HAPPY NEW YEAR! First day of 2023 Golf Year. 2022 turned out to be an incredibly tough year for me personally and I didn’t get to play as much golf as I would have loved to. I didn’t get to do nearly half the things I had planed to do. Yet I still can’t help but to look back in gratitude at some beautiful moments and highest of highlights.
I’d like to thank Chris Bentley and the wonderful Royal Johannesburg and Kensington staff for always making me feel at home and going out of their way to make my guests feel welcome. For being the best course to be a member at. To Daniel Egdes and TaylorMade SA for always doing the most. To all the other wonderful golf courses that are always happy to host TGGD and guests. We appreciate you. To all my golf buddies for the rounds of golf this year.
Last day of 2022 Golf Year. It turned out to be an incredibly tough year for me personally and I didn’t get to play as much golf as I would have loved to. I didn’t get to do nearly half the things I had planned to. Yet I still can’t help but to look back in gratitude at some beautiful moments and highest of highlights.
I’d like to thank Chris Bentley and the wonderful Rroyal Johannesburg and Kensington staff for always making me feel at home and going out of their way to make my guests feel welcome. For being the best course to be a member at. To Daniel and TaylorMade SA for always doing the most. To all the other wonderful golf courses that are always happy to host TGGD and guests. We appreciate you. To all my golf buddies for the rounds of golf this year.
After two years of its absence in South Africa, The Gary Player Invitational finally took place at its home, The Lost City Golf Course at The Sun City resort. However, after the loss of the beloved Vivienne Player last year it was more than befitting for this amazing event to come back as the inaugural GARY & VIVIENNE PLAYER INVITATIONAL. Vivienne Player was the epitome of charity, service and giving back. So, this name addition to this prestigious Golf and Giving event was really the cherry on top.
The Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational will continue the work Mr Player and his late wife Vivienne started when they first opened the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School on their farm over three decades ago. What started out as a school for just a handful of the local farmworkers’ children has now grown to educating 125 children between the ages of three and six.
The Palace at The Lost City
Arriving on the Friday for a practice round, the Sun City sun was living up to it’s name and it was a blazing 37 degrees. Determined to get that practice round in, I stocked up on sunscreen, water and Energade because according to a legend… “The harder you practice, the luckier you get”. Who knows, a girl might just get lucky and draw Mr Player himself for the tournament. I set out to play a solid 9 hole practice but by hole 6, I could feel that sun just sapping my energy away. I caught up with the Ndugane Twins, Odwa and Akhona and the beautiful Kgomotso Ndungane on hole 8 and I joined them for the last two holes of the front nine. Struggling with the heat (more than normal) I opted to keep it at 9 holes while they continuid on. I made my way to the majestic Palace hotel to recover from the sun and get ready for the Inaugural Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational welcome dinner. Afterall, everything can be solved with dinner and a bit of a party.
Welcome Dinner at The Palace.
In true Player style, the welcome dinner was beautifully done. The entertainment by the stunning violinists was something to see and hear, talk about beauty and talent. It was a room full of talent, from soccer, rugby, cricket and golf legends like Sally Little to Sunshine Tour golfers. There were heart-warming speeches but when Gary got up and spoke about his beloved Vivienne, there was not a dry eye in the room. To hear about the amount of charity work that Vivienne did and was committed to was just humbling to say the least. The evening was beautifully orchestrated.
The draw came out and of course a girl got lucky. I had the knight, the Legend, the most decorated golfer in Africa and one of the most recognized names in the world, as my driver tomorrow. If you had told me when I was 9 years old, walking across Manzini Golf club taking a shortcut home through a par 5, not knowing what those guys were actually doing out there. That I would one day play golf with a living Legend. Well heck, I would have laughed in your face. Golf was not an option for me at the time. I have shared this story before but man, let me tell you. It deserves airtime now more than ever because how am I here? Which was the question that went around all night from my fellow envious bunch “how did you score that fourball?” Who doesn’t want a chance to play with Gary. It was not lost on me that at that moment, I was the luckiest person in the room. A tad bit overwhelmed, and sunburnt from the afternoon, I went to bed, thanking the golf gods.
Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational welcome dinner.
