WELCOME
PRIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA
One of my earliest sporting memories is watching the then Million Dollar Golf tournament with my father. It was a sporting highlight and we would sit glued to the TV as we watched the likes of David Frost and Nick Price battle it out on the challenging Gary Player Country Club layout.
“Africa’s Major” has evolved into a high-quality, DP World Tour event with a field of 66 and a total prize of $6-million. But, as Gary Lemke explains, it’s about more than the money and he takes a closer look at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and how much it means to the player who lifts the iconic trophy.
Someone who has had plenty to cheer about this year is our Rising Star, Gabrielle Venter, who enjoyed a stellar rookie season on the Sunshine Ladies Tour. The 20-year-old prides herself in doing things her way, and top-five finishes at her first two tournaments, along with a maiden win, at the Standard Bank Ladies Open, are testimony that her process is working.
GolfRSA National Squad member, Vuyisani Makama, has also had reason to celebrate his year. This youngster has faced his challenges head-on to emerge victorious at the Dimension Data U19 Open after also being a member of the team that won the 2023 SA High Schools Championship.
This month we also explore Stellenbosch Golf Club, set in the heart of the Cape Winelands. One of the oldest clubs in South Africa, it is leading the way with its transformation into a family-focused and inclusive golfing destination where members and visitors feel most welcome.
We are also privileged to feature two outstanding members of SA’s golfing fraternity – Sunshine Tour stalwart, George Coetzee, and the winner of the 2024 PGA Professional of the year award, Derek James. Coetzee shares his story of how he is managing his comeback after a long injury layoff, while James offers valuable insight into the world of golf.
Don’t forget to enter our monthly Louis57 competition, and as the weather warms up in our beautiful country, don’t forget about the importance of protecting yourself against the sun – you can check out some of our top picks for sun protection gear in this issue too.
We hope you enoy all of this and more in this issue of The Golf Mag, and have fun out there on the fairways!
Philippa Byron
Editor
THE TEAM
Editor: Philippa Byron
Designer: Manuel Abbot
Cover photo:
Grant Leversha
Advertising manager: Paul Stubbs
Contributors
Brendan Barratt, Gavin Groves, Mike Green, Dale Hayes, Ben Karpinski, Gary Lemke, Johann Naudé, Lali Stander, Clinton van der Berg, Michael Vlismas, Paul Stubbs, Ken Belter, Ernest Blignaut, Grant Leversha, Roger Sederes
©GolfRSA. All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission is forbidden.
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
Email: philippabyron@golfrsa.co.za
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Paul Stubbs
Tel: +27 (0)71 017 7185
Email: paulstubbs@golfrsa.co.za
DISCLAIMER
Every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. The views expressed by the advertisers, contributors and columnists do not necessarily represent the views of The Golf Mag and GolfRSA.
OCT LOUIS57
MONTHLY
COMPETITION
WINNER
Congratulations to Mika'il Moeratfrom Pretoria! Your name has gone into the draw for the Nkonyeni Golfing Getaway grand prize! George wins a Louis57 hamper consisting of:
- 2 Bottles of Magic Gin
- 2 Bottles of Craft Brandy
OCT CLEVELAND
MONTHLY
COMPETITION
WINNER
Congratulations to Anver Jansen
from Kimberley, who has won
a Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver!
IMAGE: GRANT LEVERSHA