Thursday, 24 September 2015
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
Greetings from Erinvale 23 September 2015
CAPTAIN'S CHAT
Welcome to spring and the wonderful sunshine, which has helped the golf course recover quickly from annual hollow tining. While we may bemoan the lack of winter & spring rainfall the flip side was the record number of rounds (both members & visitors) played on our course during winter – an unexpected boost to the Club’s year-end financial well-being.
Many members have commented positively on the vast reduction in the number of Egyptian Geese on the golf course. Reducing the number of geese, and keeping the numbers to a minimum considering the geese breed twice a year, is a major challenge.
According to Grant Webster, a keen golfer and an avid bird watcher, a spinoff of the reduced numbers of geese is that other bird species seem to have started to move back onto the Estate in greater numbers.
Grant said he recently spotted Spoonbills in the dam below the clubhouse as well as Herons, Cormorants, Yellow Bill Ducks, Spurwing Geese, Darters and at least 3 different Kingfisher species. There also seems to be more breeding pairs of Blacksmith Lapwings (Plovers) and he knows many members have seen the juvenile African Harrier Hawk (Gymnogene) flying above the course with its parents. Grant said other sightings include Double Collared and Malachite Sunbirds, Cape Sugarbirds, Speckled and Red-faced Mousebirds, Cape Spurfowl and Bulbuls.
Not only are our fairways, tees and greens devoid of the unsightly and damaging mess made by the geese – the environment is returning to its natural state prior to the invasion of these vermin.
Condolences
On a sad note, one of Erinvale’s Honorary Members, Rowan Haarhoff passed away last Saturday. One of the Club’s great characters, Rowan played a major role in developing and nurturing horticulture throughout the estate and golf course. Our condolences to Rowan’s wife Velda, his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Congratulations
I’m delighted to report that Erinvale’s Director of Golf, Gavin Woodroffe, has been voted the Club Pro of the Year for the Western Cape. The award is voted on by Gavin’s fellow PGA members. Some of the criteria include how professionals represent both themselves and their clubs as role models and ambassadors for the PGA, as well as service levels, integrity and development of the game of golf. Gavin will compete against his fellow regional winners for the national award.
Congratulations also to the Pro Shop’s JP Cawood who competed in the World Transplant Games in Argentina last month. JP returned with two Gold Medals – individual gold and team SA gold. Well done JP.
Gavin Woodroffe
Handicaps
If you are a member of a second golf club, either overseas or in South Africa, this communication is for you!
The South African Golf Association (SAGA) does not allow any player to have two handicaps.
For example, a handicap for when you play overseas and a handicap for when you play in South Africa (See below - Rule 11.8 of the South African Golf Handicap System).
This is a SAGA rule, not an Erinvale rule and as a member of SAGA Erinvale is compelled to enforce this rule.
Erinvale members who fall into this category (a member of two clubs) must play off their SAGA handicap provided they have entered their foreign scores on the SAGA system via the Internet or manually in the Pro Shop upon returning to South Africa.
Failure to do so will result in a handicap been frozen (and therefore ineligible for competitions) until such time that the player has played and entered at least 5 local rounds.
The rationale behind this rule is that a players’ handicap must reflect his/her recent scores.
For example, if you enter 20 rounds played while you were overseas the best 10 scores will be used to calculate your handicap. If you enter a lesser number of rounds, these scores will be added to the previous scores in your handicap profile on the SAGA system.
Your co-operation on this matter will be appreciated and a new process has been implemented to ensure that all members comply with the SAGA handicap system.
Further details or clarification can be obtained from Gavin Woodroffe or the Pro Shop.
11.8 Foreign Players with SAGA and other handicaps
Players who carry temporary or permanent membership of a local golf club and who are also
simultaneously members of an overseas club that has allocated them a handicap (or handicap index)
shall play off their SAGA handicap. This is provided that they have entered their foreign scores on the
SAGA system via the internet, or through their South African club administrator, on arriving back in
South Africa. Failing this their SAGA handicap should be changed by the club to N/A until such time
as they have played and entered on the system, at least 5 new local rounds. Alternatively the Club
administrator may make temporary adjustments to the players SAGA handicap to as accurately as
possible represent their current playing ability until such time as 5 new scores have been entered.
Where the foreign handicap is lower than the SAGA handicap due to the foreign scores not having
been entered and the club administrator is not able to adjust the players SAGA handicap to represent
an equivalent handicap to their overseas handicap, then the player shall play off the lower of their
SAGA or overseas handicap.
Frank Mc Donogh
Captain
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Click to enlarge National Heritage/Braai Day
Join us this Thursday for a delicious braai to celebrate Heritage Day! For just R140 a person you can enjoy a delicious meal with great people! Members’ discount does apply.