DAY 1
Day 1 proved to be quite the challenge for our fourball. I cannot speak for the other guys but my game was completely off the mark. I am pretty sure it was a combination of pressure, nerves, the heat, lack of sleep, my body slowly failing me and just an honest to god bad day on the course. Gary was so gracious about it, reminding me that he asked me to assist on just 5 holes and I made it 6. The day was priceless. I watched Gary make birdies, pars and an in incredible eagle and not miss the fairway, not once. I hit the jackpot with this fourball… Gary a Legend, Graham the gentleman and the charming Giuseppe. Without a doubt the luckiest girl of the weekend.
These Three Kings Flag Collected ⛳️ DAY 1. The best fourball EVER!!! Gary Player, Felicity Shiba, Giuseppe Ciucci, Graham Wainer #FlagsCollected ⛳️
Shebeen African Night.
The Saturday evening Shebeen Night was one to remember. Golfers truly know how to party and Gary Player and team surely know how to put on a party. With a touch of Africa, everyone looked so incredibly beautiful. The set was decorated stunningly, the food was amazing and one of South Africa’s biggest bands kept us on our feet. What a powerhouse Claire Johnson and her band are. But with a bit of exhaustion and not knowing I was nursing a heatstroke, it unfortunately turned into a very early night for me. Leaving the party early and hoping to rest up for DAY 2 and for a better golf game. I headed off to bed.
Giuseppe & I A girl’s night. Claire Johnson
The Knight and I
DAY 2 and Final Day.
DAY 2 and the Sun City sun was out in all it’s glory. Feeling truly under the weather, I wondered if I would make it through 9 holes. Determined to not let my team down I soldiered on. The wonderful Chantal and team stocked me up with some rehydrate and Energade. Graham made sure I got a wide rimmed hat to help with the sun protection and Giuseppe being the gentleman that he is made sure to check on me from time to time and to let me know it was ok not to continue playing if need be but I was determined to play on. This was not going to be my legacy. A girl from dusty streets of Eswatinisquanders her chance at playing 36 holes with a living legend. No way was that going to be me! 🤣 I have to say the game was a little better than the day before. I also chose to tee off with my 4 iron on pretty much most holes and if you’ve played with me before, you will know that’s always a good idea. We like it for the 4. The putting stroke was 100 times better, thanks to the lessons from Gary the day before. I truly hope I get a chance to play with this wonderful man again some day so I can show him that I can actually play a decent game of golf and Graham and Giuseppe deserve a better game from me. My nerves and the heat got the better of me this time and I still would not change it for a dime. What a time. To be alive. A 36 hole MasterClass from a Legend. Thank you Team Gary Player.
Gary & Giuseppe The cat that got the cream face. Graham & Gary. A putting lesson
Prize-giving on the 18th green.
Congratulations to the winning fourball of Mark Fish, Antony Phillips, Ashok Pundit and Sunshine Tour pro Brooklin Bailey.
Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School
The Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School is situated in the Lanseria area, northwest of Johannesburg, and provides quality education to the learners of this marginalised community.
The school has been in operation since 1990 and is dependent on private funding. It caters for 125 learners from the ages of 3 to 6. As there are very few other pre-schools in the area, it performs the vital task in ensuring the children from the surrounding impoverished communities receive stimulation and education in preparation for their entry into formal schooling.
The Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School offers a unique educational opportunity, which goes beyond the four walls of the classroom, providing the children with a stimulating and diversified programme that incorporates sports (namely dance and tennis), cultural activities, and a small computer centre.
The school manages a feeding scheme where they work diligently throughout the year to purchase food, form-balanced menus, and prepare healthy meals for the children.
Gary & Vivienne Player
“People talk about a legacy to the game of golf. Forget about being a great golfer, I’d like to be remembered as a man who loved people, who loved life and who tried to contribute to society.” ~ Gary Player.
It is the start of summer and this to most amateur golfers means it’s the start of endless amounts of time on the fairways. Gone are the early morning frozen fairways, greens and what I consider close to frost bitten fingers. Winter golf is not fun but at the same time, one cannot just sit at home for months waiting for the sun to come back. So, we brave the early morning tee times, endure the super dry yet rewarding running fairways. We show up because, even in all of that cold air and brown surroundings, there is still an element of beauty.
