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…
Flag Collected!!!
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.
East or West with you forever. ♥️
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.
Flag Collected!!!
One of these days I will get this team in one fourball. Every golfing parents dream. Now, wouldn’t that be something.
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.
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.
2020 was a year that brought unimaginable changes to our lives. Suddenly the world was faced with a pandemic that quickly spiralled out of control and had us switch to panic mode. As the panic set in, the changes in our lives set in just as fast and what we saw as a normal way of life became not so normal and the term “a new normal” became set in our vocabulary. The restrictions that came with it affected how we socialized and just like that, being in the presence of other people, work, social gatherings, sporting events and your basic daily life were a hazard. The world went into lock-down and I found myself isolated alone for months on end without the one thing I considered my outlet, my therapy, my happy space….golf. Life as I knew it was cancelled for a while.
Fast forward… After 77 days into South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown, the government finally eased up on some social activities and golf was unlocked. As a golf blogger and amateur who plays regularly, this has been one of the toughest times. Golf is not just a hobby, it’s a way of life for me personally and has become a source of my livelihood in so many ways. I get to spend hours outside walking, it provides mental well-being and emotional balance. I call it my mental, emotional and physical therapy. The unlocking of golf came with understandable strict protocols with regards to social distancing. Those included bookings all done on-line to avoid interaction with the pro shops, encouraging walking and pull-carts, rather than using golf carts or no sharing of carts and limiting golf carts to one person, setting extended times between fourballs tee-off times, distancing while putting, raised cups for easy ball retrieval to enable no touching of the flag stick, no access to locker rooms and immediate vacating of premises after a round. The list is endless but golfers were more than happy to comply, as long as we got to play and golf courses went above and beyond to make sure we complied.
Masked
Slowly but surely we eased into level 1 of lockdown and more golf was being played. The world of Golf Days came alive and for a short while things looked somewhat normal. The Sunshine Tour was back in full swing with it’s tournaments, allowing professionals to get back to work. South African golf was back on our screens and I could not have been more happy to see some of my friends and faves getting their lives back on track. Even if it meant watching from the comfort of my own home, it was still great to be able to watch. By October, my birthday month, we were well into trying to make up for lost time and dusting off the cobwebs from our swings. My annual birthday golf was a trip back to the quaint Clarens, curated by my favourite fourball. A trip with the girls that turned out to be incredibly special and one I will treasure forever. I shot my best score in a long time, Clarens was forgiving.
As I tried to cramp in as much golf as possible before the end of the year. I managed to get a few rounds on the home course Royal Johannesburg and the other fave Houghton Golf Club, by far my two favourite courses in Johannesburg. Their level of pristine fairways and greens makes golf so enjoyable no matter how your game turns out on the day. Coupled with their impeccable hospitality.
Royal Johannesburg – West
Houghton Golf Club
Parkview Golf Club
Durbanville Golf Club
Royal Johannesburg – West A winters days.
Lost City – Sun City Resort
I managed to end my 2020 golf diary with some serious flag collecting highlights that came in the form of an invitation to play in South Africa’s oldest tournament, the 110th edition of the The SA Open ProAm (yes, I’m still pinching myself). The change of venue to its new home The Gary Player Country Club at Sun City Resort was met with excitement after the Nedbank Golf challenge was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Gary Player Country Club
Arriving at Sun City Resort I was expecting all the check points from the gate all the way to hotel check-in because I had been there just a couple of months before for the opening of the Gary Player course after a long lockdown. Though no spectators allowed, the Sunshine Tour and Nedbank really went all out to create inclusivity with fans through social media with the #PlayYourPart campaign and Fanmode App. Hosting a ProAm meant making sure that every amateur had their Covid test certificate and no real interaction with the Pros for safety reasons. I have to commend the Sunshine Tour for the lengths they have taken to make sure that the players are safe. It was 2 amateurs to 1 professional, no touching, distance to be kept at all times, which of course was not an issue because pros play a different part of the course than we do anyway. 🙂 We take the scenic route pretty much all the time. Sunshine Tour masks were provided, sanitizers at every turn. As sad as I was that we could not have caddy’s for the first time at Gary Player, I completely understood the safety precautions that were being implemented. The cart was definitely a welcome substitute in the North West heat, even though I would not recommend playing that course without a caddy. My playing amateur partner did not get his Covid test done so he could not play, which left me with the pro and basically playing alone. I did get an assist on a couple of lines on my putts but it was mostly a solo event for me. It was my pros first time at Gary Player and I thought I saw a little distress at one point and knew he needed all the space to figure out how to navigate this beast. I did have some great holes and with that a cheer from the pro and his caddy but my overall game was not it hey…I have had better games here. The course was interesting without the grandstands knowing that it was a big tournament and biggest surprise and curve ball being that they turned the course around making the back nine the front nine, which turned my nemesis, the ever so picturesque 9th hole the 18th and an intimidating finishing hole. Missed a par and walked away with a bogey and a cartwheel was in order. The overall experience was truly spectacular and our hosts Nedbank, Sun City and Sunshine Tour came to the party, hospitality was nothing short of spectacular from check-in to goodbyes.