Click on the poster to see more details.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Ria Houben, on becoming Club Champion 2015, at Crossmoor Golf Club in the Netherlands.
The championships were played over 54 holes, with 36 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. She ended up winning by an incredible 10 shots.
Congratulations and we all look forward to celebrating with you upon your return to Erinvale.
Ria Houben
Click on the poster to see more details.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Ria Houben, on becoming Club Champion 2015, at Crossmoor Golf Club in the Netherlands.
The championships were played over 54 holes, with 36 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. She ended up winning by an incredible 10 shots.
Congratulations and we all look forward to celebrating with you upon your return to Erinvale.
Ria Houben
Picture of the week
Our picture of the week was taken by Dean Milbank.
What a stunning rainbow over the course!
If you have any pictures of the course you would like to send in please email us.
Members Caught in Action!
This week's 'member caught in action' is Christie!
Pictured here is Christie caught in action...... A little off line.
Click to enlarge
ECHO 2016
They say time flies when you’re having fun and to think we are about to launch the ECHO Golf Day 2016, is remarkable.
This year we have changed the process a bit. This year the Golf Shop will be taking the bookings, which open on the 1st October 2015, and as things go every year it is a very popular event so please don’t leave it too late to enter.
Click on the poster for more details.
Srixon Demo Day
They say time flies when you’re having fun and to think we are about to launch the ECHO Golf Day 2016, is remarkable.
This year we have changed the process a bit. This year the Golf Shop will be taking the bookings, which open on the 1st October 2015, and as things go every year it is a very popular event so please don’t leave it too late to enter.
Click on the poster for more details.
Srixon Demo Day
Join us for the Srixon Demo Day on 1st October from 11am until 1pm.
Come and have a look at what Srixon has to offer! They will have their new Z range drivers and irons on show and to try out.
Click here to book your spot.
Z355 driver
RUGBY WORLD CLUB 2015
Here are some photos from last week's rugby!
Ian, Ivan and Peter getting in to the
spirit for the World Cup.
F&B Team all ready for the World Cup
Come and watch the rugby at the clubhouse!
Regards,
Gavin
Friday, 18 September 2015
Greetings from Erinvale 18 September 2015
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
New Drinking Fountains
For those who have played recently, you would have seen that our new Drinking Fountains on the 4th and 7th have been constructed and are fully operational. With these fountains being introduced, to space it out correctly on the front nine, we have removed the one on the 6th hole and transformed it into a tee sign complete with sand and golf ball cleaner.
Drinking fountain on the 4th
Drinking Fountain on the 7th
Members Caught in Action!
Marius Pienaar was caught in action playing in the Erinvale Open recently.
This is a great achievement and we hope to see you play in many more!
Monthly Mixed
For September and October we have a special rate for members to bring guests to the monthly mixed of R175pp including green fees and competition fees, so we encourage all members to invite your friends for a great day out.
Click here for more details.
This is a great achievement and we hope to see you play in many more!
Monthly Mixed
For September and October we have a special rate for members to bring guests to the monthly mixed of R175pp including green fees and competition fees, so we encourage all members to invite your friends for a great day out.
Click here for more details.
Marius Pienaar
Picture of the week
Our picture of the week was taken by Johan Mostert.
It's a stunning picture taken on a still day on the course!
If you have any pictures of the course you would like to send in please email us.
ECHO 2016
They say time flies when you’re having fun and to think we are about to launch the ECHO Golf Day 2016, is remarkable.
This year we have changed the process a bit. This year the Golf Shop will be taking the bookings, which open on the 1st October 2015, and as things go every year it is a very popular event so please don’t leave it too late to enter.
Click on the poster for more details.
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge Pro Shop Spring Specials
- Men's and ladies shirts starting from R200
- Mizuno All Weather gloves - 2 for R160
- Buy a dozen golf balls and get a FREE Erinvale cap
Click on the poster for more!
Srixon Demo Day
Join us for the Srixon Demo Day on 1st October from 11am until 1pm.
Come and have a look at what Srixon has to offer! They will have their new Z range drivers and irons on show and to try out.
Click here to book your spot.
Z355 driver
RUGBY WORLD CLUB 2015
We will we screening all of the RWC 2015 matches! Check out the schedule below:
Regards,
Gavin
Friday, 11 September 2015
Greetings from Erinvale 11 September 2015
Erinvale History
This year we have spoken a lot about the history of Erinvale and not only has the clubhouse and course evolved, but so have the surrounding areas and to mention one area - I received this letter from Hans Enderle with regards to the aloes on the 16th Hole.
