When I wrote a letter to the National Secretary representing the organization known as Senior Women's Golf SA, who could have guessed it would come to fruition and be the overwhelming success that is was

August 1, 2012

Janet Wilson
Seniors National Secretary

Dear Janet,

I was given you name by Renee Botha, my member at St Francis Links, following her Senior Nationals trip to Cape Town. She went to the tournament knowing how interested I am in hosting major events here. I am seeking information from you as to what the procedure is for applying to host your national championship. Renee informed me that it would be returning to the Eastern Cape in about 5 years. It’s never too soon to start planning!

I would have the full support of the St Francis Bay Golf Club as they have indicated they would partner such an event with me. We have the necessary accommodation needed; we have the ability to host and cater the food functions and we would embrace the event with attention to detail. Our great courses and facilities combined with our professional team will make the ladies proud.

Jeff Clause

This year, the Senior Women celebrated 25 years as an organization. Their first event I hosted at Fancourt in 1994. There were about 60 players then; today we played 208 in two divisions, with provinces allocated spots from more than 600 members. They competed as fourball teams on day one, playing an Alliance format on both courses - two from the Silver Division and two from the Bronze. It required more than 90 points on each course to be in the prizes. On Tuesday the players were split by division. After a light westerly on Monday, the flags didn't move until a "light puff" entered from the east in the afternoon. Scores were good - 38 points led the here with 69 gross leading at The Bay. The great weather continued til the end when Maggie Minnie from The Boland defeated Sonja Bland from Southern Cape by 2 shots!

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.