NTT DATA PRO-AM by Standard Bank 2026

A Return to the Fairways: NTT DATA Pro-Am 2026 Sponsored by Standard Bank at Fancourt

After much anticipation, It was finally time to return to the NTT DATA Pro-Am powered by Standard Bank, held from 12–15 February at the breathtaking Fancourt. This annual event is always a highlight on my calendar, not just for the golf, but for the friendships, the atmosphere, and the unforgettable moments it creates year after year.

“The NTT DATA Pro-Am sponsored by Standard Bank has always been about more than sport. It’s a chance to give back to our community, support the next generation, and
demonstrate the impact we can make when we partner with purpose.”

Hello rainy George.

Hospitality at It’s finest
From the moment we arrived, the hosts delivered their impeccable hospitality as expected. There’s something truly special about the way this event is run. Every detail feels intentional, every guest valued. It sets the tone for what is always a world-class experience.

Thursday.

The Ladies Arrive.
Thursday marked the arrival of the ladies, along with the much anticipated draw and welcome dinner. It felt like a mini reunion, reconnecting with women I see only once a year, yet picking up conversations as though no time had passed. It was a relaxed, casual evening filled with shared excitement for what lay ahead.
Then came the surprise draw announcement…the ladies would be playing The Links. Shock. Horror. Excitement. In that order.

For the first time in the tournaments history, the Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals and amateurs would compete on The Links at Fancourt, one of the most revered and challenging courses in the Southern Hemisphere. A daunting prospect, especially given the weather forecast.
This was due to the men’s first round that was delayed multiple times and ultimately cancelled, forcing a reshuffle of the Sunshine Tour schedule.

The ladies had the night and a practice round the next day to prepare ourselves for the privilege and pressure of tackling The Links under tournament conditions.

Friday.

Practice Under Pressure

Friday’s practice round gave us our first real test. The course was still wet and heavy, but majestic as ever. Even in easier conditions, The Links demands respect. I had played it years ago, and while I had faint recollections of certain holes and layouts, it proved that memory offered little advantage on a course of this calibre. I played a really decent practice with my driver working well. The slowness of the greens did leave a few putts hanging.

Friday Night.

Dinner and entertainment were lively. The talk around the tables revolved around the ladies first impressions of The Links. Awe from some, nerves from others, and even a little envy from a few of the male amateurs who wished they were in our shoes. The evening’s entertainment was nothing short of spectacular. Showcasing some of our homegrown talents.

Saturday.

Rain delays and 18 at The Links.

Saturday’s first round was delayed for several hours due to overnight rainfall. The already demanding course became even more unforgiving. Soggy fairways and unpredictable lies. It played heavy and long. Getting distance on that tee shot and finding the fairway were the only options really. Unfortunately for me,
my driver, which had behaved beautifully during the practice round, decided to abandon me entirely on the day. After 3 diabolically bad tee shots with the driver, I switched to my trusted 4 iron but my game just never took off and it became a really long day.

I was paired with 23-year-old Chiara Horder, newly turned professional from Munich and making her first appearance on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and at the NTT DATA Pro-Am. Calm, focused, and incredibly patient, even though struggling with the very wet course, she handled the conditions with admirable composure. Together, we finished the day at +3 a solid result given the circumstances.

Saturday Night

Black Tie Evening.

That evening’s black-tie event was a room filled with elegantly dressed golfers showing no sign of how tough the day might have been on the course. Some celebrating Valentine’s Day with their loved ones and partners, reminded us that this tournament is about more than competition. Its inclusive nature and outstanding partner programme make it a truly special occasion on the golfing calendar.

Final Day.

A lot of sun and a little wind.