Remembering Chris Booysen
For 14 years now, every winter the "Bundu Cup" (12 Erinvale members) is contested during a week of golf and fun somewhere in South Africa. Some years ago we were in the George Area. On the way back in the team bus, near Albertina, the late Chris Booysen, a keen Bundu Basher, pointed to a field of aloes and commented that he was involved in that farm, and that these aloes were growing there in abundance. A while later Chris organised for a truck load of these aloes to be delivered to Erinvale for Rowan Haarhoff (also a keen Bundu Basher and Erinvale Honorary Member) to plant on the Erinvale course. A great number of them are next to the 16th tee box.
Every July when I tee off from the 16th I think of Chris. A good number of Bundu Bashers know this story, but now you know it too. Man we miss you, Chris, but we won't forget you!
Hans Enderle
The aloes with the Helderberg
in the background
The aloes on the 16th
ECHO 2016
They say time flies when you’re having fun and to think we are about to launch the ECHO Golf Day 2016, is remarkable.
This year we have changed the process a bit. This year the Golf Shop will be taking the bookings, which open on the 1st October 2015, and as things go every year it is a very popular event so please don’t leave it too late to enter.
Click on the poster for more details.
Click to enlarge
RUGBY WORLD CUP
We will we screening all of the RWC 2015 matches! Check out the schedule below:
Regards,
Gavin
This year we have spoken a lot about the history of Erinvale and not only has the clubhouse and course evolved, but so have the surrounding areas and to mention one area - I received this letter from Hans Enderle with regards to the aloes on the 16th Hole.
Remembering Chris Booysen
For 14 years now, every winter the "Bundu Cup" (12 Erinvale members) is contested during a week of golf and fun somewhere in South Africa. Some years ago we were in the George Area. On the way back in the team bus, near Albertina, the late Chris Booysen, a keen Bundu Basher, pointed to a field of aloes and commented that he was involved in that farm, and that these aloes were growing there in abundance. A while later Chris organised for a truck load of these aloes to be delivered to Erinvale for Rowan Haarhoff (also a keen Bundu Basher and Erinvale Honorary Member) to plant on the Erinvale course. A great number of them are next to the 16th tee box.
Every July when I tee off from the 16th I think of Chris. A good number of Bundu Bashers know this story, but now you know it too. Man we miss you, Chris, but we won't forget you!
Hans Enderle
The aloes with the Helderberg
in the background
The aloes on the 16th
ECHO 2016
They say time flies when you’re having fun and to think we are about to launch the ECHO Golf Day 2016, is remarkable.
This year we have changed the process a bit. This year the Golf Shop will be taking the bookings, which open on the 1st October 2015, and as things go every year it is a very popular event so please don’t leave it too late to enter.
Click on the poster for more details.
Click to enlarge
RUGBY WORLD CUP
We will we screening all of the RWC 2015 matches! Check out the schedule below:
Regards,
Gavin
Friday, 4 September 2015
Greetings from Erinvale 4 September 2015
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Spring is in the air
With the golf course being closed for Spring Treatment it has given us opportunity to get few important items dealt with that is easier to do with very little inconvenience to customers.
Spring is in the air
The trees begin to bloom
Staff Fun!
On Monday we had planned an Amazing Race for the Staff which was designed to create better team spirit and get a better orientation of what Erinvale has to offer. (Believe it or not we have employees here that have been working for Erinvale for many a year and they have not gone onto the golf course). But with the rain on Monday we unfortunately had to postpone the event, so we decided to take the team to the movies and a lunch at Spur which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Clubhouse Clean
At the Clubhouse we have had a few things done in preparation for the season, firstly a deep clean on the upholstery and carpets was done, repairs to the floor in the bubble have been repaired, staff canteen had a fresh coat of paint with new furniture and our new 60” TV has been installed with full HD quality.
This is being done with the golf course hollow tining, so it has been a busy week, but a great one for the upcoming season. So, therefore we are now ready for the season and we look forward to all members and guest returning to Erinvale.
Here is a video explaining how hollow tining works, in case you didn’t know.
Click to watch
Course Length
Over the last few weeks we have started extending the course length for both men and ladies, and going forward the team will be setting up as per the designed length within reason taking into account weather conditions etc. as it does make an impact on the handicaps which are calculated on the rating of the course not the par.
Below I have inserted a piece from the notification we sent out previously on this subject and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Course Length and Standard Ratings
The Standard Rating (SR) of a golf course is a measure of its difficulty in relation to par, when compared with other courses. It is the underlying base which guarantees that a handicap earned at one course will be valid against handicaps earned at other courses. In South Africa, Standard Ratings are computed by a length formula published by SAGA. This formula differs for men and ladies courses, and there is an allowance for fine tuning the result for altitude and relative difficulty.