Royal Johannesburg and KensingtonGlendowerEastGlendower
Summer Golf….
USUTU FOREST GOLF CLUB.
What a perfect way to start my summer golf season. At the quint village gem surrounded by forests. Usutu Forest Golf Club nestled in the quietly beautiful Mhlabanyatsi Forest in Eswatini. Mhlambanyatsi and I have a long history of some of the best memories of my childhood, hours spent in swimming pools, summer camps, first loves, heartbreaks and anything in between what happens in your teenage years. It has remained my favourite part of this beautiful country that I can call home. I have mentioned before that golf was never a consideration for me growing up, regardless of the proximity of the golf courses around me. I did not know or see anyone like me playing golf and so without any representation, one never even considered it a sport I could take part in. When I finally did take up golf in my 30’s, Usutu Forest and every other club in Eswatini were top of my bucket list. It has taken me a long time to get here but I am glad I finally have.
Usutu Forest is a 9hole Highland course with alternate tee boxes for a full 18 holes. Surrounded by forest and an abundance of other (besides pine) beautiful, majestic old trees and spatters of colour, this little gem is a lovely sight. As cute and short as it is, it is still as tricky as can be and yet also incredibly kind to your game. If you are a long hitter there are a few opportunities to use your driver and you might find a few birdies, maybe an eagle. A pleasant walk in the forest that I would recommend to any golfer.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on memory, dialogue and legacy work, founded by Nelson Mandela in 1999. An organisation that supports, empowers and guides community and social upliftment projects. One of the latest projects on their vast portfolio is one very near and dear to my heart, the ability to evoke charity through golf. The Nelson Mandela Foundation Golf invitational has found a way to do just that, continuing to raise funds in furtherance of the Trusts objectives.
Charity Golf days have become a popular and fun way to raise donations for all types of non profit organizations regardless of what the charity is intended for. They are a way for donors to enjoy being outside, have fun while supporting a great cause. They provide ample opportunities to raise money, before, during and off the course. Since their inaugural Invitational in April 2019, the Nelson Mandela Foundation Golf Invitational has found a way to create a meaningful and fun golf day for it’s supporters.
Following the Johannesburg golf day at Houghton Golf Course earlier this year, the Cape Town day proved to be a great success. The Johannesburg golf day held at what is without a doubt one of my favourite courses in Gauteng, the ever so tricky Houghton continued on with the legacy and Madiba’s links to the suburb of Houghton. The Cape Town day was held at the stunningly beautiful yet challenging Steenberg Golf Club. Understanding the history of golf in South Africa, one can’t help but appreciate the significance of these venues. Going forward, the foundation plans to hold a Bi Annual Golf Invitational and I can not help but to think that this is the beginning of a legacy.
Steenberg Golf Club
The day started with the welcome of guests by Nelson Mandela Foundation staff to the clubhouse where they picked up their goody bags that included beautiful golf shirts that were inspired by a colourful South African heritage. I am happy to say I got one and even though I did not get to play this time, I am looking forward to wearing the shirt out while Flag Collecting
“It was amazing! Course was super!! My first time playing it. I thought it would rain but it became sunny and a bit warm. Ended up coming 4th with my fourball with 78 points. The work the NMF are doing is amazing. I’m so happy to be invited to contribute however I can.” David Kau
The golf was followed by a delicious meal along with prize-giving for the days winners. Congratulations to the winning fourball on 88 points: Donavan Collison, Derek Cross, Joseph Mosia, Steve Flandorp.
A special thank you to the following people:
Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Lewis-Hill
Master of ceremony David Kau
Trustees: Futhi Mtoba, Prof Marwala Maya Makanjee
Thank you to the wonderful sponsors who made this day ever so meaningful.
Indwe
MSC Cruises
MCS Cargo
Future Managers
Ennova Holdings
Network Plus
Supersport
Adcock
McCain
"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." - Nelson Mandela
If you would like to be a donor for the next event please contact the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The opportunity to visit Mauritius came about in 2017 through Mauritius Tourism South Africa and The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open 2017. When I got that call to be a part of the #RatherBeInMauritius hash tag which included playing golf, sightseeing and a VIP invitation to what has without a doubt become my favourite Tri-Sanctioned tournament by the DP Tour, Asian Tour and Sunshine Tour. I did not need any convincing. This beautiful Island was always on my bucket list of places to visit way before I started playing golf over a decade ago. Back then, like everyone else I really just wanted to go there for its beautiful pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, sights and sounds. Never in a million years did I ever think it would be the ultimate golfing destination and that golf would end up being the main reason for my visit.
