SA Open Champions and (our favorite) was Runner-up
After an amazingly beeeeeeautiful walk on the Kromme beach with Liezl in the morning, I was “forced” to stay inside in the afternoon Sunday to cheer on Gracie in the SA Open Championship. Sadly for the event, top European and Asian golfers were missing because they competed in the Eurasia Cup matches (a little Ryder Cup). However, there was no compromise in the presentation of quality golf played on the magnificent Glendower Golf Club, immaculate for the Championship.
When you are ranked outside the top 200 in the world (282) and play the way Chris Paisley did on Sunday, no other top players were needed in the field to provide the golf he showed – 6 under par with no dropped shots and 18 greens in regulation. Heck, for a guy who has never won on the big Tour, he never quivered, even when Branden started out birdie, eagle! His wife, Keri, was the secret weapon. Having never caddied before, she carried the bag with a smile on her face from start to finish. His regular caddie, down do to injury, may not be replaced as she never put a foot wrong on the course. I think her smile got to Gracie because, even in defeat, he was such a gentleman. First he held back on 18 to give them their time “in the sun” and then offered and putted out to leave Chris the honor of finishing in style. After the event, instead of being gutted coming second, Branden was in a good space – he played well and lost to a better player on the day. Even Zach played his part, giving Keri the SA Flag from the 18th green – reserved for the winner as a keepsake!
The tournament was well-presented and well-supported. If I were watching in cold North America on the Golf Channel or in Europe on SKY, I would be booking flights for sunny SA!
EP Champs are up next – Road Trip planned for the 27th
We will, once again, host the best players in the Eastern Province for the 2018 EP Champs with 36 holes of medal play on the 27th and matchplay to follow. Come and watch as the golfers match their golfing skills to our fine test of golf.
The course will be closed and Thinus has put together a “Road Trip” on the 27th. Stay tuned…
http://www.Leadingcourses.com – Please rate St Francis Links
January Birthdays
16 – Brian Cunningham
17 – Carsten Christiansen
18 – Greg Darke
20 – Marieta Du Toit
More to Come!
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, 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
January 17 ITEC Open Wednesday – Special prizes and Special fees (with snacks)
January 15-18 Main Kitchen Closed
January 20 Windhoek Pairs (3rd Qualifying)
January 24 Golf Shop DRAW – enter by phoning in
January 27-28 EP Champs (course closed – all EP courses offer member rates)
St Francis Links Majors and Special Golfing Events
Check this out – 1-stop shopping!
Every Great shot starts with a SMILE!
Santa and the Links TEAM