Woodlands salutes Golf and the Olympics

Jeff ClauseSanta Says

Woodlands 2016 1

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HOSPICE benefits from our biggest charity days!  

Years ago, the Woodlands Dairy Golf Days started out as one day for HOSPICE and has now grown to two full days of competition. This year, more than 200 golfers played in perfect weather on our great links. The golf was excellent and yet, the biggest winner was HOSPICE. Woodland’s Dairy , like so many other top businesses in our region, is often called upon to support projects in the area. Some 18 years ago they started their golf days with HOSPICE as the beneficiary. Over the past few years, the event has been played here and the funds generated through the kindness of the participating area farmers and businessmen. This year, they were looking for more opportunities to raise additional funds. Before the auctions started after play on Thursday and Friday, nearly R200 000 was in the bank. By the time we finished late Friday afternoon, the generosity increased and the fundraising surpassed R300 000, the amount achieved last year. We weren’t finished – two more auction items were “created” and the total pledged passed R350 000 for Sister Ingrid and here team of volunteers. Fanflippintastic!

Woodlands 2016 1


Just hang in there – Never give up! 

So when I got the message from Gillian Hammond who what’s app’d me from Serengeti at the National finals  “…scary course, no markings or pictures – so hitting blind. Eeeek! Apologies but appreciate the experience”. At that point I just want to reply with something supportive – I say, “Just being there is winning; it’s all part of growing.” 

Sometime later I get this, “OMG, I’m in a count-out for Winner! Will let you know later!” and I say, “You GO, girl” 

“Soooo, I’m off to Windhoek – Soooo hilarious! and I closed with, “Never give up, you should have seen the Ladies’ Comrades!” 

Did you see this year’s Comrades! I guess with a running athlete next to me on the couch, watching people run became the perfect Sunday entertainment. Listening to the commentator’s was even more entertaining as the Men’s Champion, David Gatebe made his move on the field with more than a half marathon to go. They felt he was doomed and would be caught by the seasoned former champion, Ludwick Mamabolo – NOT.  David trained at altitude with a former champion and knew he had what it would take to win (he may have been the only one who did). This guys just ran almost 18 parkruns averaging less than 18 minutes per every 5 km – think about that. You guys and ladies who set your target for 30 minutes in the parkrun (admirable) would only have to average that speed for 18 consecutive runs to finish in 9 hours! Holy smokes! 

Then there was the Ladies’ Race – the ever-smiling, Caroline Woostman, who walked a bit in winning last year’s race, lost that smile when her legs gave in with only a few kilometers to go. At that point, former runner-up, Charne Bosman, was more than 10 minutes behind. After receiving the word that Woostman was in trouble, she pushed on – she just hung in there! With less than 1800 meters to go, she brushed the shoulder of the person that looked strong only a few kilometers before. Everyone watching had to respect every element that made this race so special – even the fact that Caroline made it to the finish line before collapsing. 

Whatever your challenge in life, never give up – hang in there and believe in yourself. My statement, “every great shot starts with a SMILE is just a reminder to stay positive! 

Gillian is the definition of a learning golfer – an improving golfer – with the right attitude, we are all learning, every day in every way. 


Solid Start to Inter-Estate Challenge (@Mossel Bay)
Best 5 of the 6 Betterball scores to count

225 Mossel Bay – 45 average!
214 Pezula
213 Pinnacle Point 
206 St Francis Links

45 pts – Darryl Hendricks/Percy Owen; 42 – Mauro Nettl/Yan Coesens; 40 – Margot/Rex McGregor and Ernie/Linda Muller; 39 – Heather/Clive Rabie and Craig Haverly and Renee Botha 

201 Simola
199 Oubaai
186 Goose Valley

We may not have won this one, but we looked the best! 

Inter 


Mariska shines!  

Last year Mariska Erasmus joined us at St Francis Links as part of her training at Stenden South Africa. We realized very quickly that her commitment to excellence, enthusiasm for her work and overall NICE-girl demeanor, made her a candidate for employment beyond her training period. As a matter of fact, we didn’t want to lose her. She is a vital part of our Food and Beverage team, taking pressure off the tireless Eugenie, “the Machinie” who celebrated her birthday with us this week. Next time you are here, stop and give Mariska a pat on the back or a little hug to say Congrats and Thank You! 

Mariska 

I then asked Mariska to share a little bit about Stenden and what this all means to her! She wrote…

Stenden South Africa is a leading Private Higher Education Institution situated in the coastal town of Port Alfred.
Stenden South Africa offers a three year Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Hospitality Management, and is the only institution in South Africa to do so. Students will experience a critical practical learning experience in their 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of study, by working at a hotel learning facility such as My Pond Hotel for a number of weeks.
International accredited Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality Management degree. This is basically a business degree which focuses on the hospitality industry.

Subjects include: International law, human resource management, psychology, ITT, Business English, Financial Accounting, revenue management and hotel operations. During studies students are obliged to complete real world learning hours in the Stenden Hotel. Students rotate between the rooms division, reservations, kitchen and restaurant.