And so, with an impressive itinerary in hand, it was destination Mauritius, Le Morne, Dinarobin Beachcomber Hotel my first host for the days I was going to be there. We had arrived at night and the drive to the hotel was on a dark and winding narrow two-lane road. I was glad I was not driving at that moment because my driver seemed to know exactly how to navigate his way.
Dinarobin Beachcomber Hotel
The Dinarobin Beachcomber Hotel entrance, lobby and effortlessly efficient check-in was all indication that I was now in paradise. I was whisked off in a golf cart to my beach front facing room with it’s own private patio. Dropping my bags inside my gorgeous room, I went outside and sat out there in the dark, listening to the ocean and breathing in the humid island air…Yes, I was definitely in paradise. I did not get much sleep that night, my excitement got the better of me. I woke up at 5:40am to the sound of the ocean and the most beautiful sight I had ever seen in my life just outside my room was the bluest blue ocean just waiting…inviting. So, I decided to put my costume on and go in for a swim and boy was surprised by how warm the water was. What a perfect way to start the day.
Dinarobin Beachcomber
First on the agenda was Tamarina Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course situated on the sunny west coast of Mauritius. A lovely lunch of local cuisine on the deck of the wooden floored clubhouse was possibly a sign of what was to follow.
Tamarina Golf Course
What was meant to be 9 holes turned out to be 18, this place is a beauty. Somehow, I felt like I was playing in a forest, with challenging tee boxes and immaculate fairways which I would suggest you try keeping to because trying to find your ball if it goes out of bounds would be a difficult task. Tamarina is carved between mountain and sea, a beautifully conditioned and enjoyable course with breathtaking views of the mountains. Set on an old sugar plantation, you are also not alone when you are out there because the abundance of monkeys makes for some entertainment. I often wonder if they are out there making bets on our game, which would make us the entertainment. This is one of those courses that leaves you with a good feeling even if you haven’t played a solid game.
Tamarind Golf, Spa & Beach Club
The following day I went for an early morning swim in the Indian ocean, paired with a lovely breakfast at Dinarobin could have been the highlight of the day before heading out to the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Heritage Golf and Spa Resort. What can I say, Heritage was everything I had hoped it would be. Designed by Peter Matkovich this 18-hole tropical golf course is a gem. Unfortunately, I would not get to play it this time around, but I was still happy and privileged to get to walk it for the next couple of days and see it from a spectator’s point of view. Hopefully that would give me a slight edge for when I came back to play it. As I walked around following my favourite golfers I was thinking “seriously, it cannot get any better than this?”
Heritage Golf Club
Day four and I was thinking I could definitely live here. 6:30am and I was ready to make my way next door to the Paradis Golf Club, for a 7:00am tee time. I had been waiting to play this course since I arrived. The Paradis Golf Course really makes you feel like you are on an island with its palm trees and stone pines. Nestled between mountains and Morne Peninsula lagoon, its views are insanely spectacular, paradise kind of spectacular. Even with its narrow fairways, it is not a difficult course at all, which is great for us amateurs looking for a decent game and if the tide is really low, you could be hitting balls off the edge of the ocean. Playing the back nine was like playing on a movie set, with the flawless views from every tee box, every angle and every green. It’s a relaxing 18 holes because there is really no way anyone can get mad while playing with those views and backdrop.
Paradis Golf Course
The drive to Avalon is a beautiful sight seeing adventure. I stopped to see the Waterfalls and the Seven Coloured Earth in Chamarel, drove further up into the mountains and the higher we went my ears started to pop. Up into the heart of a natural reserve where we find a beautiful Avalon, mounted at the top, surrounded by a tea plantation. It was somewhat cooler up there which I appreciated after spending a few days in the heat and humidity of the southern part of the island.
