Accurate Representation of Skill Level: When golfers enter their scores into the handicap system, it provides an accurate representation of their current playing ability. This is crucial for maintaining a fair competition environment. If scores are not entered consistently, a golfer’s handicap may not reflect their true skill level, leading to unfair advantages or disadvantages during play.
2. Improvement Tracking: Regularly entering scores allows golfers to track their progress over time. By analysing trends in performance, players can identify areas where they need improvement and set realistic goals for future rounds. This self-assessment is vital for personal development and helps maintain motivation.
3. Maintaining Integrity in Competition: The integrity of golf relies heavily on honesty and transparency among players. By entering scores into the handicap system, golfers uphold the spirit of the game and ensure that competitions are conducted fairly. This practice discourages score manipulation and promotes ethical behaviour on the course.
4. Participation in Official Events: Many golf tournaments require participants to have an official handicap index to compete. By entering scores regularly, golfers ensure they meet eligibility requirements for these events, allowing them to participate in local, regional, or national competitions.
5. Community Engagement: Entering scores fosters a sense of community among golfers. Many clubs and organizations encourage members to share their scores and experiences, creating camaraderie and friendly competition within the golfing community.
6. Adapting to Changes in Skill Level: As golfers improve or face challenges due to age or injury, entering scores helps adjust their handicap accordingly. The system accounts for fluctuations in performance over time, ensuring that each player’s index remains relevant and reflective of their current abilities.
7. Encouraging Consistency: Regularly entering scores encourages golfers to play more frequently and consistently strive for improvement. This habit can lead to better overall performance as players become more familiar with course conditions and develop stronger skills through practice.
8. Statistical Analysis: The data collected from entered scores can be used for statistical analysis at both individual and club levels. Clubs can analyse performance trends among members, helping them tailor programs or events that cater to specific needs or interests within the membership base.
In conclusion, entering your scores into the handicap system is not just a formality; it plays a critical role in maintaining fairness, tracking progress, fostering community engagement, and enhancing overall enjoyment of the game of golf. |
| Playing golf in windy conditions can be challenging, but with the right techniques and strategies, you can improve your performance. Here are some tips for navigating windy golf courses: |
| 1. Adjust Your Stance and Grip |
- Lower Your Centre of Gravity: Widen your stance slightly to provide better balance against the wind. Bend your knees a bit more to lower your centre of gravity.
- Grip Pressure: Hold the club firmer to prevent it from moving in your hands during the swing. A lighter grip can lead to more erratic shots.
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| 2. Control Your Ball Flight |
- Keep It Low: Use a lower ball flight to reduce the wind’s impact. Aim for punch shots or knockdown shots by: Playing the ball back in your stance or taking less club and shortening your backswing.
- Adjust Club Selection: When the wind is against you, consider using a club with one or two extra lofts. Conversely, when the wind is at your back, you might choose a lower lofted club to keep the ball from ballooning.
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- Account for the Wind: Adjust your aim to counteract the wind’s direction. If the wind is blowing left to right, aim more to the left to compensate.
- Target Selection: Choose targets that take into account the wind’s influence, like aiming for the centre of the fairway or green rather than tight pins.
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- Reading the Green: Wind can affect putts, especially on exposed greens. Pay attention to how the wind might push the ball.
- Stay Low: When putting, keep your stance and posture lower to the ground to maintain stability.
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- Chipping: For chip shots, consider using a lower-lofted club to keep the ball closer to the ground. Make shorter, more controlled swings.
- Bunker Play: If you find yourself in a bunker, be mindful of how the wind may affect your shot. Open the clubface and play aggressively to ensure the ball clears the lip.
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- Stay Calm and Patient: Wind can be frustrating, but maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. Focus on your routine and trust your skills.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your strategy as conditions change
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- Get Comfortable: Spend some practice time on windy days to develop your skills and confidence. Experiment with different shots and learn how the wind affects your game.
Playing golf in the wind requires a mix of technique, strategy, and mental toughness. By adjusting your stance, controlling your ball flight, and maintaining focus, you can turn challenging conditions into opportunities for improvement. Embrace the elements and enjoy the game! |
| An exciting month of events ahead! |
| Our hospitality and golf team are proud to continue to bring exciting happenings … don’t miss out! |
| Chef’s Pieter’s Club Night Socials have received great reviews! Come and support and enjoy for yourself! |
| Time to put on your thinking cap! |
| Gather all of your quiz masters and join us for a fantastic night of fun competition! |
| Tee off for a PAW-some cause |
| We are getting to closer to our St Francis Animal Rescue Golf Day. If you haven’t signed up yet, now is your chance. Support our four-legged friends! |
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| Cleveland’s Speed Optimised Face Technology offers assistance with speed control. An intricate network of milled grooves gives you consistent speed and distance no matter where you strike your putt on the face.
How much closer would you be rolling your longer putts with that assistance? If you’re struggling with ‘speed control’ on the greens… |
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| Below is a quadrant. It isn’t perfect. It isn’t complete. But looking at the axis, and thinking about what you want to get out of the game of golf, where would you sit? |
| Let’s have some fun with this. If as many of you as possible can follow the link and let us have your answer, we’ll publish a ‘heat map’ at the end of the month.
Don’t try and make it too complicated. |
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| If golf for you is all about the challenge and competition, then it’s square 12. |
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| On the other side of the spectrum if, for you, golf is a very social experience that is about being outside, active, and de-stressing, then it’s square 7. |
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| Already this requires a little more thought doesn’t it? And we’ve made it just a little more difficult by not giving you a square 1 – right in the middle.
If you haven’t already done it, please |
| Whatever the reason you play golf, it will be for a reason that’s important to you. You don’t need more reasons. Consider how you can play more golf. |
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