Greetings from Erinvale Friday, 22 July 2016
CAPTAIN'S CHAT
Greetings,
What a winter we are experiencing from cold wet and windy days to almost summer conditions. Thankfully the dams are filling up nicely and what a pleasure to see them full. So far the wet weather has not disrupted our golf too much and from what I am hearing it is better than the “summer’ being experienced overseas. See winter is not that bad here in the fairest Cape after all!
We have had a busy week with lots to report on so here goes.
Last Friday we had a superb evening in the Playa’s Bar to introduce our new Executive Chef, Juan Neethling, and he showed off his expertise with some outstanding canape’s. The bar & lounge were packed and there was an atmosphere reminiscent of the Erinvale of old. The mood was enhanced with a one-man band who provided a good range of songs that got some of the old dancers, like the Almond’s and Hart’s, giving it a twirl. Dare I say “we are back”. We will be doing some exciting new events on selected Friday nights so watch this space.
Also on Friday night we recognized one of the most important members of staff, our Head Greenkeeper, Greg Leckie, who celebrated his 10th anniversary at Erinvale in May this year. Without his expertise and dedication we would not have this magnificent and internationally recognized golf course. Words can’t express the gratitude we feel and owe him. It is not an easy task especially when you have no control over the elements. To show our appreciation we presented him with a picture of his favourite hole, the 15th, framed with the Erinvale flag on which a message was written and signed by Gary Player. See picture alongside.
Thank you Greg, you make a Captain’s life that much easier and here’s to your next ten years at Erinvale.
Greg receiving his flag signed by Gary Player in recognition of 10 years of service to Erinvale
Brad Manson winning the Claret Jug Saturday morning dawned with perfect weather for Erinvale’s Claret Jug competition – launched last year to coincide with The Open Championship. This year we moved it to the Saturday with a 10:00 shotgun start. This proved to be very successful and the atmosphere at prize giving was fantastic. I was fortunate to play with the winner, Brad Manson, who demonstrated enormous powers of concentration and courage as he was not very well on the day and at times could hardly make it up the slopes onto the tee boxes. His winning score of 39 points was fantastic considering he had no points on holes 9 & 18. Needless to say he celebrated by filling the Claret Jug with Jameson and went round the room giving everyone a sip.
Congratulations to all the members who participated to make it a very special day.
We had another remarkable round of golf last Saturday. The competition was an Alliance Medal 1 score to count - the gentlemen pictured alongside shot an incredible 50 net. I know you can all count but this is 22 under par. On the day they won by 11 shots. I have made contact with a number of notable golfing people to find out if this is some kind of record and none of them have ever heard of a score like this.
And I hear complaints that the course is too difficult!! Congratulations gentlemen.
That’s all for now and best wishes.
Dean
From left to Right:Graeme Pashley, Michael Pashley, Ryan Sauls and Bernd Fischer
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