Sunshine and Survival.
Sunday brought something we had been longing for, sunshine. The course began to dry slightly, and spirits lifted instantly. It was, without question, a better day for me on the course. I had packed the driver away the day before and it never saw the light on the 2nd day. I played my 4 iron off the tee from start to finish, which i have no issues with because I cqn drive it same distance as most ladies drives if not longer. Definitely more accurate than the driver thay tends to find the rough, as long as it is. Playing the rough at The Links is not recommended. I was playing percentage golf. Starting with a fierce birdy on the 2nd hole, it was bound to be a better day. A few pars, near birdie misses and after three days on one of the most challenging courses, fatigue finally set in. I started to feel it in every swing. By around hole 14, the wheels began to wobble a little. Thankfully, a couple of birdies and pars made up for the struggle on this final day. Overall, this by far has been the most fulfilling 3 days of golf, regardless of the outcome.

Playing The Links 3 days in a row is not something I would casually recommend. It is relentless, demanding, and humbling. But I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience it in tournament conditions. And yes, that whiskey shot on the first tee is absolutely necessary and should have been available.

Fairway selfies.

We finished the tournament at +2 and my pro tied for 23rd. I hope Chiara wasn’t too disappointed with her final outcome. She has immense potential, and I have no doubt she will make her mark this season. I will certainly be rooting for her every step of the way.

Congratulations to the winners on an incredible performance under exceptionally tough conditions. And heartfelt thanks to our wonderful hosts NTT DATA, Standard Bank and FANCOURT for yet another unforgettable event.

📸: Tyrone Winfield – Grant Lavesha Photography

Catch you on fairways.

A Royal Family

Featured

Royal Johannesburg

Being back in Johannesburg will always mean I try and find time to play my home course, Royal Johannesburg Golf. It always feels like coming home. When the halfway staff tell you they’ve missed you, you should come more often, and the front desk and proshop are always on point and are ready to assist with anything. The grounds staff going out of their way to ĺook for my daughters lost phone on the course and actually finding it. One of my favourite things about this course is also just how my kids absolutely love it too. Any excuse for them to tag along is always a good day out on the course.

WEST SIDE

The beautiful and scenic West Course is most definitely a good place to start. With my fourball not quite getting it together on the last minute. I ended up going out alone. I managed to get my good friend Precious, who doesn’t play at all to tag along for great company. We have spent many hours on the course watching tournaments together, but after this ride along, she’s ready to start playing. The beauty of the West did the job. One down, a few more to go. If I could get all my friends to play, my job would be done.

Birdie time!

It was such a gorgeous day out. The weather was stunning, the course pristine as usual, and the game was not too bad after coming back from a diabolic episode at Fancourt. There is nothing like the home course to show you love. I realised how I miss playing alone. Something I used to do quite often. Maybe I should get back to basics, and the game will come back to me…

EAST SIDE

On this day, I said East on a Wednesday, and the response was “any day for the beast.” With my daughter and her partner Duncan, we set out to try and tame the ever so gorgeous beast that is the East Course. Something we know we can never do, but we try anyway because the feeling you get when you’re putting for par on that stroke 1 can never be duplicated.

East will take your breath away every single time. Regardless of how your day is going, it just never gets old. It can play really long when you’re having a bad day, and yet the beauty of it still keeps your emotions in check. You keep hoping the next hole will be better. On a good day, when your game is on fire,well now, that will make you want to come back the next day only to find it in beast mode. This is why we love it so much. The number of people who tell me how it is on their top 5 on the bucket list is evident enough.

I had a horrible day with my driver and a better day with the short game, which saved me. The highlight was watching Maxine hit some beautiful shots on the 2nd 9 and her remembering that she has a mean swing, even on the East side.

With my boys being in a far, far away land, it was such a treat going out to play with my daughter. Her hectic schedule doesn’t allow for us to have a lot of time on the golf course. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t let it pass. After all, she is my day golf buddy. As a teenager, she would come to the range and weekend lessons with me. We’d make it out to the course when she wasn’t at a sports meet somewhere.

Like me, she spent all her school years being the athlete and making every team possible. So her golf game came naturally. Even without playing at all, I can still see a glimpse of the girl who has the potential to beat me on a good day. I can only hope that she does too, because that would mean she’d be playing more.

One of these days I will get this team in one fourball. Every golfing parents dream. Now, wouldn’t that be something.

Catch you on the fairways.

Felicity Shiba

The Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational 2024.

