South Africa has hosted Greencard Golf Tour Events for several years and the country never fails to deliver a wonderful golfing experience – this year was no different. It really is the perfect winter golf destination to get away from the temporary greens and indifferent weather in the UK at this time of year.

We all met at the Vineyard Hotel, located in the Claremont suburb of Cape Town. The venue is ideally located to access all that this exciting city has to offer as well as the golf courses that we would play during our stay here.

 

Leather on willow before driver on…Pro V1!

Before the action started on the golf course we had the 20:20 cricket match between South Africa and England to enjoy. The match was being held at the wonderful Newlands ground in Cape Town. It was an evening start with the match being played under lights. England lost the toss and were put into bat. After a superb couple of overs, the wickets started to tumble and after just 10 overs we were fearing the worst as England struggled to make headway.

A great evening at the 20:20 Cricket International in Cape Town

The final score of 131 seemed to be way off the mark and although it was a great experience to watch a game at Newlands, there was still a tinge of disappointment throughout the group as it appeared that the match was not going to provide the excitement for which we had hoped.

Reuben Fielding and Simon Klimcke with mystery photo-bomber during the cricket at Newlands

How wrong we were! As with England, South Africa started well but then wickets started to fall again. By the last few overs of the match the atmosphere in the ground was electric. Incredibly it went all the way to the last ball, with South Africa needing two to win. The ball was hit to the boundary and as the return throw came in our bowler fumbled the ball and the South African batsman made it home to take the victory. It was such a great way to start the holiday and provided us all with fantastic memories.

Back to the Fairways.

Our golf programme in South Africa consisted of the usual four round individual event and several team games. The first of those was an AM AM held at the Jack Nicklaus designed Pearl Valley. As is synonymous with Jack, bunkers were in plentiful supply, and carefully plotting a route around them them was the key to achieving a good score. The winning team was captained by Gary Corbett and included Diane Wilkes, Jonathan Isaacs and Stella Goldstein.

Pearl Valley Golf Club Near Cape Town

The following day gave people the chance to explore Cape Town and the surrounding area, or simply relax around the hotel. There is so much to see and experience here whether it is taking a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, visiting Robben Island, driving to Cape Point or Simon’s Town where penguins can be seen in their natural habitat.

David Bruce leads at Stunning Steenberg

The next day we played the first of the individual competition rounds at Steenberg. This is a great layout and the views are simply stunning with the surrounding mountains providing the backdrop.

The backdrop to Steenberg Golf Club provides a stunning setting

David Bruce certainly enjoyed the course and his 30 points was sufficient to take an early lead in the event. Gary Corbett continued his form from the AM AM and was just one behind on 29, a score matched by Reuben Fielding and Colin Baker.

Magnificent Arabella Experience

After a further night at the Vineyard Hotel, it was time to move to the superbly positioned Arabella Western Cape and Spa. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes and takes in stunning coastal views on the way to Hermanus. The location of the hotel is simply breathtaking. The rooms enjoy views over the golf course and the lagoon beyond. This year we had four nights with two rounds of golf, allowing people to enjoy the facilities on offer, including a fantastic pool and spa.

Great views across the course and estuary at Arabella Golf & Spa Resort

The first of the two rounds on Arabella was an AM AM. This time it was the turn of Sandie Klimcke, Ray Townshend, Margaret Elliott and Jeff Barnes to take the victory by five points from Peter Archer, Arthur Jowle, Edwina Grace and David Bruce.

Lunch at Kleinmond on the way to Arabella

That evening the majority of the group had dinner at a wonderful beach restaurant. The memories of watching the sun set over the ocean, followed by the moon rising high in the sky later in the evening in this magnificent setting will not easily be forgotten.

Sandie Klimcke Takes AM-AM Form into Round 2

The following day we had a free day before returning to action for round two of the individual event. Scoring on Arabella is far from easy and there are many holes which demand an accurate drive before testing you with a tough approach. However, the views once again ensure that even if the game is not on song it is difficult not to enjoy playing here.

The long Par 5 8th hole at Arabella

Sandie Klimcke shot a fantastic 35 points, Gary had another fine round with 33 whilst Margaret Elliott and Stella Goldstein both finished the day with 32.

So at the half way stage Sandie on 63 had a one shot lead over Gary. Colin Baker was lying in third place with 59 and Margaret was in fourth on 57.