Avalon Golf Course
Avalon Golf Course is a Peter Matkovich 18-hole Championship course. It is one of those courses where you are constantly in awe of your surroundings because the views are spectacularly breath-taking from the first tee. There was rain looming in the far mountains and I couldn’t be bothered, I was determined to play through this one and at some point, I did play in some mist or what seemed like a moving cloud with a slight drizzle that soon passed and floated off into the mountains. It was all so magical. The fairways are wide and forgiving and make for some good golf, great for amateurs. Carts are a must because of the long distances between tee boxes and no carts are allowed on any part of the course except the path. It felt and looked like an immaculately manicured mountain forest. I did play a decent round of golf finally, managing to hit my driver long and straight most times, a rare occasion for me. I finished with a par on the 18th. What better way to make one want to go back?
Peter Matkovich Avalon Golf Estate
At the AfrAsia I managed to sit down and have a brief chat with Peter Matkovich who insisted I make my way up to Northern part of the island to his latest addition (which according to him, is an absolute beaut.) the increasingly popular Mont Choisy Le Golf.
Unfortunately, I ran out of time and did not get to visit the shiny new Mont Choisy but it went straight to the top of the bucket list.
Fast forward a year later….
I was ready to make another trip back to the golfing paradise. The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open 2018 was back and the Mauritius Tourism South Africa gang and I were ready for another golfing adventure. This time the host for the tournament was the much-anticipated Anahita Four Seasons Golf and Spa Resort.
Anahita Four Seasons Golf Club
No longer a Mauritius rookie, I came prepared. I arrived on the late flight again and the drive to the Eastern part of the island took an hour and as my driver is navigating the narrow roads I could not help but feel a sense of familiarity and a welcome feeling. This time my host was the exquisite Long Beach Sun Resort and by this time I was accustomed to the islands world class hospitality. Arriving at Long Beach I realised that the standards might just have been upped a notch since the previous year. My room was about 50 metres to the ocean and was stunning, modern and immaculate.
A lovely fruit and chocolate basket awaited me inside but my exhaustion kicked in very fast and it did not take me long to fall asleep with the sound of the waves outside my door. Tomorrow was a big day; I was playing in the AfrAsia ProAm. A dream come true, an ultimate Bucket list check and flag collecting moment.
Players press conference.AfrAsia Mauritius OpenProAmFlag CollectorAfrAsia Mauritius Open 2018
Designed by Ernie Els, Anahita Four Seasons Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course situated on the East coast of Mauritius. With its beautiful natural flora and fauna, the course is set on a tropical paradise and the coastline’s natural beauty shows off views of the mountains, lagoon and Indian ocean. Anahita was far more than a treat, the insanely gorgeous views were all around. Its beauty will deceive you into thinking you will play a beautiful game yourself, with fairways so prestine I was not sure if I was allowed to make divots. I believe my second experience will be far more successful, it deserves a return and the respect of a decent game. It was an unbelievable honour to get to watch Ernie play on his own turf. This course is not one you want to miss out on when visiting Mauritius for a golfing holiday.
Just a 10-minute boat ride from Anahita is an island, not just any island…. this is Ile Aux Cerfs.
Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club
Designed by the legendary Bernhard Langer, the course is on the southern half of the Ile aux Cerfs Island with the holes winding beautifully through the length of the island, with undulating fairways and ocean few greens. Almost all 18 holes of this island golf course have views of the ocean and water is an essential feature of the course, not just the ocean as a backdrop but the lakes in and around the course make for some interesting tee shots. Add in a dose of some luxuriously white sand bunkers and you’ll soon come to realise that Ile Aux Cerfs was not just a pretty face. The winding cart path will take you through some gorgeous vegetation that will make you feel like you are in a tropical forest island, which actually you are. At some point everything looked like a postcard.
The cuisine of Mauritius is influenced by the tropical location of the island as well as the cultural diversity which characterizes the country. Mauritian cuisine is a blend of African, Chinese, European and Indian influences in the history of Mauritius.
Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club
The fairways are narrow, and the holes are short but really enjoyable to play as long as you keep your ball on the fairway. I would suggest sticking to your irons most times and maybe a 3 wood for those that can actually play that club. I did lose about 4 balls so be warned. I would be happy to lose more balls again. Of Mauritius’ 12 golf courses, I’ve taken on five… seven to go. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a pause on this Flag Collecting adventure for over two years. I am definitely one of those people relieved and excited that golf if fully back on track. The goal still remains to collect as many flags around the world as humanly possible.
Catch you on the fairways.
Felicity Shiba for Travel Ideas Magazine.
Mauritius Sights and Sounds…
Of course it was not all golf. I managed to explore other parts of Mauritius. Made my way to the colorful markets. Filled with an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and souvenirs. I meandered my way through Flaq market eating what I could find. Anyone that follows any of my travel blogs will know I eat my way through every country I visit. Making sure to try out as many local cuisines. Mauritius with its rich culture and equally diverse cuisine was no exception. Mauritius’ cuisine is influenced by the tropical location of the island as well as the cultural diversity. A blend of African, Chinese, European and Indian influences, finding something to eat was easy.
Eating my way through Mauritius. Sights and Sounds.
Some people have a country bucket list but my bucket list consists of golf courses, and the aim is to play a golf course in ANY and EVERY country I visit, also known to me as Flag Collecting. One of the courses that had been on the list for over ten years, is Inverness Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama.
Inverness Country Club Birmingham AL
Birmingham has some of the most beautiful courses I’ve seen and the 26 Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses stretch the entire length of the state… another thing on the bucket list. Inverness and I have a small history, so it was fitting that I start my Bama golf journey with it. In my very short stay in Birmingham over ten years ago, I never got to play any golf at all because it was expensive, the clubs near me were mostly private, I was pregnant half the time while also juggling a very sporty, busy 15 year old daughter, 4 year old son who played soccer, basketball, baseball (Tball) and had a better social life than I did. Not forgetting that this was America, the country where people pour their own petrol, clean their own houses, mow their own lawns, watch their own kids…I just become one of them and golf was no longer in the books for me.
As soon as we arrived in Alabama, I found out we were expecting and I knew there would be no golf any time in the near future and that’s when my 5 year hiatus from golf began. I had just left Zimbabwe where I had played two solid years at least three or four times a week. I was the runner up for Mashonalands most improved golfer, missing the title by 1. I played league for my club, Borrowdale Brook Country Club and my handicap was a solid 14. Needless to say, this was not a voluntary hiatus. Right before we left America to come back home we stayed at a place by a lake that separated Inverness Country Club and me plus of course the fact that the club was private. Looking across the Lake one could see some parts of this stunning and perfectly manicured golf course. To my surprise, I had not really thought too much about playing while I lived there and I think it’s because I had a wonderful time spending time with family, friends and getting to know the new little guy in our lives. Staying across from that golf course for a couple of weeks made me realize how much I missed playing, missed home and missed the accessibility of our courses. When we finally left, my heart was sad that I never got to play Inverness and I resigned myself to the fact that I would never play there.
Fast forward nine and a half years later to my summer trip back to Bama to see family and friends. The stars were aligned, the Universe had agreed and the elements were all there….It was summer, and I did come slightly prepared to play some golf (though without my clubs) I was prepared to rent a set. Something I vowed not to do ever again if I can help it. The first bag packed for a trip anywhere is the golf bag. Inverness was not on the list of my maybe courses to play on that trip. I was more than happy to explore the other golf courses, but my dearest friends, Jeff and Melanie Jeffcoat, had hatched a plan to introduce me to Jeff’s mom, Ann, who is an avid golfer, with the hopes that she would invite me to a game. Jeff and Melanie were nervous that Ann and I might not get along. Little did they know that when you put two women who are passionate about golf in one room, regardless of their ages and backgrounds, they are bound to get along. Ann and I hit it off right off the bat. It turns out, one of her favourite golfers is Ernie Els. She just happened to be a member at Inverness Country Club. Dinner was fantastic, Ann and I had wine and watched golf while I cooked my kids favourite meal and now also the Jeffcoats….pap, peanut butter spinach and curried mince with the Robertsons spices I brought for Melanie. Everyone loved the dinner, the kids made s’mores and we all played board games. It was a winning night!!!