A Weekend of Golf, Giving, Glamour, and Fun.

The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation hosted an unforgettable 3-day golf event, bringing together golf enthusiasts, philanthropists, sporting legends, family and friends for a weekend of camaraderie, competition, and fundraising.
It is no secret that this is definitely my favourite golf event on the calendar for all kinds of reasons. The biggest reason, of course, being the initiative behind it. The Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School.

Hosted by the legend himself, Mr Gary Player, The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation and The Palace at Sun City Resort, this years tournament, years since inception was being held at the MAJESTIC Gary Player Country Club and not the usual Lost City Golf Course.

FRIDAY

Guests arrived in style, driven by BMW, a long time sponsor for the GVPI.

Practice Round

You can imagine the excitement combined with the fear from the amateurs taking part in this years GPVI. Most of us have never attempted to play this monster for 2 or 3 days in a row. A practice round was a lovely idea, maybe a little too ambitious on this course because after day 2, one could feel the Amatuer status. I say it all the time how I have enormous respect for what the pros do, more so when I try to do what they do.

I arrived early enough to grab a quick lunch at the clubhouse and go out for 9 holes practice round. I spotted someone checking out my golf bag right before my round. Yes, yes, I have a good-looking bag thanks to The Proshop for the wonderful job on my embroided TGGD logo. That someone turned out to be Eric Sharpe, a friend of the GVP Foundation.

Who soon became my practice partner and now a friend. We quickly introduced ourselves and headed out for the front 9 practice.
With the preparations for the coming up Nedbank Golf Challenge in a couple of weeks, the 9’s have been swapped around, and so, in playing the front 9, we were actually playing the back 9. It truly made no difference because the course was just looking spectacular, and there was no favourite 9. We enjoyed a relaxed practice round of golf amidst breathtaking scenery.

Welcome dinner & Draw.

The welcome cocktail dinner was held at the stunning Palace poolside under the lights. The evening was a chance to mingle, find out the playing draw, and get to know fellow participants. I found my Pro and introduced myself.
It is also a wonderful time to see familiar faces that one only gets to see once a year.

With luck on my side, I got to grace the dance floor with the Knight himself. Pinch me!! What a special moment that I will cherish forever.
Gary’s speech is always a touching moment that gets us all teary-eyed.

Saturday

Round 1

Casper Nieuwoudt, Vinochand Harry, Ruan Korb

My fourball made up of Pro Ruan Korb, Vinochand Harry, and Casper Nieuwoudt looked sharp and ready to roll. Round 1 saw intense competition on the course, with the beautiful Gary Player Country Club looking immaculate. My fourball turned out to be a fun relaxed bunch and I could not have been happier.
We finished the day tied 12th. Our pro Ruan was out throwing darts all day. It was a marvel to watch.

The Shebeen

The evening’s festivities took center stage at The Shebeen, where Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels got the party started. Our gracious host, Gary Player, even took the stage to serenade us with his legendary singing voice! It’s always a party where Dr Victor is involved. I can confess, I danced a little too much as usual. We had our faces painted by a local artist and danced the night away.

Sunday

Sunday’s 2nd and final round, the exhaustion had kicked in for most, me included. Shebeen night showed up in the golf game. Still, it was an incredible day out, and I was grateful for the really early tee off time. My Pro Ruan almost aceing hole 16 was the highlight of the day.

Teams were battling it out amidst threatening weather. Fortunately, most teams finished before the heavy rain rolled in. My team managed the same score on day two and saw us finish tied for 13th place. The winning team of father and son duo Daniel Egdes Darryl Edges, Mark Williams, and Pro Martin Rohwer prevailed with a score of -42.

Congratulations to the winning team!

It was an incredible weekend of golf, friendship, and fun. Thank you, Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation, and team for what you do every year. The course was stunning, and the hospitality unmatched.

Mark your calendars for next year because our lendary host, Gary Player, turns 90 years old. What a legacy!!!

We are proud to support the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation’s mission to make a difference through golf. Just this weekend alone, raising R2.5 million for the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School.

