| | Have you Noticed?
Work of the course and the Estate is always on the go. Charl, Thinus and I meet regularly to discuss the condition of the course – that is a given. But we also look at the entire course aesthetically and from the stance of playability. This extends to the Range and the Estate.
As we grow and mature, play more rounds and see more traffic, the overall condition of our tees, greens and fairways are challenged. Add warm, humid (like Durban) days and the course comes under stress. Many who play this great course take it for granted, not always appreciating what goes on behind the scenes to ensure a pleasant day on our links.
But most of you do and now, many have raised their hands to help keep our great course great! More on that later.
| |  | | Balanced with Nature | | | Monday was our 1st Quarter Review and second Board Meeting of the year. Our focus this year remains conservative, as there are going to be fewer revenue producing opportunities due to Covid. Yet, even with reduced budgets, we are working hard to keep everything in good working order and top condition. People like Johan in the workshop and the guys who do daily maintenance are so important for us all. Charl always provides me with a report for the Board, outlining the projects completed and those on the go.
The Course -
(Charl’s Report)
Projects completed:
– Pop-up sprinklers added to the left of the range tee to protect the homes from receiving unexpected irrigation water.
– Signage was updated and added throughout estate
– New steps added on all the trails. We replaced the old steps with sleepers.
– Continued irrigation fixes as the old fittings have rusted and deteriorated
– Extension of the 12th path onto the fairway with additional landscaping
– Built some owl boxes and nests for smaller birds for the environmental side of the estate.
– Adding drainage to roads where water dams
| |  | New bent surface on 18 white tees
| | |  | | Cart path extension at 12 and enhancement | | | Planned projects:
– Extending the 10th club tee to the left to help the golfers aim right towards the fairway and away from the houses.
– Hollowtining of tees
– Continued solidtining of greens
– Cutting back the bush on all verges
– Re-levelling of 18th club tee
– Remove reeds from dams
– Fixing poles on the fence (alien eradication team)
– Adding wood chips to the road around the fence as we use the chipper.
Our course and estate look great because the work never stops!
All hands-on deck!
(greens and fairways)
Where I grew up in IOWA, we had a campaign called “Adopt a Highway”, where the Boy Scouts, Lion’s Club, Rotary, churches and other groups would adopt a mile of highway and keep it clean. Our members, led in part by Norman (the) Rock, have come together to “Adopt a Hole” AAH!
More than 40 members have signed up to keep our great playing surfaces great!
Charl opened some eyes when he explained how to properly repair a divot and fix a ball mark. I have always worked on the preface that if I fix my mark and at least one other, I’ll make more putts – that’s why I’m a great putter! Charl showed everyone how to use their divot tool to work the fresh turf in from the side, closing the mark, then tapping it down.
See the video –
 |  | | Showing the way | | |  | | Attentive members | | | Bins with sand have been placed on the course for the members to use. The maintenance team will continue to look after the tees with seed mix and green dyed sand.
Meet Bongani Bevile
Bongani is our Irrigation Technician and has been working at St Francis Links for three years. He is a big asset to the Links team, as irrigation on our golf course (derived from boreholes and treated effluent water) is vital to keep the course in great condition.
Bongani says: “ Before I moved to St Francis Bay, I lived in Knysna and worked at Pezula golf course for nine years. I love working on a golf course because you learn something new every day. I work outside every day surrounded by nature, and it feels good to know that my role contributes to the number 5 best-ranked course in the country.
I am married and have two children, a boy and a girl who I love to spend time with. I teach them to be hardworking and never give up on your dreams. I love working for St Francis Links, my second family away from home. I want to retire at St Francis Links and hopefully my son can follow my footsteps. I quote Petros 5:7: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He cared for you.”"
Thank you, Bongani! You are accomplished and we are so happy you are part of our valuable team!
Golf Stars
Yan Coesens and Hein Spangenberg marched to victory again in a large field who supported ITEC Wednesday. Their 47pts were enough to beat our host, Scott Keevy and Paul Spencer. Scott rang the bell after acing the 17th (note: in his next game, he hit it inside a foot!).
Robert Simpson, Russ Norman, Keith Simpson and Ashley Parker eased past Danie Cronjé, James Bredenkamp, Percy Owen and Norman Pretorius to win the Alliance on Saturday, 89pts to 87pts.
Gavin and Jaunita Gobby defended their Valentine’s Day title scoring 41 points on the day!
March madness
| Click to enlarge |  |
The 2021 Calendar and Results
We look forward to our sponsored days with ITEC, Selective Lighting/The Fire Works, Pam Golding Properties, and Village Square SuperSpar events.
To view the current schedule, as well as the results, click the button below.
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| | | | | | | | Set Your Foundation
How’s your separation? | | | | Full mobility enables you to ‘separate’ your upper body and hips during the golf swing. This allows you to make a full shoulder turn with good hip rotation, helping you hit longer golf shots. But as we age, we can lose the ability to rotate fully at all, never mind make this separation. | | | | This exercise can be performed by young and old alike and is a great way to improve your separation and upper body rotation. | | |  | | |  | Squeeze an exercise ball between your legs as you rotate slowly side-to-side with your arms hooked around an iron. You can also do this exercise without an exercise ball; just make sure your knees aren’t collapsing inward.
If you’re unsure how to perform this exercise, please ask a fitness professional. | | | | How’s your mobility? | | A swing assessment can help us identify any areas where you might be restricted. Then we can decide whether a change in technique or a recommended visit to a physical trainer or both, would be best for you. | | Get moving > |
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The Srixon ZX Utility Iron.
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