Imagine my excitement when I received an email from Ann the next day asking me if I was available in the week because she was inviting me to play with her and a friend at her club. Now, I type very slowly, but the speed in which I responded must have been in record time. I had only a couple of days to prepare! I had not played in 6 weeks which is sometimes a good thing, but most times not, and I had not even brought my clubs. I made my way to the PGA Tour Superstore, similar to The Pro Shop only much smaller, to hit some balls for practice with my boys. I was like a kid in a candy store in the Tour Store but I did focus and get some practice shots in.
All roads lead to Inverness.
The reception and warm welcome I received was definitely typical Southern style, yes ma’am. I met Ann and Donna at the incredibly beautiful reception with a glass water fountain smack bang in the middle of the foyer that led to what I’ve heard is one of the best Clubhouses in Birmingham or the state. Ann was kind enough to loan me her late husband’s golf clubs that turned out to be just perfect and confirmed that I needed to change to senior men’s clubs.
It was a blistering 31⁰ and only 9:30am, Alabama humidity…I was shook like I had never lived there. I always make it a point to avoid afternoon summer golf to because of the heat but how does one avoid 31⁰ degrees at 9am! I plastered on the sunscreen, with sleeves on and water for days. Not even the Alabama humidity and heat was going to mess this day up for me…. and we were off.
Inverness Country Club is a Private, 18 hole Championship, Par 71 golf course. It has quite narrow fairways, small greens, loads of trees lining the fairways and more than a few times I felt like I was playing in a beautiful forest that is paired with rolling hills. There is an underlying serenity to it that just makes the game so much more enjoyable even if you are playing a suspect game. My game was not too suspect. I managed to played a decent game and not embarrass my dear Melanie. The club had cut the grass the day before so the greens had been freshly cut qnd were lightening speed. I was happy I had gotten better at reading my lines because there are no caddy’s at this course. These ladies read their own lines on a daily basis and their putting was really impressive. I have since made an even bigger effort to always read my own lines and double check with the caddy. The lakes certainly do come into play on some of the holes and I’m happy to say I managed to not lose any of my Tiger balls on this course. A few of the holes slant from left to right in a big way and the advice I got from Ann and Donna was to aim it slightly right so it rolls to the middle because far right and left was all trees and getting out of there was going to be “a challenge” to put it mildly in the most Southern accent. Playing with these two ladies was the most enjoyable golf I had played in a long while. They kept it on the fairway, something I need to learn to do.
Flag Collected.
Inverness Country Club is beautiful and was everything I had imagined and hoped it would be. Out of the heat and looking forward to the clubhouse. Ann treated us to a lovey lunch at the clubhouse and my girl Melanie joined us after for lunch wearu g her Summer SHIBA Easy Living dress. 😍
Melanie Jeffcoat SHIBA Easy Living 🌸
As expected, that menu was packed with ALL Southern favourites. I finally settled on the Fish Tacos and Sweet Tea (always when in Bama). We were joined by some of Ann’s golfer friends from Zimbabwe who now live in Birmingham and we had some great conversations about Royal Harare, Chapman Golf club and Leopard Rock. It turned out we had a similar friend in the late Tim Price. Without a doubt, this was the highlight of my trip back….well that and the kids. Thank you Ann Jeffcoat for making a girls dream come true.
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.
Royal Johannesburg East
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.
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.
Victoria Country Club
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.
Simbithi Country Club
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.
Knysna Golf Club
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.
Team Alex
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.
Joburg Òpen 2021
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.
Triston Lawrence SA Open 2021 ProAm
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.
SA Open 2021 Nedbank VIP Deck hole 18
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.
Royal Ladies Tuesday 7am club
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. ❤
My Ultimaate Fourball ❤
2021 Golf Year in Pictures.
Thank you to all the sponsors and every single person who has been part of this 2021 golf year.