Support the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation.
For donations and sponsorship opportunities, please see the link below:

https://blairathollschool.co.za/

Catch you on the fairways

Felicity Shiba

FIRST ROUND

10th Tee Royal Johannesburg and Kensington East

Starting the year on a positive note is not something one should take lightly. Somehow I feel like it has a way of influencing the rest of your year or at least the first half of it. I could not have asked for better way to start my human interacting year and first golf round with the best humans. Having waited a whole two weeks before my first game, I was truly looking forward to playing with this awesome bunch. Our ambitions of starting with the Beast that is East at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington did not disappoint at all. The course is looking insanely gorgeous on all counts and the hospitality always second to non.

The weather was kind enough not to rain after a down pour the day and night before. Slightly overcast and yet humid, walking East is never a small task. My driver aka THOR was still stuck somewhere in orbit with a beer gut. To translate, I only hit the Driver twice and both times were dismal, so I battled the beast with my trusted 4 Iron also known as Iron Man off the tee. Yes, all my clubs are named after Marvel Characters. The chances of hitting wayward shots with 4 iron are very slim so I stuck to what works and the results were a better score than my last 5 rounds. The disconnect is still with the putting, the 3 putts have to be the most painful thing to happen on a golf course and bunker shots are still a nightmare. working on it…..

Iron Lady

Playing with these ladies has to be the most fun. There is a relaxed atmosphere and a ton of laughs coupled with light and equally intense conversations. Sportsmanship and comradery are the order of the day and a healthy dose of competitiveness because everyone wants to play well. We give each other a hard time for our rubbish shots and high five and fist pumps for the great ones. Especially when we play challenging courses like Royal East.

When they realize I’m taking pictures… 🤣

What was going to be our first round of drinks for our first round ended up being a beautiful evening filled with great food and conversations. A safe space to talk about the past, present and future. What a beautiful way to gain some perspective and realise that one is never truly alone. You just have to find a tribe that you are willing to share with…. Thank you ladies for a boost on confidence and great start to the year. Here’s to a year that is filled with all the things that matter.

Catch you on the fairways.

Felicity.

“Happy New Golfing Year” 2022

…but first, the year that was 2021.

Sitting here and reflecting on the golf year that was 2021 and can not help but appreciate what a big year it turned out to be after all….in the world of golf and personally. 2020 came with a pandemic that stopped us in our tracks and we entered 2021 frazzled, unsure, afraid of a repeat of the previous year where the world came to a standstill and there was hardly any golf played. Not wanting to be outshined by a pandemic the year turned out to be a spectacular Year In Golf. These are my highlights…

The year started with one of the biggest accidents in history of sports that left us all wanting to rewind to 2020 and make it all go away. Tiger Woods and the accident that almost cost him his life turned the golf world upside down. The devastation swept all around the world and was felt in places that went beyond golf. I was devastated, yes me personally and for the first time I understood why fans cry when their favourite athletes are hurt or retire. I was not ready for those Tiger Woods emotions. I am such a fan that even my kids were calling me to check if I was ok. This was not about him even playing golf again, it was just wanting him to stay alive. Then you realise the kind of impact a human being has carved in this lifetime. We did not care if he played golf ever again and Jack’s record became insignificant at that moment. Just stay alive was the hope from all his fans and because he is Tiger Woods and officially Iron Man (ignore the last Avengers movie for now) 10 months from his accident, he was back on a golf course, playing golf, in a tournament, shooting incredible scores and almost winning. If that is not Avengeresque, then what is? Red Shirt Sunday was back and we could not be happier as golf fans. He was the news, he remains the news.

Of course there were other significant highlights like The Americans winning The 43rd Ryder Cup. A 19-9 victory, the largest margin in Ryder Cup history and Tigers absence was palpable. The rise and rise of Colin Marakawa. Hideki Matsuyama winning The Masters, his caddies legendary Flag Bow, talk about the ultimate Flag Collection. Phil Mickelson’s record setting win and being the oldest player to win a major championship at the age of 50. The LPGA’s biggest rivalry between Nelly Korda and Jin Young ko. The 17th Solheim Cup and the fight that the European underdogs put up against the American team that had the most players in the worlds top 20. The welcome sight of spectators all around the world even here at home. The Sunshine Tour welcomed fans back during the Joburg Open held at Randpark Golf Club and The SA Open at Gary Player Country Club. Although rigged with strict Covid restrictions, it was still the best news.

