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Friday, April 19, 2024



Who's your pick?
I am soooooooo excited that the most anticipated Masters in years, is upon us. The best April Fool's Tweet probably had merit - "there will be an extra channel to show all of the players other than Tiger and Lefty". With the attention on the two of them this year, that may be a great request. I have never seen a stronger field of capable champions at Augusta.

I have even done a promotion with Compleat Golfer and Cape St Francis Resort, where you and your friends can enter and win a dream stay with unlimited golf at St Francis Links. Click here to enter - tell your friends! We only have 5 Saffas in the field this year and it's up to you to rank them in order of their finish. Bear in mind that Gracie's wife, Nieke, is due to give birth to their first (son) any day now.

 
 
I am excited because it's the Masters and every year it provides us with great golf. Seldom is there a winner who doesn't represent or go onto greatness. I watched Arnie and Gary and Jack, then Seve, Bernie and Sir Nick; I cried when Gentle Ben won after burying Mr Penick during the week and jumped with Tiger when his ball rolled over slowly (showing the Nike logo) and in at 16; Greg failed, Weiskoff made 13, Jordan dominated and then, crashed twice at 12; Charl passed the Aussies (3 of them) in the last four and Louis was beaten by wizardry (in front of me) by Bubba. Bob Goalby won when Roberto signed for reversed scores. Gary came from way behind, Lefty birdied that last two to rob Ernie, Woosie was the shortest, the Walrus was the biggest, Tiger was the longest and Zach in winning, was the shortest off the tee. Ladies were denied, Clifford Roberts only wanted white golfers and black caddies.

Today, it's the biggest show on earth with Drive, Chip and Putt attracting thousands of future golfers to Augusta, as well!

It's the Masters - ##INTROTEXT##.50 Pimento Cheese and "placed" chairs that are not touched, patrons behave and players perform! I have attached the PGA "power rankings". Enter the competition online and pick 3 in the Golf Shop. Watch, record and replay...but don't miss this year's Masters.

As the PGA Tour sees it...

  1. Justin Thomas
It's the FedExCup points leader's third appearance. Gradual improvement here (T39 in 2016; T22 in 2017) is textbook learning curve. Since winning Honda: P2 in Mexico, fourth at the Match Play.
     
  2. Phil Mickelson
Even if his 2017-18 numbers didn't support an endorsement, it wouldn't matter. But they do and how. The three-time champ has nine podium finishes here, and his WGC-Mexico title still fresh.
     
  3. Justin Rose
Phenomenal play going back as long as you'd like. His sublime Masters record (12-for-12) lacks only a win. Last year's playoff victim also T2 in 2015.
     
  4. Jordan Spieth
The ANGC horse is happy with progress while putting, but he led the field in Houston in strokes gained: tee-to-green. That execution makes him doubly dangerous this week.
     
  5. Tiger Woods
The four-time champ has done everything right in advance of his first appearance in three years. He's lacking only a win in his latest return to action, but has threatened in his last two starts in Florida.
     
  6. Rory McIlroy
He's first up in 2018 to pursue the career grand slam, but must exorcise demons at Augusta National where his firepower can build a buffer. The win at Bay Hill three weeks ago was monumental.
     
  7. Jason Day
He's one of the handful of great fits with experience and success. A winner earlier in 2018, he currently leads PGA TOUR in strokes gained: putting and sits fourth in birdies-or-better percentage.
     
  8. Dustin Johnson
Winless record in title defense at the Match Play notwithstanding, he can have his way with Augusta National. In fact, it owes him after last year's injury. He was T6 in 2015 and T4 in 2016.
     
  9. Bubba Watson
Not that he needed to validate the return to the winner's circle at Riviera, but the Match Play title eliminated any doubt. Only two top 35s at the Masters since 2009 happen to be wins.

Note: they haven't included Jon Rahm, Sergio...

I always root for the South Africans and will again. Justin Thomas is my other pick, with the hope that Rory can complete the SLAM.