Jez Morgan Makes a Entrance to Remember!

A few members of the group, including Jez Morgan had booked a tour of the grounds on a Segway. One of the memories of the holiday is seeing Jez whizzing into the bar on his Segway, to the horror of the several members. He did manage to regain control and find his way out without causing any damage!

Jez Morgan keeps a few bar dwellers on their toes with a grand entrance aboard his Segway!

Fancourt our Final Wonderful Destination

After another lovely meal in Hermanus and a nights sleep, it was time to check out and drive to Fancourt. There are a couple of routes that can be taken, one is along the motorway and the other is the scenic road over the mountains and dropping into George.

Fancourt is recognised as South Africa’s number one golf resort with four courses, including the famous Links. The resort is currently celebrating its 21 years anniversary and is certainly one of our favourite destinations on the Greencard Golf Tour.

Set in beautiful surroundings with the Outenique Mountains as the backdrop it is an idyllic resort with superb practise facilities, restaurants and a lovely clubhouse bar overlooking the 18^th green of the Montagu course. The local town of George is just a short taxi ride away, and is always well worth visiting to have dinner in the evening.

Plentiful Golf on Amazing Gary Player Courses

We would have two rounds on each of the Outeniqua and Montagu courses with an optional round on the Links. All of these courses were designed by Gary Player and are hugely enjoyable to play.

Outeniqua Golf Course at Fancourt Golf Resort

The first of these rounds was an AM AM on the Outeniqua. Gary Corbett, once again captained the winning team which included Kathy Snowdon, Hugh Goldstein and Christine Isaacs. The margin of victory this time was a single point.

The following morning we had our last team game, this time the format was pairs Texas Scramble with friends and partners playing with each other. It was a really fun day and the combination of Jeremy and Debbie Morgan took the victory. Colin and Melanie Baker finished in second place.

Taking on the Challenge of the Links

There was no official golf planned for the next day and several of the group took this opportunity to visit the nearby picturesque town of Knysna. It is the perfect place to visit and then enjoy a relaxing lunch.

The famous Links Golf Course at Fancourt home to the President’s Cup

Others took on the challenge of the Links course, which has hosted the President’s Cup. Playing this course is a great experience, keeping the ball on the fairways has never been so important! If you are offline then it normally requires a reload.

Gary Corbett Makes His Move in Round 3

The penultimate round of the individual tournament was played on the Outeniqua. Gary’s 32 points was enough to move to the top of the leaderboard. Peter Archer and David Bruce also scored 32 and secured their positions, together with Sandie in the final four ball for the last round. Jane Jagger enjoyed her best round of the event, also scoring 32.

Meanwhile, Reuben Fielding’s 30 put him in prime position to claim the 6^th position and five Tour Points required for qualification to the Finals week, which will be held later in the year.

Two Point Lead Going Into the Final Round

The final round was held on the fantastic Montagu. There isn’t a weak hole on the course and the closing stretch includes the signature par 3 over water before the 18^th par 5 with an island green in front of the clubhouse.

The 17th hole on the Montagu Golf Course at Fancourt

It certainly tests those in contention. Going into the last round Gary on 94 points had a two shot lead over Sandie. David was on 84 and Peter was one further back. It appeared to be a shoot out between the top two but stranger things have happened on the golf course!

After nine holes, Gary and Sandie had both scored 14 and the gap remained two points. Peter had made up two shots and David one but they were still had a lot to do to catch the leaders. Sandie had a tough start to the back nine with a series of one pointers before rallying again on the final holes. Gary also struggled to find the form that had taken him to the top of the leaderboard after three rounds.

Dramatic Final Hole

We all gathered around the island 18^th green to watch the final group come in. It is one of the toughest shots in golf, a pitch onto an island green, with an audience watching and the tournament at stake.

Peter put his ball safely on the back edge of the green. David, unfortunately found the water to his caddie’s dismay. Then Sandie followed suit and also found the water, however, a wonderful up and down from the drop zone ensured a she rescued a point.

Relaxing on the terrace with some well deserved refreshments after the pressure of the final round

Gary was next and to his relief the swing was a good one and the ball landed at the back of the green. He then managed to hole his second putt and as he came off the green it was clear that his 30 points was going to be enough to claim the title by 4 shots.