Due to the nature of the system, different sets of tees at the same golf course will have different Standard Ratings.
we have the following Standard Ratings:
• Yellow Markers (Championship Tee): SR 74 (6506m = rating 73.26)
• White Markers (Club Tee): SR 72 (6202m = rating 71.75)
• Blue Markers (Forward Tee) : SR 70 (5840m = rating 69.95)
• Red Markers (Ladies Tee): SR 72 (5222m = rating 71.75)
• Pink Markers (No official SAGA status): SR 71 (5126m = rating 71.16)
A few points to note:
1. The difference in length for a full shot difference in SR is 201m for men and 165m for ladies.
2. From the table above it can be seen that the SR for the Yellow Tees was adjusted upwards when the course was rated to allow for its relative difficulty. Golf Unions (WPGU in our case) have the power to make these adjustments in 0.1 stroke increments and limited to one full stroke upwards or downwards. The important point here is that difficulty for courses of equal length can have a maximum influence of two strokes if one course is adjusted by a full stroke up and another by a full stroke down.
3. The length differences at Erinvale according to the surveyed course length (as indicated by the stone markers on the tee boxes) are 362m between White and Blue and 96m between the Red and Pink. At EGC these values could be adjusted in a range of between 200m and 600m for men and between 82m and 330m for ladies without affecting the respective Standard Ratings. It would be prudent to stick to the middle of that range, and preferably as close to the surveyed lengths as possible.
Happy Golfing!
Gavin
Director of Golf
Spring is in the air
With the golf course being closed for Spring Treatment it has given us opportunity to get few important items dealt with that is easier to do with very little inconvenience to customers.
Spring is in the air
The trees begin to bloom
Staff Fun!
On Monday we had planned an Amazing Race for the Staff which was designed to create better team spirit and get a better orientation of what Erinvale has to offer. (Believe it or not we have employees here that have been working for Erinvale for many a year and they have not gone onto the golf course). But with the rain on Monday we unfortunately had to postpone the event, so we decided to take the team to the movies and a lunch at Spur which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Clubhouse Clean
At the Clubhouse we have had a few things done in preparation for the season, firstly a deep clean on the upholstery and carpets was done, repairs to the floor in the bubble have been repaired, staff canteen had a fresh coat of paint with new furniture and our new 60” TV has been installed with full HD quality.
This is being done with the golf course hollow tining, so it has been a busy week, but a great one for the upcoming season. So, therefore we are now ready for the season and we look forward to all members and guest returning to Erinvale.
Here is a video explaining how hollow tining works, in case you didn’t know.
Click to watch
Course Length
Over the last few weeks we have started extending the course length for both men and ladies, and going forward the team will be setting up as per the designed length within reason taking into account weather conditions etc. as it does make an impact on the handicaps which are calculated on the rating of the course not the par.
Below I have inserted a piece from the notification we sent out previously on this subject and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Course Length and Standard Ratings
The Standard Rating (SR) of a golf course is a measure of its difficulty in relation to par, when compared with other courses. It is the underlying base which guarantees that a handicap earned at one course will be valid against handicaps earned at other courses. In South Africa, Standard Ratings are computed by a length formula published by SAGA. This formula differs for men and ladies courses, and there is an allowance for fine tuning the result for altitude and relative difficulty.
Due to the nature of the system, different sets of tees at the same golf course will have different Standard Ratings.
we have the following Standard Ratings:
• Yellow Markers (Championship Tee): SR 74 (6506m = rating 73.26)
• White Markers (Club Tee): SR 72 (6202m = rating 71.75)
• Blue Markers (Forward Tee) : SR 70 (5840m = rating 69.95)
• Red Markers (Ladies Tee): SR 72 (5222m = rating 71.75)
• Pink Markers (No official SAGA status): SR 71 (5126m = rating 71.16)
A few points to note:
1. The difference in length for a full shot difference in SR is 201m for men and 165m for ladies.
2. From the table above it can be seen that the SR for the Yellow Tees was adjusted upwards when the course was rated to allow for its relative difficulty. Golf Unions (WPGU in our case) have the power to make these adjustments in 0.1 stroke increments and limited to one full stroke upwards or downwards. The important point here is that difficulty for courses of equal length can have a maximum influence of two strokes if one course is adjusted by a full stroke up and another by a full stroke down.
3. The length differences at Erinvale according to the surveyed course length (as indicated by the stone markers on the tee boxes) are 362m between White and Blue and 96m between the Red and Pink. At EGC these values could be adjusted in a range of between 200m and 600m for men and between 82m and 330m for ladies without affecting the respective Standard Ratings. It would be prudent to stick to the middle of that range, and preferably as close to the surveyed lengths as possible.
Happy Golfing!
Gavin
Director of Golf
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