There were definitely more flags collected than the previous year. The Biggest highlight of those flags being the absolutely stunningly beautiful VICTORIA COUNTRY CLUB Club in Pietermarizburg. Not knowing or expecting anything, I was pleasantly surprised by its breath taking views and level of difficulty. Set on rolling terrain saturated with majestic scenic beauty. Spectacular views surrounding escarpments and the valleys. I have put it down as one of South Africa’s most picturesque golfing experiences. The course itself is incredibly challenging and forces you to think with every single shot played. It was a combination of a proper golf challenge and not caring really because it was so beautiful and at no moment did I feel like it was a long day (even though it was). My lovely host Joy Chimombe with her solid game was patient with my not so impressive game and allowed me to be the golf tourist that I was that day. I definitely would love to return and hopefully play a decent game. It is number 1 on my 2021 new courses played.

Followed by SIMBITI COUNTRY CLUB which played like a signature Peter Matkovich designed golf course. The condition of the course is pristine. Manicured fairways and lush greens, It has a layout that will test your course management at every corner. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife on and around the course. Stunning views from the magnificent clubhouse with one of the best menus I’ve encountered on a golf course. Getting to play it with my nunubug made it even more special.

Then there was KNYSNA GOLF CLUB that turned out to be a little gem tucked away in George. The course features many tidal pools and stunning indigenous trees. The flat terrain makes it enjoyable and easy to walk yet still a test for players of all levels. It’s a challenging links parkland layout with many natural hazards and a beautiful backdrop of surrounding mountains. The trip to George for the Inaugural Ladies Loeries hosted by another fave, Simola Country Club with the best bunch of women, was one of thee best highlights of 2021. We played Simola in the worst conditions I’ve ever played in to date and yet still had the time of our lives.

We hosted the 2nd TGGD Charity Golf Day at the favourite and home course Royal Johannesburg and Kensington. What started out as a question of “can it be done” after the year we had just had turned into a “yes we can and we did”. The support and effort that made this event possible left me humbled and with enormous gratitude. From the unmatched staff at Royal Johannesburg and kensington golf club to all our sponsors and golfers. We managed to raise 20 sets of golf clubs, 50 caps, balls, golf shirts, golf shoes, gazebos, more range mats, range balls. There is so much more and we can not wait to share with you in the next coming months.

TGGD Charity Golf Day – Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club

The beneficiaries even went out on a day trip to Euphoria Golf Course hosted by BVC Ramushu Foundation, sporting their new equipment where they got to play the course for the first time. Many of the kids have never played on a course before and one of my goals this year is to get them more playing time. Now an officially registered NPO, the Alexandra Driving Range is set to make a sustainable positive impact on the lives of its members. There are many ways to get involved with charity through the game of golf and we urge you to take the time if you can.

The year ended with a controversial 54 hole end to the Joburg Open which was plagued by Joburg thunderstorms. Happy to be out walking and watching actual live golf, I was not deterred by the rain and determined to stay out as long as possible. I managed to catch some of my favourite golfers out there and witness a classy hole-in-one by JC Ritchie. With the looming cancelation of the last two tournaments because of the new variant that had immediately put South Africa on high alert and on an international travel ban and blacklist. I was happy to have ignored the weather for a day while I got to walk on the fairways.