Are the Azaleas in bloom? Yes, they are!

This week is The Masters - my favourite golfing week in LIFE!

Let's start the week the way they do, with the Par-3 Tournament - Join us on Masters Thursday, 5 April at 15h30!
  Next get-together - April 12

Good ideas and comments came from the Property Owners' Forum and the Homeowners Directors have reported their findings to the other members of the Board. We at EXCO, have already gotten stuck into some of the members concerns and ideas. I am very pleased that our Estate is evolving and all of our members are in a position to come and see us, communicate with our Directors and see their concerns and ideas discussed, resolved or implemented!

March was another budget beater with Club departments turning over great business and managing their areas well. Note: We had more rain in March than any March since 2008 - unfortunately, it didn't rain at the catchments.
 
New Staff Member - a proper all-rounder!

Please welcome Frans Geldenhuys, our new F&B Assistant Manager!

Frans joins us from Eye of Africa, where his last assignment was managing the food production and outlets for the PGA Championship. With rain almost every day, he was challenged beyond words - yet, succeeded! Before that he was at Houghton, the highly-respected member Club in JHB. Please welcome Frans, his lovely wife, Dané and their daughter Juliani-Louise!

Frans studied at University of Exeter, University of Free State and Unisa. He is passionate about sport, a keen golfer and enjoys reading.
  

Dané lived in Jeffrey’s Bay. She studied at the University of The Free State (Hon. Occupational Therapy). She is a passionate sports lady and has competed in 6 Tri-Athlons (half Iron Man events)

They are happily married for 3 years, going on 4. Juliani-Louise is turning one, 5 April.

Please rate St Francis Links - http://www.Leadingcourses.com







Unlucky, plugged

Because our course is natural and our sand comes from the dunes on the estate, you might find your ball plugged in a bunker. The first reaction is “That’s it for me this hole” and it does not need to be that way.

Come and practice a plugged lie, it is really not that difficult.

• Take your normal stance
• Open your clubface
• Do not try and finish your follow through
• Swing steep towards the ball, enter the sand 4 cm behind the ball
• Leave the clubhead in the sand, do not follow through
  

With some force and a steep angle of attack the ball will pop out of the bunker with no spin at all. Expect to see more roll on the ball, do not expect backspin. Remember, the goal is to get the ball out of the bunker.

The more you practice this the better and luckier you will be.

Thinus Keller
PGA Head Golf Professional
pro@stfrancislinks.com



Please take note of the dates and post them where you will see them and enter!

Links Majors and Special Events for 2018

Jan 2-3 The Pam Golding Annual (St Francis Bay wins – the overall is tied 6 games each)
Jan 5-6 Men’s Member/Member Partnership, Chris and Jandré Lessing, Champions
Jan 20 Windhoek Lager International Pairs (3rd Qualifying), Percy Owen and Norman Dyer
Jan 27-28 EP Champs (course closed) Altin VD Merwe, Strokeplay Medalist (74-68=142)
Feb 3-4 EP Champs (semi-finals and finals) Naldo Claassens, Champion; Hugo Maritz, Plate Winner
Feb 14 Couples/Mixed Golf – Valentine’s Dinner Ronnie and Sally Nienaber, best members
Mar 10 Greensomes over 18 holes, Pete Maskew and John Wilson, Champions on 39pts
Apr 22-26 National Senior Inter-Provincials (90) (course closed)
May 6-7 Club Championships
May 13-16 Senior Women’s Nationals (SFL and SFBGC) (course closed)
May 18-20 St Francis Bridge Invitational
May 20 Nomads Monthly Game (11am Shotgun)
May 24-25 Woodland’s Golf Days
May 26 Foursomes over 18 holes
  June 2 Ladies’ Invitational
June 16 Quarterly Couples/Mixed – US Open
June 17 Father’s Day Golf and Lunch
June 21 EP Seniors
June 25-26 Nomads Coastal NOoM
July 7 The Inaugural Muirfield Day (foursomes and fourballs)
July 20 Oakley X-Over
July 20-22 Men’s Invitational
July 22-25 PGA Road Trip - Pards Cup
Aug 20 to Sept 4 Spring Programme (Club Closed) FINAL DATES - PLEASE TAKE NOTE
Sep 23 - 29 Vodacom Origins of Golf (course closed)
Sep 28-29 Links Cup / Ryder Cup (Paris)
Oct 6 Quarterly Couples/Mixed Golf
Nov Pam Golding Ladies’ Open Weekend (date – TBD)
Dec 1 Ladies’ Member- Member Partnership
Dec 8 Par-3 Championships
Dec 14-15 Pam Golding Annual (SFBGC host)
Dec 17 Kromme Trust Amazing Race
Dec 20 Food and Wine Festival
Dec 22 Year-end Couples/Mixed – Pro Shop Sale
Jan 3-4 Men’s Member-Member Partnership

