Santa says
Handicaps may change
"The Game of a lifetime" is focusing on a new handicap system.
The current method of determining your maximum score for the hole is a maximum of 2 over par, unless you have two Course Handicap strokes on a hole, in which case you must enter a 3 over par.
From 1st October 2019, the maximum score on any hole for your Handicap Score will be a Net Two Over Par (or Net Double Bogey), which is equal to Zero Stableford points.
(Note: a net score on a hole is your Gross Score less any Course Handicap Strokes you have on that hole, while a Bogey is a 1-over-par score.)
Example:
1. If a golfer has a Course Handicap of 18, they get 1 handicap stroke per hole, so they must enter a maximum score of 3 over par on any hole where they blow out.
2. If a golfer has a handicap of 9, then on stroke holes 1 to 9 they must enter a maximum score of 3 over par on those holes and, on stroke holes 10 to 18, a maximum of 2 over par.
3. The following table gives a simple overview of the maximum score allowed for Handicap score entry purposes, based on the number of strokes the player receives on a hole.
 | You are in any doubt about maximum scores, please ask your club to assist you. Alternatively, you can enter your actual gross score on each hole on your HNA Phone App, the club terminal or at www.handicaps.co.za. The system will automatically adjust your score to your maximum allowed on a hole according to your Course Handicap when you press “Enter Score”.
The effect of this change to the maximum score allowed on a hole will result in Handicap Indexes, on average, going up. However, the simultaneous change of the Handicap Calculation to the average of the best 8 of the last 20 scores on the 1st of October (as covered in this previous newsletter), should ensure that the overall effect on your handicap over time will be minimal.
This change should also have a negligible effect on the speed of play because currently, most golfers continue to play until they have no Stableford points.
If you stroke on a par-4 and cannot score a point, write down 7; if you double-stroke, write down 8...before you conclude that your handicap will go out, remember, they will now be counting the best 8 of your last 20 rounds. Freshly Ground bring their best!
Zolani Mahola (born 19 July 1981) is a South African singer, actress and transformational speaker. She has been the lead singer of the internationally acclaimed South African music group Freshlyground since 2002. This mother of two anchors the band and really captures the ears and hearts of all who listen. | |  | | |  |
| Inter-Estate (undefeated)
The team from St Francis Links averaged more than 40 points per betterball on their way to winning the Inter-Estate played here on Sunday! TK and Dave Hart led the way with 46 points on the hottest day we have experienced in years. Teams representing Pinnacle Point, Oubaai, Mossel Bay and Goose Valley (12 each) came and enjoyed the day with us.
Click here to view the results.
Our Next Inter-Estate is at Mossel Bay on the 20th of September. Please let us know if you are available. We will assist with accommodation and extra games where needed (and wanted).
Knowing a Birdie from a Eagle
A message from Yvonne
Dear Jeff,
Our grateful thanks once again for allowing the St Francis Bay Bird Club to visit one of our most popular birding spots in the area. You have no idea how much they look forward to visiting The Links.
Not only are the birds plentiful and of a wide variety, but it is also so pleasant to walk through beautifully manicured surroundings and to enjoy the tranquillity and ambience of the whole place. So much care has been taken in planning and constructing the many beautiful paths. The odd wooden bridge provided for people to cross depressions was also much appreciated.
We were impressed with the new security system that you organised for the birders. No longer was there a queue at the gate as our people were able to come through at their leisure to meet in the parking area. Being given a one-time pin also made access through the booms quick and efficient so no birding time was wasted.
The Chairman of BirdLife Eastern Cape, Corne Erasmus, attended the outing with us and was most impressed with the whole place. The birding was good, as usual, and finding a Long-crested Eagle made the day for several folks who had not seen this bird before. Photographers were hard at work clicking away and jostling to find the best angle.
Thank you so much.
View the list of birds seen and heard on St Francis Links 23 August 2019 here.
For your calendars
Save the date!
| |  | | | | Watch the Rugby World Cup at the Links | | |  | | | | Don't miss out! |  | | Links Cup | September 27-28 | Sign up | | |  | | | | Book now and tell your friends! | | | | Book now > |
The St Francis Links Hotel by Mantis
Show units are under construction
The proposed St Francis Links Hotel by Mantis is being sold as a sectional title scheme. Now, three units are being built as show units to promote sales.
The show unit, comprised of 1 two-bedroom unit and 2, one-bedroom units will be complete for the season. The Hotel will consist of 60 one and two-bedroom suites, modelled after the successful hotel development at Pearl Valley, where the 2nd phase was launched recently. The Clubhouse will be home to reception manned 24/7, the Food and Beverage services, AquaSpa and of course, the home of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course! Pam Golding Properties are handling the sales for the Hotel. Neil Fox is the lead person. Email Neil Fox on neil.fox@pamgolding.co.za. Saria Blaauw is assisting and they are dividing their time at The Links.
Events to take part in
Selective Lighting Friday Competition | | | |  | |  | | | | | Ernie and Linda Müller and their Team from Selective Lighting are making Fridays extra special at St Francis Links. Once a month, they host the Selective Lighting/The Fireworks Friday Competition. We shotgun start the players for 9 holes. Starting times are based on the season, 14:30 in the cooler season and 15:30 in the summer months. Be a part of growing the Club and join us for nine and some good times after golf! Please enter in advance for numbers.
Open Wednesdays
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, sometimes 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.
Major events and winners  | | Click to enlarge | |
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