The career paths with this degree is almost unlimited. Number of students have have stayed within the hospitality industry becoming reservationist, food and beverage managers, rooms division managers or even general managers. others have become bank branch managers, insurance, ITT or guest review sites.
My passion and love has always been people and business. This is the perfect balance of both. What the future holds I’m not too sure but if it a career where I have the privilege to do both, I will most definitely be one happy lady.

 


PLEASE make a plan to join us! 

A very SPECIAL Day for Ernie Els and Autism 
On the 8th of June we will be hosting a very special day to commemorate and raise funds for Autism. Our Els for Autism day will be limited in numbers and will include a very special dinner following play with paired wines from the Ernie Els Wines and some magic tastes from Chef Bradley Castle. I have known Ernie and Liezl for years. Their commitment to seeking a cure and help for others is like no other. Please consider coming with your special friends for a very special day of golf and the gift of giving! Oh, the winners advance to the finals at Highland Gate, a very special Els design and from there to the SA OPEN Pro-AM. In our 10 years at St Francis Links, little has gotten me more excited. Contact our Golf Shop for details – 042 200 4502.
 
I am personally so proud of what the Els’ have accomplished already for Autism – their commitment to Ben has grown to a commitment for all. 
This is already a special day on paper – but it gets better; instead of a simple golf day and prizegiving, we are taking it all to another level with great prizes, a great dinner and auction following with some items supplied by Ernie himself. There will be great gifts on arrival in addition to the rest. 
 
Entry is R4000 per fourball (R1000 per player (R735 per member with cart) with value that far exceeds of the entry fee). Please enter your fourball soonest to ensure a place in this very special day!
 
2014 autism images  E4A Blue mid
Ernie and Ben
 
 

The UK Top 100 (of SA’s courses) has St Francis Links at Number SIX! Yeehah!

I really like ranking when ranking are good – these are good – take note of Humewood’s rise as well. This can only help to bring more visitors our way – stay here and play all the the great courses on offer! This are the UK’s choices as our best courses!

http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/news-item/top-100-golf-courses-of-south-africa-2016

Top 100 


 

 UPCOMING EVENTS

itec  harcourts

Proudly Sponsored – ITEC SOLUTIONS and Harcourts will be our sponsors for OPEN Wednesday (2nd Wednesday) and Harcourt’s Wednesday (3rd 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!

March (every Tuesday) – 10am Coffee Break for our lady members
June 4: Ladies’ Invitational (Golf and Lunch)
June 8: Els for Autism Charity Golf Day
June 10: Members’ Get-together (Par-3 and dinner)
June 15: ITEC OPEN Wednesday
June 19: Father’s Day
June 22: Harcourt’s Wednesday (+R1000 in prizes)
June 25-27: National Order of Merit (juniors)

 


ST FRANCIS LINKS “MAJORS” AND “SPECIAL EVENTS” FOR 2016

Note the NEW Dates for 2016:

April 9: 1st Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
April 23-24: Club Championships
May 29: Interestate Challenge at Mossel Bay (4th from 7) 
June 18: 2nd Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 9: Sanlam Cancer Challenge – SFL Qualifier
June 26: Inter- Estate Challenge at Oubaai
July 15-17: Men’s Invitational – Special NEW Friday event and Shoot-out

sf6561
Proud Sponsors of the Ladies OPEN Weekend and the ANNUAL

July 17: 3rd Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 30: 4th Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
July 31: Inter-Estate Challenge at Goose Valley
August 6: Ladies’ Invitational
August 6: 5th Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions
August 8-23: Spring Programme – Course and Clubhouse Closed
August 21: Sanlam Cancer Challenge FINALS
August 21: Inter-Estate Challenge Simola
September 24: Final Qualifier for the Nicklaus Champion of Champions 
September 25: Inter-Estate Challenge at St Francis Links
September 30, October 1-2: Links Cup
October 30: Inter-Estate Challenge at Pezula
October 30-November 6: Vodacom Origins of Golf FINALS (Sunshine Tour – course Closed)
November 19-20: Pam Golding Ladies OPEN Weekend
November 25-27: Nicklaus Champion of Champions (Serengeti)
November 27: Inter-Estate Challenge FINALS at Pinnacle Point

December 9-11 – 10th Year Anniversary Activities (watch this space)

 


2016 International Events

Majors 

US Masters – Augusta National, Georgia – April 7-10 – Danny Willett, Champion
US Open – Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pennsylvania – June 16-19
Open Championship – Royal Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland – July 14-17
US PGA – Baltusrol (Lower Course), Springfield, New Jersey – July 28-31
The Ryder Cup – Hazeltine, Minnesota – September 30 to October 2


Jordan

Jordan had it all down at Colonial – even dressing properly on Sunday for the “jacket” presentation. 

Every Great shot starts with a SMILE santa

 

Regards,
The St Francis Links Team

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