Definition of Short game – “the phase of golf in which accuracy of direction and control of limited distance (as in approach play or putting) are factors of first importance”
Amateur golfer could mean a couple of things. One, you actually play golf seriously and want to be a professional player one day OR Two, you play recreationally and have no intentions of ever turning professional but you take it seriously enough to want to see improvement in your game and handicap. Most of the latter (including me) are so impressed with their big drives, hence a lot of Drive For Show happens on the golf course. We tend to neglect the most important aspect of the game….the short game. I have played in many golf days where almost everyone on my fourballs short game lost them the day. I’m talking the reach the green in regulation then 3/4 putting thereafter. Its sad, it’s painful and it needs to stop. We all know the fastest way to improve your score is to improve your short game. My worst enemy is around the putting green. That shot puts the fear in most of us so much so we opt for the putter instead of a wedge. We choose to run it instead of chipping and the biggest culprit, the hockey putt way off the green.
Every time I ask a professional about the trick with chipping I get the same response…that a solid putting swing and a chipping swing are pretty much the same. You must keep your wrist flat and stiff. Your flat wrist will make sure that you make solid contact with the ball. Keeping the shoulders, arms and club moving at the same pace plus the flat wrist will help you control the distance and direction of your short shots more accurately…..erhh easier said than done right? This flat wrist is very important for golfers at all levels and Pro golfers know this secret and practice it all the time. I have to say, with a little more practice, I have seen some improvement in my chipping. I have almost ditched the putter and seven iron runner shot off the green and replaced it with some impressive chipping. I am working on accuracy, distance control and most of all consistency….work in progress. As intimidating as this part of the game is, when done properly, the chip shot gives you one of the most rewarding feelings in golf.
Why are women afraid of the short game and what advice would you have on improving that part of their game?
“I have found that a lot of women are afraid to experiment on the golf course and do what is comfortable for them. They tend to play safe. Unless you practice the shot, you will never become comfortable with it. Your practice and fun rounds of golf give you the perfect opportunity to experiment. You might find that playing the bump and run 7-iron is more effective than using your putter from 10m off the green.” – says Golf Pro – Michelle Leigh.
…But wait, then there is the oh so dreaded bunker shot. Bunkers we so fondly call “the beach” are nothing like the beach. Far from it actually. They are super intimidating and I personally have a tendency to find them. I am not talking fairway bunkers, those ones are almost harmless. I am talking the menacing green side bunkers. The part of the course where most course designers become evil scientist.
Soweto Country Club Johannesburg
Paradis Golf Club Mauritius
Possibly one of the trickiest shots in golf according to my golf game. The bunker shot has almost reduced me to tears at times. There is nothing as painful as trying a bunker shot 3 times or more and then picking your ball up because you just can’t any more. The most times I have thrown my club in a semi tantrum was the result of a green side bunker. Not my most appealing side but even the calmest golfer will turn into a tantrum throwing adult. So, with a little help from the pros, the bunker shot too has gotten better. Recently even I am surprised with my own shot making skills from the bunker. I found that my fail at executing this shot was me thinking because I am close to the green, there need not be much follow through. Bunkers also have so many elements to them that make them just insanely difficult without the right technique.
It turns out one MUST open the club face, accelerate and follow through the shot. It took me a while to get the hang of the open face play when it comes to bunker shots. “If you decelerate or stop at impact, you chunk it. In a green side bunker, you want to splash the ball out, and to do that you must have a steep swing and a high follow through. If you come up on it too soon, you’ll catch the shot thin and blade it. Don’t be afraid to take a slightly bigger swing, you are taking sand with the shot. It won’t go as far.” I have to say, Pros really make this difficult shot look so easy.
Paradis Golf Club Mauritius
Then comes the money maker….the putting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say my putting on a good day is a 6. I repeat, on a good day. This too becomes the part of the game that eludes most amateurs. The technique on it’s own will thump you….from reading the greens, lining up, putting stroke, speed and ball control to making sure your arms, shoulders and wrists are in synch. Issa lot. Personally one of the things that has made my putting better is learning how to read the greens. As amateurs, especially the ladies, we rely too much on our caddies to read our lines for us. What I have done with my game is that I will read my own lines and then ask my caddy for confirmation. 80% of the time I am right which most caddie find fascinating. It then boils down to my execution of the putt. I have recently changed my putting grip and Ive found I’m putting a little bit better. It’s taken a while to get the hang of the new grip and putting stroke but I like it. I still however need to learn to keep my wrists from breaking, resulting in so so so many birdies missed and prevention of lower scores.
What I do know for sure is that, without a decent short game there is no decent golf game.
This Girl's Golf Diary 