The SA Open hosted by Nedbank at The Gary Player Country Club took place immediately after and turned out to be a beautifully put together event in spite of all the Covid restrictions that were in place. Covid screening daily for all participants. A total of 2000 fully vaccinated spectators were allowed to be a part of what would turn out to be the last tournament in 2021 after the sudden cancelation of the Alfred Dunhill that was to take place the following week. Excited to again work with Nedbank on their SA Open social media campaign I made my way to Sun City to take part in the proam and to meet my playing partner Dan Nicoll and our Pro, Joburg Open Champion Triston Lawrence. Who turned out to be the nicest and most patient guy. Without it sounding like I am making excuses, it was my first game in 8 weeks after my knee injury and I was nervous and tentative about the knee givinig out. Of course I played a long day but I was seriously not too mad about my game that day. I managed to hit a few gems that warranted some fist pumps from the team and even managed to get the longest Drive with my trusted 4 iron otherwise known as “Ironman”. We did not have to call for a cart to carry me back and I got through Gary Player solely on my Irons. Something I hope not to ever do again. It was a long day.

Day 1 Spectator Mode was activated at the Nedbank VIP Deck at hole #18. Possibly the best spot on the course to see my faves.
Even though they have been involved in golf for over 40years. Nedbank is increasingly raising the bar when It comes to golf development. Identifying programs like The Sally Little Trust and giving support where it’s needed. Giving golf a different voice by allowing golf lovers, content creators and golf bloggers like me to be a part of the journey. Making inclusion and representation important in the golf space. This is the 1st time since I have been watching the South African Open have I seen an impressive number of black golfers in the draw. A big stage that creates even bigger dreams for any young golfer watching. Nedbank has always been Golfs Greatest Partner and they continue to prove that.

2021 allowed me to play more golf with the ladies at my home course, appreciating how well organized our ladies are on a weekly basis and just the absolute fun that is had on the course every single time.

It also was the year that I played the most golf with my kids and watching them finally enjoy the sport that I love so much. Making it the most special golf year for me by far. Ending the year with the most important game at the favourite Royal Johannesburg East. ❤

2021 Golf Year in Pictures.

Thank you to all the sponsors and every single person who has been part of this 2021 golf year.

Catch you on the fairways!

Felicity Shiba

FIRST ROUND

Gary Player Country Club Open for Play.

When the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly forced the world to shut down. There were periods of uncertainty when it came to whether major tournaments would take place. To every golfers disappointment, the decision to cancel or postpone some of the biggest and longest running majors was announced. The world was under attack from a virus that was spreading like wildfire and no one was safe. In all of this was of course Africa’s Major, The Nedbank Golf Challenge held at the Gary Player Country Club Sun City Resort. On it’s 40^th Anniversary, Sun City Resort had to announce that the 2020 Nedbank Golf Challenge would be cancelled and the whole resort went into lockdown. For my own selfish reasons, my heart broke but with entirely understanding the circumstances involved in that decision, human lives first.

As much as this is the time in the year where all African golfers, pro or amateur get to see up close and personal. All of our favourite golfers from around the world battle and fight in our very own backyard. We get to use our own notes and experiences on how we might have tackled the same holes they were tackling. It is our time to shine when routing for the local boys at home, knowing that they can feel the energy and love on their home ground. A time where we get to see another new addition of a South African golfer making the list of Nedbank Golf Challenge players and hear their beautiful heartwarming stories of how many times they walked the tournament as kids hoping that one day they would too get to play there as a professional among the greats. As one of the Nedbank Golf Challenges biggest fans, one of my dreams is to see more black South African golfers make that field.

I am one of the amateur golfers lucky enough to get the chance to play in the LAST ROUND before the preparations for the tournament. This round happens a month before the Nedbank Challenge and its an official shut down of the course to the public while the team prepares the course for the pros and what usually turns out to be a spectacular set up and event. By this time, the grandstand on 18 is already going up and structures are being erected all and around the course. One can not help but feel the magic happening in that moment already. One of the many joys the pandemic has managed to steal is getting to take part in the the 2020 FINAL ROUND.

After months of complete shutdown, lockdown levels and hardly any activity. Golf was slowly and finally coming back and Level 1 came with some much needed good news of travel within the country and the tourism industry could now resume. This was topped of by an invitation to play in what was being called the FIRST ROUND on the 19^th September. A symbolic return of golf at the resort with the First Round since the reopening of golf courses nationwide. Sun MVG loyalty golfers had the chance to win R1 million prize for a hole-in -one on the par 3, hole 12. As the 12 hole would have it, no one won. One of the most deceiving holes on the course I think, looks short, plays longer and I can never read that green. Perfect place for a challenge.

