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Louis reflects on the Open Championship
Greetings greetings,
It’s wonderful reflecting back on my time at the final major of the year... The Open Championship is definitely, from a golfer’s perspective, the best major to attend and Royal Troon as a course did not disappoint. Royal Troon Golf Club is a links golf course in Scotland, situated on the South coast of Ayrshire. The club was established in 1878, and originally only consisted of five holes whereas today, it has increased to a magnificent 45-holes complex. Troon has hosted the Open Championship 9 times now, with Prestwick bordering the courses. What makes this so special is that Prestwick Golf Club is the birthplace of the Open Championship, a traditional links golf course designed by Old Tom Morris in 1851. An interesting fact about the first Open Championship played on 17 October 1860 is that it was over three rounds of twelve holes on the links course. Mmmmmm, maybe the birth thoughts of LIV golf?
Prestwick Golf Club
There are 29 golf courses in the area to play and it is definitely a perfect destination for a golfing holiday with lots and lots of history and beautiful people!
The Open returns to Northern Ireland. After its hugely successful staging of The Open in 2019, Royal Portrush will serve as host again in 2025. Land of Whiskey and Guinness!
Some more interesting facts about the Open at Troon and just how difficult the course played, mostly because of the weather and as I mentioned the bunkers, jeez Louise stay out of the bunkers – have a look at the worst score on each hole...
Winter, winter, winter
Back home it’s been a rather wet and windy July so far, with our total rainfall for the month up till now just over 300mm. The weekend's weather is not looking too great either with more rain predicted for Saturday and Sunday. Our dams are at 95% capacity pretty much like all the rest of the dams in the Western Cape.
A celebration for the history books!
On Saturday – Stellenbosch Golf Club will celebrate its 120th birthday – as the founding meeting of the club was held on 27 July 1904. Hip hip hooray! I’ve been fortunate to be here for the club's centenary celebration, now the 120th birthday, and who knows, with a little bit of luck and following my doctors’ advice (dankie Jaco), I might even be here for the 150th birthday party!
It’s been an amazing 120 years for Stellenbosch GC with many, many special moments in the club’s very proud history.
Some dates to remember
27 July – Stellenbosch GC Birthday Party
17 August – Paul Roos vs. Grey College
15 – 20 September – IPT Tournament (Golf RSA)
24 September – Suburb Swing Off (Braai Day)
30 September till 4 October – Hollowtining
23 October – Annual General Meeting of Stellenbosch GC
1 November – Mayoral Golf Day
4 – 9 November – ABACUS EIKESTAD CLASSIC
3 December – Ladies Xmas Day
7 December – Parent & Child Competition (Saturday am field)
11 December – Captains Day
R.I.P. Paul Malherbe (25 October 1962 – 23 July 2024)
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Paul Malherbe, an active member of almost 40 years. Paul enjoyed many rounds with friends and family at Stellenbosch GC and will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Thank you
Before I say farewell this week, I would like to take the opportunity and thank all the members whom have paid their annual membership fee as our financial year comes to an end on the 31st of July. If you have any questions or have not receive your year subscription invoice, please contact Samantha admin@stbgolf.com who will gladly assist you.
Keep it down the middle,
Louis