Important Note: We endeavour to keep our "Majors" on the same weekend each year to encourage the best participation. We are forced to move the Annual Club Championships back a week this year because we were the chosen course in the Eastern Cape to host the National Senior Inter-Provincials, a tournament featuring the country's top golfers. It finished on Thursday the 26th, leaving no time for practice or course preparation. I apologize and the Champs will return to the last week in April in years to come.



Have you booked for Barry Hilton? 8 April with lunch! (click on images to enlarge)

 

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 Whatsapp 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

April 4 Special Par-3 Competition in conjuction with Wednesday School (Kick off the Masters)
April 5-8 The Masters (televised daily)
April 11 ITEC Open Wednesday - special rates, prizes and snacks (R1500 in meat)



  April Birthdays

1 - Tim Elliott, Peter Browne
2 - Leigh Bradfield
3 - Christiaan Serfontein, Keith Stacey
4 - Jan Joubert
5 - Dustin Hogan, Justin Collen
6 - Theo Vos
7 - Jo Viviers, Michael Schottler
8 - Richard Towell
9 - Ewin Collen
10 - Michael Barratt, Rob Birch, Saria Blaauw
11 - Bruce Brooker
17 - Maggie Langlands, Renier De Waat, Renthia Buitendag, Robyn Roberts, Silvio Scribante
19 - Charles Lourens, Kevein Pietersen, Tom Donnelly
21 - Geoffrey Roberts
25 - Andrew Payne
29 - Dirk Ellis
30 - Johanna Hubsch, Judith O'Hara, Michael Holden, Walter Ehinger


 
31 March 2018 - click here
28 March 2018 - click here



Every Great shot starts with a SMILE!
Santa and the Links Team
Have you ever dusted your Driver face with a powder to record your strike pattern?
You should try it. It can be quite revealing and will probably underline why the advances
in 2017 and 2018 Driver faces have been so important.
 

Obviously for the 15 handicap and above, given their strike pattern, the improvements in shot consistency
from the new faces, will be quite dramatic. But, lower handicap golfers have less room for error,
so even small improvements make a dramatic impact.
 
The Cleveland HB Launcher Driver has a number of design features that promote a consistently higher launch,
but it also has some real innovation in the face and head design to accommodate your strike pattern.

We’d like to work with any golfer interested in playing more often.
We’re keen to make sure everyone of our golfers is on the fairway off the tee more often.
Interested? 
 

If you know a child between the ages of 6 and 13, do you want their sporting participation to be about
becoming an elite athlete, or do you really want them to have fun socializing while learning some
movement and balance skills? Let them try golf!
 
 

There’s a lot of evidence supporting the argument that we should make sure that enjoyment and a
multi-sport approach are fundamental to their early development.

 
 
As coaches we want children to be safe, to feel settled, comfortable and integrated with other children,
and of course to progress. But as well as progress, we need to provide them with the levels of enjoyment
and fulfilment that will keep them active, happy, and connected to a pastime that
will be very valuable to their life. 
 

Come and talk to us about the best way to introduce golf to your child
or how to develop their ability.
 
 

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