Driving into the resort I was met with a number of COVID security checks that will put every cautious person at ease. Even more checks as one checks in at the VIP desk at SOHO and even more checks at the hotel check-in at The Palace and in no way did I find any of this tedious. Instead, I found it comforting to see measures that have been taken for guests and staffs well being. In just a short time of opening, the resort was already bustling with guests. Imagine that for a second…in all of 40 years, the resort had never not had guests. It had never not had golfers coming in to try their luck on the extremely challenging Gary Player country Club. Wanting to know what that experience was like and the challenges that came with it. I sat down with Brett Hoppe, General Manger Sun City Resort and later with Ken Payet, Operations Manager for Sport and Recreation at Sun City.

After going on at length about my heartache of the cancellation of the Nedbank Challenge, I finally let Ken say a word or two.

“The initial part of lockdown was OK because it was only supposed to be 3 weeks. Then it got extended for another 2 weeks. Even then we were still quite optimistic about having the event. Unfortunately as it went on it became more and more difficult to see it happening. The inability to put on an event that we know and love for so many years, crowds, grandstands, networking, socializing was one of the huge factors in our decision. Also being out 40^th addition, it was best to cancel the event and move it to next year where we hope we will be in a better position to have an event. We feel it was the right decision. During this time we had a small grounds team and we tried to maintain the course as best as we could. We didn’t do anything with the bunkers, we cut the tees, the fairways and the greens. We just did the bare minimum and it was a nice opportunity to do a some pruning on both golf courses of trees that had outgrown and blocked views and we managed to opened up the golf courses a bit.” – Ken Payet

After talking to Ken and stepping on to the first tee at hole number 1 I had high hopes of not losing any balls on this course this time around. The field was full and I and I, a rose among thorns. I choose to hit off of the men’s tee box on hole 1 and I walk away with a par. OK Gary Player, its you and I today me thinks. I did go on to play the rest of the game from the ladies. My first 9 was the best 9 I have ever played on this course but of course I was never prepared for the crumble on the back 9. I tried to finish strong but my dream of shooting 90 or less at Gary Player was shattered. I did however manage to not swim on my nemesis hole, hole 9 and went off at 18 with a Callaghan for my round, thanks to my caddy who managed to find the couple of balls I thought I had lost. The course is looking amazing, the greens are exactly what you would expect from Gary Player Country Club, well manicured and difficult to read. It was such a wonderful thing to see everyone happy to be back on the fairways.

“For a resort that’s operated for 40 years, 365 days of the year to suddenly be locked down in March. No people, no cars, we had a small team of people working and a small team of ground staff. You kind of walk through the hotel lobby’s and it’s only your footsteps echoing. So it was a bit eerie in a way. It became quite emotional as it unfolded and endured for longer and longer. Simply because of my role at Sun City, you consider yourself responsible for the staff. We’ve been in lockdown for 177 days, the caddies haven’t worked for 177 days. Thankfully at Sun City all green fees contribute to the caddy foundation so what we managed to do with that is use those funds to create food parcels and from a resort point of view we contributed to that at varies intervals. We were able to do food vouchers for the caddies to help them sustain themselves. The lockdown has given us chance to look at the things we can improve on and implement those and change the way we do business where change needs to happen. So we are ready to welcome our guests back. We are prepared and we’ve spent a lot of time around Covid protocol. In essence we’ve tried to create a bubble at Sun City that complies with track and trace and our philosophy is, if you feel safe and the family feels safe then we are ideally positioned because once you’re in at Sun City, you don’t have to feel exposed. We are doing fully inclusive packages for families both at Cabanas and at The Palace. We have the ability to do high end fully inclusive”- Brett Hoppe

The hospitality from The Palace and the resort staff is always a highlight for me and this place leaves me with a feeling of looking forward to getting back every time I leave. Thank you Sun City Resort.

Catch you on the fairways.