| The next Major is right around the corner, and we can practically hear the clinking of glasses in the Pro Shop already. The PGA Championship is teeing off next week at Aronimink Golf Club (14–17 May), and with a couple of our local boys in the field, there’s plenty to get excited about!
We are, of course, running a competition! You’ve got to be in it to win it, so be sure to pop into the Pro Shop before Wednesday (13 May) to make your picks.
• There are 156 numbers available at R50 each.
• Feel free to take more than one, but be smart with your selections and spread your picks throughout the field!
• A fantastic prize from Titleist is up for grabs for the winner—it’s definitely not one to miss. |
| Course updates and etiquette |
| First up, a big thank you for your patience during the autumn treatments. The course is recovering well, and the putting surfaces are almost back to “normal.” Yes, there are still a few bumpy moments here and there, but hey, it’s the same for everyone, and it certainly keeps things interesting!
As we officially head into the winter months, one thing becomes synonymous with the season: divots. Taking a nice, clean divot is a sign of a well-struck ball, but more importantly, it means you need to fill it with sand! Better yet, fill a couple more while you’re at it.
I’ve also noticed a small increase in pitch marks on the greens. I know, it’s “never yours”, but let’s all do our part and live by the mantra: Fix one, two, or even three on every green you visit.
Let’s take pride in our course and look after it together. |
| The hottest debate in golf: LIV vs. Legacy |
| On another note, let’s get into the deep stuff: where do you stand on the current state of world golf? With LIV Golf shaking things up, the traditional tours digging in, and players moving around like it’s the transfer window, is this the exciting, lucrative future of the game, or are we losing a bit of what made it great?
Be honest… are you loving the drama, or would you rather just see the best players tee it up together, week in and week out? Send me your thoughts — no fence-sitting allowed on this one! |
| The secret weapon in your bag |
| Meet FlightScope, Stellenbosch’s own tech superstar! |
| Ever wonder why the pros seem to know exactly how far their ball is going, even when they mishit it? The secret is in the numbers, and thanks to our local partner, FlightScope, you have access to that same world-class data right here at Stellenbosch Golf Club.
FlightScope isn’t just any tracking system, it’s a hometown hero! Founded right here in Stellenbosch by CEO and Founder, Henri Johnson, this technology was perfected on our very own course. It’s the device trusted by major champions and top coaches globally, and it’s here to help you stop guessing and start knowing. |
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How does this golfing genius work?
In simple terms, FlightScope uses what they call Fusion Tracking Technology. If that sounds complicated, here’s the easy version: it uses both radar AND a high-speed camera simultaneously.
Think of it as having two different experts double-checking every shot you hit. The radar tracks the ball’s movement through the air, and the camera confirms the moment of impact. This ensures the data is rock-solid and super-accurate – it’s not just a guess! |
| Why is this your best practice partner? |
| FlightScope takes the guesswork out of golf, turning your practice session into a productive training session. It measures everything that matters, letting you:
• Know your true yardages: Stop wondering if that 7-iron really flies 150 metres. FlightScope tells you the precise Carry Distance and Total Distance every time.
• Fix that pesky slice (or hook): See your spin axis and spin rate. Too much side spin is the root of most problems, and seeing this number is the first step to correcting it.
• Maximize your power: Find out your clubhead speed and ball speed. The technology helps you understand how efficiently you are hitting the ball (your smash factor), helping you unlock a few extra metres without swinging harder.
• Watch the magic: Utilize the AR Shot Tracer, that cool line you see following the ball on TV, so you can visually compare your swing thoughts to the actual ball flight. |
| Your chance to use the tech at the club |
| Because of our special partnership, you don’t need to be a Tour Pro to use this gear! Our dedicated FlightScope Studio is equipped with this revolutionary technology, and our PGA Professionals use it daily for lessons and fittings. |
| We’re currently hosting the fun and engaging “FlightScope Ball Speed Challenge” in the studio. This is your chance to measure one of the most exciting statistics in golf—your Ball Speed—and see how you stack up against your fellow members!
It’s a great, focused way to:
Discover Your Potential: Find out your peak ball speed.
Compete for bragging rights: Check the leaderboard to see who is the fastest in their age group (18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+).
Become Stellenbosch’s most improved player: Track your progress over time and be recognised for the biggest gains in ball speed at Stellenbosch Golf Club. We will keep you up to date on not just who’s fastest, but also about who is improving the most. |
| The FlightScope Ball Speed Challenge will run until the start of The Open Championship on the 16th of July. Contact one of our PGA Professionals to book time with FlightScope before then and start seeing your game in a whole new light! |
Keep it down the middle,
Louis |
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