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| The Rankings … by Jeff Clause |
| This year’s Golf Digest and SA Top 100 golf course rankings have just been released, and many have congratulated us for remaining in the Top 5!
We continue to punch way above our weight with some of the big guns in South Africa! Some do have questions as to why we went down two notches. Well, as our scorecard says, Top five in South Africa, and I’m very happy about that! I think you should all be aware that when Mr. Nicklaus came to open this golf course in 2006, he said it would evolve. He said we would evolve, and we have, not only as a golf course, but as an estate. And we have grown, and we’ve built homes, and yet it’s still a perfect balance between homebuilding, privacy of our members and playing the great game of golf.
It’s interesting that in the Golf Digest article, they referred to us declining because of homebuilding, changing a couple of our holes and tees to accommodate or prevent wider shots or mis-hit shots.
Well, yes, that’s what part of growing up. But I can assure you that we also have been rebuilding bunkers, upgrading fairways, improving our greens, and all of these have proven to keep us right where we are.
It’s interesting to note that the courses that are in our neighbourhood, ranked one to five, all have substantial course maintenance budgets enabling them to be as good as they can be. And I can assure you, when we reached number 3 with Fancourt Links and Leopard Creek, I felt we really had punched above our weight to achieve a podium position. Because not only are they in great locations, not only have they spent millions to get where they are, but they’re also rated top in the world, which means we’re there with them as well! |
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| We can all smile huge smiles that we have maintained our course at this level and we will strive to achieve these accolades as we go forward. It’s also important to note that we are constantly improving playability and upgrading experiences to be as good as we possibly can, most notably our beautiful clubhouse!
This is not an easy golf course to play, especially for a first timer. But our members and those of you who come here more often than others have learned how to play this course and learned where to miss your shots. And I can assure you that we remain committed going forward to keeping it as fun and as playable as possible, and yet as challenging and rewarding as a Links course should be. We remain dedicated to keeping our ranking as high as we possibly can, because it directly translates to higher home values and investment. The better we are, the better it is for you.
We are super proud of our estate and course team under the leadership of Charl Blaauw! Congratulations to all!
And also to all the courses featured, I say well done! The better we all are, the better for our regions and golf tourism in South Africa! |
| By the numbers – Check it by category! |
| We had many fun events and competitions in May – closed off by a recent fan favourite: The 4 Club Competition & Bullseye Shootout |
| Carel Tromp – Our PGA Pro and host of the Bullseye Shootout! |
| Goes to show you that some people don’t need 14 Clubs in the bag to play the game! |
From left to right:
Rian Wagenaar – 2nd Place
Gary de Bruin – 3rd Place
Nigel Oxenham – Our Champion!
Jannie Olivier – Our Bullseye shootout winner! |
| We really appreciate all those golfers who supported and participated in the event. As an eventful May draws to a close, we would like to highlight what we can look forward to in June!
Keep your diary open as we are going to have an eventful one! |
| Father’s Day Competition and Potjie! – 15th June 2025 |
| Get ready to spoil dad this Father’s Day with a fun-filled Par 3 Competition!
This event promises to be a delightful experience for both fathers and their children (don’t worry mom, we are also looking to give you the evening off with a Potjie and drinks promotions afterwards at the club).
- Betterball Stableford format – 85 % Handicaps
- Playing the Par 3 Golf Course – 9 Holes
- The tee-time is scheduled for 14h15
To enter the competition, Dad must be paired with his child. |
| After the excitement on the greens, we will gather at Jack’s Bar downstairs for prize-giving. Then we invite you to indulge in a fantastic potjie, expertly prepared by our Food & Beverage maestros, led by Pieter and his talented team.
To top off this wonderful day, there will be great drinks promotions available throughout the event. |
| Get ready to embrace the magic of the winter solstice with our Solstice Shootout – 21 June 2025 at 18h30 |
| A celebration of the longest evening of the year and we’re excited to invite you to join us for a night filled with fun and a bit of friendly competition.
Luminous night golf balls will light up our putting green up!
Great prizes up for grabs! |
| To keep the energy high and spirits lifted, music and delicious light snacks will be available throughout the evening. Feel free to bring your best dance moves!
Mark your calendars and prepare for an evening of laughter, competition, and joy at our Solstice Shootout! |
| Greensomes Championship – 28th June 2025 |
| This event promises to be an exciting day for participants and spectators alike, culminating in the crowning of the 2025 Greensomes Champions.
The Entry Fee is R150 per person and includes:
- Breakfast at the club from at 08h30
- 18 Holes from 10h00
Attendees can look forward to a great menu that will provide a hearty meal before the competition begins. Our team of PGA Professionals will also use this opportunity provide the event briefing. |
| In a greensomes format, each team consists of two players who both tee off on each hole. After teeing off, the team selects the best drive and then alternates shots from that point until they hole out.
We will have some great prizes up for grabs!
So don’t miss out on the opportunity to be crowned our Greensomes Champion for 2025! |
| 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. |
| 2025 Majors at St Francis Links |
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| What does the game of golf deliver to you today? What could we do to help you get more from our club, the community, and the game? |
| Few play the game professionally. And we doubt that the motivation for most of you is winning club competitions (although that’s a noteworthy achievement).
There is the personal challenge that you might measure by a new low handicap or a gross score that’s your personal best. |
| How many of you would list health and fitness as your number 1 reason for playing the game? It certainly gets you active outdoors. It certainly encourages mobility. And it will add steps to your daily tally.
One of the most underestimated benefits of golf is the mental well-being that comes from human connection. Whether you’re young or older. |
| And does golf have a role in your family? Is there any sport that can do more to offer a chance for adults and juniors to play together? |
| There are probably some reasons we’ve missed. But, if you have thoughts on ways that we can help you get more from your golf experience, |
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