VIP Hospitality on 18th
SA OPEN PROAM 2020 – GARY PLAYER COUNTRY CLUB
Karen Opperman
Leaving Johannesburg on a high I headed straight to Cape Town for what was a devastating reunion with my long time best friend, sister, confidant and the original day 1 golf partner Karen Opperman, who had just lost her beautiful 20 year old son Keenan aka Biggie K who was like a son to me, to a car accident. A brilliant kid, super athlete and avid golfer. What a devastating reunion. It had been at least 5 years since Karen and I played together and it was time to dust those clubs in honour of Keenan. Our golf story started out some 16 years ago in Zimbabwe where we both started out with lessons from Tim Price, brother to Nick Price Zimbabwe’s most decorated golfer. Tim turned Karen and I into Mashonaland’s most improved golfers in a space of 6 months. Golf was how we met, bonded and turned into a friendship that would lead to a sisterhood. A natural bond created by a Capetonian and Joburger in a foreign country. The most fun I have ever had on a golf course has to go to her and I believe there is not a course we did not play in Harare and the Eastern Highlands. Golf was our happiest place and we chose it to celebrate Keenan and his natural golf ability. We chose his favourite course to play, Durbanville Golf Club. Which by default has turned out to be my home away from home when in Cape Town. Our fourball consisted of people closest to his heart, mom Karen, big brother Aydon and his childhood best friend and regular golf partner Christopher (brilliant golfer) and me his aunt who never got to play with him. Something I will regret forever. As always, Durbanville Golf Club was the perfect host with their super friendly and helpful staff. It was my 4th time playing here and the course is continuously upgrading and improving and it’s beautiful to see. The course was looking stunning as usual, the greens were super quick and bunkers were all in play on that day. The views of Durbanvilles winelands mountains at a distance never get old. I truly enjoy playing here and it is definitely worth a visit when you are in Cape Town. It was a perfectly beautiful day for the Inaugural Biggie K Family Golf Tournament test run. Thank you Durbanville. ❤
#RIPBiggieK Gone Too Soon.
CLOVELLY COUNTRY CLUB
My last game was a new flag collection and one that has been on my bucket list for the longest time. Clovelly Country Club, what an absolute delight. To say I was ending on a high would be an understatement. Situated between Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek and nestled comfortably in what feels like a valley as soon as you enter. A tight par 72, the layout is modelled among the sand dunes and water hazards disguised as beautiful flower ponds where course management plays an important role. The spectacular views of the ocean and mountains are enough to create even more beautiful distractions and my tree loving self could not help but be excited by the number of trees on the course. The wonderful welcome and reception from Paul Stoner and his team with Covid protocols in place was all one needed to let me know that the Clovelly experience had just began. My fourball and I were beyond excited. Trolleys in hand we set out from the sharpest dogleg left 10th tee I have ever seen. A relatively flat short course and that definitely makes it a walking course and an ideal holiday golf destination. Not an easy course by any means. I donated my share of golf balls on the course. The wind picked up on our second 9 and my Johannesburg golf skills were no match for that coastal gust. The 18th is a beautiful finishing hole with its elevated green, a view of the Clubhouse and it’s mountain backdrop. It was a busy day on the course and something tells me this is the norm. hoe can it not be with such a gem. Some of the lady members were nice enough to ask me how I enjoyed the course and invited me to a game next time I am in Cape Town. how could I refuse, plus they looked like a fun bunch to play with. So Pat Quill, we have a date and thank you for the kind words.
Welcome to This Girl’s Golf Diary blog. Here I will talk about good golf, bad golf, amateur golf, professional golf, women’s and men’s golf and mostly South African golf. I am here really just to give a different perspective on the game. I will focus on golf travel, some equipment from an amateurs point of view and golf experiences from all the courses I get to visit and play. I hope to chat to some professional golfers and get some insight on their lifestyle outside of their day job.
South Africa has some of the worlds best golf courses and we are so lucky to have access to them. Unfortunately most people still feel that golf is an exclusive sport. Understandably so. Golf has been for a very very long time and elite sport and still percieved to be that to some extent. Although things are changing and the amount of diversity that is happening in our golf clubs is something to celebrate and document. Golf still can not shake that seemingly bad reputation of being a sport for the few select and majority white.
Personally, I am happy to be a part of that diversity, I get super excited when I see the number of Black folf on the golf course, especiallywomen and children. Even if they are not playing with me on that day, there is still that “hey gurlll” thing that happens when we cross paths. And we will talk more about that in the future. The future looks bright too on the Black amateurs circle. So my aim is to create as much awareness as I possibly can on the changing dynamics in our golf circles, accessibility and the influence of social media on golf as a whole.
I get asked all the time, “why golf”? Of course I always have a few answers ready but my main answer is..”golf is a way of life.” It teaches one, how to manage your time, honesty, manners, an enormous amount of patience and respect for your fellow golfers. Which translates into your daily life. It’s a great way to connect with people.
I remember when I started playing golf. I had moved to Harare, Zimbabwe with my family and we were going to be there for four years. I was a new stay at home mum and knew no one. I soon realised Harare had some beautiful courses and I always wanted to play golf but never had the time. Well, turned out I had the time and needed to make new friends who were not my husband or his work colleagues. I bought a beginners box set from Dunlop clubs from a Sportsmans Warehouse. Not even a Proshop. 😅 I didn’t even know Dunlop made golf clubs, I thought they just made tennis balls.
I joined Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club and showed up on the ladies Thursday game like it was the first day of school. I found such a welcoming bunch of ladies and soon enough the golf course became home to me. Of course I had to have a good bunch of lessons on the basics before venturing out there. Anything less would have been suicidal. I was lucky enough to get lessons from the wonderful Tim Price, who happened to be the club pro at the time. I soon played in the ladies silver division and club champs. The rest is history. When you’ve spent almost half your life playing sports like I have. At some point you can’t take part in most if not all the sports you used to take part in. With all the injuries one accumulates during those years, your body starts to sing a different tune and is no longer in tune with your mind. At some point it requires you to retire from your action sports. Golf has allowed me to remain competitive and active, even if its on a social level. I am hoping to inspire more women to play, especially more black women to play.
This will be my fun but sometimes serious golf blog. I plan to collect as much flags as possible.
This Girl's Golf Diary 